The Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1850-1852, 1852-03-25

"S'Shu heIs even 10 AtcUEe past
wrong. l /, soagh, her to have con-
hdenec in my affection, new aedged
as IL was, aud TO test its strength even
as abe might direct. She faltercd.
hesi,ated for moment. and then, re-
questing ire to await her return, has.
,liy left the ball room.
Now thought | here is a scrare
fora sober married man 10 &C. iulor
Perhaps she may be some beautiful
siren, who knowing my welkness,
where the fair sex is concerned, has
laid a trap to inveiglc and rob, and
perhaps TO murder INC. But ] am
armed ; why should l fear!'
| began to think Of my poor invalid
wife md these thoughts coupled
with my fear ofbetraysl, BY the aid
Of Iittlc more soiicitudc, would have
conquered me and sert inc home; but
ut this critical moment, thc'mask' re
turned, 5eariug ia her hands heavy
black veil. She beckoned me 10 fol-
low her into o neighboring street,
where in moment, we stood beside
close curtaincd volante. into which
she spranc--l followed her. She i'm
Inediately envellope1 my head in the
veil which she had brought cau,;oning
ire on my life not 70 attempt to re
move it. unless at her request.
The carriage started of with speed;
indeed, the driver seemed to be ur.
ging his horses to a rapid galIop.-
Our rood Was long for even at this
speed We must have ridden for two
hours, some of the time over rough
rocky roads, and then alon. smoother
ways, when at las: the paoting aui-
mails were brought to stand.
immediately thereafter ! heard Il
crcakins noise, as if a portcullis was
suddenly raised, or some old gate
swung back on its hinges.
Speak not a word, whatever you
may hear; attempt not to raise the
veil, or your life or mine may be the
forfeit whispered my fair guide and
while she spoke l felt she trembIcd
from head to foot. Her hand was
cold as ice, and her impctuoas voice
stifed and husky. Before VIC ad'
vanced from the carriage, she made
me vow by all the saints in Heaven,
never to reveal what l might do or
see. in that nights adventure.
She then led me cautiously on, ap-
parently through large garden, for
the cool night breeze bore the per-
fume Of orange, citron, pink, lemon
and spice blossoms to my cheek. We
soon arrived at another door, which
creaked rus,ily as it opened before us
and then our way seemed up win.
ding stone staircase. through o pas.
sage SO still, SO solcmly silent, tina,
, it even echoed the light football Of my
companion, while my own heavy tree
rang like groans in q cavern, through
the still damp nir.
Until now, the lady had net snoken
since we hal sterred from the volante
but as we had arrived at the top oI
the stairs, and passed into a warme,
atmosphere, she whls, cred that th'
hour had arrived to test my courage
We stepped across soft carpet, ant
she seated inc On yielding cushion
I could see nothing through the thicl
veil which she had thrown over m,
face. yet kind Of business in TIT
darkness before me convinced me tha
| was in lighted room. No somt
could hear. save the suppressed
breathing of my trembling companion
and the beating of my own heart
After remaining for moment on tn
ottoman, which shook FROM her ner
yousness, she again addressed me
You are armed with pistol and dae
ger:'
Il am, said ], inwardly prayin
tha. might have no occasion TO US
them.
You will please give me thos
weapons said she.
Thought III am betrayed i; and sh
asks my weapons of defense, that
may be an easier prey, Let me ask
said |, your reasons for this strang
request
A true lover never asks for reason
from one in whom he confdes, an
suered the mask : adding; .Th
: business have in hand for you La
need Of courage, caluness and prr
dence, bu: your weapons could ava
you notl ing. They will not be re
. CURED She sludde red as she spok
adding quickly: such ss they has
! already done too much
: She paused a moment. aud SCENE
) to be schooling herself to some dread
, ful task A gain she addressed me.
= have tale 10 tell you, sir, n
no, tale, but SONS questions to ash
+ Had you an enly sister, one who va
p. yours and fair, innocent and srorai
Of the worlds sickedness, and thu
unprcpared TO cote With vile ar, all
: sintulncss. and should she meet Mi,