The Morning herald., 1876-10-26
The Hillside Flower.
CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAYS EDITION

/ AO 4A444N4AO l. 4VVOlo
CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAYS EDITION
"Yes. Tomorrow my time is up, and
must return to the city. Before | go l wist
to tell you that which never uttered be
fore. love you. Can you love me?"
In his earnestness Fred saw not the
flushed face and downcast eyes. Taking
her hand, he urged:
"Will you not say one word?"
Only lovers ears could have heard the
whispered, "Yes, do love you"
His arm stole around her waist, and a
happy kiss sealed their betrothal VOWS
Such scenes are private, and we will nc
longer intrude. They sat there exchang-
ing condolences, until the falling dew warn
ed Fred that he must guard his newly-wor
treasure. Passing her arm in his, he con.
Quoted her to the house, and into the pres
ence of her father.
'Mr. Clayton" he said, sI have grea,
boon to ask before l 60. Ilove Mary, and
she has promised, with your consent, to be
mine"
Mr.. Clayton, although surprised, replied
Mr.. Barnard, ! have made inquiries
about you amongst my city friends, and
find that you bear an excellent character
If it had not been so. should not have
allowed Mary to be 80 much in your com.
pany. This / will say: if you love Mary
and she feels the same toward you, / will
pot refuse my consent. only make one
request. She is young, has seen little Of
the world, and in many ways is untitled 10
adorn the society in which your family
move. 1t has been my intention to travel
with her. Now, what l ask is, that you
Twill let this matter rest where it is. II at
the end of year you both feel the same,
will not withhold my blessing. 1t will be
better to prove your love before rather than
Rfer marriage"
But we may correspond"
"No; it will not be best. Now, goodbye.
shall be happy to call you son, if in the
nture you both wish it,"
Mr.. Clayton passed from the room,
leaving the lovers alone. For few mo-
nens neither spoke. The silence was
broken by Fred.
well, perhaps your father is right.
You may love me less in year; but shall
never change. If at the end Of the time
you write 10 me to come to you, l shall
uost gladly comply"
Mary assured him of her unchanging
owe, and with faith in each other they
parted.
Soon after Fred's departure, Mr.. Clayton
Ind his daughter left Genwood for Europe.
A year had nearly passed, bringing with
many changes. Hal Grahame was mar
Fled, and he often rallied Fred Barnard
pon his flrtation Gas he called it) with
ne country girl. Fred had been admitted
partner with his father in his large
Wholesale establishment. The son of a
Wealthy man, himself possessing good bu-
mess qualities, Of high moral standing,
andsome in face, with commanding form,
Vhat wonder many mamma deemed him
great matrimonial prize. But he passed
odly by all. He had heard only indi-
ectly from Mary. he wondered if she
'as changed. But he would not doubt her
owe.
Again it was August. The city was al
most deserted. Fred's parents and sisters
we're spending several weeks at one of the
asnlonable watering.places. His sisters
G'lefs contained glowing accountso Of Miss
aayton, great belle, rich and accomplish
w. She was quoted in everything, until
" was reilly interested.
AS the time drew near when Mary, if
All the same, should call him to her. he
vas anxious and restless, and thought the
buanpany 'n Of Miss Layton might help to
Fsss ~ away the interval.
on MS arrival at the Springs, he was dis
ppolnled when his sister informed him
'ass a l.. was obliged to leave the previous
WY o out she had promised to visit them
Jon' ' Everywhere he heard the praises OF
us' n L'-her playing and singing, her
.uo,':saemtanship, u,:a her beauty and dignity,
" HIll ! he was quite anxious to see This queen
!. =, nearts. Fred was about to return home,
"'en ne received note, mailed at Glen
o'u' containing only these words:
Far. Barnard:-
thau.. If still the same, meet me Mt
A'ue cottage, on the filth. MARY.
How joyfully he read the words, saying
himself, "Then she is unchanged, and l
ha %"y Claim her!" Telling his friends that
nso, NJ was called away on business, he hastily
I"n g@vkea his traveling-bag, and left the hotel.