Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-02-04

followed, The wild neigh Of horse in
agony, a woman's groans. and a crowd
of horrifed attendants rushed to the
rescue, separated the horses, and drow
from under their feet the form Of Lonise
for she had been thrown out in front Of
her chariot and under their very hoois.
A litter was brought. She was laid
upon it, and, midst the murmurs and
exclamalions of the bystanders, was
carried out. Almost the first at her
side was the young lawyer, who gazed
with terror on her cold rigid form, with
its white agonized face, upon which was
the imprint OF hoof, and the staring
eyes which saw nothing. SEEING her
hand to feel her pulse, her fingers
closed like a wise on his, and with a
convulsive effort she murmured: That
was a terrible wish,' and relapsed into
Inconsistencies Doctors were sent
for, and, on examination, they found an
arm broken, a knee zap almost crushed
and many cruel bruises. She was
carried home, and be it said to Barnum's
credit, was not allowed to want for
anything. Her new friend called fire.
quently TO leave fruit and flowers for
her, and at last, when she was announ-
ced convalescent, was admitted to her
presence. Then she told her story,
simple and sorrowful.
Born and brought up in little town
not hundred miles from Albany, and
by parents who, though not wealthy,
were in comfortable circumstances and
owners Of small hotel, she had led a
happy life until she reached seventeen,
at which age she enjoyed all the dignity
of leading the village choir and driving
her own span of ponies. About that
time salesman Of well-known firm
in ST. Louis stopped at her fathers
house, fell in love with her, proposed
marriage and accepted, she thinking it
very fine thing to have q lover from
large city.
Shortly afterward they we're welded
and went to St. LOUIS to live, her hus-
band taking her to his sisters home
His sister was spinster of uncertain
age and temper, but having a large
interest IN the firm which her brother
represented, carried things with high
hand and completely ruled him. When
the young wife was introduced she was
first found fault with because she was
young, then because she was pretty;
her manners, clothes, ,and acquaintances
were ali criticised and condemned, the
husband, not having courage enough to
uphold his wife, sided with his sister.
To Louise, petted and only daush-
ter, this treatment was maddening. She
resented it, and matters went on from
bad to worse. Finally, without taking
even a change of clothes with her, she
ran away in a fit of desperation and
came to Now York city, where sue
Joined the hippodrome as related.
The young lawyer listened to the
story with painful interest, deciding on
only one thing, that she must not re-
new her circus life. At first she insis-
ted on rejoining the company when she
was well enough, but finally yielded to
his suggestion-study for the stage, as
she had considerable dramatic talent.
This she did with Miss Fanny Morant,
who asks 5000 month for two terms,
and with such success that she felt
warranted in making her appearance at
McVicker's last season in the Two Or
phans, and under the name Of Miss
Meroe Charles.
1t is needless to say that the young
lawyer paid the expenses Of her dra-
matte training, and furnished her out
fit, but it is needful to add that all his
efforts for her were made with a dis
interestedness as rare as it's beautiful
in the generosity Of man toward woman
who is loved. Her confidence in his
honor.he held sacred by upholding hers
and so it happened that aFterward s,
while on Southern tour with Edwin
Booth, who took a kindly interest in her
they played in st. LOUIS; aud among the
audience was her husband, who atonce
recognized her.
The next day she received losg
letter from him, expressing sincere
repentance for the past, acknowledging
his lack Of courage, and adding that his
sister was now dead, and that if she
would return he would devote the re-
mainder OF his life to making her happy.
This letter she gave 10 the man who
had so generously beiriended her, with
note saying that to him she owed
everything, and promising to follow his
decision.
Realizing that the offer meant for her
honor, comfort and peace, he answered
in one word. Return which she did.
aud is now settled in her own home IN
St. Louis; and that is the reason that
the world theatres know no more OF
Meroe.
Nancy Jane Pratt, Of Iroqaols coun-
ty, Illinois. ordered hunter of her
1 Al. ~