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OL. XIX. COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1877. the m E.vr. in CI.EMMEB IX the ixdependext. ( ,ut the great world’s rush and din .. ri .pjnne a guest; inner court he entered in, • sit at rest. „tiie wild tide of affairs 'The'nates were closed: I r tl,e hungry host of cares last reposed. n through the dim doors of the past, til pure of blame, l*iyi>h memories floating last— His mother’s name. ... i 'all tliis loud world calls the best T il give," he said, .r„fi-cl her hand on her dear breast f, i lean my head. -I'rrv within the crowned day. That would lie joy, ,. ilU | ( ] s he but bear me far away, ! (mre more her boy.” Mini's strength is weakness, after ail— Hr stood confessed • .... v,.ne quite can still the heart’s wild call, None quite are blessed. .,. r0 ss the face that knows no fear ' n shade swept fast, ■jsifa following angel near ' That moment passed. The sacred silence of the moon Did softly stir; H splendor grew within the bloom ’ uf her, of her! nut to 'be great world's rusli and din, IT,. gone my guest; The battle blame, the praise men win Are his—not rest. Tar out amid the earth’s turmoils \ strong man stands, Cpheld in triumph and in tolls By unseen hands. But who may lift with subtle wand The masks we wear? [only know his mother's hand Is on ills hair. I only know through all life’s harms, Through sin’s alloy. Somehow, somewhere that mother s arms Will reach her boy. USES TO A TEACUP. Dear little teacup Oh! my rare wee cup. . Work of Celestials! you must bo divine; Tea no one drank in Porcelain of Nankin Ho lit to rank in Richer cernmic collections than mine. Those curious blue marks, Not shaui but true marks, Provo you are nearly five centuries old; In your young beauty Perhaps you did brew tea For tlio King Chuty, , ,. Robed like the sun in a mantle or gold, Where Is his charmer? Who would dare harm her. She who ruled over the ruler of men! Put in the places Which knew her graces She left no traces. They have forgotten their fair denizen. She was not brittle. Frail perhaps a little, Why is she missing, and you here to-day? Say by what token You are unbroker^ Patent, to no ken _- is t tie <1 stinet ion, for Mb are of clay. —Z.t'3gRe Living Age. | Written for the Sunday Enquirer.] THAT WIDOW. An Original Story in Two Parts. HY JfET.I> TKI.Ti. CHAPTER I. Tt was ut the close of a soft Decem ber day that I first heard of “that Widow.” Sitting on the front ver andah, dreamily watching the fog rime, rise in feathery haze, from the bosom of the lake, and intercepting like a filing curtain, the magical tint of the setting sun, I spied my uncle, Bindley Rawlins, driving home,from the boat-landing, where he had gone to see a friend off and get our mail. “Any letters?” I asked, as he came up the steps. “A dozen or so,” he replied, fumb ling in his coat pockets, “Oh! what a(treat!” joyously reach ing out my hand for them as I spoke. He extended but one. “This must satisfy you for to-day, Bessie, the others are mine.” I gulped down my disappointment its I strained my eyes for a sight of the post-mark, then followed Uncle to the supper room, where mamma and sister Lulu were awaiting us. The writing was altogether strange to me, and hastily breaking the seal, I turned to the signature for enlight enment, but was no wiser, until I had read it through. “Who is your letter from?” in quired mamma. “A stranger, subscribing herself Agnes St. Ledger, and enclosing one from Flora Wharton.” “Agnes St. Ledger! A high- sounding patronymic,truly,” laughed Uncle. “And what does this grand dame have to say for herself?” /She lias written to know if upon the strength of Flora’s introductory recommendation, we can hoard her for the winter.” .Uncle Lin made a funny little •urtinoee 'and shook his head. “No hoarders, sister,” he said, look ing at mamma; “I, for one, shall certainly veto any such trouble and iiotlier.” Mamma smiled sympathetically back upon him but remained silent. “Just listen first and hear what Flora writes,” I said. “Dear Bessie—I am now on the eve of leaving Philadelphia for Eu rope, and at the request of Mrs. St Ledger, write to introduce her to your kind offices and beg that you’ll persuade your mother and Mr. Raw lins to take her as a boarder in your family for a few months. She is a young widow, not long returned from abroad, and fearing to risk our North ern winters, wishes to spend the cold season in the mild climate of Florida, if she can obtain pleasant accommo dations in a private house. I hope there will he no difficulty about your taking her, as she is in all respects a splendid woman, and has been known t° our family many years. She is Wides a lady of wealth and culture, without children, and I can safely promise that you’ll never regret any courtesies that you may show her. % only fear is that bearish misan thropic recluse, Lindley Rawlins, k*Li (be sure aud show him this) will offer some unreasonable