The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-05-26
WOODSFIELD, MONROE COUNTY, OHIO, MAY 26 1853


ly delicate and poetical, and now first
awakened to a keen perception of the
beautiful and grand. OF the sordid dis
tinctions of rank and fortune, she thought
nothing; it was the difference Of intellect,
of demeanor, Of manners, from those Of
the rustic society to which she had been
accustomed, that elevated him in her
opinion She would listen to him with
charmed ear and downcast look of mute
delight, and her cheek would mantle with
enthusiasm; or if ever she ventured a shy
glance of timid admiration, it was as
quickly withdrawn, and she would sigh
and blush at the idea of her comparative
unworthiness
Her lover was eqnally impassioned; but
bis passion was mingled with feelings Of n
coarscr nature. He had begun the con
nexion in levity, for he had often heard
his brother officers boast of their village
conqueSts, aud thought some triumph of
the kind necessary to his reputation as Il
man Of spirit. Bat he was too fuI! of
youthful fervor. His heart had not yet
been rendered sufficiently cold and selfish
by wandering and dissipated HE: it
lcaught fire from the very flame it sought
to kindlc; and before he was aware OF the
mature of his situation, he became really
in love.
What was he to do? There were the
old obstacles which SO necessarily occur
in these needless attachments His rank
in life-the prejudiccs of titled conncx-
ions his dependence upon proud and
unyie!ding father forbade him to think
of matrimony; but when he locked down
upon this innocent being, so tender and
coufdiug, there was purity in her man
ners, blamelessness in her life, and be-
witching modesty in her looks, that awed
down every liccntious feeling, In vain
did he try to fOrtify himself, by Il thousand
heartless examples of men Of fashion, and
to chill the glow Of generous sentiment,
with that cold derisve levity with which
he had heard them talk of female virtue;
whenever he came into her presence, she
was still surrounded by that mysterious,
but impassive charm Of virgin purity, in
whose halowcd sphere no guilty thought
can live.
The sudden arrival of orders for the re-
giment to repair to the continent, compiet-
cd the confusion of his mind. He remain
ed for short time in state of the most
painful irresolution; he hesitated to COM
municate the tidings, until the day for
marching was at hand; when he gave her
the intelligence in the course of an evening
ramble.
The idea ofparting had never before oc,
Cured to her. Ii broke in at once upon
her dream of felicity; she looked upon il
as a sudden and insurmountable evil, and
wept with the guieless simplicity of q
child. lie drew her to his bosom and kiss
ed the tears from her soft cheek; nor die
he meet with a repulsc, for there are mo
ments Of mingled sorrow and of affection
lie was naturally impetuous, and the sigh
of beauty apparently yielding in his arms
: the confidence of his power over her, auC
the dread of losing her forerer, all couspi
red TO overwheim his better feelings h,
, ventured to propose that she should leave
J her home, and be the companion of hi
: fortunes.
lie was quite a novice in seduction, ant
bluShed and faltercd at his own baseuess
but, SO innocent of mind was bis intende>
victim, that she was at first at loss L
comprehend his meaning; g;-and why sh
should leave her native village, and tn
humble roof of her parents? When Il
last the nature of the proposal flashed up
on her mind, the effect was withering.-
She did not Weep-she did not break forll
into eproaches-she said not u word
but she shrnnk back aghast as from a vi
per, gave him look Of ofangulsh that pierre
ed to to his very soul, and clasping he
hands in agony, fled, as if for refuge, /,
her fathers cottage.
, The officer retired, confounded, humili
atcd, and repentant. 1t is uncertain wha
mignt have been the result of the coutlL
OF his feelings, had not his thoughts beel
diverted by the hustle of departure. New
scenes, new pleasures and new companion
soon diSsipated his self-reproach, aud sti
He'd his tenderness. Yet, amids, the sl
of camps, the reveres of garisons. the ar
ray of armies, and evenlhe din of battles
his thoughts would sometimes steal bacl
to the scenes of rural quiet and village
simplicty;the white cottage;tho foot. .pall
along the silver brook and up the hawthorl
hedge, and the little village maid lettering
along it, leaning on his arm, and listening
to him with eyes bcamiDg with unconscious
affection.
The shock which the poor girl hal re
ceived, in the destruction of all her idea
world, had indeed been cruel. Fant!ng'
anI Mysteries mi &5 iirsJ shaken he' tn
der 1rsirn, GEu were sugc9cdea II So:
! tiod and plG'n5 mei4u:h ~. 1Ao had CO
aeii rom her ~fudos The narcl %. l- 1.
--.l lrg ,-aa.s -o u-', s 49, ~
'..s .3..> .,ys.., ..i ...'.. saa a."e
Irue s1uld Of .;rnu, AID .t4....-., .,,.l III,
Jpap Of arms. :oHo framed 4 .ast aCn
Ing gaze attct>nm, a. the morning saf
-f,s...,.., l,,. ~, "a,