coldness, for she really esteemed him, and her but never had she appeared so lovely as now, when bright eyes sparkled as she cordially extended her he gazed on that dewy eye and glowing cheek, and delicate hand to the delighted Frederick. read in those the expression of a soul stirred by

66

ston;

"A glad welcome to our gay city, Mr. Living-pure and ennobling feelings, which his words had I began to fear you were so charmed with awakened. "Twas a moment fraught with bliss, the poetry of the country, that all our entice- as he sat silently regarding her. His chair was ments, and they are not a few, we think, would drawn close to her seat; the feelings of ardent fail to win you back,” said she, in her soft musical affection, which had so long been pent up in his voice. How the kindness of those sweet tones heart, were trembling on his lips. thrilled Frederick's heart!

At this moment, the door opened, and Charles "The happiness I now experience is far more Marchmont entered. He was one of the clique, than I anticipated; so I can regret nothing I have which had conspired against Frederick. At first, he left, and your memory, at least, Miss Singleton, did it only to gratify his mocking spirit, but utterly must reproach you with treachery, if you find cause heartless, reckless and dissipated, he felt Fredeto accuse me of insensibility to some of the attrac-rick's conduct a rebuke, and readily joined in the tions of M."

Gertrude blushed as she answered, "I do not accuse you of insensibility, far from it,-but, you know, you are so enamored of Nature, that I might well think the charms of her sister, Art, who chiefly reigns with us, had been forgotten, or uncared for, in her presence."

persecution against him: but proud, jealous and sensitive, as he saw his power despised, his company shunned, and, above all, the pleasure Gertrude took in Frederick's society, hatred and jealousy began to exert their influence over his mind, and he left no means untried to render Frederick ridículous and unworthy, especially in the eyes of Ger"I certainly prefer Nature to Art, even if she trude. Yet his guarded words and seeming courbe sometimes rude; but I do not despair of find- tesy gave Frederick no opportunity for resentment. ing her here with Art as a handmaid by her side." A gilded serpent, which lurked among roses, was "I rather think the handmaid would soon be mistress, and poor Nature weeping at the mockery she met."

Charles Marchmont. Frederick's earnest manner, and Gertrude's embarrassment as he entered, caught his quick eye, and, as he made his graceful salutation, he said,

"I fear I am de trop, you are certainly much engaged with some very absorbing subject,-will you let me be a sharer ?" and he seated himself by Gertrude. "Come, Mr. Livingston, proceed,-bat first tell me what it is about, if you can, Miss Singleton."

"Mr. Livingston was describing some beautiful scenes he has lately witnessed."

"Alas! 'tis too true; but, could you stand, as I have lately done, on the shore of a lovely lake, with its gentle waves heaving beneath the moonbeams, like the pulses of an ardent heart beneath the glances of beloved eyes, and the silent, solemn spell of beautiful, glorious night around you, or on the lone mountain-top, with the world beneath you and the mysterious heavens above, whilst your thoughts soared far away to the watching stars, and your spirit roamed the illimitable space, ask- "Ah! romancing if thou art in that mood, 'fair ing of the wonders of unknown worlds,-Oh! how ladye,' I must say adieu. I cannot wage such tasteless and tame would the excitement of the fes- a war with our poetical friend; even your pitiless tive hall and fashionable world appear! How would eyes would weep to see my total discomfiture. I the veil, which is so carefully drawn over the heart, left the sprightly Leston a moment since, I'll hie be cast aside, and all its pure, holy and true feel-again to her gay circle," and he rose to go. ings be awakened and revealed by the magic power "Pray, be seated, Mr. Marchmont," said Gerof Nature's talismans, beauty, peace and truth! trude, much disconcerted, for she was not free Alone with Nature, the heart, and God, how would from that false shame, which so many experience the tinsel and mockery of this life among men fall when found expressing, or encouraging sentiments from our spirits, leaving us free and blest!" too refined and exalted to pass current with the As he dwelt, with eloquent words, on the bliss of mass. She knew the power of Charles' mockery, nature, truth and purity, Gertrude listened to his and his influence with their clique, and dreaded low earnest tones, and marked the impassioned the expose he would make of her participation in feeling which beamed over his beautiful counte- the "poetical Frederick's romance." Besides, nance, and the soul which lighted his dark blue Marchmont was a lover, and she wished to preeyes, and her heart trembled with responsive emo serve her power over him, so she yielded to a tion. Their eyes met, and as she cast hers down, slavish fear and stooped to conciliate one she, in whilst a deep blush mantled face and brow, how truth, despised. Her knowledge of Frederick's felt the lover? He had seen her in the full blaze nobleness, and the utter heartlessness of the opiof beauty in festive halls, in her simple white dress nions his enemies advocated, should have rendered midst her birds and flowers, in the beautiful quie- her superior to these fears, but such was the pretude of innocent repose a few moments before; vailing tone of sentiment with those with whom

