The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-04-02

evil might have been averted. But, sir,
the idea never occurred to you that the
parent who has watched with the fondest
solicitude his only boy from his cradle to
manhood, might feel an interest in the
future welfare Of that boy-it never oc.
cured TO you that he might have formed
hopes and expectations for him that could
not be severed with impunity and the
destruction Of which, would not fall less
heavily now, because he had nourishcd
them for years, and had grappled with
countless difficulties to effect their realiza.
ton"
Stop sir, beg you," answered Ed
ward imploringly: 81 cannot hear you
npbraid me thus, without an effort to JUS.
'Ity, or at least to palliate my conduct. |
will lay every circumstance bare to YOU,
and will make any sacrifice that docs not
conflict with my honor"
II IS entirely unnecessary, sir, 10 enter
into details, as you yourself have declared.
lhc facts are apparent, and in my opinion
no excuse can justify them. care not
who 1t isl do not even ask the name OF
the distinguished lady who has elected
from you such laudalory encomiums-
whether she be of pcbian or aristocratic
birth, IS also Il matter of Indifference TO
me it is enough to know that nv natus.
al prerogativc has been disregarded-mv
feelings have not been consulted and sir,
1t is now for you to say whether this boy
lslI fancy will be repudiated, or wheth ,r
YOU will incur my INST palediction, and
d'sarpoint the last earthly hope OF your
Saintcd mother"
oh sir. let me beg you not to force
this Alternative upon me now. WHY do
YOU mention my mothers name I Would
she counsel me to desert her whom | have
promised to love and cherish forever!
cannot believe that she would sanction
such a course"
ASK yourself the question, sir, whether
she would be likel Y to sanction your cul-
pable dlsoIediencc. She with the true
inSt'rct Of maternity, participated in a de-
sign that had for its Object your future
wcIiare-her last prayer was for your
happiness and you, thanliless boy, cannot
make what YOU consider n sacrifice, and
persist in disobeying her dying injunc.
tons"
"Father!' said Edward in an agony of
despair, falling upon his knees before his
parent: IL would make any sacrifice were
| alone concerncd--l would renounce all
hopes Of ever being happy; but |, ask You
sir, IL all candour, can ,rample upon the
heart Of her whom | profess to love, and
perhaps destroy her happiness forever (?
: Would YOU not spurn your son who had
been guilty OF such dishopora4,e con,
duct"
Rise sir ~ said his father with un.
melting stcrnncss "your position is un-
becoming a man; neither can my feelings
be moved to act contrary to my judgment,
and repeat, will you renounce this pal.
try connection, or will you not. I"
The pside Of Edward was again touch.
cd. Calmly he confronted his father and
replied in firm voice:
Since, sir You cannot enter into nv
feelings, nor listen to the prompiings OF
my heart, | must answer you as my sense
Of Justice dictates. Were alone concern
ed would obey your injunctions, how
ever they might conflict with my inclins.
tions; but | cannot consent to cngulph
another into the whirl pool of my own
misery. | therefore renounce your pro.
position as impracticaLie and unjust"
Aud is this your irrevocable determ-
nation I" asked the Senator with fearful
calmness.
1T is !' replied I.iward with iacrcas.
ing emotion.
Then SIR continued his father, a,
only remains for me TO lid you farewell,
and wish you speedy journey from Nal.
colmrilIc: | utterly discard and repudate
you forever, and should we ever be SO un.
fortunate ss TO meet again, face TO f,ce, rs
we are Mt present.: whether it be within
the confpes. Of New England, or on the
shores Of the Pabtic-wbether upon the
summit of the Alps or on the sands of
Egypt, command YOU never 10 recoc.
nize me bu. as an utter stanger
10 BE coSrrSUgn.l