True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-04-05
x RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor,

twined about her small and classic head.
The rich lace which formed her sleeves
was fastened back by diamond clasps, ex-
posing fair and rounded arm, which
might have served as a model for a sculp-
tor. AS she stood before the altar with
her white hands crossed, | thought / had
never beheld a vision of such perfect love-
illness; yet it was not so much the rare
beauty of that young face which enchained
the attention, as the expression which lin
gered over it. A smile, such as we see
in Raphels Madonnas, danced and trem-
bled on her ripe lips, and then nestled
away in the dimples of her soft cheek, as
| if proud Of their resting-placc.
As the tremulous tones of the aged
clergyman pronounced them husband and
wife, the smile faded from her lip and
brow, and the fringed lids of her dark
eyes dropped low upon her pale cheek /;
but it was transient emotion, for when
she bent her head for the bridal blessing,
that glad smile glanced like sunshine over
her bright face, and slept in the clear
depths of her dark eye
1t was all over-the sunlight had trem-
bled and faded in the azure clouds while
we fingered in the dim, old church and
when the young bride went forth, the Sob
bing wind was sweeping through the lofty
pines and swaying the hemlock branches
to and fro with sudden fury, while here
and there, rain drop slept like a tear
upon the dark green turf. at
Hastily We separated to avoid the gath
ering storm, and the church was left alone
once more in its gloomy beauty while
the newly welded pair sweptoff to the adj
jacent city. ~
Three years had passed since the bridal
at the village church. The old and faith.
full clergyman had gone to meet the loved
and lost; and one bright summers morn
ing, when all that nature had of loveliness
seemed mingled in its bird-songs and its
sunshine, | stood beside an open grave
and heard the first sod fall upon the coffin
of my mother. was alone then, a stray
waif floating over "the wide, wide world;''
and gladly accepted an invitation to spend
a few months with dear friend who resi-
dcd in the neighboring city. Although
my recent afaiction prevented all taste fol
gaiety or amusement, my friends earnest
entreaties, and my own passion for music
induced ME to attend the opera for one
evening.
/ listened in wrapt attention to the deli
cious notes Of favorite overture, which
foated through the spacious hall, now sof
and plaintiye as the last low notes Of The
dying swan, now swelling into lofty and
triumphant strains, like chorus from
thousand voices. was lost in delight
[ful roverie, in which all that my heart haC
treasured Of the bright and sunny days o
childhood seemed to have mingled witt
the glad dreams Of maturer years wis
ion of a murmuring brook, which glanced
in joy up to the willows as they bent t
kiss its bright waters, whose silvery laugh
ter foated off on the breeze, to the sun
beams stealing down to see their colder
faces in its mirrored surface clear blu
sky; and the melody Of many birds, al
Aoated through my spirit as those seraphi
strains went stealing BY. ssl
4 My reverie was broken by a face in th
I opposite box, which came before me Gb
some old yet well remembered strain .
Emusic. 1t was the same sweet counte
nance which had haunted me since | frs
I beheld it in the ancientchurch at Brook
side; the same darkly glorious eyes wef
there, and the olden smile trcmbled on he
Hips as if half afraid to break forth int
laughter. A dress Of black velvet ftte
close to the throat, revealed the exquisit
proportions Of her form, and presented
lovely contrast with the dazzling fairnes
Of her complexion. She was accompanies
by her husband, but heshad changed
/ The sensual curve Of bis mouth had deeI
encd, and the stern brow had given plac
to an expression Of reckless gpiety, whic
i'll accorded with the spiritual sweetness
|, his beautiful wife. Iturned to Mrs. CHI
I ton, but my inquiry was anticipated.
~ know what you would ask sal
elshe. "Tbey are Mr.. Charles Walton en
/ his beautiful and accomplished LADY, y
! belle and beauty Of the Eoason."
7 nBut who was she tell me all abol
|, her : | exclaimed,