it not in accord with your station, or compatible with your rank;
yet, “sub loc signo vinces.” You know I cannot resume my visits,
in consequence of the utter hostility that your father has to me;
therefore the consummation of our union will have to be sought
for in a more sublime sphere, at the residence of a respectable
friend of this village. You cannot have an scruples upon this
mode of proceeding, if you will but remember it emanates from one
who loves you better than his own life–who is more than anxious
to bid you welcome to a new and happy home. Your warmest associates
say come; the talented, the learned, the wise, and the experienced
say come;–all these with their friends say, come. Viewing these,
with many other inducements, I flatter myself that you will come
to the embraces of your Elfonzo; for now is the time of your
acceptance of the day of your liberation. You cannot be ignorant,
Ambulinia, that thou art the desire of my heart; its thoughts
are too noble, and too pure, to conceal themselves from you.
I shall wait for your answer to this impatiently, expecting that you
will set the time to make your departure, and to be in readiness
at a moment’s warning to share the joys of a more preferable life.
This will be handed to you by Louisa, who will take a pleasure in
communicating anything to you that may relieve your dejected spirits,
and will assure you that I now stand ready, willing, and waiting
to make good my vows.
I am, dear Ambulinia, your
truly, and forever,
J. I. Elfonzo.
Louisa made it convenient to visit Mr. Valeer’s, though they
did not suspect her in the least the bearer of love epistles;
consequently, she was invited in the room to console Ambulinia,
where they were left alone. Ambulinia was seated by a small table–
her head resting on her hand–her brilliant eyes were bathed in tears.
Louisa handed her the letter of Elfonzo, when another spirit animated
her features–the spirit of renewed confidence that never fails
to strengthen the female character in an hour of grief and sorrow
like this, and as she pronounced the last accent of his name,
she exclaimed, “And does he love me yet! I never will forget
your generosity, Louisa. Oh, unhappy and yet blessed Louisa! may you
never feel what I have felt–may you never know the pangs of love.
Had I never loved, I never would have been unhappy; but I turn to Him
who can save, and if His wisdom does not will my expected union,
I know He will give me strength to bear my lot. Amuse yourself
with this little book, and take it as an apology for my silence,”
said Ambulinia, “while I attempt to answer this volume of consolation.”
“Thank you,” said Louisa, “you are excusable upon this occasion;
but I pray you, Ambulinia, to be expert upon this momentous subject,
that there may be nothing mistrustful upon my part.” “I will,”
said Ambulinia, and immediately resumed her seat and addressed the
following to Elfonzo:
Cumming, Ga., January 28, 1844.
Devoted Elfonzo–
I hail your letter as a welcome messenger of faith, and can now
say truly and firmly that my feelings correspond with yours.
Nothing shall be wanting on my part to make my obedience your fidelity.
Courage and perseverance will accomplish success. Receive this
as my oath, that while I grasp your hand in my own imagination,
we stand united before a higher tribunal than any on earth.
All the powers of my life, soul, and body, I devote to thee.
Whatever dangers may threaten me, I fear not to encounter them.
Perhaps I have determined upon my own destruction, by leaving
the house of the best of parents; be it so; I flee to you; I share
your destiny, faithful to the end. The day that I have concluded
upon for this task is SABBATH next, when the family with the citizens
are generally at church. For Heaven’s sake let not that day
pass unimproved: trust not till tomorrow, it is the cheat of life–
the future that never comes–the grave of many noble births–