Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-11-08
From the Sunday Mercury.
A NIGHT OF TERROR
BY SADIE E. ARONS.

Birdie Clifton was a very handsome
girl of eighteen years, whose light
golden curls, large, expressive eyes Of
deep blue, and a complexion of exquls-
tie fairness, added to form of match
less grace, made hel quite a belle IN the
small town of Rivertown.
Her fathers only child, petted and
caressed by him, all her wants Instantly
obeved, what wonder Birdie was as
spoiled q girl as could be found in that
part of the country.
The coming spring she was to have
married a good man who was in every
way worthy of her; but angry words
were spoken, which separated those two
who loved each other so well. She was
too proud to acknowledge herself In
the wrong, while he was only waiting
for summons that would bring him to
her side once more.
"Clide Hall had no reason to get
angry and scold me, Just because |
waltzed twice with Frank hamburg"
and she would thus silence her con
science by believing herself greatly
abused.
All this time Frank kept by her side,
paying her every particular attention,
accompanying her to all places of
amusements, her constant companion,
to whom she was very gracious in pub
lie, but cuttingly cool when in the pri-
vacy of her own home.
Rumors were whispered about that
Birdie Clifton and Frank hamburg
were to be married soon, and when it
reached the ears of Glide Hall. he
smiled, in very bitterness of spirit.
Birdie" said her father; one day,
when matters had been progressing in
this way for month or more, " Birdie
| do not like that hamburg. / have
tried to find out something Of his form
er whereabouts but no one seems to
know anything concerning him. [
have even asked Glide, who was his
bosom friend, you know, but he can
not tell me anything of him, except
what little is known at his hotel. Glide
says"
sThere, papa, don't tell me what
Glide says, for could almost despise a
man who would defame an innocent
mans character I really did not think
Mr.. Hall would stoop to do anything SO
mean"
"But, my dear, Glide"
81 do not want to hear of Glide" she
again interrupted, almost angrily. {" I
will not hear Frank wrongfully abused,
although do not care for hum in the
least" and with a Kiss she silenced her
father for the time being. She closed
her eyes to the slightest whisper that
would breathe suspicion on Franks
character, attributing all rumors to
Cide's hateful, jealous nature; and the
result was that poor abused Frank was
pitied the more, while Glide received
the coolest kind of a recognition when
they would chance to meet.
But all things must have an end; SO
did BRIDES intimacy with Frank YAM
burg, in q way she never forgot as long
as she lived.
They had just returned from a ride
by the seashore, when Mr.. Clifton came
hurriedly towards them just as they
reached the gate.
II am very glad you have come,
Birdie" he said, as Frank assisted her
to alight. g have been waiting for
you an hour"
"What for. papaw Birdie shook
out the folds of her rich cashmere
dress, as she asked.
ct have just received telegram
from your Aunt Amelia, and must &C
Immediately, as she is very i'll. You
will not be afraid to stay without me
as I do not think [ can be back until
tomorrow afternoon, but James and
Mollie will be with you"
"Why, papa, what should be afraid
of? | am sure no one will steal me-
Il don't know about that" with a
lowering glance at Frank, who stood
leaning against the gate. "I am lit
tie uneasy as / had to place some
money received to-day In the safe in
the sitting room. It came too late to
deposit it in the bank. You will be
sure to tell James to be very careful in
locking the doors and windows and
then-bu, declare, | have only few
moments left to catch the train. Good
bye, Birdie, take good care of your.
SELF" and with hnrried kiss and dis.
tant bow to Frank he was driven rap.
idly off.
"How worried dear papa looks
Come in, Frank. | forgot to ask you
before, as l was receiving orders, you
know"
" cannot this evening, but I want
you to make me promise. Is ii
granted %
"That depends. I never rush blind
ly into danger. Suppose you tell me
what you wish me to grant"
"Will you take a sail on the lake TO-
morrow EVENING""
of auntie is better certainly will
for love to go boatrriding. Don't you
think it is getting chilly? I think you
had better come indoors"
Autumn Winds you know, bring a
chilly breeze. / cannot accept your
kind invitation, as I have an invitation,