"And who," said I, "remains to give consolation to the poor and forlorn Mary?"
"Ah," said John, "Miss Mary is always light when any sorrow comes on the family. The Dunloe family are coming here to take Miss Mary home with them."
"God grant," said I, "she may be soothed by their kindness. Has she no attendant, John?"
"Yes sir, but my poor master said it was best not to trouble her when she is in her strange way."
I wound my way back slowly and mournfully from this house of sorrow. I have since passed from scene to scene; I have witnessed the agonies of many a breaking heart, and have been myself the subject of much sorrow and anguish; but never did I witness blight and desolation equal to that brought on the house of McCarthy by the murderous hand of Raymond.
E.
Henry County.
For the Southern Literary Messenger.