Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 28, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 8 January 1876 — Page 6
THE MAIL
A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE}
SOMETIME.
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sfi
1 am waiting for the shadows round me ly-
lHg
To drift away 'ATT iff TX il
I am waiting for the sunlight, always flying, To come and stay I know there's light beyond the cloudy curtain, v.
Alight sublime!
That ft will shine on mo 1 know is certain— Sometime! Sometime!
1 am waiting for the summer'* golden luster— Now far away— When golden fruits arouiul i-iy life shall 'duster
Each sunny day! 4
We read of fabled flowers 111 fabled story— In far-off clime— Add I
Khali
pick them in their pristine
Jilory, «®v j2 rometlme! Sometime!
Then I shall hear the voice of loved ones fiall me, TQ their dear side And I shall then, whatever may befall me,
Rest satisfied.
For on my ear sweet, nous of love,, shall tremble lrumatchless rhyme, FroJn hearts and lips that never can dissemble—
Sometime! .Sometime!
I am walking but af times I «row so weary— f'ar seems the diiy When all the pain which makesour lives so dreary 'T
Shall pass awav. j: 5
I know the heart, oft lillod with tones of sail i) ess
Likf funeral chime,
Khali echo back with song* of love smu 'gladness .Sometime! Sometinu
JUSTIN HARLEY.
1 ROMANCE OF OLD VIRGINIA.
irv JOHN KSTHX POOKE,
Authorof "Dr. Vandyke," "Surry of Ensle's I-Jest," "The Virginia Comedians," ifcc.
CHAPTER
It will Vio remembered that when Harley hail ascended the staircase to keep his appointment with Judge Bhyjd, Ht. Leger had gono in the direction of Mrs. Bland's chamber,which was on the right of the hall, in rear of the dining-room.
This apartment, as we have said, wan nsotl by the friends of tho family as a nort oY supplementary sitting-room. "Whenever tho weather wr.s at a chill, a cheerful lire might bo found there, Mazing merrilv in tho largo fireplace the room, with its snowy bed and drugget carpet, was a model of neatness and ti\e aged Mrs. Bland might bo seen coated in her great "invalid arm-chair" knitting busily, and prepared to- welcome all comers.
Into this apartment Fanny had been taken 011 her arrival, for the very reason suggested by Harioy—that tho pain she Huffered from her broken arm rendered it desirable ihat she should not bo carried up-stairs, if possible. Thero was 110 obstacle whatever to making a couch for tho little sufferer in Mrs. Bland's room ono was speedily arranged, therefore, near tho fire, and" Fanny had been regularly installed. jSt. Lcgor went and knocked at the door.
Co mo in said the cheerful voieo of tho old ladv, whereupon St. Leger opened the door, advanced two stops into the apartment, then with a great start ho all at once stopped.
Tluro beioro him, seated beside Fanny's little eoiu h, and holding the girl's hand, was the Lady of the Snow. •She was dad from luad to foot in black hor face was pale'and siTbdued in expression: in her largo eyes, looking out sadly from her still beautiful face, could ba read a strango pathos and tenderness.
St. I/Cgor recognized at a single glance tho person whom he and Ilarley had encountered on the night of their return from "Williamsburg, tn chief actress in tho edb.pnny of strolling-players, whom ho hW-weit a sseoud time, haunting like a phantom the ground* of Huntsdon, (Mid gazing up at tho light in liarlev's window. I
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Vou lie exclaimed. Shj looked at him calmly, but her hoart couid be seen, und almost heard, beating. ..
Yes," »h«r "murmured, letting hor head Rink.
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Is It possible 1" stammered St. Logor, unabl#to regain all ait once his self-pos-session. 411
POO
All eves had been fixed upon him, and from his face the curious glances had passed to tho face o'the Lady of tho Snow.
The persons who indicated in this silent but significant manner their astonisbnumt at the soene were Mis# Clementina and Evelvn. Tho former sat at ouo corn#* of tho fireplace waving a large ftvn in front of her face —bet Invetemte habit—the other (Evelyn) was lining bae. in an arm-chair near her, •with Mrs. Bland opposite, in her great chair At the foot ot the bed,beside which hat th« pale lady.
