J. WASHINGTON THOMPSON Alice Mansfield's Sin OR THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE BY J. WASHINGTON THOMPSON Author of " Lanz in England," " The Christmas Waif," " The Two Sacrifices," " Bunch of Poems," " A Wife Forgiven or a True Husband," and " Alice Mansfield's Sin or the 9 Power of a Woman' s Love' ' PHILADELPHIA, PA. THOMPSON PUBLISHING COMPANY 1908 fl Jtt SLJfl BLJR VLSB- SO. jfc BLfll JO. S3. &LSR. VLftt VL J8.SQ. S&fQ. 1* Copyright, 1908, by J. WASHINGTON THOMPSON All rights reserved Co MY BELOVED LITTLE GRANDDAUGHTER MARTHA THOMPSON GUSHING FOR THE COMFORT, PLEASURE AND HAPPINESS SHE GIVETH ME IS THIS BOOK LOVINGLY DEDICATED Preface A BOOK that portrays every-day life, written in an off-hand manner, in verse and prose, only to teach, and impress as far as possible, those who may read it, and to set forth some true lessons of life, whereby some young man, or some young woman, may take heed as they pass along, taking special notice of the shallow channels in which their barks are sailing, and setting to compass course, a straight run, that they may reach port, unharmed and without wreck. While I have laid some stress at times, in reverenc- ing "Deity," as my nature always behooves me, yet have followed on to that recognition, as mankind, rushing ahead in the world for his sustenance and support, given him a privilege of still being made to live, move and act under "a free moral agency," but try to instruct him not to do those things at will, that wreck our brains, ruin our lives, seeming to give us pleasure and enjoyment in this world, yet in the end always bring us to that misery and suffering, from which we pray for deliverance, but alas! many times too late for redemption. And to curb those two low, mean characters, "self- ishness and jealousy," that cause most broken hearts to strive for liberty, and to resist the temptations, that "so easily beset us," ever having "faith in God and confidence in ourselves," that we may live true lives of happiness, and peace, in this world, better preparing us for the Eternity to come, is the wish of the Author. J. WASHINGTON THOMPSON. Alice Mansfield's Sin CHAPTER ONE. How the world in all its beauty, Is portrayed by Nature's hand; In the glow, midst sunshine pretty Flowers bloom in spirit land. For we see in every sun ray, Something that defines to bless ; And we live in realms of display, All to give us happiness. TOLCHESTER BEACH was alive, children here, children there, old men, old women, young men, young women, the mother with her babe folded in her arms, caressed with that sweet motherly love, as she looks into its little face, which is lit up with that joy and gladness welcoming its existence. The father with his little boy, giving expression to that blissful happiness, as "the pride of his heart, and ownership unspeakable," as he jumps, and runs, and laughs, each act so noticed, then catching him up in his arms, only to press him close to his breast, giving vent to that pleasure, of which the true unction of his soul seems to encompass his whole affection. All is joy, all is happiness, the soft breeze of a July morn- ing wafting through the large oak trees waving to and fro as the rustling of the leaves gives carol to sweet silence directed by God's own hand. The laughs, the exclamations, the sound of many voices falling upon our ear, setting apart that assured 8 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR fact that in this present realm, the world is full of enjoyment. Every care is thrown aside, every re- sponsibility is forgotten, the morrow is not looked for, the present is at hand, gleefully, happily, agreeably, doth unbounded joy and pleasure seem to rule, and as we wonder as we view it all, what a pity it is that the whole world cannot live each moment in such ecstacy. The music of the merry-go-round, with its changing to "hally-to-wee," or running off the sweet strains of "Down Upon the Swanee River," then quickly jumping to "Harrigan, That's Me," or turn- ing the crank again, and jotting off the "Good Old Summer Time," seeming to fill up the lost chord that human voices may not have known the strain, while voices of gladness, voices of pleasure, voices of joy, intermingling together, ringing out upon the air, and wafting through the sweet July morning, as the glow- ing sun seems to give a special hue, emphasizing the happiness, all seem to enjoy while the roar of the ele- vated road cars, where the lover with his best girl soars up to "Pikes Peak," only to glance into her pretty face, and steal a kiss as they pass through the tunnel on the homeward bend, while the bell of the target rings out telling of a successful shot from the gun of a good marksman, in fact, pleasure every- where, pleasure for everybody, pleasure for evermore. Tolchester, with its beauty, its grandeur, its beau- tiful landscape scenes, intersected by a narrow valley running up through the middle of it, which, on the left, at the rise of the hill, was the flower garden of the resort, tilled and nursed by the old-time gardener who cherished and nursed it as though it was his own child, to give vent to his pride. A moss rose here, a tulip there, a dandelion here, a pink there, hollyweed growing like cobwebs waving its skeleton branches, while the soft moss surrounding the circle of a hot- bed wherein Nature's own bloom was waxing strong THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 9 to burst its cerements and rushing forth into the world, claiming its own state and existence. While the sun-flower, with its yellowish hue, basking in the sunlight only setting apart a golden web from its lean stalk, yet holding its head as high as possible to make its beauty more recognized and acknowledged, while just on the left stood one of the most beautiful American rose bushes, that seemed to portray with its fragrance the advantages and sweetness of our native land, and at its blooming counted each a stage in which God's own hand gives unto man both art and music in the flowers of the earth; and this seemingly most especially created and set apart for man's happiness. This was Tolchester Beach, on the day in which first began one of the greatest experiences that may lead on to some teaching, that will eventually portray life in all its annals and picture many vicissitudes that surround us as we pass through it. "What a pity," said Miss Alice Winthrop, as she noticed the poor little fellow who was reaching up after a blooming rose, as he slipped from his foot- hold, and drawing his little hand through the brier bush, causing the blood to spurt from his little arm, and then with that sadness of which his heart and tears fully exposed, turned from the sweet rose, after giving it a last look, disappointed and heart- broken, with only suffering for his reward. "Aye," exclaimed Lieut. Mansfield, as he noticed the expression on the face of one of the ladies stand- ing by him, how hard she repulsed the disappointment of the little fellow. When he answered, "That, Miss Alice, is one of the many phases of life, whenit seems the very and most heartfelt wish and desire, that we have in life, when we reach forth to gain it, we oft times fall, and our grieving hearts groan under the disappointment, when our earnestness io ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR and our intentions, and our hearts' appeal is simply set aside for, why, we know not, and only those who have suffered thus, can fully realize the suffer- ing that is borne." Then, as though a dagger had pierced his heart, you could discern that his thoughts were carrying him back to the loss of his first love, and glancing into the face of Miss Alice, who was standing to the right of him, he perceived that she was bearing part of his loss and suffering, with a wish that some day she might be the one to cross his path and change his course from that dolefulness that his expression and words plainly told them all. There stood the quartet that will eventually por- tray such happiness, and record a history into which lives painted o'er with the most earnest brush would write their own sequel. "Mrs. Reginald Winthrop," with her two lovely daughters, Miss Alice and Miss Nelia, the well- known northern family of Winthrops, and Lieuten- ant Leland Mansfield, one of the most noted West Point graduates, and whose honor from young life, had always seemed one of advancement and recog- nition. Both families, while no relation, yet al- most lived as one. Lieut. Mansfield was a man of most beautiful form, stalwart and manly, and most even propor- tions, fully portraying that beautiful picture of God's creation, that nobleman, infinite in faculty, God-like, like an angel, with whose image encircled around him the wonderful achievements and most marvelous acts that belong to noble men. A man whose temperate habits, whose genial manner, his face always glowing with human kinds, and whose talents were enrapt in music, art and poetry. The Winthrops and Mansfields lived neighbors for years in one of the outskirts of New York City THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. n towns, and whose familiar greetings of each other, were always so remembered that living was made as one family, and this confirmed by the genial and attentive associations that both the heads of the families always caused to exist, and thus there was always a fond recognition of that sweet, silent com- munion that noble men can so put forth and por- tray to give example to the world. But, after long years of this most wonderful and friendly experience, the heads of the families, both Mr. Mansfield and Col. Reginald Winthrop, died very suddenly, within a fortnight of each other, and it was so noticeable that friends remarked that their earthly existence was such that even death could not part them, as each day portrayed such brotherly love and affection for each other that it almost seemed that each recognized his last mo- ments to be enthroned on high, where parting is not known. Lieut. Mansfield, though a man of thirty years of age, had acquired by hard work and study such recognition from the Government and the Navy that he was advanced ahead of a great many older men who had been in the service long years before him, and called for a great deal of criticism by many of the officers. In early life he was betrothed to one of the most beautiful girls of the "Catskill hills on the Hud- son," a lady whose music attracted the most listen- ing ear, and whose art was recorded in high circles, but neither art nor music was equally noticed when her sweet disposition and kindness, shown to those far beneath her, that was so manifested by all who knew her, only to love her at first sight, but poor girl, as most disappointments come when we are most looking for greater happiness, that after trav- eling nearly a year in the most noted places from London to Genoa, and purchasing her trousseau, 12 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR upon her return home, on the steamer "Adriana," just two months before her wedding, the ship went down in mid-ocean, with all hands lost, and her name was the third one recorded on the clerk's register, and when her death reached Lieut. Mans- field in New York City, it broke his heart and caused him for over three years to bury himself in solitude and dolefulness, caring nothing for society or entertainments, and closely noticed by his best friends, as losing all interest in life, for his pale face and trembling step, seemed many times, that no day would be any surprise to know of his death, though all his friends did everything they could to cheer him up, and make him happy. The Government, to whom was called special at- tention, thinking that a change would benefit him, gave him charge of a station down south, with headquarters at Baltimore, Md., and in which proved to be, with its new changes and meeting some people of great note, together with the rec- ognition the best society gave him, quite a blessing to him, and being thus encouraged, he began slowly to grow out of his melancholy, and giving some sway to his noble nature, began to look forward to that beauty and happiness which the world might yet have in store for him. While we cannot give any certain reason, yet it was not more than a year after Lieut. Mansfield had settled in Baltimore, that the Winthrops also followed, and taking one of the best apartments in the best neighborhood of the city, were soon encom- passed by the best society, and prompt reception was given them. That a trip to beautiful Tolchester Beach on the Chesapeake Bay was concluded on the ninth day of July in the year 1885, with Mrs. Winthrop and THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 13 her two daughters, and if the day had been so set apart by God's own hand, it could not have been a more perfect one, with its bright sunshine and cloudless sky, and just enough breeze to make it pleasant. "Pardon, Lieut.," said Miss Neila, "do you really think that most persons meet disappointment, just as they are reaching forth towards a something that they would own or enjoy?" "I cannot answer you, Miss Neila," said Lieut. Mansfield, while a certain solemnity seemed to foretell his words, "that it is so with every one, but there are some in this world who work, live and pray for those things and enjoyments that make life happy, and it always seems that just as we are about to grasp our happiness, or gain the sweet ob- ject we may desire, that something intervenes, and within a twinkling of an eye, is snatched from our grasp, and we gave way to those happenings and disappointments, that God knows the extent of suf- fering to bear up under its pressure." Just then a great excitement ensued, with a re- port that some one was drowning, and Lieut. Mans- field, casting a look over the hill, saw a poor girl reeling and crying to and fro in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, about one hundred yards from shore, asking for help and assistance. Without apol- ogy to any one, how quickly he reached the shore, and getting out among the breakers, swam out to the poor girl, and as fortune seemed to favor him, for one moment more she would have been gone, grasped her arm just as she was going down the last time, brought her to the shore and while calling for some one to get a Doctor if one could be found, began rolling and turning the poor girl over and over, while the salt water poured from her mouth and ears, giving no signs whatever of life i 4 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR within her (but fortunately a Doctor who had been taking a bath, soon joined the Lieutenant), and by hard work, her pulse began to beat again, and life seemed to come back and her bosom began to heave and fall. As we noticed her breathing, the blood began to circulate, and all rejoiced with hope of re- suscitating her, when Lieut. Mansfield said, "Work your best on her, Doctor, I pay the bill. Perhaps she is a lone girl with no friends," and the Doctor replied, that he was sure she had passed that point where he could not have one iota of doubt, that she would pull through, for, with such an assistant as you are, you seem like an old hand at life saving, and I think she will soon be all right. Just then, the poor girl opened her eyes, and gave way to that nervousness that her unfortunate bath had caused her, and the first words that she spoke from her lips was, "Mother, where is mother?" Just then a dear old woman who, with shortened breath and brow covered with perspiration, following the crowd the best she could, reached shore just in time to hear her own child calling for her, and fall- ing down on her knees beside her, pressed her close to her dear old heart, thanking God at the same time for her child being saved, while Lieut. Mans- field, lifting her with that delicate touch, said, "My dear lady, your child is yet very bad off. Kindly be patient for a while and we can assure you, your dear girl will soon be all right." The old lady, thanking him most gratefully, knelt beside her dar- ling, and with eyes closed and hands joined, was sending up to Heaven a silent prayer for the sav- in.er of her child. The young lady was then carried in careful arms up to the hotel, where a room had been prepared for her, by the order of Lieut. Mansfield, and the THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 15 ladies were so very kind that she was supplied with dry clothing and made as comfortable as possible, while Lieut. Mansfield, who had been fortunate enough to bring a thinner suit with him, repaired to a room, to change same, while each one seemed to be more than eager to know who the young lady was, and many willing hands and glad hearts stood ready to do her favor. But where were the Winthrops during all this excitement? Right by the side of Lieut. Mansfield, watching each movement and jotting down each word as he spoke to the young lady, and most posi- tively was it portrayed in the face of Miss Alice that she was more and more growing on to that craving and desire for the love of Lieut. Mansfield, for not one word spoken, or one act performed, but what, if we could read her face aright, plainly fore- told that she almost wished that she had been the poor girl, that had received so much of his earnest attention, and his noble act, his brave spirit, his commanding attitude, completely charmed her, and her love was crying out within her bosom, that while she had always held close affection quietly for him, even from young life, yet the experience she had witnessed in the last few hours on the beach of Chesapeake Bay, had so completely charged her feelings with that new and firm affec- tion, that she fully realized, to live without him would be death to her hapoiness in this world, and then as though, some marked and most interested action, she clasped her hands together, and her lips moved, and what th^t word was. sooken in silence, was not for the world to hear it, though her actions were clearly noticed bv those who stood bv her, and as we read her face, we noted that firm deter- mination, as her eyes seemed to set with that 16 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR sternness that acknowledges command, and which fully exposed the thoughts of her inmost soul, that she would begin to win him from today. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 17 CHAPTER TWO. How we crave in silent spirit, Many things we dare not claim; How we would, if silent lyric, Did allow our wish, refrain From what our hearts do pray for. We must hope, and bear it still ; Till the silent echoes explore Our sad hearts with love to fill. UPON the return of Lieut Mansfield, the boat having blown her quarter whistle before leaving time, preparation was made to con- vey the young lady down to the boat, and Lieut. Mansfield had not omitted one thing for her care and comfort, with a wire stretcher, that was cov- ered with linen, looking so clean, and with stalwart porters, who, at every step, were so closely watched by Lieut. Mansfield with that scrutinizing eye, and yet with that stern, commanding look, all of which was understood by them, that they had to be most careful or receive his reprimand, and with her old mother hanging on his arm, presented one of the most lovely processions, that every one expressed themselves as agreeable to be into, while his intent gaze was staring each moment down into the face of that lovely girl, and it was then, he found him- self realizing his weakness, and that something, so silent within him, seemed to speak with that sweet- 18 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR ness, and carrying on to the welcomeness of "won- dering if he would see more of her after today," while the Winthrops, close by his side, often ex- pressed their desire to do something, that they, too, might have some acknowledgment, but with that ease and grace, Lieut. Mansfield would now and then make some remark, just enough to let them know that he had not forgotten them, nor mean to neglect them, but that this precious girl, and her old mother, demanded his closest attention, and delivered her on board of the steamer, and was placed up-stairs on the saloon deck, on the port side just aft of the centre door, where the light south breeze as the steamer ran along would make her as cool is possible, and yet not be in any draft, while grasping the Doctor's hand with that firm acceptance of his true worth, said, "Now, Doctor, kindly watch our patient closely, and if anything is needed, rest assured she shall have it," while he seated her mother just close beside her, where she could look into her face, and right close by her darling child, the love of her light, the star of her hope, the solace of her being. "Now, lady," said Lieut. Mansfield to the dear old soul, who, you could perceive, that even in so short a time, the strain she had gone through, with her darling child, had told on her very plainly, "What is your name and your child's name? for I don't think, under the excitement, I heard it good at the hotel, and I certainly want to know you, and where you live." The old lady replied : "Our name is Marston, and my daughter's name is Lilian. We live in North- east Baltimore on E Street, where we wish you would find time some day to call on us, and perhaps I may be more composed and thank you more gratefully, than I can now, as I am indeed THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 19 almost broken-hearted, but yet I should rejoice, for my darling is here with me. Oh, God," she cried, as she looked into her face, "what would I have done without my darling?" Lieut. Mansfield begged her to be composed, as- suring her her child would be all right, and that the Doctor, who had reported some fever with the patient, desired all to be as quiet as possible, as he did not yet know what the result might be before they arrived in Baltimore. But when Leland Mansfield heard the name of Lilian, there was just such a silent impression made upon his heart that his thoughts went back to the time when he had laid her on the shore of the bay, after folding her in his arms, and saved her from a watery grave, and well did his interest seem to double in her, for he thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and as he watched her closely, watching each breath as she grew stronger, coming to consciousness, resolved that he would know more about her, and freely ad- mitted to himself that there was something more than common interest, that he was truly glad of having been her rescuer. And not one moment was lost by the Winthrops, who noticed this most especially, for even as he talked to them, they could discern that his thoughts were with the unfortu- nate girl and that he was not like himself even in his relations towards them, and this was so closely noticed all the time by Miss Alice, that she was fast growing into that firmness that causes resolution, to either request or command, and she resolved on the latter. It was one of those beautiful nights, when the full moon had just arisen above the hills of "Old Kent," sending its silvery rays out upon the bay, while the dear old steamer, "Louise," with famous 20 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Captain Truitt at the helm and noble John Hudson in charge of the engine room, seemed to know that she had a precious and urgent message as she sped across the bay, plowing through the waves and foaming up the sea on each side of her bow, and while the engine as it crossed the center, seemed to give that energy and strength, while the large wheels turned at least twenty-two times a minute, making her hull rush over water at least fifteen miles an hour, and while the band played "Home Again," the sweetest voices seemed to join in the chorus, as we peered into the harbor, and landed safe at Light St. wharf, where, by telegraphic or- ders of Lieut. Mansfield, a large carriage awaited them with soft pillows and comforts to take the young lady home, and as they placed her in the carriage, Lieut. Mansfield said, "Now, my young lady, when you get home forget all about your misfortune today, and let it pass." While the young girl merely gave him a sweet smile, in gratefulness for his kind act and attention, and the old mother, grasping his hand, and imprinting a kiss on same said, "Kind sir, I shall never be able to thank you for the blessing you have given me today, but I do hope you will remember, as you go through life, that an old woman's prayers go up to Heaven for your blessing each day, and at night I shall always ask God to bless and protect you, and if you will only kindly condescend to call and see us, some time, we know it will fill our hearts with happiness and make us so glad," and again imprinting another kiss on his left hand, said, "Good bye, thank you, sir, thank you sir." Lieut. Mansfield quickly closed the door of the carriage, and after impressing upon the driver that his trip was one of great care and caution, turned to the Doctor, as he was getting into another car- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 21 riage sent for him. "Now, Doctor, see that every- thing is done for those people, and do not let them want for anything." Handing him his card, and at the same time stating that if he would call at his office in the morning, he probably would go over with him to see the patient, while the Doctor assured him he would see that his order was fol- lowed out, and tipping his hat, joined the Win- throps, and wended their way home. While the carriage rushed along up Charles St., Baltimore, there was the most impressive silence, that seemed to stagnate conversation as the deep- est thought completely controlled the quartet, and a last, however, was broken. ''How do you feel, Lieut. ?" said Miss Nelia, "after your day's experience? Indeed, I almost feel that I have been today through fairyland, where the birds sang their sweetest notes and the most beautiful flowers were growing, and the sweetest music that I ever heard fell upon my ear, and somehow or other, my very soul has seemed to be wafted along on a gentle breeze of joy and peace and happiness, and even the excitement that we all went through at the expense of that poor young girl, indeed, in- deed, I don't now when I ever knew in my life such a day that I have in this one ; the rescue, the resus- citation, the relief and quick acting of bringing to life a human being, to see her lifeless form as you bore her in your arms from the water, that would have drowned her, and laid her upon the sand, her seemingly lifeless body which was lapsed into un- consciousness, and there she lay before us all, and Oh! what thoughts penetrated our minds, what movements would govern our acts even after you had brought her ashore ! Oh ! the suspense that we went through, and the doleful query of whether she would ever come to life again. The rolling on 22 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR the sand, which gave the result desired in relieving the poor girl, and then when her bosom began to heave, and life began to return, and then, Oh my, just think of it, when the girl opened her eyes and cried, 'Mother, where is my mother'? then to see that dear old soul who, as she rushed along with the crowd, did not know it was her own child that caused the excitement ; Oh, indeed, indeed, it is wonderful, Lieut. Mansfield, it is wonderful." And while Miss Nelia was portraying the real day with its incident, how closely did Lieut. Mansfield watch her face intently, and her every move and heard every word, and how firmly did it instill into his heart that longing and wished-for hour when he could be alone with the girl that he had that day rescued. "I wish I could answer you, Miss Nelia," said Lieu. Mansfield, "as beautifully as you have asked the question, but I am sorry to say I am simply lost for words to express my meaning. It is not that I have lost the thread, whereby conversation can be wound upon, but I am existing, somehow or other, and I have been for the last four hours in the kind of a reverie, wherein I truly seem to have forgot- ten myself, laid aside the sufferings that I have endured through the last four years ; new life has come into my soul, and I begin to look forward to another sphere whereby I will rise above the mis- ery and sufferings that I have had to endure." "Oh," with a laugh, that you could discern at once was really false, Miss Alice said, "Why, Lieut, why should you not rejoice, why should you not forget your sorrows, why should you not feel en- couraged to look forward into new life and new happiness, and new company, when what you have accomplished today? Just think of it, the saving of a human life ! It is an act that, while it may THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 23 place you in a reverie, yet that reverie should be nothing but the greatest happiness for your re- ward." And her words were not far from their meaning, though, did we read between the lines, it would foreshadow a future action on her part whereby her heart was crying out to the hero who sat beside her, and with whom she almost wished that she had been the one that his strong arms had saved from a watery grave. Arriving at the home, the carriage stopped in front of the door, and after assisting the ladies out and up the steps into the house, each bade the other "good night," and the day closed, with its incident and accident. 24 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER THREE. It was the look you gave to me, That made me think of you ; It was the thought of thine to be, With love, so pure and true. For while I saw you suffering, My heart in sympathy sighed I felt the sorrow it would bring, To me, if you had died. IN a street of Northeast Baltimore, along on its south side, stood a cosey little house of two stories, built of red brick, with half oval win- dows and partly mansard roof. It was a neat look- ing little house, with its green shutters and roll- ing slats, and entered into by a neat pair of steps which had lately received a new coat of snow-white paint. Looking into the windows, whose sashes were as clean as water and soap could make them, you could discern a pair of window lace curtains, hung in an artistic manner, opening at the bottom to show a handsome bouquet of fresh flowers that set upon a neat little stand, and which as you looked at them, you were satisfied that a tasty hand had arranged them. We enter inside the little room, which seems so tidy and well ventilated, and as we view around we discern at once that the people are not of very great means, for while the furniture looks so neat, yet was not of the most costly article, yet there was a sweetness and homelike feeling, that we felt sure that a woman's delicate hand had given touch to the beautifying of her home. Up above this room we describe is the bed chamber of the THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 25 castle (we say castle, for what else in this world is a woman's ruling power, more than in her own home, and what it should be, were women fully al- lowed their privileges.) As we enter this little room and take a first view of it, we are impressed with the sweet arrangement of same, for on either side of the wall hung the pictures and chromos o'er- shadowed with sea weed or fern, and the only prize of art that we notice, is one engraving in a gilt frame showing a young man on a bench under a waving tree, his hat on the back of his head, which rested upon his right hand, while his elbow was upon the back of the seat, and underlined be- neath him was the motto, "Was it fate or love that killed him?" On a clean looking bed, which was both low and narrow, yet was shown of such cleanliness which made it look very comfortable indeed, lay the poor young girl who, twenty-four hours ago, was reel- ing and tossing to and fro in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, crying for help and gasping for breath, and each breath expecting to be the last one. To say that her accident or misfortune, as you choose to call it, had been a great trial on her strength, would only half unfold what her sweet face told us at the first glance, as she lay motion- less, upon her downy little couch, with her hair hanging carelessly over her left shoulder, with which its dark curls seemed to just suit the face that beautified it, while her blue eyes seemed at times to roll over the ceiling of the room, then clos- ing at intervals, only to awake and set them in their own likeness and ease, hoping to see someone by her bedside, casting a smile upon her. She was a girl whose beautiful form on a May morning would be attractive indeed, to the most unnoticeable, and was always dressed with that 26 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR neatness and quality which carried with her a hu- man portrait of one of "God's own creatures" to bless and beautify the earth, and as she lay with the light from the small window, just throwing enough on her face that you might see her plainly, her left arm, which looked like white marble, lay so carelessly o'er her head, while the white wraps that were upon her showed one of those beautiful pictures of which all artists would have been glad to imitate with their brush, and transmit the same to the world to gaze upon. Though at the weight of one hundred and forty pounds when well, you could see that her experi- ence the day before had rooted itself into her body, and the taxation with the excitement had been se- vere upon her whole system, for the color that stood so natural and prominent upon her cheek, was now faded and gone, and looked as though it had left no trace whatever, to return again. Her dear old mother sat by her side patiently and lov- ingly, looking steadily into the face of her darling and only child with that tenderness and affection which only a mother can portray, giving now and then one of those longing looks, then raising her eyes to heaven, you could almost read what she was saying, praying that her poor, unfortunate child would soon be well and able to resume her duties. Weary and careworn, there she sat, close beside and watching what was to her the grandest thing on earth, her only child, and though the night had been a long one, and as the town clock would peal out its hour of the night, so would her faith- ful, watchful eye grow more attentive that she might know of every breath her darling breathed. To say that a stillness hung over the room, would not half describe the many silent moments that the old time-piece upon the mantel ticked away, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 27 never more to return again, except now and then the young girl would awake, and looking around with those beautiful eyes, as her bosom rose at every breath and in a half dreamy state of sleep we would hear those sweet lips whispering in an anxious way, "Will he not come? Will he not come?" and the dear old soul that sat beside her would bend closer to her and with a "What do you want, my darling? Tell mamma your wish," only answered by a sweet, childish look into that aged face that expressed the satisfaction that mother was beside her. Oh ! what a grand thing it is in life to have a mother, she who cares for our every care, she it is who at the stillness of the night, her ever faithful watch is over us ; and when the day comes, her watchful eye is ever upon us, her love is un- bounded and her sympathy unequaled, and when we are cast in the world and our best friends turn us the cold shoulder and we seem not to have a friend in the whole world, it is then we flee to mother, she who will resent our every insult and help us bear our every sorrow, when the storms of life are pressing us down, and we are crushed in our misfortunes, when life seems to us a complete failure, and we lay us down to rest and pass the long night through in restless sleep, she it is who speaks to us that encouraging word and makes us feel that we could go out on the morrow and face the whole world, with all its improper treatments and ungrateful acts. "How is Lilian this morning, Mrs. Marston?" asked a lady who had stolen quietly into the room, and whose heart was always open to those who suf- fered. The dear old woman raised herself in her chair, and taking the hand of the day, and looking into her darling child's face to be sure she was 28 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR right in what she was going to say, and then with a look of motherly pity that o'ershadowed her face, while a tear stole down her cheek with faltering lips and quivering tongue, said, "Better, I hope ;" and just then the young lady's eye rested upon the caller, and she gave a passive nod of her head, and that, attended with a sweet smile to show that she acquiesced in what her dear old mother had said. The lady bent over her, and kissing her forehead with a sweet and impressive kiss, said softly, "I am so glad indeed you are better, my darling, this morning," and as she spoke you could readily see that it was a true heart gladness, for that woman's face, if we mistake it not, would unfold to anyone, as being one of those free and feeling hearts, of which had the whole world with its ungratefulness more of them, they woul drown and crush out evil forever. "I have been so uneasy about you both all night, and as you did not wish us to stay with you, we have kept close watch across the way through your window, and we have seen into your room all the night through." "You are very kind to us," said Mrs. Marston to the lady, who was far above the Marstons, both in wealth and society, yet as soon as she found out the truths of that days happenings, she was the first one to offer assistance upon arrival home, both to the mother and her child; and named herself in- deed a woman whom men say with that true and noble heart, "God bless them always, for they are the angels of our earth and existence, and we love to worship them, because we owe them for what refinement we have and what affection, that gives us sway to love one another." THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 29 Woman, Oh, woman ! Our love is for you We love you because you are ours true; For when shades of life are passing away, We breathe our last breath before the clay, You stand by our side, hand in hand; And wave us on to the "better land." Thou tak'st our nature rough and wild, And make us kind, gentle and mild, And when our hopes are all gone by Completes our hopes, o'ercomes our sighs. The lady then said. "Through all your accident, my darling, you should feel very grateful to the good Lord for being saved from a watery grave, and by-the-by, the gentleman who risked his life for you is a man of great nobility and wealth, and one of the greatest men in the United States Navy," and then Lillian, looking the lady steadily in- the face with that smile and expression of something wished for of "Please tell me more," because she was of that woman nature, her curiosity had been raised and her anxiety awakened, a fault for which all women are more or less excusable ; while we men of loyal and noble minds always forgive them for it. "Won't you tell me more, please?" said Lillian, and brightening up with that glow and brightness in her eyes and on her cheek. "Yes," said the lady, "gladly would I do so, my darling, if your mother does not think it might ex- cite you, for I am not sure that I have done right in naming the subject so soon to you." "It is quite natural," said Lillian very slowly and sweetly, "for one who has passed through what I did yesterday should want to know all about the man who saved her." "Oh, well, Mrs. Jarman" (for that was the lady's name) "it may do her some good, and perhaps after she hears all about it she will try to go to 30 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR sleep," and you could see the full hundredth part of a mother's affection expressed in these words. The lady unfolded the paper slowly, debating in her own mind whether it was really best for Lil- lian to hear it or not, but as she had begun it, re- solved that she would take the risk of telling her all about it (and this woman, lovely woman, they cannot help it, heaven bless them, is the prayer of all loyal men). We who honor, love and adore them for the sweetness of their nature, and the passive- ness of their own sweet soul, yet they cannot re- frain from trespassing upon that ground of forget- fulness when anxiety craves for a hearing. Mrs. Jarman, taking the paper in hand, began to read. The paragraph was headed, "A young lady rescued from a watery grave by a royal gentleman." About five o'clock yesterday afternoon at Tolchester Beach, was one of the most exciting times of the season. A young lady came near being drowned, but was timely rescued by a gentleman of both no- bility and royal family. While all the bathers seemed to be enjoying themselves, a cry arose that "Someone was drowning," and looking out about a hundred yards from the shore, a young woman was tossing to and fro, crying for help, while the tide was carrying her faster and faster out into the deeper water. Men stood in awe, while women fainted at the terrible ordeal, but none seemed to be brave enough to stem the fearful sea and tide to try and save her; when, amidst all the excitement, Lieut. Leland Mansfield, who, in company with some friends, was spending the day at the Beach, saw the young lady, and rushing out to the end of the wharf, leaped overboard and quickly swam to the girl, grasping her by the arm as she was going down the last time, and amidst many a cheer and THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 31 congratulation, delivered her safely upon the beach, where a ready doctor was in waiting to give her every attention. The lady was properly cared for by the company at the beach, and also on the steamer, and every comfort was given her that could be had. The gentleman, besides being a man of royal descendants, were after the true old Eng- lish, and whose family bears both noted records for nobility and royal accomplishments always acknowledged for their bravery and their many kind acts. Lieut. Mansfield had lately moved to Baltimore and taken charge of depart- ment with a large office on Street, of the United States Navy. He had large interests both in this country and in Europe, and had passed through several of the large stations in the Navy, of which his learning had directed and his bravery has been most acknowledged. Many compliments to the Lieutenant," and as she finished reading the paragraph the young lady, with half-closed eyes and a face portraying that sweet composure and satisfaction, looking up into Mrs. Jarman's face with those beautiful blue eyes, said, "I thank you very much," and then, looking around towards her dear old mother, said, "Now mother, let me go to sleep." Aye! was it sleep that she wanted? Was it that the eyes wanted to rest and the mind to forget itself? No! no, not that, for she was wide awake indeed, with the image of Leland Mansfield before her, and thus she wanted to lie in silence, only to lose herself in the thought of him, for it is the sweet, solemn thought of life, or the sweet song hummed in silence, that gives to us the sweet