Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-10-15

examined il carefully. Another moment, and
she deliberately tore open the will. Everything
her father possessed in the world had been lelt
10 herl Edgar's name was not even mentioned
nor a single bequest made. She was sole heir
10 that enormous louunel
With ealmness and delibelaiion Harriet read
the document through. When she had finished
il, she approached the bed and knelI for many
minutes in silent prayer beside her father re.
mains. She arose strengthened, eomlorled and
justified in the step which she was now about TO
take; for to shield her iaiher's memory from the
reproach Of injustice beyond the grave, and 10
secure 10 her beloved brother the inheritance
which was Justly his due, were her holy objects.
That Edgar might never know his fathers un-
dying anlmosity tu him--that he might be able
10 cherish his memory through life with tender.
ness, could only be achieved by destroying the
document which was the witness Of his implaca'
bic resentment, aud this the hlgh-hearted girl de-
lermned TO do. 81 can be The only sufferer"
she said, "by the act, and Edgar will enjoy his
nghtiul inheritance, respecting his father memo
ry, and ignorant thai he owes il TO me-"
How liule do we reflect upon The strange and
eyeniiul scenes in the drama Of life which are
constantly enacting around us, us we carelessly
gaze upon those dumb enclosures Of brick and
mortar, The closely packed houses Of a large city.
The scene which took place in that chamber Of
death illustrates our remark, and might have fur.
nished food for the pencil.
| Upon the bed, in handsome apartment, sur.
rounded by all the raPpings Of wealth, lay the
rigid form of the departed. The very luXuries
and remedies collected together for his comfort
and relief, upon the table beside his bed render.
ing more sauingly vivid the change which had
just taken place. The gray dawn scarcely Pene'
Iraied the heavily cunained windows. and sim
gle light glimmered in this spacious apartment;
revealing the ghaslly and unmisakOble object
which lay upon the couch, and casting its yellow
rays full upon the blOodless face and excited eye
Of Harriet Gransden, as bending over it, she up.
piled her fathers will 10 the lamp. The flame
rose, and in a few moments a heap Of ashes lay
upon the marble slab before her. Another mo-
ment and these we're carefully gathered up and
thrown into the fire, and no trance remained 10
prove that will had ever existed. Once more
Harriet approached The bed, and bending over il
she pressed her lips 10 The marble brow Of her
iuIher. This done, she left the room, and sum-
moning the attendants, she sent for her brother.
When the last rites were paid 10 the departed
search was made for awil. There was, Of course
none TO be found, and Edgar, with his sister
shared, according to law, their fathers seslute.--
Harriet kept her secret and was amply repaid fol
The pain which her extraordinary step had caused
her, by Witnessing the heartfelt satisfaction which
Edgar felt in the belief that some reeniing feel
ings towards him had induced his father 10 for
bear making will.
1t was in church that we first introduced TO The
reader the characters in our tale. In that same
dim old church, we will now lake leave Of them
1t was early summer, aud the morning was yc
young, yet clergyman in his surplice already
sat within the chancel. The summer wind came
wooingy through the halEopcned windows. while
it walled against the glass, from time TO time
with soothing sound the soft green branches o
the weeping willows which grew hard by. The
clergyman looked at his watch once or twice, Ill
at length the sound OF approaching carriage
wheels was heard, and in few moments lht
, sexton threw open door and ushercl brida
party up the aisle.
5 Edgar GranSden led The way, leading by III
arm an infrm old man. They were followed b.
, Miss Gransden, supported by young gentleman
| Mr.. Sandys came next, and upon his arm leanc
y his daughter, habed in bridal hile and covcre
nearly TO her feet by rich lace veil. Wh
, behind came one or two intimate friends.
The beautiful marriage service Of the Episco
pal church commenced, and in a few minute
Edgar Gransden and Florence Sandys were uni
, ted for life.
As the party passed out of the church, cheer
lulnesS and smiles taking the place Of The solemn
countenances with which they had entered it
; Edgar and his bride approached the pew of Mr.
Sandys. Both their eyes were bent upon il
while Edgar, pressing the arm which repoSed il
his bent down and whspered--"l shall neve
see you there again, dear Florence, but shal
always love thai dim old Corner PeW.'"