Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-01-08

" ANiiAthNN Abti obelFAt' HI Ai4o 1itAI DAO
days he had been anything but a recluse
for a gay buoyant temperament had mad
him The favorite OF many circles; an
now the natural desire TO mix with me-
once more began to find place in his mind
His promise occasionally recurred t
memory, but had hitherto caused him n
embarrassment or uneasiness. II was n
fear on this score that had influenced hi
mode of life hitherto; and he though
not at all Of the circumstance when b
consented at las. 10 break in on the Sc
clusion which bad become habitual
Once under the roof Of bis hospitabl
friend, Philips mind quickly took col
oring of cheerfllness and gaiety in keep
ing with the scene. This gaiety was, il
fact, its most natural phase, aud Ions
constraint served no doubt TO make eacl
pleasurable impression mrre vivid Il
has been said that be was well fitted tc
shine in such gatherings; /; he seemed tc
regain all bis old powers on this OCCASION
Had the reunion been specially and Gun.
niugly planned (as it was no) TO allure
him back into the circle of living sympa-
thies, the object would scarcely have been
accomplished more efectually. The
lights, the music, the wine, conversation,
and repaFtee, the fair and happy faces
about him, made up an atmosphere which
a nature ike bis could not resist. And
when Philip returned to his somber
hearth, the shadows seemed less dense,
and life more lovable than before for
we look at lifc through the coloring me
dium Of inward feelings, and to these hu,
man Intercourse is ike sunshine. But
was there no special reason beyond Tor
the revulsion in Philip S.ourton's mind
He might bave answered there was no
other; but it was whispered that bright
ganees had shone upon him and fascina-
ted him. Pshaw glances indeed! Yes,
butthey were Honor Westwood's glauces,
and Honor was a lovely girl.
She was the niece and ward Of Mr..
Westwood, their host; his heiress, also,
it was said. phiip admired her beauty,
felt perhaps little fattered by her favor.
But be was not to be taken by The first
pretty face that chanced 10 look his way.
Not in the least. But Philip had or made
an errand to the great house within a
few days, when an opportunity was afFor-
ded TO him Of judging whether he had
net over estimated the young lady's beau
ty and courtesy on bis first visit a matter
which curiously interested him and ex-
ceedingly favorable to the lady were the
conclusions he came 10. Then more than
once or twice or thrice did he repeat his
visit, and gradually from his heart and
from his hearth faded the dark shade
which fell upon them when bis dear wife
died.
One night after a prolonged visit to the
Westwoods, Philip Stourton returned
home, and sat down in his silent study
with a 1ashed and troubled brow. He
tried TO reud, but after turning a page or
two the book was thrown aside, and he
sat with thoughtful eyes before the fire
absorbed in reverje. Not very pleasant
were his reflections, to judge from the
words that escaped him now
and then, betraying the theme on which
his thoughts were busy. He had subjec-
ted himself to an influence which few can
long resist, more especially when the
mind has been acted upon by sorrow and
solitude. He found himself suddenly in
a forbidden realm, tempted by beauty,
companlonship, feelings univer-
ally welcomed as the highest good of
Earth. But he was under disabilities
le was not free to choose like others his
promise stared him in the face. A wild
mood Of passion and remorse, and una
railing repentance perhaps for his rash
promise, took possession of his mind, and
made the long hours Of the night sleep
ess. lie was not so deeply enslaved but
bat he still retained sufficient control
'yer himself to take what was undonbt>
dly good resolution, if he desired to
preserve inviO!ate the pledge he had Civ
n to his lost wife.
Honor Westwood wondered when the {
ummer evenings came and went, but 5
rought not the wonted and welcome
uest. To wonder succeeded disappoint- i
lent, and to disappointment the bitter, .
hough only hali-acknowledged, pangs OF
lighted love. Would be ever come again?
What discourtesy had she been guilty of?
'he searched her memory and. tortured
er mind. In Philips absence she brood.
d over his image, and, as we are all apt
do, overvalued the merits of what she
semed to have lost, till in this way her
attachment ripened into abso.