The mountain Democrat., 1864-05-14


signed, and bore his fate better than could
have been expected,
II Poor fellow r she added, WITH real
feeling, he is very young, and was badly
trained. declare to you, Miss Morton,
we never, either Of US, knew what good
ness was till we became acquainted with
you
looked, doubtless, as I was, greatly
astonished.
mol our parents educated us without
any principle she continued, and though
poor William so generously acquitted his
family Of all completely in his guilt, they
did not deserve it,
At this minute the Unlocking man ser
want opened the door and said Mrs Delo-
raine would be glad 10 see me alone, in
the north parlor, an upper sitting-room,
in the gable end Of the house. did not
know how to refuse, though Kate's reve.
lation had made me uncomfortable. So
followed the man upstairs into the little
parlor, where she and had been wont to
sit and talk and work during our brief
intimacy. There was no one there; but
James, muttering that Mrs. Deloraine
would come directly, placed a chair for
me and left the room, closing the door
after him. | walked to the window and
looked out. The easement Gt was no.
thing more) opened upon that part of the
shrubbery in which the old oak, with its
suspicious earth-hole, stood. As my eye
fell upon it, the same misgiving that had
felt just before, rushed on my mind
Was | looking at my own grave? r.
Very uneasy, | walked at once to the
door, determined to 60 away Immediately,
but, on turning the handle, found that
it was no longer possible for me to do so,
i was locked in Obcying a first i'm
pulse, shook the door. violently, and
called loudly to be let out. No voice an.
swcred me.
looked around the room there was
no other door, though, as remembered a;
and the window was too high up for me
to jump out on the top of the verandah :;
yet even that I might be obliged to dare.
| was evidently at the mercy Of these
people, whose aim in Turing me thther,
and making me prisoner, must Of course
be to rob or murder me. With renewed
fear gazcd out Of the window on the
gathering twilight. The wind moaned
and sobbed round the old house, and
shook the i'll fitting easement. opened
it and called for help as loudly as could;
but the breeze blowing full in my face
nearly stihcd my voice and, save the
old trees, which crcaked and bowed their
heads towards me, saw nothing outside.
Twilight deepened into night, and
sank on my knees and prayed fervently
for help in my no Of sore trial. ! arose
strengthened with new hope and fresh
courage. felt that had enlisted a
mighty defender on my side.
At last, after period Of suspense which
appeared years to me, heard footsteps
advancing to the door the key turned in
the lock, and Mrs. DelOrainc-no cripple,
but an agile, powerful wOman-entered,
followed by James, bearing light and an
inkstand.
What is your meaning in thus making
inc prisoner = asked firmly.
Il should think your own conscience
would tell you, tratrcss!' was the reply
Betrayer of my darling boy, the death he
50 narrowly escaped would be too good
for you p
But he owes that escape to me, Mrs.
Deloraine.'
Yes! he is to live that you may not
suffer remorse. understand it all. But
what kind Of life? That of fclonl My
poor boyl My pridel'
She claspcd her hands passionately. -
The man whispered sullenly in hear car.
You are right she said; put down
the ink and get yonder writing-case. |
suppose Miss Morton docs not travel with
a chcque- book in her pocket?'
For once she does,' | answered stcadi,
ly. Il feared poor Kate might need as.
SiStance, and put it in my pocket And
drew it out.
That is very we'll y she said, stcrnly
Sit down and write chcque for five
hundred pounds
| complied readily. I had but fifty
pounds Of my own allowance in my
bankers hands, for had spent liberally
of late, and had no control of the large for
tune | had inherited. felt convinced
that her rapacity would defeat its object,
for the banker would be sure to make in.
quiries before he cashed such a cheque.
But the same thought had evidently oc-
Cured to the man.
1T is too much he said slowly fifty
pounds will be enough for our immediate
wants We dare not present larger
cheque.'
With a murmur, Mrs Deloraine put
the first cheque in her pocket, and ordered
me to write another; perhaps she kept
! the first for some future opportunity.
That will don said the man, taking
the second. Now, come he said to his
mistress, we have no time to lose.
They turned to leave the room.
You will allow me to go home now?' !
asked.
That Is so very probable!' said the
woman, sarcastically. That you may
betray us againy'
But l 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. DcIoraine, mockingly.
That is impossible, unless l gave in
formation of my imprisonment ; as for
the money, it is a free gift. intended to
help you, as told you
She sneercd again.
No doubt Nevertheless, as you
might repent of it, we will not try you
Now listen: hated you from the time
you won my boys heart from me, and
marred his young life forevcrand swore,
when | heard that you had betrayed him,
to avenge him. do so now! With the
money you have given US, Kate and I will
follow him to his place of exile. We shall
have success there, fancy. 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 left yesterday,
thnrefore M trndpqneonla arn Ekelv to