Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-05-04
From the Americana
A TRUE STORY.
BY GEORGE II T.

1t was in the year l8-, that l left my
native home on the banks of the beautiful
Catawba, for the little village of L.,
where my father was sending me TO study
under the worthy principal Of the high
school of that place. My profession had
been chosen for me when very young, by
my honored parent, who was himself a
retired physician From my earliest
years / knew that my studies at school
we're all to tend to that one point-my
future profession. t.
1t was with q shade of sadness that |
prepared to leave my fathers family
mother, brothers and sisters, nearly all
of whom were younger than myself-to
90 among strangers. Before leaving
visited all of my little playmates, my old
fishing place on the river, my little
canoe, and all the beloved objects hal
lowed by the association Of my boyish
days. and babe them all sad adieu
Yet there was one from whom dreaded
to part more than all the rest.
From the time of my first recollection
had fondly, devotedly loved little Mat
tie A. You may smile, reader, at
the idea of such an attachment from one
so young. / repeat, loved her as | can
never love again.
She was the acknowledged beauty Of
the country, although so young. The
only daughter of respectable, well-to do
farmer, who lived near my fathers; a
man of steady habits and known Piety.
Little Matte and l had been thrown
together from childhood, had fshed in
the clear brook together, had launched
our tiny boats, side by side, upon the
placid surface of our own dear old Ca
tawba, and laughed in mutual and child
ish glee to zee them gaily take the cur
rent and rapidly disappear from sight
around some cliH, or jutting fragment OF
rock, in which the shores abounded.
Thus associated, there naturally enough,
sprang up mutual affection between
us, which gradually strengthened as we
advanced in years.
Just two days before the period above
mentioned when was about to set out
for l., l declared my love, which, to
my joy, found warmly reciprocated. ]
was now the happiest of mortals, re-
ioicing in the love of being the most
beautiful, whom l adored.
All things were arranged for my de-
parture the next morning, we met Sc
cretly the evening before and appointed
our final meeting near her fathers resi-.
dence, who lived directly on the road
between my home and the railroad sta.
ton, where | was to take the train. !
was ND early Monday morning Il shall
never forget the day. ready for my jour
ney. The horses were accordingly
brought out, my trunk strapped on the
carriage, and everything ready, we bade
the family goodbye | mounted to my
seat beside my father, who, giving the
horses the reins, off we started leaving
rapidly the home Of my boyhood. My
mother. brothers and sisters continued
IN wave their adieus while we remained
in sight. which was not long, for we soon
dashed into the thick wood through
which the road led. 1t was here that
was to meet my little Matte. So com.
ing TO a place where the road wound
round the head of small stream,
dismounted, dashed into the forest, In.
tending to meet my father in the road
beyond.
This lone path was the place chosen
for our meeting and as bounded on
saw her awaiting my approach, seated
on the trunk Of fallen tree. | stood
contemplating her for a few moments,
and nv heart beat high with pride, as
reflected that she was mine, mine, alone.
Perceiving me, she advanced as | ap-
proacbed. csught her extended hand,
drew her TO my heart, and implanted on
that fair brow a kiss of pure and holy
love.
She shuddersd as she disengaged her
self from my arms, and breaking ont INTO
a low, mourning wall, sank on the ground
At nv feet Astonished ri this strange
conduct. and seating myself by her side
| tried by gentle words, and fond caresses
10 sooth her unaccountable grief. Find
ing All my efforts only served to increase
her sobs, gave over, and calmly awaited
until she should become more composed,
knowing that when sufficiently recovered
she weuld explain all.
/ After remaining few moments with
her face buried in her hands, as If IN
nravsr. she raised ber now calm, but
dsaihly palhd face, with an expression
tbat can never forget Il see it plainly
AZ this moment) rising from the ground
vbere ss had remained sitting, and ex
: tending Der cold thits hand she said.
Good-by, George. may God in heaven
protect you. This is our last meeting
We shall never see each other again on
earth. And when you launch out, and
"a struggling throughout this cold world
sSown The river Of time, think oh thinE
-. ~ her who lowed Ton sl