The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1875-09-17

young lady we saw in Platte River val
ley, whose friend was dying, and whose
clothing looked so spotlessly clean in
contrast with the soiled garments Of
other folks"
"You have strange medley of ideas,
sister. One might consider death and
clean clothes to- be twin sisters, from
your way of speaking" said her brother
with an attempt at an affectionate smile,
which, though it played around the
mouth, did not reach the eyes.
"She merely stated in her note-here it
| is-that she had met you several years
ago, and would be pleased to renew the
acquaintance remarked their hostess.
Henry Warren was sitting in his
office, busily engaged in trying to un-
tangle the intricacies of a troublesome
lawsuit, when the letter from Florence
was placed in his hand. He tore open
the envelope with vague apprehension
that something was wrong.
"She shall never know that regret
the turn matters have taken,H he ex-
claimed, and returned Florence's letter
immediately, enclosing the following
note:
'NIIss WILLARD:-I am sincerely obliged to
you for wishing TO annul this Troublesome en-
gagement It is what would have asked last
evening, but hadn't the heart to distress a
handsome maiden. In due appreciation of
| your honesty, honor, and candor, subscribe
| myself yOur friend and hrOtber
"HENRY WARREN"
He dispatched the note to the Acad-
emy, sat down and tried to medi-
tate. He pressed his hand upon his
throbbing temples, while tremor ran
through his frame. Mortified vanity
was his worst trouble, for he "had fallen
in love and out again. until he could
no longer realize or feel any tender emo
tions. But this was the only instance
in which the failing out" had not been
on his side.
"pll make her believe that I never
did love her."
Common sense whispered that that
was the very thing she most desired.
''But she shall not have the gratifica-
tion of counting me among her slain;
that is certain"
ga note for Miss Willard" said Miss
Martin, as she received the message from
the hand of Mr.. Warren's errand boy,
and advanced toward Florence's seat,
saying in an undertone, 'I will this time
omit one of my strictest rules, and per-
NIT you to retire to the library, where
you can read your note unobserved,
without waiting till the school closes"
Her tone and looks expressed a mean
ing which Florence understood. She
had rightly conjectured as to who was
the author of the note, and knew how
anxiOusly her pnpil was awaiting its
arrival.
$50 much of making a confidant of
ones teacher" she thought, asshe bowed
respectful "thank you," and left the
room.
No feeling of wounded pride, such as
her betrothed had hoped to excite,
ranked in her breast.
"He hasn't suffered after ALL" was the
pleasing thought that filled her unsus-
lpiciOus mind.
i When she returned to the school-room,
she placed the note in the hand of her
teacher, who hastily glanced at the con-
tents, and gave her pupil smile of sat
isfaction
The clouds disappeared in the after
noon, and the fresh spring rain-drops
beaded every outdoor object with myr-
lads of diamonds. Effie was gazing
through the window, watching the mo-
tion Of a pair of larks that were building
in the grass where they thought they
had found a secure hiding-place, when
she heard the gate open.
"Misses Willard and Martin are COM
ing" she observed as she left the window.
Mrs. Cards brown eyes sparkled with
merriment, as she looked archly at Her
bert, who colored to the roots of his
hair. He was conscious that she read
his secret, and could think of nothing to
say. The call was a protracted and very
pleasant one. Florence had been under
embarrassing restraint all through the
interview, and felt relieved when the
proposal to go was made by her
teacher.
When they stood upon the threshold
ready for departure, afternoon had given
place to twilight.
"With your permission, ladies, I shall
be happy to accompany you to your
homes" +" said Herbert confusedIy. Flor
ence nodded assent, and asked Eff1e to
join them in their walk.
'Here is my home" said Miss Martin,
when they reached the steps of large
boarding house, two squares distant
from Mrs. Cards residence. "Can't you
go in with me? ?" addressing Ef1ie.
"With your permission, brother,
will stop with Miss Martin until you re-
turn. Now don't keep me up till mid
night, waiting for you," she added play
fully, as they moved on.
"DOn't be alarmed about her,. Mr..
Goodwin; I'll chaperon her to Mrs.
Cards in the morning." said Miss
Martin.
Reader, we were not there, and can't