Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-10-09
CHAPTER TX

CHAPTER TX
The clock had chimed the hour of ten on the
succeeding morning, when Camerone heard the
expected summons at the door, and Nelson SEQ
field entered the parlor where she was sitting
alone. lie was tall, dark Drowned man Of
twentv-egh;, with piercing restless eyes and thin
hps, that parted TO reveal teeth of such daz-
ling whteneSs as contrasted almost painfully
with his heavy beard and elegantly curved nous
tache
With an insinuating smile he held out his soft
efeminate hand as he crossed the room to greet
Camerone; but, arising from her chair, she simp-
y wavel him to a seat, with a graceful inclina-
lion of her queenly head.
'' Is that your greeting after so long separa-
ton from me. Camerone 2" he asked, in a dis
turbed tone of voice.
- Mr. Scofeld, you forget that we do not stand
as friends" rejoined Camerone, in a clear, ring
ing voice. "Oaly as brief acquaintance al
lows me, can l consent to hold any conversation
with you, whom I have never seen except in the
short period Of my school days"
- forget nothing OF my past life that is con-
nected with you. Camerone, and most vividly is
the recollection traced on my memery of a GER
emony performed in an old brown church in New
York, that places you completely in my power"
said Mr. Scofeld, composedly.
- You are mistaken. Mr.. Scofeld. No such
fraudulent rite can place me in your power. for
shall never acknowledge its validity
- We shall 80 smiled he, ironically.
- Yes, Nelson Scofeld, we shall see,'' reiterated
CamerOne. :. You have come here to day thinking
to frighten me into recognition of that despi-
cable farce a legal and binding CEREMONY
marriage in the sight of Heaven and earth. This
you cannot do!-this you pcN not do, for know
your motives well. You intend to win the
broad estates and gold If my wealthy uncle,
which you suppose will deecend TO me but you
are wrong. l am not my uncles, nor can | ever
inherit one dollar of his princely treasure.
Beechnut fUrm is mortgaged, my father viii soon
be a poor man, and shall have nothing for nv
dover but the health. truth and honor that God
has given me. Yet, with these, l am content
nor will ever admit that you possess any COLI
troll over me-"
:. You are fanatic, Camerone. Will you dare
to allow yourself the felicity of believing what
you say2 All. my girl, you talk very well in
decd but fear your enthusiasm has led you to
depart from the truth when you deny that you
no heiress. in fact, do not believe YOU
when you say it and, further. do not believe
that you will dare TO contest the legality of our
marriage. You will not brave the tongre OF
SANDER by daring public opinion, and allowing
your name to be brought before the world
And Nelson Scofeld stroked his moustached lip
with complacency-
Camerune stood erect before him,
1t is useless to waste words upon this sub
iect, my decision is firm and unwavering.'' said
she, steadily 80 l Nave told you the truth and
now l would dismiss you from my presence for
ever The law may be upon your side, but
right is on mine, and 6are to tell YOU that
do not fear you. One who is mightier than yor
or | holds the destinies of all in His hand, ant
in his name l dare to defy your power he
who tempers the wind TO the shorp lamb is mY
help and protection, and in Him do l put my
truSt''
There was sublime faith in these words. ut
tered by the pale faced girl before him, and des
pite his anger, Nelson Scofeld looked at he
with an indescribable mixture of awe and incred
ulity.
. Very WELL" said he. after moment of 81
lence - You have given me a clear view of tn
state of your feeling. and viii be as explicit il
revealing mine. For two months 1 shall allow
you to remain here in peace. and if. during tha
time. you conclude to go with me my wife
all will be well; if not shall take YOU awav b
force, the law viii give me that right. Whel
the lime has expired you may expect to see me
for shall certainly come for YOU. | should tax
/ you with me now, but / have business that de
mands my immediate attention, and cannot
/ While | am gone ar. Willard, my uncle wi
watch ovvr you. and see that you DO not attemT
to escape; for though l do not profess to lov
you, am determined not to be foiled in M
plans for the future. So your destiny is as sure
ly sealed as though you already yielded. fc
nothing will turn me from my purpose. Now
think yoD will understand me-"
He had spoken rapidly and with great emphs
sis, and now looked towards Camerone as if ex
pecting an answer. But he was disappointet
She merely bowed, and, with ceremonious GOO
morning, turned from the room.