The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1885-02-26
kANCES DE HARTE.
A TRUE STORY.

A TRUE STORY.
,re than seventy years ago there
in Demerara, British Guiana. a
Ter whose name was De Harte. He
near Georgetown, the principal sea-
Eof that colony, and owned a large
Eation. which produced in great
dance the products of that tropical
This plantation was TILED by ne
Ilaves, as this time was before slavery
abolished in the British empire.
be household of De Harte consisted
|mself. his two daughters, and his
lnts; his wife had been dead years
ke.
e he lived a quiet, luxurious life,
ng and caring as little about the
the world as did the slaves who
his lands.
RE was brisk trade then, as now,
EN- Demerara and various parts. of
England; vessels could be seen al
me in the harbor of Georgetown /;
ee goods and notions were ex-
ed for molasses, rum, spices and
al fruits.
captain of one of these Connecti-
erchant vessels made the acquaint-
# De Harte, visited his plantation,
as Hospitality treated; but the gen
Pnd unsuspecting South American
Rsely rewarded for his kindness.
darte's two daughters were young
he eldest, Frances, was sixteen;
nnger, whose name is now forgot
hs beautiful girl; this one had
been robust, and, as consequence,
ZEN tenderly brought up. Neither
be young ladies had ever known
want or care, nor were they likely
ar as human eyes could see.
lain B. advised De Harte to have
lighters educated in New England,
hg cut the advantages of an edu-
and residence in New England;
e fond father was 10th to send
AWAY so far. The captain urged
promising to take the best care of
ris, to look after their welfare in
respect. In short-to care for
rs if they were his own daughters.
manner he induced De Harte to
70 his Wishes The girls, mean
favored the plan, being like most
people, pleased with the thought
ing foreign countries.
this was all right, and the plan
education an excellent one, had
p B been an honest man; but he
Fiilain. and this movement was
fans OF bringing great injustice
Erow upon De Harte and his
time the vessel sailed. De Harte
MED his daughters on board,
ender farewell of them, commit
$m to the care of this man in
ae had perfect confidence. He
q to his home with that lonely
which parents feel when the chill
gone. The lonely years lay be-
h, but he little knew the sorrow
for him and them.
hcir arrival in Conn ,cticut they
|aced Immediately in school. They
heed their studies with interest,
most South Americans seventy
lgo, they were very ignorant
of these girls could read or
he end of the term Captain B.
ne bills, which was the last money
eceived from him. When payment
became due he told them he had
ed no money from De Harte. They
ued awhile longer at school, ex-
g funds to arrive from home. The
did not come, and Captain B.
iold them that they need expect
Fe money from their father, and
ley must take care of themselves.
pt this time the younger girl died
never been strong from child
: Ind the cold winter of New Eng
Z as too severe for her. A lung
set in which soon terminated her
e. 1t is sad part of our story
hth of this young and gentle girl !;
le should-a1e in a strange land un-
ch affective circumstances is truly
ut those who believe in revelation,
ok from this world to a better
pill be gratified to know that she
Christian. She passed away
Fully, looking by faith to that
pr country" ''where there is no
or crying, for the former things
assed away"
next that we know of Frances,
er sister, is that she was earning
hood in Jewett City, Conn. This
small village then, but little like
yeti City of to-day; yet even then
as small factory on the banks
Patchouge river. In this little
Francis De Harte found employ
or many years. There is some
touching and even sublime in the
Pt OF this friendIess girl earning
est living, by hard labor, in pref
20 being dependent upon others.
must remember that she had
ared IN home of wealth and
IN a warm country, where all the
iings were calculated to ener-
q body and mind; she had lust
sr only sister and friend; but
u, the strange and unnatural
OF her father was enough to
to despair. Now many women
rcumstances would have COM
lclde, or sunk into life of
q misery. Let those who are
tempted take encouragement
the heroine of this true story.