The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-06-19
perhaps to fade and die perhaps to take

root and bloom again.
About this time his mother invited tc
spend the winter with her the daughter o
"a friend. Both were anxious for their chill
dren to marry For this purpose had Mrs
Merton invited Bell Lorraine to visit her
thinking constant association would. soon
win declaration from Paul, rs in former
times Bell had been something of "a favorite
and now, rs a beautiful and accomplished
woman, he could not withstand her charms
Her wishes were soon gra;ified, Paul
having proposed, not for her heart and
hand, bu, for her wealth, which WAS to
cover his liabilities, and redeem his credit;
his property, which his mother held in
charge until his marriage, being mor,gaged
TO the fullest extent.
His mother was not ignorant of the down.
ward course he was pursuing, and thought
a wife would restrain him in that. She
was mistaken. He plunged deeper and
deeper into the vortex of dissipation, until
all hope for him was almost gone Still,
she kept the true state of affairs from the
wife, who was very miserable at her hus-
bands neglect The morning after the last
scene, Paul was well sobered. Without
hesitation, he at once made the truth
known. He was n beggar dependant for
the future upon his own exertons for sup
port. His mother ut first doubted his
statement: but n few days confirmed the
truth of this. Paul resigned all. His wife,
who truly loved him, bore all without a
murmur; but his mothers rage knew no
bounds. Her own annuity depended upon
Paul, and now that he had nothing, she
one; yet her proud spirit had to succumb
TO circumstances. They removed to a
small house, and Paul, awakened from his
dream, set to work in earnest to reform
His loss had n salu,ary effect upon him -
it showed him that happiness did not con >
sist in wealth and idleuess; but industry
brought with it its own reward "a cheerful
disposition, and sweet content.
Evellne never regretted the change; it
brought out the true character of her hus.
band, and by assiduous attention To his
every want, she won his regard and estenn,.
AS for love, that still remained with ANY
Herbert, and Eveline knew it, and she was
satisfied.
Mrs. Merton became queruious and disa
greeable. Mortified and humbied, she was
around her so too.
Amy Herbert had been called upon to
bury her grand parents; thus she WAS lef,
alone, but Heaven never forgels her own
chosen ones, aud homo was provided her,
where she enjoyed all the uxuries OF earth
and after short time, when she was calle,j
upon To lose her benc(i,c,ress. she was left
heir 10 vast wealth, which she really d;J
no, know what to do with.
True to her fist love. and ever seeking
70 do good for evil, when she heard of
faulS misfortune she queiied not for his
sake that he had to combat with the rude
world, but for his mother, who, uotwilh-
standing her many fuibles, WAS old and
unable To compete with the trials incidrn
tai 10 poverty, and out of her store Of
wealth portion was set aside for her use.
Paul wondered. and his mother exhausted
all her thinking powers TO discover the un.
known friend, but not one among their for.
mer acquaintance could they credit with so
much goodness of heart So after awhile
II ceased to be wonder Mrs Merton ii
nally saw the great mistake she had made
and the false light in which she saw the
world. Adversely had not come upon her
without working II great change though it
was not the work Of moment; she beca. he
a Christian, and blessed the day that open
ed her eyes To the great truth.
EvcIine WAS destlued for AN early grave.
and when Paul was called upon TO give her
up, he really mourned her loss. After a
suitable period lad elapsed his mother
proposed that he should seek ou; AMY
Herbert. Now, free 10 make a choice, his
heart bounded with old feelings, and he
FASTENED the ow.thalchcd cottage of ANY.
But he WAS disappointed-all was changed
The house was closed, anal all its occupants
gone, save the swallows, who still built their
nests under the caves and warbed their
matin songs as blilhely as if their old friends
still sat in the shadows of the old trees TO
listen TO them. Upon inquiry, Paul found
that Amys fortunes had changed, and un
der the name of beuefactresS. she had lived
near him in the city for moro than one
year, though he had never seen or heard
of her since their first parting year, ago
Fearing rcpul,e, lie DELAYED calling to see
her for some time, until lie could no LONGER
control his feelings, he risked all to know
if she remained true. He found brilliant
woman, ir place of the simple village mai.
den, who still retained in one corner Of her
heart her old love, and willingly accepted
his, though he had taken another to his
heart and home. Sho was happy now.
With less pomp and parade was Paul
Mertons second marriage consummated -
both hearts were, this time, made one
Mrs. Merton could not help loving the
beautiful woman who bad been faithful to
her son SO long; and it was not until long
after the wedding day that she found out
who had been the generous friend. Paul is
happy, and never has he had cause to seek
forgetfulness at the gambling table, or
drown his sorrow in the wne.cup. He
lives an honorable member of society, while
Amy's time is spent in taking care of her
A.. ~. NJ. AI...-.. A. 4