EVERY SATURDAY.

A FOURNAL OF CHOICE READING.

Vol. II.]

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1874.

[No. 1.

foolish questions got into the man's try of dreams had been removed - it A ROSE IN JUNE.

head, though they were too frivolous would be hard to say how; for good

to be thought of. She took him into Mrs. Wodehouse certainly was not the CHAPTER 1X. (continued.) the drawing-room at the White House, door-keeper of Rose's imagination, nor

which was almost dark by this time, had it in her power to shut and open WHETHER Mrs. Wodehouse would it was so low; and where the cheery at her pleasure. But what does how have taken her to her arms forth with glimmer of the fire made the room look and why matter in that visionary reon the open Green in the wintry after much more cheerful than it ever was gion ? It was so, which is all that need noon light, if no one had disturbed in the short daylight, through the be said. She was not less sorrowful, them, I cannot tell ; but, just as she many brancbes that surrounded the but she had recovered herself. She was putting out her hands to the girl, house. Mrs. Damerel was sitting alone was not less lonely, nor did she feel they were interrupted by a third per there over the fire ; and Rose left him less the change in her position ; but son, who had been coming along the with her mother, and went away, bid she was once more Rose, an individual road unnoticed, and who now came ding Agatha watch over the children creature, feeling the blood run in her forward, with his bat in his hand, and tbat no one might disturb mamma. veins, and the light lighten upon her, with the usual inquiry about her “ She is talking to Mr. Incledon about and the world spread open before her. mother to which Rose was accustomed. business,” said Rose, passing on to If I have freedom in my love, The sound of his voice made Mrs. her own room; and Agatha, who was And in my soul am free Wodehouse start with suppressed an sharp of wit, could not help wondering I suppose this was how she felt. She ger and dismay; and Rose looked out what pleasant thing had happened to had got back that consciousness which from the heavy shadow of the crape her sister to make her voice so soft and is sometimes bitter and sometimes sad, veil, which showed the paleness of her | thrilling. “I almost expected to hear but without which we cannot live young face, as if under a penthouse or her sing," Agatha said afterwards ;

the consciousness that she was no heavy-shaded cavern. But she was though indeed a voice breaking forth shadow in the world, but herself ; no not pale at that moment; a light of in a song, as all their voices used to

| reflection of another's will and feelemotion was in her face. The tears do, six months ago, would have seemed

ings, but possessor of her own. were hanging on her eyelashes ; her something impious at this moment, in When her mother and she were left soft lip was quivering. Mr. Incledon the shadow that lay over the house.

alone, Rose got up from where she thought that grief and downfall had Mr. Incledon was nearly an hour

was sitting and drew a low chair, done all that the severest critic could "talking business ” with Mrs. Dame

which belonged to one of the children, have desired for her young beauty.

rel, during which time they sat in the to her mother's knee. Mrs. Damerel, It had given tenderness, expression, firelight and had no candles, being too, had watched Agatha's lingering feeling to the blooming rose face, such too much interested in their conversa exit with some signs of impatience, as as is almost incompatible with the first tion to note how time passed. Mrs. if she, too, had something to say ; but radiance of youth. Damerel said nothing about the busi

Rose had not noticed this, any more “ Would Mrs. Damerel see me, do ness when the children came in to tea than her mother had noticed the new you think"?” he asked ; " or is it too - the homely and inexpensive meal | impulse which was visible in her child. early to intrude upon her ? It is about | which had replaced' dinner in the The girl was so full of it that she bebusiness I want to speak.” White House. Her eyes showed signs

gan to speak instantly, without wait"I will ask," said Rose. “But if it of tears, and she was very quiet, and

ing for any question. is about business she will be sure to let the younger ones do and say al “ Mamma,” she said, softly, “I have see you. She says she is always able most what they pleased. But if the not been a good daughter to you; I for ihat.”

mother was quiescent, Rose, too, had l have left you to take all the trouble, Then I will say good-by,” said changed in a different way. Instead

and I have not tried to be of use. I Mrs. Wodehouse, unreasonably excited of sitting passive, as she usually did,

want to tell you that I have found it and angry, she could scarcely tell why. it was she who directed Agatha and

out, and tbat I will try with all my She made a step forward, and then Patty about their lessons, and helped heart to be different from to-day.” came back again with a little compunc Dick, and sent the little ones off at

“Rose, my dear child !” – Mrs. Dation, to add, in an undertone: “I their proper hour to bed. There was

merel was surprised and troubled. am glad we have had this little expla a little glimmer of light in her eyes,

The tears, which rose so easily now, nation. I will tell him when I write, a little dawn of color in her cheek.

came with a sudden rush to her eyes. and it will please him, too."

