The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-03-04
ire wearied of playing the coauette.

"It is made; good evening Mr.. Mar
tin!' said Ellice calmly. And calmly she
stood there-her white dress futtering in
the sunset breeze, while Martin twiched
the reins of his splendid grays from the
post and sprang into his carriage, driving
off like whirl wind
Noble little Ellice! she was true to her
womanhood, true to herself; and even at
the time when Hugh Irving lost his an
cestral patrimony he gained wife who
had learned to love him for himself alone.
1t was ray of hope in the darkness; and
with a brave heart he set to work to build
up the fallen fabric of fortune once more.
"Quite romantic, upon my word!' sneer-
ed Frazer Martin, as he read the marriage
of Hugh Irving and Ellice May in the
newspapers. "Just as they can afford
But" he added, between his clenched
teeth, "if the days of Faust were here
once more would sell myself to the Evil
One, soul and body, for the chance of
striking that mans cup of happiness to
the ground -
Twenty years had wrought but little
change in the dark beauty of Ellice Ir-
wing. One or two threads of silver had,
perhaps. interviewer themselves into the
abundant braids of ebon hair, and the
peach blossom color of girlhood had given
place to softer rose on her cheek; but
Ellice was lovely still as she stood, in the
frosty October twilight, shading her eyes
with one fair jewelled hand, while the
other pushee aside the crimson trails of
the frost touched vine which hung over
the piazza pillars. Looking for her hus-
band All! there was no loving eve to
watch for Frazer Martins erring foot
steps
At length he came, welcomed home by
the glow of freight, and the merry voices
of little children.and the peaceful calm of
Ellice's smile The world called Hugh
Irving fortunate man, because he had
prospered exceedingly in its paths of COM
merce; but what would the world have said
could it have peeped into his bright home
circle? There must be an undiscovered
word to express such bliss!
"But, Hugh, something has annoyed
you: you look grave and thoughtful, y
said Mrs. Irving. when at length the
noisy crew of little ones had been safely
piloted to bed, and husband and wife were
sitting together-Hugh in velvet easy
chair, and Ellice on low ottoman beside
him, her cheek resting on his knee, as she
had been used to sit in the days of bride
hood.
"You are veritable witch, Ellice p
said Hugh laughing 81 believe you
know every thought that crosses my mind.
Yes, dearest, l have been excessively an
noyed!''
'sTen me about it Hugh: you know
you never have any secrets from ME-.
She put her little hand caressingly into
his; he stopped and kissed the diamond
sparkling fingers.
+" 1 have an opportunity to-day, Elliee,
to pay off very old debt--to pay it with
interest. What do you advised"
''Don't speak in riddles, you provoking
feilow Speak out plainly, or never
shall be able to comprehend you,' said
Mrs. Irving.
"Listen, then, my dear wife, said Hugh
suddenly growing grave, almost stern in
his manner s'You know that have been
in the habit of depositing; from time te
time, any unappropriated sums of money
in the - Bank, at New York? Well
had occasion, not long since, to send fol
IA supply 1t was duly forwarded to-day
with a notice that 1 had slightly over
drawn my account. knew this to be i'm
possible, as the balance lying there was
nearly ten thousand dollars, and my order
was but for five. On examining the state
ment of account sent on with the funds
I discovered that check for five Thousand
dollars, bearing my signature, had beer
presented and cashed some six months
previously. Now l had never heard o.
the thing, nor signed any such check
"Well?" said Ellice, her lips apart
and her eyes fixed earnestly on her hus
band s grave face.
eAnd the name of the man who pre-
sented this check-this forged check, re
ember-was Frazer Martin r
Ellice grew pale, and clasped her hand
tightly together. "Good heaven, Hugh
can this thing be possible?"
"Not merely possible, love, but certain
A fit winding up of his career of reck
lessness and dissipation" said Irving bit
teriy. Fr ~
'But, Hugh, what measures have yot
taken?" asked Ellice, who seemed scarce
| ly able to realize the stupendous fraud.
"None, as yet, but at the earliest prac
ticable hour tomorrow morning [ shall
set the officers of the law upon the tract
of this undetected fellon."
"What is the consequence, Hugh?"
"Imprisonment for life r was the stcrl
| answer.
Ellice trembled. and half opened he
Hips, but there was no CLEAN Of encour
agement in she dark brow Of her hus
band. ..e. a,f..
ssOh, Hugh, dear Hugh, to think tha
might have been the wife of this wretch
ed man y
Mr.. Irving passed his hand fondly owe
his wife's hair, and drew her closer to
ward him as if he would avert the meres
thought of dangers from her.
/ "If you please ma'am,' said a servant
putting his head in at the door, "woul
YOU step into the hall minute? TIL
housckeeper wants to speak word wit
you"