Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-05-16
nj | S G Il LII A N Y.
FOR THE STANTON SPECTATOR.
A MARRIAGE IN WESTERN VIRGINIA,
By MON ANUS.
b Y NJ o N 7 A N U 8.

(CoNCLULED)
Young Mason had been written to by his uncle
John and made acquainted with all that had taken
place at home, and also informed that Col. w. and
his daughter were at the Alum Springs. While
he knew therefore of the favorable change in his
fathers mind, he was in total ignorance of a like
change In Col. w. But what were his emotions
when he learned that his Mary was within four
teen miles OF his mountain home. He felt at once
an irresistible desire once enjoy her compa-
ny. He was also, not without some hope that the
knowledge of his fathers wish might make some
favorable impression on the hitherto unmoyed Col.
w.
After consultation with his kind and devoted
friend Col. a, he determined, withou: more DELAY
than prudence dictated TO pay her visit Accord
ingly having dropped her note the day before,
lie started iospend day at the Alum Springs still
In The most painful suspense what tnlg hi lie
the effect OF his visit on Col. w. whom he knew 10
be man OF strong feelings and fearless in his de-
termination 10 act. But true ii is, Glove is strong
er Than DEATH" Mason was stranee r TO personal
fear but 1t was painful to him beyond conception
to do any thing which might add one drop more to
the bitter cup of Mary's sufferings
II was fne morning in the latter part of Aupnst
when Mason found himself ascending the Western
slope OF the Mill Mountain, and within two miles
Ut the Alum Springs. His look was rather that of
one subdued and detected. AS he drew near to the
Springs, he found himself rather inclined to slack
en,lhan quicken his horses gait. When he reach
ed the brow OF the hill, at the point where the
Spring road leaves the Turnpike, he paused-re
meHbered that the last time he visited Col w be
was repulsed by stern command, never AGAIN on
pain OF death to attempt the intrusion of himself ON
the Cots company. Mason despised any fear Of
personal consequences, but other and higher consia
eratlons caused him to hesitate for moment, and
only for moment. He dashed down the hill and
Ia few inmates aghted at the door Of the Hotel.
The first OF the visitors whom he saw, was no 9th
er than Col w. advancing towards him at rather a
quick step. Very naturally the first thought Of
Mason was, that he was about 20 make an attack.
and he was on the eve of throwing himself into az,
attitude or self-defence; but second look convuc
ed him of his error. He saw bland smile on the
COTS. countenance, and his hand already stretched
out 10 give him cordial welcome This sudden
reversal of feeling had well nigh behaved Mason
again, in the presence of several persons, who nv
this time were coming up. Col. W. seeing the
embarrassment of Mason, most politely invited him
to his room, where he gave to him detailed ac.
count OF all that had taken place since they last met
and expressed his most hearty appreciation of his
long desired marriage, and ended by saving, .'he
gave the hand Of his daughter to one, who, he had
every confidence, was worthy of her" Mason was
SO much overcome by this unexpected turn in al
| his hopes, that for some time he was wholly una
bic to command his feelings and postponed for more
than an hour an interview with her whom he now
felt he had right to call his Mary.
| True love is always modest. This first recep
ton OF Mason's visit, had been arranged by the del
caie and refined taste of Mary, and carried out b,
the good sense of Col. w. So was it manared al
| forwards, as not TO awaken a suspicion with any O
the numerous VISITORS that a scene so full of inter
est was Transporting in their midst. AGer prope
time, Mason and Mary met, as if by chance on the
porch OF the second story, which was secluded e
nough to cover the embarrassment Of their meetinir
and public enough tojustify the belief, that the,
were old acd1aintances incidentally met Here il
delightful promenade their conCeniaI souls ha,
ample opportunity, not only to tell the tale Of the
past SORROWS, but 10 dwell upon their present. ant
portray their future happiness. 1t was soon ascer
! tanned that time and distance and the deadly ami
mostly Of their fathers had not abated in the 1eas
| the ardor of their mutual attachment. While eacl
had been weighed down in gloom and DESPAIR. IN,
| flame Of devoted attachment had never ceased f
burn. In the afternoon they visited The Spring
! walked lelsureIy through a shady grove and ixet
an early day 10 consurnmate their happiness This
! latter, was by mutual content, subjected 10 tn
counsel Of Marys father, who left the day unaIter
ed, but suggested that the place should be the spa
cious Hotel at the Warm Springs. II was ais
| agreed, that Mason's father and uncle and othe
| Kindred on both sides should be Immediately writ
ten 10, that their presence might be secured, am
that there and then the two fathers, who were once
bosom friends, should forever bury their animosit,
at the marriage altar of a son and daughter
The hours Of the evening ran pleasantly along ii
the mixed company Of the paTlor, Mason and Mar,
were iavorltes with all--SO gay and cheerful. ant
yet so refined and intelligent. At late hour Ma
son retired, but not to sleep. His busy thought.
ran necessarily over the past, and painted ont thu
future in all its brilliant colors. The rising sun
the next day found him ro.eroes'ng the uountair