The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-01-18


mature man.
"Uncle Rupert" said Rita, 81 love you
as dear, dear brother. Beyond this l
have never thought upon the subject, l am
young yet and have seen little of the world
Will you not try and love me more
than any one else upon earth, and may l
hope some day to claim you as my own lit
tie wife?''
This was hard trial to Rita as she sat
close by him with his hands clasping hers,
listening to all he said, and she thinking
she could give him no hope.
But Rupert wrestled bravely, fearing
bitter disappointment, but he kept down
the agony that struggled for expression.
He almost feared his dream was over, that
hope was vain and effort useless; but he
felt determined that Rita should never
know the pain she caused should she refuse
his offer. "Once more, darling Rita, will
you-do you love me %
Yes do, and" here they were inter-
rupted by Mr.. Longfellow and May Sellers
entering the little gate. Rupert threw his
arms around Rita, and with half fearful,
half laughing goodnight" pressed her to
his bosom, and left the room.
"Why, Rita," said May, "what are you
doing here all alone %
"Oh, / have been busy with my thoughts
and they afforded me good company-yet
l missed you my dear. How did you enjoy
your walk -
cites bien. Ties biencoup; wished you
were along"
Now you know you didn't, you naugh-
ty puss. You know the old adage-'Two
is a company, &c.'''
My head aches, May, dear and knowing
you and Mr.. l. can entertain one anoth-
err believe 1 will retire."
Rita went to bed and laid her head upon
the white pillows but not to sleep or dream
| perchance of future bliss
"Must !, thought she, 60 tomorrow tell
uncle Rupert. l will promise him to be
his wife, for she thought she now knew
the power of love-and wanted to tell him
how she longed to confide in him the secrets
Of her heart; but" thought she, 81 will
let him wait till my return home from Wis
iting May, and if he is still sincere and
overlook her weary lids.
Rupert paced the floor of his room hour
after hour, and thought am l to be
doomed to bitter disappointment? How
anxiously will 1 wait till tomorrow! Oh.
if had only asked her little sooner"
thought he, but faint hearts never win
fair ladies, and will not give up in de-
spair. believe Rita will give me an af-
| firmative answer tomorrow and promise
to be my own," and with such thoughts as
these he too fell asleep.
The five weeks to which May Sellev's
visit was limited went by, far too rapidly,
Mrs. Summerfield for she has long since
dropped the title of Lady,") failed to
persuade May to remain longer, for" she
said, 81 have already forsaken papa too
long Mays papa was a widower and
had been for several years, and though he
had housekeeper, after Mays return
from school the responsibility devolved up
on her-especially as she was an only
daughter.
Harry Sellers came for his sister and Rita
at the promised time and in two days they
were to leave Elkton for the Western home
of May Sellers. The evening before their
departure-a few friends were assembled in
the parlor, and Rita ran hurriedly upstairs
to chat little with her dear mamma, when
Rupert called her to the library. "This,''
said he, Rita, is my last opportunity"
"Oh! must co." said Rita, May will
not know what has become of me. 1t is
rude in my leaving my friends SO long"
Never mind" said Rupert, 81 claim
you for only few moments. Are you 60
ing toanswer my question of last evening?
Is it now too much to hope that my love
may be accepted and rewarded at laste
have loved you from the moment you left
school and entered this house. 1t is too
much to ask that the morn ng of your life
may be given to me? Speak! only speak,
and tell me you will be mine.'
Rita stood speeches.; tears came before
words, and emotions too deep and tender
for any other utterance crowded in her
heart. Rita felt the time had now come,
and her heart testified no unwillngness to
receive it. Leaning towards Rupert, he
| drew her into his arms, saying, 81 claim
you for my wife,
Rita hesitated no longer, but fearlessly
and trustfully she yielded herself to the
manly arms that crcled her with such
tender protection, resting in fulness of con-
tent upon the true heart that had so long
waited for this hour. Here we will leave
| them for awhile, for lovers communion is
sacred, and irreverent eyes must not gaze
upon them. Enough for us to know that
Rupert has at last reached the golden ap-
| pie of his longing, and pressing his lips to
hers they separated, and Rita entered the
| palor and joined the company apparently
as unconcerned as though nothing had
transpired. Rupert promised to tell his
sister all, and Rita would reveal all upon
her return home.
The next day the happy trio were en-
route for Ohio, and Harry was all devotion;
no one would have suspected which was
his sister, SO attentive and untiring was
he in his devotions to each. The ride was
delightful; the scenery grand, and Rita en-
joyed the trip very much. Harry Seller
loved to gaze upon Rita, and seemed per-
fectly happy when by her side; but never
thought of her in any other light than that
of dear friend. He did not suspect Ru-
pert and Rita Of being engaged, and there
fore acted unreservedly.
! Rita had never divulged the secret of her
adoption to any one; not even May suspect
ed but that Mrs. Summerfield was Ritas
own mamma.
Mr.. Sellers met them at the Depot, and as
soon as his eyes fell upon Rita, he stood
gazing upon her, saying, " she must excuse
him for looking at her SO steadily but
she reminded him Of a dear friend, who
had been dead for MANY years. They