Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1873-06-19


t. might have been, she kept them al
) within herself.
Willis realized Edith's unpleasant
position, and seated himself beside her
: hoping to disengaee her mind from
past associations. He playfully com
menced kissing her in a free and b Ath
erly manner; he placked the japa6fcs
from her hair, and fastened it in 7tht
bosom Of his vest, which was evident
proof to Charles, (Nllo was watching
them, that Leona's words were true
that Edith loved Willis; for his free.
dom assured him that they were lovers
j AS Leona witnessed this demonstra.
ton of freedom on The part of Willis
she was much pleasSa, for it aided her
in carrying out her fstratagem, and she
felt safe.
After an evening of mingled emo
tions of pain and pleasure, the little
group separated forsthe night
AS the gentlemen passed out togeth-
er, both suffered unaer the embarrass-
ment of the present Sate of affairs, each
believing the other Engaged to the one
they had previously tlaimed their own.
Neither mentioned painful subject,
and both were blin6folded by the art
full stratagem of Ii ha.
Time passed on5 Willis was very
kind to Edith, hopilg in measure to
fill the vacancy in lser lone heart, and
to forget his own sorrow in ministering
to her.
There was no pl5ce so pleasant to
Charles as the beauti( al home of Edith.
Not only had the lace charm for
but he longed to revel in her
presence, though shR was lost to him
forever. So he beca9 4 a frequent Wis
itor, and Leona entel tined him.
Charles Scott WasIvc 4 wealthy. He
had been reared in K ,ry from child
hood, yet was utterlI destitute ofthat
aristocratic pride thst many would as
sumo under the SAME circumstances.
Personally he was i-er handsome
He was of dark cQIplexion, and the
outline of his featu snoted a very
marked cbaraota,
His dark eyes w. large and pene-
trating, shaded by long lashes, giving
a pensive expression; his lips were
slightly compressed, and denoted firm
determination to accomplish any object
that he might desire.
One day he strolled out in the shad-
ed grove, where he was wont to 90 in
days gone by.
He passed along the winding path
way under the moaning trees, till he
came to a laughing brooklet, where he
seated himself on a moss-grown rock.
The air was filled with natures music.
and there was no mortal sound to
break the sacred spell.
He sat some time gazing into the
thick !shrubbery when he beheld form,
and soon discovered Edith with a book
in her hand.
Deep connections were stirred with
in his soul as he approached her.
"Why are you companionless in this
secluded dell "he asked
She looked up, and sunbeam stole
over her countenanceas she remember
ed the time when last they met there.
''Do intrude?" querried Charles.
"Oh, do not go from me-" she return
ed; 'Ffor your presence reminds me of
an early dream; I hope we are friends,
if estranged in heart
Il should sincerely regret it, were
there any ill-nature entertained in the
heart of either,'' said Charles; ssfor
whether we have acted right or wrong,
we must be governed wisely, and desire
the future happiness of each other
Past confidence entrusted to either can
not be recalled. Ny prayer is that your
life may be pleasant as you float on into
the far realmed abode of love, and that
your pure heart may never be blighted
by the sad lesson of disappointed
hopes"
''Charles! What mean you? Pray,
explain yourself"
edith, I would not give O oTence,'
returned Charles; 81 referred to your
engagement; Willis is indeed blest."
"False! Oh, heaven! how false!"
"One word," hurried Charles, eff
you would not distract me.'
81 am not engaged" said she, firm
ly, and with an emphasis that could
not be misunderstood; "my heart is
free, and as stainless as the snow"
And looking heavenward through
binding tears, she said:
"Father, forgive those who have so
deeply wronged me-"
Charles wound his arms around her,