Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-07-21

THE UNKNOWN CHAMPION.

and boy, uhQ sat in the deep embrasure Of a
WINDOW, apparently waiting for something or
some person. The girl was dark haired, dark
eyed, and extremely pretty, though her lips
curied rather haughtily and an imperious
glance shot from her large dark eyes, which
told of proud spirit.
The boy was pale and golden n-haired-wholly
unlike his companion and sister in feature,
though his pale, thin lips had the same naughty
curl, and bis blue eyes grew dark with pride
A poor weak thing was Alfred Lysle, his right
arm and leg being withered; had been so from
his birth He was gentle, affectionate, high
spirited and talented, the idol of his widowed
father and proud sister. There were times
when his spirit chsfed, and be almost cursed
the poor MANNED body which was such clog
to him.
Alfred read aloud, while his sister Agnes
busted herself with piece Of embroidery, Civ
ing, if the truth be told, a very divided stten-
tiOn to the words Of her brother.
Was not that a glorious description ?"
asked the Boy, raising his face all glowing with
poetical enthusiasm.
{" Yes l think never heard cataract de-
scribed more beautifully"
why, Aggie. 1 got long past the cataract,
and reached the meadow"
80, have you, dear? Well, Alfred, to tell
you the honest truth, got thinking of some
thing else. Be so kind as to read it over again,
and this time will surely listen to you"
The boy laughed gaily as he answered Z
g No use, Aggie, your wits would be wool
gathering again before had read four lines
will not torment you any longer. Shall
talk to you instead, or would you rather be
silent 2''
Talk, if you please, Alfred
What think you, sister Agnes, will be the
result Of this conference" he asked in low
tone.
The girl raised troubled face and answered
Indeed, Alfred, 1 scarcely dare think
The Dudleys are not famed for generosity,
and"
Bang! bang. 1t was the hall door, closing
so oheavily that it stopped her words, and caused
both the young persons to start with alarm.
'Gone atlast!n exclaimed Agnes. And she
rose to her feet just as the door of the room
where they were sitting opened, and old gen.
tleman entered.
"What now, father? thought Mortimer
Dudley would never go. How is it settled ~
1.-The matter stands just as it did before. He
will not abate one inch of ground, nor will
he thinks bis claim as good as mine, and day
otter tomorrow we meet on the debatable
ground, and with sturdy lances settle the
question:
''GOod father, / feared you might be COM
pelled to yield, and l couldn't bear to think
that in your old age you would be obliged to
give up your home and 60 among strangers.
The case has been carried from court TO court,
and years have passed away in futile waiting;
OF Dudley will be Overthrown. Ay, charge at
him, father, and may God and St. Mary guide
your weapon 80 that you come of conqueror '"
The old man smiled, and patted the glowing
cheek of his pretty, spirited daughter, then
seated himself beside his son and read with
him.
Sir Henry Lysle was about fifty -fve-hand-
some and high-spirited, an upright, honorable,
and kind father. For two generations, between
the houses of Dudley and Lysle, had been a
long standing quarrel concerning some prop
erty, two-thirds, including the buildings of the
Lysle estate. The dispute had been carried
from court to court, without any decision being
made in favor of either party. Lately, Robert,
Earl Of Dudley, had died, and his son, dash
ing young man of twenty-five, tired Of the old
time quarrel, proposed to settle the debate by
single combat to be held on the debatsble ter
ritOry-then, in the fourteenth century, very
common method of settling disputes.
Thus the matter stood, and with conversation
and reading the three passed the evening.
After Alfred retired, Agnes fingered behind,
seemingly ayerse to leaving her father. Sir
Henry noticed her hesitation, and, putting an
arm round her waist and smoothing her dark,
curling hair, be said earnestly
DAY after tomorrow, Agnes, shall mount
my good steed and battle for my rights and our
home. If fall as fall 1 may, we are home
less. Should anything happen to prevent me
from engaging in the confict-"
father" eagerly interrupted Agnes.
Nothing but sudden illness or death, my
child.'
80. father
1--WE must look at possibilities, my dear
child, and trust you do not shrink. If, as
say, anything should prevent me from engaging
In the fight, know not what you will do. A
little money I have; you will find it in the
ebony cabinet beside my bed. With that you
must 90 with your brother to our relations be-
i'll oL.
feel that you tremble. Wen only look on the
bright side; and now, good nightn'
Thus they parted, with one fond embrace.
AS Agnes entered her chamber her heart was
heavy with presentiment of coming evil"
About midnight Agnes was aroused from a
deep, though troubled slumber, by hand laid
firmly on her shoulder. 1t was Margery, the
old nurse
90 dear, Miss Agnes, get up! Wake-as
quick as you can, for you are wanted''
There was trouble and despair in the old
woman's voice, and Agnes sprang from her bed
and began to dress as hastily as possible, while
she eagerly questioned Margery.
What is the matter, Msrgery?"
Sir Henry, your dear father, is ill-taken
suddenly"
90 dear, Miss, don't know James, who
always sleeps in the next room, heard a kind Of
grOaning, and, rushing in, found my dear mas
ter in some kind of a 1T"
80, merciful Heaven spare my father to
me" exclaimed the trembling Agnes, as,
throwing a shawl over her shoulders, she few,
rather than ran, down stairs. At the door OF
her fathers room she paused, and turning to
Margery, who had followed as close as she
could, asked:
"Has any one gone for the doctor?"
eyes, James went as soon as could 20 to
master"
Agnes entered the dimly-lighted chamber
al had nh har fat
so white and motionless, while the frightened
servants stood round mutely. Sir Henry Lysle
was q good, kind master, and the servants were
devoted to him. Summoning all her courage,
Agnes nesred the bed. At the first sight she
trembled, for she thought her father was dead
Bending over him, she laid her hand upon his
heart, and was rejOiced to feel that it pulsated
still, though very, very family. Ignorant what
to do, Agnes bsthed her fathers face, and was
in despair at the failure Of her efforts, when the
physician entered. DIR. Thompson pronounced
il to be a paralytic stroke, and proceeded to
bleed the patient Soon Sir Henry opened his