The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-06-30

William. "Even to die in peace seems de-
MED me %
But he went down, silent and indifferent,
after the first momentary fretfulness had
subsidized.
"We go by railway" Mr.. James said,
"and we must be off, for it is almost time
for the train to start
William did not recognize the route they
tOok-probably a new road built during his
absence, and he was too careless as to their
destination to inquire They got out at
length at one of the way stations, and drove
along road which circled around the
curves of a small river. .ts , Z,
You have not even asked where l am
taking you," Mr.. James said, cheerfully.
"Look, you can see the house on the hill
yonder. 1t belongs to my ward-you have
heard me speak of her. hope you will
stay with us some time-you remember
what I said one day during the passage ?"
"No, really"
Never mind, we will speak of it soon
again"
The sun was setting as they drove
through the iron gates and entered the
forest-like grounds, losing sight entirely
of the house for time, until sudden
turn in the avenue brought them in full
view of the imposing front.
The sound of the carriage brought sew
eral of the servants around, and the excite
ment at Mr.. James arrival reused Nellie
in her quiet chamber. She hurried down
the hall and threw her arms about his neck
with glad welcome.
"I am so happy to see you again. How
could you leave us in that sudden wayP-
but to come back so soon-how good you
were!"
Then, for the first time she perceived
stranger, and started lttle blushing and
surprised. n@
"Nellie, this gentleman is an old friend
of mine, and agreat favorite of yours
Mr. Sears. William, your poems will find
warm admirer in Miss Lennox."
When Sears was alone in his room that
night, Mr.. James entered with his usual
gentle knock and quiet manner.
''I saw the light and knew you were
not yet in bed-I wanted to speak swith
you"
Is it anything of consequence, sir ?-I
am very tired"
81 will not detain you long, but what l
have to speak of will admit of no delay"
William leaned wearily back in his chair,
shading his eyes with his hands. Mr..
James was Watching him with his old
scrutinizing gaze which seemed to read his
very thoughts. The wary man had care
fully chosen his time in Sears state of
wretohedness and mental fatigue, he was
incapable of struggling against will like
that which had marked out and decided
upon his future course.
"You were pleased with my ward
Nellie Lennox?"
"0f course-a charming little thing"
"Do not look so absent wish your
attention. That girls fortune was placed
wholly in my hands-I acted as thought
best for her Observation-Disclosures it
seems. engaged in speculations which
believed would advance them, and they
have failed--I must account for the money
placed in my hands to that girls husband
William, wish you to marry her and
save your fathers honor.'
He had spoken clearly and without hest
tation--it was his way, and he knew we'll
also the character of the young man with
whom he had to deal.
Marry Nellie-why she is a child ~
Hardly-she will soon be fifteen'
But this is impossible, sir, cannot do
it."
"You prefer perhaps to see me disgraced
mo one will believe that acted from the
best motives--you will hear your father
termed a scoundrel aud villain"
William shuddered at that word father
he could not help it--such terrible doubts
of shame arose-doubts which he did not
possess the courage to resolve to certainty.
But the poor child-she does not care
for me--does not even know me-"
"she will love you, she would love any
one that treated her kindly, she is at the
right age for that besides your fame, your
appearance, all attract her."
''But this is terrible, sir -
"Only be rational, William Ton
row, any hour, Nellie is liable to meet with
some one who will try to win her for her
self or her fortune--that day witnesses my
total ruin and disgracel Icall upon you
TO save me--iAhall ask aid in vain Of my
son P" To be continued.