Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-04-11

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| life that any of the short time allotted
her for acquiring an education, is mlsspent
in glancing through those abstruse sciences,
which only blunt and deaden her percep'
tive powers and at the same time have no
practical interest for her mind, or after life
Now a young man without education
like
"Mr. Warner, Miss Eastland !" Interrupt
ted Alice, introducing them. and laughing.
She continued-"this conversation was be-
coming quite too prosy for party, and l
supposed an introduction Of Mr.. Warner
would be as appropriate just then as any
time, so | will leave him to make Annals
acquaintance. And meantime, Mr.. Went
worth, claim the fulflment of your en-
gagement for promenade around this sa-
Hon."
Wentworth strolled away with the fair
Alice hanging on his arm, but his thoughts
fingered with Anna, and soon again he
sought her side, nor left it tilthe last save
himself, of the company had departed.
.s CHAPTER III.
"And snail we ever on some 1ulure uay
Meet but as strangers, or all carelessly aAI
Speak with calm words, then coldly turn away
Nor either feel one throb of sympathy2"
The winter was unusually gay in Rich
mond. Social festivals continued until e.
ven Alice began to wish for some variety
in their amusements, and to long for the
sweet Spring-time. She had found many
admirers, and some earnest suitors in the
giddy throng that surrounded her, but none
more assiduous and devoted in attentions
than the wealthy and gallant Mr.. Danvers.
Poor Warner had looked on with jealous
eye, until at last piqued beyond endurance
at the hattering encouragement Alice was
bestowing upon his rival, he ventured to
demonstrate with her. This, however, on
ly led to hasty words, and finally sander-
ing of the engagement which had, for more
than year, existed between them.
Anna, who believed them really attach
ed to each other, endeavored to effect
reconciliation, but her kindly efforts were
only haughtily repulsed by the spoiled
beauty. s .sdo-
Ernest Wentworth had become one of
the most frequent visitors at Mr.. Stanley's,
and although ever courteously attentive
to both the cousins, yet to close observer,
it was apparent that the place by Annals
side was somehow longest retained, or re-
lnquished with most reluctance. And An
na too felt, though perhaps without even
acknowledging it to herself-that morning
calls were less formal and evening parties
less wearying when Mr.. Wentworth was
present to give zest to the conversation
She was however beginning to tire of so
much frivolity and to long for the quiet of
her own sweet home, and The endearing
society of fond parents from whom she had
now been separated for months. Conse-
quently she was the more happy, one
morning on the reception of letter from
her father, expressing his intention of COM
ing to take her to Clifton thee nsuing week,
and began to make preparations for her de-
parture, with pleasure only impaired by o
sincere regret at parting with the many
kind friends she had found IN Richmond.
Mr.. Eastand arrived at the expected
time, but having TO return Immediately,
could only be prevailed upon to tarry sin
gle day with his brothers. family. During
the day many friends called to express their
regrets and say farewell to Armand yet
one who had been wont to call most fire.
quently-came not.
AS the evening wore on Anna often
caught herself casting an ANXIOUS glance
towards the door, and sometimes too, the
tel-tale color would suffuse her cheek,
while she could scarce suppress sigh OF
disappointment when greeting her success
sive visitors. The quick eye of Alice had
not failed to note her cousins restlessness,
and she not unfrequently made some laugh
ing allusion to the agitating effect Annals
adieux seemed TO produce. Then too she
would wonder if this one were not the last
to come, tantalizingly forbearing to express
surprise at ErEests temperance, al
though she felt confident that Anna was
wondering at it all the time.
1t had now become quite late-too late
for any more visitors to be expected, and
the family sat together awaiting Mr.. STAN
ley's return from his Office. He came at
length, and after chatting short time to-
gether it was prudentIy suggested that the
expectant travellers should retire to rest,
preparatory to the fatigues of the ensuing
day. As Mr.. Stanley was leaving the par
or, he suddenly drew letter from his
pocket, which he handed to Anna, remark
ing that he got it during the day at the post
office. She very quietly took it, and hur-
ried off to her own apartment to seek in
rest, and retirement, an opiate for her ex-
cited spirits. Curiosity however soon call
ed her attention to the letter, the direction
of which was in writing unknown
to her. Breaking the seal, she found to
her surprise that it was a communication
from Ernest. Wentworth to all appearance
written hastily-as if abruptly
"You will doubtless be surprised, Miss
Eastland, at this step on my part, but | am
prevented from calling in person to bid you
adieu-and it perhaps is well-for l feel
that it might requite more self-command
than could summon at such crisis.
~ may well believe, Miss Anna, that my
eagerness, in seeking your society," as my
too evident pleasure when in 1t, could not
have been altogether unmarked by your
ready perception. And you may form
some faint idea of my drear desolation, at
the thought of your leaving-so soon-and
for so long.
This may startle, yet do not, beg, let
it offend you until l offer its apology
When first | became aware of the extent
of happiness afforded by your presence
aye, of my absolute necessity for that pres
erce, Iresoved TO subdue at once such
if that were impossible, to
conceal it from every eye; feeling and
knowing that | was all unworthy, and even
in no worldly respect justifable IN asking
such a boon as a return of this sentiment