The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-27

| fessi0n trem0led upon MS lips, put no ioa'0'
to risk the story Of his love till time had dc
stroyedmy love for Willie.
That night passed more wretchedly thai
any night for years. Next day, Mr.. an'
Mrs. Leland both talked to me, saying the.
loved me rs their own child, and begged m
to bo indeed their child. Though distressed
to seem ungr,teful, I told them I could no
be his wife; that had loved William Hal
stead from a child, and though he had proves
false. there was for me no second loving.
Inow felt that l must leave my presen
home, for / could not live under the SAM
roof with George Leland. But this the.
would not hear Of; George was going to
away with his uncle, and I must remain ant
be daughter to them. in affection II not il
name. So it was arranged, and l breathet
more freely when he was gone.
Then things settled back in their old way
and once more was happy-no. not happy
for happiness and had parted long ago
but was contented.
Two years had drifted away into bygonc
In those years I had learned. much-amonl
other things, to suffer and be strong. wa
no longer the sensitive girl that had barteret
her whole lifo's happiness away for love, ant
lost.
wasa woman now strong and self reliant
with all an outraged woman's rampant pride
? to hold in check all her many. many mem
ories to ignore. had fought a desperate
battle with my own heart, and came of con
queror. had entered my room, one night
determined todcstroy every relic Of my faith
less lover. Then was to forget him; (; tha
was the plan. had picture of him, thai
had hung in large closet in my room, tc
keep it from other eyes. 1t was like many
of the old fashioned closets. with shelves a
one side and window ut the other. There
was room for my little tables and workstand
and there had bccn wont to dream my
dreams. Now it was different, and for many
long mouths-ay, years-it had been closed
and locked; like the love dream Of my heart
it must see the light no moro.
On the night in question. unlocked tho
door and entered had determined to de-
stroy every token Of the wild dream that had
brought me 50 much misery. Tho sight o'
the bright face almost maddcned me. The
freight shono fun upon it. At first 1t seemed
to smile down tenderly upon me, and
Thought the beautiful lips whispered, "dar'
ling Clare
Then either my mood changed or tho pic
ture did, for could have sworn tho hand
some mouth grew naughty, and the dark eyes
flung haunting glances down upon mo, while
the words "forsaken, forsaken !" rang in
my ears. snatched upa heavy paper-weight
and though, when raised my hand to strike
the old, pleading look seemed to come into
the face, | dashed the weight right through
the dear eyes had once loved, shivering thC
picture to atoms.
Then there were letters to be destroyed
and curl Of glossy hair that had been givcr
to me when a,school girl, a few faded flow
ers, and ruby ring; and | destroyed them
Then flung up the window and sat down
in the bitter midwinter night, feeling that 9
wall Of ice was built up between me and th'
only one ever loved. My lip curled scorn
fully as thought of the past. Talk about
meek women, indeed felt that night ~
If had the strength Of thousand men.
felt like some triumphant general. hat
won great victory.
Two more years driftcd away. twas my
twenty.cighth birthnisht, and I stood before
the mirror robing fora grand reception to b.
given at the house Of Judge Stanmore. Twas
Indifferent as to my toilet generally, caring
little at any time for dress. Why should !
when no loving eye would look upon mo-
no father. mother. sister or brother in oil the
earth! But tonight it was dilferent fol
there were to be some distinguished stran'
gers present from transatlantic shores, and
must make more careful toilet than usual
debated little while-an unusual thing fol
me-between two dresses. black velvet ant
rich white satin. At last decided in favor
| of the velvet: the sombrc color suited my
sombrc heart best.
II seemed strange that I, who had felt nc
thrill Of vanity for years, should be vain to
night did it not? | combed out my long
hair, and brushing il into heavy curls, gath
them into knot behind, and thrusting q
ieweled bodkin into the shining mars, left
them to trail over my neck. Black was singu
larly becoming to me tonight, for my cheek,
and lips were vivid crimson, and my eye,
flashed like dimonds. The rich. black dres,
showed of my white neck and round arms tc
good adyantage-roundcd for all my eight.
and. twenty years. Isuppose l was called
an old maid; women Of that age generally
arc. l believe. The close fitting boddicc
with its berthe Of rich lace, covered bleak
and barren heart. But what did it matter
the world did not know it.
Iworc no jcwels,savc tiny diamond star
that flashed and CLEANED above my forehead
the gift Of Mrs. Leland. Reader, do YOU
know for whom this toilet was making
Among the distinguished strangers from
abroad was William Halstead, one of the most