True American, 1855-03-08

to his bed ; and that again, changed him from a man, to a demon. After that, as you know, he became one of your custom customers. - ers. customers. When they had become somowhat reduced to poverty, through his -liberal patronage of you, you forbade my associa associating - ting associating with Ina, urging as an excuse, that sho was rather beneath me. When I heard you say those words, there was hate enough in my heart to havo crushed you where you stood, and when I loft you with out uttering a word, there was nothing but fear Jicpt me from asking you, who made her so 1 "You knew not that we ever met after that, but many were the stolen interviews wo had, before you brought me hero to Jho city, and placed me with those whose meanness I despise. "You thought I left without even bid ding Ina good-bye ; but you were mista mistaken - ken mistaken ; for the morning we left, whilo the moon and stars were yet shining, I stole over to Mr. Mason's, and quietly opening the door entered without disturbing any one. They had forgotten their troubles for awhile, in almost deathlike slumber ; but the hard stifled breathing told that tho drunkard was sleeping his dull, heavy sleep ; and the thought came to me, that my father was the cause of it. "I passed on to Ina's little room, and bending over her, could see by tho faint light that came in at her window, that though she slept, she looked sad and un unhappy. - happy. unhappy. As I kissed her, and whispered her name, she awoke, much surprised to find mo there. She knew I was coiner to a o leave, and we had many things to any to each other. I tried console her, with the thought that better days were in store for hcr,how that the tempter was about leaving, for I had heard you sny that you had finished your business there ; and it was but this afternoon I learned that your vilo trade was yet carried on, not by you personally, but through your agency." "Well May, have you finished your in teresting lecture, to your father ? Really, did not know you were so eloquent. Will you tell out of what primer you lear learned - ned learned that pretty speech ?" "I have not quite finished," calmly re plied May, "but soon will. I have seen Ina Mason but how that happened, can be a matter of no interest to you, I sup pose and learned much that I was not prepared to hear; though it will be no news to you, that her father sleeps iu a drunkard's grave, her mother died broken hearted, you no better than robbed them of their home, and tho price of it part lies there," and she pointed to tho spark sparkling - ling sparkling bracelet upon the table. "Think you I will wear such a prize ? No, I never will." "May, I always have been master of my own house, aud intend to be still ; so you need not tell what you will, or will not do'; for as long as you call this your home, you will obey my commands. I again tell you to put on that bracelet ond be ready when I return. If you do not obey mo, you know the result ; no one lures in my house that does not own me as its master." May stood for a moment in deep thought; and then as her mind was made up to ono purpose, sho hastened to execute it ; and when after a few moments Mr. Vernon camo back, sho was not there; she had left the place called her homo, and her unfeeling parent, alone with his wealth. It was no longer homo to her, and she left it without a regret, but that her father should bo so blind to every thing good. Mr. Vernon did not expect this. He. supposed that of course she would yield aho always had done ; but for ouce, he was mistaken. When ho becanio fully convinced that sho had gono, there was an uuplcasaut weight settled upon his spirits, that ho tried in vain to drive away. He dismissed tho carriago and spent the eve ning at home, and alono ; but he was not willing to own he had dono wrong. ' He was proud of his daughter, and justly so, but too Bclfishto own her as his equal, and had never treated her kindly; but his prido was such that he wished her to outdo all of her acquaintances iu dross and appearance) and havo all tho Credit fall on himself. As day after day passed by, and ho hoard nothing from May, ho becomo moro gloomy than ever. Tho bracelet which had been the cause of the separa-

