Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-09-14
NO. 900.
THE EMPTY ENVELOPE.
By MARTHA FARQUHARsoN.
CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY. /
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
Edith was on her knees before her trunk
in which her skillful hands were rapidly
oestowing the various articles of her
wardrobe, while Belle, insisting upon be-
ing made useful, stood by giving gratuit-
Gus advice, and now and then handing
something from the table, the bureau, or
the bed.
GLOW happy you look" she remarked;
81 declare do believe you're glad to
leave us; and it's real shame, consider
ing how much we all think Of you."
80 Belle ! don't; I'm sure you must
know I'm sorry to leave Philadelphia,
where every body has been so kind to me;
and especially to part with you and your
father and mother. and Juliette; but still
one can't help feeling little glad at the
thought of home, after six months ab-
sence."
Edith's tcne was very earnest.
"Ah! well, III forgive you. If you'll
look a little sorry before you co." laughed
Belle, adding to herself as she turned
away to hide the CLEAN of malicious sat
| isfaction in her eyes, "and that think you
are pretty sure to do, my lady, for doubt
less that letter was expected to bring him
here tonight. Happiness is very becom-
lng-l didn't know you could look so pref
ty; but it won't last"
All the afternoon the sweet love light
was in Edith's eyes, while ever and anon,
when sitting in silence and unconscious OF
observation, soft bushes came and went
on her fair cheek, and smiles dimpled
about her mouth. But as evening drew
on the bushes and smiles became fewer
and fainter, till they ceased altogether,
and the brown eyes no longer shone with
joy and love, but were filed with 3 sad.
wistfnl. troubled look.
Tea had been over for some time, her
trunk stood in the hall, the hour for leav-
ing was drawing near, and yet he
came not, though he had said that II his
her to the cars. At every ring of the door
bell she started and trembled, and strain.
ed her ear TO catch the sound of his step
or voice. Alas all in vain, and her heart
sank lower and lower.
The family were all gathered in the par
| lor, and Juliette, Bellies little sister, came
and sat by Edith's side. The child had
grown very fond Of the young lady guest,
and was grieving sadly that she was about
to leave them.
II wish you wouldn't co. she said, 81
wish you'd stay always; and SO does Mr..
Maynard, for asked him and he said yes.
l wonder why he does not come to say
good-by; I'm sure he ought to when be
likes her so much"
Nonsense. Juliette! what a rattle pate
You are" exclaimed her sister.
You've almost made Miss Granger
cry. You look sorry enough now, Edith.
l wouldn't, if l were you, wouldn't care
for him if he didn't for me-" she added in
malicious whisper close to Edith's ear.
An indignant flush rose to the fair cheek,
and the brown eyes almost flashed with
momentary anger.
But the carriage was announced, the
adieus were quickly said, and she present
ly found herself on the way to the depot
in company with Belle and her older
brother, Albert Stanton. They talked
gayly and continuously, but Edith sat In
almost total silence, battling with her
tears. forcing them back to their fountain,
and vainly questioning with herself as to
the cause of her lovers failure to keep his
promise. Had her letter miscarried?
Had he met with some accident, or been
taken suddenly i'll pH she could only ask,
but no answer came to relieve the tortur-
ing suspense. Yet there was still lin.
gering hope in her heart that he might
meet her at the depot or on the train.
The same idea occurred to Belle also
and she insisted upon going into the car
with Edith, and remaining close by her
side till the last minute
| Then they parted, the one to return
home full of malignant triumph, the other
to 60 on her way with sad and sinking
heart, wondering if ever she should hear
Of Walter Maynard again, or if otherwise,
life could have in it one ray Of brightness
for her.
CHAPTER ".
1t was Christmas Eve. There were
sounds of mirth and revelry in Mr.. STAN
tons house. The parlors were ablaze with
light and filed with guests, Mrs. StantOn's
set-whom she was entertaining there,
while in the rooms overhead her little
daughter Juliette endeavored to do the
same to some of their children. Belle
was away spending the holidays in New
| York, and SO there was no need to invite
her companions at that time.
To Bellies great vexation and chagrin,
Walter Maynard's visits to the house had
been very rare since Edith Granger went
away, but he was here tonight in compli-
ance with very urgent entreaty from
little Juliette, that he would attend her
party. Belle complained that he had
grown sullen and morose, but Juliette
never found him so, and tonight he en-
tered heartily into the sports Of the
children.
They were playing "Hunt the Thimble." +"
1t became his turn to hide it. The little
party had been given the range Of several
rooms for the evening, and leaving them
hiding their eyes in one, he passed on into
another. the same that had been occupied
by Edith during her last winters visit-a
fact which had come to his knowledge
through Juliette. who was very fond oil
talking of her young lady friend.
He thought of Edith as he crossed the
hreshold-thought of her with mingled
pleasure and pain, for he had never yet
been able to tear her image from his heart,
nor had he ever learned why his offer
had received so strange and unkind re-
| He stood still for moment, full Of these