The constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1884-1885, February 16, 1885, Image 1

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masses * a a. Y! THE VOL. XVI). ATLANTA. GA.. MONDAY MORNING. FEBRUARY 16 1885. PRICE FIVE CENTS. A COMPLETE PAPER. The Constitution Interests All Classes and ~ Appeals to All Tastes. The leading topics of this week's Issue are: TALMAGE'S SERMON. “SLANDERING CHURCHES.” "By Inheritance," by Mrs. Nora L. Hussey. “At the Capital," items gathered by our special Conesfondents. “Bitter Cold," the mer.ury sinks down out of 8!*ht. “Gordon Slain,” the English leader sUbbelby a traitor. "A Texan Talk," interesting Incidents and reminiscences of Texts life. "Holley’s Piiul,” how the Danites tackle a hut band. # “The Final Act," the countlug and declaration of the electoral vote. "The War Department," some glimpses wllhin Its massive walls. “Old-Time Courting," the cracker's yarns—liow he won hi* first love. Bill Arp's LErncR,” the Cherokee philosopher. “The Romance of Owl Hollow," by Betsey Ham- BY INHERITANCE By MRS. NORA L. HUSSEY. IWrlttcn for The Constitution. All Rights Re* served.1 Synopsis of Previous Chapters.—Mr. Rtverly, dying In an asylum in Eng.aud. leaves his two daughters, Dora and Amy, to the care of their aunt in Georgia. The dying man's only fear is for with her brother. Dr. Weldon, on a plantation in the southern part of the state. The doctor has two sons, Wallace and Bruce. Tbo English girls are warmly welcomed into this pleasaut family, and meet other cousins. Perry Barnard, a hand* some young lawyer, and hts two sisters, Alice and llary. from the neighboring village of Weldon. The first night spent in their new home Dora vis its Amy in her chamber and asks permission to tell her mysterious secret to Dr. Weldon, but Amy objects so passionately that Dora promises to keep actor. After a visit to Mrs. Gullctt Dora meets with an exciting adventure. . Riding home unat tended, after dark, a burly negro seizes the bridle ol her horse. Dora promptly draws a pistol and fires. The wounded negro makes his escape, and the spirited girl gallops home. That night Dora and Amy attend a ball at Perry Barnard's resi dence./Missing Amy, Dora goes in search of her and finds her down by the lako. In a strange frenzy of jealousy or madness Amy bites her sis ter’s sisters arm and darts away. Bbo Is over taken, and the accident to Dora Is attributed to the negro who stopped her on the highway. Amy's subsequent delirium intensifies the excite- menu l’erry Barnard gradually wins the love of Both sisters. Amy Is insanely Jealous of Dora, and the double courtship grows Interesting. CHAPTER XV* While Dora was effecting Mrs. Gulict'a escape from what the-honest hearted old woman con ■ldertd the weary bondage of debt, the elder Mlza _ Hi why, a dtlati. WtU»BUiEqi!*Ui^a- cottamit. •when in was blended nU’tbft bines In creitlou from that of a lopls-loxnll ring to the faint bine' gray of misty morning skies, sat In the sitting- loom at Sedgemoor with Mr. Charles Ardan at her right band. Very lovely and gracious was she. Mainly bo cause she knew herself to bo nu fait as to dress, from the L'tnderclU-lIke foot In Its casing of black Bilk stocking and Bernhardt slipper to tbc heart- shaped corsage with its quilling of filmy old lace. This latter-tho hcartshapodcorsage-whlch was a telling feature In many of Amy’s most bewilder ing costumes, was an eyc-soro to her aunt, who with old-fashioned ideas of modesty, believed that a woman to be well dressed must bo dressed com* plctley. Sleeves short at tha shoulder, and dresses cut away at the breast were reprehensible things In this good woman's oplnlou, and things to bo ac credited to the wiles of the devil. It was with much wordless but forcible protest that she beheld Amy attired In dresses, the lace of which, instead of concealing, served only to heighten the effect of warm flesh tints and curvlug breasts whose delicate blue veins and snowy whiteness were to be seen in occasional andfrug- Costive glimpses. 