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TERMS rerjear.l mDEpENDENT FAMILY NEWSPAPER. "tfal'
Voli' VlI. Now Bloomfield, Pa., Tuesday, August 2G, 1873. TVo. 34.
IS PCBLI8IIED EVERT TUESDAY MOHNIN0, BT
FRANK MORTIMER & CO.,
At New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Pa.
Being provided with Btcam Power, and large
Cylinder una Job-Presses, we are prepared
to do all kinds o( Job-l'rinting iu
good style and at Low Prices.
ADVERTISING RATES t
Transient 8 Cents per lino for one insertion
18 " " twolnsertlons
15 " " " three insertions
Bnsiness Notices in Local Column 10 Cents
per line. -
4-For longer yearly adv'ts terms will bo given
upon application.
MARY CLAYTON.
NEAR the close of a sultry afternoon
In August, two youug men might
have been seen emerging from a narrow
path that lod through the woods upon An
unfrequented road. As they seated thorn
solves to rest beneath an overspreading
elm, aud raised their coarse, broad-brimmed
hats to wipe the drops of perspiration
from their brows, we.can Bee they are un
accustomed to such hard tramps, whilst
the guns leaning against a tree, and the
well-filled game-bag by their side, toll the
story of their waudorlugs. . . ,
Soon one, who had been for some time
whistling, saug iu aloud, clear voice, the
first stanza of "The Old Oaken Bucket,"
nnd was commencing the second :
" The moss-covered bucket I hailed as a treas
ure, when he was interrupted by his compan
ion, with the words :
" Fred, do stop that ; it is hard enough
for a fellow to be tired out, and choking,
withont you tantalizing him."
"Woll, it is too bad, Hal.' But, I say,
would you feel very badly to see one of
the aforesaid buckets? I am sure I should
not."
" No, Fred ; but that is a view to which
distance lends added enchantment. There
is not the least sign of a habitation. To
tell the truth, I tbiuk we have lost our
bearings."
" Perhaps so. At any rate we must be
moving on, or night will overtake us.
This is only a lumber road, but it must
join the main road somewhere"
" Yes, provided we are going toward
that somewhere. We will hope for . the
best."
Plodding wearily on, they reached at
last a road that appeared more traveled.
Here they came to a stand-still, not know
ing the best direction to go. On cither
side were high hills, and up these they
toil. As they gain the summit aud look
around, expecting to see the samo unin
habited waste, what was their astonishment
to see, snugly nestled in the valley beneath,
a smnll white cottage, with its numerous
outbuildings, whilst near the door stood,
if not the identical well of the song, anoth
er similar.
AVith quickened step they "hasten up.
Opening the small lattice-work gate, up
the oustomary narrow path, they reach the
front door, whore, in their eagerness, they
gave a rap with the knocker that must
" have awakened the seven sleepers, if that
' was the place of their repose.
It was answered by an elderly colored
woman, who started with surprise at see
ing strangers. Fred, raising his hat,
ttaid :
" Would you please give us a drink of
cold water?" .
" Certainly,',' she replied, and went to
procure a glass. Soon, not a woman, but a
beautiful maiden, appeared at the door.
She Invited them to enter and rest'. ' This
they were only too happy to comply wilh.
Opening a door into the room at the
right of the entry, she , ushered them into
a small) but handsomely furnished parlor.
A gentleman of noble ami commanding
mien approached to greet the strangers.
Extending his hand most cordially, he In
vited them to be seated. The house and
surroundings, also the inhabitants, denoted
more refinement than is usually met iu
such sparsely settled localities.
The young guutlemon introduced them
selves, and explained the object of their
being in the neighborhood. Mr. Clayton
(as the host informed them was his name)
centered Into an animated conversation, evi
dently much pleased to bear so directly
from their city homo. Again the door
was opened, nnd the young lady came iu,
carrying, not a silver salver with the ice
pitcher aud goblet no, it was before thoir
day ; and, if not, we doubt if our rustic
beauty had ever scon such articles.
