The breakfast-table at Greenbank had been waiting full half an hour. Never before had the little mistress of the mansion been known to be such a loiterer; but there was some excuse this morning, thought Mr. Duncan, as he walked lazily up and down the shaded verandah-it was too sultry for living thing to be in haste. Although the sun had not yet made his appearance -unable to pierce the thick mist that rolled slowly up the mountain side--the air was warm and stifling, and the hush that lay upon the face of nature gave promise of as warm a midsummer day as had ever been known. lounge about his father's beautiful little villa in the summer, and Broadway or Chestnut street, when the cold breath of a northern winter drove him from his retreat. No one could deny that he possessed talents of the highest order-but he needed a motive for exertion; and while his friends said this, they added-" the only son of a wealthy father could not be expected to work as though he was dependent on his own exertions for support." Mr. Duncan's summer residence, to which we have introduced you, dear reader, was situated just above the highlands, in a most picturesque curve of the Hudson, whose bright waters laved the foot of the grassy lawn, that sloped gently in front of the cottage. Wealth and exquisite taste had made it a little paradise; and on the day that she left school, Carrie, then scarce seventeen, had been installed as mistress of the domain. Since her mother's death, two years before, it had Mr. Duncan did not get impatient, though been the one object of all her thoughts to study feeling somewhat in haste; he knew it would her father's comfort and happiness. How well increase the heat; so he slowly folded his arms she had succeeded was daily told, as he watched behind him, and leaned over the trellis to watch her with equal pride and affection, while she the light ripples that broke on the smooth beach moved gracefully and cheerfully everywhere, not at the foot of the lawn, and wished he was a less when attending to household affairs, than in trout, for instance, that he might spend the whole the elegantly furnished parlours, receiving her day laving and gliding in the cool waves. He father's guests. had almost forgotten that he was waiting, when a bird-like voice called-" Papa, papa," just behind him; and as he turned, a pair of rosy lips met his own, a soft white arm was twined about his neck, as a little maiden begged forgiveness for keeping him so long from his coffee. The pleasant smile that stole over his face when the kiss was returned, told of anything rather than displeasure, and they entered the breakfast-room chatting gaily, there rousing from a brown study a young man of some seven-and-twenty years' experience in this noisy world-who had fallen into that state of beatitude over the eighth part of "Dombey." "Why, Carrie! father! breakfast so soon?" said he, rising with a start that overthrew the chair upon which he had been lolling; and then, to cover his confusion, set about disarranging the nicely-laid table, helping every one to just what they did not wish for. And now we like to be particular in these little matters, it saves a deal of trouble in the end-allow me formally to introduce Mr. Duncan, senior, and his son Edward--the latter not many years since a graduate of one of the Philadelphia medical schools. We must confess, that hitherto he had shown very little energy in the profession he had chosen; preferring rather to Having learned all this, we shall not feel so much like intruders as we turn once more to the little group who still linger over the morning repast, though now their attention is somewhat diverted by the arrival of the mail, with its store of good and evil. How eager one grows, when in the country, for that same arrival! the great event of the day to be looked forward to-and to be remembered. The morning papers transport you, with the rapidity of the telegraph, into the very heart of the great world. City items, here a novelty and raciness unknown when the events which they chronicle take place, as it were, directly under your own eye; and the dullest letter from the present correspondent, is welcomed as a relief from the monotony around you. The Greenbank post-bag was unusually well filled, but all the letters seemed to be for Mr. Duncan. "Is there not one for me, papa? not even a note?" asked Carrie, as she watched with dismay the growing and increasing pile of brown wrappers deposited by Mr. Duncan's plate. Yes-there was one, of course the very last to come to light, with a dainty hot-pressed envelope, sealed with a French motto; and as Ned tossed it contemptuously to his sister, he made a most uncivil remark upon female friendships and cor- | rather friends, there being another, of whom the respondences. Carrie was half way through reader has not yet heard. one of the four closely-written pages of the epistle, before she deigned to reply; and then, with a shout of joy, that made her father look up in astonishment, and Ned drop the "Spirit of the Times," bade them both listen. "So I have decided," ran the extract, " to visit you in your pleasant little home, of which you have given me such glowing descriptions. I have a positive longing for the retirement of Greenbank, for Philadelphia is insufferably hot, and the springs quite as stupid. You cannot tell how I loathe the bustle and selfish display of fashionable watering-places; aunt has been so consistent in the discharge of her duties as chaperon