"You are going to-morrow, Mr. Lawson, and I may not have another
such opportunity."
It was then that the beauty of the maiden's nature shone
resplendently, showering scintillations of pure native goodness that
forever sparkled as sunshine and cheered the rugged path of Phillip
Lawson's life!
A crimson flush momentarily suffused Jennie Montgomery's face, then
she became pale and agitated.
"Mr. Lawson!" she exclaimed, "I love my cousin dearly, and I grieve
for her more than I can tell you."
The young man's face blanched under the effect of the girl's tones,
but he made no reply.
"Forgive me if I weary you, but I seem to feel in you a friend--one
in whom I find sympathy."
"Trust me fully, Jennie, I will try to be all that you think me."
Phillip Lawson's earnest tones went straight to the girl's heart,
and tremulously she continued:
"Mr. Lawson, you have not been a frequent visitor at my Uncle
Verne's without seeing much to condemn in my worldly aunt. I know it
is wrong to judge, but I cannot help it. I cannot help judging the
motive of Aunt Verne--indeed I cannot."
The listener had fixed his eyes upon the huge trunk of a venerable
oak tree covered with a luxuriant growth of velvety moss.
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