The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1858-09-30
Written especially for the Winchester Home Journal
W0MANS TRUSTFULNESS;
OR,
The FATHERS II EVENG t..
by FINLEY JOHNSON.

a brow, around which, like Grea
clan Virgins, was braided by her CLOS
sy hair. Her neck and bust were so ex
quisitc, that they might have beer
chiscllcd in ivory. But above all
even above the rich pouling lip, was
the smile that lighted her countcnanct
when she spoke. Her voice was a,
the warbling OF u bird, and as the
tone so sweet fell upon the ear, il
appeared as if an angel had spoken
She was admired by all, but her heart
remained untouched until James Fin
ley crossed her path.
James was by nature formed fol
woman's admiration. lie was ofthal
class which SO often takes the heart
by storm, ere the voice of reason has
time to be heard. On seeing Mary
he had marked her out for his victim,
He saw that her simple and coniilins
disposition would render the acquire.
mcnt Of her affections an easy task,
and her love once gained, he was sure
Of the rest. lie was by her side day
by day and night by night, and sought
every opportunity ofbcing in her com.
pany. Thinking that his affection
was pure, she gave up to him the
treasures Of her heart. She loved
and with a woman's faith believed
him. Time passed on-Shc was in
the coils Of the snaAe-Shc loved, and
was betrayed.
lie promised to marry her again
and again, bat as the period approach,
ed, it would again be postponed. She
pressed him with all the language OF
lore, but he always cvadrd the qucs.
ton, and soon she found herself a
mother, before she became IA wife.
flames" said she one day, "wilI you
fix the day of our marriage! 1t is
cruel to delay it,"
"les, dearest, next week. By-thc-
by, has Jackson sent home that shawl
| ordered for you!'
"les, but my mind has been so en-.
gagged on other subjects that have
not looked at it,
"Of what have you been thinking"
"Oi the day of our MARRIAGE
"Now, don't be uneasy, Mary, that
time will soon come
$50 you have said before"
"Dont tease me. Can't you harp
on something else"
james, answer me. For the last
time, ask you--am | to be yon
vile or not!' and as she spoke, her
eyes flashed with excitement.
"Why--arc you not now my wiIe'
What are the cold ceremonies Of the
world! They cannot bring love-
They will not bring us more happi-
ness. Thcy-"
"Slop' interrupted Mary, "your
sophistry amounts to nothing. ! ask
you to keep yourpromlsc of marriage,
not so much Oh my own account, as
that Of our child.'
WcII, dearest, ext week we will ar.
range matters
She was happy-she believed--but
her hopes, alas! were to be blasted.
Months rolled on. James Finley
deserted his victim, and scorn and con.
tempt met her on every side. They
who should have spoken words of con-
ISOLATION unto her, passed her by with
insulting cpithets. She could not
brook the sorrowiul gaze of her aged
father, nor meet the scorniul look OF
her acquaintance, and 50 one day
she disappeared from her home.
Weeks and months came and went
yet Mary was heard not of; every
search aud every endcavor to obtain
tidings Of her, proved fruitIess, but
vet the bcreavcd father never uttered
a word Of reproach against her. He
became AN altered man, neglected his
business, and iorsook all OF his former
associates and companions.
1t was II cold and bitter evening in
the depths Of winter that he went 10
see if the door of his stable was las
tened. and as he entered, he iancled
he heard a low mourn, as If from a
person in distress. On gazing aroun d
him, he was surprised to see a woman
living on the ground, partly covered
with the straw.
"Poor thing" he uttered, "thinc is a
hard lot. Let me liit you in my arms
and carry you to the house" He
stopped down TO take her up, when,
as his eyes fell upon her face, he star
ted back and shrieked.
"My God what do | seel it is Mary.
She is dying, and no one is near to as.
sist me. Mary, my child, speak to
me. 1t is your old father. For Gods