she associated. Excessively fond of admiration, [rence of these momentary unkindnesses at length Gertrude had not the moral courage to be sincere-compelled her friends to believe her, if not heartbut, moulding her manners and expressions to please less, at least very unmindful of her duties to them, all, and to secure that worship her charms called and her graceful petitions for pardon were ascribed forth, she insensibly suffered heartlessness of de- to policy. meanor and haughty self-reliance to usurp the place of that dignified and graceful sincerity, and that cordial trust which prove the chief attractions of the female character. Hearing only sneers at depth of feeling and elevation of thought, she had learned to curl that beauteous lip in scorn, and, in place of the gentle response of earnest, fervent feeling, was heard the mocking taunt and bitter

retort.

"A perfect woman, nobly planned,

Το

warn, to comfort and command; And yet a spirit still, and bright

With something of an angel light."

Though so uniformly quiet, even to sadness, and shrinking, Mary Middleton possessed a strength and elevation of character of which few were aware;-but truthfulness was its chief charm. Early made acquainted with sorrow, she looked on the world with the eyes of a Christian, and saw nothing in its allurements to repay its votaries for the sacrifices of principles and peace they made.

Alas! that the bitterness and callousness of the world-hardened heart should be assumed by youth, banishing the high dreams, the glowing hopes, and pure aspirations, which only stir the heart at that time, when the darker truths of life are shut out Gifted with an excellent mind, which a fond by the golden curtains of youth and hope! With father's care had highly cultivated, and endowed ered be the hand, that places the mask of hypoc- with some rare gifts, she passed quietly along, atrisy over the soul! Oh! could those unthinking taching to her all who came within her sphere. ones, who teach their lips the sneer, and their In person, she was a perfect contrast to Gertongues the taunt, who crush generous impulses trude-tall and dignified, with a profusion of goland ennobling thoughts, feel then the bitterness of den curls shading a face sweet in its every feature spirit that falls on the heartless or soul-wrung and expression. Her complexion was the purest votary of the world; could they know how, in after blonde, and the blush on her cheek was delicate as years, those dreams, hopes, aspirations and feel- the “reflected hue of the rose," or the tinge on ings, one by one, pass away, leaving the heart des- the carmine lip of the sea-shell. Such was the titute, in a sluggish calm; could they see the friend of the fashionable, brilliant, volatile Gertrude flames, that mount so high in youth's morning, Singleton. all quenched and dead, and but the bitter ashes of repeated disappointment scattered around, Oh! would they not cherish, as priceless, sincerity, kindness and freshness of feeling? 'Tis a mournful truth; as well may we restore the golden dust, brushed from the wings of the butterfly, as replace them, onee crushed, or banished, in the heart.

Frederick and Mary were also friends. There were many congenial traits between them, and to her he unfolded all his hopes and fears of Gertrude. Mary had often noticed her kindness to him in private, and her coldness in public when the eyes of any of the clique were on them; and more than once had she expostulated with Gertrude on the cruelty and hypocrisy of such conduct, and again and again did the heedless girl admit the fault and promise amendment.

