Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 2, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 8 July 1876 — Page 6

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JTCiiuA,

.THEiMAfL

A PAPER ,pdu.

NAK

PEOPLE.

l.'-i jr—

"ousowjfy

If I h0 known tn rh» mamlpZT How wearily all tbcNla y~

Still, the revelation of this night had proved a blessing. He could understated and appreciate her now and be could also see the ground on which he himself stood. No more would he havo t-o walk forward bjindly. A painful light was suddenly thrown across his path, and he saw that it led through louellness and gloom.

Dawning day found him still out in theopenau*. He felt as if he conki not* breathe within the walls of his chamber. So he sat down upon a bench and watched the darkness fade away, while the grey dawn erept slowly over slumberiug'Xature, aud.unsealed her eyes to look upah tho glory of the Ne\v Day.

Brighter grew the light »f morning. The golden sun roso majestically and HushtU tho east with a crimson glory, spreading his bright rays abroad over tho varied scenes of earth, and lighting them into a splendor and magnificence bevond the power of mortal to express.

Along tlnit» he sat there. The hum ol life rose all around him ere he rose and sought his chamber, though it was only for a change of dress, that his friend's might not see a mark of carelessnessjby -which his night vigil might be betrayed*

At tho breakfast hour he joined his fauiilv as usual. Little was said except about their return home. Ou«e Ellen reverted to Ora's departure and its cnuso, but ho quieted her.

Remember this is in confidence, Kilen, and should not be openly discussed. Nothing but a feeling of des peration could have driven ber to reveal ber wionjrs, and we ought not openly to osnvasa them. Think what yon will, —lnt it were better to say nothing

She accepted the reproof silently and «onveiKitloo turned upon other topics. Bv the way," *ai» Theodore, as he *ro«o from MM? table, "Have you any objections, any of you, to my remaining

Ibr the evening train?" "Why?" asked his father.

The wonta unkind Would trouble my mind I said when you •eat n\r*y,

k*4

1 hud been moi% careful, darling Nor given you abedk^pAlti But we vex»Kurowu*

1f.,,

With alootiuMtohc

,Ml"

Wo might 1*0Mar take back again. For though in the quiet ewnin*

You may glvemellre kissof .faaee,* Yet it ralglii be That never for me The pain of the heart slieuld cease. H#w many goforthalu4ike inorning

Tliat never comet»$nu|at night, And lic-arlw huve brul&n For harsh worths spolteniL

That sorrow can nrerM AVebavo careful thoughts for strangers' And smiles for the sometime gnest,

But oft for "our own" The bitter tone, Though we love "our owul. the best Ah! flps with the curve Impatient,

jl'T Ah iCrow \vi th tliht look of scorn, fvf 'Twer® a oruol fate, Were the night too late 3T|

To 114,(10 lho

6 V,

work of the morn,

.*•

"""J*

O A

THE LOST WIFE.

«.

HV BELLA Z. SPENCER, Author of Tried and True," etc.

e&n be had at The Mail office, or scut to any address for five cet^s a coi*y4

CHAPTER XXXIV, I'*

Back and forth "beneath the trees where he had stood with Ora, paced Theodore Raymond. Tire quiet stars taywonc looked seroneiy up« parol softly aronnu.

iyupon hira through tbo

iling foliage, aud a lovfi wind sighed But there was peaoe in neither for his troubled heart, lie had fatbotnod tho mystery at last! Had brought him happlnoss? 'Here knowledge had stabbod him with a stab keentor than the blow of an assassin, and he could not turn and resent it. It was his own work. He had wrung,from her in her desporation, tiiat which the proud lips for yearn' refused to utter. Poor •Ora. No need to be told that she had suffered. He could read a -whole history of woe in tho brief, passionate words that still rang in his oars. Her loOk ol

Inexpressible misery her passionate, trembling tones haunted him as a nightmare. .He felt as If he should never.be able to Danish them from his memory. id seen that evening the stranger's room, a hundred times in

uiieiu ie \M( rm Hroi

The picture he as she rushed fr rose up before

bRtor reproach, as his footsteps beat a slow ana regular measure to ids stern self-examination. The fair and beautiful lace of the woman as she stood in the doorway—the red lips wreathed in derision—her low, mocking laugh lloating through the corridor—Ora's choking fear as she sprang forward like a hunted deer—her white lips quivering—her blue eyes wild with agony And yet in that very moment he had confronted her In his ang"r mid resentment, and had insulted her with an accusation humiliating to her high and lofty principles lie could luive bitten his tongue to pieces for having uttered &nch words to her at that moment! Tho remembrance stung him till he ground bis heel into the earth in passionate selfreproach, and denounced himself a3 a fool and pitiful coward.

plans. It 4s oon-

»iKH^ with 1V4 mddeQ departure of 'Mr*. MerefiitU, and fatn anxious to stay over -day for my own satisfaction.

