The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-27
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, FRIDAY MORNING
though. and studied his life out-tba. was

plain to be seen. But what need care
This William Halstead was nothing to INC.
A moment more, and we stood face to face.
My heart gave fierce bound. I shivercd,
for I thought IL was going to prove traitor
heart but in less than o moment 1t ceased
its throbbings and grow still.
81 am happy to see you, Mr.. Halstcad."
He held out his hand silently but l took
no notice Of it; and, as Others came up to
clasp the hand l had refused, l moved haugh-
tily away.
Later in the evening stood alone on tho
verandah, as far as could possibly get from
the sound of human voices. II was bitter
cold. Tho night wind blew keenly upon my
uncovered neck and arms, but did not heed
it, it was not half SO cold rs the chill Of my
heart. shuddcrcd at the darkness Of my
future, wondering il could bear it.
The distant hum of voices added to my
gloom. moved farther into the shadow as
footstep fell upon the graveled walk. II
passed on, and once moro sank into reverie.
Some time must have passed, when voice
startled me. :.
"Clare, this is madness, standing in the
winter wind, without oven shawl about
you. Mr.. Leland is not over careful Of the
| t-o,erro bo boa xvop ~
turned suddenly and met the dear eyes
that. ten years ago this very night, had
been dark with the anguish of our parting.
For moment my heart grew faint, and my
limbs trembled but pride soon camo to my
aid.
"You'had better return to the drawing
room, Mr.. Halstead. Your wife will feel
lonely among 50 many strangers"
"My wifo, Mrs. Leland? what mean
you I"
"Nrs. Leland? can but ask, in return ,
what Mr.. Halstead means?"
care you not the wife Of Mr.. George Le-
land, Clarc?"
"No, sir; am Clare Summer6cld still.
But Gro return to the drawing room, permit
me to congratulate you upon your marriage"
"Ulare Summer6eld, there is some dark
mystery here. Ihave never been married.
never loved any one but OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES! |!
was to embark for America in fortnight.
when letter reached mo from George Leland,
saying you and hc were to bo married in u
week. and inclosing wedding cards done up
in the usual dainty fashion. Inecd not tell
you of the sorrow that almost overwhelmed
mo. Here was the reason why, for two or
three months, my letters remained unanswcr-
cd"
"I never received ono of them. 1t was
George that told me Of your marriage" |
said, hurriedly, light beginning to break in
upon my mind.
Reader, will not weary you by relating
all that passed between us. Suffice 1t to say,
before we parted, that all was explained. We
found out the bitter wrong that had been
done US but, for the sake of Mr.. and Mrs.
Leland, We resolved to bury the secret OF
their sons dishonor in our own breasts. 1t
was very hard thing to do, when we thought
of how much precious time had been lost in
vain regrets; that for ten long years our
hearts had been aching, and We had been
losing faith in mankind and womankind.
Willie said he could forgive him, for 1t was
his love for mo that had caused him to sin ;
that bo did not blame him very much-hc
did not see how ho could very well help low
ing me. Ipressed my hand over his mouth
to shut in the aattering words; but, dear
reader, will tell you, in confidence, that |
felt just as proud and happy in hearing them
as n woman can we'll be.
But the little clock on the mantel tells me
that it is creeping on into the wee sma'
hours: and as am TO be married tomorrow,
must now say good night.