The emigrant aid journal of Minnesota. [volume] (Nininger City, Minn. Terr. [i.e. Minn.]) 1856-1858, 1858-01-13

T (. Sophie's head was averted, and a suspicious moistur
~glistened in her eyes as Harry ceased speaking. All
why is it that We sometimes hold our highest happiness
so ightly-carrying it carelessly in our hands as though
it were but dross, and stalking it all upon an idle caprice
( When she turned her countenauce towards him again
the same mocking light was in her eyes, the same co
quettish smile wreathed her red lips.
Speaking Of ~heiresses,' said Sophie, there's Heller
Myrie, whose father is worth twice as much as mine
Perhaps you had better transfer your attentions to her
Mr.. Ainslee. The difference in our dowries would NJ
doubt be quite an inducement, and possibly she Nigh,
consider your case more seriously than l have DONE
like an insulted prince, Harry Ainslee stood up be
fore her-the hot, fiery, indignant blood dashing in
fierce torrent over his face-his arms crossed tightly
upon his breast, as if to keep his heart from bursting
with indignation-.his lips compressed and his dark eyes
flashing. Sophie, cruel Sophie You added one dror
his forbearance one little step further than you would
have dared, had you known his proud, sensitive nature
q Not till he was gonc-gone without one word Of ex
postulation, leaving only a grave goodbye and the
memory of his pale face to plead for him-did the
thoughtless girl awake to q realization of what she had
done. Then a quick, terrible fear shot through her
heart, and she would have given every curl on her brown
head to have had him beside her one short moment
longer. No
'Pshaw what am I afraid Of? He will be back
again within twenty-four hours, as importunate as ever,
she muttered to herself, as the street door closed after
him yet a sigh, that was half a sob, followed the words,
and could Harry have seen the beautiful pair of eyes
that watched him so eagerly as he went down the long
street, or the bright face that leaned away out through
the parted blinds, with such a wishful look, after he had
disappeared, it might have been his turn to triumph.
In spite of Sophie's prophecy, twenty-fours did not
bring back Harry. Days matured into weeks, and still
he did not come, nor in all that time did she see him.
And now she began to think herself quite a martyr, and
to act accordingly. In fact, she did as almost any hero
pale and interesting. Mamma began to suggest delica-
cies to tempt Sophie's palate-'the poor, dear child was
getting so thin = In vain that Sophie protested she had
no appetite.
In vain papa bought dainty gifts and piled up costly
dresses before his pet. A faint smile, or an distracted
thank you,' was his only recompense. If sister Kate
suggested that Harry's absence was in any manner con-
ringlety head with an air Of supreme Indifference, and
60 away and cry over it, hours at a time. Everybody
thought something was the matter with Sophie, Sophie
amongst the rest.
Her suspense and ~penitence became insupportable at
last. Sister Kate, who had come so near the true solu-
ton of the mystery, should know also said Sophie.
Perhaps she could advise her what to do, for to give
Harry up forever seemed every day more of an impossi-
bility.
'Wi1 you come into the garden with me, Kate p she
asked, in a trembling voice, Of her sister, one day, about
a month after her trouble with Harry. Il have some.
thing of Importance to tell YOU
go away, darling, and l will be with you in a few
moments replied Kate, casting a searching glance at
flushed cheeks and swollen eyes.
Running swiftly along the garden paths as if from
fear Of pursuit, Sophie turned aside into her favorite
and ainging herself down on the low seat, buried
her head among the cool, green vines, and gave herself
up to a paroxysm OF passionate grief. Soon she heard
steps approaching, and an arm was twined around her
waist, and a warm hand laid caressingly on her dropped
head.
'Oh, Kate, Kate she cried, in the agony of her re-
Il am perfectly wretched. You don't know
why, though You have come very near guessing two or
three times. Harry and l.
Here a convulsive sob interrupted her, and the hand
upon her head passed over her disordered curls with a
gentle, soothing motion.
Harry and I'-another Job quarreled two or three
weeks ago. 1 was wilful and rude, just as it is natural
for me to be, and he got angry. l don't think he is
going to forgive me, for he hasn't been here since
Sophie felt herself drawn in a closer embrace, and
was sure sister Kate pitied her.
Il wouldn't have owned it to any body if it hadn't
been just as it u.s. she continued, rubbing her little
hands into her eyes; but l think / love him al
most as we'll as I do you and father and mother
A kiss dropped on Sophie's glossy head, and tighter
was she held. She wondered that Kate was so silent,
still she kept her face hidden in the vines.
He asked me to be his wife, she continued-Easked
me as nobody else ever did-in such a manly way, that
be made me feel as though l ought to have been the one
to plead instead Of him. | could not bear that, and so
l answered him just as I should not. He thought it
was because he was poor and l was rich, and all the
time | was thinking l would rather live in a cottage
with him, than in the grandest place that ever was with
other man, only l was too proud to tell him so to
his face. What can l no? Tell me, Kate-you are
50 much better than am, and never get into trouble.
l am sure / shall die if you don't! = and poor Sophie
wept anew.
Look up, dear, and l will tell YOU
Sophie did look up, with a start, and the next mo-
ment, with a little scream, leaped from the arms of-not
sister Kate, but Harry Ainslee F.!
= 20 x
Sophie declares to this day, that she has never for
given either Of them, though she has been Mrs. Henry