The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1856-03-20
ynttresting 9torpy,
LIGHT AND SHADE;
OR,
COntcNtment the Fruit OF Res
ignatiOn.
PART FIRST.
BY MRS. NJ. A. DENIsoN.

Caspar Fountaine, the son Of naturali-
zed Frenchman, and mechanic in one Of
the New England cities, married, when he
became of age,sa sweet young creature Of
eighteen summers. They were both beouti-
ful, in high health, energetic, and true-heart-
ed. "A lovely sight, indeed! a handsome
couple whispered one and another in the
gaping crowd that, on such occasions, gen,
eraly fills the house of ceremony; and they
were not meaningless remarks.
As sthe two appeared at church, on the next
Sabbath; she with her kirtle of pure white,
and her sweet, innocent face just glimmcrng
through her. snowy veil, and he with his
brown home.spun (Which his mother, good
woman, had made with her own hands, fit.
ting his toll and really elegant figure; every
body wished them a long life Of happiness
Not one of Caspar's rivals hated him;
none Of them but forgave Lucia in his heart
for preferring one obviously superior in all
respects, although each would have run a
gauntlet ESQ they said, at leasD for the prize
oftlat fair hand, which, though the fingers
were hooped neither with jewels nor gold,
was Is pretty ahaEd as one would wish to
see.
Both, then, were happy, and, what'is bet
ter, both were resolved, come what would,
to keep happy. To be sure, each had faults
Of which the other was aware time and petty
trials would discover. &
Here, then, was the secret OF their depen-
dence on happiness for all future time.-
They had estimated each others faults and
virtues, and coolly concluded that neither
was an angel; that they were yet mortals,
not even defined by the rhapsodes Of love and
prone, consequently. to all the liabilities of
this mortal state.
So, when Caspar streked the rich golden
hair Of his young bride, and calmly blessed
her as his wife, she felt that name to be a
holier one than all the fancy titles which hu-
manity in general married humanity, in
particular lis prone to bestow on its objects
of affection. Behold them, then, in new
settlement, where Caspar had determined to
make bis fortune. Their cottage was situa.
ted back on a pleasant road, encircled by
graceful trees; very paradise around it for
verdure, very gem of neatness within; a
very Eden where the angels Of love and har-
mony held It's mates in their holy keeping.
Caspar prospered even more than his
heart had desired. He began to increase in
wealth; his lands were fruitful, he was hon
ored with titles; and the villagers doffed
their hats as they met him. and paid him that
true homage which the great BY nature al
ways command. But It brought no change
to him, save that, If possible, he was more
devoted to his Creator, kinder. and yet more
gentie.to his family. as, one by one, new ties
bound bimto earth.
.Caspar. said his mother, when he lefther
to tread any untried path, whatever you do,
whatever you become, bear a. lowly heart,
my son, for they III whose souls spring the
violet humility are always blessed. Remena-
Der, CasPar, these are your mothers parting
words: be lowly in spirit @ u
Andhe was son worthy ofsuctl parent.
Al few years passed, and two beautiful chill
dren blessed Ills LOT, making his home vocal
with their merry music. Lucia was nearly
idolized By those who knew her well; and
evefl those who could not aspire to her com.