Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-12-09

toned the subject One thing noticed, which
excited surprise in my mind, and that was
unable to account for. From the night re-
jected his offer, his coldness toward Charles
decreased, and they appeared more intimate than
before Charles promotion.
Shortly after this was again sought in mar
riage. and this time by Charles | accepted
him, for my feelings told me that he possessed
those qualities of mind and disposition which
were calculated to make a wife happy, The
day for our marriage was appointed, and prep
arations made for the bridal. 1t was not
public display, but few of our friends being in
vited-among them Claude. He appeared as
gay as ever to others. but l could detect a
shadow upon his brow whenever Charles was
near me. As the ceremony was over, Claude
approached, and as he took my hand within
his own, it trembled violently.
Iou nave noble Husband, 19Gs,el,' he
remarked. No doubt he will make you hap
pier than could have DONE God grant it,.
thanked him, and shortly after he left the
room. For months he never entered our home,
though he often received invitations from
Charles to do SO, When urged to come no al
ways urged some other engagement as cause
for his absence. A child was given US, and as
our affections day by day clung more closely
around it, | saw in it the semblance of its
father s features
"And what became of him %
He was taken from us by One Who doeth
all things well,' replied Mrs. Archer with
emotion. The blow fell heavily upon us
both, and for a time your father bowed beneath
it. AT length the dific ulties between the two
governments assumed such a serious aspect that
he was ordered to depart from port for the spot
where an action was expected to occur. Though
he was evidently panied to leave me, yet saw
he was eager for the service, for it would par
TALLY Danish sorrow from his mind. He de-
parted, and as had been anticipated, an en-
gagement took place. His superior skill and
bravery won for him the commentator of the
officers, and the Admiral went so far as to com
pliment him in person. He was now but seldom
at home, and the hours | passed during his
absence were lonely ones.
One night sat in my room, gazing far out
upon the sea, thinking of him whose image
was ever present before my mind, when the
servant brought In the evening mail. There
were several letters, and upon one | recognized
my husbands handwriting. Never until deatf
obiterates all things from my memory shall
forget the anguish ! experienced as | read tha
letter. He wrote that a conspiracy to delive
the ship into the hands of the enemy had beer
detected just on the eve of its consummation
and lac was arrested, charged with the crime 0
being its adthor. My heart told me that j
was false, that it was the work Of an enemy
' but a feeling that he would be pronouncet
guilty, came over me. He closed his letter will
the assurance that although appearances wer
! against him, he was confident he should, ulti
: mately, be able to establish his innocence be
> yond doubt. | felt that the words wer
penned to quiet my apprehensions in regard t
his safety. | awaited in feverish anxiety hi
" arrival home for he had obtained permission
Il visit me ere he had his trial He came, but al
how changed His face bore a haggard lool
;. and every lineament bespoke despair. Yet
~ tried to be cheerful, and as he babe me good-b,
said
DO not fear for my safety, Mabel. l sha
. soon rejoin you.
) l watched the ship till it was lost in tt
distance That was our last meeting "
" She paused, while the tears flowed like raj
~ down her cheeks. But not so with Mabel 81
:, sat motionless as MARBLE her gaze fixed vacant
- upon her mothers face. Yet she heard evel
y word, and they were like daggers to her vel
lie soul.
e. The time came for his trial, resumed Nh
Archer, and oh, what agony suffered, as ii
IL hours flew slowly by. Each moment seemed q
~ age, when realized that a week must clap
% ere could learn the result But the time Can
lis at last, and one afternoon as | sat as usua
~ gazing upon the ocean, | deserted vessel col
" ing toward the harbor l knew it was to bril-
10 me news from your father Was he convicted
In knelt down, and prayed to God that if co
10 vessel came to anchor, and soon after, Clau
II. came slowly toward the house. met him
"t the door, and his very looks told me of yo
'o father s fate. At sunset on the morrow he W
~ to die, and far away from his side, depriv
'0o of the privilege of comforting him in his Ii
'o' moments. Oh what torture racked my bra
gu as thought of this. l prayed God that
he would permit me to die. 1t was an impo
Gu prayer, but in the moments excitement knt
10 not what did or said. Claude brought me
" letter from your father. Would you read
JIG Mabel"
" "Yes," said Mabel.
's- go to the other room, and in my writn
II" case, there you will find it.
Mabel went out, and soon returned with sn
10 mahogony writing case, richly carved, and
on laid with gold and pearl Mrs. Archer unloc
ed it, and took out u package of letters.
'a' looked at them one by one, till at length $
'o' came to one whose appearance gave evidence
Oh its frequent perusal. This she handed to Nab
me and returned the rest to the case. The let
'ed bore no date, and was apparently written
as' haste
Sh " Read it aloud, Mabel" said Mrs. Arch
Vas Mabel opened it and began
VI" DEAR MAnEL:-The fearful emotions agitate IN,
me begin pen this, the last letter you will
rst from My trial is ended, and am condemned to
,od one week from tonight.
little thought when hade you adieu that circumst
Ugh ces would ranspro as they have and that you
Was greet again. But thus 1t is, and though In
ay sight of God innocent Of the charges brought aga