Oroville daily Butte record., 1856-12-12
Omuille Daily l5ntte Retorh.
MARY ELTON.
A TALE OF WILKsBARRE.

Darkness never ushered in q night
so tempestuous as the one previous to
the morning on which Mr.. and Miss
Elton were to return. The storm-ging
reigned in all his fury. The snow des-
cended in thick flakes, and the wind
howl9d as if Eblis' demons were chant
ing their Internal chorus. Massive
hail-stones pelted pitiless against the
windows, whose sounds added drearI-
nee to the sad music. Oh, it was such
a night as checks the sinner in his mad
career, and turns his thoughts to God |!
The heavinesi Of my sonl was in
creased by the magnitude Of the storm.
| felt as if each blast that whistled past
my door, bore tale of sadness with
which | was inscperably connected.
1t was a long, long, dreary night, but
still it had morrow.
A few hours sleep helped to greatly
revive me, aud | arose in the morning
feeling much better than | had since
Mary's departure. The storm had
partially subsidized, and felt the won't
ed vivacity ofmy temperament return.
Besides, was not my well-beloved to
come home to-day, and then what JOY
We would experience, when We clasped
each other again. Oh yes, the foolish
weakness must give way in the pres
ence of my idol, whose face for me is
ever sunshine and gladness.
At the hour when they were expect
ed to return, | went to Mr.. Elton's and
sat down in his comfortable rarlor,
anxiously awaiting their arrival. |
had not been seated long, when one eff
the domestics opened the door and an
nounced that Mr. Elton's sleigh was
coming down the street.
Nv features and feelings instantly
frightened up. | thought how foolish
I had been to allow myself to give way
to unnecessary and nnfounded fears,
and started for the door.
The horses had already stopped in front
Of the house, and when | arrived on
the balcony, l saw Mr.. Elton still re,
naming in his position holding the
reins. Mary had not seen mo yet.
Her attention was attracted to some
thing Immediately in front of her. |
involuntarily remained on the piazza a
moment to enjoy the sight of that bean>
tiful young maiden, blooming with fhe
roseate hue of health, and the hale,
staid and venerable visage OF her faith
er. He had evidently experienced diff
ficultv in restraining the impetnasity Of
his crays, as he was still holding in
the reins, waiting for some one to open
the carriage-housc gate.
I quickly ran and opened it, and
then went towards the sleigh. was
very much astonished at the indffer,
ence with which they treated my pres.
encc, neither of them deigning to no.
tice me. What had | doue to merit
this coldness ? Nothing. They could
not have seen me. | went close to
Mary and rendered my epen arms. She
needed me not.
"Welcome back to Wilkesbaae, Miss
Elton"
But I received no answer. \ hor-
rible thought crossed my mind. No |!
no, 1t cannot be Heaven is too boun-
teous, too merciful to lend ITS piercing
elements to such a deed. | approach
still closer. Her eye>ball> are fixed
and CLASSY, her lips livld. He, too, Is
motionless -! Great God! They are
frozen TO death.
Some two years since, whilst on a
tour through the Atlantic States, L
chanced to visit Pennsylvania, and re-
mained several days at Wllkcsbarre.
I there formed the acquaintace OF an
old gentleman who had lived long
time in that place. and enqulred II he
knew anything OF the foregoing h'sto,
ry. He informed me that nc had
known all the parties and that the mar
rative was strictly true.
"Howeuer,'' said he elf you will
come with me to yonder churehyard, |
will show Won the graves of Mr.. Elton