The ladies' garland. [volume] (Harpers-Ferry, Va. [W. Va.]) 1824-1828, 1826-04-22


-, IN - street, Oh certain day, she would
convince him of the truth Of her assertions
ct She gave not the rcmotest lntmaton as to
who was the husband who had thus contriycd
70 keep her in seclusion, with but a doubtful
reputation. The doubts of the lady and her
husband were not removed but their interest
and curiosity to penetrate the vcil which ap,
Peared to hang over the fate of the unhappy
fenae, were powerfully awakened
Meanwhile, and before the appointed time for
Tie promised explanation had arrived. b
rai!ec usual. to inquire after the family and
the health OF his intended bride lie had never
lien more cheerful, and talked with his wontod
i"ahAness and seeming sincerity, FIJI, approach
hs nuptials. While the evening was passing
th.s pleasantly away, The lady handed him The
'lnla'are Of h.s deceased friend, to inquire of
Nn whether it was good likeness He took
she picture, but had no sooner cast his ewes up.
on it. than it dropped from his hands For al
Instt1t his countenance was pale ashes. Eve
ny drop Of blood seemed to have rushed back
upon his heart. His lips qulyered, and he trcm-
TIED IN every JOINT But he recovered his self
possession IN moment, picked up the picture,
d though 1t had fallen by common accident
and after few common place remarks upon it,
left the house, earlier, and more ABRUPTLY than
Usual.
The mystery now increased and dark s,s-
Inclon flashed across their minds His agita-
ton had been too obvious not 10 be perceived
st there was no deilnable cause for it, only
that 1t appeared to be strongly connected with
the picture. True it nig ht have been occasion
cd by the sudden view oil the we'll known fca
lures Of an endearcd and valuable friend. whose
remains had for more than three wears been
Wondering beneath the cloI, of the valley
Bat still the curiosity Of the family was wrought
up to higher degree of intensity; and although
the gentleman had hitherto doubted the pro
pfletN OF attending the appointment of the IN
Fortunate female, his resolution was now fixed.
and be at once determined to visit her at the
time appointed. He did so; and found her in a
retired dwelling, melancholy and sad as before,
but surrounded by her little family and to all
appearance very comfortably situated She en-
tered INTO history of her life and situation,
since her brother had entered the army several
wears ago. A few Years after his departures she
had received the addresses of a gentleman
whom She had known as her brothers intimate
friend and associate to whom some six or seven
years since she was privately married, And She
was induced to consent that their union should
be kept an nylolabe secret, in consequence Of
the representations of her husband, that this
privacy was OF the utmost Importance to his pc
cuniary interests. as 1t regarded a large amount
OF property in expectancy, which would certain
iy be devised to him if his marriage were not
known, but of which he would certainly be de-
pmved, were the fact to come to the knowledge
OF his aged relative. Another motive for secre-
cv, he represented TO be some heavy losses
which would prevent his going to house keep
fnr in the styia he Wi She'd until he ShonIa ha Ia