The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1897-02-05

| his less fortune favored, DuJ more
contented and less happily situated
friend. Him he saw poor, or at
least not rolling in that spontaneous
abundance, which by his own self
denying habits of life he had col
lected around him, which only serv-
ed now to attract the eyes of envy,
and draw around him the hollow
hearted friends of prosperity, with
the siren song of fiattery. On the
other hand he saw the friend of his
youth, though far from rich, in the
worlds estimation, possessing that
treasure which the most wealthy
well may envy. He saw him the
center of a large and happy family,
who looked up to him as the object
of their love and esteem-in that
situation which robs approaching
age of all its anticipated ennui, and
spreads a bed of down for the de-
cline of life, when love with its
balmy influence hovers around, to
soothe and dispel the sorrows and
transient care of the passing hour.
But who shall despond when the
consoler woos him away from the
abyss of despair, inviting him back
to the joys of life, the sweets of ru-
raj pleasure and nuptial happiness?
Who shall be comfortless and alone,
when affection entices him with her
smile of witchery, and spreads out
her lily arms to receive him? Who
shall stand gazing on the mansions
of content, when beauty beckons
him with her white hand to ap-
proach and share the enjoyments
which she alone hath power to strew
along his dreary course?
In Mary Nevra, Mr.. Tomlin at
length found that being for whom
his lone bosom had so long sighed.
Connubial felicity shed it's genial
rays of happiness around him, and
his pathway of life seemed brighten
ing through the dim vista of future
years. But it was the radiant glow
of sunset-the last bright gleam of
expiring day! Having purchased
a residence on the Wallo-wish, a
small branch of the Susquehanna,
far away from the busy throng of
the metropolis of the "Empire
State" and near the residence of
his old friend, Henry Greenberry,
the former business merchant, re-
lapsing into the passive gentleman,
abandoned his counting house and
ponderous folios, and with his win
ming Mary settled down mid rural
delights, in the midst of the roman
tic scenery of hill and dale that en-
virons the Wallo-wish, or Bright
waters.
But earthly treasures and earthly
happiness, bright in anticipation as
the rainbow tints, are too apt to fit
like them before the pursuers, and
instead of fancied pleasure, which
he fondly hoped to retain, he grasps
but disappointment and sorrow.
Situated in their mansion of retire
ment, Mr.. Tomlin and his bride saw
one short year glide rapidly away
on the wings of love and pleasure
for time seems to speed with re-
doubled impetus when it bears along
with it enjoyment and delight.
Nuptial felicity seemed weaving
the ties of future endearment and
parental affection; but the first an
niversary of the propitious wedding
is often celebrated mid sorrow and
tears, and such was the fate that
awaited the retired merchant. In
one year from her joyous wedding
day, friends were gathered around
the death bed of the late happy
bride, to take the last leave of the
dying wife; and the bereaved hus-
band was severed from his tender
Mary; but the pledge of her love
remained, to call back the affections
of the father from beyond the grave.
In little Rose the eye of the fond
father deserted all the characteristics
of his lamented Mary, ready to
burst forth in blooming womanhood,
perpetuating the worth and lovli-
ness of that mother, whom it was
her fate never to behold. That fell
swoop of death, which deprived Mr..
Tomlin of the best of partners, left
his peaceful home desolate, and lit
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