Worcester daily spy., 1859-03-22
GNortester 1ailp spp,
DOOM;
OR, THE SILENT BEGGAR.
A Tale of Love, Passion, and Mystery.
DOOM;
Tie Painter


was shining brightly over one of the most
beautiful landscapes in America. 1t was love-
" scene on the Hudson. Between two rocky
cliffs, about two hundred yards apart, and re-
ceding in the rear for halt mile or more, was
a small valley, as it were, scooped out of the
rising ground.
Upon the grassy bank reclined young man
Of handsome features, and apparently twenty
two or twenty-three years of age He was en-
gagged in sketching the scene we have Just de-
scribed, and which now seemed to give him
fresh interest, as, glancing up the stream, he
discovered, not far of, a small skiff approach
ing.
The skiff held two persons, lady and
gentleman, the latter rowing the boat, and the
Lady, seated in front, engaging him in CONVEX
sation. The artist determined to add them to
the scene, and quickly began to sketch them
with skilful hand. He had well defined their
outlines, and was adding the last touch of beau
ty to the lady's features, when he heard
scream. 1t was woman's scream-a cry that
called for help, and brought him to his feet in
moment.
CHANGING in the direction, he saw something
spinning round like a top; it was the boat,
which had struck snag in the river, and the
next moment went over, as the woman uttered
another scream.
In the next instant the painter reached the
spot, and, plunging in, struck boldly out, with
the skill of an expert swimmer. He watched
the progress of floating skirt, and, as he
reached it, white arm was lifted, appealing to
heaven He grasped it.
"Do not struggle with me, lady, and | will
save you" he cried, as he lifted her fainting
form in one hand, and started for the shore.
In five minutes they were safe.
He sat down on the bank, holding her head
in his lap, and gazing down into the fairest
face ne had ever seen. She was beautiful,
even to the dream of painter-the wish of
god The young artist forgot his picture-left
lying by the river; forgot her companion in the
boat, and rocked not whether he had escaped
or not. He only saw that beautiful face, with
the silken lashes dropped down upon the fair
skin, the white features relieved by wreath
of brown curls-there, in the pale moonlight,
the silent stars overhead-silent, or, if they
whispered, said to his inmost soul, "Thy fate is
sealed p
He heard not that voice, but he sat there
with her beautiful head in his lap, hardly
knowing how she got there-hoping she would
never depart.
He was painter, young and enthusiastic
He saw before him the ideal of his poetic-in-
spired dreams-the vision for which he had
searched in vain. What was life, hope, eter-
nifty to him, in the moment of eternal realiza-
ton!
There was hand laid on his shoulder He
started, and, looking up in surprise, saw stand
ing by his side man six feet in height, with
dark, sinister eyes, and curls dripping wet,
like his clothes. 1t was the man who had been
In the boat with the lady, and at that moment
the young painter wished he was back in the
bed of the river
Has the lady not yet revived 2" he asked in
somewhat stern voice.
she has not" answered the young man,
scarce half awake from his reverie "You
were with her in the boat-were you not?"
Yes; l fell on the opposite side and, being
bad swimmer, it was some time before |
gained the surface again. When did, had
just time to seize hold of the boat as it floated
away We drifted together on the strand be-
low"
The young artist thought he had never
heard so cold, chilling and heartless voice
He simply answered again:
She has not yet revived"
The words, however, had scarcely escaped
his lips, when slight tremor shook the form
of the young girl and presently she opened
her eyes with start.
How is this y she exclaimed; then, as she
felt chill pierce her from her wet clothes, she
sald-'Ah, yes-I remember the drunk
ards snag-you did not take my warming
we were upset But this stranger ?"and her
admiring glance rested upon the young man
with deep interest.
IL"
"Saved yourself in the boat" interrupted
the young painter. 81 saved the lady sir"
The tone and attitude in which he spoke was
that of injured honor. He felt sudden hate
In his heart, as he had felt sudden love.
Cal Al ffan-.
man-some farmers son-saved you, Miss
Vallnda! was tumbled completely on the
other sidew
"Rather strange incident" said the youth
in tone of irony, "for boat to upset, and
two parties to be turned over on opposite sides"
fes-that is rather queer-but then, young
man"
Pardon me, Colonel Winslow," said the
beautiful girl, shaking off the wet from her
clothes. Then, with one of the most winning
smiles to the painter:
"Will you oblige me with your name. kind
sir"
Claude" said the young man, blushing.
Claude Ia romantic name truly, but
Rather, for farmers son p he interrupted,
in significant tone, as he glanced at the tall
stranger, who frowned in turn.
''But you have not told me the rest 2" she
"Only Claude, at present madame" said
the artist, bowling modestly.
but, you have saved my life; cannot thank
you sufficiently. My uncle who lives in the
villa above, will be happy to reward you for
your generous peril for the life of his ward I"
she said earnestly.
such thing would be impossible" replied
he, coloring. "Such an act finds its own re-
ward, in the beautiful treasure it has rescued
from death. Will you, lady, allow me to kiss
your hand %
Certainly cried she, blushing as she ex-
tended IT, That is but poor return for the
preservation OF my life. But accept this ring
IN remembrance, at least of your noble action
IL mas never left my hand since placed there
Dy my dead mother" And she presented him
WIN beautiful chased ring, set with rubies.
NO, no, lady it is too sacred gift 7" cried
the painter, starting back
No; for it was noble deed-the one which
shall be most sacred in my memory, and
should be rewarded by sacred treasure 4"
she cried, earnestly.
Then be it as you will, /" he replied, kneel-
ing on the grass; IL will accept the ring-not
as reward for what have done, but as a me-
mento of her whose image shall never fade
from my memory"
my humble lodgings are not far hence"
ne turned away with polite bow, and
walked rapidly, thoughtfully away towards the
cottage at the head Of the valley. He forgot
his portfolio, which he had left upon the beach;
he forgot all else but the bright image of her
he had saved
AS he rushed along, with eyes bent upon the
ground, he came suddenly in contact with
something which he thought might be tree,
but on looking up, he found he was in error
Before the young man stood being dressed
in the ragged, patched, and disordered habili-
ments of female beggar. She was neither
old nor ugly; but by the scant glimpse which
he could get of the features beneath her slouch