The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-06-04

They did so, and from that instant
new world opened before them. Hours
passed. but they were unconscious Of the
the flight of time until evening began TO
darken the earth, when with many sweet
farewells, they parted, though not forev-
er. for they had promised to meet on the
same spot before many days.
Months passed, and they continued to
meet in the woods. Their love was Sc
cret to all save themselves, and they guar
ded it with care, else they would have
been rudely separated. These stolen IN
tercourses were the most delicious mo-
ments of their lives, but Ike every
other delightful period, 1t was destined to
end.
The parents of Alma had chosen hus-
bard for her-a wealthy noble-and the
day appointed for her her wedding was
not far distant. Eric learned the fatal
news, and was attacked with dangerous
fever. In delirium he confessed his love
for Alma, and declared that he would wed
her or die. The family was astonished at
the intelligence.
Before his serious illness took place,
they perceived a change IN him, but they
had never suspected the cause.
J The father listened IN terror to the pas
sionate appeals of his son, and tried to
persuade himself that they were merely
the wanderings of disordered intellect,
and that on hls recovery he would dis
avoW all that he had said during his III
| ness.
But he grew no better. The fever
increased until his life was despalred
| of.
When Alma discovered that her lover
was on the point of death, she became
so distracted by griet that her parents
were alarmed lest she should lose her rea-
son.
Notwithstanding the danger of then
children the parents could not be prevailed
upon to meet on friendly terms; theil
aversion appeared to be stronger than thell
parental love.
Eric did not die, and in proportion as h'
repained his health, Alma recovered he
| tranquility of mind. The youth, in time
ACQUAINTED his father with his love for
his 1iyaPs daughter. The father en-
RACED at the possibility of their uniting
in wedloek, declared that if such an even
should come to pass he would dlsinheri
him.
Eric expected an angry outburst from
his father but confident of his lntluenc
over him, he hoped TO induce him to ylei'
at last to his wishes. He was dis
appointed. His father remained inexhor
able
Alma was equally unsuccessful in soft
ening the hearts of her parents; the
had chosen bridegroom for her, and the
were resolved she should abide by thel
choice.
Her wedding was nearing rapidly, an
grand preparations were begun tor tn
1 ha aOnetonflu D 1100er th
vigilance of an attendant, and was IN coE
J | sequence prevented from seeing Eric, VIII
heard, with an aching heart, of the al
rangements which were being made fc
her marriage.
The day arrived. The guests assemble
and everything was in readiness for tn
occasion. All were arrayed in festive at
! tire all hearts were light and merry, an
eager to partake of the marriage feast, an
to drink to the health and happiness of Ii
/ bride and bridegroom:
/ But their Joy and hilarity came to a
} abrupt pause. The bride was missing
' Confusion prevailed. No one could te
her whereabouts, for no one had seen
. tiny little boat sail quickly across Il
5 stream, and land near the window of.h
) chamber nor youth alight, and call, in
! low voice the name of Alma, no one ht
a seen the bride appear and spring joyful
r into his arms.
When they did behold her, she W
clasped in the last embrace of her love
e sailing down the stream toward the fal
: onward to a certain death Not all Il
d prayers and cries of their repentant pa
d ents could save them; they vanished in t
foam, and the gloomy rocks around ech
d ed the mournful words, "Too late ! t
= late I"