0 , Hence when Dora bad galloped off and Brace was gone to the plantation, Mrs. Rasdall betook herself to the gardens where her fall roses were making a wilderness of fragrance and bloom. Amy accepted the sitnatlon with a gentle ac quiescence, being upheld by the consciousness of an irreproachable toilette and. In a mild way, be ing made more terrible than an army with ban ners by this combination of mull and lace and ribbon and the slippered feet and the low-cut cor- SSgCv It was now October, but the boat wss still in tense. The windows fronting the lawn were thrown open. The dreamy October sunlight lay upon the grass and the brilliant geraniums and the roses. The breeze, baldly strong enough to stir the golden ringlets of Amy’s hair, esma to them rose-lAden, geranium spiced, heavy with perfume and all the delicious sensuousnoaa of a southern October. "What if I were to tell you that you remind me of a woman I loved once, long ago?" Arden was saying. while Amy with great deliberation was selecting a shade ot floss for her Kensington work. "A woman I loved very dearly;" he went on. "What became of her?*' There wu no sort ol nervousness or Jealous fear in the question; her voice was sweet, and low, and Fymiathctlc. "She died. That was years ago. I was a mere boy. I vowed I would never love another woman—" "What a relief that most afford your friends,’ she Interrupted, laughing softly, “and what an amount of anxiety it saves one. Generally, you know, one Uvea in dread of an Impending declara tion.” "Then you arc fully resolved upon spinster- hcod?" falling into her tone ot jesting. ••It would seem so. Dora sap it will kill her to tee me married. And Dora's whims and fancies have teen the unwritten law of ray life ao long that I never dream of going counter to them.” ••Then yon are going to make me miserable, just to gratify Mbs Dora’s selfishness?" The question wss put laughingly. It remained for her to determine its spirit by her answer. Bbe laughed softly. ••I am afraid so. Unless t can muster sufficient courage to flee from the wrath of—” "A stem parent In the guise of a sister, eh?” he putin. "I rather like that idea. Thera Is some thing deliciously Intoxicating in an elopement, Isn’t there? A mad ride in the moonlight-the sensation of going on together through the ulght- • trembling little hand in yours, and a timid, throbbing heart beslda you." HU voice waa losing something of its Jesting tone. A new light had kindled in bis eye*. HU lace was glowing with the spirit of passionate ad venture. ••Were you In earnestr’ he asked, after a pause, ••About whet?” ••About MU Dora, Is tt coasiieraUoa tat Ms wishes, merely, that causes your delay in answer ing the questions I have pat to you?” “How do you know it is not consideration for you?” “You must not make this a matter of jest. The best klnduess to me would be out-spoken sincerity.” She was still smiling, as she bent over her em broidery. If she wss conscious of bi« steady gaze, the smiling face, with its sea shell color lathe checks, and its deeper color in the curving Ups did not betray her. She was bending forward, her face half-turned from him. The soft air stirred her yellow hair, snd set her laces in a tremble, as Arden looked at her. He observed with a yearning and torturing distinctness, the grace of her snowy neck where the loose curls lay lightly, the shell-like ear, and the wsrm, throbbing breast under the rich laces. "What of your vow?" abe said, after a moment. “I did noCknow then that I should see you.' "How very like a man, that Is—" she began, Uiighing again. ••Will you never be serious?" he asked, rising impatiently. “When a man offers you his heart and bU life you might at least be gracious euough to answer him with directness." ••Do I lack graciousness?" The tone of the question being a most forcible refutation of the charge. “I hare told you why I did not answer you, Mr. Arden. When I make my peace with Dora, on this point, I will give you the answer you wish," Something in the proud dignity of her manner repelled while It attracted him. Just at this;critical moment, before the force of his passian could bridge the chasm which her coldness created, Dora came Into the ro^m with Bruco following close behind her; and, at the same time Mrs. Rasdall and Wallace came through the opposite door from the gardens. An hour later, when luncheon was over and they were wandering about under the trees on the sbsdy side of the lawn, Mr. Arden took occasion to speak with Dora. •There is something I’d like to ask you;" he said, walking on by her side, and speaking some what hurriedly. "When one Is asked to make a decision Involving one’s own happiness aud that of another, should one hesitate because of some selfish whim on the part of a third party?" "1 do not understand. Why do you ask me this?" She raised her face towards