Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-10-03
Gales and Skstfhes.
SECOND fHoUGnf BEST.
Continued from yesterday. J

vaeity, but the serene cheerfulness which
has replaced it is even more charming.
Her beauty, tools of ripper. richer order,
| like that of July alter June.
She had refused 80 many advantageous
offers that her friends are almost afraid
she has decided upon life OF single bless
edness. Handsome, talented and accom-
pIished, hitherto she has been happy. But
OF late life has not seemed so satisfactory.
Helen Hunts keen. loving eyes have
noticed no imperceptible change. Leonore
is unlike her usual placid self. She is ill
at ease, dis:raught, moody. disinclined to
talk seriously upon any subject,
One calm. still night, the friends strolled
out upon the lawn and enscOnced them
selves costly in the wide hammock which
swung beneath two gnarled old apple
trees The full moon peeped through the
leaves, as ever and anon 1t came out from
behind passing clouds. Not breath was
stirring. The quiet was OILY disturbed
by the insect life around. Petty cares and
trials seemed soothed to rest. as is baby
BY its mothers grooming.
Leonore leaned her head upon her
friends shoulder, and Helen implu,ively
pressed her lips to the smooth. fair cheek.
Dear" she murmnred. 81 can but see
that something is disturbing your peace Of
mind Will you not confde in me For
give ME, if am intrusive" she added. as
no response came.
Miss Livingstone was softly crying.
"Why, Nora, dear! do forgive me :"
said Helen, when she had become aware
of the fact.
IL have wanted to open my heart to you
for ever so long. and am glad you have
helped me to begln,'' murmured Nora.
The trouble is, | am not sure of my own
heart. That seems strange thing to say.
does it not. when girl has reached my
age?
I have never told yOn that when in
Boston last February | met Charlie Pow
ers, for the first time since that summer,
four years ago. He renewed his atten-
ton and eventually proposed again, say
| ing, that he had never met any one else
whom he had cared for his wife. He was
80 manly and straightforward. and withal
so fascinating. that | was much attracted
| 10 him, and had he not precipitated mat
tiers by his inopportune offer. might have
come to love him. Being uncertain OF
my own sentiments, l could only refuse
him. have never seen or heard OF him
since, until the week before | came out
here, received brief note, informing
me of his engagement to Miss Osborne Of
Chicago.
And ma turally you felt relieved ?' in
terposed Mrs. Hunt.
Il ought to have" said Nora IL real
ly thought did. at first. But since then
have been tormented by doubt, till al
most begin to fear regret having lost
him. and big tear splashed down upon
her hand, and shone in the moon like
solitaire.
why Nora, darling, l really belive you
love him. after all ~ exclaimed Helen,
putting her arm around her friend.
Pm afraid do" was the rueful an
swer. and ihereupon Miss Livingstone's
pride broke down entirely, and she sobbed
in earnest.
..Oh, would you 1t would be so for
ward and besides, it would hardly be
fair to her. 1t is what have been long
ing to do" said Nora eagerly.
"Do you imagine Charlie Powers will
be happy il he marries her?" asked Mrs.
Hunt.
How can tell ?"
"You know he will not be. He never
loved any one but you. and has simply
offered himself to this Miss Osburn in a
fit or pique or despair. Put yourself in
her place, and say. were you to know the
truth. would you desire to marry him ?"
W"No. was the low response.
"Let him once tell her the facts, and
however much she may care for him, she
will renounce him willingly, for no woman
wishes to share divided heart. Leonore,
if You are sure that you love him, your
duty is clear. The future happiness of
all three depends upon your decision"
"You are prejudiced. Helen. NY happi-
ness is so much dearer to you than theirs"
81 cannot permit my beautiful Leonore
to sacrifice her happiness without being
very certain that the sacrifice is required
of her," answered Mrs Hunt. kissing her
friend tenderly. at grows damp. and
we must go in. You are no romantic
girl, Nora. Take time for. thought. But
do not let an over.nice sense of honor
keep you from finding out the truth. Ii
Powers no longer cares for YOU, then you
can bear the trial better. IndecisiUn and
doubt are rendering you miserable. Ger
tainty is preferable to suspense"
Comforted and hopeful. Leonore sought
her chamber. Long she sat at the win
now concealing, anon revealing the kindly
Suth Stlll plu OCcdu, w
a pathway of silver cleaning on its broad
surface, where the moon touched it,
Hours passed. At length, with happy
smile on her face. Leonere arose, and tax
ing sheet of paper, hastily wrote a few
lines. Becoming absorbed in her occupa-
ton. the lines heightened into pages. She
was pouring out her heart, revealing her
inner self. rs she had never done before.
paver would do anaip
The letter sealed and addressed. with
out dlsrobng. she threw herself upon the
outside of her couch, and quickly sank to
peaceful slunber.
Il have tsken your advice, Helen" she
said next day.
But the contents Of that midnight epistle
none ever knew, save he tor whom it was
Intended.
A few days later, handsome, dark
eyed man drove hurriedly up to the Hunts
country-seat. and hitching his horse. en-
tered the half-open front door without
knocking.
"How could know should love the away