The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-01-01

Agreed"
Now I'll go. In fifteen minutes
you'll be at the doorY"
In fifteen minutes.n
The man fastened away.
Now" murmured Laura Odell,
Heaven aid me; and in mercy grant
that be not too late;"
If Jared Percival should find me out
he'd murder me-" muttered the man, as
he re-entered the house. +" It's risky;
women but seldom enter the house,
and should she be seen 1T would occasion
me a deuced deal of trouble. But need
that twenty-dollar bill, and I'll risk it,"
In fifteen minutes Laura Odell was al
the door. The man admitted her with
out being perceived
(which room ?'' she whispered.
"Second floor, back"
Very well; here is your money. In
ten minutes come to release me-"
"I WILL"
Laura Odell proceeded in haste up the
velveted staircase, and entered the desig-
mated room, closing the door noiselessly
behind her.
Mara Sydney was seated upon sofa.
AS Laura entered she sprang up.
"Who are you ?" she cried.
C am friend,' Laura said, throw
ing aside her veil. "Speak in lower
tone. am here to release you."
&C To release me !" Mara exclaimed.
So said; but speak low. My pres
ence in this house is known by but one
persona servant whom bribed to ad-
init me. In ten minutes this man will
open this door to allow me to depart;
then you must co..
" But will he allow us both to leave ?"
No; you must change clothes with
me. We are of about the same height;
and in this dress, my veil concealing
your face, you will be able to easily pass
for me-"
ooh, madame, l cannot do this
What would become of you 20
"Think not of me. You must do as
L bid you-I insist upon it. To remain
here would be certain ruin. Ralph
Marsden has asked you to be his wife,"
"He has,"
With sudden fear the woman asked:
I" You have not consentedY''
mo; nor never will"
"Child," +" Laura Odell exclaimed, "(for
though you are but few years my
junior, you seem but child to me) per-
haps you, in your innocence, suppose
that this man would in reality make you
his wife. Mono; your marriage would
be but mockery of that holy rite and
when, after few weeks, he tired of you,
he'd send you from him wretched, dis
graced, ruined forever"
"Lady," Mara exclaimed, "you chill
my very blood"
But" cried Laura, 'we are wasting
precious moments. Quick make no
further objections; dress in my clothes,
and as you value the happiness of your
future life, make haste"
Mara did as she was directed; and soon
the two women had changed garments.
''But what will become of you ~ ex-
claimed Mara.
''How can L leave you in this place !;
in the power of that man ~
"I do not believe that Ralph Marsden
will harm me-" said Laura. Fear not
for me, dear girl If you are saved, I
shall be happier than have been for
many weary months
"Will you tell me your name ~
"'Tis disgraced one; but you shall
know it. 'Tis Laura Odell."
81 will remember it in my prayers.
But we must meet again."
"Never; my company is not for you.
But if you will pray for me, for my
peace hereafter, perhaps Heaven will
graciously answer your supplication,
and give me rest. All these tears
they are the first have shed for long
months
The woman's frame shook with
emotion.
6 But our time must have almost ex-
pired," she exclaimed " Be ready to
act your part. Before you go, tell me
your name"
, "You do not know it You have
done all this for an utter stranger? My
name is Mara Sydney"
At this moment the servant opened
the door. Laura's face was buried in
her hands, and Mara's was heavily veil
ed. The man noticed nothing to excite
his suspicious, though he glanced sharp