The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-08-18
WOODSFIELD, OHIO, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST IS, 1852


what romantic alteration, was poured
forth upon my willing ear, and thrilled my
susceptible heart
"BeIore my fathers eye he appeared
gracefully courteous to me, but not word
or glance betrayed the passion which in
our secret interviews worshipped me as an
idol, and enthrolled my senses with the
ardency of its homage. This, he told me.
was necessary for my happiness. as my
father might separate us if he suspected
that another shared the heart hitherto ex-
clusively his own. This was my first de.
ception. Fatal transgression! had de-
parted from the path of truth. and my
guardian angel grew pale in the presence
of the tempter. Winter bagan to darken
the valleys; our fireside circle was enli-
vened by the presence Of our accomplish
ed guest. On the eve Of my natal day, he
spoke of the birthday fetes he had wit
messed during his Continental and Oren-
tai rambles. compli'aented my father on
the antique beauty and massy richness of
the gold and silver plate which, rarely
used, decorated the side board in honor
of the OCCASION; and, admiring the pearls
adording my hair and bosom, spoke so
learnedly on the subject Of jewels, that my
father brought forth from his Indian cabi-
net my mothers bridal jewels, diamonds,
and emeralds OF exquisite lusre and beau
ty. had never before seen these treas
ures, and our guest joined in the raptures
of my admiration.
"They will adorn my daughter" said
my father, with sigh, as he closed the
casket. and retired to place it in safe re-
ceptable.
"Yes, my Helen said the lover, "they
shall glitter on that fair brow in a prouder
scene. when thy beauty shall gladden. the
eyes of Engand's mobiles. and create en-
Wy in her iairest daughters"
81 listened with smile, and, on my
fathers return, passed another evening Of
happiness-my last! F.'
ave retired early, and oh, how bright
were the dreams that floated around my
pillow, how sweet the sleep that stole upon
me as | painted the future-an elysum Of
love and splendor! l was awakened by
wild cry that ran with agonizing horror
through the midnight Stiffness; it was the
voice Of my father, sprang hastily from
nv couch, threw on my wrapper, seized
the night lamp, and hurried to his chamber.
Rufians opposed my entrance; the lndi-
an cabinet lay shattered on the floor. and
| behed my father struggling in the fierce
grasp of man who had clasped his throat
to choke the startling cry. With maniac
force reached the couch, and. seizing the
murderous hand, called aloud for help
The robber started with wild execra,ion,
ths.mask fell from his face. and beheid
the, features Of Gilbert Corrie! y
"When recovered consciousness, |
found that had suffered long illness
brain fever, caused, the strange nurse
said. by some sudden shock. Alas, how
dreadful had been that fatal cause!-
Sometimes ] think my head has never
been cool since; dull thrct of agony
presses yet upon my brow; sometimes il
passes away; my spirits mount lightly.
and | can laugh, but it has hollow sound
oh, how unlike the sweet laughter Of by
gone days!
"We were in London. Nv apart.
ments were sumptuous; all that wealth
could supply was mine; but what a wretch
was amid that scene Of splendor! The
destroyer was now the arbiter of my des-
tiny. | knew his wealth arose from his
nefarious transactions at the gaming.ta-
BILE. knew my father was dead; the Sc
we're injuries he had received on that fatal
night and the mysterious disappearance
Of his daughter had laid him in his grave.
Gilbert Corrie was virtually his murderer.
yet still loved hin! A passion par,a-
king of delrium bound me to bis destiny.
slrank not from the caress Of the game
ster-the plague-stain of sin was upon me
the burning plowshares OF the worlds
scorn lay in my path, and how was the
guilty one 10 dare the fearful ordeall-
For fallen woman there is no return; no
penitence can restore her sullied bright
moss; the angel-plumes Of purity are scat
tered in the dust. and never can the lost
one regain the Eden Of her innocence
The world may pity, may pardon, but
never more respect; and. oh, how dreadful
to mingle with the pure. and feel the mark
Of Cain upon your brow! ** **
"A change came suddenly upon Gil.
bert There was no longer the lavish ex.
penditure, the careless profusion; his looks
and tone we're aered. A haggard ex-
preston sat upon his handsome features.
and the words Of endearmem no longer
flowed from his lips; quick footstep be-
meath the window made him start, strange.
looking men visited him. his absences
were long, his garments often changed;
the vail was about to be lifted from my
real position.
"One night he entered hastily, snatch
ed me from the luxurious fauteuil on
which rested, and led me, without an.
swering my questions. to hackney
coack. We were speedily whirled away,
Il AL <.(