Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-03-07
M[ateHanfous.
rnE rSsKEEPrR's STORY.
THE harry REcoaNIrIoN.

about seventeen years after the. close
of the Revolutionary War. a stranger ar
rived at principal town in one Of out
Eastern States, aud or being shown 10 .
respectable public house, informed the
landlord, whose name was Jedsons that i
was bis intention to remain there several
days Thefe was nothing extraordinary
ln1the arrival OF a stranger fn the town,
and We. the landlord OF the inn before
mentioned. could not help regarding the
stranger with peculiar attention. He was
rather inclined towards The vale of years,
and evidently in ii health. And there
was some. hing in his countenance and 10
his air, that forcibly drew The attention Of
the worthy Jedson towards him aud which
seemed 10 recallthe far off remembrance
Of other scenes; he communicated his
feelings 10 his wife, and added, If it was
possible. Mary, ! should say that |, have
seen this stranger before, and on The very
night we first saw our poor Evss' But
il Is not possible echoed the good MIS-
Jedspn be would have known YOU al
once besides, such wretch would moi
have been permitted 10 cumber the earth
olopg. Its only a'fancy. dear husband !;
and for PHYS sake don't speak Of it I'd
POOR Exa--it will put her in mind Of all
her troubles + The good man promised
caution. and went TO lake one more look
atthe stranger.
Woman' s curiosity IS pfotesbialf and
the excellent wife Of the inakeepef was
not without her share bula stronger mot5
live than mere idle curiosity impelled her
to feigu an excuse for entering the pador
appointed Tor the stranger, and she forth ]
with followed her good man. Long and
intense was the scrutiny with which the
usually modest and quiet dame regarded
the elegant looking guest, who reclined
apparently buried in thought, 10 an armed
chair. which occupied recess near the
FIRE place. The stranger looked up, met
her earnest gaze and stared Seventeen
years had not wrought so great change
/ in the peison Of the landlady as might
have beenNexpected tor an innocent and
active life had aided constitution natu-
rally robust, and she appeared much the
same as she had fourteen years back
The stranger fell that be had seen her
before he passed bis hand over his flush
ed face. and addressed to Ter some trivial
Question. The tone Of her voice in an.
swering seemed 10 strike upon bis ear as
one remembering, but be said nothing.
I'VE hare seen him before, Josiah, said
the landlsdy to her husband when alone.
He has nat yet met theNpunishment due
10 his misdeeds. What shall we say r
Something we mustFdo !
III is indeed him, returned Jedson /;
what can have brought him here' 1t
would kill Eva 10 see him luckily she is
con 6ned BY cold up sales.--future NOR.
row Fanny returns. He shall see Fanny ;
she is the image Of wha. Her mother was
when we first saw her il he is heperson
wei suppose, be must be struck with The
likeness. My mind misgires ne strongly,
but think be has only come here 10 die.
4 hope he will render justice. before
he goes 10 his great account, returned
the jealous natron.
He will, wife. be willl replied her hus
banc there is that in his face which be-
speaks broken spirit; be has contrite
heart. depend upon it, and if il s.he, he
will do justice as far as be cam z
The next morning The stranger was
much indisposed. and Fanny, who had
returned from an excursion. was sent BY
herlgrandmoiher. as she called Mrs Jed
| son, 10 bis apartment with some refteshs
| ment. The guest started as she entered.
and as she drew near be became dread
fully agiiaieds Fanny was alarmsd1 but
unwilling 10 leave him thus. remained III
veied to the spot where she stood. Al
length, The Invalid conquering bis euo-
tions made an effort 10 receive the refresh.
ment from The hand Of the UNCONSCIOUS
cause OF bis. agitation. and as il impelied
by some irresistible motive. inquired her
name. Fanny. sir. Fanny Jedsol, an
sweted he agilaied girIsas blushilg and
courtesying she Withdrew.
Itis her very inagel' murm1red the
quest; swho is this girl so fair ! 50 beau
iaulll-recalling a form never 10 be for;
gotten
III few moments he bad summoned
The landlord, who was prepared BY Fan
ny's strange ssitaiion 10 hear intsErogs-
lions which he was resolved TO- answer 10
bis own way. The gentleman requested
Jedsonfo Be sealed, said he was lonely,
and should like little chat. and after .
| few preliminary remarks. inquired n bis
companion If The pretty girl who bad just