, 1864-03-05

rious conduct. She, however, hearing and
recognising the voice Of the Count, as he
was inquiring Of some one without which
was her cottage, aud fearing to meet him,
rushed out by back door; so that, when
he entered, he found the cottage empty.
Walter and Margaret met. Theirs was
colloquy Of love and vows and unaltera-
BILE affection. Walter, fearful lest Margaret
might, in his absenee, be forced by her
father 10 become the wife of Count de
Baisseaux, urged her to accompany him and
his mother in their fight. The high-bOrn
yirl shrank at first from such proposition
but when she pictured to herself her Wal
ter absent, no protection near, suitor resO-
lutte, and father stern, she hastily consent
ed. 5.. ..-.. -f..# 20
1.-TWO hours hence" said Walter, enrap-
tured at the thought Of wedding Margaret
Maxwell" two hours hence, beyond the
ruined watch-tower, love will expect its
boom"
Doubt not my coming" replied the
lady. d" Soon as the rosy star Of evening
gilds the western skies, and gray mists float
Ger stream and dale, shall Margaret redeem
her pledge"
1t was evening; Walter stood alone by
the ruined watch-tower. A moment after
wards he clasped Margaret Maxwell to his
breast. They were about to depart together,
when band of dependents from Glenavin
Castle, headed by Sir Hubert, surrounded
and forced them from each other. Walter
vainly strove against host Of foes his
weapon was beaten from his grasp, and he
was manacled and dragged away to dun
geon in Glenavin Castle. Patiently did his
mother wait for his home coming, until It
was dark night; and then, when she found
he came not, she went forth to seek him;
She had not proceeded fur, ere she learned
his melancholy fate. To Glenayin Castle
were her steps then turned. r
It was with considerable difficulty that
she forced herself into the presence Of Sir
Hubert, for he had given positive orders
that no one should be admitted. He sat
alone. in his own chamber, debating with
himself as to what course he ought to pur-
sue with his daughter. The dame, on be-
ing shown in, advanced with an unsteady
step, and bent with humility before him.
swell, madam" said he, looking sternly
at her, F" your high and mighty pleasure is
complied with you do see me and now
for the business that has brought you hither.
What have You to saw"
"One word-mercy
al expunged that word from my vocab-
ulary, when villains hand blotted the page
where honor was inscribed" 49, 80
"Sir Hubert Maxwell, you arc parent. I"
"Ay, madam, wretched one your son
has rendered me such. l thank you for
the recollection"
"Is there no hope 7" exclaimed the moth
er, tcarfully; care you resolved on his de-
struction?' - II. h NJ o. st.a
"Not SO. Your son shall receive Justice,
and only Justice. If the injured man de-
mands no more, how shall he who commits
the wrong expect indulgence"
"Ah, sir, do not send me from you
thus ~ cried dame Vaudeville, in agony,
and casting herself on her knees before
Sir Hubert "Release my boy! restore
him to these widowed arms, and to the
globes remotest corner will We fly, never
even by our name to wound your peace
again."
!" Away away 4! I am deaf to all entrea-
ty," said Sir Hubert, resolutely. At that
instant the voice Of the Count was heard
upon the stairs, and Dame Vaudeville had
only time to rise from her kneeling posture,
and draw her veil over her face, when he
entered the chamber. 2 '..5
"Sir Hubert, come to ask a favor Of
you," he said with gaiety; "Will you pro-
mise to grant ity" .
II do indeed" ;" replied Sir Hubert, " "ere
1 know its purport." .... r ...
al take you at your word" said the
Count, joyfully; and, returning to the door,
he led in Walter Vaudeville. " Behold
the boon claim. sTis the restoration Of
an only son to the arms Of widowed mo-
ther. This youth once preserved my life,
and now redeem his from equal perilw !
Mother and son were instantly locked in
each Others arms, while Sir Hubert stood
by, in nowise pleased at himself for having
so rashly granted what the Count requested.
After embracing her son, Dame Mande-
vile, without uttcring word, feebly dis
engaged herself from bis arms, and totter-
ing towards the Count, sunk upon her knees
and kissed his hand, while she could not
suppress the tears that flowed in gratitude.