The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1885-01-29
ALMOST VCO LATE.

the twill cht of that lovely June even
inn, one could but remark what a hand
some nobie-looking couple they were.
Gi bert Seymour. tall, stately, and
royal, never appeared more SO than
now, as he stood hand in hand with his
af!ianced bride. She, with look OF
trustful alteration upon her features, as
her azure ewes were raised to his, pre-
sented picture of celestial beauty-a
perfect Hebe in outline aud in atti-
tude.
Truly, it was well that Lcnore Talbot,
the high-,ninded heircss, whose hand
had been sought by suitors high and no.
bic, should be Joined for eternity in af-
lection and weGlock to the prince of
men, SO well fitted 10 be her compar-
ion.
Yes" Gilbert was saying, as he
bent low, with his face close to hers,
i ".o-morrow is our wedding-day, dear
Lenore Tomorrow! 1 can scarcely
realise it. All, how proud and happy
is my heart this EVENING"
be soft eyes resting upon his coun-
tenance assumed an expression of en-
HANGED pleasure, and the vclvety cheeks
were agiow with the happiness her
heart was TOO full to express.
I Tomorrow! She, too, failed to COM
prehend the full measure of the bliss
of this ore moment of ecstasy.
! The happy couple were interrupted
by gentle feots;cp, and a waiting
maid stood before them.
..Ah, what is it, Ceiina?" asked Le-
more, smiling in the gentle manner Pc
culiar to her.
"a strange woman is at the kitchen
door, replied the girl respectfully.
! ',Shc enquired for you, personally, and
will not be denied. She does not re-
side in these parts. l think, for her
dress and accent are both peculiar.
Goodness! there she. is now, and 1
thought 1 LETT her in the kitchen.
Lenore glanced in the direction indi-
Gated, and behcld dropping, worn
figure slowly advancing from the rear
of the house. SIZE palcd slightly and
sErank back with an exclamation:
'.Mrs. Burnett" - -
Tie strange woman drew nearer and
halted At the step.
please forgive my comm 10 you,
miss" she began in low broken voice,
glancing huinbly and respectfully to-
wards Lcno,e. .sIt's not right to be
troublin' one like you, but what else
could do, with him frcttin' and be-
secchin' so? ] hadn't the heart to de-
ny his prayer, and he wants.
Hush cried the young lady. step
ping hurriedly forward and drawing
the old visitor to one side.
Her lover SAW that her face was col
orless, and that she trembied from ex-
citcment.
mo more now, please-I cannot lis
ten," she said in subdIed tone.
Come again by-and-by, when l am
alone"
The woman sighed wcarily.
'.Let me give you this note, then, and
I'll bother you no longer. Please do
read it, and grant what it asks ~
She thrust a crumpled paper into the
hand of Lenore as she spoke.
'.Yes, yes!' said the latter in hurried
tones. 81 viii DO SO. But co 60 at
once"
Il Will" responded the strange crea-
ture. ..But don't disappoint him-don't
do it!'
There was spcra:ion-menace,ev even
in her voice and manner as she add
ed these words of admonition. She
then turned deliberately, and made her
way across the lawn.
After her departure, Gilbert naturally
made some enquiry as to the odd little
woman and her mission, but at the
earnest solicitations OF Lcnore dropped
the subject.
He soon afterwards departed with
tender farewell till the morrow, when
they should be 70 longer separated.
Near ten o'c!ock that night, when the
whole household was apparently wrap
ped in siu1aer, Ce.ina, Lenore's wait
ing-naid, was aroused BY subdued
knock at her chamber-door.
''Ceiina!" called the voice of her mis-
tress in tones scarce above whisper.
''Come to my room Immediately.
When the maid entered, Lenore was
seated in an armchair, pale saddened
look upon her beautiful features.
She was dressed for walk, and held
within her trembling fingers the mes
sage delivered earlier in the evening.
''Cclina," she said, turning nervous
ly in her chair, '.are You acquainted
with house in the village Known as
Manson Co.tage?"
''.e-, ma am
Good! / desire you to accompany
me thither. Put on your wraps, for l
shall start immediately"
But it is long distance, ma'am,"
demonstrated Cei.na. 1T is situated
far in the suburbs, near Blondels
Bridge. Ii you must GO, shall not Or
Ger \ carriagc?,'
Il am aware that it is long walk to
the cottage" replied the young lady;
..but wish this journey to remain
profound secret, and dare rcpose con-
t;dence in none save you, Celina. You.
know. are discreet and faithful.
Though You may wonder at this strange
visit. am certain you wiz Eot divClge
the secret OF it.
Without further remonstrance. the
young girl complied, and soon two dark
shadows might have been seen stealing
across the lawn along a narrow foot
rath that led inio by-stree:.
After walk of fifteen minutes, and
tac village had been left far behind,
save few struggling houses bordering
Upon the highway, they haliel in front
oE oEe-s;ory cottage that stood on
tie bank Of a murmuring stream.
II think this is the place, Miss Le-
Lore" said the maid.
YES" rejoired the mistress, ''this is
tie cottage seek. You remain here
for q few NOME It's. There is some one
here whom, desire to see, but will be
sent Only a short time.
She passed into the cottage without
knocking.
Ceina heard a glad cry of JOY from
within, followed by burst OF sobs.
Sa;.dc .ly quick firm step sounded
fogt;i irc2l TIE darkness, and the next
r.oment the girl started back with an
exclamation OF surprise, as tall form
confronted her, looming giant-iike in
tie gloom.
1t was Gilbert Seymour!
Tel me-" he cried in husky whis-
r~r, laying MS hand en- her arm, ''was
1I:l not Lenore, my promised vile,
V o just passed through Wonder door?'
,fhe startled maid could form no re-
plr, hlt hcr LOOKS were sufficient.
he Young man, panied expression
u,on his face. turned and was in the
al OF ,iei,ariing. when his steps were
este; by j series OF joyous eyciama-
t:c.ls that came through the haif-oren
W .n,.ow Of tie cottage.
"Ah. Lenore! l knew you would
Gene. My prec;oas-m: wiic! knew
y>.u coald 10, desert HE entirely"
Il WIS niln : voice. and 5elokcred
c:;.it nnys.c.i weakness, overcome for