him, and a perplexed ook came into her eyes. Bcr’s was a frank and Innocent face, young and very winning, with none of that aelflshness of which she had been accused upon It; and, in its mingled gentleness and strength, asshe looked up waid he could see no evidence of notionatenes*. Before be answered her, a awlft thought that Mircly there must be a mistake somewhere, came into his mind. He gave this thought uo expres sion ; but, Instead said with something very lik° authoritativeness: "Will you answer me, If you please, before I ex plain myzclf. I want your unprejudiced opinion.” •Tt Is hard to say;" the gentleness of her nature leading her on to obey his request. "Such de cisions are not always cosy to reach, becauso one's happiness Is not always independent of everything else. It may be that what we call happiness may involve the unhappiness of somebody. In that ease, what are we to do?" Bhc ceased suddenly. They had rcachad a grape arbor, and were standing idly picking to pieces the fullblown flowers. A rastle and a slight movement of the vines attracted their attention, ".'•nukes;" Ardens*Id as Dora rw^lsodlooked towards the spot, whenoa tha rattling was heard “Go on, please. ‘In that case, what arc wo to do?* yon were saying." *'I find it difficult to answer you, because Ido not know what you are thinking about. Do you mean the happiness of two pcoplo who lovo;c*ch other? There are many kind* of happiness." "Are there? It seems to me that the only hap piness on earth for me ts the poatlaslou of a certainly little woman I know. Now, do you understand me?" Shcfgrew pale, and a frightened look came into her brown eyes, now misty with tears. "Yes. Now I can answer yon plainly. Do you remember what George Elliot makes Maggie Tulli- ver say7 Tf Hvo did not make duties for us before love comes, love would be a sign that two people cught to belong to each other.' 1 think nothing but a sense of duty should separate' two people who love each other. Certainly noielflsh whim or wish of a third party could be powerful enough to do that. Love Is a very sacred and holy thing Mr. Arden. There should be no question of selflsh- ■cis considered In connection with it" "And yet yon object to your sister’s marriage. Can you blame her if she disregards this whim of yours?” The question was a stern one; and yet, for some reason, he had not put it sternly. There was something in the little figure-sho could easily stand erect under bis out stretched arm—or In the little face with its big brown eyes and its pathetic, trembling lips which moved him to gentleness end affection, which moved him also to a certain blind trust in her. and an increasing belief In the thought that there must be a sad mistake some- here. “Did Amy tell you this? Did Amy say It was merely my selfish desire to keep us undivided which caused me to object to her marriage either with jou or anybody?" hbc spoke slowly and quietly. There were no longer sny tear* In her eyes. Her face wu stern and stave. Not these words: but to that effect. Bbe promised that if she could make peace with you she would gire me the answer I wish.” I am surprised that you and she should have given so much thought to as small a matter as my selfish whim, merely. If my uncle consents to this marriage, and Amy consent* I cannot see wbat weight my wishes could possibly have. Be fore you go farther, Mr. Arden, my advice to you is to consult my uncle. It may be that be also will have some whim or wish—" 'I trust you are not offended—" he began. 'I cannot reasonably bo offended against you. B em deeply pained that Amy should have jut me In this falie light before yon. I have no wish beyond my sister’s happiness, Mr. Arden. It is for this that I have striven all my life. If I thought her marriage wonld bring happino* cither to her or to the man of her choice, believe me so far from opposing It, 1 should rejoice with her—” ••I^o not understand you;” he interrupted. Amy is amable,gentle, and loving; the is bril liant and beautlfuL Why should she not make a happy wife?" I cannot answer you. You will understand when you have talked with my uncle. Promise me that you will go no further until you have consulted with him.” The urgent appeal was not to be resided. He gave her the promise. Then, for the first time, be r how faint she bad grown. Will you let ms take you into the bouse?” he sold gently. ••This talk has taxed your strength too much." But she refused bis