The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-09
PUBLISHED EVERY
Volume I'D.

prepared TO listen 10 few commonplace at-
fictions. chastenings Of the flesh rather than
the soul.
Il was born,' began aunty, in splendid
mansion on the banks Of one Of Connecticuts
lovliest rivers. My father was the Oldest son
of revolutionary soldier and very wealthy.
| was nurtured in luxurious ease, and had
only one brother. Lester. At the age OF eigh-
teen was pronounced handsome and accom-
plished. 1t was at ball on my eighteenth
birthday that was to come out. remem-
Der every article of my apparel, my dress was
Of pale blue satin, my white silk slippers, my
wreath Of lilies-oh, what q happy girl L
was.
was standing by my mirror, my servants
about me, when grew frightened at great
noise-conlusion below stairs and above,
shrieks Of woe and disorder. From the top
Of our great staircase we could easily over
look the hall and standing there what do
YOU think saw? both father and mother
/ y
living lifeless on the Aoor-dead-drowned.'
Miss Fret gave nervous little scream the
squire's lady suspended her knitting and
cried breathlessly, 'that tras trouble.
Never shall forget it, resumed aunty.
folding her hands. There were the guests
flying from different rooms, oil richly attired,
wringing their hands, shrieking with horror,
and the lights streaming out from open doors.
my parents had been standing on bank
made insecure by late continual rains; it
gave way, and they fell fearful distance
into the deep water. The shock was agoni-
ring; sank in fainting fit, and my rea-
son was not restored for weeks
Il was married at twenty-four, bringing
my husband large fortune-and my brother
travelled abroad after completing his studies.
In two years my husband failed; my house
went, and we were pcnniless. Meanwhile,
unpleasant rumors were rife about my poor
brother. One day, after my second almost
overwhelming trial, a tall emaciated figure
crawled up to the mean house to which we
had retreated, and where my husband lay
sick. Ii was my poor brother, dying with
consumption. He had the misfortune to love
the gaming table, and he had lost all and
ruined his health
| %, dear = exclaimed the squire's lady,
vehemently.
|.s I<oldfall my jewels, continded auntys
.and they procured comforts for the sick
that was all. At last, my husband regained
his health, went diligently to work, and in
time we owned a neat and commodious house
again. My brother, in the mean time, lin
gered along, suffering most fearfully; but
thank God, before he died, he becamc' as
little child and fell asleep, trusting in the
merits of the Crucifed.
II, was the second day after his funeral
that great storm came. Ii was the most
terrible tempest have ever witnessed, hurl-
ing strong trees from the ground, and send
ing them across roads and meadows. Our
little orchard, our grapery and hot.house,
were thoroughly demolished. l sat in my
chamber with my frst-born, then nearly q
fortnight old, clasped to my bosom. There
was great crash, and looking upward, al
most stupifed, saw the frowning heavens,
while the rain poured furiously on my un-
protected head. The third story Of the house
was completely taken of. Twas thoroughly
drenched-the babe protected; and to crown
all, my husband was brought in moment
after with broken leg, against which, as he
was fastening home, young tree had been
hurled by the wind
Dear, dear, DEAR calculated the squire's
lady, with the most profound sympathy,
'what did you do thcnT
Yes, whatg echoed Miss Frett.
The best could, my friends, continued
aunty with smile. Il deserted my chamber
and went down stairs, where lay my poor
husband. With some assistance of the neigh
bors we were made comfortable, and after
three months of illness my husband got round
again. All our savings had been spent, his
illness had thinned our customers, and our
house was in an unsafe. US we'll as On inele-
CANT condition. Well we got over that, too;
my health became established, so did that of
my husbands, and we were once more, with
Gods blessing, independent
Surely nothing came after that exclaimed
the squirc's lady with great oarnestncss.
wait a moment, said aunty softly. Il
lost beautiful babe after that. gave him
up to heaven just as he seemed to have
winged his way down into my arms. o,
that boy was so lovely I miss the visits to
his grave since have been hcre,' she mur-
mered; we planted 1t with rose bushes. But
God gave me another child, throwing sigh
from her heart, and he, too, was good
and lovely babe. II was a year after he was
born sat looking out on calm night. The
babe slept in his cradle, and was musing on
my happy condition, when threeshouts came
up under the window, FIRE, FIRE, fire. Then
the red flames shot right out from under
meath me, and again came startling shout