Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1849-04-27
CARROLL COUNTY OHIO FRIDAY APRIL n EM

al length agreed TO meet him at the steamBoat
landing In W street, one week from Thar
night and take night boat for p. during
which time 10 secure secrecy, they were 10 have
no communication Whatever. Having made all
necessary arragemenIs, they parted--llalwood
TO his office and Alice to hef home.
During the following week, Hawood busted
himself 10 arranging his affairs, which we're in
u very good condition. lie Withdrew his mon.
ey from the bank, and made a writing and pla.
ced II among his papers, when he did moi return.
IN which ho gave his wife all the property he
left behind, which was sufficient TO give her a
handsome support. lie told Mrs. IIalwood and
his acquaiulances, thai his business called him
to distant city, AMI that he should be under
the necessity of remaining for a few months at
least, and requested his wife 10 arrange his ward.
robe accordingly.
Ihe Important eve came round. The time
had been shorter to lIalwood than he anticipated
Having all things in readiness he took hasly
leave of his wife, sPrang in his carriage at the
door, and soon found himself at the steamboat
landing. His fair companion had not vet made
her appearance. 1t was now eight o'clock in
The eVenlng-in half an hour the boat would
start. He waited twenty minutes between hope
and fear, when a cab stopped near where he was
standing, and from II issued the little Quakeress
dressed IN the same neat, plain style closely vei-
led. HaIwood stepped forward, gave her a cor.
dial greeting, and conducted her on board the
boat 10 the ladies' cabin. She then requested
him TO leave her until they arrived at their des.
tined port; he reluctantly obeyed, as he had
promised 10 grant all the requests she should
make.
HaIwood retired to his state.room but not 10
rest. Now that he was left TO himself he had
time Tor reflection; he found that although his
wishes were in some degree gratifed he was far
from being happy. He tried to close his eyes in
sleep, but a calm, quiet face would stand BY his
side, and look upon him with enueatng sadness.
1t was that of his wife whom he pictured at
home, lone and sad. lie thought of the kind.
ness with which she had always supplied his
wants-the solicilude which she seemed 10 feel
in all that concerned him, and more Than once
he wished himself by her side 10 ask forgive.
ness. He tried, however, 10 dissipate such
thoughts and feelings by thinking upon Alice
Carlisle, who was now TO reveal herself TO him
on the morrow; and the hours seemed like so
many weeks--such was the anxious state of his
mind.
Morn at length came, and its first ray Of light
was welcome visier 10 The sleepless ewes of
Charles Halwood.--lIe arose ard went on deck
the tall spires Of the city Of P were
just in sight; and when the sun had risen above
the horizon, they had noared the wharf. Hal
wood sought Alice; and taking a carriage, drove
to the City Hotel. Now they were alone, and
The time had arrived when he was to behold the
object he had so long wished for. Halwood
stood in breathless anxiety; he onged and yet
feared to see her unveiI herself She slowly
raised her hands, loosed her bonnet and cloak,
together with some smoothly combed halr, and
threw them from her--and, kind reader, HIS
OWN WIFE STOOD BEFORE HIM! Halwood was
thunderstruck. lie stood for moment paraIv.
zed During that one moment, the past, as
quick as lightning, passed through his mind;
everything was explained. he rushed forward
excIaiming: Forgive, OIL forgivel"- And
but we will leave them TO themselves, and
just say that the boat took Halwood home wi.
ser man.