Evelyn was quite thin and white she looked'ahd listened with vague excitement. Miss Clementina, on the contrary, w*« tlushed with sudden interest. Her*quick vdts, stimulated by suspicion had .instantly eaOght the clue to thU mysterious seen*.
You seem to Know thia lady," said Mlas Clementina, ve*y quietly, addressing HL txger. "No madam!" Ue rtplied, in alow tone,aft^t hesitating fbr a foment.
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She is not than—au old acquaintance air?" Tiero was an almost imperceptible accent of satire in Mis# ClctuenUna'a tonca. St. f^ger b* 1 me suddenly a*»*re of this lurking sentiment. and felt tint it w«# iieotssary &r him to. be on hta
^'•^No, madam, Lave In e\&i the pleasmvt ft nctaamtance with this Uteiy," he said, quieev.
W^youSw""^l"ni«i
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LX.
TIIE HKt'OONITIOX.
441
4
He came an bes.dethn bed. "I feepe a better," I said to FannT, looking at I With the deep** "loosy arm hart you?' •«Verv little," Fu»ay replied, "and everybody is »gw I to me.
She looked J«'vUonatelj fl. Mra. Bland, wlio frftrtiherdeafnes»had mlas«d the whole of tho sceuejusi de^ribed, and Iwral tt the 1jw?v bolalng hWlwrnd, and Racing at her w.th a ai%bt color la ihor checks.
St, Leger" was Ktlil lokiag at Fsnny with the ardent eve# of a lover, whtn he iiieard the doiir behind him open and close. He looked round. Mlas Clementina and Evelyn had disappeared.
JL JliXViVJLLi XX-fl. -L
Timt HiRnnnftaranee evidently meant Harley came up to her, took her mischief. Infact, Miss Clementina was hand, looked into her face with a emile,
men?8When"S? '""OMdcvoning, UUle sister t" Fanny's lsedside Miss Clementina had As he uttcjed theso words, he began clanccd at Evelym made a sign to her, to laugh, and Miss Arniie, having the risen and thev had loft the apartment tables thus suddenly turned upon her, focether
Oh, 110! 110! it cannot—cannot be! The words burst from the young lady in a sort of cry.
Wait and scosaid Miss Cletnonti11a, with a cool, decisive look she had been steadied, as it were, by her excitement,
4'Wait
44
hurried out with you," said Miss Clementina, "to tell you this, Evelvn, and to say that I am certain that this unknown woman is—well, is the person Mr. Sc. Leger and Mr. Harley met—the one who would 'have her lights now,1 as Mr. Ilarley was not dead! So be on your guard!—take care!—all eyes will be lixed upon you!—take care!"
41
It is unnecessary to warn me, aunt!" said Evelyn, as pale as death again. "I trust I shall not disgrace myself."
44
Do not give people an opportunity of repeating what thev have alroady said— that yoti are fond of Mr. Harley, who returns your feeling with one of regard simply, fiom indifference, or from having one wife already."
Evelyn moaned. It needed all her pride to remain calm under this lash. Avoid all interviews with Mr. Harley! He is up-stairs now he was to come tins evening to see your father 011 business, and I heard him go up."
41
I shall certainly avoid him," said Evelyn, in a low tone. As she spoke, stop^ were lizard descending the stair*. 4
He is coming down!" exclaimed Miss Clementina, starting up. Evelyn rose as suddenly. The thought of an interview with Harley at the moment scorned to appall hei. ".1 will go to my room."
44
you remember mo!" came
from tub pale lips of the Lady of the Snow, in a sort whisper. St. Leger stood loiJtfug at her in perfect silence lor at Wait a miuute. He then seemed to become aware, for the drat time, how singular this sudden recognition must appear to the other occupants of the chamber aud, recovering his self-possession by an etfbrt, he bowed r.nd came in. closing the door.
ing into the drawing-room in rear of the front one. But this was used 011 occasions of ceremony, and the door was locked.
14
Oh, what shall I dots® I will not see him she cried. J® The stc)»s catne steadily down the staircase.
You must go into your grandmother's room! He will not come into that room unless ho is invited."
44
Yes I yea!"
4«
Come, Evelyn! There is jaat time. Yes, I agree with you. You must avoid all attempts at explanation on his part. Come!"
