The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1882-07-01

Joy MIR. Bert, said the sexton, who had
known me since was a lad. "Sorry /
can't see you married. My roads the
same as your brothers, so I'll 60 with
him )" and Off they both hurried, the
door shutting with a sharp click behind
them.
The time for the arrival of the we'd
ding party drew near, advanced to
the door that opened into the church,
designing to open il and peep through.
It resisted my efforts. struggled with
it sharply-no use The door was lock-
ed.
Then flew back to the inner door
and listened. The organ was playing
gayly, and subdued hush told me that
Nellie was entering on her fathers arm,
and here was l standing, Gagged like
lion.
/ glanced around. The windows
caught my eye-why had not thought
Of them 2 | could at least make my es-
cape, and the ceremony might not be
delayed. Like the mailman was,
seized the table, dragged IL to the win
dow, sprang upon il, and climbed on
to the high and narrow window sill
throwing up the sash prepared to leap
out but | had reckoned without my
host +; the cord that held the weight was
broken, consequently the moment my
hand left the sash the window descended
with startling rapidity, striking me full
upon the head, and knocking me of the
narrow sill, dashing my head against
the sharp corner of the table, and at
last landing me full length upon the
floor.
tried to rise something warm rush
cd over my face; put up my hand to
clear my eyes-my hand was covered
with blood.
l felt giddy and weak, still stagger-
ed I'd my feet then black mist arose
around me, and knew no more.
This was Thursday eve. Sunday af-
ternoon, the sexton, returning to his
duties, found me lying upon the floor
half dead, wholly delirious, my face
covered with blood, and a hole large
enough to let the life out OF any man.
That mine was spared because had
fallen with the wound down, and the
soft pile of the carpet acted like soft
lint to stanch the blood.
As soon as could control my
thoughts begged to know OF Nellie
Poor little girl she had been quite
overwhelmed. When / failed TO ap-
pear Katc's husband rushed out to in
quire Of the sexton if he had seen me.
He was positive that had been there,
and equally positive that had left again
in company with his brother said he
could not be mistaken-both seemed
in 4 great hurry and had jumped into
carriage and been driven rapidly away.
Messengers were sent to my hotel,
but without gaining clew to my where
abouts so after 4 moriifying wait Mel
lie had been taken home, and the very
morning of the day | was discovered
the whole family sailed for Europe.
AS soon as was able to stand, sailed
in search of the woman had so inno-
Gently humiliated. Not knowing her
whereabouts, il was two months before
found her. At last, one evening,
wandering on the seashore Of quiet
little English town, | espied her-and
alone.
That she believed me 4 most black
ened villain was plain, for the look she
gave me when she recognized my pres
ence was one of unutterable contempt.
Now that had found her was deter
mined she should hear the truth.
"Ncilie," cried, hurrying TO her,
and grasping both her little hands be-
fore she had time TO escape.
"Well, sir ? she replied, haughtily,
trying in vain to free her hands.
"My darling" pleaded, "you will
at least hear man before you condemn. :"
Her face flushed angrily.
"What can you say" she burst out
hotly, "that will make your conduct
less dastardly9 Have you not made me
the object of every ones ridicule and
con,emptuous pity! Offering me in
public an insult no woman could ever
forgive? Have you not made me hate
everybody, myself most OF all ? What
more do you wish, Bertram I.angley--you
villain ?"
WINGED little at the word, as |
thought of my broken head-,hough
God knows | did not blame her, believ-
ing rs she did.
"Why are you here And why did
you run away 7" she demanded with a
whole world Of scorn on the word "run
away"
al did not run away; was locked
up"
LOCKED Forwhat ? Where" cried
poor Nell, starting back, look Of hor-
ror creeping up into the brown eyes.
verify believe she thought for an in
slant that had added murder to my
other crimes.
"why, in the vestry," explained n
little foolishly. "Come and sit down
and let me tell you. Iam quite i'll yet. !"
This was master stroke. Nell seated
herself without demur, and half sitting,
half lying at her feet, related to her the
chapter Of my misfortunes.
Dear little girl Her face frightened
before l was half through-indeed,
am sorry to say she laughed quite hear
tily; but she became sober when told
her about the window coming down and
leaned over and kissed the scar on my
head tenderly, and knew that peace
and confidence were restored.
Great was the family wonder TO see
us walk in together; but everything was
all right as soon as | explained, and Mr..
and Mrs. Barley consented that Nell
and might be married next day in the
quaint little church in the place.
And so we were. ! led my bride in
myself, and Papa and Mamma BARLEY
followed soberly behind, and Kate and
husband were all the crowd we had.