The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-05-12
really like, just as we'll as ever it shan't
make any difference ~

I really like, just as we'll as ever it shan't
make any difference ~
Saying this, she hurried to her room, to
answer, as we suppose, thevaluable epistle,
leaving her mother at loss TO know what
to believe. At first she had been inclined
to think it mere pleasantly, but the fact of
the same name being found inscribed upon
the books, was proof incontestible. The
title had also been too much for her weak
head; she was completely dazzled, and
congratulated herself on the brilliant pros
poets Of her daughter.
Towards evening of the next day, our
young physician was seen vending his way
towards the house of Mrs. West. AS he
approached the door, he distinctly heard
the notes of harp struck by skillful fin
gers. Soon rich, clear voice joined the
beautiful accompaniment. Malcolm lost
not sound, and as the echoes died grad
ually away, he entered without ringing.
He now discovered the musician. The
fair Flora was seated at the harp we have
mentioned, running her white taperiug
fingers over the strings. She hastily arose,
coloring slightly as he made his appearance
unannounced. Having spoken with Mrs.
West and finding her considerably better,
he asked Flora to oblige him with little
music. She hesitated moment, but upon
her mothers observing that their visitor
"would not criticize too severely" she
complied, and again sang the song Malcolm
had heard. He was delighted. He had
never heard the harp played to such per-
fectioD
"Yo II daughter has beautiful voice,
and I must compliment her performance, )"
he observed, bowling his thanks to the
blushing girl.
"Flora had the benefit of good teachers
before her fathers death, for he was un-
usually fond Of music. But now, poor girl,
she has little time to practice. Her fingers.
must ply the needle instead of touching the
harp-strings," replied her mother, sadly
Tears filed the eyes of Flora as she remem-
bered the days of their prosperity, and ris-
ing, she hastily left the room. Sadness
seemed contagious. The plaintive nature
of the song had called up melancholy feel
ings, and it was sometime before Malcolm
recovered his usual cheerfulness.
Mrs. West possessed fluent conversation
al powers, and was so well informed, that
he spent an agreeable hour in talking of
various subjects before he recolected an
engagement. Resolutely declining the fee
which she almost forced upon him, he left
her-Flora had not returned-remarking
that she would need but few more visits,
if her nurse continued faithful.
Welcome, Fred p' said Malcolm, as tho
door opened and Greenwood entered. "I
was thinking of those valentines. Have they
been answeredP'
81 have just received answers. They
happened to come together; isn't that
singular coincidence, Malcolm" replied
the other, smiling.
"Rather, But let us read them feel
impatient" and he broke the seal of one
while Greenwood opened the other The
latter commenced reading aloud the follow
ing:
"Mr. Greenwood Your communica-
ton was received and astonished me not a
little. feel somewhat fiattered by your
preference, but perhaps it would be more
maidenly to withhold the remark, as YOU
are an entire stranger. was not aware
we had met, and have only your word to
rely upon. l know not, either, whether
you are sincere in your protestations, and
perhaps ought to be angry but cannot
find it in my heart to be so, and have writ
ten this to assure you that the secret is safe
in my keeping.
Yours, &C.,
ISABELLA SHIRLEY"
Just what 1 expected" remarked NAL
colin. "She is silly enough to believe the
story. But now for the other"
"Mr. Greenwood viii you permit me
to ask if your maternal parent knows you
are abroad and If that distinguished rela-
tive is also aware of your wanderings? /
sincerely hope Lord Illsley' will not be
annoyed by the officious attentions of our
citizens / do not think it possible for me
to support the honor you would confer, and
do most respectfully decline that, and also
any further correspondence.
FLORA WEST.
"Cool upon my word p exclaimed
Frederic. "I think it would be best to
let Miss Flora West entirely alone. 1t is
very evident she has head of her own,
and can take care of herself"
eyes, indeed, " rejoined MalColm. 'This
speaks well for the head and heart aIso.-
But Miss Shirley must receive yot another