The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-09-02
WILMINGTON, DEL. SEPT. 2, 1924.

his form was wasted, and his cheek was sal
low; he lifted not his eyes from the ground
until called upon to declare himself innocent
or7guilty he then raised them, and pronoun-
ced, in firm tone, not guilty. AS he
threw a hurried glance aronnd, he saw Ras-
dale, who had not the slightest remembrance
of Herberts face or name but when the un-
happy youth beheld the lawyer, deadly
paleness blanched his countenancc even his
lips became colourlcss, and though the heat
was extreme in the crowded apartment, he
shivered as if from severe cold. After long
trial, which it is not necessary to relate, the
evidence was so doubtful, that he was acquit-
ted. He seemed not to hear the welcome
words; took his hand, which was cold as
marble. Young man your acqutted-you
are pronounced innocent. will the world
ever believe it, said he, in bitter manner.
Yes, and respect you for your unmerited
sufferings,' replied. He did not answer,
| left him with the fear that unjust suspicion
and unmerited disgrace acting on susceptible
| feelings, had unhingcd them forever. As
had observed to him, Herberts became an OBJ
ject of universal sympathy; his late employ
| cr was the first to seek him, and implore his
forgiveness, offering him any recompense for
his sutferings, and entreating him to enter his
house again; but Herberts could not listen to
Mr.. WIS proposals with composurc, and the
good man quilted him, miserable at the idea
of having caused such wrctchedness.
| After this occurance, fortune seemed to
take delight i'll bestowing her erfavours on Her.
berts; his uncle who had driven him abcggar
from his house, now dying, his wealth was in
herited by Herberts. Our hero entered into
business; business crowded upon him; he ven-
| I'm, ntO ri lo,-i,,o Lori
a successful gambler, he always won the
stakes. He became the husband of lovely
wife, and the father of promising sons and
blooming daughters; yet rarely did the smile
of happiness light up the features of this, for
tunate man: that one dark incident of his ear
ly life, which all the world forgot, he lived to
remember. Should conversation even re-
motcly glance that way, he wrlthed in agony;
and you soon perceived in talking with him
that there was one subject like the fatal cham
Der of Blue Beard, it was death to open
Many years have not elapsed since was cal
led to the dying Herberts; though still young
his life was fast drawing to close. Support
ed in his bed by pillow, he addressed me in
a weak voice: 81 have long perceived, sir,
that you recognized in me the poor boy YOU
charitably protected 20 years since. feel
am dying, and have sent for you that might
unburthen my mind of a weight that sinks it
to despair. You remember me in an honor
able employment under Mr.. W.; he had rails
ed me from abjcct poverty, and reposed in
me Unlimited confidence; you saw me pris-
oner, accused of ii crime i'll which fraud and in
gratitude were darkly blended, confronted by
my old accuscr Mr.. Rasdale; he knew me not;
but had never forgotten him; and when be-
held him, his cursed prediction rose to my
,taI 70 Iva, III,
ters of fire wherever cast my eyes; YOU also
heard my acquital and strove to sooth de-
lection which YOU judged proceeded from in-
jurcd feeling; but | was guilty; yes, though
pronounced innocent by my judges, 1 7vas a
felon thought, that when the trial was over,
when had received the undeserved congrat-
ulations of all around me, and heard my ven
cradle parent pour out her gratitude to hea-
ven that her son was declared innocent, that
life had no bittercr pangs but / was not
enough punished my employer, the man
who had cherished me in his bosom, and |
who serpent like, | had STING, came to me;
he implored my pardon he besought my
friendship. o! that moment of rcmorse and
self condemnation exceeding the horrors of
the most infamous execution; but survived,
and heaven has showered down his blessings
on my unworthy head as if anger; the love
OF my wife. the smiles OF my children pierced
my guilty soul; and forgery and feion seemed
stamped on every bank note touched. Mr..
w. still lives, an aged man in rednccd circum
stances; have hitherto supported his family,
and he has riven my heart with expressions
of gratitude; take these notes, they excel the
amount Iwrongcd him of; after my death, do
you deliver them to him but let him never
disclose the givcr's name. would for my
boys sakes, that my memory might not be
dishonored." Hedcd and was inferred with
all the pomp of wealth, and followed to the
tomb by long train of friends; for all the
kindly feelings of affection dwelt in his
wretched heart-hc was bountiful, merciful
and gentle. | made these reflections over
the Harrow space where lay his remains and
did not check the tear of regret, though
it fell on the grave OF felon. {.
ITURBIDE.