The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-03-02

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had never seen before.
But, the skeleton sat at the feast
/ could not talk, save in monosylables.
My host ate hastily-almost carelessly-
waiting upon me with many abrupt starts
and apologies.
Wine came. He drank freely. Soon
he sent the little girl and servants from
the room, and seemed striving to nerve
himself for conversation.
"You are fiom - city, l believe"
he said; nervously.
answered an affirmative.
"Did you ever know a gentleman
there by the name of-H. E. F.-w
"I knew him, sir" l said sternly,
looking him steadily in the face, "and l
know him also as n ruined, heart-broken
man."
With an ejaculation of anguish, he put
his handkerchief TO his eyes. 1t would
have seemed hypocritical, but the suffer
ing on his face was unmistakable.
Perhaps you have suspected them
he began in quivering voice.
Not calmly, but with the words of an
accuser, | told him what l had seen, and
thought, and felt.
Sir said he, in tone which shall
never forget, t" if | have sinned, God in
Heaven knows have suffered; and if in
F's bereavement he has cursed me, that
curse is fearflly fulfilled! Poor Mary is
dying-has been dying for months, and
l have known it. 1t has been for me to
see the failing step-the dimming eye
it is for me to see the terrible struggles of
her nearly worn-out frame; it is for me
to listen to her language Of remorse, that
sometimes almost drives me mad. Yes,
mad" he laid, in frenzy, rising and
crossing the floor with long, hasty strides
Then burying his face in his hands, he
exclaimed ,-"Too late-too late-I have
rcpentcd."
There was long pause, and ho con-
tinued more calmly, "No human means
can now restore my poor companion
Her moral sensibilities become more and
more acute as she fails in strength, so
that she reproaches herself constantly"
A weary, mournful sigh broke from
his lips, as if his heart would break
"Oh if he knew" he exclaimed again,
"if he knew how bitter penalty she is
paying for the outrage she is committing
upon him, he would pity her-and if L
could be, forgive"
Will you see her, siI 7"
shrank from the very thought.
"She asked for you, sir; do not deny
her request. Hearing that you came
from America, she entreated me to bring
you to her. i promised that would"
"I will 60 then."
Up the cool, wide, matted stairs, he led
me, into chamber oriental in It's beau
tiful furnishing, its chaste magnifcence.
There, half-reclining in wide easy
chair--a costly shawl of lace thrown over
her attenuated shoulders; the rich dress.
ing gown, clinging and hallowed TO the
ravages sickness had made--sat one
whose great beauty and once gentle gifts,
had made the light and loveliness of
once sacred home.
The eyes only retained their lustre;
they were woefully sunken. The blazing
fire, kindled at the vitals, burning upon
her sharpened cheeks, burned more fierce
ly, more hotly, rs she looked into my
face. / could think no more Of anger;
| could only say 10 myself:
"Oh! how sorry am for your
She knew, probably, by her husbands
manner that l was aware Of their circum-
stances.
Her first question was
"Are you going back to America,
sirg"
The followed voice startled me. /
seemed to see an open scpulchre.
/ told her that it was not my intention
to return at present.
"Ohl then who will take my little
child back TO her fatherl" she cried, the
tears falling. 81 am dying and she must
90 back TO himl II is the only repara-
ton can make, and little enough, oh,
little enough, for the bitter wrong have
done him."
al hoped, sir, you might see him."
she added n moment after, checking her
sobs: 81 hoped you might tell him that
his image is before me from morning till
night, as | knew he must have looked
when the first shock came. Oh sir-tell
him my story--warn, oh, warn every
body. Toll him have suffered through
the long, long hours, these many weary
years; alb, God only knows how deeply"