Year: 1859

Agnes and Alice Bertrand, left orphan


at an early age, became the occupants o


the heart and home of their guardian, thei


fathers brother, who. as far as possibl


supplied the loss of parents, and lavishe,


upon them every indulgence which none,
and affection could suggest. Alice was tw'


years older, and was already an established


favorite in society when her sister at the ag
of eighteen, was introduced to the world a.


recipient of its homage. 1t was on her pres
entation night that she first met Ralph How
ard, and that night she learned the Inyste
ry which through all her girlish years she
had been vainly trying to solve, that al
true life is love, and that all the love which
could bless her life lay in the soul of him
whose earnest eyes looked so entrancingly
into her own. And from the moment tha
enraptured gaze was returned, Ralph How
ard knew that upon his destiny had risen
star whose brightness eternity could mol
extinguish.


He was an only son of an aristocratic
but decayed family OF English descent, the
possessor of the most refined moral and
social attributes, mental abilities which
promised eminence, and these combined
with distinguished personal attractions,
gave him an exalted position in the most
exclusive circles. But his collegiate course
and years travel in Europe had exhaust
ed the remnant of his patrimony, and at
twenty three he found himself launched on
the tide of busy life with no helm but his
own energy to guide him through its break
ers. But to youth and health that is all
sufficient, and Ralph Howard was rot the
one to sit down idly and sigh over exhaust
ed fortunes. To resolve was but to act,
whatever consequences the act might in.
volve. California was beginning to devel
op its untold treasures. and TO this land OF
promise he determined to direct his steps.
One wish, one hope and one reward in the
far-off distant ever impelling him onward.


Agnes Bertrand had stolen apart from a
merry group. and was plucking roses in
the garden, when Ralph joined her upon
the evening before his departure. He
well knew that she would be there, and to
avoid observation, entered the garden by a
little gate in the hedge equally concealed
from the piazza and the street.


Miss Bertrand, Agnes!'


With a joyous bound and smile born
of the hearts unchecked gladness. she was
at his side, and in an instant more her
white hand was resting quietly in his own.


"Agnes, am come to say good Bye
the rich voice trembled-"a word never
freighted with so much agony as now"


$50 soon? l thought it would not be for
some days yet"


$50 soon. At this hour tomorrow
shall be far on my lonely way. lighted on
ly by the stars of memory and hope. Ag-
nes, | need not tell you how delightful have
been these few montas OF unrestricted In
tercourse: ] need not tell you that every
pulse of my heart is silent, sacred offer
ing to you. You have OWNED it already,
and now let me prove my hearts devotion
by dedicating the best years of my life to
wearisome. wearing ,oi. Fortune has de-
pied me entrance to her fairy haunts ex-
cept through the rough avenue of labor
| am loor and can wed no woman to pow
erty, least Of al. Agnes Bertrand! When
l have accumulated wealth, l shall return
mot beforehand if l find you unchanged
it will be the proudest hour of my lite to
lay it at your feet and crave your disposal.
By all that unites kindred souls, yol are
mine. Agnes; out l shall bind you by no
vow. shall impose no restraint upon your
future actions. Follow the dictates OF your
pure heart, and | shall be content. If l
find you unweddsd, my reward will be
greater than all the hardships the interval
can infict-~if another shall have claimed
you, my consolation will be found in hav-
ing Iabored and lived for you--farewell."


'Ralph!"


But Ralph was beyond recall, and for
many long year to come that pleading
voice might cry in vain. She could not
bring him back, and in the blushiag con.
fession of her lakh intimated that her
wealth woI for both; she sould
not assure H. lthout the accesSaies
of houses and lsh4y and gold, she could
be happy, happy any where with him
He was gone, and only the wild anguish in
her heart. tie burning kiss upsa her fore
head, and the white rose. 81 bed with
tears and twined amid her tres told her
that those hurried moments were not a
fearful fitting dream.


Ten years-in which she had received
no word of love, no token Of remembrance
--had glided like yelled nuns into the mYs-
terious cloisters of the past. and Ralph
Howard was returning to his native coun-
try, laden with wealth and honors. But
they would not meet whore they had part.
ed--Alice Bertrand had married and re
moved to one of the Western cities, ac-
companied by her sister, who shared
equally the refinements and elegancies of
the luxurious home, for which benefit the
unlimited confidence and love of Anges
were the grateful return. Never did sis
ters answer so truly and beautifully the
poetic symbol of two cherries upon one
stem. two souls with but one breath, as
did these lovely representatives of the
ancient and revered hours of Bertrand
The faithful uncle who had watched over
their infancy and youth with parental fond
ness. had joined the congregation of the
silent city, and now Anges alone bore the
name of her illustrous sire. and even she
began to be more readily recognized under