Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-03-14


sisters husband / never knew, and Peter
must have left New York, for could not find
his name in the Directory, nor my mothers
Satisfied that l should get all necessary in
formation from Jack, deternined to go tc
his house Immediately. and preparing my
self with a letter of introduetion-aQr aQritten By
myse!f-stating that Mr.. Sampson, an agent
for mercantile house in Canton, was abeut
visiting New York. ] begged my brother to
pay him every attention. It is hardly nec'
essary to say, that Mr.. Sampson was nay
"nom de guerre" The latter finished fol-
ded ii in due form, and putting it in my
pocket, started for the upper part Of the city.
found Jacks house-over the stone work
of the door was carved the "eoat of arms" Of
the gentleman of the family The crest-a
dove ferced by falcon-had my good father
been living, it would have been cheese sup
ported By two red herring
Icoughed down hearty laugh and rang
she bell; black fellow opened the door. On
asking if Mr. Chandler was at home, an an.
swer was given in the Affirmative, and was
ushered through suite of rooms into we'll
furnished Library, where, recliaing in lux
urian arm chair, found Jack-handsems
Jack no longer-but allsan, withered, and
premature old man, with all the foppish airs
of boyhood clipging to him.
He arose at my entrance, and glsneing
over my letter, assured me of his desire to
make my visit to New York an agreeable
enc; asking many particulars as to his broth
er Harry, health and prospects, &c, all of
which / answered in the most satisfactory
manner.
A smile of relief passed over his eounta-
nance; evidently be had dreaded the subject
| abruptly said,
81 was requested to inquire of the welfare
of Mr.. Chsndler's mother, sister, and brother
Petor."
A cold, hard look settled on his face.
Has Harry 40. heard Of ny moshar'a
death ten years agof" said be.
Scarcely able to restrain my emotion,
stammered out, "No-noW
"Nor the widowhos6 of Mrs. Cleland 2"
"My heavens! no, sir p' l exclaimed, hurt
and angry at his hard, cold manner in speak
ing of those so dear to me. lie looked sur
prised, but 7 went on =" And Mr.. Peter
Chandler 2"
"Oh, well--quite well Really worthy
man-no incum5lance to his family. True,
| I seldom see him-tied to his Ledger-a
capital book-keeper, and still bachelor
Your sister, presume, resides with you ?'
"No, SIR" was the curt answer.
| Mrs, Clsland's place of residence in un-
known to me- heard runner of her hay
ing joined her husbands relations, South !;
but, my dear Sampson, our walks in life were
so different that my wife could not tolerate
their circle of acquaintance, particularly at-
ter her ungraseful behavior. Nor would it
have done to have drawn her end her family
from their obsourity, making their poverty
but the more glaring. Would you believe
it, my wife procured an extremely Eligible
situation for Mrs. ClelanS's eldest daughter,
as nursery governess to family going
abroad, and / offered her eighty dollars a
year for the maintenance Of herself and child,
but both our offers were rejected with scorn
washed my hands of her and her affairs
But let US talk Of plsasanter tliogs," con-
| tinued he.
felt like kicking him out of his luxuriant
arm chair. and fearful that my temper sho'd
get the better of me, with the best grace
could assume left the room, aud did not
breath freely until in the open air, when
vented my feelings in sundry CALCULATIONS,
which drew the attention of the passers-by
Some one touched me on the arm it was
the black fellow, who had opened the door
for ne.
"Sir," he said, " Mrs. Cleland lives in
| Spring street. two doors from the Bewsry-
| tenement house,"
"Thank you, my good follow" said I,
| giving him some money, and | turned tow
ard the Bowery, and soon found the house
where he said my sister dwslt.
Tears started into my eyes aa 1 thought
over the past, and my poor mothers pride
in her little Susan. I brushed them hastily
away, and knocked at the door. A little girl,
the image Of my sister. opened it.
"Does Mrs. Cleland live here z" / asked.
"Yes, sir"
"Can I see her z"
Eyes, sir, please walk in." And she
opened the door of small room near the en-
trance. 1t was scrupously clean. but uncar-
peted, pine table, few chairs, stove and
small looking glass, comprised the furniture,
with the exception of few books on shelf
between the windows.
My sudden entrance startled female,
who, with her bask turned to the door, was
washing some fne laces. Her confusion was
momentary. With the grace of a well-bred
lady, she requested me to be seated, and
looked to her little daughter for information.
"a gentleman, to see you, mother"
From your brother Harry, Madam" said
/.
The blood started to her forehead, and as
suddenly reated, leayipg her deadly pale,
an sbe rasred out