Weekly Delaware State journal, statesman and blue hen's chicken. (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-18??, 1857-08-28
From Graham's Magazine
A REAL LOVE STORY.


loved 1t. Her father, DR.. Davis, an eminently
successful physician, had retired from practice
in consequence of failing health, but with suifi.
cient fortune to enable him to spend the rest Of
his days in afiuencc, and in the cultivation Of
those tastes with which nature had so highly
endowed him. His already beautiful place he
was every year improving, and for oil the
country round it was the model of taste and
elegance
of all the beautiful spots where one might
retreat for quiet and solitary enjoyment, none
were so much priced by Helen us au avenue
formed entirely of lilac trees, which they called
" the lilac walk" Here she would walk by the
hour, either with some fayorite author in her
hand, or when the trees were in blossom, inhaliDg
the delightful fragrance of her favorite flowers.
Hardly any one else went there, so il came,
after time, to be considered as her own private
retreat, and was distinguished by the servants
as " Miss Helen's Walk"
Helen was an only child, and never was
child more tenderly nurtured. Both parents
were highly educated, and Helen, by being their
constant companion, had acquired habits of
thought more mature than was usual at her age.
She knew little of gay society, and indeed would
not have cared for it, though her conversational
talent was of high order, and her many ac-
eomplisbments attracted around her a numerous
circle wherever she appeared. Yet in the society
Of her parents, and with her books aud flowers,
her life had passed quietly and happily. But
there was one other inmate Of the family who
has not yet been mentioned. 0n giving up his
practice, DR.. Davis had invited Horace Clnyton,
young physician, the son of one Of his most
valued friends, to come into the neighborhood
and take his place, begging him, for n while al
least, to make his house his home. Once there
the old doctor would never allow him to &c
away, and in time he became domesticated il
the family, and was like a son in the house
hold II in time the doctor suspected that he
and Helen loved each other il was with nc
dispeasure that he contemplated their growing
attachment. He knew he could leave his daugh-
ter to no one more worthy of her, nor to one
who was more capable of approaching her
Helen had, perhaps unknown to herself, q latent
spark of coquatry in her nature, which as yet
had never been developed, and sometimes when
she saw how much Horace loved her, she seemed
disposed to regard his affection lightly, though
in her secret heart that affection was fully re-
turned.
al wonder where Helen is 2" said the doctor,
as he and Mrs. Davis, and Horace were seated
on the piazza, enjoying the cool breezes that
were SO refreshing after the heat of the day.
81 think saw her white dress among the
lilacs," answered the young man. Let me go
and see what has become of her, and | will give
nor u lecture IN your name lOr hDhtntluR ntreeil
from the company"
The doctor smiled as Horace took his hat
without waiting for a reply, and went down
the path toward Helen's retreat. He found
her reading, and paused at the entrance to the
walk. &c II will not be deemed IN intruder,
Miss Helen, have come to see what improve
ments you have made here since l last saw the
place"
(Which was no longer ago than yesterday,
said she "but come and see how beautifully
the perwinkles look after the rain" They
passed through the walk, and came to n large
rounding stone, almost hidden by vine that
Helen had trained over it, The flowers were
now blooming freshly, and entirely concealing
the stone, which Helen would not have taken up.
They stopped awhile to admire the effect Of
this, and then passed on to the brook which ran
past at short distance from them.
:" have often wished that the bridge was q
little higher up, so we could cross here" said
Helen, but papa thinks it would spoil the
effect OF solitude which that willow seems to
produce. He says there is q sadness in those
dropping branches that seems to say let u.
alone, the brook and we sing to each other oul
plaintive melody, and the treading of foot
steps upon this bridge would break in upon th'
harmony"
They turned aside, following the course of tht
DrOokl uh they cuihe III hlBnt VI " soil VI oo"er
formed by the oyerhanging branches Of SOM
trees, covered with the dark brown moss, de
pending nearly to the ground.
There is the witch's bower" said Horace
"let us go in and invoke her aid in our futur
fate" But Helen shrauk back. " | don't lik
that place." she answered, shuddering, !" cyei
/ in the light of midday. | always fancy thcr
| is really dark spirit within"
"But you are not afraid with me" sal
Horace.
Helen bushed, but she answered gaily, {"
am afraid, sir knight, that the spirit Of tn
bower has spells more potent than even you
courage cnn resist"
Horace saw her .momentary confusion, an
smiled as he followed her toward the hous,
where the deepening twilight admonished thei
to enter.
"You were long time delivering your lie,
ture, DR.. Clayton" said Mrs. Davis.
al wished to consult the oracle FIRST" al
swered he, but Miss Helen's courage faile
before reaching the tenple.."
"whatw said Helen, looking up, what lee
ture 2"
"0nly lecture in my name, in regard
young ladies styling out so late that they mu
have the assistance Of physician in gettiI
home," replied Dr. Davis gravely. al expectt
every moment to be sent for to hold consult
tion over your case"
"Papa~ exclaimed Helen, putting her har
over his mouth. Horace's face could not
seen, but he was very quiet. He felt tn
Helen was not Indifferent to his love, but Il
cold reserve she ut times exhibited towards hill
had kept him from speaking lest he should me
with repulse. Her kind manner this event.
, greatly encouraged him, and he resolved th
he would soon end the suspense. 1t was, ho
ever, some time before he found the opportuni
he sought, as the family was destined soon
have another inmate, who for a while complete
! occupied Helen's attention
One day when Helen was working in thl
usual sitting room with her mother, DR.. Da'
came in with IN open letter in his hand. al
poor sister |" he said 10 his wife, her suff
inRa are ended at last She derlinel sIl nm.