The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-01-07

up, on nearing step, " Snan go u
town today. Cousin Margaret wants
me to sit with her. So you needn't
wait o, doctor!" with charming lit
tie air of surprise, I" thought it was
Clarence. How noiselessfy you camel
Your wheels must be tired with velvet
Or did you walk 2"
&C Drove" the doctor replied, with
courteous greeting.
AS he came up the avenue, his sharp
eyes had plainly seen the lady pacing
her room, and had seen her white dress
pause moment before the window as
he came round the near turn at the
wing of the house.
"What does she want to make such a
pretence for p"-he thought, coolly look
ing her, and calmly admiring her fault
less makeup.
AT the microscope ?'' he remarked,
with glance at her occupation. "That
is our modern substitute for the en-
chanted carpet: it transports US into a
new world.'
Mrs. Burkhardt laughed lightly.
[ am simply consoing myself" she
said. CHANGING to look at my own
hand through the glass, was Mortified
at its coarse appearance; and can only
regain my own selfrespect by proving
to myself that the rose petals are quite
as rough"
| She took up one of the petals from the
table beside her, and, dropping it to the
delicate palm of her hand ,smilingly con-
templated it.
The doctor smiled lightly also; but
there was spice of cynicism in his ex-
preston as he marked the coquetry of
her action.
" The petal has the worst of it," he
said, with the air of man who knows
that he Is expected to pay a compli-
ment.
The lady tossed the flowers aside, and
became grave Immediately.
&C 1 have childish habit of trifiing
when am anxious she said, with dig
nifty. "And 1 am very uneasy and
very much annoyed this morning. /
wish to speak to you about it."
The gentleman signified that he was
all attention. Indeed, Doctor Thayer
respected Mrs. Burkhardt when she pro-
ceeded to business. She had clear,
prompt way and showed more GOODNESS
and common sense than women are al
ways In the habit of displaying when
they are interested in the subject under
discussion.
"You have not forgotten what told
you years ago about the death of that
Mrs. Paulier who was here to nurse
Cousin Margaret Well, had almost
forgotten it, when suddenly 1t was re-
called to my mind in the most unex-
pected manner. 1 was at Mrs. General
Summerville's yesterday. She has just
returned from the South. She told me
that about six weeks ago she received
letter from my cousin, Mr.. Stanley, of
England. The letter was addressed to
| o., and forwarded to her. He wrote
to make inquiries concerning this same
Mrs. Paulier - having, he said, just
heard that she once nursed Mrs. Sum-
merville. Now, the fact that Mr.. Stan
ley should inquire about this person does
not surprise mel should not be surpris-
ed at his knowing or inquiring about any
one, or at anything he might do. He is
most unaccountable being. But the
fact of any person asking for her now
of course makes me uneasy. What can
say if asked concerning the manner Of
her death ? Since poor DIR. Marston' 3
death, no one knows the particulars ex-
cept yourself, me, Cousin Margaret, my
housekeeper, and the apothecary's son
Thomas. What am I to do? 1t is
really very embarrassing. shall never
cease to regret that did not put aside
my dislike of vulgar scandal, and have
the matter made public at the time. 1
cannot imagine what should have made
me SO indiscreet, except that was too
much shocked by the occurrence to
know well what l was about. What
, ought to do 7"
: Mrs. Burkhardt In the effort to con-
, troll and hide her own agitation, did moi
notice that swift flush had passed over
her companions face, and he checked
! an eager impulse to speak.
q, When he had finished speaking, he
had himself IL hand again.
at Is impossible for me to dictate
your course" he replied quietly his eyes
dwelling steadily on her pallid face. s'It
! is very unlikely that any one will Spply
to me for information. | was not Your
physician at the time. You must really
use your own judgment In the matter.
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