Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1842-04-19

only child was lOstY
q believe have, though | was young
at the time, retain no distinct recollec
, lion ofit.'
twill tell you some time, but not now,
said Lady Katharine.
The account which Amelia had given
had re-awakened the hopes that long had
slept, and she had determined in her
own mind to call on Ophelia and eudeaV.
or to learn something Of her past life,
the moment her health would permit
She regretted the absence other husband,
who had left town that morning and was
not efpected TO return until the ensuing
day.
Sir Philip, who was aware Of the state
Of Arthur's affections, had at length ma
tuted plan which he trusted would crush
his hopes at once and forever. That We
ry evening, as Ophelia, who had as usual
been the star Of stars, was about TO give
her hand 10 Arthur, that he might assist
her TO enter the carriage, she felt some
one touch her shoulder. Shelooked round
and beheld man muffled in cloak with
his hat drawn over his eyes. He thrust
sealed note into her hand and immedi.
ately departed. The moment she was
alone she broke the seal and read as fol-
lows
"SirPhilip Hathaway demands an inter-
view with you. He viii be at the door
when the clock strikes one, when he pre-
sumes he can be admitted without the
knowledge of any Other member of the
family"
Had the writer Of the note been in no
way connected with her lover, its haugh-
ty and laconic style would have made her
dread to meet him. Now, it needed all
:he fortitude she could assume 10 preserve
decent composure. An excessive sink
ing Of the heart accompanied her dread
full agitation, and a shadow of the deep
est gloom seemed already to be cast
around her, Elotting out life's golden sun
shine forever. When assured that all had
retired, she softly descended intS room
which opened into the hall. She looked
at the time piece on the mantle. The
hour had come, and the next moment the
single deep note which in the silence Of
night soundsso solemn and SO melancho-
ly, pealed from lofty tower Of a neigh
boring church. A low rap against the
dOor-she opened it, and the same muE-
fed form that had handed her the note,
stood on the step. Having entered, he
cautiously followed Ophelia to the small
and secluded apartment she had selected
forthe interview. He smoothed the way
by no preliminary remarks, but accused
her Of artfully inveigling the affections of
his adopted son, who being but little ac-
customed to female society, felt the want
of no attraction save a beautiful face and
a syren voice.
II have said nothing to him on this sub
iect," continued he, "for in his present
state of mind, | do not expect him 10
listen 10 reason, but this connexion shall
be broken, or disnherited son will be
branded With fathers curse. Would you
avert the dOom!''
"Yes-but hows' said Ophelia, who
pale and terrified had sunk into chair"
+ "By flying this place without seeing
him again"
"Impossible, Mr.. Belmont is TO give
two more concerts, and"
"Mr. Belmont shall lose nothing by
your absence-I myself will make him
whole. / have carriage 10 waiting
short distance, and now is the time to go.
Should you delay your departure, you will
bring ruin and disgrace on him whose af-
fections you have entangled by your arts;
and destroy forever the peace Of my wife
whom sorrow for lost child came near
crushing to the earth. Will you 60 or re-
main and be the instrument Of this fear
ful misery | have painted!
Supplied with grief and terror at this
harsh language, imPeriOus manner, and
bove all, by his unjust accusations, she
rose and without making any reply,
moved mechanically towards the door,
Sir Philip placed himself before it.
care you going to endeavor to elude
meS''
"No, Sir Philip Suffer: me to go to
nv room for bonnet and shawl, and l
will be here again in two minutes.''
Scan ! trust you--or do YOU mean to
deceive me!!"
Something Ikea pang Of remorse vis-
tied her bosom fora moment, as with pale
and quivering lips, she said.
"Oh, Sir Philip, though i am poor
and friendless orphan, | am not the base
crealureyou take mo for. Insver made
use Ofany arts % engage the affections Of
your son--I never attempted 10 deceive.p
swell, child, said be in a .sohened
voice, Ego to your room and procure what
ever you please, but do not be long ab-
sent, as tits tins We we're gons."
Ophelia had neVer found convenient
oppOrtuniiyto wear the mantle which Mat
handed her the morning she leil the inn
-she had even 81 late almost forgotten