The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-01-18


arms. left that spot the affanced bride
of Eugene St. Claire,
/ was happy and sorrowful alternately
happy in the belief that Engine loved
me, yet apprchensive of my future,
We we've to be married in three weeks.
| did not know his reasons for hasty,
quiet marriage, did not inquire.
Whatever Eugene desired, l willingly as-
seuted to, l had implicit faith in his
love,
Gamma, I am compelled to leave you
for short time. | have business-busi-
ness of vital importunce-which I must
Immediately transact; but | shall not be
long absent"
| felt piqucd at his not telling me the
nature Of his business; but with smile !
babe him God-speed lie lifted my hand
to his lips, and passionately imprinted
kisses upon it.
As his form passed from view, there
came thought into my frivolous mind
a thought, which was destined to blast
my bright hopes and visions. ! asked
myself; why not start for home, and write
to Eugene, asking him to join me. 1t
would be such a surprise-such a pleas
ant surprise-to see him enter my man
sion-stare in bewilderment, and gaze
upon his wealthy aflianced with wonder.
/ thought 'twuuld be delightful. Ac-
cordingly ordered my trunks to be
packed, so as to be able to start on the
morrow.
"NIrs. Williams, this evening will ter.
inmate my stay under your hospitablc
roof; an occurrence which regret most
exceedingly. l shall always remember
the happy days l have spent here, and
with tears recall those bright faces at the
old stone farmhouse"
We were sitting on the porch, enjoy.
ing the refreshing breeze from the lake.
! noticed the crcst.iallcn look on their
faces as l spoke Of departing. too ex-
pcrenccd poignant pang Of regret at
leaving such kind and sympathizing
friends. The kind old lady turned her
beaming face full upon ME, and in voice
husky with emotion, said:
"Anny | take as much interest in your
welfare as | would in my child's. What
| tell you is for your own good, you must
take no offence. We are about to part
your path leads one way-minc, another /;
perhaps We shall never meet again, in
this world. If We should not, rcmem-
Der what tell you. You are about to
connect yourself TO man Of the world,
a man who, have no doubt, loves you !;
but whose reputation is so very bad, he
was at one time reckless-dissipatcd, and
is even now reported to have been IA
gambler"
II learned that from his own lips" l
returned, rather haughtily.
"Yes, my child; but you do not know
the danger into which you are precipta-
ting yourself. 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 had in my father; and we're
he to prove false, l would not condemn,
but pity him."
She made no answer.
But that evening, as I babe her "good
night" she fondly drew nc 10 her, and
fervently pronounced blessing.
The morning dawned radiant and beau
tiful. Mrs. Williams greeted INC with a
merry good morning." inquired after
my health, and invited me to partake Of a
frugal meal she had prepared for me.
Then came the final lcavc-taking, and in
short time ! was on my bomeward jour-
ney.
| found everything as I had left it at
home. The servants were somewhat sur.
priscd at my unlocked for arrival. left
Anastastc to make all explanations, and
sought my room. l Immediately changed
my dusty garments for more suitable ap-
purel, and proceeded to write to my flu
turc husband. In it | stated that wish
cd to sec him concerning material mat.
ters-gavc him the necessary directions
wrote his address on the cnvclopc, and
placed the note in my writing desk, In
tending to serd it on the morrow. 1t had
again become cloudy, and toward even
ing the rain descended in torrents. The
hoarse roaring Of the thunder, and tue
dull pattering of the rain, aid not sound
discordant to my ear. l liked it. Ii
agreed with my turbulent state of mind.
| had just finished book in which |
was deeply interested. The clock tolled
the hour Of eleven. I started, rubbed
my eyes, and threw my book on the ia.
bic. Time flies on rapid wings, | thought,
and made preparations to retire. lay
listening to the rain beating agains. my
window, thinking ofmy all.absorbing and
only Overwhelming Of the time when he
would place his arnis about Inc, and call
me his little wife. And |, too. was per
forming good action. was rescuing
from the jaws of an unti,nely grave-fron
The yawning gulf of perpetual pcrdition,
one Of Gods crcaturcs-onc for wllom |
would willingly have sacrificed my life.
The clock struck twelve. ! turned my
self on my pillow and tried to compose
my mind for sleep. / had sunk into II
sweet dreamy slumber, when | was ava i.
krurd Nv slivht nn;su Il, ,I,n l:..o,:,