Connecticut western news., 1877-03-09
VOL. VI.

The grounds of Ryelands were old and fine. The doctors large practice and open hearted hospitality had for merly kept much state here, but of late all was very quiet. ..s-s ... ...........;
 She saw no one, as her path wound among the shrubbery; but soon she heard voices, and pausing to learn what direction they were in, the following conversation forced itself upon her:
 CT hardly know what to say.''
 "But, Hermione, surely you trust meP" .3,''-'', .. s- .~5
 '<-''Yes; entirely. But, Rupert, wait a year. My husband has been dead such short time, and shrink from such a responsible act. -" n &fi
 ''I cannot wait a year. You know how lonely I have been, and now7that love one woman with my whole soul- and she is free, and I can at last take care of wife--surely, Hermione, you will not refusef"f -s7 -ot ;, a e.eu'1o 'tPoor Rupert,I love you lso much, how can I?'' ..as4 .-s n la.-.a ... rs ''Then you give your consent ?" "a4is .,- .t'I do.'' .t. -.ff a.,-r- 2. .t ;,..s...-es
 Breathless and wild with pain, Linly tore herself from the spot. She sought the house now, and fleeing to her own room, cast herself across the bed, writh- ing with anguish. Lost! Lost! They ad all left her! She had not one.
 The tea-bel1 rang; she did not heed it. Inquiring voices called her name ; she covered her ears with her hands. Twilight and darkness filled the pretty white room; the whip poor-will's call came on the dewy air, and the piano sounded softly in the room below. It was Hermione's 'si touch, and Rupert St. Charles was bending happily over "the woman he loved with his whole soul,'' no doubt. Poor Linly She wished she could creep into her father's grave, and be out of the sight of their happiness. 4 v By-and by, in the stiffness, she heard steps on the stairs. Was Hermione com ing2y Yes, the door opened, and Her mione's voice syllabled Dear, are you here? Why, we thought you had not come from town.'' .-s,r .,,,.r ,.l.,a a She, advaneed into the room, putting the light she carried under shade in the corner hei rad; ;zstt '.ns .q.... 3s ou have come home with, head ache, 1 know-the day has been so hot but you ought to have drank some tea. Linly, dear.'' s.- es .s9a .- p -atsa a The graceful fragrant form pressed the r, couch by the girls, side; a tender arm stole around her neck. .-.. ,.,.-e sa," q am glad we can be quiet. I have something to tell you. Did I hurt you Linly, with my ring? Why did you vince so ?'' .., s..s,+.....,-,...-.., :,
 "No, Hermione, no,'', feebly..-s,-,-
 ''Liniy, something has happened to. day, which gives me great hope and pleasure. Shall tell. you?'' ''...-.- ..i,
 There was little pause.-such hard little pause. .. -,,..,-.....'..... -...,....r.
 "Yes."
 "You have known my cousin, Rupert St. Charles, a year, and you feel quite well acquainted with him, do you not p
 "Quite we'll"
 'He is all he seems to be, Linly, think you like him.''
 No answer.
 ~''I hope you do, dear, for he is jus what young man ought to be-honor able, pure and stcadfast-and the wo man who has won his love is fortunate indeed-blessed, if she returns it-fol he will make devoted husband. Sh, could not have better fate than be tht wife of Rupert St. Charles.'
 Hermione Thetford heard her step daughters quickened breathing, bu could not see her face. '+
 'I walked with him this afternoon il the garden, and-surely, dear, you head must be very bad. heard yo1 moan" 7". ..,.s '~
 'sVery bad. But never mind, Her mione.' T- 5s- .-:
 "He urged me to promise which was reluctant to give." -..+
 "Yes." a.. ., - .-.. ...-
 "I hesitated to take the step he urge upon me, because your father has bee dead such a short time, and other might think-'' i .s. a..... ......
 "You' need not care what other think if you are sure of your own feel ings, Hermione."
 ''It is because I am sure of then Linly, that at last yielded. l hay known Rupert from child, and he one in 8 thousand. So, dear, surely yo will forgive me if you are averse this"
 | Forgive? What should I forgive dear Hermione."
 "I yielded, and gave my consent tbs he should tell you his love, and try t
 win yours, dear. For nothing coul make me happier, my dear girl, tha
 for you to marry my cousin.' Hermione's voice died away. The1
 was no sound in the darkened chamber
 She listened anxiously for Linly's re sponse, but the girl realized nothin but the feelings of her own heart. "Will you speak, dear?"
 "What shall say, Hermione?"
 "Are you pained or pleased by what
 have told you?' ..... , 'Hermione, have been told that yo and Rupert St. Charles used to loy
 each other."
 ''I have always loved Rupert as cousin-nothing more. It was you father whom loved, dear, and SO yo are next nearest my heart. I ha, promised Rupert to urge you to gi1 him little sign of encouragement, ar i. so he has sent you this blush-rose. !. he may speak to you, wear it in 'yo, ], hair when he comes tonight; if yc have no hope for him, you need not s' n him at all, dear, as it may be painful r you, and will surely dash his deare : hopes to the ground. So will tell hi 8 as gently as possible." v ."Give me the rose."