Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-02-21
sis that a serious ohiection!"

sis that serious objection!"
sis it? should think it was! Old Barlow
ought to know better than any one else upon
what ground he stands. If he thinks matters
are SO squally as all that comes to, for one
have no desire to put myself in danger of
laundering in his boat
"Nonsense!f
"You may call it so if you choose. but l
don't. If Barlow is beginrng to educate his
daughters in a way that will qualify them TO
make their own living, depend upon it he has
good reason for it."
mo bought he has,"
"And that reason is the consciousness that
he is in danger Of going to the WALL
ut may be. Though / doubt it. But even
if that were the fact, it doesn't take from the
merit of his daughters"
doesn't it?'' Ha! ha!''
The manner in which that brief question
was asked, and the meaning laugh that fol-
lowed, made Edward Milton perfectly under
stood. His friend waived the subject, and
soon after parted from him. The name of
this young man was Walter Coleman. He
occupied as prominent place in what is call
ed good society as did young Milton, and had
an individual character much more strongly
founded.
After parting from his friend he could not
drive from his mind the thoughts his remarks
about Mr.. Barlow and his daughters had a
Weakened. Il caused the latter to stand out
before the eye of his mind in bold relief, and
awakened for them in his bosom new inter.
est. 1t was not long before this latter feeling
prompted him to call upon them with less of
formaity than had heretofore been manifest
ed. In doing so, he observed them more
closely, and saw far more in their characters
to esteem and admire than had heretofore ap
peared. Finally, as Milton, alarmed at the
bare suspicion that the wealth he most priced
was In danger of taking TO itself wings and
flying away, had ceased all attentions to Hell
en- Barlow, he became her lover.
Serious in the matter of qualifying herself
for the duties of a teacher, Helen could not be
persuaded, even by the young man whose offer
of marriage had been accepted, to abandon
what she had begun. He urged, but she was
immovable; nor until she was satisfied with
her attainments, would she consent to wed
! him to whom she had long before given her
hearts best affections. Her firmness tried
his character. Sometimes he would feel i'm
patient; but his reason approved her course
and caused him to admire her more and more
as he observed her closer and closer every
day.
same time Milton was united to snowy, su'
per6ciaI young lady, whose father was on the
: eve of bankruptcy. an event that was kept OF
t by the diversion of some thirty thousand dol
: lars of the son-in-law's money into his cours
q of trade. The fact did not tend. in any de
= gree, to unite the young couple III close
I bonds.
AS contrast TO this, we may mention that
t on Helen's wedding day, she received mar
rage portion of fifty thousand dollars.
t Fifteen years passed without cloud dark
t ening the clear sky that bent over Waite
] CoIeman's happy family. Five children
: crowned with Joy his marriag union. No act
= no temper Of mind exhibited by his lovel,
!, wife had ever caused shadow to rest upol
his feelings. Nor was her heart less satisfied
- But, about this time, Helen noticed that he
:. husband was growing daily more and NOR
l. thoughtful and silent. There was about hln
: an abstraction of mind never before NANTES
: ted. For while she made no allusion t
= this; but it soon began to trouble her so much
S that she could not help speaking to him. He
d however, avoided direct reply-in fact, eva
d ded entirely her questions, thus leaving he
mind more deeply disturbed than before. Blu
: Mrs. Coleman was not woman who woul
0 long remain ignorant of any matter that troub
e ed her husband.
5 "Walter," she said to him, seriously, afte
) he had for the third or fourth time, evaded he
l. anxious questions, 6 am your wife. and
e claim, as right, to know the truth in all ma
ters that disturb, seriously, your mind. 'hl
e is my privilege, and | cannot give it up. 10
have not been happy for many weeks. Their
= is cause for it. Will you not tell me where
e in it lles?''
l. Mr.. Coleman was silent and looked yer
grave.
s "Conccalment will pain me more than an
d certainty. Fear not for your wife. 10 shai
pain of mind with you will be sweeter tina
II would be JOY if you were not a partaker of til
y feeling"
The forehead Of Walter Coleman contra'
r ted. and his ccunenance fell. He did NJ
look into the face of his wife.
to 'Dear husband" and Helen, she ute
ed the words tenderly. took his hands an
pressed them tightly between hers,-"Whe
l you married me. YOU gave me the right
share with you the good and i'll oflifa. Thu
n far all has been sunshine. But shall clou
come over the sky. and not feel the witt
drawaI of light No. must share all Ii
has to give, evenly with you. tits my RICH
~ and you dare not rob me OF it.
I'd Mrs. Coleman paused, and gazed earnest
10 up into her husbands face.
II care not my words truc7 Am notright
''Doubtless you are, Helen. But"
lg ''Nay, there is no exception in the case.
yon are troubed-and know that you are
he tell me freely the canse. Say, Walter. VII
is it that pains you!''
il For little while violent conflict seem
going on in the husbands mind.
en- "Hellen!" he at length said, in an excit
tone, II cannot do as you desire. ! must ke
ed my own secret-at least for time longer.
No-no-Wal,er. You wrong me.
by Son. thing terrible has happened. and j.
will not tell your wife. Will you Kill me
=" withholding your confidence now! ma
an never betrayed it,"