Morning journal and courier., 1881-12-24

recognition, have heen tempted to believe in the old heathen myth, that man and wo- man were originally one being; but that love, in rage, cleft them in two, leaving the halves to seek each other sorrowing through all the ages! To seek in vain-as we see by all the mismatched couples in this lower world-except in such happy cases as ours; for, sweet lady, have found my com. pletion in you and you yours In me. And we know it nowl'
 eOh, Mir. Hereward!' she moaned. in an almost inaudible tone.
 Thus, dear Leda, have not followed you here to tell you that which you feel and know so well, but only to ask your permis- sion to speak, at once, to your good father and invoke his blessing on our betrothal. But even this scarcely need to mention-for surely know have your sanction for it. :"
 .sOh, Mr. Herewardi Pray; pray do not talk to me in this manner ID she moaned, in agitation, as she withdrew her hand from his fond clasp and covered her white face.
 He gazed on her in surprise and uneasi- ness, yet scarcely taking in the full meaning
 of her words
 in this way? Why, Leda? Why P he in-
 quired, trying to take her hand again.
 She drew it away as she faltered?
 tsOh, MT. Hereward Because-because
 we are only friendsl And we can never be
 more to each other than friendsl Though I
 hope" she added, pleadingly, s'that we may
 always be just such dear friends as we are and have been! Shall we not?" she prayed,
 dropping her hands and raising her eyes ap- pealingly to his stern set look.
 He met her glance, he gazed on her white cheeks and trembling form, fxedly, incisive-
 ly, with incredulous amazement and indignR- ton in every feature of his firm, handsome face, for no part of her previous demeanor towards him had prepared his mind for this unexpected repuIse
 'tMiss Won Kirschberg, how is this It can- not be that hear you aright!" he said. "Ah, yes, you do, MT. Hereward! You hear me alright, " she sighed. "And we can be no more than friends ?" he said, drawing in hard breath. Is this true?"
 "Oh, yes, Mr. Hereward It is true And | it is heart breaking I" she moaned, in a voice full of tears.
 'Ledal In the name of Heaven What do you mean? Explain yourself, impIore you T" he urged, in an agony of sorrow, anx- ] iety and confusion.
 1T mean-I mean-Oh, Tudori My heart l is brokenl" And she dropped her head on her bosom and again covered her face with her hands.
 s'Leda! Leda l' he cried with anguish. :sOh, Tudor! Our friendship has been so precious, so delightful to me And-and- all our communion has been so improving, purifying, elevating to my soul. I am so much less vain, selfish and frivolous than when you first met me, the spoiled child of fortune Our precious, delightful friend ship has saved and redeemed me! And-and II pray that may enjoy it forever. But butt must be oniy friendship" she said, while heavy, sobbing sighs shook her bosom and streams of tears forced themselves l through the slender fingers that covered her face.
 'sLeda!' he exclaimed, in bitter pain, s'you knew my love my hopes my aspira. tionsl And you led me on and on to the l brink of this humiliating overthrow. An
 how cruelty and bitterly you have deceived mel"
 ''Oh, do not reproach me Do not break a bruised and aching heart If I have deceived you it was because had first deceived my self What knew of my own untried na- ture? Nothing, or next to nothing-when we first met !"
 'Leda Ledal"
 seLet me speak! You have charged me and you must hear mel" Speak, then !" The above we publish as a specimen chapter; but the continuation of this story will be found only in the N. Y. Ledger. Ask for the number dated January (which can now be had at any news office or bookstore. If you are not within reach of a news office, you can have the Ledger mailed
 to you for one year by sending three dollars
 to Robert Bonner, publisher, 1S0 William street, New York.