True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-04-17
z. Raglan, Editor and Proprietor.

eternal love and constancy with which
both the lovers met her objections to their
speedy union, based on their youth and in
experience. - 1:mfHowever, to the object of
her daug ghter's choice she could make no
objection. Old Mr.. Barton had establish
ed his son in business connection with
an extensive and prosperous firm; the
young mans pccuniary prospects therefore
were good-his moral character unexcep-
tionable. So, not without some natural
misgivings, Mrs. Sanders yielded consent;
and the day ..on which Emily completed
herss'seventeenth year, she was united to
her happy lover. The wedding was an
elegant affair. Mrs. Sanders was in easy
circumstances, and having until her hus-
bands dccease mingled much in gay soci-
ETY., had a large circle of fashionable
friends who graced the nuptials with their
presence. The BartOns, too, with their
aristocratic connections were there, smil-
ing gracously on the fair, blushing bride.
A beautiful house was presented to the
young pair by old Mr.. Barton for their
residence; its rich and elegant furniture
was gift from the mother of the bride ;
and the happy couple entered on their
welded life without cloud in all its
bright horizon. During the five years
that intervened until the day on which our
story opens fortune had smiled upon them.
Gustavus prospered in his business, and
was looked upon as man destined to
achieve great wealth and influence. Em-
lily was as handsome and admired as ever !;
and but for the death of her mother
which occurred about two years after her
marriage, had known no cause of sorrow
Two lovely children frolicked within their
beautiful home, and in the eyes of the
envious world the Bartons were the hap
piest of the happy.
But it has been said there is q skeleton
in every house, and theirs was no eXcep-
tion to the rule; for the happiness that
might have been as unalloyed as ever falls
to the lot of mortals, was disturbed by
scenes of constant alteration and discord.
The merest trifes gave rise to contentious,
which were sustained Oh either side with
equal perseverance, as if they were inge-
geniously seeking some means of self-tor-
ture, until they, surrounded by every earth
| ly blessing, came to regard themselves as
among the most unfortunate and ill-fated
of beings. The poet has said truly,
"The kindest and the happiest pair
Will find occasion to forbear;
And something every day they live
To pity and perhaps forgive"
But forbearance was word POLITICALLY un-
! known to our friends; seJcpity was indeed
INDUCED to an extent that rendered them
the more exacting and irritable; and for.
giveness, though sometimes graciously and
gracefully extended, afford no guarantee
of future caution or amenity,
The dispute concerning the green and
blue caps affords a sample of the sinful
folly by which domestic peace may be EN-.
bittered and destroyed. Little Charlie
was the pride of both parents, and it was
a matter of consequence that he should
appear to the best advantage to others
Blue was Mr.. Barton's favorite color, and
the preceding winter the child was dressed
in accordance with his taste. But Mrs
Barton could not think Of arraying hel
darling in the same color for two success
sive winters, even though it was the most
becoming to his frail, delicate beauty
moreover lady who was regarded as 8
model of taste had selected purple vel
vet mantle, and green velvet cap and
plume for her little boy, and Emily resolv'
ed to initiate her choice. The father i'm
mediately objected to the green cap, and
brought from his store one of rich blue
with handsome plume, which the moth
er protested Charlie should not wear; the
subject was renewed several times with in,
creased asperity, until, as we have seen, ii
led to threat of final separation.
Alas that the love once so warm and
tender could be weakened to such an ex,
tent by petty disagreements Yet weak
ened it undoubtedly was, for the silker
chain had long weighed heavily as one Of
iron, and the severance of its CALLING links
seemed the only means of regaining peace
and happiness. Three hours after thai
decisive conversation, Mrs. Barton, dress
ed in the most elegant style, and leading
little Charlie with his purple mantle ant
green cap, by the hand, was slowly pacing