Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-12-07

wing neir IS travelling, no one knows
where. / wonder if he knows how
grasping and cruel his agent is? Odear,
she added softly, money does not al
ways come where it is most needed. II
I were the mistress of Hardwiche Hall ?
She started with a slight scream the
next instant, as tall figure rose up from
a mossy boulder by the roadside, directly
in front of her.
Pardon me- said voice that instantly
reassured, for 1t was too gentle to come
from any but gentleman, but am
not certain that l have not lost my way.
Is this the EIdon road? I was waiting
for some one TO come along and direct
me-
This is the Eldon road said Jessie,
all unconscious that the last CLEANS of fad
ing sunset were Lighting up her fair and
radiant face with an almost angelic beau
ty, as she stood there among the fallen
leaves.
And can you tell me the shortest foot
path to Hardwiche Hall? have not
been in this neighborhood since I was a
little child, and 1 am completely a. fault.
Jessie hesitated moment. I could
show you better than can tell you, for it
IS rather a complicated road she said,
and if you will accept my services as
guide, it will not be much out of my way
I shall feel very much honored,' said
the stranger. Meantime, let me carry
your basket
Il was wild and lovely walk, winding
among moss-garlanded trees, and hollows
sweet with the aromatic incense of dy-
ing leaves. Jessie could not help admir-
ing the chi7alric manners aud polished
courtesy of her companion, and ne was
more than pleased wilh the blooming
IoyeIiness and girlish dignity Of his young
guide. A few adroit questions respect
ing HardEiche Hall and its neighbor-
hood, suficed to draw from Jessie spir-
tied abstract Of the character Of the
Hardwiche agent, and the impositions he
was wont to practice upon the tenants
and reighbors, as well as an arch descrip-
ton Of most of the characters therea-
bout. Then he continued to learn all
about Jessie's little school, and her ailing
mother, and he smiled to himself, in the
twilight, to observe the pride Of her
mein, when she alluded to the high posi-
/ ton from which unforeseen re7erses had
compelled her mother to descend.
Then she said, suddenly paasing,
with feeling as if she had been almost
TOO communicative, if We could only
cross yonder Lawn. the gates are close by,
bat We shall have to go quarter If a
mile round
Why" " asked the stranger.
Mr.. Talcott will not allow travellers
to cross here-hs says it is private prop
eTty.'
4 fancy I shall dare br. Tslcott:
wrath said the gentleman, laughing, a
he pushed open the wire gate that defen.
i ded the forbidden space. It is perfect
ly absurd to make people goa quarter o
a mile GU; Of their Say for a mere whim-
i They had scarcely entered the enclOs-
uTe when an unlocked for obstacle pre-
sented itself in the shape Of the redoubt
able TaIcott himself, who Was prowlin:
over the grounds, On the gus etvs 70
/ trsspassers.
i Halo, here ? groxied he; Just turI
back, if you please. This isn't the pub
lie thoroughfzre.'
i The stranger held Jessie's arm uude
his osn a little tighter, as if to repres
her evident inclination to beat a retreat
He was disposed y maintain his posi-
: ton
:! i don't see any reasonable cause wh.
: we Shouldn't 60 ahead be said, per
tinaeiously. There Is q path here, an
Il 1 suppose it Is made to walk on
;, Not for you, said the agent coasempi
uously, 50 60 back as fast As yoa can
Is it possible that people are made
? travel circuiious and unpleasant Foale
: for 10 other earthly reason than you
E capFices, sir 2 asked the gentleman, look
/. ing down at the shriveIed little man, froE
] the altitude Of his six feet, with q kin
{ Of laughing scoru. Did II ever occg
to you, NY friend, that eshers had igb.
p and conveniences as wei as yoarself?'
II Can't help their Fights-nothing
e me- snarled the agent, planting himse
E obs;inately IN the path Il forbid 3
& passiag here
Z But / suppose Everard Hardwieh
) may have the privilege Of crossing b
4 own land !? persisted the stranger, 81
presenting tbe half eontsmpiaous srni
P taa. had from the beginning q the i