Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1871-06-15
For the Republican
By LOUISE M.

By LOUISE M.
Years ago, when my home was III one
Of the eastern states, l frequently passed
a lonely spot, a mile or two from the large
and flourishing town wherein l called my
home in those happy days. The scene |
speak of laid in one of the most beautiful
counties of Pennsylvania. In the midst of
this lovely, yet lonely and deserted place,
stood large and once beautiful mansion,
now fallen to decay. Shrubbery of all
varieties grew, tangled and uncared for,
about the dwelling. The gravel walks
had been swept away by time and rains
and upon the house great patches ofmoss
grew unmolested. The shutters here and
there had lost mate, and long years ago
the paint had forsaken the old house.
The verandas had rotted away, almost,
and would scarcely bear the weight ofmy-
self and companion, frail old man of
eighty five-the owner of this house, and
by whose kindness / was to enter a place
once so lov.ly, but now, alas, so sad, SO
cheerless A massive key grated in the
lock, but The feeble, trembling fingers
could do no more. j stepped forth and
opened the door, which creakcd and
groaned, upon its rusty hinges. The hall
was large, as in those oldcn times, and
underneath the mould, the floor was COW
cred with what had been once called oil
cloth. A bat and cloak stand stood near
by, Upon the right were two large par
lors, the floors carpeted with brussels, but
gone almost to decay. Divans, sofas, pier
tables, and richly cushioned velvet chairs,
faded and dropping apart, filed the rooms,
while upon the walls, were the remains
of rare pictures. Elegant mirrors, reach
ing from ceiling to floor, yet retained their
places. Long ere this the rich lace cur
tains had fallen from the deep windows,
leaving only here and there shred. In
the drawing and reception rooms. the same
scene of desolation prevaled--the furni-
ture crumbling and carpets moth eaten
In the piano room an instrument stood
in one corner, which had, in its day, been
thought magnificent; but to our improv-
ed eyes, would appear sadly wanting in
many essential points. As to an inquiry
whether might raise the lid, the old gen.
tleman bowed his head sadly Ny fingers
flew rapidly over the great yellow keys,
but not a sound poured forth save dull
clank, clank- Eoery string hout r'asted and
broken. Tears rained down upon the old
mans cheeks, and glistenedupont the long,
curling white beard, while the poor weak
frame shook with sobs.
We assembled, carefully. the trembling
stairway to the Chambers above. Ny old
friend led me to the one of all others. that,
= Is day had been the cosiest. This" y
said he, twas to have been her room. O,
Godl" lie tottered and would have fall
en-, but for my extended arm.
The key grated in the Iock, and the old
mansion was left in darkness, until the
next yearly visit for only once a year
had it been opened, or the inside seen the
sunshine for fifty years. Fifty gears!
NOW, my young friend" said this
aged one to ME, whom in those days i
called Uncle WILMINGTON have Won
dered why no foot save mine, and yours
to-day, has never crossed the threshold of
yender house, for fifty weary years. If
You will listen to an old mans sorrovs.
hear the story: Years ago, was be-
trothed to beautiful maiden, with gold
en- sunny curls, and laughing eyes. She
was but tiny creature, and seemingly all
truth and purity. Well, loved her, God
only knows how much. Ely home for
my bride, everything, was in readiness.
All had been selected with an eye to her
pleasure and comfort The days passe d
by and the wedding night drew near. 1
sat in my room awaiting, o, how eagerly,
me to her loved presence. Just as be-
gan to grow impatient, a servant handed
me note and quietly withdrew. Hastily
| broke tin seal and read:
PAUL:-Will you curse me when I tell
you there will be, for you, no bridal to-
nights One loved, years agone, return
ed yestcr eve. / could not say him nay,
for loved him, though your promised
wife l could not accept misery, and cast
aside happiness. One hour ago we were
united MARION REID.
For fifty years has the hmneI prepared
for her been closed. For fifty years has
my heart been dcsoIatc. She sleeps, now
down under the daisies, where they laid
her to rest twenty years ago to-day. That
is all, my little friend, only never trihe
with heart that loves you" And the
old mans quivering voice died away.
4 few months glidcd by swiftly, andth
weary spirit slept at last. The last words
he ut.ired were: GOD bless You all
Bury me under the wines at the dear old
house."
His body lies there now, and the super
stitious say that once a year Uncle VIII
liam roams over the house at the "Vines,"
and lets tine sunshine in through the great
deep windows; his spirit, which even
now wanders through the dreary rooms
Two years ago, the old house stood yet,
among the hills, not two miles from the
county seat, in the county of H-n. IN the
state of Pennsylvania. II stands there
yet, and will until it crnmbles down, for
no rude hand dare dcsccrate those walls. |
BOURBON, June. 1871
I'M yY,~> D~@-sI@.&