You will not 9 Whv. no. Hat It «com» y^*i take a grea: deti of i*»Wr»»t ill the matter." '•ludeflri «lr. M#. Meredith, bfWdfts Vwiiig^ kind, faithful friend to my ^'-.er, Is a lonely, suffering woman, and I would befriend her tu return for *11 she has done for us. She ueods H, 11 ivan knovrs."

How can da anftWng—^rhat ami you dot'' At^Mrs. *Uyid.

That dotcrnT1!* moth ." b? zriau-,1 yoti v«-«tti Yo ahsill kHMii vfhea 1 cm

b^r.

Iv. "I

liiiJX

go on -.r. I

«r«r. Y'ou will -nly A Mr a»td

!.s,

i^USd!,'

Jit-

yit

weYl t« ab

bi. lv ujon «ui I to ua« OMllPtiOllf* St-'-l: he* i-. her. .. «. .. .« of c« nv""j*'*' ef," n-'.'iiw hi ftiiher. v. -tay, do in, but be sure tj

Mi..

•r

Theodore lav them started,TiOd t\f*m dore, still urging the point. "You uifcy

olsurely. to see What «rn»pr»

remaining to see

whetherOra'srec«*aut K# allv coming for her rival. Only three came on the morning

He got into the same car, and took a seat near them. Thev still laughing and chatting gaily about everything hut nor. But never once did the sound of her name reached him. They had iguored her existence. Wrapped tip in themselves, they thought of nothing t)6Sid&.

At Albany he lost sight of them when they entered the boat, but ho had, seen enough. If dim resolves 'had jbeen struggling to shape themselves in his mind before, they faded now utterly. He could never expect to lind any geod in a man like that, and the thought of a reconciliation in winch he might interest himself, in case Ora had been deceived, made him laugh. Had she not declared she hated him? Well she might wero ho not an object too pitiful for so strong an emotion. He seemed, to his pntfjuoiced ey^s, only fit'for scorn and coii&mpfc.

Three or f*.uV d«rs nwd away aflter his return, ei-e oria iulrtlled he? promise. Then a note was put into his hands which'informed him of her retrent. $he had RfHizht a distant part of tho city, where she had fftfcen refuge for fow days until Rhe could And a situation, and it We wished to see: ber, ho wai at liberty to call at Hire time suited best to bis convenience.

Ho lo^t no tinao in availing himself of that permission, taking Ellen with hi:n to prove their continued friendship and interest, and to show* her how earnestly he meant to adhere to his promise,'independent of interested motives.

Thev found her looking pale and wan. Trouble was telling on her fast now. Her tones faltered painfully, and her hands shook In their grasp as she greeted ibcti. appeared *estlesr, ^aver1#IV shd hartfc wilU tteoughoufc the whole ivtervf^w. Their fears for her health v. ^re rouse.I at once, and he said dedlHfi/t

Bec«ttsA, »f not, I prefer to goln tonbrtiu I have some little things Jjvjant to do before I go." .«j cannot Imagine what yon hare found Just at thin time to detain you," remarked Mr. Raymond io thoughtful aurpr.se. "You wcru rwdy to gu je« terday.'' "So I w.n, fat her, bat last night's «vent hns my

Toh nto'tfrft- and must eorne home v'f^ns tHIyou'are strong ariin. This will never do. We must w.*? care of yon. It is fuiy right, ar^d v, will bearnO refusal."

5U..

arrived, and to en^^find out i^

train, v. In

Pwo were gentlemen, one a lad' oolvlng over the register he found their lamep: "A. Scott, and lady?" "K. Piercelie." Couldt|ia be *he man If

namep Picrcelle. so, he had assumed & mftneto cover his pi^sonoo. Tbo next thing, however, was to J^eerndn which ono of the newly arrived ^entlemfcfti bore the name, and direct his (^ttatiops. iuscjordingly.

A little while later, tbe clerk accosted hlm aa bepawed by ttyo ojflco. "Mr. Raymond, a gentleman has just been enquiring for

M!rt,

Meredith—did

she return with your femtty t" "No" She preceded them. Who is the gentleman T" he asked, fleellng asHOred ^iat he was on the right track, and tfejit it was Ora's recreant husband, truly* "Xel-Jf he was there under an assumed name, and seeking to conceal it from her, why inquire for Ws ^ife as soon as he arrivecf.' Some thought of mischief on the woman's part entered his inind, but scarcely had time to form itself into a definite shape.

rTf

His name is Pieroelie, and he if a stranger iust in," responded the clerki "I told hi in she was gone, and promised to got her address from you."

