The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1855-05-30
NEWSERIES. VOL. l, N0.43.

II was one OF those calm, balmy autumn
days, when dethroned summer seems to come
back to regain her crown, that Linda wan
dered forth in the solitude of her aunt's wide
domains. The day went on, and the holy
sunset came, and long shadows from the
glaring tree.tops fell on the leaf-strewn
ground; but still she fingered, watching ma
ture's fading glory. "Green, green hills,
and quiet woodlands, cannot ye speak back
to mel" said Linda. 81 am lonely, very
lonely, and there is nought to love me but
mother Natpre!" But sudden sound
of rustling among the leaves made the
maiden's cheek grow pale; and when,
raising those deep eyes, she saw stranger,
she screamed with shame and alarm. But
the stranger bowing, arologized for the
fright he had given her, and SO gracefully,
that she looked at him bIushingly and inter-
eStedly. His was high and noble brow,
from which the dark hair was carelessly
thrown back, a proudly raised lip, and fash
ing eye, from whose defiance even the strong
might shrink. His voice had rich foreign
accent, which told of SUMMER climes and
brighter skies.
One word led to another. The stranger
was SO deferential that Linda found herself
very perfectly at ease with him; and insen-
sibly continued to converse till she came
in sight OF her home.
After this they often met The stranger,
now stranger no longer, was frequent
visitor at Mrs. Clinton's; but more often he
and Linda passed the morning together in.
the fields and woods. At last our heroine
had found something to love. Now she was
supremely happy; so happy was she, that
she did not observe the growing aversion of
her aunt to love, Yet, wildly, passionate
ly she loved, as the heart loves only once,
and fully and wholly was that love recipro-
Gated. But as days went on, the hour came
when he might no more linger in those qui-
ct shades, and with true manliness of spirit
that displayed no concealment, he consult
ed Mrs. Clinton. He spoke of his far away
home, in sunny Italy, of his profession, that
of an artist, which must ere long bring him
fame; he spoke of his temporary sojourn in
the quiet village; and his voice grew loud
and thrilling as he spoke of Linda, and his
heartfelt alteration. Linda, too raised her
beautiful face imploringly and murmur-
ed, "For my sake, dear aunt!" But Mrs.
Clinton's brow contracted, and her tall
figure was drawn up to its utmost height, and
the blossoms of hope went out in Linda's
heart. Full we'll she knew the language of
that naughty look, and that proud glance,
and shrank back dreading the words, that as
lava tide must overwhelm them. But her
aunt spoke in tones low, though firm aud
cold, which showed her stroug resent
ment.
"Go, young man." said Mrs. Clinton,
"caim not the love of my child: name of
honor, wealth and distinction, shall be hers
when the proud name Of Walden shall be
no longer. Think not that in after years,
few laurels, which you may win, will rem
der you worthy of her hand; for there con
be no hope, and no expectation for YOU
As for Linda, she will soon forget her child
ish attachment, and think of you no more.
So farewell; may your life be crowned with
success. This is what desire for you, and
what she desires for you and no more.
This was what the calm voice said, not
the proud lip, nor the stern cold eye.
Madam, 60 from your presence forev-
err said the proud man. bid you farewell!'
Many thanks for your kind wishes! We
shall not meet again. And Linda'-but
here the composure gave way, and there was
mighty conflict in the strong breast you
will not quite forget me, dearest, though we
meet on earth no more! There is more
than the bitterness of death in this farewell.
My idolized, you will not quite forgetP #
No answer came from Linda; but the
fair head lay on his breast, and amid the
low sobs, he heard her whisper--'never,
never' 1t was but moment, and he was
gone.
! Days went on, and long weeks, but the
glow on Linda's cheek faded, and the dark
eye lost its usture day by day. Evermore
at quiet evening there rose up that noble
form; and, as in days past, she heard that
firm voice. yet SO soft and thrilling to her
ears. Mrs. Clinton saw how sorrow was do
ing its work on that fair face and that young
heart: but it stirred not the smotbered fires
ofaffection in her, hard soul.
1t was clear winter morning, and the
sun sbohe gladly on the virgin-robed earth.
Linda was called by her aunt to her room,
where she sat cold as ever. yet evidently re-
Ijoiced by some recent intelligence. She sal
for some minutes gazing on that pale. thin
face, and assuming a forced gaety, she drew
the shrinking maiden nearer, and told her
Of friend Of hers, and old friend, many
wears older than herself, who had died ant
Eleft his son sole heir to all his wealth; and
this son, now rich East India merchant
J came as suiter for Linda's heart. ..,..5
/ .And now, my child said the lady, 'yor
of course cannot hesitate or linger in yopl
acceptance Of this proposal. Think for
4 few days. and then give me your answer
: am convinced It will be favorable
j Linda spoke not word; but there came
| over her face such q look Of despairing ago
- Il IL. n