The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-04-19

for her, for it gave her pleasure to see |
others happy, Hottie was the gaycst of
the gay, laughing singing and dancing,
with no care, very child in the trials Of
life
Mabel was housckeeper aud overseer of
all that belonged to her, and much Of her
time was required to perform pressing du-
ties. II was she who put up nice dainties
for picnics, sailing parties and rides, though
she often remained at home and saw her
sister aud her guests go on their way
laughing and happy; and then she would
return to her labor, singing softly, or some
times singing unconsciously.
Mabel preferred to work portion of
her time-the days of her love of gayety
were over, and she preferred quiet walks
and sound conversation. Wesley Dart
mouth was man who could talk well and
deeply, and often an hour or moro was
given to quiet conversation between him
self and Mabel; and often would his eye
light up with pleasure and astonishment,
as Mabel displayed the depth of her mind
| and the wealth Of her information.
The days passed happily away, and Ma
bel felt more and more assured that her
plans were succeeding, and visions of we'd
ding arrangements passed before her mind,
and she saw Hettie-her darling Hettie-
the wife of Wesley Dartmouth, one of the
best men, she thought, in all the world,
But often, while thinking thus, she would
look at her shapely fingers, on which no
betrothal ring shonc, and then she would
try to smile and be contented; but there
was always vague longing and unrest in
her heart, however much she stroye TO
Danish them.
Once, when the merry party had gone
for n moonlight sail on the river she had
sat alone at the piano, singing some old,
quaint melody, There was no light in the
room save that from Heavens lamp; but
that fell across her smooth, brown hair,
aud her slender fingers on the white keys.
She was thinking Of the past days that the
melody called to her mind, and did not
know that Wesley Dartmouth had stolen
into the room, aud was standing at her
back. She finished her song, and turning
her head slightly, she started to see him
standing there and looking down upon her
so kindly
81 thought you had gone with the sail
ing party?" she said
ii started to go" he replied, "but gave
it up on account of dull headache, which
| thought would prevent my being an
agreeable companion. Yoursinging soothes
me, Mabel; will you sing that song to me
again 2"
Mabel did not answer, but turned to the
piano and sang in soft, gentle tones
By all that's noble, all divine:
Ny every thought Is but for thee
| would be thine, would be thine
Neither spoke for moment after she
had finished her song, then Wesley Dart
mouth laid his hand caressingly on her
shining hair, and said, almost in whisper ::
81 thank you, Mabel it was beautiful
Good night.
Before she could answer he was gone,
and she wondered why he seemed so moved
and feared that Hettie had sighted him,
or perhaps refused his hand in marriage
1t was late when she went to her room,
but she did not retire. She drew the
crimson curtains from her window and sat
looking off over the blue river, where she
could just distinguish sail boat approach
ing the shore in the moonlight. Nearer
and nearer it came, until she could hear
song the mOrry party were singing, and in
short time Hetty came cautiously into
her room, her face wearing grieved look.
"Oh, dear, Mabel she said, tossing
back her heavy curls, 81 wish hadn't
gone. 1t was an awful dull affair, What
did Mr.. Dartmouth come back for ?"
Mabel put her hand out aud drew the
bright young thing upon her knees, kissing
her pouting lips as she did SO.
"Was it Mr.. Dartmouth's absence that
made the time so dull, Hettie ?" said she.
"Tell me"
Acrimson flush oyerspread Hettie's face,
which she hid upon Mabel's shoulder.
eyes, it was, she said "I am never
happy at our picnics, or anywhere else, il
he is not there. | never keep secret
from you, Mabel, and want to tell you
that believe l love Wesley Dartmouth.
"There is no sin in that, answered Ma
bel; "and | think he loves you, too" and
she smiled and sighed at the same time.
"Do you?" said Hettie, springing up
and looking into Mabel's eyes with
pleading, earnest look "Do you think he
loves me, Mabel? If it is not so l shall
die, for he is all the world to me"
A fear crept into Mabcl's heart. She
saw it was serious thing with her beau,
tiful sister, and there was possibility that
she was not loved by Wesley.
~ hope he loves you, Hettie," she said,
sand think he does. But time will prove
and you must not grow pale and sad about
it,
A few more days passed by, and all the
guests had gone but Wesley, and he was
to linger but week longer With wo-
mans tact Mabel avoided his society, Civ
ing him up entirely to Hettic, But the
day before his departure, as Mabel sat in
the library quietly reading, he uncon-
sciously entered the room and took seat
beside her
81 haven't had a chat with you, Mabel"
he said, "lor a week, and am going to
break in upon your reading to day, and
make you talk with me"
81 am willing" she said, laughing aud
throwing her book aside. What shall we
talk about?"
II will tell you," he said. ''I am in
love, and came to ask your approval.
"My heartiest approval is yours" she
said, blushiug slightly, and / am most
happy to give my dear sister into the
hands of one whom | esteem so highly
"Mabel have you not seen--can you
not see-that it is you love, and not
your sister? Hottic is but a child to me;
you are true, loving woman, aud | love
you as never loved before
His face was close to hers, his warm
breath came quickly upon her face. The
feelings that swept over her were mingled
with astonishmcnt, guilt, pain and pleas.
ure. She could not speak; her face blanch-
ed white as snow. His face was bowed
near to hers, until his bearded lips almost