New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-21
mlsh that his troopers dared not carry him fur-

w.
mlsh that his troopers dared not carry him fur-
Their.
A dozen scarlet-clad horsenen waited under
the leanees trees Of the avenue, and captain
Pelham lay supported by comrades arms upon
the topmOst step Of the portico.
He had been shot the lungs anu "d'
speechless But he was conscious, ana MS 'V'-
ters bear passionate record that, from the mo-
ment she appeared within the high Colonial door
way. he became Mistress Lydias prisoner lof-
ever. as well as her patient for time
A time which proved TO be for him and FOR her
that brief stay in Paradise which tender old
proverb promises once in a life to each child Oh
Eve,
Through the ensuing winter. which was the
winter OF Valley Forge. Captain Pelham dwelt In
the guest-chamber at harrington Manor. He
was visited occasionally. wlen the movements OF
the American troops permitted, by his brother
Nho was a member Of Lord HOWe's staff, ana by
an eminent surgeon from Philadelphia. For the
most part however. according 10 the custom OF
a hundred years ago, he remained the charge OF
his young hostess.
Outside cold and hunger the deadly strife
OF those dear to both the hope of struggling
people sinking almost 10 despair. But within
was love that made happy the present. and as
sured the future with the fervor Of their youth
and the conviction Of their mutual faith
When he able 10 walk SO far. Captain Pei
ham made his way TO that other sickroom, where
Lydia's father lay dying. and told his story. II
was kindly heard Endowed with the clear tOler-
ance which the neishbOrhOOd Of Death bestOws
on some just souls Darlington promised his
daughter to her British lover when the war be
tween their factions should b. ended-wh!ch-
ever cause victory might adorn.
IT,
Spring. though long delayed that year, arrived
all too swiftly for those two
Pelham was convalescent. His brother came
no more The surgeons visits had ceased Lord
Howe desired him TO resume command OF his
troop. Yet few days and ne must depart, un-
knowing when he could return to claim his bride
1t at this time that Lydia one midnight
Wakefuuy confronting the clouds which over
hung the future, was hurriedly called by her
mother 10 her fathers bedside.
He lay propped up among pillows, and he
spoke with difficulty a. n babe his daughter
draw near But she perceived that anxiety ratn-
than pain oppressed MN while ne explained
his need Of her
owing to the situation Of the Manor. on the
territory disputed by both armies they were not
unused 10 tidings by secret messengers from the
younger Darlington in the American camp. The
messenger. who had been received half an hour
since was however the herald II visitor whose
safety during his stay would De- Of vital impor-
lance 10 the infant nation. for whose existence
MS lie the guarantee.
Washington himself desired 10 soc his former
cOmrdI- in the ensuing night. 10 take cOuncI
with MN concerning certain measure, Nnrfcpu
he and his immediate advisers We're at variance
The danger Is great harrington said. visit
fully regarding his daughter Yet less great
than al first il seems Your mother and YOU can
contriye that none other shall guess his presence
here Even should our servants discover what
guest II Win US. We can rely upon them not I"
betray him There remains Captain Pelham
who
For him 1 answer" Mistress Lydia interrupted
haughtily. His honor Is mine own.
Nay. my child. there might be in his mind
some uncertainty as To which way his honor d.
reefs"
Shame. father" she cried You who know so
well that tho instinct Of a sentlemans honor IL
certain as is that wOndrous needle 10 whose
guidance sailors trust
And Darlington infected by the enthusiasm
Of her bright eyes. acquiesced
The following day would be that on which
market was held weekly AT village within the
British lines. where Philadelphia tradesmen
brought such goods as the farmers could not sup
ply from their own res lurces. IL had been MIS-
tress Lydia's custom, when the roads were safe,
to visit this market attended by Augustus, an
old negro servant. and it was agreed between her
and her father that. 10 avert suspicion Of I'M
usual anticipation, she should proceed thlther on
the morrow.
Accordingly she was arrayed for this expedi-
ton when she sought Captain Pelham On the ter
race in the next mornings early sunshine. fair
picture she made in her dark green habit with
brass buttons. and her large many plumed hat
a picture he described with tenderest detail years
afterward
She found him pale and respondent she hung
over his armchair. lOathe o. leave him for one
Of the few hours which remained OF mis- stay at
the Manor. But he sent her rescutey from him.
giving 10 her a letter FOR his brother. as was his
won't on these market days-a letter which she
was 70 deliver 10 a trooper who would be dis
patched 70 receive II.
She rode forth while Augustus mounted on
tall horse and carrying a huge basket, paced So
berry behind Spring rains had broken the ave
nue. into alternate courses II mud and water. and.
as she bent lift her habit yer further from the
probable splashing. Pelhams letter slipped from
her waisthand
mtted Augustus descended from his saddle. and
restored the packet 20 her.
Alas il was and stained
1T viii be the delay Of merely ten minutes 10
return and bid Captain Pelham address another
wrapper" she murmured glad Of this excuse 20
behold the welcome in her lovers eyes.
She tore off the drenched envelope hurriedlV.
lest the damp should have penetrated. and looked
az the inclosure with keen daintlneSs. Her look
changed. Her color faded. Her lips set sterniy.
Happiness went out Of LYDIA Barrington's life
while she stared AT the letter cOnfded 20 her
transmission by the man for whose honor she
had pledged her own.
Yet presently she lifted her head and. turning
her horse toward the Manor she rode up the
avenue at speed Augustus found difficult 70
emulate.
Beside the high oak chimney in the entrance
hall stood a massive writing-table There she
tore Pehan's letter 10 tiny pieces. and sealed
them carefully within a fresh envelope upon
which she inscribed his name.
Explain 20 Captain Pelham the mischance 70
his packet" she said. though her lips were white
her voice aid not falter Inform nv mother that
| have ridden forth again unattended. Ask her
70 prevent nv father from hearing that I have
done so until return"
III
OF that bitter journey which led Ter by devil
ways. through rough country lanes. dan
gerous alike from maraudlng bands Of friends
or foes. there IS slight mention in her journal
Nor is there more than the mere statement that
she reached WashingtOns presence and de-
livered the warning she had brought
II told him that our roof sheltered a spy she
wrote: that I knew not how far his treachery
extended but that the visit with which the
General intended to honor my father must Be