Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-07-02
VOL. %.

and suddenly put his hand on his hesst,
! thought had discovered the spring
10 move his resolution, and determined
that | would not let it 20. moved
towards the door, thinking Il besl 10
leave him short time TO his own re-
Elections. assured that love must be VIC
torious over conscience. lie made .
motion as If To detain me, as I passed;
then again pressed his hand on his
heart. That silent motion-never. ne
YER can forget it, 'A.e YOU resolved
on this, asked he. in low, very hoarse
tone OF voice. Yes, If YOU persist in
your refusal. | leave you to decide
| went INTO the next room. heard
him walk few moments, rs II agita-
ta,ed and irreSolute-theH suddenly
stop. ] then heard a low, suppressed
cough, but TO this he was always sub
ject when excited, and il caused no
emotion. Yet, after remaining alone
for some time, began TO be alarmed at
the perfect Stiffness. A strange feeling
oil horror came over me. | remem-
bered the deadly paleness Of his coun-
tcnance, and the cold dew gathered
fast and thick on my brow. recol-
lected, too, that he had told me of once
having bled at the lungs, and of being
admonished 10 shun every predisposins
cause to such malsdy. Strange, that
after such an entire oblivion of every
thing but self, these reflections should
have pressed upon me, with such pow
er, at At moment. | seemed sudden
iy gifted with second sight, and feared
To move, lest should see the vision Of
my conscience embodied. At length.
aunt Debby opened the door, and for
The hrSt tame, rejoicing IN her sight.
en'reated her To 60 into the library,
with an earnestness that appalled, her.
She dad go--and her first sharp scream
drew me to her side. There. recIned
upon the sofa, motionless, lifelcss--his
iace white rs a Snow-driit, Law NV hus-
band; his neck-cloth and vest. satura-
ted with ihc blood that still flowed from
hls bps. Yes, he Law there-liieless.
dead, dead! The Wild shrek Of agony
and remorse pierced not his uncon-
scious ear. He was dead, and was
las murderer. The physician who was
summoned, pronounced my DOOM
From violent agitation Of mind, blood
vessel had been broken, and instant
death had ensued. Weeks of frenzy.
months OF despair, succeeded-of black
despair. Nothing but an almighty arm
thrown around my naked soul, held me
back IRON the brink OF suicide. Could
have believed an annihilaiion--and I
wFesilcd with the powers of feasoa 10
convince myself that in the grave, al
least, should fnd rest. PRAYED but
for rcst--l prayed for oblivion. Night
aud day the image of that bleeding
corse Was before me. Nigh; and day
voice was ringing IN my ears, Thou
hast murdered hiA" NY suferiags
were so fearful TO witness. the at first
compassionate neighbors deserted nav
pillow, justifying themselves by the
conviction that | mented all that en-.
durcd.
My uncle and aunt came when they
frst heard the awful tidings. but una
Die To support my raVing distress, lefl
me-aiter providing every thing for
my comfort--with the Injunction tha.
as soon as should be able 10 be remov.
ed, to be- carried to their household.-
Aud whose kind. unwearied hand
smoothed my loaely pillow, and held
my aching brow, Who when wounded
reason resumed her empire, applied the
balm OF Gilead and the oil OF tender.
ness, led me to the feet Of the divine
Physician, prayed with me and over
me, nor rested llll she saw me clinging
10 The Gross, M lowliness Of spirit.
VAIN the seal of the children Of God In
! my forehead, and the ioy al .alva,;on
IA my soul TWAS aunt Deb5y. Tbs
Marsh cOndcmner Of the fashions AZ
ihis world, the stern reprOver Of yan;-
~ and pfIde, the uncompronising A.
lender oi godliness and truth; she who
IN my day Of prosperity Was the
cloud, IA the night Of sorrow Was nv
light and consolation. The rough bark
Was penetrated aRd the finer wood be-
meath gave forth is fragrance. Ohl
how often. as have heard her. seat.
ed by my bedside. explaining h a
voice soiiened by kindness, the mys,e-
mes oi holiness. and repeating the
promises OF mercy, have / wondered.
that l, who had turned a deaf ear =,
The same truths, when urged upon me
with all an angels eloquence. should
listen with reverence 10 accents ff0m
which ] had heretofore tirned IN dis
gust. Yet At times. there seemed q
dignity N her tones. Der harsh FEATURE
would light up with an expression az
devoui ecsiacy, aud | maryelled a the
transiorming power Of chnstinnitg
Well may ! marvel ! would not nov
Tor the disdem 81 the east. exehsue.
'his sequesteTed hermitage lur the 81.
oi iashioO--lhese hallOs ed shadas 80
The canOpIes Of wealth. the socis
" Of the once despised add hated sn.s
Debby, loF the cOfnpanionship of 4.
teTers. l see nothing bat fl.ds
where once fuses blushed. Tke -.