Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-11-26
From tbs Ladies' National Mlgazine.
AGNES RTENAY.
A TALE OF THE OLD DOMINION.
BY caARLEs J. PETERSON.
CHAPTER WILLIE OR DEATH.

CHAPTER WILLIE OR DEATH.
Though Sir Henry, who was = shrewd obser.
YER, suspected that the approaching interview with
Agnes had something to do with her swoon, and
Ihs swOon itself with his mention Of Major Len.
nox, he nevertheless failed TO unridde the puzzle
70 his complete satisfaction, though he thought
Of nothing else during his walk 10 Mr.. CourIenay's
residence. The conclusion which he deemed
most rational was that Major L3nnox was dis.
tant relative of the Courenays, aud that Agnes
had sent for him TO solicit the pardon Ofhe prison.
or. But on this point he resolved to be inhaxible.
"Major L7nnox has given himself no chance TO
escape and he must abide by the consequences"
said Sir Henry mentally, as he took his seat in
Mr.. Counenay's parlor, after bidding The servant
announce him.
Ii wasnol until Agnes had approached the door,
and stood with her hand almost on the lock, that
the full consciousness of the step she was about
10 take burst on her. Hitherto, carried away by
the one engrossng thought of the peril of Len
nox, she had considered only in what way TO save
him, but now she reflected on the want Of maiden
uodesy which her application might imply to
Sir Henry Clinton, bulmosIof all she shrank from
that revelation of her love which was iacIly con-
veyed by her intercession. She paused, there.
fore. irresouIe. Her knees touered under her,
aud she felt the crimson tide rushing TO her fore.
head But this waverng lasted only minute
Everything hung on her decision she reflected,
and at that thought she summoned courage and
entered the room.
Sir Henry rose 10 meet her, but her heart beat
so violently and her eyes suddenly grew so dim,
that she thought she should faint and sank imme-
dia!ey into a chair, without daring 10 look into
his face to see if its expression was favorable for
she already imagined he knew all, and felt like n
guilty thingin his presence.
''ln what way can befrend Miss Courtenayl"
said Sir Henry kindly, taking his usual seat be.
side her.
The Difference and sympathy expressed in his
voice and manner reassured Agnes, who venured
10 look up, and pronounce the name Of Major
Lsnnox.
Sir Henry's countenance instantly fell; but Ag-
mes, gathering courage, proceeded.
81 desired this interview, Sir Henry" she said,
''in order to nercede for that unfortunate gentle.
man. | am sure can answer for him that he is
no spy Those whoare acquainted with him will
exonerate him from anything so dlshonorable.-
Commute his punishment into anything else you
please. am sure, Sir Henry" she exclaimed
with a heightened color, "you will not refuse me
This request, which the loyalty of our house EN-.
bodens ms 10 ask"
"Maior Lennox ought TO be Aauercd by the in.
Ierest ou take in him, but"
"Nav, Sir Henry, no butts, if you please, said
Agnes, irving TO assume playluInesS she was
far from feeling. "You surely cannot refuse
lady" =,
II fear must in this instance" he replied
Eravey.
"O6! no, no, you must nOI," cried Agnes, her
face turning shade Paler.
any dear Young lady" said Sir Henry. half
rising "these serious matters are not fit to be dis
cussed before one of your kind-hearted sex. |
am sure that, if could see your father, he would
be satisfied with the reasons which actuae me.
Daty is somstmes unpleasant, and confess it to
be so in the present instance. But for all that,
fear Major L2nnox must die. Allow me 10 ex-
plain this necessity in full to your father"
'NoI for the world" exclaimed Agnes breath
lessly. 81 would not for the world he knew Of
ihis petition Of mine. Major LennOx is no con.
nexion of the family, as you appear to suppose"
She had risen, pale and eager, TO detain Sir
Henry by his arm when he first began TO speak,
and as he proceeded the most intense emotions
were called up 10 her face: but at this mention
Of her fathers name, she seemed, for the mo.
ment, 10 lose sight Of everything but the possibi-
nv of an interview taking place between him and
Sir Henry. Then. the instant she had spoken,
she reflected what construction Sir Henry might
place on her words, and looked down abashed
and trembling
"Maior Lennox not a connexion OF the family"
said Sir Henry slowly, and in surprise.
No." replied Agnes family, without raising
her eyes.
Sir Henry looked at thsse signs Of confusion.
He saw Agnes, one moment pale, then crimson.
ed 10 the brow, and sudden suspicion flashed on
him, Like all the rest he had taken rumor TO be
fact, and believed in the reputed engagement of
Beaufort and Agnes. Even yet he could scarce.
" discard these former convictions and give cred
il TO the suspicion which had risen TO his mind.
Almost mechanically he said,
Then how can YOU be interested in hint"
Agnes trembed excessively: by sudden i'm
pulse she covered her face with her hands, and
buryng it on the sofa, burst into sobbing. She
fell that her secret was discovered, and for awhile
maideny shame oyercame every other emotion.
Sir Henry stood regarding her, with deep inter-
est depicted on his face. To see heproud. high
spirited Agnes Courtenay intears was spectacle
20 move abosom even harder than his. He knew,
from her independent character, that she must
suffer excessively. After while he spoke, and
bis voice was low and full Of kindness.
"Pardon me-" he said. 81 did not suppose
this subject was one to agitate you so much"
Sill Agnes continued to weep: at last she con.
uolled herself and spoke.
Then you will spare him. Oh! believe me,
believe me he is not guilty."
Her upraised eyes in which the tears still gilt.
tered were irresistible: Sir Henry felt that he
could not refuse her petition without almost break.
ing that once gay heart.
"His life shall be spared" he said. al cannot
promise you his freedom, but his life shall be
shared"