" Knowing how
deeply Miss Merril was attached to Arthur, I hoped he would reconsider
the matter, and I said as much to him; but all I could say was of no
avail, and that very evening he called and, requesting an interview with
his betrothed, informed her that, as his sentiments toward her had
changed, he presumed she would be willing to release him from their
former engagement. Instantly Miss Merril drew from her finger the ring
he had placed there two years before, and said, as she placed it in his
hand, "I have long been sensible of the change in your sentiments, and
am truly glad that you have at last spoken plainly. From this hour you
may consider yourself entirely free, and you have my best wishes for
your future happiness and prosperity," and, bidding him a kind
good-evening, the young lady left the apartment. Her spirit was deeply
wounded, but she possessed too much good sense to be utterly cast down
for the wrong-doing of another. Whatever were Arthur's feelings after he
had taken this step, he spoke of them to no one. I never again mentioned
the subject to him, but, knowing him as I did, I could see that he was
far from being satisfied with his own conduct, and he departed for the
city some weeks sooner than he had at first intended.
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