Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-09-30


sometimes accompanied by WYATT and a
fine young fellow, Philip harrington. a
noiehhor, who / soon saw would have
been glad TO be moro than a friend to
Leslie, sometimes with only a groom.
and we trudged along the pretty laneaor
over the breezy downs, making friends
with children and does wherever wa
found them. We were always busy and
Leslie was most cheerful.
A month had passed and Leslie had
not yet confided TO me her trouble.
You have done the girl q world of
good, Mr. Wyatt said with beaming
face. " cannot feed grateful enough TO
you for coming" whispered Mrs. WYATT
but was not content.
When MIR. Wyatt refused Charles Pen
neils suit, and begged Leslie TO give
HIM mp, he had not forbidden her 10 re-
ceive letters from him-he had feared
such prohibition might lead to deceit.
And once week letter came that
brought blush Of pleasure TO the girls
lace. She always put all letters straight
into her pocket. and often went into the
garden 70 read them. Ono morning /
came upon her ia little dell in the park
with one in her hand. There was such
detection Ia her attitude that cried in
voluntarily
Leslie, dear, what is it ?"
She raised her head, and the eyes
heavy with tears and the little quivering
mouth were ali my answer.
"lou must tell me what grieves you
so, ] said. dragging the little head down
on my shoulder. And then she told me the
story OF her love, and Of her great hope
that in time her uncle and aunt must see
Charles as she did.
81 can wait" she said, "wait for
years, il necessary but men are OF more
irritable nature and he finds waiting
very bard, lac declares" and she touched
bis letter, "thatthi continued separation
IL wearing him out that be must see me.
must know the limit TO this waiting. If
/ VIII not tell him he shall think that l,
too, am growing 10 believe him too hum
bic, too poor for me | think him too
humble, too poor Oh ! he is brave,
lie is honorable Mrs Markham, aud If /
only Ind a brother who could 90 about
aud fud out all his good deeds, tho
errors that have come TO my uncle's
knowledge Would be as nothing"
81 wish some one Conld. YOur uncle
would he glad to lind his judgment mis-
taken.
Cannot you help me; you have
friends IN society
Her earnes, belief in the man, her
patience IN her sorrow, touched me deep
~. llorgcd 10 make her happy.
81 Will DO what cam" ] said, but a
fear that her unc,e's objection WAS pro-
baby wholly Just made me add "But
If the answers TO my inquiries are not
quite favorable you viii hear them all
the same :"
Certainly; am not afraid"
Her uncle was coming toward us, so
We were silent
After luncheon l watched Leslie ride
away. panied by her uncle and Mr..
Harrington, and / wondered at the con-
trauness of fate in preventing Il union
between them.
"t it might have been it would have
made us so happy, said Mrs. Wyatt,
who had also been watching the depart
ure.
lis it possible that there has been
malicious exaggerstion in the reports you
have received about Mr.. Pennell?" L
asked.
q fear not
81 love Leslie as if she were my own
child" ! said. "and | wish you to let
me act in her interest without letting
YOU know what l do In the result. 1t
Will give me more influence with her,
and If anything comes out against her
lover, she will feel it less if unknown to
you"
" You are right. Do as you will. In
all things you have my fullest confidence.
| only wish to see Leslie's future happi-
ness secured. Mr.. Pencils name is
never mentioned between US. The last
time spoke of him she drew away from
me aud turned proud and cold. Oh!
the pity of 1t.
felt the pity of it keenly as l turned
| from the dear, sad old face TO begin my
independent investigation.
as Leslie passed to her room to take
off her habit she looked in at me. APPLE
of letters which l had written attracted
/ her attention nj once and she said !:
THANK you, thank you SO much. |
have such great hopes that something
very good will come of them" The
glad smile on her beautiful face and the
grateful look in her eyes fingered long
IL my memory.