True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-03-29
T. Raglan, Editor and Proprietor.

a loathsome thing. Bravely she had en-
dured every privation, uncomplaininsly
toiled until sickness came. Once she had
thought she could die amongst strangers,
but oh it was hard, very hard, and Lucy
Everard prayed for lifc-not that she
feared death, no, but there came a wild
longing to die at Roscdell. Far better it
would be to lay in some unheedcd corner
there, than among entire strangers. True,
it mattered but little where the body laid,
but she could not die among strangers !;
and when she rose from her bed, there
was no pride in her heart, but deep sorrow
and that had come too late. Well, she
had chosen her own path-not thorn
was there that she did not deserve-not
one cloud, but she had wilfully barred the
sunshine from it; and now hers must bea
weary, desolate path-unloved she must
go down to the grave.
Faster, faster few tho busy fingers,
quicker sped thoughts lightning on, bring
ing back, every smile, each kind word, and
all the love lavished on her once, weaving
with it darker scenes until the whole sky
was covered-not one star visible. Lower
burned the candle; fainter came its rays
a moment, and it was out, but her task
accomplished; and she arose with feel
ing of relief, but it soon vanished. Then
she resumed her seat again, and leaned
down her weary head, all alone, in that
pale, beautiful moonlight. When she had
been actively employed, an impetus was
given thought; but now, when the excite
ment was over, all strength, both mentally
and physically, seemed gone, and in the
wild chaos of her brain there was nothing
but utter desolation.
There was step on the stairs, and Lucy
Everard covered still lower in the silver
light that played around her. Could it be
hOr merciless landlord ?-no, not tonight !;
two days must clapse ere her rent would
be due "a hand was on the door knob
it turned, and before the trembling woman
stood one whose coming had woke smiles
in other days, but now deep loathing.-
Not less bright and fascinating was the eye
in its snake-likc glitter; but on the arched
brow, and around the mouth, were lines
that spoke ill-dissembled triumph-but
they had all lost their power now, and his
low, musical voice woke no echo in her
heart as he said,-
$50, my pretty bird, I have found you
at last ~ .... ........ ... ...
"She stirred not-neithcr did one pulse
quicken as she replied, in cold, passion
less tone, "why have you sought me ?"
"Why have I sought your" and the
stranger knelt before her. "Why do the
birds seek their nest at eve? why do the
Aeccy clouds remain forever in the sky
Tell me this Lucy Everard." ..
"Bccause," she said, and her words
sounded like the falling of water upon 9
rock" "because it is their home"
+"No, not because it is their home, fol
the wide, wide world is alike theirs to res
in; but it is the spot Of love, the reunion
of kindred spirits-because, like me, they
have a beacon star Turing them onward
where they shall meet with bliss-becaust
I have loved you madly, passionately ly-thil
is why, for years, I have never wearied il
searching for you" "'T'. ' .'..
"I told you, ere this, had no love tt
give; that l could not love twice, for tn,
first still enchaincd my heart.
: Glove! Tell me, fair lady, was it low
that made Allan Everard turn from hi
gentle wife, who clung to him for suppor
nav. even life? Was it love that dark
ened his brow, when he bade her 60 fortl
an alien from her own home !? If so, it i
passing strange. Lucy, dearest Lucy,
E have loved as he never even dreamed of
in secret I have cherished the dream Q
your happiness; and his voice sank low
like the hum Of starlit waters. ~ hav
/ wealth to bring you every luxury arden
,. love like mine could devisc-will you no
leave this drcary place and come with me
5 Already your beautiful eyes are dim, an
your check pale and wasted, but with IN
, all this shall be ored-will you nc
Gomez" "''H '' .'
"No mOtion--no look to tell one chor
of the heart was touched, as she replied
/ almost uncarthly calnihess-
".Tcmpt me not; for their sakcsrI woul
l not sin, lest my blight be added to othcirs.