Year: 1875

in the afternoon sent for our physician bu
before he arrived, this extreme illness came
on. That was, l think, about six o'clock
During the night we constantly apprehendee
her death, but toward morning she grew more
composed, and is now, am thankful to say
comparatively easy, and the doctor gives US s
ray of hope


Edmund listened with a curious revulsior
of feeling to this piece of news. The brigh
Joyous debonair look his face had worn entire
ly vanished, giving place to one of such grave
concern that Mr. Blandford, observing it, fell
grateful to him for his evident sympathy with
his sadness and trouble.


But it was not all sympathy (though thai
had share in it, for he had warm anc
large heart) that thus clouded the young
mans face, and gave his voice such down
cast tone as he replied. 1t was a feeling Of
wonder, of CONSERVATION, Of amazement, al
most of disgust at the thought of Estelle hav
ing shone so gaily and radiantly at the enter
tainment of the previous evening, under cir
| CuuStduCeS SuCu DIS IleSe


"This information, sir, is, assure you, as
unexpected as it is startling to me-" he said
in tone of marked seriousness and after a
moments pause he could not forbear adding,
81 saw Miss Blandford last night, and she
made no mention of her mothers illness"


"Ahw cried Mr.. Blandford, hastily striking
his hand on the gate as he spoke, and turning
away: Don't speak of that, sir" Then,
as if fsubduing himself with an effort, he added
more calmly, 81 am willing to believe that
Estelle was not fully aware of her mothers
critical condition when she left here; though
it was her own fault that she was not. How
ever, young people will be thoughtess once
in while. All are we'll with you to-day,
hope?"


He was manifestly anxious to get rid of a
painful theme, and Edmund had discussed it
quite sufficiently for his own satisfaction.


Call are we'll, thank you, sir. will not
detain you longer now. l brought these flow
ers as little offering to Miss Blandford" he
colored, and hesitated eff it would not be
unseemly to present them to her at such a
time would you kindly say that [ had left
them for her, with my-respects


"Certainly," said Mr.. Blandford, taking
them from his hand. 81 shall give your mes
sage" Then there was nothing more to be
said, except for Edmund to express hope for
Mrs Blandford's speedy recovery, which he
did, and rode away, afterward feeling very
crestfallen and dispirited, and inclined to
think that the fair fruit which had so lately
fallen into his possession was already turning
to ashes ere he had tasted its sweetness.


To tell the truth, Edmund's heart was not
very deeply concerned in this affair. He had
been so constantly urged on in his attentions
to Estelle, and had had the expediency of a
marriage with her so often impressed upon
him, that he had learned, in measure, to fall
into his relations views concerning her, and
being heart-wholein other quarters, and real
ly liking and admiring her as far as his knowl-
edge of her went, had been willing to mistake
this feeling of partiality for one more ardent
and decided than it really was. He had not
had the slightest intention, in the beginning of
the previous evening, of proposing to Estelle !;
but time and chance had been favorabe-the
young lady had, without appearing to do so,
put forth all her wiles to enchant him. and a
prolonged Ete-dtfte, in a charming conserva-
tory, amid moonlight and perfume, had
wrought him up to the necessary pitch (to
use a rather unpoetcal term) and brought
about the desired consummation. The die
being cast, he accepted the result, as he did
everything else, with delightful conviction
that it was the best thing that could possibly
happen; and was quite prepared to play the
role of lover to perfection.


But now?


l will not say that he was positively disen-
chanted in such short space of time, or that
he did not strive to make excuses to himself
for the palpable misconduct of which his
lady love had been guilty; but he was con-
scious of a grievous sense of disappointment
and chagrin. Deeply sympathetic and affec-
tionate by nature, he was instantly repelled
by GOODNESS or heartlessness in others, and
knew that he could hope for no real happi-
ness in life if condemned to the companion
ship of one whose sensibilties did not accord
with his own. 1t was in no cheerful frame Of
mind, however, that he turned his back upon
"The Cedars," and slowly and meditatively
pursued his homeward way.


Estelle was greatly vexed, later in the day,
to discover that she had missed her lovers
visit; but thought it expedient to keep her dis
comfture from observation. In truth, no one
occupied themselves very much about her,
for all thought and attention were naturally
centered upon Mrs. Blandford, whose recovery
continued doubtful for that and one or two
successive days. Finally, however, decided
change for the better took place, and the in
valid, to her husbands intense joy and thank
fulness, was pronounced fairly on the road to
recovery.


1t was on the same day that this favorable
verdict had been given that letter. directed
in an unfamiliar hand, was brought to Mr..
Blandtord.


AS its contents were of nature to create
emotions Of the most vivid and startling de-
scription in the heart of the recipient, we will
share them with him.


They ran as follows:


"NEw YORK, March 3r,l, 49,.


''To JOHN BLANDFoRD, ESQ.--IOnorcd Sir -
Being laid up here with Painful Illness, wich
prevents my comngto you in Person as l w'd
like to do, must therefor write a Few Lines to
inform you of Il matter of great interest to you.
And must begin by telling you that have in
Snlnn Dnmree boon III YScf In fault rnncnrnnar the