I do not know it," answered Theo* dore, quietly. "She is no longer in our family, having voluntarily withdrawn, iiince mv sister's recovery." "Then you cannot' give me thei^for. mation he desires?"

Of course not, since I do not myself know where she is gone." Then I will say as much to him, said the clerk, taking up hi* peti, and Theodore strayed about the oflne^for sometime, hoping he might come back to make further inquiry. Where wafe he now? Up staira, doubtless, with the woman he carao to see. "The witch has completely enthralled him, I suppose," he nnifcftared.

The day passed fruitlessly as regarded the success of Object. No further inquiries Were made, and the stranger was invisible. The time was fast approauhiflg when life must give over his watch, and he felt annoyod at not having s'eSn Mr. Pifcrcelie, that he might himself jtul^e of his character by his faco. He had a suspicion that -the worn art hnd been playing Off some trick on the poor wife, and might not havo uttered the truth—a suspicion the inquiry of the morning" tended -somewhat to encourage. Bat while he stood musing upon the matter, the light patter ot footsteps and little peals of laughter behind him, warned him of the siren's presenqe and ho looked around quickly.

She came forward habited for traveling, loaning upon the arm of gay, handsomely dressed young man, whose laugh mingled with hors. Theodorejs hot blood boiled as he saw him bend his head towards her with those wreathing smiles, as if fearing to lose a word or tone *jf her voice. Could Ora ever liatfe loved a man liko that? Surely, she must have been beside hersel", ora child who knew not what to aiccept, as worthy a true woman's devotion. He was one of the most insignificant of beings, having nothing but his dress to recommend him. His face was insipid—his drawling tonessilly and foppish. "OoiUd that man have been her husband—once loved and honored?"

Another lady and gentleman followed. "Mr. and Mrs. Scott," thought the young man as. they passed. A girlish, gBntle face, a slight figure and ladylike manners were distinguishable, while the .gentleman, a grave, dignified looking man, walked at her side thoughtfully, his eves roving about aimlessly over the little crowd. He had no eyealbr thorn, however. A passing glance satisfied h'.ni. The others engrossed all hi3 attention.

?-1"

Ellen joined hlrtt "but Ora shook her bead sadly. "I have no right to trespass upon yon. I should be an intruder, and feel

worse to remain here. I thank you, but cannot v»pt your kind offer." Ind'Hid von can, and must," asserted Ellrtn, positively. "We sliall all be glad to have you, and If you fall ill, which von look inclined to do,

will be your

little nurse." But how would your mother like tmch hasty arrangements," returned Ora, Striving to apeak UghiVv. "She would not thank me for usurping your time. I feel assured." tlHnk vou! She will feel de* PrM'-d to think

i• wbftt

t»ti r,

i..f A •'ore,

a'train.

am making some re-

yon

dkiloi' mo. )Do c»me

1 .w mpi 1 wilt take j." *nltyot!.l:»'i lit

Ilk-

rrf* *o .i"'r y--' e.' (B1W-

•eft r.? -f •«houk!

bis" V* -. Suj nvmgM

tir-r.

no*

ji( would be the sweetest

coa,ad ThorH i8 uo morw

peace Ibr nie he**/' Do not despair "A man like the one you called your husband, la not worth such sorrow aa you feel. He deserves only your contempt."

0*n"ot"de8p*air

thua," he

She looked up quickly, a crimson flush spreading over per palo face. "Why do ran say this to me?" she asked haughtily. *You are the last one to speak disparagingly of him.

have told them, that you may

be justified and "befriended.

And does not that thought comfort you?" said a voic6 near her. "Suraly it were enough to strengthen us in all the trials of life—that meeting beyohd this 'vale of tears' where there shall be no more sorrow!"

Sho looked up to find Thoodore Ray uiond by her side, bis hat raised rever entlv—his noble forehead bared aiid uplifted toward that heaven where his eyes seemed to seek a glimpse of that lahd he pictured. h, "Oh, Mr. Raymond! you bere?"sih'o faltered. "I did not know you w^re near. Yet I am glad," she added ass rose to her feet. "I wanted to speak about this—" pointing to tho head stone. "I atn so surprised and bewildered, I do not know what to think. Was it you who did it?"

