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 reäpproached 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 commission," he answered; "and now, good-by, Alice! May you be as happy as you deserve!"
"And may you, also, Fred.!" said Alice, with tears in her eyes. One lingering pressure of the hand, and he was gone.
"Noble heart!" exclaimed Alice; "why could I not love him? Alas! a tyrant grasp is on my soul, which, while it delights to hold me in its toils, and tantalize and torment, will not love me, or let me love another!"
"Alice!" said a voice within.
"Yes, mother, I'm coming," replied the daughter, entering the hall with a languid step, and proceeding to divest herself of shawl and bonnet.