Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 21, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 20 November 1875 — Page 6
A PAI'EK
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A I I
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PI
FOli
TIIF
MY
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xki cannon's wu?*~
Ar-TWln nivnef-Vbor** window* a a a a lao* ifc*, "uvatu U* liuwlnjc riofif t,
A baby'*Innocent face. HUtpel in criuinon clipper*. Atv tapping poliMusI glaNS, And Uu crowd in the sinviii I--, upward
Aad fcwd and smile a* they v. Jti* heroin my c»tta#e window,
oh ins ill the sun.
With a patched and faded apron, Kt.tad* ray owa little on«. 0 f-we &* pure and hatditonu-
A* the baby* MVt-r the w»y,. And bo k«"*rw my heart from Imttukio)!, Ai toy tolling every day. .iumet!ruin when the day is «*ndsdi
Vud all in the dink to rest, Vtail Ui« r»i' o( my sleeping darling clow to my ion.-Iy htetu»i, 1 pray thai my iu i«iibor'» baby
May not catch llt-aven row* an, Hbt ia*i*»»u* may crown the ft»rche*d' (it uiy tovvsJ out- a* they. lull. Awl wli»n I draw the stocking* »*rom I is little weary feet,
AHU KI«»Utti*
rosy Ui in pies
iu hi* limb* no round nod nwwi, I think of I lit* dnlnty garment* Home I itUc children wenr AiHI that my Uoa withholds them rom m!n« no pure and fair.
Mar (iod f«rgtve my «nvy— 1 tcti«r not wiimi said Mr heart it crushed and troubled.
My neighbor'# boy Is dead l»a«r tho little cottia utlicy rAfrlfl it oat to-day— A mother's heart I* breaking
Iu the mansion ovt-r the way. Sfh" light I* fair In my window, Th« flowers bloom ill iiiv Mr boy lit cha*iug the sunbeams
Tital dance on the coUa#e lloor. The rosea of health arc blooming *i my darling"* cit-fli to-day, ttat the baby 1* Rone from the window
Of tbe inaii*len over the way.
JUSTIN HARLEY.
A ROMA SCK OF Ol.lt VlllGlSIA.
ttY JOHN KSTKN COOKK,
Authorof "l)i Vandyke.," ".surry of Eagle' Kunl," Virginia Comedians," Ac.
CifAITKK XXXIII. Dir. i.\w
OK
IV»n
nivoiwK.
The three gentlemen entered thesnuiil atnily, where th« crackling fire and the (MUidies iu the silver candlesticks gave a nheerful light,—all tho more
t(«li!o
contrast with the steady fall of the thlfk »!iow,-lliik"f, s»»on through the window -and Judge IJland drew up two cfeairn.
St. I/»ger seated himself at ono corner of the fire-place Harley opposite the Ju'lu" and that gentleman, leaning hark In liis arm-ch iir, assumed an air of courteous attention.
I have an appointment in an hour or two from this time, my dear sir," said Hurley, "ami shall therefore, with your periiii*alou, proco«Ml without delay to the object of my visit, which, briefly, is to acerlalu the law of divorce as it how exist.* in Virginia." •4 Of divorce?" aaid Judge Bland, with aome surprise.
UI
mean—to bo more explicit, sir— wh it dons the common law regard sw .'Mtlli -iont (rniuinl for an application, oithcr on tnepartof the hmthand or of the wife, for a divorce a vinculo matriwftnii, which I believe is wholly different from a divorce a mnmt ft thorn."
