The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-09-20

- - NAhAl L0AOAA ElNAAAlA E~AANNe-l
stupefied at Blanche's disclosure, for,
though she had suspected her love for
Clarence, still she had never for a mo-
ment doubted her faithfulness to her;
but the gentle, submissive spirit of So
nora had yet to learn the fiery, passion
ate one Of her friend, and by her own
amiable and lovely disposition exert an
influence over her, and under whose be-
nifieent power, together with a Higher
one, Blanche at last yielded her heart to
God
Putting her arms around her, Sonora
raised her friends head as she replied:
''Dear Blanche, do not suffer on my
account; it pains me. love you now
just as well as ever, though while lis
tening to your recital my angry feelings
rose up for moment; but that has
passed, and your open confession for the
wrongs you would have done me is am
ply sufficient to restore all confidence,
and to merit not only my forgiveness,
but also that Of Him who knoweth the
secrets Of all. Dear Blanche, look up
and let me point you to that blessed
Father who has always been my friend,
and to whom have gone in every sor-
row. Put your faith in him, my friend.
He is our very present help in time of
trouble l freely forgive all you have
done to me, but pray, o, pray for His
forgiveness for the falsehood Of which
you have been guilty, and Of which I
prefer remaining in ignorance, for that
is far the worst crime you have COM
mitted," and Sonora, raising the head
Of Blanche, piIlowed it against her
breast as she continued pointing up
wards. "Would that l could lead you
to the foot of the Saviour and persuade
you willingly to take up your cross and
serve him. Far, far happier would you
be. VIII you try, dear Blanche? 1t is
His strong arm that has sustained me
in all my trials. Try for my sake and
seek Him, and more for the sake Of He
who did for you"
Thus spoke Sonora as she tried to
calm the agitated girl before her, and to
bring her to feel the Importance of an
all-seeing God.
"Dear, dear Sonora, can I ever feel
gratitude enough towards you for this?
Can 1 ever love you as you deserve to
be?" exclaimed Blanche, looking up
with happy smile upon her face. 80,
l feel at peace once more. Nv own
sweet friend, you have made me COM
paratively happy again; and now I
have one favor to ask of you. If ever
you and Clarence meet again, promise
me that you will never tell him that
which have told you, not while ! am
living. feel that / could not bear that
he should know loved him so wildly,
even degrading myself by STOPPING to
falsehood so base to win his love, when
he confided in me as n friend to both Of
4 you. ! feel that this would be too hu-
initiating. Promise me and ] am con-
tent"
'Tpromise to keep your secret as long
as you wish it,"
Enough; I am satisfied. Mould me
to your will, my own dear, loving
friend. Would to God that were like
your exclaimed she, as the sound of
approaching footsteps caused them to
rise, and going to the door, Sonora be-
held her mother.
"Any admittance into this sanctuary,
or am 1 an intruder" playfully asked
Mrs. Hewitt.
always welcome, my own beloved
mother" answered Sonora, as she drew
forth the small easy rocking-chair.
$50 Della has forsaken your society
for ride. Do you not feel sighted,
Blanche?'
'fNot in the least" answered she,
smiling, Though 1 should have felt
heartily glad had Cordelia sighted the
gentleman by refusing his invitation -
"You express my sentiments exactly,
Blanche-he is not worthy OF her. The
very fact of his having been, and ]
think still is, the companion Of that bad
man, is enough to insure the dislike OF
any sensible person and ] hope am
included in that list since have learned
to look deeper than the mere golden
surface. But doubtless Cordelia will
soon forget him when she returns tC
Bridgeport. Blanche, think you had
better postpone your return home for {
couple of weeks, when we will accom-,
, pany you. II will be as well, will il
note"
, "oh, yes, have no objections
I Grandma will be consoled for my ab.
a senee by aunty's society, and vii
f make amends when I return by making
r all the noise in my power" answere,
{ Blanche, and she laughed that merr,
: laugh Of old.
"Now, girls, what do you think
came up here fore"
n "We cannot guess, dear mamma. D,
q tell us" and Sonora seated herself on
. low stool at her mothers feet.
"Well, then, have a little happ,
t surprise for you, Sis" said Mrs. Hewitt
/ to her daughter; "and perhaps for yo
y likewise" glancing at Blanche, VIII
: was reclining upon the lounge befor
u her. "After dinner took a walk dow
d Broadway to do shopping, and whom d
e you think met bowed, and he re
v turned it very politely, and would hav
!! passed on, but 1 extended my hand, an
u of course he could do no less than to tax
= it. After eonversing few moments,
e invited him to call and renew the friend
4 ebiY, which Ia ra,,I;ay L. s,1,o,,IJ bo y,,oe