The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1878-08-29

In a few moments Mr.. Hayward join
ed them.
A loud whisper was heard from be-
hind the heavy velvet that draped the
window, which they recognized as the
voice Of Annie NeWcomb.
''NOW that we are alone, Miss Ash,
[ mean to cOnide my sorrows to you.
Before that lOw-bred working girl came
here, I had reason to think that our
rector was in love with me; but now
she manages to monopolize him alto
gether, and she is aided and abetted too
by Sara MOntford; there's deep plot
between them to secure him. 1 sup
pose that Laura Hastings fancies that
| if she marries him, Mrs. DOan will set
tie something handsome upon them, so
she's trying hard to get into her good
graces. But she shan't. She's a mean
hussy to steal away my lover, and I
hate heTl Oil Miss Ash, pray advise
me. What can l do? You know how
to manage these things. I'm sure, " and
there was a tremOr in her face as she
pleaded.
"Really, Annie, I have observed that
there seems to be quite pulling of
caps" for the rev. gentleman; I OBJ
served, too, that he was dignifed and
handsome, quite stylish should say.
Now don't fret, pet, I'll manage this
little matter for you, never fear. But
can't you spare your Adonis to me, for
a short filtration? Not that want an
insignificant country parson for hus-
band, but he will be nice TO firt with.
Anne, dear, leave this upstart dress
maker to me, won't you? I'l settle
her in short order" Laura Hastings
face was scarlet as she turned away
tears Of wounded pride chased each
other down heI hot cheeks.
Compose yourself, dear Miss Hast
ings," said Mr.. Hayward, "the sense
less gatherings Of these silly girls are
beneath your notice. Won't you COM
pletely ignore them, and enjoy your
self as mean to dOP'
Whether it was his words, or the res
pectfully tender glance that accompa-
MED them, that gave the poor girl cour-
age, and helped to take the sting from
the insults she had received, she GER
tainly recovered composure in a won
derfully short time; and seeking Mrs.
DOan, remained in her company during
the remainder Of the evening.
When they returned home that night
Laura related all that had passed to
Mrs. DOan.
Laura" she replied, ST honor you
all the more for your labor of love. 1t
was only a few days since that I learned
that you supported your dear mother
by the LABOR of those small white hands
of yours. Now, I begin to realize the
real character of these girls. What
they think or say of you is of very little
cOnsequence-yOu must forget i'll
love you, dear, and wish to see you
happy"
Then she went down stairs, late as it
was, and calling Mr.. Hayward, told him
all that she knew of Laura's unselfsh
ministEationB.
A few days after the party, Laura
received a dainty, perfumed note from
Miss Ash, requesting her to come i'm
mediately to Mrs. Newcomb's and alter
a dress that did nOtaltogether suit her;
the style Of the note was dictatOrial;
she handed it to Mrs. DOan.
'An unprOvoked msulti" exclaimed
that lady; ''but 1 think that ! under
stand it."
Mrs. Doan answered it for Laura,
and tie answer fell like a thunder-bOlt
upon the Newcomb family. This is
what they read:
Laura Hastings labored cbeerfully
for the maintenance and comfort of her
invalid mother, who died leaving 4
blessing for her unselish daughter.
After her fathers death, 1 unfortu-
nately lost sight of them, and their
pride prevented them from seelliEA
me. Laura, noble girl, was left %
struggle alone, and unassIsted. But
now she is no longer dependent upon
her own eXertiOns, for as my aeknowl-
edged heiress she will henceforth live
in ease and afauence. She is my be-
loved daughter, whom l delight to
honor aGd reward. IhaVe to-day giveO
my willing consent to her marriage
with the Rev. Mr.. Hayward. Perhaps
it may be unnecessary TO mention that
in future III intercourse between our
families must cease
JULIA DOAN."
Miss Ash fairly screamed with Yexa-
ton and modification.