Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-06-09
An Original .Storp.
For the Yorkville Enquirer.
TRIAL AND TRIUMPH
BY THE AUTHOR OF "GRAcE TEMpLEToN," "THE
WIFE," AND OTHER TALES.
CHAPTER I.

"What slckly sentlmentallsm Eu"atd'
pray listen:
"sShe loved him passionately, ardently, de-
votedly. Passionately, for she had inherit
ed from her land of the sunny South heart
that would have beat too warmly, pulses that
might have throbbed too wisely, had they
not been chastened by upright principles and
shrinking maidenly modesty. Ardently,
for his being was her life, his smile her SUM-
shine, while her very soul seemed to hold
strange communion with his, and sickened
if the sympathy she craved was not extend
ed. Devotedly, for what was life without
him to share it it?-pleasure had no charms if
he were absent, and sorrow and pain were
robbed of their sting, if he was her comfort
er and her solace.'"
"Pshaw it makes me sick to read such
folly" exclaimed Clara.
"Why, Clara! Are you skeptical as to
the truth of it?'
aSkeptical! Surely Edward, you do not
believe in such nonsense 7"
eff you call love nonsense, [ must confess
do, when think of you"
ooh yesp replied Clara, "of course, love
in the common acceptation of the term"
uWhat do you mean by the common ac-
ceptation ?" said Edward.
"The common sense definition, the plain
matter of fact Il love you"
"That is, Clara"
"Why that is" replied Clara laughing,
~ esteem you highly, admire your character
and disposition, the sentiment you have In
spired me with is feeling stronger than
friendship, in short, you suit me exactly;
consequently love you-that is what
call the common sense definition. But what
is the matter Edward, have I offended you ?
Why do you look SO concerned-you cannot
surely doubt mey love 2"
"The position you occupy as my wife,
might seem to forbid it," said Edward smi-
ling, "and apart from the position, Clara, l
have too much confidence in your truthful
ness to doubt your partiality."
"Thank you, Edward, and believe me you
shall never have cause to regret that conf
dence and if I confess that / could exist
even were l doomed to an indefinite period
of absence, and acknowledge there is no su-
pernatural soul-communing between us, you
must not judge your welfare is Indifferent to
me, or, that am incapable of sympathy
So, lay aside that sober look and tell me
where your thoughts are wandering"
"Well, put down your book, Clara, and
come and sit beside me, and at the risk of
being called sentimental l will
The young wife took her seat beside him
with some wonder, and a slight degree of
timidity in her manner.
"You do not fear me, Clara ?" said he, as
he drew her towards him. She looked up
in his face with frank sunny smile, and
placing her hand in his, seemed to give chat
as an earnest of her confidence.
"Now listen, my little bride, while Imake
a confession. I am not very young as you
may see, if you look at the silver threads
that intersperse these elf locks of mine. l
think, Clara, I must have been in the first
flush of manhood when you reposed, tiny
thing, in your mothers arms. Let me see,
how old are you"
81 was seventeen last May" she replied.
"seventeen Is that all ? yet quite ma
ture age for May flower" he said, smiling
at her look of half serious reproach. "And
am little more than double that You
need not look so euquiringly, I am not going
to tell you my age, lest you cry $50 much as
that was always disposed to be shy and
reserved. and from the fact of having no sis,
ters, and losing my mother even before
knew how to feel the loss, was totally un,
acquainted with female character from ex.
perience, and had such an exalted opinion
of their excellencies, that l feared to OBJ
trude my unworthy self upon their notice,
AS year after year passed, felt more and
more confirmed in my bachelorism. A sed,
entary life and close application to business
wrought its effects on naturally good con.
stitution, and my physicians recommended
relaxation, and change of scene and air. II
was during my first summer excursion that
met you, my Clara. Do you remember our
first meeting? I never should have had
courage to address you, had it not been for
that T must call it Fortunately fall at the