Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-04-07

traquIily alter the tlercest Storm Oh con
tending passions, and he became again
sufficiently composed for an interview
Sitn the being be had so deeply injur
ed, and, though half UNCONSCIOUS to
himself, SO strongly loved.
10 his victim great are was taken
! IN discovering his return-but when It
was told, she exhibited no surprise;
a vacant stare. and a few words mot
tered 10 herself. gave no token OF vel.
| come; AMI it was believed that his be-
tdal presence would scarcely affect her.
Il was inihc afternoon Of a clear
sunshining day that the implous sedn
Ger softly entered the apartment of his
dying victim. The dim shadow IN TIE
chamber Of death formed a sad con
trastt TO the brilliancy Of nature with
| out; and the wasted form OF the once
lively and affectionate girl, when first
it met his eye, struck o cold horror to
his very soul. Shuddering as he trod,
he advanced to her bed side, and large
tears gushed from his eyes at the
| change which h. beheld.
To every heart true to the feelings
of nature aud humanity, the sight OF
woman in distress eScites a feeling OF
sadness and compassion. No matter
by what strange circumstances she
may have been led away-no matter
how deeply she may be plunged in de-
graduation and distress, it is but with q
mourDiul sensation that we regard the
anguish Of Gefenceless woman. We
| yield our silent wonder at the ways of
providence, and lingering hope wbis
pefs that the tears OF repentance may
wash out the deepest dye, and thai
Heaven, in its lavish mercy, will re
ceive the lost child.
But what were the gloomy retiec
| tons which tortured the seducer, as
he stood conscience stricken over the
ruins of the beautiful and gay, brood
ing in silent agony over the ioveliness
he bad defaced, and tracing the faint
vestiges of The reason his heartlcssness
had destroyed? With a trembling
hand he awoke the sleeping girl, aud
met the full, unciouded gaze OF her
flashing eye. AL sinewy and strong
as be was-muscular and powerful in
The superior strength OF the lord of
screation--he bent him down before the
glance of That weak girl, end hid his
fare 10 his hands. So keen is the look
ofinnocenee, and sGilt is SO easily o,
verihrown.
Marmcnia in the complete derange
ment of her intellect, kept her bright
eyes fixed upon the destroyer OF her
peace, till some idea seemed suddenly
TO take possessionof her brain, and her
face grew light witha faint smile. She
drew him gently towards her, and
gazed intentiy in his face-with her
pale hand she put back the thick clus-
tering locks that shaded bis handsome
brow, and kissedit with lips almost as
cold as the earth to which they were
soen to be consigned. Her sweet
voice then, for he first time since his
return, fell in Henry's ear, as she ex
claimed, GLOW like him!--if it had
not been for The cold look-he would
not have looked 30 at her meeting.
Bot you have come from him--haye
you not?"
He muttered through his tears--'I
have, | have"
sand where is he's" said she, with
increasing interest. "Why does he
not come TO me? | have to be buried
deep in the still earth, and no one will
strew flowers above my body. He IS
far-la far away"
"Marmenia!" exclaimed Henry, in
an agony of tears, "Your Henry has
returned-he loves you dearIy-look
up, my sweet girl, and forgive him"
Forgive him-Aim2 Who?"
"Henry Millimour-do you not
know me? | am he"
There was a startling change in her
c%ountenaDce as he spoke these words,
and it seemed as if reason was strug-
Cling for its throne. The unearlhIy
brightness left her eye--a faint, hectic
glow gradually oYerspread her cheek,
till her flesh, pale as ashes, caught the
tinge of the deepest rose--a single
glance of recognition passed between
them, and she tainted.
When she recovered, although she
was rational and perfect composed, it
would take no skiIful eye to see that
her dissolution was approaching. She
spoke affectionalely to her friends. TO
the guilty man who wept at her side,