BY CLOE. THE REDEEMED HANDKERCHIEF. | any one approach; and not until he felt some one lay their hand softly on his shoulder, did he look up. There stood Jack, eyeing the Colonel with evident pity. "Colonel MeClure," said a sailor, "you seem rather an early riser this morning." The aristocratic Colonel turned round to take a look at Jack, who had so familiarly accosted him. "Why Jack, is that you; how came you here? I thought you were one of the crew of the Lady Mary." "Well, you see Colonel, I got in a row the day the steamer sailed, and as I did not like to engage on any other steamer, I am waiting her return." "Is the Lady Mary expected this morning, Jack," asked the Colonel, evidently much excited. "Why yes, Colonel; she has been looked for more than a week." "Do you think anything has happened, Jack ?" Why, Colonel," said Jack, laughing, "she will happen in port to-day." "God grant it," said the Col., "but how do you know that, Jack?" 66 News, Colonel," said Jack," good news! Jack never fetches bad news; Lady Mary is safe." "God be praised," said the Colonel, and rising, he thanked Jack for his trouble and kindness, and presenting him with a draft of fifty dollars, gave Jack his blessing. "Dear Colonel," said Jack, "I'll be a new man: I'll see that your kindness is not lost on me; and bowing, Jack made his way to other quarters. "Missus wants you," said the faithful old Dinah; and the Colonel, walking up stairs, entered his wife's room. "How are you now, Susan? "Better. Has the Steamer been heard of yet, Colonel?" "Yes, dear, she will be in to-day, I think, and by the way Susan, I expect our old mansion will look quite insignificant to Brother William and Charles "Why, you see, Col., there are two after seeing so many fine edifices in steamers expected besides the Lady | Europe." Mary, and it could not have been her that was seen burning last night, and if you will give me a dollar or two to get some grog (for I'm as dry as a fish,) I'll get all the news I can, and deliver it as soon as possible. "Here Jack, take this and be off with you." "What are the servants making such a noise about down stairs Col.? Do go and see what can be the matter." The Colonel opened the door, and in rushed Dinah. "Young Massa Charles has come! I seed him wid dese eyes, I did Missus, sure as I'm born." 66 66 Where, Dinah, did you see him? Why, coming right home, he is, look, dont you see him. Massa?" And there, sure enough, was Charles with his uncle inside the gate, and being welcomed by all the servants. In another moment and Charles embraced his dear parents; they were all overjoyed with happiness at meeting each other again. The Colonel, completely overcome with anxiety, made his way home; so deeply was he grieved at the prospects of the Lady Mary being burned, as it contained much that was near and dear to him; Charles, his only son, and his only brother, William, who had been traveling several months with Charles, “if lost," said the Colonel," what comfort can my immense wealth give me; it was only for Charles, and now perhaps he is burned on the ill-fated steamer," and hurrying home he threw himself on the rich sofa, and covering his We were detained in consequence face with his hands, was so absorbed of rendering aid to the burning steamin his own grief, that he did not hearer, Flying Turtle; all the passengers "What prevented you from coming into port so long, brother?" asked the Colonel. 66 and crew were saved with difficulty." | added he, and turning to Charles, he "We were very much alarmed," said the Colonel, "but thank God you are all safe." The Colonel's house was thronged with company, to congratulate the travelers on their return. Many were the warm invitations Charles received to return the calls, as early as possible. Many were the happy days spent in the enjoyments of their re-union, but they were not destined to be thus always. ness. said, with a mischievous smile, "I am afraid that you will wear your welcome out Master Charles, if you continue to visit Miss Adaline so often at meal time, for Gray is as stingy as a pinched Negro." "I think you do Mr. Gray great injustice, replied Charles, with warmth; as for Adaline rejecting Allen, I think there is some mistake, for she would not so far forget her position in society The second year after Charles' re- as to coquette with a man of Allen's turn, he became enamored with a young standing; and besides, I am betrothed lady, the knowledge of which gave his to Adaline myself, and it is very disagood father and mother much uneasi-greeable to me to hear my friends Adaline Gray was the daughter speak of her and her family, in this of a rich merchant in Charleston.- disrespectful manner;" said Charles, Adaline was tall and rather handsome, pushing himself back from the table. proud, selfish and vicious. She lived a lie, for no one that saw her could think well of such deformity with so fair an exterior; her whole time was spent in maneuvering for her own aggrandizement, without the least regard for the feelings of others. It is not surprising then, that she should lay every plan to captivate Charles Mc- "Do as you please, my boy; but if Clure, a young man of wealth, intellec- you hang that belle around your neck tual, handsome, prepossessing, of good you will find the clapper inconvenientmorals and unsuspecting; ever lookingly long, besides the everlasting jingle, for the good qualities of those with tingling in your ears." whom he became acquainted. Adaline was quite successful, and Charles spent much of his time at her shrine. Colonel McClure, not knowing exactly how far matters had advanced, with Adaline and his son, the whole family happening to be present at din ner, he asked, " Is it true that Edward Allen is going West?" "Yes," answered Uncle William, "Miss Adaline Gray has mittened the poor fellow, and he has been discharged from his employment as clerk; so you see that Allen has been mittened by Mr. Gray, as well as by Adaline." "He is very unfortunate," added Mrs. McClure. Rather fortunate, you mean, sister," said Uncle William. "I should be sorry to have my head in such a noose. I would rather loose ten clerkships," "Betrothed to Adaline?" said Uncle William; "Why Charles, how can a man of your sense love a girl so superficial?” 