Smyrna times., 1854-09-06

the elements a short time before, for his radiant
face shown with the same resplendent lustre-1
gilded with the same benign smile-as when
he silently walked below the western horizon,
the evening prior. The blue mist arose from
Niagara's deafening cataract, and ascended to
the very heavens-the birds carolled forth their
sweetest strains to the maker and governor of
all things--the peasant resumed his ascustom-
ed daily toll, and the trees shook their foliage
by the gentle force of the breeze in grateful
thanks that the terrible storm was past.
But though the wind was lulled above, and
the stormy waves had subsded, and all was at
peace o'er nature, it ragged with ten-fold vio-
lence in the hearts of the guests Of the bridal
party, who short time before, we're regailing
themselves at the festive board of their hospita-
bic entertainer
The bride had disappeared All traces of
her were gone; also of Howard. Consterna-
ton, envy and anger now usurpcd the place of
mirth, JOY and gladness. The groom was driv-
en- well nigh to distraction. The father-the
old man, with furrowed brow and silvered locks,
swore deeply and bitterly-cursed him who he
thought had robbed his heart AMI home of a
daughter. +.
Mounted messengers were despatched to scour
the country in every direction. The guests
returned to their respective homes. Every
nook and corner of the surrounding and ada
cent country was explored, as time progressed;
but no traces of the lest ones were found.
| The old man knew, when his daughter we'd
ded, it was greatly against her inc lination and
will. Well did he remember how strenuously
she opposed him, and how hopeles$ly he urged
entreated, and threatened for t me to make
her dccede to his wishes. Not until he threat
ened to disown, cast her off and brand her with
the name Of an outcast, did she adquiesce, and
then only to rend the heart and blight forever
him who sought her hand.
Howard Clinton, by industry, perseverance
and answering devotion, had, by his master
genius, gained high renown, and thereby en-
grated himself into the fathers affections,
though as yet the child of poverty. He made
Stratton mansion his home in days of recrea-
ton-infilsed into the heart of Isabella, though
: much younger than her, the wild, enthusiastic
feelings of his own soul-taught her all he
: knew ,and cultivated and brought out those finer
nobler feelings which slumber in the heart Of
each and every daughter of Eve. And she, the
beautiful, the rich-can it be wonde erred that she
loved him Loved him who was wanderer-
loved him when he told her that he was friend
} less--none in whom he could trust, save those
; who were envious of his superior talents, anC
admired and courted by them for naught only
the celebrity that he had acquired BY his pen.
Little dad the father know, before that memo
D rable night, that Howard had any place in hi
' daughters affections. But well did he know
. that she was averse to the unon--well did h
snow that entreaties had failed and his powe
. had forced her to wed. But can it be wondere
e that St Smons' heart was sorely wrung.-
is Ever had she treated him princely. Ever di
fl she use all her powers, as it We're, to seemingl
is win and to court his favor, only to lure and lu
him into security, to further and arry out pre-
X meditated plot. u.s.
" When morning dawned it found Howard wit
le his newly welded wife, rapidly Fastening tC
wards the south; for the same night that sa
n- st. Simon married to Isabella StrattOn wi
to messed, two hours after, similar scene, thoug
E. not attended with pomp and show, the nuptia
TX of Howard aud the same lady. Unperceive
u they had absconded, and, having all things
ce readiness, left father and husband in the di
On tance. ., ~.
= Months and years silently and swiftly fle
= by on the wings of time. The community hi
y well-nigh forgotten the startling announcome
that greeted them the morning after the storI
" Or, if they remembered it, thought Of it only
Nv one Of the many facts which had transpired
y >, their midst Old man Stratton diged still deep
~ = into speculative business, became still mo
~ avar.cious, and, to all outward appearances, h
2 totally forgotten his lost or andering daug
''' ter. But he who gloried, who hoasted in wi
- ming the reigning beauty of the season--whe
~ was he What change had time wrought
20 him 'a+A ~,
en-. A fearful one He who before was profigc
nd and ever an eager seeker Of pleasure was NJ
as thoroughly reformed. He had renounced
eat world and secluded himself within the conir
s. of his father-in-law's residence. His dark g
will flashed with the same lustre, though bis cot
z tenance looked haggard and woe-begone,