The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-10-19

upon the stiffness behind her.
| The scarlet flush that overspread her
skin--it was red as the juice of ripe
pomegranate-may not unjustly have
Led the intruder, in his mind, to i'm
pute to her such a transgression Of the
laws Of maidenly prudery, as may have
been limited.
He was tall, sparely made man.
Neither could his dress have'been con-
sidered ultra fashionable, when contras.
ted with the raiment of Robert Ingram
1t was plain and well-worn suit OF
rusty brown.
But for the rapier at his side, which,
old and well-worn as its sheath and hilt
seemed to be, and valuable diamond
that glittered in his somewhat dirty neck
cloth, with mustache and beard, which
at that period of time were sufficiently
outre and unwonted to excite attention,
lie would have seemed very common
place sort of individual.
We have, however, omitted enumera-
ting one feature in his person, when once
seen, few would be likely to forget. 1t
was partially so concealed by the wide
brim of his round, tapping Spanish bea-
ver-also very well-worn-that it had
momentarily escaped notice.
This was his eye.
1t was small, black, sharp, and pierc.
ing as a gimlet. Not altogether unpleas-
ant in its expression, it was.nevertheless,
an uncomfortable eye. As one looked
upon it, one felt that its manner of re.
garding you could not be counted on,
by any of the known laws of civilized
society.
cam l, at present, in the grounds Of
Sir Arthur Medlicott--young mani"
The inquiry was made in quick and
imperative tone, which was very decided
ly the reverse Of courtly.
"Sir" was the naughty, interrogative
answer of young Ingram, as he advanced
toward him, motioning the fair Margery
back
Either the stranger had not previously
seen bis features, or caught the tones of
his voice as he had been speaking with
the girl. Possibly he had not uttered
anything while speaking to her in an ac-
cent similar to that in which he had Civ
en- out the monsyllable Certain 1t is, that
when the intruder caught it, a singular
surprise became visible in his.whole man
ner. He sprung forward and laid his
hand--a large, yet Syell-shaped one
heavily upon the shoulder of the Young
man.
"Who-in the name Of heaven ARE
you?"
Robert Ingram roughly thrust HIM back
SIT appears to me, fellow! that YOU
are boor or a mailman" Then he turn
ed to the girl who had been standing
| near them, lost IN amazement at the sin
gular manners Of the stranger SO
Margery," he said II will see that this
, madnan does not follow you"
AS Miss Latham slowly retired, what
was her surprise to hear a hoarse shout
of uncomfortable laughter burst from the
lips of the stranger.
Young Ingram faced upon him savage.
ly.
His face was scarlet with rage. His
hand caught convulsively at the pummel
OF his sword, as he made two strides to-
ward the unknown
"Sir!" he exclaimed. "If you do not
know how to condact yourself toward q
stranger,in the presence of lady equally
strange to you, Robert Ingram must
teach you"
OF course" said the man, chuckling
to himself; II knew it."
Margery Latham had now vanished
up the avenue among the beeches, and
the young gentleman, fairly beside him
self with fury, drew his rapier, crying
out, in voice inarticulate, or almost so
with passion:
defend YOURSELF"
1t had scarcely seemed moment tc
the youth, SO rapidly had it all passed
that his blade was whirled from his hanG
by that of the unknown, which had
crossed it, falling at some PAGES distant
from him, and piercing the green turi
with its sharp point in which it stooj
quivering, while the blade of his oppo,
nent was within a half inch's distance
from his embroidered waistcoat, pointing
very directly toward the region in which
medical men presume the heart to be sit
uated.
Snow, then; little boy! let us talk"
Robert Ingram felt profoundly DISCUS
ted by the epithet which was thus app,i
ed to him; far more so, indeed, than ht
even was by the manner in which he
.or his years, pronounced thoroughly
accomplished proficient in the art o
welding the weapon, by his instructor
Signor Pagliano, the best teacher of The
art of using the small-sword in England
had been disarmed.
| But--what could he do?
| The small black eyes of the unknown
were seeming to pierce him through -
They almost appeared to screw into hi.
soul. The blade in the strangers hanc
was, as has been mentioned, within hal
an inch of his heart. His own sworC
was now standing erect and motionless
with its point encased some three inche:
in the green-sward.
He could only look sulky and listen
"You SLY you are Robert Ingram.
am Richard, and half Ingram, too-by
The fathers side. The banns were no
read for my mothers wedding. Yo,
see, state matters as deIica teiy as pos
sible. l did not know my half brothe
had any son. Had done so, little boy =
(the young man was SO much amazed
that he forgot to grind his teeth, in help
: less wrath at the second repetition of tn,
insulting epithet, Il should certainly
not have inquired for Sir Arthur Medli
cott-William Ingram's brother-in-law
By-the-by, is Lady Medlicott, your very
amiable aunt, still alivet'
"She is
So astonished was Robert, the Who'll,
Ingram, that his answer was couched il
a far more amiable tons than he had ye
smployed.