He could not evade a positive answer even had he wished it so ho smiled quietly, and replied in his frank, earnest manner which was so winning:

Yes, it was I who did it, my friend. I know that it would be your wish to arrange somothing of this kind, anjrt I rightly judged that you weuld coino hero often. The day can.o homo I selected this and had tho lines cut in.it. To-day it was brought here by my order, and placed over tho grave. You inuat forgive me the libeHy, Mrs. Meredith. It has given me mtieh pleasure to do this in remembrance «»1' one ao d^ar to vou and I felt that uo tribute of- u? afcitudo on my part, for past Icind -iervicos from you, could be as acceptable as this." "But. this is to« kind. You lay under obligation for so much."

On tho contrary you must allow pie to say that it is I—and all doartOtne who are under obligation to you."

No, bo, bow can that be You have paid mo well for all I have been abU to do—niorothan paid me in kindness and regard. I foe I overwhelmed with this favor. Indeed, I wish you had not dtyje It!"'

Her look of distress was sincere ind Theodore hastened to say "Pray, pra' do not look upott it in tbe light of a favor. I have done it as I wonld havo done anything for Ellen which I thought would gratify hor."

She was not satisfied. He saw ill by her look, and divinod something of her feelings, She stood with the air of unotitalnty and bewilderment which had not left her since the discovery. It iyas a delicate matter to venture a reference to the past, else he would havo assured hMr of his sympathy apart from his Idve Ho would have told her to forget that he had ever mado tho declaration Of a warmer sentiment than mere friendship, and in trusting his truth and honor, allow him a friend's privileges.

But this he must not utter. He could onlv murmur a 6orrowfi«lf regret for having p&lnedher.

No, no it is not that, exactly. You have not pained ma—but I feel perplexed and embarrassed. I cannot lot you do sueh thing!* for m®. I could not accept gifts like this from you, and it will bo a long time ere I am able pay ferou what itooat,"

Pray, say no moft a boot It," pleaded Theodore pilnod beyond rteasope to fjind his effort to gratify her, met in $uch a manner'. He not thonght of tbo view she might take of it,, when ho o'" 'ed fh" impulse he had com' iivcJ, to ive ihniS, 'W?. added, "yoo wr r--rt MM? ,r,, trifla 1 expertde u. .'..-itv.t aati*iaotton« I wi

But you must givb u*

D7Tiz?T Y:rL!^Z-(JSTA-flFrI A ir-.:T^MT]

c«•

should

think some daUoacy of feeling: would seal your lips on such a subject. Do not mistake me, Mrs. Meredith. I speak only from personal observation, without any other motive than to comfort you. My family know the whole atfalr.

have

brought my sister to prove it to you, and assure you most solemnly I had no other thought."

His tones were so full of earnest and anxious meaning, Ellen was pulled to understand them. Ora, however, bow« ed silently, and nothing further was said on the subject. Tbey remained but a short time after this, and Ellon took an affectionate leave, saying she would come again very soon.

As soon as they were gone, Ora went her bonnet «iud

to hor room and pyt on cloak. Every day since her return, she had visited AdaTs grave, and she was going to it now. She had done little else than weep, and brood over her troubles, and half tho time it was upon tho little monad 4,hat oovered all sh0 loved on earth.

Drawing her veil over her face, she wended her way to the Cemetery sadly. The sextori held the gate open for her to pass In, turning to look after her as sho glided among the tombs to that little grave in the distant corner beneath the trees. She had made her last visit thb evening previous, aud had knelt down beside the simple stone, restiug her hot faco upon tho narrow block of mtf^bl^ that bore the ono sweot name.she mighjt yet utter without a sting of shamo. Now, in tho place of that little stone, wash handsome head piece, surrounded by ft wreath ot half-open bi^ and bearinj? upon tho side the form of an angel just lifting her snowy wings towards the heavens—its burthen the spirit of a little child. Clear, large letters standing out on the pure surface, gave tangible utterance to the cry of hor inmost soul: "My Lost Ada." Who had done this*? What friendly hand had placed it there, and hung over tho top a festoon of Natural Uowers? Her heart swelled and throbbed tumultously! There was but one porson who could have remeiiibered her dead. That was Theodore Raymond. What had prompted him to do this A simple desire to gratify h^r most sacred wishes in regard to her child.

Sho could scarcely think in her surprise, and sat down, bewildered and uncertain. "Oh, Ada! Yes. my lost darling," she cried, bending her faco to the green sod. "What have I left me now? Aiid yet," she added desperately, after a moment's pause, "I would not recall y}u —no—not fOr worlds. Even in rrty loneliness, I thank God that Ho litis spared you, my little blossom An angel of Heaven, thou wilt wait nie there, my baby At least there lis something to look forward to in the fliture! An hour when the grave shall receive me kindly, and we shall be re? united, never to part."

r-•.*!*? i'

ot. doflar of it, atvM' I than lying u-ielc-s or nhn-v, a ***$.' -u •», I

tusnk d, niv.oc 1dm h' oanu v. lui a

fall ill b*reI rtowiy .wn her k-.

r.tngors," said Tfi o- kind and thoughtful, I ou^t not toj

^%E5RRE HAUTE SATUR1AY- ^V^NING MAIL. i/ VI

pain you with such rebellious pride. Yet I cannot help it. Do not think me nnerateful."

