The Russellville Democrat., 1881-12-15

| Ns tell you secret, ifyou will keep it for a while, Mary"
 "Oh, ofcourse, will, Mir. Mactagvert.n
 am going to bs married this au- tumn, Mary l said These pretty letters you always thought came from my sister are from the lady who is to marry me. She is very beautiful, very rich, very stylish, but very kind. You must come and see us, Mary, when we are married. l shall tell Angelina how good you have been to me what sweet llttle sister 1 have found out here in Vale of Cruix. Why, Mary"
 For, as spoke, felt the little hand I held grow cold and heavy in mine. I saw her sink backward The biz china bowl of peaches aud cream slipped with a crash on the ground and shattered to pieces.
 l caught the poor child in my arms. In moment she came to herself. and said she had overtired herself she thought. They had been baking all day, and it was warm. And now she bade me good night. But did not see her next day, nor the next. She kept her room, and was not we'll enough to bid me goodbye.
 Poor little Maryl I felt very miser- able. However, Angelina met me in Glasgow. She was more beautiful than ever-more elegant in contrast to my simple country friend-and very soon | laughed at myself for the thought that had been in my heart. Of course, said it was the baking that had over come Mary-it was not my news. had only been to her as a friend-as a brother. 1 had not made love to her; above all, had not fiirted with her. But thought of Mary great deal, and missed her every hour exactly-oh yes, eXactly-as 1 might sister.
 wrote to Mrs. Stevenson, and her answer was very brief.
 Il haven't much time to writer" she said in her postscript. Mary is sick, and beside being driven Pm anxious"
 This letter was in my pocket on that day when Angelina and 1 went together to the bazaar for the benefit of the Church of St. Matthew.
 After we had roamed about the bazaar and bought all sorts of knick knacks, I escorted Angelina to seat, and there sat down to wait while one oft ladies. who, "on this occasion only" was doing good onerous, hard work, brought us a tray of refreshments.
 As we sat there slipping our coffee two women sat down 1t the next table, with their backs towards us.
 ''I am very tired: are not you Mrs. Russell?" And the other answered.
 "Yes, I am tired. 1 don't think that it is worth the while to come all the way from Vale of Cruix to Glasgow sight seeing"
 This was the voice of Stevenson's nearest neighbor, and I liked her and respected her, yet did not feel quite sure how Angelina would like an introduc- ton, and so refrained from looking round and making myself known.
 "I'd think we'd better have tea" said the first voice. Its more refreshing than coffee. o how is Mary to-day? Think of my never asking beforel"
 Mary is poorly" said Mrs. Russell. % Mrs. Cullen, what pity it is that flirting young minister came down to Vale of Cruix 1 don't know what Mrs. Stevenson was about to let him do as he did. We all thought he was courting Mary. She did, poor child. She loved him dearly and the day before he went away he told her he was engaged to some girl in Glasgow. I'm afraid it's broken her heart. She told me all about it. o Aunty Russell she said, I know l ought to be ashamed, but I can't help it. He seemed to like so. I hope I shall die of this fever, for life is nothing to me- Ashamed! Why, it's he that ought to be ashamed. Of all things, a minister to be cold, crnel firtl And that is what Hug. Mactaggert isl"
 l listened, but I could not move or speak. felt as though my heart was breaking; and o the shame I suffered! The women drank their tea and left, and then Angelina turned to me with cold, sarcastic smile.
 "I see by your face that that little story is perfectly true, Mir. Mactaggert," she said.
 Angelina" I faltered, q have done nothing that should give offense to you."
 Nothing but love another woman," she answered, Love her and let her see it, meaning to marry me. Don't think I am hurt; indeed am relieved. I should have kept my word to you but for this, but not so gladly as 1 once should. You are very good looking man, but on the whole you don't suit me- I met Mir. S. at Millport, and he does. Frankly, l have been thinking what pity it was that l must decline his offer. As for this-Mary, IS it not?- wouldn'tshe make avery good minister's wife?"
 It came to my mind that she would that she was the only wife for me; that Angeline-splendid as she was-would never have made me happy.
 But I only said Miss Melville, if you desire to have your freedom, l have no choice"
 q desired it greatly" she answered.
 "It is yours," l said, with bow.
 After that, think, we were both hap pier than we had been for years, and shook hands when we parted.
 That night went up to Vale of Cruix, and l told Mary that my marriage was broken off, and that she was the only woman I had ever loved. See tried to summon up her pride and refuse me, but failed in the attempt and let me take her to my heart. To-day 1 anu pastor of the church at Vale of Cruix; Mary is my wife, and we are as plain and quiet pair as you could fancy. often help my wife pick entrants for tea, and have taken turn at the garden when help was scarce. But 1 do not envy Mir. S. his wife, nor pine for the luxurious possibilities that l lost with Angelina. Mary and my little home content me.
 But one thing is on my conscience. have never been able to ask myself the question; Did I flirt with Mary? If not, what was it?"