Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-06-04

have no idea how long had stood thus when Mr..
Benton approached me- and took my unresisting hand
Mr.. Kennedy" said he, with choking sound in his
throat knew of proper way for me to contribute
to the happiness of one whom I have loved as can
never love another except by doing pleasure to the
man whom she has honored with her love. thoughtit
would be pleasant to you to have portrait of your
wife, as she appeared in her bridal attire and at my
solicitation she has been here number of times to sit
for her picture Her friend Miss Stevens has been here
with her. and your servant had just passed from sight
when you came up with the package containing her
dress. II have done wrong forgive me but thought
it would make you all so happyr'
"Ashe closed these words uttered with honest emotion
every of which went like dagger to my heart,
found strength to lift my eyes to his. The big tears
hanging upon his eyeds and his face, in that
quisite light beautiful if it had been the face
of an angel We looked at one another moment and
then moved by common impulse threw ourselves into
anothers arms and cried like two babies"
90 my God Tom, that was the hardest thing that
ever happened to me. l was killed by mag.
nanimity too great for my mean head to fathom. l
seized him by the arm at last led him down stairs and
took the way to my own house. You know my i'm
pulses and you know could not stop until had made
clean breast of it. went straight to my house. kissed
Jane dozen times told the whole story, and made
myself ridiculous. Poor Jane! She was ashamed Of
me, and I do not think she has got over it yet"
And Benton suggested.
Benton remained and drank tea with U.S. in accord
ance with earnest Wishes and sent the picture home
the next day but he has not been here since doubt
whether he will ever come again. The fact is, your
friend Fred Kennedy never felt SO humble as he has
since that day, and have wondered how Jane who
knew us both WELL could have made the choice she did
between u.s."
$50 have l." I most emphaticaly responded
"Well now l am bothered to know what to do with
Benton He is too proud to receive any favors from
me- cannot offer him money cannot offer him any.
thing I'll tell you what I've been thinking about and
you shall tell me how it strikes you. You see what a
fellow am. shall tear myself all to pieces in few
years. and have brought myself to this. Before die,
I will make solemn request of Jane to marry Benton
for second husband"
At this moment Mrs. Fred Kennedy appeared, her
cheeks flushed to vermiion with the effect of the cold
evening air. did not wonder at the ennobling nfu.
ence of such pure beauty hers upon Beutons SEN
sitive mind Fred introduced me, and somehow we all
found ourselves before the portrait at once.
Give told Tom all about it," said Fred to his wife.
Mrs. Kennedy gave him look Of wonderful reproach,
and then said to me, in way which spoke volumes
" You know Fred"
Erred has become an humble man, and bids fair to put
off the day of Mr. Bentons happiness very indefinite
future Besides his family has been increased to that
degree that it would be doubtful whether the artist would
be willing to take the bereaved Mrs. Kennedy with the
ncumbrances.' Still, have no doubt that Fred's i'm
agnary sacrifice has served its purpose in restoring in
some degree his selfrespect.