Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-02-12

fast as four spanking steeds could gallop
to Scotland and to bliss. In my anxiety
and eagerness, drew nearer and nearer
to the Ferns, watching the instant wher
fate and love should bring Lefty to my
desiring arms. 1t was eight O'Clock of &
November evening, pitch dark and bit
terly cold. Even the ardor of passion
that coursed through my veins was insult
ficient to keep me warm. l paced to ant
fro outside the fence, and stamped upor
the ground for cold and impatience +; it il
not unlikely even that swore. AT last
however, at last my hopes were realized
along the road came tripping a gentle
step, which was surely Letty's timid foot
fall. Dear girl how sympathizet
with her hesitation, so natural, so wo-
manly, to intrust her destinies to tht
charge of one of the ruder sex. How
it should be the study of my future life
to make her happy! Even as listened
the footsteps ceased. A voice, whose
tones were music, breathed my name.
rushed forward, and in another moment
the sylph-like form of Lefty was sobbing
upon my breast.
Time would not permit of long entrea-
ty. Leading my charmer rapidly on to.
wards the chaise, | poured forth my
hopes and wishes in passionate appeal
which clearly found responsive echo in
Letty's heart, for although she said moth
ing, she hurried along at speed found
it difficult to equal. Even at that anx-
ious moment-so critical is ungratefu
man II could not help redecting that
the haste she testified was slightly unfem-
mime, and i'll in accordance with the ideal
Of shrinking modesty l had hitherto con-
sidered her especial attribute. But
dashed the cruel thought away as soon as
it arose, and we fastened down the lane
The chaise was reached at last. |
called to the post boys to look to their
horses, and opened the door of the car
riage to help my Lefty in. Judge of my
CONSERVATION, when a tall, portly figure,
in military cloak, stepped on the in
stant out of the vehicle, and Withdrawing
the slide Of a lantern, showed by its light
tho mocking and detested features of my
enemy, Col. Stark
'Hullo young Parchment be sneer-
ed, with hideous grin distorting his ma
lignant countenance, what are you going
to do with my daughter? Come, come
my lad, your gallery's countermined.-
Catch a weasel asleep if you can, and
shave his eye. 1t won't do. Your plan
was clever, but not clever enough to de-
ceive an old campaigner. Come, sir. give
up the lady, and march away
'Never!' | shouted, throwing my arm
around Letty's shrinking form. There
are limits even to fathers authority
Never will / surrender this dear, this
lovely prize, save at her own request
She honors me with her affection, and l
will not abandon The precious boon, ex-
cept with life. Stand away from the
carriage, Col. Stark, and let US pass this
instant
To my intense astonishment, the colo
nel broke into burst of uproarous laugh
ter. The post boys, who had turned side
ways upon their saddles, the better 10
survey the scene, exploded with similar
glee. Last and hardest blow of all, from
beneath the veil that shrouded Letty's
features issued sounds Enthusiastically those
of mirth 1 fell back a pace, and gazed
upon her shaking figure with speechless
dsmay.
'Ho, no, ho beloved the colonel
This fellow'll be the death of me. Hold
me up, somebody, or l shall fall. Ho,
no, no What did he say? This dear,
this lovely prize--this precious boon p
o Lord o Lord Here, young Parch-
ment, look at your lovely prizeP
Slowly the figure before me raised its
veil, and instead of my Letty's charming
features, l beheld-O horror THE sable
visage of that disgusting Johtee Lall, his
eyes cleaning with malicious delight, his
mouth listened with a hideous grin from
ear to ear!
'He, he, be p Uttered the wretch, hold
ing out his arms, 'Missa Tutely want run
away wild Johtee all de way to Cotland.
Come along, Missa Tutely-come alongP
How 1 got home that night, never
knew.
Long afterwards, l learned how this
errible mishap had come to pass. Up
% the morning of that unlucky day, it
all had gone well. The colo.
lel believed me seriously hurt, and in
ended to avail himself of the circum>
stance to appear at the India House, in
obedience to what be imagined a genu-
ne summons. Being in Bayfield,, he had