The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-06-11

OF Mrs. Oliver, with whom he had grown up,
but feeling toward them az brother, he act
cd as he felt and aided them materially in
their efforts to improve their condition.
Five years from the time when Henry o.
iver commenced The practice Of law, in as
sociation with Mr.. Hallam, he. was run by
enc ofthe parties for Congress, and elected
BY large majority. In the Hall OF Repre-
sentatiyes he distinguished himselfin many
important debates, and his name became
known throughout the country. For many
wears he continued t.. 80 elected 10 Con-
gross, and 10 be held in high estimation as
man Of great intellectual power and unAinch-
ing integrity. No man had fairer reputa-
,ion--no man was held in greater esteem by
his personal friends, or by the people, who
only knew his worth by the quality of his
acts.
Thus had + earned fo- himself distin-
guished name all men we're proud to take
him by the hand, and ak circles felt honored
by his presence, even though the facts Of his
early life and doubtful parentage we're we'll
known.
Mr.. Hallam, with whom Henry was still as
sociated in business, was sitting in his Office
ono day, about ten years from the time
wheu young Oliver had stepped upon the
worlds broad stage as man, when the wild
ow of very eminent professional man who
had died some years before came in and beg
ged 10 have few words ofconyersation with
him, provided tie interview would be con-
sdered strictly confidential. Mr.. Hallam
had known the lady for years. She was
connected with 1meof the best families in
the state, and had, IN her younger days, been
brilliant woman of fashion. He assured
her that any thing she might wish TO say to
him would be he'd perfectly sacred. She
seemed good deal disturbed, and sat for
some time evidently at loss now TO begin
the communication she wished to make. At
length she said
aYou are, ofcourse, intimately acquainted
with Mr.. Oliver"
III am,n replied Mr.. Hallam; 81 raised him,
! might almost say, from boy; l know him
thoroughly" 81
ale has made himself brilliant reputa.
tion," remarked the lady.
"He has fairly AM honestly made it. But
the public know moi half his worth"
"Do you know his family?" asked the
lady.
"No, nor does lie know them himself
He was abandoned by his mother when an
infant" .es t0 s,
$50 / have heard Bul has he no suspi-
cion who are his relatiens?"
uN...o T.. .Lo loa,t y . .
"Let them occupy what social position
they may, he will do them no dscredit," said
the lady. lo
Discredit!" calculated Mr.. Halam--
"No, ma'a.n! But he would do them honor.
care not Who his relatives are or how high
hey stand, Henry Oliver is worthy TO take
ais place beside them"
"'They might claim him now, without a
blush of sbame," centinued the lady, looking
alently in the face of Mr.. lillian.
$50 far as Henry iscon- -rned, they might"
40 returned, feeling considerably annoyed
sy the lady's manner and words, and not re-
ally understanding the drift Of her strange
questions.
"Mr. Hallam," resumed the visitor, after
pause, her voice slightly Trembling, 81 will
now communicate secret that has been lock-
ed in my bosom for thirty years. Henry is
my SON."
"Your SON." exclaimed Mr.. Hallam, start
ing to his feet. 'Impossiblsf"
at is as say, Mr.. Halam. For years
my eyes have been upon him, and i lave
marked with. a mothers pride-mingled, it
is true, with other emotions ofa far less pleas
ing character his steads advancement to
positions of honor. The time has at last
come, it seems to me, when | may claim
him without disgrace. 1t is no dishonor to
be .he mother,of such son, even ifhe were
not bora in wedlock!"
Mr. Hallam was confounded. He made
no reply, for no words that he dared utter
could at all express bis feelings. While he
stood silently looking into the face of his vs-
i:or, she said
"Nov that you know my secret, which for
the present. at least, must remain such,
wish you to obtain for mo an interview with
my son."
Mr.. Hallam bowed.
Scan have it te-day"
~ presume So"
"MayI ask you TO bring Henry to my
house this aftenooni"
81 will tell him tEa. you desire to see him
at any hour you may name," replied Mr.. Hal
lam
"Say Eve o'clock"
Mr.. Hallam again bowed.
His visitor fingered for while, making
many remarks on the subject, all going to
show that the pride she felt in her sons rep
utation was the only incentive she had in
claiming him; and that this feeling entirely