Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-07-08

called him from the city for two or three |
weeks, and that possibly on his return
might appreciate his devotion better. l
felt inexpressibly relieved. 1t appeared |
to me the most sensible move that John
had made in the whole course of our ac-
auaintance, and began to breathe with
more freedom.
Time flew, however, and the three
weeks heightened to six without Johns
return He wrote to me, but his letters
became somewhat constrained; and
scarcely knew what TO make of him. If
he would only give me up, thought; but
| felt sure he would hold me to that weak
promise of mine, that | should either be-
come Edna Crawford or remain E;lna Car
+ n rtOn.
Mr. Crawford" was announced one
evening. and | entered the parlor fully
prepared for an overdose of John, but
found myself confronted by his father.
He looked very grave; and instantly
imagined all sorts of things, and reproach-
ed myself for my coldness.
John is well?' | gasped, finally.
"Quite well,n was the reply, in such
kind tones that felt sure there was some
thing wrong.
What it was | cared not, but poured
| forth my feelings to my astonished visitor.
/ "He must not come here again. | eX-
claimed. Il do not wish to see him.
Tell him so Mr.. Crawford. tell that | had
rather remain Edna Darlington as he
made me promise, than to become Edna
| Crawford"
And he made you promise th:s?" was
The reply. The selfish fellow, But,
Edna what am to do without the little
oirl | have been expecting? | am very
Ionely-so lonely that do MT see how /
can give her up"
| glanced at him, and the room seemed
swimming around-everythng was dread
fully unreal. tried to sit down, and was
carried tenderly 10 the sofa.
Shall it be Edna Darlington or Edna
Cranford?n he whispered " You neeC
not break your promise to John"
Edna Crawford" | replied, feeling tina
| had left the world entirely, and was IL
another sphere of existence.
If the thought crossed my mind thai
, Mr.. Crawford had rather cheertully sup
, planted his son, the proceeding was fullI
Justified during the visit which / soon re
f ceived from that young gentleman:
tried to make it plain to him that di'
him no wrong, rs had never protessed t
love him, though not at all sure that
wouldn't receive the shaking threatene'
on a previous occasion, and l endeavores
to be as tender as possible, for | really fel
sorry for HIM
TO my great surprise, John laughed
Z We'll, this is iollyH he exclaimed
# And I'm not william, after all. Wha
n do YOU think of her, Edna
V lie produced I'm ivorytype in rich vel
vet case-a pretty, little, blue-eyed sim
d pleton: she looked like Gtdt seventeen.
Y Rose" he continued" Rose Darling
e the name suits her doesn' it? She W.
+; staving at my uncle's in Maryland-that
k where I've been visiting, you know-;tn
: she's such dear little conhding thing th'
a fellow couldn't help filling i'll love wit
IF hee. And she thinks no end of me, yo
n see-says she's quite afraid of me, and Il
5, that"
> John knew that l wasn't a bit afraid
- him; bat | felt an elderly sister sort
interest in his happiness. and never like
e him so we'll as at that moment. And tn
r. was the dreadful news that his father II;
n, come to break to me, when his narratl'
ne was nipped in the bud by my revelation
le and the interview ended in Il far more :;
isftctorv manner than either OF Us had a
ID ticipated.
Id SO l kept my promise to John, after 4
If and as Miss Rose kept hers, he Is now
It. steady married man, and Il very agreeat
it son-in-law.