The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-28
WOODSFIEID MONROE COUNTY, OHIO DECEMBER 49, 1858.

ard Wright clambered over the wall which
separated the garden from Cheapside, and
found blushing girl, with blue eyes and
golden hair, waiting to receive him. He
sprang forward, and ,clasped her in his
arms.
The maiden half resisted his embrace,
as she murmured:
81 have done very wrong to meet you
here, yet could not resist the wish had
to speak to you. Your face seems to me
like vision Of other days. | have been
told to beware of such as you. and yet
know you will not harm me-" she added
confdingly, as she gazed into the dark
eyes of Richard, that were bent so ten.
derly upon her.
"Harm thee, sweet girl! The basest
wretch that ever trod the earth, would
shrink appalled, from innocence like thine!" "
81 have cheated old Jacob said the
maiden, with gleeful laugh. He thinks
me snug asleep in my little cot. How he
would scold if he knew was out here in
the moonlight, talking to gay cavalier
like you"
II trust he will be none the wiser in re-
gard 10 our meeting. Come" he contin-
ued, as he drew her TO seat beneath a
tree; ''tell me thy name, and who thou
art?"
"My name is Agnes. My history is
soon told, for ever since | can remember
| | have lived in this old house with an ug-
lily old man called Jacob. have never
been allowed to 60 into the street nor to
look over this garden wall. Ihave had no
| friends, no companions but my books, and
old Jacob to scold me-
"Have you no desire for liberty?"
81 do not know. have never tasted it,
so do not know whether | should like it
or not. 1t is only when we are deprived
Of anything, that we feel the loss of it.
Now, l never had any liberty TO be depriv
ed Of should like to leave this dismal
old house, though, and some night when |
can muster up enough courage, | intend
to ask my father to take me away with
him.
E"Have you father living?"
ooh, yes; tall, dark, stern looking
man. Oh, and such an eye as he has,
the very sight Of it makes my blood run
cold! Jacob SAYS my mother wronged
him, and lie Cannot bear the sigh. Of me.
because remind him of her. So when
he comes Of a night now, Jacob always
sends ME to my chamber before his ar
rival"
"Why does your father come at all, il
he does not wish TO see you!'
"Oh! he does not come to see me; he
comes to see a lady whom Jacob keeps a
prisoner in the attic"
"a lady-prisoner!' exclaimed Rich
ard, as mass Of thoughts in his head.
engendered by the childish prattle of Ag-
ues, began to assume shape and direc
tion.
Yes said Agnes; ''there is something
very strange about it. One day as was
walking in the garden, heard faint
scream. Casting my eyes aboutto discov-
er whence it proceeded, saw woman S
lace at the small aperture which served for
window TO the attic. She did not, how
ever, perceive me. While was gazing
she exclaimed, in tone, oh. so mourniul!
.'My daughter-glve me back my daugh-
tel!'' Then she was dragged violently
| away from the window, and | never saw
her again. questioned Jacob about this
singular occurrence. and he told me that
the lady was maniac, a sister Of father,
whom he was endeavoring 10 restore TO
reason. | pretended to believe him but |
did not know not what to think of this
mystery. Ihave Strange fancy, strong
ly rooted in my heart, that this poor cap
tive is my mother!''
Tell me thy fathers name," cried
| Richard, wild with excitement.
"Mordaunt."
"Ah! It's plain. Fool - fool! where
were my eyes, that did not see this be
fore. He never had daughter. She has
her eyes-her hair. Heaven grant may
arrive in time to save that suffering saint
from further injury. Tell me, Agnes
should you not like to see your mother?'
/ s.Oh, so much!''
"Then lead me to this attic, and thou
shalt soon be clasped in her arms"
! But Jacob-my father"
i "Fear nothing sweet girl; am by thy
side-I and my good sword,'
| stifed scream broke the stiffness.
"Where did that proceed 'front.'" asked
Richard.
"From the attic"
can is dark see no light. Where ii
the window?'
s.It was closed up the day after l saw
the lady,
Another scream was now heard. more
distinctly
"Hasten, in Heavens name! they are
numbering her!"
We will precede Richard and Agnes te
the attic. Mordaunt, driven to despera
ton by the repeated refusals of the Lady
of Elmbury, had at last determined or
!; forcing her to sign the paper. For tha
!, purpose he summoned Jacob to his assist
ance The old ruffian held the lady, firm
ly in his arms, while Mordaunt held per
in her hand and attempted to guide it ove
the paper. Notwithstanding the violen
) screams and struggles of the lady. Nor
daunt succeeded in procuring scrawlins
signature.
'Mine-mine, at last!" he exclaimed
triumphantly, as he waved the paper abov
his head.
! AT that moment Richard Wright burs