Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-03-14
toriginal.l
T HE MI S r A K E.

We stand at the entrance of the nineteenth
century and take note of an interesting Incl
dent in social life among the Inhabitants OF
the Hebrides-a group of islands on the west
of Scotland, the largest of which is known by
the name of Lewis. Upon these islands there
were at that time several classes of people
some of which were more or less enterprislng
and especially in the erection of dwelling
houses, which they often times borrowed the
money to erect, rather than not be thus ell
gagged though there was no real necessity for
such improvements. The Scallags forming
the lowest class, were very debased set of
slaves who did the work while the higher
classes subsisted upon the fruit of their labor.
The young men of the best families were for
merly sent to France to be educated, but at
this period they found the Scotch Universe
ties suited to their mental wants, and there
fore they threw their patronage in that di-
rection. The education Of females was not
much attended to as it was not popular, yet
occasionally this favor was granted to the
oldest daughter in certain families, who was
sent to school at Edinburgh for a year. Miss
Harris one of the favored few, having re-
ceived the advantages Of years mental
training had just returned from Edinburgh.
When she got home no particular change
attracted her attention = though few new
buildings had sprung up as matter ofcourse
excepting that, as thoughts of education
occupied her mind, the parish school was
presided over by James Mack, a young man
from Scotland, who had received somewhat
of an education ut Aberdeen College, and be-
ing of rather poor parents he was obliged to
look about for something to do to afford him
subsistence, consequently he was fortunate
enough to secure an appointment as teacher
to the Hebrides, where we find him already
installed and partially acquainted with his
patrons, especially with the Harris family,
composed of Mr.. and Mrs. Harris and the
daughter just returned from school, who re-
sided in very romantic part Of Lewis island.
Among the many acquantances of the
new teacher he esteemed this family which
was first in his acquiintanceship, as Of the
greatest importance because Of the warm
welcome he received from them conse-
qucntly the house of Mr.. Harris was his
frequent resort and it soon became apparent
that his frequent visits were not altogether
occasoned by the demands Of friendship
James MacD was handsome and somewhat
polished, so that on the part of Miss Harris
especially, his visits to her fathers house
were very acceptiblc. His frequent calls
and the delight he had in the company OF
their daughter soon made it evident 10 the
parents that an intimacy existed between
them bordering on love. This discovery on
| the part of the parents met with their ap-
pr0val, as they esteemed the new teacher II
worthy young man, therefore it soon became
general understanding that james MacD.
was sueing far the hand of Martha Harris.
The winter months passed on, the lovers be-
came very fond Of each other, and the
parents openly commenced his intentions,
but it is matter of deep regret that MIR.
MacD. betrayed the trust reposed him. Oh,
the cruel mistake, viii men not consider
The sea dashed against the shores OF
Lewis, making music for the laboring Seal
lags with its hoarse murmurs, the birds
caroled in the budding trees, nature was
breaking in joy from the bands of winter
and all things were joyous in the springtime
resurrection of nature, but upon the soul o
Miss Harris hung dark cloud of sorrow
which she could not dispel and which ap
| La taI far liru n
who would dare thus betray the confidence
| of an unsuspecting one should be execratet
by the pure and righteous judgement of hu-
manity. 1t was customary with the llebri
deans, among the lower classes that If ,
young woman made mistake in an evi
hour which was too often the case, it wal
rather a recommendation than disgrace
but among the higher classes Of which thu
Harris family protessedly was, the diabolica
familiarity of the sexes was considered I
burning disgrace. 1t is so often the cast
that familiarity breeds contempt and tn,
poor deluded victim of deceit is left an out
cast in society, but with this misguided
young couple love had woven its silkel
cords, and union had been made to th'
great joy of saddend parents which woul'
be likely to save their daughter from publi
disgrace. Miss Harris became Mrs MacD
James MacD. had to give up his schoo
and with his young wife removed 10 a smal
village, taking with him his mother-in-lsw
J as Mr.. Harris had been unfortunate on ac
, count of extravaganza, and though some