Madison Whig advocate. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1839-1841, 1840-01-04

mirer, ana reyoived IN her mind some
plan TO disappoint what she knew to be
the wishes Of her artless acquaintance.
Whether the demon himself suggests
iexpedients 10 his agents, or. whether vi
cIous people are naturally more fruitful
i in their invention of schemes than others,
we know not; il is certain, however, thar
when wicked design is once formed,
means are seldom wanting 10 carry that
design into execution. Whenever More
ton was mentinned in her presence, Ma
ria assumed a look OF perplexity, and
sometimes even let fall expressions Of
doubt and suspicion. For sometime this
conduct was slightly observed, but at
length even the unsuspecting CIarissa
was alarmed, and one day addressed Ma
ria 10 the following purpose
"For the sake of heaven my friend.
Il tell me what you know of Moreton, or
OF What you suspect him; observe that
there is something in your thoughts
winch you have reluctance to reveal !;
but you know the engagement between
| Moreton and myself, you know also thai
those engagements will probably be con-
summated in short time by matrimo-
nal union; if you therefore, know aught
to his disadvantage, il is your duty, as
my friend, 10 make the disclosure To
which Maria replied
Il should little deserve the name of
your friend. my Gear Clarissa, if | for
bore 10 speak when your most impor-
ant interests are concerned. | should
be unworthy Of your regard if suffer
ed the happiness of YOUR life to be des-
troyed withoas making any effort TO pre-
vent H. u is true, suspect Moreton,
and methsnks there is great room for
suspicion. Whence did he come? Would
any man, no enjoyed the consciousness
of rectitude, refuse to divulge The place
of his narivitv aud former residence p
Is not such refusal itself a presum ption
tof guilt And again, have you not OBJ
sersei a gloom sometimes gathering
over his countenance. even while he was
in your presence. | do most firmly be-
lieve thu that gloom Is occasloned by re-
morse for some concealed and criminal
action. But could you serioufy think of
marrying man under such circumstan-
lcesg l-bope your prudence itself would
prevent such an iaconsiderate STEP"
i ID will be seen that Maria reasoned
here with some accuracy, aud only
good ,notive was wanting 10 make her
conduct exemplary. Her words had the
desired effect; Clarissa sat some mo-
menfs 10 silence and dciection; at length
she raised her head and answered in the
i following words -
..lt Was always my intenion 10 demand
some expiration Of his mysterious con-
dact. and brlieve thai he would give IL.
lit VAS my belize also that his reserve.
was cccasoned by some PAINFUL circun-
stances ia bis former life, but never sns-
Ipeeted him of any thing criminal
4 When next we meet, however, if nc re-
4 f.scs TO account for his extraordinary be-
havior, he shall sec me no morer
4 Maria commended this resolution, and
soon after took leave Of Miss SeIbv-
For the first time in her life, the latter
4 Experienced mental anguish and painful
suspense, which is thought by some to
be more intolerable than certainty itself.
4 Maria had scarcely been gone hall an
hour before Noreton entered the apart
ment. He perceived that CIarissa had
been weeping, and tenderly inquired the
cause of her distress. She told him
without reserve. and earnestly requested
10 know whether ii was in his power 10
clear up those suspicious which had aris-
en- conce rning his character.
4 Moreton became agitated in his turn.
Miss Selby," said he, 81 have requested
you TO excuse me on this point; can you
imagine 40 circumstances wherein such
lconceaImenis would be desirable, with
out the supposition Of any crime. But
4 tell me who they are who have endeav-
i ored to fill your mind with distrust and
/ | will make them acknowledge their err
ror.
| ..,Tba ,orso,s ,ybo Surooc.ed these
suspicious, said Clarissa, .arc my
/ friends. and have been prompted by their
scIicitudc for my welfare. To convince
Us of our error, you must remove the
causes which gave rise to our erroneous
! impressions. In short, Mr.. Moreton,
however painful separation may be to
my own feelings, can never be yours
| while you preserve this mysterious ST.
Ilence.n
This conversation continued for some
/ considerable time; Moreton used every
| argument and entreaty to induce Ciaris-
| sa 10 give up the inquiry but she was
not 10 be moved from her purpose, and
her pertinaciiy almost drove him to
| phrenzy At length, starting from his
seat. he exclaimed--s Miss Se!by, have
done; your object is gained-it is my UNI
happy destiny that pursues me, and
/ find il is vain to contend with that dcsti-
Inv. | win unveil this mystery, and then
we must part forever. Oh, Clarissa, did
/ ever expect to utter these words!-part
land forever; but il is unavoidable.
feel an irresistible impulse in my mind
which drives me to make my confession.
Know then that my real name is
and that am a murderer
| At these words Clarissa clasPed her
hands in agony; all color forsook her
| face, and she scarcely heard the voice,
or understood the language Of Moreton,
as he continued--Y Yes, Clarissa, am
murderer, and the murderer OF my
| friend, the brave. generous and talent
ed George Reynolds We were born in
the same village; educated in the same
Icollece: were even descended from the