en- joyment, and rests our troubled minds and souls when nothing else can, and, like the poet who often stirs us while we most are feeling, when he says, 32 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR "it is one's own sweet silence that makes him happy within himself, when he can be buried in some sweet thought that makes happiness all his own." THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 33 CHAPTER FOUR. I came to see my love to be, My light, my joy, my song; I knew her just as she knew me, E'er one day's sun had gone. I spake unto my love, She answered back to me; But could not affection move, To make my sad heart free. JUST then the doorbell rang, and a flush at once covered Miss Marston's face, for there seemed to be that expectation of some one that was near by, and that too gave proof in her own bosom. Mrs. Jarman kindly offered to attend it, but first looking out of the window, said, "Why, it is the Doctor, but it is not his carriage," and then re- marked that a very handsome gentleman was with him, and perhaps, darling, he is coming to see you, (and then Lillian quickly remembered his remark as they parted at the wharf the night before, that perhaps he might come over with the Doctor in the morning, but did not know poor girl, that it was the man who should paint such a picture in her life and write a page of history that, in after years, would redound to broken hearts and broken ties), but gliding down quickly opened the door and ad- mitted them. "How's the patient this morning?" while he was drawing his gloves off and seating Lieut. Mansfield. "She seems to be much better this morning, Doc- tor," she replied, and at that moment was intro- duced to Lieut. Mansfield. "Well," said the Doc- 34 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR tor, "I wish you would see if I can come up at once, as I have so much to do today, and ask permission by request, to allow me to bring Lieut. Mansfield up with me, for I assure you under the circum- stances, I shall hold myself responsible for his call, and with such company as the Lieutenant, I am in good hands." "That is always the privilege of Doctors, you know, Mrs. Jarman," said Lieut. Mansfield, "to give compliment when no one can answer," and while a passing glance attended with a laugh from all, Mrs. Jarman went up to prepare the room. When Lillian Marston fully realized her fondest hope in life was now about to be granted, there was a silent and impressive action, that awoke in her very soul, seeming to carry her thoughts into real action, that she had so hoped for, and imagined the night before. Going to see the man who saved her life, going to hear him speak to her those words of what, she did not know, but there was within her breast a something that her heart realized before- hand and always laid stress on each moment, when her full expectation of that feeling would be en- joined. How quick her heart beat, the impuse seemed to sway at each breath, calling for more strength, and praying silently, that her fondest hopes might not be met with disappointment. What would unfurl to those two people, who, a few hours, not more than a day, had passed when together in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. clasped in each other's arms, brought safe to land, life, that was almost gone, called back as it seemed with that knowledge and attention that special work and ac- tions governs accident, and now, yes now, to be brought face to face, and what would be the result? Just then Mrs. Jarman ushered the gentlemen into the sick-room, and with a "Good morning, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 35 ladies," from the Doctor, at the same time shaking both their hands and with a glad smile, said, "and see, Miss Marston, Lieut. Mansfield has kept his promise, that perhaps he would see you today." Just then Leland stepped forward, and presenting one of the most beautiful bouquets of American roses, said, "Yes, Miss Marston, an English gen- tleman always keeps his word, and I have brought you this lovely bunch of flowers, hoping their fra- grance would assist in some minute way to make you feel better, and I want to apologize for my en- trance into your little room, but I assure you I felt that I desired to see you." "Oh," said the Doctor, "never mind. You must remember that this is not a sick-room ; this is a lovely little room, that belongs to one of the noblest little girls that I ever met, and because she had a little accident yesterday, it is nothing, but what she as a grand little woman, can soon overcome and forget, and make her own life as well as her moth- er's happy again." Then looking down upon the young lady and grasping her mother's hand, in the which the act spoke as well as his words. Miss Marston gave him a sweet smile of thanks, but her heart and breast was so filled with gratitude that she could not for a while speak, but after a few moments, summoning courage, said, "I thank you, Lieut. Mansfield, for those beautiful flowers you have brought me. I do thank you with my whole heart, but what shall I say to thank you for my deliverance from a watery grave? Oh! I cannot find words to express to you what my own grati- tude and my dear mother's thanks ! You sir, have saved my life and left me still to stand by and work for my dear mother." "That will do, my little darling," said the Doc- tor. "Lieut. Mansfield understands all about thanks 36 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN: OR for he, according to his history, is an old hand at saving life, but you must not excite yourself." "No," said Lieut, "do not for my sake, Miss Marston, think too much of thanking me. I simply did my duty as a man, and assure you I was only too glad that I could render you such service," and the last few words were spoken with that calm, de- liberate meaning, that the future some day will un- fold perhaps in those two lives. Then, as the Doctor came nearer, Leland stepped back and said to her mother, "You arrived home safely and all right last night, Mrs. Marston. I had the man 'phone me, and I was glad I was able to get you such a good man, for he is perfectly trust- worthy in such cases." "Ah," replied the old lady, "through your great kindness we were blessed. What would we have done without you?" "You had many friends on that boat, Mrs. Mars- ton, that were ready to assist you in any way they could, both young and old, in fact you had every one's sympathy and condolence," said Lieut. Mans- field. "Yes," as the tears stole down her dear old cheeks, "the good Lord whom I have been serving for fifty years has always been good to me, all the days of my life, from the moment that I lost my husband, when that dear child lying there was only two months old. Thus was I left without means, without friends, without anything, but he whom I have loved and worshipped, had brought me out of all of it ; he showed me a way to earn a living until my darling child, who now for several years, has not only been my greatest blessing but my only support, for everything we have now, as you see it, was earned by her own hands, and while I ofttimes wished I had means to bless my child more than THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 37 we have, perhaps it is best, and God knows my heart, and he understands me." As each word proceeded from that woman's lips, so was Leland Mansfield understanding more and more who the Marstons were, and truly did he note most absolutely, that they were people of that true blueness of character, whose integrity was ac- knowledged, and while advantages had not been theirs of learning as some others, yet he perceived to his great satisfaction, that were a chance given them to make themselves acknowledged, it would not have suffered for betterment. "Oh, well," said Leland, "you know, Mrs. Mars- ton, this life is all a warfare. You have your part of it to bear, and I have mine, and it's certain no one escapes from it, and I think we should all bear our part the best we can." "Yes, my dear," we heard the Doctor say, "You are indeed much better than I expected to find you, indeed, I am agreeably surprised to find you have no fever, and I know it is partly because you are such a noble little woman, and you are just simply going to get well right quick, but you must be very careful, for your nerves have been very much over- strained, and while I feel the worst is past, yet we want to be safe in what we do, and I think you will have a good night's rest now." And just then, step- ping back in time to hear Leland Mansfield's last words to Mrs. Marston, he said, "Aye, there you are again, Lieut., still like Hamlet's Polonius, harp- ing on life, but I tell you, Mrs. Marston, he can tell you a great deal about human nature and its hap- penings, but pardon me, Mrs. Marston, and Lieut, will, I know, I would like to speak with you, and I am going to leave Lieut. Mansfield to keep safe watch with my patient, and I know neither man nor beast can pass the threshold toward her," and 38 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Leland did not care how long he would be, for his heart yearned just to speak one word more to the young girl lying upon that bed, and coming over near her, said, "It makes us all feel happy indeed, Miss Marston, to find you so improved, and I as- sure you, while I hope I have taken no liberty with the Doctor, nor you people, yet I am glad indeed that I came to see you, and I do hope you will al- low me to do whatever I can to make you well." "You have not only been my rescuer, but have remembered me, that is such a happiness to me, for I have never had many friends, and very few asso- ciates, yet those beautiful flowers that you have brought, give me new hope and life. I do believe I am going to overcome my unfortunate accident," and as she spoke, how these words were riveting in the heart of Leland Mansfield. "Then you love flowers very much, do you not, Miss Marston?" said Leland. "Yes, indeed, there is nothing so beautiful, I think, as flowers, they seem to speak words of lov- ingness and happiness, when nothing else can, and I have my own little flower garden, and when I get well, I am going, if you will allow me, to send you some of them, grown by my own hands." "Why, I should be delighted, indeed, Miss Mars- ton, to receive them, and do hope you will not for- get your promise, for I shall look forward to its ful- filment, provided I am not taking too much liberty." A woman whose life was fast ebbing away, and that by mishap or accident, to be brought back by one whose strong arm she owes her life, could not think of liberty being taken, and as she spoke, each word, each sentence, seemed to unfold more and more, to his great surprise, to know, how much mis- taken he had been in his judgment of what he had seen of them, the day before, and as he talked with THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 39 her, he wanted to have her clearly understand him that it was not the act of saving her life, he wished her to think of him ; it was what she now saw of him, and what she would see hereafter, for he was too much of a gentleman to take the least advan- tage of even the smallest opportunity that might open itself, to give him liberty or action. It was that as he was free, to admit to himself as he en- tered that little home, a something more to be de- sired, and wished for than seeing the girl he had saved. It was that craving of his honest spirit and impression made upon him when he first looked into her face upon the beach. "Won't you promise me one thing, Miss Mars- ton?" he said, while his eyes seemed to rivet upon her with firm and true nature noble can so express, "that you will never mention again any thanks for what I have done for you?" Looking him steadily in the face, she said, "Yes, sir, as you ask it, but reserve one privilege of send- ing you the flowers grown by my own hands in re- turn to you for these beautiful roses." "You do but jest with me," said Leland. "Do you really mean it?" "Yes," she said, "I do mean it, and if I am ever able, I will prove my word to you," and the last sentence was spoken with a slow, calm meaning, which was capitvating Leland's in- terest each moment, but, poor girl, did she know at that moment what would unfold in her future life, how we think as we write about her, she would cry out, with broken heart, praying that such should not be. She would pray kind heaven as she lay upon that bed, to allow her to pass to that eter- nity, from whose bourne no traveler returns, and where we must all give account of our doings. But the future she did not know, and oh, how well for her it was so, and how well for us all, that 40 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR we do not know our future. We plan and devise each day, and then we sit ourselves down at even- tide, only to find out that the channel we had marked out for us, had gone and new ones shown. That ever Divine Mind, that rules and governs, saw in his All Divine Wisdom, that it was best for mankind not to know his future, except what be- lief and faith could portray for eternity and heaven, for what would be our expectations, what would be our acceptances as we went forward to our work, if we could see, as in many times, experience, where we would return to our homes, if we had one, re- jected, disappointed, and forlorn because we were not successful. Alas, it is best! and men, noble men, thank God that such is the case, for it gives us more hope, it gives more desire to soar above those things that oppress and wound us, and leads us on more fully to that bond of hope in which, through faith, we can look through glasses darkly, and see the attending of some future happiness and rest, and that beautiful sceptre of all encourage- ment, that gives us life here and life eternal, here- after. "I do hope, Miss Marston, that I have not made you talk too much?" "No, sir," she said, "I assure you I do not feel any worse for it, but instead, it has been a great pleasure, as I have not had much opportunity to converse, as my duties, with few privileges, so re- mote in life that I have lost perhaps some valuable opportunities, that I might have enjoyed,' and as she spoke, Leland read in her face that she referred to her position. "Well, I think," said Leland, "that we can oft- times make life happier, if we view it always in the right light," and was then interrupted by the Doc- tor and Mrs. Marston returning. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 41 "Why, Lieut., I am sure you have been a good nurse, for Miss Marston certainly looks like she has enjoyed it." "Yes," said Miss Marston, "I have enjoyed it very much." "Well," said the Doctor, "she is a grand little lady, and as I say little, I mean sweet, for I always picture a bright and happy future for the boy or girl, who honors, respects and supports their pa- rents." Then looking at his watch, he said, "Come, Lieut., we must be going," and then turning to the young lady: "Now remember, my child, you must rest as easy as you can, and don't suffer any excite- ment to get control of you, for it might be worse for you," and as Leland, taking the hand of her mother said, "Mrs. Marston, I have enjoyed my visit very much, and will remember it for a long time." "We thank you very kindly, Mr. Mansfield, for calling on us, and do hope you may call again soon." "I shall indeed be glad to do so, but may I have Miss Marston's invitation also?" and Lillian, with a sweet accent, said, "Yes, I endorse what mother said," and as that voice, which now sounded so sweetly to Leland Mansfield's cars, made such im- pression that as he wondered at himself, asked, what would be the end of it, as it seemed to un- lock the ties of sorrow that had bound him for years, and let loose those advancements, in which his young life now seemed thoroughly revived, and craved to see more of. "I will call again soon, and must ask you to allow me the privilege of inquiry about you, as I shall feel more than anxious how you are getting along," and as he passed out of the door, pencilled in his mem- orandum the number and street, entered the car- 42 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR riage and drove away, and as the noise of the wheels died away on Lillian Marston's ears, so did the silence give vent to sweetest thoughts, as she closed her eyes in one of the sweetest sleeps she had ever enjoyed. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 43 CHAPTER FIVE. Do I love him? Do I truly Worship him from all, apart; Is my love so strong, unruly? Love him? Yes, with all my heart. It is only woman's passion, But to love and worship fashion. IN a beautiful brown stone house, with marble steps on N Street, lit up by its many gas jets, which showed that home was indeed a place of luxury, and that no one desired solitude to bear upon them in that grand mansion, so attrac- tive by its wide entrance door, and vestibule, in which hung an eight-square, polished lantern, around the flickering gas jets, with its many differ- ent colors of glass, throwing up above a beautiful pink or reddish hue, and down below and out as far as the second step, a pale blue reflection which was indeed most inviting to any one who desired to enter. The blinds, which hung inside of the great large windows, painted a bright lilac color, and which, as the light reflected upon them from the clasp above, showed indeed that delicate arranging, of which some people make their homes most artisti- cally beautiful and receptive. As we look into the lovely home, with its best furnishings and costly fixtures, its great, sliding doors and burnished curtains, whose brackets above them were covered with gilded gold, looking so rich and beautiful that we who admire such things become captivated with more or less in- 44 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR terest, and always find time to bend our gaze upon them, and the soft velvet carpeting upon the floor, so nicely laid, that the heaviest person could glide over it without the least noise whatever, we see a young lady pacing to and fro, with her hands clasped tightly, her lips set, her eyes riveted to the floor as she takes each step, showing plainly that she was embodied in the deepest thought or im- agination, that we all forget ourselves as we are often caught in these positions, yet could you stand beside her and read her face, and then portray what were her thoughts bent upon, then looking more closely to see her brow covered with frowns, and that determined gesture as each step was taken, you would wonder what sorrow or trouble was bearing heavily upon her. Yet there she was, moving from one end of the room to the other, now and then slowing her steps, than with the quickness of an adder, would seem to rush forward a few more steps, only to turn, and then, planting her foot down with more solid step, and shaking her head, while her right arm swayed up and down, as though she would give emphasis to every thought or word. So Alice Winthrop, for she it was, the restless woman all alone in that room, that had, as it seemed, with her most rigid stare, almost torn from its thread the flowing silk shawl that lay over her shoulders, by her impetuous grasp, at times when excitement, backed by a more rigid determination and resolution, mapping out an action like a Gen- eral with his army, and acquiescenced by each move, to charge, to retreat at whichever way her thoughts seemed to direct her, and drawing closer to her, we hear the words, "Yes, I will ! Yes, I will do it, no matter what the results may be, for it will end the matter before it takes more root and grows THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 45 on to that realm, where I cannot act!" and then, seeming to awake from her reverie, laughing said, "Why? must I ask myself if I am crazy? Is it but nonsense, nothing more?" Then her thought would give full acknowledgment to her feeling, and her poor heart that was yearning for acknowledg- ment of its affection would cry out, "What would any one do, to have their sacred affections thrown back into their face without acknowledgment or notice, no recognition, no acceptance, uncared for, and to be baffled and censured by those so far be- neath you, and by common decency, common re- spect, of which the world with lisping and wagging and criticizing tongue, would prevent you from throwing yourself down before the idol you wor- ship, you love, aye ! you adore above any one else, and be compelled to bury yourself in a deep corner, where ridicule and disgrace could not find you." What would you do, Alice Winthrop? No, it is not what would you do? but what must be done? While the hot flush on her cheek, and her reddened and determined eye, resolved with that spirit of revenge, as she stopped just below the chandelier in the centre of the room where the light could just reflect partly on her face, placing her hand firmly upon the table, exclaiming, "Yes! It shall be done! it shall be done ! To think that he could not wait until she grew well enough for him to call on her, but no, even before the next day was gone, he Oh, God," she cried, "by her side, giving her his smiles, his sweet voice, with accents, portraying sweetest music to her ears, that poor girl, who has all her life lived in misery and want, to come be- tween him and my poor heart. Oh, how I wish, yes, how I wish that, as they reeled to and fro in that bay, that she had " and then placing her hand over her mouth, as though to stop the words for fear 46 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR some one might have heard them, then throwing her head into both hands, stood like a statue of marble, with not a move, not a gesture, only now and then her bosom would heave with that solemn and saddened groan that her poor heart gave vent to its disappointment and wounds, then breaking forth with that madness again, we hear her exclaim, "It must not, it can never be!" After reading the paper that gave such a glowing account of the dreadful accident, and the brave act of Leland Mansfield, she pencilled in her mem- orandum where the girl lived, and fully made up her mind she would find her that afternoon, and fortunately, or unfortunately, as you may call it, she was always being placed in that position, to always see him in ways where his human kindness was shown or his affections so named, as to stir up, that jealousy, which she could not control, and so it was this afternoon, for just as she was driving past the poor girl's house, was just in time to see Leland Mansfield and the Doctor entering same, and, poor heart-broken woman, the sight weighed so heavily upon her that she fell back in the car- riage with such a heavy sigh that her coachman no- ticed her, and asked her if he was driving too fast over the rough stones, and then with forced speech, making the excuse the best she could, ordered him to drive home as quickly as possible, and as the carriage turned, she taking another look to be sure it was Leland Mansfield's carriage that stood in front of the young girl's house, laid back upon the seat, and while a tear stole down her face, so did her heart cry out for succor and comfort, and her mind resolved for future action. Thus it was, as we had seen in her own room at home, she had just leaped from the carriage, rushed THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 47 into the house, and gave way to those sights that we had just witnessed. Poor girl ! Poor woman ! how our hearts melt for her in deepest anguish, when we know her true intent and what she resolves to do, so hard is it for her to bear, that ever before her the waves were dashing into her face, the roar of the excitement still clings to her, the sight, the first look that he, Leland Mansfield, gave her when he laid her on the shore, Alice Winthrop noticed, and it went deep into the archives of her heart, and now she wished the waves had encompassed them both. So much did these thoughts fire her brain that it al- most made her forget her reasoning, and who she was, but so like human mankind, and most par- ticularly, woman, when their utmost zeal is awak- ened to accomplish some certain object, they simply drift into that "don't care" spirit, and they care for nothing nor any one ; their desire is craving to gain what they seek for. How many poor souls today stand upon the wreck of life, swaying to and fro, through the cold winter's wind, or suffering under the heated sun, whose rays seem to parch every breath, suffering- and praying to die, simply be- cause they gave way to those feelings, in which command of both heart and mind was forgotten. A wished-for something- that we cannot gain at our will, that weighs so heavily upon us to reach, hold and own as ours, becomes with such stability of thought and action that we allow ourselves to drift away in no sweet company, and many times die a most miserable death. God pity the man or woman who cannot control each and every passion, ves, give them strength, give them courage, eive them oower to reason, and patiently govern themselves, for at that moment decides the cruel surf, that encompasses dangerous 48 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR seas, and our own barks are oft-times washed ashore, with only a small portion to foretell our friends, what was lost, and as we sigh for new strength, with shortened breath, we fall back upon our own selves, crying perhaps for help, when none is near, and we bury ourselves in that remorse, and live to the end, until death comes, with its cold hand, and lays us low with the first stroke, to be judged. Aye! how often is it asked why we do this or that? How often do those people who know not what care, or responsibility is, they who have been all their lives blest with means, with friends, with homes, with pleasure, with food, with many to love them, they have never had an opportunity to view life as some have, that no cause has ever been given them to worry on, "what would the morrow be," and when this class hear of others who are fighting daily life's vicissitudes for support or maintenance, suffering many times under affliction and weighed down with the saddest disappointments, then fall, are asked, Why did you do it? You who know not what life is, you who know not the first page of the vilest temptation, you who have never known what it was to want. Oh, I beg of you, do not condemn those who fall, for I tell you, my dear reader, you know not what you would have done under the same circumstances, for men of free souls when they want something to love, something far above their own nature, something that is far above what their refinement equals, a heart's desire or a mind's craving, they want with that will and wish, that they will have it, though all the world would condemn them, and bid them cease, and would die, sooner than give up the search for the object they seek. What is ambition, if you call it so, please, that has no desires? What is hope, if you name it THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 49 by faith alone, that has no solemn expectations? What is desire, please, if you paint the picture, but an angry demanding, that craves satisfaction that once worked up to that demanding attitude, would, like the traveler in the dry desert, becoming almost enraged by thirst, wanting water, and the craving, the desire, in fact, the depending of life, demand, and must have it, will drive his knife into his only friend's breast, drink the blood as though it was sparkling water, then, after the thirst is seemingly satisfied, after the desire has been somewhat quieted, will plunge the same knife by his own hand into his own breast, that pierced his own brother, to avenge his ungrateful and inhuman act. It is the desire of our hearts, it is the craving of our souls that makes us oft times the sinners that we are, and fall victims to those things that man- kind, with his weak nature, ever wields a demand for. So it was with Miss Alice Winthrop. It was that full and unbounded affection for one heart, no mat- ter how many more the world contains, it was just that one soul, that her soul would grasp and com- mune with, for that one man who gave her not the affection she prayed for, when everything in her own life had been one of sacrifice for him to gain his affection, and while we would condemn some- what, setting apart independency to guide, we must have sympathy for that heart or soul, that weeps in its own archives, and under pressure borne, of which the world would openly condemn, were she to make her affection too plain, to the one man her heart's desire prays for his love and recog- nition. You women who study and read human nature, you men who love to denote and separate the ac- tions of lovely woman, do not misjudge Alice Win- 50 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR throp. She is only honest in those acts in which she cannot live without the idol she worships, and desires, hopes for, lives for, and her demanding wish, her demanding hopes, go forth to win the object she would own, even though in after years, the world would condemn her for such acts, yet when that time comes, she and she alone will be the greatest sufferer ; it is the craving heart that al- ways seems, if it gains its desire or wish, to suffer in the end, and those who fall from good intent to graves of degradation, are many times honest in their motives, yet do not control their wishes and desires, their hearts and passions are set upon. It was her love that was so strong, It made her nearly wild ; It made the plan to gain, or wrong, A simple, loving child. Endued with will and power great, It sealed itself within ; And more to crave, the bond to break, Irrespective of the Sin. Calming herself the best she could, standing in front of a large glass that stood on the side of the room, guiding and arranging her hair, and then rubbing her face, to bring back the expression that would not expose what she had passed through in the last half hour, seated herself in a large arm- chair and became more composed, but none too soon, however, for just then the door bell rang and the maid, answering same and admitting the caller, handed her a card bearing the name of Leland Mansfield. What caused Alice Winthrop to throw up her hands and exclaim, "Impossible ! Impossible !" be- fore the girl, she could never understand, nor did she live long enough, for it unfolded the pages of THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 51 two unwritten words, that may be duplicated to thousands for condemnation. What did she do? What could she do? This woman that only a few hours ago was raving all alone for a man's love and now that man, that love, was close to her, only a few feet away, in her own home, at her own satisfaction to look into his face, to hear his noble voice, to receive his many jests, and hear, yes, hear, perhaps, some words that might give her hope and recognition. This woman, a few hours ago all excitement, all unnerved, all overpowered by some strange and most earnest appeal to another's heart, could she, under all this strain, meet him with that gladsome- ness and that welcome in which her great desire would feed upon to gain him? Of course she would, and with the step of an artist in his studio, with the move of any angel soaring on wings of air, with the gesture of the fondest fantasy, she glided into the room, look- ing as fresh as though she had just enjoyed the sweetest moments, her face all aglow, her nerves so steady, her eyes seeming to be actually just created, judging from the brightness she bore them, looking as sweet and as pleasant as a flower in its first bloom, and with such a smile on her face that it would have done D'lano good to see it, and pencil it for his image and statue in his new work of "Lu- cretia Monnes," and duplicate it to the whole world. With a move of lightness and welcome she grasped his hand with that firmness, with that calmness, that absolute coolness, that would have caused the bravest general to baffle with on the army field, and death had marked him out with special note of his uniform to be buried in, in the coming contest, yet not one stir, not, indeed, one iota that this woman had ever passed through such 52 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR an ordeal all alone with herself in the next room, yet now with her lover, her idol of all romance to be. Aye, had we the pen of Socrates or the brush of "Fantus-Quek," or the pencil of "Luccilliare," had we the memory to carry the sight of that woman as she stood before Leland Mansfield that day, and ever be able to refer to it, when, at some proper time, we had occasion to name of "woman's strength," we would forever enroll it in the annals of our lives and ever remember it, crying out in our weakness and ignorance, Where, Oh, where, and what, Oh, what, is the action, is the manoev- ering, is the devising, of woman's mind under all circumstances? Wonderful indeed, what woman's mind Fond woman, glad woman, loving and kind Cannot decree as 'i were when all, Seems to be lost, she then to call, Each nerve, each action, to the test And seems to judge, just what is best, When hope. is gone, when all seems lost. She is the one we love the most. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 53 CHAPTER SIX. Will you not be more than friend? Will you not my love commend? Call me thine; All my days I've lived for you, Patient, with my love, so true To call you mine. Take my friendship, not my love. It will all your sorrow soothe In due time. ALLOW me, Mr. Mansfield," said Alice, "to congratulate you. How well you look after your great triumph of saving a life yester- day. You seem now to be reaping a silent per- sonal reward within your own bosom, and enjoy- ing the victory of your pride." "Thank you, Miss Alice," he said quickly, "I as- sure you that I feel myself a very fortunate man indeed, not for the act so much, but that I should have been the actor in such sweet company," and as he spoke his first sentence landed very heavily upon her ears. "You have, no doubt, Mr. Mansfield," said Miss Nelia, "scored for yourself a page in the history of this world, which will rebound to you in years afterwards." He acknowledged her words by a simple nod, for his thoughts were just then bent upon the image in that lovely little house of East Baltimore, where, a few hours ago, he had spent a short but pleasant time, and as they talked, you could see at once that there was something be- tween two persons in that company which was al- most bursting its cerements to unfold itself. 54 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR "I had the pleasure this afternoon of calling on the young lady with the doctor," said Leland, "and the house is very nicely arranged, and what im- pressed me most was her dear old mother who is so attentive to her child." "Are they people of any note?" said Miss Alice, forcing a smile with her words that told at once it was most impressive of inquisitiveness for her own satisfaction. "I cannot say," said Leland, "not having much time to learn about them, as we were only there a few minutes, and of course they were mostly taken up by the doctor, and the sweet face of the young lady upon her neat little bed presented a most beautiful picture indeed." "Oh, she had a remarkably sweet face," said Miss Nelia, "judging from what I saw of her yes- terday, and if I can foretell human nature any, it portrayed a sweet disposition ; her brow was one of kindness and her cheeks a glow of reason, and her blue eyes confirmed the trueness peculiar to confidence," and as she spoke, Leland felt as though he would like to assist her in the descrip- tion, but simply sat twirling the end of his hand- some moustache and assenting by the bow of the head to every word Miss Nelia was saying, while Miss Alice, noticing every move he made, and with that jealousy which affection often forces upon us, desired to stop at once such conversation, as they were tearing her heart from its basis and setting it again adrift in her deep thought of revenge. "Oh, well, we cannot judge," said Miss Alice, "as we have not seen enough of her," but with a calm expression on her face, but yet marked with that solid emphasis, "these side romances that are brought about bv accidents and incidents generally end in the wrecking of hearts and the blighting of THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 55 future lives." Just then, Miss Nelia was 'phoned that her mother, who was spending the afternoon and evening with some friends up town, desired to see her, and excusing herself, retired from the room. There was a peculiar silence that reigned for a few minutes between Lieut. Mansfield and Miss Winthrop, and it seemed not only to be peculiar, but there was a kind of a dead silence while each seemed to be centred in some deep thought and only waiting for the time when they should express themselves to each other. Leland Mansfield's thoughts were bent upon that lovely girl who had such a hold on him and his affections that he seemed to be drifting along in such a changed world to what a few hours ago he lived in. While Miss Alice's whole thought was embodied on the visit that he had made to the unfortunate young lady that afternoon, and remembering the time ex- actly to the minute when she saw Leland Mans- field passing into her house, and to break the rev- erie, she said, "I am more than anxious to hear of Miss Marston and to learn more of her. Does she talk very sweetly, Mr. Mansfield?" she said. "Most remarkably sweet, Miss Alice. I don't know when I have heard a voice that has such fine- ness in tone and expression, her conversation is perfectly natural, she is frank in all her expressions, using excellent grammar, and what few words I exchanged with her, I was very agreeably sur- prised at the prompt and ready answers she gave me, even though in a weak condition. I learned, however, that she was very fond of art and music, as she is very fond of flowers and has a very nice little flower yard in her home that she works with her own hands." But he did not tell her that he had asked the privilege to assist her in working 56 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR that little flower garden, he did not tell her that he hoped some day to stand beside that lovely crea- ture, and expressing his opinion with compliments for its excellent tillage. No ! but his thoughts were planning as he talked, and his heart was beating with emotion for the privilege, though his face nor his words gave not the least information that such was the case. "Oh, well," said Miss Alice, "I do hope she will soon recover, and that we may sometime have the pleasure of seeing her; but come, let us have some music together, after our experience of yester- day," and as his cultured tenor voice rang out on the strains with her soprano in "Hearts and Flow- ers," so did the sweetest thoughts wend their way on to silent oblivion that music only can give. It was none the less a very determination in the mind of Alice Winthrop, no matter what might be the after humiliation, or what condemnation or criticism she would receive from her friends and the world, yet without lessening the dignity of her acquaintance and the standing of her family, she resolved if she could at once nip the bud of the flower that was blooming in the heart of Leland Mansfield for. Miss Marston, that could she once crush it out, it would give her great happiness in the future, and her thoughts were running heavily upon that strain, while conversation was being car- ried on, yet, nevertheless, at intervals there would steal into her mind questions of "Why should you rest yourself in this position of ignorance and per- haps then die in disappointment in the fate that awaits you. This very time, this very evening, seems to have been most opportune to give place to your earnest wishes, so that you may know that this is your day, that when the sun shall rise on to- morrow you are a happy, contented woman, or THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 57 your life is buried in resolutions of jealousy and revenge of which Heaven alone may never forgive you for the sin." Had she not from the time when they were little children, known him as a true boy, and still found him as a true, noble man? and now the incident of yesterday awakened up in her bo- som a greater thought of his nobleness, seemed to nerve her with that determined will that she would win him at any cost, and if she did not, what should she do to gain affection, that was crying continually for satisfaction and recognition, for did she plead her cause as her heart dictated she would fall at his feet and beg of him consolation; but no, that was not privileged for a woman of her dignity and men of his standing to allow, except with disgust. Had she not sent flowers after flowers with em- blems in the last year, had she not finished with her own delicate hands the finest work suitable for a gentleman's dressing table, had she not imposed upon him, trinkets of whose acceptance, when of- fered, was by the reign of society, fully acknowl- edged by its sentiments? But not one acknowl- edgment as she desired, but only to receive the usual reception of an old-time acquaintanceship of which his noble manhood had always held in sub- jection. Was Leland Mansfield blind to all this? No, no, and we picture him that he did not go to Tolches- ter the day before with no other purpose in mind than to have the day of social enjoyment, but we take the liberty to name him under the influence of the Winthrops, that had not accident occurred, there were many times that he thought Alice Win- throp would have been more to him than a friend indeed, but at the threshold of all our lives, when we have done our best work and have seemingly reached the goal for which we have toiled with 5 8 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR overheated brow and overstrained nerves, there comes in our path that inevitable actor, invisible as it may seem, like a spirit wafted along secluded, and as quick as the lightning flashes in the heavens, and the earnest peal of thunder gives answer to its brightness, so do we fall with our desire, disap- pointed and wrecked in our young life. Was he so dumb not to notice every action of Alice Win- throp and other influences that were brought to bear upon him from other members of the family? Did he not see it all? Most assuredly he did, but it was that force of manhood, which he held within his breast, that he had not at any time given the least encouragement, though he freely admitted there were many times that he thought Alice Win- throp was indeed a great woman, but now that bright face of yesterday, of which he clasped to his breast, as he fought the waves and tide to bring her to land, and as it seemed, the mad waves washed over her, craving to wrest her from his grasp. This image that now stood before him, the impression made upon him, as he first looked into that sweet face, and the opening of her bright blue eyes, the first look she ever gave him, caused him to throw away the solitude of a years-ago-promised wife, took away the gloom that he always labored under for years, set aside