Volcano weekly ledger., 1857-03-14

at once fascinated by her beauty, and feeling
That it would be folly for him, poor as he was,
to aspire to the possession Of her hand, he re-
gretted that he had been thrown in her pres
ence.
Elias, was beanty of q peculiar style,
and purely Saxon in its type A blonde of
the fairest texture with eyes SO clearly blue
and melting, that you seemed to look through
them to the soul within; her hair fell in
graceful golden waves around neck which,
though short. was in perfect symmetry with
her well developed bust In manner she was
perfectly easy, and possessed the rare faculty
of making those with whom she conversed
feel satisfied with themselves These were
some of the beauties of her appearance; yet
they could not vie with the loveliness of
her disposition or the rare treasures of her
mind
Grafton and Ella parted that evening; he
madly, desperately in love, and she inspired
at least with sentiment that was not dis
! like.
Had Grafton been her equal in the scale Of
worldly possessions he would not have hesi-
tated to lay siege to the fortress of her heart.
And that night he, in the madness of his
chagrin cursed the tempter that had lured
him in an evil hour to risk the fortune he
had once obtained, in wild speculation; the
failure of which had ruined his prospects be-
yond recovery
Who can depict the torture of hopeless
love? Surely not one who has never expe-
rienced it.
For weeks Grafton hovered around the OBJ
ject of his alteration, without looking beyond
the moment lie would have flown from her
influence but the charm was upon him, and
he fingered near her, spell-bound and helpless
The summer wore away but time wrought
no change in Grafton's affection He was
an occasional visitor at the house of Col.
Doran, where he was ever kindly received
Did Ella know of his love, ask you? What
woman ever was with man who had en-
shrined her in his heart, but that she instinct
lively knew it ? She was conscious of his
sentiments towards her, and truly commisera-
ted his situation, as was plainly evidenced by
the marked gentleness with which she treated
him.
All things worldly must have an end
1t was currently reported that Ella was on
the eve of matrimony with young merchant
of the place, with whom the Col was silent
partner in business. This rumor came to the
ears of Grafton, and imperiously dictated to
him the course he must pursue.
He would see Miss Doran once more, and
then leave her presence forever. Having
fully determined on this, he felt relIeved-was
almost himself again.
The arrangements for his departure were
quickly made, and he bent his steps to the
residence of Col Doran Ella being {" at
home" he was soon seated in the same apart
ment with her whom he so intensely wor-
SHIPPED.
The damask curtains subdued the rays of
the autumn sun, so that she did not perceive
the fixed pallor Of his features, yet his alter
ed tone Of voice betrayed his emotion. and
alarmed her for his health. Drawing near
him she tore open afresh the wounds of his
heart by her sympathizing inquiries.
He informed her Of his intentions to leave,
which struck her with amazement; yet she
could not ask for his reasons.
They sat for some minutes without speak
ing, when he broke the silence by saying that
ere he bid her farewell, she must permit him
to wish her happiness in the new state she
was about to enter
Now she comprehended the cause of his
conduct She too had heard the rumor but
only viewing it as idle talk, she had permitted
it to pass uncontradicted.
Resting her hand on his arm, she assured
him that he was in error in regard to her en-
gagements, and hesitatingy asked him to stay
for her sake.
This was too much for his resolutions
lie was conquered; and throwing himself at
her feet, he told her eloquently of his con-
suming love, his poverty and his hopeless
ness
But / shall not desecrate the sanctuary Of