Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-11-08

but, Gerard, dear, my mother
Whatever she does, yet she il thstu
'Assuredly; bat has she acted like
one?' responded the young man, fierce
ly. Think of the present injustice to
you-ofher running your happiness mere
" for her own selfish revenge Does
not her behavior warrant your casting
of that allegiance which otherwise I
own 1t would be your duty to observe?
Oh, Alma, my love! Will you aid her
in the wnrk?'
Alma wa4 silent. trembling with
alarm and uncertainty. They now were
standing in the small footpath stealing
and winding among the ferns, and the
moon, creeping up the sky, fell in sill
Yer shower upon them.
Alma continued the Btrnnet, rails
ing her white face from his breast to
gaze entreatingly into The dark blue
eyes, 'in pity to yourself, fn me-if you,
indeed, love me-consenl! Despite what
she asserts, Lady Pendrrieith's anger
must be transient. Remember, you are
her only child"
Alma shook her head sally.
That might be resSon with some
parents, Gerard; it would, l fear, little
influence mine. You do not know her
as do. Since she has discovered our
love, her manner has been more harsh
and strange towards me. Frequently,
too, have found her eyes fixed on mine
with an expression that has turned nv
heart sick with an indrkOrihable fear;
and stand before her. trembling and
confused, as if detected in some crime.
Was she but aware that I thus secretly
met you, never should survive her an
ger. Never would I venture to the
house again; would fly anywhere rath-
er. Her eyes hold me powerless by their
gaze
Gerard Penderleith, in such case,
mentally wished that her ladyship did
know it; and that Alma'~ fight amy
where would be to his arps, But he
answered, IF, then, such IL the miser-
able, unnatural existence YOU are fore
ed to lead, darlingswhy passively sue
cumb to ii? Why not consent to he
mine-to accept the home 1 will give
you, which, if not so large and rich as
Penderieith, yet will bring you happi-
ness, love, and the affection of a moth
er-kinder than the one you quit-one,
Alma, who loves you already9'
All! the life you describe would be
happiness, iudeed-such as I have often,
often -craved, oh, so eagerly, afterl Rat.
were l TO say yes-were l to yield to
what my heart urges, dear land she
nestled closer to his side, shivering Ito
morro~, her ladyshiR you'd read the
secret in my face. could not prevent
her. Then what would become of meo
Avoid such an occurrence, my own
darling hF rrioiRed, hendtng oaer her,
his brown eyes glowing with affection,
with hope, 'by flying to-nightr
'ro-night?' she calculated, in amaze.
Yes, dearest! Why not? Tonight,
Roseden shall shelter you. A mothers
kiss shall welcome you there; and to-
morrow-tO morrow he whispered, shall
see us man and wife!
Alma returned hisglance with blush
of pleasure; tnen added, in accents of
alarm, 'Hark! What was that, Gerard?'
What, love? I heard nor saw moth
ing. fancied something moved among
the trees. The rising breeze, perhaps,
or a slumbering Bird remarked the
Baronet. But will look. Be compos-
ed; it is nothing
Gerard Penderleith, making round
of inspection, came back, repeating the
words, 1T is nothing
Il am so gIad!' murmured poor Alma,
still rather white. 4 dreaded some one
might be listening. And, oh! if these
stolen interviews should be discovered!
The Young Baronet reassured her;
and, to give her courage, placed his arm
once more proteOtiugly about her waist.
For ten minutes longer they continu-
ed strolling among the frs; then sepa-
rated, fearful of detection by Drolonging
the interview. Besides, their parting,
this time, they intended to be but brief, |
as Gerard's last words showed.
Tonight, Alma, at twelve, you will
meet me here. A carriage shall be in |
at the west gate of the PLAN
tation. You consent to fly with me,
dearest?'
Yes, Gerard; have I not promised?,
you will not permit your terrors to
overcome your Iove9'
NO. have given you my word, dear.
Do not doubt mel will come
Once again he embraced her. A sec
Ond, they stood, hand clasped in hand;
then, with smile, she passed swiftly
away up the path.
The Raronet WATCHED till the last fiut-
ter of her light dress among the tree
trunks had disappeared, then himself
quilted the wood. Once turning, ne
looked back at Penderleith. The moon
now fell on the other side, making the
outline of the vast ancient building hard. !
sharp and gloomy in the extreme, Dark
and lowering 1t cast deep shadow,
like a foreboding Of evil, over the place.
Not light glimmered in the window
1T Is dull home for one so fair, so
young, as Alma he meditated. New
er mind! Tomorrow, another will be
hers. How cheerful and bright, in com |
parison. My sweet Almap
Tomorrow How little does the writ
er Of this-hOw little does the kind read
what will happen tomorrow
How little did Gerard and Alma!
Indeed, to the latter, the evening was
to be eventful enough.