New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-12-25

0000uI p1Opueo160S mC03o8OT W mVouux0t
would be unable TO pay him in the time
specified. And then he thought, exultingiy,
'pretty Mistress Edith viii have to choose
between me and beggsry. She shall have
the castle for her denver when she accepts
me-" he said. perfectly confident what her
choice would be.
A third year was coming to q close. Mrs.
Whitehurse had not heard from her con,
and pooc Edith Was without news Of her
lover.
The two women were eeeted quietly IN
the parlor talking one night in the latter
part Of November.
"Mother," said Edith, IT wish you had
understood the contents Of those papers BE-
fore you signed then. Do you know it Is
rumored through tho village that Nj. Bruin
owns our house, and can turn us from it at
any moment"
Nonsense, ollild,' replied tho mother.
'but here comes our coed friend. will ask
him"
As soon es Mr.. Br,lin Uas quietly seated,
Mrs. Whitehurst repeated t. him as village
gossip, what Edith had heard.
"Gossipa my dear madam" lie answered
in q questioning tone. ado not call it COS
sip, 1t is fact But Of course, the question
can never arise; We shall find An amicable
way of settling it," and he glanced at Edith.
with look which she could not mistake.
II am glad you broaehed tbs subject; I in
tended to do 60 myself The time for you
to redeem your pledge expires just one
month from to-day, and this IL the twenty.
fourth Of November" be continued, as the
ladies set silent from astonbhment and ter
ror.
Edith saw ali, and fully understood the
dreadful position Il which her nother'e
confident generosity had pla.oed them. She
also saw that It was expected that she
would sacrifice herself. in order to save her
mother.
Their visitor did ret like the silence
which both maintained. de went Ga to ex'
ouse himself:
81 would not have mentioned this now,
madam" he said, but unfortunately On
pressed for money; indeed. shall have "a
raise it at any sacrifoe," and again he
paused.
."Mr. Bruin," said Edith, rising. 1--WE
have still month, sir."
Certainly, Mns Edith; but l have plan
70 propose that viii prevent your disturb-
ing yourself in any way" and Mr.. Bruin
told Edith Of his love; he painted to her in
glowing colcrs, the life she should lead as
his wife. He promised to give her the castle
as her own, and then dimly threatened
her with what che would have to endure,
if she dared to drive him to despair by q
refusal.
When he ceased speaking, Edith, who
was as pale as ghost, but perfectly calm.
said. in frm voice:
"Sir. l do not fear poverty. but do lore
wealth; and my mother needs the comforts
it brings. Give me this month to think
your offer over. I 90 Hot bid you hope;
dare not bid you despair
Mr.. Bruin vas profuse in his thanks. He
had at least expected sceue, tears and en-.
treaties.
AS he took his leave, he said: "3iay
visit you still. Miss Edith"
The poor girl consented; she dared not
refuEe.
Once they were alone: ANOTHER" said
Edith, "for the next month I wish to 60
where I please, and do what l please.
must try to save us, end have but one
chance, nnd oh I" she moened, '"it is 80
slender"
The wealthy man went home, his way led
him directly past the church-yard: the
tomb built over che AcGregor vault looked
grim and ghostIy IN the silent city in which
it stood.
ala, he, ha I" laughed he. as he snapped
his fingers toward tho tomb; that for you,
old Mac, a1n going to buy one Of your
dainty descendants; yeu and Aunty Oliver
must have been hobncbbing somewhere.
when the old Lady signed that paper, or you
would have appeared aad stopped her. |
never had very great faith in your ghost
ship. though the psrson himself swears to
having sesn odd Aunty.s said the sacrilegious
wretch.
The month was fast drawing 70 close; it
lacked but . few days to Christmas, when,
az Mr. Brain stood ono afternoon at his bed
room window. he saw q lady closely wrapped
ny in her shawl and veil. approaching the
house. Though no could not SEQ tie face,
he recognized Edith Whitehurst. "Har'
thought he,' "my pretty mistress is coming
to pay NE visit"
But the veilcd lady turned down a lane
that led past bis house, into the suburbs of
tho village. Tho watcher waS filed with
curiosity and suspicion. 81 will SEQ
what this means" he said, "that little
rebel is daring enough for anything"
and putting On his hat and cloak, Mr..
Bruin followed the yelled figure. 1t was
growing dark rapidly, and he had no diff
Guilty in doing 90 unobserved. Atlcngth he
saw tho lady enter al old deserted house on
the outskirts Of the village. "Treason."
thought Mr.. Bruin, and as he hurried for
ward he met one of his servants, whom he
Immediately sent hack to the village to
bring squad of soldiers to his aid.
The spy advanced cautiously until he
stood before one of tho low windows of the
house into which the lady had gone. The
ill-fitting shutters allowed him free view
Of the room. In the chimney small wood
fire was burning; before it stood two men;
between them. her bonnet and veil Off,
stood Edith Whichurst. Each Of the men
held enc Of her hands, and they were both
looking at her with passionate affection
ayes, Me-" sho was saying, "thc miserable
villain managed to get mother to give him