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

cent Of despair bordering OH insanity
What, in heavens name can this mys.
terry mean? What can have become oI
Almaq"
Mrs. Lyle had resumed her seat, and,
her elbow on the table, her forehead in
her hand, was 50 engaged in thought
that her son rather impatieptly had ia
repeat his questions.
"ATy dear Gerard" she replied, "you
ask what | would give much to be able
to answer; but cannot, try all | would.
The whole affair is most singuiar-nay,
as you say, mysterious. That Alma
should have written the letter, and
have quilted PendrrIeith without keep
ing her appointment, Is a puzzle too in
tricate for me to read"
"Such conduct seems 81 unfeasible, 50
purpOseless, so--so unlike Alma" re-
marked the Baronet, plucking at his
mustache in his dilemma as to how to
act.
$50 very unlike, that, coming from
the source the information does, hut for
her own letter, l never would have be-
lieved it."
"But for Alma's letter! What then
would have been your opinion if it had
not existed?" asked the BarOnet, eager
ly, anxious for the least ray of hope up
on the dark sea or despair.
'"That Lady PenderIeith had done
what she so coolly accused Us of doing
lied. There was an expression at time
upon her cruel, mad, handsome face l
did not like"
How, lied, mOther?"
"In pretending she imagined to find
Alma here. In saying she had quit
ted Penderleith at ALL"
II do not not calch your meaning
said her son.
"NIy meaning Is, dear Gerard, that
but for the letter which Alma could on
ly have written at the last moment, l
should believe, Lady Penderleith, hav-
ing discovered all, has played trick
upon us, and returned her daughter
prisoner, hoping to break off the con-
nection by deceiving you as to her ah-
senee. She is quite capable of such
proceeding"
'The letter being written, you think
"WeII, yes"
Besides" added her SOIL, thoughtful
ly contemplating the PATTERNS OH the
Brussels carpet, SOME of our servants
knowing those at PenderleIth, such a
secret could not be secret long,
"Certainly; and those words put An
idea into my head. My worthy sister
in-law, who is far too proud to hold the
least converse with her inferiurs, may
be aware Of the intimacy you mention.
Therefore, this very day informing
Simpson, my lady's-maid, of Alma,s
l will, under the plea ot
send to Penderleith to quietly
pick up al tha news possible. Who
knows ? Perhaps my surmise may be
correct after all. Lady Penderleith Is a /
self-willed, resoIUte woman, who will
dare anytbiRg.N
"po so, mother during which l will
make inquiries everywhere" answered
the Rarouet, tPuor Alma, to fancy that
MI her sUffeHRg-fOr am sure she is
suftertng-arises from her love for mel
But will find her, and make her mine.
despite all the Lady Penderleiths in the
Try what you like; dc What you like.
the affair public, If her lady
ship Is trying any trick, may bring her
to reason. Only, Gerard, don't despair,
Why, my dear boy, you look five years
older than you did last night. ReanI.
lect, observation-disclosures, blended with
" haIF the battle, and that you
have loving mother to aid you. Let
US be strong in ourselves, and in the con
test that is about t6 eommepce between
I f'iNr' 'Ftfl 'tHH 1s'NeNfeIl we Ludy come |
2tf victorious"
She PLACED her arms about his neck, |
and kiasea his pale, weary face atfee-
As atieOllonately he return
ed the embrace, promising all she de- |
sired, then quilted the house, to COM
mence series of inquiries, while Mrs.
Lyle proceeded to her dressing-roOm,
rang for her maid, and forthwith in
formed her of the mission she was want- /
Ell to perform.
10 be continued IN our nert.