Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1855-05-24
MIRlAM's LOVE.

n Leonard and i; be leaned back IN tn
wide arm chair, and | at his feet.
n "How Can / hope to win her now?
n he murmured, looking down at hi
manned arm, with a bitter, defian
e glance. "She with her glorious prid
: so far above me! Oh! my love, ha
so compassed me about with its stron!
y arms; has sheltered me under it
shielding roof, that | felt like a
! outcast-homeless, and lost forever.
/ looked up at him AS he spoke
and thought of the time when b
had pledged his troth to Miriam ..
-fthat same shining freight when hi
manly beauty, fell on him like
ripe sunset, when he grasped in hi
vigorous hands such noble picture!
of the future. Now, without even
that future to Call bis own, poor
manned and useless, he had come back
to the old trysting place. Broken in
health, in hope, in fortune, and. on!
more to be deplored chan all-not
even rich in love. anE5ss
Leonard" | said, rising and lean
ing my hand on his chair, 81 am 60
ing now-to Miriam" SIS
He started and a flush of anguish b
came over his still beautiful brow.
He grasped my hand convulsively.
"One moment he whispered,
zone moment and / shall be myself
again. I cannot meet her thus
He bowed his face, and the light
brown curls fell in cloud about it
concealing the outward struggle.
Then be raised his head, and spoke
calmly
81 am ready now; / will release
her from that VOW which cannot be
otherwise than irksome to her proud
spirit. She shall never know the
agony it cost me to give her up. 4
will meet her bravely like a man.
So l went out and left him sitting
there, his love lying like a shattered
vase at his feet. f a@9
| found Miriam before a mirror
arranging her hair. She turned her
beaming face toward me as | entered,
and it was overaowing with love and
expectancy. 9mo7 eIf G
as it bright and cheerful below
stairs?' she asked quietly. 1a1'4g
"Quite beaming,'' / replied.
b 81 am so glad,' she continued in a
Joyous tone. "Whata long journey
he will have this freezing day! On,
| am so thankful that | am mistress
of Ashburn-proud, beautiful Ash
burn; that can offer him resting
place"
Her deep sleeping pride blazed
out in her dark oriental face and Hood
ed it with glory. Alas! that pride
which was to crush great noble love
such wealth of happiness!
/ stood beside her, where | could
see her beauty in the mirror, as
have seen the sunshine lying afar off
on the hill. Red. scornful lips; dark,
pridefuleyes; rich, glowing cheeks, and
waves of raven hair braided with
gems.
"Miriam," SAID I earnestly, "l
should like to tell you a little story
while we are all alone. Something
that weighs heavy on my heart about
"a friend of mine"
She turned and looked At me with
a curious glance; then she said cheer
fully and quickly "Oh, | understand:
you are going to tell me something
relative to Louisa-that old friend
of whom you used to speak.
l bowed my head in silent aequi-
escence. Then / commenced 10 a
low voice, playing with the coral with
which she was going to adorn her
loveliness.
aTbe friend Of mine is very beau
tifal and very proud. Three years
ago, she plighted her troth to brave
and manly lover. They both joined
hands and stepped together into lie
and the world. He, with a glorious
future stretched wide before him. a
hopeful heart, and soul full OF noble
aspirations ee = ''.ag
allow like tohin'," "murmured Mlr.
lam, pride flaming out again into ner
eyes.
aHe went abroad" }" leontinued.
.,lisfortune came upon him, and tnat
rine luscious future turned to ashes
in his grasp. Still he struggled on;
and when he had conquered destiny