Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-12-13

folly. 1t would Dat urge Such a ildIul {
as hers TO worse measures.
That is our opinion. We all appear
to know her ladyship well. Yet how
else rescue Alma? Though the existence
of these subterranean places have been
an old rumor in tine neighborhood, they
are regarded only as a rumor, for even
the domestics know no possible way to
get to them. The secret, therefore, be-
longs to Lady PenderIeith alone.
And one, consequently, She Will new
er voluntarily reveal. By accident,
probably, their existence has been dis
closed to her
Thus, then, it is in her power 10 deny
our assertion before ali the magistrates
in England.
A power she would use. They might
pull the whole place down before she
would give i'll. Besides, think Of the
scorn, the abuse it would lay her proud
spirit open to from every tongue. I
verify believe she would commit muir
der rather than submit to it.
The affair was difficult, undoubtedly,
and moment ensued Of silent medita-
ton. The feeble rays of the candle
pimly Illuminated the three troubled
faces collected at the table. Then mrs.
Lyle spoke, rather as reasoning with
herself, thaa addressing her compan-
ions.
As these rumored dungeons exist,
which now we have melancholy proof
that they do, the way to them would
decidedly be through the old disused
wing adjoining her ladyship's apart
ments. Now, as she must assuredly
supply Alma with food
That think have proof that she
does, broke in the gamekeeper.
How? demanded the Baronet, anx-
iously.
Because, Sir Gerard, when I was in
the Penderleith servants hall, after
Miss Alma's supposed flight. l recoIIect
the footman mentioning thather lady
ships anger and grief hadn't spoiled
her appetite. 7 didn't pay much heed
to what he said at the time, but now I
think it proves that food was taken to
the young lady.
Excellent That is one point gained,
exclaimed mrs. Lyle. Now, as my sis,
ter-in-Iaw must visit the unfortunate
girl once a day at least, the only plan
I see for US is to closely watch her
movements.
But how is that possible when We
dare not put a foot inside her doors
asked Gerard.
Tt is impossible for us; but if we only
knew some one in the house
Here is Richard maybrOok, said the
Baronet.
Though feel we can safely trust in
his friendship, reioined mrs. Lyle, he
would scarcely serve our purpose here
Itmust be one who can go over any part
of the building without creating suspi,
cion.
Then fancy I can assist you there
ma'am! exclaimed the gamekeeper, hi:
honest face lighting up with intelli,
gence. I know person who would on
ly be too glad to aid US.
Wha is that?
Miss Alma's maid, She loved hel
mistress dearly, ma'am, and would dc
anything for her.
How are you aware of this? asked
Mrs. Lyle.
Richard MaybrOok turned suddenly
crimson, cast a sheepish glance down
at his hands, playing nervously will
his cap, looked towards the Baronet
then began to make a stammering re
ply; when the latter exclaimed, with q
good-natured laugh. Why, it can'tpos
sibly be Susan Pennerfold, whom YOU
mentioned, / think, once before to.
night?
Yes; it is, Sir Gerard-it's her Imean
We've kept company nigh on to a year
said the gamekeeper, shily; and-and ]
am certain I can answer for her helping
US.
That ismost fOrtuneate indeed! remark.
ed Mrs. Lyle, clapping her hands. ii
is more than we could have expected
With such an ally on the very spot, we
may safely count upon victory. But
does Susan Pinnerfold yet know of the
matrera'
Not yet, ma'am. didn't like to tell
any one-not even her, least it might
get to her Iadyship's ears.
You were most discreet. II Mis-.
Alma Penderleith escapes, my friend
the certainly will owe it to you.
No, not me; MAN,, replied Richard
Maybrook, his pleasant, ingenious face
breaking into laugh-'but to Snip. Il
was him who found out where the young
lady was, I'd never have noticed the
cry but for his hOwling;'
Well, then, she'll owe it to Snip and
his master, But when can you bring
Susan here?-for we can do nothing till
we have seen her.
She can come in the morning, ma'am
She's her own mistress, you see, since
Miss 'Alma's away.
Bring her, then, as early as possible
She will no doubt know that of her Ia
dyship's habits, and the ways of the
house, which will materially aid u.s.
Now the dawn is breaking; the servant:
will speedily be astir; let us therefore
separate. Good night, my friend!
Rising as she spoke, she warmly shooE
the young keeper'shand; wien the Bar
onet let him out through the glass
doors, urging him to return early.
Exchanging few words Of congratu
lation and hope, the mother and sol
then spDoratad each caeIiDcr fI,air Iad