The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-05-01

mlrIng eyes off her iace all through tho
cool bright afternoon, and when, ut
eventide, she arrayed herself in the
brown satin, and with q crimson shawl
around her stood by my side on tho east
ern piazza awaiting tho coming of tho
stage, could not refrain from clasping
my arms around her, and exclaimipe :
Dear Helen, how beautiful you are T.
She smiled her own sweet, gentle smile,
as she replied
+" am glad OF it, Mary; glad for his
SAKE"
The sun set-the shadows deepened
and thickened. I remember that the
wind, which had been all day q western
zephyr, changed to tho east, and blew
up cold, white columns Of mist from the
river; and the blue translucent heavens
were clothed in the vestmonts Of purple
gray.
We both went down and leaned on tho
gate that opened upon the highway. Not
q doubt crossed her mind; she looked
for his coming with tho tender faith with
which a child waits its mothers good
night kiss. Tho numbering old coach
came slowly up the hill.
But tho coachman's CHEEKY "Good
even, girls, fell on ears that heard not,
for rs tho vacant stage ratified by cold
trembling seized upon Helen, and it re-
quircd all my strength to support her
into the house.
From that hour hope was dead in her
heart. She gave up all But contrary
to tho expectations OF every one, Just q
year from the day she had expected to
be welded, she rallied, and in time she
was once more able to move about the
house. ''''.
Two years aiterward, Helcn, by tho
death Of her parents, was left alone.
Mrs. Richardson had died some months
previously. There wns no tie to bind
Helen to Milvillc, so she disposed OF the
old homestead. Arthur Richardson
never came back the vessel in which
he sailed was never heard from after she
left Singapore, aud in all probability his
grave was made III tho ocean depths.
Though many wealthy and gifted men
bowed before Helen Marchmont, she
remained faithful to her first love. And
every Sabbath, in memory Of this lost
love, she wore his parting gift-tho
brown satin dress.
Two years ago, while l was a. visitor
ut Mrs. Greeno's house, I remembered
tho story Of Miss Marchmont, and has.
tened to inquire Of my hostess concern.
ing the beautiful heroine. A smile
lightened up the lady's face as 1 men.
toned the name.
"Miss Marchmont no longer exists"
sho said.
"Dead!" 1 exclaimed, shocked by
her reply.
"NOt dead, but married and more
than that-slio is the wife Of her first
aud only love !"
"But he was lost
$50 wG all supposed. But it turned
out quite differently. He returned about
twelve months ago. The ship in which
he expected to sail to New York was
captured by q piratical craft, and Arthur
Richardson was thrown into Spanish
dungeon, from which he did not make
his escape for ten years; and then he
was taken to AustrNlia by the captain OF
au immigrant ship. There he lnbored
necessarily to retrieve his shattered for
tune, writing often to Helen letters full
Of love and trust, which, Of course, ow.
ing to her change Of residence, she
never received. After three years he
found himself rich man, and without
delay he set out for the States. Ie
visited Nlilville, to find only his mothers
grave, and to hear the tidings that
Helcn had welded gentleman in the
city, whittier she had gone at the death
Of her parents. Hcartsick and reck-
less Of himself, the wandercr took refuge
in the for West, and engaged in trade.
Coming about a year ago to the city to
purchase supply OF goods, he met her
in the street. A recognition ensued-
explanations and revelations ; and
happy wedding wal tho result"