trast. tion. She was about eighteen, with a slender | "Confidence for confidence," replied Digby, but exquisitely rounded figure-large violet eyes, smiling; "you announced your own slavery which melted or fired beneath dusky lashes-first, and I demand that you make the first and a profusion of dark curls, which made her advance." snowy complexion almost dazzling by the conShe was full of life and vivacity; the play of feature when she smiled or laughed was eloquent with the very spirit of mirth and joy; and in more serious moments an expression of the tenderest sadness betrayed the depth of feeling which she possessed, and the wealth of love concealed beneath her riantes and spark-Well, I'm in love with Kate Temple." ling jests. Landon had seen her for the first time upon a race-course, about a year before—and Digby, who was walking arm in arm with his friend, followed the pointed finger, and saw her too. They returned, thinking of the beautiful face which haunted them even in dreams-and thus, that profound emotion called first love dawned and rose in their bosoms, until it now mounted toward its meridian of strength. By a singular chance neither of the two friends suspected the other's secret. Whether from doubt touching their own feelings, or a disinclination to reveal so dear a secret even to the closest friend, neither Landon nor Digby had alluded to the truth. By a combination of circumstances even more remarkable, they had rarely encountered each other upon their visits to Colonel Temple's house. Each had thus prosecuted his suit without the knowledge of the other; and with every passing day the chains which Miss Kate had thrown around the two hearts became more firmly and closely riveted. This was, then, the state of things-these the relations which the friends sustained toward each other when the narrative commences: It will be our design to relate what ensued, and to show what followed the discovery by the friendly rivals of the condition of things existing in connection with the young lady. III.-DIGBY'S CONFESSION. It was a summer morning, and seated on the great portico of the "Landon's Neck" mansion, which afforded a magnificent view of the bay and the great river, the two friends smoked away idly at their pipes and gazed at the landscape. At last Landon woke as it were from a reverie in which, following his wont, he had been indulging, and said, suddenly, "Pshaw! I was only jesting; but really, Jack, I'm dying to hear of your inamorata." "I'm afraid 'tis all upon my side," said Digby, sighing; "but I'm fairly in for it." "With whom?" said Landon, indolently smiling. "Come, tell me, Jack." "I can't conceal any thing from you, Sainty. Landon gave a great start, and turned as pale as death. But suddenly averting his face, his trembling lips assumed their firmness again, and, in a low tone, he said: "Yes-well-you are in love, you say, with -Miss Temple." 66 Irrecoverably," added Digby, wondering at his friend's emotion, but too much absorbed in his own thoughts to attribute it to the right cause. "I have not been able to get her image out of my mind for a moment since that morning when we saw her upon the race-course. I think she is as lovely as an angel, and she's good as she's lovely." "Yes, so she is," murmured Landon, biting half through his pale lip, and forcing out his words by an immense effort; "a fine girl-" "Isn't she, Sainty ?" And without dreaming of the mortal wounds which he was inflicting, honest Jack Digby proceeded to dilate with all the folly and passion of a lover upon the attractions of the young lady. With blushing cheeks and a voice tremulous with feeling, he described his various meetings with Miss Temple-at the old parish church, at assemblies, every where-dwelt upon the tones of her voice, the expression of her eyes, the slightest indications of her manner toward him. Upon this occasion she had given him a little flower, and when he made the request, had affixed it with her own hands to his coat; at another time she had run forward when he came, crying, “I'm so glad to see you; won't you ride with me?" Did these little circumstances mean any thing?-indicate upon the part of the young lady any thing beyond mere liking? "Perhaps it was only his fancy," continued honest Jack, sighing piteously, and looking as if he had not a friend in the world; “yes, doubtless, 'twas only his foolish imagination. He had thought at times that she pressed his "Yes, there can't be any doubt about the hand somewhat more warmly than mere friendmatter-I love her." "Ah!" said Digby, laughing, "and that proves, Sainty, that there is even more than friendship between us-there is a sympathy of the very thoughts. Do you know that it was my own course of meditation that you summed up in those words 'I love her?'" "Yours! are you in love, Jack?" "I think so.". ship called for; at other times her manner had been very constrained, and she had blushed when she encountered his eyes; but this was no proof that she loved him. The fact was that he was very unhappy; but without her love he would linger out a life of utter misery, that was simply the truth." And Digby ceased speaking, fixing