The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-06-09


home with his daughter, regretting that
mysterious concealnent which prevented
his rewarding the preserver of his child.
He, however requested Mr. Littleton not
to relax in his endeavors to find him out.
But year rolled by and in despair of bring
ing the generous unknown to light, Mr.. L.
gave up his search after questioning, indi-
vidually, every member of the fire depart
ment and inserting advertisements in the
papers of The day, and mentioning the re-
ward.
CHAPTER III.
In the village of c. the place of Mr..
Wentworth's residence, Louisa was a gene
raj favourite. Though the daughter of the
wealthiest man the village could boast, she
had kind look and friendly word for all
who were worthy, unfettered by those vain
feelings which are too often attendant on
those who enjoy the smiles of Fortune.
OF all aristocrats, your rich family in the
village is most unendurable?-The father
of Louisa had too much good sense to give
way to this weakness.-H allowed Louisa
to choose her own associates, and the daugh-
ter Of the poor and humble were welcomed
as heartily to his board as were those who
had been born to better fortune. IF he
was thus free in permitting her to select
companions Of her own sex, he was not re-
gardless as to the acquaintance she formed
with the young men Of the place. Depriv-
ed of mothers watchfulness and counsel,
her mind strict notions Of proprlety. He
felt the responsibility that rested upon him
and perhaps, he guarded her with more care
from forming chance acquaintances with his
own sex than he would have done, had she
had maternal eye to scan her conduct, and
a maternal hand to guide her in the path Of
duty and safety. The obedience and afIec-
ton of Louisa amply repaid the care that
was bestowed upon her. Her fathers
wishes were her own. From him she i'm
bibed those principles which moulded her
character and to him she looked for instruc-
ton and advice.
Two years before our story commenced
there resided in the village young gentle
man who had commenced the study Of law,
in the Office ofa distinguished lawyer, Albert
Charlton was of humble parentage. He
was left early to struggle alone in the world.
Gifted with good natural abilities, he devoted
himself to study, and by perseverance had
won himself an enviable name. He became
acquainted with Louisa, and from a slight
intimacy his feelings towards her ripened
into aGec ton. But while he indulged him
self in the pleasure of her society, ne allow
ed not a hope to dwell within him aspiring
to her hand.-What had he to offer! A
poor student-relying upon the uncertain
chances of a crowded profession. He
knew it would be presumption to allow a
hope. Yet it was long time before he
could break away from the spell which her
beauty and worth had thrown around
him.-But Charlton was not one TO remain
in idle dependency. He knew that to
even indulge hope of winning the prize,
he must be well prepared for the race. He
resolved TO be something! In accordance
with this resolve, he determined to enter on
a larger field of action. He left his native
village, and IN the office of an eminent jurist
in the city he entered upon his studies.
With untirng zeal he prosecuted them;
bending all the powers of strong mind
to the task. The result cannot be doubted
His course of discipline through, he was
admitted to the bar, and promised to be It's
highest ornament. In process OF time ne
visited his native place, not as the needy
adventurer, but as the successful competitor
for fame and distinction.
His character had always been esteemed
bv MIR. Wentworth, and he was one of the
few who were admitted freely to the hospi-
tality of his hours. He was now welcom-