Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-17

On we went to the next station, where,
by the aid OF the usual silver key, I had
my inquiries carefully answered, and
learned no lady had got out there. On to
the next with the same result, also the
next; then with shrill whistle or shrek,
as if the painting monster in front was in
dignant at having its speed checked 50 fire.
quently. we stopped at a small station,
constructed on the side of an excavation.
A passenger getting out here with lug
gage gave me an opportunity to prosecute
my questioning--this time with success. A
lady similar to the one portrayed, had
alighted there. At this intelligence,
though the train was just on the move, l
sprang instantly on to the platform.
Can you," / asked, Inform me in
which direction the lady went, on quitting
here ?''
The man, coming with me to the little
palings which divided the platform from
the public foot-path, pointed down 9 long,
now rapidly darkening, country road, in
different direction from the town, and said
it was the way she went. = ..aat
Thanking him, hurried on for some
PAGES till he had gone back, then came
to halt, and grayely reasoned with my
SELF
This is folly calculated. What lady
would 60 down such road without it was
towards her homeP / suppose shall ar
rive at some pleasant little villa, within
which my tndns0r0td, no doubt, will be
seated comfortably by the fire, while /,
idiot that l am, will be shivering in the
cold outside. A pleasant hotel, and
good supper, are surely preferable to that.
However, it was of no use, the feeling
was upon me to go on-why, scarcely
knew, or rather, had not the courage to
confess the truth even to myself; hut the
vision of the dream was so vivid in nv
remembrance that dared not go back till
| had seen more, or proved my fears with
out foundation.
Onward therefore went, till l reached
a narrow, dark lane, which looked famil-
lar Was all then really coming trne
Now entirely controlled by one thought,
which circumstances had so served to
strengthen, hurried down the lane, run
ming upon the short grass at the side SO as
| to deaden my footsteps. l can recollect
as well as if it were yesterday, the cold,
sickening, creeping fear which then came
over my face, and the horror with which
calculated:
oh, merciful Heaven! should [ by my
| lOOllsn uelay, DC 100 late
just at this moment, the moon shone
down through break in the trees, clearly
illuminating the end of the lane was APP
preaching. AS it did so, my feet were
rooted to the spot, my heart ceased its pull
sations, n dizziness seized me, and each
limb grew powerless with horror-for
there, as distinctly as in my dream, did
my eyes behold the vision / had then seen.
R,rt Nv O. -.
thus. The woman's agonized cry of ter
ror really rang in my ears, and the next
moment, clubbing the heavy walking stick
| carried, l had dashed forward, and deal
ing blow with my whole force, brought
holding the knife. Both fell to the ground
together. Selling the latter, was, over
come with frenzied passson, about to
spring on the would-have-been murderer,
who had reeled back with pain and aston
ishment, when the woman, flinging her.
self before me, cried:
No, no; do not touch him, pray you.
Save me-take me away from this dread
| ful place DO not let him murder me but
harm him not. He is my husbandr
can never describe the feeling those
last word occasioned me. My blood turn
Villain = | exclaimed, sternly, address,
ing the man. A pretty husband truly !!
Quit this place at once for if you make
any attempt to retain or harm this lady,
shall do you a mischief
Curse your he muttered as he tried to
raise his bruised right arm. You have
done enough already. You may go now,'
he added, turning with fierce malignity
to the woman; but, recollect you are my
wife, and whatever they may all try to do.
| will see you and the boy when choose .
Saying which he slouched in sullen rage
away, while | supported the lady, who
was weeping Historically, back to the sta
ton.
On seeing her into a train for New York,
she said:
Sir, for the great service you have rem
dered me this night, believe me, shall
ever be deeply, sincerely grateful, and l
feel some explanation of the sad scene is
due to YOU but | cannot-I dare not give
any. On the contrary, if might, would
beg YOU to add further to the kindness YOU
have already done me. which is to forget
me and what you have witnessed this
night, and believe neither to have existed
but in your imagination
So strange had been the events, that
could have easily fancied so, and, assuring
her | would always obey her as far as lay
in my power, took my leave"
'And have you never seen either party
again 9' asked John Clayton's compan-
ion.
"Never, nor expect ever shall; but
laugh If you like-now know the reality
Of that picture exists, can never love an
other.
Nonsense! Besides, the lady's mar
ried, and - But there is somebody COM
ing up to your studio, old fellow Shall
retire awhile ?"
Yes, you may as well, Gurney. Go
into the other room. shall not be long,"
The elder artist had scarcely disappear
ed, than knock came at the outer door.
John Clayton, fastening forward and
opening it, found there lady, clad in deep
mourning, holding little boy by the hand
"You are, sir, Mr.. Clayton, the renown-
ed portrait painter, believer" she had
hugun; but hesitated, embarrassed by the