The prairie news. [volume] (Okolona, Miss.) 1851-1875, 1858-09-09

"But, father said Annie, approach
ing closer, "have you forgotten that
have told you my affections were pre-en-
gagged r.
Pre-engaged! humph thought
that was childish romance, of which you
were cured before this. But marry Ju-
liam De Forrest you must"
Marry him, father! why, | detest him.
l would be casting happiness from me-
even if | did not love another"
Learn to love him." said Col. Wood
lev, with determined air.
Father, / love Frank Linwood. -
The face of the maiden grew very pale,
and her hand was tightly clasped npon
her heart, to still its wild tremblings.
Well, what do you know of him, that
you love him so we'll as to brave my au-
thority ?" he asked, sneeringly.
q know him to be noble and good,
and love him. know him for my soul
companion, and | worship him." Her
eye frightened, and her face glowed with
enthusiasm.
but young De Forrest is r'ch," urg-
ed the father, "and | am sure is quite
devoted to you"
"Yes, rich and without soul What
wealth do prize, save the untold wealth
of the heart, which never changes Oh'
father continued she, looking in his face
with beseeching earnestness, TASK me
not to change my love. Alas, | cannot
do it. 'Tis not frail flower, living only
in sunshine; no, It's child of tempests,
and defes my power to crush it."
"This enthusiasm is unnatural; you
will be more reasonable when you re
fleet" said Col. Woodley, rising and
striving to appear calm.
"Never!" replied she with fervency.
Il have told you my true feelings, and
they are as Interchangeable as love and
| truth can make them"
so you brave me, do you Yor
shall be the wife of Julian De Forrest
He has asked my permission to address
you, and l have given unqualified con
sent, and will not retract. You mar
ry him, or | consider you my child nc
longer"
"Oh, father, unsay those cruel words
| cannot go to the altar and give my
hand to him, and my heart irrevoeably
another's. | promise to renounce Frank
and live only for you; but do not bid me
take unhallowed VOWS. am willing t(
cast the happiness of this life away, ever
though l blight another's heart, but my
eternal happiness is with God. No, ia
ther, / cannot make the sacrifice yor
wish" Her lips were bloodless, her limbs
quivering, and her eyes were filled witt
burning tears Of agony. "Relent, faith
err she whispered through her clenchet
teeth.
Never" he exclaimed fercely, "ant
unless you do as bid you, this is YOU
home no longer; I disinherit you ant
make Nellie Douglass my heiress."
"Then, dear father" she cried, throw
ing her arms around his neck, and cling
ing close to him, as if she feared he woult
leave her, "give dear, deserving Nellie
all your vast wealth, but still let you
little Annie have her home in your heart.
The stern man was touched. Tb'
brown eyes that looked so beseechingl,
into his, revived the memory of his youth
when he had lived in the light of sucl
soft beams, and drawing the resistles
pleader to his bosom, he wept. Tears Q
hope glistened in Annie's eye as she say
that his feelings were moved. Yol
will not doom me to misery, will you
dear papa :" murmured she in ton,
trembling with mingled hope and doubt
"No, no, my heroic child" said he
kissing the upturned brow tenderly
keep true to your early love. freel,
acknowledge that l am wrong; | place
an undue value on wealth, and forge
your happiness. You have stood the tes
bravely, my darling, and deserve an etel
nity of happiness. You have been tru
daughter, and will make true acJe.-
, Frank Linwood is man of fine qualities
f and | hope we'll worthy Of my priceless
child. May | live to bless my children.
The pure, pale face, so beautiful in i
return to happiness, was sparkling in II
gratitude. With fervent God bleS
YOU, father" she left him to commun
! with his own thoughts. Truly,
"a fathers heart
: Is tender. tho the man be made OF stone"
A few months later, a party was gait
cred in the city of M. The parlol
were already filed, when Mr.. and Mr
/ Linwood were announced. All eyes wei
\ fixed upon the lovely face of the your
!. bride as she came forward, leaning grac
! fully upon the arm of the proud hu
!. band. Stanley heard with astonlshme
Il Of their nuptials. He thought he bad ,
!. fectually prevented it, by winning 7,
y fathers opposition, and much annoyed