"Mr. Mordante, I believe, is not here?" he asked, glancing carelessly around him. "So you have already forgotten your girlish creed of devotion, and learned to be happy even in separation. I recollect you were often eloquent on the text of lovers' attentions to each other, continuing unaltered, yet you are here without your husband, and without seeming to miss him!"

"Mr. Mordante was engaged this evening, but requested me to accompany my friends here; I am not aware Mr. Lesbourne, that our long acquaintanceship gives you any right thus to criticise my conduct."

and though his health continued delicate, his gayer | seat next to her, continued: “The pleasure of feelings produced rapid and visible improvement. meeting you to-night, is really an unexpected one. The faint rose-tint brightened a cheek so long pale I only reached town to-day, but had previously with sorrow; his eyes, always dark and lustrous, heard you were ruralizing some distance hence. I shone with lovelier light; and the face his father's scarcely credited the report; it is impossible that bride thought so forbidding, was almost beautiful Mrs. Mordante could have the cruelty to hide her with the glow of feeling and awakened intellect. attractions, even if they may no longer make vicWith the tenderness of an elder sister, Edith tims." watched over and instructed her little companion; Provoked by the familiar mockery of his manand the difference in their ages scarcely divided ner, yet possessing neither the consciousness of their sympathies, for Arthur was thoughtful beyond undeserving it, nor the dignity to repulse it dehis years, and hers was that guileless and gentle cidedly, Evelyn's colour deepened as he spoke, disposition which seems never to lose its childhood. and her evident embarrassment seemed to encourTheir enjoyments were simple and rational, and age her companion's remarks. they both half-dreaded the period which would mar their tranquillity, in bringing Mrs. Mordante home. But that period Mrs. Mordante used every effort to defer. Plunged once more in the whirlpool of gayety, still fascinating to strangers, and with more than her girlish frivolity, she shuddered to picture her destined return to the dull dwelling she had quitted so eagerly. But Mr. Mordante's engagements in town were fulfilled, and after having more than once postponed their departure at Evelyn's earnest entreaties, he at last declared he would remain no longer, and insisted on leaving town immediately. The delay of a few days was all Mrs. Mordante could obtain by remonstrance and per- Evelyn spoke haughtily, for she was incensed suasion, for her husband was dissatisfied with her at her companion's effrontery; but she said what levity, and resolved to allow folly to separate him was untrue, for Mr. Mordante had not requested no longer from his child. A week of happiness her to attend the theatre, though she had affirmed was, however, still in her power; and with child-it. Evelyn was prompt at inventing excuses, and ish eagerness she snatched its pleasures. Three not very fastidious as to their veracity. A trannights previous to the day decided on for their re-sient smile passed over the gentleman's face as he turn, Evelyn accompanied a gay party to the thea-saw her anger, and suddenly changing his tone to tre. Mr. Mordante was not among them, and his one of mournful softness, he said in a low tone, lady did not regret his absence; for his grave man- "You are angry-forgive me, Evelyn, if I have ners disconcerted her, and at times she was startled offended. There was a time when my offences by the stern reproval in his look. She was afraid were sure of pardon from you, when your words to trifle in his presence; and graceful trifling was and looks were kind. Is that time forgotten? Is her forte. She was in her brightest mood that the past blotted from your memory by the happievening, and more than one speech of gallant com-ness of the present?" pliment had been spoken to her, which she was glad Mordante had not heard. With the confidence of acknowledged beauty, she glanced around the house, when she encountered the fixed gaze of a gentleman in a box near her. Evelyn grew pale, and the smile passed from her lips as she turned hastily from that look. Before she had recovered her composure, the gentleman was standing beside her. "It has been nearly two years since we met; may I venture to hope Mrs. Mordante has not forgotten one of her earliest friends?"

"Forgotten! happiness!" repeated the lady bitterly, and she thought of her dreaded return to her quiet home.

"Then you are not happy," said the gentleman sadly, looking earnestly at her as he spoke; "do not contradict me, I have read the expression of that face too well, in other days, to be deceived in it now; you are dissatisfied; I see it in your restless manner, your wandering glance. It has been a comfort to me in all my lonely pilgrimage, to picture the bliss you were enjoying and bestowing; The question was asked with the coolness of yet I find you here, unattended by the care I should one who knew he was remembered, and the speak-never have found wearisome; and even the name er's tone was ironical. Abashed by the calm ad- of happiness, you call in bitterness. Evelyn! I dress of him from whom she had expected either would never have left you, even with friends!" the coldness of a stranger, or the resentment of a It were difficult to paint the feelings that godeceived and rejected suitor, Evelyn answered verned Mrs. Mordante as she listened to these confusedly-and the gentleman, taking the vacant words. Surprise and anger gave way before the

