Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-12-02

mistress Oh tue mansion. WhHe tue impression
upon the heart Of the fair Margaret was still
deeper. How could it be otherwise. when
she had never met one who in grace and re-
fnement. as well as in varied requirements,
could compare with Mr.. Carlton He took
an interest IN all her studies. and enjoyed her
amusements; drew with her, sang with her,
and rode with her. That exhilerating exer-
else, in which southern country girls excel
how delightful il was, in the bright winter
mornings, while Juliet, with some chance
beau in attendance, fingered lutte behind
and they chatted gaily as they rode On the
long, lonely walks in the brown woods, or
the sail on the river, or the quiet morning at
home, or the evening enlivened BY music and
dancing. and social conversei II was not 10
be wondered al. that. the evening before that
day on which Edward Carlton was 10 take
lis departure, he requested an interview with
Mr. Leslie, and asked his daughter of him
nor that Margaret blushed and smiled when
he joyfully announced that he had obtained
her parents consent.
Carlton resolved to return North immediate
ly, and commence the practice of law, for
which, from his position and family connec-
tons, he enjoyed unusual advantages. He
hoped in few months to he able TO return and
claim his bride. There was some sadness at
the thought departing with Margaret, but the
visits OF the family 10 the North every summer
would bring them together; and Edward had
promised that as often as possible, his Young
wife should spend her Christmas at wood
lawns Then the youthful pair were so hap
py in each other, and so well suited in tastes
and dispositonsl There seemed nothing to
darken the prospect The letters of Carlton
were frequent, and filled with glowing ac-
counts of success, even beyond his most san
guine anticpations.
Some time passed, ard the family were be-
ginning TO talk of a visit from their cherished
friend, when his letters suddenly ceased. The
Leslies had just returned from their annual
excursions to Charleston, during the season Of
the races, where Margaret had mingled much
in fashionable society, and had received the
attention due TO belle and reputed heiress.-
Juliet, too, had made her frs, entrance into
gay life. They had returned home weary
as they said of dissipation. Margaret was en-
chanted 10 have her music and drawing again,
and her long rides on horseback But they
soon lost their charms. Anxiety and disap-
pointed hope, the "hope deferred" which
"makeh the heart sick" banished the rose
from her cheek and the smile from her lip,
while Two weary months passed on, bringing
no tlulngs oil Carlfon.
Tidings at last came. A package was sent
them by friend, containing several newspa-
perS, with the intelligence that number of
forgeries had been detected, committed by one
Edward Carlton, who, having eluded the pur-
suit Of justice, had escaped in vessel bound
| for France. The description Of his person,
the locality and circumstance, left little on their
minds; and even this was removed by let
7 Il
with Edward Carlton. and knew of his en-
gagement. Some Of Margaret's letters, which
he said were found in Cartoons lodgings, af-
tel his flight from justice, were enclosed to
Mr. Leslie.
The blow. sudden as it was. was dreadful
one to poor Margaret, but youth aud strong
heart will resist much. Where the sung of
disgrace, too, is felt, the troubles Of the proud
spirit, terrible as they are, have a power
TO triumph over despair itself Mrs Leslie
was woman of naughty temper, and quick
sense OF honor; she pridea herself moreover.
on what she called the arlstocratic blood of her
family and under her schooling the gentle
Margaret soon learned to hide the anguish
that was gnawing at her heart. Cartoons
name was mentioned no more, and perpet-
ual round OF company and social amusements,
devised by the sagaclous mother, ere long res
tored the fire 10 her daughters eyes. and the
bloom 10 her cheek. Ii was not Till after she
had yielded TO the earnest wishes of her pa
rents, and plighted her troth TO another, that
she felt how irretreyable was the wreck Of her
happiness.
MIR. Burneau was gentleman Of French
family, but had lived. as he said in America
since his childhood. He was supposed rich,
and brought letters OF Recommendation TO MIR.
Leslie, whom he first met in the city.
The preparations for the wedding were
completed the guests were assembled in the
spacious drawing room, which were lighted
up and decorated with garlands and wreaths
of roses; the splendid suppertable was laid
and shone with rich plates and at the doors
and windows might be seen rows Of black IA
ces gstenlng with interest and curiosity
while the piazza was filed with negroes who
had come up from the plantation 10 see their
young mistress married. The bride had put
on the snowy veil that hoated like cloud
over her figure, and was sealed IN her room
awaiting the arrival of the bride groom. But
he came not, though the great clock in the hali
already pointed 10 the hour fixed. Another
hour-and yet anoher-roled away. The
guests were gathered into groups, talking TO
tdcu Oiuef III oulHiuuS Whispers. Il ne Dflue
stood at the window other apartment, through
which the moonlight poured, gazing listlessly
upon the shrubbery aud flowers that looked so
beautiful in the svery light: while Juliet,
pale with anxious apprehension, was at her
side.
The roll of a carriage was heard coming up
the avenue. Il stopped before the door
There was hustle, and strange voices were
heard in the hall. juliet, trembling violently,
chung to her sister, while the BRIDES maid ran
10 the top of the staircase TO see what had hap
pened. A few moments after, Mrs. Leslie
entered, evidently highly excited, and ordered
the doors TO be closed, II was in vain; before
the order could be obeyed they were forced
open, and a stranger rushed in. A wild
shrek burst from the lips Of Margaret: she
recognized in the pale and emaciated coun-
tenance, the features of Edward Carbon
Starting forward at the first impulse TO meet
him, she recoiled suddenly, aud fell lainting
in the arms OF her mother.
A brief explanation will be all the reader re-
qures. The young man who had committed
forgery and fled, though bearing the same
name, and even some resemblance in person
al appearance, was very different person
from the Edward Carlton who was betrothed
to Miss Leslie. He had long been prostrated
with one of those typhiod feyers which leaves
the body and mind for months so debilitated