True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-03-03

no voice TO warn him Of the precipice up
on which he,Was standing.Ni.sai' :
pr Whenihe reached his tweDty!first year
he left the village where be was born, tc
seek his fortune in the wide world. Let
tiers came frequently to cheer the widow
inTherilo loneliness, letters full of interest
written with the glowing pen Of talented
youth. He wenttO California !; and ther
the letters came less frequently. He wa.
practising lawa;nand' the papers he sem
home often mentioned his talents and the
high rank he was destined 10 take in hi:
profession. Olher mothers thought how
proud Margaret must be Of her son !; bu
the widows face was very sad. l wa,
her confidential friend I knew her sor.
row., Brilliant and full Of interest as hi.
letters we're, excellibg in descriptions o.
his active life and the varied scenes thto
which he passed. she would have given
them all for one line from his heart
These were the children of his brain,
these witty, glowing letters and Mar.
garet longed with bitter longing for the
low voice which poured into her ear all
the hopes and yesrniIlgs Of his young
heart and spoken sorrow for all offences,
and craved pardon for them. I, though
| tried to comfort her, argued i'll from this
suddenly Withdrawn confidence. Was
his life such that bis heart was not pure
enough 10 be open 10 his mother She
wrote con Instantly and earnestly, never re.
preaching him for his withdrawn conf
dence, but with strong affection striving
to gain love for love. There was another
in the village who mourned for Edgar 3
absence. Amy Graham, the belle and
heiress Of Cliffdale, had given her heart 70
the young lawyer unsought. He had paid
her the courtesies and attentions due from
a gentleman 10 lady friend, but nothing
more. She had concealed her secret love
from all save his mother and me. As her
physician, I had tended her when his frs,
departure made her SO sad and languid
that her mothers fears were aroused and
she sent for me, 1t did not take long for
me TO gain the gentle maiden's confidence
---and a long trip through the neighbor.
ing points Of attraction brought back the
color to her cheeks, and the light in her
eyes, though knew the little heart still
longed for Edgar's return. Margaret had
always loved this sweet girl and it was
now a never failing delight for the two to
sit and chat over the absent one. The
letters which were SO far from satisfying
Margsrei's anxious love seemed to ANY
the perfection Of writing. She, never
wearied Of perusing them, and comment.
ing upon their beauties. ~ '' " ''aV''Hg
After fye years absence, Edgar came
home TO CHfdale previous 10 settling in
New York, The frst time / saw him., |
was startled with the change in bis ap.'
pearance. The bright healthy color, the
dark flashing eye, and the erect, noble
carriage we're exchanged for thin, sallow
cheeks, sunken eyes and slow, STOPPING
motion, he looked ten years older Than
lie was. He only said a few weeks but
When s'let CIilfdale,a he was betrolhed
to Amy Graham, our fairy lily. ! think
the mother in her unsefsh love for him
resigned him Willingly to Amy, hoping
that what her influence vas powsrless to
effect, his wife might accomplish. y 7'''n
A few months, after, Edgar went to
New York. ! also removed there for
lime, 1t was notlong before understood
Edgsr's altered appearance. There were
no revels where he did not lead his clique
10 the maddest excesses.. Gambling aud
drinking occupied his nights and his
practice was gradually falling away from
him, He had had the good Sense in CAL
Ilornia . keep his head clear for each Of
his causes; and his practice there, was was
Tge. Owing 10 the high name be had
brought home, and the letters Of introduce
ion he had brought 10 influential persons
n New York, his opening there had been
unusually good but he had fallen ID with
number Of rich young men, who were
ray to excess; and the good resolutions
lie had made while with his mother in
Jliifdale melted before temptation. w. ''',I ~.
One evening, I was al a large party
,iven by The lady Of one Of our lnerchan,
princes; and Edgar was among the guests.
)ne Of the ladies, q tall, splendid looking
brunette. stood near me chatting will a
emale friend. | was concealed by the
'illar against which l leaned, and over
leard their conversation. " =" "' y
a. !" Now Julia, confess" was tie first
entence which fell ON my ear. ";are you
OF in love r. = ,i''' ',.,p ~ '.'
Nonsense r. said the brunette, You
re l1 always fancying, Grace, that some Of
our, friends are in love" = ' ''~
~ Ah, but ! have proof positive I! There
a certain gentleman who is never de.
led at your door, with whom you dance
lore frequently than with any other ca.
alier, who has your miniature. All! You
ee ! know" " ''t3 -"
"Well, Oracle, you shall DO my con-
'ssor. ! do love Edgar Leslie; and, as :
am his afianced bride since last evening.
need no longer blush to confess it,"
(" Strange! F! rich, courted as you are,
love poor lawyer" aaa
" His talents will elevate him to the
ghest place." said Julia proudly. II