The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1872-12-19

= >
hear him bless them both, and tell Ed
ward that he who gained his sweet Sophi
could not fail of being blessed? Then
the lover bent down and kissed that fair
brow, while Clara bit her lips until the
blood came, to keep herself from shrek
ing aloud in her agony; and then went
up to them, and pat her cold arms
about the neck of her sister, wishing her
all happiness.
That night when they were alone, the
hitherto silent girl poured out every
secret Of her innocent and guileless heart
the history of her young love, even
from the very first-her fear-her won
der and wild joy to find it returned.
ut would have been but natural, dear
Clara, said she, ''for him to have loved
you who are SO beautiful.
Her companion shuddered and an
swered not, but her silent caresses mani
tested her sympathy and poor Sophie
fairly wept herself to sleep upon her
bosom like child.
The wedding day was fixed, and fol-
lowed in due course of time, Clara being
principal bridesmaid. And how beauti-
full she looked! How merry she was I!
How wildly she laughed at every little
Jest, common on such occasions and
when some one told her that one wedding
never came alone, and her turn would
be next, she did not attempt to deny it,
but only smiled as if in scorn or triumph,
for she had many admirers, as was well
known.
Sophie, for the first time in her life an
object of attraction, looked very bride,
so shy and interesting, and so happy.
Many wondered that they had never
noticed before what sweet eyes she had;
but then how should they when they
were SO rarely lifted up? and few
thought her almost as pretty as Clara,
only not so animated. As for Edward
Dalzell, had the question been asked
him, he would probably have affirmed
that there was not her equal in the whole
world. She was so gentle and affection
ate, and proud of him, and loved him so
muchl II FACT which she cared mott conceal
from the first moment that she had dared
to hope the knowledge would add to his
happiness.
The ceremony passed away as usual.
Sophie cried a little, as all brides should
but Clara never shed a tear. Nay, it is
even affirmed that she was seen to catch
the smiling glance of certain handsome
bridesman, who stood opposite to her,
and hid her face in her veil, to avoid the
contagion of his mirth. Or she might
have been laughing too, for her bosom
heaved strangely.
All is over at last-the bride and bride
groom have gone away-the guests dis
persed to their various homes-the father
TO his study, to pray that they may be
happy; although he has no fear, for they
love and are worthy of each Other-the
bridesmaid to her now lonely chamber
The excitement has been too much for
filings herself upon the ground,
and in her madness and despair, dashes
her head against the floor, and shrieks
aloud The orange blossoms are torn
from her hair, part of which comes out
also in the struggle; but she feels no
pain-there is Il deadness-a void in her
heart, which Will never be filled up
again. There are hours in life ike mar
tyrdom-as full of bitter anguish-as full
Of earthly desolation-in which more than
our sinews-in which we feel as if our
very heart strings were stretched and
lacerated on the rack of affiiction-in
which life itself loses its value, and we
ask to die! This was one of them.
Presently the first dinner-bell rang
They are to have large party, in honor
OF the day and she starts up like one
from a fearful dream She
changes her soiled dress, and smoothes
her disheavelled tresses She hides the
fearful paleness of her checks with
rogue and tries, before her mirror,
those rigid and sorrOwful lines
about the mouth can ever be taught to
relax again into smiles. The metamor-
phosis is at length completed, and she
goes down TO preside over her fathers
guests, and will be perhaps, in appear
ance, the merriest and most animated OF
them ALL
Poor Clara how will you bear that
sisters return? To have her hanging
upon your neck, in her fond child-like
way, and looking up into your eyes,
while she tells you how kim Edward is
and fond of her-and how happy they
are together; entreating, so earnestly,
that YOU will come and stay with them
and be daily and hourly witness of their
felicity! Why it would be the death of
you! Her assurances, that nothing
would give Edward more pleasure, for
she is certain that he loves you--and the
hope, half timidly expressed, that before
long you will be settled in equal comfort.
Alas for your irmness your pride,
when that hour comes! And yet it will
not fail you you will go down into the
silent grave, and your sad secret be
buried with you.
This is one of the many strange alchy-
mical processes by which warm and joy
Gus hearts are scared and chilled, and
ott-times broken; and when this is the
case, they are at least to be pitied.
''She was foolish" perhaps some Of
our readers will say, Ito give her love
;" but are we quite sure that
Mr.. Dalzell, with his fine expressive
eyes, and sweet voice, was not little to
blame also? And even if this was not
the case, who should dare to judge these
things by common and everyday rules
Be it as it may, the punishment was
greater than the error committed-and
hard, grievously hard to be borne.