nquisitive glance of his grim housekeeper would annihilate me. But go I
must, and that speedily.

With weary head and aching heart I commenced packing my little wardrobe.
My bridal attire I hastily covered from sight that it might remain until
time and mildew should obliterate it. My dream of love was past. I felt
that my youth and beauty were buried in that crushed pile of broken
flowers, pale silk, and dishevelled lace.

I had concluded my work, and was tying my bonnet-strings, when a knock at
the door announced Mr. Bristed. He appeared surprised at seeing me
arranged for my journey.

"So soon, Agnes?" said he. "You are not yet able to leave."

But as I expressed very emphatically my ability and determination to
start immediately, he saw expostulation would be useless.

"Well," said he, "let me hear where you contemplate going."

I told him I should take the railway or coach to some point, I cared not
where; any distant city or village from whence I could advertise for
another situation. I was too hopeless then to care whither I went.

"And do you think I would permit you to leave me thus at random, going,
you know not where, without any preconceived plans? Oh my poor, poor
child, to be thrown thus upon the world!"

He walked the floor several times, apparently in great agitation; then,
suddenly pausing, said abruptly, almost violently, "It must not be!
Agnes, don't go," lowering his voice, and placing his hand gently on my
shoulder; "stay with me--become my wife. I love you and will cherish you.
No rude blast that my arm can shield you from shall assail you. My life
has been one of gloom, you can render it one of sunshine. Stay, dear one,
oh, stay!" and in his transport he seized my hands.

"What do you mean, Mr. Bristed?" said I, recoiling from him. "Surely, you
must forget yourself and the circumstances which have so recently
occurred; you have accused me of loving your brother, how, then, can I
transfer my affections to you? Oh, you are cruel, cruel!"

"Forgive me," said he, penitently; "I will do anything for you,
Agnes--take you away, if you wish; only let me go with you and see that
you are properly cared for."

I shook my head.

"Richard may seek to find you; you may fall again into his evil hands if
you insist on going thus alone."

"Mr. Bristed," said I, "thus far I have acted as you directed. I will
depart at your solicitation; but further than this, I must be free. If
Richard seeks me out, a