Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-04-28

Half an hour later, as I was paciag I
and fro across my chamber, Letitia. Lang
don came to me, her beauiifu. features dark
ened by frowns. / did not tremble at he
anger. but stood up silently and proudly be
fore her, waiting for her to commence tn
merciless TRADE which she had in readiness
for me.
We'll, What have you to say for yourself!
she began her voice quiyering with rage
answer me' ..... s..
But did not care to speak, and so re
mained silent. .........-
"Why don't you answer mel? she asked
with stamp of her feet. -
First, must know by what authority
you question me- replied. 81,
'Girl, are you not my servant, working
for the home ] give you! Are you not &C.
countable to me for your depor.mentp
IF do not please you can easily leave,i
I said, turning away from her. s..
'Yes, and leave me you should, but fol
Mr.. Howard's kindness and pity. Foolish
ly enough. have promised not 20 turn you
out Of doors. However, be csreful hew you
conduct yourself or you will go now.' she
said, sweeping proudly toward the door,
She stopped suddenly and added, Il have a
few dresses which you may as well make for
me. Mr.. How ard thinks you will please US
better than any one else 81.
could but smile at her presumption as
she closed the door after her. Mr.. How
ard thinks you will please u.s. repeated
to myself, thankful that her ins:nuations
had no longer power to ruffie the calm Joy
of my heart.
Two or three days passed, and l did not
meet or speak with Mr.. Howard again. But
for nv trust in his love. my perfect faith in
his every plan, should have left the house
of the Lsngdons, even though l was forced
to sleep in the streets. Blu, he wished me
to stay for some good reason, and so bore
up bravely urder insults that nearly border
ed on curses. Letitia told me that he lock-
ed upon me with scorn and contempt, while
he pitied me because was poor and friend
less; and SO she must, out Of courtesy to
him, insist upon my sewing in my chamber
instead of the sitting gro0m. ..-s-.
But one evening when supposed every
member of the family was making merry in
the parlor. I stole down in the sitting-room
for book had left there several days be-
fore. As turned from the room to cross
the brilliantly lighted hall, met Mr. How
ard. A sudden light broke over his face ss
he saw me, and with hands extended he
came toward me, taking both my own in
HIS. ...5 .lE .r.- e. 1T. E.i-
4 must not stay / said, attempting to
draw away from him.
But moment, dear,' said he, Il am
home for you. 1t will 'e ready
soon. l am going away tomorrow. When
| return will take you away from this
place. Keep up brave heart until then.
will be back again in three days.
As he bent his lips down to mine, saw
az the opposite .i1e-hsii, peepmg
from door, the handsome, naughty face of
Letitia Lang6on. had not time to signify
by word or leok to Mr. Howard that there
was any one watching US before he said,
pressing my hand as he turned away, Three
days. Neliyi'
But his assurance did not make me happy
| could have borne every thing, knowing
the same roof sheltered US both; but now
for three long days was to be left to the
mercy Of The cruel, revengeful- Letitia.-
What might not happen in that time1 /
wept myself to sleep, thinking Of it. and all
night my dreams were shadowed by the face
of Letit:a Langdon. wearing the same ex-
preston IT had worn the evening before,
when it lowered upon my happiness. The
following day there was this strange pre-
sentiment of evil with me, which I could
not put away lightly. Letitia's face was
an unreada5le one, ye. when she spoke to
me there was an air of triumph about her,
q vein of satisfied revenge running through
the very tones of her voice.
On the morning of the second day Of Mr.
Howard's absence, while was sitting in
my chamber, finishing light morning wrap
per for Letitia, was summoned to the par
lor. knew not why, but sudden fear
took possession of me, and could ha:dly
totrer down stairs, SO real had grown the
idea Of the sorrow that WAS coming.
Miss Russell began Mr.. Laugdon as
entered the room in which the whole house,
hold was assembled, Il have sad reports of
you from nv daughter Letitis. Some one
las taken large SUN of money from her
purse; can you tell who it was!'
Sir began in checked voice, do not
understand you.'
Probably not, Miss said he. But to
make the thing plain, will repeat it. Ny
daughter Letitia misses large sum of mon-
eY from her purse. and thinks you may be
able to give some clue % tin quiet way
you know .r.. 3D. b..
How should know anything of her mon
cyl! | demanded, in a quick, empharic tone.
fixing my eyes steadily upon the thin, sharp
face of the old man. --.s Be-
'Oh, that would not be difficult matter,
as often as you go in and out Of nv room!'
said Letilia. seeing that her father quailed
beneath my glance. .. .ai ..t
'And wba: right have you to insinuate
such thirg of me! the right that the rich
assume over The poor!' | asked.
mo such right, Miss retorted Letitia -
Blu. when a woman can herself be wanting
of one essential virtue, people more readily
suspect her of lacking others. So I believe
that you are able to tell me something Of
I'll Al