The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-07-09
BURG, PA, FRIDAY. JULY 9, 1880.

OF light upon the mystery. But the light did
not appear, and so set mysel about rapid.
ly preparing for my sudden departure, hav-
ing first obtained leave of absence from Mrs.
Abbott and explained that, as most likely
her daughter would wish to go, l could ac-
company her. All this whine, as ] bus
tied hurredly about my chamber, l was con.
scious that the occupant of the room above
my own was preparing to leave home. I
could hear the moving of trunks and hur-
ried orders as to the disposal of this thing
and that given to her maid, and occasionally
recognized the fleet step of George Abbott
as she sprsng nervously up aud down stairs.
My suspicious that she was making ready for
a visit to Cadlands were confirmed beyond a
doubt when the fly came to take me to the
station, for the same carriage also started her
upon her journey.
1T seems you have changed your mind,
Miss Herbert she said haughtily to me-
4 have received another letter since saw
your | replied.
How was he, she fatered.
In such a condition that my presence was
dema nded there at once, replied. Il could
not treat the urgent request lightly, aud SO
have left everything for the sake of comply
ing with it,
| Heaven grant that may not be too late!
murmured George sinking back upon the
seat near me. 'Oh, Miss Herbert, am so
very miserabel'
drew the trembling form of the young
girl close to my side, and bade her be Of
good cheer. Looking upon her pal, face as
she leaned her head upon my shoulder
condemned myself bitterly for the part that
1 had taken in the really cruel affair. For
moment resolved to confess it all; trusting
to her good sense and her warm love for
Walter for her forgiveness; but the thought
of the strange, mystical letter had receiv-
ed checked me, and determined to allow
the affair to terminate as originally planned
1t was very late that evening when we
arrived at Lymington. The carriage was
waiting for us at the station, but only ser
wants were with it to escort us. Every mo-
ment the mystery grew more Incompetent
sible 10 me, What could it all mean? Why
on entering Cadlands, were George and |
conducted formally to our room as though
we were entire strangers? Why did the SER
wants shake their heads silently wnen
we asked for the invalid-tor Walter? Oh,
1t was very strange to me, and more mex
plicabe still was it when servant came up
to our room to conduct us down to dinner,
: not to the dining room, but to quiet, lux
urious little nest of a room that led out OF
the library. What could it mean?-ay, what
did it mean? When We entered the room We
found two gentlemen apparently waiting to
receiving us. Into the arms of one George
rushed unceremoniously, crying at the toI
of her voice: Dear. dear Walter, you art
alive-you are alive!
The other stood looking earnestly and anx
iously at me, while mingled tide of hope
fear and uncertainty swept over my soul
With tottering, feeble step l went for
ward, led by the quick sunshinny smile that
broke gloriously over his face, while the jo.
and thanksgiving of our hearts went fortl
in these words:
'Robert!'
'Elsar
: That evenings happiness will pass oveI
because | have horror of depicting accu
n rateiy a two-fold one, as in this case it PROV
ed to be. The next day attempted to re
prove Walter for the letter he had sent me tn
: day before; bnt he only laughed merrily a
the mention Of it, assuring me that he wa
: convinced beyond all possibility of doub
y before he wrote the letter, that Roberts Ii
and happiness were both in imminent dar
. ger And then George shook her fngt
a menacingly toward m, aud bade me nc
e complain of other peoples deception viii
p there was such load of guilt upon m
. shoulders
l. The double plot is to end in double WEI
ding; and before another month is past Il
l merry bells of Cadlands are TO usher in Il
:, happy morning.