Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXI, No. 6, December 1847Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXI, No. 6, December 1847
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
After passing through so many streets that it seemed they must have
nearly cleared the city, the carriage turned into a narrow street, or
rather lane, and stopped at No. 18, a small two story wooden building.
Mrs. Sullivan alighted and rang the bell. The door was opened by a
little servant-girl, to whom she handed a card, on which she had written
with a trembling hand, “A person wishes to speak with A. O.”
In a few moments the girl returned and ushered her up stairs into a
small parlor. Her fortitude now nearly forsook her, and it was with
difficulty she could support herself to a chair. As soon as she could
command herself she looked around to see if she could detect aught which
might speak to her of her child. Upon the table on which she leaned were
books. She took up one, and turned to the title-page; in a pretty
Italian hand was traced “Louisa Oakly.” Several beautiful drawings also
attracted her eye—they, too, bore the name of “Louisa Oakly.” But
before she had time to indulge in the blissful hopes this caused her,
the door opened, and Mr. Oakly, with an agitation nearly equal to her
own, entered the room.
Many years had flown since they met, and time on both had laid his
withering hand; but while Mrs. Sullivan presented all the beautiful
traits of a peaceful, happy decline into the vale of years, the
countenance of Mr. Oakly was furrowed and haggard with remorse, and all
those evil passions which had formerly ruled his reason. Quickly
advancing, he extended his hand, and attempted to speak, but emotion
checked all utterance, while the big tears slowly rolled down his cheek.
“O, speak—speak! tell me—Louisa!” cried Mrs. Sullivan, alarmed at his
agitation.
“Compose yourself,” replied Mr. Oakly, “Louisa is well. I have sought
this interview, that I may make all the reparation now left me for my
injustice and cruelty. You see before you, madam, a miserable man,
haunted by remorse, and vain regrets for past misdeeds. From my once
proud and lofty standing,” he continued, glancing around the apartment,
“I am reduced to this. Yet think not I repine for the loss of riches.
No! were millions now at my command, I would barter all for a clear,
unaccusing conscience. Wealth, based on fraud, on uncharitableness, must
sooner or later come to ruin. I once despised poverty, and cherished a
haughty spirit toward those I arrogantly deemed my inferiors. Have I not
my reward!”
“But my child—tell me of my child!” interrupted Mrs. Sullivan, scarce
heeding his remarks, “where is she? May I not see her!”
“Bear with me a little while longer,” said Mr. Oakly, “in half an hour
she shall be yours forever!”
“My God, I thank thee!” exclaimed Mrs. Sullivan, bursting into tears of
joy.
“Yes, I yield her to your arms,” continued Mr. Oakly, “the loveliest
daughter that ever blessed a mother, and relieve you forever from the
charge of an unfortunate, to whom my conduct has been both brutal and
unnatural. Listen to me, madam, for a few moments.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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