The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-04-17


the coach.
"No, sir. We are going to your
house, where your presence will be re-
quired "
Nr Barton looked very steadily at
his wife for a moment as she uttered
these words, ard for the first time be-
gan to think that he had entered into
very silly scrape. The idea even
en- cred his head that she might be
little out of trim aloft, and it did not
make him feel very comfortable.
The door was closed and the coach
was off. Not word was spoken by
either of them during the whole ride,
which was very long-at least'it SEEM
ed so to him. Charles was intently
thinking upon his rashness, but one
glance at his sweet. newly married
wife settled that point.
The carriage stopped at the door
of house of elegant exterior in one
of the most fashionable streets in the
city. He alighted first, and handed
out his wife in silence. They ascend
ed the steps, and she rung the bell.
The door was opened by servant in
handsome livery
Is my uncle at home yet ?"
No, Miss, he is not" said the
man, respectfully bowling.
Mr.. Barton cast a furtive glance
around him. Everything was ar
ranged in the most recherche style,
and with the most lavish expense.
She led him into parlor m2tu6usly
furnished.
All that you behold" said Mrs.
Barton, as the door closed, " are
mine, sir They are now Your own.
Believe me. sir | speak the tr1.th
Remember that you are the master of
this house, and all in it +; and, what
ever may occur, do not forget your
own right"
You surely canno. mean deceit, :"
said Mr. Barton, utterly at a loss to
account for the singular conduct of
his ife
Trust me, sir, Try me, believe me.
| will tell you now all CANAL
have the time to tell Four years
ago, my father, one of the weaIthiest
merchants in this city, died, and left
me all his property. Ny uncle, who
will soon be here, was made my guar
dian until | should marry, and he has
charge of the estate left by my father
until that should occur. AS he has
nothing of his own to support him.
self, he has kept me secluded from the
world, and in confinement almost
closely, since my poor fathers death,
well knowing that on my marriage the
property would pass from his hands.
His conduct at times has been harsh
and cruel, and particularly of late.
To-day I found means to EST ape from
the house unseen. The rest you
know"
She then arose and rang the bell.
A servant came to the door. John"
said she, "send every servant in the
houss mp here"
Mr.. Barton sat perfectly still, and
said nothing, but he was mentally re.
solving how to act, and was more than
half inclined to think his wife luna
tic. The servants came up and stood
in the parlor, awaiting for orders
"Mr. Barton" said his wife, 'these
are your servants. Everything you
see around You was mine-all is yours.
You hear me-" addressing the SER
wants, this gentleman is my husband
and your master. Obey him as such.
Now, sir, all | have to request is, that
you will assume and maintain your
rights"
Farther she could not say, for the
perlor door was suddenly and violent
ly thrown open, and an elderly, hard
featured, looking gentleman en-
tered, and stood for a moment gazing
alternately at the lady and Mr.. Bar
ton.
What is your business here, sir ?"
demanded he austerely of Mr.. Barton,
who, as he entered, had seated him.
self, and returned look for look. Mr..
Barton made no reply
Miss Moran" said he, turning to
Mrs. Barton, can you explain why
this man is here ?"
:" She need not take that trouble,
sir" replied Barton, rising That
lady is my wife, and / am master OF
this house. And allow me now to
ask, sir, what is your business here ~
Your wife ! your house Upon
my word-ha ha ha |" and Mr..
Moran seated himself and laughed
most heartily and scornfulIy.
Come, sir" said Mr.. Barton,
"your presence is disagreeabIe. II
You have any business to transact,
finish it quickly We wish to be
alone"
"Why. Won contemntuous scound-