Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1852-05-08
could have refused such man as General

1OIuOu inuSt udNt UteU.
Days and weeks flew fast; the General
became a constant visitor in the square,
and the heart OF Isabel We're had never beat
en- so loudly at twenty as it did at ity-and
five; nothing, she thought, could be more
natural than that the General should recall
the days of his youth, and seek the friend
ship and mpanionship of her who had
never been married, while he-faithless
man had been guilty of two wives dur
ing his "services in India" 1t was impos-
sible to tell which of the ladies he treated
with the most attention. Isabel Montiord
took an especial delight in tormenting him,
and he was cynical enough towards her at
times. Although he frankly abused her
pIano-iorte playing, yet he evidently pre-
ierred it TO the music Miss We're practised
SO indelatigably TO please him, or to the
songs she sung, in voice which from a
high "soprano," had been crushed by time
into what might BIZ considered very sim
gular "mezzo." He sometimes forgot how
to find ialt with Miss Montford's dancing
and more than once became her partner in
a quadrlle. 1t was evident that while the
General was growing young, Miss We're re-
maned-"as she was.o Isabel Montford
amused herself at his expense, but he did
not-quick sighted and man-of-the world
though he was-perceive it. AT first he
was remarkably fond of recalling and dating
events, and dwelling upon the grace, and
beauty, and interest, and advantage, of
whatever was past and gone-much to the
occasional pain of Isabel We're, who gentel
hearted as she was, would have consigned
dates to the boitomless pit lalterly, how
ever, he talked greatdea more of the pre-
sent than Of the past, and greatly to the an
noyance Of younger men, fell into the du-
ties of escort 10 both ladies,-accompany-
ing them to places Of public promenade
and amusement.
On such occasions, Miss 1sal el We're look
ed either earnest or bashful-yes, positively
bashful; and Miss Isabel Montiord, brmiul
of as much mischief as lady could delight
| in. At times, the General laid aside his
cynical obs 'rvations, together with his
cane, which was not even replaced by an
umbrella; to c)niess the truth he had
experienced several symptoms Of heart dis
ease, which though they made him restless
and uncomfIrajle, brought hopes and as
prations OF life, ratl ler than OF death.
One morning, Isabel Montford and the
General were alone in the salon where thi:
little scene first opened:
"Our difference has never been settled
yet" she exclaimed, gaily; "you have ne.
yer proved TO me- the superiority Of the ole
school over the new"
"SimpIy because of your superiority tc
both," he replied.
81 do not perceive the point of your an
swer," said the young lady. "What ha
my superiority over both 10 do with th,
question %
, The General arose and shut the door,
''Do you think you could listen 10 me seri
ously for five minutes ?" he said.
sListening is always serious work." sh'
answered. He took her hand within his
, she felt il was the hand Of age the bone
and snews pressed on her soft palm wit
an earnest pressure.
! "Isabel Montford-could you love an o.!
man ?"
She raised her eyes to his, and wondere
at the light which had filled them -
1 eyes" she answered, 81 could love a
r old man dearly; could con6de 10 him tn
dearest secret of my heart"
4 "And your heart, your heart itsclf?-
: Such things have been, sweet Isabel" II
e hand was re1y hard, but she did not with
y draw hers.
= "No, not that, because-because ] hay
K not my heart 10 give" She spoke rapid,
q and with emotion. 81 have it not 10 Civ
h and have so longed TO tell you my Secre
: You have such influence with my aunt, yc
n have been so afftctionae, so like a lalh'
: 10 me, that if you would only intercet
with her for HIM and me, know she cou
i dot refuse. have ofen-often thought
l. entreating this, and now it was so kind
,r you to ask, if could love an old man, gi
70 ing me an opportunity of showing that
20 do, by con6ding in you, and asking yo
te intercession."
ia The room became misty 20 the Genera
y eyes, and the rattle of battlefield soun
pr ed in his ears, and beat upon his heart.
N "And pray, Miss Montford," he said, ;
/ ter pause, who may him be :"
% sab, you do not know him!-my au
lg forbade the continuance Of our acquair
IL ance the day before had the happiness
n, meet you. 1t was most fortunate | WOO
he you to call upon her, thinking" Is
id looked up at his fine face, whose very wri
es kles were aristocratic, and smiled her mt
On bewtching smile) "thinsing the presen
re of the only man she ever loved would so
i'll en- her, and hoping that ! should one d
no be privileged TO address you as my irieI
to my uncle" And she kissed his hand.
rts really was hard to bear. 81 have he;
ng her say" persisted the young lady, 'tl
TO when prompted by evil counsel, she refu'
,ut you, she loved you, and since your rett
no. she only lives in your presence" j
OF General wondered if this was true, a
thought he would not give the young be
ir- ty triumph. He was recovering his 81
did possession, 81 remembered your admiral
n of passing bellies, and felt how kindly J
The tolerated me for my aunts's sake; ;
uet surely you will aid me in a matter uI
md which my happiness, and the happiness
but that poor dear fellow d-pends!" She b
she her beautiful eyes on the ground.
) i'll Sand who is the poor dear fellow !"
had quired the General, in singularly hu