Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-07-23
CAAPTER xxi.



cation. So it was with the little party assem-
bled at Arthur Willis residence the next da,
after the arrival of Samuel Irving and hii
fair companions.
Rosa had been restored to her guardian as
pure aud as lovely as on the night she hat
been sedueed to leave the scenes of so mucl
happiness; and the old man was in ecstacy
at her return. Smiling faces might have beer
seen that day, where nothing but sorrow hat
dwelt for months before. Seusualists may
prate about happiness produced by artiflcia
means, but the true fountain of pleasure
wells up in the bosom spontaneously wher
the sympathies are properly awakened. 1t il
at the meeting of old friends-at the returr
of truant hearts-at the mingling of severa
spirits that this kind of joy is made manifest
Filled with varied emotions the friends en-
joyed social tete a tete in one of the spacious
parlors of Arthur Willis. Samuel felt him
self at home in this southern paradise
Though bright fancies fitted across his brain
ideal in the reality around him to give tingt
of romance to existing circumstances.
The time flew by ON the wings of the wind
and all seemed to enjoy themselves in a man
| ner that gave ample proof that the future
was to produce happiness,
Seated side by side, in that name vine-cad
veranda that the reader was first introduced to
Mr.. Willis, sat Samuel Irving and that vene.
rable gentleman.
| It was evening, and the same gorgeous sun
set FURNISHED the beautiful scenery around.
The old man was the first TO break the
silence.
"Mr. Irving, know not how to thank you
| for the inestimable favor you bave conferred
upon me in the most trying circumstances
that ever surrounded me-"
Samuel seemed embarrassed and making nc
reply modestly bowed.
| The old man continued Sc This is the sec
ond misfortune that has befallen me during a
long life which has had but little to vary it.h
| He paused for moment as if to consider
whether he had better proceed with the nara
tive OF an event which the reader is already
acquainted with or not he drew deep sigh
and, looking vacantly at the scenery around,
proceeded:
"That was indeed, trrible shock. She
was so dear to me that could scarcely have
believed that she could have treated me so.
But times and things change and with them
affections as well as every thing else have
their rise and fall. Oh! that l could once
L. 4,
body in the silent tomb 1t would be a graft
fication that can hardly expect
Samuel listened with earnest attention tc
his CALCULATIONS to see if he could learn theii
mysterious meaning. But he could not solve
the enigma. Curiosity once excited in the
mind is not so easily allayed without first be.
| ing gratifled. Such was the case at present
Samuel was determined to know what the
weight of sorrow was that preyed on the old
mans mind, and iii order to secure this desid-
eratum he looked steadfast in his face, as il
he wished to read his very thoughts. tear
dimmed the veterans eye, and glow of ami
nation suffused his checks. He returned the
young mans gaze as though he desired to
fathom the deepest recesses of his heart to
see if sympathetic honesty dwelt in that
fountain of either love or treachery.
| AT this juncture Ida entered but observing
the earnestness of both parties was about to
retire, when she was motioned to a seat by
the old man.
| Mr.. Willis clasped his brow, as if a sharI
pang had pierced his brain, and remair1 J
his head buried in his hands for a men
1t was but transitory and the old man turned
to Ida-while tear trickled down his check
mildly said "Young lady you very mucl
resemble person who was once very dear tt
me; one who was the companion of my youn
ger years. the gay spirit that presided ovel
my home, and made perfect paradise of m,
existence. But she proved recreant to my
happiness and left me alone in the world
Pleasure is but fitting meteor in life tina
glitters a moment before our enraptured sen
ses and then vanishes, and leaves every thint
as dark as before. She too vanished unde
circumstances na5 the most creditabe to oithe
her or me but hope she is happier in he
new abode bhan she could possibly be witt
me. However, there is one thing can hard
ly forgive her for; she has never written t.
me, since she left my house"
"Do you really think look like the per
son you speak of and who has probably yer
unnecessarily caused you much somowfo In
luired Ida.
SO much so,'' replied the old man, "tha
had you sixteen or seventeen years more o
your side mightha mistaken you for her.
Probably Mr.. Irving can show you portal
of one much elder than myself, who woul
recall the appearance, of the person you spok
of, more distinctly than do"
At this suggestion Samuel retired a fe'
minutes and producing portfolio, selected
full length portrait, which he held up befoi
, the gaze of Mr.. Willis.
His eye brighteaed-a crimson glow suffr
sed his checks, and he would have fallen
, to the floor if the activity of samuel had nc
prevented it. A moment more and cali
, ssrsnity played over his benign countenanc
--Mr. Willis was himself again. But h