Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-07-24
A D E L I N E /.
CONCLUDED


as the restraint of my presence wore away, L
was often startled and distressed at the vIo-
lence of Sir Arthur's manner She never
seemed to resent the most abusive language,
would leave the room when ordered and,
would come back when sent fog- Little Ed
gar always sat anl looked on he never spoke |
or showed signs of fear during these stormy |
scenes, but seemed to watch them both, as If
his life depended on the effect of his fathers
cruel words.
The moment Sir Arthur's passion was over
he would do anything to make amends; but
whether he was raving or entreating for for
giviEess, Adeline was always the same.
often thought that her GOODNESS irritated him; !
but ON reflection l believed her to be the best |
judge.
Time wore on.
1t was towards the end Of October that l
received an invitation from Sir Arthur to join
him at his country seat. 1t was many years
since had been at Trenlyon Manor. felt
nv presence could no longer distress Adeline,
and therefore went. The first few weeks of
my stay were unusually pleasant Sir Arthur
gave way to 10 violent storms of temper, and
Adeline was looking bright; even the child
seemed to thrive better in the country.
One evening we were sitting over our wine
when the servant brought in a letter for Ad-
cline, saying the man waited for an answer.
She read it quietly aud then saying the mes
senger need not wait, put it in her pocket.
What's in the note, Adellne ?" inquired
Sir Arthur.
oh, merely letter on business !"
She went on working.
Give it me instan tly ~ he exclaimed at
the same time rising up
She, too. rose, and calmly put the letter in
the FIRE. hardly know what followed
There was slight struggle. He raised his
hand and struck her. She spoke not, but
never saw living being so pale before, as
she raised little Edgar in her arms. and with
him left the room. We stood and looked at
each other.
I" Coward !" | muttered.
He flung himself into his chair.
{" Yes ! call me sol deserve it Good
God What have 1 done? VIII she ever
forgive me -
He covered his face with his hands, and
sobbed convulsively. left him, not to seek
Adeline but as 1 reached the conservatory
Adeline entered the library by another door.
She sat down, and grOaRed aloud. l drew
back, that might watch her without being
SEEN had not been there many minute!
before the door was pushed hurriedly opeI
and Sir Arthur entered, looking almost de
stracted. He started on seeing his wife
then rushed forward and sank on his knees
before her, while he entreated for her for
giveness in tones of passionate grief. Breath
lessly l watched them. At first his passion
ate appeal seemed to have no effect She sa
pale and statute-like Suddenly she arose
releasing herself from his grasp, walked t
the fireplace, aud leaned against the mantle
piece He went on !; he did not attempt t
justify himself. No reproaches from her, b
said, would be SO hard to bear as the sens
of the wrong be had done; but he entreate
she would at least speak-at least tell him i
the course of time she would forgive. if sh
could not forget his objectionable violeuce
Oh Adeline-A leline Still she stood there
No word-nO sign. So deep was Sir Arthur
distress, felt almost more for him at th
moment than for her
a. Adeline ~ he exclaimed, % as you HOP
for mercy do rot deny it to fellow creature
Then she spoke.
- Mercy !" she began, with hollow laugl
Il
you once, that never would or could loy
you? Did | not say that if ever God coul
permit our union, His justice must be sluu
bering, and l could neither believe nor tsu
him more? had never disobeyed my father
will dared not disobey him then; but
told you | would hate you, and yet you sal
you loved mel You call it lore to make
woman wre:ched for life ! | told you that tt
solemn vows that pronounced, on me wei
not binding-for my faith was gone !! L prom
ised L would be your slave! Yes you ma
w-Ithe Have not | been one Have l ev,
resented one cruel word till to nigl
resisted one command? You dare not a,
swe.p
'' Adeline, for mercy's sake"
His wild, impIofiEg accent would ha,
melted heart of stone-but hers was steele
by suffering she needed him not
- From the day l became your wife ha7
never kuelt in prayer, and l never will
am your slave, and must be till the course
one Of US ends, and oh that mine might Ell
this night [ loved once nay, love now