The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1858-12-25

words, though knew not why it should
and quite willingly talked of my favor
lite. | told her all | could rccollcct of
his earlier boyhood-how daring, noble
and beautiful he was, passing unscathod
through ordeals that would have ruined
ordinary men ; and | was glad his own
own words required to me as | talk ed
"give me some modest lily of the valley,
pure as heavens own blue-a woman
whose first love is my own-that is all l
wish"
Her eye kindlcd as it had sometimes
in health. {" | cen give him the last"
she said softly, musingly, "but cannot
be likencd to the lily Of the valley. l
am not good enough for him."
AS she spoke she lifted her eyes to
the sky, and | thought to myself, g the
angels might claim you for kindred, my
sweet darling - but could not speak
my heart WAS too full.
That night | counted over my little
store, | had but five pounds in the
world. Nearly till the gray morning
looked through the curtains, rondcred
and planned, coming to no definite con-
clusion at last.
My walk that day was sad one
Every thing in the gay universe seemed
happy and provided for but me. Every
green mound | saw suggested the grave
of my treasure-for Alice was quite
feeble. had been walking with eyes
cast down, when | was startled By the
inquiry.
" BE you Miss Gorc?"
looked up. A man in the garb Of a
servant stood before me.
" am Miss Core" | said.
"Then this here papers for you. I've
been about here six mornings to find
YOU" and making Il respectful inclina-
';"". he withdrew.
Imagine my cvtii2s formation when l read
the following, in pencil:
My DEAR Miss GoHE They have con-
fined me in the l.. Asylum for the insane
For Gods sake get some one to rescue me,
or Shall lose my reason. l have given all
the money had about me TO induce one of
the servants here TO carry this message. Do
not fail me. am dying by inches.
NIP.
How my blood tingled through every
vein in my body! My heart lcapcd SO
madly that | was forced to lean against
the steps for some moments, not daring
to increase its motion by even foot
step. And when | returned, and saw
the sweet, ptiful smile of Alice, longed
to tell her, but did not dare, as sud-
den knowledge of the circumstances
might be fatal to her then weak state
Collecting my thou ehtS, | instantly set
about the business of restoring poor
Paulson to liberty. did not dare to
be seen leaving the house, for doubted
not there was a watch set over lie
neither did think it prudent to send
letter by the post. The distance was
somewhat less than forty miles, so | en-
trusted young man, the son Of our
vicar, with note, stating that | wished
to see the doctor of the establishment ON
important business, and sent him suili-
cicnt money to pay his expenses for the
journey. lie came two days afterwards,
noble-looking man, and | did not doubt
but that my story would move his heart.
led him into Alice. lie seemed deeply
touched, and very indignant-said that
the young man lad been sent to him, his
insanity testified to by her ladyship's
own doctors, and promised me that the
case should be thoroughly investigated.
For nearly week longer was kept i'll
continual and torturing suspense, though
| forced myself to appear calm before
! Alice.
had left my room one evening just
as the twilight was deepening, and as |
entered my chamber above, heard a
wild shrek from Alice. Almost flying
back, | saw my darling lying sensoless
on the lounge and Niles Henry Paulson
on his knees beside her, calling in frantic
tones, by every endearing name, to look
at him, to speak to him.
"You have killed her." sad.-
"This shock will be fatal TO her."
] could not welcome him; could
think Of nothing but my poor, pale
darling,
"She saw me from the Window" he
said, much agitated at my words. " Do
not blame me, Miss Gore; | have suf-
fered much for herr
His lips quivered, and there were
tears in his eyes. At that moment Alice
came out of her swoon; she smiled faint
ly in our faces, and held out both hands
towards him. He caught them with a
passionate eagerncss, still kneeling, and
drew her head to his bosom. protest
never saw swecter sight.
"Alice, you must be my wife to-
night" he said.
For reply, the nesting head moved a
little nearer to his heart. lie looked
into my face, and-was understood
For time there was wild excitement
in our humble home. The good woman
who had taken care of us rifed the little
garden of all its brilliant flowers, and
while Niles Henry partook of some re-
freshnent, | was busily arranging my
darling for her bridal. She was very
calm, much more so than myself |,
looking in her clear eyes, feared it was
unnatural. She was weak, and had not
been able to stand or walk without assis-
lance for many days but never did see
q lovelier vision than she presented, loal =
ing against the arm of the loungc-thc
flowing tresses braided with star-like