The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1849-04-07

the midst of the many low vile creatures
hanging round such a place. No. no. ''''
thought was sgony.
so | toled on, harder aud harder s'ilI
than ever little did those who laughed so
loudly, so lengthily, and so heartily, think
the heart of him who caused him so 10 do
was sadly beating, while he sang the mer-
ry song, or danced and capered, telling his
curious jokes, and talking out so loud him
self, all no. At length nature could sup
port it no longer. ! grew sick, and was
scarcely able to 60 through my perform
ance: and the words of the manager re-
curing 10 me again, there was no alterna-
tive, was forced TO bring her to the house.
And that hour when first she stepped
therein curse, ay curse it from my heart!
And here the poor maniac, so RATIONAL
and for such length Of time, covered his
face with his hands, and swaying his body
10 and fro, uttered loud curses and cries..
Upon this | feared that the remainder Of
his story was lost, and waited long for his
paroxysm to cease, by degreess his voice
subsidized, and he commenced again.
She murmered not--she said she was
glad she could be earning something to as
sist me in our poverty, and she would try
her bes. to learn and please, poor child,poor
Mary
Weeks-.-weeks, and many too we
praclised. Every day for hours, and she
would not say that she was tired, no COM
plant no, one, and she learned too, rapid
ly. ..
How | watched her then all day, all
night not a moment could my eyes be from
her. After hours and hours Of training ant
toll she was prepared for debut.
The day preceding the night was sac
enough for me. We went together to hel
mothers grave, and sat an honT or two;
told her that she was soon to come before
Ihe world, that she would be surrounded
by sin, misery and temptation, but ever tt
cherish the memory of that mother dead
who when living was free from taint anc
peerless as driven snow. She was 81
young, she could not understand me fully
hut said, sweet child, that she would 90 tc
Heaven to meet her there, and if che woulC
she must be good to do SO.
The night neutrality-suspicious. night
and with a sadly beating heart | put on
my customary habiliments. Mary was
10 appear in two performances, the first
alone, the second IN conjunction with the
best performer in the arena-and sweetly
did she look when all attired for her first
appearance. Never had she looked SO
beautiful, with her little spangled frock
and tights, so like sylph. SO pure, so in
nocent Again and again kissed her, and
bid her fear not.
The house, long before the advertised
time for the raising of the curtain, was
dcnscly packed, for the announcement o.
the first appearance inpublic ofthe daugh'
ter of----had long been underlined
and had been heralded forth in glowing
words for several days, Yes, men came
to look upon the one whom poverty had
compelled to appear, whom rant had
drove from her peaceful home, and 10 laugh
at the iests Of her sad hearted father.
AND they would not look in vain, fol
at rehersal the manager, struck with hel
beauty and daring courage, with her skill
on horseback, made me liberal offers for
her services, which poverty Of course
made me accept. ltis not often managers
applaud their hirelings.
Tier above tier they rose-and when,
as the curtain rose up on high, and with a
shrek and merry 'here am Jumped in
to the ring, deaiening plaudis made all echo
again.
Il know not how acted, what | said
but from time to time ] heard the shout ;
my thoughts were upon my child, and
when the moment came for her to appear,
and ! led her by her little hand to make
her bow, feelings Of pride mingled with
my sadness, for it was Mary, my child,
for whom they shouted, unto whom they
rose, to whom every eye was turned.
But oh what moment for me ; With
! lightncss of air she vsuted TO the saddle,