Nebraska advertiser., 1867-10-17
OCT. II, 1867.

INTO his palid face.
"a gambler l have been but / nave re
nounced that hellish life. mean TO re
FORM to make myself worthy of tie nam,
bear; and all for you, because l love
you. It was not my choice, HEAVIER
knows twas not I was driven to it.
was a spendlhrift became dissipatet
and reckless. My father thrice threat
ened to discard me. did not heed hi
threats. became involved in debt ap
pealed to my father, promising toreform
but he ordered me out of the house
There was only left one resource, anC
that l adopted, | became a gambler"
He buried his head in his hands anC
wept. could not ariiculale word.
seemed petrifed Objects began to grow
| dim around me. l staggered and would
have fallen had he not caught me in bis
arms. left the spot the afianced bride
Of Eugene ST. Clair.
was happy and sorrowful, alternate
ly; happy in the belief that Eugene loved
me, YET apprehensive of my future.
] We were TO be married in three weeks,
l did not know his reason for a hasly,
quiet marriage. ! did not enquire.
Whatever Eugene desired. l willingly
assented to. l had the most implicit
faith in his love.
''Anna, / am compelled to leave you
for short time. / have business-busi-
ness of vital importance-which | must
immediately transact but shall not be
long absent
/ felt piqued at his not telling me the
nature Of his business; but with single
smile l bade him God speed. He lifted
my hand to his lips, and passionately i'm
printed kisses upon It.
AS his form passed from view there
came a thought into my frivolous mind
"a thought which was destined to blast
my bright hopes and visions. l asked
myself, why not start for home, and
write to Eugene. asking him to join me.
1t would be such surprise-suCh a
pleasant surprise-to see him enter my
Inansion-stare in bewllderment, aud
gaze upon his wealthy aRanced with
wonder. | thought 'twould be delight
full. Accordingly ordered my trunks
to be packed, so as to be able TO start on
the morrow.
"Mrs. Williams, this evening will
terminate my stay under your hospitable
roof an occurrence which l regret ex.
ceedingly. / shall always remember the
happy days l have spent here, and with
tears recall those bright faces at the
old stone farm house."
We were sitting on the porch enjoy
ing the refreshing breeze from he lake.
noticed the crestfalIen look on their
faces as l spoke of departing. l. too,
experienced a poignant pang of regret at
leaving such kind and sympathizing
friends. The kind old lady turned her
beaming eyes full upon me, and in a
voice husky with emotion, said
Anna, l take as much interest in
your welfare as would IN my child's.
What l tell you is for your own good,
YOU must take no ofense. We are about
to part-your path leads one way-mine
another; perhaps we shall never meet
again in this world. If we should not,
remember what tell you. You are
about to connect yourself TO man of the
world, man who, l have no doubt, loves
you; but whose reputation is so very
bad, he was at one time reckless, dissi
pated, and is even now reported TO have
been IA gambler"
81 learned that from his own lips"
returned rather haughtily.
"Yes, my child; but do you not know
the danger into which you are precipita-
ting yourself. I would like to warn yOu
before It's too late; but"
"Heaven and earth could not move me
in my resolve. / have as much faith in
that man as l had in my father; and
were he to prove false, would not con-
demn, but pity him."
She made no answer.
But this evening, as l bid her good |
night" she fondly drew me TO her. and |
ferv3ntly pronounced blessing.
The morning dawned radiant and |
beautiful. Mrs. Williams greeted me
with a merry "good-morning," inquired |
after my health, and invited me to par-
take of frugal meal she had prepared
for me. Then came the final leave TAX
ing, and in a short time was on my
journey.
/ found everything as l had left it at
home. The servants were somewhat
surprised at my unlocked for arrival. l
left Anastase 10 make all explanations,
and sought my room. l Immediately
my dusty garments, for more
suitable apparel, and proceeded TO write
to my future husband. In it | stated that
wished TO see him concerning material
him the necessary direc
tions-wrote his address on the envelope,
and placed the mole in ny writing desk,
intending TO send It on the morrow. Il
had again became cloudy, and toward
evening the rain descended in torrents.
The hoarse roaring of the thunder, and
The dull paliering of the rain, did not
sound discordant 10 my ear. ] liked H.
It agreed with mys turbuIani state Of
mind.
/ had Just finished book in which
was deeply interested. The clock lolled
he hour Of eleven. / started. rubbed my
eyes, and threw my book upon the table.
Time flies on rapid wings. ] lhought,
and made preparations to retire. / lay 4,
to the rain beating against ny
window, thinking Of the time when he
would place his arms about me, and call
ne his little wife. And l. too, was per-
forming a good action. was rescuing