^>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) ^g? i/j IS 1.0 I.I 1.25 ^1^ liil i 1^ |||£ 1.8 U 1 1.6 ? Photographic Sdences Corporation ^ ^m m^ 4 ^ V N> '% y ^ '<^ ^ " ^^hk.\\ ^ NEW YORK: A. ROMAN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. SAN FRANCrSCO: 417 AXn 419 MONTGO.\[RRy ST. 1808. •ym ^ ■'•■J "J K nti-HMl iicconlli.i: to A.'t of Cnsross ii. the yciir ISfiO, by A. KOMAN & I'O- in ll.c CUtU-s Olllc oi the District Court of the United 9tnto» for the SniitlK'in OistHot of N^'W Voik. Cir.vp. I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. JX. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV. J w^ >- W 'y. 'J the yciir ISfi?, by I United States for the OlU. CONTEIS'TS I. Mrs. N'evi.vs declakes her Poweh 5 II. COU-NTERI'LOTS J4 III. AnTnuu's Kari.y r :tion 20 IV. Xew Faces and New Fkie.nds 27 V. Small CiiAX(iE.s and One (iRKAf CiiAstiE ?i\ VI. What Arthur's Caution availed 4:{ VII. Aldeaxe takes a Journey and fint'S a Home .)9 VIII. A Slioiit M vstkry go IX. (JRASSMEKE en X. " January and Ma v " go XI. An Une.vpectbd Arrival gg XII. A War op Words 90 XIII. A Truce proclaimed 108 XIV. Aldeane learns a Secret -[w XV. A Second Secret told 123 XVI. Doubt becomes Certainty 129 XVII. A Momentous Inteuview 135 XVIIT. Two Important Letters 141 XIX. The " Merry Wedding " 150 XX. Leonore's Strange Lover ]r,7 XXI. Leonore's Little Secret j 04 XXIL The Old Arbor at Grassmere n3 XXIII. The Voice in the Storm i8« XXIV. What tur WKDDiNa Morning nuoutiiiT id,-, i C'UAP. XXV. XXVI. xxvir. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. XXXI. XXXII. xxxiir. XXXIV. XXXV. XXXVI. XXXVII. XXXVIII. CONTEXTS. Pauk A Long Axn Fatkfui. Tale '-!•' TiiK Ci.osK OF TiiK Fatf.i'ui. Rlcouo -•"■' TllK PROOIUNd Kl.OWEU -'"'2 ALDEANE KETUIINS TO TUB NoUTll "**0 A THEASCnB FOUND -**^ The 'lOVERNEss resumes ueu Duties -9*» The DnooriNO Flower iadeh 305 ReTUIHUTIOX BEdlXS ■'!'' William Ake.sdell's Narrative ^'-•'» Important Coruesponhence ■*'**^ Alueaxe'S Mission- and its Uesilts •'555 A Tardy Explanation ''^1 Father and Daughter at Home 370 Conclusion ^^"^ Th. tFu' sii oach tain i. engro! a wild that r in the the he The the sin I'ustoir lioarts 111)011 t Thei to do I Massac haps, b would ins woi severit; glowini Paur 'Ji:! iOORn 2:*<"i 'J(!2 mi 2«0 289 Dltiks '^9fs 305 315 VK 325 348 KSII.TS 355 301 ,MK 379 397 A L D E A N E CIIAPTEIi I. MKS. .NKVIXS DKCLAIMCS IIER POWKI!. TiKn'Gii tlie wind without l)k>w its slr.r.Iost blast aii.l t!u. snow canu' c(-asd,>ssly, wliilo tl.o hitter coKl pointc.l oach flake with ice as it fell, the inmates of the moun- tain farm-house heeded it ,.ut little, so deeply wre they engrossed in their own thuusrhts and pursuits. It was u wddly-stormy night, but not more tieree were the winds that ruled it than the thoughts of some who gathered in the comfortable sitting-room around the blazin-r lire on the hearth-stone. There are times when the wan-ing of the elements seems the signal for the rending asunder of bonds of duty, or custom, and especially for the deep bitterness of injured liearts to find vent in passi.M.ate words. Thus was it upon that temi)est-ridden night in which our story opens. There had been an unusually large quantity of work to do upon the farm that day, and at best an estate of Massachusetts -res is not easily managed. It was, per- haps, because o. that, and a foreboding of the toil' that ^vould come with the snow-ch;d morrow, that Jonas Xev- iiis wore upon his ever-scowling brow a irown of unusual seventy, and sat moodily by the firo gazing into the glowing coals. 6 .1 Li) i:a si:. Tic was not at any tiim' a pleasant man to look iit ; llicrc wiTi' too many \v,\\>\\ ami cnirl limn iiiun liiin sal- low count ■.•nunoo; his Hinall gray oyi's ol'tin ilasliiil too ticrccly licncatli liis heavy lirnws; aml,ali(>ve all, his nerv- ous lips were too deeply sinister in their ever-fhaiii.Mn.;jt rurvoH. Hut with all tliis, he was not an ugly man ; so far as regular features, luxuriant iron-gray hair, and u tall, well-Unit figure eould make him so, Jonas Xevins was a liandsome man. So thought his wife, a fair-haired woman of thirty-live, who sat opposite to him, glancing at liini furtively some- times, hut appearing to he almost totally engrossed by lier knitting. That night the face of Mrs. Xevins was one worthy of more than passing notice. Not for its beauty — tlutugh it was evi(h'nt that slic liad onoc been beautiful, though care and grief had long striven to deny it — but for the expression of determination tliat rcstecl upon her thin lips and strangely contrasted witli the meekly droojiing eyes, aninjj; oycs, irni'd iVoni tliem uj)oii hair. embers of this fireside task ; far beyond de- ' those others — young me. 1 were they, althouQ;1i was tall, dark, and t^irl was exeeedinyly three years younger iigc contrast of ehild- cu about fifteen, and, ly upon six feet, was lere was niueli of the on his well-knit figure, , dark faee, shaded by eyes were bent upon h.s book; bn wh..„,af last, he raised them for a tnoment o glan.-e at his nster, they were revealed in ma.Miiti.vnt "••••ord with the tropi,.,! b.,,uty of his faee. Thev were truly glorio,,. oys ; large, bla.k, an.I fiery; thoron.rhlv .^xi.ressive o( the strong, proud spirit of ,|,..ir possessor .1 l.<.y were eys that had gained for Arthur ( Jiithrie the ■-"Plaeable hativd of his step-father, for thev, though his tongue had b..,.„ g„a,,K,., ,..,1, had reveale.i tlu- di:trust and M'orii m which lie lield hi,,,. Hut, althoii^h Jonas Xc.vins hated his stop-son, he did »"t, <-ould not, hate the chiM wlio sa( by his side \s I haye said before, she was fair and delh-a'te, and this, with the p,.rfect gra... of lier figure, sec,ned at first her only claim to beauty. Il.-r ..ys wen- ndecd softly brown and tender, but it was only under the infincnee ofsome strong o-vc.tement that tliey became beautiful. But in her ,.0?- s.ye moments, anr the .ountenanoe of Aldea.i,- <^uthrie a rare ...xpression of peaceful hope, which irradiated lier plain features with an ahnost dnme light, and, in the heart of her mother gaye her the name of tlie " Peace child." Ami in that house she was the "Peace child," not only m name, but in fact. More than once had she i.ncon- nonsly quelled the eyil passions of Jonas Neyins and e fiery temper ol her brother; but on (his night, in I'lissful unconsciousness that such infiuence was needed she bent oyer the book from which her l>rother was alsj rojulmg, his dark cheek almost touching hers They were eyid.-ntly obliyious of the"time, for they did not eyen glance up when the clock stnu-k nine. Not so howeyer, was their step-father, who had for some mol Z^^ ""■^''^' '''''^""^^ *'^^'"' •'^"'1 ^^-''^ th^'» «=»^i. "Are those children to stay up all night; are thev neyer going to bed ?" ^ uity "Vos, it^is now time," replied Mrs. Xeyins, quietly. g A LI) /CA .VE. " Artliur Al'liaiif, .li.l yn\i imt litar linw late it In? An- ycinr Ifswnis rvady l«>r to-iiu>rrow V" "All rca.lv, inntlicr," ictiinud Arthur, colUctiiii,' liis l.thiks, anil, iWr tin- rn>l tiiiif, «)l)scr\ in;; tlic unusually inoo.ly liU'i- of his st»'i>-t!itlu'r, while AltU-aup lighted the bnlrooin candles, and l>adc her mother "(Joud niyht." She niurmurcd the words to .Mr. Nevins also, hut he ilid not ajuu-ar to lu-ar either her voice or ArthurV, and, treinhliu!,' with cold, each hastened across the wide hall, and uji till' stairs into their own rooms, leaving their mother to a task vhich wiis to decide their lutnro. Hut they kmnv nothing (.f that, and were haiipily asleep helbre one word was spoken in the room below. Indeed, tor !V full hour, Jonas Nevinn sat silently before tlie fire, nnd his wife steadily knitted on, waiting and jireparing her answer for the words she fell certain he would speak. .\nd she was not wrong, for when she had grown al- most weary of waiting, he looked up, frowningly, and said : — " Have you thought of that matter I spoke to you of::' Have you tliought of what is to be done with that buy? for, by heavens, lie shall not stay here to madden me with his insolent eyes." " No, he shall not stay here," she said quietly, " but we will not speak of him lirst ; we will speak of my dauglUer." " Your daughter!" he said with a sneer. Mrs. Nevins raised lier eyes to his face and said firmly. " Her daughter then. The daughter of my sister, whose heart you broke." • She saw him turn deadly pale, but over his well-trained countenance passed neither an exi)ression of terror or sur- prise, and presently he laughed as lie said : — " I suspected that before^ I thought that boy and girl could not be the children of one mother. But how can she l)e the child of your sister, whose heart I broke? Where did I ever see your sister ?" 1 sonii " \\ '♦] is (h in a "I u \v< I 'II tho.i " wli "I "It guilt Til fear, of pn -I prool sand man than He uj>on "L oath. "Y answ( signal •'I her tl upon It ^ mome Jonas T how lati' it is? Arc .rtliiir, collcctiiiii liin rvin;; tlif miuMiiilly AltlfJint' liulitcd tin' uT " (looil niiilit." Nfvins also, Itiit lie ticf or ArtlmrV, aiitl, across the wiiU- hall, rooms, Icav'mu; tlu-ir Ic tlioir luturi'. 1 win- liaindly aslfcp ■ooiii l)clo\v. IiiiK't'd, kiitly bciorc tlic fire, aitinu- and |irci)arin}; rtaiii 111' would speak, n hIu' had urowii al- u]), frowniiijily, and or I spoke to you of'::' done with that boy? hon- to madden mu said quietly, "l»ut we [leak of my daughter." I sneer. s face and said firmly, ■r of my sister, whose t ovor his well-trained ession of terror or sur- lie said : — ight that boy and girl (lother. But how ean •hose heart I broke? A 1. 1> i: .\ s r.. "In her linnie," she answereuly ho Hinicd to liis wife, and besonsilit her not to ruin liiin, to believe him penitent, to spare liim, for God's sake to spare him. Then, for the iirst time, she U)st her ealmnoss. Then she broke into bitter invectives and terrible threats, and still the miserable man bent down before her and prayed her to spare him. It was some time before she -would answer a word to that. " You are in my power," she said. " I can crush you with a wave of my hand. Liviniic or dead you are in my power. Where do' you think are the originals of those jKipers I have copied for you?" " With— with hhn, perhaps," he said. " Xo," she returned, incautiously, " I woidd to God they v,-ere, that I could ttnd him anywhere upon the earth, to give them to him. But they are safe." " But you can have no object in using them against me!" he 'exclaimed eagerly. "Your only object would be to clear his name, if he were living to need it. But think, think at what a price you would do it now." " The price is nothing," she said^ " the gain is every thing." " For that child," he said. " For that cliild," she answered him. I have said that Jonas Nevins was in form and feature a handsome man, but I have not before said what power of expression those features held ; that night his face had been almost demoniacal in 'its hate and rage, but after these words it softened into almost heavenly tendernes-s. " Ah, the child ! the child !" he said, " if you could but prove your words, the gain would, indeed, be great for her; but ycu can not, you know." She did know it. She had ever known that the proofs slie held were not so complete as she had said. They might convict him, but there was grei.t danger they would not. ALDEA^ E. 11 , and proaiipcl in an icd to )iis wife, and ivc him penitent, to II. •ulninoss. Then she ble threats, and still her and prayed her 1 answer a word to said. " I can crush ; or dead yon are in he originals of those lid. , " I would to God ihere upon the earth, afe." using them against r only object would ng to need it. But lid do it now." "the gain is every tn. 1 in form and feature "ore said what power at night his face had and rage, but after eavenly tenderness, id, " if you could but indeed, be great for nown that the proofs lad said. They might nger they would not. She knew this, and he liad grown cool enough to know it too. "Xo," he continued eoolly, "there is not proof enough here *o justify any jury in returning a verdict againsl me, but there is enough to prejudice an ignorant connnu- nity, and still not enough to give that child her rights." His wife was almost stunned by this sudden exhibition of calmness, but she was determined not be baffled by it. " That proof would do more than you will admit," she said ; " but as he can not l)e found, I liave no wish to use it against you, if you will do your duty by his child, and by mine." " By yours," he cried ))assionateiy, " I will do nothing for him. I hate him. Take what you like for her, but nothing for liim. Not one cent, not one crust of bread for him." " Y'ou have all that once Avas mine," she said. "You have all save the pitiful sum I would not take from him. That shall not be used. You shall buy my silence. You shall educate my son." Oh ! with what hate he looked at her, and at the papers he held. " There is enough here to ruin, if not to con- vict me," he thought, and then he told her she should have what slie wished, that he would educate, and clothe and feed her son. " And may his learning be his curse," he said passionately. "May his clothing make him a leper, and the food poison him." Mrs. Xevins smiled derisively. " You must give me a bond," she said. " I will not take your simple word." " I will sign no bond, that would be equal to a confes- sion," he answered ; " and you shall hold no such weapon as that against me, woman." But she was inexorable and conquered. He read the bond she placed before him, and would have signed but she stayed his hand. " The witnesses," she said, " the witnesses. We must have witne«sc-» to this." 12 ALDEASE. She eallocl in two sorvaiits who wore passing thronoih the hall to their rooms. They wonclorincly saw the master sign his na>ne, and then affixed their own to the document, of which Mrs. Nevins immediate 'y took posses- sion. " And now, ' good-niglit,' " she said, when they were gone, " and remember whether I live, or die, you are in my power. I shall send my cliildren away next week. Attempt to injure them, and forgetful of all save the di-,- grace of that innocent mail, and my sister's wrongs, I M'ill set the hand of the law upon you, and you shall be known for the villain you an" In another moment lie was alone. The very air seemed full of horrors. He could not for some moments move from the spot in which she had left him. His face lost the last trace of defiance, and became ghastly white. He sank into a cliair at last, and cowered over the fii-^. that sunk first into a mass of glowing embers, and then whitened into cold ashes. Yet still he sat there. The rats played noisily around the wainscot- ing, and the mice nibbled industriously in the closet, but he heeded them not. His past life, of wliich he seldom thought, and never without the utmost horror, M'^as stand- ing before him, all its days blackened by a crime, which had blotted out one young life, that he had loved as man never loves but once. In his heart there had been one green spot, but the hand of Cain had seared it. Love- enters once into the heart of every man. It had crept into that of Jonas Nevins, and by i<^s unblessed ardor had cursed it forever. All tliose things arose before him, as he sat regardless of the cold, with M'hich he shivei-ed, or of the time, that on the *;ible wings of night was hastening to open the golden gates of morning. At last he muttered, almost inarticulately, " Good God, that she should know it ! What a fool I have been never to have destroyed those cursed letters ! They have ruine ore passing tlirough ondcrincfly saw the xod thtir own to the iccliatc 'y took posses- aid, Avhon they wore re, or die, you are in ren away next week, ill of all save the di.s- sistor's Avrongs, I M'ill d you shall be known rs. He could not for in which she had left defiance, and became • at last, and cowered t a mass of glowing d ashes. Yet still he around the wainscot- isly in the closet, but ', of wliich he seldom 3st horror, w^as stand- ed by a crime, which he had loved as man t there had been one had seared it. Love- r man. It had crept ' i^^s unblessed ardor ings arose before him, :h M'hich he shivei-ed, wings of night was of morning, julately, " Good God, ool I luive been never letters ! Thoy have A LDEANE. 13 ruined me; it must liave been fatality! But I will destroy 1 hem to-night, before 1 sleep!" and seizin^ the candle he passed into the hall and was soon groping his way up the garret stairs. The wind blew out the candle, and shivering with cold and superstitious fi'ar, he returned to liglit it, but found not one live eml)er. At last a light was procured, and he again ascended the stairs. The garret was a large open place, and the candle could cast but a tliekering ligiit over its gloom. A rat ran over his feet as he entered. Tiie place, to his heated imagination, seemed peopled with liorrible demons, and lie shuddered as lie heard his footsteps break the still- ness. lie hurried to a corner of the room, and nearly stumbled over some dark object, lie stooped to examine it. It was a small iron box, the lock was broken, the contents were gone, save a little strip of paper. He held the candle up before it, and with half-frenzied brain saw written, in a hand that he had well known in by-gone years, and wl'.'oh he had hoped never to see again, the sentence : " Ketribution is hastening upon thee." " O God !" gasped Xevins, " What can this mean !" and, sitting down on an old trunk, he gave way to the deepest emotions of horror and fear. At last he arose and began to search in all the corners and crevices of the I'oom for the missing papers, but all in vain. His candle flickered in the socket, and he was obliged to desist. The box was there — but the papers, the proofs of his guilt, were gone. CHAPTER II. COIXTKRI'I'OTS. Abovt fifteen miles south of the mountain farm-house, and at nearly the same distance from Hoston, stood a handsome residence, well known in the vicinity as Rose Cottage, and alihough in the winter season it appeared to have no claim to the name, as early as the month of June until late in the autumn, it became most appro- priate. . But even when devoid of its summer garniture Rose Cottage was a handsome building, its walls of gray stone, ornamented with lanciful windows and piazzas, and sur- mounted by small turrets, rose grandly above the snow, appearing to otfer shelter and comfort from the cold and storm without. Even the grounds presented none of the desolation common to most gardens during the winter of a northern clime. There were few straggling shrubs to bestrew the snow with dry, crisp branches and unsightly stalks, but rich, ever-verdant hedges of holly, bestrewn with their scarlet berries, encircled the dwelling and its appurtenances from the desolate waste of snowy fields without, and stately cedars ' guarded it from the shrill winds and induced hundreds of tiny, busy winter birds to trill their soft notes within their branches, and to keep around Rose Cottage one ceaseless reminder of the by- gone summer. Some three weeks after the memorable night on wlucli Mrs. Nevins had declared to her husband her power, a .nuUleman walked thoughtfully up and down oue of the a one and sum (( a nii " rule Till Til illilll iug 1 ountain farm-house, )m liostou, stood a :hc vicinity as Kusi* season it appeared ly as the month of )eoamc most appro- mcr garniture Rose walls of gray stone, id piazzas, and sur- dly above the snow, t from the cold and resented none of the luring the winter of straggling shrubs to .nches and unsightly J of holly, bestrewn the dwelling and its iste of snowy fields I it from the shrill busy winter birds to •anches, and to keep reminder of the by- able night on which usband her power, a md down one of the ALDEANE, 15 most pleasant of all the pleasant rooms of Kose Cottage. It was known us "Mr. Asliton's room" and was neither l)arlor, smoking-room, nor library, but partook of the character of all, for there were elegant articles of furni- ture on eveiy hand, cases of books i)etween tlu' windows, and smoking materials on every table, liesides which tliere were i)ictiues on the walls, guns in every corner, and numberless indescribable articles on every hand. At first siglit, one would have declared it the lounging apartment of a wealthy bachelor, but its possessor^-as in fact a widower, having but little to remind him of his one short year of wedded life except a dausjliter, the portrait of whom hung over the mantel and seemed to watch him Avith its laughing blue eyes as he walked slowly to and fro. Most naturally this daughter was the darling and pride of his heart, and often he paused and ghmced fondly at the portrait. It bore a striking thou'--li softened likeness to himself. The large blue eyes wen^ identical in color and expression, the long flowing curls of the child M-ere of the same golden-brown hue as his own luxuriant hair, the well-defined features were soft- ened models of liis own, but the tiny rose-bud mouth was a beauty peculiar to the face of the child, the beauty that with her voice and smile she had inherited from her dead mother. While Mr. Ashton was still pursuing his thoughtful walk, a light tap sounded on the door of the apart!inent, and an old woman, evidently the housekeeper, obeyed his summons to enter. "I'm sorry to disturb you, sir," she said, "but there's a man here that wants to see you." "Show him in," answered Mr. Ashton, who made it a rule to see every one that asked for him, and a few nuniites later a tall, rough-looking man entered, and bow- ing to Jlr. Ashton said, " I have come at last, sir." iiL ifi ALDEASE. "Why, Im.U'v!" oxolaimod Mr. Ashton. "Wliat have yon flom' to yourself? Slmt the (h).)r smkI sit dowii by the firo ; it's w bit tor cohl ihiy." The m:in .li.l as directed, \ooV.\\\% sharply a.onud him like one aeeiistonied to observe every thiiKj:. " And now," said :^lr. Asliton, " what have yon got for me V" ,- i u "It may b.' nmch, or m may be nothinfr, replied the man doubtfully; "but she seemed to think 'em a good deal." "She!" exclaimed ^\\\ Ashton, "Whom do you mean?" . , ^ " She as found em after I had been pcerm' and ])ryni thrr.U'di that house for more 'n tliree months. Just my luck to Tuteh him and watch him and gain nothin', while she, who suf''.eeted nothin', stumbled right on the whole proof at once." " Who St un;t)lcd npon it ? Speak more plainly, man : interrupted ^Nlr. Ash'ion impatiently. " Why, his wife, sir ! his wife. She Avent up to the garret one day, and by accident like I liappened to go up the stairs and stand by the door. There wasn't any thinlk'(l the 1 U) think 'em a good m, " Whom do y on K'on pccrin' ami jjryiu' ree montlis. Just my iiud gain \iothin', whiU? led right on the whole ik more plainly, man iv. I" She went up to the ve I happened to go up Dr. Tliere wasn't any then all at onoe, wlien ice, I heard her cry out and horrified, and tlion sh to a window with it, said, — st stood still and looked e tried to hreak it open i But she thought her- for nothing. She took id I swear to you, sir, I ; wrenched open the lid flew far and wide." Ashton breathlessly. A Kl) H A Si:. V "I'apers, sir, |);ipers ! Notliing els*' as I saw. Aiul that woman, sir, crouclied down by the window and read 'em as if slu" was going mad, and calU-d out, ' t)h, my sister ! my poor murdered sister,' in a way just tit to make even a delectix e's lieart break." "What!" cried Mr. Asiiton. " Is that man's wile !ier sister. It can not be, tlie very stones would have crieil out against the enonnity of such a marriage." " It ajjpears 'twas quite accidental," returned the man comiHisedly, as if tlius to account fur tho sib-nce of the stones. " Slie met him on the road somewhere. J'lob- ably he didn't know her, any more than she knew him, and he was kind to her sick child. She was a good- looking woman, with the signs of money about her you see — and lie was a deceivin' villain, and so she married him." " Poor woman ! ])oor woman I" ejaculated ^Ir. Ashtou. "And you may well say that," said the detective, in liis passionless voice. "A jioor woman she is in more ways than one, robbed of her money, health, and peace. Hut though those letters seemed to break her right down when she read 'em first, they gave her the upper hand of him. She put 'em all hack but one. I've got 'em here. But that one mastered him I'm safe to say, for the next night I was called in to witness some bond between 'em — I'd just got those letters safe into my pocket with a string tied round 'em — and the next week her two children was sent off to school. He'd bought lier silence, you see." " That relieves my mind of a heavy weight," said 3Ir. Ashton. " 'Twould never do for the matter to be brought forward now. But where are those letters." The detective took from his pocket a small parcel and handed it to Mr. Ashton. He opened it hastily, and took out four short notes which he read attentively. " These prove something," he said, " but not much. Not much. She has the missing link in the chain of 18 A LD RAN n. ovicU'iu'c, >lu only one of inupii importance. \Ve must luive it. I will go to her." I?ut the di'toctivc interposed in his ever-quiet voice. " Mrs. Nevins wouldn't turn traitor to her husband, sir, luitil he does tu her. And you \vouldn't want to ruin an innocent wt/uian by inplieatin' her in his crimes I s'posc V" " Of course not. But that letter I must have." " All in fjood time, sir, wh'?n yo\i'r«! ready to bring the suit on, for instance. She isn't a woman to be terrified out of it, and it's as safe with her, or rather with Lawyer Ilalcombe, for I traced her there the next day, as it would be with you." " But I must have it !" reiterated Mr. Ashton. " Very well, sir," returned the detective, "but you'll only make an enemy of a friend by forcing that paper iVoni its ))iesent possessor, for she looks upon it as the guardian of her diildren. If I was a lawyer, sir, I should say ' bide your time,' but as I am oidy a detective, sir, I'll get the paper for you if yiu like." " No," said Mr. Ashton, after a long pause, " I see the wisdom of your advice. The cause at any rate must be ours. It would be ours even if that paper was destroyed. You have left the service of Nevins, I suppose." " Yes, sir," answered the man with a short laugh, " was took uncommon bad after iinclm' the letters, and couldn't stay. Good servant thf ugh. Go back at any time. No policy to quarrel there you know." "Then I have nothing to do but pay up my arrears," fjaid Mr. Ashton, " and wisH you a better job next time. You'll bear this matter in mind though, and be ready when called upon." " That I will, air," answered the detective, counting the coin Mr. Ashton laid before him, and shortly thereafter bowing himself out, to partake of a lunch in the house- keeper's room, bt " re setting out for Boston. When left alone, Mr. Ashton re-read again, and again. 1 I the Jel angi knot his 1 11 J5 utte it. I'll 8 extr. scho I'ilb .1 A D HA XE. 19 portanoc. We must his ever-quipt voico. ■ to her husband, sir, Idn't want to ruin an his prime's I s'posc V" I must have." u- rpady to brinjx tlie Dman to bp territied r rather with Lawyer next day, as it would Mr. Ashton. pteptive, " but you'll y forcing that paper looks upon it as the I lawyer, sir, I should only a detective, sir, ng pause, " I see the nyu-eHt brother, and his ?iame is Arthur. And, pa, what do you think, Aldeane livps onlj '"iu'cu miles from our house, but I don't think she'll go home again soon, for she has a step- father, and I know he's hateful. And I know I heard you talking about him to some man once, when you were angry, and sent me out of the room for going in without knocking, and I am very sorry I did it, ])a, I am sure, and his name is Xevins, and " But ^h\ Ashton read at that time no farther, but gave utterance to a variety of expressions of astonishnu'iit. " And this is as it ought to be," he said at last, " and I'll see these children, and befriend them too. What an extraordinary thing that they should be placed at that school. There must be a providence in it. At anv rate I'll sec the.. ." C 11 ATT Ell III. AIIIIUK's KARLY CAITION. And Mr. Asliton kept liis promise. He »liome for the vaea- tion. And after some hesitation, knowing that the doors of their oAvn home were virtually barred a<;ainst tliem, they had oomo, and enchanted Helle by their injoymi'iit and admiration of her lovely home, and Ijer lather by their own eharms of apjiearanee and manner. Belle Ashton was right in saying that her father loved Aldeane (luthrie from the first moment he saw her. There was something about the ehild whieh irresistibly attracted him. It was the same with most jieople, but he did not know that, and with wonder questioned himself as to w hat it eould be in her face or manner that so powerfully intlueneed him. ' He fancied at times that the face and manner were not altogether unfamiliar to him, and yet he was certain he had never seen the ehild before, and at last referred to the apparent familiarity, by the real sympathy by whieli he was attracted toward her and wliich led him to feel and act toward her as an old and attached friend. And this feeling was increased by the knowledge he TION. !. Ill' (Vu\ sec those M- IW'llc bail writtoii hem will, and cvi'ii H'l illation to make ii wlicn Hose Cottnicc lorioiis Humnicr liail ' hpautiful, he liad n lionu' lor the vaca- )winp that the doors larri'd aeoplc, b\it he • questioned liiinselt' I or manner that so ind manner were not ct he was certain he at last referred to the mpathy by which he 1 led him to feel and •d IVii'ud. v the knowledge he A L l> i: A X K. 21 gained of hor during three vacations Hubsofniontiy spent at ins lious,, fur i.fvor once duriiii,' that ]>rn,„l had Mrs Xevins .larod to have hor .l.ildron h..ino, and, oxoopt upon rare visits to IJoston, she never saw thvjni. I iiavosaid never, hut onoo, iudood, Arthur" vontmod within what was indeed to him a lion's don, and that was when, luiving liiiisiied the (M.urse at IVotosscu- (Jronviiie'H ho hositatod as („ (Wllnwing his mother's instructions, which wore fur him t.. outer cull, .r,. at once, for h.- romom- borod that his i.aternal fortune was extromelv small, and tliat Aldoane was altogotlur un[)ruvidod lor, and altliiMK'h had he boon alone in the world ho would nut have rili«' liiiiiity ai-.Miiiil liiiii, iiml oflittli' I'ls.- iiiilil familiiir olijtrts chiiiiu-.l Iuh attcnlion :iiieriod of constant terror and gloom, nor did he think of him who liad oeeasioned this, bnt with the «oiv? Mother npon bin lips, as it was within bin heart, rnshe'l into the hot kite'hen in which, through an open win.low, he bad seen liis mother toiling. I'oor sold, how overjoytnl she was ! how she embraced Inm and wept over bitn \ This was the one solo drop of joy that had sweetened her bitcer eup for month*., yet even as she tasted it she looked around with sudden terror that it would be dashed from her lips. Arthur noticed it with a j)ang at his heart that showed its presence in his liice, but iie would not speak of it. The time was not yet come to dwell upon sorro^y, for bis mother, in a low voice, was rai)tur()U8ly exclaiming, how- tall he b^d grown, and how handsome, and how good, too, .she was sure. And then, with sudden fear, she asked foi . Ideane. Was she ill, or what liad brought lum here ? Artlinr answered smilingly that Aldeane was quite well, a loved, stronpf leaving Iktc on " V. . painfull have ha now." " Wh natural "Oh, of pride the man " Jonas care tor excel lent " Yes, lion, for feeling s nierly. ] " lie c ish enouf love, wlu "1 slu from a rii "Oh d to sehool kin's lirn speculati( proved e: "That aft'airs," i already s mother, y I was lef I iho wooils, and he (• fiitliii>i!iMii of l)t)y- um, iuiil »i' littli' i'l>««' 1 tent ion and asKUi»'f, uiul t(iiiH|)icu- OHi' tlio wliitt'-Hjiin'il wii'uU' Ills niotli*'!- and V dis('i)ur>oston, )Sf in the diHtancf thi- ' the liouM' he liad for it tie of a homo it had I whirii niijfht have II made a ])eriod of he think of him who voiJ Mother upon hin rushel into the hot window, he had seen s ! liow she embraced s tlie one soU' drop of r enp for ni(tnlh(<, yet around witli sudden I her lii)rt. liis heart that showed ould not speak of it. II upon sorrow, for his ously oxelainiini;, how Isome, and liow good, I'ith sudden fear, she or what had brought It Aldeanc was quite well, and beeoniing h.i.'Ii a neholar. a..,! was so nin.-h Iove.l. Why, h.. belii'ved that it woiiM breakeven thn strong heart ..f IVofessor tJrenvilie ifnhe should sp.j.k ..f leaving hini, and I hen he a.lded mure gravel v, " Ihit I eame Ji«'re on especial l)UNiness, mother. Is Mr. Nt-vins in ?" " Ves," NJie answered, her eu|„r coming and .r„i„,, painfully. - irpun almost any ollurdav, ansAvercO^ "Does Mr. Kevins understand this V" asked Aithm lookh.. intently at his mother. "And ^."- --;*;; " tand 0.nt this ;ame matter of .nyyor^ ^X^:''' ' Hlthou-h she >vas not mentioned m my tathei s am 1 . " S,e was not born until sonve montlm alter his death, '^^^2Zr, I know that ; hut does Mr. Nev- i.s unde,-stan:i what he is bound to do f.n- me, and ex- ''"it:^^ '^d^Mi: Nevins, fi™ly, though her face was verv mle- "he understands all, perfectly, and he is p , W o fulfill liis duty. He is pledged, I say," she ^Jjit^d, with exeiteinent, " and if 1 were to die to-da> , you and AUie will be safe." ' ;"";:;>k"^^::-^cl her funlvely, and drew closer to " >ad o alive he daiis not deceive me. I have tha .vrSi by his own hand that would ariBe to eondemn ^" S^o furned'euddenly away from him, leaving him pale an^sta Xd. The cJuse of her warning was soon ap- ;^raman.ste^.a.h^-Pon^^ Arthur knew it was Mi. ^ tv ins s , ne ^^ „c,-, lugh hi. d«» a. least ,va. far mo,e hke that 0. a gentleman tha not aware tliat cast a glance t the kitchen. " She did no his liand, M'hic nnex])ected by than Jierself." "Ah!" said ously. Mrs. Nevins from behind hi perfectly to un< avoid. "Ah!"herei "Yes," return you of the tern plied as well to "Ah!" repea: cing curiously a " Now, sir," e( if you intend, o terms of that wi " Your mothei sarcasm, " that j by this time bo 1 pel mc to observ "That is not 1 " and even if it v,- waste my little p by your words, o has existed betAV( if, through it all, justice to her el be esteemed by t Nevins looked mo, and tliat teii iVoia llic ■red. •iked Artluir, es he vuider- (S to Aides' ue, cr'swill?' er his death," oes :Mr. Nev- r me, and cx- i her face was iy, and he is d, I say," she to die to-duy, Irew closer to jered eagerly. ?. I have that e to condemn aving him pale ; was soon ap- poreh. id trembled too iwell. "I will Ills mother, and \rthnr saw that e that this prep- (ol'tened him. ungracious man- re like that of a ALDEANE. 