The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-08-25

| "hat she Is Pleased to term my arrogance
and ingratitude. Even on my knees
swore to her that with my sword and my
good name would yet win fame and
honor,would she but promise me the hand
OF my beloved Isabella as my reward"
"And your answerp
"Was accusation and reproach, bitter
words of hate, and for this innocent girl
cruel revilingsl For the sake of him now
dead--the father of Isabella-I checked
the fierce reply which leapcd to my lips,
and although h my hot blood ragged in my
veins to madness, yet turned and left her
presence without speaking Can l, then,
reverend sir, consent to leave the country
for months, perhaps for years, with tie
dreadful uncertainty that in the mean
time this dear girl may be forced to we'd
another--for such would most assuredlv
be the fact! 1t is for you, then, my dear
sir; to put it from the power of all human
agency thus to destroy our happiness"
"And you, Isabella, are you prepared
to meet the trials which must follow this
secret marriage! Are you not guided
more by him you would call your hus-
band, than your own unbiased Judgment"
said Mr.. Dean.
Throwing back the hood which shaded
her lovely countcnance, she raised her
dark eyes, beaming with the light of love
and woman's perfect trustfulness, to those
of the kind old man.
"Shall not be strong in my wifely
right to contend with any trial which may
press upon met" she said. 81 am very
young, know" with beautiful simplicity
she added, "but already feel there is
that in woman's love, which for the sake
of him she loves, shall give her endurance,
patience, hopcfulness !"
Thank you, sweet Isabella" said her
lover, raising her little hand to his lips.
"Ihe anger of Mrs. Ellington, Isabella,
will be fearful" said Mr.. Dean.
"Alas! l know it, but even that am
prepared to meet. With no unwilling ear
Iconfess haze listened to Walters argu-
ments, yet it has been with more deHbcr-
alton than YOU will, perhaps, give sim
pie girl like myself credit for, that have
consented to his wishes"
Then, my dear children, l will no
longer oppose your determination" said
Mr.. Dean.
Knecling down, the venerable old man,
in fervent prayer, supplicated the bless
ing Of God upon the union he was about
to solemnize. And then the youthful pair
stood up before him,--the sacred rite pro-
ceeded, and those solemn vows, which
make the happiness or misery Of life, were
registered.
"And now, dearest Isabella, my own
lovely bride, must be gone" said Wal
ter Howard, folding her to his BOSOM
"Ah, how can thus relinquish my beau
teous prize even in the first moment which
gives me a right to protect and cherish
you, my hearts best treasure! Weep
not dear isabella; remember YOU are
mine,-mine, dearest; even the will Of
your cruel stcp.mother must now yield to
husbands right, and there is no power
on earth can sever the tic which binds our
destinies."
BE Of good cheer, Isabella" said Mr..
Dean, placing his hand upon the golden
tresses which rested on Walters shoulder
Sustain by your own fortitude, the sink
ing heart of him who is now your hus-
band. Remember your words, Isabella
Howard-no longer Ellington, and be
strong in your wifely rights"
Poor Isabella! She could not speak,
but lifting her fearful eyes to his, she
pressed her lips to the furrowed cheek of
the old pastor.
"Come, dearest" said Walter, as he
wrapped her mantle closely around her
delicate form, 'the night wears on, and
we are detaining our reverend and below
ed friend from his needful rest. Farewell,
my dear sir" he continued wringing the
hand Of the clergyman "guard my trea-
sure, and by your counsel and encourage
ment aid her to bear the sorrows which
press all too heavily upon her young
heart"
at Is to God, not man, my son, you
must both look for strength and consola-
tion," replied Mr.. Dean. "No harm shall
como to this dear one, Walter, il my
prayers can avail,-be assured will pro-
tect her as far as lies within my power,
and with Gods blessing will strive to
soften the heart Of Mrs. Ellington, that she
may in time, take you both to her affec-
tons. Good night, Ey children may
our heavenly Father protect and sustain
you both under your inevitable scpara-
ton"
Walter Howard and his young bride
then went forth from the parsonage, and
slowly proceeded in the stiffness of the
night, through the winding path which led
to Ellington Hall. They stood together
for the last time beneath the shadow Of
the noble old elm, which, like giant sen
tinel, tossing Briarous-like lis hundred
arms sheathed in the silyery moonbeams,
guarded the entrance to the Ellington
grounds.
"Trust me, dearest, we shall soon meet
again, if not on earth, in that world where
sorrow and parting are unknown" said
Walter; 'for should fall in that contest