The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-08-12


the last time, the orange flowers in her hair, and
in graceful folds disposed the sweeping, cloud
like veil.
ssWon't Miss Alice look at herself in the mir
ror?"and the maid held it before her.
Alice lifted her eyes and gazed for moment,
then turned away.
s'Miss Alice is pleased?" questioned the girl.
Pleased! That strange, and beautiful face
that met hers; that white lace robe, those orange
flowers and flashing diamonds; that hazy veil
that covered the lovely, spiritless features.
"Its not IT, murmured. "Edgar's bride is
not like that, she's happy, loved, joyous, beau
tiful; this is some phantom bride, some dream,
form that comes in most frightful guise to
startle the fevered sleeper
"But nc, tits reality" she faltered ;the birds
as they went singing by, the sunshine that dan
ced upon the floor, the bridal wreath in her
hair, the string of arriving guests, the hum of
voices 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 Glove, honor, and obey tell death
do us part
False VOW, they all knew it was false, the
father that gave her to rich bridegroom ''for
his daughters good, the husband that knew of
no impediment to their union;" the guests that
congratulated the bride, examined the presents
and slipped the wine. All knew it was false;
yet it was made.
Alice Courtland had loved, did love another
Yet she married the rich old man, just totter-
iRg to the grave, and repeated to him those
xyorJo che bod hra. tbad +, ,notbar
A year ago she paced that room, leaning on
her lovers arm, where she now stood death
like bride.
Edgar Harrington had loved her with all the
rapture of first love; he was young, handsome,
talented; but he was poor! Alice's father was
rich, and Edgar we'll knew that he never would
sanction her union with poor man.
eve have youth, Alice" the lover said,
"the future is before me-" Brillisnt and bright
it seemed through hopeful eyes; Il do not wish
to wait years in gaining that fortune which |
must have before you can be mine; leave you,
darling, for few years, perhaps two or three;
in a foreign land hope for surer and more per-
feet success
gar!'
cit is long time, know, yet my love for
you will never change; you will be true to me,
Alice?" he questioned, gazing into ha fearful
eyes.
"Can you doubt me for moment, Edgar?
my heart shall ever be yours
These words were not lightly spoken; but
there are minds of that feeble force, that when
the hour of conflict comes, stuggle family for
awhile, then submit; hearts, that when the low
ed one no longer remains, bleed not break.
Mr.. CORTLAND was a stern, hard man; he
knew of Alice's love, yet, unheeding it, when
Judge Harcourt offered his hand and fortune,
he said
"My child, forget all foolish fancies;e Har-
court is man of wealth and position, him you
marry!'' Alice's frail will bent before sternel
one; the rose that Edgar had placed in her hand
when last she saw him, was fit symbol of hel
hopes, withered and blasted!
A year passed from that wedding day.
Mrs Harcourt returned her husbands love
with gentle sympathy and kindness that touch
ed his heart.
Alice felt remorse's keenest sting; letters
from Edgar, breathing the most fervent love
and wondering at her long silence, ever pursu
ed her.
"What could she write to him? Could she
tell of VOWS broken, Of faith perjured? Oh, new.
er! let him for little while believe me inno
cent, dead even, but never false! "when he re.
turns, he will know all he will curse mel" and
the broken-hearted wife wept bitter tears.
Edgar did return
It was night; the house of jud ge Harcourt w as
brilliantly lighted; carriages waited before the
| ] in
sounded through the halls; beautiful women anc
talented men trod the floors
The hostess was superbly beautiful that even
ing; the pallor that ever rested on her cheel
had given place to bright carmine flush; he
dark curls waved over her marble brow in jet
ty blackness, and her eyes sparkled with a bril-
liancy that eclipsed her diamonds.
1t was the anniversary of her marriage; {
year ago that night she had spoken that fata
II will'' that had shut her out from happines:
and love.
Well might her cheek crimson and her ey'
flash brightly.
She gazed bitterly around her; but soon he
langor changed to surprise; she started-sh
bent eagerly forward in fear and anxiety. Z
tall man, with fearless blue eye ever fixed up
en- her, was coming towards her.
+ Alice sluddered from that form she used It
welcome-she turned away. If fantness o
death could have come to her relief it woul'
have been bliss! but no there she stood, her arm
hung powerless by her sides, her lips culver
ed, her brain and head seemed burning!
'It is Edgar!'' she muttered, breatblessly
No one noticed her agitation; turning from
the glare and noise, she rushed into the half
lighted conservatory, seeking peace, seeking t.
escape from those eyes that bent on her such
greved, searching look; she tried to control he
tbrobbing heart and to regain her tottering rea
son. She sank down upon seat-a thorr
pierced her fnger-a write rose overhung tn
the bench-a rose like that he had given her
with superstitious dread, Alice thrust it from
her, and placed her hands upon her burning
forehead.
She heard step behind her, and voice
she knew it well.
sAlice, Alce!'
Mrs. H Harcourt rose and sprang towards him
Edgar, my love!"
He turned away.
sHave mercy, hear me, Edgar; that VOW,
gave you, I have not broken-my love ha
been, shall ever be yours!'
ssMrc Harcourtp'