The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-12-14

look gOOQ CdIO VI lHHlj VI NOulcS3 lhC
letters his father received, purporting to be
from his brother, originated in his own wicked
mind, while those actually penned by John, as
also his fathers were suppressed by the same
crafty power.
When Alfred first originated this scheme, it
is probable he had no idea its success would
result in so much misery; his desire was as
much to be revenged on his father, for. his par
TALLY to his brother, as upon his brother for
being the object of that partiality; but when
once he had entangled himself in the meshes
of deceit he could not break through without
sure detection of his wickedness The father
and son met but once after the latter went TO
college. He was then received with GOODNESS
and reproaches Conscience of his innocence,
John was too proud to make any explanations,
and left his fathers roof in bitterness. Soon
after Mr.. Oakly went abroad, as wretched as
his son, leaving Alfred in sole charge Of his
business. The constitution of John was never
strong; and no doubt the unmerited treatment
of his father, fastened the work Of disease. He
commenced the practice of law, but in plead
ing his first cause, unfortunately ruptured a
blood vessel, and was borne from the court
room to his lodgings in apparently dying
state. Through the kindness and careful nur-
sing of the lady with whom he boarded, he at
lenghth partially recovered; or it may be that
the beauty and gentleness of Louisa, her only
daughter, contributed somewhat to his restora-
ton. Certain it is, mutual affection sprang
up between them, and, though in no situation
to marry, the death other mother a few months
after, by which Louisa was left alone and des-
titute in the world, brought the event about
And now love and poverty were henceforth
to bear them company on ,their life journey
for a final blow was put to any expectation
which John might have INDUCED secretly of q
reconciliation with his father, through the ma
chinations of his brother. 1t seems that one
other John Oakly had, in the meanwhile, alb
seconded with girl of low character OF this
fact Alfred awaited himself, and communicated
the same to his creduluous father, who imme-
diately wrote to his youngest son, that unless
he renowned at once, and forever, the dis
graceful conduct, he would disinherit him.
This letter, as referring to his darling Louisa
the most aniablc and lovely of wives, filled
John with Indignation and anger. He an
swered the letter in which nothing but his fee
lings rs a husband could excuse-and the rup-
ture was complete. Mr.. Oakly soon after re-
turned home in miserable health, and died,
cutting off John entirely in his will, and lea
wing the whole of his property to Alfred. This
event the latter communicated to his brother,
generously enclosing a fifty dollar note, with
the assurance that as his father had died so in
censed against him, out of respect to that IA
Tiers memory he must decline all further in
tercourse with him.
When sickness and poverty meet, the path
Of lites pilgrimage is hard. Too unwell to
practice his profession, John attempted wri-
ting, but this at best was precarious, beside
that the exertion again brought on pain in the
side, and difficulty Of breathing. He had fine
talents, and had health permitted, no doubt
might have succeeded as writer Sometimes
he would dictate, and his faithful Louisa COM
init his ideas to paper; but this would not con-
tinue. New and precious cares were added,
which required all her time, so that this re-
cource was abandoned. lie soon grew so fee
bic as to be unable to leave his room. A kind
physician recommended country air, and thro
his assistance the unfortunate couple, with
their two little ones, were enabled to reach a
small country town. Here living would be
cheaper, and hope whispered to Louisa that by
industry and economy she might support COM
fortably her dear husband and little ones Poor
girl! on offering herself rs a seamstress, the
good people looked at her with surprise-thev
did all their own sewing. She offered to teach
painting or music, at very low rates; but they
all laughed at her, and wondered what she
thought they wanted of such foolish fashions
AT last she was thankful, for her children's
sake, TO be employed even the most mental
offices, if thereby she might get them bread.
Once did John Oakly address a letter to his
brother, in which he stated his ill-health and
dcstitution. 1t was never answered. Again,
on his death-bed, did he give to the clergyman
who attended his last moments his brothers
address, requesting him to write when he
should be no more, and crave that assistance
for his babes, which, while he lived, was refu-
sed to him.
The result of this appeal is known already.
The unfortunate widow met with but little
sympathy from her rough neighbors. Not that
they meant unkindness or uncharitableness,
but each one was too busy with their own at
fairs to give more than chance thought to a
poor widow and a stranger They were them
selves industrious and frugal; and it was diff
cult for her even to get days work from
such economical, thrifty people.
And hitherto now had the rich man come
and on what errand? Not to sympathize-
not to succor or relieve, but TO prosecute his
own selfish views, both cruel and unnatural.
But to return. We left Mr.. Alfred Oakly,
gazing upon his brothers sleeping babes The
opening of a door aroused him; he turned, and
the wan countenance of the widow met his
view. On her sunken checks there was no
trace of color, and the lines of suffering too
plainly drawn around her beautiful mouth
Her dark eyes were large, but their briliancy
dimmed by tears of sorrow, and her long raven
hair-that splendid hair which had once been
the admiration of all-was now combed care
lessly back from her high brow, and concealed
by a plain muslin cap. The man of the world
was abashed, and the widow the first 10 break
the silence.
4 presume speak to Mr.. Alfred Oakly,' |
she said.
The gentlemen bowed, but had his life de-
pended upon utterance, he could not have
spoken. Their mothers voice, though low, at |
once aroused the sleeping innocents, and
springing from their hard couch, they bounded |
to meet her. At sight ola stranger, however,
the youngest, not two years old, hid her face |
in the folds of her mothers dress, but the ell |
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