Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-07-10
EBENSBIRG. Pa WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 1861


took place.
On the succeeding expiration of her term of
service, Catharine was married to the young man
whose name had been stated as being William
Hutton. He was joiner by trade, and bore,
Hannah had said, an excellent character. The
first visit paid by the new married pair was to
the cottage of the old woman, who gazed on them
with a truly maternal pride, thinking she had
never seen so handsome a couple. The few years
spent by Hutton in the army had given to his
naturally good figure an erect manliress, which
looked as well in one of his sex the light grace
full figure, and fair ingenious countenance of
Catharine calculated to adorn one of wo-
mankind. Something of this kind, ar least,
was in the thoughts of Hannah, when Catha-
rine and her husband visited the DANES dwell
ing.
Many future visit was paid by the same
parties to Hannah, and ON each successive occa-
sion the old woman looked narrowly, though
unobtrustiyey as possible, into the state of the
wife's feelings, with motherly anxiety to know
if she was happy. For though Hannah, seeing
Catharine's affections deeply engaged, had made
light of her own early remark upon the strange
and unpleasing gloom occasionally, if not fire.
quently, observable in the look and manner of
William Hutton, the old woman was never able
to rid her own mind altogether Of misgivings on
the subject. For many months after Catharine's
marriage however, Hannah could never discover
anything but open, unalloyed happiness in the
air and conversation of the youthful wife. But
at length Hannah's anxious eye did perceive
something like change. Catharine seemed
sometimes to fall, when visiting the cottage,
into fits of abstraction, not unlike those which
had been observed in her husband. The aged
dame had felt greatly distressed at the thought of
of her dear Catharine being unhappy, but for a
long time she had held her peace upon the sub
ject trusting that the cloud might be i temporary
one, and would disappear,
1t was not unfortunately. Though in their
manner TO each other, when together, nothing
but the most cordial affection was observable
Catharine, when she come along to see Hannah,
seemed prey to some uneasiness, which all her
efforts could not conceal from her old friend.
EveA wlca she became f5s the frst.tirne a,Faotsr
and, with all the beautiful pride of young
mothers love, presented her babe to Hannah.
the latter could see signs of secret grief imprin-
ted on Catharine's brow.
Hoping by her counsel to bring relief, II annah
took an opportunity to tell the young wife what
she had observed, and earnestly besought her
confidence.
At this, Catharine stammered forth a hurried
assurance that sne perfectly happy, and in
a few seconds beed her words by bursting into
tears, and owning that she was very unhappy.
:. But l cannot, Hannah she exclaimed, :.
| cannot tell the cause-even to you"
Don't say SO, my poor Catharine. - replied
Hannah lit is not curiosity that promps me
! TO interfere
''Oh no, Hannah," replied the young wife
g know you speak from love to me-"
"Well, then,' continued the dame, - open
! your heart to me. Age is good adviser"
| Catharine was silent.
"Is your husband harsh to you ~ asked Han
nah.
No,'' cried the wife man could not b,
kinder to woman than he is to me-''
Perhaps he indulges in drink in''-
g Hannah, you mistake altogether" was Cath
ari1e's reply " my husband is free from all sucl
faults as man was"
'.My dear child" said the old woman, almos
smiling as the idea entered her head, .'yOu ar
not suspicious-not jealous 2"
81 never had moments cause, Hannah,
answered Catharine. mo, my griefs arc not @
that nature. He is one of the best and deaIes
Of husbands"
Old Hannah was puzzled at these replies, a
she was distressed by the open avowel of Catha
rine's having some cause of sorrow but seein
that her young friend could not make up he
mind TO disclosure at this time, the aged dam
gave up her inquiries, and told Catharne t
think seriously of the propriety of confding a
, to her.
Hannah conceived that, on mature considera
ton, Catharne would come to the resolution
seeking counsel at the cottage. And she was nc
wrong. In few days after their late conversf
ton the young wife came to visit Hannah again
and, after a little embarrassed talk, entered upo
, the subject which was uppermost in the mind
, of both.
Hannah" ;" sal Catharine, 60 fear you ca
serve me nothing fear living being ca
serve me. o, Hannah, good as my husban
; appears to be-good as he is-there is son
f dreadful weight pressing upon lis mind, whie
, destroys his :peace-and mine too. Alas! Il
gloomy fits, which you, as well as l, have n
o ticed in him, are not, / fear, without cause
: Catharine wept IN silence moment, and the
r continued &" All that 1 know of this cause aris
from his expressions-his dreadful expressions
: while he is asleep at my side. Hannah,
{; speaks in broken language of murder of havir
committed murder, Hannah! Perhaps W oms
t deceived and killed by him." AS Catharine sa
d this, she shuddered and buried her face
n thai of ber babe, which she carried in her arm
o Hannah was shocked to hear of this, but +
i good sense led her to suggest for the poor vii