y, that I deeply, solemnly, and devotedly
love you, and you alone. I am not rich; but I have enough of this
world's goods to live in ease, if not in splendor. Will you share with
me, and be partner of my lot, be it for good or ill, through life? My
heart you have had long--my hand I now offer you. Say, dearest, will you
be mine?"

Ella did not speak--she could not; but she looked up into his face, with
a sweet, modest, affectionate smile; and her dark, soft, beautiful eyes,
suffused with tears, wherein a soul of love lay mirrored, gave answer,
with a heart-felt eloquence surpassing words.

"I understand you, Ella," said Algernon, with emotion. "You are
mine--mine forever!" and he strained her trembling form to his heart in
silence--a deep, joyful and holy silence--that had in it more of Heaven
than earth.

* * * * *

It was a mild, lovely day in the spring of 1783. Earth had donned her
green mantle, and decorated it with flowers of every hue and variety.
The trees were in leaf and in bloom; among whose soft, waving branches,
gay birds from the sunny south sung most sweetly; and nature seemed
every where to rejoice. In the court of Bryan's Station was a large
concourse of people--many of whom were from a distance--and all
assembled there to witness the solemn ceremony which was to unite
Algernon Reynolds and Ella Barnwell forever; for who shall say the holy
marriage rite is not eternally binding in the great Hereafter. There
were congregated both sexes and all ages, from the infant to the hoary
headed veteran of eighty winters. There were assembled youth and
manhood, whose names have since graced the historic page, and whose
deeds have stamped them benefactors of their race and nation. All were
in order, and silent, and the scene was most solemnly impressive. On the
right and left of the bride and groom and their attendants, stood,
promiscuously, the general spectators of both sexes. In front was drawn
up the garrison, in three platoons, under arms, in compliment to the
noble bravery of our hero at the battle of Blue Licks.

Never did Algernon appear more noble than now--never did Ella look more
beautiful; as, pale and trembling, she seemed to cling to his arm for
support. The ceremony was at length begun and ended, amid a deep and
breathless silence. As the last words, "_I pronounce you man and wife_,"
died away upon the air, the first platoon advanced a pace and fired a
volley--the