The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1876-12-23
A Night Of Terror.
BY SADIE r. ARoNs.

|
fairness, added to form of matehles
grace, made her quite belle in the smal
town Of Riverton.
Her fathers only child, petted an
caressed by him, all her wants instsntl
obeyed, what wonder Birdie was as spoil
cd . girl as could be found 10 that part O
the country.
The coming spring she was to bav
married a young man who was in ever
respect worthy Of her but angry word
were spoken which separated these tw
who loved each other SO we'll, She wa
two proud to acknowledge herself in th
wrong, while he was only waiting for
summons that would bring him to he
side once more.
"Clide Hall had no reason to get angr
and scold me, because | waltzed twic
with Frank Vamburgh," and she woul
thus silence her conscience by believiu
herself greatly abused
All this time Frank kept by her side
paying her every particular attention, &C
companying her to all places of amuse
ment, her constant companion, to WHOM
she was very graciors in public. but cut
tipgly cool when in the privacy Of he
own home.
Rumois were whispered about lha
Birdie Clifton and Frank Vamburgl
we're to be married soon. and when i
reached the ears Of Glide Hall, he smile,
iu the very bitterness Of spirit
Birdie" said her father, ,one day, yheI
matters had been progressing in this wa,
for month or more. Birdie, I do no
like that Vamburgh. have tried to fint
out something Of his former whereabouts
but no one s'ems to know anything CON
cerning him. have even asked Glide
who was his bosom friend, you know. bu
he cannot tell me anything of him. excep,
what little is known at his hotel. Glide
says"
There, papa, don't tell me what Glide
says, for | could almost despise mar
who would defame an innocent mans
character. l really did not think Mr.
Hall would stoop to do anything SC
mean"
"But, my dear, Glide"
II do not want to hear of Glide" she
again interrupted, almost angrily. ~
will not hear Frank wrongfully abused
although do not caro- for him in the
least" and with q kiss she silenced her
father for the time being. She closed hel
ears to the slightest whisper that would
breathe suspicion on Franks character
attributing all rumors to Clide's hateful,
jealous nature; and the result was that
poor abused Frank was pitied tho more,
while Glide received the coolest kind Of O
recognition when they would chance to
meet.
But all things must have an end so
did Brides intimacy with Frank Yam.
burgh, in way she never forgot as long
as she lived.
They had just returned from a ride by
tho seasshore, when Mr.. Clifton came
hurriedly towards them just as they had
reached the gate.
II am very glad you have come, Bir'
die" he said, as Frank assisted her to
alight. II have been waiting for over
an hour"
"yVhat for. papa2 ?" Birdie shook ouI
the folds Of her rich cashmere dress. as she
asked the question.
ii have just received Telegram FROM
your Aunt Amelia. and | must 40 to hei
Immediately, as she is very i'll. You
will not be afraid to stay without me, as
I do not think l can be back until to.
morrow afternoon. but James and Mo'lit
will be with you"
why papa, what should | bc afraid
of / am sure no one will steal me r.
II don't know about that" with low.
ering glance at Frank. who stood leaning
against the gate. NJ am = little uneasy
as had to place some money ! received
to-day in the safe in the sitting room. II
came too late to deposit In the bank. Yor
will bs sure to tell James to be very care
ful in locking the doors and windows. and
thsn,-but I declare, have only few
moments left to catch the train. Good
bye, Birdie, take good care of yourself,
and with hurried kiss, and distan
bow to Frank. he was driven rapidly of
"How worried dear papa looks. Com,
10, Frank. I forgot to ask you before. q
! was receiving orders, you know"
~ cannot this evening, bat | want yo'
to make me promise. Is is granted 2"
"That depends. l Inever rush blindl,
into danger. Suppose you tell me wha
you wish me to grant ?"
"Will you take n sail on the lake to
morrow evening 2"
"If auntie Is better, | certainly will
for l love to go boat.riding. Don't yo
think 1t is getting chillyf think yo
had better come 10 DOORS"
"Autumn winds, you know, bring
chilly breeze. / cannot accept your 10
vitation, as l have an engagement, 70
which l am very sorry, as should lik
very much to spend an evening in you
charming society. But l will see you tc
morrow, so au revoir." And with q yer
polite bow, he spraDg into an elegant bo
buggy and was out Of sight in n few me
ments
"Oh, dear" she soliloquized, as sh
slowly wonded her way toward the hous,
II wish that was Glide, instead Of FranI
Not because care for Glide. but used
have to coax him whenever l wanted hiI
to do anything for me he did not wish
do, and l cannot Frank, somehow (; q
though Frank would not csnsure me. I
Glide has done. Frank Is real nice,
spite Of what every one tries to 50
against him." And with that eonsolatic
she amused herself at the piano unit
ten o'clock. when she thought she woul
retire.
How long she had slept she had no ID.
Of. but she awoke with start. and o.
bolt upright 10 bed. as vide awake ,
though II we're broad daylight.
The night wind whistled wearily thr
the open window while the ticking Of Il
little oilt elook m the msrhla mant