New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-08-13
MY HOUR OF PERIL.

am unable to say, but certain 1t was, a
eighteen, the honor and pleasure of my a.
lance was solicited by two individuals
whose birth, education and position In LIT
might have secured for them hand, In
pecuniary point of view, far more desirabl
than mine Herbert Stanley was youn
man, handsome, rich, accomplished, tai
ented, and in every way a most eligibl
match. George Morgan, my second sutton
was lawyer from the thriving town 0
c.. He was neither brilliant nor par
ticularly progressing in his personal ap
pearance, but he stood well in his profes
sion, and acquired some property. and ha'
established for himself one of the finest ant
most unexceptionable characters, and Il
him my heart inclined.
We were married, and 1 returned witt
him to his pleasant home in C.. Twelve
years of eopiugal happiness, such as seldom
falls to the lot of mortals had passed ovel
our heads, and two little ones had beer
given to us, to unite more closely, and Il
bring fresh joy and sunlight into our happy
cheerful home. 1t was on an August after
noon, usually warm and sultry, that | wat
sitting by the open window of my little
parlor, busily plying my needle. My chill
dren were away passing the day with &
friend, and Mr. Morgan was at his office
He had informed me in the morning thai
upOEtdDI UuoAucSS CdllCo MIN W w" VI Il
and that it was his intention to leafe on the
evening boat, and my fingers were flying
to get the last stitches set in some clothes
he was to take with him.
/ had been sitting some time wholly en-
gagged in my work, when / heard the creak
ing of the front door upon its hinges, and II
slowly opened and closed again; theI
stealthy steps in the hall fell distinctly
upon my ear. caught glimpse of g
shadow on the floor. Hastily throwing
aside my sewing, | arose to ascertain by
whom and for what was thus unexpectedly
visited; but before l had time to advance q
step, the tall, powerful figure of man
stood in the doorway.
One glance at the new coIner's face was
enough TO drive all the color from my lips
and cheeks, and make the very blood
freeze in my veins and my knees smite one
against the other.
Itwas Herbert Stanley. had not seen him
since the night of his rejection, twelve years
before. But had heard from time to time
that life had gone variOusly with him; that
he had met with heavy losses in business,
which had brought on mental arrangement,
and for some months he had been regarded
as hopelessly insane. He had now escaped
from the asylum where he had been confined.
and had come to pay visit to me, the
OUJtCU VI LIS carly lOhCs His uCdO dlu ACCG
were bare. A pair of coarse blue pants and
a plaid calico shirt were his only attire.
His long, disheveled black hair fell far
down upon his shoulders, and in the red
leather hunting belt, which fancifully
encircled his waist, a pistol and bowie
knife were distinctly visible. A fierce CLEAN
of wild delight shot from his dark eyes as
they fell upon me.
Selling the knife in one hand, he brand
ished it over his head. and with laugh
loud and diabolical, he drew it several
times across his throat and forehead, and
L was in m0mentary expectation of seeing
a frightful wound inflicted.
Laura Moore" he exclaimed Moore was
my maiden name), ''when you were young
and handsome | loved you, adored you as
man never before adored woman; but you
scorned my love, you spurned me from
You; you smiled graciously upon my hated
rival, and you gave him the precious treas
ure of your. heart, but I've got you now !
You refused to be my bride on earth; you
shall be mine in heaven Thither l am
going, and you shall accompany mel Wen
our vows here, aud to the
abodes of Paradise we'll go to-
gether. Here is the instrument that will
take US there y
Saying this, he advanced with rapid
strides toward me, secured me by the arm,
and fourished the deadly weapon dexter
ously over my head, brought the blunt
edge directly across my throat, and fell
back to the door. and gazing upon me
with those wild, glazing eyes of his, till the
blood froze in my veins.
| essayed to rise, but terror rendered me
powerless. 1t seemed as If every muscle
denied me. l glanced toward the door.
Herbert Stanley must have interpreted that
glance.
"You can not escape" he exclaimed, ex-
lltingly; II have taken care to prevent
that. I've fastened the east door, and there
IS the key to the front"
And he took from his pocket large brass
key and held it up triumphantly before me.
All possibility of escape was thus cut of.
was in the power of desperate, merciless
bent on my destruction, as he
lad expressly avowed it, and that paralyzed
every nerve and muscle.
"God help me in this hour of peril" was
5he prayer that arose in my soul, for knew
that no human power was near.
Again the mailman advanced with the
blade guivering in hishand. l felt
5he iron grasp of his hand upon my Shout
Ter, saw the bright blade of the bowie-knife
pointed directly at my heart, and stood pow
srless and motionless as a statue.
But with this hour of peril came strength
adequate to the emergency. The courage
which had for the moment deserted me re-
1ived, and triumphed over fear. / knew
hat to plead for mercy, to sue for life, would
% In vain. My entreaties would be unheeded
md perhaps instant death would be the
consequence. Ny only hope lay in strata
rem. plan whirled through my brain
With lightning speed, and upon it | deter
mined to act.
Release me, Herbert" / said with as
much calmness as | could command, "and
,ome sit down by my side, want to talk
% YOU"
He obeyed.
''You will be my wife," he said. You
lccept my proposition? +"
l bowed assent. a triumphant smile
lighted up his features.
Herbert" began, lyon offered me the
ich treasure of your heart, but l bindly
md foolishiy refused it. L reeklessly threw
away my own happiness, but the act was
unprecedented one-and
lave never ceased to regret it. This time
vou shall not sue in vain.'
Another wild, shrill laugh resounded in
ny ears, and the maniac's eyes flashed with
additional lustre.
Il know" he said, proudly brushing back
ne long black locks from his high, broad
orenead. Il knew your wOman's heart
ould not second time withstand the pow
rs OF my charms Ladies always courted
mo admired me. / have been for years
he centre OF universal honor and homage,
ma though age is growing on apace. can
reep INTO the heart of woman as slyly
md subtily as in the days of NY early man
iood."
Herbert, | will. as said, be the bride of
our future life The unseen joys of the
ternal world we will share together. But
10 bride ever leaves her fathers home with
ut making preparations; neither can Ileaye
be abiding place of my earthly husband
Without making preparations without max
ng some ARRANGEMENTS necessary for. his |