new hopes instead of dark pictures that used to come before him, and the new light that burst into his soul of which that day's accident unfolded to him ; and being not blinded to her every act, but keeping her at social distance, rested upon his mind many times, that he should let her plainlv understand him and not let her hopes, if she had any, grow on day by day, only to meet with disappointment, but many times he resolved to tell her of it, but could not find the opportunity when it most suited, and this evening THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 59 he resolved to himself that he would not leave Alice Mansfield's side until he had told her plainly the whole truth. And there sat these two people, who with dagger thoughts towards each other, if we named deter- mination a thrust, with a long sphere reaching from each other when "acknowledgments would be claimed with a full hope of having some accept- ance from the other. Leland Mansfield's man- hood asserted itself, and demanded that the action must be suited to the word, she must know the truth, she must know it now; and rising from his chair he walked across the room, and as she arose from hers, took her hand, feeling at that mome.nt that the next hour would reveal the true fate to each other, and she knew not which it would be. He said, "Miss Alice, or let me call you Alice, for the first time in my life. From little children we have been friends, our father and mother were friends, and all through the different years our families have had that friendly association that when both our fathers who now lie in the cold grave, lived and acted towards each other as brothers, and when our mothers each gave to the other that beautiful recognition and sisterly affection, has won for us all a recognition of which we should be proud." Miss Winthrop stood with that calmness and that firmness waiting with eagerness to hear him say, "Now as we have been friends, now let us be lov- ers," but listening patiently while Leland contin- ued : "As you are aware, Alice, there has been in my life misfortunes and wrecks, which have caused me oft times to bury myself, and my nature and disposition would cry out for more activity and freeness, but I could not control my sorrow, for my poor heart seemed broken, and many times gave way to that heaviness which only we who have thus suf- 60 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR fered can tell how hard it is to bear. For years we have been kind towards each other, and in your company I have been oft times encouraged to look on the bright side of life with far more hope than I anticipated, and I had partly made up my mind that I would change my bachelorhood and marry." At this expression of Leland Mansfield, the thought of Alice Winthrop was, "could she be mistaken in what his next words would be, or had she worried herself and bent low in sorrow, yearning for his love, when he had been steadfast in his own way of expressing his affection, and she did not understand what his next words would be," or had she felt some reprimand for her ignorance. Leland continued, "I have concluded to marry if I can find and gain the woman of my choice, and settle down in life, trying to forget the past," and with some little embarrassment Miss Winthrop could not but wonder what the next few moments would unfold in their lives. To lose him now, would be to lose her happiness forever, and for fear that she was laboring under a very great mistake, she gave way to that seemingly lost mind where thoughts could not be expressed, because words are lost for the lips to form them. And Leland, no- ticing this very quickly, said, "Why, Alice, why do you turn from me and act that way ; a friend of your whole life comes to you and informs you first of his intentions in life, and you seem to be dumb- founded ; it makes me feel that I have no right to burden you with the future intentions of my life." And while a doleful stillness reigned over that room, there stood two people that the world will, in some future years, read of their history, note their experiences, and ever remember the broken hearts of which they were the actors in part. She said, "Mr. Mans " THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 61 Grasping her hand he quickly said, "Call me Le- land, Alice, call me Leland." Then acquiescing in his request, she said (and it seemed so strange to her as she spoke the word) while with her womanly and indomitable will power without the least un- nerve or excitement, calmly and deliberately, yet slowly and positively. "I hardly know what to ad- vise you for the best." Then all at once she seemed to give way, and dropping to her chair she began to tremble and becoming very excited, and the tears began to stream down her cheeks. Then Leland said, "Pardon me, Miss Alice, or Alice, what is the matter? Had I not better call your maid ? You are very sick." With a weak and seemingly over-strained voice, she replied, "No, Mr. Mansfield, don't call anyone. I am only a little nervous, and perhaps it will soon be over." "But I beg pardon, Alice, tell me what it is that makes you suffer so. Am I not your friend?" "My friend," she exclaimed, as she fell upon his shoulders and wept like a child, "I beg pardon, Mr. Mansfield, as you are only my friend. I know all now, and I understand you perfectly. It is only friendship that you have given me, while your love and affection is for another." "I don't quite understand you, Alice. Won't you speak plainer. Let me apologize for anything in my manner that has been otherwise than a true gentleman and friend." "We have been friends so long that we simply called the friendship that always stood between us, and if I have at any time given cause or encourage- ment for more than friendship, I pledge you, on the honor of a true gentleman, from the bottom of an honest man's heart, I did not mean to do it." She arose and looking him steadily in the face, 62 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR said, "Yes, Leland Mansfield, you have been honest towards me, and I shall ever cherish your noble na- ture, your honest acts, while I beg pardon for my own weakness. Forgive and forget a poor, weak woman, whose sun of to-morrow sets to rise again in a new field, or else buries itself for the gain of this world, and craves the revenge of lost desires and happiness." (Firm as a rock stood that woman before that man, as the commanding general stands before his army upon the battlefield.) "I have long thought that our friendship would develop into some affection, and as you have been honest with me, so shall I be open, frank, and honest with you, and for what I am going to say I want to beg your pardon first before I say it. I acknowledge that I have lessened the dignity of woman in the weak- ness of my affection for you, I have courted your favor, and have shown you preference above every one, only to be set aside and my pleadings disack- nowledged, except in that respect of which your gentlemanly nature could not do otherwise, but like the fawn that runs to the water brook after the arrow is piercing its side, so too, I go back into my life, pierced by rejection and disappointment, only to name the sequel of my own weakness and sing my own requiem at my own funeral." And as she spoke Leland Mansfield fully assured himself that as he had often thought in times gone by, "Alice Winthrop was indeed a very great woman," whose faculties and achievements were unequalled by the majority of the women in this great world, for he saw the indomitable and controlling nature so for- cibly displayed, that while he loved her not for her- self, he loved her somewhat in part for the true woman asserting power, and the compliment, not like the majority of women of having a will of her own, and who could find words to express it. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 63 "When you began," she said, "I thought you be- gan on a more direct and important subject, but when I found I was mistaken, the disappointment was so great to me, that I gave way in my weakness and forgot myself," and taking hold of both his hands, and looking him most sternly in the face, said, "and for it all I beg your pardon, and I trust you will grant my request." "I do with all my heart, Alice, and I beg of you to let us still retain our friendship. I shall always speak of you as being a noble woman indeed." "Oh, no," she replied, quickly grasping him by the arm, "you must never speak of what has passed between us to-night; when you leave this room, it must be with closed lips forever. Leland Mans- field, do you promise me?" and he said, "I promise on the honor of a man." Then she said, "As you have named friendship only, so let it be, and as you are now only my friend I bid you good night, and we part as friends," at each sentence emphasizing the word friends. "Good night," said Leland, "and whatever has passed between us to-night, you may rely upon it that it is buried forever," and he kept his word true, although how often in after years the scene crossed his mind. Thus were two hearts parted as friends, What would their future be; Would sorrow reap the joy that blends To chide fond hopes so free. Or will some underminging fate Decree that they shall sigh, In pitying groans, in sorrow wait, And then, alas! to die. 64 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER SEVEN. Farewell! We part as only friends, It was your wish, not mine; Farewell ! My prayers your hopes attend Until the end of time. I gave to you my first-born love; You gave it back to me ; Farewell ! Farewell ! My fondling dove, We part as friends to be. But when Affection moves the power, We cannot hold the strain That burst in grief; Farewell ! Then, if I suffer long, Your love will be my prayer and song. To find relief. THUS parted Alice Winthrop and Leland Mans- field, at the door on that July night, when the stillness of the late hour made for them both the more impressive thought, and carried into their lives a scene, which, noted by the world, would cause our hearts in after years to burst in grief, and our minds to run forward in most earnest thought, into the archives of each year, wondering as we sail o'er life's sea, what would be our cargo or burden to bear. When she bade Leland good night, she ran to her room and fell upon her pillow, giving way to that deepest grief, caused by her sad disappointment, and of which her rejection had sealed her future fate, and as the stroke of the City Hall clock rang out its peal of eleven, so did she hear it repeated the long night through, until early in the morning, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 65 for her overtaxed frame cried out for rest, and her mind so full and overtaxed with the experience of the last few hours, yet the anguish of her soul cry- ing out for solace and comfort, that sleep was a thing of the past. Had she loved more than once, so she would have found some relief in accusing herself of some advancement in forcing herself upon men's com- pany, but from early childhood she had found the one boy in Leland Mansfield upon which her girl- ish heart always gave preference, and as they grew up there followed with each other a recognition of such solidity that it grew each day into that sweet communion that two souls seem to exist iii one sphere, and being placed in so many positions whereby his noble manhood was portrayed, her heart had really found the "moor upon which to feed her deer." While for years she had kept within its enclo- sure the demandings of her heart, *and somewhat guarded by its most sacred ties and entertained by its sympathies, yet now thrown out into the cold world, rejected and set apart for such future, God only knows what. Had she not loved him so, she would not at every moment adored and idolized him ; he was her every thought, and she always looked forward to that time, when she could avail herself of calling him her own, when no one but her dare receive his im- presses or grant his requests, and her life was cen- tered upon this intention that would have made her earthly existence a happy one. "Why, oh, why!" she cried, "should this thing be? Why should my life have been centred upon the rejection of my poor heart, while others seem to drift along on the bosomed wave of happiness, gaining everything they wish? Was it fate that so 66 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR sealed and directed my path and strewed upon its borders the blocks of afflictions to stumble upon? Or why should He, the Creator and Divine Ruler of all and everything living and existing, permit an honest and true heart to be so baffled, when in its trueness forbade its evil, that human hearts should divulge their own secrets and pray in earnest prayer for access to others." Aye, Alice Winthrop, no doubt you are suffering at heart, no doubt that the tears that flow so easily from your lovely eyes and down your rosy cheeks come from that rush of broken veins of sorrow and humiliation, and you perhaps may be excusable for what you would ask Divinity to explain, espe- cially when your love for Leland Mansfield may have caused you to think or say those things that are sinful, when you were not strictly on your guard, or allowed an overstrained and craving brain to devise those things that were not exactly right, and in doing this you sin but a little, but now when you come to question that "All Divine Justice," and in your interrogativeness want to control those things and understand what your creation can never unfold, it is then that you do commit a greater sin which you must suffer for. You have now a life whose course is well marked out indeed, a life which, if you do not constantly pray and watch and keep beside you the ever guardful eye, you will in time allow yourself to drift into that most inhuman nature, whose ending is enrolled in sin and misery, and it will print upon you and yours such a stain, that all the purity of your heart, and the professed affection of your whole nature, can never wash out ; thus spake her heart and reason, touched now and then by her good common sense, and with all the power that was within her she overrules a trial as much as possible, with an exclamation of "Oh! THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 67 well, this is simply life !" but at that moment the love within her bosom cried out for food, and food which can only be supplied by the one which is the Alpha of her affections and the Omega of her con- fidence. That she knew her fate and that it was so earn- estly impressed upon her mind that in all her search she could not find one to whom she could trust for sympathy or consolation, but crying out in her an- guish, feeling alone in the world, with her own bro- ken heart, she fully realized that to live without him was misery indeed, and that life without him would be a dark page of which her eyes, looking straight into the annals of her existence, yet dies in its own anguish of sorrow when her heart's feelings counted the cost. "O, God," she cried, while the tears rolled down her cheeks, and her lips trembled with pleading words, giving way to that unspeakable grief, bury- ing her head in her hands, and falling upon her bed, broken-hearted and disappointed. Farewell ! Farewell ! My love and I. I gave you up with many a sigh ; None loved but you. I lay me down to sleep and rest; And all my powers put to test; All my grief subdue. The pain is hard for me to bear; I feel alone, with none to cheer, None to love. You have all the world to gain Think not of my love or pain, Or thought to soothe. You were honest? Yes, and true; Thus I gave my love to you; My Love and I. 68 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR Will you rue that day and me When I claimed your love and thee? You passed me by. So we parted. Parted as friends. Will you ever try to mend That broken heart? Will you, in the coming year, Feel the pangs of broken tears? One thought impart. Aye, my love, it will be then That I'll forget my grief and pain, My love and I. Only this I ask. Nothing more. It will cause my hopes to soar Above my sigh. Give me this, and all my life Will happy be. Amidst its strife, All to defy. It will all my future tell. So we part. Farewell ! Farewell ! My love and I. When Leland Mansfield left her at the door, did he go home? No, but impressed with the woman more than he ever was in his life, sauntered down to his office, and it was very early in the morning when he arrived at his boarding house. Never before in his life had he ever wakened up with that thought that his birth into the world was truly one to be a great actor in the different phases of life, as his past experiences had given him good reason to believe. That he knew that Alice Winthrop loved him, and loved him above any one else, and the fact was so impressed upon him. that he almost felt that he should have treated her differently, but as the real drama of their lives had been presented in a broad scale to each other, he lessened the thought of giv- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 69 ing her encouragement because he could not do so absolutely without impeaching his honor; but free to acknowledge that, to some extent, he did love and admire Alice Winthrop, but now he could never make her his wife, because there was another im- age that was ever before him that seemed to sway his every will and force his inclinations to be un- happy without her, and his affections being moulded towards another, he was too honest a man to allow any deceit practised, or misrepresentations given. Yes, he knew she had means, he knew she was accomplished. The thoughts of how much recog- nition he might have made with her in the world as his wife, in the different social intercourses, yet bordering on that superstition, or whatever else you may call it, there are some true facts that have been proven where men and women are born in this world for each other; and with Alice Winthrop there seemed to be a gulf between their lives that was difficult to cross, and hence he tries to compose himself with that satisfaction of the endowment that God hath given to mankind to act, live and move in this great world. For while God never takes from us the privilege of being free moral agents, He does predict for us good paths to follow in, and knowing best what is for us, He oft times wields us otherwise than our own plans, knowing that our stations born to ful- fill in life are only accomplished many times through anguish and through pain. And thus it is most likely to human nature that we are oft times prone to ask why evil exists in our lives, and while we count our sufferings, and our disappointments and our sacrifices, we are often constrained to ask, Why should we suffer so? but we cannot answer, and had we the pen of Solomon's 70 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR hand or the angelic prediction of sainted and true Paul, we should, at the first thought or moment in trying to answer, drop into everlasting ignorance of which our weak natures would soon note the re- sults, for in the governing hand of that All-wise Be- ing, we have our privileges given and our plans to devise, and we must work, watch and pray, and await the results of what the circumstances so at- tending may unfold to us; but when his Godlike power stoops to wield mankind in not allowing evil to cross our paths, it will be then that our free moral agency wil depart from us, and we will be en- compassed in that low animal nature instead of noble men, with noble principles. So it was in the case of these two persons. Both of them loved, the one as a whole, and the other in part. One wondered why she should be so set apart, subject to rejection and disappointment, while the other, the strongest part of human nature, wondered why he should be the actor in such phases, unadapted to his nature; and had we un- derstood and seen these two hearts as years after will unfold their feelings, we will readily count the magnitude and the nobility that some men can and do possess, when the weakness of woman is flashed upon them. How long Alice Winthrop laid upon that bed that night, weeping, with childlike cries, and muffled by the sorrow that oft times causes our hearts to break, when we cannot feel the satisfying reception that we hope for, we do not know, but when the maid came to her room in the morning, she was surprised to find her still sleeping in her evening dress, just as she had thrown herself upon her bed, and fearing that something had happened to her, or that she was sick, awoke her, and she, leaping up quickly, and when asked the time, to find that the THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 71 day was passing away, it was then that the anguish of her soul fully realized the sufferings she was en- during. With flushed cheek and reddened eye, showing the strain of her great trial, as she saw herself in the glass, jumped back with amazement to note how much she had changed even in a single night, and with much disgust when she noted the cause of it, the spirit of revenge cried out with earnestness in her heart, and we hear her exclaim, as she places her hand heavily upon her dressing table, and that in most meaning words, "You may marry another, Leland Mansfield, but I love you still." 72 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER EIGHT. Is it truly Love that speaketh Unto my heart "for her to win?" If it be not, then my bosom Heaves a sigh, "It might have been." Yet there's something tells me truly, That I love her; none but her; And to her I'll be a wooing; Asking all my life to share. A FORTNIGHT had now passed since Leland Mansfield and Alice Winthrop had parted as only friends. The foaming sea of affection and rejection that had been tossing its condemna- tion and reprimand upon them, had now begun to subside, and a homelike feeling had now begun to divert its precepts, into which the love and mirth of by-gone days once enjoyed, wielded for both a satisfaction of knowing each other's true position. And though the billows of a rolling sea of love had once controlled the roar and hum of a great bosom ocean, yet disappointment had caused an en- gulfment which hearts at their inmost feelings, burst upon the shores of barren island, and is swayed by that inevitable tide of fate whose con- trolling power we cannot resist, when it once has us in its fold, and throws its weight upon us. Our moans are unheard and our cries are wafted on the breeze of our own destruction. That these two people had gone through just such an experience, so easily set apart when we view their everyday life, and that past record of which we all desist, enrolls us of just what our weaknesses portray. Yet with it all, they had now THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 73 become as though having been just introduced. So well did each act their part, that the closest scru- tinizer, would be put at his best to discern the least intimation of what had ever passed between them. For what the world at large will say of these two persons, is now left for their future develop- ment, for, representing the two greatest characters of which our everyday life portrays, they have now played in the first part, and the curtain has fallen on the first act, and the whole world is waiting to know when the bell of life rings out, and the cur- tain rises on the second act, what the play will un- fold. As we allow ourselves to drop into the imagina- tions of which we know some things are possible, we feel assured that, while these two have suffered, one under that rejection that cries out for revenge, and the other with that satisfaction that he has acted the manly part, will print a page in the world's history that will make many a cloudy day and sleepless night. Leland Mansfield was indeed a changed man, and when we look into his face and realize what a little time unfolds in our life, it is then that we fully judge human mankind in all its stages as a very changeable being indeed. The mark of sorrow that crossed his brow, the heavy look that he bore from those dark eyes, o'ershadowed by such an even lash, which seemed to bend and twist at will, and to prove that nature, in his creation, had tried his artist's work surely on Leland Mansfield's brow, and so interesting was it, that at the first glance into his face, we would rivet our eyes upon him and try to ferret out what was behind it, with its heavy load of care and anxiety of which the loss of his first love still clung to him, and yet within a few days or when a fortnight had just closed its time, 74 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR that dark, clouded picture, that walks, and runs, and speaks, representing all creation, has thrown off the dulness of its attitude, and new light burst into his very soul. A wonderful change indeed, for instead of the gloom, he wore a look of promptness and activity in every move, and a glow that seemed to cast a light all around him wherever he went. Indeed a most remarkable change, for how many men being placed in the position as Leland Mansfield was, would have half assumed and acted the character and played the role of such a true and noble gentle- man, without falling down to those things that hu- man nature rests itself at will when it seeks to gov- ern and enjoy, or when conscience has no need or feeling. But as incidents and accidents had placed him in these positions, so had he cause to be proud of his acts, and would in after years, when more life had dawned upon him, look back upon his acts in that era and console himself with the satisfaction that his actions gave him. Now that Leland Mansfield loved, and loved sin- cerely again, was an assurance most edifying to himself in every particular. And that he hoped his affection would be in some measure returned was only and simply proven, by the few moments that he had spent in the presence of her company, for in that one sweet face he had again seen in his life the attraction that scatters all dark clouds away and brought into his weary soul the new sunlight of which men of noble hearts and minds mostly need when they have suffered heart wreck and loss. It was this that brought him, as it were, to his senses, that though being dead to the world, he had now awakened up to that new feeling that he was still a living soul, privileged to enjoy life at its best, to become once more the youth that he was THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 75 when he branched out on life's tidal wave with so- ciety's entreaties, giving him such a buoying up that he could grasp the old adage, "Let the dead past bury its dead," and leap on to that joy into which all men are entreated to live for the great achievement God designs for man to make the world happy. Having now stood by his honor and thrown off the weight of sorrow that so easily best him, and buried within his own bosom the secret parting with Alice Winthrop, never to be made known to any living being, this new light or love, if you please, had burst in upon him, showing him the pathway of life so clearly that must lead on to the greatest happiness for all he had suffered and endured, he placed himself on board the ship of life for a sec- ond venture, and enlisted himself as a probationary passenger. Enlisted for what ! Let Nature speak ! Its unctions to unfold The ties that hold and never break; And speak of hearts most bold. It is for something sweet to love, We sigh and daily pray, Our sorrows and our cares to soothe, And while our gloom away. Was it not for some sweet hand To press our foreheads kind; Our noble natures, soon unmanned, A restlessness would find. But when we have an angel sweet, Standing by our side, Us to cheer and us to greet, What happiness more, beside. It was that sweet consolation that Leland Mans- field craved the more, that at his age for compan- ionship and solace, for like a man in the desert, he 76 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR would drink of the running stream that had long since gone dry, he lays himself in patience down upon the bank, hoping that some lowering cloud would pour out upon the surface the relief that he most desired. Some one to love, someone whom he might caress and chide as his own, the sweet flower of his creation, press it close to his breast, and feel the warmth of that sweet affection that only woman can give. Although several weeks had passed since he left the bedside of his new-found love, yet there had not been a day nor an hour, that he did not at some quiet hour let fall upon her, the sweetest thoughts and remembrances, and even when business pressed him hard, would a silent thought steal into his mind and feel its full sanction from the heart, which would make his joy leap forward with ardent move, of when he could see her, look into those lovely blue eyes, hear her speak some words of love, and clasp her soft hand in his own with such bliss and happi- ness, thanking God that she was ever born and that he had been the one to save her life. Many times, when the day was at its close, and the night began to o'ershadow the earth, calling for rest from toil and labor, and the twilight was on its greatest beam, would he be sitting alone fully cap- tivated by the thoughts of her, staring for hours at r,ome certain object, when some noise would awaken him out of his reverie ; and when the day had long been past, and the retiring hour had come, when nature calls for its rest, and he could lay him down to sleep, falling off in the sweetest thoughts and oft times carried away in the sweetest dreams, with her sitting by his side. And this was most natural, my dear readers, for Leland Mansfield to so act, in fact, it is more than natural, that after we have been foiled in our most THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 77 earnest desires through life, and we have escaped from dangerous rocks and hewn masses in our path and sent ourselves drifting out upon a new sea, with a cargo most precious and with that self-reli- ance and self-confidence, we sail on to that haven of happiness whereby we gain the satisfaction we crave and the blessing we desire. How many times do we press to our lips the sweet flower of a lost friend, how many times have we chided the lily that was placed upon our table, by some gone or long- lost friend ; how fondly do we cherish these things, and we enjoy in doing that a silent, sweet, impres- sive happiness and joy ; but when we come to that full realization, that we hold a living object close to our breast and press our lips toward it, at that very moment into our soul penetrates that grandest reception that is given to human nature, because it is that moment that we feel ourselves loved and loved alone, the accents of our wills join in sweet concert for the blessing, and it becomes to us the hope of our being and the idol of our life. That Le- land Mansfield loved Lillian Marston is assured, that he did not love Alice Winthrop with that deep and affectionate feeling, and with this realization that he was sure it was based on honest purposes only, and with this thought it is no easy task for him to throw off the anxious, appealing demand that his heart now cried out, from the impression that her lifeless form made upon him, when he de- livered her safe upon the beach, and being so de- sirous, entering into the sweet communion of her company, taking pen in hand, he wrote her as fol- lows : 78 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Miss Marston, Baltimore, Md., I do hope you are convalescent. If it meets with your favor, will be happy to call on you this evening. Sincerely, Leland Mansfield. Calling a messenger, he dispatched it to her, awaiting the answer, and from the very moment that the door was closed, there opened unto him that suspense that moulded minutes into hours, and made him very restless indeed. For his mind began to build air castles with their imaginations that she was not at home, or perhaps some one else was by her side, for surely a woman as lovely as she was not left alone without company, and some- one's eye falling upon her pretty face, and though he thought to himself as he viewed each step he was taking, and weighed it most carefully because of such unfortunate endings of such romances as he was now engaging in, usually ended with a great deal of bitterness, and it might be that he was just now stepping upon the serpent, that would bite him at the first glance and poison the very veins of which desired happiness implored ; but that he would know from her own lips, and know at once, what her feelings were towards him, and thus his impatience began somewhat to overrule him, and rising up quickly, only to meet the messenger returning her answer, who handed him a neat, small envelope, which across its face was so evenly di- rected, as follows : Lieut. Leland Mansfield, No. N C St., City. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 79 Quickly did he reach his private office, and throwing himself into a chair, cutting away the end of the envelope, and pulled forth a small, scented sheet of paper, whose perfume indeed was most grand, and unfolding it in his haste, from it dropped a small white bud, which had evidently been pressed between the leaves of some book in fond remembrance, and as he picked it up, he pressed it to his lips, wondering if it was one of the little flowers that she had grown by her own hands. The note was written in a plain, clear, delicate hand, with only two words, but what those two words speak to those two persons, unforeseen and un- heard, will, perhaps be unfolded in their future lives. Lieut. Leland Mansfield, Addressed, Thanks. Come. Lillian Marston. With a smile that completely controlled his face, and quick as thought, he pressed it to his lips ex- claiming, "Thanks, thanks. Oh, you little flower, if you could only speak to me !" for it was the first instant when encouragement seemed to open its doors and bid him enter, and he held up the little white bud, that had long ago lost its fragrance, yet its form was still firm, its beauty was still repre- sented, and as he turned it over, he wondered the more what she could mean by sending it to him, becoming more and more interested, thinking it must have some emblem or speak some word in silence, and going to the other side of the room, and taking from a shelf a large, bound book, looking into its pages that described the emblem of flowers, the first thing his eye rested upon was the "white bud," whose emblem was "heart ignorance of love," 80 ALICE MANSFIELD S SIN; OR as he read it over and over, he fully understood that the little flower was speaking what she had failed to pen, "heart ignorance of love." That someone was loved and yet knew it not, someone was idolized for themselves alone, but perhaps the misfortunes and wrecks of their lives had taken from them all desire, and left them alone to mourn and die. Pressing it again to his lips, he spoke to it as if it heard every word he said, "Oh, little flower, though you may be dumb, yet had you the recogni- tion that you are speaking to my heart you would raise your little head, and claim the greatest com- pliment over every flower that blooms, and spread out your little leaves, in all their radiance and beauty. Aye, well may you, Lillian Marston, speak your words through so delicate an interpreter, for it unfolds to my heart the sweetest invitation I have received for years." Would he go and see her? Of course he would. If not, he would not be man, for when we name sus- pense we do not half touch upon what he was enduring as the day wore on, and the sun seemed to have hung itself, appearing to stop on some clouds of the heavens in fear it would settle itself too fast, for his impatience was now aroused to its fullest test, and his heart was aglow when he should again look into her sweet face. Donning his coat and hat, he left the office with a quick step, reached his hotel, went immediately to his room, and throwing himself down into an easy chair, he was completely lost in the expectation of his visit in the evening, and so sweet and pleasant were the moments indeed that he fell fast asleep in the most pleasant thoughts and dreams of her, who gave to him the hope of being loved for himself alone. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 81 Asleep in Love, oh, pleasant thought, Oh, pleasant dreams of phantom sway; It lifts the cares misfortune wrought, Completely charms our souls away. Through the clouds, a new light comes, Giving us hope, and whiles away The sweetest songs, the swetest tones; In truth, 'tis more than ecstacy. 82 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER NINE. The beam of love is pure with Thee, And bears affection's boom; 'Tis sweet to join the two in one, "A White Bud" in its bloom; Its emblem leaf portrays it well, "Heart ignorance of love;" An emblem of my hope in Thee, Recorded up above. THE bright little home where Lillian Marston lived was astir, the house was arranged most particularly beautifully, the pictures that hung upon the wall had all been thoroughly dusted and hung as straight as if a level had been placed upon them. The furniture had been especially handled, and arranged so evenly as to admit attraction. In the centre of the room stood a small, round table, and upon it was placed one of those unique bou- quets of roses and violets bound up so nicely, and whose owner was at once acceeded, as you entered the room, and the ventilation was so perceivable, which gave vent to the fresh air of a fine August evening after the hot day had given forth its heat. Ever since Lillian Marston had received Lieut Mansfield's note she had been busy in trying to make things look as nice as possible, and, like all women when they are expecting company, which may be the most interesting, put forth their best touch upon everything, to make them receptive and beautiful ; for the pleasant surroundings of a neat little home, is indeed, to many hearts, a heaven on earth. And so it should be, and so it will be, as long as THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 83 the feminine part of our creation exists and con- trols our rough nature. What a blessing for man- kind, that after the toil of a hard day's work is over, he repairs to his home, to sit down and view what some delicate hand has made for his entertainment and pleasure ; and when the great cares of life are pressing upon us, what should we do, if we did not have the signals from some earthly angel's hand, in the form of a woman, to stand by our side and give us hope and cheer for the coming day? And we firmly believe as we dive down into depths of our creation, that God's own hand so divinely ordered just what mankind most needed, to make his life a pleasure, his want of sustenance in the govern- ment of the world. A blessing, yes, my dear reader, a great blessing, for willingly do we throw our hearts into that sanc- tion of the poet, and cry out in full blast the trum- pet of our humble prayers to him who has said that "a home is never blessed without a woman in it." So it is in all the different stations of life, this lovely being that we call woman! Woman, beautiful woman ! Grand woman ! Loviner woman, that men work for, live for, and, many times, die for the guardian angel of our earthly existence. Take her from us, and we immediately drift on into that low- ness, and that brutish nature whereby we become animals indeed. Take her from us and we die, re- move her sweet smiles, and we enlist at once our- selves into those things that mark out our ruin, and many times force us on to that wreck never to be redeemed. So as this dear little woman moves and governs around her little home, at every touch and act it is done, looking forward to that reception of the idol perhaps of her heart, who may become her lord to worship, honor and obey, and while the broom may 84 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR sweep, and the cloth may dust, yet a never-tiring effort is put forth, hoping that a certain one might notice it. So were Miss Marston's moments now hanging upon the excitement of most women's weakness, with that expectation of meeting one, as far as she could learn, who was above the average man of the world, and she knew that many times he had been into more lovely homes, and sat in easier chairs than she had. She fully realized the inadequate loss of the rich furnishings of which his society had enjoyed, but being a woman whose soul was as pure as the sunlight in mid-day, she did not mean to leave anything undone as far as she was able to make his visit a pleasant one as far as possible, but her common sense of which she was possessed, taught her that he would not expect to see those things that he knew she was not able to have, and casting her eyes about the room, she seated herself in a chair, finding nothin^ else that she could do, and had half lost herself in deepest thoughts when the bell rang, and throwing open the Venetian doors before him, whom her heart had so wished for, "Lieut. Mansfield." Somewhat blushing, she received him, and his rich, manly voice landed upon her ear. "Why, Miss Marston, I am afraid I called too early," he said, removing his hat and gloves with that grace and modesty that few men can equal. "No," she replied, "not at all. We are very glad to see you, indeed." and the clear voice which sounded to Leland Mansfield as the sweetest music that he had heard for many a day. There was a peculiar ring and accent in her words, "No, not at all." "Thank vou.' said Leland, "I am more than grateful indeed, for I have been thinking about THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 85 running over here several times to see you, but of course I did not feel at liberty to do so." "Well, I must say," said Lillian, "I was just a little bit surprised, if I may so express it, when I received your note, for I had really thought that you had forgotten all about us." "Oh, no, Miss Marston, friends, you know, al- ways remember each other, even if they only had but one meeting, and I assure you, no one has wished for your speedy recovery more than I have." "That was very kind indeed, Lieut. Mansfield," she said, "and mother, I assure you, as well as my- self, appreciates it very much. Our acquaintance, as you know, was rather forced upon each other, and under peculiarly trving circumstances," at the same time giving one of those jesting smiles, as she thought of her peculiar introduction to him. "Now," said Leland, "you must not try to pay your debt of gratitude for my service, Miss Marston, as I forestall your future sentence ; for I assure you it will give me a very great pleasure, if you will never mention thanks again, because the scene of that day rather makes just a little unpleasant feeling. As stated on my last visit here, it was my duty, and I simply did it. We men of the world look upon those things as it were as obligatory on our part, when opportunity opens itself. In fact, we really consider it an honest debt, that we not only owe to God, but to our fellow men, to relieve distress and suffering whenever we can, and to bless other hearts and make them happy, if it be in our power to do