The Van Buren press., 1861-04-24
Miatella1lp.
COUSIN JONATHAN.
A Charming sketch from Blackwood.
(Coneluasd.)

That word recalled her to herself 1t was
bitter to hear it from him. Yes he thought
of her as child ), and she-she had dared
to love him, not as o child loves, but as a
woman. She had poured out her whole
heart at his feet. and perhaps he knew that
it was so-perhaps he scorned her for it
She dashed the tear drops from her eyes,
struggled to stay the sobs that nearly chok-
ed her, and sat down by his side.
Tell me about Lescombe."
Lescombe was his home-the manor.
house Of country village. He told her oi
his tenantry. and how poor some Of them
were Of the efforts he had made, and Wa,
making to improve their cond ition of ths
schools he had built. and the new parson.
age then in progress of how he visited
among them, and tried to win their confid.
ence and love and as he spoke so earnest.
ly ana truthfully of all this his homely
face to her seemed beautiful, with a higher
beauty than that of mere form, and she fel,
as she had often felt before, that to be his
wife would be the happiest lot on earth
and one of which she was unworthy.
Mr.. Waring was in reality but distant
connection of her fathers but Alice had
known him since she was a little child, and
the name of " Cousin Jonathan 4" given te
then, had been retained in after years. She
had always looked upon him as her friend
but unconsciously had learned to love him
as a woman loves but once. The very fact
of his being SO many years older than her
self had. for long time, blinded her as tc
the real nature of her feelings; but when
she met that love from others which she
would have given all the world to possess,
then she knew how it was. and bitter,
very bitter, were the pangs of wounded
pride and homeless love in her young heart
"When do you leave US ?" asked Alice,
as he rose to quit the room.
Tomorrow" he replied. without look
ing at her.
That night they had an engagement.
Alice made tea for them in the drawing
room.
my darling. are you not we'll 2" said
Mr. Rraybrooke. taking her hand in his.
Mr.. Waring looked at her moment. A
bright crimson spot burned on each
cheek. but there was livid circle round her
eyes. and her lips were almost colorless
a strange thought came over him, . thought
that made his pulse bound wildly. and his
hand trenble.
Could it be SO? He tried to put the
thought from him. He dared not dwell
upon it,
The footman enter "Capt. Ray is in
the library
"Why did you not show him in here 90
asked Mr.. Dray sharply.
He asked to see you alone. SIR
Alice had risen and walked to the Ere
place, where she stood. holding the man
tel-shelf with both hands; but Mr.. War
ring had caught glimpse of her face as
she passed-it was deadly pale. Her faith
sr left the loom.
"She knew of this. hence her agitation. -
thought Mr.. Waring. as he covered his
eyes with his hand to shut out the light Of
her from before him.
The silence continued unbroken and he
felt his self control deserting him.
.'Alice. / shall 60 to my room. I have
letters to see to, and might be in the
way"
She tnrned to him--such . mute exprcs.
sion of anguish on her face that be uttsred
an exclamation Of horror and surprise.-
She stretched ont her hands to him Is tho
in wild entreaty. He sprang to her. clasp
ing her hands like death. 20 cold. so life
less.
"Alics. darling. d, not look in that way
ell viii he vsll. You will b. happy
ron must b. God bless you and him !''
He hurried from her prssencs. feslia9 IN
able TO bear It even . moment looger.
The morning cane-ths morning Of .
day frsught with fearful interest to Alios
Bray day that must part hsr
from Mr.. Waring. and dseids the fate Of
Csptsin Bay. for Allies I'D pstisionsd tims
TO thipk. She came down to the breakfast
room. looking Almoss liz . living stasus.
20 es!rn, 9, pale Mr. Arayinoehe MAS rct