South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-02-22


has never been entirely removed. Iryou
would Ike to hear his tale OF sorrow, I will
give Il 10 you as he related it 10 me, one
winter evening when sat with him in
bis lonely home.
Il had gone TO spend the evening with
him, to cheer him if I could. found
him sitting beside small table. before a
bright fire, the only thing that sent ray
OF cheerfulness thro' the gloomy room.
lie lighted his lamp, and babe me be sea-
ted; on the table was au open Bible.
Near it lay q frame OF gold. encircling
one OF the fairest faces ever saw. |
feasted my eyes for n moment upon the
picture of rare loneliness. aud then with
drew them, lest he should see me gaz.
ing upon that which knew he deemed
q very sacred treasure, and tho image
of one whom l knew was in some way
linked with his unhappy past. lie re-
manned resting his head on his hand in
silence; for some moments longer
waited his time to speak finally hc
turned his eyes on me, and, as he wiped
tear from his cheek, said.-
Arthur, my boy. am glad you have
come TO the Old mans home 20 night !;
my heart Is very, very sad. have
been looking into the dim, AMI TO me. hor-
rid past; it has caused me much pain,
but feel that my heavenly Father has
forgiven me tor that dark deed done in
my youth. l know that he has been ex.
ceedipgly good TO me. have cast all
my load upon him, and he has lifted
me up, and helps me TO endure and be
strong. But as a warning to you | will
tear the veil from before the wretched
picture of the past, and tell you the sad
story of an old mans wasted life, and
let you see the shadows OF that dar K
picture. Though for years reason had
no sway with me, aud my mind was as
blank, | am sane now. Listen TO me.
Il was once happy, like yourself, and
they told me my eyes, like yours, were
full Of the light OF love, and my step
firm, my bearing manly. | was high
spirited, too. Alas that | shonld have
had so much of my siro's Ieycngeful
spirit loved she was one who was
indeed lovely to look upon. Take that
picture-looh at it. and tell me, could
you behold that fair white brow, and
live in the light of those loving blue
eyes, without giving her that homage
and devotion which that face and pure,
womanly nature demanded? All, no !
hearts OF sterner stuff than mine or yours
we're her slaves and knew no law but
her will.
Il loved her too we'll, and she was TO
be mine. Those rosy lips had whisper.
ell To me words full Of tender promise
that I can never forget, and scaled with
the first kiss OF love cow 10 live for
me only, and to wed me, or never be the
wife of any man. All, little did dream
in my happiness, how THAT VOW would
be kept | was proud OF her love, and
felt better for having won that noble
gentle, trusting heart. She bale me
seek her father, tell him all, and recci ve
his sanction to our union and hts bless
ing. did as she said, but Is was with
i heavy heart left the fathers pres
enCe. tie was courteous, but toll | me
that, while he esteemed and liked me,
he hal formed other plans for his dangh.
ter's fnturc, and Ire thought lie knew
best what would render her happy. Ie
considered us both too young 20 bind
ourselves by any vows and even forbade
me to consider any promise made by
her to me as binding. In vain plead
ed that she loved me, aud my wild dc-
votion for her he only smiled in deriS.
ion, and remained firm. As arose to
leave, he said,-
Mr.. Grey, very much regret that !
am forced TO say that | cannot permit
you to continue youT visits to my child ;
absence will be best for you both till
this foolish dream is over
The hot blood rushed through my
veins and into my face, then back a
gain, leaving me deadly pale with an
ger; yet for her sake and the love [
bore her, checked back the words that
almost forced themselves through my
compressed lips. | dashed out Of the
house without reply 20 his heartlcss
speech. knew not what nc said TO her, but
letter came, telling me that we could
no longer enjoy those sweet hours to
gether that had been so full Of JOY to
~. But will write TO you, dearest she
said, and though we may never meet n
gain, or not for years, will he true to
you ever
i dared not send my letters through
the~<Sce, lest her father should discov-
- correspondence and forbid that
-. called mp my servant boy, told
him the state Of my affairs, and asked
him II he would servo me faithfully in
my need. lie promised That he would,
aud | trusted him. For months we
heard, through him, from each other. aud
we lived on, hoping that her unfeeling
father would in time releut. Sue wrote
me that she had besought him to give
his consent 10 our marriage. and h5 had
repulscd her After n while she wrote
again, say ing that he had discovered orr
secret correspondence. and vowed he
would shoot me If did not yield TO bis
wishes.
I was mad with grief and rage. Next
morning, % my surprise and consolation.
another letter came from nv avpcf GIRL