The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1859-03-30

against my own. Alas! | knew the language
of that silent caress. She loved Richard; but,
with all the fullness of her angelic nature, she
pitied me. She would be my sister.
No word was spoken by either of US We
went out Of the church and went home, under
the night and the trees.
Soon after this, Richard was obliged to leave
US for two or three weeks, on some business
for my father. did not know whether he had
declared his love previous to his departure. |
watched Leonas voice jealously for signs of
sorrow; but it was clear, and full of music as
ever. Indeed, thought it more joyous than
ever. | said TO myself GLOW certain she must
be of his love, to bear his absence SO calmly
The Joy of knowing that he is her own forever,
makes her insensible to sorrow"
Oh, how kind she was to me during those
two weeks. 1t was almost like the old days
before Richard came, save that barbed arrow
was ranking in my heart. The unconscious
hope had cherished in those other days could
never come back again
AT last the time came for Richard return.
Leona was with US. Frankly, as one who has
nothing to conceal, she talked Of the pleasure
there would be in having him back again. AT
noon he came. With eager step he entered the
room but his voice trembed when he spoke to
Leona. | could only tell by that token how
his heart thrilled to be once more by her side.
She was not demonstrative. The voice with
which she replied to his greeting was very
quiet but had never known Richards man
ner so eager, so restless as that afternoon.
In the evening we three were alone in the
long parlor sat at one end among the shad-
ob I'D of ha ct,
where the moon-for heard them talking of
it-shone in at the open window. Perhaps
Richard thought | could not hear, or that |
slept. He did not know what second sight
hearing is to the blind. Not murmur, not
quiver of their voices escaped me. II seems
that he had never told her of his love before
He poured it forth now with passionate fervid
eloquence l listened breathessy for her
answer held tight to the chair where was
sitting; | commanded every nerve to do its
duty; bade my seIf-control to be yigilant at
itsspost; would bear the torture without a
moan; | waited to hear her low words of love
Her voice fell on my ear. Hush, rebellious
heart!-thou hadst no business TO throb so
wildly!
81 cannot" she says; 'oh, cannot! tho't
you knew--I thought you must have known"
And here the tender, troubled voice broke up
into ptiful sobs as she beseeches him to leave
her-only to leave her. Richard makes no
attempt to comfort her. hear him 90 out.
Then | cross the room--I kneel at her feet--I
tell her | have heard all, and then mad i'm
pulse seizes me; pour out at her feet the lba-
ton of my love! cannot help it. Blind and
poor, and helpless as | was, | had dared to
love her | did not mean to tell her. | knew
she could never return it. But, when heard
her greve, | longed so to comfort her. |
wanted her to know how gladly | would die TO
give her peace. O
Oh! how can tell the story! She did not
spurn me! Once more, in the darkness, her
tender arms were laid about my neck. For the
first time | felt upon my forehead the kisses o.
her fresh, pure lips Her words were solemn
and earnest: 'sDo not die for me. Live! live
dear Allen! and, if you love me, let me be youl
wife"
When our betrothal was made known, there
was a struggle in my brothers heart. He loved
me; he strove to rejoice in my happiness, bu
he could not stay to witness it. l, who knew
Leona's worth, did not blame him. He lef
home the next week for year of foreign traVe
and three weeks after, Leona became my wife
Leona insisted on a short bridal tour. She
must take her blind husband to her friends in
town. l was, however, little sensitive about
exposing any misfortune to strangers. This
step seemed unlike Leona; but l wished tc
please her, and l consented,
The next morning after our arrival, we sal
alone in our room. | wanted to talk to my
wife, but she could scarcely listen; she huttered
around the apartment, arranged and disarrang,
ed the furniture dozen times. | had never
known her to be so restless. Every now and
then she would drop down for moment upon
my knee, and, lifting up my face, would cover
it with kisses; but even there she would not si
still.
At length there came tap at the door, and
she sprang hurriedly to open it. There were
few whispered words with the neg conner, and
then Leona said, gravely, "My love this is DR.
have heard much of his skill; and
brought you here because l longed, for my
own satisfaction, to have him examine your
ewes. | did not wish to mention it at home,
for there was no use in making any one else a
sharer of my suspense.
The doctors voice was very kind. [ liked
that. He proceeded gently with his examina-
tlOQ. L Of i've u1lhuICo L "Ro iii al 0SOAy vi
hope. In fancy, say again earth and sky, and
dearer still, the sweet face OF my bride. Leona
held my hand tightly.
Atlength the doctors verdict came. know
he pitied us-two poor young things, looking to
him to crush or confirm hope as precious as
life. His voice trembled. He said. in low,
earnest tones, God soften it to you. There is
no hope!"
He went out of the room. Leol1a closed the
door after him, and then came back, and threw
herself into my arms. could feel her heart
tbrobbing tumultuously against my side. But
she commanded herself and strove to comfort
me. my poor, poor darlingF" she said ten
derlv, ''ean you forgive me for disturbing you
with this vain trial? did SO long to know the
worst! l could not help hoping before. Now
we shall be at rest. 1t will not be like doubt
full sorrow"
"And you, Leona, said l, "can you, indeed
be content to share blind mans darkened
life?''
She stopped my words with kisses. Hush
beloved?" said she. 81 will be your light
your eyes"
She has kept her word. l miss no pleasant
sights or sounds of nature, for in her have all
things. I do not even need to look on her be-