so." "Oh," she replied, with a smothered laugh, "but is it possible that men look for accidents to pay honest debts? Of course I refer to the debts that you have just mentioned." "Xot at all," said Leland, "but accidents, inci- 86 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR dents, make circumstances, and circumstances con- trol most men and everything, and were we other- wise placed, I am afraid that the world would be- come most unusually dull and ignorant." It was just that sentence of a few words that Lieut. Mansfield had stated that Miss Marston's face brightened up with that force and that atti- tude that was more of an inquiry than a resentment, for the Marstons, taking note of their ancestors, while they were never people of much means, nev- ertheless always had that ambition, and independ- ence about them, that gave full force to their na- tures, and she giving full expression to her thoughts said: "Pardon me, Lieutenant, I think for a person to be dull is to be slothful, for it carries with it more or less ignorance, that oft times causes many weak minds to sing their own requiem with a bare bodkin." Leland Mansfield eyed her so closely, and what went through his mind was, that for just these few moments she had completely taken control of him and firmly expressed himself in his own acts of the opinion he held for -the woman before him, that she was certainly one of God's special creations who was surely born to rule and govern in some sphere of this world, and so agreeably surprised was he to find in her a woman whose power and will could assert themselves and could find words to express her opinion, and that with meaning and force. "You are truly a real artist of words, to express yourself, Miss Marston," said Leland, "and indeed you paint the picture so forcibly that I have to be- come a convert at once." "Oh," she said with a hearty laugh, "I would not rule others. I allow every one to have their thoughts and so express it with reason, but I think THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 87 we have so much in life to care for and so much re- sponsibility rests upon us all, in trying to make this world as happy as we can, that it becomes an indi- vidual and an imperative duty, and we should throw away these images of what gloom paints upon our walls, and look out into the bright flower gardens of life, making ourselves the monitors of building up weak hearts and lending a helping hand to those who may need it." And as Leland Mansfield sat and looked at that beautiful girl before him, he was carried away al- most into dreamland, for she had so completely sur- prised him for a woman who had from her young life been so placed in the support of her dear old mother, that her advantages were most minute and her teaching very remote indeed. Yet, he could not realize that that was the woman who a month ago he had clasped in his arms in Chesapeake Bay and landed her safely ; little did he think that the treas- ure that he held in his arms that day, was one who had a mind reaching out into human nature, its vicissitudes and surroundings, and whose ideas would rank, as far as he had seen, equal to the most talented women of the land ; and as he sat and thought more of her, as she lay restless upon her bed a month ago, at his first visit, little did he think that this woman was really the same one. He had virtually rested his thoughts and pictured in his mind, an uneducated woman whose schooling had been a mere chance and whose grammar must be most reckless, yet to find her indeed to be one of the best conversationalists he had ever met, it was in- deed a most gratifying thing to him. Aye ! sit and gaze, Leland Mansfield ! Well may you look upon that noble little woman, who has so proudly borne her share of life, and lived and borne up under it, peer into those eyes, and as you 88 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR realize the dumbfoundedness of your position and your misjudgment, then carry it to the world with proofs that there is many a little bird in this great wide world, that sings the sweetest notes and por- trays the greatest beauty, but is compelled under certain circumstances to be closed in its cage, sim- ply because no one will open the door that its little wings may flutter, and its sweet songs may be heard. Many a poor girl sits in a quiet home, buried un- der the weight and pressure of having no means, and is excluded and rejected or buried in poverty of this world, simply because the bondage of poor woman is tied over their heads by the selfish, and should be the most pitiful minds, who keep them thus buried. But open the door of your society, throw wide the windows, extend the hand to the poor girl that passes your door, give her oppor- tunity to express herself and to give vent to her natural talent, then hark, to the sweet music that would fall upon your ear, listen to the sweet poetry that each word would portray, and then compare it with a great many of those who soar in high circles and have their names enrolled upon society's page, you would be compelled to place the scale of jus- tice in their favor, and outweigh the heartless peo- ple that would bury them. "Indeed, Miss Marston, you have set me think- ing; you have opened to my mind new thoughts; you have given me reason to have found hope, and I assure you, from now on I will look into the fu- ture of life in a different manner to what I have done in the past." "I am glad, Mr. Mansfield, if I have interested you and somewhat entertained you, for I feared I would not meet the emergency of such a gentleman, who has seen so much of the world as you have, and THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 89 knows so much about it, but I have always been a great reader, and I have never lost any opportunity whereby in our unfortunate circumstances I could improve myself." "Do you love music and poetry?" he said. "Music and poetry and flowers are my three idols that I worship, and I am most fond of art; flowers, however, always express to me so many sweet sen- timents that, as I told you when here before, I love to work and nourish them." "Yes," he replied quickly, "and I remember that you promised to allow me to come down and assist you with them." With a hearty laugh, Miss Marston replied, "But you must not hold me to too much obligation of promises made then, for, as you know, that was just after the day of our accident." "Very well," he said, "but I assure you it would give me great pleasure, for I, too, admire flowers very much, and I think music is the silent act of the soul, while poetry names its accent." "We can have poetry in ourselves, without quot- ing it in verse ; don't you think we can, Mr. Mans- field?" she asked. "Most assuredly we can, Miss Marston, and print it so plainly on our foreheads, that it is quoted even without rhyme, for, mark you, there is many a poetic thought expressed unknown to many, while others notice them, and live upon the encourage- ment they derive from them." Just then they were interrupted by Miss Mars- ton's mother, and Leland being so deep in the thought of the girl before him, did not notice that any one else was present, and only heard that voice that was music to his ears. He quickly arose, and grasping Mrs. Marston's hand, and begging pardon for not having seen her when, she entered. Mrs. Marston was at that period of life when the 90 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR shoulders begin to bend, and the eyes begin to sink back into their sockets, and the ears lose their sound, yet as she held his hand and stood there before him, he could see that something most earn- est in her expression, and as a tear stole down her cheek, she said: "You kind and noble gentleman, you saved my child, my only darling, and it is to you that I have her here today. I want to thank you again with my whole heart, and as you move in your every-day life, pardon me, when I tell you that an old woman's prayers are daily offered up in your behalf." And as Leland Mansfield seated her in the chair which Lillian had brought forward, he could not help feeling, as he sat by her side, and looked up into her face, while with some little emotion, his eyes filled with tears, and he was carried away to that time, when he had, under misfortune and loss, knelt by his dear old mother's side, and she had given him that sweet, motherly look that he had just received from Mrs. Marston, and gaining him- self, for fear his weakness might be too commonly expressed, said : "My dear lady, dry your tears ! I once had an old mother like you, and this takes me back to a scene in my life, when I knelt by her side and which, as I look back upon that scene, little did I think that her humble boy, now a grown man, would ever be placed in the many positions and ex- periences that I have passed through in my young life ; and I want not your thanks, the saving of your daughter's life was the turn in my life, from a dark page under which I suffered, and under which I thought at times my poor heart would break, and now all brightness seems to gather round me, and I am transported, as it seems, into a new life," and then, with a jest, he arose and said with a smile on THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 91 his face and a hearty laugh, "Why, we were almost painting a true drama of life, were we not? But your gratitude, Mrs. Marston, is the apology for my weakness." "Your kindness to us, Mr. Mansfield," she said, "will never be forgotten, and I do hope this will not be your last visit." "As Miss Marston may select, will I act, and thank you very kindly for the invitation," but what those few words meant will be unfolded, perhaps, in after years. Just then a neighbor called Mrs. Marston, and she excused herself and left the room, and to be alone with Lillian Marston was the wish of Leland Mansfield, for no matter how impertinent it might seem, here was a girl that he felt as though he would like to sit beside her forever, and his thought wandered on to that supposition, that God in His all-divine wisdom, had seen his suffering and the anguish of his soul for years, and had sent this poor girl into his life to change it for the better, and no matter what the world would say, or what soci- ety would impose upon him, here was the woman he loved, and he resolved at that moment that he would win her if he could. "Tell me, Miss Marston, what you meant by the little white bud that you enclosed in your note to me, and I beg of you to pardon me for my question, but I feel as though I had known you for years." Miss Marston dropped her eyes to the floor, then raising her head and throwing away just a little em- barrassment that she was suffering under, said, "That little rosebud has a history, Lieut. Mansfield, and one I am sure you will not care to hear this evening, but I promise you. some day later on, should we be fortunate enough to meet again, I will tell you its history." 92 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR "But, really, Miss Marston, and I beg a thousand pardons, I am more than anxious to know the se- cret of that little flower," looking her intently in the face. "I am afraid that you would think me very fool- ish when I tell you," she said. "Think you foolish, no indeed ! I assure you that I will listen most attentively, so that I may hear its true history." "All right," she said, "then I will tell you." "On the day of our visit to Tolchester I placed upon my coat collar a trio of flowers, a tulip, a pink, and a white bud, and though the waves tossed us to and fro, and insensible as I was until my arrival home, through your great kindness, I never thought anything would remain to make an impression upon us after the dreadful and unfortunate accident, but the next day when mother unwrapped my wet clothes which had been forgotten before under our excitement, she found this little white bud still pinned to my dress that I wore on that day, and which I had pinned on it before going to the boat, and lo behold there it was, still clinging to where I had pinned it. I took it off, and pressing it to my heart, thanked God for sending you to my rescue, and then laid it away in the family Bible, just where the leaves described the 'Rose of Sharon,' thinking that some day I would offer it to you." (The last words were spoken very slowly and calmly while her eyes looked straight into his.) "And when I received your note I enclosed it with my answer, with all its meaning." Leland Mansfield was truly an overjoyed man, and his face showed it. "Now tell me, Miss Mars- ton," he said, "do you know the emblem of a white bud?" She looked him steadfastly in the face for a mo- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 93 ment without one move. "No," she said, "I do not know it." "Will you promise me when we next meet that you will tell me what the emblem of a white bud is?" said Leland. She raised her eyes to his, and while they seemed to glow with all their blueness so beautiful to him, said, "Yes, sir, when you call again." Just then the town clock rang out the hour of ten, and he pre- pared to go. "But you will allow me to call again, and that right soon, will you not, Miss Marston?" Lillian said, "As you may wish, Lieut. Mans- field, for it has been a very pleasant evening for me, and I am sure you will always be welcome." "Would you pardon me, Miss Marston, if I were to ask you to take a trip to Penmar with me the coming week. The scenery is grand, the moun- tains are most beautiful, the valleys in their vari- agated colors are serene, and I do want you to see them, because it portrays so much of nature's art." "I will think it over," she said, "and let you know." "Good night," he said, "and remember good night to your mother also." "Good night," said Lillian. "Call again when it suits your conveni- ence." She closed the door, retired to her room, and was soon lost in that sweet sleep that we enjoy when our day has been a pleasant one ; and when Leland Mansfield reached his home, he frankly ad- mitted to himself, that he had spent one of the hap- piest evenings of the past four years, and looked forward with the greatest pleasure to the time when he should again have the pleasure of calling on Miss Marston, and with her sweet image ever before him, he closed the day, and retired with that sweet and pleasant thought of the woman whom he truly loved, and resolved to win her if he could. 94 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER TEN. If by nature, we are wooing, Non-independent : All our future thoughts pursuing, In honor meant; It is then, we need an escort, In the form of our own love? What else, then, was woman born for? Our hopes to chide, our fears to soothe ; God's own intent. It was the last of the week before Leland Mans- field received answer to his request, for a trip to Penmar, and while we admit some little suspense, yet his patience was acknowledged, for there was a sweet satisfaction in his mind, that was most com- plimentary to the lady in question, and freely caused him to acknowledge that it was rather a hasty request for so short an acquaintance, but we judge him and give him justice, that was that feel- ing in his heart and mind that he felt he had known her for years, and it made him feel very proud in- deed, that he knew such a woman, who, under such circumstances, would take time to answer, as it showed very plainly that she desired to be most careful and lady-like. That he was acting a little too fast, for which so- ciety and his friends might condemn, for while ac- cident was not cause for any liberty that he might take, but that human mankind, of which we are all more or less guilty, that our wants are so pressing when we have attained to that point, that we can advance without insult or disrespect, that we are prone to take advantage of every possible moment, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 95 that may open up to our path, and gain the object we seek. Yet it does not always imply guilt in re- ality, yet subjugates us to more condemnation, should we happen to make the mistake and falter in our accomplishment. But as "people will have their say," it is simply our duty to act and live ac- cording to our best judgment, then should we fail, we have simply and innocently done our duty, as far as our reasoning could direct us, and if the world censures us for it, we must bear it nobly. So with Leland Mansfield. He loved, and truly loved Lillian Marston, and had arrived at that stage of his love, that his affections completely cen- tred upon her, cared not for what society would say of him, as he owed nothing to it, and was not indebted to it in any way whatever, as he had al- ways kept himself aloof, with the mingled crowd which every day gave its company to something, but only attended the most select and acknowledged meetings, and now as fortune had seemed to smile upon him again, in giving him a woman whose grace and modesty had won his special notice, and whose good judgment he had fully measured, and this, all surrounded by her indomitable energy and work, as her whole life had portrayed, backed by that sweet, sensitive and most remarkable purity, he had truly learned to worship her, and could see no reason why he should not win her if he could. He knew she had not means, he knew her advan- tages for schooling had been of all other girls the most remote, and fully realized that she had de- served more of these privileges, of which her sweet and compassionate temperament would have ad- vanced wonderfully, had she been so privileged ; he knew her talents, if she had any, for music or painting, had no opportunity to express themselves, but what of that? What did he care? He loved the p6 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR woman, and when men love and love truly, all earth cannot turn their minds away from the object they seek, for take them away from the true, sweet ob- ject that their existence seems to live upon in hopes of gaining it, and the mind will begin to lose its reasoning and strange thoughts counteract good ones, and many times die by their own hands. So did he reason the matter over, for while we place him in that lovely position of loving and being loved, yet he was a man indeed, who could sit in judgment, and when it was passed the sentence could be complimented indeed very highly, and that he had gone through the full test, and was fully satisfied that his life would be much happier if he could only win her. He received her reply and, like her former note, it was short and precise, and showed the girl's good judgment. Lieut. L. Mansfield, You asked me to take a trip with you to Penmar. If short acquaintance permits it, I shall be most happy. Sincerely, Lillian Marston. As he read it over and over, it fully portrayed an unusual independence of which most girls in this age would never dare to show under the circum- stances, for no matter what their training might have been, most girls receiving the notice of Lillian Marston, from a man of both fame and fortune, would become so elated that they would conde- scend to meet any reasonable request made. It was one of those beautiful mornings in Aug- ust, and the early morning air was so invigorating and refreshing, before the heat of the day begins, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 97 that Leland Mansfield pulled the door bell at the house of Lillian Marston, for a trip to Pen Mar, and received that greeting that made his heart so happy and his joy unbounded. Lillian Marston, dressed in a light drab traveling suit, made and fitted by her own hands, looked most beautiful indeed, and her face beamed with that most exquisite pleasure, yet expressed somewhat the anxiety and pleasure of the day. As she greeted him at the door with a "Good morning, Lieut. Mansfield," and passed him in, with one of those sweet smiles of welcome, that most all women can portray under the same circum- stances, while Leland pleasantly informed her that they had only a few minutes to reach the station, as his man was a little late with his carriage, and Miss Marston, donning her cape and hat and with a quick movement stated, "I am ready to go, and I have been most fortunate in having mother spend the day with one of our dear friends, and I start with not one care in the world but for a happy and a pleasant day after my two months' experience midst the accidents of life." "And I assure you, Miss Marston," said Leland, "that nothing shall be left undone to make the day a happy one, for it is very kind indeed of you to give me your company," and assisting her into his carriage, they were very soon on the train en route to Pen Mar, and as the train moved along, flying as fast as steam and motive power could drive it, so were Leland Mansfield's thoughts rushing on to every hour of the day, wondering if he would be as happy and encouraged on his return in the evening as he was going. And as they sped along, he showed her the many attractions on the road, and many a passport of con- versation did they exchange before they reached the mountain summit. 98 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR "Don't you think, Lieutenant," said Miss Mars- ton, "that most people are happy? Look around you and peer into the many bright faces ; notice the great happiness that seems to surround us. Noth- ing is indelible upon their brow or cheek, and if they have ever had any trouble it is now cast aside and forgotten." "Aye! how well you have named it, Miss Mars- ton. Forgotten! That word forgotten is just what describes every one on this train, and portrays that great truth indeed that we may have troubles, and we may have sorrows, and we may have trials, but there is a time to throw them all off, and so when opportunity affords, most people take advantage of it." "Indeed," said Miss Marston, "the more I look into life, the more do I love to study it. While it has its dark clouds, it also has its bright, shining sun, and as we weigh them in the balances of our lives, I fear we oft times grumble when we should not." "You are right, Miss Marston, human nature is most undoubtedly prone to error, and so fully proves that we are perfectly human when we name our many expressions of regret of some stations filled in life, we oft times forget to give credit to the many happy hours that we have enjoyed." (And as he spoke he wished to say something that would have her express herself in some way or other, that he might fully learn from the start the disposition of the woman, as he had made up his mind fully that he could not withhold his love for her any longer, and he intended to open the full feeling of his honest heart that day.) "Stations in life," said Miss Marston, "are many times filled by those who are able to perform or work through them, and while some with overbur- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 99 dened hearts and overtaxed minds, might deserve a change, yet there is that all-divine hand directing and governing our every step, that knows full well some blessings are to us a curse. As for riches and accomplishments, we all adhere to and wish for, but very few of us seldom reach our desires, yet if such be our lot, we should try and make the best of it we can, and live for as happy a life as possible." "That is quite a favorite adage of yours, Miss Marston," said Leland, "to make every one happy. Does it always do you good to make others happy? and you must pardon me if I tire you with my in- quisitiveness." "Most undoubtedly it is, sir," she replied with much emphasis. "Then/ said Leland quickly, "had you the oppor- tunity, Miss Marston, to make just one life happy, would you do so?" Lillian blushed a little, and Lieut. Mansfield saw at once that perhaps she thought the question premature. "Well, pardon me, Miss Marston. I will put it this way. I know you hold an ever ready willing- ness to bless everyone, or I think you do, judging from the short acquaintance I have with you, but in all your recognitions of doing good, and I am sat- isfied you are always thinking about it, do you not find some special friend to whom your disposition feels like bestowing your happiness on more than another?" With a hearty laugh she replied, "You must ex- cuse me for answering you, your question just now. Perhaps I may answer you before many weeks, when I have an opportunity to show you some of those I love," and just then the conductor sang out "Pen Mar!" and they alighted under the shady trees and into the cool, soothing air of the "Blue Mountain Ridge" of Western Maryland. ioo ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR "Now this is Pen Mar," said Leland, as they crossed the hall of the 'Blue Mountain House,' and you can at once discern some idea of the great formation of this world by God's own hand. See the high mountains and the valleys with their farms which really look like little flower beds, where we stand." Lillian was completely charmed, for being tied down to the city as she had been all her life, and to behold such beautiful scenery, awoke in her at once the natural talent she had in her for nature's art, and there she stood, gazing first up into the heavens, as a little cloud would pass on the face of the sun, then down into the valley and along the mountain ridge where the variegated colors of the trees were most beautiful, and her whole frame seemed to be completely engaged in the interests around her, while Leland was letting her take "a carte blanche," standing by her side, ever ready to answer any question she might ask, while his heart was almost bursting to speak to her of his love. Peering into the beautiful face, with his eyes riveted on it, listening for every word that she might say, and trying to unfurl the thoughts that were run- ning through his brain, he feared that his antici- pated happiness might make him forget himself, and expose the true affection too soon upon her that would, in a measure, be disgusting to her. But now Leland Mansfield, wait, wait your time. Don't rush on to what you may not know will either be governed by misery or happiness. Think well before you take the step, for most men carried away like you, who do not control themselves, have oft times in after years been compelled to bow in griefs and sorrows, that have almost buried them alive, and being so touched by his good sense, he THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 101 remonstrated with himself and said, "Is it not grand, Miss Marston?" "Indeed, indeed," said Lillian, "it is beautiful; it is magnificent; it is marvelous," and just then the porter came with a maid to show Miss Marston to her room, which Leland had engaged for her the day before, while he excused himself, telling her to rest as long as she desired, only to be ready for one o'clock lunch ! He lit a cigar, strolled outside of the hotel, and taking a seat upon one of the benches on the right of the hotel under a large oak tree, and as the smoke curled in the air, so did his thoughts run forward into his future life, and began to lay plans either for its happiness or its doom, and when with his firm, deliberate and debating mind, asked him- self the question : "Now, Leland Mansfield, do you intend to launch out again upon life's sea, on a sec- ond voyage to the port of earthly happiness, know- ing not, perhaps, what awful tide you may have to stem or what may be the shoals that may be in front of you?" And just then, as the sun seemed to burst out from under a cloud over to the top of the mountain ridge, so did his feelings give way to that thought of the future where he would risk any- thing for the woman he loved, and in the most seri- ous manner he placed himself on trial with his own heart to be the judge ; and he asked himself the question : Do you really love her as you think you do? And the unction of his whole soul bounded back with the answer that gave him some emotion that he knew that he had judged aright. Shall I ask her for her love today; if so what will society say? Simply that she was a poor girl, and of course, too glad to have the love of such a man. And rising from the bench with a quick move and throwing his cigar to the ground, his face beaming with bright- ness as though he had been placed on trial before 102 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR some Honorable Court and the sentence had been rendered in his favor, we hear him exclaim, "I love Lillian Marston, and God being my helper, I intend to win her, if I can," and arose just in time to see her whom he had just pictured in his thought, com- ing out on the veranda, waving her small white hand for him to come and meet her. "I fear," she said, "I have been ungrateful to keep you waiting so long." "Not at all," said he. "I have been enjoying my cigar and this glorious air under the trees, and I hope you are rested now very much, and feel like enjoying your lunch, which I think is about ready,' and then entering into the dining room, taking a seat where he could best describe the mountain hills and the beauty that surrounded them. Dinner being over, he said, "Now let me show you Pen-Mar and all I know about it. It is al- ways very pleasant to explain things when you have an agreeable companion." She smiled at him very sweetly, and replied, "that compliments upon mountains might have farther to fall." "If the present ones should fall, Miss Marston, I assure you I shall be the greatest loser," and they passed out and enterine into a carriage drove up the mountain road to "Mount Quereck," and as- cended the steps, Leland Mansfield for the first time grasping her hand which was so soft and smooth, and the pleasantness that he experienced in holding same as it was the first touch, the first recognition, as well as he could remember, that she had given him, and to be sure that he was not mis- taken, asked if "she was satisfied with her guide," and as they climbed up the tall steps she looked into his face with a look of confidence. "Yes, I think I can trust you to take me up," and the thrill that those words sent through Leland Mansfield's heart THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 103 so nerved him that he was about to ask her "if she would trust him farther in life's paths," but after reaching the high platform with patience and with a great deal of pleasure, she standing close by his side, he described everything the best he could, giving credit first to God for the creation and to man for his tillage, then descended and drove to the edge of the cliff on the other side of the moun- tain, commonly called "Lover's Retreat," and there alighting, he helped her upon the highest point of rock and seated himself close beside her. There they sat, two young hearts in life, and both awakened up to that point of what would the next few hours unfurl. While Lillian Marston had not shown any love for Leland Mansfield, she never- theless loved him truly, but the barrier that stood in her path, that she was so far beneath him in so- ciety's page, that she dare not let her thoughts dwell too long upon him, and with womanly force would keep them under control. From that hour that he stood by her side on the morning after the accident, had she held in her breast the most affec- tionate feeling for him, and now fully conscious that the development of those feelings were at their test. And as Leland Mansfield sat upon that rock with that beautiful girl, looking into her face, so forcibly was he aroused to that thought that to lose her now would be to lose all that was precious to him. "Xow tell me, Miss Marston, what is the emblem of a white bud. See, I have brought it along with me," and from the lining of his vest he unfolded and showed the little bud pinned just over his heart, remarking that he had worn it very often, since he received it that way. Lillian blushed a little, and drawing closer to him, answered, "it is 'Heart ignorance of love,' " 104 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR and looking up into his face, her look confirmed her answer. "Do you mean," said Leland, "that you love someone and you are ignorant whether that love is returned or not?" Miss Marston bowed her head with the graceful- ness of a bride at the altar, and answered sweetly, "Yes, sir." Leland Mansfield could not control his affection longer. "Miss Marston," he said, "or let me call you Lillian, the sweetest name I ever heard. Look into my face and judge me whether I am honest or not. Ever since I clasped you in my arms in that broad bay and landed you safely upon the beach, and looked into your face, there was impressed upon my soul your image as my angel on earth to live for. Ever since I have worshipped you. My first thought in the morning, and when I laid me down to rest at night, would many times fall away in the sweetest dreams with your face standing over me, and while I beg of you for any advantage of opportunity I take in bringing you here, for what I have done for you to count both nothing, but to look upon me in that light that any true gentleman is looked upon by a true woman, and tell me truly that you love me. I have both means and honor to offer you, backed by a most beseeching love. Oh, Lillian ! say to me that you love me, and I go down from this rock the happiest man in the whole world. Do not keep silent," he said, "for it was you that brought me out of my loneliness and made for me the beautiful pictures of life to look upon. It was your face and smile that caused me to forget the great sorrows of ray life, and carried me into the realms of happiness when I might have faltered and buried myself for- ever. Speak to me one word, do not let silence be THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 105 your answer. I offer you an honest love. 'Say, you love me and will be my wife/ and that sun does not show forth more light than you place into my soul and waft me on to that bliss that no man is blessed more withal !" Lillian Marston raised her head, while looking fully into his handsome face, and said, "Lieut. Mansfield, I believe you mean what you say, but you do not know its meaning. You have been hon- est and frank with me, I shall be so with you. I do love you with all my heart. I have loved you from the very moment you placed in my hands that lovely bouquet of flowers, that morning after my unfortunate accident, and each day you have been my thought and prayer. I do love you with an hon- est woman's love, but" (as she spoke she dropped her eyes toward the rock, and slowly, but with meaning, said, while the tears rolled down her cheeks), "I can never be your wife." "What," cried Leland, grasping her in his arms, "you say you love me, yet you cannot be my wife ! Oh, Lillian ! don't say that ! you drive from me the sunlight of my existence and cause me to feel most miserable indeed." "I am sorry if I' do," she said, "for what your suf- fering is I feel it sensitively mine, and I assure you, would bless rather than cause you any suffering, but I told you I would be frank, and so I have been." "But tell me," said Leland, "what is it? and why is it that you cannot be my wife? No one shall dic- tate to me, for I am alone in the whole world." "Do you truly love me, Mr. Mansfield?" said Lillian. "Do I?" he replied. "Let that bright shining cloud witness my word when I say I love you above everything on the face of this great globe." 106 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Lillian becoming more forcible, said, "I believe you, Mr. Mansfield, I do believe you. You asked me why 1 cannot become your wife? I will tell you." "I am a poor girl, of poor parentage, not used to the world and its society, in which you have lived. My father, who died when I was quite young, accu- mulated very little, and what little he had was lost through the misfortunes of the war and left my dear mother and myself dependent upon the world for a living. Through patience and forbearance and honest, hard work she raised me up to that age when I could work for myself and bring in some- thing to live upon, and at that time we were com- pelled to live in very remote houses, where it best suited our little earnings. And it is only within the last few years by being advanced in my work with first-class custom, have we been able to live in our own little home as we do. Through the toil of my own hands do we live and have our sustenance, and while accident has brought us together, and your kind attention shown me, has caused me to love you, I wanted you to understand all about me, and then judge for yourself. And while I do love you, it is that love for you that causes me to say what I do, because my love is so great for you that I would rather sacrifice it and everything, than to be the cause of placing you in any position whereby you would be made to suffer on account of my poverty. You have been reared in means and society, while I have been tied down to the remotest of the world's workers, earning a living the best I could, never having the privilege of such company as I desired and would accept, yet believe me, when I tell you from the bottom of my heart, that I have only known one love and that love is for you. Now, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 107 Mr. Mansfield, you know the poor girl whom you asked to become your wife." "I do not care how poor you are," said Leland, "I do not care where you have lived, nor where you have worked. That only speaks more to your credit, my darling, for what is there more to any- one's credit in life, than to earn a living by their own hands, and who are not ashamed to own it. I do not care what the world may say," said he, "let me have your answer, Lillian, and I promise to show to the world a bride that I will never be ashamed of. It is yourself alone that I love as I now find you. Away with all the rest; let me own you as my love, my darling, my wife, and the world at large shall see a true woman loved and idol- ized by a true man." "Tell me, Lillian, will you be my wife?" While he fondly pressed her close to his breast, and she, looking up into his handsome face, said, "Yes, I love you, Leland Mansfield, and will be to you a true and loving wife." Then as though a light had shot through the darkest clouds, his face beaming with brightness, when he said, "I am now the hap- piest m?n in the whole world," and looking at his watch, found they had barely time to reach the train, drove to the hotel and were soon en route upon their journey home. And as they rushed down the mountain side with full speed, how much did he acknowledge his hap- piness when he had beside him the promise of the loveliest woman that he had ever seen to become his wife, and reaching the city, with carriage wait- ing, drove to her home and delivered her safely into that cosey little room which he would always love, and clasping her in his arms, imprinted the first kiss upon the lips of his new love, and as he did so, she looked up into his handsome face and io8 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR said, with that simplicity yet with meaning, "Do you think you will always love me?" "Love you, love you," he said, "while the world may stop its motion, sooner than my love will ever tire of you," and bidding her good night, leaped into his carriage, arriving home, retired for the night and was soon lost in one of the most pleasant sleeps, that he had ever had, the last thought dying away with the sat- isfaction of loving and being loved. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 109 CHAPTER ELEVEN. A mother's love, is laid away, Casts a gloom; To mingle with the cold, cold clay; Death entombed; No one to love me, none beside ; None to cheer me, none to chide ; Yes, My Love, I am by your side; You're not alone. WHEN Lillian Marston greeted her mother that night, it was with that welcome that while she had returned to her home all safe she had brought within her bosom a satisfaction, the sweet thought that she and her dear old mother were now not all alone in the world, and she fully anticipated the step she had taken, which with the brightest prospects would bring to them the peace and happiness that she had so long desired. Being all her life tied down to her home duties and the care of her mother, she felt now like a little bird, freed from its cage and soaring above in the bright winds of heaven; throwing, as it were, all care aside, because the new love that had awakened up in her soul was so plainly reciprocated that not a shadow of a doubt could rest upon it, and felt as she had never felt before in her life, that she now had a strong arm to defend and protect her. That she truly and earnestly loved Leland Mans- field was more fully proven as they stood upon that rock and she unfolded to him who and what she was, that she had been more than honest and frank with him, but when she remembered as she no ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR looked into that noble face, and told her that he loved her for herself alone, it was then that she truly loved him with all her heart. She felt satisfied that she had given him no en- couragement nor placed herself in that position, whereby she could have been named by others as forcing herself upon him, but as accident had brought them together, so had it opened up a path of which her inmost soul claimed would give them both the happiness they desired. She knew she was poor ; she knew many times how she had desired to participate in those enjoyments that others engaged in ; she knew that her voice or her talent had no op- portunity to advance it, but she had simply told him all, and as she recalled his earnest appeal, felt satisfied alone that he loved her devotedly. And as she threw her arms around that dear old woman, it was with that affection that she had more to give, than she had ever had before, and with a gesture of "Oh, mother! I have just had a delightful trip indeed," and while giving a descrip- tion to her, you could see in her face that she had in her mind as she talked, the scene of only a few hours ago as she stood upon the rocks at "Lover's Retreat," by the side of her lover, pleading for her love. "I am so glad, my child, that you had the privi- lege of such enjoyment today, for it has always been your dear old mother's prayer to see you blessed like others," said her mother. When Mrs. Marston spoke that sentence, it sent a thrill through the bosom of the young girl that stood beside her, and so interested her that she quickly remarked, "Oh, dear mother! you know not how happy he has made me. and I wonder if any young girl in the world is blessed to-night more than I am," then retired, after impressing a sweet THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. m kiss upon her mother's forehead, and was soon lost in the dreams of her first love. Aye ! Lillian Marston, as we write upon the page of the step you have taken today, we cannot withhold our imaginations from peering down into the future of your life. You love, yes, and you are loved in re- turn, and while your life has been somewhat secluded in the past, yet it is now open to a path that may lead you on to that happniess that you have looked for, or bury you in sorrow forever. What the day has unfolded to you your heart yearned for, and now your whole soul is full of joy and peace, and with that satisfaction that all hearts desire when like an arrow from a bow strikes the mark aimed at, and you now own the prize. But my dear young girl, ofttimes our own shells burst in our midst, and we are deluged with misery and suf- fering. When we soar on such pleasant wings the clouds wear their silvery lining, and it seems all for us. The refreshing breeze of heaven seems to waft us on with the sweetest notes, and as they fall upon our ear, they sink deep into our souls giving us the blessing which we look for. The trees wave at every flaw, the roses bloom and scatter their fragrance all around us, and we sit in sweet ambush, drinking in the blessings and quietude, while our hearts rejoice within our bosoms. But look intc the west, my dear child, and see that dark cloud rising in full force and pouring forth its wind upon the earth, drifting to and fro, tearing up the roots of the beautiful trees that wave so gracefully over your head, the strains are dying out from whence came the sweetest music and we grow dumb as it si- lently impresses us that we hear no more sweet songs ; the roses have hung their heads, the fragrance is gone, the leaves are falling and the pleasant calm repose that we lived in is wrecked by the terrible storm. ii2 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Oh, it is then our hearts melt and thaw under the great dew of disappointment and grief, and we seem to bury ourselves in the cold clay of our own destruc- tion, unforeseen and unrecognized and looking back upon our paths see recorded the proofs of what even a short time may unfold to us, and we droop and sigh under the heavy burden that human nature seems heir to bear. Weary and care-worn, we lay us down And weep our life away; Wrecked by our suffering borne ! When Leland Mansfield arose the following morn- ing there was a glow that filled his whole life, as he called to mind the sweet day that had just passed. There was something brilliant within his soul that made him so happy as he walked along with a step so lightly that he truly felt himself with all his suffer- ings in past years, truly the most blessed man in the world, and as he repaired to his office his clerks even noticed the great change and wondered what had been the cause of it. The day wore on and in the evening he called at the Winthrop mansion, and with the usual reception he was received, yet Miss Alice claimed complete control of his company. "Why, Mr. Mansfield," she said, "how glad we are to see you. We thought you had left the city for a day or two." Leland wondered at her remark, be- cause for many weeks at a time he would not see them before this; but replied very promptly, "I have been quite busy at the office most of the week, and yester- day I spent a very pleasant day at Pen Mar with Miss Marston." And when he mentioned the name of Lillian Marston, Alice Winthrop gave one of those inquiring looks towards him that almost pen- etrated into his very soul. