True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-06-11
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From Graham's Magazine.
ALICE PENNINGT0N'S EN-.
GAGEMENT.

GAGEMENT.
Yes they were engaged when I first
saw him walking arm in arm with her to
our little church. She never raised her
eyes from the velvet cover of her prayer
book /; but the soft, half defined smile that
played around her mouth, and the faint
blush that arose to her cheek, as he whis,
pered something in her ear, were eyi,
dence enough of her happiness, When
they were seated in her mothers pew
she was the only child of my old friend,
Mrs. Pennington--I had a better oppor-
tunity of observing him. | did not think
him handsome, until he fixed his eJ es
upon me. They we're very like pair |
had not seen for five-and-lwenty years,
and though, never 10 see such again!
Dear Miss Madeline, said soft voice
behind me, while hand gently touched
my shoulder, as the service ended, and
we were leaving the church, eDear Miss
Madeline, how do you don and Alice's
two trembling hands were cIasped in
mine. She had been away ftom home
six months, and her joy at greeting each
familiar face, seemed very great.
1sAh, runaway said |, i thought you
would come back to as, bye-and.bye,'
She blushed very much, and introduced
"Mr. Maltby.' could scarcely return
his bow and smile. The name, the eX
traordinary likeness could it be his son!
Do not forget your mothers message,
Alice said lie, in tones SO like those ol
former years, that they seemed to break
down the barrier of long past time, tina
stood between me and happiness.
FMamma wants you very much q
spend few weeks with U.S. And sht
looked up in my face SO innocenlly, ant
with her swee, child-like voice, pleaded
Don't say no, dear Miss Madeline
twill be such pleasure to u.s. And so
beforo ! knew what had happened, Iha,
consented 10 their sending for me Nh
. b. % ~ = a. - ~ .-..
nexl day, and bid them goodbye a
my little gate.
The old time rushed over me will
such force, that ! could not believe il wa
fvs+and-lwen,y years since ] had partet
on that lovely summer evening, with Rod
erich Maliby. .
Tears, large, free drops, began 10 fal
quicklyupon my folded hands, but Ipress
ed them back, and entered my lionel!
house. 4
Mrs. Pennington received me alone
the next morning, as with the best Of m.
slender wardrobe, that had accompanie,
me on many "a former visit, | entere,
again under the shadow Of her root
Alice had gone to walk, she said. and 81
carried me off TO her dressing-room TO
the leasant chat, which, as old friends
we enjoyed so much.
Does not my little Alice look happyl
she asked londly, as with the privilege 0
old acquainlanceslip. lat length broach
ed the subject which ! knew just thel
lay nearest her heart. II t24 &
s'Yes, very replied. Inwardly add
ing, God grantitmay last,' 'And Mi
Malby is everything we could wish,
She spoke eagerly, and her face aushe'
as she continued, !.
Madeline, do you not see q resem
blance in him to the Roderick Maltby W
usedio know long ago Myhearttrem
bled within me, and Icould not give VI
terance to the words on my lips.
fMy friend,' said Mrs. Pennington
gently claspiug my hand, .is it possibl
that, alter SO many years, you still
she hesitated, and I Jidnotg reply, br
arose and walked 70 the open window
Alice and Mr.. Mallby were retprnin
across the lawn, her white dress auitetin
in the breeze that bore their gay voice
to our ears. She looked up, saw nj
and smiled whilst Mr., Maliby raised hi
hat, We went down to the drawing
room % n eel them. Mrs. Pennington
eye beamcd fondly on them as they er
tered, Aliceaew 10 inc with her child
like, cordial msnner NNesat down .
the sofa in the old confidential way.
'Ishall be perfectly happy, lo-rnol
row. said she, nesting her head againi
my shoulder. "