Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1888-01-27


ing on rear Mrs Withers md Nellie seated on
sofa.
Mrs. Withers-My dear Nelly, my
nerves are quite unstrung at the thought
of the lonely night we must spend in
this desolate place.
Nelly-Truc, mother, 1t will be lonely;
but see no cause for fear. Are not
the servants within call'
Mrs. W.-No, indeed; and therein
lies the real cause for anxiety. The
coachman left this afternoon, and his
wife has Just told me he will not return
until tomorrow. This is the buffers
night to be absent, also; and instead of
waiting for tomorrow, Sunday, he left
this evening. This leaves us without
man on the place. My dear Tom!
how wish he were here!
Nel.-Come, don't be depressed,
mother! l am sure we shall get along
nicely.
tEnter Brdgetl
Brid-- gintleman, mum, asking
after Msther Tom. Whin tould him
he wasn't at home, he asked whn you'd
be looking for him.
Mrs. W-Show him in, Bridget.
Some friend of Toms. no doubt. At
least he is man. How fortunate!
[Enter Mr.. Hayward. Black eyes, black hair
nni a pcrceptiblc scar above the left brow. Mrs.
Withcrs rises TO meet him.
Mr. H.--Mrs. Withers. / presume?
My name is Hayward. Your son and
were at college together; and as was
passing through this section, thought
would call and see my old friend.
Mrs. WI am glad you did so. Mr.
Hayward, this is my daughter, Miss
Nelly Withers
Mr.. HI [Aside] Inever knew before
that my friend Frank Withers had
sister. Turning to Nelly.l Good
evening Miss Nelly.
Neil am very glad TO meet you,
Mr.. Hayward. Be seated. All sit.
Mrs. Wat any time, Mr.. Hayward,
we are glad to meet a friend of my
dear son. He will be absent for few
days; but we will be very gAd to have
you remain with us during your stay in
this part of the country.
Mr.. H.-Madam, you are very kind.
1t will give me [casting tender glances
at Nellyl great pleasure to accept your
generous hospitality. [Exit Mrs.
Withers,l l had no thought, when
started on my journey this morning,
that the evening would be spent in
such charming company.
Nel.-Thcn you did not mean to stop
with us; you only took us by chance,
after all.
Mr.. H.-A most happy chance for
me. Though had intended stopping
10 sec your brother, l was not aware
that he possessed lovely sister.
Nel.-You were at Emmcttsburg with
Tom for four long years, and yet he
never spoke of meP What an indiffer-
ent brother!
Mr. HI [Asidel Tom! Emmetts-
burg! What does she mean? To
Nellyl Brothers are proverbially in
different to their sisters. Let 1t console
you that for your brothers Indifference
you will have the ardent admiration of
dozens of other men.
[Enter Mrs. Withers, with startled aspect,
holding an open telegram in her hand. She is
accompanied by Bridgct,l
Mrs. W.-Mr Hayward. Bridget will
show You to your room, that you may
remove the dust of travel. Mr.. Hay
ward rises and follows Bridget They
go out Mt the lcft-hand door. Mrs.
Withcrs, turning to Nelly, falls fright
ened on the sofa. Nelly, My dear!
Nel.-Mamma, what has happened?
Mrs. w. - Extending telegram.
Read that, my poor child-a telegram
from Amelia-and realize our wretched
situation! Why did ask that wretched
man to stop here? Better the chance
of evils from without, than the certain
ty of burglar within.
Nel-A burglar? My dear mammal
But let me read for myself. [Goes to
lamp and reads. Beware of man
with black hair and eyes, n scar over
the left brow, and calling himself
Toms friend. A burglar answering
this description has been roaming
through this part of the country, and
was to go into your neighborhood to-
day." Oh, mamma! mamma! is it
trueP Looks at telegram Yes, the
description is too accurate. Dark
eyes and hair. scar above the left
brow, and calling himself Toms
friend"
mrs Withers rises and walks up and down,
wringing her hands in hysterical terrorl
Nell must concOct II plan for our
delivcrance. Islands with eyes cast
down, in an attitude of thought
Speaking brightly,1 have it, mamma.
Leaves the stage with an air of conf
dence.
Mrs. W.-What does that rash child
mean? must follow her Exit Mrs.
Withers
LScenc Second-Drawngroom as before.
Mrs. Withers discovered walking 10 and fro in
restless fright Enter Nelly and Bridget,l
Ncl-Now. Bridget, You understand
our position fully, don't your
Brid.-Faith an do, and me heart
goes down into me feet one minute and
up into me mouth the next at the
thought of it.
Nel.-Now, Bridget. none of your
weak terrors! Keep your heart in the
right place. and don't increase mann
mas fright. [Goes TO left-hahd door,
locks it. and puts the key into her
pocket At least we have one frail
lock between him and ourselves!
Brid.-[Down on floor in an agony
of terror. rocking back and FORTH To
think of locking a martherer up in our
house!
Nel.-o. Bridget! ! hope he is not a
murderer A Aburglar is bad enough!
BriA -rMurtherer pr burglarer, It's