The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-09-25

orlng to satisfy herself with this idea,
she turned to her book.
But after awhile, the lady's voice was
again audible.
Where are you residing now, Mr..
Granger?' she said. The answer was
distinct. 81 have been in Camden,
New Jersey, for several months.''
Like flash, the whole truth burst on
Mary's mind. This asas the identical
Philip Granger, and his fair correspon-
dent had addressed her letters to Cam
den, New York, instead of Camden,
New Jersey! Without stopping mo-
ment to consider how strange her con-
duct would appear, Mary sprang from
her seat, and crossing the aisle of the
car, addressed the gentleman.
Excuse me, but is not your name
Philip Grangerp" she said eagerly.
The stranger rose, and answered po-
litely, though evidently surprised, eyes,
that is my name. Pardon me that 1 do
not recollect yours.
oh, you never knew it," Mary re-
piled, simply. "I am the daughter of
the Postmistress in Camden, New York,
and letters have come there, for several
months past, addressed to Philip Gran
ger; and we never could find him. l
overheard your name, and your remark
that you lived in Camden, New JERSEY,
and thought ought to tell you about
the letters, for perhaps they might be
for you.
"Indeed, am exceedingly obliged to
YOU" answered the young man, earn
estly, and with an admiring glance at
the blushing face before him. "The
letters are doubtless from my sister,
who is travelling with her husband,
through the Southern States. 1 i'm
agined that she never received my let
tiers, as she and her husband do not re-
main long in one place, but 1 never
thought of the possibility of hers being
mis-directed."
Mary was conscious of feeling of
satisfaction, on hearing that the let
tiers were only from sister. Yet what
difference could it make to herP But
Mr.. Granger was again speaking.
eff you would kindly favor me with
your name," he said, "and allow me to
introduce my friend and his wife, per-
haps your journey would be less tedious
and lonely"
Mary gave her name with some con-
fusion, for she now, for the first, noticed
the inquiring glances of Mr.. and Mrs.
Layton. But Mr.. Granger's introduce
ton and explanation met with most
cordial response, and Mary soon found
herself chatting confidentially with Mrs.
Layton, and telling all the particulars of
how she and her mother had pitied the
unknown writer of the letters; particu-
lars to which Mrs. Lay ton laughingly
called Mr.. Changers attention.
Then they discovered that Bessie Grey,
whom Mary was going to visit, was
quite well known to them, Bessie's
mother being dear friend of Mrs. Law
ton. Both lived in the same town. Pres
emily, Mr.. Layton announced that he had
prevailed on Mr.. Granger to relinquish
his plan of going further, and to make
them, instead, long promised visit.
Mrs. Layton smiled quietly to herself,
as she remembered how, a few minutes
before, Mr.. Granger had declared it i'm.
possible to change his arrangements,
even sufficiently to remain over night.
That very evening, Mary had removed
her travelling dress, and substituted
simple gown of merino, and was sitting
with her friend, and her friends mother,
and young gentleman who had called
to see Bessie, and whom Bessie had in
troduced, with bushes, when Mr.. Gran
ger was announced. The evening passed
delightfully."-; indeed, Mary thought no
evening had ever been so delightful.
There was music, instrumental as well
as vocal; for Mr.. Granger proved to
have noble baritone. 1t was quite ten
O'Clock when the two gentlemen rose to
go. Mary found that she had been
making plans, and promising excur-
sions; and Mr.. Granger, on leaving,
promised himself the pleasure of calling
soon again. - ..r
"Very soon, hope" Mrs. Grey had
said d" tomorrow, in fact; for we want
you, and Mr.. Taylor here, to dine with
us. Quietly, you know. Only you, and
Mr.. Taylor, and the girls, and Mr.. Grey
and myself"
So, at six the next evening, Mr..
Granger made his appearance. In his
he was the first arrival, and.
it must be confessed, little in advance
OF the time; for Bessie had not yet come
down to the drawing-room; but Mary
anu MIS-. OIey were Unere, fortunately, |
sitting waiting on the broad divan, on
the opposite side of the room from the.
fireplace. If Mary had thought Mr..
Granger handsome in his travelling suit,
he seemed infinitely more so in his even
ing costume, which became him as it
becomes few men. On his part, he
could hardly realize that the elegantly
attired young lady, who looked up with
such entire ease and unconscious grace,
was the simply dressed, rather shy girl,
whom he had met, the day before, in
the cars, and afterward called on.
1t would be useless to try to chronicle
the days and evenings that succeeded.
There were visits to places of interest,
excursions to the neighboring metropo-
lis, dinners at the Greys' or Laytons', con-
certs, musical parties, receptions, balls
How swiftly the days passed. How
happy these days were! Then there
were walks in the country, outside of
the little town, for the vicinity was
beautiful with varied hill and dale; and
in these walks, somehow, Bessie and
Mr.. Taylor fell behind, and Mary and
Mr.. Granger were left alone ahead.
1t was in one of these excursions when |
the other pair were almost out of sight,
so far had they fingered in the rear, that