Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1873-06-28

liams'.
Days passed. The young men found it
a very pleasant route by the white cottage.
Fred seemed to have some excuse always
ready for stopping, very important to him
self, but very trai sparent to his friend.
After vacation of two weeks, Hal was
obliged TO return to the city, whilst Fred
determined to remain for another week.
We will briefly relate conversation that
took place between the friends that night
before Halls departure
Fred, you must be careful Of your at
tcntions 20 Mary Clayton, unless you
mean to marry her and you know that is
out of the question:
Fudge! Can't a man look at Il girl with
out being engaged ? l am sure have no
such Intentions
Thea 10 not give her reason to suppose
So
Dear me Just as though would take
Il wild llower like her ! What would my
lady mother and stylish sister say But
then, she is n good girl and has helped to
pass away many hours that otherwise
would have been very tedious. Marry her,
indeed what an idea 4
Yet why did the hot blood flush his
cheek or why did he dream Of Mary all
night But such is the human heart.
Passing over the intervening timo, we
come to the evening preceding Fred's de-
parture. As usual, he is vending his way
toward Mr.. Clayton's. Seated upon the
porch is Mary. Her eyes anXiously scan
the road. When she sees the well-known
form, they sparkle with happy light. As
Fred approaches nearer she lets her gaze
fall OpOn the book in her hand. We do
not know how much she read, for Fred
coming up behind her, SAYS:
That must Ee very interesting book,
Hiss Clayton
Then for the fast time she perceived the
volume was upside down. AS Fred's mcr-
~ laugh pealed out in the air, her face be-
came crimson with bushes. Noticing her
embarrassment, he said
at is splendid evening". Will you not
take walk with me?'
They passed through the garden and
down a well l-troddcn path, TO grove of
trees, where a little brook tossed and foam
ed over the rocks, forming many minia-
ture cataract, then glided silently through
the ncighboring valley. 1t was a beauti
ful evening. The moon, queen of night,
with her -bcspangled train, rode far
above their heads, casting weird shadows
from the old trees along their pathway.
scene, for they passed silently along until
they reached rustic seat beneath an old
oak.
Mary, let us sit here a while. ! have
much to tell you, aud | wish to bid you
gOod-hyc.'
Why, YOU are not going =
Yes. To- morrow my time is up, and
must return to the city. Before go wish
to tell you that which never uttered be-
fore. ! love you. Can you love me =
In his earnes!ncss Fred saw not the
flushed face and downcast eyes. Taking
her hand, he urged
VIII you not say one word y
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
lopGerintrude. They sat there exchanging
condolences, until the falling dew warned
Fred that he must guard his newly-won
treasure. Passing her arm in his. he con-
Quoted her to the house, and into the pres
ence of her father.
N. Clayton he said, 4 have a great
boon to ask before go. love Mary, and
she has Promised, with your consent, to be
mine
Mr.. Clayton, although very much sur
prised, replied
Mr.. Barnard, have made inquiries
about yoE amongst my city friends, and
mud that you bear an excellent character.
If it had not been so, | should not have al
lowed Mary to be SO much in your COM
pany. This | will say if you love Mary.
and she feels the same toward you, l will
not refuse my consent. | only make one
request. She is young, has seen little of
the world, and IL mauy ways untitled To
adorn The society in which your family
move, Ii has been my intention to travel
with her. Now. what | ask is that you
viii let this matter rest where it il. If at
the end OLA year you both feel the same, |
will not withhold my blessing 1t will be
better 90 prove your love before rather than
after marriage
'Bpt We may correspond !"
No it viii not Gc best. Now, good
bye. ! shall be happy to call you son, if
in the future yon both wish it,
Mr.. Clayton passed from the room. lcav-
iug the lovers alone. For few moments
neither spoke. The silence was broken by
Fred.
You may love me less N II -yr,ir, riubt-
shall never change. fiat the end Of the
time you write 10 me to come To you, l
shall most gladly comply
Mary assured him Of her unchanging
love. aud with faith in each other they
parted.
Soon after Fred's departure, Mr. Clayton
and his daughter left Glcnwood iDr Eu'
rope.
a year had nearly passed, bringing with
il many changes. Hal Graham WAS mar
ried, and he often rallied Fred liaruard
upon his dirtatiun las Inc called itl with the
country girl. Fred had been admitted as
partner with his father in his large whole
sale establishment The son ola wealthy
man, himself possessing good business
qualities, of high moral standing, hand
some in face, with commanding form, what
wonder many mamma dccmcd him :
great matrimonial prize. But he passeo
/ coldly by all. He had heard "ulY indi
rectly from Mary. ht wondered 1t she
was changed. Bat he woLIu not doubt hei
love.
Again it was August. The city was al
most deserted. Fred's parents and sister:
! were spending sevcra! weeks at one OF tn
fashionable watering places. His sisters
letters contained glowing accounts OF {
Miss Layton, n great belle, rich and ac'
complished She was quoted in everything
until he was really interested.