assistance and went on Midway between the rose-arbor and the veranda by a turn in the garden-walks, she raw Amy going to meet Mr. Barnard, her face all aglow with mer- Dora sighed heavily and quickened her steps, in order that she might not eome face to face with m. It only you could have been with ms a mo at ego;" Amy exclaimed, as she held out her Pfpg to Perry. “I aclutlijr overheard Mr. Ardea discoursing ?o Dora upon love aud duty." “You seem to get a great deal of amusement out of it. I thought Atdeu was your individual property. W’hat has he been aaylog to Dora?" “I could not hear distinctly. Something about the only happincu ou earth lying In his pftueslon of a certain little woman's heart." “Indeed? Aud you are actually laughing at your loss? I am afraid you are 'fair but fickle,' little cousin. And what did Dora say ?” “Oh,(Dora preached, of course. Dora is nothing If not a preacher, you know. She quoted George Elliot, Tflivodidnot make duties for us before love comes, lore would be a sign that two peoplo ought to belong to each other.' Her voire was very tearful. I had no thought that Dora would go this way, had you?" "None whatever.l must confess.” She glanced searchingly Into his face as hespoke, but he wore that Impenetrable quietness of ex pression which wss always a. mask for his thoughts: and his voice wss even and monotonous in it s Intonations. It became Impossible tor any human to guoei either liis thoughts or his meaning when he entrenched himself behind that face and that tone. "What do you thiuk of It all?" she asked after a few moments. "Think of what?” "Mr. Arden's declaration and Dora’s answer." Her faco was still calm and smiling: bat there was a slight uneasiness In her voice. "Arden is a splendid fellow; worthy of any woman I know." "Then you would like to see Dora married to him?" "Now that Is quite a different matter, ma chore. I am a very selfish fellow. I’d like to »ee every lady of my acquslntauco an old maid desperately in love with me!" He laughed lightly, and laid hfs hand on hers. "Any how;" he went on. "I am very glad Arden lisa decided not to lay claims to you." CHAPTER XVI. If Amy's intention in giving Mr. Barnard her version of the conversation between Dorn and Mr. Arden bad been to surprise that gentleman Into a betrayal of annoysneo or Jealous fears, she must have been wofully disappointed; for, neither at that time nor afterward did his faco loso that ex pression of calm Indifference which it had worn from the beginning. At different times dnring that afternoon aud the evening which followed ho found Amy's eyes stealthily searching bis faco; and, although to all appearances, unobservant of her stolen glances ho nevertheless felt a certain degreo of nervousness. He felt sure that Amy’s extreme graciousness of manner foreboded 111 for Dorn. And Dora's ssfoty was, to him, tlio one all Important result to bo secured. lie had paid no heed whatever to 'Amy's dis closure. His mind, always quick in its workings, bad reached a definite solution of that enigma, He felt sure Amy had told him either a half-truth or a whole falsehood. If Dorn had Indeed spokeu the words attributed to her, they were spokeu for another, not for herself He looked across the parlors to tho piano whore Dora sat talking to Bruco and Lcali who had como for a week's visit to Bedgcmoor. Every lino and curve of the llttlo dark faco bo- spoke .candor and truthfulness. It was a be witching face. Arden, or any other mau might well yearn to sec tho lovc-llght upon tt. Had ho understood Dora less completely, his jealousy would not have needed Amy's words to stir It into life for the first time. Her whoor,^ modesty and strcctnos, her bright, couUgfou* ckceiruincsR, and th»*«rengih and unselfishnesso her nature to which her dally life bore uncon ecJous testimony msdo up a character whloh can not go through lifo without wlunfng earnest and true love from many hearts. "I must sco to It that Amy does not give hern free translation of my words;" he thought, as the sweet, unconscious face took more complete pos- tcffion of him. "1 am determined that sho shall not make trouble tetween us. It la ridiculous to hang around the edges this way. Better have a clear urriciftsndirg, at once." Arrordlrgly, when they were leaving the dinner table be seized his opportunity, and led her out uyen the veranda. "Amy tells me that Arden has bowed before a new shrine," bo said. "And that you dismissed