True and Untrue
Dublin Core
Title
True and Untrue
Creator
F,
Source
http://addison.vt.edu/record=b1775388~S1
Publisher
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Date
September, 1875
Contributor
Ashley Hughes, Lindsey Macdonald
Rights
Permission to publish images from The Gray Jacket must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Format
Text
Language
English
Type
Short Story
Identifier
LD5655.V8 L4, ser.1, v.1, no.3 (Sept. 1875), p.1-8
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
It was over. Both had taken the solemn vow to love each other only, and the Minister had declared them man and wife. Through the wide spread church door the south breeze wafted the sweet perfume of fresh blown flowers. Without was heard the merry warbling of the birds, which, mingled with the grand tones of the organ, seemed as if art and nature were in harmonious contests as to who should render greatest praise unto God. The congratulations over, Edward Williams and his bride, Nina, passed slowly from the Church, each feeling in their own heart that they were mated but not matched. Edward was a quiet, dignified man, about thirty, above the medium height, with erect military carriage, and dark curling hair. There was that in his face which showed plainly that he could love well, but under that black eye was an indication of jealousy. He had married Nina Carrington because he really loved her. Nina had married Edward through spite. Oh! unhappy mistake into which women are prone to fall. Marriage through spite is the foundation of over one half of the existing domestic unhappiness. In a whirl of anger they marry the [unintelligible] man who presents himself, and at last they awake to find themselves linked for life. Nina, [unintelligible] from her cradle, had determined to coquet[unintelligible] with George Burks. George paid no attention to her advances, and when she at last openly declared love to him, he laughed in her face. Nina immediately declared herself willing her longs standing engagement with Edward, and thus, as we have shown, they were married on a bright Spring morning. Immediately after their marriage they started on their bridal tour.
Imagine yourself, who ever you are, at Baden Baden, that celebrated resort for people of all descriptions. There amongst the foremost, in the ranks of the flashy party, we find Geo. Burks. He was the leader in everything, and what were not sanctioned by the fashionable, Mr. Burks was considered barbarous. He had been very deep in several flirtations, and also in many more gambling scrapes. Yet with all, he maintained his position in society, and held his place in Bessie Dold's heart. Naught cared she for the many reports which wide mouth gossip whispered in her ears.
Bessie was a perfect brunette such a one as a favorite poet describes as— "Short and dark as a winter day." Her eyes were of liveliest black luster. When we add that she loved with all the strength and passion of which her nature was capable, and that she fully trusted those she loved, the description is complete.
George and Bessie had been out for a ride, and were returning just as the setting sun was bathing the whole country in a flood of gold. They had been riding on in silence for sometime, when suddenly Bessie turned towards George and said in a low, earnest tone—" George you have made me very happy this summer by the bestowal of your priceless love, and God only knows how I strive to appreciate and return it. My only fear, darling, is that when I leave here I shall never see you again."
"Never fear, my dea," he replied, " though you be at lands-end when these next two years shall have passed, I shall find you and claim you as my own." They rode on conversing, and just as they were passing the reception room, George Burks saw Edward and Nina Williams. George politely lifted his hat, at the same time using his handkerchief to to hide the look [unintelligible] his face. Edward, from motives of politeness returned the bow; Nina, with that same old [unintelligible] low.
As George [unintelligible] parted, soon afterwards to Bessie's [unintelligible] who the strangers were, he simply replied [unintelligible] and wife."
Rapidly the time [unintelligible] passed away since the arrival of our friends. Edward was only too glad to attach himself to the party in which George Burks moved, this being [unintelligible] most select party at Baden Baden. A past intimacy grew up between George and Edward, and they being almost constantly together, George saw very much of Nina, even so much that patient and trusting Bessie had to complain of neglect. To her loving complaints lie always answered that Edward and he had been old school mates, and that when they got together, it was difficult to leave. Bessie prevailed on George to introduce her to the stranger, as she was fond of calling them, and accordingly she became acquainted. They met often, and a mutual liking sprang up between Edward, Nina, and Bessie; as for George he never really liked any one. Men were to him only what he could make out of them women, only the amusement they could afford.
