North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1862-11-19


loved me. She appeared to seek and desire
my company. l. on the contrary, avoided
her ; and she appeared hurt by my conduct
and seeming indifference. Had I never met
Madaline, it is more than probable | should
have loved her. AS it was, could not. So
matters went on.
Gone day, my father called me into the IL
brary. He asked me the cause of my cold
ness toward the Lady Blanche. He said he
knew that she loved me, and that must not
throw away lightly such splendid chance
for high alliance. He told me the lady in
tended remaining but short time, and that
l must instantly propose to her. Disguise
was now useless. | told him all---my mar
raige to Madaline, and my love for her.
never saw, and never again hope to see, such
an expression of rage and hate as swept across
his countenance. With face perfectly livid
he shrieked forth
"'Dog base, ungrateful dog leave the
house you have disgraced! Go, and be hap
py, if you can, with your beggar-wife Be-
gone Never darken my door with your
presence p
81 did not deign to vouch a single word
in reply; | almost joyously left the hated
and gloomy mansion, and hastened TO the
cottage of my Madalone. The same evening
| received letter from my mother, stating
that she fully approved of my fathers con-
duct and that, from that moment, she would
only regard me as an utter stranger. A day
or two afterwards, Lady Templeton and her
daughter Blanche returned to London.
{" l resigned my commission in the army,
determined hereafter to devote my life to
Madaline. Being now of age, inherited an
income of three hundred pounds year from
a deceased relative our wants were few, and
my income was amply sufficient to enable us
to live very happy indeed. These were tru-
ly happy days, comradc ! The peaceful tran
guilty in which we lived seemed perfect
heaven on earth.
"One morning I left her TO visit fri end
who lived about twelve miles up the sea coast
She kissed me tenderly and bade me return
soon.
at was nisht..when returned. entered
her parlor: 1t was deserted! | called loudly
on Madeline no voice replied. The echoes
awakened seemed to mock me. | sat down
to collect my scattered senses. Her piano
was open, with the music lying ON it, as
though she had just quilted it. | burst into
tears. They brought me relief; and | began
to ponder calmly over the mystery connected
with her disappearance. knew that some
dark treachery had been at work, and | sus
pected my parents ofinstigating the foul deed.
1t suddenly flashed upen my mind that | had
lately seen Richard Vismer-a morose and
sullen Englishman, employed by my father as
steward-prowlmg about my dwelling. l
rushed forth and saddled my gallant steed,
and galloped madly to my parents mansion
On reaching there, rushed into the study
where my parents were seated. They started
as [ entered
Where-where is N wife {? I asked, i'm
ploringly. If ye possess not the hearts OF
fends, tell me and do rot drive me mad p
My father arose, and in cold and chilling
accents thus addressed me:
"What means this ill-timed intrusion
What think you we know of your wife, but
she has left you for some more favored suitor
Call up your pride, rencunce her, and return
to your parents and your home"
"'Tis a lie as black as hell ~ | shrieked
She isapure as the angels, and sinless as the
heavens Now, mark. me will find my wife,
despite your efforts to part us
81 again left my hated natal halls, deter
mined to find my lost Madeline-or to die,
81 will not weary you with long and weary
details. Suffice it to say that at length ira
ced her to private madhouse. On dark,
tempestuous night, eluded the vigilance of
the guards. l moved steaithily along the dis
NAL corridors, hoping to find the apartment
where my darling Madeline was confined. ]
heard voices and proceeding to the door of
the room from whence the sounds came, over
heard the following conversation;
"Now,' interrogated a voice. which rec
ognized as Vismer's, sign your rennuciaton
of your marriage with Walter de Lacey. He
has deserted you. Sign 1t, and you shall
have wealth in abundance.
The fabulous wealth of Golconda,' replied
Madeline-for it was she-'would not tempt
me to submit to your dictation, You cannot
make me believe that Walter is false. If you
have heart that can be touched by pity,
pray you release me from this dreadful place.
I feel that my hours are but few. Would to
heaven that could behold Walter once more
and could die happyp
"Peace, driveling woman ? Numbered Wis
mer, bending over my wife, and drawing a
dagger. Sign this paper, or your blood be
on your own head. Every mortal in this
house is in my pay, and act by the COM
mands of noble persons you know who.