The Placer herald., 1871-03-25
HOW MARIAN WON HER HUSBAND.
By KATE EMERY.

By KATE EMERY.
The night was far advanced. A young
girl was sitting by an open window. Her
golden curs we're brushed carelessly back
from her forehead; and her SMALL shapely
hand rested against her fair cheek She
moved restlessly, and signs escaped her lips.
"Oh, Clarence" che moaned, how could
you be 80 false ? loved you-oh how well,
aud now have promised to marry Carl Sey-
mour, whom l really depised, all from pride,
this miserable pride which has always been
my curse; why could not have refused him,
and saved myself all this misery?' And
Marian Traverse burst into tears,
Long she wept, and resting her head upon
the back of her chair, she fell into repose,
dreaming that Carl Seymour was a viper
among men, while Clarence Percy was
king.
When she awoke the sun was shining in at
the open window, and the singing Of birds
filled the air. Marian exerted herself to be
assured that she was awake; everything was
in its accustomed place, including her couch
which was undisturbed She looked around
ooh, my throat, she suddenly exclaimed; !;
"and how l burn; now am cold. What
can all me p
She went to her mirror and surveyed her.
self. The picture was not pleasant to look
upon. Her cheeks was flushed, and her ewes
swollen
ooh what can all me, she repeated; and
my wedding day too. 1t all seems an ugly
dream. But what means these pains in my
side and head may be better if | lie
down."
But she was no better, and becoming
frightened she rang the bell. Mrs. Traverse
who was called sent for doctor. lie soon
arrived
"What ails Marian? Please tell me-"
pleaded the anxious mother.
IL am very sorry, madam, to say that
she has the small-p in one of its worst forss "
"But tell me, doctor, will she live?'
"By careful nursing she may, but it is
very probable that her beauty may be de-
stroyed forever.
"Where am II" These was the first CO.
herent words which Marion had spoken since
her illness. The nurse came to her side and
seeing the old natural look in her eyes, ex-
claimed:
"Thank Heaven, Mrs. Traverse she will
live"
"Have been sick ?" murmured Marian,
as her mother fastened to her side.
Every sick, my darling child, but now
you will get better" She tried to smile,
but the attempt made her sick at heart, for
she thought that she saw the wreck of all
her daughters beauty.
"Mother," whispered Marian, "what was
the disease ?"
Smallpox" and the mother hastened
from the room
Day by day the young girl grew stronger,
and now she was able to sit up.
One day when her mother was by her
side, the door opened and servant an
nounced:
ga gentleman to see Mrs. Traverse" at
the same time handing her card.
81 will be down Immediately, James,
and he retired.
"Who is it, mother?"
"Mr. Seymour" she replied in cold tone,
and left the room.
In short time she returned
"Will you see Carl, Marian ?"
The daughter shuddered.
"Yes, the quicker it is over the better;
bring him up mother, any time.
In little while he came in
"Marian!" he cried stretching forth his
hands.
She turned her pale face toward him.
Great Heavens!, he cried, starting back.
"You are shocked, Mr.. Seymour; but do
NJ h. d;,oo~-.coJ
He stammered out that he did not want
to be freed, but he did not persuade her to
continue the engagement.
Some time after this, Marian sat in the
library reading favorite book.
"Mother, she exclaimed looking up, 81
should like to travel"
''Your wish shall be granted, Marian, re-
piled the devoted mother; eve will consult
your physician"
He was consulted; and one morning the
the family carriage left the old home for the
depot, from which place they were to be car
ried to the ocean steamer, for the doctor had
said that the voyage would do the young
girl good, and might restore the old beauty.
They were on board the steamer, and fast
leaving land behind him. Marian leaned on
her mothers arm. Suddenly she started
and turned pale.
"Who is that" she asked, in quivering
voice.
"Clarence Percy. But what is the mat
ter?" Marian had tottered and came near
falling
Nothing but passing faintness. ! will
60 below. -
The girl had not forgotten her old lover,
and the very sight Of him startled her. Fear
ing, yet longing to meet him, she did not go
above for several days and when she did, she
kept from his sight.
Meanwhile she was blossoming into new
beauty; her cheeks had lost their pallid hue,
and were changed into beautiful pink; her
face was soon smoothed and fair, while her
figure was 1.-THE aad round as of old.
One day Clarence Percy was leaning
- r.. ~,oI al Il