Newbern weekly progress., 1862-04-26
From the wide World.
I N L z
Tge Qnaor0Oa 8tioe,
A TALE OF GEORGIA.
BY ELLA GORDON.
From the wide World.
CHAPTER /.
BY ELLA GORDON.

light as the red, round sun peepe0 up
from behind the distant hills and cast
his beams full into the chamber of I'm
ogene Sumner, who, on her bridal
morn, was as sad picture of grief and
misery as one would care to see.
There is no tinge of rose on her pale
cheek, and around her small, beautiful
mouth fingered an expression of des-
pairing agony, very pitiful to behold
in one SO young and beautiful
Heavily dropped the thick, curling
lashes over the large violet eyes; and
the bright, golden hair, which impris-
oned thousand sunbeams, was tossed
wildly back from the sweet oval face
one small iewelled hand clutched con-
yu.sivcly the glittering maze, and the
other was pressed upon her heart, as if
to still its quick pulsations.
The slanting sunbeams of that sun
ny June morning came futtering
through the half:open easement, and
with their golden brightness lighted
up the rich gems, gilded mirrors, and
gorgeous furniture Of the spacious
chamber appropriated to the use of the
young heiress of Bcechwood.
The broad domain sloping away
from Beechwood Hall, intersccted by
silver streamlets and dotted with
groves and woodland, with its green
lawns and sunny reaches Of meadows,
all belonged to the fair girl who sink
ing down in her rich bridal robes,
murmured despairingly:
"God help me! But for the terri
bic dread and fear with which l re-
garded ny father, should not now be
forced to bestow my hand On one
whom shrink from in every fibre of
my being; whom abhor with de-
testation the intensity Of which can
not express !"
With convulsive slludder the girl
arose, and approaching a small escri-
toire drew forth chain of exquisite
workmanship, from which depended
golden locket, containing the minia-
ture of young and handsome man,
of apparently about three-and-twenty
summers. Around the broad, white
brow clustered masses of soft, chestnut
hair; the clear, hazel eyes beamed
with glance of truth and tenderness
All expression somewhat grave and
earnest rested around the proudly
curved lips, which spoke Of strength,
will and power it was cast of face
denoting integrity of purpose and high
resolve = face upon which a woman
would love to gaze, feeling Instructive
ly it was one which she could trust
and rely upon.
The girl looked upon it long and
earnestly, and as she gazed she grew
calmer, her sobs ceased and tho storm
ofpassion gradually subsidized.
"Dear, dear Victor!' she mur-
INJURED, softly then pressing it to her
lips, she restored it to its place. AS
she did so, low, mocking laugh fell
upon her ear, and scornful voice ex-
claimed:
"Ha! my fair bride mcthinks you
will soon forget these love.fancies.-
Once my wife, and permit no whin-
ing over past lovers!"
A proud flush mounted to the very
brow of the girl, tinging even her
slender throat and neck, then died
away, leaving her of marble pale
ness.
Colonel Marchmont, you will
please leave my apartment! Why
do you thus intrude upon my presence?
Leave me Il command you I" she
said, haughtily."
Again that low, mocking laugh
Imogene's eyes blazed as she heard 1T,
but controlling herself with strong
effort, she met his glance with a gaze
as steady and defiant as his own.
-" You are ever beautiful, matchless
Inaogene !--alike in the stormy ebulli-
ton Of passion, or iii the calm sun
shine of serenity. At all times am
your devoted admirer.a 1mogene, my
hearts choieel my guiding star! let
me teach you to love me as / would
be loved love me with tho strength
and fury of the storm, the tempest and
the blast Yield me a love which
will overcome all obstacles, overlook
all faults, even if it be that of--crss,se
itself; love me, Imogene, as the de-
voted, adoring woman, not as the
proud. scornful beauty. Such is the
love i crave, which / pray for at
morning, noon and night! Speak,
Imogene, say that it shall be mine p
and seizing her hand, Colonel March
mont raised it to his lips and covered
itewith kisses.
Like snow-drift il, wliteness grew
Imogone's face. as, speechless and i'm
movable, she listened to his words
Colonel Marchmont bent over her; a
.bewildering, fascinating smile parted
his lips, displaying his white, beauti
full teeth, and his eyes wore the as
sunled look of man who, having
pleaded we'll, thinks he has gained his
cause.
He was . man about thirty-five