The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-04-13
A REPORTERS STORY.

| in the city of Jackson, Michigan, engag-
ed in the capacity of g travelling reporter
! for one Of the New York journals, when
one rainy, disagreeable day, I resolved
| to visit the States Prison, in search of
some items OF interesting news. ] did
| SO.
| After having passed through the en-
| tire establishment, I was at last shown
into the cell OF young man doomed to
suffer death.
The occupant Of this cell was fine,
| sad, intelligent t-looking parsonage OF
about twenty three years Of age. His
| high, classical forehead, deep blue eyes,
and noble, polite bearing, indicated him
to be no common villain. His face was
thin and pallid, but from those pure, ex-
pressive eyes flashed depth of charac-
| ter, an uncomfortable sorrow, a soul-de-
| stroying remorse, which no cold -blooded
murderer could possess.
At his first words "Pray, be seated, :"
was surprised at the deep, full, lnusi-
cal intonations Of his voice. It at once
proclaimed him a scholar.
| I soon entered into long coversation
with him, and little by little learned the
following sad, but truthful tale, which I
give as nearly as possible in his own
language, and which hope will prove
warming to the many weary, foolhardy
thousands who are swiftly drifting into
that fearful, whirling, domestic vortex
| jealousy.
My name is George Melville. My IA
ther was clergyman in the western part
of this State, and descended from one
of the best families in those parts.
I received good education, and at
the age of twenty entered a large mer-
camille housein New York city. I soon,
by close application and indefatigable
energy, gained the entire confidence of
my employers and after having been in
their service one year, L was selected by
them to visit the West Indies as their
agent on some business of importance,
and which would require considerable
tact and forethought to execute faithful
ly, and promptly transs 1t.
Previous to my departure for those
islands, / became acquainted with Miss
| Reynolds, who was few years younger
than myself, and the daughter of gen
tleman who had recently purchased and
removed to an estate near my fathers
Everything that was graceful and love
ly appeared centered in her form; every
thing that was virtuous and excellent in
her mind. I sought her hand. Our souls
soon became united by the indissoluble
bonds of sincere love and as there were
no parental or other impediments to our
union, it was agreed that as soon as I
returned from the West Indies, where
it was expected my stay would be short,
the marriage solemnities would be per-
formed. Solemn oaths of love IL con-
stancy passed between US, and I sailed
with light heart for the West Indies
While there, / received from her, and
returned to her, letters filled with the
|
gret of absence. Oh, that had never,
never returnedl What pain, anguish,
and remorse 1 would have been saved |!
The moment I got on land, fastened
as fast as the railway train could carry
me to the house of Mr.. Reynolds, to see
the charmer of my soul.
She received me with all the ardency
of affection, and even shed tears of JOY
in my presence. I urged her to name
the day which was to perfect our union
and happiness and the next Sunday,
four days only distant, was agreed upon
for me to lead her to the altar. How did
my heart bound at the prospect of MAX
ing Miss Reynolds my own, of possess
ing in her all that could render life agree
ablel
I fastened home to my family, and in
formed them of my approaching bliss.
They all sympathized in the anticipated
JOY which swelled my bosom. I had a
| sister some years older than myself, who
| had been the friend and companion of
my angel in my absence. They were
now almost every day together, so that
had frequent opportunities of Emma's
| company.
One day she had been with my sister,
at my fathers /; and, as usual I accom-
panied her home. On my return my
sister requested me to attend her in
| private loom. We therefore retired,
dressed me:
| "Georgie, you know that to promote
your peace, your welfare, and your hap
piness has ever been the pride of my
heart Nothing except this conld extort
the sad secret which I now disclose, and
which has hitherto remained deposited
in my own bosom. My duty to broth
er, whom esteem dear as life, forbids
| me to remain silent. AS an affectionate
sister, / cannot tacitly see you thus i'm
posed upon. I cannot see you the dupe
and slave OF an artfuI and insiduous
woman, who does not sincerely return
your love nor can see your marriage
celebrated with one whose soul and af-
fections are placed on another object. :"
Here she hesitated, while I, with an
/ guish of mind almost insufferable, beg
ged her to proceed.
'sAbout six or eight months after your
departure, she continued, sit was re-
ported to Miss Reynolds that she had q