bis suit with reluctance. Are you developing into • coquette at this late day?” He was milling. Evidently he had no faith In his words. "I am afraid I shall bo compelled to accuse Amy of misrepresenting tbo truth;" sho said, after a •Iff bt pause. "She knew perfectly well that Mr. Arden was talking of ber own love-affair." "Then yon did quote George Elliot?" still rmiling. "Yes, and I beard the rustic of Amy's skirts; •nd I was well aware of her presence;” she spoke with some bitterness. Her heart was filled with resentments. Bbo was not a forgiving or a sweet-tempered woman, sometimes. Bho was quick to rasent, aud slow to parden all want of honesty or truth. You mutt not be barxb, little’Dora. That is your fault, yon know. Your Judgments are very severe, sometimes." He spoke gently, and laid a handonhsrs. Al though he trade no mention of the one whom she wss judging, »bc read bis thoughts and caught his meaning. Tho tears sprang to ber eyes, and ber firm lips trembled. "f ball I tell you wbat wu said?" Her voice bad dropped Into a gentle childish- tin*. H.e old Impulse to trust to his guidance, and to yield to lus wishes waa strong upon her. “If you wish to do so. First though, before I hear one word. I wont to fell you that f hare per fect cr rfidmee In jour sincerity and true-hearted ness. I am quite sure that whatever you laid was Mid with no thought of seif. Unless, little Dora;" his volte growing marvelously tender. “Unless the experiences of your own bMit, without any will of yours, gave shape to your words. Is not that true?" A* he spoke a radiant Joy shone out of her tear ful eyes. But when he ceased she did not answer bis question. Instead, she went on, like a child making cenfcsslon: "Mr. Arden told me that Amy bad given my selfish opinion to their marriage ns a reason for her tardiness In answering his suit. And be came to quarrel with me about It. Actually, to quarrel,’’ she*repeated, laughing softly. "At first I did not know what he meant and I answered him upon general principles. Afterwards when I understood him fully, I—Did I do wrong? I re ferred him to Uncle Weldon. I now regret having done this; but I was outraged and indignant—" You did quite rl|ht;" the sternness coming In to his fare. "It Is test that Arden should know the truth. Though, in all frankness. I do not think the troth will weigh one atom against his love for Amy. Men sre strange creatures. We doubt everything In the univene except our ability to achieve happiness la onr own way. If Amy tells you that I expressed my unqualified ap proval of your union to Arden, you most not be lieve ber blindly. Do you bear? And you mtm be more patient with Amy, little Dora. No, no! Do not jump at conclusions;" setlng her face flush, I have not Mid you were impatient. I have nothing but admiration and-and love, Dora, for your conduct towards your sister. But darker days are ahead ol yon, I fear; sad we most prepare ourselves lor them. Your George Elliot may be tbt true rule. You must be the Judge ©I that. Bat tome it seems very plsla bow two people can belong to each other and also fulfil the duties life bM made for them. Do you understand?" He waited lor aa gaiwer. but It did art com* Iu the moonlight her face shorn pale as death TLehnud he held closed fast upon his. Beyond tlia', she made uo souud or movement. Afler a few moments he went on: “Once I hod almost dtelded to give my life as a sacrifice for Amy's reason, for your take, little Dora. At that time I believed it possible to avert this calamity, and I knew that If I were to accom plish such a result, your life would bo lifted out of the cloud which envelops It." His voice was low, and grieving with the Intons a t motion which, by an effort of bis masterful will, he b?!d in lubjcction. Ho was leaning forward to *et a better view of the face far below lit*shoulder. Ills marvelous eyes—tender, earnest, appealing yet commanding—were fastened upon her. She could no longer resits the magnetism of those eyes. Slowly—slowly, she raised her face and looked steadily at him, as ho kept on spook ing "Do we not belong to each other, little Dora?” The thrill (ng passion in bis subdued voice 'swayed her as a strong wind sways the pine trees. Korn moment she held to his hand for support. 