objectr Lns to my pet plan for the comfort »tul pleasure of my friend, Agnes St. Ledger. If he does bid him beware °t a foiled woman’s direct vengeance * *‘ en we meet again, as I shall prove ttflpiacable. I am much cramped Be, for time now, hut will write more at length when we reach Paris. “Very truly, “Fiajra Wharton.” I finished reading and waited for their comments. Uncle Lin said nothing, hut gave a disapproving grunt as he left the table to find his solace, play-thing, idol; in other words, his only child baby, Bob. Still in the prime of life, and a fine specimen of physical and intellectual manhood, he had unfortunately lost his cherished wife at the birth of this son, three years ago, and mother now lived with him and superintend ed his household affairs. We once resided in Georgia altogether and had still a summer place in tli^ mountains of that 8tate, but F . .da was now' our home, usually from October until May. Uncle had built for himself a handsome villa on the shore of Lake Colah, and several other gentlemen, following his example, the borders of the lovely sheet of water bad assumed quite a town-like appearance. “Well,” I said, “what have you to say about receiving Mrs. St. Led ger?” Mamma did not reply immediately, but Lulu, an impulsive girl, got in her turn and said: “To be sure we must take her. It would never do to refuse since she will come so well recommended.” “I am afraid Lindly will never consent. He cares for nothing now but Bobbie and his gun,” at length answered mamma, looking slightly troubled. “Oh, but you cau get around him, I dare say, mamma,” pleaded Lulu; “and the question ought to be de cided to-night, for the lady begs an early response.” “Perhaps you could obtain board for her at Mrs. Ellington’s; her house is not yet filled up. But let me see the lady’s letter,” and mamma drew the lamp toward her and proceeded to read it. “Did you ever hear Flora speak of her before, Bessie?” she said at last, looking up. “No ; I think not. But then Flora says that she has lived ahi’oad for several years, and ‘out of sight out of mind,’ you know.” I had been educated in Philadel phia, at the same school with Flora Wharton, where we had become fast friends, and our friendship, unlike that cf most school girl attachments, had suffered no diminution after our separation. We still kept up a close correspondence and never permitted our affection to languish or wane through absence. Mamma now appeared thoughtful for a little moment, then said: gl“I can’t see any objection to accom modating Mrs. St. Ledger if she is a worthy person, and that we can not doubt since your friend writes so highly of her. But you must consult your uncle befoi’e anything is defi nitely decided.” I went out and found him engaged in a game of romps with babie Boh, and told him Mrs. Sr. Ledger solicited an immediate answer. She was stop ping in Savannah, where she would remain until she heard from me, and that since mamma was willing to re ceive her the matter now rested en tirely with him. He stopped in his rapid race up and down the hall, and, with Bob perched upon his shoulder, turned and faced me as I spoke. “Shall I write her to come, Uncle Lin?” “If you want to drive me from home, do so. There are dozens of other places around here where she could find comfortable quarters with out coming here to turn things topsy turvy, with her grand foreign airs and graces, and expecting me, on all occasions, to play devoted attendant.” And he gave me such a distressed glance of comical humor that I laughed in spite of myself. “I’ll engage she’ll not disturb you, and will warn her to expect nothing from you but the barest civility.” ^Everything is so free and easy here now I don’t like to contemplate the change should this fine-traveled lady arrive.” “Well, let Bobbie decide for you,” I entreated. “Don’t you want to see pretty new lady, Bob, that will give you candy and ever so many drums and bugles ?’ ’ I asked, coaxiugly. He nodded his bead sagaciously, quietly turning his wondering eyes upon his father, as the latter said, a little impatiently: “Bah! that is not the question, Bess. Listen, my son, must papa have a woman here that will faint at every speck of dirt upon your chubby face, and cuff .you into the bargain, if you once misbehave?” “For shame, Uncle Lin! . How can you talk such nonsence?” Bob evidently did not comprehend the drift of these contradictory ques tions, but struck by the mention of drums and sugar plums cast his vote in my favor. “We will consider the matter set tled then, and I’ll write without delay that she can come.” “I suppose so,” he replied, but not a bit cheerfully. The letter was written and mailed. Ten days passed, and at length come the day that heralded the ar rival of Agnes St. Ledger. Uncle Lin vowed he would not meet her at the boat. "The carriage and horses were there—command them,” he said. As for himself he thought it quite likely he would leave home for a seeason, until Mrs. Saint Ledger’s departure. He only hoped there would prove no incon gruity in her name and character. Knowing his attachment to home and his darling boy, I did not much regard this threat. But such shock ing prejudice fretted me, and I retort ed that he was unjustly sacrificing a stranger on the altar of Flora’s short comings. If the latter had sinned in jestingly calling him a “bearish, misanthrope” surely the widow was innocent. He laughed merrily at that and good humoredly bade me have my own way. It was a day of mingled sunshine and shadow with a light haze fring ing the distant horizon, that Lulu and I went down to the steamer for our expected guest. And before she had been with us two days Lulu had quite succumbed to her wonderful fascinations. Older and more cau tious, I did not let my first impres sions of pleasure altogether obscure my judgment. Mamma, likewise, was equally pleased, and secretly con gratulated herself on having so charm ing an addition to the family circle. Uncle Lin did, truly much to my suprise, go away for a week. I was so anxious for him to see Mis. St. Ledger, and curious to know how she would impress him, I was really vex ed he should lose a moment in meet ing her. I do not think the first ac quaintance of any one could have promised more, and when he was in troduced to her at tea a few days be fore Christmas, he could not help furtively watching her, nor could I help watching him. There was so direct a contrariety of feature and ex pression about her face, that it set me to wondering. Very pale she was, with great slumbering oriental eyes, and lips arched and dyed with the cherry’s own red, parting o’er teeth the most beautiful. She talked well,in a voice perfectly modulated, but there was an expression of reticence and self-control, about the mouth that ill- comported with her quiescent, indiff erent attitude and such grand, pas sionate eyes. But it is useless attempt ing to portray such a face. Not even a Titiens could have caught all its marvellous changes, though he would have delighted to paint such hair as crowned her low, broad forehead. It was of a most peculiar and uncom mon coppery tinge, that in some lights, seemed to glow with a metal lic lustre, and, I am quite sure, I nev er saw just such another suit like it. Her dress was usually black, exceed ingly rich and tasteful, but with no hint of mourning about it, and she had certainly a great penchant for rare old laces circling throat and wrists, and was never seen without these beautiful adjuncts adorning her toilette. Indeed the prim, quaker- like linen cuffs and collars, now so much in vogue, would have appeared out of plaee on the person of this dainty woman. To-night she talked less than usual, and her quiet, reserv ed bearing seemed almost icy as she briefly replied to the occasional re_ marks of Uncle Lin. I was glad when he left the table and took the first opportunity of whispering, “How do you like her?” He pinched my ear and smiled pro- vokingly, “Don’t be so curious, Bess; I’ve formed no opinion yet.” “But isn’t she very beautiful ?” “Her face is too cold.” “Just wait until you know her bet ter,” I began. “How long have you known her?” he interrupted. “Oh, but you must really like her, for we have all fallen in love with her, and I’m so anxious to get an other letter from Flora Wharton tell- ling me where to address her that I may thank her for sending us so charming a person.” “Better wait, Bessie, you may have cause to change your opinion.” And being a man that noticed tri fles escaping the observation of others he told me. that be had remarked about her that peculiar manner that indicated self-restraint and an effort to hide her real self from the world. “An actress, Bessie—nothing natu ral about her,” he said.! Perhaps her life has not been all sunshine, and to suffer and make no sign is the fate of many. It may be hers for ought he knew to the contra ry. But men are all alike these days and prone to discover faults where none exist. “That is a serious charge, my, dear.” “But none the less true.” “I thought, however, you had form ed no opinion, but it seems that you have thoroughly criticised her. Take care, Mon. Uncle, that you are not raving about this same actress in less than a month.” The more he saw of her the better he thought of her, and baby Bob had ceased to care for any one else. The fact is, notwithstanding her ex clusiveness, she had already become a general favorite with both residents and boarders of the Lake Shore, and ere she had been with us three weeks many of the gentlemen sought to make a divinity of her and proceeded to downright worship. This, howev er, she would not permit, but she could not prevent two or three instal ling her in Jlie empty niches of their hearts, aud, lost in wonder and admi ration, surveying at a respectful dis tance her attractive charms. lone Carey, regarding her as a formidable rival in her own dominions, and trembling