The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-10-11

uiler the longngs that made them sick and
MOURN for the faults that made them forlorn.
wish | had lived when he lived. and had
,een his sister, or
'Or perhaps his swecthear: 2 continued
Cousin William.
Did he have sweetheart 2 eagerly in
lurcd my little son. Did he not love any
If the pretty ladies p
He was married. said, anticipating
Cousin Williams reply.
lie was said Cousin William, 'but un-
fortunately marrying and loving do not al
ways 60 hand in.hand, and his was one in
stance in which, | think, they walked very
far asunder.'
And yet I said, from all you tell me,
I imagine he might have chosen and been
satisfied
His success with women replied Cousin
William, was without parallel, His slight
est attention seemed to have more weight
than the earnest devotion of other men.
might even say he was sought of women.
Wealth, family position, personal iascina-
ideal of the female sex but | fear that his
choice fell in what he considered an unpro-
ptious spot, and in this fact lay the secre. of
his strangeness. 1t was during the summer
preceding his death that became acquaint-
ed with incidents which opened many mys-
teries to me. He and | we're afTectionate
companions, being the younger of the two;
and, as have said, during the summer pre-
ceding his death he proposed that we should
prosecute together a pleasure tour among
the Highlands so we set eff provided with
hunting and fishing implements, and for
many days pursued our sports with much
avdity-at least, | did, but | could after
ward, in thinking of this expedition. recall
the restless desire which Sir Hugh seemed to
repress while he exhibited an unconscious
anxiety about something not present.
owe had pursued our sports for the space
of ten days, when on the afternoon of the
eleventh, We suddenly, and without any
warning, arrived at a cottage situated snug
| ~ in the cleft of the mountain, looking like
the nest OF a bird. ! was startled by the
cultivated beauty OF its surroundings, just
| in the midst of the mountain wlds, remind
ing me of some rare flower borne by the
winds from foreign shore, with no kind
red blossom to bear it mpani0Dship. The
welcome accorded Us by the heads of the
family proved that Sir Hugh was a valued
if not a frequent guest. a look of inquiry
showed me that all the usual family were
not there but the rustling of a dress, the
sound of light tootstep, and in the door
stood young woman whose presence GER
tainly answered to Sir Hugh's unuttered
question. Miss Esther MontrOse, allow me
to make you acquainted with my cousin );
and | felt a soft hand for moment within
my own, frank pressure, as though the in
trOducer were a guarantee for any one, and
in few moments | was feeling myself un'
accountably at my ease among total Strang
ers. The father and mother, though lhei
faces reminded one of the old CJvenantels
were plain and kindly in their manner; anC
the daughter had that sweet graciou.ness
that dignity of innocence, that no iashiOna
bic training can ever confer, but which al
ways accompanies a tender heart and re
fined Imagination. The hours passed un
f heard and the days grew into weeks al
most unhceded by either of us. | think
for the only time in my life, saw Sir dug
seem quietly happy.
81 cannot recall any of our conversation
but my memory of her is ike the effect o
; any autumn day, and her beauty seems t
have been made of the tints of the sea.shel
the odor of Jasmine and the fettered rays o
r sunshine. | watched Sir Hugh closely, an
l he did not forget his usual caution. Iii
bearing toward her assumed high tone q
r gallantry, mingled with sternness which
e knew was effected for several times whe
Q he thought himself unobseryed, read i
G his glance passionate devotion which mad
? me know that there was the taisman whic
e in society shielded him from all the charm
h.. aud wiles spread before him by court
= danes,
= 4 have said that hours became weeks,
: this dream Of happiness, when at last an
r nounced that | must be turning my fac
= homeward. Sir Hugh Immediately saut
toned the movement, and it was agreed th'
4 two days more should conclude our vi-i
n Esther was not present when we spoke
= our intention to leave, nor do | know no
. she became informed of it. | only remeu
- ber that when it was alluded to the seemt
: not at all surprised,
y The last evening of our stay was unusua
4 ly beautiful The clear orange sunset W
soon suIused with the silvery beams Of Il
u full moon Tea was served in the arbC
o where music song and subdued tones of co
# verSation beguied the time until midnigl
q ! know | reproached myself at the time
y ntrudiug on the parting hours of tho
:. whom felt were lovers. think they watc
! ed the night out together, and, without al
4 endeavor on my part, | heard so much
their conversation as served for a ley to /
T. past and his future life.
Are you in earnest about not returni
4 here p | heard her say.
!. 4 said would not return until broug
:, my bride
d your bride she said, is she alrea
e selected how long have you low
/. herY
That is a question: he said, affecting
d laugh, hard to answer, | have known /
. these two years As to loving, you are /
e only person authorized to speak on that m
is ter. Surely you know that no living wo
,e an except yourself has ever caused my het
=. a throb.'
le you love me, aud yet you do not love Il
T. Strange contradiction, she said But
1r shows me that what has been my entire
or has been with You only passing episode
l. your design is to be severe, he sa
v you certainly have driven home the wei
of on this time, and given me an undeser,