The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-05-12

ed excitement and pleasure, while she ner-
vously walked to the window and then re-
seated herself with the determination of
being calm and composed. Suddenly the
bell was rung violently. With start she
arranged her dress and assumed the most
bewitching attitude possible. With
winning smile upon her countenance, she
awaited the entrance of the visitor; but
look of disappointment was but too obvi-
GUS when DIR. Malcolm was ushered into
the apartment
"Good evening"" said the young lady,in
a cold and restrained voice.
"Good evening, Isabella" replied the
other, cordially. Excuse me for rath-
er neglecting you of late My business
has been pressing, and that must be my
excuse"
1t is Of no consequence" rejoined Isa-
bella, in still more frigid manner. "I
have not been troubled with ennuS."
"I am glad to hear it, for feared you
might reproach me. But now let us have
social chat tell me what you have been
reading, and if anything new has happen
ed, " he added, in the same friendly tone.
81 am not in the humor for talking I
have not been reading, and you will not
find me news-c carrier" replied Isabella,
shortly.
Malcolm tried many times to draw her
into conversation, but she was as silent
and cold as ever. He now started new
theme.
"You look unusually well tonight" he
remarked. .o.
Sand what of that !" she retorted,
sharply.
81 was not aware young ladies were
averse to being informed Of the fact" he
added, quietly. .t..
Neither spoke for time. Isabella was
obviously uneasy she moved from place to
place, consulted her watch often, and at
every sound looked anxiously towards the
door. Malcolm knew the nature of her
feelings, and, perhaps rather ungenerously,
prolonged the interview.
at may be you expect company, Isa-
bellaP" observed Malcolm, abruptly.
"And am accountable to you for any
visitors I may have?" returned the young
lady, angrily.
"Certainly not; but may intrude, and
will take my leave" And wishing her
"good evening"" he left the house.
Isabella Shirley waited long and vainly
for the arrival of "Lord Illsley." She
thought of every possible reason for his
non-appearance, but was fully convinced
the morning would bring her note con-
tanning satisfactory excuse. She retired
feeling unhappy and anxious.
The following day passed away with no
tidings of "his lordship" or Malcolm. She
felt conscious Of treating the latter in a
very rude manner, and something whis-
pered, "you will regret it anon" Isabella
again retired dispirited and miserable. A
half formed suspicion arose in her mind
that she had been duped, but to this she
would not listen, for the idea Sc emed an
: improbable one.
The following day package was brought
her. With trembling fingers she tore it
open, when three letters fell from its folds.
Taking one which was addressed to her,
she read as follows:
"MIss ISABELLA SHIRLEY 80 Lord Ill
sley,' / am informed, left the Winthrop
House to-day, for the South, where he re-
sides, leaving the enclosed epistles in my
possession. l return them, thinking they
will prove more valuable to you than to
myself, or even to his lordship.' AS your
| raAnad cancihiIitiac MA MT of Ooit
of feeling and dread of contagious dis
orders, are SO many obstacles to our fur
ther intercourse, will respectfully with
draw my suit, and subscribe myself,
Your obedient servant.
GEORGE MALCOLM"
The letter fell from her nerveless grasp,
and glancing at the others, she perceived
they were the very ones she had sent to
Mr.. Greenwood. The whole truth flashed
upon her mind she grew pale and sank in-
sensible upon the sofa. Her mother COM
ing in soon after discovered her in this sit
uation, and learned the cause by referring
to the letters. Applying restoratives, Isa-
bella soon recovered, but only to exper-
ience the most bitter anger and mortiflca-
, tion. - .r.3
80, this is dreadful have been so
duped shall die with shame p
81 told you how it might be. "A bird
in the hand is worth two in the bush, and
you recollect these were my words" re-
piled Mrs. Shirley.
81 cannot bear it, mother. 1t win be
known. and every one will laurh and call