25 gentleman than Arthur had usually belield it "I was not aware that your n,other was expecting you," and ho cast a glance the reverse of pleasa.it in the direction of the kitchen. "She did not expect me," returned Arthur, extendincr h.s hand, which was coolly accepted. "I came quite unexpected by her, to see you perhai,s more particularly than Jierselt.' ' oul'l"^^'" '"^''^ ^^'' ^'"'""' '""''"'^ ^' ^'^ •■''^'^^•' ^'"-i- Mrs Nevins came to the door, and looked at him from behind her .on with a glance which he seemed perfectly to understand, and which he was powerless to avoid. ' " Ah !" he repeated once more. " Yes," returned Arthur. « Of course I need not remind jou of the terms of my father's will, and tJ.at they a,> phed as well to his unborn child as to myself" "Ahi;- repeated Mr. Kevins m a strange voice, glan- cing curiously at his wife. ^ " Now, sir," continued Arthur, respectfully, " I ask vou if you intend, of your own free will, to carry o.t the terms of that will ?" ^ " Your mother tells me," answered Nevins, with quiet sarcasm "that you are to be a lawyer; if so, you should by this time be lawyer enough to know that vou can com- pel mc to observe the terns of that will." ' "That is not to the point," returned Arthur, quietly and even If it were, you may readily suppose I would not waste my little patrimony in litjgation. Now bein «nuic, at tne age of six- feel in but few ofl.T -f V ' ''''*'' * P"^« ^e covild fHe i^netnh*;.;.:i,^^rrc;S,r:; "'^ '-^'^ " '^"' impressed with this tharkn • ^' ""■'■*' '^ '»»«'» mestic life LUe cd h- .?'''"' '^^'^^^hing of her do- the academyln w i i Z I '1^*'"" '^ •'""*'^'- ^^^^^^^^ i" -md at tl p n ^'•"^^'■.7" "^"'•^ b^'«utiful with every year •piay ucl, and elegant osUunes, which, as well 28 ALDEaNE. as the blonde beauty of her faee, seemed to separate her eompletely from the plainly dressed figure .v'hich was conerally to be found at her side. Yet m this fi-ure, and the faee belon-in- to it, there was a certain beauty Bueh as had marked her ehildhood-a beauty not so showy, observers remarked, but which would certainly prove more lasting than that of the belle and heiress, Miss Ashton. , They said of the latter, too, that she was a good- natured, handsome girl, but that for a half hour's sensible chat her little friend was infinitely to be ]>reterred, and that if one would hear a sonata well played, or a song well sung. Miss Aldeane Guthrie would certainly do both for YOU if asked in a secluded room, where her touch and her voice were in no danger of being destroyed by the gaze and the comments ofan admiring throng. So those two friends, so different yet so loving, had each her certain refutation among their schoolmates and friends, and especially among the few young people who had shared and brightened their holiday times. Chief among these had been a young gentleman named Morgan, the only son of a neighbor of Mr. Ashton s,who had not only been a friend and playmate of belle from her babyhood, but Arthur's friend during his term at college. Having graduated the year before, and since that pursued the study of medicine, he was about to de- part for Europe, partly to continue his studies at the different capitals there, and partly to make the grand tour for his especial 'pleasure. ^ . , Kathor imfortunately for any scheme of professional improvement that might have been in the mind of Fred- eric Morgan, his proposed companion was devoted, wholly and confessedly, to pleasure. He was a young rrc.ntleman from Canada, the nephew and heir of a Mr. 'Uaymond, an old .ind esteemed friend of the elder Mr. INIor^an. Until this summer, when he came to Morgan ^> tl t] ki hi til an lie to wa M'ii up sill der strc alsc sad. A thes NE. ICO, soemcfl to poparatc her drcsscil figure -which was ido. Yet in tliis tii^uro, and ; was a certain beauty, such I— a beauty not so showy, ich would certainly prove ;he belle and heiress, Miss ;oo, that she was a good- hat for a half hour's sensible finitely to be ])rcferred, and »nata well played, or a song hrie would certainly do both 1 room, where her touch and r of being destroyed by the 1 admiring throng, different yet so loving, had imong their schoolmates and g the few young people who •heir holiday times, pn a yoinig gentleman named cighbor of Mr. Ashton's, who and i)laymate of Belle from 8 friend during his term at i the year before, and since aedicine, he was about to de- , continue his studies at the a partly to make the grand e. r any scheme of professional ivc been in the mind of Fred- id companion was devoted, > pleasure. He was a young ic nephew and heir of a Mr. >emod friens for his travels? Mr. George Raymond may be very handsome, and very rich, and very excellently educated, l.iiL there is something about him I don't like," "Why surely you can have no fault to find with hira ¥" asketl Aldeane, in her usual ready defense of the absent. " 1 am sure he is a i)erfect gentleman." " Oh, 1 have nothing to say against that," replied Belle, "and of course yon phi>uld defend him, for he is very liko your brother," and then she blushed vividly, and laughed as if in some slight confusion, "I do not think hira at all like Arthur," answered Aldeane, " except that ))Oth are dark. But now that you have spoken of it, Belle, I will own that there is some- thing about Mr. Raymond that ])uzzlcs me, and that I really wish he had not gone with Mr, Morgan," "Mr, Morgan would doubtless thank you for your solicitude," replied Belle, laughingly, and then she suddenly approached her friend, knelt down beside her and clasped her arms about her waist, " Speaking of Frederic Morgan " she said softly, look- ing somewhat doubtfully into the eyes of her friend, " I have a seci-et to tell you." " A secret," asked Aldeane wonderingly, and then as she noted the changing color that came and went upon her face, she added archly, " can it be, dearest, that he has taken your heart with him ?" "Oh, no," she replied with a quick laugh, "but it is something you will think much worse than that ; he has taken the portrait you had taken for me in your gradua- r tic tol in S!li ha slu so in cas ey. 1 the fou ure the •lors, lookiiifX out upon ithric c'l'hoiMl tliP words at none iiiiglit st'c the ler a silence which for w, I don't exactly iiko I travels? Mr. George le, anil very rich, and ere ia Koniething about no fault to find with ill ready defense of the ct gentleman." inst that," replied IJclle, I hiui, for he is very like icd vividly, and laughed like Arthur," ansM-ered ! dark. l>ut now that I own that there is some- puzzles me, and that I Mr. Morgan." SB thank you for your hingly, and then she , knelt down beside her vaist. m " she said softly, look- le eyes of her friend, " I )nderingly, and then as lat came and went upon 1 it be, dearest, that he quick laugh, "but it is worse than that ; he has 1 for me in your gradua- T V ALDEANE. 33 I rcalli/, really tion dress. Pray don't be angry, love told him I ooiildn't, woHl(ln''t spare it." Al.leanc (liitlirie dropped her face upon her hands as if in sudden fright, and ].resently raised it erinisoued as she said, " It was wrong, very wrong, Helle. lie would not have dared to do it, if you had not encotiraged liini." "He left an equivalent," returned Belle demurely, as she arose and kissed her friend, " lio really did, he was so coiiseience-strieken " and dropping a small ivory case in her lap, Helle glided from the room. Aldeane Guthrie trembled as she looked at the little case, and not daring to oim^u it, nor to leave it for other eyes to see, hastily placed it in the pocket of her dress. IJut hours later, when she had tremblingly looked upon the bright, handsome young face portrayed within, it found a safer resting-place— a place among the few trcas- ures possessed by her— and who shall say but that it was the most precious of them all. a* CHAPTER V. BMAI.r CnANOKS AND ONB OUKAT CIIANOE. Six um-vfiitful montlis passod by. During tlmt, time Arthur (JiUlirie pur«tu'(l liis «tiulk's, and Aldi-ane was :i teacher in tlio scliool in which whc liad been so htnjjc a pii- l)il. Sl\c was contented witli her work in life and pursued it steadily, scUbun yielding to the temptation which existed for her to draw i)aiuful contrasts betwei'U her own dull round of duties, and that of pleasure foUowed by lier friend Miss Ashton. For thouuh the one was a poor teacher and the other a beam iful hi'ircss, they were friends still— the denrest and tlic b(-t, and it was Belle's greatest pleasure to spend the long >:iturday8 in Aldeane's little room— the same they had for so many years shared together, or to take her for a long drive into the country, where they could talk together cheerfully of the happy past, or hopefully of the future. Tlien there was the Christmas week passed with Arthur at Rose Cottage, what a happy time that was ! what a Itreak in the monotony that seemed to settle for the win- ter blankly upon her ! and then to be broken in the spring by an interruption, that 'was as sudden and terrible as a thunderbolt. A telegram was placed in her hands one blustery morn- ing in March, containing but six words : " Your mother is dying, come home," and in an hour later Aldeane Guthrie, almost wild with apprehension and dismay, was seated iu a stage-sleigh and was on her way to lier unloved home. Il i il i a V ti 1' V y 81 ci ai 8( St St it oi si d. h< til lu it V. OUKAT CIIANOB. l)y. DiiriiiJ? llmt time dii'H, and Aldt'auo was a ■ liiul lu'oii so limj; a pu- work in life and pursntd ti'inptation whioii (!xi»trd 1 bc'twoi'U her own didl casure followed by lier or teacher and the other ids still — the denrest and •st pleasure to spend the le room — the same they 'ether, or to take her for where they could talk past, or hopefully of the week passed with Arthur T time that was ! what a led to settle for the win- be broken in the spring sudden and terrible as a lands one blustery morn- words : " Your mother is iir later Aldeane Guthrie, nd dismay, was seated iu ly to lier unloved home. A LD i:a X E. 85 Unloved, and yet so eatterly looked lor. " Vonr molluT is dyinir, c.mc lioine." Huu" tl,.. words l.iinied into l„.r l>r.iiii; .111,1 iluMi sin. won.lcred why tlu y li.id lucn sent to iicr by Dr. Mn.iisun instcid of ."Mr. Neviiis, .-ind tinii lirr hciirt lail.d licr at (lie idea of meetiiii; h.r euld, st.iii 8te|>-rather, and then as she th<)Ui,'lit of her niothi'r, was overwhelnie(l with ^'rief iit her eondition. It seemed an njjje to the anxious traveler, ere the well- known vilIaL;c api.tared in view. It was indeed evenin.' and almost dark, so early had the jrniy twiiiirlit hidd»'ii in lis eheerless eloisti'i-s tl,c sunbeams that had vainly struf;ed with cold,' she was j.reparing to start briskly forward; when some' one tonehed Ikt, and h.oking u|> she saw Arthur, unusually pale and grave, standing beside her. " I hoped, almost expeeted,you would be here to night, so I eame to meet you," he said as he stoc.jK.d to kiss her, then turned away struggling with emotion, absently folding Aldeane's shawl closer around her, for she shivered in the cold evening air, and with a leeling of undelined alarm, "How is mother?" she (pieried anxiously, as slie ob- served his emotion. He drew her hand within his arm, walked on a il-w steps, and then answered, "Aldeane, she will never led sorrow or pain again. I trust our mother is in lieaven." The announeement of death, no dillerence how gently it may be imparted, or however well we may considtr ourselves prepared for it, always falls ui)on'us with a shock. Especially did it upon Aldeane, for unconsciously during her solitary journey, she had been treasuring hopes that her mother's danger was exaggerated, atid that a daughter's loving care would eventually restore her to healtii. "When, then, she heard that she was dead, it seemed as if the e(jld jAIarch wind had swept all the M A LDEANK. hrightiicHH txwiX joyonBiioKS awny, nn(>niu'il ht-r own, ami tukiiii; tho fvcriinj^ Htat^c had arrived that iiioriiin}; to Hiid her uneoiiHcious — dying of un at- tack of brain fever. For hours lie remained hcHide Iier, lioping for one look or word of reeo^nition, and at last he was rewanled. {Suddenly she opened her even, called his name, whinpered brokenly, "The paper, at Mr. *iv " and immediately ex])ired. The doctor and Arthur were alone witli her at the time, and Aldeano amid her grief was glad that this was so, that the man who had darkened ho many years of her mother's life was not present to cant a Bliadow upon her peaceful death. By this time they had rcacheu the house, and striving to compose herself, Aldeane suflfered Arthur to lead her into the sitting-room in which wc first saw them, and there standing before the fire was Mr. Nevins. lie started as Aldeane entered, apparently unable to recognize her, but when she said, "Mr. Kevins, I am Aldeane Guthrie " at the same time extending her hand, ho took it mechanically, while his face flushed crimson, as h ) looked upon her. lie answered curtly her inquiries concerning his welfare, and pointing her to a chair by the fireside, left her and 'Arthur alone, saying he Avould order some refreshment for hi"r. His manner was almost kind, and as she sank upon t»'C seat he h.-xd designated, she asked herself the question, "Have we not judged him too harshly ? Perhaps it is only his manner, his heart may be good." At this stage of her reflections, she was interrupted by r A Wi sh lai wl niM hei wli l.al tea diti sun the I whi by-i The witl SOIll as t face a h.i avoi A disc( smili yean heart look unrel she ] dernt gaze besid with mour ALDEANR. , niul tlint life wnn liko r. Ti'iirlfRH Hdlm kIiooU iir ciKlt'iivoritl to cIiaiiL;*' , by ri'<' alter havn,g eaten a little, that she eo„ld per- the'li;.:] "'" ^'^ "'"•>' '"'^' "•'•" '^ '-J^ at Atl.T a little, th.y ascended the cold staireas,., thro,.c.h wuoh the wind was whistling. Just as it used 'to d., 1. by-go„o years, and stood without the death-chamber. J he door w.as a little ajar, and they saw Mr. Nevins w. hm, stan.l.ng at the bureau, apparently searching for as they entered, and turne.l towanl them, hi„ tl„she.l '' -^1— teredthe ga/o of those who had returned to their lonely watch w=tlhl'rir- "^^^-■f to them was .aer^>d: a;d mo™! ^ "'"^''^""^ '''^^ «*«-^ -^^^' to let the 88 ALDEANE. Aldoane was very tired, grief and fatigue l-.ad severely tried her frame, ami not wishing to return to the witling- room slie turned aside to her own room, and entering, found a iire burning briglitly upon the liearth she only remembered as dark and cheerless. A servant was busily engaged in arranging the room for her reception. She looked at Aldeane with some curiosity as she entered, and after a stare, prolonged to such a length that its object became quite uneasy, said : " May be you're her daughter ?" pointing in the direc- tion of the room in which Mrs. Nevins lay. Aldeane articulated a faint " Yes," " Ail ! I thought so, " continued the M'oman loqua- ciously. " You look som.? like her, and 'twill be a bless- in' for you if you're had" as good. She was a powerful nice woman, to be sure. I've heard her speak of you often, and of her son, too. She was 'mazin' proud of him. Dear ! dear ! it's a good mother you've lost— laws a me, it does seem dreadful that she's dead and gone. But I didn't mean to make you cry, miss. Now, do cheer up ! We must all come to it sooner or later, and we all know she was ready for it. Can't I do any tiling more for you ?" she queried, ' >oking around the warm, cosy room with an air of pride. " Yes," replied Aldeane, " you may send my brother to me. Ask him to come up to my room, and to bring with him some paper, pens, and ink, and then, as you ha\e got every thing so nice, I shall not need you any more to- night." " Very well, ma'am," 'said the really kind-hearted girl. " As you. don't want me any more I'll go 'long down and see how the Avidderer is a comin' along. Nice man he is, to be sure! Mighty sorry she's dead, I reckon. He hasn't wanted her dead ever since I've known 'em ! Oh ! no, of course not !" and she smiled ironically as she left the room, leaving all the bitter feelings that had been c ■\ fi d d tl di v< to h( m til de SUi as ]{c lie bu syi lie.i her wri tioi lett wh; of: Ale pro thin upon NE. [ and fatigue liatl severely sr to return to the »lt ling- own room, and entering, . the hiarth she only A servant was bu^oking around the warm, ou may send my brother to ny room, and to bring with , and then, as you ha\e got ot need you any more to- hc really kind-hearted girl, iiore I'll go 'long down and tin' along. Nice man he is, she's dead, I reckon. He ince I've known 'em ! Oli ! smiled ironically as she left ;er feelings that had been T ALDEANE. 39 composing themselves to rest, battling in Aldcane's heart AMth renewed vigor at tlu-so signiti.-ant words Arthur soon appeared, bringing with him th(> article's sheJ.a.l^nu-nt.oned, asking fbr what purpose they were "To write to IJelle, of course," answered Aldeano c rawing her chair near the table, and absently examitr: the paper. " I am nearly worn out, already 1 Mother'':; death was such a dreadful shock to me. It seems bu to'te ;;'' that I saw her well and happy. Belle remlrS hi" Iw"' ' ""''' ^''^'^'- ""'' ' ' -'^'' «•- -- " I wish she w%as," replied Arthur. " But it is mucj use for you ;o;;i;;toi;;*';:eomrr, ;:;;:: tlun^ she could reach here until the day after the funeS ^hveVf r ^; ''' -7"^^"-"^^'' ro" know. I .vished it delayed a day longer, but Mr. Kevins would not listen to such a proposal." " I presuine he desires us to leave the house as quickly as possible," returned Aldeane, bitterly. " I shall fro to iose Cottage before I return tA school so I w tr£ c IMle and tell her of our affliction, for, indeed, I ^1:^2 burden ny Jieart to some one, and she, I know will sympatln.e with me. There is a load of 'sorrow in my heart which it seems as if I shall always carry with me her commiseration m.ay Hghten it," and she be^an to ZT'f ,f •■^'^"^f t meditating in silence until the cessa- litter wt' r^'^ ^^ratching of the pen denoted that the le ter was finished. He read tlie offered ej.istle; then while she sealed and directed it, fell agaili into a "t of musing, which lasted until a deep-drawn sigh from Aldeane aroused him. in^ ff tnl'r"''','' ^'"'*? ""^'"'^'^^ " ^ ^'^''' ^""^ think- ing of mother's last words, and I car not but think it providential that they were not heard by Kevins for I think that paper is some disclosure concerning liim." 40 ALDEANE. " Some disclosure, Arthur," said AhleaiH-, wondcr- ingly. " Yes," he returned, " I have heen t^iinkins of him much of late, and I have a thousand suspicions of liini— *aU unjust, perliaps, but very real. You do not believe iu natural antipatliies, I believe," he asked, turning towanl lier suddenly. " No, I do not think I do," she answered, hesitatingly. " But I can assure you, Aldeane," continued Arthur, earnestly, " that a natural antipathy exists between that man and me, and the only barrier that stood between our hatreds is f^one. I am passive still, I can not but V)e pas- sive, but he will work — he is working even now. I feel it. I know it. I am awaiting liis attack. My mother knew it would come. That paper in Lawyer Evans's hands is to prepare me for it." " You are excited and nervous, to-night," said Aldeane, soothingly. " The events of the day have been too much for you, dear brother. I can not think that Vm. Neviiis will injure us, for in injuring you he injures me. Wo will never be divided, brother." " Thank yon ft)r that promise, my darling," he said, kissing her fondly. " I will remember that, whatever happens." And years afterward he did remember it; years afterward when she, perhaps, had forgotten that she had ever uttered it. He left her then, taking her letter with him, promising to send it by a man who would pass Rose Cottage the next day. After a 8lce])le8S niicht Aldeane descended to the sitting-room, where she exchanged formal good-mornings with Mr. Nevins, after which he questioned her in an interested manner concerning her school, her position, and many minor details, all of which greatly surprised Aldeane. Naturally frank and unsuspicious herself, she always believed others possessed of tlie same qualities, r bu foi ne: sell thii in 1 i tre; mo hot eon tak( she at of] hon A] and lear wit 1 ecnn prou thee Tl the i deUc perc( draw prect she V Al ])itifu shoul plent lately siiid AldeaiH', wondcr- hoon t'.iinking of him \(\ suspicions of liim — 'all You do not believe in c asked, turning towanl B answered, hositatinsjly. ane," continued Arthur, ithy exists between that r that stood between our ill, I can not but V)e pas- king even now. I feel it. tack. My niotlier knew Lawyer Evans's hands ia , to-night," said Aldeane, day have been too much )t think that V.v. Nevins on he injures me. We se, my darling," l»c said, Mnember that, whatever rd he did remember it; lajis, liad forgotten that tter with him, promising [ pass Kose Cottage the eano descended to the ed formal good-mornings le questioned her in an • school, her position, and rhich greatly surprised unsuspicious herself, she d of tlie same qiaalitics, ALDEAKE. 41 but as slie looked upon the man before her it was impossible for her to .l.vest herself of the conviction that his kind- ness was all assunuNl to serve some vile purpose He at length .-.sked her how she would like to exchange school-teaching fur housekeeping, hinting verv plainly tha he considered it her duty to take her mother's place in the household. Al.leane would also have thought so, had he ever treat.,! her with the interest anlacc(l his purso, witli a look of gratifica- tioii, and as Art liiir cmUtcmI sat down to tlic brcaklhst- tal)li' scaiToly lu-odinu; his sahitation. The nii-al was l)as,s('d in siiiMu-i', !ind soon after it Avas ended, the host left them, seeming ill at ease in Arthnr's presence; they could not hut notice this, and with feelin>:;s of deej) dis- trust noted it down as evidenee, that he contemplated some mischief aj^ainst Arthur, which would of course also involve Aldeane. Its exact nature they taxed their minds to the utniost limits of conjecture to ascertain, but could in no degree determine. Arthur's visit to the lawyer had b<'en made to no purpose, lie was danger- ously ill, and at such a time when his death was moment- arily exj)ected, his son could not be consulted upon any business matter, liowevcr urgent. So, unwillingly, Arthur was obliged to postpone the iiiquiries and investigations lie had determined to nmke. He was assured of the hearty assistance of his old friend Charles Evans, and was con- tent to let the matter rest for a short period. Mourning garments, by Arthur's orders, liad been pre- pared at the village for Aldeane. With a sad, and heavy lieart she ajjpeared in them at her mother's biuial, and bent over the yawning grave in which was soon inclosed that one who through life had so fondly cherished her. Ah, Aldeane, well might you bewail that tender mother. With her, was liome, and peace, and love all buried. There was left the walls of strangers, and their shelter and kindness, nothing more, sad hei'rt, nothing, nothing more. And what for Artluir? Scarcely these in such full measure as came to Aldeane, but full measure to over- flowing of the world's cimiity and hatred, and he knew that the hand to mete it out to him would be that of his step-father, Jonas Nevins. TE. , with a look i)f gratifica- clown to tlic brcaklhst- itatiuii. The im-al was r it was ciulol, tlie lio^t Arthur's prost'iieo ; thoy rith tVoliuj:;s of oi tio sill gri uni cin lier << a 1 slia lved should never become lystery could be explained, one alone, Mr. Nevins, I md that is, that henceforth •arding Aldeane, and never cially to herself, one word ne." nothing to me," said Nev- ira sort of enjoyment, " It S eh?" ■e])ly, but said : " A^ou will given me a promise? to-day, ed it with a bribe." ALDEANE. 47 Nevins colored to (lie temples. "At le.ist," he said, ••ilicr a pause, " if tlu-iv is silence upon my j.art there must I>e on youi's." Arthur nodded contemptuously. " You may be sure I shall be siKnt until you s|.eivk. I shall be too careful of Aldeane's jieace for that." " l>y the way, I luivo something more to say of Aldeane," said Nevins, thoughtfully. Arthur looked at liim, but he did not seem able to speak as readily as he wished. " I wish," he sai.l at last, abruptly and plamly enougli, "to .idoj)! Aldeane." Arthur looked at liim in intense astonishment. "To that I will never consent," he exdainu'd. " I do not see that your consent would be of much im- portance," retorted Nevins. " I shall m.-ike the proposi- tion to Aldeane, and it is for her to refuse or .accept, as she pleases. I shall, of course, represent to her that the greater i)art of your debt to me has been inc^urred by her, and that by becoming my daughter, and utterly renoun- cmg you, she will free you from the necessity of navincr her share of it." i J o " You may spare yourself the trouble of making such a i)roposition to Aldeane," said Arthur fii-mly. "She shall never accept it." " I shall spare no trouble to insure her welfare," an- swered Nevins. " I have a peculiar affection for lier, and It is for that reason I assented so readily to your propo- sition ; I am as anxious as you .are that her pe.ice of mind shall not be disturbed. I am also anxious to jilaco her in the position for which slie was designed by birth." " You know, then, who and what slie is ?" cried Arthur quickly. "Oftliat T sliall say nothing, but wliatever might be her birth, I offer to jilace her now in an enviable j.osition ■ — to ninke her my heiress." " 1 decline the honor fig her," sai.l Arthur. 48 ALDEANE. " You arc promatnro," answiTotl Novinc, frowning, will myself npciik to Aldt-iinc tliis nl^ornoon." " Altlcan*' will be true to lierself and to nio," anHW» rid Arthnr |)roudly. "It iH a matter of ])erfeet indifference to me," mused Nevins, as Arthur wilh«lrew. " I have at least by this oiler established the name of a model steivfather, and should she accept she will bo mifjhtily useful as the mistress of my town establishment ; and if I should die, as I suppose all men must — thoujih it is a decidedly unpleasant ar- rangement — why there would be a sort of poetical justice in leaving my money to her." But there seemed no probability that ho would ever be called upon to do that, for Aldeanc (luthrie, after having been informed by Arthur of the course Nevins liad taken, could not for a moment think of assuming toward him the relationship he proposed. " My dear brother," she sobbed, " I know I am selfish in impoverishing you so, but I can better do that than dishonor you by taking that man's name, and accepting his bounty." " Far better, my darling, far better," he answered, with a fond embrace. " Follow my fortunes, dearest. Poor as they may be, they Avill at least be those of an honorable man." And something of this, in her just indignation, she told Mr. Nevins that afternoon, to which he coolly re- plied, that he had done his duty, and that she might pursue the course she had chosen without hinderance from him. • And the next morning before its owner arose, Arthur and Aldeane Guthrie, left the farm-house forever, and hastened fronj its coldness and gloom to the warmth and light of Rose Cottage. V pen was his ]{os SI Mrs ing Grc' like as m seem "( lilUgl judi( "I fat he in he "I l)ears shoul but li shall 0(1 Novinc, frowning. " I is nl^omoon." eir and to mo," answorod lifToronoo to mo," mnsod havo at loast by tliiw ollor 1 Htop-fathcr, and sliould uaoful as the mistross of I should die, as I siipposo docidodly unploasant ar- bc a sort of pootioal hor." lility that he would ever r Aldoanc (iutlirio, aftor lur of the course Nevins )mcnt think of assuming proposed. 3cd, " I know I am selfish I can bettor do that than m's name, and accepting letter," lie answered, with brtunes, dearest. Poor as , be those of an honorable her just indignation, she n, to which he coolly re- uty, and that she might losen without hinderance e its owner arose, Arthur farm-house forever, and gloom to the warmth and \ CIIAPTKR VIT. AT.nEA.\E TAKES A JOJUNKV, AND FINOH A HOME. FoiK months later Artlmr Guthrie was an almost penniless St udont in a law one was spending the vacation at Itoso Cottage. She had just entered with ]\[is8 Ashton from a call at Mrs. Morgan's, and was silting upon the piazza discuss- ing the manners and appearance of her niece, Miss Auuio Greyson. "She is certainly very beautiful," said Aldeane. " Ves," returned her friend, "as Fred once said, she is like a lovely dall, and my opinion is, she has also about as inuoli licart and brain as a doll." "Why, I am suit," said Aldeane reproachfully, ".she sooins to like every one." "Certainly, she does," she returned, with a merry laugh ; " she has not animation enough to support a pre- judice." " I wonder Mr. Morgan did not return liorae when his father died," said Aldeane, bending low over some trifle in her hand. "I wondered at it too," answered Belle, "but it ap- pears that Mr. Morgan expressed a wish that his son should complete his tour. I am sure poor Fred can have but little heart for it. I wish he would come home. I shall bo so loiuly, when you are gone." 60 A LJ) iJA y I'- Al.U'an.! pn-sH..,l tlio l.nn.l of lu-r fii.^i..!. " My 'l'^'- lovo," sii.l slu', "wli:it will be joiir lomlim^s to iniiuV" " Aii.l ytt yoii :uv triad to >,'o," Hiii.l n»lli'. "Almost," hI.o anHWoiv.1, "or, at liii>t, I am i,'lml that Pn.rossor (Jiviivillc consiacnMl mo worthy of the situa- tion." . , , "What did hu say the hi.lyV iianio was." asUcl Ikllc. ., " Arenddl, Uvh. John Aroiuk'll. Slic was once a \ found. 1 never saw papa in sueh a way about any thing." " Hush," said Aldoanc warningly, " it is indeed a very Htrange thing, but we odght not to talk of it. Unfor tuiiatoly ^Ir. Evans was a very eccentric man, and used to iiiid' the slnuigost hiding-places for most valuable pajjors." "Yes," inlorruptod Hello, "Charley used to tell Arthur when he was at college, that the l>usiness never would bo straightened if he died of apoplexy, as there was every Indication he would. But how provoking to think -' I' n h:.[ .\'^. ■V fri.'iKl. " My t, I am i,'l!i(l that WDi-tliy uf till' fitvia- 61 iianu' wuH anki'tl Slic wan oiici' a impil r to mc," saiays seemed to i.ass like loii-r dr..,..-,- ... i ;- she mipatiently awaited a etter t o n t ^' "''^' my cuhest opportunity. I aniy.d here three days ^gu. 1 62 ALDEANE. My adventures on tho journey are too numerou. an tuc o nu-ntion. So I will pass them by. I lonnd myself after a long jolting ride, in a miserable .tage-e<.aeh, me ' e ron^hes of roads, at Loring. It was about e.ght oVlook in the evening, but the heat wlueh had nearly "ut'oeated n^e thn.ughout the day, did not seem m e S^^st degree diminished. 1 had expected t., hud ,uU. H lann. town, as Loring is the county seat. It is n lact ^'Z ; «mall village, and an ancient am glo.uny- Wkin.^ Vlaec-at least as 1 viewed it by the bnlhant hght oth Summer moon. I was about to inqu.ro for the res - dene of Mr. Arendell, when a negro man approached, td ask d if I was » Miss (Guthrie." I replied tha I was : the. said " Mass John had sent him ^r -e -ul ^'d^^ have come himself, if he had been at honje. ^-'^^ knowing who Mass John might be, I ^^'''^ ^''"^ ^'''^''^^r:^ he meant Mr. Arendell. " I mean de Colonel, ma'am, de.e an" no Mr. Arendell now." I laughed at the earnes nes with which he spoke, and was a httle surprise.! at he TearcMng glance'with which he regarded "- I pmn ed out mv fu-.rage to him. It was soon placed at t] . back :?\rln^^, in which I ^^^^^^^T\^Z drove rapidly out of the town. I asked L ncle Adam for thatproled\obe the driver's --' l-^^- ^^^^^ ^ J ,ro '"Bout two miles, miss," was his reply. I was very t;;d to know that I was not to live in the htUe dingy place we had left. After driving through hick ^^oo.ls •or some distance, we ascended a gentle elevation and we e n s ght of Arendell House. It is a large white mansioi^ "itMna..as on every siVle, .almost covered with climbing roses'and flowering vines. The long windows, shad.^ by Venetian blinds, reached to the ground, and as we ap p^ched I saw ; gentleman, with a long -;i I'^P^;;^ hand step out of one of them, and join a lady as ho as as riding upon the piazza. A moment afterward the car- ;!age stepped at thi gate. The gentleman was there, and ALDEANE. loo iiumci'oii:> and trite by. I found mysolt", i-iiblo gtiige-i-oarh, over ;. It Wiis about oight it'i\t which had noarly , did not socm in thi- \ expected to find (initc uity seat. It is in liiet in ancient and j^looniy- l it by the brilliant litiht It to inqnira for the resi- iies^ro man approached, ." " I replied that I was. it him for mc, and would at home."' Not exactly je, I asked him Avhether I de Colonel, ma'am, dere ughed at the earnestness a little surprised at the retrarded mc. I pointed soon placed at tl 3 back d seated myself, and wo I asked Uncle Adam, for name, how far wc had to as his reply. I was very a live in the little dhigy lUg through thick woods gentle elevation and were is a large white mansion, )8t covered with climbing long windows, shaded by > ground, and as we ap- ith a long reed pipe in his and join a lady who was lonient afterward, the car- I gentleman was there, un-l 63 assisted mo to ahght. He introduced himself as Colonel Arendell He ,s about fifty years old, tali and thin, like most ot the natives of the South. His hair is thi„ a„,l gray; us comple.vion sallow, and his whole a|,,)ean,nce somewhat meager. He has a careless and happy expression of countenance, and his good-humored snnle, as well as the words wuh which he greeted me, prepare.l me for u smcere welcome from the other members of the famiiv As he M^>!come.l me, I for the first time thought of nf; travel-soiled aj>pearance; but it was too late to^remedv ft now; so in some confusion I followed him to the house and was introduced to xAIrs. Arendell. She is a fine hand- some womaiu I have somewliere seen a face much 'resem- t'lmg hers, but I can not remember where. She is much younger than her husband, and far more ehnrant. I saw at a glance that she was a Northerner, and ^immediately tclt as ,f I had foun.l an old friend. Her manners are so winnmg and charming that I soon became perfectly at case in her com,>any. She conducted me to the supper able, which M-as most temptingly spread; on returning to the parlor, a young lady about fifteen years old, arose to meet mc. > lu " >ry stop-daugliter, Leonoro," said Mrs. Arendell I wish I could j)Iace Leonoro Arendell before you in all her beauty; my description can never convey to vou the mdescribable charm an.l grace that surrounds her She IS small, and delicately formed; her complexion is as iair as a pure white lily, with a tint of rose over- ^i'l-oudmg It like a halo rather than a definite color J or coral lips, when parted disclosed small even teetli ot pearl-hke whiteness; dark glossy ringlets ri.,ple over lior brow, and fall over her shoulders, in a irraeeful shower. But this beauty of person, is ,iothingTn com- parison with the loveliness of soul that beams throu-rb J.er speaking eyes. Tenderness of heart, witii no traces of a strong mind, are visible in every action. 