The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-03-27


wealth which would then be his. II he lost
he must-no, he could not resign her; but If
she loved she would wait for him. He was
not vain man, but his hopes ran high. He
had seen how Lizzie's eye would brighten
and her color glow at his approach, and had
sought to avoid the attentions of others while
his own were gladly received.
As for Lizzie, her ideal of manly beauty
and excellence was embodied in Mark Boyn-
tom but maiden like she would not admit
the idea of love. She knew that she was
perfectly happy only when he was by; but
she would not own even to herself the rea-
son. OF late, too, she half fancied that he
avoided her. and interpreting that fact
backward, felt no pique, but just enough
uncertainty about his sentiments to be reso-
Lutte in concealiug her own.
And so matters stood when, one pleasant
afternoon In summer, Lizzie sat sewing with
her mother, as she always called Mrs. Ezra.
There was an unusual shade of pensiveness
on the young girls face, and her mother
watched her narrowly. AT length the latter
said:
"You seem very sober to-day, for you,
Lizzie. Has anything happened to make
you so?'
A blush and some low, inaudible words
were the only reply. Mrs. Jocelyn went
on:
"Are you thinking of anything that
Brother Robert said to you last night as
you walked in the orchard together
why. mother, did you known asked
Lizzie, looking up in surprise.
''Yes. dear; your father and have known
all along that Robert was fond of you. What
did you say to himT
"What could | say" replied Lizzie in a
broken voice, ''but that such thing IS inn
possible%'
II don't see dear, why it should be impos-
sible. You are surprised because you have
not thought about it; but when you come to
reflect hope your answer will be different
If your father and l have wish in the
world it is that you should marry Robert"
'0h, mother, how can II" exclaimed Liz
zie, looking up IN establishment
why not, pray? L am sure it is not every
girl has an opportunity-a man of character
and position, and so good and kind as he is.
Then you know he is well off; you would
have everything that money could buy.
And 1 always thought you were fond OF Rob-
ert."
Eyes, mother: but not that way. He is
my uncle"
81 know you have called him so, but you
knew all the time he was only your second
cousin. There is no reason why you should
not love him in that way as you say, I'm
less you like somebody else. Is that It?"
"No-indeed, no." poor Lizzie faltered
with bushes. The eyes of Mark Boynton
rose up before her with glance of reproach
at this denial; but how could she confess a
love for one who perhaps did not care for
her.
II am. glad to hear it," Mrs. Ezra went
on, 'for am sure you will in time return
Roberts affection. He loves you dearly,
and you have it in your power to make up
to him in part for what he suffered through
your mother.
Lizzie looked up with startled eyes.
What do you mean, mother" she asked
in astonishment.
Then Mrs. Ezra told all the story of Rob-
ert's love and blighted hope, of his delicate
kindness to poor Phoebe during the sad
years of her married life, and how in her
last distress he had succored her and her
child. She reminded the young girl of his
generous and watchful care over her own
childhood and growing youth. And then,
though the good woman had no idea OF
takinga mean advantage, she was yet so
anxious to win Lizzie's consent to the match
she thought best for her, that she did work
upon the girls gratitude to herself and
husband, though ordinarily it would not
have occurred to her 10 think whether or
not she had conferred favors on one who was
/ almost like her own daughter.
Their talk was long, protracted and often
renewed, and Robert added his pleadings
had watched her growing beauty, loving her
first for her mothers sake, but as she blOOmed
into womanhood so like that mother, he
found himself renewing the dreams of his
youth, daring to hope that happiness might
yet be his The strongest, the best fortified
woman's heart must ever be more or less
moved by the evidence of deep and earnest
affection, and poor Lizzie had the yielding,
plant nature of her mother. And Mark
BoyntOn was away-she had not seen him
for weeks; and not knowing that he was
occupied at the county town with the final
trial of his case she felt herself neglected by
him. Why, If he really loved her, was he
not here to say so, and to stand by her in this
time of trial. Soft came about that, helpless
in the hands of her affectionate but l-judg-
ing friends, she yielded, and promised 10
marry Robert Jocelyn.
1t was day or two after she had formally
given her word that she was returning one
evening alone from a neighbours. She had
not walked far when she heard quick step
behind her, and turning saw Mark Boynton.
He greeted her gayly, and the dim light pre-
vented his observing her pale and troubled
face. He TOOK her hand, drew 1t through
his arm with an air almost of ownership,
saying as he did so, This was just what
wanted, Lizzie, to meet you. / was going to
your house. 1 am such happy fellow to-
night that l want to tell you about it."
She made no answer; indeed, he gave her
no time, but went on:
81 have been all the week at Milford, at
| tending court and 1 haYe gained my case.
My farm is my own at last, and am an
/ independent man."
She murmured some half inaudible ex-
/ preston of pleasure in its result.
Lizzie he said, stopping suddenly and
/ taking her hand IN his, there Is only one
| thing | want to make me the happiest man
in Byfield. l want you to come and SHARE
my home with me-"
Here Lizzie drew her hand hastily from
him and said in a frightened Tone Don't.
don't, Mark You must not talk to me
sou
What do you mean, Lizzie? Why may
not tell you that love you better than all
the world? L think you must have known
il without my telling"
Poor Lizzie burst into passion of tears
but could not speak Mark drew her gently
out of the path and seated her upon a stone
placing himself beside her. He waited some
minutes for an answer, but she remained
| silent.
dear Lizzie" he said at last, you must
know that / love Won Can he mistakan in