South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-09-03
GODFATHER VIVIAN

when the carriage set me down ut Peek
wood, whittier had gone to spend the
holidays. walked quickly up the old
lane OF roses and sweet-brier, thinking
all the way Of Jenny and Robert, and Of
the delightful days we should pass to-
gether. 1t was such long time since
we had parted last--or, at least, it SEEM
ed so, 1 was somewhat disappointed
when, instead OF Jenny's pretty, laugh
ing face appearing at the door, beheld
the two prim forms Of her step-aunts.
Miss Lucretia and Miss Penelope
welcomed me, but not cordially--that
they never did.
where's jenny" said I, giving a
half pressure to the cold fingers which
received me.
! Jenny is with Robert, ut present."
replied Miss Lucretia, stiffly.
"Apd Robert is In Disgrace subjoin-
ed Miss Penelope. austerely.
| A cloud, dark and lowering, overshad-
owed the promised sunshine Of the de-
lightful holidays. / stood irresolute-
half wishing. half fearing to ask if 1
might go to them. Miss Lucretia antic-
ipated me.
you will find your companions in
the south room. l will send up your
tfdnk Immediately"
l scarcely waited to hear the second
announcement. l was already mt tho
foot of the stairs. Up flew, two steps
at n time, and full Of love. l found
them together in the south room; Rob
ert sitting silently BY the window, and
Jenny upon her knees beside him. Oh.
what glad shout he gave when he saw
me, and how Jenny cried and lau2 he'd
alternately For time disgrace was
forgotten, and it seemed just as if old
times on the sea beach had returned a.
gain. But gradually the settled sorrow
stole back over Roberts face.
"Wh hat is it all about?" asked I. as we
three sat together, and they told me from
beginning to end. In n moment Of great
temptation Robert had taken that which
was not his own. lie had stolen-he
was thief! Never shall forget the
world of anguish that passed over his
countenance rs he spoke those words
such bitter, rcgretful anguish.
And have you told all the circum-
stances to your aunts?" again inquired.
NO" replied Robert, proudly. They
would neither understand nor believe
me, if did"
Perhaps they might forgive you
Never. They have sent up this
morning for Godfather Vivian. / don't
know what will be done with me-"
L had heard of Godfather Vivian be.
fore, but none of us three had ever seen
him. He had lived abroad until during
the last year, and though he had some
times made short visits to lockwood, it
always happened that he came when
Jenny and Robert were absent from
home. This announcement of his com
ing silenced us momentarily. We were
all thinking of him.
Il know" said Robert. mournfullv,
after n pause, Il know that he is hard.
hearted and unfeeling. or else they new
err would have sent for him. | expect
TO have no mercy shown me-
| Il am afraid you are right Robert"
said sadly, aud with tears in my eyes.
Il can forcsee everything" exclaimed
Jenny, passionately, while she held her
brothers hand. II can see him before
me, just rs if had known him all my
life. Tall, grim, hard, unfeeling, stern,
implacable and unforgiving. That's
Godfather Vivian"
| IL was ~ u ituIiui plCJUTe 10 us, aU'l we
took it home. We decided that he was
n very ogre, and that Robert was to pre-
pare for the worst and most speedy OF
punishments
Two hours passed away. We sat sor-
rowful and without hope. Suddenly
Jenny, who had been watching the win.
dow intently, sprang back, clasping her
hands and crying out:
Hes coming! he's coming The
carriage is just coming up the avenue
Oh, Robert. Robert ~
She threw herself upon the floor. and
hid her face upon Roberts knee.
lie sank back in his chair, his brave
handsome face looking white and ghost.
~, with the black curls clinging around
it. / gained the window, and look ed
hastily out. a plain. brown travelling
carriage was winding slowly up TO the
portico. Yes, Godfather Vivian had come
Poor Robert it was all over with him.
Minutes passed away-they seemed
hours TO us-and then there was a noise
Mt our door. 1t opened, and admitted
the two step-aunts-Miss Bucretia and
Miss Penelope They looked rigid, aus
tere and boding i'll. They beckoned
solemnly 10 Robert. lie arose. and
walked between them. There was nc
fear expressed in his face. but he look CO
worn and wretched. Jenny and I fol
lowed and thus, in awful state, we pro
cceded TO the tribunal.
The door ofthe old library stood open
"a if awaiting our entrance. As W,
passed in, Roberts head sank lower up
on his breast, while Jenny and ! walked
with downcast eyes. We felt that We
we're in the dreaded presence, and We
did not wish TO behold IL.
There was n GREATNESS pause. then :
round mellow. beautiful voice. full oil
sweetness, broke the silence.
How is this? Robert. my boy, what
the mattcr2"