Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-04-28

tons. perhaps the lives Of others, and by
coincidence which, however purely acciden.
tai and unprecedented upon my part. yet
could not help perceving might, at the
same time, expose me to the most painful
and disreputable surmises and miscoustruc-
ton. II was, however, too late now to ex.
tricate myself, without possibly doing still
further mischief; my now Withdrawing
could effect no possible good and, on the
whole, judged il best 10 perform the ser.
vices committed to the domestic whose
place had so foolshly taken, and then to
confide in Doctor Robertson (.hose char
acter, as well as his appearance, perfectly
knew, although had no actual scquain-
lance with himself) The exact nature Of my
position in the affair, believing, as ] still
think, with reason, that it would be a relief
to the parties who had reason to dream be-
ing compromised, 10 learn that their secret,
accidentally divulged, had, at all events,
fallen into the keeping OF gentleman and
a man Of honour.
had hardly arrived at this resolution,
when ! heard the stealihy tread, and the
uneasy respiration of the old woman on her
return.
"Wel, it's all over, quick case it vas"
she murmured, as she entered. "She may
well be thankful, so she may. not to be I'M
der them, like many poor creature that's
bad for night and day, and longer"
"And how is she :" urged
"Och, well enough-as well as can be"
she answered, fright well. Don't be de-
laying any longer; an don't drop the note,
for the life Of you Tell him it's boy, an
real plentiful boy; and she's getting on
elegant"
So saying, she hurried me TO the hall
door, and observed in conclusion
Don't clap the door, do you mind and
il you have any message back, don't knock
loud-do you hear me =
Il was still profoundly dark, and the
streets silent and deserted. 1t was past
three o'clock, probably nearer four, as L
knocked at Captain Jennings lodgings
He had handsome set Of apartments in
Kildare street, and through the blinds Of the
drawing room windows | could see the
glare OF lights, and the shadows Of persons
in the room.
The hall, too, was lighted; and from the
promptiiude with which the door was open
ed, as well as from the talking and laughter
! TOH tut uIdNlUIsTOoms Us lOi-
| lowed the servant up the stairs it was man.
ifest that Captain Jennings was seeing COM
pany.
The servant was a novice in his profess
ion, suppose for instead Of acquainting
his master with my arrival, and leaving me
to wait in the hall, he ushered me up al
once into his presence. Perhaps. indeed
by way Of compensation to my self esteem
the worthy fellow, with more discriminate
than those whom had last encountered
detected something Of the gentleman under
my assumed lackeyism. In obedience tc
his direction therefore, and perhaps with
some lurking curiosity TO witness the con
trasled situation OF himself aud of his vic
tim, in the self same hour, stepped intt
the room. 1t was as light as day with wal
lights, aud the party, which consisted o
some eight or ten, were for the most par
engaged at cards. They were all talking
and laughing with noisy gaiety and an Ell
egant supper was laid, with profusion o
plate and wine coolers. at long side table
One OF the first persons | saw was youn!
; Chadeigh. who was just concluding
satirical anecdote as entered, and the mex
was Jennings. | saw the latter cast an an
CRY glance at the servant, and Instantly re
sumed the smile with which he awaited tn
point Of young Chadleigh's story but
plainly perceived that in spite Of his com
mand Of muscle, his face had grown aimos
deadly pale.
: He waved his hand impaliently for us I,
withdraw, and as did so, | saw him I'll
: out glass Of wine. In the midst Of tn
: buzz and laughter which followed Chad
D leiph's anecdo,e, Captain Jennings ioine
: me in the lobby, and as he did so hear
. Chadleiph call after him some uuizzing il
l. situations as TO the nature Of my messag,
9 which coming from that quarter, and uttel
i ed in all the thouphtless leyity of gale,
e and dissipation, sounded sadly enough i
c nv ear.
n oro,lo. MAJ s,;a Ison;,,. d,iy an
" Iod ,he w,v ~ the narlonr Placing N
e III ch;nanav r;ece and s,a9din
g Close bv The eTe-olace he SIGNED 10 me ,
c sho, ,bs door which accordinvIy did
k and when in obedience to another sign,
" had annro,cbed az near that our conyers