Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-12-09
THE STORY TELLER.
THE VILLAGE ISLANDER.
BY WILLIAM CoMSTOCK.

with each other, the two gentlemen held a
short consultation.
do tell me, neighbor Gore, what sort of a
man is that Windham, who has lately taken a
house near youn
Il don't like to speak i'll of my neighbors,
replied Gore, but am afraid he is not such a
man as you could approve or esteem.'
Indeed why so 2
81 fear he is a man of very high temper-a
very dangerous man in fact, said the other.
THAT is bad-very bad, cried Blasset,
shaking his head The worst is his own, for
l had intended to cffer him prime situation,
and profitable one-but if he is man of vio-
lent temper he wonld not answer our purpose.
1t is pity, but it cannot be helped
Mr.. Basset rode on, and Mr.. Gore also wen,
about his business.
Two days afterward there was party OF
young people at Squire Blackwell's house, and
during the evening a couple of young ladies
present disconrsed as follows:
Have you seen Miss James Iately1'
mo, have not. l understand she is very
melancholy
That is not strange. 1t was cruel in her
parents 10 break up the match
Not altogether cruel, when everything is
coasidered. l am certain that if [ were in their
situation, should not want TO marry daugh-
of niue to such man as Mr.. Windham.'
But perhaps it is not so bad as they have
been led to suppose
Yet, only think of it To attack poor
old man in that way! Really, must defend
the conduct of Mr.. and Mrs. James. l think
they would have proved wanting in their con-
doet to their daughter, if they had permitted
the marriage to take place
But will he not sue for breach of prom
iset'
That admits not of doubt. A man of so
malicious and fiery disposition will leave no
stone unturned. He will make trouble for
them it he can
Well, 1t is a sad affair." How much mis-
chief is done in this world, and how many in
nocent persons are made TO suffer by the un-
governdble passions of an individual =
On the day after the above conversation had
taken place, there was a number of persons
gathered together in the village tavern, talking
politics, discoursing about the news OF the day,
and playing at checkers. The post Office was
kept at the tavern, and occasionally some per-
son was obliged 10 rua the gauatiet through
cloads of tobacco smoke, projecting legs, and
1
TO the bar, and make the necessary inquiry
Not much uotice was taken, however, of those
applicants, until young man of modest bear
ing, aad apparently with some hesitation, en-.
tered the room, and passed through the crowd
for the purpose of obtaining letter. All eyes
were Immediately turned upon him, and his
countenance betrayed considerable anxiety and
agitation, when he overheard the remarks
which were obviously intended for his ear
After leaving the tavern, this young man
passed quickly up the main road for about the
distance of quarter Of mile, when he turned
off into path leadiag into piece of woods
and then he slackeaed his pace. He went slow.
ly forward, mattering TO himself, while his
features worked with strong emotion, and an
occasional tear glistened in his eyes. Wher
he had reached the middle of the wood he be-
came sensible that some person was approach
ing him from the opposite direction. He woulc
fain have turned aside, but it was too late, ant
suddenly the minister of the village churcl
stood before him.
'Good-day, Mr.. Windham,' was the sudder
address of that gentleman; 8 | have been t.
your house but you were not at home. | have
desired 10 see you for several days. Nay, bt
not dismayed, | come on a friendly errand
have heard of your misfortunes, and desire t.
alleviate if not wholly remove them. There
seems to be now strong prejudice agans
you in this place, and suspect that it is ill
founded
Indeed it is, replied Windham Il know
not what it means. | have some enemy her
who has crossed me at every turn. Strang,
stories are reported concerning me, and know
not from what source they have taken their rise
Even now went to the post Office for letter
every one stared at me as if had been the grea
giraffe from Africa, and when they whispered
to one another, could hear them say, 8: H,
has the gallows written on his forehead ~
What hangdog ceuntenance ~ "See how
his eyes glare!" am certain do not know
what it means
Il believe you,' said the minister, taking hi
hand, and | am persuaded that the people o
this village labor under some mistake respecting
you. Ii is said tina: you are hasty and passion
ate, and understand that it was on that scor
that the parents Of
Perceiving that Windham was becoming agi
tated, the speaker paused. He resumed in
few moments
No matter, wish to put you in way
remove the imputations which have been Gas
upon you. If you are innocent you have moth
ing to fear. Fix upon some one person VIII
has evlnced dislike toward you Go to him il
frank and manly way. See him alone, an
persuade him to give you the name of the ind
vidual from whom he derived his informatio
respecting you. Then 60 to the indjvidus
named, and require the authority by which h
has spoken i'll of you. When the foundation
these reports is once laid bare, you may annih
late it with single breath
Vo,, ;ronoea nnop mo a m ardnnue ond ~; :;