for the throne of her belle- ship, jealously pronounced her a sor ceress. But she was only a lovely ac complished woman, who might have reigned supreme as a young empress, had she so desired. But nothing was farther from her intention, for no one could appear more retiring or exclu sive. She would never accompany us on any of our fishing excursions or pic nics amongst the orange groves, but with a book, or only Robbie for a companion, wander off to some quiet nook in the beautiful grounds, whilst we formed parties for outdoor pleas ure, and had a merry good time gen erally. I think some of the neighboring girls were at first disposed to envy her the notice she attracted, and the proffered adoration and attentions of their beaux, but she had so quickly convinced them that she had no thought of interfering with any of their plans, and so withdrew herself from all competition and observation, that the feminines were soon restored to good huipor. It was her custom to play for an hour every evening at twilight, if the parlor was deserted— and it usually was at that hour. This becoming known, both gentlemen and ladies came over without cere mony to hear he, but it did not last long, for as soon as she dis covered to what her talent was lead ing, she no longer gratified us. “What a queer creature she is,” said Belle Lamon. “Now, if I could perform like that, I would be always wanting an audience.” “It is too bad to loose such music, and what a slrange whim not to play for others, or want them to enjoy it,” grumbled Lulu. Mr. Hay, who was Belle’s most de voted cavalier, sagely remarked, that “her selections were as singular as her performances both grand and magnificent, and that he had never heard a mere amateur render so faultlessly those soul-inspiring themes of Chopin, Beethoven and other old masters.” “Does she sing?” questioned handsome Walter Lee, whom every one pronounced a dandy, and who was certainly very lazy. Uncle Lin, who happened to be of the conclave, looked' at me for in formation. “She does,” I replied, “but it is like her playing, full of weird, un canny sweetness, unlike any voice I ever heard before. But, I must also add,that I have heard her but twice.” “These evening concerts we can’t relinquish; they are such a pleasure way down here amidst these tropic wilds, and I would willingly walk two miles to enjoy them,” said Wal ter. “Just listen to him,” screamed Lu lu. “O, Mr. Lee, I didn’t believe even Von Bulow or Rubenstein could entice you to such wonderful exer tion.” “Perhaps they could not,” he re plied significantly. “I was not speaking of the piano-smashers. But suppose we appoint a committee to wait on this invisible lady and en treat her to take pity on our famish ing musical dearth, and favor us oc casionally.” “That would be utterly useless,” I said. “But we can adopt the ruse of not appearing to care, and sedulously keeping out of the way, by strolling in the garden or grounds, where we can hear equally well, without intru ding upon her, and by this means lure her back to her evening prac tice.”, “Agreed,” said all but one, and he, Uncle Lin, said nothing. My prediction, after the adoption of my suggestions, was verified, and Mrs. St. Ledger resumed her music. Mamma was so perfectly de lighted with her that she wanted Uncle Lin to regard her with the same preference, and was constantly expatiating in his presence on her beauty and worth, until I pointed out to her that such praises so cease lessly chanted would only result in defeating her wish and that she ought to be a more wily conspirator than thus to show her hand early in the game. “Well, I do really want him to like her,” she' answered, “and noth ing would please me better than to see him a captive to her witcheries. Somehow she has found her way to my heart, and I sincerely wish she could find her way to his.” “Don’t let him find out you are hop ing any such thing, or you’ll never achieve your wish. Uncle has his strong points, and 'one of them is to think for himself. Besides, you do not seem to consider the lady's feel ings at all.” He treated her very courteously— that was only natural—and from his manner I think he studied her closely when none others suspected it. But after that first conversation with -me he had given no sign that his impres sions then formed were ever changed. One rainy day, when our gay party did not meet, and only the home folks were about, she came down from her room, where she had been for several hours alone, and sought the parlor. Uncle Lin was there, seemingly ab sorbed in his newspaper. She did not perceive him until she had raised the piano, then made a movement as if to go away. He saw her doubt and hastened to say, “I hope you will not mind my presence, Mrs. St. Ledger, but the truth is, I am fear fully bored with my own company, the weather, and everything else, and was just wishing for you ” She gave him a little shy flitting glance. “Wishing to have you repeat for me,” and he emphasized the pronoun “that quaint little air you played last night.” “Do you refer to ‘Lorely?’ ” and she seated herself and struck a few chords. “I am not sure that it is,” he re plied, leaning beside the instrument. “But Ido wish you would let me come in sometimes and listen, for when I am out and hear you I find myself longing to be nearer, but dare not approach without your permis sion.” “You are very good to care for my music, and if it gives you pleasure you are welcome to come in whenev er you like.” “It does give me pleasure, great pleasure. It is so unique, so different from all other. There is more true melody, more soul in one of your pieces than in a dozen modern ope ras.” She hardly relished this compli ment, but, assured of his sincerity, said simply: “It is a great comfort to me, and is associated with much that is bright and beautiful in the past. Besides, it rests me and brings peace.” “Peace of mind ? Your music is then to you what David’s was to Saul.” And he regarded her curious ly- She replied only by a little shrug of the shoulders, and then sang Lorely,’ and as the song advauced he saw her whole expression change. No one could now call that face cold. It seemed glorified, and her voice voice thrilled him as none other had ever done. For some moments after she had concluded he did not speak, but appeared in a deep revery. He had no fears of felling in love with her, for he had loved passionate ly his dead wife and fancied that feeling could never be supplanted by another. But the very peculiarities and air of shrinking indifference to his tardy advances to a better ac quaintanceship on the part of the widow, now interested him in spite of himself. Two days after the weather cleared up and the sun shone out bright and warm, as May Bell Lamon came over to tell us we were all to go across the Lake to a grand affair at Col. Libby’s the next day. “You’ve heard about it, haven't you, Bessie?” she asked, perfectly en thused over the pleasure in store for us. “Oh, yes, I have just received a note from Ethel Sibley enclosing in vitations for us all.” “Well, the programme is to start early, spend the day, and return a little before nightfall. Mr. Rawlins will go I hope. It would be delicious to carry him alopg with us, and we must secure Mrs. St. Ledger’s com pany, too.” “I think it likely we can persuade Uncle Liu to go, but it would be worse'than useless to mention it to Mrs. St. Ledger. Indeed, I have not done so, knowing her dislike to such parties.” “Where is she? Let me see her and try the powers of my persuasion upon her obdurate heart.” “She is in her room, I believe. But I tell you, Bell, your entreaties will be fruitless.” “That remains to be tried,” and the giddy girl ran off to find the widow. I followed more sedately, and was greatly astonished to hear her consent to go. The morrow found the large crowd ready to embark. We had secured half a dozen skiffs, and the gentle men were to row us to our destina tion. Bobbie, eluding the vigilance of his nurse, crept down after us to the beach, pleading to be taken. “Pshaw! who wants a baby on such an excursion as this,” exclaim ed Lulu. “Go back, Bobbie, go back, and wait until you grow a lit tle more.” Uncle Lin bad always refused to take him on the water in a small boat, for the little imp was the per sonification of perpetual motion, and it was more than probable that he would go to the bottom ere we had gotten half way across. But he had now a powerful ally in the widow, who volunteered to look after his safety, and it all ended in his being gathered up and deposited in the boat containing Cora Ellington, Mrs. St. Ledger, Walter Lee, Uncle and my self. We reached the opposite side,which was only about two miles across, in good time, and everything promised well for our anticipated pleasure. The trip over had been delightful, aud we found the Sibleys and others on the shore to greet us. We landed and dispersed—some eating fruits and drinking tea, others arranging games on the lawn, and still others in pairs flirting neath the orange trees. Mrs. St. Ledger, grasping baby Bob’s hand, separated herself, after a little while, from the rest, and glid ing off to a rustic seat, began for his entertainment a marvellous story of fairyland. Walter Lee, desperately in love, hovered near, and at last in dolently approaching, said: “I know you are wishing me in Halifax, but it’s a sin for this per verse youngster to engross all of your company. Won’t you take pity on me and let me sit here at your feet ? I’ll promise to be very good and quiet and not interrupt.” Chary of words, she merely nodded her assent, pointing at the same time to a seat near, and smilingly contin ued her story. Walter sat and stared up at her, listening in a lover’s trance to her low, sweet voice. His eyes were speaking that which his lips feared to utter, and under his breath he was softly 'sighing—“St. Agnes! St. Ag nes ! How well her name