The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-06-03
THE VOICE OF OLD TINE ;
THE FOUR PILES OF GOLD RINGS FOR
BRIDES

EIlesmere retired to her room the nigh,
before her wedding. A light cloud of self
reproach rested on her nind a cloud so
light that she scarcely knew whence it rose,
or would have been aware Of its presence,
bat for the shadow which it cast over her
spirits. Her sisters smile, as she babe her
good night, had been all brightness why
| should there he less jov in heart Of the
bride Of Atherton? With her long, fair
hair over her shoulders, and her eyes sha-
ded by her hand. Marion sat in her owr
arm chair. and gave herself up TO thought.
"To.morrow 2 day long hoped for, and
yet half dreaded. am at last indeed on
the eve Of that great change which must al
ter the whole current Of my life! What
new duties :! what responsibilities Bu,
he ever will be near to guide, to encourage,
to make the path of duty delightful to me.
I shall lean on him and trust him. an
indeed the most Llest of women in his love.
| would not change my LOT, no not to be
empress Of the world. Aud yet"-Marion
heaveo a deep sigh, alone as she was, with
the still night around her /; the color rose
to her checks, as if in indignation at her
self" aud yet am not worthy to be- his
wife lie, whose spirit is SO pure, SO lofty,
SO far above the world and all its vanitics,
could title or riches, or anything raise
him? When am beside him, how deep
lv feel this seem to breathe purcr at
mosphere, see things as they really are but
when / am surrounded 10y Others, them
know not how it is-but there is an influence
which they exercise, an almost inscnsibIe
power-tritles move me. know them to
be folly and vanity, yet I cannot despise
them rs I ought to cd. Oh how weak
am, how worldly; how unworthy Of linn !"
lashes we're wet with tears.
She sat long, her light burned low, every
SQUAD in the house was sllled. Presently
the walls Of her apartment seemed TO reccde
around her with the saline inlistinc,ness Of
a dissolving view; marble pillars arose on
every side, gradually assuming form and
| size. while the carpet on which Marion
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 mien. unlike
that of mortal man. His long silver hair
gave to him the appearance Of age, but an
unearthly fire gl"wcd in his deepest eyes
from beneath the white eyebrows which
overhung them. His dress was dim and
instinct, ever changing in form and hue {:
now dark as the lowering tl,unlcr.cloud,
now like the white mist which curls
around the mountain anon tingcd with the
dying tints Of the rainbow. In his hand
the old man craspel scythe, dark and
glittering. 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 articles Of ruin. Ma.
rlon bcheld before her what appeared to he
an altar of white marble. scul ptured and
festooned with many colored flowers, Of a
fragrance not like those Of earth.
"What see you before you 2" said Time,
what glitters on yonder marble g.
81 see nothing but pilas 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
"And are they all alike 2" said Old Time
"All are alike, save that they are divided
into four different heaps"
The old man laughed-how wild and
unearthly sounded that laugh. "They have
been framed by different makers" said he /;
Il carry the touch-stono 10 prove them.-
See the first heap-a goodlv array trow /;
they are Folly's workmanship; while pas.
sionate lovers choose from thence, who
would barter life for bower or a smile q
Flatterers and the hattered draw from the
pile. Folly gives and vanity receives
Poets string their fancies on rings like these,
and lay them at the feet Of romantic loving
damseIs, who look upon life as drama, of
which they themselves are the beroines
Stand back-Althea approacbes-she must
have ring from that pile.''
Then Marion beheld advancing toward.
them you,hfn! couple, radiant with hap.
piness and love. The maiden was surpas.
sing fair, her white veil half concealed her
bIushing countenance, but her soft ewes
: were fixed upon her. companion, whose
every look and tone expressed the most ar
dent love. He kissed the white trembling
z hand upon which he placed the ring, and
Marion watched the pair as they slowly re.
I tired to a remote partof the temple. Sure;
| In, ft,ou kon "a -