Wtiolly different,"aaid Judge IJlarnl, gravely. Ho looked attentively at Harley. What c»tild be hi* object? The minora in reference to his visitor ocirurred to him Could it be possible that a secret marriage, niurh
MS
Mis.* Clementina sus
pected—but he suppressed Ids curiosity Mil said, oaimlv: "I understand you to desire a brief aamtnary of the Hngllah law on the subject of divorce llariey Inclined his head "villi grave court* sy. "1 will state briefly," j*ud Judge 09 uvl, ieiuing liack thoughtfully in liia ohiiir, *'the principles controlling Ihc neWon b»»'h ot the spiritu.il and the citm m'n la-v »-urt^ on this--! may sav'very p»lnfu 1 subje't. Di von-e is regard «h1 »\v our law as the last and extreme remedy for a state of thing* which no €«t'ier remedy ean touch: and is decreed xn *t eatillou'ly—I might sjiy with the a'most reluctance—aiitl only when no ot tor i-mme Is |s*sible. Theexplanalion »r till* fact may bo given in few word*. Marriage is both a sacrament mtiii a civil (x»ntr.ict of the m«*st Miullng tor s'. The very fiundation* of society iwu up«n it—ill* not only the hearth•L»ne of the family, but tho corner-stone ot lbo social fabric. To disstdve this
Mil emu and aacml of all Iiuniau tb'* lightly, would le to turn aocioty int-»
A
Iwnd of wild beast*. It is not too Hiti 'h to s»y tint audi a pnxocding wuld reauit'ln a revel of brutality Hnd •very inimb'nms Instinct—man would Kitik"to the brute Such, at least, btlie view of the Kngll-h law which divrees tlfvorvc only de«r pns^f of a state of things utterly Irivconeilahl* with continued «|(»hault«tlon—infidelity, for exMople, cm tho one wde, and physk^al crn"lt^% such as beating or striking, on Uie otherand even In them eases, *o Kreat is tho objection of I be court*, it is urn I »mtii-fhe«irati'.n i-mo Mf«. as ti iV.' ratber Ib.ui a •.- k.V mufrt•mft"
Jo l«e R!nnd proee*«d«sl then t» prreent »!ursd sU iicnt of the main ea**s leby the courts, tpentionlng esped•ily Koilainbe'a eawn in 3d Nalkeld's Ke-pi-.rta. The law had ihere twn full* examined a»J the controlling pr n\ph» lata (|ow«, Tli« Judge concludv.i Jts he began, wi"' ftrdblo ex|xwition of the sanctity of marrlagw tl-. ind tlie atc.i »v«raion of the eonrte t' disturb VL, nare to cftsea where its longer continuance tfaa Impoasdbla. 11 *rley Uad listened with close attention It waa ImpnosibW) to ascertaiti ftntn Mi# expresaton of bla eonntenanee, was calm, grave and impenetrably whal ihoiighta were |MMa»ing ill hia aal)il aad St, I^eger, who had wstcbed Mm W*ei.v, impelled thereto by an nver•tis ertng'cariiwrtty, ww* wholly nsiable to bs'idn w\»eth»r hi* irtend |m» asked Juband's advirm for bla own goU awoe or not or, It for his own, wbf:(i-Kr a.bvoire was eontemplaUni, or b*»l -d-aaa-ir taken place. T1»e w.^-Seaf «.«*! am iniaf p^l'Slty tb« Unh i«n. W'U.: was the w-i- !U of •k ajiptlesiUon tb unset lor? \Vtw» lu te«»n, or was t« vwrced? K»*ri I (N«in that
tl*r.»yt
wracy a* he
I I- II A TT the considerations I have already stated thd bushes, as they passed, wore gobliuI I I 1-4 I
grounds on'which an application for divorce may be granted, I have called yonr attention as dearly as possible to the two ground*, and the only two, upon which the court* trill craut such an application, unless tl»® circumstances are so very peculiar and unusual aa to induce thru! to make an exception to their ordinary course of proceeding. These ground*, I repeat, aro a breach of faith un tiiH part ol the wife, which in all c^antrie*—amonpc tiw» wrlwt navaues— is r^gardtMl as a il torinination of the rejatiouaof h*fla»»4 ami wife, and in mkny eountif is punished with (ieath—the law even empowering the husband to inflict tne jtetialtj' and, on the man's part, cruelty, the employment of hi* wtijKTior physical strength to.lnilict rR'raonal v/olcnce upon the wife— Vbit^i as iu«tK- neceesutatf" her removal from his control by the^ strong arm of the law. I have hero summed up accuratelv—if briefly—I think, sir tU«- spirit and practice of the English law. Should \.
HI
wish further suggestion* upon other ints, it will atlord me pleasure to aitl you, to the ijeet of my ability to U» so."
Harley reflected. 1 am greatlv obliged, sir," he »aid, "bv your lucid statement. 1 believe there is no other point. ine other question I should, however, like to ask. Is the process of obtaining a divorce a vinculo, where the full case is made oat. a tedious one?" "Is them to -be—I should say, does vour question contemplate—opinwition ^That would, of course, render the proceeding more complicated, and therefore make it more longthy."
Let us say, sir, that there Is no desire t) opiKwc tho pnK-es*—an agreement upon both sides that the marriage shall terminate.''
Then tho affair need not consume a great deal of time, sir. Tho law looks f.r a partv that desires as for a party that w)mplains. If a defendant remain! passive, and the law is for the plaintiff the courts consider that a decree for th plaintiff may b" entered at once."
Harh\v rose. I again offer you my thanks, sir," li said, "for your advice, and aui truly glad to have" my own views upon this as vou say, very painful subject, con lirmcd by'an authority as higU as you own. I
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I am very sincerely your friend, sir." And you shall always remain such, sir, if it is iu my power to preserve your rt'spcetniul regard. I/osingit, I should think worse of myself, and justly. 1 repeat, therefore, that tho time will come, and is not distant, when all this disagreeable mystery will bo made clear."
I shall appreciate such a mark of icrsonal regard, but do not consider it ncumbent upon you by any meuus," the Judge formally replied.
TIianksr-air. We will now return." Are you obliged to do so Absolutely." Vour ride will be a disagreeable one. The snow is falling faster than ever."