Upon the small waitor in her hands was
a pitcher of clear, cold wntor, drawn, as
her father laughingly explained, from the
northeast corner of the well. Besides the
china plates and heavy glass tumblers,
there was a dish of real country doughnuts,
that made the eyes of our tired and hungry
guests glisten with pleasure.
Did you over eat any of those cakes ?
We do not mean the tough, grease-soaked
articles culled by that name, but light
tender balls, whose exterior is of a dolicate
brown, and in whoso heart you will find
ensconscd somo favorite jelly, and wonder
how it could have got thero. Then you
know tho enjoyment of Fred and llal,whcn
tasto was added to sight.
Feeling greatly refreshed, with many
thanks, and leaving part of the contents of
thoir game-bag behind, they bade adieu
to their entertainers, and started for
Farmer Williams', where they were board
ing. Leaving them for awhile, we will
give a short sketch of Mr. Clayton.
Born in tho country, ho had left it when
a lad to ecok his fortune in the city. There1,
entering a law office as a boy, he had by
hard study and p6rsevorance, fitted himsolf
for tho practice of that profession, nud
was admitted to the bar. By bis strict in
tegrity and attention to businesS, he had
been called to occupy many positions of
trust and honor. Marriod late in lifo to
one whom he almost idolized, on his wife's
death, which took place when Mary was
about five years old, he determined to give
up his busy life, and dovote his time to tho
education of his daughter. Ho had como
to Glcnwood and purchased tho retired
spot where ho is first introduced to tho
reader. Mary's old nurse remained with
them as housekeeper. Mr. Clayton occu
pied his time in cultivating his farm, and
instructing his child. lie had brought from
the city his large library, and on his yearly
visit to the metropolis, added to tho num
ber of books. Mary was a loving child.
Her mind, of a high order, eagerly drank
in the instructions of her father. Could
you have watched them iu their ridos and
rambles, you would have deemed thorn
more liko brother and sister, for with his
daughter Mr. Clayton made himsolf a com
panion. At the time our story opens, wo find
Mary possessing a highly cultivated mind,
and endowed with uncommon beauty.. Do
you ask if she was contented with her se
cluded life ? Often she would have long
ings for the gay world,, but they soon
passed away. Although mingling some
what with the villagers, she bad no conge
nial companions. She was considered
proud and haughty, aud at few places was
Mary so well known and loved as at Farm
er Williams'.
Days passed. The young mon found it
a very pleasant route by the white cottage.
Fred seemed to have some excuse always
ready for stopping, very important to him
self, but very transparent to his friend.
After a vacation of two weeks, Hal was
obliged to return to tho city, whilst Fred
determined to remain for another week.
We will briefly rolate a conversation
which took place between the friends tho
night before Hal's departure:
" Fred, you must be careful of your at
tions to Mary Clayton, unless you moan to
marry her, and you know that is out of the
question."
1 "Fudge! Can't a man look at a girl
without Doing engaged f I am sure 1 have
no such intontions." ' -
" Then do not give her reason to sup
pose so."
" Dear me ! Just as though I would
take a wild flower like ber. What would
my lady mother and stylish sister say ?
But then, she is a good girl, and has help
ed to pass away many hours that other
wise would have been very tedious. Marry
her, indeed I what an idea 1" .
Yet why did the hot blood flush his
cheek? Or why did he droam of Mary
all night ? But such is the human heart.
Passing over the intervening time, we
come to the evening preceding Fred's de
parture. As usual, he is wending bis way
toward Mr. Clayton's. Seated upon the
porch is Mary. Her eyes anxiously sean
the road. When she sees the well-known
form,-they sparkle with a happy light. As
Fred approaches nearer, she lets her gazo
fall upon the book in her hand. We do
not know how much she read, for Fred,
coming up behind her, ssjjs ;
" That must be a very interesting book,
Miss Clayton."
Then, fur the first time, she perceived
the volume was npside down. As Fred's
morry laugh pealed out in the air, her face
becamo crimson with blushes. Noticing
her embarrassment, he said :
" It is a splendid cvoning. Will you not
take a walk with me ?"