friend I have 'ever had since my mother died for I never dared love you as I did her; you always seemed so cold towards me, almost as though you hated me;, and I have sometimes almost thought you did, for I cannot recall one kind word that I ever had from you," and sho covered her face with her hands and wept bitterly at the thought. Mr. Vernon was silent, for he was now as much surprised as ho was angry. He had always treated May as a wayward child, incapable of acting or thinking for herself, little dreaming of the latent spirit that lay beneath tho quiet exterior, which his own conduct had roused into being. There was a painful pause for a few mo ments, when May, drying her tears, went on "You remember Ina Mason ? her pa parents, - rents, parents, too, I presume ?" and she cast a cu rious glance at her father as she said it, "you remember the drinking saloon you fitted up in our peaceful village, which fil filled - led filled your coffers with gold, and the homes of so many with misery and despair. Young as I was, I felt it all ; but through fear and shame, my lips were sealed to all but Ina ; and we heard, though you did not know it, tho pressing invitation you gave Mr. Mason, to meet some friends there ouc evening. Wo were in the arbor, and you were standing close by, and when ho promised you that he would go "just once," he was very pale, and looked so strange and wild that I was frightened. I looked towards Ina for an explanation, and as our eyes met, she buried her face iu my lap and sobbed as though her heart would break. "We left our books and play, aud with Inn I went over to her pleasant home. There, everything seemed planned for en joyment; but the first shadow that I had ever seen on her happy face had settled there with a heavy weight. Her mother observed it and asked her the cause, of her sadness ; but sho evaded a direct answer, as she could not bear to tell her of the promise she had heard her father make ; and she thought that she would see him alone, and persuado him not to go, but she was sadly disappointed, as he did not come near his home that evening. Mrs. Mason was alarmed at her husband's ab absence, - sence, absence, though I doubt whether sho thought of the real cause. But the reality came all to soon, without any foreboding. "We had been sitting for some time in silence, when Ina arose and taking my hand, led mo out into the garden, nnd as we slowly paced tho graveled walks for a time, not a word was spoken, but tears wcro upou my poor friend's check, which glistenod for a moment in the moonbeam's rays and then rolled slowly down to make room for others. "I said nothing, for my heart was too full to offer consolation ; but at last she spoke, and told mo that which I was much surprised to hear that her father once used to frequent such places as the ono he had that night gone to, and he abused them so when be returned, home they dreaded to see him coming, though when sober he was ono of tho host and kindest of purcnts,; but that was so seldom, it seemed all darkness and sorrow to them. Father, had you but heard her tell of tho miseries they endured, as I did, you would not, if you had any heart left, ever havo sold another drop of that which never does anything but curse its purchaser, while the curse- is still deeper on those depend ing ones, whose duty it is for him to luve aud protect. "She said, that finally, through tho in in-fluonco - fluonco in-fluonco of friends, ho was persuaded to come to our peaceful village, where there was thcr) nothing to tempt him, and he had built their pretty cottage, and brought happiness a lor mother and herself Ion before tho tempter was again after him, in the person of-riuy father. -Whou they learned that you hud open ed a place, whero those, who liko him, possessod a habit that was their master, could find free indulgence, they feared much for him ; but as ho scempd to shun it, and time passed and he was still tho same, their faith in him was fijtfd; and little did -they dream, their hearts were again to bo wrung, thpir hopes blighted. "It was very late, before Mr. Mason re returned - turned returned home that night, and then ho had drank pf the poison that sent lmu reeling

tion, he had put away, ou-jjight ; as it T A seemed to wing some unpleasant thoughts to his mind which were not fery flattering. It was a mystery to hiin, how May had happened to see Ina Mason, and become so well acquainted with his affairs; but had he taken pains to look at the paleface that followed him on his way home that afternoon, and stopped only when ho en entered - tered entered his own beautiful dwelling, hp could easily have solved the mystery. The re result - sult result was, that May had a strange vVitor, one that brought back the memory of many past scenes. It was no other than Ina Mason. j She came before her, a poor, heait heait-stricken - stricken heait-stricken thing; and so great had been tie change since Bhe last saw her, that sie hardly knew her. There was a strange mournful light in her eyes, and her vuice, though gentle as ever, was very sad; and as she told her wrongs to May, it becme so low aud plaintive, that it seemed only like music wrung from the last chords of a breaking heart. From her, May learned tho business of her father; and Ina, when robbed of all, sought, at