The advocate., 1895-07-17

OH OH" 2SHExEspEARE
Early next morning, after Sydney's acquittal,
there was stir and hustle in the StilWel mansion; so
early that the stir and hustle had ceased and the
mansion had been deserted hours before the news of
Dobbins' extinction reached town; and it was long
afterwards that Gertrude learned his fate. Before
the household retired the night before, journey
had been arranged, and preparations were in pro-
gress for it now.
Loretta's father had written her to meet him in
Boston next day, and, it certain there would
be no wedding and that Gertrude was free, she re-
solved to leave on that mornings STAGE and Reuben
was to accompany her. The rest had decided to
join them.
A terrible blow had fallen upon Isaac StilWell.
The elite of two cities had come to his daughters
wedding only to find his prospective sOn-in-lsW a
murderer and fugitive, and to learn that his
daughter had visited the Hermitage, betrayed con-
serVatiVe secrets and had more than passing &C.
qusintsnce with Sydney Stone, the snti-Federsl.
His pride had been crushed in q few hours until it
was limp so to speak, a total wreck. His visiting
friends and others condOled with him, but he was
incOnsOlable. H0 could never endure to go out in
Worcester again and be conscious Of the jeers,
though he might not hear them. The whole family
must 60 away for awhile and give the ridiculous
state of things time to be forgotten. This his visit
ing friends agreed with him was absolutely nee
essary.
AS to Gertrude and her mother the visiting friends
perceived no consolation was required Sydney free
and Dobbns fugitive constituted double allow
ance of felicity which put Gertrude in an exhuber
sntly happy mood that not even Loretta's
departure could tinge with sadness; and Mrs. Still
well was happy because Gertrude was. The bouy-
ant girls pride not hurt, and she appeared on
the street early that morning long enough to an
old friend.
81 was raised up good Presbyterian, although
some of my faiths been getting undermined some
what. But this thing, the way it has turned out,
getting you and Sydney both free at once and maxim
that beast of Rskestraw make tracks while no rope
was holdn his feet too hight all seems like it had
the hand of God in it all round till am liable to get
religious again. guess you feel comfortable, like
How does the old one take itP"
"He is prOstrate with wounded vanity, and insists
that we shall all leave town for few weeks to give
people time to quit gossiping about it, 1 think it
best to submit in view of all that has happened for
it is remarkable-he has not said cross word to
me about it yet"
"Yes, guess it would be best to 90 somewhere
awhile. You would be gaWked at good deal, you
know for most folks don't know you are glad there's
to be no weddin' And they'd be pityin' you about
losin' husband when it seemed so sure, like"
"And could not endure their pity even if 1 de-
served it, Mr. Cottle 80 l think l had better make
no resistance at present TO parental authority. But
would like to congratulate Mr.. Stone Please tell
him left my hearty congratulations with you for
him. will you? We are going home to Boston with
some friends Tell him, please, shall hope to see
him on my return. And do please give Daddy Her
NIT my parting love, and tell him shall think of
him every day And now goodbye to you, Mr..
Cottle."