Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-03-01

a fine pleasant morning, in the month OF
December, young man, some twenty
five years of age; was seen entering the
town of N, with small bundle un-
der his arm, and pack on his back
the former contained his extra clothing
the latter complete set of shoemaker's 5
tools. As workmen of his trade were
somewhat scarce in N, and as a
large order for certain kind of shoe
had just been received by the principal
manufacturer there, he very readily found
employment. He was evidently man
of considerable education and some tai
ent; and from his easy manners, and
rather brilliant powers of conversation,
whenever he chose to exert them, it soon
became evident, to close observers, that
he had been much in society far above
that usually accorded to one of his sta
ton; in other words, as some express it,
he had seen better days. Many were
the inquiries among the more curious as
to who he was, and whence he Games:
and delicate hints were thrown out in
his presence to the effect that it would be
very agreeable for the persons present to
know something OF his early history; but
whether he understood them or not, he
never made an illusion to the past; and
that his name was simply Charles Mar
tin, comprised the only information they
could CLEAN. Curiosity is busy jade
that never leaves anything undone which
may be converted into food for her gree
dy appetite; and in the present instance
she labored hard and long to satisfy it,
but without success. Scandal, too-own
daughter of Curiosity-often comes for
ward TO assist the mother dalhe; and in
the case am now detailing, she did not
fail 10 perform her accustomed part, but
neither had the effect 10 move Charles
Martin to acknowledge or contradict the
various reports favorable or otherwise to
his former history. Time, however;
rolled on-lhe young mechanic steadily
pursued his avocation-until both Scan
dial and Curiosity were forced to wander
off in search Of another victim.
"ln the two cottages pointed out to
you, there resided, at that same time,
two beautiful girls-both about the age
of eighteen; but although both might be
said to be beautiful, yet. the beauty OF
one bore no resemblance 20 that of the
other.
One was fair as the lilly of the valley
yet, unlike the lilly there was no re-
| firing meekness; on the contrary. there
sat upon her countenance look of pride,
which seemed 10 say IL am superior to
all others of my sex;' and yet this
naughty look did not ill become her, for
there is certain cast of countenances
where that look of pride adds charm.
and serves to draw us forward-almost
against our reason or incination-even
! as birds ilutter around and finally sink
into the jaws of serpent. Every fea.
ture was nicely chisseled and handsome
! ly turned; and combine those with spark
ling blue eyes, auburn tresses, sylph
like form, and you have model before
you that would not fail to arrest the al.
ten,ion, and even the admiration of Il
connoisseur. ~ #a -esra w
"The other, as | have said, was of a
different style of beauty. She might be
! likened more TO the rose-for there was
IA gentle sweetness in her every look, that
unseen and unknown, stole into the
depths of the heart, giving il, as it were
a freshness and new life, even as the
| night falling dew resuscitates the day
dropping flower. Her features were
even and handsome. but they bore not
the slightest look of arrogance and pride;
on the contrary, all the diviner attributes
were shadowed forth: and benevolence,
forgiveness, patience and meekness,
could be traced in every varying Inca
ment. Her eyes were hazel, her hair
raven and glossy, and her form was that
of a Hebe. -......-
! The former of the two was .he gayesi
in company, and the most brilliant in
conversation; but her language was evil
IDENTIFY studied and the product of the
brain; while the timidly uttered sentences
Of the other, bore in every syllable the
unmistakable assurance OF coming direct
from the heart The one spoke to max e
an impression-,h other felt what she
uttered and without design. The one
was formed for cold hearted coquette-
the other was warm hearted woman
that could love until death. Such were
the rival beauties of N, at the time
of which speak, and they bore the
names, the former of Ellen Borden, the
latter Mary Danvers.
| Within three months after his arriva
Charles Martin began to mingle in socie.
ty; and notwithstanding scandal hat
started some reports not favorable to hi'
earlier years, yet his upright behavior
had rendered much to silence her lyins
tongue, and, almost contrary to his eX
pectations he found wherever he went q
cordial reception. Parties were occa
sionally given, to which he was almos
always guest, and ever, apparently
favorile one; in fact, if it so chanced he
was not present, inquiry was at one,
made as TO the wherefore, and many
gay lass was seen to look gloomy ON th'
!. occasion. AT one of these parties, h,
met and received an Introduction to tht
rival beauties-ior so the two | hav
l mas. ,a,,aoI "a, Tho ,,.II,,r, r. n