Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-08-18
She burst into tears, weeping SO bitterly


her in nv arms so she could not escape
II have lever loved before ); I always said
could not, until I saw you, and then every
thing was changed. Look at me, and say
you will come to my home, which will nevel
again be so bright to me without you
Won't my darling answer me 2" l continued
while she sobbed SO violently as to render
speaking impossible. II am sorry my
words distressed you SO" added, resting
her head upon my bosom, and fondly smooth
ing her hair.
"[ am distressed for you," she at las
found voice to say. 80, Mr.. Wellington,
should be most wretched if thou ht I had
encouraged you in this. But have not
[ am sure l like you very much, but
cannot be your wife. :"
MARY. are you in earnest ?" And on my
face was look which am sure was never
there before.
did not know till then how much loved
this beautiful young girl I held SO closely to
my side All the affection Of my pent-up
I heart had centered itself upon her, and
could not give her up. She had ever been
SO kind to me, had welcomed We with her
sweetest smile, had seemed sorry at depart
ure, and was not this encouragement had
taken it as such, and ere she could reply to
the question-'tAre you in earnest ?'-I
added .s..9pt aa
Il have thought, from youi manner.
that was not Indifferent to you, else had
never told you of my love. o Mary, if you
desert me now shall wish 1 could dep
She struggled until she released herself
from my embrace, and standing before me
she replied ....--.-.a
Il never dreamed that you thought of me
you it was because you reminded me of an
other Mr.. Wellington, must l tell you
that long before 1 saw you learned to love
some other man-hopelessly, it was true,
for he does not care for me-but that can
make no difference. Had never seen him
I might would have been your wife, for
[ know that you are noble and good. But,
It's too late--too latew .eag r eai
did not need to ask her now If she were
in earnest, for. looking up into her truth
full, clear blue eyes, knew there was no
hope for me and bowling my head upon the
arm of the sofa, with insuferable anguish of
mind, groaned aloud. 10
Mournfully Mary gazed upon me. Half
timidly she laid her soft, warm hand upon
my head. al / BUS i4s-su. ss at
eff I could comfort you," she said, II
would gladly do it. But l cannot You
will forget me in time, and be as happy as
you were before you knew me.''G. M l,a
t'No, no, Mary, I can never forget you |!
The man who stands between us must be a
monster not to requite your love. Who is
he, Mary ? Or is it not for me to know !?
Won't you tell me 70 TsorHa at-
81 can't can't p she exclaimed. cit
is utterly impossible - t-
And throwing her head upon my Shout
der, she burst in to fresh paroxysm of
weeping.
SIT might be, / imagined, spite all her
actions to the contrary that was beloved,
and that her paradoxical conduct might be
only one of the singular freaks with which
most women are endowed. Taking courage
from this, l again entreated her, with all
the fervency Of my soul, to take back the
hateful decision which was robbing me of
more than life. 1 aa
CHARLES" she vehemently exclaimed,
will you not let me show pity for you with
out taking advantage of it? Can't | ease
the pain l inaiot by showing you how very,
very sorry I am for you, or must I be
forced to allow the dagger with which I have
stabbed your happiness to remain in the gap
ing wound ? Must I embitter your feelings
still more by recital Of all my wrongs q
Eyes. yes," hoarsely cried, "tell me
every thing-withhold nothing" "
She commenced and finished her short,
sad tale. 1t was the old old story of a
youthful attachment, Of parental opposition,
Of clandestine interviews, and secret we'd
ding. Two days after they were married
her husband was called away. They part
ed at the old TRUSTING place She chung TO
him with tenacity he could scarcely break,
and when he tore himself from her arms she
fell fainting to the ground, in which state
she was discovered and borne to the house,
where she lay for weeks in state border
lug on death. Patiently she waited for some
word from her husband. waited till weeks
turned into months, and months into years,
until at last it was forced upon her sensitive
mind that she was an unloved and deserted
wife -9aF19t
Carefully had she, in all her mental wand
erings during her sickness, guarded her one
great secret, the sole cause Of all her suffer-
ings. Trying indeed was her situation -
forced to appear in company, and mingle
with the gay. the frivolous and ightheart-
ed, and obliged to listen to words of endear-
ment from numerous young men, every one
of whose attentions she kindly and delicate
ly declined, her conduct gave rise, among
her acquaintance to numerous theories
And she dared not vindicate herself -
through an accursed PROMISE promise
that has embittered and ruined the fair fame
Of many gentle, loving, trusting girl-she
was forced to keep secret that which should
be known by both God and man.
!, "Charles." she said, in conclusion, II
have told you all, revealed to you that which
is known only by my God, nay husband,
and myself, and can you blame me for my
decision to-day r oilzali q
Blame her 7 As well might blame the
beautiful flower for its fragrance as to blame
this beautiful angel for any harm. sga
.'No, Mary" I replied, II cannot blame
3 you l am glad you have told me your
| secret, but it leaves me miserable, unhap-
8 py man, destined TO roam through life with
| only one single aim, and that to meet you
one day in q higher, better, purer world.
where the mind has no better thought, and
0 the heart no sorrow. My heart is hence.
forth dead to all feelings Of love. But ohp
I exclaimed, completely overcome at the
thought OF nay future loneliness and desola'
1 ton, show capI part with you Z When
!. you arc gone my last ray Of sunshine will
a have vanished, and nothing but gloom and