Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-04-13

Dut IHC oFluOuCC; 1NOlIy, 10 ONCi-
whelming, and Burr cannot refute it. "
"I don't care for it, and the latent
fire of her soul flashed into face and
eyes. Poor boy how he must suf-
fer. [ cannot forgive you for keeping
it from me. | must 60 to him."
"You shall not-he is criminal,
and it will bring disgrace upon you
and us"
He is innocent, and nothing shall
hinder me from doing my duty"
Your father and I have decided
that your engagement must be brok,
en- off,"
"My promise is sacred, and though
given in sunny weather, it binds me
in the storm"
"Daughter, do not be obstinate.
You owe US obedience and duty"
Granted, but my first duty is to
Burr. 1t is my pleasure that it is so.
Though his parents and mine, and
every other friend fall from him, yet
will not |. l will prove to him that
my love is strong and true"
"Do not be SO hasty. Your father
will be highly displeased with you"
" Mother, would not yOu cling to
your husband through evil as well as
good report ?"
Certainly, the marriage contract
is binding. Your case is different" "
because the legal ceremony is
lacking? Before God | am his wife.
His joys and his sorrows are mine,
and come what may, shall abide by
my plighted troth."
Later, light female figure entered
the cell where Burr was confined and
throwing back the heavy veil that con-
cealed her features, stood revealed to
the bowed and sorrowing man.
" | have come at last, Burr"
God bless you. ! was sure goa
would not forSake me; yet why did
you come to see me in this wretched
place"
You are not guilty, Burr ?''
"No Thank God"
" | knew you were not"
" But the evidence is positive, and
according to it, am a deep-dyed vii
lain"
" | would take your word, Burr,
against the whole world"
He strained her to his heart.
This is comfort, Nelly 1t makes
me almost glad that it happened, since
it proves to me how entirely you trust
me"
" Have YOU no suspicion, Burr, of
the enemy who has brought upon you
all this trouble ?'
" 1t is only suspicion, and | will not
breath it to sully any mans good
name"
What is your sentence ?"
am condemned for five years to
hard labor in Auburn prison
( - IL Is cruel.
The law must punish. The au-
thorities could not do less under the
circumstances"
How will you endure imprison
ment p
A spasm of mental pain corrugated
his forehead.
Perhaps your God will help me.
"Claim Him as yours, and he will.
She mused awhile, and the softest
blush burnt on cheek and brow, as
she found courage to whisper:
Do you want me to marry you
to-day, Burr p
His face frightened.
" Are you willing o?'
Yes"
And your parents p
They oppose me"
And you are strong enough to re
sist them p
"Yes, Burr"
Little tempter," fondly, "youl
parents do right. | shouldn't b,
worthy OF you if | consented to linE
your name with mine. | wouldn'
bring any stigma upon you, darling
A wife sinks to a level with her hus
band"
No stain is on your soul, Burr
God pays no heed to mere reputation
why should we ?"
know He looks upon the heart
but so does not man. | want YOU
name as stainless as your character
know not that mine will ever b,
clear a. uot think it will; and
therefor release you from your prom
!, ise to me-"
, 40, Burr y
1t is better So"
II will not take it. You are un
kind to me. If | were your legal wife
you could not shake me off so"
a should not wish to, then"
DO you nO1O
"To be frank-no."
"What makes you then ?"
! at is my duty. | will never mar
ry till my name stands clear befor,
the world"
, "That day will come-I know i
will, and l am bound to you."
How you have cheered me! Coo
forever bless you, my darling"
Burr went to his hard, dreary pris
on life. Tom Bryant retained hi
: position at Whitney's. He visite'
Nelly frequently, and after few
months ventured to propose for he
/ hand. He met with decided refusal
and to get out of her neighborhood
! he started for another city. The car
, on which he took passage came in col
: lision with another train, were throw
from the track, and many of the pas
t sengers were either killed or serious
t ly bruised. Tom Bryant was morta
: ly injured. He survived few hours
D and during that time was a prey
Al oc rr1n