The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-16

she saw stranger, she screamed with
shame and alarm. But the stranger, bow
ing, apologized for the fright he had given
her, and so gracefully, ;hat she looked at
him blushingy and interestedly. His was
a high and noble brow, from which the
dark hair was carelessly thrown back, n
proudly raised lip, and a flashing eye.
from whose defiance even the strong might
shrink. His voice had rich foreign ac
cent. which told OF SUMMER climes and
brighter skies.
One word led to another. The stran-
ger was so deferen,ial that Linda found
herself very perfectly at ease with him.;
and insensibly continued TO converse till
she came in sight Of her home.
Alter this they often met. The stranger,
now a stranger no longer. was a frequent
visitor at Mrs. Clinton's; but more often
he and Linda passed the mornings to-
gether in the fields and woods. At las,
our heroine had found something to love.
Now she was supremely happy; so hep
py was she. that she did not observe the
growing aversion Of her aunt 10 love.
Yet. wildly, passiona,ely she loved. as the
hear, loves only once. and fully and Who'll.
ly was that love reciprocated. But as
days went on. the hour came when he
might no more linger in those quiet sh ades.
and with true manliness of II spirit that
displayed no concealment. he consulted
home, in sunny Italy. of his profession.
that OF an artist, which must ere long
bring him fame; he spoke Of his Temporal
| ry sojourn in the quiet village; and his
voice grew loud and thrilling as he spoke
Of Linda, and his heartfelt alteration.
Linda, too, raised her beautiful face i'm
ploringly and murmured. Fer my sake.
dear eunt!" But Mrs. Clinton $ brow con,
iracted. and her tall figure was drawn up
to its utmost height. and the blossoms of
hope went out in Linda's heart. Full well
she knew the language Of that naughty
look. and that proud glance. and she
shrank back drrading the words. tina, as
a lava tide must overwhelm them. But
her aunt spoke in tones low. though firm
and cold, which showed her strong re-
sentiment
Go. young man." said Mrs. Clinton
"claim not the love Of my child: a name
Of honor. wealth and distinction. shall BE-
hers when the proud name Of Walden
shall be no longer. Thing no, that in al.
ter years. few laurels. which you may
win. will render you worthy Of her hand;
Tor there can be no hope. and no expec-
taton for you. As tor Linda, she will
soon forget her childish attachment. and
think of you no more. So farewell: may
your lite be crowned with success. This
is wha, desire for you. and what she
desires for ou. and no more"
This was what the calm voice said, moi
the proud lip. nor the stern cold eye.
MADAM, 10 from your presence for
ever!' said the proud man. | bid you
| farewell!' Many thanks for your kind
wishes! We shall not meet again. And
Linda'-but here the composure gave
way. and there was a mighty conflict in
the strong breast-'you will not quite for.
get me. dearest. though we NEE, on earth
10 more? There Is more than the bitter,
ness OF death in this farewell. My idol
lied. you will no, quite forget!'
No answer came from Linda; but the
fair head lay on his breast. and amid the
low sobs. he heard her whisper-'never.
never!' Ii was but moment, and he was
gone.
Days went on. and long weeks. but the
| glow on Liuda's cheek faded, and the
dark eye los, its Iustre day by day. Ev-
ermore ct quie, evening there rose up ths,
noble form; and. as in days past. she
heard that firm voice. yet so soft and
thrilling to her ears Mrs. Clinton saw
how sorrow was doing It's work on ,ha,
! Fair face and that young heart: but it stir
red not the smothered fires Of affection in
! her stern. hard soul.
| 1t was clear winter morning. and the
sun shone gladly on the virgn-robed earth
where she sat. cold as ever. vet evidently
r-ioiced by some recent intelligenc.. She
sat Tor some minutes gazing on that pale
thin face. and then, assuming forced
gaieiy. she drew the shrinking maider
nearer. and told her of friend OF hers
an old friend, many wears older than her
self. who had died and left his son sole
heir to all his wealth: and this son, now {
rich East India merchant, came as suit
or for Lnda's heart.
And now, my child said the lady. 'yo,
Of course cannot hesitate or linger in you
acceptance Of this proposal. Think for {
few days. and then give me your answer
| am convinced it will be favorable
Linda spoke not word; bu, there cam,
over her face such a look Of desparins
agony as would move the coldest heart
Days went and csne, the sun rose ant
set. and lie went on calm as ever durin!
that weary week; but the fever was burn
ing at her vitals; despair spreading he
raven wings over her heart. crushing th'
mel'ings Of hope and joy. to make place
tor her own sad offspring. At last. worl
and weary by sleepless nights. and day
of agony. by en,reaties and adjurations
she came to the room Of her aunt, an,
there signed as with her own hearts bloo'
the compact which banished for ever hop
and love. and left instead burning miser
and long. long despair! Then. as she pu
her name to the death warrant OF all he
happiness, came back old visions Of tn
past; visions of that high brow and sr,is
eye. so well known. and loved but It'll
while ago; and then came rolling acros
her soul such tide OF agony. such
n