Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1852-12-08
MARTINsBURG VA WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 5, 1854

| 40 A. ASs ucat u1tntfsttik uut vi MaTfidges
for SO long as / can cara pistance. it is out
of the question"
| From that day the name Of Charles Massey
was never heard in the humble cottage, tho
his image was still ensFned in CaroIine's
bosom Her affections ouiived even hope it.
self. Years ago, Charles had pledged bis
VOWS to the confding girl, but the poverty of
the family was an impossible barrier to their
union, in the eyes Of her lovers father, and
With promises Of unchangiug love, be left her,
to travel abroad. Years dew by, and the old
man died, but though the obstacle was re-
moved, yet no word reached her from theab-
sent and sickness Ct the heart crept over
her, with the conviction that she was indeed
forgotten. Yet Caroline bore tie trial nobly,
and with woman's accomplishing spirit, every
duty was fulfilled, and not at hour was mis-.
spent because her heart was sorrowfui
Months passed on; once more had the
gories of the summer given place to the
dreariness of winter, the winds were ruffling
the darkened waters, and moaning Ger the
desolate fields, yet no tidengs we're received
of the absent, and still the steps of Alfred
! Moves were often turned towards the cottage.
The smiles of welcome were ever upon the lips
of the widow, and a friendly greeting always
received him from the daughter. and he re-
solved not to relinquish hopes Of obtaining
her hand.
| Darker, still darker, grew the days of win
ter, and broader and darker grew the clouds
of misfortune, which lowered over tho family.
The hand of disease was laid unsparinGly up
on the widow and as before Caroline could
barely earn subsistence, now when all her
| time was directed to the attention Of the in
valid it was impossible. Want, with all its
motley train began to gather around them,
and that too, at a season Of the year when the
feeble frame of the widow was most unable
to bear it, Heart-rendng indeed was the
grief of Caroline, and she wept bitter tears
over her inability to support the invalid.
"Never would suffer mother Of mine to
want, when, by merely marrying man who
loves me, could confer Injuries and com
fort" said neighbor, who occasionally call
| ed.
Talk not so, Mrs. White answered the
widow, Caroline has been good daughter,
and already has made more sacrifices than
she should-this last one shall not DO requir-
ed Of her"
"Well, you know best. but" here the
conversation WAS broken or by the entrance
of Alfred Noyes. Tha. night be again spoke
Of his love, and urged her, for her mothers
sake to become his--sbe accepted the sac
rifce was made, and angels alternately wept
and rejoiced- wept that her heart was sor-
rowful-rejoiced tina. she gave up the love OF
the absent, for the love of her mother.
1t was over, and she became the wife Of one
she loved not. but noble motive sustained
her through the trial--for her mother was to
DecOHle w ncr HuSuahu 10 MS o"", anu onS
resolved to show by her acts that she was ca
pabe of gratitude if not of love. Weeks
rolled on, and as she contrasted the actions of
Alfred with those of the object of her young
affections, she began to behold things in their
right light, and inperceptibly to herself, the
plant of love began to blossom in her heart.
The good angel who sat upon the throne of
her reason, whispered sweet counsel, and she
soon found that the generous soul who is
faithful in Affections, is far more worthy Of
love, than the tickle heart which, like the
flowers. shine best in prosperity
Years came and went, and from the wings
of time were scattered cares and joys upon
the world, but nougbt of regret ever mingled
with the happiness of Caroline. She heard
of the marriage of her former lover without
one pang, or one single emotion, for in her
own home she was contented and happy, and
as she gazed in the smiling happy faces OF her
beloved children aud witnessed the inereas-
ing health of her widowed mother, she was
fully recOmpensed Cor what at first appeared
to be--her sacrifice.
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