The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-05-02


Il could claim now what her noble father
would not have refused, even to the poor
youth, had he asked it-Helen's hand;
and even her proud mother would not OBJ
lect to receiving for her son-in law, the
heir Of the richest merchant in New Or
leans.
Mirth and music resounded throughout,
and gladness reigned predominant IN the
splendid mansion of Mr.. Merton. 1t was
the birth night ball of his beautiful and
accomplished daughter Helen, given on
her nineteenth birth dav, and the magnii-
cent saloons were thronged by the youth,
beauty and elite of the metropolis. ALI
paid willing homage to her fascinating
charms. Nor beneath their fervent con-
gratulalions did there Turk aught of malice
or envy; for The sweet disposition and
gentle manners of Helen Merton had won
the good will Of all who knew her. And
now as she replied TO their warm-hearted
wishes, she looked more beautiful than
ever. She was attired III a plain white
dress, looped with roses, and fitted ex
! quisitely TO her finely moulded form; her
shining chestnut curls were confined by
a costly diamond head bank, that spark
led on her forehead, rivalling the transpa-
rent beauty and clearness OF her complex
ion.
At times, when she would mingie in
the giddy whirI OF the dance smile We, d
play upon her 10, ely features; but when
steal into her laughing eye, telling some
thing was yet wanting 10 complete her
happiness. She was thinking perhaps,
how he, who many years ago had won
her maiden love, might, while she was
surrounded by wealth end luxury, he
dragging out The prime OF his life III pow
erty and distress. Yes, she sill remem-
bered the companion Of her childhood.-
Such is woman's constancy and love.
Alas. that il should be SO often abused.
The evening was somewhat advanced,
when Mr.. Merton approached Helen,
locked arm in arm with young man,
whose dark countenance, raven hair and
eyes. and tall straight form indicated
native of the souIh.
"Hr. Thompson, of New Orleans, my
dear said Mr.. Merton.
And then, after conversInE few mo-
ments, he saunlered 10 the opposite side
of the saloon.
/ who is that handsome young man you
just now introduced to Helen!' asked
Mrs. Merton OF her husband.
( Thai is Mr.. Thompson of New Or
leans, the richest merchant in that city,
and his father was before him. He arri
we'd here but the day before yesterday.
was introduced to him Yesterday, and in
vted him here tonight, and if the i'm
preston is not felt on ElIen's heart,
;ot> Al,
ever will regret the disappearance Of
Your protege, Charles Elliston," said
his wife sarcastlcaliy.
Mr.. Merton did not answer her, he
only turned away.
At first when the stranger was intro
duced to Helen there appeared an air of
embarrassment; but it gradually wole off,
and he entered into conversation with his
usual vivacity. in the course of il she
asked him if he had ever been in the city
before.
I He replied that he had been when he
was about seventeen years of age, and
that he had become acquainted with sew
eral of his own age, whose acquaintance
he highly priced. Among those he men
toned was that of Charles EIliston in
particular.
As he pronounced the name, he bent
his dark eyes full upon her, and perceived
that she started, while for an instant, agi-
tation was ,isibly depicted on her coun-
tenance. Alter moments pause, he
continued.
but have made inquiries since my
arrived, respecting HIM, and hear that he
has returned the kindness Of his beneflc-
| tor. y u + father. with Ingralltude, by leav-
ing his house and going no one knew
whither."
"Oh no sir, do not believe that; it is
an idle report. He had reasons for leav-
/ ing my fathers house," and her voice
remb;ed and tear stood in her eve.
Justthen gentleman advanced to claim
sa,ion was abrubtly terminated Charles
resigned her silently, but his heart was
fuI.
1t is strange how the lapse of few
years between youth and manhood will
change the face and Disguise the form;
the slight stripping that a little while ago
clambered on our knee, we can scarcely
reco9 Mise in the full, stately form, and
siaid demeanor OF the man. So il was
with Charles Thompson, and no wonder
that iielen and her father could not see.
IN the rich merchant from the south, the
poor lad. who six years before, had left
them with scarce dollar in his pocket.