Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1866-09-01
TALES & SKETCHES.
THE IRON CROSS.
A woMAN's CONFESSION.

all her freshness. can scarcely believe that
| ever looked like this-I, an old, sad wo-
man, who looks longingly to the time when
the places / have known shall know no more.
And yet |, even ], was young and lovely
once. All me how long it seems Long
ago, longer than to most women, for the
blight fell upon me soon, and count nearly
all my years by my SORROWS. f. NIB
| was born by the seashore, that same
everlasting food upon whose waters roar
listen as write My father was wealthy,
died when was ten years old, and most
needed his care / wish he had lived. He
might have made me better woman, and
the story Of my life might have been differ
ent. He died, have said, when ] most
needed his care, and l was left alone with
my mother. She was not fit for the charge
Confded to her. She was weak and giddy,
and she reared me In her notions of fashion
and folly. do not blame her that my life
has been so sad, for it was in my power to
change it, but would not. l grew up
beautiful, fascinating fashionable woman,
and was greatly admired. You would not
think it, know, to look at me now; but it
is so. When l was grown, l made the dis
covcry that my fathers luxurious style of
living had greatly diminished his fortune,
and the persistency with which my mother
clung TO her accustomed mode of life made
fearful inroads upon the rest. A few years
at the farthest would exhaust it. / spoke
of this to my mother, and she acknowledged
it, but declared her inability to help it. In
less than year she died and oh, such
fearful death l shudder when think of,
though it was years ago, and l seem to hear
her last words to me even yet-"Nellie,
never marry q pnnr man Mako rich
match"
1t needed not my mothers wish to confirm
me in my desire to contract a rich marriage,
for had determined to adopt the plan as
the only means by which could escape from
the doom of poverty which saw hanging
over me. | had not the moral courage to
face it, and l resolved to fly from it; but
little dreamed of The struggle that was in
store for me. t.
When was child my only playmate
was a boy few years older than myself He
was named Walter Gwynne, and was the
son of a neighbor. Walter and / had
been playmatcs and schoolmates together.
He had carried me in his arms often, and
used to call me his pet. AS we grew up our
childish affection strengthened, and when
we became mar and woman we loved each
other with love that could not die. We
were never pledged to each other, but
knew his heart and he knew mine. When
my mother died Walter was very good to
me. o, never had loved him SO well as
did then In my gratitude L gave him a
relic that had belonged to my father, and
begged him to keep it for my sake. 1t was
o small, curiously- worked cross of iron, and
bore this inscription in German, 81 gave
gold for iron, 1Si3." 1t was one of the fa-
nous iron crosses that were bestowed by the
King of Prussia in the war against Napoleon,
and had been conferred for merit on my
grandfather 1t had never been in unworthy
hands, and / gave it to Walter, as he was
the only one knew who merited it; but /
did not think then that my hand would in
deed lay upon him cross of iron never to
! be laid down.
was deeply attached to my mother, and
mourned for her sincerely; but this was not
my greatest sorrow. A heavier grief came
upon me-one for which alone was re-
| sponsible, it is true, but which was none the
easier to bear on that account.
| l had resolved on marrying rich man,
us my own fortune would not last much
longer and was firm in my determination.
l loved Walter Gwynne with my whole
heart, but he was poor, and knew would
have hard struggle in life; and had not
tue courage 10 lace tue WOflu Win nlul.
hated myself for my weakness, aud would
have given worlds to have been his wife; but
had not the moral strength to make the
trial. 1t was wicked, know but have
suffered for it since, and if sorrow Can make
atone for sin, then have paid the utmost
penalty. l9s5 Hss 5fr0ff. fsis...t ".
A few weeks after my mothers death
/ Walter walked with me down to the rocks
\ that lined the sea-shore. 1t was one of our
\ fayorite strolls, and it was the first time
J since my bereavement that we had been to-
gether for more than few minutes at a time.
/ He spoke to me about my future life, and
/ asked me what would do. Itold him !
did not know; that my. future was still
shrouded 10 mystery and doubt,
I y have thought or this great DEAL Mel
ilie," lie said, earnestly, "and 1 do not think
/ shall do wrong to speak to you as wish
| glanced up at his face, and, as l saw the
look there, knew what he wished TO say.
4 grew pale and faint. g'7 y"
mo, Walter, no." gasped. "Dont say
II must say il, Nellie, he went on, '.and
/ you must listen to me- Ever since we were
1 children have loved you, and have looked
! to the day when i should clam you as my
! wife Now that you are alone in the world
i think have right to urge my claim
You know love you, and have believed