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

ted. To his great surprise, this overture was re.
ceiyed by Florence with the most manifest emo. !
ton, and as her rialher's step was heard approach.
ing the room, she placed her finger upon her lips
and motioned him 10 silence.
j. may readily be supposed that these evden-
ces OF mystery and reserve produced disagree.
able impression upon the mind Of Edgar Grams.
den, but the spell which had been cast upon him
by the daughter, as well as The respect which he
was compelled 10 entertain for the father, preven-
ted any attempt on his pau TO intrude into their
secrets, and was too powerful for any thought to
arise TO their discredit.
The effect which all this had upon him was 10
make bin restless and unhappy, and he deer
mined, as soon as possible, 10 put AN end 10 his
suspense. This could only bedone by informing
his father Of his attachment, and asking for sci.
clement which would enable him TO mary-for
Edgar, though the expected inherorof aprince.
y fortune, was without profession and depen.
dent upon his father. Before taking this step,
however, Edgar disclosed all to his sister. He
vas somewhat alarmed to find that Harriet had
serious msgiyings Of the success of his applca-
ton 10 their father, after she learned that the Oh.
ject Of his regard was no other than the unknown
beauty Of the corner pew. Harriet was older
and had lived more with their father than Edgar,
and she understood his character far better. She
know that Mr.. Gransden was a proud, ambitious
man, and that he would expect his son to make a
match that would increase, if not his wealth, his
family influence, and she feared thar herbrolhers
choice would call down his serious displeasure.
| Edgar, however, was resolved, and he sought
his father, to prefer his request. Mr.. Gransden
/ listened 10 the confession and demand Of his son
without a comment, but when at length Edgar
spoke Of the family Of his beloved. and the words
I"Florence Sandys' irembled from his lips, his
! father sprang from his chair as il slung b. some
venomous reptile, the blood flowed in purple
torrent to his swollen face, and kissing out the
name Of "Sandys" he cred-"What demon
has tempted you 10 mention that occursed name
TO met"
Pale and alarmed, Edgar attempted reply
! but his father molioned him 10 cease, and in
voice of passion, he excIaimed--"Le me, anc
never let me hear that name again, or you are nc
son of mine!" Then turning and entering an
adjoining room, he closed the door after him vio'
lenhy.
With pertnrbed, excited mind, Edgar imme
diatclY reloined his sislel, and poured into hel
sympalhizing ear the account Of his father:
strange and violent reception Of his communica
llon.
Harriet heard his story with infinite concern
for though prepared for strong objections on III
par Of her father, she had not expected any ex
hbron Of violence such as her brolherdescrbed
"WhaI can be The cause of my father senmir,
10 Mr.. Sandys Or his iamiIyl" said Edgar as HI
hastily walked the floor, with flushed face ant
excited manner. "lf he has objections, gooc
objections, why not explain them to met | an
not child, nor can | suffer myself to be treated
as one where my happiness is so deal Y concern
ed. n3ver heard my father mention the name
Of SanJys in my life. knew not that he was
aware Of its existence. II there is good and sub
5tanlial reason for his enmity, why am in igno.
rance of III Have you ever heard him mention
,h9 name, Harriet Can you give me any clue
10 unravel this mystery!"
Harriet protested with deep concern that her
ignorance was as great as his own.
"MysleryI Yes, it is a mystery" continued
Edgar; sand now | can understand why ! wa:
received with so much mslrust and coldness BY
, Florence and her lather-why ills that even nov
they preserve towards me an unnatural reserve
will 60 to Mr.. Sandys al once and ask for al
explanation from him, since am denied it b,
my father"
, But Harriet interposed 10 prevent this hasty
l,judged step, pointing out to her brother tht
3 evil consequences to his suit which might follow
: such an mprudenl step. Edgar suffered himsel
( to be influenced by her sensible advice, ant
agreed to adopt the plan which she suggested
! which was to apply TO an old gentleman who hat
3. been for many years chief clerk and confidential
friend of their grandfather, oren,ightenment uPol
!, this painful subject. Mr.. Foster in his early liz
r having lived in The family of his employer, ait
, berg from his position acquainted with all th
r private affairs Of the family, Harriet though
!. would not only be The most likely person 10 pos
Y sess the information, but also The most prUpe
c and prudent person 10 consult on so delicate
r matter. During the childhood Of Harriet an
G Edgar, MIR. Foster had been in the habit of visit
: ing them frequently, and they were both grea
r lavores of The old gentleman, but within lat
years complaint in his lower limbs had pre-
I vented his leaving his house, and both Harrie
y and Edgar were since in the habit Of visiting hr
f occasionally in his bachelor establishment.
5 Edgar's mind was in TOO great state Of excite
- ment 10 admit of his delaying amoment 10 ioIlo'
= out his sisters suggestion, and he set off mme
a diately to visit Mir. Foster. His first questio
. was an abrupt inquiry of that gentleman whelhe
d he knew Mr.. Sandys.
n Mr.. Foster looked somewhat surprised at hi
II question, but he answered immediate y-"Ie ct
= certainly, my dear boy"
!. "And his daughter, Florence Sandys'"
d "Of course; she is my most attentive vislto
: and has only just let me-"
e Edgar's astonishment increased at every ste
is he took in this matter, and he exclaimed impe,l
y ously-"Then will you tell me who they are al
t. why it is that my father feels SC bitterly toward
II heml"
e MIR. Foster looked at his young friend for a
l. instant with peculiarexpressiono OF coun'cnanc'
;. and then said--"Is it possible, my dear Edgar
G that YOU do not know who they are"
:. IL know Mr.. Sandys only as worthy, excel
n lent man; his daughter as the loveeS and be'
IL of her sex. never knew ill this morning Ihi
4. nv father had ever heard of their existence"
MIR. Foster paused for an instant, and variou
a;,,,d ,crOss his rOuntpnluce. The