The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-08-26

her embarrassment, he said
at is a splendid evening. Will you not
take walk with me ?''
They passed through the garden and
down well-trodden path, to grove of
trees, where little brook tossed and foam
ed over the rocks, forming many minia-
ture cataract, then glided silently through
the neighboring valley. 1t was beautiful
evening. The moon, queen Of night, with
her -bespangled train, rode far above
their heads, casting wierd shadows from
the old trees along their pathway. Neither
seemed to notice the beauty of the scene,
for they passed silently along until they
reached a rustic seat beneath an old oak.
"Mary, let us sit here awhile. I have
much to tell you, and wish to bid you
goodbye"
"Why, you are not going?"
eyes. Tomorrow my time is up, and l
must return to the city. Before 1 go 1
wish to tell you that which never uttered
before. love you Can you love me ?''
In his earnestness Fred saw not the
flushed face and downcast eyes. Taking
her hand, he urged
"Will you not say one word ?'
Only lovers ears could have heard the
whispered, "Yes, do love you"
His arm stole around her waist and a
happy kiss sealed their betrothal vows.
Such scenes are private, and we will no
longer intrude. They sat there exchang-
ing condolences, until the falling dew warn
ed Fred that he must guard his newly
won treasure. Passing her arm in his,
he conducted her to the house, and into
the presence of her father.
"Mr. Clayton" he said " have great
boon to ask before l go. love Mary, and
she has promised, with your consent, to be
mine"
Mr.. Clayton, although very much sur
prised, replied:
"Mr, 'Brainard, have made inquiries
about you amongst my city friends, and
find that you bear an excellent character.
If it had not been SO, should not have
allowed Mary to be SO much in your COM
pany. This will say: If you love Mary,
and she feels the same toward you, will
not refuse my consent. / only make one
request. She is young, has seen little of
the world, and is in many ways untitled to
adorn the society in which your family
move. 1t has been my intention to travel
with her. Now, what l ask is, that you
will let the matter rest where it is. If at
the end of the year you both feel the same,
will not withhold my blessing. 1t will
be better to prove your love before rather
than after marriage"
"But we may corresponds"
"No, it will not be best. Now, good
bye. shall be happy to call you son if in
the future you both wish it,"
Mr.. Clayton passed from the room, leav-
ing the lovers alone. For few moments
neither spoke. The silence was broken by
Fred
swell, perhaps your father is right I;
you may love me less in year, but shall
never change. If at the end of the time
you write to me TO come to you, shall
most gladly comply"
Mary assured him of her unchanging
love, and with faith in each other they
parted.
Soon after Fred's departure, Mr.. Clayton
and his daughter left Glenwood for Europe.
A year had nearly passed bringing with
it many changes. Hal Graham was mar
ried, and he often rallied Fred Brainard
upon his filtration (as he called it) with
the country girl. Fred had been admitted
as partner with his father in his large
wholesale establishment. The son of a
wealthy man himself, possessing good bust
ness qualities, of high moral standing,
handsome in face, with commanding form,
what wonder many mamma deemed him
a great matrimonial prize? But he passed
coldly by all. He had heard only indirect
ly from Mary. He wondered If she had
changed. But he would not doubt her
love. ata
Again it was August. The city was
almost deserted. Fred's parents and sis
tiers were spending the summer at one of
tho fashionable watering places. His
sisters letters contained glowing accounts
of Miss Layton, great belle, rich and
accomplished. She was quoted in every
thing, until he was really interested.
AS the time drew near when Mary il
still the same, should call him to her. he
was anxious and restless, and thought the
company Of Miss Layton might help to
pass away the interval.
On his arrival at the Springs, he was dis
appointed when his sisters informed him