Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1847-12-15

that she would speedily return all their
hopes were bhEcd Day after day. and
week after week, did they seek their
daughter, till At length they whispered
what they had long believed, yet dared
not before express, that she had fallenlbv
her own hand. Their cup Of misery was
full No kind friends sympathized with
them, for they were poor. Mrs Els
worth was unable longer to bear up under
her Affections, and gradually sunk be-
meath the whitening hand Of disease. The
physician who attended her, told Of dis
ease Of the heart, and so indeed it was.
80
We return to scenes Of fashionable life.
The parlors Of the hotel were brilliantly
Illuminated, and happyguesis crowded the
apartments. To careless observer, Il
would appear that sorrow could never find
an abode in the hearts of those who CON-
posed that gay and happy company; but
the smiling lip and laughing eye may con-
zeal the arrow that pierces the soul. IL
Their conversation was interrupted by the
sounds Of music in the public hall. The
G Swiss Minstrelsn had been engaged for
the evening.
Delighted guests crowded around them.
Edgar LeForest conducted lady to the
hall, and attentively listened.
The music ceased; all manifested their
delight, and the musicians were amply re-
munerated. During the performance, one
of their number, young girl Of rare
beauty, gazed intently upon LeForest and
the lady who leaned npon his arm. After
the close Of the concert, the girl stepped
forward, and began song. Her voice
was slightly tremulous, and as she sung
the second verse,
q Once those tender looks were bent on me-
Edgar was seen to exhibit evidence Of deep
feeling He endeavored to conceal his
emotion, and conducting the lady to the
parlor, retired to his room. He closed
the door, yet her sweet tones were distinct
ly heard. :
aHer voice reminds me ofhappier days.
Eudora, do love thee. In vain do I
strive to forget thee
The song ceased, and the minstrels de-
parted. Edgar gazed from his window
for moment upon them, then rose and
summoned a servant The boy appeared.
Edgar babe him recall the fair minstrel,
and conduct her to his room The boy
soon returned, accompanied by the girl
He raped at the door of lie Forests room,
then disappeared leaving the girl to await
the pleasure of Edgar
lie Forest babe her enter She obeyed,
and in another instant he clasped to. his
bosom the beautiful and forsaken Eudora.
Dearest Eudora, forgive your guilty
Edgar. Cruelty did I leave youn
YOU love me yet ~ said she, gazing into
his face, us if to read the thoughts Of his
soul
aOhl Eudora, how shall ! convince you
Of my sincerity2 ] love you, and God
knows the strength Of my affection"
aAnd shall I never leave your"
aNeyer dearest, never.n
aOh lthishappiness doubly repays me for
months of SORROW
aWhy did you assume this disguise,
Eudora %
To seek you. Iknew you loved mu-
sic, and I hoped thus to find you. Heaven
j conducted me hithern
aWhere are your parents? how could
You leave them %
Long was the struggle, but love fol
Il you prevailed Heaven forgive me for
causing my parents such violent grief. ~
Win you, Edgar, accompany me to my
humble home9h J
& Soon Remain moment longer, and
! / will conduct my sister hithern
i He departed, but soon entered, accom-
panied by the lady Of whom we have spo
| ken.
aMarion, embrace your sister-my be
4 loved Eudora,n and the two were locked
in one long and fervent embrace. She
soon laid aside her disguise, and was sup
piled with dresses by Marion.
The next morning, coach drawn BY
-four beautiful horses, rolled along the
crowded streets, and turned into marrow
Iavenue, then stopped in front Of an old di
llapidated house, time-worn and fast going
! to decay. Twoindiyiduals alighted, whom
we recognize as Edgar and Eudora They
entered the house, and ascending a wind
! / ing fight Of stairs, Eudora opened thu
door, and they entered.
II What scene met their eyesl On /.
low. bed, lay the sufferer, the heart-broker
mother; near her sat the disconsolat,
. husband
4 As they rnlcfed, the father rose, and
extended his hand 10 her, he pressed hi.
, child to his bosom, but neither spoke II,
formally bowed to lie Forest, and silently