54 ALDEANE. ^ She seemed very clad to see me, and s,>oke frequently of the ,>l''=vs"-e >:ho antieipated in a-am p"'-s">"S '"r favovite^tudy, musie. I asked »- ^-v on, .t ^^ shK-e she had h-ft school. She rephed : '''^^^^^ n.onths. I am so ,lad to be at homes though x ._^ that I know nothu„s Miss Guthne. 1 don't ^^^^ at all, and I a,n not jroing baek agam. I am sure >ou e-m teaeli me all I want to know." I velired earlv to rest, and greatly fatigued with my Txious to know how I am situated. My room is very h "e and pleasant, handsomely furnished, and Us wm- do^H command a tine view of the surrounding eon tiy I stood for some time at the window, watching the sun as it arose slowly above the belt of p nes that bounded Uie hori.on-then tempted by the cool "--^J - , - the dcwvfrasrraneeof the garden at my fe..;t, I descc ukd W ^iU?i-ed it. It was a perfect thicket of roses. Roses erX arbors and border the walks, -"/'"S "P ^ cloud of perfume, and producing a scene ot luxunant beauty almost indescribable. llxV.A down the graveled path to he S'^te th n turned to look at the house. It arose white and stately fi^m almost a forest of trees-mhuosas, oaks, maples, nnTcedxrs, the latter in such numbers that they totally dlel ed the idea of lightness and cheerfulness with which te ™lly conceive Southern houses to be simounded. A\roifa/..a encircled the house; a variety o creeping plans ntwinedthe lattice before ^^\^^.^^^ * ^ Ued honeysuckle still was blooming; but Sinnng ha borne awav with her all other blossoms. Ihe long !reen Venetian blinds were thrown back ; and I caught Sht of a room-liaudsomely furnished, with Brussels c'u-pet -ieh brocade, and lace curtains, velvet chairs and o Is and a superb piano. Another apartment also c^H^^Ld upouthe'pia..i It was the sitting-room; look- iinil sjioko firquontly ii'^ain pursuing lur icr how lonj: it w:tH oplii'd: "Only thiro lome, thouijb pa says 1 don't like KalcigU gain. I am snro you tly fatigued with my I suppose you are ■d. ^ly room is very irnished, and its win- iirrounding eountry. low, watehing the sun af pines that boundeil cool morning air, and t my feet, I descentled liieket of roses. Roses walks, sending up a a scene of lu.\uriant ath to the gate; then rose white and stately nhuosas, oaks, majjles, nbers that they totally cheerfulness with which uses to be surrounded. :; a variety of creeping )re them; the ^sweet- )ming ; but Spring had blossoms. The long «n back ; and I caught rnished, with Brussels •tains, velvet chairs and nother apartment also the sitting-room; look r A L D HA NE. 55 mg delightfully cool, its floor covered with matlin- the wmdows hung witii green hn.ea.h. and lace, a nimilK.r ot white cane-chairs were scattered over tiie room I presently saw one juisIumI through the wind-.w, and was loilowe.! by Colonel Arendeli, sn.okin- with an aj-n.-ar- ance o/ the most intense enjoynienf.^i very long reed pipe. ([ hav« discovered that tiiis j)ii.e is his constant ronipanion and solace.) Not wishing to ho seen I turned into a side path, bordered by'hiirli rose-bushes and gained a little ascent, from which I could see, at the' hack of the house, a river llowing. Jiolk., you know that we have often read of the silvery waters of the South ] fam would support this illusion, but candor compels me to own that this stream is narrow and turbid ; the wide, sand-washed banks, indicate that it does ikH al- ways flow on in the same narrow channel, but occasion- ally bursts forth, flooding the surrounding country with Its angry waters. I observed that at a short distance stood an immense and wide-spreading oak; indeed, so tall is it, that even in this region of foi-ests, it marks 'the place for miles around. I soon stood beneath its shadow It crowns a slight eminence, from whence I could see the dwelling-house, the long row of negro cabins behind it aiKl catch glimpses of the sullen river beyond them all! It M-as a beautiful scene. Tlic green coniHelds on the opposite side of the river, which is si)anned at this point I'y a slight Avooden bridge, waved luxuriantly in the morning light ; the laborers liad early begun their toil, and with monotonous, yet cheerful songs, were performin.' tlieir tasks ; from the kitchen to the house, women were hurrying to and fro in their bright homespun dres,ses ; their black faces rendered even darker by contrast with' their many-colored turbans. I was lost in contemplation ot the scene, and conjecturing the many tales this same old o.ak could tell me of the events that had taken place beneath its shadow if the voice of fabled time could be 56 ALDEANE. given to it, when I was aroused by a child's vole, angrily exelaiming :— r t c^ T «;il i" " I will ride ! I'll tell my mamma of you ! so I w m . I looked up the path, and saw a little girl runur:.- rapidly and passioi ^.ely in the direction m which I «toou occasionally stopp... to stamp her feet, and repeat tl>e words that had first arrested my attention. She was about four years old, and a true type of ^o"ther« beau j a perfect bnmette with dark fiery eyes, and a wild, mirth- ful expression. Her jetty curls, were thrown back Irom her dark face and crimson cheeks. She was dressed in a Bhort blue frock, that was blown ^^^^ ^/^^^ ""^'^f breez-c as she continued unwittmgly and hastily to ap- proach me. A negro woman appeared at th« ';-;^,«* « lalk, calling loudly, "Oh-h! Miss Jessie! Oh-h! Miss Jessie ! doi^t tell your mar, and I'l give you a ride I still stood beneath the great oak, and when the c1 ild came near to mo, I stepped forward to ™-^'t hc;is w-ith a cheerful smile, saying, "What is the matter i W ho is it that won't let you ride ?" She stopped suddenly, much astonished at my presence ; looked up and down the path, as if uncertain which way to run- then glanced at me bashfully, in childish confu- sion twirling her fingers in her long curls. T;epeated my questions ; and with tears starting to her fine eies ; she replied, " Zettie won't let me rule andvna 1 saTd /might. Frank and Eddie have had a right smart rile ; and I want one too." And she puckered up her face to keep back the rising tears. "Well' never mind, dear," I answered, " we will go back, and see what can be done. Tell me your name, '''" My n^me is Jessie Louisa Arendell. What is youi^ ?" was her prompt reply, accompanying the question with a dose sciutin/of my person. "You're the lady that s going to teach us, ain't you?" she presently continued. r child's voice angrily i of you ! so I will !" a little fjirl ruiiiii-:;- Lion in which I »tootl, feet, and repeat the attention. She was e of Southern beauty, es, and a wild, mirth- re thrown back from She was dressed in a .ck by the mornini? rly and hastily to ap- red at the head of the » Jessie! Oh-h! Miss I give you a ride !" k, and when the child 1 to meet her, with a le matter ? Who is it iiished at my presence ; f uncertain which way uUy, in childish confu- ig curls. ;h tears starting to her »'t let me ride ; andyna lave had a right smart be puckered up her face mswered, " we will go I, Tell me your name, dell. What is yours ?" ing the question with a You're the lady that's e presently continued. ALDEAXE. 67 «Yes," I replied, unable wholly to repress a smile and my name is (iuthiic." ' "HanMi't you any other name than that?" she ex- claimed. "Oh, yes, I am called Aldeanc Guthrie " "Well, now, that's a mighty pretty name; prettier than you are yourself!" ,i"n.inr I was about to indulge in a laugh at her oddity, which I could no longer restrain, wh.-n she exciai.ned : " " Ther are P n,.k and Eddy ! Xow, Miss Uuthrie. can't I ,1:;: I looked up, and saw just before me two pretty bov« l.« Hdest about ten years old, the other abo .t two years younger. The largest was dismounting a small 1 pony, wh.eh was hel.l by a negro wom^, who Z^^. dently „.,lnlg,„. ;,. , ,u of sulks. The boys lookeaired to the sitting-room, while Leonore with a large bunch of keys, and followed by a half-dozen negro women, went to the smoke-house ami store-room, to give out supplies. " You see I am bring- ing up Leonore quite a Southern housekeeper, said 31 rs. Arendell, " though every one says she has imbibed many of mv Northern proclivities." Tlie day passed very pleasantly. Several ladies called, and appeared very pleasant and sociable. The children are quite intelligent and cood-natured, . I presume the task of instructing them will not be very arduous. I believe that I shall lind life in North Carolina more pleasant than you predicted, though I will not promise not to get home- sick and return to you. This evening, as I was standing on the back piazza, forming a wrelith from the sprays of multifloras that creep over it, I saw Jessie apparently working earnestly at the well, with a dipper in hand, endeavoring to obtain water from the bucket. She did so several times, and threw it on the ground, at the same time drenching her- self plentifully. So intent .was she upon her work that she did not observe me until I exclaimed : — " Jessie, what are vou doing V" "Giving my frogs' water, to be sure," she replied, con- tinuing her exertions. " What do you mean ?" I inquired, approaching her. "The frogs are all thirsty of evenings," she replied, "and thev come to the well to drink, and there isn't any ; « n \\ tl P' di 111 oc w; m( wi soi Ai T ■a ; thoy Boomed sur- mufh ])!oiV8Ccl tluit fthe ohililivn. I sanntcR'tl, pipe in [ have to -work, M\m wife will not tolerate troublesomo set of m." e sitting-room, while ys, and followed by the smoke-house and You see I am bring- isekeoi»er," said Airs, le has imbibed many Several ladies called, l)le. The children are I presume the task y arduous. I believe la more pleasant than mise not to get home- on the back piazza, i of multifloras that ly working earnestly endeavoring to obtaiin ao several times, and ; time drenching lier- 3 upon her work that iiraed : — ure," she replied, con- d, approaching her, venings," she replied, ik, and there isn't any ALDEANE. 59 water 'round, you know, so I always give 'em some ilere, Iittlofrogurv, hcivi" imsomo. vou"" /T^"^'\ ""'!?"^'-"' ---ered, "Why don't \<)ii get /ottif, or Aunt J{o.xv to i^ivt. them wat...-v >> you are splashing yourself ail over'" '' "Oh ! they all laugh at me, and say the fro<.s can nt know the .v.y there; an /JAX/:. 61 [II. IV. arrived at Arcndcll Piimiliarly t-allod — bIio vnu'otiiig which was . Hero, in the Heene on, was shown to her lie was thrown. The r — the aristocrats and L'diate one, the j)oor and she learned, in ristica than she could le, to do in as many ed, although she was » boisterous and excit- gatliered together for > discovered that the was so far from irrev- an important part of [1 them with some de- i>u8 admiration for the ch unseemly time and ;es, Aldeanc was intro- I exchanged greetings so much interest and g gentlemen, that she was quite relieved to hoar lAIrs. Arendeli say, in answer to a question from some one near: — "No, we shall not stay for the next spr\'ioes; we have so far to go, you know, (iood-bye ! Colonel Arcndcll p'case take Miss Guthrie and Jessie in your carriage, the rest of the cJiildren will return with me." He bowed, anut to me, sir, ai\il slie naid, ' Alter my sisur Aliee, who before her marriage was almost ahvayw ealU«i Al Deane, to disliniruiHli lier from a eouniu of tlie same name.' 1 was al)out to ask more eoiieeniinj; my aunt wlieii my mother letl the room, as if wisliinjx to nhun further inquiry, and after tliat I never liad an opportunity of maivinii any." "Then it is your mother's death you mo\irn !" he said, frianeint; at her bhiek dre.ss, with, Aideane tiiou<,'iit, a relieved expression. " Ves, sir." For tlu' time he remained silent, ap])arently .i1)sorbeil in painful thou<;ht. Alileane looked at him with wonder, uiul euriosity ; Ins conduct was to her inex|)licable. At hist she in(|uired: "Did you know this Alice Deane, sir?" He started as if the name hail been an adder, and had Htunj; him, and lookinic at her with an expression she could never forijet, said: — " Why do you ask 'i Let the dead past bury its dead !" " So Alice Deane is dead !" continued Aideane, unheetl- inp; Ids question, or the remark th.it liad followed it, for hhe felt positive that he liad once known her. "Yes," he returned looking at her as if fascinated. " Yes, yes, she is dead ! She died yoimg. She Mas scarcely your age, young lady." She was about to ask nfore concerning her aunt when the carriage stopped before the gate of Arendell House. Co' unci Arendell silently assisted Aideane to alight, placed the still sleeping Jessie in her arms, and turned into a narrow and shaded path, as if anxious to be alone. Aldeano was greatly perplexed by his conduct. The onb thai t r.'iu scji r Mrs A Slllij and ings niaki Ilea (lissa invsl hail I It she 1 subje a gen and i towai "C about He alarm lie sail For at len her. His moved smoke, and sa inoderi her bei is like father.' bt'fori', hut n>j)liiil lis imo question tliat you lid, ' Al'tiT my sisUr A uliniist ahvuyH calUil ii couwiii of till' Kiiiiu- iccniin^iny uuiit wiii'ii siiin<; tu hIiuii furtiui' lul ail opporluiiity of you mourn !" ho Huiil, I, Aldoane liiouj^lit, a t, ap])arcntly a1)sorl)eil •il at him witli wonder, hiT iufxplicable. At I', sir ?" I'lii an adder, and had ith an expression she id past bury its dead !" niied Aldeane, vmheetl- at liad followed it, for inown iier. lier as if fascinated, ied young. She Mas corning lior aunt when ,te of ArendoU House. d Aldeune to alight, her arms, and turned as if anxious to be by his conduct. The ALDEANE. 03 only solution of tho mystorv that she could frame was that he ha.l once loved Alice D.-ane, and that some tragical event had caused her death. Yet oven this was scarcely sunici,.nt to explain his vio t ai;ilati.,n, an.l .Mrs Nevn.s' evident .listressat the mention of her nam.. Aldeane de,M.h.d to question Colonel Arondell upon th.. stil.ject as soon, and as closely, as p..ssil,le. The aut u.nn and winter passed, an,l spring had .-ast her vernal otrer- ings over earth, before Aldeano foun.l an opportunity to make further impiiries of him concerning her ivlal'ive He avoKled any allusi.m to the subject, and much to her dissatisfaction she still remained in the same state of mystery and nn.-ertainty into which liis first conversation nail thrown her. It was on the afternoon of a day in early Ai.ril that she found hers<.lf alone with him, and thought of the subj.'ct that had so long perplexed her, and as he was in il gonial, talkative mood, she hoped to elicit some true aud interesting information from him, so she turne.l toward him with the inquiry:— "Colonel Arondell, will you not toll mo 8omothin.r aliout my aunt Alice l"' He looked up .piiekly with an expression of pain and alarni. " Why do you ask, child y Lot the .load rest " he said bitterly, ' For a moment Aldeane was silent. " I ask," she said at length, " because a mystery has always c'nshroudod Iter. Colonel Arondell, did you know her well';"' His face was pale, and his hand trembled, as lie re- moved his pipe from his mouth, and emitted a olou.l of smoke. He watche.l it as it curled ffracefullv upwar.l and said slowly : " Yes, I knew her. The family were i.i moderate circumstances, and she was much admired for her beauty. I have sometimes thoncfht your expression i« like hers, otherwise you more closely resemble your father." ^ 01 A L III-: A A'/;. T "Oh, HJr! you must liiivo l'oii,"'ttfn liim," roturnol AM«uiu>. "lliiivc luanl ll>:U Arthur is ii |.i'rHrl liW.- IH'HS of him, ami h*- is vory thiriv iiu:iiiri wati'hiiiff tho |tn>i,'n-ss of the smoke as it rose from iiis lijts, auw, and >:ian- oinu' n|> Alili-anc cau-ihl a jrlmipst- of tho lip;uro of a jfontUinan wlio was no unfri'ijucut visitor, althoujili evitionlly no vi-ry wtk-omi' out'. Kcfore «hi' coiiltl Ivave tin- room, as she had fviry doHiru to do, for slio ha«l an instinctivu and unfomituiahh- disliko of liim, ho was standing at the door, howing and emilinjx most graciously. This man was not unhandsome or ungainly, yet he carried himself as if he possessed a i)ainful conscioasncss of being hoth. This ))erha|)S it was iu eonjunction witii his exceeding fondness of tlashy dress and ornament, that proved at once that he was not a gentleman, tliough he claimed the name, and held the jiosition of one. Aldcane had more reasons than her eyes gave her for avoiding this man; for, altlioiigh he was old enough to be her lather, he had foUowid her with covert, yet most eager admiration, since their iirst meeting. This day, however, it juoved that she had no need to avoitl him, ibr he had called but for a moment, he said, to have a word upon business with Colonel Arendell. Tliis word he had, and then, with a bow to Ahleaue, departed. On his way out he met Leonore, who, with a cold "Good-morning," waited Jbr him to pass by her, and then, lounging into the room in her usual idle way, in- quired : — T iittfn liiiii," ri'turnt'd lliiir is II jH'rUrt lik*'- l hiimlrtoiat— u piTt'ei't '(•(I toHtily. yd, fonlimUMl : " Was «' «lio rrLfrcllftl V" 'liiiijf tilt' jiiotjiTss ol' and Aldt-aiH- await in;,' lie wiinliiw, ami fjlaii- )Hc ()f llu' iip;mo of ft cut vixitor, ultliouj^li >in, as Hhe lia.-, and rel.eve uh of the sight of his seowling Aldeane fhonght she sh,.„ld ,ather hav,. naid " Hinish-r A . nd .11 s r..,.iy, wh.eh was n..t uttered imnu-liately but with HJou- and grave reproof ^' «::"'wt:!';r:;-l;;;;;^nn:"""^^"""-- Leonor.., said her iatlur, Hushing. slLditl y " [ .h,.II 1... with m,. " «iw. I • ' '■'''•'' •'"»' ''« n"ir'-y "Like lumv" i,, «,;,!, moodily; " who does like him-^ l>ut he was y„ur mother's cousin, Leonore, an.l for Z^ -yc.e..eer;ithared J-,eonore. with rtl. t.ous. IJut I ,n sure, ,,apa, when he was your over- GO ALDEANE. "Yon liave an cxoi'lloit m(>mory, Nora," said hor father, and then turning to Ahleane, said, in an exphina- tory -way: " Hhike was in truth a hard master; I used to objeet in my own mind vt>ry much; but wiiat is the use of keeping an overseer, if one looks to the work, or worries over the punishment ? Of course, I let Blake have his own way, as every proprietor should. He had his own way — a pretty rough way, I am inclined to think now — until I brought Ida to my home. She immediately con- ceived a great dislike to him, and wished me to dismiss him. I, however, was under some trifling obligations to him, and could not do so immcd-ately. He obliginglv proposed, on a few conditions, to free me of his presence. A short time after leaving me, he commenced speculating in slaves, and I l>elieve has done very well." "What obligations were you under to him, papa?" in- quired Leonore. His face flushed darkly, as he replied : " One is always under obligations to those who serve him, my dear ; you would not understand me, Leonore, if I should explain. It is merely business matters, nothing more." Aldeane could not reconcile the words with the dark, almost remorseful expression, that remained upon his face during the remainder of the drive. The Arendells, as well as other families, undoubtedly possessed secrets, and Mr, Blake might be privy to them ; she was merely, how- ever, a dependent in the family, and, therefore, had no right to peer into any of its mysteries. She was indeed treated by all as a beloved friend and equal. 7\rcnd(ll House had become to her a pleasant home, though occa- sionally events would transpire to mar her calm enjoy- ments. Jessie was willful, Frank passionate, and liddie dull and stubborn. They were all affectionate, and she liked tliem well, yet they very often annoyed and grieved her. leonore was always gentle and tractable, and had made great progress in her .studies. Altogether Aldeane's T ^LDEANE. ry, Nora," said hor ', said, ill an cxplana- anl masti'r; I uschI to ; but wiiat is the use o the work, or worries , I let Bhike have his hi. He had his own lined to think now — Slie immediately con- wished me to dismiss trifling obligations to itely. He obliginglj ec- me of his presence. )nnnenced speculating •ry well." ler to him, papa?" in- ilicd : " One is always e him, my dear ; you e, if I should explain, ng more." words with the dark, •emained upon his face e. The Arendells, as possessed secrets, and she was merely, how- md, therefore, had no ries. She was indeed and equal. 7\rcnd(ll it home, though occa- mar her calm enjoy- passionate, and ICddie I affectionate, and she 1 annoyed and grieved | md tractable, and had Altogether Aldeane's 67 position was a pleasant one. Frequent letters from TJelln valued triend. Thus, atterf^lM^^^SriLmZS the am.,,, «,,, ^ad rendered herself vahu>d and Slvc" CHAPTER IX. ton saw GKASSMERK. One beautiful mornins in May, when the full luxurianco of spvin' ^''■""•'" i"tern.pted Mrs.'Arendeil "Miss Gnthne may not like them. fer brown e^e a e - pretty as Miss Ashton's blue, if you wouM ll^ ,.- Ik "Xo, they ain't; and Miss Guthrie's mouth is as bi.. j.ga.n as M.SS Ashton's," returned Jessie, shakin. "• load,,,„u ly; "and she's mighty good too, for"^M Aldeane told „u. so, and I want to see her "' "Well! my ehild," said the colonel, "I'm afrai.l ' your desire w.ll not soon be gratified. But we e s,x.ak.ng of your birthday. Miss Guthrie ; we must h^^^^^ It. UJ.at do you say to a visit to Grassmere?" Aldeane had often heard this ,,laee spoken of as an e.ue belonging to Colonel Aren.lell, soml tM-elve miles wl-'l T ^^'"\"^^^'^».V« represented as exeeedinglv .he inwardly hoped the proposition would meet witli !wd:-'"™" '"' "' •""'' ''■°™ '^^'^^'^'' ^'^^ -^■ "Oh, yes! let us go to Grassmere! Tlie apples and phims are getting ripe there. Uncle Adam told me " What do you say to it, Ida?" queried Colonel Are.- V ,'''''; ^'''" ''''"''^ '^'^^ t*^ SO, Miss Guthrie v» 1 es, indeed, sir !" "Well, then, by all means let us go. It is a very pleasant place," said Mrs. Arendell. ^ "Hurrah, for Grassmere !" sliouted Frank, dashin• »'■ "■>• i— ..-1 .n, uh": a'Zod V ;',n" over which time Juid cast a mantle of de.-.v . ^ ' o'^cc. amid the vernal Uo.:^^^^;^:^ ...nded It. A wild trumpet-vine had essayed to ,i^J Z^^'^l'T^^ of beauty, and hLl pl^^l^ "oceedt CI. It ha.l crept over the walls and roof leavin.r ''owever, parts of the rough bark visi).',- ^^S, . , 1 '^' o;.^ grimly tVom the verdant framing. P^:^ "^ v."e floated upon the air, and drooped with n h ho i h-om apertures in the roof. It was a bea f ob^^ 1". tot..lly m,.ompatible with those surrounding, it "^ ' Ihe housekeoper-a little thin, nervous muhmo' wom- ZT^ " y ■' ""'« "^'^^••"'^■^' ™^'t thorn at tlu. Z .cm ingly overjoyed at their unexpecte : arrival. "' ' ilere, you .lube and Andy!'' she exclaimed "whir's ur manners ? Take your young mass'rs' horl. ^ ^i '"' t, if you don't move a loetle faster I'll ,.,,11 ..ii i ;:;j;;em thick heads o'youn.:,^;.JKl^^^^ cd Jessie out of the can-iage, "how yer ha ^rown c yer old Auut Samiry seed ye last ! I'm ri.-ht^ gbd tu see yer, Mass'r John an' Miss Idy, and Mi^ J^ T« ALDEANE. l)e house 18 fit for yor to walk right hiterjust the same as if 1 kiiowth the negroes infeareh of ripe fruit; and after the ladies had rested. Colonel Arendell said:— " Ida, I am going to show :Miss Guthrie over the house. AVill you come with us?" " Spare me the infliction !" replied ^Irs. Arendell, laugh- in.r " It is too warm for such exercise. Leonore and 1 will look around Aunt Samira's domains while you are gone. » Come, then, Jdiss Guthrie. I don't think you will hnd it very fatiguing!" said the colonel, as he led the way up- Bfiirs " There are some curious things in this old housi-, at least so they seem to me. It is the house in which my parents lived and died. This is the room they usu- ally occupied, and their shadows do so still. Don t shud- der. 1 do not mean their ghosts— but merely their por- traits, which arc lifelike." ., ^ • , i The room was large, and well but gloomily furnished. A high-posted bedstead, with crimson curtains, stood in one corner, and between the windows a large old-lasli- ioned bureau. High-backed chairs, grim and black witli •icre were scattered about the room ; above the mantel- pTece, which was very long, and low, hung two oil-paint- ings-the portraits of the departed owners. Mr. Aren- dtai appeared to be about of the same age as the son who was now contemplating him; possessing, too, m a great decrree, the same physiognomy ; the same calm gray eyes, the same high forehead and light, wavy hair; but the firm, sternly-set mouth, which gave so much expression to the count.niii.ee of the father, was wanting in that ot inter, just the same y, having cxhaiisti-d to her j.Troeting, an:-,„„7 '"«■ '"«'■ .n»tmme„„, JN o , never smee I have been marned Mv fi..«,t ^f Wot L r r ■'«■»'■?'■' ™"' too „„„,. Mttef Ll "•-> n..i\t It tnen I" she exclaimed "T t^^v,^ *u Si :,rvor r°" '^"t^ ""'■^» ••■--"■*- he reu :j , :, V "'' ' '".'''' ■•" *" '■'""" !««"■« "o gol" 74 ALDEANE. safp opcniiiod a ^\m-o. ltd ween two book-slu'lvcs ; upon it Htnoil !i portfolio full of pajn'rs. "llm>, in this room," said Colonel Arendcll, "was the foul(>st disjrriico, openly branded \\\>on my family. Oh ! William, William! I believed yon cuilty thoul 'Twould almost be a comfort to believe it still.' Aldeane was distressed at the tone of despair, and the remorseful manni'r in whieh these words were sjtoken. Looking? up. Colonel Arendell read these emotions in her face. "We will go now. Miss Guthrie," he saiastH to AMcanc'rt b.'alth and i.ros,,onty ha.l been drunk; all i.n.pan-.l lor a ran.l.lc over the f^roun.lH Thcv proved to be very beaiitifnl and extensive, t ohn.el Arendell and Aldenne were walkin-,' to.trether; they reaehed the vine-o'er-rown arb..r. Within was a eruni- blin.' seat; she entered and sat down ; the eolonel stood befon- lier. She instinetively felt that he alone eould tell the history of the old plaee ; therefore she saul :— "Why have you suttered this j.laee to deeay, C olonel Arendell, when you have kept all Hurroundinj; it ii. sueh excellent rej.air ? Do you fancy this wild beauty V " Somewhat," he replied, glancinji back. Ihs wile and Leonorc were discussinjr Honu- lu.usehold matter with Aui>t Samira, near the house; the children were playin- at 8omo diHtance. " I do not let this ruin stand tor that alone," he continued ;" but because I can not hnmo- r years. We parted ihood, and even luiw nory and reality of c by the instigation om all evil, is eating ,t evil?" questioned I you ask mc?" ho [ with his open hand, more gently. " Soon, lo it now, my ehild. 'ter to-day, a creature ALDEANE. >,^ of passionate impulses, and n.orbi.I fi...li„.,, r,,,,„ ., „ii,iii\ ('.veiled lo-(ljiv !ii'<" iwii.illi. I -n-ti:;;:;;;::;;'iT:;:^,/:;;7i::;::-;'« "»pt'>veived ha.l joined th..m » V..„ b ' '''"' h,,/i;. ^ ^-' ^ '< t } ou speak to him again, while we are -i-hadtheiiuric r^ii^i::';;"^^^--'''^-"' 'l^--«"o joine,! Leonon. and Mr An, IT'"''"'- ^^'■ tl-ough theflower-ganlen .„K ift."^' , .'" " '^'""^ i» "..e of the arho,; em/'i^'r"'' ;'''■" ^'"!"^ ^ayly, she lbun.l an. .10 e„:;.I .'nie t J" l"'""""- wreaths and bouquets the .„»:.?, '''''""""'K' "'»<> l.lneke,7 T- . V''"*""^ numerous blossoms they had piUfKed. Jessie, Leom.re, and Mrs A.v... i n '"-y "^^ deeked with wreaths m.l V ^^■'-'"•J^'H, were soon .1 . . "'^'"^"S "1" Aldeanc was abonf tn. ^i... t lie remamn.r flowers jisi.lo «.i> t • *'""^^ "Oh • A[i«. r II ' ''" '^™'''^ ^'velaimed:- musfLvetnet;;^::'' ^'^^ ^^-'^ ^'y "^-rs. You ''•■ur. with the inquiry: " Will that ioT'> " '" ^''^ 78 A Li) E AXE. "N..." ftiiswoml Mrs. AiviuI.H. "It in too great a coiitnis'l; h.M.Us, wliili' uii.l liliK'k iirc too wmibor." "I will lultl Homc jjoldcu-liiiirli'd violi-ts tlicn. I cnn not wfar sraycicoli.rrt yi't !" an.l licr c-yos tlllcl with tears ns «lie tiionylit of her motlier, whose favorite flowers »he then held. The Huiiuner nfteriioon was waninif. The snii was pil.linj-' tlie rou.^'h trunks of tiie old Irei'S, and li^'htln,^' up as witli fire the hirj^e windowH of the luausiou, when Frank ran uj) to tell theni that tin- earriajre would soon he nady. Tiu-y repaired to tiie house to partake (.f some sliu'lit refreslunent, and soon after departed, leaving Aunt Samira, Tnele Charley, th.' overseer, and the sahle erew, they professed to govern, in great delight at their mus- ter's eoninu'ndation. All seemed in exeellent spirits, and the ride homo, enlivened by jests and laugiiter, passed quiekly. Stdl, thoughts of Colonel Areiidell's strange eonduet through- out the day would intrude upon AhUane's mind. It seemed searcely possible that the man who was now heartily participating in the merriment of those around hira, without one shade of gloomy thought upon his countenance, could bo the same who, at numerous tunes throughout the day, hud betrayed such serious and troubled emotions. Yet she liked him better in the real character of which she had caught momentary glimpses, than in the gay dissemblemeat in which he usually appeared. i • om i " IIow have you enjoyed jourself. Miss Guthrie? he asked, as ho assisted her to alight on their arrival at Arcndell. " Excellently, but very strangely, for I have passed through a labyrinth of riddles," " They will all be solved at some time. But not now ! not now !" he replied, a troubled look passing oyer his face. " Go into the house, my dear, the dew is falling. 1 si in en (•r an lie It is too ji;roat a too HOlllltlT." )litH tlii'ii. I I'iin ■IS tilh'il with tcar.i iivoiitc tloworrt hIu; jf. Till- Sim Wiis InvH, and li}j;hting llu- iniiiisioii, wlu'U iatit' uoiiltl siiou l)e to jiartakc of f>omo irtt'd, li'aving Aunt uid tlu' sal)lf crow, ■liglit at their mus- nd tlu' ride homo, HC'd quirkly. Still, ;e condiu't through- .hU'uno's mind. It man who was now ■lit of those around thought upon his at numerous times 8uch serious and in better in the real lomentary glimpses, which he usually , Miss Guthrie ?" he on their arrival at , for I bave passed imc. But not now 1 ok passing over his the dew is falling. 1 Ann EA ^E, ^g Aldcane took .Tessie'H hand, and. sadiv perplex..! .■ntered the house AHer s„, ,, ...,.si.. „..i ,1 |,,ci.,y ;'•"' "♦ •' l.'t.- hour she retired to rest, having well enjoyed her eighteenth hirthdav. ^ ^ CIIAPTEli X. "JANUARY AND JIAY." Quite unconsciously to herself lier piquancy and grace upon that evening luid won for Aldeane more admiration than any beauty of face or form could possibly have done. More than one young gentleman returned to his home witli visions of her as its loved and loving mistress. But these, young as they were, for some time at least, kept their own counsel, and it M-as oidy from the most unwelcome source that Aldeane Guthrie received any intimation of her power. Upon the following day, accompanied by the children, she went a short distance up the river in search of yellow jasmine, which they assured her grew there in great quantities, and the party having pursued their search together in vain, the boys left her and Jessie, asking thorn not to leave the spot, and promising soon to return with the floral treasure. Being slightly fatigued Aldeane suffered Jessie to wan- der a short distance iVom her, and sat down at the foot of a large beech-tree which overhung the water. Fearing Jessie might go too far, she turned to look after her, when a voice speaking her name startled her violently. "I did not know you were here," she involuntarily exclaimed, starting to her feet, f^nd regarding the intruder with no flattering expression. " Pardon me," returned Mr. Blake, for it were he. " The boys, whom I met just now, told me you were here, and I Ci w at in le: kii an hei th£ ( tov fut I alai "Li lias me;i whi surr (( rapii mon and that I lo^ "1 say Jessi leave lie had < said t instai ALDEANE. 81 piquancy and grace me more admiration Duld possibly liave man returned to liis and loving mistress, some time at least, only from the most utlirie received any lied by the children, • in star'.h of yellow rew there in great ursued their search I Jessie, asking them soon to return with ififered Jessie to wan- t down at the foot of the water. Fearing look after her, when er violently. ^," she involuntarily 'garding the intruder for it were he. "The you were here, and I O„o,nomoi,t! Co niomcnt, JMis» (Jntlnio I l,,..ri" I,. SifcMiop:!."''"'' ^"^ ""'^ ""» "»w""-» "'■ ■■■? Even at that moment, wlien sIip wna i,«ti n.on.<.« „,•„,„ .„,,„ai„,„„„., with ' U'l, ^0 ^ oTn and admiration. Allow me tl.,.,. Af? '», ^ ^' ^^^^'"n I ove you „„,, ,,„a „,,. ,,,„ ,„ „7; : J"' sav „„ ""'•'■ 'J"' *° '■'■I'"'-"' »"l' bhe saw the word liar, written upon his very ikce an",l It suddenly flashed upon her that if she knew aU so might find abundant cause to despise him. " {^l.,t '' 1 exclaimed with a reeolloetion of Colonel Ar'ende I's vords, « did you, too, know my family ? ()h wln# tL mj.te.y concerning them; iLow [hereis;! W IS It? Pray, what is it ?" "List to me," he replied, drawing a step near her I will tell you, if you will become my wife " •| My curiosity is not so great," she answered. think of .!rt.^'"'^'i^\.r"!'