Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-11-10

and when she knelt down to say her short pray
er-the very form she had learned by heart when
she was ten years old-she added, "Oh, God,
help me to bear it -
That day the prayer seemed to be answered,
for after some remarks on her pale looks at
breakfast, Catrina passed the morning quietly,
Miss ASHER and Captain Wybrow being out en-
riding excursion. In the evening there was a
dinner-party, and after Catrina had sung lit
tie, Lady Cheverel, remembering that she was
ailing, sent her to bed, where she soon sank in
to deep sleep. Body, and mind must renew
their force to suffer as well as to enjoy,
On the morrow, however, it was rainy, and
everybody must stay indoors so it was resolved
that the guests should be taken over the house
by Sir Christopher, to hear the story of the
architectural alterations, the family portraits,
and the family relics. All the party, except Mr..
Gilfl, were in the drawing room when the prop
osition was made and when Miss ASHER rose
to go, she looked towards Captain Wybrow, ex-
pecting to see him rise too but he kept his seat
near the fire, turning his eyes towards the news
paper which he had been holding unread in his
hand.
Are you not coming, Anthony" said La
dy Cheverel, noticing Miss Assher's look of ex-
pectation.
Z" | think not, if you'll excuse me-" he said,
rising and opening the door; 81 feel little
chilled this morning, and am afraid of the
cold rooms and draughts.''
Miss ASHER Redeemed, but said nothing, and
passed on, Lady Cheverel accompanying her.
Caterina was seated at wori in the oriel win
dow. 1t was the first time she and Anthony had
been alone together, and she had thought before
that he wished to avoid her. But now, surely,
he wanted to speak to her-he wanted to say
something kind. Presently he rose from his
seat near the fire, and placed himself on the OF
toman opposite her
Well, Tina, and how have you been all this
long time?''
Both the tone and the words werc an offence
to her the tone was SO different from the old
one, the words were so cold and unmeaning.-
She answered with little bitterness
i" l think you needn't ask. 1t doesn't make
much difference with you"
" Is that the kindest thing you have to say
to ME after my long absence?'
"Idon't know why you should expect me to
say kind things"
Captain Wybrow was silent. lie wished very
much to avoid allusons to the past or comment
on the present. And yet he wished to lie we'll
with Catrina. He would have liked to caress
her make her presents, and have her think him
very kind to her. But these women are so
plaguey perverse There's no bringing them
to look nationally at any thing. AT last he
said, /" hoped you would think all the better
of me, Tina, for doing as have done, instead
of bearing malice towards me. | hoped you
would see that it is the best thing for every one
the best for your happiness too"
Z" Oh, pray don't make love to Miss ASHER
for the sake of my happiness answered Tina.
At this moment the door opened, and Miss
ASHER entered, to fetch her retlcule which lay
on the harpschord She gave q sharp glance
at Catrina, whose face was flushed and saying
to Captain Wybrow witha slight sneer, " Since
you are SO chill, wonder you like to sit In the
window left the room again Immediately.
The lover did not appear much discomposed,
but sat quiet little longer, and then seating
himself on the music stool, drew it near to Ca
terna, and, taking her hand, said Come,
Tina, look kindly at me, and let us be friends.
shall always be your friend.
Thank YOU said Caterina, drawing away
her hand. "You are very generous. hut pray
move away. Miss ASHER may come in again"
Miss ASHER be hanged " said Anthony,
feeling the fascination of old habit returning on
him in this proximity to Caterina. He put his
arm round her waist, and leaned his cheek down
to hers. The lips couldn't help meeting after
that but the next moment, with heart SWELL
ing and tears rising, Catcrina burst away from
him. and rushed out of the room