Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-06

mercy. But there is a care that weighs me to
the earth. Look at my aged and infirm parent
He will be reproached for the supposed crime
of his son. Look at those helpless sisters that
l leave behind me without a protector. Prove
to me that you love us all Let the clergyman
whom you will bring with you unite you this
night to Frances, and become at once brother,
son and husband"
The paper fell from the hands of Frances
and she endeavored to raise her eyes to the
face of Dunwoodie, but they sank abashed to
the floor
Am | worthy of this confidence? Will you
send me out this night, to meet my own
brother? or will it be the officer of Congress
in quest of the officer of Britain?"
"And would you do less of your duty because
| am your wife, Major Dunwoode? in what
degree would it better the condition of Henry?"
Henry, l repeat, is safe The word of Har-
per is his guarantee but ! will show the
world bridegroom" continued the youth, per
haps deceiving himself little, who is equal
to the duty of arresting the brother of his
bride"
And will the world comprehend this refine
ment?' said Frances, with musing air, that
lighted a thousand hopes in the bosom of her
lover. In fact, the temptation was mighty. In
deed there seemed no other way to detain
Dunwoodie until the fatal hour had elapsed.
The words of Harper himself, who had so lately
told her that openly he could do but little for
Henry, and that everything depended upon
gaining time, were deeply engraved upon her
memory. Perhaps there was also a feeting
thought of the possibility of an eternal separa-
ton from her lover, should he proceed and bring
back her brother to punishment 1t is difficult
at all times to analyze human emotions, and
they pass through the sensitive heart of
woman with the rapidity and nearly with the
vividness of lightning.
"Why do you hesitate dear Frances?" cried
Dunwoodie who was studying her varying
countenance; "a few minutes might give me
husbands claim to DrOtect YOU
Frances grew giddy. She turned an anxious
eye to the clock, and the hand seemed to lin
ger over its face, as if with intent to torture
her.
Speak Frances" murmured Dunwoodie;
may l summon my good kinswoman? deter.
mine for time presses"
She endeavored to reply, but could only
whisper something that was inaudble, but
which her lover, with the privilege of i'm
memorial custom, construed into assent. He
turned and few to the door, when his mistress
recovered her voice:
stop, Peyton! I cannot enter into such
solemn engagement with fraud upon my con-
science. l have seen Henry since his escape,
and time is all-important to him. Here is my
hand; if, with this knowledge of the conse-
quences of delay, you will not reject it, it is
freely yours"
Reject it," cried the delighted youth; 81
take it as the richest gift of Heaven. There is
time enough for us all Two hours will take
me through the hills; and by noon, tomorrow,
/ will return with Washington's pardon for your
brother, and Henry will help to enliven our nup-
tails"
Then meet me here, in ten minutes" said
Frances, greatly relieved by unburthening her
mind, and filed with the hope of securing
Henrys safety, ''and | will return and take those
VOWS which will bind me to you forever"
Dunwoode paused only to press her once to
his bosom and flew to communicate his wishes
to the priest.