The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-05-02

despair, and If 1t had not been for memo
ry, the dark cloud on her soul, she nigh.
have been happy. But as her feelings
grew stronger and deeper with regard TO
him, the cloud grew darker also. There
was but one whom she ought 10 marry.
There was but one to whom her hand
could bring aught than disgrace, and in
The end, misery. That one she no lon
ger loved, nay, she had even learned TO
dispise; bu, in her stern code, there was
no other reparation for her wounded hon
or, than that detested marriage, or his
death. The brain of the poor girl became
bewildered with these conflicting and har-
RAISING thoughts; she often wandered out
alone a, night-remained for hours with
out being willing 10 give any account OF
herself, and, at last, came and went with
out questioning.
1t was late in the evening at the end Of
summer. The moon was shining full
upon lonely and little travelled road be-
yond the village. The path lay half in
shadow, from the tall oaks that skirted
its sides, and behind their massive trunks
were fit hiding places for the robber and
assassin. So thought the tall, handsome
man who came along, now and then cast
ing his eyes furiivcly around, as if to as
sure himself. He carried slight, fash
ionable walking stick and was advancing
rapidly, when female sprang out from
the deep shadow which had hitherto con.
cealed her, and stood in his path directly
confronting him.
Good evening, my DEAR the man said
in light tone. There was no reply.
What do you want with me, my dear ?
he said, in the same accents attempting
also to throw his arm around her. The
female sprang aside, and eluded him
Can you ask what | want, Col. Brude-
nell ?'-The voice was low, but stern.
Col. Brudencll recognised the speaker.
Indeed, Anne, how can know what YOU
wish are you sure you know yourself 2
Anne Morelle shuddered at the rich
tones of a voice tina, was ever hunting
her soul, and that had won her to life
long misery, but, over-mastering her
emotion, she replied calmly, though with
the same sternness. DO know, George
Brudenell! Listen | want re2araton
justice and'-sinking her voice ill its
tones of despa'ring wretchedness would
have melted any other heart-I rant the
grave' oh, see, Anne! You wisl,
me to marry you but it seems to me tina,
such request would come with a better
grace from the gentleman than from the
lady; do you not think so, Anne!
Col. BruJonell this is no answer!'
we once were very good friends, and
lived very pleasantly, without marriage
Do you understand me, Amer
A quick pang convulsed the frame o
the poor girl, and seen by the moonlight
the reckless man saw it pass over hel
palid features. She took no notice of his
insulting words, but merely asked-'Dc
you grant my request, Col. Brudenel ?
He was astonished somewhat at hcl
cool rep y, after such visible internal emo
ton, but proceeded in the same hearlles:
manner.-Uhy should marry you, An.
ne! Do you love me slllr
No! Heaven Forbid
But you do love William Clayton /!
and there was in his voice the tone of
knocking fiend. Anne made no answer
but her compressed lips, and knitted brow.
might have told how painfully she was
shaken. He went on. We'll, suppos,
l should marry you, let me tell you, An
ne, it would neither be for your happi
ness, nor for mine
Happiness and have done with eacl
other She was so(iened. The memo
ry of Clayton made her voice ,rcmulou
and mournlul.
But we cannot live kindly togethc
after what has passed, Anne You mus
see it,
Il do not wish TO live with you, no
even as your wife-never never Ny
home must soon be in the grave; but
pledge you that you shall not be ,roub
led with me--the ceremony which unile
our names will separate as forever
This was said sadly but no! stcrny
! But Brudenel was not moved.
But suppose that | do not choose it
Anne 1.-The law will compel you to liv
with me, as my wife,
THE law will have no power over tn
dead. will be no mans slave Sh
threw aside her light mantle as she spok
and the bright hilt Of dagger gl,,erc
in the moonlight. Hitherto Brudene
had been amusing himself at her expense
. and his whole manner had been one G
reckless trllling. Now the idea nashe