1 or a moment she yielded to tbo rushing torren c; joy, to the warm thrill of rcstfuluess which his -eat-spoken love brought her. "Answerme,little|Dora. Can any duty, bolt never so exactly, overcome that fact? Can sny- tbtng-timc or circumstance—separate us now? It Is not a question of happiness with us, drar. That may or may not come. You have taught me 4*bw4o live without that. I do not Mk you to give ycAmelf to me. I know well enough, that you c*e a duly to Amy which you would fulfil even if I»,u had to put me out of jour life altogether. Tils Is wbat 1 ask you. dear: let me help you ful fil tbst'duty. No help can be as great or ss.swcet to you ss my confessed loro for you; just as noth ing on earth can give mo tbc strength or comfort that I shall find In the knowledge that your heart is mine. It may be that I shall go to Washington after awhile. You will be herc;bearlng your bur dens, I shall bo there bearing mine. Before I go I want to lie sure that the distance Is to bo bridged. I want to know that away down here In Georgia the re is a little womau whoso heart Is my refugo and resting place. 1 am an ambitious man. There aro many things In life that 1 crave. The tempta tion is to bo restless, grasping, selfish, considerate only of my reputation aud the honors I may win But your love-or rather tho lovo of you-has given stability to all tbo little rood that Is Iu me. 1 feel that my life was meant to bo noble, and nobly loving. Will you lot it bo such, llttlo Dora? ! do not ask you to be my wife. After awhile, plesse God,! shall ask that too. But now I only ask you to give mo your lovo and trust—to put au end to this uncertainty suspense. Let us under stand etch other fully, and let us make our rela tion to each other so well defined that neither Amy nor any one else can have the power to bring about a inlsunderstaniilug. Shall we do this, little Dora?" Tic reared. In the pause the volcos from tho parlors came to them with distinctness; Leah's low tones, and Amy’s light laughter. That laugh had the effect of hastening Dora's answer. •Tt shall be as you wish. Only, Amy must not know." "Certainly notdrawing her closer to him. "No one need know except Just you and me." An almost boyish merriment was in his voice. Never before had she seen so proud and radiants look upon his face. •Tlsrkl” herald, "Leah Is calling you. Go in aud sing to them. Bing •Swinburne's IP, and I vu *0 into the grove aud listen to you. Do you tflCmTi licUivJnCfciAUbie impulse to toss up my hat out there ou the lawn sad screams si I did iu my schooldays. Walt on# moment! I*ve some thing of urgent importance to say to you." He laughed merrily, and caught her hands in his as ihe turned away. Then, before she was aware of hla Intention he had drawn her close against his breast, and wav khalng her npon forehead, eyes and mouth, "Now 1 know you are mine;" he said, the old Impulse to tcsie her rising strong wUbliCh!m,"aud if you ever break with me I'll tell Amy and Arden that you kissed me against my will-see if I dont! Now I'm going to run away;" saying which, he cleared tha steps at a bound, and walked rapidly towards the river. A few moments afterward a voice clear and sweet, and thrilling with passionate Joy reached him, and he laughed exultantly as he rccognUod the words not put down in her folio: "If Thou wert Life, my darling And I, thy love were Death, etc." Later that evening when Derry and Mr. Arden were gone, and Leah was bidding Mrs. fistulaII goodnight Amy went out upon the vorauda to Dora. "Did Perry tell you ha Is going to Bcrlven to morrow?” "No." Dissimulation wss Impossible. She answered coldly, turning as she spoke to face her sister. We had quite a long talk about you this after noon. He seemed disappointed that Mr. Arden lias not made love to you.” "Did be?” A lurid light flashed Into the bine eyes, but the voico was sweet and calm. He seemed anxious about your futorc. He hinted that if you did not make a brilliant mar riage he would reproach himself. It I* evideut he Is fully aware of your unsought priferenoe for him." The brown eyes flashed, aud a crimson flush spread Itself orer her face. Perhaps—" she began; but Instantly the harsh words were controlled. Wt will not speak of these things, sister,'' sho raid gently. "Mr. Barnard knows a* I well as I do that Mr. A rdea I* your object sieve. As lor m brJJ • lisnt marriage, I have no higher ambltlou than to be an old maid, and to see that you are happy Come, let us go to onr rooms now," For some moments after Amy left her she stood quite still, endeavoring to get control over the emotions raging within ber. Bhe bad spoken tenderly; nevertheless she bad not overcome ber roenuaent. Like oil strong natures, she waa not easily rescued from a positive emotion. 