Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1873-02-15

1t was open, and not pausing to rap I
went in.
A serene and peaceful hush rested with.
in. The balmy wind nestled in the
wreaths of snowy drapery hanging at the
window, where great white and red roses
bowed their graceful heads, and the warm,
rich summer-li2ht came in and lay in bar
of radiance on the floor.
A cradle was there. and il required no
conjurine tn tell that it had an inmate, a
selfdiynified, thoughtful, imperturable lit
tie baby, whose quiet calmness could not
understand. 1t was wide awake, and its
great blue eyes were staring with infant
persistence at something. couldn't tell
what; then they turned upon me and re-
turned the gaze. But it made no differ
ence, the baby had not a foul or evil
thought to hide, it was not conscious of u
sin in word OF deed, hence there came no
blush to that dclcately rounded cheek. no
falling to that calm, quiet eye, limpid ms a
lake in summer, serene rs the heavens in
June.
There was rustic and futter of mus.
lin. the sound of light, sprinuy step, the
glimpse of u fairy form, and Mrs. Winsluw
stood before me.
She was not very beautiful. but spark
ling, vivacious, with glow of health on
her cheek, and with the light Of health in
her eye.
The baby had reused now. to be sure
no more of its quiet and camness, no more
of its thoughtfulness and serenity. Its lt-
tie form fairly tluttered with pleasure. 1t
laughed, clapping its dimpled hands.
You've come to stay all day with me,
haven't youp and the baby had such good
company while mamma was gone, hadn't
itr' she said in light, chirrupy way, that
set oil the little fellow with renewed de-
light.
Her invitation had only seconded my de-
sign TO remove my bonnet and mantila,
while she sat down on the rocker and took
the baby, we prepared to enjoy the day
and each others society.
can't tell you what we talked about.
No, it was not of balls, nor operas. nor Ii
ons. nor sights. No, not a neighbours
character was dissectcd. No, the intirmi-
ties of the clergyman were not shown up.
NO, not a morsel of private scandal was
cut and carved. But the time flew swiftly
and pleasantly after dinner, and when the
great round sun was sinking behind the
trees that burned and glowed in the rich
warm light, she came To where | was sit
ting, and without a word laid portrait
upon my lap. 1t was that of II noble look
ing man, with expressive and taultless fea-
lures.
is that your husband?' l asked.
My husband as he was,' she answered,
heaving little sigh. You have seen
himp'
replied in the negative.
You will remain with me this EVENING"
replied that should be happy to form
his acquaintance, and again looked at his
portrait.
He doesn't look like that now,' she an
swered, wiping away tear. yet he says
he shall ever have cause to bless the fire by
which he lost his good looks, but which
won him what he esteemed thousand
times more valuable
what was il?' asked with uuaccount-
able dullness of comprehension.
She pointed archly, with a smile, to her
wedding ring.
DO tell me the story, should DO de-
lighted to hear it,
Again she smiled, saying:
Il do not know that you will consider il
very interesting; however, several reasons
couspire TO make me wish that you should
know all, and since you have never heard
il, perhaps l may as well tell it to you.
Certainly, certainly
You ste, when Mr.. Winslow first began
his attentions to Inc, wasn't at all pleas
cd. He was handsome, know, but | had
set my mind, very foolishly, upon having
rich husband, and one that could keep
me above the necessit es Of wuik. So
slighted and repulsed him on all Q, ,sious,
treating him not only with indifference, but
with actual lathins and scorn. Such
treatment, one might have supposed,
would have quickly obliterated his passion;
on the contrary, however, it only seemed
to increase it.
About this time formed the acquaint-
ance of city gentleman, whom ruinor re-
ported immensely rich, and whose intense
seltishness was veiled beneath manner of
the utmost suavity. His attentions to me
were marked and not To be mistaken-and
though he had not spoken of love, he look
ed and acted it aud believed him.
1T was in October, | think. the atmOs.
phere was dry and cold, with night winds
when, as we Were returning from party
late at night, | was surprised and shocked
by the appearance in the distance of Il red
light that seemed TO climb the sky and
quench the very stars. y wild and awful
presentment of approaching evil at the
same instant crossed my mind.
If that should be our housed almost
shrieked.
Nonsense, it is much farther off. said
Barton.
But was not satisfied, and hurried
on eagerly, dragging him with me.
We came nearer, nearer. My fears
were all too true. 1t was indeed our beau
tiful home, wrapped in one broad sheet u!
smoke and flame, or with forked tongues
tapping the pillars, and shooting from the
windows, while up at one of the skylights
my mother was standing in her night
dress,
With one wild shrek called the atten-
ton of the crowd to her situation. Hun
dreds of people by this time had collected
though chiefly, ms it seemed, for the graft
tication of their curiosity. Some were run
ming with ropes and ladders, while many
others were shouting and giving orders,
which no one seemed inclined to obey.
My mother my mother!' cried, win
no one go to the assistai ce of my mOther?'
Every moment the flames increased
with astonishing rapidity, surging and
roaring like sea Of storm. Still my
mnther stood there surveying the scene
with the resignation off martyr.
barton Bartonr l shrieked, ''for
Gods sake help my mother
He stood still.
implared and urged him. At length
l. IL t,,xpo rIs M. with frnxyn MI