They passed through tho garden nnd
down n well-trodden path, to a grove of
trees, whero a little brook tossed and foam
ed over the rocks, forming many a minia
ture cataract, then glided silently through
tho neighboring valley. It was a beautiful
evening. The moon, queen of night, with
her star-bespangled train, rodo far above
their heads, casting wiord shadows from
tho old trees along their pathway. Neither
seemed to notice tho beauty of the scene,
for they passed siloutly along until they
reached a rustic seat beneath an old oak.
"Mary, let us sit here awhile. I have
much to tell you, and I wish to bid you
good-bye."
" Why, you aro not going?"
"Yes. To-morrow my time is up, and 1
must return to tho city. Buforo I go I
wish to tell you that which I never uttered
before. I love you 1 Can you love me?"
In his earnestness Fred saw not the
flushed face and downcast eyes. Taking
hor haud, ho urged :
" Will you not say one word ?"
Only a lover's ears could have heard the
whispered, " Yos, I do love you."
His arm stolo around her waist, and a
happy kiss sealed their betrothal vows.
Such scenes aro private, and we will no
longer intrude. They sat there exchang
ing confidences, until the falling dow warn
ed Fred that ho must guard his newly
won treasure. Passing her arm in his,
he conducted her to the house, and into
the presence of her father.
" Mr. Clayton." he said, " I have a great
boon to ask before I go. I love Mary, and
sho has promised, with your consent, to be
mine."
Mr. Clayton, although very much sur
prised, replied :
"Mr. Brainard, I have made inquiries
about you amongst my city friends, and
find that you bear an excellent character.
If it had not been so, I should not have
allowed Mary to be so much in your com
pany. This I will say: If you love Mary,
and sho feels tho same toward you, I will
not refuse my consent. I only make ouo
request. She is young, has seen littlo of
the world, and is in many ways unfitted to
adorn tho society in which your family
move. It has boon my intention to travel
with hor. Now, what I ask is, that you
will let the matter rest where it is. If at
the end of the year you both fool the same,
I will not withhold my blessing. It will
be better to prove your love before rather
than after marriage." '
" But wo may correspond ?"
"No, it will not bo best. Now, good
bye. I shall bo happy to call you son if in
the future you both wish it."
Mr. Clayton passed from the room, leav
ing the lovers alone. For a few moments
neitlrcr spoko. The silence was broken by
Fred : '" '
" Well, perhaps your father is right ;
you may love mo less in a year, but I shall
never change. If at the end of the time
you write to me to como to you, I shall
most gladly comply."
Mary assured him of her unchanging
love, aud with faith in each other they
parted.
Soon after Fred's departure, Mr, Clayton
and his daughter left Glenwood for Europe.
A year hod nearly passed bringing with
it many changes. ' Hal Graham was mar
riod, aud he often rallied Fred Brainard
upon his flirtation (as he called It) with
the country girl. Fred had been admitted
as partner with his father In his large
wholosalo establishment. The son of a
wealthy man himself, possesing good busi
ness qualities, of high moral standing,
handsome in face, with commanding form,
what wonder many a mamma deemed him
a great matrimonial prize 1 But he passed
coldly by all. ' He had heard only indirect
ly from Mary. He wondered if she had
changed. But he would not doubt her
love. .
Again It was August The city was
almost deserted.' Fred's parents and sis
ters were spending the summer at one of
the fashionable watering places. His
sister's lotturs contained glowiug accounts
of a Miss Layton, a great belle, rich and
accomplished. She was quoted la every
thing, until he was really interested.
As the time drew near when Mary, if
still tho same, should call him to her, he
was anxious and restless, and thought the
company of Miss Layton might help to
pass away the Interval.
On his arrival nt the Spiings, he was dis
appointed when his sisters informed him
that Miss L. was obliged to leave the pre
vious day, but she had promised to visit
them soon. Evorywhere he heard tho
praises of Miss L. hor playing and singing,
her horsemanship, her beauty and dignity,
until he was quito anxious to see the queen
of hearts. Fred was about to return home,
when ho received a note, mailed at Glen
wood, containing only these words :
" Mr. Brainard : If still the same, meet
me at tho littlo cottage on the fifth.
