The Hand but Not the Heart; Or, The Life-Trials of Jessie Loring

m, that he had found it impossible to assume the easy, cheerful air of a visitor. He was conscious, therefore, of having shown himself in the eyes of Miss

l beneath his earnest gaze, burned with a softened light, and

r tones as she said these words. "I have never thought you stupid." What pleasure he derived from repe

Loring," said he. "I can't get her out of my th

d as she answered

he infection taken at firs

olemn fact," said the young man, with an expression of face

lemn fact? What a contradiction y

in spite of myself; and the fact is a solemn one. Why? Because I have too good reason for believing that she does not love me in return. And

have seen Miss

s morning, and while I sat in the parlor awaiting her appearance, who should intrude himself

aste, Paul," sa

him intruding at such a time, was more than I could bear. It completely unsettled me. Of course, when Miss Loring appeared, I was constrained, cold, embarrassed, distant-everything that was repulsive; while Dexter was as bland as a June morning-full of graceful compl

ate," said M

n. I was too keenly alive to my ow

Excited feelings are the

tion in Hendrickson's manner. "I was

ul. Mr. Dexter had an equal right

ru

right to choos

not de

the lady should create in your mind unpleasant feelings towards the man. You had

nfess

your rights. Do not let one like Dexter bear her off to gild a heartless home. Remember that Jessie is young, inexperienced, and unskilled in the ways of the world. She is not schooled in the lore of love; cannot understand all its signs; and, above all, can no more look into your heart, than you can look into hers. How is she to know that you love her, if you stand coldly-I might say cynically-observant at a far distance. Paul! Paul! Women are not won in this way, as many a man has found to his sorrow, a

words had inspired Hend

s meaning in the words beyond a graceful speech. 'Not if I show myself as stupid as I have been this morning,' was m

music and make her heart tremble? You could have asked no better opportunity for giving the p

drickson, with an impatient sweep of his hand. "I felt that her eyes were

ose hand may be had for the asking. So, I pray you, be warned in time. Go to her this very evening. You will probably find her alone. Dexter will hardly call twice in the same

Hendrickson, speak

Loring any opportunity to judge of your real sentiments towards her. Your manner has been distant or constrained. She does not, therefore, understand you; and if her heart is really int

for my heart gives a bound the moment my eyes rest

ll and coolness. A bl

ickson ro

ell done quickly. I will not lin

s. Denison, as they parted, a