Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1886-10-30

, bitter emphasis, "because there
something debasing in the sent
ment. But to end this, unprolit.
:. Die as it is, tell me what all thi
signifieS-suspense il agony-whs
is that paper?"
"1ead it, andjudge for yourself,
and as Ellen spoke she gave hin
the dreaded letter. Hastily glanl
ing over it, his coantenaDca gre,
white as sheet, and he felt him
selfibout TO faint from the de;t,ll.
sickness that attacked him. RI.
made desperate effort to bea
against it, but the internal Fl .!lt hi
: had long held hld Frustrated hi.
strength more than he thought
and he saak wltlla groan, upon til.
chair.
"Fur H.aven's love, Henry, what
ails yonw cried Ellen in tdrn.-
"Alas.[ have carried this to too CT,
ell an extremity she murmure |
and Henry began slowly to opau
his eyes.
The letter was, in fact, an excel
ientlv well written bit formal prop.
osition for her hand, AMI us the
writer was not ten yelrl the lil.ly's
senior, though of a cold and pom
pous disposition, there could not be
any very serious obstacle in the
way. 1t WIS to Henry Mnrelilnd
like the receiving of a death blow;
sense of duty, of propriety, OF
manliness, came to his aid, howev-
err; and with Il desperate effort, he
said, "I-I-congratulatc you, Miss
Vernon
81 won't be Congratulated
broke in Ellen; "and you are not in
earnest when you say so; and l
won't be called Miss Vernon-you
may as we'll say Lady Be.zly of
Bcazly Hall at once-it's odious-
it's shameful" and she walked i'm
patiently about him. There was a
pause on his part, for he knew not
what to say.
"Why don't you speak to me,
Henry9" begun Ellen; "Have you
no feelingg"
You have a PROPOSAL said Hen
~, "that many lady in the cum
try would envy. 1 should wish you
welded to a man you love; for,
whatever you may think OF me, 1
cannot forget that we have been
children together, and your happi-
ness has always been the object of
my thoughts"
"Thank you, Henry! thank you!"
and with a frank, unconscious and
unspeakably tender manner, she
laid both hands upon his shoulders,
and bent her deep beautiful eyes
s.-sis face.
snt the Il power O resrsraAsl9,psJ g bel LEI
JUG s.o i in his hands and kissed her
iUI uuvdu.
It recalled him to himself; and
the sudden revulsion was absolute
torture.
II cannot pretend to advise you
in this matter, my sweet COUSIN"
he began; shut if you entertain the
thought, I trust you will be hap
py."
~ detest the mani" cried Ellen,
tlinging away his hand angrily.-
"One would think that all were
turned against me-"
"Do not believe it," said Henry,
gravely, sand as this may be the
last interview -"
THE l;lste" echoed Ellen.
"That we may have for years to
cnlme, let us not part with Il misun-
derstanling. Had my own pros
poets been different should have
found myself in a condition to-to
advise you BETTER"
"In what way, Henry9" asked
Ellen, with all arch smile.
II cannot tell you now. Let it
suffice to say that my Inability to
do aught prevents me FROM saying
what / would. Poor and depen-
dent as am, with debt OF graft
tule to pay, which I would not have
lessencd by a sentiment of false
pride, 1 must tell you that, for my
own share Of good or i'll fortune, as
fate wills it,"
But what necessity is there for
.hisY" demanded Ellen, with Il
touch of her old impatience. "Does
not my father love YOU'D Has he
not made your future prospects his
studyt Besides, it will b, neces-
sary for you to attend, as Il near
relative, at my bridal"
A faint smile crossed his pale
lips as be said. sin this, without
accusing me of unkindness, you
must hold me excused. can make
some SacrlhceS Oh leeallS, ou1 1uio
is beyond ny power
"Will you, if you please, speak
palmer, and tell me what you mean
and why you cannot do thisg" ask.
ed Ellen with mock gravity; "fOr,"
thought she, she will tell me now
that lie loves me-"
Every sentiment which makes a
man respect himself-eyery i'm
pulse OF honor will tie my tongue
forever OIL that head. Spare me
then, Ellen,' he added mournfully;
81 cannot prolong this interview
| am so little tutored in Disgusting
my feelings, that L must say re