Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-10-15
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The most important matter perhaps with Charley
Mason after he had learned the state of his parents
health, was his betrothed flor she had abruptly ceased
corresponding with him time although her last letter
contained the most sincere he thought proestations
of love)
He was informed, to his astonishnent that about six
months ago she had wed stranger and was now per-
haps in the sunny cline of Italy.
Charley Mason received this announcement with re-
markable ortude, for none other had had share
of his love- Can it be possible that Clara Morton is
married ?" he would ask himself or am dreaming?
Can it be possible that she whom loved so WELL has
deceived me?" Il am glad" he would exclam, in the
next BREATH that she is married. l would scon to
marry any woman who could be false to every prnci
pie of honor and truth" He almost said, at least he
thought it, Matte Clifton will not deceive me'
| Why he said this, especially when remember that
she was but child and be twentyone years of age, we
will not pretend to divine. He the child of wealth,
rank and position in society, she poor forest girl
| 1t was not long before Matte Clifton was young,
Joyful girl, as happy gay and as cheerful lark
The next thing to be determined upon was her educa
ton, this she must have; the family could not think of
having in their house any one who uneducated and
Matte Clifton was sent to excellent institution not
very far distant from her new home.
She made such rapid progress that at the end OF the
second year, she admitted into the Freshman class
and graduated before she left the institution the young
est of the class.
Mr. Mason had determined, although she should live
In his house Matte Clifton, she should have every
advantage and attention. as though she were his own
child Her good sense prevented her from feeling even
above the station OF the poor little girl she
round her the most splendid wealth. she knew it was
not hers she was the same little humble creature that
we found her in her cottage at home.
Matte Clifton returned home, to the Joy of the whole
household. brilliant party given her, to which
all the elite of the country invited The rustic hab
its OF the country girl were gone and she stood forth the
| lady.
AS Charley Mason contrasted the beautiful woman
with the little girl of but six years ago. he could
hardly persuade himself that they and the same
person He the happest creature of the occasion
He saw to his infinite delight that she shone transcend
ant to ALL though the beauty and wealth of the whole
country were present
Quite as happy the young man, were old Mr.. and
Mrs Mason. Matte Cltons praise resounded through
out the country and her name her wit and beauty
the topics OF conversation in every circle. She was
enved by her sex, and her acquaintance court
ed by the opposite.
But change, sad change came over the spirit of
their dreams. Mrs Mason, the kind mother, the aec
tonate friend and the accomplished lady, must die.
terrible epidemic, which had lately swept the coun
try destroying thousands upon thousands in its tran
had laid violent hands upon her, and death seemed to
stare her in the face All that medical skill could do
did not avail anything, Tor her case hopeless.
By day and by night Matte Clifton kept her steady
vigil by the bedside Of the dying woman, at times read
ing to her from the divine Scriptures at others holding
out to her the last ray of hope.
She was one day reading her that beautiful verse,
which says, Though walk through the valley Of the
shawdow of death, fear not, for thy rod and thy sta
they comfort me- when she thought she heard the death
struggle hastily throwing aside her Bible she to
the bedside of her beneactress. Alas too true. She
passed from earth to heaven without groan Angels
in Heaven were rejoicing for one more was added to
their number The very house that had so lately been
the of joy and festivities now, in the space Of
twelve short days. u house of mourning.
AS might have been expected this sad event produced
serious effect upon old Mr.. Masons health it was ev
ident to all, and to than himself that his
health fast declining and that long he too must
pass away. In a conversation with his son, but few
days before his death, he informed him that he was a.
ware his end was fast approaching; that few short
days or weeks at most and his weary feet must sink to
everlasting rest that could he be assured of one
event. he had to ask of earth but would await
the dreadful summons Of death-hat was to see Charley
Clifton man and wife.