The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-06-23

ms letter on the subject, in which she
informed me that the whole family were
ready to receive me with open arms-a
prospect that did not find at all allur-
ing. They seemed TO have their hearts
set upon me as q person peculiarly fitted
to train John in tue way he should GO.
Everything, I was told, depended on his
getting the right kind of n wife.
A special interview with Mr.. Crawford,
at his particular request, touched me
considerably.
II hope" said he, "that you will not
refuse my boy, Miss Edna, He has set
his heart so fully upon you, and you are
everything that l could desire in a daugh-
ter. 1 want some one to pet. feel
sadly lonely at times, aud am sure you
would fill the vacant niche"
l drew my hand away from his caress,
and almost felt like hating John Gran
ford. Life with him would be one of
ease and luxury; but I decided that 1 had
rather keep boarders.
Not long after this the Cranfords con-
cluded to go 10 housekeeping. and Mrs.
Shellgrove was in her glory. she always
came to luncheon in her bonnet, and gave
minute details of all that had been done
aud talked of about the house in the last
twenty-four hours.
1T is really magnificent" said she,
lengthening out each syllable. Brother
has such perfect taste. And he is actual
ly furnishing the library, Miss Edna,
after your suggestion. YOU see we look
upon you quite as one of the family"
THAT is very good of you," replied
shorlly;"but 1 certainly have no expecta-
tion of ever belonging to it."
Mrs. Shellgrove laughed as though 1
had perpetrated an excellent joke.
young ladies always deny these
things of course; but John tells differ
ent story"
ratified the cups and saucers angvily;
aud my thoughts foated off. not to John,
but to Johns father. sitting lonely in the
library furnished after my suggestion.
Wasn't it, after all, my duty too marry
the family generality
The house was flushed and moved in
TO, and John spent his evenings with me.
1 used to get dreadfully tired of him.
He was too devoted to be at all interest
ing, ard reached that state of feeling
which, if summarily ordered to take my
choice between him and the gallows, 1
would have prepared myself for the lat.
ter with sort of cheerful alacrity.
locked the door upon John on the
evening in question, when had finally
gotten rid of him, with these things in
full force; and 1 meditated while IN
dressing on some desperate move that
would bring matters to crisis.
But the boy had become reused at last.
He, too, had reflected in the watches OF
the night; and next day received quite
dignified letter from him, telling me
that business called him from the city for
two or three weeks, and that possibly on
his return might appreciate his deyo-
tion better.
1 felt inexpressibly relieved. 1t ap-
peared to me the most sensible move
that John had made in the whole course
of our acquaintance, and began to
breathe with more freedom.
Time few, however, and the three
weeks heightened to six without Johns
return. He wrote to me, but his letters
became somewhat restrained; and ]
scarcely knew what to make of him. II
he would only give me up, thought
but felt suro that he would hold me tc
that weak promise of mine, that l should
either become Edna Crawford or remain
Edna Darlington.
"Mr Crawford" was announced one
evening, and entered the parlor fully
prepared for an overdose of John, bu
found myself confronted by his father.
He looked very grave, and instantly
imagined all sorts of things, aud re
preached myself for my GOODNESS.
John is well2" gasped finally.
"Quite WE'LL" was the reply, in suct
kind tones that I felt sure there wal
something wrong.
What it was cared not, 'ut poured
forth my feelings impetuously to my US
tonished visitor.
He must not come here Rgain!" l ex
claimed. L do not wish to see him
Tell him so, Mr.. Cranfordl tell him tina
l had rather remain Edna Darlington a.
he made me promise, than to oecom,
Edna Crawford"
"And he made you promise this5' wal
the reply. "The selfish fellowi But, Ed
ma, what am to do without the lit,l,
girl have been expecting9 1 am yer!
lonely-so lonely that do not see how
can give her up"
Iglanced at him, and the room seemed
swimming arouud-everything wa
dreadfully unreal. tried to sit down
and was carried tenderly to the sofa.
Shall it be Edna Darlington or Edn'
Cranford2" he whispered. You neeC
not break yonr promise to John"
Edna Crawford, replied, feeling tina
l had left the world entirely and was il
another sphere of existence.
II the thought crossed my mind tha
Mr. Crawford had rather cheerfully sup
planted his son. the proceeding was full!
justified during the visit which l sooi
received from that young gentleman.
tried to make it plain to him that l di'
him no wrong. as had utvrr proiesseC
TO love Linn, though not at all sure that
wouldn't r. c-ive the shaking threatened
on previous occasion, aud endravorrt
10 b. as tender as possible, for tel