Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-08-07
SELECT TALE.
The Fatal Concealment.
A THRILLING TALE.

but the precise date shall, for obvious reasons,
avoid mentioning-I had friend, at whose
house was pretty constant visitor, He had
wife who was the magnet that drew me there
She was more than beautiful-she was fascin-
atng-she was captivating. Her presence
was to me like the intoxication of opium.
was only happy when under its influence; and
yet, after every indulgence in the fatal pleasure
sank into the deepest despondency. In my
own justification | must say, that never, in
WORD or look, betrayed my feelings, though |
had some reasons to suspect that they were re-
'cip,ocated for, when in my company she was
always gay, brilliant and witty yet, as learn
led from others, at times she was often sad and
melancholy. Powerful-most powerful was
the temptation to make an unreserved disclos-
ure.of my heart, but resisted it. That had
the frmness so to do, has been for years my on
hy consolation.
One morning sat alone in my chamber
My clerk was absent. A gentle knock was
Just audible at the outer door. shouted,
'oeme in!' in no very amiable humor, for was
sndulging in delicious reverie upon the sub
Ject of the lady of my heart and the presence of
an ordinary ueral was hateful. The door
opened, and Mrs entered. do not
know exar,ly what did but it seemed TO be
loRg time before had the power to rise and
welcome her, while she stood there with tim
I'd blush upon her face, and the glorious suele
upon her lips which made me feel that it would
be too great happiness TO die for her.
don't wonder that you are surprised to
see me here,' she began, with provoking
little laugh; but, is your astonishment real
ly too great to allow you to say, How do you
dot
The spell broken. l started up, and
took her hand. fear pressed it more warm
ly, and held it longer than was absolutely nec-
essary.
Perhaps your surprise will be increased ,
she continued, 'when inform you that have
come on business
L muttered something about not being so am
bilious as TO hope she would visit me from
any other motive. She took no notice of what
said, but perceived that her face turned
deadly pale, and that her hand trembled as she
placed before me bundle of papers.
You will see by these, she said, in a low,
hurried voice, that some property was left me
by my uncle, and by my grandfather, but so
strictly settled that even can touch nothing
but the interest. Now my husband is in want
of large sum of money at this moment, and
wish to examine the affair WELL and see wheth-
er, by the twisting of the law, l can place part
of ny capital at his disposal. Internationally
have done him a great wrong she added, in
tone so low that no ears less jealously alive
than mine could have caught the meaning 'and
poor this reparation is, it is all l can make,
and must do it if possible
pretended to study the papers before me,
but the light danced and mingled; and if, by a
great effort, forced my eyes to distinguish a
word, it conveyed not the slightest meaning to
my whirling brain. Every drop of blood in my
body seemed imbued with separate conscious
ness, and to be tingling and rushing TO the side
next TO her, whose presence within ashort dis
tance of me was the only thing of which had
distinct perception. hung my head to hide
from her the emotion of which was thorough
ly ashamed
1t may well be believed that Twas in no con-
dition to give professional opinion; but got
over the difficulty by telling her must have
time to study the case, and promising to let her
know the result.
You are tiresome creature she said, with
little coquetish air. . l really expected that
for once in your life, and for friend, too, you
might have got rid of the laws delav, and give
me your opinion in half an hour so far, at least
as to tell me whether there is probability of
my being able to do what desire But see
you are Just like the rest of the lawyers-time ,
time! suppose now, you will keep about it
till | am dead and then it will go to nv hus-
band in the course of law.
1t may not require more than half an hour
to ascertain 50 much when | can direct my
thoughts TO it for that space of time,' replied,
and know that the words ratified like shot out
of my mouth. But would yon be so unreason-
u
line while he was under fit of delirium ire
mens' .4
You are an incomprehensible person. she
replied, rather coldly, SO shall leave you to
your legal and lawful studies But if YOU are
going to have an attack of the delirium ire
mems, perhaps had better send in the doctor.
Shall IL
well, don't anticipate an attack this morn
ing answered with forced laugh; so 7
will not give you the trouble. The fact is,
had been violently agitated short time since,
and nv mind has not quite recovered its equi-
ibrium.'
We talked fora few moments longer-she,
qsizzing me in her light, playful manner-and
i delighted to be SO teazed, standing stupid and
dumb, scarcely able to say word, though very
anxious to prolong the delightful moments by
keeping up the war of bandiage. At length,
she went To the door, and was about to escort
her down stairs, when we heard some one
speaking below. .s.,.....-.'
Good God = she exclaimed, clinging wildly
to my arm; 'that is my husbands voice. If he
finds me here, am ruined rH
~. Don't be alarmed replied, endeavoring
to reassure her; syou came here upon business