Seizing the young lady by tbe arm, Miss Clementina almost dragged her Into the hall, toward Mre. Bland's chamber. I
There was just time for thorn to pass unseen. Harley had reached the second floor, and was at the head of the lower staircase. They hastened through the hall, reached the door of Mrs. Bland's ehatnljer, and enteriug, closed the door, just as HarleyiCanie liown^
CHAPTER LXt.
HARTLEY'S "UTTLK SISTER."
Anybody who had looked at Justin Harlev aa no entered the drawing-room, inthe'fuil liirht atreaming lrom the tall silver candlestick, would have been struck with tho resplendent expression of his face.
Gloom, sadness, unrest, wemed to have be*?n swept from his forehead as the shadow of a cloud i* swept from a landscape by tho wind. Ills fivco glowed. his eye* sparkled. He bad begun to stoop a little of late, and to drag his feet a« he walked now his head roso KUporbly erect, and as heeutered tbe draw-ing-room, his step was elastic, bis feet wera planted firmly and strongly as before the man was, all over, from head to foot, in bearing of person as in ex»:i of face, the picture of joy, hope,
was
No sooner had Miss Clementina closed ing like a peony. the door and found
herself
441
knew it!"
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Knew what?" murmured L\ulyn with white cheeks.
441
knew this was-!he woa»an! She drew the voting lady along, and the$°went into the drawing-room. It
11 las Clemen- "ai'IIUO
woman!
4Justin
Harley! I
thought he was doad. Now I will have my rights.""
A
and see! And meanwhile
ask yourself who this mysterious woman can be, if not that woman? Who 1» she What is her name? You can find out nothing. She rushes :n here, dropping down from the clouds, giving 110 name, not accounting for herself, depending oij our good' breeding to be received without questions. A friend of Fanny's!—that is all wo are told! A.nd now, 'Mr. St- Leger comes, and recognizes her, and
Evelyn uttered a gas-p, and flushed suddenly. Who—is she?" came from her trembling lips.
Miss Clementina bent over.
44
Whom do poople say she is she whispered. Evelyn looked at her with startled eyes.
People say she is Mrs. Justin Harley!" As Miss Clementina uttered thes^ words, sleigh bells wero heard cftmii up the hill, and in a few moments Sain'y Harley appeared, ushering in Miss Annie Bland, looking liko a small rosebud, and her friend, whe burst into joyous exclaimatious all about their delightful ride, after which they
ran
up-stairs to
"takeoff their things." Saintv Harley, hearing from Miss Clementina that Judge Bland had returned, followed them, going with a cowardly beating of the heart to the old lawyer's study and as we have seen, Harley thereupon rose, and,'leaving them together, came down stairs.
The interval had left Miss Clementmna and Evelyn but a few moments lor additional conversation.
mu&ic was lying on the harpsi-
ehoni. H» ent and took it tip, thinking '"H*r hand has touched this!" A littlo gl*te lay boside it which be bail seen on th* hand of Evelyn. H« look It and pre*st4 it to his Hp*.
As ha did
A
low iMigh caaie from
the doorway, atl4, bltsilmig HkO a m$f Harley turned wand, lie saw before him the j»1utnp young figure of Miss Annie Bland, who wu looking at lrim with her rnUahievtms «f«s, at*a In* dulglng i& aI$w t*^OiMstfc%i I $
She cauafr in with a slight hesitation in her manner, a delightful of demuneness, and an atte»jf»tM^,lo6l firm.
44
Good evening, Mr. Ilarlev," she said, politely, trying not to smile.
overwhelmed with confusion,bluah-
and Evelyn Don blush so, Annie! said Har-
alone together in the hall, than she selz- ley, with his exquisite sweetness and ed the young ladv by the arm, put her cordiality, which seemed to caress the eu lue yuuiJK m« to whom he soolce at certain lips close to hor ear, and said
person to whom he spoke at certain moments vou must not think mo very informal, or'that I am laughing at you, pr teasing you. I call you my littlo sistor bocauso
I
father's oonsent to Sainty's union with
you,
Annie was never more obligod 111 all her life to any human being. She was ready, as she afterwards said, to "sink into the iloor," at tho prospect of an indefinite continuation Of the interview. And now ho had not teased hor any moro he had come to her relief. VN ith blushing cheeks Miss Annie Bland placed her small hand upon tho ollered arm, fixed her eyes intently upon the floor, a roguish expression contending in them with her embarrassment, and they went toward Mrs. Bland's room.
