Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-11-13

BY BELLA DUNBAR.

singing fountain Claud Vincent and Lillian
May--with the dropping foliage whispering
above their heads, and the brilliant stars flashing
upon them burning light Sitting thus in the
dim, cool beauty of that starry eve. Claud Vim
cent breathed into Lillians willing ear the story
of his love; then, bending down till his glossy
curls swept her silken tresses, he pressed a
lovers kiss upon her pure brow. ES13E#g
'sList!" suddenly exclaimed Lillian, as the
vines near them rustled and shook loudly.
"a false alarm, dear Lillian,'' said Claud; sit
was nothing but the wind playing amid the
leaves"
Nothing but the soind! Ah he saw not the
white face and dark eyes that cleaned moment
through the dark thick vines, and then was
gone.
In splendid apartment, Aida Dunmore is
rapidly pacing the floor; her rich dress of GRIM
son silk is damp with the dew of night; and,
tearing the gems from her breast, she brushes
them beneath her feet. Her long black hair falls
in disheveled masses over her shoulders. Pas
sionately she muttered to herself: 81
"What care for costly gems or riches, if a
dependent cousin wins from me the only man
can ever love2" And, stamping her foot angrilp,
she cries: mo! no it shall never be-, even
though | have to murder hertz and the words
were hissed from between her pale lips. aAss
Turning, she saw herself reflected in large
mirror opposite. Gould it be possible 2-such a
change in so short tiine! She went to the
window, and then opened the shutters. The
soft evening wind cooled her aching brow, and
the calm sky above was smiling upon her; but
she needed it not. The murmur of distant
voices came to her, waited upon the scented
breeze. It was Claud Vincent taking leave of
Lillian.
Il shall be gone week, and then shall has.
ten back to claim my promised BRIDE"
She heard the hail door close, and Lillian came
lightly up the stairs.
How lovely she looked as she entered the
rooml Even Aida could not but acknowledge
it. There glistened no diamonds from amid the
snowy folds of her white silk robe. The red
roses that looped her sleeves, and the buds that
were twined in her sunny curls were her only
ornaments. BY her side, upon q marble stand,
stood silver goblet, and taking it up, she drain
ed the contents. Then, seating herself upon the
sofa, she sat gazing dreamingly at Aida, who,
still seated at the window, pretended not to no
tice her.
II will not tell her tonight" thought Lillian
Musing thus, a drowsness came over her-a
heavy languor which weighed down her eyelids
and she sank back insensible upon the crimson
velvet sofa. ..
A pang of something like regret shot through
Alda's heart, as she bent over her and bathed
the blue vened temples.
''But why should / pity her2-has she not
won the love which | would have given all
possess for?" she murmured. ,ss.sa
At last Lillian slowly Enclosed her eyes, riv-
etiDg an unnatural gaze upon Aida. Her fore
head tlrobbed with burning fever; she was
delirious, and incoherent words fell from her
lips.
All night Aida watched beside her. Morning
found her still there; but Lillian was more quiet
now; and, passing her hand over her forehead,
she murmured--
'Ah! twill be safe to call physician now"
physician came; but there was grave
look upon his countenance, as he noticed the
burning cheeks of the patient. However, he
gave few directions to Aida. $3.50
sit is singular case. fear we cannot do
much for her," he said, gravely shaking his
head, as Aida and her father followed him from
the room. ~ In f, 4s-asssas s.ss - -
Deep anxiety was depicted upon the face of
MIR. Dunmore, as he listened; for he had loved
the orphan Lillian as if she were his own, ever
since his dying sister had entreated him to be
father to her only child.
And faithfully had he fulfilled his promise !;
and Lillian had repaid him all the love and graf
itude which was in her gentle nature. He had
watched with delight the growing intimacy be-
tween Lillian and Cland, little dreaming of its
effects upon Aida.
Three days have passed away. The room
where Lillian lies is darkened 1t is the crisis
of the fever, and ali is silent in the stately man.
sion. Who shall know the burning thoughts
that pass in Alda's mind No one can read
them; no one can look into the secret depths of
her heart and see its stain of murder
The crisis is past, and in the splendid coffin is
laid beautiful corpse, ready to be borne to the
silent tomb, for the form of sweet Lillian is clad
in the habiliments of the grave.
Claud was detained longer than expected, and
arrived home the day after Lillian died.
'Now will hasten to my Lillian, /" he said, as
he sprang lightly from the cars But his atten-
ton was arrested by two gentlemen who were
.Shall you attend the funeral Tomorrow"
said one
''Who is dead?" said the other.
"Why, Lillian Glen, the niece Of
He did not finish. There was heavy fall on
the pavement beside them, and Claud Vincent
was borne into the nearest house insensible.
"This way, sir" said the servant, as he ush-
cred Olaud into the darkened room where his
Lillian Lay. His proud form staggered as he
approached the coffin. With trembling hands
be drew the cloth from her face.
"Oh, God p he grasped, 'scan this be death 9'
Her lips were parted, as if smiling, and the
tiny lashes seemed trembling as they rested on
the ivory cheeks.
''Nc, no, she is not deads" he cried, in an
guish. II cannot, will not, give her up!''
But why that start? He surely felt her
breath upon his cheek as he bends over her,
He pressed his hand upon her heart-there was
a faint beating.
''She is not dead She breathes-she lives!"
he almost shrieked go7 ~ 3ea aas5a
Aida, who had just entered the room, stood
coorless and iinmovable as marble; but Claud's
cry had rang through the mansion, and others
came, bringing restoratives to call her back to
life. Atlast faint color tinged cheek and lip.
The large violet eyes slowly unclosed, and met
the dark ones bending over her so earnestly.
s59a ---8gsaE 0aSgEa
Merrily. merrily, pealed out the silver-toned
chapel bells. Soft, calm and holy foated the
dim silver light within. The moonbeams geam-
ing through the window rested like golden
halo upon the head of the fair young bride.
whose tiny hand rests so con6dingly in that OF
the proud man at her side. She is pale and del
icate yet, but the lovelit eyes grew brightly and
her flushed cheeks wear the hue of the roses
which strew the altar Claud, too, shows how
much, how very much he has suffered, but in
deep JOY all is forgotten now. The few guests
look on in silent admiration. Aida is not there.
1t is whispered that no sane light CLEANS from
her eyes. Aida is maniac. The wedding ring
q