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

the power he possessed, to overcome his fruitless passion-but striven in vain.-The image of Miss Loring had burned itself into his heart, and become ineffaceable. The impressi

the man who was about to sacrifice her at

fice?" The question had thrust it

Steadily she is moving on, nerved by a false sense of honor; and unless some one comes to the rescue, the fatal vow will be made that seals the doom of her happiness and mine. It must not-shall not be! Who so

his card, and Miss Loring returned for answer, that she would see him in a few moments. Full five minutes elapsed before she left her room. It had taken her nearly all that time to school her agitated feelings; for on seeing

iew, alone," she said to herself. "

ssing, as far as possible, every unruly emotion

ested the footsteps of Miss Loring, ere she had

ent?" was answered

she said, in self-rebu

in Hendrickson's manner. But its repressio

Loring betrayed far more of inward

each other's eyes-then stood for s

e, conscious that any remark was better

eyes fell to the floor-a deep crimson suffused her countenance. They seated themselves-she on the sofa, and he on a chair drawn close beside, or rather nearly in front of

s unsteady voice betraying his inwa

rl's voice, and a glance of warning in her eye. But

Jessie Loring!" He

ut to rise, but he said in

u must hear what I h

ale; but looked

imperative his manner, that she was, i

Hendrickson," she answered, sadly,

ed. "And it is in the hope of being able to call down Heaven's choicest blessings on

lowly, until the bright orbs beneath were hidden and

w, and I will ever after hold my peace. If this marriage contract, so unwisely made, is not broken, two lives will be made wretc

ng, starting to her feet. But Hendrickson

me!" he answere

are

into their true activity. The holiest things of your life demand this, Miss Loring. Sit down and be calm again, and let

d resumed

s a wife should love a husband. Consummate that engagement, and years of wretchedness lie before you. I say nothing of Mr. Dexter as regards honor, probity, and good feeling. I believe him to be a man of high integrity. His character before the world is blameless-his position one to be envied. But you do not love him-you cannot love him. Nay it is

was clasping with almost vice-like pressure, and arose to her feet. He did not rise, but sat looking up in

"It is too late, and only makes my task the harder-my burden heavier. But God helping

ing? I declare it to be the w

dge!" was firmly answered. "And n

u are r

in the path of duty. When I faint and fall by

the world can give will be yours. But my way

and there was a flash like indignation in her e

. Miss Loring, who saw the effect of her words, threw up, wit

I rest, that you should have dared utter language such as my ears hav

ternness of manner that sent a chill to his he

ime you venture to repeat wha

ips, but she suddenly checked hers

hs and years afterwards, the image of that young man's d

f speaking to himself. "I could d

iest pressure fell, or which life was most hopeless. It is alleged that only men die of broken hearts-that women can bear the crushing heel of disappointment, live on and endure, while men fall by the way, and perish in the strife of pa