Mary.H
How joyfully ho read tho words, saying
to himself : "Thon she is unchanged, and
I may claim her." Telling his friends that
he was called away on business, he hastily
packed his traveling bag and loft the hotel.
Journeying as quickly as possible, he
reached Glenwood on the morning of the
fifth. After changing his dusty clothing,
ho sought the house of Mary.
As he trod the well-rcmomhcred path,
how many pleasant fancies filled his mind
of their meeting. On reaching the door it
was opened by Mr. Clayton, who warmly
welcomed Frod. Ushering him into the
littlo room, ho went to call his daughter.
Again the door opens, but this time it
is Mary who entors. She is the same, and
yet not the same. Time has only height
ened her beauty, whilst contact with so
many different persons had added new
dignity to her bearing. Fred folt that
time had only made hor tho more' worthy
of his love. He approached to meet her,
saying : -
" Mary my Mary is it not so ? for so
your note gave me to hope." -
"Yos, Fred, I am yours."
After many loving words and brief notes
of the past year, Mary went ' to find hor
father. Mr. Clayton coming forward,
placed Mary's hand in that of Fred's with
these words : , .
" My son, she is yours. You are worthy
of ber. May God bless you both." :
That evening Fred wrote to his parents,
telling tliem the story of the past, telling
them that it was his Intention to fulfill his
promises at once by making Mary bis wife.
He trusted that she would be kindly re
ceived. , ,
We will not intrude on the privacy of
that family council, held on receipt of that
letter. They wore surprised, yet folt that
he had gone too far to retreat with honor.
They wrote in reply that it would not be
-convenient for any of the family to be
present at the wedding ; but they would
prepare for a reception at home, and in
viting them to thoir house until they could
find a house for themselves, also extending
an invitation to Mr. Clayton to aocompany
his daughter. '
Tho weeks passed swiftly away at the
cottage. Fred had made a short visit to
New York, but he now returned to claim
his bride. '
It was a lovely day iu October when the
happy couple stood before the altar in the
village church aud plighted their vows,
leaving the village immediately after the
ceremony for the city. Mr. Clayton In
formed Fred during the journey that Mary
was not a penniless bride, giving him at
the same time a check for ton thousand
dollars as a gift towards purchasing a
house. 1 .. . c ,
As they neared the oity Fred became
very anxious as to the reception Mary
would meet with .from his friends. But
she seemed not in the least to doubt ber
power to please. ' As the carriage drew
up before the door of tho elegant mansion,
obsequious servants opeued the doors,
showing the bridal party Into the drawing
room, where the family were assembled to
welcome them home. 1 Mary had dropped
a thick veil over her face, and as she leaned
on Fred's arm he could foel her. tremble
he thought with fear. His mother stepped
forward to welcome hor new daughter,
when, Mary, throwing back her veil, turned
ber laughing face to them all. . ?
Why, Minuio Clayton, where did you
come from?" '
" Mary (or Minnie, If you prefer) Brain
ard if you please. I said I would como to
Bee you soon. I hope you are glad to see
me."
' Fred stood by in' utter astonishment at
this scone, hardly knowing the meaning.
His wife's welcome was so hearty that
they seemed for a time to forgot him. But
turning to him they said :
" We did not dream that you knew Miss
Layton." '
" Neither did I, for Mary's name was
Clayton, and this is hor father,' Judge
Clayton," introducing the hitter who had
just entered the room, having waited be
hind lefct his suddon appearance might
hasten the denouement of the plot.' -
"Yes," explained Mary, "when I learned
Fred's sisters werd at the Springs, and not
wishing him to know of my whereabouts, I
took advantage of a mistake in my name
But when I heard Fred was coming I fled
with tho promise to visit you soon, and I
havo done so."
There was an elegant reception at the
Brainard mansion. On every side wore
hoard the beauty of the brido, whilst tho
sisters never seemed to tire of hor praises.
