Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1869-04-01

you nearly; there Is
rob you in the most shameful manner; pue
Providence has enabled me to counteract the
wicked scheme; tell me where, and at what
hour, can see you without danger OF Interrupt
tion,'' After a moments pause-"Come with
me-" said she, Unto the garden; all in the house
are still asleep.n We accordingly went thither,
and related 10 her the whole occurrence and
gave her. at the same time, the will itself. She
was agitated, and could not utter a word. but
raised her streaming eyes TO heaven.
Ireminded her that quick decision was above
all things indispensable What shall I do"
said the trembling girl, what can do viii
you confide in me- asked !. Willingly, most
willingly" she answered, in a tone that pene-
trated my heart. II was concerted between us
that she should meet me the same evening at
the friends house where we had been the pre-
ceding day. then hastened home to consider
of the measures which it would be advisable to
adopt. had scarcely reached my own door,
when young Seldorf overlook Inc; he was in
the greatest trepidation, and said, my friend,
my friend We exchanged great-coats yester-
day, by mistake, and am now come for mine.
There are papers in il of the utmost conse-
quence, which trust have not dropped out
have you by chance seen them?" Iquickly col
lected myself-"Mr. Seidorf,' said 1, taking his
hand. ~ think you are too much of an honest
man to commit knavis.i action;- the papers
which you are so anxious about are in safety"
"where where?n cried he hurriedly, and look
ing at me with an air ofsuspicion. Where they
ought 10 be" returned /; "Adeline is the heiress
of Colonel Sternbach.''
He threw himself into a chair, and covered
his face with both hands. l exhorted him 10
take courage, and to thank Heaven, which had
prevented his committing a heavy crime.
"Ah," said he striking his forehead, "Adeline
is lost to me, soon as she knows that she is
independent and may choose for herself"
"Why what pitiful fellow you must be, to
" ish to tread in the dust noble heart in so
base manner!n spoke this loud and angrily,
and was instantly sorry that had suffered the
words to escape me. The scene continued some
time longer, till set the poor devil somewhat at
ease by promising that the whole transaction
should be confined to ourselves. But is Ade-
line acquainted with it?".."she is, but you must
know her well enough to be satisfied, that she
will not abuse the confidence which 1 have
placed in her."
"Yes, yes," muttered he between his teeth,
"she is much better than I-fhan my ssters-or
all the young women whom know-she de-
serves a better lot than can offer her."
now really pitied him. His natural rough
ness might have been softened by better educa-
ton. With all his faults, his heart was not bad
and what was wrong about him arose more
from perverted notions of things than from
vicious inclinations. now attempted to rouse
him on the score of pride.
"You wished, )" said 1, mot to be under any
obligation to your wife, and would rather take
her fortune from her by fraud, than receive it
at her own hand, but it would be impossible for
you ever TO overcome the sense of the injustice
which you had thus been guilty of, and you
would in fact have become more dependent on
her tnan if she had brought you a million as
portion. for you could never have again looked
in her face as an honest man, even if she were
to reciprocate your affection.
| He stared at me earnestly; never having been
accustomed to reflect ON his actions, or to weigh
the motives of his conduct, he knew nothing OF
life except what he had learned in taverns. An
idea seemed suddenly to have occurred to him,
and with the words, "You shall not at least as
sert that am vicious he hastily quilted the
apartment.
! was puzzling myself to find out what his
meaning might be, when a boy came into the
room with message "to meet him instantly
without the town gates" This sounded very
likes challenge. Still could not think him
mad enough TO expose himself to a disclosure
OF circumstances which touched his character
so nearly, and which would naturally be the
consequence of meeting between us. did
not delay attending his summons, however but
repaired instantly to the place appointed, which
was promenade that was little frequented. At
the moment of my approach perceived him
walking under the trees with Adeline ION his
arm. Adeline appeared much perplexed. "My
dear friend said Seldorf, smiling, aI have as
sured Adeline that you have something to say
oeDd1t bride has also word for ;you in private
that would not be conveniently spoken before
my sisters. have therefore brought you to-
gether here; so make the most OF your time, for
shall return for Adeline in a quarter Of an
hour" Saying this, he walked away, leaving
Us both not little disconnected. Adeline could
not compose herself, and my presence of mind
seemed to fersake me altogether. Atlast, how
ever, found my voice, and said, "a singular
accident, dear Adeline, has brought us together.
seek for a companion for life-coqld 1 but
hope"
A deep blush, which came direct from the
heart overspread her lovely face, and drawing
from her work bag paper, she handed it to
me. saying softly. This letter has doubtless
fallen by accident. into the will-my name is
mentioned in it," 1t was letter from my
mother, which had got amongst the folds of the
will. / had written to her much about Adeline
and the good lady had, in her answer, said that
this would indeed be a daughter after her own
heart" And will you too call her mother, my
Adeline!" Take me to her." whispered she,
and the warm kiss which 1 impressed on her
cheek was the seal OF our union.
In a few weeks carried Adeline home as my
wife, and my mother is quite convinced that
have succeeded to wish in getting myself
suited. rgt t .l--