The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-25

of New York society. As he passed
through the room Alarsden was famil-
iarly greeted on every side; but his
mind evidently was elsewhere as he
talked but little. He stepped to side
board and drank heavily of brandy
then stood anxiously and uneasily await
ing the summons which he momentarl-
ly expected. Presently servant APP
preached him.
Mr.. Percival desires to see you,
sir.''
Marsden hastened to the drawing
room where Jared Percival awaited
him.
"The girl has recovered conscious
ness,' Percival said, as he entered.
"Where is shep"
John will conduct you to her. and
he motioned the servant to lead the
way.
The man preceded Marsden up the
thckly carpeted staircase to the second
floor. AT the head of the stairs he
paused.
Yonder is her room, sir, " pointing to
a door.
"Very WE'LL" said Marsden, and he
slipped bank note into the mans
hand.
Gently opening the door, he found
himself in the presence of Mara Sydney.
She was seated upon sofa in lux
uriously furnished apartment, her face
buried in her hands. AS he entered she
started up and cry escaped her lips.
Do not fear, Mara" he said; 81
would not harm you for the world"
Villain, how came hereY the
girl exclaimed.
"You were brought by myself in car
riage an hour ago."
"Ah, see it all, now | have been
shamefully deceived and entrapped I"
Let my love be my excuse" said
Marsden, approaching her.
Your lovel' she exclaimed, with
scorn, as she shrank from him.
Yes, Mara, my love, as strong and
true an affection as ever man felt"
"And you prove it by this outrage ~
Your GOODNESS forced me to this ex-
tremity."
Goodness You basely insulted
me.'
If in the past my excessive love
rendered me forgetful of the right rules
of etiquette, let my future devotion and
tender care prove my regret. | confess,
Mara, did act injudiciously the other
evening. now ask your pardon"
Injudiciously Yes; because you
revealed your true character to me.''
"You wrong me-"
Release me at once, sir, from this
place -
Impossible"
will call for help"
1t will be useless there is no help
near"
Merciful Heaven Sir, what place is
this ?"
What you choose to make it a
home where your every wish may be
gratified; a prison, if you insist upon
it,
ooh have you no pity" exclaimed
the poor girl.
Pity - cried the willy villain, chang
ing his tone. C Mara, you wrong me
deeply if you believe 1 would for a
moment think of harming you. L have
loved you truly and devotedly since L
first saw your face. But you scorned
my affection. Perhaps, as L have said,
my attentions to you were injudiciously
offered; but, dear Mara, was thought
less and inconsiderate. The advances 1
made prejudiced you against me; 1 saw
that unless made some decisive move
| you would be lost to me and L would
rather die than giveyou up. So brought
you here. Believe me, love you pas
sionately and mean you no harm"
" Then why have you brought me to
this place ?" cried Mara, wildly.
Simply to ask you one question"
"And that is"
Will you be my wife ~
"Your wife ?"
My Wife,"
And it is to ask me this that you
brought me here ?''
"Yes."
"Then you shall have your answer,
which is firmly and decidedly, no. Now
sir, release me-"
"By no Means" coolly.
You still detain me ~
g NToSt assurad1y. T l,o..o -. - 49,