Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1855-03-01
Written for the Cincinnati Commerce
Mirian'S Love.
BY META.

How can | hope to win her now? I"
he murmend, looking down at his MAIN
ed arm, with a bitter. defiant glance
.She, with her glorious beauty. her re-
gal pride so far, so far above me !. Oh !!
iuy love has so compassed me about with
It's strong arms, has so sheltered me un-
der its shielding roof. that l feel like an
outcast-homeless and lost forever"
looked up at him. as he spoke. and
! thought Of the time when he had pledged
his troth to Miriam by that same, shining
fire light. when his manly beauty fell
about him like ripe sunset. and when
he grasped, in his vigorous hands, such
noble pictures OF the future. Now,
without even that future TO call his own
poor. manned and useless. he had come
back TO the old trysting'place. Broken
in health, in hope, in fortunes. and oh
more to be deplored :han all--not even
rich in love.
Leonard" said. rising and leaning
my hand on his chair: Il am going now
going to Miriam"
/ He started and flushed anguish came
over his still beautiful brow. He grasp
ed my hand convulsively.
One moment he whispered lone
moment, and | shall be myself again. |
cannot meet her thus :"
He bowed his face. and the light brown
curls fell, in cloud. about it. conceal
ing the outward struggle. Then he rails
ed his head. and spoke calmly
Il am ready now l will release her
that VOW which cannot be otherwise than
rksome to her proud spirit She shall
never know the agony it cost me to give
herup. will meet her bravely--like
mar"
So went out and left him sitting
there. his love lying. like shattered
vase. a, his feet.
found Miriam before her mirror. ar
ranging her..hair. She turned her cleaning
face towards me as | entered, and it was
OVERLOOKING with love. hope and expect
ahcy.
lis it all cheerful and bright below
stairs ?" she asked, quickly.
'Quita beaming." | replied.
! Il was so glad" she continued, in
joyous tone. What long journey he
will have, this freezing day Oh | am
so thankful tina, am mistress Of Ash
( burn--proud, beautiful Ashburn tha,
can offer him resting place"
Her deep sleeping pride blazed out in
/ her dark oriental face flooded it with
glory. Alas! that pride was to crush
such great; noble love--such wealth
of happiness.
stood beside her. where could see
her beauty in the mirror. as | have seen
the sunshine lying sfar off on the hills
Red. scornful lips; dark, prideful eyes !;
rich, glowing cheeks. and waves ofraven
hair, braided with gems.
Miriam" said | earnestly should
like 20 tell you little story, while We
are clone. Something that weighs upon
my heart, about-about q friend OF
mine"
She turned and looked at me with a
curious glance then she said heerfully
and quickly -
oh. understand you are going to
tell me something relative TO Lucia
that friend Of whom you used to speak. "
l bowed my head in silent acquies-
ence. Then commenced,in low voice
playing with the coral with which
she was going TO adorn her loveliness =
This friend of mine is very beautiful
and very proud. Three years ago. she
pledged her troth to a brave. manly lover.
He also was my friend. They both join
ed hands, and stepped together into life
and the world. He. with glorious fu'
ture stretching wide before him, hope
full heart, and soul full of noble aspi-
rations."
How like TO him." murmered Miriam
pride flaming out. again. into her eyes
He went abroad.'I continued ,-''mis
u fortune came upon him. and that ripe
luscious future turned to ashes in hi'
: grasp. Still. he struggled on, and wher
{ he had conquered destiny. and built fol-
himself another and q fairer castle, ht
lost his right arm. and became crippled
miserable being"
The hand that braided those shining
tresses, trembled visibly. The face il
!. the mirror assumed softenedexpression
the eyes grew darkly tender.
: Broken hearted, toll worn. and grown
: old with care, he returned TO his oil
+, home. He came to me. for he dared no
!. meet that cold. whitening glance OF pride
g -thst scornful triumph of station an'
0 beauty, in the face Of her he had SO wor
shipped, so adored with a love exceeding
all things in its width, and height an
d power.,'
! "Was her pride then. so mighty?-hs
IT woman's nature SO much less = said MI
e ridm, in a voice made husky with indig
Il nation and tears. "Could shs-ddre'
i she fling him from her. who had ono
y dwelt pre- eminent in her heart? lie
T. broke n hearted and alone in the wide
pittiless world :"
= "Shs is woman,'I replied. me
l. heart is true and loving, but her pro
=. has ever been 10 her second self. Sh
le fears the world with its sneers and Jioes
!. have promised him to go to her-t
If prepare her for this sad event. Miriam
d how shall council her to act!-he'
!. deal with that supernal, overwheimin
pride ?" -.
Miriam shook back the waving nan
e from her brow. and turned her regal lac