Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1860-06-15
FRIDAY. JUNE Is, 1860.

ins evil.
About midnight, Agnes was reused from
q deep troubled slumber, bya hand laid
firmly on her shoulder. II was Margcry.
the old nurse.
90 dear. Miss Agnes! &c, up-wake-
as quick as you can, for you are wanted ~
Th.rs was trouble and despair in tho old
woman's voice, and Agne, 'prang from her
her bed and began to dress as hastily as
possible, whils she eagerly questioned Mar.
gery7"
"sir Henry. your dear father n ill-ta.
ken suddenly"
with what7"
40 dear. Miss, | don't know James,
who always sleep. in tho next room, heard
a kind Of groaning, and rushing in, found
my dear master in some kind Of Ct"
30. msrciful heaven. spare my father 10
me! exclaimed the trembling Agnes, as,
hastily throwing a shawl over her shoulders
shc flew, rather than ran down stairs. A,
the door Of her fathers room she paused,
and turned to Marg-ry. who had followed
as closely as she could.
Has any one gone for the dociOr'" ask
ed Agnes.
Yes. Jane. wen. as soon as | could 60
to master"
Agnes entered the dimly.lishtsd chamber
and approached the bed where her father
lay 40 white aud motionles-, while ths
frightened servants stood around mutely.
Slr Henry Ly.ls was a good. kind master,
and the servant, were devoted 10 him.
Summonins all her courage, Agne. neared
the bod. At tho first sight she trembled
Tor she though, her father was dead. Ben
ding over him. she laid her hands upon his
heart. and was rcjoiccd 10 find tha, it pul.
'a,sd still, though very, very family. TX.
no, ant what TO do, Agne, ba,h.d her faith.
er'' face, and was in despair a. the failure
Of her efforts when the physician ent.-ed.
Dr. Thompson pronounced i. paralytic
stroke. and proceeded to bleed tho patient.
Soon Sir Henry opened his eyes, and seem
cd conscious Of all that W., going on. lie
endsavorei to speak. but that being impo.-
,ible. paper and pencil were brought to
him. In large, irregular characters, he
'cravled
doctor, will be we'll enough to 90 Ou,
tomorrow
With wi,iful eyes b, watched the phy'i.
clan a. ho dcciphcrcd the characters. and
NJ. face expressed the bi,terc', despair as
Dr. Thompson shook bis head Again he
took ,ho pencil and wrote
81 cannot meet Mortimer Dudley, and
we are los, Agnes"
Agnes read the irregular writing, 50 dif-
ferent from his usual firm, clear words. and
she could scarcely rrprrs' the tears. bn,
bravely mastering her feelings, she bent
over the stricken man. "Can you drsunet-
Is hear aud understand wha, | cay. faith.
err"
A FAINT nod wa, the answer.
"Thcn res, in peace, dear father, for a
champion will DO found who will strive as
maniully a, you-and God grant that he
may be a, brave and skilllul."
A smile Of con,eutment passed over the
sick man. face, and he calmly closed hi.
eyes. Too III to question or doubt, ho be-
li.,cd hi. daughters words.
Towards the elo.e OF that day, Agnes re
turned from short and rapid ride, and
sought in the stable for old Arnold her
fathers tru.ty esquire. The old m;n turned
a, he heard the cla,ter Of the horses hoof'.
and was only in tune to see Agnes spring
lightly from the saddle. lie dofed his cap
respectfully and waited for hi, mistress to
speak.
You know. Arnold. that !. was my
father. purpose to ride forth to meet young
Dudley at day.break tomorrow"
81 know-I know. Miss Agnes, but he
/, stricken down and cannot co. answered
the old servi,or in a mournful voice.
~ know OF a champion" and the girls
pale face flushed as she SPOKE rather
inexperienced youth, bu, sne who has a
brave heart, keen eye and ready hand. All
tha, he has, but no armor, and my fathers
is all too wide for him. Know you OF any
c,her7"
"Up in the garrett !, suit long unused.
II belonged to your father when he was a
mere stripping, scarcely stOuter than you,
dear lady"
"Tha, will do we'll, think. Have ii
polished, and in order, and lay !. on the
couch in the bedroom"
at is as brishs now, Miss Agnes" re-
piled the old man respectfully, though with
an accen, OF pride, as the day your father
las, wore 1t, nearly forty years ago. | Low.
ed the armOr my young pupil wore, and
no, spot oil rus, dulls it bright surface,
no stay unloosed. or dnted plate"
Ever faithful, my good Arnold. All is
we'll. Tomorrow at day.break be a. the
hall.doOr with black Rudolph, fathers
horse. yourself in armOr ready to accOmpa-
ny him"
Z" Your bidding shall be DONE"
"And Arnold should the young knight
lack augh, in riding. or in the handling Of
the lance. direc, him rs you did my faith.
er."
Agnes turned and walked quickly to the
house wholly unconscious Of the curious
gaze which followed her.
Arnold looked after her with wistful eyes