The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-15
Misteua11eous.
From Peterson's Magazine for August.
MARION LEIGH,
DY EMILY J. MACINTOSH.

had been called in to attend little boy,
who was suffering from the effects OF fall,
and found my little patient lying in Miss
Leigh's lap. His mother introduced me to
her. Even in the anxicties Of a professional
call, noticed the cad sweetness OF her face,
the tender care of her little charge, and the
quiet dignity Of her manner. This was our
first meeting. After that We were often
thrown together. No poor cottago in the
village was unvisitod by Miss Leigh, when
sorrow or sickness came to Its door: and |
found her name household word wherever
suffering called me. No name in the village
was so honorcd, 30 blessed.
had been in Snowdon nearly two years,
when one morning Miss Leigh called at my
Office.
81 have come. DOCTOR" she said, "to con
suit you about my own health"
soon found she had q painful form Of
heart disease.
"How long is II since you first knew Of
the troublc2' inquired.
She turned very pale, as sho said,
NEARLY thirty years. 1t has become
worse yearly"
A careful examination showed me that the
danger was now imminent. Quiet and free
dom from excitement were all that could
advise at once; but l promised to call in the
course Of the day at her sisters house.
But the death.s,roke was given. No caro-
could keep this nobly useful woman amongst
her loving friends. called one morning,
soon after, and found her sinking very fast.
Her sisters anxious eyes questioned mine,
but dared not give her hope so soon to DO
crushed; and Mrs. Willis bent over her sis
ter with q pale facc, yet calm and gentle
even in that trying hour.
"Mariou, dearest" sho said softly, al
will keep my promise, though 1t break my
heart"
Miss Leigh looked up eagerly.
alt has como the time has come she
said. "You will send for him!"
lie is hero! sent three days ago, but ]
dared not excite you before. Now"
her voice failed.
"Now I am dying. Once moro. only
once more may see him. Send him to me,
sister"
In few minutes her sister led into the
room tall, elderly gentleman, who, bowling
slightly to me, passed to the bedside. with
drew with Mrs. Willis, but not before saw
the radiant look Of recognition which light
ed the dying face as the visitor spoke to her
one word only,
"Marion!"
When called again, an hour later, the
still. pale face and rigid form were all that
were left earthly Of Marion Leigh. Later.
from her sisters lips, heard the story Of
her life.
She was the daughter Of the clergyman Of
one of the largest congregations in Pitts
burg. and with her sister, (thc only chill
dren) the pet Of the whole parish. Mother
less from their childhood, these little ones
were the special objects of care in all the
wealthy families who revercnccd and loved
their father. They were sixteen and eighteen
when their father died, leaving them amply
provided for, but lonely and sad. Jane soon
married Mr.. Willis, and then her home be-
came her sisters.
Marion was wondrously beautiful, and at
tracted much admiration but sho was twen-
ty years old before she loved. Then. with
all the depth and fcrvor Of her nature, she
loved Carol Ross, lawyer some nine years
her senior. He was grave, rather reserved
man, Of good standing, and much trusted
and respected. and none suspected the depth
Of his nature till Marion reused him to love.
These two, unfolding their hearts only to
each other, grew to live only when together;
to dream only Of their lifelong union; to
trust for happiness only In the hope of shar'
ing their JOY or sorrow IN the deep confidence
Of marriage. They loved passiona'ely, sin.
ccrcly, deeply.
1t was tho day before their wedding, when
every preparation was completed, that the
blow fell which severed these two loving
hearts on Garth forever. Marion was in her
own room, with her sister. when summons
to see Mr.. Ross called her down stairs.
give the interview in her sisters words.
"The servant said, Mr.. Ross wished to
see me too. 80, rather wondering, went
down. We found Carol scated, his face
bowed into his hands, his whole attitude
one of extreme suffering. Makipn was bc-
side him instantly, and, as her Hand fell up.
on his shoulder, he looked up. In twenty
four hours he had become an old man. Such
wan, haggard face l never saw, and such
deep despair Us was pictured in his eyes, i
trust may never again behold. Marion
was startled; but she trusted him implicitly,
and did not stir from her place beside him.
".Mariou, he said, in STANCE, low tone,
that hauns me still, ! have come to say
farewell to you, to crush your heart Is mine