Dakota City Herald

Leaves from my Life.

BY NELLIE HUSTON.

I arranged a few articles in the house and then started for home as it was a long ride to Lake Isle. I rode up on the ridge and was enjoying a view of the splendid natural scenery that was visible for miles away in every direction, when suddenly my eye rested on the figure of a gentleman resting on the turf only a few feet in advance of me, and directly in my path. He had apparently been sketching and was now lying on the cool grass leaning his head against a tall pine tree. He was tall, elegantly proportioned with a profusion of wavy, golden brown hair, falling carelessly over a broad forehead of marble whiteness. The mouth was one of rare sweetness of expression, though the full, exquisitely chiseled lip and swelling nostrils of the somewhat prominent nose, dispelled all idea of that effeminacy I so disliked. His eyes! Oh could any one ever look on them and forget? They were large, lustrous eyes, violet eyes, with a very slight roguish curl now predominating over a habitual mournfulness of expression, calm, dignified eyes that made you bow, even while you worshipped them. A long India scarf of variegated colors was tied under a low, square cut, Byron collar. His portfolio lay by his side, and one of those comfortable, soft hats cosily ensconced by the side of a neat, patent leather. As I looked at him, at those great eyes, a thrill of unutterable joy vibrated every nerve and fibre of my nature, and sick with the depth and intensity of the emotion, leaned over his neck for a moment on Bijou's. It seemed that, stepping forward ages upon ages, I with my mortal hand had swept aside the impenetrable veil of eternity and recognized in him, as I stood side by side with him in the heavenly fields, my acknowledged and God-wedded spirit groom. For a moment I could have fallen down, and in my passionate Italian nature addressed him in the beautiful Scriptural language. "Whither thou goest, there will I go." But it was only for a moment, for when I raised my head I met only a careless, almost triumphant smile; for he knew in that short time, in my inmost soul I paid him the tribute so justly due such glorious beauty. That one glance aroused all the flickering antagonism of my nature; my self possession was complete, and angry at my weakness I would have striven to regain my lost laurels by bounding past him without farther ceremony but his voice arrested the motion. "A thousand pardons, Miss, if I have been an innocent cause of your fright and trouble?" His manner belied his words or he did not change his position and kept on smiling. "I hope sir," I answered, "I am not so weak as to be frightened at such a superlatively indolent picture although I was really scared when Bijou started so suddenly." He must have been amused at the flimsy subterfuge, for it was very evident I reined him back on his haunches the first instant. "Please hand me some of those tablets and a pencil and I will perhaps be able to make you comprehend. Pray do not do yourself the trouble to rise." I continued, as I rode up and received them from his outstretched hand. Then he quietly arose and after stamping his foot to arrange his dress, deliberately proceeded to gather up the contents of his portfolio and place them in it: all the time whistling a popular air. My hand worked with a will, for I was thoroughly wearied and outwitted by his careless manner, and in an incredible short space of time, threw the cards at his feet. It was a hideous caricature of a traveling artist I expected and hoped to make him very angry or at least to ruffle his coolness, but not one whit was he disturbed, only picked it up and after examining it minutely, regarded me with that provoking, amused smile playing over his exquisite. "Would you like to keep it?" he asked, "the resemblance is so very apparent, or shall I sit for it again?" and he looked handsomer than ever. "Oh no! no indeed, not for the world would I deprive you, of even your shadow. I hope you admire it." and laughing a haughty, scornful laugh, gave my impatient steed the rein and the magnificent creature bounded by, while I waved my hand in adieu. "Splendidly done, by Jove!" I heard him exclaim but whether the picture or the act I could not tell. After a while, I heartily repented of my unladylike conduct, but could find no plea as an excuse, that he was very provoking? Suddenly it occurred to me what he had said to me in the morning, about a stranger coming to visit with us, and that if he and my artist knight were the same? Well it would only be right to apologize, which thing would not be wholly impossible especially, if those great eyes looked on me again. I could only barely congratulate myself on my escape heart whole. Angry I certainly was, for that bothering face seemed looking at me from every object my eye rested on. And what of him I thought? He would never cast a second thought on angry gipsy with her dark face and flashing eyes and somehow I wanted just then to press my hand hard on my heart to still the bitterness the thought occasioned. I hurried Bijou on, and it was nearly sunset when I arrived at home: and I sent him off by the groom and ran up stairs to change my dress. I met Alice on the first landing and she told me the gent had not arrived probably would not now until morning, and but she did not note the expression of my face as I went on, smiling at the idea that perhaps I had already made his acquaintance in advance of his expected arrival. I threw off my riding habit, and donned my simple dress of black silk, (I had always worn black since my mother's death,) plain white collar and cuffs, and no ornaments, except the diamond cross and drops, which were mother's bridal jewels. Tea over, I went into the parlor to play on the new piano that had been sent that day from the city, while Alice and Auntie adjourned, one to the library to read to Uncle, and the latter to superintend some household affairs. Soon as the lamps were lighted I turned over my notes and commenced playing some grand, old melodies from Beethoven and Mozart. While absorbed in one of these, and singing an accompaniment, the