Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1857-08-28
From Gruhams Magazine.
A REAL LOVE STORY.


loved 1t. Her father DR.. Davis, an eminenty
successful physician, had retired from practice
in consequence Of failing health. but with sufi-
cient fortune to enable him to spend the rest of
his days in aflluence, and in the cultivation of
those tastes with which nature had SO highly
endowed him. His already beautiful place he
was every year improving, and for all the
country round il was the model Of taste and
elegance
or all the beautiful spots where one might
retreat for quiet and solitary enjoyment, none
were 80 much priced by Helen as an avenue
formed entirely of lilac trees which they called
a. the linc walk" Here she would walk by the
hour, either with some fay0rite author in her
hand or when the II ees were in blossom, inhaling
the delightful fragrance of her fayoritc flowers.
Hardly any one else went there, so it came,
after time, to be considered as her own private
retreat, and was distinguished by the servants
as 81 Miss Helens Walk"
Helen was an only child, and never was a
child more tenderly nurtured. Both parents
were highly educated, and Helen, by being their
constant companion, had acquired habits of
thought more mature than was usual at her age.
She knew little Of gay society, and indeed would
not have cared for 1t, though her conversational
talent was of high order, and her many nc
complishments attracted around hera Numerous
circle wherever she appeared. Yet in the society
| Of her parents, and with her books and flowers
her life had passed quietly and happily. Blu
| there was one other inmate Of the family whS
| has not yet been mentioned. On giving up hi'
practice, Dr. Davis had invited Horace Clayton
a young physiciau, the son Of one Of his mos
valued friends. to come into the neighborhoo'
md sasa-l.i-s fieee,Aeess iast him, fora while a
least, to make his house nfs sasss
lhe old doctor would never allow him to g
away, and in time he became domesticated il
the family, and was like a son in the house
hold If in time the doctor suspected that he
and Helen loved each other, it was with nj
displeasure that lie contemplated their growing
attachment, lie knew he could leave his daugh
ter to no one more worthy Of her, nor to ont
who was more capable of approaching her.
Helen had, perhaps unknown to herself, a laten
spark Of coqueiry in her nature, which as ye
had never been developed, and sometimes wher
she saw how much Horace loved her, she seemed
| disposed to regard his affection lightly, though
| in her secret heart that affection was fully re
turned.
al wonder where Helen is ?" said the doctor
as he and Mrs. Davis, and Horace were seated
on the piazza, enjoying the cool breezes thai
were so refreshing after the heat Of the day.
al think / saw her white dress among th'
liacs," answered the young man, Let me g.
and see what has become Of her, and will Civ
her lecture in your name for absenting hersel
from the company" .s......s T..
The doctor smiled as Horace took his ha
without waiting for reply, and went dow
the path toward Helen's retreat. He foun
her reading, and paused at the entrance TO th
walk All will not be deemed an intruder
Miss Helen, have come TO see what improve
ments you have made here since last saw th
place"
awhich was no longer ago than yesterday,
IL. u..l HON haa anti Ill
the periwinkles look after the rain" The
passed through the walk. aud came to larg
rounding stone, almost hidden by vine tina
Helen had trained over it. The flowers wer
now blooming freshly, aud entirely conceahn
the stone, which Helen would not have taken vi
They stopped awhile to admire the effect {
this, and then passed on TO the brook which 70
past at a short distance from them.
al have often wished that the bridge was
little higher up, so we could cross here" sa
Helen, "but papa thinks it would spoil Il
effect of solitude which that willow seems
d produce. He says there is sadness in tho
dropping branches that seems to say let
alone, the brook and we sing to each other o.
k plaintiye melody, and the treadng of foe
steps upon this bridge would break in upon I
harmony"
They turned aside following the course of I
brook, till they came in sight Of sort of bow
formed by the oyerhanging branches Of sol
o. trees covered with the dark brown moss, {
pending nearly to the ground.
There is the wlch's bower" said Horac
"let us go in and invoke her aid in our futI
Ds fate" But Helen shrank back. "I don't Ii
he that place," she answered, shudderiug, i" e'
in the light of midday. | always fancy th
is really dark spirit within"
"But you are not afraid with ref" s
ha Horace,
re, Helen blushed, but she answered gaily,
rs am afraid, sir knight, that the spirit Of
W bower has spells more potent than even y
ie- courage can resist"
Horace saw her momentary confusion,
=. smiled as he followed her toward the hot
where the deepening twilight admonished II
n to enter
N, "You we're long time delivering your
Ms ture, Dr. Clayton" said Mrs. Davis
m al wished to consult the oracle FIRST"
swered he, "but Miss Helen's courage fa
before reaching the tenple."
9r. "What" said Helen, looking up, what
lie liz ture 7"
"Only lecture in my name, in regard
young ladies styling out so late that they IL
have the assistance OF physician in get
home" replied DR.. Davis grasely. al expe'
every moment to be sent for TO hold consu
tion over your case"
aPapa" exclaimed Helen, putting her
over his mouth. Horaces face could moi
be- seen, but be was very quiet. He felt
, Helen was not Indifferent to his love, but
. cold reserve she at times exhibited towards
had kept him from speaking, lest he should l
y. with a repulse Her kind manner this eve
wee wee greatly encouraged him, and he resolved
ali he would soon end the suspense. 1t was,
ever, some time before he found the opportu
i, he sought, as the family was destined 500
" have another inmate, who for while compl'
ns occupied Hslen's attention.
uses Ono u"J ""en iieiea vas "'tAh6 in
II In usual sitting room with her mother, DIR.
II or came in with IN open letter in his hand,
poor sister !" he said TO his wife, "her 81
a. ings are ended at last. She declined so @