visiter's altered and softened manner; his sympa- | you, that my approach was unnoticed; do not look thy offended, and his inferences piqued her; yet, so alarmed," he continued haughtily, “I overheard as he continued, a thousand tender memories no secrets, though your companion seemed to be thronged about her; dreams were recalled whose making you his confidante. May I ask, Mrs. Morlove-light had faded; and hopes she had long tried dante, if you had expected to meet Mr. Lesbourne!" to forget, came back blighted. There are mo- "Indeed I did not know he had returned," Evements when indecision decides our destiny; the lyn answered; "I was much surprised at seeing sorrows of many years, for Evelyn, hung on those him-but you well know we are old acquainbrief instants of silence, and remembrance, and re-tances." gret. It was a relief to her when the party rose "He is not a person whose conduct or princito quit the theatre, for she had vainly endeavored ples I admire," returned Mr. Mordante. “Is he a to resume the usual gayety of her manner, and particular favorite of yours?" perhaps for the first time, her levity vanished before the tumult of real and conflicting feelings.

Evelyn said, with a blush, that he was not.
"Then I trust you will be guided by my wishes,

With the easy familiarity of an intimate friend, and not allow him the privileges of one. Do not the gentleman adjusted her shawl, and attended think me exacting, Evelyn-I would not ask you her to her carriage. "We shall meet often, I to give up a. valued friend, even if our opinions retrust," he whispered; "you cannot refuse me friend-garding him differed; but as you confess you have ship, though you denied me love!" no friendship for Mr. Lesbourne, I am sure you "We leave town in a few days," was the lady's will not hesitate to grant my request and treat him reply. coldly. He is admired in society, and his manners "So soon!" he exclaimed, " is my glimpse of are graceful; but he is not a desirable intimate, happiness to be as brief as it is unexpected! You and has few qualities to win serious approval. I know I cannot visit you, for Mr. Mordante once believe I am still a lover, dearest, for I cannot bea: dreaded me as a rival, and has never forgiven me to see your smiles and attention bestowed on my transient place in your kindness. He was strangers; will you promise me to be less generous jealous, you remember, of every smile you deigned with them hereafter?" to bestow on others, and I should scarcely be a welcome visiter even now. But I will see you elsewhere; nay, do not forbid it, Evelyn; may we not still be friends?" and he pressed her hand as he assisted her to the carriage, with a warmth far from friendly.

Frightened and perplexed, Evelyn readily ac ceded, and her conscience smote her for her dssimulation, as Mordante, gratified by her prompt consent, and angry with himself for his suspicion, tenderly drew her towards him, and kissed her forehead.

soon be at home again!" Home! how few charms that word held for Evelyn!

Evelyn did not see the smile of triumph on the "You look tired and ill," he said, "but the roses face of her former lover, as, agitated by the inter-will speedily bloom on your cheeks, for we shal view she hastily returned his parting salutation. Angry at his boldness, dissatisfied with herself for not repelling it at first, decidedly, yet bound by She arose the following day, restless and fever. countless sweet thoughts to the offender, Evelyn ish, from a sleep haunted by troubled dreams. retained no trace of animation as she entered the Alarmed by her appearance, Mr. Mordante insisted room where her husband awaited her return. Mr. on her spending the morning quietly in her room. Mordante was seated by a table apparently read- He endeavored to prevail on her to relinquish bet ing a newspaper, but he put it aside on her en-evening engagement; but she remonstrated so ve trance, and after looking up for an instant at her hemently, that he yielded to her urgent perscapale face, said gravely, "You seem fatigued, Eve-sions, and agreed to accompany her to the assem lyn, but if you are not too weary, I wish to con-bly she intended to grace.

verse with you for a few moments." The day dragged wearily on, as Evelyn sat listThe lady threw off her shawl, and seated herself less and alone with a new novel in her hand. opposite to him in silence. "You attended the She could not bind her thoughts to the page before play this evening," resumed her husband, "con- her, and they wandered back to the occurrences of trary to my wishes, as I could not accompany you, the previous night. They rested on her unex and I cannot approve of your appearing so fre-pected téte-à-tête with her discarded lover, and quently in public, without the sanction of my pre- her husband's dislike to him, and she was busy sence. I am aware that my opinions on this sub-wondering if Lesbourne would be at the ball that ject are behind the age, but I had hoped that from evening; and fancying Mr. Mordante's stern glances you, at least, they would have met respect and and suspicious watchfulness if he should be, whea compliance. My engagement terminated sooner a note was brought to her. She knew the writing than I expected, and I entered the theatre to at-well, and the seal was one she had given Lesbourge tend you home. You were so deeply absorbed in during their engagement. His boldness in vethe earnest conversation of the gentleman beside turing thus to address her, was beyond even her

