Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1855-08-08

standing. Handsome and talented, but
grave and quiet in his manners; devoted
ly attached to Florence, but le was ,hir
ty-nine, and widower! Jessie's senu.
ments were echoed by all FIorence's cir
Gle of friends, when her engagement was
known. She. so beautiful, young, talen.
ted. and wealthy. She always was diff
ferent from other girls, they said. So,
afer a few days, the matter ceased to
be discussed, and some new wonder of
the fashionable world took its place.
Florence had been married just two
years, when it became necessary for Mr.
Langfc-d to go to Paris; his stay was to
be very short, so he concluded not to take
Florence. She was fond of home, had
won the love of both children, and in re.
turn loyed them tondly, and with their
society, her home duties, and a promised
visit to Jessie, thought the time of her
husbands absence might be made to
pass pleasantly. But when the hour of
departure came, when his trunk stood
waiting in the hall, and he came to say
farewell, the whole aspect ofthings SEEM
ed changed. Florence felt that her dear.
est treasure was leaving her; all looked
dark, and vague presentiment of evil
filed her soul.
why, Florence, you are white as a
corpse cried George, in a frightened
tone. q thought you had arranged gay
cites without number to occupy you while
your grave old husband was away
Cheer up, FIoy; 1 shall be gone only a
short time
'Oh, George, l did not realize it till
now. What can do without you?'
You will visit Jessie, take Willie and
Edith into the country, and-and-oh,
you have whole list of pleasures ar
ranged. The carriage is here. Good
bye, Florence
Florence tried to speak, but the words
died on her lirs. She grasped his hand,
while her eyes filed with tears, and then
lei him go.
All her pleasures were forgotten as she
watched the carriage rolling from the
door, and she only remembered how
lonely she would be without him she
looked back upon two years of such per-
feet happiness that it seemed less like
reality than a pleasant dream. Long
she stood at the window, watching, as if
she expected him to return, but the vol.
ces of the children reused her, and she
stifed her own grief, and went to amuse
and comfort them. Willie thought papa
was real unkind' not to take them with
him, while Edith clung close to Florence
and hoped papa would be safe on the
deep water
Jessie Lawson and Florence Langford
were seated in the piazza of the pleasant
country house they had hired for the
season, conversing. Edith and Willie
were romping with Rover on the grass,
while ever and anon their clear, Joyous
laughter would make the ladies turn and
smile.
4 forgive you now, Floy, for marrying
George said Jessie, fondly. 4 think
that, if he had asked me, and 1 could
look into the future, l should have done
just as you did,
At that instant, Jessie felt hand laid
on her shoulder, and, looking up, saw
her husband; his face was very grave,
and his whole manner betokened that
something serious had troubled him.
Jessie he said, in long tone come
into the parlor want to speak with
you
HE is Jealous whispered Jessie to
Florence, as he rose TO obey. Now for
a matrimonial lecture =
FClose the door, Jessie, said Henry,
when they entere4 the parlor. Il do not
wish Florence to hear what l have to say
now. Poor Floyl we must break it gen
tly 10 her
why, Harry, what is the matter?-
George
Yes. The Eagle the vessel he sail
ed in, was wrecked, and but few escaped;
a vessel going to Calcutta took a few OF
the passengers, but the rest were lost
George LangfoId's name is among the
missing
Harry had forgotten the open window
and was startled to see Florence now
standing in the front of it. She was cold
and pale as marble, her hands were tight
ly clenched, her teeth set, and her whole
frame rigid and motionless. Harry sprang
to her side, and took her hand to lead her
in. The touch broke her stupor, and,
with a slight shudder, she fell fainting to
the ground.
For weeks, Florence Langford lay be-
tween life and death; fever and delirium
succeeded her death-like trance, and her
life was despaired of. A strong consti-
tuition, however, triumphed. and she re-
covered; but oh, how altered! TIE pale
thin face, seen now under 4 close widows
cap. was SO wan and sad, that few would
have recognized the once blooming Flor
cncc.
Her sole comfort. now, seemed to lie
in the children. She would hardly al