The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-06-03


But in spite of all Lizzie's resolution to
the contrary, her thoughts were con-
stantly with him. She had. mentally
resigned him to her sister; but it cost
her many a pang, unseen and unpitied
save by the AlLSeeing- She saw him
daily regarding May with looks of ad-
miration she had seen them conversipg
apart in low tones, and cover Mays fair
forehead while they talked she had
seen them more than once exchanging
letters; she knew, too, by Mays excited
uneasiness, that she had something up-i
on her transparent mind which she wish-i
ed to confde to her. Doubtless she
would soon tell her of her love, and ask
her sympathy and blessing. This would
be very hard trial; but she trusted
that strength from on high would be.
given her At last the trial came. {.
&" Sister, there is something I want to
tell you," began May 10 tremulous tones
and in her pretty childish way. g havs
wanted to tell you this great while, buti
I could not get any opportunity; and I,
am afraid you will think me very fool
ish but
"Go on" said Lizzie, in steady and
cheerful voice, summoniDg all her
strength eco on; whom should you
tell, if not your only sister ?'' =
" Lizzie, am engaged to be narri:
ed"
"God bless you, my sister may you
be happy p said Lizzie, kissing her
forehead and abruptly leaving the room.
She passed from the house, and into the
fresh, pure air. Away on the hills she
could see the white cleaning headstones
of the graveyard where her mother was
sleeping. and thithor she bent her steps.
She went to her mothers grave, and
knecling there pressed her burning fore
head against the cold marble, as if to
ease its pain. BY one of those strange
condolences which sometimes happen,
Frank Southerland entered the grave
yard soon after.
Proceeding onward he saw, to his
-asd-canaternation. the
subject of his meditations, kneeling by
a grave, with her head against the stone,
and her form Striking with sobs, though
she was not weeping. Involuntarily,
inpulsively, he kneeled beside her, and
gently took her hand, and when she
would have sprung away, detained her.
Miss Harland," said he. CT am
grieved and distressed beyond measure
to find you so full of sorrow. Why do
you always avoid me? l would SO viii.
lingly, SO gladly be your friend, if you
would ouly permit me. Is there moth
ing can do for you ?''
Nothing but leave me-" was the We
hcment rerly.
elizabeth. !" said he, " Ihave something
to say to you, which l have long wished
to say, and will not leave you till l
have said it,"
81 know what you would tell me.
interrupted she; May haStold me all
You have my best wishes and most ear
nest prayers for your happiness"
Impossible !" said he in surprise,
"neirher May nor any other human be-
ing can know what I am about to tell
you, it is this: you have all the happi-
ness of my life in your keeping! I have
no hope, no wish, no plan for the future
unconnected with you! I honor and es-
TEEN you above all women, and you love
no less"
She sprang to her feet with flashing
eyes and burning checks. You are
cruel wicked !" said she. " How dare
you address me with words like these
you, the afinauccd husband of nay sis
teri"
81 do not omprehend you" said he;
" can it be possible that you do not
know that your sister is betrothed to
my cousin, Guy Carlton that L have
frequently been intrusted with messages
and. letters from him to her and that,
if the consent of all parties be obtained
the marriage is to take place next Win
ter? Is it possible that May, with her
transparent nature, has kept this from
you SO long p
81 knew nothing Of it," replied she !
"I was led to believe, from what she
told me to-day, that she-that you
that-in short" She could say 10
more; but she trembled exceedingly,
and covered her face with her hands,
The whole truth dawned upon his mind
like sudden stroke of sunshine.
"Do you still bid me leave you?"
No answer; her face was still COW
cred with her hands; but she felt her
self gently encircled aud supported by
the strong arm which was henceforth to
be her guide through life.
"Shall I go ?" repeated he, gently.
Never never ~ she said, turning to
him with a sudden, trusting movement,
the same as when little child, she first
saw his face in the lonely forest.
O beautiful sunshine o lovely
Summer dayl o quiet churoh-yard,
where the dead. rest so peacefully 0
oil 1z