door opened and the servant announced "Frederic Percival." The name I was not acquainted with, and consequently felt annoyed at the interruption, and I did not look up for a moment, but whirled carelessly around, my hand still resting on the ivory keys. At the sound of footsteps, I felt the same strange thrill in my heart, and confidently expected to meet my tormentor. Well! to be sure the form was the same, but even as I gazed, the mocking smile disappeared from the mouth, and I stood trembling and embarrassed before those mournful, blue eyes. He said he "presumed I was Miss Alice Blake's foster sister, Miss Somerford, of whom she had told him so much;" and gently took my hand and led me to the sofa. I excused myself and arose to ring the bell and have James inform his mistress of his arrival but he said, "after our introduction of to-day I think any further one, under the circumstances, unnecessary; and no doubt the ladies will be down soon." Then he soon added, pleasantly, "an apology is due you: but with your leave we'll say nothing more about it, and will mutually compromise the same affair, by adjourning to the piano, and I will listen while you conclude that splendid music you were singing when I interrupted you." I told him I should only be too happy. He evidently possesses a will I thought, for I had no power to resist his half apology. Half command: and so both laughed gaily, as I took his arm, and seated myself to play. We had only finished the piece in which he joined, when Alice came in. She laughed heartily at the story of our meeting and compromise, given in his inimitable style. "Oh! you naughty Madge," she said "how could you treat Fred so? but it was only like the saucy creature, and, Fred, you must learn to indulge her as I do." she added with a droll attempt at severity. "I understand," he said but another time we will punish her hard, only think has she photographed my phiz! Too bad young lady, too bad!" and he regarded me mischievously. "I ought be very much frightened at such a conspiracy, but now really I am not," I retorted. After this our acquaintance progressed nicely, although at times during the evening, I could not divest myself of a feeling of embarrassment as I met his eye fall upon me in the intervals of conversation after a while I withdrew to a window recess and listened to him and Alice conversing and as they sat before the warm mellow fire light, I think I almost loved him even then, as I contrasted the incident of the day, with the scene before me, so quiet and home like, he holding Alice's hand in both of his, and talking to her in his low, soft tones of one absent friend, her lover. Then I understood why she wished me to know him, for they were like brothers. And I, in my dusky seat, shaded by the heavy, crimson, brocade curtains I tried to call reason and philosophy, cold monitors, to my aid. I said, "he could not, if he would try, care anything for the brown faced orphan girl, dependent on friends, what! he, so rich and talented, would he even -; but all philosophy vanished, as he looked around uneasily where I was sitting, occasionally, not wishing to call me forward. It was late when we retired, and I noticed he looked pale and fatigued but he pressed my hand gently, after bidding Alice "good night," he said. "you must not think too harshly of me, Miss Somerford, I was very rude and unkind to-day, for my sake, do not cherish any but good feelings!" "Do not mention it" I said hastily. "I only was rude. In all sincerity, I said for get it and in future I will not be so childish." "Then," he answered, "I will say thanks! and good night." and bowed his face for a moment on my hand, while the shining curls swept over my sleeves. The servant came to show him up to his room, and I ran to mine, not daring to stop with Alice for fear that she would see my agitation. The next day, in compliance with Uncle Blake's earnest invitation, he had his trunks brought from the village and prepared to stay a fortnight with us. We enjoyed ourselves finely, riding, walking over the grounds and singing: but as the weather became cooler, and Alice was called away to the city to see a friend, we were thrown entirely upon our own pleasure-finding resources. For myself, I was content to see him, and know he was near, was enough all my proud heart was his, and the light I wanted or cared for was his dear face. Do not censure me it must have been my fate: do not accuse, dear reader, of unmaidenly demonstrations, or premature fondness, for what ever else my faults were, that certainly was not one of them. How inconsistent is real nature I said we enjoyed ourselves: well we did, very much, except when hectoring each other, or quarreling, yes! you see aright, actually quarreling. His disposition was a strange combination of mirth and sadness, and our first and second meetings were only a fair sample of many others that followed in their wake. There faults was, strength pitted vs. strength, mortal contest, of brains and tongues; steely fire, biting asperity, on one side, and laughing sarcasm, and a natural capacity to tease, on the other. One hour, taxing my patience to the utmost, the next, gravely and sweetly forgetful of all else, doing his utmost to enter into my feelings, so I never knew when I was safe to unloose my fiery temper. Of my wild love he knew nothing, nor could he judge, for generally I was calmly oblivious to his friendly overtures or else meting out, point for point, item for item, balancing accounts as near as I, an interested party, was able to do. But there came a change in affairs. A few days after Alice left, the housekeeper went for a week's holiday among her friends before returning to city, and I volunteered to assist Auntie, and save Uncle the trouble of hunting another help in her absence: and so behold me initiated in domestic mysteries. We had been having a beautiful day, but I had not seen Frederic since morning, for immediately after breakfast Uncle rode to the village on business, and Fred accompanied him on Bijou. (I shall note incidents, for from this day I can date the time when all animosities were thrown aside, the gauntlet