The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1860-12-13
9n g'rtmsstiing storg.
MY FIRST LOVE-
I 7.


what the occupation which took up our
time, continued my assiduities to Lady
Maria, the daughter of poor earl, but
the heiress to a distant relatives wealth
and estates.
Tom was equally attentive, but 1 am
bound to say that his attentions were not
equally well met My heart began to
beat as found myself the favoritc. Wild
visions of the future began to cross my
brain. l wanted few months of being
: of age, when 1 should become my own
master and that of small property l had
from my mother.
No selfish reflection on the folly of mar
rying ON three hundred year entered my
head. That was precisely my income, be-
sides my pay. thought I could live up
on it; and even so blissful did the prospect
seem, that I actually determined to sell
out rather than delay my happiness. 1
believed in but,one thing-my love, ar
dent, devoted and sincere, for Maria.
Men, and women too, have the cruel
courage to laugh at these early passions,
and to cover them with ridicule. 1t is
possible that many, perhaps the majority
of youths, are incapable of feeling love ell
durable and eternal at SO early a period
of their career. On this point am inca,
pablc Of giving an opinion. But this do
know, that in my case it was the one pas
sion of my life. 1 felt as keenly, as deep
ly, as devotedly as ever mortal man did
feel-morc keenly, I do believe, than those
whose bluntcd feelings arc in after life at
tracted by beauty and grace.
Life had no charm, existence no delight
save her. Others thought so, too; and, as
l was aware Of my brothers preference, |
brought the affair to an issue.
1t was Christmas eve. The day was
lovely. The snow was hard and crisp and
dry. Shakespeare's line would truly not
have applied, for no
Grain and wind beat dark DcCcHlDcf.
We had walked out. I, as usual, by the
exercise of little maneuvcring, had La
DIV Maria on my nrm. My brother Tom,
who was slower in his movements, was
forced to content himself with sister Fan
ny.
Isuppose he did not wish to appear to
watch us: so as we came to Dilcot Lane
he turned to the right as we turned to the
left. The paths met about mile below.
Our path was down q valley, with rows
of dark fir-trces on either side-a shelter
ed pleasant place it was in the summer,
and not without its attraction in the Win
ter, even if its being free from gusty wind
puffs were alone considered. About a
quarter of the distance was passed over in
silence. could not talk. Lady Maria
tried me once or twice. I answered her
in monosyllables. At length she began
the conversation in o tone to tender and
considerate could not but respond.
aDear Harry" she said, "are you not
wellT
"Well enough in body"
"WhatY' cried Lady Maria, in herjoyous
tone, something pressing on your mind
Can YOU find no physician ! Can L do
anything"
aYou and you only" said very grave
ly.
She looked at me with a keen and pen
etrating glance, which shall never tor
ret She turned pale as she did so. and
ben, her eyes upon the ground
DWELL, Harry" she said, sadly.
aMaria, it is no use my Disgusting the
truth any longer. love you-I love you
with all my heart and soul. Nay, do not
interrupt me. From the very first even
ING came home my senses have left me-
I am wild with intense, earnest passion.
Mine is no days fancy. l have cast my
whole soul upon this one issue-you OF no
thing. With you this earth would be the
most Joyous of earth without you,
dreary waste. I have not spoken with
ont reflection. Maria, 1 have said that l
wish to succeed in life, but 1 begin to fam
cv that love is worth all ambition. am
willing to leave the army, In few
months I shall be of age; my fortune is
small; but if dared to hope that you
vou-could but learn to love me, it would
be enough for both.
"Harry, is it possible" )" said the lovely
girl, with beaming eyes, "that you
know not of my wealth-of my for