The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1878-12-04

NIGHT THE FIRST.

! NIGHT THE FIRST
The mellow autumn sun was sink
ing 10 the west, tinging each bush
and brake with the golden tint and
throwing cut the fir copse black and
; grim.
The birds were chirping their even
ing hymns and the tired plougbmsn
was toiling homeward-if his nicer
able hut could be called q home
when youth and maiden might be
seen seated beneath a willow tree,
that bent its graceful foliage to kiss
the dark and silent waters Of Ash
pool.
| A favorite seat, this. with lovers.
Beneath the shade of that old tree
had many a troth been plighted, and
many 6re-side in the village Of
Horton had it's aged couples, who
talked loudly of the early vows they
plighted there.
Perchance q few were brokeu-for
some were lightly given; and the
grim hand of death at times will
smite the young and strong in the
uoontide of existence.
Far and wide was the willow
known-beloved by the young and
treasured in the memory of old age.
| The youth, Harry Barton, now
seated there, was the son of rich,
sustere, passionate man.
He was frank and noble youth;
but in the dull, moiherless home, and
and in the presence of the harsh but
just father, he found but little of the
sunshine of life.
One morn, wandering through the
wood, be encountered bis present
companion, charming Annie Weston;
and new sun of existence dswned
upon him.
He saw her attempting to reach q
tempting cluster of hszlenuts, ell un-
conscious Of bis presence; and with
bis natural courtesy be offered bis
assistance.
From this hour they often met; and
q love sprang up in these two young
hearts such as binds two souls to-
getber to eternity.
Anna was the daughter Of game
keeper, "a common hind, Mr. Barton
would have said;) but in her eyes
beamed love and frsnkness unsur-
passed by any lady in the land. Not
classically beautiful, but naturally
charming-free, happy and innocent
as the tender fawn
The cool heart of Mr.. Barton re-
pulsed all confidence from Harry,
and Annie's timidity hid her love
from her father; so the story OF their
young love was locked within their
breasts.
A sorrowful time had arrived. Har-
~ was bound for college, and this
was their night Of parting.
"Oh, Harry" Annie said, Il can
not lose you. 1t is selfish thought,
but fear the story Of our love is
over, and now we part forever
"Not 30, dearest" Harry replied.
"Our parting will be brief. could
not live without your love, and will
be faithful and true. Parting makes
us sad even the nightingale's 6rst
note from yonder wood, we 80 oft
have heard together, sounds like
warning knell; but such love as ours
should have no doubts. 1t has not,
/ am sure; therefore, dearest, we will
pass the few remaining moments
cheerfuIly. The memory of the hap
DIV hours we've passed together, and
the hope of our next meeting, will
tighten my studies and urge me on"
Pardon, dearest Harry" replied
Annie, as the light of hope bright
ened her face. II have no doubt of
you, the sadness was but momentary;
| love you too dearly to be . bin
drance to your prosperity. Go, and
take all the love OF my poor heart
with you"
Il take it, love, and leave behind
this heart of mine There is no pow.
er on earth that could take it from
you. Urged on BY the hopes Of call
ing you mine, / shall pursue nv d.
ties with diligence; these completed !
begin the world TO make Q home for
u.s.
"Begin it now!" exclaimed q
harsh voice, and Mr.. Barton stood
beside him.
Begin it now, deceitful and in
crate boy. See what her low-born
love viii do toward the building of
your castle From this hour i have
no SON."
Father" said Harry. mournfully,
"faiu would l have con6ded my love
TO you Just you have always been,
but your coldness has always repuls-
ed the confidence l gladly would
have given"
"Boy % cried the old man fercely,
blame not me- The deceit ia yours,
and yours alone. Bear the burden
of this crime as you will. / here re-
nounce you. No more" be added,
ss Harry was about to speak. "Be
gone! Let not the shadow Of an un-
grateful child dsrken my doors again.
| If, in this dark future before you,
when poverty is your close compan-
ion, let no begging friend sppeal to
me, for in that hopr, here solemnly
swear. III know you not To all spr
peals III say. i have oson' Away
and hear with you the curses Of IN
/ outraged father, who here commits
you to life Of penury, and . pau
J per's grsvew
The old man turned on his heel
and walked away.
whist have ! done :" cried Annie,