Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-12-08
s elected Misfellamp,
Charlotte Liston;
OR,
THE PRICE OF A HEART.


The probationary six months had
nearly expired, and already Mrs Liston
began to busy her active mind about
Charlottc's wedding day and dress, and
the degree of ceremony to be observed
on the great occasion. 1t was after she
had consumed almost an entire morning
in consultation upon the subject with
Charlotte-who was very unwillngly
made party to the discussion, since her
thoughts were dwelling constantly upon
the more essential features of the mar
riage tie,--that she thought proper, at
dinner, to breach the subject to Mr..
Liston ard to remind him how near it
was to the expiration of the time he had
desired the marriage to be delayed. and
of the propriety of making some definite
arrangements respecting it. Charlotte
blushed deeply at her mothers abrupt
remarks. and cast down her eyes but
her feelings, looks, and all were instan-
taneously changed, when her father, in
reply, said in tone, with shake of his
head
1--WE may have no marriage for long
time yet, Mrs. Liston."
Charlotte dropped her knife and gazed
steadfastly in his face, suddenly and
with alarm, saying,
"Gharles is well p
Eyes" replied Mr.. Liston, II saw
him but about an hour ago Don't be
agitated. am troubled, as you see,
but the result may prove suspicion to
have been unfounded. must leave you
thus hastily, and may not be at home to
tea. BE cheerful hope all may be
well yet"
With these vague hints at some i'm
pendig evil, Mr.. Liston left his family,
who remained for some minutes mute
with establishment. II was manifest that
he had wished TO prepare their minds for
distressing news, which he was unwill-
ing to communicate at once. The after
noon was spent by the mother and
daughter in earnest and painful converse
upon the uncertain grief which over
Swallowed them. Mr.. Listens words
were susceptible of vdriety of interpre-
taions. Elliston might have been
unfortunate in busincss-or Mr.. Liston
himself-;nl, again, the horrid thought
crossed Charlottes mind, that something
might have been charged against her
lovcr-something to tarnisl his fame
bis honor; not that for moment she
could believe him guilty of the slightest
dereliction-but in the inducements of
business, circumstances might have APP
peared to criminate him. The afternoon
passed in this distressing anxiety and
sure enough, Mr.. Liston did not cone
home to tea most unusual thing
"But Charles, will soon be here, to
cheer US, and to explain all, Thought
Charlotte. But, hour after hour of the
evening slowly departed and brought no
lover, no father. Suspense had now
become agony. 1t was late into the
night, when, pale and agitated, scarcely
himself, in the confusion of his mind,
his misery and the conflict of his feelings,
Mr.. Liston returned Both wife and
daughter fastened to him. He threw him
self into chair, and called for wine
Charlotte knelt by his side and wept at
his haggard looks, as she took his tremb-
ling hand
''Dear father, what is it--let us sym
pathize with you-let us know your
grief Z"
"Sympathize with me, my child" be
replied, kissing her forehead, in the
saddest tones she had ever heard him
utter you must suffer with me-you
must sorrow with me, and bitter sorrow
it will be. All day | have been I'M
rayclling scheme in which my credit
has been used to bolster up an insane and
cursed speculation. The three firms with
whom | have dealt most largely, and in
whom | rerosed the utmost confidence,
have been the coDspirators. Their specu-
latlons have proved rotten to the core.
They have staked millions upon them
they are bankrupts-aDd am on their
paper to such an extent, and am other
wise so involved with them 10 the regular
channels Of business, that every dollar
| own must go-yes. every dollar, to
pay their deficits--"Oh God" he cried
feryeDtly. starting from bis chair, and
rapidly pacing the room, "would that
our merchants would mark more distinct
ly iD their minds the line between hon
esty and dishonesty. This rushing head