Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-10-29
The COntrasG or the two Sisters
BY MISS MARY E. BLAcKMAN.

BY MISS MARY E. BLAcKMAN.
"And do you really intend to persist in your
determination TO marry thalworlhIeSs Henry Viii.
berhamF" said the naughty Julia Fenlon, TO her
mild and gentle sister Ellen, one day, as they had
been sitting an unusual length of time in silence;
for the last words spoken by either was The avow-
ri Of Ellen 10 her sister, OF her determination 10
marry Henry Wilberham.
She had ever known that Julia felt a strong a.
version TO the alliance, but for what reason, she
rs yet remained entirely ignorant. She knew
that he was poor in what the world usually de.
nOminates wealth; yet, that he was rich in the
sterling qualities of noble mind, and noble and
afecllonate hear, TO her, this was sufficient.
She had early learned that wealth aud dazzling
splendor form not the sphere of happiness for a
meek and quiet SPIRIT and she ardently desired
some kindred soul that could mngle its sympa-
Ihies with hers,-lhen she could bid adieu to all
the wealth and splendof with which, from her iu.
fancy she had been surrounded From her ear.
lest acquaintance with Henry, she had ever ad.
mred the appearance of modest reserve which
marked The lillle offices Of attention which hebe-
slowed upon herself and others, $50 unlike The
Gusome aduIation she had been wont to receive
=
cessable way to the female heart, butupon more
intimate acquaintance, and knowledge of his
WORTH she lelt that she could choose HIM from
the rest Of The world TO be The friend and counsel
lor, in whom she could implicitly repose the con-
hdence of her heart. Judge then her aslonish-
ment, when The appellaIion Of "worhless," was
unhesaIingly bestowed upon him TO whose trust
she had commited her treasured affections. Stu
pIfed and confounded, she fixed The earnest gaze
of her mild blue eye intently upon her sisters
countenance, as if she thought there 10 read an
explanation of her words-buI il was in vain she
sought to unravel The mystery. ......
A pause ensued, and both appeared equally un-
able and unwilling TO break the existing silence,
which now became almost insupporlable 10 her
who was most deeply interested in what was 10
follow. At length, Ellen ventured 10 ask her sis
ter "Why she bestowed such epithets upon one
whose character a corrupt and selfish world had
never sought 10 villifyI"
"Why," replied Julia, "because he is nothing
only what my lalher is pleased to make him; aud
now think can see why il is that he has of late
promoted him TO the office of chief clerk in his
counting room; and yesterday, think it was,
heard hun speak something about entering into
co-parlnership with him, and all because you,
foolish girl, have taken it into your head TO mar
ry beggar."
"Julia," said Ellen, "you judge my father
wrongfuly, for do not think thai he is aware Of
the extent of Henry's attachment 10 me, for it
was last evening lhathe told me he feared to speak
with him upon The subject, lest he should dsap-
prove it," ..
Then | suppose he wishes you TO plead his
cause with father, with your sweet voice and sm.
ling face, or with tears and enlreates, should he
discounlenance your wild and foolish attachment;
a pretty calculation truly! Oh! Ellen, Ellen,
that you would learn from my example 10 sup.
por the dignity Of your family, and not throw
yourself and fortune into the hands Of penny
less fortune seeker. Sincerely do | wish ,hat
my father would exercise his authority, and save
his daughter from the disgrace which she seems
resolved TO bring upon herself and family. L
will go Immediately and inform him of your de.
termination"
"Julia," exclaimed Ellen, "do not beseech
you, do not act SO rashY. Consider that The step
you are about TO take will render forever mlsera
Bile those whose future happiness depends upon
Ihe decision which he makes upon This subject,
You know his lnhexibiily know that when
he has once decided, he is fixed and unchangea-
BILE in his determinations; then Julia, do you
wish by your minimizing rashness to destroy lor.
ever, The peace of your sister, and render her as
miserable even as yourseIfi Nav, lrown no,
when say you are miserable think not that
am stranger TO the pangs Of agony which wiring
your proud heart; know full we'll the misery
which Is but lily concealed by tatered mask of
apparent galety. Often, very often, when YOU
have thought that all eyes, save those of Him
who never sleeps, were closed in slumber, sur.
rounded by the stiffness and soemnity Of ,he
midnight hour; have heard you pour for,b vour
unavailing regrets to the memory of him who
but for The bighIing influence Of ambition and
dread of the SCOTS and sneers of hauerng syco.
phants, would have rendered you what you now
are no'-HAPPY. But you babe him leave your
presence--you told him that you could see him
no more' even while your hean told you that in
80 Ioins' you Oade adleu 10 happiness lorever.-
And would you, Julia, have ME like YOU .support
the dignity OF The miIy,--would YOU have ME
like YOU, sacrifice all the nobest feelings of the
heart, to foul ambtonl"
! Ellen here paused, and raised her av.. 60 T.,
las face, as il expecting reply, but indoa "cI
her aslonishment at behoIding that face wbich
few moments before was flushed with uIl,bo n.;I |
of conscious dignity, bIanched to an, asbv paIa
ness; her hands folded upon her bosom, which |
heaved with quick and heavy respiralions. os if
endeaYorIng TO suppress the thoughts Of agony
that were wringlng her tortured heart. 1t some.
times happens when the ruling passion becomes
passive or partially inactive either from over ex.