When the wonder had subsided, which any unusual event
occasions in a small village, the subject was suffered to rest. I felt
stricken as by a sudden blow. I felt no interest in life, but I
endeavored, when in the presence of my parents, to assume a cheerfulness
which was far from being the real state of my mind.
"To a few and tried friends only did we make known the real truth of
the circumstances attending the departure of Mr. Almont from Littleton.
Time passed on. Those who knew my sorrows respected them, and the name
of George Almont ceased to be mentioned among our acquaintances. But it
was something which I could never cease to remember. I had loved George
Almont as one of my nature can love but once in her life, and, when I
learned that I had been deceived in regard to his true character, the
knowledge was very bitter to me. I loved him still--not as he really
was, but I still loved the memory of what I had supposed him to be, when
I gave him my affection. There are few lessons in life more bitter to
either man or woman than to find themselves deceived by one to whom they
have given their best affections. For a time I yielded to a bitter and
desponding spirit. I excluded myself from all society, and brooded in
solitude over my sorrow.
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