American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-01-03

serted itself in that one moment, and L
confronted the cotton bought beauty as
one who had fully triumphed over foe
too Insignificant for my anger.
But, even as | stood there before the
worldly woman, the vision, as it were,
lifted away the curtin from my own past
what never before had impressed me-
Oracle, little Oracle, seeking TO soothe
me in my boyish nortification-beside
me in my hour of agony, at my mothers
death waving me farewell when |
started out in the journey of life Gra-
Gle, the ever true, ever gentle, ever good.
Oracle, first to understand me-the last
to leave me. Oracle, who, through all
the long years, had been true to my mem
ory-faithful to her own pure impulses
tor, had she not, in that hour, avowed
all
The vision passed like flash, but it
was enough to teach me new truth
An almost inexpressibie tenderness--a
yearnng to atone for great wrong com
mitted, filed my heart; and sudden res
olution prompted me to accept the invita-
tion to stand as eighth groomsman. My
manner was that of one who had won in
a life-and.dcath contest--composed, de
liberate; while, within, my heart was ter
ribly, deeply moved.
The losers passed on, leaving us alone.
Oracle arose to go, so heavily burdened
with her confusion and pain as to make
my eyes fill with tears.
"Darling Gracie--angel Oracle y The
words were uttered BY my lips in a tone
which seemed to issue from the very
hearts centre, for they thrilled and star.
tied me by their intense fervor.
Oracle paused like one in a dream
She gazed intently for moment into my
tear dimmed eyes, then the crimson all
left her face, and she became as pale as
one terror-stricken.
"Gracie, Darlington who have loved
me so long and so truly-whom | have
worshiped, and yet, until this moment,
knew it not-Gracie, gentle, pure and
good lay at your feet the hottest love
it is in my inmost soul to offer Oracle,
will you come here to night and permit
me to tell you of the love hold for you
for you--for youW
could say no more. The pallor which
overspread her face as my words came
forth, passed away, and the rich crimson
came in its stead-but only for moment,
as if some sudden pang had come to ter
rify her timid love again, and she became
pale once more oh, how pale
Clasping her hands over her bosom as
if to still its terrible throbbing, she re.
treated backward from the temple. Paus.
ing moment in its shadow she sobbed !:
Maurice, come to night, but ch, do not
come to repeat such words as have just
passed your lips, for | know-I know it
never can be-never can be !" and she
fled up the walk toward the house as if
pursued
She was not pursued, save by my troub-
led thoughts. The agony imprinted ON
her fair, pure face too real, too desc
lating to give me much peace during the
remaining hours,oft that most nom, ou
of days. How the hours passeo | never
knew. Only | we'll remember the keen
but weighty pain which oppres' ed my
heart, that seemed like heart of lead
and heart of fire. Night found me
there, but not until the shadows had
deepened so as to render the lines stamp
ed upon my face invisible to her before.
whom ! was to bow in supplication and
in worship.
en- tered the temple to find Oracle al
ready there. | moved to her side, took
her trembling hand in mine, and-and-
we'll don't know what occurred but
whom ten O'Clock came we both stood
outside the temple, hand locked in hand,
as deeply, reverently happy as two hu.
man hearts could be.
"Good night, my Oracle, and may good
angels keep you" | said, imprinting the
betrythal kiss upon her upturned fore
head.
There was excitement over the we'd
ding, next day. in the Ward mansion; in
fact, there was sensation, for there were
two weddings, one of which was SO un-
expected as to amaze even the minister
Mr.. Ward alone knew of the arrange
ment. tor, hand in hand, that morning,
Oracle and myself had asked his forgive
ness and consent to our marriage on that
very day, and, not averse to the "joke,
as he termed it, it was all easily all ar
ranged. Oracle became my wife in right
good earnest, and tha, was no joke; or, if
joke, one which may wish may be re-
peated by every single man in the land,
until all the pure aud good women are
won.
Often and cften I say, when looking
out from my own experience, upon the
ways of wedlock:
ALAS, that so many marry, the worldly,
and overlook the richness of a love that
L. ....4 a 4. Ill .uo.lll..tO