True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-03-26

IeiuOOH u beS HcT1 Win Lue utLSILHIn1IIOh
to offer her his hand and heart. Fortune
favored him; she was alone in the library,
and he was shown there at once. She was
sitting with her head q little turned aside,
when he entered, but he saw the blood
rush to her cheeks; and her eyes sparkle as
she half started forward to meet him; then
rcsuming her oden stately manner, she re-
ceived him with dignity and sank into her
seat. He had seen and hoped much from
her emotion.
"Deutrice !" he exclaimed, unable to re-
strain himself, "thank Heaven, see you
once more alone, How I have longed for
this opportunity. Nay, Beatrice" he said
as she was about to speak, "you must hear
me. l love you with my whole heart and
soul-with love such as no other can Of
fer you. Will you be mIne!"
She looked at him coldy.
'Mr. Meredith has, doubtless, been
misinformed,' she said; my uncle is
wealthy, but am not his heress.'
Cruel as your words are, | deserve
rhem,' he said, for my dastardly conduct
long ago. But hear me; was young,
proud and poor; daily stung by my pow
erty-cramPed by it, struggling vanIy to
overcome the obstacles it placed in my
way. Just then, my evil genius threw
Theresc in my way. Her evident par
TALLY for lie aallercd me, and in All un-
lucky moment, yielded to temptation,
secured her, but lost you. No sooner
was it dons than l regretted it. Even
then had you treated me less proudly,
less contempluously, | would have re-
signed her and claimed you; but felt you
would have none Of ne, and blindIy
was led on 10 marriage without love.
never ceased to love you, Beatrice; even
when my wife's arms were twined round
me, and her voice whispered tender words
in my car, your form would glide between
us, and | cursed The fate that had taken
you frem me. Blu, yet was a kind hus-
band 10 Therese-so she and all the
world said. Ipaid her all the attention
due TO her. gave her all but my heart,
and that was always yours. At last she
died, and left me all her wealth. | was
free, and instantly my heart turned to you.
| then sought for you everywhere, and at
last | have found you. God be praised
that you are poor, so that may prove my
disinieresied attachment to you. offer
YOU my heart, hand and fortune. offer
you love that has increased in fervor
every year. Be mine, my Bealrice-m,y
wife"
He took her hand as he spoke; size
withdrew it Instantly.
Louis Meredith, she said, 4 give you
credit for rare candor. Few would con-
less that they sold themselves for money
but how dare you offer me the wages
Of your shame! Her eyes flashed fire !!
Never, sir, would become the wife of
a bastard such as you declare yourself;
you have your answer
She turned to leave The room but he
prevented her. Beatrice, he said, Il
Know you we'll! forgive you your cruel
words, for it was your pride forbade you
10 show any regret at our separation. In
your heart Of hearts you love me even
now, when with bitter words in youl
pride you send me from you. Your eyes
sparkled at my coming, Beatrice your
heart plead for me when your resolutt
will stilled its voice. Oh do not, m,
Beatrice, fol such hollow triumph, pre-
pare lifetime of misery for yourself an,
me-
She drew her tall figure TO lis full height
yes, Louis Meredith, did love yot
once she said, though blush to owl
it'll loved you for what l thought yol
were-a noble aud true man. II wa
the ideal. not the real man that I loved
Thanks to you, you opened my eyes
long since l ceased to love you. An,
you could falter Yourself that you ha,
powerto move me! No sir, your com
ing could neither bring the blood to m
cheek, quicken my pulses, or make m,
heart beat, ! did start at your entrance
but it was because expected momenlari
ly the entrance of him whom l do Low
with my whole heart-my afiianced bus
band-whose step ] hear even now ar
prcaching. Remain, il you choose, an
will show you a MAN such as you mus
become ere you winthe heart Of iru
woman. Forgive me, IL ! have been 10
harsh, but learn this lesson, ,hs. be VIII