The Cecil Whig., 1855-05-05

honor. lie never considered my danger, yet
it was the greater lie might be strong, but
was weak. In short l loved Frank.
y letter, announcing the probable day Of
Mr.. Lncy's return, reused me to a conviction
of the truth. carried it up to my room,
locked the door, and fell on my knees. What
should do? Should | keep my secro t. and
sin against my own soul by marrying one
did not love Surely that were the worst
crime of the two. What was lefG me. then,
hut to wound Il noble heart, belle my prom
Use, inculpatc my father! 1t seemed dread
full alternative. After hours of agonizing
casuistry, could not decide, but determined
to leave the final issue to chance. Did Frank
love me? Strange that I took that fact for
granted, torturing myself with the idea Of
what he would suffer --hc, with his young
strong capacity for sorrow. This is not to
be a long story, so | must not stay to analyze
the state of my mind during the interval that
elapsed before Mr.. Lacy's return. A Grim
inal awaiting sure condemnation, and that
approved by his own aching conscience,
would understand my feelings.
The evening came on which we expected
him. Never had our drawing room worn
more happy, home-like character. My father
read the newspaper at ease in his ample
chair; my handsome lively aunt perpctually
intcrrupting him with irrel cvant remarks.
sat near the tca-talc, for certain hour
had been fixed, and we waited for our guest
before we began our lavorite meal. | held
book, to hide the changes ofmy countcnance
Had doubted my cousins love before, I
should have doubted it no longer; how earn
cstly and searchingly he looked at mc--how
grave and sad he appeared.
The knock came. Ii was natural should
start; but it was hard to smile naturally at
my aunt's pleasant raiileiy. Mr.. Lacy came
in. lie was one ofthosc whose sell-govern-
Cd, serene manner precludcs tluttcr or en-
harrasSmcnt in others. The gentle fricndli-
ness Of his greeting rcassured me for the
moment; under il | could hardly imagine the
strong passionate current to exist that some
times blo'lc its bounds.
The evening passed smoothly and pleasant
ly to all oNtcinas. Mr.. Lacy was very grave,
but then it was to be expected Of son who
had just loft his fathers drath-bed: and my
aunt'S animated tongue filled up the inter
walls when conversation would have Tagged.
Frank and sang together at my fathers re-
quest, for feared to appear unwilling; be-
sides, it precluded the necessity of my exert
ing myself to talk. Frank was very serious,
and, thought, verSe to sing with NE; but
at the same time he had never sung to more
advantage.
The ordeal was over at last. Mr.. Lacy
took his leave, without anything i'll his man
ncT to make me fear, or perhaps hope, that
my secret was discovered. A week passed;
he was constantly with us, showing me the
same tenderness as ever, somewhat graver,
but as certainly more gentle. lie seemed,
too, to make point Of seeking Franks So
ciety, and spoke of him in high terms to my
father Oh, what a heavy heart carried
during that period. Looking in my glass, |
thought with wonder of the change six months
can work in mind and body. At the end of
those seven days, | came to n resolution that
neryca me with something like strength. ]
thought would seek a direct interview with
Mr.. Lacy. tell him the whole truth, and
throw myself on his generosity. Let him
but release me from an engagement that be-
came every hour more intolcrablc to contcm
plate, and | would consent to enter on no
Other. Let him but free HE, and | would
live unmarried forcvcr-yea, though must
take labor and poverty as companions.
1t was the very evening of the day had
come to this decision, that Glanced to meet
Mr. Lacy on the stairs, at the hour Of his
usual arrival. Here was the desired oppor-
lunity, but trembled TO avail myself Of it.
lie foreatallcd me.
'Glye me a quarter Of an hour alone, y Con-
stance, in the Library" he said. Il have
wished TO have Il few private words with you
for days"
We went in: he placed me chair near the
FIRE, and closed the door carefully then came
up to me, standing before me as he spoke:
This day six months ago, Constance |
made promise | am going to redeem. If
you are not happy, | said, will free you
from the engagement you made with me-
ou are not happy. | suspected the truth
from your letter when away-thosc painful
/ saw it confirmed tho first
night of my arrival. The expression of yonr
face, the tone Of your voice, when you spoke
doubt at rest, killed the most pcrlinacous
on as calmly as before: Il acquit you of all
blame, Mildred: it was | that acted the un.
worthy part, taking unmanly advantages Of
my power to help your father and your UNI
tried .child's heart. If l were not now the
spcct; but / am, thank God! AS for your
'atiiSi oui iSalS IiuS Siiil4cu Ills uaIiScI, tlle
little help | was able to give, has re-estab-
lishcd his position as firmly as before. He
will repay me; you owe me nothing. | have
had wild dream, but am awake at last
awake enough to see it was fools idea that
a man like me could win q young girls
heart"
He was calm no longer; but he turned alb
ruptly away TO hide his emotion.
Mr. Lacy" cried, striving to stife the
conflict of my love, Il would fain do right.
have deep esteem for you-l"- broke
off. "Gvc me little time" I added, pas
renewing the effort: II shall con-
1ner this love of mlnc-I will become worthy
Of yon after all !"
Conquer the purest feelings ofa woman's
heart ! Ofer yooi'gtlf a sacrifice to my self
shncss No, no; Constance, yours is the
season of L.cssedncss-mine is already past.
Presently, will come back to you in my
Did character, and be able to say with less
difficulty than do tonight, God bless you
both.' | will kiss you for the last time"
lie claspcd me in his arms, and kissed me,
with more carnestncss than pas
sion, but it was the very depth of passion.
AS the door closed upon him. strange i'm
pulse seized me. | longed to call him back.
Was it true did not love him
| saw none of my family that evening. for
went at once to my room. What night
Of misery and conflict passed !
The next morning Frank came to my pri- |