Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-06-17

| the side OF beautiful cemetry. / was en-
chanted. could not bear the pleasant
conversation evidently kept up for my
entertainment; neither did l like to be
confined in a carriage; longed to stroll
at liberty and alone through the shady
walks, and give myself up entirely to
the enchanting spell which was thrown
around me. AS we drove homeward l
determined to revisit the place next
day alone.
Accordingly, the following morning,
at an early hour, 1 prepared, to go out,
saying that should be absent for sew
eral hours. Once there, gave myself
up to the influence of the place, stroll
ing for hours through the shady, flow
er-bordcred walks, and wild, winding
patches, till at last wearied, 1 sat down
in retired nook, and was soon lost in
meditation. l knew not how long 1 re-
mained there when l was started by ap-
preaching footsteps. I looked up-Al-
fred Fletcher stood before me.
Thrown completely off my guard, l
uttered an exclamation of surprise, then
sank back faint and giddy upon my
seat. He sprang forward and grasped
my hand.
'Mattie-Mrs. Russell, said he, cor
recting himself, nothing could have
give me greater pleasure.
Il am Matte STILL Alfred said I,
and looking up, [ encountered that
earnest, loving gaze, which had sent
such thrill to my heart long years ago.
But there was no dark mountain of re-
serve between us now; bitter experience
had taught us both lesson of common
sense Retaining my hand, he seated
himself beside me, passed his arm a
around my waist, and strained me con-
vulsively to his heart.
Matte, dearest, long lost Matte, may
[ not love you now?'
He pressed me closer to his bosom
These long years of sorrow have not
been for nought, he answered: this
moment of happiness is worth more than
ALL He bowed his head upon my
shoulder, and his strong frame shook
like reed.
Long we sat there, talking of the
past. Everything was explained to our
mutual satisfaction. We were oblivious
of the time, till the bell warned all visi
tors from the grounds. AS we walked
home we talked Of the future,
'Why need we wait, Matte? said he.
Il am engaged in prosperous business
and can place you at once in the circle
you are so well fitted to adorn'
Il must first secure the appreciation
of ny friends here, replied, and then
wewill talk about making our arrange
ments.'
[ found Mrs. Erskine exceedingly
anxious about me; and almost disposed
to give me sound scolding for causing
her so much uneasiness.
After the children were in bed that
evening, and we weTe ftfor few mo-
ments alone, awaiting the arrival of Mr..
Erskine, [ told her ALL She listened
attentively. When 1 had finished l
asked her if had done right? She
wound both arms about my neck, and
kissing me said, You could not have
done differently, and acted as the true
woman that you are. You must invite
Mr. Fletcher here, and We will have it
all settled forthwith
The next morning Alfred came, and
it was decided that three months would
be long enough to make all needful
preparations.
We took house near Mrs. Erskines
and on the appointed day we were mar
rcd. That evening presented Alfred
with the remainder of my fortune. He
looked astounded.
Il have never cared to inquire wheth
er you were rich OF poor, said he; but
as [ knew nothing of the contrary, l
supposed the latter But this money
shall not remain idle. will invest il
safely, and in your own right
Six more years have passed. They
have been years ofhappiness and pros
perity.