8he wm naturally sweet-tempered: but once moved to Just •Lgcr, the cause of that anger must bo removed before the flame could be quenched. Tie rente in this rase she knew to be Im movable. Her heart arose In earnest, wordless I refer. Nothing but the spirit of the meek end lowly Jctua could sppeare ber righteous anger, or culm her disturbed mind. After a few moments that peace which psaseth under.tending fell npon her heart. Bhe turned »!ow!y snd went Into the house. On her face wm thclcokof one who has conquered himself and who, by tbc victory, is made both humble end strong. As she pasted Leah’s half-open door she saw her guest kneeling before the open window, ber heed bowed upon her crossed anna. “Not yet etloepr’ she asked, going Into .the room, end laying her hand on Leah's shoulder. “I have a message for you from Bruce.” The menage revealed the thoughtful delicacy of her lover. 1 here had been eome llnbcotton stolen from tbc lower plantation. It waa Decenary for Bruce to give the matter his personal attention. To that end, he wu to leave Bedgemoor at day break. He wanted Leah to know three dream- stances, fearing that her sensitive nature might lead ber to suspect that her visit bal caused his sudden disappearance. Time end time again Dora had argued her cousin's cause. Now again to-night the used every possible plea for him. Bnt the Jewish girl wm fixed in ber resolve. “I admit freely that I am held beck by no con sctentlous scruples, as far as my religion Is con* ccrntdshe said finally. • It ts s'.mply tbo tespect which f feel is cue my fithor'H religious be lief, If I were alone. If I were not b3und by ties which cannot be b oken, I should not hesitate a day. But my freedom In volves such awful calamities that I dare nit let my mini dwell upon it. As long as my father aud my mother live I can never mar>y Biticc. And I hope, oh! I pray, that they may out*lIvc me." But life very rarely shapes itself according to our hopes. Just after midnight there came a messenger on horseback to Bedgemoor. Leah was to go iuto Weldon Immediately. Her alher had been stricken with a sudden aud fatal Ducts. (To bo Continued next week.) Br«t Haite'a story, "A Ship of 49," begins next week. Don't miss it. Subscribe nt once. A WC MAN DESPERADO. A Dead Shot filth a Revolver and Very Fond of a Fight. AniLiKR, Tex., Jan. 30—Maud Raynor, the woman desperado, is in jail in this city for as sault. She ia wanted iu a dozen places, ami had aeveral complaints ngsindt her before the one on which she is now held wm lodged. Bhe lived hero quietly until a woman who was jealous of her revealed her idontity to the police. As soon as sho found that she was an object of suspicion she attacked her enemy w ith a club snd almost beat her brains out. Maud Day nor has been a notorious character in this state, the Indian Territory and Kansas for several years. She gained the titlo of woman desperado by reason of her recklcsness of human lifo and her fondness for fights. She goes armed to tho ti cih, shoots with unerring aim, and is quite ns much ut homo with a bowio knife or a club as with a revolver. Sho has managed to es- caite arrest hitherto by reason of the fact that all manner of stories concerning her litve been in circulation, and hcrncftml appearance is very different from tho idea which tho peo ple generally have formed of her. Sho is of compact fromc and about medium height, with a graceful carriage. Her features aro email, her eyes steel gray, and her hair long nnd abundant. In jail to-day sho was raving because her kcopers had taken away her pis tols and knives. “1 aupposo I’ll never see them again." sho said. "When you get iuto one of these esta blishes they always help thcmsolvos to what you’ve got, aud whether yon’re sent un or not they keep all they steal. I’ll hot I’vo turn foil ed half the sheriffs in Texas and Kansas with S ooit weapons in tho lost flvo years. They out get money enough logetber at ono time to buy such things, but they know just onough to pinch them when they get a chance. I played it on n detective up here iu tho Pan handle once. He had been following me lor about a month, and finally when he got me ho took two guns and threo knives away from mo, I snw his eyes liung out m ho looked at them, and I says to him: “ ‘You’ll be well heeled now won’t you?" "He pretended that ho didn’t earoanything about the weapons, and showed ino some of his old firecracker nistols, and wanted me to- sdiniro them. I told him one of my guns was worth a bag full of his, and after getting hi in a little excited 1 grabbed ono ol my weapons to show it to him, I pointed out several of the good points, and then turning it on him I saldi y " ‘1 wont to see Jrour heels right lively now.