The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-17

ful reflections 1 had been staving off so long
were now to commence in earnest, the
thought of coming Punishment from Flor
encc was dreadful to me, and the time
seemed to fly on lightning wings as it drew
near.
She was all gayety, and was astonished
at my sadness and absence of mind when so
near home and Jenny, aad when we entered
the carriage that was to carry US to our
destination, l had half mind to take
cowardly flight rather than to encounter the
scorn and disappointment of those blue eyes;
but mustered courage and followed her in,
giving the address l found in her port mon.
maize which fortunately was the right one, to
the driver.
"Almost at home said she, turning
her bright eyes toward me-we were rat.
Ting up the street and my time was short
-" how can you be so quiet?" 3
because, Miss Florence" 1 answered,
"the time has come in which must confess
to you that l have no more right in the
house, to which you are now fastening, than
to the name by which you address me, and
that my only claim to either, is that of an
impostor and deceiver."
She turned her lovely face, wondering
and puzzled, toward me.
Thank heaven 1 did not read fear and
aversion in it.
"No right no claim" she repeated,
"what can you mean?"
confessed the whole truth as nearly as 1
have set it down here, denying nothing and
concealing nothing, not even the useless
secret of my love for her. When the brief
recitel was ended, we both remained silent,
but she had hidden her face I could see she
trembled violently with shame and repul-
sion. The sight of her distress was agony
to me- and [ tried to say few words of
apology.
You cannot blame or hate me, Miss
Dundard, more than l blame or hate my.
selt," said, " for the distress I have un.
willingly caused you. Heaven knows that
if accepted the charge of so much limo
cence and beauty too lightly, have heavily
stoned SINCE in having occasioned this suf.
fering to- you, and my punishment is more
than l can bear" $3.50 49, se
The coach stopped as Ispoke; she turned
toward me eagerly, her face bearing traces
of tears, and said, in low voice:
Do not misunderstood me if l was so
silent"
The coachman threw open the door, and
stood waiting. l was obliged to descend
and assist her out. l hardly dared to touch
that little hand, though it was for the last
time, but l watched her graceful figure with
sad distress. She was already recognized,
for the door was thrown open, and pretty
woman, followed by fine. looking black
whiskered gentleman, whom l supposed to
be my namesake, rushed down the steps,
81
ment and pleasure, a cordial welcome, and
some rapid questions, to which Florence
returned very low and quiet answers, and
quickly extricating herself from the confu-
sion, presented me as I" Mr.. LIE Roy, your
husbands namesake, and the gentleman who
kindly took charge ofme."
glanced at her face to see if she was
mocking me, but it was pale and grave
Mrs. LIE Roy opened her eyes widely, but
was too we'll bred to express surprise, and
after introducing me to her husband in the
same terms, invited me into the house.
Hardly conscious what did, or of any thing
except that 1 was still in the presence OF
Florence, from which could not endure to
Danish myself, followed them into hand
some parlor, where sat an old lady whom
my conscience told me was the rheumatic
aunt had so cruelty belied. Florence her.
self presented me to this lady, who was
fixture, and unable to rise from her chair,
and before could stammer out an apology
and retire, related in her own way (how diff
ferent from mine,) the mistake by which she
had been placed in my care, and the history
of our journey, in which it appeared our
host, Mr.. LIE Roy, had been fellow pas
senger. When she had ended, they all
crowded about me, warmly expressing their
thanks for my " kindness and consideration"
to my utter bewilderment and surprise, cor
daily inviting me to remain with them, and
make the acquaintance of my namesake and
family.
detached myself from all this unexpected
kindness as soon as I could, for | fancied l
read aversion in the flushing and paling face
and dropping eyes of Floreace, and with one
last look at her, left the room. A moment
my arm, and turning, saw with mute sur
thule.
"Mr. lie Roy" she said hurriedly. Il
cannot let you go away misunderstanding
me as see you do. If was silent, while
you so humbly apologized for the noble,
generous and honorable conduct, I was not
angered, believe me, but because I was too
much astonished, afterward too much moved
and grateful to speak. l owe you more than
can say, and should be miserable, indeed,
if false shame, which you see has not pre-
vented my telling you this, should prevent
you from continuing an acquaintance so
strangely begun. Trust me, sir, l speak the
truth"
don't know what answer made for the