Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-09-16
RAVENNA OHIO WEDNE ls 1916

And here ne ! must sharpen my pen and
begin new paragraph. How shall I de.
scribe herr I4dislike bombas,ic stuff Won
know, but If I should justly portray her, 1
am sensible, that itwould appear very much
like i. There was such an atmosphere Of
purity around her that it made one feel hap.
Pier-better. I must compromise with
you, and tell you what a young hunter said
to me, about q month after Colonel Ashton
arrived. a saw Mary .Ashton,'' said he,
"a week ago for the first time; and ever
since, ! can think ofnothing but heaven and
tie holy angels" n
This bold, if not extravagant remark
made, however, considerable impression on
me. Many times since, have | seen her at
that beautiful place, which Colonel Ashton
facetiously termed the Council Ground"
and the young hunters words, rash, if not
irreyerent, as they were, never failed to
come to my recollection. She was in the
full bloom Of female loveliness-her fea-
lures finely chiseled her skin Of the white
ness Of alabaster-but excuse me, my dear
Paul,you can imaginethe rest easily enough.
But allow me to findja little fault. There
was pensive lack-lustre expression Of her
eyes, thar destroyed, in some measure, the
effect Of her 6nely.modeled features. As
some one happily expressed it, ethe light
was gone"
Well, we had delightful times. Colonel
Ashton toldus a great many thrilling tales;
and, likewise, stories respecting foreign
|countries. He was never at fault when
sIcalled upon. His ladyw always ready
with m anecdote Or pun that made US laugh
And Mary, with her guitar and sweet voice
sang many glorious song Or hymn, tha
made us adrean, Of heaven" The Coun-
lcil ground became more,and more attrac-
I tive.
. The Colonel also made himself very use
full in various ways: he computed the in.
Iterest on our notes and bonds, and settled
our disputes and quarrels, We sometimes
playfully called him, the Judge. Mrs. Ash
toms skill in nursing and treating disease:
was very respectable, and she had her full
share Of popularity. And Mary was uni
versally denominated the sRose Of The Prai
Il RE R
Allow me to relate an incident that tool
|place here not long since, and ! viii
close this communication. One pleasan
afternoon, after tea, we all met, as usual
at the Council Ground. The Colonel ha.
just concluded one of his interesting tales
, when young hunter appeared and took
seat with us. The aRosen was then re
! quested 10 sing 4 song. She complied ant
gave the well-knewn piece, sThe world i
all feeting show" with more than he
usual happy execution. The stranger be
i ing called upon, to the surprise Of ever.
: one, wished for the guitar. As he playe
|. Ia wild prelude, with exquisite Skill sa,
Mary Ashton start>turn deadlyand the
! Ia deep crimson. Her lips curled contemp
4 ltuously-her eyes flashed. Her Who'll
Ecountenance put on an expression entirel
IS. Il H3 s jf. y E ~
new. As soon as the song was con
8 Ecluded, the stranger whispered few word
I Ito the Colonel; when he and the AshtoI
amilysnbruptly left the ground.
We knew that something UNUSUAL ha
p happened The Colonel sent for me nez
2 morning and gave me full explanation
4 The eight wasin Mary's eyes. Whe
4 it was known that the Ashtons would leay
!, the next day, there was q general gloom.
3 The subsequent parting, at the Counc
Ground, was deeply affecting, So strons
s-llyshad this interesting family gained OF
j, s,Eaffactions. | shall conclude this story
y my next a s q
III Till then, adieu, lss
8 s QUENTIN DURWARD.
I t 's
Y ;SENrrmENT. How much fine sentimel
lt IfhHrA ii wasted II, antsrs5 sfrance worldl