forgiveness-and she rang hastily to inquire who had left the letter, that she might return it unopened. She learned it had been brought by a servant who had not stayed for a reply. Ignorant where to direct it, Evelyn was tempted for a moment to shew it to her husband; but dread of his certain displeasure, and its probable consequences, mingled with fear that the contents of the note might compromise herself, concurred to prevent this confidence. She could not show the letter without revealing her own continued deception, and she lacked the moral courage to do that. A few lingering scruples-a few flickering doubts, and the seal was broken. With tremulous eagerness she locked the door of the apartment to prevent interruption.

offend you; but I can scarcely regret it as I ought, since it has been the cause of my writing to you once more, and tracing, though for the last time, the magic name I have loved so long. I shall see you to-night. Will you bring me the written assurance of your friendship, that I may treasure it hereafter, when we are divided, perhaps forever? If I ask too much, your refusal will be a sufficient punishment; but let the period when we were more than friends come back to your thoughts, and you cannot deny your kind wishes to him who once was blest with the belief of your love!"

Painful and perplexing were the reflections summoned by these words-many and varying the resolutions they occasioned. She dared not answer them; and as the remembrance of her husband's In the early dawn of error, we shrink from the gentleness and indulgence stole over her, she half observation of others as from an evil; afterwards determined to acknowledge her early deceptionsolitude has its terrors, and no human censure is so to give him that letter, and trust to his generosity terrible as the voiceless condemnation of the spirit for pardon. But then she recalled his horror of within us. For Evelyn, this era was still to come; deceit—his cold, stern gaze—his calm and haughty as yet, the sense of right was not wholly lost. As tone. She pictured his contemptuous manner, she returned to her seat, she glanced at the mirror, the suspicion which must always follow her after and turned away, startled by the flushed and anxions face it reflected. But the hour for reasoning and suspense had gone by, and she rapidly read the lines she held:

such hypocrisy, and the ending of all confidence between them. She fancied his resentment at being deceived, his sarcastic spurning of the deceiver, and the strength to do right failed her; "There was a time, Evelyn, when I needed no the sacrifice was beyond her power. With the inapology for addressing you; when in the trust of decision of a feeble mind, in which principle, a devotion, only too true and earnest, 1 felt you though vacillating, is not extinguished, Evelyn would read in kindness the words I wrote in love. compounded with her conscience, and determined Now, I do not know that you will even deign to to retain the letter, but not to answer it; to meet finish my letter-but nevertheless I must write, to her lover, but not to encourage him. Her feelings implore your pardon for my folly and presumption were rarely sufficiently ardent to disturb her selflast night. I approached you with feelings of bit-possession; she relied now on the coldness which terness, whose cause you cannot have forgotten if so seldom deserted her. It was a dangerous exthe past was ever as dear to you as your confes-periment; for a faint spirit, there is no safety but sions acknowledged. We had parted-coldly on in avoiding the temptation it cannot struggle with; your side, on mine, how mournfully! Could I heaven help the heart that trusts thus to its own see you again without painful recollections of pro- weakness! mises broken, and affections unvalued? For you, Evelyn had never looked half so beautiful; her lovely and beloved, the present has unnumbered cheek was colored with feverish brightness; and sources of happiness-mine were all lost in losing thought lent to her features, an earnestness of exyou. Forgive me, if the rush of those old feelings pression usually wanting in their loveliness. Mr. awoke emotions of regret and bitterness, too deep Mordante gazed on her proudly and kindly as he for concealment or control, if I spoke hastily, per- carefully adjusted her cloak. He spoke so gently haps rudely. Had you loved, Evelyn, as I once too, that Evelyn shrank, conscience-stricken, from dared to dream, you would pity, without blaming, his expressions of admiration and tenderness. Her the impulses of a heart, in which hope has faded thoughts were busy with herself, or she would before the lessons of memory, and tenderness left have observed that her companion's tone was sad; nothing but despair. I fancied time had brought that he seemed anxious and harassed. Some me, at least, outward calmness, that in returning uneasy impression was evidently weighing on him, to your presence I should bear with me, self-com- and it was with an effort he appeared composed mand and the power to suffer in silence. But I His grief, whatever it might be, was concealed was wrong, your influence is fatal to my peace; I from his wife, either to spare her pain, or to avoid find my philosophy all vanity. In a few days you her condolence.. She was too selfish to console will go to your happy home, and we may not meet earnestly; and the sympathy of indifference, is again for years. Can we not part now in kind-profanation.

ness? Evelyn, will you write me one line of com- "I entreat you, dearest, to be cautious and repassion and pardon? My presumption might well served this evening if you should meet Mr. Les

bourne. I have known him long, and indeed he and then again approached Evelyn. He entreated is undeserving your notice; will you promise me her to waltz-she declined, coolly and positively. to avoid him if possible, or at least to treat him coldly?"

