Connecticut western news., 1877-05-25
VOL. VI.

of Douglas. "Who can he have brought here?" 1 thought with a pang, remem- bering his refusal to accompany me. l heard him say: "So, Lillie darling, you have come at last, is 1t not time Grace should understand this ?" The words maddened me. 1 pushed for ward and was soon in sight of them: They were too much engrossed with themselves to hear the sound of my pony's feet on the soft, damp ground, so did not move. There they sat in my arbor, upon my bench. His arm was around the graceful form of slight girl, his shoulder supported her golden head, his glowing eyes looked lovingly into hers. I saw no more-I cared to see no more. was at the edge of the rapid little stream. With heart full of anguish and with blinded eyes, 1 did not see, till too late, that the bridge had been washed away by the stream, swollen into 8 torrent by the recent rains. did not hear, in time to heed, the passionate cry 70? for Gods sake, stop Grace! Stopl Not another stepp
 1 heard nothing but those heartless words. I saw nothing but hts arm around another, his lips pressed to those of another. Poor little Fleet, wishing to save his mistress, paused on the brink, with neigh of warning, but for the first time, l struck him with the whip which had hitherto carried only for show. Maddened by the blow, he plunged into the rushing waves. l felt the cold, seething waters rush 'round me; 1 felt strong arms grasp my form. was conscious that Douglas was en- deavoring to save me and even in this moment of death tried to free myself l$ S%,n. r fo1f hSrp, grasp me tighter, then knew no more, till 1 opened my eyes in darkened room. Mamma was bending over me :; Papa sat by my slde, and when spoke I heard him murmur "Thank God," and felt Mammals hot tears dropping on my face. "Wheream l? What has hap pened and why do you cry, Mamma ?" asked. "You have been very sick, darling, but must shut your eyes and be very quiet, and when you are strong enough all your questions shall be answered." she said, ill low tone. was anxious to know all then, but weakness compelled me to obey. l closed my eyes, but before sleep could come to me I recalled all, and the an
 guish came back to my heart. l opened my eyes and tried to say 70! why have you been so cruel2 Why did you not let me die? Why did you bring me back to this cruel suffering?" But only a few words were distinguishable and Mama, thinking my mind still unset tied, soothed and -petted me as when l was a baby. Worn out by weakness and thought, I soon fell asleep, and when awoke it was night, for the lamp was burning. Valentines brought with it narrowing thoughts clr my right hand sought the finger on which he had placed the ring. It was gone. I afterward learned that had raved so about it, during delirium, that they were obliged to remove it. was glad it was not there, but feeling of such sad, weary loneliness came over me when I realized that my dream of happiness was really over, that could not restrain the tears, and one by one they flowed from under my closed lids, wetting the pillow. While was lying thus, felt tear, other than my own, drop on my face, and opening my eyes with frightened start, saw beauti- full face bending over me, a face more more like an angels than anything else l could imagine. The blue eyes looked like violets wet with dew, and the golden curls, lightly touching my brow, made me think of flood of bright sun shine. Brushing the tears from my eyes, that I might see her better, 1 asked faintly, ''Are you an angel9" She smiled a bright, sweet smile and said in rippling voice, 70, no. Pm real flesh and blood. I'm nobody but Lillie Wayverly." Lillie! That name struck horror to my heart. And coupled with Wayverly! closed my eyes with shudder, and with an effort tried to push her from me. sWhat have l with emotion, E'that you should push me away. I've come to amuse you. Douglas sent me and must go back and tell him you won't let me-" This was too much. Where were Papa and Mamma that this strange woman should be allowed to come here and taunt me thus? What could Douglas Wayverly's 's wife want by Grace IrVing's bed side. Exerting all my strength sprang to a sitting posture. ''Leave my room. Go. Tell your husband that I do not need you or him either," cried, the blood burning in my pale, hollow cheeks. My husbandl' she repeated with a puzzled look. "Why, I don't own one. Douglas Is my brother" "Your brotherl' cried blankly, and sunk back among the pillows. A light be- gan to break over the beautiful features of the young girl, and she said in a gentle, soothing voice, You have made mistake dear, understand it all now; but compose yourself, or the fever will return," and she laid her tiny, cool hand on my throbbing brow.
 It was all plain now. This was his sis
 ter. This was the same Lillie had | !, So hl.oo ir1 hn ,shn
 Poor darling! How I had wronged
 him! How I longed to see him and ask
 his forgiveness. She must have read
 my thoughts, for she touched her fresh,
 sweet lips to mine and said, "You
 know the dear fellow thinks his little
 sister something unusual, and he
 thought it would be pleasant surprise
 to go and bring you to me in the little
 arbor, where you saw us." "I under
 stand all now, little Lllie," I said, try
 ing to choke back the sobs, "but can | you forgive me- tsNo more of that, J
 she said, playfully laying her hand
 over my mouth. ''I will send Douglas
 to you," and she disappeared, leaving
 me alone. How distrustful had been
 Would Douglas forgive me wren he
 had learned all? Yes. I felt that he
 wonld, and the tears stood in my eye:
 as thought of all the misery had felt and of the happiness in store for me.
 had not long to wait, for soon familiar
 step made my heart beat quick. Soor
 an eager, passionate voice whispered
 70! my little Grace, you will not fly from me. God has given you back
 Soon my head rested on a strong bosom : Soon the story of doubt was told, anC by the kisses that covered my eyes mouth and cheek l knew that I wa, forgiven. The next time the June rose bloom they will bloom for my brida wreath. I will make a childish looking bride with these short baby curls clus tering 'round my brow. wish to wal till they grow longer, but Dougla : says that on my next birthday he vii mt A ring on my finger that I can neye