Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-06-18
| From the st Louis Union |
LOVE AND 6-2O'S,

A respectable family in this city, liviI on -
street have been somewhat exercised OF late by the de-
Douement of affair, the circumstances OF which are
slightly tinged With dash OF the romantic. The head
OF che family il may bs well enough to state, was for
merly produce merchant, and some years since re-
tired from busness. He had an only dau yhter named
Bs who was the pride and hops OF her fond parents
Some three years and half ago, or little preceding
the outbreak of the rebellion, Bella was on visit to
relatives in Gsorgis aud became acquainted with a
Ohiyalric SON OF the sunny South named Robert Smith
Robert was in his prime, and Bella was impreshble,
young and lovely.
Acquaintance soon rpsned into friendship, and friend
ship int q still tender passion. Tho lovers be-
came betrothod. Bella reurre1 to s. Louis in jane,
1851 The name of Robert Smith was frequently men
tened by her. but further than this she never breathed
the secret of her love She carried secret cores
pondence through the rebel mail, which was carried
forward quite secretly, ald concealed from her a9er
he beiog a strong UOon man. About year ago Bella
returned from an afternoon visit and told her parents
that she had lest her diamond breast pin, which was
valued at $1,000 TIE loss advertised in the city
papers but 10 clue was obtained OF the ost gem. The
uoice we're els notified Time psssedon, and couple
OF weeks ego the old gentleman made arrangements
for taking iourf ey East. Among his valuable papers
he had number OF 5-20's, which he concluded 10 de-
post for safe keeping during hi contemplated absence
from the city Ga making an inventory OF his valua-
bes lie found TO his great chagrn and SURPRISE that
six of his $40 bonds, amounting TO 50 OOO we're miss
ing
failed o turn up. As he positive that tie bonds
were contained in certain drawer where none but the
members Of his family could have access he did not
mertiol his loss prferring to wait for the revelations
that time might bring about The trip East was post
poned One day last week, having occasion to pur-
chase soma more 20 bonds from broker in the city,
Judge of his eurprse when he found that the bonds sold
him by the broker we're the identical that be had
lost.
On further irq lry from the broker, and from the
parties rem whom the former purchased The 6oods be
was ag.onshed to fad that his own daughter la had
some weeks previously sold the bonds for gold Bella,
on ben confronted by her father, confessed Le soft
impeachment' sac did not b sitae to confess the
deed aud her purpose in doing She confessed that
she mad not only sold the bonds but that she had pawL-
ed the diamond bresspn for gold and sent the proceeds
by rebel mail her freud, Robert Smith, to relieve him
and his aged mother FROM want. Tee kind father on
hear ne the above staten nj did not chlde his efIing
daughter AID said not O word in rebuke
overlooked the little depression in appreciation Of
motive-peraaps passion that could better be con-
troled by kind and lOyirg trt atment than by harsh
measures He forgave lis daughter, but for the pur-
pose cf preventing further epondence with Bob,
he keeps proper surveillance over her gctorB alt re-
uuIes her not 10 leave the dWsDg but 10 get ready for
trip With he family East 10 scms watering place in
order TO sotni the tummsr Meantime the companions
of Bella surprisei a. her absence from her accul'
toned places of visit, aud wonder what can b. the
rea On Tor Der ssclu ion o. c3urse We no. going
IN tail them