Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-03-04

| live. felt that could not die till had
made some reparalion for the deep wrong
had done you, and received the blessed
assurance OF forgiveness. Only the
Searcher OF hearts may know the agony
| endured But my prayers are answer
ed. Aud now will lay bare my wicked
heart to you, and tell you why | hated
you. Many years ago. Elrenna Malvern
and were schoOlmalos, and later in life
we mingled in society together. Edwin
Pcrcington was tho idol OF our circle, and
loved him. Yes. Lilta. even | loved
once, but Elrenna Malvern won the
prize Tor which longed. and from that
time there was fountain of bitterness
in my soul. All the love which had
once filled my heart was turned to bitter
hatred towards my enyied rival, and
louged only lOr opportunities To iWure
her and hers For this purpose | married
my present husband, that my facilities
tor DESTROYING the happiness of his
brother might be greater. sent anony-
nous letters. and had recourse TO other
meanncsscS to make trouble between Ed.
win and his wife. but their mutual con-
iidence Aas too great; they were not dis
lurbed by any means which my ma.
liguant temper could devise. Complete
is ioileI in all my plans. saw them de-
part lor their European tour, with out
ward calmnoss. but tho rage OF bailled
,.,mon ranking in my heart. But rs
time passed, fortune seemed 10 favor me,
ipr they returned; he, 10 see his brother
once more, and die she, my hated rival,
10 find herself, with her little child, alone
in the world. My husband was ~en then
wealthy. and he would have taken her to
his home, and been TO her u brother in
deed. but |, Litta-l could not forget the
past. so fraught with blackneSs to me,
and rcsorled TO means which / dare not
mention, TO rid myself forever OF one,
whose hand. thought, had prepared for
me the bitter cup which | had drunk
Ny measures were securely taken, and
proved successful. Elrenna Percington
disappeared, and no tidings OF her ever
reached US. until God, in his wisdom.
directed YOU TO our door. | knew, even
while spurncI you, that You were no
impostcr, Tor youc striking resemblance
to Your parents convinced me at once
that ,ou we've indeed the child OF her
whom had irreparably wronged. But
luorr came No soltcning emotion, rs /
heard your pileous story. Harder than
adamunt grew my wicked heart, and /
resolved to pour out upon the chlld's
head the continual curse from which
death had mcrciully released the mo,het.
Iou know The rest You know how with
angelic sweetness you have constantly
returned good for evil; you have saved
my lite; YOU have forgiven. In deep
humiliation and thauhtulneSs, bless God
lai yuu nave triumphed'
II lc,,1l night in Mr Percington'5
stately mansion. All that wealth could
purchase, or taste devise, WAS gathered
there TO add to the magnificent splendor
of ,nc scene. Tor Mr.. aud Mrs. Percngton
fclt that they could not do too much TO
testify their Joy and gratitude on the
wedding night of Lindsay Merton, and
u.c orphan Litla. IHg,i LWu had she
proved - them, tor heI presence had
united their before divided hearts, and
brought love and peace to their house
hold gods Graceful and beautiful as
were the many forms that were gathered
m those splendid rooms to witness the
bridal, she whom We once knew rs the
wandering bcgsar girl, shoae pre-emi-
mcul, Such a sweet, holy light dwelt IN
her glorious eyes, they seemed TO draw
their radiance from u never. dying lOunt
OF love and joy.
The ccrem0n y was soon over, and the
guests departed, leaving heart-wishes for
the continued happiness of the young
couple, now 20 indissolubly bound to
each other Tor veal or woe. Mrs. Per.
cington said but little rs she pressed
Lilta to her throbblng bosom, and called
her '.daughter;" but the noble girl felt
fully repaid for all the sufferings OF the
past, in The sweet conviction that she
now knew once more mothers love.