Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-05-14

9. He's so long of coming,n muttered Mrs.
Murphy, looking out of the door, and gazing
on the road by which her son was to come !;
6 he soon f0rgets me when he's with her !;
her mother had the same arts-just the same.
Well, it's no matter; it will all turn round
on them yet"
Her face wore its usual cold ealmness, and
bitterness of look. None of the restlessness
of some anxiously- y-debated design was visible
on her features. The impress of a fixed and
evil purpose was on her brow. 1t seemed
years since any strugglngs between the two
governing spirits of our world-good and evil
had been depicted on her hard countenancc.
She stood, and gazed up OH the sky. It
was the beautiful sky of summer moonlight
night from the bright heavens there seemed
to come, as if palpably, those holy influences
of quiet and peace which night-slSy shadows
forth so much more strongly than the light
of day. But no light of peace and happiness
could be kindled in the dark, evil eyes Of
Mrs Murphy, by gazing on the fair and holy
expanse to which her head was raised.
Doubtless she felt that there was condemna-
tion of her mind and purposes in that sky
for she closed the door, and went and seated
herself by her kitchen fire. All was solitary
around. Her husband was in bed some time.
ihobblb > uuS iidNt SoHt WIFI ihuntHiJ anu
remained with him the cat was out on her
nocturnal expeditions-no sound, except
feeble chipping of crickets, was heard. A few
turfs burned down to almost the last remains,
glimmered on the hearth, and cast dull
dim light through the kitchen; its usually
squalid and oomfortless aspect was more dis
cernible by the dull light that even i'll the
sunshine of day.
Mrs. Murphy crossed her arms on her
breast, and sat gazing into the ashes. She
sat in the same immovable position for a
length of time. She did not seem drowsy,
nor in any way inclined to sleep. The demon
oflsyil is ever seepless and, therefore, she
dreamed not of slumber. Three or four times
she turned to the door, fancying she heard the
footsteps of her son, and then, with a slight
and momentary gesture of impatience, she
would fold her arms again, and continue her
gaze on the ashes of the dying fire.
AT length when midnight had come, a light
brisk, step was heard at the door, and Robert
entered.
He approached his mother with a cheerful
and happy face.
We'll, mother-sitting up, l see but
what have you got to say to me9 You told
me it was something particular. It's a dull,
dark place you have got of it here" He
drew a stool to his mothers side and sat
down. !" It's dark and dismal to be sure; it
won't be so when Agnes comes.o
g IT'S not so dark and dismal as my heart, "
said his mother, with deep sigh.
Your heart-your heart dark and dismall'
Robert, looking on her with sur
prise and concern, for he loved his mother as
deeply as his nature would permit him to
love.
SIS it any wonder I'm the sorrowful woman
this night 2" she said, signing deeply, and
covering her face with her hands.
But what sorrow have you mother ?-only
tell me, and I'm not the man to let anybody |
make you sorry
You've been good son to me, Robert'-
she placed her hand on his shoulder, and |
partly around his neck
g You've been the very light of my eyes.
What had but you to make me live on in
this black world-my hearts pride is in you,
there genteman's son has face and shape |
like you, or better breeding %
thrill of delight went through the soul
Of Robert, for vanity was the ruling passion
of his soul, and well his mother knew it.
" And to Think continued his mother,
''that such young man as you would throw
yourself away on that girl that Agnes Allen,
the daughter of a poor sch ,olmaster."
But, mother,n cried Robert, II thought
you had got over all the dislike to poor Ag- |
mes and her father, that you had at first.
Didn't you tell me, three or four days ago,
that you would try and be content, and
wasn't quite sure you We're contented ~
Il was never contented i'll my heart-my |
heart was always black when thought of
her coming here and me having to look at
her all day long but seemed to be content
ed for a while, because, Robert, thought
she loved you." She laid deep emphasis
on the last words.
Robert opened his eyes wide in surprise.
And does she not love mel know poor
Agnes loves me better than she does herself"
he said.
g wish she did," answered his mother.
coldly.
" But what do you mean, mother-what