Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1855-11-20


the other base passions OF human nature,
he assured her that he knew all that he
was aware Of everything; that he had
enough for both, and was prepared to
remedy TO the extent OF all he possessed
any Inconvenience she might suffer, pc.
cuniarily, from disoboying her fathers
request. In telling her that he knew
all, he meant no falsehood; he had made
carefully disguised inquiries. and by ev.
cry one whom he addressed he was told
that "Miss G. would inherit her fathers
fortune at twenty.one, but not before"
Ii did not suit his designs to unmask his
motives, and, in Disgusting with indilfer.
ence his questions, he failed to ascertain
the whole truth. Supposng her fathers
will was simply framed to prevent the
fortune falling, in any way, however, re.
motely, under the control Of her hus.
band before she reached that mature age,
he desired by marriage TO secure il ulii.
mately. He had good cause for speed;
with him q prompt and secret marriage
was essential, for, penniless, he could
not much longer maintain appearances,
or pay his board, for which he was large.
ly in arrears.
His apparent disinterestedness. at
length prevailed over the daughters dis.
obedience. A false statement that her
guardian had forbidden him addressing
her, wifi i4sessant urging that business
required his presence in New York for
several months, swept away all further
objections to an immediate and secret
marriage. They were married privately
at neightoring village, and, to the
brides surprise, he advised her return 10
her guardians house for a few days.
He returned to his own lodgings, and at
once, publicly, every where, and 10 all he
met, announced his marriage. In few
hours he called at the house Of his new.
ly.wedded wife, and as he entered it, her
guardian, who had just heard Of the
marriage, also entered. He was sternly
questioned as to the truth Of the report;
and he boldly avowed it, making no
apology for the unauthorized act, but
assuming the attitude OF one WHO was
entitled 10 admiration for most sue.
ccssful maneuver. He demanded per.
mission to see his wife; she was called 4,
and in their presence the guardian be.
walled the imprudence Of their conduct,
and for the first time the heretofore dar.
ing groom learned that by her marriage
his bride had forfeited the entire fortune
Of her father.
Baflled, disappointed, cheated, the late
n rIapf unpar ctorp,od opI ravod. ha
turned upon the poor, trembling woman,
to whom, but few hours before, he had
pledged eternal love, and charged her
with bascIy dccciving him. Overcome
with grief, she fainted, and before she re-
covered he had left the house and the
city. She heard no more of him for
years. During ell that time, with the
incomprehensibiity Of woman's devo.
ton, she loved him. His name, which
for many months had been coupled with
reproaches and contumeIy, never passed
her lips. She would not believe him
the mercenary william he had been repre-.
sented. She still clung londiy 10 the
hope that all the love he had prolessed
was real. Weak and broken in spirit,
that hope seemd to keep her alive.
Eurng March Of last winter, the
courts had set aside her marriage on the
ground Of fraud, and no one contesting
her right, she became possessor OF the
magnificent fortune. The case was no.
ticsd in the papers, and some weeks af.
ter there came letter TO her. 1t was
from her lover and-husband He had
seen that notice Of the nnnulment Of her
marriage. That was relief to him, for
he was on the eve Of marrying again
But, as money was his main idea, dis.
guised he had visited the place, had
heard her story repeated with no (avora.
BILE references to himself; had heard it
more than hin,ed that she still retained
an affection for him, but MOI than all he
ascertained that she was now the sole
possessor Of that fortune which had 60
strongly tempted him to wrong. He re-.
turned, and addressed her the letter we
have mentioned. 1t was full Of repen.
tance; it proclaimed that his life, since
he had left her, had been one Of contin.
uous misery. He professed to be unac.
quainted with what passed, and, with
great humility, rendered again bis love,
declaring that, as he had been the cause
Of her losing her wealth, justice requir.
cd that he should share with her the for.
tune he had anlassed in the growing city
where had lived. Unknown to any one,
she answered that letter, accepting his
love, forgiving and venturing excuses
even for his past conduct, and informing
him that she was now prepared 10 give
him that inheritance which to them had
been the source Of so much unhappi.
ness. That letter Of hers was destined
never 10 reach him. To avoid any con.
lectures which might arise If seen 10 do.
poslt q letter addressed to that name, she
induced, by liberal reward, a neigh.
boris servant, whom she knew could not
read, to take the letter to the postoffice.
This servant, to get leave Of absence,
took with her ono Of her mistress chill.
dren. To amuse the child she SLOWED
it toac carry the letter; and the little one,
pleased with the red stamp, as they
walked along. succeeded in removing il.
The letter, was deposited I'M the office
without stamp, and never, Of course,
sent. ,,,st.. ava ~ s&a +. 4
A few words more closes this brief his.