The Cecil Whig., 1855-05-05
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The Hearts Ark Of Refuge
OR,
A GIRLS DIL LEM NJ NJ A.

the events that led to my present position.
Let not those stay to read, whose hearts have
grown too old to relish love story.
At eighteen, was one of the most thought
less of human beings. My widowed father,
a rich Merchant, had humorel every whim
from infancy, and asked nothing of me in re-
turn but light -hcartcdncss and affection.
No one could have known less than Of the
shadows and sorrows Of life, or have been
more chidishly occupied in the present. 1t
was the night of my first ball to which |
was to be introduced under the most ilatter-
ing auspices. ! was half wild with excite
mcnt, and the moment my toilet was COM
plctcd, flew down stairs to show myself to
my father, who was not going with me as at
first arranged, Being prevented, he said, by
sudden and unsurmountablc engagements.
Well I remember how impatiently ! burst
open the dining-room door, and with what
bound of elation | sprang towards the spot
where he stood, spreading out my beautiful
dress, and making before him sweeping
courtesy. | seem to hear now the soft rus
tie of lace and satin-to feel the glow that
burned on my checks, and the quick throb-
bings of my happy heart. had not at first
noticed, in my cagcrncSa that the table was
covered with papers, and that my father was
not alone. Mr.. Lacy, harister- t-law, his
friend and minc-for had known him from
my cralle-sat opposite to him, and second
glance showed me how grave and anxious
were the faces Of both.
What is the matter ?' asked, laying my
hand carelesSly on my fathers shoulder. He
looked at Inc fonlly til saw the tears brim
his eyes.
My darli,,s { ~ he said, in an abrupt, pas.
- .,n |
1t woal be cruel. Let her have mt least a
few more happy hours; She need net know
tonight. How will she bear it Z"
Mr.. Lacy looked increasingly grave. |
had become very grave too; my childish cX-
citcmcnt seemed to have given place to
sudden and almost wonanly seriousness,
1T is of no use hiding any ding from
me-" said, trying TO smile, though | trcm-
bled from head to foot in vague loreboding.
~ could not go to the ball now; tell me what
has happened" The expression of my faith
cr's face decpcncd to anguish: he put his
hands before it, as if the sight of me was too
painful to bear. | turned TO Mr.. Lacy.
.'Do you tell me !' implorcd. Mr. Lacy
fixed upon ne the fine searching eye whose
life hitherto, and kept up the scrutiny till !
touii DCdI ~ llD iieSl iiit Nii'l
as it was. l knct on a cushion before him,
and leaning my arms on his knees. in a lav-
orablc attituda, returned his gaze with
steady, though fearful one.
"Try me-, said; 'perhaps I am more
it cannot be SO dreadful YOU arc both alive
and well p
A peculiar expression passed over Mr..
I = hot thnr
TO draw me into his arms, or to push me
from him: he did neither, but rose up sud-
denly. putting me gently back, and took a
few turns through the room.
''llalford, he said presently, and in agi-
tatcd tones, "oncc more renew my offer.
OF what use is wealth like mine to lonely
mana With the help can give, you may
keep your credit, and breast this stori-., You
of vonr never being able to cancel Well |
will change places with you. Give me in
rcturn-that is, if | can win her to consent
your daughter as my Wife" My father
looked up with literal gasp of astonshmcnt.
Mr. Lacy went on without needing Inn. II
am fool. no doubt he said: but the time
has long gone by when Mildred was child
to me- For the last two years, have frlt,
woman; have fought against the insane
wish to win her for my wife: my age, my
past relations with her. seemed to make it IA
crime. Now | have spoken, God knows, as
much to save you from the disgrace You are
so ohstinatcly bent on meeting, and her from
the poverty that would crush her youth, as
to satisfy my own feelings. What she is to
me. words cannot say: how will guard and
love her. my life only could prove Com
stance what do you say z"
lie passed opposite ne and took my hand.
| was like one in dream. Love! Marriage.
Raised as had been at home, had specu
latcd less on these points than most girls of
my age. | had vague theories, indeed, gath
cred from poets and noyelists; and my feelings
for Mr.. Lacy, aman Of forty years Of age,
who had nurscd me a> an infant. and whom
! regarded with almost unlimited reverence
us one Of the best and wiscst of the race, did
not seem to correspond with them. was
unworthy of the honor-incapablc of fulfilling
the office Of wife to such man. Wile!--it
seemed almost blasphemous to mention the
word to such a child as | was. ! shrank
back from him towards my father, my
checks burning, and MY eyes full Of tears.
"lou refuse me, Constance !' said he.
Il should he william to take advantage of
my position, and urge you. Yet in my heart.
| believe could make you happy; what
would you have but youth that could not
give you? There are many chances against
you ever being offered again strong, honest,
undivided heart like mine. No young man
could love as do. Constance, what you
might he to me !"
The strange tone of passionate carnesncss
made my heart beat thick. | glanced at my
father; he was watching me with intense
anxiety; no need to question what his wishes
were. As for the meaning of this strange
scene, wanted no details; enough that some
monetary crisis had come, that threatened
disgrace and ruin. ! could avert it--and
how by marrying one whose affection
might have gratiled the most ambitious
heart-onc Of the noblcst of mcn-onc low
ed, though perhaps not as he loved me. In
that hour of excitement. and in my undiscip-
lined mind, little was i prepared to weigh
remote possibilities and contingencies; De-
side, ] was ardent, excitable, apt to mistake
impulse for sentiment. "Constance, what
you might be to me!'' wrought upon my
senSihility; hiseXprcssion of subdued emotion
| still further moved INC. 1t never occurred to
me, to demand time for explanation and re-
Election. left constrained to answer him
then and there. T
"lfl were less a child" / said, blushing
| and trcmblng-"if were moro your euual