Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1871-05-11
NY HOUR OF PERIL,

Some thought me plain. many passable
and few decidedly handsome. Wheth.
er or not | could lay any jus: claims tc
personal beauty. am unable to say bu,
certain il was at eighteen, the honor and
pleasure Of my alliance were solicited by
two individuals. whose birth. education
and position in life might have secured for
them hand, in pecuniary point of view
far more desirable than mine. Hcrher,
Stanley was young man, handsome, rich,
accomplished, talented, and every way a
most eligible match. Scarcely had I re-
covered from the surprise the unexpected
offer of his hand and heart occasioncd me
before another proposition was made me
George Morgan, my second suitor, was q
lawyer from the thriving town of G-.
He was neither brilliant nor particularly
re-possessing in his personal appearance,
but he stood weli in his profession, had
acquired some property, and hal establish
ed for himself one Of the finest and most
uncxceptionable characters, and to him
my heart inclined.
We were married. aud returned with
him 10 his pleasant home in t..
Twelve years of conjugal happiness. such
rs seldom falls to the lot of mortals, had
passed over our heads, and two little ones
had been given US to unite our hearts
more closely. and to bring fresh JOY and
sunlight in our happy. cheerful home 1t
was an August afternoon. usually warm
and sultry. that was sitting by the open
window of my little parlor. busily plying
my little needle Ny children were both
away, passing the day with friend, and
Mr.. Morgan WINS at his office. lie had
informed me in the morning that impor-
tant business called him to New York, aud
that it was his intention to leave in the
evening boat, and my fingers were flying
to- get the last stitches set in some clothes
he was 10 take with him.
| had been sitting some time wholly en-
gagged in my work. when heard the
crcaking of the front door upon its hinges
and it SLOWLY opened and closed again
then stca;hy steps in the hall fell distinct
" on my ear. | caught glimpse Of n
shadow on the floor. Hastily throwing
aside my sewing. | arose to ascertain by
whom and for wha, | was thus uuexpc-
tedly visited. but before | had time to ad :
vance a step. thr tall, powerful figure of
u man stood in the doorway
One glance in the new comcr's face was
enough 20 drive the color from my lips
and checks. TO make the very blood freeze
in my veins. and my knees smte one
against tn" other.
Ii was Herbert Stanley. had not seen
him since the evening of his rejection.
twelve years before. But | had heard
from time to time. thnt he had met with
heavy losses in business. which had
brought on mental arrangement. and for
some months he had been regarded as
hopclcs>lv insane. He had now escaped
from the asylum where he was confined.
and had come to pay me, the object of his
early love. visit. His head and feet
were bare. A pair of coarse blue pants
and plad calico shirt were his only at
tire. His long dishevclled black locks
fell far down upon his shoulders. and in
the red leather hunting belt which fsnci-
fully cncircled his waist = pistol and the
bright steel Of \ bowie-kuife were distinct
ly visible. 4 fierce glance of wild de-
light shot from his dark eyes as they fell
upon me.
Seixinc the knife in one hand he bran
di>hcd it over his head. and. with laugh
long and diabolical. drew it several
times 50 nearly, across his throat and
forehead that was in momentary expec-
'ation ofseeing frightful wound intiic-
ted.
Laura More" be exclaimed. More
was my maiden name. when you were
young and handsome loved Won. aiored
YOU. as no man ever before adcred wo-
man but you scorned my love, you
sparned me from yoa, you smiled gra-
ciously upon my hated rival and you gave
him the precious treasure of your heart,
but I've gos yca now You refssed to
be my bride on earth-you shall be nv
bride in heaven. Thitber / am going.
and You shall accompany me. Wen
ccnsummase our vows here. and i'm the ce-
lestial abodes Of Paradise wen dwell to-
gesher. Here is the instrument that will
take Va there y
Saying this he advanced with rapid
strides towards me, secured me by the
arm, aourishel the deadly weapon dexte-
rsonsly over my head. brought the blunt
edge directly acrsss my thrua,, then fell