^ ^' *" y«"' ^^'"'^ ^'^1^'^"'^; t unk of all the wonderful tales you have read of the dis- closnres of seore(s, and tiien ima^-ine what the benefit will be, and then you will fall sliorf of t!ie rojility " 84 ALDEANE. ~T Aldeane looked at him with Avidcly dist'-udcd oyes. «I do not exaggerate," he continued. '• I can tell you what you would give worlds to know." He paused and looked at her. ^ " You shall say no more to me," she presently said. i am happy and contented in my ignorance." " But you can no longer be iu ignorance that a great benefit is within your reach, if you believe my word to be that of an lionorablc man." Ho knew that it was likely she had heard that ques- tioned, yet he was mad enougii in his earnestness to Bpeak of it. " I will question Colonel Arendell," she thought. " I there is a benefit within my reach, he will tell me so. I know in my case, Arthur would not have me sacrifice myself to this designing man ;■' and so once more she gave him to understand that his s.iit was hopeless. « I shall take further opportunity of assuring myself of that," he said with .i minister smile, as he heard the boys crashing through the underbrush, " and again, Miss Guthrie, I should advise you to consider tiie subject well." He bowed, and disappca it d. The boys coming up wth their arms full of wild jasmine, were surprised to find that their governess took but little heed of it, but h^-ni^d them home, exclaiming that she was tired, and ("Witirming her words, upon her arrival at the house, by h.v.V ning to her room, and rt>maining there for hours. Strangely enough, amid all the excitement and passion in which she entered the 'room, and without owning to herself the slightest reason for the act, she took from its resting-place the ivory case Belle had dropped upon her lap one memorable summer eve ; she looked long and thoughtfully upon the portrait 't contained. "What a frank, honest face," she mused, "how kind he used to be ; I wonder if he would be now, or if even he, ins bee lac( !«; beli deci T had cam •non wou less jure been to h( them mind All tlian, pecte tioniu to roi left b; An( Avlien endca thougl she ht relief, missed eutirel 1 dist'Muled eyes, od. '• I can tell you tr." lie paused and L' presently said. " I ranee." lorancc that a great believe my word to had heard that ques- n his earnestness to ," she thought. "T le will tell me so. I :>t have me sacrifice d so once more she ; was hopeless. ' of assuring myself liU', as he heard the ish, " and again, Miss onsider the subject Oie boys ccttning up ne, were surprised to little heed of it, but it she was tired, and rival at the house, by 12 there for hours, ccitement and passion id without owning to act, she took from its ad dropped upon her she looked long and (utained. e mused, "how kind Id be now, or if even A LDEANE. 85 ho, in my position, would find some cause or excuse for msult^ " and then, passionately oxelaimin. that s fht Wen that day n.„,t.d, she clasped her hands ovt h e r lace, and burst into tears "vumi heltr%Tnriihk"rf I^^7-f ^''^' ^"^' *^^^" ^ «"^-i-^ txlici that lilake had sought deliberately to ensnare an.l deeeive her, seized upon her mind The longer she thought of this, and the opinion sho had formed of her unwelcome admirer, the mo "she e came convinced of this. ^' "He must think me the weakest of all Aveak-minde.l ^omen," she .aid more than once, "to suZse " ft I would niarry him, even for the wealth of the Ind es m el u^d'up^-^^d ^^^' ^^^ -y^tery he ^^ jured up, and then remmdmg herself that if there hid been any secret existing that could be of possible benefit to herself and Arthur, her mother wouldlux> inform" tl^mof u,she endeavored to dismiss the subject wtr And this she succeeded in doing to a far greater decree tha.1, in any weak-minded woman, eould have been'ov pocted, after she had written to Arthur, and wi ho i m n" -.ung her reasons, urged him to prompt Cha les Eva s" riwH ^-^^1-«.*« d--er the paper that hLfb: left by their mother in his father's chai4 And so she said nothing to Colonel Arendell- and when Arthur's reply to her letter arrived, saying that ^ endeavors to discover the paper had b^en^n'va n, Vh, though , with some amusement, of tiie secret with wh ch iief 1 1\: zr; t-"^^*^^^ '"^ -^-^ tinnkinL^w;;: uuct, that 31i. Blake had not again adverted to it dis missed the matter from lier miiid, and devoted h^l-sef entirely to her somewhat harassing duties. CHAPTER XI. AX UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL. The heat was intense. Man, beast, and herb seemed fainting beneath its ferveney. The sun poured Ins fiercest rays down throu«;ch tiie mimosas, oalvS, and cedars wliuli surrounded Arendell House, peered boldly into the dark- ened rooms, and filled with blinding light the wide pia/.- /.!is. It was, indeed, one of the most oppressive days of what had been an uinisually warm season. The inmates of the liouse, both white and black, had retired to the coolest parts of the house or grounds, and performed their duties wearily and unwillingly. In the parlor were Ahkane and Leonore, vainly en- d^ voring to concentrate their wandering attention upon a new and diilicult piece of nnisic. Leonore sat at the piano, playing discordantly and looking very discontent- ed, and wondering greatly why her mother had insisted upon her taking a lesson upon that particular morning, when it would have been so easy to have postponed it to another day. Breaking the rule for once could do no harm. Aldeaue inwardlv thought the same, as she corrected her pupil's freutr?"''*-V--""-^- Youknowyourmaminais^ "The onl r," '"•?" V^""' >•""•• »''"-'t elieve. So as nobody expected me home, I thought they ne.>dn't know of my being in the country. So, instead of writn ;c to them to come home, I embraced the only chance I could hope to get for some time, and ran down to see you." " Well, I am delighted to see you ; and how long arc you going to stay?" inquired Mrs. Arendell, anxiously. " Now, that's a pretty question to ask a man, the min- xite he gets into the house," returned Mr. Morgan laugh- ing ; " but to satisfy you, I'll tell you. Two or three weeks at the longest. I must really begin to jjractice this fall ; I've been studying famously while in Europe, attended lectures and walked hospitals enough to make me a first- rate physician, though I don't suppose I shall be. But here are Frank .and Eddy ! How do you do, sirs ? Don't you know your Uncle Fred ? And there is little Jessie. She's as pretty as a rose-bud ; and so like sister Jessie was Ida !" " Yes," replied Mrs. Arendell, with a sigli ; " but how are ma and Annie, pretty well ?" " I haven't seen them, you know, but I believe mother is well ; Annie is a weakly little thing, it is for the sake of her health that they have gone to the mountains this summer, I think. But, Ida, where is Arendell ?" " Out in the fields, somewhere. Here Jule, go look for as Aldi "Let n: differen gan." Mr. J! nouncec elaiuiini I am ve like all 1 I did no to greet Aldea had foun hand tlia "You mi nizing yo '% re is your mother?" iiic;, and the next mo- 1 the piazza, you conae from ?" ex- cared at the door of delighted I am to see [iswcred her bro'lier, Why, just from Eiio;- md found e erybody ains again, I >elieve. thought they iR->du't So, instead of writn;c ed the only chance I and ran down to see u ; and how long are Arendell, anxiously. ask a man, the min- h\ Mr. Morgan laugli- . Two or three weeks to ])ractice this fall ; ; in Europe, attended ;h to make me a first- pose I shall be. But 3 you do, sirs ? Don't 1 there is little Jessie. 3 like sister Jessie was ith a sigli ; " but how , but I believe mother ling, it is for the sake to the mountains this is Arendell?" Here Jule, go look for ALDEA yR. 89 ,^<«ii. ^vii thou lovest mo ' Inf w.„ i F 'VA. ui tstape, but found upon trial thit tl.,. a . oneninc infn tlw. i..,ii , t , , "'' ^"^ floor Bide. She td W 7 7] ? '" ^"'"^^ *''' "P"" t'"^t " Al, ! Mi», r.„tl,rk., „rc ,„„ here r .aid Mr,. Awndd] .n»..gyo„ at o„c»; ,„„ are .oc„a„go,,-:;;£;.- '::.':S 90 ALDEANE. -" ghiiiciiin«'d liimV" inquired Mrs. Arendell. "I had not the least idea that Mr. :\lor,«?an was your 1)rothor, and therefore, hud no reason for doing ho," re- turned Aldeano. " lie is my step-brother," replii'd :MrH. Arendell. " I am jilad you know eaeh other so well. Aldeaue, I belii've, lias been a little honu'siek of lato; it will do her good to talk of old times, r.nd mutual friends." " Well, really, this is a surprise !" exclaimed a voice at the door, and in a moment more Colonel Arendell was Hhakins the hand of his brother-in-law Avarmly. " Why, Fred ! how are you ? You're the very last person I should have expected to see ; but none the lesa welcome for that ! How lont; have you been here?" "About half an hour." " A half hour ! and I sui)pose Ida and Leonore have kept you talking ever since. I wonder they ever thought to send for me ?" " I don't know that I fhould have done so, had not, Fred inquired for you," said Mrs. Arendell, laughing. "But Fred, I suppose you would like to rest a littl;- before lunch, which will i)e ready in an hour. Here Julc, take Mr. Morgan to his old room ; and Pete, take back the hoi-sc and buggy to Loring, and tell Aunt lloxy to come." " I wonder," thought Aldeane, as :Mr. Morgan Icil the uifiiig at her l»latk 1, sa.lly. illy over hiT face ami tVieials !" iutomiptttl [organ. " I've Uiiowii avo ncvor meutioiuil Mr. ^l()r,>?an wan yoiir M)i» lor doing ho," rv- ]MrH. Arcndoll. "lam . Altloanc, I hclii'vo, it will do her gooil to Is." ' exclaimed a voiei' at Colonel Arendell was law M-armly. "Why, le very last person I none the less welcome n here ?" la and Leonore have ider they ever thonght lave done so, had not, s. Arendell, laughiiitr. 1 like to rest a littl;- 1 an hour. HereJule, ; and Pete, take back ,nd tell Aunt lloxy to IS Mr. Morgan left the A LDEANE. 91 ■"" ", I r..ally ^u,^uU^r what h,. thinks of n,e or nf ::;;;i,:;:;:^"'';\»';'r''''''-^'""'!r»::;i:':::r '"nest poverty is never a dist^nice I{ift..r f.. I . ■•- wc-ak, p.u.nle ,L.dings, she hastilv h-r I , « ' Mr. Morgan, as he stood heforo the glass in his dress ug-roon,, thought, "What can Ahleanf (..thrie .'^ . tan ,t he that she is the governess Ida wrof to no ahout i She may be; he has lost her n.othor, and tit ^o;;i:^^:S"''^"r'''"*'-''"^''''^'-- 1 >von(ic'i wiiat Arthur IS doni" T u-i^li I i... i *i ■ j-'Yi-tGrenville'swhenlwal^-I^^;: '7C;:: 1 '"ked as pron.l as Lucifer to-d.ny. I p.-osume she tho ;ht ^^l.o must show me, that she eonsi-Lrs her.-.elf as loo ft ;-r, but she doesn't, or she woul.l not ta o s cf ten lost yot. I must consider the best wav to brinthin' the ot'.Pr day tliat sent hun. away in a jitVy, and he hasn't been ui,!,d, dis plantation sence." And J ule <,'rinned deli^httuHy, a.hlin-, " he mi-ht a-knowe.l, that Miss Aldeane wouluu't ehen look at any ole niiij^er driver." .,,,,, i i » You had better not speak so," naid ^Ir. Alorgan laugh- in-r • " he may have you some day, i>erhai)s." "No, sah, he won't. Mass'r John don't sell his mggcrs. ]Miss Id'v wouldn't let him do that no how." "And you say, y.)U like Miss Guthrie," said Jrederie. «' I suppose she spoils you all. And do Colonel Arendell, and ]Miss Ida, like her as well ?" . , , , " I guess they does, sah, and Miss Nora jes lobes her dearly'! Dere's tlie bell, sah !" » Poor Alie !" thought Mr. Morgan, as he prepared to answer the summons. " I know this life is distasteful it not positively hateful to her. How dilVerent slie looks now, to what she did when I parted from lier m boston. She was really quite pretty then, though like me, she has no particular beauty to boast ot, especially now that those .dossy brown curls are tucked up. I never could see any reason why girls always try to make themselves as plain as a nun when they become teachers, yet they almost invariably do. AVell ! although they arc kmd to her , here, yet I know that she thinks like I do, that teaching ' is a hard business. I don't like it !" Hinoe 1 was here last, miTvy twinkle in hin iss My wouldn't 'low A-ould ffo iif^in it too." Hhebit'U hero, JuloV" I do fjoltornoss, and is lass'r Hiiiki' tliinkH so )thti nJjili diw plantation (i\y,addin> '*b'- 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 A c''«^» '-^''^ Arendell, and abru^t^; ^',^0":^^' ^ -"^ - Mrs. orCown:;:2J;n^^,:^f%P-ing the floor clinched tigitly tog^th:; ^^^U ttt:"' "" '"^'^ voice, she exclaimed: «6hr Xdid ) ' ^''^^r^"''*'" torment me? What though' T ^ "" ''"'"'' ^^"'•'-' t" Oh- how he spok *to i ti'hr OTV' "" '""'■^"•' '.0 would have^ felt honor^l yes hono'' TV'''' '"^''' Pany I But now I am onK- Ar ' r ^"°*f'' ^y my eom- oss but I IT7: T ^ ^^'■'- '^''''" Arendell's govern- ^", ^vlij did lie come to torment me 1" CHAPTER XII. A WAR OF WOKDS. Alpean-k was perfectly aware that the frame of mind into which ^Ir. I^Iortriin'H arrival had thrown her was quite uncalled for; -^n.l, while she could not change or overcome it, she blamed herself for it as much as a most censorious stranger would have done. To her extreme annoyance and self-contempt, she was fdlcd with a feeling she had never known before. She had a harrowing suspicion that people " looked down " upon her because of her position, and that she was merely tolerated and patronized; and that, at least from jV^r. Morgan, she could not bear. Of one thing she was quite certaiiv—his conduct toward her was quite^different to what it used to be. There was none of the freedom and affability which existed in the happy days at Rose Cottage. Of course, she never for a moment suspected anv greater change in her conduct than was justified by that* in his, and, therefore, meeting his careless pleasantries, which she chose to consider patron- izing impertinences, with most frigid politeness, the cool- ness^betwecn them each day became greater, and led Mrs. Arendell to suppose the frieiidship between them had never been a ^^rm one, and to attribute her mother's silence regarding Miss Guthrie to a far more charitable motive than that which had been imputed to her by her husband. And thus a slight reserve arose between Aldeane and her employer, wliich added not a little to her discomfort. A LDEANE. 07 the frame of mind [ thrown her was lUl not change or as much as a most ■contempt, she was iiown before. She le " looked down " hat she was merely at least from Mr. his conduct toward L to be. There was :hich existed in the rse, she never for a in her conduct than ?refore, meeting his to consider patron- politeness, the cool- freater, and led Mrs. between them had ribute her mother's far more charitable imputed to her by serve arose between ed not a little to her One af>erno()n Coloiipl Ar,.„ a,.„„i n , r ,t, and tak.ng ,t up, glanced over it in search of a noen the ^oon. When she was start.ed\y!h:i:,t^^^^^^^^^^ di.l wh T ^"'!,''"'' ''^"'^ ^ ''=^^' ^ ''"'^Pieion that you did, when I read it this mornin^. 'AG' Vol.)^ are your initials. Come own thaTfl,n r ' ''"'" KU. ,1 . J ^'Jtin., own tliat the hnes are yours " hlK glanced up, startled and an-ry and hoLl,! Ar Morgan looking a. the article over h'er'shi ':'''' '"• ners ''"h?s"i?;atl " " n'"'^' '' ^P''^-^ J^-"" — ners she said, tartly, unable to repress her thou-rlits thifk s^t:.t i?r'"''*""'^^- "^ ^«"'* --»- you "Yes sir '' ^""^ "^"^^ *'''' P'""'" ^'^*''''^ ""' '^" writrnii'wr' '''"' ^''^ ''' «^ *^* °'-'^ '^'- y- ^o " Occasionally." I wish to r/t- * """k''' •""' "^ ^'""^ ^"*« production.? ™ to see It you have improved much." ii.S::^'2i;s^''"^ ^^'"^ ^'^"^ ^'^^ ^--' .nil'^'^'r ^^^^f^^^'i surprised and half angry at her curt replies. Aldeane turned to leave the room U stood before the door. She looked at hL scoSV h .-d soul standing forth plainly i„ her expressive' fiic" my does he not stand back and lot me pass •^" ^lu .ought. Her anger rose high as he fi.xecrhi c ,u b I eyes upon her and inquired :— 98 A LnEAXK. « Does :Miss Asliton ' orrospoiul witli yon ?" «Mv tVieiHls an- not all imrsc-i.roiul un.l wortMoss . she rctortea, an-nly. " Yes, «ir, Miss Ashton docs corre- spond witli mc '" ,,.,.* D» « I supposed so ! Has she returned from her tour yet? " She is now at Rose Cottage." ' Where is Arthur now ?" " In Boston." . . „„ ,, i , «Can nothing make her communicative? thought Frederic. Then to Akleanc: "What is he doing there . Not dragging out his life as a salenman or , ■ make it up.' " A rnEANE. 90 ^ _ Arcane ™^^^^^^ ;; Al. ! y.),. are obdurate ! Uo.v have I oflended ?" "r>- "<■•- h.-i-i'-.ta,. ?„:'',,"';'"";;" '■' ""'■"'"•.»" • "PP™ »..rv,„,l,' „, ,1,0V •,,,1, 1 \ .i-H n,.. mi,,,. , s,„.„. „a,„,,, S ^t; i' "'" '- "" ^°"' „■;./ ',r '"""'" '<■'"""■'' '^I'lranc ir,ll,llv "I y..,,r p„.,o„oc u h,„rf„i ,„ „„, ,,„, ^„ ;,_;,;«'■ ■«'■"..' oor , ttle lung, .he fancies that I despise her for\ei„<; iran offended Im,. «t i- i . ^ ^' -''*'^' Mor- I'owever worth''' '' '^'''^''' P*^^^''^.- ""^ I'^^or, She noticed, with gLdness. his kindne.s to the slaves, -y f^ ,^'^ V 100 ALDEAITE. th.M.-ht burnt deeply into her l.-art, " He ih ki.'K* '> r an 10 nuslu'anse he thinks there ih no lear .. n i. • ty iVun. them. He i« the namo as of ..M to l.imui.iuiy " „ m„. never lor a niomciit others; ehancroa only tome. ^'^ "^^ ' ^, in,n.Mne it A J tur JeHi ove how wisi eauj. tllOl lone A ret it W( ifFr first of oil havii found "V "O Aldeii see sic ]iut I for m looked ;^ " 01 say I ] the chi " Jei Aunt ^lars'r time tc Don't I Don't j i« in kiinli'r to ; is no four of 5 as of •'!'' '"' ■ for !v inoinriit If, SIr' hoiiu'- ion of his ovi-r- f to iniikc luiy tningi' iiiul un- ssor twiee she 'ii«l timi. sinco l.i, vi,i, .l...7i. '"" ''"^ '"■• '!«> limo to talk to him a, ,n . '''•. ^°" """ li»'l "o 102 ALDEANE. " Oh 1 yen, pretty well ! 1 wo.uler why Z.ttlo doonn't ''°" Oh • l..'kaHo <.h .lo olc EIm.o hl..oa in h.-r ! I tell yo vhut r link, n,i.su, it a,u n.y ',inion that cWh houk. nuu'hty «no folkK at do North. Now you j.-s U.ok at Tl t My, Hlu.'s as «oo.l aH .1. .lay in lo,,,, a,.' an ,>ur y „ ao ,.uou a Hhl,.i,.' in .lo hoi!..,, oh .lo p.ny woo. s : kl; o' Botl an' go.,tle liko. WoU '• ^^H ! >-.;-' h:v' H..on hor who,, nm,s'r hrou-^'ht hor homo. Sho sas !h ahout .lo SU.IC a^o .lat Mins No,-y am now, an an i.olio.omo an' innocent a« a hunh. Who,, she s..,. ns : Bfm.liu' hv the f,'ato a-starin' at hor, sho hh.Hho.l hko ft ^^ c-hilo, an' sai.l f. .nars',-: M)h! John, do oomo ,way !' bnt ho took hc-r han.l an' looko.l ».» l-ron.l at hi;r, an' wl,is,,e.-od somothi,.' an' she hlnslu'd an' sunlod a;.; ,n, an' ho took MisR Nory out ol, my arn.s, sho was a woo tlnnjx, la I had drossod her all up in wlnte, so that sho looked like a little a,.,'el, and gave her to M.ss Idy say.n I h « is niv ehild.' iMiss Uly didn't say any thin', but we alUaw byl I lessod look that came into her eyes and do tears St tilled 'em as she kisso.l the little darli,,', that she won 1 be a mother to her, and, God bross her, she has been By IL time all oh us had crowded 'roun.l 'em, to ..Icorj.o 'om home. Mars'r told Miss Idy our ..anu-s, an sho Hpoke to us, so sood dat we lobed her tro.n . at moment Ah! dem was happy days, de time when Mib« Idy tus come !" and Aunt Uoxy shook her head slowly, wlule her thoughts wandered far back into the past. " Yes, Miss Ida is a good mistress to you, rcm.uktd Aldeane. ' , . , i • i t "Dat's de trufe! an' Mars'r Frederic, bress his hoait, is jes' like her, if he ain't hor own brude,-. ^os nuss Zottiewill soon be a comin' aloug, don't you tret none about her ! Well ! as I was a gwine ter say, last winter is three years ago, sence he fust oame here; dere had been de greatest time made about his comui', an when WO he loo Mi* it, talk Loi' do Whi hoai bott a fcx 'bou fust Btrai afor. a po tracl tiiik conic lie'd you ingo iiig h poacli tliis r said j why d all de "A eberyl an' oil might, ''i I'D HAN E. 103 •i! I toll yo t dt'rc'h Hoinc 111 jl'H look ul ;, ail' iiH party i iiiny woods, 1 ! yod hIiouM lino. Slu' wiH ,m now, iin' as I shf s«'tn UH a IdiiHlu'tl liko a lohn, do conic ) |iroutl at her, ii' HinilLHl a<,''in, vaHawoi'thinjX, tliat sill! louki'd y, savin', ' 'Hiis ,' but wo all saw es, and do tears , that she wouM o has been. By em, to welcome names, an' Bho m\ dat moment, n IMiss Idy fust lowly, while her t. you," remarked , bress his heart, dor. Vos, miss, 't you fret none r say, last winter here; dere had comiii', an' when !^•^^•t'":;:7^M'^"'''^''^'^'•''''"''••'>• ^'*''^"- Mis^ 1,1 VI """','""' >" ^'•'" ^veM thou-rht as how all .'iL I .', , ''"""' """''" <"'"• ^veeks l,„ talk talk •out .,, h..nh.- 'twarn't possibh-. W,...,. , ; .'I , ooinelu. was nil.,, J.,, n, ,,,.,,,,,,,„„,,. :'^ s ran.r,.r, y,. know, hut he soon jrot oIkt .I-u , «fo..ehewontawayhcwasaeu,th.'u;;,:;^:, J::^ 'It', :\::'r'r::''7'^- ^<"""*'"- '-vou.:. iw.'i '""•'" Met all us olo womou a ailin' an' den s.id1;?b '.*'"' ^T"^ ' ""' '^'''' J^'^' ^^■'•'•^^ ^^^^ Frederic. An I told 1„,„ I coul.Ir.'t do it, an' I 'lowed a, ho,r *:■:»'"":! "'"?:"""■ '■'"'■• »"•-»* -"" .i™ °" :;;.t;,:L'at.""-^^"'°"'' >' """ ^- ''"".™' «oi' 104 ALDEANE. "«No Bah,' says I, 'y the abscncr uf Mr. Morgan^ Perhaps the communication of Aunt lloxy was not without its effect, at least, she owned to herself, that it had softened her feelings toward her old acquaintance, but not so much so but that she still felt his absence a relief, when one day, a; the end of her week's holiday, she set out on foot for Loring, prefer- n. :; to accomplish the journey afoot, at the risk of some fotrgue, rather than any of the children should accompr.ny lier,'^as they would surely wish to do, if she went in the carriage. Nearly the whole way, the road lay through thick woods ; it was shady and cool, and the distance was soon accomplished. She entered the post-office, maile am r oblig( "I iflw inflict She was p follow "G( conclii can e: not w( over t IVIay t oppres Guthri "II: conduc deavor "Ah my sisf "As her che that I (1 dead, tl the opi ALDEANE. lit, as -withont d was soon en- e letter. Thoy lid returned to uied to walk on I at every step, ■ply enBlirouded I thus traversed. I silent as long be?' ly Mr. Morgan's liss Guthrie ?" ;d with the same ir you to speak !" I guess ! I re- ^rears ago. But hat does Belle istonishment at :hat you should icription of her an, who seemed hat Arthur and cticing this fall, ,o, but that she long, but I am every sick man, liles around, this is about to bo Miss Guthrie ?" 109 "It would produce no effect, sir! Still I scarcely boheve It. ]}«t at any rate, Mr. Nevins and myself are "Our bonds of affection were never very stron-. and by a rude blow they were severed. 'Tis the old talc of oppression and injustice ! Nothing more " " Nevertheless, Miss Guthrie, it is a new edition. If I am not intruding on strictly family secrets, you would oblige me very much by giving it." "I will do so certainly, if you wish it; but remember .f I weary you with a long story, that you brought tie infliction upon yourself." '""oin uie She then narrated as briefly, as quietly, and calmly as ?ono^-:ii;t' "^"' ""' '" -other's ^leath, and IZ cTS V ''''"' "'""'* impossible that such men cuiexis! ^ou are agitated by this narration! I do not wonder at it. Oh ! what darkness must have hu ^ ove. , «, ,,,,, , „^^ youmusthavesuffb' 1 May the vengeance of God speedily overtake tlie vile oppressor I know that it eventually will ! Ah - Mit Guthrie this partly explains your conduct toward me - " 1 believe, sir," returned Aldeane, hau^htilv "that mv conduct has befitted my station. At k-a 'i ^ZZ deavorcd to make it do so !" "Ah ! Miss Guthrie, can you never for^ret that voii aro my sister's governess, as I continually do"? Anl^> " As you never do, sir !" she interrupted, passionately her c^ieeks crimsoning with excitement "Do ylTx^^ that I am a block of sculptured marble, passioJiL a J dead, that I can not see how in every action you exhiS the opmion you entertain of me? I do no/ think oi^! 110 ALDEANE. thought of tlie grief ^vhich you know ovprosscs mc ever troubk-8 you. Your do.irc for a ntory has boon gratihed; Jo not urue me to spoak further !" » I will not, .Miss ( Juthri.-," returnea Mr. Morgan, c-ilmlv " You are mistaken in mo. 1 think ot you otten, and with Borrow. I ean not hut compare tl.e mirthtul, centlo cirl I left little more than two years ago, witli the passionate cr. ature that walks by my side so tiereely now. What though sorrow has come upon you! wluit though injustice has despoiled you ! should you doubt old Irionds, who with kind hearts and hands, would greet you t 11ns shows not the trusting heart of woman, bave ni person, I can not recognize the Aldeane Guthrie of years ago; even that is sadly changed. The forehead, once so white and smooth, is clouded, tiie eyes are ireful, the lips scorn- ful, and wearing alone the o'd look of determination, •vhi'h was always too strongly marked; no smiles linger upon them nosv. Your mourning garb seems even to en- shroud your spirit; the sunshine of God never seems to fall upon it. Ah ! ^Uss Guthrie, this is wrong " Do not reprove me, ]Mr. Morgan !" murmured Aldeane, her lips cpiivering nervously. "Even my friendship," he contumed, bitterly, you have doubted and cast away. When I again proffered it it was rejected with disdain. My interest in you fails not ; yet of what avail is it? To you it is worthless be- cause it comes from an old source." " Ah ! Mr. Morgan, you do not understaud my teel- '""''ycs Miss Guthrie,! do !">he answered, stopping sud- denly beneath a large oak-tree, for they were near Aren- dell House. " Kest a momert, and I will tell you what they are. Love of approval; shame of your position in life • and pride— that talse pride that lives in the hearts of all and predominates over the good feelings of many. I have spoken truly, Aldeane ! and how unworthy arc thof for 1 A men lior seoir "< telli see t else exon "1 "I short will 1 Al( she r( ical Si fivce ; iAIr. 3J derne —bet "O and v( of all; "Ai a friei it?" "Gl "I fee me to have n and 8c again.' "Th you sh T ■A.LDEANE. l>pres8C9 me ever as beongratitiod; icd Sir. Morgan, hink of you often, lare tlie mirthful, [•ars ago, Avith the lo so fiercely now. ,'ou ! what though doubt old friends, 1 greet you 't Tliis I. bave in person, n-ie of years ago; R'ad, once so white L'ful, the lil)s seoru- of determination, 1 ; no smiles linger ) seems even to cn- od never seems to is wrong !'' nurmured Aldeane, led, bitterly, "you n I again proffered interest in you fails I it is worthless be- nderstaud my feel- vered, stopping sud- ley were near Aren- [ will tell you what of your position in t lives in the hearts od feelings of many. how unworthy are 111 those feelings of the brain-I will not say of the heart for that st.ll is good-that contains thorn " ' A deane folt that his words were .r„c. 'shc went vche n;e.Uly„. sorrow a,.l shame. 31. M...^a„ CZ^ '^ Hi Mitl an expression at once mournful and stc-rn- yo Boemingiy pleased at this outburst of feeling ' ^ toll ; y'^f^^^-- Guthrie," he said at Ien.nh ".nd .r Tr' "? ,?"'"' ^^"^>"^ ' ^''-k, even no r n tritt^^'^^'TT"-- ^'''^ ^^"' «PiHt-wh'at evorci'L T r V' '*'•" '"^ ^""^^ possessed you is i-vouisea. Have I spoken truly ?" '' Ves; oh yes!" came in broken murmurs will refresh vn„ T ^ *'""*5 ^"'n^' ^^ter win rcnesft you. Lean upon me!" Aldeane heeded him not, but hurried onward When she reached the water, she knelt down, and, with hys te" jea sobs, leaned over the bank and bathed h' h'etd ^ ce ; the cold water refreshed her. Glancing up, she saw Mr. Morgan standing at her side, his eyes filled vith en derness, looking sorrowfully upon her " Yo„ J^ , —better?" he said. P"" "cr. ion are calmer and "^"Z^ 'C- "Tf . " ' ''^'-^ ^-' ^«'-f' of all IZ 7^^ ' "'•^'''^' ^^'^"''^^^^ the friendship ot all , but It IS my nature ! What can I do V" Atone for your past coldness by acceptinc. me fo.- a fnend now, Aldeane," he answered. "\vm ^ou d^ me to myself. I know now that the change for which I Lave accused you, has been in myself-i„ the bittern s! and .mshne. of my heart. I Lll never douU;^: you shall not slander yourself! I should not be a true 112 ALDEANE. friend to allow that. Come, it is time to pnrsnc onr -.vay. The sun is easting his last rays over us." She walked heside him silently, with a stranfje hapi)i- ness at her lieart, though lier hrain was busy with a thou- sand painful thoufjlits. They were soon ai the bend of the road, on turni.ig v/hich they would be in sight of Arendell I louse. " Miss Aldeane," said 3Ir. Morgan smiling, " you once refused to shake hand-; with me. Will you do so now, and thereby ratify your contract of making me your friend?" " Certainly, Mr. Morgan !" and Aldeane gladly ex- tended her hand, which he clasped warmly, saying ; " I know sister Ida was shocked at m/ neglect of the cere- mony the other day, but you know—," his brow darken- ing, " that it is bad for the hand to go where the heart is not ! Ilillo ! Frank !" as they turned the corner and saw that young gentleman with an admiring crowd of juven- iles, both wiiite and black around him, preparing to firo at a dead crow, which had been set up as a target. Frank deliberately discharged nis piece, then tui -d tv->Avard them, while Jessie and Eddie ran to raoet il.cm, the former exclaiming : — " Oh ! here's Miss Aldeane and Uncle Fred ! Why I how d'ye do, uncle ?" " Oh, right smar. i my little Carolinian, and how do you come on ?" he replied, laughing, as he caught her in his arms and kissed her. " What did you come hora«} so soon for ?" said Eddie. Frank who had approached' them, demanded eagerly, "AVhereispa? He promised to bring me a bran new rifle ! Hasn't he "come ?" "The fact is," returned Mr. Morgan gravly, yet scarcely able to repress a smile at their nu'k^e greetings, "he couldn't get a rifle to suit in Kaleigh, so he has gc • e farther north for one." n pursue our '.vay. I a stranfjo hapj)!- l)usy witli a tliou- II ai the bend of d be in sight of nilintj, " you once 11 you do HO now, making nie your doane gladly ex- irmly, saying ; " I •gleet of the cere- ' his brow darken- where the heart is he corner and sjiw ig crowd of juveu- 1, preparing to fire s a target. Frank en tui 'vl tv->ward o meet il.em, the cle Fred ! Why ! inian, and how do IS he caught her in for?" said Eddie, lemanded eagerly, ng me a bran new •rgan gravly, yet 'ir nu'ioe greetings, Italeigh, so he has ALDEANE. 113 "I don't believe it I" said FraTik, decidedly, marching np tlio steps of tile piazza, which they had now reached" wiule .lessio ran inta the house, ealiiiig loudly: ".Ala! ma ! IJncU' Fifd has eome home, and lie says papa has gone farther north!" '^VVhat is that?" exclaimed Mrs. Arendell, appearing. •' Why ! Fred, how are you ? How did you come home"? John iai/c sie.c? Ishei"' "One (piestiou at a time !" replied Mr. IMorgan, em- bracing her. " Your last siiall be answere.l first" John IS well. I left iiim at Raleigh. It was so dull there, that I knew I shoidd enjoy myself better here. I eame as far as Loring in the stage, there I met Miss Guthrie, and I came homo with her." Wishing to escape ol)servation, Aldeano entered the house. In the hall she encountered Leouore, who glanced at her inquiritigly. "IMr. Morgan has eome," she said, and passed on. Leonore ran X)ut to the piazza. After the first greetings were over, she said : " What is the matter with Aldeane? I thought I saw traces of tears upon her face." ^^ " Oh ! she is very lachrymose !" replied Mr. Morgan. " There may have been some bad news in her letter." " She h-.s changed greatly of late !" said Mrs. Arendell. " Frederic, you don't treat her well. You did not even shake hands with her when you left." ^ " I was in a hurry, ma scaur I that must be my apology. Excuse me I must go, and rid myself of some of this dust. What awful roads you do have here, Ida !" IIo sprang lightly up the stairs. Aldeane, in her own room, happier far than usual, heard his quick step; and felt that his presence filled the void which she had felt in the houee, during his absence. CIIAPTKll XIV. ALDKANH: I.KAKN8 A flKrUKT. ^ A YKW plain Avords f.'.ark'ssly spoken, caiistMl n ^^nat dian<'C in Al.lfanf's fcflint,'^ and art ions. Slu- was pro- vokin<'lv cnnsfiouH that tlu- ionncr liad been tnawki«lily srntinu'ntai, an.l clul.li.sh, and ti.o lattor s.aiTcly loss so. Tl.is pc-rliaps lor a low days in.luccd lii-r to maintain mm-h of Iht fornuT rcsiTVf, but much to the f.'ratiluati()ii of Mrs. ArendoU and J^oonore, a .i,'rowin«{ fncudsliip bftwocn Mr. Morgan and the {jovernesa soon hfcaino t.viii, nir V" "The imitter, «liii say W li« quorietl rueluUy. "Well ! I'll lor^'ivc the .piestioii ! Terhaiis you have not nolieed tin' tloinj^s ul the house lately V" " All Heeiiis to no on about urt usual, 1 think." " Now, Miss Altleane ! This al'teinoon, I'eelinj,' deci- dedly yraeii>iis and ronnnunieative, 1 entered the sitting- room. What was my annoyanee to lind Ida overeomu with the lieat, or laziness, whieh is about the same thing, reelining on the sofa, last asleep, and Jessie upon the floor in the same state. I heard Leonore iilaying mo- notonously upon the i)iano in the i)arlor. I went in, hoping to lind her ready to desist, but she only i)layed on all the liwtef, and exclaimed, ' Oh ! I'nele Fred, *■ barks, Uncle Samly.' >V hy, no I don't, missus.' " ' Why, Uncle Sandy, yes vou do !' " * I declar', missus, I don't.' "'Now,' says I, ' Uncle Sandy, don't you tell mo th.it again; you go and get mc the same kind of bark your own clothes is dyed with.' "So he went and got me the Kirks, and I dipped the yarn, and wove the cloth, and made John a suit of eloth,>s, and I do declar', if y.,,, w.is to meet him in the road, you'd take him for a gentleman." 118 ALDEANE. « Is that all you did, Sarah ?" asked Aldoane, sc.vrcely able to i-epress a srnilo. " That's all, miss, and I'll be bound thorn colors will last after every stitch of the cloth is worn out." " Are you ready to .so ?" asked ]Mr. IMorgan, in a low voice, and with a humorous twinkle in his eyes. " I shall be in a few moments." She spoke a few words to the sick woman, bade her ard Sarah farewell, and left the cottage, followed by Mr. INiorgan. « I hope you know how to dye yarn," ho said, as soon as thoy were out of sight of the cottage, laughing heartily. " I shall have to repeat that recipe for Ida's edification." Aldeanc laughed, and then said gravely, " I fear old granny will soon die !" " Yes," returned Mr. Morgan, " she is sinking fast, over- come with the infirmities of old age. Ibit perhaps Uie grave will be to her the entrance into a glorious life." " I believe so, indeed," returned Aldeanc : and then they talked of death as something very dreadful, and very near at hand, as young people sometimes do, even when it seems utterly impossible that it should come to them, and this led them to speak of other partings- earthly partings ;— and of the changes which often pre- vented the meeting of friends who had separated under oven most promising circumstances ; and Aldeanc remem- bering his parting from his father, and attributing the increasing sadness of his tone to that, sympathized with him deeply, until all feeling for others was swept away by a new feeling, as he said : '.' And speaking of partings, Miss Guthrie, do you know that I shall leave for Boston in a few days ?" She felt that she could not speak, that her voice would utterly fail her, yet fearing to attract his attention by silence, she faintly murmured : " Shall you, indeed !" He looked at'her, oh, so strangely— that her heart fluttered wildly even while she dared not hope his words I Aldoanc, sc.ircoly I thorn colors will 'orn out." . IMorEtan, in a low I his oyos. • spoke a few words h farewell, and left 11," ho said, as soon ', langhinp; heartily. r Ida's edification." ravely, " I fear old is sinking fast, over- IJut perhaps the a glorious life." Aldeanc: and then very dreadful, and sometimes do, even it should come to if other partings — ?s which often pre- ad separated under md Aldeane remem- md attributing the t, sympathized with rs was swept away peaking of partings, vU leave for Boston hat her voice would ct his attention by II you, indeed !" ly — that her heart I not hope his words A LDEANE. 