Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1880-08-12

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i adding. in. deep, threatening, tones
as Veronica passed. into the hall.
go! and remember that for th,
insubordinate there are means. On
new. home was chosen for its wild
ness aud loneliness. Remember
that-and likwisc, that my son ant
I are masters herei Now CO.
A swift change passed, over tn,
girls calm face as the door closed
upon her, and it was with fleet foo
and painting breath that she spec
up the stairs and to her chamber
sWhat can lie. mean?' Wha
will he do she gasped, shudder-
ingly as she dropped into a chail
before the blazing fire. Hc is deep
and inscriptions, ! know. Heavcr
protect and help me =
Her head sank despondingly or
her hand and the silent minutes
dropped. into hours before she
stirred.
AT last she arose.
q will do it, she whispered, SAND
this very night, or it will be too
late They all sleep by this time,
and | have no minutes to waste,
she hastely added, as the little man
tie clock softly tolled twelve. sIt
| would escape, ] must do SO to-
night
Her few preparations we're very
hastily made, and she cEept stealth-
lily from the room.
She paused moment to listen,
but profound silence rcigned over
the house, and her muffied boots
gave no sound as she cautiously
groped her way down stairs.
At the bottom she stumbled over
the mat, catching her breath sharp.
ly in her effort to preserve herself
from a fall.
The noise was trifling, but, shiv~
egipg with alarm she paused mo-
ment to listen.
The silence continued unbrokcn,
and she again groped her way
through the darkness.
Once she paused again, confident
that she heard a cat-likc tread in
the darkness behind her.
Then she went stealthily on, as
sured that it was only the product
OF her own excited Imagination.
She directed her steps to the
back door remembering that fast
ened with a bolt, and consequently
offered tie possibility Of a more
quiet way Of getting out.
Her trembling hand had Just
started the bolt, when there was
sudden auick rush in the darkness,
and before she could move a fierce
hand fell npon her outstretched
arm.
so! = hissed Mr.. Orlell's voice.
And the next instant speechless
with terror she was caught in his
strong arms, and borne back to the
chamber.
White as death she stood before
him, as he released her.
His deep set eyes flashed an
grily upon her beneath his eye
brows. But he said nothing--only |
took her by the shoulders and /
hurried her rudely to the window.
Throwing back the heavy silken
hanging he opened the easement,
and pointed below,
1t was brilliant moonlight
night; and there passing the lawn
with sentinel alertness, was one of
the men servants.
Mr.. Orrell closed the window in
the same expressive SILENCE.
Then he turned to her.
-Four men have been detailed |
for that duty Tonight he said
significantly, sAil the doors will
be lett unlocked ; try it again if
you like
And with the words he strobe
From the room.
How the night passed, Veronica
never knew.
But it did pass.
The marriage was to take PLACE
At eleven O'Clock the next day.
Herbert gould not reach there
Ill ten ard between ten and eleven
here would be ample time for his
preparation.
A little before eleven Veronica
vas i'll her spotless bridal robes in
he great drawing room.
M. Orrell eyed her critically.
You look well-very well,' he
aid /; quite worthy your handsome
bridegroom. But why he should
.e such laggard is mystery he
little uneasiiy.
And his pitiless eye left Veroni-
'a's beautiful but deadlike face, and
urned toward distant window.
Almost at the same moment
here was a faint sound Of distant
wheels. !