Wilmington daily commercial., 1876-11-18

and they seemed to stir his mind with a
sudden purpose
Many girl have loved for minute
Many beautiful face have | seen;
Ever and aye there was something in 1t,
something which cOu d not be hers, Iny queen.
He scanned her critically. There was
not feature or expression in her face he
would change had he the power. There
was more restlessness in her eyes tonight,
and she looked paler than she had done in
the day. Perhaps, her heart was touched
also, but no matter.
He was sure she did not dislike him, and
he could win her love in time. And then,
without waiting, he asked her to be his
wife.
When Miss Ada North had closed the
door to the outside world, she went to the
window, and throwing open the shutters,
she knelt down in the moonlight Tearing
a crumpled letter from her pocket. she
smoothed it almost fercely, and read it's
meaning again, by the light of the moon.
There was wild restlessness about her,
her hands trembled, and her red lips were
firmly set 1t was written by q mans hand,
this letter; her heart had often throbbed
with joy at the sight of this same writing,
but now it only brought feeling of cold
distress and dislike.
She arose, closed the shutters, lighted
the lamp, and taking package Of letters
from her trunk, she sat down and read
them slowly, one by one.
They were all in the same handwriting,
and all breathing OF love and devotion to
herself. Her task was not half accom-
plished when she heard quick footsteps in
the hall.
She rose hastily and unlocked the door.
Mary Thorne entered, uttering an exclama-
tion as she saw the letters scattered about
the table.
what is it, Ada, dear ?" she said.
There was one secret which l always
guarded from you, Mary" Ada replied,
quietly. " Sit down. l will tell you all to-
night, for tomorrow l shall put it all aside.
"Don't tell me unless you feel inclined,
Ada, her friend said gently.
But I must tell you ~ she exclaimed
impetuously. "You know received let
tiers from John Easton, but, as he was the
son of my guardian you were never
sure whether they were upon business,
friendship, or love. For two years l was
engaged TO be his wife. We kept it secret,
for it was his wish. Three days ago his |
last letter came, saying he was mistaken |
in thinking he loved me, and asking me to |
release him from his promise. 1 have not |
answered him yet. Not that hesitated |
for moment, but could not bring myself |
to write to him yet"
"Why should you allow this to trouble |
you? |, for one, am heartiltily glad, for |
though my acquaintance with Mr.. Easton |
is very slight, have always disliked him,
and then"
And then," interrupted ADA with a
smile. 81 know what you would say, dear.
And the tale is not half told. Your brother
asked me to be his wife"
The words were uttered quietly, but the |
effect upon her listener was electric. She |
sprang up, overturned her chair, and caught
Ada in her arms.
"Tm so glad !" she said "You told
him yes, didn't you2 OF course you
couldn't well do otherwise"
"No," Ada answered, gravely.
"What?" And Mary held her out at
arms length and gazed upon her for a mo-
ment in speechless astonishment. "Did
you refuse him ?"
"No. I am to give him my answer in
the morning"
ooh, see Don't you dare to say sno
to him, you darling. have always coveted
you for my sister ever since first knew
you. I'll hasten to bed, and then you put
these old letters in the ire, make up your
mind to say yes, and go to sleep your
SELF"
"The letters must return. I wish to
read some of them first. may sit up very
late, but don't let me disturb you"
She sat down to her task, and looked the
love missives over one by one. Selecting
four as correct types of the others, she
laid them aside, together with the last one
Then, writing reply, she gath.
cred the others together and put them
away.
In the morning she arose early. Braid
ing her hair slowly before the mirror, she
glanced into the garden below. MIR. Thorne
was there, chatting with the gardener, who
was cutting some flowers. She scanned his
md haR,
and when she turned back to the
mirror she met wide opened, half-fright-
ened eyes, and very wan face.
" What have L done ?" she asked herself,
with feeling of doubt and foreboding.
Or rather, what am about to do
wonder if fortune faYors the rash as we'll
ss the brave"
There was tap at the door, bouquet
with Thorne's compliments, and a little
note among the flowers.
He was waiting for her answer. Would
she meet him in the garden in half an
lour? 1t was whole hour yet to break
'ast time. He WAS mpatient-would she
,ome?
The messenger was waiting.
Yes" she said in answer. "Tell MIR.
Chorne l will see him."
Then she closed the door, and turning to
Ter desk, she took out the four letters she
q
iown, shuftling them absently, as one would
pack of cards.
4" It's all game she said, and am
,laying in the dark" And she shivered,
hough the morning was warm.
The half hour had nearly passed when
he rose, and taking the flowers Mr.. Thorne q
lad sent her, she pulled some of them
trough her braids, and taking her letters
n her hands, she went down.
He was waiting at the door with an ex-
ectant look it was hard to face in the full
morning light, so that by the time they
ad walked down the path to quiet nook :
a shaded corner of the garden, her eyes
'ere flashing, her cheeks were glowing, and
he hands that clasped the letters trembled
tritie; and as for Mr.. Thorne he was, 10 >
@ candid, slightly nervous, too.
Ada, giving him shy f1uttering glance.
aw it, and was inwardly thankful; for she r
ad learned to be suspicious of those men
ho are always self-possessed and cool.
"Well?" she answered him, hesitating,
nd not knowing what to say.
Have you the answer 1 am waiting for
sady ?" he asked.
"You have not repented ?n she said.
You are still willing to take me for better
worse, in your morning conclusions ?"