his eyes upon a distant sail-boat disappearing upon the Landon moved his head up and down after horizon. his habit, and said, "Who has enslaved you?" "Well, well, Jack," said Landon, as pale as death, but speaking in a voice of perfect calm ness, "it is impossible for me to give an opinion upon these matters. Of course my own talk about being in love was a mere joke; and it would puzzle you to find a man more ignorant of the indications' which you mention. I confess that, from your own account, it seems to me that Miss Temple loves you"-a shudder ran through his frame as he spoke "but women are enigmas, and I can't fathom them. Let us leave the decision to the future. If you have proceeded so far, you must soon know, and you may easily discover, I think. As to myself, I'm a dreamer, you know, and that reminds me that I'm tired smoking. Shall we have a sail ?" that he could easily sustain this trying interview-"well, have you been able to discover any thing?" 66 No, Sainty; but she met me very, very kindly." "Ah!" "Yes; and gave me the softest little hand in the world, which I thought pressed mine slightly before it was withdrawn." "You think so?" murmured Landon. "Yes, and again she said, 'I'm very glad to see you'-but she blushed." "She blushed?" repeated Landon, in a voice almost inaudible. "At least I thought so—and that is surely a good sign, is it not?" Digby assented, and soon they were being wafted over the brilliant surface of the river. Something like "yes," issued from the tremLandon was doomed to listen to a new mono-bling lips of his friend-the strength was wholly logue upon the young girl whom his friend talked overtaxed-but Digby did not observe this emoof without ceasing; but finally the sail terminated, and Digby mounted his horse for a visit tion. "I had a most delightful time," he continued, to Colonel Temple's, bidding his friend an af-"we rode out in the forest-then returned and fectionate farewell. had a long, long talk. I never knew her so genLandon watched him until he was out of tle, and you can not imagine how beautiful and sight; then falling, pale and gloomy, into a tender she looked. She wore a dress of blue seat, muttered in tones hoarse and despairing: satin, open in front and secured by yellow silken "Why did I not tear out my heart before cords-her arms were bare almost to the shoullooking on that woman and loving her? I'm der, and she wore no ornament but a red bracemiserable for life, utterly, or I'm a false friend let. Around her neck, and at the bosom, was and gentleman!-ruined, or a traitor! Fate a cloud of snowy lace, like gauze, and her hair laughs at me, and bids me choose between was looped up exquisitely. It was not her coswretchedness or dishonor! Heaven help me!" tume, however, which I admired-after a moAnd covering his face with his hands, Lan- ment I did not look at it; her countenance don remained pale and shuddering for hours as quite dazzled me, and I saw nothing but her he meditated. beautiful eyes, the lips as red as carnations, and the brow, which is like snow, I think. It is very ridiculous to be talking thus, and any body but you would laugh at me, but I'm too much in love with her to control my words. How lovely she is! and what wit and sense she has! I felt quite stupid compared with her; and, above all, her kindness is the sweetest trait in her character. She spoke of you so kindly—with such admiration-that it made me quite jealous. I'd beg to decline having you for a rival—and I hope you'll stay away in future-why! how pale you are, Sainty!" cried Digby, suddenly. "You are going to faint!" IV.-LANDON'S SACRIFICE. When Digby came again, two or three days afterward, he found his friend looking so thin and wan that his heart bled, as he gazed upon the pale features. "Why, what's the matter, Sainty ?" he said. "You must be sick! I have never seen you look so badly." "A mere summer ailment—I have been a little unwell," said Landon, pressing his friend's hand kindly. "Unwell? you look ill! Let me send for a physician. You will not?-But really your appearance distresses me-forty-eight hours seem to have made you twenty years older." "A fancy!" "Indeed 'tis not; and really, my dear Sainty-" "There! there! Jack," said Landon, smiling sadly, "do not disquiet yourself about my appearance. It is nothing." And setting his lips with iron resolution, Landon said, in a voice somewhat low, but wholly firm, "Have you seen your friend ?" "Kate Temple? Yes." As he spoke, honest Jack's face colored, and his disquiet gave way to a smile of happiness. "Well," said Landon, in a still lower voice, for he had overrated his strength in supposing And turning suddenly, he extended his arm toward Landon, who was indeed as pale as death, and seemed to have no strength in his limbs. "The fact is a slight vertigo-my head"— he murmured, vaguely; "thank you, Jack. I will lean upon your friendly shoulder till this pain-" The struggling words ceased, and Landon |leaned faintly upon his friend. In a moment, however, the excess of emotion had spent itself, and with a sad smile, he murmured: upon him. He remembered Landon's emotion | long silent hours of