Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1858-01-09

to mbeciily. But we will let that pass.
1t is painful TO institute comparison
with what am. will pass over my
early history, simply stating that was
born and reared in Southern State, and
that my parents were among the fist in
the land. was not educated for pro-
ieSsion, but at very early age entered
upon the worlds stage as public jour
nalist. Ny success was much greater
than bad anticipated. Friends praised;
women fauered, and sycophanis lawned.
| was very yOung--,oo young, indeed to
Appreciate the importance and true dignl-
" of ;he position occupied, yet, was
fast winning golden opinions, when the
devil appeared TO me in the shape OF an
angel.
III was at an evening party when ! first
became acquainted with Miss De H..
She had but recently been emancipated
from the school.room and short dresses,
and being beautiful, accomplished, and an
heiress, very naturally reigned star-as-
cendant Of the assemblage. | was per-
fectly fascinated, and fingered by her side
throughout the entire evening.
When the guests began TO depart, | ask
ed ard obtained permission TO escort her
home. Ii was beautiful June evening.
The heavens seemed never so brilliantly
illuminated /; the moons pale light never
cleaned more soft and silvery, and the
gentle zephyrs never famed cheek more
gently, more deliciously, as we moved
slowly through the deserted streets. But
that moonlight ramole, like all others, en-
ded and bidding Miss Mary a gentle
good night turned from the door of her
fathers stately mansion, and wended my
way homeward wrapped in one Of the
most delicious reveres, that ever blessed
a love-sck swain.
Time rolled rapidly onward. My III
cipient preference for Miss De h., had
grown into wild, consuming resislless,
all absorbing passion. TO be with her
was heaven absence was unhearable
: torture. | become restless, distracted,
moody, and negIeclful of my legitimate
duties. Friends demonstrated, enemies
pose. was enchained by spell which
could not be broken, under fascination
which could not be resisted. had every
reason 10 believe myself as passionalely
beloved as was the objec, of my adora-
ton. But was destined 10 be cruelty
aroused from this exquisite dream, this
fatal deusi"n. 1t occurred thus
f had never made formal declaration
of my love to Mary, bu. determined 10 do
so on the first opportunity. That oPpor-
uni,y soon occurred. Her father had
given fete in honor Of her sixteenth birth
day. The company was gay and bril-
liant. But, peerlessIy beautiful, the star
Of the evening, Mary reigned supreme.
was delighted, intoxicated. del-ious
with happiness. She never smiled on me
more conGdiug tenderness than on that
evening.
Al length we left the company unobser-
we'd, and wended our way through the
beautifully shaded walks of the garden
; attached 10 the mansion. Twas a beau
lilul night, beautiful scene, beautiful
girl beside me. and my heart lhrobbed
wildly with exquisite happiness.
We slowly rambled on until we came
to fountain whose clear, crystal waters,
f flashed in the glitlering moOnbeams like
| diamond showers. Here we paused, and
here my fate was sealed. | clasped Ma
' rvs hand gently in mine, and with the
eoq Ience engendered by dellrous pas
sion, poured into her ears my souls de-
vo,ion. She listened calmly until had
r finished when, Withdrawing her hand,
she replied in a voice so cold, so unim-
: passioned, that il seemed rather to pro-
! ceed from a marble statue than human
! being.
"Mr. j., this declaration is wholly un-
expected. l presumed ours TO be harm
less Irritation ; and supposed you regar-
ded il in the same light. If your feelings
have become deeply interested, regret
lit!
thunderbolt could not have more
completely paralysed me than did this
cold, cruel, hesrtless reply. ! recovered
Sufficiently in few moments to speak,
though almost inaudibIy:
Miss De L., is this reply final 2
.Itis Let US drop the subject forever!
Enough !!
And we returned to the ballroom.
Is
Two years have passed since my part
inc interview with Miss De l.. She as
Won see, is the centre of attraction OF tins
brilliant company, whilst 10 God
,ha, 7 sbould confess it-am homeless
wanderer-a doomed inebriate That,