The Osceola times., 1877-08-04


keenly felt by him, for he was possessed
Of fine and noble feelings. and the thought
that his poverty and awkwardnessshould
bc brought forward rs an opprvbrious
stain stung him to the very soul, and
most severely did he censure the writer
Of such malicious article. He had often
met Miss Bowen, and admired her for
the gentleness OF ber nature, the soitness
and delicacy OF her manners, as well as
for her genuine and cultivated intellect
and he often looked into her sweet face
and dared wish that he might call the
treasure his. Caroline priced highly the
character Of the noble, generous hes rted
man, and as she converscd with him, she
could but admire the lofty aspiration OF
his gifted intellect, and then sink in self
abasement at the remembrance OF tine
sarcastic letter.
Time passed swiftly by, and the re-
membrance of that ill-fated anonymous
epistle was vanishing from the public
mind. Edsall had, in his daily inter.
course with Caroline, seen more and more
to admire and love; the sweet commun-
ings OF her gentle nature seemed TO
draw her closer and closer to him, and
rs they wandered forth one soft, balmy
twilight, he dreamed the tale of his love
into her willing ear, and as he poured
out the aspirations OF his heart upon the
altar Of his love, Caroline could but
tremble, for was notshe the one who had
first cast the shdaow of shame upon his
unspotted name. But the deep ardent
love which she 30 fervently reciprocated
--shouldkhc check the ebbings Of that
bright aud sunny sheen, which would
be the light of her existence? All, no; she
had not the courage 10 do 80, and she
allowed him TO still think her guileess
and free from deceit; and in the happi-
ness Of future anticipation' almost forgot
the saddened past with its sombre shade.
Ellen Jackson had been for rome
months absent and returned home about
three weeks after the engagement of her
friend Caroline TO Mr.. Edsall; her heart
had for long time paid homage at the
shrine of hisintellect, and she had seen
with sorrow that the fervent admiration
she felt was not reciprocated by him.
Stung with jealous disappointment, she
resolved that Caroline should not at least
bear off the inestmable prize, aud in a
few evenings after her return she encouu-
tered him at the mansion OF Mr.. Bowen,
Intentionally upon her part. Envy,
chagrin aud disappointment seemed to
give energy TO her determination, and
she purposely introduced the subject of
the almost forgotten anonymous letter,
as they were gathered around the centre
table. Caroline's cheek was blanched in
moment, and with an appealing look
she glanced her eyes at Ellen, but the
heseeching look was unanswered. Mr..
Edsall spoke with more than his usual
energy and warmth, and severely de.
nounced the writer Of such calumnious
article.
could never" said he respect or
love person that could stoop to such an
act of duplicity or meanness; there was
no excuse; 1t was entirely unfounded."
Poor Caroline The tear drops rushed
into her eyes; her punishment had but
just began. As the evening wore away,
and Miss Jackson rose TO depart, Mr.. Ed
sail offered to escort her home; and, as
he parted from Caroline, he could not
fail to mark the air of detection which
stole over her features Anxiously in
quiring the cause, she tried 10 Danish the
cloud, and, under the plea of slight in.
disposition, concealed the truth a sad,
foreboding thought crossed her mind.
"No, IL cannot be she exclaimed,
ELLEN will not be 30 cruel or 10 base as
10 betray me when she herself commenced
it, and led me on"
But Ellen did, and In heartless man.
ner, too; not even mentioning the part
she hsd herself in it. Sad and sleepless
passed that night with poor Caroline /;
the morning sun found her languid, with
an aching head. She descended to the
breakfast room, where she soon received
line from Mr.. Edsall, couched in per-
fectly polite but cold terms, requesting a
few moments interview. Soon after she
heard his well known ring at the door.
Desponding, she met him. Her heart told
her too true that he was changed. Lead
ing her to a seat, he instantly commenced
the painful topic.
Ellen told me all, but denied the
statement. She asserted il positively !;
but still, from no lips but your own will
| believe it. Isit so? Were you indeed
the author OF that cruel letter? Can I
have been deceived in you? so sadly,
too? ?"
II is, indeed, 50, Mr.. Edsall; but, if
tears of deep penitencc and sincere regret
avail aught, the sin has been atoned long
months since"
But what motive, Miss Bowen, could
have influenced you 10 inure your
friends and acquantances? You, so
kind, so gentle Had it been Ellen Jack
SOL" -
"Did she not tell you all-how she
herself began il, AMI in sport led me on,
Just for the fun of the minute. 1t was
wrong ! never meant it TO go further.
But she carried it away with her. and
hal il copied and changed. But O, Mr..
Edsall, I have severely suffered for it
every allusion to IL has been sharp
wound TO me-"
Had you but told me of it yourself,
Caroline, | could have forgiven il "
+" | tried to do so, but how could |
when you were wounded 50 deeply ?"
Long time did that hgh-minded man
struggle between love and duty. His
confidence in her had been shaken, and
could he now take her to his heart? Car
oline knew that her life's happiness was
at stake, and all for one hours foolish
amusement. Life would be but blank
without his love and guidance, and as
she watched the lights and shades pass
over his brow she felt that il love should
conquer she might still hope. Edsall
now took his leave, and as he parted he
clasped her hand in kindness, the warm