The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-04-10

aft gen want to hear Annie Laurie
sung, come TO my house, said a man to
his friend. We have love-lern fellow
in. the village, who was sadly wrecked by
the refusal Of girl whom he had been
paying attention to for year or more
Il is seldom he viii attempt the song, but
when he does, I tell you, it draws tears
from eyes unused to weeping"
a small select company had assembled
IN small pleasant parlor, and were gaiiy
chatting and laughing when tall young
man entered, whose peculiar face and air
instantly arrested the attention. He was
very pale, with that clear, vivid complex
ion which dark-haired consumptiyes so
often have. His locks were as black as
jet, and hung profusely upon square,
white collar His eyes were very large
and spiritual, and his brow such an one
as poet should have. But for certain
wandering look, casual observer would
have pronounced him man of uncom-
mon intellectual power. The words
! . poor fellow " and how sad he looks
went the rounds. as be came forward,
bowed to the company, and took his seat.
One or two thoughtless girls laughed
as they whispered that he was "lcve-
cracked, but the rest treated him with
a respectful Difference.
It was late in the evening when singing
was proposed, and to ask him to sing
"Annie Laurie +" was a task of no COM
mon delieacy. One song after another
was sung, and at last that one was named.
at its mention the young man turned
deadly pale, but did not speak; he SEEM
ed instantly to be lost in reverie.
The name of the girl who treated
him so badly was Annie" said a lady,
whispering to the new guest-but oh l
wish he would sing it; nobody else can
do it justice"
eNo one dares sing Annie Laurie before
you Charles" said anelderly lady; would
I it be too much to ask you to favor the
company with it % she added timidly.
He did not reply for a moment-his
lips quiyered little, and then looking up
as if he saw spiritual presence, he began.
Every sound was hushed-it seemed as if
his voice were the voice of an angel. The
tones vibrated through nerve, pulse and
heart, and made one shiyer with the pa
thos of his feelings; never was heard
melody in human voice like that-so
plaintiye, soulful-so tender and earnest
He sat with his head thrown back, his
eyes half closed-the locks of hair glis-
tening against his pale temples, his fine
throat swelling with the rich tones, his
hands lightly folded before him; and as
he sung
And twas there that Annie Laurie
Gave me her promise true"
| it seemed as if he shook from head to
foot with emotion. Many lip trembled
and there was no testing, no laughing,
but instead, tears in more than one eye.
And on he sang, and on, holding every
one in wrapt attention, till he came to the
last verse
50 Like dew on the gowan lying
Is the fa' of her fairy feet
And like winds in summer signing,
Her voice islow and sweet,
Her voice is low and sweet
And she's a the world to me
He paused before he added
And for bonnie Annie Laurie,
I'd lay me down and de-
There was a long, solemn pause. The
black locks seemed TO grow blacker-the
white temples whiter-almost impercept-
IDLY the head kept falling back-the eyes
were close shut. One glanced at another
all seemed awe-struck-till the same
person who urged him to sing, laid her
hand gently on his shoulder saying:
"Charles, Charles l''
Then came hush-a thrill of horror
crept through every frame-the poor,
tried heart had ceased to beat-Charles,
the love-betrayed,. was dead Olive
Branch