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 113 "I am sure that you had a pleasant day, indeed, Mr. Mansfield," she said, "and suppose you had quite a talk over the saving of the young lady's life at Tol- chester." "No," he said, "we did not dwell much upon that, because the scenery was so grand and everything this season is more lovely, that it is indeed the most beautiful picture of nature's own handiwork that I have ever seen up the valley there. The air was so refreshing and we had such a pleasant class of peo- ple on the train, both going and coming, that I do not know when I have spent a more happy day." And as he spoke Miss Winthrop was being put to test in controlling her feelings. She was a firm woman, and when she held within her heart and cen- tered in her mind the worship that her love, caused her to hold for the man who was before her, it was no easy task indeed for her to be the most composed person, and from the parting on that memorable night which set apart the first stage of their dramatic life which "only friends" were parted as such, it awoke up in her the infliction of being robbed of that affec- tion that she thought was hers, and now she was ab- solutely convinced of that "poor girl" (as she called her) who had never made an exit in society, had never been acknowledged or received by any one of their class, yet it was her that stood between her and her own happiness, and while she may not be ex- cused for the expression of her openly hatred from the very moment that she saw Leland Mansfield going into her home, yet we must not accuse her of much harshness, nevertheless, she portrayed that act as though she would wreck the happiness that was in store for them, though all the world should condemn her for her act. And as her love cried out with that indomitable jealousy, she resolved that she must and would see this woman who had torn from her the ii4 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR idol of her own existence, and meet her face to face. "I shall be most happy, Mr. Mansfield," she said, "if you will allow me, some day when convenient, to call on Miss Marston with you, for I have a great deal of sympathy for the young lady, and of course (looking him steadily in the face), your friends are mine whenever you may allow it." "Why, certainly," he said, "with pleasure, for when I named my company with me on the day of the acci- dent, she expressed a wish to meet you" (but he did not tell her that when Lillian Marston expressed a wish to see her that she also remarked, "but I guess your friends would not care to visit people as poor as ourselves.") "What if that day should make a romance for the world to read about?" and as she asked him the ques- tion, she gave one of those haughty laughs that im- plied some joking, but she truly meant the words. "What, and if so," he replied, looking at her in- tently, "if such should be the case, Miss Alice? I am the happy man that claims the credit of being the present actor with so grand a woman," and, as he spoke, his words were so manly and full of meaning and awoke in her a most earnest desire to know what transpired between them the day before, and as he arose to go, excusing himself for so short a stay, fin- ished his sentence with a most natural smile on his face and said, "and I am sure that your kindness would always encore the actor." "Yes." she said, as she bade him good evening, "I should be most happy indeed to do so," and as she closed the door said to herself while standing in the vestibule, as she clasped her hands tightly and her teeth set with firmness, "but I would like to be the one to drop the curtain on the first act," and she truly meant it. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 115 Rushing to her room and looking into the mirror she saw how flushed her face was, and as she eyed herself closely still confirmed the resolution that though he did not love her, he should not be happy with any one else. Took her to Pen Mar, alone in those mountains, Oh, how her heart yearned to know the full history of that day, and who but a third person might have had certain things to un- fold to her if a spy had been near high rock and heard what passed between them. Would he marry her, she said to herself. A man like Leland Mansfield, to marry a girl with no more advantages than she posessed. No, certainly not, the thought nearly drove her wild, as she reasoned with herself that she knew that Miss Marston could never make him happy, and that gave her some excuse to force herself upon Lillian Marston to find out the real truth and save him if possible from what she thought was a most profound disgrace to his dead parents. "Yes," she cried to herself, "I will see her, and tell her if she really loves him, for his sake to save him the remorse and suffering that she would cause him in becoming his wife, and throwing her- self into a chair, we hear her exclaim, "It must not, and it cannot ever be." When Leland Mansfield left Alice Winthrop, he thought what a great woman she is, complimented of her having both force and power and judgment to put it into action, yet what true feeling beyond friendship that had ever been impressed upon him, he had lost entirely and completely, and only felt for her as a friend; and as he walked leisurely along down to the hotel, his thoughts were upon his promised bride, wondering if she was happy as he was in the thought of her, and he had just reached the lobby, when a mes- senger boy rushed up with a letter in his hand for Ii6 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR him ; which he immediately opened and read it as follows : Lieut. Mansfield, My dear mother is ill. Won't you come to me at once ? Lovingly, Lillian Marston. Quickly rushing out of the hotel and calling a car- riage he was soon at the Marston house. The house seemed to have no light, except in one room in the second story, the windows were closed tightly, the street was calm and quiet. He looked at his watch and found that it was quite ten o'clock, he rang the bell pulling it as easily as possible. The door opened and Lillian Marston taking him by both hands said "Oh ! Mr. Mansfield," as the tears stole down her cheek, and with broken voice, "I am so glad you have come, and I was so afraid that you might be engaged, and I don't know what I would have done without you, for my heart seemed to cry out for your love and sympathy and I feared you might not get my note ; and perhaps I thought you might be sorry for what you did yesterday and you did not care to come." "Why, Lillian," he said, as he clasped her to his breast, "what made you think that? I came, my darl- ing, the very moment I had your letter placed in my hands ; but tell me, my own true promised wife, what is the matter? And let me bear your troubles and relieve your sorrows." "Oh !" she said, "do you truly love me, and I " He stopped her quickly and said, "look into -my face, Lillian, I am not one to forget what I say, especially when they are spoken on such a solemn subject; if I did my heart would condemn me forever; but tell me what is the matter?" THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 117 Then as her voice weakened she replied with drooped head, "I am afraid my darling mother is dy- ing." "Dying," he said, "poor girl, my own sweet darl- ing; cannot I see her, Lillian, I must see her and tell her that I love her child and promise on my honor to respect, support, love and protect you all my life. Come, show me to her room; I care not what the world may say, I love you, Lillian Mar- ston, and those whom you love are mine." Softly did Leland Mansfield follow that broken- hearted girl up the narrow stairway and enter the same room as on his first visit, and there upon the bed lay her dear mother while the kind neighbor, Mrs. Jar- man, who was ever by their side in trouble, welcomed him. Leland bowed to her and came and stood by the side of the bed and in a half whisper inquired of Mrs. Jarman the cause, and in the same breath to see if there was anything needed that they did not have. "It is apoplexy, I think," said Mrs. Jarman, "and she is sinking fast. The doctor has been here several times today, and according to his promise should re- turn very soon." Just then the doctor came up the stairway and shook hands with Lieut. Mansfield. "Is it a critical case, doctor?" he said; "you must excuse me for I know very little about sickness." "It is, indeed, a very serious case," said the doctor ; "her age is against her." "Would you allow me to give you some assist- ance in my own personal doctor?" "Most certainly," said the doctor, "send for him at once, it will give me great pleasure to have him" ; and when L^land told him who it was, he said, "why, that is my old school friend," and Leland Mansfield stepped quietly out of the room, returning in a few moments saying he was fortunate in finding the doctor at home, and 'phoned, and that he would be in haste. ii8 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR "I do hope she is better," said Lieut. Mansfield, "she does not seem to be breathing as hard as when I first came up; but she is indeed, doctor, a very sick woman." The doctor simply answered with a bow of the head, as he could not explain before Lillian, who was in the room. Leland Mansfield, looked into that dear old face and thought of himself, how neglectful he had been in not stopping to speak to her upon his return home from Pen Mar, but the late hour was some excuse for him not doing it ; but how his poor heart cried out for the opportunity of asking her mother for her child. Just then Lillian dropped down by the side of her mother and gave way to the deepest grief, which seemed to arouse the sick woman, who opened her eyes and looked around; and when Leland Mansfield bent over her she seemed to recognize him, even though she was very weak and gave him none of those old motherly smiles. "Do you know me, Mrs. Marston?" She made an effort to speak though you could see it was quite a strain for her. "I am sorry, Mrs. Marston, that you are so sick, and I do hope you will soon be better." Then from those white and parched lips and with her eyes half closed, in a weak whisper she said, "I am afraid that I shall never be well again" ; and as she spoke Leland Mansfield's bosom heaved with emotion and his eyes filled with tears, and turning to the doctor said, "Will it harm, do you think, doctor, if I speak just one more word to her?" The doctor cautioned him against excitement and asked him to be careful. "Mrs. Marston," he said, "I love your child, your daughter Lillian; I have promised to make her my wife, with your consent ; if it does not o'ertax you, will you give us your blessing?" THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 119 Lillian had told her mother all that had happened between them. She tried to raise her right hand, but it fell back upon her breast, and Leland, taking hold of it in both of his hands and looking her steadily in the face said and you could scarcely hear her words: "Do you truly love her?" "Love her," said Leland, "better than I love my life !" "Then,' said Mrs. Marston, while you could see that her strength was being overtaxed, and her eyes filled with tears, said with a trembling voice the last four words she ever spoke on earth : "Bless you, my children." And, closing her eyes, a smile of happi- ness seemed to cross over her face, her breath grew shorter and shorter all the time, until calmly and qui- etly and peacefully she seemed to be passing, and in a few moments death claimed its own, and poor broken-hearted Lillian, throwing herself down upon her as her poor heart gave vent to her feelings. "Gone ! gone ! gone !" she cried, and Leland Mansfield raised her up and folded her in his arms. "Gone! gone !" she said, "and I am left alone." And pressing her closer to his breast, he said, "No, Lillian, you are not alone, I am here by your side, to love, honor and protect you, and I will be to you, my darling, father, mother, sister, brother, husband and friend," and he imprinted a -kiss on that sorrowful face that now seemed wrecked by the loss of her parent. 120 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER TWELVE. Married for love, 'twas truly love ; That was the reigning power within ; An honest feeling heart behooved, Caused the bosomed heart to burn; And craved the more, "A love of yore." NEARLY six months had now passed since the fu- neral of Miss Marston's mother, and as we look into that little home, whose windows still retain the sign of mourning, there is a stillness that por- trays the great sorrow that encompassed it. Lillian Marston was indeed quite a broken-hearted woman ; if ever a daughter's love existed for a parent it was hers. Having been thrown alone, for years with her naturally embodied into her bosom a greater love, being the only child and while Leland Mansfield was by her side as often as possible, and soothed as much as pos- sible the sorrowing heart of his promised bride, yet her bright and pretty face showed plainly that her suffering was bearing heavily upon her, and the satis- faction that she lived each day of being loved by such a noble man was a great consolation to her, even in her bereavement; yet childlike she could not throw off that feeling of which her sorrow had made or relieved the suffering heart for the loss of those we love. Alone in that house had Lillian Marston lived since the death of her mother, attending to her busi- ness, which had so increased that she was forced to have several assistants, and while the business instinct THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 121 from which she gained her support was remunerative, yet many times through the day did the thought of her dear mother come up before her, and that sweet face was missing and her voice lost to her forever, with its chidings and its blessings, and was only for- gotten when Leland Mansfield was by her side. While Miss Marston was a true woman, and whose reasoning powers were well based upon good judg- ment, yet it was very hard for her to forget that she had before her a path of life which should have some encouragement to cause her to look forward with ar- dent joy, with fondest hopes. And while it was a little peculiar, yet it was most natural, for many young girls placed as she was would have soon forgotten their sorrow and only retained it with a sweet remembrance that she loved her parent well. But age and misfor- tune had followed, and death in its dolefulness had taken her away, and we beg of her to look forward to that beautiful sceptre of life, where affection has its acknowledgment and confidence its support. Lillian Marston had never been used to the open actions of the world and its societies ; what she truly loved she truly worshipped, and what was her true principle she had schooled herself to both advocate and live therein. Leland had long ago seen this great and noble prin- ciple in the woman he intended to call his wife, and how best to allay the sorrow and sadness from which she was suffering under, puzzled him no little ; and he gave it serious thought for weeks at a time; and after careful consideration he resolved that the best thing for him to do, was to marry Miss Marston at once, for his love had grown so great for her, that he spent all the time he could with her, allow- ing for decency and respectability, and yet felt that he desired to have her always with him. Then the query of thought, that ran through his 122 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR mind and gave utterance to such speech that somewhat bothered him: "What would society and the world have to say?" And then in his determined and resolute mind, of which his noble nature was the fond possessor, felt himself above such criticisms, and he did not care what the world might say; and on his visit to Lillian Marston's house that evening he so arranged that as sorrow had so completely engulfed her, he was the only one to make a change in the scenes of her life, and he should claim her at once. And with that view in mind introduced her around to his most spe- cial friends and acquaintances, naming her as his promised bride ; and so forcibly did the going out, and as it were, "things becoming new to her" did he notice the wonderful change that each day portrayed. Among his introductions was, of course, first to the Winthrops, and on the evening of that introduction how well do we remember the dark scowl that crossed Alice Winthrop's face as she peered into the face of that innocent woman and listening to her sweet con- versation only to be turned away with a forced smile, making herself agreeable for company's sake, but with some repugnancy that would have been very unjust to some of her own friends. That Leland Mansfield had told the Winthrops all was proved by the true notice of the great interest that Miss Alice was seeming to take in her, and which became the inflicting thought of her life the future of Lillian Marston as the wedded wife of Leland Mansfield and from the moment that she forced herself to accept her hand for the sake of Leland Mansfield's acquaintance, it was no easy task to hide the inevitable demanding and lurking jealousy within her bosom that she bore against her; and as she held her hand, through what we call most low deceit, for it was done with a bright smil- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 123 ing face, and received the invitation to visit the poor girl, and the poor girl's home, the thoughts that ran through her mind of her intention, were she ever privileged to get in her own home, with her alone, she would paint such a fearful picture of what her future life might be, that it might so dishearten her as to make a rejection of all her promises, and some minds becoming so disheartened might have a sudden death. Only a few evenings afterwards, just as the sun was hiding behind the western suburbs of the city, was Alice Winthrop found standing at the door of Lillian Marston's home, and as Miss Marston opened the door for that woman to pass into its threshold, so did she open up her life unto her, the first scene that would eventually wreck it. "Come in Miss Winthrop," she said, extending her hand with one of those sweet smiles of welcome," how glad I am to see you" (but could she have looked into her future life and seen what that expression and reception would lead her to, we wonder as we write if it would have been so cordial). Seating herself at the invitation, and glancing around the room was very much surprised to find how neat and nice everything looked. While it was not adorned with all the many comfortable things that were in her house, yet what was there was so arranged that it showed exquisite taste indeed. "You will not feel embarassed, of course, Miss Marston, at my first visit," she said. "I assure you it is purely the friendship that we both hold for Lieut. Mansfield, and recognize his great pleasure in meet- ing." "Not at all," said Lillian, "I am truly glad to see you ; and while my life has been one of less advantages than yours, yet I assure you, you could not have 124 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR more welcome anywhere else, being a particular friend of Mr. Mansfield." How those words pierced Alice Winthrop's heart, for she was only a friend indeed, and so set apart as such, while the woman who sat before her was all the world to him, and soon to become his wife. How she could best begin what her errand had been so set apart for was one of those trying thoughts that bothered her, for fear that suspicion would at once be aroused and she might say or do something that would awaken within the bosom of Miss Marston a rejection towards her rather than a liking. But to get her to think that she felt towards her with much kindness was her great aim, and when once into her confidence she would burst the cerements of her afflicted heart. , "You must feel very lonely now," she said to Lillian, "suffering under the loss of your dear mother, of which you must miss her very much indeed; and I assure you, Miss Marston, I have a great deal of sympathy for you." "Yes," said Miss Marston, "it is very hard some- times for me to bear it ; while I always loved, honored and obeyed her, yet I miss her so much." Her bosom swelled with emotion and tears came into her eyes, and as she spoke so did the tears come into Alice Win- throp's eyes, but they were not tears of sympathy, they were truly tears of revenge. When she remembered the sentence of "how hard it was to part with those we love." It was that thought and sitting in the presence of the woman who was the cause of it, and who in her humble life had won the man's love that she so much desired ; but that she should know all and know it now was so determined in her mind before she passed out of that door again, she nerved herself to action more intently than ever. "Marriage, Miss Marston, is a very important mat- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 125 ter," she said." It should be met with serious consid- eration and careful judgment. While your sorrow has been very great, you must try and compose yourself as much as possible, as you are now about to enter into a phase of life which will either develop your happiness or crush your existence." "I admit it is most important, Miss Winthrop," she said. Miss Alice continued: "You know your life has been quite a romance, and your late accident which brought you the introduction of the man you love and promised to be his wife; the history of all such cases we find usually end in sorrow and remorse." "You do not mean to picture for me, Miss Win- throp, that with all my life's sacrifice, and my suf- fering, and the loss of my dear mother, that there is in store for me more sorrow and more trouble?" asked Miss Marston. "I do not mean, Miss Marston, to make you feel sad; it is the sympathy that I hold for you that I thus speak in this way. You know your station in life, and, pardon me, it reflects no disgrace, has been such that you have not been thrown into the world and its society as I have. You have not seen the many workings of incidents and accidents that have caused many poor hearts to weep and die. I say, while your station in life has prevented you from see- ing these things, let me warn you now to be careful of how you advance in your future expectations. Should you become the wife of Leland Mansfield" (and as she spoke her eyes were forcibly set upon Miss Marston) "you will be thrown with the best people and highest society, and watch your every move, and it may either censure, and condemn you or else accept you, and give you recognition." "I do hope I shall be able to meet the occasion of anything that comes in our future life," said Lillian. 126 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR "I love Leland Mansfield with my whole heart, and before I gave him my promise to become his wife I told him all, and it was at that moment that I thought I saw as I looked into his noble face a true manhood expressed, of which any woman would be willing to be guided by" (and as she thus spoke, how every word sunk deeply into Alice Winthrop's heart, and caused her cheeks to burn as she sen- sitively felt that the words were true indeed; for if there was ever a noble man, Leland Mansfield was one, and she was the greatest witness to prove it). "Do you truly and fervently love him, Miss Mars- ton," she said, "and pardon me if I be impertinent, as I assure you I do not wish to be. I only ask for both your interests, for he has been quite familiar with our family all our lives; our parents were friends and so have the children always been, and so they will be, should nothing happen to disturb our friendship," (laying heavy stress on her last word). "Love him," said Lillian, "I have loved only once, Miss Winthrop, and that love is for Lieut. Mansfield. Love him ! Why if a woman's mind unschooled could make it more plain than I can express it, I love him as I love my life." And she looked Alice Winthrop steadily into the face, assuring her that every word came from her honest heart. But how those words were stirring up the bosom of Alice Winthop and kindling a fire of revenge that would blaze and soar above, only to fall on her head with curses. "I do believe you, Miss Marston," she said ; and try- ing to act as seriously as she could, "and I must cer- tainly give you great compliment for your trueness and noble womanhood ; but I beg you remember there is still a wide gulf between you and Leland Mans- field ; he condescends, you ascend, and to bring to- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 127 gather two natures unmatched, now mark me, Miss Marston," she said, "only draws the conclusion at once of what their ending may be." "Why," said Lillian, "you must pardon me, Miss Winthrop, I do not quite understand you. You seem to picture that my life is going to be nothing but mis- ery instead of happiness." "Not at all, my dear girl," said Miss Winthrop, and using all the mesmerism she possibly could to influence her, "I only mean to warn you before you start into a life of which you know nothing at all about. I have seen the world, I have traveled over its face, and I have seen human hearts break with that sadness and with that sorrow that no words can comfort, be- cause they were wrecked in their ignorance before they fully realized it." "But has not every woman some force to put into action? With such a love as Leland Mansfield by my side, I think, Miss Winthrop, that I could endure any- thing," she answered. "Force and action are made too late, Miss Marston, many times when the ship is overwhelmed by the rough waves," said Miss Winthrop; "thus I speak so plainly to you. For your own sake, if not, I beg of you, for his sake, think well of your future action." "I know," said Lillian, "that my parents were poor ; I know that I have not had the opportunity to attain such knowledge as it might befit me as the wife of Lieut. Mansfield, yet I am a true woman, Miss Win- throp, and this is my first love, is not one whose links could be easily broken, for with such a man as Leland Mansfield as my husband I could learn to do any- thing that would give him pleasure and make his life happy. That, I understand, it the wife's duty." Miss Winthrop feared she was trespassing upon Miss Marston in her own home in being so explicit, and to rather ease the conversation, which had indeed 128 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR become most earnest, remarked that you know that the old adage says "that true love never runs smooth," and made her words as forcible as possible as she arose to leave; and taking Miss Marston's hand, said "you will pardon me for anything that I have said; but I do hope that you fully understand me, for it is for both of your happiness." Lillian was really too honest to answer, for she truly had not understood Miss Winthrop's visit, but simply nodded her head to let her know that she heard her. While Alice Winthrop hoped that she had so fired her soul and stirred up her thoughts that would awaken her to consider carefully the miserable life, that she had pictured to her as the wife of Leland Mansfield ; and bidding her "good evening," left the door and was soon at her own home, and reaching her room, we hear her exclaim : "She could not stop the marriage," for Lillian Marston as she had found out in a very little while, was a true woman and not to be baffled with. No, she could not stop the marriage, it was too close at hand, but she resolved that she would wreck that poor girl's life, if it laid within her power. She had robbed her of her love, and she did not care what became of her, for life was indeed one of great disappointment and mis- ery to her, to live without him, and throwing her hat from her head, dropped into a chair, overcome with jealous rage. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 129 All was arranged, the marriage must be, though a very quiet one. Leland Mansfield could no longer suffer his would-be bride to live alone any longer. His love increased day by day for her, and he was fully convinced that marriage was the best thing for them both. Putting on his coat and hat, called a cab, and drove to Miss Marston's home, and looking at his watch which showed quarter to ten o'clock, pulled the bell and was received by her own welcome. "It is rather a late hour," he said, "Miss Marston, for which I apologize, if I interrupted you; yet I found it impossible for me to retire without seeing you and giving you my thoughts." "You are my promised wife, and I look forward to that day when I shall call you mine and introduce you to the whole world as my wife. At every thought there is a glow that shoots through my bosom and gives me such a thrill of joy when I fully realize how much I am loved by so grand a woman, and I cannot unfold the height and depth and width and breadth of my affection for you." "And do you think you will always love me, Mr. Mansfield?" she said, as she looked into his eyes with an inquiring look, and remembered some of the words that Alice Winthrop had said to her. "Do you think," she said, "in after years you will love me as much as you do now?" "Why Lillian, what has put such questions into your brain, pray tell me? Yes, I love you now and shall always love you, and it is my love that called me by your side tonight, not any planning or arranging for me to come; and I will tell you what I came for. I want you to name an early day when we can be mar- ried. We are betrothed and have been for quite a time ; we have loved each other ever since we first met, and I wish to seal the last claim of our betrothal. Your mother is gone and that leaves you alone in the 130 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR world, thus as my promised wife I want to seal for- ever our love with the marriage vow." Lillian Marston looked him most earnestly into the face and said: "Lieut. Mansfield" (while the influ- ences of Miss Winthrop's visit bore heavily upon her), "I do love you, and have promised to be your wife, but before we place ourselves at the altar which seals us under both God's and human law, as man and wife, I want to ask you one more ques- tion : Do you think that my poor life will ever re- flect on your future life to make you unhappy?" "Why no, Lillian, no, my darling; once my wife, the man or woman who even dares to ever reflect on you will have a resentment from me that will not be easy to bear." Lillian Marston gave him one of those sweet smiles as she laid upon his breast and said, "I know that you truly love me." It was a beautiful day of December when the sun rose in all its brilliancy and beauty, and the invigorat- ing air seemed to give vent to the happiness of the day; when in her own little quiet home, Lillian Mar- ston, just as the clock was ringing out its hour of twelve stood beside the man she loved and promised "forsaking all others to cleave only unto him." It was a very quiet marriage indeed, in respect to her mother's death, with only a very few friends, and as we view that scene and hear their answers of the words " I will," and then the pastor raising his hands, "I pronounce you man and wife," there was a stillness that seemed to penetrate through every bosom, and the silent thought was wondering what will their fu- ture be? The girl that not quite ten months ago was enfolded in his arms in Chesapeake Bay, now stands beside him as his wife as long as they both shall live. What a picture ! what a revelation ! It brings before us and makes our blood thrill in our veins when we see a THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 131 great gulf crossed between two lives, two living souls and they both joined together as one. Congratulations were given on every hand, and among them Alice Winthrop was the principal repre- sentative; and while she was not the first to give or wish them joy, yet when she grasped Leland Mans- field's hand and wished him much happiness, and im- printed a kiss on the woman who was now his wife, it fully portrayed her calm, deliberate action the lowest act, that the world calls deceitful. Good-bye and partings came, Leland Mansfield and his wife took the train for a northern tour; and as Miss Marston wished the marriage should be an ex- ceedingly quiet one, so well had Leland Mansfield ar- ranged it, and so it was. Thus two hearts were brought together by accident and made as one under God's own law. i 3 2 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER THIRTEEN. You promised, that you'd love me still In after years, as you did then; What have I done, that you forestall The sorrow that bursts my heart in twain! You knew that I was poor and young, You said you'd love me all beside; I was your love, and only one ; 'Twas then I wish that I had died. FOR nearly four months had Leland Mansfield and his pretty bride been travelling over the Northern and Southern states, and if ever man was attentive to woman he was one to her, and so plainly can we assert it, that nothing was left un- done each day to make her life happy. Wherever they went they were received with the greatest re- spect and acknowledgments, for Lieut. Mansfield was pretty well known in all the principal cities of many states, particularly in the Navy and Army social clubs, but with all their travels, the happi- ness given that woman as his wife in the reception of her own home, when Lillian Mansfield, nee Marston, stepped into that large house on N C Street, that was lighted up with its many col- ored gases and jets and beheld the many comforts that had been placed there for her, it was then that she burst into tears of the most perfect joy and happiness. That it was a magnificent house was so pro- nounced by all who saw it, both inside and out, and everything being so nicely arranged by the house- keeper and maids it was indeed no wonder that she THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 133 at first sight gave way to those feelings of pleas- ure and comfort, when we are so placed to call them our own ; but she was more fully impressed as her thoughts ran back to her little old home that not long ago she had left as Leland Mansfield bride, and compared it to this with all its magnificence and beauty, it was no wonder that the dear woman's happiness was expressed. It seemed something like a trance to her, so great was the change that she almost drifted into fairyland thoughts, yet when he took her into his arms and heard his noble voice which seemed to ring with more kindness than she had ever heard, said, "This, my darling wife, is one of the proofs of how much I love you. This is your mansion and your home, you are the governing power here, as you direct, so must all obey." And as Lillian Mansfield beheld the many costly and elegant presents that were so nicely arranged upon one of the tables in the room, the tears rolled down her cheeks with gratefulness, and she raised her eyes to heaven and you could read that her heartfelt thanks were being rendered unto God for such blessings. And how many times in her future life, had she looked back upon that scene and remembered it with a thousand heartaches. Blessed woman, yes, if ever woman was blessed, Lillian Mansfield, the wife of Lieut. Mansfield, was that woman, having everything that life could wish for and gain it at will, servants to obey and porters to errand, maids to assist and with not a care or a responsibility, she settled down in her new home as a very happy woman indeed ; and for two years had she been en- tertained and introduced to the best people and its societies and many times was Lieut. Mansfield complimented on the beautiful woman that bore his name ; but alas ! alas ! the changes of our life with 134 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR its many incidents completely changes us and we are ofttimes awakened up out of our pleasures which we so much enjoy, to find our hearts bleed- ing and crying for relief and succor. For soon, aye, soon there comes a cloud, Shutting out the light of day ! And brings upon our sorrows mowed Encompassed in our own life pathway. And so it was with Leland Mansfield and his young wife. It happened at one of the greatest balls given in the city, where all seemed to be in the role of hap- piness and enjoyment, there enters into that enjoy- ment a silent happening which subjected two hearts in that large room to sadness and sorrow. How well Leland Mansfield had instructed and requested her to act; and while there was nothing in the world in her acts that any one in the least could condemn her much, but what the heart of her husband wanted was for his wife to exceed and be the reigning belle of every one. And it was most unfortunate for them both, for many times his wife reared as she was of course would make a remark or answer in her natural way, and just as she had been taught, while Alice Winthrop, who pretended to be unaware of all her actions, yet was noting them in her mind, so that when opportunity al- lowed she would direct them where they most suited to carry out her deceitful aim, and when she would find Lieut. Mansfield alone, grasp his hand and after congratulating him for his pretty wife, laid the vine to grow up and deluge him. "I am truly sorry, Mr. Mansfield," she said, "that your wife is not schooled, indeed, for she could make for herself as well as you a notice which I THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 135 know by my friendship for you, you most desire to have." Leland Mansfield gave a sigh, but while he sighed his manly pride at once remonstrated him, for allowing any one to speak about his wife. . "Pardon me, Miss Alice," he said, "you must not censure her for anything," but as he spoke she saw at once the proofs upon his face, that she was not all that he would have her to be. "You will pardon me, Mr. Mansfield," she said, "I only offered my personal sympathy, for I am very sure that some notice it, but I must be frank and honest with you, for, as you are aware, we are still friends, that I have heard some remarks passed about her awkwardness and mistakes," (and he did not seem to realize in the least that the woman who was talking to him was now knitting the net to ruin his wife's life and gain her wish). "I prefer not to talk of this, Miss Alice," he said, "for she is a true woman and I am her husband." "But, pardon me," she said, "Lieutenant, it is not only very wounding to your closest friends but it will grow to be a very hurtful thing to you, and I think that if you could arrange to have some one in the form of a visitor, as the excuse could be eas- ily explained, that she could be tutored in her own home" (and as she spoke she knew that he was very much impressed with each word she spoke ; and she at once satisfied herself that she had made a gash that some day or other would cause the blood to rush forward and she would be the one perhaps to stand by and bind up the wound) ; while the inno- cent woman whom she was working to make her life miserable, sat just across the way from them not knowing that there lurked around her a ser- pent, that would after a while sting her with its fangs and cause her the greatest suffering, and as 136 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Leland Mansfield walked over towards his wife, with a frown upon his face, requested her to pre- pare to go home, and while he excused himself with that grace and modesty that no one noticed it, left the room and taking his carriage, arriving at home repaired to his room and excusing himself from his wife, was soon buried in the deepest thoughts, and that thought was that he had married a woman be- neath him, and although a little girl child with blue eyes and auburn hair, had been born to them which threw new light into his soul, yet he was not as happy as he anticipated. And so determined was Miss Winthrop to make them unhappy, if it lay within her power, the even- ing afterwards found her at the Mansfield home, only to say to the wife of Leland Mansfield that which would give her some thought of her position. "You will pardon me, Mrs. Mansfield, for what I may say, and I assure you it is the love I have for you. Do you not think that you could study more plans to make your husband happier, and I do hope you will pardon me for speaking so plainly on the subject." "I do not understand you, Miss Winthrop," said Mrs. Mansfield, "do I make my husband's life un- happy ?" "Why, no, of course not," said Miss Alice, with a smothered laugh, "but can you not see that if you knew music and could play and sing, and speak the different languages that your husband can, what great recognition you could have in the world with your husband's means?" "Oh," said Lillian, with all her innocency, "I care not for the world and its society, I did not marry to please the world, Miss Winthrop, I married to love and please my husband and no one else." "But," said Miss Winthrop, "do you not think THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 137 it pleases a man when his wife receives favors and rewards from those who recognize here?" and Lil- lian Mansfield's stare into that young lady's face was such an earnest look that gave Miss Winthrop some feeing that she had spoken too plainly, and said: "Do you think, Miss Winthrop, that because Lieut. Mansfield married a poor girl that it casts any reflection on his or his family's name, as long as that poor girl loves him and lives right in both the sight of God and man?" "Why, Mrs. Mansfield," she said quickly, "most assuredly it does, and of course makes him very un- happy. Every man," she continued, "loves for his wife to be noticed and with the standing of your husband and the recognition he receives it is nec- essary that his companion in life be able to gain that recognition that, as his wife, he deserves. You ofttimes read in the papers of how Mrs. So- and-So was dressed and acted at certain gatherings and how society made house words of their names. Indeed, Mrs. Mansfield, you should look into this matter with a great deal of interest; it may save you and your husband a great deal of embarrass- ment," and she at once saw that she had placed the dagger into her very heart and soul, and that an impression was made which would cause her the deepest thoughts, and for fear of trespassing on her too long, left the house while Lillian Mansfield repaired to her room and with the words still burn- ing in her heart while the tears rolled down her cheeks we hear her exclaim, "My station in life makes my husband unhappy." I 3 8 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR It was one of those summer evenings when all the flowers around the house waving to and fro in the breeze and the evening air was so invigorating and healthy that Mrs. Lillian Mansfield sat just opposite her husband, on the east veranda of the house, and beheld his deep and silent thought, while the little girl child with its innocency and its beauty was playing around the chair showing that child- like happiness that all love to see. Leland Mansfield had never spoken a cross word to his wife, but so often of late had she noticed in conversation that his answers were with a "don't care," or in that careless manner that seemed to answer by gesture rather than words, and on this evening she had determined to know what was the matter with the man that she so much loved, and as the thought resolved itself into action her nerves almost refused to stay her, yet she loved Leland Mansfield and would make any sacrifice to make him a happy man. Drawing her chair up closer to him and looking him full in the face said, "Leland, tell me what is the matter?" "Oh, nothing," said he, "Lillian, I have only had a little business trouble today, that is all." But becoming more earnest she said, "Are you sure there is nothing else?" He shook his head with a careless "no," but she could see at once that there was something bear- ing his very soul, something that was crushing his life out of him, and his face showed at times like one who had the greatest sorrow buried within his bosom and prayed for some one to unfold it to him, and she reslved that she would know the true cause of it. "Leland Mansfield," she said, "you are my hus- band and I am your wife. By God's own laws we THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 139 were joined together as one, and as being one man and wife, there should never be anything withheld between us. Tell me what it is that makes you so sad and forlorn? I have a right as your wife to know. Is it I or my child? Is it anything that I have done? Speak to me, Leland Mansfield, oh, tell me! Tell me what it is," as she fell into his arms and burst into tears. Leland awakened up to an experience that he never dreamed would cross his path in his married life, and made up his mind that he would still be the man that his family name bore, and that he would never disgrace it by his own weak acts, because he was an honest man, and had married an honest woman which brought the posi- tion so sensitively to him, that he realized that the longer he allowed things to be misunderstood be- tween him and his wife, that thepe would grow on day by day to more trouble and suffering, and rais- ing his wife up said, "Yes, I was thinking of you" and in that manner and the way he expressed it, his wife rose to her feet quickly and stood with awe waiting for him to finish his sentence. "Tell me, Leland Mansfield, if you were think- ing of me, what your thoughts were. I, your wife, request you to speak plainly to me." "You ask me to speak plainly," he said, "I will do so. Through accident and misfortune we were brought together, you became my wife and that child is the result of our marriage," and the way that he spoke Mrs. Mansfield thought of herself and her child. "But you are not happy," she said, "with your wife and child." 