The eastern clarion., 1859-04-13


guarded. Many times when he pressed
upon her brow the kiss of affection. had
her heart beat and struggled with emo
tlon almost to bursting. He had never
spoken one word of love to her. ALWAYS
KIND and attentive, he was more like
loving brother or cousin, than one who
coveted dearer name than either When
he went to Europe, two years before the
time of his aunt's death. he had. for the
first time let fall some words which Mari
on cherished as the dearest he had ever
spoken; they were
"Good bye, Marion dear Be true to
me. Remember / am your first love, and
must be your last. | did not bring you
here for any of AuAty's pets to run away
with !"
That was all Mere jest, Marion often
thought, anl lYet the words were printed |
on her memofy WRe that has ever loved |
does not know how one phrase, or some |
times even one look will linger on the |
heart forgotten, perhaps while the loved !
one is near us, yet recalled and dwelt up |
on when absence makes the idol still |
dearer.
Though constantly employed, Marion
had found her new home pleasant one;
but now, the return of the son and heir
of the house made her situation very disa-
greeable. George, thoughtless and gay,
did not dream that his attentions could be
unacceptable to any one, and charged Ma
rion's cold replies and guarded manner
towards him to her proper sense of her po-
sition, striving, by renewed attention, to
make her sensible of how entirely he over
looked it. Marion, conscious of the utter
indifference with which she regarded him,
did not understand the praises Mrs. Nor
ton lavished upon her prudence, or the
| cautions she piled her with, not to think
that every lattering word from a gentle
man was a serious admiration.
Far away from home, Harry Ashly was
wandering in the Highlands, when the
| news of his aunt's death reached him. 1t
was when he heard of Marion's forlorn
| situation, that he first thought seriously
| of his love for her. He had loved her
| from the first moment he saw her, though
he would have laughed, had any one as
| cribed his interest in the little girl to such
potent cause. He was wealthy, and had
| often dreamed of making her his wife,
| but did not speak to her, because he rea-
soned that they were all very happy to-
| gether, and if she did not return his love,
it would break in upon the dear home
| circle; perhaps she would leave them if
4
| prive him of her presence, and his aunt of
companion. So he never spoke of it,
| treating her always like a dear sister,
Now that she was cast upon the wide
world, poor and friendless, he determined
to 90 home and tell her how long and tru-
| ly he had loved her, and if she would not
marry him, he could, at least, set aside
some of his aunt's fortune for her. He
was convinced that Mrs. Ashly had in
tended to provide for the orphan; but,
like many Others she delayed from time
to time carrying this intention into effect,
until it was too late.
George Norton attentions, in the mean
time, had grown SO offensive to Marion,
| that she was looking out for another situ-
alton, where she could teach and be free
from him.
Again fortune favored her. There was
an old lady, Mrs. Grant, who was about to
travel South for the benefit of her health,
who eagerly availed herself of the oppor-
tunity of securing Marion's services as a
companion. Writing to Harry, to ac-
quaint him with her change of plans, Ma
rion took kind leave of Mrs Morton and
her daughters, and started with Mrs.
Grant for Charleston, place which her
new patron was in the habit of visiting
every Winter She did not mention her
destination to Mrs. Morton, fearing letters
from George, and when Harry returned
from Europe, looking for her, she was
gone, none knew whittier. While he was
eagerly trying to find out her present
home, she was wondering why all her let
ters to Europe were unanswered.
Two years later, two men were seated
in large hotel in Charleston, smoking
and chatting.
Come, Harry" said one of them, lay
ing aside his segar, lit is late, and | must
show myself for few moments at Mrs,
Grants ball. 1t will be expected of me.
Besides, want to see this new protege OF
hers, who appears for the first time in pub
lie, tonight. She was here with her last
Winter, but in deep mourning, and did
not 60 out. hoped to see her at Sara
toga last season, butshe kept very private
tonight she appears. By the way, heard
many inquiries after you at Saratoga
3 Where were your"
AT the White Mountains, Niagara
and knocking about here and there.
| don't know what brought me here thi
Winter, excepting this fashion have ia
len into, of wandering over the face of tn
J, earth, like vagabond. What is your fai
= recluse's name"
l. HardingW
V "Well, I'll goW
If The two started together, and 500
t reached their destination.
e Ny dear" said an old lady, speakin
n to young, lovely girl who stoodnear he
IS your dress is caught up, you had bette
60 and arrange it,"
o The Young lady obeyed her. As sh
IS stood before the long glass in her dressin
IF room, she made most beautiful reHectlo
4 upon its surface. Her figure was of m
l. dunn height, and perfectly rounded; h'
? bare neck and arms cleaned white
snow, in bright contrast with her dar
n dress her features were regular con
d plexion fair, but pale, and her lars
d brown ewes were full of intelligence ht
W glossy and abundant chestnut hair was a.
e ranged in curls, looped gracefully frol
r the neck with a concealed comb, and
: lirht garland of crimson fuschia was twi
q ted among them. Her dress of dee
/ crimson silk. trimmed with black LACE
suited her style of beauty perfectly.
y ter arranging her dress, she stood me
Is ment before the glass, musing; then, wit
3 n low breathed sigh, turned to join agai
2 in the scene of festlvlty.
le Nv dear" said Mrs. Grant, meetin
" her at the door. 4 want to introduce
&c friend of Capt. RusselPs. Mr.. Ashly, Mi
Harding"
At last, after their long separation, the
q met. No one who saw the bow of tecoi
2, milton, or marked the clasp of their hanC
T? would have dreamed of the tide of em
ton rushing over each heart.
!? Why continue the storyl Mrs. Graz
N grumbled when called upon to part wit
,e a companion who, she said, suited ht
RS exactly" but the rich parture of di
monds with which she presented DR.. AS
ly's fair bride, showed that she cherishC
Y? no very deep resentment.