The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1870-10-20

not conquered, SO long ago, began to
revive, yes, and burn deeper than be
fore. Proudly she welcomed his com
ling. She no longer thought Of his
humble birth. She had found how lit.
tie happiness and how much misery her
pride had brought her. She knew then
of what she should be proud Wonder
ing that lie spoke not, watching and
waiting for the happy time that should
bring her love again, Regina doubted
not that some day before long it must
come.
"Twilight dreams p asked John
Warner, as unannounced, he entered
the library, cat length I've found you
alone! How Pve watched for some lit
tie word or look to bid me hope! You
know how confident | was once OF
love returned. Am to meet with such
a fate again? l love you, dear"
"Slop! You mistake! 'Tis l, only
Annie, not Regina, she is not home
said the gentle girl, as she tried to
withdraw the hand he had taken.
"My dear Annie, | mistake not.
'Tis you | love. Have you seen il ::
Speak! | must know my fate quickly.
Annie, have you no love to give me r
"But Regina. thought it was her
you loved murmured Annie, still
doubling that such joy was for her.
Regina will never be any more to
me than now, Annie. That love died
out years ago. You alone | love.
viii you try to return me Il little tOr
al! give you, Annie?' He passed
his arm around her and drew her down
beside him.
She could no longer resist such hap,
piness His love hers! That was Joy
unhopcd for. Annie's head rested on
his broad breast, and she we pt-such
happy tears!
"You do love me, little onc,' he
said. And then she told him all--how
long, and how well, and how hopeless
ly she had loved him.
GLOW should she tell Regina she
thought " How give her the knowl,
edge which she knew would almost
crush the life from out her heart p
And Annic's great happiness WAS
clouded by thoughts Of her cousins
sorrow. But that knowledge had al
ready reached Re. Returning
from her walk, she entered the conser-
vatory, adjoining the library. Hearing
the dearly loved voice, she listened Il
moment, and on her car fell the hope
crushing words:
"That love died out years ago. You
alone love nown'
Locked in her chamber, despair
marked on every feature of her pple
face, was Regina, in an agony Of dis
appointed love.
"Lost! lost!' she groanel forth
"Oh, plidc, miserable pride. Why did
| listen to your whispers? ? Aud how
have you rewarded me? Always with
disappointment and modification Oh,
this is too bitter cup And l shall
have to drain it to the last drop
There. false heart, lie dead! awake no
more to life or love. And now | must
90 down and wreatho once more my
lips with smiles so false. Now, oh
pride, come to me! With some Of thy
better qualities, help Inc hide my mis-
cry! | must congratulate those happy
ones. Yes, 90 to loves fuheral.' And
again, as in days long before, came
forth that bitter, mocking laugh.
An hour alter saw hei gracefully
glide into the library, where the happy
lovers still sat, with no thought OF
time. And approaching Them with a
pleasant smile, which changed 70: an
instant to one of surprise, and then
Frightening again, as she appeared to
comprehend the situation, out went
her little hand to clasp his, and in
words sweet and deceiving, she ex'
pressed her wishes for his happiness
while on Annie's lips she pressed a
kiss, and whispered "You deserve to
be happy"
The kiss and words to Annie were
truly sincere. She could not feel a
thought of reproach for that gentle
girl. For if Annie's wish would have
made it so. size would then have been
a happy, proud wife.
John Warner was completely de-
ceived, and well pleased TO think Annie
was mistaken-that Regina thought d
him only with feelings of friendship.
Annie's guilcless heart was puzzled
and she long continued to wonder was
it so?
Oh, it was well for her tender nature
that she knew not of how much bitter