110 would bo other than they wore. "Yos,Iam tired of ' '^' m' \ ""'•" '"'•^^"'>' '^^•^•"^' P-sionatelv iiod help me, I must go !" "And you f..el sorry to leave us?" she asked scarce knowing what she said. ' an'i ?!'' '^V'""' •' ^^''^'*'"' ' ^'''^ '' t"'^"'-^." he exclaimed and then he compressed his lips as if in toiTor at the' unguarded utterance. She glanced at him in trembiinr: surprise, and was me? W ' 'T"'"^ '" ^'' endeavoring to compose h.mselt by bracmg his muscles, clinching his teeth and b.tmg .s shapely nails back to the vcrv'quick. ' ' Oh ! would to (Jod that he suffered this for me for I ove h,m! I We him!" was the voiceless cr^oV her .oart. "But oh! this agony is not forme! 'mlt Loonore he loves, and why not ? She is good and beau- ^u; no real relationship exists between them OM J^.h>^ l.as th,s come upon me? for I love him-I love chJnLn""i"^ """ impetuously, .vhile Mr. Morgan me- an.cally kept pace with her. Her brain seemed on MO and her heart tI„-oSbed wildly. They reached the bndge ; overcome by her emotion/ she could r^ ted no farther, but leaned against the .„:H„g for support Mr Morgan, glancing at her, saw the weary En n i b,„T,mg cheek; his lips parted as if taspe^ak, he n,rne mertl iT •' ;''' " '"•»' ^'^'^ '- ^'^-'^-^ *'- -o -e ment and hun-iod away. Despair laid his hand upon Aldeane's heart • she did In k'r z:7 '' ;"* r^^ ''--^ ^^ ^""'^' -^' ' '^-^ Not long did she remain there. When Mr. Morc^an had disappeared she went ea-r,.rlv wildiv in fhTr .iou of .he „„,«o. IT,«„ rcacMng i;:S;:;',',:'4t: 120 ALDEAXB. tho stahs to her own room. In the upper hall she met T.oonoro, who a.skcd, " How is (Iranny ?"' " WoiRi'," sho rrplii'il, passing tho inquirer wifli a feel- in'j; of repugnance, ahnost deepening into hatred in hir lii^irt. Leass beneath; with a cry of anguish she threw herself upon the bed to sob tearlessly. Her mind and heart seemey I. Hh rooir rie's have cure W answ Slie c guess jestii Th annoi morn Anni( woulc himsc shouh opinic rolon. I per Imll she ?:U't fiuircr witii a focl- nto hatrwl in hi-r lie short answer; D^iiig of her iloor key in the lock, turlu'd. Loonorc 10(1. She renn'ni- VC'S, " It must be longht, but could (Uy, felt in her in- ()h! that I could I by for Leonore — ler frame became Y of thought and rough her mind, Tearless she stood ind Leouore, arm- iiguish she threw . Her mind and )nd8. She prayed she betrayed this , and the jealousy gray shadows of better. Kneeling, ition, as she had mforted, and with cheeks. She was but later in the ?d inuch concerned r. Mrs. Arendell ! headache, under bvit Mr. iSIorgan, lecidiar expression ALDEANE. 121 of interest and sympathy. " Has lie guessed my secret ?" asked her licart, throbbing wildly. The rej-iy camo quickly, " Xo ; but he has discovered that he is not loved by Leonore !" She excused herself at an early hour. As she left the room, she heard Mrs. Arendell say, " Fred, Miss (iuth- ne's health has been miserable of late. I believe, I shall have to send her North with you ! Perhaps that would cure her." With her foot upon the stairs, Aldeane listened for his answer, but it came not, and with a sigh she passed on. She did not see the spasm that contorted his features, nOr guess the agony that made his heart stand still at the jesting M-ords. The next morning at the breakfast-table, Mr. Morgan announced his intention of returning to Boston on the morrow, giving as his reasons, that his mother and Annie Greyson having retunied to Morganvale, they would consider him n<>glectful, if he longer absented himself; and also, that it was positively time that he should commence the practice of his profession. In these opinions all concurred, and an early day was set for his departure. Before any one could notice the agitation, that it was impossible for Aldeane to conceal, she arosi' from the table, reminded Leonore that it was time f<.r her music lesson, and left the room. It was some time before she was joined by her pupil, and in the interval, she had gained strength to quell the angry an«f jealous thoughts with which she regarded her, and gave her instructTons more silently, but as amiably as usual. She thought she perceived, what Mas doubtless t ■ ie, that the thought she held concerning Mr. Morgan and' Leonore, had presented itself to other minds, .hikI to a suspicion of its truth, she attributed Mrs. Arendell's evident pleasure, that her brother's visit was not to be prolonged, and the colonel, who was not apt to conceal r. V2-2 ALD i:an ic. what was passing in his min.l, more than onco uttowl lau^rhinr' objections to the long walks which tlif twain took togetller, saying tliey wouhl fancy themselves cousins, or perhaps mere strangers by and by. Morgan was too agreeable by half, to be the uncle of a pretty young lady. All this in jest to Mrs. Arendell and Aldeane, yet the latter at least ianeied there Avas a deep vein of earnestness in what he said, and thought it indeed so lon<' and constantly, that her jealousy gave ].lace to pitv, and had it been possible, she would gladly have destroyed the bond of connection, if not relationship, which 'she supposed alone prevented Frederic Morgan from asking the hand of Leonore in marriage. ! I: E snec wlio niigl opp( by a III ofler he a she a face distn Ila wild very inter\ nantl; tion o ing hi she ha Oh, was 01 into t stoppe soon a Thei Iian onco utti'ivil which tlif twain laucy thciuselvos and by. ^Morgan uui'lc of a pirtty md Aldcanc, yot !i diH-j) vein of ight it iudeod so y pjivve ]thvcc to ouUl gladly have not relationship, Frederic Morgan irriago. CHAPTER XV. A SECOND 8KCRET TOLD. DuRiXG this time, Aldeano was still occasionally pur- sued by the distasteful attentions of the ex-ovfrsee who al hough he sel.loM, adverted to any knowled-^e he nnght^have of her antecedents, did not fail upon every opportunity to represent the advantages she w^uld gain by an alliance with him. ^ often that an opportunity to do so presented itself, but he apparently dogged her footsteps'when abroad a. Mce Bhould peer in upon her, and his sinister eyes bring distrust and terror to her soul. ^ Ilanng one atU-rnoon gone up the river to search for ^Mld flowers, she met her persecutor almost upon the ■"Z;r "'T' '-^'f ^' ^ "'^^•-'"""^ ^'^^"•fi'-^* 'nemoi-ablc a. XT;- '"? '" ''"^'^^ '" '"^ ""' ^°-' ^hen indig- nantly refusing to answer him, she turned in the direc- tion of the house, and walked hurriedly away command she had taken, left him no alternative but to obey Oh, how hateful this pursuit was to her! When she was out of sight and hearing of her tormentor, she burst into tears and sobbed aloud that "this should be i^topped she would call Colonel Arendell to her aid as soon as Mr. Morgan was gone." ' There was a rustling in the bushes, tliey parted, and 124 ALDEANE. the person she had last named, gun in hand, and w..li .i Htrins of birds at his belt, stood before her, "llrdon me, Aideane," he naid in great agitation, before .he could recover from the surprise and dismay into which his unexpected presence ^^;^^^;^ "Pardon mc, Aideane, I was just now the un>villing spectator of a scene which seemed to distress you gSy Aideane, my soul recoils from the^ indignity fvint WIS offered vou— you, my love, my own. ' lirltgB h'd apparently mastered his discretion for with but one glanJe at the joy which revealed itself in hefface, he tur^ned from her, and hid his face m his ^''Aideane was motionless from very joy He loved her _„o Leonore, but her very self. She looked at him with burning blushes, and unconsciously his name tell 'TetS-to her then, with a passion she could not mistake Yes, he loved her. But these were not the Ws he said. No, he threw himself at her feet, praying C tgivene^s, wildly telling her that she had won his heart, while his hand was promised to another. Sh^ had not told him that she loved Inm Even m the aconv his words brought her she remembered that, and yet?he knew it, and bdieving that, all her pnde fled, and she leaned against a tree and wept bitterly. ^Itinstantbfstoodbesideher. "Aideane, he^^^^^^^^ "whom I have so unhappily deceived, whom I broughv fortifrom your haughty reserve, out of mere idleness to such a bluer end as this, believe me, uiitd now I have not ktwn my own heart else, ^od ^7^;^, -"^^^^ so bitterly have wounded yours. And yet, he addea, eaX'' P-^«P« >'- 1-ve guessed-perhaps you know T am encaced to marry Annie CTi-eyson. "Cle^Greyson! 'Annie Greyson!" she repeated, vacantly. " Your pretty cousin." yoi kn< lov She disi disc dari thill pria did Anr love now A and the « "wh with of B instr appo gage the 8 "I her h "I not s heart 'You fidani hirase never heart "T( ALDEANE. hand, and wiUi a her. great agitation, prise and dismay had thrown hi-r. )W the unwilling to distress you om the indignity y own." ■cd his discretion, ich revealed itself lid his face in his joy. He loved her he looked at him usly his name fell ion she could not hese were not the at her feet, praying at she had won his » another. ved him. Even in e remembered that, It, all her pride fled, pt bitterly. ' Aldeane," he cried, ;d, whom I brought It of mere idleness, ae, until now I have knows, 1 would not md yet," he added, —perhaps you know on." on !" 135 she repeated. Yes, my pretty cousin," he echoed bitterly "Can you not guess, Aldeane, how it was brought about-vou know I never loved her-but my father did. He hul loved her mother, they say, long before he married mine bhe was his cousin, so you see his ward Annie, is but a distant relation to me. Before I left for Europe he disclosed to me a notable plan for enriching his pretty darling I was to marry her. I jestingly told him I would think of It, and upon the same day, I remember, appro- priated your portrait which Miss Ashton showed me I did not mean then, Aldeane, to be false either to you or Annie. I did not even know then, that it was you I loved though my God, with what bitterness I know it now. ' Aldeane was by this time listening to him tearlessly, and with all her powers of attention concentrated upon the simple tale he told. ^ "I had scarcely reached England," he continued, when news of my father's death reached mr together with a letter which he directed to be sent to me, in case of such an event suddenly taking place. Therein he mstructed me to remain in Europe the time he had appointed, and begged me to enter at once into an en- gagement of marriage with Annie Greyson, and to fulfil] the same immediately upon my return to America " I understand," said Aldeane, in a low voice, pressing her hand upon her heart. " You were an obedient son." not snot '".T/'i !f ''" '"^'^ ^^'- ^^°'-g«»' ^« if «be had not spoken "I did not trouble myself to search my heart, and failed to read its secrets at a single i- self loved him. "Xo, I will tell her the truth;' replied Frederic Mor- gan, agam and again. "1 will irjve her my wealth aii.l toil for you, my darling, Vou will net be afraid '•'"' "Afraid ! with himV" she .11,1 „„t speak, but her eves revealed to ]„„, the in.p.iry of lu^r heart, an.l its cnfideut reply. I5ut when she spoke, it was onlv to soft Iv say iarewell, ai.d that she had no hope, "FoV you, I know, will do as I have asked — no more." "Al.leane," he exHainu'd, su.ldenlv, with a despair which revealed to her that his opiui.ms were like hers Aldeane, why will you not suffer me to break inv fool- ish v.nv 'i She does not love me, and I shall die without you !" She looked at him a moment, as lie clasped luu- hands to his breast and uttered these wild entreaties- "Hove you now," sh,. said. " I should not tell you so, but I keep out any chance intruder. She liad not takeifwith her hope; she was quite certain that this love she leid 128 ALDEANE. won would bo cluimod by another; and throwing htr- Hclf upon hor bed, sho wept ««<•!. toars, and broatJ^c-d Buch praycrK, an man novo, hcch, or hoarH, and the oniniHcient (iod but soldom, even though to Him all agony « known. 1\ Mo tlic and tea I ])arl thai bof,' the UHSU ligh in s pera was offoi grac Loui liopt Bang befo feigr tlie t thfit wht'i excit The brou 1(1, throwinpt her- Au\ l)rcat)n'(l Buch nil the oinniHcient im all agony is CHAPTER XVI. DOUirr IIKCOMKH CKItTAINTY. Mits. AiiK.NDKi.i. Imtl invited a fow fric ii.ls to meet Mr, I\r<»rgjin that ivoninir, it Ix-iiii,' the last «>t' IiIh stay with tlicin. Althoii. AftiT !iii iiirly bronkfast, tlif family all eallicrcil upon tlui front poirli, to mv Mr. Morgan otf. I lis adioiis to all were atfcclionatf, and at 1m>I he luriifd to AliU'ano, who liant avjainst a pillar, lircatlilisH ami Itarliss. Slic Haw tliat lit' wan vory pale, t'lat pannionato love lioaiiictl in his I'ycs. lie took hi'r ncrvch'sn hand in his fevered one, and endeavorid to speak, hut words catne nut. Then pressing her elosely to his wildly liealim; heart, with his eyes, full of love and despair, tixecl upon hers, ho kissed her lips passionately, once — twice — then leaving her half faintinix, veiled away, leapt into the carriage, in which Colomd Arendell was waiting; the impatient horses sprans? forward, and in a moment they were jjone. Ahlcane watched his (h'partiire Avith tearless eyes, and M\ ajjonizL'd dcspairin<;f i/Iance, as if her last earthly joy Avas heinji tossed on foa'iiini^ hillows, and borne far away I'roni her si.tjht, to ho buried in the fathomless ocean of otornity. As the carWai^e, with its chorishcd occupant, sped from licr sijjht, the over-strnnj^ tension of lier nervoH gave way, and with a low moan of ])ain, sho throw liorself uj)on a chair at Loonoro's side, who liiend- ing over her, exclaimed : — ".Afamma! mamma! Miss Akioanc is fainting ! Site is very -rck!" Mrs. Arendell had boon somewhat surprised at the strange jiarting between lier governess and her brother, thouq;h sho had not noticeil the agonized exi)resHion upon the faces of both. She had, 'liowover, dismissed the matter vi'b the *hought, "'Tis only Fred's nonsense, and they arc suoli oM friends, of course there is nothing in his kissing her. One can never account for half of Fred's deeds/' At Loonoro's exclamation slie turned, and was much alarmed to see Aldeano apparently very ill. •1! ca ho pil nil Tl foi wt till lo( uhi for the All thi he. left • let the the .Sh( hat fesf rias wh( ni>c Htrt i'ani and (loo <'XOi sani gatl sivc mpoMHiblp, not to ill u'litlicriil upon !!'. IIIm adiiMis to iriii'il to Alilr.ini', .ml Ifiirli'ss. She ii.it*' love Ik'IUIkmI mil ill iiis I'cvi Till wonU ('Utile iiut. ly licatim; licart, ixi'il iipoii Iktm, Iil' ice — tlu'ii Icavintj iito lli(> oarriaiic, iyere obeyed, and lliiee weeks aflerward, for Ihe first time, she was taken in an easy chair to the window, ami looked lan-rnidly o.il upon the scene, which lia-voom door. Colonel Areiidell spraiitr forward, and with a;i exclamation of pleased surjirise, led her to a seat, at tli.- same time pushiii!; away the children, m'Iio would have 'd voiind her. :Mrs. Areiidell was very aiiprelieii- sive that slie had done wrona:, yet was jjreatly pleased to '"■ "!>'■■ i 132 ALDEANE. have her once more with them. The children were allowed to kiss her once, then playfully, but decisively turned out of the room by Colonel Arendell, that ihe might have quietness, Leonore shook up the sofa-cushions, and arranged them invitingly, and overcome by exertion, Aldeane sank gratefully upon them. " I believe," said Colonel Arendell, offering her glass of wine, " that wo shall have to send you North for a change." " Oh, no, I shall remain here. I shall soon be well," she answered, quickly. " Well, as you please, my dear ; I am glad you are so contented. I don't believe you have been long reconciled to this life." " John," interposed Mrs. Arendell, reprovingly, " you know that if Aldeane has rather imprudently ventured down, that she is far from w^ell. We must not let her talk too much | she can listen to us, but not exert herself. Doctor Grey especially forbade that when he was here to-day." " De mail, Mass'r John," said Jule, entering with some letters in his hand, which lie gave to Colonel Arendell ; who, glancing at thci* superscriptions, said, " One for you, Ida." Mrs. Arendell was soon eagerly perusing its contents ; when finished, she passed it to her husband, saying, from Frederic, and picking up her sewing, began the work with a look of preoccupation upon her countenance. She did not notice that Aldeane's eyes were fixed wistfully upon her face, and when, glancing up, she caught the mournful look, she asked : — " Do you want any thing, Aldeane ?" " No, I thank you," she replied, removing her gaze from Mrs. Arendell to the colonel, who, having finished the letter, leaned back in his chair, as if ready to converse. «« -vvTell— " said Mrs. Arendell. » ' oo an it I to ( at hoi be( 1 sai( bef wo tol( litt (I and (( dell had suit dou u fatl bell kno a h( drei ALDEANE. 188 he children were lly, but decisively lell, that ihe might the sofa-cushions, rcorae by exertion, iffering her glass you North ibr a lall soon be well," m glad you are so sen long reconciled reprovingly, " you »rudently ventured ! must not let her t not exert herselt', when he was here entering with some Colonel Arendell; said, " One for you, using its contents ; iband, saying, from y, began the work countenance. She ?^ere fixed wistfully ip, she caught the ?" oving her gaze from laving finished the eady to converse. \ " I tJiink it is the best thing he can do," returned the colonel. " So do I. They have been engaged quite long enough ; and they are both old enough to marry. I am glad that it is really decided upon at last." " Oh, ma," exclaimed Leonore, " is Uncle Fred going to be married soon V" " Probably, in a month or two." " Well, I am so glad ; I shall see a little of the world at last. I have never even been to a party yet." " And sixteen years old !" ejaculated the colonel, as if horrified. " Only think of it, sixteen years old, and never been to a party. Sixteen !" "And a month, pa!" cried Leonore, eagerly. Her father laughed, saying, " Well, Nora, I promise gayety enough for you this winter." " Fred says ti.at Annie is a very pretty, pleasant girl," said Mrs. Arendell, musingly. " lie told me the evening before he left, that he should be married soon, if Annie would consent. I liadn't a doubt but that she would, and told him so. He seemed quite excited about it. I was a little surprised, as he always seemed so indifferent before." " Perhaps he was afraid some one else might step in and carry off the prize," observed Colonel Arendell. " Annie is very accomplished," continued Mrs. Aren- dell, " though, Fred says, not at all brilliant. I wish she had a little more depth of character. I know she would suit him better. But they say she is amiable ; so, no doubt, they will get on together splendidly." " You will have to practice well, Leonore," said her father, "before you go North. Don't let the Boston belles, or beaux either, think that my little daughter knows nothing." " I will try not to. But, oli, dear ! there will be such a heap of things xr, do before we can go. Such lots of dresses to get, and " j;m A LDEANE. "Don't woiTV yourself," intcrniptiMl Mrs. Arin(K>n, lausrhins? at Loonore's anxioty, " a li'W - guidly raised her blue eyes to his face, there was no look ot curiosity or that warmer feeling which should hav,. kuKlled withm them. She did not rise, but, as he stood be ore her, motioned him to a seat at the opposite side of the grate, and observed that it was verv cold for the season. " • ■ iml 136 ALDEANE. He did not take the proffered seat, nor immediately vn- swer her; but, leaning against the mantel, looked down upon her. First, lie thonght how different would have been hia greeting if the plainly-robed Ibnn of her he loved were eoated before him, instead of this silken-dressed doll, with her ribbons and laces and perfumes. Yet, though ^ she seemed to him then a thousand times more frivolous than ever before, he was not imjust to her; he believed her possessed of the simple vanity of a child, but not for an instant of the ambition of a somewhat unscrupulous Avoman. , u ■ i She toyed lightly with a rosebud which she held in her hand, and yawned slightly behind her laced handkerchief as he looked at her,^ glancing furtively once at a long mirror which reflected her person, and with the thought that blue became her admirably, and that she was look- in. shame as it was in you to deceive a poor girl so !" " Deceive her !" he cried, passionately. " Indeed, I did not deceive her! It was not in my i)ower to do so. My love was uncontrollable. Even while I was praying for strength to hide it, it burst from my lips, and all my tale of love and despair was told." " Dear me, that was so unfortunate," said Annie, as if ho were speaking of one in whom she was very slightly ■crested. " And what is the young lady's name ; and where does she live ?" lie flushed redly, and answered quickly: "That I can not tell you, Annie, and it is quite cert tun, if you will not release me from my engagement without that knowl- edge, you would not with it." She looked at him from beneath the golden lashes of her eyelids with the prettiest show of playful curiosity, as she said : " It is really unkind of you not to tell me. If I had had a little flirtation in your absence, I assure you I would have told you the gentleman's name and all about him." " I do not doubt, Annie, that you were far more faith- ful than I," he cried in desperation. " lUit 1 swear to you I hitended to fulfill the promise I made you." "Intended to?" she asked, arching her eyebrows. "And if you hold me to my engagement, after all I ha fai an< an( Ian nni ass tioi I seci anil and rais it. I thai lier arm situ jilt( foot ^' thor shot a la< and solic yo", cxpc youi I'ms -. am Fi ALDEANE. ? alnuulant j)roor shock if it iio\t>r not 1)0 f-o "mditVcr- 'orjiivc mo, Annio, te tears, of outting but tlio olianiiiiisi I really tliink that- shaino as it Avas in ly. " Indeed, I did i\ver to do so. My 1 was praying for ps, and all my tale " said Annio, as if .' was very slightly ; lady's name ; and quickly: "That I cert am, if you will rithout that knowl- le golden lashes of f ))layful curiosity, you not to tell mo. ,ir absence, I assure tleman's name and ere far more faith- "But 1 swear to made you." her eyebrows. igement, after all I 189 havo said," ho continued, " I will be to you a kind and faithful husband. But Amiio, Annio, 'my heart is another's, but leave mo free, to dispose of that as I wish, and I will gladly give to you the deeds of the houses and lands which have caused this trouble." Annie arose from her scat, and looked at him with as nuu'h dignitied amazement, as it was possible for her to assume, aTid then, to Frederic ^Morgan's utter consterna- tion, sank at his feet in a swoon. llis first impulse was to call his mother, and the second to exorcise liis personal skill in restoring her to animation. There Avas water and vinaigrette a^ hand, and in a few moments Jier eyes unclosedj and she feebly raised her head from the arm on which he Jiad pillowed it. At that moment, if she liad but said she loved him, that she grieved to part from him, lie wonhi have taken her to his heart almost with joj. l?ut rising from his arms, and sinking languidly into a chair, she murmured :— "How couhc you be so cruel? AVhat a ridiculous situation to place one in. Every one would say you had jilted mo. Horrible," and she shuddered from head to foot. Now, Frederic Morgan was a physician, and a thoroughly practical one too, and therefore, perhaps, should not have been alarmed by the sudden faintness of a lady, but nevertheless, he Avas greatly so in this case, and looked at the tiny figure before him Avith the utmost solicitude, as she contiiuied : — " You know, Frederic, I promised imcle I would marry you, as I have expected to do so, and every one has expected it of me. I am very much ob'=,'ed to yon for your kind oft'er ; it is very considerate upon your part, I'm sure, but dear me, every thing is ready. I should ui.' -. am certain." Frederic Morgan stood before her, and in impassioned 140 ALDEANE. words declared to her his heart. But Bhc did not for an instant read it aright. In her intense selfishness she supposed him to be pleading for her happiness, not for his own, and that of tlie woman he loved. " Annie," he cried, at length, " what now is your answer?" " Why, dear me," she said gayly, " I eould dismiss you, no doubt, if I had the heart to do it, and all the world would declare it periectly right ami proper, but really, I should never be happy, my falsity would haunt mo even in my dreams. No, dear Frederic, I will never break ray word, I will be your wife." " And," she added to herself, " nothing could be more elegant than that lace veil we were looking at in Stewart's three weeks ago." Frederic Morgan spoke not another word. He had told her all, and had left the decision of their fate to her, and she had decided it. A sudden faintneas came over him, more terrible than any mere physical weakness could have brought over him, and looking blindly at the figure in the chair before him, and thinking madly, de- spairingly of that other, his lost love ! Aldeane ! Aldeane, he staggered from the room. And this was the parting of an affianced pair. Even Annie Greyson thought it a strange one, as she arose from her chair, and stepping to the long mirror, gazed at her reflection for some moments, and murmured at last :— "How inconsiderate of Fred! How could he ever think I would place myself in such an absurd position. Dear me, what a disagreeable thing it is to cry, and its effects are so distressing toe', I declare my eyes and nose are quite red," and with a pout Miss Greyson threw herself into a chair, and patiently fanned her face, until such time as she could safely look into the mirror without being shocked by the traces of the tears shed, in the first private interview she had ever held with the man whom she was to marry. ( cor his to par uss< I'ell pra moi unc I gra mei nati life, thei nev ofh nun him troi ann T gre« timi t she (lid not for iiBC soltinhnoas nho li:vi)ltini't»s, not for ked. " Annie," lu' SWIT?" could dismiss yon, , and all the world proper, but really, ■ would haunt me deric, I will never ling could be raoro ling at in Stewart's er word. He had of their fate to her, 'aintnefts came over physical weakness •king blindly at the liinking madly, de- Aldeane! Aldeane, Sanccd pair. Even e one, as she arose mg mirror, gazed at tturmured at last : — Low could he ever an absurd position. it is to cry, and its clare my eyes and Miss Greyson threw mned her face, until o the mirror without 3 tears shed, in the held with the man OHAPTER XVIII. TWO ISIPOUTANT LETTEKS. One evening, some three weeks after the event re- corded ui the last chapter, Arthur Guthrie sat alone in liis office — Ins private office — for he had been admitted to the bar two months before, and was now the junior partner in the firm of Ilalcombe and Guthrie. His associate Chester Halcombe was a gentlemanly young fellow, who, lacking all the qualities necessary to a legal practitioner, brought into the firm implicit faith in his more clever partner, and the excellent connection of his uncle, the late Edgar Halcombe. As Arthur Guthrie sat before the glowing fire in the grate, leaning his arm upon a table bestrewn with docu- ments, he could not but admit that he was a very fortu- nate fellow, with every prospect of an early rise in life, with a thousand friends, and but one enemy. Yes, there was one enemy, and, although Arthur Guthrie never met him, and seldom heard of him, and never but of his rapidly increasing wealth, he had, to his own mind numerous proofs that Jonas Nevins had not forgotten him. He was thinking of this, and of one other thing that troubled him even more, when his little office boy aimounced a gentleman, and Mr. Ashton entered. The color rushed over Arthur's face, as he arose to greet his visitor, and dyed it still more readily, a second time, when he asked for Miss Ashton. " Well, I scarcely think Belle has been in her usual 149 ALDEAKE. good health of lato," replied Mr. Anhtcn, as he took the siiit which Arthur olVero.l him. "She wv\w, in lact, you mean by such a long face as that? That rascal hasn't—" " Yes, he hiis," intirruptcd Arthur, (piickly. '| I told you just now that business was never better, but in fact, El- dridge and .Morse took their affairs out of our Irands yes- terday, anii, as he took the le soomH, HI lUct, hfiii^ very nony, himsolf, and that iiMkc'il. " Uusii 105*3 long lace us that ? lickly. "Itoklyou cr, but ill fact, Kl- t of our Imiids yis- r. Ilalcoiube'tf Ibr a troubled face. veek: the tiupcrior .'ither Ilalcombe or —"and he lieBitated illing me an absurd I-. Ashton, quickly. • other night. The nkard, it is indeed in my life." th his hands. " That •ed. 11, but after looking to talk of his own ng to Rose Cottage il it was quite dark, ogethei". I rr.re Ihcy iii.'t ^\^■. llal,.„„,hc, who, ns his manner was n'galcl thcni witli ail the ov ,AV,y ,,f tl,,. day, and as a Hpecially ohoiee morsel, informed (hem ,.f {\w cnuai,'e'. iiK'nt of Dr. Morrraii and his cousin. "And iioorFivd IS actually to Ik'^hiu. a Benedict within ten days," he coii- ciudcd. "I am sorry to take away your triuin|.h, Chester" said Arthur,. luietly, "but really, I've known of that nnt- fer for a week ,.a,st. Let ns dVink l . the h.-altli of the happy couple." "With pl.^asure," sai.l Mr. Halconibe, "You always were, and .always will l)e, before me, Arthur. I shonl.ln't wonder now, if you liave been invited to be groomsni.an or something of the sort." "I tell no state s,.crets!" crie.l .\rlhur, u'ayly, an.l tho subject dropped, to be renewed again, when"AVthur and .Mr. Ashton were alone, in tlie co/y back oflice, which was ni fact the Iionie of tlie junior partner, and then he mlormed Mr. Ashton, that Chester's jesting surmise was indeed correct, that Frederic Moriran had invited liim to be one of his groomsmen, while George Haymoml was to he the other. "And the bridesmaids," asked Mr. Ashton. "Miss Arendcll is to be one certainly, and Miss Ashton 1!^' counted upon for the otlier." "Indeed ! And she will act with you of course. But I can tell you, Arthur, you will have to make your jieace with her tirst, as she thinks you have neglected us of late." "Good God!" cried Arthur, suddenly, with seemino-ly unaccountable yehemence, " how has it been possible for me to go there, knowing that she has heard these atro- cious tales." " That sliould haye made no difference," returned Mr Ashton. " You know Belle is too truly your friend to be^ heye any thing to your discredit. Now, Arthur, I do not 144 ALDEANE. nisi, to dictate to you, hut I think you shouia u. your position, ..n.l..avor to retain all your inon-lH. It m .put. '.rtain that NovinH i« tryinp to ruin you au.l y.m nn.sl rally all your tonus against hi.n, thoujjh I am ,.rc.tt y cor- taiu of siU.n.-i..K him wry otn-ctually. Uul we nu.st, •wait, we must wait." », » i . Arthur looke■<""■ ioikIh. It IH M""''" o\i, ami y<»i ii»i'*l' li I am i)nUy vvr- . JJul \vc must, 10, but Mr. Ashtnn iijion the 8ii)>jirt, ic intfii(lt' \ "I fo dc kii St! yii J '.I mt Hti j.U nui fro Is sio sm re] he hoi wa ^ loo sho yoi be at 1 1 ace A LDK A Xh'. 1 b^ ul times tleclr.ivd ft biU'liL'lor. r>ut I ftlroiuly to liiive rccly leli hc-r buIu il in her rich but r which nhe had ■r (lark hair, and The novelty of , h'lit a new tint ler beautiful eyen. rich brown cm-Is, y shoulders. As lightly with Mr. .'c, lie felt arising ch before he had istas of the future ; shoidd ])ass, the II touched his arm. Our Southern star cast but a mellow ric was hero to see hat very moment, aning of woe and His cheeks were ached his hand ; it all rcmhid me of red calmly, " With ( this set with me ?" y she said, in a low e to-night. I saw, dna-roora with Mr. "Oil! don't fear for me! Wine will have no eflect ni)()n nie; a pipo of it w«Mild not (iiitiK-h the buniin<,^ fever that consumes nic. I ani perfect ly solu'r. Do you doubt it ?" " No," she rej.!!,.!, smiling; '• but remain so. I did not know that you were such a veritable toju-r that you could stand any amount. Pray don't follow the ex'amj.le of young Lounsbeiry. T see that he is ipiite overcome." ^ Frederic laughe.l derisively. ".My motlier and J.ady Ihide shall never see me in that situation." "Annie is beautiful to-niglit," said .^Irs. Arendell. " Yes. But so (juiet, so j.recise, so calmly beautiful !" interrupted Frederic, jjcftishly. "Oh! that she had a little more vitality! Her beauty is like sweet M'iue, ].leasant but not exiularating; and' its effects arc as weak and transient !" Mrs. Arendell looked up in surprise. Such Avords from a new-made husband !" she exclaimed, hast ily. " All ! 1 see you are jesting," as Frederic, to remove the impres- sion tliat his words had created, as'-ned the misciiievoiis smile which he liad worn so often of old. " IJut do not ivj)eat the jest to any one else !" "I shall not, Ida. I merely wished to test your credu- lity. Ihit here comes Mr. (Juthrie whh my bride." ]{ising, he took Amue's hand, and drew it within Ins arm. "SeJ how gladly I receive her. Arthur, there is a call for a waltz. I know you are never too weary to dance." Nor was his partner, the young lady to whom it was by this time known he was engaged; and many, as tliey looked after them, while they wondered that Mr. Ashtoii shotdd consent to the marriage of his daughter with a young man whose reputation had been of late rumored to be somewhat doubtful, owned that in outward seeming at least they were perfectly matched. A week later Aldeane received from her friend a full account of this " merry wedding," together with some 156 ALDEANK. Bhrowd conjectures coneeruins the state of minend the ChristniuH and New Year's festivities, 'I'he Aren(U'lls and Mr. Hay- mond had, meanwliik', spent the time at 3Ior>;anvak' and in Jloston alternately, amid a round of n.,n' ran to the fnTplaco, aiul took a scat m a low cimi' hi.