American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1856-02-28

eheo 10 Visit lt,made memorable to so many
fond hearts.
wonder how the inhuman hand Of civ
illzation could have refraned from mutila-
ting that wild ravine, and those viny river
banks, but though the rail road quite in
terlaced the two miles of the direction in
which we went and the telegraph was
scarcely out of sight. while the putting of
steam, and the buzzing of wheels and ma
chinery, and the noise of factories fell upon
the ear, yet, among all these footsteps. and
voices OF progress, a refined ge enerosity
had permitted the dim old woods to re-
main unshorn of its pristine beauty.
twas with sadness almost awed into
fear, that | looked upon the dark mossed
rock on which the shallow skiff struck,
and on which was dashed the unfortunate
relative Hislast look then, was upon those
dark rocks and green orags, and blended
with it, was the thought Of death, and wife,
and children.
By the aid OF Hos hand sprang from
one rock to another, until | stood upon the
fated one. around whose sharp projection
the swift waves seemed to seethe and foam
as though daring another victim. Ugh
| shall always think Of that spot, dark, anil
rocky, and gloomy. with Il q mad waters
dashing and muttering in hoarse weird mu-
sic. as fit place for the midnight revel of
fieuds and damned spirits. felt as if Poe
must have CLEANED inspiration in like pla-
ceS.
In the afternoon, Ho took Hattie and me
in carriage on the promised nutting ex-
cursion. 1t was delightful ride of few
miles through scenery new and beautiful.
We walked up the mountain. and were
well repaid for the tiresome walk when we
reached the top. There were nuts in "a
bundance, and choice apples, and charm
ing view of the villages far around us, and
the farms, and commodious farm houses,
and Instant streams, and mountains, ell
framed in by the blue sky, and richly tint
ed by the golden sunshine Of a mellow au-
tumn day.
Oh. We girls thought little Of gathering
nuts then; for it was SO much better to sit
down in the shade, and lay OFF our bon
nets, and fold our hands. and gather glori-
Gus thoughts to look over in our after
lives, just rs We would look over an album,
or treasured locks, and tresses, and curls,
of schoolmate's hair, or patches Of dear
ones dresses; so while Ho went further up
the mountain, we sat there. for to Hattie
every thing was So familiar. Near us had
stood house, which was once their
home, and she remembered the veiy same
old gnarlGd apple tree that had shaded the
door, and the rock where she used to build
her playhouse, and they gave baby Alice
to the care of the angels while they lived
there, and it was there Netie was born
and there where they lived when Ho had
signed the pledge, AMI brought joy and
peace to their lonely hearth. At the foo
OF the mountain, where the poplars cluster
ed about farm house, was where hel
brides made once lived; and whele the ivy
covers the low trees, was the place where
she and her girl-friend would 60 with thiel
books, or embroidery. or sewing. in the
warm afternoons TO visit.
Bear Mountain took its name from two
old bears, living in one Of the hiding place.
in which it abounds. Ho told me the sto
ry about it, but it was one in which fel
no interest, and paid not sufficient atten
ton to repeat it after him.
When we left the mountain, they left m,
at the village hotel, until they went mill
or two further, on some business relatin!
to a suit in court.
l was tired and had just fixed myself coz
lily in an arm chair. tilted back SO l coul,
read and rest until they returned, and hat
got to thinking about my home in Ohio
and my dear ones there, and was feeling
comfortably unhappy, when carriag
drove up and a couple alighted. The,
were both young, and the lady was beau
tiful. and attired in deep mourning.
rose and gave her my chair, and after tn
gentleman whispered something to he
and went out. we soon found ou.selve
chatting like old friends. Death had rob
bed her Of a dear mother, and previousl
her betrothed had died in California, -
and Oh she said, while tears came un
bidden to her eyes, my poor heart is
dreary, desolate waste
Words of comfort swelled up from m
plying heart and we wept together.
So great leveller is sympathy
, She left my side aud hastily turned he
, fearful gaze out of the window, as a ste
sounded in the hall, and stranger entere
the parlor, to await the arrival of the trai
to Boston.
In few minutes her companion came il
accompanied by clerical gentleman in
, wig and white cravant. He took off hi
hat and stepped into the centre of the pal
lor, and his look towards the couple bro
them standing before him.
, A wedding! such solemn wedding toC
for the tear traces were yet on the fa
cheeks of the bride
| There was little delay that was emba
! RAISING just at that time, for the groom
, white gloves seemed determined not to |
worn.
A thought fitted into a mind, with
S wish to make matters end pleasantly, an
j. one brush of my hand assured me that N
hair, which was worn in the a Ia comfor
Y able style, would do, and that my coll
. was STRAIGHT. and I stole slilv nm IN n