Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-09-13
BY LucIus MARKHAM.

BY LucIus MARKHAM.
One of the most fertile glades Of the
Scioto valley there settled some twenty
years ago Two wealthy families, from
the interior of Pennsylvania. The hope
of these families and the pride of the
neighborhood, were two boys, verging
upon manhood, who were at the first log
rollings, cabin raisings, and corn husk-
ings, as we'll as foremost in all the rustic
sports by which holiday afternoons and
moonlight evenings were beguiled.
In all games and labors these youths
were competitors, but Jared Parker, by
one wear the elder of Herbert Williams,
was commonly the victor. He was more
athletic, but he was less passionate, more
self-possessed and less impetuous. Jared
was of pleasant, genial nature, and
bore his honors meekly. Herbert was
vexed TO the hearts core when vanquish-
Ell, and bitter feelings were stirred when
his companions laughed merely with
Jared or complimented him upon his
agility, and dexterity. Jared knew no
rivalship, but Herbertdwelton one which
with evil thoughts, he determined should
eventually be decided in his favor.
The "Rose of the Valley" was Anne
Beverly, true country beauty, who with
artless grace OF manner, speaking beauty
of face, symmetry Of person and ardent
affection, which gushed for all nature,
had won the hearts of acquaintance
who met her at the green sward dance.
or at the winter party. Jared loved,
Anne loved but it was with the love
which had never settled its own prefer
ences and swells up whenever admira-
ton is excited or sympathy enlisted.
The silver moonlight fell upon the
opening blossoms of choice fruit rees,
and gentle May wind waited orchard
perfumes which came with glad welcome
to maiden who had seen the bloom OF
sixteen spring-times, as she leaned a
gainst rustic seat which had been placed
where the select fruit blossoms dropped,
picking slowly to pieces wild flower
that had grown at her feet.
81 want you to be friend, Herbert
/ like you when you are kind, but do
not love you as you ask, because know
you are cruel and wicked sometimes"
So said Anne Beverly, when Herbert
Williams had poured tale of tender
love into her ear with that bright moon
light shining about them; the spring
blossoms falling and the perfumes waiting.
"They have told you tales. Anne. i"
"Who, Herbert"
ssJared and his friends"
"You wrong him, Herbert, Jared al
ways speaks well of you. l told him
you were cruel and would be revengeful,
but he said did not understand you.-
You know, Herbert, when wanted you
yesterday to put up the birds nest which
fell from the apple tree, you tore it to pie
not like that, Jared would not have done
So"
These were bitter words to the dark
spiritof ilerbet Williams, but he bit his
lips sternly and struggled with his rising
anger, till the veins Of his neck corruga-
ted. He had love and rivalry to assist in
self control.
"But was in sport, Anne, when |
tore the birds nest, because it was an
old one"
"No, Herbert, it had for two years
been the house of robins; watched over
ii with pleasure, and it panied me TO see
you heartlessly destroy their home. Ii
was to them as if some strong power
should tear down your home and leave
your little sisters W ithout shelter. But
this Is not all. know we never can be
lovers--we would not be happy as such,
but let us always be friends"
And Anne gave Herbert her hand as
freely as if he had never grieyed her
The lover took il with nervous grasp
which; had it expressed the feelings of
the young mans heart, would have
wrung the slender arm from the fair
shoulder.
A voice reached the young couple. and
Anne said:
Smother calls me. Good night, Her
Der. remember we will always be
friends" And The opened hearted girl
bounded TO answer her mothers sum
mons.
There was heavy frown upon Her
bert's brow-his teeth were ser, his fists
were clinched, and his step was heavy.
As he strobe homewarG-"I'll be re-
venged," was sternly muttered.
When Anne Beverly was alone in her
little chamber, Herbt's conversation was
vivid IN her mind, and her calm judge
ment commended the truths she had told
him. Then came contrasts; actions,
characters and thoughts were reviewed.
Jared Parker was not an Indifferent act
or in the little heart drama, performed
in the weaking and sleeping dreams Of
the free thinking and generous hearted
young girl that night.
The spring blossoms had fallen, the
perfumes Of the opening buds and flow
ers had died away, the fruits had grown,
and the fragrance of the ripening orchard
products was gladdening the hearts Of the
farmers.
Anne Beverly had the same seat at
which we saw her with Herbert Will