Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-12-16

:orsaken his old haunts and his old companions.
nor could the entrcnties nnd renonsirnnces OF his
wife, exior the least explanation Of this strange
and sudden change in his habits and demennor.
His conntennnce WINS still MS intelligent ms ever,
though n shade of care had fallen oil IT, and though
his current appeIlation of Waller, the Mason, had
been changed into that of Walter, the Idiot, Ivy |
popular consent, the judicious few shook their
hends whenever his name was mentioned, or his
figure came in sight. Somehow or other, the vii |
age wiseacres attributed his conduct TO the agen-
cy Of the DemomoI Eliuwood. One thing was mp |
parent his attachment to the Armilage family |
was uIchanged--hc was always lurking round the |
castle, and whenever q group OF his t0wnsnen |
discussing the long pending lawsuit, involv-
ing the fortunes Of the widow, Waller was always
n greedy listener, answering, whenever he was APP
pealed to, with his customary yes and mo-
Such was the escort under whose guidance the
lndies reached the farm house, where they receive
od welcome from Dame Ashton, and her son
Roger, the young man who WINS TO accompany
them them To The seaport, in the capacity OF their
servant. The evening Of Mat day was tempesu-
Gus and rainy aud, as the hour for the departure
OF the lndies approached the terrors Of the night
wore increased Ivy heavy thunder and incessnn
flashes of lightning. All Of n sadden, there came
Q tremendous pea-thc door was blown wide
open by furious gust of wind, aud standing with
Out revealed in the broad blue glare OF the light
nlng appeared Two tigures-one, that OF slran-
ger-lhe other, Walter, the mason The former
waved a farewell 10 his companion, the hastily
entered the house, and closed and barred the door.
He was n young ard handsome man, with long
dark locks. worn after the Cavalier fashion OF the
day. His brondraled hat, which he lifted from
his dripping curs, was gruced by crimson plume.
Flingiug is black cloak upon chair, he disclosed
n rich crimson dress, sIashed with black satin, aud
dain:ily embroidered with gold his lliront aud
wrists were grnced with rufles of costly lace hut
he wore high and heavy horsemcns boots with
huge heels and spurs, and broad buff belt sus-
tairled pair of pistols and rapier, the indspen
sable accompaniment Of n travelling gentleman
OF that period.
Good evening, ladies' said the uuinvited guest
in a pleasant aud manly voice. Unpleasant wea'
Their, is il notf
Who you !? asked Dame Ashton, who first
mustered courage To address the stranger, that
comes INTO farm houses at such "A time OF night,
without asking by your leave Nth your leave.'
Farm houses or cnstes-night or day-'lis all
the same TO me- replied the stranger, with nier
~ laugh. Il am one, he continued. more after
the manner OF person speaking to himself, than
OF ono addressing ss companions; accustomed
to make reception for himself. BY virtue of that
habit, will take seat in your chimney corner,
my good dame Saying which, tue renieman
| suited the action to the word, aud, seizng po-
ker, commenced very scientific research into the
| glowing emhcrs. Perceving Roger, Dame Ash
toms son, watching his motions atenvely, he call.
ed out TO him - Ito ! there, sirrah Bring anol-
or billet Of wood iiere-for the love of heaven do
| something 10 make yourself a useful, since you
can never he nm ornamental member of society.
| All! there's blaze, indeed. Glorous Well,
| WE'LL deserved it eight hours hard riding, over
| rnscuy roads that completely broke down The hest
| hunter that ever followed II hound. But forget
myself he added, drawing back from tho fire.
| Sam SO unfortunate IA TO terrfy these ndies !"
Il must confess sir snid Lady Arinllage, shat
| your sudden appearance somewhat dlscohcericd
| me-
4 beg @ thousand pnrdons,' said the cavalier, in
earnest manner. Fear nothing, madam, from
mc-from any - Heaven watches you. When
| have succeeded IA dlss paIing your iears-your
disirust will converse in friendly manner.
Meanwhile, with your permission, ! will warm
myself, for it is colder here than where came
from"
Never was trner word shonied Roger. in
! voluntarily, as he hunped the table with his huge
browu fist but he turned deadly pale, tho
| stranger, whose attention was attracted 10y the re-
mark fixed his black penetrating eyes upon hun
and smiled with peculiar meaning.
! Put on more wood, my sagncous friend said
he ; she young Indy trcmbcs, see.'
Not from fear murmured Mary.
you sec madam said the stranger, rising
that am unused to good company, and have We
its manner all TO learn. But mean WELL MADAM
and if, as think, Gun materially serve you,
will cheerluliy afford you oil The aid in my pow
, err
You, sir?' exclaimed Lady Armitagc, in tom
of establishment and ncrcdbilny.
'Ay, madam, came not here by chance, bu
, on your account
'On my accoun?'
'Yes, Lady Arnitage.'
You know me, then. And pray, sir, who ar
n you:
: $ Did inform you, madam replied the slran
b. GER with half suppressed sigh, 'you would no
O have The least confidence in me and to enabl
v inc 10 serve you, must exact blind reliance
e such feeling is rarely inspired at first sigh
e SIR replied the lady.
If l am aware Of it, madam returned the cnva
e lier, but permit me TO ask you-what do 20
n risk !? On your side you have nothing 10 lose
h on my part offAr every thing 10 GAIN
My lawsuit, STRIP inquired Lady Armitage.
le Nay, Ihut is lost beyond redemption. But
j. have other means OF serving you-Inenus of m
" own
d Here Mary drew lel mother aside, and said
IS. low lone, know not why, dear mother bl
err this young gentleman seems, in my opinion,
nj merit the confidence which he requires
n, . cannot replied the lady, place implicit col
n. fdence in stranger Sir she continued rnsiI
g. her voice, before we proceed further, must r.
IT, quest TO know your name
ne Il will not hesitate, madam replied the cav'
n. lier = If you insist upon IT, My bame is RobeI
Tx Some, he continued, fixing his eye on Roger
e. he spoke =" some call the Robert, the Device
10 cnse me, ladies', hut such is the fact
~ Roger clOsped his hands together in silent no
ror, convinced, now, that the evil spirit OF Eli
ch wood was before him.
,ss Robert what u pretty name = said Mary, hi
ok aloud. you think so, Miss Mary? asked Il
a stranger, urchiy, catching ut the exclamation
as the girl.
,ht Wha,! do you know my namcP cried M
for Armiiage,
m. Yes; by heart, responded The courteous cav
= lier.
Or. Sir said Lady Armilage, somewhat stern
ell. do not lead us to imngine that you are willing
,ul spor: wlb our painful situation. Once more, W
De are you p
vs. 'liave told you frankly replied the cavae
sry do you exact further confidence on my side
en-. Call me-think me what you will am yo
ere protector. The key to this enigma will be CIV