The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-09-19

say how | will guard and love her, my
lie cnly could prove. Mildred, wha, Dc
you sayp
He paused opposite me, and took my
hand. was like one in a dream. Love
Marriage! Brought up as | had been al
home, had speculsted less on these point
than most girls Of my age. l had vague
theories, indeed, gathered from poets and
novelists and my feelings for MIR. Lacy, a
man Of forty yeais Of age, who had nursed
me as an infant, and whom ] regarded with
almos, unlimited reverence as one OF the
best and wise,, OF the race, did not seem
to correspond with them. Twas unworthy
Of the honor-incapable Of fulfilling tbs Of
fice OF wife TO such a man. Vile lit
seemed almost blasphemous 10 mention the
word to such child as was. shrank
back from him towards my father, my
checks burning, aud my eyes full Of tears.
"You refuse me, Mildred said he. 81
should be villain 10 take advantage Of my
position aud urge you. Yet in my heart ]
relieve could. make you happy: what
would you have but youth that could not
give you There are many chances against
your ever being offered again strong, hon
est heart like mine. No young man could
love as do. Mildred, wha, you might be
to me !"
The strange Tone Of passionate earnest
ness made my hear, bea, thick. glanced
at my father; be was watching me with in.
tense anxiety; no need 10 question wha, his
wishes were. As for the meaning Of this
strange scene, needed no details enough
that some monetary crisis had come, that
threatened disgrace and ruin. ! could
avert i,-and howl BY marrying one
whose affection Nigh, have graiified the
mos, ambitious heart-ons Of the uoblesi Of
men-one that ! loved, though perhaps no.
as he loved me. In that hour of excitement.
and in my undisciplined mind, little was
prepared to weigh remote possibilities AMI
contingencies; besides was ardent, eIcit-
able. apt 10 mistake impulse for sentiment.
Mildred, wha, you nigh, ee to mel
wrOush, upon my sensibiity his expression
Of subjued emotion still further moved me.
I, never occurred TO me to demand time for
explanation and reflection. felt constrsin-
ed to answer him then and there.
III were less child,' | siij. blushing
and trembling -'if were more your
equal
IL was enough; he drew near me, and
clasped me in his arms.
'Chilc = he said passiOnately my love
my wife y Then releasing me, and gazing
at me seriously: you give yourselfio me
willingly, Mildred: but will no, bind you.
Sir months hence will give You back your
iieedOm Il you are no, happy, and you will
find IL hard to deceive love like mine
My father rose and grasped his hand in
silence.
God oless yOu,' he said a, length; Il
would have borne much TO have secured
such protector for my child. Lave US,
Mildred, to arrange some matters that can.
no, be delayed even I'LL Tomorrow was
eager to obey. anu to be alone TO think and
I lefI the room without a backward glance.
That half hour had revolutionized my
whole being. Twas child no longer.
locked the bedroom door, 10 give way to all
the tumultuous emotion Of woman. Sued
for as wife engaged looked at myself
in the glass, and wondered that man like
Mr.. Lacy could love such a Young uniformed
creature as appeared. There was an in
coucrui,y in /, tina, struck me painfully
Still there was distinction in his regard
that fla,tered me {: | had a very high esteem
for him was wardinr of n calamity from
INV father loved no one else no doubt
should be YER, happy. Iat down on the
edge Of the bed, and leaned my hcad-littls
used to ache with such grave matters of re-
eectiou-upon NV hand. Unaccustomed 70
dream. n, that moment An involuntary
dream rose before INV Imagination In.
stead of this strange contract. tho wooinr
of n Vou,bful lover instead Of mere consen,
ON NV mart the dslieiou, bon.s tbs rich