thrown down never to be taken up again: when his nature and mine were shown, free from all distortion, naturally.) All forenoon I was in the store-room with Auntie, helping pot cold meats, preserve fruits, &c, &c, and at we had a luncheon, after that I commenced the self imposed task of chamber work. I put all the other rooms in order, and concluded I would arrange Fred's room before I dressed. I knew he would be tired and dusty when he returned, so I placed a basin of pure, soft water on his stand, towels, &c, put a fresh damask cloth on the table, placed his books in order, filled the vases with fresh flowers, and finally after looping the curtains from the bed and windows, opened the blinds and drew his chair near the garden window, which seat, I knew he liked well. After leaving everything immaculate, I thought I would go into the library, and translate a few pages of Spanish, a language I was trying to master with the aid of a lexicon since I left school: but just then the clock struck six, and I went down to arrange the tea table in the dining room. While there I heard Uncle Blake and Fred returning, heard their steps on the walk, in the hall, and their cheerful voices as they separated, the former going into Auntie's room, and the latter into his own, from which I knew he could emerge, refreshed and refreshing, and I knew also that every nook of the old house would be searched until he found me. So not caring to be seen in my morning dress, I hurried through, so as to make myself neat for tea. A few moments later, I stood before my mirror giving the finishing touches to the coquettish rings I had curled over my low brow, and dark oval cheeks. To be sure I was dark but I thought I had never looked better, the animated eye, and flushed cheeks evincing an inner beauty I could not hide. I smoothed the showy embroideries over my plain silk dress, and laughing quietly tied on my white apron, and stept out into the hall just as the tea bell rang. As I was running down to be in readiness to preside at table, (a duty Alice or I always relieved Auntie of, when she was ill or tired.) I met Fred. He smiled when he saw the white apron the dining room badge, and complimented me on my matronly appearance, he would have given me his arm, as he said he was coming to find me, but I told him that to persons of my class, such unusual attentions were embarrassing, and walked on, wickedly demure, by his side. "Little tormenting Madge," he said, in a tone of remorseful tenderness, that went to my heart; but I could not give up now, although I had been gloomy and reflective all day: now I resolved on an entire reformation both in him and myself. I felt that it was only the ocean spray that had dashed and sparkled around me, not the white pearls, which I was sure were buried beneath its waves, but which a masterly hand might draw thence and enrich itself forever and I was right. I found the gem, but the good master did not allow me to retain long its rare beauty. No matron of the famous F. F. V. could have feasted her guests more hospitably, than I did our little home circle, that evening. The fragrant Souchong and rich cream, were served in Auntie's old fashioned "caddy" and creamer, of massive silver. The golden butter, cold meats, cakes, fruits, pickles, transparent jellies and marmalades were set in a service of china, which Auntie had inherited from her mother, and which had been in the family nearly a hundred years. She said she had resurrected it from the plate closet, in honor to her guest, and I read with all his patrician ease and elegance of manner acknowledged the compliment and remarked its neatness and good preservation. An hour's pleasant conversation passed before we were aware of it, when we at last arose, Fred and I went into the parlor, and I felt a flush of happiness such as I had not known all day, when he took my hand to lead me in, and said "Madge!" (he had long done away with the formal Miss) "You have given me a very great pleasure, I have seen you really at home, exercising the privileges of a mistress. How much sweeter it is to receive a favor from the hands of one"-, he looked at me and smiled sadly but did not continue the sentence. A silence ensued that became almost embarrassing, when he opened the piano and asked me to play. I told him I would rather he would, as I was not in a right mood. I think there must have been a sympathy between our minds even then, for he had commenced a prelude to a lively air, but hastily sweeping it aside, took up an old plaintive ballad, which he sang, throwing into it all the energy of his powerful, mellow voice, giving it an indescribable melancholy, causing a bitter tide to surge up from my heart and before I could prevent it, a large, bright tear fell on the sheets of music I was turning. He looked up at me regretfully "Come, this will not do. I will read for you," and he drew chairs to the centre table. "Not that, pray:" said I as he took up an elegant Vol of "Varieties," done in the richest London binding: a collection of best pieces, in poetry and prose, by English and American authors. "See I have it all marked." "So much the better," he returned, "I can now tell what you fancy most." I have no voice myself, but am extremely fond of hearing any one else read. I felt soothed and relieved as he proceeded, and was completely absorbed, when he began an extract from Festus, speaking of the impossibility of young people thinking that which they once love, can fade or die; and pointing out the error. I felt the entire truth of it, but as he read line after line, it seemed such an exact mirror of what my thoughts had been all day, that I whispered hoarsely, "Oh Frederic don't!" He turned quickly and my face must have been very pale, for he came to my side saying, "Madge are you ill?" I caught his hand as he reached for the bell rope near, "not ill, but come and walk with me!" and taking his arm we walked up and down the long parlor in the soft light. At last I said "I ought to explain my conduct, will you listen while I tell you what a strange dream or vision I had last night?"

CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK