The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-13
him his happiness with his beautiful bride,
if she is what she was thirty years ago.

him his happiness with his beautiful bride,
If she is what she was thirty years ago.
Two years passed away; most of this
time | spent at college, busily engaged in
studying my Greek and Latin, and deter
mining to have nothing more to do with
the girls. Many tried to captivate me
with their charms, but none succeeded,
and thought myself invincible to Cupd's
darts.
After having finished my college stud
les, l returned again to my city home
Balls and parties were given by mannu-
vering and ambitious mothers, in honor of
my return, and beautiful and fascinating
daughters tried all their arts to entrap me.
but in vain. But l was determined not
to be caught, and of what worth nv de-
termination was you shall soon see.
1t was bright cold winters evening.
| had been invited to party out at Mrs.
Lenox's, and having nothing else to do.
finally concluded to go. 1t was a select
party, yet rather large one, for Mrs. Le-
noxs parlors were we'll filled when ar.
rived. AS | entered, = ringing peal of the
most silvery laughter ever heard struck
upon my ear, and instantly aroused nv
curiosity to see the one from when it pro-
ceede,'.
"Ah, Mr.. Varney, you've come at last
smilingly said my hostess, as she approach
ed me and slipped her arm within mine :;
I've been fgetting this half hour f fear
you wouldn't come There's another
beauty here to'nigh. that you haven't seen
yet-Miss Jessie irving, the most charm.
ing girl, I'll be bound, that you ever met.
Come, MIR. Varney, | want to introduce
you to her"
In n few moments found myself sit
ting by the side Of Miss Irving, and chat
ting with her with all the freedom of an
old friend. She was perfect little spite,
that girl was, with inexhaustible fund
OF wit and sarcasm, and faculty of doing
and saying things in the drollest and most
comical manner; it was no wonder that
she fascinated every one she met. A train
OF admirers always followed her, and these
she kept in continual roar of laughter
by her brilliant sallies of wit and keen,
cutting sarcasm. Some one had taken
the trouble to inform her that was very
wealthy, and decidedly one of the best
matches in the city, and consequently she
did her best to ensnare me in the tolls Of
passion. And she was successful for, be-
fore left the house that night. I was
again deeply, passionately in love. The
wit and beauty Of Jessie Irving had en-
shared my heart and was determined,
II possible, to WOO and win er.
BY the aid of Mrs. Lenox, I ascertained
the residence Of Jessie, and called upon
her. She was even more charming and
fascinating than before. She was in the
best Of spirits, and after entertaining me
for some time with her lively conversation,
she sat down at the piano, and played and
sang several beautiful pieces. She was a
charming singer, and rs l hung over her,
and turned over the leaves of the music,
and listened to the rich tones of her silvery
voice, felt that Jessie Irving was indeed
the realization Of the ideal that had 80
long cherished in my heart.
My only real happiness now was found
in the society If Jessie Irving. Though
she sometimes turned her cutting sarcasms
upon rae, and caused the laughter of the
company to be directed to me, still she was
so charming, 80 facinating, that l could
not but forgive her, and love her all the
more madB for il.
Two months passed thus, and had de-
termined to open my heart to Jessie upon
the first favorable opportunity, and receive
from her an affirmative or negative answer
to my proposal.
1t was still, cloudy evening, when,
for the third time that week, entered the
parlor Of Mr.. Irving to spend the evening
with Jessie. Ny heart beat with unusual
quickness rs discovered that she was
alone. Now, thought /, is my time; I'll
known before leave, whether Jessie will
be my wife or not. Jessie seemed payer
and merrier than ever. She chatted and
sang. and laughed and played, until it was
near nine o'clock. when, all IN moment
she seemed to relapse into more thought
ful mood. l noticed it, and gently taking
her hand, said
Jessie, dear, what is the matterF
Nothing, replied she. without raising
her head.
Jessie / exclaimed, throwing myself
at her feet, and clasping her hand passion
ately, IL can't help tt must--I say
1.-THE fact Is, Jessie, love you!
l felt as ifa stone weight had been re-
moved from my heart. There was no re.
ply, and went on
Dearest Jessie, love you passionately
dsvotedly, madIy. Ishall die if am de-
pgived Of jour blessed society. I can't
live without you. Dearest Jessie will you
be miner
Still there was no reply.
Only one word, dear Jessie, say only
one word, that may know shall yet be
happyF Iexclaimed 10 the agony Of sus-
p1nse.
&"Dear Philip--there "a something
your--the--"she hesitated.
| "What dearestlr l asked, tenderly.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES"
sSay on, dsasest Jessie" !" said |, viii
nervous snxieiy.s ~
@Tha--the--your bosom frill Is smash.
cd down on one sidew exclaimed Jessie
and, an instant aAer, . ringing peal o