w Orleans with the expectation of having her cousin
Josephine spend the ensuing winter with her at the north; but shortly
after her arrival home a letter from her cousin informed her of their
fallen fortunes, and proposed emigration to Texas. As Alice knew not to
what part of that State to direct a reply, all further correspondence
was broken off between the parties. From Wayland Morris she never heard,
and knew naught concerning him, save by occasional articles from his pen
in southern journals, which were noticed with commendation and applause.
She tried hard to forget him; "for it is not right," she said, "to waste
my life and health on one who never thinks of me. But why did he awaken
a hope in my breast that he loved me, if that hope was to be withdrawn
as soon as it became necessary to my happiness?"

"Alice, Alice!" exclaimed Mrs. Orville, as the fair girl stood in the
recess of a vine-covered window, absorbed in thoughts like these, "Mr.
Milder is coming through the gate; will you go out to receive him?"

Alice roused from her reverie, and saying "Yes, mother," very quietly,
hastened through the hall to meet her visitor.

"Good-evening, Mr. Milder!" said she, with a graceful courtesy. "Come
into the parlor. I have been laying the sin of ungallantry upon you for
the last three days."

"It is the last charge I would have expected preferred against me by
you, Miss Orville!" said he, smiling.

"What other would you sooner have expected?" she inquired, looping up
the snowy muslin curtains to admit the parting sunbeams.

"One I would have dreaded far more to hear,--that of being too assiduous
in my attendance," returned he, in a low tone.

Alice answered by changing the conversation, and, after an hour passed
in pleasant chit-chat, Fred. proposed a stroll on the lake shore. Alice
was soon ready, and they sallied forth. The weather was delightful, and
that walk along Erie's sounding shores was fraught with a life-interest
to one, and regretful sorrow to both.

"I am going to Texas, Alice!" said Milder, as they reaepproached the
mansion of Mrs. Orville.

"O, that you might find my cousin Josephine there, who is so good and
beautiful!" remarked Alice.

"Would I might, if it would afford you a moment's pleasure," he
answered, in a dejected tone.

"If you do, pray give her my love, and entreat her to write and inform
me of her welfare," said Alice, earnestly.

"I shall be highly gratified to execute your comm