The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1848-03-04
community by, say, Aesto<:g to legal

|
your fancy to conjure up such phantom.
"Conscience makes towards of us ALL" ems
phalically, when guilt is our task master.
Trust me. ne vii! be afraid, and even if he
were so fool,hardy, your husband, you know
is an able LAWYER; and in that case, would
be sure to come into court with his gioues of:
You nlersand!-and on me be the obi
um and the cost, be they what they may"
: Enough, enough, again say, kind friend
the orphan, vow have indeed plead "like
angels rumpetlonsued, the deep damnation
Of her wrongs-and it needed not your
last generous self-sacrfising declaration to
Danish all wavering of purpose from my
mind. and to resolve and confirm ME in the
path Of my duty to the unfortunate Celeste
Dear, unhappy down-trodden child-Yes,
she shall enter my house nominaNy as a
nurse, but really as a daughter said the
kind hearted Mrs Wilmot, with OVERLOOKING
eyes. Mrs Manford too, with grateful ac-
acknowledgements, and in like manner test-
tying the deep sympa,hies which, welled
up at the heart, sought egress at the eyes,
now took leave, and the friends parted till
evening.
AS: for the better security. Celeste entered
her new home under The guise of plain ap-
parel and an assumed name, that of Rachel
Vance, all trace other was lost to her fami-
ly, both in France and America. And her
father had given himself no t,ouble ever
since about her tate. Here she remained
maturing in mind ana person, under the
nurture and adrnontion Of her kind pro-
tectress, unknown even 10 Mr.. Wilmot eX>
cep. as a dependent; yet often puzzling him
in his thoughts, which he kept TO himself as
sineularly interesting and well behaved
and informed little girl.
One day when about fourteen, as Celeste
stood at the front window with the babe in
her arms, Ito whom she had become exceed
ingly atached,) Mrs Manford called
and while she and Mrs Wiimot colversed
familiarity, some remarks fell from them in
reference to some fine pictures they had
seen in gallery in the city: when Celeste sud-
denly left the room, and they thought in tears.
However she soon returned with the infant
on one arm, and bearing under the other,
large porte ,feuiNe filled with the most ex>
quiste drawings in colours which were in
parlsslhe product of her mothers skill, and in
part her own; although but between twelve
and. Thirteen when she left France. While
the ladies' were absorbed with silent rapture
over them, she returned TO the front window,
and was amusing the child, as she perceived
gentlemen ascend the steps, who pulled
the from, door bell From The slight glance
she had of him, faint suspicion crossed her
mird that it was her father What was she
to doi for she was aware OF the temporary
absence of the servant who usually attended
10 such calls, and felt it would devolve prop
erly on her of course to supply Charles
place for the moment, rather than subject
Mrs Wilmot 10 SO uuwonted an office, by
her noncompliance. For an instant, fater-
ing between duly and inclination, and de-
batting the matter mentally, she was in the
act of leaving the room, generously resolved
OH the prompt performance of her duty,
come what might, as Mrs w. happening to
raise her head fancied her countenance be-
trayed unusual palor and concern; and, per-
picked. she unconsciously followed her into
the hall Just in time 10 answer the enquiry
of the gentleman after Mr. w. on legal mat
lers: for as Celeste opened the hall door; she
kept herself sufficiently screened by it TO get
hasly glance at the gentleman, without
his having seen her sufficiently to identify her.
when he retired as Mr.W. was out
Mrs Wilmot, who had never seen the stran>
ger before. REQUIRED to Ceeste's position ami
palid distressed look: and observing her IN
tears; was naturally about attributing il all 10
the fact that child of her former compara-
lively elevated condition (while III Frauce)
should have been accidentally subjected 10
The humiliatng office of hal-door servant,
when Celeste, as if di, lining what was pas
sing in her mind, family enquired of her
if that gentleman often come to the house.
"Nok that lam aware Of my chilly
said Mrs w. adding, "but why are you par
ticulally interested to knowt'
because he is my father"-replied
she.
OF course her mysterious department, was
now explained: and they returned to the
room, but they all three found it impossible
to divert their minds of apprehens ions and
vain speculalions touching the purport or
intention of his call till presently Mr.. Wilmot
came in: and upon his wife's saying to HIM
that such a gentleman as she had described
MIR. HaSkins's appearance TO indicate w'th-
ont betraying that she had discovered who
he was) had but little while left the door,
he carelessy Replied
know wife-l met him in the street.
His name is saidto be Haskins-a trouble
Some and reckless fellow, who has got him
self into a bad scrape:-and although he is
now out on bail, he seems conscious that his
case is desperate one. and he has been
imporuninu me, as prosecuting Attorney 10
be light on him tomorrow when his trial
comes on"