The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1850-04-13

and memories come rushing, like an AL
pine torrent, back upon the soul as W,
carefully scan each particular word tracet
by the fingers of the loved one.
And Annie was reading a love-letter
"A letter from Harry-whIch told perhap.
OF his hardships and trials, his hopes ano
fears, his expectations and wishes, his de.
sires and prayers! All, with what avidty
did she peruse each particular word
What renewed satisfaction did she, at each
perusal OF the contents Of that letter obtain
Of Harry's devotedness.
Long had she sat by the window who'll
ly engrossed with the contents OF that pre-.
cious eplstle, when a hand was lald on
her exquisite shoulder, and rough voice
exclaimed
"Good evening Miss Annie-I told YOU
when last we parted we should meet
again."
Annie looked up and gave scream
for she instantly recognized in the indi-
vidual who had spoken, and whose hand
rested on her shoulder, Neal Arlington.
"Ha! ha' my lady-love you needn't
scream, for there Is no one to render YOU
assistance'-
SO, my father, my MOTHER interrupted
Annie, "my father
"They are both safe in the keeping OF
my men," replied Mel, pointing to COM
pany Of fiendlsh looking tories, some TWEEN
ty or thirty yards distant.
Ami. gazed in the direction he point
ed, and there sure enough were her pa
rents. They had been on a visit to a
neighbours about mile distant, while An
ME had renamed At hcme, and in return
ing had tell in with gang OF tories, and
being known to Mel, were made pr;aon-
e:s. The fair girl burst into tears.
Mel, heart was no, wholly base. There
atill fingered Ysstige of the passion-we
can not call it love. for Annie, which had
once intlamed him, and when he saw her
IN tears, he said in his most soothing man.
ner--
"lour father and mother are safe.
Though l have been treated rudely by
them and spurned by you, the past shall
be forgotten If you will cons. mt to my
proposal-if you will become the bride
af'-
"Neil Arlingtonw exclaimed Annie,
her dark eyes flashing through her tears.
ayes, the past shall be forgotten, and
afiuence and happiness shall be yours
hereafter, if you'll consent to be the bride
OF Mel Arlington and he put on one of
his blandest smiles.
"Never" replied Annie turning on
him Indignantly, 'snever! can you think
me base enough to accept such an infa-
nous proposition. Leave me, wretch"
Arlington quailed beneath her glance,
for the glance Of an enraged woman is
fearful but recovering himself, he replied
scientifically
"Don't be SO fast my fair lady. You
have rejected my offers with scorn here
toiore. But now be wary-you are in my
power. have offered you my heart and
hand. II you accept, the past l have
promised shall be forgotten; but il not, by
the Eternal God you shall repent the step
you have taken"
81 am in your power" she reioinel
drawing herself to her full height, shut
never while ray heart throbs shall con-
sent to be the bride Of such man as Mel
Arlington. Never"
cha! girl, willingly or unwillinsly"
exclaimed the tory while his features as
sumed fiendi,h cast" swillingly or un-
willingly you shall submit to the embrace
Of the man you loathe: and for your RASH
ness yon two old dotards,'' and he pointed
to her parents, "whose counsel you have
followed shall pay the penalty. have
grudge against them any how, which
shall now be settled. Before an hour
passes they shall both be dangling between
heaven and earth
"Wretch! wretch. shrieked Annie,
"would to God Harry Dalton wore here,
then
"But Harry Dalton whom you 70 ar
IDENTIFY desire isn't here; and II he were
I'D crush the cursed rebel like worm
HIS sentence was interrupted by the
sharp shrill report of dozen rifles, and
as he turned surprised, the door was dash
ed open and
"Crush him them"
Broke from the lips Of the noble in
truder-who wa, no other than the gal
liant Harry himself.
Mel grasped his sword; but ere he
could draw it from the scabbard, shrill
report broke on his ear, a dull leaden
smoke rolled through the room, and the
tory leader lay in the agonies of death.
Where but FIVE minutes before stood
band Of torres, dozen lifele.s corse, now
bit the dust and as Marion AID his brave
associates, together with Mr.. and Mrs.
Warburton, who they hadi :aiely delivered,
crowded INTO the house, Harry was dis
covered leaning over the liteless form of
Annie as she lay on sofa.
Char. v.