the request of her mother, one who had always been a faithful friend, aud who would not deny a home to an orphan, while Ina the more eagerly followed the advice, iu hopes of meeting once more the friend of her early years May Vernon. She reached the city and found her mother's friend, though death and poverty had visited her too; but a home, such as it was, she freely gave to Ina. Since she had been there, she had tried in vain to fiud May, but that nfiomnnn sho h' cl'onced to see Mr. Vcruon, and followed him home, and thus her long wished de desire - sire desire was gratified. That night May Vernon slept upon the hard bed of the poor but kind friend s of the orphan j but her sleep was sweet, .and she pressed the samo pillow with Ina Ma Mason, - son, Mason, as she had done years before, when both knew no care. As May possessed accomplishments sufficient to procure her own support, she resolved to bring them into action for the relief of her friends, as well as for her own wants. She was an excellent musician, and to this sho turned her attention, and her skill soon brought her plenty of pupils; yet no ono would have thought thnt the gentle music teacher was the daughter of the wealthy Mr. Ver Vernon. - non. Vernon. For ono year, May patiently pursued her labor, which was profitable as well as pleasant, and she experienced more real comfort while earning her bread with her own hands, than sho ever did in the luxu luxurious - rious luxurious homo she had left. After many vain attempts, Mr. Vernon succeeded in finding whero May was, and that sho seemed to be enjoying herself, while ho felt sure that he was very un uncomfortable, - comfortable, uncomfortable, and he could hardly tell why. Ho sometimes almost wished that ho had yielded to her, but then that would never havo done, to give up to a foolish child, such as May was. So ho lived on, with out sympathy or lovo. At last disease held him chained, and what could he do then but think ; and the more ho tried to drive his thoughts away, the more they disturbed him. He found that nothing would subdue the haughty spirit like sickness; and when, after weeks of painful illness, he made a. very narrow escape from death, ho seemed a changed man. As soon as he was able to write, he despatched the following note to May, "May I am sick, and without any one to care for me. I have help, but no sym pathy. Forgive my harshness, and come back to Your Father." May was overjoyed at receiving the sum mons) but there was still another point to win. She had conquored so far, and she would conquer all, or share none of the victory. She now had a double tasft to perform. May was determine d thnt if sho went back to her father's house, that Ina should go with her, and that her father should treat her as hia own child. It was ho easy task to persuade Ina to go, even if Mr. Vernon would consent to it; for sho remembered too well his chilling words to her when sho bogged him to pparo her homo. May answered hor fathor's letter in for so n, and she could hardly recoguizo iu tho ipalc, emaciated being boforuhcr, the once

From ha Saletn Weekly Democrat. ' THE DIAMOND VICTORY. May Vernon sat alone in her room, with her head bowed upon her clasped hands, hnd her heart bowed to the present outer world ; all was closely locked within. She had turned the pages of memory over, and comnicnoed reading far back into the past; and, as she traced tho indclliblc (characters, some were pjneed in sunshine and wreathed with flowers of light and lore, while others would not have been discernable through the thick gloom that surrounded them, were it not for the yet darker hue in which they were written; while from every page looks forth a plead pleading, - ing, pleading, childish luce, and the gaze burns into the very soul of May, for, turn where she "will, those eyes meet hers. At first, they were with her in her childish sports, and they were very laugh laughing - ing laughing and happy then. There was a sunny brow, too, and very many smiles ; but as she turned over leaf after leaf, the smiles grew less, tho eyes tearful, and the pale, quivering lips seem ever ready to part and aay, "Your father made mine a drunkard." Could not the same wild cry come up to thousands, wruug from the drunkard's despised, neglected chilcf ; and did the word but find an echo in the hearts of the many rulers whoso forms are decked with the price of their sisters' happiness, more than one young and giddy head would bow from tho weight of the curse resting upon it. On the floor, by the side of May, as though hastily thrown down, lay a dia diamond - mond diamond bracelet, that would have been en envied - vied envied by all the fashionable ones that were that night to assemble in the splendid Toonisof Mm. C. ; but her mind was