The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-12-18
lingness seemed greater than ever; the rea-
son | readily understood.

t0nuer IeellDgS tOWarQS julie, WHICH, as
yet, none of them had discovered. This
last argument proved more successful than
the other, for he well knew that | never
suffered the idlsst threat to remain unful-
filled; and the fear Of being laughed at,
beside betraying that which he most wished
to conceal, conquered, and yielded though
reluctantly his consent. At that moment,
1 even exalted over my triumph, though |
have often since wished my lips had been
struck dumb, before | had uttered those
words that sealed the after fate of two pure
beings. But, in my thoughtlessness,
rushed heedlessly on in whatever | under
took, regardless Of consequences. My wild
reckless spirit had never been tanned.
Finding there was but one alternative,
and that, to submit cheerfully to my whim,
he suffered himself to be arrayed as my
fancy suggested, with good grace, and
even laughed quite heartily as ] added
garment after garment, in order to make
him look as frightful as possible; yet, after
all, could see that his mind was i'll at
ease, and half condemned myself for being
the cause Of his unhappiness.
When at length all was arranged to my
satisfaction, placed the horrid mask over
his face, and led him to the mirror. He
started back and Involuntary placed his
hand to his head, as if to take it away, but
my interference prevented. He even plead.
ed that the penalty | had threatened to In.
fict, in case he refused to 60, might bs
spared him. But was inexorable. Twas
anxious to see the result, and the delay
caused by his unwillingness vexed me.
A renewal Of my threats Of exposure
succeeded in removing all obstacles, and
we Immediately set about our adventure.
Cautiously as thieves we crept through the
yard, and each took his station, Robert at
the door, and at the window nearest him.
The curtain was partly drawn aside, so
that | could easily distinguish every object
in the room. As | had anticipated, she
was alone. The domestic had retired, and
| knew her old father to well to believe that
he was any where but in the arms of Som
nus; for he was one of those sensible per-
sons, whose maxim was,-"E Early to bed
and early to rise" see8
Julla-and Eshall never forget how love-
ly she was-set beside small table in the
center of the room, apparently, deeply ab-
sorbed in book. Her fair hand support.
ed her head, and her hair fell gracefully
down upon her neck in beautiful, natural
ringlets. She was delicate wild flower,
that had budded and blossomed under the
shelter of a fathers roof, and the sunshine
Of gladness and the dews of affection, had
ever lighted and cheered her way.
AT length gave the signal, and loud
rap was given. She paused for moment,
listened attentively, and then, laying down
her book, arose and approached the door.
As she opened it, the mask stepped boldly
in, according to my directions. How shall
| describe the scene that followed? Even
now | shudder to think of it! Instantly all
earthly hue fled from her face, and with a
piercing shrek, she staggered back few
PAGES, and fell heavily 10 the floor. Quick
er than lightning, l sprang through the
doorway, and knelt at her side. Igrasped
her wrist, its pulsation had ceased! /
placed my hand upon the heart; that also
was still! She was dead! sea
can recall little else that took place
that night. The domestics, who slept in
an adjoining room, had been awakened
by that terrible shrek, and came rushing
in to learn the cause Of the uproar.
could not have spoken, even had explana-
ton been necessary was overwhelmed
with grief and self.condemnation. Icould
only point at the lifeless form of poor Ju-
liza and at the mask which Robert had
torn from his face, and dashed to the floor.
He stood gazing at me, with cold, vacant
stare, that 4 but too well understood.
More / cannot remember. g
Ten days passed, and | awoke from a
raving delirium. My first inquiry was for
Robert. They led him to my bedside;
but oh, what a change! | stretched out
my clasped hands, in an agony of grief
and remorse, to implore his forgiveness.
He neither moved nor spoke; but that
same unmeaning stare drove home tony
heart the fearful conviction. Alas! he was
q hopeless idiot! o ~ lsss sai
Fifteen years have elapsed since that
never-to-be-forgotten era of my life. l
nevershaye, 1 never can, forgive myself
for having been the cause of so much mis-
cry, though have sought and hoped for
forgiveness from on high. ! never can
look upon amask without a shudder, or
hear its use denounced, without alluding
to my experience. And you, my young
friends, when you are tempted to play
tricks upon others, | am sure, will stop to
consider, that what seems so innocent and
harmless, may, perhaps, in the end, prove
a"iatal Joke" 'ssaia..,. si .ss, s....sss s',
2 He who does his best, however little, is
always 70 be distinguished from him who
does nothing. y i9es ieis3as ek
All actions and attitudes Of children are