Year: 1875

CHAPTER XIII.


THE SECRET.


Ihad been informed, in letter from home,
about month after 1 had left, of the ap-
preaching marriage of Stephen Holcombe to
my cousin Ellen. I was surprised at the an.
nouncement, for the discovery of the real
feelings of the former had led me to believe
that the marriage would never take place;
and felt much concerned at the thought of
Ellen's happiness being sacrificed, as it surely
would be, in her union with q man who was
totally Indifferent to her. l was, however, of
course unable to interfere; and as received,
not long afterward, letter from Ellen herself,
written in very cheerful and satisfied strain,
I was fain to hope that Stephen was comport-
ing himself as he should do, and that having
failed in attaining the object he had desired,
he would content himself with the good the
gods had prepared for him, and settle down
into worthy husband. q


The next news of the pair was more aston
ishing-they were coming to settle in South
Carolina, in our immediate neighborhood.
The father of college friend of Stephens,
residing at not more than three miles distance
from our place, was about to sell his country
property and remove to Charleston, and
Stephen was to buy the farm and devote him
self to its cultivation. He had given up all
idea of the law, and taken to the notion of
farming instead.


II shall be very dull when Ellen goes"
wrote my aunt who was my informant in re-
gard to the plan, "snd l had some hope that
your papa and might arrange to live to-
gether, and be comfort to each other IN our
old days. But he seems quite averse to the
idea of making any change, so, of course, l
will not press it. 1 do think, however, dear
Rosamond, that if he would have consented
to such an arrangement, it would have been
good thing for him, and, therefore; apart
from any selfish consideration, regret sin
cerely, that it has fallen through. Your
father is too melancholy and reserved, and |
think little company would brighten him
up. His health is excellent, but his spirits
are certainly not good. I could make his
home cheerful and comfortable, and though |
could not pretend to supply your place,
would, at all events, exert myself to keep him
from missing you so much


My dear father! The picture of him in
his lonely home, wrapping himself in his man
tie of silent pride, and refusing to accept even
the ministrations offered him by the affection
ofone of his nearest of kin, smote me with
sorrow and pity. | longed to rush to him and
bring him to us, aud bind my husband and
him together in chain formed of the strong
links of my own love for them both. But
alas such union was not possible. [ had
chosen between the two, knowing that in &C.
cepting the one I was placing barrier be-
tween myself and the other. Though l still
entertained the hope that in time this barrier
might be broken down, and the all-powerful
associations of the past come to my aid in re-
storing me to my old place in the heart that
had cherished me so long. That my fathers
love for me was lessened, did not suppose i;
but longed for a renewal Of the confidence
and sympathy which seemed to have departed
from our intercourse for ever


said something of this to Arthur. He
smiled, and rejoiued little reproachfally-


"You have only been married two months
and half, Rosamond, and you wish to run
away and leave me already!'


II would like you to 60 home with me-" /
replied,


THAT you know, is impossible. Your faith
er's sentiments are we'll known to US both, and
cannot act in direct opposition to them.'


"If he would only have aunt Mabel to live
with him !" sighed, Il would be quite hap
py then"


81 want you to be quite happy, just as you
are. Don't make me jealous of your father,
Rosamondw"


II thought the jealousy was all the other
way" said l. "What hard creatures to please,
all you men are"


But saw that it was subject which would
not bear incautious handling. Arthur could
be exacting, as we'll as other people; and Of
course it was natural that he should wish my
first thoughts to be for him. So resolved to
cultivate reticence, lest too free an exposition
of my feelings might give dissatisfaction
resolution which was excessively difficult for
me to put in practice.


In week or two MORE old Mr.. Cannon
and his family moved away and Stephen
Holcombe came to prepare his new residence
for bis bride. He made his appearance un-
expectedly one day, just as we were sitting
down to dinner


"How do you do, DR.. Wardlaw?' he said
with the easy familiarity oflong acquaintance
ship, as my husband rose to meet him, though
the intercourse between them had been very
slight. Then as he shook hands with me, he
added, II need not inquire after your health !;
never saw you looking so charmingly we'll"


He laid slight, but perceptble stress upon
the adverb, which I inwardly resented.
answered dstantly that was quite well.


"Sit down, Mr.. Holcombe, and join US at
dinner" said DIR. Wardlaw, courteously.


"Thank you; dned two hours ago, but
cannot resist the qualification of little chat.
suppose you know that am about to be-
come near neighbor of yours doctor7"


$50 have had the pleasure of hearing"
said my husband. "How soon do you intend
to move?"


early in March, think"


THAT is not favorable season. A little
earlier or q little later would be better, on ac-
count of the clustering, unpleasant weather
and cold rainy spells We are subject to IN that
month"; ....... ....,


"Iknow; but you see my marriage takes
place at the end of February, and it suits me
to remove here as soon as possible afterwards
thrust, he continued, addressing himself to
me, "that you will both lend us the support!
of your presence on that eventful occasion +
II believe" said I, glancing toward my
husband. "that it will not suit DR.. Wardlaw
IN fra vel ar that season T am sorry that we