The reason was nothing that could She put her arms around the girl, and “You have not been quarrelling | have been put into words — a some drew her close, and kissed her. “I with Mrs. Wodehouse, that you should thing perfectly baseless, visionary, and have never found fault with you, my have little explanations ? " said Mr. unreasonable. It was not the hope of darling,” she said. Incledon, as he walked along to the being reconciled to Edward Wode “No, mamma; and that makes me White House by Rose's side.

house, for she bad never quarrelled feel it more. But it shall be different ; “Oh, no! it was nothing;” but he with him ; nor the hope of seeing him I am sorry, more sorry than I can tell saw the old rose flush sweep over the again, for he was gone for years. It you; but it shall be different from tocheeks which had half relapsed into was merely that she had recovered day." paleness. What was it ? and who did her future, her imagination, her land * But, Rose, what has put this into Mrs. Wodehouse mean to write to ? | of promise. The visionary barrier | your head to-day?" and what was she glad about? These which had shut her out from that coun- ! A wavering blush came and went upon Rose's face. She had it almost Mamma, I am not fond of him. I Rose remembered of old, but which in her heart to tell her mother; but I think it would be best to say so now.” | the tranquillity of grief had smoothed yet there was nothing to tell, and “You are not fond of him? Is out. A hot color mounted to her what could she say?

that all the consideration you give cheeks, making a line beneath her “I can't tell, mamma. It is mild such a question? You do not intend eyes. The girl was struck dumb by and like spring. I think it was be- that for an answer, Rose ?”

this sudden vehemence. Her reason ing out, and hearing people speak - “Oh, mamma, is it not enough? was confused by the mingled truth kindly"

What more answer could I give? I and sophistry, which she felt without Here Rose paused, and, in her turn, am not fond of him at all. I could knowing how to disentangle them, let fall a few soft tears. She had not pretend to be. When it is an an- and she was shocked and wounded by gone out very little, scarcely stirring swer like that, surely it is best to give the implied blame thus cast upon him beyond the garden, since her father's it now.”

who had been of late the idol of her deith, and Mrs. Damerel thought it “ And so,” said her mother, “you thoughts, and whom, if she had once was the mere impulse of reviving life; throw aside one of the best offers that | timidly begun to form a judgment on unless indeed

ever a girl received, with less thought him, she had long ceased to think of "My dear, did Mr. Incledon say on the subject than you would give to | as anything but perfect. anything to you ? ” she asked, with a ' a cat or a dog! You decide your “Oh! stop, stop! don't say any vague hope.

whole future without one thought. | more !” she cried, clasping her hands. * Mr. Incledon? Oh, no! except to Rose, is this the helpfulness you have “I cannot stop," said Mrs. Damerel; ask me if you would see him on just promised me? Is this the | “not now, when I have begun. I business. What was his business?”. thoughtfulness for yourself and all of never thought to say as much to one said innocent Rose, looking up into us that I have a right to expect?” of his children, and to no other could her mother's face.

Rose did not know what to reply. I ever speak, Rose. I see the same " Rose," said Mrs. Damerel, “1 She looked at her mother with eyes thing in Reginald, and it makes my was just about to speak to you on a suddenly hollowed out by fear and heart sick; must I find it in you too? very important matter when you began. anxiety and trouble, and watched There are people who are so happy as My dear, I must tell you at once what every movement of her lips and hands to like what they have to do, what it Mr. Incledon's business was. It was with a growing alarm which she could | is their duty to do; and these are the about you." not control.

