The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1877-05-31
A Night Of Terror.
BY sAliIE L. ARoNs.

Birdie Clifton was very handsome
gir! of eighteen years, whose light gOl-
den curls, large, expressive eyes, of
deep blue, and complexion of exqui-
site faireess, added to form of match
less grace, made her quite belle in the
small town of RivertOn.
Her fathers only child, petted and ca
ressed by him, all her wants instantani-
ly obeyed, what wonder Birdie was as
spoiled a girl as could be found in that
part Of the country.
The coming spring she was to have
married 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 acknowlege herself in the
wrong, while he was only waiting for a
summons thBt would bring him to her
side once more.
"Clide Hall had no reason to get an
CRY and scold me, just because waltz
cd twice with Frank Vamburg," and
she would silence her conscience by be-
lieving herself greatly abused.
All this time Frank kept by her side,
paying her every particular attention,
accompanying her to all places ofamuse-
ment, her constant companion, to
whom she was very gracious in public,
but cuttingly cool when in the privacy
of her own home.
Rumors were whispered about that
Birdie Clifton and Frank hamburg
we're to be married soon, and when it
reached 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 bos-
ON friend, you know, but he cannot
tell me anything of him, except what
little is known at his hotel. Glide
says"
"There, papa, don't tell me what
Glide says, for could almost despise a
man who would defame an innocent
mans character. | really did not think
Mr.. Hall void stOop to do anything so
mean"
"But, my dear, Glide"
81 do not want to hear of Glide" she
again interrupted, almost angrily, 81
will not hear Frank wrongfully abused,
although | do not care for him in the
least" and with kiss she silenced her
father for the time being.-She closed
her 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 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, iu way she never forgot as long
as she lived.
They had just returned from ride
by the seashor9, when Mr.. Clifton
came hurriedly towards them just as
they had reached the gate.
~ am very glad you have come, Bir-
die" he said, as Frank assisted her to
alight, 81 have been waiting for you
for over an hour"
"What for, papa ?" Birdie shook out
the folds of her rich cashmere dress, as
she asked the question.
81 have just received a telegram from
your Aunt Amelia, and must go to her
Immediately, as she is very i'll. You
will not be afraid to stay without me,
as | 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 ~
"I don't know about that" with a
lowering Rldlltt dl u Lldnh, wiz Nlp'u
leaning against the gate. 81 am lit
tie uneasy, as had to place some mon
ey received to-day in the safe In the
sittingroom. 1t came too late to depos-
1t in the bank. You will be sure to tell
James to be careful in locking lhe doors,
and windows, and then, But declare
have only a few moments left to catch
the train. .-Good-bye Birdie, take good
care of yourself, ," and with hurried
kiss, and distant bow to Frank, he was
driven rapidly off.
"How worried dear papa looks
Come In Frank. ! forgot to ask you
before, as ! was receiving orders you,
know"
IL cannot this evening, but | want
you to make me promise. Is it gran
red ?"
"That depends, Ineyer rush blind