Details why Charles Brown's fiancee, Annie Ward, broke off their engagement. Transcription: he [Charles Brown] till this heavy, heavy day, had hoped to make his wife [Annie Ward]. And she had thought over it in her heart, and during absence: ? had prayed over it, and had concluded that it was ?ǣnot right ? that she should become his wife. Therefore was it that she delayed returning, and that her letter was short and strange. And this sad morning he ([words crossed out]) got a parcel containing all his letters and loving gifts. I had laughed that morning when at breakfast time his brother had
Details why Charles Brown's fiancee, Annie Ward, broke off their engagement. Transcription: he [Charles Brown] till this heavy, heavy day, had hoped to make his wife [Annie Ward]. And she had thought over it in her heart, and during absence: ? had prayed over it, and had concluded that it was ?ǣnot right ? that she should become his wife. Therefore was it that she delayed returning, and that her letter was short and strange. And this sad morning he ([words crossed out]) got a parcel containing all his letters and loving gifts. I had laughed that morning when at breakfast time his brother had jestingly spoken of his quitting the table without a meal, little anticipating such result. He had gone to the house, but had not gained admission to her presence: then wandered to his place of business, and again to the house; and this time had prevailed upon them, and seen her. And all the long day had he passed there, pleading as one only could in such case ? but in vain. On one condition only would she be his friend; ( nevermore aught beside:) ? that he weds the girl he seduced. He could not feel anger at her resolve; ? could not but love her the more, honoring the religion of it. But [word crossed out] what a loss! and that too when every thought had been indulged in relative to what a brief month would give him. How he had dwelt on it, reckoning day by day till her return from Boston; ? and this the result. But he would obey her: ? yes he ?d seek out this girl, and if she had remained pure but for him, he would make her his wife. It would be a [word crossed out] trial to wed one who had been jested at, and low in station, but it was his duty, and he would try and do it. I felt for him with all my heart and did my best to console him. We went out, he designing a call on the clergyman, at whose Church he attends, to tell all, and have his counsel. I left him there, and wandered on, musing how ?ǣeven-handed jus- Title: Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries: Volume 1, page 161,
Size: 1758px × 2844px
Photo credit: © The Picture Art Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords:
