The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-08-09
Twas with this

sity of escorting me. Twas with this son that auntie's episode occurred.
 Little by little unbent myself to this afflicted househoid; unthinkingly and gradually. became free e sister, and as much at home a danghter. When John took me home across the helds, walking aloof as though in the presence of some approachabie -Andromeda, If he had known such-l chatfed cheegi1y, imagining his difidence, in paxt at least. to be occasioned by the burdsn of his sorrow, for they were an afiectionafe family. By degrees he took heart, and addressed me with more ease, cd ! vas glad to see my efforts succeed, not always, fear, without tinge q sollksh. ness and that vanity which l suppeoe be- sets all women. For he vas not, you must remember, merely country bump the highest tone, perhaps, bot his pans excelled those of any youth, high or lcw, in Great Bielby.
 Twas glad, i said, Sissy, but I have sonowed many time since. For he in- terpreted me differently, and a great heart suffered, l believe, greatly before it could forget. My freedom in conversa- t;oa, my readiness in appreciating his standpoint-I fancy am little gifted in that direction-the clear expression of ideas, thanks to my thorough training which he stammeringly belabored my, must say, apparent afability toward him led him to suppose that l would accept his affection. What a sad mistake. pray, Sissy, no such mishap may befall you. And yet, shall love the memory of that manly soul. Some time after the death of his sister, when my visits be- came of necessity fewer, he sought my father and laid his hopes before him. What an unexpected circumstance it was for him to think of Mary, his own doub- ly-pighted daughters marriage. How could it be. However he could not be harsh. Rapid as thought he excused me to himself accused himself of being un- reasonable, and bade young Bartram call on the morrow.
 My daughters welfare is my dearest concern, and if she has given her love to you, you are welcome from my heart as her choice.n
 Those were the words overheard from the hall; and just as if curtain had been rent before me, saw and felt their meaning. Unconsciously had won the devotion of a warm-hearted and worthy young iellow-a gentleman of feeling, may truly say, tender as a child and faithful, as l already we'll knew. It flashed before me vivid as lightning, and l fell on the couch suffused win hurry ing tears. And SO your grandpa found me, my face buried in the cushions. And his voice trembled as he told me not to grieve: he was willing, ready to give any thing for my happiness. And all this while could not speak. At last raised my head, and our glistening eyes met, and threw my arms around him, sob bing "lt is not so."
 A sharp thrill went through him-I feel it yet-as he asked, Truly?" When replied, a new trouble had seired him " Poor Bartram! and have told him to come tomorrow" And we talked it over. l was perfectly happy at home, and could not hope to be 90 with him. liked him, certainly, but our tastes were 70 unlike, and we both agreed it were better not to be. It was not without a great struggle that he consented to my seeing Bartram next day. He feared the trial would be too great for me. But held out, knowing that Bartram would prize such an attention, and detesmined that the blow should fall upon him in the kindliest and gentlest manner. Indeed, had great hopes to win him over, and so explain matters that he would acxnow- edge my views to be the wiser.
 The r,ov~N- >orua ~.L x.- n the hbrary-dear room within which have centsred all my happiest moments. No soul knows what took place in that short hour. To you breathe it for the hrst time, partly because long 10 share my secret with a young, fresh heart, and partly because l would have you reves- ence to the full the value of an affection ate attachment such as is very plain Frank Fordyce has toward you.
 Your stiff, rigid Aunt Mary dreams hat once she had hea1t as piiable as my. 'tis time and bereavement that have worked their will But let us continue
 l preached the perplexing subject by cling him l knew from pa the object of ais call. "I was sony that he had ever bought of me as other than . frieud.n lnd-modesty and distance would have been but cruelty then-l laid my hand D his and begged him not to think hardly ! ,f me. l had never . thought of the | lind he had contemplated. He looked l nto my eyes with dared expression and 1 ilowly uttered:
 And l vas sure. Do you really say l t cannot be
 Over and over again repsated ny an. 'wer before he could comprehend that vas in earnest
 "iou lnow, John," ssid 1, sit might l be; but do you think it could be well when my books and scholarly companion hip aremy greatest enjoyment2 Icouh aot make you lastingay happy; you % l ond of activity, 90 full of outdoor predi- 1 eetions-"
 Yes, he knew he should be happy if hat came about. had miscalcuiated ny strength my will vas weak before | his. could not yin him over.
 But," continued, "how could I be l ~et tA>A R- q q