Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-05-17


Der, namely, thirteen. The Presbyterians hav,
seven, the Episcopalians six, and the Roman
Catholics six. The colored people have tel
churches, many of which are attended by larg
audiences
True Love Triumphant.
B. F. C.
l love to think this is true I glory in tn,
thought and it is pleasure to illustrate it, for
is an honor to our nature Man lost amid thu
ruins of the fall, still retains of the marks o
his prlmeyal integrity, and when unwarped by thu
pressure of circumstances he can not overcome
often exhibits nobleness of virtue, which all are
constrained to admire Among the multiplied in
stances of the depravity and rapacity of human
nature, it is refreshing to observe, here and there
heart struggling up above every selfish and un
worthy consideration, and sacrificing upon the al
tar OF pure affection. 1t so often the case that
the purest affections of the most lovely and vir
tuOuS are prostltuted upon the altar of MammOn
that 1t scarce excltes remark, and instance o1
the triumph of pure and disinterested love should
win our highest admiration and appreciation. It is
to exhibit such instance that [ write the fol-
lowing story, founded on facts related to me by a
friend -
Caroline Orne, the heroine of nv sketch, was
the daughter of parents in comfortable circunl-
stances, in one of our rapidly improving western
towns. Youth, beauty, and facinating intellect
made her the star Of many brilliant circle, and
the prize which many heart burned to win,
sway was like that of some fairy queen, for all
seemed to unite in laying at her feet unbounded
homage and regarded it as her due. It is but JUS
tice to her to say, she never treated it hanghtly
or imperiously but exhibited the appreciation of
a kind and gentle heart.
Among all the suitors that bowed at her shrine
none seemed to gain favor, save Albert Fletcher
His was an honest heart, that gave him a bearing
at once noble and dignifed; which added to much
manly beauty, and high-souled, generous nature
I, Tho Ao4oo
he was penniless. Although wealth and influence
sought the heart of Caroline Orne, they could not
bid it love. Albert came, and the tickle god
waved for her his wand and she loved him and
he triumphed.
Great was the chagrin of many others, when she
bestowed on him unmistakable evidences of her
choice and many of her friends blamed her for
dismissing many brilliant offers, and electing
to her heart virtue and poverty. Her parents,
though they appreciated the character of Albert,
could not conceal their disappointment. Like
most parents, they were ambitious for their
daughter and long and anxious did they debate
what course to pursue They finally broke the
subject to her, and urged upon her the claims of
others. She treated the matter calmly and re-
spectfully, and persevered in her preference
This hard trial for her for her affection for
her parents almost rose to idolatry, and she could
ill book the pain of their disappointment
About the time Albert intended appealing to
them for her hand, Mr.. Orne reduced from
husband and father He was aroused one night
by the cry of fire, to witness his store enveloped
in flames In his eagerness to save his property,
he lost his life; and his family left at to
mourn over his death, and condition of compar-
ative helplessnes and poverty. This circumstance
decided the mother, and she refused her consent
to Alberts union with her daughter, and urged
upon her the duty of accepting of her wealthy
sutor whom she had discarded, to save them from
uttersruin
Long and painful was the struggle between fl
ial affection and maiden love. Nights of sleepess-
ness and days of anxiety stole the bloom from her
cheek and the light from her eye; while her step
lost its elasticity and everything told the heavness
of the load she bore upon her heart and that
seemed threatening to crush out of it all the
bright hopes of life. At length she decided and.
sending for Albert, she detailed to him all the cir
cumstances and concluded by telling him they
must part He pleaded with all the earnestness
and energy of one pleading for his life, for a
versal of her decision, but she unaterable.-
Pale as the Parian marble, trembling under the
most overwhelming emotions, she told him the
sacrifice was necessary for her mother happiness,
and must be made. ''With you," said she, '' I
could embrace and endure poverty for myself; but
I cannot for any consideration, add to my mothers
grief and disappointment. We must part.
He saw it all and, rising from her side, be-
came calm with despair. ''Be it So" he said,
and, noble girl, may kind heaven accept your
sacrifice and if never repaid on earth, may God
remember it above. One favor [ only ask, think
of me as a friend, blot not from your memory,
and bestow upon me some token of your love that
once my own, parting mementO.'
Without speaking, she severed one of the raven
tresses that foated over her bosom, and with all
affectionate embrace, hurried from the room.
On the morrow she informed her mother Of the
sacrifice, and received her gratnlations, though
her heart was almost bursting with grief.
But now came fresh trial. While Albert hasted
afar to the land of gold to endeavor to sink amid
its exciting scenes, the memory of his unavailing
love, and Caroline opened her court to her former
suitors, she found that they sued not for her now
in poverty and affiiction. All what picture of
this heartless world of here opened to her
view She groaned in spirit over the bitterness of
her cup and last resort, under the persuasions
of her mother and to shield her from poverty ac-
cepted one far advanced in years, without congo
NAL feeling in common with herself, though he
was immensely rich.
Bright and gay was the saloon of fashion on the
marriage night. Scores obsequiously fattered
her, whom she knew had not title of affection
for her in their hearts, for she was the rich
Mrs. James. Coldly, almost with suppressed
breath, did she pronounce her VOWS, aud yield to
her fate. Calling up every energy she supported
herself stoically through the scene, and rejoiced
when the last carriage dismissed and her
aching heart found shelter in her own chamber
The world said as they retired, "what bril-
liant match for a poor girl - She felt that her
hearts brightest Joy was fed before the glare of
wealth that shone around her, and that heaven
alone could recompense her for the sacrifice
A. year passed, and, amid the turmoils of busi-
=