to the heiress,' that my fortune is as well known as my face. I almost wish that I was penniless, if so I had a home, and kind friends to love me, as you have, Carrie. I did not envy you at school, when you bore the prize from us all; but I stood by when your father's welcome praises rewarded you for the exertion, and then I must confess that my heart swelled with a feeling very like it, and I was forced to leave the room, lest my convulsed features and tearful eyes should betray me. No such caress awaited the orphan. Do not let me make you sad, though, dear; I know I shall be happy with you." Carrie's kind little heart was too full to go on with the letter, and Ned broke the moment's pause with- Well! and when will this paragon appear? Miss Fletcher, I presume, from her modest account of herself; give me timely notice, for I must be off. I never should survive being obliged to play the gallant to a city miss for six long weeks." "And hear this in return for your extremely civil observation," said his sister, the smile again restored to her bright eyes "I know I shall not like your brother, even though so kind to you. I remember too well the sneers at womenkind in general, which you used to read me from his letters. I imagine him very haughty, quite unlike your father and yourself, and fully expecting that he will look upon me with disdain; I intend to be the first to declare war." Edward Duncan was not a little vain, as most fine-looking men of his age are apt to be. He could not help being slightly piqued, knowing that Miss Fletcher was very beautiful, and quite as haughty as she supposed him to be. So when Carrie begged him very humbly to be good for once, and stay a week at least, he consented, solemnly declaring thas he was a martyr to his brotherly kindness, and nothing should induce him to stay a day longer. It was at length arranged that Mr. Duncan should go down to meet the expected visitor, returning with her that same evening, if she arrived in New York as expected. Ned sauntered to the summer-house, as the coolest place to be found, and amused himself with a pretence of fishing; and Carrie set about making the necessary preparation for the arrival of her friend, or Are you weary of Miss Fletcher's letter? If not, let us finish it with Carrie in her own little room, and thus learn something more of those expected. "It was very kind in you, Caro, to make me your confidant-school-girl promises are not always so well kept. And so you are really engaged to Edward Morris, with your father's full consent! I remember your brother's description of him when they were classmates at Yale. And for your sake, I trust he is as true as his fine face would indicate. Once more, I must envy you. I never expect to be loved for myself alone. I distrust every one, and have almost resolved not to marry. There is nothing loveable in me, I believe—at least no one but yourself ever thought differently; bitter reflection for one so young! but I have felt so from my earliest recollection. To return to your own bright prospects. I shall rejoice to meet your friend. He makes you a long visit about this time, does he not? And I hope through your representation he will think more favourably of me, than do most whom I meet." This, then, was the reason why Carrie's heart beat so fast as she inspected, for the last time, a room next to her brother's, to be quite sure that all was right-and why she arranged and rearranged with so much care the bouquet intended for the dressing-table. From ten o'clock till three, how long the hours were! it seemed as if they would never pass. CHAP. II. "We were all disappointed!” "She moans upon her pillow, And her cheek is fever-red; Will be numbered with the dead!"-M.S. Oh, how wearily the long hours of that intensely hot day crept by! The dinner-bell rung at length, and with it came Edward Morris, who clasped his betrothed closely to his heart, and owned, with a lover's earnestness, that she grew more beautiful and more gentle each hour. Ned, the brother (and since our heroes can find but one name between them, let us call one Morris, and the other Ned), wisely kept aloof at first, but joined them in time for the dessert, and commenced amusing his friend, and vexing his sister, by a most imaginative account of the expected visitor. "Indeed!" exclaimed Carrie," her eyes are not grey; they are the most beautiful hazel, though sometimes you would think them quite black, when they are flashing as only Louise Fletcher's eyes can flash. She is tall, it is true, graceful-fascinating, though many thought haughty and reserved, and that none could equal her brilliant conversational powers. Now she was lying, overcome by fatigue, or affecting nonchalance, scarce replying when addressed, and never hazarding an observation. but so well proportioned that you would not think it, and she walks superbly. Laugh as much as you like, but you will see her to-night, and to-morrow you will be of quite another opinion.' "Perhaps," said Ned, leisurely, as he strolled from the room, which he did not enter again until long after the sun had set. "The evening boat is just in sight," was the announcement which he made, and in a few minutes the long swells which dashed against the summer-house told that it was close at hand. How gloriously it swept along the bosom of the quiet river! The thousand sparks that flashed from the tall chimney streamed like a banner of flame upon the darkness, and revealed the white billows, rolling, foam-crested, on