Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-11-29

COnclOusneSS, you dragged me 10 lnls
place. Irepeat it now. love Gerard
have promised to be his, and will
keep my word, if this dungeon do not
prove my tombp
1T will be your tomb rejoined her
ladyship, coldly; for, save by yielding
to my wish, you never quit it,
Very we'll; have courage enough to
die answered Alma, quietly sinking
back on the bed; but not. to break my
word to Gerard, I shall not suffer long.
The damp of this place already clasps
me round, and whispers to me of freed
on
Lady Penderleith looked in amaze up
on her daughter.
Was this the girl so gentle, so timid,
that she had ruled from babyhood with
sharp word or frown? Was it she who
now, despite what she had and was to
suffer, rose up so resoIuteiy to thwart
/ her will?
The time, then, had come to learn
that the frame so delicate, so fragile,
contained a determination as powerful
as her own.
Foolish girlP she said. Are you
mad?'
NO; but just
Very well, For the fate you have
selected, you have but yourself to
blame
will your Iadyship be kind enough
to go?' rejoined Alma, eoldIy. 'Tombs
are silent. Let mine be no exception
You shall be obeyed. 1t is no pleas
ure for mother to regard SO migrate
full, 50 unlOving a daughter
'Motherp repeated Alma, bitterly. Il
beg your ladyship not to pollute that
most sacred title by uttering it. Think
what the term mother implies; then
ask whether you possess a right to it
you, who are a reproach to the name of
wOmanv
Girl! calculated Lady Penderleith,
her gray eyes flashing with rage.
Your ladyship's anger can no longer
affect me- said Alma, quietely; for your
unjust treatment has broken those ties
of tilial love which holds child to its
parent. Henceforth you have no claim
to my gratitude nor my love. I was
orphaned of both parents when the
grave closed over my father
And Alma turned her face to the wall.
Lady Penderleith was too stunned by
this new phase in her daughters charac-
er-by the proud scorn in those usually
soft, fond blue eyes-at first to reply
Finally, with an effort maintaining her
icy, Indifferent demeanor, she said, IF
you think to move me from my purpose
with such sentences, the attempt is
fruitfuIess. By one way alone can you
quit this place, of the existence Of which
no one is aware but myself, and from
whencenO cryof yours can reach the outer
world. Reject Gerard Penderleith's love,
his friendship, and you are free. Ihave
told you he and his mother possess my
/ bitternest hate.
And my fondest Affection broke in
Alma, eompOsedly.
Then live or die, you think best
Your fate is in your own hands, Alma
Penderleith. 1 leave you. May this
gloomy prison bring to you reflection
and submission before return to-mor-
row night--though here, day and night
are alike. The food in this basket will
last till then. Here, also, is lamp be
careful of it, for were fire to chance.
none could hear your screams
The last words-so suggestive of her
utter loneliness and isolation from the
world-sent an icy chill through the poor
girls frame. To pass another long
twenty-four hours alone in that misera-
BILE place aroused a sudden thought of
resistance. Springing up, she rushed
forward, in hopes to reach the door.
But her ladyship quickly placed her
self before it.
You shall not leave here without me!
exclaimed Alma, with hot cheeks and
flushing eyes. We will go or stay to-
gether.'
You mistake. You will remain-I
shall CO. was the calm rejoinder,
'NeverG and she flung her arms
around the other
Lady Penderleith laughed. Her eyes
cleaned triumphantly with a knowl-
edge of her power. By single effort
she released herself, and held Alma
helpless.
Poor, struggling, week creatureP she
smiled; what can you do against me?-
Why, 1 could crush you. Go, lie down,
and recover your senses. Pens, ink and
paper are there. Let the letter 1 require
be written, and this door is open to you
as to me-
'Never2l
Then FAREWELL Stand backn exclaim-
ed her ladyship.
No; I shall watch which way you
leave, replied Alma, calmly, feeling the
uselessness of resistance. IF I can es-
cape from here, will.
'Escapep laughed her ladyshIp. 1T is
impossible! We're you to force that door,
you would find greater obstacles yet to
overcome
Nevertheless, L would try to do so.'
TRY! 1 haveno fear. Farewellp
Opening the door she went quickly
out, and drew it rapidly after her; then,
shooting an outer bolt, looked back
through the grating,
Alma, knowing how futile was the at
tempt, had made no effort to follow, but
now, taking up the lamp, she approach
ed.
What are you going to do?' asked her
! ladyship.