True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-08-29
gelert I,alk,
From the Pioneerl ..r
FACTS---NOT FICTION.
A TALE or THE SOUTHWEST.
IcoNcLUDED.1
BY MRS. s. A. DowNER.

L
From her earliest infancy she had
breathed only an atmosphere of kindness,
while every luxury or wish that lcve could
supply had been hers. Her being harmC-
nized with the af1uence that surrounded
her, freed from the temptations that fol-
low wealth, as others of different nature
attend want and misery, There are some
rich, genial natures, which prosperity seems
only to ripen aud perfect, where gratitude
leads to devotion and good works, freely
imparting what has been so bountifully be-
slowed; and such nature was Emma s.
A sense of her own happiness made her
considerate Of the happiness of others;
and often she asked herself the question,
why it was that she should be so much
more favored, than thousands equally de-
serving Her inward consciousness was
aroused, her perceptions of the high pur-
poses of life were becoming clear. Wealth,
with the advantages of leisure, opened be-
fore her walk Of more active bencfcence
for the future. She mi sht not accomplish
much, but that little she would undertake;
and as she made this resolve, her bosom
swelled with an emotion of indescribable
JOY and pleasure.
She had been standing on balcony
that overlooked an extensive lawn, cover
ed with turf, smooth and green as velvet
and dotted with magnificent trees that
quite embowered the noble mansion. In
front, in the middle of fOwer-bed, a
fountain threw high its silvcry spray,
which dropped into marble basin, that
was surroun ded by fragrant flowers. Mar.
BILE vases containing choice plants were
ranged around, while Cape jessamines and
lemon scented verbena filled the air with
bloom and fragrance, as the setting sun
shed over all halo of beauty and splen.
dor AS the last rays departed, Emma
rc.entered the parlor and seating herself at
the piano, ratified a lively piece Of music
She had decided genius for music, part
ly inherited from her mother, who was ar
accomplished performer. Her touch wa'
brilliant and firm, and as her fingers flew
over the keys, her Aute.like voice burs
out into an airy bird-like strain, that re
sembled a gush of gladness. An hour OIL
more passed, during which Mrs. Morris
had joined her at the instrument, listen
ing with intense delight, or mingling heI
own sweet voice with that of her happy
child. AS lights we're brought into th'
drawing-room, Emma turned from the pi
auo. '.....
."What on earth can keep Mr.. Selvyl
so late ?"
ale has come, l fancy there stand
his horse"
Mrs. Morris had scarcely uttered thi
reply, when stranger entered the opel
hall and inquired for Mrs. Selvyn.
He followed the servant into The apart
ment, and with an awkward attempt at
bow, said he had private business witt
that lady.
As soon az the walters back was turned
he advanced TO where she had risen an
was standing in wondering amazement
He was of common appearance, the keep
er of cabaret in town, witha manner re
pulsively familiar, and in sort of conf
Dental tone, remarked, "If this is Mr'
Selyyn, | think ma am you had better sen
and have Mr.. Selvyn brought home" '
"What do you mean Z" e..
mo Offense ma am; but Mr.. Selvy
has been drinking little too much, and
thought you would like to know it.
She recoiled few steps, with an air
complete bewilderment
'frhere is some mistake, am sure,
said Mrs. Morris, coming forward 'yc
are mistaken in the person"
"No mistake, ma'am. Mr.. Selvyn hi
been at my house the greater part of Il
afternoon. He had been drinking wne
he came, and have taken the trouble
come over here and tell you out Of pu
kindness" .-. ..... ......
The "kindness," did not seem to be a
preciated, as Mrs. Morris with some degr
Of hauteur in her tone, rejoined, "lt ca
not be Mr.. Albert Selvyn, laying
strong emphasis on the Christian name.
sit is the son-in-law of the rich Nj
Morris, any way. At least | was told l
or | should not have troubled myself abo
him, replied the man with asullen al
"Mr. Selvyn left home this morning
call ON MIR. Larue, at Richmond; he h
returned, as l saw his horse few molnen
since
"Beg your pardon, nam I rode tf
horse here. 1t was the horse that W
6rst recognized; and Mr.. Selvyn is NJ
at my house, unable to get home"
His words carried conviction, and
was with faltering voice Mrs Morris
marked as she turned away, that she Wou
send servant with note.
"Seud note why ma'am, he is ded