The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-04-06
THE TIMES NEW BLOOMFIELD, Pa. APRIL g. 1880.


only as child; dare say she has
changed greatly"
She does not resemble the Vaughans
much, her grandfather returned, slow
ly, and with look Of pride at Edith.
And although she Is grown In many
respects, she is still child"
Frances did not make her appearance
until nearly supper-time. She looked
languid and was very quiet, though
there was little occasion for her talking,
as Edith entertained their visitor in a
most perfect manner. How lovely she
looked with this delicate color In her
cheeks, and the latent vivacity was just
sufficient to tone the pride that occa-
sionally strayed to the verge of haugh-
tiness.
Mr.. Murray felt much disappointed in
Frances Vaughan. AS child he had
taken great deal of interest in her.
Bright, winsome, full of spirit, generous
to fault; while he admitted that hers
was peculiar nature, he did expect
some marked development. Had her
training brought about this look of con-
straint and repression, or was she really
mindless and commonplace No won
der he should turn to Edith with sense
of relief.
After restless night, Frances was
awake with the birds. How this bur-
then she had added to her life oppressed
her In few weeks her bright dreams
had all faded. The long gray stretch of
life lying before her appalled, her. Could
she change it, and if not, how would she
endure the consciousness of this misera-
BILE secret four'yearsp Sometimes she
fancied that Edith suspected her, and
she almost feared to be denounced and
thrust from this home that had suddenly
grown place of refuge to her. She
watched the sun as it came up in the
east, and when her thoughts grew intol-
erable she rose and dressed herself. The
fragrant morning air tempted her, and
as soon as the servants we're astir she
stole down stairs and out on the wide
walks.
1t will never do" she said, to her
self, Il must dismiss these harassing
fears, or 1 shall make myself ill. He
surely cannot fail in his love for me,
and perhaps, as he says, we are too poor
to take up life together. Not that /
should fear," and little of the old light
flashed into her eyes. So she strove to
Danish her thoughts in the beauty of
the morning, and the fresh odorous air
seemed to dispel the clouds that had
been gathering about her soul. Walk
ing briskly along brought glow to her
cheek and new life to every pulse. If
she could only shake off the old shadow
entirely And she began to wonder If
her one decisive step had not been fatally
false. There could be no going back,
however, no going forward, even, but
just dreary waiting.
Turning corner under the naples
she came suddenly upon Mr. Murray.
He was still an instant from astonish-
ment at the bright vision before him,
then held out his hand.
81 did not expect to find you playing
WOOu-uJ npu, nc ehlu, WIN u 5hiiAC'
1t has improved you like enchant-
ment. 1 hardly recognized you last
evening, and 'felt-shall L admit it r
disappointed in YOU"
Because was grave and ladylike 2"
and mirthful gleam strayed over her
face.
Because you were grave, too grave
for any one in the very spring-tide of
life, when there can be no interior shad-
ows to darken the SOUL"
She colored deeply for moment.
"There are better subjects of conversa-
ton than. shall PROVE" she said,
abruptly. 1t must be pleasant coming
back to Woodlea at this season, and
finding no changes. At least, it is a
great delight to grandfather to have you
here again"
Your grandfather has been my dear
est friend for SO many years that 1t gives
the place homelike touch, and to a
wanderer like me 1t is especially charm
ing. But you seem quite stranger.
In the old times used to be a sort of
father confessor to you-have you for
gotten that?"
The old life had gone out of her mind
completely until he recalled 1t with a
look and word. But then it had been
the frank confidence of child with an
elder brother or relative, now-she won
dered if he loved Edith, and that tie
would be sufficiently strong to give her
claim like that of the past