Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1855-05-24
A Bit Of Romance.

a Dill VI hOWduc0.
Five or six years ago a rich Louisiana plan
Ter died leaving an only heir, a daughter, who
was not quite seventeen years old. She to-
gether with her fortune, was placed in the
charge of guardian, who was distantly rela-
ted to the family. Her fortune, and her remar-
kable beauty, attracted the attention of many
suitors, among whom was an accomplished
young man from St. Louis, whose only wealth
was his profession. His handsome person and
fascinating manners won the lady's affections,
and without the knowledge of her guardian,
they were privately married.
Shortly afterwards they moved to ST. Louis,
where they lived together happily for time
and bright future seemed to be before them.
At the expiration of year, the lady having at
tanned her majority, they returned to New Or
leans to claim her fortune and live in the splen-
did old family mansion. They were coldly re-
ceived by the occupant, who deliberately in
formed them that the estate had passed into
other hands. They at once applied 10 the law
for redress, and going through the protracted
formalities of two or three frutless suits, they
were left penniless, and obliged to abandon the
case. Friendless and dispirited, they returned
10 St. Louis, where the husband, like many
other husbands, tried 10 drown the remember
ance of his disappointment in the fatal cup
His wife entreateJ and adnonished in vain.-
A tho and he
husband became more reckless and disspated,
than ever. Driven at last to desperation, the
wife applied for a divorce, obtained it, and re-
tired 10 convent. This restored the wretched
man 10 his senses, he abandoned his former as
sociates, returned to the paths of virtue and be-
came an Industrious and respectable citizen.
A few months ago the lady received letter
from the son of the former guardian, informing
her of Ills fathers death, of his inheritance of
the estate, and of his determination to make
full restoration, closing with an appeal to her
New Orleans and enjoy her fortune. She at
once complied with the. generous request and
all her inheritance, together with the accuma-
lated interest was restored TO her.
Now comes the strangest part of this most
extraordinary affair. The young man offered
her his hand in marriage, and pleaded with all
the earnestness of impassionaie love. He re-
minded her of all their childish attachment. of
his deep anguish when she became the wife of
another, of the long years of his silent sorrow.
All these remembrance came up before her
mind, and gratitude plead eloquently in his ia
vor hut at last The wife triuinphed over the
woman. She thanked him, and gave him her
simple blessing F.; told him that she had loved
but one and could never love another and en-
treated him to take back all her fortune, and
permit her TO return &c the convent Finding
her resolution unalterable, the young man con-
sented, on condition that she would postpone
her return one month. He Immediately wrote
to the former husband, who was ignorant Of
what had transpired, offering him frst-rate
situation, on condition that he would como i'm
mediately The letter was signed BY the prin-
cipal of wel-known firm, who was apprised
of every circumstance in the case. As soon as
the letter came TO hand, the overjoyed recipient
took passage for New Orleans. He presented
himself at the place designated in the letter,
and at once made himself known by showing
his credentials. He was conducted to the res
idence of the generous heir, where he was in
formed the writer of the letter waited to receive
him. His name was announced, and he was
conducted into an elegant parlor, and there
alone, he met the woman whom he had neglec-
ted and dishonored-the woman who had been
| forced TO leave him, but who would not quite
| give him up.
A few days afterwards the city newspapers
announced the marriage of Mr.--an Mrs.
-, The estate was restored 10 the lawful
owners, and :he reconciled compile, made wiser
and better by adyersiiy, are now living happily
together.
II is good to turH sometimes from the cares
ard turmoils of politics, and contemplate human
nature rising up from the depths of misery and
despair. casting aside selfishness aud reaching
that standard of purity and happiness which Sc
few attain.-From the Cle0ueldnd Leader e