The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-02-04


main any longer In Paris, and were dis
inclined to interrupt her pleasures by
telling her so. At length she spoke to
her aunt about ii.
" If you wish to go to London aunt, l
will go any time; and we could return
here"
'' 1 do not think it is best that we
should go to London" Mrs. Burkhardt
said, in q constrained voice, looking
down and tapping her foot on the car
pet as she spoke.
g L thought you wished it," Rose said
in surprise.
81 did; but circumstances have
changed" was the cold answer.
Why, what has happened? ? What
is the matter9 Is any one ill or dead 2"
exclaimed Rose, in alright.
Mrs. Burkhardt raised her eyes, and
looked coldly and searchingly at the
girl, and even while looking, her face
softened, and she held out her hand.
My dear, know it is all false
Your look is too pure, too frank for
guilt"
"Gultl' repeated Rose growing pale,
what guilt what do you mean p''
The lady seemed to consider a mo-
ment, then she drew Rose to seat be-
side her on the sofa.
will tell you the whols," she said,
with an air of frank kindness &C. for
you ought to know. But, my dear, rely
on my friendship, and that of Clarence,
and do not fear that we will turn against
you, or believe any ISLANDERS that may
be circulated against you. Indeed, poor
Clarence is almost crazy about it, and so
angry that L am in mortal terror lest he
should fight some one."
Tell me tell me ~ Rose broke
out.
" 1t is said, my dear, that you are a
favorite of the emperor, and that the
Marquise of Belleview is go-between,
that you must meet him at her house,
and that the empress only receives you
because she is afraid of her husband.
All Paris believes it, and the story has
gone both to England and America
That is my reason for being afraid to go
England. 1t is doubtful if you should
be admitted into society there.''
She paused a moment to mark the
effect of her tale. Rose sat motionless,
as if turned to stone, and stared at
her.
You can now see why / was not
very willing to have you enter society
with the marquise," she resumed
Marie is a giddy creature, and scarcely
a safe chaperon for an inexperienced
girl"
No one can believe such slander I"
cried Rose wildly. :" 1t is too horrible
1t is too false 1t is so easy to prove it
false.'
"My poor child" Mrs. Burkhardt
said with sigh, :" it is impossible to re-
call or silence slander that is once cir
culated. L have done everything 1
could, but all in vain."
Rose started up with cry.
What shall / dop What shall 1
do ?" walking to and fro, and wringing
her hands. g 1t is worse than DEATH"
Mrs. Burkhardt went to her, put an
arm about her, and kissed the pallid
cheeks.
my love-" she said, "there is one
way, and hesitated to mention it, lest
you might think it hard. If you were
married, 1t would silence all this. OF
course, If gentleman of high standing
were to marry you now, it would be a
proof that the story was utterly false,
since he would have the opportunities
for knowing the truth"
"Who would marry girl of whom
such things could for an instant be be-
lieved ?" cried Rose, moaning between
every breath.
"No one who believed them," said
the lady, in q whispered voice. But
one who loved and trusted you might be
willing to show the world that he
knew you to be innocent"
No one loves me-" moaned the girl,
sinking into chair, and hiding her
face in her hands.
For moment there was silence, then
as she sat there with her face hidden,
some one knelt beside her, and an arm
gently encircled her waist.
"No, no one loves me-" Rose repeat
ed. Z" have never found one who would
forget himself forme, or stand by me