Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-06-03

bursts Of merrimenk which, at this moment
struck discordantly dH her heart She felt thai
the presence of unfortunate age should at leas
inspire respect, and involuntarily approaching
the unheeded old man, she was half resolved
to address him. Her natural timidity however
withheld her, until she was at length called
by one of the gay group to partake of some
fine strawberries. The irresolute expression
OF her countenance at once changed to that Of
pleasure. q hlaibt,a .Yol rsH--,ss9t.A
81 will beg some,' she said unhesitatingly
presenting her work-basket, for this old gen.
tleman.' And she then approached him with
out embarrassment will you accept some
strawberries, sir 2 ra-Tsa.iH " .H .rs.4i.1
The voice of Isabel was like the low, sigh
ing tones of an instrument; it touched every
chord fthe soul. The old man received them
with smile that spoke benedic,ion while
an elegant and youthful stranger, who stood
reading newspaper with his back towards
them, suddenly turned round and fixed his
eyes on the blushing girl with mingled adm-
ration and surprise. She instinc,ively retreat
ed, and joined the group she had hitherto
Stunned, mingling in their trif1ing. ms
Soon after, the youth himself approached
with her basket. Presenting it with a look of
indescribable import, he said, Accept, Miss,
the thanks and blessings Of age for your deli
cate attention. He then disappeared. In a
short time he returned, and addressed the old
man in tone of respect and tenderness Il
have at length found more quiet lodgings, sir,
and will attend you whenever yon feel able TO
walk The old man rose, and leaning on the
arm of the youth, they left the apartment
They are to be temporary soourners in
the village thought Isabel, and sensation
Of pleasure, of which, perhaps, she was un-
conscious, arose from the idea of again meet
ing them. z ''
They met the next morning at the spring,
and again and again met. 1-s.sr.i
Who shall describe the mingling of kindred
spirits Who shall trace the intricate and
delicate sources Of that mysterious passion
which sweeps like torrent over the human
soul! Scarcely word had passed between
the youthful strangers; they knew nothing of
each other beyond the limits of few short
days; yet the years that preceded had become
to them as tedious dream, their present was
their all of existence, and resembled the reno
tai g, nc A. -
new wings through summer air. s
As yet, however, unconscious of the dan
gerous source of this new sense of enjoy
ment, they met without embarrassment
The blush that dyed the check of Isabel in
the presence of the stranger was that of abb
stract pleasure and the light which flashed
upon his eye, at her approach, was brilliant
as the rays of heaven. The failing health
of the old blind man, whom he daily attend
ed to the spring, afforded their only clue even
TO passing remark. The deep interest that
his appearance excited 10 the bosom of Isa-
bel, conquered the scruples of yesIal reserve,
and she frequently ventured timid inquiry
respecting The aged invalid.
There are o thousand nameless attentions
too tri1ing for description, that come with
cheering influence over the feeling heart,
like the imperceptible breeze that s,rs the
delicate leaf. Such were the attentions
which misfortune invariably elected from the
hand of Isabel, no matter how narrow her
sphere of action. Her voice, her step, were
already known 10 the discriminating ear OF
the old man; and, if his cane was dropped,
or a seat brought, he knew the ready hand
that presented them. He was, however,
evidently and rapidly failing and al length,
Isabel met The interesting young stranger no
longer. 1 l..ui i.5 e -au..H sb r.f1
Three days elapsed and her attendance upon
her friend became a penance. A walk was
proposed, and weary of herself, she gladly be-
came one of the party. As they passed within
view of the village cemetery, her attention was
arrested by funeral procession. Their Ju-
ties were finished, and they were returning ;
but there was one who yet fingered, and, with
folded arms, leaned over the new-made grave.
Could it be Lyes, it was the young stranger,
and Isabel comprehended the melancholy scene
The party proceeded, and, ere their return,
the surrounding landscape was flooded with
the silver light of the full moon. rgausf
The feelings of Isabel were rendered yet
more intense by the soiening influence of the
hour, and almost unable to proceed, she leaned
on the arm of her friend, whose health was yet
but imperfectly restored, and fell behind her
gayer companions. Again her eye was turned
towards the last asylum of humanity the SOL
itary mourner had left the spot. and, with a
faltering step, was slowly returning to the vii
lage. Their paths intersected, and he was
already before her. He bowed, and both were
some moments silent. He at length said, in
a voice of suppressed emotion 23as
The cause which brought me hither is now
terminated in the grave. Ileave this place TO-
morrow. Permit me, then, Miss, even at this
moment Of sorrow, to thank you for the inter
est YOU have evinced in the sufferings of my
departed father, and for the soothing attentions
you have paid him. If the-cup of affliction is
ever yours, may some spirit gentle as your
own temper its bitterness-some being bright
and lovely as yourself, hover around your pill
low = ., noaA4sss orlraHo ehI ro'ai
Isabel could not reply. Her party had now
halted and she reioined tbeu
The young stranger uttered stifed fare
well, and striking into another path disap