The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-06-20
BY RosAlLiE cRoMLEY.


with nothing 10 recommend itself but utmost cleanliness
stood young maiden her hands pressed convulsivey
10 her hea burning tears chased themselves down her
feverish check, and her otherwise symmetrical and
beautiful features the expression of deep aficon
but mark there comes change over that beautiful
brow! Like the rays of the sun breaking through
cloud so lghtens suddenly heavenly smile her coun
tenahCe She is on her knees and bends low in ardent
prayer!
Isabella the daughter of wealthy merchant who
in his youth; had wooed and won toe affections Of a
young lady OF excellent education. Smooth and calm
like the tranquil course of pure rivuet fled the days
Of this happy couple and the birth of daughter added
to theil felicity Isabella grew up beautiful and gentle
as her mothe the pride of her parents, and beovedby
her friends, happy future indeed seemed to smile on
her-but what's lasting on this earth? As summer and
winter, day and night sunshine and rain change,
80 threaten gathering clouds darken fair
That smiled upon as now, but vanished In the air
But if to the right and to the left our eye discovers no.
thing but gloom and night then let the glance rise up
ward-look on high-there is light that fadeh never
there is Hand that gudeth through mist or darkness
to everlasting bliss
Such were the words which the mother repeated to Is
abea, after raging fever had snached from their side
the kind husband and affectonae father, when few
weeks later they heard that the merchant was ruined
with whom all their earthly goods he'd been placed.
Her religious principles sustained her to bear her
msfortunes without murmur, but she could not com,
tnand her physical strength; she grew daily weaker
and when fall approached and the whered leaves drop
ped rusting to the eah Isabella found herself bee of
her second parent The sickness of the mother had con-
sumed the little money which they had saved of the
ruins of their fortune and the only resource that was
left to our desoate orphan 10 support herself by the
work of her hands-a task, which she who had seen
better days, considered hard and tiresome.
It was about this time that Louis NJ, young and
well respected mechanic endeavored 10 gain her afec
tons It is true he poor but he possessed strength
to work. and an ambitious mind that bade him aim at
perfection in his trade He had loved her long in Sc
cre but had never venured while her prospects in life
remained fair, to address her lover, but now step
ped forward to offer his true and aectonate heart Alas
malice and vice at work to embitter or snatch per-
haps, forever that happiness from her which with
in her reach In the same house with her on the first
floor, we'd female, Maria Lafont, smoothtongued and
fine in appearance, by, which means she knew how
play hold on Isabellas affections who young and in
experienced deemed to in her friend interested in
her welfare and anxious to promote her happiness.
OH Isabella, coudst thou but see that heart which,
black and deformed made it game to undermine thy
virtue and poison thy peace! 1t was in vain that Isabel
la tried to enumerate the virtues Of young Louis to her
whom she considered as a maternal friend. Latonl
knew always when to throw an unfavorable light on
him and pointed out in sharp words the course Of life
which Isabella would be compelled to lead at his side
praising wealth and luxury as earh's most desirable
goods! Already had she the satisfaction Of Witnessing
dispute between the lovers and seeing that Louis mad
left the house in anger she dared to accomplish long
contemplated plan-o persuade Isabella to lend an ear
to the offers OF wealthy but unprncipled fashionable
who enamored by her extraordinary beauty, had perse
cued her with dishonorable proposals She had been
now with her, exerng all her power of persuasion and
Isabella when left alone being conscious that her better
feelings began to waver riedto to calm her agiIaed
mind in prayer.
."Oh mother" she cried; thou who hast led my steps
ofinfancy!who, with care and untiring love hast watch
ed my progress through life, thine eye is closed, thai
sweet voice is hushed; no more can crave counse
from thy lips no more listen 10 thy words of wisdom
descend spirit of my sained mother hover aroundme r
the hour Of danger, and show which path 10 pursue!
She aTose-it was utter darkness. Isabella sough
Der COUCH and, with the dear image Of her mother float
ing before her fearful eyes, she closed them in profound
sleep.
Five years had elapsed. In saloon decorated in
style where taste and magnifcence wed with each other
reclining on ottoman of the richest materials we fin
Isabella again. the costly hat and velvet cloak careless
" thrown aside show that she has returned from he
morning ride, but her countenance through glowin
with the recent exercise exhibits to the penetrating eye
the bitter sorrow which has takendeep root in her breas
How often does outward splendor hide an aching hear
In vain Isabella tried tried to quiet her conscience tn
word GUILT met in large letters her eyes wherever sh
directed them. And, Lafontl the first cause of thi
MISERY, where was she2 Well had she studied ner in
terest Knowing our heroine 10 be of generous dis
position she had calculated that Isabella, place
in Tie possession Of wealth, would heap it upon hos
who knew how to win her favor, wherein she succeed
ed buttoo WE'LL by means of aatery and protestaation
OF love and friendship, While Isabella now sat an
gave audience to all the gloomy thoughts that cam
crowding upon her. the artist was announced whom
friend had recommended TO- furnish some Costly article
for the equipment of an Pad jpin3g room. AS he al
proacbed Isabella looked up, but what language ca
portray her feelings when, lathe renowned artist 81
behed Louis; her former loveR Her excitement W;
great to permit her tospeak but alter she had ma