National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1867-04-05

Bf''t my Anu ttlIiioSt Slil1llIld
neOuSly there was second flash, :
second report, and Florence uttered
a low cry of pain. | felt something
wet and warm on the hand with
which | was holding her in the sad
die, and knew instantly that it W as
her blood. With something like
madness ! snatched pistol from
my breast, took aim at the burly
head of the landlord. which [ could
now discern looming up against the
dark sky, and fired. felt no com
junction when | heard the heavy
fall, and knew 10y the deep stifed
groan that | Lad taken human
life. l felt rather glad that the
earth was rid of such monster.
then sprang up behind Florence
encircled her dropping forehead
with my arm, and urged Selim on.
as soon as | judged it safe, I stop
ped, sought out a sheltered glen by
Il stream of water. and striking a
fire. examined Florence's wound
She had tainted ] knew it some
! time before, by the dead weight
dropping against my shoulder. Her
arm was broken just above the wrist
and the blood was flowing from the
confusion. | was something Of n
surgeon. and set the bone to the
best of my ability. and bound up
the part with my handkerchief
Then | brought water from the
brook and bathed her forehead and
| do not know If II is any persons
business ifl pressed kisses on her
cold lips, and held her, and the kit
ten too, to my breast as | never
held any woman before, as | shall
never hold any other. She came to
consciousne IS at laSt-weak, help
less. but full of quiet content. She
did not shrink away from me as |
feared she would. She trusted like
little child and that fact alone
would have won for her my heart.
if | Lad not given it to her at first
sight.
BY slow journeys, stopping FIRE
| quently to rest, my faithful horse
bore her to the next village, where
she received medical aid.
told my story and accompanied
the proper authorities back to the
/ Pine Tree House. 1t was as | had
expected. the landlord was dead.
and the landlady had gone from the
place. What became of her we ncv-
er knew. We buried the man on
the spot where he met his death,
and left the place in desolation.
The day before | thought my
business was 50 pressing as to adj
nit Of II delay: now did not think
of business till She reminded me OF
1t by asking if must leave her.
DO You wish me to stay 2 | ask =
ed, dreading her reply.
She looked at me with her clear,
truthful eyes for she was no grace,
tul coquctte, to say one thing and
mean another.
Il do not wish you to 60 she said
i shall feel as if the power of that
man is upon lne, if you are away
Will you not stay!
Stay yes, so long as you desire
me to- replied passionately, watch
ing the slow color that came into
her face, making it so beautiful.
A week later took Miss HuntreSS
to New York. My mother cared fol
her until she was fully recovered
and | saw her almost daily. She
left the arrangement other business
affairs entirely with me, and laid
my plans with dcllberation.
Gregory Payne had made her suf
fer, and | confess ia a little revenge
tul feeling towards him on account
of it. ! wanted my blow, when it
did fall. to strike home. He was
engaged to very fashionable, heart
less young beauty, and the wedding
was arranged to come off in an III
town church, only patronlzed by
genteel people.
1t was with some difficulty that
won Florence to my plan; but sh'
did consent at last and, when th
day OF the bridal arrived, we rod
down to the church. Everything
was on magnificent scale. Th
decorations were superb, the brid
was naughty and beautiful, and th
groom scli-inportant. The ccremc
ny had commenced when, leading
Florence in front of the bridal pan
ty, paused and she threw back he
veil.
Never shall | forget the fearil
change that passed over the iace
E Gregory Payne. He grew absolute
~ livid, dropping the hand OF hi
, expected bride, he clung to the a
tar rails for SUPPORT. The clerg,
, man stood for moment speechles
/ and the hush which fell upon the ei
: tire company-most of whom ha
y been the friends and acquaintance
OF Miss Uuntress-wasa almost lea
! tul IN it's intensity. At length I'll
| clergyman spoke;
.Florencc lIuntress, has the gra,
q indeed given you back to lite =
r. 1T never claimed me- she sal
| speaking clearly, with her cali
:, steady cyr fixed on the shrinkiI
II Payne: Gregory Payne had n
:. the courage to murder me lie Sc
:. me To the western wilds under Il
surveillance of a man only hit
O more vile than himself. For ~
ID years | have been prisoner, co
n fined in u wrctched hovel, shut o
- uu..... H.. Ii1rLi ~ InN InDIIAIu OF .