-h she (Irow- Host- to ih.. tir.., rxolamnntr :- "Such n.hi w.athcr! It is cn-.u-h to troi/e- n l>n>ily i, Mr. a 11.1 Mrs. jic asiilc lur t'lr 111 tiMik a Meat in a lire, I'xclainrmu:: — t(l t'lVl/A' oil*' ! 1 i.l Icanins; nyaiiiNt 11)11)11 hi'i'. ,1.11, aH the party DlllS. ■laiv, I ran't move rai- ! I shall tVuoze ila?" iiuniirtvithin hearing of this conversation. With the intuitive Bympathy of woman, Belle felt all that was passing m Leoiore's heart, and knew the changmg emotions that flushed or paled her cheeks. And when, at a late hour, the party wen preparing to return to Morganva e Belle insisted that she should not again encounter he chill midnight air ; hut urged her to regain with he.- ior the nic^ht; for she rightly conjectured, that the mght ^vould W^.asU away in tears in the solitude o her chambei-, when the presence of another would check her grief Leonore gladly accepted the ipvitation and, as the others were about to depart, Dr. :Morgan said :— "No doubt, I^Ir. Raymond will be happy to come foi you in the morning, Nora. If not, I will do so my- self " "'l had already promised myself that pleasure 1' inter- posed Mr. Raymond, "and I assure you I do not wish to be deprived of it." yoii wilt nov t( Dr. dep rate of e L shoi put hon besi s: iiig dep! A auoi hoj)( (( B hcai Iloi you u Phil was the f so lo take Leonorc, in p. low 1. mis, iinu pxarain- t is so, but ;Mr, more this wiuter, iswori'd, a look of as lio glanced at , " But while I am c !' The cold and : leave you." 3U very much, ^Ir. ned, with a forced vhich failed moat he merriment of all With the intuitive hat was passing in ^ing emotions that hen, at a late hour, n to Morganvale, gain encounter the iiain with her for the !vt the night would ie of her chamber, d cheek her grief, n and, as the others d:— I happy to come for , I will do so my- lat pleasure !" inter- t you I do not wish ALDEAXJ-J, 161 Leonore bowed, saying : " VMiat time may I expect you, tlien y" " At about ten o'clock, Miss Arendell ! I doubt whether I should find you up before ; your drooping lids now atte'it your weariness." " Then let us go before she falls asleep !" inteiTupted Dr. JMorgan. ftiaking their adieus, the company hastily departed, leaving the Aslitons and their guests to sepa- rate witli many confiicting emotions agitating tlie bosoms of each. Leonore joyfully assented to Belle's proposal that she should share her apartment. After the lights had been I)ut out, and darkness and silence brooded over the house, Belle Avas not surprised to find the slender form beside her shaking with i)ainfully suppressed sobs. She let her weep for some time unrestrainedly, know- ing well that the cause of her grief was the contemplated departure of ]Mr. Raymond. At last, in order to turn her thoughts, if possible, into another chamiel, she said, cheeifuUy : " Not homesick, I hoj)e, Leonore." " No — yes," she sobbed. Belle kissed her wet cheek, saying kindly, " There are hearts that love you here, as well as there, Leonore." " Yes, but I want to see the children and Miss Aldeanc. I love her so much, she is so good to every one." " She is, indeed, I long to see her ; but don't cry, dear, you will soon return home." " Not until spring, pa says. We are to go back through Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. Oh, I wish it was all over with." " Why, Leonore ?" " Oh, because ." A fresh burst of tears interrupted the sentence, but at last she said, hesitatingly, " It will be so lonely when Mr. Raymond is gone. You know he has taken me everywhere in and around Boston, lie is so 163 ALDEANE. vorv handsome ! Don't yon think so, Miss Ik-Ue ? It is stran-o that any one so dark shonkl be handsome; lie is «hirkc"r than ^h: Gnthrio." i • , Belle made no reply, Leonoro wept on, bnt the violence cf her grief was soon exhansted, and wearied out, hUc soon beeame calmer. " Doubtless," said Belle, " Mr. Kaymond w.ll soon come back; he travels so much, that I truly believe he will. ^^ " Do you, indeed. Miss Ashton ? Oh, 1 am so glad, and like a comforted child, Leonore fell into a ^eep sleep, and Belle knew that her object was attained, and ondly romembening her own happiness, prayed earnestly loi that ofher gentle little friend. , , , Mr. Kaymond, as he had promised to do, came at about noon the foUomng day to escort Miss Arendel home and Belle was greatly disappointed, when she met tla-m at Mor-anvale, a few hours later, where they were engage.l for the New Year's dinner, to discover no trace ot any satisfactory explanation having taken place between hein, and that evening informed Arthur in conhdence that it Georoe Ilaymond did not declare his love lor Leonore befoiC he left Morganvale, she should believe him to be an unprincipled villain. And this opinion of his character was assuredly hers, when he lefV, them two days later, without making the expected declaration,-at lea.t if the evident sadness ot LeUore and the general reticence ^.^^^"^f^"^ were to be taken as evidence ; and Miss Belle Ash on, m no measured terms, expressed her indignation to Aldeane Guthrie, and, strangely enough, relieved her of a load o anxieties and fears which had unaccountably weighed down her heart and mind. And tlKreafter ,t was much easier for her to await patiently the time when she should again clasp in her arms her innocent, loving, and beloved ^'"But before that time came, she had fresh troubles of hei OV( lea ho- del nst ma thi) Bu po\ teri int be I her his A fror in i torr L ]Miss HoUe ? It ia e handsome ; ho is )n, but tlio violence I wearioil out, t^ho lontl will soon come ' believe he will." )h, I am so glad," II into a deep sleep, tained, and fondly rayed earnestly for ,0 do, came at about iss Arondell home, hen she met them at thev were engasjed er no trace of any place between them, 1 contidencp, that if lis love for Leonons 1 believe him to be was assuredly hers, -without making the L' evident sadness of if all at Morganvale ^liss Belle Ashton, in lignation to Aldeane •ved her of a load of iceountably weighed ereafter it was nmcli time when she should t, loving, and beloved lad fresh troubles of ALDEANE. 168 her own to enconnter; the hateful attentions of the ex- overseer were continually jjressed upon her, and she had learned, too, long before this, without knowing why or how, that he possessed a certain power over Colonel Aron- dell which would render any appeal from her perfectly useless, and slie knew that she must fight alone with this man her battl(>, and firmly resolved, let what would come, that she would never yield. Not that he threatened her.' But she fancied that h(> had shown her that it was in his power to do so. He had spoken of her mother in mys- terious tones, and he had told lier, if she had one eneiny in the world— and he Jiad Jiinted that tliat enemy mird. impatiently waiting tlu^ ar^a^ whde Aunt lloxy and her aids bustled in and out ot the kitcbcn fo he dinin.-room and pantries, in hopeless contusion over thl dimier in preparation i- their wdco- A. deane vainly endeavored to induce Jessie to be still she So UttleLcuisions to the gate, then flvrther on to the Wgc, returning each time with the mournt-d mtelh- crence," They ain't a-commg yet." "Tldeane was scarcely less anxious than her pup Is o see he travelers back again. The winter months had ;red dLrily, but on account of ^-r doub e ^ties, she had had but little time for sorrowful reflections, bo ad doffed her mourning garments, and the plain blue dress 2 wore harmonised well with her bright comp ex- fon g ivin.' her a more cheerful appearance than she had vonf for many months. Smiles of pleased expectation oo passed over her face, effectually ^^estroyuig every ,.1 AtioQ*^t1i paiTia"e. srceted l)V a sumii trace ot sadness. At last in c.uiiut oil" mourning in honor of our arrival, eh?" " Yes, sir !" she rei>lied. " I assure you I am so glad to see you back tliat I can not testify my joy sufhciently." The servants gathered around the travelers, M'ho, after speaking to tiiem, made their way into the house, and to their own apartments. They soon met at the dinner-tabl(>, to discuss that Avelcome meal. The trunks had all been brought info the hall, and tliey were opened, displaying a great variety of presents for the servants, Avhich they received with m"- v manifestations of delight. A bright chintz dress and a large pair of ear-rings ibr Aunt, Koxy, and ii vest of showy ])attern for Jule, causing the most envy. Leonoro distributed the gifts to the little negroes, who had assembled together in tlie yard. One little fel- low was throwing pebbles at some birds in the trees. "Don't throw stones at the birds, Len," said Leonore. " I have otlen forbidden you to do it." " Lor' I missus, 'tain't nothin' but a little rock, 'twon't hurt the birds." He threw it with tmerring aim, and a sparrow fell flut- tering to the ground. "You are a bad I'-.y, Len! a very bad boy!" ex- claimed Leonore. Ifis mother sprang out of the jiorch and administered two or three sounding slaps to the offender. " Dere now, take dat ! Ain't yer ashamed to act dat way afore yer young missus !" " I am afraid yon ore a very bad boy, Len !" said Leo- nore, gravely. "Id n't believe that there is any good- ness in you." "Oh! yes, missus, dere is!" he whimpered. " Dere's a plenty in me, but it stays dar ; it won't come out !" Leonore turned aside to conceal a smile, the negroes went away to the kitchen to sound the praises of" raass'r and missus " and to inspect anew thei. treasures. 1H6 ALDEANE. Aldcano and the ohiiaivn were not forgotten. Tho Arendells presented lier with many eostly artieles ; while a hiruce roll of mnwie, some new liooks, and, .ibove all, niiniirtnres of themselves, were the joint olferings of Arthnr and IJelle. Leonore seemed delighted to be again at lu)nie. She entertained Al.leane, the children, and servants with ani- mated deseriptions of her travels, telling oi" all the par- ties she had attended, and the places she had visited, which were entered by the slaves upon their catalogne of the wonderful. Happily for Aldeane, Doctor JNIorgau's wedding had become an old thing, and it was only men- tioned casually. Aldeane was deeply gratified by this reticence, as she had feared a betrayal of, or at least a deep trial to, her feelings, should the subject be fully in- troduced. She listened eagerly to all concerning Arthur and Belle. Of their engagement she had heard from l)oth. Deeply thankful was she that her brother and her dearest friend, Avith nmtual love and trust, were to tread life's path together. A few days after the return of the Arendells, Jule en- tered the room with a number of letters, which he gave to Colonel Arendell. " Any for me, papa ?" inquired Leonore, eagerly. He looked at them. " Two for Miss Guthrie ; one for Mrs. Arendell; three for J. C. ; and, yes! surely, one for Miss Leonore Arendell ! Why ! who can it be from Y" he said, looking at her slyly. " Oh I papa, please give it to me !" she exclaimed, blushing ; and, snatching the letter from his hand, she hastened from the room. INIrs. Arendell smiled and, glancuig at the colonel, said, — " Dear child I that letter contains at least a week's hap- piness for her. Aldeane, we have not yet told you— but it is as well for you to know— that our Nora is engaged ALDBANE. 1t forgot tfii. Tho stly artioles; whilo ks, and, .ibovc all, joint otreiiiigs of ;aiii at homo. She I servants with ani- ling v.i" all the par- es she had visited, •on their catalogue ic, Doctor JNIorgau's id it was only mon- ly gratified by this yal of, or at least a subject bo fully in- . concerning Arthur le had heard from her brother and her trust, were to tread Arendells, Jule en- ters, which he gave )nore, eagerly. isa Guthrie ; one for yes ! surely, one for can it be fromV" le!" she exclaimed, from his liand, she ing at the colonel, it least a week's hap- ot yet told you — but )ur Nora is engaged .Mr. Oeorgc Ifaymond, of Toronto." " rn.lee.l ! I :un exceedingly surprised," she ex.Iaimod |nost tnu n,lly. " She has often ^ntte.; to nu.:;*'); 7 i tc'nns oh,^h praise, but I had no i.lca that they Mere e.;gaged ! I thought that they finally separated i,f Jan,;: V !1!^ v' "r ' 'r ""'* '"'" "'"^^''-^'-^''^^ q'"te accidentallv, in ACM York. I Hnpp<.se Leonore has been keepin-/ her se<-ret or oral eonnnnni,.ation. Vo„ ,„ust go to her to,- j-t.eulars. The only objection we have t^ it at ail i" na he urges an inunediate union; and she, one can H'a*l>Iy see, ,s not averse to it. So we have given our consent for them to be niarrie.l in June " "So soon !" ejaculated Al(h>ane. is vl2 / ^"7 'u ' '' '"''^ '''^•■' ^"J?».'?''™-"n and she >« joung, bui Mr. Raymond is not; and we place such 1-tect contidence in him that we do not fear for her w' tare," returned 3Irs. Arendell. Aldeane asked no more; but, soon after reading her c" ters, one o wluch was fronx Jiclle, who descanted at K-gth upon the "sweet little house pa is building for u ^oono.e s apartment opened it, and found her absorbed 111 the perusal of Jier letter. " Come in Miss Aldea.ie !" she «aid, liiling up her eyes, i nil of joyful tears. ^ ' '-J'^»> Aldeane approached Jier, and smoothing down her W„ curls, sai.I softly, "I know all about^it, Leonor" choL !" '^ ^'°" "''^'^ '^''^ ''^' '^"''^••'^"'i «*■ y°»^' "Has papa told you all?" Inquired Leonoro, blushing. Aothmgbutthe name and position of vour betrothed, le referred me to you f<,r particula.-s, and indeed I am .nost anxious to hear them, for I was once well ac- quainted with Mr. liaymond." 168 ALDEANE. " ^\.8 I know yon wero, my dearest aiirlhiC;," ex- HaimcMl' Looiu.ro, kissinji her, as if her worth wus ineroased a thousand-ibhl by that fact. " Anarned and HO majestic altoselher. Isn't it the greatest wonder m the worhl that lie ever took any notiec of me V" "Such a plain little creatnrc!" laughed Aldeane .^avly and vet with that unaccountable siTiking of heart wh'ieh had always come upon her at the thought of this event, over which she was expeete.l, and earnestly endeavored, to rejoice; "and now tell mo, my own, how tins miracle was brought about, how he ever descended from his height t» look at you." ^^ "Ah, now I 1-now you are laughing at mo, crie.l Leonoro, blushing, and pinching the che<'k of her friend ; "but indeed, though you say it in fun, I tlnnk it was n nuracle. Even now, I can scarcely believe he loves me. "I used to think him very truthful," remarked Aldeane, with mock gravity, a-ul then Leonore pmched her cheek again, and when Aldeane entreated her •' to tell her all about it," she said she Avould only do it on condition that Aldeane made no more confusing re- marks, but listened to her in silence from begmmng to end. ^ To this Aldeane very readily agreed, and Leonore iielif'htedly began the relation of the great event of her life^an event'which in strangeness and joyfulncss she firmly believed had never been equaled, "because he loves me so, you know," she could not help pausing to explain, . ,, , ^ t "Certainly," said Aldeane, pretendmg pique,' but 1 really think you might have told me your secret before." . . . " And so I ought," exclaimed Leonore, quite penitently, " but it was such a charming one to keep, and grew so much better all the time. But in fact," she udded ALDEANE. 169 ■arest darliiit;," ex- it" her worth was act. " And iHii't ho md so k>ariuHl, and greatest wonder in cc of nie V" ' laughed Ahleane iblc siTiking of heart ; the thought of this ■ted, and earnestly L'U mo, my own, how V he ever descended xhing at me," cried the<'k of her friend ; fun, I think it was n believe he loves me.'' truthful," remarked hen Leonore i>inehed le entreated her '' to would only do it on more confusing re- ;c from beginning to ngreed, and Leonore he great event of her «s and joyfulncss she ■qualed, "because he not help pausing to ending pique, " but I old me your secret more, quite penitently, to keep, and grew so in fact," she udded seriously, " \ n.'ver knew how to begin, for you never asked me any (piestions. Why didn't you, now? I should have asked a thousand questions if I liud been in your place." Aldeane laughed, as she answered, " I thought the matter was settled lon<' airo." "Oh, yes, when I wrote you of his departure for Canada." Aldeaiu! nodded. " And so you guessed my feelings th. ,li I did not tell you a word, of how, in secret, I v iev ^ over his absence, which caiised a void in my heart tl nothing could till, and a pain that nothing could ssua'c '" "No." " I believe Miss Ashton guessed it all, ♦hough, for she was so kind and gentle to me then, and uiterward. She continually i)rophesied that he w^ Id return ; but he came not. We did not correspond, . .i he letl me seem- ingly with the mere sorrow ore feels at breaking up a pleasant acquaintanceship, fully convincing me tliat ho thought of me, merely as the friend of an hour, while I felt that to me he was the love of a lifetime. I heard of him, through his letters to Uncle Fred, during our stay at Morganvalc, but in a few weeks we left there, and went to New York. Mother has many friends tjicrc ; and we lived very gayly, attending many parties, visiting the theaters and other places of amusement, besides which, we stayed at the most fashionable hotel, where there was mucli to be seen to interest and amuse one. But, notwithstanding all these attractions, I was ill at ease, and longed for the quiet of home, and your dear companionship. Miss Aldeane. " One day, when we hud been there about two weeks, while at the ainner-table, to my great surprise I saw ]\Ir. Ilaymond enter, and take a seat immediately opi)Ositc me. He observed me a moment atU>rward ; apparently 8 no .1 LDKAXi:. hiH Hur,.riH. was -.vat.r tl.au n.v .nv.., n.^llus o.Mot on to nu. tluM. i,u-v,.ru.al.lo. \W l.alf ro.c ln..n ns .Im.r, tlu. >vhitiM.o>s of his fa.v trnilyin- nu'. n,.t it llnslu.l miu- Hon instanta.u.ously,an.l l.owi,.,,' i-l't^ly »'/' >™t*:^» '!;'"; si-lf Pa aii.l ma wcro .U-li.rl.tnl to nee hiin, a.ul inv.t.d him to our i.rivato apartnu-nts. Ho .•ame an.l spc-nt tlu- ..vonlnir with us. I was onlra.u-.-.l l.y h.s c-.mvcrsa t.ou an.l his calm majestic luarint,'. H-^ 'lark c-yos that, ilaslu-il alMu.st licn-dy ui^.m otlu-rs, lu-amc.l with -cntl.- ,u.ss on nu.. His voice sconu-.l to assn.nc a l..wcr k.-y juula sli^l.t » thing «« good b.rth to .. .,„" hIu. Slid " KroiH what I mnciuber of hiH In ;:::^;;>t-:;;;ir..tion.nagh..ni^ Huhject troul.U.H bin,, and why Hbvo bin,, Mi^. Aldfatu-. 1 h.>^' bin . 1 Hbould h.v. hini still, if lu. was proved to bav. s,.runix Iron, slowest of mankind. And whatainVron.. .s .., wl.a he has boon, now that ho is so highly rospocto.l i I, to. one am satistiod. I love him." Aftor Homofnrtboroouvorsation, Aldoanoktt tbo roo.n, thinking doeply upon all sbo had b..ard, in oounoct.on wih lu« bandsomo, yot woinl-looking n.an, who had so romplotoly won tbo lovo and oonfidon.o oi Loono. Arloll. That sbo, ho light boartod and gay, oould fv r mve conooivod a liking for him, was to ho.- .noon - .1 bensible; but as sbo bad horsolf said bo soomod to r oth bor mindan =u-ations wore quiotly mado for tbo wo.bhng. 1 ho «ow . g-room was constantly opon, a.ul soamstrossoswor Tsi Iv omployed upon pilos of silks and bnons, lacos and erbn.idoiosfovo^vbiob tho bride oloot kopt anxious Tatcb. Abkano was otlon oalled n to admire soi • Jnisbed a^tick^or to be consulted with upon some nnpoit- '"Thf music lessons wer^ short, for Leonore objoctc^ to practicing. "She would do so when she had more 01^0 Ibr (loorge lovod music;" but now tho piano was Sver^P ontiroly to Jossio; and thus after scbool-bou AkleanJ enjovod full leisure, wbicb she spent with bei books or the family, for sbo .Iroado.l nothing so niuc us loT' or frequent companionabip with her own though, s. Til .Mr. I liorse barn oauMo tlin'o HooMie weak hopcfi ]i:id b a cam sofb ai flower good. )iavo 1 .•il)peat l)ower, foreboc Leoiior sion. .VIdean 1 almost think you .>mciiil)or of hi» iVo- , I Hhouhl tliiiik the I it not youV" ii(>. 1 love him. I to have Hprunij from (litVi'irui'o is it wliut ly rcsi»octi'(l? 1, for Mvnm Ml tlu" rooni, hcunl, in I'oniu'Ction inif uiiin, who Imil so iitiauk at the window, eagerly describing the tine sport to be found in the woods, a little farther up the river. Leojiore was lean- ing upon the )iaiiO, her face beaming with animated smiles. Not wishing to break in uj)ou this hap])y sceiu>, Aldeane was about softly to retreat, wlicu Lconore obsi-rved her, and springing forward, caught her hand, and le 1 her into I 176 ALDEANE. the room, savin Mr. Raymond looked at her with a peculiar expression of surprise and alarm. w ner' (( Mr. Yes l)ro1 this so p Istl hast and H Mr. the aroii the I (( rcco give Miss Guthrie 1 to, and they ran I soon got into dis- Jossie cried dolo- ■ipattcred with the bled the next morn- haps had a happier ine-woods tliat lay e, Aldeane, and Mr, lereforc, perhaps, as lildren, any sadness ft-as instantly seen ; ras noticed a degree as unaccountable, id not immediately surveying the place nd delight, mingled ily read. But soon I upon his features, arently became lost d by Colonel Aren- ; of the place, Ray- swering confusedly, see I forgot every m I give it higher ivho had been busy ^claimed, raising her II, her face turning a L have meroy !'^ a peculiar expression ALDEANi:. m "What is the matter with the woman?" he asked testily, as he dismounted and passed lier. " I don't know," replied the colonel. " She is subject to such fits, I believe. Come into the house, and don't mind her." } Mr. Kaymond obeyed. Aunt Samira gazed after him eagerly, then uttering a low cry of distress, rushed into the kitclien, muttering, " I know 'tain't him ! I see 'tain't him ! but he's mighty like ! mighty like !" riiis littU^ inciilent seemed to throw a slight shadow ov.T all, especially Aldeane, who wearied herself with vain conjectures concerning their strange guest, and the mystery by which, at least to her, he was surrounded. They soon separated into eanples, for a walk through the grounds. As they approached the trumpet-vine arbor, Mr. Raymond sto])ped before it, exclaiming : — " This is the ])lace !" "What do you mean?" inquired Colonel Arendell, nervously. " I have dreamed of this place many times," replied Mr. Raymond, " yet it scarcely seemed so dilapidated. Yes," he continued, pointing to the decaying logs that l>rotruded from the dense mass of foliage, "I have seen this often in my visions. It is a place to be remembered, so peculiar is its wild beauty. Why do you preserve it ? Is there a story connected with it ?" " Yes ; a sad one !" returned the colonel, turning aside hastily. " Come away ; the vines around it are poisonous, and doubly so to me. I can not breathe their odors !" He seemed much excited. But unheeding his words, Mr. Raymond entered the bower, seating himself upon the moldering bench within, and looking sorrowfully around him. At last he arose and joined the group at the entrance, saying, with a mournful smile : — "Now we will gol This is a place to awaken sad recollections." 182 ALDEANE. T «It seen^H fraught with tenors to -n^e poopW' J^;;; TeonoR. "but I love itH .leeayuig heauty ; w uk pa m !i;;;r;^he..oo,niest place on the. ^ " It U " sai.l the c(>l tt s.i uy. i„,„ tllj ,:ra..,>s «.. oau m.,l -ornchi,,, tlH.,0 morn .o the taste ofuU." . , t • » Lots of strawberries !" lisped Jessie They laughed, and entered the gardens, where tlu y fn,n Frufk and Eddie trampling down the vines m iSe^is to gather a handtiil of ripe fruit lor their n^other before the fT^ ^^^ >v the announce- Thev w'erc called from tne g,iruLiin y „,eSdi,mc,. AfUT partaking of it, O-^-^^^™^ .liowrf Mr. HavraonJ ovor tl.c lio.,,.. M .«mc nues^on about them as he did so. Aunt Sanura was Tt e rooin; she evidently had not fully recovered her ;:a:imity;nd often glanced iurti^.ly at Mr^Kayi^^ 1 he scanned the closely-written book. Junius, ik !aid at length. " Ah !" your child T looking up at Aunt ""'"^Yes, sir," she replied, her eyes overflowing with tears. " Yes, sir, he was my chile !" " Ah ! the only one ?" he pursued. " Yes, sir." " Dpfid Isuiwose! . , "?;rLord\lnly knows, sir!" she cried Pjteously, as she ran fiom the room, her apron pressed close to hti ^' Mr Raymond did not seem to heel her emotions, but turned o/er the pages of the book. Frank was leaning I I v [ on ' E(l< AIh a 1(1 rem ago, slioi IJay see : (( no re gent ^[ shell the niira amoi Ai folio tliat She ■ leani mind neeef that, W of hi mine start; "3 betra "1 etly. ALDEANE, 183 nic ppoplc," "^nifl tity; whilo paiia )lo plantution.'" t stully. " <^'<>"i<' iV the announce- , Colonel Arendell use. ITe seemed iujT lonijet^t in the ally in the library, r looking over sev- Ivcs, he took down tation. Turning to iding them, asking Aunt Saniira was fully recovered her ly at Mr. Raymond, [)ok. "Junius," he looking up at Aunt jrflowiug with tears. e cried piteously, as pressed close to her «e 1 her emotions, but Frank was leaning i on the back of the cliair, looking over his slioulder. "See Kd.lu" !" h(. cried, suddenly. " It tells here when our Abel was born." " What has become of him ?" asked Mr. Ravmond in a low voice. ' ' "Poison 8i)ider bit him," repli.'d Frank, sadly, at the remembrance of his favorite. " He died about a year ago. IIo is buried in tlie graveyard, near Lorino-. I'll show you the place, if you like." " "Ahl so some wept for him, poor fellow," said Mr Raynu^nd, with a sigh. " V,.s, l^auk, I should like to see It. A\ e will go there soiiie day." " Dear George is so tender-hearted," whispered Leo- nore to Aldeane. "One can scarcely comprehend such gentleness under such a stern exterior." Mr. liaymond shut the book, and replaced it upon the shelt, and, as Mrs. Arendell and Leonore were called from the room to some weighty consultation with Aunt Sa- mira, he strolled into the garden, and soon disappeared among the thick slirubbery. An irresistible impulse came upon Aldeane to rise and follow him, for she was convinced that lie had been in that p!ace before, and under far different circumstances. Mie was not conscious of any trivial and mean desire to learn his secret for the mere idle gratification of her own mind, but for the nobler reason that Leonore must, of necessity, be closely concerned therein ; and because of that, she quickly resolved to seek and question him. Without reasoning in any degree upon the probability of his bemg there, she turned her footsteps toward the ruined arbor, and when he heard her footsteps he was startled. " My God !" he broke out passionately. " Have I then betrayed myself?" ' ' ' "To no one, I think, but me," answered Aldeane, qui- etly. " But I was attracted by your gloomy abstraction, 18-i ALDEAKE. U.„R .«o, to Hpeculate upon your past, and of that I am JJo. J not HO ignorant an you -- ' "^ -^^l „„i„.., :uul that this ,,la.<' is oonnootcl with it. /y--- ^ > mon scati'd. "Aldoanv," he said, suddenly, not heeding for a mo- ment her reipiest, " yeai-w ago, when I saw you, I thought I would tell you my history. I suspected t inn that there were irasons why you should know it, and I suspect them more than ever now. In a few days I will give you n package, to he opened after my nuirriage — not till atler my mariiage." IIo gave her no opportunity to accept or refuse this trust, not even to utter an exclamation of surprise, \wi instantly left her, a prey to the most intense surprise, and the most poignant fears. An iiour passed, she knew not how, aiul then she was laughingly drawn from her retreat liy Leonore and her lover, botii of whom declared they hail been search- ing for her everywhere, for they were to take tea, and go home immediately. As Aldeane followed them to the house, she wondered vaguely whether all that jiass.d was not a dream, for from the time he left her in the arbor, until they reached Arendell House, not a shadow crossed Raymond's face, not a look of signifi- cance beamed from his eyes; he was as careless and gay as if no trouble ever had crossed his path, as if no gleam of vengeance lived in his soul, as if indeed he had not even the most trivial wrong to avenge. But Aldeane was not the less fearful of liim for that ; she felt as if she must warn some one of him ; yet of what? or, to whom could she speak? And with these distraciing thoughts she one evening found a sealed packet upon her table, and laid it safely away, shudder- ing as she thought it contained a secret, which her honor forbade her to possess herself of, until, if it threatened evil to her darling, it would be too late to avert it. Yet she put it away, feeling lierself powerless, and striving to hope, yet trembling ever with undefined alarms, she awaited the marriage day. CHAPTER XXIII. ^ THR VOICB IN TIIK STOTIM. TiiK dayl»ctoiv that i^ppointia for the W(' other, t.iat there was thun.ler ui tho u.r, ami pointed ahnost with a Hcnse of relief to the low hai.ui..- elou.ls, oxpresHiuji hoiK>8 tliat they woi.1.1 open, and refresh the earth. How very still it grew as the evening passed on, an.l overv soun.l fell upon the air with startling distinctness. Colonel Areudell, I.eonore, and Aldeanc', were upon the porch, enjoying, with a certain admixture of awe-whieh is common enough to all before this spectacle ot the elonents kei.t at bay, the quiet and serenity which pre- vailed, ami noticing with amusement the antics ot a croup of little negroes who were disporting themselves in the upper terrace of the garden, and most of whom were clustered around llercules-a particularly small one-who was attempting to climb a tree which stood m the center of the grass-plat.. After watching them for some time, and when the little darky had climbed like a squirrel into the topmost boughs of the tree, the colonel demanded 8U Idenly, "Wh.at are you doing there?" The bov dropped from the tree, as much like a dead ^.quirrel, a's he had ascended like a live one, and explained apolo.reticallv, " It's dom- been dry weder, mass r, a long II. OHM. )r the wctininc; wnfl IS tlic c'Vi'iiinii; dnw opjin'ssivc', KO tliiit , thiiiuk'r in the air, if rclii'f to till- low It Ihey would open, ning passed on, and artling distinctness. i«ivne, were ujion the {tare of awe — whieh his speetat'le of the serenity whieh pri"- ent the anties of a isjiorting tliemselves , and most of whom a i)artieularly small .a tree whieh stood in time, and when the rrel into the to])most demanded su Idenly, as much like a dead ive one, and explained weder, mass'r, a long o.A^^^^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 " us. 110 Photographic Sciences Corporation 1.8 1.4 I 1.6 \ C\^ ^^ >% .V ^^ o 6^ '<> ^^'■ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 f^ ? ^, ^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historlques the < rov IVij aiK on( ] risi Ilea gat wit (lis mo Le( ten 1 aiir lasl anc dro mo ear in ten ( Th. niff ALDEANE. 187 time, an' dcy say flat de snake'U raako it rain. I'm 'gwino to try it any way." " There will V)e no need of the snake's aid, I think !" said Colonel Arondell, lautfliinj^. " We shall surely have a storm to nij^ht; this perfect calm is a true index of the tempest about to follow. Look at those clouds moving so rai)idly ; besides the wind is rising !" " Oh, i)a !" exclaimed Leonore in a frightened voice. " Oh, jta, do you think George will reach home before the st(n-m comes on?" "lie may. But let me see, the roads are long and rough. I do not think he can. But you need not 1>e frightened, he will most likely stay at Golding's to-night, and come early in the morninj^ to claim his bride. I, for one, shall not expect him to-night." Leonore looked gloomily at the clouds, which were fast rising thicker and blacker. Distant thunder too was soon heard muttering in defiant tones, and as the night gathered in, the whole sky became overcast. The stats withdrew thcmscives, and the gloom at intervals was dispelled by quick flashes of lightning, and then became more intense than before. They entered the house, but Leonore walked to the window, and tremblingly con- templated the scene without. It soon became indeed terrific. The winds rushed angrily by, shaking tl-.o tall trees to their very roots, and lashing the river to a sheet of foam, which gleamed white and angrily through the surrounding darkness. Lari;e drops of rain began to fall, and the lightning flashes each moment lighted up the arch of sable that overhung the eaith. Att'righted she tliought of Itaymond riding alone in the thick woods, through the darkness and rising tempest. Colonel and Mrs. Arendell felt no fears for his safety. They were confident that he had found a lodging for the night. But Leonore covered her face with her hands, 188 ALDEANE. and crouching down by the window, wept like a fn.Ejht- enod clul use for ye here. 1." ill, authoritatively. •da, " Perhaps we'll ace with her hands, ige, unconquerable n was followed by a startling peal of d at that moment a. jhhig to the door, md casting herself father, taking her I, what brhigs you rhich some one had closed— witii Jiis hand iipon the knob, as if ready for flight. His face was ashy pale ; his large black eyes wen- staring wild with fright; his hair and clothes were drip- ping with water; and his whole appearance indicated the extreme of mental excitement. " Good God, Richard ! what brought you here to- niglit?" rej)eated the colonel. "The river has swejit away tlie bridge, Colonel Aren- dell !" he replied, in terrified accents. '"It has not done so in twenty years before. Do you not remember 'twas on the very night that Lucinda and I returned from li , where we had been to advertise Junius? Colonel Aren- dell, I heard his voice in the storm to-night, crying, ' Help, mother, help me !' in just the same tones as lie did that morning I whipped him so. Oh, my God ! my God ! I am certain that it was liis voice. It came to me in a lull of the tempest, as if from a great distance." " It was his spirit ; de boy is dead !" cried Aunt Samira, throwing herself upon the floor, Avith tears and lamenta- tions. " De boy is dead !" Mr. Blake turned whiter than before, while Aldeane, terrified beyond measure, inquired : — " From wliat direction did the voice come, Mr. Blake ? Quick ! tell me." " It was from this. I came flown to see if any of you had heard it. 1 heard it, shrill and clear, though it appar- ently came from a great distance. It was twice repeated ; the last time very faintly. Doubtless I should not have heard it had not m;- senses been rendered acute by the first thrilling cry." " 'Twas his spirit in de storm !" again shrieked Aunt Samira, rocking wildly to and fro. Leonore had ceased to we. ;> ; and, lifting up her pale face, gazed wonderingly upon the strange scene before her. Aldeane, with a dark foreboding almost amounting to certainty, threw her arms around her, and drew her to 190 ALDEANE. her bosom, as if to shield her from some imptii(Hng calamity. Coloiu'l AiTiidell bad turned deadly pale at Mr, Blake's announcement, and Htood as if petrified Avith astonish- ment and terror. At last he said, slowly: — "You were thinking of the occurrence of Avhich you spoke. This storm recalled it. Your mind was excited. You thought you heard those Avords." " I am sure that I heard them. My mind was wholly engaged in trying to quiet my little sister, who was much frightened. "SVheu I heard that voice, I recognized it im- mediately. I heard it twice, distinctly." "Whose voice did you say it was?" inquired Mrs. Arendell, alarmed at the blanched faces of the colonel and Mr. Blake, and the violent crying of Samira. " He fancies it was that of Saraira's son, Junius, who ran away from me nearly twenty years ago," explained Colonel Arendell, Then turning to IVIr. Blake, he said, somewhat hef-itatingly, "You had been drinking too freely, perhaps, sir ?" " No, no !" replied Mr. Blake, shaking his head, and look- ing earnestly from one to the other of the startled group. The negroes, with terrified looks, had gathered around Aunt Samira, muttering, " It was his ghost ! Dc boy is dead !" and sundry other exclamations of terror. Mr. Blake opened the door to go. A torrent of wind and rain swept in ; a bright flash of lightning for a mo- ment dispelled the darkness, and in another it was more impenetrable than before ; then the door blew to with a force that shook the room. " You will not venture out again to-night," said Mrs, Arendell, " stay with us. The trees are falling on every side. You would be killed before you could reach home." Mr, Blake seated himself, gazing vacantly around the room as if bewildered. " Where is Mr. Raymond ?" he inquired at last. iioll .Mrs u it is woo she! JJ " Til Ray to r not £ i'rom in sp speal 'tis J shou Co Blak "I " Bnl fectlj "I me," out ; ings ; and f "1 leave "I "Do befon ALDEANE. 