Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-10-29
VOLUME 1i.-.,NUMBER 3.

anu the CONFLICT may Justly be compared 10 a war
among the aemenis. The combat Tor a time
seems almos equal, and appears 10 threaten with
Immediate destruction their unhappy victim.-
Thus Il was On the present occasion. Ambition.
the ruling passion Of JuIia's heart, had spent lis
force IN her address TO her sister, and now, when
the painful recoleclions Of the past were thus
unexpectedly iorced upon her memory, affection,
Tor while, struggled to gain the ascendancy;
but the struggle was short; the ruling passion re.
sumed IFS seat, and neither the tears nor entrea.
lies OF Ellen could deter her from putting the
resolution of Immediately proceeding to her falh.
er into practice. But the delay occasioned by
Their conversation, proved sufficient 10 thwart her
designs, for on entering her fathers study, she
was struck with surprise al beholding him enga.
ged IN earnest conversation with Henry Wilber-
ham, and so earnestly that neither perceived her
approach until she had heard sufficient TO con.
vince her thatany interference in the matter would
be wholly useless.
Before proceed any farther, il becomes ne.
ceSsary that should make my readers more par.
tlcularIy acquainted with the fortune and circum.
stances OF The three persons whom | have thus
abruptly Introduced 10 their notice.
Julia and Ellen Fenton were the only daugh.
ters of wealthy and respectable merchant, resi-.
ding in rich and fashionable village, in The cas-.
tern par of New England. Mr.. Fenlon, their
father, from poor and pennyless orphan, had a.
risen 10 atfiuence, solely by his own exertions;
but his character had also acquired all The uusle.
rliy which is usually the result Of too extensive
knowledge Of The rough materials which, in
many instances, compose the "Iender merces"
ol The human heart Ambition, TOO, might just
~ have been said TO be the ruling passion OF his
heart; but his union with lady Of entirely dil.
terenI character, and whom he ardently loved,
served IN measure 10 suppress and prevent il
from displaying itself in all its natural vigor.-
And when, after few years Of uninterrupted fe-
llciy, he was called upon TO part forever with the
idol oil his heart, when the cold arms of death
had enclrcIed the object of his affections with an
unrelenlng grasp, he felt that, with her, he had
forever rellnqulshed all desire for worldly emolu.
menI, and resolved 10 spend the remainder Of his
days in rendering the life of his daughters peace
tu and happy. Unfortunately for Julia she pos.
sessed all The ngenerate ambilion Of her father,
without any of The finer feelings which are pecu-
liar to her sex, to soften and subdue its rgdness
But Ellen, on the contrary, seemed to possess all
the amable qualities Of both her parents, which
rendered the characters Of The sisters a visible
and striking contrast The former, proud, haugh-
~, and oslentalious;-the latter, mild gentle, and
unassuming.
Faithfully had their kind mother endeavored
TO insult into their young and tender minds--the
uncertainty of earthly expectations and conse-
quenlly the necessity of being prepared for eve-
ry change of fortune and circumstances, by
Willingness TO acquiesce in all the dspensations
OF Providence. Her faithful admonitions were
not lost upon the gentle Ellen, who treasured
them up as seed sown upon good ground, to bring
forth their fruit in due season; but the naughty
and aristocralic Julia scorned to think the time
would ever come when she should experience the |
changes of fortune against which her affection
ale mother had warned her to prepare. But she .
was soon called upon in measure TO test this /
truth, by the death of that mother whose advice
she had ScSrned-whose admonitions she had re-
JecIed; and for while her naughty spirit seem.
ed broken and subdued; and Ellen londIy hoped |
that her sister, hitherto lroward and unknd would !
now become TO her what she had lost in the death
OF her mother: faithful friend, companion
and counsellor. But alas! she was soon doom.
ed 10 see all her fond anlicipations blasted; for
scarcely had The sod upon her mothers grave be.
come green, till Julia was again mingling in The .
fashionable circles, the gayest of the gay; while
Ellen remained al home TO cheer and comfort the |
disconsoate heart of her remaining parent. 1t |
was while thus employed, Henry Wilberham first
saw and admired the amiabIe Ellen Fenlon. 1t /
is true, he thought not, poor and friendless
stranger as he then was, Of seeking TO win her TO
himself; his noble heart would have scorned 10
ask her 10 share with him the deprivalions and .
penury which would have been the unavoidable
consequences OF such course. But when after
few short years of diligent application 10 busi-
ness he had acquired sufficiency 10 enable him
to enter respectable business for himself; and
what was of still greater importance in the es-
NATION of Ellen, he had also acquired charac-
Ter oil the most scrupuous honesty and sincere |
oenevoleneei he sought and obtained her consent
TO become the sharer of his fate
Such was the character and circumstances Of
The individuals whose fortune we will attempt TO
follow for few years subsequent TO the com.
of this narrative.
twas beautiful evening towards the close of
the pensive month Of October and abou, six months
from the time Of the conversation alluded TO a.
bove, that the splendid aparlmentsin in the dwelling
OF Mr.. Fenton, were lighted up and filled with .
guests, 10 witness ceremony Of more than CON-
mon interest. Ellen. The rich. beautiful, accom-.
pIlshed and amiable Ellen Fenlon, was that night |
TO become The bride Of her beloved and chosen
That night was to decide her future earthly des.
Tiny, and as far as human wisdom could foresee,
that destiny was to be happy one. But not
wl'hstanding the bright auspices of bliss which
her union with one so worthy as him whom she
had chosen would seem to porend; yelshe could
not without trembling voice and pad cheek,
pronounce the few short words which signifed
hereonsent to become his bride.
The ceremony was ended; and now came the
cheering congratulations of friends, with wishes
OF happiness and prosperity. But Julia: "where
was julia! she made not one of that happy com.