The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-07-01

see her take it, l didn't see anybody take
it's
"Didn't see 'oAo take it, you have gone
too far now, Fanny, you evidently know
something about it, and ariU know"
Mr.. Grey was a magistrate, and the
object of Fannie's especial reverence, a
reverence, however largely intermingled
with fear.
"Oh, Miss Ellen" cried Fanny, suddenly.
81 could't help it, and didn't see you
neither"
Every eye was turned upon poor Ellen.
She sat as if petrified; her large eyes wan
dering from one to another, with help
less look that was pitiable.
" You, Ellen p said Mrs. Grey, recoiling,
A low exclamation of horror escaped from
the younger members of the family. Mr..
Grey turned his stern face towards her.
"And you would not only stoop to such
deed, but sit calmly by, and see the inno-
cent condemned as guilty; knowing, too,
the consequences which would follow hor
expulsion from the houso?''
Ellen did not answer.
"Where is tho watch ?" said Mr.. Grey
after pause.
CIT is lost" she whispered.
"Lost how sop he asked, still more
sternly.
The lips compressed themselves resolute-
ly, the unmistakablo sign of her uncom-
promising silence.
"Oh Miss Ellen, don't look so. I didn't
see you," cried poor Fanny, wringing her
hands. 81 was in Misses room, and 1
only saw you 60 to the drawer in the dress
ing room; maybe you didn't take anything.
Oh, say you didn't"
Ellen gave shivering sigh.
"Well, wife, this seals her future
Within ono month you 60 to boarding
school," he said, turning to Ellen, "there
to remain for five years"
"Oh, uncle, will you? thank you, thank
you, never want to come back where
have been so miserable
A cry of "crucl, ungrateful," rose from
the children. Roland's eye flashed, and
even the gentle BERTHE gave her a look of
reproach. Mrs. Grey sat with her head on
her hand.
81 shall have to tell Edward of the loss
of his watch, but he shall not be the suf-
ferer. l will provide him with another"
said Mr.. Grey.
But here Ellen sprang towards her uncle,
and before he could prevent her, seized his
hand, and falling upon her knees, cried:-
ooh, Uncle Grey, if you have any pity,
please do not tell him about it; will sub
nit to any punishment; will go anywhere;
| will never ask to see any of you again;
but do not tell Eddie. Let me suffer ALL
Do not cloud his happy prospects with the
thought of his sisters shame.' She sank
on the floor moaning in her anguish.
"Ellen, do not understand you, said her
uncle, striving to raise her; but she resisted
his efforts. "What shame of discovery
can equal the guilt of the act? Such
anguish for the discovery, such want of
penitence over the sin. Once more Elem"
he said, as he forced her to stand, "What
prompted you to it, and what have you
done with it,"
No answer save look of supplication.
"You have, at different times, sold little
pieces of jewelry, did you dispose of this
to supply any need which your Aunt or
failed to discover?'
No answer save the look of intense
pleading. Mr.. Grey could not meet it, and
looking away, said, 81 cannot understand
this sullen silence. The only point upon
which she seems vulnerable is Edward.
would at once tell him the facts, but just
now for his sake" he sternly continued,
turning to Ellen, who had clasped her
hands in entreaty.
s e. will defer the disclosure until after
his examination is over. Leave the room,
Ellen, I do not wish to see you again, until
you are prepared to leave my house."
An expression of intense relief passed
over the face of the child, as she YEARLY
turned away.
Mrs. Grey's eyes followed her; the pale
face, the heavy eyes, with their deep, dark
rings beneath the dropping figure, the
unutterable sadness of the countenance,
touched her heart.
Her eyes filled with tears as Ellen passed
from the room.
"Husband," she said, edo not let your
decision be unalterable, my heart yearns
over that woe-begone child. l cannot
explain it, but feel there is some impell-
ing reason for Ellen acting thus. Lot us
watch and wait a little longer"
"Do not ask it Lucy" replied Mr.. Grey.
81 have heard substantially the same apol-
ogy for her, for every offense she has yet
committed for my part, l feel as if the
stearnest measures were necessary to sup
port this growing tendency to evil in her
nature. She must be placed under strict
surveillance, and the slightest deviation
from truth and rectitude, punished swiftly
and surely. Your gentle Government is
altogether at fault here, my dear wife,
families sometimes require their peniten-
tiaries, and their prisons, as well as gov
crnments, and though 1 grant you the
cases are rare, this is one of them"
"OA master, you amt going to send Miss
Ellen to jail?" cried poor Fanny, falling
on her knees before him. "May the bless
ed Lord forgive me, if have brought the
poor child to such trouble Oh, master, oh,
mistres, if you could see her as l have-on
her knees beside her little bed, praying for
you both, for you all, and that God would
give her strength even to die for las sake,
and that her dear father-whom she
loved like an idol, if he is dead, -would
look down on her, aud bless his poor, little
daughter, and make her strong to suffer,
you would think, like me she was dear
little angel, and Pm thinking if things dom t
change" said Fanny, rising, and increas-
ing in boldness, ''it's not to Jail you'll be
sending her, but by short road to heaven.
Fannys speech seemed to electrify the
whole party. The children were shocked
at this boldness to "papa."
Mrs. Grey, trembling in eagerness to hear
something in justification of the child, and