Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1840-11-25

she looked more beautiful than ever. al
She was alfred in plain white dress, tc
Topped with roses, and a fitting exqui- Il
sitely to her fine moulded form; her
shining chestnut curls were confined Il
by costly diamond head-band, that a
sparkled on her forehead, rivalling the b
transparent beauty and clearness Of her ii
complexion. At times When she Ii
would mingle in the giddy whirl Of the
dance, a smile would play upon her C
lovely features ; but when over, mel Y
ancholy expression would steal into
her laughing eye, telling of something c
yet wanted to complete her happiness. f
She was thinking, perhaps, how he 6
who many years ago, had won her /
maiden love, might, whilst she was sur
rounded by wealth and luxury, be
dragging out the prime of his life in
poverty and distress. Yes, she still
remembered the companion of her
childhood. Such is woman's constan-
cy and love. Alas that it should so of
ten be abused!
The evening was somewhat advanc-
ed when Mr.. Merton approached He
len, lock arm in arm with young man,
whose dark countenance, raven hair,
and eyes, and tall straight form, indi-
Gated native Of the South.
Mr.. Thompson, Of New Orleans,
nv DEAR said Mr.. Merton, introdu- |
cling him to Helen, and then, after con-
versing for few moments, saunte.ed
to the opposite side of the saloon.
who is that handsome young man
you Just now introduced to Helen ?
asked Mrs. Merton of her husband.
That is Mr.. Thompson, of New
Orleans; the richest merchant in that
city, and his father was before him.
He arrived here but the day before
Yesterday. | was introduced to him
Yesterday, and invited him here to-
night, and if the impression of his tea-
lures is not left on Helen's little heart,
: which has hitherto been so callous:
none ever will be-
EAnd if they are, suppose you will
: regret the disappearance of your pro-
tege, Charles Elliston,' said his wife,
: sarcasticaily.
Mr.. Merton did not answer her; he
: only turned away.
AT first, when the stranger was in
" troduced to Helen, there appeared an
: air of embarrassment, but i: gradually
u wore off, and he entered into CONVEX
! sation with usual vivacity. In the
+" course of it she asked him if he had
= !, ever been in the city before. He re-
u piled that he had been when he was
" about seventeen years of age, and thai
: he had then become acquainted with
Re several of his own age, whose acquain-
tonce he highly priced. Among those
= he mentioned, was that of Charles Ell
, liston, in particular. As he pronoun
ced the name, he bent his dark eye tul
u' upon her, and perceived that she star
> ted, while for 1 moment, agitation wa
u visibly depicted in her countenance
=. After minutes pause, he continued
a. a. but have made inquiries since m
III arrival respecting him, and hear that h
d has returned the kindness of his bene
NJ factor, your father, with inglattudt
,er by leaving his house, and going no on
= knew WHITTIER
er- oh, no, sill, do not believe that;
me On idle renort. He had reason Il
pre- leaving my fathers house, and h
" voice trembled and tear stood in b
var eye.
Ver Just then a gentleman advanced
Oh claim her hand for the last coulllo
cd; and the conversation was abruptly tt
u, minated. Charles resigned her
,lcn lently: but his heart was full.
na ae, It's strange how the lapse OF Il
co. years beneath youth and manhood v
change the face, and disguise the for
og's the Slight STRIPPING that a little VIII
) he ago clambered on one knee, we
sent scarcely recognize in the full, stat
With fornunand staid demeanor of the ~
Mrs. Sd with Charles Thompson,s
ID Onder Helen and her father CO..
rles, not see, in the rich merchant OF
! his South, the poor lad, who, SIX years
into fore, had left them with scarce DC
your in his pocket.
If was the morning following
cd hall. and Mr.. and Mrs. Merton
9th. Helen were sitting in the parlor-
!, he former two engaged in discussing Sc
,som nrivate affairs the latter with her h
itua- resting upon her hand, apparently
h he deep thought. The servant entei
J Or and handed Mr.. Merton letter.
less, opened it, and after having perus,,
cad for a few moments, uttered an excl
d by alton Of Joy. Both his comPan
ler's, looked up. Seemingly overcome
could the excitement of some unusually
father siuEnsws he approached his d,aug,,
0 the ant by patting her on the snoul
iother Come, come, Helen dear, c
r som up; Charles, our own dear Gna
'chant has returned, is in the city, and WI
-, Lie -, bour-Ghe up