The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-03-25
The Old Mans Bride.

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| The summer sun streamed in through the
open easement upon the fair form of Miss Alice
Courtland.
The waiting woman had just arranged, for
the last time, the orange flowers in her hair,
and in graceful folds disposed the sweeping
cloud like veil.
Won't Miss Alice look at herself in the mir
ror?' and the maid held it before her.
Alice lifted her eyes and gazed for mo-
ment, then turned away.
Miss Alice is pleased?' questioned the girl.
Pleased! That strange, sad, beautiful face
met hers; that white lace robe, those orange
flowers and flashing diamonds: that hazy veil
that.covered the lovely spiritless features.
It's notI, she nurmured. Edgar's bride
is not like that. she's happy. loved, joyous,
beautiful; this is some phantom bride, some
dream, a form that comes in most frghtful
sgnise to startle the fevered sleeper -
But no, it is reality! she faltered; the birds
AZ they went singing BY, the sunshine that
danced upon the floor, the. bridal wreath in her
hair, thetread of arriving guests, the hum Of
,volcessb below, told her it was reality.
The clergyman, in his white surplice and
flowing robes, read the marriage service; the
father gave the bride away, and the VOW was
spoken to .loye, honor, and obey till death do
US part
False vow, they all knew it was false; the faith
er that gave her to rich bridegroom for his
daughters good; the husband that knew Of no
impedment to their union the guests that con-
graduated the bride, examined the presents
and slipped the wine. All knew it was false;
yet 1t was made.
Alice Courtland had loved, did love anoth-
err Yet she married the rich old man, just tot
tering tothe grave, and repeated to him those
words she had breathed to another @
A year ago, she paced that room. leaning
on her lovers S arm, where she now stood a death
like bride. -.
Edgar Harrington had loved her with all the
rapture Of a first love; he was young, hand
some, talented; but he was poor! Alice's
father was rich, and Edgar knew well that he
never would sanction her union with poor
man.
We have youth, Alice! the lover said, 'the
future is before me- Brilliant and bright il
seemed through hopeful eyes; I do not wish
to wait years in gaining that fortune which
must have before you can be mine; leave you
darling, for a few years, perhaps.tWo or three
III II ioIeiSH ldIlu hOpes tOi sulei eatlu Hio4 {
perfect success
Two years seem foreverto me, now Edgar!
'Its long time, know, yet my love fol
you will never change; you will be tue to me
| Allce?' he questioned, gazing into her teartu
eyes.
Can you doubt me for a moment, Ell gar
| my heart shall ever be yours
These words were not lightly spoken; bu
there are minds of that feeble force, that wher
the hour of conflict comes, struggle family TO
awhile, then submit; hearts, that when Tx
loved one no longer remains, bleed, not break
Mr.. Courtland was "a stern, hard man; b.
knew of AlIce's love, yet, unheedlng it, whel
Judge Harcourt offered his hand and fortune
| he said: ~ r.. a.. e... ..=.-.
My child, forget all foolish fancies; Har
court is a man of wealth and position, him yo'
marry! Ace's frail will bent before stern
er one; the rose flat Edgar had placed in he
hand when last she saw him, was a fit symbo
of her hopes wi,hered and blasted! g.
A year passed from that wedding day.
Mrs Harcourt returned her husbands low
with a gentle sympathy and kindness thattouch
ed his heart.
Alice felt remorse's keenest sting; letter
from Edgar breathing the most fervent love
and wondering at her long silence, ever pursu
ed her. ,--...--., ...
What could she write to him? Could sh,
/ tell him of VOWS broken, of faith periured?-
| Oh, never! let him for a little while believe M
innocent, dead, even, but never false!-
he returns, he will know all! he will curse me!
and the broken hearted wife wept bitter tears
Edgar did return!
Il was night; the house of judge Harcour
was brilliantly lighted; carriages waited before
the door, and invited guests pouredin. Music
resounded through the halls, beautiful womer
and talented men trod the floors.
Theshostess was superbly beautiful on tha
evening; the palor that ever rested on he
cheek had given place to bright carmine flush
her dark curls waved over her marble brow i,
jetty blackness, and her eyes sparkled with
briIiancy that eclipsed her diamonds.
Itwas the anniversary of her marriage;
yearyago the night she had spoken that iata
4 will that shut her out from happiness ant
love.
Well might her check crimson and her eye
flash brightly" H1sHU aas "a; aff:c .7.es as
.- She gazed bitterly around her; but soon he
langor changed to surprise; she started-sh'
bently eagerly forward IN fear anc anxiety
tad man with fearless blue eye ever fixed up
ont her. was coming towarde her.
l. Alice shuddered- from that form she uset
to welcome-she turned away. Ii fantnes
or death could have come to her relief it woule
have been bliss! but no, there sie stood, hcl
arms hung powerless by her side, and her lip
quivered, her brain and head seemed burning
.Itis Edgar!' she muttered, .breathlessly.
No one noticed her agitation; turning from
the glare and noise, she rushed into the half
lighted conservatory, seeking peace, seeking
escape from those eyes that bent on her sucl
grieved, searching look; she tried to contro
her throbbing heart and to regain her totterine
reason. She sank down upon seat-a thorr
pierced her finger "a white rose oyerhung the
bench--a rose likethat he had given her; will
Esuperstitious dread Alice thrust it from her
and placed her hands upon her burning fore
head. s-
/ She heard a step behind her, and a voice
she knew it we'll q T sa
Alice, Alicei' Is Esas T. @4sa-g sa5
Mrs. Harcourt rose and sprang towards him
N Edgar, my love!'
He turned away. 4: rfszeN5 zaE925
Have mercy, hear me, Edgar; that vow, i