The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1847-02-19

This change in the late cheerful, ipgenu-
Gus girl. ~
And 1t is ever thus. There isSno real
u happiness, NO calm for those who are con-
scious of dec Giving their best and truest
friends. True, the face may beam with
smiles. and the lips utter words of joy and
sladness, but the "still, small voice" will
be heard more powerful thap the trumpet's
blast; III whispers awake anguish and re-
morse.
Many times was Judith aim ost resolved
to throw herself at the feet OF her father,
confess her error, and implore his pa rdon
Almost, Oh, Had she'but once done so,
how much misery--how much wretohed-
ness would have been spared.
The announcement of peace, a few
months later, once more brought happ>
ness. long banished guest, to the walls
of the parsonage. With yearning, forgiv
ing hearts. the parents prepared to receive
their beloved son, while judith, confident
that now De Forest would openly avow
his love, felt her heart relieved from the
heavy weigh, which had 40 long oppressed
il.
II was pleasant afternoon early in
| April that the cheerful music of drum and
fife echoing through the valley proclaimed
the return ofthe soldiers. Joy sat upon
every feature-cohgratula was on
every lip, for SO much was Mr. Irwin be-
loved by his parishioners tha, both young
and oil rejoicei with him, and many in
deed assembled at the parsonage to greet
the arrival of the Young soldier,
But Philip came not.
Colonel De Forest, with well dissems
hled grief upon his brow and Gendsh JOY
play ing at his heart, delivered letter
from the unhappy boy. The dreadful ale
was soon told. Philip had gambled-had
been detected in using false dice--a vio-
lent alteration with bis opponent ensued /,
and in the phrenzy Of the moment, Philip
had stabbed him to the heart!
70 elude the hands of justice, by the
advice and assistance of bis Kind colonel
he was now on bis way to England But
whu led him to the gaming table! Who
substituted false dice, aud without the
knowledge of the doomed youth? Who
guade him on to madness and urged that
fat al msrderous blow which was to bring
everlasting ruin and misery! Who, but
the specious colonel-th he betrothed Of the
innocent, confdiog judith! 1t was, in.
deed, W ell devised scheme to secure the
brother ere he commenced his designs up
on the sister.
The grief Of the miserable parents is too
sacred theme TO dwell upon. There
was but one source Of comfort for them in
their a1l ction--a source ever open to the
heaven, longing hearts did they turn.
The colonel spent week at the par
sonage, during which time he had many
opportunities Of seeing Judith in private
HIS protestations of love were un nbounded; +;
but until he had broached the subject TO
his own family, whom he represented as
highly aristoratic and wealthy, it was his
desire their engagement should still re-
main a secrete. 1t would only be for
few weeks, and then he would return and
claim that beloved hand at the ALTAR
Satisfied with this assurance and confident
Of his truth, Judith saw him depart, and
now looked forward with all the JOY full an
ticipation of trustful, perfect love to the
| period When together they should receive
| the blessing Of her parents. la her own
happiness she had not forgotten her un-
| fortunate brother, but having been assur-
ed by her loves that he had only acted as
a man of honor and in his own self d efence,
that all, would terminate happily, and in
few months the exile be restored TO his
family, she ceased 10 weep except for the
silent sorrow she saw praying upon the
hearts of those SO dear and reYered. II
month might have passed after the
departure Of Colonel De Forest. when one
dark night Judith was arrowsed from slum
ber by pebble being thrown against her
chamber window. This was repeated
again and again, until IN some trepidatIoD
shs arose aud looked from the easement.
II was SO dark no object could be distin~
guished, but a voice. which caused her
heart TO throb tumultuously, exclaimed,
dearest Judith. be not alarmed-it is
I; your faiihfol lover!"
George, dear George! am indeed SO
happy! Wait one moment, aud / will
open the door for YOU"
"No. sweet girl! my visit is to you, and
you alone. Come down then ,quickly-I :
have something of great importance to
:
Not an instant did Judith hesitate to t
comply with her lovers request--so guile 7
ess W as she, that the idea of impropriety S
n so doing never crossed lsr mind Il
quickly, the re FORE Slipping on a dress, +,