The true Democrat., 1855-01-03

some causual acquaintance, and he was too at tractive prize to be easily dropped. He was one Ot those men sometimes met with in SO- clety, whom time seems to forget or else to spare for their pre- eminent beauty. Tall and finely proportioned, with figure sufficiently lncllning to enabon-poant to denote that he had passed the earliest prime of manhood, but with a cheek as unfurrowed, brow as smooth, and LOCKS as raven black as ever boy-hOod wore, 1t was quite impossible to conjecture his real age.
 Whether he was too we'll practiced in female WlleS to be gained by such lures as Isabel Spread, or whether he was of too cold a tem- perament to be excited by woman's charms, I Know not, but soon perceived that he was not likely to be easily ensnared. His indifference towards her even approached contempt and the sarcastic remarks which occasionally drop- ped from his lips as he watched the frivolous oelngs who tiuttered around her, were we'll cal culated to arouse her pride. Resentment now became powerful auxiliary to vanity, and Isa- Oel determined that cost what 1t would, Mr. Morton should yet be made to feel her power put Tor once she had met with an equal match Morton understood the arts of coquetry as well as herself, and It was amusing to an unconcern- ed spectator to watch the movements of the opposing parties.
 lsabePS arts at length recoiled upon herself The interest she had so often feigned, she at length really felt and while attempting to en- tangle the affections of the impractcable Nor ton, involved herself in an inextricable maze. Softened, as 1t would seem, by the unaffected tenderness of Isabel, he, at least, seemed to throw aside the coldness ill which he had en- wrapt himself, and 1t soon became evident that the game of coquetry would probably end in a serious attachment between the two players Naughty to fault, and entirely regardless of censure, Isabel did not hesitate to evince her partiality for the stranger by every possible method, while his growing regard for her was apparently repressed, and he seemed constantly struggling to overcome it. This was the mas terstrokc of his policy, for his fine person and attractive manners were scarcely more winning to Isabel's heart, than his mysterious bearing his unconquerable coldness, and his reluctant submission to the irresistible power of affection She loved Morton and she was proud to exhi- bit her affection in every mode which her in genuty could devise. In his presence her wonted calmness was exchanged for restless and feverish excitement; she watched his every look, and listened to the accents of his voice as if her very existence depended on them At length learned that Mr. Morton had offer ed himself to Isabel, and been accepted. No inquiry had been made respecting his character, or his fortune. Heart-sick with hope defered, Isabel had joyfully listened to his suit, and ere he had half urged his claims to her hand hal gladly yielded it. Isabel was all orphan, and the widowed aunt with whom she had always resided had no power to control her wayward will
 Preparations were immediately commenced for celebrating the nuptials in a style of un- wonted magniicence. Invitations to very large number of friends were issued three weeks before the evening appointed for the wedding, and all that money could procure of rich and rare was put in acquisition for the oc- cason 1 was selected as one of the brides maids, and Isabel presented us with our dres- Ses, which were of white brocade, embroidered with silver roses. During the short time which elapsed previous to the marriage, Isabel exhi- bted an almost child-Hke joy, which called forth the censure of those who considered such exultation as unwomanly and indelicate. But the conduct of Morton was perfectly inexplca- ble His moody and restless manner was ill., suited to a bride groom, and once or twice 1 caught his eye upon Isabel with an expression of such dark dignity as made me shudder
 
 full fire, and Morton, at IsabePs request had taken his guitar, when, as he stopped over the instrument in the act of tuning it, his vest fell partly open, and a slender black chain which he wore about his neck, became entangled in the screws. Not perceiving it, he raised himself suddenly, and by this movement drew from its concealment small miniature, which was attach ed to the chain With trepedation strangely in, l, looI eagerly grasped the picture. IL was the face of a delicate woman, with little beauty, but great sweetness of expression, and as I gazed on it the features seemed not unfamiliar to me- With a merry jest l looked up to demand the name of her whose image thus lay upon the bosom of bridegroom, but as did so, 1 caught glimpse of the same dark, revengful expreS- sion in his countenance, as his eye fastened with serpent-ike fascination upon his bride. Isabels lip quivered as she returned the picture, and faintly repeated my question.
 "It is the image of one whom I have loved as I shall never love again,' replied Morton passionately, "of one who Is now an angelin hea- ven-of my wifel'
 "Your wife.' exclaimed Isabel.
 "Yes my fair Isabel" said he, while sheer passed over his lips with the rapidity of light nlnO, llaQ you dShcu Ilc Ol uly lIooG lllc, you would have learned that when you were babe in the cradle 1 was husband and a father.
 "I am older than you suppose, Walter, you could scarcely have been welded so many years ago, or else time has forgotten to trace his characters upon your brow"
 Morton smiled gloomily as he said, " shall I tell you of my past history, Isabel? Methinks you should learn something of him to whom you have plighted your faith, though prudence would have dictated that such knowledge should have preceded your promise.'
 There was half concealed scarcasm in this remark, which cut Isabel to the soul, but she shuddered and was silent. Morton, fixing his eye upon her agitated countenance resumed: II know not what you have read upon my brow, Isabel, but it is certainly forty five years since 1 first beheld the light of day. l was born in a wigwam-my father was Canadian fur trader, my mother an lndian."
 At these words both Isabel and myself gave an involuntary start, which could not escape his notice.
 "Yes," he continued, "the blood pf the req. man, the first possss~ ,tl2eyas Astnlcan sol runs in my veins y,d m prouderof thatt ti t5it.e