San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1888-03-08
THE sExTON,s STORY.

ter, little goldenhairsd Pearlie, set out 70
q ramble through It's beautiful cemetery
An attendant volunteered to show u
through the grounds; so leaving the nois
Of tho busy city behind, We entered tn
quiet, peaceful homo Of the dead. II wa
one of the most beautiful plaoos ever saw
with its snowy monuments cleaning whit
and weird through the rare evergreens, tn
trailing white roses that bloomed every
where In the greatest profusion, and tn
great. towering live oaks festooned will
long gray moss that dropped lovingly owe
the lowly graves.
We involuntarily paused at the sight o
an old man with long, snowy beard ant
hair, knseling by grave, communing In
low, mournful tone with himself. It was
ohild's grave. with a simple white CROSS
the head, and at the foot great waxsl
lily, unfolding its fragrant heart to tn
warm, spring sunshine and lading the sur
rounding air with its subtle perfume.
"rhere is no need to turn back, Miss,
said the man. sit Is poor Col. Corrie, you
will not disturb him. That illustrates thu
vicissitudes of life. Perhaps you have heart
his story since you have been he rep No
Well perhaps you would like to hear 1t, AMI
as no one knows Is better than myself,
will relate it to you.
Three years ago Col. Corrie, was one o
the wsalthiest. most influential men in A
while now he is poor. harmless lunatio
with no roof to shelter him save the humble
one provided by his sisters daily earnings.
Before tho war, his father, the old General,
was one of the richest men here. He
owned a pslatial mansion in the city, a
number of slaves and large plantation
some miles out. My father was overseer
on the plantation, aud many a lark did
Harry, the oldest son, and I have in the
few months that the family spent every
year in the country.
was the first man III these parts to raise a
company Of home boys and march OF to
battle, and Harry soon followed him.
Though very young, he was soon promoted
to the rank of captain and no brayer or
more gallant young follow ever shou!dered
q musket, or led his troops Oh TO q charge.
The old General was killed ut the siege of
Vicksburg, and after the war, Hurry, then
promoted to the rank of Colonel came
home to find everything in ruins. Some of
the slaves still remained on the plantation,
ani with them he tried to get things into
shape again. 1t was uphill work however,
and having an opportunity to sell out to a
northern man, he went to the city. About
this time the old mistress, who had always
been frail and who had been dropping more
and more since the Generals death, died,
leaving to the Coloners guardianship the
two younger children, Mr.. Frederick and
Miss Jean. The Colonel entered into part
nership with Joe Gresham, and they soon
became the leading drygoods firm in the
city. Our boyish friendship had never
been broken. served through the war In
n his regiment, and when he went into
business, was given position in the firm,
While my wife was made house-keeper ct
;he old mansion which he had reftted as
;oon as he was able to do 80.
It was an unfortunate day for him when
be married Miss Florine Hazleton, the belle
# A, though no young couple ever
tarted out with apparently brighter pros
,ects.
Mrs. Corrie was vain and extravagant.
fond of show and admiration, she was
lever satisfied unless in the midst of some
,ay, fast circle. The Colonel, whose notions
we're very strict upon these matters, expos
lated with her, and as she was possessed
+ most violent temper, there were some
tormy scenes between them. Her sense
ss extravaganza was heavy drain upon
er husbands purse, and as we had poor
II of business just then, I could see that
be firm was in rather shaky condition.
: add to the Colonies other troubles, Mrs.
Iorrie began to drag Mr.. Frederick around
18th her to places that her husband
oulen't or wouldn't go, and getting him in
tn fast, dissipsted companions, he took
, drink, and was soon on the road to ruin.
About this time an operate troupe came
, A. Among them was a handsome
oung tenor singer, with whom Mrs. Oorris
ecsme madly infatuated. Soon people
egan to pnt their heads together and talk;
ut no one dreamed Of the tragic ending.
One day / was in the Colonel's private
ice, when one Of the clerks entered say
q that man wished 10 see him on pri-
tie business.
"9ut I am busy now and can't see any !.
le."
so told him, but be insisted that il
as important" \
'-Oh very vel, show him in"
The clerk ushered in . small. svarthy :
an with rascal, written in every line Of
: face. {
what can ne do for you .irg" said the
,lonel, Who was ever courteous 10 all G
The man bestowed upon him Al evil lsSr. =
Il have come 10 soe vhai you rOold pay 4
e for secret a
rbs Colonel stared Hi him Q moment IN 4
iouish1nsnt and coatsnP;; then replied b
rtiy. Yea have cone 70 the wrong place, q
do1t deal IN sscrsts- In
''Perhaps phsn tsu yOa that Is oon- $
rns yosr wife and hsI sct0r lOver-~ II
In a hssh The Coio1el fsIlsd kn 10 the
~ srd rl.csd he foof On kis usck v
- v-1.s s7zeu'tv 1-s- tfz a-s So.