The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-11-07

~, gregated centuries Of the past; yet no I'll
II ings came Of Capt. p; no, not even pro-
,e able conjecture concerning the dark .myst
"A ries Of his fate.
;. Time. that changes all things, had VOL
a away the acuteness Of Mrs. Potter's grie
=. which was far moro intense than 1t woul
have been had she wept at hi. grave, an
# known that the last moment Of her HUSBAND
, had ,een soothed by affection.
Q As this last voyage Of the Captain SCENE
2 to be the unknown coast, she was called tn
widow Potter. Having q splendid mansion
and country seat of great value, her ham
q was sought by many, and as often rejected
a untila bachelor, who had resisted the charm
Of womankind for more than quarter Of I
century, was smitten with the loveliness o
this worthy matron, or with the comelines
Of her possessions. She at length consented
that her name should be changed to Morane
The bridal day was appointed, and arrange
ments were made to greet the coming perioc
with due festivity and mirth. The gossip.
began to be more loquacious than usual
every tattler had her tale Of weddings to tell
even the phlegn'atie began to surmise that
something unusual was about 70 be done OF
the mansion Of the widow Potter.
Late in the afternoon Of cold, stormy
day in November, pennyless beggar called
at neighboring house and inquired wheth-
er the widow Potter lived In that part Of the
city. His appearance denoted the most eI.
trene poverty his cmaciated form was re-
duced to almost o skeleton-deep burrows
were drawn in his checks, and his totterins
frame seemed to bo stifsned in every joint by
disease and hardship. Yet there was some
thing in his eye that told he was born to q
better fortune.
'Yes,' said his informant; 'at tho very
next door, and tonight she Is to be mar
ried.'
IL to be marriedy said the beggar.-
'How long has her husband been dead?'
these many long years he went Of to
sea, and has not been heard Of since
'How has she sustained herself since her
husbands death?'
She has an unbleinished character
'One daughter only, who has become q
fine young lady
Il must see her before she is married l
have some communications of Importance to
make to her.
So saying, he hurried rs fast as his feeble
limbs would carry him, to the splendid man
sion of the widow. The maid in attendance
being summoned, and seeing bcggar before
her, was about to shut the door against him
but he interrupted her by saying:
Madam, may bessar bo permitted to
SEQ the widow Potter2'
we expect company tonight answered
the maid, therefore you must leave imme-
dmtely.'
The widow Potter I must see, rejoined
the beggar, interrupting her.
The maid who would have been glad to
dismiss her unsishtly guest ut this juncturc
began to be somewhat angry, and passion
ately exclaimed, 'Begone! we can't hear
you now.'
But the man of want was still more i'm.
Fortunate rightly thinking he was not like
ly to gain an admitance without making
known his errand, accosted the maid still
more earnestly.
"Young woman, I have some things of
Importance to communicate to the mistress
Of this mansion, which were given to me in
trust by Captain Potter, the former piopri.
etor Of this place.
At the mention Of this he was permitted
to enter. The lady who seemed to be Mrs.
Morane, was informed that rude begsar
had some information for her, and desired
to see her Immediately, whereupon she arose
to meet him, but Morane, who could not
bear to have his intended bride absent for u
moment. demonstrated.
Let him be called in, said he; il ho has
any secrets to reveal, let US hear them to-
gether.'
Accordingly hc was shown into the apart
ment where sat Mr.. Morane, lls. Potter,
and her daughter.
'From whence have you wanderedg ask.
cd Mrs. Potter. ..... ....rE.
From the vile sh ores Of Barbary.'
Doubtless you have suffered much; cruel
people inhabit those regions
Much have suffered; was once in
easy circumstances, but alas the elements
have sported with the viscillating frame."
Yes deep are the lines OF hardships which
are marked on the furrowcd cheeks
The wandcrer gazed on the young Miss
Potter and was observed to weep.
why those tears, hapless old manT in
quired Mrs. Potter. .s. ..
'Ah!' rejoincd tho tremulous voice of the
bcggar, Il once had daughter, who might
have been what she is now, but since the
third birth day dawncd on her cherub form,
these eyes have never beheld her.
Come, come CALCULATED, Moane, who
was ANXIOUS that the intruder should de-
part, 'lct us have your tale Of secrecy
1T shall be given to Mrs. Potter, and to
her alone.
That cannot be- muttered Monne.
But have made promise r...
What OF your promiseT
ut is sacred as my life.' ..i.'-
well, speak and DEPART said Morane.