Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-08-22
MISCELLANY. [.
Inc .NeIClVo NWSt'
AN ENGLISH STORY.

| The outline of the following sketch was related
/ to me by an aged and honored member OF a large
family counexion man who possesses an almost
Iinexhaustlole fund OF legendary lore, whose most
interesting anecdotes and most comic tales are but
recollsctions OF past scenes Of which he can say.
| in the language Of Rneas, "QaorsHH magma P@s
6ai."
"Many years ago. said Mr.. E. i happer-
ed to be one Of the referees IN case which eXclt-
ed unusual interest in our courts, from the singu-
lar nature of the claim, and the strange story
Z which it disclosed.
The plaintiff. who was captain Of a merchant
ship which traded principally with England aud
the West Indies. had married quite early III life,
with every prospect OF happiness. His wife was
SAID to have been extremely beautiful, and no less
lovely in character.
"Ailer living with her in the most unlnterrupt-
ed harmony tor five years, during which time two
daughters were added TO his family, he suddenly
resolved to resume his occuptlon, which he had
relnquishsd on his marriage; and when his
yuuupest child was but three weeks old sailed once
more for the West Indies
ellis wife was devotedly attached to him, sor
rowed deeply al his absence, and found her only
comfort in the society Of her children and the hope
of his return. But month after month passed away,
and he came not, nor did any letters, those insult
Gcent but welcome substitutes, arrive 10 cheer
ner solitude.
Months heightened into years yet no tidings
were received ot the absent husband and after
long hoping against hope, the unhappy wife was
compelled To believe that he had found grave
beneath the welterng ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt, but the
evils of poverty were now added to her ai1lc-
ton aud the widow found herself obliged to re-
-, bar
HELPLESS children Her needle was her only re-
source, and for ten years she lahored early and
late tor the miserable pittance which is ever grud
gingly bestowed on the humble seamsIress.
"A merchant 0 New York. IN moderate but
prsperng circumstances, accidentally became ac-
ouslnted with her. and pleased with her gentle
manners no less than her extreme beauty, endea-
vured to improve their acquaintance with friend
ship.
After some months hs offered her his hand,
aud was accepted. As the wife of a successful
merchant, she soon found herself in the enjoyment
ot comforts aud uxuries such as she had never be-
fore possessed Her children became his children.
and received from him every advantage that
wealth and affection could procnte.
Fifteen years passed away the daughters mar
ried. aud by their stepfaIher were furnished with
every comfort requisite ia their new ayucation of
houSekeepers. But they had scarcely quilted his
root when the mother was taken Ill.
.She died after few days illness, and from
that time Until the period Of which | speak, the
widower had resided with the youngest daughter,
"Nuw comes the Strangest part Of the story =
After an absence of thirty years, during which
time no tidings had been received from him, the
first husband returned as suddenly as he had de-
parted He had changed his ship, adopted anorh
er name and spent the whole Of that long period
of time on the 0ceau with only transient visits on
shore, while taking in or dischsrging cargo; hay
inc been careful, also, never 10 come nearer home
than New Orleans.
''Why he had acted in this unpardOnable man. |
ner toward his family no one could tell, and ne
obslinately refused all explanation. There were
strange rumorS of slave trading and piracy ahjat,
but they we're only whispers OF conjecture raiher
than truth.
'Nhatever might have teen his motive for
such conduct, he was certainly anything but IN
different to his family concerns when he returned.
''He raved like madman when informed Of
his wlte'S second marriage and subsequent death,
vowing vengeance upon his successor, and terrify
ing his daughters by the most awful threats in
case they refused 10 acknowledge his claims.
.'He had returned wealthy, and one OF those
mean reptiles of the law who are 10 be found
crawling about the halls Ol justice, advised him
10 bring suit against the second husband, assur-
nor linn that lie could recover heavy damages
rhe absurdity of lnstitutlng claim for wife,
ybom daalh had already released from the juris-
fiction of earthly laws, was 50 manifest that it
vas at length agreed By all parties to leave the
natter 10 be adjadged by five referees.
..lt was on bright and beautiful afternoon in
7riug that we first met to hear the singular case
:, S,nlrht streamed through the dusty win
ne Se court room. and shed halo around
~I 1oOg Srav ocks aud broad orehead of the de-
,e odan4 us While the 2aintis harsh features were
@oa" ,ro~" into still holder rSliefby the same beam
,bicb i sonened the placid cona'enance of his ad-
ersary. ou+ oIo,,,.o,
= I'D ,hnnt the matter. our hearts would have
can melted by his touching description OF the re- I
WA oC lac dsseluts husband, and the agcsy With Il