The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-01-17
The Promise

The Promise
Just seventeen years ago, Eliza Murray wa
lin the prime Of young and maidenly beauty, a
fair as the rose that blossoms in the cultivated
garden Of art, as gentle as the lily Of the mea
dow that bends it head to the summer zephyr
and yet at times as wild and reckless as tn,
playful schoolboy that sports on the edge Of th.
rocky precipice. She was. just such being a:
youth would love. ! have seen her in The
midst Of gayety with dimple on her cheek
and playtulness ID her manner, which infused
It's influence on those around her Many ar
eye was turned on her with delight, and many
memory frequently called up to mind the smile
that played upon her countenance when directed
towards him. She was at such times in he1
\ proper sphere, for the whole cast of her charac
ter beamed forth, it spoke in the playful throw
of well turned arm, in the graceful movement
of a sylphlike form, and in the merry step of a
pretty foot. Yet, with natural volatility, she
possessed noble and generous heart. 1t was
her intention to pursue correct and honorable
course-but she knew not herself
The winning grace Of beauty, the smile of
gayety, and the power fashion, never failed to
draw admirers round the form of woman. Eliza
Murray knew the truth of this, she felt the
force OF her attractions, she could read them in
the pleasure which her smile gave in the many
eyes which rested with delight upon her, and
In the web of conquest which she wove by the
flashing out of thatjoy and merriment so blend
ed with early youth. Dancing alone, then, in
the heyday of her conquest she had still felt at
times the influence which passion is ever exert
ing over us.
Among the many suitors which appeared be-
fore her, Henry English was all that the maiden
could desire. He saw Eliza Murray, gay beau
tlful and attractive, possessing, with all hervio-
latlllty, gentleness in her manner, sweetness
OF temper, buoyancy Of fancy, and ease in
conversation, which he admired He offered
himself among the list of suitors for her hand
With the true spirit of an honorable courtsEip,
he unfoldcd to her his circumstances, his pros
poets, and his future hopes, desired an intimate
knowledge, willing that acquaintance should
blossom to friendship, and rpen into love. She
with the ancient color which female fancy ever
gives to man, when he stands before her in the
beauty of alover, sketchcd to herself the char
acter of sultor-dwelt upon the candid man
ner in which he had unfolded his purposes,
threw her rainbow over the future, pledged her
self his, and his alone, and promised him asepa-
ration from all society but his own.
Thus far all was right. Butin youth we are
the beings of fancy, and more especially the
children of volatility live in the delight of the
moment-the gay, giddy scene, is the theatre
on which they move This was too much the
character of Eliza Murray. A card for ball
to be given at place Henry did not think pro-
per, was handed her by one who had always
professed himself an admirer, and she forgotin
the moment of its reception, her promise to
Henry. But when alone her situation was
viewed in its proper light. The card had been
taken-go she must, and yet she knew it was
wrong, but he will forgive me thought she, and
moving at the moment before a mirror she
smiled with satisfaction, then putting on an
arch look, danced merrlly away with the excla-
nation, ''He cannot withstand that" Buther
beauty possessed not the power she imagined.
lie visited her the evening after the ball,
talking over the forfeiture of her word coolly,
and asked her plainly if she had acted correctly
Instead of freely acknowledging her error, she
dwelt with apparent delight upon the gay scene
of the ball, told of the merry company present,
and of the politeness Of her partner and in the
end endeavored to ridicule the idea Of his being
offended. 1t was enough-they parted.
Years rolled on-they mingled together in
the merry scene-surrounded by the social fire
side-but the delight which affection for each
other had thrown over the silvery moments they
had spent together, had ceased. Cold familiar
ity and distant politeness had assumedits place.
I saw both. however at length married
Henry English had chosen one who had no
other Recommendation but mind and person.
Wealth did not throw her wreath of splendor
and power around her brow. But sweet and
simple, innocent in person and mind. rich in the
purity Of YOUTH gave to her charms a more
allurlng influence than all the splendor that
wealth brings in its train. Unaided they com
menced the world-industry their reliance,
economy its helpmate.
The gallant who had been the partner Of Eliza
Murray at the ball became in time her husband
lie was one calculated TO please amid the gayety
of youthful society, but unfit for the more seri-
Gus and substantial affairs of life. Such was
the hasty idea formed as witnessed the we'd
ding ceremonies. But Eliza Murray then wore
the same gay and smiling countenance, and the
same laughing lips spoke Of present happiness,
when she bid the wedding party welcome, as
she used to wear when she could claim protec-
ton from Henry English.
"dlteu upon LIlSllSll anu HIS pilue snol
time previous to my leaving for home. l had
seen Helen Gray often before marriage, butnev
n did she appear SO interesting as when after
wishing me success when far away, in the char
acter of Mrs English she took her husbands
arm and wandered away over the meadows to
Ter cottage residence. I also gave a friendly
shake Of the hand, and bade farewell to Eliza
Green and her husband with an earnest but Sc
ret wish that he who was to be the protector
Of one SO fair as Eliza Murray, might be all
could be. Ileft two young couples
hen-as happy as hope and fancy could make
he first silvery moon Of matrimony.
Twelve years had passed away, when curl
,sity and inclination led me back again to the
weet village of Mddlctown. AsI wound my
yay down into the village the recollection of
,ther days came up before me. | thought of
hose that had left reyelng in the joys Of
.life's loveliest period" ] rode leisurely along,
marking the alterations that time and enterprise
lad made One neatand elegant mansionhad
isen, on spot sngularly beautiful, to which
he hands Of industry and art had given all