My appointmont. I am sorry so say, is imperative." You cannot defer it? I can send a servant
Thanks, sir, bnt it cannot be deferred." Judge Wand, who had risen, received this response with an expr.-sslon of courteous regret and having* leen informed by St. Jyoger that ho too inHst return, bogged his viaitlors to come again at their early convenience lie himself was old and busy, and they mu*t not stand on ceremony.
They then went down stairs, and Harley walked straight through the ball to tlie front door without stopping. The iloor of tho drawing-room was closed, but from within came the sound of th" harpsichord, lightly touched in an absent ninl desultory manner bv some one, who teemed to bein that idle and unoccupied mood which character! young ladies when, weary of reading, sew ing, or sleeping, they are not averse to receive visitors. Was It the young lady who had twiated the pearls in her ha-'r?
Hut neither Harley nor St. Leger stopped. Tho latter 'was absorbed bv the singular interview with Judge Island, aud had a vague fevling that the "appointment" which his friend was going (Mick to keep at ITnntsdon might put an end to this most mysterious of mysteries When Harley, therefore, went out. shaking hands at parting, with Judge Itland, he followed they mountoil their homes, and set out at "a gal Up, through the hut-falling snow, toward Huntodon.
A* they mounted, the desultory notes of the barpaicbord cctfuod, a shadow creward the apartment, and this shadow up Ita position behind the lac^ curn*. betw«ea which, where they opened in the tttfddle, the abadow paepad out.
Mad tho shadow got Ured of the harp»ichord, and come to look at the snow, with incidental aarprtae at the abrapt dcjuarture of ibe borMKntnf
CHAPTER XXXIV. AM AX WITH A I.ANTKIWT.
lltrley and St. Ieger went on at fall H»ll thr :gb sn.jw, ateady, never-Si-.-r-fii Their boreoa were rfi" tineat in th llnntadon stable
As he CUlOp
»ft«*r uls 1 ?j Hir-i taiaaii th'•« o^ht i: to P. n-i ux 1 W» n* an cxpreas o»»)r« '. be Itt. rcuiy i»*rrted, snd w*t he A f.-!i -vabi-iiseif ot' f»e yoke of an :nina^e a*d bat'-!-.r- u.. n? T\:h igj. -a wag tt«i ••.ij'i-MiiiiiiWrttf" He vfr4 fl*"d alt- nit'in at HirS-y, anaJ} ties j. !«•.»•
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:i
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^|*r%n».ri' »*..» .'MNI tils f.irt .-a m,gra**»»nn:r iiaed, ^f»t v* -rf'iJ nr*| !y add aajr»!)i-^w «.v
although the oceleeiastieal and com- like, with outstretched arms to arrest
1_^ mon law lav down a Urge number of thetravellere. Ttoy themselves resem-
%i,
fv/U
aware, sir, that my visi
and its object must appear singular on, aud that you may regard it as some what strange 'that I "do not inform you of the particular case involving thes {ucsiions, and tho course 1 propose pursue. I regret that, at present, cumstanccs prevent me from speak' more explicitly. I can only add tuat my motive is good, and that an intelligent comprehension of the law on the points mentioned was absolutely n"cessarv for my guidance in an affair of the llrst Importance, which I have verv gre.-itly—s»t heart. At another time
Judtfo Bland did what he very seldom had done in all tho course of his life—he interrupted tho jwrson shaking to him. K*tising his hand suddenly, with his fingers extended, and the palm turned outward toward Harley, he said, in a nuiek and rather formal tone, "No! I bsg Mr. Harley! 1'ray d( not regard the slight assistance render od vou—if it bo such—by myself as placing you under the least obligation to explain tho object of your interrogatories."
Harley inclined his head with calm con rtcsy. I regard such an explanation when tho moment comes," ho said, "as due to tho friend of iny father, and I hopo of myself too."
Hailey'a, rtpcrialiy, waa an animal of a b»4»»«r '. «. 1 crr«t power, who kept the long, regular! ter, and i.id ifallop untir^.l ht* neek ar h*d ir-.m hon« and bed/*
boaw !i 11.1 of his rtder h»j) nnairil* sad with loam B*k»a. Herb t'*ev were fixed straight ehitu. lf iwl evidently quite kr-'
MC#
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»h
,1
•.t *s
of ft.bvr. and I
:*n tbe think sif something whi attention I elr dh
I his tji'i h?\h he rii -visi snd I• waa titiku .* I *e "»*er every i. 'ling not tbs to of •, tt *. m«Kl, bat og i. Ih' irses rw', go nit
Mm"
KlAi) nhant/imM As trtay? u'Ant
I am Jusun Harley." And knitting his brows with auddon glootn, he rejieated "(iive me the pajier!"
The man, who had listened with evident surprise, saw that Harley was too much in earnest to endure temporizing.
Yes, your honor you shall have the paper in a minute," he said. It was not far to seek. The vagrant, put his hand into his breast, drew out a sealed packot, and gave it to Uarlej*, .sayimr, as ho did so.
I hope you'll remember a poor man sir. You see I am making no difllculty. I don't know your honor. I was going to look fur you, and give you this but if you say you ar« Mr. llarley, that's enough."