One day as the tour sat together, Edward proposed a change of place, and suggested the mountains of Switzerland. It was eagerly agreed to by all except George, who for private reason preferred to remain. He was afraid to attempt to leave until he had settled his gambling debts. So it was decided that Edward and Nina, together with Bessie and he and Aunt, with whom she was traveling, should go on to Switzerland, and that George should follow as soon as possible.
The long tedious journey was over, and the travelers were well rested in their new homes. One bright, pretty night they were sitting in the open air and talking of George. Mr. Williams and Bessie were speaking very highly of him. Nina was silent. Not because she dared defame the absent member of the quartette, though she dared do any thing, but because, during their short but many meetings at Baden Baden, he had shown her much more attention than ever before, and above all, had satisfied her vanity by numerous compliments. Compliments were to her what the mana was to the children of Israel. Her sole remark on the subject was, she would like to see him with them again.
At the very moment at which they were discussing his many qualities, George Burks was sitting at the gambling table at Baden Baden. He had been playing a long time. Every one had left off with their own gambling to watch the success of the man who seemed gifted with a godly inspiration. Every time he won, 'till at last the banker's, in their desperation, declared the bank suspended, and George Burks arose a rich man. The next day he took up his I. 0. U.'s, and started out to meet his friends.
Two days after they were all together again. At the very moment at which Bessie was expressing her joy at his arrival, he was turning over a devilish scheme in his head.
From the time of his arrival, George Burks kept himself constantly in Mrs. Williams' company, so much so, that strangers often mistook him for Mr. Williams.
The intimacy grew to such an extent that the naturally jealous disposition of Edward Williams was excited. One day, whilst on the qui vive, he overheard his wife arrange a meeting with his friend for the following afternoon, and promise then to give him an answer to a question he was pressing. Edward was acquainted with the spot, and promised himself to be there also. Before the appointed time, he was on the spot. George came first and then Nina. They sat down and entered into a conversation. Edward's place of concealment was too far off for him to overhear the conversation. Yet he could tell that his wife's natural sense of propriety, (not the remembrance of her marriage vow) was holding her back from a step which she wished to take. At last they arose, and Edward saw his friend George press Nina to his breast, kiss her cheek and lips and say in a tone louder than any used before— "Remember love, to-night at two."
Then Edward stepped from his hiding place and made his presence known. Only George's arm around Nina prevented her fainting. The trio stood awhile without saying a word. Edward broke the silence by bidding his wife return to the Hotel. Like the guilty woman that she was, she turned and left the scene, not daring to look upon her husband's face. As soon as she was gone, Edward went up to George and presented two pistols; he knew what was expected of him, and putting out his hand took one. Without one word they separated, and at the word fire two reports were blended into one. George was dead.
Edward returned to the Hotel and told Bessie the whole occurrence. Without a tear or any sign of weakness, only a grave settled look on her face, she placed her hand in his saying— "I pity you. We are both broken hearted. We were to be married in two years."
They returned to America. George to become divorced and lead a life of solitude ; Nina to live on in deep degraded misery ; and Bessie lead a life of sweet Christian hope, doing good on earth, waiting to be called to home, where all are true and none untrue.
Imagine yourself, who ever you are, at Baden Baden, that celebrated resort for people of all descriptions. There amongst the foremost, in the ranks of the flashy party, we find Geo. Burks. He was the leader in everything, and what were not sanctioned by the fashionable, Mr. Burks was considered barbarous. He had been very deep in several flirtations, and also in many more gambling scrapes. Yet with all, he maintained his position in society, and held his place in Bessie Dold's heart. Naught cared she for the many reports which wide mouth gossip whispered in her ears.
Bessie was a perfect brunette such a one as a favorite poet describes as— "Short and dark as a winter day." Her eyes were of liveliest black luster. When we add that she loved with all the strength and passion of which her nature was capable, and that she fully trusted those she loved, the description is complete.
George and Bessie had been out for a ride, and were returning just as the setting sun was bathing the whole country in a flood of gold. They had been riding on in silence for sometime, when suddenly Bessie turned towards George and said in a low, earnest tone—" George you have made me very happy this summer by the bestowal of your priceless love, and God only knows how I strive to appreciate and return it. My only fear, darling, is that when I leave here I shall never see you again."
