The Morning herald., 1876-10-02
REALIZED WISHES
CONTINUED FROM YEsTERDlr's EDITION.

/ ing what became OF MS youngest son, save
as he might aggrandize his family by sue
cess in life through means Of wealthy al
lance or otherwise. He accused the Wal
singhams of wishing to ensnare Reignald /;
while they, as much enraged as it vas pos
sible for kindly, peaceabie forks like them
to be, at the insult offered to their hearts
idol, recriminaoed accordingly. Agnes, in
silent agony, meekly folded her hands on
her bosom, entreating them to forbear.
'Ihe memory Of these painful things
would pass away" she said-"Reginald
was going abroad, and all would be for
gotten" Did she really hope thrt all would
be forgotten? Reginald was now for
bidden quasi at Maud Chapel Farm, but
Agnes never doubted for an instant his un-
swerving fidelity and truth; to doubt
would have been proclamation.
Could she have heard all that passed,
however, between Helen Irby and her
brother-so deeply as she was imbued with
trusting faith in those she loved-the cir
cumstances of Agnes Dormer's future lie
might perchance have worn different as
pect.
The time approached for Reginald's de-
parture; but Agnes had avoided meeting
him, though he had repeatedly written,
earnestly petitioning for an interview. He
had written those pleading, eloquent let
ters which are burnt in on the heart for
ever, and require the possession ofno men,
orial TO authenticate. Agnes had wept
over them, placed them in her bosom, but
left them unanswered. She was quit alone;
she had no one 10 confde in; for aged
grandparents, however kind and indulgent
they may be, are not the friends whom
young, shrinking girl can speak to Of the
hearts trials. They had prohibited all in
troduced all Intercourse with Reginald
and Agnes bowed her head in submission,
noe would she tempt him 10 disobey his
father. But, alas | these pleading, tender
lessons, which always SO mysteriously
found their way to her hand they shook
her resolution sorely; for she loved him
with loving passing words. He urged
her by every argument lovers use to elope
with him-to become his wife at all hazards
ere he left the country; he prayed and en-
treated with mild and burning eloquence.
and poor Agnes often trembled for her de-
termination. At length he spoke of the91
immediate separation-his despair-his'
misery-and finally besought a farewell
interview. Would not Agnes have been
less than woman had she refused this last
request, so touchingly and mOurnfully
made? She did not. 1t was we'll she had
not sought Maud Chapel ruins for that pur-
pose of saying farewell" to Reginald lrby,
trusting in her own strength. Had she
done SO, our narrative might probably have
ended here: no further sef-denial to re-
count But she had gone forth to ccuquer,
clothed in that armour which is proof
against all attacks. 1t was indeed hard
and fearful struggle; for if his written
words had shaken her to the soul, what
must his spoken ones have done, poured
forth with all the energy Of passion and
despair? it was indeed bitter struggle,
and long and sorely she wept on his be-
loved breest-"took but one kiss, and tore
herself away"
Agnes was young, loving, gentle crea-
tare, and Reginald respected her frmness
and noble resolves. There was, besides,
halo Of purity and innocence surrounding
her which prevented him, while in her i'm
mediate presence, from giving way to those
extreme Transports abandonment OF
passion-which had been witnessed by
Helen with astonishment and dismay. He
dared not speak thus to the fair girl whom
he loved SO passionately, for, as has been
said, there was halo Of purity surround
ing her which formed an efectual safe
guard. She told him that he was dearer
to her heart than words could tell she
Dade him be true to her, and trust in God
'or the future, when opposition to their
union might be Withdrawn, if God saw it
best for them to come together. This ap-
peared tame speaking to the ardent Regi-
nald, and he turned 6ercely away, mutter-
Ing, "You do not know what it is to love,
Agnes" She placed her gentle hand on
his arm and her beautiful head on his bo-|
som, whispered farewell" and he stood in
Maud Chapel ruins alone, the echo Of st.
Edwin's bells swelling on the breese-a
sweet and mournful dirge over plighted
hopes.
After Reginald's departure from Irby
Lodge to join the diplomatic mission
!; abroad, the feelings Of Lady Irby and He
len underwent revulsion toward Agnes,
who they instinctively felt had met with
injustice at their hands. 1t was not the |
violent opposition Of Sir Felix, or the nat-
ural indignation Of her grandparents, that
mad so sorely bruised the tender but heroic |
spirit Of Agnes Dormer, but it was the un-
Of Helen, the friend to whom she |
aad clung with respect almost anount-
ing to veneration. But when Helen Irby
made overturss Of reconciliation. candidly ]
3 Z. sjS;sS; .. II " EE