The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-07-05

]
his companion, and they are soon whirl-
ing round in the giddy waltz.
One amusement followed another in
succession, and all seemed happy and
gay, except Carrie Vernon, whose smiles
had long since ceased to make any i'm
preston upon the hearts of the young
gentlemen present, who, could they
have remembered, would have said she
had been a belle in the days when they
wore short jackets and pinafores.
At last the sun giving notice that the
day was fast waning, our merry COM
pany prepared to return home, well sat
isfied with that days pleasure.
Harry received an invitation from
Blanche to take supper with herself and
Oracle, and as he was TO leave the next
day, he accepted it. Sonora had been
invited before this by Blanche, but not
knowing that her brother was also in
vited, had declined going. This was
done by Blanche on purpose to give
Norman an opportunity of waiting upon
Sonora. Harry thought of course his
sister would accept, and therefore had
not hesitated to do so himself, until ar
irving at Captain Marsh's he found out
she intended to return home to supper,
and as matters were so arranged, there
was no other alternative but for Norman
to accompany her.
Mrs. Hewitt was highly delighted on
finding that Mr.. Mcintosh was to spend
the evening, and calling her daughter
to her room, told her to put on one of
her most becoming dresses, and "Do put
a little rouge upon your cheeks, for
you look so distressingly pale" added
she, as she left the room.
Sonora smiled sicl1ly smile as she
wended her way TO her room, where,
closing the door, she offered up prayer
for that vain and worldly woman whom
she called mother
That night Norman offered himself
and was accepted-yes, accepted! But
think not that fond and true heart had
forgotten her first promise. No! for it
was ratified in Heaven, and forget it she
never could nor would; but duty and
obedience to her parents were first in all
our heroine's actions.
Sonora informed him exactly how
matters stood between herself and Clar-
ence, keeping nothing back, even tell
ing him her heart was his, should she
ever marry another. And yet he hesi-
tated not to accept her as the wife of his
bosom, for Norman really loved her;
her goodness and amiable disposition
had won a way to his heart, and he was
content with receiving her at any rate,
hoping that time would soften her feel
ings towards him.
"What was that?" asked Norman,
glancing towards the window opening
upon the piazza. 81 thought heard q
whisper"
81 thought so too" replied Sonora,
"but it was nothing but the wind sigh
ing through the trees. heard the same
sound to-day in TIE grove" and rising,
she walked towards the window and
closed it.
As she did so, she thought she dis
tinctly saw some person move through
the bushes and wave their hand to her.
Turning to Norman, she informed him
of it and requested him to come and
look, which he did. But quickly re-
treating TO his seat, told her it was no
one-she must have only imagined so
but Sonora could not but notice his
voice tremble and his cheek pale as he
uttered this. Soon after this he took
his leave, telling her he would see her
the following evening.
Gladly Sonora bid him good night as
she closed the door upon him. Then,
returning to the parlor, she threw her
self upon the sofa and gave way to her
| feelings.
"What have 1 done, Clarence, dear
Clarence? Now forever lost! But God
alone knows it was no fault of mine!
Though / am another's on earth, l will
be yours in Heaven. Would that 1
could die ere wed that But 1 must
not talk thus. Is he not to be my hus-
band? And am not committing an
other sin in the sight of Heaven by
cherishing such feelings toward fel-
low being? Oh, my mother, you will
have to answer for part of this SIM and
burying her face in the pillow, she
sobbed convulsively. "Clarence! Clar-
ence! could 1 only see you but once
more, or even receive line from you, il
seems that my grief would not then be
so poignant. ] am sure if papa knew
how felt, he could not have the heart
to barter away my happiness thus. But
year will intervene before he ear
claim me, and God grant that some.
thing may prevent this hated union
Harry, my brother, tomorrow you
leave. Would that could tell YOU al
T my feelings; but no, have promised
mother | would tell no one until th,
time arrives, and then But Blanche
, my sweet friend, can tell her, and per
haps she can sympathize with me. Oh
4 Blanche, may you never feel as YOU
{ friend does this nightw and rising, sh,
5 prepared to retire. As she passed In,
D window She perceived piece of pape
r upon the carpet. Picking it up, sh,
D held it up to the light and read:
"Beware of the traitor. Let him no
? win your affections by his false allure
D ments. Beware! say, that he crusl