Litchfield enquirer., 1858-09-16

whole, the evening passed off pleasantly, and was never afraid to go again, especially as, when they found was not too proud to join in their sports they never attempted to drag me into any did not like.
 But chief among the pleasa mt memories of that evening was the kindness of Leander Holme. A pair of dark eyes haunted my thoughts for many day, and I never forgot the soothing impression of his calm voice and pleasant manner
 Leander Holme was the son of the only rich man in the neighborhood. He had been we'll educated, and that alone would have rendered him infinitely superior to those around him, even if his winning manner had not been that of a perfect gentleman-reGned, courteous and manly.
 Of course no one will wonder that became deeply in love with Leander Holme. His de- votion had never wavered from the first, and long before my first winter in my fathers home was passed, had promised to become his wife It would have been a dreary and miserable winter without his presence and his love, but with it, ah even now that long years have passed, l think of that, only recurring to that time, and never of the discomforts that had, in the fulness of my happiness, ceased to make me miserable.
 My father and his wife were all smiles and approval. But when towards spring, our en- gagement came to the knowledge of Leander's father, he at once announced his decided disap- probation. l heard that he asserted that he would never consent that his son should marry the daughter of lazy, dissipated man, and said that my city rearing was scarcely better preparation for the duties of mistress of Holme Place. than I should have received at the hands of that crawling, slatternly fathers wife
 Leander was firm, and talked of the future and patient waiting. But I felt that had been scorned, and my indignation was un- bounded. l wrote to my aunt, telling her all in no measured phrase, and begged her to send for me to live with her if possible. Her an swer was to come at once, and I departed much to the consternation of my father, and the illconcealed delight of his wife, who hated me more than ever since she heard of Col Holmes remark.
 left little note for Leander, who was ab- sent at the time, saying that the engagement had better end, and released him fully and n1l- conditionally, I wrote and sealed the note without hesitation or fatering, though it cost me severe pang to do Sd.
 l did not know until had been in my aunt's home week, and my letters in a package di- rected in Leanders hand, arrived without a line from him, how I hoped through all that he would rot consent to be released, but would still cling to me.
 But he, too, had his indignation was hurt that should have arranged for my de- parture without consulting him, and pained at the coldness of my note. So through the faults of others, and misunderstanding Of their own, two hearts that truly loved were severed. Alas that the story had so many counter parts
 My aunt's income had supported us, and had enabled us to sustain our place in the so- ciety to which we had been accustomed. It had been more than she anticipated when she had seLt me home to my father or she never would have exposed me to the trials 1 had passed.
 As time passed on, I had lovers as any pretty girl will, for if might believe my mir TOT and my friends, was not without attrac- tions, but none touched my heart
 Gu looking back can see that was always waiting, waiting for something that never came. Was it for Leander that waited? lift was, l never acknowledged it to myself but it was with terrible pang, dumb, but real sorrow, that served as an excuse for illness, it was so like it that heard after two or three years that he was married.
 My step-mother wrote to me this wedding news-dilating maliciously on the wealth and beauty of the bride, who had come from dis tant city to reside at Holme Place. Upon the planting and fencing, the painting, glazing and beautifymg the old house, and upon the loads of beautiful furniture which the brides father had sent to refurnish the old rooms.
 l answered very calmly that Leander Holme was worthy the hand of any lady, and bade her congratulate him in my name, if she saw him hoping thus, believe to dsarm her suspicion and convince him that 1 had forgotten my love for him.
 l went more into society after this, and it was remarked that 1 was gayer than I had formerly been. 1 was not aware of it-I only knew was striving to forget. I had no other object in life now. The years seemed very long and weary. Society did not satisfy me, and I came to be looked upon as coqnette, when, one after another rejected the suitor whom my gaiety and briliancy brought to my feet. became restlessly unhappy, with craving for some object for thought and duty that would not find satisfaction in the life led
 At that time my aunt had severe illness, and the new cares which then devolved upon me were very good for me. From this illness she never fully recovered, and for two or three years before death came to relieve her from suffering, and while was busily occupied in mnstering to hercomfort, grew more patient. By-and-hy was alone. laid her who had been all that mother could have been to me for many years in the grave, and was left without care or duty. My means were now ample, for my aunt had bequeated her proper ty to me, and except a tender sorrow for the dead, should have been very happy. But l was not.
 I brought one of my little sisters to live with me, very glad to receive her from such a