Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1871-06-22
A DECISIVE DRIVE.

Myra Forsyth was sitting in her cos
little boudoir, in her fathers pretty
country residence at Graniteville.
Her thoughts were wandering from
an open letter she held in her hand, to
happy days of childhood, when boy.
ish smile made delicate blush tingt
her cheek, and stout, faithful hand
was ever ready to assist and protect her
Later, the same hand, more brown
and rough by honest toll, was offered
her by the young mechanic who had
been her boy-lover, as support and
protection in the coming years of life.
Had she consulted the dictates of her
own heart, the love and devotion OF
Oscar Seymour would have been ac-
cepted; but obstacles to such course
were presented by father, whose pride
made him anxious thRt his beautiful
blue-eyed daughter-tlie pride of his
heart, his household treasure-should
marry some one much higher in social
position than the young man in ques-
ton; and Aunt Julia, who watched
over the motherless girl with jealous
care, declared the alliance impossible.
So Myra checked the throbbing of her
heart, had her own feelings and wishes
overruled by those who imagined them
selves working for her best interests
and gave the young man a negative re-
ply, while, at the same time, she clung
to the young love, as pure, precious
memory, too bright for realization.
Oscar Seymour turned from the fond
ly cherished hope, disappointed and
chagrined. He had not for moment
anticipated such reply, and felt that
he had wrongly judged the companion
of his childhood-that she was tickle as
well as fair.
So, in the labor of his calling he tried
to forget the face that had been such an
incentive to exertion before, tried to dis
pei from the memory the musical tones
of Gl,o voice that ne had fondly hoped
would be the melody of his life, and
was perplexed that these old memories
would not be banished.
Six months passed away, and in the
meantime, Myra had not been without
admirers; and the doting father and
ambitious aunt had made selection
which, to their minds, was extremely
suitable tor the pretty and wealthy
young lady, who was expected to coin
eide with their views without opposi-
ton.
1t is a very singular fact, that many
parents and guardians, on arriving at a
certain age, outlive the remembrance OF
their own first love, and entertain the
belief that marriage made for advance
in social position, or the enlargement OF
estates, must necessarily result happily,
even with the light Cor rather the shad-
ows) of many unhappy unions from
these causes.
Alfred Winter was the suitor selected
as fitting companion for Myra For
syth: and to superficial observer,
there could be nothing urged against
him.
He was wealthy, of fine personal ap-
pearance, and could trace the genealO-
gy of his family away back to fine old
English gentleman, who hunted foxes
or raced his bl CODED horses with dukes,
baronets and earls.
He was pleased with Myra's pretty
face and gentle manners, but was not
an enthusiastic lover, and she was some
what surprised at receiving from him a
letter offering, in very business like
manner, his heart and fortune.
This was the letter that opened to
Myra the flood gates of memory, and
brought vividly to mind the proposal OF
Oscar Seymour, six months previous.
"What can l do? what ought 1 to
do?" asked Myra of herself, as the tears
dimmed her blue eyes.
A rap at her door came at this mo-
ment, as if in reply, and Aunt Julia en-
tered.
"What! in tears! What has happened
my dear child ?" asked the really kind
hearted duenna, kissing her niece ten
derly.
Myra handed the open letter to her
aunt, without speaking.
"Oh! see! these are not tears OF
sorrow. l rejoice with you, dear Myra
You have my earnest wishes for yonr
happiness"
"But, aunty, what reply shall make
to this letter?''
"Why, accept his proposal, of course
Your father will be pleased, | am sure