The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-12-24

"Why. certainly, if she takes another
man. Pray, my pet, do not let any fooiish
scruple of fancied honor come between US
Is your little head more sure in judgment
than the laws Of our land? Justice has pro-
nounced me free to wed afresh, and am
sure God did not intend woman's sin
should keep man lonely all his life. Man
was not made to live alone. Think how
empty my life is, sweetheart, aud make 1t
replete with JOY. Say you viii be my wife
soon. as you promised. Think OF little Ally,
and your wish to help me find her. Surely
am not to wander away alone. should
be so miserable. Speak to Mrs. Steel, she IS
good, pure woman; she viii tell you her
opinion, and / am sure she will be on my
side"
Dorothy promised to do so, and heard
quite motherly homily from the sensible /
little soul, who, as Pierce had surmised,
was all on his side.
what a misery it is to have to sneak /
away like thieves in the night, said Pierce, |
as he settled Dorothy in first-class car
rage.
She was heavily yelled, and seemed very
feeble.
Jane rode apart, feeling very jolly; the
EtiEA Va 81 lIAIlA tAtiAl-N ff-t3 B-et.H-'e
and she liked Dorothy immensely.
I suppose | was foolish TO travel with
you, darling, but / could not bear the idea
Of you enduring the long journey alone. l
! fear it win tire Gu terribly. Are you sure
you are we'll wrapped up? have tipped the
guard to keep all outsiders away. Is your
/ fOot-wafmer c1mfOra5leY
I Yes. / am qJite 100 cosy; shall 90 to
/ sleep l believe"
SO you shall, sweet. if you will rest your
4 dear head on my shoulder, so thatI can kiss
| you when / like. hate that horrid veil,
/ can't get at your lips
/ Dorothy laughed, and lifted it so that he
could kiss her sweet red lips. Then she
said:
When do we start, Pierce?'
Almost directly. Keep your head turned,
will lean out of the window. and see there
is 10 one about
Everything vent moathly, and the train
steamed out of the station without any
unusual delay.
The journey passed pleasantly enough TO
the lovers.
At Gloucester Pierce said he would get
out a second to get a drink, and asked Dor
othy if she would have anything.
No, dear, thank you, Mrs. Steel filed my
flask with wine; but you get yourself a
bottle of Bass, know there is nothing you
like 50 wei, and don't forget you want
some matches, or you will be done out Of
your smoke
''All right, pet; keep your seat, I'll shut
the door l hope no one will get in"
Perez swung out of the carriage, and ran
&C tae platform to the fefTeshment-bar
Directly ne had gone a gentleman opened
the door and got in. sat down i'm a corner,
tilted his hat over his eyes, and remained
as still as a mute.
He was on the same side as ID JrOthy who
. did not take much notice OF him, so anxious
was she for Pierc-.'s return.
Take yosg sea;sv' shouted the guard,
| banging the doors 70 goisily. and Dorothy 5
, heart sank,
Sac saw Pierce come cut Of the bur and
, hesitate. The rush confused him,
Dorothy was about to get up to wave her
hand to attract bis attention, when the gen.
, tleman stood up, and filed the window with
!. his big bulk,
"Oh, please lei ne look out, my friend
has missed the carriage"
Still the man did not stir.
Dorothy got de perate, and putting her
hand on his arm, said excitcdly:
you are no gentleman to stand there
preventing my friend from finding lie! Let
me look oHtp'
Still he was as immogeabis as fate,
The train moved and another moment ii
had steamed away.
I Dorothy, afraid of she knew not what, sat
down shiveTing.
Just then the man turned round, and sat
down beside her, saying:
so | am no gentleman. Yet | am youl
! guardian. Miss Snow, and have right to
know why you are travelling at night with
a man of whom l altogether Gjsappgove."
With a shrek of terror Dorothy sank back
; in her seat, her eyes riveted on the exultant
face of the man she feared more than the
King of TerroFs.
''God help mo!' walled Dorothy. what
, shall do?'
: why, act as a modest girl should; return
to your home with me, and try to trust your
best friend"
You my friendl Sooner than be at your
, mercy would throw myself among pack
of hungry wolves Keep your distance,
: don't dare to touch me, OF l will throw my
self out of the train. | am no coward there
is nothing under heaven | fear as / do your
! You are in my power, Dora; if you are
wise you will not provoke me. am a des-
perate man, and this is a dangerous venture
fer us both. You see this pistol? If you
. don't promise TO return to my protection,
wards'
He put the shining toy away, and stood
over her, white with passion.
. she tried to get away from him to ring
the alarm, but his strength was too much FOR
her, yet he held her kindly
Keep quiet, Dora, and listen to me. TN,
your guardian, tine law gives me control
il over You. | followed you here tonight to
keep you from clipping with man of whom
: do not approve.
Il can enforce my authority, but prefer &c
] use persuasion. l. stem TO me. If you will
get ont next time the train stops, | will for,
r give all; if not and Pierce Penfold and
, meet, there will be murder done, for | am
desperate, and would risk more than life t.
keep you with me-"
r Dorothy looked at the stern set face, re.
viewed her position quickly, then said, with
y her innocent eyes appraised to his:
Horace Middleton, let me appeal to youl
n better nature. Hear me. | love Mr.. Pen
Y fold, and have promised to marry him al
: any cost | will keep my promise. l dc
/ not fear death, but do a loveless life.
|. For the sake of my fathers friendship
O my mothers trust, do not betfay me; let me
! go my own way, and be happy. Even if
II had not got TO care for Pierce l could nevel
y have cared for you.
II | + or once De KIND 10 me II you loved INT
!, you could not be so cruel as to make mi
4 wretched. If you attempt to harm me
a will find a way 10 punish you, or die in ths
!. attempt. Remember l have friends-per
haps but panel divides me from my cho
. sen protector Pause before you make
Il yourself amenable to the law"
i fear nothing but your loss. / swea
that man shall never marry you; woult
kill you first. Oh Doral why won't yoI
), love me little?''
a Dorothy did not answer. She was sick
with fear; he held her as in a vice, and i
r she screamed, the wind. through which the.
), were rushing at phantom speed, would carry
a her voice away like whisper.
On. on, they sped in silence, their eye.
h regarding each other suspiciously.
i After a time the train slackened speed
and Dorothy's hapes rose.
If they were 10 stop al a station, all nigh
q yet be well; Pierce would seek her and as
surely find and deliver her.
Horace Middleton seemed to read hel
, thoughts.
: They were close to the door, he looked
ont. On one side was piled-up bank ol
snow; the station was still far off.
!, He held both her hands in one cf his
i deity undid the door, and lifting the
q screaming s. juggling girl in his arms
jumped out, throwing her on the snow-ieaT
: insenslhle.
=