Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1863-01-15

of striking that mans cup Of happiness
to tho groundP'
Twenty years had wrought but little
change in the dark beauty of Ellice Ir.
wing. One or two threads Of silver had
perhaps, interviewer themselves in the
abundant braids of ebon hair, and the
peach. blossom color ofgirlhood had CIV
en- place to softer rose on her cheeks;
but Ellce was lovely still as she stood
in the frosty October twilight, shading
her eyes with one fair jewelled hand, while
the other pushed aside the crimson trails
of the frost touched vine which hung
over the piazza pillars. Looking for her
husband. Ali there was no loving eye
to ws'cr for Frazer Martins erring foot
steps! '
At length he came, welcomed home by
the glow of freight, and the merry voices
of little children and the peaceful calm
of Ellice's smile! The world called
Hugh Irvine fortunate man, because be
had prospered exceedingly in its path Of
commerce; but what would the world
have said coul1 it have peeped into his
bright home circle? There must be an un.
discovered word to express such Hiss
"But Hu III, something has annoyed
you: you look grave and thoughtful" 1"
said Mrs. Irving, when at length the moi.
~ crew OF little ones had been safely pi.
oted to bed. and husband and wife were
sitting together--tugh in a velvet easy
chair, and Ellice on low ottoman beside
him. her cheek resting on his knee, as she
used to set in the days of brdehood.
"You are II veritable witch, Ellice!"-
said Hugh. laughing. Il believe you
know ever thought that crosses my mind
Yes, my dearest, have been excessively
annoyed!'
Tell me about it. Hugh: you know
yon never have any secrets from me-"
She put her hand carressingly into his;
he stopped and kissed the diamond spark
ling fingers.
Il have an opportunity to-day, Elice,
to pay off very old debt-to pay it with
interest. What do you advise?"
Don't speak in riddles, you provoking
fellow! Speak out plainly, or shall
never be able to comprehend you," said
Mrs. Irving,
Listen, then, my dear wife," said
Hugh, suddenly growing grave, almost
stem in his manner. "You know that
have been in the habit of depositing, from
time to time any unappropriated sums
of money in the--Bank, at New York
Well, | hsd occasion, not long since. to
send for a supply. 1t was duly forwarded
to day, with notice that | had slightly
overdrawn my account knew this to
be impossible, as the balance lying there
was nearly ten thousand dollars, and my
order was but for five. On examining
the statement of accounts sent on with
the funds, discovered that check tor
five thousand dollsrs, bearing my sigua
ture. had ben presented and cashed some
six months previously. Now had new.
er heard of the thing. nor signed any
ouch check"
"WeII?" said Ellice, her lips apart, and
her eyes fixed earnestly on her husband y
grave face,
And the name OF the man who PIE
sented this check this forged check, re-
en.ber-was Frazer Martini"
EIlice grew pale, and clasped her hands
tightly together. Good heaven, Hugh,
can this thing be possibie?"
mot merely possible, love, but certain
a fit winding up of his career of re,k
lessness and dissipation," said Irving
bitterly.
"But Hugh, what measures have yor
taken?" asked EIice, who seemed scarce.
ly able to realize the stupendous fraud.
None, as yet; but at the earIie.t prac
ticable hour to morrow morning | shall
set the officers of the law upon the track
Of this undetected felon."
"Wh is the consequences. Hugh?"
"lmprisonmcnt for life!" was the stern
answer.
Ellice tremblei. and half opened her
lips. but there was no gleam Of enconr-
agcment in the dark brow OF her hus.
band.
80, Hugh, dear Hugh. to think that |
might have been the wife OF this wretch
ed MANI"
Mr.. Irving passed his hand fondly
over his wile's hair, and drew her closer
toward him. as il he would avert the
merest thought Of danger from her.
"lf you please mama" said u servant,
putting his head in at the door, would
you step into the hall minute? The
hou,ekeeper wants to speak word with
yon."
Mrs Irving rose. and passed quietly
ont of the room, Hugh remained in his
old position, gazing into the fire with set
teeth and corrugated brow. In amo'
ment his wife letured with white, shock
ed face,
"Hugh-husband- have a sad story
, to tell you. The servants have brought
in poor. ioot.sore creature, wearied will
travel, and. fear, on tho verge Of fever
He fell. on the way side, little way be.
low. and Bruce found him as he came
back from stabling your horse. He is
worn to skeleton with fatigue and pri.
, vation-shall we take him in?"
Certainly" said Mr.. Irving rousine
himself with an effort from the train o
thought in which he had been well.nigl
absorbed; "lct the servants SEQ that h
: has every cave"
"But Hugh, dearest" pleaded the wifi
looking with grieved, terrified eyes int
his own, "will you come and see him
We have laid him on the sofa in the an
te-rOom."
"li you wish il. my dear, certainly,
said Mr. Irving "Why what in tn