night-to smile and jest, and in their former interview, his pallor, his low send his friend away deceived; to be wretched, tones; he recalled the allusions made to "her but never to be a "false friend and gentleman." friend, Mr. Landon," by Miss Temple. All this came to explain the present agitation of his friend, at the account given to the young lady, and her reception of himself, with smiles and blushes-in an instant honest Jack had divined, or at least suspected every thing; and with a broken and trembling voice, he cried : And Digby was deceived by his artifice-he did not penetrate beneath the mask, though a vague sentiment of uneasiness betrayed the absence of entire conviction. "I see I have not completely cleared myself from your accusation," said Landon, smiling. "Well, I am about to do so entirely-and set you Sainty! you have seen her! you love her! quite at rest in your further advances toward you are sacrificing yourself to me! "Tis not the Miss Kate. Go court her-do your best-sumweather which makes you sicken-'tis despair!" mon all your wiles; then, if she discards you, “Why, what folly have you dreamed, Jack?” | I'll try myself. Is that fair? Is it a bargain, said Landon, endeavoring to smile and speak | Jack?" carelessly, but turning paler than before; "you are mad!" "I am not mad! I am perfectly rational; and I add," cried honest Jack, sinking upon a chair, "that I'm the most miserable of human beings!" “Jack! Jack!” said Landon, with a flushed face, "you really afflict me! I pray you cease to groan in that way-it unmans me!" "Misery! misery!" muttered Digby, "utter misery!" Jack Digby shook his head sadly, looking at his friend with pensive eyes; but when Landon urged the proposition at greater length, and with franker smiles, unwillingly assented to the compact. "Either you are sincere in what you tell me, Sainty,” he said, “and your feelings are not deeply involved in this matter, or you are the truest and noblest friend that ever lived. You leave me no option-you force me almost to follow the course you indicate, and you know ""Tis nothing of the sort!" cried Landon, that I have always regarded your wishes as those taking his friend's hand. "You deceive your-of an elder brother. But if I marry this young self with a fancy." lady, and you are rendered unhappy, I shall be the most miserable dog in the whole universe. Remember!" "I deceive myself!" cried the young man, suddenly raising his head, and looking at his friend with heavy eyes, full of pain and astonishment, and a wild hope-" you say I deceive myself!" "I say so!" "Sainty," said Digby with sudden and forced calmness, "will you answer me frankly one question ?" “Pshaw!” replied Landon, trying to laugh, under all his tranquillity was concealed what "what's the use?" "Will you answer my question ?" "To what end? I know what it is going to be. You are going to ask me," said Landon, clenching his hands, and bracing every muscle to prevent his voice from trembling-" you are going to ask me whether I'm not in love with Miss Temple-eh? Come now, am I right?" "Yes—you owe me a frank reply." "Well, I reply that I do esteem that young lady-that I might have thought of falling in love with her that I have visited her frequently -but there every thing ends. The fact is, my dear Jack, that after the evidences you have given me of her regard for yourself, I fear I should stand a decidedly bad chance; and I have the usual disinclination to find myself ignominiously discarded! You see I don't like the girls to point after me and whisper, 'Unfortunate! crossed in love;' and to sum up all, I'm decided in my intention not to afford the fascinating Miss Kate the opportunity of crossing' me!" 6 The words were uttered with a laugh which would have made the greatest actor envious. But Landon had determined to act his part thoroughly to keep his groans and anguish for the appeared to him an ineffaceable despair. V. THE KISS. In due time came the day for Digby's marriage, and the old parish church was filled to overflowing with the friends and relatives of the two families. Never had Kate Temple looked so beautiful as she now did, in her white bridal costume, with the lace vail floating from her hair like a cloud, and honest Jack was beaming with smiles and resplendent with happiness. Landon had managed to thoroughly persuade him of his indifference; and as the last doubt was thus removed from the amiable young fellow's mind, he gave himself up to the blissful emotions of the occasion, and seemed to love and be at peace with the whole world. The richly-decorated bevy of bridesmaids, attended by their gallant cavaliers, distinguished by favors of white ribbon, advanced slowly up the broad aisle, the ceremony was gone through with by the portly old parson, and then Miss Kate Temple, or rather Mrs. Catherine Digby, submitted herself to those thousand-and-one kisses which every bride in this country receives upon her marriage. Every one who was in the least related either to herself or Mr. Dig- | would come very soon and offer madam, who by claimed this favor, and the young lady sub- really looked charming, his friendly congratumitted