The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1866-05-04

son carpet, and walls hung with pic
lures and mirrors On the sofa. ~
ing in listless attitude, was n young
lady She was, perhaps, twenty years
old, with a profusion Of dark hair that
was carelessly coiled around her head,
face very lovely in features and COM
plexion, and beautiful dark eyes.
She was dressed in n loose robe of
rich violet silk, and held in her hand
a book, which she was reading earn
estly. | was Just about to try to find
a door and endeavor to obtain admit
lance to this fairy bower, when saw
the door of the room open and man
come in.
He was probably fifty years old,
with singularly repulsive face, SIMS
ter eyes, and thick iron-gray hair. At
his appearance, the whole aspect of
the young lady changed. She start
ed up to sitting posture, and, drop
ping her book, put her hand hastily
to her side | then noticed for the
first time that in her belt she carried
a small pistol.
The man made a deprecating ges-
ture and seated himself at some dis
lance from her / could not hear her
reply; but | fancied, from the scorn-
full curl Of Der lip, that it was not
very agreeable.
He then went on to speak to her
very persuasively, rs / imagined.
She watched him earnestly; and, al
though her splendid eyes sparkled
with look of naughty contempt /
fancied there was a shade Of lurking
fear benath it.
The man was very eager in his hsr-
argues, after a while getting up and
advancing toward her as lie spoke.
In an instant, the pistol was flashing
IN her hand, and springing to her
feet she menaced him with it.
what, Leonora," l heard him say,
will you never give up that wretched
weapon p
Never" she said, passionately,
"while you torment me with this hate
full suit.
They had both spoken loudly in
their excitement; and l. growing
anxious to hear moro of this singular
colloquy, leaned forward and gently
pushed the sash; it yielded to the
touch, and a little crack opened,
through which l could hear every
word distinctly.
'Leonora, no one viii ever love you
SO well as l, he urged.
q do not want that love" she re-
piled, coldly Il want my freedom
and my rights. VIII you give me
these =
NO he replied, sullenly; mot till
you are my wife"
'Ihat I shall never be.
"Ihen you must remain here.
"Ahl" she cried. passionately, cam
l to drag out more wretched months
in this horrible prison? Am l never
to have the liberty that is SO sweet r.
In her carnestness, she clasped her
hands together, releasing her hold of
the pistol: and in an instant he
sprang forward and had almost caught
her in his arms, when she, with a
quick movement, started back, and
once again threatened him with the
hrearm.
"Stand back her eyes flashing
dangerously "Stand back, Mr.. Lori
mer, or l will shoot you this instant r'
With a scowl, he drew away pace,
muttering a curse,
Il wonder l 90 not kill you, as it
Is, she said. Il am growing SO wea-
ny of this life, should be glad of my
release. You had better beware how
you drive me to desperation. -
She was magniticently handsome as
she stood there menacing him, her
beautiful eyes blazing and her hair
dropping down. He looked at her
with mingled admiration and terror
There now, leave me, she added,
after moment. eco away or |
surely will shoot you'
He turned sullenly at the iinperious
words, and without remonstrance
went slowly out of the room.
AS the door closed behind her, she
threw herself down again ON the So
ia, and buried her face in her hands.
| waited moment, until he must
have gone quite away, and then tap
ped lightly on the glass. She sprang
up again in fresh terror, looking to-
ward the door. l knocked again
more loudly, and soon she discovered
from whence the sound proceeded
and came to the window Ipushed ii
open, and we were face to face.
do not be frightened, / said, Il
am lost traveller, in search OF warmth
and shelter.
81 fear you will not find it here,
she replied, though l would gladly
give it to you.
"You will forgive me, | hope; but
have heard a portion of your recent
conversation, and know that you arc
under some imprisonment; and if you
will permit me L will try to aid you IL
obtaining that liberty you seem tc
long for.
Her face frightened up with IA.
diant smile. "Oh, if / could be free
If / could get away from this horrl
BILE place !" Then her face clouded
But / cannot even let you IN; much
less let myself out.
us there no way by which ! can oh
tain entrance p
- ono; my jailor must not know tina