Wisconsin herald, and Grant County advertiser. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1844-1845, 1844-12-14

she held In her hand" Millions far-
adise Lost of which ! had previous
ly requested the loan. bowed my as
sent to this, and she went on glowing
with the holiness of the subject, until
her radient beauty appeared more than
mortal. Ihad an opportunity of TAX
ling full survey of her charms, and of
getting an insight into her soul at the
same time. She was much older than
she appeared to me from the garden.
Her delicate and uftring look excl
ted my interest the more strongly as |
gazed, until the desire to learn her his
tory amounted almost to agony.
My imagination was aroused, and ]
connected myself by some mysterious
ties with this fair being, who was hence
forward to exercise control over my
fate.
Her cheek had the rich Southern
tinge which so much admired. The
hair was of the most shining midnight
black; and the eyes which correspond
ed in hue, ornamented by an exquisi-
tely penciled brow, shone through their
long silk lashes with a softened express
sion, revealing only the unutterable
sadness of the soul. The broad FORE
head, the straight nose and short upper
lip of the cxquisitely formed mouth,
displaying teeth of unblemished beau
Ity, brought forcibly to my mind an ide-
al head that had seen Of fair " HELEN
of Greece" But with the perfection
of her beauty alone rested the resem-
blance; for there was an air of digni-
fed simplicity and Of unsullied purity
about her that sanctified my every
thought and feeling as gazed. lsaw
at once, that she was not one to be
hattered by my admiration, even il |
dared express it. The sorrowing wife,
attached only to the memory of Ia
mented husband, was a very different
being from the one with whom had,
in imagination first commenced my ro-
nance.
NV agitation, when / first saw her,
was owing to the sudden disappoint-
ment my hopes received. An icy bar
rier seemed at once placed betweenus,
that it was impossible to surmount.
Henry sat at his mothers feet, quiet
ly counting over some shells, nor once
interrupted her as she read. The
sympathy my fair entertainer and my
selffelt for the noble writer, induced
conversation and comments upon the
various subjects that had engaged his
attention. Thus discoursing, we sat
until dinner was announced. Forget
ting my indisposition. followed her to
the dining-room, and enjoyed the pleas
ure of prolonged tete-a-tete, for my
friend did not return until night.
My feelings for this interesting wo-
man, grew into a strong and tender
friendship; for, Notwithstanding she
was SO eminently fitted to inspire love,
| felt that it was impossible to loose the
tie that bound her to the dead. And what
cared | for the possession of heart
less form, however beautiful? Still, /
felt the necessity of not protracting my
stay, as her society was already neces-
sary to my peace. The next morning
I acquainted the good pastor with my
intention of leaving. He had become
very much attached to me, and express
ed great concern.
1 was curious to ascertain if benevo-
Hence alone induced the kindness he
first extended to me, There was evil
Identity some motive / had not fathom-
ed. / now poured forth my feelings
to him, and begged of him to name any
thing that it would be possible for me
to do, to testify my gratitude and aflec-
ton. =.
"Remain with US few days longer"
he said, pressing my hand; have been
trying to summon courage sufficient
to confide in you to make some inqul-
ries that interest the inmates OF this
house, more than you can imagine"
He broke off abruptly, and dashed a
tear from his eye. spoke not word
but looked my sympathy.
The next evening my friend came
tony room with a manuscript and some
letters in his hand. The extracts he
read from some of these letters startled
me, as relating to myself, and one
whom had accidentally encountered
in my own country--no less person
age than Francis Abbot. the hermit OF
Niagara Falls. ] had been fortunate
enough once to save him from drown