The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-11-09
THE BRIDAL GIFT.


THE BRIDAL GIFT.
BY MRS FAIRLIE.
Emily F. was the daughter Of a lady who, since
| her WidOwhOOd, had seen much adversely Mrs F.
was of a good family, and her deceased husband
had been highly respected and eminent in his pro-
iession. Many Of their children had fallen victims
| to consumption, and there now only remained three
Of a once numerous family: Emily, Charles and
| Edward were their names. They were all remark
| able for personal beauty; Emiy's was one Of the
most feminine and delicate character. Her hair
Was Of light and glossy brown, and peculiarly
abundant; her eyes deep blue, her cheeks family
tinted with pink but her lips were Of the brightest
| hue Such were her charms, and the portrait of
! her, which was painted when she was on the eve
| of marriage with one to whom she was most fondly
attached, conveys but an inadequate idea of their
perfection Albert was but three years her senior,
and was in every respect suitable match for her.
His parents already loved her as their own child,
and all who knew them began TO think that for once
the course of true1ove must run smooth. The we'd
ding-day was fixed, and Emily took natural and
innocent delight in looking at the bridal apparel,
and simple but elegant accessories to female toilet
which were gifts from her present and future rea-
tives. Albert was not wealthy, and consequently
diamonds, pearls, and rubies, India shawls and
costly robes were not there's nor did the happy girl
for one moment regret their absence and her lover
when he saw her glossy ringIets, and fair and po-
lished brow, thought plumes and tiara would al
most mar their beauty.
Eagerly did Emily gaze from her chamber window
at the hour when Albert usually arrived, and glad
ly did she hail him when he came. Bright visions
OF years Of bliss hOated before them both, and they
were never weary of painting their future home.
Alas their hopes were doomed to be untulflled
and the attentions Of fond relatives and of an ador
ing girl were unavaling and, on the day previous
to that which should have shOne on her nuptals,
Emily had to deplore the death of her lover.
Ineed not try to paint the anguish of her feelings
Vainly should waste words to describe that which
all can well imagine. Yet Emily sOrrowed not as
Zone without hope; - she had the blessed convic-
ton that her Alberts virtues had secured to him an
eternal abode in those happy regions where there is
no parting, where tears cease to flow, and where
hearts ache not. Time soOthed the violence of
her SORROW but she felt no less than the first how
totally irreparable was her loss. She spoke not Of
her departed Albert but her thoughts were ever
with him.
1t was about two years after the death of her
lover, that Emily became acquainted with Lord L.
He was young man of progressing manners and
appearance, and possessed of large fortune. His
heart was soon bestowed on the gentle and lovely
girl, and he paid her many kind and unObtruslve
attentions. Lord l.. was totally unacquaiuted
with Emiy's previous engagement and attributed
to the alteration in her fortune that depression
which arose from disappointed affection. Emily
believed that he acquainted with her sad story
and was grateful for his delicate and silent regard
but she knew not the nature or depth of his feel
ings. She was, therefore, much surprised and
really grieved, when he one day avOwed his love,
and sought her to become his bride. She burst
into tears, and for some moments was unable to
speak. At LENGTH she was about to reply, but a
visitor was announced, and ere she had time to say
" | will write to you" giddy, fashionable ac-
quaintance entered the room, who exhibited no
intention of a speedy departure. Consequently,
in a brief time, Lord L. took his leave, weared by
the frivoty which would at any period have
annoyed him, but which now very quickly exhaust
ed his patience.
II was nearly an hour ere Emily babe adieu to
the intruder; she then flew to her mother whom
slight indispOsition had confined TO her apart
ment On naming to her the proposals she had
received, Mrs. F. exclaimed; How fortunate,
how delightful"
Delightful - echoed her daughter; " my dear
est mother, do not understand these expressions"
Why, what parent would not rejoice at her
daughter having engaged the affections Of so amia-
bic, agreeable, and in every way so charming a
young man Lord L.!
Nay, you should pity him, said Emily, 'snce
believe him sincere in his profession Of regard,
and he will consequently feel much disappointment
when tell him how utterly impossible it is that
should ever marry"
And why, Emily, should you never marry "
Dear mother, can you ask that question =
can you believe me to be so mean as to wed for
wealth and rank "
"You dislike Lord L. then !" said Mrs. F.
Oh no; / think him an amiable and agreea-
bic young man, with much good sense, and high
and honorable feeling have never met with one
would more gladly hail as the husband of my
sister, had one but dearest mother, can never
love again; my heart lies in the tomb of Albert"
Tears flowed abundantly she concluded, and
for some time they were both silent. At length |
Mrs. I. resumed
have, believe, Emily, always been a kind
and tender parent to you"
You have, you have, indeed " interrupted her
daughter
''And have never been unreasonable or unjust
Emily, were Albert living, would not urge you to
marry another, though a regning sovereign should
ask you for his bride. But, he is gone, and since
Lord L. is not personally dsagreeabe to you-snce
you know and appreciate his many amiable and
estimable qualities, beseech you not to refuse the
happy and brilliant position which is now offered to
you. am aware that young and ardent girl
imagines that it is necessary to be UoLeRy IN toUe
when she marries. You say you can never be so
more but trust me, my dear child, respect, esteem,
and regard will make YOU happy as, or even per
haps happier, than love could do"
Did Mrs. F. believe her own words! doubt it;
at any rate she failed to convince her daughter.
But win not detail the many conversations which
took place between the ladies'; suffice it to say.
Emily agreed that her mother should see Lord l..
the following day, and explain to him her feelings
When her elder son returned that evening, Mrs.
f. was closeted with him for some time. He told
her he was sure Lord L. was in total ignorance Of
Albert ever having existed and strongly urged her
not to mention to his lordship the circumstances Of
his sisters attachment.
OF course, added he, q Emily feels at first a
little dislike to form new engagement. 1t Is
natural, since il recalls more wildly the memory Of
poor Albert, lie was fine, noble fellow, and any