The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1879-04-18

was something in the boldness and haugh.
tlness OF Floras manner that agreed with
her own impulsive temper, and she gradually
fell more and more under Flora's influence
Mrs Morton watched with pain the grow.
ing intimacy Of the young girls; she fe,t
with mothers instinct that Flora was
dangerous companion for her daughter,
aud often urged her to be more with Mary
"Why should l not choose my own
friends Z" Annie would exclaim, when
Mrs. Morton demonstrated with her.
what do you know against her, mother?"
daughter has altered very, Wy much since
she has been so intimate with her. Flora
Leslie is not pure and guileless as her sis
ter"
But the mothers counsels we're unheeded
by Annie-she was unhappy. She began
almost to hate Mary Leslie. The jealous
friend was constantly whispering that, but
for Mary, Robert might be all her own
The thought tortured her night ard day.
A dark, sullen cloud settled over her brow
-she became more and more unloving and
unlovely. Robert turned from her to
breathe the calm atmosphere which sur
rounded Mary-with sigh, that one so
beautiful could display so little tenderness
Mrs. Morton's health grew more delicate,
and Annie therefore more free to do as she
willed for Mr.. Morton was too iudu'gent,
and Charlie too much occupied with his
own dreams, which wora approaching their
realization, to notice tho change that had
crept over Annie.
|
81 am going to B, tomorrow, Char
lie," said Robert, the day after his cxami-
nation; for the three years of study had
passed thus quickly away, bringing our
young friends over the threshold of man
hood and womanhood.
"Leave us so soon did not expect this
Robert-what shall l do without you?"
"Surely, in the love of Mary Leslie you
will find iorgetfulness for all sorrow, or you
do not half deserve so priceless treasure" J"
said Robert, sadly.
Mary Leslie!" Charlie stammered,
blnshed then laughing off his confusion,
said-"Yes, Robert, there will be wedding,
in the fall, at Longbrook--will you be my
groomsman should have told you this
long ago, but" and he blushed again, and
he blushed again, and again hesitated
Say no more, my dear fellow, know ii
ALL and will come"
And he did know all. Only that morn
ing he had gone to Mary Leslie, and tolt
her of his love, and how fondly he hoped il
was returned. Tears came in Mary's eye.
while she listened; but she had plightet
her faith to another-long ago had she Civ
en- her heart to Charlie Morton; and, il
gentle accents she told him so, while hel
blue eyes glistened as she saw the suffering
she caused. Robert acquitted her of al
blame.
"God bless you, Mary" said he, and tbey
parted friends and from thenceforth he fell
she must be as sister to him, when hi
heart was oycrfowinS with love toward her
The autumn came. The wedding wa.
over. Robert Dennyn grasped the hand O.
his friend with sincere and earnest wishes
for his future happiness. How could he
but be happy with that guilelsss, loving
creature for his bride and Robert was able
to meet her, not only with calmness, but
without wish that it should be otherwise
A new love was beginnin to dawn upon
him, and he only wondered that the spell
Of AMMO Morton's lovelness had not been
upon him long before. Instead, as of old
leaving her to pursue her walks and rides
alone, he was now ever by her side. An.
ME did not repulse him. A deep purpose
was in her heart; to bring this man to her
feet who had neglected her in girlhood, and
then refuse him, became her d Termination;
and in this she was prompted by her subtle
friend.
Flora Leslie saw the devotion of Robert
with bitter heart. The pale student first
introduced to our readers had become q
man. His figure, then sharp and angular
was now tall and graceful. The light OF
genius shone in his dark eye, and spread it.
self over his face, now beautiful to look up.
on in its manliness. His success, since his
examination, had been such as answered the
expectations of his friends, wh6 predicted
for him brilliant career Flora saw that
his wife would occupy an enviable position
in society. Her quiet country home had
no charms for her. Her restless spirit
pined for the gay scenes of city life
Robert Dennyn's wife would have the posi-
tion for which she longed; and to prevent
his marriage with Annie Morton, and to wiz
him to herself, became the fixed purpose O
her soul. y