"Never fear, my dea," he replied, " though you be at lands-end when these next two years shall have passed, I shall find you and claim you as my own." They rode on conversing, and just as they were passing the reception room, George Burks saw Edward and Nina Williams. George politely lifted his hat, at the same time using his handkerchief to to hide the look [unintelligible] his face. Edward, from motives of politeness returned the bow; Nina, with that same old [unintelligible] low.
As George [unintelligible] parted, soon afterwards to Bessie's [unintelligible] who the strangers were, he simply replied [unintelligible] and wife."
Rapidly the time [unintelligible] passed away since the arrival of our friends. Edward was only too glad to attach himself to the party in which George Burks moved, this being [unintelligible] most select party at Baden Baden. A past intimacy grew up between George and Edward, and they being almost constantly together, George saw very much of Nina, even so much that patient and trusting Bessie had to complain of neglect. To her loving complaints lie always answered that Edward and he had been old school mates, and that when they got together, it was difficult to leave. Bessie prevailed on George to introduce her to the stranger, as she was fond of calling them, and accordingly she became acquainted. They met often, and a mutual liking sprang up between Edward, Nina, and Bessie; as for George he never really liked any one. Men were to him only what he could make out of them women, only the amusement they could afford.
One day as the tour sat together, Edward proposed a change of place, and suggested the mountains of Switzerland. It was eagerly agreed to by all except George, who for private reason preferred to remain. He was afraid to attempt to leave until he had settled his gambling debts. So it was decided that Edward and Nina, together with Bessie and he and Aunt, with whom she was traveling, should go on to Switzerland, and that George should follow as soon as possible.
The long tedious journey was over, and the travelers were well rested in their new homes. One bright, pretty night they were sitting in the open air and talking of George. Mr. Williams and Bessie were speaking very highly of him. Nina was silent. Not because she dared defame the absent member of the quartette, though she dared do any thing, but because, during their short but many meetings at Baden Baden, he had shown her much more attention than ever before, and above all, had satisfied her vanity by numerous compliments. Compliments were to her what the mana was to the children of Israel. Her sole remark on the subject was, she would like to see him with them again.
At the very moment at which they were discussing his many qualities, George Burks was sitting at the gambling table at Baden Baden. He had been playing a long time. Every one had left off with their own gambling to watch the success of the man who seemed gifted with a godly inspiration. Every time he won, 'till at last the banker's, in their desperation, declared the bank suspended, and George Burks arose a rich man. The next day he took up his I. 0. U.'s, and started out to meet his friends.
Two days after they were all together again. At the very moment at which Bessie was expressing her joy at his arrival, he was turning over a devilish scheme in his head.
From the time of his arrival, George Burks kept himself constantly in Mrs. Williams' company, so much so, that strangers often mistook him for Mr. Williams.
The intimacy grew to such an extent that the naturally jealous disposition of Edward Williams was excited. One day, whilst on the qui vive, he overheard his wife arrange a meeting with his friend for the following afternoon, and promise then to give him an answer to a question he was pressing. Edward was acquainted with the spot, and promised himself to be there also. Before the appointed time, he was on the spot. George came first and then Nina. They sat down and entered into a conversation. Edward's place of concealment was too far off for him to overhear the conversation. Yet he could tell that his wife's natural sense of propriety, (not the remembrance of her marriage vow) was holding her back from a step which she wished to take. At last they arose, and Edward saw his friend George press Nina to his breast, kiss her cheek and lips and say in a tone louder than any used before— "Remember love, to-night at two."
Then Edward stepped from his hiding place and made his presence known. Only George's arm around Nina prevented her fainting. The trio stood awhile without saying a word. Edward broke the silence by bidding his wife return to the Hotel. Like the guilty woman that she was, she turned and left the scene, not daring to look upon her husband's face. As soon as she was gone, Edward went up to George and presented two pistols; he knew what was expected of him, and putting out his hand took one. Without one word they separated, and at the word fire two reports were blended into one. George was dead.
Edward returned to the Hotel and told Bessie the whole occurrence. Without a tear or any sign of weakness, only a grave settled look on her face, she placed her hand in his saying— "I pity you. We are both broken hearted. We were to be married in two years."
They returned to America. George to become divorced and lead a life of solitude ; Nina to live on in deep degraded misery ; and Bessie lead a life of sweet Christian hope, doing good on earth, waiting to be called to home, where all are true and none untrue.