True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-06-27

He looked like one far above even the i'm
putation of dishonor He had grown
more manly in the three years since our
last meeting. There was look Of forced
composure about the mouth, as of one who
had suffered deeply. The forehead had
two heavy lines across it, and his whole
air seemed that of one who had grown
weary of the world. Marion Illsley evi-
IDENTIFY loved him. True, her calm cheek
wore no deeper crimson when he address,
ed her. but her smile frightened, and
once | saw her bosom throb tumultuously
as he bent over and spoke to her in whis-
per.
If I had hated Marion Illsley less, l
should have been less afraid of treating
her unjustly. As it was, l formed my
resolution, with a stern sense of justice,
at once stoical and conscientious. She
loved him, thought, and heaven forbid
that I, her enemy, should dash the cup of
happiness from her lips. He would be
mine in heaven. She should have him on
earth. He should never see the marriage
certificate which had made my mothers
memory sacred thing. I resolved, and
my soul was at peace. He did not love
her. I, whom he had loved, could sec
that very clearly. He did not look into
her eyes, as in other days he had looked
into mine-not once did his face kindle
with the beaming smile, my lightcst word
had had power to summon. Yet, it was
evident, he thought her very fair to look
upon-he would take pride in her lowell
ness. l renounced him forever in this
world and there came to my soul a sweet
calmness, looking unto heaven, which
was worth the sacrifice. After that even
ing I saw them no more, but in six months
heard of their marriage. Ireceived the
news very calmly, and that night, with a
lighter struggle than I had fancied it
would cost, l bent my knee in prayer, for
Reginald Percy and-his wife
On my twenty-frst birthday I sat alone
in the drawing-room a. Hutchinson-house.
I wore the dress of simple black silk,
which was now my habitual costume, and
smiled, as 1 looked in the glass, at the
very quiet exterior "the old maid" had
learned to wear. My face was that Of
one who lived within herself; whose hopes
and wishes were not of this world. For
time watched the light and shade steal
through the latticed window and fall upon
my mothers picture How much young
er, how much fairer she looked, than the
child who gazed upon her. The bright
lips seemed parted, as if just about to
speak, and you could seem to see the
young-light on her brow, the joy-light in
her eye. "Such and so beautiful will she
smile on me in heaven" I murmured, as
gazed Then I drew from my bosom
another face. | always wore the locket
Reginald had hung about my neck, but il
was year since had suffered myself tc
look upon his features. opened it now
My heart was very calm. No rebelliou'
longings disturbed it; no tide of passion
agitated its tranquil waters. looked up
on his pictured face, with its happy, beam
ing smile, but as the semblance Of ont
whom should see in heaven. At tina
moment l heard step in the hall. 1
quickened my pulses, as I had not though
sound of earth ever could. The door open
ed, and Reginald Percy was on his knee
beside me. He drew me to his bosom
and kissed me as in other days. But
sprang from his arms.
"Reginald," I said, "cousin Reginald
is this right? You forget what is due t.
me, and still moro, what is due to anoth
er."
Gsa," he answered, with reproachfu
sadness, "could do this? Have I no
always respected you as fully as I hav
loved you? You tcld me l might seel
you here, when trouble came upon ME
and you would share it. / have come t
claim your promise. I have no wife p
els Marion dead? ?" l asked, turnin
pale and shuddering.
"Worse than that, lisa. Death woul
, have been mercy. lam divorced man
"Is that right, Reginald?'
"For one cause, yes! And l had sue
fearful, disgraceful cause, as l pray heay
en- may never come to your pure ears. Ist
i I have no right to ask you to marry d
vorced man, but oh, if you would but b