The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-06-24

gaze into Mary's chamber and the I'M
mediate apartment. The cold light of
the lamp threw the shadows of the furni-
ture up against the wall, stamping them
immovably there, except when they
were shaken by sudden flicker of the
flame. Two vacant arm chairs were
in their old position on opposite sides of
the hearth, where the brothers had been
wont to sit in young and laughing dignity
as head of families !; two humber seats
were near them, the two shrines of that
little empire, where Mary and herself
had exercised in love power that love
had won. The cheerful radiance of the
fire had shone upon the happy circle,
and the dead glimmer of the lamp might
have benefited their reunion now.
While Margaret groaned in bitterness,
she heard knock at the street door.
How my heart would have leaped
at that sound but yesterday !" thought
she, remembering the anxiety with which
she had long waited idings from her
husband. 'sI care not for it now; let
them begone, for / will not rise."
But even while sort of childish for
getfulness made her thus resolve, she
was breathing hurriedly and straining
her ears to catch repetition of the sum-
mons. 1t was difficult to be convinced
of the death of one whom she had deem
ed another self. The knocking was
now renewed in slow and regular strokes,
given with the soft end of a
double fist, and was accompanied by
words family heard through several
thickness of the wall. Margaret looked
to her sisters chamber, and beheld her
still lying in the depths of sleep. She
arose, placed her foot upon the floor,
and slightly arrayed herself, trembling
between fear and eagerness as she did
"Heaven help me !" sighed she. "I
have nothing left to fear, and methinks
/ am ten times more a coward than
ever. ",1s9 l'a4"N "Ns'tt"p fstiHe 's3@
Selling the lamp from the hearth, she
fastened to the window that overlooked
the street door. 1t was lattice, turn
ing upon hinges; and having thrown it
back, she stretched her head little
way into the moist atmosphere. A Ian
tern was reddening the front of the
house, and melting its light in the nigh
boring puddles, while deluge of dark
ness overwhelmed every object. As the
window grated on its hinges, man with
a broad -brimmed hat and blanket coat
stepped from under the shelter of the
projecting story, and looked upward to
discover whom his application had
aroused. Margaret knew him as
friendly innkeeper of the town.
g What would you have, goodman
Parker 20 cried the widow aH
"Lack a-day! is it you, mistress
Margaret !" replied the innkeeper. 81
was afraid it might be poor sister Mary Il
for hate to see a young woman in
trouble, when l haven't word of con-
ISOLATION to whisper to her." 'a .l'
"For heavens sake, what news do |
you bring Z" screamed Margaret. ~ q
"Why, there has been an express
through the town this half hour" said
goodman Parker, +" travelling from the
eastward jurisdiction with letters from
the Governor and conncil. He tarried
at my house to refresh himself With a
drop and q morsel, and I asked him
what tidings on the frontiers. He tells
me we had the better in the skirmish
you wot of, and that thirteen men re-
ported slain, are well and sound, and
your husband among them. Besides he
is appointed one of the escort to BRING
the captivated Frenchers and Indians
home t. the province Jail. l judged
you wouldn't mind being broke Of your
rest, SO stepped over to tell you. Good
night" tqrv aaar !Ts I II
So saying, the honest man departed |;
md his lantern cleaning along the street,
bringing to view indistinct shape of
things, and the fragment of world, like
order cleaning through chaos, or mem
Dry roaming over the past. But Mar
,aret stopped not to watch these pictur-
ssque effects. Joy flashed into her
heart and lighted it up at once, and
and with winged steps, she
dew to the bedside of her sister. SheI
paused, however, 1T the door of her G
while thought Of pain broke II
In upon her. ,.
"Poor Mary!" said she to herself. {
q Shall 1 awaken her to feel her sorrowl
by my own happinessi No 81.
[ will keep it within my own bosom till
80. L
She approach the bed TO see Il Nfary'sI: