Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-15

AZ
she tried to bear up but there were
tines when her heart sank within her
for he, her hearts idol, had proved false.
Her quick ear had caught the discord in
his voice, and calmly she babe him fare.
well, and besought him to seek a more
fitting companion to cheer the upward
way Of his life. 1t was a bitter trial
none but the racked heart, weeping over
its shattered treasures, Q know how
bitter. Life's goblet is brimming with
such, and many who unwillingly quaff the
cup to its dregs learn to bless the draught
that carries with it joy on the wings OF
the future.
Early morning, and Herbert yelling
ton vas leaving his country home for a
life in town. Eugene had walked with
him to the village, half a mile dis
tant-had uttered the good bye !" and
now slowly, with bowed head was re-
tracing his steps-a rustic by his side-a
faint -footstep-and Amy Lees ~silvery
voice arouses him. /" Eugene, is it you +?
| thought it must be your step-so sure
and strong. | should know it anywhere.
But tell me, is your brother gomez"
Eugene started. How came she there,
and alone? "Amy-Miss Lee II
"Call me Amy" said she, that is best.
| always hear my mothers dear tones
echoed in the name !"
Her companion paused he saw her
weak, and trembling from the over exer-
ton Of her long walk. he dared not
question her why she came, but seeing
her agitation, with ready tact, strove to
turn her thoughts il a different direction.
"Do you like violets. Amy !? there are
some beautiful ones growing here close
by the way side you look tired-come
and rest beneath this beech; my coat will
make a nice seat there l-are you com.
Portable? Now, which will you have
blue OF winter IL
Blue or white repeated Any, dream.
ingly-" white is hopes color-and the
blue wear the hue of heaven = and then,
as if suddenly recollecting herself she
said, Gather me both | always loved
~violets aud you, Eugene, used to gather
them for me years and years ago. Do
you remember down by the brook there,
how beautiful it was? The tall, straight
poplars just above the bridge, the bend
ing willows that kissed it's banks, the
golden buttercups and dandelions. Oh,
Eugene 1t seems as if l would willingly
shut my eyes if | might only look on that
sweet spot once mere"
The tears fell thick and fast while she
| spoke. but she saw them not-neither the
trembling hand. Oh, had he ever for
gotten? Was not the memory Of these
happy hours far back in the past, shrined
in his heart never to be given up?
Are you happy, Eugene?" continued
Amy, as he returned and seated himself
by her side.
Happy ?" said he, why should | not
be ?"
"Idon't know, | am sure" replied Amy
+" only it seems sometimes so strange that
any n can be glad. Did you know my
world was covered with ablack pail, that
my future wears no silver livery ?"
can think how easy it would be
To lie down like a tired child and dream away this
life of care;
but oh to live-to know how to live n
Don't dear Amy" said Eugene; 'herel
take these--I had nearly forgotten them.
Does not the fragrance Of their soft leaves
send n little ray Of light to your heart !!
Oh, Amy you may yet look up at the blue
sky. We will still hope. God never
forsakes u.s."
Ills not that, good Eugene-not the
loss of eyesight that ! SO much deplore
but the loss of something far more valua-
ble-faith in the love Of one dearer to
him than life ; the fading Of that bright
dream brings a night indeed, for my SOU
walks in darkness. Oh, why did he not
come just once more, this last morning I
But What was | talking about 1t is
SO chilly here take me home"
A death-like paleness stole over her
countenance, the white ingerscoryulsive.
" elutched the fraiI ~violets, and Amy Lee
had lost herselfin sweet Inconsistencies
Eugene lifted the slight form in his
arms for a moment he staggered, moi
with the weight of his burden-he could
carry the frail girl as easily as an infant
but pent up emotions long slumbering be
meath a calm exterior for a moment OBJ
tanned the mastery-his lips touched the
pale brow. Gathering strength, he sooI
reached her.home, when r~estoratlves were
immediately applied, but all to no pnr
pose-and Eugene hurriedly departed fol
a physician.
A long illness followed-we will no
call it painful, for forgetfulness shut out
all the unpleasant present. il was thu
awakening-the long convalcscence, tina
was painful. Eugene anne every day to
inquire after the invalid, his kind voice
medulated to a sick room murmur, soor
came to be very grateful to the wear.
girl. AS she grew better, be would tan
to her for long hours, but never Of him
self. His mind seemed o~ver;running witt
the most beautiful conceptions he liveC
as it were in an ideal world, of which sh'
alone possessed the magic key. His has
been a strong inner life-outwardly
had been calm and beautifuI-but it wan
ted the warm light and delicate ~colorinl
that was now making it whole. Th