Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-05-23
LOVE AFTER MARRIAGE.


LOVE AFTER MARRIAGE. 1
BY NARY W. s. GIBSON.
No wooing had preceded the marriage.
1t was merely marriage de convenance-
both parties understood and regarded it
so. II was not Mey that were married,
but the broad lands and fertile estates Of
their parents. Strange that any man,
and much more, any woman, could stoop
to so false an act But Hugh Grandson
might and would have loved his beautiful
bride, had it not been for the stately cold
ness Of her demeanor; he had been un-
soiled by contact with the world, and
longed for happiness and a home. Alice
Charlton cared little for either. and still
had plighted her faith to one who left her
for time, and died in far-of land Of
gold-lied before one word or message
could be sent 10 her he loved-died alone
and was buried where her tears could
never moisteu the turf on his breast !!
They told the tidings to Alice. little
dreaming that the lonely adven:urer had
been aught to her. She was in her own
| elegant home, surrounded by bri!liAnt
circle OF guests. while Hugh Grandson
leaned over her chair. and bent his admi~
ring eyes on her queenly face and form.
She heard the speaker through the rich
color led slowly out of her cheeks, lea
wing her white aud stern; her lips shut
firmly, as il to repress Shrek Of agony ;
her large dark eyes wandered round the
group with gaze Of passionate dispair.
The wondering looks of all around recall
ed her to herself, and making a graceful
apology for her sudden abstraction, she
played her part SO succ esstully, that no
one guessed the secret she guarded with
Spartan-like frmness.
Not till she was alone in her chamber,
did the storm burst forth. She mourned
as she loved. most deeply and passionate,
", but to the world she seemed unmoved
A little colder. little laughter, little
more impatient Of outspoken admiration
and love, she seemed; but feeling was un
fashionable in her exclusive circle, and
none knew. or cared to know that the
heart beating within her breast was one
of stone.
A year passed away. The father oI
Alice, seeing that she was in no way in
cined to choose one from her many lov~
ers, chose for her, and selected Hugh
Grandson as his future son-in- law. The
I young man was only too eager and will
ling TO accept the fair hand offered him
but when her father brought him to hel
as an acknowledged lover, she checked al
her raptures and said coIdly- ..
"Mr. Grandson, let US have a perfect
understanding. I do not love you ne
yer shall love"-a look of pain shot over
her calm face, as she repressed the word
again" She paused for moment, and
then went on, with her cold dark eyes
bent full on his face.
I" But my father wishes us to marry
your parents wish it-you wish it, and
am not opposed to the measure. But
beg you TO understand distinctly, that
while l give wife's duty. you must new
er look for love or blind submission
From the moment we leave the altar, oul
lives must be separate, though our home
is one. On these conditions. and these
only, l will give you my hand. Are they
Accepted ...
The young man stood for a moment be-
wildered. There was no mistaking hel
words or manner. Those clear, darL
eyes, that scornful lip and naughty brow
assured him that she had spoken the truth
and no love was there; but he had long
cherished passion for her, and hoping
that his feryent love might win some at,
fection in return, when they were one il
the eyes of the world. he clasped the fair
small hand in his. raised it to his lips, anc
answered. 4, .s,
.. / accept. And it shall be the duty
of my life to make you happy"
" Be it SO. was her unmoyed reply
and then she left him. ~ - .z
The engagement was soon made pub
lie. and all eyes were curiously scanning
the happy pair, They could fnd no faul
with the ill-concealed devotion of the Low
er. and the calm, unmoved way in whicl
l Alice received his attentions, or listene,
to his whispered words, was acknowledg