The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-01-20


windows, where she seated herself upon an
ottoman. Why she should have done this
it is almost impossible to tell, for the otto
man in that recess was not half so comfort
able seat as had been the easy chair by
the fire which she had left. She could not
have gone there to enjoy the garden
scenery, for everything was covered with
snow, nor could Sic have gone there to look
at the moon and stars, for the thickly fall
ing snow-hakes entirely hid them from
view. The next movement was made by
old Simpson, who, without word of fare
well, put up his helm and sailed out of the
room.
Edward gazed about him for moment,
after he was thus left alone A projection
Of the Moorish arch that divided the two
parlors hid Arabella and his brother from
view, but an accidental glance upon the
surface of tell-tale mirror revealed to him
the solemn fact that Mr.. Timothy was
most ardently pressing to his lips the fair
hand of the glittering belle. Perhaps this
circumstance afforded to Edward an exam
pie, for with a sudden impulse he started
from his chair, and went to the recess,
where sat Lizzy Florence. Tremblingly
he seated himself by her side, and, seeming
to follow up the plan he had in view, he
took one of her hands unresstingly within
his own.
"Miss Florence" he said, his he art flut-
tering the while as though it would, if pos
sible, prevent his utterance, "pardon me if
l put to you question upon the answer to
which may depend much of the happiness
of my earthly future"
Lizzy made no reply she let her hand
remain, while Edward gained courage, and
with his heart stilled to state of anxious
suspense, he continued:
81 love you, Lizzy, with a firm and ar
dent love, love that springs from an hon
est heart. Can you return that love Will
you be mine for lfep"
"Not now, Edward, murmured the fair
girl. Gone as poor as myself would, l fear
prove sad weight upon your rising for
tune. There are others more wealthy, per-
haps, than l, who might"
Lizzy hesitated as she spoke, and Edward
said (:
81 have studied my prospects, and /
know | can support happy home. can
not make it magnificent, but it shall be
above want, and with your happy presence
to make glad my heart and lead me to the
ALTAR of Christian perseverance, my hearth
stone shall glow with happiness that the
proud Arabella, with all her wealth, could
never bestow. May 1 hope?"
Even in the deep shadows Of the Indian
tapestry Lizzy Florence's eyes might have
been seen to sparkle in their happy lus-
trous light and, in tones all frank and fear
less, she said /:
Gas am, you have loved me AS 1 am,
1 am yours, and 1 am happy p
"Ned," said Timothy, as, on the next
morning, the younger brother entered his
store, I" am the happiest man alive. 1
have pressed my suit, and the beautiful
Arabella has promised to be mine p'
"Then | wish you joy of your conquest"
quietly remarked Edward, "and if you
look for your only joy in gold, you will
surely have plenty of it,
"To be sure will, exclaimed Timothy,
as he rubbed his hands in the exuberance
of his satisfaction. "And now, Ned /
advise you to drop that foolish whim about
your love for Capt Simpsons sewing-girl,
and pick up wife that is worth something.
,e
thousand, at loast-then there is either
of Mrs. Fitzcross's daughters, both rich,
and they are all after you. But you won't
make hit like mine. Only think Half a
million ~
"Morton = Fitzcross --Fitz-wheedle-
dee uttered Edward, in tone of contempt.
81 am as fortunate as yourself. Lizzy
Florence has promised to become my
wife %
edward Barbour, are you in earnest?"
Timothy Barbour AMP
"Then go to-. Go and marry her
But don't you think to hang upon me.
You might have married moderate for
tune, but as you have chosen to throw
yourself away, you may now take care of
yourself as best you can"
Timothy" said the younger brother,
in a tone of heartfelt pain, Z" this is un-
kind. When you first entered business
took my four thousand dolars-my little
all--from the bank and lent it to you.
have asked you neither bonus nor interest |;
and now, though will never ask of you