The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1874-10-22

at the feet Of Mrs. Hendrick, holding
her hand, and looking up into her
fare as only lovers can; while she
bent over him, and with her free
hand caressed his hair. A glance
was enough. With the quickness Of
thought | turned and called loudly to
the Twigs. When we advanced to-
gether to our companions that burn
ing TRANSPORTATION had faded-they
sat conycrsing as friend with friend.
The horrible spectacle that I had
seen almost crazed me, filling my
bod y even with uncomfortable agita-
ton, which I strove vainly to hide by
continual movement. I vexed the
placid waters of the pool with tossing
pebbles. 1 made little garlands and
scattered them pettishly, and ground
the juicy herbs into the soil with my
| foot.
The Twigs avoided me, and hover
ed around Mrs. Hendrick, who, laugh
ing, said | was bewitched with spirit
of restlessness. It made me angry to
hear her. | almost hated her, the
unscrupulous, the sorceress! Herbert
sent troubled glances at me, as if he
conjectured what 1 had seen. It was
| wholly a miserable afternoon. I COM
planned of headache. Herbert pro-
posed return, to which I gladly as
sented and having conducted Mrs.
| Hendrick and the little children to
Branch Cottage, we went home very
early. I hastened to my room, called
myself indisposed that I might have
time to think, and did not 20 down
that night.
As pondered the stupendous sin
and shame that had betrayed them
selves, | remembered that a shadow
had been coming over Mrs. Margaret
during the previous fortnight. Had
anything excited her suspicious, and
was she watching and waiting for
proof, and ought l to tell her what I
knew? I had not regarded her trouble
very much, partly because I had been
so engrossed with my newer friend,
and partly because domestic cloud
in the free life of the summer is less
gloomy than when you are shut up
with it by the winter freside. I little
thought the tempest would eliminate
on the morrow, and that the thunder
bolt would fall upon my head.
The morning was very dull. Twas
greatly distressed at dinner to hear
Mrs. Margaret say every thing in
praise of Mrs. Hendrick, while Her
bert replied with that expression Of
tender and eager interest which the
commendation of a loved object is
sure to excite I wondered at his ease
and freedom Of expression, and that
he should be unsuspicious of trap
which Mrs Margaret evidently laid
for him. With what selfpossession
and clearness she also spoke! I alone
was confused, and blundered.
When she had retired, as usual,
Herbert asked to 60 into the parlor;
he wanted to talk with me. Ny poor
head reeled in expectation Of knew
! not "h.D,. -~-~~~-~ r. IL
sofa beside him.
"It is not necessary, dear Lettice,
that 1 should discourse to you of my
aunt's pet hobby. She wants me to
marry a wife more perfect than the
world has seen since Ewes temptation.
It is not enough that I am suited;
she fears every delusion. Years ago
I paid my incipient addresses in vari-
Gus quarters but my slightest exhibi-
ton of preference excites q jealousy
which blinds her to every perfection.
I do not wish to displease her by my
marriage. I wish to satisfy myself.
Let me tell you how I am endeavor-
ing to manage my affair. Can you
keep profound secret?"
eff it is right"
Il pledge you my honor. Have I
your promise
EYES," I gasped for I could not
wholly distrust the open face into
which I looked.
"For few days only. I want your
counsel. Last winter I met in society
beautiful, brilliant, and wealthy
widow-N1rs. Hendrick.'
Herbert looked curiously at me as
he said this. I saw it all then, and
laughed and cried Historically. Her
bert quieted me, and made me lean
my poor tired, happy head upon his
arm, while he went on: Il saw her
frequently, and we loved each other.
| I did not know how to break the mat
ter my aunt. I could not bear to
proceed without her approval. This
Elton project suggested contrivance.
Her favor to my bride, if ever obtain
ed, must be beguiled from her, not re-
} quested openly. Louisa's brother
in-law came hither to bespeak her
rooms. Their supposed relationship,
: luckily, was taken for granted, and
did not require an assertion. You
know the rest. She has won my auEte
esteem as none have ever done, unless
it is my dear Lettice here. am in
regular col de sac, and must cut my
way out somehow. Advise me with
your wisdom"
We discussed twenty plans; but 1
was yet much confused, and requested
time to think.
Herbert clasped me to his breast
,rd l;ceod NV cbooE H0n1v holm