True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-11-12
q, RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor.

MARY Hf1A", Z ''sE w .TI-
{" Well, well. we won't quarrel-tl1ey
aren't worth it. Oh. frailly, thy name is
woman !" said Nelson, with good hum
ored pomposity; and went on, "Fhe
questions Of Mattie Archer's wedding.
Now here am /, who at one time, even
as yourself, was dancing attendance upon
the lady and yet, because she didn't
choose 10 have her name engraved on my
wedding card, / shall not refuse 10 go and
see her render some other man--misera,
bic !! Better lay aside all pique, Paul,
and accompany me kiss the bride, and
then come away thankful you're not
noosed," urged Nelson.
"No, thank you,' replied Denning,
coldly. "lt is not pique / feeI--but |
don't care to 60. Besides, | leave the
city tomorrow morning, to pay visit 10
my New England home thus | hare The
best of reasons for declining" ,......s
"Aha that's it, then? You're off
But have you heard" said Nelson, as he
rose F." that old Archer can hardly keep
above board--has met with heavy losses
of Iate-and people think the fair Matte
had this in view in securing her wealthy
husband p .4t,
Yes, did hear something of the
kind. Heaven send her happiness her
chances for it are small enough though,
if she sold herself for gold.''
Deuning's words and tones were
strangely at variance-the one full Of
deep feeling, The other of scorn :. while
his lip curIed with contempt, then quiver.
ed as with repressed emotion.
Nelson's hspd was on the door.
"Ehen you're off in the morning Paul
-and if anybody asks me Of youl shal
say business or pleasure called you
away q
/" Yes, anything, either. l have alrea
dy sent regrets to the bride elect. Goot
morning !"
Hardly had Nelson quilted the Office
before Denning sprang up, locked th'
door I; and then free from ali intrusion, a
rapid change came over him.
He nervOusly paced the hoor-the col
OF came and went upon his cheek-ant
he bit his lips till the blood came 49,
" Fool, weak fool that | am, DESPITE
my boasts Of freedom, to think Of he
thus Fickle, false coquette, that she is
but yet," he continued, after a brie
pause, "and yet why should |, who an
myself so unworthy, call her falls e!' ant
drawing from his vest a little locket which
encased a sweet pictured face and a tres
of nut brown hair, he tenderly kissed it
and murmured. /" Poor Mary! 9y.A
Hours passed d-lhe struggle was over
and when Paul Denning, slightly pale
but calm, sought his lodgings that nigh
he had rooted out from his heart ever,
vestige Of the brief, wild love he hat
cherished for the brilliant and beautiful
Matte Archer. W. 1.'.'I '.'''l''e
/ II was large and elegant party which
on the morrow's eve, met iu1he mansion
of the merchant prince Mr.. Archer. Il
witness the nuptials Of his daughter will
the wealthy Robelt Hunter; but tn
young lawyer, Paul Denning, was not Q
the number. In the home ofhis by hood
in a pleasant New England vIllage--a
the old hearth stone, Beside his mother
clair, with brothers and sisters aroun
him-he was solacing his heart fo
: the wound which it had so lately expsl
fenced. '"'''. s.. ..r 20 %. .E' ,e, 4il.,
And itswas not known among III
, guests'of that brilliant bridal party wha
} a weary heart beat under the peerles
brides satin and orange flowers; an
how could they foresee the visions Whic
9 would come to mock her in her luxurlou
home-visions oflost happiness follow
. ing her everywhere like haunting spe'
tres! " "4
Q fsh 80" CHAPTER II. htfFf