busy with other thoughts than those of tho ball, where jewels flashed, and light forms gli glided - ded glided with the swelling music, played by master hands. She was suddenly started from her musiugs by a quick heavy tread, and rising up in haste, met the angry gaze of her futher. "How is this, May, that I find you sit sitting - ting sitting here as though you were dumb, while tho carnage has been waiting for you this half hour?" "and," he continued, as his restless eye caught sight of the diamoud bracelet upou the floor, on which May had unconsciously placed her foot, "sec there, that diamond bracelet that you arc now treading upon as though' it were not worth a farthing; surely you are an exemplary daughter. Tako it up and put it on im immediately. - mediately. immediately. I am not to be trifled with in this way, and you know it too ;" and his voice sunk almost to a whisper, so hoarse was it with passion. May took up the bracelet, but instead of putting it on, as her father had ordered her, she laid it on the table, though it was dono with a trembling hand, for she had never before dared openly to disobey him, but there had a change came over her, and in the strength of her owu pure resolve, sho stood ready to assort her right for the first time, and as his equal. She approached him, and timidly laying hsr band upon his arm, said, "Father, I cannot wear (that bracelet. I would rath rather - er rather not mingle with the gay ones to-night, At all, but indeod I cannot wear the brace-1 jet if I do." "What do you mean " angrily demau demau-4ed - 4ed demau-4ed Mr. Vernon. "I mean hat I have learned iho price of it," replied May, in a low voico; but low as it was, it fell in heavy tonos upon her fathor's car, and he for a moment shrunk before tho searching glance of her earnest eye, but quickly rallied, and his lips, white with rage were ready to utter a vindiotivc reply to what she hnd said ; but May continued, "and that shining band clasped about my arm would seem to me the fetter that held tho most guilty of criminals, bather, my thoughts have been led to-day, back tQ. our old homcj and in fancy I rested beneath the willow that shades my mother's grave. . Her hand again rested fondly upon my head, as she breathed her last blowing; and when the dull earth was thrown upon her, , I was alone in the. world, with no one to love hut you and little Ina the dtmrest

you asumc, do promise, here in the presence of God and these witnesses', that you will take this woman whose right hand you clasp in yours, to be your lawful, wedded wife, and as such yon will love and cherish her forever." 'I do." 'And you, Miss, on your part, will you take this man to bo your lawful, wedded husband?" 'NO!" s j We have heard in times pant, when showers were fushionablc, some pretty heavy clap of thunder, but none that ever j rattled about the tympanum of the bride bridegroom - groom bridegroom was quite so loud as that stunning monosyllable. j 'No, I never will!" said she most em phatically, and walked 4away to her scat, ' leaving her almost husband looking and probably feeling just the least trifle in the world foolish. ...Mr. Thompson remonstrated not to induce her to change that No" for 'Yes." but for trifling with him in the solemn du ty of his calling, and asked for an explana explanation. - tion. explanation. 'I meant no disrespect to you, sir or to trifle with your duty, or the ceremony you were called upon to perform; but I had no other way to vindicate my character. I came to tho city a poor sewing girl. I worked for this man. He made proposals of marriage to me, but from other circum circumstances - stances circumstances I doubted his sincerity, and loft his employment and went back to tho country for & while. Wheu I returned I found the door of my former boarding house closed against mo, and .this lady, whom I hnd esteemed as a kind friend, cold, and quite indisposed to renew my acquaintance, and I insisted upon know knowing - ing knowing the reason. I learned that this man had blackened my character, denied his proposals of marriage, and said I was, no matter what I said to tho lady, "Let me comeback, and I will prove my inno innocence. - cence. innocence. Will you believe what I say if he will marry me?' 'Yes; I will, and so will all who know you.' 'I renewed the acquaintance, he renew renewed - ed renewed his proposals I accepted, aud said, 'Yes, tho minister at once.' lie slander slandered - ed slandered me I deceived him. I proved my words true, and his false. It was the only way a poor, helpless girl had to avenge herself upon a man who had proved him self unworthy to bo her husband. It was only, at the right time, to say one word one little word. I have saidjt. I hope ;t will be a lesson to men, an example to other girls and that in many other and different circumstances they will learn to say 'No." 