Harley had taken the packet, and was looking* at it closely. It was of coarse p.ijM'r, heavily sealeJ, and his name was wnttf upon the cov»r.
Her writing!" ho inntteml.il
WHS
ty, nttemi a llUie, supprwed grunt of neiight, and placed it, with cautious rapidity. in an inner pocket.
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Yes, vour honor, yes—I will do. anything. Vour honor has only to command. Where's the baa# slave that seeing straight before him!—but enough of this
More than enough! This is no time for your heroics, air. I have no time to waste. First answer my question*."
Anything your honor—anything a poor——" Toll me all ahout—tHiH woman," interrupted Harley. "I—take an interest in her but that is not the question. How did she come to be a member of your company Whew and when did you tneet her Ami? Till m* all—all, ami I warn yon 1 will have the plainest answers, ami the pi*1 neat truth. I am In no haste. The night is be*»re us,"
The stroller wiped the snow from bis ftwe. It is abed night to talk in, your honor, but
T*ERRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL.
An
IIiaIp
bled phantoma. Aa they went on, their horiM»' hoofs roade no noiae on the soft snow. They passed over the long levela, up the hilla, down into hollow*, where the road ran between overhanging banks, thick-clothed with evergreens, quite ghaatly now—aaaiJcutaa shadow*.
Harlev wa* looking still straight before him, when he saw light through the falling flakes. This light waa an ee oentric one it moved along the ground rose, waa lowered, disappeared, re-ap peared, and then moved steadily for ward, atill near the aurlkce. A man waa carrying a lantern, it seemed, and was approaching the main road at right angles, coming from tho north and going toward the south.
There waa something singular in this light, moving steadilv In that wild spot on Mieh a night. Who was tho night wanderer? Absorbed as ho waa in thought, Harley followed the light with his eyes, saw it approach the road over which lie was ridinjx, and readied th point where another road crossed, just aa the light did. It was carried in the hand of a man, who walked in front of a small van, covered with canvas, and drawn b}' a solemn-looking 'donkey, it* sido the van, like pall-bearers be*idc a coflin, walked four or five men, wrap ped in nondescript overcoats. Men, van and donkey were suow-covared.
I larley was about to continue bis way when suddenly the thought passed through his mind—
This is the company of strollers." He stoppod all at once—St. Leger iml tating him—and called out to tho man with tho lantern to halt. The command was at onco obeyed, and the light fell upon the face of the man. it was the manager of the strollers, and a glance showed Harley that his order to him to halt had occasioned him very considerable trepidation.
A word with yow, friend," said liar ley. "Vou aro traveling late." Ye*, your honor. We are poor play ing people, making for Smiihtield. bad night, your honor."
A bad night, as you say." Ho leaned over his horse's neck, close to the man "Where is the—woman—I saw a month ago in this company? Tell me, and I will pay vou well for tho information H»!use*to tell me, anil you shall lie in Smithticld jail to-morrow as a kidnapper and vagrant."
Tho woinau Oil! your honor! am to get into trouble about that woman I wish 1 had nover seen her
Where is she "Your honor Where is she "Now, don't, your honor! Don't be hard on a poor fellow that's dono nothing. She's gone, your honor—gone, and I've never laid eyeson her since."
Harley leoked at the man upon whose face the light of the lantern fell clearly. There was no mistaking that face. Terror was written upon it—terror too great to bo reeorieilablo with deceit.
You do not know, I soe that. Why did she leavo you?" Well, your honor," said the stroller, much re-assured, "I can't tell that, and nobodv can, except it is a Mr. Justin Harley."
Justin Harley!" "That's tho nauio, sir. It is on a paper wo found this very day, among her things. (Jucer enough, but somebody saw it before. There is a Mr. Harley living somewhere in this country, I'm told. The paper must bo for him." "The paper!—a paper addressed to Jn.itin Harley "Just so, your honor." "(five mo the paper!" "i (iivo it to you, your honor!"
Tro*. I had forgotten. Yonder is You wii not reach abeibetter bivouac—lire to
I yonr Honor is *eHb*T." I am A I at i«s-i. -I".| uewl to t!i:a» Y«*»-dte \,w»r l*v--u.ie in# i...t pit*-, «rbeit! u* bank sbc-aus] %(!.** lli»jv ?iiitw a targe grew?" a? thtvcL- of «i»- road, b«r a ,k. T.»e heavy pr..t«'-Ns| v*r'n»?r| emtn «w, dr»-p»-«i alhti it- t-n«.|«-n. u.jHfng a 'tin *•!. "Time' *S t'i" i't.'re ir. It i* my own. And my a.i, us
The stn-li«'f» ki» 1 «kI a tire th tf»
A bright blaze sprung up beneath the pine—the donkey waa unhitched—the men gathered around tho Are, St. Leger waited patiently, and llarley and the manager, at some paces off, began to wed. The talk—or rather Harley lister stroller had evidently been impressed by the warning to be straightforward and to conceal or misrenreseut nothing. His story was essentially the same aa that which he had told St. I^eger— whom he did not seem in the least to recognize. Traveling, manv years before, upon a highway which hadju^tentered a clump of wooua, a woman, scarcely more than twenty in appearance, bad suddenly joined them, laboring under great ex~citeiueut—flying, it seemed, from some ono or something. They must save her 1 —save her! she cried and thinking it only humane to succor beauty, (hero the stroller became sentimental, but was checked by an impatient exclamation from Harley,) they had given her refuge placed her in the Van, traveled on, anil she had remained with them.
