The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-09-25
THE DOUBLE HOUSE.
~ rnr AUTHOR OF ".ous HALIFAX. GENTLEMAN.
CONCLUDED.

CONCLUDED.
On the evening Of the day on which Mrs.
Merchiston wrote to tell her husband that
she designed to leave him. she came TO my
house. She looked white and shiverne,
but not with cold. Her poor blue eyes. so
warm and kind, had afros.y glitter in them
that was strange and sad.
mo answer.s che kept repeating; "no
answe.-none. Now must GO"
Ireplied that everything was ready; our
gig would lie ut the door in minute: it
waa a bright moonlight night, and nay
self would accompany her to nay sisters
house.
ut ia not far-not so very Ear. Mrs.. Riy.
ersl Not SO far but that can always hear
Of him, or-if he should be i'll at any
time"
"You can come home at oace"
"HomeF she echoed piteously Then,
as 1t stnng into one desperate etfprt-the
last Struggle ef her tender aud feeble nature
she sprang into the gig, following her.
was scarcely seated, rens in haad-for
was determined that no other than myself
should have the credit of eloping with Mrs.
Merchis,on-than l felt on my right arm e
grasp like vice.
Mrs. Rivers, whom have you therea Is
il my wife r.
.Yes, Dr. Merchis,on," cried, not in the
least frightened by the look aud tone; yves,
II is your vito. am taking her where she
will live in peace, and not be killed by
inches any longer. Stand aside; let me
drive on"
''In one moment. Pardon me-" lie
passed in front of the horse TO the other
. side "Barbaral Is That you, Barbara g.
No words could describe the inef,ble
tenderness. the longing anguish, of that
voice. No wonder that 1t made her grasp
my arm, aud cry wildly on me to stop.
ut is not ten minutes since had your
letter. Barbara, grant me one word in the
presence of this lady, by whose advice you
are leaving yuor husband"
"By whose advice did you leave your
wife. DR.. Merchiston began. boldly; but
by the carriage lamp caught sight of his
face, and it seemed like that of man liter.
ally dying-dying of despair. MRS Mer-
chistoD, we will re.enter my house for
awhile. Doctor, will you lift your wife
downi She has tainted"
Soon the poor lady was sitting in my
parlor, by her side. Dr. Merchiston stood
opposite watching us both. lie was Meth
er violent nor repreaehfnl, but perfectly
silent Nevertheless, felt somewhat un
comfortable, and glad from my heart that
James WAS safe ten miles Oft, and that |
alone had been mixed up with this affair.
"She is better now, Mrs. Rivers. may
speak r.
Speak, SIR"
II VIII pass over nay present trying posi-.
ton. OF course I pereewe--in fact, | was
already aware-that Mrs. Merchiston has
acquainted you with our sad, inevitable
enlargement"
"Why ineyitable2-when there has been
no quarrel on either sidel When, cruel
as you have been to her, she has never
'breatlied word to your dscredit 2" (He
groaned) "When, as understand, you
ihave not the shadow of blame to urge
against heri''
Before heaven. none. Have not decar
ed this, and will not declare it before all
the world She knows will"
Then why, my dear sir. in the name OF
all that is good and honorable-nay, even
in the name Of common sense, why is your
estrangement inevitablef
lie seemed to cover and shudder as be.
fore some inexpressible dread--once he
glanced wildly round the room. as if with
the vague idea Of escaping. Finally, he
forced himself to speak. with a srile that
yas most painful to witness
t'Mrs. Rivers, even though n lady asks
me. cannot answer that question"
.'Can you if Jour wife herself asks in |
viii leave you together"
AS | rose to go, DR.. Mercbiston inter
posed. The cold sweat stood on his brow;
be loOked-yes, thought so at that mo
pept-!ike possessed man struggling with
his inward demon.
For Gods sake, no! For the love of
mercy. no! Stay by her; take care of her.
will speak in your presence; will not
detain you long"
"Do not. See,' for the poor wife was
again insensible. DR.. Merchistcn rushed
70 her side; he chafed her bands; he fell on
his knees before her; but as she opened her
eyes he crept away, and put the rooms
length between them.
"Now may | speak You wished TO
leave me. Barbara. To go whitherf'
] told him. concealng nothing. He
seemed greatly shocked.
"Mrs. Rivsrs.r he said at lengih, "sncb
scheme is impossible. will never con.
sent TO it. Ii she desires, she shall leave
my house for yours or any other. She
shall have any Injuries che pIeases; she
shsll be as free from mo as IL ! were dead
and she widow. But that my wife should
quit my roof to earn her daily bread