Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-04
THE DEMON BRIDE.

"Nota Bena," the New Orleans correspondent ol
the Concordia Integencer, in his last le''er' COPIES
the report which appeared in the True Dei'a' o' 'ns
case of man who was attempted 10 De niurueieu
some nights since in the neighborhood OF Annuhoi-
Eallon square, by pouring molten lead ih'o Ills ea'
and says:
This reminds me of singular incident that oc-
Cured within my own knowledge, some years ago
in Virginia. Col t., gentleman of great respecla-
by, and frequently high sheriff and representative
of The county, died, leaving wife and several chill
dren, among them very beautiful daughter aoou'
fifteen years of age. The widow, finding herseil EN-
barrassed, opened boarding house at Inc county
site, and among her boarders was Mr. W., a wealthy
merchant, over forty years, but very hne LOOKING
man. This gentleman was the prop and stay OF lhe
family gave employment to the sons, educated 'he
daughter at "lashionable academy" and, very nat
uray, on her return, fell desperately in love win
her. when he should have preferred the mother. he
pressed his suit with perseverance, but the oeauiu,
Mildred resisted his appeals, and The opportunities OF
all her friends Finally, however, after two years Of
assiduity and delicate gaanlry OH the part oI MT,
w., and the combined tears, enreatIes, threats ana
persecution of her family, the fair girl reluctantly
stood before the altar and became his wife, ne
next evening large party was given 'hem, out IN the
midst of il Mr. W., being attacked win Verugo anu
sick headache, was compelled to Withdraw Ills
young wife hung over him in the silent watches OIL
nobt apparently in deep distress, and insisted OH CIV
inc him potion she poured out wine-glass full
of laudanum, and he swallowed it, unconscious OF lis
nature. 1t acted as an emetic, but left him stupid
and wandering. His senses reeled. One momen!
he Law molonless, as if on the brink of the spirit
world, and the next he would leap up convuslyey
strong man in his agony. Mrs. w. denied all ad-
mission into the chamber At length he lell into
deep sleep. She then stopped for moment over lhe
mouldering embers-approached the bed-gazed al
her sleeping husband-aDd holding heated iadie IN
her hand attempted 10 pour stream OF melted leau
in his earl She rembled, and The kissing liquid, IN
tended to scald the brain, and thus kill without
trace. fell upon his cheek He shrieked in excrucl-
ang torture, and the jewellers in the adjoining saloon
rushed into the chamber.
There wrilhed the still stupid husband, the lead
ryeed deep into his cheek, and there stood the memo
wife. her bridal fets yet upon her brow, the nstrtl-
ment of death in her hand, and an empty vial label
led audanum, lying on the floor. The fearful real
lies of the cause flashed upon every one, and in the
confusion of the moment, she was hurried away, and
taken to distant State On searching the apartments
an old magazine was found containing the confession
Of woman, who had murdered five husbands by
mourning lead into their ears. The laudanum ana the
lead. il was ascerained she procured from the store
of Mr. W., a few days before the marriage, and the
ladle was part of his wedding gift The grand Jury
next morning found bill against the fugitive, ana 'ne
legislature, being in session, forthwith decreed an ao
solute divorce What renders this case more extra
ordinary is, that Miss T. proverbia tor the bland
ness of her manners and uniform sweetness oil dlspo
si,on. She was blonde. The rose leaf tinted her
Ely cheek, as sunbeam glows on snow. Her blue
ewes were indescrbably sweet and her golden hair
aoated around form more perfect and volupluous
than ever Apoos dreamed of or Petrarch sung
The sequel of this romance is yet more SINGULAR.
Years rolled away, and w. continued wreiched and
solitary man. But the spell of the enchanress was
still unon his SOUL He closed his store, sold his es-
taes collected his ample means,and traced her to her
distant retreat. to make new offer of his hand! She
had lust married gentleman OF high Standing ac-
ouainled with all the details of her career shudderng
at the tragedy, bu, incapable of resisting her charms
Poor w. Then, indeed did the iron enter his soul.
aTbe deadly arrow quivered in his side.' His early
love-hs Aucluatlng courtship-hs marriage and the
catas,rophe-the hight-the dvorce-his years OF
misery-lhe new birth of his passion-and now his
disappointment, final and forever-came crushing
over him like an iceberg in the tide OF bitter memo
ries. and he prayed for death Whether this PRAYER
was granted, know not. He may yet wander, bro
ken6eared over the earth 1.-The died, more wretch
ed, We, purer and nobler spirit never winged It's
fight 10 heaven