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

hile the timid one yet hesitated. Jessie went back to her room, after her interview with Paul Hendrickson, in spiritual stature no longer a half developed girl, b

bent, and writhed like some strong forest-tree in the maddening whirl of a tempest. But there was no faltering

red to move on a step farther. But Jessie was not an ordinary woman. She possessed a high sense of personal honor; and looked upon any pledge as a sacred obli

ough to see that Jessie Loring was superior to all the maidens whom it had been his fortune to meet. And so, without pausing to look deeply into her heart, or take note of its peculiar aspirations and impuls

soon became visible. There was a certain dignity and reserve, verging, at times, on coldness, not seen prior to her engagement-and a quiet suppression of familiarity, even with her most intimate friends. The same marked change was vis

his thoughts go back, and went over again, in retrospection, every particular of their intercourse-dwelling minutely upon her words, looks, manner and emotions at the time he first pressed his suit upon her. The result was far from satisfactory. She had not met

s enthusiasm. But Mr. Dexter had not the nobility for such

usion. But he had won all of her in his power to gain. Her heart was to h

thed-to meet his ardor with returning warmth. But the effort was accompanied with

nt to the approaching marriage, was almost certain to cloud her brow. And yet so gratified was this worldly-minded woman, at the

as she could give no valid reason for delaying their happiness so long, the time was shortene

ilence of night and in the loneliness of her

irit could not lay

in no instance did she recognize the face of Hendrickson. In festive companies, where he had been a constant attendant, she missed his presence. Often she heard him inquired after, yet only once did the answer convey any intelligence. It was at an evening party. "

sponded the other.

eart, I believe,"

he very muc

ed," was the

as the

not hear

tone of surprise, and the l

very much to hea

somewhat peculiar; over diffident; and not given to showing himself off to the best advantage. But he is every i

Men are not apt to go crazy after pretty gi

d Mrs. Denison. "His eyes are too keen, and go below the surface at a

e is going to break his

hat is an ext

time; and there are goo

come from this severe trial which my young friend is now enduring. These better natures are

shut himself o

says 'wait-wait, I am n

take the matter

do

ached her ears disturbed her spirit profoundly-too profoundly to make even a ripple on the surface. No one saw a change

she had heard o

, her aunt wishing to make a few calls at places where Jessie did not care to go. She was crossing one of the public squares when the thought of Hendrickson came suddenly into her mind. Her eyes were cast down at the moment. Looking up, involuntarily, she paused, for within a few paces was the

he withdrew her hand, and moved back a single step. The mantling flush lef

. Hendrickson?" she inquired, in a vo

st himself to utter mo

ou from the old

n to be missed?" He could not s

morn

must either yield or fly-and she fled; fled with rapid unsteady feet, pausing not until the door of her own chamber shut ou

ack-show me some rift in the clouds, for I am fainting in this rayless night. And oh, if I dare pray for him-if the desire for his happiness springs from no wrong sentiment-let this petition find favor-as he asked that I might be kept spotless as the angels, so keep him;

w, weary movement, dreary eyes, and absent manner. The shock of this meeting had been severe-disturbing her too profoundly for even t

rangest states-just like her poor mother! And like her I'm afraid, sometimes, will make herself and every one else around her miserable. I pity Leon De