, 1862-06-12

green leaves and flowers, where reality and imag-
ination we're gracefully blended, or Of some cool
glade and ivy-capped tower which led us tar
from towns and man but all beautiful, tender
and pure in their design; no one thought all
these were inspired by the poison which debases
US lower than the brute creation. No, Rosa
Lindsay was q creature to be loved, admired, re-
spected, emnlated What Is she nowI What
indeed Her exertOns redOubled at first, and
money poured in then they became fitfnl, she
was no longer to be depended on. Pictures
were ordered, sketched, and then they remained
untouched for months; her outline was nolonger
as bold, her colors less skilfully arranged. The
first was gorgeous and full Of beauty, but it re-
mained confused, as IL the germ could not be
developed-the tints were more garing, the
whole less well defined. Pupils, too, talked Of
unpunctual attendance, Of odd, impatient Tightly
manners; she was no longer the gentle, patient
girl, who had first directed their Uniformed taste,
and had charmed out the lingering talent There
was nothing whispered as yet, but there was .
feeling that all was not right She. was 50 re-
spected by all, we dared not admit the suspicion
Of intoxication even silently to ourselves still It
would come, and we could not repel It; it was
not mentioned, even among intimate friends, but
there it lurked. Mrs. Lindsay became uneasy,
but II was too late her feeble exertions, her re-
monstrances, could not check the habit besides,
Rosa had never openly exposed hefself-been
drunk in fact. Her mother only feared she some
times took little drop too much, and II was diff
ficult to refuse this medicinal cheering draught
to 50 exemplary daughter.
They were now in easier circumstances; the
sisters were educated and supporting themselves;
one was well married; the only brother was now
adding to the family fund, and Walter was re
turning there was no longer any bar to kosa's
marriage. How anxiousY we all looked forward
to his return. At last, she received letter,
written from Southampton; he had landed-he
would be with her in a few hours. What joy,
what delight for the Lindsaysl Now Rosa would
be rewarded for her noble sacFi6ces-at last she
would be happy The moments sped rapidly
on in eager anticipation; the time drew nearer
he would soon be by her side. She grew rest
less, nervous, unable to bear the prolonged sus-
pense she who had endured separation Of
years, sank under the delay Of few minutes.
She had recourse to her accustomed soaee, .
little stiInulant. Walter came and she was pros
trate on the sofa, in disgusting iHsensibilityl
What meeting for that ardent, loving hearti
Mrs. Lindsay IN tears, the whole family eti-
IDENTIFY bent on concoalment; and Rosa, who
should have flown to his arms, drunk mo, not
drunk he conld not, would not believe this
pure, nOble.minded Rosa, could not have sunk
so far: even though the smell OF ardent spirits
porvaded the room, Il was the last vice he could
suspect in hes. Wssall had long Fesolutely
closed our eyes against the evidenced our senses;
could he who once knew her inestimabe worth,
who had her precious letters, breathing the
highest, most delicate, most womanly feelings
could he so pollute her imagef
"What is this ?" he cried; "Rosa I'LL Oh,
what Is thisH Good heaven, Mrs Lindsay
his eyes rested on the half empty tumbler.
The mother answered that mute question.
"a D. L.. -. nukn aSf hO
over exerted herself lately; The excitement Of
expectation was too much for her. DR.. has
prescribed little occasional stiinulant and am
afraid have over-dosed the poor child; she has
been in violent Mysteries"
Walter believed the explanation. The very
shame and confusion around him, Mrs. Lindsays
candoF, all reassured him; besides he was so
willing to be convinced and when Rosa recov-
cred, hOrror-struck at her situation, and bid her
tears and bushes on bis shoulder, he rapturously
kissed the lips yet fresh from the contAminating
draught. Tears Of shame and repentance poured
down her check and stiIl she felt rejoiced-in
expressibly relieved-by Walters evident belief
that this was accidental. She felt that she would
break of this dreadful habit now be was with
her; now she would be happy she need not be
compelled to make any humiliating disclosure.
"Forgive me, save mel" she cried. Dear,
dear Walter, say you do not despise me"
"Despise you, my own love, my sweet Rosai
-neveri Now don't look cross have hair
in your neck, sweetest, and mean to pull It some
| times"
1t was thus Walter laughed at what should
have been warning; but his nature was en-.
tirely unsuspicious and he loved so tenderly.
Rosa now put q strong restraint on herself; she
was again what we had first known her; and oil
our fears were Immediately dispelled.
They were married. Not cloud lowered to
cast shadow upon their bliss but the slight dis
appreciation Of some distant relations Of Wal
| ter's, who, not knowing the Lindsays save by
hearsay. thought he might have done better than
wed not only portionless 'ride, but one whose
| family he must assist However, as these fault
| finders had no business to interfere, their remon'
strances remained ent'rVly unheeded. No bride
could be happier than Rosa, no husband prouder
than Walter. They were not rich, but they had
| more than enough for elegant economy, and
| were not debarred any Of those refined enjoy
ments which gave value to life. Books, music
Rosa s art-a Wcl:chosen though small circle
Of friends, q pretty house with its 'ultivated
garden, and enough Of labor for each TO sweeten
| their repOse Injuries were not required here;
they had the best blessings Of this world within
their reach, and some months were passed in
supreme felicity.
Mr.. Manson. an uncle Of Walters, and one Of
those who had objected to his marriage, had come
up to town on business, and his nephew was nat.
urally anxious to pay him some attention and in.
troduce his darling vile to him. The uncle was
Of the old school, ond Of the pleasures Of the
table an adInirer Of dinner parties and convinced
that their cold fOFmalities are the great bond Of
union In business and politics. II may be so
there Is a certain look Of reSpectabiitv in pom
derous dinner.lAblO, In the crimson aOckPa
Of the dining.rOOnl, in the large Sdeboard and
heavy curtains; but unlvss the entertainer be
rich man, how the words " "dinner'Psrty" tor
ture his poor Wifel u Is the prelude to weeks
| ....... A. - A.. hseA ,sork "a the headache.