Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-03-16

Mary, said l, speaking very calmly, l
had mighty strength of will now to support
me. Il have not come to distress yos, |
have come as friend, and hun,bly ask that
you will give audience for few minutes"
She went into the parlor, and I followed
her. closing the doors behind me; and when
we were alone she set tho lamp on the table,
and motioned me to a seat. ..r .....t..-. IL.
"No." said !, Il will not sit down yet
Give me your hands, Mary - .s
Mechanically she. put forth her hands, and
took them in my own. There was won
dering look in her face. and a slight flush had
come to her pale cheeks. ...r. .s. .. ...-.
Mary" continued, speaking slowly and
softly-and know that moisture was gath
ering in my eycs-''you must answer me one
simple question. Answer it as you please,
and take nay solemn assurance that 1only ask
it for my own good Tell ms-Do you love
me? No. no-do not take your hands away
yet. Answer me if you can, Fear not-O
fear not; for would rather 60 forth into
endless night than do You wrong. Tell me,
Mary-Do you love me ?"
Il cannot speak falsely" she tremblingly
whispered For my own peace, peahaps, 1
love you too we'll"
"Listen to me one moment" | added,
drawing her near to me; and when have
told you what have to tell, you shall be the
Judge"
She did not strive TO free her hands. but
she gazcd eargerly up into my face, and her
eye bcamed with a hopeful light.
"You know John Stanton p said.
"Ycs." she replied.
"He was my best friend while we we're at
college, and our friendship has not grown
less. He has been to see me- and he told me
the story of the trials aud sulferings of one of
the scho"l-mates of his earlier days O.,
Mary, think know very well why you re-
fused my hand, aud I blame you not. 1t may
be that our paths will be different through
life; but you shall at least know that he
whom you have loved will so live that he shall
not be unworthy of your knlest remembrance.
know that my feet have hitherto wandered
into the path of danger, but henceforth am
free from the dread snare. Under the new
light that dawned upon me hold the wine
cup to be fearful enemy. and will shun it
as would shun II shameful life and clouded
dcath-bed For my own sake will do this.
SO that my sainted mother, if she can look
down from heaven upon her boy, can smile
approvingly upon the course he has chosen.
And now, Mary. if, at some future time, you
should feel that you could trust your happi-
ness in my keeping, you will give me some
token thereof, and will come and ask you
again for your hind and should it be my
blessed lot to rcceivcit will devote every
energy ofmy being to make your life JOY
GUS and peaceful one"
let go her hands, and bowed my head to
wipe away a tear. had turned towards the
door really intending to depart, and give her
time for reflection, when she pronounced my
name. looked back, and her hands were
stretched out toward me. ...
Not now," 1 whispered. 4 will moi
ask your answer yet. Watch mc prove me-
Only give me to know that have your love
and l will" -....
stupped speaking, for Mary's head had
been pilowed upon my bosom, and she wa.
weeping like child. ......, .'....
Now now {" she uttered, as I wound
nv arms about her. 90, Charles. neve,
doubted your truth. I know you cannot de.
cci ve me- God bless you for your noble
resolution and let me help you to keep it y
cannot tell how long stopped that even
ing. l car only tell that l was very happy
and that my prospect of tho coming years was
bright and glorious. ..-. ..-..
| On the following Sabbath calm and
pleasant-the organ gave forth new strain.
The daughters of Zion Swere no longer in ,
strange laud They had taken their harp,
down from the willews. and, within the cham.
bers of the new Temple, more resplendent fai
than the old, they sang the songs that had
aforetime made joyous the city Of their God
All marked the new granduer Of the music
that sprang into life beneath the touch of the
fairy organist on that beautiful Sabbath morn.
ing, and all seemed moved by the inspiration
To me it was like holy outpourings Of q re.
deemed soul, and with bowed head folded
hands gave myself up to the sublime inau-
ence. As Mary turned from the instrument
l caught her eye. Mine was dim with mois.
ture, but hers was bright, cleaning with
glad seraphic light.
We went out from the church together.
Ere many weeks had passed another hand
pressed the keys Of the organ, for Mary Gran.
vile was not in the choir. She knelt before
the altar-knelt by my side and over US both
the aged clergyman stretched his hands with
prayer and blessing.
And again VIC went out from the church to.
gather-Mary and I-out into life--bound
heart to heart, and hand, to love, honor, and
cherish foreverIncre.
I a L.