Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-12-27

voice as he spoke, and, detecting 1t,
| quickly she looked up, answering, No,
no; meant it not thus, dear Gerard.
II only Intended that I, who loved
you SO much, felt pained in being una
bic to prove ii by giving everything l
+ possess to you.
My darling, you have proved it by be-
slowing upon me yourself. You did
more than all the world could do; you
gave me happiness-nay, life. wooed
only, / won only, the woman, and re-
jOice that ii was so, as it declares the
pure unselfishuess OF my affection. It
is and ever will be to me a pleasant
recollection. Do not grieve me, dear
est, by ever again letting such found
ationless cause of trouble cloud that
sweet countenancc. What 10 care
for Pendcrleith In possessing you I
feel richer than the wealth uf emperors
could make me.
1t was decidedly a pretty speech to
and one most pleasing to young wife's
ears. So Alma thought, who. knowing
the words were the truthful echo of the
heart, dried her tears; and assuming her
brightest smiles, while the Baronet fin
ished his letters, tripped away for her
outdoor attire, as the morning was to
be spentin a visit to Ben Lomond.
Another month Of unalloyed happi-
ness slipped by, and the young people
were just beginning TO think of fixing a
date for their return home, when letter
reached them from Mrs. Lyle.
1t was evidently written during the
moment Of vexatious irritation, and
rail-
Ny DEAREST GERARD
Knowing what you do,you will scarce
ly be surprised to hear that the most
vindictive and unforgiving of women,
my sister-in law, Lady Pendcrleith-
begging dear Alma's pardon for speak
ing so Of her mother-is determined to
carry out her threat TO the very letter,
and that speedily. Penderleith is in
the market. twas put up for sale
week ago; but as a purchaser could not
be found Immediately for so vast an es-
tate, her ladyship, in her impatience to
be rid of it and satisfy her revenge, ac-
tually Intends disposing Of the old place
by auction. parceling the park out into
lots. Large, unslghuy boards are TO be
seen everywhere, with glariug white
letters, stating lot this number and lot
that. Conceive the dissertation, the iu-
suit to your ancestors, my son, thus to
destroy the estate which has been for
centuries Ia your dear fathcr's family.
1 could do ! know not what from vex-
alton. But her ladyship is her own
mistress; and-thc man nor woman does
not exist who can turn her from any
purpose upon which she has resolved.
Come back, my dear children, both of
you, and take final look at the place;
for ina brief time, cut up in lots, with
each an owner, Pendcrleith will have
ceased to exist.
Alma's tears We're nearly flowing
again at this fresh news, but her hus-
bands bright unclouded smile drove
them back.
Ny dear, kind mother, hc said, out of
love for and a sense of justice to me, she |
ever set her heart OH my one day being |
master Of Penderleith; us if 1 cared for
it--nOtI. The land, no doubt, will be |
turned to better account for the county
by some agrieulturists, than by myself, |
were its owner. If we must have a |
grand estate, why, we will purchase
one, ell? Though, for my part, I prefer
its compact, homely COM
fort, to all the grandeur Of numberless
rooms and endless servants. Still, shall |
we do as our mother says, go back and
take look at the old place, my love ?
Yes, Gerard, answered Alma, not a
bit sorry now, for Penderleith possessed
few pleasant remembrances to her; it
will please her if we do. Let US 90 at
once.
So they bade Scotland farewell, and
on the evening Of the next day We're
with Mrs. Lyle, seated around the
blazing fire in the cheerful Roseden
drawing listniHg to, and in turn
all the events which had
.ranspired since last they had quilted
It.
10 be continued it our nert