Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-05-30
From the ClscsIand Leader.
A Bit OF Ronanse,

Five or six years ago, q rich Louisiana planter
died having an only heir, a daughter, who was
not quito seventeen years old. She together with
her fortune, was placed in the charge of guardi-
an who was distan,ly related to the family
Her fortune, and her remarkable beauty, attract
ed the attention Of many suitors, among whom
was an accomplished young man from 81. Louis
whose only wealth was his profession. his hand
some person and fascinating manners won the la
dy'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 futurs seemed to be before them. At the
expiration Of year, the lady having attained her
majority, they returned to New Orleans to claim
her family mansion. They were coldly received
BY the occupant, who deliberately informed them
that the estate had passed into other hands
They a, once applied to the law sor redress, and
going through the protracted formalites Of two or
three frutless suits, they were left penniless,
and Obliged to abandon the case. Friendless and
disnir,ed they returned TO St. Louis, where the
husband like many other husbapda, tried to
drown the remembrance Of his disappointment in
the fatal cup. His wifsentreatedand admonished
in vain. A separation was the consequences, and
ths simsband became more reckless and dssi,
mated 5an ever. Driven at last to desperation,
the wife applied for divorce obtained it, and re-
tired to convent This restUred the wrstched
man to his senses; he abandoned his former ssso-
ciates returned TO the paths Of virtue and BECAME
an industrious ana respectable cltizen.
A few months ago the lady received letter
from the son Of her former guardian, informed her
of his fathers death, of his inheritance of the es
tate, and of his discrimination to make full resto-
ration. closing with an appeal TO her to forgive his
misguided parent, and to come 10 New Orleans
and enjoy her fortune. She at once complied
with the generous request and all her inheritance
toqether with the accumulated interest, was re-
stored 10 her. s .N cr
Now comes the strangest part of this most ex
traordinary affair. The young man offered his
hand in marriage, and plead with all the earnest
ness Of impassioned love. He reminded her Of
all .heir childish attachment. Of his deep anguish
when she became the wife of another, Of the long
yesrs of his silent sorrow. All these remembran-
ces came up before her mind, and gratitude plead
eoauently in his favor but at last the wife tn
um phed over the woman. She thanked him, and
gave him her blessing; told him that she had
loved but one, and could never love saother ; and
entreated him to take back all her fortune, and
nermt her to return TO the convent. Finding her
resolution unalterable, the young man consented,
on condition that she would postpone her return
one month. He Immediately wrote to the former
husband. who was ignorant Of what had trans
pirsd, Offering him first rate situation. on condi
ton that he would CONS immediately. The let
ter was signed by the principal Of well known
firm, who was apprised Of every circumstances in
the case. As soon as the letter came TO hand. the
overjoyed recipient took passage for New Orleans.
He presen.sd himself al the place designated in
the letter, and at once made himself known BY
showing his credentials. He was. conducted to
the residence Of the generous heir. where, he was
informed the writer of the letter waited to receive
him. His name was announced, and he was con-
Quoted into an elegant parior, and there aione, he
mot the woman whom he had forced to leave
him. but who would no. quite give him up.
A few days afterwards, the city newspapers
announced the marriage Of Mr.--and Mrs,
-. The esl.ts was Ies'osed 20 the lawful
owners, and the recoueiled couple, made wiser
and batter BY .dvcrsity, are now living happily
together.
it7is eood to turn sometimes from the cares and
turmoils of politics, and contemplate human ma
turs rising up from the depths of misery and des-
pair. casting aside selfshness. and reaching that
standard Of purity and happPines' which 90 fsv
attain.