Ballou's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXVII, No. 1 — page 74: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

78 than through the woods, and so it occurred to them all; but Florence made room for her, and said: “You look splendidly this morning, Agnes.” “Thank you. Ingraham ?” “Yes. I feel like enjoying the air this morning, and I am quite sure I should not in the carriage.” She could say nothing, however chagrined she might feel at thus losing his company; so she leaned back, determined to enjoy herself at all events. “This is real pleasure, Letty,” said Ralph, as they rode along. “ The air, the scenery, the lively state of Blucher, and your company, make me feel happier and more at liberty than I aave felt since I came home. I dote on freedom.” “So do TI. I cannot bearto be pampered or fettered in any way. Now, I could not live as Agnes does, although I know it is very ladylike and proper. But I can’t bear to be ‘fixed up.” “God grant that you may never like it, but still be the same free, happy girl that you are now! Take care; Bessie is full of pranks this morning.” Letty’s horse seemed to feel the influence of the bracing morning air, and pranced and tossed her head, showing an unusual amount of spirit. Ralph noticed it, and so spoke, for Letty, fearless and skillful as she was, seemed very careless of her antics. All at once, some- thing startled her, and with a bound she was off, leaving Ralph and the carriage far behind. “Good heavens! she will be dashed to pieces!” And putting the whip to his animal, they clattered after her. Letty was a brave little girl, and she pulled hard upon the reins, saying, “ Be quiet, Bessie, good Bessie.” But Bessie would not listen to the sweet voice, but kept on, until Ralph, on his powerful Blucher, reached her, and grasped her by the bridle, and drew her up with a jerk. Then springing to the ground, he fas- tened her to a tree near by, and turned to the white, trembling little Letty. Poor child! you are as weak as an infant,” said he, as he lifted her from the saddle. And Letty could only say, “O Mr. In- graham!” and then her white lips quivered, and she sank half-fainting to the ground. Do you go on horseback, Mr.’ Defeated. © “ Letty, Letty, my darling! are you hurt?” She had not lost consciousness; was only weak and exhausted, and those words sent the warm blood back to cheek and lip, and she struggled to release herself from his encircling arms. “No, I am not hurt.” “Are you afraid of me, Letty 2” 6 No.” “Then will you hear what I have to say ?” 66 Yes.” “ Will you contradict Miss Calvert’s wicked stories concerning me ?” “What do yau mean? How can I?” “ By telling her that it is false; that I never profaned the sacred word love by uttering it in her presence, and that I love you, and you are to be my wife.” “ O Mr. Ingraham !” “ Will you not tell her so for me, Letty ?” “To you really wish it ?” “Yes,darling. Or let Florence, who I know would tell her gladly.” “Then I will.” Ralph drew the little form close to his heart, and kissed the blushing face, and gazed fondly into the clear gray eyes, which hence- forth were to brighten for him alone. By the time the carriage came up, they were ready for their return, and they rode home quietly. “Dear Agnes,” said Florence, that after- noon, “don’t you think them a handsome couple ?” “Who, pray ?” “Why, Ralph and Letty. They are en- gaged.” “Engaged !” “Yes. Isn't it delightful ?” 9 “O yes, very,” gasped Agnes, “Tam sohappy. It all happened this morn- ing, but I have been expecting it.” Wicked Florence! She was as much sur- prised as Agnes herself, but she knew she was tormenting that lady beyond measure. Agnes, strange to say, received a letter that night summoning her home; at least, she said so, and of course no one doubted her. At any rate, Martin drove her to the depot the next morning. Ralph and Letty are married, and receive yearly, at their splendid residence, crowds of friends, but among them they have never welcomed Agnes Calvert. conmcloooks Coin