ding in the
hands of the watchman, and by the subsequent newspaper report of his
bad conduct; and estranged from her early regard for him, as she had
been, by these and other things that she had heard, the young girl
could not entirely banish from her mind the image of the boy who had
been to her so gentle and affectionate since the early and innocent
days of childhood. In spite of all her efforts to turn her thoughts
away from him, they were ever turning toward him; and, as time
passed on, and his long absence left all in doubt concerning his
fate, his memory became to her something like a hallowed thing.

In passing on to the estate of womanhood, Emily, who possessed more
than common beauty, attracted admirers, and from two or three of
these she received offers of marriage. But in each case the suitor
had failed to win her heart, and she was too true a woman to give
her hand to any one unless her heart could go also.

In at least one case her father took sides with the lover, and urged
his suit with a degree of feeling that resulted in a partial
estrangement of affection. But he afterward had cause to be well
satisfied with Emily's decision in the case.

On the morning that had succeeded the day of Andrew Howland's return
to P--, Emily Winters, who had long since ceased to think of the
young man as alive, was informed that a gentleman had called, and
wished to see her.

"Who is he?" was the natural inquiry.

"I don't know," replied the servant.

"You should have asked his name."

"I did so, but he said that it was no matter."

After making some slight change in her dress, Emily went down to the
parlor. As she entered, a gentleman arose and advanced a few steps
toward her.

"Miss Winters!" said he, while he fixed his eyes intently on her
face.

The young lady bowed slightly in return, while she looked at him
inquiringly.

"You don't know me?" said the stranger, with perceptible
disappointment in his voice.

Emily dropped her eyes for a moment to the floor, and then lifted
them again to his countenance. There was a gentle suffusion on her
face, as she slowly shook her head.

"I have seen you before," she remarked, "but I cannot, at this
moment, tell where."

"Years have passed since we met," replied the stranger, with
something of sadness in his voice; "but I had hoped you would not
forget me."

As he spoke, he came nearer, and held out his hand, which Emily did
not hesitate to take.

At the mom