South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1881-10-07
The Doom of Rendon.

oiu ciiaracter5 over the mautleplece OF
the dining hall of Rendon Grange.
and greatly excited my curiosity,
while staying there on shooting visit.
l asked our host one night il.
the smoking.room what was the orr.
gin or meaning of the couplet, and Mr..
Rendon demurred at telling ME, on
the plea that. family history might on
ly bore his guests. A unanimous
shout from every ono. however, proved
the contrary; SO we settled ourselves
to the deliberate enjoyment Of our ci-
gars, while the master OF the house
began:
1T is necessary to remind you, my
friends, that my grandfather was only
far OFT collateral relation, when, by
lack OF direct heirs, he came into poss.
esslon OF the property, and the cause
which put him into that possession was
as follows:
The couplet you sec cut there is
some centuries old, and when or by
whom inscribed it is impossible to say.
But the family from one generation
to another were very much impressed
by 1t, and carefully avoided any
chance of fulfilling it. So they flour.
lshed in the ordinary. way until, in the
year 1865, Godfrey Rendon was the
owner of the place, and blessed with
two handsome and gallant sons, i'm
every way worthy of parents affec-
ton. But Godfrey Rendon had an
enemy, whose hatred was the growth
of twenty years.
The fair Catharinc Melderly, who
Was the beauty of the time, had sing
led out from her numerous adorers
two whom she regarded with more
favor than amy Others. They were
Geotfrey Rendon and Edmund Van
ley, of Vanlcy Court. These two
seemed to run neck and neck race,
and it was doubtful Which would win
the lady's hand. But mt length her
preference showed itself for Rendon,
and Vanley bore his defeat with an
outward smile but an inward VOW of
revenge. Time went on; Mr.. and
Mrs. Rendon passed some years in
mutual happiness, but, to her lus-
bands ineXpressible grief, his wife
died shortly after the birth of her sec
ond son. Thenceforth all Rendon's
love was lavisheI upon Godfrey and
Richard. Both were much like their
beautiful mother, both were skilled
and accomplished in learning and ac,
quirements. and fondly attached to
each other. Nothing cloudeI their
hearts except the dread OF the grim
couplet in the hall being realized in
their persons; and to do away with a
chance of this, they made compact
IN their simplicity, which had the
dreadful result they wished to avoid.
The agreement was -neither was ever
to mention. love or the subject of his
love to the other.
Edmund Vauley's gloomy house
was enlivened by one bright inmate,
his beautiful niece, Dora Vanley, n
charming girl of eighteen. And oh.
serving the deep admiration she crea-
ted i'll young Geoffrey, Edmund Van.
ley planned a scheme so cruel and
villainous, that not only shudder to
tell OF it but | scarcely expect you to
believe it.
'Day after day handsome Geoff'rey,
dressed in all the splendid costume of
the period, would gaIlop over to Van
ley Court, and pass his hours i'll the
sweet companionship of his lady love.
Old Vanley received him very gra-
ciously, only eXacting from him n SOL
emn promise that he would never
mention his betrotLal TO Dora till he
gave him permission, and would keep
his visits profound secret. To'all of
which Godfrey assented. One thing
more Vanley required Of the young
man, which was that on all his visits
he was TO be masked, to which Geof.
frey, though rather surprised also as
sented.
Time flew on, and one day, in Au-
tumn, Godfrey and Dora, deep i'm
their own converse, were pacing a..
round the garden.
Sweetest, sail he, your uncle has
consented to our marriage, and speed
lily. Life seems all sunshine now
MAY 1t continue So murmured Do
ra with blushing smile.
And will it not, with you ever near
me" said he. ooh, my darling, such
happiness seems too great
AYE, Godfrey she returned, 'wo
seem in fairyland.'
AT this moment Vaulcy joined
them, and said
Il have a strange request, Geofroy,
TO make of you, but have weighty
reasons. want YOU 10 carry Dora
oft tomorrow evening, or seem to
do So
Garry Dora off, said Godfrey, in
surprise
Yes said Vanlcy. 'and this is the
reason. When a child, | betrothed
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