Plymouth weekly banner. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1856, 1856-05-01

weakness as-,hat of the las, hour; he was
worthy of woman's love and honor. and
would give it. The next two months
passed in a state of tranquil happiness
If manly devotion, if the most delicate
and minute attentions could win heart,
mine would have been won; and thought
il was, and reposed on the idea.
Mr.. Lacy made no attempt to prevent
my plunge into the gay world, postponed
for while BY the late strange incidents.
Now and then he would 60 with me TO
ball or opera. but il was in the character
OF protector or spectator. not rs partici-
pant; and felt his presence restraint.
| was by no means coquette; strove
to bear always in mind that | was his
affianced wife; but was only eighteen.
ardent in temperament. with high animal
spirits. very much courted and admired.
and did enter with a keen zes, into the
pleasures Of life. His grave smile. in the
hight of my enjoyment, used to fall like
a weight on my heart.
lie himself. holding un important and
influential position in the world, was full
Of earnes, schemes Of practical benevo-
leuce, Of professional reform. He SEEM
ed TO think. labor. and write mainly with
an eye to other mems interests, ard those
in their highest and wildes. bearings
He liked to talk 10 me Of these things,
and excite my moral enthusiasm; and
while listened, he carried heart and
conviction with him. and felt a call to
such cooperation an honor. in which
sacrifice could have no part. Then his
look of intense affection and happiness.
as he kissed The cheek 10 which his words
had brought so deep a glow. stirred nv
soul. and lef, no doubt on my mind that
loved him.
AT the end Of two months, Mr.. Lacy
left me TO attend summons to his faith
er's deo tn bead. lie expressed no fears
as 10 the result of This separation, though
| perceived q deep secret anxiety. ]
shared it. / had morbid dread OF the
effect Of this absence.
Don't leave me- ! cried. cIinging
weeping TO his arm. Il nm afraid OF
myself-afraid of becoming unworthy of
you
How. Mildred7' was the answer. III
you mean you will forget me. or discover
you are mistaken in thinking you love
me, il will save US both q life misery
me, at least. lifelong remorse.'
For week or two after he left me, |
hardly went into society; but my father
and friends laughed at my playing the
widow. as they called it. and | soon re.
sumed my former gaieties with. however.
a certain restraint and moderation which
felt due to Mr.. Lacy
At length the temptation beset me OF
which / seemed TO have lad a vague pre-
sentiment from the first evening OF Mr..
Lacy's offer. and il beset me under its
most assiduous form. My fathers sister
and nephew came TO pay Us long talked.
Of visit; and even before they arrived,
had begun to torture myself with doubts
as TO the issue Of this intercourse. AS
children. Frank Ingram and had spen,
half our time together: and as children,
had pledged ourselves to each other. Five
years had passed since we had met, for he
had been studying medicine abroad; but
an unbroken, though scanty correspond
ence had always been kept up between
the families. Frank had been my ideal
as child. If found him so still--if
were TO love him.-if. when he came, he
brought with him tha, future about which
had dreamed-brought il in vsinl-
There was something morbid in this state
Of mind; but the idea had fastened upon
me, and could not shake it off. My
very self mistrust was snare.
My aunt and cousin duly arrived; and
of Frank must speak the truth. even II
am accused OF wish to justify myself
Every charm young man could have. ]
think he possessed. l say nothing of his
personal beauty. or his ingenious graces
Of manner. I could have withstood
these, though l had very keen appreci-
alton of them. Blu; he was as full Of
disinterested srdor in his profession as
Mr. Lacy in his; had the same deep de-
sire TO be Of use in his generation--the
same unselfish plans-and aspirations; on
ly he unfolded them with such q winning
self mistrust. as if he doubted his worth.
ness for the high vocation and benevo.
!ence. until he warmed into enthusiasm;
and then tho passion Of his speech, the
very extravseance of his youthful hopes.
thrilled me with power far beyond the
reasoned wisdom of Mr.. Lacy's enter
prises. Oh, longed to join hands with