Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-01-21

acquaintance, and expressed so much
pleasure at renewing the intercourse SO sud-
denly interrupted, that / felt at perfect
ease.
How pleasant were the days that follow
ed. We called each other ''Will' and
Lizzie" in the most friendly way, and
Lostie and Cornie seemed already TO regard
him in very sisterly manner We read,
walked and talked together, and night after
night his deep, rich voice would accompany
those OF my sisters, while played the old
familiar tunes upon the piano.
fancied that iny own voice might have
lost a little Of its early sweetness, and so
did not attempt to join the others, whose
melodies were so harmonious.
Several other Invitations were sent as
of yore, to the Misses Whitaker, and was
fast forgetting that / was an old maid when
at an evening party, overheard the envious
and i'll natured remark
'iJust sec that Elizabeth Whistake-.
What youthful airs she does put on! Try
ing to catch Mr.. Lotus, dare say"
How those W .rds rang in my ears long
after the Ii ghts, the music, and the dancing
were shut out, and was alone in my own
roo1. How catechIsed myself, and tried
to reason with my poor, foolish heart. Yes,
| had been trying to look young, and had
appropriated Wills attention as a matter of
course
What right had to inonopolize his timel
Was it not far more likely that he would
choose Lo. lie or Cornie-if indeed he were
to pay court to any of US: Even this was
by no means certain; he might go again as
suddenly as he had come; and was startled
to find what sad void his departure would
make in our circle, and still more in my own
heart.
''Ah, Elizabeth. Elizabeth | solilo-
quised, take warning ere too late!"
The next morning rose with new re
solve firm in my mind; 1 would not yield
TO the sweet delusions q love-would not,
uaasked, give my heart. The world should
no. have cause TO laugh at The silly foolish
ness OF an old maid Strengthened by these
purposes was better fitted tor the trial that
awaited me.
That very day VIII LOTUS came, and in
quircd for me alone. l caught quick
glance passing between Lottie and Cornie
as left the room, and there was a more
rapid pulsation at my heart as entered the
cool, dim room where he was seated
Elizabeth" he said tenderly, as he took
my hand, do you know what a priceless
treasure have come to aski l hardly dare
be so bold, and yet faint heart never won
fair lady and must not lose my courage"
''How very timid he has grown" j
thought. ''Can he not see that he has but
to speak to winl"
/ smiled assuringly, and he proceeded.
''Do not think me precipitate in my af-
fection, though the acquaintance has been
so brief, for l cannot be mistaken in my
feelings, and only wait for your permission
to offer my hand to your pet sister, Cornie.
You stand in the place of parent to her,
and therefore ask your consent"
All, Will, viii. 1t was well you could
not read my heart just then.
With a mighty effort l choked down
convulsive sob, and replied that he had my
full, free permission; AID adding that !
would send Cornie to him directly, left TIE
room, a sadder and wiser woman.
There is not much to add. Corme's love
was alrerdy given to the handsome man so
recently stranger, and very few months
later she became his wife.
Lottie was the fair and stately bridesmaid
while witnessed with maternal compla-
cency the ceremony which united the des-
tlnies of the only man had ever loved and
my child sister. Comic.
Peace and contentment were my guar
dian angels that night, and with serenity
both sincere and unaffected l returned the
kiss which the bridegroom gave me, as he
said, tenderly and gently, ''Sister Eliza
beth,''