Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-06-17
ELLA MASON;
Or, the Romance Of Second Marriage.
BY EFFIE EVERGREEN.
T Conclusion.1

From this indulgence of her feelings Ella
was reused by the voice of Mr.. Grant, inquir-
ing in tones of surprise and chagrin-
My dear Miss Mason, what is the matter I?
What has occurred to distress your
She looked up in much agitation; but too
highly excited to make any attempt at conceal
ment, she said, in broken tones
MIR. Grant, must go home
go home! You have bad news from b.,
then. am very sorry. Are your parents ill ?
Or what is it that requires your presence"
'It is not that am needed at home but
cannot stay here any longer. Do not ask me
why she continued, weeping, but must leave
you
Leave US! go away altogether Nay, then,
must ask you why must know what has
caused this sudden determination And seat
ing himself beside her, he after time succeed
ed in drawing from the tale which had induced
both her emotion and the resolve she had ex.
pressed.
The account was no less surprising to him
than it had been to herself, and caused that
wrong construction could be put upon the Sc
cluson which his deep grief had induced. He
sat for some time in panied and gloomy silence
thinking of what he had heard, and forgetful Of
the effect it would exert on his domestic
comfort should it drive Ella from his house; un-
til drying her tears, SHE said, more calmly
1t will be better for me to 90 home as
soon as possible, Mr. Grant. IF you can pro-
cure some one to take my place.
To take your place, Miss Mason he said
stariing from his revere. | cannot believe that
you are serious. cannot think that you will
allow an idle tale like this to deprive my chill
drcn ofyour care, and turn them second time
motherles; upon the world
DO not urge me to remai",' she replied sad,
ly;'it is not right for me to stay. God only
knows how fearful Il trial it will be to me to
leave you all but must go.'
'And whyp he asked Il would willingly
make any sacrifice to save you from the pain
which has been so wanlouIy Inflicted but 10 go
away will not silence the SANDER. Believe me
the best way will be utterly to disregard it, and
it must ere long die Of iteclc If you leave US,
you punish the innocent for the guilty and
what would my little ones do without you 3
You have been mother to thcmr si'lce they
lost their own, and none could take your
place as you haze taken hers
Let them 90 with me, then, she said, the
tears again gushing from her eyes.-'Let Anna
and Henry at least go with me. The older
ones will not miss my care so much but give
me Anna and Henry
You would take my Children from me- he
said, reproachtully, 'thc only objects which bind
me to earth No no my little ones shall never
be separated from me but by death and il you
leave them-but | cannot think you will, he
continued, earnestly Have you forgotten
their mothers last request, and your own SOL
emn promise to her who is now an angel in
the world above! Forgive me- he added, in
much emotion; 4 bad never thought 10 remind
you Of this; but am pleading for my children,
and every other consideration must give way
to their welfare. Did you not promise my
Anna nerer to forsake them? And eau the
wickedness of Others absolve you from that
vowP
Il have thought fall this she replied; 'apd
were the evil spoken of me alone, | would
bear it all, though their words were sharper
than arrows, sooner than forsakc my trust.
But they arc slandering you and, when the
minister Of God is detained, the cause of Christ
suffers. And you have stood so high, so far
above suspicion, | cannot bear that single
shade should fall upon your name. Do not in
terrupt me- she continued, gathering energy
as she proceeded; Il know what you woald
say: that even this consideration does not alb
solve me from my promise. But act as she
would have me to act TO whom my word was
given. Her first thought was always for you;
her first care to save you from sorrow or re-
proach her greatest pride your spotless name'
your extended usefulness. Do you suppose
she would wish me to remain with her children
at the expense of these9 Oh no! am conf
dent shcapproves The course am about to take,
and knows the pain it costs me- IT you will
not let me take the children, and again her
voice lost its lirmness, and her couutenance
its composure, 'if am forced to break the let
ter Of my promise, will be true to its spirit;
and God will not bring me into judgement Tor
acting as believe my duty to them, toyou,
and to the dead requires
MIR. Grant listened in silence; and as
she concluded, and burying her face in her
hands, strove in vain to conceal the tears
which found their way between her slender fin
gers, he said, in subdued tone
"Your resolution is taken then. 1t is useless
to say more And when will you go."
CAS- soon as possible" she replied, without
looking up or removing the hands which con-
cealed her face.
With no further remark, he left her; and El-
In, finding herself alone, gave free vent to the
grief she had been trying to restran.-She