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And no ono pursued her?'*
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Nobody, your honor!" ^'vL "She gavo you her name?"
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A uatne, your houor~a mere makeup—we have forgt it, and always called her Cleopatra."
She acted
441.iko
a queen, your honor!"
"She was—irreproachable! Answer plainly!" le his
II arley's'voice changed a little eyes were full of a gloomy fire.
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Irre-proach-able?" said tho manager, pronouncing the long word with sedu lous care, "1 believe, your honor! Irro-proacli-able?— "haste as the icicle that hang* in LHau'i
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That is enough. Spare me your stage talk—1 am in nohumorfor it. Why did she leave you
The stroller shook his head, lie look ed for a single instant at Harley, evidently with the desiro of pavihir, "It a a in at ihi$ intimation, he seemed toteei, would hazard his prospective gains.
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don't know any more than the babe unborn, your honor. I only know we woke up on tho morning alter—a performance—and the bird hail flown.
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You don't know where she is?"
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No more than the babe just mentioned, as I live, your honor!" "iJood, aud now listen to me, and hear only what I sa}', without asking questions, or repeating anything to any one. Ijook for—this woman. Find her if you can—or somo trail of her. Then come at onco to mo. I live at a house called liuntsdon, not far from thissjKit —any one can direct you. Bring me in formation of her, and I will pay you lor your information, and pay you largely."
The stroller took off his fiat aud bowed low. lie respected that strong, vi brining voics—and tho roll of bank notes ho had seen in tho puree of the owner of the voice.
Yes, yes, your honor. I'll find your honor's houso, never lear, your honor." And keep your own counsel 4 am sccret as death itself, your honor And never fear. She is lurking somewhere—she can't be very far. I see you take an interest in her—that's enough—I hayen't asked, your honor 'Ask mo nothing," said Harley, gloomily. "I want this information, and I will pay for it."
Ho rellected for a few moments, and his face grew soft and sad.
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l'oor girl!" ho muttered. "On such night! Sho may bo at this moment lie looked up. The stroller was watching him.
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411
know It too well! Yea, her writing ard this paper is addressed to ine He
at»out to tear it open, but in
stead of doing so, put it In the breastpocket of id* eoat, and buttoned the eoat over it.
Not now, and aot here," he mutter ed. During this time the manager of the strollers was looking at hlvn with very great anxiety. Tho paper had left his iHiHsession, and
HII
equivalent had not
been forthcoming. Harley comprehended the look, and replied to It." Yes," lie said—"! had forgot ton."
Ho look out hi* pum-, w»leet#d a bank of Eugland note of considerable value, and handed It to the stroller. "That to begin with," ho aaid, "on condition that you reply to my questions. Afterward*, If you accomplish what I wish, as much more—twice as much more."
Tho stroller's eyifcliad glittered with cupidity. He examined the Imnk of Knglan'd note with unflattering intensl-
liavo said all that I need say," he muttered. "Begin your soarch at onco to morrow."
And making a brief saluto with his hand, ho mounted, a^id set out again, with St. Leger at a gallop as before, looking straight befofe hiiik still. The long, steady gallop carried him swiftly over the white road and the forest around liuntsdon rose in front of him. 1'oor, poor girl!" he murimmd again. "On such a night! God grant tie may be sheltered! Forgive hor! yes! fro*i tho bottom of tho hoart ho well nigh broke! I must seo her again if only for an instant. How can I think of'it! ()n suuti a night!"
Ho went up tho hill, still at tho long gikilop, followed bj- St. Leger. Ashe threw himself from the saddlo in front of the portico, bo looked toward the oak, under which St. Leger had informed him she had concealed herself. "If she were onlv there!" ho Murmured "but, thank heaven! sho is not. On such a night, with her poor little loet 1"
Ho drew a long breath Then he called, and tho groom, who always awaited him. cauic promptly.
441las
any one ocen here?'1 he said.
•'No, Mas' Justin." He looked at his watch, on which a gleam from one of the windows fell.^ 11 is ti me," he said. lie weat slowly up the steps, followed by St. Leger, tl»e groom lending off their horses through tho falling
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uumd, alUt great gravity, ••to' snd w**rd, like pbantoma of tiv nl^Mj vj.Iljf of old h.uiil« at tne l-utiow*.: cr*l tudMM iu depth, and these printaitbe Kve of a man is tbe trtompuuf a what la.