Gathering shadow# were advancing, and fell over the sable robes that rustled so softly near him *ud as ho look-

retw^wl. «d into her sad Arte and feltthetremulous motion of the little bands be clasped, a longing impulse to draw tbe poor weary bead upon his breast, rose mfgbt-

weary bead upon ily in his heart. But he must choke itj down—give no utterance to the wish, even by a sigh. She was the wife of an^ other, and the tie, though false &nq cruel, was as bindinfi aa though she had been the loved and loving objeot Jhatj could make tlje union between them

erfeot. Must this last forever? Must always stand aloof, loving her with his soul, seeing her lonely, and wretched, and not permitted.to comfbrt her? See her toil, and not be able to relipve her of care? Passionate resentment against snob a life filled his soul. -He felt that he must speak out against it. I] overmastered every thought beside, and still clasping the tiny fingers, ho gave utterance to his feelings, in spite of the prudent resolves he had maintained up to this last moment. "Mrs. Meredith, you must let me speak to vou a moment, and forgive me if I wound you, I eannot bear to see you so lonely and forlorn—imposing upon yourself a sacrifice too great for the ennse that prompts it. Do you intend always to adhere tosuoh a course as you are pursuing Will you let one who is so unworthy of a single thought, poison your whole life and make it lonely and miserable I would not dare to ask it, had I not witnessed his faithlessness in the devotion with which he bont over your rival, and seegied to hang upon overy word. I am not saving this to bias you. It is only just. Why not free yourself—sever all this forever, and secure to yourself a peaceful future at last, untainted by the dread of his persecutions. ItIs your right.V

She looked at him wildly, with the startled ftlr ot one who had received an unexpected blow. "free myself," she repeated. "Do you mean apply (or a divorce

But if he seeks you. and claiming vou, harasses yohr life till it becomes burthen? Yoti could secure yourself from this. Can you hold thus intact the ties that bind you to a man you hate?" "Yes, sooner than break a vow utter ed over the dead body of one who was more than a father to mo—sooner than and before a public tribunal and claim justice of the world, while its cold, cruel eyes surveyed me in doubt—perhaps incredulity and scorn? Oh, I beg you, say no more. It is impossible for me to foilow your suggestions. I can .suffer as I have suffered—perhaps die in the effort to endure, but I cannot do what you ask1."

CHAPTER XXX"\

I -ii

!.U

4JV

said, half srailing:

The next day was stormy, and Ora was unable to go out. The wind sighed •drearily around, the. buildings, and the rain plashing against tho windows made her stkrt and shudder, when she remeinbeied how the storm was beating above ,a little head that had once lain so lovingly against her bosom. Each day as it passed, served to bring lenewed longings for that precious child whose release had been a blessing. Whilo lier judgment told her that it was far better that she should have been removed frdm a world of caTO, her poor heart, in its Solitude craved somothing to till tho Void mado by the crushing out of evury living hope.

She had lain silently upon the sOfa nearly all day long, too weak and indfisposed to stir, since there was no possibility of getting out. A little fire had been kindled in her grate, and sfent a bright glow through tho room, but its light showed a pale and wretched countenance reposing on the velvet oushion -rtbe brow contraoted, and tho line? of the mouth drawn tightly in an expression of weariness and suffering very pitiful to behold. "Ah! if th'e'end Should btitcome!" she moaned inwardly. How can I b£»r it longer? I would I could, die! Oh, Fathor, give mo rest?"

And even as she prayed the"end"^vas •'drawing nigh—the end of exWHuor oiroumstancen.

The tinkling of tho bell founded low, and sho got up to looli out. A o-'vr-rlage was drawn up before tho door, and sho could see that some one stood upon the steps waiting admittance. She could not distinguish tho person, however, for tho umbrella concealed him almost from view.

In a moment a knock eame upon jier door. "Some one for me," she thought. "Wh^can have come in this storm?"

It was Theodore, tfe sent up his card, a*nd begged to See Tier only l'r a moment. A sickening sensation came over her.

Tell hira he must excuse me," she said to tho servant. "I am not well and eannot 'ebtno down. Oh, why does he persist in torturing me?" she cried, throwing herself upon tho sofa atfain with her faco in tho pillows. "Can he not see that this life is killlrtg me?"