"Well, Mary, he ought not to lay himself so open to satire; he is as artless as a school-girl, or yourself, or he would see how Charles Marchmont and Frank Harcourt, and the other young men amuse themselves at his expense."

The evening wore on, but brought to Frederick no more such hours of bliss as the last; Gertrude was again the cold sneerer at truth and feeling, and with a sickened heart Frederick bade them adieu. One evening they sat together in Gertrude's He almost renounced Gertrude that night, deem-room, and Mary had been striving to convince her ing her the artful coquette he so often heard her how wrong she was; but to all arguments she annamed. But there was a nameless fascination sweredabout this beautiful girl. In their next interview, she was all gentleness and kindness, again the high-souled, feeling woman. Frederick forgot his anguish and resolutions, and was once more the devoted lover. Yet Gertrude was not a coquette designedly, though she culpably yielded to the transient emotions which her desire to please called forth. The acknowledged belle of the circle in which she moved, winning all hearts by her fascinating manners, her beauty and accomplishments, she never thought of the wounds her levity inflicted on the sensitive spirits of those who best loved her. When made aware of her transgression, how sweetly would she make amends, and all was forgiven and forgotten, till the frequent recur

"He knows it Gertrude, but is nobly indifferent to the opinions of those he cannot esteem, and deems you so too; therefore is your conduct inexplicable."

"Well, he must not expect me to follow, or encourage him in his flights and rhapsodies. I do like Frederick Livingston, but-I like others too, and if he chooses to make himself ridiculous, I am sure I cannot help it," was the pettish rejoinder.

"Is it then ridiculous to be sincere and pure?

Oh! Gertrude, beware what you do; 1 fear you were all with the past. He must leave the earth, will wilfully estrange a noble heart-and you can so filled with love and beauty, and lie down in the help casting on him that ridicule which alone he darkness and silence of the narrow grave. But feels, and deeply. I mean that which proceeds Alphonso was a christian, and, with the eye of from your own lips. You are generally the first faith, saw heaven's bright portals opening beyond. to cast back the sneer, he loves you Gertrude, He turned from the beautiful scene, and, in a and this should deter a kind heart from inflicting needless pain; if you cannot esteem and love him, discourage him at once, do not induce hopes which you destroy the next hour. "Tis cruelty, Gertrude, and, at least, my friend, be true to your own heart." Gertrude was moved and troubled,—but, in a moment, she said, "Well, Mary, I promise to be so good hereafter, so now don't lecture me any more. Let us begin our toilette, 'tis past eight, and our guests will soon be here ;" and she threw her graceful arms round Mary and imprinted a kiss on her delicate cheek.

There was a small party at Gertrude's that evening, and she kept her promise, even though the jealous eye of the mocking Marchmont watched her; but when her head pressed her pillow, the remembrance of Frederick's countenance, radiant with happiness when he bade her adieu, repaid her for her forbearance and kindness. But, alas! for Frederick, Mary was not always with Gertrude, and again and again did he suffer from the unkindness of her he loved with entire devotion.

"Oh! that there should be

Things, which we love with such deep tenderness,
But, through that love, to learn how much of wo
Dwells in one hour like this!"

'Twas the sunset hour of a calm bright day in the "month of flowers," and those sweet visitants of a season were filling with fragrance the mild breeze, which came through an open window of Frederick's home in L. On a couch beside it lay Alphonso Graham; Alicia sat by him, holding his emaciated hand, and gazing, with tearful eyes, on his burning cheek.

feeble voice, said, “Alicia, my own love, 'tis a month this evening to our bridal-how have I longed for its approach; with what blissful thoughts has its anticipation filled my heart! but I feel that long ere that wished for morning dawns, my spirit will be in the home of the blest--I trust you are prepared to resign me-had it pleased God to spare my life, I feel many years of happiness were in store for us, but, oh! may He enable us to say, Thy will be done.""

