True American. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1835-18??, 1837-04-22
CHAPTER ".
ouf
And make US lose the good we oft mi ght win
BY fearing TO utteppt.

On the evening Of the 18th Of MAY, 1885, Anne
anxieusly watched for her fathers arrival in the
long expected packet, but happy her watch-
ing, for her husband shared it with her Towards
eleven O'clock, Charles suddenly started up some.
what aeita,cd, and saying he had an appointment
which could no, he deferred, hastily attempted to
leave the room. visibly alarmed, Anne grasped
,ns arm to dctain him, and with searching look,
doubiingiy repeascd:-an appointment, Charles !;
and at this late hour. Surely YOU cannot have
deceived mes
Deceived you, Anne!-Can YOU believe me ca.
pable OF such gross hypocrisy! l have only en-
deayored to conceal from you this additional de-
graduation, because, l knew it would acgravate
your misery. But rather than tina, you should
doubt my truth, will tell you all-a! my mad
t1liy-my guilt! So saying, he sat down, his
face averted, and seemingly. cndeavoring 10 sub
due his feelings. Brenthlcss from anxiety, Anne
seated herself beside him, waiting, vet fearing 10
know the worst
'yisn Harvey-Frederick Harvey. In the life
have lately led, he has been my constant compan.
ion, but for years had considered him NV friend.
In early youth had showered favors on him in
the midst OF embarrassmcnts caused by his own
extravaganza. My heart, my purse had been his
his widowed sister and her infant son had been
supported BY me during twelvemon,h, while he
was absent from New York. had been to him
brother, protector. Yet he, above all Others
has urged me on in my mad career, aud has been
foremost to hasten my ruin. He was almost uni
iormly successful at the gaming table, while my
losses were heavy, and my gains iriAing. Still
my iniatuation was 50 great, that il blinded my
reason 10 the inevitable consequences. A, length
l dfsbAvcred that he, whom had for years look ed
uPo9 ~ the most generous Of human beings, hal
bsPme avaracious by increased success, and
alive TO no feeling but the love of ACCOMMODATING
wealth. He became my creditor to an appalling
amennt: His threats alarming. In vain
himself se%sF s bea %s s as ,bs Jnb,
lowed him were debts of honor, and must he
Pad. Judge Of my amazement, Anne. when he
himseii informed me, that by unceasing applica-
tons and inducements those to whom was
largely indebted, he had made hmsel nv prin.
cipal, nay, my sole CREDITOR know not in what
way TO account Tor this too palpable enmity,
Perhaps IN the idst Of his sudden and ANA zinp
prosperity, he could not endure the sight Of one
whose presence constantly reminded him of his
FORMER humble station, or perhaps he wished to
see that man trampled to the dust, on whom he
had once been dependant for support INADEQUATE as
would seem these causes, L know of NO o,ber
Phrenzied by this unforeseen intelligence, not
knowing where TO look for aid, resolved TO venture
all on one desperate effort, rushed last night to
my usual resort-the gaming table. Reckless,
despainng, staked my all upon one fatal chance
II lost every thing! fel, that | was bepnar!
"a few moments afterwards met Harvey. |
told him OF my distress, and requested his for
oearnnce for time. lie peremptoriiy refused.
swearing fearfully that should fail in paynen, be-
tore Tomorrow morning, when he intends toleave
the city, the utmost vigor Of the law should
be employed against me. Maddcncd by bis
threats, l passed tho few hours before dawn in
mental torture. More than once thought of the
guilty towards last rcsource,-se f.destruction!
Yes, the crime of rushing unbidden into the pre-.
senee OF Justly offended Heavenly Judge, was
Tor hme outweghed by the fear OF meeting the
vengeance, the contempt Of my fellow men,
Scarcely knowing whitherI going, rushed
10 my home, and to you, my beloved Anne con-
tossed my hopeless anguish. Your devoted afTec-
'ioa, which my unworthness could not overcome,
eheercd me in the midst of misery. But
then you knew not half my guilt. Now, Anne,
have told ysu al, -despise me, if you will.
During this narrative Anne had remained with
her mead buried IN her hands, which rested on the
table boiore her. She had once offered to in
serruPt her husband, except by the sobs which, as
she struggled to repress them, only forced their
way more evidently l:rJ very heart. But, a;
his lsss words, uttered as they were, in bitter
yet desparing ,one she, arose. and with burst of
passionate feeling, only more startling from her
long sitFnce, said '--Charlcs, thank you from my
.1M ,oI ms generous, this entire confidence. ] |
Ihank yaS, and honor the noble effort you have |
made, Fearful struggle it has cost you, to Law
pare all your errorssto my eye. Heaven be prais-
ID, no durker crime is added to the one lollyrwhcL
mas hitherto embittered your life. But we will
uD~ oeeln new, and trust, happy existence.
en-!
At these words of forgiveness and affection. she
hfew herself into his arms, and for n moment.
10Th were silent. Charles reminded her of his an
aud after rci.erating his solemn pledge,
Eft Rer. f'0s'sN
Eleven, twelve, onc,-from the distant Cattle
raj bell, aounded heavily on Anne's car, as she
faned alone Tor his return. Her solitude was
asken by the unusual sound of a carriage an
reaching the door. A knock was heard, and a
eiee never to be forgotten, brenihlessly inquired
thus was her home. That voice was her ia.
ser's!
Joyful indeed was their meeting, and MANY were
le tears which they shed together caused bv
insied feelings OF pleasure and pain. Heartfelt
M the father's regret, that SO many hours lad
rem spent on his arrival, in searching after their
'scure abode; and deep and bitter was his sor-
w when he beheld his child, whom he thought
orthy 10 be the tenant of palace, inhabitiug a
retehed dwelling, deprived OF almost every com
IT. Ferventy, dcvotedly, did Anne cndeavor to
'Prase his anger against the cause of her mis-
rtunes. Afcctinnatcly did she seek to soothe
8 grief at trusting to Charles promises of refor.
alton, and joyfu.ly did she relate 10 her father
e happy Result Of her last interview with her
lsband.
Ito be coniinued)