Wilmington daily commercial., 1874-09-12

cimens Of shells, which attracted my eye and at
tention 30 much, that sat down, and proceeded
to look them over, leaning unconsciously
against the side Of the cabinet In doing 80
must have touched a secret spring, for the
whole paneled side fell out, as the lid Of desk
when you drop it to write upon, and letters,
books, and papers were scattered around. re-
placed all the articles, without glancng at their
wrappings, until picked up a little box neatly
tied, whose handwriting was so sing1larly fam-
lar, that allowed myself to stop and read the
signature. Mss Ruth Sidney" Certainly,
that was my NAME and this package be-
longed to me indisputable. l determined
to open what l felt must be mine. So clos
ing the panel as best l could, undid with
trembling fingers, the mysterious bundle. En-
closed was a dainty white box, with few
whithered flowers, and letter for me,
til eperusal Of which produced such mingled
emotions that / cannot now tell whether joy, or
sorrow, love or anger, were the most prominent.
1t was from Philip, revealing his passionate love
for me, and requestingme to put the accompany
ing rose-buds in Bessie's hand. when she was
laid in her coffin. 81 shall learn my fate from
these flowers" he wrote "If they are in doar
Besse's hand, shall be with you this evening"
if not the alternative remains with God. can
not send gift of formal flowers 10 precious
Bessie, and want her linked with my love in
some way"
How well remembered Miss Esther's oiicious
call the morning Of the funeral; but how she
secured possession of these love freighted articles
| could not tell. just then the summons came
for me to prepare for my second and third tab
leaux, and with happy, angry, vindictiye spirit,
| quickly equipped myself for the farcical per-
Torrance. When it was over. retreated hastily
from the congratulations and batteries OF the in
| sipid tops who laid in wait, with rude comp-
ments for the successful participates and fled to
the room for my quiet black dress, preferrng not
| to be seen in my fancy dress again. Then with
a swimming head, and raging heart, walked
straight toward the unapproachable Miss Esther,
and in an authoritative voice. which she seemed
| to understand, for she arose Immediately, said,
| "Mss Darlington, would like to see yourself
and nieces alone in your private room il you
refuse, will proclaim my business before all
| these, your friends ; 10 you had better accede
| to my request" Then turning toward George,
| who was waiting for me, babe him follow us to
| the room. When all wero seated produced the
| flowers and letter, explaining its sudden appear
ance to me. Without a word of reproach to her,
| poor, humbled woman, l told Mary, the young
| est daughter, to bring her aunts writing mate
rails, and there /, SIMPLE Ruth Sidney, dictated
| to her, proud Esther Darlington, a letter to
| Philip, recording her mean and wicked decep-
| ton. l made her direct and seal it, while
| George with significant look, suggested that he
should post it. After this slowly put on my
wrappings, never deigning another word to the
dishonorable enactor of the uncomfortable
scene while she, with pale face and Bringing
manner. begged me not to mention it, She had
| meant to give il to me some day, il didn't mar
nv, she said couldn't forgive her then, as
have now 30, turning unchristianly from her
George and left for our home.
Week after week passed, bringing no word
from Philip until it was just six weeks since
| Miss Gathers letter started for London Although
there was the possibility of delayed mails, still
began to feel that Philip had found some other
fairer woman to be his bride.
/ was too disappointed and heart-sick to at
tend to household duties, 30, slipping away from
them all, stole in to my dearly beloved piano
With gush of feeling l could not express,
fairly poured forth my soul in one of Mcndel-
sohns exquisite little songs. had heard the bel
ring, when first opened the piano, but was toe
listless to inquire who the new conner had been
thinking it was too early for calls. When the
soJg was finished, bowed my head on the rack
before me, to listen to the flood of memories
which the pathetic music suggested. did moi
hear the parlor-door open. When looked NJ
Philip stood before me.
With one eloquent glance, he said, ais this
indeed, my Ruth :"
As for mel ANONYMOUSLY tainted in his arms
the shock was 30 great and 30 sudden.