either side of her pathway. The quick tolling of the bell as she neared the landing was re-echoed by the caverned hills; and then with a bound, and a shrill sharp cry as that of an impatient steed, the quick revolutions of the wheels ceased, and the boat floated idly upon the ebbing tide. A moment more, at a signal it was again released, and ere the friends could greet each other, passed from sight, leaving the quiet nook once more to solitude and darkness. Usually when young lady friends meet after a separation of several months, there is so much to be asked, and replied to, that the presence of others is a forgotten circumstance. But Carrie was so anxious to show her brother the falsity of his opinion with regard to Miss Fletcher's attractions, that she lost no time in making the two acquainted. Edward Morris was also presented; and such was the confusion of the moment, that he had scarce a glance of her face ere she once more claimed Mr. Duncan's escort, and they entered the house. Ned was the last of the group to make his appearance, and then he found that Miss Fletcher had already laid aside her bonnet, and was resting from the fatigues of the day's journey upon the low, softly-cushioned lounge. What a feeling of disappointment came over him! Spite of his raillery, he had formed an ideal of perfect loveliness, from his sister's glowing description of her friend. Now the faint light of the shaded lamp revealed a face, bearing not even a distant resemblance to the creature of his imagination. For the soft rosy hue that should have tinted her cheeks, was a deep red glow. Her eyes were dull and heavy, and her hair sadly disarranged. She wore a dark-grey travelling dress, which he thought very clumsy and ungraceful; the high corsage quite up to the throat, and a cape of extravagant dimensions, almost entirely concealed her form. True, the foot-a little displayed by the careless attitude she had assumed-was finely formed, though its length was fully proportionate to her somewhat unusual height; besides, the hand that was raised to screen her eyes was delicate, and the slender fingers seemed almost too fragile, as the rosy light streamed through them; but Ned almost sighed, as his beautiful ideal vanished. Then, too, Carrie had said her manner was so perfect, stately while Even Carrie was puzzled. She thought her friend was very much changed, and feared that, after all her expectations, the visit would prove dull to both. Once or twice she noticed that Miss Fletcher's eyes wandered restlessly about the room, as if she scarce comprehended where she was; but tea was at length prepared for the travellers, and almost immediately after, Louise begged to be excused for the night, pleading a wretched headache, which quite unfitted her for conversation. She was more like herself when the friends were alone; and chatted cheerfully of old times, and her future prospects. As in their schooldays, Carrie assisted her in the simple night toilet, unwreathing the long braids of her dark hair, and again twining them in a simple fold about her queenly head. The cool bath drove the purple flush from her face; and as Carrie bent over her to arrange the pillows, that the poor head might rest more easily, she thought Louise even more beautiful than of old. "You will be quite well in the morning," said she, as her hand rested upon the door; "but I will see you again ere I go to my room." Louise did not reply, save that a sweet smile played over her face, and Carrie cautiously stole away. "And this is your paragon, my wise sister!" was the exclamation that greeted her, as she entered the parlour. She is, indeed, a very queen -so graceful in her attitudes, so fascinating in her gaiety, so quick and brilliant in her sarcastic rejoinders! You shall choose my new pony tomorrow; I will never dispute your excellent taste again." "At least, Edward," replied his sister, as the colour deepened upon her cheek, "she is not ironical; and I am sorry to say that I consider your last remark as unworthy one who should know what is due to his sister's friend and his father's guest. If this is to be your course towards her, I am willing you should return to the city to-morrow. Miss Fletcher shall not be wounded by such unkindness." Carrie spoke with warmth; and her brother, who loved her next to himself, begged forgiveness, and was pardoned, by promising amendment. After all, he confessed it was probably the effect of the day's journey that had disappointed him, and said he was quite sure Miss Fletcher would be a second Aphrodite, after the morning's bath. Though this savoured not a little of his former mood, Carrie overlooked all, and taking her lover's arm, left the home for a long, delicious, moonlight stroll upon the banks of the Hudson. It was quite late before she had bidden him adieu for the night, and she went directly to her friend's bedside, hoping to find her in a quiet sleep. As she supposed, the room was still, so silent that her own footsteps startled her; and as she leaned over the bed, she found Louise lying as calm and motionless as if dead. But her lips were a warm rich crimson, and the breath passed gently through, scarce stirring the light drapery around her. Carrie bent down and kissed the forehead of the sleeper, then sought her own room with a heart full of happiness, to recall the whispered words of love so dear to the maiden, and the thought that the beloved one rested under the same roof brought bright visions to her dream-haunted