The Worthington advance., 1876-06-01

cannot see how we are ever to be hap
py. Faith without works is dead, and
love without faith is no blessing, but
a weary burden. am tired of cross
words and dark looks. Some women,
I believe, like the feverish excitement
of quarrels, but only wish for peace.
This miserable, petty jealousy is quite
unworthy of you. Do try and put it
from you; and remember that love,
once wounded, is sometimes hurt past
hope Of recovery. I received your ar
ticle quite safely, but I cannot speak
about it now. You have made me too
sad, too weary, and even little indig-
nant. Yours affectiOnately,
ALICE CLAREFIELD.
WELL House, RICHMOND, October, 1871.
He replaced the letter, closed the
diary, took up his pipe, and began
smoking. The early part of this day
had been fine and mild, but toward eve.
the sky grew all at once leaden and the
wind shifted to- the north. east. Now
the wind was rising and the rain was
falling-a cold, penetrating, impetu-
GUS, determined rain. The country,
which but q brief while since had look.
ed so fair in bland October sunlight,
now seemed 4 thing to shudder at.
The dlln-colOred woods. wet and for
lorn, seemed to have no hope of any
returning Summer, and to know the
utter desolation of the end. It was
impossible indeed to imagine that in the
green, soaking fields, where now few
cows were huddling together, and low
ing disconsolately, glad children could
ever have tossed each other in the
warm. sweet-smelling hay; the rain
drove drearily against the window, and
the wind shrieked round the house,
and occasionally thundered in the
chimney, and, at the bar, where in
spite of the wet weather, Mr.. Hunter
seemed to be doing a brisk business,
for ale-corks popped continually, and
and pewters clanked audibly as the
men set them down on the slab; and
the great wagons numbered by, or
drew up ponderously in front of the
door and while the drivers availed
themselves of the screen Dragons"
hospitality, the large, broad-backed
horses beat the miry roads with heavy
hoOfs. There was net much to occupy
a mans thoughts in the dreary little
bar-parlor. A great variety of whips
hung against the wall, and over the
mantel.piece was photograph of a
chestnut mare. Under it was written:
s'Being Mr.. Hunters favorite mare,
who died in her fourteenth year, A
short way on was photograph of Mrs.
Hunter, in full holiday costume. A
large Bible and photograph album lay
upon the table.
Seton mechanically opened the al
bum. Here was a tinted photograph
of \ young girl with profuse gold ring
let's, a large round face and meaning
less blue eyes. Under it was written:
''Presented to Miss Hunter by her af-
fectionate friend, Isabella Grant" "
Poor Isabella how many honest coun.
try hearts, l wonder, she had caused
to ache while the hair was gold and
the buxom figure still shapely?
For want of something better to do
Seaton began to write letter; but he
made slow way with it. For minutes
together he sat holding the pen list.
lessly in his hand, leaning his arm up.
on the table, listening, as we all listen
when alone to what sounds may be 60
ing on near us, from feeling which
is not curiosity, but more 0verpower.
ing.
Suddenly what must have been a
very light vehicle dashed down the
road and drew up with great precision
at the door of the screen Dragon .
| while the voice of a newcomer became
audible. Seaton, however, could only
catch few disconnected words, such
as ''Caught in the rain-delicate-
Observation-Disclosures close car
riage."
Then the door opened, the landlord
presented himself upon the threshold
and said, in very pointed manner
"1f you please, sir, a young lady, driv
ing over to Seven0aks in a light, ope1
trap, has been caught in the rain, ant
her servant wants to know if l cal
! give her q sittingrOOm while he drive!
back to Chiselhurst for 4 close car
riage."
'sAnd this is the only one you have 2
rejoined Seton. Oh! ask her in by al
means. However l am sorry that tn,
room smells so of tobacco smoke,
he added, knocking the ashes from hi
plpe."
1'Don't mention it, Sir, and tl,anl
you very much, replied the landlor'
retiring.
In another minute the door opene,
again, and the unexpected intruder en-
tered-a lady, tall and very graceful
having pale Madonna.like face, an
gold hair shining like an aureole, roun'
|. q small classical head.
. ,Seton's face had grown white to til
lips and his voice quivered percept
lDiy. as, extending his hand, he said
"fhis is a very unexpected NEE,
J every unexpected" echoed th
8 lady, removing her wet mantle an
a sitting down on the worn leather sof:
9 The recognition had been mntna
8 but women, as q rule, are more sel1
J., composed than men.
! .'Let me recommend this chair.