The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-03-21

never dare ask her what disfgured him
but wish you would %, should like to
| kuow!"
Il am considerably acquainted with
Mrs Winslow," / replied q thought of
calling upon her this morning; perhaps she
will tell me without my asking
Do, that's dear, good Dolly"
And | did.
The whole atmosphere seemed redoent
with music and fragrance couldn't tell
why all the birds had taken it into their
heads 10 sing, MARBLE, and build their nests
there and didn't know why it was that
the moses, buttercups, violets, and daises
should prefer that place to any other; but
they seemed to, judging from the profasion
in which they grew.
The whole prospect was delightfully."- ru
raj and picturesque, and over all fingered
an influence of dreamy quietude and re-
pose.
A narrow foo;path, crooked as footpatbs
always are. wound along through the lawn,
beneath the shadows of giant walnut, and
by this approached, entered the little gate,
and assembled the graveled walk, bOrdered
by beds of flowers, to the door. 1t was
open, and went in.
Alone-a serene and peaceful hush rested
within. The baimy winds nestled in wreaths
of snowy drapery hanging at the window,
where great white and red roses bowed
their graceful heads, and the warm, rich
sunlight came in, and lay in bright bars of
radiance upon the floor.
Not quite alone either-a cradle was
there and it required no copjuring to tell
that the cradle had an inmate "a self-dig
ni6ed, thoughtful, imperturbable baby,
whose quiet calmness l could not quite nm
derstaEd. 1t was wide awake, and its great
blue eyes were staring with infant persis-
lance at something. couldn't tell what !;
then they turned upon me, and | returned
the gaze. But it made no difference the
baby had not foul or evil thought to hide;
it was not conscious of sin in word or
deed hence there came no blush to that
delicately. rounded cheek--no falling to
hose calm, quiet eyes, limpid as q lake in
summer, serene as the heaven in June.
There was a rustic and futter of muslin,
the sound of light springy step, the glimpse
of a fairy form, and Mrs. Winslow stood
before me. She was not very beautiful, but
sparkling and vivaciOus, with glow of
health ca her cheek and its light in her
eye.
The baby had reused up now, to be sure;
no more of its thoughtful serenity. Its little
form fairly futtered with joy it laughed,
clappng its dimpled hands.
" You've come to stay all day with US,
haven't you ? and baby has had such good
company while mama was gone, hadn't it ?"
she said in light cbirrupy way that set off
the little fellow with renewed delight. Her
invitation had only seconded my designs, so,
removing my bonnet and maptilla, while she
sat down On the rocker and took the baby,
we prepared to enjoy the day ard each
others society.
l can't tell what we talked about. No;
it wasn't of balls, nor operas, nor lyons, nor
sights. No the infrmities of the clergy
man were not shown up. No not NOR
sci OF private scandal was cut or carved
But the time flew swiftly and pleasantly
after dinner, and when the great round sun
was sinking behind trees that burned and
glowed in the rich, warm light, she came
to where was sitting, and without word
laid a portrait in my lap. 1t was that of a
noble looking man, with most expressive
and faultess features.
"My husband as he was" she said with
sigh. You have never seen him?"
replied in the negative.
at is almost time for him to be here"
she continued. You will stay with US this
evening ?"
/ replied that l should be happy to form
bis acquaintance, and again looked at his
portrait.
ale doesn't look like that now," she an
swered, wiping away tear. "YeJ he says"
and blush o7erspread her features-"be
says he shall ever have cause to bless the
fire by which he lost his good looks, but
which won him what he esteemed thou
sand times more valuable"
"What was it 2" asked, with unaccount-
able dulness of apprehension.
She pointed archly and with sweet
smile to her wedding ring.
"Do tell me the story; l should be de-
lighted to hear it,"
Again she smiled, saying:
81 do not know that you will consider it
very interesting; however, several reasons
conspire to make me wish that you should
know all, and since you have never heard,
perhaps may as we'll tell you"
"Certainly, certainly"
"You see when Mr.. Winslow first began
his attentions to me wasn't at all pleased.
He was handsome, l know, but 1 had
set my mind very foolishly, I suppose, on
having rich husband, any one that could
keep me above the necessity of work. So
sighted and repulsed him upon ell occaa
sions, making him feel not merely indiffer.
ence, but actual loathing and scorn. Such
treatment one might have supposed would
quickly have obliterated bis passion; on the
contrary, however, it seemed only to in
crease it.