Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1841-04-14
CHAPTER "


OF the next few DAYS at Locbabbev. every
one afforded me some new glimpse ofthe hor-
rors of my position. O'Roorke had the most
perfect mastery over me, and cut off all COM
1uncati0n with others. He pretended that |
was yet too nervous, and could not meet anv
one without the risk of betraying myself He
thus obtained the management of everything,
and became master of my income, as well as
tyrant ofmy person. Indeed he never allow
ed me an hour alone, unless when engaged in
securing some advantage 20 himself.
1t was upon one of these occasional absen-
ccs, that received an unexpected visit from
Lord 4. The porter had been strictly
enjoined by O'Roorke TO deny me to all persons;
but O'Roorke was much disIked by every one
about the Abbey; and 1t could not have esca-
ped notice, that he exercised a strange and
unaccountable influence over all my actions
under the influence ofthese impressions, the
man at once admitted his lordship
was very much affected by the interview
which gave me some additional information of
my uncle's kindness TO me. He had been ar
ranging my affairs, for the purpose of final
settlement with me; and had fully arranged
with Lord A the preiminares to my
intended marriage with Lady Eleanor A
near day had been fixed for the meeting Of all
parties, and my uncle had been with his agent
on the completion of some needfu documents,
upon the fatal day that deprived me of my only
friend. To these communications, his lordship
added a pressing invitation TO Castlecorragh.
My brother Edward, he said, had been invited
| to meet me, and was at present there. This
last intelligence gave me no great satisfaction,
but it determined me. | at once accepted the
invitation. iet, of course, the difficulty, but
resolved to try one more chance for freedom.
Iremained cruelty torn with doubt,remorse
and fear In all my wretchedness had not,
I'LL now, so fully appreciated my fall How
bright was the happiness had blighted in that
fatal instant: how much forbearance, worth,
and faithful friendship had outrageously ex-
tinguished Alas! could offer myself, black
with crime, to be the mate. of that pure mind
was to bind her with the loathsome chain
| that bound me was | to expose her to the
shame of my discovery! was | to loose her !!
These, with many such thoughts swept, like
clouds across my agitated breast and brain
A new thought flashed over my soul,-there
! was, chance.
81 will play out the game" shouted /, as
the door opened,a and my tyrant stood before me.
| resolved to humour him thoroughly. He
gave me one quick glance, and then looking, as
was his way, down upon the floor, he remarked
in his usual drawing tone
so, Master Joe, you have seen Lord
| A."
Well--what i'll have ?"
O'Roorxe stood for some time, in a state oil
obvious internal effort,such as is usual to most
persons, when it becomes necessary TO conquer
some habtual feeling, or to propose something
! likely to excite opposition. This understood
at once and was prepared for some fresh I'M
pertinence. During this short silence, l recall
ed TO mind my own determination, and resolv-
ed TO Weld, with seeming readiness, 10 The
most extravagant proposal, and lurnlt, IN some
wav. to INV own designs. He continued thus
| for an unusual time, looking still on the floor
and fiddling with the corner ofhis coat. Al
last he spoke:
" Master Joe, j have always been true tc
YOU, and will be so still; but it is fair that
should take care Of myself too. cannot sec
your honour come into the power Of the A
family, and there must be an end to it.
/" Very well--very well,--if it must be so
there's no more need be said, Tony" said
calmly.
; The fellow looked up, with an expression o
surprise he did not expect so easy an assent
He pondered little longer, and saw tina
something, about which he was more ANXIOUS
was to come next.
..Wen, Tony" said ], forcing sheer, "ou
with it."
/ AGAIN he locked with surprise, and felt tina
it would be easy to overact my part !; there
fore added calmly:
"Speak out | know that am IN your pow
er. and must pay the price"
swell, sir, am glad that yonr honour
inclined to reason /; and it is not anything tina
YOU have right TO keep that ! am for a ash
from YOU. Marlborough is left, by Will, |
your brother, but have secured the VIII NoN
as our honor comes in as heir-at-iaw, Wlae
desire is this, to have the estate SOLD IN you
bonor's name. and the price left with me. /.
stared at him with involuntary astonlshineh1
he went on: You know there's no great loV
between We two if Master Ned gets tn e, e 1
tate. he'll have the lady too; so that II Will
4 killing two birds with one stone, If you ioilo'
, my desire" .p.uuh.s n.
II suddenly flashed upon my thoughts' u.
whatever might do, it would be advisaDls
secure the will. Should my plan succeed,
: would win my way with Edward ana 2
friends. Should it fail, my own saiety require
lie destruction. ] therefore remaTReo' IN
mill the will should be safe in my own many !,
. Il yyonld be impossible to actas the steps
rao,;red would draw on inquiry as to my 8, TO-
To this he agreed, but said that the WIN =; =
been concealed by him at his molneI ~
though now living in the alb pey, nad a nou
~ the villape, which, believe, yet Iel'ail's