Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-06-02

in duly arrived and Of Frank must speak
the truth, even if | am accused Of wish 10
justify myself Every charm young man
could have, ] think he possessed say moth
ing Of his personal beauty, or his ingenious
graces Of manner. could have wiihstoud
these, though had very keen appreciation Of
them. But he was as full of dsiutercstcd ar.
dor in his profession as Mr. Lacy in his had
the same deep desire 10 be Of use in his gencr-
ation-the same unselfish plans and aspirations;
only he unlolded them with such winning
selfmistrust as if he doubted his worthianss
for the high vocation Of bcneyoence, until he
warmed into enthusiasm and then thopassiyeness
Of his speech, the very extravaganza Of his
youthful hopes, thrilled me with a power far
beyond the reasoned wisdom of Mr. Lacys en-
terprise. Oh | longed to Join hands with
him in his life-iourney, and lend my and to the
working out Of his Utopia, with spontaneous
fervor of desire never known before Lesser
things lent their aid. lie was fine musician,
aud an enthusiast in the art we were practis-
ing constantly together. lie taught me how to
play and sing the German compositions he had
introduced 10 ne. do not wish to dwell on
details but who does not know how subtle
medium of love and kindred pursuit and enjoy
ment Of music isl and Mr. Lacy had never car
ed for music. Then, again, he was my per-
petual companion at breakfast, his clear eyes
and welcoming voice opened the day ; and afier
its long hours Of delightful course, his hand
was the las, ! clasped at night. No attempt
was made to put any restraint upon this danger
Gus companionsbip. My father looked upon us
as brother and sister besides, the fact Of my
engagement was known, and he had the mos,
implicit confidence in his nephew's honor. Ha
never considered my danger yet it was the
greater. He might be strong but | was weak.
In short, loved Frank. A letter, announcing
the probable day of Mr. Lacys return, reused
me 10 a conviction of the truth carried il
up to my room, locked the door, and fell on nv
knees. What should do Should | keep
my secret, and sin against my own by marrying
one | did not love Surely that were the
worst crime of the two. What was left me,
then, but to wound a noble heart, belle nv
promise, inculpate my fatheTi 1t seemed
dreadful alternative. After hours Of agonized
casuistry, could not decide, bot determined to
leave the final issue to chance. Did Frank
love me! Strange that | took the fact for
granted, torturng myself with the idea of what
he would suder-he, with his young strong ca
pacity for sorrow This is not to be a long
story, so must not stay to analyze the state Of
mind during the interval that elapsed before Mr.
Lacy's return. A criminal awaiting a sure
condemnation, and that approved by his own
aching conscience, would understand my feel
ings The evening came on which we expect.
ed him. Never had our drawng-room worn
more happy home-like character. Ny father
rasd iha nasrsnaDer- at his atnols chair.
the tea-table. for a certain hour had been fixed,
and we waited for ouT gues, before We began
our fayoriie meal. held book to hide the
changes Of my counienance Had doubted
my cousins love before, | should have doubted
it no longer how earnestly aud searchinaly he
looked at mellow grave and sad he appeared!
The knock came. Ii was natural should
start; but it was hard 10 smile naturally at my
aunt's pleasant raillery Mr. Lacy came in
he was one of those whose selfgoyerned, Sc
rene manner precludes autier or embarrassment
in others. The gentle friendliness Of his greet
ing reassured me for the moment under il
could hardly imagine the strong passionate cur
rent to exist that sometimes broke its bounds
The evening passed smoothly and pleasantly to
all externals Mr. Lacy was very grave but
then it was to be expected Of a son who had
just left his fathers death-bed and my aunt's
animated tongue filled up the intervals when
conversation would have tagged. Frank and
sang together at my fathers request, for I
feared to seem unwilling besides, il precluded
the necessity of my exer,ing myself to talk
Frank was very serious, and. | ,hou.h, .verse
to sing with me but at the same time he had
never sung too more advantage. The ordeal
was over at last Mr. Lacy took his leave.
without anything in his manner to make me
fear, or perhaps hope, that my secret was dis
covered. week passed; he was constantly
with US, showing inc the same tenderness as
ever, somewhat graver, but as certainly more
gentle. He seemed, too. to make point of
seeking Franks society, and spoke of him in
high terms to my father Oh what heavt
heart carried during ,ha, period. Looking
in my glass, I thought with wonder of The
change six months can work in mind and hod,,