"Resign you Alphonso! Oh, you will not, you must not die!" and she threw her arms round him and wept passionately.

"It is a bitter struggle to leave you, my Aliciabut learn subjection to God's will. Alicia, let me not die without the hope of meeting you in a better world. Look up, Alicia-do you see that beautiful star? how calmly it shines over the clouds through which it has struggled! It is the type of a spirit that rises superior over the dark clouds of life. Oh! you know not the strength of a heart that rests on God." He took from his pillow a small Bible." This is Alphonso's last gift to his Alicia, promise to read and follow its precepts, it will guide you to my home when I leave you."

In an agony of tears the almost inaudible promise was given.

Long did the dying lover strive to soothe, with the inspired promises, the breaking heart of her he loved. In two days more, the cold earth was heaped over all that remained of the gifted and beloved Alphonso Graham. His desolate mother did not long survive her son. Many were the lessons of resignation she gave the mourning Alicia; but that proud heart needed other afflictions, ere He was dying of consumption, brought on by it was humbled. Refusing all comfort, she gave his indefatigable exertions. When he at last gave herself up to the wildest grief, which was succeeded up hope, he yielded to Frederick's earnest solicita- by an apathy from which nothing could arouse her. tions, and removed to L. with his mother. His Frederick removed her from L., now so fraught friend thought the pure air and Alicia's soothing with painful memories; but vain were all endea attentions and love would benefit him, but Alphonso vors to restore to her the least cheerfulness, and knew he came to die.

But Alicia dreamed not of death; as the cool breeze lifted the dark curls from his fevered temples, and gave a momentary freshness to his languid countenance, she felt hope springing up in her heart. Alas! that kindling up of life was like the glorious hues spread on the clouds, Alphonso lay silently watching-soon, soon to pass silently away.

with a heavy heart Frederick returned to M., hoping that time would bring a cure, for that grief, which even his love and attentions could not alleviate.

Shrouded in the deepest mourning, Alicia secluded herself from her most intimate friends, and dwelt alone with her sorrow.

"I would bind my heart as soon, Such were his thoughts, as he gazed on them To the fickle wind or changing moon." and the curling waters of the lake. How often Gertrude Singleton and Charles Marchmont sat had he skimmed its waves, with the dear one at together in her drawing room. His usual light manhis side; how often watched the sun sink behind ner was earnest, and his voice soft and low, as he that distant range of mountains, but these joys' said "Years ago there was an ardent boy, who

cherished a dream of beauty and delight. Through | me his escort to see me safely home. He must the many changing scenes and years of youth and be a noble young man, Charles, in spite of all we manhood was the realization of that vision sought; hear of him." many were the soft and bright eyes to which he turned, hoping to find it there, and many the gentle hearts he sought. Would you know the dream? 'Twas of a being gloriously beautiful, and she was kind and true to him, and their hearts were bound in one. You behold the youthful dreamer before you. You are the embodiment of the spirit of that dream. Oh! Gertrude, will you also be to me the kind and true in heart ?" and he gazed earnestly into the beautiful face of the listener as he knelt before her.

"Rise, Mr. Marchmont; I am no divinity to bow the knee before, and least of all, to one who bears a heart that can so soon forget," was the cold reply.

Marchmont gazed on her with surprise-he had not expected so calm a repulse, but, in a moment, he sprang to his feet, and said—

"Curses on him, curses on him," muttered her brother fiercely and left the house. Annie had, unconsciously, touched a jarring chord. "Yes, I see it all, he has told Gertrude Singleton of some of my foolish boasts of my conquests of Emma Leston and others-but, curse him, he shall not escape my vengeance, the soft hypocrite. A month ago she would have been mine--but”

"But' what are you raving and racing about, at this rate, in the open street?" said the voice of Frank Harcourt by his side.

