The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-10-11

Never, lord OF Selby, did fancy that
the day would come when such IA charge
as thou hast made, dare be uttered in the
hearing of husband. Go on,-and let me
know the crime by which Barbara Max
we'll has stained her reputation
| Those near George Seby observed n
shudderlng of his whole frame, while his
beautiful wife was speaking.
! Would, lady, that this were the indig-
nation with which the innocent repudiate a
charge ofguilt why swell the odious ac-
cusation : You have outraged the conf
dence of him to whom your loyalty was
/ pledged. Start not dame. Boldness can.
not screen thy error That place where my
sainted mother prayed, now harbors the
paramour of my worthless daughter
George Selby, who continued leaning
against the mantle like being beaten by
misfortune almost To state of apathy,
bounded from the place he had rccllned
upon, and bursting past his kinsman, ex-
claimed in n voice of thunder,
! 'Ha In the oratory Heaven thank
thee !'--and catching up sword, he threw
aside those who vaiuly attempted TO res
train him. His hand was already on the
seized him by the arm.
oar he cried. on, Hest harm thee!
Bad as thou art, would not willingly in
I iure n hair of thee
Fearless and undismoyed, Barbara held
his arm.
Sirs,-genilemcn,- hear me, AMI only
| for moment. am IA stranger to you all.
| am woman; and, st least by men, that
! plea should be admitted. Once, had any
one told me, an appeal to another would be
required, | would have SAID he spoke a
fnlsehood. Wha, wouldst th ou 7 ] own at
once, that there is n knight where none has
been before. | have but one boon to ask,
let him be brought hithcr,-nnd let the
guilty he confronted.
Lady, can refuse yon nothing replied
George Selby, in tone almost inaudible.
! wilt thou Master wyndham do me n
small kindness, aud summon my attendant
hitherr
The youth bowed, left the chumber, and
presently returned with Gillian. All seem-
ed amazed, and maryeIIed what the result
of this strange scene would he.
/ Calm as if she was merely despntcliiDg
her tire-woman on some ordinary message,
the Border flower pulled forth key, and
drew a jewel from her finger.
"Tcll the knight thou knowest, Gillian,
that Barbara Maxwell requires and de-
mands his presence. Give him this ring
he will not disobey my summons. Good
gentlemen, pray your patience. Sheath
thy weapon, Master Of Selby. Surely n
ganst the peril of a single rapior there needs
not all this preparation, and with thy kins-
men around thee too"
George Sclby, as if under the influence
of u spell, obeyed, and sheaihed his sword.
The baron seemed bcwildercd, and the
dead silence was Cor some minutes nnbro-
ken. A quick step was heard along the
corrdor-lhe door flew open--a tall, noble
youth, entered the chamber, and advancing
to the bride, demanded haughtily To know
who had dared to offer her offence"
Ralph !"---crled the lady of young Sell
by-but ere she could say more, her hus-
band started as if an adder stung him, and
half unsheathing his sword, exclaimed,
The very name she murinured IN her
sleep"
Wyndham seized his arm, and the baron
whispered,
Peace, my son-peace, an thou lowest
me-"
The young stranger threw bold glance
round the room, and taking the lady's hand,
continued.
Barbara--for what purpose am j re-
auired could only gather from your
| ,irewolnan, thnt some one had shown you
| adiscourisey-what means this mystery
I 81 t.I 2
Doubtless thy gallant husband is not here,
or slight offered to his fair dame, would
not require a brothers arm To redress it!'
"Brother !" exclaimed several voices,
while George Selby dropped his rapicr on
the hoor--Barbnra clung to the strangers
ARMAND the baron IN nmazcmcnt advan-
ced to the unknown, and inquired his name
and title.
A name" replied the youth haughtily,
" need not he ashamed to own; although
some villains oyaled them of my absence,
aud branded il with treason. ! nm Ralph
Maxwell Of Caerlavsrock !"
/ "Thc Master OF Nithsdale !" exclaimed
several voices. "What an unfortunate
mistake !"
Z" Unfortunate, indeed ~ murrnured
young Seby, with bitter sigh. II has
cost me wife and happiness and have
lost an angel by my sccursed idiotcy. To
doubt her purily-to fancy Barbara could
err ool--dolt--madman, and he
smo,e his forehead passionately.
"Now, by mine honour, all this is TO the
unaccountable !" and turning to his sister,
the Master of NithsJale continued" Wilt
thou explain this mystery, Barbara; and Is
yonder gentleman your lord 7"
{" lie w0s, Ralph and, ] had believed
him, one who would cut he throat of any
4 knave who would have whispered aught a
, painst my loyalty. But circumstance,
havo changcd-my fame is sullied-and