The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-04


"once more tell you cannot-will
not" replied Mrs. Clayton, firmly.
Mrs. Clayton" exclaimed the young
man, for the moment losing all self-con-
troll, +" withholdno longer this secret, or
by heaven, I'll wiring 1t from you, care
not howl"
Walter Elmorel;' exclaimed the
lady, in tone of stern displeasure, " If
you knew the history the bitter history.
of the past, you would not wound my
heart by such language"
Pardon me, madam said the young
man; 81 am grieved that spoke as 1
did but If you can but family conceive
how deeply have thought on this sub
ject, how it has moved my being, you
will not withhold your forgiveness"
6 / do not" said Mrs. Clayton; but
you must learn to bear these trials more
patiently"
She was moving away, but he detain-
ed her.
Mrs. Clayton, may L not hope to
some day, learn the secret regarding my
sell which you possess ?"
Mono; do not think of it; am
bound to secresy."
But stop one moment. Madam, 1
conjure you tell me, Is the suspicion l
have sometimes entertained correct-are
we related?"
Mrs. Clayton was terribly agitated
Ask me no more" she cried. {" /
cannot forget the past; therefore L can
not answer"
So saying, she took his hand in
hers, pressed it with passionate fervor,
murmured few inarticuate words, and
fastened away.
Mysterious woman" exclaimed
Walter, " Why is she thus reticent in
what way are our two lives linked to-
getherY Oh, if could but read her
mind But she possesses the secret, and
must make it known to me. will not
rest in my search until know ALL
Three days have passed. 1t is Tues
day, and the arrival of Major Heith and
his son is hourly expected by the Bent
ley family.
1.-THE vessel probably arrived this
morning." said Mr.. Bentley "and the
gentlemen will, doubtless, soon be with
u.s.
1t seems strange to me-" remarked
Mrs. Bentley" that never heard you
mention your friend, Major Heith, or
his son, until so lately"
Probably have spoken of them but
you have forgotten" replied the father,
an expression of uneasiness appearing
upon his face, despite his efforts to seem
carelessly Indifferent. Besides, they
have been abroad for years, and until
within few months / have had very
little communication with them; so it
is possible have not mentioned them
for some time until lately"
:" L am positive you never uttered
their names in my hearing until within
the past week." asserted Mrs. Bentley.
But, however that may be, hope
they will prove agreeable additions to
our circle. You say they are wealthy ?"
h" Yes.n
WE'LL" pursued the lady, as one is
widower and the other bachelor, per-
haps we may secure an establishment
for Edith. If she would only fancy one
of them But she is such strange girl
4 am out of patience with her. She
has refused some of the best offers girl
ever had, this season. Had she followed
my advice, she might now be at the
head of one of the finest establishments
in New York. Really, my DEAR" turn
ing to her daughter, 81 cannot under
stand"
The young lady's face crimsoned with
vexation; but she made no reply.
Edith Bentley was very lovely girl.
In form she was somewhat below the
medium height, slender and indescriba-
bly, graceful. She had many admirers
among the gentlemen whom she met in
society, but she had shown favor to but
one; the young author, Walter Elmore.
But we will not seek now to learn the
secret of Edith's feelings toward him,
but will proceed with our story.
The door-bell rang.
" Here they are now, 1 do believe!'
exclaimed Mrs. Bentley.
1t was indeed Major Heith and his
son. Mr.. Bentley met them at the door.
"My dear Bentley, the major exclaim-
ed, in loud tone, grasping the bankers
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