Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-12-22
DARKNESS AND DAWN.
ROMANTIC INCIDENT.

Some years ago, while making brief So
j0urn in the city of Bristol, set out one eve
ming with friend for stroll through the
city. We had visited several places of inter-
est, and We were our return to our hotel,
when In passing through dark and narrow
street, female, closely mufficd in a coarse
shaHl-which, thrown over her head, was
drawn around her face, so as to conceal all but
her eyes-hurriedly crossed over from the op-
posite side OF the way, and accosted us in
accents of despair.
s.Gentlemen, for the love of Heaven, give
me money! Ny mother is dying Of hunger,
and | have not wherewith to purchase NOR
eel OF food -
We were both struck with the tone of her
voice, for, though agitated by feeling Of deS-
rerstion, it had peculiar sweetness, and her
language was that of one both educated and
refined.
..Do not think me inquistive,'' said my
friend, in kindly tone, as he drew forth his
purse, s'if l ask what misfortune has brought
y on to this for it is evident you are no COM
mon applicant for charity ?''
GOh! no sir-no!'' she said, shrinking back
into herself, it were; II never asked for
charity before and though have not tasted
food for, two long days, would sooner perish
than ask for it myself now; but could not
see her die, my only friend-oh, L could not
see her die -
s'Here,'' said my companion, placing a sum
in her hand which Immediately doubled.
She clutched the money like miser, and
for a moment or two completely over
powered by her emotions. Then. with chok-
ing effort, she gasped forth
Thanks gentleme9i may Heaven bless
you.''
She turned away, and took two or three has,
ty steps, and then, stopping suddenly, she
looked around, and added
''fou asked what misfortune brought ME to
this. l shall seem ungrateful if | refuse to
tell.''
.sNever mind" said my friend ''the re-
cital will give you pain, and therefore pray
you, consider the question unasked."
ssYour noble generosity overpowers me, sir. -
she rejoined, in tremulous voice, land my
pride shall give way. If you have few min
utes to spare, come with me, and you shall
know ALL
ssNay,'' said l, 'sdo not let US ntrude upon
your sorrows, unless You think we can be OF
further assistance. You welcome to the
little we have given, which should be doubled
if we had more to spare, but we have no right
to claim your secret in return"
She buried her face in her shawl, and burst
into tears.
sAlas 20 she sobbed, ssif all mankind were
thus generous, how many miserable being
might now be happy Come with me, and
hear my story l know L can trust you, and
! shall rest easier by knowing have convin-
ced you l am no impostor."
we assured her that We did not for mo-
-ment doubt of her being the victim of some
terrible misfortune; but as we might be OF
further service to her We would see her safely
home, and she might then relate her story or
not, as she should think proper.
"Follow me-" she SAID, and set of at a
1nick walk down the street, we keeping at a
respectful distance behind, and L for one.
feeling an unusual curiosity TO know some
thing more of her.
AT the next corner of the street was oil
lamp, which threw out dim light; and stand
ing near it, in listless attitude, we observed
man in the garb of a sailor, and evidently
lust from sea. AS our unknown guide drew
near him, | noticed that she seemed much
agitated and on coming up to him, to our
surprise, and apparently his, she stopped and
with n wild cry, she suddenly threw ont her
arms. clasped him around the neck, and ap-
peared to swoon upon his breast
ssSee 20 said my friend, making an abrupt
halt; sswe are duped; this is some trick ;
that girl is an imposier!
"Impossible - returned /, unwilling 10 be-
leive that such grief and misery as she repre-,
sented could be base counterfeit. fha
see ~
AS spoke, the sailor, as if in great sur
prise, partly unwound the arms OF the un-
known from his mock, raised her head, ana
looked first curiousy and then wildly into
her face, which we could see, even from where
We stood, was pale and beautiful. The next
moment he uttered wild cry 2; and quickly
throwing his arms around her now lifeless
from. he exclaimed =
"Mary my Maryl'
1t seemed to be all that he could utter, as
ne fairly to:tered with HIS fair burden, and fol
few momentswe stood dumb with amazement