When spring camo Frod bought and
furnished a house near his father's. There
we leave him enjoying much happiness.
Mr. Clayton makes his homo with his
daughter, and as Mary's character devcl
opes day by day, her proud and loving
husband never regrets that he gathered
the hillside flower.
A MYSTE11Y.
A QUAINT looking woman, apparently
about CO years of ago, took possession
about five years ago, of the two-story and
basement brick house, . No. 135 East
Eighty-soventh street, Now York city,
which constitutes one of a row of neat and
comfortable structures between Third and
Lexington avenues. Sho was oddly attired
in clothing of a rather antiquated pattern,
but of costly material. She was unknown
and her deportment was mysterious
enough to excite tho curiosity and wonder
of her neighbors. She was closely followed
by a half dozen or more of largo wagons
filled with furniture, old in style, though
oxponsivo and substantial. After tho
Btrangely modeled furniture had been trans
ferred to the dwelling, the drivers were
paid and dismissed, and the doors and
shutters of the house were instantly closed.
For a day or two no . sound from within
was heard, . except what might have been
caused by the distribution aud arrangement
of the household goods, whioh .included
many queer looking trunks, . boxes and
barrels. . r , , , , , .
Peculiar as was tho coming of the mys
terious woman to those who watched, her
habits' of life were afterward found to bo
still more singular and incomprehensible.
She seemed to live entirely alone in tho
formerly cheerful home, which was trans
formed into a silent, gloomy place, almost
from the very moment of her arrival.
Visitors . during the day . were unknown,
but after dark there often came a youug
man of about 20 years of age, of whom she
spoke, during her rare Intercourse with
her neighbors, as " my nephew, Byron."
Her visitor was . occasionally accompauied
by oldor, sometimes gray-headed men, and
all, as was his own invariable habit, were
accustomed to remaiu until late in the
night.
About six weeks ago, tho ecoentrio oc
cupant of the bouse Buddonly ceased her
evening walks, and hor dwelling seemed
utterly doserted. One evening about the
time of her disappearance, tho young man
" Byron" called at his usual hour and rang
the door-bell. His summons being un
answered, he repeated it, and again re
ceived no response.. Aftor repeated at
tempts to attract the attention of bis so-
callod aunt, and receiving no reply, he ap
plied to James M. Sheenan, a lawyer, who
resides next door, for permission to pass
through his house in order to gain an en
trance from the rear. .Mr. Sheenan hav
ing, howover, liko other residents of the
vicinity, bocomo suspicious of tho occu
pant of. tho house aud ber visitors, douied
the application. ', The young man vainly
urged the possibility of his .aunt's . sick
ness, and finally loft Mr. Sheeuan's but
loitered uear the house until two hours or
more past midnight, when he left, and has,
never since been seen in the vioinity.
About two weeks ago the family of Mr.
Sheenan began to be annoyed by an un
pleasant odor of unaccountable origin.
Day by day it ' became nioio porceptiblo,
until at last it was sickening and extreme
ly offensive. It was finally traced to tho
house oooupled by the strange woman,: and
on Sunday morning the lawyor sought tho
Eighty-sixth street Station-house and made
complaint to Police-Captain Cherry. De
tective Hughes was promptly detailed to
make an investigation. Gaining entrance
to the suspicious house by a rear window,
be was almost stifled by a deadly smell t
but passing hastily through the deserted
rooms, on the lower floors, which seemed
to have been undisturbed for years, be was
met at the stairs by aa overpowering odor,
which increased as he walked up, and was
his guide to a horriblo sight. In the rear
room of the second floor, In a cramped
position ou the floor, lay the decomposed
Doay oi me reciuse, robed in a shabby oai
ico wrapner. the sleeves of which were
partly rolled back upon tho putrid arms of
tue corpse as u tue last act ot its wearer
was one of manual labor. As the detec
tive entered the room a swarm of largo
rats scampered away in all directions. Af
ter a hasty survey of the room the detec
tive returned to the station-house, aud re
ported the discovery to Capt. Cherry.