The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1877-05-31
Selert ShGg.
ORIGINAL
a STORY OF LOVE AND MAR
RAGE.
BY JOHN MILLER.


The following story is written as rela'
ted to me by near relative:
When l was only fourteen years old l
became peculiarly attached to boy about
two years my senior. l had been ac-
quainted with him from an early age.
We had played together, gone to school
together, and, in fact were, so to speak,
like brother and sister,
We never quarreled ourselves, and
were sure to take each others part in our
childish quarrels with schoolmates, 80
that it will be seen there was always a
strange, unaccountable affinity between
us. But at this time became attached
to him in such way that l could not ac-
count for, Nobody, according to my
ideal, seemed to be like him; his de-
meanor, his courtesy, conversation, gait,
and looks, to me were absolutely fascina-
ting; my very life seemed bound up in
him. 1t did not matter when he came,
he always seemed to come opportune.
Thus we grew together, till I found I
really loved him, and without himI could
not be happy.
My nineteenth birthday was fast ap-
preaching, and Charley, for this is the
name Of my adored one, sent me a birth
day present, 1t was beautiful diamond
brooch. was at the time in my own
room, and it was sent to me with note
requesting an interview with me.
Of course, as l have already stated, his
existence was 80 interviewer with mine,
l was always glad to have him near me;
but he had never been in the habit re-
uuesting me to see him. He had been
so accustomed from early life to come to
my home as though he were a member
of the family, and would just talk to me
in any place as occasion or opportunity
might throw us together. could not,
therefore, imagine what he meant by this
unexpected and unprecedented mode of
introducing himself
True, he had been away year, and many
changes take place in that length of time;
and besides, l could hardly expect him
to be 30 familiar after years alb
senCe; still my heart misgave, felt
afraid to meet him. could Construe his
conduct into nothing else but that he
had come TO announce to me his engage
ment if not his intended marriage.
thought could never bear to hear it. l
felt sure it would kill mel Yet he had
never shown any other affection to me
than that of friend. Thus had no
claim. had never told him that low
ed him; of course could not do that. /
thought he knew it, and also thought
he loved me; but still it might not be
that love which warrants a man to take
a woman to his bosom for life, for better
for worse, for richer for poorer, in sick
ness and in health. This is a serious ta-
king However, all this might be, l
knew, from the fact of our long friend
ship, would be invited to his wedding,
and he might have come on this business.
All these thoughts passed through my
mind like the shifting scenes in pano-
rama; but it never once entered my mind
that it was quite natural for him to want
to see me. felt distracted; shndder-
ed; nearly tainted; but suddenly fash
of light darted across my mental vision
he may have come to tell me of his love.
1 determined to go to him at once; hut
our meeting was strange. Had he not in
q formal way requested an interview In
all probability, as soon as heard he was
there, would, as l had done before, run
and thrown myself into his arms and al
lowed him to embrace me. This formal
ity, however, made a great change. Shy
and almost trembling / entered the draw
ing room. He arose to meet me, and
held out his hand. l felt a strange sick
ness at my heart. My head reeled. l
caught the words:
"0hl Marion dear, what ails your What
makes you look 30 pale2 Areyou sickP'
l could not answer. l fell, and he
caught me in his arms. My mother was
summoned; but still Charley held me in
his arms, and though / could not speak,
! was conscious was in Charley's arms;
and whether from affinity or some other
cause, cannot tell, and felt assured
that Charley loved me, and not with q
doubtful love, either.
suppose this fact, and the water my
mother sprinkled on my face, brought me
soon TO consciousness again, and as re-
gained my speech ] gasped: Charley
Charley and Notwithstanding mother
was there, he drew me gently, feelingly,
lover-like to him and kissed me, saying
as he did 80: s.t totra l8 8Iramg n
Il am here, darlingl i am herel What
ails you, Marion2"
I felt full Of confidence, but could not
speak. My mother kissed me tenderly,
asking melt was III, and II it would