Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-09-11
CHAPTER ".

rs dag after day passed by the conduct Of
Noyes Willard grew more insoent towards Mrs.
Cha .elle, rendering her situation more unpleas-
ant. The boarders who had been 50 unceremoni-
ousi1 dismissed by the presence of the mysterious
phantom did not return, aud the superstition of
the surrounding ncighborhooI made the people
shuf' the hotel as though it were a dwelling in
fecteI by some dreadful disease. No one, except
the t<erslers of Mr. Southwick'S family, and Dr.
Lawson and his young daughter Fanny, dared to
call on Mrs. Chapele after dark and travellers
were frightened by the stories told them, so that
they would put up at private houses instead of
risking their safety in a haunted tavern. No do
mestic could be procured, and at last Mrs. Cha
pelje decided to change her residence. She sold
the greater part of her furniture, and with the
proceeds paid her merciless Landlord the rent Of
the hotel for one year in advance. With strict
economy she retained money enough TO hire q
small. unteuanted cottage in the outskirts Of the
village, and, with the assistance Of DR.. Lawson
and Frederic Southwick she moved her house
hold goods and established herself quite comfort
ably there Her old domestic returned, and, As
Frederic could not pursue his medical studies and
remain at Beechnut Farm, he also resumed his
situation as boarder in the small family.
/ Scarcely n week had elapsed after Mrs. Cha
| pelIe's removal when, one evening. as Frederic
was leaving tie oflic. Of DR.. Lawson, he met
/ Noycs Willard upon the Threshold.
! - Good evening. Mr.. Southwick. - said the man,
ironically. :. had few words I wished to say
to you, but, as you seem impatient to meet yonr
/ Ia,ly. will not detain you"
Ny ladyI' repeated Frederic. with flushed
brow; " explain your meaning, Mr.. Willard,
for do not comprehend it. To whom do You
allude ~
Your devoted friend, Mrs. Ellen Chape,le
for whom, it is said, you entertain the most pro-
found and sincere admration.' replied Mr. vii
I lard, continuing in the same tone of sarcasm-
g But advise you, young man, to he more watch.
full Of discovery in your assignation meetings with
her, as she has acquaintance who would not hes
itate to inform her absent husband Of your init
macy"
$ Noyes Willard said Frederic, speaking in q
quick, firm tone, :. understand you now. see
your base design against the fair name of a help
less and innocent woman; and l caution you tc
beware how you proceed to breathe slander
against her name in connection with mine. for
will not endure this INSULT
Mr.. Willard laughed sardonically
g 1t is all very well for you to declare this, m,
young doctor, but it is a very different thing t,
make people believe it. am too old bird to b,
caught with chaf, and shall lay before the worl,
the faithlessness Of Herbert Chapelle's unprin
cipled wife, together with the duplicity of he
paramour."
land in so doing may the execrable falsehood
the black, degrading lie, blister your foul tongue
even as it has your soull'' exclaimed Frederic
passionately.
:. Take care, Frederic Southwick, YOU are tread
ing dangerous premises when you accuse III
of falsehood," said Mr.. Willard, growing excite,
with anger.
At this moment DR.. Lawson stepped to tn
door and laid his hand on Frederic's shoulder
= My dear boy, do not let passion sway you t
say that which will afterwards cause repentance,
said he, in an undertone. 80 Treat the villain
with the cool contempt that he unquestionabl
merits"
The quick ears of Mr.. Willard caught TIA
word - villain and he turned quickly to til
doctor.
TO BE coHTISUED.)