Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-01-07

straw hat, and went out to ramble in the |
woods TO her favorite haunt. hoping the
sweet influences Of Nature might soothe
and cslm her somewhat troubled spirits.
The scene was lovely, for it was the
sunset hour, and the dreamy golden light
glanced down between the interlacing
oo1ghs upon the soft green moss, max
ing dancing lights and shadows in every
greenwood path. The air was soft and
balmy. No sound broke the stiffness of
the forest shade, save the signing. plain
tive wind harps, or the occasional carol
of bird. Yielding to the lulling inhu-
ence of the scene, Minnie seated herself
upon fallen tree, and was soon lost in
reverie. In her musings she thought
how pleasant it would be to be loved for
ones self alone and voice seemed
whispering in her ear, with soft, thrilling
tone, loves own cadence, and dark eyes
were gazing into her own, with tender,
loving look. She had wandered thus
far into loves fairy dream land, entirely
unconscious of all around, when the
cracking of dry twig startled her; and
she sprang up in alarm; but a pair of
dark eyes looked into her own, and fa-
miliar voice re assured her. She laugh
ingly greeted The intruder, saying
why, Herbert, how you startled me-"
He smiled, and advancing to meet her,
replied:
Il am sorry l frightened you; did not
think 10 find you here; but you are look
ing pale-are you faint? and he gazed
at her with so much anxious soIicitude,
that poor Minnie's equanimity was en-
lireiy overthrown, and sinking again up
on her seat, she covered Ter face with
her hands, and burst into tears. The
feelings so long pent up, and the tears.
which had been gathering for several
days. had at last found vent.
Herbert Clayton had grown up with
Minnie from childhood. He had always
loved her. but had felt tha: deep gulf
separated him, poor widows son, from
the only child of the wealthy Mr.. Arlin,
and therefore he felt compelled to "wor-
ship from afar." He, too, had heard
the rumors of Mr.. Ariin's losses, and he
supposed this was the cause of Minnie's
agitation. He could scarcely repress
the hope, sweet and faint though it was.
that Minnie might now be his; but check
ing this feeling, he seated himself by her
side, TO comfort and cheer her if posi-
BILE. Gradually she became calm, and
then she impaired to bin the story of
Roby. He was Indignant at such base
ness, and led on by his feelings, told
Minnie of his love and hopes. His un
selfish affection touched her heart. Here
was one who loved her for herself, and
was willing 10 take her, even if poor
But the wound she had received was too
fresh to allow her to do aught but rise
embarrassed, and though thanking Her
bert with her eyes, 10 shake her head
sadly.
But that chance interview decided the
fate of both. The more she thought of
Herbert's disinterested offer, the more
his character rose in her estimation.-
Meantime, as she had consented to re-
ceiye him as a friend, he often visited
her, and gradually esteem for him ripen-
ed into love.
One soft, Summer evening, Herbert
ventured to urge his suit again, and this
time Minnie, though as embarrassed as
before, did moi say nay, but returned a
blushing answer that filed his heart with
Joy. They fingered long amid the for
est shades, and when they returned,
Herbert sought Mr.. Arlin, while Min
ME ran up to her room like frightened
deer.
When Herbert had confessed his suit,
Mr.. Arlin, looking archly in his face,
made reply: "DO you wish to make poor
Minnie Arlin you bride? Can you think
! r Il. ,
'::oh. yes" earnestly replied Herbert,
81 should never have told my love had
she sill been as in days gone by"
The old gentleman smiled peculiar
smile and said,
"Yes, Herbert. she is yours-you are
worthy of her! but l am glad for your
sake and hers, that l am moi sopoor
that she will be portionless BRIDE
But you must let Minnie tell you the sto-
ry."
Minnie did tell him the story, and Her
bert was unspeakably delighted at the
idea that he had won the hand of the
heiress of Mr.. Arlin's wealth, but Min
ME laughingly told him that her power
ty had lost her one lover, and won her
another.
Herbert was also lawyer; but being
poor and without influential friends, he
had many times been nearly discoura
ged; but now he felt his heat become
strong within him. more because he had
won the hand and heart he had so long
desired, than at the-prOspect of portion
of her fathers wealth.
They weresoon after married, and Mr..
Arlin's handsome mansion was thrown
open to the crowd OF friends who gath
cred To witness Minnie's wedding.