Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1866-02-22

bosom and, keeping off the oppc
sers Of his desperate deed, mount
ed the black horse in dispute, ant
flew away like the wind. Man,
persons, at different points on th'
road, witnessed with wonder tn
fury of that reckless ride, and will
feelings of terror the wild looks of
the traveller. Over hill and val
ley, through forest and fields, IL
defiance of stones and streams, he
rushed without rest or pause
throughout the long burning day:
and still the speed and endurance
of the high-blooded Selim bore
him gallantly on.
At length the weary sun sunk
to repose beneath it's pavilion of
purple clouds, and let fall its gold
en- curtains; then deeper shadows
dropped from the soaring SUBMITS
Of the Blue Ridge, and soon heav-
ems dark-eyed daughter, the mys-
tic mother of dreams and silver
dews, the sleep-inspiring night.
spread her black mantle over the
world-that mantle which would
seem like amourner's veil, were it
not adorned by the burning beau
ty of ten thousand stars. But
still the fiery grey eyes of John
Fitch glanced not round for the
tokens of a tavern, and his impa-
tience urged him as wildly as ever
towards the mountains. A little
before the noon of darkness he en-
tered small, picturesque valley,
shut in by lofty hills, and musical
with the everlasting song of a
large rill that meandered, like the
folds of a silver serpent, through its
velvet green.
''Thank God, am here at last
Oh, that it may not be too late!'
murmured the young man, in
mournful accents, as the light of
cottage became visible twinkling
like a distant star among the trees.
Then he plunged the spur madly
into the side of Selim, and a few
more bounds brought him into the
yard, where the horse fell exhaust
ed as the rider sprang from the
saddle and burst into the door,
crying, in tones of unutterable ten.
derness-"My mother, dear moth
er! are you yet alive?"
A faint sound, betwixt a sigh
and moan, answered, "My son!"
The latter instantly kneeled by |
the couch of the sick woman,
kissed her pale lips, and bathed |
the fond bosom which had cradled |
his infancy with the bitter tears
of love and hopeless sorrow. Il
started" he said, or rather sobbed, |
"as soon as | received the letter
informing me of your illness, and |
l have ridden day and night; but,
oh, dear mother! say, are you not
improving? Is there still hope?"
"None, even in the opinion of
the DOCTOR" replied the feeble
voice; "and, but ior the attentions
of that kind lady, l should per-
haps now be in my gravel"
The. youth glanced round and
perceived the blushing face of a fair
girl that, in his grief and agita-
ton, he had previously failed to
notice. This beautiful beingwas
nearly his own years, large for
her age, but well formed and SYM
metrical as piece of antique
sculpture. With all the fascina-
ting charms of the loveliest of her
sex, her countenance presented
the proud air of queen, and her
brilliant blue eyes, even through
her tears, beamed with naughty
fires, denoting the energy Of an
iron will unaecustomed to any
control, save its own free and fet-
terless choice.
'sMiss Juliet Vale, how shall |
thank you for SO much goodness
Ialtered the young man, almost
unable to credit the evidence Of
his senses.
Her features flushed to a bright
er crimson, but she answered not.
Then the dying mother beckoned
he beautiful girl to the bedside,
md, taking her hand, placed it in
hat of the astonished son, muir
nuring, as she did so-"My dear (
ye love each other, and
give you both my last blessing!' |
ss0h, this must be madness!" ex-
;laimed the astonished youth. II
,ave worshipped her, as the ma ! !