The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-12-08
LANCASTER MORNING. DECEMBER 1852

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misery, and poverty and pallid want were
stamped upon its furniture. Within a
corner, lay upon The floor what Nigh. be
taken for bundle of rags; but which, up
on close inspection proved to be human
body. Shuddering at the horrid sight,
she unconsciously drew back, but retraced
her steps as fresh cries came from the OBJ
ject which had so awed her. 1t was a fe-
male in the agonies of death: the counten-
ance, though haggard with disease, vet
bore traces of former beauty; and GER
tain expression which cleaned from her
eyes, bore evidence that she had figured
in higher circle If life. She was diving;
and as groan after groan burst from her
bosom, she would throw up her arms and
strive eagerly to clutch some unseen OBJ
Ject. AS she turned from side to side in
her struggles, her eye fastened upon the
face of Carrie, and while an unnatural
hire lighted up their orbs, she cried out
"Who are you, who thus intrudes;
whence come youi Away, away" and SC
saying, she uttered groan which seemed
to rend her bosom. Softly approaching
the invalid, the young girl spoke in tones
OF Kindness, and STOPPING down smoothed
the sufferers pillow, and bathed her fever
ed brow. While thus engaged in this ACT
of charity, her long silken tresses broke
from their fastening, and fell luxuriently
over her neck, disclosing mark behind
her ear, which WAS no sooner perceived by
the woman, than fixing her gaze full in
the eyes Of the girl, she muttered, ayes,
yes, tis shc."
Alarmed by the strange and mysteri.
ous actions Of the woman, Carrie felt some
msgivings; alone with one of whom she
knew nothing; thoughts of some unknown
evil preyed upon her, but soon Sitting
them, she continued her acts of mercy.
"Child," muttcred the old woman, "whc
is your motherl Come hither and relate
to me your history" Then gasping as i
for breath, she muttered, "Tis shc-ti.
She" ...
In trembling tones she was informed o
the young girls history, and as the MARIA
tor related how she was saved from starva
ton by kind friend, she could no longer
control the emotions which possessed her
but raising herself upon her elbow, CRIED
out ..
MY rAiid-my chiidr'
The truth at once broke upon the mint
of Carrie. This" she said in low tone
''is my mother. Thank God that lie ha
led me TO close her eyes in her last mo
mcnts."
"My cllild-my own dear daughter
spoke the dying woman, II have no
strength to relate how or why YOU wer
forsaken; the tale need not be told-it i
one of betrayed love and devoted affec
ton. But thank heaven, | once NOR
press my child to my heart, and die in
daughters arms"
1t was too much for her weak frame t
bear-and a lifcless corpse now only re
manned. With daughters holy love
Carrie paid the last sad tribute Of affec
ton; and as she turned away from tn
silent ''city of the dcad,r thoughts of lone
illness crept over her soul, and she kecnl
felt the bitter pangs of her friendless an,
unaffected state.
She was now in the prime Of her youtl
and beauty, sorrow had tempered the ex
preston OF her countenancc, and out Q
the depths Of her brilliant eye, a kindl
spirit looked. She was, indeed, beautiful
her features were not to be described; ye
this charming expression was irresistible
Her voice had improved in volume an,
sweetness, and vibrated upon the listener
ear like the soft tones Of an Eolian harI
1t was not to be expected that gift s
valuable would be hid from the world; he
sweet songs and siIvefy voice attracted III
attention Of manager Of one Of III
most fashionable opera houses in the city
Such prize could not be overlooked
such genius could not be buried from
sight, and hc made proposals to bring he
before the public. Prospects of brighte
and happier days now glistened befor
her. She at once entered into the al
rangement, and on her first appearance
was greeted with rapturous applause
Step by step she gained the summit c
public esteem and Appreciation; and th
whole fashionable world was in a furor {
excitement.
"Have you seen the new Prima Donnal
was the general question. "How beaut
full" with what sweet simplicity sh
dresses" was heard from ali sides, an
from the mouths Of all, her praises wer
heard. A glorious future was before hel
she had trusted in God, and that trust ha
not been misplaced.
cHAPTER III.