blessed ones. But it is not always, it " About me?” All the color went “ You do not speak ? Rose, Rose, i is not often so in this life. Dear, out of Rose's face in a moment; she you must see how wrong you would listen to what I say. Here is a way recollected the visit to Whitton, and be to act so hastily. If it were a ques | by which you may make up for much the sudden light that bad flashed upon tion of keeping or sending away a ser of the harm that has been done; you her as he and she looked at the picts | vant, nay, even a dog, you would give may help all that belong to you; you ure together. She had forgotten all more thought to it; and this is a man may put yourself in a position to be about it months ago, and indeed had who loves, who would make you happy. useful to many; you may gain what never again thought of Mr. Incledon. Oh, do not shake your head! How men only gain by the labor of their But now in a moment her perves be- can a child of your age know ? A lives; and all this by marrying a good gan to thrill and her heart to beat; | man who, I am sure, would make you man whom you will make happy. yet she herself, in whom the nerves happy; a man who could give you Will you throw it away because at the vibrated and the heart throbbed, to everything and more than everything, | first glance it is not what your fancy turn to stone.

Rose. I cannot let you decide without chooses ? Will you set your own “ Rose, you are not nervous or silly thought.”

taste against everybody's advantage? like many girls, and you know now “Does one need to think?” said Oh, my darling, think, think! Do what life is — not all a happy dream, Rose, slowly, after a pause. “I do not let your first motive, in the first as it sometimes seems at the begin- not care for him, I cannot care for great thing you are called upon to do, ning. My dear, I have in my hand a him. You would not have me tell a be mere self !” brigliter future than you ever could lie?"

Mrs. Damerel stopped short, with a have hoped for, if you will have it. “I would have you deny yourself," dry glitter in her eyes and a voice Mr. Incledon has asked my leave to cried her mother; “I would have you which was choked and broken. She ask you to be his wife. Kose" - think of some higher rule than your was moved to the extent of passion

"Me! his wife !” Rose clutched own pleasure. Is that the best thing - she who in general was so selfat her mother's hand and repeated in the world, to please yourself? Oh, restrained. A combination of many these words with a pant of fright; I could tell you stories of that! Why emotions worked within her. To her though it seemed to her the moment | are we in this poor little house with mind, every good thing for her child they were said as if she had all her nothing? why is my poor Bertie de was contained in this proposal; and life known they were coming, and had pendent upon my brother, and you in Rose's opposition to it she saw the beard them a hundred times before. I girls forced to work like maid-servants, rising of the poisonous monster which

« That is what he wants, Rose. and our life all changed? Through had embittered her whole life. She Don't tremble so, nor look at me so self-indulgence, Rose. Oh! God for did not pause to ask herself what wilaly. It is a wonderful thing to give me for saying it, but ) must tell there was in the nature of this sacri. happen to so young a girl as you. He the truth. Through choosing the fice she demanded, which made it less is very good and very kind, and be pleasure of the moment rather than lawful, less noble, than the other sacwould be, oh l of so much help to all the duties that we cannot shake off ; rifices which are the Christian's highyour family; and he could give you througlı deciding always to do what est ideal of duty. It was enough that everything that heart can desire, and one liked rather than to do what was by this step, which did not seem to restore you to far more than you have right. Here are eight of you children Mrs. Damerel so very hard, Rose lost; and he is very fond of you, and with your lives blighted, all that one would do everything for herself and would make you an excellent husband. might be pleasant and unburdened. I | much for her family, and that she I promised to speak to you, dear. | have suffered under it all my life. | You must think it over. He does not Not anything wrong, not anything it was not pleasant, because she did wish you to give him an answer at wicked, but only, and always, and be not like it. Like it! The words

fore everything, what one liked one's raised a perfect storm in the breast of “Mamma,” said Rose, hoarsely, / self.”

the woman who had been made with a sudden trembling which seemed Mrs. Damerel spoke with a passion wretched all her life by her ineffectual to reach into her very heart, “is it which was very unlike her usual calm. struggle against the habitual decision not better to give an answer at once? The lines came into her brow which of her husband for what he liked.

hesi

use

once.''

