Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-11-22
Mary Moore.

All my life | had known Mary Moore all
my life had loved her
oar mothers were old playmatos aud first
cousins. My first recollections are of a boy,
in red irock and morocco Shoes rocking
cradle, in which rcposed a sunnyhaired,
hlue-cyed baby, not quite year old. That
boy was myself-llarry Church that baby
was Mary Moore,
Later still see myself at the old school.
house. drawing my little chaise up 10 the
door that Mary might ride home. Many
beating have ! gained on such occasions, for
other boys beside me liked her and she.
fear was something Of a flint, even in her
pinafore. How she came tripping down
the steps when | called her name; how
sweetly her blue eyes looked at me- how
gaily rang out her merry laugh No one
but Mary could ever bring her heart so near
her lips. ! followed that laugh from my
days Of childhood till grew an awkward.
blushing youth | followed ii through the
heated noon of manhood and now, when the
frosts Of age are silvering my hair, and many
children climb upon my knee and call me
father" find that the memories of youth
are strong, and that even in gray hairs I'm
following the music still.
When was fifteen, the first great sorrow
Of my life came upon my breast. was
sent to school, and was obliged to part with
Mary. We were not to see each other for
three long years. This to me was like a
sentence of death, for Mary was life itself
tome. But hearts are tough things, after ALL
left college in all the flush OF my nine
teenth year. | was no longer awkward or
embarrassed ! had grown into a tall, sen-
der STRIPPING, with a very good opinion of
myself, both in general and in particular
II thought of Mary Moore, it was 10 think
how | could dazzle and bewlder her with
my good looks and wonderful mental attain
ments and never thinking she might dazzle
and bcwilder me still more. ] was q cox
comb, know, but as youth aud good looks
have fed, | trust that ! may be- believed
when | say that set-conceit has left me also.
An advantageous offer was made me at
that time and accepting it, | gave up all
idea Of profession and prepared to go to
India. In my hurried visit home OF two
days | saw nothing of Mary Moore. she
had gone to a boardiugschool ut some dis.
lance and was not expected home until the
following May. | uttered a sigh TO the
memory Of my little hiue-eyed playmate, and
then called myself "a man again.
In a year, thought as the vehicle whirled
Mary is as pretty as she used to be, why,
then, perhaps | may marry her.
And thus / settled the future of a young
lady whom had not seen for four years.
never thought OF the possibility OF her re-
fusing me-never dreamed that she would
not condescend to accept my offers.
But now know that had Mary met me
then she would have despised me Perhaps
in the scented and affected student she might
have found plenty Of sport but as for low
ing me- should perhaps have found myself
mistaken. India was my salvation, not
merely because of my success but because
my laborous industry had counteracted the
evil OF my nature, and had made me bet
ter man. When, at the end of three years,
prepared to return, | said nothing OF the
reformation Of myself, which / knew had
taken place. They loved me as | was,
murmured to myself and they shall find out
for themselves whether | am better worth
loving than formerly.
picked up many a token from that land
of romance and gold for the friends hoped
to meet. The gift for Mary Moore selected
with beating heart it was a ring Of rough
virgin gold, with my name and hers engraved
inside--that was all, and yet the sight of the
little toy strangely thrilled me as | balanced
it on the tip Of my finger.
To the eyes Of others it was but small
circle suggesting thoughts, perhaps, by its
elegance, Of the beautiful white hand that
was to wear il. But to me how much was
embodied there-al these delights were
hidden within that little ring of gold.
Tall, bearded and sun-bronzed, knocked
at my fathers house. The light in the par
or window, and the hum OF conversation
and cheerful laughter, showed me that com
pany was assembled there. hoped that my
sister Lizzie would come to the door, aud /
might greet my family when no strange eye
was looking carelessy on.
But no; a servant answered my summons.
! They were too merry in the parlor to heed
/ the long absent one who asked for admit
lance. a bitter thought like this ran through
my mind as | heard the sounds from the
/ parlor, and saw the hali-suppressed smile on
/ the servants lace.
| hesitated a moment before making my
self known or asking for any OF my family
/ And while | stood silent strange apparition
/ grew up before me; from behind the servant
peeped out golden head, a tiny, delicate
form and sweet childish face with blue ewes.
so like those of one that frightened my boy
hood, that started with a sudden feeling of
! pain.
What is your name my pretty 2" asked
l,while the wondering servant held the door.
"Mary Moore"
And what else ?" asked quickly.
She lifted up her hands 10 shade her face
/ i had seen that very attitude in another,
in my boyhood, many and many a time
and whispered in a sweet, bird-ike voice:
"Mary Moore Chester"
My heart sank down like lead. Here was
an end to all the bright dreams and hopes
Of my youth and manhood, Frank Chester,
my boyish rival, who had often tried in vain
to usurp my place beside the girl, had sue
ceeded at last and had won her away from