Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-10-29

f''- ~ Nou mean lndl lilal Is
yOnr answerg''
"les, that is my answer" said Alberta.
with unnecessary vehemence. and / par
ticularly beg / may hear no more on the
subject"
That You shall not. be sure. God help
me TO bear this as best | may" and in a
moment he was gone.
She was wilful. but she had not expected
this. In few minutes he had vanished
from view as he returned to his solitary
home
And then she was quite sure that she
loved him.
1t was just a year later Alberta. with
her parents. had been staying in the same
city. when she got letter from Mrs.
llinxman asking her to spare her few
days, and she concluded to accept the invi-
tation.
Alberta did not look back with pleasure
on the year that was gone. 1t had come to
pass that Alberta had failed TO gather much
enjoyment from any of the old sources. A
regret, contrition, an Unsuitable yearning
haunted her, and spoiled everything be-
sides. And now that Emily's letter had
come, Alberta could not resist it.
Though she did not admit il to herself,
she felt somewhat strange that the first day
of her stay she did not meet Mr.. Crichton.
The next day passed too. and then came
the last evening. and Il very beautiful one
it was, making Albcrta's heart ache at the
thought of leaving on the morrow. although
she had inwardly known hut little peace or
satisfaction throughout the visit But there
was something in ii of relief however. Mr.
Crichton had come over to dinner, and they
were not allowed TO sit long after il. for the
children had been promised to 90 and see
the field where some workmen were burn
ing charcoal.
So off they started, Mr.. Hinxman with
Alberta. Mr.. Crichton with Emily. The
children were in ecstasics The glowing
hills of fire made a scene that set them
shouting withjoy. As the shades deepened,
the fires came out brighter The whole
field was network of bright edges spark
ling and darling like fire flies, anG full of
mystery and romance. They were all get
ti2g childish and merry. and the children
were half beside themselves with the fasci-
nation and adventure of il all. Something
of last years cordiality flashed out again
between Mr.. Crichton and Alberta in the
unguarded gaiety Of the moment. 1t was
much too delightful to be left. but the night
was drawing on. and after repeated re
prieves. the children, hot and excited. were
collected together, and the homeward jour
ney began.
In returning, the gentlemen running race,
and playing with the still excited childrens
Emily and Alberta fell behind, and reached
the hall door alone. when they found bas-
kct had been left behind. Nothing would
do for Alberta but to fetch it herself; she
said she had wanted all along to see that
field again. and forbidding Emily to say
where she had gone, she was of round the
corner Of the house. IL was not far TO 20 !;
only short cut across two fields. and the
cate was reached. Presently she became
aware that one of the gentlemen had fol-
. lowed her. She stood in the dark end Of
the field under the trees. from behind which
the rising moon now sent tongues and shafts
and trembling mysteries Of light across the
r shadow. Her white dress. however. be-
traved her and. much to her annoyance,
lest she should have been supposed to fore
. see this consequence of her coming, Mr..
, Crichton in a few steps was at her side.
II am so sorry you should have taken
the trouble to come" she said. Il begged
Emily not to say had come to fetch it"
, Has something been forgotten? 1 have
l not spoken to Mrs. Hinxman since, but.
r seeing YOU return to the field in a hurry.
thought YOU had lost something, and that
might be of use"
Thank you; It is the basket; but know
exactly where to find it," They went a few
, steps farther on and found it duly awaiting
them in all innocence in the charcoal field.
Mr.. Crichton took it up, and they erned
their steps homeward almost in silence. Al
{ IBERIA walking very fast. Once..she gave a
' little slip, but recovered herself.
t The ground is very slippery with the
= dew. Won't you take my arm:" said Mr..
Crichton.
No, thank you; shall do very well,
said Alberta. slipping again in proof OF 1t.
is there any occasion to go quite so fast:
he asked; the night alone deserves some
notice. One could rarely see finer."
No" admitted Alberta as they stopped
, still under the trees, in moonlight, SHINE
and shade to look at it. All the oper
country was spiritualized by moonlight; dew
and enchantment were everywhere. Al
ber;a and Mr.. Crichton resumed their walk
after few vague commonplaces OF admra
ton; now in silence, now with constrained
word or two that showed that silence no
-, ticed. Then Mr.. Crichton said, rather alb
- ruptly:
You are going away tomorrow, and ii
were wise man | should be glad OF IT,
:, That | suppose am not, for am 100 sorrS
TO bear it quite in silence. or admire thu
moonlight, or enjoy the present as l mish'
a." for thinking how soon it is to end
I Il do not see why my going should maxi
: anv difference" said Alberta.
Possibly not" he answered, possibly
1t YOU do not understand, either how maj
can get to care for a woman so that he care
, for little else besides. Forgive me, how
ever. for saying this. have no right Il
l trouble YOU l have not forgotten the com
ID mands you laid on me to leave this subJec
olone If If had not been for them, shoul'
have much to say to-night-but no donp
to Won wished them obeyed:'
.-Of course did," answered Alberta.
n .And Won wish it still y