Orangeburg times. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1872-1875, 1873-05-01
bsse been deceived, let us. try to reach

.
soen arrived at the farm of the E,ssarts.
They reached it through deserted rear
yard, and the young girl knocked at a
small door, which the farmers wife
opened. with look of astonishment.
what DO you wish :" said she.
"a shelter and fireplace; we have
strayed from our path"
HWalk i'm" said the farmer, with hesi-
tation.
They entered the chamber, where
Dominic, the. farmer, was warming him
self The two travellers approached the
great chimney, SO as to dry their wet and
muddy clothes. The farmer eyed Them
in aslspicious manner for some time.
"Where are you going citizens 2" final
ly he asked.
I'VE are going to Rennes," said the
old nan, "and we wish to hire n carriage
to convey us thither; do you know Of
any about here, that we could hire ?"
"Hire carriage!" replied Dominic,
much agitated ut the sound of that voice,
at tie same time, his eyes were fixed on
the delicate hands, which the young girl
heldEin front of her face SO us to screen
her from the effects of the fire, and per-
haps, also, to conceal her features. ga
carriage, he repeated, with much en-
phass. "that is not the way peasant
travis, neither are those hands, the ha ids
of aSieaaant girl! Why did you come
heregn
" seek an asylum,- Dominic" re-
pliedsMatilda, uncovering herself. can
asylum for this night only"
"aIiss. Matilda!" said the farmers
wife, taking hold of her hands, with great
emotion.
"GEeat Godp cried the farmer, ayou
here The Baron DeLarcy on my
eyes, am pursued. demand your
assistance"
"You ask ME to destoy myself" ex-
claimed Dominic, 90 you not know,
that you are.outlawed 7 and that any one
that harbors you, will be put to death
II it is known that you have been here,
myself, my wife and children are lost
forever Go away! be quick, unless you
wish nie to dcnounce you"
GLOW Dominica" answered the Baron
calmly, "is it thus you receive me-? what
harm houa 7 lnno ~,o,,
"To me, personally, none. They say
that you have called in strangers and
sown the seed of civil war. That is
crime. Of that, l am not the judge. I
only tell yon, 60 away go somewhere
else. But ask Bastian and Gervaies, ask
Leonard, what your father, of sad memo
ry, did to theirs, and you will find out,
why they destroyed the gates of your cas-
tie, this night"
The Baron replied in an altered voice.
You refue me shelter, for one night 2.
and this child" added he, pointing to
Matilda, 'do you also include her in this
same vengeance"
1he farmer seemed to hesitate.
"No! my dear father, No! My dear
father" said Matilda, I'd" you think,
that | could leave you for single mo-
mcnt; adieu Madeline l have no i'll will
against you," and she offered her hand
to the farmers wife, who was leaning
against the wall, with her hands crossed
upon her breast. Nadelaine, took her
hand, and shed tears on it while kissing
it.
The two fugitives, found themselves
once more, on the road. Very singular
ly, this last scene, had restored the old
Baron. to his usual energy. This cir
cumstance, instead of disheartening him,
had raised his spirits and he walked
with firm step, toward the tavern of
father Lartier, small inn, open to all
travellers.
"ln the crowd" said he, "we will not
be noticed, and we can perhaps bargain
fora carriage"
When they arrived at the hall, it was
filled with people, some talking loudly.
The two fugitives, slipped in unnoticed,