The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-08-26

This note contains my final answer
1 have accepted him.
Martin could not trust himself with d
reply. He bowed and, left the lodge
In a minute his horses hoofs were rapid
ly beating the road TO Ashland castle
Arriving, hetossed his bride to groom
aud hastened to meet Sir Robert in the
library. He was not there; but line
from him lay upon the table. 1t con-
taincd only the following words:
DEAR LUXE have gone to the coun-
ty meeting. Sit up til may return
which shall be at as early an hour as
possible. ASHLAND
Martin threw himself into an easy
chair, the prey to various emotions.-
The young man who was endowed with
talent and sensibility, was peculiarly
situated. He never knew his parents;
nor whether he sprang from a lofty or
ap humble origin. His early remisni
cence were of a cottage near London,
where he was cared 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 him
self completed his instruction, made him
his private Secretary, and treated him
rather as relutivcthah a protege. But
the bsronet gave him distinctly to un,
derstand that he was in no way connect
e3 with him, and that be could not en-
Tighten h m as to his family Thrown
much into the society of Amelia Free
land, he had loved her in secret, but,
knowing that his future was uncertain,
that dark mystery shroudedhis exist
ence, he resolved to conceal his passion,
even if it should consume his heart. Iu
what light Miss Freeland regarded him
whether the pleasure she derived from
his society was warmed to degree above
friendship-it was impossible to say
Martin believed that by avoiding her,
he had succeeded in extinguishing his
passion, but he discovered how complete
ly lie had deceived himself whom the
open avowal of his patrons admiration
for his idol awakened all the rackiug
pangs of jealousy. But he felt now that
his love must be sternly satisfied; and
he bent himself to the task with the en-
ergy of a mertyr. Aud though his
cheek paled day by day, Sir Robert ne
yer suspected the cause to be hopeless
passion His selection of Martin for
the delicate mission we have just desert
bed was proof enough Of this. How
faithfully he performed his part we have
just seen.
He rejoiced now that his patron was
absent, as it gave him an opportunity
to rally ali his energies, and prepare
himself to meet him with his wonted
equanimify.
1t was very late when Sir Robert re-
turned. He was pale and agitated, and
scarcely noticed his Secretary, as he
threw himself into deep cushioned
chair.
Sir Robert said the Secretary, hand
ing him the note, here is the answer
Mss Freeland sent you
Miss Freeland = said Sir Robert, ga
zing vacantly at the note. 'Ah yes 1
remem Der = and he flung it unopened
upon the table.
You are not well, Sir Robert? p said
the Secretary.
Without replying directly to the ques-.
tion, the baronet said:
Martin go to the butler, and tell him
to give you half tumbler of French
brandy
The Secretary was somewhat surpris-
ed at this order, as Sir Robert was ex-
ceedingly temperate, rarely drinking
even wine, and he was yet more aston
ished when returning with the liquor, he
saw his patron empty it at draught
Strange things have Glanced tonight,
Martin, said Sir Robert, bhudderingly,
and yetas if impelled to speak
Martin gazed iuquiringly at his pa
tron.
'In the first place. said Sir Robert, Il
got into a quarrel at the town hall with
Colonel Heyland, our member
Say, rather, Sir Robert, he fastened
aquarrel on you,' said Martin Every
one in the country knows his turbulent
and imperious spirit
1t was appropos of your friend farmer
Horton said Sir Robert
'One of the best men living
Colonel Heyland had had difficulty
with him and the sturdy farmer had
given him piece of his mind, as he call
ed it, and swore he would be even with
him for the wrong he had suffered at his
hand The Colonel made some very Sc
we're remarks about Horton, and 1 took
up the defence. He gave me the lie'
Good Heavens ! cried Martin.
Il struck him Instantly, but he return
ed the blow. In word taking advan-
tage of his superior strength, be beat me
like dog
But this was Infamous J. cried Mar
tin, indignant at the treatment of his pa
tron. His remedy was challenge
mo matter-I was beaten by this man