140 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR who causes you unhappiness," and stood by him with her arm on his chair in that demanding atti- tude, waiting for his answer. "No, it is not you, altogether, Lillian," he said, "it is the misfortunes of my life that seem to follow me. I am happy, and I am not happy ! I thought when I married that my wife could be so schooled as to make her mark in this world amongst the society that I was raised in, and when I pictured such a life I always felt a glow of happiness that was surely in store for me, but alas! it is just the re- verse, I am, as it seems, a condemned man." "Leland Mansfield," she said, "it is true that acci- dent and misfortune brought us together, but you knew who I was, you knew how I was raised, I told you all, you could not expect a poor unschooled girl like I was to enter into your societies and make a name at first that would drown the whole world. It is a delicate matter to attempt, for many push for advancement and have for their reward accu- sation and scandal, which I grant you, while it may not be based on truth, nevertheless it has wrecked some of the best families. It is against this that I have guarded, to protect and honor our good name only to have it thrown back into my face from the man whom I loved the most, who took me from my lonely yet lovely little home, made me his wife and now that wife makes his life unhappy. Is it not true, Leland Mansfield, answer me if you be a true man." Leland Mansfield was touched by her womanly command, so fully portrayed by his wife, and her question reflected upon his honor if he did not an- swer it, while otherwise he would have evaded it, but looking her steadily in the face said, "Yes, it is true! It is true!" Then said Mrs. Mansfield, "As misfortune and accident has brought us together, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 141 so shall it separate us, for poor as I was, I loved you too much, Leland Mansfield, and I will never make your life unhappy," and bidding the maid come with her child rushed to her room and fell completely overcome upon her couch. 2 While Leland Mansfield realized that his wife was acting with that determined and forcible man- ner that he had never seen before, set him to think- ing very seriously "as accident brought us together, so shall it part us," what could she mean? Surely she did not mean she would leave the house, he asked himself, and what a wonderful life it has been, and then weighing himself in the scales of justice which his good nature caused him to bring forth some reprimands for himself, and weighed it most carefully. Then in viewing the matter he thought of himself. "You married this poor girl and took her from her quiet home and if any suffering is to be borne, be man enough to bear it yourself, and not throw it off on a poor weak woman" thus did his noble nature condemn him, and his heart cried out that he loved her more and more and in the morning he would tell her how very sorry he was for anything he may have said and tell her that "I love her better than all the world beside and that the name of the Mansfields should never have one blot against it by a husband being unkind to a true and loving wife." Yes, in the morning he would tell her frankly and honestly that he did not care what society might say, he would simply bury himself down in his own home and by her side the balance of his life, and any one who dared to ever mention anything against her acts again, he would resent it, though it be an angel come down from heaven. The night wore on and so did the suffering bear the harder on Mrs. Leland Mansfield. She knew 142 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR that she had everything in this world that could be wished for by any woman, yet she made her hus- band unhappy. Her presence in society's page was being criticised and condemned, and she a woman whose indomitable will based upon purity and honor was awakened up to its highest pitch and like all honest women when once spurred by the truth, can nerve themselves for any sacrifice and suffer- ing, and thus she resolved that she must leave her home as her presence made her husband unhappy. "Oh, God!" she cried, "that will never do, I cannot take my child, I cannot care for it ; here it has every care, every attention, yes, I will leave it here pray- ing God that it may fall into good hands that may give it motherly affection and tuition. But I will go, I will sacrifice anything sooner than make him unhappy, I love him so much, yes, I will go and bury myself somewhere close by where I can per- haps steal into the house unforeseen and see my little darling. Oh, my dear little child," as she pressed it to her breast, "how hard it is to leave you and to leave your father. I cannot take you, my darling, with me, but not an hour in the day or night that your mother's spirit will forget to hover over you, but I go, nr, darling, because the man that I love says your mother makes him unhappy." The night wore on, the clock in the tower had struck one and all was still and silent. Throwing off her rich garments she placed upon her an every- day dress, and bundling up what few things she had earned by her own hands before marriage, started out the door, where she was never again to enter, and then as though something beckoned her to wait, the thought ran through her mind, wondering if he was sleeping, while her love cried out, "Oh, my husband, why, Oh ! why could not your poor wife act to make you happy?" and quietly and THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 143 softly she stole up to his room, hoping to take one long, last look into his face, and by chance found his door half way open, and there he lay with the moon- light through his window shining in his face, her lover, her husband, her child's father, sleeping away with a smile upon his lips and pressing her hand to her lips she kissed it towards him, while she al- most broke out with tears from her broken heart, then returning to her room and taking her little child in her arms fondled and kissed it with that ease and silent touch, so as not to awaken it, while the tears of her mother's broken heart rolled down her lovely cheeks, taking a last look into its little face, she descended the stairs and going into the library, taking pen and paper, she wrote thus: My dear Husband: When you receive this I shall be far away from what you call my home. As accident brought us together, so must it part us. Blame me not, it is the undying love that an honest woman's heart holds for the man she loves. I throw away all the comforts of my home, I leave my child, I go out into the world, I know not where, simply because my station in life made you unhappy ; and my love cries out that sooner than make you unhappy, it would sacrifice my life, my child, my home and I thought it best to give you freedom from a wife, who, by your own words spoken to me whom you had married beneath you, and for which society gave you reprimand for her acts. Good bye, good bye, my first and only love. I do not take my child because I know that I could not give her the com- forts that she has here, and it almost breaks my heart to part from her, but, Oh, my husband, I love my darling little child, but oh, I love you more, and I make this sacrifice for the love that I hold in 144 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR my heart for you. I have only one request to make of you, do not tell my little darling of her mother's actions but when you name her with baptism, I ask her to name her for my sake, Lillian. This is my only and last request. My love cries out with its prayers for your happiness, and let me beg of you, do not blame the woman for this act, but blame her love for her husband, who shall always pray that he may be happier without his poor wife. Good bye, darling, Lillian Mansfield. And out into the streets of that city entered the woman whose honor, and whose love and whose sacrifice has never been equalled in the world. Cen- sure her if you will, my readers, call her what you choose, a weak-minded woman, if you please, say that she should have been more reasonable, say that she should have still lived by the side of her child, aye ! you do not know, "It is no disgrace, you have heard it stated, to be poor, but to be independ- ent is one of the glories of mankind, whereby he can soar above the ash piles of this world and look down with pity upon those who have no minds, no resolutions nor no fortitude of their own." So into that noble woman's mind and heart there was that independency that once a resolution was made it would be carried into effect, no matter what the consequences might be. Going out into the world, she knew not where, but anywhere was better than being a stigma to the happiness of the man whom she loved with all her heart. So blame her not ! It is her love, For him the sacrifice is made; It is her honor, and her name, 'Tis woman's heart upon us laid. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 145 CHAPTER FOURTEEN. "Farewell, sweet home!" All splendor was there, And life's many wants were supplied; But gone was the love I needed most dear, And longed for naught else beside. Out in the world, I cast my lone heart, Broken and sad, in young life ; Thou knowest not the pain it gives me to part. Alas ! I'm a rich man's "poor wife." EARLY on the following morning did Leland Mansfield awake, and the first thought that came into his mind was one of repentance and remorse, a feeling repugnant for his unkind acts towards his wife the evening before, and the re- morse it brought him as he remembered what he had done. But as soon as she arose, he would go to her, and fall in penitence before her and ask her forgiveness, for he knew she loved him, and loved him for himself alone, and to think that he became so weak as to forget himself towards such a grand woman was a thing most repulsive to his nature, and his noble manhood, and when the breakfast bell rang out upon his ear, how quickly did he leap from his couch with that willingness of going to meet his darling, and he knew when he told her all that she would forgive him. What cared he for so- ciety's demand, what cared he for friends' criti- cisms? She was his wife, and he loved none other but her and his every thought made him feel most miserable when he fully realized what he had done, but he would meet her and throw his arms around her, and impress a loving kiss upon her lips, and promise her it should never occur again, and pass- 146 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR ing down the stairway with a quick step, and a smile upon his face, expecting to greet her as usual with a morning kiss. When he walked into the large dining room, whose table was adorned with the most beautiful flowers, and not seeing his wife, and looking at the maid with a surprised look, that she at once ex- pected him to reprimand her for something, but, Oh, how that moment sent anxious thoughts through his mind, when he wondered where was his wife, where was the woman, who only a few hours ago he had inflicted a most ungentlemanly and inhuman insult? She was not there, and how the thought flashed across his mind when he remembered the words, "as accident has brought us together, so shall it part us," and nerving himself the best he could so as to not show the least insinuation to the maid and porter, that anything had happened be- tween them, ordered her to go to her mistress' room and see if she had arisen, and as he waited for her return he suffered under the weight of that sus- pense that almost tears the heart from the bosom and throws it bleeding to the world. Just then the maid entered all excited and out of breath, for not finding her mistress in her room, had searched the house and inquired from the rest of the servants, only to find the porter, stating that Mrs. Mansfield had passed out of the house a little after one o'clock, and he, supposing it to be on an errand of mercy, as it was a very common thing for her to take her carriage at midnight, and attend to the wants of the suffering, and the sick and the poor, and amidst all her excitement she hardly knew what to tell Lieut. Mansfield of what had happened, but grasping tightly a note that she held in her hand, stood like a statue before him. "Well," he cried, excitedly, "Why don't you speak? THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 147 Is your mistress in her room?" The girl, trembling said, "No, sir." "What!" cried Lieut. Mansfield, "Where is she then?" "Indeed, sir," she said, as the tears rolled down her cheeks as much for sympathy as excitement, "I do not know sir. I found the dress that she wore last evening, sir, laying on the floor, and upon the table was this note, sir, addressed to you," and her hands shook as she handed it to him, while Leland Mans- field's face was at once o'ershadowed with a most anxious look, and his hands trembled, as he un- folded the paper, and began to read the last words that his wife ever penned, and as he read his whole frame began to tremble, and his face grew red, and grasping the letter tightly in his hands, fell back upon the window sill crying, "My God! she has gone and left me !" and gave way completely, while the maid, calling for help, carried him, looking like a dead man, to his room, and as they laid him down he opened his eyes, and they could just barely dis- cern his words, as he cried with broken heart, "Gone ! Gone ! my darling wife has left me ! Bring me my child," he said, and when he pressed it to his breast, crying "My darling, my darling, your mother has left us forever, and it was I who drove her from her home. I am to blame!" and then fainted away, overcome by the great trial he was enduring, and there he lay as though life itself had left the wounded and penitent body of that man, whose heart would have sacrificed his life for the woman he loved, and for nearly six days broken-hearted and praying to die, while the best physicians were putting their skill to test in trying to bring him to consciousness. The house was immediately closed, as though a fu- neral was about to be held in it, and the servants were ordered to admit no one. So was it a funeral, but 148 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR alas ! a living one, for while we oft times weep for the dead as they lie before us, yet when we have driven out of our lives the sweet and hallowing bliss that a kind and loving woman gives to us, and we by some gross act or harsh word drive her from us, it makes indeed a funeral pall, where the toll of the bell as our sorrow marches to its grave, sounds the keynote of our broken hearts, the separation of two loving hearts and one going out in the world, knowing not where it would go. But where was Leland Mansfield's wife? As the town clock struck out its hour of one, she stepped from the door of that mansion, an outcast for the love of a man, and how quickly did her thoughts run back to the evening before, when a poor young woman stepped to her door asking assistance from her hand, and how much sympathy went out towards her as she gave her a wrapper and handing her a card re- quested her to call the next day, when she would have time to look into her other needs. But how little did she think then that within twenty-four hours from the time that she looked into the face of that poor young woman, that she herself would be out in the world just like her; knowing not where to go, or what to do, no home, no friends. Alas, all was gone. A loving husband turned his love, not exactly into scorn, but rejection, and lays over her sad heart and life the awful position of being in the way. Forced to leave her own child simply because her present poverty and outcast situation foretold her the sufferings she would THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 149 be forced to bear and the sacrifice that she was mak- ing, knew that her little darling would fare better at her home than with her out in the cold world with not a place to lay its little head, and perhaps without food or shelter to offer it ; but out she goes with that wom- anly independence, with a mother and wife's love, willing to sacrifice all for the man whom she called her husband. What will not woman do for man? It was not in Mrs. Lillian Mansfield's soul a resentment that caused her to leave her home, it was truly the sacred love that she bore for her husband, and so great was that love in that woman's heart that she could have even sacrificed more, only to know that he was being made happy, and that not one shadow of discontent would be shown in his life. It was that womanly, firm, tried and true affection which, when once cen- tred upon the object that it idolized, grew into that reigning power that was just as pure and sacred as the sunlight from the heavens. What a glorious piece of creation is man ! How God made this great world for his existence and gave him work for his sufferings and then presented him with woman, lovely woman, which God in His all- wise wisdom saw that we needed a something to love and cherish in our lives far ' above the animal and vegetable nature, and gave us that being called "woman" of which, as the word is pronounced, men kneel in obedience to God's command to love, cherish, support, protect and bless her all her life, Grand, noble woman, who can nerve us for any action, encourage us under any affliction, guard us by her virtue and be- comes the earthly star of our Bethlehem, that rose for our good, and scattered its light around and over us, and at the same time shielding us by her delicate touch and refining accents, making us better for the other world, from whose bourne no traveller returns. ISO ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Out in the world goes Mrs. Leland Mansfield, an outcast, if you please, by her own acts and desires, and as we sit at evening tide and think over the happen- ings of these two lives we express in wonderment, "Behold what a day brings forth." So did it impress that dear woman's mind, and nerve her for whatever might be set apart for her in the future, but with that resolute and most demanding love, she takes the world as her shelter, and the earth for her pillow. When she left the house on that fearful and awful night of sacrifice, she walked along, not knowing, neither caring where she was going, when just as she reached the outskirts of the city, a poor woman, who seemed to be suffering very much from fatigue and hunger, ran upon her, and begging her pardon, asked the way into a certain street in the city, and as she was instructing her, she was almost staggeringly amazed to find that it was the poor girl who had been to her the day before, asking for help and assistance, and she recognized at once her own old wrapper that she had given her, and her sympathy went out so strong for her, that she became engrossed in the thought of how she was not able, even if she called at her house the next day, to bless her as she had prom- ised, and gave one of those heart-rending sighs which could have been heard several feet away, for how heavily the thought presented itself to her that she was now, perhaps, the worst sufferer of the two, and taking her cape and throwing it over her head, gave way to that heartrending grief, which only those who have suffered thus could know its depth. But her better judgment told her that if she en- gaged in conversation with her, the woman might recognize her, and she passed on. It was only a few minutes after she left her, that she heard the screams of a woman down by the car track and looking back, could behold by the light of THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 151 the engine that the cars had passed over her and torn her to pieces. People began to gather from every quarter, and she rushed farther away from the scene, for fear someone might be there who would recog- nize her. And poor woman, poor mother, out in the world alone, going she knew not where, knew not that a similar fate awaited her, for she had not gone more than a mile when just at the crossing of one of the country roads, a large team came rushing along, running away, and she becoming so unnerved and excited in trying to get out of the way of it, slipped and fell, while one of the largest wheels passed over her. The driver running up, alarmed and scared out of his senses when he saw her lying there, rushed to a country house that stood right near the *road, called for assistance, and was soon accompanied by an old man and woman, to the scene, and there, just as the day was breaking and the light from the east was just beginning to show on that sandy road, lay the wife of Leland Mansfield insensible, with her face demol- ished and twisted so that she would not have been recognized even by her best friends. By direction of the dear old man, whose tottering steps seemed weak and forlorn, and the earnest re- quest of his dear old wife, who was by his side, the driver took her lifeless form and bore her in their house, and laid her bleeding and mangled form upon the bed, then hastened out by direction for a doctor close by, while the two dear old people stood by the side of Lillian Mansfield, and you could see their whole sympathy was awakened in the poor, unfortu- nate woman, because it brought back to them the scene when their own daughter, their only child, had been brought into their home a corpse. John Waldo and his good wife had been married long years ago, and only having one child, a daughter, 152 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR to bless them, when on an excursion of pleasure, acci- dent had taken her from them, and they had long ago buried themselves under their great loss and affliction. As this young woman lay before them, so did they picture in their minds that perhaps she might live and they could adopt her as a second daughter to bless them in their old age. "Don't you think she is breathing a little, John?" said the dear old lady to her husband as they stood over the young woman. "I do believe my soul, mother," said he/'that she is not quite gone yet, but here is the doctor. He will tell us," and turning to greet the doctor, said, "Now, my boy, if you ever put to test your skill I want you to do it now. This may be some poor, lone woman in the world, an outcast from her own home, but as you know, John Waldo never lets anybody suffer, and if necessary call in any assistance, and as much as you want, to try and save the poor child, and John Waldo pays the bill." The doctor gave him assurance that the young lady was not dead, but very much hurt indeed, and he be- gan with water and towels, which dear old Mrs. Waldo had prepared, and began to bathe off the blood that covered her face, while Mrs. Waldo had has- tened her maid to the store to bring new clothing and whatever else was needed. The doctor, after careful examination, when he could see her wounds, said, "It is a very bad case in- deed, Mr. Waldo. She is hurt more than I expected to find. Her head is crushed, and one eye is nearly out." "Poor girl," said Mrs. Waldo, "I wonder who she is." "By her dress," said the doctor, "she has been a woman of great means, her flesh is as soft as a child's." THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 153 "Wonder what she could be doing out so early in the morning," said Mrs. Waldo. "Oh, well, now, mother," said her husband, "we won't bother about these things now. Let us get her well, and perhaps she will be able to tell us all about it. While the doctor will do his best in human work, let us pray, mother, that the good Lord may let her live and get well, for if she has no home, you know, we will be glad to take her in," and as he spoke the dear old woman laid her cheek upon his shoulder, and putting her arm around his neck, with both eyes closed, they stood for a few silent moments in earnest prayer. More than three days had passed since Leland Mansfield's wife left her home, and it was pretty well known all around the community, and society gossips were at a puzzle to know why it was, for her husband was still buried in sorrow and pain, with the Winthrops and his other friends giving him all the solace they could. And so quick acting and plainly shown on the part of Alice Wirithrop, with no excuse for her love, yet with her fervency, when that man lay in his greatest sorrow, mourning for his lost love, even her thoughts as she looked upon him, cried out, backed by the cold-spirited jealousy in her heart that "once more fate seemed to have opened up the way to gain the man she loved." But where was Leland Mansfield's wife? That was what they wanted to know, and that was what everybody wanted to know. How singular it was, when so fine a woman, with everything in the world that she could desire, should take such a step. Let me leave you, my readers, with the won- dering people, awaiting the future to unfold, and only to look at the present as we see it, forgetting 154 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR the past, and only remembering it as lesson to us for our future lives. The papers read with the fearful description of the death of Mrs. Mansfield, giving her praise and wonderful credit for the good that she was doing amongst the poor. The paragraph read as follows : A FEARFUL ACCIDENT: The Death of Lieut. Leland Mansfield's Wife. A fearful accident occurred on Thursday night last, and one which this city has had nothing to startle it more for years. Mrs. Lillian Mansfield, wife of Lieut. Leland Mansfield, in going out after midnight in her charities of relieving the sick and blessing the poor, was run over and killed at the north grade cross- ing of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Barrs' Station. Her body was completely torn to pieces, the whole train seeming to have passed over it, and was fully identified as Mrs. Mansfield by the clothing and a card in the pocket. Fragments of the body were found and placed in charge of an undertaker. The com- munity at large extends to Lieut. Mansfield its deep- est sympathy and condolence in his bereavement, and today the flasrs will fly at half mast on all the gov- ernment buildings in respect to Lieut. Mansfield, as the Navy desires in this way to show their deepest sympathy. When it was positively felt that there could be no mistake about the remains of Mrs. Mansfield, the saddest mourning ensued, and to call Leland Mans- field a broken-hearted man, would not half describe his sufferings both in mind and heart, and suffered de- liriously to that extent that the three physicians who THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 155 were attending him, saw that if something was not done, that he would soon lose his mind, and gave him attention both day and night. On the following Sunday afternoon, after the fear- ful accident of Thursday night, one of the most im- pressive funerals that ever was held in Baltimore city, was that of Mrs. Mansfield, and borne to the ceme- tery as her, and buried with the most sacred ser- vice, and thus, silence taking its role in the great world we live in, passing on to what our fast lives encourage us to do, living on, and forgetting the sorrows and the misfortunes of the past. But, alas, it was not Leland Mansfield's wife, for while they were holding requiem over the remains of that poor woman, who had been clothed from the Mansfield's home, so over the lovely body of Leland Mansfield's wife, was John Waldo and his dear old companion kneeling by her bed, praying God to spare her life v for their sakes and their blessing. Aye ! you human people who take accident and roll it into the powers of imagination, you become ofttimes mistaken in many of your thoughts, and many times bury the living, when they still exist. You oft times foretell the wrong sorrows and sing the wrong song, you depict evil while you slow the good, but, Alas, it is so human, it is so natural to break non-know- ing laws, as we live in our ignorance. But picture accidents as you will, and tell your straight stories of life's happenings, you will oft times lose yourself in the great annals of your creation and die in mis- takes. So do we without a moment, in haste, in speed, of which mankind rushing on to live and exist, so do we bury one body for another, and sing our requiem over them with as much devoted spirit, but, Alas ! we do not know what each day bringeth forth. But sing on, the future will develop and bring back to 156 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR you and yours every act of which you have engaged in, unfold the great mystery for which we are buried in the deepest suspense, the dead may come to life and speak for themselves. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 157 CHAPTER FIFTEEN. How queer life is! Today we mourn, Tomorrow we laugh, and pass it by; And as we count the seed that's sown, We reap our harvest with a sigh. So my life, "How poor a life," Seems almost wrecked by dain despair; And as I view its portals through, Find all disappointment there. THE veil of sorrow had at last begun to rise once more, the darkened shades that had been hover- ing over the Mansfield home were just now be- ginning to show forth a delicate tint from which, each day, was fast developing into a light blue sky. Nearly six months had now passed, and Leland Mansfield's house had been again allowed to have its windows thrown open and the fresh, pure air to pene- trate through it, and during this whole period, we would not name any injustice when we write that it had truly been "a house of mourning indeed." That Leland Mansfield was indeed a wounded man, would not half picture the dark shadow of which he wore upon his brow, and more devotedly did he realize every day how much he loved his wife, and as he viewed and looked back on the many scenes so closely attached to him it would be the more regret for his own words and actions; and many times he would give way to very serious thoughts regarding same, and would ask the question of, Why did she leave him? Why did she desert him and her child? for if he had wounded her, she could have told him of it, and he would have been most repentant indeed. 158 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR but to leave her own darling child was such a mys- tery to him that how it was possible for her to sepa- rate herself from her own darling little girl, was in- deed such a mystery to him that he would oft times as he thought over and over upon it, that it weighed so heavily upon him that he sometimes felt just a little resentment, as it was such a queer thing for her to do, but when his true feeling, in his honest heart was put to test, he would censure himself, and with his hon- est heart forgave her, for he could not see any other reason, but what it was a most absolute sacrifice, on her part, for the love she held in her bosom for him, but yet even she (ran his thoughts) sacrificed her- self, her child, her life for what? because his words towards her caused her to think that she was be- neath him ; and for which her love, her strong, hon- est true affection for him and him alone, drove her out into the world and for him she even suffered death. And for fifteen months, or nearly two years, perhaps, did the weight of sorrow ever press upon him, and then gradually, as it was most natural, it began to wear away little by little, and while he never forgot at any time the affection truly instilled into his bosom, yet he arrived at that stage in life when "Life's pleasures come and go, as well as its sorrows," and when the day of sorrowing night is ended, and the mourning is passed, then the birds begin to sing again, and the grass begins to look green, and the trees wave their beautiful leaves, by the passing breeze, then begins that change in hu- man life, that attends to while us on toward that great end of which no "man can name what the result will be. And so life was opening up gradually each day, that as the dead could be no more on this earth, so do we grasp on to the future and do our best in overcoming our trouble and sorrow and branch out to many things THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 159 that while no forgetfulness nor disrespect, yet permit them to take hold on us, as we sail along with the fair wind of hope, and we follow our course, not knowing where we will end. So it was with Leland Mansfield. He had suffered and suffered much, and as he viewed his life through, he had only one reflection to cast upon it, and that was the wounding of one woman's heart, but that he was most penitent and had done all the good that he could to show the respect of same, yet the past must go with all its accident, and all its sorrows, and all its afflictions, and the future will come with all its beauty and with all its pleasures. A little over three years had now elapsed since Leland Mansfield had paid the last respect to what he thought was his wife's remains, for he had care- fully gone over the whole three years, and with his loving little girl by his side, drifted along with the world, and so naturally becoming more and more interested in the greater achievements and business life, and this gave rather a new introduction into society's door again. The Winthrops, as it seemed, being the nearest friends, had been to all outward show the greatest mourners in respect for him, and all through his great sufferings, sick or well, they had been by his side, giving him both consolation and sympathy, and particularly Miss Alice, for as we looked at her on the day of the funeral, we really thought the woman had some sincerity in her, but now it seems to be all passed and new life and new hope have awakened in her soul, and her affections become more demanding for Leland Mansfield's love than they ever had. Even fate had followed her every wish and given her love an open channel again to advance and con- quer. Not only did she act prematurely as it were, 160 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR unforeseen, but forcing herself to every act, and that act so governed by her smartness she many times, even under the veil of sorrow, kept back the many thoughts that would pass through her mind, and even make her shudder to think that she was so un- grateful, and so deceitful both to the living and the dead; but she loved him still, and she could not help it, and while Leland Mansfield had not given even the slightest thought about a second marriage, yet it was not such a delicate matter, for even his closest gentlemen friends had so advised him, for, having every comfort in the world that man could desire, and his little child, who was one of the most beautiful little girls in the community, being reared and tutored under the direction of a governess, gave him very serious thoughts indeed. He loved his child as he had honestly and devotedly loved his wife, and nothing was left undone to make her little mind the happiest child in the world. But when one of his closest friends presented a homelike picture to him, of his home and his mar- ried life, going out in the morning with no one to bid him good-bye, and no one to receive him upon his return home, and they impressed upon him the future raising of his child, needed some part of a motherly affection to guide it, and the frequent oc- currence of changing housekeepers and servants and household duties that devolved upon him, he rather made up his mind that he would marry the second time, for as any true man desires (and so natural to his creation is it so) the sweet conso- lation of a finer voice and a more delicate hand to rule and govern his home, for he viewed back the first part of his married life, and censured himself for robbing the happiness, he endured by making demands or expectations, desired upon his grand and noble wife, toward accomplishments THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 161 that society might recognize it, but her good sense, which he had never failed to remember, as it was impressed upon him him, when she stated her good reasons for not making too hasty ad- vances, to receive notice and he was fully convinced that she was right in all her statements, and was sav- ing him from perhaps criticism and disgrace. Thus being placed again, as it semed, adrift in the wel- comes of society and its surroundings, he resolved that he would change his life and perhaps marry again, and while all this was going on, it was not all unnoticed by Miss Alice Winthrop, and she took ad- vantage of every opportunity to interest and enter- tain him, and most particularly with an off-hand ap- preciation many times publicly expressed towards his little girl, and this rather encouraged him on to act more quickly than he at first anticipated, and it was only a fortnight afterwards when Mrs. Winthrop and Miss Alice called one evening at the Mansfield home to see the little child, and they were agreeably surprisd to find that Lieut. Mansfield had arrived home earlier than usual. "It is an unexpected pleasure, Lieut. Mansfield," said Mrs. Winthrop, "to find you at home so early." "Yes," he said, "it is an unexpected hour for me to be at home, but I felt the day very opporessive in- deed, and came home for comfort." "Which is quite natural, Mr. Mansfield," said Alice, with a meaning gesture, "for where else can we find more comfort than at home," and she meant to imply more than her words spoke. "Yes, that is so, Miss Alice," he said, "especially when you have such good friends to call on you in your lonely hours." "Lonely hours," said Mrs. Winthrop, "why the man of wealth and pleasure that you are, to make the hours lonely ! It is a thing, Lieut. Mansfield, that should be 162 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR of the past. You have suffered and have stood up under your sufferings with manly courage, and now as life has passed with its dark shadows, let me be- hoove you, as an old friend of your family, to look for- ward to a great deal of pleasure yet in store for you. It is true we have our sorrows, and we must bear them, but there is no natural nor human law that would compel us forever, to live under them." "It is very true, Mrs. Winthrop," said he mourn- fully, and with that dolefulness that Miss Alice at once noticed and gave her mother such a look with a request to bring such talk to a close, for she was not there to raise the dead, but to gain the living. "There is too much happiness in this life," said Miss Alice, "for us to bury ourselves, Mr. Mansfield, and each day encourages us to try to be happy amidst all circumstances." "Yes," said he, "Miss Alice, I agree with you, yes I perfectly agree," (but you could see as he spoke that his mind was wandering on other thoughts most impressive) "but then there are re- membrances that we cannot throw off, there are chidings that hover around us each moment, each day that co-mingle with our every word and act, and the dark cloud seems to be at a standstill." "Throw away the dust, throw away the mist," said Miss Alice, "look through the dark cloud into the bright west, where the sunlight is giving full power to its beauties, and as it falls beneath the western hill and hides itself at the ending of an- other day, let us with it, remembering the bright- ness of the day, bury the dark clouds, just as it hides itself," and giving one of those free, womanly laughs which caused a smile on the face of Leland Mansfield, excused themselves and bade him "good evening." Leland Mansfield was alone and had thrown him- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 163 self upon his couch, lighted a cigar, and while the smoke curled over his head, so was his mind pon- dering what he should do. He fully realized that he should have a wife, not only for his own comfort and pleasure, but for the blessing of his little child, that some accident or misfortune would cross his path and perhaps cause him more sorrow. So deeply interested was he that nearly an hour passed, his cigar which had gone out was held care- lessly in his hand, and his eyes set, which showed the deepest thoughts ; then leaping up from the couch and casting his cigar away, we hear him ex- claim, "Yes, it is best, I will marry again. I have means, I have home, I have business, I have every- thing that man could wish for, except someone to love," and he resolved that evening that if he could win Alice Winthrop, after all the experiences that he had passed through, and which she knew the most of, he would consider very favorably of mak- ing a proposal at some early date ; but then followed the second thought which gave him great uneasi- ness, and we hear him alone in that still night as he is viewing every act with judgment and careful consideration. "What, Leland Mansfield, ask your- self the plain question, is it right that while you are sorrowing for the dead still to be happy among the living? and that with another woman," for his honest heart foretold him that he could never love any woman, as he did Lillian Marston. "But," he said, "perhaps it is best for the sake of my darling little child, whom I love with all my heart." 