SIIOW.
Hi
hanri was thrust into his breast. He seemed anrfious to assure himself that the package w&a Mill there, und to guard tt.
Why did she ever write this?" he murmured. "I do not wish to read it. I think 1 know what it contains, llut— ah tbe long, long 1 tours when she was thinking of me—writing her heart here! 1'oor gi«! poor girl!"
St. IitfP'r I^d his hand upon his arm He was deeply affected. And to think," he mid, "that I have beard you called coW/"
Harfey drew along breath, and looked at his companion with unutterable sad news.
It te better, twHutpe, to b*-4bta life is so sorrowful, he murmured. They went in, and the door closed.
t'ntil after midnight, Harley sat up, evidently expecting some one. This some one did not come. The snow continued to fall in a blinding wmm. Tho long hours slowly paused.
The appointment had not'been k*pt, and without another word upon tbe sublet Harley bade bis friend good-night, and retired to bis chamber.
CHAPTEH XXXV. OJTLT TWKM^R-KTOHT.
In this strange world we very often pass war what we are seeking. Harley Ami bis flrleud bad scarcely entered the boa«e, when sort of Aadow glided beneath one of tbe great oaks, passed along the front of tbe mansion, and sppruacbed tbe portico.
u.is human »«-n g, »nd ftttt
DM
i11
As this cry escaped her, sho stumbled and half fell.
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The snow—is blinding me." It was not the snow. A step further, she fell u|«)ii ono kueoatid one lujiid. Sho remained thus for a moment, her eyc^s closed, her heart beating more and niwrc faintly. Then sho rose, slowly and painfully took three steps fell upon hor knees—then upon her face, with both arms stretched out.
Through the opening between tho tall cypresses, thesnowllakesfell gently and quietly upon her.
CIIAITKH XXXVI. THK UiNFOUKSfcHN.
In life it is the improbable that always ciime.* to pass and nothing is certain but tho unforeseen
Two persons playing prominent parts in this history were riding out toaethor, and went side by side, almost silent as they rode, across the hills and through the forests stripped of their gaudy tints.
Since the scones just described, mouth had pawed, and the year seemed suddenly to go backward. That first brief mow had disappeared like a dream with the sunshine of the following !..ys then the air had moderated a few chill days, a gradual softening of the temperature, finally a delicious, dreamy calm—as sweet as tho spring, as mild as the summer, and as pensive As the au tamn--snd tho magical "Indian sum mer," the sireck "nurse of tho halcyon," had come into the world iu all its loveliness. Not a breath of air disturled the slumbrous quiet. The faint, sweet splendor of tho sunshine bathed the fields, the forests, and the distant river and over all silvery, translucent haze drtioped, rounding every outline into bentHy.
The Indian summer makes the world fWrv-land. Havotho hard car** of tbe world left you tho capacity to dream? If so, it is tlien that you dream of many things—of youth of early loves of the faces yon will not Nee again, the hands you will not touch, the Hps you will never more kiss
Justin Harley bad .ridden, on thia morning, to Bland field had found Evelyn Bland deairousof riding fo the house of a friend a ftiw miles distant offered to escort her and they were rlding,now through the miid sunshine,talking a little only aa they we nt.
A single glance at Harley must hare shown anybody that tho whole man had undergone a change. St. Leger had seen that change a/lor iiarley's viait to the Blackwater Swamp, but now it was far more marked. All the old unrest, hidden under
A
Wa* he "ci-dt" Youth It Is
wore small aud slender—tbe feet were woman, it is the lovo of the man of evidently delicate. One hand drew thirty in which she should rejoice, around her shivering liguro a black I Ho this wonder came about tho cloak, and this hand was slight and I man whose history we write^ever know, lady-like—the band ofa person who haa But there it was, The hermit, like the never performed manual labor. In the sad, the indifferent Justiu Harlev, who movements of tko blender and wasted had looked with ijxtthy aim.xHt uixm figure there was something woe-begone, ever}' woman, had in that single mouth Despair impersonate, there in the chili weird night, might have looked thus.
The woman wa'ked swiftly along the front of the house, as if resolutely bent «n going up the broad steps and ltnock ing at the door, A closeooserver would have said that she walked thus rapidly for fear her resolution would give wav. And before she reached the steps it had given way. Her pace lessened: she raised licr head, hesitated, stopped—her bead sank again, and uttcringa low sob, sho turned round and began to walk back. After taking a few steps, she again stopped, went once more toward the door, reached the steps, ascended two or three, aud then, her resolution entirely failing, sho buried her face in her cloak and hurried away.
Away from tbe great, dreary-looking mansion, with its glaring eyes, which seemed to follow her away from the oak under whoso drooping'boughs she had hidden, night after night along the winding path by the spring where St. Leger had picked up tho black veil, and beneath the tree on who«c trunk were carved tho letters "J. H." and "A. over the rude style, out into tho broad fields, toward the lonely, gloomv, never ending forest—so tb© poor, frail thing went into the night.
