Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-02-06
NO. z.
"My father is so rich" he said, still looking

"And therefore, | suppose, said the mother,
"you feared his objecting to your wedding my
portionless child You have she said, "dealt
unfairly by US. The heart of woman is not
the plaything Of an hour. Once permanently
fixed it knows no change, and before you at
tempted to gain such heart as that of my
child's, you should have well considered the
consequences. deemed you independent Of
all control, believe me- Reginald, or never
should have sanctioned your addresses.
Why you have so cruelty deceived us know
not, but thank God the error we have fallen
into is not irretrieyable. Go and declare all to
your father, and should he refuse his consent
to yourwedding my child, we must from hence
forth be as strangers"
With choking sensation Ellen turned away,
wholly unable to articulate another word.
81 see" said Reginald, approaching and
taking her hand, which he pressed respectfully
to his lips, that you are deeply panied, but
let me ask you to suspend all judgment of me
for the present 60 now to seek my father
and will return in less than an hour. You
know me too well to believe would inhict un-
necessary distress on either you or your at
tached child, who has entire possession of my
affections, and though appearances are strongly
now against me, when you cometo know themo-
tives Of my conduct shall be exonerated from
blame" Thus saying, he again pressed the
hand he held to his lips, and telling the daughter
he would soon return, disappeared
1t was the daughters opinion that he would
clear himself of all intentional deception. She
saw plainly that some motive stronger than that
he had urged to her mother, had operated in
inducing his silence, and with all the trustful-
ness of love, she awaited in silence his return.
The mother was less sanguine Frequent
trials had rendered her timorous. She knew
the influence of wealth upon the heart better
than her inexperienced child, and could not
suppose Reginald's father would consent to
forego the advantages Of his sons forming an
alliance with one of equal wealth. She trembled
for her child's happiness. While each was
sitting wrapped in her own reflections, the
father Of Reginald was announced His features
bore the impress of age stamped upon them,
although there was much of the activity Of
youth in his movements; and if he was some
what advanced, it was plainly perceptible that
his life had been disturbed by few causes to in
tcrrupt it in its placid course. His was rare
countenance-one seldom seen in this turbulent
work-a-day world Of ours. 1t spoke of a well
spent lifc-of conscience Mt peace with ITSELF
Never was benevolence more strongly marked;
and as the daughter went forward to admit
him, she involuntarily extended her hand to
lead him to her mother.
al suppose, ladies'" he said, as soon as
seated, "you have already conjectured my be-
ing Rcginalds father" "You, madam he
said, addressing the mother, shave banished
him your presence, out Of fear Of this same
crusty old fathers refusal to his marrying
your daughter. Now, understanding this to
bc the only objection made, | tell you no such
obstacle exists, lie has the consent Of all his
friends to unite himself to the lady Of his
choice, as soon as they can arrange matters
between them. "You have, doubtless" he re-
sumed, perceving them too much overcome to
reply, "blamed Reginald for not sooner COM
municating the fact Of my existence, but when
inform you that it was myself that instigated
the deceit--that from the moment Of his meet
ing your daughter he had confded everything
to me- / trust your confidence in him will be
restored. know, he said, II am making
myself appear very eccentric old man, in
making such disclosure, but | had my own
reasons for my little plot, the dcnouement Of
which shall take place TO morrow, atmy house,
where invite you both to meet me, and par
take Of a family dinner"
Surprise had so chained the mothers tongue,
she could not utter word. In vain she stroye
10 thank him, but now, that his voice had
ceased, she became eloquent in her expressions
Of gratitude.
"Say no more" he said, al am better sat
isfed than either Of you"-then, kissing his
/ future daughter, and shaking warmly the hand
Of her mother, the kind old man departed.
The transit from distrust TO happiness seem
cd almost too sudden to admit of its reality, but
the presence Of Reginald, who came on the
wings oflove to renew his vows and ratify the
treaty, proved 1t no allusion, and when they
again separated il was as affianccd lovers.
| There had been something in the tones Of
the father's voice which struck in familiar ca
dcnce upon Ellen's ear She had vision float
ing before her, Of their having before met
which she in vain stroye TO reduce into some
tangible shape; but decming it idle to pursue
the thought longer, she began preparing for
their promised visit
The day was unusually fine. When ushered
into tie richly furnished parlors Of Reginald's
home, il reminded Ellen forcibly Of the past,
and unconsciously a sigh escaped her. She
thought of her buried father, when she was
among the most cherished of fashions votaries,
and lived in style equalling the present opu.
lent possessor. Then, how towering she had
stepped, disdaiping all deemed of unequal rank
or pretcnsion. Thought reverted to many
scenes, and as the tide Of memory swept by,
it brought recollection of her visit to young
Oscars studio, and Of the group she had so
scorned. Tears filed her eyes. The dead
seemed to stand beside her, and he, the paint
er, who she had since learned bad oloved her,
was brought as distinctly before her mental