The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1896-06-19

IL knew" rejoined the other
THAT you, as we'll as the rest of tn os,
present. might, at first, wonder VIII,
and how | should have kept myself ap
prised. as ! confess have long done
of all that concerned the individual
ir terests, and even inclinations, as fal
as could be con jectured, of each Of
you. And know, also. that my ways
are not like those of other men. Blu,
cannot you trust to the motives OF 6
dying man and let him proceed in hit
own manner!
Il can-I will, Father Herriot" an.
swered Sabrey, touched by the appea
"And | will not affect to misunder.
stand you. have been freed from
letters under which l have suffered
perhaps unnecessarily-both persecu-
ton and embarrassment of feeling.
And | am thankful" she continued,
throwing a grateful glance to Wood
burn" greatly thankful for that gen
erous forbearance by which this was
effected without bloodshed. Yes,
am free, doubly free but whoever
takes me-" she added slightly color
| ing, must now receive a PENN less
BRIDE
Perhaps not, said Herriot, mus
ingly-'' perhaps not. But did not
mean to he understood as imposing
any conditions to the act was about
to perform. after ascertaining your en-
tire deliverance from the power and
supposed claims of one whom l deem
bad man, as well as foe to his coun-
try. Here. deserving girl. p" he con
tinued, taking up one of the documents
from the table and extending it
towards her, here is deed of gift,
from me to you. of all which
was your fathers estate. Take il it is
freely given and worthily bestowed. "
Surprised at an act as unexpected as
it was munificent, kept all mute for
some seconds: when Sabrey, whose
sensibilities were too deeply moved to
permit her to speak. threw upon the
donor look which her grateful emo
tions made more eloquent than any
language she could have summoned
for reply: and then. turning. she
silently extended her hand to Wood
burn, with the deed still lying across
the open palm.
"WhicbY-the hand or the paper?"
asked the latter, in low tone, and with
slightly apprenensive air.
Either, or both" replied the
scious cheek
"The hand, then, Exclaimed the de
lighted lover, grasping the coveted
prize, and bearing it in triumph to his
lips
ut is all right, but no words.
said Herriot, making a motion for ST.
lence to WOODBURY., who was about to
address him-no words. have much
to say-let me proceed. Bart" he
continued, after thoughtful pause,
as he turned to the young man who
had stood mutely noting the proceed
ings with puzzled look" Bart, do
you remember the old Rose Home
stead, which was confiscated, and also
purchased by me?"
"Well, yes, replied Bart, looking
up with an inquiring, doubtful express
sion-''yes, for as many as two several
reasons, or more.' he added, with one
glance to WOODBURY., and another, and
more significant one. to Vine, who
was standing demurely at his side.
"Would You like it for your own?"
asked the former.
my own!' exclaimed Bart, casting
an incredulous but searching look at
the others countenance. in which,
however, he read something that at
once changed his demeanor; and, in a
softened ana respectful tone he replied
to the question, ''Yes, Father Herriot,
as soon as the smell of torism got fair
ly out OF it, | would like it grandb,
that's a fact. +"
st is yours, then. as this deed will
show" said Herriot, handing to the
surprised and hesitating young man
the instrument in question; lit is
yours: but have you no one to share it
with your"
"WelI. don't know exactly, but may
be the chap that helped me fix up my
spy DISCUSSES, and gave so many good
hints for ferreting out the tories, won't
object much TO that, seeing we have
had considerably the start of the cap
tain and his lady here, in the way of
finished bargains, +" replied Bart, turn
ing with an expression of droll gray
ity, to the blooming girl at his side,
who. thcreupon, with an arch and
blushful smile, placed her hand in his,
which had been extended to receive it.
"Who are you, Father Herriot?' ex.
claimed the now completely surprised
WOODBURY. :''who are you, to take such
an interest in us and bestow on us gifts
so valuable with SO little hope, as you
can have, of any adequate returns"
"Listen and you shall be answered"
replied Herriot !" for the time has now
arrived when you all should know
the relation in which we stand to
each other and l know not but l have
already delayed the disclosure of this
fact too long. Perhaps I should have
made it as l had nearly done, when, at
the breaking out of the war you and
Bart visited my hermit cabin in the
vicinity of the Connecticut. But when
found you about to embark ID the
cause of liberty for which l stood
ready to make any sacrifice, l con-
cluded to defer it, lest the discovery,
which / had but then just made my
self, should turn you from a service that
l thought none were at liberty TO with
hold. / therefore, after communicating
to you encouraged to lead you, in case
of my death, to all the knowledge l
wished you to obtain, encouraged you
on your way. And it has all doubt |
less, been for the best: for who knows |
but your individual exertions were |
needed to turn the scale which has |
been so long trembling at equipoiseY
But the events of this day." contin |
ued the patriot, kindling at the
events of this day, |
-l.~l Ill ~ ,,,a,,<~.lla thxo,ch ali Il