Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-08-28

face
''Ah did he 2" was the quick rejoirder.
I" Yes, and he spoke of you, Frederic in
way that led me to think there had been en-
nifty between YOU Have you ever given him
cause for anger ~
's Never" said the young man, half indig-
nantly 4" In the short time that [ have
known him have treated him, always. with
the respect due to one so many years my Sc
nior, and occupying his position IN society"
Mrs. Chapelle tapped nervously on the
window pane with her slender fingers, and for
a moment was silent then turning her face
away. she said, hurrisdly,
&c Do not think me impertinent in the ques-
ton am about to ask, Frederick: It is not
to crafty idle curiosity that desire this in
formation, but for purpose entirely different.
Mr.. Willard eutertains a strange dislike to-
wards you presume you already know; but
I doubt if you are aware that this dislike,
when apple to your parents, becomes abso-
lutte hatred and of nature SO intense that I
have thought there must be sufficient reason
for it"
There may be, Mrs Chapelle; but let
me assure you that If such reason exists it is
without MY knowledge" returned the youth
in a tone of calm sincerity.
Theodore Southwick !''-the lady paused
and fixed her deep, dark eyes upon the face
of her companion-'' have you Dever heard
your parents speak of Noyes Willard as of one
who had been wronged, and exasperated to
retaliation by deeds that are written in his
past life? Deal candidly with me, as [ have
ever dealt with you"
- Mrs. Chapelle, you astonish me" ex-
claimed he. in surprise. {. [ have never heard
my father mother say anything that might
indicate the slightest acquaintance with him
up to the time of his removal to this place,
which was two years ago, ifI recollect Alright"
Mrs Chapelle nodded assent to the inquir-
ing look that accompanied the last sentence,
and a shadow of pc plezity marked her brow
as she again tlrned to the window.
- Dld Mr.. Willard assert that he had re-
ceived any injury at the hands of my father ?"
asked the young man, anxIously.
& Yes; and he has sworn by all the powers
of earth and Heaven, to avenge his wrongs
upon all who bear the name of Southwick:-
You may wonder that he ventured to say this
TO me and so did 1 at the time but second
thought has convinced me that my own words
called forth his angry threats, for was plead
ing with him to release me from the contract
that ob!iges Herbert to keep the hotel another
year. and mentioned your fathers name among
the friends who had given me advice concern
ing the management of my affairs
a flush of indignation crimsoned Frederic
Southwick's brow
Is it possible that Noyes Willard will so
meanly take advantage of your husbands alb
sence as to hold you to the contract made
three years ago with the former landlord and
proprietor ?"
- Not only possible, but quite true" said
Mrs Cha7elie, quietly. - When Herbert
first rented the place he intended to remain
until the terms of the contract were fulfilled
but circumstances, at once imperative and un-
forseen, have rendered his stay impossible -
Had not the ownership of the hotel been
transfe rred to Mr. Willard l do not doubt but
we might have made arrangements that would
have enabled US % leave in a satisfactory man
ner As it is, Herbert has been obliged to
leave me and go to Boston alone, hoping that
[ could settle with our unreasonable landlord
and soon follow him; but my efforts are fruit
less, and 1 despair of success"
" Mr. Willard has forfeited the name of
gertleman by his conduct toward you. said
the young man, contemptuously. '' But as
for his threats of vengeance upon the heads of
the Southwicks, they are probably Ike the
bark of dog that has no teeth with which to
bite. If [ know my father, he is too just to
iniure any one maliciouslY, and too fearless to
be frightened by empty words; SO that [ have
no apprehensions of evil from this source"
Mrs Chapelle sighed heavily.
q do rot cherish presentiments, nor do l
believe in them, but something tells me that
harm will come from this mans anger to my
self aud friends. and it seems to me that
cloud is resting over our future lives that will
darken every anticipated JOY and embitter the
fountain of our earthly happiness, till the cur
rent OF our lives become as wormwood."
You are imaginative, Mrs. Chapelle,"
said Frederic. gaily g No doubt we shall
yet laugh heartily over these fears, that, if
cherished, will render US extremely unhappy
SO let US borrow no trouble on that score if
it comes, let US make the best of it, and it
will be time enough then to think about it."
The renl4 that arose to the lady's lips was