The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-03-13
Written for The Cecil Wing.
COR A.
A S K b T CHI.
BY AN OLD CONTRIBUTOR.


A crowd of old memories come clus-
tering about my heart this evening, as
sit here by my cheerful fire and watch
the snow-hakes coming down so softly
and SO silently TO whiten the house tops
and hill-sldes. For it was on such an
evening as this--a drear and stormy
evening in January years ago, that |
stood by the grave of Cora Grey, and
heard the frozen clods rattle on the lid
Of her coffin. could not bear TO look
down into the grave when the coffin
was lowered; but as hid my face in my
handkerchief, a feeling of loneiness-of
utter desolation crept over me, and al
most wished | too might die. and he
laid down to rest in that little church
yard. And even now, after the lapse OF
years, the tears csme INTO my eyes, and
| can scarcely write.
Cora was the favorite of our village.
She was so lively--so amiabe-so good,
that every one loved her, and would do
almost anything to please or crafty her.
And no one loved Cora better than |.
Though | was several years younger,
never was ccntented unless near her;
and generally was her only companion
in her rambles over the hills. and
through the meadows in search of flow
ers and Strawberries. And she was al
ways delighted to have me with her.
And yet did not love Cora as brother
loves a sister: neither did love her as
a ran loves the woman Tor whom he
Will leave father and mother, and home
and friends. Mo- dia not love hel
thus; for they tell me such love is ever
followed by Jealousy; and when Arthur
Grey wooed and won Cora was not
jealous. va. but boy then though;
and was perhaps too Young to love. But
there are boylovers are there not
All yes:-well do remember my cali.
est school boy love. And we'll do re-
member it was not thus that loved Co.
ra. Not was onl as very dear
friend. She had always been so good
and so kind to ne, that thought there
was none in HE wide world like her.
And when she and Arthur were married
| felt glad; for thought she would now
have protector who would watch over.
and care for her; and that she would 90
away INTO nice little cottage, where
she and Arthur would live together and
be so happy.
And Arthur was fond and devoted
husband and ovod Cora with his whole
soul; and Cora thought there was none
other like Arthur-none other so noble
hearted aud aiirctionate. And to Cora
the sun now seemed to shine brighter,
the birds to sing sweeter, and the llow-
ers to bloom fairer than ever before.
And thus they lived. Day after day,
and month after month passed by, and
not shadow rested upon the pathway
of the gentle Cora; and not a cloud
darkened the bright sky of her future.
All yes. her trusting heart was some
times filled with anguish; and her mind
with painful misgivings; and she would
picture to herselfa dark and gloomy fu-
ture. For Arthur would sometimes re-
turn home with heavy step and face
flushed with wine. Still, he was not ha-
bitually Incorporate. No-as the
world goes, he was temperate. But
being ola social disposition he would
occasionally, with party of gay friends,
indulge too freely-drink to excess.
Cora noticed with a sad heart his slight
deviations from the path of so riety; but
she did not tell him how it panied her
to see him in such situation perhaps
she should have done so. But she nrv.
err breathed it to him; for she thought
that he would soon see the error of his
youthful tolies, and turn from them.
And no doubt he would have done so
had he been spared; for years generally
tame down the wild passions and appe-
tites, and quench the fire of youth. But
alas for Arthur Little did he dream he
was so soon to meet an untimely end.
Six months after his marriage, he and a
party of young friends started one fine
morning on fishing and boating excur-
sion down the river. They had made
arrangements for spending the day in
pleasure, and returning again in the
evening with the fruits OF their labor
the scaly spoil they hoped TO take du
ring the day. Every one of the small
crew was in fine spirits, and never had
a more cheerful little party left our vii
lage.
But long before night the boat return
ed, and its return cast gloom upon
many brow; for it brought the corpse
of Arthur Grey. The story Of his
death was soon told Like the rest of
the party he had during the day parta-
ken pretty freely of the wine, cham.
rasne &C., laid in for the occasion, and
in state of -intoXication had TALL
IN nrarhnnrd and hefnre his cnnnradas