Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-05-11


seemed sinking from fatigue and long ex-
posuIe to the intense heat. and his hand
some and intelligent countenance was
elouded by an expression of fdeep sadness.
that lent q charm 10 his classical fea-l
tures.
"who can that be, Uncle ?'' inquired
lovely and gentle girl as she sat by
window. watching the graceful move-
ments of the young stranger. as he slow
ly and thonghtfully walked to and fro
through the court beneath.
.'His name is Bradford. Marie, and be-
yond that know nothing, he is silent and
reserve, and says nothing about himself
or family. yet it strikes me that ! have
seen him before. but where, cannot
tell"
Poor youth, he seems oppressed by
some heavy sorrow, and is yet so kind
and gentle that 10 know is TO pity and
admire him. / have thought that l
would introduce him to you. my sweet
Marie. for lfknow that your kind and ten
der heart could sympathise with any of
the children of misfortune, for you so
much resemble your angel mother. that
know you have not one drop of your IA
ther's blood in your veins"
The young girl sighed, and her head
sunk upon her bosom as the closing re-
mark of her uncle reached her, and as he
left the room, tear stole from her soft
blue eye, to the memory of that mother
who now slept the sleep of death and
that father whose vices she had long
viewed with disgust and terror. Deeply
bitter were the thoughts of that fair young
creature, over whose life sixteen sum
mer suns had scarcely set; and as her
uncle entered with the pensive stranger,
her smile of friendship was blended with
tear OF sad remembrance of the past,
which rendered her doubly interesting in
the eyes of the unknown.
81 hope that you will consider yourself
at home, whilst among US, Mr.. Bradford, :"
said she as she arose to reply TO his grace
full salutatiOn. "My uncle is very kind
and will strive to make his house agreea-
BILE to you. so long as you may choose 10
continue with u.s.
pheasant it will surely be. with such
an angel TO preside over it as Thee, lovely
Marie" thought the stranger, as he ga
Zed in her lovely face, but soon recover
ing from his mental abstraction. he repli-
ed in low musical voice, whose tones
touched her inmost soul.
-" Fair lady, thank you for this mani
festatiOn of your kindness and friendship,
and long will the remembrance of your
goodness remaiR in my heart as the most
precious recollection OF the past. Few
have been the joys that have known la
dy, for ere the spring-li Tide of youth had
passed away. my life was darkened by the
death of my father. by the hand of a du-
elist, and before year had fled, follow
ed the hallowed remains of my mother to
her final resting place, and beheid the
last sod placed upon the breast OF the on
y being in the wide world, To whom my
welfare was of any interest" and as be
concluded, silent tear trembled for a mo-
ment in his dark eyes. and as he turned
fair girl, who had by her sympathies thus
awakened feelings, that had hitherto been
concealed within his own burdened
breast.
"Ah, too we'll do know the curse that
attends duelist," said the kind hearted
girl, and her damask' cheek grew a shade
paler, But may l ask where you have
spent your time since the death ofyour pa
renLS?'
"a portion of my time was spent in tue
Capitol of Mexico, where l received my
education, and the remainder of my life
has been passed among the Indians of
Mandan, where l have formed attach
ment that will last while life endures."
said he as his thoughts turned upon the
faithful Indian, who had followed his foot
steps to his native land, and was even now
watching over his best interests with more
than fraternal care.
The night had now set in, but It was n
bright day that had preceededit it. Heavy
clouds rolled over the broad disc of the
moon, and the deep-toned thunder began
to rumble in the distance, while pale flash
es of electricity shot athwart the gloomy
heavens, and sharp gusts of wind howled
through the branches of the trembling
trees, and moaned through the creyices OF
the mansion wherein Marie and her COM
panion were seated.
Z" This is indeed fearful night" said
she, as loud peal of thunder. followed by
a vivid flash of fire, and rafting show
er OF rain, shook the building 70 It's centre.
g This is terrible night" she continued.
as she unconsciously drew nearer to the
side of her companion, as if for protection.
And it seems true emblem of the tenn
pest of death that is even now sweeping
over our country. Have yOu heard that
the Mexicans have invaded Texas? ?" she
asked; but at that moment lurid glare Of
unearthly brightness lighted up the dark
heavens with fearful -lusture, and shot
along the verge OF the horizon, Ike The
fiery tail of some fearful comet.
a. Heavens they are burning San Au-
gustine," said the uncle Of Marie, as he
rushed into the room pale as marble
And my poor, unfortunate child" he