The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-05-03

days. But how was 1t, Sir Richard, that
you disappointed me beforeT
II must explain that some other time, )"
evasively replied. "Here, madam,
please give me your hand" I added, as
she was about ready to set forward thro'
the dark passages in advance of me 81
can always walk better with such a sweet
friend to guide me-"
She gave me her hand, though | fan
cied there was slight hesitation. 1t
might be only fancy, but somehow my
suspicious rere reawakened. Gould 1t be
we were both playing part that the
whole affair from the beginning was
merely plot to decoy me foreign
stranger into her meshes, for the purpose
of robbery if not murder? that what |
supposed to be mistake was mcrely a
ruse and for her own wicked purpose she
was permitting me to think that was
deceiving her? The very idea under
the circumstances, was SO startling, that
in moment felt the cold perspiration
start from every pore, and / would have
given half my fortune to have been safely
at my hotel 1t was now too late, how.
ever, to attempt retreat We we're crop,
ing our way through a dark passage,
with the door closed behind US; but her
hand rested in mine, and I held it n
such way that she could not withdraw
it without my consent. Daylight, more.
over, could not De far off, and there was
some little consolation in the thought
We presently came to fight of stairs,
assembled to another story, passed thro'
a long narrow corridor, with several
sharp turnings, and at last stopped at a
door, which she unlocked and threw
open. A blaze of light from a large
chandelier almost dazzied me, and [ saw
| at a glance that the lady locked the door,
and then removed her mask, disclosing a
, young and beautiful face, so animated
and radiant with smiles that Instantly l
| felt ashamed of my base suspicious.
: "There, now, Sir Richard" sho said,
gaily, "you shall seat yourself in that
Jauteu2, We will have glass of wine to-
gether, and then we will arrange the plan
| with what haste we may, SO that you can
depart before daylight, if you wish"
Could 1t be that even here, in this
; light, at such close quarters, she mistook
me for one who by her own showing was
an intimate friend? The thing hardly
, seems possible If true our resem-
blance to each other must be remark
able indeed; if not true, then | had
been lured hither for soue dreadful puy
pose l seated myself as directed, and
, awaited the result with good deal of
nervous anxiety She stepped out of
the roOm for minute, through an inner
door that was slightly ajar, and returned
; without her domino, in very rich dress,
and with a decanter and two wine, glasses
on silver Vaiter.
"Here is your favorite sherry, Sir
Richard" she said with very sweet
smile, placing the waiter on a table,
pushing the latter up before me, and
seating herself on the opposite side.
| As l filed the two glasses, the thought
occurred to me that the wine might be
poisoned.
"Ifshe drinks, however, will" I said
mentally, "but not otherwise"
i We touched glasses, and both carried
the wine to our lips My eye was upon
her. She coughed slightly, and removed
hers untasted In an instant threw
mine over my shoulder unperceived, and
remarked, as l replaced my glass, that |
had never tasted anything better.
"Try another glass: one hardly gives
you the favor !" she said with her sweet
est smile.
| thanked her, reflled ms glass, took
it in my hand, and soon managed to get
rid of it as before
Now, then," she pursued, "let US
arrange our plan about Marie, while we
have an opportunity You know the
Couns opposes your marriage for no other
reason than-But, by the bye, Sir Rich
ard, you have neglected to drink to her
health !"
"True" returned I show could have
been SO thoughtless p | re6lled the glass.
"To the health of my dear Marie and our
speedy union !" 1 continued raising it to
NV lips. The eye Of my fair hostess
cleaning with peculiar light, was now
watching me closely. "Hark y said |
looking quickly around, "what sound is
that 2"
"Where, what Sir Richard what co
YOU hear 2" she exclaimed, with star
tied glance around the apartment.
81 think l was mistaken" said after
shor: pause, during which | had man
aged to get rid of the wine without drink
ing it.
When she turned to me again | was in the
act of removing the empty glass from my
Inns. She saw this, and on the instant q