Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1866-05-11

ternoon in spring, when We met to hear
this singular case. The sunlight streamed
through the dusty windows of the court
room, and shed halo around the long,
grey locks and broad forehead of the de-
fendant--while the plaintiffs harsh feat
ures were thrown into still bolder relief
by the same beam which soitened the
placid countenance of the adversary.
The plaintiffs lawyer made most elo-
quent appeal for his client, and had we
not been informed about the matter, our
hearts would have been melted by his |
touching description Of the return of the
desolate husband, and the agony with |
which he beheld his household gods re-
moved TO consecrate strangers hearth. !
The celebrated Aaron Burr was counsel
for the defendant, and we 9ntici rated from
him splendid display Of oratory.
Contrary to our expectations, however,
Burr made no attempt TO confute his OPP
ponent's oratory. He merely opened a
book of statutes, and pointing with his
thin finger to one Of the pages, desired
the referees to read it, while he retired
moment, for the principal scitness.
We had scarcely finished the section,
which fully decided the matter in our
minds, when Burr re-entered with tall
and elegant female leaning on his arm
She was attired in simple white dress,
with wreath of ivy leaves encircling her
large straw bonnet and lace veil COM
pletely concealed her countenance. Burr
whispered few words, apparently en-
couraging her to advance, and then grace
fully raising her veil, discovered TO US a
face of proud, surprising beauty. rec
ollect as well as if it happened yesterday,
| how simultaneous the murmur of admira-
ton burst from the lips of all present.
Turning to the plaintiff, Mr.. Burr asked,
in cold, quiet tone
DO you know this Lady,
Il do"
VIII you swear to that y
"I will; to the best of my knowledge
and my belief, she is my daughter"
Can you swear 10 the IDENTIFY
81 can"
"What is her age 2"
"She was thirty years old on the 20tl
day of April
When did you last see her 2
At her own house, about fortnight
since
" When did you see her previous to tina
meeting ?"
The plaintiff hesitated-a long pause
ensued-the question was repeated, and
the answer at length was
son the 18th day of May, IL"
.'When she was Just three weeks old, -
added Burr. Gentlrmen," continued he
turning to us, /" / have brought this lady
here as an important witness, and such, |
think she is. The plaintiffs counsel has
pleaded eloquently in behalf of the be-
reaved husband, who escaped the perils OF
the sea and returned only 10 find home
desolate. But who will picture to you
E the lonely wife, bending over her daily
toll, devoting her best years to the drudg-
cry of sordid poverty, supported only by
the hope of her husbands return? Who
will picture the slow process of heart-sick.
ening, the wasting anguish of hope defer
red, and finally the overwhelming agony
which came upon her when her last hope
was extinguished, and she was compelled
to believe herself a widow. Who car
, depict all this without awakening in youl
hearts the warmest sympathy for the de
serted wife, and the Interest scorn for tht
mean, pitiful wretch, who could thus tram
pie on the heart of her whom he swore Il
love and cherish? We need not enquir,
into his motive for acting so base part
Whether it was love of gain or licentious
ness, or selfish indifference, it matters not
he is too vile thing TO be judged by sucl
laws as govern men. Let us ask the wit
ness-she who now stands before us witt
: the frank. fearless brow of true-hearte'
woman--let us ask which of these two ha
> been to her father"
i Turning to the lady, in tone who's
: sweetness was strange contrast with tn
: scornful accent which just characterized
o his words, he besought her to relate brief
d ly the recollections of her early life. 4
slight flush passed over her proud an,
, beautiful face as she replied:
e "My first rccollections are of a small
n ill-furnished apartment, which my siste
is and myself shared with my mother. Sh
y used to carry out every Saturday evening
l. the work which had occupied her durin
e the week, and bring back employment 70
5 the following one. Saving her wearisom
!, visit to her employers and her regular at
d tendance at church, she never left tn
= house She often snoke of nv fafba,