Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-08-12
Vol. A..

or deluslon, fancy the Posslolhty OF return
of their passion! Certain we are, that the
artist did not wholly despair.
The window of his studio, as we have
already said, overlooked the Bankers gar
den. There might the poor artist be found
four-ffths of each day. Alice frequented
her favorite haunt as before, but Rudolph
fancied not so often. He also imagined
that he detected more restraint in her
manner, and less of the careless, thought
less girl, And, more than once, too, when
their eyes accidentally met, the blood
mounted TO her temples, and her recogni-
ton, although courteous and kind, was less
cordial than before.
Month after month passed away in this
manner; the passion Of the artist growing
wilder and deeper every hour. He cursed
himself at one moment for the folly of in.
dulging so hopeless passion, at another,
thrill of Joy passed through his hear, at the
mere possibility of a reciprocal feeling in
the bosom of Alice. But his suspense, at
last, became insupportable. Better, he
thought, know and suffer the worst. Sum-
monng all his courage he called his master
genius to his aid, and addressed long let
ter 10 the Bankers daughter. He pictured
his condition and his prospects with fidelity,
and admitted the presumption of his asp
rations. But, Love, he argued, knew no
distinctions but those growing out of vir-
tue and vice, and he should feel himself
less than a man, 10 abandon all hope of
obtaining such prize without an effort.
He knew her fathers character and posi-
ton in society. He felt that by contrast,
and in worldly acceptation, his position
was an inferior one. In an intellectual
point of view, he believed it fully equal.
With the common faith Of artists, he looked
upon his profession as distinguished in
peculiar manner, by the beautiful and truth
fully the lofty in mind and the aspiring
in spirit. These sentiments he would not
attempt to conceal. No--he cherished
them with conference.-the was proud Of
them. His passion for Alice, he pictured
with eloquence, tenderness and power. 1t
!; was his frst--t would prove his last-his
only love. 1t was the burning dream of
the spring time of life, and was deep and
all-absorbing. Without some hope, he
, must perish victim to its consuming fire.
But, with a solitary ray--with one kind
word to cheer him on-how happily would
his life glide away He knew--he felt
that the heart of Alice was, as yet, her
!, own. He had watched her too closely
f had read her soul too infinitely, to err upon
a point so vital to his own peace of mind.
But, her father! He respected him, and he
honored Alice the more that she loved him
with all the strength of her pure, young
heart. And yet he trembled at the verdict
of that father in his own case, even should
Alice be willing to pity and not to shun
, him. He would not--he could not advise.
: He was too deeply interested. He would
, doubt the decision of his own judgment
; in case of such delicacy. In any result,
he would pray for the happiness of Alice.
: The letter completed he pondered the
: subject long and well, and finally confded
it to the hands Of servant with whom he
had made some interest. 1t speedily
= reached the hands of Alice, who read it
: with feelings which she in vain endeavored
: to define. Before she had concluded, her
: whole frame trembled, and her temples
seemed or fire. A thrill of peasure-in
: vain she attempted to shut out the convic-
e tion-agitated her young heart. A thrill
so electric, so sweet and exquisite, that she
y could remember nothing like il in all her
I former history. Did she love the artist
e The blood mounted TO her face as the ques.
). ton forced itself upon herl Agan-again
: she endeavored to avoid it, but still il
r would return, and with more force than
i ever.
j. Alas! sweet Alice. Why attempt IA
! conceal truth so EVIDENT Why go agi
: tatedl Why so delighted Why read thai
J. long and closely written letter again and
IS again. as if puzzled to make out its mean
! ing! Why examine the superscrip,ion witt
such carer Why ponder SO long upon th'
e signature?
But, love had all TO do with the feeling
r, of Alice. She knew her fathers pride o
I, character and she ,rembled for his decis
d ion. Love him deeply, as she did, sh
e feared him also. His manner, even 10 her