American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-04-24
From The LADIES' National Magazine.]
T II Z r T II d A Y PR f s f n T

CONCLUDED
Who could it possibly be-" SAID one of then.
81 cannot tell was the reply, "but suspect
1t was some rustic maid intended to perform a
part of some pageant. One thing do know,
however, she was the loveliest creature ever
beheld, and what more than anything enhanc-
ed the effect Of her charms, was the air oftim-
ldity with which she hastencd through the Park,
afraid, no doubt, that she should be discovered
and brought back to enact the part assigned
her. :"
"Why did you not keep your eye on herr"
endured the other voice.
81 did as long as | was able, but thcket of
evergreens hid her from view, and Just as had
made up my mind to 60 in pursuit OF her my
presence was required elsewhere"
"What if she has hid herself in this paw
hon;"
81 dc not think she has, for her course was
in different direction at the time lost sight
Of her,"
eThere will, at least, be no harm in look
n.y." said the other.
Anne when she heard this, ran TO the door
with the intention of making her escape, but
finding the persons so near as to render it I'M
possible, she attempted to conceal herself behind
the arras. Before she had time to effect her
purpose one of them had entered the pavilion.
demeanor showed that he was by no means ig-
norant of the advantages bestowed Oh him by
nature.
''By the mass, it is she," he exclaimed, "and
kiss, my pretty maiden, is only reasonable
reward for discovering your retreat"
AS he spoke, he fastened to the spot where
she Stood with the evident intention of claim
ing the reward he considered SO reasonable
She did not speak, for her eyes were riveted on
his companion who, at that moment, appeared
at the door, but she motioned with her hand to
repel his approach with an air Of dignity and
decision which could not have been outdone by
Queen Elizabeth herself 1t was Philip How
ard, her husband, whose footsteps pressed so
closely upon his who stood before her in mute
establishment at himself for being awed by one
whom he imagined only humble village maid
en- dressed in robes Of splendor that she might
sustain her part in the pageant. At sight of
Howard her face grew pale as death, but the
color which had SO suddenly receded rushed
quickly back, for the moment she had time for
thought she recollected she was to him an utter
stranger. Determined that neither word nor
action should betray to him who she was, with
an effort as if struggling for life, she succeeded
in crushing down her rising emotions, and by
the time he was fairly before her there was no
trembling of limbs, no quivering of nerves
nothing except the crimson spot that burnt on
either cheek, and slight compression of her
lips as if she feared some imprudent word or
exclamation might nvountarily escape them
Howard who attributed her appear ance to fear
and resentment, occasoned by the freedom of
the person with him, fastened to assure her
that she might consider herself perfectly safe,
as neither of them we're SO lost to honor as to
presume upon her unprotected situation.
Certainly not" said Towards companion,
81 find that was mistaken, and humbly beg
pardon for the pain unntentionally inflicted"
The words of Anne were choked in their ut
terance as she essayed to accord the requested
PARDON for though she could preserve the APP
pearance of calmness while silent, the mere eff
fort to speak was like breaking down the bar
rier that stays the rushing tide. She stopped
short, pressed her hands against her forehead
and burst into tears.
Lady" said Howard, and he dropped on
one knee as he spoke, 81 know not who you
are, nor will | ask, for vows are upon me which
would make the knowledge unavailing; but one
thing do know, that the unequalled loneliness
which Inow behold must ever retain place in
my memory, and would add in my heart
were it not all unworthy to enshrne the image
OF one whom l feel assured is as spotless as
beautiful"
tie then pressed the hem of her robe to his
lips, rose and linking his arm within that of his
companion, they left the pavilion together.
Stay" said Anne, for the words of Howard
had awakened the impulse to confess to him
who she was, but the noise of their receding
footsteps drowned the family uttered word.
After their departure she wept long, but not
those bitter tears she had been accustomed to
shed, for CLEAN of sunshine now broke from
the cloud which had SO long lowered over her.
Lost IN her own thoughts, she heard not the
distant sounds of revelry and song Time too
passed UNDECIDED, and she was unmindful that