Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-03-21
THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED.

I was spending the most beautiful part of the year with Mrs. Ross at Rose Hill, my usual summer resort; aud gayer, happier company than that which was then around me, I have sell dom found. Excursions, pic-nics and all manner of enjoyments were contin' ually on the list, and never had time passed so pleasantly before.
 One among us, however, seemed to take no interest in our gatherings, or in any of our parties; and Charles Mcredith's coldncss and reserve was frequent subject of comment, especial ly among the ladies. Young and attractive he certainly was, and pos sessed of brilliant colloquial powers, which l myself had often tested; for. friendly advances from others, and it was only after many pcrsevcring efforts that l finally drew him out of his reserve. Our sameness of pursuit had some influence here no doubt. We were both artists. I was strongly and irresistiby attracted towards the hand some, energetic enthusiast; and it pleased me greatly to find that in my company. at least, he would throw of the mask of reserve. eAa When at length l persuaded him to mingle in our party in the drawing room, the fascinating young artist be- came general iavorite. l noticed more than one fair lady's check blush with pleasure when Charles Meredith's dark eye flashed into hers; but among all the ladies in our little set he seem ed to choose Annie Fay, the mcrriest little fairy that ever danced on the earth. sgaS4Ao 4
 One stormy evening we were sitting in the well lighted drawing room, most ofus in earnest conversation con- cerning the sphere of woman" l mo- ticed that Charles was unusually quiet as the discussion went on, though his eyes were flashing strangely as he lis- tened to our various ideas.
 Suddenly I exclaimed to my oppo- nent: Say what you will, sir, when a woman has once lowered herself from her proper sphere, she has lowered herself far in my estimation and res pect."
 1 As I said this turned my gaze full upon Charles Meredith's face as if to ask his opinion. To my terror, 1 saw him spring from his seat with pale face and hands uplifted, as though suffering intense agony. Several gentlemen sprang forward to aid him, when sud denly his arms fell helplessly by his side, and hastily turning, he left the room.
 "Poor fellowr' said Annie Fay "he works so necessarily that it is no won- der he is ill."
 Her words were received as sufficient reason for Charles behavior, and were ! verified when he returned to offer an apology for his abrupt departure, giv- ing sudden illness as an excuse.
 After that, Charles Meredith never l joined us in the drawing room again. More reserved than ever. he worked in his room, or, with sketch book in hand, spent days in rambling over the hills. now seldom met him or when l did I was pained and surprised to find that his interest in me seemd entirely gone, so cold and discourag- ing was his behavior.
 "Mr. Meredith has left us," remark ed Mrs. Ross, one morning, after we had breakfasted.
 Left us?" I exclaimed. "Where has he gone, and why?'
 q do not know he gave me no req son." was the answer.
 Now that he had gone, found what a deep hold the dark-eyed hoy had taken upon my affections. I recalled his graceful form, his musical voice and sad looks, and regretted keenly that I had not taken greater pains to secure his friendship.
 I was walking in the garden, one day, just at twilight, and hearing the roll of carriage wheels. approached