The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-09-07
For the National Era
4VA IHu NdtLVu8I Eta.
H 0 llY-W 0 0 D .
BY ALICE CAREY.

house would never be astir. and with the first
indication of active life left my pillow, Ian
guild and wan, yet glad of change, and hoping
the day would result in something satisfactory,
one way or another.
Breakfast was delayed for an hour or more,
during which time | sat at the window, pre-.
tending, even to myself that | was enjoying
the book which held before INV face but'
whether or not saw the words, | received no
meaning from them. Rose grew out of pa
thence at first, and afterwards uneasy walking
up and down the hall, and listening and listen
ing for football in the direction of MIR. Rich
ards's chamber.
The clock struck ten.
| "Mercy on me!n exclaimed Rose, chow can
you sit there and read, as decomposed as if
everything was going like it ort to goa"
why, what is wrongs Has anything hap
81 don't know as there has, and don't
know as there haint. Maybe there is a man
dead in his bed, for all we know. His room is
| stiller than the grave, anyhow; and | am a
notion to bolt right into his room, and, if he is
awake, and secs me, why, it will be the more
shame to him; and if he is dead, why shan't
be ashamed; so Pll 60, that's what I'll do-Pn
go as straight as my feet will carry me, and I'll
rouse him up, if he is dead or alive, that's just
what will do, as true as live and breathe the
breath of life; just willn
1t required all this process seemingly, for
Rose to get up the requisite courage for the
daring venture she medtated for had not
contradicted her proposal, by word or look
Coffee getting cold, and everything, and
maybe he is dead, and everything" / heard
her repeating, as she disappeared up the stairs
In moment she returned, her face little
| relieved of its apprehensive expression.
Mr, Richards was too I'LL to rise | threR
down my book, and was at his side in q mo-
ment.
"How kind of you Mary" he said, as took
his hand, which was, or fsncied was, little
feverish.
bathed his face, brought toast and tea, soft
ened the pillows, and took to myself all the
blame for his conduct the previous night He
had been tired and sick, and exacting and
petulant; might have seen it; and so | strove,
with every tenderest care, to make amends.
| know not whether he was really i'll, or if
it were an apologetic pretence.
CHOW bright the world is this morning !" he
| said putting by the curtain " | wish we could
live here thus, always-one long, undisturbed
Sunday"
"What do vow mean ~
look of contasiop overspread his face but
he presently recovered himself, and answered.
al was only dreaming"
eBut what were you dreaming?" | asked.
"You see | am a jealous mistress and don't
want you even to have dreams of which | am
ignorant"
"Well, then, if you will tease me into it, |
| will tell you have been thinking of disposing
of this my present home, and returning to the
place from whence | came"
10 matter, darling" he said, taking my
hand in his, and folding it in reassuriDg way;
1T was before | saw you that proposed what
have told you Of"
"But why did you wish to go away at all
This place is so pretty and with your plans
carried out it will become an Eden"
alt has the Eve already, but fear the SER
pent. You don't understand"
"Non
"Well, my pretty Eve, but do you think
you will love me if | tell you"
Glove you less2 You don't know me. Moth
ing could detract from my love-my venera-
| ton, almost"
"Well, then, my sweet Eve, | fear being
driven from this, our paradise, by my creditors.
Your hand grows cold. knew | should reveal
this at my peril"
"No am glad Now l see how can be of
use to you there is something for me to do.
know how to economize, how to work"
"Bless you, Mary, and forgive me for doubt
ing yOu.o
"And is this all 2"
"No; had some connections which seemed
to draw me away
| Are they broken of!'
GThey shall be; but my Eve must not be too
curiOusn
felt reproved, and asked no further ques-
tons, though | was not quite satisfied.
Toward evening the Gun shone out warm,
and we walked out together-Mr. Richards
confdipg to me various plans which he should
execute during the coming summer, and list
ening and unfolding various ways and means
whereby small capital might be enlarged
could do great deal myself and l was
sure with effort and energy, we could soon
make the farm cur own; and then, how little
exertion would be required to supply all our
| needs.
we sat on the rude bench near tho grave of
little Harry, as we talked. The day was near
its close, and the shadows stretching toward
the opposite hills.
"See how green the woods are growing-it
is April to-day" said Mr.. Richards; to-mor
row we will begin in earnest"
"April," repeated; II had not thought of
it. That little flaw of snow seemed to put the
season back But it was not of the snow
was thinking IL was the close of the first Sun
day in April and had not, till then, thought
of nv engagement with DR.. Roberts.
turned my eyes toward the grove, where
had promised to meet him, but all looked cold
and solemn, and empty. A SILVER shook my
frame as | thought what | would have suffered
under similar circumstances, and what | had
carelessly inflicted upon him.
"You seem cold, my dear shall we not re-
turn ~
And Mr. Richards drew my arm within his,
and up the moist path, between sproutiDg flags
and budding llacs, we proceeded to the house
in silence both listening to our consciences.
We were about entering the parlor, when
Rose thrust her head out of the kitchen door,
and, with one finger on her lip, made gesture
of detention. We stood back o little when, with
a look of silent wisdom, she directed Mr.. Rich
ards to the door of the library, adding in whis-
per, under her hand, there is beau in there,
and he has been waiting this half hour to see
vou-all of trimble he was when he came;
he said he wished to see you on particular
business-but it's counting business"
9Who is it?n asked Mr.. Richards, In a tone
of displessure.
"Somebody that is a good deal younger and
a good deal better looking than you be- repli-
ed Rose; abut if you want to find out bad, you
, can 90 in and see, but you will be going where
nobody wants you-that's what your servant
thinks ~ and, curtsying with mock oivillty, she
retreated to her own dominion, as she called the
kitchen. :,
al was not aware of an engagement" said
. Mr.. Richards, retreating, | wish you very
! "Stop one moment" said; do not leave
!. me in anger o-but without a word or look
he was gone, and distinctly heard the turning
3 of the key in the door
The interview which l foresaw awaited me