164 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR For nearly six months had Leland Mansfield's wife lain in the grand old home of the Waldos, only being permitted in most of that time to sit up in bed a short time, on each day, then to lie back and wear the long night through in suffering and pain; while John Waldo and his grand wife who, with their full English, generous spirit, and with ample means to do whatever they wished, watched over the dear young woman, day and night, assisted by two special nurses, whom they had secured, and nothing was ever left undone or needed. It was one of those bright, wintry days that as they sat her up in bed, where she could best look out of the window and see the floating wheat in the fields as it waved its head and stalk with the pass- ing breeze, and the beautiful large bed of flowers that was just outside of the window, while inside just over towards the east side of the room stood a large orange bush with oranges growing on it, and on the old English bureau set a beautiful vase of white lilies; and when Mrs. Mansfield saw these things, how her heart in gratitude went out to these good people, and thinking perhaps that she would soon get well and go out into the world, she knew not where, to earn a living the best she could, and pay back to these kind people every cent that they had spent for her; but each day and each night there was a silent whisper on her lips which no one could ever seem to understand. It was the last thing at night, and, if she awoke through the night, she would seem to lose herself in that same thought, and the first thing in the morning. They could just catch the sound of the little word "My, ' but they could never seem to understand or hear the balance of the sentence, neither did she ever mean for them to hear it, but it was the thought of the separation from her darling little girl that had been THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 165 almost more suffering to her than her accident, and it was on this very morning that they had propped her up in bed and her gratitude being expressed to these kind people, we hear her expressing to her- self, "Oh, God ! how I thank Thee with my whole heart for my deliverance from accident into the home of these dear people, let me get well, Oh, Heavenly Father," she said, "make me strong so. that I can go out in the world, earn my living and try to pay them back some part for their trouble and expense they have been to, for me," but she did not notice that dear old Mrs. Waldo had stolen softly into the room and was sitting in the chair at the head of the bed, which headboard rather ex- cluded her. "What is that, my darling girl, you are saying?" said Mrs. Waldo. "Aye ! my dear girl, John Waldo and his wife have something to say about you going out to earn your living, and you must never, my darling child, you must never give it thought that you owe us anything; even in your sad sickness, caused by your accident, you have been a blessing to us. Your presence, my child, makes us very happy indeed, and we believe the heavenly Father is going to answer our earnest prayer in your be- half." Lillian was very much surprised to know that anyone was in the room, as she thought herself alone, and her eyes filled with tears, for she feared that she might have said something that would wound Mrs. Waldo. "Pardon me, Mrs. Waldo," she said, "I do not mean to be ungrateful to you. I assure you I would not wound you for anything in the world ; I only know that through accident I was brought into your home, and I know how kind you have been to be, and everything and anything has been obtained for me, and it was just that grati- 166 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR tude for these things that I was expressing from the bottom of my heart, and as soon as I am able I will go out into the world, and I assure you the whole of my life shall be spent in trying to show to you that I remember each and every thing that you have done for me." "Stop it, my girl," she said, in her broad, English, "I would like to see you go from here. John Waldo, the grandest man that ever lived, his big heart has something to say about that, and my dear child, I don't want to discourage you, but it will be many a day yet before you are able to go out." Lillian looked at her with that grateful look and said, "Bless your dear heart, and your dear hus- band, but tell me, Mrs. Waldo, how did you find me out, and how came I in your house?" "Ah, never mind that, my darling, you are here, and here you are going to stay, for we love you so much already, we cannot part with you," (and as the tears rolled down her dear old cheeks, she said) "I will tell you why we want you to stay, to become our child and bless us in our old age. We had a daughter once, who was one of the best and most loving children that ever was on earth ; she married well to what we thought a good man, but alas, in a few years his love grew cold, and she in trying to reach her old father and mother's home was thrown from her carriage, and brought into that door by strange arms, and laid in my lap, dead," and as the dear lady spoke she gave vent to that most heart grief emotion that showed plainly that the sorrow was still heavy upon her heart. "Was not her husband kind to her? Did he not love her," said Lillian, and as she asked the ques- tion, how sadly she felt, as it seemed to be a dupli- cate of her own life. "Yes, my dear, I believe he loved, yes, I am quite THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 167 sure he did, but we were quite poor when she mar- ried, and her husband was not only a man of large means, but a great club and society man, but he broke her heart by telling her that he had married beneath him, and that she made him very unhappy indeed." At these words, Lillian gave way, and fell back upon the pillow, trying her best to stifle her sobs, but the suffering that the words of Mrs. Waldo brought her life so plainly before her, that she could not stand the strain, and falling back upon the pil- low, fainted, while Mrs. Waldo, half frightened to death, rang quickly for the nurse and servants, and when, after rubbing her head and her hands with liquids, and restoratives were applied, she opened her eyes and said, "Pardon me, dear friends, I am sorry to give you so much trouble. I guess I was sitting up too long; that made me so weak," and she hoped by saying this that Mrs. Waldo had seen nothing in her that would unfold any of her history. "Do you feel better, my darling?" said Mr. Waldo, who had heard the commotion and came rushing in and kissing Lillian's forehead, and tak- ing hold of her hand with that old fatherly recep- tion. "Yes," she said, "I am better now, thank you, Mr. Waldo," but she still sighed heavily, and she looked very badly indeed. "You must be very care- ful, little darling, don't overtax yourself, and any- thing you want, these two nurses and servants are here to wait on you, you must try and remember, my dear child, that mother and I have asked the good Lord to make you well, and we believe that He is going to do it." "I do hope so, Mr. Waldo," said Lillian, "and Oh, I shall never be able to pay you people for what 168 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR you have done for me, for I have been so much trouble to you that I, " And Mr. Waldo at once taking her hand, and say- ing, "Stop it, my child, stop it. You have been an angel sent to poor old John Waldo, and his good wife, and we will answer for the trouble, and you must soon get well, for I have just purchased one of the best houses in Washington, in one of the best neighborhoods, and just as soon as you are able we are going to move to the city to spend the bal- ance of our lives. Mother and I are getting old, and while we have seen many pleasant days on our farm, yet we thought it best to get out of the coun- try, and we settled on Washington. So now, little one, you get strong and get well, and you shall see some of the greatest sights of this world, though I never saw much of them myself," and he laughed one of those old-time cheering laughs that Lillian could not help enjoying, for she saw in his face the proofs so true of every word he had spoken, and knew that he meant it. "But," said Lillian, "what happiness or what work, or what can I do for you to show my grati- tude for all these nice, kind offers, even if I do not accept them? and why should you take such inter- est in me when you do not know anything about me?" "Stop it, stop it, my girl. Stop it right away," said Mr. Waldo. "You must not talk any more now. When you get stronger, you may talk all you wish, and tell us all about yourself, but you listen to John Waldo and his good wife, and all will be well with you." Aye! as the thought of that all would be well with her, she wondered if it ever could be, and as for telling them about herself, that could never be, though she did not want to show any ingratitude THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 169 towards them in the least, and she had determined to bury herself from the world, though as her thought and her heart oft times cried out, she did not think that she could bear the separation from her child much longer, but she even wished to for- get herself, she did not even wish to remember that she was ever Leland Mansfild's wife, but she must be lost to the world and to everything, until for- tune should in some way open up a path whereby she would be independent, then she would search the world over, find her child, and gain it at any cost, but she could never tell to anyone until that time came, who and what she was. Thus she laid back upon her pillow, completely overtaxed, and was soon lost in pleasant dreams of her old home. Lillian Mansfield, the wife of Leland Mansfield, in the hands of charity, yet still is living. i;o ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR CHAPTER SIXTEEN. How sad the disappointments are In Life! Our future all seems moulded, 'Midst strife; Our days are dark, weak and forlorn, We feel the weight of sorrow borne In our poor hearts, how sad, alone, Poor wife ! ********* While others seem to pass it by, Living only to be happy. TWO weeks had now elapsed since Leland Mansfield had made up his mind to take an- other wife. He had viewed the matter well, and talked with some of his most confidential friends, and they had advised him that it would be best But while he had resolved, he had not in any man- ner shown the least disposition towards acting. There was one plain truth within his soul, and his heart that was ever forcing him to acknowledge, and that was "that he never could love any other woman as he had loved Lillian Marston." While he admitted that there was more than a friendly feeling now for Alice Winthrop, yet it was nothing to compare with the affection expressed at the mountain peak at Pen Mar. He would consider the matter in the two ways of which reason would forestall his thoughts and give his best judgment thereafter, and so sensitive would he truly feel that he had married Lillian Marston, purely for love and love alone, that he could not love in his second mar- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 171 riage as he had in the first, and he was free to ac- knowledge, that it was only the forcing circum- stances that his life had portrayed, and seemed to call for just certain things to fill in the page of hap- piness and comfort, and that would perhaps make him and his child much happier. And while he carefully weighed the future before him, yet the past clung still to him, and beneath the weight of his sorrowing heart of which at times even now he could not fully control, there would come across his thought the woman who had truly wrecked her life for him, and under no circum- stances, no matter to what woman that he should offer his hand in marriage would he ever forget it, for Lillian Marston's affection would follow him to the grave. Yet he must make a change, and marriage seemed to be the thing for him to do, because the thought of his little child, who looked the very image of its mother, being guided daily by an uninteresting hand and fondled by servants. Yes, said he, it is best; perhaps it is best. It was a dark, rainy evening when he stepped out of his house with the intention of a stroll down to the Winthrop's home, and there he would look into the face of Alice Winthrop and put to test all the power he could control within him, and ask himself then and there, if she was the woman to brighten his life, bless and care for his child, and make them happy, so that if he received from the true unction of his soul the right of acceptance of which he hoped for, he would soon after arrange his proposal for her hand. But alas ! the frailty of human nature is such that we know not even ourselves a few hours ahead. We plan and devise what we think we will do, yet when we sit at evening tide, and going back over 172 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR the paths of our life, that have passed through the day and we find ourselves freely admitting many changes. So it was with Leland Mansfield, for as he sat in that handsome parlor, and looked into the face of that girl before him, while he did not feel the true ecstacy that thrilled his soul in past days, yet there was something most beautiful in her that evening. Then she seemed to have the tact and the intellect and the judgment to so expose it, to be always bear- ing some part of his great sorrow; as her tears would flow freely as she talked with him, and her nerves would seem to shake and her whole body tremble when the past experiences of his life were referred to. Yet there was something also, in the woman that seemed, not exactly a demanding or a commanding, nor did it border on solicitation, but there was something that completely took control of him for the time being, and seemed to sway him on to fu- ture action with great promises for great happi- ness. "Yes," said Miss Winthrop, "life is sometimes very hard to bear and live up under, but tell me who is free from bearing a part of it? We are hu- man, and it seems the inevitable law of mankind set apart for us that we cannot get out of bearing our part," and as she spoke, it was with that melancholy tone that was fast riveting itself upon Leland Mans- field's mind. She knew her channel and intended to sail her bark on the direct course that would cross the equator of his affections, and make sure the safe landing in harbor the full cargo of his love and admiration, and she noticed that Mr. Mansfield seemed to be lost in the most sacred thoughts. "Why, Mr. Mansfield, what are you thinking about? I don't think I have ever seen you look, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 173 as being embodied in deeper thought than I have been talking about. I wish I was allowed to know what they were?" Then as he raised himself with a manliness that belonged to men of his rank, said, looking her in- tently into the face, "Then you shall know, and I will tell you frankly. They were of you." Alice Winthrop gave a somewhat blush, then waiting patiently for him to finish his sentence, for she felt her face burning her very much, and she was satisfied that he meant to speak to her of what she had prayed for all her life. "Now," said Leland, "I want you to be patient and serious with me, for I must admit that I have arrived at that position in life that I must make a change of my way of living." "We have known each other all our lives, and our families, a great deal of the time, have lived almost together, and in our two lives we sealed the bond of friendship forever, and you will pardon me, when I view my life and look at it, as a dark page indeed, most of its history you know, too well, and peer into my nature of which I hope I have, of free will and a reasonable disposition, demands the company of which every man hopes and prays for. Through all my misfortunes, I find myself just back where I was before, alone, and without the cherished de- sire of some one to bless my life, though I am blessed with every thing that life could wish for, and yet I am not happy. I have a dear child who is so like her darling mother whom I loved with all my heart, and when I take her little life into con- sideration, I am forced to do what I would not do under other circumstances, that is to marry again. Miss Alice," he said, "or let me call you Alice, and I want you to look me steadfastly in my face, for I want to be honest and frank with you. You know 174 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR that my trials have been such with their experi- ences that I cannot give full sway to what I could before, but if your triendship was what you have professed it to be and has moulded into affection, say that you will be my wife, and we will bless the youthful days by becoming as one and enjoy it to- gether, and now to reap its happiness by what we learned of each other in those times. "You will believe me truly that I think of you now, even more than a friend, and I love you very much, but, and God help me to speak these words," he said, "for they are from the bottom of my heart, but I do not nor never can, love you nor any other woman, as I did my darling, deceased, first wife, Lillian Marston, whom I drove out in the world by my harsh words and caused her to sacri- fice her life for me ; but I offer you my hand and ask you to be my wife, to help me modify life's misfortunes as they press hard upon me, and make me and my child happy. Will you give me your answer or not?" Alice Winthrop was at sea, her mind was whirl- ing with that thought of revenge, and her heart resenting even the supposedly dead woman who lay in her grave, and when she fully realized that he still loved the dead better than he could love any one living, it awoke up in her more determina- tion and gave her some satisfaction that she had won him at last. While his words, when he spoke of his first wife, were rooting into her heart, but she knew now she was dead, and fate had so de- creed, for her to act, and she would try to make him love the living, and forget the dead, after she had once become his wife. And looking him fully in the face, with that boldness that her own nature could portray, though when she began to speak, it was with that modesty that her deceit had forestalled, as THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 175 she could melt and thaw, or freeze and grow cold in a moment, said, "Mr. Mansfield, this is so unexpected, I would not give you a hasty answer, because I think at our stage of life, we should both consider it very carefully indeed, yet I must confess that our long acquaintance has taught me to love you very much indeed, and as my friendship has ever been yours, now I give you my whole affection," and as she spoke, he grasped her hand and folded her in his arms, and said: "Yes, a true friend indeed, and now my be- trothed wife," and somehow, that we cannot ex- plain, there was a silent but most impressive still- ness, that seamed to penetrate into that room, and while we admit it was not so much the influences of the deep affection in one of these hearts, but it seemed to be silent prophecy that the promise of Alice Winthrop to Leland Mansfield to become his second wife, would be a life of disappointment, sor- row and trouble. What a wonderful revelation indeed! What a wonderful experience ! What a wonderful history ! Yet my readers, it is most natural, for it is every- day life the world over. And Leland Mansfield had not only been honest, but he had been true, but was simply being swayed along with that common tide of human events. Had any one told him that he would have been a betrothed man, when he re- turned to his house that evening, he would have certainly wondered "if it was an insane expression," but such was the case, and the true facts, and it only goes to show how wonderfully weak human nature is under some circumstances, and one of the most startling things that occurred within these two lives, within two months' time from the night of 176 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR his proposal, Leland Mansfield and Alice Winthrop were made man and wife. Alice Winthrop had at last accomplished her pur- pose, through falseness and deceit, and yet we must admit with unbounded affection. She was now Le- land Mansfield's wife, and though the dead should rise up and speak, and the living criticise and con- demn, yet when her name was sounded by other lips, so that she could hear it as "Mrs. Leland Mans- field," so did she look back upon her life and, thank- ing fate for clearing the way to accomplish her de- sires, and conquered the man she loved, at last. It was a bright morning in October when the leaves had begun to fall, when the air was cool and chilly, that the Waldo home was busy arranging for Lillian Mansfield to get out of her bed the first day since she was laid in it from her dreadful ac- cident. "Now, my darling," said Mrs. Waldo, "you shall, by the doctor's permission, get out of your bed for the first time today, and sit at the window in papa's old arm chair, and look out upon beautiful nature, that seems to have bloomed freshly this morning, all for you alone." A glow of happiness at once covered Lillian's face, for it was such a relief in- deed, that she should sit up in a chair, and, like a little boy, when he has just been granted a privi- lege from his mother, so did her heart beat with great joy, looking towards it. Yet with all this, there was no happiness, for THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 177 while they had been kind to her, and done every- thing in the world that could be done, yet her poor heart was breaking fast, and her mind was all the time wandering back to the side of her little child, and in her imaginations looking into its little face, imprinting a motherly kiss upon its cheek, then pressing it to her breast that unfolded the depths of a mother's love. But she had buried herself to the world, and so strong was her determination and power in directing her intention that she almost had arrived at that point whereby she hardly knew herself, but with the nurse and servants attending, and the doctor present to see, by Mr. Waldo's re- quest, that nothing was done, that would be det- rimental to her, they placed her in the chair in front of the window, with Mr. Waldo on the right and Mrs. Waldo on the left, and each calmly look- ing into her face, wondering who truly loved her the most. "Now, little one," said Mr. Waldo, "tell mother and I all about yourself, for we almost feel like as though you were our own child, and you are ours, .for no one else shall have you." That was the question that had bothered her the most. That while these two people had been kind to her, she could not feel that she could deceive them in any way, yet she knew that it would not do for her to tell them, who and what she was ; it would bring perhaps, eventually, sorrow on their dear old hearts, and expose to the world, before she desired it to know the great sacrifice that she had made. "Call me Gertrude," she said, "Gertrude Morse. By that name I wish you to know me. I want first, for I cannot speak without it, to thank you with my whole heart for your blessing to me, for you have been to me more than a father and a mother, i;8 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR and I shall never forget it." Then gathering up her strength the best she could, she said, as the tears rolled down her cheek (for it would carry her back to her home). "My life has been one of great mis- fortunes," and her bosom heaved with more emo- tion, and dear old Mr. Waldo brought forth his red handkerchief, and caught the tears as they rolled down his cheek, and then handed it over to his wife, that she might also duplicate the action, for they had many times sat and listened to her talking while in delirium, but they only caught the broken threads of the history of her life, but when- she said, it had been full of misfortune, that word seemed to tell them the whole story. She continued, "In early life, like your own child, I married a man of great means, and because I was not schooled to attract society as he wished, he told me that he had married beneath him, and made him unhappy. I of my own free will and accord, broken-hearted, and for the love of the man I worshipped, I sacri- ficed everything, left my home, my child, and came out into the world alone, not knowing where to go," and as she spoke how the hearts of those two aged people were almost breaking, for it carried them back to the death of their own child. "But did you never hear from them?" said Mrs. Waldo. Gertrude hung her head, and said slowly, with broken voice, "No ma'am, I never heard from them since I left home," but she did not tell them that she was brought into their home the next morning after she had forsaken her own home, wounded, suffering, and bleeding. "Poor child, poor child," said Mr. Waldo, "thank God you fell into our hands ; but you will excuse me, my child, John Waldo now knows somewhat the balance of your life. But never mind, my little THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 179 girl," he said, "don't you bother or worry about anything. We will find your child, and your hus- band, too,' and she stopped him with pardon begged, and said: "Oh, kind people, I have one request to make of you, never make any inquiry of them until I re- quest you to do so! I have buried myself to the world, I have made the sacrifice, and some of these days for your great kindness to me, I promise to tell you all." "Never mind, my child, then, we won't ask you any more, but you go on and get well, and we will show you how to be happy. See here," said Mrs. Waldo, as she held up a looking glass in front of her, "take a look at yourself." Gertrude took hold of the glass, and at the first sight, dropped it into her lap and burst into tears. She did not know herself, she was so changed. When she last looked into a mirror her bright blue eyes, her dark hair that hung in waves over that pleasant face, her skin pure and white with rosy cheeks, but now all had gone, her nose twisted to one side, her left eye seemed almost half closed, and the great scar that was across her forehead, burst into a flood of tears, that the nurse and Mrs. Waldo could hardly compose her. "What ails my little darling child?" said Mr. Waldo. Gertrude, taking hold of his hand with both of hers, said, "Pardon me, kind people, but my acci- dent has so changed me that I did not know my- self, and you will pity my weakness when you can understand the change of a beautiful woman to a face marked with scars for life," and while those two people were peering into her life, and watching every act and word, Gertrude laid her head back i8o ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR upon the pillow on the back of the chair, seeming quiet and composed. Quiet and composed, did we say, reader? Ah, be it so, but it was one of those quiet times that come in our lives when our hearts are bursting with grief, and our minds are overburdened with sorrow and disappointment. Yes, indeed, it was a sad wreck, it was a sad sight for her to remember her- self, for as we look upon that lovely gir.1 as she stood upon the rock at Pen Mar, and promised to be Leland Mansfield's wife, and then compare her to the woman in this chair, it makes our heart weep with that emotion, that with strangling tears we almost gasp and pray for breath. Leland Mansfield's first wife still lived, and some day, no matter what has happened, will answer for herself. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 181 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. How our thoughts go back to childhood, In after years ! Name the many things that we would Count our tears; And relent us of the wreck made, Ne'er redeemed, though by Hope stayed; O'er the sorrow, so deep inlaid, Of life's cares. THE second marriage was over, and the honey- moon had passed again, to lose all its interest. Leland Mansfield and his wife seemed to be happy in their home, and that she was making good use of the name of the Mansfields, would not half describe the glow when she would cast her thought on what she had accomplished, and the man she had at last gained for her husband. That her interest In his child was being taken, only to attract him the more, for while she loved Leland Mansfield, it was very plain from the hatred that she bore his first wife, that she did not love his child. Of course, the dear little heart and mind who had been humored to everything and had every request granted, it was quite a serious change for her to be placed under the most positive restric- tions, and many tears were brought to her little eyes by the wounds given by Mrs. Alice Mansfield. It was one of those quiet evenings when Leland Mansfield sat in his library reading, that little Lil- lian came running to him, and in that childlike man- ner calling for his attention at once. "Papa," said she, "Mamma Alice" (for so she was taught to call her) "has just been scolding me. 182 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR Won't you kiss me, Papa, and tell me that you love me better than you do her." Leland M'ansfield laid down his book and taking her in his lap, and kissing her sweetly on her little forehead, that as she looked up into the face of her father, she was so impressed with his kindness that she said, "Papa, don't you love me the best?" "Love you, my darling, love you," he said, "why I love you better than anything in the whole world," and as he spoke he did not notice his wife passing the door just at a time to catch his full sen- tence expressed to the child, which sent a thrill through her, and caused her to realize that as fate had assisted her, in getting the man she loved, she would not even allow his own child, if she could help it, to be loved by him more than she was. Lillian looked into her father's face with a child's inquiring look, and with that earnestness that truly surprised him, she said, "Papa, where is my own mother, won't you tell me?" Leland Mansfield looked into the face of that child, and his expression showed that he truly wished his little darling had never thought of it, for he remembered his wife's note on the night she left him, when it said, "Do not tell my darling of her mother's action," and her wish had and would always be sacredly kept, and so positive was he in this matter that his orders to all the household ser- vants were that they must never unfold anything to her about her mother, and he had been fortunate enough in the past to evade the little child's ques- tion, but now she seemed to be so earnest and in- tent and her face seemed almost to him that she was not speaking with her lips but they were words from her heart, and there she sat on his lap looking up into his face with that eagerness and that pa- tience, and as he looked into her little face, which THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE 183 indeed was so much like her mother, and as the tears rolled down his cheek, he wept like a child. "Papa," she said, "what makes you always cry when I ask you about my Mamma, was she not a good woman?" That was enough for Leland Mans- field, he could not stand it any longer, but how to evade her inquisitiveness and withhold the infor- mation that she desired about her mother rather puzzled him. "Yes, my child," he said, "your mother was the grandest woman that was ever born, and Papa loved her better than any one else." "Then, Papa" (as she still looked intently into his face and with that seriousness that was so deep, it really impressed him so, that he wondered whether it was some spirit behind his little child of her mother instructing her what to say, the child seemed to be portraying), she said plainly but slowly, "Where is my mamma?" "Ah ! my child," as he completely broke into tears, "your poor mama is dead," and burying his head in his hands, wept as though his heart would break. "What killed my Mamma, Papa?" she asked. "Please tell me, for while I never saw or knew my Mamma, yet I know my Mamma loved me dearly." "Yes, my child, Mamma did love you, but she loved your Papa more, and perhaps had it not been so she would have been here with us today." "But Papa, can't we call my Mamma back?" said the child. Oh, how those words were calling back to him the full picture of the woman that he truly loved, and his feelings were becoming so wounded that his little child was becoming more serious and seemed to grow old almost in a few minutes. "No, my child," he said, "we can never bring her back, but perhaps if we live a good life, we may go to her. Your poor Mamma was killed one night by 184 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR the railroad train, as she was going out to visit a poor sick woman who was in distress, and you must not think more of it, my little darling, some day, yes, perhaps some day we may meet your Mamma in heaven," and as he spoke how his words branded him as the man whose words had driven her from her home and perhaps caused her death. Never was Leland Mansfield known to deceive any one, but he could not unfold to his little darling the true facts of her mother and her death. But, Oh, how his honest heart wished that he had the privilege to tell her all, and when she grew older to acknowl- edge the truth and the whole truth that it was he, who had caused her sacrifice and her death. The little child bowed her head and seemed to be in the deepest study, then raising it up said, "Papa, do you still love mamma?" "Love her, yes, little darling, the sweetest remem- brance that I have on earth is the thought of your Mamma." "Papa," she said, "do you really think that Mamma is truly dead?" "Dead, my child?" he asked and being somewhat surprised at the child's question. "Yes, .darling, she is dead, and we found her mangled remains on the car track and buried them in the cemetery ; but why do you think she is not dead," and her little face lit up with a glow that he was attracted very much by its brightness. "I do not know, Papa," she said, "but somehow or other I feel that sometime, some day, I am going to see my Mamma, and when I feel that way I am so happy, because I love her so much, and I feel how much she loved me," and burying her little head in her hands laying over on her father's breast, she gave way to that childish cry, "I wish mamma was here now." THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 185 Leland Mansfield was growing miserable under the actions of his child, and calling one of the ser- vants instructed her to take her out driving, saying to her, "You get in your nice little carriage, darling, and take a ride, and don't think any more about Mamma, for it makes Papa feel very badly;" and when that child left his presence, it left behind it an impression that set Leland Mansfield to think- ing and to asking questions in his own mind. "What if her mother was not dead, and should come back to him?" Wonderful thought, yet that little child had seemed to unfold with her little tongue some mystery, that surrounded the death of his wife, and we give him credit under the weight of this thought, and the present state of mind, that while he had done his best in marrying again, yet had he time to reflect over again, he should never have married his second wife. "Oh, well," he said, "it is done; and I have simply done what I thought was right, and I must bear it the best I can," and as he arose he paced the floor, and his thoughts dwelt upon that child, and the revelation that she had seemed to unravel and impart, and he wondered more if his first wife still lived; but yet he could not throw off the im- pression that the little child made upon him, the mystery rather bothered him, as it was a possible thing to have been, perhaps, the body of some other woman, whose clothing had been given her by his wife in some of her many acts of charity, and indeed, indeed, he had never been placed in such serious thoughts before during his second marriage. 