Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-02-03
ANNA,S LOVERS ;
OR, THE TRIED AND THE TRUE.

for the future has ever been to make you my
own, and happy wife. But my hopes are
blasted, and my life must be spent away from
that which is dearest Of all things on earth.
thought until Caldwell came to ourvillage,
that was dear to you. Perhaps it is well
TINT be came you may be much happier
with him than ever you would have beenwith
me. Good bye r.
Edward Dayton put out his hand for a
good bye clasp, but two snowy arms were
thrown about his neck, and Anna Capron was
sobbing on his shoulder.
"Oh, Edward I" she cried, " l cannot have
you CO. and feeling so badly, too. You are
too good for me; you are SO noble, 50 true, so
brave. thought loved you once as | never
could love again, and | know no sister ever
loved brother as love you now"
Edwards heart beat quickly. To be loved
even as brother--to feel those soft arms
about his neck, and that fearful face against
his own, was happiness for moment.
He drew the slender form TO his great warm
heart, and pressed his lips to the rosebud
mouth. He laid his hands caressingly on the
sunny curls. For moment he held her thus
silently, then spoke softly, striving to keep
the anguish of his heart from his voice.
do not weep, Anna Heaven knows
would do anything to make you happy. But
Caudwell's caresses will make you forget
mine, and it is better that should not re-
main here. Let me sec you smile, darling,
before we part"
. The sunny head was lifted from his shoul-
der, the fearful eyes looked into his, but there
was no smile upon the rosy lips.
Edward she said, sadly, {" / cannot smile.
When you think of me, think of these tears
in my eyes"
Good bye, then, my darling. 1t shall be
as you wish, the young man said.
And he drew her again to his breast and
reeeiyedher farewell kiss, then he unwound her
arms from his neck, and left her, in the twi-
light alone. There was a tear in his eye but
he brushed it away, and bravely walked on,
not once looking behind.
The sound of his footsteps died away in the
distance, and still Anna sat in the doorway,
looking after him.
But another step drew near, and Anna
sprang to meet Elvin Caudwcll, her afiauced
husband. He was tall, slender man, with
white hands, and fascinating way. He had
come to that country village to spend the sum
ner, and had wooed and won pretty Anna
Japron away from Edward Dayton, for they
we're to wed, and then Anna was going to the
yreat city to live.
With many promises 10 be true to each
,ther, they parted, and Anna sat down to
che IN. thx 81
Fay, with her face in her hands, meditating
eeply.
She had once loved Edward Dayton. She
new that. The time had been when he would
ave been all the world 70 her, but after FL
in Caldwell came to the village her heart
ad seemed to change. His fattering words
nd tender smiles had dazzled her, and poor
Edward was too often forgotten aud neg
acted.
With great pang at his heart he had
'atched the growing intimacy between his
airing and the stranger, and at last had ta-
en- back the golden circlet which he had
laced upon her finger, and told her she was
roe. His fondest hopes blasted and his dream
happtaoss over, he left her to seek for
IL shore
Tor lew days after her lover had departed
una Ront about her duties sad and d.spir-
ed but soon long loving letter came from
or betrothed, and sac began 10 laugh and
ng again as OF old. The beautiful autumn
avs passed by, and the SHOWS OF winter be-
an to fall, but Elvin Caldwell was detained
the city, by business, he wrote, and could
OF come as early as ne promised. His let
'rs grew shorter and colder, and at last the |
ltal missive that dashed her hopes to the |
round.
Dear Anna,' it ran, :" | thought | loved |
GU devotedly; but Maggie Earl has taught
'e my mistake. Forgive me, and remember
am no more cruel than you were in break. !
% your engagement with Edward DAYTON.
'orget and be happy"
white and fearless she read the letter over
nd over, repeating the words softly to her. |
BIZ This then was her reward for casting
side the pure affection Of her early love.
' ny should she censure one for doing MOTH |
g save that which she herself had been guil- |
OF She knew not what il was TO be east |
Tor new face, to be unloved and forgot
IN. Her eyes looked strangely bright.
:" l am willing to suffer- she said TO her.
'lf, " all that my noble Edward suffered for
e' to feel every pang that he felt, and more,
n my sin was greatS
She folded the written missive. and nlaced |
IN her bosom. She took the ring from her
lger, the betrothal ring, and with all the
ementoes OF affection which she had receiy- |
from Elvin Caudwell ,,ba sont a.. III