Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-11-22
PENDERLEITH.
CHAPTER V.
STRANGE 1NTELLIGENcE.

EIhANGE IN
SOME hours have passed since the
scene in the breakfast-parlOr, and now,
with all impatience, Mrs. Lyle sits in
her boudoir awaiting her maids return.
Simpsons absence had been long, con-
seuuently her mistress hopes were high
that she made some discovery.
"If Alma be a prisoner in the house,
she reflected, the servants, who are ar
gus-eyed in regard to Itheir employers
affairs, must know it; and if they know
it, according to the class, it will be an
utter impossibility for them TO keep it
secret; so Simpson, arriving just at the
moment, is sure to be made a reeipientof
the news"
The lady, putting down her embroid-
cry, refectively played with the silky
ears of a King Charles spaniel, who had
nestled down on the sofa by her side.-
Then she added, L wonder what success
Gerard has had. Poor fellow, wish he
would return. 1 much fear this sorrow
and anxiety will affect his health. How
white and PROSTATE he looked! If so, ii
is'another added to the Iongjlist of kind
nessess for which I have to thank Lady
Penderleith. Ohp she proceeded, with
iustifable bitterness, knitting her brows
and clenching erhands, 'ifI only could
be revenged, how glad I Ishould be- I'd
win Alma for Gerard, TO spite her, if for
no other reason. All, here he cOmes!i
A quick step had sounded on the stair,
and the instant after, following the pre-
factory knock, the Baronet entered.
Mrs Lyle, looking up, asked, well
what news, Gerard?'
Though the increased pallor, dejec
ton and misery of his features had al
ready answered the question.
"None, motherg' he replied, casting
himself despondingly into a chair
none! have inquired at every rail
way station within six miles-at every
village, at every cottage, but not a yes
tige of intelligence can I get! am hear
broken! What can have become o
herr"
Hes leaned forward, his face buried il
his hands, and shook with emotion
Want of rest, anxiety and fatigue hsC
crushed him down at last.
''Courage-courage, Gerard!' said Mr.
Lyle, rising, and placing her hand OF
his shoulder. 4 should have no neet
to urge you to it, were you not in neec
of rest and refreshment, for, in my eyes
your news is most cheering"
Gerard raised his face quickly.
"Cheering! In heavens name, how?i
"By confirming our idea that Lad,
Penderleith has spoken falsely, ant
Alma is still safe-at home"
sTf So" begun the Baronet, hesi
tltingly.
''If so? lam sure so, the more re
fleet upon the matter! Alma could Onl.
have quilted Penderleith to meet you
As she did not, where else could sh
have gone? Imagine girl of her gen
tie nature taking to wandering abOu
the country at midnight for no ostensi
BILE reason. Wait! When Simpson re
turns, you will see she will confirm m
words
tI earnestly pray that she mayp re
Joined the Baronet. How long will sh
be?"
fShe ought to have been back an hou
ago; I will see if she has come"
Mrs. Lyle rang the bell, and after
brief space it was answered by the lady
maid herself.
"Oh, you have returned" said he
mistress.
"But this instant, ma'am; was ju
taking of my bonnet when 1 heard yoJ
bell"
"Very well! What news do you brir
from Penderleith?"