Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1862-01-09

and heavy-the two entering Mrs. Leeds
room.
Soon he heard the sweet voice Of Mrs.
Leeds say pleadingly:
Don't be angry, Harry. Sit down,
dear; have nice cup of strong coffee on
the bedroom stove for you. Come and
drink it, and then let us 60 to bed, | am so
tired"
"Why don't you 60 to bed, then ?" said
the man Grossly, in thick, drawing tones,
that showed he was in liquor.
90 Harry, I couldn't But now that
you are here safe, l can sleep quite content.
Come, Harry
eco to bed yourself, Mrs. Leeds, I shan't
sleep tonight. Where is that precious
brother of yours? Has he come here to act
as spy on my actions?'
80 Harry you know that Charlie would
not do that-Charlie, that has been your
friend from boyhood. He was sorry you
we're not here tonight"
"Ay! I'll be bound you had rare dish
of scandal at my expense. Ha! ha ha!'
"Harry Leeds, you know better !" and
for the first time the tones were indignant.
"You know that I have been faithful,
true wife, and would speak disparagingly of
you to no one-not even to my brother
But come, now. Harry, undrcss and let US
60 to rest"
There is no use in fooling, Mrs. Leeds,
am going back to room 1876; the boys
again" And he rose to go.
"Oh my dear husband, please don't 60
off again." said she in pleading tones.
Take your arms from about my neck,
woman, Or l will strike you"
mo, Harrie; you are but jesting. You
would not strike me, your own Carrie p
"Wouldn't L? Then, to convince you,
take that" And heavy, brutal blow fell
upon the slender form; and with an oath,
after him
''Not sound came from the striken wo-
man. General Lane listened in an agony
of suspense for the faintest sound to relieve
the dread he felt lest that heavy blow had
killed the frail, loving wife, Several min
utes passed. Then he could endure it no
longer.
Il am old enough to be her father" he
soliloquized. Il will throw aside all eti-
quette and see if she is hurt He forth
with opened the door and looked within
AhztA.What q 81 oht met his eyes !z-Ilnan the
floor lay the strken wife, pale and motion
less. the blood trickling from the rounded
arm where it had come in contact with the
stove. Lifting the inanimate form, he laid
it upon the sofa. and tears-that were no
shame to his manhood-fell upon the pale,
young face He bathed her face with water,
aud soon, to his great joy, the large, dreamy.
biue eyes opened and rested upon him. She
looked at him as though bewildered then,
in moment. recollection returned, and a
flush of shame dyed her fair face. In an
swer to her questioning look in her eyes,
he said
"My room joins yours, madam. know
you were alone; and hearing no sound after
your fall, feared you might be very much
hurt, therefore | took the liberty of coming
in. Do not mind me. am an old man
old enough to be your father. 1 will ring
for the chambernaid to assist you, and then
leave you"
''Oh no can do very we'll I would
not have her come aud see me in full dinner
dress at this hour, and see this blood too" :"
Trying to rise. she fell back family, and
tears pressed through the closed lashes.
Il AN deeply indebted to you already,
General Lane; and if you will assist me into
my bedroom. can then manage alone ;"
Tenderly the noble man supported the slight
form into the adjoining room. As he turn
ed to leave she said:
General. you will keep this dreary scene
a secret, will you not? l should die with
modification to have it known throughout
the house
Il will never speak of it, madam; but |
would advise you to inform your brother,
and have him remove you from under Mr..
Leeds control. Excuse my bluntness,
madam; it is meant in kindness. NV heart
aches for you, and cannot help but speak
plainly. Goodnight, madam"
Next day the sweet face was very pale
and the. eyes heavy but that was the only
trace of the last nights conflict. The wound
ed arm was covered up from the brother
sight, and he never dreamt of his only Sis
tcr's sufferings. Mr.. Leeds did not return
that day. The brother aud sister spent the
evening alone-he reading aloud while she
sewed. 1t seemed almost like the pleasant
evenings at their own dear home, and some
thing very nearly approaching to smile
fingered about the lips of that anxious wife.
Ten o'clock came, and no Harry then ele-
ven -twelve--oue
1T is strange what keeps Harry. Is he
IN the habit of staying out so late, Carrie p
Before the sister could reply. there was
the tramp of many feet upon the stairs, and
in another moment knock at the door,
On opening it, four men entered, bearing a
rude litter, on which lay the body of Harry
Leeds.
Drunk p exclaimed Mr.. Sloan. his sus-
picions for the first time giving themselves
vent
No; dead. SIR answered the man, she
was killed in drunken brawl."
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