They reached tho door, and Annie was about to turn tho knob, w'lien Ilarley said:
411
think I should knock. My sudden appearance might surprise somebody."
41
Surprise somebody Oh, no.! Who is
Clementina behind her fan: '"listen!" Harley bowed low. He was as pale as before, but tho startled expression had disappeared.
As his tall figure rose erect Rgain, he saw Mrs. Bland looking at him with a kindly smile, and heard her say:
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How do you doy Mr. Harley I am very glad to sefr you. It has been a long time since you. were here, has it not, my dear Excuse me, I am an old person now, and speak to everybody- in the same way, Have you been well I thiuk you are a little pale. Ah! you young people are not as rustldy as the old-time young men. There was your father—he was as fresh-looking as a rose, and his cheeks were as red as a girl's. You have- his portrait, I think, at Huntsdon, and I should really like to see it again. It has been twenty years •yes! twentv years, I really believe, since I yisited Huntsdon lint I am ruRiiing on too much—excuse me, my dear—sit dowa!"
Harley quietly sat doww, murmuring some inarticulate words. He looked at Evelyn as he did so. She had turned away her head-, and he could not see her face. The silence was becoming oppressive, when it was interrupted by Fanny, who turning her face, framed in its bright curls,, over hor shoulder, said, smiling:
441
No there is not time. You would ley!. I suppose Mr. St. Leger told you meet him 011 the stairs." of my accident, and as you were always Evelyn ran to the folding doors open- such a good friend of ours, I expected .i il.n r/mr nt'fhn vnn CO III6 to itlUBirO 3 'ou would come to inquire about me.
44
have just received your
and hope ho has had your conscnt
»S
quits overwhelmed, and
a seat she ^fellow Indeed n,y
made uo renly. dear—you will let mo call you that as "She is the
Remember I'm an old gentleman, and not a young
what you told me of your interview one. I love Sainty more than I love with Mr. St. Leger, and how he was un- anybody else 111 the world, and am able to deny that he and Mr. Harley had certain that ho will be happy with his metTa woman—an actress in company little wile! of strolling-players—on their return from Williamsburg! Remember how startled and confused Mr. St. Leger looked, you informed me! Remember that this woman—this woman—was heard to exclaim
The voice laughed the kiud eyes were full of sunshine. "I embarass vou a little, I see,' he added, "and will not continue to do so. Everybody must. bo in your grandmother's room, and as I am not intimate enough to go thither without an escort, suppose you take my arm and be my guide."
1
7 1
Harley knocked.
44Come
in!" was heard.* it
Harley opened tho door, and entered behind Annie. He was about to bow. Suddenly be stopped short and stood motionless, riatid as a figure of stone.
The Lady of tno Snow was looking 1) 1 11)
CHAPTER
LXIL*
FACE TO PACK.
In spite of his natural powers of selfcontrol, which long habit had strengthened, Harley turned extremely pale, and his eyes were fixed with a startled expression upon the lady.
Look whispered Miss Clementina to Evelyn, who sat close to the wall at one side of the fireplace, and was somewhat in shadow.
The young lady made 110 reply, livery particle of color had faded from her cheeks, and she was breathing heavily.
44
tlf
recognizes her!" whispered Miss
hope vou came to see me, Mr. Ilar-
441
am very glad to find you are not seriously hurt, my child," said Ilarley, commanding his voice with difficulty.
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Oh no It is nothing, and everybody has been so kind to ine that I am almost glad I was hurt."
She looked aflfectionately at tbe lady sicSo
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You would come, I know^ just as soon as you heard of it I" she said "and to think I—you walked all tbe way in tho snow! with your thin shoes I—how good to me you are!"
The Lady of the Snow made no reply. She seemed to have fallen into a sort of stupor. She bad never ouce looked at Harley after the first frightened glance, which had been followed by a sudden catching of her breath, as though she were about to faint. She now sat, holding Fanny's hand mechanically, her eyes fixed "upon the bed, her color coming and going. "Well, well!" said Mm. Bland, who had mado out a part of Fanny's words, "we certainly ought to bo good to you, my dear—you are liko a little snowdrop—and you know the Bible says we sometimes entertain angels unawares 1 I think j*ou are quite a little angel, Fanny! Is she not, Mr. Ilarley? So you know Fanny? She and Mr. St. Leger are excellent friends—and this lady, who lives with her—she is devoted to her."