As she hurriedon, her thin form buffeted by the snow which a cold wind was driving, now, straight into her faeo—her steps wavering, her shoulders shivering as the blast struck her—she moaned, ut tering inarticulate words.
At iast these words became distinct and might have been heard if any one had been near. There was adulldes pair in them—tho suppressed cry of a hungry, miserable lu-art—resembling the tiuhappy cry of a child in pain.
410
me!" the woman said, "I am only twenty-eight—I am not so old—and I am going to die to-night! 1 would not care for that—I have nothing to iivo for —butt) mo! I have not seen him!—I have not seen him and 1 shall die, and never see him and tell him everything, and find my child
She tottered on, uttering that low sound which the word moan scarcely describes.
I have gone there night after night I have watched and watched, and resolved, time after time, and looked up at tiiai light, aud I could not go to him Why did I not? I knew ho would forgive me!"
The wind struck her fiercely, and tho snow covered her poor, thin cheeks—so white already that it seemed quite useless for the show to make them whiter. Her walk became slower, and more labored. She dragged her feet, aud fainted.
Where was sho going? She did not know. Not to the house of tho poor, charitable family who had received her when she fled from the strollers—dividing their small loaf with tho houseless wanderer. She was not thinking of shelter now, but of getting away somewhere—of reaching some spot where she could Ue down, hidden from all eyes, like a hunted animal, and die.
Ho was noble--enough—to forgivo me These words camo in gasps, which showed that her strength was failing. She had tottered on, indeed, mile after nilo, for more than two liourR. Her pace, new, was a stagger. Slje had entered a wood, and heard somo water flowing near. This seemed to remind her of some other scene, and sho murmured, with sobs, "O my child my child
calm sadness, had left
him. His expression waa gentle, patient, sweet bappi/ie**. If not hope, seemed Jo ham come back to him, aa the suuahino had come back after the snow.
The improbable had come to the unforseen had become a rpaiitv.
Thia shadow was a young womanthin, feeble-looking, and clad In black. A trtsance-ghmm frmi oso of tbe win- Bland with tbe calm, strong love 0 »ws rrj| upon her face, which was ex- -ilni, strong man—the wan of thirty 1 "dh.-iy pade. It was an altogetb-r bo has felt gri«*f, kn»w» dw3p ». nut? k^blw aoe. When IJarley and pouiuuent. ein ounU f- tvert vi^^-o fier bad Seen It In lbs lobaodv lude, and 14 tb« fre*h impulse i.-uis-. the thin white eheaks wcreeov- spring of lif but retained the ered Mtth rouge, and tbe momentary j-weetnes*of autumn. TbelndSan nopjiHtr of acting had changed ibe typfrt-jd his sentiment wm-iciri: MP ", .li. Now the rouge ban dtsap- onid, s^ and enforced—He -.ie.t «nd the." i* no egrlteaM-n-. A t.io.-r of th-d-im- d»-! *!.* seemed to aui'ti sometimes *t thtae and ber llwSiiUn' 'Vi-*" Y«„th It is said, ts tk« 'o.
MM,
fa*- "favbost. ,{»on tbe absurd!* of loving that tbe best authoritl^ now say that ll- (Mt, as she walked, left deep t« grais-* 'y. But it la tu? tbe very 1 s*.i«*r b» Rood for childr r. Now, if thia p?ii 'sin ine *e.o«, wi.e wa* aev- M. or tbe ve'ry young, whoiay
uigli
iu that poor little bundle or miuutos, passed from mrelessness to interest, irom interest to affection, from ufll-ction to tenderness, and with everv day, m*w this tenderness was deepening 'into strong aud earnest love. If any ono bad predicted this, Justin Harley would certainly have laughed at thein. liut the marvel had oome to pass. The blue eyes of tho girl, her lips, ber snule, tho bend ot her neck, the tones of her voice, these went with him as bo rode, followed hiui everywhere throughout tho dav, and haunted him iu dreams. The voice of Evelyn in singing had tirst made bis dull heart beat. Ho was a passionate lover ol music, aud this voice of a country girl seemed to open for him a new world, lie bad heard the tlnest sing rs of the European capitals, but exquisite as the enjoyment of tho music of the masters had been to him, it was not so exquisito us tho ballad floating like a bird's song from the red lips of Evelyn Bland, she seemed to sing, indeed,'as the birds sing—not to lie heard, but to hear themselves. Either the fresh young voice laughed in souie arch capricious ditty, dancing with mirth, or died away iu slow, sad cadences, touching the heart with sympathetic tenderness and Harley listened, was enthralled, heard hor singing still when he had gone away, until the music of her voice seemed ever present with him, as an old tune of our youthful years comes back and haunts us, and will not leave us any rest.
