True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-08-29
q. .RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor.
drunkiy .-....-.., ..-........
With a deep groan, Emma sank heavii-

rid vision. Drunk She had never in her
life seen but one drunken man. 1t was
when she was child, that young SER
want rushed into the house, exclaiming,
90, mas'r Mr.. Jones is whipping Aunt
Betsey, just for nothing. Please do come,
mas'r, he is cutting her up so!' Child
like, she had flown at the first word Of
whipping Aunt Betsey," to the kitshen,
where the overseer, with countenance i'll
famed with drink and now distorted by
passion, was applying the lash to the cook,
who for some misdemeanor committed
among her pots and kettles, had turned
his pet dog out of her domains, and to in
sure her sense of his intrusion, bestowed
on him hearty kick, as his master hap
pened to pass. The writings of his vic
tim, the horrid imprecations he uttered,
with his disgusting appearance, terrified
the child nearly out of her senses. She
clung to her father for protection, as he,
with righteous indignation, discharged him
on the spot. She could never recall this
scene without shudder; even the mcn-
tion of his name, excited her adherence =;
and as the transaction rose to her minds
eye in connection with Mr. Selvyn, she
turned sick at heart, and fell back with
cry of anguish.
A servant entered in answer to the bell.
"Harrison," said Mrs. Morris, speak
ing in hoarse voice, and artieulating with
difficulty, "tell Billy to put MIR. Selvyn's
horse in the stable-to get up the carriage
and accompany this man to his house in
town, where Mr.. Selvyn is--ill," she
gasped out.
As the door closed behind them she sat
down by Emma, whom she encircled in
her arms. "My poor child, my poor child!
what consolation can offer you?" EN-
mas grief was speechless. She was too
wretched even for tears, and she leant up
on that faithful mothers breast with the
trust and helplessness Of little child.
An hour which appeared an eternity, pass
ed in unutterable agony, when Mrs. Morris,
as if suddenly recollecting herself, started
up and vehemently rang the bell.
The waiter appeared.
"Harrison, let the house ba closed and
send all the servants to bed"
"AH, of them missis I'm not sleepy
and you'll want Phillis sure?"
"Not for the world p
Recalled to sense of the strangeness
oe her manner, by the astonishment de
picted in his countenance, she added, in ,
soft tone, "Phillis is old, and must not b'
|
deprived of her rest there is nothing
very serious the matter, and Billy can at
tend to my wishes"
He bowed and withdrew.
Nothing very serious how the attemp
at concealment lowered her in her owl
eyes! With clasped hands she walke
rapidly to and fro in the brilliantly-light
ed and elegantly furnished apartment >Sh
saw nothing of the splendor that surround
ed her; but one object was before her
the pallid face of her stricken child. How
had this occurred? 1t was most strang
[ and unaccountable. Mr.. Selvyn, sine
their acquaintance, had been remarkabl
for his abstemiousness. Even claret wine
, selected for its less stimulating properties
u and used throughout the south as an az
compartment to the dinner-table, he ha
8 partaken of SO sparingly as to draw frol
: . Emma the laughing remark that he dram
0 it as though he were afraid of it. 1t wa
Q altogether inexplicable, and how keep tn
occurrence from the knowledge of SCI
= wants? But, after all, might it not be
mistake 1t was not impossible. Sh
|
a Cluug to this hope with the strength
despair, but alas the carriage returne
). in the silence of night, freighted with i
>, burden of fallen manhood. Her sens
tions were those of profound contempt,
% she beheld him lifted from the carriag
rs and partly borne into the hall, where, rec
'S ing from one piece of furniture to auothc
,t he vainly endeavored to maintain an u
Is right position. His look was maudlin,
W half recognizing the Silent figure befO
:. him, he hickuped out, "Where am l E
!" ~ am I 2---
a a "You are drunk, sir" replied Nj
Morris in severe tone, "Billy, take hi
d. to his room"