The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-10-01
THE FATAL CONCEALMENT.
A THRILLING TALE.

Some years after commenced practice
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 mag
net that drew me there.
She was beautiful, but shall not de-
scribe her. She was more than beautiful
--she was iascin ating; she was captivating.
lIer presence was to me like the intoxica-
ton of opium; | was only happy when
under its influence; and yet after every in
diligence in the fatal pleasure sank into
the deepest despondencv.
In my own justification must say. that
Inever, in word or look betrayed my feel
ing, though had some reason 10 believe
they were reciprocated; for when in my
company she was always gay, brilliant
and witty; yet as learned from others.
she was often sad, melancholy. Powerful
--most powerful was the temptation to
make an unreserved disclosure Of my heart,
but | resisted it That had the firmness
to do so, has been for years my own con.
ISOLATION. .ss.sHr
One morning | sat alone in my cham
Der; my clerk was absent. A gentle knock
was Just audible at the outer door. shout
ed, .'come in!'' in no very amiable humor,
for was indulging in delicious revery
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
II did; but it seemed to be long time be-
fore had the power to raise and welcome
. her, while she stood there with tmid
blush upon her face. and the glorious smile
upon her lips; which made me feel that il
would be too great happiness to die for
81 don't wonder you are surprised to
see me here" she began with provoking
little laugh; "but is your astonshment real
ly too greatto to allow you to say, 'how dc
you dol'" q,sai5 i5lgBaoo 3 .5laz .
The spell was broken. ] started uf
and took her hand. | fear | pressed
more warmly, and held it longer than wa
necessary. e. o.s
"Perhaps your surprise will be increas
ed" she continued, "when tell you tina
| have come upon business" e
Imuttered something about not being s.
ambitious as to hope that she would vis
me from any other motive. She took n
notice Of what said, but | perceived ths
her face turned deadly pale; and that he
hand trembled as she placed before me
bundle Of papers,. yiu0a 4s Dla
"You will see by these she said in
k.,,.s~I x,nsnA ggfhof nrOnort
was leit me by my uncle, and by my grand
father, but so strictly settled, that even
can touch nothing but the interest. No
my, husband is in want Of a large sum
money at this moment, and wish to O.
anime this affair we'll and see, whether b
tho twisting Of the law, | can place pa
ofmy capital athis disposal. Unintentiol
ally, have done him a great wrong" 81
added, in tone so low that no ears le
Z b jealously alive than mine could have caug
tbe meaning; rand poor as this reparatie
is, tits all that can make, and must {
IL possible" .a s,a aif
Ipretended to study the papers befo
me, but the light danced and mingled; al
if,by great effort.I forced my eyes
distinguish word, it conveyed not I
slightest meaning to my whirling brain.
Every drop Of blood in my body seeI
cd imbued with 9 separate consciousness
and 10 bs tingling and rushing on the 81
nsxt 70 her whose presence within sh'
distance Of me was the only thing Of viii
Ihsd / distinct perception. hung :
head to hide from her emotion Of which
wy shoroughly .shaAmsd ied ssds