Miss Clementina had leaned back, and now, raising her fan so that it concealed her face, whimpered to Evelyn,
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Look at bun He is white as a shoet!—and look at her Yes," murmured Evelyn, who seemed to bo about to faint.
What do you think
Indeed," continued good Mrs. Bland, in her sweet, silvery voice, as she went on knitting, "I do not -wonQer that everybody lov6s you, Fanny, or that your ftriemta should walk through tha anow to see vou! How did the news reach your family OH yes—your father! Or was it you, Mr. Harley? Yoaknow denr Fanny, and no doubt you k^ow »tlils lady too—do you not "Lttfcen! listen!" whispered Miss CfemeriUna. "Does ho Imtm herf doe tlbut he will say!"
A dead Hilenco followed Mrs. Bland'a worda. jM Look at her
4Onceafriend,
44
44
441think
44
BOW.*"
^lss (Clementina rose unconsciously, master .left Huntsdon, and took posseaoxclaiming, aloud, slon of his estates in another part of the
She is going to faint!" I 1 She liastoned, as she spoke, toward the Lady of the Snow. But assistance came too late. Tke poor woman had let her head fall upon Fanny's hand then her thin figure wa« seen to droop, and before any one could reach her, she fell sideVrfse, like a wounded bird, on the floor at Mrs. Bland's feet.
The overstrained nerves, too cruelly taxed, had yielded. Giving away to what seemed overpowering agony, she had fainted.
Miss Clementina rushed for a j^lass of water, and it was Evelyn Bland, who, forgetting her own agony, reached tbe sufferer first, and raised her in her arms.
For an instant the two persons remained motionless in that attitude, tho poor, insensible Lady of the Snow lying with her pale face on Evelyn's bosom.
Harley and St. Leger rose instinctively and went toward the door. As ho went out, Harioy turned his eyes full of vague wonder. As ho did so, he met the eyes of Evelyn Bland, and that look haunted him afterwards. It was full ol scorn, indignation and wretchedness. One thought only was burning in the girl's breast—
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This is his wife!"
CHAPTER Lxrri.LI
AUGUSTA CHAN'DOS.
The two frionds mounted their horses, and set out slowly in the direction of Huntsdon.
Harley's face wore an expression of deep sadness, aud he rode on for more than a mile without speaking. Then he raised his head, and turning toward St. Leger, said:
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My dear friend, the scene through which we have just passed i-^dsmeto that avowal, in reference to my past life, which I have so often promised you, but have never before had the courage to make. Tho time has come at last. I can no longer refrain from speaking, without leaving on your mind an impression which is not very flattering to me. I do j'ou tho justice to believe that you would find it hard to think ill of me but there are limits even to friendship—appe,arances have their influence on the human mind in spite of everything. I have shrunk from telling you my history heretofore, for tho narrative will be a painful one to me. I can no longer shrink. Do you wish to hear it?"
The grave, sorrowful voice ceased. Ilarley rode on, looking with great sadness at the ground.
Yes! yes said St. Leger. "Do I wish to hear it? I swear to you, Harley, there is noshing in all the world I so long to know."
44
Well, well! yon shall hear my history, if only to have valid grounds for continuing to think well of me."
441
have never thought otherwise— never, so help me Heaveji! never, Harley
44
Thanks, friend! That encourages me a littlo."
44
Take any encouragement from tho statemopt that you desire, Harley. I am not one of those friends of the sunshine, who smile when the day is bright, an frown when it is overclouded. My motto is,
province.
44
always a friend.'
Tell me your life or not, just as you fancy. You will always be the old Justin Harioy to me—neither more nor less."
Again, thanks. We understand each other. Thero is nothing, St. Leger. that I hate as I hate mystery, and during our whole acquaintance I have been compelled to remain obstinately silent in regard to my youth. I have seen you, on at least a hundred occasions, look the surprise, and curiosity too, which you wero too well bred to express, and just as often I have felt the strongest desire to tell you all about myself, and rid myself of this melodramatic, theatrical surrounding of mystery—mvsterv! I say, again, thero is nothing I so detest! If thero is any trait in my character stronger than all tho rest, it is a passion for frankness and candor—to bo open and above board in everything, with no concealment whatever and yet my pride has withheld me from speaking frankly—has made me silent. I have conquered it nov—tho time has come— vou shall know all, and you certainly (leserve to know it. You have been admirably observant of all the rules of good society, and yet—shall I speak plainly?"
