The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-05-10
For The Cecil Wing.
CLARA MAY;
A Memory of a Love.

VII us AT III ~ SlSIib tlut We
ever afterwards remember them. Such
an one was Clara Mays. l can not
describe her, for | never remember
the particular features of any one. |
do not even know the color of the eyes
of half-a-dozen persons in my whole
circle of acquaintance. But have
distinct and vivid recollection Of Clara
as first saw her, and feel confident if |
had never met her again, should not
have forgotten her.
1t was on bright summer evening |
first saw her. She was standing in the
front door, dressed in black, and | thought
she was one of the prettiest girls | had
ever seen. When | went to bed that
night, herpale face and ylph-like figure
kept fitting continually before me; and
when fell asleep, it was only to dream
of Clara May. A few days afterward |
became acquainted with her. | was in
vited to Join small fishing party of
which she was one. The gentleman
who walked with her gave me an intro
ducton, and if ever was envious it was
that day. When we reached our desti-
nation had not much relish for fishing.
| thought only of how | should get by
the side of Clara and have talk with
her. And it was not long before | was
gratified, Clara had heard of me-for
when a stranger comes into place he
sgenerally an object of curiosity among
the ladies--had heard that ] scrubbed
verses and love stories, and was desi-
rous of making my acquaintance. They
tell me a man of wealth is dangerous
rival-that gold eXerts powerful intu-
ence over woman. But do not be-
lieve it. A ragged rhymer, if he have
good sense, Is far more dangerous; and |
had rather ten to one enter the lists,
where woman's heart is the prize,
against millionaire than against pen
niless, unpretending scribbler of rhyme.
do not mean to insinuate that because
have written verses in my day | am a
dangerous rival. make no allusion
whatever to myself; for | have never
sought to win the affections of any wo-
man, and speak only from observation.
But am DEPRESSING.
Women are better maneuverers than
men, and when they undertake any
thing, generally succeed IN carrying it
into effect. Clara, have said, was de-
sirous of making my acquaintance, and
it was not long before she found an OPP
portunity of jerking her hook into my
coat, and while we were engaged loos-
ing it, she archly proposed stroll. D,
with what rapture my heart throhbed as
| assented Throwing down our rods
we started for a neighboring hill in
search of flowers, and before many min
utes we were out of sight and hearing of
the rest Of the party. That was one of
the happiest days OF my life. Every
time | took hold of Clara's hand to help
her across a stream, could feel my heart
throb audibly, and when we seated our
selves under tree and commenced ar
ranging our flowers in bouquet, felt
thrill of pleasure come over me every
time her tiny hand touched mine. |
thought no more of fishing that day, and
when the party on their return home
came in search us, three hours after
wards, thought we had been absent but
few minutes. escorted Clara home;
and when | left her at her door felt
that new life had opened before me.
That summer was a pleasant one to
me, for nearly every day | was with
Clara. She was sprightly and inter-
esting girl, and every time | saw her |
liked her better and better. The COM
munity as matter of course, seeing us
so much together, had us engaged. But
had never breathed VOW to Clara. |
knew liked her very much, and thought
she liked me. For often she would shake
back her curls, and look up into my face
so confdingly, that l almost fancied she
was wondering whether | loved her;
and hundreds of times had noticed her
gazing intently at me; but the moment
she saw perceived her, she would cast
down her eyes, while slight blush suf-
fused her snowy temples. But never
told her loved her. We revealed to
each other our grefs, our hopes, our
fears, but we never spoke of our loves.
The expression of our feelings, in words
at least, we assiduously concealed. And
| know not now, after lapse of years,
how loved Clara. know not wheth-
err it was as brother loves a very dear
sister, or as husband loves a wife.
Neither do know how Clara loved me.
But the time came when we were to
be eparated-when we were to part,
perhaps, forever. The coach which was
to convey me away was in waiting. ]
had seen her the evening before; but had
postponed bidding her final good bye
till the last moment The door of the
parlor was open, and walked in with.
out KNOCKING. She was seated AZ tho