The flush deepened on the lady's cheek, and she turned hastily from the light as she remonstrated against the rudeness of repulsing an old acquain

'Then I will not go out to-night," exclaimed the lady impatiently, afraid to give a promise she was prepared to break, and irritated at being lectured again on this subject.

He bit his lip with suppressed vexation; but said in a careless tone, loud enough to be heard by those near him, "I believe you are prudent to decline; the circle is so crowded there is little pleasure in waltzing. Pray do you know whether Mr. Mordante received my note this morning?" and then, as those around them joined the dance, he drew nearer, and continued almost in a whisper"Evelyn, why will you force me thus to act the hypocrite? Have you suffered the unjust prejudices of your husband to erase an early friend from your kindness? Is my last hope granted? have you answered my letter?"

"You asked an impossibility," was the reply: "but if you are willing that Mr. Mordante sheall read that letter, I will write any answer he may dictate."

"Your ideas of confidence are really romantic. Have you carried them so far as to show our former correspondence to your husband? I have the boner "Is it then so disagreeable to you to afford me of possessing several of your letters, which, if you pleasure?" returned Mordante, in a sad and disap-wish, I will send to Mr. Mordante." pointed tone. "No, Evelyn, you must go and be The lady quailed before the sarcastic tone and happy. Only remember, that my happiness de- mocking look of her companion; and with the softpends on your conduct. Will you sacrifice your ness he could assume so gracefully, Lesbourne husband's peace to the idle claim of a mere ac- said, "Evelyn you are greatly changed, since you quaintance? And now look gay once more, I can-can treat so harshly a desire so simple as mine.

not bear to see your lip without its smile. O! Evelyn, if you could but dream how I love you!" and with passionate tenderness he drew her towards him.

Your conduct has already made me a wanderer. and your severity now only confirms the many griefs of the past. I shall leave this city speedy, and never trouble you again. There is no giainess here for one who has lost the affection, and is refused the friendship which would have brightened and blest his life. Do not recall me in anger, be cause I have loved too well to be politie; but f give, and if you can, forget me!"

Ah! what taunting self-reproach throbbed in that heart so faint and erring! Why was there not some prophet tone, to tell, before too late, the remorse, the weariness and the suffering, hoarded up in the future to brand that bright young brow? Alas! the warning had been uttered and silenced. Evelyn could not listen to this unmoved; that Conscience once hushed to sleep may rise to tor- voice had still a music she could not resist; and ture, but will wake no more to save. Not amid her own was tremulous as she said, ** You 1the shadows of ignorance do we tread the pathway proach me with severity; is it kind, is it generas of life the mentor is beside us, if we would but in you to address me with words whose very ge listen; the star shines over us, if we would but tleness is insult? I go home to-morrow, if I er look; we falter, and the friendly voice grows call that home where I enjoy no happiness u weaker; we err, and the star is clouded. We feel no love. Why will you make it more wretc yield to follies, and deplore their results; we still by embittering my memories? The proce darken our own lot, and then call our sorrows-that bind me now are more sacred than any whe Destiny.

:

united us, and I implore you not to recall a tie Lesbourne and Evelyn met that evening with cannot think of without agony. I loved you s the unruffled self-possession which is the philoso- never can love again; your lot is brighter thi phy of society. Every look was guarded, every mine-leave me to that solitude of heart, you ex word was studied; even Mordante was satisfied make more lonely!" and Evelyn could seared with his wife's coldly placid manner. Unwilling restrain the tears, called forth by the war of pan to wound her by appearing to doubt her compli-ful feelings.

ance with his request, he ceased the watchfulness "Are you ready to return home, Mrs. Mrwhich only served to embarrass its object. Les- dante ?" inquired a stern voice beside her; an bourne waited at a distance, until he saw Mordante without staying for her reply, Mr. Mordante s engaged in another room with a group of gentle-lently drew her hand within his arm. Lesb.ra men who were discussing some political question, met with haughty indifference the glance of wine

ing contempt Mr. Mordante bestowed on him, and turned with perfect composure to utter some gay remark to the lady next to him. Evelyn noticed the look and the action, and she needed no explanation of either.

