RECONCILED.
Lewis was recalled from school in the early autumn; and soon after, the
news of Mr. Leighton's failure was eagerly discussed in the business
world.
Lewis called to see me soon after his return. He was now a manly youth
of fifteen. I was much pleased to see him; and, when he rose to go,
after a lengthy call, I invited him to call often upon us. My uncle took
a great fancy to the boy, and many evenings found Lewis our guest. I
learned from Lewis, and others, that the health of Mrs. Leighton had so
much failed that she was now entirely confined to the house.
Mr. Leighton had lately written to Willie, giving him an account of
their misfortunes, and of the failing health of his mother; and
concluded by earnestly requesting his return home, as he feared that it,
was Willie's absence which was preying so heavily upon the mind of Mrs.
Leighton as to cause, in a great measure, her failing health.
Lewis called one evening, and, upon entering the parlor, handed me a
note. As I glanced at my name on the envelope, I at once recognized the
hand-writing of Mrs. Leighton. Hastily breaking the seal, I read the
following lines:--
"Elm Street, Nov. 25th, 18--.
"To Miss Clara Roscom:
"I am extremely anxious for an interview with you; but my state of
health will not allow of my leaving my own residence. I therefore
earnestly request you to accompany Lewis upon his return home, for I
_must_ see you. I am sensible that I have no right to ask of you this
favor; but I trust that the kindness of your heart will induce you to
comply with my request.
"Yours truly,
"Cynthia Leighton."
When I had finished reading the note I could not forbear from
questioning Lewis as to its meaning; but he refused to give me any
information upon the subject, saying he was not at liberty to do so. All
he would say of the matter was that his mother had requested him to give
me the note, and await my reading of it. For a few moments I felt
undecided as to going to the house of Mrs. Leighton; but, the thought
that she was ill, and had sent for me, caused me to come to the decision
that I would grant her request. I feared not to meet Mrs. Leighton, for
I had done her no wrong. I therefore told Lewis that in a few moments I
would be ready to accompany him. My uncle wished to send the carriage
with me; but I told him it was quite unnecessary, as the distance was
short and the evening was very fine, and Lewis had said he would
accompany me when I wished to return home.
A few minutes' walk brought me to the dwelling of Mr. Leighton. Lewis
conducted me at once to his mother's apartment. I saw as yet no other
member of the family. After ushering me into the room, he withdrew, and
left me alone with Mrs. Leighton. I quietly advanced into the room and
paused before her. She was reclining in a large easy chair, and I was
much surprised by her changed appearance. She was very thin and pale,
and appeared to be weak and languid; and Mrs. Harringford's letter was
recalled to my mind when I observed how gray was her once beautiful
hair. She extended her hand to me; but, for some moments, was unable to
utter a word. When she relinquished the hand I had given her, she
motioned me to a seat. She seemed agitated by some painful emotion. I
was the first to break the silence, which I did by saying,--
"Whatever may have been your object, Mrs. Leighton, in seeking this
interview, you will see, by the readiness with which I have responded to
your request, that I cherish no resentment toward you."
Becoming more composed, she replied to me in a low voice saying--
"As I was unable to go to you, I sent for you, that I may humbly ask
your forgiveness for the injustice you have suffered from me. I now
acknowledge, what you are probably already aware of, that it was a
foolish and false pride which influenced my conduct toward you, when you
left my house long ago. It requires reverses of fortune to convince us
of the vanity of all earthly things; and reverses have overtaken me, and
more than this; my failing health admonishes me that, unless a change
for the better soon takes place, my days on earth will soon be numbered.
During all the time that has passed since we have met, my mind has never
been at rest; for though too proud to acknowledge it, I have ever been
sensible that I treated you with cruelty and injustice. But my pride is
now humbled and I beg of you to forgive me; for, believe me, I have
suffered even more than you."
I extended my hand to her, saying,--
"I freely and fully forgive all the past, Mrs. Leighton, and I trust we
may be friends for the future."
After sitting silent for a few moments, Mrs. Leighton again addressed
me, saying,--
"Were it in your power, Clara, would you make me entirely happy?"
I replied that certainly I would. She regarded me earnestly as she
said,--
"Will you become Willie's wife?"
I knew not what reply to make to a question so unexpected. At length I
said,--
"Willie has been a long time absent. He may have changed his mind; or,
he may be already married."
"I will answer for all that," replied Mrs. Leighton.
"Willie is here. He arrived two days since, and would have called to see
you ere this, but I begged him to defer calling till I had seen you, and
acknowledged my former injustice to you; for I am now sensible that I
wronged a worthy and noble girl."
Remember, kind reader, that, although I had expected never again to meet
with Willie Leighton, I still loved him with all the strength of a first
love.
Before I could frame a reply to the last remark of Mrs. Leighton, the
door opened, and Willie, accompanied by his father, entered the room.
I pass over our meeting. But Mr. Leighton, soon after, placing my hand
in that of Willie, said,--"God bless you, my children; may you be
happy."
When I returned home that evening, it was Willie not Lewis, who
accompanied me.