The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1859-06-24

IL will follow your advice. But
should reveal all to my father 7"
al think it would be unnecessary
and, perhaps, unwisc. Lurker is cum
ming, and might ascertain that his Sc
cret was known, and thus have time
enough to defeat us--lhat is to say to
defeat you, in escaping from his tolls.
If you preserve cheerful look, it will
make your parents more reconciled,
until the proper time comes to uDde-
coive them ALL
"Thcn will readily sign the agree
mcnt, which can't be fulfilled" said
Flora, smiling,
deem itno dishonor, Miss Lcmorn.
You must combat knaves with their
own weapons; and You will save your
parents and yourself from ruin and
disgrace, by an act which will right
the wronged, and punish the guilty.
And so, after some further words as
to the details their plan, they parted
TO act upon it,
We have seen the JOY Of Job Lur-
ker at the lauced accomplishment Of
his criminal scheme, The cXulation
grew deeper, as month after month
passed by, and he observed that the
parents appeared more rcconciIed to
the match Flora cvincing much less
anxiety than they had expected.
During the intervening time, Bel
mont abscntcd himself entirely from
the family, lest his visits might give
Lurkcr any ground for suspicion; yet
he had frequent meetings with Flora.
And when the last month arrived, and
no tidings had been received from
abroad, her hopeful checYIulncss be-
gan to vanish,
"Pcrhaps she is dcad,' skc sighed
"and then what could save mc!'
My evidence would be sufficient,
at least, TO delay the marriage, until
some positive intelligence can be ob-
taincd,' said Belmont.
at may be SO" said Flora. But
are we not building IA great hope up
on Il very slender foundation :"
Hope to the last. | do not dcs-
pair ycl," replied Belmont. IL shall
send letters till the truth is ascertain
ed, whatever it may be-
With an aching heart, Flora Lem
orn was finally compelled to prepare
for the bridal, which still might take
! place. The bitter possibility haunted
her, day and night--prcying upon
mind and body, ill she grew more
like a corpse than a BRIDE,
The evening before the bridal day
arrived, and, according to his custom,
Tie cXpectant Job Lurkcr repaired to
the house Of his bctroihcd. What was
his establishment on entering the par
| lOr, TO find his former clerk, Belmont,
seated hy the side Of Flora, alone, and
wiping away her tears.
lloW's this ?" he demanded, with
4 scowI of suspicion. You here
| Bclmont--and so familiar. Are you
aware that peculiar relations now cX-
iSt between Miss Lemon and my
self"
81 am, and have long bccn," replied
Belmont, firmly, as he rose from his
seat, "They are more peculiar than
you can possibly be aware. have
an excellent mcmory--much better
than yours appears to be-
Il don't understand you," stammcr-
ed Lurker--n confusion, remember
ing, now, that Belmont knew he had
been married once.
BE quiet--pray do, Henry whis-
percd Flora. "You shouldn't hint
anything until you can produce the
proof
"Eut cda produce it, Flora" re-
piled Belmont "anI have delayed, =,
till he arrived, the communication Of
the pleasant and tangible tidngS,
which came to me this day. Mr..
Lurker, allow me to ask after the
health Of your vile"
81 have no wife, sir" said Lurkcr,
Indignantly.
You forgot that you told me once
that you had
"And ii did, women are not I'M
mortal. She is dead
81 beg your PARDON said Belmont
with II smiIc-waIhing across the
apartment, and throwing open the
folding doors, through which now ad-
vanced, to the surprise Of both Flora
and Lurker Qhc plan having been
concerted without FIora's knowledge
MIR. and Mrs. Lemorn, leading the de-
serted wife and her uncle.
The exclamation in which Mr.. Job