True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-08-29
All the pride of her nature was aroused

with a sense of betrayed trust, was the
feeling that at first predominated. Then
came softer thoughts ;-th oughts of what
he had been, of all that she had expected |
of him, and for the first time, hot, scald-
ing tears ran down her cheek, as she ex-
claimed, "Oh, God I would rather have
seen him in his coffin " No sleep visited
the eyes of either mother or daughter that
night, as weeping or locked in each others
arms, they could only reiterate the ques
tion-was this indeed true? 1t was long
before they could bring themselves to be-
lieve what had passed reality, and then,
what fall was there The blow was alb
solutely stunning, and sent Emma to a
sick bed? 1t was late on the evening of
the second day that Mr.. Selvyn, pale and
silent, made his appearance in the parlor.
Neither reproaches nor explanations took
place; a reserve rested on the whole par
ty; yet he constantly followed his wife and
mother with bcseeching eyes, as he paid
those little attentions heretofore so grace
full, and which had lent to his manner so
great charm. AS time wore on, he all
at once became listless, depressed and un-
easy. He seemed equally restless, as in
capable of exertion, and his wonted pur-
suits were abandoned. Emma made no
attempts to resume the studies this unfor-
tunate occurrence had so rudely broken in
upon. Her confidence had received too
great shock easily to recover 1t was
about month after the above events, that
all at once he was missing. After several
days of fruitless inquiries, and when their
alarm was at its hight, they learned by
mere accident that on the day he left
home, he was seen on board the steamer
which on that day left for New Orleans.
He had taken nothing with him, not even
a change of clothing, and the motive for
his journey was clouded in mystery.
When Mr.. Selvyn left home it was mere
ly to 60 on board the cotton-boat as she
lay at the landing, to see what was going
forward. He had no particular business,
other than to kill that time which now
hung heavy on his hands. Among the
passengers was young man he had for
merly known at Washington, who was q
graduate of the same law-school. This
gentleman had been on collecting tour
throughout the southwest for houses in
New York and Boston. Their acquain.
tance was joyfully renewed. They took
glass of wine together; old times and OLD
friends we're talked over and discussed
then another glass of wine, and another,
until the last bell sounding with the cry Of
"All on board" he would have followed
) his friend to the end of the world, and die
keep on with him to the city.
They took rooms at the St. Charles Ho
; tel, and during the few days Mr.. Bcyis re
y mained, had gay time Of it. After hi'
4 departure, Mr. Selvyn ordered a supply o
wine, with other liquors, to his room. 4
douceur secured the attendance of one o
the walters, who brought him his meal
when desired, Of which he sparingly par
took, passing the time in drinking with
= gom worthy a disciple Of Epicurus, nov
. resigning himself to the arms of Morphe
a us, again to rush into those of Bacchus
whose votary for the time he had become
The supply exhausted, the empty bottle
were sent away; he was shaved and too
4 bath. Securing passage he returne
:, home after an absence of two weeks Hi
y haggard looks and soiled linen did not e'
IS cape the eye of the trim servant that ad
q mitted him, who fastened to announce hi
arrival to his mistress. Mrs. Morris AM
= Emma felt that the time for silence wa
% past. They schooled themselves to NEE
# him, and together descended to the hbr'
Il ry. Emma, pale as marble and almost
&c cold, could only press that fond parent
hand in silence, for her heart was crushed
nc and her spring day hopes, like the scare
and withered leaves of winter, lay quive
l. ing at her feet '."
r. Mr.. Selvyn stood with his back to th
n. door. AS they entered he turned and a
as tempted to take hand Of each. The
70 were withdrawn. Tears Of shame ar
= penitence rained from his eyes as hethre
himself at their feet.
rs. "Rise, sir |" commanded Mrs, Morri
i'm Her voice trembled, but her manner vi
firm; "rise up, Mr.. sclvyn, and oxpla