The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1862-02-20
inquired the young girl.

SNPPNSS oN' '"'"S '''o
detained him. lie will probably meet US
at the church."
As B anehe passed down through the
group OF liveried servants that lined the
hal, every one anxious to catch glimpse
of the bride, many heart blessed her
sweet face, and prayed that all the bright
anticipatons its smiles and hlushes shad-
owed forth might be realized.
i. To Lord Cantrefs surprise, the Earl of
Egberton was not vt the church door
when they arrived. His brow grew dark
with anxiety, though lie endeavored to
allay the apprehensions Of his daughter
whose checks alternately flushed and pa.
led at her embarrassing position.
just as they we're about TO return, Lord
Cantref noticed horseman approaching
at furious pace whom he recognized as
Mr.. 81. Croix, the young earl's cousin
His clothes we're torn and dusty, and his
face pale and haggard, as he hurriedly a.
lighted from his horse, which was cover.
ed with sweat and foam. AS his eye foil
upon Lady Blanche he hesitated, and
casting a significant glance upon Lord
Caltref, beckonsd him aside. But this
movement did moi escape the observation
of Lady Blanche, whose cheek grew pale
frem fear. t-, -
cit is from Walter" she exclaimed
breaking from her attendants and follow
ing ker father.
Tell me-" she added wildly. address
ing St. Croix, "is be ill-d1ad?' .s
"Be calm my dear child" said Lord
Can'ret sOothingly. whose countenance
betrayed great agitation. 1.-THE young earl
is not dead. only missing, 1t is to be hop
ed that he will yet be found"
Lady Blanche made no reply. but fell
pa!e and gasping in.o her fathers arms.
who quickly conveyed her to her car
riage.
Many Of the bystanders gathered around
St. Croix, anxious 10 know the causesof
this scene. From tie narration he gave.
they gathered that the earl had disappear
et no one knew whittier. That there was
no clue to his fate, excepting his horse,
which came Home few minutes after
midnight with dark stains Of blood upon
his breast and sides. The grief and lor-
Tor with which St. Croix narrated these
circumstances produced very favorable
impression on those who heard him; for
he was next of kin to the earl, and upon
his death would come into possession Of
the earldom. :, r-.a.,
"My child" said Lord Ca6tref, a few
months after, who was in close and earn.
eel conference with his daughter. Il wo' d
not urge you to take this step, were moi
assured that it would result in your uli.
mate happiness
Il don't doubt it father. said lady
Blanche languidly; but somehow the very
Thought is repuls!ve TO me. L never liked
Mr.. 81. C:oix, and can not say l like him
any better since his accession to his new
hoDors. There is, TO my womanhood in
slinct, some thing cruel in the very glance
of his eye and sound Of his voice.
"You are prejudiced, my daughter. ,
said her father; II see nothing OF this
Indeed believe him 10 be an honorable
man, and in every resp ct worthy Of you
You have no brother" he added solemn
Ily. as his daughter made no reply. "anc
will soon have no father, for my race ii
nearly run. 1t grieves me 10 leave yor
so unprotected, and it would take th,
last sting from death could see you lore
Egherlon's wife"
"Let it be as you say, father. replie'
Lady Blanche, inditIerenily. "Sinc
Walter is dead, i care littl3 what become
of me-"
"rhe earl has been waiting some tim
to see you BlHncte," )" he continued; "ma
he come in and receive your consent fror
yonr own lips?"
Lady Blanche inclined her head; and i
a few r.oments The willy man was by he
side.
Il have no heart 10 give you," sb
said in reply TO his earnest professions
lifting her eyes calmly to lis face; "bu
I my hand is yours whenever you choos
TO claim it.''
, "If the most devoted and tender low
can wihyour heart, it can not fail TO b
mine, dear lady" said the earl softly.
"NaY, Lord EgbertoE, "said Lad
Blanche, firmly. lit viii avail little. A
the heart that / have is buried in Wa
,er's grave. Yet Ipromise that all | ca
+ give you shall be yours any day 20
e name." ,t
o The earl murmured few words
n thanks, and then raising her hand rel
q pectfully 10 his lips, turned away. an
q mounting his horse, rode rapidly lowaI
Egberton Hall, his heart full cfexult;
tion at his success. AS he was passing
a narrow dedle, a form wrapped in larl
cloak suddenly crossed his path. startir
ia his horse so that he nearly threw him {
I from his saddle. With a sudden impr
" cation he turned toward the intruder.
y "Itis I, Edward st. Croixl' said
deep hollow voice, and throwing back Il
. cloak, the pale light Of the moon fell upc
the tall form ofa woman, clad in a stranI
= fantastic attire. Her flashing eyes we
- ~ black as midnight, ps also were the hea'
!, masses Of disordered hair that fell belc
Ia Il her waist; her complexion was dark, ey'
= to swartliness. Yet in spite of her vie
W unearihly aspect, there was something
r the general contour Of her face whi
a. showed that she had once possessed mo
ID than common beauty.
n "Ardclle!" exclaimed 81. 'Croix, asto
= ished. ....,a