True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-07-25
z. Raglan, Editor and Proprietor.

'lUluC VI Jul ClllluhOUu'
"Perhaps when we again shall visit this
spot, endeared to us by so many pleasing
recollections, change may have passed
over our youthful anticipctions, and like
yonder beautiful flower bent to the earth,
by the weight of the night dews, our spir-
its may be bowed down and broken by dis
appointment, trcachery Or misfortune. We
will leave the future to Him who orders
all things for the BEST" said Helen, "and
while we trust in Him we shall never fail
to be happy"
Alonzo Loring was the son of skillful
though not wealthy physician, residing in
a beautiful village situated in the south
western part Of Maine, not many miles
from the wild and rocky shores of the
broad Atlantic. His family consisted Of
three sons and an only daughter, with the
exception Of the adopted Helen. Alonzo
being the eldest, had received a collegiate
education, and gained a medical profession.
He had loved Helen from childhood,
which grew with his growth and strength
ened with his strength. And when far
from home, whether in the halls of litera-
turc Or bending over pages of classic lore,
Or consuming the midnight oil, her gentle
spirit, like some guardian angel, was ever
lowering over him, pointing him onward
to fame and honor. For her he had re.
sisted the temptations spread out to allure
him by classmates and chums. He had
fled from the gay throng of beauty and
fashion, and like the magnet to the pole,
his heart turned true to the light and joys
Of his home and Helen. His parents saw,
approved, and encouraged the attachment,
while they strove to cultivate her mind,
which of itself was noble and aspiring,
for the station which they fondly anticipa.
ted she would fill J.; nor were their labors
fruitlcss, for at the time We introduced
her into our story, she was a lovely and
highly accomplished young lady.
We will pass over some two or three
months Of our story, and follow our young
physician to his beautiful village, and new
station. 1t was at the close of warm
sultry day in August, which had been a
day of great exertion and care to him,
that he had seated himself by window
in his office, to enjoy little relaxation
from his arduous task, and regalc himself
with the cool brcczcs which swept over a
beautiful valley and river which emerged
from deep forest, and then suddenly
hiding itself behind a rocky and beautiful
ly shaded highland, his window looked out
upon scenery not surpassed in New Eng
land for its beauty and sublimity. But
these scenes had long since become famil-
lar to him, and each charm from mountains,
lake and forest had been pointed out to
him by one who at this time absorbed his
heart and mind. lie was lost in u decp
reverie, when the post-boy hastily entered
and carelessly tossing letter upon the ta-
BILE Withdrew. He took it, and readily
recognized the handwriting of his own
and distant Helen. He read it over and
over again, while each thought and scnti.
ment of his heart beat in unison with
those traced in the little sheet he held be.
fore him, and he was happy. Thus he sat
fondly dreaming of more propitious fu-
ture, when strain of music soft and plain,
tive as the Eolian harp arrested his atten-
tion. He readily perceived from whence
it proceeded, for in an opposite building,
by an open easement, sat being of per-
feet mould. Her long dark tresses, which
were slightly agitated by the passing zcph-
yrs, fell in luxuriance over a neck and
shoulders of surprising beauty; her eyes
dark as the gazelle's, seemed intently fixed
upon the piece Of music she was perform
ing, while her small white hand swept
lightly over her harp, accompanied by o
voice bewitchingly sweet, and soft as a
syren's. He seemed spell-bound to the
spot, as if entranced by the magical sweet
ness of her voice and harp, till he saw her
sylph-like form glide gracefully from the
apartment, With sensations which ashort
time before were most foreign to his mind,
he retired to his lodgings, while her beau,
tiful figure danced before his imagination
with all the lightness and elasticity Of
youth, and her clear and mellow voice and
song, completely intoxicated his senses, SC
that for once his Helen and her recent
letter were entirely forgotten. Thus night
after night passed away; she arfully lay.
ing her plans to entrap him, while he un