The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-09-09
trude your uncle will find me quite re,
covarad -

"Good night, dear aunt, had for
gotten to tell you they are going to have
dance down stairs; it is somebody's
eve, Kelly says, so do not be alarmed
should you hear them moving about
rather late"
Very well, love; but I do not re-
member any holiday to-day, Gertrude" !"
" dare say they would find you a
warrant for dancing in some legend or
other but | did not like to refuse per-
mission"
"You are quite right Good night,
my darling"
She turned away, her tears would not
be repressed.
"Will l ever see that dear pale face
again, or ever hear that fond voice Z"
Oh, it was too bitter. Hastily drying
her tears, she hurried to the library.
Kelly bad fastened its windows as usual,
but she dexterously withdrew the bolts
She had yet two hours to wait.
The traitor came in. He seemed
surprised to see her there but not a
told of the curtains had been displaced,
and the book in her hand explained her
errand
"Will I send more wood to your
room, ma am 20
IF you please, Kelly. do not feel
sleepy"
And the misthress 20
" Is much better. Good night"
He was evidently satisfied. He or
Andy had dogged her all day.
On reaching her room she dismissed
her maid, and then secreted some jewels,
money, and knife about her person, in
preparation for the worst.
The knife-for whom was it intended ?
herself that wretch
She never could say; she had it, and
it gave her strength.
Those weary, endless two hours
She tried to pray, she could MOTTO
think, thought maddened her; she was
conscious but of one feeling, resolution
to die rather than submit to O'Rielly 81
of one hope-Fitzpatrick. v
She threw open her her window and
listened intently; the leaden silence ap- I
palled her-not breath was heard, yet
those men were coming, they might y
even then be near her; the insolent viii
lain might at that moment be watching |
her, triumphing in her agony. And she I
was alone not even her maids sympa-
thy to soothe, to cheer her; she had
sent her away; her cries at the fatal
moment would alarm her aunt Yet, if
her only friend should fail, if he should
perish, there would be stain on her
character; how could she prove she had
not voluntarily accompanied this ruffian, /,
since her own actions would corroborate
the calumnious report II
Her repeater struck twelve. Throw
ing off all other terrors, she prepared
herself for the inevitable struggle. !,
1t could not now be long delayed. 5
She bathed her feverish temples, salts 5
fed that her knife was secure, and firmly
waited.
But not long-a stealthy step crept
up the stairs-a low tap at the door, and =
Kelly entered.
"Kelly, what is the matter' My
aunt -" 4.
"Would you be pleased, ma'am; to
come down to the library, .AhSe is one !
wanting to spake wild you.'f's
"With me at this hour 7"
zone who would be asking favor, .
ma'am tits never too late to dc good" !
True will come down."
The man look relieved, he had half ;
a struggle. !.
Slowly, but with dignifed grace, with !
&he air of a queen, she entered> the
library. Kelly followed, and placed his !,
back to the door.
O'Rielly stood waiting for her; his
really fine person dressed to the best n
advantage.
"O'Rielly !" she exclaimed, affecting
surprise, "you, in this house ?" n
"Why not, madam since you arc y
here also. Did you think would tamely G
relinquish you' that l would not fol- S
low you !" u
"To what purpose, sir :" n
"Because / love you-because you Ii
are nine" c
"Y6urs' yours :" I
"Mine, proud beauty Listen to me |: il
[ love, but hate you also. 1 love you
you are beautiful, high-born and wealthy. 81
could have worshiped you. Nay, n
turn not away so proudly, you are in my
power and shall hear me out. hate