Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-08-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE BROKEN vow.
BY ELIZA A. DuPUY.

Twilight was darkening into night, the first faint
star of evening cleaned through the far blue Heav-
ems, and the hush and repose of nature seemed too
holy to be broken by the strife of human passions
vet how painfully did the quiet of that evening
seene contrast with the passionate grief of young
heart, mourning over its first sorrow.
Ellen Sinclair was a newly welded bride. She
was but seventeen the youngest daughter OF her
fathers house, and the spoiled pet of the whole
family, her life had passed as one long bright day
of sunshine and flowers She had been wooed by
one she had known from childhood, and with the
consent of their mutual friends they were united.
The day after their marriage, the bridal pair lett
their fathers house for the residence of MIR. Sin
clair, in one OF the interior counties in Virginia.
A few happy weeks passed, when Sinclair proposed
to his bride 10 visit gorge III the neighborlng
mountains, from which the rising sun frequently
presents the singular spectacle of the looming of
the mountain-the same phenomenon which is wit
messed in the straits of Messna, and known by
the more poetic name of Fata Morgana. Ellen was
delighted with the proposed excursion and search
ed every book in the house which afforded any in
formation on the subject.
This excursion, which promised so much pleas
ure ended in despair and death. They reached the
desired spot in safety The morning was favora-
BILE to their wishes; the ascending vapors canght
the rays Of the rising sun and formed themselves
into the most gorgeous and fantastic scenes. Ell
len was SO much absorbed in this wonderful and
ton Sinclair had given her at the moment Of noun
ting her spirited steed. lie turned from her side q
moment to speak TO the servant who followed them
the movement startled her horse; the rein was ly
ing loose on his neck, and feeling himself free from
guiding hand, he dashed off at full speed. Sin
clair and the servant both followed, but were una
BILE to overtake her. Fortunately she met a gen
tleman who succeeded in stopping her perilous ca
reer. Sinclair checked his horse too suddenly, tina
he might express his thanks to her preserver. Th
animal reared and threw him with great violence
He was conveyed home in a senseless state, ant
surgical assistance Immediately summoned, but TN
force of the fall had inflicted some internal injur!
which bafIled the skill of the physician.
1t was beside his bed in that calm twilight tina
the young wife knelt with scarce hue Of life Of
her features.
"Oh, Ellen, my beloved, calm yourself-this sor
row humans me-" murmured the dying man, pas
sing his hands carelessly over the head which wa
bowed upon his pillow.
A deep suifocated sob was the only reply to hi
words.
alt is hard to die" he continued, "whon | wa
looking forward to years of such tranquil happiness
with you, my sweet Ellen; but tits the will
Heaven, my best beloved and we must submit"
"Oh Henry, my own Henry, you must go dow
to the cold cold grave, where | can see you Il
more-neyer more hear the tones of your def
voice. Oh it will break my heart" was the almo
inartculate reply.
"My poor Ellen, this is a hard trial for you, bl
you are too young to grieve always. The though
is torture to me- but-even you may love again
may wed another" and his voice was nearly ST
fled with painful emotions.
"Never, never! Oh, Henry, how can YOU ha
row my soul at this awful moment with such a SUI