66 Every young belle is superficial in the eyes of old bachelors, like Uncle," said Charles, "and so I shall not lay the charge up against Adaline." 66 I hope father and mother are not as prejudiced as you are, Uncle." "Well my son, your mother and myself have a very bad opinion of the family; I am very sorry to say it, but you have our opinion, and now act for yourself; we do not wish to control you, only for your own happiness," said his father, with much feeling. "Well, father, if I marry Adaline, it is I that will have to live with her." 66 Yes, my son, make your own choice, but choose with wisdom." "Dinner being over, Charles took his hat and walked over to Charleston to see his friend Milford, as they were making preparations for a fine entertainment that was to come off in a few days. Charles found Milford at the house of Mr. Scott, waiting for Julia and Emma Scott to go riding. "There is plenty of room in the carriage. Come go with us, Charles," said Milford. "No," said Charles, "I will not detain you, I only wanted to know when you have decided to go West, for I am determined to accompany you. I have all things ready now, but we must not go before that party comes off, you know, for we promised our presence; but I am detaining you;" and wishing them a good morning, tnrned several corners, and then found himself again in the presence of Adaline. Dear Charles, you have come at last; I declare I am so desolate when you are not here; would you believe it, although I have had so many opportunities of marriage, you are the only one that I have ever loved." "Dear Adaline," said Charles, "when I return from my western tour with Milford, we will have our love consumated," "When you return, did you say? Charles, let us be married before you go." No Adaline; I shall not be gone long, not more than six months; perhaps not so long.” Adaline could scarcely conceal her disappointment; she thought he would not dare to refuse her, and now she must wait another six months; this was a severe trial to Adaline, for she was afraid that Charles might alter his mind relative to her; at any rate," delays | are dangerous," thought she. “Are you going to the party, Adaline?" asked Charles, "yes," said Adaline. "Well, I will bring the carriage around for you early," and kissing her, he took his leave. A few days and we find our friends at a splendid entertainment given by Mrs. Clark, a lady of fashion. The guests were entertained with all the pomp of the most fastidious taste; Adaline seemed to be the belle of the evening; she took particular pains to play the agreeable, hoping to arouse Charles to jealousy; but Charles was pleased with the attention she received, never dreaming of what was passing in the heart of Adaline. The company seemed to enjoy the evening to a degree that did honor to the lady who gave the entertainment. The evening passed away, and Charles took Adaline home, expressing many regrets at leaving, and hopes of pleasure when he returned from the West. The next morning found Charles and Milford on their journey. A few weeks of pleasant journeying and we find them on a Sabbath day, entering the door of a church in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and were much surprised to see Edward Allen the officiating Minister. Allen recognized his friends, and invited them to call at his boarding house; they promised to do So. The next morning after breakfast, Milford proposed calling on Allen. "Well, you can go, Milford, but I must write to Adaline and Father; tell him that I will call soon." Milford left Charles writing, and made his way to the lodgings of Allen who seemed delighted to hear from his old friends. "And you tell me Milford, that Charles is going to marry Adaline." "Yes. As soon as he returns." A few other questions and Milford took his leave. Allen sat some time thinking how Adaline had trifled with his feelings. "Yes," said he, "I will be avenged; she shall feel what it is to be disappointed. Yes, there is to be a party in a day or two, at Deacon Bradshaw's, and I will procure them invitations, so that I can slip a spider in his dumpling.' Yes, I'll have revenge."And deciding upon the matter, he went and procured the invitations, and called upon his old friends, delivered them with Mr. Bradshaw's compliments. Milford and Charles being pleased with the opportunity of seeing something of Western society, accepted the invitations with evident pleasure. The evening soon arrived and our young heroes had turned their footsteps towards Deacon Bradshaw's. They found their old friend Allen waiting to introduce them. They were hospitably received by the host and guests; the young ladies were really quite brilliant. As dancing was not countenanced, the young people amused themselves with plays. "There, they are agoing to sell a young lady's handkerchief as a pawn." "Yes, now I think of it," soloquized Allen, "I will tell Minerva Bradshaw, what shall be done to redeem it ;" and stooping down, he whispered unobserved, to Minerva," The penalty to redeem Miss Kate Hayes' handkerchief, must be that she and Mr. McClure have the marriage ceremony performed." Minerva thought it a rich thing, and pronounced the sentence. "I think the penalty rather severe," said Kate, but she was obliged, out of compliment to the company to redeem it, and Charles, to relieve her evident embarrasment, took her hand, and called on some of them to perform the ceremony. Mr. Allen presented himself, and with a degree of mock solemnity went through the ceremony. All laughed, and Miss Kate got her handkerchief. Nothing more was thought of the marriage by the merry throng; but Mr. Allen thought much. "Yes," said he, "I will fix it a tighter job than he thinks of," and making his way to the Clerk's office, he had the marriage