The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-07-27
At The Last Moment.

1t was q fine old room, and fitted up
with all the luxury wealth could command.
Its two occupants, a lovely girl and an
eledrly man, noble in form, but dark aud
sinister In face, stood together under the
full blaze of the great antique lamp, swing
Ing above their heads.
They were discussing ng-disputed
question.
Mr.. O-lell, flaming with passion at the
girls last words, burst out vehemcntly:
"You are not bound to marry at my com
mand, forsoothl Nevertheless, my indepen-
dent miss, you arc mine by heavy in
debtedness. But tell me what you are, and
who7 You are called Veronica Vache; but
what do you know of yourself beyond that2
Answer me, If you can Have not Ecen
the making Of you2 Did not take you
from the kennel, and transform you into
what you are2 You are accomplished
whose money rendered you SOP Mile un-'
grateful girl You arc beautiful in your
silks, jewels and laces-whosc money makes
you that2 Mine, and mine only! did all
this2 Because the son idolize set his boy
ish heart upon your baby loveliness, and in
ripper years crowned you with honor by
= choosing you for his wife. Think you,
then, can be wheedled out of the reward
claima If 80, think 1t no longer. If you
have not already learned the truth, learn it
now. My sons will is M law. Do you
understand that mean you shall with or
WITHOUT your consent, become his wife 2 If
not, understand it row, and drive from your
silly head that boggarly secretary drove
from my doors. shall choose your hus-
band, aud not you who would to-day be a
beggar but for my generous protection.
Herbert loves you--therefore Herbort's you
shall bel Tomorrow .he comes to claim
his bride; be ready tor your bridal /"
There was sinister threat in the old
mans eyes, as he concluded, that sent an
involuntary shiver through the girls slender
frame.
But determination equal u his own
marked both words and tone as she laplicd
respectfully:
''It Is true that am indebted to you ior
all possess Of worldly good, and am, God
knows, truly and deeply thankful. My
daily life stands witness to the sincerity of
my words. You bade me call you father !;
and have striven to give you all daugh-
ter's duty; but, as have already de-
clared, will never become Herbert Or
rcll's wife Dote on him as you will, your
handsome, gifted son Is naught but a
polished villainl would rather die than
link my fate with HIS Cast me off-let
me go out into the world, and battle with
the poverty from which you have rescued
me, Or"
Enough thundered the old man; "I
have made you mine, and mine you shall
remain, and my will dol My son shall
have the bride Of his choicel Now 20 /"
And stridng to the door, he flung It wide
open, adding, In deep, threatening tones, as
Veronica passed into the hall
''Gol and remember that for the insub.
ordinate there are means Our new home
here was chosen for its wildness and lone 1,
ness. Remember that--and likewise, that
my son and I are masters here Now so "
A swift change passed over the girls
calm face as the door closed upon her, and
1t was with fleet foot and painting breath
that she sped up tho stairs and to her cham
ber.
''What can he mean7 What will he
doa" she gasped, shudderlngly, as she
dropped into chair before the blazing fire.
''He Is deep and unscrupulous, know.
Heaven protect and help mel"