pillow. The little French clock chimed one-twothree; and as it ceased, she woke with a start, and her heart beat fearfully fast, for she thought that a burning hand was laid upon her own. Scarce breathing, she drew it from that strange clasping, and the next moment sprang from her bed, with a wild shriek. Louise was standing beside her; but her eyes had an unnatural light, and her arm was upraised, while she muttered in a low, mournful tone 66 'The moonlight scorches," said she; "it fell upon my forehead, and pierced to my very brain! Will you not take it away, dear lady? You look kind and gentle. Tell me where I am-I do not remember this room. I must go to my friend, for she will expect me." ." Then seeing that Carrie turned as if fearful, she caught her arm, and prayed her not to be angry for waking her. "I thought you could take away this pain," said the poor girl, as she pressed her hand to her brow. Carrie's shriek had roused good Mrs. Pratt, the househeeper, and she entered the room just at this instant. She saw directly that Louise was raving in the delirium of a fever, and whispering to Carrie not to be alarmed, went quietly to the invalid, and soothing her with kind words, led her from the room. Louise obeyed as if she had been a child, and suffered them to place her once more in her own bed, though she begged that the moonlight might be shut out, and that Carrie would not leave her. The first grey light of dawn struggled through the heavy clouds which veiled the horizon, when Edward Morris was summoned to the room. Louise had fallen into a stupor, and was breathing heavily, with her eyes fixed upon Carrie's face, though there was no intelligence in the immovable gaze. It was a moment of anxious suspense, but at length the young physician released the slender wrist, and said in a hurried tone"We must be prompt, or assistance will be of no avail." Not a sound came from the lips of the sufferer, as they bared her beautiful arm; and the sharp click of the lancet, followed by a crimson stream, had no power to arouse her. Carrie was deathly pale, but her hand was firm as she supported her friend. The united persuasions of her lover and Mrs. Pratt would not induce her to leave the bedside, until assured that, for the present at least, all danger was past; and then, almost fainting, Edward bore her to her own room. The amendment was but transitory. An hour after sunrise Edward Morris roused his friend, who was sleeping undisturbed, and hastily sum moned him to a consultation. Ned had been dreaming of a low voice not quite familiar; but as he entered the room, the wild ravings of the invalid fell upon his ear with that same sweet tone. Poor Louise! All haughtiness, all reserve were passed away; yet even in the careless abandonment of her unconsciousness, she was very beautiful. There was a wild fire in her brilliant eye, a warm flush upon her cheek and lip. Her hair, loosened from its bands, in her restless tossings, fell in tangled but luxuriant masses over her fair neck, which was purer from the contrast; and as she waved her arms wildly about her head, she seemed a goddess of some heathen shrine, filled with the fire of inspiration. A thousand feelings came to the heart of the careless, thoughtless man, as he gazed upon her. He saw the danger at a glance, and with that knowledge came a yearning to save, even if he gave life for life. "She must not, shall not die," he whispered, in a low husky voice, to Morris, who had again taken his station at the bedside. His friend looked sadly, almost hopelessly, upward. "It seems like a sacrifice," said he, "but these beautiful tresses must be removed. With this heated atmosphere, and so violent an affection of the brain, it will be almost certain death to have them wrapped about her head. I have never seen a more sudden or violent attack; but we must do all we may, and leave the event with a higher Power." It seemed, as Morris had said, a sacrifice, as those glossy curls fell one by one, severed by the gentle hand of good Mrs. Pratt. All were taken save a few short ringlets that clustered about her temples-and they were laid a glittering mass before Carrie, who sorrowfully received them, her tears gleaming like pearls, as they rested in the silken threads. The invalid offered no resistance; she seemed rather relieved, as if a part of the pain were gone; but when she saw that Carrie could not check her sobs, she pressed her hands wildly together, and said-" Dear lady, do not weep so. I do not know who you are, indeed. I do not think I have ever before seen you. But you are weeping for me, I know; and I am not worthy the tears of any. Tell me your name, dear lady, will you not? It makes my heart and my poor head ache to see you so sad." And Carrie banished, or at least checked her grief, and soothed the sufferer with kind caresses and low, pleasant words. Her lover thought she had never been more like an angel than when bending over the pillow of her friend. How altered was the aspect of Greenbank on that bright summer day! Even the servants, who had not seen Miss Fletcher, moved quietly about, lest their footsteps should disturb the poor young lady. Mr. Duncan lingered constantly near the door of the room, with a divided care-pity for his young guest, and fear that Carrie would be prostrated by grief and anxiety. But the greatest change was visible in his son. All listlessness and inactivity were gone: he shared the daily watch with Morris, and when at night Louise was |