Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-05-08

asked.
you seem in Miss Stewart
.Oh. no: I am as well as usual
Your health, then, / infer, is gener-
ally poor @
"a slight headache perhaps. then,
said Dick.
Ear from It. SIR
Then, perhaps stroll in the garden
would be agreeable.
Il am very sorry to be forced to re.
fuse your kind offer, but an unfortunate
lameness, contracted in childhood. pre-
vents me from enjoying such beautiful
night
what thought Dick. such crea-
ture lamel Ali now ] know the secret
Of her not rising
That night strange dreams haunted
Dicks couch. A beautiful being, the
likeness in form and feature of Mary
Stewart came to him, and as he was
about to embrace it. ran limping away.
On waking the next morning Dick
resolved that on the succeeding day be
would return to New York. But. alasl
for the resolves Of the youth who has
once felt Loves magical power. The
next day and the next slipped away and
still found Dick Meade at Mary's side.
The days heightened into weeks, and
vet Dick remained in B.
Poor Dick! He was perfectly niser-
able. The fact OF the business was. he
was in love with Mary Stewart. and yet
her unfortunate lameness seemed an in
surmountable barrier. Twenty times
had he resolved to throw himself at
Msry's feet, and offer his heart and
hand, and as often would he restrain
himself.
What queried Dick, go through
life with limping toddy! No, neverl
And yet she is beautiful. But what
would her beauty avail If l brought
her in contact with my city friends
The handsome dashing Dick Meade
would be the butt Of a thousand gibes
and ieers. No; l will return to town
tomorrow.
There was a fierce battle raging in
Dicks breast between love and pride.
First love would seem to win the con-
flict. and then pride would make a
fresh attack and put love, for a while.
to flight; but love at last proved vic
torious.
The next day Dick did not return to
town, but threw himself at Mary's feet,
and offered her his heart, hand and for
tune. Yes, the dsshing Dick Meade
was conquered at last, and having
stood fierce siege of mammas and
fascinating daughters, and by lame
girl.
L love you, Mary, and would make
you my wife,
No, Mr.. Meade, it cannot be.
would not expose you to ridicule.'
Let any one. by look or deed. dare
to insult you, and l will have his life.'
But you, Richard, young, rich and
handsome, could not long love the poor
cripple For a while perhaps. it would
be well enough. but the world with its
gay allurements, would soon draw you
of. You must look farther and find
one who can Join with you in all the
pleasures of fashionable life
sOh, do not talk thus. Give me the
right to guard you. and 1 will watch
over you night and day. nor for mo
ment allow myself to mingle in the fol
lies Of life.'
Il would not keep you from them
nor would l wish to be the means o
restraining you from all pleasure
Therefore, Richard, must refuse you
offer.'
MARY, you must be mine. You ar
the first woman who had ever awok'
such holy feelings within my heart
You do not love me-
Il do love you, Richard, very dearly
and it is that love that prevents m.
making you an object of scorn ant
ridicule. 1 cannot become your wife.
Still Dick believed in the old motto
Faint heart never won fair lady, so h
commenced vigorous attack on Mary
heart, which ended after considerabl
debate. in Mary's promising to becom
Mrs. Meade.
You will never regret your decision,
said Dick, for / will prove a true bus
band,'
4 fondly hope so.' answered Mary.
You speak as though you doubie
my constancy.'
l must confess my heart is 6lled wit
doubts; but it may prove as you say
Dick returned to New York to max
preparations for the wedding. Th
story was circulated among his scquair
tances and friends, that he was abor
to marry a country girl, and worse tha
all, lame one; and many laugh ws
enjoyed at his expense. Some insiste
that the intended Mrs. Meade had br
one extremity, while others insisted sh
. had cork leg. But they were all yer
careful in Dicks presence, for the
: knew his passionate nature. Still Die
{ heard all through confidential friend
1t was when fretted by such taun
!, that he regretted his choice; and it wt
. only g sense of duty that kept him tru
to bis promise. But when he W,
again BY Mary's side he forgot all b
:, cares and lived only in her smile.
q At length the wedding day arrive,
: and Dick standing by Mary's sid