Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1859-05-27

~ mum dDOub VIC human uedIJ as YOU
think you do. A heart may revolve
steadily around its centre of affection fol
long time-for so long time that il
seems fixed in its course like planet
around its sun--but sudden strain may
snap the chord in sunder, and the strick.
en- heart fly off in tangent, and never
come back. If you must trife, trihe
with anything rather than the heart. -
We are going to Mr.. Winthrop's to-
morrow, and hope may induce Polly
to tell you little story of her expert
ence in life."
Louisa said she should be very glad te
hear it; then she tried to laugh; and
then having told her mother once more
that she was necdlessly anxious, she went
to her chamber.
On the following morning Mrs. Burnei
met her daughter as usual, making nc
allusion to the circumstances of the pre-
vious evening. In the afternoon they
walked out to call at Mrs. Winthrop's,
having had an urgent invitation to visit
there. They remained to tea, and spent
the evening.
Polly, Of whom Mrs. Burnet had spo-
ken, was Mr.. Wintbrop's sister She
was maiden lady, past three-score, and
had for many years found homo with
her brother. Her head was now silvered,
and time had drawn deep marks upon her
brow, but still there were traces Of beau
ty left upon her face. During the eve
ming she came and took seat by the
side Of Louisa, and after some common
place remarks, the old lady said, in q
quiet way:
Your mother told me that you would
like to hear little of my life's history"
eff you would please to tell it, GER
tainly should; for anything which you
deem worthy of telling must be interest
ing" replied Louisa.
Then let us walk in the garden. -
The moon is up and the air is warm and
pleasant.
They went out, and when they had
reached the grapery they went into the
arbor and sat down.
There is no need that should make
any preliminary remarks" commenced
Polly, ''for l have come out on purpose
to tell you short story, and I shall tell
it to you as plainly and simply as posi-
bic; and when have done, you may
know why your mother wished that you
should hear it.
"When I was of your age people call.
ed me handsome; but still, with all my
faults, | do not think I was proud OF
vain. knew that / was good looking
and | meant to be good I tried to dc
right, as | understood it; and when
failed, it was from lack of Judgment,
and proneness to be thoughtless where
| should have been directly opposite. -
When | was eighteen years of age,
George Ashmun asked me if l would be
his wife. He was nobIe-hearted, gen.
erous, upright man, and I never expert
enced season of more blissful joy than
when / became thus assured that bis
hearts best love was mine. / told him
yes, and our VOWS were plighted. We
were to wait year, and then, if we con-
tinued to hold the same purpose, we were
to be married. / know that in all the
country around there was not better
man than was he who loved me, nor was
there one whose prospects in life were
more promising.
From my girlhood up, I had been 4
sort Of pet and favorite in our socia
circle, and considerable attention was
shown me from all quarters. George was
one Of those honest-minded practical men
who cannot appear different from what
they really are, and who follow a true anc
just cause straightforwardly and frankly
When he had proposed for my hand. anc
| had promised to be his wife, he devoted
his entire attention to me. It almost
seemed as though he could not be devot
ed enough In public or in private, i
was all the same. When out upon oul
social picnics and excursions he was con.
stantly by my side, anticipating my eve,
ry want, and ever ready to guard and
assist me. I allowed myself to get tired
of this; allowed myself to feel that
would like little more Of my old liber.
ty. | even went so far as to feel annoy.
ed by his close, undivided attention. II
was thoughtless, reckless emotion or
my part, but was foolish enough to give
it place in my bosom. Some Of my
female friends joked me on the subject,
and ! finally determined that would moi
be 50 closely tied to my lover. l did moi
stop to ask myself how would feel were
he less attentive to me. / did not reflect
that | might have been very unhappy
had he bestowed his social favors upon
any others Of my sex. Tn short, did
not reflect at all. was only seized by
reckless determination to be little
more free and Independent.
1--WE had a picnic in the grove near
our village. l was buoyant and happy,
anG laughed and chatted with al who
came in my way. We had dance he
fore dinner, and George asked me If
intended to join in The amusement. /
told him certainly. Then he took my
hand, and said he would bear mc compa-
ny; but broke from him with laugh,
telling him at the same time that / was
engaged to dance with another. Tie was
Disappointed could see il at glance
but he took II in good nature. Before
The second dance he came again; but
again told him / was on0aoed He
betrayed no ill-fecling at all, only could