Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-11-24

MI. Barton cast a furtiye glance a.
round him. Every thing was arran-
geo IN the most recherche style, and
with the most lavish expense. She led
ed.
All that you behold,n said Mrs.
Barton, as the door closed, " is mine.
SIR. 1t IS now your own. Believe me
sir, speak the truth. Remember that
you are the master Of this house, and
and all IN It, and whatever may occur,
do not forget your wi right"
"You surely cannot mean deceit.n
said Mr.. Barton, utterly at a loss TO &C.
count for the strange conduct of his
wife.
Trust me, sir,-trv me-beileve
me. | will tell you now all | can-all
have the time to tell. Four years a
go, my father, one of the weaIthiest
merchants in this city, died, leaving
to me all his property. My uncle, who
will soon be here, was made my guar
dian until should marry, and he had
charge of the estate left by my father,
until that should occur. As he had
nothing Of his own to support himself,
he kept me secluded from the world,
and in confinement, almost closely.
since my poor fathers death-well
knowing that on my marriage, the pro.
perty would pass from his hands. His
conduct at times, has been harsh and
cruel, and particularly Of late. To
day found means to escape from the
house unseen. The rest you know"
She then rose and rang the bella
servant came to the door. "John,"
said she, " send every servant in the
house up here"
Mr.. Barton sat perfectly still and
said nothing, but he was mentally re-
solving how to act, and was more than
halfinclined to think his wife a ~Iunatic.
The servants came up, and stood in the
parlor, awaiting for orders.
"Mr. Barton" said his wife, "these
are your servants. Every thing you
see around you was mine-all is now
yours. You hear me-" addressing the
servants: This gentleman is my hus-
band and your master; obey him as
such. Retire. Now, sir, all | have to
request is, that you will assume and
maintain your rights"
Further she could not say for the
parlor door was suddenly and violently
thrown open, and an elderly, hard-fea-
tured, coarse looking man entered for
a momen. gazing alternately at the la
dy ant Mr.. Barton.
"Wha is your business here, sir z"
demanded he austerely of Mr.. Barton,
who as he entered had seated himself,
and returned look for look. Mr.. Bar
ton made no reply.
"Miss Moran" said he, turning to
Mrs. Barton, scan you explain why
this man is here 2"
"She need not take that trouble,
sir" replied Barton arising. "That
lady is my wife, and | am master ofthis
house, and allow me now to ask, sir,
what is your business here 7"
"Your wife-your house-upon my
word-ha ha ha !" and Mr.. Moran
seated himself and laughed most heart
lily and s%cornfully.
"Come, sir,' said Mr.. Barton, s'your
presence is d~isagreeable. If you have
any business to transact, finish it quick
ly. We wish to be alone"
Why, you ID Impairment
scoun-"
The word was not fully uttered, when
Mr.. Barton caught him by the collar,
and shook him, till he was black in the
face. "Scoundrel you would have
said, you lying cheating old villain. If
you were not so old and so contempt
BILE, | would not leave a whole bone in
your lubberly carcase. tell you again
that lady is my wife-this is my house.
| know you and your tricks, and ifyou
are here in one hour from this time,
and | see you, | will have you sent to
the Police office, where you may be
forced to make some disagreeable con-
fessions so now be off and pack ups"
and Mr.. Barton loosed his hold of the
terrified old man.
Mr.. Moran, for it was he, seated him.
self, to gain breath. "Do you mean
to say that you are married to that
man, Ellen?" asked hecontemptuously.
She did not deign him a reply, but
sat in silence awaiting the issue; and
he turned to Mr.. Barton for further ex-
PLANTATION.
"Dou't look to me, sir. That lady,
God bless her, is my wife. She has
told me all your Internal, vallainous
conduct, and the sooner you quit this
house, the better it may be for you."
Sand who the devil are you, sir ?
that dare to speak to me thus in my
own house. Who are you, sirf' de-
manded Mr.. Moran arising, and coming
close up to Charles.
"Mr. Charles Barton, sir-at your
service. sir. The son of a better man