'If I was angry, for a single momcut,' said Mr. Thompson, "I carried none of it over the threshold. It was a sevcro les les-son, - son, les-son, but well applied. I went homo pon dering on tho value of the word No." AT. Y. Trib. Co-operation op the Wife. No man ever prospered in the world without tho co-operation of his wife. If sho unites in mutual endeavors, oirewards his labors with an endearing smile, with what con fidence will ho resort to his merchandize or his farm, fly over lands, sail upon seas meet difficulty and encounter danger, if he knows ho is not Hpendmg his Btrength in vain, but that his labor will be rewarded by tho sweets at home I Solicitude and disappointment enter the history of every man's life, and he is but half provided for this voyage who finds but an associate for happy hours, while for his months of dark ness and distress no sympathizing partner is prepared. BfSTThe "Spiritualists" held a mass meeting at tho Tabernacle, Now York, on Friday evening, ot whioh an immense crowd assembled, of whom one-third were women. After Binging a chant (some (somewhat - what (somewhat interrupted by' a fight in tho gallery) a Univcrsalist clergyman delivered a pray prayer, - er, prayer, and Recorder Talmadgo delivered an address, during the progress of which he read communications professing to como from the Apostlo John, the spirit of John Howard, and a patriotic poem, entitled "Our National Ensign," communicated throtigh a pung lady fourteen years old. Rev. T. L. Harris then inado an address, and wa followed by Judge Kdmonds

robust form of her parent; and as he fol folded - ded folded her lu his arms, she felt that a foun fountain - tain fountain of love had sprung up within his heart, which never before existed there, or if it did, was so lost among those of a stronger passion, that no one had ever dis discovered - covered discovered it. His first question was, "have you conic back to stay with mo ?" "I will stay with you, father, on ono condition. You know that I have a friend who is every way deserving of happiness, but in place of it, has always had sorrow. I lovo her dearly ; and as our homes are ono now, they must bo if I come back here to stay; You surely can do this much towards atoning for the evil you have done?" Mr. Vernon remained silent a moment, and then said, "Bring her, May; she shall be to me as a daughter. I will do anything to ease my conscience." May had gained her victory, and she wept tears of pleasure at the thought. She left the room, nnd soon returned, leading her friend. "This, father, is my adopted sister. Be kind to herns you have been cruel." Mr. Vernon lookod up and beheld the same trembling Ina that he had onco driven from him with harsh words and bitter taunts. Ho approached, and as ho took her hand, said, "I have wronged you deeply wronged you, Ina ; but I have repented of it, and will do all in my power to merit your pardon. Can you, will you forgive me?" "I will," she replied,- "as I hope to be forgiven for the dark thoughts that some times 11 my heart." w owcd his head over the hand he held, ana when Ina withdrew it, there were tears upon it, wrung from the soften softened - ed softened heart of the stubborn man. And so she lived with May and her father, and both tried to make hor happy; but at times she was sad, for though she had for forgiven - given forgiven she could not forget. One evening Mr. Vernon entered the room where May and Ina were sitting, and as he had been absent several days, their welcome was more warm than ever; but as Ina reached out her hand to bid rim good evening, instead of taking it as usual, he clasped tho diamond bracelet about her arm, that May had onco so stea steadily - dily steadily refused to accept ; and as he placed it there he said, "kcop it, Ina ; it is right- yours; you know its history;" and then turning to May, ho added, "The buying of that was the beginning of a good thing. Sinco then I have given away more than I ever received from my miserable customers in money. I could not return their manhood that I robbed them of, but I have tried hard to atone for the injuries I have done; yet, had it not been for tho severe lesson you gave me, I should have passed through life that guilty and unrcpenting thing, a rumsel- ler. It is mv delight now to rescue those from tho samo gulf where I onco exeTted all my powers to draw them; and with two suoh monitors as I have, one a silent and the other a speaking one, I shall keep in tho right. Do you not think bo, mv daughters ?" AlLED. SOIKNCEVILLE, N. Y., . WELL DONE, GIRL. One Sunday evening, not many nights ago, the Key. Mr. Thompson, performed a marriage ceremony at the Tabernacle both parties said yes at tho proper time, and tho reverend gentleman said Amen. 