suits her.” But he wanted to talk to her and have her talk to him, and was growing decidedly impatient at her devoting all her attention to Bob and none to himself, and began consign ing the favored infent to some not very agreeable places, when the little fellow, showing signs of weariness curled himself up in the arms of St. Agness and soon slept. Secretly re joicing at this proceeding, Mr. Lee, enquired “what she would do with him ?” “Call a servant, please,” she re plied, “and I will send him into the house, that he may be put comforta bly to bed for his noon nap.” Uncle Lin, passing by, was not in sensible to the striking tableaux. The beautiful picture of the widow, en folding his sleeping boy, affected him more than he liked to own. “Let me relieve you, Mrs. St. Led ger,” he said, stopping and taking the child, who had one little arm firmly elasped around her neck, he bore him off toward the house, pilot ed by the servant, who had now come up. “What a blessing sleep is,” said Walter sententiously, not knowing what else to say just then. “And how terrible to be deprived of it,” she replied. Are you a good sleeper, Mr. Lee “I believe so, when my conscience doesn’t happen to hint of past mis- At tire mention of conscience, she raised her eyes from the (flower she was plucking in pieces and; said: “I hope you are not troubled with anything so old-fesbioited as con science. I buried mine years ago.” “Yes, I comprehend: And you have never done anything since to resurrect it. I can believe you fault less.” He spoke warmly. But she looked so fair, and cold and apathetic. “Believe no such thing, But hark, some one is calling me.” Several persons now came up beg ging that she would go in and play for them. Bob was fortunately out of the way, and she must for once carry her amiable complacency so far as not to refuse. Uncle Lin, who had again joined her, stood by and as usual said noth ing. He evidently liked to be with her. She was a problem for him to solve, but it was only when away from the glamour of her magnetizing presence that he could coolly scruten- ize or attempt an analysis of what ap peared so inexplicable about her. He could not prevent the coming at times of a vague, settled conscious ness that all was not fair and open with this fascinating widow—some thing hidden. But what? He could not lay hold of a single act, word or expression to beats, out his mental ac cusations, but for all that he felt them. Another surprise was iu store for me. Without a single word of denial she now arose, and signifying her willingness to please them, walked away. There was no consistency about the woman. Why should she always be fore so persistently refuse all our in vitations to accompany us on parties of pleasure, and yet come to-day; and why decline’playing for us at home, and now so readily comply ? Walter Lee stood a little behind the rest, and I saw him pick up the sprig of blooms that she had been han dling, and place them in his vest pocket. Poor fellow, he was in a bad way, and so were several other fel lows, for that, Walter; but luckily for them the widow was no coquette, and treated them all alike—much as a queen would her devoted subjects. I have said that Mrs. St. Ledger was rather peculiar, but to-day she devel oped such new phases of character, that we all regarded her with aston ishment. The first piece she executed was a slow, stately composition, full of fu neral suggestions, that lone Carey declared made her flesh creep to hear, her face all the while en rapporte with the mournfully solemn chords. Then before we had recovered from the doleful depression of the dirge, she struck off into a brilliant gallop that set half a dozen couples whirling around the room. Uncle Lin and I observed attentively this change from one extreme to the other, and saw her whole face lighten, the slumbering eyes awoke and laughed and spark led, the ruby lips discarded their re straining reticence, and wreathed themselves in dimpling smiles, and she seemed wholly transformed, her fingers flew over the keys, and the merry dancers spun around like so many dervishes. Uncle~saw the amazement written on my features and whispered: “She puzzles me more than ever. Her eccentricities are positively re freshing.” And then he fixed his earnest eyes on her glowing face, and I realized that she was to him all the more in teresting and perhaps fascinating from the new role she was now act ing. I marveled how long this mirthful freak would last—that it would prove but transitory I could well believe. She played for an hour or more I ihink, and then we all went out to lunch beneath the soft tropic sky. Uncle Lin walked beside her, and I heard him say: ‘Excuse me, but you have set me to wondering.” “How so ? I am sure I did not in tend it, and hope the offense is not unpardonable.” “By no means. It is a new and delicious sensation, for I thought I had quite reached the stage where nothing could surprise me, but to-day