National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1872-08-30

Only the next time tiiat Mr.. Eben
Wolcott came out she quietly dismissed
him, and then made up her mind that she
must go home. II she could only fly to
the ends of the earth.
But Fanny did not go, for Olive would
not hear of it. A slight cold confined
Olive to her room, but one evening she
sent Fanny out and bade her peremptorily
to take Harry and go for n walk. Then
she summoned her husband to give him
hir orders, but when he came down stairs
Alice was gone, and Mathew, with II
wicked little smile, was taking down his
hat.
That's right, Don," said Harry,
breaking into a laugh; "she ought to
know better than to go off alone. BY
the-way, | happen to know that she has
dismissed the old alderman"
Dom smiled again and wen out, clos
ing the door behind him. There was
bright moon, displaying flower, leaf, and
bud. Supposng that Fanny would only
make the round OF the place, he ran
swiftly down to the back gate, and met
her Just as she had reached the great elm
that stood guarding the lane
She started at sight of him.
You will allow me to walk with
You 2" he said There is squad OF
gypses in the neighbolnood, and some
one might molest you'"
Fanny coud not say no; could not talk,
even, for with ready tact he took all the
conversation on himself. What did he
not touch upon Opera, arts, nature,
city, county-all derived new beauty from
the glamour of his tongue. Was it
strange that Fanny found herself leaning
on his arm and listening with rapt atten
ton to the eloquence of his speech
From that time there was "A certain tacit
understanding between them, and all
went smoothly till the morning he kissed
her. For that Fanny was angry at her
self that she was not angrier with him.
All day long she was full Of moods,
changing from grave to gay, from fits of
reflection to the widest merriment.
Fanny" said Harry, coming up to his
wite's room after tea, "Mr. Dom wishes
to speak with you down stairs"
All the lovely color faded out of her
face at this announcement. She longed
to assert herself; but might they not read
the truth in her eyes if she refused
Slowly she went down stairs.
Dom WAS in the parlor, walking back
and forth. He came to meet her with
outstretched hand
IL want you to forgive my rudeness of
the morning." he said. "In my assumed
character | had no right to take such a
liberty. or indeed, in my own"
g Your assumed character y she ex-
claimed, trembling, as she seated herself |
YES my friend Harry met me year
ago, when We were both travelling. |
was II good deal run down in health, and |
the doctors said that were | a aboring |
man | might overcome the disease that
was wasting me. SO ! contracted with |
Harry to work for him, like any common |
farmer, and he was to keep my real name
and position a secret"
He saw the chance in her beautiful
eyes.
MY real name is Don Mathews" he
added. smiling. land there is no need of
my working for living; but ] really
think shall 60 in partnership with my
friend Harry. and turn farmer. But you
have not told me whether you forgive
me-
IL don't know" retorted Fanny,
half laughing half crying.
Fanny, Fanny. if you knew how I
love you. he cried, suddenly stopping in
front of her, 81 do think you would"
I'll am so, so glad ~
1t was not polite perhaps, this confes-
sion. but it was very natural.
And think | can match your alder
mans house." he added, taking her hands
in his, dear, dear Fanny !"
"And his horses?' laughed Fanny,
looking up with beaming eyes.
"Yes, dearest, and perhaps-hmself;h y
and the ringing laugh, united, sounded
through the house. OF course Harry
who had an nkling-and Olive came
down stairs, and of course every body
was very happy over it.
Harry said Don, after a moment,
" think | am quite cured