American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-04-30
From the Ladies' National Magaaine.l
THE BETROTHED.
A TALE OF THE SANTEE.
BY THE AUTHOR OF "MARIoN's MEN,

Ill INO tIbDs
TALE OF THE SANTEE.
Ely THE AUTHOR OF "MARIoN's MEN,
CONCLUnED.
3timily rose sadly TO her feet These last
Drds had crushed what remained of hope in
bosom. She saw that passion had distort-
a nature, always prone to selfshness into
= cruelty Of a iend. Her demeanor sudden
|assumed dignity which awed Col Thorne,
en- amid the fury ofjealousy.
God forgive you, ''she said, "and grant that,
your death bed, you may not plead to him
vain. | have but one favor to ask you, "she
ID, after pause, "and that is, personal in
view with Capt Elwyn."
There was such lofty majesty in her air,
Slich was the air rather of a superior than Of
that Col. Thorne quailed as sell
passion and cruelty ever does before true
bility of soul. He would have refused her
pm had he dared, but he was awed into con-
Zt, though, the moment after she left his
esence and the order for her ADM ttance to
b prisoner had been issued, he cursed him.
for having been influenced into the con-
ssion.
THE room in which Capt. Elwyn was confin-
s was situated on the ground floor of the inn,
more secure place existing in the village,
lich Of itself was composed of four or five
uses. A few steps brought Emily to the en-
.nce of the apartment. The door was flung
ZEN, and she stood in the presence of her
yer.
lille was reading by solitary candle when
jus interrupted, and looking up he saw, with
rprise, yelled female figure. Emily trem-
ed excessively. She dreaded that Captain
wynn would think she overstepped the bounds
female modesty i'll thus seeking him; but this
pr was soon dissipated for her lover immedi-
ply recognising her form, sprang forward with
Joyful exclamation; and the poor girl, now
nervousness and agitation, fell weeping into
s arms.
When she was more composed, he drew from
r a narrative of the means by which she had
hrned his danger.
Sand you dared the perils ola midnight ride
see me! God bless you, dearest! But would
u had not come" he added mournfully. 81
puld you had spared yourself this sad inter-
ew-would you had known nothing of my
bril- till all was over"
"Say not so" exclaimed Emily, striving to
impose her tears "There is melancholy
easure in this interview. You but 90 before
e to better world. | feel that / shall follow
on."
Her lover pressed her mutely to his bosom;
e tears were in his own eyes, but called up by
pr agony, not by his.
81 knew from the first moment of my cap
re" said he at length, "that there was no
bpe. Col. Thorne, if he does not know, sus-
bets my love for you, and would rejoice to de-
roy rival and rebel at once. We are old
in tho 6alJ | va yoJ hin, M Co uorc
calais it is but too true, )" said the weeping
RI. 81 saw him before came to you, and
eaded in vain for your lfe."
Snow, this is too much," exclaimed the
Fisoner, with burst of indignant feeling. 81
ould rather have sacrificed my right hand
an that he should thus triumph over you!
let, heaven bless you, dearest, for making the
hdeayor. The knowledge of love like this
devoted, so self sacrfcing-will smooth my
W hours of life"
ooh! Henry, is there no hope'" exclaimed
mly, suddenly looking up. at cannot be
lat am to lose you | will not believe it.
uccor will yet come from some quarter, Say
lat there is hopper" she said, almost frantcally
The bitterness of death was increased by
ght of her agony, and Captain Elwyn turned
way to conceal his emotion. He pressed her
his breast, but dared not make answer.
"Do not bid me dspair!" cried Emily, Wild
}; "say there is hope of aid from some of
our friends"
"Alas!" replied the prisoner, ''there is no
ope. 1t is true" he added, frightening up,
that couple of score of brave men might
urprise this post; but where are such to be
pund? My troop is scattered or slain, and
1arion, whom was marching to join, is far
way 1t is better, dearest, you should know
he truth at once, and prepare yourself for my
cath. For myself care little, but your ago
unnerves me. | have had my thoughts OH
heaven ever since was condemned; let us to-
kether look above; there you may derive
trength Of soul; God will temper the wind to
he shorn lamb"
Poor Emily at these words wept afresh, but
ielding her hand to the lover, they knelt to-
kether on the prison floor. A few minutes Of
ilent meditation on the prisoners part follow
d; and during that pause Emily rebuked her.
elf for having lost her composure, when she
hould have been the one to cheer and sus.
hin. Directly the voice of her betrothed a.
ose in prayer. The accents were clear, full
nd firm, and as he poured out his earnest sup.
plications that strength might be granted to
Ter who knelt at his side, Emily felt a holy
ervor glow in her heart, while peace, as
from one on high, stole into her bosom. Hel
Emotion was not one of hope, nor one wholly