The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-11-14
A CASE OF JEALOUSY.


was the jaculation that escaped my lips,
as 1 stepped from the deck of the Cres-
cent City, and once more found myself in
the grand commercial emporium of our
western world.
Three years ago left this very wharf
al poor adventurer in pursuit of wealth
amid the gold mines of California, and
although thousands have fallen victims
to pestience, or have been sacrificed to
the malice and cupidity of man, yet have
returned in health, and possessed of
suficiency of the glittering dust, to en-
able me to pass the rest of my days in
aifiuence.
Twcnty-four hours subsequently to the
above reflections, / found myself at
country inn, near the interior of the
State, awaiting the arrival of the stage
coach which was to bear me to the next
town.
While at Sacramento, I had forwarded
a few hundred dollars, to firm in New
York, to my widowed mother, but, on my
recent arrival / learned that it had not
been ordered by her. This gave me some
uneasiness, and was cause of Fastening
my departure from the city, as l had a
vague apprehension that some calamity
had befallen her during my absence.
| Still I confess this was not the only cause
Of my anxious haste to reach my native
town. 1t was there resided the loved of
one of my heart-the bright divinity of
my soul, whose image had been with me
through all the varied and eventful scenes
I had encountered since my departure
from r.
In the midst Of reflections like the
above the diligence arrived, and | was
isoon on my way to my native town.
One passenger was my only companion,
tall, gcnteel, we'll dressed parsonage, ap-
parently about my age, with whom I was
soon engaged in conversation. Being
some v hat communicative, he soon inform
ed lhe that the place of his destination was
the same as my own.
Are yon acquainted in B?" I enquired
of him.
with only one or two families, sir, was
the reply.
"Do you know widow II. ?" I enquired,
with some anxiety.
"She that lives next to Squire ELL
more's?"
"The same "
II have seen her while on a visit to
the Squire's."
This answer in measure relieved me
u fhn 7 n
my mothers safety. After short time
however, it began to awaken in my MIND
o somewhat perplexings inquiry. Why
though 1, should this young, genteel ap
pearing man be visitor at Squire Ell
more's? l considered the subject, and
the more I considerded it the more per.
picking become the answer.
"You are acquainted, then, at Squire
Ellmore's''" said /, with affected indif
ference
"Yes, sir" was the reply; "that is the
l.. place of my present destination"
This answer, certainly, did not tend tc
a!lay my growing uneasiness. Yet, us tc
entertaining any feeling ofjealousy--pshaN
the idea was absurd Still continued
my inquiries.
"a very pleasant and agreeable famil!
that of Squire Ellmore's," observed l.
. you are quite right, sir" he responded
''the Squire and his lady are very agree
able old couple; and, as for Miss Julia
she is a perfect model Of beauty and ex
cellence."
: Now, all this 1 knew to be true; bu
what right had he to know it? Could h
be rival in Miss Julia's Affections
Nonsense! Impossible! l knew her to-
> we'll to doubt her constancy for a moment
Yet the thought that my mother had faile'
to apply for the remittance had sent he
: from the land of gold suggested the ide
that perhaps my letters to her had not bee
i received; and if hers had failed, VIII
n might not those l had written to JUL
n have shared the same fate? Still, I ca
C not and will not doubt the constancy q
= my dear Julia. AS for my travelling com
e panion, he is probably some relative
4 Who knows but he may be my cousin i
law, or uncle in law, or some other fu
,ei ture relative?
\ "May enquire, sir, if you are relate
;. to Squire Ellmore,s s family?" was my mex
. query.
y 'Related Oh, no, sir; lam merely a
acquaintance. I am expected there thi
! evening; promised Miss Gilmore woul
: come without fail"
= This answer only increased my agita
y tion, but, fearing lest should betray m
) feelings, 1 leaned my head on my hand
and feigned fatigue. The more refecte
n on the subject, the firmer hold did th
1t "green eyed monster" gain over me. Sti
n l determined that l would not thus di:
e trust my Julia. Perhaps, tho't l, th
n fellow is only conceited cox-comb, an
d wishes to pass himself of as an accepte
IT lover.
u 1 raised my head, and assuming jos
n ular tone asked my companion if he rea
IL ly thought Miss Gilmore handsome! d.
y II will leave you to Judge for yourself
!, said he, Gas have a fac simiLe of herse
It with me-" Saying this, he drew forth