Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-07-24

A lady, not unknown in metro
politan circles, was engaged to be
married a few years since, to
young gentleman of high character
and social standing, q scion of one
Of the best families of Manhattan.
The engagement was most happy
one, and challenged the warme est
congratulations of the friends Of
either party. Time passed on, and
the contamination of the happi-
ness of the two was at hand. Cards
for the nuptial ceremony were pre-
pared; the bridal trousseau was
complete; all the arrangements for
the interesting event were perfect
ed; and, with mutual Impotence,
the betrothed pair counted the hours
that must intervene ere they should
be inseparably joined The last
evening arrived. Ga the following
morning they were TO be married.
That evening the two had arranged
TO pass in each others company.
The fair lady made an elaborate
toilet, in order TO please the ono
she loved SO well. The appointed
hour arrived, but he came not. An
hour later, and still he tarried. I'm
patience gave place to just a tinge
of anger-such anger as lovers in
dulge toward each other. Another
hour, and still no tidings. Tears
came unbidden on the cheeks Of the
disappointed maiden, and vexation
brought bitter thoughts to her
mind. Midnight came with neither
lover nor message, and all vexation
and bitterness vani shed before
Using apprehension of danger.
Sadly the disappointed one sought
her couch, but not 10 sleep. Vague
misgivings and anxious doubts
filled her mind and banished sleep.
And so restless night wore away
and gave place to a sad morning
for q wedding day. Soon, however,
the mystery of her truant lover S
absence was removed in the heart
sickening announcement that she
would never see him again alive.
His lifelcss body had been found at
an carly hour in the morning near
the lake in Central Park. How he
had met his death was incXpliCable,
and never was satisfactorily ascer-
tanned. The stricken maiden
mourned as one that refused TO be
comforted, and only suffered con-
ISOLATION TO creep into her wounded
heart through the influence OF for
eign travel and unfamiliar scenes.
In due time she returned to New
York, her bereavement cured so tar
AS to allow her to e-enter the So
ciety she much adorns. Again she
was eagerly courtcd by the gallant
beaux of the day, and atlast prom
Used her hand to one well deserving
of the prize. The courtship has
been an agreeable one up to the
moment Of the singular occurrence
we now proceed TO relate.
Thecouple, one evening last week
took drive through the Park, III
stlo Harlem lane, across McCombl
dam, and out the region OF Ford
ham. Returning, the sun had sc
before they had entered the Park
making the drive through tina
beautiful enclosure more than ordl
narily romantic and enchanting
On approaching the lake a flock O
swans were seen silently and mo
tionlesslv resting on the smOot
water. The scene was too tascinat
ing to he passed The party SO
down from their carriage, and al
proaching one of the rustic seat
provided near the waters edge
seated themselves to enjoy the coo
evening air, the lovely moonligl
and the calm and poetic scene b.
fore them.
They had been seated but n Yer
few minutes, and had scarcel
breathcd above n whisper lest the
should disturb the placid stlllne'
that reigncd about them, when, SUE
denly they were startled by sing
lar scream, coming apparently fro
the midst of the flock Of sleeplr
swans. Instantly turning their ey
in that direction, they saw one
the graceful birds swimming hastl
directly towards them. They r
manned silent until the bird reach'
the waters edge, and then we
more surprised to see it come fro
the water and walk rapidly, almo
run. directly towards them.
The lady was at first alarme
and made a movement TO escap
bnt her companion, whose curlosl
was excited ut these strange NOV
nents. urged her to keep still. L
swan came directly TO her side, a
LAYING lis head in her lap, nestled
lose 10 her as it well could, MAJ
TESTING the delight of having tou
an old friend. The lady caressed
fondIy. which seemed TO intens
the moor dumb creature = Joy. L
Gentleman now moved toward II a
mi forth his hand TO pat 1t, VIII
!he swan rutiled its wings and hiss
= defiance at the intrusion Il
caused its would-be friend to wi
draw. 1t then replaced its head
the lady's lap and renewed Its ma
restations Of delight.
The couple remained sea
nearly half an hour, the poor SV
remaining all the time close 10