Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1869-04-22

cred. When did and arrived in Philadelphia
no trace could be discovered Of our child, and
never since have we heard anything concern
ing him. But God be praised, Charles, he has
given ms son in you." li-a -5l L--.
But was there no mark by which he could
have been known ifhe had been left behind, as
you first supposed? ?" asked Charles eagerly.
"Yes, there were scars of a dogs teeth on his
left wrist, and besides he wore locket-a birth
day present from his father-around his neck,
with CHARLES engraved on it, said Mrs
Thompson, with tears in her eyes
Then, father, mother" said Charles, bearing
his arm, and drawing from his bosom locket,
which he threw into Mrs Thompson's lap" be-
hold your long lost son-" X.
\ For an instant they stood amazed-the next
instant they were locked in each Others arms
/ Then turning to Emma he, for the first time,
pressed her to his bosom as SISTER.
How different was the situation now, from
the day on which he first set loot in the city OF
i New Orleans. Then he was poor and friendless,
with scarce place to lay his head-now he was
wealthy, surrounded by friends, and blessed
with a father, mother and sisters love. He
could claim now what her noble father would
not have refused, even TO the poor youth, had be
asked it-Helen's hand; and even her proud
mother would not object to receiving for her
ssn-in-Iaw, the heir the richest merchant in
New Orleans.
Mirth and music resounded throughout and
! joy and gladness reigned predominant in the
splendid mansion OF Mr. Merton. II was the
| birth-night ball of his lovely and accomplished
daughter, Helen, given on her nineteenth birth
day, and the magnificent saloons were thronged
by the youth, beauty, and elite ofthe metropolis.
All paid willing homage to her fascinating
charms. Nor beneath their feryent congratu-
Iations did there lurk aught of malice or envy I;
| for the sweet disposition and gentle manners of
Helen Merton had won the good will of all who
knew her. And now as she replied to their
warm hearted wishes, she looked more beauti-
full than ever. She was attired in plain white
dress looped with roses, and fitted exquisitely
| to her finely moulded form; her shining chest
nut curls were confined by costly diamond
| head band, that sparkled on her forehead, ri
valing the transparent beauty and clearness of
| her complexion. .s .r-l
At times when she would mingle in the giddy
whfri of the dance, smile would play upon her
lovely features; but when over, a melancholy
expression would steal into her laughing eyes,
| telling something was yet wanted 10 complete
ler happiness. She was thinking, perhaps, how
| le who many years ago had won her maiden
| lOve, might, whilst she was surrounded by
wealth and luxury, he dragging out the prime
,Jl
remembered the companion of her childhood.
such is wOmanis constancy and love. Alas, that
&c should SO often be abused. - 1-
The evening was somewhat advanced, when
Mr. Merton approached Helen, locked arm in
arm with a young man, whose dark counte-
nance, raven hair and eyes, and tall, straight
form indicated native of the South.
"Mr Thompson, of New Orleans, my dear"
said Mr.. Merton.
And then, after conversing few moments,
sauntered TO the opposite side of the saloon.
"who is that handsome young man you just
now introduced to Helen?' asked Mrs. Merton
of her husband. i14 10 ~ --'-
"That is Mr.. Thompson, of New orleans, the
richest merchant in that city, and his father
! was before him. He arrived here but the day
before yesterday. l was introduced to him
yesterday, and invited him here tonight, and
if the impressions of his features is not felt on
Helen's heart, which has hitherto been SO call
Gus, none ever will regret the disappearance
Of .-.-- l -
Your protege, Charles EIliston,'' said his
wife sarcasticany. -l So i.-i.' i n
Mr.. Merton did not answer her, he only
turned away. --J ~.-.-l sl.s.rA. .
At first, when the stranger was introduced to
Helen, there appeared an air of embarrassment;
butu gradually wore of. and he entered into
conversation with his usual vivacity. In the
course of it, she asked him ifhe had been in the
city before. He replied thathe had been, when
he was about seventeen years of age, and he had
then become acquainted with several of his own
age, whose acquaintance he highly priced
Among those he mentioned, was that of Charles
Elliston, in particular. er .- ri. ftfs. r-r !
As he pronounced the name, he bent his dark
eyes full upon her, and perceived that she start
depicted ON her countenance. After a moments
pause he continued "a. -.-t- |
'ButI have made inquiries since my arrival, |
respecting him. and hear that he has returned
the kindness of his benefactor, your father,
with ingratitude, by leaving his house, and
going, no one knew whittier" +sssr rAtI
sOh. no. sir, do not believe that; it is an idle
report He had reasons for leaving my fathers
house, and her voice trembled, and tear stood
in her eye.
Just then a gentleman advanced to claim her |
hand for the last cotiIlion, and the converse |
ton was abruptly terminated. Charles resigned I
her silently, but his heart was full
. It's strange how the lapse ofa few years be-
tween youth and manhood will change the face
and disguise the form; the slim STRIPPING that a
little while ago clambered upon our knee, we
can scarcely recognize in the full stately form,
an6 staid demeanor of the man. So it was with
Charles Thompson, and no wonder that Helen
and her father could not see, in the rich mer-
chant from the South, the poor lad, who, six
years before, had left them with scarce a dollar
in his pocket. -l iiI .ls vra lic-l -l7i.ll
1t was the morning following the ball, and
Mr.. and Mrs. Merton and Helen were sitting in
the parlor, the former two engaged in discussing
some private affairs, the latter with her head
r sting upon her hand, apparently in deep
thought. The servant entered. and handed Mr..
Merton a letter. He opened it, and after perus-
ing it for few moments uttered an exclama- ,
ton of joy. Both his companions looked up
overcome with the excitement of
some unusually pleasing news he approached
his daughter, and gently patting her on the
cheek, said
Come, come, Helen dear. cneer up Charles, Z
,ur own dear Charles, has returned he is in the i
;ity. and will be here in half an hour. Cheer
up, my DEAR
And he began to pace the floor.
See here he continued, as splenaid equip +
ge with servants in livery drove up to the door, =
rom which young man alighted, " here is Mr.. !,
too; how glad shall be to introduce !,
hem to each other"
q don't see why you should be- sa id his WIFE .. ..
though perhaps your Charles, as you call him, =
nay be as rich as Mr.. Thompson. You know >
le left word that he going to seek his for :,
une." y
And she pronounced the last words with a C
neer. h
And he hopes hehas found it. madam, y ex- b
laimed Charles. who entered just at that mo- Is
1ent, "thanks to an alwise Providence, that b
irec ted me to my fathers house. 1t is Charles Fl
hat stands before your r5,tv
With shrek ofdelight, Helen threw herself =
1to his outstretched arms. and wept tears of c
", on his bosom; while the old man stood mo- IL
onless, but his eyes were wet, and his lips II
uivered, though not with grief
When they had become somewhat composed. 81
harles related to them what had occurred since y;