186 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR In a large brown stone house in Street, in Washington city, with its mansard roof and bay windows, while in front, up and down its walls ran the vines of the evergreen, also on the front was a large yard filled with the most beautiful flowers which being all in bloom, and with the white mar- ble front, while the sun shone so brightly upon it, stood the new residence of the Waldos. Moved to Washington, where he had obtained a great many real estate investments and which had doubled and tripled themselves in value, and Mr. John Waldo and his wife were indeed now a very rich and independent pair in their old age, and had settled down to enjoy life for the balance of their days or so long as they should live. That they truly felt blessed in having accident to send Gertrude Morse, whom they had learned to love as their own child, and though they had only been in Washington about six months, yet Gert- rude's interest was looked after immediately on their arrival ; and with one of the best musical in- structors that could be obtained, and with Gert- rude's natural intellect, it was really surprising that in so short a time the skill and art that she por- trayed as she ran her fingers over the piano. In- deed, her instructor, whose professorship was known to the world, complimented her, that he had never seen such advancement in his whole life ; and not only in music, but in languages she had seemed to grasp them all at one time, and her paintings were really looked for by some of the best artists. And while her once sweet face now mangled and torn, yet it did not seem to hinder that rich, clear voice as it rang out with the sweetest notes and pronounced each word plainly as she sang. And as she had become accomplished, the thought to earn her own living and try to pay back the Waldos THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 187 was what her independency cried out for an oppor- tunity to do; while accident and misfortune had brought her into the home of the Waldos, and she realized the blessing that she had received from them, yet she could not crush out that independ- ence, that ever lived in her soul, to be a free, inde- pendent woman, earn her own living, and carry out in full the sacrifice that she had made. The following evening, as she sat at the piano, and was playing that beautiful song of Professor Dundas, jentitled, "I love you much, yet we must part," and as her rich voice rang out with the notes, she seemed to stop all of a sudden, and turning around and looking them earnestly in the face, said, "My good friends, my more than father and mother, what I am going to say to you, is just what this song truly speaks/ that "though I love you much, yet we must part." "What is that?" said Mr. Waldo, "What is that, my girl? Stop it, stop it, I say." "You will pardon me, Mr. Waldo," she said, "and when you hear me through I hope you will forgive me and grant my request." "Through accident, I was thrown into your hands a perfect stranger, wrecked and mangled and dying, and you knew not who it was, and you did not care. You simply took a poor, suffering, dying girl into your home, and have stood by her day and night, and nursed her back again to health as your own child. But did you know, my dear friends, the woman in whom you have taken so much interest, and could you look into a certain home, where everything existed that could be wished for, and then look into the face of the poor girl that you have blessed and brought back to life, you would not think of my leaving you or consider it at all, but you would compliment me for my independ- i88 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN ; OR ency, and I beg of you, while I plead with all my love of which I do not know, nor can I find words in the English language to tell you how much I love you, but" (as her eyes dropped to the floor, and slowly and calmly, yet firmly and request- ingly), said, "I do hope you will grant my request and let me go out in the world and complete the sacrifice that I have resolved to fulfill." "Stop it, stop it," said Mr. Waldo, "My dear darl- ing child, you must stop such talk as that. We will not listen to any such thing. We mean to adopt you as our own child, and everything that we have, my darling, when mother and I leave this world," (and as he spoke, he laid his hand on his wife's shoulder with that look that portrayed the wish that he hoped they would both go together), "is all for you to have and to hold and to do with what- ever you may think of." "But pardon me, Mr. Waldo," she said, "and I hope you won't think me ungrateful. Indeed, again I freely acknowledge that it is to you people that I owe my learning. Alas, it is to you that I owe my life, for had I fallen into other hands, perhaps I would now have been in my grave. But while I cannot tell you who I am or what I was, just now, though as I promised you, you shall know, yet I have much before me to accomplish and perform. I must arrive at that point and independence by my own work and hands that I can carry out the full and complete action that I have thus marked for my life, and then with that independence and that honor, and with that purity, I will demand, claim and obtain my darling child." "But where are you going, darling?" said Mrs. Waldo, as both drew their chairs closer to her. Gertrude dropped her head and said slowly but seri- ously, "I do not know, Mrs. Waldo, where. I have THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 189 no friends in the whole wide world now but you." "Then you shall not go," said Mr. Waldo, "you must stop it, my child. You must stop such talk. We will not permit it; why, we would think our- selves most inhuman and ungrateful that, after the Heavenly Father has answered our prayer and given you your health again, and blessed us with all the worldly possessions that we have, we could not, under any circumstances, let you leave this house and go out in the world, not knowing where you are going. And besides, my girl, what work would you propose to do?" Gertrude replied, "Anything that is honest, Mr. Waldo. As you are aware, through your great kindness, I have been most fortunate in becoming an expert in music, and can teach some French and Latin, and I only need a little experience, I think, to make myself a very good governess or compan- ion for some elderly lady, but I would do anything to carry out my desires that is honest for me to do." "But now, my girl, if that be so, and it pains us to part with you, and we see you are so determined, we have a letter this morning from a very dear old friend, down at Old Point Comfort, who desires a governess for their little child, a little girl of about five years old, but unfortunately they want one right away, and we do not want to part with you for several weeks yet." Gertrude interrupted him, "I beg your pardon, Mr. Waldo," she said, "won't you wire him, and let me go at once?" "All right, my child, if you are determined that you must go, while I do not know the parties whom you will engage with, yet I am satisfied that my old friend would not recommend any one who would not treat you right. In fact, they had better not do otherwise, and at your request I will wire my friend igo ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR that I am sending you down on the boat tonight, to look out for you, and meet you and see that you are taken care of, and I am putting in that tele- gram that I shall hold him resposible for your treat- ment, and I will also give you a letter that will not only be to them, my child, but will be to the world, that you are our adopted child and it is your inde- pendency that you desire to work ; but don't forget my child, now don't forget that whenever anything is not satisfactory to you, pack your trunk and come back home to John Waldo and his good wife, for your room door will ever be kept open for you, and your plate always on the table and your chair wait- ing to receive you." Gertrude was almost heartbroken when she bid then "good bye" that evening down at the wharf, enroute to Point Comfort, and indeed it was almost a living funeral to all three of them, but Mr. Waldo said, after he had introduced her to the captain and the purser of the steamer ("to see that she was well cared for and watched over during the night") "and don't forget, my darling, we are only a little way from you, just across the bay, and we can phone each other every day if necessary," and so parted Gertrude Morse and the Waldos for awhile. Gertrude had considered well before she left, and her poor heart almost broke as she thought of her mangled and scarred face, and that her face might not seem objectionable to her employer, she had purchased a light veil that came down as far as her nose, and screened her crooked eye and the great gash that was on her forehead. The boat arrived at six o'clock in the morning at Old Point Comfort, and with her grip in hand she left the steamer and walked into the office of the "Hygia Hotel," presented her letter, which was ad- dressed to Col. Paul Markham. The clerk in- THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 191 structed her to wait in the lower reception room, and he would see that Col. Markham received the letter. It was nearly nine o'clock when Col. Markham entered the room, where Miss Morse was, she hav- ing been waiting in the room since she arrived on the boat, and the morning being cloudy and very warm, and the humidity so oppressive, with the rough trip down the bay, she felt indeed very much unnerved and overtaxed. Col. Markham was a gentleman of about sixty years of age, and of true military style and fine deportment. As he entered he begged apology for detaining her, and then open- ing the letter, began to read it, and after he had finished said, "Very well, anything for my dear old friend Waldo. I thought he could find a young lady for my friend's child, and if you will excuse me a moment, I will bring you the gentleman, who is to engage you." And, Oh, had Gertrude Morse, nee Mrs. Leland Mansfield, known who the man was, who was to stand before her, how quickly would she have rushed out into the waters of Hampton Roads, and drowned herself, rather than be seen by him ; but, alas, poor girl, it was well for her that she did not know it. In a few moments they entered, and along side of Col. Markham walked Lieut. Leland Mansfield, her husband, and the sight was too much for her to bear, and she swooned away, while every atten- tion was given her by Col. Markham, who had also called assistance, while Lieut. Mansfield said, "Poor girl, it was a sin for us to keep her waiting so long, and I will get some water, in the meantime, Col. Markham, please see that nothing is left undone for her comfort ;" and after working upon her for some time, she opened her eyes and raised herself up, 192 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR while a doctor whom Leland had summoned gave her a tonic to strengthen her. She said, "I hope you will pardon me, gentlemen, for my unfortunate weakness," while both of them noticed how trem- bling her voice was as she spoke, but coming down on the boat last night, and not being used to the water, was very sick most of the time," but nerving herself up as she had again looked into his hand- some face, she said, "I am better now, thank you." "Do you really feel better," said Lieut. Mansfield, (and as she heard that rich voice she could hardly control herself from falling into his arms, and ask- ing him to look into her face and recognize his first wife, but no, the time had not come for her to do it, and she must be patient and bear her sorrow.) "I hope you are well, indeed, and sorry to my heart that you feel so bad, and will try to make you very happy here, if we can, for on the recommenda- tion of Col. Markham, from his friend in Washing- ton, Mr. Waldo, we know that you will suit us, and we will pay you very well, but I have one special request to make of you, and I not only want to re- quest it, but both demand and command that it shall be done, to be good and kind to my little girl, and you must do this, if you wish to meet my personal favor." How those words were riveting upon Gertrude's heart, how as they sank deep down into her soul, while his rich, manly voice had the same ring, only there seemed to be a shadow of sorrow that crossed his brow that she could not fathom. Just then Mrs. Leland Mansfield entered the room and Gertrude at once recognized her as Alice Winthrop, then the whole truth flashed before her, and while her heart was almost breaking, yet how happy she was when she found out that she was going to nurse her own child. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 193 Leland Mansfield bringing his wife forward, and said to Gertrude, "this is Mrs. Mansfield, my wife, and Alice," he said, "this is the young lady from Washington whom Col. Markham was fortunate enough to get for us through his friend, Mr. Waldo. I do hope you may be suited." "I am very glad, indeed," she said, "to have the young lady, for her recommendations and endorse- ments could not be more satisfactory, but what name shall we call you?" "Gertrude Morse," said the young girl (Gertrude, as she spoke the word, almost choked, for she had it on her tongue's end to cry out, call me Mrs. Le- land Mansfield, the first, the woman of his bosom love and the mother of his child ; but no, that would not do, for she had made the sacrifice and left his home, forsaken her child, and it was she, perhaps, that opened the opportunity for him to marry again.) While Mrs. Mansfield said : "Very well, come follow me, and I will introduce you to the lit- tle child." 194 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. How my heart is tried and aching, Under pressure borne, Of what now I am beholding, And what suffering is mouldering, And the darkened clouds are lowering; My poor life undone 1 How I weep while others ruling, What is truly mine! How it crushes all within me, Will the future e'er relieve me, "Be still," sad heart, what is unfolding, Is all for thee, in due time ! INTO a bright, cosy room Mrs. Mansfield invited Gertrude Morse, and after seating her, eyed her very closely for a few minutes, without saying a word, while Gertrude was left in that suspense that she did not know whether to speak first or not, but sat calm and patient awaiting developments, allowing Mrs. Mansfield to take her time to speak and Gertrude sat motionless but wondering what would be her words. There sat the two women, one of whom had made the sacrifice and the other through fate had taken the place of the former, and as they sat looking into each other's face, Gertrude was fighting hard to control herself, for she felt that this was the woman who had been the cause of all her sorrow. "You will understand," said Mrs. Mansfield, "that the care of a child is a great responsibility, and I now ask you to assume it all, for my part, I want no care whatever with her. She is a child who THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. IQS has been humored at every request, and positive- ness is a thing unknown to her. I want you to be most positive with her at once, and let her under- stand it, and above all reprimand her severely whenever you think she neds it" (and as she spoke, how well did Gertrude Morse understand the cold- hearted woman, who had taken her place with her husband, and now moved and acted towards her child, with almost brutish nature, except in the presence of her father.) "That I may not ask you anything about your- self, I think it unnecessary, as your recommenda- tion speaks very highly of you. but you must keep yourself very much secluded when we are around, and be sure that you dress as tidily and as neatly as you can. We will start you with good wages, and increase as you may suit us." Then looking most intently into her face, she said, "You will par- don me, but why do you always wear your veil?" That was the very question that Gertrude had truly wished she would not ask her, and what to tell her at first, she did not really know, for she could not mention the accident; she might want to know more about it, and thus, to evade her ques- tion, said: "Pardon me, my lady, it was a bad spell of sick- ness that has so contracted the muscles of my face, that it is very much disfigured, and for that reason I prefer to wear the veil, though I assure you at times it is .very uncomfortable." Mrs. Mansfield answered her quickly and said, "Oh, well, we have to get used to our afflictions in life, and do the best we can with them," and as she spoke Gertrude concluded that she was not a happy woman after all, that though she had accomplished her wish, there seemed to be something bearing heavily upon her mind which must sooner or later ip6 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR develop into action, and what it could be gave her much thought indeed. Mrs. Mansfield continued, "I do hope," she said, "you will love the little girl and teach her to love you, but show your special kindness to her when her father is around ; it may assist you to meet his favor the more." "Oh, I am sure that I shall love the child," said Gertrude, "for I love little children so much," and just then the door opened and in ran little Lillian. Gertrude arose with the quickness of a bird flying from a bush and was about to leap forward towards the child when her better sense told her to be most careful, for if she was not she would expose her- self, before the time that she desired, and she must bear her suffering and the suspense that she was enduring, until she could learn more and at the proper time claim her husband and her child, and it was with the greatest trial that she did so, for there stood before her, her own little Lillian, born of her own flesh and blood, and circumstances pre- vented her from claiming her own. "This is the child now, Gertrude," said Mrs. Mansfield. Then turning towards the child, said, with a more harsh voice than she had talked to Miss Morse, "Now, Lillian, this is our governess that we told you about, and, mind you, you must be a good girl and mind what she says." Gertrude, kneeling by the side of the little girl, clasped her in her arms and folded her closely to her breast while her tears burst forth with such force that she could hardly control them, though she tried her best, for she did hope for a time that she could endure what she was passing through, and bear it all so as not give them any clue to know who or what she was, and said: "I do hope you will pardon me, lady. I assure THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 197 you it is a great weakness of mine to fondle little children, especially when I have such a beautiful little girl as this one is to care for, and I am sure that I love this beautiful little girl with my whole heart, because she is just that beautiful little pic- ture that I have oft times prayed to look upon, and I assure you I will do everyhing in my power to bless her little life." "Very well," said Mrs. Mansfield, "we will try you and see how you get along. I will now leave you to introduce yourself to the child," and then turning to the child said, "Now mind you, Lillian, Mamma Alice wants you to be a good girl and mind what Miss Gertrude says," and then she retired from the room with an air and movement, as though she felt herself relieved of a great care, that had been for some time in her way. And there in that little cosy room, was a woman kneeling by a little child, with her hands extended, and looking into her face with that sweet and motherly expression, and as the little girl came towards her very cautiously at first, she closed her arms around her and pressing her tightly to her bosom, while her heart gave unction to that happi- ness as she cried : "My darling, my darling child, how much I love you, oh, you sweet little angel !" and she pressed her closer to her and imprinted kisses all over her face ; while little Lillian seemed to be unaware of the woman's emotion and was letting her do just what she wished, only now and then her little eyes would open wide, and her whole face would give an expression of happiness, as she had not had any one to fondle and love her as she has now. "My darling," said Gertrude, "I hope you will learn to love me, for I assure you 'I love you al- 198 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR ready, and I think you are the grandest little girl in the whole world." The child looked up into her face and said, while her sweet little voice seemed to give full accent to her words, "I think I will love you too, for you seem so very kind to me, and Mamma Alice always scolds me so, and indeed, Miss Gertrude, she said you would make me feel so happy." Then Gertrude, still pressing her to her bosom and covering her with kisses, said with that womanly inquisitiveness, "But Mamma Alice is kind to you sometimes, is she not, little darling?" "Yes, Miss, she is sometimes, when Papa is around, but she seems to wish that I was away, that is what I heard the servants say, but Papa loves me and he won't let them send me away." And at the name of Papa it sent certain thrills through Gertrude Morse's bosom, when she rea- lized and beheld the reality of her own child, her own born babe, to say "Papa" for the first time in her life, and it took her back in her thoughts to her lovely home, that she had deserted for the man she loved, as the tears rolled down her cheeks, and her bosom heaved with emotion. Little Lillian looking up into her face and notic- ing every word and act, asked her, "Miss Gertrude, what makes you cry so, don't you want to stay here with us?" "Yes, my darling, I want to stay with you always, and" (laying great emphasis on the word you) "I never want to leave you again as long as I live, for I " then cut her sentence short for while the child might not understand them, yet some one might be passing by and hear the words, and might think it very strange for her to act that way about an- other woman's child, but continued in a lower voice, "I am so happy," she said, "my little darling, THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 199 to have the pleasure of a home where I can have the pleasure of attending to a nice little girl like you, and I know you will love me as I love you." "I think I will," said little Lillian, and then with a seriousness of which her little eyes seemed to re- flect deeply, said, "This is not my true mother, Mamma Alice is not," and was about to speak fur- ther when Gertrude interrupted her for fear that someone might overhear her words, and rising up from off her knees sat down in the chair and taking little Lillian on her lap, said, "Tell me, Lillian, do you remember anything about your true mother?" "No, Miss," she said, "I do not. Papa told me she was killed on the railroad, and that is all I know. I used to ask Papa about my Mamma, but when I did it always made him so sad and to cry, and it made me cry too, but though I never saw my mamma, yet I love her, for Papa told me she was always so good and kind." "Your Papa said he loved your Mamma, and she was always so good and kind," said Gertrude, while the tears rolled down her cheeks. "But did he ever tell you, my little child, how much your Mamma loved him?" and all the time she was pressing the child closer and closer to her mother's breast." "Yes," said little Lillian, "he told me she was the grandest woman that ever was born, and he never loved any one like he did her." "But tell me, little darling," she said (for while she knew she was doing wrong in asking the child so much, yet she could not help it, it would break her heart if she refrained from it), and giving way to that weakness that to women is most natural, "does your papa love Mamma Alice as he did your mamma?" "No, Miss," said the little girl, "for my Papa says 200 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR he loved my Mamma better than any one else, and Papa never says what he does not mean." And then Gertude Morse seemed to lose herself completely in her own thoughts even forgetting that her little child was upon her lap, for when she asked herself the question of what she had done, and why she had made the sacrifice, the sweet and pure consolation gave answer from her own heart, that it was her love for her husband that made her do it, but now she fully understood all, he thought her killed, he thought he had buried her and that was the reason that he had married again. Yes, she was learning more and more about the blank part of her married life, ever since the night she left the Mansfield home, and fearing that she had said too much to the child, taking it by the hand they strolled out upon the beach and had not gone far before they met Lieut. Mansfield and his friend, and little Lillian, running towards him, he took her up in his arms and imprinted kisses upon her little cheeks, while she said, "Oh, papa, I am so happy with Miss Gertrude, I love her so much already, she is so kind to me." "Is that so, little darling," while he tipped his hat in recognition to her kindness to his child, "and I hope, Lillian, that Miss Gertrude will suit your Mamma Alice, and I am sure that if you love her already that you will love her more after awhile," and then turning to Gertrude said, "I am truly glad, Miss, that you have capitvated my little darling's heart already, it speaks very well indeed for you," and Gertrude gave a bow of the head in acknowl- edgment of the kind words spoken to her and passed on, but as she heard his rich manly voice, it was growing harder and harder for her to compose her- self and she could not see how she could endure it much longer. THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 201 Nearly two months had now passed since Ger- trude Morse had engaged with the Mansfields, and what these two months had been to her, no pen could write, nor type print. What she had seen, what she had heard, what she had endured, was enough to break a dozen women's hearts and crush any human mind out of existence forever, but there she lived and suffered in company with her own child, the governess of her own flesh and blood, with all its sufferings, with all its resentments, that fell so hard upon her each and every day, but the satisfaction of having complete control of her little child, and being in a position that sometimes she could hear and see the man she loved, yet with that determined resolution which had just as much fer- vency now, as it had the night she left her lovely home, would she still bear and make the sacrifice, hoping that something each day would unfold it- self so that she could claim her own child and ac- knowledge her own husband, where the dead had returned to life and joy and happiness would pay her perhaps for all her sufferings. But when she would give way to these deepest thoughts and reasoning with her intellectual mind, asking how much longer she would have to live and endure the sufferings and trials that she was subjected to, but she prayed to God to give her strength that she could bury herself long enough,- living in their presence to die with them, and as life was passing away she would perhaps have them bending over her, and her little child standing by her side, that though he had another wife, when she had told him all and proved to him that she 'was his first wife, though her face was very much changed, it would be some satisfaction to know, when the last breath was leaving her body that Leland Mans- field loved her still, more than any one else. 202 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR It was about the last of September when every- one was preparing to leave for their homes, that Mr. John Waldo and his wife were invited down to spend a few days before they parted, and the meeting between Gertrude and them was most ef- fective indeed, for while she had kept up an almost daily correspondence with them, and each letter gradually told them more of her life though Ger- trude did not intend it, but having these two dear old people, she knew that if she became afflicted, or sick or suffering, she knew that she would be taken care of, gave great consolation, while she suf- fered, as no other woman had. Strange as it may seem, as accidents and inci- dents seem to come into our lives unexpected, so did it seem to follow these people all the way through, and yet each accident seemed to bring hap- piness, for while on the following day, just previ- ous to their taking the boat and the trains to return home, driving out to take a last look at the sur- roundings of Old Point Comfort and to bid it good bye for at least another year, or perhaps forever, and Mrs. Mansfield had driven over to Hampton to bid some friends goodbye, coming back over the bridge, as the electric cars overtook the team, the horses became frightened and some of the harness breaking, ran away while the driver did his best to control them, overturning the carriage, and while most of them were hurt, none were seriously hut but Mrs. Mansfield, and amidst the greatest excite- ment she was brought to the hotel and carried to her room as though she were dead. The best of doctors were summoned, and every attention possible was given her, and it was a very severe accident, throwing her out on the head and fracturing part of her skull on the right side, above the temple. Leland Mansfield became nearly wild THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 203 at the fearful position of his wife was in, and left the room almost a crazy man, as he could not stand by her with his sympathetic heart, and see her suf- fer so, when he was quickly summoned back by the physician, telling him that his wife was dying, and rushing back to her side, he cried with broken heart, "Oh, my wife, my poor wife, my heart is broken, my heart is broken!" His grief seemed to arouse her, for at the hearing of his voice, she opened her eyes, while she motioned him to come nearer to her, and as he clasped her hand in bending over her lis- tening attentively to what she might say, while his heart was almost broken with sorrow, and she looked up into his face, and you could see it was a great trial for her to talk, when she said: "My dear husband, I heard the doctors say that I could not live, and that I must die, but oh, my dear husband I pray you do not weep for me, it is what I most deserve, do not censure me, but let me die easily." "Why, Alice," he cried, "why should you talk so, you may not die yet, think of your husband and his child, live for them alone, if nothing else." "I cannot," she said, "I feel myself failing every minute, and Oh, my darling husband, I want you to listen to me, and then try to forgive me." Bending over her closer, he said, "What is it, Alice, that I have to forgive you for?" "Listen," she said, "and hear me patiently, and may God forgive me of my sin, and give me strength to acknowledge it, and then ask your for- giveness. My sins are all before me, the sins of a poor weak woman, who through her pure love for you became almost a raving, jealous woman, which grew into most earnest selfishness that has caused her sin. "Leland Mansfield, I have always loved you from 204 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR a little girl, and it was my love for you that I have caused you all your sorrow. When you married your first wife, Lillian Marston, the grandest and the noblest woman that I ever met, ofttimes have I wished that you both had drowned in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, before you reached the shore. But fate was not so, fate or whatever else you may choose to call it, had decreed it otherwise, and from the moment that I saw your nobleness and your manhood leap into that water to save that girl, and brought her to shore and folded her in your arms, it was then that my love cried out with such force and such earnestness that I really knew not myself. And from the hour that you parted with me, on that fearful night, as only my friend, I then resolved that you should never be happy with any- one else, and when that poor girl robbed me of your love, the thing on earth I craved the most, so did it awaken me up to those acts of which your noble nature will condemn. Listen," she said, "it was I who made your poor wife leave her home, it was I who made that mother leave and forsake her child, it was I who told her she was disgracing your life, and making you unhappy, it was by my en- dearing words, and deceitful acts that I impressed upon you the lie that the world was criticising your wife's acts, and my words, my influences, both upon you and her sent her out into the world, and caused her death of which you so sorrowfully mourn. Oh, forgive me," she cried, "forgive me, it was I, Leland Mansfield, that wrecked your life to make mine happy and to gain the man I sought and loved, Oh, I pray you forgive me for the sin, for it comes up so plainly before me, as I pass into eternity, blame me not, blame me not, my darling husband, it was the love I held for you in my heart, that drove me to it, drove me to do those things which now rest THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 205 upon my family's good name and brands them for- ever. Forgive me," she cried, "it is my last prayer and request to you on earth," and Leland Mansfield, dropping down by the side of her bed, cried with a broken voice, "Alice, why did you love me so? My poor wife, whose remains are now in her cold grave and for whose death we must both hold our- selves accountable for in that great day when we are called before the judgment seat before our God." And she, putting forth all the strength she could, that she might tell him more, and answer his ques- tions if she was able, said, "I loved you too much, Leland Mansfield, my love for you was so great that I would have done anything to accomplish my pur- pose and though I am your wife, and bear your name, yet I have ofttimes realized that I have never had the love, the pure and affectionate love that I craved, but it is my just deserts, it is justice, I am paid for all my sins, oh, forgive, I pray again, for- give me," and while all this excitement was going on, no one noticed Gertrude Morse, who was get- ting closer and closer to the bedside of that dying woman, looking into her face, and hearing her every word, and while her heart almost forgot itself, as she could hardly control her desire to cry out towards her, yet she would forgive her, if oppor- tunity afforded, for wrecking her happiness. Mrs. Mansfield made a motion as if she would speak again, and Leland, getting as close to her as possible trying to catch every word, as she said, "I have only one suggestion to make to you about your little child, to whom I have been most unlov- ing and unkind except in your presence. I would place her in some good Iiome, where she would re- ceive kind and loving attention and where her life 206 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR may be so tutored that she may be reared above the sins of the world and may give you comfort." And the poor girl, Gertrude Morse, that was standing close by when she heard those words, could not seclude herself any longer, but taking little Lillian in her arms and hugging her tightly to her breast, said as she looked into Lieut. Mans- field's face, "You must not, Mr. Mansfield, grant that request." And Leland Mansfield, becoming vexed by a ser- vant's dictating objection to his dying wife, ex- claimed with some force : "Who are you, but our servant, that you should oppose my darling wife's last request?" And throwing off her hat and veil, Gertrude Morse said : "It is I, her mother, your first wife, Lillian Marston, who left your home, and has wan- dered here to enlist in your service, as governess of her own child. Look in my face, Leland Mans- field, throw away the scars that accident has wrought and listen to a mother's love when she claims her child." Leland Mansfield, looking into that woman's face, and though it bore the mark of her unfortunate ac- cident, yet he recognized her at once as his own true and loving first wife, Lillian Marston, the only woman in his whole life that he had ever loved with his whole heart. "Yes, I know you, thank God, thank God, the dead has come to life," while he folded her and his child into his arms. "My wife, my Lillian, come back to me once more ! Forgive me, darling, for the sorrow I have caused you," and as he spoke you could see that he had almost forgotten the poor dying woman, his second wife, upon the bed within a few feet of him. The dying woman opened her yes again, and as THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 207 both drew near to her, she said, "Can you both for- give me?" and as Lillian Mansfield and her hus- band took her hand in both of theirs and with a look of pity and sorrow, as she seemed to be drawing her last breath, said, "Yes, Alice Winthrop, we for- give you," and her face grew pale and her eyes set, and then as though struggling to live one moment more, she gave one gasp, and closed her eyes in death. And to say that a stillness was the reigning power in that room as the last breath died away upon Alice Winthrop's lips, and we hear her last words, "It was the love for you that caused my sin." While Leland Mansfield grasped his child with one arm and with the other around his first wife, Lillian Marston, repaired to another room, forget- ting for the time being, the dead wife, not fifty feet away, yet close by his side, it was not any dream, it was not a fantasy, it was truly his first wife, his first love. Lillian Marston, 'w;ho he supposed was dead, while little Lillian, looking up into his face, with joy, said, "Papa, I told you some day I would see my mamma again." 208 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR CHAPTER NINETEEN. Welcome, "sweet home," I come back to thee, My sorrow and weeping is o'er; I come back to thee ! though not alone, I come with my love, as of yore ! I bring you the same loving heart that I had, And show you the wounds that I bore. Then open your portals, throw wide the door, And let my love enter in; I come with him, my first made love, All sorrow burst in twain. I make no relenting, none beside, That I was ever a "rich man's poor bride !" I throw aside all, for all I atone, And come back to thee, "my own sweet home." THE second wife of Leland Mansfield had been laid away in the family cemetery in New York, and he was on his journey home with Lillian Marston, his first wife, and the woman whom he had always loved in preference to any other, and though she had been, as it were, buried within his own soul and life for a long time, yet he had her by his side while his little child was the connecting link of what their future happiness will foretell. The Winthrops had made a hasty exit from Bal- timore and moved back to New York, for what re- flection Alice Winthrop had cast upon her family, we leave you, mv dear reader, to judge, but we are free to assert that both poor Mrs. Winthrop and Miss Nelia felt the pang so heavily that they did not even return from the funeral, but took up their residence in New York city, while others did the moving for them, and they, taking a long farewell THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 209 with Leland Mansfield, settled down to live a life of seclusion which their daughter and sister had brought upon them. Leland Mansfield's home was ablaze with enjoy- ment and beauty. The best flowers, the best furni- ture, the best furnishings that could be had, for that was his orders, as he did not want one thing in that house that would bring back to his wife's mind any of the sorrow that she had passed through and endured, and could you, my readers, see that man as he stepped into that house again, and receiving his first love into his arms, his long-lost wife, it would have fired your soul almost up to resentment on his second wife, but at the same time would have caused you to name him a noble, true man. For, as he welcomed her into her home again, and we hear those words, "Come, my darling, lost wife, my own true first love, come back into your home, and nothing shall ever cross your path again in word or deed to mar your happiness," and taking her in his arms, and imprinting a sweet kiss upon her lips, said, "And I pray you forgive me, darling, for all the suffering I have ever caused you," while she, looking up into his handsome face, said, "It was perhaps as much my fault, my dear husband, as yours, but believe me, it was the love that I held for you then, which has increased now to un- bounded realms, that I made the sacrifice, but it is all over now, you have not the pretty-faced wife that you had then, accident has marked her well, but it has not taken one iota of the love I hold for my noble husband." Leland stopped her with another kiss, and said, "Let us forget it, darling, and I will bury myself right down to the side of my darling wife and child, and no one shall ever make us unhappy." "Rut tell me. Lillian," he said, "your whole ex- perience. I buried one woman for you, and when 210 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR I thought I had paid all respect that could be named in mourning, I, for the sake of my child, took a wife again, though I told her, I could never love her as I did you, yet you still are alive, and the mother of my child amidst all my sorrow, and my experience, now meet me and seal it forever with a kiss, for our lives have seemed like a dream." "Well," said a coarse voice of a gentleman, who had just entered and who proved to be Mr. John Waldo, with his good wife by his side, and begging pardon for interrupting them, "It is not a dream, but a true fact, for we are witnesses to it, this girl, your wife, is an angel on earth, if there ever was one. She was run over by a large team, and we took her in, didn't we, mother?" (as he turned towards his wife) "cared for and nursed her as our own child, and we are here to claim her." "My dear Mr. Waldo," said Leland, grasping both of their hands, "I am so glad that you have come, and as you are here to claim my wife as your child, she and I being one, therefore for the kind- ness shown her, I call you mother and father from today, and I do hope you will grant us the blessing, for I am so happy, Mr. Waldo," said Leland. "Amidst all the sorrows of my life, I still live and have my own love with me. My wife, my child," and as Mr. Waldo raised his hands towards the ceil- ing, so did they all bow their heads in reverence to Him above, while he offered an earnest prayer for a blessing on Leland Mansfield's home. "Now, Lieut. Mansfield," said Mr. Waldo, "our errand is important, and has a little mite of busi- ness in it, but as soon as we heard you were home, we could not stay away from seeing your wife and your child, for as we sat by her and nursed her night and day, we learned to love her as our child." "And for which, Mr. Waldo," said Leland, "I shall always remember with grateful heart, and THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S LOVE. 211 stand ready at any time to sacrifice everything I have in the world for you two people, for the kind- ness shown at the time of her accident and the in- terest that you have taken in her ever since, and you must come and live with us, or tell me some- thing that I may do for you and your good wife." "Well," said Mr. Waldo, "you can show your ap- preciation now by accepting this paper. Mother and I are growing old, and we realize that we are growing weaker every day we live, and when we leave this world, what we possess, this paper will show and direct our executor, at our death, to tuin over everything to Gertrude Morse, nee Mrs. Le- land Mansfield, and may God bless you the bal- ance of your lives." And Leland replied: "We will accept it, Mr. Waldo, on one condition, that you make this house your home the balance of your life, and let us both call you father and mother." And Mr. Waldo, crossing over to the side of his wife and taking her hand, walked back to where Lillian Mansfield stood, and bringing little Lillian around in front of them, said, "We accept; father and mother we are," and then taking little Lillian up in his arms, exclaimed, "It must be Grandpa Waldo, too," and as Lillian Mansfield seated her- self at the piano and sang that sweet melody of "I love you so much, yet we must part," and changed the second verse to "I love you much, we ne'er shall part," it was one of those sweet times that hearts rejoice in gladness and the eyes become wet with joyful tears, and as Leland Mansfield placed his arm over the shoulder of his wife, the sweet strains that rang out from her rich voice, while all joined in singing "Home, Sweet Home," and as they sat and viewed over the accidents and inci- dents of life, counting its sorrow and misfortune, 212 ALICE MANSFIELD'S SIN; OR so did they look forward into a greater happiness in the future, never to be discouraged again. And now happiness was aglow in the Mans- field home, the sorrows that they had passed through had been cast aside, new life seemed to be awakened up into every heart, and the whole ac- quaintance of Leland Mansfield received him and his wife and gave them much joy and welcome, and not a word was ever alluded to their past, but out into the world again went Mrs. Leland Mansfield encouraging the disheartened, comforting the sick, blessing the poor, and her praise rang from one end of the city to the other with her good deeds. But what of poor Alice Winthrop, though she be dead, what shall we say of her? It is, my reader, a task indeed to name her justice and yet give right judgment towards her acts. That she loved Leland Mansfield with all the love that woman is possible to possess for man, this could not be doubted in the least. It was such an earnest love, and grew to be such a demanding love, that it is possible and so well proved, "what a woman will do to gain the man she loves." And as we sit ourselves down at evening tide, and think well over her life, the idol that she worshipped in that life, and how earnest she was in that worship, you must not censure her, for if you do, as the intention of this book is written to confirm, you will find yourself guilty of accusation when you misjudge Alice Winthrop from the ma- jority of other women. She loved and worshipped that love; life became to her nothing without that affection, and it was simply to live or die to gain her desire, for without that desire she would have nothing in this world to live for. No, my readers, blame her not, but as you give thought to her ac- tion, simply say it was only "Alice Mansfield's Sin," or the power of a woman's love. A 000 130 031 8