'I want you to perform the same thing for me,' said a well dressed, youngish man to Mr. Thompson. 'When?" 'Now right off to night." 'Can't you put it off a little? It will make it rather late." 'No the lady says now or never, and I am very anxious. Will you go?" 'Yes; where is it?" , Closo by only a few steps west of the Park. We arc all ready, and will only de tain you a iew minutes on your way homo. ' , Mr, T. went to tho placo, which was a rospectablo boarding house, sad everything evincod decorum. ; The lady, young and pretty, neatly dressed, and altogether dosirable partner for a gentleman was presented, and a abort prayer, as usual upon such occasions, offered, then hands join ed, , 'You, with a full sense of the obligations

AN IMPADIENT DARKEY. : " Some fifteen years ago, a gentlcuiaii'o f color resided in Stonington, Connecticut, called in familiar phrase, Old Cuffy Long Long-head. - head. Long-head. lie was a noted preacher in V day, and cotdd pound the .extempore 'pul 'pulpit - pit 'pulpit mightily. Cliff had been iu a state of . widowhood two or three years, when jie became acquainted with a bhxohi and pi pi-cy - cy pi-cy damsel, who was a domestic in one of tho first families in tho town.. A' match was soon bargained for by the worthy cou couple, - ple, couple, and Dr. P., in whoso house the duyn duyn-sel - sel duyn-sel was employed, proposed to make, a grand party, invite a houso full of compa company, - ny, company, and. "put. the weddiug ihrougli" in good style. The Rev. Mr. EongTifcufiMid . his intended were of course pleased with the arrangement, which was : to ;flivc so much eclat to their nuptials 'Esquire Trumbull, Justice of the Peace, was invi ted to tie the knot, and as ho Lad a piece of waggery in his composition, ho deter determined - mined determined to make the ceremony as iraposBi; as possible. . . ... . The company consisted of all the frier d and relations of the borough,.'andhi.!i tho couple stood up to receivo their &-n- tenco, Mr. T., who was gifted with. !-! unusual command of language, conmun conmun-ccd - ccd conmun-ccd a long harangue to the parties, upon tho nature of, the contract upon .-which they were about to enter. The company preserved their gravity, iudifiio-eutlv. .well for about halt' an hour, but .iho .dui-ky couple began to wax restive. They were dressed up within an inch of their, liycs, aud the sweat pourrd from their faces in torrents during tlit unusual and lengthy exordium. At length Cuffs impatience burst, forth and overwhelmed tho gravity of the Jus Justice - tice Justice and audience, as ho roared out, "Massa Tmmbull, it 'pears to pie you huvo mose too much preangulation I. .Be com company - pany company can't wait all night for -de good things I ncider ' The ceremony was quickly finished .af ter the outburst, and tradition saith that more champagne was uncorked on that oc occasion - casion occasion than at any wedding in the towa beforo or since. CONUNDRUMS. ; , Why is a spirited war horse, when ho hears the signal for battle, like a father refusing his boy's request to stay at hoc 3 from school? He answers with V Nay (neigh.) Why is it impossible that there should be one best horse in the world ? ,Becauso at every raco course you'll find a better. Why is a vulture superior to the man who shoots him ? . Because the vulture is a foul creature, but the man who shoots him is a fouler (fowler.) Why is a man who marries, twice like tho captain of a ship ? Became ho ha a second mate. . Why is an empty discourse liko a solid one ? Because it is all sound. Why are tho cook's tongs iri a shiplike great muskctocs ? Because they arc gal galley - ley galley nippers. . " "'. " Why are the meadows in spring like au American Revolutionary hero ? Because they are one general grtrn. ' Why aro some of tho boats in thcw Bedford harbor probably like tho head of Victoria's eldest son ? Because, they con contain - tain contain the prints of whales' teeth (thcfPrinco of Wales' teeth ; ; , , When Shakspenre's mother wislici him to confess a tbeft what distinguished character did she hold up before him ? William Tell. . ' Oivika the Bo. This is well known to be a cant phrase among the girls, equiv- alent to discarding a beau. '' A young gen. tlcmnn went to mako an evening Visit to a young lady, and upon entering tlie" room room-fouud - fouud room-fouud her laughing at something right mer merrily - rily merrily of course he enquired the cause tho told him her mother had just I ecn making a pillow case, and hod sewed up bath ends! Well, Baid the gentleman, it is a pity sho hadn't sewed you up in it--yes, pertly an answered - swered answered M'raa, '! then I suppose you would ' have wanted her to "givo you tho bug." .