The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1841-05-07

with him rejoined the party. Again ex-
changing mutual expressions OF friendship
and love, the cavalcade set forth on their
homeward journey. Whoever travels the
road which our party followed, (and which
lay nearly in the track of the canals and
railroads, at the present day, to the vast
coal and IRON regions of the State OF Penn
sylvania,) will be surprised to observe the
slight change which has taken place in
the beautiful and valuable country which
lies west of old Berks. In the then little
frontier settlement, at which our tale
opens, the greatest change of all has taken
place. That village has long since pas
sed away in its stead, and, perhaps. from
its ruins, has risen bustling, business,
active town--we beg the corporalion's
pardon, b0rough-at the head of which
presides the wisdom, the sagacity, and the
fashon-aye, the fashion of the place.
Instead of the sweet music of the grove,
the roaring of melting furnaces, and the
lncessant din of the machine shops, usurp
the block house stood, nor stands the
house of Peace, from whose ivy-mantled
tower the Sabbath bells toll alike for the
living and the dead-the bride and the
corpse!
The sun had scarcely reached the mid
heavens, and the day, which had opened
so auspici0us still continued unchanged.
That intense, deep blue, which canopied
the earth, and which renders American
scenery so pre-emincnt for beauty, from
the striking contrast with the forest tree,
was unchecked by the slightest vapor.
The party rode on in silence; some PAGES
ahead rode couple of the sturdy foresters
to prevent any surprise, and short dis
lance behind two more brought up the
rear. Willie had taken these precautions
at the suggestion of Philip. They had
arrived at the foot of steep, rugged hill,
at whose base the rapid waters of the
Schuylkill flowed Kissing and ioaming
among the rocks which impeded its course
in the narrow channel allotted to it by
nature. On the other side rose the preci-
pitous heights of a mountain, whose over
hanging trees. threw their deep shade half
across the turbulent stream below.
"This indeed is lovely" exclaimed
Mary, as she gazed with rapture on the
scene. Il could live on without sigh
in this bright spot. Shall we not dine
here - and she turned her large lustrous
hazel eye on her cousin.
"Yes, sweet cousin, we will not only
dine here, but rest the horses for couple
of hours; tonight we will stop in the
Dutch village" Springing from his
horse, he assisted Mary to alight, and
gave the necessary directions for the re-
past. Giving Mary his arm, they walked
to the verge of the river, and seating them
selves beneath the shade of one of the
primitive fathers of the forest their young
hearts mingled together in the full commu-
Mon Of first and only love! At first, their
conversation was of that nature which
usually engrosses youth the happiness
of the moment. By degrees, however,
their conversation reverted TO themselves
TO her father.
"How indicative of ourselves, are these
simple flowers ~ said Willie, pluckng n
small white flower from beside him.
"Thesc are but the things of moment,
we, the things Of day.-Every thing in
creation bears a similarity to this compa-
rison."
"But whilst that life is happy, what
need we care whether we live long or IA
short life And if.'-and here the tell
tale blush oversprcad her intelligent and
handsome features
"And if,"-interrupted the young man,
with an earnest and glowing counenance,
and taking her hand; "dear Mary, |
know not why should conceal my fee
lings from you. This bright scene, too,
will help me to plead, my love-"
: NAY, Willie" cried the embarrassed
girl, II cannot lsten-I ought not to listen
without my fathers knowledge"
Dear cousin, | am sure your father
: would not object TO what have said, y
the impeiuous youth, exclaimed.
"But yet, H.
. The delighted and joyous youth clasped
, her to his breast. ''Nay, dear Mary,
| will give your father a full account of my
: love, and.we will ask for his blessing"
The young girl leaned her head on he
c lovers bosom, and giving vent TO he
e pent-up and overcharged feelings, thu
0 tears tell fast from her eyes. But sooI
y recovering from her amiable, and to him