Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-10-11
MAINE, FRIDAY, OCTOBER H. 1867


singled her ont from the first, and, the
better to accomplish his purpose, he left
the tavern and took lodgings at the En-
signs. He soon saw how matters stood
in the family; and governed himself ac-
cordingly, taking especial pains to con-
cilliate the ruling authority. The Ensign's
wife hated young Barnet, and wished
to get rid of her daughter-in law. He
aattered the poor girl by his attentions
and praised her beauty. Her moral train
ing had not fitted her to withstand this Sc,
dUetive influence; no mother love, with
its quick, instructive sense of danger threat
ening its object, interposed between her
and the tempter. Her old friend and play
mate-hc who could alone save her-haG
been rudcly repulscd from the house by
her mother law: and indignant and dis
gusted. he retired from all competition
with his formidable rival Thus abandon
ed to her own undisciplined Imagination,
with the inexperience of a child and the
passions of woman. she was deceived by
false pretenccs, bewldered, fascinated
and beguiled into sin.
1t is the same old story Of woman's con
fdence and mans duplcity. The ras-
cally writing under pretence of
visiting neighboring town, left his lodg-
ings and never returned. The last heard
of him lie was a tenant of western pen
tentiary. Poor Julin. driven in disgrace
from her fathers house, at last found ref
uge in the dwelling OF an oil woman of
no very creditable character. There
was called to visit her; and although not
unused to scenes of suffering and sorrow,
/ I hal !, of,rn ritpncsoI e,,n1, tt,r
abandonment to grief, shame, and re-
morse. Alas. what sorrow was like unto
her sorrow! The birth hour of her infant
was the hour also of its death.
The agony of her spirit seemed gre ater
than she could bear. Her eyes were open
ed, and she looked upon herself with loath-
ing and horror. She wonld admit no hope,
no consolation: she would listen to no
palliation or excuse forguilt could on
ly direct her to that source Of pardon and
peace to which the broken and contrite
heart never appeal. i'll vain.
In the mean time Robert Barnet
shipped on board Labrador vessel The
night before he called on me, aud put in
my hand sum of money, small indeed,
but all he could then command
You will see her often" he said: do
not let her sntfer, for she is more to be pitt
ed than blamed
! told him further that would do all in
my power for her, and added that thought
far better of her, contrite and penitent as
she was, than of SOME who were busy in
holding up to shame and eensure.
God bless YOU for these words he said.
grasping my hand. i shall think of them
often. They will be comfort to me-
As for Julia, God was more merciful to
her than man. She rose from her sick bed
thoughtful and iumblcti, but with hopes
which transcended the world of her safer,
ing and shame. She 10 longer mnrninred
against her sorrowful allotment, bat nc.
cepted it with quiet and almost cheerful
broken laws. and the needed discipline OF
her spirit. She could say with the Psalm
list: The Judgments of the Lord are true;
and thy Judgment is right
Through her cxertions she obtained en-
plovment in respectable family. to whom
She cndearcd herself by her taithfulness
cheerful ohcdicnce. and unaffected picty.
Her trials had made her heart tender wild,
sympathy for all in ailliction.
She seemed inevitably drawn towards
the sick and Suffering. In their presence
thc burden of her own sorrow seemed to
fall of She was the most cheerful and
sunny faced nurse ever knew; and al
ways felt sure that my own efforts would
he well seconded when found her by the
bedside of patient. beautiful 1t was tn
see this poor yoanc girl, whom the world
still locked upon with scorn and unkind
ness, cheering the spondng, and impart-
ing. as it were, her own strong. healthtul
life to the weak and faint; supporting on
her bosom, through weary nights, the
heads of those who, while in health, would
have deemed her touch pollution, or to
hear her singing for the car Of the dying
some sweet hymn of hope or resignation
or calling to mind the consultations of the
Gospel and the great love of Christ
Il trust;' said |. .that the feelings of
the community were sofetned toward her.
"You know what human nature is;'
replied the doctor-"and with what hearty
satisfaction we abhor any folly ana sin in
others. 1t is n luxury which we cannot
easily forego, although our own experience
tells us that the consequences of vice and
error are bitter enough without the aggra
walton of rcproach and ridieule from with
out. So YOU need not be surprised to learl
that, in poor Julia's case the charity o
sinners like herself did not keep pace will
the mercy and forgiyness Of Him who i,
infinite in purity Nevertheless, | vii
do our people the Justice to say that hei
blamelcss and self sacrificing life was MOI
withoat its proper effect upon them
"What became of Robert Barnet"
inquired.
"IIe came after an absence of severa
months. and called on me before he hat
even seen his father aul mother. lie did
not mention Julia, but saw that his er
rand with me concerned her. | spoke o
her excellent department and useful lie
dwelt upon the extenuating circumstances
of her error, and of her sincere and hearty
repentance.
"Doctor, said he at length, with hes
itating and embarrassed manner, what
would YOU think if should tell You that
after all that has passed. have half made
up my mind to ask her to become my wife!
Il should think better of it il you had
wholly made upyoar mind, said |, And
Iif you were my son, would not ask you
for a better wife than Julia Atkins. Don't
hesitate, Robert, on account Of what some
( ill-natured people may sa5. Consult youl
own heart first of all.
Il don't care for the talk Of all the busy
bodies in town. he said. but wish that
father and mother could feel as you d,
about he..
Leave that to me- said I they are
kind hearted and reasonable, and | dare
say will be disposed to make the best o