The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-08-02
ROMANTIC STORY.


The Boston Times SAYS 'that some one
lately attempted 10 murder sleeping wo-
man by pouring hot lead inlo her ear, and
that So shocking circumstance was neuer
heard Of before This is mistake. A
more remarkable instance occurred some
years ago in Virginia. We personally knew
all parties intimately. Col. F., gen.
tleman of high responsibility, representa-
tive Of this county, died,leaving wife, some
sons, and very beautiful daughter, about Is
years of age. The widow finding herself
destitute, opened boarding house at the
county seat, and among other boarders was
Mr. W. wealthy merchant in the meridian
Of life. and very fine looking man. This
gentleman was the prop and stay Of the
family, gave employment to the sons, furn-
ished means 10 educate the daughter in the
most fashionable manner. and conceived for
her violent passion. On her return from
school, BE- addressed her. but she resisted a.
like his appeals and :he opportunities Of her
mother and friends. She had indeed, FORM
ed an attachment for very mice y'ung
man" in the same town, bu! he was not TO
be put in competition with the rich mcr-
chant, in the estimation of the family. The
young lady, perhaps, though otherwise. r.
nalv, however, after two years of assldui.y
and gallanrry on the part Of Mr. w. and The
combined tears entreaties, threats and per
secution of the family, the fair girl stood be-
fore the altar and became his wife. The
next evening large party was given them,
and in the mids, of the dance Mr.. w. be-
ing attacked with vertigo and sick headache
was compelled to withdraw. His young
wife hung over him in the silent watches Of
the night. apparently in deep distress, and
insisted on giving him potion. She pour
ed out a wine glass full Of laudanum, and he
swallowed it without knowing its nature
an emitic; but left him stupid and wander
ing. His senses reeled. One moment be
would lay motionless and comotoise, as if
on the borders of the spirit world, and then
he would shrek and leap convulsively. like
strong man in lis agony. Mrs. W. de-
MED all admission into he chamber. Al
length he fell into gentle snnber. She
then stopped for moment over the snnu-
de,ing s-approached the bed, gazrd
al her sleeping husband, and hol ling heat
ed ladle in her land, calmly prepared 10
pour stream Of melted lead into his car
| At that instant he moved; and the kissing
liquid intended 10 penetrate to, and scald
out the BRAIN, and thus cause his death with
out trace, tell upon his cheek. He shout
ed in excrucia;ing pain, and the revellers'
mother, brothers and friends, rushed in.-
There writhed the still stupid husband, the
lead riveted deep in his cheek, and there
stood the fiend wife, her bridal hllets upon
her brow, The instrument of death in heI
hand, and an empty phial labelled 'Lauda-
num- lying on the floor. The fearful reai
! ,y of the case rushed on every one, and IN
he confusion of the moment she disappear
ed, and was hurried forthwith cut of the
| commonwealth 10 distant State; on search
| ing the room an old French magazine was
found conairing the death bed confession
OF woman who had murdered nine hus-
bands by pouring lead into their ears. The
laudanum and the lead, il was ascertained,
she had procured from The store OF MIR. w.
! few days before their marriage, and the
| IadIe used was part of the bridal present. -
The Grand Jury next morning found bill
against the fugitive, and the legislature be,
ing in session, Immediately decreed final
and absolute divorc, What renders this
case the more singular is, that Miss +. was
proverbial for the blandness Of her manner,
and the uniform softncss Of her temper
She was blonde. The rose leaf tinted her
lily cheek as sunbeam glows on snow
Her blue eyes were indescribably, beautiful.
Iy sweet, and her golden haIr foated like
gossamer around form more perfect and
voluptuous than ever Raphael dreamed OF,
or Petrach sung. Often have we gazed, as
she stood cynosure Of every circle, and won
dered if angeis could be so fair.
But the sequel of this romance is more
singular still. Years rolled by and Mr.. w.
continued wretched and solitary man.
But the spell of the enchantress was still up.
on his soul. He closed his siores-sold his
esrates--collec,ed his ample means and fol.
lowed her 10 her distant abode, to make her
new offer of his hand! She had just mar
ried a man of high standing. aware Of all the
circumstances, but incapable Of resisting
her charms. Poor W.! Then indeed. did
The iron enter his soul. The deadly arrow