True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-06-02
STEUBENVIELE,, OHIO, "WEDNESDAY, JUNE B, 1858.

s..oa1 gaaasy 9g49g 49, .woaaailag
PerhaPsyou ara in debt. j wishI had
money. All can give You issyihpashy. .
o" am cverstocked with that commod
ity," said Peter sallehly. IT is notthat,
nor amIpressed for money--but4I will
tell gyou what j need. 1t is that some
woman like yourself should loue me, l
am alone, Jane, alone and without love.
Life is'a burden. When you look upon
me, youseei ouly my deformi,y, Every
one pities me! The very beggars on the
street pass me without asking aims; the
straight, handsome men, stand straigh.er
when they see me ); the young girls toss
their heads.iif / venture to look AZ them.
But you did not do that; you gave me a
kind welcome, and | am elated BY is-
too much Idare say-but you will forgive
me for such sudden folly!
lShe had risen from her chair in silent
wonder at this ou!bursL but bis sincerity
was so evident, she did not repulse him
when he took both her hands and pressed
them in his own. 9 5lit l6fi
They stood looking intently at each
other a moment, and then Jane. said,
sa" You have surprised me much. Ho.
norable men do not usually speak in this
way. after SO short an acquaintance vel
l believe in you, believe you are good
man. Don't say any more now, but come
again. wish to be your friend.' aa.
She turned from him toward the arm
chair, where her grandmother stillreposed
She sat very quietly, and the though
struck both Peter and Jane, that il was
strange she had not been aroused with
their conversation. They stepped for.
ward az the same moment Jane touched
the withered face once twice-she star
ted and shuddered violently; then turning
to Peter with an expression Of unspeak a.
BILE grief, said in husky voice, "She's
gonetr0ns me. Mr.. Leonard ~
Peter said nothing, but as his arms helt
the faintiDg form Of the orphan, he fell
stronger and slaughter than ever before.
s}a CHAPTER H.,
Six months later, Peter and Jane sal
together in that same room, as man and
wife. They were Just married. GoJ
"And SO you really think you love me!''
a"Now, Peter, tits wrong in you to
require Sc many assurances of this
Should | have consented to be your wife
if Lhad not loyediyoul" r .lii4
"Forgive me, my Jane--but it is so
hard to believe--I cannot yet understand
it," a e.a 8gi al
Scan you not place yourself in my
posltion,dear Peter; receiving for months,
every kindness and affectionate attention
from,a man who loved you constantly.
who. from the time you lost your last
earthly friend. became to you brother,
father, protector; supplied you with
books, flowers, dilicacies when i'll, con-
tinuallyapfoying I'd you that his mind was
all refinement and intelligence--always
guiding well your thoughts and sentiments
and, In fact, showing himself everything
that is,excellent, and as fine gentleman,
too, as though he had been in the best
society, and brough. up in luxury ~
Peter observed her carefully. nThen
imagine this dear companion absent from
you q month, az you were from me- ~
Would not life seem very dreary without
him3 Now, be- honest, dear Peter ~ SIS
Peter listened; while touching her soft
hair, in silent rapture. He was realizing
his tardy recompense. But SO many
years OF distrust and crushed hopes could
not be entirely overcome by a few months
Of happiness. He could not fully per-
suade himself that Jane had not, by some
accident, learned, previous to their mar.
riage. bis real position and wealth, so
jealous was be other sincerity. si.aao /
She waited a moment, and then looked
up and smiledasa rt5tama 6a9ss h.
"Let !. be as you say, my dear wife.
lfmy deformed--" !, 1ssl5aoS o9
aJsne covered his mouth with herhand.
HPeter you are as God made you. ~
lie has given yout me, and ] thank
Him. s a,a ro 7sN f8 Si
Peter took her in his arms, and they
were SILENT At last he said, "Jane, now
that weare married. we will try 10 find a
better room. / think can pay higher
rent. and gradually add to our little stock
of furniture. aoMg5t % l5 jGq5e,sf igs,
Jane arose quietly and took her sewing.
.Unless you dislike this room; Peter, |
would ratherkeep il than rnoyeio another.
Il was here my old grandmother died,
and III was here you visited me and
taught me. The pIaceis fuli Of pleasant
memOries." Her eyes filed with tears,
which she quickly brushed away. "But,
Peter. more furniture would BE- excelleni
"A secondhand carpet would cheer up
the room amazingly" e'lltsa
"Thsn we win not move al present,
Jane but when the fall weather advances,
we will speak of Il again. Ii il late, and
the.lightls dim. My wife will spoil her
eyes if'she works any more to.night,-T--
Put il away y
81. CHAPTER III, \ y Y. ,...,. ...'',, ~.
AEorHER SIX monthspsssed on. qpeisr