n interview with
his betrothed, informed her that, as his sentiments toward her had
changed, he presumed she would be willing to release him from their
former engagement. Instantly Miss Merril drew from her finger the ring
he had placed there two years before, and said, as she placed it in his
hand, "I have long been sensible of the change in your sentiments, and
am truly glad that you have at last spoken plainly. From this hour you
may consider yourself entirely free, and you have my best wishes for
your future happiness and prosperity," and, bidding him a kind
good-evening, the young lady left the apartment. Her spirit was deeply
wounded, but she possessed too much good sense to be utterly cast down
for the wrong-doing of another. Whatever were Arthur's feelings after he
had taken this step, he spoke of them to no one. I never again mentioned
the subject to him, but, knowing him as I did, I could see that he was
far from being satisfied with his own conduct, and he departed for the
city some weeks sooner than he had at first intended. Owing to the
friendly feeling I had ever cherished for him, I could not help a
feeling of anxiety after his departure, for I feared that all was not
right with him. He did not entirely cease from writing to me; but his
letters were not frequent, and they were very brief and formal--very
unlike the former brotherly communications which used to pass between
us. A year passed away. I obtained a situation nearly a hundred miles
from home. I had heard nothing from Arthur for a long time, and, amid my
own cares, he recurred to my mind with less frequency than formerly; yet
often after the business of the day was over, and my mind was at
leisure, memory would recall Arthur Sinclair to my mind with a pained
sort of interest. About six months after I left home I was surprised by
receiving from Mr. Sinclair a hastily written letter, requesting me, if
possible, to lose no time in hastening to Littleton, stating also that
he was obliged to take a journey to Boston on business which vitally
concerned Arthur, and he wished me to accompany him. He closed by
requesting me to mention the letter I had received from him to no one,
saying that he knew me and my regard for Arthur sufficiently well to
trust me in the matter. My fears were instantly alive for Arthur, and I
feared that some misfortune to him was hidden behind this veil of
secrecy: and I soon found that my fears were well founded. I set out at
on