Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-03-18
THE STOLEN SIX DRESS


ATALs OF Truth
n = city, which shall br nameIess, there
lived, long ago, q young girl the only daugh-
ter OF a widow. She csme from the country.
ard yyas a. ignorant of the dangers o the city
as tie squirrels Of her native fields. She had
glossy black hair, gentle beamiBg eyes, and
.siips ike vet eoraI.7' OF coHTse, she knew
that she was beautiful; for Rhen she wzs a
child, strangers Often stopped as she passed.
and exclaimed, zHOw handsome she is!'' And
IS she greS older, the young men gazed upou
her with admiration Sbe was poor, and re-
moved TO the city TO earn her living by cover
ing umbrellas. She was just at that suscepti-
bic age, when youth is passing into woman
hood when the soul begins 10 be pervad-d
with that restless principle. which iuPelz
poor humans to seek perfection in union-
A: The hotel opposite, Lord Henry Stuart,
sn English noble1nsn, had at that tine taken
lodgings. His visit to this country is doubt
less recolIected BY many, for If made great
sensation at the time. He was peer OF the
realm. descended from the royal line, and
vas, moreover, q strikingly handsome man, Of
right princely carriage. He was subsequent
Iy member of the British Parliament, and is
now dead.
As this distinguished stranger passed 10 and
from his hotel, be encountered the umbrella
girl. and was impressed BY her uncommon
beauty. He easily traced her 10 The opposite
store, where he soon after went 10 purchase
an umbrella. This was followed Cd by pres
ents OF flowers, chats by the way-side, and in
vitations TO walk or ride; all Of which were
gratefully accepted By the nnsuspectfng rus
tic He was playing game for temporary
excitement she with head full Of romance,
and heart melting under the influence Of
love, was unconcioUsly endaDgering the hap
piaess OF Ser whole life.
Lord Henry invited her TO visit the public /
gardens, on the 4fh ofJnly. In the simplici- /
professions, and considered herself his bride I.
elect; she therefore accepted his invitations /
with innocent frankness- But she had no /
dress 1T 10 appear on such public occasion, 4
with gentleman OF high raBk-whOm she /
verify supposed 10 De her destined husband /
While these thoughts involved in her mind, 4
her eye was unfortunately attracted by beam
tiful piece of silk belonging TO her employer i
All, could she not take il without being seen,
pay for If secretly when she had earned mo-
ney enough The temptation conquered her 4
in moment Of weakness She concealed the i
silk and cenveyed II 70 her lodgings Il vas 4
The first thing she had ever stolen, and her re-
morse vas painful She would have carried /
it b.ek, bat she dreaded a discovery. She .
was not sure that her repentance would be
net IN spirit OF forgiveness.
On the eventful 4;h Of Jaly. she came out
in her new dress Lord Henry compiimented
not happy On their way 10 the gardens. be
talked 10 her in manner she did not compre-
aend- Perceiyiog this, he spoke more ex-
DIieftly- The guIleless young creature stop
ped, looked into his face with monrnful re-
.sroaeh. aud burst into tears The nobieman
took her haad kindly and said, ssAy dear, are
you an innocent girl - 81 an, l am cried
5he with SonEulsive- subs. se0b, WHIST have L
ever done or said, thai yoa should ask me
hat7s' Her words stirred the deep fountains
II his better nature. sslf you are innocenf,"
aid he, God forbid that I shonla make you
,therwise. Bet you accepted uy invitations
md presents 50 readily, that I supposed you
Understood me- .swhat could understand y
aid she, .sexeept thsi you Intended to make
ne your wife 7'' Though reared among the
,roadest distinctions Of rank be felt 10 ineii-
lstion 10 smile He blushed and was silent.
The heartless conveBtionaities Of Iife stood
ebuked IN the presence OF afectionate sim
,Iicity- He conveyed her to her humble
lone. zni bade her farewell. with thankful
that he had doze 40 irretrieYa-
lie injury 10 her future prospects The re-
neu ubraace Of her to him would soon be as
be recollection OF last years butterflies
With her the wound was deeper. In aer sol
tzry chamber she ~ept, in bitterness OF heart,
yer her ruined air castles And that dress
shieh she had stolen 10 make an appearance !
,eftting his bride, On, what If she should i.