with an excellent grace, blushing, it is lations. Jack must really excuse him for the true, at her novel position, but too happy to be moment. And so he departed, leaving his friend coy or draw back. quite persuaded of his sincerity and beaming with happiness. In the same manner the bridegroom found his hand pressed cordially by a hundred others; and suddenly, in the midst of this ceremony, he started with pleasure, for within ten paces of him he discerned the face of his friend. don had refused, with a smile, to "wait on" his friend, declaring that he should be horribly awkward, or something similar, and had only given a half-promise to be present at the wedding, for all of which the reader will be at no loss to discover the motive. He distrusted his strength, and it was only at the last moment that he reflected how strange it would appear. Hastily donning an embroidered suit, such as the occasion demanded, he had leaped upon his horse, galloped at full speed to the church, and entered just as the ceremony terminated. Digby pressed his friend's hand, with a radi-—and beg him to change his mind. Landon ant smile, and said, Landon's "business" was to go to his home, and sit down and groan, for he had loved this woman with all the strength of his warm and Lan-powerful nature; had lavished upon her all his illusions, his dreams, and his heart. He had his groaning duly, rose from his chair pale and haggard, and then made his toilet, and, bracing his nerves for the encounter, went to see Mrs. Digby. A week afterward he announced with a smile his intention of making the tour of Europe; his education was not finished, and foreign travel was just what he needed. In vain did honest Digby oppose his resolution with every argument in his power-protest that he could not "get on" without his friend was firm; he replied, smiling, that he would "My dear Sainty! how glad I am to see soon return; the months would soon roll round; you! This alone was wanting!" Then releasing the hand of Landon, he retreated three steps to the side of the bride, and, without being observed, bent down and whispered: 66 he really must go now or never. Then Digby, finding all his arguments thrown away, desisted from opposing the design of his friend; and with melancholy eyes remained silent. It was a fine morning of spring when Landon 'Pray kiss Mr. Landon; I especially desire went to bid his friend and the family farewell. it." The young lady smiled, and gave a little nod. In an instant she was in front of the gentleman, whom she greeted with her most affectionate smile. Landon felt his poor heart throb as if it would burst; his temples seemed burning; and scarcely able to restrain the color which rushed to his cheeks, he held out his hand. But the young lady had received her orders. She pressed the extended hand, but, instead of releasing it, said, smiling, "You are almost Mr. Digby's brother, Mr. Landon; I will kiss you, if you will kiss me." With which words the beautiful girl held up her mouth with the most bewitching expression, and with a blush which was far from unbecoming. Landon stooped, and felt the full, warm lips pressed to his own. A cloud seemed to pass before his eyes; and in the midst of this cloud the enchanting face and figure disappeared, carried away by the brilliant and undulating crowd of dames and gentlemen, lost sight of amidst the whistling, silken waves, and leaving him overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, bitter and yet sweet, agonizing but strangely delightful. But the bitter and painful predominated. He was brought to his senses, so to speak, by the voice of honest Digby, who, taking his friend's arm, said: "You must go with us, Sainty; it would not be entire happiness without you." Landon smiled, but refused. He had some business which he wished to attend to. He He was accompanied by his young brother Alfred, who was to remain at "Riverview" during his absence. Digby was out upon his farm, and it thus happened that Landon was thrown with the bride, who seemed strangely affected as she looked at and listened to him. At last he rose, smiling and holding out his hand, to say farewell. Tears came to the eyes of the young lady as she rose too, and her cheeks burned with blushes as she gazed at him sadly and tenderly. "I must go now, madam," he said, "unwilling as I am to leave such charming society. I trust I shall find your roses as blooming upon my return. I have the honor of bidding you farewell." And Landon smiled, and bowed low and courteously. "No! not until I tell you how noble you are!" said the young lady, coloring crimson and bursting into tears. "My husband has told me every thing, and I can not, can not tell you good-by thus!" Landon felt the blood rush to his own cheeks, but he said nothing. "I know all," continued the young lady, looking at him so sadly and tenderly that it made his heart throb, "and 'tis the least I can do to tell you that I shall always love and honor you, as the truest gentleman I've ever known! almost breaks my heart for you to go away, Siryou are my brother, are you not?