The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-05-30

town that Estelc formed the acquaintance of
Lord Mcntressor. a Young nobleman but late
" accedcd to his titles ard estates, but al
ready known as man of the most hlgh-toned
moral and intellectual excellence. as a right
eous. as we'll as rising statesman, and as
one. vino. in the event of 4 change of minis
try. would be likely to till high official posi-
ton in His Majcsty's cabinet. Aside from
the glare of rank and wealth and power,
Charles Montrcssor was a glorious specimen
of the Creators workmanship. Above the av-
erage standard of height among his country
men, broad-shouldered and deep-chested, with
a noble head. and a face full of wisdom and
goodness. his appearance truly indicated the
warm bcncvclencc. clear intelligence. and
pure spirit of the man. His presence soon
inspired Estclle with faith that she had not
been able to feel in any other that approach
cd her. lie drew nearer to her than any 9TH
er had been permitted to come; he crossed
the magic circle of her isolation. and convers-
ed with her as no other had been allowed to
do. The world looked and said that the bcau-
tiful Stella had at last me; her master and
was conquered.
At this stage of affairs. the parliamentary
term being over. Sir Parke Morelc and his
family left London for HYDE Hall.
Lord Montressor asked and received per
mission to follow them. and in less than Q
month availcd himself of the privilege to ae
so. Thus it was in the home of her ances-
tors, after having obtained the cordial sane
ton of her parents. and believing himself sure
of the affections of their daughter, Lord Mon
lo,~ Il H.
lv E>tclle. and was to his profound astonish-
mcnt instantly and firmly rejected! In thus
rejecting his suit she wcpt long and bitterly,
praving his forgiveness. that the happiness
she had experienced and exhibited in his So
cictv should have BETRAYED him into making
this declaration. and bcsecchinS him never to
renew his suit but to leave and forget her.
There was something in the tone of her refu-
sal which confirmed and deepened his prev
Gus -that-:ven in rejecting him
she loved him. But with his high toned SEN
timcnts he would not in the least degree pre-
sumo upon that knowledge. Taking her hand
with dcfcrential tenderness. he said
Stella. 4 man never but once. in his whole
existence. loves woman as | love YOU. l
will not inquire the cause of the rejection,
which YOU have certainly right to make
without asst gninS any reason for the act.
And after having received this rcpulsr. may
not in honor distress YOU bv 4 renewal of my
suit. But this. in parting. ! must say to You
that. though 90 hence. | shall not 90 ont
of the reach of Your friends shall never at
dress another woman so if ever In the cour. e
of future weeks. or months. or wears. however
long. vol may think propr. to Review the de-
c!>:oa Of this evening. Stella. implore you to
let me knew Write but one word. Come
and will r"iurn Ia Ia: an unchanged heart
At your f:ct.
Est,lc WIS weeping too bitterly TO reply.
'Strlla. VIII You promise to do this.
Lord Mon:rc>>or. best and dearest friend
do not seek To bind Yourself to one who can
give vou nothing in rcturn. Try TO think O:
the melancholy girl that You have piticd and
loved-only as shadow that fell for mo.
ment across the sunshine of YOUR path. AM
then passed away forever and so forget
her"
"S;clla: l have pledged my honor never tc
renew this suit. unless vou reverse in nv IA
yor the sentence YOU have pronounced upon
it: bat. inspired by the deep and deathless
. Z.
| feel impelic,i 20 implore before leaving YOU
that in the event of 4 favorable change of sen
timc:lt or purpose towards me. vou will no,
hesitate 70 give me leave to return. Stella
viii you promise me 80 mach as that"
"Ncbr>t friend that have in the world
how via,,., would promise. lut ! must not,
Nontrc>>or. Were | to do SO. You would fee
hounu i" wait tL,' changes of my mood. and
50. for 4 most u.deseryins love. might miss
in some nohler wo.nans affections. the hap;i-
ness in store for YOU.
stella. Will You raise Your sweet. mourn
ful eyes to mine. one moment, that YOU max
rca'. niy SOL Will. sneak >"
l:~'cllc lifted her dark orbs TO meet The
clear. pure. hcnt with so much love ard can.
dor upon hers. and read the deep, unchang
ing truth of the constancy Of his scul as h.
said
"Stella. III the presence of the h,art-scarch
ing God who sees and hears me. assure Won
that shall never love another woman as
love YOU. and. therefore. Of course. can ne,r,
we'd another: so that whether YOU give mt
this slightest of hopes or not. am eQuall,
and forever bound. Now. will YOU promise
Stella? Remember. it is only to let me knew
IN case of 4 change in YOUR sentiments.
For IN instant. the light of an unu;tcrahl,
lovc and JOY broke on her beautiful. dark
face. and her smiling lips parted to speak
whci:-as if a sudden memory and warning
had Sriped her very heart-she uttered low
sharp cry. turned paler than before. and then
said
No. no. my Lord. Stella cannot ever
give you that. She is poorer than the poor
est. IN gifts TO YOU. She can only pray tha,
You may forget her and be happy"
lie looked profoundly disappointed and
troubled. But soon mastering his despond-
cncy he said hopefully-
We'll. dearest Stella. though Won REJECT me
witcout apparent reason. and refuse to give
me the slightest promise or the most di,tan,
hope. vet 1 r7'eM-should YOU in the long
future. change your purpose. and write to me
one word-'Come,' | will hasten to Law a,
your feet al unchanged heart, Good byc
God be with YOU = and raising her hand, he
bowed over il. pressed it to his lips. turned
s;;..;a! .c:: .c:: - roo.
Some moments after. Lady Norcllc. who
came to seek and congratulate her daughter
upon what she imagined to be the only possii-
bic result of the intcryicw-found Esteilc k-
my i'll swoon upon the floor. 1t was follow
cd by 4 long and terrible illness. terminating
IN ,ediously protracted convalescence. TIE
town season was at hand before Esteile VS.
able to re-enter society.
They went up to London. and once more
the :" star of beauty" arose upon its world.
And though the cloud upon her life settled
darker and heavier. day by day. she was more
followed. tiattcrcd and courtcd than before