The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-04-24
No 81.
The Promise.
T Burns
How often dds thou pledge and yoS,
Thou would'st for aye be mine;
And NJ fnnd hnn,.t itsnlF sn trrn
Itne'er mistrusted thine.


Just seventeen years ago Eliza murry was in the
prime of young and aidenly beauty fair the
that blossoms in the cultivated garden of art as gentle
as the lilly Of the meadow that bends its head to the
summer zephyr; and yet at times wild and reckless
as the playful schooboy that sports on the edge of the
rocky precpice. She was Just such being as fine
youth would love. have seen her in the midst oE
raietv with dirnpe her cheek and pavfuness in
her manner which infused its influence those around
her Many an eye was turned on her with delight, and
many memory frequently called up to mind the smile
that payed upon her when directed towards
him She was at such times in her proper sphere, for
the whole cast of her character beamed forth it spoke
in the playful throw OF well turned arm in the grace
full movement Of syplie FORM and in the merry step
of a pretty foot Yet, with natural volatility she
possessed noble and generous heart It herinten
ton to pursue correct and honorable course-bu she
knew not herself.
The winning grace Of beauty, the smile of gaiety and
the power of fashion, failed to admirers around
the form of woman Eliza Murray knew the truth of
this she felt the force of her attractions CHE could read
them in the pleasure which her smile gave in the many
eyes which rested with delight upon her and in the web
of conquest which she by the flashing out of that
ov and merriment pleaded with early youth Dancing
alone then in the heyday OF her conquest she had still
felt at times the influence which passion is exerng
over Us. !, ! ,.
Harry English was all tha the maiden could desire He
saw Eliza Murrry, gay, beautiful aud attractive, pos
sessing with all hervoatlity, gepenes6 III her manner
a g
conversation which he admired. He offered himself
among the list Of suitors for her hand With the true
spirit of an honorable courshp he unfoded to her his
circumstances his prospects and lis future hopes, de-
sired an intimate knowledge wiling that acquaintance
should blossom friendship and rpen into love She
with the ancient color whch female fancy ever gives
man when he stands before hern the beauty OF love"
sketched to herself the character of suitor-dwct
upon the candid manner IN which he had unolded his
prposps threw her rainbow The future, pledged
.1E nd ,i all and
ton from all society but his own.
Thus far all was right. But in youth we are the
beings of fancy and especially the children OF
volatility live in the delight OF the momen-the gay,
gddv scene is the theatre on which they move. Ihs
was too much the character of Eliza Murray. ! card
for ball to be given place Henry did not th3S
proper handed by who had always proiessed
himself an admirer and she forgot in the moment OF
its reception her promise to Henry. Bat when alone
her situation was viewed in its proper light The cacd
had been take--uo she must and vet she knew it was
wrong but he will forgive thought She and moving
at the moment before mirror she smiled with salts
faction then putting on the arch look, danced merTly
ayay with the exclamation, "Ee cannot withstand that
But her beauty possessed not the power she imagined
Hin visited her the evening after the ball, talking over
the forfeiture of her word cooy and asked her plainly
If she had acted correctly. Instead of freely acknow
odein her error she dwelt with apparent delight upon
the the scene Of the ball told Of the merry company
present and of the poness of her partner and in the
end endeavored to rdeue the idea ohis being offended
/ It was enough-they parted.
Years rolled oh-they mingled together in the merry
scpne-surrounded by the social freside-but the de
-ht which affection for each other had thrown over
the silyerv moments they had spent together, had
ceased Cold familiarity and distant poiteness had
assumed its place saw both, however at length mar
ried.
Henry English had chosen one who had no other
recommendation but mine and person. Wealth did not
throw her wreath of spcndor and power around her
brow But sweet and simple, innocent in person and
mind rich in the purity Of youth gave to her charms
more alurng influence than all the pendor that wealth
brings in its train Unaded they commenced the world
Industry their reliance. economy its helPmate,
The gallant who had been the partner of Eliza Iur
raw at the ball became in time her husband lie was
one calculated tP please amid the gaety OF youthful
society but unfit for the serious and substantial
affairs of life Such was the hasty idea formed as
witnessed the wedding ceremonies. But Eliza Murray
then wore the same gay and smiling counenance, and
the same laughing lips spoke OF present happiness, when
she bid the wedding party welcome as she used TO wear
when she could claim protection from Henry English
waited uDou English and his bride a short time
previous to nv having for home had seen HELEN
Grav often before marriage, but did she appear
Cd interesting rs when after wishing me success when
far awav in the character of Mrs English she took her
husbands arm ahd wandered away over the meadows
Ia her cottage residence also gave friendly shake
Of tho hand and bae farewell to Eliza Green and her
husband with an earnest but secret wish that lie who
was to be the protector of one so fair Ezv Murray,
might be all that husband could be left two Young
coapes then-as happy as hope and fancy could make
the first silyerv mbon Of mattmony.
Twelve years hdd passed awao, when curiosity and
inclination led ME back again the sweet village Of
+ Middletown As wound my way down into the vii
lace the recollection of other days up before me-
thourht of tho5c had left rcyelliug in the Joys Of
slifes lovest period rode lesurely along, marking
the alterations that time and eterprse had made One
neat and elegant mansion had risen spot singulary
beautiful to which the hands of industry andar had
given ali their aid THAT po was the residence 9f henry
English. a
Different very different, has been tue course 81
another couple. Eliza Murray poor girl, we've for
herself a cruel destiny The duty she called upon
to perform Pf extraordinary east-a dls5ipatea
husband to win bc to her. and happiness if possible
little ones to watch over and provide for With moth
ORG anxcty Il wis too naurh--shc sunk beneath the
reirht of it, and left two orphan children Henry
English true to TIM prompting Of his first love for Eliza
steEned forward ahd became their parent. them
both on my last sit Englshs sitting the green
To those Young dies who poruse his crude and simple
tale have but Tord to say matters Of courtship.
Let promises, howfver Tifng, be adhered to with the
stricest faith A|confdence placed by lovers thcr,
S and not betrayed, Eili not be forgotten
A Rog,yrrc IoFE SroRY.-The following story orig