The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-12-31
rbpS to 8dion ohts gran @mna goal s sgrfatnrr
OTTUMWA, IOWA, THURSDAY, JANUARY l, 1858.

low
heard through the hollow air, the commence
ment Of aLothev:- az sgs,,,se n tsgpsw
20 sweet are the moments as day il departing,
The sun takes his evening farewell
saluting the brow Of the woodland and mountain,
That smile Ger the plain and the dell" &c.
Harold kept his attention upon the window
and the person who occupied it, although he
could not distinguish her real appearance 80
He conjectured the being he thought 1t must be.
have heard 1t said, }" mused he, that the
tones Of the voice Indicate much of the charsc-
ter and appearance Of individuals. All, If SO,
what can these enrapturing strains indicate
but goodness, beauty and lovliness? But is
she free? Is she the partner OF another's JOY
ard for,une?" As thus he soliioquized, it is
evident he began to feel the spirit Of love nest
ling near his heart, like the incense Of flowers.
Those stirring strains Of soft melancholy had
proved the winged messengers Of the fair De-
ity. He had already pictured in his imagina-
tion the portrait Of the sweet musician, and he
felt ; kind Of a presentiment that the real wo'a
even rpass the imaginary. Let not the read
er laugh at the idea of music being the inspirer
OF deep, Of heartfelt love. Why should 1t not
be, when music is the breathing Of the spirit,
and the true melody OF the soul? 1t is evil
dent in this case, 1t was = sincere and deep
gushing from within, Tor she seemed to sing
eatircly for her own pleasure and bsneft.,
Love itself Is but uusic-the music OF two
hsrmonizing hearts. When the parties are face
to face it is silent music, until their souls are
tuned for giving II utterance. Why then may
not the voice communicate tn one distant that
which would be felt aad spoken il present |?
But let philosophy 60 to the winds-the fact is
before us.
After asking the above questions concerning
the object Of his hearts yearning, he was for
a moment in suspense, and about to call back
the emotions that had gone, and think only Of
the music. Bat presently smother song was
commenced, 40 follows:
twilight Is called the glad hour ofiovs,
When the pledge Of devotion is given
Before the bright throne Of the Goddess above,
And inscribed by her finger in Heaven" &c.
have it, exclaimed Arthur, 6 hsve it.
she is mine. No one has yet obtained her first
affection. But how shall see her? How
shall introduce myself? Ah.-but have
heard it said, that at such crisis we must not
stand on ceremonies. The brave alone win.''
As he said this he started in the direction OF
the house resolved to introduce himself, altho'
he knew not of having seen or heard Of . soul
that resided there.
The house stood about fifty rods distant at
the noith, on a gentle declivity. It was three
stories in hight, built in excellent taste, sur
rounded by gardens, blooming in all the mag
nifcent beauties of Flora, with walks and ar
bors aud luxuriant trees. Farther about were
fields OF grain, Of meadow and Of pasture with
growing herds, which proved the occupant to
be farmer on an extensive scale. All the
display of taste about the premises showed
him to be a man Of high cultivation and ex-
quisite taste. Were we to philosophize here,
we should say that farmer thus enlightened,
and thus circnmstanced, has fairer chance
for enjoying unimbittered bliss, and rearing a
yi-tuous aud happy family, than is afforded by
| any other pursuit or situation Of life.
Harold passed down through the ravine and
up the opposite hill towards the seat OF his en-
chantment. Perhaps more thoughts were re-
volyed in his mind during this short interval,
than during any other equal period Of his life.
At length he arrived at the door, and with a
trembling hand rang the bell. The lady Of the
house appeared with, as is usual under such
circumstances, an inquisitive look, but yet with
pleasant, matronly smile, which seemed to
give the assurance Of welcome. Arthur made
haste to explain:
81 was just walking out after the close OF
the exercises Of the academy, to refresh myself
In the evening shades, and was attracted hither
BY the charms that cluster around yopr resi-
depce." gsa1
.Walk into the parior, if you phase, sir,
we are gratifcd to see you," was the hearty
response.
He gladly followed this excellent lady, and
could not avoid thinking Of his own noble
mother-so much did her pleasant voice, and
her kindness resemble those Of his dearest
friend. As hs handed her his ha. and seated
himself, at her bidding, with the most delight
ful smile in the world, she said
" Excuse me for requiring your name that
may introduce my husband, Mr.. Legrand, to
eatsrtain you."
" Arthur Harold p' was the timid reply, !,
Arthur Harold 70 exclaimed she with
still brighter smile, as though an old acquain-
lance had presented himself. 6 Arthur Har-
rold, who 90 recently cams to the academy,
and 50 speedily carried III the hsnors Of the
Institution?'' s6 Is ~ ssa
Slknow not 90 much about that," ," was the
modest reply. Butsuch 10 my name, kind
madam"
"Amuse yourself . moment, Mr. Harold"
and she LETT the room.
The lady who Just departed was command
ing in her mien. Of . well proportioned, robust
constitution, about forty years Of age, aud Of
high intsllsctual and benevolent features. She
was one Of those glorious women who bless
the world In their day, and transmit their bless
ing to posterity. She soon returned again