Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-01-31


Time crept by on tip-toe, and when
Donald Malloy's departure could be post
poned no longer, e he tore himself away"
carrying with him DOnia's promise to
become his wife
-Four years of fekle hopes and fright
full realities passed-then came the black
day of despair.
Many changes had taken place in DR..
MeQueen's family; he, the noble head,
had fallen on the battle field. la and
Callie were married. Archie Adair re-
turned from the war, wearing many
scar, and resumed the practice of
law. DOnia, brave-hearted and hopeful
to the last, was anxiOusly expecting the
arrival of Donald Malloy, whose pres
enee, she faneied, would dissolve the
clouds and drive away the darkness that
gathered around her heart. He came
not, but in his stead letter. letter
breathing such perfdy, weakness and
ruthless deception, as froze the blood
within her heart, as seemed to CONCEAL
the very immortality of her soul. 1t
was an hour Of bitterest anguish, a death
struggle, an awful silence, a pause in be-
ing-then all was over the hour had
expired, aud in the one that succeeded,
Donia Mcleod put on the character of
strong, heroic, God-trusting woman. The
child, the maiden had departed; with
her back to the past, and her face turned,
even yet, hopefully to the future, the
world was still beautiful, and she would
gather only such flowers from the hedges
Of time as would not lose their fragrance
in eternity Not a sigh was heard the
only sign of grief visible in her appear
ance was a film Of sadness with which
her brilliant eyes we're overcast, and
that was scarcely more than the rchec-
tion of her healt's fatigue after its vic
torious struggle. At all events, it was
with a serene countenance and even voice
that she greeted Uncle Archie the
following morning, nor did she exhibit
any reluctance to discuss the subject Of
her disappointment, nor note the anxious,
questioning, saddened glance with which
be surveyed her.
This is indeed a most unnatural af-
fair, Donia. l am Mortified at this late
conduct of Malloy. 1 fear some unhap-
DIV change has come over him since the
war. 1t may be that one of his tempera-
ment would be liable, in times Of great
mental depression, to have recourse to
dangerous stimulants, though | never
saw him under such influence" spoke
Archie Adair
Even though it were so, would you
urge that in extenuation Of his faults ?
And, Uncle Archie, Intoxicating liquors
have no power to change the cardinal
principles of man. One by nature
honest, is honest, drunk or sober. He
never loved me, or the future would not
look all dark, as he expresses it. The
only reason that his condition is hope
lessly beyond remedy is, because he
lacks the manliness to improve it.
" 1t is possible that he was deficient in
architectural capacity, having had no ed
ucation in the arts Of fortune building
perhaps never made dollar in his life,
abundant wealth suggesting no necessity
for such an effort; and it must be ad-
mitted that loss of property to one with
out the slightest business qualifications,
is very nearly akin to ruin. l know that
he loved you, whatever may be the abor-
ration of heart under which he Is suffer
ing. Believe it is better as it is, my
poor stricken child, and do not hoard up
this disappointment These hidden griefs
are hungry asps upon the vigOr Of life
put it away, and do not add your future
| happiness to what it has already cost
you"
'Do not be disturbed on that score,
Uncle Archie a true woman mourns a
true love comfortlessly, but when a lep-
rous spot is disclosed upon the heart
which she has implicitly trusted, conf
dence and affection bound out in an
guished dismay, never to return. All
that remains for me to regret is, that the
best years Of my life were wasted upon
one so unworthy; that is irrevocable;
but shall strive to regain their worth
by redoubled effort in the future"
0I had hoped as much from your
sound judgment and strong heart
would that they we're eommoner posses
sions."
1T is doubtful whether the latter pos
session is one to be coveted. 1t has been
truly said, 1t is the awful privilege of
the strong heart to bend and never
break "
" Still, it is 4 noble possession; every
trial bravely borne, adds a new ply Of
strength to endurance, SO that there Is no
appreciable wear done the heart while
the best feelings perfect under the puri-
flying influences Of suffering. Then, be-
gin new life, dream new dreams, and
seek new pleasures.
] g Pleasures and dreams, how fttngly
coupled for pleasures, like dreams, are
never finished 1 shall, though, find
contentment in the faithful discharge Of
my duties; and, believe me, they are
too many and too active now to admit OF
nv becoming a melancholist."
"God be with you" replied Archie
Adair, in solemn accents, as he bade her
adieu; and God was with her.
Another year passed. DOnia was firmly
established in the new life. Archie
Adair was her unfailing staff in every
good work, but his visits Of late had been
very brief, and his manner strangely
hurried. She was perplexed to account
for it, and was deeply engaged in pom
dering the matter, one evening, when she
heard his step in the hall. But what
was her surprise when, taking his seat
near her, he asked:
"Do you believe in second love, Do
MIA ?"
"In some cases." she replied, in eyi-
dent confusion, for Uncle Archie was
the last one from whom she would have
expected such a question, so long had
the subject of love been an interdicted
one. What could have stirred up the
old waters of his soul Alas she
thought, poor Uncle Archie, is at last
forsaking himself; his mind must be
undergoing some slight dementation.
Poor, dear, Uncle Archie.
"What are they ?" he again inquired.
When one has loved unwisely and
unworthily, it is not difficult to forget
that love and though, perhaps, slower