The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1870-01-12
DEVOTED TO LITERATURE GENERAL INTELLIGENCE

possible. As I surveyed myself in tb,
mirror, just before descending to meet
our guest, I was by no MEANS disp1easet
with my appearance. Glossy bands Of
golden hair, looped back from forehead
whose ivory faisneis wss heightened By
contract with the pale blue mualiu, and
eyes bright with the pleasure o.
anticipated, CONQUEST, made up the pic
ture..
Bat, to asks the story short. he .eauc
saw and wss conquered" Scarce . day
passed but brought the proud Colonel .
willing captive TO wavs Hall. We
walked, sung and rode together. OF the
latter I was particularly fond, as knew
that Iappcsred- I to advantage in my
black riding habit aud velvet cap, with
white waving plume. Then, on our re.
tura from walking or riding, We would
linger in the gathering shadows Of the
piazza, and I would sing to him, not the
simple yet touching, tender ballads had
sung for Gerald, but songs through
whose sentimental words ran co under
current Of deeper feelings. I was COM
pleteiy carried away by girlish vanity,
aud resented sll interference from Ger
AID, telling him had "givenhim no right
to regulate my conduct" Ah, Gerald,
even now when I look back At MY total
Disregard Of your feelings, in those gay
yet miserable days. I can scarce forgive
1yseif. How often do We oarelessly, yet
deeply wound those whom, in our in
most hearts, We love better than life it.
self.
Bat / was destined to DO arrested in my
giddy soure By most sudden aud un-
expected shock. On the morning of
the party came the news that my father
had met with considerable loss of for
tune, by becoming security Of = person
who had betrayed the trust rcposed in
him. He had become liable for debts
amounting TO tho greater half ofhis en-.
tire fortune. The bearer of the news
brought letter from my father, entrest,
ing me not to allow the intelligence to
mar the pleasure ef NY visit, nor curtail
its length, aud not to "trouble my little
heed" about it, fer he still had enough
for his ''darling Sybil." My FIRST i'm
pulse was to return home, but my uncle
and family so earucstiy urged me to re.
main that reluctantly consented to do
90. The news of the loss Of SO large a
portion ofny fathers property, was a
severe blow to nae, and although what
remained was sufficient for comfortable
maintenance, yet to one who had been
accustomed to abundant wealth, simple
competence appeared like 'overty.--
Then came the great tempt.,..n. L had
been pleased aud hattcred by Col.
Haughton's admiration, but had never
once thought Of serious ending to
what considered . "harmiess Irritation. -
Now came tho thought, "why not give
up Gerald forever!" Col. Haughton, l
knew, was very wealthy. I liked, but did
not love him. Surely it would Be no
difficult matter to love one so noble.
looking, distinguished and talented
Thus l reasoned with myself, but in the
midst Of such fallacious reasoning,
thoughts Of Gerald, whom did love,
would intrudc upon me, and could
scarce resolve to do that which would
separate US forever.
But it was the night Of the
party, and this brings mo to the begin
ming Of my story. In the interval be-
tween the dances, Gerald asked me to
come out into the pia.ss with him, and
although dreading a "tete . tete," I
consented. Gerald and I were seated
under the vines, a littlo retired from the
gay promonaders who filled the piazza.
was sad, for loved him and knew
that he loved mo, witha devotion worthy
a better return than had made him;
but Col. Haughton was very wealthy
AS his wife, 1 could crafty my luxurious
tastes. Could give him up7 d.
Each seemed afraid to break the silence
At last Gerald spoke, "Sybil, can stand
this no longer, tonight you must decide
between Col. Haughton and myself. II
in his tavor-although my leave of alb.
sence has not expired-I return to my
command, there, amid the hardships Of
camp, and the smoke OF battle, to forget
the blue eyes that loved me but to de-
ceive. Twill seek you here after supper
If you still love ME, give me the white
rosebud which you wear 10 your hair. II
your choice falls upon Col. Hsughton,
give me the red, aud without a word
leave you forver." He arose, as he fin
ished speaking, and asked me to returr
to the p,rlors, but telling him to leave