The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-01-25

the acquaintance and then become the
intimate friend Of Madame Daacour.
While keeping me a: freezing dis.
tance, and insisting on having always
present at our interviews half servant,
half companion, of that indescribable
age, and figure, and appearance that is
only grown in France, she step by step
confded 10 me her history. ~
An English girl born in France, the
daughter Of war prisoner at Nerdum,
she was married 10 the very handsome
Monsieur Daacour at sixteen, by a
mother who was herself anxious 10 make
a secoDd marriage.
kID Twelve months, Monsieur Dalacourt
had spent her small fortune and deserted
for an opera dancer of twice her age
All this, told with charming accents in
melancholy tones-she looked on me sad.
ly with face which, for expression, l
have never seen equalled-produced an
impression, which those only can under.
stand who have been themselves young
and in love.
For weeks this went on, without one
sign Of encouragement on her part, ex.
cept that she allowed me 10 sit with her
evenings, while she continued at some in.
terminable work, and she sang-oh how
divinely! She would receive no present
directly from me; but sent them anony.
mously and dresses and furniture, and
costly trides, and books reached her
daily. .. .....
spoke at last; and then she slapped
me with cold and faint smile. saying.
Cease, | must not listen to you"
She pleaded her too recent widowhood,
but | persevered, and after a very long
time conquered.
She knew my small fortune and large
expectations; she knew that our marriage
must be a secret; but she was willing to
live anywhere, and was well content to
quit life in which she had known SO
much trouble. .... ....... .......
Before the session ended. we were
married in an obscure church in the city,
with no one present but the clerk and
the pew opener. We spent the following
days at small fishing village. Then |
had TO leave town and carry out the plan
| had proposed. left my wife in lOdg.
ings under an assumed name at a town
within forty miles of our residence.
l had some time previously persuaded
my uncle to lei me take lease from Lord
Mardell OF some untouched mineral
ground, on very favorable terms in a
wild, thinly peopled district which was
only visited by the gentry for being away
from home one or two days every week.
Not far from the mines were the re.
mains of forest, and coverts abounding
in game. In a sloping dell, one Of Lord
Mardell's s ancestors had built shooting
lodge, and one OF the keepers in charge,
being the son Of the gardener, had plan.
ted some fruit and ornamental trees. On
this wild nest, miles away from any other
residence, | had fixed my mind.
It was half in ruins, and there was no
difficulty in obtaining possession. With
money and workmen at my command,
very soon a garden smiled, and an or
chard budded at Orchard Spring; roses
and climbing plants covered the steep
bill ll.side, and the small stone cottage was
made, at a slight expense, a wonder Of
comfort. The cage being ready, bro't
my bird there. The first months were
all Joy and happiness.
My uncle only complained that had
lost my jovial spirits.
counted every day until the day when
could mount my horse and set off for
the new mines. Five and twenty miles
to ride over a rough mountain road; two
fords to cross, often swelled by winter
rains; but day or night, moonlight or dark,
| dashed along; pressing loo often my
willing horse with loose rein up and down
steep hills; and lost in love and anxious
thought, rode, until in the distance the
splashing sound Of the mountain torrent
rolling over the garden cascade, told me
| was near my darling.
My horses footsteps were heard, and
before had reached the shaded avenue
the door flew open, and the bright fire
Ulazed out, and Laura come forward to
receive me in her arms.
| had begged her to get everything she
might require from London, and have it
sent, to avoid all suspicion, to the near
est port, and then brought by her own
servant, country clown, with horse
and cart, and had given her blank
o'clock A. w: an ..
O'Clock M. Returning leave Jackson at Al
o'clock P, NJ, and arrive at Portsmouth at
O'Clock P. NJ.
Train No ., leave Jackson at q o'clock A
NJ and arrive at Portsmouth at II o'clock A
M. Returning, leave Portsmouth, 211a ?, Nj
and arrive at Jackson at o'clock P. NJ.
J. w. WEBB, Superintendent.
August 10, "a 90