True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-04-24
geleft qale.
From Peterson's Magazine.
THE BARToN's.
4 STORY OF REAL LIFE.
STHARY L. MANY.
CONCLUDED.
CHAPTER II.
(coNcLUDED.)

CHAPTER II.
Tho windows of large, handsomely
furnished chamber we're thrown open to the
soft breczes of May, which, toying with
the light lace curtains, admitted the gold
en- day beams in picturesque alienation
with cool, deep shadows. From the garden
beneath the sweet fragrance Of early flow
err came floating on the pure, balmy air,
and from the clustering foliage Of trees
close by, the ravishing notes Of bird song
filled the apartment with melody. Sepa-
rated from the neighboring dwellings by
ita spacious garden, shut in amid shade
trees, clambering vines, and blooming
plants, the house though remarkable neith-
er for design nor architectural beauty,
presented an attractive aspect, which SEEM
ed to denote it the abode Of simple and
unpretending happiness; and the admira-
tion of the pusser by was doubtless often
clouded by an emotion Of envy toward the
fortunate occupants. 'E
All! how seldom can VIC judge rightly
by ap. .earances! a.-..l
In the most dismal haunts Of penury,
in the dila,idated novels which one passes
quictly Witha shudder of pity and disgust,
none could be found more utterly oppress-
ed withsrcal heart grief than the sad, tear
ful woman who, sitting in that pleasant
room, surrounded by gladstone sights and
sounds, sees but one object-the suffering
occupant of the couch by which she watch
es with patience that never wearies-with
love stronger than death-with agony that
wrings every fibre Of her maternal heart.
Not alone the unutterable anguish of the
mother lowering Ger her suffering, dying
child is hers there is another feeling that
renders more acute every pang-every
trial. I,
How often during the dclirium Of fever
did tho piteous sbeseechings of the little
patient for d Joy that could never more be
his, fall on her shuddering ears! How
ofton after returning consciousness would
DO thin, wasted fingers tighten about hers
the blue eyes, now unnaturally large
and brilliant, be raised imploringly to her
anxious face--while, the plaintive words,
"Mamma, won't you send for papa to see
Charlie--oh, when will he como home
againf' would wake a new throb Of an
guish. Then would she clasp him convul-
siyely in her arms with passionate caresses,
whispering the while sweet words to COM
fort the affectionate child, while on her own
wan brow the lines Of care and sorrow al.
ready traced, grew deeper and more legi-
ble. " ~,
Few months had passed since she was
moving in conscious pride amid gay and
fashionable associates, yet how few Of them
could have recognized the lively and bloom
ing Emily Barton in that sad, spiritless
woman, wasted by secret sorrow and ma
tsrnal solicitude' For many weary weeks
little Charlie had been an invalid; hope
alternately rose and fell in the anxious pa
rent; now the last glimmer Of hope had
faded from sinking soul and the uncloud,
edglory Of advancing spring--the beauty
Of that lovely day mockod her with il
cheerfulness, for q fearful presentiment
haunted her through the rosy hours, thai
with the fall Of night on natures gloriei
the darknessof bereavement would envel
ope horin gloomy clouds. And it was tt
be 50. Eor when the animation with
which the little invalid, SO long confined
TO sick bed, hailed the fair scene he hat
pined to look upon, had passed, the quick
ened Yplss as il exhausted BY its transient
animation grew feebler and lOwer chill
pallor took the place Of the momentar5
flush of joyand the signs Of approach
ing dissolution became more fearfully eyi
dent. {
Twas aftsr ! long, restless sleep thai
: the child suddenly started up and BEN
eagerly forward ii ! waiting posture, BIZ
dilated eyes fixed with wild intensity or
the doorway, the breath coming quickly