The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1870-11-17
ligence. But rallied after awhile, and
asked, boldly, if Mrs Day was certain.

ages, l SAID ut seems :mpOSslOle.
But she answered very positively, as
landladies do, "that she had it from
the best authority"
My dream was broken. Once or
twice alterward, l saw my opposite
neighbor at her gardening, but always
left my window when she came out ;
and in a fortnight went to Scotland,
more to cure myself of this hopeless
fancy than because l had anything to
do in the North. When / came back
in the autumn the opposite house was
CLOSED and my nelghbors gone.
That very afternoon, walking down
Regent street, l met an old college
friend, Tom Birdsell.
"Why, bless me-" he cried, eve
haven't met for years. I'm just going
to Varrey's to dine, Join me, and
we'll talk of old times, unless you're
married, and must go home to dinner.
Not married, ell 7" he added, gaily.
Lucky fellow! Tn not exactly mar
ried, but I'm engaged, and | want to
make the most Of my liberty. SO come
along"
We went accordingly.
"Alice is charming girl" he said,
getting confidential as the dinner plo-
gressed. "Fm going there this even
ing, and, by the way, why won't you
come, too, and give me your opinion
ofher2 Lots ofmoney, | can tell you.
It's rather a romaL tic story my en-
gagement to her. Her father was an
old friend of my fathers, just as you
and are; but they hadn't met for
years. In fact, Alice's papa had lived
in Liverpool, and only came to Lon
don last spring, when he hired house
for six months, till he could look
around and buy one for himself. The
two old fellows ran against each other
accidentally in the street, were fright
fully glad, insisted on Alice and ]
meeting, and finally planned match
between us. My charmer was little
distant at first; but she's coming
around now; and though the wedding
day isn't fixed, the marriage is to come
off, the old folks say, some time this
spring"
"And do you love hcr2'
"Oh, enough for all practical pur
poses. She's lady like and cultivated
and pretty, and all that, and has lots OF
money. 1t would be apity to disap-
point the old people, eh p
but you haven't told me her name,
Tom?"
"Alice Milford. But bless me, old
fellow, what's the matter?"
"Nothing, or only sudden cramp."
81 fo.got to show you her picture"
he said. "Here it is-a'v ry good one,
too, though l must say it hatters hel
slightly"
knew before l took the photo,
graph in my hand that. it was my oppo
site neighbours. And had thought
her married-oh. how blind! l turnet
aside, as if to throw the light more di
rectly on the picture; no one must see
me while l looked upon her. How
had loved her nes r knew till now.
1t was she, looking upon me will
calm, soft eyes-eyes that might have
been my heaven!
"Well, it's eight o'clock. and l am tc
be there to take coffee at nine. So w
had better be going. No excuse
Come along" he said, as drew back
! allowed myself to be led away.
We reached the place, an elegan
mansion in the Regents Park, and wer'
ushered into the drawing room.
II am very glad to meet you," Mr.
Milford said, on my being introduced
to him. II like your face, sir; and, by
the way, it looks familiar. Still, | nev
er heard your name before, think
Alice sooa made her appearance
Stately and star-line she gided in
greeting her betrothed with careless
grace, that seemed more like friend
shin than love. l was introduced
As she gave me her hand crimson
flush shot over her face.
81 thought you were alone" sh,
said, turning to Tom; "but your fricnt
is very welcome"
Tom was evidently very proud o
her. He was himself handsome, bu
superficial and selfish. l felt that
though she might admire him for ;
time, such a woman as Alice MILFORD
could never be happy as his wife.
Hal, you are so fond of music, yo'
must hear Miss Alice sing" Tom sait
directly.
He led ner to the piano, and motion
ing me to seat near her, returned t.
resume his conversation with Mr. Mil
ford.
"Sinu whatever you like hest, please