191 in some impending y pale at Mr. Blake's iticd Avith astonish- )wly: — ronce of Avhich you r mind was excited. [y mind was wholly lister, wlio was much ', I reco ild MW notli- j^hcr ami '.ii^hcr, thou n with rodoubli'd fury. the drops woro coiu- [•r. A lightuinfj flash isly on at a few feet ifj on its bosom, tn-os of the land and forests, i; iilanks :.nd beams, ruthless powiTS of the ritic scene. The bridge e-tree, whieh for years .cross the stream, and le. As Aldeane stood I magnificent lines of 3d them. : and black ; and crack I fly- Ill irino, id and groan, ,he stone 1 idly, all I in the fall, ret and foul, howU" d. Could it be possible leard in the storm ; and )uld not think it. Her ue, and she again looked he was aa safe from harm at Leonore's lover must iig, thinking, thinking in I spite of herself, of what Kaymond had said of IJlako, and of the terror he liad shown, what terror and remorso at the fancied sound of a voice he had heard as a boy'a more than twenty years before. She formed no plans then— she could not ; she thought only of Raymond's safety, and dimly also that she, upon the next morning would urge Colonel Arendell to loarn the history of his proposed son-in-law, ere he yielded his precious daughter to his arms— that daughter so pu.e,so artless and lovely. Thinking thus, Ald"f\ne turned to look at her,— turned from the scene of destruction without, to behold one within, whose spiritual caan and loveliness presented a strange contrast, and at once calmed her perturbed mind and surcharged heart. Half disrobed, Leonore had cast herself down {.t the side of '.he bed ; her long da'-k curls fell like a curtain around her; her face was b"iried in the snowy counterpane; her hands were clasped above her brow; and her whole form was trembling with the violence of her emotion. She was praying earnestly. Wrestling in her feebleness with the mighty God that rules the tempest, arousing and quieting it at will. Long she prayed. Occasionally in her earnestness partial sentences would fall aloud from her lips. Still the storm continued; when she arose from her knees with a tranquil expression upon her beautiful face. " Aldeane,'' she said, " I know that George has been in this storm. I have been praying to God to preserve him. Perhaps I have not been too late." " God grant that you have not," she replied, gazing upon her very sorrowfully. Leenore seemed coir nrted, and when a few minutes later, b^ie reclined in A! leane's arms, she trembled less violently, although her heart beat quiok and strong. "AldeaniV' she whispered, "to-morrow I shall see him, and lie "-iH laugh at my fears. You know, A'lie, VX{ A LVl'A xi:. If tl.- vnicv tlKit Mr. r.lak.. l.rara hi.-l Ik-m a,. ..,m n of evil to l.i.n an.l mo, I slw.ul.l lunv iwanl .t, »..'H.a.>, 1,0 suM it was ii iK.y's vnico, an.l (n'or-r s is ho strung and nianlv."' . . , i i ... i »It inuvl.c tl.ut Mr. niuko inia-ui.'.l that lu> Ium .1 tho v.-l.T/LonMorc.. Ih- s,.ukc. as if \w l.a.l tr.at.a tlu. Imv l.u.lly at s..nu' time. IVrLapH his n.nscu.ncf, urcusc-l l.y this terrible sf.rni, spc.k. in tun.s ul.nost h.unan to liis cowardly soul." "IVrhai.s so, hut th- talc to uic was hornldc. Oh, howarcadfullvhcOo..kcd!" and Lcouorc shuddcrc.l. "Vcs" rci.ii.'d Aidcaiu', sickcuin- with the thou-h s that arose within her. "Oh, that tlu' mornin- would come !" was her soul's mute cry. The ch.cksl..wlv struck twelve. "T think tlu- storm is ah.'itinc" said Aldeane, shortly afterwanl. llcr supposition was correct. The win.l howled less v-il.llv, and the mutteriu- thunder seenuMl at a tjreat .listamv; the lishtnini: too was less vivid and so.,u U!_MitH till' morning woulil "I tliink tlu' storm rtcrwiinl. In- winil liowU'il U'HS !• sffiiu'tl lit, a ijroat k'ss vivid, and «oiiu rain wtill ii'U heavily, linly heard. ' miiriniired Lfonorc, . Suri'ly Cic'orge was " returned Aldcano, as fou -will have enough ow." able to come," said ish. a may come," thought , but lay listening to ome ill the caverns of the pattering of the ly, the rushing of the Lthiiigs that told that CIIATTKll XXIV. WHAT TIIK WICI.OINd M()KNtN«i nHOUGHT, TiiKo,-,;,, tl„. long w<.ary night Aldeane slept n<.t, hut c as,„ng Lc.,„.„v i„ Ikt arms, listened to the .,uietin.r of »li'' tempest, and thought, auxiouslv, feaif.iliv, of Hav- moud, longing f,,,- the morning. At last it came .de-u- ■■""1 iH-autifui. Putting aside the white aru.s din-Mn-r ho closely around her, she arose and approach.-.l the window A scene of ruin and devastation met her view. Trees la.l l,een blown up by the roots; in many places the ences were all swept away, an.l the corn and cotton laid loNV. riie river was full of the debris of brid-rvs atid embankmeu's, which it was hurrviug wildly on "or tossing upon its miry banks. ' ' Qtiickly dressing, she hurrie.l down to the piazza at the Iront ol' the house. Every thing there was in a similar condition The n-mdows of tlie kitchens and some of the negro cabins liad l>een blown out, an.l lay shattered u])on the ground •' the carefully-tended garden, with its beautiful Howers and trees, appeared a waste of fallen shrubs and man-lfd tredhsses. Every thing seemed ruined. A single nT-dit had despoiled all the beauty it had taken years to brin.rto perfection. * " Colonel Arendell soon joined her. He looked very I'.ile and haggard, as if he had passed a sleepless ni-ht ' 1 ou are up (-arly, to mourn over tliis desolation I see, lie said with a si'di. 106 ALDKANE. " Yt'H ;" hIio answpriMl iimsiiijjfly ; " Imt ovou this dt'so- lation ot'tlu- land ix nothing to that oftlif honrt." "What ih. you nu'aii, AhK-aiU'V" lio UMko.l, tiirniiij^ Hinldtnly Jowaid hor, "Uavo you luriinl cronkor too? I thoujjht my own tho>i!,'litH liad tornionU'd mc enough, fulHC prophi-ts that tlii'V an." "I meant, nothincj by my words, nir!" Mh' ni.liod, nstoni^*hl■d by tho vi'hcmonoe of his wordw and inanncr. " Vo\i muHt i)ardon nu-, if 1 aroused unideasant thoughlM or reeolleetions." " Aldcane, my ehihl," Ik- auHworcd oadly, tenderly proHsing her hands in his own, " I have terrible thouglitH Bonietimes. Tlie bo;' that you heard Hlake speak of last night, Hworc vengeance upon us all, for wrongs whieh I could not avert. God knows my slavery then was worse than his own. Oh, the iron— the adamantine shackles that I wore, and yet seemed to the world a free man. He burst his bonds. Death alone couhl sever mine. They are not severed now, that boy is one link of the horrid chain. True, I have never heard of him since he letl us. I have sometimes thought he was dead, but Blake has always said that he would come back, and now believes that he is near us, and thus accounts for the voice, that he still persists he heard last night, and which haunts him yet. I confess, too, that it has alarmed me considerably. One's nerves are easily shaken during Buch a stonn as we had last night." «'lt was indeed terrible!", ejaculated Aldeane, walking to the end of the porch, and shading her eyes with her hand. " Who are those coming up from the river, Colonel Arendell?" , , , , He went to her side, both turned pale, and looked, from the group of men bearing a heavy weight between them, to each other apprehensively. " It is a dead body— a man, I believe, Aideane 1" whis- pen wh( T entt (low () atul t( j.ist hrou and Woi town loatli 'J'li place house upon by til asked "U "li I hav unrec Till one f beheh Gee "It Mrs, and n of the his fac Tho ence o T ' hut ovou this dow)- oftlic Ill-art." ' lie askt'd, tiirniiifi I tlioujjlit my own I, I'ttlse propliftH thill *, nir!" h1»' n'liliod, ( wnrilw ami iiianiuT. unpleasant thoughts orcd padly, tenderly avc terrible ihouj^'htH d Hlake upeak of lawt II, fur wrongs whieh my slavery then was ron — the adamantine ed to the world a free :h alone could sever hat boy is one link of rcr heard of him since ght he was dead, but r)uld come back, and . thus accounts for the last night, and which liat it has alarmed mo easily shaken during ited Aldeanc, walking ing her eyes with her from the river, Colonel ncd pale, and looked, heavy weight between ilieve, Aideane !" whis- ALDEANE. 107 pored the eoK„K.l, his lip« white with ,lrea.l. " Mv ( Jod • who can it Im- '•"' ^ ""• The „u.,. were now at tlu< gat,, and ,mei.,sin,r it <'"«on the piazza; they were all evidently much agitate.l l.y the occurrence. Mr. IJlake went dowm the steps an.l asked in a husky voice :— " Do any of you know who it is ?" " lie is a stranger to all of us, sir," said cue. " I think 1 have seen the man, but lie is so bruised as to be almost unrecognizable." The men placed the corpse upon the steps. And at one glance, and with a scream of ansruish, Aldeano belield the fulfillment of her most horrible fears. George Raymond lay dead before lier "It is llaymond! O God, it is Raymond!" shrieked Mrs. Arendell; while the colonel, with every feature and motion expressive of the utmost horror, liflod one of the arms dripping with water, then let it tall, covering his face with his hands, and groanino- alou(" Though greatly shocked, Mr. IJJake retained his pres- enceofmmd. ^ 198 ALDEANE. " Carry the 1)0(ly into the ]>arlor," he said to ilic men. " ]Miss Leonoro must not sec il." " It is the genticnian to wlioiu she as to have bei'ii married to-day," '\vhisj)c'ri'd one. With bhmeheil faces at the tliouj^ht of the widowed maid.Mi they lifted tlie eorpse in their arms, carried it into the parlor, and laid it njjon the sofa. All the negroes, Avith horror stamped upon eaeh countenance, had l)y this time gathered around. Slirieks and lamentations began to arise, when, with her long curls flowing wildly hack from i\er face, Avhich riviiled her snowy wrapper in whiteness, Leonore rushed through the throng, and with a wild scream of despair, threw herself upon the muti- lated body ( f llaymond. " George, my darling, my husband!" she cried frantic- ally, casting back the black hair, wringing with moisture, from li'.s clammy brow, and gazing distractedly uj)on him. If face was almost purple; his long beard, mustache, auu hair Avere matted closely, together ; his eyes were closed, and his jaw fallen. lie liad evidently struggled violently to the last, and had apparently been dead some time. His clothes were much torn, and covered with mud, as though he had been swept from a grea distance, and tossed violently from tlie current to the banks, then back again. Leonore saw all tliis at a glance, and with another shriek, wilder far than the first, threw herself upon the body of her lover in a deathlike swoon. Mr. Blake lifted her in his arms, and carried her through the group of lamenting negroes inc.> the sitting- mom. With the colonel and j\Irs. Arendell, Aldeani^ still stood beside the corpse, wholly speechless with horror and grief. Tlie right arm of the corpse fell heavily down from its side, the breast of his coat fell back, and from ♦he jjocket dropped a little book which fell open upon the fioor. Colonel Arendell stooped, and picked it up. It had T " he said to ilio men. ho as to have Ijoeii ui^ht of the widowed their arms, carried it 1 tlie sofa. All the "ach countenance, had ieks and lamentations ; curls Howing wildly ler snowy wrapper in the thronsf, and with ■rself uj)on the niuti- id !" she cried frantic- inging with moisture, listractedly u])on him. ling beard, mustache, ether; his eyes were I evidently struggled •ently been dead some m, and covered with from a grea distance, •nt to the banks, then at a glance, and with lie first, threw herself ithlike swoon, •ms, and carried her 'groes ini.i the sitting- re. Arendell, Aldeani^ loUy speechless witii ' the corpse fell heavily lis coat fell back, and book which fell open picked it up. Tt had A L I) V: A X E. 109 opened at the last entry made by llie dcccaiied. TTe glanccil over it, his face coMgealiiiu- witli horror as h'* coir.pivliendcd tlic incaninn- cil'thc seiiti'iu'cs. It was but a [Vw siiorl lines, l).,t in frcnzicil to'.U's he critvi : — "My (iod, it is .Iiinius! Wliat ! Wed my cliild ! (Jrcat Heavin, -an tliis be trui' I" 7dr. iilakc, pale with excilement, sprang toward him, nn! snatcliinv: th(> book from iiis ner\(lcss haml, read the )i:iragra|ili in a loud and horritied voi(\' ; — - "'Hie reveng'' lliat, my soul for years lias craved is at iiand ! Ah, .lolm Arendell! Woe! woe I to thee! for in anotlier day your slave .Junius shaii wed your dauL;-hter, and crush vour fon. but falling prostrate before it. His mind iiad given away before the repeated sliocks given to it, and for some time lie lay wholly unconscious, . " .Mass'r William! Junius!" moaned S;imira, kissing 200 ALDEANE. tlie cold lips of her son. Some of the negroes borj her, struggling and shrieking, away to her cabin, and for a few moments Aldeane was left alone with ail that re- mained of the unfortunate octoroon. She thought, as she gazed upon him, of the suspicicm that had thrust themselves upon her the night before, and which she had vainly striven to drive from lier mind. They were all coniirmed; she needed not to read his letter now ; the worst she had suspected of the history of George Raymond was confirmed ; and his history was ended ; death had ended it before his terrible vengeance could be consummated. One of the men, who had discovered the body, entered the room, but started back when lie saw a lady there. " Stay a moment," said Aldeane, and Avith a gesture of respect, the man took a step farther into the room. "Will you tell me how you found him, and where? poor fellow ! poor fellow. Will you tell me all about it," she resumed, seating herseli beside Kaymond, and quietly ad- justing his dripping hair. " I found him about a mile up the river, miss. I had gone down to my corn-fields to see if possible how much harm the freshet had done. I went down pretty close to the river, and, floating among logs and brushwood, I dis- covered, to my horror, the body of a man. I could not get him out without assistance, so I ran to a neighbor's to obtain it. Soon a number of men were assembled upon the banks, and the gentleman quickly taken from the stream. Then arose the question, where he should be taken to. None of us reco^ized the gentleman, and felt unwilling to take him to our poor houses, and all co- incided in the opinion that this was the best place to bring him. A portion of us accordingly come with the body to this place, while the rest went up the river to discover if possible the place of his death. They found it at Baring's Branch, near the bend, where it empties it- and neai a sh Jiad drea its li Sc and to til lame two I one. to he the ] theg Fri ants 1 mond they : sie hi stopp "Is a Slav He tonish with t «Y( e negroes borj her, er cnbin, and for a e with ail that ro- il, of the suspicions he night before, and ive from her mind, ed not to read his cted of the liistory and his history was i terrible vcngcanco d the body, entered aw a lady there, and Avith a gesture her into the room, n, and where? poor ne all about it," she lond, and quietly ad- river, miss. I had ' possible how much lown pretty close to id brushwood, I dis- man. I could not ran to a neighbor's len were assembled quickly taken from , where he should be bhe gentleman, and r houses, and all co- s the best place to ngly come with the rent up the river to ath. They found it vhere it empties it- A L D EA NE, 201 self nito tlie river. From the spurs upon his feet we knew that he had been riding, and unaware, or reckless ot the danger, had forded the brancli. It is a dreadful thing, miss. Even if ho is a negro, he looks like a gentle- man, and Arondell at that." He looked at the dead man, then wistfully at Aldeane a moment. Tlien, as lier white lips murmured, "Could you discover no more?" he continued:— " Tlie party from Baring's Hrauch have just returned and report that a liorse, supposed to be his, was found near tiie ford of the K- road. It had been washed down a sliort distance, an which she knew wouhl >.'nsue upon Leonore's restoration to consciousness, and knowing that she was in good liands, had refrained from going to her. l?ut now she feared that lier absence M'ould be noticed. She arose, and leaving the three weeping children together, passed into liConore's room. Zettie and another servant, with a physician, were there. Leonore had opened her eyes, and was regarding them with a vacant stare. "We have just succeeded in bringing her to conscious- ness," whispered the doctor. "1 am very glad you have eoine. Mrs. Arendell and i\Ir. Blake are with the colonel. The excitement through which he has passed has pro- duced brain fever, and he is very delirious." Aldeane heard this without much surprise or interest beuig awakened, her thoughts were too wholly en- grossed by Leonore, who had raised herself ui)on lier elbow, and was gazing with bewildered countenance upon the anxious faces of those around her. " I fear for her ri-ason," muttered the doctor. at \v in tri so kn sli Tr jeonore's restoration It she was in good 1 her. But now she iced. She arose, and ogether, passed into 1 a physician, were s, and was regarding png her to conscious- i very glad you have ! are with the colonel, has passed has pro- "lirious." h surprise or interest 'ore too wholly en- ;ed herself upon lier lildcred countenance ind her. the doctor. .1 Lf) i:.\ \ !■:. 2t»3 Aldenne approaeluMl her, and took Iior hand. T.eonorn at that moni-nt seemed to have a siiuht neollcclimi ,,r what hal transpiivl, \\.v ,liimitig tn Uw IViri! 1 sli ■ cri .,1 in iVen/aeil aceciits : — "Tell me, ii'll nr\ AM-ane, what has happenc i ! A!i ! is it true that (icorgc! that (icorge — " Shegaspel rnrl'jvath. AMcanc could make no reply. The alteiilaiits tunu'd sobbing away, !iiid the kind-hearted doetor, mIio had known and loved Leonore from her binli — groaned slightly. ° T,eonoro looked wildly from (ace to face. "Ah, ves ! T remember ! I remember I" she shrieked at last. " Oh", his dear face was bruised, and his lips mamrled so!" And with a wild scream she fell back upon the pillows and again became luicouseions. Tlinnigh all the events of the morning, Aideane had remain<'d eabn .and tearless. The fountain of her tears seemed drieil by the very intensity of her horror and grief; but now, wlien lier womanly symj>athies Avere most strongly aroused by the sight of Leonoiv's sulfer- ings, tears burst vehemently fortii, streaming freely over her p.ale cheeks, and falling n])on those paler still over which she bent. A low moan of deep anguish, after a long ]ieriod, heralded Leonore's second return to consciousness. She s^'cmed to be ])erfectly aware of all that had befallen her, for she jiartly arose and d with tliem feebly, saying : "Lot me go to him! I will see him again !" "You shall soon, dearest," said Aldeano, through her tears. " IJut wait a little while, vou will be stron«-er then." Leonore looked at her for a moment wildly. Her ey(>s Beemey beeaino 20-t ALDEANE. T humid, niul with a gasping sob she throw her arms around Ahloano, and laying her face upon ner bosom ^The'doctoV seemed much relieved at this exhil>ition of feelin'T "There! there!" he said, "that is better^ Then'to Aldeane. " I can leave her now wivh you with- out immediate danger of her fainting agam. I will go now to Colonel ArendcU. I fear tha'. he needs my ser- vices as much, if not more than his daughter. Leonore wept for a long time, and Aldeane endeavored in v;iin to comfort her: not striving to repress her tears, but to produce a less spasmodic and more quiet flow. An old gentleman entered the room. It was the clergy- man who was to have performed the marriage ceremony Leonore cried bitterly as she recognized him. He seemed greutly affected, and Tvhispered to Aldeane :— "Leave her alone wi:h me a few mmutes. I would comfort her if possible. Jesus hath balm for every ^Aldeane arose, and motioning him to her chair, then beckoning to the servants to follow her, left the room. In the hall she met Mr. Blake. "I want to speak to you," he said. "No one else Bcems rational. Come into the library a moment, it you ^ Shefollowed him into the designated apartment, and took a seat near the window. Mr. Blake remained standing, looking at her doubtfully. "This is ?. very sad thing. Miss Aldeane," he said at last with a sigh. She bowed assent. "You see," he continued, « that I did hear his voice last night, although you all seemed incredulous at the time. Still to me it sounded like the voice of a child. "It was probably the shrill tone of despair and the distance that gave it the well remembered sound," replied T ALDBAliF. 205 le threw lier arms 36 upon nor bosom It this exhibition of "that is better!"' now wivh you, with- g agiiin. I will go \% ho needs my ser- iaughter." AUieiuie endeavored to repress lier tears, id more quiet flow. It was the clergy- marriage ceremony, zed him. He seemed .Ideanc : — r minutes. I would ith balm for every m to her chair, then her, left the room. ?aid. "No one else iry a moment, if you ated apartment, and yir. Blake remained Aldcane," he said at I did hear his voice id incredulous at the he voice of a child." e of despair and the ibered sound," replied Aldeane. " You know a slight resemblance will awaken remenibranecs of things fraught with cruelty or injustice." lie colored deeply, and bit his li])s nervously. "I wanted to speak to you about the funeral," he said, at length. " I am hesitating w'.. ether to have him buried in tiie grave-yard of the whites, or blacks." Aldeane arose^a flush of uidignation mantling her face. "You have nothing to do with the matter, I l.ilieve!" she said, hastily. "Mrs. Areudell will no doubt see that due honor is awarded to the remains of her daughter's betrothed husband." " I did not mean to offend you, ^Miss Guthrie," an- swered Mr. Blake, humbly. " You know that my desire is altogether on the contrary." Aldeane started, impa- tiently. " But it seems that I can never hope to win your regard," "That is true, sir; you, indeed, never can!" replied Aldeane, haughtily. "If this is all you have to say to me, I will go. Mrs. ArendcU can, no doubt, be consulted concerning the burial of Mr. Raymond." Mr. Blake sighed deeply, twirling his hat in Jus hands uneasily. Aldeane passed out, and in the hall met the clergyman, who had just left Leonore. " How is Leonore, now, Mr. Aldery ?" she asked. " Calmer than when you left her, but still inconsolable. She screams, and appears ready to faint every time poor Raymond's name is mentioned. I suppose she knows nothing of his being of negro blood ?" " Nothing," answered Aldeane. " But I suppose it is pU over the country before this — such news travels fast." " Oh, yes ! I hoard it on my way here. You may im- agine how I was shocked. I had been summoned to a place of joy, and fomid the habitation of mourning and desolation. I stationed a servant at each road, to inter- cept the wedding guests, if any should come. Several have been turned back, I believe." tii»(J .4 /. I) i: A NK. " You iiro very llioiiLrlnriil, Mr. AMery." "Do you know wlrsi tlic I'luural will trke i-liico, Misrt riutliric'v" "'ro-uKiiniw, 1 prcMUMc. Mi'anwhiU', Mr. AMiry, I hopi- you will ivniaiu with us. We •A\ uccd cdUirort." "You liavi- liornc u)) w(uiy cliilil. Try uow to ohtaiu a little ro: t. "I do net uocd it yet ; how can T, wluii otiic'-s aro suf- (Vriui? ^o much iiuir'c deeply, Mr. Aldcry? I luust uo now anress a smile at his ludicrous a]>i>ear-. ance. "Tlu' snake didn't make it rain. Yon had noth- ing to do with it. (4od sent the tempest." After Bonu> time she succeeded in making the child believe this ; then she left him au hy one little urchin, iiiaciuij: horribly, and • inattiTf oxclaiincd " For mercy's sake, d Aiass'r Gcovgc. I )bbed. Vhat liad you ti do illy mystitied by the tree to ^^■•^o it ruin ! ,le, jest 'null" to nuvke of its coniin' so's to irst into a fresh series IS. c, scarcely, even in her his ludicrous a]>i>oar-. rain. \o\\ had noth- ?nipest." After Bonu' liihl believe this ; then i room. She found her still weejiin',^ hystcricnlly. Her mother was with her, striviii-- to impart consolation, while sho needed it .•linmst as much lurMll'. She seenu'd nearlv ediaiistod, ami Aldcane f.-r the lirst time rememl.crei'l that tiu'y had tasted nothinij for the d.ay. Quickly leav- ing- the room, she went down into the diniuix-rnom. 'I'he wcddin-f breakfast, still untouched, was spread upon \\w table. I'lacinu a jilate of cold chi.-lcen and biscuits upon a salver, with a decanter of wine and some jxlassos, she took them up to JiCouore's room. Airs. Arcndcll seemed very cjratefiil to Aldcane f.r thirt thought fulness, mid a irlass of the genial wine nave new life to Leonore's llatiLtinLC pulse. "iSldeane," she said, entreatiiigly, "I nuist see him now; I can wait no lontrer." Without a word, Aldcane passed her arm around her, and supported her down the stairs. At the i)arlor ]) aiul tender solicitude. " Aly daughter," he said, as Leonore arose from lier knees, and bent over lu-r dead lover, "my daughter, trust in God. Endeavor to become resigned to this great in- fliction, it may be the least of two evils that have been hanging over you." Leonore nuide no reply, but drew the sheet farther down. Haynijud's features had become more composed, and his fa;e was less livid than when she hail looked 208 ALDEANE. upon him in the nioininf?. Thi-y liu()«»Ml t.. wciir :il his hri(hil. Ilin hands wiTc I'olilcd upon liin Inrast, iind :i look of drop ciiiiani'ss had sottli'il over him. 'Vr.xw*, of vioh'iit ]»8Ht»ionH wore still vi^ihle upon his fiwo, hut they Avere very tliin and seemed almost mer;;ed into ju'rfeet se- renity. " Yes," said Leonore, slowly, " this may indeed \m tlie least of two evils. I might have forgotten the com- mandment, ' Make not unto yourself idols,' and with it my Ciod. I ean never forget now the hantl that has smitten me." " Still (iod will be merciful to yon. Can you believe that V" asked the minister. " Yes, Jesus lives," she returned with simple faith, in a voice that revealed to her listeners that all of comfort, or hop.' to her, was in the name of the lledeemer. She looked again upon her lover. Something appeared to attract her attention. IJending down, she drew forth from the vest pocket a tiny gold circlet, the wedding ring. She threw herself upon the body with a moan of despair. ^Ir. Aldery raised her in his arms. She placed the ring ni.on her finger, kissing it and crying frantically. " I am his wife ! I will stay with him. Let me die upon his bosom!" and she threw herself again upon her lover, kissing his cold lips eagerly, and calling his name in piercing tones. With some difficulty, Mr. Aldery raised her up, and bore lu-r away ; while, unable longer to control her feel- ings, Aldeane sank into a chair, and cried aloud in her anguish. The day passed very drearily. The negroes gathered in groups in the garden and cabins, and with awe-stricken voices talked of what had transpired, scarcely able to realize it. Colonel Arendell was delirious all day, and talked mot he ' as p dee loui A in h bad hori to p It the Jilal men was told sign: witn unfo M her the 1 and] coult At arose that said: "I. bofor Al. the 1 mond flowe mouri gathe •1 urruyed liiia »» n wciir ;it Ms bridal, cast, aiul a look of TracoM of violent fa<'(<, Imt tlii'y Avorc I'll into jii'i-ft'i't 80- luH may in«l«'0(l ho i foi-jjotten the coin- f idols,' and with it tl»c hand that has . Can you bolievo vith simple faith, in that all of comfort, le lledccmer. Something appeared own, she drew forth •irelet, the wedding ody with a moan of 18 arms. She plaeed ul crying frantically, n. Let me die upon gain upon her lover, calling his name in raised her up, and ■r to control her feel- l cried aloud in her he negrocB gathered ind with awe-stricken red, scarcely able to all day, and talked ALD K.\ X i:. 200 incoherently, and som.'tinu-s so loudly and wildly, that he was heanl all over the house, arons'ing even fA-onor.', as she lay wnpiiigaiid moaning in her cl.jwnlK-r, from her \ tunrbi.Uv mnMl.l.. to uloom -.nwl m..li»nH...ly. Yh th.-M- Hnwrrs", lik.' Lis ,lis,u,sir.o.., ,.osM..M..l muHi «wt...tm..H, !UmI tl...n-l. typi.-al of Hormw nn.l .l.ulh, wuv al... ..n.l.l.nialiral of fi.it lifuliu'ss iiiui l.riU.ty. _ .I.,.M.. M In.MrtlM. l.nVNi.alffnu'l.l.i..aiUll...si-lu of .l.'Mll. Im Iut l.iui.l wan clasia-l a mn-l.' HH.vvy was- lik,. tlovv.T. L.oaoiv Inuk it fn.n. luT, an,! i.la.-iM^' it over llavmon.rs l.rart, wl,is,,..n.,l : •' Inunortal.ly. Ul.-a.u- io..k.'.l at lurii. HurpriH.-, as «li<' l.cat to kiss tl... lips of iMT .l.a.l lov.T. SI,., was ,u.rf.r>ly .aim an.i t..arl.-ss. A .1...... S..1TOW s....,...! spn a.l owr iuT wImI- face, una hn- >-y.'s wer.. full of a-ony a-wl -loo.ny U-u- ,U.,,u.ss. She s....m.'.l to l.avv w.^' """1 ''"' ';'7^';'' fuuntai.. was ..xl,austoa,an.l t.ow calmly a.al a.s,,a.rn.-ly awaiti'il llu- «'inl. . Soon, ,u-i'l- who ha.l .otn.. to tl.o <„nm-al-«o,m- tro.u ,n..v n.riositv, others as fmm.ls of tl,.. la.mly, an.l a t..w fn.m muv Horr..w-lK'ixm. to ass..ml.l.>, ai.'l ....n-ivsiatM.- to;,n.tlu.r, spoke i,. l-.w whis,,..rs, whi..|. faiL'^ to anms.. T,.M.„o.-.. fr.m, th.. a,,atl.y into whi.'!. slu' ha.! lalhu. Mu K-it l.v tlu' si.l.. of Wavmon.l. Om' arm ll.n.w.i across him, the other upraisnl, tlu- han.l .•ov.rm- her la.-. .Mr- Arc.ml..!! (.am., i.. with Mr. Ahlery, an.l the .ervi.-es ;„.m aft..rwar.l ..o,M>m.m....l. They w..re short i.»t .m- uressive; ami all the as^.-mhla-.' w..i.t, sav.. h.r wh-.M' !n.i..f was .l....,.est. She still retaim.^l the same at l.tu.l.., movin.r sli..'htlv wh..u one after another eame to take a last h.ok at all 'thai was m..rtal .)f (ieor-e Uaym.m.l. At last Mr. Ulake and sonu' others approaeh...! to .•!.-•■ the e.,tlin', preparatory to renn.vin- it. Mr.' T.lak.- ....nlly vaisea her arm, and, lor the tirst tim.- she un...n-en.a „ :■ fue.N an.l h.ok.Ml n,. in.imrin._ay. All were sho..kea at \u ehan.'.' manitest v: hw eounten.ane... U. was ..t an ash. u luR. an.l .le.'P lin .s of hlue covered her ...)mpr..sse.l lips, I'dUvaiJ.dhe.mmnduleyes. Ih.r little hands, as tlu'V lav "!.'>n l''''' '"1'^' >^ -armenls, apiH-ar...l ..maciat.'-l, nn. hill lil;i hro S the h..r pia; lip i fero risir kiss. (•(.(.I Tl ahoii HO ft I lii (ill's.) Ala.. Th acraiii .slic 1. "'I and II A feebly won.l IxM'an lay 11 1 ana t. the !,'! A c; aspUi the 1,1 .'■iiiiliifl 1, ■^ J. i> r.i x/:. 211 inn, ]l^)!*»('^'H»'ll Illlirh •niw mikI ilc!Uli,«t'i<' I ln'iiitty. i.^Milclliil lit I lie ciitlil II wiiiirl*' ', an nil!' lifut to kir** s pi>rti'c>ly ciilin aii'l l>n ml "Vi-r lu-r whit'' IMV ilMil JiloKlliy tcii- jil" until tilt' ffystiil linly :in(l(U'(*l)airiiiirly ic finicivil— sitiin- tVniu the iiimiiy, iiiiil a few 1)Ip, ami couviivjiatiii'.'; ^■liicl\ t'aili'il to arouse li sill' IkmI I'allrii. Mil' IC arm throw ii aorons III cdvci'in'j; h«'i" 1'a<'i'. liU'i-y, ami tlie scrvifcs V wi'i-i' sli(U't but iin- wcpt. save liri'ssc(l lipx, I. llcr littl'.' hands, us is, iiinn'arcil cinaciatc'l, a 1 I X w.,h Hu,1cn„,.. Alllookcl n,.on he pi.vin^Iv ■ iK' .viraninl them m.t, i.n, Mill lo.,Kc.| , ,. a, V,.' » '^•,nM,uiri,„My,n„.| ,vi,h a nliu^ht aspect of re .roach i..-o^:;,;:;;rh:;;^;',: -->-'^>'-^'--"".Ai,.crc,, Ml." .vmaincl a .mmmnt as if stniH-ficl, tlun Lent ovr oo psc ami lay.n. her hca.l n, si ,„, c , -, s .Inn. deeply, uhil,' l.cr ,ip. ,„.,,,, ,, ,, ,, '•'.^"- ""■ ^'"<-l deriryniai, l,.',„ his head, ami oircd '•.':'• l"'MreM,^Mh re,p,ired seemed ,dven to her- ti.r M....s|u.,«azed.,p.n,thel.,.iuved(an.,.„cen.o. .', : ;;'-ll..seo,dlip,amH;'eldy.m.,l I to , li; ,: p:,;: '''•'; •■""!■; was Hoon screwed down, aii.l il.c men were Ald.'anein a deathlike swoon. .i"'- ami Tho earria^^cs were n-turnin^ from the ^, ave when she ■M^.. in he.'an,e .'onscmus. | J,.isi„. ,,,,,,„. j,,^. .„ ••^Iie looked out, and said:— . "They have returned. All then is over. liavnmnd ""d my heart are buried L.-ethor." -it.ivmon.l A short time afh-rward she "arose and ^lowlv and '-'•l.v ^yalke.l n.toan adjoinin. roon. Aldeane follow ;--'-•.... much what her motn'e couhl he. : ' •"-""" "I'pa-ent. The weddin,. dress ami paraphern.. ;y';i".".u.l.ed. Approachi,.. it she sat 'h.w " . ..ok the Garments in her hands, passing then, over tlu^hstemi.^satn.an, throu.il the, olds of nehlaee. A c. 1 et lay l.es>d.' her. ( »penin,r it. she took from it n^.l...^.setof.l.amomls-Kaymo„d's.i,. sheclas:.: '""I'.^l't tell u,,on the sparklim^. .<.n.s, smiled almost 212 ALDEA.VE. ,„ock\nMv. Aanm m,cU»ping them Ac replaced them '"^^::irA;s™aYS;r;^--oon,et me h! h„,« i^ ."y;f •«"i,,t':.