Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-07-13

turning 10 Enua he loE tue AESL ILLuo pE6SSeu
to his bosom sister.
How different was his situation now from
what it was when he first set foot in New
Orleans. Then he was poor and friendless,
with scarce place to rest his head-now he
was wealthy, surrounded by friends, and bless
ed with fathers, mothers and sisters love
He could claim now what her noble father
would not have refused, even 10 the poor youth,
had he asked it-Helen's hand; and even her
proud mother would not object to receiving
for her son-in-law the heir of the richest mer-
chant in New Orleans.
Mirth and music resounded throughout and
gladness reigned predominant in the splendid
mansion of Mr.. Merton. It was the birth
night ball of his beautiful and accomplished
daughter Helen, given on her nineteenth birth
day, and the magnificent saloons were throng
ed by the youth. beauty and elite of the me-
tropolis. All paid willing homage to her faci-
mating charms. Nor beneath their fervent
congratulation did there lurk aughi 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 look
ed more beautiful than ever. She was attir-
ed in plain white dress, looped with roses
and fitted exquisitely to her moulded form;
her shining chestnut curls were confined by a
costly diamond head band, that sparkled on
her forehead, rivaling the transparent beauty
and clearness of her complexion.
At times, when she would mingle in the
giddy whirl of the dance, smile would play
upon her lovely features; but when over, a
melancholy expression would steal into her
laughing eye, telling that something was yet
wanting to 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 and luxury, be
dragging out the prime of his life in poverty
and distress. Yes, she still remembered the
companion her childhood. Such is woman's
constancy and love. Alas that it should be
so often abused.
The evening was somewhat advanced, when
| Mr.. Merton approached Helen, locked arm in
arm with young man, whose dark counten-
ance, raven hair and eyes, and tall straight
form indicated native of the south.
Mr.. Thompson of New Orleans, my dear,
said Mr. Merton.
And then after con7ersing a few moments,
he sauntered to the opposite side of the sa-
loon.
who is that handsome young man you
| Just introduced to Helen?' asked Mrs Merton
of her husband. q
That is Mr. Thompson of New Orleans, the
richest merchant in that city, as his father
was befre him. He arrived here but the day
/ before yesterday. ] was introduced to him
/ yesterday, and invited him here tonight, and
if the impression is now felt on Helen's heart,
which has hitherto been so callous, none viii
regret the disappearance Of
Your protoge, Charles Elliston,' said his
wife sarcastically.
/ Mr.. Merton did not answer her he only turn
ed away.
At first when the stranger was introduced
to Helen there appeared an air Of embarrass-
ment; but it gradually wore of, and he enter
ed into conversation with his usual vivacity.
In the course of II she asked himif he had ev-
er been in the city before.
He replied that he had been when he was
about seventeen years of age. and that he had
then been acquainted with several of his age,
whose acquaintance he highly priced. Among
those he mentioned was that of Charles Ellis
ton in particular
| As he pronounced the name, he bent his
dark eyes full upon her, and perceived that
she startled awhile, for an instant, agitation
was visibly depicted on her countenance. At
ter moments pause he continued
But have made inquiries since my arrival,
respecting him, and hear that he has return
ed the kindness of his benefactor. your father,
with ingratitude, by leaving his house and go
ing no one knew whittier
%, no, sir, do not believe that; it is an idle
report He had reasons for leaYing my faith
er's house, and her voice trembled and tear
stood in her eye. Just then gentleman ad-
vanced 10 claim her hand for the cotillion, and
the conversation was abruptly terminated
Charles resigned her silently, but his heart
was full.
It is strange how the lapse of few years
J between youth and manhood viii change she