The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-07-13

that had reused a nature whose depth and
strength had failed hitherto to measure
With great self-control, however, ne said,
"Mr. Kennedy, you are unjust to woman
whose happiness, fear, is dearer to me than
to YOU. Did feel at liberty to disregard
her peace, would sooner hug dagger to
my heart than yield for moment to your in
science. Even now, you can only enter my
room on my conditions. Stand here for
moment, and l will call YOU"
Take your own course" doggedly re-
piled.
He passed up the stairs, AID l, to avoid
suspicion, looked up to the sky. 1t was one
of those calm winter days that show heav-
en- as pure and blue as if storm had never
stained it. had stood thus hardly ten Sec
onds when Mr.. Benton descended few steps
and spoke my name. l followed him up the
stairs, through dim passage, into room
chaste in its appointments, but filled with
light as soft and pure as if even the glorious
day without had been refined by passage
through some rare medium. In my state Of
mind l could hardly comprehend the objects
before ME at a glance. But l knew that
was in an artists studio. Benton was silent,
but my eye selected at once the prominent
painting in the apartment. looked, and
J was struck with fit OF shivering. 1t was
| the portrait of my bride-my darling Jane.
was dumb. l could not have spoken had
it been to save my life.
l have no idea how long l had stood thus,
when MIR. Benton approached me, and took
my unresisting hand. Mr.. Kennedy" said
he with a choking sound in his throat, Il
knew of no proper way for me to contribute
to the happiness of one whom have loved
as | can never love another, except by doing
pleasure to the man whom she has honored
by her love. though, it would be pleasant
to you to have a portrait of your wife, as
she appeared in her bridal attire and at my
solicitation she has been here number of
times to sit for her picture. Her friend Miss
Stephens has been here with her, and your
servant had just passed from sight when you
came up, with the package containing her
dress. If have done wrong, forgive me
but l thought it would make you all so hap
py~
As he closed these words, uttered with
honest emotion, every one of which went like
dagger to my heart, found strength to
lift my eyes to his. The big :ears were hang
ing upon his eye-lids, and his face in that ex-
quisite light, was as beautiful as if it had
been the face of an angel. We looked at
one another moment, and then moved by q
common impulse, threw ourselves into one
another arms, and cried sir-cried like two
babies"
O my God Tom, that was the hardest
thing that ever happened to me. Twas killed
killed by magnanimity too great for my
mean heart to fathom. l seized him by the
arm. at last, led him down stairs, and took
the way to my own house. You know my
impulses ;but YOU know | could not stop un-
til had made clean breast of it. / went
straight to my house, kissed Jane dozen
times. told the whole story, and made my
self ridiculous. Poor Jane. She was
ashamed of me, and do not think she has
got over t yet"
"And Benton suggested.
"Benton remained and drank with US, a,
my earnest wish, and sent the picture home
the next day but he has not been here
since. doubt whether he will ever come a.
gain. The fact is your friend Fred Kenne-
dy never felt so humble as he has since that
day. and have wondered how Jane, who
knew us both well, could have made the
choice she did between u.s."
$50 have l." most emphatically respond
ed
"Well, now am bothered to know what
to do with Benton. He is too proud to re-
ceive any favors from me- cannot offer him
money; cannot offer him anything. tell
you what have been thinking about. and
you shall tell me how it strikes YOU. You see
what fellow am. l shall tear myself all
to pieces in a few years, and have brought
myself to this. Before die, will will make
solemn request Of Jane to marry Benton
for second husband"
AT this moment Mrs. Fred Kennedy ap-
peared. her cheeks flushed to vermillion with
the effect of the cold evening air. did not
wonder at the ennobling influence of such
pure beauty as hers upon Benton's sensitive
mind. Fred introduced me. and somehow
We all found ourselves before the portrait at
once.
"rve told Tom all about it," said Fred to
his wife.
Mrs. Kennedy gave him look of wound
ed reproach, and then said to me, in a way
which spoke volumes, "You know Fred"
Fred has become a humble man, and bids
fair TO put off the day of Mr.. Benton's hap
plness to very indefinite future. Besides,
his family has been increased to that degree
that it would be doubtful whether the artist
would be willing to take the bereaved Mrs.
kennedy with the 'incumbrances. Still, l
have no doubt that Fred's imaginary sacri-