Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-10-28


j The ringing laughter OF children caus
ed me to turn my eyes in the direction
! from which the sound canre, ndclastereC
around large table, saw a dozen girl.
examining mammoth doll, which wal
soon to fall a prize to whoever had thu
fortune to win it in the petite lottery, Sc
we'll understood at all village fairs.
Drawing near the happy group could
not resist the invitation extended by the
rosy face attendant, so became interes
ted in two chances, and was in a few
moments, by what process / did not see
declared the owner Of the inanimate rep
resentation of baby hood, destined like
him to hang heavy on my hands.
Not caring for my easily won prize,
gave it to child, who seemed much dis
appointed at having lost her chance. ]
fancied, as she gave me the smiling
thank you,' that the face bore strong
resemblance to the Queen | had so re-
Gently left.
As was about to leave the scene. dis
appointed at no: having learned aught of
my fair friend, heard the exclamation,
There is papa;" and the child to whom
| had given the doll, stood near to me
holding the hand of an elderly man, who
came forward. and in the name of the
child kindly thanked me.
A few sentences were exchanged, and
| learned THAT I had the pleasure of ad-
dressing General v, name we'll
known, and one honored by nations
tears, when few years since he ended
his last battle-the battle of life.
Seeing that | was stranger, he invi-
Ted me, should | remain in the little par,
adise over the coming Sabbath, to visit
The church near the tavern, which invi
tation I accepted for various reasons of
my own.
Catching glimpse Of well known
face, | asked the gentleman :" if he
knew Mr.. Brandon, who used to reside
here?7
Yes" was the reply; a. he resides
here nova gentleman of wealth.
" Is he ?" thought l.
The Generals remarks in regard to
him were blended with admiration, which
removed my surprise when he informed
INC that Robert Brandon was soon to wed
his daughter; and then, without noticing
my confused manner, he kindly babe me
good night.
During the conversation I had rightly
surmised that the Gipsey Queen was the
daughter Of General Y-r; and my
anger knew no bounds when | reflected
upon the fate in store for her should Rob-
ert. Brandon call her wife.
That night my bed was undisturbed
for sitting beside my open window, l
watched the moon sinking behind the
hills, and saw the stars pale and die; and
when the birds sent forth their matin
and the East grew light with the coming
day, | confessed myself deeply LIVERY
deeply-in love.
The sweet chimes foated like music on
the still air Of country Sabbath morn,
and I>could but exelaim, How beauti-
ful," as | neared the little church. A
moment moro and was beneath the hum
BILE roof, and seated beside the daughter
Of General Y-r, the Gypsy OF the
fair.
1t would be more than useless to ask
me what that mornings text was, for |
only remember clear musical voice be
side he raised in songs Of praise. When
the service was ended, | was presented
to Miss Laura, and accepted an invitation
to pass the evening at her house.
From that moment | was determined to
strike one blow to win the hand Of her !
so much loved.
During the evening Mr.. Brandon was
present, and my impotence was scarcely
to be controlled, when he was presented
to me; but when moment after | turn
ed leaf Of music for Miss Y-r.
whisperedin her ear, "One moment alone
with YOU"
She seemingly understood me, and
leaving her seat, she said, Mr.. Alton,
are you fond of summer moonlight"
| gazed out upon the food Of light fall
ing everywhere, but did not tell her
that had passed the whole Of the previ-
Gus night gazing upon thesane, but did
tell her strange tale Of one who stood
near US, and her lips quiyered as she re-
piled
g You are stranger to me. Mr.. Alton,
but | feel panied at hearing your story.
| trust that you may be mistaken; still |
must ask you to consult my father, and to
you both trust my cause. Excuse my
extreme agitation, sir; your revelation
has deeply affected me. Pardon what
may seem in me rude. if desire to be
alone"
I soon took my leave, and early the
next day her father called upon me, and
after hearing my story, he vented his
rage in the harshest terms. Had | not
used every argument to quiet him, Robert
Brandon would have met from his hands
quick punishment. The papers for which
had sent would not reach me until late
that afternoon aud I did not wish to
move many steps without legal power.
Alter a long conversation the General
left me, and, seated alone in my room,
.my thoughts were running wild over the
events of the last three days. A sound
of voices in the room next to mine attrac-
+o1 80 affantinn and I waa fnreod N