The Arkansas banner., 1843-11-25

tered Without farther question. The frs object l saw was Miss Smith, lifting the Pre-. | sident's hand to her lips, while an expression of earnest gratitude irradiated her face. She held document with seal, which looked like some official commission. Two oI three members of Congress, who had appa- rently accompanied her, were present. On beholding the group, drew back but was too late to escape unobserved The Presi- dent called upon me by name to enter, and Miss Smith turning at the same moment greeted me with inimitable grace
 "A call of the Housep' exclaimed Jemmv Grant in his gruff voice, thrusting his head abruptly into the room, and as quickly with drawing 1t.
 "1he sergeant-at-arms will be after us,'' exclaimed one of the representatives.
 "We are wanted at tlse canitol.o said another. "Wlll you accompany us, Mrs. Smith, since we cannot return to your home with you p
 Here IS one to whose care you may con- fde me. May they not"' said Miss Smith, turning to me.
 Of course 1 aequiesed, with many bless ings upon Jemmy Grant for scattering the Congressmen.
 Introducing my friend to the chief magis- trate, gave my arm to the lady, and we took our leave.
 When we were seated in the carriage, she exclaimed, pressing the parchment she held to her heart: ''At length l have succeeded An explanation is due to you; for you ere one of the few who have respected my secret, and evinced no idle curiosity Do not look as if were on the eve of revealing some great mystery, for my story is very simple one, and can be told in very few words. am from very small and obscure village in the upper part of the State of New Y York, |, whcse lived with my husband, a young law yer; until he was visited by pulmonary af- lection, which excited my constant anxiety. The physicians said there was safety in flight to a tropical cline Our means were too limited to allow of such removal At my suggestion, my husband visited Washington, and made strenuous exertions to procure a small post under government ill the West h. dies. He failed, for he had never been a politician, and of course no political capital would accrue to the administration by his ilou IGdu III uilINcISdl IllSJO- ry, as well as in that of the present dynasty, of the influence of women in affairs of state persuaded my husband to dispose of our little farm and accompany me to Washington We came. From the circumstances of his illness, l could not appear well in society otherwise than did-as single young lady. acquainted myself with the most prominent members of Congress-made them sharers of my onfidence-interested them in my be- half, and this day succeeded in procuring my poor husbands appointment to an excellent postin South America. He is now in George town, and has no hopes of my success Come and be a partaker of our happinessn
 Her eyes flashed with her elated feelings. An expression full of triumph and hope beamed from every feature Never had she seemed half so beautiful.
 The carriage stopped and we alighted A physicians chalse was at the door. My com panlon did not seem to notice 1t, but ran up the steps, in front of the house, and eagerly rang the bell Never shall forget her face and figure, as she turned to me, while impa- patiently waiting for an answer to her sum mons, and exultingly shook in her extended hand tue parchment commission. The door was opened. What an expression of grief and commisseraton is in that tace It is Mrs Boutwell, My companion pauses suddenly, and gazed several moments, without speak ing, in her eyes. Too well she read their story. The parehmentdrops from her hands and with the moan of a breaking heart she sinks back insensible in my arms.
 The commission had come too late The subject of 1t had been appointed to higher post than any which human power could have established.
 But what became of the ''unknown belle ?'' Alas! never again was the bright saloon made brighter by her rpresence! Never again were her sylph-like feet seen to twinkle in the may dance. Never again did that beauti- ful form (more beautiful than young sculptors picture in their dreams) attract the adiniring eyes of festive assembly! Such was her devoted affection that she soon followed its departed object to that happier land, where pure souls find their lasting reward. Fashion missed her, and asked, s'Where is she D bu forgot the question ere 1t was answered.
 .4cid on Wood-Hs Effect on SaH and