She was too much excited to hear / world, and had learned the toleration | sition. But Rose was the one woman what Rose had to say; if, indeed, which comes by experience; whose in the world for him, by sheer caprice poor Rose had anything to say after opinions were worth hearing on al of nature; just as reasonable, and no this sudden storm which had broken | most every subject; who had read a more so, as that other caprice which upon her.

great deal, and thought a little, and made him, with all bis advantages and " We will speak of it to-morrow, was as much superior to the ordinary recommendations, not the man for her. when you have had time to think,” | young man of society in mind and If ever a man was in a position to she said, kissing her daughter, and judgment as he was in wealth. That make a deliberate choice, such as men dismissing her hastily. When Rose this kind of man often fails to capti are commonly supposed to make in had gone, she fell back into her chair vate a foolish girl, when her partner matrimony, Mr. Incledon was the man; by the waning firelight, and thought in a valse, brainless, beardless, and yet he chose just as much and as little over the many times in her own life penniless, succeeds without any trouble as the rest of us do. He saw Rose, when she had battled and had been in doing so, is one of those mysteries and some power which he knew nothworsted on this eternal point of differ- of nature wbich nobody can penetrate, ing of decided the question at once for ence between the two classes of human- | but which happens too often to be | him. He had not been thinking of ity. She had struggled for self-denial | doubted. Even in this, particular, marriage, but then he made up his against self-indulgence in a hundred | however, Mr. Incledon had his advan mind to marry; and whereas he bad different ways on a hundred fields of tages. He was not one of those who, on various occasions weighed the qualbattle, and here was the end of it: a either by contempt for the occupations ities and the charms of this one and poor old house, tumbling to pieces of youth or by the gravity natural to the other, he never asked himself a about her ears, a poor little pittance, maturer years, allow themselves to be question about her, nor compared her just enough to give her children bread; pushed aside from The lighter part of with any other woman, nor considered and for those children no prospect but life — he still danced, though not with whether she was suited for him, or toil for which they had not been the absolute devotion of twenty, and anything else about her. This was trained, and which changed their | retained his place on the side of youth, | how he exercised that inestimable whole conception of life. Bertie, her | not permitting himself to be shelved. privilege of choice which , women bright boy, for whom everything had More than once, indeed, the young sometimes envy. But, having once been hoped, if her brother's precarious officers from the garrison near, and received this conviction into his mind, bounty should fail, what was there be- the young scions of the county families, he had never wavered in his determifore him but a poor little clerkship in had looked on with puzzled non-coin nation to win her. The question in some office from which he never could prehension, when they found them his mind now was, not whether his rise, and which, indeed, his uncle had selves altogether distanced in effect selection was the best he could have suggested at first as a way of making and popularity by a mature personage made, but whether it was wise of him him helpful to his family. God help whom they would gladly have called to have entrusted his cause to the her! This was what a virtuous and 1 an old fogy had they dared. These mother rather than to have spoken to natural preference for the things one young gentlemen of course consoled | Rose herself. He had remained in liked had brought Mrs. Damerel to : their vanity by railing against the the background during those dreary and if her mind took a confused and | mercenary character of women who months of sorrow. He had sent flowover-strained view of the subject, and preferred wealth to everything. But ers and game and messages of inquiry; of the lengths to which self-denial it was not only his wealth upon which but he had not thrust himself upon ought to be carried, was it any won Mr. Incledon stood. No girl who had the notice of the women, till their der? I think there is a great deal to

married him need have felt herself change of residence gave token that be said on her side of the case.

withdrawn to the grave circle in which they must have begun to rouse themRose, for her part, lit her candle and her elders had their place. He was selves for fresh encounter with the went up the old stairs - which creaked able to hold his own in every pursuit world. When he was on his way to under her light foot — with her head with men ten years his juniors, and the White House he had fully per- , bent down, and her heart stilled under did so. Then, too, he had almost a suaded himself that to speak to the a weight that was too much for her. romantic side to his character; for a mother first was the most delicate and A cold, cold January night, the chill man so well off does not put off marry the most wise thing he could do. For air coming in at the old casements, ing for so long without a reason, and one thing, he could say so much more the dark skies without lending no though nobody knew of any previous to her than he could to Rose; he could cheering influence, and no warmth of story, any “entanglement, which assure her of his good-will and of his cheery fires within to neutralize Nat would have restrained him, various desire to be of use to the family, should ure's heaviness ; an accusation thrown picturesque suggestions were afloat; he become a member of it. Mr. Inupon her under which her whole be and even failing these, the object of cledon did not wish to bribe Mrs. Daing ached and revolted; a duty set be his choice might have laid the flatter merel to be on his side. He had infore her which was terrible to think ing unction to her soul that his long deed a reasonable assurance that no of; and no one to advise, or comfort, waiting had been for the realization of such bribe was necessary, and that a or help. What was she to do?

some perfect ideal, which he found man like himself must always have a only in her.

reasonable mother on his side. This CHAPTER X.

