Litchfield enquirer., 1859-06-30

about twenty times day, while she scoIded me for the careessness which she declared al most equalled her own. Long ago she had given over into my possession her elegant little porte monaie, "with all the money in it, which she was sure she would lose, as she could nev- CT keep anything" and as she had ordered me to take out what was wanted for her travel ing expenses, Iopened it with trembling hands when was alone, and examined the contents There were, besides all the bank bills with which she had probably been furnished for her journey, and which, with pions care. she had packed into the smallest possible compass, as much gold as her pretty toy could carry, ti- ny pearl ring too small to fit any fingers but hers-whch am afraid kssed-a card with her name on it, and memorandum in pret- ty hand "No. - Olive street, St. Louis, J which, as rightly conjectured, was the resi- dence of her cousin Jennie whose husband I was very fortunate discovery for me. In deed, thus far had not found the way of the transgressor hard, in external circumstan- ces, at least, and when, with her, forgot ev- erything but her grace and beauty, and my firm resolution to be no more to her than her cousin should be but out of that charmed presence my conscience mace me miserable.
 am afraid I must sometimes have betrayed the conflicts of feeling l had, by my manner !; but when l was reserved, and ceremonious with her, she always resented it, and begged me so bewitchingly not to treat her so, and so call her by her sweet name Floreuce," that had l dreamed as much as I lpnged to do, could not have refused her. But the con- scousness that was not what she thought me, but an impostor, of whom, after our con nection had ceased, and she had discovered the deception practised upon her, she could think or remember nothing that would not cause unmerited self reproach and mortifca- 1 tion. all innocent and trusting as she was, this reflection, more than any other, confess, and | the knowledge of the estimation in which she would ever hold me, after my imposition was discovered, agonized, and I would have given all l possessed to own it to her and leave her sight at once, though the thought of never seeing her more was dreadful. But that could not be.
 At last we reached St. Louis Do I say " at last~ When the sight of those spires and gables warned me that my brief dream cf happiness was over, and that the remorseful reflections had been staving off so long, were now to commence in earnest, the thought of the coming banishment from Florence was dreadful to me, and the time seemed to fly on lightning wings as it drew near. She was all gaiety and was astonished at my sadness and absence of mind when so near home and Jcn- nie, and when we entered the carriage that was to convey US to our destination, l had half mind to take cowardly flight, rather than encounter the scorn and disappointment of those blue eyes but I mustered courage and followed her in, giving the address found in the port monnaie, which fortunately was the right one, to the driver.
 "Almost home P said she, turning her bright face towards me--we were rattIing up the street and my time was short" how can you be so cold and quiet ?"
 " Because, Miss FIorcnce," I answered, the time has come in which I must coufess to you that have no more right in the house to which we are hastening than to the name by which you address me, and my only claim to either, is that of an impostor and deceiver."
 She turned her lovely face wondering and puzzied towards me.
 aversion in it.
 No right no claim P she repeated j; what can you mean 7"
 told her frankly, and fully, the whole truth nearly as I had set it down here, denying mo- thing, and concealing hing, not even the useless secret of my love for her. When the brief recital was ended, we both remained si- lent, but although she had hidden her face, could see that she trembled violently with shame and rcpulsion The sight of her distress was agony to me, and tried to Say few words of apology.
 You cannot blame or hate me, Miss Dun dard, more than hate and blame myseli," l said, for the distress I have so unwillingly caused you. Heaven knows that if I accept cd the charge of so much innocence and beau- ty too lightly. have heavily atoned since in having occasoned this suffering to you, and my own punishment is more than can bear"
 The coach stopped as spoke she turned towards me eagerly, her face bearing traces of tears, and said in low voice
 Do not misunderstood me if I was so si- lent"
 The coachman threw open the door, and stood waiting. was obliged to descend and assist her out hardly dared touch that lit tie hand, shough it was for the last time, but watched her graceful figure with sad distress. She was already recognized, for the door was thrown open, and a pretty woman followed by fne-looking, black whiskered gentleman, whom I supposed to be my namesake, rushed down the steps, There were loud exclama- tions of astonishment and pleasure, cordial welcome, and some rapid questions to which Florence returned very low and quiet answers, and quickly extricating herself from the confu- sion, presenting me as MT. Le Roy, your hus- bands namesake, and the gentleman who kind ly took charge of me-" I glanced at her face to see if she were mocking me, but it was pale and grave. Mrs Le Roy opened her eyes widely, but was too well bred to express sur prise and after introducing me to her husband in the same terms, invited me in to the house. Hardly conscious of what I did, or anything except that was still in the presence of Flor