The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-07-02
THE FOUR PILES OF GOLD RINGS,
OR, THE VOICE OF OLD TINE!

cloud OF seif-reproach rested on her mind {;
a cloud so light that she scarcely knew
whence it arose, or would have been aware
of its presence, bu. for the shadow it cast
over her spirits. Her sisters smile, as she
babe her good night, had been all brightness
why should there be less joy in the heart
of the bride of Atherton? With her long
fair hair over her shoulders, and her eyes
shaded by her hand, Marion safe in her arm
chair, and gave herself up to thought.
Tomorrow. day long hoped for, and yet
half dreaded! ! am at last indeed on the eve
of that great change which must alter the
whole current Of my life. What new duties;
what responsibilities! But he will ever be
near, to guide, 10 encourage, to make the path
of duty delightful to me. ! shall lean on
him and trust him. am indeed the most
blest of woman in his love. ! would not
change my lot, no, not 10 be empress os the
world. And yet"-Marion heaved deep
sigh, then almost started at the sound Of
that sigh, alone as she was, with the still!
night around her; the color rose to her cheek,
as if in Indignation at hersef-"and yet |
am not worthy to be his wifel He, whose
spirit Is so pure, so lofty, so far above the
world and its vanitics, could titles, or riches,
or anything else raise him' When | am be-
side him, how deeply feel this; seem 10
breathe purer atmosphere, to see things as
they really are; but when am surrounded
by others, them know not how II is-but
there is an influence which they exercise, an
almost insensible power-trifles move me;
kr7w them to be folly and vanity, yet can
spise them as ought TO do. Oh! how
W, am, how worldly; how unworthy Of
him." Marion sank back on her chair, and
her long lashes were moist with her tears.
She sat long, her light burned low, every
sound in the house was siilled. Presently
the walls of her apartment seemed 10 recede
around her, with the strange indistinetness
Of n dissolving Wow; marble pillars arose on
either side, gradually assuming form and
size, while the carpet on which Marion's feet
had rested, spread into wide pavement of
MOSAIC. And Marion was no longer alone;
strange form was beside her, of more than
human stature, and mein unlike that of NOR
tai man. His long silver hair gave 10 him
the appearance of age, but an uneartbly fire
glowed in his deep set eyes. from beneath
his white eyebrows which ovcrhung them
His d-ess was dim and indistinci, ever chang
ing in form and hue; now dark as the lower
ing thunder-cloud, now like the white mist
which curs round the mountain, anon tingeG
rs with the dying tints of the rainbow. In
his hand the old man grasped scythe, sharp
and glitiering: Marion felt that she was in
the presence of old Time.
Look there!" he exclaimed; and the
strange tones of his voice sounded like the
wind through the arches of n ruin. Marion
beheld before her what appeared n white al
tar of marble, sculptured and festooned with
many colored flowers, with fragrance not
like those of earth.
"What see you before you?" said Time,
"what glitters on yonder marble"
81 see nothing but piles of bright golden
rings, like that which | shall wear to-mor-
row." replied Marion. 1t was strange that in
the presence of such companion, she felt
neither wonder nor fear.
sand are they all alike!" said old Time.
Gan are alike save they are divided into
four different heaps"
The old man laughed how wild and un-
earthly sounded that laugh! "They have
been framed by different makers" said he; 81
carry the touch-stone to prove them. See
the first henp-a goodly array, trow; they
are FOIly's workmanship; while passionate
lovers choose from thence, who would barter
life for flower or n smel Flatterers and
the nattered draw from that pile. Folly gives,
and Vanity receives. Poets string their fan
,ies on rings such rs these, and lay them at
The feet of romancc-loving damsels, who
ook upon life as drama, of which they
themselves are the herones. Stand back
Althea nppfoaches-she mast huve n ring
rom that pile"
Then Marion beheld advancing towards
hem youthful couple, radiant with happi- |
,css and love. The maiden was surprising |
air: her white vail half concealed her blush
NC countenanee, but her so!t eyes were fix
ID upon her companion, whose every look |
md tone expressed love the most ardent and |
devoted. lie kissed the white trembling hand |
ipon which he placed the ring, and Marion
watched the welded pair as they slowly re-
red to remote part of the temple. "Sure
y they are happy" thought she. She was
reused by the voice of old Time.
SAIork you the second heap!" said he, point.
ng with his scyihe. "rhose rings have been
ashioned by Worldliness, ever since my
the Earth, was yourg. Those who
eek money, those who seek rank, who sell
themselves for a title or an estate, maidens
who dread to become old maids, the fortune
,unter, the ambitious, the proud = these
hose from the second heap. or such is Ju.
ia, whose bridal procession is drawing near.
ewels upon her brow, no love within her
leart, she gives herself away to carriage
nd to mansion, and strives TO forget that
ri Z. az. ,aofarTv
Marion sighed as the procession passed; ii