Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1861-03-07

to be loved, oh then | could be happy again.
But alas even then the same stern reality
would arise to part us-my mother was my
fathers slave and crushing back the tears
which were ready to spring forth, she attempted
to express her gratitude for the life he had
saved hut he interrupted her, saying,
Z" DO not, do not speak Of it No one would
have been more miserable than myself, had |
alled to DO what was but my dgty," and the
presence Of others in the room alone prevented
him from pouring out his soul s worship then ;
but he restrained the burning words already
lowering on his lips, and awaited a better OPP
portunity, which came at last
One pleasant afternoon, she sat looking out
upon tho fine view presented from one Of the
largo bay windows Of the parlog. Mrs. Bel
ford and E'telle had gone from home, and Ada
and Alice had but IA short time before been
talking beside her, but they had lett the room,
and now, as she sat there, with tIe rich lace
curtain falling over her. nearly concoaling her
form FROM yicw there came step, and a low
voice recalled her from her dreamy, delicious
rcycric Of the joyful long, long ago, with the
words.
viii Mrs. Merlyn listen to tale have to
tell her-wolds which | have long wished to
speak in her hearing alone?
She turned and the first glance revealed the
fact that the girls had gone, and that Mr.. Cliff
ton had taken a chair at her side. slight
blush fitted over her face, for she expected
what was coming, as she replied
." could not pain one to whom am 50
much indebted, as to refuse to hear anything
you would say, but fcar-"
DO not fear anything wrong from one who
loves you with such deep devotion as life
time only can reveal" he Interrupted, and ia
king her hand, he continued, 80, Eulic yo'
icasi have seen how much love you, beior
this"
"I have seen it" she replied, gently with
drawing her hand, " since it was too late, an
| blame myself much that did not avoid tt
possibility of it before =
"Why should you wish to avoid it?
asked earnestly, his cheek paling at her word
less in kpGwaf tR9i Ct y5al 5al .5s,d ~ leFs @,
and SO did not cast from myself the pIeasur,
Of your society, as shouH have done had
dreamed Of this. Can you forgive me for such
apparent cruelty, when | assure you that was
not conscious of the wrong was committing,
until it was too late
~ could not think you capable of doing
any wrong ; therefore, have nothing to for
give. But must believe that you do not, can
not, and never could have loved me " he
asked. while lis fine countenance was overcast
with sorrow.
T" cannot say that | could not have loved
YOU, had we met sooner; /; but even then, She
added sadly, could | have loved you, or now
we could never have been united, 50 do not
creve that we did not meet before. y
"Why not? | cannot understand you
Your words seem to admit what have some
times thought might be true-that you love
another. But why, had | seen you before tina
time. if it is so, could we not have been united
had you loved me?
As she made no reply, he continued,
~ know that have no right to your conf
dencc but you will surely trust me, if it vii
help me to Danish all hope, il | must, and nov
| know shall retain some, from what you hay
SAID, unless you tell me that your heart an'
hand belong to another. Is this so, Eulie ,
She knew not what to say, and again ther
was pause, and then he asked gently,
DO you fear to trust me-? ="
No, o no it was not that sho reple'
quickly.
"Thcn what is i'll Can you not say yes o
no to my question: >
a. do not know as can" she said, Will
her cheek grew yet more rosy in its glow.
a. Then if your love has been given unwor
thily, or without return, can you not forge
the past, and learn to love me? o. if yo,
will, and his tone became more thrlllingl
earnest, /" all that mortal can do for another
happiness. that will do for yours.
Nay. Mr. Clifton, my love was not give
without return, or unworthily, but fate Ina
forever separated us in this world.
"Then if forever separated, can you not, il
loving ME, forget it ALP" he asked eagerly
d" Alas!" she said, with starting tears
, q" that which separated me from him, wool
also separate me from you
0 " No! o. no there is nothing that shoUI
: separate us, if you can love me-
| /" You know not what you say, o, you sno
, not what you say" she sOrrowfully replied.