The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-09-11

! Zion gave TOWanllC turn 10 MS mlnu, teuu-
ing TO color reality's stern pictures with the
dreamy illusions Of fancy.
The only periods at which Norman lefl his
paternal roof, was when attending the college
at Edinburgh, where his assiduity and rapid
progress gained him the appreciation of all
who knew him. In every manly accomplish
ment also he excelled, and his society was es-
teemed and courted, while his amiable dispo-
silion rendered him a favorite with all who
knew him. 1t was tfen the intention Of his
father to have educated him for the clerical
profession; but having powerful friends,
whose interest would avail him more other
wise, he reluctantly consented to his accept
ing of a clerkship in provincial bank, of
which cousin of his own was one of the di-
rectors.
To the branch of this bank in yonder vii
| lage Norman came; but it seemed strange
that his accom- plishments, education and gem
tlemanly demeanor, instead of meeting with
encouragement and support, created only feel
ings of envy and hatred in the petty minds of
those with whom he was obliged to associate.
They felt and acknowledged the superiority
of his talents but this, at the same time,
showed them 1he insignifcance Of their own !;
and, lowered in their own self esteem, hatred
towards the unwilling cause of their humilia-
ton became the ruling feature in many a
breast
In the immediate neighborhood lived n
wealthy baronet whose only daughter was
the favorite of all the surrounding country
A lovelier being than Isabella Aymer never
breathcd. The acts of kindness and charity
were manifold, and her praises were the theme
| of Ip1aoA eba uunc
thy of being loved. Amongst other letters
OF introduction which Norman had, was one
TO the baronet, which he took on early oppor-
tunity of delivering, and he was received with
much kindness and attention. Pleased with
ihe modest and unassumng demeanor OF the
oung man, the baronet pressed him TO repeat
his visit, and to consider his house as home
Norman avaied himself Of the invitation, and
felt an ndescribable pleasure in the society of
Isabella, who, on her part, justly esteeming
the qualifications of the youth, paid him the
most marked respect. Poor Norman little
knew the danger he was incurring, nor the
vile Vaccinations which are laid to ruin his
peace Of mind. His repeated visits to the
baronet's only increased the envy and hatred
of those around him, and a small coterie of
scandal-mongers and maliciously disposed
parties divised dabolical plot to injure
him.
One ev, ming previous 10 country ball, to
which he had been invited, letter was re-
ceived by him. 1t was written in a fashiona-
BILE female hand, and bore a crest on the seal
He opened it, and beheld written painting
of a red rose and sprg of myrtle, while un-
derneath were the words
! "Mark this well and Judge aright
You meet me at the la | toni ght."
! Surprised at tlis, Norman ruminated over
| the subject, and his heart and mind Jumped
at once 10 the conclusion, that IL must have
come from Isabella. All doubt was removed
/ by the seal, rs he had seen a similar one in
| her possession. With a tumut Of joyful feel
I ings he pressed the card to his lips, and life
med now TO have tenfold pleasure TO him.
He attended the ball, and sat in fever of
anxiety till Isabella entered the ballroom,
leaning on the arm of her father. AS she en-
tered she caught the impassioned look Of the
20 'th, md her cheek slightly colored at his
ardent gaze. Love lives on trihes so it Jared
with Norman. Her look-her blush were
both construed by him to be an open dcclara-
tion of love. Several dances passed before
! he had the courage TO address her; but when
he did SO, his strange hurryd manner attrac-
ted her att ntlon, and she kindly inquired if
he was well enough. He stammer,d forth an
answer in the affirmative, and solicited the
! favor Of her hand for the rext quadrile. She
smiled and rose with him, yet still his agita-
ton was so visible that she really thought he
was i'll and acting upon this feeling, her Ian
guage and looks assumed a kindly, softened
expression, which increased rather than les
sened the fame which consumed him. When
the dance was finished, and as he led her TO
her seat, she pressed his hand, and advised
him to be guarded of his health. Heart and
brain seemed burning-the very room was
reeling round with him but he was again re-
called to his senses by her soft accents ad-
vising him to retire, as the heated room was
, evidently injurious TO him. Scarcely know
ing what he was doing, he bowed and with
drew.
Early next morning letter, in the same
handwriting as the former card, was handed
him. 1t bore the well.known crest. He
broke it and read
"DEAR NORMAN hope that you are bet
ter this morning. Be more guarded in future.
Your agitation had almost betrayed us last
night. In future, when we meet in public,
you must act different part. We must rath-
er greet each other as strangers. For my
sake do this. will be in church on Sunday
first. Do not fail to be there. Yours aifec-
tionately. ISABELLA"
1t seemed an age till that Sunday came,
and Norman was in attendance at church.
He eagerly glanced toward the well-known
pew, and there, in unmatched beauty, sat the
mistress of his soul. She smiled, and he was
happy. Wrapt in dreams of Elysum, the
service soon passed, and Norman watched
Isabella stepping into her carriage. She turn
ed and catching his look, smiled and bowed
He returned home-that fatal passion was iu-
creased ten thousand fold Again note was
handed to him -
DEAR NoRMAN.-I have seen you, and