Year: 1865

is done and perhaps this warning may
have saved me from some folly .a


He sighed as he spoke; and Clara, in
the midst of her weak horror at her own
iniquity, tet thrill of delight at think
ing that she had prevented Mark from
any devotion to this dangerous belle.


But still, although Mark believed of
course that there was no hope of his ever
arousing any interest in this peerless wo
man, he could not resist the attraction
that drew him to her side. lie fingered
with Clara for a short time, but spent all
the latter part of the evening in hanging
over Gertrudes chair. There was rare
sympathy of thought and feeling between
these two that at every new topic ELECTED
fresh pleasure in each others society.
The companionship of this polished and
cultivated man of the world, was exceed
ingy agreeable to Gertrude, and without
any fear of the consequences or dread of
the future, she showed her appreciation of
it with frankness that was irresistably
attractive.


On the way home Clara was pouting
again, and once more Mark tried to con-
sole her


My dear Clara you must not find fault
with me for any passing attentions TO an
agreeable woman


'But. Mark, you have been so entirely
devoted to me lately, that you have quite
spoiled me.


In this case, Mt least, you have no
cause for Jealousy, as there is no possibil-
ty of anything but friendship between
Miss A lien and myself And the half
sigh with which Mark concluded the SEN
tence. made Clara rejoice in her foolish
little heart over her deception


1t SO happened that a series of gayeties
that followed. threw Mark very much
with Gertrude Allen; and although he
felt tat her society was dangerous
pleasure, he could not resist the fascina-
tion that drew him towards her. Thus it
was that in the course of the next three
weeks he learned to admire the many
noble points in her character, and at last
awuke TO the sudden consciousness that
he loved her Yes this was the peerless
being whom he had longed to find for his
life's companion but alas lie had met
her TO late,


As soon as he reached this conclusion.
Mark resolved On flight, of what avail to
make himself more miserable by permit
ting this hopeless passion to obtain a still
more complete sway over him better
break off at once, and by ceasing to see
this fair woman who could never be his.
Danish, if possible, her fatal beauty from
his memory.


During all this time Mark had been
very constantly kind and attentive TO
Clara, 80 that although she had been
desperately jealous Of Gertrude, she had
by no means given up the nope Of winning
him for herself by patient devotion.
When he announced that he was going
away therefore her heart gave an absolute
bound of delight that he was about to
place himself beyond the reach of this
temptation


(Which way are you going, Mark ?


TO New York.


'Oh that is splendid there you will
take care OF her home. That Is delight
full; | shall have you in town to wait on
me-


He smiled at her childish eagerness
Certainly, Clara, | will take you to as
many theatres and operas as you like


But that afternoon. when he rode to
the Aliens for farewell his heart was
very heavy, and he thought with deep
sigh of the perverse fate that lad shown
him too late the woman he could really
love.


Gertrude Allen met Mark with all that
charming curdality of manner that was
SO grateful to him. But when he told
her that he was going away her dark eyes
clouded with look of pain she could not
conceal


Then you regret my departure ?
Mark asked with sudden, eager impulse


Indeed | do, lIr. Eyerton.'


'Ah, Miss Gertrude, If had met you
sooner | would never have gone away ?


He murmured the words passionately,
and Gertrude raised her eyes TO his with
a sudden flush on her beautiful face


'lf you had met me sooner, Mr.. Eves:.
tonF
} Yes, you know now it is too late y


Gertrude could think of but one expla-
nation of these words, that he was enga-
Ged to Clara Dale, and a look of intense
pam crossed her mobile features.


Then why pain me, had almost said
insult me by such Useless avowals ?


Forgive me, Gertrude cried Mark,
impetuously; 'you do not know how
am suffering


If had known this earlier it might
have saved us both much trouble said
Gertrude, with strange tremor in her
voice. But am talking folly


NO, no! interrupted Mark eagerly.
If you knew what comfort even these
words gave me.'


She waved he hand imperiously 'Let
Us speak. of this no more. Mr.. Everton
You have my best wishes for your future
happiness .'1


Thank YOU, he said bitterly Il can
tell yon what my prospects are. pre-
sumo ! shall marry before the six months
expire TO which | am limited by my un-
cle's will, and enjoy what can with
half million of money and wife can