Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1866-10-25
o. RIGl N A [ T AL E.
For THE DEMOCRAT AND SENTINEL.
A TWILIGHT CONVERSATION.
B I NJ A L D.

Twas evening, the sun of a cloudless
summer day had sunk in a cloud of azure
and gold beneath the Western ocean, and
al! nature seemed to revive, as the gentle
dews descending seemed as If sent 10 re-
fresh the parching earth. The fair young
moon rose in hep pure heavenly beauty
and shed her soft light on the pleasing
scene. Man, busy man, seemed to cease
at least for the hour from his incessant
labors.
Two friends leaving the village where
both resided, slowly wound their pleasant
way to slight cInineHce, a short distance
from the village. Slowly they passed
along arm in arm till they reached the
little knoll which seemed the termination
of their walk.
The eldest, was lady who bore traces
Of beauty in that youth which seemed to
have passed yet there was in her appear
auce that indescribabIe something which
often possesses more charms than beauty.
About the medium size, her faultless per
sen combined with her jetty hair, snowy
teeth, and large black eyes made up in
part for her irregular features.
The ether her junior by eight years,
was now eighteen. Though, something
above the medium size she possessed II
faultless form. In complexion they
differed mateIially-the latter being very
fair, with slight tint Of crimson on each
cheek. Her hair WAS dark brown, and
straight. Her large gray eyes were rem
dered extremely fascinating by long, droop
ing, dclicately triugcd lashes. In their
depths was a soul Of tender thought. feel
ing, and love. She was very plain in ap-
pearance, and appreciated the looks of
love given her by her companion, for one
may be said to possess Tore if not beauty.
After sitting some momdGts in silence, the
elder looked sadly around upon the sur
rounding scenery and said: 9 How much
ihis spot, this scenery, recall TO my mind
hours, long passed hours, that have re-
solved and re-resolved never to think Of
much less to speak but 1 cannot resist
the influence of such a scene :"
''Of what are you speaking dear Flo
renee" said Blanche, who absorbed in
contemplation had almost forgotten the
presence of her friend
81 forgot dear Blanch that L had
never spoken TO you of my YOUTH
g And l have often wished, yet feared
to offend you by too pertinent questions
concerning it, but, now we are alone and
this evening is particularly adapted to re-
| lating "reminiscences"
" You need never fear Of offending my
friend. Icve you too much, therefore,
will comply with your request, and tho
years have flown, yet, l never speak of
what [ am going TO relate without the
most poignant regret" she paused mo-
ment TO repress the emotion OF her feelings,
and resumed: ''Kuow then, my dear
| Blanch, that l was not always the old
maid you now see me. ] was once as
young and gay as you are, God guard
| you from the heart blight that made my
heart old even in my youth" Blanch
| looked up in wonder, for she little dream
! ed that sorrow had ever visited her friend
| that the smooth calm brow had ever been
rutfied with care. 60 / had arrived at my
| eighteenth year when | met Walter Leigh
| ton, youth in every way calculated TO
win the heart and please the fancy.
| About the medium height, faultless form
! tOlIloliicu al uatuSOtlle lace ana graceful
manners to which he united AN intelligence
have seldom seen equalled; of respecta-
bic family, wonder not if he gained the
| heart he seemed to seek | loved him
madly, passionately, and /, foolish /, tho't
my love was returned, nor did | think so
without ample cause In my walks, in
public, in private, at party concert, every
place that fashion led US, he was at my
side, he seemed never happy from me, and
l. Oh! it was Heaven to me to be with
him. l. hailed his approach as I might
| have an angels. / dreaded our parting
! as the most dreadful calamity.
g Thus it was for two years, he was a
constant visitor at my fathers house, and
was always welcome guest; but, with
his friends It was not so, for some cause
unknown to me then and ere,a no,r. they
were my most bitter enemies, they sought
by every means to part us, and alas they
succeeded too well. Our marriage day
had been set. (For Walter assured me that
he valued me more than all the smiles or
frowns of his friends, and that nothing
but death could separate us) And
fondiy trusting with heart full of love
was arranging everything for my approach