The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-07-05

the vivid remembrance OF lost happl-
ness started up, and weighed on her
heart like lead. She wept in anguish
and bitterness of spirit, and as she
raised her eyes to heaven, she for the
first time became aware that some one
was sitting beside her bed, and watch
ing tenderly over her troubled repose.
1t was Lydia, her eyes swollen with
CRYING, her countenance subdued by
sorrow. She lifted the burning hand
of the young sufferer TO her lips and
wept over it; they were tears of penl-
tence and regret. {
"Forgive me- oh! forgive~ she
sobbed out, "and let US love each other
again, as we used to do.'
Helen flung her arms around her
cousins neck, and laid her weary head
upon hehhOsom.
n have at length regained friend" /"
she said, land for the rest, thy will, oh
God not mine, be done! Teach me, |
implore thee, to bear thy chastening
meekly, and with thankful spirit"
Long did the two girls pray to Him
who alone could send an answer OF
peace, and the calmness she sought
once more cleaned upon Helen's open
brow as she returned the fond kiss OF
her anxious mother, and the affection
ate smile of her warm hearted uncle.
From that moment the name OF Sir
Henry Lawton became an unknown
sound, and his very remembrance at
length passed away from the minds OF
all save one, who secretly cherished it
in her heart of hearts She often longed
to speak of him to her dear mother-to
ask her if she thought he could have
obeyed his fathers mandate and forgot
ten her: but the words died away upon
her lips unuttered, and she continued
to suffer in accomplishing silence
Lydia. cured of her momentary thirst
for splendor, returned to her former
lover and her old habits. But her own
recovered happiness did not render her
foreetful of the wreck of her Cousins,
and she was continually forming little
plans and parties of pleasure, to wean
Helen from dwelling on the past, who
was too grateful for her kindness not TO
appear pleased and happy. And she
succeeded so well that even her watch
full mother was deceived. There is but
one to whom the secret mysteries OF the
human heart are known. and He re-
garded It's sorrows in love and mercy.
The following summer brought an
addition to their parties in the person OF
Mr.. Ackhurst, who came down to
l. for his health, and rented the
next house to that occupied by Mr..
Dalton. Helen met him first at the
residence of friend. and attracted by
something in the demeanor of the old
man, exerted herself to please and
amuse him; and in spite of his stern
and reserved manners she succeeded
She was glad to take his arm during
their evening walks, in preference TO
making that unlucky number, third,
where two of the parties happened TO
be lovers. And when his feeble steps
could no longer keep pace with the
buoyant activity of Frank and Lydia,
she would rest with him on rustic
seat, until the lovers felt inclined to
return. On one of these occasions
Helen had gathered profusion OF wild
flowers, and sat at his feet, wreathing
them into garlands, and listening to
his words and replying to his remarks
with the affection and attention of a
child.
''By the by" said Mr.. Ackhurst, alb
rnptly, al heard from dear young
friend of mine, yesterday-Sir Harry
Lawtonw
The flowers dropped from the trem-
bling hand of Helen, and looking up
she exclaimed in a tone of wild and
passionate tenderness
Tell me-is he we'll! Is he happyr'
But sadder thoughts succeeded this
burst of irrepressible emotion, and she
bent down in silence to collect the
scattered flowers, while her tears fell
on them like rain.
"Did you know him, then :" inquired
the old man, with keen glance.
"Yes-he visited the house where
was staying while in London"
"He is about to be marriedw
Helen rung her hands, but no excla-
nation escaped her trembling lips.
"A report to the same effect reached
me some time ago. continued Mr.
Ackhurst, either unmindful or uncon.
scious of the pain he was inficting
"but | believe that his father, Lord
Rivers, acted very i'll in that affair
sacrificing two young and fond hearts
at the alter of his accursed pride and
ambition"
Helen trembled at the vehemence
with which he spoke.
81 His lordship was not surely so much
to bIame," she said, in soothing tone
@He probably had higher and nobleI
views for his only son, which an alliance
with an unknown and portionless gir
would have frustrated or destroyed"
But did the girl love him 2" asked
| the old man.