Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-10-02


deed, my love and affection; and, as |
have no desire to influence hitn in the
REIMBURSEMENT of his educational pur,
suits, l shall do all in my power to aid
and encourage him.
Louise, said Edward, in a naughty
tone of voice, Since you are thus decid-
ed and determined to abide by your own
decision, l, too, must be determined, -
and it is useless to prolong this contro-
versy, which few brief words must
end. Inever will consent to be the sec
ondary object of my wife's affection, nor
receive into my family one who will mo-
nopolize her love and attention there
fore, if you are not willing to provide a
home for Clarence apart from ours, we
must seperate.'
As the cold selfish man uttered these
words, he arose from his seat and paced
the floor with a nervous, impatient step,
while Louise sat pale and motionless as
statue, feeling as though her heart
must cease its pulsations, so painful and
heavy was her anguish and disappont-
ment. In one instant of time her fond
hopes and sweet dreams of domestic
peace and happiness had been dashed
from her by the ruthless hand of him
who was dearer to her than her own ex-
lstence.
But lie must never know the bitter
sorrow lie bad caused, and, with her
characteristic frmness, she said, Edward,
there is no alternative but for me to yield
to your decision, however cruel and un-
just it may be. As wife, my husband
would always have held the first and
highest claim upon my society, my at
tention and affection but since you
can, with so little effort, cast me from
you, it were better the tie at once be
broken, the last farewell be spoken. l
trust we part as friends My blessing
will attend you
Thus they parted,--the faithful and
the faithless. He, to minge again in
the busy haunts of life, and WOO and win,
in a few short months, Marion Graham,
the proud heiress of the village.
But she came forth from the conflict
strengthened in the calm faith and holy
resignation which bears the stricken soul
above the storm clouds of this earthly
pilgrimage, into the peaceful heaven Of
Gods eternal love. Once more the
brave, heroic girl took up the burden Of
life's cares and responsibilities, happy in
the consciousness that she had not sacri-
feed duty and justice on the altar OF
self-loYe.
We now pass over a period of years,
years in which the heroine of our sim
pie narrative has, without murmuring,
borne her part in life's great drama, im-
proving each day with acts Of kindness
and charity, with deeds of love and
mercy.
Once more the beautiful season ofsum-
mer came round flowers and verdure
garnished the earth in blushing beauty,
while the balmy air was redolent Of their
exquisite perfume. Again the sunset
hour had cast its refuIgert glory over
the landscape, and unfured its brilliant
banners of gold and crimson through the
heavens, while its mellow light streamed
in at the cottage windows, where stood
Louise and Clarence, who, in that sea-
son of Natures festal joy, were again
united in the dear old home, around and
within which were shrined the hallowed
memories Of other days.
Long and weary months had passed
since they last parted. In that time
Clarance had completed his course of
studies, and ranked with the gifted and
talented of the land. lie had but few
compeers, in bis native State, to compete
with. and soon found himself second TO
none in the legal profession. As he
leaned, in a careless attitude, against the
easement of the open window, beside bis
sister, be looked like a young Apollo
the very personifcation of manly beauty,
with the seal of noble manhood in-ef-
faceably stamped on his brow, and the
pure, lofty aspirations of his soul written
on every lineament of his fine, classical
looking face.
Clarence had established himself in
business in the city Of M, and was
offianced husband of A?abella FELTON,,
only daughter of Reginald FELTON,, Esq.,
in whose Office Clarence had been a dill
gent student for two years.
In personal charms Arabella had but
few competitors. With the beauty of
form and feature, she united the worth
and beauty of highly cultivated mind,
and a soul indoctrinated with the holy