The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-04-09
For The Cecil Hhig.
COURT HOUSE POINT"
IT'S MYSTERIES OF THE PAST.
BY BEN DINGLE, ESQ.
(Coacluded.)
CHAPTER III.


CHAPTER Ill.
We will now notice the occupants of
the "Alanslon," as the country people
called the old Court House. 1t stands
two hundred yards from the shore. and
was, save two or three out-houses, and
the old Jail wall, completely alone.
The latter, broken partially down. was
about half way between the house and
river, standing on an elevated spot.
Mrs. Margaret Gordon had removed to
this lonely spot the beginning Of the
last summer and had intended returning
to Baltimore the ensuing fall, but from
some cause she had been prevented
This property was owned by her lately
deceased husband, and he, having fitted
it up, so as to make it a comfortable
summer residence, she resolved to oc-
cupy it for that season, for the benefit
OF her health and the soothing Of her
mind. She persuaded her daughter to
accompany her, which was no easy task.
Surrounded by her young friends, her
sell the centre of attraction, Ellen Mar
ston Gordon could not be easily per-
suaded to leave her city home, but she
gave way to her mothers wish. Our
story must be shortened, else we might
venture description OF these characters
But We must forbear.
+. Several years previous to his death, a
brother OF Mr.. Gordon's died, leaving
an only sou, without any near relatives
excepting Mr. Gordon and few thou
sands of money; the latter if not rela.
ton at least friend in need.
Mr.. Gordon took this son into his
family, and Under his care, he had OBJ
talned an equivalent 10 collegiate edu-
cation without lis vices He had also
commenced the study ofTheology. when
his uncle died, leaving Henry Carson
Gordon to prosecute his studies alone,
or leave them for giddv company, that
purlolner OF time. honor, money and
, conscience. Still remaining in the fam.
lly ana acting wisely in studying, he
was perfectly willing and even anxious
to accompany his aunt, who would never
nave y"ntured a life at Court House
Point" without a protector. though that
protector be but - years of age. He
Was tall and quite good looking, with a
great deal OF pride, self.respect and viz
tue. Beside the domestlcs, these were
tn" whole Of the family.
On this evening-Nov. 23rd--we
will take a peep at the parlor Of the
"Aiansjon House" There, before thr
blazing wood fire, sal the old lady IN
her large comfortable chair her former
beauty was not all gore, but ii was as
the small light Of the crescent to the
luil-orOed moon--shaded by the hand
OF age and the earlhiness Of disease.
By the table, leaning over his book, sat
her nephew, while opposite was the
charming Ellen, looking ab>tracte.!Iy at
the spaniel" favored with his place in
the corner.
A the clock struck on lis bell the
knelI Of ten ''depa!ted hours" he closed
his book and putting or hat, cloak and
t gloves, was going out "W ny what in
the world is the matter row Henry!"
asked his aunt; 81 d rather you would'n
leave Us at this late hour, YOU might
catch cold, and the night air is damp and
f chilIy.'
mo danger aunt" he replied, II
: thought | would take look at the Elk
before bed time, I'll be back shortly, SC
don't be uneasy; I'll just call in Betsy,
: (he cook, to keep you company" Sc
bidding them good night he left them.
81 wonder what ais Henry tonight,
he's been restless and uneasy all the
time, and did not turn over single
page while he was reading Tor two
hours!"
81 really can't tell" replied Mrs
Gordon, "unless he's in love with that
fish girl you say he's teaching; tho ught
he was young man Of some taste"
"Now mother what an idea; he in love
as you call it, with Dutch Peters daught.
: err" and the far girl laughed derislvelv,
: and yet the object Of that derlsion might
have 1t in her power to change that
laugh to cry of agony, that curl OF
'he fiouu up, u prayer, ululte' aple'
on those same lips, for the coming OF
death; for Ellen Gordon loved her cous.
in, and his heart might be even IN the
possession OF that same ''tish girl"
Henry was on the side of the building
unlit by the moon, and as he LETT the
doorstep, he saw the figure OF man
walking cautiousl y along the pines al
the rear Of the house. He waited I'LL
he disappeared and then gathering hi:
cloak around him, for the night was
cold, he hurried out into the pines, but
when concealed in their darkness he
turned again toward the river and hav'
ing gained the shore he walked up il
till he arrived at the lowly house OIL
Dutch Peter, and with the assurance oil
an old acquaintance, he tapped at the