Year: 1862

about strong-mindedness and abolition


ism; the men with looks of cold reproof
the elderly ladies with real or affected
horror.


Aunt PTimly read her daily homily
secession was blatant all about her; no


one word, not even 4 token of any kind
bad she ever received from Jack; yel


he was not dead; for she read, with G
thrill that who can describe, in one o
the local papers, that the arch-traitol
Jack Centyre had escaped, and was
serving in Buell's army; but she stood
6rm-wOrds easily written, lightly read
but hard and bitter in practice.


At length Miss Primly fell III, and
while her fever was at its height came
the news of Fort Donelson, and the
wild panic and terror that overlook
Nashville. In the midst of il all, Lutte
sat calm and even joyous, for 10 her
the Federal army meant simply Jack
Centyre. . z r. "a
/ Jack well, faithful, and coming back
TO her, was the picture Hope held up
before her; and one afternoon while the
city was bresthlessly expecting the
ceming of Buell's army, as she sat by
lower window weaving golden dreams,
as she heard the jar Of the gate, and
looking up caught the glitter Of sword
and epaulets. He had come, and
breathless with delight she ran to the
door, opened it, and started back
aghast. The uniform of the Texan
Ranger met her eye, and face pre-
eminently handsome, spite Of the evident
traces Of debauch-a face only too
familiar to her, that Of Raymond Main
waring. outcast for his vices from a
circle by no means sanity, and her Bit
terest enemy because she had once re-
jected him. What could have brought
him there? She stood holding the door
looking at him with undisguised dis
may.


May I come in?' he asked with an
evil smile. 1t is SO long since we have
met


Even as he spoke, he stepped past
her into the hah, turned the key in the
lock. and took it out.


These are unsettled times, he sneer-
ed, and l have no fancy for being i'm
paIed ike bug on a Federal bayonet.
and sent North as curiosity. Will
you come into the library, Miss Loder?
l have something to say to you


There was no one within call but fe-
male servants, for all the neighbors had
fed; no help but to follow. Lutte did
so with a silent prayer. He gave her a
seat, placed himself beside her. and
leaning forward, fixed his eyes intently
on her face.


You, remember, are fond Of poet
ry,' was his most unexpected beginning.
4 came here to quote stsnza that has
been running in my head all day.


Kind of you, but is it worth the risk?
Pray what is your quotation?'


He took her hand. Direful menace
and fierce triumph famed in the mid
night depths of his eyes. He spoke as
il he would burn in every word on her
memory:


"For Time at last sets all things even;


And if we do but watch the hour,


There never yet was human power


Which could evade, if unforgiven,


The patient search and vigil long


OF him who treasures up a wrong"


He had marvellous voice, full, deep,
capable Of any infection, and it rung
out now like the tool of doom. Lute's
heart gave a sudden bound, and then
stood still in mortal terror; the blood
surged over cheek and brow, and as
suddenly receded; and her voice shook
spite of her bravest efforts, though her
words were calm enough.


Bon! see your taste has improved;
but conclude this is only your text
What is your sermon.


"A short one, Lutte. A year ago l
loved you, and you might have saved
and redeemed me. You refused with
scorn, and society applauded you, but
Time has set all things even.' The
wheel has turned. Society has need Of
mt now, iBuOFcs yOu'


True, yet hardly worth the telling


you are right, as usual, were that
all l had to say; but listen. am a
man OF curious pertinacity Of disposi-
ton, and never relinquish deter
nination. A year ago l decided that
you must belong to me. have not
changed my mind, though l have wait
ed in silence. Ny time has come
Your consent is no longer necessary
You are alone here, in city distracted
with mad, selfish terror, and Govern
ment will not inquire too closely into
the conduct Of so useful an officer.
shall take you.


you dare notl'


4 dare anything


God


is on the side Of heavy battalions
and favorable circumstances.


She struggled to shake of his grasp
On her wrist, which he had unconscious
" frightened to a painful degree. A
ocket fell from her belt. He picked it I
Up and opened it.


Jack Centyrel So he is my rival !
Will il interest You to know that l saw
him at Fort Donelson? He was one of ,
he first to scale the walls, and think
vas cut down at once. But come, my q
owe! time presses


A pistol lay on the table. Lutte, in
desperation. caught il and aimed il at G