The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-02-26

never named the SUBJECT, his IMAGINATION
delighted to picture a future blessed with
her constant companionship, although he
had scarce dared hope that he should ever
realize such happiness. Both were young:
business would soon call him from the
place 10 visit foreign climes, and he was
one who felt the uncertainty Of earthly
hopes. He knew that Annie was not indif:
ferent to him; the eye has language that
speaks 10 the heart, and Warren and An
ME, who had communed much, well un-
derstood each other. a a
Mrs. Lee was dying. The moonbeams
streamed with full radiance throuh the low
windows, and seemed to look mournfully
upon the scene. The doctor, aided by
Mr.. Fortescue, sustained her in an upright
position, and the fearful Annie waved a
snow. white fan to aid her difficult respira-
tons. The little prattling Mary was now
quite silent, gazing with childish grief and
awe upon the strange scene.
Fear not, whispered the doctor, kind.
ly, 'while / live, little Mary shall have q
home with me, and | will be father to
her. rfslfss
And should outlive you, said Mr.. For.
tescue, Il will see that she has home and
friends
A smile OF gratitude played over the
features of the dying woman, and without
q struggle or groan. her worn and weary
spirit found an eternal rest. When the
last sad rites were performed, Mary was
removed from her humble home to the de.
lightful residence Of DR.. Green. As his
wife was too far advanced in years TO take
charge Of the little favorite, he gave Annie
home under the same roof, as governess
for his adopted daughter. The arrange
ment was extremely gratifying to Annie,
for besides affording her next to her own,
the pleasantest home in the world, it ena-
bled her TO increase considerably, the
quarterly allowance which it had been her
habit and pleasure to bestow upon her
mother, and which, added to Mrs. Har-
lows efforts, had rendered them quite ca
sy and comfortable, and enabled her TO
give the children the benefit of an excel
lent school at a short distance from the
cottage. -
Laie in September, on one beautiful
moonlight evening, Fortescue and Annie
wandered forth together. The eyes Of the
former were sad and downcast, and for q
time he was SILENT
At length he started from his reverie,
and producing letter said, This sum-
mons me from all these delightful scenes;
the purest and fairest of my life, and to.
morrow must CO. a.F aaf
what so soon?' cried Annie, impulsive-
ly, and cold shudder crept over her, and
Fortescue felt the hand which rested on
his tremble violently.
'Yes, Annie, tomorrow; already have
| fingered too long. have foreign busi-
ness 10 settle which demands my earliest
attention, and which is intimately connect
ed with my future interests. Time and
distance may separate us; but only as.
sure me that change of sentiments never
can, and will ask no more. Say, Annie.
can hope that when months-years per-
chance-have flown, that you will greet
my return with glad heart--6lled with
sentiments as kind as those you now en-
terrain towards me-
Annie's head dropped upon his shoulder.
and those sweet, yet bitter tears replied.
He had gone. Her cheek was shade
paler, and her voice more touching in its
sadness. But quietly, perseveringly and
contentedly she filled her allotted station.
As month after month rolled on, i'm.
provement was visible, even to her own
eyes, among the members Of her interest
| ing school, and she had the satisfaction Of
feeling that hers was path of usefulness.
Beneath her wetchful care little Mary
grew in wisdom and in every grace Of
mind, and the doctors home was never
before so joyful; for youth and childhood
were there, and the merry song and ring
ing laugh echoed through the once quiet
halls. in
Twice in each year Annie visited the
home of her mother; and oh! with what
delight were the seasons welcomed by the
glad family! How the once little Henry
had grown and improved, and how pret-
ty and pleasant looked the younger ones!
Thus, three years have rolled away.
Fortescue having adjusted his business
satisfactorily, has returned to gladden. the
hearts of his old friends and refresh his
own, amidst those dear familiar scenes.
And he has come too. 10 claim his lovely
Annie. 'Tis the picnic anniversary
The same company, with but few excep-
tions) are gathered that attended their first
picnic. The same bright sun diffnses as
bright beams as before. The same green
trees are bending their shady branches
above them. The swings are there, the
repast and music. But they are changed.
They are far less joyful than beforehand
why is il She who had been to them as
some minis,ering angel of peace. is to de-
part on the morrow, and they are assem-,
bled to breathe the unwilling adieu. The
children have gathered in the school house
L = 4 =. >r1 faithful "a chip tar