Ellsworth American., 1867-02-15

III was the nIgbt before THAT upon which
Charles was to have his interview witt
Mildred. He would give the required
pledge and she, in return, would render
his Happiness complete. He mad scarcely
a thought independent of the woman he
loved.
And Mildred There was an indefnabl,
something which hung like mist over
her heart and rendered her almost sad
Mrs, Wayland observed her deiectiod
and proposed that they should attend a
masked ball to be given at the house of a
friend. 1t was the last evening of Chatles
probation, and she accepted the offer upon
conditions that they should remain un-
known.
They did not go until late and the com
pany being assembled in drawing room
tie upper rooms were deserted. They
had jusl reached the ladies apartment.
which a gentlemen emerged from an Op-
positc room left the door ajar, and descend
ed the stairs. A voice fell upon her ears
"a voice welcome as the first carol of the
spring bird, and she knew that Charles
was not far distant. Other tones, were
heard, such as the following: Come, Hales
let's have a glass before We 20 down.
How will he re ly Her heart almost
ceased to beat, she was SO fearful he
would fall
NO, no. he replied. DO not ask me.
am trying to obstain altogether
Under a pledge to some lady, warant!'
returned his companion,
4 am under no pledge replied Charles.
but my reason for refusing you is sufi-
cent Hereafter the man who asks me
is not my friend
Are you in earnest, lIalcs1' demanded
the young man. thought you were Jest
my, perhaps
Il was never more serious, was the
calm reply. If a kiglom were offered me
if would indulge in one glass only.
would refuse it,
They passed out of hearing, and Mildred
turned to where Mrs. Wayland was stand
ing before the mirror. She had not heard
the conversation. nor could Mildred repeat
it. Who can tell the emotions of her heart!
Mildrcd's happiness was supreme : She
had known Charles to be tempted, and she
had known him to resist. Was she suprs-
ed No, for her own heart had proplcscd
that he would overcome the temptation.
\ few moments later they decended :;
the rooms were crowded, and presented n
splendid appearance. Charles, with sew
eral other gentlemen and ladies', was un-
masked, aud one of the number, Young
girl attracted Mildrcds attention. She
was very lovely, and Charles. too, seemed
to appreciate her lovelincss; for already
lie appeared unconscious Of the presence
of any other than herself. Mildrcd's con
fidencc was too implicit to permit Jealous
thought, but she did not like to acknowl-
edge the influence the stranger seemed to
exert. The crowd, however, moved to-
were served. and ftra few moments she
lost sight of the couple in which she felt so
much interest.
Wine, if you please
| Mildred turned and recognized in the
speaker the lady who had SO irrcsistibv
attracted her notice.
Charles lIaIes approached with glass
and presented it with smiling bow. She
received it gracefully, but exclaimed in as
constituent Am | to drink this alone :!
Il cannot indulre!' was the low reply.
Cannot indulyer she echoed. You are
not loyal am afraid, No gentleman
can refuse q lady, Another glass if You
please
Il cannot comply; you must excuse me-,
replied Charles, firmly.
But | will not excuse yOu.' said the lady
She approached enc of the side tables, lifted
IL dccanter. and poured out delicious
draught. Then returning. she said Come.
the wine will lose its brillancy anal my
patience, you keep me waiting. This is
the health and happiness Of Mr.. liales.'
II Their g asses touched, and Charles was
cmpticd att draught.
| Mildred had heard every word. had seen
every movement. and had tia glass contain
ed her hearts hest blood she could not
have endured greater agony. Gone were
the lofty hopes, the towering aspirations!
Sick at heart she turned away ; but for a
moment was almost tempted to tear the
mask from off her face and stand revealed
before the man she had lavcd and trusted.
But should she condemn him Had he not
.o'd ferhs weakness And had he not re-
fused to pledge his word? But with what
woe and misery was the result of this fail
ure irighted. lie had wrecked himself when
nearest the point he would have died to
gain.
Mildred, have come to resign you,
said Charles.
The Young girl raised her eyes and look
cd, not said: You have failedthen!
Yes, f4iled-uttcrly, entirely, he re-
piled, interruptng the mute express
| ion; .at time, too, when | thought my
self most secure. Until last night resis-
ted every kind of temptation; and then ex-
ulting in the very strength which had sus
tanned me, become hopelessly weak,and
fell.
Mildred did not not speak. Words were
usc.css now. She had striven and plea
ded, and where was her reward! There
was not one ray of light in the present,
not one beam to di-pel the darkness of
the future
In the intensity of anguish, Charles sud
denly grew calm; he talked earnestly Of
his failure, and cloquently Of his affection.
He could not. would not. give Mildred up.
He would make orc more trial, and then,
| if he fell or succeeded he would abide by
the consequences. And the young girl
listened eagerly, accepting his terms. She
could not live without him; she would trust
him again, and thousand times, II nee
essary, Woman, loving ana confidins! in
thy breast the divine injunction finds it's
echo: Yet not seven times, but seventy
times seven shalt thou forgive.
Mildred did not tell Charles that she hal
witnessed his humiiation; she had not the
fortitudc for that. He had failed signally,
and had reported the truth to her. She
would try him again.