The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-06-11
81 deny the relationship exclaimed the

in infancy, know, by some anieeling mon-
ster; But God gave me mother TO love me,
and sho is my mother slill-my true and on
ly mother"
As if fstricken down BY a heavy blow, tfu
woman sank upon the sofa from which she
had arisen, and Henry Oliver turned away
and rushed from the house.
Nothing of all this was breatbcd by the
young man 10 any living soul. He locked
il up in his bosom, even from Mr.. Hallam.
But that gentleman saw enough cfihe effect
of the interview upon both him and the indi-
ydual who had claimed TO be his mother,
when it was too late, to satisfy him offs true
nature. He could not but honor thr vcnng
man for his indignation, at the SAME time
that he greved for the pang such an an
nouncement as had been made 10 him must
have caused.
Shortly after this, Henry Oliver was uni
ted In marriage Of the daughter Of well
known senator of the United States, and
thereby became connected with one of the
Oldest and most distinguished families in the
country. This union, however, did not take
place before Henry had fully communicated
to both the LADY and her. parents all the facts
regarding his early and subsequent bis.bry,
with the single exception Of the discovery be
had made of his real parent. That was
secret locked in his bosom; and one ofwhich
he never permitted himself to think, when he
could force the subject from his mind.
Toward Mrs. Oliver, his "truo and only
MOTHER" as he had expressed it, he mani
tested to the last the warmest affection. Fer
her husbands sake, his young wife paid Mrs.
Oliver the kindest attentions from the first.
1t was not long, however, before she loved
her for the aiiectionate gentleuess, purity
and excellence of her character, and when,
in a good old age, she passed away from
them, she mingled her tears with those of
her husband that watercd the grave where
she was laid at rest.
A few years after this event, as Mr.. Hal
lam and Henry Oliver sat one day convels
ing in their office, woman, having the ap-
pearance Of domestic, came in and asked
for the latter On being told which was the
person she sought, she said
"Mrs.--is very ill--and not expected
to live. She wishes to see you before she
dies. !"
"Tell her that cannot Henry was
speaking from first impulse, forgetful where
he was, aud of everything but the instructive
repugnance he felt 10 an interview with the
person named. But look and gesture
from Mr. Hallam caused him to check his
uIterauce ofthe words that were upon his lips.
"A word with you, Henry" said the lat
ter, rising, and both retired into an adjoining
room, after the messenger had been desired
| TO wait for few minutes.
As soon as they were alone, Mr.. Hallam
said
"Henry, | know your secrect--it is your
mother WHO"
"No sir, she s not my motherw Oliver
indignantly replied. "My mother is in heay-
EN-" AS he said this, he began 10 pace the
floor in an agitated manner.
"She is the author of your being, Henry,
as you are aware---"
$50 she says; but she abandoned me, and
God gave me a true mother. Her and her
only have known and will acknowledge
no other. Does this woman deserve the sa-
cred name of mother9 No-my heart will
not acknowledged the relationship, and my
lips shall never give the lie 10 my heart. II
cannot see her, Mr.. Hallam! She is nothing
TO me-"
Humanity has some claims, Henry" re-
turned Mr.. Halam, in serious voice.
"Since the day when Mrs.---clamed you
|n
"Mr. Hallam! What do you know Of all
this!" said Oliver, much excited.
~ knew all at the time," was calmly re-
Piled. "Butas was saying, since the day
when Mrs.--claime you as her son,
have observed her closely. From that time
she has been changed-groatly changed
The fire other eyes has grown dim, her voice
has lost its fine expression, her step, so elias
tic even in old age, has become slow and de-
Iiberate. Your refusal to acknowledge your
self her son seems to have broken her spirits
and destroyed the vital principle of her ex-
stence. Neither you nor can tell how
much she has suffered, Henry; or how deep
ly she has repented. God forgives, and you
must do the same. In life's bittterest ex-
tremity she sends for you-you her son.
Do not refuse to see her; but go in the name
Of humanity"
"Let me think moment" replied Oliver.
with bewildercd look, and husky voice
As he said this, he sank into chair and GOV.
cred his face with his hands. For more than
minute he sat almost motionlsss, when
gush Of tears evinced the conquest of his
better feelings.
"Tellher," he said, looking up, !" "that !
will bo there"
Mr.. Hallam withdrew and informed the
messenger that Mr.. Oliver would attend 10 the