idenhood,--and just
before my poor father died, he joined our hands and left his blessing
on my choice. Poverty was the only barrier to our union, but I took a
situation as teacher, and hoarded my small gains in the hope of aiding
my lover, who went abroad with a wealthy uncle, and completed his
education in Germany. I knew that Maurice had contracted very
extravagant and self-indulgent habits,--but in the court of love is
there any 'high crime' or misdemeanor for which a woman's heart will
condemn her idol? Nay, nay; she will plead his defence against the
stern evidence of her own incorruptible reason; and, if need be, share
his punishment,--die in his stead. I denied myself every luxury, and
jealously husbanded my small salary, anticipating the happy hour when
we might invest it in furniture for our little home; and, indeed, in
those blessed days of hope, it seemed no hardship,--

'And joy was duty, and love was law.'

From time to time our marriage was deferred, but I well knew I was
beloved, and so I waited patiently, until fortune should smile upon
me. In the interim I became warmly attached to a young girl in the
school where I taught, and whose affection for me was enthusiastic and
ardent. Evelyn was an orphan, and the heiress of enormous wealth,
which she seemed resolved to share with me; and, more than once, I was
tempted to acquaint her with the obstacle that debarred me from
happiness. Ah! if I had only confided in her, and trusted her faithful
love, how much wretchedness would have been averted! But she appeared
to me such an impulsive child that I shrank from unburdening my heart
to her, while she acquainted me with every thought and aim of her
pure, guileless life. She was singularly, almost idolatrously fond of
me, and I loved her very sincerely, for her character was certainly
the most admirable I have ever met.

"At vacation we parted for three months, and I hurried to meet my
lover, who had promised to join me in Vermont, where my mother had
gone to recruit her failing health. For the first time Maurice proved
recreant, and wrote that imperative business detained him in New York.
Did I doubt him, even then? Not in the least; but endeavored by
cheerful letters to show him how patiently I could bear the separation
that might result in pecuniary advantage to him. My mother looked
anxious, and foreboded ill; but I laughed at her misgivings, and
proudly silenced her warning voice. In the midst of my bl