Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-04-29
WHOLE NUMBER 435.

from behind the tree, and stood beior,
me.
She was sadly altered, and wept bitter
ly as | embraced her. | walked int
the house with her. The drawing room
was empty.
You miss my mother she said ssh
is in her room, very III, but she trusts yol
will go up and SEQ her
assented, and asked for William
She said he was about to sail for Botany
Bay with the next party of convicts
that he was patient, and resigned, ant
bore his fate better than could be ex
pected.
At this moment the ill>looking mai
servant opened the door, and said Mrs
Deloraine would be glad to see me alone
in the North parlor. | followed the mar
up stairs into the little parlor. There
was no one there, and James, saying Mrs
Delorsine would come up Immediately
left the room. After waiting some time
and nobody coming, | became uneasy
and walked to the door, and found wa:
locked in. | looked around the room
there was no other door, and The window
was too high to jump on the verandah
was evidently at the mercy of these
people, whose object must, of course, be
10 rob or murder roe.
At last, after a period Of suspense
which appeared years to me, I heard
footsteps advancing to the door; the key
turned in the lock, and Mrs. Deloraine
no cripple, but an agile, powerful wo-
mau-entered the o IN, followed by
James, bearing a light and iDkstand.
What is your meaning in th1s making
me prisoner?' | asked firmly.
Il should think your own conscience
would tell you, traitoress ? was the reply,
'Betrayer of my darling boy. The death
he 90 narrowly escaped would be too
good for you
But he owes that escape to me, Mrs.
Deloraine.'
Yes! be is to live, that you may not
suffer remorse. | understand it all. But
what kind OF life ?-that of a feIon---
my boy my pride +
She clasped her hands passionately.
The man whispered in her ear.
You are right she said, put down
the ink, and get yonder writing case.
suppose Miss Morton does not travel with
a check book in her pocket
For once she does, answered stead
lily. Il feared poor Kate might need as,
slstance, and put it in my pocket
That is WE'LL she said, sternlv. Sit
down, and write check for five hun
dred pounds
complied readily. had but fifty OF
my own allowance in the bankers hands /;
for / had spent literally of late and had
no present command of the large for
tune | inherited. felt convinced that
her rspacity would defeat its object, for
the banker would make inquiries before
he cashed such check. But the same
thought had evidently occurred to the
man.
1T Is too mucb,' he said slowly, fifty
will be enough for our immediate wants.
We dare not present larger check
With murmnr Mrs. Deloraine put
the first check in her pocket, and desir-
ed me to write another-perbaps she
kept that five hundred for some future
opportunity.
That will do said the man, taking the
second; NOW come'--to the mistress
we have no time to lose
They turned to leave the room.
You will allow me to go home now 2
I asked.
That is so probable ? said the woman,
sarcastically. That you may betray us
again
But will pledge you my honor not
to send after you, or give any clue to
what has passed.
oh ! but you may be put upon your
oath, cried Mrs. Delornne, mockingly.
That is impossible, unless | give in /
formation of my imprisonment; as for
the money, it is free gift-I intended
to help you, as l told you
She sneered again.
No Doubt Nevertheless, as you
might repent Of il, we will not try you.
Now listen! I hated you from the fine
you won my boys heart from me, and
marred his young life forever; and l
swore, when / heard you had betrayed
him, to avenge him. | do so nowl With
the money you have given US, Kate and
I will follow him to the place of his ex
lie. We shall have success there, l fan
cy! For you-you will remain in this
room. 1t is not known in the town that
we are here now; we were supposed to
have i5f; iS yestteTTI1::;y, iharefore no trades
people are likely to come near the annse
in fact, they have not troubled US with
calls lately--and as there is no food in
he larder. and you might be starved
we shall lay train to the house, and put
I slow match to it, in order that, by the
lime we are safe of, the flames may bring
you deliverance, or put you out of your
misery
And she laughed horrible, mocking
augh.
You will not surely be so cruel
,ried in an agony Of fear. 'YOn are but
me-
you will see Good bye, Miss Nor
ton; thus l return my obligations to you
And forcibly releasing her arm from
The clasp with which | sought to detain