Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-09-03

tti~ NehNl-Allf hulllgl olls WIN ~ AE1llE WIN
rich relative and where she had been won to sc'
cepi Mr.. HidreIh, a most excellent man, as her
second husband. 1t was winter evening, but
the breath Of the ice-throned god penetrated not
into the parlor, 10 the windows Of which bloom
ed, in summer pride, the rich rose and magnf-
cent geranium, and in which were seated Mrs.
Hildrelh aud Two lady visitcrs, whom We recog-
Mise as Lucy and Sarah Of our former acquain-
lance. As we played the iatller on a former oc'
casion, we shall probably experience no great diff
hcully In repeating the offence.
81 met with an accident to-day" replied Mrs.
llildreIh, (which has distressed me exceedingly"
ado you deem US worthy your confidence"
asked Mrs. Sarah Benson.
"Cerainly. You have right to know, and
your sympathy will undoubtedly be as deep as
mine. | was returning with MIR. HidreIh from a
liule excursion, when we we're surprised by the
voice Of bitter weeping, issuing from lone dwell
ling by the wayside. My husband checked the
horses, and enquired if we should enter. will
not attempt description of the miserable forlOrn
looking place into which we found our way, or
the wretched starving appearance of three small
children, who were chngng round an emaclaed
woman, whose sobs and lamentations mingled
loudly with their cries. For heavens sake what
is the matierP cried in alarm. With wild cry
she sprang towardme, ,exclaiming, Mrs. Emmons!
What good angel sent you herel See! we are
starving, absolutely starving' Whom do you
think lhe poor creature vast ltwas Janeue Bruce,
who you may remember declared, once upon
time when wewere all glad young creatures in our
native village, that she would marry lawyer"
81 fancy that none who were then present have
forgotten that conversation, or the sage remarks
of Mrs. Emmons," replied Mrs. Benson. "But
did you learn how our once lovely and accom-.
plished Janette became so wrelched?'
at seems scarcely possible" remarked Mrs.
Lucy White, ''lhal the daughter Of the wealthy
Judge Bruce, should be reduced to such abject
want. What mslortunes have beiallen her!"
"Why she married lawyer, a young man Of
great personal beauty and mental ability: possess.
ing dazzling genius, great sensiblity, and high
and chivaIrouS sense of honor. You will per.
ceve at once that he was not fitted TO do battle
with the world. Yet these are qualities 10 win
the heart of a young and sentimental female, and
Janette, you know, was high-souled, high-bred,
delicate and sentimental girl. She loved Mere
dlth as such women love. He was confident of
immediate and signal success in his profession;
and when friend once ventured TO warn him Of
disappointment in his too sangune hopes, he was
bitterly greved and offended, constituting the kind
and friendly caution into an undertaking Of his
abilities; and he never forgave that friend, who
merely sought TO save him much future pain and
mortihcation. He went out intoth world. He
met with several harsh rcbufs: perhaps there was
no Injustice in them. Men who sill as judges up
on the genius that is struggling 10 gain footing
on the difficult pathway to fame, are apt to forget
how inporlanta litte word of theirs is 10 the pam
ting heart; how decisive their opinion is in the
wavering balance of public opinion. Many a
noble mind has been stricken down forever by
harsh criticism, penned or delivered in peevish
mood, or thrown off careessy, while the bitter
feelings of the critic sIumbered.
"Meredth felt himself an injured man; he be-
came bitter and sarcastic, thus arming with enmi.
ty those who might have recognised his worth.
He struggled for season; he was too proud 10
labor, or TO seek employment. or accept Il clerk
ship which was offered him. Janelte's father as.
sisted him once and again, and finally procured
him situation as teller in Il bank. Janelle in the
lldu SOtCll luoNlulOuS HO'lOlIo VI
female hepeSsneSs and dependence, and had
learned TO do her own housework, sewing, &C.,
and now that Meredith received asaIary sufficient
to maintain her and her little ones in compare.
tive comfort, she was happy, and looked forward
10 better days. She trusted also that her below
ed husband had come 10 his right mind, for he be-
came cheerful and ompanionable, and seemed 10
see the right side of the picture Of life. But the
bank directors discovered peculation to large
amount, and suspicion rested on Meredith, be-
cause he was poor. He was arrested-could
procure no bail-and was thrown into prison.
His wages had just sufiiced to support his family,
and to renew their exhausted wardrobe. He had
nothing laid by. His landlord elected his help
less family, and they found all Indifferent shelter
in The poor place where | found them.-
Meredith was tried, and Of course acquitted
But his spirit was utterly crushed. He came 10
the miserable home of his loved ones; he laid
himself on his bed, and wept and groaned all night.
Janette's attempts 10 Soothe him, seemed only 10
increase his distress, and with the early light he
arose, kissed his sleeping children, clasped his
sobbng wife in long embrace, and with shud-
dering sigh turned from her and went out. This
was four years ago, and he has not been heard OF
since! and she is in agony leas, he has given way
10 the tempter and destroyed himself. | never
Witnessed distress equal TO hers. | gave her
what little comfort | could, with my purse, and
promised that would soon see her again"
1--WE will assist you to make her easy" cried
both The fearful listeners.
"She will only remain here" replied Mrs. Hi.
dreh, "ul something decisive is known respect.
ing Meredith. If he does not return, she will GO
10 her father, whose circumstances are much re.
duced by the failure Of several banks and CONNER.
cial houses, which have made him poor man. u
There have been many changes in our old
home since we were scattered from its dear ia.
miIiar scenes. Are you acquainted with the cir.
cumstances of all our young companions?" in.
qured Mrs. Lucy White.