So love dawned dec|onod, reddened the sky of this man's life, and changod him. His face showed nothing, howover he was as calm as before, only with the calmness was mingled that new patience, gentleness and sweetness. Ho saw her now aud then, riding to Blandficld, at iutcrvals only, with Sainty, the gay youth, who was'an immense favorite there. There had never been a word of love between them he only looked at her and listened to hor. Riding with her on this morning waa an accident.
They lode on slowly through the mild sunshine, enjoying utmost in silence the luxury ot being near each other. Evelyn had never looked moro beautiful. Tho exquisite grace ol her tall liguro was shown by tho riding-habit which adapted itself closely to the outline, aud her hair fell
U}K»U
her shoulders. Tho
neck, with its narrow and plain collar, was bent a little forward—ono of tho girl's greatest charms, for it gave her a gracious and maidenly air, which a neck held stiflly erect takes away. Her chocks wore tinted with the blush roses of ninetoon, which, the|Kets notwithstanding, has a fuller and sweeter bloom in it than seventeen her lip* smiled, her blue eyes had tho faint sweetness of tho sunshino when the gracious voting creature turned this lovely head over her shoulder, looking sldowlse, she was all loveliness—if loveliness means tho property that inspires lovo. Beauty Is not loveliness the nglv are often lovely, and though Evelyn liiaiid hail alw iys boon called a "little beaulv," it was hor expression more than her features which gave her her chief charm. You read her feelings in her eyes and lips—eyes und lips transplanting tho joy, so: row, laughter, tears, which chased each other gleam or gloout through
IK
heart.
And such human beings enthrall. It was astonishing how the di*proportionol ago between thoso two purson* had clanged. Evelyn had burst, as it wore, Into tho full flowi.r of womanhood, ina month. In the stilus time, Justin Harley, cold, calm, sorrowful, resem--bling au old man at thirty, had grown young. Wonderful magic of love, that makes the young old, and theold young You would have Mipposvd them of the same age, nearly. All that was unchanged iu Hurley was that almost stately carriage of |ierson. This he retained his most marked personal trait. It has been notice*! before. In walking, he planted his feet firmly and strongly at each step, his head erect, hi* shoulders thrown hack, and hi* ej-e calm and steady, looking int y- ur own. Iu riding, lie carried himself in tho samo erect fashion.
Thoy made tho visit which Evelyn wished, and returned toward Blandfield. 'Hie rond passed across that lending from the Blackwafer.Swamp toward liuntsdon. It was tin* shoiti-t, but. neither wished to cut short tho ride. Tho poet-*a very great poet—knrw human nature when bo wrote "Tho Last Hide." aud madu his lover long to "ride forever—forever ride" with ilm one he lovod and Harley Jolt that wish vaguoIv, scarce realizing his own sentiment, forgetting the past, losing sight of the future, living only In the pnscnt.
Tne road was the longest It was also the worst. Evelyn was riding a very skittish horse and—it did not amount to au incident it was the most irivial of trifles but trifles go to make up li fu!
Tho road they were following ran through a hollow, a-ceii'l'd gradually, and passed along the eilg -of a bank, from which you looked down abruptly on a wooded rivulet thirty feet below. Horn* am generally perverse they always select a dangerous spot to bocotnc frightened. Evelyn's sudd* nly shied at some noise in the bushes, leaped sidewise, and would h-ive plunged down the lwnk had not Harley seized tho bridle. Evelyn was au excellent rider, but just escajsd falling, with the helpol iiarley'sarm thrown around h»-r.
For a single instant his arm encircled the lithe figure, which leaned almost on Ids heart, ana her curls brushed his chcek. He had held her iu his arms once in the Blackwater, and felt perfect Indifference thereat. Now he measured tho change. His heart throbbed his face flushed like a boy'#. Their eyes met for a singlo second.
Harley had just taken his supporting arm from Evelyn, when bo heard a light laugh. ilo turned round, and saw St. f/Cger, who bad ridden up behind them unheard, looking at them and lAUghlng. [TO DK COVTlMUKf).]
vs our young readers the regard to tho candy next time that your have
WK propose to giv a few "point*" with question. The tie mother predicts that "you will not a tooth in yonr h«adfi from eoting so much candv, reply pleasantly, but lirmthai Maury, Duke of Beaufort, for forty yeana^ate nearly a pound of sugar "candy dally, and yet died at the ago of so with a full set of perfect teeth in bit bead. If this la not enough, crush your parent completely by remarking 1 that every schoolboy knows that t.^- u' l. in his "Institute of health" ftri'Mtotis a Mr. Mai lory, who was ex-
Midy fbod of sugar and addl' J- to us a re a he a •. W yrar*,haviog had gxxl teeth until was fourscore, aud thenar.' .^.,, cut 11'-wset! If vour father comes to your :i .'ber*s relief a*sar" I i:n ''t teeth l. iv bM»n soaked in fo. whole
HViUp fo
IS t»- or. year with-iot »ny pe.-C'-ptlbie eflect, and
very sug*r Is good for childr n. Now. ut if i* not a hot fixe-brand, wo don't
Mi
