Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-11-09

SO situated as to attract the attention of all travel
lers, who might pass the oft-frequented road
Hal determined that they should also admire the
mansion; and he directed all his genius, all his
tact and knowledge, to the consummation of this
darling plan. He was now we'll paid, had laid
by not inconsiderabe sum, and there seemed no
reason why he should defer his long contemplated
marriage with Winnie Winter. --..r
Winnie had taken supper with the old relative
who, since her grandfather's death, had come to
live with her, resumed her neat little French
apron, twisted few fragrant flowers in the thick,
sunny head-curls that fell so careessy about her
Ifaultless neck and shoulders, and sitting by the
low window that looked out upon we'll stocked
garden, and from thence sweet-scented
shrubs beyond, she waited patiently as she
could, the visit of her lover. Tt was, Thursday
eve, the trysting night. Down by the silver footed
stream that swept broadly through valley of
elms, was the place where Hal and Winnie were
wont to CO. and there hold "sweet communion %
"To-night there will be moon,'' thought Winnie.
"and how beautiful Happy Lake'-that was the
name they had given-wl look. And here comes
Hal but with such slow step. and he is not watch
ing for mes
':What has happened dear Hal 20 she cried,
springing towards him, with the freedom of be-
trothed maiden II never saw you look so unhap-
py.''
''Has Rodney Barker been here of late ?' ask
ed Hal, gloomily, seating himself. rs.
"He was here only last night she answered,
blushing. "But you know, Hal,
know hat ha has lth n,,war innu
muttered Hal, bitterly, "and he is determined to
use them all against me. Here last night, was
he! Well, he comes again tonight, and for "a
rurpose,'' he added, with emphasis, 81 had bet
ter not be present. and he arose from his seat
again, to go.
ssStop, Hail. cried Winnie, pale with fright,
81 cannot endure this. What have done! How
acted! Do you suspect me of trifing! o, Hal,
you mistake my love, if you do! Why will you
be so silent! Why treat me thus!''
''Winnie,'' he said, taking her hand, 'Rodney
Barker has wealth and poweras | said before. He
has threatened that if ! win you he will ruin me.
How he can get me in his tolls, know not; but
am poor and in measure dependent If we
should marry, and by the arts of this wicked man
be thrown into poverty, how could endure the
thought, that by me you would endure all the
misfortun:s that might befall us! Winnie, if you
can, forget me; if you can, love him. Think how
wealth--how much admired you may be, and -
A bright flush colored Winnie's cheek, bright
er fire sparked in her eye. "Never while you
live, Hal, breathe such words again. Rodney
connot-wll lot harm you. When he finds at
last there is no hope, his sense of justice will
t-iu nh-voS yon had hoffnr noa ar,d Int him
Say near, however, and when he has left the
house, come in, and will tell you all that is
passed. If there is a spark of manly feeling in
his bosom, he will not seek to harm you, after
what shall say.''
Alone and pensive, Hal sought the "Happy
Lake, and threw himself beneath the trunk Of a
goodly elm. His reflections were not pleasant
for he dreaded the enmity of one who was yet to
be the richest man in his native place, and he
knew that Rodney would stake fortune, life ant
all upon the issue Of his suit with Winnie, fol
his love an insane passion. And to be relus
ed-he, for the poor house -carpenter-he would
dearly pay in revenge for his humiliation.
Rodney Barker came, and departed rejected
suitor. With smiles he left Winnie, but dead
| y fire burned in his heart. The flame of hate
black with a foul, venomous smoke, ,welled up to
the thought of the poor house-carpenter. +
"Let them marry he hissed between his teeth
sbut they shall both regret it. I'il live yet to SET
them humbled.' And looking back he watched
while Hal slowly and cautiously re-entered tht
house.
The sight almost drove him frantic; he hurried
on, gesticulating iercely, and by the light of th
moon stood surveying the new house upon whcl
the squire, his guardian, already began to prid
himself. He then ascended the temporary step
and entered A silver light played on the whit
boards; some frames masterpieces of firm ye
delicate workma nship-stood leaning against tn
, fresh lathing Upon the long bench in the cen
ire, one or two blinds of very beautiful style an
finish laid; and the floor was strewn with curle
glttered like silver. OF every minute part Rod
, ney Barker took careful observation, then as
cended the staircase and stood in the spaciou
, room above. Without, nature was refulgent wit
; beauty; hill, valley and lake shore in the ambe
glitter of that glorious. moonlight But of nature
e this selfish young man knew little; cared nott
ing for her sweet voices, her chaste pictures, he
!, sevenfold charms, where the heart worships as
: gazes. He was busy in peering over the walls
passing his hands across the chimneys, that fe
like velvet to his palm. Once he took out tn
e pocket clasp-knife, and opened the long, ugl
$ blade But slowly, as if revolving unpleasar
l. thoughts in his mind he closed it again, turned an
d left the chamber and the house, fendish smi
d cleaving his thin lips, and playing with an nfer1
: al lustre over his dark face. .sg ..-,