St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1863-11-26

ant His children became more dear
t. him, aad to a greater degree than he
had thought possible grew to supply
the place OF his dead wife. BY degrees
their merrimcnt became less grating to
his ears. There were times, tuu, When
his disposition recovered it's natural
tone; intervals of forgetfulness Of the
past, of hopefulness for the future
The children found kind but strict
foster-mother in the nurse; and his
household was fairly ordered house.
hold yet, though not the bright and
complete one which he knew before
the spoiler had trespassed upon 1t:
So Philip Stoufto" lived through his
trouble, and found, after a while, in
his children, his calling, and his books,
both comfort and tranquility.
In his profession Of an architect he
worked steadily and successfully; he
loved it because he cxce!lsd in it, and
labor of any kind blunted the sense of
pain and loss A wealthy mauufactdf-
er had employed him in the erection
Of some extensive business premises,
and afterwards Of private mansion; !;
und on the completion of the latter, ar
RANGED a pleasant party to celebrate the
circiiihstahte. f6 this festive gather.
ing the architect received a kindly
worded invitation. Philip debated
with himself whether he should accept
it, and finally concluded to do so. His
wife had now been dead two years,
during which time he had altogether
refrained ffoth society. In his happier
days he had been anything but a re-
cluse, for gay and buoyaht tempera-
ment had made him the favorite of ma:
ny circles; and NOW the natural desire
to mix with ttien once more began to
find place in his tnipd. His pfohiise
occasion ally required to memory, but
had hitherto caused him no embarrass-
ment or uneasincss. It Was no fear on
this score that had Influenced his mode
Of life hitherto; and he thought not at
all Of the circumstance when he con-
sented at last to break in on the seclu-
sion which had become habitual. Once
under the roof Of his hospitablc friend,
Philips mind quickly took coloring
Of cheerfulness and gayety in keeping
yith the scene This gayety was, in
tact, Its most @''-t,~~~1 rl,aso and lnnr
constraint served no doubt to make
each pleasurable impression more vivid:
It,has been said that he was we'll fitted
to shine In such gatherings seemed
to regain all his old powers on this oc-
casion. Had the reunion been special
" and cunningly planned Gas it ;ttas
not) to,allure him back into the circle
Of living sympathles, the object could
scarcely have been accomplished more
.effectually. The lights. the music, the
wine, conversation, and repartee, the
fair ana happy faces about him, made
up an atmosphere which nature like
his could not long resist. And when
Philip returned to his somber hearth.
the shadows seemed less dense, and life
more lovable than before; for we look
at life through the coloring medium Of
inward feelings, and to these human in
tercourse is like sunshine But was
there no special reason beyond for this
revulsion in Philip Stourton's mind !?
He might have answered there was no
other; but it was whispered that bright
glances had shone upon and fascinated
him. Pshaw !! glahces inieed; Yes,
but, they were Honor Westwoofs glan-
ces, and Honor was a very lovely girl.
She was the niece and ward of, Mr.
Westwood, their host; his hciress, also
it was said. Philip admired her beau
ty, felt perhaps little Aattered by her
favor. But he was not to be- taken by
the fist pretty face that chanccd to
look his way. Not in the least.
But Philip had or made an errand to
tho great house within few. days,
when an opportunity was afforded to
him Of judging whether he had not
over. estimated the young lady's beauty
and courtesy on his first visit, a matter
which curiously interested him J. and
exceedingly favorable tosthe lady were
the conclusi ons he came to. ;. .c.i
bis Then more than once or twice i or
thrice did he repeat his visit, and grad
ually from bis heart and from his
hearth faded the dark shade which fell
upon them when. his dear wife died.
One night, after prolonged visit to
the W estwoods, Philip Steutton return
,ed bomc, and sat aown" ii his2 silent
study with a. flushed and troubled Brow.
He tried to. read,, but after. turning q
page or two the book was thrown: aside
ind he sat With thoughtful eyes before
'the Gre, absorbed III rev'erie. Il Not !:vveer "
pleasant were his reflections, to Judge
from the muttered words that escaped
him now and then, betraying the theme
on which his thoughts were busy. He
had subjected himself to TN influence
which few could long resist, more es-
Ipecially when the mind has been acted
upon by sorrow and solitude. He found
himself suddenly in a forbidden, realm,
tempted by beauty, affection. coinpan.
ionship, feelings universally welcomed
as the highest good OF earth. But he
was under disabilities; he was not free
TO choose like others !; his promise star.
|ied him in the face!di A Wild mood Of
passion and remorsc.J aud unavailing re-
~nsl>-. e. L..