The Nevada Democrat., 1856-08-27
From Harper's Magazine.

Some years ago member of the u. S. SEN
ate, distinguished not only for his talents but
his fine personal appearance, was seated in a
richly furnished parlor in the city of Washing
ton. engaged in lively conversation with one
of the most amiable and accomplished married
ladies that ever honored our national capitol
with her presence. The subject was the COM
mon, and most agreeable one of marriage; and
the lady, with beautiful enthusiasm natural to
her character, was impressing upon the notice
of her distinguished bachelor FRIEND the claims
of young female friend, whose position in So
ciety, amiable disposition, and liberal education
emnently rendered her fit to be the wife of a
distinguished statesman, who had seemingly seen
too many years without proper companion to
divide his honors and bear with him the ills of
life.
The gentleman, who had for q long time en-
tered with hearty good will into the half seri-
ous and half playful conversation, suddenly be-
came excited, ard remarked, that he could, on
such subject, bear all that was said in jest, but
when serious arguments were brought to urge
him to change his condition, then his reply must
be-that to love he could not, for his affections
were in the grave.
The lady was struck with the Senator's man
ner, and surprised that throughout her long ac-
quaintance with him she never expected that he
had found time amidst the struggles of labo-
rious profession and high political position, to
to ''fall in love-" With the Establishments only
known to the sex, and with curiosity prompt
ed by the kindest of hearts, she asked for an eX-
PLANTATION Of this seeming mystery, and the gem
tlemen for the moment overcome by the el0-
quence of his interlocutor, explained as follows:
''It was my good fortune, soon after entered
upon the active duties Of my profession, to en-
tha off of oip oil lgn
graced with beauty of person, and high social
position. Her mother, her only living parent,
was ambitious; and, in thoughtless desire to
make an alliance of fashion, opposed the union
OF her child with one who had only his talents,
and the future to give in return for so much
beauty and wealth. The young lady, however,
was more disinterested; mutual VOWS of attach
ment were exchanged, correspondence and
frequent personal interviews succeeded, and the
future seemed to promise most happy consum-
nation of all our wishes AT that time had
Just commenced, under favorable circumstances,
my profession in my native town, and, making
some character, was finally engaged as counsel
In suit of Importance, before one of the courts
holden in the city of Philadelphia. The Oppor-
tunity was favorable to make an impression if |
possessed the ability to do so; and / gladly ac-
cepted the position, and bent my whole energies
write frequently to one who divided my heart
with my business duties and to receive frequent
epistles in return, set out for Philadelphia, ex-
pectng to be absent at most, not more than two
weeks. The laws delays, however, detained
me month beyond the anticipated times and.
although succeeded beyond my most sanguine
expectations, and established myself in posi-
tion before the highest court of my native state.
my triumphs were dashed that in all the times
thus engaged, had not received line from
Lancaster, instead of which, the atmosphere was
filed with such rumors that the person on whom
had set my affections had been seduced into
ambitious designs of her thoughtless parent. and
that had been discarded thing could not
believe, and yet the dreadful silence seemed to
endorse.
"At last, released from my engagement, |
took the usual, and in those days, the only con
yeyance to Laneaster--the stage The idleness
consequent upon travelling gave time for con-
suming thoughts, and my suspense became pain
full to the last degree, and, unable to bear the
slow pace OF my conveyance, l determined to
anticipate the usual time of my journey by maxi
ing the last miles upon horseback In CARRYING
out this determination mounted o feet steed.
but just as / reached the suburbs of nv native
place, the animal, from some unaccountable
cause, sprang from the road threw me with
force, breaking my arm and otherwise iniuring
my person. Picked up by my friends, was
conveyed helpless, and full of physical and
mental agony, to my home. Scarcely had the
surgeons performed their necessary duties, than
one, whom esteemed friend, announced to
me the gossip of the village, and, among other
things, detailed the particulars of the courtship
and engagement of the young lady whom was
80 much interested with we'll known person of a
neighboring city-a person whose claims to re-
gard, no one could dispute. These things sta
ted with such apparent good faith, connected
with that fearful silence of six long weeks, had
no other effect than to increase my anxiety to
unravel the mystery; and on the following NOR
ming concealng my wounded limb under cloak
probably pale and haggard, presented myself
at the mansion of my mistress. was received
In the presence of the mother. She confirmed
my suspicious. The young lady stood by, the
picture of despair, yet silent as the grave. Des-
perate at what seemed this bad faith. return
ed to my house, wrote hasty letter demanding
my correspondence, and returning at the same
time, every once cherished token of Affection
Ireceived all sent for, save, perhaps, some for
gotten flower.
"That night the young lady, accompanied by
a female servant left for Philadelphia. Arriv-
ing at her uncle's house, she complained of be-
ing fatigued with her journey, and retired to
her room. Complaining of some serious pain.
only soothed by narcotics, she sent her faithful
but unsuspecting servant and friend to neigh
boring drugstore for laudanum, received il. ex-
pressed wish to be alone, and seemingly re-
tired TO sleep. The following morning not ma
King her appearance, the family became alarm
ed, broke open Che door, and found the young
lady dead--in her hands the little keepsake re-
tanned from my correspondence. The uncle. as
II comprehending the particulars which led to
this dreadful tragedy, had the body encofined.
and with i returned to Lancaster. Placing ali
that remained of this once lovely being in the
parlor, he brought the mother forward. and dis
played what he was pleased to term, the result
of her work.
Il was sent for, and arrived to witness the
eloquent agony of that mothers heart Over
the coldremains of that daughter she revealed
the particulars that led to the awful result
MY letters and hers, by untiring industry. the
command Of large resources and paid agents