True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-01-18
BEAUTY VS.. LONELINESS.
BY MRS. L. Z. TYLER DREW.

My home is in a beautiful and elevated
situation, commanding an extensive and
varied prospect, both of city and country
scenery. Yet is it quiet and retired, and
so seldom is the new and winding street by
which we reach it, made thoroughfare
for either business or pleasure-seeking pas
sengers, that the appearance of pedes-
trian is a subject of note, the transit of
carriage au event to be spoken of, and the
departure and return of the loved one each
morning, and evening, to his daily employ
ment in the city, form, sometimes for days,
the principal incidents for outdoor life,
From such state of abstraction, I was
aroused one day in spring, by the sound of
approaching wheels, and looking through
the green vines which shade my favorite
window seat, I perceived noble grey horse,
climbing leisurely to the steep ascent,
drawing an elegant and light carriage, in
which were seated a gentleman and two
ladies.
Such an air of perfect happiness seemed
to be apparent in the whole group, as di-
rectly invested them with unwonted inter-
est in my eyes, and I watched, perhaps
more closely than politely, their progress.
But short distance from our unpre-
tending residence, and on the opposite side
of the street, stands an elegant and impos-
ing mansion, newly built, and as yet unoc-
cupied, its lofty elevation and commanding
view, wanting only towers and battlements
to give it the appearance of some old-time
feudal castle. long since named it The
Eyrie.'
Towards this estate, then, the new COM
ers bent their way; alighting at the steps
which lead up to the entrance, the gentle.
man assisted his companions from the car.
riage, and offering his arm to one, young
lady of brilliant beauty, and an air worthy
a crowned queen, they passed up the steps
and entered the arched and latticed door
way, followed by the other lady, who was
of smaller stature, graceful, fairy-Eke anG
lovely.
House and grounds seemed at last tt
have been thoroughly inspected, and th'
trio prepared to return; the horses heaC
was turned, the ladies still laughing ant
chatting merrily, were placed in the car
riage, and the gentleman, with reins irml
, grasped in his hand, and foot upon the steT
was just springing to the seat, when tn
horse, grown restive from so long standing
started suddenly at swift pace, THROWN
e him prostrate.
!, Convulsively he tightened his grasp VI
4 on the rein, but in vain; the animal, b,
It fore only restive, was frightened by h
/ fall, and dashed wildly down the steep patl
V way, dragging his master for some distanc
J. and leaving him apparently lifeless opp
site my door.
r. Fortunately, the son of neighborir
V gentleman CHANGED to be directing the
A. bors of workman in field at no gre
distance, and hearing our cries, reachC
I the street in time to intercept the terrific
e. horse in his mad career, and by the tin
q | had reached the side of the lifeless ma
" the ladies were safe, and returning to Sc,
.. him.
e. Soothing and securely fasteing the hors
ID our neighbor, the elegant young Frai
70 Burleigh, aided his workman to bear t
o. still insensible stranger within, and pla
.. him on sofa.
rv Father, 1 thank thee ? almost inau,
r. bly, breathed the little lady, faint tin
r.. of color slowly replacing the before deaf
III like paleness in her cheek, as the suffer
7 opened his eyes.
wv You are safe then, dearest, God
m thanked ! was the first remark of the you
lie man, as his eye rested on the beautiful fl
ny of her whom / supposed to bo his brit
he though it was the other who had been m