Litchfield enquirer., 1861-01-03

one paused TOT moment to look to where the stately roofs and gables of the Hall rose darkly outlined against the crim- son that still burned stormily in the sky. On @ commanding height, and nearly hidden in trees, many of which still retained their brilliant autum foliage, 1t seemed almost like an old baronial castle.
 There it stands" she unused, "shut up and silent, year after year it's magnificent rooms untenanted the flowers blossoming nngathered in it's conservatories. Since Mrs. Hardwiche died-v-twenty years since, mamma says-the family have been away, aud now the only surving heir is travelling, no one knows where. l wonder if he knows how grasping aud cruel his agent is? Oh dear," she added softly, "lnoney does not always come where it is most needed If l were the mistress of Hardwich Hall ]"
 She started with slight scream the next instant, as tall figure rose up from mos ay border by the roadside, directly in front of her. -.E -..
 Pardon me-" said voice that instantly re-assureed her, for it was too gentle to come from any but gentleman, but ain not certain that have not lost my way. Is this the Eldon road? I was waiting for some one to come and direct me-"
 "This is Eldou road" said Jessie, all un conscious that the last gleams of the fading sunset were Tightening up her fair, innocent face with an almost angelic beauty, as she stood there among the fallen leaves. And can you tell me the shortest foot path to Hardwichs Hall? have not been
 in this neighborhood since l was a little child, and sm completely at fault"
 Jessie hestated a moment. 1T could show you better than tell you, for it is rath- CT complicated road" she said, and if you will accept my services as guide it will not be much out of my way"
 Il shall feel very much honored," said the stranger. Meantime let me carry your basket" a ......
 It was a wild and lovely walk, winding among moss-garlanded trees and hollows, sweet with aromatic incense of dying leaves Jessie could not help admirng the chivalric manners and polished courtesy of her con- pahion, and he was more than pleased with the blooming loyelness and girlish dignity of his young guide. A few adroit questions respecting Hurdwiche Hall and it's neigh borhood, suficed to draw forth spirited ab- stract of the character of the Hardwiche agent, and the impositions he was won't to practice upon the tenants aud neighbors, as we'll as an arch description of most of the characters" thereabouts. Then he contin- ued to learn all about Jessies little school, and her aiI;ng mother, and he smiled to himself, in the twilight, to observe the pride of her meiu, when she alluded to the high position from which unforeseen reyerses had compelled her mother to descend.
 "Then," she said, suddenly pausing with feeling as if sLe had been almost too con- mnnicatiye, of we could only cross youdcr lawn, the gates are close by, but we shall have to go quarter of a mile round"
 Why ?" asked the stranger.
 Mr. Talcott will not allow travellers to cross here-hc says it is private property"
 "I fancy shall dare Mir. Talcott's wrath," said the gentleman, laughing as he pnsbed open the wire gate that defended the for bidden space, It is perfectly absurd to make people go quarter of mile out of their way fot mere whim."
 They had scarcely entered the enclosure when they met an unlooked-for obstacle, Talcott himself, who was proving over the grounds on the qui vive for tresspassers.
 Hallo, here l" growled he "just turn back if you please. This isn't the public thorougfare."
 The stranger held Jessie's arm under his own little tightet, as if to repress her evi- dent inclination to beat retreat" He was disposed to maintain his position.
 II don't see any reasonable cause why VIC shouldn't go ahead" he said, pertina- ciously. There is . path hero, and sup pose it was made to walk on."
 "Not for you," said the agent, contempt Goqsly, 80 go back as fast as you, can l"
 Is it possible that people are made to travel circuitous and unpleasant route, for no other reason than your caprces, sir ?' asked the gentleman, looking down at the little man, from the altitude of his six feet, with a kind of laughing scorn. Did it ever occur to you, my friead, that others had rights and conveniences as well as yourself 2"
 "Can't help their rghts--nothing to me" snared the agent, planting himself obsti- 1 nately in the path. "I forbid all passing here.
 "But suppose Edward Harwiche may have the privilege of crossing bis own land :" persisted the stranger, still present. ing the half contsmptuous smile that had from the beginning made the agent 50 un- comfortable. .
 Talcott grew, not exactly pale, but yellow with consternation. ...
 Mr. Hardwiche-sir, I did not know we did not expect"
 "No-I know you didn't, my good man. Be 30 kind as to step aside, and allow me to pass with the lady. Miss Jessie, don't for get that need your services few moments yet. When we reach the house, I proleng my walk in your cottage. Nay, don't shrink away from me--are we not to be very good friends 2" .-.-. ..
 "The prettiest girl ever saw in my life" was his internal comment, as he at length parted from her st the little gate, where "burning bushes" and dark green ivy were trained together with all Q woman's taste. e iu5a g; . ss k *
 The Christmas snows lay white and deep on the farmhouse eaves=r- the Christmas logs cracked on the hearth, where Mir. Wood bridge still gazed dreamily into the glowing binders, and Mrs. Keturah's knitting nee dlss clicked with electric speed. af 4
 "That mortgage bothers melt bothers me," he murmered, almost plaintiyely. " We'll, s'pose it ain't no use frettin' but I had thought to live and die in the old place where my father did afore me. The Lords will be done, though. Somehow, kh;,,., ho;n3& rrocnorod svith me-T 6on,t