Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-10-16

reavement, and two graves should be made, in
stead of one"
You are right, Camerone; God has spared us
from affliction that would have been truly
grant. ] have a mothers heart, mothers love,
aud L mourn with the sorrow of mother for my
departed Carrie, but feel that in the tenderness
and solicitCde of His love, Our Father has done
this Her short life has been one of pain ard
sorrow; it is better that it is closed earth and
her spirit removed to brighter world where she
has often told me there is no shadow"
There long pause and then Csmerone
spoke hesitatingly-
I" Mother, have often asked you of the infu-
ence that Noyes Wizards presence exerted over
Carrie and you have often promised to tell me
when the time came in which you could. Has
the time came in which you can 90
A look of pain swept over Mrs. Southwick's
face at this question, but she answered firmly
:. 1t Las come daughter, and I will tell you to-
night and, in after years do not forget that,
though your mother Las committed wrong, she
has atoned for it, by deep suffering and humla-
ton of heart.
'' Years ago. Wien was a giddy girl of eigh-
teen, was called handsome. / was the only
daughter of wealthy parents, and tie spoiled play
thing of my affectionats brothers. Wayward
and impusive in disposition, and with thought
less heart, l was a coquette in the truest sense
of the word. l firted with and engaged myself
to every handsome and agreeable gentleman of
my acquaintance, for sport. and for sport l threw
the chains of fascination around Noyes Willard,
who was then young man of twenty one
Looking back upon that time now, | see how
wrong. how foolishly wicked my conduct was;
but then l never allowed myself to think Of this.
We walked beneath the moonlight together, and
my lips uttered sentiments that my heart was a
stranger to. | told him that at some future day
| WOULD be his wife, that as soon as he had won
certain amount of property, and arisen to a
certain standard of worldly distinction, my hand
aud heart should be his reward for his toll l
do not think, even while | uttered these words,
that | really intended he should take me in ear
nest. But reasoned with myself that, if he
loved me well enough to labor years for my hand,
would give him respect and esteem in return
for his ardent affection. and would fulfil my pro-
mise should he return to claim me.
s. Noyes Willard went away soon after this
and before he had gone six months [ met your
father For the first time in my life, was aw-
Cd by superiority of intellect. heart and soul
loved James Southwick, aid the entrance OF
that holy affection into my nature wrought
change in me. Gradually began TO see the er-
rors of my conduct, and. one by one [ dismissed
my train of admirers until l had none left.
was not wOoed and won likem st girls;
my lover came to me and talked calmly and
soberly. He told me of my numerous faults,
suggested improvement, and then encouraged
me with the assurance of his affection. And
tried to make myself worthy of him, but it was
not me, 1t was he who put out his hand and
DIRE me mp to him by the powerful magnetism
Of love- In a year from our first acquaintance
we were married and came to Beechnut Farm
| had forgotten Noyes Willard except as evidence
of nv folly, and did not remember my prom
ise to him, only as one of many such that l had
sincerely repented Of
After Willirm was borne. he came to Holly,
and our interview stormy and rcproachful
one. 1 could not justify myself could only
listen with horror to his dreadful threats of ven
gence, but 1 assured him of my sorrow for the
folly of my past life in as mild terms possible
when he became more quiet.
/ went to my husband with the tale of my
youthful error on my lips. and, oh, Camerone.
like the noblest and best of men, he did not re-
proach me, but tried to comfort me, and make
me forget the past !; but could not. As years
70 led by, l heard frequently of Noyes Willard,
| and knew that he had not forgotten his of
revenge His last words to me were, Il shall live
move and breathe only for this purpose; to crush
you and yours to the earth. For this L will amass
wealth, and then will devote my whole time,
| to your slow destruction
Reports stated that he was growing rich,
and, once or twice, he sent messages to my hus-
band exactly like the one he sent by you the
morning when you met him in the maple hol-
low, but did not see him until short time be-
fore Carries birth.
| It was warm summer afternoon. and, with
some light sewing in my hand, ] had gone out
into the orchard and seated myself beneath a
peach tree to enjoy the calm deliciousncss of the
air. l do not know how long had sat there.
bat was aroused from deep reverie by rust
ling of the grass and, 1 slowly raised my eyes
thev fell first on the shadow of man before me,
then upon the substance. To my alarm recog-
nized Noyes Willard, and arose quickly to my
feet,
.' What has frightened you, ''he demanded with
a sneer.
.'She shadow l murmured hardly knowing
what | was saying.
'. And my shadow frghtens you into mysteries
now when once you Gid not fear to walk beside
nv form. Good / like that T; it is an emblem;
of your love changed to hatred, and my hate
shall be shadow that shall follow you aud