Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1859-04-27
CHAPTER IL.
LAURELWooD.

Twilight stole silently upon Laurel>
wood it curled in upon the mansion and
surrounding trees like pale, soft mist
10 was very quiet hour, but to Jessie
Burnside there was something inexpressi-
bly, oppressive in the air. Her fair COM
panions, Ruth Haviland and Judith Burn
side, he. sister, sympathised with these
feelings of uneasiness. With the excep-
ton of Blinko, q black servant, and Jupe,
amulatto girl, these ladies were, at this
time, the sole occupants of the house,
Mrs. Burnside being absent in attendance
upon sick relative, while Mr.. Burnside
was serving in Marion's brigade. 1t was at q
period when the struggle for libe,ty SEEM
ed dark and hopeless. South Carolina
was overrun with pitiless enemies, and de-
wasted with fire and sword. Toryism was
rife, and stalked abroad like destroying
angel, shifting old ana young No man
trusted his neighbor, until he stood shoul-
der to shoulder with him in battle. No
one knew where to find faith and good
fellowship till danger and death had come
TO apply the test to friend and brother.
Burnside's mansion-which had receiv-
ed name of Laurelwood on account of its
proximity to Laurel Swamp-was so far
distant from towns and cities that he flat
tered himself its quetude would not
be intruded upon by marching armies
or wandering bands of loyalists. 1t is
true he left his beloved ones with relnc-
tance, and was often harassed with fears
for their safety but duty-yea, necessity
called him to the field, and he went, ho-
ping that Providence would protect those
he left at home. So far, Laurelwood had
not been molested. The terrible tales OF
the atrocities committed in neighborinG
towns and hamlets were daily reaching
him. The young ladies, too, had recently
had their fears excited by the persecution
of certain persons, whose characters and
principles we're alike obnoxious. With
these parties we shall soon become better
acquainted.
Wishing to conceal her detection oI
mind, and see if the open air were not
more exileratisg, Jessie Burnside opened
the door, and stepped out, as she believed
unobserved by Ruth and Judah. There
was a small summer house oyergrown with
vines, few yards distant, she entered il
and sat down. She had scarcely done so
when she heard n voice pronounced hel
name She sprang up with q cry of ter,
ror. A large rough hand was laid rudely
over her mouth it was the hand of Mar
Tin Vantassle.
"Come, Miss, don't he frightened, for
am neithGr wolf nor a panther, bu
plain Ma lin Vantassle-as good q man al
you can find atxeen here and the mouth
of the Sentce. What's better, I'm kings
man, and the kings men have il all there
own way, now.'
"You are rude and unmannerly, sir !!
cried Jessie, pushing her from him indig
nantly. "lf you have business with me
speak il, and begonen
"Well, Mistress, have matter Of bu
siness with ye, reckon, which shall last
for life, K you like it. amt person
that can talk much, and haven't great
deal Of time to spend in that soft palaveI
they call iove-making; hut want wife
right hard, and you're the gal I've a kind.
er fixed my mind on"
"oh, this is your wooing !" said Jessie
contemptuousiy. Lot me tell you, Mortir
Vantasslo, thct your wooing is odicus.-
You are bear p
"Tha's right, Miss call ME not names
You can mike me the bestsnatured beai
in the world, if you will"
Vantassle attempted to tap her playfully
under the chin with his clumsy hand.
a (Continuen nert week.)