Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-05-29
a MISERABLE DUPE.

cl,usetts man whose life has been one
of romantic interest. 1t is not necessary
to mention names; the circumstances
will be recognized by only too many
persons, while relation lives whose feel
incs should be respected, at least so far.
The unhappy man at last died mainly
from exposure, and perhaps also from
hunger. Until he was mlddle-aged
person he lived as bachelor in small
town, and possessing ample means, a
widowed sister acting as his house
keeper. He was respected by all his
neighbors, and indeed envied for the
comfortable domestic life which he ap-
peared to enjoy.
There came one day to the village
mechanic andhis wife, who were intelli-
gent people, quite above the ordinary
class; and finally by agreement made
their home at his house. In very brief
period the mechanic sickened and final
iy died A few months only had passed
before the neighbors were surprised by
an announcement of marriage between
the bachelor and the handsome widow,
who had thus become an inmate OF his
house. The man seemed to have sud
denly awakened to an appreciation OF
love and married the widow. 1t was
bold step, and from that hour trouble
commenced with the infatuated man.
The wife at once led her new husband
into extravaganza aud dissipation. She
controlled him completely by her win
ming ways and striking beauty.
From the habits Of simple bachelor
he now broke loose entirely, left his
old home and removed to New York.
He erected large establishment, and
made many friends, and his wife became
the center of an admlring circle, which
she seemed to adorn. Her husband felt
proud of her, and was really very fond
of her also. One morning he found
upon his dressing g-table note, by which
he learned that his wife had disappeared.
Ere he had finished reading the letter
which bis abScUnding partner had lett
for him, bidding him a coarse and heart
less farewell, the officers OF the law had
attached all his property to cover the
reckless woman's debts. He gave up
all, and without complaint. He offered
no hindrance to the sacrifice OF every
article he possessed, but sat bewildered
and stunned like one half asleep.
Now came series Of discoveries. He
had been made a miserable dupe. On
searching into the character and ante
cedents of the woman whom he had
loved and married, he found that during
her girlhood she had been the inmate
of a house of correction, because of her
pre-disposit:on to crime, and that even
while confined in that institution she
had been punished for thieving from her
fellow convicts Every step of his in
quiry only divulged fresh reasons for
shame on her part, until the bereaved
husband ceased to pursue the subject
further. He was entirely broken-hearted.
She was gone, no one knew whittier,
and no one now seemed to care, tof she
has never since been heard of.
The ruin in fortune Of this man did
not seem to break his spirit so much as
did the consciousness that he had been
so wretchedly deceived and duped. The
abuse of his confidence and his love had
bowed him to the very earth. AT the
old homestead where he had passed his
boyhood, now ruined and neglected
hovel, he found miserable refuge,
where he led a hermit life, avoiding ev-
cry one, living upon the coarsest food,
and denying himself everything except
sufficient to barely keep body and soul
together He never left his wretched
quarters after he reached them until
lately, when he was carried away on the
day Of his death.