The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1860-06-20

In That wilderness which lies "esI VI
Brompton, at the time we speak OF, there
existed lilliputian cottage, wherein dwelt
George Richardson, lately managing and
confidential clerk, now junior partner in a
merchants house in the city. One evening
in November, 1856, home came George BY
the buss, and startled his little wife by an
nouncing that he must start on secret mis-
sion to Leghorn The next day events OF i'm
portonce connected with the business had
occurred there requiring the presence of one
OF the partners, and the lot had fallen upon
him as the junior in respect Of age, as well
as of position in the firm. A steamer was
to leave the river the next evening. e.
"Therefore," said George, "get my things
ready, and will take them with me to the
Office tomorrow morning. for | shall not
have time to return home"
"Shall not see you again after you leave
home tomorrow rIorning?" asked Bessie
Richardson, unxiousy.
"No, darling, you must wish me good bye
then"
Bessie's face put on disappointed look.
"Why. you silly girl, the parting must
come sooner or later, and why not in the
morning ss we'll as the evening :" said he,
smoothing her hair half curessingly.
Bessie did not see the force Of this reason
ing: To a woman, a goodbye is no good
bye at all, unless it occurs at the very last
moment.
However, 1t could not be helped, it seem
ed 80 the little woman hustled about, anc
got his things to rights, and stood in the lit
tie dining room with tears yelling into he
eyes. The next mornings when the cat
drove up to the door, thete was thick fog
and Bessie felt alarmed, as women do
parting, with vague, undefned dread o
some calamity.
elbow soon shall hear from you
George :"
"In month, hope but it may be si'
weeks, or even more, so don't be uneasy
I will write. you may be sure, the first op
, portuniy, and l may be back myself before
e my letter."
+, 81 wish you were not going in this fog"
"Foolish girl :" kissing her. eth
f steamer won't start in fog (; don't ALARM
yourself about that. Besides it's only tn
o morning frost when the sun gets up, it vii
be bright and clear"
She bore the parting better than coul
. have been expected for, truth to tell, sh
did not mean that to be the final one. |
her secret little heart, she had determine
to make an expedition to the city, and hav
;, the real good bye at the proper time, and sh
= was looking forward joyfully to the surpris
and pleasure it would be to George. s
/. she put up cheerful face to his, and return
ed his last nod from the cab with smile.
But, when, as the day advanced the FOG
, instead Of clearing, increased in density an
\ she perceived that her journey to the cit
:. was impracticable then the reality OF th
= parting came full upon her. 1t was the
!, first separation, and the suddenness OF tn
a thing, and the uncertainty Of the post AM
:. finally, the breakage Of her little plan for
h final and overwhelming goodbye, overcan
= her, and she retired to her room, and was
mere seen for several hours.
By afternoon, the fog was 80 thick in tn
city and on the river, that Richardson fe
!. certain the steamer would not start. "HoW
:. = ever" said be, ~ will have my trunk take
:. = down, see the captain, and sleep on board'
=, % necessary, to be ready as soon as he is ab
ol to get under weigh"
v George had literally to feel his W.
>. through the narrow lanes to the river b.
: apd.by he found the wharf gates, but
\ lbeyond was blank, save where some II
q. spots OF light, looking strangely high al
be distsnt, told him Of lamps enveloped in Il