Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1872-05-18
SUNSHINE AND SHADOW.
BY JOSIE L. THURLow.


July sunset. A rare picture she made,
in her pure white dress, the sweet,
childish face surrounded by wealth
of shining curls, and a look Of perfect
happiness in the deep, starry eyes. As
the glory of the dying day lighted her
fair face, she seemed like some bright
dream that must, ere long, fade away,
leaving llaught but a beautiful memory
of what was now so fair.
There was another occupant in the
room; her mother was sitting by Il
small workable, apparently absorbed
in her sewing but there was troubled
look on her usually serene face, as her
eyes wandered from her work to her
daughters happy face.
"Marion, darling" she said at last,
81 wish to talk with you.'
The Young girl started, the crimson
deepening in her cheek, then laughed
softly.
"Why, mammal she said, merrily.
{" one world think l did not allow you
to talk to me only OIL stated occasions,
by the solemn way you spoke"
She went to her mother, and, seating
herself on an ottoman at her feet.
locked up. smiling, into the tender
tace bending over her; then, seeing
the sadness there, she said, geutly-.
alt must be something serious,
mamma, 10 make you look so sadly"
"It is serious, Marion, and iraught
with grief would lain spare you,
were it possible. 1t is of Allan Chester
4 wish to speak"
| "Why, mamma, what has Allan
done ~ asked Marion, surprised.
ALLAN is not worthy oi you, my
child. You would never be happy as
the wife OF one who can 30 far forget
his manhood as TO appear OH the street
1 intoxicated"
"He never did" cried Marion, $ You
nave been msin,ormed. lie is above
that degrading vice."
My dear child, it is too true. Last
night, as was returning lroIh Mrs. ri.
hUtt's, l mel three young men, e'idrnt-
" utoxIcated. As the. came amder he
iuii glare ol the street lamp, coaid
! distinctly see their faces. Two oi them
wero masks, but the other one was So
overcome that ne had probably lost
his, and, TO my horror, recognized
Aiia., Chester
Are You sure. mamma T.
MariUils = face Was white as marble.
II should not have tpld yOrl, had
there beeu shadow OF a doubt. My
poor child, what can l do TO comfort
youi" she asked, tenderly, seeing
MariOn's white face.
Nothing, mamma; shall be bet
ter alone" And she went swiftly up
to her room.
! Mr.. Holton was a clergyman and
Marion was his only child. Beautiful
aud accomplished, she had not been
spoiled by indulgence, and her mind
was as lovely as her face. Only a
year before, she had first met Allan
Chester. at first she had admired his
laughing eyes and splendid form; bur,
as she came to know him better, his
nobler qualities of heart ani mind had
won the deepest love of her young
heart. And when, only few months
ago. OFT under the signing elms, he
had told his love in deep, thrilling
tones, and asked her TO be his wife
she had thanked God, in the tullness
of her heart, for 40 much happiness
Only two months more, aud she would
have been bride.
When she reached her room, sll,
threw herself on a low ottoman, reste(
her head OH the wintlOw-sill, and bnrs
into storm OF tears. 1t was her frs
, sorrow, and it seemed as ifit was NOR,
than she could bear. By and by sh'
y grew calmer.
:" He will be here so0n," she thought
y /" I cannot see him.sI cannot meet hin
!. calmly yet, and he must not see mi
5 thus"
: She glanced into the mirror, at he
: pale, Sc ffering face and swollen eyes
Then she seated herself ut an -elegan
. waiting-desk, and hurriedly wrote |
: few lines, quietly sealed them, ant
awaited his coming. There were n,