Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-08-08

FIRE of the soul had triumphed over the
weakness Of the frame. True, her cheek 1
was hueless, her lips parched with the
fever of fatigue, and her eye was strained
and glittering, with a nervous excitement. 4
Had she been successful in her mission /
or was the wife only returning to see the
husband die? Those features, were an
expression of exultation was blended with
wild mPatience, betrayed at once that her
hopes had not been blighted. Yes, King
James remembered past days; he had
listened to her supplication, and Maud
was now returning the bearer of a let
ter that contained Sir Basil Temples
pardon
FIFTY miles more still fifty miles
moreP' said Maud, loud enough 20 be
heard by the iron-limbed old man be-
hind her. "Oh, this long, this dreadful
hiHf
"Now, my lady, don't distress YOURSELF
said the trusty servants; no coach in
England, no, nor the swifest courier be-
tween London and the Indies, could per-
form the journey in shorter time than
we have done il. We've only left town
eight hours, and have gone on three fresh
horses, nearly hundred and twenty
miles. You've done feat for female,
my lady, which ought to be put into his
tory"
"Alas! good Weston, l fear, fear, it
will all be in vain. Jeffreys has already
condemned him to death ere this he may
have suffered" and Maud's lip quivered
in agony; her cheek became yet paler;
but tears-their fount had been dried
she had no more tears to shed.
"Don't think so my lady: there are so
many to be put on their trial, and so many
to be executed, that Sir Basil's turn sure
ly won't have come.
"God grant you may speak the trnth, -
said Maud. "But see, morning breaks.
Oh, this terrible hill yet we have nearly
climbed it now. Follow on follow on p
And away that noble woman dashed
exhausted almost to fainting, yet with
spirit still unsubdued, fire few from hel
/ horses hoofs as she galloped along the
: dusty and finty sroad; her hair, in the
nnol morning breeze, aa,v baaL eve- L or
, shoulders, and still she cheered on the
! tagging steed, and encouraged the weary
old man, who followed with difficulty, and
] toll, and pain.
But now, as sad and anxious thoughts
pressed on the hearts Of both, they ut
t tered no word; Maud, only as they pass
ed each milestone, made faint excIama.
y ton to the effect that they were one mile
4 nearer to the goal for which they had
$ strained. They entered the little town
e of A no one seemed TO be astir
o but the Gathering of their horses hoofi
a over the ill-paved streets caused the land
lord of the chief inn to look forth from
his chamber window, while the voice O
. Weston speedily reused the lazy hos
tiers.
"Horses horsesw cried the old man
don't you know me, Master johnson
it's matter of life or death. Horses
two fresh horses p
: The landlord, to whom Weston wa
: indeed well known, rushed down stairs
with one shoe on, and no coat
n "What's the matter? Ha! lady, too
. won't she come in and take some refresh
4 ments ?"
/: @Thank you, need nothing" repliet
It Maud; "we only want horses immediate
8, ly." @Horsesl" repeated the old ser
/ want
r swell, I'm amazed Boys, bring til
,r grey horse and black mare. I hop
though, in your hurry, Master Eestor
d you won't ride my cattle TO DEATH
s. "You shall have gold you shall hav
" double the value of the horses, only !,
) them be brought forth rs cried Maud, wit
TO gesture Of impotence.
b. "Bless my souI!" exclaimed the lani
or lord, recognizing the fair speaker; @Iad
sr Temple II did not mark your ladyshil
N before all the cattle in my stable are a
d your ladyship's service. Good Sir Bas
Is good Sir Basil r and tears stood IN III
landlords eyes.
"What Of him! ! Have you heard an,
es thing recently " asked Maud, in breatl
i'd less agitation.
at ale has been condemned to--to
n, "Speak, for the love Of Heaven !"
ed @He Is 10 suffer ibis day--so be ex
,ir culed along with two other noblemen
re A faint scream escaped the lips Of Il
n agonized wife, but the horses were no
er ready her self possession returned b