Confession

ood for an explanation such as my promise necessarily implied, but I prepared my toilet with particular care-spent two hours at my office in a vain endeavor

n her eyes, which betokened strong emotions actively at work. But my own agitation did not suffer me to know the full extent of hers. For the first time, on her appearance, did I ask myself the question-"For what did I seek this interview?" What had I to say-what near? How explain my conduct-my coldness? On what imaginary and unsubstantial premises base the neglect in my deportment, amounting to rudeness, of which she had sufficient reason and a just right to complain? When I came to revi

to make atonement. I feel how rude I have been,

aimed with some surprise. "W

ave made m

rprise natur

ear Julia, a

the declaration of the soul must follow in a rush from the lips. I told her how much I loved her;-how unhappy it made me to think that others might bear away the prize; that, in this way, my rude

ons sleep, like the fumes at the shrine of Apollo, beneath the spell of that master passion in whose presence they can only maintain a subordinate existence. I loved; I had told my love;-and I was loved in return. I trembled with the deep intoxication of that bewildering moment; and how I found my way back to my office-whom I saw on the way, or to whom I spoke, I know not. I loved;-I was beloved. He only can conceive the delirium of this sweet knowledge who has passed a life like mine-who has felt the frowns and the scorn, and the

her own. In the world's estimation my rank was quite as respectable as that of any in my uncle's circle, and, for my condition, my resources, though small, were improving daily, and I had already attained such a place among my professional brethren, as to leave it no longer doubtful that it must continue to improve. My in

hat are your

with suffici

ve already formed other arrangements for my

r-may I ask

r some time in deliberation. But do not speak of it, Edward

you do not surely mean to force young R

iful child, who will readily recognise the

et that Julia has already a

that I wholly disapprove of your seeking my daughter's consent, before you first th

inferior to that of my cousin, I can not see how the privilege of which I availed myself in proposing for her hand, can be construed

ity of birth does not constitute a just cla

ired on my part by misconduct-by a want of indus

tal

sneer. But I was now a man-a strong one, a

and humbler, and less worthy in all respects than I am, I should still be entitled to respectful treatment. At another time, with my sensibilities less deeply interested than they are, I should probably submit, as I have already frequently submitted, to the unkind and ungenerous sarcasms in wh

ult matter to account for or excuse. We parted in mutual anger, the effect of which was to close his doors against me, and exclude me from all opportunities of interview with Julia, unless by stealth. Even then, these opportunities were secured by my artifice, without her privity. As dutiful as fond, she urged me against them; and, resolute to "honor her father and mothe

ffection for you! How, how can you think so?" And she threw herself on m

ole solace of my heart, would not be difficult for me to keep. But I doubted HER strength-HER resolution-against the pressing solicitations of parents whom she had never been accustomed to withstand. But she quieted me with that singular earnestness of lo

ience to my parents, I shall not marry against thei

, you thin

r against me or of me, which is unfavorable to m

ll meet me

We must not meet in this manner.

he halls of legislation. It is this premature disposition to enter into public life, which is the sole origin of the numberless mistakes and miserable inconsistencies into which our statesmen fall; which cling to their progress for ever after, preventing their performances, and baffling them in all their hopes to secure the confidence of the people. They are broken-down political hacks in the prime of life, and just at the time when they should be first entering upon the duties of the public man. Seduced, like the rest, as well by my own vanity as the suggestions of favoring friends, I permitted my name to be announced, and engaged actively in th

not; and he was toiling with all the industry of a thoroughgoing partisan in promoting its success. The cup which he had commended to my lips was overrunning with the gall of bitterness. Hostility to me seemed really to have been a sort of monomania with him from th

successful candidates, in which his house was filled to overflowing. I passed the dwelling about midnight. Music rang from the illuminated parlor. The merry dance proceeded. All was life, gayety, and rich profusion. And Julia! even

g nor danced; and when I saw her again, I was shocked at the visible alteration for the worse which her appearance exhibited She was now grown

a reference to those provocations which I had received from her father. A warm temper, ardent and glowing, it is very safe to imagine, must reasonably become soured and perverse by bad treatment and continual injury. But this for me was no excuse. Julia was a victim also of the same treatment, and in far greater

rts had been just closed, and she hoped finally, by her unqualified rejection of his suit, even though backed by all her father's solicitations, complaints, nay, threats and anger. How ungenerous and unmanly, after this statement had been made, appeared all the bitter eludings in which I had indulged! I need no