Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-07-16


see Oakland pass into your hands y
II Release your grasp-I am sufocating"
" Do you regret saying that?'
Yes, do. Quick, or L" Maitland's
voice began 10 grow indistinct, and Col. Mon
tague removed his hand
" Maitland" said he, after some moments
had passed by, "with your knowledge of my
character, you should have known better than
to have spoken thus. ask your pardon for
my rudeness, and trust that we can now traLs.
act the business which has called you here to-
day, without more discusson''
n Maitland took tx offered hand Of Col Mon
tagne, and replied
" | acknowledge that was wrong in taunt-
ing you upon so delicate subject. We will
now proceed with our business, if you wish.-
Since my last visit, presume you have had
ample time to consider the proposition made
you relative to the settlement of the demands
hold against you"
~ have
"And what is your decision p"
THAT shall not bestow my daughters hand
upon one for whom she entertains none of those
feelings which should be experienced by wo-
man for o man she is about to marry"
Your mind is changed upon this as upon other
subjects then!"
cit is"
Col. Montague, had hoped that you de-
cision might be far different for it is disa
greeable duty TO me to press the payment of
debts against friend, when by doing so shall
impoversh him. would not do this willing
ly but my estate is so involved that am forced
to it,
:" And yet" said Col Montague, bending a
keen penetrating glance upon Maitland, "you
are willing to relinquish these debts for the
sake of obtaining my daughters hand"
lam, although it would after the mortga.
ges on my own estate were cancelled, leave me
but a small pittance Even with that and your
daughters hand, life would be crowned with
greater joys than all these broad lands will bring
me''
1t is useless for you to think of obtaining
it, and were her feelings far different from what
they now are, it would be my duty as her pa
rent, to prevent this thing taking place"
!. Your words are ambiguous sir"
." 1t would do you no good were to explain
them. If you are ready to close your business
to-day, will despatch one of my servants for a
legal adviser, and we can do i. in a very short
time"
am ready sir, and you please, you cay
do as you have suggested"
Summoning a servant Col. Montague de-
spatched him to the tavern, some three mile'
distant, for an attorney. The servant had JUS
departed, when it was announced that gen
tleman was awaiting in the drawing-room tC
see Col. Montague Excusing his absence tt
Maitland, he descended the stairs, and entered
!. the drawing-room. Half an hour elapsed, ant
when Col Montague returned to the library h
- was accompanied by person, the sight of whom
:, caused Matland's cheek to blanch as they en-
tered.
=. - Allow me, Mr.. Maitland, to present to 20,
y my friend, Mr.. Moreton,' said Col. Montague
:, We have met before, | think" said lore
:. ton with bland smile, as he took Maitland
hand.
I'VE have, sir replied Maitland, coldly.'
" am happy at meeting you here, at thi
- time, as have some slight business to transac
- =, and my time being occupied at present, it wi
save me the trouble of riding over to your plar
tation''
ID 1t would please me to oblige you, sir, BIT
n. as my friend here and myself have some priva
!. business to transact, think you will be undt
h. the necessity of calling upon me at my esta
~ this evening"
The business | speak of being conncctt
=, with that which you are about to transact,
b. presume we can as we'll do it here"
=. If Col. Montague has no objections, yc
o can do so.'
-. I" have none in the least"
-. "To begin, then" said Moreton. turning
II. Maitland, 81 believe you hold notes again
IN Col. Montague nearly sufficient to swallow |
.I his entire property"
res /" Is it yonr wish, Col. Montague, to have
ed third person mcddle with our private affairs
sc. asked Maitland, starting.
"a. "It is my wish that Mr., Moreon may trar
or act whatever business be has with me at t
present time"
On 1--WE will continue now, Mr. Maitland, wi
ZEN what was about to say. What is the amou
nd of the notes you hold against my friend"
re- " Unless you give your reasons for aski
me that question, shall refuse to answer. Ho
r." ever much ii may suit Col Montague to do b,
Gu mess in this manner it certainly does not agl
inc with my ideas of propriety.
# | i" We have, sir, said Morelon; " entertain
it opinions most singularly at variance vi
be- each other before to- day, but believe that
mes ter looking them over candidly your own co
rds cided " ith mine. For instance, in w., a sh
ex- time since, you
Do me the favor, sir, said Maitland, has
ii a ly, " not to rehearse that event--at least i
to- here"
md AS you please" was the reply, while
tain smile of peculiar meaning passed over Moreto
the face. 81 am willing to oblige my friends
all times, when they will return that favor. y
the 9 think, sir, the notes amount to tr
Ion over two hundred thousand dollars
,hed " Can be permitted to look at them -
left =" Certainly, sir" said Maitland, hand
med him the notes.
and 4" You are correct They are but hund
oat. dollars over the sum you mention. Now if
the will furnish me with pen and ink, COL Nor
le to que, will finish the business for which ca
la.a