White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1860-04-12


know not where it is, but as the bee i
attracted to the most fragrant flowers
whereupon to gather sweet nectar for it
subsistence, so Sm drawn to the mos
beautiful angel about me, to catch from
her heavenly eye fresh hope and courage
Reproach me not, fairest lady, but my
heart has strayed, and I seek it or--on'
in return" -sF sa ,T
The stranger leaned gently and grace.
fully forward till his face was nearly in
contact with hers, and fixing upon hel
his full dark eyes, said in low, earnest
voice f
Whatever outward pledges may burd'
en- you. sweet lady, your heart is still
free-stM YOUR OWN"
Mrs. Gastone became very pale and
tremblsd violently. He instantly brought
an easy chair and entreated her in the
kindest manner to rest herself, at the same
time throwing himself upon the Indian
mating at her feet. .ra se
"You are lowly," said she, her agita-
tion somewhat subsiding, for though con.
scious that she ought not to remain, she
bad no power to move.
II am but too happy to lie at your
feet, and will never rise till you bid me
hope for a smile now and then to cheer
my weary life. OF wish it were end
ed" he continued, as if in a mournful
reverie ''life without those smiles were
worse than death"
She drew her hand painfully across her
brow, and asked in a su6dued tone
"Seek you a heart which has been
shacklsd by the forms and ceremonies oil
the world % i
"Never I I would have one whose
bright fountain of love has Dever been
sullied by the reflection of snother's i'm
age, whose sympathies are yet fresh and
undeveloped within it, and whose power
and intensity ofloving is such that it will
subdue every obstacle between itself and
the loved one"
A few tears gathered in her beautiful
eyes in spite of her efforts to restrain
them, and she replied, gently waving her
hand {:
go ! seek such affection. and may
you be best"
The countensnce and manner Of the
stranger became more and more enthusi-
astic and passionate. He seized her hand,
and pressing it to his lips whispered
cat this shrine only will 1 worship.
Crush me or bid me live as you will"
She attempted to release herself. but
gently OBTAINING her. he said somewhat
family, but with an expression of earnest
love:
NAY, lady, you leave me not till you
have promised to meet me again-where
and when %
Mrs. Gastone was powerfully agitated,
but through her tears she answered
ain the garden-at ten o'clock" and
flew to her own room to blush for her
weakness and weep for her fancied mis-
cry. She attempted to snalyze her emo
tions. "What was the stranger to Der +?
She did not love him she would not go
to meet him; what would her husband
say to such a proceeding? A cold shud-
der passed over her. She determined to
write a note, begging to be released from
her engagement. But q voice within
whispered THAT there could be no harm in
once meeting hint should be the last
time, and he should not be permitted to
address the language of love to her-sim-
ply as friend would she hold any con-
verse with him." and she drew down her
pen.
1t was a glorious evening. The moon
was wandering on distant journey, but
the stars looked down in their everlasting
purity upon as lovely a scene as imagin-
alton could picture or nature and art pro-
duce. The garden was immense, and its
many shaded and serpentine walks in
tersected each other in every direction,
while at convenient distances were placed
lamps sufficient to throw over the whole
a mellow twilight. 1t was at this hour
becoming somewhat deserted for the ball
room.
With FACILITATING heart and nervous
step Mrs. Gastone wandered into the most
shady avenue, and looked about listless
and undetermined.
al will not STOP" thought she; chow
can again look upon my husband-my
babes-but he comes-I cannot hy-aI
power beyond my own holds me in its
grasp," and she breathed with difficulty.
The stranger gracefully pressed his lips
to her fingers. and leading her aside into
a grove, seated her beside him on raised
turf bordered with flowers.
"Do not detain me long," she said in a
hesitating voice. 81 feel that / do wrong
in coming here"
Lady" he replied in tone slightly
sorrowful, ''you are free IS the birds that
swim the air, or the flowers that grow
beside you. detsin you! ] will even
return with you this moment. If you wish.
B,d you do not yish T. Your heart as
yet unsatis6ed. is painting for an object
on which to lavish its untold wealth OH
drive not from You one. whom 9 like
strong and earnest love has drawn to-
wards you. How useless to send me
away. 1 cannot go. For weeks l hEvs
lived only in your presence by day and in
dreams Of you at night; ] cannot forget
you. Do you not love me 20
"I do In spite of myself," she replied.