Without ceremony."
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Harlev stopped a moment, aeerrwing to recall his memories. Pie then went on —the horses still walking slowly.
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My story will uot detain yo* very long. My father, Henry Hailey, of Huntsdon, belonged to an old English family, and inherited from my grandfather a landed estnt» which gave him social prominence. He was also a very elegant person, and very fond of society —entertaining profusely at ."Huntsdon. Ho remained single until he had passed middle ago he then married a very beautiful person, a Mrs. Goutran, the widow of a French gentleman, said to be of noble family, who had died leaving an only sou. Mrs. (Joutran did not survive her second marriage more than a year or two. She died, and my lather remained a widower, with no one but himself and young Goutran in the Huntsdon house, until nearly five years afterwards. He then married Mi&s Hartright, who also died in ten or twelve years, leaving two children—my younger brother St. Ueorge and myself.
Well, I will pass as rapidly as possible over humdrum details, and come to thoso
events
whisper
ed the lady behind the fon, in spiteful triumph. "Is this woman, or is she not, Mrs. Harley?"
Evelyn mado no reply. A deadly chill seemed to na«s through her frame. She shook, and lookoct toward the poor Lady of the Snow and then at Harioy, with a sick land acornful gaze, full of indignation and despair.
reason
44
a r, -f 7/
You U133' call that, if you will," continued Harley,
4'tho
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Well, a month after my return, I hastened back, and began to pay my addresses to the young lady in duo form. There seemed no good reason why we should not make a match, as the phrase is, always provided I could procure tho consent of the young lady. She was an orphan, like myself—poor, almost alone in the world, with
BO
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You may call that, if you choose, chapter .second iu my biography!" said Harioy. The words- were uttered with the slightest possible bitterness but this expression quickly disappeared, and LIar:ey went on in the same calm, almost gentle tone which he had used from the beginning of his narrative.
I CHAPTER LXTV. """V i,FCTE AFFEXPKRIENCK.
441came
441am
44
tSl r.,,,
And yet you have been uriablo io rid your mind of suspicion. You have— /eared let me sav—that there was something discreditable in iny past life and you think also, perhaps, that I have wife now livi?ig—this poor woman
44
nothing—I suspect nothing!
I believe in your honor as I believe in mv own existence I" "That is Harry St. Leger speaking! But I rejoice that tho time has come when I have found the courage to speak plainly—when the remorse for a faiwaed crime has wholly disappeared, and I am almost happy again."
of my life which possess
greater interest You will see that these events were tragic—but let me narrate, instead of indulging in comment. Young Goutran was, from childhood, what called numvais sujet in France, and in England a headstrong boy. He was not exactly bad, for he had many good qualities,"being perfectly generous
441
first chapter in my
autobiography—all tho more as my father died almost immediately afterwards, and I found myself the'head of the family and owner of Huntsdon. You know our law of primogeniture— it is an unjust law—it gave me the whole estate as eldest son, and I assumed my responsibilities. I was young to occupy such a station,—only nineteen—but my guardian was pleased to say that I was old enough and had good judgment he therefore left mo in virtual control of everything, and my younger brother was committed to my guardianship. "Soon afterwards,"tho romance—tragedy—call it what you will—of my lilo began. I made a journey to some distance. I will not stop to explain everything and enter into every detail—was detained as tbe guest of a gentleman who had known"my father well, and at the house of this gentleman made the acquaintance of a young lady—I may as well give you her name—Augusta Chandos, a beauty, aud with the beauty I proceeded to fall in love. If I had time and the inclination, I would describe this young porson—you would understand then how natural my infatuation was. I will only say—you haveseen her to-night, and even that is unnecessary— that she was very beautiful, had in every movement of her person, every tone of her voice, and every expression of her face, a subtle fascination she drew me from the first momeht, and I returned to Huntsdon porfectly wild with love. I remember committing a thousand extravagances—walking my Chamber hour after hour at night, thinking of her, riding at full gallop mile after mile through tho woods and fields shouting aloud her name, carving her initials on trees in tho grounds at Huntsdon. I was half demented with love of her.
moralizing, you see, St. Loger
the truth is, I am trying to delay my statement of the events whieh followed my betrothal to Miss Chandos. The marriage was to tako place in six months. I was to return twice in every month. Tho distance was considerable, and proper attention to my affairs would not permit uio to visit the young lady mere fisjuently. I acquiesced rather unwillingly in so unnatural an arrangement, summoned all my resolution to mv aid, and stayed away tho entire first fortnight nearly. Hour after hour, however, fourteen days aftor leaving the young lady, 1 was with her again, at the liouso of her old guardian.
