The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1877-08-09

Mr.. Ed-al was one of the first that had
been mentioned in the letter, and the
Iashings Of an cmbittcred pen has been
kconly felt by lin, for he was possessed
of fine and noble feelings, and the thought
that his poverty and awkwardnessshould
be brought forward as an opprobrious
stain sLung him 10 the very soul, and
most severely did he censure the writer
Of -uch a malicious article. He had often
met Miss Bowen, and admired her for
the gcntlencss Of her nature, the softness
and dcicacy Of her manners as well NJ
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 heSrled
man, and AZ shc converted with him, she
could but admire the lofty aspiration OF
his gifted intellect, and then sink in self
abasemenL at the remembrance OF the
sarcastic letter
Time passed swiftly by, and the re.
mcmbrance Of that Inflated anonymous
crI-tIc was vanishing from the public
mind. EdsalI 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 10
draw her closer and closer to him, and
"A, they wandered forth one soft, balmy
| twilight he dreamed the tale Of his love
into her willing ear, and IA he poured
out the aspirations Of his heart upon the
altar of his love, Caroline could but
trcmbIe, for was not she the one who had
first cast the shdaow of shame upon his
un5pottcd name. But the deep ardent
love which she 20 fervently reciprocated
-shouIdrhe check the ebbings of that
bright and sunny sheen, which would
be the light OF her existence? All, no; she
had not the courage to do 80, and she
allowed him to sill think her guiIclers
and free from deceit; and in the happi-
ness Of future anticpations almost forgot
the saddened past with its sonbrc shade.
Ellen jackson had been for some
months absent and returned home about
three weeks after the engagement Of her
friend Caroline 10 Mr.. Edsal; her heart
had for a long timcpaid homage at the
shrine Of hisintcleCt, and she had seen
with sorrow that the fervent admiration
she felt WA not reciprocatcd by him.
~JunG with jcaIoH' disappointment, she
resolved that Caroline should not at least
bear off the incstmable prize, and in a
few evenings after her return she cncoun-
tered him ut the mansion OF Mr.. Bowen
Intentionally upon her part. Envy,
chagrn and disappointment seemed TO
give energy to her determination, and
she purppsely introduced tho subject Of
the almost forgotten anonymous letter,
aS they were gathered around the centre.
table, tarolnc's cheek was blanched in
a moment, and with an appealing look
she glanced her cycs at Ellen, but the
bcsecchiUg look wat unanswered. Mr..
'|dsaI spoke with more than his usual
energy and warmth, and severely de-
nounccd the wiiIrr Of such n calumnious
article
" ] couid never" said he, " respect or
love person that could 4toop to such an
act ii dupIicity on mcauness; there was
no excuse; it wp entirely unlouuded,"
Poor Caroline The tear drops rushed |
into hcr 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, 10
he parted from Caroline, he could not
fail 10 mark the air Of detection which
stole over her features AnxiousIy in
qulring the cause, she tried to Danish the
cloud, and, under the plea of slight IN.
disposition, concealed the truth sud,
ior"hollng thought crossed her mind
No, it cannot be she exclaimed
% Ellen will not be so cruel or 70 base AS
to helrny me when she herself commenced
it, and he'd me on"
But Ellen did and in hcartess man.
nrr too; not even mentioning the part
she had herself in it, Sad and slcepleas
passed that night with poor Caroline
the morning sun found her Ianglid, with
an aching head. She descended to the
breakfast room where she soon received |
a line from Mr.. Edsall couchcd in per-
iertIy polite but cold terms, REQUESTING A |
few moments interview. soon after she
heard his well known ring aL the door.
pesponding, she met him. Ter heart told
her too true that he was changed. Lead
M her 10 Il seat, he instantly commenced
lh" painful topic.
i.I'en told me all, but | denied the
''aIrmenL. She asserted it positively
but still, from no lips but your own will
believe it. Is It so? Were you indeed
HE author OF that cruel letter? Can
have been deceived in YOU 40 sadly,
TOO ~
" II il, indeed, 70, Mr.. EdsaIl: but if
tears Of deep pcniicnca and sincere regret
wall aught, the sin has been atoned jonr ,
months since"
But what motive, Miss Bowen could ,
rave influenced YOU 10 iniure vour
rirndS and acquaintance! Yon, NO
ind 50 gentle Had it been Ellen jack ,
,un ~.
'lld She not tell you all--how she Il
l'rseIi began il, and in sport led me on. I
'''t for the fun Of the minute. II was =
wrong ] ncv"r meant il to 70 further I
''nt she carried it away with her. and {
ral II copied and changed But q, Mr.
'HsaIl, ! have severely suffered for il d
very aIIn1ion to it has been sharp I
wound to me- =
liad You but told me Of it yourself, '
aroIin" could have forgiven it"
tried TO do 50, but how could | q
'h'n you were wounded 50 deeply 2" z
Long time did that high-mindcd man j
lruggle between love and duty. His v
in her had been shaken. and |
2uid he now take her to his heart? Car. j
'i'he knew that her llie's happiness was t
u stake, and all for one hours foolish c
Life would be but blank I
yithout ms love and guidance, and M I
ne watched the lights and shades pass r
yer his brow she felt that il love should Il
'h1lrr 'he might still hope. Edsal d
%" took ms leave, and as he parted he t
laeped her hand in kindness, The warm &
Iood rushing TO her checks. i,
&c ~ Tt1u tup t,r ,,,y ,,I,;p,... | II