Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-11-22

is"
And rs she took il, she met the
searching eye of Mr.. St. Lucas fixed
tcndcrly and steadily upon her. She
felt the burning blood ON her brow
What if he read her secret. But no
he shall not suspect it. And with
proud resolve, she read the letter that
told Of his engagement with beauti-
iul, nccompl ished, and wealthy south
ern lady, to whom he would be soon
united, and should Immediately return
to the North-read it word by word,
with apparently more pleasure than
agony. And then carelessly gathering
up her shawl to leave the room, said
"Then it seems, we are going to
have new sister And hope she will
be as good as she is lovely"
Mr.. st. Lucas gazed after her in
thoughtful melancholy. AT length he
remarked, with sigh -
"My sons choice has not fallen
where have ever hoped and prayed it
would. Did he search the wide world
through, he would not find one with all
the angel excellences of our own sweet
Lillias"
i
"But," replied Mrs. st. Lucas, sis
not Lillias our own already"
"True," answered the husband, de-
jectedly "but she may not always be.
She is but child now but her beauty,
her goodness, her gentle pure-hear'ed-
ness, will not always be left for U.S.
Can we spare herr"
"Oh, | never thought Of that" Mrs.
st. Lucas responded, half sadly. "But
between her and our son, presume,
never thought like this has passed.
Never one feeling but such as a brother
and sister know"
"Perhaps not" replied the other, al
lowing the conclusion, because he did
not wish his wife to think Otherwise
But he had read the start ofagony, and
the quivering lip Of Lillias, perchance,
Alright.
And Lillias in the loneliness Of her
own room was her bleeding, broken
heart barred to her God Oh, the mad
eening misery of that one night, when
the burning brain bent beneath this
bitter blow. And the scorching fever
I that confined her to her couch for
weeks, was laid to the charge Of over
exertion. But one there was that doubt
cd this yet kept the secret safe. Mr..
St. Lucas was the only one that did not
pray, oh, how earnestly, for her recov-
cry. lie felt-,fearcd that life was al
ready dead, and the future might be a
living death. This thought caused him
much pain. But perhaps he was wrong.
Mother and sister, and friends, watch
ed over the smitten girl with untiring
vigilance. And returning health was
hers. And, like pale and dropping
lilv, she went about her accustomed
tasks.
Ano. her letter from Luis. lie was
married and would be at home soon,
where he should stop some weeks, and
then visit some of the principal north
ern cities, ere he left for the eastern
continent. The bride dictated. Lillias
heard this announcement almost un-
moved. She had schooled her actions,
if not her feelings, to subjection. But
she could not keep back the pale blood
from her bIanched brow.
Miss St. Lucas is better, know"
remarked lady who had just stopped
in to make a morning call. 81 have
not seen her look so well for weeks. |
am glad to see some color coming again
into her face"
"Yet / fear it will be transient"
thought Mr.. St. Lucas, gazing afiec-
tionately on the fragile girl.
Lillias met his eye. She read its
anguage. Bidding smile of glad.
ness to her guarded lip, she answered
the visitor
Oh, yes | AM well now. l feel quite
well And have mighty motive for
exertion. Do you know my brother is
married, and VIC are anxiousl y awaiting
his return, when new and holy link
will he added to the household chain p
And this was uttered without tie least
embarr assment But her cheek was
paled to marble, and, fearing she
could not longer hide the feelings
flooding to her heart, she withdrew.
What had become Of The hermit Of