Litchfield enquirer., 1871-12-21

i ss Edwin was elated at his prospects. He doubted not but that when his father ba' held him returned. with beautiful bride, he would welcome him as joyfully as dil that other father who welcomed his prod. igaI son with the feast and fatted cali Edwin had heard nothing of hls father since leaving home two years before. But he gave room to no doubts; only antiei- pating the time when he should find a goodly inheritance, and reconciliation with the parent he had injured. And So with lovers whispers the summer wore away. Winter came with its hardships for the settlers at Litchfeld; but it made no per ceptible difference with the enjoyment of Edwin and Gertrude, who found in each other quite enough to satisfy them. Tie clustering winds and whirling snow were unheeded so long as they were housed, and together.
 | The wedding day drew near, and at last arriyedl A little party gathered to wit ness the ceremony, which was conducted by the Rev. Timothy Collins. Simple to the last degree was the whole affair. Ger trude was dressed in white the perfect representation of health and innocence; she confdingly placed her hand in Ed wins, and uttered her VOWS as she had done so many times by the side of the murmuring Bantam.
 It was decided that at the coming of Spring Edwin and Gertrude should sail for England, where their future home was to be; and much of their conversation naturally turned upon the prospect of reconciliation and happiness. Gertrude expressed her readiness to follow her hus- band; owning, at the same time, her re- gret at being obliged to part with her parents and brother. It was at this time that Edwin wrote the following lines, which are before me; penned in a clear, easy hand, upon yellow, coarse piece of paper, the best the times afforded: <
  The blue sky bending OCT thee,,
 Thine Edwins vows siali not deceive,
 And joy, love, is before thee!
 "A palace fair shall be thy home,
 And hearts shall be thy treasure!
 The happy hours shall go and come,
 And yield thee every pleasure.
 ''Ths waves are singing in their glee, <
 To win thee from thy sorrow;
 The ocean winds are blowing free,
 With promise for the morrow.
 ''so, Gertrude, fais one, cease thy sighs,
 Thine Edwin hangs above thee.
 O, drive the tear drops from thine eyes, And smile on those that love thee!"
 Spring came, and our haypy pair sailed for their island home. Many tears were shed at parting; but hope soon succeeded regret as Gertrude busted herself with the settlements of travel, and anticipations of happiness.
 Thanks to fair winds and good ship, the voyage was quick and prosperous one; 90 that in due time, Edwin and his bride reached Old England and were set down at the gate of the family mansion. Edwin's heart beat wild and fast. Thoughts of wilful and repeated errors, crowded through his mind; with dim fore bodings of fathers anger; of stern looks, and repulse. But, impatiently dismissing all these, he ran up the old familiar steps and struck the old knocker The door opened, strange servant peered curious ly out, and listened with wonder to Ed wins questions about his father Slowly the answer came, informing him that such man had once lived there, but had died about six months before, having suffered for long time from insanity, which, some said, was caused by losing his wife, and desertion bv his son! Edwin's face, which had been flushed with eager expectation, suddenly became pallid; his breathing seemed to be arrested; he clutched the railing at his side, but his grasp was the grasp of a child; cloud of darkness gathers within his brain, eclipsing all thought and reason, and he sank to the pavement in 8 state of unconsciousness. Gertrude, who had listened in condition of fbewilderment to heservant' disclosure, could not realize it's. full meaning until she saw Edwin fall, and :then with 8 cry. she closed her eyes, and would have sunk 4s down beside him, had not the servant quickly caught her, and borne her in. Edwin was taken up by those who now gathered around, and carried to couch. 4 physician was summoned, and every thing done that skill could accomplish, or kind hearts suggest, to restore him to consciousness. But all proved to be in vain i He continued in this state for a few hours; and, just as the morning tip ped the eastern clouds with crimson, he ceased to breath. @ @
 Gertrude. who sat beside her husband until the last, in sort of stupor, now and then entreating him to open his eyes and speak to her, or begging those around moi
 
 to let him die, at length realized that he was past human help. When this fact came home to her reason, when she learned that he had lefther, and forever the food-gates of anguish were opened wide. With groans, and prayers, she tried I to awaken him; she besought him by all the love he bore her, to come back -to speak to smile Anon, she called upon God to take her with her Edwin, nor per. nit her to remain where all was 30 dark and cheerless. But we will dwell no longer on tkis chamber of sorrow. t sa A Isd The mourner was at last exhausted They laid her upon a bed, when she fef into an uneasy slumber, mnttering to her | IL IL