The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1890-09-11

1t did not trouble me, as time passed,
that Mr.. Haskell eviuced a great liking
for little Charlie. Perhaps did not give
it much thought ut the time, though
afterward | remembered that he danced
with her good deal and was very fond
of her singing.
Nor do know what Edith thought. I
only know of the awakening.
A month had gone and Haskell was
still at the beach. One morning five OF
us-iuclud'ng a Mr.. Marshall, whom |
had intended as Charles escort, but who
had chosen to attach himself to poor old
| matronly me-went for long walk
! back into the country away from the sea-
shore. Returning we took short cut to
descend rather steep hill. How it hap
pened I do not quite know, but it seemed
that Charlie made a misstep, fell and
rolled downward for some little distance,
until her dress caught on a shrub or stone
| and stopped her. 1t all transpired in an
instant, but Harold Haskell was quick to
lift her in his arms and insist that he
should carry her home.
But, Charlie though trembling, man.
aged to laugh.
81 AM not hurt" she quavered. "Put
me down quick. I'm terrible weight
We all laughed historically. But
Haskell was still pale with fright.
immediately We had reached the cot
tage Charlie sank upon a sofa.
"I'm awfully shaken up, you know,
she said. 81 shall not stir step for an
hour" she said.
Edith was going to her room before
luncheon. Charlie called after her:
"Would you mind tossing down my
book, Edith, dear2'
''I will bring it down." Edith an
swercd.
Neither of the girls had brought maids.
Charlie always preferred to dispense
with hers when she could, and Edith
had my own at her service.
4 few minutes later Twas in the break
fast room giving some orders about
luncheon and talking to Mrs. Webster,
my chaperonc. Mrs. Webster, good
soul, turned from the room out through
rear passage and l turned to re-enter the
library, when the sight saw through
the antique portlere beyond transfxed
me. Harold Haskell, the betrothed OF
Edith Westcott, had clasped Charlie
Foster to his heart and was kissing hel
passionately.
"My darling, I love you!" he muir,
INJURED.
/ slipped from the breakfast room into
the main passage, feeling cold with hor-
ror, when, glancing up, I saw Edith mid.
way on the staircase, white as death and
supporting herself blythe handrail.
Had she seen OF. heard / felt | must
say something. -
care you coming down2" 1 asked.
81 was coming down." she replied in
strained voice, "but 1 don't feel we'll
think the sun has affected me. 1 will
60 back and lie down. Here is Charlie
book. Will you give it to herr"
She dropped it to me and crept On up.
"I am so sorry" said, vaguely.
:'Shall send you anything2"
"No; will be better presently" she
answered in weary way, and heard her
door close with sharp sound.
Luncheon was announced then. Tho
others must have thought me unusually
quiet. felt as if I were the guilty ono
aud dared not look in their faces. And
yet I was not angry, only sorry. II
seemed like misfortune.
After luncheon they went out on the
piazza together.
l waited a little, then went up tc
Edith.
She was lying down, with her hand tc
shade her eyes. The room was darkened
and could barely sse her face.
eyes, l am much better now," sht
said. "NWherc is Charliel"
"Gone out with Mr.. Haskell" I an
swered, almost painfully. Somehow
felt almost as if the fault were mine.
Edith spoke abruptly then.
"Charlie is in love, l believe"
l started.
"In love! You think so2'
eyes, l am sure of it. 1t may sur
prise you when l tell YOU"
";Surprise me2" l repeated, with in
decision of tone.
eyes, because Charlie is in love witt
Mr.. Haskell"
Edith l said, with shocked &C
cent which was not all assumcd--for i
seemed really horrible TO hear the fac
announced in cold-blooded English
edith, your fance-'
GA few words will alter that" she re
piled, calmly. "You see, Nora, we ar
all apt to make mistakes"
"You do not love him." 1 interrupted
Edith forced a laugh.
"You see, it will be all right eventual,
right for all of us. They love cacl
other, and II never could marry him.
1 Isighed with intense relief to hea
this.
~ shall want little conversation
with Mr.. Haskell alone" she went on
"After dinner will do. If you will TAX
Charlie out, you know"
promised promptly.
That dinncr Shall ever forget hov
silent we were-all of us? How painful
the time dragged?
Charlie went out afterwards durin!
the evening 10 walk with me, but W
had not much to say to each other.
is almost impossible for ine to dissemble
Charlie finally strayed off and stoo'
alone, gazing out upon the sea. mysel