Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-09-04

for by an old woman, who ever treated |
him with the utmost respect. Thence he
was removed to a boarding school, whence
he was taken by Sir Robert Ashland,
who having himself completed his in
structions, made him his private Secre-
tary, and treated him rather as a relative
than prOtege. But the baronet gave him
distinctly to understand that he was in no
way connected with him, and that he
could not enlighten him as to his family.
Thrown much into the society of Amelia
Freeland, he had loved her in secret, but
knowing that his future was uncertain,
that dark mystery shrouded his ex-
istence, he resolved to conceal his pas
sion, even if it should consume his heart.
In what light Miss Freeland regarded
him-whether the pleasure she derived
| from his society was warmed to a degree
above friendship-it is impossible to say.
Martin believed that by avoiding her, he
had succeeded in extinguishing his pas
sion, but he discovered how completely
he had deceived himself when the open
avowal of his patrons admiration for his
idol awakened all the racking pangs of
jealousy. But he felt now that his love
must be sternly sacrificed ; and he bent
himself to the task with the energy of a
martyr. And though his cheek paled
day by day, Sir Robert never suspected
the cause to be hopeless passion. His
selection of Martin for the delicate mis-
sion we have just described is proof
enough of this. How faithfully he per-
formed his part we have just seen.
He rejoiced now that his patron who
was absent, as it gave him an opportuni-
ty to rally all his energies, and prepare
himself to meet him with his wonted equa-
nimity.
1t was very late when Sir Robert re-
turned. He was pale and agitated, and
scarcely noticed his Secretary, as he
threw himselfinto deep cushioned chair.
"Sir Robert" said the Secretary, hand
+ ing him the note, here is the answer
:. Miss Freeland sent you"
"Miss Freeland!" said Sir Robert
gazing vacantly at the note. "Ah, yes
: 1 remember '' as he flung it unopened
upon the table.
0 "You are not well, Sir Robert ?" sale
the Secretary.
l Without replying directly to the ques
!. ton the baronet said:
e d" Martin, 60 tothe butler, and tell hin
# to give you half a tumbler of Frencl
brandy"
: The Secretary was somewhat surpris
d ed at this order, as Sir Robert was ex
e ceedingly temperate, rarely drinking evel
II wine, and he was yet more astonishe
d when, returning with the liquor, he say
his patron empty it at a draught.
1t Strange things have chanced to-nigh
II Martini" said Sir Robert, shudderingly
n and yet as if impelled to speak.
W Martin gazed inquiringly at his patror
y In the first place. said Sir Robert
Il got into quarrel at the town hall wit
le Col Heyland, our member
to "Say, rather, Sir Robert, he fastene
Ia quarrel on you" )" said Martin. Ever
one in the country knows his turbulel
T. and imperious spirit -
Is at was appropos Of your friend farm
er Horton" said Sir Robert.
In Gone of the best men living"
"Col. Hayland had had a difficult
ed with him.; and the sturdy farmer hs
IN given him piece of his mind, as he callt
Is it, and swore he would be even with hi
III for the wrong he had suffered at his han
'y' The Colonel made some very severe T
irs marks about Horton, and took up IL
ny defence. He gave me the lie."
his Good Heavens p cried Martin.
INT struck him instantly, but he retur
WI ed the blow. In a word, taking adva
tie, tage of his superior strength, he beat Z
re- like dog"
Ter But this was infamous p' cried Ma
d !; tin, indignant at the treatment of |
er. patron. " His remedy was a challenge
No matter-I was beaten by IL
b man in the presence of dozen gent
In men-my peers and neighbors.''
dly And he lives to boast ofitp
Ar No, Martin; he is dead" replied
md Robert, in hollow voice.
IL Dead Colonel Heyland dead 9
inc you sure oft"
in 81 myself saw him lying at the cr'
road in the forest where they found h
the where he had fallen, stricken from
re- horse by the hand of the assassin"
our "And no clue to the murderer 2"
Yes-the murder was arrested nj
asy the spot !" said he, in hollow voice.
Nha q IL ,,,o- =