The Westerly echo, & Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1854-1858, 1856-08-14
WHOLE NUMBER PIG

cores, but her daughter Louise was en-
tirely different She was very beautiful,
had passionate love for birds, music
and flowers, and was gentle and retiring
in her manners. Leonard did not at
first like her; he pronounced her baby
ish, and called her bread and butter
miss l endeavored to conquer his
silly prejudices, and at length had tho
satisfaction of seeing that he no longer
disliked her.
Nearly year had passed away un-
marked by any incident.
L had been out one day for drive,
leaving Leonard, who had letters to
write, at home 1t was twilight when
returned; it was chilly, and without
taking off hat or shawl, [ entered a
library where glowed coal fire in the
CRATE, and where | supposed 1 Ishould
find Leonard. lie was not there, but
pen and paper were lying on his writing
desk, as if he had just risen. The door
that led into the conservatory was open,
and heard voices there. was about
to enter it when these words arrested
my attention and rivited me to the
spot
Louise, I love you better than my
own soul =
1t was Leonard's voice, and breath
lessly listened to the reply. She
spoke SO softly that l could not hear her
answer could only guess at it from
bis exclamation
Il know it all l have not forgotten
that | am betrothed to woman / do not
love, to whom I am bound by honor and
a solemn promise to my mother on her
death bed-all this l know, and yet,
Louise, in spite of it all, l love YOU
you loved her once ] heard her
murmur.
Never as I worship you Dearest
he replied, aud heard him utter words
of endearment.
1 could bear it no longer; stole to
my chamber, and in whirl Of conflict
ing emotions, flung myself on a couch.
| could think of nothing at first but my
agony l was again alone in the world,
unloved, deserted-I started up and
paced the floor.
Deserted, despised p I muttered
through my teeth No, never
My mind was made up; l carefully
arranged my toilet, forcing my trembling
fingers to perform their office, and then
slowly descended to the library.
opened the door, but spoke to servant
in the hall before entering, that might
give notice of my approach to Leonard
Louise, but it was unnecessary precau-
ton; he was alone and sitting at his
writing desk. walked in, and laid my
hand on his shoulder, with some gay re-
mark.
l have read of a Spartan lad who had
stolen a wolf, and concealed it under his
cloak, and while talking with some of
his superiors, the animal commenced
gnawing at his vitals he, to avoid the
disgrace of discovery, uttered not
groan, moved not muscle, till he fell
dead at his elders feet. | thought OF
this as l stood there smiling, while grief
was gnawing at my heart-strings.
Leonard was evidently agitated;
did not appear to observe it, but walked
near the fire, and threw myself into an
easy chair. After few moments silence
spoke,
Leonard said 1, do you think it
is right to marry without love p
He started and replied hurriedly,
why do you ask such question,
Eleanor ?
Because, have confession to make
to you. When we were betrotbed,
loved you u; but recently my feelings
have so changed that the very thought
of our marriage is abhorrent to me. Will
you release me, Leonard, and take the
regard of sister in place Of that once
promised you p
My voice did not falter as l said all
this, and Leonard was not only surpris-
ed but mortified 1t wounded his pride
to be told so calmly, that looked with
aversion on a union with him.
Eleanor he said, 1 would willingly
release you, since you wish it, but are