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 somewhat mortified her; her vanity grew hurt, when the tone of deference formerly used by her lover, had been changed to one of command and authority; and she sometimes sighed when she thought of the unremitting attentions of her old lover from Goose Creek, the indefatigable Davis. The gaudy dress, and imposing pretensions of the sergeant, had grown common in her eye, while, at the same time, the inferiority of the new lover to the old, in delicacy of feeling, and genuine regard, had become sufficiently obvious. She had, of late, instituted the comparison between them more than once, and the consequence was inevitable. There was no little decision in her manner, therefore, as she refused to submit to the fate which Mother Blonay desired to impose upon her.

"But, Bella, my daughter—"

"No, no, mother—don't tell me of Sergeant Hastings any more,—I won't hear of him any longer."

"And why not, Bella, my dear?" exclaimed the redoubtable sergeant himself, coming suddenly into her presence, and speaking to her with a mixed expression of pride and dissatisfaction in his countenance—"why not, I pray, my dear?"

The poor girl was dumb at this intrusion. She scarcely dared to look up, as, with the utmost composure, Hastings took a seat beside her. The old hag, who had arranged the scheme, at the same moment rose to depart. Quick as thought, Bella seized her hand, and would have risen also, but with a decided force the sergeant prevented her, and retained his hold upon her wrist while compelling her to resume the seat beside him.

"I must go, sergeant—father is waiting for me, I'm sure—and the bells are 'most done ringing. Don't leave me, mother."

But the old woman was gone, moving out of sight, though still keeping within hearing, with all the agility of a young person. The poor girl, left alone with her danger, seemed for the moment stupified. She sat trembling beside the strong man who held her, speaking, when she did, in a tremor, and begging to depart.

But why dwell on what ensued? The brutal suitor had but one object, and did not long delay to exhibit its atrocious features. Entreaties were succeeded by rudenesses; and the terrified girl, shrieking and screaming to the old hag who had decoyed and left