Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-06-20

my last"
"Perhaps so. Heaven knows hope you
are right. See the neon cleaning through
the misty clouds"
His arms were about her; her cheek was
against his breast. They stood In silence
for few minutes. Al last, Virginia said |:
"What have you planned to do for your.
self, Justiny'
Il have not concluded yet what shall
do. One thing is sure; shall not stay 10
this enterprising little place any longer.
do you suppose the u,ystery about your
parents will ever be cleared upr'
~ zm afraid not. Yet think II were
to seek INV parents, instead Of my fortune,
as young heroes do in story books. l should
ind both. I have reason to believe they
are wealthy and influential. Bus you are
cold dear, and your hair Is damp with dew
l will not be SO selfish - TO keep you here
any tlooger."
But, Justin. you will write to me Of
tenY'
Il will not promise. Perhaps 1t will be
better otherwise. But you shall hear from
me once q year, until I see you again.
Now good BY, and God bless you"
He kissed her twice In passionate ear
nest way, and then releasing her he turned
aud walked quickly down the road. She
watched his dne figure, aud its well poised
head and springing step. until ii was out OF
sight Then she walked up the winding
grassy path, to the door. On the ,hreshS &c
| she paused, aud looked back at the place
where she had been standing.
Il told him he WAS my first love and that
he would be my last" she murmured TO
herself. II hope he will remember It, How
very strange IL all seems. | wonder II the
time will come when l shall regret what
has passed this eveuingf hope not;
| am sure not
SO saying she went in softly, and silently
closed the door.
whist beautiful girl"
And what an elegant rideri''
virginia Thornton heArd the words dis
tipctiy, and, glancing carelessiy around
from her seat IN the saddle, met the ardent
looks Of admiration with which they vera
accompanied. But no hinge OF color stained
the fairness Of her cheeks. The cool. self
possessed expression OF her eyes did not
alter. The red. mobile lips exhibiting at
that moment only pride and beauty, be-
trayed nothing more.
Proud As Lucifer"'
She heard that. too. Still her face did
not change. Her dark eyes merely xlAnc-
ed up and then down again. She rode out
| OF the city with her companions, and when
among the green country roads gAlloped of
| By herself She knew the act would be no.
uced, perhaps criticised, but she did not
care. She WAS weary OF the sound OF gay
laughter and the rattle OF tongues. She
followed her own Inclination and escaped
from them. Guiding her horse up the
fresh, springy tart, she made him strike
intp an easy, even capter, and soon the
rich bloom broke through the cleaning
fairness OF ner cheeks. The weary, lndd-
erent look faded out Of her face, aud she
looked glad and happy as = deli2 hted
child.
This is capital" she said aloud after
while.
Are you tired, vics Well. take me to
the other side OF that old fence, and then
you may rest One, tao, threei
Well done. Miss Thornton. The erea-
ture might rs well try to shake of one OF
his ears"
She drew her painting, excited ste-u la
aha rnlY anA s..--,.4i In rha Si-.~'is.-- - the
| voice. At sight Of . gentleman sitting on
low stone wall with . ridingsiick In his
hand. she uttered = quick exclamation OF
surprise.
"Mr. Anesley. thought you refused
to join us to-dayr'
| And so did, and SO persist 10 doing.
wish TO ride only with Miss Virginia
Thornton, and now awai. her permission to
do So"
At the motion OF his hand, his horse
which was Il little distance. came and stood
passively beside him. With his hands
grsspins the reins he waited. The face he
looked into was not like the one be might
have seen framed In the waves OF that rich
fair hair. An hour before. The mouth was
iremulous and tender; the beautiful eyes
barren OF their coldness; perhaps the
warmth uf his smiles had bsnished II, as
|
Your presumption iSfemarkaole, che
said; aud the most fitting punishment
will be my consent 10 your request"
She moiioned him to mount.
What do you meanf" he asked. obeylng
her.
"That you will and me lnsutierably dull
company" she replied, as they turned into
. cross road together.
He gave her . searching look.
Are you iow-spirited:' he said.
mo; very tired"
Tired Of .what:"
Everything"
The words seemed spoken impusivey.
Her sudden dash Of color revealed that
they were unusually to her ears.
IL beg pardon" he said quickly, observ-
ing 1t.
"You need not" she replied, The name
Is 4 favorite one. Call me SO II you
Choose
"Whaif"
| Genie"
But said my dear Genie. May call
you that"'
She blushed, but the next impulse wss
to retOrt saucily. Looking up At him, how.
ever, the glance Of her bright eyes qusiled
beneath the grave expression OF his. The
crimson Of her cheek deepened, her ripe
mouth Quivered. In that moment Of ex-
Quisite pain aud pleasure, she wished she
we're dead.
"uave distressed you - he asked geut-
y. His fOrbearsnce WAS . very great re.
lief to her.
Yes" she answered simply. looking
into hi handsome face.
"Then l will say M more on the sub.
ject," he replied. 4 have something to
tell you" he said AFTER = moments pause.
"A gentleman with whom I sm we'll &C.
Quainted, commissioned me TO deliver you
. small packet to-day. have carried il
10 my vest pocket since morning. Here it
is"
He handed her iiaie white package
bearing her name. Al sight Of the hand
writing, ber face bianched suddenly, and
she reeled in her saddle rs II she had been
struck by heavy hand.
Miss ThOrnson-dear Virginia, what is
t2" said Hugh Annesley, checking the
horses. Then. observing the remaining
pallor Of her features, he sprasg 10 the
ground and lifted her from her seat.
What y it," he repeated, with bis arm
around her.
Nothing; am WELL" she answered in.
coherently, and evidently struggling to re-
gain her self-pOssesson.
''Bit down here" and he placed her gent
Iy upon messy, fallen iOg beneath tree.
Now. do not talk until you feel better my
poor child"
The tender. pityng words made her lips
trem0le. Standing beside her, he put back
the rich fall OF her hair With the gentle
touch OF . loving woman. She remained
silent for . few moments, her head resting
against the bark Of the tree, her lips parted
silently, and her eyes with their long, dark
| laahts veal riIv claaed. Al last she Iook cd