Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-01-22

the odd jobs which always fell L
his lot when ne was in a hurry; an,
the sun looked down upon the hill
tops when he was ready to start 70
NJ.
The hour appointed for the wed
ding had already arrived, and he haC
yet five miles TO ride. However, a.
nothing could be done without him
he felt perfectly secure even if h
was little behind the time. The
fastest conveyance was obtained
and he was soon upon the road
When within a mile OF his destina
tion, a coach passed heavily laden
with travelling baggage, Of which he
took but little notice, except to OBJ
serve ihatit kept on the road leading
to Mrs. Hassam's residence.
When he arrived at the cottage
the coach stood before the door, and
the servants were removing the lug.
gage to the house; and he soon
learned-what he at first suspected
that the captain had arrived home
Unexpectedly. Everything was in
readiness for the wedding, even the
priest had arrived, and had been in
waiting for the bridegroom half an
hour.
On entering, James was shown
into an unoccupied room. where he
sat indulging his varied thoughts for
some fifteen minutes before any one
appeared. At length Lille entered
and informed him with much regret,
that her father requested the we'd
ding should be postponed a week;
and though very reluctant TO do so,
she felt compelled to comply. or
course, there could be no objection
10 the arrangement under the cir
cumstances; and accordingly the
guests were dismissed and the we'd
ding adjourned. James was also
informed that the captain was IA
tigued, and could see no strangers
for a few days, and he returned
home with strange forebodings, and
a mind i'll at ease. A week to wait,
seemed an age OF suspense to him,
but he was destined to be relieved.
The morrow brought him a commu-
as follows:
"Sir, since YOU have dared to take
Of my absence 10 encroach
upon my rights, as guardian Of my
family, you may now have an op-
portunity to reap the fruits of your
own doings. ! have tastes of my
own to crafty, in regard to my
marriage; and it is my
peremptory request, that you press
your suit no farther. | shall leave
the country with my family, to-mor-
row. G.. H. HAssAM."
James feelings may be conceived,
when he saw that his few moments de.
ay was the cause OF all this. in addition
10 what he had already suffered in the
'ame cause before: The father would
not have consented to the union, prob.
lbly, but had they been legally married
lalf an hour before. he would have seen
hat there Was no help for it; and as
Lille was his only daughter, no doubt
le would have settled handsome for.
une on her. But James was little too
dte--and he was left behind the age.
He still lives, a stern. morose old
bachelor. and many wonder WHY man
V such talents has never risen in the
world. The reason is plain--three
lours only in his life were los { by pro-
and the best of his life
would not serve to make up for that
oss. They were bright spots, such as
he painter catches in an instant, be-
ween the passing clouds, while a mo-
nent's delay divests his picture of its
righ:est expression.
II is so in all the affairs of life.-
Time is constantly on the wing, and he
7ho would make the most of its advan-
ages, must be ever on the wing, or
mother seizes the prize. and he has only
, console himself with the thought
nat he is little too late.