The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-09-19
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1856.

This is not to be long story. 80 / must MOI
stay to analyrs the state Of my mind during
the interval that elapsed before Mr.. Lacy
return. A criminal awaiting q sure con-
demnation, and that approved by his OWE
aching conscience, would understand my
feelings.
The evening came on which we expected
him. Never had our drawing room worn .
more happy, home-liko character. my
father read the newspaper ut ease IN III
ample chair, my handsome, lively aunt con-
stantly interrupting him with irrelevant re-
marks. | sat near the tea table, for GER
tain hour had been fixed, and we waited ior
our guest before we began our favorite meal
held book to hide the changes OF my
oOuntenancs. Had doubtei my cousins
love before, l should have doubted IL no
longer how earnestly and searchinsly he
looked at mellow grave and sad heappcar-
cd.
The knock came. II was natural / should
start; but il wa, hard to smile naturally ut
my aunt's pleasant railery. Mr.. Lacy
came in. lie was one of those whose self
governed, sersnic manner precludes au'ter
or embarrasments in others. The gentle
friendlincss of his greeting reassured me for
the moment; under it L could hardly i'm
agine the strong, passionate current to s1-
ist that sometimes broke Its bounds.
The evening passed smoothly and pleas
antly to oil eIternals. Mr.. Lacy was very
grave, but then 1t was to be expected Of a
son who had just left his fathers death-bed;
and my aunt's animated tongue flled up the
intervals when conversation would have
tagged. Frank and sang together, at my
fathers request, for I feared to seem un-
willing; besides, 1t prccluded the necessity
of my .xerting myself to talk. Frank was
very serious, and I thought, averse to sing
ing with me but at the same time he had
never sung to moro advantage.
The ordeal was over at last. Mr.. Lacy
took his leave without anything in his man
ner to make me fear, or perhaps hope that
nv secret was discovered. A week passed +;
he was constantly with us, showing me the
same tenderness as ever, somewhat graver,
but certainly more gentle. He seemed, too,
to make point of seeking Franks society,
and spoke of him in high terms to my faith
er. oh, what q heavy heart carried dur
ing that period. Looking in my glass, l
thought with wonder of the change six
months can work in body and mind. AT
the end of these seven days, camc to q
resolution that nervcd me with something
like strength. thought / would sock d.
rect interview with Mr.. Lacy, tell him the
whole truth, and throw myself on his gen.
erosity. Let him release me from an en-
gagemcnt that became every hour moro in
tolerablc to contemplate, and would con-
sent to enter on no other. Let him but free
me, and would live unmarried forever
yes, though must take labor and poverty
as companions.
1t was the very evening of the day l had
come to this decision, that chanced to
meet Mr.. Lacy on the stairs, at the hour OF
hi, usual arrival. Here was tho desired OPP
portunity, but | trembled to avail myself Of
it. He forestalled me.
Give me quarter Of IN hour alone,
Mildred, in the library" he said. Il have
wished to have few private words with
you for days"
We went in (; he placed Inc in chair
near the Gre, and closed the door carefully,
then came up to me, standing before me as
he spoke.
"This day, six months ago, Mildred, !
made promise am going to redeem. II
you are not happy. ! said, will free you
from the engagement you made with me-
You ars not happy. | suspected the truth
from your letters when in Scotland-thosO
painful lctters-and saw it confirmed the
first night of my arrival. The expression
of your face, the tone of your voice, when
you spoke to your cousin, would have set
the strongest doubt at rest, killed the mcst
per.inacious hope" He paused q moment,
thon went on as calmly rs before. 81 nc
quit you of all blame, Mildred: 1t was l
tha. acted the unworthy part, taking un-
manly advantage Of my power to help your
father and your untired child's heart. III
were not now the only sufferer, 1 could
scarcely bear tho retrospect; but / am,
thank God As for your father, our fear'
magni6ed his danger ; the little help wa'
able to give has re-established his position
Us firmly as before. He will repay me; ysu
owe me nothing. Ihave had q wild dream
but am awake at lsst-awake enough Il
zee il was FOOLS idea that man like me
could win young girls heart.
He was calm no longer; but no turned
abruptly away to hide hisemotion.
"Mr. Lacy" I cried, striving to stiae the
conflict Of my love, al would fain do right
I have deep esteem for you-I"-
broke of. "Give me little time" I ad
ded, passionatsly, renewing the effort;
shall conquer this love Of mine-I will bs
come worthy Of you after all."
"Conquor the purest feelings Of q wo
mans heart! 0far yourself sacrifice tc
my sclfshness! No, no; Mildred, yours ],
the scaso. Of blesscdness-mine Is already
past. Presently I will come hack to you ir
my old character, and be able to say with
less difficulty than do to night, "God blcs'
you both" Twill kiss you for the las
time"
He claspcd me in his arms, and kiset
me, seemingly with more carnestness than