The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-08-02

other connections, adopted Lily. Two
years after this was married, and en-
igrated with my husband to Louisiana,
where we have since lived, leaving nv
little sister Lily behind with my aunt.
We have regularly correspOnded since
she has been able TO write, and now
comes the part Of my story relating to
the picture. About four years ago it
seems she formed the acquaintance Of a
young married lady who lived but a
short distance from my aunps. They
became firm friends. This lady was the
wife of Norman Burke, who, it appears
from Lily's letters, married her for her
money and then cruelty deserted her.
Lily was her only and confidential
friend, and upon her death-bed she dis
closed the secret which had crushed
and broken her heart. Dying she be-
queathed her small remaining property,
together with her only child, to the care
of Lily, begging her to be mother to
her darling boy, which my sister faith
fully fulfills. Two years ago my sister
married and paid US visit, extending
her bridal tour to the United States
bringing her foster child along with
her, beautiful little fellow Of five
years. The picture was one which the
unnatural father presented to his wife
on her wedding day, and she gave it to
Lily to keep for her child, but Lily, in
. her haste, forgot it. l have carefully
, preserved it ever since, intending to Wis
-, il Lily some time and restore it TO its
! rightful owner. / will show it TO you
when / think Of it," observed she, as
she ceased speaking.
"Wen, hope all will prove satisfae-
tory regarding this man, who is to be
the husband Of my daughter, but / fear
all is not right" said the Colonel. "This
is certainly very derogatory regarding
him, though do not think he has ever
been in France, as we have never heard
him mention anything of the kind,
though, of course, had he been guilty of
such dastardly conduct, he would be
careful not to do So" continued he.
"Oh, / do not think he is the person l
refer to" said Mrs. Summers, "but he
reminds me very forcibly of him."
''No, L think not, either" responded
Mrs. Hewitt, who seemed to be in deeT
thought, "for though he might have
changed his name to Mcintosh, still
have it from the authority of my friend
Miss Vernon, that he is a true gentle
man, and was born and brought up il
Devonshire, England, her own native
place. She is acquainted With his sis
ter, who keeps house for him i'm Lon
| don. So you see have good references
for his respectability. However,
would not wish Sonora to wed one t
= whom was attached the least suspi
r cion."
r "You are right, Alice, nor L either,
e said the Colonel. ~ would not thinl
: 50 much Of this, for there are man!
who resemble one another, but ther
e are other circumstances which do no
!. look very fiattering."
a "Oh, you mean those anonymou
t notes. broke in Mrs Hewitt. "Well,
feel perfectly satisfied on that score, 70
r l almost know it was Carrie Vernon
t for he has no other intimate acquaint
o ance in this country
= "Well, he has every appearance of
e gentleman, certainly" observed Mr.
Summers quietly.
e Twelve o'clock - exclaimed Mr.:
t Summers, as the little French time
= piece tolled the hour, and rising sh
u wished her host and hostess "a Happ
New Yearw
- 'Happy New Year! Happy Me-
!. Yearri resounded from the lips of tn
f happy family assembled around til
= breakfast table of Col. Hewitt, who's
e good-natured, healthy looking face va
t covered with smiles.
e Happy family, I say, for they were a
= happy but Sonora. Poor girl! ho'
d could she feel perfectly happy under I'll
le circumstance?
g As soon as breakfast was over the
a all proceeded to the parlor to examir
lie the presents and see that everythin
d; was arranged for the comfort and tas
Us Of their expected friends.
;h Numerous were the presents whiC
lk were spread upon the center table, eac
er marked with the name of its owne
as There were jewels and boxes, and v
on rieties Of other things, besides a nun
d, Der of books to add to the alrea,
ch well-stocked library. Among the pre-
id ents belonging to Sonora was a lit
be inlaid box of rosewood, containing
r. magnificent set of pearls-a gift fro
de Norman, and intended as part Of I
e. trosseau for that event which was so
TO TO render one in a measure happy a
he the other wretched. As she look
- upon them a deadly paleness ov,
spread her face, and struggling hard
Il. conceal her emotion, she hastily i
he the room, not, however, without {
notice of Mrs. Summers, who kn,
be nothing of the events that caused
rs. nora so much sadness, and of course 5
he wondered at the betrayal of such bit
feelings.
rs, Sonora proceeded to the conservatol
fe. where she sat down in the midst Of sol
N Of her favorite flowers, in the hope
-. regain her composure in the presence
or natures choicest gifts, whose balr
en- influence seldom fails to soothe a
wo cheer the troubled heart.