The servant came back almost lmhio-

He ways he is very anxious to

(»eo

yoa. It i« important. Ho has netww, and can't you him eortio up, it you

••17 JJH' HIM

are too ill eoine down?" f^he raised theifibyt de«pkir.' '•Say then that

She raised both lvmrfs and pressed leifi oywr her brow with gestureof

wish

will como dotorn.

Mary. What etui he have to say now? Oh,

might be loft lu pence, she

ejaculated passionately, as th© door eloatid on the girl. He was standing by the mantel as she oame in, his hat in hand, looking anxiouslv towards tho entrance of toe parlor. 'Com lag forward at once, ho hoi

bt fc hls hand and said feelingly I am so sorry you aro inuL«ios«i. I should not have dared to in!r:id^ upott you after hearing it, hat I bi ing

""'^ewsf tff what iiatiM? But wEyUbf^"we.it

need n»k No ta me noWi" "Yoti are too hasty. I th'n't it 4 ibttvn

•Id

Why i,:\ tell I

"Is it suelubad news

to know that tiavo discovered where you used u» live be(ore I knew you Do'you fcnnw'.jUf"8ue /altered.

Yes, all. You are a braye woman to bear all you hird to anflfer there, Mrs. Meredith.^ But yon

Jiavq long been jus

tified." Justified! did you say? Oh, Mr. Raymond, then thev at last believe in my ihtjoeerice!" ibe gasped, clasping h»r bui4v and looking up at bim aa he

)StyWla lone', long time.

They sought foU "VAlrtly for a considerable period Aftetr

yOtl left, knowing how

yOfl liaU befu'vronged. They are eager tot aasifre you 6( their good feeling." "flow did it all come about?" she tfskg&. vnP'Md

In t*i» way-. When Ellen was ill, I called in Dr. Clifton, and took him into my confidence. He attended her, and sinctf oui- return ahd an explanation ot affein as they now stand, has been to see us, To-day I met bim again, and .incidentally, in speaking of my sister, mentioned your name. Ho caught it instantly, arid questioned me ab tut you with great interest. Tbe whole story came out.in conversation, and I learned everything. When Guy Bartoni's villainy was revealed, they came to the conclusion that you had been aware of the faot, and that was the cause of bis attempts to injure you. Was it rot so

Yes. I learned by accident that he had a wife living before I came to New York. 1-Ie feared that I would expose him."

Which you should have done. That is tho only thing the doctor blames you for. He thinks you should have told them at once."

To have done that would have been to lay open to them many Incidents I

Ering

"Yes. Why-not? He is no more vour husband, except in name, than ff he had never seen you. He is heartless —n'oullea-t—'faithless. He Is a clog upon your a$ti9H$, and the dread of your existence. YPU wrong yourself in leading such ft life."*''• "A divorced Wife! I, a divorced wife!" She exclaimed, shudderingly. "O !, no! never, never! Anything but that! Wo were pledged over tho deat}. Till death

severs the tie that bound us, I

am his wifo still in name, if not in heart. It does not matter. Why should I wisSi the law to free me? While he lived could never marry another. There couldbe no other advantage in freedom. Nft* no. Do not speak of it."

referred not to relate, and I could not mysolftodo it. Besides, I was a stranger,unknown to them,while he was the betrothed of tbe daughter, and had every advantage on his side. What right had I to expect them to believe me against him He did not hesitate at falsehood and deceit when it served his purpose."

At a"ny rate, ho could scarcely havo made matters worse than they became in the end. You had a right to defend yourself."

Ora said nothing. There were things of which she might not speak to him, even in excuse. He continued: iliava some further news for you. When you are able, I am commissioned to bring you around to see poor little Agnes Montes, who lids since your departure teen fast fading away. She loved you better than auv one on earth, tho doctor says, and her whole cry is for you. I wanted to take you to-day." "Aggie! Is she then so ill? Ob, poor child—dear little friend. I will go to,her at once! She alone clung to me in my fir.rrow and distress! And all thin time she has never forgotten me Dear, dear Affiles!"

Sho was moved strongly now.

They were expecting ber, for Dr. Clifton had arranged with Theodore to bring her that day. Liua, much chang ed, but tt»,e same loving-hearted being as ever, met her with a warm embrace, and wept freely as she held her to her bosom. Tho Doctor held, both hands and looked down at her with sympathy "nd feeling shadowed forth in face and matiner.

Fortune still buffets you evidently," he said. "You are worn to a shadow. Welcome back to peace and rest."

