The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-05-15

stream, the long fields Of cotton thronged
with negroes plucking the fieecy treasure,
formed a most delightful picture. In
side, birds chirped in gilded cages, the
gold fish darted to and fro in the acqua-
rum, the atmosphere was heavy with
perfume of flowers which were arranged
with artistic skill throughout the room,
and the magic touch of gold was every
where visible.
A rap sounded on the outer door,
and, in reply to her invitation, her uncle
entered.
"Inez," he said, as soon as the usual
salutations were exchanged, 'I'have had
visitor"
"Who?" she asked inditferently, and
without looking up.
Guy Barton"
At the mention of that name the girl
started violently. She was no longer in
different. The color slowly left her
cheeks, her very lips grew pale, and her
eyes flowed with an expression Of posi-
tive terror. For moment she seemed
to control herself with an effort.
"What did he say?" she asked,
huskily.
Nothing. What could he say r. said
Morton sternly.
The girl was silent.
Her uncle sat down beside her, and
took her hand.
Inez, this is nonsence. You should
have rold me of this attachment before.
But no matter. | have sent him away,
and forever. He is no match for a lady
in your position. Besides, have differ
ent views for you. Your mother made
an unfortunate marriage, and l am de-
termined that you shall not"
Then he unfolded his plans. He haC
chosen for her husband Walter Leroy
the son of a neighhoring planter, an(
who had been constant and not un
welcome visitor at the hallsince Inez ha(
been there.
"You are my heiress, Inez," he con
cluded, "and | expected you to submi
to my authority. When am dead yo,
will be free to follow your own inclina
tions."
These words rung in her head fo
many days, and afterward were fraugh
with terrible significance.
That evening, while walking through
the grounds, she met Walter Leroy
She grew pale; the magnolia blossom
fell from her hand; she attempted t.
pass him, but he grasped her hand an<
held her firmly.
"Release me-" she cried, family
struggling to free herself
''Not until you answer one question
he said, determinedly. 81 have broker
to Mr.. Morton, and it now remains fo
you to decide my fate. love you; viii
you bid me hope?"
With great effort, she wrenched hersel
from his grasp
81 cannot listen, to you. l am
She staggered, murmured some brokel
sentences, and would have fallen on tn
ground had he not sprang forward an
caught her in his arms, and supporte
her to seat. Soon she rallied, an
drew away from him, while violer
shudder convulsed her frame. Th
young man noticed the movement, an
it stung him sharply.
sam l so hateful to you," he sait
bitterly, chat my presence inspire
horror? fancied, few days sine,
that you regarded me with somethin
, like affection"
: "You We're not wrong"
SIS it possible that you love me p
at is too true," was the faint repl,
T Leroy knelt at her feet, and so we
=. did he plead his cause that she consen
ed to become his wife, his eloquence al
parently banishing her scruples.
glowing terms he pictured their futur
and she listened, but said nothing.
was singular betrothel. Naturally the
y fingered some time, and when the
finally turned homeward, the moon hs
risen and was flooding the landscaT
: with soft, delicious light. As the
went slowly on, he pucked spray
: myrtle, placed it in her hair, and bel
: over to kiss her. As he did SO, and ju
as their lips met, the report of pist
~ rang out, and with cry of agony, ar
II tossing up his arm wildly in the al
Walter Leroy dropped senseless at Inez
y feet. At the same time the figure of
y man dashed through the tangled Shru.
berry to the left of them, and disappeart
Ii down the lane.
. The girls wild screams soon brougl
assistance. Walter was carried to Il
" hall, aud physician summoned, wi
pronounced him badly, but not DANCE
. ously wounded. Search for the assass
= was made, but no trace could be foun