you have convinced me that I am still capable of surprises.” ‘To what do you allude ?” ‘To that radical and bewildering change in yourself.” “It is now my turn for astonish ment.” And she raised her magnifi cent eyes for a moment to his. The flush of excitement still dyed her cheeks, and her usually serene features were glowing with spirited animation. “You seem now quite metamor phosed from the grave, exclusive per sonage whom I have hitherto known. I have fancied you at times mourn ing over buried hopes or else doing pennance for your sins against some poor mortals like myself.” She laughed a little, soft gargling laugh, and turned towards him her brilliant face. “It may be you are in some sort right, Mr. Rawlins, but I assure you my transgressions against your sex are not heavy, and I shall begin to think your estimate of me pretty low, as you intimated a few evenings since that I had an evil spirit to be exorcised by music. You see I have not forgotten your smart allusions to David and Saul.” We now had reached the tables 9et under the spreading branches of the live oaks that cast their exquisite va riations of light and shadow o’er the tender green of the grassy lawn, and I still caught myself watching Mrs. St. Ledger. She stood a little apart from the rest with Uncle Lin—a brimming glass of wine in her shape ly hand, which she had wreathed about with a spray of jessamine. “Foryou,’’she said, presenting it to him, and then she sang a snatch of a joyous little drinking song: “Aye, fill the cup again—fill to overflowing, Hearts with it glowing laugh at all pain.” Mr. Lee was also closely observing her, as indeed, to tell the truth, were many others. “She seems bewitched to-day,” I said. “Rather say bewitching,” he re sponded. “I had almost despaired of ever seeing the icicle thaw, she ap peared always so cold and distant,but no one could be more social and cap tivating than she now seems. Can you explain the change?” “Not I, for I am equally surprised and puzzled with yourself.” The day passed pleasantly enough and the widow still continued the gayest of the gay. But whfen we were on our return home she relapsed into her usual shell of reserve and said but little. Some of the party spoke of being afraid, as there was a stiff breeze from the east tumbling the lake into con siderable waves, and occasionally the ladies gave voice to their alarm in lit tle cries of terror as the water sprin kled them. All but St. Agnes—she preserved the most impurturbabie silence, trailing her hand in the wa ter, or else engaged in soothing Bob bie, who was unusually fidgety and fretful. “All cowards except Mi’s. St. Led ger,” exclaimed Uncle Lin, resting for a moment on his oars and looking back at Cora and myself who were babbling noisily of apprehended dan ger. “Are you not afraid, Mrs. St. Led ger—just a little ?” I asked. “Indeed I am, for the heavens in dicate a stonn, in my judgment, and if the whole truth was known I am really a greater coward than any of you ladies,” she replied. As she spoke she turned to view the clouds that were banking up in the west, obscuring the sun, now near its setting. Bob, taking advan tage of her inattention to himself en deavored to change his position, and fell, with a terrific scream overboard. Before he had scarcely realized what had happened, Mrs. St. Ledger had sprung after him, and in a moment we saw her several yards away, sup porting the struggling child on one arm, while with the other she tried to keep herself afloat. Uncle Lin was in the water the in stant his startled senses took in the catastrophe, and Walter Lee manag ed the boat admirably, trying to draw near the party floundering in the waves. “Save the child, Mr. Rawlins,” cried the heroic widow. “I can take care of myself,” and relieved of her kicking, half-drowned burden, she swam easily to the boat, and with our aid was soon lying exhausted in my arms. Uncle Lin and the cause of all this fright and danger, were soon rescued too, and then every one began extolling the presence of mind and bravery of St. Agnes. The occu pants of the other boats saw the whole affair and hastened to come up that they might add their praises and congratulations to ours on this exhi bition of heroism. But she appeared totally indifferent to it all, and with a modest flutter of the white lids shading her superb eyes and drepeca- ting shrug of the shoulders, begged us “not to make such a fuss about nothing.” “Saint and heroine,” breathed Walter, leaning over her. She smiled wearily and the pearly lids hid the saintly eyes. Uncle Lin deposited the still fright ened child in the lap of Cora, who securely wrapping him in a shawl held on to him much as if she ex pected he would essay another plunge. And as my handsome, dig nified uncle shook the dripping wa ter from his clothing, and prepared to resume his oars, he for a moment whispered his thanks in the ear of the savior of his child. I saw him make a motion as if to take