Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-11-15

to RoSedeII, only reiracimg his steps six
times, lest Alma had come, after all.
Reaching nome, hr speedily recount
ed his news 10 hi< mother. who was
awaiting him aud his beloved.
Nrs. Lyle listened attentivply. and
without that surprise her sou expressed.
When he finished. she sought 10 reani-
mate him, by stating her belief H. to the
reason of her niece's non appearance,
which was tile same she expressed at
the late breakfaFt-table and ran thus:
My dear boy, rest assured, after my iu-
tCrview with her, Lady Penderleith has
Increased her vigilance over Alma, and
she has thus been unable to keep her
word. II is but Il delay Of a short time,
unless-'-
Unless what, mother asked the young
man, with an irritation his perturbed
state of mind fully excused.
Unless, at the last moment, Alma's
heart failed her.'
Impossible! That would never he
lieve.'
why? Your cuusin Is gentle, charm
ing, IovabIe girl. but timid; and, 40
wonder, poor child, stands in great awe
Of her mother
SHE is all that you say, and more
She Is, indeed, u girl who will yield to a
stronger will-who is too gentle to resist;
but she is also one who, though gentle,
timid, yielding, when once her word
was given, would maintain it to the
DEATH
MY dear Gerard, sou kupw more OF
Alma than do, therefore ! readily az
eept your opinion, and return TO my
first. 1t is assuredly Lady Penderleith
who has prevented her keeping the ap-
pOintment, which should console you,
as it brings an assurance that it does
not arise from Alma's want Of aftec-
ton"
Want of affection y repeated her son,
abruptly stopping in his walk. 4 new
er once attributed 1t to that, mother
But how can | obtain consolation from
anything, when remember the woman
Lady Penderleith is?-when 1 remem-
ber, Alma is, perhaps, at this very in
slant being subjected TO the grossest in
justice, and temper which you your
self declare resembles rather that Of
fiend's than r human being's?'
True. Still, recollect, Gerard. that
Alma Is her ladyship's daughter, CON
sequently must possess her affection. A
mother, believe me, cannot in an instant
pluck from her heart, the duties, the
love Of a parent. She will do your
cousin no bodily harm. Her purpose
merely is to keep Alma from you, while
your purpose will be to frustrate hers
'Assuredly,' rejoined the Baronet;
'and despite her ladyship, swear I will
frustrate it. Why, nO-impOssible-yes
Here she comes herself'
He had been standing at the window,
looking glOomily enough across the gar
deni but now his features indicated the
greatest sstOnishment, as he altered his
position to obtain better view Of the
entrance gates.
Her ladyship coming hereu eiaculat-
ed Mrs. Lyle, rising in her surprise,
and also approaching the window. Are
you sureY
Certain. Hark! She knpcked.'
Whatever can have brought her, and
at such an early hour?' interrogated
Mrs. Lyle, contracting her lips.
There can be but one reason repoud-
ed the Barunet. She has frightened
poor Alma into confession of our pur-
pose, and has come to expend her wrath
upon u.s.
Most probably you are right. Stein
bridge has shown her into the drawing
room, Shall I see her there, or ask her
here?'
ASK her here, by all MEANS replied
the BarOnet, earnestly. 4 shall be OH
thorns till I hesr the purport of her
visit
Very welli on one condition-that
you restrain your temper, and'-she
smiled-'yOurs love. Indeed, you had
better not join In the conversation at
all. Leave my kind, amiable sister-in-
law to me, She possesses one of those
fiery tempers that can only be met by
GOODNESS, Indifference, and resolution.-i
There, sit down; look at ease. Here
comes Steinbridge.'
The Baronet, In obedience to his
mothers suggestion, throwing himself
into chair by the table, took up the
morning papeE and Mrs. Lyle resumed
her place before the kissing urn. The
part they intended to play was admir-
ably well acted, and might have staod
pp0of BefoFe any other question than
the one Lady Peuderleith was there to
address to them.
Steinbridge-a foQtman SO exceedingly
well fed that the seams of his livery
stood in mortal peril-the instant after
made his appearance, bringing the Wis
itOr's card on a salver.
Lady Penderleithp said Mrs. Lyle,
ggrelesslY InsReatipg it: ASK her lady
ship if she would kindly excuse our be-
ing vt breakfast aud join US here,l
DOW, to pre-
serve the integrity of his coat, quilted
the room, and the next moment usher
ed in Lady Penderleith.
Her ladyship entered with all the inn
posing dignity of tall, commanding
figure, and long sweeping skirts. Her
face was white, yet calm; butts frigid
hauteur could not entirely hide the