Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-04-15

haYe been puzzled, and trembled NOR
than ever for his hopes but Gordon de
cided at once that she had not forgotten
the sweet old story of the past, and tha
she bad forgiven or misunderstood hi
conduct during their late interview ii
America.
He dashed up the steep bill at fear
ful pace and halted at the little house.
Mabel was visible-quietly pleased tt
see him-apparently unconscious of any
thing peculiar in his appearance.
Mabel he exclaimed, rapid ly, .
t have come to beg your pardon for The
past-to own myself a wretch Hetty
dearest Hetty, say that you forgive me.
Now that was just specimen of the
tact possessed by most men-hurting his
cause, if her feelings had been of the
tenderest, by an sllusion to the outrage
she had suffered and pardoned.
Say that you forgive me, Hetty,' and
down he went upon his knees, not acting,
but for once in such entire earnest that
he must give full expression to bis emo
tions.
Mabel looked at him with sweet pla-
cidity.
Hadn't you better get up? said she.
Your washerwoman never will pardon
you those brick stains
Up he sprang, staring at her in utter
bewilderment.
'Oh, Hetty ? was all he could utter.
DO you mistake me for that young
person?' she asked, cooIly. You are
in error, Mr.. Gordon; the woman who
speaks to you is Mabel Flinton.'
Call yourself what you please, only
tell me that you have not forgotten our
happy little past that you love me still,
and that we may be happy once more
'AIl this might be very interesting to
the young female you call Hetty Flint,
Mr. Gordon, but / confess it puzzles me;
we will change the conversation, if you
please
'Oh !! you are cruel, heartess You
wish to revenge yourself by torturing
me-be more generous. / know act
ed viely-I was boy,a fool-but /
love you with all my heart and soul; in-
deed do, Hetty.'
Still apostrophizing that unknown
damsel! Really, Mr., Gordon, / find
your rehearsal tiresome.'
She turned deliberately away. He
caught her loose sleeve as she passed
she look d back with a gesture ike
Rachel dismissing an insOlent menial-
his hands fell 10 his side.
'Then you won't hear me you won't
forgive me?'
She ignored the latter part of the sen
tence entirely.
Twill hear you if you choose to talk
nationally. How does your sketching
go on? Why, you will be great and fs-
moBs at this rate
There was no use to attempt either in
jured airs or high tragedy; he might as
well have al ke to one of Walteau's
painted women. Even the anger which
would have supported him was lost un-
der the pain which wrung his shallow
nature.
i will leave you,' he said. Please
God, you will learn, one day, what it is
to throw away loyal heart
Had there been shade of the old
feeling left it must have famed into
passion at those words. She only lifted
her arm and shook lightly the charms at~
tsched to her bracelet.
These are the sort of hearts / like
oest and never throw away she said,
7layfully.
Have you turned astrologer, Mr.. Cor :
lon ? she interrupted, with a musical
augh. Have you been casting my hor- '
,scope and come TO reveal the secrets of
he future?' {
He crushed his straw hat in bis hands, {
rom an irresistible m pu Is to destroy
and dashed toward the door s
The consciousness of all he was losing t
'ushed over him; he turned and cried,
oh! Hetty, Hettyl tell me you are /
lot in earnest q
'Mr. Gordon, said she, quietly, Hetty I
Clint is dead went to her funeral, t
,oor homeless, nameless outcast that she 9
vas. Don't mistake me for her. / as n
ure you am a very different person. s
She swept him one of her bewildering
ourtesies and disappeared through the
ouble doors.
Gordon darted out of the house. AT
ne gate be met the duke, who greeted s