Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-08-20

Piled" then how could 1 notice il? Did
she say by whom it was sent2"
"No, she did not, but seemed entirely
confident that it reached you, and said il
ought to nave been answered even if it
failed to give you satisfaction on the sub
ject Of which it treated. One thing is
certain, Henry-as long as she believes
you do, or can, entertain doubt of her
integrity, she will never consent to be your
wife, even if the refusal destroy her every
chance Of happiness. She freely confess
es her faults, and has bitterly repented of
them-it is the only atonemeut she can
make, and if still deemed unworthy of the
confidence of the just and good, she il too
proud to make further concessions, and
too independent to seek the countenance
and support of any one"
"There is some mistake, Ann, about that
letter, you may rely upon it. I do not
mean to say that she did not write it; but
it was never received by me, and for what
purpose it could have been withheld, am
at loss to know. Had Mrs. Meddler, or
Mr.. Estelle been here, at that time, could
readily believe it was intercepted; but, in
their absence, l can imagine no cause for
its miscarriage. With her misapprehen-
sion of the facts, Helen has just ground of
complaint against me, and I shall hasten
to apprise her of the mistake under which
she is laboring."
"You were sick, Henry, at the time the
letter must have been sent, and perhaps it
was laid aside until you were better, and
not knowing who it was from, was over
looked altogether"
ri thank you for the suggestion" he
replied; "and I will investigate the mat
ter forthwith. Perhaps my servant knows
something about it-indeed, he must have
been the bearier if it came during my
temporary illness"
at is not too late to notice it, said
Ann, sand hope you will do it, for am
exceedingly anxious that your suit shall
terminate favorably. You will never again
meet with such girl as Helen, I am sure
She possesses superior intellect, and her
intimate friends say she has an amiable
temper. There is something so lofty in
her character, as evinced by every word
and act that am wont to look up to her
as to being of superior order; and
aunt. Whitman says she is the most re-
markable woman, of her age, she has ever
known; and it is only in private that you
can learn what she really is"
~ ag'ee with you, Ann, that she is a
remark ible woman; and whenever I am
in her presence, she exerts an influence
over me for which can not account. My
frmest resolutions are dissipated like mist
before the sun, and am a. mere automa-
ton, moving as she wills. l have repeat
edly resolved that would never think of
again as partner for life, and thought
that nothing could alter my purpose; but
as soon as / met her, face to face, / became
an humble suitor-with what success you
already know"
"And did you observe her bearing, last
night, Henry? I trembled for her recep-
ton, on that her first appearance in the
ballroom; but my fears were dispelled
when 1 saw with what easy dignity she
deported herself towards the numerous
persons who sought her acquaintance
All of them had, no doubt, been preju-
diced against her by the reports in circu-
lation yet, when she made her appear
ance, instead of sneers and contemptuous
remarks, she excited universal admiration,
and there were few in that proud throng
of talent, beauty and wealth, who would
not have been fattered, could they have
attracted her especial notice"
"You have heard some romantic story,
my dear Ann" he said, smiling at her en-
thusiasm, "about her kindness to me when
1 was i'll, and, in retuH, you are ready to
make her an angel; but take care that you
are not blinded by partiality. Excess of
gratitude may make you the unconscious
instrument of my ruin"
"If you still doubt" she replied, "hon-
or demands that you discontinue your suit,
and that she be not deceived moment
longer, She loves you, / know, with all
the devotion of true woman's heart, and
believes that you love her--if you do not,
let her know it, and perhaps it is not yet
too late for her to transfer her affections
to another. Mr.. Hart is paying court to
her, and but for you, might succeed. He