Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1882-09-13
THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED.

T.
| WAS spending the most beautiful part
of the year at Ross Hall, my usual sum
mer resort; and gayer, happier com
panv than that which was then around
me. have seldom found. Excursions,
picnics, and all manner of enjoyments
were continually on the list; and never
had time passed so pleasantly lie ore.
One among Us, however. seemed to
take no interest in our gatherings, or In
any of our pleasure parties; aud Charles
Neredith's caldness and reserve were
frequent subjects Of comment, especially
among the ladies. Young and attract
i've he certainly was, and possessed OF
brilliant colloquial powers, which L
myself had often tested; for, strange to
say. MIR. Meredith had repelled all
friendly advances from others, ard 1t
WAS only after many persevering efforts
that finally drew him ont OF his reserve.
Our sameness of pursuits had some IN
rluence here, no doubt. We We're both
uusts. 1 was strongly and irresistebly
attracted toward the handsome, ener-
getic enthusiast: and it pleased me
greatly to find that in my company, at
Least he would throw OFF the mask OF
reserve.
When at length persuaded HIM to
mirple with our little party In the draw
ing-room, the fascinating young artis'
soon became a general favorite. L have
noticed more than one fair lady's cheek
blush with pleasure when Charles Mere
ditb's dark eve flashed into hers; but
among all the ladies OF our little set he
seemed TO choose Annie Fay, the mer-
nest little fairy that ever danced upon
the earth. .-
One stormy evening we were sitting
in the well-lighted 1rawlng-room. mos'
Of Ms in earnest conversation concerning
the "sphere of woman." lnoltced tha'
Charles was unusually quiet as the
discuss,on went on. though his eyes
were flashing strangely as he listened
10 their various ideas
Suddenly 1 exclaimedt to my opponent
..Sav what you will, sir, when a woman
basonce lowered herself from her proper
her. she has lowered herself Tar II
NV estimation and respect. "
AsI said THIS 1 turned NY gaze lui
,,n,r Charles Meredith's face as IL L
ask mis- opinion. To my terror l sa'
him spring irom his seat with pale lac
.nd lands uplifted, as though suffering
intense agony. Several gen'ieme,
-anc forward to aid him, when SUD
III his arms fell helplessly by m
Il .nd hastily turning, be left tn
..poor fellow, said Annie Fay n
rs co ipcess antly that it is no"onde
he Is i'll. a;,,..r,
Uor words were received as suiicieh
-a.son for Charles behavior, ana "ei
rar,t;ed when he returned to oner d
APOLOGY for his abrupt departure gi'in
sudden illness Ss an excuse.
After that Charles Meredith nevt
Joined us in the drawInS-room "saii
More reserved than ever, he worked
his room. OF with sketch book III nan
spent days in rambling over tae nm
Irow seldom met him, and when III
Twas named and surprised to una 'n'
n. interest IN me seemed entirely gon'
so cold and discouraging was his pen
NiOr.
..Mr. Meredith has left us, reinaih'
Mrs Ross one morning after We Ia
break-fasted.
Left us?" exclaimed. "hSie Il
he gone, and why?'
Il do not know; he gave ne no re
son." was the answer. :,
Now that he had gone. founa WI
deep hold the dark-eyed boy had tax
npon nv affections. L recalled
graceful form, his musical voice anu .
looks. and regretted keenly that d |,
not taken greater pains to secure
friendship.
Twas walking III the garden one III
lust at twilight, and hearing the +
of carriage wheels / approacned !
front entrance gate. A travelling q
riage drew mp before me, ana aS
occupant sprang out and came iowa
me, 1 was surprised to find 1t was oli''i
Meredith. We entered the house
gether. but he dld not appear al
dinner table. Mrs. Ross was S'a'i
nov glad she was to see him back aga
and how pale and Ill be looked WI
he entered. ,,
The next day the bell was mum
doors we're opened and closed carei"'
and the news of Mr.. MeredIths dahs
GUS illness flew from mouth 10 mou w
For a long time his life hung oa
thread: but at last our good ho''
loyfully told us of his sure reoo'e
A mighty load seemed to leave my n''
and l now waited anxousiy ioi
appearance, Great was my surp'