Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1880-03-01
A Strange Adventure.


of novelists so delight to select as the
scene of romances, and which frequently
lie asleep for SO long period of time
that it is a positive blessing when some
thing out of the ordinary course of events
happens. to awake them out of their
state of lethargy.
Orville had been asleep for almost
twenty years, when an event occurred
which. together with the attendant in
cidents, completely aroused the whole
town.
Orville was situated on Lake Wanona,
one of the most charming little sheets of
water in our inland states. Ina seclud-
ed valley, shut out, as it were, from all
the rest of the world by the surrounding
hills, with solitary majestic mountain
keeping silent vigil over the slumbering
scene. lay the beautiful lake, and on its
margin, the miniature town. The spot
was all that poet might fancy, or
romantic lover sigh for; and when there
was advertised a new summer resort, the
Orrville House, at Orrville, with every
accommodation, &C., it is not surprising
that many persons, who had been struck
by the surprising beauty of the place as
they caught flying glance of it in the
whizzing train, should respond imme-
diately to the opportunity and engage to
spend the summer or autumn months at
charming resort.
Among the earlier guests at the Orr
vile House was Charles Lacy, a talent
ed young barrister, of limited means,
Colonel Harris. and his niece, Matte
Harris, and Mr.. Van Haven, hand
some young merchant from New York.
Charles Lacy and Matte Harris had
been playmates in the their childhood;
but the former had removed from his
native place IN his fifteenth year, and
had never met the sweetheart of his
boyish days until time had transformed
him into the full stature of a man.
Both were now so completely changed
that they met at Orrville as entire strang-
ers, and were only recognizable to one
another by the mention of their names
and places of residence. The acquaint-
ance thus renewed ripened into ardent
love, and Charles Lacy considered him
self the luckiest fellow on eaeth.
"Did you hear the news, Matte ?"
asked Lacy one morning as his betrothed
seated herself at the BREAKFAST table by
his side.
''No, what is it p
johnson & Co., bankers in this town,
have been robbed of over a hundred
thousand dollars p
"You don't say so. When did it oc-
cur ?"
"Some time during the earlier part of
morning. The thief, whoever he is,
made pretty fair haul of it-left the
firm with very small sum for its own
pocket-book. 1t was a private banking
house, and involves many of the leading
persons of the town."
"And they haven't secured the guilty
parties p
mo; and are not likely to do so,
either. Men who take such goodly sums
as this, generally secure safe avenue
of escape. But can tell you this" he
added, lowering his voice, and inclining
his head toward hers, suspicion falls on
the Orrville House, but no one individ.
ually, as far as l am aware Of"
just then waiter placed letter by
his side, saying, Something for Mr.
Lacy"
1t read thus: "Come to Dalton al
once-your presence Is needed imme
diately at Mr.. Greenup's. Do not de
lay. A. H."
"What is this ? Come to Dalton a
once A. H. Who can that possibly
be. But I'll CO."
"l'm called away for little while
Matte" he said in explanation, replac
ing the note in the envelope, "but expec
to be back soon. must 60 forthwith ;
and pressing her hand. he left the break
fast-room, hurriedly packed a few neces
sary articles in his valise. and was a
the station just in time to catch tn
morning train.
- - 81 II r. - =
1t was evening. The calm roun
moon smiled upon the placid little lax
in all her pensive glory.
Nature breathed her soft musics
murmurings, and everything seemed t
whisper peace, peace.
But the heart of Matte Harris kne
anything but peace, as she left the ga
[ crowd of thoughtless dancers in th
brilliantly-lighted hotel, for an atmol
, phere more in harmony with her sadder
ed spirit. Her heart was very heav
tonight. She wandered listlessly dow
t to the waters edge A little boat la
moored there. She seated herself in i
: where she felt she could be undisturbe
f in her lonely meditations Her though
soon found utterance:
g "What change she murmured-