Red Wing sentinel. [volume] (Red Wing, M.T. [i.e. Minn.]) 1855-1861, 1861-04-24
RED WING G00DHUE COUNTY MIMI WEDNESDAY, APRIL a. 1861

'AY, APRIL "a, 1861.
THAT he did not love her, though
was sure she interested him. but mere
ly because he was student of human
nature. When I was reluctantly
obliged to confess to myself that she
was Indifferent to him l felt equally
crushed and hopeless, as if l had
glanced at the vcritablc book of fate.
Indeed, began to wish that Mr..
Browning's business, whatever it was,
might be speedily accomplished. My
woman's heart was sorely greived for
Bessie, and my fancy began to be
filled. with visions Of a trip to the
Niagara, Newport, Nahant- anywhere
to cheat the dear one from herself
And yet knew that she was one of
the very few who would never be
thus cheated.
About half a mile behind our house
was All old saw-mill. 1t stood in y
wild glen, and the little mill-pond
behind it, edged with small trees and
shrubs of various kinds, which made a
green mosaic on its placid face, was
our favorite resort. It was in the
early September that, by mutual thou't
hardly spoken consent, we found our
selves in our accustomed seat. Bessie
was in one Of her bitter dispairing
moods. An uncle of mine, who had
been for long years a missionary in a
distant country, had left us this morn
ling. He was on brief visit to the
land of his youth, to get fresh vigor
for himself and new teachers for his
work. We had been speaking of him.
ale cannot but be happy" said Bes-
sic, "what ever he may lack, for lie
knows he is constantly creating hap
piness. Bnt what kind of a life do l
lead? Who is the better for it? Oh,
I'm sick of myself" She was silent
for moment, and then turned to me
with a sad smile: "It wouldn't be a
proper reason for going OH mission
though, would it, because one was
sick of ones sclf?' The sorrow deep
need in her face, and she went on:-
"Sometimes l say have made no
growth these years-tool-from a lit.
tie child that 'tclt its life in every limb,
I'm come to have sorrow grow out
Of every y, joy-thqs's progress, I'm
thinking"' She hid her face in her
hands, and her sobs shook her. 1t
was the rarest thing in the world for
her to weep, and when she did the
passion seemed to rcnd and tear its
way like destroying flood. I sat
silent and sad, knowing that I could
not console, and that tssair grief
maun have its will" Hooked up and
saw Jane, the scrvant-girl approach
ing.
tMiss Anne, your mother wants you
in the house for a little.''
''I'll be back soon, Bessie" said I,
and ran home. Various causes COM
bined to dctain me, and it was full
three quarters of an hour before l
again came in sight ofthe mill. And
what aspectaclc saluted my iDfallible,
philosophising eyes! My cousin Bessie
with face like a dcwy rose bush in
bloom at sunrise, both her hands in
the manly clasp of Henry Browning!
IstanG bewildered. Mr.. Browning.
whose fine eyes are a little dimmed,
turns TO me and says.
''My dear friend let me introduce to
you-my dearest friend on GARTH"
Bessie, suddenly restored to her
faculties, with low bowling head, says:
II also introduce mine to YOU
I still stand stupefed. My own
clear, critical Judgement and the
results thereof, are fast drifting down
the tide, and my tongue refuses to
''utter the thoughts that arise in me" :"
tsBut how--why-what," at last liz
homcly Saxon, why in the world did
you seem so cool and indifferent all the
time? ! don't like that in you' said L,
waxing warm bessie, mean while, the
transformed, mildly imploring me with
her oyc); ''you came to spy out the
land and it is unworthy of YOU"
Mr.. Browning linked ono arm into
mine, put the other lightly over the
shoulder Of his Bessie, and we turned
homeward.
'My friend Anne:' said he in his
deep voice. tsBcssic and I have at
least one point in commons wicked
pride. Never, through all the days of
our acquaintance, have I dreamed that
she cared for me. have lived in
steadily growing sorrow in that belief.
Until just now, seeing her in tears, my
sympathy stifled my pride, and love
spake. That first dear Bessie con-
|qucrcd."
We walked on in silence. As we
drew near the house said, stAnd shall
you go on the mission, Bcssie?''
She smiled into his eyes. "Oh yes,
have already started.''
have never recovered that keen
ness Of observation and un failing
Judgment for which previously was Sc
remarkable. I am afraid never shall
And years of welded life have no,
shaken Bessie's love and faith in Mr.
Henry Browning, but rather have
added thereto.
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