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


tiness 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,
and 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?"
Nothing, my child but 1 know my
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 counscls were unheeded
by Annie-shc was unhappy. She began
almost to hate Mary Leslie. The jealous
friend was constantly whispering that, but
for Mary, Robert might be ~ her own
The thought tortured her night ard day
A dark, sullen cloud settled over her brow
-shc became more and moro 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 indulgent,
and Charlie too much occupied with his
| own dreams, which were approaching their
realization, to notice the change that had
crept over Annie.
81 am going to B, tomorrow, Char
lie" said Robert, the day after his exami-
nation for the three years of study had
passed thus quickly away, bringing our
young friends over the threshold of man
hood and womanhood
'Leavc us so soon did not expect this
Robert-what shall l do without you"
"Surcly, in the love of Mary Leslie you
will find forgctfuness for all sorrow, or you
do not half deserve so priceless treasure"
said Robert, sadly.
MARY Lesle~ Charlie stammercd
blushed then laughing off his confusion,
said-"Yes, Robert, there will be a wedding,
in the fall, at Longbrook- you DO my
groomsman l 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 it
all, and will come"
And he did know ALL Only that morn
ing he had gone to Mary Leslie, and told
her Of his love, and how fondly he hoped it
was returned. Tears came in Mary's eyes
while she listened but she had plightcd
her faith to another-long ago had she Civ
en- her heart to Charlie Morton; and, in
gentle accents she told him so, while her
blue eyes glistened as she saw the suffering
she caused. Robert acquitted her of all
blame.
"God bless you, Mary" said he, and they
parted friends and from thencefurth he felt
she must be as sister to him, when his
heart was oycraowing with love toward her.
The autumn came. The wedding was
over. Robert Dennyn grasped the hand of
his friend with sincere and earnest wishes
for his future happiness. How could he
but be happy with that guilcless, 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 begnnin to dawn upon
him, and he only wondered that the spell
Of Annie Morton's loveliness 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
mic did not rcpulse 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 termination;
and in this she was prompted by her subtle
friend.
Flora Leslie saw the devotion of Robert
with Il bitter heart. The pale student first
introduced to our readers had become a
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.
or in its manliness. His success, since his
examination, had been such as answered the
expectations Of his friends, who 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-
ton for which she longed and to prevent
his marriage with Annie Morton, and to win
him to herself, became the fixed purpose ol
her soul.
She poured into the mind of Annie sus
picions of his truth told her of his love tc
her sister, and Of tho scene to which she
had been witness without their knowledge
when he confessed his love to Mary This