The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1856-02-13

at her side. She appeared utterly ur
conscious of his devotion, and by he
, manner effectually prevented his utter
, ing any expressions of affection. 81
longed to, yet dared not, learn his fate
{ and in alterations of hope and fea
passed his time.
At last he could not bear it any Ion
ger; he resolved to know the worst, ant
went one afternoon to see her, with tn
determination to offer his hand ant
heart. Fortune favored him; she wa
alone in the library, and he was shown
there at once. She was sitting with hel
head little turned aside as he entered
he saw the blood rush to her cheeks anc
her eyes sparkle, as she half started for
ward to meet him; then resuming hel
old stately manner, she received him
with dignity, and sunk into her seat
He had seen and hoped much from her
emotion.
/" Beatrice l'' he exclaimed, unable to
restrain himself, "thank God, see you
once more alone How have longed
for this opportunity Nay, Beatrice" !"
he said, as she was about to speak, (" you
must hear me. love you with my
whole heart and soul-with love such
as no other can offer you. Will you be
mine?"
She looked at him -coldly.
I" Mr.. Meredith has, doubtless, been
misinformed, /" she said !" my uncle is
wealthy, but am not his heiress."
!" Cruel as your words are I deserve
them,n he said, 4" for my dastardly con-
duct long ago. But hear me: I was
young, proud and poor; daily stung by
my poverty-cramped by it, struggling
vainly to overcome the obstacles it
placed in my way. just then my evil
genius threw Therese in my way. Her
evident patiality for me fattered me,
her wealth dazzled me, and in an un-
lucky moment I yielded to temptation,
and secured her and lost you. No SOON
er was it done than I regretted it. Even
then had you treated me less proudly,
less contemptuously, I would have re-
signed her and claimed you; but felt
you would have none of me, and blindly
I was led intoza marriage without love.
Enever ceased to love you, Beatrice;
even when my wife's arms were twined
round me, and her voice whispering ten
der words in my ear, your form would
glide between US, and I cursed the fate
that had taken you from me. But yet
1 was kind husband to Therese-so
she and all the world said. Ipaid her
all the attention due her. I gave her
all but my heart, and that was always
yours.
" At last she died, and left me all her
wealth. I was free, and instantly my
heart turned to you. I then sought for
you everywhere, and at last I have found
you.
"God be praised that you are poor,
so that may prove my disinterested at
tachment to you. I offer you my heart,
hand and fortune I offer you love
that has increased in fervor every year.
Be mine, my Beatrice-my wife"
He took her hand as he spoke; she
withdrew it instantly.
3" Louis Meredith" she said, I" give
you credit for your rare candor. Few
would confess that they sold themselves
for money; but how dare you offer me
the wages of your shame ?" Her eyes
flashed fire Never, sir, would I be-
come the wife of bastard, such as you
have declared yourself; you have your
answer"
She turned to leave the room, but he
prevented her.
Beatrice" he said, know you
well forgive you your cruel words,
for it is your pride that forbade you to
show any regret at our separation. In
your heart of hearts you love me even
now, when with bitter words in your
pride you send me from you. Your eyes
sparkled at my coming, Beatrice; your
heart pied for me when your resolute
will stilied its voice. Oh, do not, my
Beatrice, for such a hollow triumph,
prepare lifetime of misery for youself
and me-"
She drew up her tall figure to its full |
height.
eyes, Louis Meredith, I did love
you once" she said, "though blush to
own it. 1 loved you for what thought |
you were-a noble and true man. 1t
was the ideal, not the real man that !
loved. Thanks to you, you opened my
eyes-long since I ceased to love you.
And you could fatter yourself that you
had power to move me No, sir, your
coming could neither bring the blood to
my cheek, quicken my pulses. or make
my heart beat. I did start ut your en-
trance, but it was because expected
nomentarily the approach of him whom
{ do love with my whole heart--my afh-
anced husband-whose step I even hear
now approaching. Remain, if you
,hoose, and 1 will show you MAN, such
Is you must become ere you win the
heart of true woman. Forgive, me, if
{ have been too harsh, but learn this
esson, that he who sells himself for
money sinks below the level of a man,