Year: 1864

. Words are for lighter loves, that spread


their film


Of glossy threads, which, while the airs


serene.


Hang gracefully and sparkle in the sun


OF fortune. or reflect the fairer beams


Which moonlight fancy sheds; out ours


Was blended with the nOblest things we


lived for!" Talfourd


I had been wandering upon the CONT
neDt for many months, and on my return
to my native land fastened to the home
OF my fathers, in the neighborhood of
Windermere lake; and whilst inquiring
after old friends, did not forget two fair
orphans who inhabited a cottage within a
few miles of Us, and who were generally
designated "the beauties of the lake" To
my surprise, found that both were on the
eve of marriage and that the double
nuptials were appointed to take place on
the following day. The eldest, Caroline
Wilton, was engaged to Capt. Pamfrett,
who had been in the army for one year,
merely for fashions sake; sort of wild
flower, extremely good looking, but who
was by no means particular as to his modes
and habits of life. The younger sister
had chosen Mr. Effingham, a gentleman
almos. unknown to his nearest neighbors.
His fortune was evidently limited, although
sufficient to command all the comforts of
life; and he had nothing in his looks to
recommend him, except pair of express
i've and melancholy eyes,


| was too much interested in the for
tunes of the sisters to neglect the OppOr-
tunity of being present at their wedding
1t was fine summers Gay; not q cloud
passed over the blue eXpanse of heaven,
and the birds and flowers seemed to rival
each other in doing honor to the day.
Caroline was conducted to the altar by one
of the handsOmest exquisites | had ever
seen Emily came afterwards, and Mr.
Effingham, seeming to avoid anything like
ostentation, walked humbly by her side to
the altar


The service was performed, AID Pam
frett hande;! his bride, with great deal
of ceremony, t" al elegant carriage and
four, which stood waiting at the church
porch They Grove off amidst the accla-
nations of crowd of villagers, to whom
they gave in return their bandest smiles
and the church bells rang a merry peal.


81 have no carriage, Emily !" whispered
Mr. Ehinghatn, s'into which to hand you ="
but the smile of his bride declared more
than words could do-that in possessing
his affection she desired no more


"God bless you BOTH" said l.


81 am already blest," was Effingharn's
reply; "and know not what have done
to deserve such blessing"


The happy pair turned from the church,
and l saw them winding slowly up the hill,
till lost them beneath the rose and Glenn
atis-hung porch of Efingham Villa.


1t was Joyous sight to me to see such
good hearts made happy; but returned
to my habitation sad and melancholy.
Why is it that extraordinary beauty of
any kind has depressing influence upon
the spirits2 Now that Emily was gone, l
fancied that the world did not contain q
woman l could love. She was exactly
what had always fancied my own wife
should be, if l ever married; yet l had
never thought of loving her! Now it was
too late to think of it. At first l could
not help wondering what Emily could see
in Eftinngham. 1t was my own opinion
that ne was dlsagreeably taciturn; but I
had not known him q month when res
pected him as wise and elder brother !;
and found no greater pleasure than to
spend quiet evening with him and his
bride.


One fine evening Effngham and sat
together on hill, which threw its shadow
over the placid lake, where the suiet stars
were counting their bright shadows.