The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1858-12-08

w nile was trying TO summon courage
to consult him on the subject of my flu
ture residence, he was suddenly called
way from home for some weeks. The
time of his absence was of bitterest trial
to me. aa G Ellis
One of his friends, o doctor E.,
often visited at the house, and entering
into Edwards feeling of pity for my for
lorn state, which as he perceived as clear
" as if he had been told it in words, he
often showed me little polite attentions.
They soon became to me the sunbeams
in my wintry weather. After Edward
left home, his friend still came. 1 felt
conscious, and joyful; but alas it was
not long before I saw change in his
manner towards me. He grew cold and
distant. I often saw him regarding me
curiously, with regretful expression, as
ftho suspicion of my uuworthiness were
beginning to take root. This grieved me
past telling.
He had bunch of pretty wild flow
ers in his hand one day when he came
the last blossoms of autumn. He had al
ways brought them for me before; but
now, when expected them, and was so
foolish as to look glad when l SAW them,
thinking that, after all, he was not turn :
ing from me, he gave them to Lettie with
an air that seemed 70 say, ''you need
not suppose they are for you."
I was SO weak and so overwhelmed
with shame, and grief, that for moment
l felt faint. [ sank down upon the So
ia, and Lettie famed me. Just then in
came Charles.
This actress is at her interesting trick
again !" he sneered. 'Don't waste your
time OH her. She will come to quick e.
nough, if you retire, and leave no one to
admire her airsr
al do think she is ILL., Charles, see her
poor white lips"
"Perhaps-but if DR.. E. had
not been here as witness, she would not
have tainted"
sprung up--my nerves stung to spas
modic effort--and ran for tho door,
Charles low laugh sounded in my ears
| reached my room, but fell again upon
the floor, where l quietly lay until felt
stronger.
knew that comments would be made
upon my sudden recovery. They would
say the sickness was all pretence. Dr.
E., hoped, would think so, yes
[ hoped it, for ifmy fainting was not a
counterfeit, what Interpretation must be
put upon it? Unsought love! This is
the crime woman fears most of all.
NY shame and misery were more than
[ could bear. I did not leave my room
again for week being quite feverish and
ill.,. But determined to be down on
Thanksgiving Day, when Edward was ex,
pected home; and when the day arrived
with all its hustle and preparation fol
guests and their reception. l was SC
much better that | dressed to be present
at dinner. When word was sent to my
room that dinner was served, FASTENED
down wondering that Edward should have
arrived without my knowing it,siLce had
spent most of the morning listening fol
him on the stairs. did not think that
they would have dinner without him, and
had to try hard to keep my joy, at the
idea of seeing him again, within proper
bounds.
AS Iquietly entered the dining room,
thought saw him standing, before a
picture, looking at it, and awaiting the
coming of the family. | was the only
one there beside himself. ventured to
lay my hand upon his shoulder, and say
rather TREMENDOUSLY, "Welcome home, my
only friendw 1t was the first time | ev-
err alluded my troubles to any one. lie
| turned | started at least three PAGES
from him. 1t was DR.. E.! His
height, and black hair or my own pre-
conceived fancy had r,lsled me. l was
too much startled and confused to observe
his manner when thus addressed, but l
remember that my hand was detained,
and that he vas about to speak when
/ the family and guests came hocking in
i ror.<the parlor.
When all were seated, Charles, who
sat in Edwards place said:
Edward should have been here; but
as the time Of the arrival of the cars has
passed, l suppose we shall not see him
until tomorrow tlr svssetsu 8
Great regret at his absence was express
ed by the others; but think nolone felt