Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-12-16

supposed to bea mistake was merel
a rnse and that for her own wicker
purpose she was permitting me t
think | was deceiving her? Th
very idea, under the circumstances
was so startling that in moment
/ felt a cold perspiration start from
every pore, and | would have givel
half my fortune to have been safel,
at my hotel. 1t was now too late
however, to attempt a retreat; We
cropping our way through dark pas
sage with the door closed behinC
US; but her hand rested in mine, anC
| held it in such a way that she coulC
not withdraw it without my consent
Daylight, moreover, could not be
far off, and there was some little con
ISOLATION in the thought.
We presently came to a flight oI
stairs, assembled to another story
passed through a long, narrow cor.
ridor, with several sharp turnings
and at last stopped at a door, which
she unlocked and threw open. A
blaze of light, from a large chande-
Iier, almost dazzIed me, and | saw
at a glance that the apartment was
luXuriously furnished. As soon as
we had entered, the lady locked the
door, and then removed her mask,
disclosing a young and beautiful
face, 50 animated and radiant with
smiles that instantly | felt ashamed
o. my base suspicious.
There now, Sir Richard" she
said gayly, "you shall scat yourself
in that Pm cu 7, we will have a glass
OF wine together, and then we will
arrange our plan with what haste
we may, 50 that you can depart be-
fore daylight if YOU wish"
Could it he that even here, in this
light, at such close quarters, she still
nc for one who by her own
showing was an intimate friend p
The thing hardly seemed possible.
II true, our resemblance to each
other must be remarkable indeed i
# not true, then had | been lurcd !
lithcr for some dreadful purpose
seated myself as directed, and
awaited tie result with good dealof
nervous anxiety. She stepped out
If the room for minute, thrnugh +,
IN inner door that was slightly ajar,
md returned without her domino, in /
/ very rich dress, and with a de-
.anter and two ne-glasses on a sill
.er waiter.
Here is your fayorite sherry, Sir
Richard" she said, with a very sweet
mile, placing the waiter on a small
able, pushing the latter up before
ne, and seating herself on the OPP
osite side.
As ! filed the two glasses, the
bought occurred tome that the wine
light be poisoned.
"If she drinks however. I will" Il.
aid. mentally. "but not otherwise"
We touched glasses and both car
led the wine to our Ii ps. My eye
as upon her. She coughed slight
/, and removed hers untasted. In
u instant I threw mine over my
boulder, uupcreeived and remarked
5 replaced the glass, that l had
ever tasted better.
Try another glass-one hardly
ives you the favor 2. she said with
cr sweetest smile.
| thanked her, reflled the glass,
,ok it inmy hand, and soon managed
} get rid of it in the same manner
) the oth"r.
"Now, then" she pursued, "let us .
grange our plan about Maria, while :
e hayean opportunity. You lHlow '
le count opposes your marriage,
II no other reason than-But, by =
lc-by, Sir Richard, you have neglect =
to drink her health. n
True r. returned I; chow could l =
I'VE been so thOughtless r rcflled a
&c glass. ITO the health of my p
EAR Maria, and our speedy union !" il
continued, raising it to my lips "
he eye Of my fair hostess, cleaning Il
ith a peculiar light, was now fl
atching me closely. "IIark T said o
suddenly, looking quickly around, S,
7hat sound is that p C,
W"hcrc what Sir Richard ? what o
, you hear?" she exclaimed, with 81
startled glance around the apart 5,
1nt. 81
think l was mistaken" l said, after ri
short pause, during which | had
lnaged to get rid of the wine with
t drinking it. IT
When she turned to me again | y
Is in the act of taking the empty u
ass from my lips. She saw this, ?
d on the instant a strange express :.
IN Of wicked triumph fitted across 81
r beautiful features. 1t was mo "
but it was fiend like. l It
t my blood curdle. My worst u
spicions then were just! I was u
snaredl How should | escape {?
: - l. L .----l---l IL IL L L IL = !