The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1857-02-26


book mark lying upon that pathetic ant
beautiful creation of Byron-the Farewell
to his wife. Poor Byron.- Edward
The floor was not only carpeted comfort
ably, but beautifully So. Around the room
were hung several fnc pictures, one o
which was lovely TO look upon and sweet
to remember 1t represented beautiful
girl asleep among flowers, over whom lean
ed lovingly a fair boy with wreath in his
hand, about to place it upon his compan
ions brow. Beside the feet of the girl lay
a Newfoundland dog. with his eyes fixed
upon the boy, as il fearful that he would
harm his fair mistress. The expression OF
the boys face was perfectly eloquent in the
intensity of its affection, while the partly
opened mouth of the lovely sleeper, discos-
ing beautiful row of pearly teeth, almost
led one TO imagine that he could catch the
soft breathings Of that gentle girl. Need |
tell you, my reader, whose names read be
meath this picture i-"A ALICE and EDDIE"
A bright fire was burning on the hearth,
before which stood tempting lounge. The
mantel was lastly ornamented with porce-
lain figures of fowergirs, specimens Of
mineralogy, beautiful shells, and variety
of other appropriate ornaments.
a black marble clock ticked upon the
fine bookcase in the corner, beside which
stood music stand and flute.
"Do you know, Mr.. f." remarked Ed.
ward, as soon as had become seated, "that
i appears very foolish in me to invite a
comparative stranger like yourself to my
room, merely for the purpose Of boring him
with the relation of circumstances with
which he can scarcely bsexpecied to be in
terested"
'Say not so, Mr. Nh" replied, "for
| do feel deeply interested in this sad affair,
and would gladly hear the particulars from
your lips, and serve YOU in any capacity if
could.s's
Enough! l viii tell you all, Mr.. f.;
but before begin, ALLOW me TO offer you
glass of wine. MY dear sir, wine-strong
wine--is my only relief, and could but
battle this breaking heart in the juice of the
grape until il were pulseless with intoxica-
ton"
.'3c calm, sir, beseech YOU" said, in.
terrupting him, ''are there no other sources
OF consolation fer map in his seasons Of
darkness and dependency but the intoxi-
eating bowl!'
"Mr F." exclaimed Edward, "such re-.
marks may do for ordinary cases of magin.
ed woe, but. Oh! not for ine.--nct for me."
'Mr. M---n," replied, taking his
hand. what plague spotis upon your soul,
which separates it from other men, Why
may you not listen, as becomes the being
upon whom is impressed the iudelible sig
nature of Deity, to the voice of reason
Oh! sir, il is sublime TO suffer and be
strongF Ii is noble to temper the soul
10 circumstances, and say tofate-'srRlKEr"
"Well, now," replied Edward, that's
really fine speech, and is it not a pity that
you have not an appreciating auiience?"
"Mr. Nh" | replied, Il am accus,
toned to expect geutlemauly replies TO
gentlemanly remarks, and invariably leave
such persons as fail to observe the rule. Nv
motives in thus speaking are pure and dis.
interested, but since you seem disposed to
make fun of my remarks, | shall not put
you to the trouble Of another reply. Good
morning, sir"
seized my hat, aud most certainly
would have left the house, had not Edward
apologized for his bitter sarcasm, by ex-
claiming:
Indeed, Mr.. f.. beg Ten thousand par
dons If have offended you, but do not
leave me thus--I was hasty."
II could not resist the pleading look of
tho poor fellow, so again seated myself
beside him, and waited for his story.
watched him, rs he drained large
glass of Madeira and lighted his fragrant
Il L. 4 4
pale, but remarkably handsome face, and
dark flashing eyes, as he turned towards
me on that November morning, and ex.
claimed:
"Oh! God!-Ohl Alice!r
Oh. what an expressionof utter hopeless.
ness aud unspeakab!e woe darkened his
face at this exclamation, and how this gust
of tnmultuous and brief eloquence stirred
the depths of my heart!
Excuse me, sir" said he, "my feelings
sometimes master me, but am calm now!
Bear with me. must appear very
strange being-but-phsawl this will never
DO for me.'
So saying, he started up from his seat
ssd i'Sicsoi the floor 10 aud fro, evidently
endeayonng to calm his agitated mind. /
know not why, but felt Too awed by his
mighty but eloquent woe 10 address him,
and could only sit aud watch him. lie
soon became calm, and resumed his seat be-
side me, and taking another glass of wine,
he turned towards me and said:" | Will talk
with you now about Alice.p
could only nod assent for was too
much Affected to speak, and even now the
recollection Of this affecting interview is
sadly painful.
first saw Alice at B.. when / was
IN my thirteenth year and size in her ninth.
We became acquainted few days after,
and though shy Of me at first, sho became
IN little while quite sociable and much
attached to me. AS Byron SAYS, she was
the starlight Of my boyhood, and my young
heart had enshrined her as its idol ifrom lhe
very first moment that beheId her. She
appeared TO ine the most beautiful creation
- IL n. 4 +.