Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-03-17
Atistrlluntuus.
The Window on the Porch.

stormy morning? 1t was the old, old
story of young hearts and old heads
Two young people falling in love with
each other; person in the shape Of
father disappearing the lover poor, the
father rich; the girl divided between
duty, affection and riches; and Love tri.
umphing in the long-run as he generally
does.
This was why the parlor window stood
wide open that stormy morning; for at
twelve the night before she had come
down to him, wrapped in white furs and
a crimson hood, and sobbed, "Oh, Charles
| am very, very wicked. and unless papa
forgives me God never will |" which theo-
logical statement Charles combated brave
ly, and proved beyond doubt Ito his
own heart at least) that there was no
harm in marrying whom one loved.
Trembling and sobbing softly, though
there was no danger of being heard amidst
the gusts Of wind and the creaking of the
bare elm branches, she let him lead her
on tenderly over the soft snow until
dark object under the trees slowly devel-
oped itself to their eyes as a sleigh and
two horses and an old driver, who had
been beating his arms against his breast
to keep himself warm, helped the lady
in, with gluff sort of sympathy. And
away they glided, the black horses before
them. and the white snow about them,
and Janet's head lying upon Charles
breast, and her little fur.clad form nestled
close to his. They were foolish little
people, but not wicked, whom those black
horses whrled over the snow to Hymens
altar that bitter winters night SO long
ago.
When they found that balcony window
open in the gray mornings dawn, aud
found also a penitential letter dropped
with tears, and an empty bed, the pillows
Of which had not been rumpled, pursuit
was useless; for Janet Grey had promis-
ed to love, honor, and obey Charles Oil
yer, and he had vowed to love aad cherish
her until death did them part.
"Forgive them--neyer !" So passion
ate old Robin Gray vowed, with many an
expetve not to bewritten here, "Forgive
her The serpent warmed in his bosom
to sting him at last. From his heart and
his home she had gone forth Of her own
Irce-will, and an exile from both she
must remain forever.
She had married sailor, second mate
of the Bonnie Lassie, who made voyages
to the East Indies, and brought home
cargoes OF spices and sweet-scented woods
and fruit and rare corrections, but who
did not always bring home those who
went with her; for in those warm lati-
tudes fevers are rife, and many sailor
in his hammock shroud has foatcd from
his moorings to the Spice Islands, while
at home many young wife has watched
for the good ship WHICH should return her
husband tc her never more.
Three months of innocent delirium. the
world seeming made for them, and only
lovers worthy to breathe its air. Then
came the awakening. Burly Captain
Thomas broke the dream with his "Ahoy,
messmate, where away?'
They were rambling together in the
shady paths Of Washington Parade
Ground, and he came upon them.
"How are you Captain? Glad to see
you. This is my WIFE, And how proud
he was to show the pretty child, with her
long curls, and blue eyes, and dainty
waist, and waxen white hands with her
sixteen happy summers scarcely told upon
her brow.
The Captain bowed. "Heerd you was
spliced," he said. You couldn't have
moored alongside of a prettler craft, my
lad. Though she don't look as though
she'd weather through a storm. Never
expect to follow your example myself
though. The Bonnie LaSie is my wife.
You know she sails to-day week."
"Ay, ay," said Charlie. why should
| forget p
"Sumat better to think on, praps,
said the Captain. Fair weather, ship.
mate. Respects, num-"
And away he went, feet wide apart,
hands in both pockets, and gait that one
of who, used to rolling vessel. seems
when on land always to expect the world
to give a sudden lurch, and who tries to
be on his guard against it.
Janet looked up iuto Charles face
with fearful eyes.
"What did he mean. Charlie ?"
"He is Captain Thomas, Of the Bon.
ME Lassie, love"
"Weil ?"
THAT'S all, dear"
"And the Bonnie Lassie is your ship?'
YES"
And she sails tomorrow week?'
"To-day week"
"Charlie "
Love-"
"Of course the horrible thought never
entered your mind Of going with her :"
" must"
90 no--you want to frighten me.
couldn't live, you know. o, Charlie,
feel like fainting when I'm all alones
have nobody. Papa will never speak tc
me again. Charlie, laugh-say "lt's al
fun, Janet"
Il wish I could. My dear, you knew
your husband was sailor when ou mar,
ried him."
Yes" bat never thought he would
be so cruel as to leave me. Charlie,
really think | shall die"
Her pretty baby face was so white ant
wan, and her hands SO cold. that he wa
frightened. They sat down upon bencl
together, and then she pleaded to 60 will
him-only to 20 with him any where ant