Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1860-03-23

smoked interminable pipes in jacks
special den-out-doing all the travellers
ofromance in our stories and experiences {!
It was the riot of health and youthful ro-
mance-not vicious at all, however
the stirring of the blood which would
have its frolic and its laughter.
OF all the youths there was no one
half so popular as Tom Dangerfeld, I'M
less it were Arthur Hewston, his and my
bosom friend. How distinctly they rise
now in my vision as | ponder They
were strongly contrasted in personal APP
pearancc. Arthur was dark, tall, col
lected, almost grave at times-Tom, on
the contrary, slight, blue-eyed and gay.
They both loved Phoebe, but had never
spoken of their secret to each other or
to her. AS to the feelings Of the young
lady, no one could form the least opinion.
She treated both with the same delicate
and winning kindness-her habitual de-
meanor toward young men-and, as far
as any one could perceive, was equally
fond of them BOTH | knew afterwards,
however, and all knew, that Arthur had,
long before, secured the affection of her
warm young heart. Why is it that the
dark, serious, earnest man SO often gains
the love of woman, surrounded by
suitors more gay, desirable" and inter
esting? | know not, but know it to
be the truth. As found. in due time
Phoebe had no dream nor thought Of the
future that was not connected with Ar
thur Hewston. But she did not betray
her secret-waiting with the singular pa
tience of woman, for the moment when
her love should be pleaded for. 1t came
at last; the occasion was great frolic at
the hall, but singular scene between
the friends preceded it. Tom told me all
afterwards, and described their interview.
1t was painful and embarrassed, for they
had told each other all, but Arthur soon
recovered his GOODNESS.
"This is miserable business, Tom,"
he said, with contracted brows, "a ter
rible thing to think of, that we are array.
ed against each other"
Eyes, truly miserable" was the low
reply.
Whoever wins, the other loses" con-
tinued Arthur Hewston, "unless We both
abandon the affair. That, however,
would be unmanly--let us do better. Go
and tell Phoebe that you love her, and
ask her to marry you If she discards
you, I'll try my luck Does that suit
you, old follow p
mo-" said Tom, for it gives me an
advantage. Let us both go away, or de-
eide siya;, By s>hsance which shall speak fret
"Done-there is the backgammon
board. Wen throw for the chance"
With these cool words Arthur Hews-
ton ratified the dice and threw-six, ace.
"Now it is your turn" ho said as
coolly as before. His friend with trem-
bling hand obeyed. The dice we're cog
ged. He threw again-six, deuce.
"All right" said Arthur, "you have
won and / have lost"
"You are not betting y said a gentle,
Representing voice behind them. ''Fie,
gentlemen for shame!v
And Phoebe, with her half reproving,
half smiling face, leaned on the back of
Arthur's chair. He rose.
1T was only trial of good fortune,
Miss Phoebe" he said bowling calmly,
''there is Jack on the lawn, and wish
to see him for moment.
With these words and a significant
glance at his friend, he left the apart
ment, closing the door after him. Well,
not to lengthen out my history, Tom
Dangerfeld took advantage of the OPP
portunity, and poured into the cars Of
Phoebe the story Of his love. 1t was a
sad business, he said to me afterwards.
With the gentlest and most effecting
kindness she said that she did not return
his attachment, although she was his
faithful friend-that was ALL A few
tears from the beautiful eycs--a warm
pressure of his hand-and she glided
away with afaltering step, which showed
how much she had been moved and dis
tressed. Tom went to the stable, mount
cd his horse and set ont for home. At
the gate he met Arthur and Jack, the
latter of whom demanded what in the
world carried him away. Ho made some
Indifferent reply, but while Jack was re-
pulsing q fox-hound and not looking at
him, he bent in the saddle and whispered
to Arthur:
"All's over for me, and I'm wretched
enough. 1t is your turn now. Good
bye, Arthur"
They exchanged close grasp Of the
hand, and parted. All that day and
evening, Arthur was silent and gloomy,
and yet there was strange light in his
eyes. A week afterwards be found
Phoebe alone, and told her how much he
loved her. When servant opened the
door to put more wood upon the fire. the
head of the young girl was leaning upon
the young mans breast, and she was cry
ing.
I must not spend too much time in
these musings. The rest Of Phnbe's
story is soon told. There was no obsta-
Gle to her early marriage to Arthur, and
The wedding day was fixed to take place
in January, about three months from that
time. On the appointed evening, great
crowd assembled. for in those days they
did not marry and hurry off a couple Of
young people without frolic, as If they
ought to be ashamed Of themselves, aud
we're called upon to get away from their
friends and kin, and all Of whom they
had been raised with, as soon as possible.
The hall hIo~ed With Iiohfa from Oarret