Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-02-05


MIS- @ q L L A N Y.
THE TWO BRIDES FORTUNES.
"Wolds are for lighter loves than speeds their films
Of glossy threads which, while the airs serene,
Hang gracefully, and sparkles in the
Of fortune, or reflect the fainter beams
Which moonlight fancy sheds; but ours
WGs blended with the noblest things we live for.
TALFoUR.
had been wandering upon the Continent for
many months, end on my return to my native
land, hastened to the home of my fathers, in
the neighborhood of Windermere lake; and
whilst enquirng after old friends, did not forget
the two fair orphans who inhabited a cottage
within few miles of Us, and who were gene
rally designated ''the beauties of the lake." To
my surprise, | found that both were on the
eve of marriage and that the double nuptials
were appointed to take place on the following
day. The eldest, Caroline Wilton, was engaged
to Captain Pamfrett, who had been in the ar
my one year, merely for fashions sake; extreme
lly good looking; but who was by no means par
ticular as to his modes and habits of life. The
younge sister. Emily, had Mr.. Efingham, a
gentleman almost unknown to his nearest neigh
bor His fortune was limited, although sutfi-
cient to command all the comforts of life and
he had nothing in his looks to recommend Linn,
except pair of expressive and melancholy eyes.
| was too much interested in the fortunes of
the sisters to neglect the opportunity of being
present at their wedding. 1t was fine sum-
mers day not cloud passed over the blue ex-
panse of heaven; and the birds and flowers
seemed to rival each other in doing honor to the
day. Caroline was conducted to the altar by
one of the handsomest young exquisites had
ever seen. Emily came afterwards, and Mr..
tentation, walked humbly by her side to the al
tar.
The service was performed, and Pamfrett
handed his bride, with great deal of ceremony,
to an elegant carriage-and-four, which stood
waiting at the church porch. They drove off
amidst the acclamations of crowd OF villagers,
whom they give in return their blandest smiles
and the charch bells rang merry peal.
Il have no carriage, Emily !" whispered Mr..
Efingham, Into which to hand you'll" but the
smiles of his bride declared more than words
could do-that in possessing bis affection she
desired no more.
"God bless you both !" said l.
IL am already blest," was Efngham's reply;
'.and know not what have done to deserve
such blessing"
The happy pair turned from the church, and
saw them winding slowly up the hill, till / lost
them beneath the rose and clematis hung porch
of Ef6ngham villa.
1t was joyous sight to me to see such good
hearts made happy; but l returned to my habi-
tation sad and melancholy. Why is it that ex-
traordinary beauty of any kind has depressing
influence upon the spritsa Now that Emily
was gone, l fancied that the world did not con-
tain woman l could love. She was exactly
what had always fancied my own wife should
be, if ever married yet had never thought of
= If LOFT to- ipE Of
At first could not help wondering what Emily
could see in Efiingham. 1t was my own opin-
ion that he was disagreeably tacturn; but | had
not known him a month, when | respected him
as wise and elder brother; and l found no
greater pleasure than to spend qniet evening
with him and his bride.
One fine evening Effngham and | sat togeth.
on a hill, which threw its shadow over the pla-
cid lake, where the quiet stars were counting
their bright shadows.
Thou liest in lovely resting place,
Grading the isles, and first thy guardian hills,
While many streams in rocky channels race
To thy curved shore, and the blue air distils
Beauty in every breath, music in careless thrills.
Beautiful Windermere! The silent skies
O'erarch thee with soft serene embrace,
Beautiful Windermere! Like holy eyes
The stars look down into thy placid face.
Beauty in every breath, music in careless thrills.
We were waiting for Emily, and the conver-
sation turned upon her merit.
ssShe is all ANGEL" exclaimed Efhngham.-
s'Before knew her was discontented and dis
satisfied with the world. My spirit had been
broken by early troubles, and | was happiest
when alone. But my evenings became long, and
wife, sitting and talking by my side. A woman
without edacation and sense | would not have;
and one possessing those requisites | feared
would not consent to live sequestered and alone
with solitary being like myself. Such were
my thoughts when | was introduced to Emily.
She would leave her gay companion and her
dashing sister to seek with pencil and portfolio
the beautiful scenery around this neighborhood
In these rambles sometimes Joined her, and if
remarked picturesque spot, found it few
days afterwards transferred to Emiy's Album
Whenever she was asked to sing, she began with
the air had said was my favorte. Sympathy,
that invisible cloud, which, running through SO
ciety, binds heart to3heart, united ours. / fam
often saw her forsake gay parties for a quiet
talk with me. All seemed hope except hope it
self, and that appeared to me to be presumption
One day, however, it was evident that she pre-
ferred my company to any one amidst numer-
ous party containing many who would gladly
have been her slave for lite, that light broke
on me, which for a time, dazzled me; but then
laid my heart at her feet. was accepted
And now no day is ever too long. l am never
tired-never dull she reads to me, sings my ia
vorite tune to the music OF her harp; we both
love music, walking reading, and retirement. IDl
word, WE LOVE EACH OTHER And here she
comes" he continued, and arose to meet her.
Never did rising sun throw more Joy over the
wearied and midnight traveller than Emily's
smiling face did wherever she went.
left this happy pair, and on the following ev-
ming visited the Pamfretts
"a sovereign bet!" exclaimed the dashing Of
fcer, ''for which of US can drink the most cham
payne or ride to the six milestone firstl"
4 l excused myself, and Pamfrett declared