Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-11-11

For nearly an hour longer the coupl
stood beneath the sycamore, watched by
pair ofjealous eyes. The bag did not no
tice them, but contented herself with study
ing the varying expression of Nettie's face
At last Alphonse and the girl walked
from beneath the broad leaves, and disap
peared from the watchers vision.
They are gone, said tho old woman.
Her words called Nettie Clifton back te
herself.
Yes, they have disappeared she said, in
a cold and bitter voice. The wolf and the
lamb
Or the hawk and the dove, muttered
the crone. Now, fair lady, let us return
Then they left the hillock, and Ne.tie re-
manned silent until they reached the steps
leading into her home.
This is my home she said, turning to
her guide. Now, what remuneration do
you want for your services {?
None, was the reply. TO feel sure that
, GU, so good, so pure, will cast the faithless
off, will be my great reward
Then rest easily on that score. I will
cast him off when next we meet. will not
listen longer to the words of the faithless
Then the crone hobbled away and Nettie
entered the house
ooh, long to tell him that scorn him ?
she cried, when she reached her chamber.
I will listel to no excuses there can be no
palliation for his conduct Seeing is believe
ing, and have SEEN
The following evening she had an oppor,
tunity to cast Alphonse Drayton off, which
she did.
Little suspecting the storm that was about
to burst upon him, he encountered her at
the gate. She coldy replied to his pleasant
greeting, and he instantly OWNED that some
thing had gone wrong.
What is the matter with you, Nettie 2
he said, endeavoring to take her hand but
she shrank from him.
You are faithless, Alphonse Drayton,'
she replied, with long practiced calmness.
'Faithless to one who wears the betrothal
ring
Who has told you this 2
NO one. l saw the proof Of your faith
lessness.'
'Where-when 2
Last night, beneath the sycamore, on
the banks of Silver Stream
He laughed
You laugh to add to my TORTURE she
said bitterly You met woman there
I do not deny the trutbfulness Of the
accusation
He VAS per ectly composed.
Then from me 60, man, unworthy Of a
woman's love. Here I cancel the betrothal.
Here we part to meet no more as lovers
You have broken the chain which cannot be
welded again. Go, Alphonse Drayton,
gop
She turned from him with an injured air,
but he put forth his hand and touched her
arm.
i am not faithless, Nettie, he cried
reigneth, I am not. Hear me ! the woman
whom I met last night was
who? demanded Nettis, turning sud.
denly upon him.
'My-no, will not tell you now. Wait
Nettie, till a fortnight has flown, and then
I will tell you ALL
'Ah! you refuse to tell me who has stolen
your smiles from me- she cried. Another
proof Of your faitblessness. Farewell
forever =
She cast the glittering betrothal ring at
his feet, and the next moment the door
closed on her form.
He picked up the bauble, and slowly,
sadly turned away.
"Perhaps, another will wear this, he
murmured, toying idly with the ring, as he
walked along. 1t will be long time be.
fore I can love another. Oh, how l love
Nettie, despite her foible-accursed jeal-
ousy. But I have not wholly given her up.
She may repent her hasty action, and find
me ever ready and willing to forgive
As the days passed, gossip became pos
sessed of the information that the betrothal
lately existing between Alphonse and Net.
tie was broken. It furnished conversation
al food for the village, and many conjec-
lures were rife.
AT last exclaimed Nellie Balfour, one
evening, he is free Now I can draw him
to my feet, and VIGOROUSLY terminate the
contest My plans have succeeded beyond
my expectations. The old bag served me
faithfully, and acted her pant admirably
I was aware of Nettie Clifton's foible I
knew that the sight in the vale would cause
her to cast Alphonsc off, that 7 might sue
coed at last
Nellie Balfour, though exceedingly beau
tiful, was an artful schemcr, who had long
loved, or pretended that she did. Alphonse
Drayton With modification she had wit
messed his actions towards Nettie, her rival,
and she determined to break the engage
ment and win him for herself.
One night she strolled to the hillock near
Silver Stream. and, glancing down into the
moonlit valley, she behold Alphonse and a
woman beneath the sycamore. o! if she
could get Nettie there to gaze upon the
love scene, the engagement would at once
be cancelled. She listened, and at the
parting she heard the engagement to meet
there again the following night.
The next day a fortune telling erone
made Byron point, and Nellie secured her
services. How admirably the bribed one
acted her role the reader has seen.
But the fair schemer was doomed to be
bafaed, and almost in her very presence.
Judge Lyon, who owned a splendid
country residence short distance from By
ron, determined upon giving ball, and the
uncommon event was looked forward to with
a good deal Of impotence. At last the
night came, and Byron was nearly deserted.
Alphonse Drayton accompanied Nellie Bal
four to the scene Of festivities, and Nettie
Clifton went under the protection of her
brother.
Quickly the hours passed, lighteaed By
promcnades on the porches, rambles through
the gardens, and waltzing in the parlors.
who is that young lady with whom Mr.
Drayton is conversing?' asked Nellie Of ar
acquaintance.
His sister, was the reply