The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-10-13
ANDRES LOVE.

"the stars in their courses" fought against
or for men. We have given up such no
tions nowadays as superstitious. and yet
sometimes, when one sees earnest and gift
ed men struggling in vain against adverse
circumstances, while others, without n
struggle, without an effort, are borne tri-
umphantly upon the tide Of happiness and
success. one is apt to give credence to the
old idea of astral influence and exclaim,
1.-THE stars are against usp'
Such a person is said to have been born
under an evil star. Was Major Andre
man of that descriptions Let the reader
judge
Up to the age Of manhood everything
seemed to SO well with him. Handsome,
gifted beyond the common run of men,
blessed with the power to win hearts and
to please, the world appeared like table
of delights before him. His father was
prosperous Genoese merchant settled in
London, and John was educated in the ia
nous city with view to following a mer-
camille career. At the age of 20 he returned
to his home, the intention being that he
should join the elder Andre in business.
But parental fondness still INDUCED him.
John Andre had not seen much of his ma
tive land, and being fond of travel and
study he was allowed to make tour of
England, his father feeling that the knowl-
edge thus gained would rebound to his
sons subsequent success in business.
In the course of his travels the young man
came to Lichfeld and was there introduced
to the circle of Miss Seward, famous in her
day as a writer and poet. Among the per-
sons whom he met at her house was the
fair Honora Sneyd, young lady few
years younger than himself, beautiful be-
yond any woman he had ever seen before
and lowered with the fatal gift of genius
No sooner had he set eyes upon this young
lady than he fell deeply in love with her
Miss Sneyd was not insensible to the at
tentions he paid her nor to the charms of
his person and accomplishments. Not only
did he play divinely on the harpsichord,
but he had good voice and was frequent
ly induced to take part with Honora in
duet. One evening he was induced to sing
a song of his own composition. 1t breathed
the tenderest sentiments of love and was
greatly admired.
A little later, in a stroll with him round
the garden, with its daintily trimmed par
terres, it's boxes of woodbine and roses and
it's lurking cupids in shady bowers, Honora
ventured to pass warm encomiums upon
his ditty.
Twill you accept it, Miss Sneyd?" said
Andre. II mean," he added, will you ac-
cept its dedication2"
Honora hesitated.
ut was written and composed expressly
for you" he added, looking down upon her
in rapture.
The moon was shining brightly, the gar
den was full of fragrance, and a nightn-
gale was warbling his love notes to the
summer night. The very air, soft and
balmy seemed an incentive to love.
you do not answer, Miss Sneyd," Andre
continued.
"You do me too much honor, Mr.. Andre"
Honora replied.
THAT were impossible" the young man
returned in an imprisoned voice.
Twill you takeme in, Mr.. AndreP Think
1t is time we returned"
IF you desire it, butt
In short, though they did return to the
house in the course of few minutes, it
was not until Andre had declared his pas
sion and Honora, confessing her own ten
der love, had promised to be his wife.
AS they assembled the steps into the house
they were met by Mr.. Lowell Edgeworth, a
gentleman who had for some time been
paying his addresses to Honora. He was
no longer in the flower of youth, having al
ready buried one wife, but he was both
educated and well to do, and his suit was
regarded with favor by Honora's parents
shall l take you to your father, Miss
Sneyd" asked Mr.. Edgeworth. "He has
been looking for you"
"Thank YOU" replied the young lady,
taking his arm and giving Andre look
full of love.
Mr.. Edgeworth had for some time no
ticed and been annoyed by Andres atten-
tions to Miss Sneyd, and fearing from their
long stay in the garden that love had been
the delayer he FASTENED to inform Mr. Sneyd
of what had occurred.
In the morning, as early as propriety
would permit, Mr.. Andre called to see Mr.
Sneyd That gentleman was engaged for
the moment, and while he was waiting
Honora entered
"Ah, did not expect this pleasure, dar-
ling" exclaimed Andre.
"Nor did /, but l thought had better see
you, for fear there is trouble"
"Whyp asked the young man.
From something that was said at break
fast time"
But you do not regret your promise
given to me last night, dearestW
mo, nor ever shall, whatever comes"
GOD bless you, darling"
They had barely time to seal their words
with kiss ere Mr.. Sneyd entered He APP
peared angry at seeing them together and
babe Honora leave the room.
When alone, Mr.. Sneyd said he under
stood that his visitor had been paying very
marked attentions to his daughter.
Andre bowed, replied that it was true,
and that it was that matter which had
brought him there.
Mr.. Sneyd at once became very wroth
and said that if his visitor had had the good
feeling to make known his intentions be
fore he would have saved him deal of
trouble. He then proceeded to inform An
DIRE that he had already promised his
daughter to another, and that in any case
he should not have allowed her to marry
into trade
The young man demonstrated, implored,
but in vain. Mr.. Sneyd was obdurate, and
in the end showed him to the door, refus-