-i,,' r;; t" ::^ V mv hanpv nuptial-tlay. ln« tliamoims i ^iv j me ThcMCwels of Heaven will Hliine l.nghtei lot me. Weeping, Aldeano murmured her promise. "Now leave me alone a little while. Vklole turned away, and went to her own room, and pl^c d tl" W - drawer of her writing-desMhen throwin' he self upon the hed she wept, until tied nature daimed repose in sleep, while Leonore m solitude wrentreating 5iat heavenly strength and gmdanco ^hich alone eould enable her to live under the dire afflictions that had darkened her young We. ;m she replaced them (1 each article of the lompletoil Hhe i)acke(i 2k trunk, locked it, and cy, sayint;; : — low it will be soon, let iS, for that will indeed iamonds I give to you. inr;, in remembrance )t hine brighter for me." er promise. while." t to her own room, and )f her writing-desk, then she wept, until tired hile Leonore in solitude strength and guidance to live under the dire young life. CHAPTER XXV. A LONG AND FATKFUL TALK. For several days after the terrible excitement produced by Raymond's death and burial, Aldeane felt but little curiosity to leani more of his life than that which had been so tragically revealed, but one day a few words from Mr. Blake caused her to remember that it was toward him Raymond's vengeance was directed, and also that he h;ul insinuated that his story had been written for her perusa!, because of some possible benefit it might one day be to her. Thinking of all this, she retired earlier than usual one evening, and although she was quite wearied out with much attendance upon Colonel Arendell, who for some days remained extremely ill, and with quiet devotion to Leonore, whom she saw with consternation gave evident tokens, not only of mental anguish, but of decided ill- health, she drew the curtains, locked the door, and taking the packet from its resting-place, seated hert,?lf for its perusal. As was natural the pack^ aroused many painful recollections, and she shed '^ny tears, and hesitated long ere she could break the seal, and even Avhen that was done, the writing, albeit unusually large and clear, seemed dim and blurred to her vision, so 4hat for some time she could scarcely trace even the divisions of the lines. When she had somewhat composed herself, she saw that the manuscript was without preface of any kind, and that it began abruptly thus : — " Thirty years ago, Grassmere, the place now owned by 214 A LDICA Xi: Cnliincl Ari-iidi-U, was the proporty of lii« '.>r()tl)er Williiiin. "Tills l.rntluT was wilil and oxtravatrant, yoi of an o])cn, kind disposilioii, and u'lncroiis to a fanlt. Ah sncli men nxnally arc, lif was liilovcil by all, and by all imposed npoii. ' The place had lurn left to him hy his father, free from debts, b\it dinns, though she violently opposed his accommo- datinir any one else in the slightest degree, C "William Arendell at this time owned two mulatto girls. One was exceedingly handsome, named Sainira. it is of her alone I have need to speak. That woman, who Ptill lives, and is known to you, bore to her master a son, the unhappy being who pens these lines to you." Aldeane knew all this, yet she i)ansed to think of all the misery this knowledge had eavised the proud heart, now forever still, and then with an eager desire to leani more, she caught up the ])aper and continued : — "Strange to say, my father owned me as his child — even loved me. I was like him, Avith tiie addition of a childish beauty perfectffb-emarkable, and which rapidly increased Avith my yv.wMt^uw may think this a strange thing for me to speak o^Tbut it accoimts for my father's \QyQ — not always under these circumstances a sequence to patennty-j*nd also for some thhigs which happened later. "I was a happy child, a very hap])y child, until I became about six years old. vdy mother was virtually mistress ol the jilantation ; and even the master of it, had he wislied to do so, scarcely dared to cross me. 1 i if •ty of liis 'ifotlicr iQ;ant, yei of an ojh'ii, fault. Ah such men and 1>y all inclosed ni by his fatlu r, fri'o ug after hv ohtnincfl B deeply indebted to /> AM .V /■;. .oj,- rcinetiii.er iinw (iiat t!ie plantation was tlic sc^^nc of a thousand wild orgies, and ihat a great many of (he least favored negroes nioiirncl over them a great il.al, and then suddenly disappeared, sacritiees to their master's extravagancies. "At last tlicn> came a time wlion, for siv luoiitlis or more, scarcely a guest entered the liouse, and my father seemed a changed man. At the end of that time lie entered my mother's cabin, took me on his kuee, played with me a short time, and tiien suddenly kissing me, said, 'Samira, 1 am going to be married !' "My mother threw herself into a chair, clasping her liands over her heart, as if to repress some vic^lent'emo- tion, but failing, wept passionately. 3Iy father looked at her sorrowfully. I st niggled to get away from him, that, I might go to comfort my motiier, whose wild grief 1 could not comprehend; but he held me tightlv, caressing me, and bi love, my own, then you will not trample upon thai low-born *''""'Jno ! no 1 his beauty conquers me ! William, I for- give you, let him be the same as ever to you. 1 will try not to be jealous.' ••»„<• i„.r -it "Tears rose to her beautiful eyes, m spite ot her at tempted -ayety, and with an inarticulate exclamation she sprang from his embrace, and ran away to give vent to her grief and surprise in solitude. " I reniained with my father, asking him many questions concerning his wife. He replied to none, but bade me leave him. I did so, and looking back, caught a glimpse of his tace, paler and more sorrowful than I ever saw it before, or for a long time at\er. "From this time my mistress treated me very kincllj , and at last really loved me. My mother soon loved, as much as she at first had hated and feared her and became entirely reconciled to her who had so completely superseded her in her master's affections Ihree yeais passed, in quiet happiness to all "^^ ^'-J™'"^.- „^" children had come to open a new world of aftection to the young wife, and strangely enough she showered /^ IICSS T ^ LDKAyE. 921 xcitcfUy. "VVnilc sho face. I was then, ami fhcauty. Ah I lookc.l [1 witnoHsed ; hor Htfin and catching lier dross where did pa— Massi- ng on her knees, looked brilliant jewel. ' You [»c murmured, 'I love around her. ' My love, iple upon thai low-born crs me ! AVilliam, I for- as ever to you. I will pves, in spite of her at- narticulatc exclamation, d ran away to give vent ude. sking him many questions I to none, but bade me ,g back, caught a glimpse owful than 1 ever saw it } treated me very kindly, ly mother soon loved, as ,ted and feared her, and er who had so completely 1 affections. Three years ) all at Grassmere. No lew world of affection to ly enough she showered much of her love upon me, making me Iier constant attendant Shc^ taught mc to read ; and being quick- wilted and an\ious to learn, I made great progress. I was soon able u. n>a.l to her as she sewed. All ! how many happy hours I have passed in her room at Grass- mere, sitting at her feet, reading works that instructe.l us well as amused me ! oftentimes interrupted by lu-r sweet voice, exi)laiiiinp; difficult passages, or laughing with me over some humorous scene. How much 1 learned to love her you can easily imagine. " As I became oM enough to feel the degradation of slavery, I longed to Hee from it. To go, no difference where, so that I was unknown. The only drawback to this longing, was the grief I felt at leaving my mistress. The negroes, except my nu>tlier, Aunt Itoxy, and her son Abel, I detested and despised, and would willingly have parted from them forever. " Preparations were many times commenceed for our departure for the North, but mother could never endure the thought of leaving her old home, so it was indefinitely postponed ; and when I became about ten years old it seemed likely to be delayed forever. "All was peace and serenity at Grassmere, when sud- denly a terrible tempest swept over it, devastating its beauty and destroying all happiness forever. Of the nature of this calamity I shall not speak. It is a secret m the Arendell family, and I can not disclose it even to you. Sufficii it to say, it took from our home its master and from our hearts all peace and happiness. I shall never forget the day that the impending evil first became apparent to us. Jolin Arendell came to Grassmere, and a scene of stormy recrimination and earnest denials took I'lace in the trumpet-vine arbor. The brothers parted in anger, and to this day remain unreconciled. " Oh ! what darkness fell upon us that night ! Dark- ness that rests over one in the grave, and upon inv heart 222 ALDEANE. to this .lay. I Hhudaer as my thon(?hts tarn to that .Iroafl- ful time, aiul as quickly as possihlc I will pasr, over it. "The last time I saw my master, he was a fugitive trom the law— I will not say just iec. My mistress, aeeompa- nied only hy me, at midnight, led a horse to the e.^-o ot the woods below Grassmere, and there we bade hmi lare- well; wo did not think forever, but it was even so. "I can not tell you all that we suHered at that tnno- not from bodily want or privation, but from deep bitter- ness of spirit. Mrs. Arendell, mother, an.l I, were to go to Cuba, where ray master was to join us. Arrangements were made as speedily and qui.'tly as possible Ihey were but partially made when my mistress's only ehil.1 was born. Her sister came to her, to tind her dying. Not many days elapsed ere the young mother died,leav- in<^ her helpless child in the care of her sister. This was my first great grief. I shall never forget the utter wretchedness of my heart as I gazed upon the corpse ol mv beautiful younu mistress. 1 placed some white rose- buds-her favorit. iiowers— upon her fair bosom and within the pale, wa.vcn hands, my heart swelling with the deep grief that neither expressed itself in words or tears For some time I remained as if stupefied ; so fully did 1 realize that mv best and only powerful friend on earth was removed from me. Yet, even with the full sense of desolation resting upon me, I had no conception ol the trials that awaited me. IVriiaps it would have been bet- ter for me had they been fully revealed, for my body as well as spirit would then have sunk under it ; I should have followed my beloved mistress, without further pain or Buflfering, to an eariy grave. , „ j " The day of the funeral arrived. John Arendell and his wife came to Grassmere, and many neighbors flocked in-some with curiosity-all with sympathy depicted on their faces. In utter abandonment to my deep gnef, I lay over r.ather than sat at the foot of the coffin. The A 1. 1) A' A A'A*. )>2'.i ts tarn to that ilrcad- [ will pass over it. ic was a fugitive from V iniHlress, aocompa- iiorsi' to the Vi^<*o of •re wi' ba(U' liiin lare- it was c'vc'ii so. irttTi'tl at that time- but from (k'op bitter- lor, aud I, were to go ill us. Arrangements y as possible. They mistress's only child r, to tind her dying, ing mother died, leav- her sister. This was ver forget the utter •d upon the corpse of need some white rose- her fair bosom and eart swelling with the :8elf in words or tears, upefied ; so fully did I .erful friend on earth I with the full sense of no conception of the , would have been bet- •ealed, for my body as ,nk under it ; I should 8, without further pain 1. John Arendell and lany neighbors flocked sympathy depicted on lit to my deep grief, I )ot of the coffin. The negroes, weeping loudly, wi-re gathered around. I can not reraeml)er any tiling of the services. I neither hcnrd nor saw any thing. I was aroused from scnii-iineonscicnis- ness by seeing some men approach to raise the cotliii. 'I'he ulster of tile corpse bent down and kissed her, and with a wild cry of despair I rushed Jbrward to look once m< re upon the dear face soon to behi.ldeii from my gaze forever. " Mrs. Arendell k^at near inc. Fixing "her cold eyes upon mo disdaiiifully, she turned to the servants, com- manding them to 'Keniove that child.' "Xo one lieeded her words: wlien, in a peremptorv tone, she repeated them. The servant who came with them caught me in his arms and carried me, sobbing loudly, away, llie fountain of tears was opened ; a child's grief took the place of the passionate despair that had bound me. I begged to go to the grave, but was not permitted to, and long before the funeral train returned I had cried myself to sleep, only to awaken to deeper agony. "John Arendell and his wife remained at Grassmere with their overseer, Richard Blake, to settle affairs with the sister of the deceased. A long conference took place in the library, and excited voices were heard contending loudly. The result of this was, that ^Miss Nellie— as the servants called her— took the child, declaring that as they wished to wrong lier out of most of the property, they might take all ; that her pure liands should never touch one cent of the money, and that she should not even bear the name of the Arendell family. All that wo could glean was, that Colonel Arendell had bought large claims upon the estate, most of which my mother'declared were false, for since his marriage, William Arendell had been exceedingly prudent and economical, and had paid nearly all his debts. Colonel Arendell seemed much ex- cited during his stay at Grassmere. Mrs. Arendell and the overseer transacted all the business. Arendell was a 32( A li)i:ake. more autoiiiivton in tlu ir liiu«ls. Tho nofrrocH all UkfiJ, yet dcspJHcd him, ftH iniu-h as thuy Imtod aiul fciiroil hi« wife. Tlu'y a'r«'a«ly t'llt llir in>ii rotl l>y which hIic rulftl, and Hoorc'tlv i-oImUciI anaiiist iicr nnjuBt authority. An-n- ilcll was mon- a slave than any in hiH wife'H handH, obey- in-,' her slii^htest eaprice more in fear than love, even sin- ninj^ deeply to -iralify In r avariee and love of po^er. Silt- was a heantilul demon. Thank (iod, I.eonorc does not even resemhle her in person, and, I Inixt, does not possess one of her vile jjroi.ensities ! She was avaricious, eruel, and unprimipled ! What worse can he saiil of a woman ? ".Miss Nellie letl with the little orphan t-o days ailer the funeral, leaving her small fortune in the hands of Colonel Arendell, assnriii!; him that it should ni'ver he claimed. I never saw or heard of either atlerward, hut I trust that they both prospered. (Jod has ])romised to l)rotcct tlie good, and she was truly one of that -lass. "The estate was soon settled, and immediaio prepara- tions were made for removing a part of the property to Arendell House. "Mrs. Arendell wished to reside at Grassmerc, as it ■was much handsomer than the house they then occupied, but the colonel combated this desire with unusual reso- lution and firmness. He se( mod to have taken the great- est dislike to the place that 'lad been the home of his childhood and youth. His mind was ever busy conjur- ing up the forms of those, whom he, an unwilling instru- n\ent in the hands of his wif;;, had wronged. As quickly as possible, he removed a part of the family, including my mother. Aunt lioxy, her son, a!>d mysvli' to Arendell House, leaving the others to manage the fai::. and guard the property. A valuable and beautiful place was Grass- mere at that time. With all its present beauty, it is but a wreck of its former self. The house is chilly and dark, with behig always closed, and the grounds, but carelessly w» I tin Y.i pul ('0> all As nin y wliu'h hIic niU'il, St initliDrity. Aivii- wifo'H hanclM, obey- tliiiii lovi', fvon siii- tlllll lovi' of po"iT. (foJ, lit'onorc dooa 1(1, I Inixt, (loi'H not She was uvaricioiiH, HO can bo waiil of a |)lian t--o tlavH ailcr lie in the hnnils of it fihouUl never bo ■ither afterward, but od has ])romist'd to one of that vlass. , immediaJe prepara- •t of the property to at Grassmerc, as it • they then occupied, e with unusual reso- have taken the great- L>en the home of his as ever busy conjur- , an unwilling instru- rongcd. Ah quickly iho family, including I mysvli" to Arendell 3 the fan:, and guard tiful place was Grass- cut beauty, it is but a ie is chilly and dark, •ounds, but carelessly .f LDhlANE. 2dB looked after, are nmning wild, while the half-ruined ar- hors and houses, with their garnitures of untamed lux- uriance, sIk.w plainly that part Jul dissolntion reignii whore ail was onco order and choorfulnoss. " Xo sooner were we settled at Arondoll IIouso, than the hatred <.f its misfriNs toward mo bocamo apparent. ^ on know how such women lovo ; pasHionatoly, unscru- l)ulousIy; so had she loved my father, but whoii siie dis- '•overod that tliis lovo was rojootod, nhe hated liim, and all belonging to him, as pasxiouatoly and unscrupulously. As his child, I was foronl to bosir all the weight of her malice, and it was very, very heavy. " Aldoano, I can not toll you what I siifll^rod from that woman; the numory of whom I would fain cast from mo Inroyor, so utterly do I abhor it. I need not relate tho horrible manner iu which she continually persecuted mo. She madi- mo perform tlu' nujst menial (.tlices, and, under pain of tho lash, forbade nu- to read any thing whatever, hoping liius to break my spirit, humble my i>rido, and' eauso nu- to forgot all that I had learned. In neither did she succeed ; in secret I satisfied my yearning for knowl- etlgo. I thought long and earnestly over many plans of escape from bondage, but lacked surticicnt resolution to put them in practice. I felt far superior to all that sur- rounded me, an*' suppose.! that if I could roach my father, ho would acknowledge me as his son, and by his love and care, reward n>e for all that I suffered at the hands of my cruel mistress. Her conduct laid the foun- dation of that firmness, and pride, which have ever been prominent traits in my character. " Sometimes Colonel Arendell faintly pleaded for me, but a word or a look silenced him, and with a deep sigh and a remorseful look, he M'ould turn away, leaving me helpless in the hands of my tormentors. "At lirst I know that he wished to set me free, as my father had intended to do, but hi« wife would listen to no 10* 226 AIDE Ay E. such proposal. She preferred to keep me to vent her Hpite and malice upon, and ftilly she did it. One can Boarcely conceive of a woman so tierce, bo perKcvenns m her haired as she was. Her black eyes would glow with fury when I approached her, and her white hand ring upon mv quivering flesh. But I will not sicken you further, but pass on to an event that shaped all my lu- '''^Mrs. Arcndell possessed an elegant diamond ring; for some reason she valued it above all her jewels. ^V hen I liad been with her some throe years she lost it bhe was usually very careful, yet sometimes she would leave money and valuables on her table, and none had evei been missed before. Negroes will usually thieve, and those owned by Colonel Arendell were no better than others, but they feared to rob her, and though others ot the family suffered, she was s-afe from depredation. "Consternation seized on all, when it became known that this ring was lost ; search was made in every con- ceivable place, but it could not be found Mrs^ Arendell declared that bhe believed it to be stolen, and hat the culprit, if discovered, should receive a severe whipping. I trembled, lest I should be suspected, and knew that, although I was innocent, I could not prove n yself o be. With the rest, I searched with the greatest anxiety tor the missing jewel, but all in vain, not a sign of it was to be discovered. "The day after the ring was lost, Blake came to me as I was working in the field, and ordered me to go to my mistress's room. I conjectured immediate y for what and my heart sank within me. I knew that I was to be branded as a thief, and I cared more for the disgrace than the terrible punishment that was certain to fol ow ]Mv first impulse was to fly ; but I remembered that that would be useless, and only turn appearances against me So wiping mv soiled bands, and putting on my jacket, i T eep me to vent her ic did it. One can CO, BO perse vcrinpc in i eyes would glow and her white hand I will not sicken you at shaped all my fu- gant diamond ring; ill her jewels. When ars she lost it. She imes she would leave ', and none had ever 1 usually thieve, and were no better than and though others of m depredation, hen it became known ,s made in every con- found. Mrs. Arendell e stolen, and that the ^e a severe whipping, jcted, and knew that, ot prove ii. yself to be. e greatest anxiety for not a sign of it was to t, Blake came to me as rdered me to go to my immediately for what, knew that I was to be more for the disgrace was certain to follow. remembered that that ppearances against me. iuttiug on my jacket, I -i z z) EA yrE. 2-21 walked boldly to the house, and to Mrs. Arondell's apart- ments. I knocked at the door; it was oi)ened by Colonel Arendi'll, who was evidently greatly troubled and excited. Ills wife sat near the window, sewing on some delicate fabric, witli an energy quite unnecessary. ILt face was flushed with anger, and her form trembled with the pas sirn she vainly endeavored to suppress. I went in and stood near the table in the center of the room, twirling my cap in my hand, waiting patiently and fearlessly for her to address me. " The colonel looked at me sadly. 'Junius,' lie bepan ' I am very sorry .' '^ ' "'John,' interrnj.ted his wife, 'you put me out of all patience ! Sorry for him, indeed ! A nigger has no rei)u- tation to lose, and a thief does not deserve one at anv rate!' " I had not been conscious of any feai before this • if any had agitated me it fled at that .noment. I stood Up- right and demanded, in a loud voice, ' Do you accuse me of stealing your diamond ring, madam V " She actually quailed under the look with which I re- garded her. ' I not only accuse you of it, but I know that you did it,' she replied. ' So, give it to me now and your punishment may be less severe than if you persist in retaining it.' " ' You know that I haven't got it. Miss Lucinda,' I answered, in a voice I endeavored to render calm, while it trembled with passion, ' you know it well.' " ' Don't speak to me in that manner, nor look at mo so impudently !' she screamed, working herself into a vio- lent passion. " Colonel Arendell began to say something in my be- half. 'Do you forget that he is the son of .a miscreant^ and that he is a slave?' she demanded, fiercely. 'Leave the room; 'twill neither do him nor you ary good for you to remain ; he shall not escape me !' 238 ALDEANE. " I ike nn aWoct coward he obeyed her, cut to the qnu-^ W hi V n" Un. remark, but hu-kiug strength to resent U , "For some moments ^\c itm.m". » . formed no idea in what way, I >x.uttil lor nc *"" w;I;;;» o.». nug? i k„o« «>« ,»,. huv. u'. day. It lay -M.™ "'" «»'''"' 1"™""^, '" T' , Sh «"Lw. 'You .aw U lying H--, ami stole ,t. hlav . , :i;:p:;xit"not\a.oi. i-u»yno ■"""Aldoane I can i.ot repeat the language in which that ,.„™tl'rlVa„a de Jnncea ,ne. At >a.t Placjng her hand, upon my .honliere, and lookmg do«n my "".?'.t::^,r;r1S;:r, ,^...^ .na I hate yon .. r^^tnll^it-ILlS^^noSrWaUheean.. 1 i t r h tl q n n: ai ai n( tc ni li si w ]u m m be th Wl pe m Btl of it ALDEAX r:. 229 licr, cut to the quick trcngth to resent it ; »t accuser. ,1 silent. "VVhile I that I kn*w was that passed rapitlly I sljould obtain no Cahnly, anil with houtrli, of course, I lhI for her to speak, pense; she hVul lier er, and hissed riither V that you have it '. ■n't it,'ll•ophed,doff- ie the truth when I lo you accuse me V he day before yester- tiniX to one near the , aiid stole it. >Slave, ys gave to me, as being id degradation. ' I did , you ordered me to,' I )f hatred and contempt ; I did not notice the ike it. I shall say no language in which that ?. At last, placing her ooking down into my ave! and I hate you as hate you !' angly, ' and all because hewonld not mairy you! He would rather have married my mother than you !' " She turned deadly pale, but fury l)lazcd from her eyes. Springing uj), slje snatched up .a small dagicer that lay upon the l)ureau,and threw iiersilf upon me with the fury of a tigress. 1 tilt the cold blade pierce my arm; then, with a i)owerful eftbrt, threw lier iiom nie, and rushed from the room, the door of wliiclj closed loudly beJiind me. IJcfore she could reach me I jumped from the porch, and was nmniug swiftly toward tlie negro quarters, wlien IJiake seized me, exclaiuiing: — " ' Not quite so iiist ! not quite so fast !' " I struggled to get free, but he was a young, stalwart man, and held me fast. One of the negroes, at his com- mand, brought a rope, and I Mas soon, panting with rage and exertion, bound hand and foot. I was taken away to an out-house and chained — yes, chained down. " My mother, in agony, looked upon me, but I heeded neither her entreating looks or tears, but fought impo- tently with those that bound me, while they laughed at my blind passion. ' Your blood is flowing now,' said Blake, pointing to the stream that trickled from my shoulder. I'll get a new vhip, and let you ft-el tlie weight of it to-morrow. 'Twill draw a little more, per- haps ! and cool your temper a little.' " I remained for many hours thus chained. I threw myself upon the floor, and, looking at the manacles upon ray wrists and ankles, inwardly resolved that when those bonds were loosed all others should be also. I swore that I would be free. Those who looked in upon me wondered at my calmness ; they could not see the tem- ■ pest raging in my heart, and the fiery thoughts busy in my brain. Not a sigh or a tear escaped me; a new strength animated me. I was conscious that a new era of my life was at hand ; and trusting and believing that it would herald freedom, I calmly awaited it. 3)J A LDEANE. « Nicht came in. Mrs. Aroudell had looked in upou me with triumph, her cruel eyes alittering fiendishly, and with L detested image fre.h in my mind, I lay maturing plans for the future. About midnight 1 hoar.l footsteps oan- ZX appvoaching the house. I shuddered, for loarod that it was my mistress or one of her minions, and wi h a thr 1 ofTy, I discovered that my fears were unfouiided. little Abel had stolen to me in the ^^--k---'- hh wt ing beside was sobbing in my breast. As I fel his wet cheek pressed to mine, I almost forgot my resolution to bearall with stoical indiffercnee. The tears rose to my eyes but I forced them back and begged him to be calm. He soon became so, and told me all I wished to know con- oerning the feelings of the negroes toward ine. Nearly nil believed me innocent of the charge under which I suffered My mother could not come to see m», but Abel hid beccrod to be allowed to do so. He brought me some bread, meat, and an apple. I had not eaten since early morning, but had not been conscious of either hunger or thirst rat eight of food I felt overcome by both^ There was a spring at a short distance, and I begged Abel to get me some water; he did so, and I believe nothmg so re- freshing and invigorating ever passed my hps " I soon sent Abel away, fearing that he would be found with me. He left me, crying bitteriy, while still deeper ancruish crept into my heart at the thought that I should soon be separated from this taithful, though young sharer of my afflictions. I felt that even for the sake of my kindred I could no longer endure my thralldom, imbittcred as it was by the hatred of an evil and designing woman. "The eariy dawn found me exhausted with thought ana watching, vet strong in my resolve to bear my last pun- ishment with fortitude, and then to be a slave n Jonger. For some hours after daylight broke, I was left alone No one came near me, and I began to think that they had forgotten me, when Mr. Blake, with two negro m«n, my 1 1 t B I J !( fi 1( a t( aj M ai P' PJ wi of sp fle Al th( wl wc I sal bul he der T ALDEANE. 231 looked in upo\i me enclifihly, and with ay, matin ing plans ji'r9 imploringly and ithstand that look, ne you ! Indeed, I Mrs. Arendell, and rs. Just as he was er's arm was seized , sprang upon him f and suddenness of rprisc occasioned by sed the heavy whip, from him, and dealt endeavored to pull of the whip, Blake lead, and the blow and he kicked her the way, while I, for jound hand and foot, oved my mother de- sion triumphed over e, unable to speak, I swearing vengeance, md overseer, and the fful imprecations. Mrs. Arendell, ' You , I presume 1' d turning toward me 3lt the blood trickling he whiz of the lash as it cleft tlie air ; but above all, I remembered the low moan my mother had uttered as she sank beneath the bloAV of my ])ersecutor. It rang in my ears, nerving me to bear tliat, under which, else, I certainly should have sunk. A shrill cry, that I could not repress, occasionally escaped me; and when tl»e punishment ceased, from sheer exhaustion, from no will of my own, I was silent. "Mrs. Arendell laid lier hand upon my bare shoulder, and my flesh shrank from her touch. Every muscle contracted, so deep was the loatliing that my whole being bore towar.l her. 'Wo liave taught him submission, I think, Mr. Blake,' slie said with a fiendish smile, and a viperish glitter in lier cruel eyes. " The overseer smiled savagely. Wiping the perspira- tion from liis brow, lie raiseil the whip as if to strike again, but a gleam of pity must have entered his heart, for the blow fell upon the empty air, and he commenced loosing me. ^ "My mother was again conscious, and slowly, as if just awakened Aom a painful dream, sbe rose from the ground and came toward me. The cold stony look crept into her eyes, and settled upon her face, that I had seen there the night my father brought his bride home. I' She did not scream or cry, when she saw the blood dripping from my wounds. A shudder ran through my frame ; sick at heart, I leaned against lier She placed my shirt over my shoulders, and was about to lead me away, when Mrs. Arendell exclaimed peremptorily : — '"Samira, let the boy alone! we will manage him.' " My mother did not reply, but lifted me in her arms, her strengtli seemed renewed, but mine was entirely gone, and carried me away. Mrs. Arendell called upon Blake to prevent her, but he evidently considered it u danger- ous task to confront that calm, yet deeply infuriated woman. So she carried ie away to the negro quarters, and as I was laid upon a bed, a sharp, excruciatiuir pai:i. 234 ALDEANE. H from ray lacerated flosh, convulse.l my frame, and over- come by my Buffcrinj, mi.ul as well a« body .uccnmbea under this weiixbt of ex(iuisite ajjony, and I famtecl, to awaken with ail the horrors of delirium upon mo. "When I ali- tary candle flickered through the gloom of the a,.artment. My mother was bending over me, the look ot cold de- spair still resting upon her; and my master stood at the foot of the bed. His arms were crossed over Ins breast, and his head was bent low. A sorrowful man did he look, as he gazed upon me. , •„ j " 'They have killed him, Mass'r John ! they have killed him '' were the first words I heard. "A dim recollection of all that had passed swept over me Reaching forth my hand I touched my mothers that lay upon the bed. She caught it with an exclama- tion of joy, and kissed me. Colonel Arende 1 came to the bedside and took my hand. With a shudder, I with- '""^What! do you hate me, Junius?' he asked. 'You know that I could not prevent this.' ,. , „, « 'I know that you are not master here, I replied, sar- castically, ' but you should be. I am your own brother s child ! yet you stood by and saw them try to murder me. Yes! I do hate you! and my revenge shal be terrible " I .vas becoming fearfully excited. Colonel Arendell stood astounded at my words. My mother begged him to go away, and he complied, leaving me to e^«lt over what should be, while he could but grieve over what had ^''"'l received some water from my mother's hand, then turned, and fell into a long and troubled sleep, from which I awoke in a violent fever, suffermg excessively from my wounds. My faithful watcher was still beside me, striving to alK^viate my pain. I lay in bed a week, as much overcome by mental as bodily suflfermg. r t( ■w ir k si tl ul "1 lo di re< pa ke sa^ Sh Ufc aiu < »y frame, and over- ifl body, puccumbcd y, and I fiiinteil, to im upon mo. it WHS nii^lit, a hoH- »m of tlie ai)!vrtmont. lie look of cold de- master stood at the ssed over hi« breast, rrowful man did he ,hn ! they have killed id passed swept over juched my mother's t it with an exclama- cl Arendell came to ith a shudder, I witli- 18?' he asked. 'You ■r here,' I replied, sar- m your own brother's em try to murder me. nge shall be terrible !' ;d. Colonel Arendell ■f mother begged him ing me to exult over grieve over what had If mother's hand, then troubled sleep, from , sufferuig excessively itcher was still beside I lay in bed a week, )dily Buflfering. ALDEANE. 23j 'During all that time I thought only of escape and revenge, but formed no plans to ortbct either. I wa« as yet too weak for connected thought. As soon, however, as I was able to leave my bed, my mind regained all its for- mer strength, and I conceived and matured the i)lan that led to my escape from bondage, "My mistress had found her ring in a desk, in which she had carelessly placed it; so I was free from the taint that had rested upon my character. I saw her once only alter the day upon which I was punished. The rin.' was upon her hand. She drew it oft" when she saw me • and lookmg at me contemptuously, said :— " ' So you didn't steal this ! It is well for you that you did not, or you should have another whiiiping— you are recovered enough now !' '' I did not reply, but merely looked at her. " ' Ah ! what dreadful eyes !' she exclaimed, full of passion and fire ! 'Slave, you shall be sold. I will not keep you to haunt me with your glances.' " She M-ent into the house and I never saw her a^-ain save in my dreams. But ah ! she has haunted me then J She has walked like a specter through every vision of my life keeping alive my hatred, and inciting my deepest and deadliest revenge. "And this is the first part of my life." CIIAPTEll XXVI. TTIK CI.OHK OV TllK FATEKUI, KKCOBD. Aftfu these wonlH, there was a long blank in Uay- the tew pa-en which still remained, and ^^hlch sla pe •usod with ea.n.r. attention. This portion began as ab- ruitVan the iirst had done, and the tirst lines contamed simply the words:— •* " aJS: '.ai,l Won., I .,"My matured a pla,. for ! ■ • effoct Z, aad having rovoaW it to „.y .nothor ob- fiined Voui her all the sympathy, and what, as a bo) , l^lu to iri- more impoAant, all the aid she could m her circumstances possibly render me. .:^cr:irx'=':ts:x3d.o rj'i. „.. -v-r^^rttifisrz •would cause it to be aone a^ai..