When I entered the room, I
KWW
that the vouug lady had a visit jr. His back was turned to me, but ho looked toward the door as I ca.mo in, and I recognized Goutran. "I afterwards ascertained that he had made her acquaintance in a very simple manner. A bachelor friend of his in tho neighborhood htul taken the lancy to marry, had kno*»ii Goutraii at collego, and, casting abomt him for groomsmen, had called upoa. Goutran bo had complied with the request, catne, was assigned as groomsman to MissChandof, (a friend of tho brid#,) he no-! their acquaintance.
When I came into the room, Goutran looked at me in a manner which I did not exactly like, but 1 was much too happy to resent iiaaglnarv insults, and held out my hand To my surprise, he did not take it, pretending not to see it. I think I must huvo greeted this proceeding with scttio hautew. I was a very proud perscw in thoso days, and offjred no further courtesies, except to nav in a stiff way th*t I hoped Mr. Goutran was well. To,this speech be Replied in a negligent manner that ho was perfectly well and then he went ou conversing with tho young lady, who, to my great astonishment, bestowed upon him, «vcn In my presenee, evidences of tho greatest enjoymeat of his society.
Goutran 3tayed all daj*, scarcely taking tho least notice of me. Ife was several years older than myself, had the air of considering this dillerence of age greater than it was, and, in a word, treated Q» as a grown man treats a boy —with manner indicating a consciousness of saporiority, almos of authority.
14
This, 1 confess, made me a littlo angry. Once or twice I nearly made up my mind to take him aside, and ask him it he intended his manner to. be offensive to me, but he gave ine no opportunity, remained at tho young lady aside all day, aud then took his departure, laughing in bis disagreeable way, and not so much as looking at me. You see, my dear St. Leger, I am going stead! lv through all tbe details of what is an old, commonplace, worn-out story, such as tho romance-writers, wheu tlicy aim to describe human life, naturally invent and put iH their books. I was in love with a young lady, and engaged to be married to her, and at thia uteres ting moment lover number 2 appears, turns bis back on myself, (lover number 1.) diverts the young lady's attention from myself, amuses her, flatters her. looks tenderly at her, and goes away, leaving
me
in a pat—not to say angry
iu monev matter., iml oven a strong "1 ended by Becoming angry, and friend where he conceived a liking. But this bad the result which any one exnehe quarrelled with everybody, and was rienced in feminine human natuie might unscrupulous where hw passioni were avo predicted It
concerned. He bad very soon grown I young lady friend said, panting, 'that iealoua. it seemed, of myself and mv she was not to look at any other gentlebrother Sainty, and did not conceal h& man. Was I an ogre? Would I cat her dislike of us. As he grew up, b» con- whan we were married Mr, Goutran ducted himself at Huntsdon—for what had certainly 'don® nothing at wh ^i I
it is impassible to aay—as eldest had the right to take oJfrnoe. And ion and prospective heir although he team lowed the poaUr.g P^ho** had inherited an ample property from 1 ceedod indignation—a
his mother, and was no favorite with'joct apologies from myself for my uumv father, who looked upon him, in- reasonable and absurd dbwatisJactiou deed, with Ill-concealed distaste. with the proceedings ol ^hanang?!—
Still he was treated as a son, and I {and so sunshine Wotted out the W»ck and mv younger brother were accustom-! cloud*, and summer weather came back, ed to look upon him as a brother. He When, after my- vA# 6f two days, durwent to college, and was cuapelled to ing which Goutran did uot again malto leave the place In oonsequeuce of some hi« aptx-araaw, I »et out to return to discreditable affair. He returned
VM
WON
very bard, tn
tender
fccene, al-
Huntsdon, my mind was perfectly at
upbraided by my father retorted with and I had n®t a doubt, a fear, qr insults, and, as ho was now his own! even any feeling of d.squie.
r&m* /.
