The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-05-31

the slightest response, as If she had
heard him. He made an effort to look
into her eyes then fell back and dis
appeared.
Lucy reached her room, locked the
door and sat down, trembling aud cry
ing. This last encounter had been
too much for hor nerves. She was full
of excitement and dread. Uucons scious-
ly to herself this constant pursuit had
worn upon her. Her strength seemed
suddenly to give way. She sat, sob
bing, almost unable to stir, when there
was knock at tho door.
Sho started at tho sound as II some |
new summons of evil were at hand; but
the person who appeared was only a
young lady boarding in the house
with whom Lucy had slight acquaint-
ance.
A note had been left at the house
while Lucy was at school. 1t was her
mothers handwriting;
Come home Immediately. Your father is
very ill.
Miss Burton delivered the note, but
fingered. drawn to plying solicitudc
by the sight of Lucy's swollen face.
As Lucy dropped the paper and sobbed
more bitterly than before, Miss Burton
gently approached her, saying, "My
dear Miss Hutton, you have bad newsl"
'My father is very ill-dying, per-
hapsl But how can leave my schoola'
~ will be your substitute while you
are sbsent. l think 1 can. I have
taught il school before. And will
go with you tonight and see the rector"
This kindness terminated Lucy's
MUD. In few moments she had set
tied her plans and the two sought the
Rev. John Archer and had the matter
satisfactorily settled. Lucy was to start
on the 8 a clock train and Miss Burton
was to enter the school in the morn
ing.
Hurried1y making other arrangements
Lucy bade her new friends a grateful
goodby, took fly and was driven to
the station. The train was ready; she
entered. 1t was only an hours ride to
her home
Suddenly, while the train was rush
ing through thick darkness, lighted on
ly by cloud of sparks, Lucy remem-
bercd her obtrusive admirer.
II have escaped him" she thought,
with moments delight.
Anticipating her arrival she found her
fathers chase cart awaiting her, the
horse driven by her little brother,
Will.
GLOW is father, Will2"
''He is very ill, Lucy"
That night was long and hard one
for the friends of the sick man. But at
dawn, to the relief of all. the physicians
pronounced him out of danger.
The morning sunshine found Lucy
pallid and exhausted. She was greatly
unnervcd. They begged her to 60 to
sleep, but she could not rest. Her eyes
were heavy, her lips pale, her hands hot.
She carried some spring water, cool and
sparkling, to her room, wet her throb-
bing temples and her thick rich hair, the
weight of which oppressed her aching
head.
While engaged in this she heard a
knock at the door. Hurriedly coiling
up her bright hair, she went down. The
door was open. She did Eot approach
it, for, standing full in the sunshine,
upon tho threshold of her home was the
tall, gaunt, detested figure that had
haunted her, like a nightmare, fol
weeks. Covered with dust, his lank
hair straggling upon his shoulders, his
sallow hands extended, and his blood.
shot eyes fixed upon her face, his ap'
pearance was repulsive, his presence
frigh,ful. She shrieked and ran away.
Forgetting the invalid, she had
slammed the sitting room door behind
her, when she heard her name gently
pronounced, and Henry Graysou
caught her in his arms.
my dear Lucy, what is the natterT'
What an inexpressible relief was his
protecting embrace, and the gush OF
tears which followed! She told him
what had happened.
Search was made, but thero was nc
appearance of any one near the house,
and gradually Lucy became assured
and composed.
1t was II o clock, when, full of happy
thoughts, Lucy Hutton went up to her
chamber.
The room was large; a window was
open; gust of air rushed through and
extin guished her candle. She paused
a faint thrill of her old timidity came
over her. But she summoned her nat
, ural courage, and saying, Il will not
90 down stairs for matches; l will 60
to bed in the dark" she closed and
also locked closet door which yawned
behind her, drew back curtain to
let in the starlight and began to un-
: dress.
, Nothing unpleasant now mingled
with the girls happy thoughts, as she
softly unrobed herself. She had quite
, forgotten the present in thinking of a
delightful future, when strange noise
startled her. 1t seemed like something
: struggling against the wall. Her heart
, leaped into her throat.
, "Pshawl it is only a ratl' she said,
the next moment.