Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-10
rlE STORY OF MY COUSIN MLLrcENr.

riiE STORY or MY COUSIN NILLIoENT
PART RI.
Alillicent's great brown eyes were wide
open, gazing far off to the dark rim of blue
hills beyond, but "their sense was shut"
for | knew she beheld nothing before her,
but in an inner world was seeing brighter
things. We sat together on the broad steps
OF the wide piazza overlooking the river
The sun had gone down in May mist of
splendor, leaving behind little patches Of
pink and purple that Were mirrored in the
still waters beneath until the quiet river
seemed another gaily colored sky. A flight
of brown birds waved their wings overhead
as they flew off into the west, and were lost
in the golden clouds. The silence that hung
over us seemed full of an emotion that was
too eloquent for speech. / looked up into
the grave face of my beautiful consin.
And il is for life, Mllicent," | half
whispered, continuing the train OF thought
felt was in her mind.
Until death do us part, Grace" she an
swcred solemnly-and her voice startled the
stiffness with its ring, as she spoke the
words her full heart dictated.
My arm was thrown around her waist
and / felt her heart beat faster now, as far
off sound of wheels and a low rumble, as
the vehicle crossed the little bridge below,
announced TO Millicent's quick ears the com
ing of her lover. A joyous smile lighted up
her face as she listened eagerly-then put
ting her two arms round me she stopped,
and clasped me in close embrace, saying
Here ends our girlish condolences, Grace (;
tomorrow, you know, | shall be a matron
whose secrets are her lords. II is good-by,
now, my darling -good-by"-and with pas
sionate tenderness she kissed me-once,
twice, thrice, aud was gone.
The whispering leaves in the trees over
head seemed TO repeat her words" Good-by,
my darling" The river ripping on cried,
"Good-bye," and ! sat out on the steps alone,
until the great white moon came out of the
sky and laughed at my tears. My cousin
Millicent was dearer to Inc than anything in
the whole wide world. | had come to her
father and mother when but child, one
whose early early life had been 30 wofully
warped and neglected that when they took
me was not only crooked in form and fea-
ture, but in disposition and manner deformed
as well. My uncle and aunt had given me
a home In those dark days-not long since
passed-but my cousin Millicent had given
me heart She taught me to love her
then through her | learned 10 become gentle
and good. Love transformed me, and, al
though my body remained crooked and ugly
people at last called me "a nice girl" ga
bright girl" -well-Milicent loved me
We had been brought up as sisters,
sharing all her studies, and indeed SO little
difference was there made in our two posi-
tions that !, bearing the same name, was
frequently taken for my uncles eldest child
My uncle was rich; Millicent was beautiful
and lovers were plenty; and although l was
sometimes taken for my uncle's daughter
there was no lover for me. | did not hope
ever to win any mans love. What had "a
offer? Why should be loved 7 No. did
not expect lover my heart was Millicent's
and, with her lovers, | adored her va,
yigiant for her, too, and with watchful eyes
came to see my cousins preference over
her legion Of lovers for the gayest and wild
est OF them all, young Walter Marsden.
trembled lest her dear heart should not fine
safe resting place. lie was handsome