Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-11-18

walked the floor of my chamber. Even
death would have been a welcome mes
senger. But will not describe my feel
ings farther. He, and he only, that has
passed the same road. can fully realize
what they were.
The bloodhounds of the law were soon
set upon my track by some of the most
res. ntful of my New York creditors.
urged on b. personal spite. Well, too
well. did they perform their duty-that
of rendering my ruin still more complete.
By their management, [ saw my assets
continually decreasing, until the proceeds
paid but small percentage on my in
debtedness. Sick at heart and almost
discouraged, life became burden. My
future looked terribly dark and frown-
ing; and in whatever direction l cast
my eyes, not single ray of hope seem
ed to tighten my pathway. l thought
the world looked coldly upon me. and
haughtily did 1 endeavor TO return its
glances. Thus. long months dragged
themselves heavily along, until one day
1 sat down and summed up my pros
poets. They were poor indeed, thought
I; but in another land, far off, away from
all old associations, l will strive to build
up another fortune and a name. But
again. thought I. are there no ties that
bind me to nay native land? A sigh
from the innermost recesses of my soul
was the answer; for my mind reverted
to the many happy moments l had spent
with her whom l had almost worshiped.
1t had been nearly a year since my fail
ure, and during that time l had never
called upon her, and very seldom met
her; and even when l did, [ was cold,
polite, and reserved; for, in my pride,
l thought she wi-hed to shun me, and to
break off our acquaintance entirely
How often did l pass the place of her
residence for the purpose of catching a
fugitive glance of her, yet fearing to
cast my eyes in than direction, when l
did so; and l confessed that l felt a
Jealous pang when rumor told me she
was about 10 marry young man of for
tune, whom of late | knew to be very
officious But what right, thought !,
have 10 control her thoughts or actions?
for there had no word passed between
us that would indicate any thing more
than friendship, even in my most pros
porous days. What could l now expect
or demand? 1t is true I had loved he1
almost to alteration, for she was truly
noble and beautiful being. Though sin.
gularly retired and sensitive, she possessed
talents and accomplishments that are sci.
dom equalled, and warm, true and loving
heart. Religion had cast its softening
and ennobling influence upon her char
acter; not the religion of sectarian big
otry, but that which enables its possess.
or to feel at peace with his maker and
his fellow man. At times, doubts with
regard to a future existence would in.
wade my thoughts, which even one of
her sweet gentle smiles would dispel; fol
It seemed 10 me that faith so pure and
fervent as hers could not be grouudless
Yes, there Das one tie to bind me to
earth, and to my country. l will see
her cnce more; will tell her of my love,
nv hopes, and my sorrows; will tell hel
all-be happy for an hour: though she
may scorn me, yet even her presence
will be happiness. Then we will part
forever.
Full of such thoughts, 1 arose, with a
heart somewhat lightened, and wended
my way toward the residence of hel
father, which was in distant part oI
the city. passed the house twice be-
fore 1 could muster courage enough to
raise the knocker, which l did with a
trembling hand. A servant ushered me
into the parlor, and in answer to my in
quiry, informed me that Miss NJ
was in. The few moments that 1 was
alone, seemed to me an age; my hear
beat as thought would tear itself asun-
der, and half wished had not yentur
ed. The door slowly opened. and Mis-
NJ entered. looked quite pale, yei
it seemed to me more beautiful than ]
had ever before seen her.
You have been quite a stranger,
said she, as, advancing. she cordially
took my hand; I'VE feared you had en-
ti,sly forgotten u.s.
1 made an awkward apology for moi
having called before, for felt SO embar.
rassed that I scarcely knew what wal
saying. l soon saw that the embarrass
ment was mutual; for she was almos
as much so as myself, and our conver.
sation was, for while, any thing bu
connected and fluent. After a long
awkward pause. / again yentured n
speak:
"Miss n" said 1, in voice SC
strange that l could hardly believe thai
it was my own. Again paused. She
slightly blushed, while a melancholy
and inquiling look took possession of hel
features. l went OF, and soon recover.
ed my self-possesion. l told her of my
early struggles, of my youthful thought.