That Mr. Mordante had heard at least the latter portion of their conversation, was evident; and what could she explain in her own defence? With the ceremonious coldness of a stranger, he assisted her to the carriage-and ordering the door to be closed, proceeded homeward on foot.

ness and regret, she was tempted to enter that room, to confess her faults, and implore their pardon―to kneel in that most abject prostration,— the humility of an erring heart. One look of gentler grief on the countenance before her; one gleam of anger, less stern in its sorrow, and even yet the days to come, might have brought peace to them both; but it was not to be thus. Mordante's was the composure of a mind whose resolutions were unswerving, and Evelyn's that timid and unprofitable repentance which had no moral courage. The Who shall say this world has no punishment for letter was sealed-the various papers were retransgression? Sooner or later error recoils upon placed in the drawer, and Mordante arose to deits author; from the follies of youth spring many part. Evelyn hesitated no longer, and the next of life's after-sorrows; and the weary victim of moment saw her kneeling at her husband's feet. self-reproach has no reward but a blighted exis-"In mercy do not leave me!" she exclaimed— tence, and no hope but a quiet grave. "I will tell you all, if you will but stay and pity me!"

Mordante regarded her with compassion, not unmingled with contempt; Evelyn felt that look; her terror returned; she arose and stood trembling before him.

"I do pity you from my soul, Evelyn," was his reply, in a tone so calm as to crush all hope in his listener;" and you can tell me nothing that I do not already know. I am not to be again deceived-let me pass!" and his hand was on the lock of the door.

"Stay for one instant!" was the wife's passionate prayer-" tell me what you heard, what you believe, and I will confess to you the truth."

The moments of that solitary ride, were the most wretched Evelyn had ever known. For the first time a doubt of Lesbourne's sincerity rushed upon her; and she questioned the earnestness of one who could employ hypocrisy so successfully with others. It is always terrible to doubt one we love, for affection loses its holiness in losing its faith; how doubly fearful was the suspicion that she had sacrificed to an idle illusion, all the happiness, all the peace of her own and another's existence! She dreaded to meet Mordante again; and as the remembrance of his kindness, his tender entreaties, his unceasing indulgence rose over her, she shrank shuddering from the purity and depth of the proud devotion she had wronged. The present and the future, both were full of terrors to her mental gaze; how could she expect forgiveness from a heart so lofty and so deceived? even if forgiven, what could she feel hereafter of pleasure or repose? She knew that Mordante's adoration for truth was stronger even than his love, and how had she trampled on both! She recollected Arthur too, so dependant and suffering, committed with such trembling tenderness to her care-her whole career, as she looked back on it now, seemed one record of falsehood and broken trusts. There was little remaining of the loveliness her husband had dwelt on so proudly, as Evelyn threw herself on the couch in her room, and sobbed with agony beyond the power of utterance. The sufferings of many months seemed centred in a few hours, and lines: she had no comfort in reflection, no solace in a "I do not write to reproach you; I leave you to higher hope. She listened anxiously for the sound your conscience and your memory. After late of Mordante's footstep; at last it came. He en- events, all confidence between us must end. I owe tered the adjoining apartment; the door was partly it to myself to prevent all repetition of deceit on open, and Evelyn saw him prepare to write. He your part. It will be unnecessary for us to meet first opened a drawer containing papers, and ar- again; an interview could only be painful to me, ranged them carefully-then he commenced a let- and humiliating to yourself. I shall remain in ter, and her heart grew faint; too well she knew town some time longer, but have ordered the carthose lines were to herself. He wrote rapidly; riage to convey you home. I will make every arand confidence died in her soul, as she saw the rangement for your future comfort, but I must resettled calmness of that haughty brow. More quest, that while you continue under the same roof than once, urged by the impetuosity of wretched- with my child, you will not interfere with his pur

VOL. VIII-56

"Truth!" repeated Mordante with involuntary scorn; and then in his cold voice he continued, "I need no confessions; the expressions I unintentionally overheard to-night, have revealed enough. Did I require other proof of your early and protracted deception, accident has given it in the last half hour; I found this note among my papers:" and he pointed to Lesbourne's letter, on the table, beside his own. All Evelyn's energy forsook her as her eyes fell on the fatal note; and without a word of explanation, she buried her face in her clasped hands in helpless despair. She heard Mordante's step; the door closed; yet she was motionless as if bound by some sudden spell. When she looked up again, she was alone. She eagerly seized her husband's letter; it contained these