She could not answer. Her heart was tdd full. Taefes and objects so familiar moved her beyond utterance, and she could only clasp the frieudly hand and givo vent to her feelings in tears. "Ob, how much we havo thought of you, haw much we havo wanted you," said Madeline as she led her into the chamber where Agnes lay. "This poor Child has been wild about you. We had to tell her that you were coming, to quiet her, for we knew the end was drawing near, and hor pitiful pleadings nearly bioke our heats. It was Providence that sent you back*to us." i" Oh, what a pitiful wreck!"

Ora's heart aoiied as she bent over the little form stretched upon tho bed, and felt tho feeble arms twine about her neck, as, a' glad cry broke from the child's lips. •.

A wreck indeed added Madeline almost bitterlv. "Oh, it seems almost incredible. Our whole household has changed You have heard the sad story —Guy dead, and by my brother's hand —that brother a lonely wanderer and e^ile from his native land. It has been vPrv hard to sustain lifb with all this misery to contend against. And now Aggie I oh, my poor child 1"

Sue lxwed her head upon tho nillows and sobbed. Long suffering had near-

ly worn away ht-r strength to endure patiently these successive trials. 1 hcodore left after a short conversation wUli Dr. Clifton, and then tho latter came up stairs.' Mutual explanations followed, and the evening drow on rapidly, ere they wore aware. Ora could uo to a very great change in every member of the fatnilv, now that she coUffl regard them more attentively. Sho had not been alone in hor sorrow. Others had felt the weight of ita heavy haud almost as keenly. Even wild, rattling Kate was quiet and subdued, her voting face shadowed with a thoughtvdung face ill 1 news that was saddening to see

Seated by Agnes, her hands clasping the frail little palms, sho told them her own sfory, ahd ll*terfed to all they had to tell her in return. They were not yetxione, when a summons to tea interrupted them, and they deferred the oonclusian till afterward.

Don't leave tne, please," pleaded Agnes ftthe summons oame. "It has b$en long to, wait, I can't havo you leave mo now. Let them bring Hup.

Yeh, do,"satd Madeline. "You look weak1 and ill yourself. I must go down with papa, but I wiU sond yours to yon. Tiy torest alittleu".

Ora suffered them to do as they wished. ttd remained. Ague:* dnew hpr. dbvrn to hor closely *t .4. L-oui Ob, I am so happy to havo you all to myself a moment^ she murrnurmaa rfcv ItbeYwedt out. "I wAti.d yon. trlli.y

hesH brdkeia longing. V- dr .*! kwow, how I 'kWfr.yc. r^M»

%'-11 ve.**,

I, '-''\V9 "avp me.

I t»ai **ji 1 V*!-e'ria-iVA, '«*d j) ean tnKhtc (W»V UiW *oi»,at«c."me.

i!: :.:oIed .. l:-t*".^Jto l€ I'attar.-, adeher s.it tl-.^n. we-»o«"*u«--l to l-are y»- wr You look as if I had struck you," he driven from me. I was a wicwud girl

tt'HI J'f*! *nt At. i-hif .-»'*,• h"-r iJn t. "No, IS-*T'1 not. You nvv, r- r',o savprocV I Ml 1

then. Oh, you can't imagine what black thoughts 1 have_had in «iy despised—I hated them all

No, not

heart! I for What

have.bad in them a

they had done But you dont feel so now, do you, ggie? That is wrong." "No, I don't feel so any more. I felt changed every way, after awhile. I got sorry for being su?b a trouble to thoso who were so kind to me, and tried to be good. Ii was hard t« do, but I did it as well as I could. Everybody had so much trouble I tried to forget mine and help them. Llna was,so sorrowful, and yet so patient with 'me when 1 was naughty, I was ashamed aud after awhile *1 grew to love her dearly. I think I love eyerybody now, and I did not like any one but you at one time. I wonder why it is so f"

It is because you have learnod to understand things better, and can appreciate the kindness and love of your friends," responded Ora, smoothing baok tbe black tresses from tbe child's pale brow. "Do you think, Agele, that you would like to leave them. You said just now you could could not get well. Are you afraid to die?"

a/raid,

Are 3'ou able to go to-day? Do not overrate your ability," said Theodore. Is sho dangerously ill

Yes, so I gathered from the doctor." Then I must no now. I will not think of myself. Wait Ibr mo. I will not keep yem long."

In a.short time she returned well wrapped up, and he placed her in the carriage, carefully striving to shield her frdm the rain, which was still falling. She could with difficulty realize the sudden changes she was constantly oxporioncing now—they followed so fast one upon another.

but I do want to die

now. I feel as it I would lovo to stay with you all, but it don't matter mucti. I atn not like other girls, and would never be happy like them.'!'

