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


surprise, none of her school mates were there
The only occupants of the vehicle were Nelson
Scoheld, and the music teacher his cousin They
explained it, however. by telling the unsuspec-
ting girl that Madame B. had told them that
Camerone ueeded more practice that the rest, as
ner part required the most complete self posses
sion and ease. That she had sent Miss Scofied
to act as instructor, and wished the ceremony to
be performed severrl times, so that all parties
Nigh. become accustomed to it.
% They arrived at the old brown church, where
gentlemen awaited them, who, Mr.. Scoffield
said, was to act as minister. The driver aligh-
ted from hi: box, and followed them in and up
the dark aisle Miss Scoffield bade Camerone
remove her bonnet ard stand at the altar with
the bridegroom. The ceremony commenced,
went on and no interruption took place. The
responses all made and the clergyman pro-
nounced them man and wife. While Canerone
pondering on the strang6nesS of the affair
words fell on her ear, Let US unite in prayer
and, almost before the confused and bewildered
girl knew what was transpiring, Nelson Scot
field had knelt, ana, with his arm around her
waist drew her down by his side upon her knees.
1.-The prayer short, and Immediately upon
its close, the clergyman handed her sealed en-
velope, which she mechanically placed in her
pocket. at the same time presenting the bride
groom with similar one.
g AS he turned away, Mr.. Scofeld detained
him for moment, and Camerone heard the
word fee pronounced, then the whole truth
broke upon her startled mind, and. with q low
moan, she tottered forward and fell fainting at
the feet of her music teacher. When she return
ed to consciousness, she was in the carriage with
Mr.. and Miss Scofeld, on each side, trying to
pour consol alton into her ears. They enioined
secrecy upon her, and Nelson scofcld vowed that
lie would leave her nm2lested for the term of
four years, and then he should claim he- as his
wife
..For some time the unsophsticated nature of
CaIDerone did not penetrate Scofeld's motives
in thus bringing about marriage by fraud aud
deceit. but, at last, she found she was the repu-
ted heiress of Uncle Meredith, aud Nelson ScO-
field, blackleg, gambler, AID heartless hber-
tine, had married her for the wealth she would
possess when shearrived at the age of eighteen.
~' lfou both observed, my dear parents, the
marked change in Camerone after her return
from New York, one year later There was
grave dignity in her character, n placid sweet
ness in her sorrowful face that surprised US all,
unacquainted as we were with the nature Of her
trouble and not until last winter did she breathe
one syllable of tLis to any one- Then, when she
found that Nelson Scofeld the nephew of
Noyes Willard, she told me all, and appealed to
my love for protection should she be claimed
the wife of that villain. He is in Holly now
the four years have expirel and he has come to
render her miserable. This is what has caused
Camerone's return tonight This has nearly
dethroned her reason, and, before she Will 90
With him as his welded companion, death or in
sanity will mark her a sure victim"
Mrs. Southwick bowed her head upon her
hands and groaned aloud as William paused.
while Mr.. Southwick sat firm and upright in his
char, with frownng brow and compressed lips.
- am goiGg back to Camerone, now," con-
tinued william; s. shall l carry to her the COM
forting assurance that in all that has transpired
her beloved parents exculpate her from all
wrong or blame 30
"Yes, oh, yes. William sobbed Mrs. South
wick Eve know that she has done right, and.
as far earthly care extends, it shall shield and
protect her from all future evil.''
,
ing nquiringly towards Mr.. Southwick.
Tell my dear daughter that L viii see her
soon, and that she has my warmest love and
sympathy in this great affiiction- And, as for
this villain who dares to annoy her, will settle
with him." said Mr.. Southwick almost fiercely,
as William turned from the ROOM
But he stopped upon the Threshold for Car
rie stood before him, in her white night-robe,
with her eyes widely dilated, and her hands
stretched out to meet his own,
What is the matter, Willie 2 Mother is cry
| ing and Camerone is not here. Tell me-oh,
/ tell me quick" And she trembled with agta-
/ ton.
! ..My dear girl, go back TO your room and lie
! down, returned her brother gently. g. Camerone
/ is down stairs, your mother feels little bad
! perhaps her head aches; you know a shower Of
| rain often makes her feel sick"
/ ..And that is ala Are you quite sure that
/ there is no trouble2 1 thought the shadow was
coming again." said she dreamily.
You were mistaken, my dear. The shadow
! is far enough away now, and l will call Sabrna
to come and sit by you till you go 70 sleep, 50
that YOU will not think of it again"
Mrs Southwick now came to the door.
Come, Carrie my dear, and iet me go with
you into your chamber" said she, taking the
child's hand with assumed cheerfulneSs, and
leading her away satisfied and quieted by VIII
nam's assurances of safety.
Carrie allow ed erself to be placed in bed. anC
with her mother sitting by her pillow. soon wa
wrappedin slumber.
i When William returned to the dining room
he found Camerone still seated upon the sofa
but, though the violence of her emotion had lef