-will you have me for your sister?" It And with smiles breaking through her tears, the young girl came to him, and held up her face. “Please kiss me, Brother Sainty-will you not?" she added; and again he felt the warm lips pressed to his own; yet an instant the two hearts beat together, and something like a fiery tear from the man's eyes fell upon the upturned cheek. It was outraged nature revenging herself-the last drop falling from the overflowing cup-in another moment he was gone. He pressed the hand of his friend who entered, hurriedly; bade his little brother goodby; and mounting his horse, returned at full speed to the "Neck." "What a fool I was to go and break my heart again!" he muttered, pale and faint, "to strike my insensate forehead against the door of this Paradise which is closed to me! But I go-yes, I go-and I will not return!" charming or disagreeable as the case may be. Miss Kate Landon Digby was an undeniably handsome child, with beautiful violet eyes like her mother's; and the "young cherub," as her mother called her, laughed toward Mr. Landon, and held out her arms to be taken by him, and pummeled an imaginary adversary in the back, with an enthusiasm which threw honest Jack into ecstasies. "Is'nt she a little love, brother Sainty," said Mrs. Kate, smiling. "I knew she would take to you from the first." Twenty-four hours afterward he was upon the round the neck of Carrie Digby, like himself ocean, wafted toward the Old World. VI. THE RESULT. What passion lives? What grief is it that weighs as heavenly after four-score months, or even days, as in the hour when it descended like an avalanche upon the shoulders? Landon made the grand tour, and returned in a year, tranquil and almost happy. The long hours of travel had dissipated much of his suffering-he had indeed forgotten the young girl who had caused him, innocently, so much pain— he had almost effaced from his recollection, even, the cruel emotions which had torn him so, and regained his old indifference. He appeared one morning at "Riverview" when Jack Digby was just setting out to ride over his farm; and the joy of the good fellow was perfectly extravagant. He shook Landon's hand a hundred times-asking him a thousand questions, and informing him of as many home details then drawing him by main force into the mansion and up the great oaken stair-case, ushered him into madam's chamber, and cried, with joyful rubbing of the hands: "My dear, I wish you to kiss Mr. Landon no, Sainty Landon-again! He has returned, you perceive; he is not going away any more." In the midst of this flood of joyous words, Landon advanced with a smile, and impressed upon the lips of the happy and beautiful young lady a kiss of much affection. His heart did not beat at all-his color did not change-his old passion was dead, and simple affection had taken its place. As he rose erect, a faint sound saluted his ears from a cradle in the corner, and he began to laugh. "Let me introduce you to Miss Kate Landon Digby," said the delighted father; and running to the cradle he raised the infant in his arms and brought it, in a horizontal position with the head foremost, to exhibit. With a pretty cry of reproof the young lady took it hastily from his hands, and, dancing it before Landon, began that species of "baby talk" which is so about six years old, came running in, anxious to kiss his brother. The little fellow was extravagantly joyful, and the kind gentleman listened smiling to his prattle. Then, this family scene having terminated, the two friends mounted their horses and rode out on the plantation, talking of a thousand things. Landon spent the day and night, and then entering his carriage, returned with the youthful Alfred to his own mansion, where a group of delighted Africans welcomed him with enthusiastic grins. Alone at last in the great dining-room after a late dinner, with a bottle of wine for sole companion, Landon meditated long and deeply upon the past and the present-recalling, one by one, the old scenes and emotions-the old agony and delight. "Well, well!" he said at length, pushing away his glass and rising, "all that seems to have occurred a century since. Alas, for the theories of romance-writers! and so much for everlasting, changeless, devoted love. I see her without agitation-I take her in my arms and kiss her lips calmly-I caress her child, careless and laughing. I thought that my heart was completely broken-that I would go away, never to return. I fancied I'd die when she married, and here I am alive! So wags the world, and so goes on the comedy of existence! what a farce it is!" And with this philosophic reflection, he yawned, and went to bed. VII.-DAYS AT RIVERVIEW. With Landon's return recommenced the former life of the two friends, as though marriage that is to say, a woman—had never come to interrupt it. The young man was quite correct in his conclusions in relation to the change which his feelings had undergone. He did not love his friend's wife in the least, except as a sister; he scarcely realized that Mrs. Digby had ever been Kate Temple. Between these two personages lay a gulf as profound as the grave, and with the one he never associated the other. He returned thus |