recorded, and inserted in the morning paper, and writing a marriage certificate, he left it at the post office, and disguising himself, left for parts unknown. Charles was astonished next morning at seeing his marriage advertised, and on a further investigation of the matter, he found himself a lawfully married man. His distress can better be imagined than described. Milford, who shared in his distress, soon ascertained the Rev. Mr. Allen had left the place. What was to be done? A divorce must now be had before he could marry Adaline. The whole thing seemed so ridiculous that our heroes left in disgust for home. Charles declared that if he ever saw Allen he would shoot him; and as for poor Kate, Charles strongly suspected her being in league with Allen; he never saw her but once and never wished to look at her again. We will leave our heroes on their way home, while we take a look at Kate. After the party, she returned home to her Uncle's, where she had been left by her parents to attend school; her father and mother having gone to California. Sixteen years of age, and possessing naturaly a superior intellect, she had made rapid progress in her studies, and took delight in contemplating the time when she should graduate and be able to instruct her little sisters in California. "S.x months more, and I shall receive my diploma," said Kate, as she was spending her vacation at, the time of the fatal marriage," and then father will send for me; how happy I shall be.” Kate was ever studying the happiness of others, and being left with those who would make but little allowance for her faults, what now would be her uncle's displeasure towards her, when he came home; one unintentional fault, and how much sorrow it had already cost her. "It will kill my poor father and mother," said she, wringing her hands and weeping as if her heart would break, "what will uncle say y?" 66 Why, I believed the ceremony was only in fun, but somehow it is made out lawful," said Mrs, Page, “and I understand that Allen had something to do with it; at any rate he ran away and Kate is in a paroxysm of distress," "Well, she deserves to be in distress, I don't pity her; but where is she?" "She is up stairs, sick, she takes it so to heart." "Children should not play with edged tools; I always despised a grass widow; her father may as well send for her, now, I think she has graduated and I will write him to-morrow." We will leave Kate now, while we take a look at Mr. Charles. The news of the marriage reached home before he got there, but the real state of affairs was not exactly known. Charles immediately sought Adaline, and made her acquainted with the whole. Her rage knew no bounds; she abused everybody. Not that she cared for Charles, but his property; and in giving away to her anger, she disclosed to Charles her real character, and in spite of himself he felt disappointed in Adaline. Are you going to Milford's wed-introduced her to her father and mothding to-morrow, Adaline?" asked Chas. er. Kate burst into tears as she re"No indeed; the Scotts and we are ceived the warm embraces of the old not on good terms." people, and throwing her arms around the old lady's neck, she besought their forgiveness for her unintentional error, her youth and beauty,,together with her artlessness, won them immediately. "Well," said the Colonel, "I will write her to-morrow, and await the issue," Two weeks had now elapsed, when Colonel McClure received a letter from Mr. Page, saying, he would send Kate in a few days; she had been dangerously sick, and was now just able to sit up. A few weeks more elapsed, and the stage drove up to Colonel McClure's mansion; Charles was not in and Uncle William handed the young and beautiful wife from the stage, and "I am sorry to hear it, Adaline, for they are my particular friends." "Well you had better go and take the other one; perhaps she would relish a divorced husband." This last remark so wounded his feelings, that he arose and went home. "Divorced husband! This is insupportable." With these thoughts, Charles seated himself in his mother's drawing-room. *Where is Uncle William, mother?" "There he is coming in from a walk." "Come, Uncle William, and give me some of your advice, for I am sadly distressed about this unfortunate marriage." "Why, do you wish to get a divorce?" "Most certainly, Uncle." "Well, my advice is, to send for your wife and acknowledge the relation, for I tell you Charles there never was such a disgrace brought on our house, and I hope the name of McClure will never be stigmatized with the name of divorce." “Your mother and I are just of the opinion of your uncle, Charles," said his father it is the best thing you can do.” "I will tell you what I will do, father, if she will come, I will acknowledge the relation; thus far she shall be condered as my lawful wife; to stop scandal, she shall receive every respect, as Mrs. McClure, but my heart I shall serve, and she must be made acquainled with this fact." "Where is the unfortunate young man I have made so unhappy." "He will soon be in; but come, I will show you your room, where you can dress," and following her motherin-law, was ushered into a magnificent suit of rooms. "You had better lie down and rest child, until tea, you look quite exhausted." "You are very kind, dear mother, give me a kiss before you go down, for I feel that you are a dear sympathizing mother." "Well, now take a little rest my dear child, put your trust in God, and all will be well." "Kate's limited wardrobe required but little time for its arrangement, her black silk dress and beautiful form accorded well with her sweet and melancholy face. The tea bell rang, and Uncle William knocked at her door. "Are you ready for tea, my little niece." Kate looked up, and her eyes filled with tears. She was overcome with so much unexpected kindness. They descended to the sitting room, where Charles was waiting to receive her.— He held out his hand with cold formality; suddenly dropping her hand, he led the way to the supper room. After |