The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-04-09
EBENSBURG, PA. FRIDAY. APRIL 9. 1886

all that YOU did says Mrs. Neville, gravely.
I'm that matter, madam, acknowledge l
erred. - saws SaumareZ, lightly, though he
bites hiSlip. But all Is fair in love and
war | NOOed her as girl over whom
cloud rested. knowing her in my heart to be
an heiTeSS and of irTeprOachable birth. Nay,
hear the exact TRUTH" he says with some
what reckless laugh. i am not so rich as
the world deems me; and thought if l could
win Miss Neville, 1 might afterward prove
her to be Miss Penruddock, and so secure her
fortune. But 1 failed. At hTst l Thought
only of the money to which she was entitled;
but now and always, | shall think that were
she pennileSs and unknown, the man who
gains her love viii be richer than any sou!
on earth You believe me, / am SureP ne
adds, turning abruptly, and most UneNpect-
Yes: l believe YOU" she says, earnestly:
and theI-very Sweetly. struck by the eX-
treme melancholy of his eNpreSSOn-she
comes few steps nearer to him, and holds
out her hand. He takes it, presses his lips
to it, hastily but fervently, and without an
other word quits the room.
1T Is, plainly see, an unnecessary ques-
ton; but for all that, l viii ask if you have
quite made UP your mind that this ridiculous
story is true?' demands Penruddock, angrily,
addressing his son, upon whose countenance
no disbelief can be read.
'OuiteT' SAYS Dick. readily. who has for
gotten to think of anything beyond the TACT
that the stigma attached to Hildas birth has
been removed.
Then you acknowledge hcI?'
As my cousin? Yes certainly"
Then, as certainly, you are DeggarF'
says Penuddock, with a harsh laugh.
The Young man starts as if shot and puts
his hand to his forehead. For the first time
he realizes what all this may mean to hjHl.
BY what right now shall he speak of love TO
the woman who Is all in all 10 hIn. whose
image occupies his heart? Their positions
are reversed; she is the pOSSeSSOr OF land and
fortune; lie is now the lonely Outcast
He draws a deep breath, and then rouSes
himself. Going up to Mrs. Neville he bids
her goodnight, in "A low tone, that still does
not falter.
my cousin he says, gently, though without
looking at IIlda. Tomorrow. everything
can be discussed more thoroughly; but for
tonight enough has been said
We shall see You tomorrow, hOpe?'
says Mrs. Neville. anNiOuSly.
Il think not 1t viii be better not" says
Dick, with a faint smile. Il shall have many
things to see to, and my fatherwiH, Of course,
require me.
At this mention Of his name, Penruddock
turns his head. and all present notice how
tersibly his face has changed within the last
few minutes
As If ali hope has died within him. he looks
crushed and broken, and very pitiable.
IhefP Il. too within his eyes q somewhat
vacant expression that contrasts very power
fully with his insolent deneanor OF an hour
ago
Fh. Dfck?-eh. Iad?' he SAYS. in a CON
fused fashion, putting his hand to his head,
and signing deeply. What are you saying
of me. j heard my name. Don't believe
! them, DICK. II Is all raise. every NtI0-
/ Then. in tone OF eager. almost abject en-
treaty, he adds in whisper Don't UJ1t
/ condemn me Dick! You have not the right
! TO do that 1t was all for your sake, Dick
/ all for youI'
! Come away. Come home with me. faith
/ er." says Dick hurriedly and anXiously.
\ touch Of deep pain, mingled with shame,
! mars the beauty of his features a he listens
/ tO his fathers words. which are a confession
! of his guilt.
Home! Where is that uolCY' asks Pen
f4f hfE -ftTrf. of
! fort to lead him from the room, From the
/ castle to the cOttage-that is a fall, indeed
And sinking his voice, Il can't go to the
| cottage. DiCk-the TiUCT Is therC!-dHCdUS
the riverI' with strong shudder. And il
! never CeaSeS-it flows on and forever! 1 car
hear it always in my dreams at nightE
| "ROuSe yourself. You are dreaming now,
/ / think says Dick, who is as pale as death
''N0: not now says the old man. lie
looks very old man now indeed. 50 strange
" altered are his features and mien. 1T i
too late now for dreams. II what she say:
be true. all is over, all is at an cnd.'
The end Is not come yet returns Dick
braveIy throwing up his head with certain
proud gesture that brings tears into the eye;
I of one who is watching him.
He closes one hand firmly, as though to de
I fv misfortune. while into his face there COme
nobility, a sense Of dignity, that perhaps
/ lacked before.
you have still enough to satisfy ever,
/ want he says, addressing his father: IAN,
. as FOR me. the world is before me, and Shal
( conquer il i'm defiance Of fate and evil fortune
/ All Is for the best, and we should be thank
ful that the little one was saved. on ar
I thankful, father, are you moi? Say that yO
are thankful" he asks, with extreme earn
estupSS.
1t is as though he had completely and en-
tiTely diSSOCatcd the love Of his manhOO
from the delightful little companion OF hi
earlier days.
Yes, yes-deeply thankfulr' says Pen
ruddOck. i'm a strange tone hardly TecOgniZa
bile. "A weight Is lifted from my heart
load from my sOul-that has lain upon theI
for many q year! Now it is raised, my heal
feels lighter. But looking hepleSsl
around, my h"dd is bearing the burdel
now Ii feels like molten lead. And ther
is a sound as of many yOiCcs-and-'
\ deep grpan escaped him; he staggered
and. but that Dick hastily caught him in hi
arms. would have fallen heavily to n
/ ground