, 1865-01-27

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'soberly.' We often beard from Cousin Matthew.
He still remained unmarried, but never had visi-
ted his native country. Latterly his letters spoke
of a wish to see US again, and we were in expec-
taton ola short visit from him. Report said he
was wOoing and winning fair American girl.
My heart throbbed painfully when heard it
from strangers, and he was revenged to the full
by the bitter tears I shed at the recollection of
my folly, my absurd heartlessness; but in his
letters he spoke not of his wooing.
DO you never intend to marry, my dsughterP
said my father one day, as rose to leave the Ii
brary, after giving my customary answer to a
most unexceptional offer of marriage.
why papa, do you want to be rid of your e.
la replied 1, going to him; and, as | leaned
over his shoulder, and threw my arms caressing-
ly around him.
No, you gipsyP he answered, drawing my
cheek to his lips. Harry Moore is a fine, noble
fellow, whom l should be proud to ownas son,
but would not urge you to marry him, or any
one else, against your inclination. Still it seems
strange such beautiful woman as you should
remain unmarried. used to hope to see Mat
thew your husband; but, auded he, witha sigh,
that idea have yielded up long since
/ kissed him in silence. Shortly after, I said
in as firm tone as 1 could command, 'the steam
er should be in by this date-it may bring Cous-
in Matthew to pay us the flying visit he has
promised in his last letters
God bless himl calculated my father 4 hope
he may, then shall see him once more before
die.
'Fie on you, naughty papal' Iexclaimed, why
should you talk so sadly2 Many long year will
your Ella have you to Lowell and with another
caress left him.
needed to be alone wandered through
my large drawing-rooms, furnished with such
luxurious taste, but felt weary and heart-sick.
My father last words, nay, the whole tenor of
his conversation, had caused unpleasant thoughts
to arise within my mind. He might die-then
how lonely should feell-lonely with love in
my heart, and for whom For no one else than
Cousin Matthew Yesl could no longer deny
it to myself. The report of his intended marri-
age had opened my eyes to the true state of my
feelings. ! loved him deeply and truely; and
bitter, bitter tears did shed, as pictured forth
the presentation to US Of his bonny American
bride.
few days after, the steamer arrived, bearing
to us Cousin Matthew, but alone. He was no
longer the plain Cousin Matthew of former days.
If had loved him recolectng of his uncouth
appearance of past times, how must my admira-
ton of manly beauty and refinement been graft
fed, and my love increased, by theimproYement
both in person and manner, so visible in my cOus-
inl He was so elegant and handsome-enough
for my fastidious taste. Towards me his man
ner was frank and brother-like. All how alter
ed was his bearing, while pined and sickened
for the lOve-glances which in his blushing boy
hood he lavished upon mel
Never fear, dear Ella, he whispered, as drew
hack, in conscious love from his first caresses on
his arrival, 4 promised my cousin, not TO aP-
pear before you until | could regard you as sis
ter. And his clear eye beamed upon me with
calm, brotherly light. My heart sank within
me as saw he had misunderstood my movement,
and fastened to the solitude of my room, that
| might give free vent to the bitter remorse felt
Notwithstanding the report of his approaching
marriage, had ventured to hope everything
from this visit. How my tears flowed as his
cold words rung in my ears, dispelling all my
rosy day-dreams.
l re-entered society, on account of my cous-
in's arrival | said. 1t was, in truth to fly from
myself But in the gay throng l was no less
miserable; for there be appeared even to greater
advantage. With all his strict habits of bus
mess, he had, during the years Of his absence
abroad, acquired many accomplishments He
was graceful dancer, q cleyer musician, in con-
versaton unexcelled; in short, he was all my
fancy could have depicted my "beau ideal.'-
And this was Cousin Matthew Why even his
name sounded well to me. There was more dig
nifed melody in that simple name, Matthew
Bates, than in all the Clarences, Dudleys, and
Stanleys, had ever heard. But day after day.
as they passed by, proved to me that was no
past years. And yet ! was not wanting in
charms. My glass proved to me that the world
said true when it told me that l was more beau
tiful than at seventeen. My figure was fully de-
velOped, and the maturing of my intellect had
heightened the expression Of my countenance.-
never thought Of my beauty before; but now,
for Cousin Matthew eyes, adorned my person
with all the taste possessed BuJI daily felt
dissatisfied with my appearance and manner, for
IL, I'd Matt 10 or1
"They tell me, Matthew, that you are to give
us an American cousin, said my father one day
at dinner, after the servants had retired, and he
pushed the wine towards my cousin. l rose has
tily from the table to retire to the drawing
room. The subject just broached quckened my
departure, for l feared might betray some emo
ton if | remained. Matthew rose likewise to
open the door for me, and said blithely, as he
rested his hands on the lock, ''Well, Uncle John,
will you not treat her kindly?'
"To be sure, my boy Your wife could not
greet otherwise than kindly" replied my father,
But seeing Matthew about leaving the room
with me- he said, 'Why in such haste? Let US
drink the health of the American bride"
"Another time, dear uncle, replied Matthew
looking at his watch. But have an engage
ment on important business in the City, and am
now behind the hour appointed"
We passed from the dining-room together, and
1 DOWeu III SllenCe as ne opened Tor me the
drawing-room door, and bade me "Good eve
ming" l listened with painful impatience, un-
til heard the front door close on him. Then I
threw myself on lounge, and gave myself up
to my grief. Hopes last glittering ray had de-
parted. had ga well of tears back o my eye
lids. and freely did they flow.
"Ah Cousin Matthew I exclaimed, in
broken accents, chow times are changed with
us When you offered me your love, rejected
it. Now, when l love you, nay, hopelessly
adore you, am as nothing to you"
"Say not so, dearest Ella" said voice be-
hind me. l turned and beheld Cousin Matthew S
love-beaming face. 'Pardon me, dearest" he
murmured he fondly embraced me, ''for
playing the part of listener; but the night
wind closed the door, leaving me in the hail.
heard your sobs, and hastened to offer COM
fort. Imagine my wild delight when over
heard your exclamation. I was beloved by the
only woman in the world dear to me-"
"And the American bride ~ I asked
"Is a being of fancy, dearest. never would
have married any woman but you. imagined
| had overcome my passionate love for you, or
Ishould never have returned. But had only
to look upon you to prove the fallacy of such
imaginings. ] soon discovered that you were as
dear as ever. When was told Of the repeated