Bloomsburg democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1867-1869, 1868-04-15
feeling an unusual curiosity to know some
thing more Of her. n' '"o -'' L''


she suddenly threw out her arms, claspet
him around the neck, and appeared to swool
upon his breast.
"Seel' said my friend, making an ab
rupt halt; tive are duped; this is som'
trick that girl is an impostorl"
Impossible I" returned I, unwilling II
believe that such grief and misery as sht
represented could be base counterfeit -
"Hal ses!" '. '..,' "'.
As I spoke, the sailor, as if in great sur
prise, partly unwound the arms Of the un
known from his neck, raised her head, and
looked curiously and wildly into her face
which We could see, even from where We
stood, was pale and beautiful. The next
moment he uttered wild cry, and, quickly
throwing his arms aronnd her now lifeles.
form, he exclaimed:
"Mary my Mary!"
1t seemed to be all that he could utter,
as he fairly tottcrcd with his fair burden,
and for few moments we stood dumb with
amazement. "What's this? what's the
meaning of this ?" he now demanded, look.
ing fercely at US.
"Well, if that is acting, it is the best !
ever saw" muttered my companion, as we
hastened forward and gave hurried account
Of all that We knew of the matter.
"Merciful Providence! is it possible ~
said the man, looking alternately at us and
and at the fair creature in his arms, and
clasping his forehead as if to collect his
scattered senses. "Mary |" he continued,
at short intervals; "my dear wife my dear
wife! And my mother too! Starvingl'
He continued to repeat these expressions
like one overpowercd by some terrible shock,
and who knew not what ho was saying; ;
while VIC stood looking on, too much aston
ished to think Of offering him any assist
ance.
At length, with sort of gurgling gasp,
the poor creature opened her eyes; and
looking wildly and fondly into the manly
face Of him who supported her, she muir
mured
"Challes Charles is this you? in life
in death-or in dream?'
l pass over Il c wild, frantic, passionate
exclamatjons on both sides, as each began
to realize the truth-the one that found a
loving wife in the depths Of misery--the
other that she had regained fond husband
at the moment Of all others when she most
needed his aid, counsel, love and support.
"Come," whispered my friend, touching
my arm, 'let us withdraw; their meeting
should be sacred from the intrusion of stran-
gers" " -..
Though deeply curious to know something
Of their history. silently acquiesced in his
proposal; and quietly departing, we return
ed SO our hotel musing upon the uncertain
ties, vicisitudes and romance Of life.
Two days after, as was sitting on the
piazza of the hotel, saw sailor passing
along the street, and curiosity prompted me
to address him. The moment he saw me,
he came bounding up, grasped my hand,
and burst into tears.
"Heaven bless you!' he exclaimed in a
choking voice; Heaven bless you and your
friend and SO says Mary. I've been hunt
ing for you all over the city, sir, but feared
I'd never see you again. Here let ME pay
you back your money; and you will be so
kind, sir, as to accept.thcse two rings for
yourself and fiicnd?"
took the money-for saw if l did not
he would feel very much hurt; but fearing
his circumstances might not justify him in
making present Of so much value, at
tempted to decline the rings. 1t was Of no
use he would take no denial so re-
luctantly accepted them, thanking him in
behalf Of my friend, who was absent. l
then drew from him his story, which will
give in few words. ~
He and his wife were both natives of a
small village, and had often played together
as children. His own father was in good
circumstances, but subsequently lost his Fro
perty, and died soon after, leaving himself
and mother to struggle along as best they
might. ..i .-.. ..r
Among those believed to be friends in
prosperity, but who forsook them in adver-
sity, was the father of his present wife but
though fortune separated the youth and
maiden, it only increased an attachment
which had begun in childhood.
For years, however, they did not meet ;
and during that time the narrator became a
sailor and acquired sufficient means to pur.
chase cottage for his mother, leaving q
small balance on mortgage, which his next
voyage was to clear of. While at home, he
and his Mary again met and, conscious Of
mutual passion, and knowing her parents
would not consent to the union, but were
most anxious to ally her to wealthy suitor,
they took advantage Of an opportunity, and
were privately married. 97ft
Charles Delaiue, for such was his name,
| then took leave Of his wife, aud shipped
for whaling voyage, intending it should be
his lass cruise. While absent, his wife.
| narents discovering the secret of her mar.