I-A JB
"AJUs
went again attheendof the months and was received with tho fondest affoc-V tion. Goutran was not visible and it was only by accident that I heard from an old negro groom, my personal friend, as ho rubbed down my horse one morning, that Mr. Goutran had been twico to see the young lady during my absence. This, Icon loss, was far from agreeable intelligence, and my first impulso was to go and ask tho lady ff she had received visits from Mr. Goutran, and if so,-* why she had not mentioned the fact. felt, however, that I was angry, might
4Mr.
44
one to divert her
actions but an old guardian, who seemod very fond of me—ami as I was the possessor of a largo estate, no worldly obstacle stood in the way of our union. All that was wanting was the young lady's consent, and thia obstacle was soou overcome. I paid my addresses with ardor, offered my hswid, and was accepted.
4
use some expression or indicate somo suspicion which would not please my lady friend, and I refrained. It was only when I was about to leavo her again, and she soetned to have no feeling but oiie of the saddest regret at my going, that I asked her, with a forced smile, why she had not spoken of Mr. Goutran's visits. Sho colored deeply, and hor voice altered, as she replied:
Goutran? His visits? Sho had quite forgoCton them. Yes, ho certainly had been to seo her. Several other gentemen bad called. Had sho mentioned them? Well, it was possible that sho had dono so, omitting Mr. Goutran among tho number. Of course, it was tho merest accident. What did I mean Was I jealous of Mr. Goutran?'
44
A light laugh accompanied the question. siia added that I was
4a
goose—
tho very biggest goose sho had ever known. I really must learn to be less suspicious. There was nothing that alienated lovo liko jealousy,' with which consolation, and tho sound «f her light laujrh in my ears, I rode away.
My dear St. Leger," Harley went on, after stopping a moment, "do you thiuk that I derive any pleasure from telling you this story, from venting my spite on women, and indulging my oittorness? I assure you, if you thiuk that, you aro mistaken. Insioad of takiug pleasure in my narrative, I shrink from it. I prove that to you by abridging it as far as I can. I have aimed so far to show you how tho connection between Goutran and the young lady began, coutinued, and gradually assumed a moro serious character. When a lady conceals from her atlianced lover the visits of another person, there is something moro than the simplo visits that she conceals. Is it necessary to say that? Concealment of anything is a wrong to lovo, for suspicion follows and suspicion of one j*ou love has in it tho bitterness of death.
44
back to Huntsdon." continu
ed I-Iarlej\ "with the conviction that no man as happy as myself had ever before breathed the'broatb of life. LoA'e is, after all, the supreme joy of existence. What is liko without it? We do not live, I think, before we love.
Instead of prosing on, and giving 3'ou every detail, I shall proceed to tho result, and that as rapidly as possible. The visits of Goutran continued, as I ascertained, but always in my absence and when the young lady paid a visit to a friend in tho neighbourhood, ho was with her every day, aud all day, as I was duly informed by one of those excellent peoplo living in all communities, who see, hear, and report whatever causes pain. Iliad a moro disagreeable? scene than tho first with tho young lady, which resulted in an open quarrel nearly but a flood of tears followed, then protestations of devotion. All was forgotten. Siio trembled a little, and did not seem able to meet my eye buts-ho, fixed tho day for our marriago.
441
was punctual, I need scarcely toll'
1
you. My poor horse must have wondered on that journey why he was vo punished with the spur. I arrived, and my friend (tho old guardian) met mo at tho door, and informed me that Miss Cliandos had on that morning eloped with Goutran [TO BE CONTINUKD.]
JJIL LINOS' PRO VERBS. f? Error will slido thru a crack, while truth will get stuck iu a doorway.
There is this difference between ignorenee and error ignorenco is stone blind and error only moves to run against a pOst.
Tho two richest men new livin in Amerika that kno ov, is tho ono who has got the most money, and tho other who wants tho least and tho last one iz. the happiest ov the two.
Ho who tho good praize and the wicked liato, ought to be satisfied with his rcputashun.
There iz menny who wont know enything but what" thev can prove—this akounts for tho little they no. Most people hev found out somhow that they kant 'serve God and mammon' too and so they servo mammon.
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