her hand, but restraining himself, eyes and lips were left to express his grati tude. There had been no answering glance to the tender breathing of Walter, but as uncle spoke, I observ ed the pink flush rising o’er her white cheeks, and the weary eyes unfold, brighten and gleam, as I had first seen them that day. And, no ticing all this, I saw even more—that she had uncautiously betrayed to my prying gaze her secret. She liked Uncle Lin—that was patent enough. But somehow the knowledge did not please me. The day before had I dis covered it, I should have sincerely re. joieed, but now, (after the table and parlor scenes (at Col. Sibley’s, I felt anything but glad, and might as well confess it. I somehow doubted and distrusted the widow. We reached home without farther accident, and after landing the whole party gathered around Mrs. St. Ledg er, to express their wonder and admi ration at her daring. “Oh, my friends,” she said, look ing so pretty and frank, all drabbled as she was, “please do not mention it again. I did nothing, absolutely nothing, that each one of you would not have done, similarly placed. Ba by Bob was in my charge, and I felt keenly the responsibility.” Lulu ran up, and embracing her fondly, cried excitedly: ‘O, you brave darling! I did not know before that you could swim. But what a risk for your precious life.” “The risk for me was not much,and under other circumstances, with somoth water, I should rather have enjoyed it.” “Don’t detain her, Lulu,” I said. “Come, Mrs. St. Ledger, and get off those wet garments, and let mamma care for you.” Uncle Lin, with Bob, had already arrived at the house and dispatched a servant for a physician. [conclusion next week.] Saline Aperient. What is it? It is a delightful and sparkling effervescent purgative, acting without pain or sickness, is sold at half price, ana is far superior to nauseating pills. No lady, no student, no traveler, no professional man, should be without it. It acts finely upon the bowels,gives the bile a chance to escape and is a splendid diuretic. One dose will con vince any one of its great value. no21 d&w2w DRY CODD8. At aud Below N. T. Cost! Grat Sacrifice! Great SacriBee!! In order to change our business, on and after this date we olftr entire stock of BOOTS, SHOES HATS. at and below cost. We are determined to make a change, and da ring the next 90 days GREAT BA-IRiQ-A-IlTS! will be offered everybody. We would prefer to sell the entire stock in ONE SALE, and to responsible partieswe will sell a great bargain, and rent them the OLDEST and BEST STAND ftr DRY GOODS in the city. We consider onr stock one of the best in the market—complete in every respect. ^"COWIE ALL, where you can buy Goods as low as you wish them. JNO. MeGOUGH & CO. N. B.—fi^DRESS GOODS lower than ever heart of before. NEW THIRD SHIPMENT including our celebrated DOLLAR WILL OPEN MONDAY MORNING, A FULL LINE Gents’ In Operas and __ , toj- New Bibs in white, light blue and pink; Silk Corsets, Laces—the most exquisite line Crepe Lltse Rufflings ever brought to this market. Our stock of Kid Gloves is thorough In every respect. An elegant line Black Alpacas from 25o. to $1.00 per yard. Merino Underwear and Blankets a speoialty. continue to offer Inducements in 'BLACK! SILKS. Our Blaok Silk at $1.25 Is superior to any- thing ever brought here. Blanchard & Hill. oed&wtf Mammoth OF FIRST DRY GOODS! AT BOTTOM PRICES, • Comprising Largest Line of DOMESTICS, CLOAKS, BOOTS and SHOES, SHAWLS, DRESS GOODS, FLANNELS, Gents’ and Boys’ HATS, Ladies’ and Misses’ HATS and Yankee Notions In the City, at WHOLESALE AND DETAIL. T WILL begin on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5th, to offer extraordinary X inducements to the trading public. Give me a call and be convinced that I sell at “hard pan prices.” __ - - M. JOSKPB. 30 Bred IV READY k the Fill CAMPffl! M y NEW BUILDING HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED, and I am now entire building, with one of the largest sb^Ks.^uth. andJ>reporcxl to anring tbs oner eve*y inducement of any jobbing House. Buyers should not fell to see my stock and prtoea. I WILL NOT BE UNDBHSOLB. DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT.—5,000 pieces of PRINTS, 5,000 pieces of • CHECKS, 500 pieces BLEACH DOMESTICS, 200 pieces TICKING. 25 bales OSNABURGS, 25 bales 4-4 SHEETINGS; 25 bales T« SHEETINGS. WOOLEN DEPARTMENT.—500 pieces of JEANS, 300 pieces of CA88I- MERES, 500 pieces of LININGS, 300 pieces of FLANNELS. DRESS GOODS DEPARTMENT.—All the latest in Foreign and Domestta manufacture. WHITE GOODS DEPARTMENT.—IRISH LINENS, TABLE LINENS; LAWNS, TOWELS, NAPKINS, COLLARS, CUFFS, Ac. NOTION DEPARTMENT.—Largest and most complete ever offered, with ev erything petaining to the line. BOOT AND SHOE DEPARTMENT.—500 cases from Commonest to Best Hand- HAYDEPARTMENT.—3,000 dozen FUR and WOOL HATS, direct front Factory. Wholesale House, 152 Broad Street, j . 154 « « JA-IMIIES A. LEWIS. Retail d&w3m