"Why-enough-I told you I should see Gertrude this morning, and, instead of a gracious acceptance, I have met a haughty refusal-and, to me, 'tis plainly the work of Frederick Livingston." "Has Miss Singleton, or any other, intimated this to you ?”

"No, nor need they. Who else could, or would "A heart that can so soon forget! What mean dare?-and he shall find he cannot cross my path you, Miss Singleton ?"

"That your enthusiastic rhapsody were better addressed to Emma Leston, whom you worshipped a few months since, or one of the many others who have heard your changeless vows."

"Ah! Gertrude"

"Miss Singleton, if you please." "Well-Miss Singleton, could you read my heart, these taunts would all be hushed! 'Tis true I have bowed at many shrines, but you only have I loved."

"If you have not loved them, you are still more heartless than ever I deemed you, and to the next new face, thus will you paint your love to me." "And is this the reward of all my love, my devotion to you, the end of all my fond hopes?" "It is."

with impunity."

"Be not over hasty, Marchmont; I know he is an effeminate canter, but scarce think he'd venture so far as this."

"What do you advocate any-but see, yonder he comes." As the unconscious Frederick approached, Marchmont lifted his hat, and with a smile said, "Will Mr. Livingston deign a word with me?"

Doubtless, smooth villain," said Charles, losing all self-control; but, did you not tell her how fickle and false Charles Marchmont was?"

"You are insulting, Mr. Marchmont, and your words must be explained-but I will ask one question,-who was your informant ?"

Gracefully, but with frigid coldness, Gertrude returned his parting salutation, and, with a hurried step and flushed cheek, Marchmont reached his home. Throwing himself on a sofa in the drawingroom, the various feelings which agitated his breast "No one-but I know you, cunning hypocrite; chased each other in quick succession over his you have sought to ingratiate yourself by misrephandsome face; surprise, indignation, and disap-resenting my indiscretions."

pointment were pictured there, and dark suspicion "I am not so intimate with Mr. Marchmont, as was busy at his heart, and threw her gloom across his words would lead one to believe; ignorance his brow. A few moments after, his sister entered; of most of his actions is my happiness-but you he had heard her bid adieu to some gentleman at shall hear from me soon," and he passed on. the door, and asked,

"Who was your escort, Annie?" "Mr. Livingston."

"Livingston!-Pray when did he begin to bestow such favors on you?"

"Oh! deep is a wounded heart, and strong
A voice that cries against mighty wrong;
And full of death as a hot wind's blight,
Doth the ire of crushed affection light."

"He met me in a scene of danger, half dead A gloomy autumn day was drawing to its close; with fright. As I crossed P. street, two men be- the rain fell heavily on the withered leaves which gan fighting, the crowd which gathered round strewed the earth, and the large drops trickled hemined me in, and I could not extricate myself. down, like tears, from the black and naked branches Mr. Livingston passed at the moment and offered above. Without, all was desolation and woe; but

within the dwelling, which stood amidst this mourn- groups that thronged the entrance to Mrs. Gerald's

ful scene, the desolation was greater, the woe deeper, for their blighting breath was on that frail and quivering string, the human heart.

Alicia sat motionless, gazing on an open letter she held tightly in her hand; her rich dark hair fell in dishevelled masses around her. But the wild mournfulness of the tearless eyes; the agonized expression of the pallid face, told what a tempest of grief had preceded this death-like calm. Slowly the pale lips unclosed, as she said "I thought, Alphonso, when you died, I could feel no more-deeply did I then drink of sorrow's bitter cup-but 'tis over now, it stands empty by my side, I have drained it to the dregs, I shall never feel another pang.-Another task than idle grief awaits

me now."

brilliant mansion in M. But the cold, bright beams were unheeded by the gay individuals that crowded into the more genial warmth and brilliancy of those festive halls. Every thing told that cares and sorrows were to be awhile forgotten in the delirious excitement of pleasure.

