Smyrna times., 1861-03-21

aud wishing TO know whether absence would |
wear it off-for it had always been my deter
mnation, that when welded, it should not be |
merely union of hands, but union of hearts
i determined, without limiting the object of
my journey to Maria, or even giving her the
slightest reason to suspect the nature of my
feelings towards her-to take the journey and
II time did not alter my heart when returned,
to offer myself to her. went on my journey
visited Ill noted paces-mingled in company
as much as possible-trfed with the ladies in
the fashionable way; still, though surrounded
with beauty in every engaging form-though
fattered and caressed-after all, thought of
Maria caused throb, which none ofthe lovely
ones around me could create. Her image
kept fast hold on my heart, and wouldn't leave
it. Finding, after an absence of six months,
that the complaint which caused me to leave
home increased rather than diminished, / has
tened my return. and arrived home oh the
aforesaid first OF January.
When reached Mara's place of abode and
began TO ascend the steps in front of the house,
my heart quailed a little. l began to grow
faint hearted, and to think in which manner |
should pop the question: regretted that
had not studied my part before left home. l
hesitated as ! took hold of the beIl-knob, my
breath grew shorter, and my nerves shook
| was relnqushing my hold with the intention
oftaking short STROLL round the square to think
over what 10 say--in fact, got half wa v down
the steps, thinking would put off my decara-
tioR until another time-when the thought of
George and his wife, and the pleasa nj evenings
we should have together, fixed my wavering
heart. So, with renewed determination, |
turned and ran up the steps, opened the door,
and proceeded to the paTlor
AS good luck would have it, there sat Maria
on the sofa all alone, looking as bewilching as
an angel. She blushed as she arose and ioy-
fully extended her hand gave il hearty
shake, and sque' zed it-you know how, reader
dare say. | was almost tempted to do vio-
lence by kissing it, but thinking it would seem
sweeter after the trembling 'YEs,' had been
said, rsfrained.
How glad am that you have returned, said
: she. and how improved you look!
This was said in such a tone of affection that
| began to con over an answer, which would
weaken the ice, and give her a hint of what
was coming.
a Yes, replied, feel wonderfully improved /;
n and it appears to me, there is also an improve
J, ment in your appearance-you-
a But how was you pleased with your journey
# she said. interrup'ing me, while a delicate
d flush passed over her cheeks, did you not meet
with some Southern beauty, who weaned your
heart from your native place
Here was fine opening.
: No, Maria, home is home, and ever dear,
o must confess, however, that i was greatly
!. pleased with the ladies' of the South yet | saw
none would compare with the girls OF my own
It town. AS for being weaned from home, my
II heart is too strongly bound to the scenes of my
lie birthplace, and to the friends of my childhood
TO fear that. There are affections, my dear
2 Maria, that cling 10 the heart md will not for
I'd sake you, be you where you may, or your stu
re alton what il may -.
10 Here stuck for a moment. Thinking il
/! neglected TO strike now / should never gathe
to courage to speak again, l took her willing
II hand and, as the moments were precious-fo
re felt my courage OOziDg away commenced
l, feel truly happy in finding you alone thu
OF evening; have something for your private
g. ear. You will excuse my bluntness--my in
'e tention in calling on you this evening, Mis-
OF The door at this moment opened, and mJ
III friend Adams walked into The room spraDe
~ up, ADD, seizing his extended hand, gave him
ed cordial grasp, although from my heart wishes
lg him anywhere else, at that moment, thai
In where he was. After we were seated, we be
o. gan TO talk in common topics. Shortly after
III | thanked him for remembering me in the dis
| tribution OF his bridal cake. ... Il. y
gs Oh said he, that was wife's doings; yol
Gu huob uef tOT tHdts
Of Indeed, husband, knew not of our friend
I'D return until you told me OF it.
a Husband !-wifeI Gracious heavens! ha
- thunderbo!t fell at my feet at the moment,
IT should not have been more hstonished tina
- when heard those words. Islarled from N
10 seat my brain reefed, and Sudden faintnes
to came over me. | should have fallen had Inc
elf been supported by Maria and George-Ml
be and Mrs. Adams Z - + -#F
ut My dear friend, what isAthe matter! ez
| claimed both, as Ibegau to revive. sd is,e
in NoIhing--nothiug at all, replied, only
he touch Of my-my old Complaint dizzlL esq
lie AS revived, added, with your leave will n
Id tire. g -ElTfTDItt1 - ~ ~ n
Ia They urged me strongly to stay-were fea
Use ful might haVe,a second attack on the wa
IRE home, etc.-but 10 vain. When stood in tn
OF entry, waiting to bid Them good night, tren
l's' bled like an aspen; and it was with the grea
est difficulty 4 made out 70 utter, Mrs. Adan
wa good evening. Ii nearly choked me. - =
op. When got home, and within my room, u
:. first thing did was to throw Maria's weddir
NJ cake into the fre-frostDg and all; and, NOR
over, drove large ten penny nail throul
:, I the card into the bed.post, and then went
my bed | was confined TO my chamber sew
leIe days with o fever. az fhe end of which fine
'ry. got about again. iaI am now quite reconciled
the my fate, and can say MIRA Adams witho
Isv' hafdly summer. ~ ed o1i- 'h4 "Fc "a
eHlf -%--#
,.ly READER, THE MORAL :lJ you are Gn.toue,
1rnJ Instantly and offer gourseiEo Learn fromit
- the danger of procrastiuation. aee7a q s45ai
pe.
eel A CURIOUS CoIscTDEycE.-H- letter from
laws - - 81 ~