The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1883-11-01
"A FLORIDA ROMANCE,
AGrlm Houaehol id Skeleton which ,oye md
Forgiveness Buried. ~

One day during tho prooress Of the
Phn thompson trial one of the Florida
Senators, who had remained in Wash.
ington greater part OF the time since
Congress adjourned, told q group of
gentlemen the story Of an incident tbnt
came under his observation, which, in
all probability, has not its parallel in
history or fiction.
"When a candidate for the United
States Senate" no said, Gin company
with ten or q dozen other gentlemen. I
canvassed the State of Florida from one
end to the other. Just at dusk one evening
we arrived ut q farm. house of rather pre-.
tentious appearance. We were WARMLY
welcomed by the owner, who was known
at least to one of tho party. We were
served with n splendid supper, Mt which
we were waited upon by tho farmers
daughters--three bright, beautiful girls.
Tho farmer occupied ono end OF the
tablo and his wife, an elderly lady, with
snow white hair and benevolent face.
the othor. L was at onco attracted by
tho arinbiity Of the family. They wero
very cheerful and apparently yerv
anxious to make each other very happy.
Tho greatest regard was paid to the
mother, and no opportunity was lost to
show respect and devotion to her.
'Whcn the time came for retiring tho
farmer took from shelf m old, we'll
thllmbcd Bible and said:
Gcntlemcn, for nearly n scoro of
years it has been my habit to lave family
worship bcforo retiring. Ihopo you will
join us tonight
clio read chapter from the Bible.
and wo all knolt while he made short.
eloquent prayer. The next morning tho
samo order, chccrfulncss and kindness
wero noticeable. When wo rodo away
from tho house l said to gentleman
who was next to me that L had never
witnessed more peaceful, prosperous
homo, and one where there seemed to bo
80 much genuine happiness.
"My friend said IL it possible that
you do not know this mans story? Ho
passed through such trial as drives
many men crazy. His life is n moral
lesson. Ho has shown the moral cour
age that not one in n million shows. He
is hero, dwelling hero among the pcaco-
iul pines of Florida. He was q Con-
tedcratc soldier, and n brave one. Ho
has many scars upon his person. malo
by the bullets of the enemy. When ho
was away to the war he left behind him
young wife and three little girls-mcre
hnhcs they were Ho was absent three
vc"H. While away his wife committed
the gravcst of all indiscrctions. When |
he husband returned, his heart hungry
tor the love of his dear ones, he found |
. disgrnced and ruined home. The blow
him, and for days he fingered |
between lilo and death When his
health partially returned he went to the
of his church for counsel and |
,dvicc. The minister told him to aban-
ION the woman to her fate.
""You cannot bring her to my church"
nc said, cas- your wife. Your ncighbors
will point the finger of scorn Mt YOU, and |
will shun you if you forgive hor and take
her to your home"
He went to n ncighbor-o GOOD |
inan, a great hearted man-and laid the
case before him. He argued for his
lost wife, and pointed out what he
thought his duty was rs taught him by
tho Bible. His ncighbor advised him to
copdone his wifc's ofIcnsc, to tako her
back to his home and let her love and be
loved by her children. He took his
ncighbors advice. The struggle wpa
hard Mt first, but IL grew easier with
yea" To-dny there is not happier OF
n more highly respected family in the
peninsula of Florida. The man has
prospercd wonderfully. He is rich. His
wife Is received everywhere, and his
daughters arc the bellies of the county,
'Thc story" said the Florida Senator
made deep impression on me. Ihnve
thought Ct 1t many and many time
and have wondered what would have
been the fate of that man and that mans
wife and children if revenge instead of
ruty and pity had conquered"