Ibis model of a marriageable man he was perfectly aware of, as indeed

took bis way from the White House any one in his senses would have been. MR. INCLEDON was a man of whom in a state of mind less easily described But as soon as he had made his declapeople said that any girl might be than most of his mental processes. ration to Mrs. Damerel, and had left glad to marry him; and considering He was not excited to speak of, for the White House behind, his thoughts marriage from an abstract point of an interview between a lover of thirty began to torment him with doubts of view, as one naturally does when it five and the mother of the lady is not the wisdom of this proceeding. He does not concern one's self, this was generally exciting; but he was a little saw very well that there was no clingentirely true. In position, in charac doubtful of his own perfect judicious ing of enthusiastic love, no absolute ter, in appearance, and in principles, ness in the step he had just taken. I devotedness of union, between this he was everything that could be de can no more tell you why he had set mother and daughter, and he began to sired : a good man, just, and never bis heart on Rose than I can say why wonder whether he might not have consciously unkind ; nay, capable of she felt no answering inclination to done better had he run all the risks and generosity when it was worth his wards him — for there were many broached the subject to Rose herself, while and he had sufficient induce other girls in the neighborhood who shy and liable to be startled as she ment to be generous. A man well ed would in many ways have been more was. It was perhaps possible that ncated, who had been much about the 1 suitable to a man ot' bis tastes and po- | his own avowal, which must have had

way ?;

a certain degree of emotion in it, | pence; and then she added, “ perhaps women, “In three months Rose will would have found better acceptation n I am prejudiced ; I never can get over

I am prejudiced; I never can get over be the great lady of the parish, and with her than the passionless state- a slight which I am sure she showed to lay down the law to you and the ment of his attentions which Mrs. Da- | my son."

Green, and all your gossiping society.” merel would probably make. For it! « Ah! what was that?”.

He would even in a rare fit of genernever dawned upon Mr. Incledon's Mrs. Musgrove once more pulled osity have liked to tell them, on the imagination that Mrs. Damerel would | her friend's cloak, and there was a spot, that this blessedness was in support his suit not with calmness,

great deal more eagerness and interest Rose's power, to give her honor in but passionately — more passionately, than the occasion deserved in Mr. In- their eyes, whether she accepted him perhaps, than would have been possi- cledon's tone.

or not; which was a very generous ble to himself. He could not have di “Oh, nothing of any consequence! impulse indeed, and one which few vined any reason why she should do What do you say, dear?-- a mistake? men would have been equal to80, and naturally he had not the least | Well, I don't think it was a mistake. though indeed as a matter of fact Mr. idea of the tremendous weapons she | They thought Edward was going to; Incledon did not carry it out. But he was about to employ in his favor. I - yes, that was a mistake, if you went into the lonely house where don't think, for very pride and shame, | please. I am sure he had many other everything pleasant and luxurious, exthat he would have sanctioned the use things in his mind a great deal more | cept the one crowning luxury of some of them, had he known.

important. But they thought — and one to share it with, awaited him, in a It happened, however, by chance, though common civility demanded glow of energy and eagerness, resolved that as he walked home in the wintry something different, and I took the to go back again to-morrow and plead twilight he met Mrs. Wodehouse and trouble to write a note and ask it, I his cause with Rose herself, and win her friend Mrs. Musgrove, who were do think — but, however, after the her, not prudentially through her going the same way as he was, on words I had with her to-day, I no mother, but by his own warmth of their way to see the Northcotes, who longer blame Rose. Poor cbiid! I am love and eloquence. Poor Rose in had lately come to the neigbborhood. | always very sorry for poor Rose.” June! In the wintry setting of the He could not but join them so far in | “Why should you be sorry for Miss White House she was not much like their walk, nor could he avoid the Damerel? Was she one of those who the rector's flower-maiden, in all her conversation which was inevitable. slighted your son! I hope Mr. Edward delicate perfection of bloom, “queen Mrs. Wodehouse indeed was very Wodehouse is quite well."

rose of the rosebud garden," impersoeager for it, and began almost before “He is very well, I thank you, and nation of all the warmth, and sweethe could draw breath.

