The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1871-09-02

She invited me in. thought I would
at least describe the accident and make
some apology for my unexpected appear
ance.
{ II told my story of the narrow escape
to an old man, whose brow and hair
were whitencd with the frost of eighty
winters. 1t was the aged grandfather.
Childish in his JOY, he tottered toward
me, and throwing his trembling arms
about my neck, he kissed me on my
cheek"
"Many times have felt that kiss, sir. |
was unworthy of so pure an ovation from
such holy man. l felt myself unwor-
thy of that dear angels gratitude, as the
sweet Annette came in few moments
after, still trembling, still pale, and with
misty blue eyes and gentle lips thanked
me again and again. In that house that
day was Toasted like prince There
were cousins and aunts there visiting for
the summer, and among them was a
lion
II was good looking fellow then, sir,
and just on the eve of entering college" I"
Young as was, if ever man fell in
love did then and there. Poor child !!
| She loved me-and I clouded her lfe."
well, sir, you wait for my story, ]
see. After this my calls upon Annette
were frequent. lost my relish for vul-
gar dissipation aud preferred her society
to that of my former associates. If |
| drank-and I did-it was secretly, and
l always slept it off. My friends and
those of Annette prophesied match
you see my father was wealthy had
good expectations, intended to study
| for the law, and was deemed desirable
catch"
al believe I worshipped Annette. She
was scarcely more than child, but such
glorious gifted creature. She was ff-
teen; / twenty; five years between us.
/ We were engaged in twelve months from
that time, while | was still going through
college"
| For year had successfully resisted
my old disease. / called it a disease
do now. Remember, | did not let the
cursed draught alone, as | should.
only kept the appetite in wholesome sub
lection. l applied the knife, but not te
| the right place, and there came disgrace
and downfall"
"One night the students had frolic
l was the foremost reyeler. They tempt
ed me with devilish pertinacity to drink
to excess. l did SO, grew quarrelsome
and raised a row. In the melee two
of the students were injured, and made
so much noise that we were discovered
in our revels. The blows that were
given were proved upon me falsely
was convicted, expelled and punished"
| "The disgrace was overwhelming.
| tried to kill myself when L heard thai
Annette's friends had cast me off forever
A note was put in my hands one day
just as | determined on the means to rio
myself of existence. 1t read thus:
DEAR RICHARD IL am sorry for you
do not believe all they say, and surely
a man is not to be cast off for one falst
step. Come to aunt Martha's this after.
noon. They hage forbidden me to re
ceive you at the house, but | will re-
ceive you there, Yours, as ever,
ANNETTE.
'sOh sir, that made my heart leap int,
my throat, with joy and grief. She die
not know that this was far from my frs
false STEP
"Dear angel she had faith in me ant
wanted to comfort me. Besides she wa
young, impulslve, loving. At three il
the afternoon l went to the place desig
mated. 1t was a poor, plain house, fo
aunt Martha was far from rich, aud as
sat in the little parlor Annette came il
and made it bright"
"Her low Dear Richard y was th
sweetest music [ ever heard Then. a
caught her to my bosom, she pIesse
back my hair with her fingers, and sal
with smile that was angelic, The
can't make me believe you wicked, dea
Richard, while look on that face!
"Her voice inspired me; her perfec
faith for the time elevated my manhood
I silently vowed that such thing shoul
never happen again-that / would nc
die, but make myself worthy of her
You do not believe all they say {
me, then p
"No, Dick,"-the beautiful eyes raj:
ed lovingly to mine. mo, Dick, and
: wouldn't believe it though they ha
made you appear guiltyer than you ar'
You know, Dick" she added, as if
apologize to soften the reproof, sit
wicked to do it at ALL"
sRut I did not injure the students
} I said evasively. 81 distinctly saw HI
Burt and Joe White strike at them.
is all done through jealousy"
; 81 knew it; told them so at home
said she triumphantly. "Said ], Dick
: smart and the foremost in his class, an
. they hate him for it. They will inju
his good name if they possibly can, b
. never in my estimation"
"God bless you my love-" was all
: could say. There were tears in myscy
e and promises in my heart! Oh! she "
3 beautiful so good that afternoon! &c,
i see the dear eyes that l have made sh'
' many bitter tears looking up at me no
: with the same soft, loving, pleading, y
I trusting glance. / can see the dear r.
9 lips with my name upon them.
! eve parted; to 20 to my disgrace
d home, to meet cold averted looks; she
y be sheltered and petted and loved by
IS who knew her. My father, with incre
a ible exertion procured me situation
the service. It was the worst thing th
1T could have been done for me, though,
x there was soon to be fighting, promoti
d IF liyed--was possible, nay certai
re But temptation was on that vessel,
L, deck and IN her cabin. I took leave