The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-09-11

time he met her, her accustomed kindliness
Of heart was construed by the unhappy youth
into fresh proteststions OF the depth Of her af-
fection. Every glance, or smile, or gesture
was interpreted, where all were dictated by
kindness, into manifestations of affection, and
Norman Stewart suffered himself to sink deep
er and deeper into the dream Of happiness
that seemed to throw its spell around him.
At length cavalry regiment was stationed
in the neighboriig town. The colonel be"
came frequent visitor at the baronets man
sion, and the rumor ran that he was soon 10
lead Isabella TO the hymenial alter. The in
telligeDce came like thunderbolt on poor
Norman-sense and brain reeled beneath the
shock, and in a paroxysm of rage, grief, and
jealousy, he penned letter to Isabella, re-
ferring to her repeated professions of love,
and upraiding her with cruelty in counte
nancing the addresses of another. His peace
of mind he added, was forever gone, and he
prayed her to give him meeting without
delay.
In the evening an express from the baronet
arrived, requesting his immediate attendance,
as the baronet wished particularly to see him.
Agitated beyond measure, as feeling of dark,
deep dread weighed down his spirits, Norman
instantly obeyed the summons and on arriv-
ing at the mansion, was shown into an apart
ment where he found the Baronet and Isabel
la. 1t was evident that she had been weep
ing, and both she and her fatherreceived him
with distant poteness that struck him to the
heart. Motioning him to be seated, the baro-
net turned to him and said
young man, you wished an interview
with my daughter. l have consented that
she should meet with you; but, as her father,
| have right to know upon what grounds
you presume that my daughter has cncourag-
ed your addresses"
elf shs authorizes me to produce the evil
dcnce," said Norman mournlully, {" | will do
so but hold any communication from her
too sacred for even her fathers eyes,"
With a voice trembling with emotion, Isa-
bella turned to him and said
al my father be the judge between us,
If ever suspected that any attention of mine
exceeded that of sincere friendship"
Norman placed his hand in his bosom, and
drawing forth small packet, placed it in her
hand, Turning to her father she handed
them to him, and the baronet opening the
packet perused the letters above referred 10
Not muscle of his face moved till ne finish
ed the perusal of them, and handing them
back TO his daughter, said calmly
"Read these letters. They certainly de-
mand some attention."
She obeyed. AS she read, her coun:cn nee
exhibited much surprise and indignation and
when she closed the letters, her look was bent
on Norman with deep sympathy. She arose,
and placing her hand on his arm, said with
much feeling
"And could you think so little of me as to
imagine for one moment that l would depart
so far from all maidenly molesty as TO pen
such letters as these ?"
His face was deadly pae-his very lips
were blackoned, and every nerve shook as bis
eye assumed the dull glazed hue OF death
Sill he spoke not.
There is some foul conspiracy on foot to
irjure your feelings and my character" she
added mildly: "Nopmsn these letters v ere
not written by me. nevel saw or heard Of
them till now"
A bitter groan burst from bis lips, and the
very strings Of his heart weSs Ssbreaking asun
der. The baronet saw andNlt for him.
"Take courage my young friend" he said
kindly" take courage. Though it should
cost me fifty thousand pounds, will trace
and punish them. Isabella--love, leave, r,us
for an instant"
She walked towards the door, while Nor
man stood transfxed as if he had changed
from living being to stone. Her movement
Tor a moment aroused him from his stupor,
and be gazed after her with wildness that
made the baronet trembe for his reason. As
the door closed, Norman breathed a leep con
vulsive sigh.
Come, come" said the baronet kindly,
"view this matter in another light"
81 will, l will" said Norman faintly, as a
strange smile passed across his countenance.
"You will remain here to night" said the
barouet. "You will not think of leaving
us?"
81 must, l must" was the hurried reioin-
der.
al will send the carriage with you, then, I"
was the offer.
No, no thanks for your kindness. will
walk home the air is cool, and l require il"
He walked towards The door as he spoke, and
hastily bidding the baronet goodbye, left the
house. Skill there was strange uneasiness
on the part Of the baronet and he caused two
of his servants to follow him, and see him safe
home.
1t was late before the servants returned, as
a snow storm had set in, and compelled them
to take shelter by the road but the mind of
their master was somewhat relived by their
stating that Norman had gone straight to his
own dwelling.
Isabella and her father sat down to supper,
but neither par,ook thereof; both were sad,
and remained wrapped in thought. Supper
was removed, and Isabella, drawing in her
embroidery frame, was preparing to finish a
little sketch which she had been previously
engaged at, when, on a sudden, the needle
fell from her hand, and she sat with looks of
fixed horror gazing before her. A thrill of
terror ran through the veins of her father, as
he beheld her looks and rigid attitude, when,
with piercing shrek, she sprang from her