The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-06-19

from the lily cup.
Paul Merton inherited vast wealth, yet
at The express command Of his mother he
had studied law, and at the age of twenty
live was promising lawyer, rapidly ap-
preaching the highest point oc ambition.
About this time chance threw him in the
way OF the lovely Amy Herbert, way-side
flower, whose modesty and purity won his
heart. Amy Herbert was rich in beauty
OF face and form, rich in all the virtues that
adorn the female sex, rich in contented
mind; her humble home was surrounded
hy dear and true friends, who loved her
for herself alone. Thus she gently and
peacefully passed her life. In this worlds
goods she was poor, in its arts and wles
novice, OF its deceits and falsi,ies she knew
nothing; therefore she will be pardoned
for indulging the tenderest feelings for
Paul, who appeared before her handsome,
gifted and accomplished, with a heart free
and pure, no former passion having left its
impress there. A few weeks acquaintance
won from him n declaration, and in return
received hers. One regret remained 10
dim the bright halo that love shed around
their hearts-tbat was Paul's mother. Well
he knew that her consent could never be
gained for their union, and he would not
have dared TO brave her fierce anger.
Who was Amy Herberll A village mai
den, whose life had been spent in untring
devotion to her grand parents, who took
the lovely orphan to their hearts and
homes, when the pestilence laid waste their
household, carrying all before it but tho
| tender infant who was too young to under
stand or appreciate the great loss she had
sustained, and now, when age crept upon
them, and rendered their hands powerless
her industry furnished them means of sub
| sistence. And do you suppose the proud
house of Merton would sanction such an al
liance!-Oh, no! The unity of two great
names and fortunes was the great aim and
object of Mrs. Merton. A few weeks of true
happiness passed to the young lovers, then
Paul was called home. Then the first scr.
row fell upon the heart of Amy Herbert
She loved Paul with the disnterested fer.
vor of woman's first and early love; there
was no eNtenuating circumstances 10 soothe !
the pang of separation. She knew that it
was forever. Then it was, and then only, !
that she sighed for fairer fortunes, that
there might be no Tar to their union. Paul
felt the parting; but with him it was differ.
ent; he could dssipa:e his thoughts in the
whirl OF varied occupation; or if the di,ap
poInIment WAS very painful could plunge
IN the tide of pleasure and drown his cares
IN the wine cup. lie loved Amy truly
and sincerely, and left her with the deter.
minalion OF trying to gain his mothers
consent, for with her, and her alone, Paul
felt that he coull be happy. lie was
proud, high minded man, but not of that
stamp lat judged by the weight Of ones
purse, ard true worth ever had more ri.
traction Tor HIM than ali the gided charms
that had ever been displayed TO catch him.
Ii Paul WAS successful he was to return.
1t not, they were never to meet aoain until
their was no longer any impediment to their
union Thus they parted, each promising
eternal fidelity.
When Paul met his mother, the cloud
winch darkened her fair brow told of
coming storm. 1t seems, from some source
unknown TO Paul, his mother had discoy.
erei his attachment for ANY Herbert, and
had Immediately summoned him to her
presence to learn the truth of the report,
which Paul confirmed.
Promise me that You will never marry
this girl she SAID, when the storm had sub
sided; 1t will Kill me if you do. Sav, will
You promise me!'
Mother, you know not the sacrifice you
require, merely to CRAFTY your false pride
love Amy Herbert, and were TO marry
thousand others it would be but an ex.
change of hands not hearis. Are YOU viii.
ling, for the sake of the worlds opinion, to
ruin your sons future happiness, and of
At l,N -, 81, .,
Could you be happy when YOU know that
you had d;sgraced your family. aenated
your friends, and make an outcast of your
scIf-for rest assured, if YOU marry against
my will, YOU will never see me again, or
pass my threshold.
Labor would be sweet, If had those to
share the profits with me that loved me for
myself Mother, think wei, wLa. vou are
doing, ere the fatal seal is set 10 my happi.
ness. Do you really mean that l shall give
Amy Herbert upF
i do; and, Paul, if you disohey my wish.
es' the day tha: sees you welded to that
low born girl sees you motherless. will
never survive the disgrace
If my word is given, set your mind at
rest: AS long as you live will never bre k
my promise
That is right, my boy; you well know
that mans first duty after his Maker is to
his parents. now feel happy !
Paul loved his mother, and had never
disobeyed her word, and in this instance he
yielded without due consideration; his feel.
Ings were deeply enlisted ft; Amy Herbert,
and when he found that she was as dead
TO him, he loved her more, and often wish
ed that be could take the wings of the
morning, and fly to the uttermost pat Of
the earth, and be at rest
"hat became Of Amy Herbert? Long
sue waited for Paul, but when days, weeks,
months months, passed, and no iidings came, she