getting on so satisfactorily; nothing ness, and fragrance, and exquisite “ Did you see Mrs. Damerel after could be more pleasant. Oh, you simple profusion of summer and natall ?” she asked. “You remember must not think Edward cared! He ure. Nr. Incledon's heart swelled I met you when you were on your has seen a great deal of the world, full of love and pity as he thought

and he did not come home to let him of the contrast — not with passion, • Yes; she was good enough to see self be put down by the family of a but soft tenderness, and a delicious me," said Mr. Incledon.

country clergyman. That is not at all sense of what it was in his power to “ And how do you think she is look- | what meant; I am sorry for Rose, do for her, and to restore her to. ing? I hear such different accounts; however, because of a great many He strayed over the rooms which some people say very ill, some just as things. She ought to go out as a he had once shown to her, with a usual. I have not seen her, myself," governess or companion, or something natural pride in their beauty, and in said Mrs. Wodehouse, slightly draw of that sort, poor child! Mrs. Da all the delicate treasures he had accuing herself up, “ except in church.” merel may try, but I am sure they mulated there, until he came to the

*How was that ?” he said, half never can get on as they are doing. little inner room with its gray-green amused. “I thought you had always I hear that all they have to depend on hangings, in which hung the Perugino, been great friends.”

is about a hundred and fifty a year. which, since Rose had seen it, he had Upon this he saw Mrs. Musgrove A family can never live upon that, always called his Raphael. He seemed give a little jerk to her friend's cloak, not with their habits, Mr. Incledon ; to see her too, standing there looking in warning, and perceived that Mrs. and therefore I think I may well say at it, a creature partaking something Wodehouse wavered between a desire poor Rose!"

of that soft divinity, an enthusiast to tell a grievance and the more pru "I don't think Miss Damerel will with sweet soul and looks congenial dent habit of self-restraint.

ever require to make such a sacrifice," to that heavenly art. I do not know “Oh!” she said, with a little hes he said, hurriedly.

that his mind was of a poetical turn by itation; “ yes, of course we were al "Well, I only hope you are right," nature, but there are moments when ways good friends. I had a great said Mrs. Wodehouse. « Of course life makes a poet of the dullest; and adiniration for our late good rector, you know a great deal more about on this evening the lonely, quiet bouse Mr. Incledon. What a man he was ! | | business matters than I do, and per within the parks and woods of WhitNot to say a word against the new one, haps their money is at higher inter ton, where there had been neither who is very nice, he will never be est than we think for; but if I were love, nor anything worth calling life, equal to Mr. Damerel. What a fine Rose I almost think I should see it to for years, except in the cheery commind he had, and a style, I am told, be my duty. Here we are at Mrs. pany of the servants' hall, suddenly equal to the very finest preachers! | Northcote's, dear. Mr. Incledon, I am got itself lighted up with ethereal We must never hope to hear such ser afraid we must say good-by.”

lights of tender imagination and feelmons in our little parish again. Mrs. Mr. Incledon went home very hot ing. The illumination did not show Damerel is a very good woman, and I and fast after this conversation. It outwardly, or it might have alarmed feel for her deeply ; but the attraction warmed him in the misty, cold even the Green, wbich was still unaware in that house, as I am sure you must ing, and seemed to put so many that the queen of the house bad have felt, was not her, but him.”

weapons into his hand. Rose, his passed by there, and the place lighted “ I have always had a great regard Rose, go out as a governess or com itself up in prospect of her coming. for Mrs. Damerel,” said Mr. Incledon. panion! He looked at the shadow of After dinner, however, Mr. Incledon

“Oh, yes, yes! I am sure — a good his own great house standing out descended from these regions of fancy, wife and an excellent mother and all against the frosty sky, and laughed , and took a step which seemed to liimthat; but not the fine mind, not the to himself as he crossed the park. self a very clever as well as prudent, intellectual conversation, one used to She a dependent, who might to-mor and at the same time a very friendly, have with the dear rector," said good row if she pleased be virtual mistress one. He had not forgotten, any more Mrs. Wodehouse, who had about as of Whitton and all its wealth! He than the others had, that summer much intellect as would lie on a six- | would have liked to say to these evening on the lawn at the rectory,