Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-09-16

motioniess form, weeping III all the bitterness
Of desolatc heart. She was now TO take a
last look OF sweet pale face, upon which
still fingered the spirits smile. II was mo-
ment o! agony,
Oh not an hour like this,
Nor bitterness, has earth,
and she felt she must 60 forth into the cold
world, without one kindred lie around which
her young affections might cling. There is
something sacred and halowed IN the strong
link of sisterly love. The unclouded days in
which they share together the same childish
spirits, the confidence with which they turn
u each other, when the cares and sor.
lows of after life leave sad sienet on the
brow serve but 10 make the silver chain still
brighter as years pass on. Florence needed
mol the time that passed, and step IN that
silent chamber aroused her. Henly Osmond,
with a counteuance pale aud mouTnful, drew
near, and gazing down moment upon the
calm and peaceful face of the dead fast his arm
around her waist and raised her from her
kneeling posture.
"Florencel my own Florencel let me lead
you hence, this is too trying for you, love"
Your Forence!" she exclaimed wildly
'away. know you all too well, you can
smile with the lip. aud teach the voice afIec-
tons music, and the heart be cold, cold Oh,
man how will you crush the sweet hopes
you kindle. Look! Henly Osinond, on that
| beautiful slumberer Would YOU deem mau's
per6dy had broken herheau? 'riseven so" she
added more wildly, "and never, never, sweet
sister, I'LL have revenge for your injuries will
rest satisfied"
"Florenee! Florenee!" exclaimed her low
err. for such he was, in great alarm, "come
with me, dearest, and rest awhlle-my moth
err is here"
"Henly Osmond, tell you here at this
dread hour, that never can be yours-never,
never!" aud with fresh burst OF grief, she
was about TO throw herself upon the bed,
when Henly forcibly prevented her, and re-
moved her from the room in an insenslble state.
| The uncle of Florence retured day or two
after these sad scenes, and she soon left
P. No expression OF sorrow passed
| her lips. but her cheek was coorless as mar
| bic, and her brow strangely contracted for one
so Young and lair. There was a tear in her
eye as she received Mrs. Osmond's affection
ate farewell, and gasped for breath, so strong
was her emotion, when she charged with a
letter for Henly, who was not at home. Lit
tie did the kind lady dream of the misery its
contents would entail upon her noble minded
son. Henly Osmond read that epistle 10 the
solitude Of his own apartment, and from that
hour he went forth TO his duties changed
man. She told her sisters sad story and in
conclusion said
II have toad you Henly, ths; have only
one aim in life 10 accomplish, and TO do that,
must give you up. The sacrifice is made!
Henly in this parting hour. | may tell you
how dear your love has been TO the orphan !;
sweet visions. visions of happiness with you
have mingled with my daily dreams, and oft
when my spirit has been chilled by the cold
ness and indifference of the world, have tur-
ned 10 you in the devotion Of my lone spirit,
and felt life was not all dark. But love may
never again shed It's sweet influence upon my
path; and now, my noble minded Henly,
iarewellt May you seek some happier bride
to make The sunshine of your splendid home"
A year half passed away. Liston Howard
had heard OF the death Of his victim, but II
interrupted not his career of pleasure, and so
heartless was his vanity, that he scarcely gave
her memory one sigh, and now was assld-
uousy attentive TO young and beautiful
southerner.
A gay party was assembled at Mrs. Fort
lescue's-lhe sister OF Iloward-and Miss
Pinckney was there. She stood apart, IN
seemingly distracted mood, until the entrance
of Liston then her dark eye lighted up, and
a radiant smile broke over a face whose ex-
preston was somewhat cold. He was soon
al her side pouring upon her willing ear the
honeyed words OF datiery. Friends looked on
with significant smiles, but though all knew
well his character, there was none 10 warn
that Young and arlless girl. But Llslon How
ard was not now ulhing She had bowed
his proud spirit as il never had been bowed
before, and he was now really and sincerely
earnest IN his devotion. He loved her with
all the feelings Of which his selfish heart was
capable. Few knew aught OF her parentage
or fortune; but her dress was always IN a
style of costly magni6cence, and her white
hand was gemmed with many jewel OF rare
value She had come 10 some months
back, with one OF its proudest inhabitants, one
was the chosen friend Of that gentleman's
daughter.
Miss Pinckney and her friends joined not
the merry dance. but sat apart with Llstoo
Howard Agnes Gray, apparently absorbed
in contemplation Of the gay scene and Ell
lens cheek wearing bright tint as she listen
ed to the admiration Of Howard. Suddenly,
Agnes bent over her friend and whispered Il
few words 10 a low tone. That bright flush
faded, and taking her arm, she made good her
retreat from the side door.
"What caprice IS thisE multeten LlSlon
as some Of his gay associates approached and
rallied him upon his deSeruon.
In the auie room, Ellen Pickney lay halt
iainling on sofa, and Agnes hanging over
her in great perplexity.
"Command Yourself, dearest, can you not}'
she exclaimed. as she applied restoratives.--
"1'ry for one moment, while seek papa."
and she glided hastily from the room.
Ellen tried TO rouse herself and thinking her
friend had re-entered, said Il am better now,
Agnes-come let us go home"
An exclamation OF joy, aud some one was
by her side--"My own one, and VIII you
make life 10 me way Of WEAKNESS have
sought YOU midst gazing crowds, and now
will you give all your young affections to yon
wording He cannot love as loye,-1eil
me may vet hope, and | will go forth and
wait many long years I'LL you again call me
TO your side"
Deep and unuterable emotion was depicted
upon the face of tie young gIrl, and for mo
ment she suffered her hand TO remain IN his
passionate grasp. A sudden resolution SEEM
ed TO nerve her soul, and she said calmly,
"When met Mr.. Gray had his daughter,
thought was dyng--and they watched over
me with true dislntefested friendship-l have
told nv hayward desuny-Liston Howard
has sought my love, and only in the presence
of those friends will give either an answer.
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