Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1839-07-25

Arthur w. had been married two years to
tome r. 'the belle Of W-Place." He
was young, rich, handsome, accomplished, and,
IN fact, all that woman could desire. Jane b.
was the only child ola doating widowed father
wealthy, naughty, and as proud as Luciier,
and one of isSreatcst boasts was, that no stain
of dishonor had ever yet blotted his escutcheon.
When Arthur w. sought his daughters hand,
his consent was fully givcn-for his character
was above reproach, and his standing unexcep-
tionabo.
Well, they had been married at the time my
tale commences two years, and had cause 10
wish for nothing but an heir, with which Provi
dence had not seen fit to bless them,-with that
exception, they were as their hearts could de-
sire.
One dark stormy night in September last,
Arthur was out upon some urgent business,
when his wife, who was preparing to retire
(the servants having all preceded her,) was
startled by violent rapping at the door
of their house in V street. Think
ing it might be Arthur who had, perhaps, for
gotten his night key, she ran down stairs, and
opened the door, but saw no person. On look
ing around, she perceived something on the
stoop which picked up, and retiring, closed the
door, 1t was basket, neatly tied down, and TO
the handle was fastened note, addressed in a
delicate female hand to Arthur W. She ran up
to her room, and laying her burthen upon the
table, examined the note more closely. 1t was
certainly addressed in female hand, and she
handled it with all possible dexterty, trying to
peep into the contents All she could make out
we're the words "dcluded"-"pledged"-"be-
loved"
What could this mean? She trembled in eV-
cry limb, but not with curiosity-she trembled
at her own imaginngs; and for the first time
since she first saw Arthur W. a pang of Jeal-
ousy shot across her mind. While deeply en-
crossed with these feelings and thoughts, q
faint cry as Off child made her start from her
revere, and gaze about the room in terror
What could il be? Where did it come fromi
1t was repeated more distinctly; it was child's
wall, and it proceeded from the basket before
her.
1t was the work OF an instant to tear off the
fastening ofthe basket, and as she gazed with
in, she sank back in speeches. horror-tol
there, with its innocent face upturned, lay @
smiling cherub of some few months growth
Without hazarding another look, she tore open
the note attached TO the basket, and with feel
ings of indignation too strong to be here expires
sed she read as iollows:-
"Beloyed Arthur-for you are still first ii
my heart-your ruined, lost Louise sends thu
pledge of our love and of my shame to you
treat it better than you have your
DEVOTED LOUISE"
Horror, anger, vengeance, and jealousy were
the feelings that tore the hitherto peaceful DO
som of Jane. She seated herself mechanically
She could not sleep but with the note in he
hand. She gazed upon the basket with stare
How long thus occupied, | know not; but sht
was aroused by feeling an arm around ner neck
from the touch Of which she started as if a vi
per were there.
"Why Jane, what is the matter with you?
said Arthur; for il was he who had stealthlly
entered, intending to surprise her,
She stood from him one or two PAGES, AM
after gazing at him for full minute, with
look that struck him dumb with horror, 81
wild, so unearthy was it, she slowly raised he
hand to his face and her form swelling witt
every conceivable emotion, she said in voic
that went to his very heart, "Villain--Iying
pcriured villain" And now the woman ros'
within her, superior to all, and, assuming
calmness which was perfectly terrible, she ad
ded, "Read that"
He took the note, hastily perused 1t and look
ed into the basket but he saw nothing there tt
cause such dreadful feelings in him; as ne ha'
seen exhibited by his wife. "Why Jane! sure
ly is tths that has disturbed you? DO yo'
not know me too we'll to believe, for an instant
that this is aught but contemplate trick
tolst this brat upon mel"
"Oh, very we'll, sir, so be it; shall not band.
words with you. thought knew you; bl
how have been deceived! 1t is very extra
ordinary good trick-very laughabe-ha! ha
ha! and she laughed such laugh as mad
his blood curde-"I believe all you say-pel
haps my father will too--at all events he ha
better know ii, had he not? You know he wi
ENJOY the joke so !"--and here she laugl
ed again, SO long and SO loud, that Arthur VIII
feared she had gone insane, rose to lead her
chair; but she waved him off; with loo
that was almost Medusean, she turned and lie
the room.
Arthur did not attempt to follow her for
knew it was useless; so seating himself, re-rea
the note; and after taking another peep at II
little responsibility thus singularly thrust u
him, he seated himself, and thus commune