The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-07-09

away at this something in her mother tone;
but still, with more cordiality than she was
wont to show, she advanced to the lady.
What was her astonishment, when she
preceived her to be the stranger who had
accosted her on the street. With start,
and bright smile of recognition, she held
out her hand. With modification she saw
that the lady either did not OF would not
recognize her. Her hand was just touched,
not taken, and brief inquiry made after
her health in business-like tone, to which
Annie, instantly relapsiDg into even more
than her usual icness of manner, replied
laconically, almost haughtily. Her step
mothers glance sought Mrs. Lothrop with
an expression which said: "You see it is
as told you"
Annie was then named to the elegant
and distinguished looking stranger, con-
versing with Edith HARTLEY, in the bay
window, and who was SO engrossed with
| his fair companion, that he barely gave her
bow, scarcely glance.
Mrs. Rathburn was delighted at Annie's S
cool reception from Mrs. Lothhrop, SO diff
ferent from what Edith and Eva's had
been. She did rot reflect that these young
ladies, acting according to her instruction,
had given the lady no choice, but had re-
ceived her with such rapture, and over
whelmed her with so many attentions and
caresses that she could not have repulsed
them without absolute rudeness. But Mrs.
Rathburn did not consider this, and con-
graduated herself that her hints regarding
Annie had so marked an effect.
Annie was not mistaken in her apprehen-
sion of annoyances and notifications: they
were, indeed, innumerable. She never op-
posed words to injustice, or condescended
to explanations. When child, goaded at
times beyond her quick, warm temper to
bear, she give way to the most violent par
oxysms of tears and passion; but that was
long ago, and she had had both time and
opportunity to learn command of tongue
and temper therefore she endured taunts
and sarcasms, apparently hiden from
by their clothing of smiles and kindness
the wrong construction put upon her words
and the false motives ascribed to her &C
tions, silently and with an immoveable
countenance and when, at last, she took
refuge with Willie the greater part of the
time, Mrs. Rathburn, with panied air,
chopped Mrs. Lothrop would excuse poor,
dear Annie's incivility in neglecting to
render the attentions due to her, and the
unnecessary absenting of herself from her
presence. She had ventured to hope that
Annie would at least treat with respect SO
dear friend of her fathers. AS for af.
fection-she had long since despared of her
feeling that for any one indeed she seem
ed to be without heart or feeling-she cared
for no living thing but for herself. No one
could tell the grief and trouble she had
caused her-so different from her other
fish dispositions, who would do all they
could to repair Annie's neglect; they
themselves were obliged to bear great
deal from her,"
AS Mrs. Lothrop listened to this and
other like remarks with attention and in
silence, Mrs. Rathburn became sure of her
sympathy, and grew less guarded in her
manner of speaking to her of Annie.
One morning, Mrs. Lothrop who had
come in her own carriage, said she would
be happy to have two Of the ladies accom-
pany Mr.. Kirkwood and herself on short
drive. Mrs. Rathburn, whose income did
not permit of an establishment, replied
that Edith would be delighted to go-she
herself would be most happy to accompany
them, but some domestic affairs required
her personal superintendent, therefore
Eva would take her place.
Annie, who was present. seemed to be
entirely out of the question. Mrs. Rath-
burn saw Mrs. Lothrop glance at her. and
replied to the look, by saying in low
voice, but audible to all
81 should have proposed Annie going,
but could not bare to infiict her upon you.
Yon know she does make herself so dis
areeable She would not enjoy it herself
nor suffer any one else to do So"
"Is the girl an idiot p thought Mr.
Kirkwood, glancing at Annie's inanimate
face during this speech. 1t was the first
thought or glance he had given her, and
she was speedily forgotten in the fascinat
ing attractions of Edith. An
Duped duped completely by their ar
and fiattery p thought Annie, bitterly; anG
with slight feeling Of contempt for Mrs
Lothrop's weakness, looking up for tn,
first time, as they were going out of the