Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-07-07

"litel. thpTtSSiUS IL stiotiS uSsiS W ooSoihO
acquainted with her, and ending by beg
ging her to grant him an interview. He
dropped his note in the post office, and an
xiously awaited reply; nor did he wait
long, for he soon received the following
note ::
Mr.. Halwood -
"Dear Sir received your note of this
morn, and arh very grateful for the compli-
menlary manner in which you have spoken
of my writings As you earnestly request an
interview if you will at seven O'Clock this
eve, walk in M--streei, You will meet lady
in Quaker garb, turn and walk with her,
and you will have the pleasure Of coneersing
with ALICE CARLISLE"
When Hawood had read the note, he
laid it on the table, and for moment his
better judgment told him that he had al
ready proceeded too far in this affair, and
conscience whispered, 'Better sit with
your wife this eve, whom you have sworn
to protect" But he did not list to the
voice Of conscience: an opportunity offer
ed to crafty his desire, and he resolved TO
improve it. He had taken the first step
from the path of rectiude, and it was easier
going forward than backward.
Evening at length came, and Halwood
waited with lmpatience for the hour to ar
rive for him to 20 forth to meet the Qua
keress, for such be believed her to be-
He had spent his evenings of late, at the
office, and being wholly unacquainted with
the inhabitants Of the street chosen for their
meeting, he felt no fear of being recognized
by any one during the interview, or that it
would be known to his wife. He wrapped
himself in his cloak, and drawing his hat
closely over his forehead, proceeded with
hasty steps toward M street. 1t was
dimly lighted, and there being none but
dwelling houses in it, there were but few
passing back and forth. He had walked
up and down the street few times: still
no one appeared that he could recognize as
the object of his search, and he began TO
think he was the object of some trick, when
suddenly turning around he observed fig
ure before him, wearing the close Quaker
bonnet and cloak. He approached her, and
was somewhat surprised that she immedi-
ately recognized him, although she was an
entire stranger to himself He joined her
in her walk and entered into conversation.
He frankly confessed to her his situation
in life-having told her of the unhappiness
he experienced from having companion
who was not possessed of a mind congenia!
with his own, then spoke in glowing terms
of the beauties of her productions, upon
which he had SO long dwelt, and bitterly
lamented that he had not found such an one
with whom TO spend his days. The lady
seemed somewhat agitated, and rather silent
at first, and appeared inclined to keep her
face hidden in her hat, so as not to give
Halwood a view of it. After some hesta-
ton, she told him that she loved him in
secret-that he possessed the warmest af-
fections of her heart-that ere he led his
bride to the altar, she had looked upon him
as the being above all others with whom
she wished to be united-and that it was
the love of him alone that made her what
she was, a writer. Halwood listened to
her with breathess silence; busy thoughts
ran over the associations OF his former years,
but among all acquaintances he could select
none TO whom he could apply the charac-
ter of the lady before him. He caught
sight OF her face as they passed street
lamp. There was a striking familiar look
in it, but he could recolect none possessed
of so much sweetness and beauty. True,
he had only hasty glance, yet in that one
look, he thought he discovered marks of
noble mind. He found the object for which
he had so often sighed, and resolved to Sc
cure it while within his grasp. He pro-
posed that she should leave the city with
him-go to distant city--there become
his wife, and then sail TO foreign land
where they could dwell together in obscu-
rity.
AT first she appeared shocked at such a
proposal, and spoke of his wife, whom he
would leave behind him broken-hearted !;
!, also the disgrace with which he would be
looked upon by the world at large. But
Halwood was eloquent in overcoming every
obstacle she could present; if he remained
as he was he must be miserable; and said
! his wife could not be more unhappy to
leave her forever, than to feel daily that
i. although he acted the part of husband,
J his heart was far from her. He finally sue
ceeded in gaining her consent to bis pro-
posals, on condition that she should not re-
veal her true name until they should arrive
at the first stopping place. Halwood pro-
missed to grant any request, if she should ac-
cede to his wish. She at length agreed to
!, meet him at the steamboat landing in w
: ST., one week from that night, and take the
$ night boat for P, during which time
to insure secrecy, they should have no
i communication whatever. Having made
all necessary arrangements, they parted
S Halwood to his office, and Alice to her
S home.
S During the following week, Halwood
7 busted himself in arranging his AFFAIRS
d which Were in very good condition. He
withdrew his money from the bank, and
e made writing and placed it among his
= papers, should he not return, in which he
i gave his wife all the property he left be-
e hind, which was sufficient to give. her q
handsome support He told Mrs. Halwood
o and his acquaintances, that his busines:
1t called him to distant city, and that he
d would be under the necessity of remaining
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