The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1851-08-18
THE FATAL coNcEALaENT.
a rHRILlIaa TALE.

Vioub tthSQhS, dVOlu meHuOnlh6-t ndu>h
friend at whose house was pretty con-
slant visitor. He had wife who was the
magnet that drew me there. She was beau
tiful, but shall not describe here She was
more than beautiful-she was fascinating
she was captivating. Her presence was 70
me like the intoxicaton of opium. Twas
only happy when under its Influence; and
yet, after every indulgence IN the iatal pleas
ure, sank into the deepest despondency.-
In my own justification / must say, that |
never, in word or look, betrayed my feelings,
though had some reason to suspect that
they were reciprocated; for, while in my
company, she was always gay, brilliant and
witty; yet, as learned from Others, she was
often sad and melancholy. Powerful-most
powerful was the temptation 10 make an uu.
reserved disclosure OF my heart, but Ire-
sisted il. That had the firmDess SO to do,
has been for years my only consolation.
One morning ] sat alone in my chamber.
My clerk was absent. gentle knock was
just audible at the outer door. | shouted.
Come in in no very amiable humor, for
/ was indulging in delicious reyerie upon
the subject OF the lady Of my heart, and the
presence of an ordinary mortal was hateful.
The door opened, and Mrs --- entered. !
do not know exactly what did but it
seemed to me long time before had the
power TO rise and welcome her, while she
stood there with a timid blush upon her face,
and the glorious smile upon her lips which
made me feel it would be too great happi-
ness 10 die for her.
4 don't wonder you are surprised to see
ME here she began, with provoking little
laugh but is youl establishment really too
great 10 allow you to say, How do you do 2
The spell was broken. started up and
took her hand. / fear l pressed it more
warmly, and held it longer, than was abso-
lutely necessary.
Perhaps your surprise will be increased,
she continued, when inform you that
come upon business
muttered something about not being SO
ambitious as to hope that she would visit
me from any other motive. She took no no.
tice Of what said, but | perceived shat hel
face turned deadly pale, and that her hand
trembied as she placed before me bundle
Of papers,.
you will see by these she said, in low
hurried voice, that some property was left
to me by my uncle, and by my grandfather,
but so strictly settled that even can touch
nothing but the interest. Now, my husband
wants OF large sum Of money at this mo-
ment, and wish to examine the affair well,
and see whether, by the twisting Of the law,
can place a part Of my capital at his dispo-
sal. Unintentionally | have done him a
great wrong she added, in tone SO low
no ears lessalive to jealousy than mine could
have caught the pieaning and poor as this
reparation is, il is all can make, and / must
do iti possible
Ip.etended to study the pa pers before me,
but the light danced and mingled :; and If, by
great effort, forced my eyes to distinguish
word, it conveyed not the slightest mean
ing to my whirling brain. Every drop oil
blood in my body seemed imbued with q
separate consciousness, and to be ting!ing
and rushing to the side next to her, whose
presence within short distance from me
was the only thing Of which had distinct
perception. / hung my head TO hide from
her the emotion of which / was thoroughly
ashamed.
II may well be believed that was in no
condition TO give professional opinion /;
but Igot over the difficulty by telling her /
must have time to study the case, and prom
ising TO let her know the result.
You are tiresome creature she said
with little coquettish air. j reall expect
ed that for once in your life, and for friend
100, you might have got rid of the laws de-
lays, and give me your opinion in half an
hour I; so far, at least, as to tell me whether
there is probability of my being able to dc
what | desire. But see you are just like
the rest of the lawyers-time time
suppose now, you will keep about it till
N dead and then it will 60 to my husband
N the course OF law
1t may not require more than half ar
hour TO ascertain so much, when can direc
my thoughts to il for that space of time,
replied; and know that the words rattler
like shot out of my mouth But woull
you be SO unreasonable as to require an ar
tist TO draw straight line while he was un
dera fit Of delirium tremens?'
You are an incomprehensible person,
shereplied, rather coldly; $50 leave you L
your legal and lawful studies. But if yol
are going to have an attack of the deliriun
tremens, perhaps | had better send IN tht
doctor. Shall ~
Well, | don't anticipate an attack thi,
morning. / answered, with forced laugh
so will not give you the trouble, The
fact is, was violently agitated short time
since, and my mind has not quite recovered
its equilibrium
We talked for few minutes longer-she
quizzing me in her light, playful manner
and delighting 10 be so teazed, standing
stupid and dumb, scarcely able to say word
though very anxious to prolong the delight.
ful moments BY keeping up the war of bad.
image. Atlength she went to the door, and
was about to escort her down stairs, when
we heard some one speaking below.
Good God she exclaimed, clingine
wildly 10 my arm; that's my husbands voice
II he finds me here am ruIned,'
Don't be alarmed | replied, en]eayor
ing to reassure her; 'you came here on bu
siness, and such business, too HE coulc
love you all the more for IT.
You don't know about this SO wellss
do she said, shuddering convulsively, H,
is jealous-ex exceedingly of you; and Oh
Tear not without some cause. Hide me
somewhere, for mercy's sake!'
! do not know how it happened but my
arm was around her, and l half carried he
across the room to large book closet.
Can you stay here 2 / asked hastily, q
will leave the door ajar for air.
No shut it--lock it--take away the kew
mr. cha II not feel cafe Tha.a =. ..I..1. .