Why do you think so "Because I feel things so deeply. They hurt me so easily, and I am so easy to get angry and unhappy over things that do not go right as I want them. If I set my heart on an^ and could not have it—or do it, I shoul go wild. I think God knows what best for me, and that is the reason He taking me away."

ythmg should, hat i&s

He if

Was this a little child talking SO1 gravely and so earnestly, resigning nerself to the will of an over-ruling power without murmuring? Passing u-oui the dawn of oarthly existence into the mysteries ..r an unknown world fearlessly! What a beautiful lesson in the example the child was teaching as her young life ebbed away!

ing s^»

She talked to her till the others came up, partaking but lightly of tho supper brought her in the interval, and afterwards watching with them till late.

Before dawn Agnes grew weak, and continued so the following day. The night succeeding, her spirit passed quietly to that "unknown world," where so many Ora had loved had gone before, leaving nothing behind but tho frail casket which she clasped in her arms in a passionate buret of grief. One more tie was severod, never to bo united again on earth. £TO BE CONTINUED.] '"{v'

r-°f

IrO

BUYING A COW.

Deaoon Smith's wagon stoppe 1 ono morning before Widow Jones' dcor, and he gave the usual country sipn that ho wanted somebody iu tho hoivo by droptho reins and sitting double with

ping his

is elbows on his kneos. Out tripped the widow, lively as a cricket, with a tremendous black ribbon on ber snowwhite cap. "Good morning" was said on both sides, and the widow waited for what was further to be said.

Well, Ma'am Jones, perhaps you don't want to sell ono of your cows, now, for nothing, any way, do you?" "Well, there, Mister Smith, you coulcn't have spoken my mind better. A poor lone woman liko me dbes aot know what to da" with so many croturs, and should be glad totradoif we can fix it."

So they adjourned to the meadow. Deacon Smith looked at Itoan—then at the widow—at Brindle—thon at the widow—at the Uowning cow—then at the widow again—and so through the whole forty. The same call was made every day for a week, but the deacon could not decido which cow ho wanted. At length, on Saturday, when the Widow Jones was in a hurry to get through her baking for Sunday—and had "ever so much to do in the house," as all farmers' wives and widows have on Saturday—sho was a little impatient. Deacon Smith was as irresoluto as ever.

That 'ere Downing cow is a pretty fair cretur," said he, ''but"—lie stopped to glance at the widow's face, and then walked around her—not the widow—-buf the cow. "The Downing cow I knew beforo the late Mr. Jones bought her." Hero ho sighed at tho allusion to tho late Mr. Jones the s-i^hjed, and both looked at each other. It was a highly interesting moment,

Old Roan is a faithful old milch, and so is Brindle—but I have known better." Along stare succeeded his speech—the pause was getting awkward—and at last Mrs. Jonas broke out:

Law! Mr. Smith, if Fm tho cow you want, do say so

There was a wedding soon after.

THE BA NIC CIRCULA T10N. (From the Public.] By the wa/ of explanation of I ho rapid surrender of the bank circulation in March and April, and tho singular decrease since, it is said that the banks were at that titno particularly pressed, and were forced to .realize on their bonds. Doubtless this is truo In many instances. Whenever a bank *as pressed for toady money it could deposit with the Treasurer $00,000 in legal tenders, surrender circulation to that amount, withdraw $100,(HX) in bonds, seli thorn 1120,000, more or less, and renlizo ?:W,000 by the transaction. This view of tho cose ignores, however, tho facts that tbo banks generally found it imposslblo to loa.i safely ana profitably all the currency they had at command. From $50,000,0*0 to $100,000,000 have been lying idle many millions more hare been earning small interest. If tho banks as a whole had needed money the caso would have been different: in point of fact, millions were lying idle, for want of which, it Is supposed, over fG,000,o0'| of bonds were withdrawn aud sol| during tho month of March. So far as this explanation properly applies, it indicates that certaiu banks, not few in number, were in rtded, not or a temporary loan or to sustain customers, but to get rid of old account*, pay old debts, and settle up losing transactions. In short, in such cases tho retirement of circulation warrealiy a process otllquldatien.

THINGS WORTH KNOWING. A Wifb canaot be convicted for receive ing otolen goods when she received Uuwn from her husband. ..

An agent Is liable to his prfrtefpals fo loss cauf&d by hteml^tat#ments,thoug tihfntentionai.

A private person may obtain an injun' ^on to pr.-vont a pub!!" inisdi^ .. i'lti «»n witL, pi** 'i-- 'I iT -l

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