A tall and noble lady stood leaning on a harp in one of those elegant rooms; the dark rich folds of her velvet dress contrasted finely with the marble whiteness of her beautiful neck and arms. Of the same pure hue were cheek and brow, for, though over the former the “ eloquent blood" wandered often, bright and free, 'twas usually pale as now. Her glossy ebon hair was simply arranged, and surmounted by a tiara of diamonds. No clustering curls, nor festooned braids, concealed the classic

The letter which had called forth these words proportions of her small head, or hid the lofty and was as follows:

M., Nov.-rd "My dear Alicia, my cherished sister:"Before these lines reach you, I shall be in eternity, and oh! how dreadful is the path by which I must enter. My old enemy, Charles Marchmont, insulted me, supposing I had slandered him to Gertrude. It is needless for me to tell you of my innocence. But one thing remained for me to do, in this land which holds that most horrible code of honor, a sacred thing. I, a duellist!-it cannot be-but, yes, I have challenged him, and in one hour we meet; but God is my witness, there is no thought of murder in my soul, my heart goes not with my hand. I feel-I shall feel. I must leave you, my sister, and-Gertrude--Oh! Alicia this thought makes death more bitter. Oh! that I might look on thy dear face once more. My sister, my sister, how have we loved, and thus I die far from thee. May the God of our youth, to whom I commend my soul, watch over and preserve thee. Farewell,

Your fond brother,

FREDERICK."

spacious brow. Her eyes were large and intensely black, and the expression of an indomitable spirit lighted their depths. The beautiful mouth was perfect in repose, yet when smiles there leapt to birth, you were startled by its witchery. As she stood, almost motionless, she resembled some beautiful statue from the studio of Phidias or Praxiteles, but, when she spoke or smiled, this vision vanished, and a living Venus breathed and glowed before you.

She was the embodiment of perfect beauty, and so thought the admiring circle who gazed upon her.

I wonder why Beatrice Merlin always wears those dark velvets-their richness is certainly most becoming-but I long to see her in the light drapery, so much loved by our southern maidens, and watch her majestic figure floating through the mazes of the dance," said Gertrude Singleton to a gentleman, on whose arm she leaned.

"Beatrice Merlin dance ?-why-would you put Juno in the garb and attitude of a sylph? Might we not ask why the brilliant Miss Singleton always chooses spotless white for her attire?"

The rich bloom faded slightly on Gertrude's Beneath was written in a delicate hand; cheek, as she gayly replied, "I think I display "I was your brother's friend, dear Alicia, and great skill in my dress. Now, are not these white this letter was sent to me by him, with the request, buds finely contrasted with my jetty ringlets, and that if he fell, I would convey the sad tidings to does not a white robe relieve the bright rose of my you. That pure and noble spirit has indeed taken its eternal flight, but let us not mourn as those cheek?-but, in sooth, sir, you're presumptuous to without hope. He avows his innocence of pur-criticise my taste, and I will not permit such liberpose, and our Heavenly Father is a God of mercy. ties," and, with a well-feigned frown, she accepted May He strengthen you to bear this fiery trial. the arm of another and walked away. "One who loves you and feels for you in this deep affliction."

"But thou, though a reckless mien be thine,
And thy cup be crowned with the foaming wine,
By the fitful bursts of thy laughter loud-

By thine eye's quick flash through its troubled cloud,
I know thee it is but the wakeful fear
Of a haunted bosom that brings thee here!"

It was winter, and a dazzling flood of moonlight
Soured down on the rattling equipages and busy

Since the death of Frederick, Gertrude had not appeared in her former gay attire, and much of her heartless manners had gradually disappeared. Bet these changes were attributed to the caprice of taste and love of novelty.

Frederick's name was seldom mentioned, in the gay circle of which he was the ornament. Was it that "he lay forgotten in his early shroud " Not so, not so, there were hearts that ever had his memory enshrined within them; hearts in that