The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1841-12-23
From Graham's Magazine.
THE STOLEN MINIATURE.
BY MRS, NICHOLS.
''The very head AMI front ofmy offending
HnAh Il, Ia fnnI no mara "

1.-THE very head an front of my Offending
Hath this extent, no more.
1t was near midnight, one Of those beautiful sum-
mer evenings that brood over our Western Land, as
some fair spirit hovers near to Paradise and which
can be realized emily by those who. have witnessed
them-hat one ofthe numerous strangers that throng
the waters of"La Belle Rlviere," paused on its up
ward course before small town which lay upon the
banks of the aforesaid stream When the beat had et>
fscted landing, few passengers, who eher blind to
the charms of Morpheus, allied TO those of sun
dry packs Of cards. that srewed the tables of the $50"
cial hall, stepped upon shore to enjoy moonlight
view of the village. Among the number, was group
ofthree individuals who, Withdrawing from the rest
stroed carelessy along of the principal streets, uh>
ill they arrived at cross, turning down whose short
but secluded walk several large buildings, evidently
the residences Of the mos, wealthy portion ohe nhat.
itans, were situated As they passed into this beau
ful and peaceful retreat slight whispering. which
presently broke forth int loud and angry words dis.
,urbed the sumbering echoes of the night.
Il tell you, Layton, tits mpOssble Twill not can.
not do it,
Spoken like fool, and milksop as you are; there
is way to stop your whining Scruples, and me
ifIll not show tyou'
Quick as thought, the first speaker turned, and con,
fronting his companion, exclaimed in voice trembling
with passion, 'Ay, there way to the Sleep-
ing devil even in my coward frame; but your threats
fall regardless my ear, while Ihave this good blade
to protect me-, and long gtsring Bowie.knife fash.
ed beneath the soft rays Of the harvest moon.
by Heavens believe you,bo,h 10 be mad Putup
your knife Bradley, and you Layton keep your info>
nal tongue within your leelh unless you want to have
this goodly town about our ears This soothing speech
was spoken by the third and hitherto silent companion;
and while the alteration is progressing in lower tones
you my gentle reader, shall have Daugensotype
sketch ofat least one f!he party, .. ....
Bradley Spencer was the son of one Ofthe most veal
thy and arstocrac planters in Louisiana, but maternal
affection he knew at least not conscious of
it, his mother having been snatched away in his child.
hood, by of the foall epidemcs peculiar to that
portion ofihe South. His father, a high prncpled
undetermined man, richly endowed with the warm
blood and chvalrous feelings of the Ssulherner having
thus lost that which he considered the better part Of
life gave his undivided heart to this soe scion of his
Stock and for bis boys sake, second lady darkened
his halls cast shadow the golden sunlight Of
the young heirs youthful existence. Thus fondly nur-
tured and cherished every wish INDUCED to The ut
most, the young Bradley grew apace; but with all his
paerna prejudice, the elder Spencer could not but note
the wavsring acts and vaciating mind of his darling
boy betokening even in tho youth, the ndecision of
the man. With prophetic sorrow, he saw the conss~
quencss entailed on one, who, ever willing to follow
had no projects 10 olfar, will OF his own, 10 opp;se
those Of others. To eradicate this "cryng evil tho boy
was sent, at tho age Of fifteen to college. There at
least argued tho parent he will learn independence of
thought and expression. But how widely was he mis-
taken! An universal lavorite emong his classmates
winning golden opinions" from all, by his plant dis
position, he reigned any thing but despot over his
more firmly companions. 1t is intention to fol-
low him through the ofCoege life, and we pass
In silence over the four succeeding years. when at the
ago of nineteen, hswas recalled to receive the last
blessing andinuncuonS Of dying father. Still true TO-
his erroneous system ofpduIgence Mr.. Spencer left his
properly to the undivided control of his son. fo1dy i'm
aglnlns that unlimited sway would overcome the imbe.
ce principles ofyontlt and teach him that 6rmness of
mind, and stability orpurpuso SO essential TO manhood.
Youth is the season Of luxury and enjoyment, Joy
is iseyanescenI and grief in the young bosom is bu tho
sudden oercasting ofa summer sky; tho cloud nasses
away and the bow of promise IS bent in the now ami
ling heavens. Thus was with Bradley grief fsw
short weeks in New Orleans did wonders; they in,s.
ted him in TIE mysteries and delights of tho gaming a-
bic; they did more they introduced him to tie lowest