The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-08-04
IN A MAD HOUSE.


lam the eldest son OF gentleman
who had good property in one of the
northern counties Of England. had
one brother. year younger than
mysef-a wild. dissipated gambler.
Often have paid his debts out of my
own allowance, rather than let my
father know of his misdeeds. Each
time did so Willinm-my brother was
80 callud-promised never to touch n
card or back n horse again; and each
time, after n few weeks qntet life, he
returned to his evil courses with re.
doubled energy, md soon got as much
in debt as ever. When I was about
tweniy.eiglt years old my father died,
leaving mo heir 10 all his properly,
which wns entailed. Hitherto I had
lived qniet country life; but now,
forced by business to frequent the busy
haunts Of men, I began TO like the OK.
citemehts OF the world and the gay
pleasures Of society. Rich, good.look.
ing, and ensy.tempRred, l was soon n IN.
voritewith those whom I came in contact
with Simple in the ways Of the world,
nnd unsnspicious by nature, was silly
enough To suppose that It was the man
and not tho money they courted and
II aattPred my pride and conceit to be
IN much thought Of and sought after.
To crown my happiness, grew fondly
attached to a heautiful girl, who seemed
to return my love and before I had
known her many months we were en-
gaged. Ineed not tell you her name.
nor need I give you q description OF
her, more thnn in saying that she was
tall, dark, with long raven locks and
black, flashing eyes Of rathera Spanish
beauty commanding aud imperions.
looking.I was intoxicated with her type
ofheauty, and worshiped her madly.
I olMyed every look or gesture, and.
blinded by my foolish, insane love, !
became her abject slave, only living for
the pleasure OF serving her and being
neNrhsr
Obi fool, idiot that was, to sup.
pose that such Ms she could love poor,
weak, silly creature like me But soon
I was to be undeceived. My brother
came to stay with me at the same time
that she and her mother were visiting
me. He, too, seemed struck with her
beanty and told me, in a joking. laugh.
ing sort Of way, whata lucky fellow /
was.
aYou elder brothers, +" he said-half
bitterly, I tlonght-da are Always in
luck, in love or war. WITH nice snug
income, and dear old country place,
you are going to marry the handsomest
woman in England, with whom you ara
deeply In love, and no wonder and
who, as n matter of course," he added,
within halt-sneering smile, ais equally
devoted to you or yonr acres. Oh,
happy accident Of birth Now look at
the unhappy Younger son, ns illustrated
by myself. Unlucky at my BIRTH, the
same evil genius pursues me through
life Boin with the same, or rather
ten times greater, desire 10 enjoy the
good things Of this life, brought mp
tnVather in comfort and luxury, and not
ednc,ted in n manner IN a. me for Hght.
ing In tho battlefield OF life,' I come
to mans estate, and discover myself de.
pVNluut Ou tlit HNhtluuo bvuhNI, W
brother, whose only claim to superior
sagacity is the fact Of coming into the
world n year before me-"
81 saying, he turned and hurriedly
left me. I felt grieved that he shonld in
his heart blame me for his want OF luck.
1 liM always given him what consider.
cd 70 be a inst proportion OF my yearly
income; but II lie had received ton
times that amount, IL wonld all have
gone in batting and gambling, and In q
fewmonths he would have been as poor
as ever.
Things went on quietly and without
clhnge for 4 week or two. Then I be.
gan IN he sensible Of change in her
behavior 10 me. I could not say In
what Only now she seemed 10 avoid
being alone with me, and at times spoke
shortly and impatlently 10 me. For a
long time / tried to make myself believe
was only fancy; but by degrees the Il
hoMt.hreaking truth forced itself oil
me- She WAS ceasing 10 love me. Per.
hapS learning 10 love another. II 30,
ybo Xnaa II who WaS robbinn ma af nv