, 1863-03-21

]
the black rims which suffering had penciled round
them. They were week, too, and the pink tinge,
of the lids, and certain straining look did not
improve their beauty. A cose-ftting black skull
cap, which concealed the loss of hair sacrificed in
his illness, added to the grotesque and guant ap-
pearance of the young man. He smiled sadly, as
he studied the group in the mirror and then
with the nervous tremor of his voice, and futter-
ing of the fingers which betokened his bashfulness
he said, in low tone.
"NIiss Hazeton, have come to you, at your
uncles request, to tell you that leave tomorrow,
to ask you if l may take with me the hope that
the engagement which your father made with
mine will be fulfilled when l return !"
He tried to speak calmly; yet had Louisa
studied his face, she could have read in every line
the longing hope, the deep Eve which made his
voice trembe and blanched MS sallow cheek.
81 regret" she said quietly, yet not raising her
eyes, "that we were so strangely bound to each
other before we were old enough to know what
the contract imposed You feel yourself
obliged"
"You mistake" he said. eagerly; "there was no
obligation on either side H.
She had raised her eyes to his face questioning
ly, and, while he colored deeply, he stammered
and let his voice die away in silence.
Something in the look he gave her. in the at
t;tuda bo tool, 4old 4bo ,po,,o,,o boon+ bic loro
This lonely boy in his orphanhood suddenly
brought for the first time, into familiar intercourse
with beautiful girl, loved her with the passion
ate ardor of first love, intensified by his previous
life, Touched with feeling of pity, Luly arose
and came to his side.
"We are both very young, Mr.. Carleton, and
it is better that we should be free for some years
at least will speak frankly 1 do not love
you" The ghastly whiteness of his face almost
frightened her; but she was acting noble, true
part, and she continued. 81 will not triAe with
you; and when you have met others with more
power to win your love than possess, you will
thank me for it. Let us part as good friends,
and believe me, you will carry my most earnest
"t9"N9 iOA yOut 9PSSuy ASOO'Vlg ahu HdPPt-
ness"
"Stay-one moment" he gasped, catching her
hand you love no one else ?"
"No one! have just left school scarcely
know what love means" she said, blushng
"Then," he said, earnestly, "will you let the en-
gagement stands as it is for one year l shall
then return, and, trust, if you still feel as you
do now, no word of mine shall again urge you to
alter your decision. We are, as you say, young,
and two weeks is but short time to make de-
csion which effects whole life time. Let me
wi;e to you as friend only if you desire it, and
perhaps in year--"
He raised his eyes again with pleading, al
most childlike look, which moved her deeply
His love conquered his shy manner and the hope
of his whole heart was mirrored in his large dark
eyes.
"Be it So" she said gently 81 will answer
your letters, and in one year we shall meet again ,
"Only," she said, earnestly, "if my heart remains
untouched, you must acquit me of any charge of
Of coquetry."
He raised her haAd to his lips
"Believe me-" he said, "no thought that is not
born of love and respect can ever cross my mind
regarding you," and rising he left her alone.