* “Ho thought I wu fooling for a second, but when tho pis’ol clinked he knew it was busi ness. Then he backed off', and wanted to trade with me. I bad his guns and mine, too, but I told him I wasn’t trading. Just to hur ry him up a little I sent a bullet mighty close to bit ear, nnd a moment later m ho wm edg ing off 1 put another one nen- enough to his other ear to singe his buir. S i«h running you never saw. I watched him t it ot sight. Thon I took his guus snd threw tb ni in tbo river. 1 wouldn’t have been found dead with thorn on me." Maud Rsynor went through the Indian Territory once with about a regiment of Indi ans and white men on her trail. Bbo had been up at a ranch on tho ArkansM river, where a great many desperate characters were centregated, and in a shooting affray in which she took a prominent part the barten der was killed. Every man swore that tho woman wss tho guilty party, aud she recklesly admitted it, though it is probable she wm not tho real offender. Some friends of the murdered man eame along just then, and organized to lynch her. Getting wind of the programme, she stolo a horso, and set out for Kansas, tho man following. Bovor- al Indians joined the pursuing party at vari ous places, until finally thsro were about a hundred men on her trail. She managed to elude them for several days, and coming final ly upon a band ol chivalrous cowboys, sho msdo them believe sho wm apersecuteu inno cent. Her new-found friende promptly agreed to defend her against all comers, and when her pursuers came in sight they were mot by a volley which brought them to a stand. In tho courso of three or four days they conclu ded to abandon the search. The exploit of which she is proudest occur red a year or more ago in the Indian territo ry. She had been up in KansM on tho war path, and making her way back to TexM had lolien in with a rough crowd of plainsmen. One of these was a man named Dutton whom rhe hod known many years before. In tho course of sn evening passed at a ranch on the cattle trail, she had a quarrel with this fellow, •r.d after some harsh words he rushed at her with a knife. Hhe wm too quick for him. He hsd hardly got in striking distance before she put a bullet through hie heart. As he jumped in the air end fell back dead hie comrades n ode a rush at the woman, and would bavo finished her then and there if one of tho men hod not taken her part in a mild sort of a way. As they stopped to parley, she made this prop ositi tinu : “I’ll fight the whole pack of you, one at a time. 1 killed that man, and Pm*'ad of it. 1 ought to have done it years t One man went out with her, and tha two stepped off twenty paces, turned and fired. The men got a bullet in bis shoulder, and wanted to quit. The woman wm unhurt. Standing there resolutely sho called on the others for a victim, but no one stirred. Then •he taunted them, end finally, when she found that they were not disposed to annoy her forth er, she said: ••Now I’m going fo Texas, and I want an ea- cort. How many ol you are going with me?’’ They all agreed to go but two, and to thosa two ihe addressed herself, faying: “You’re just the onwthat I want to go with ie, and you’ve got to go, too." The other* rather enjoyed the effort. Bhe never took ber pistole on them for a minute. They got ber hone out of the corral, mounted their own, and at her command rode on in front of her. When she hod driven them ten or fifteen miles she made them turn back, whila she rode on toward tha sooth. Unless the woman is convicted for the as sault committed by her in this city the other day. it is not believed that she will be punish ed for any of ber other offenses. James Writcomb Riley, tha poet of Ileosfo trdom, thinks Joel Chandler Harris stands at the head of tha writers of artistic dialect AcUoe. "He Is,” Mgi Mr. Riley, “faithful to nature la his •ketches, end he shows ft “* lion. He Is a true artist. NEWS BY WIRE NEWS FROM ALL SECTIONS BRIEF LY CHRONICLED, Resuming Operations - Mretlnf of the Dynamite CLItfs—Tarrad and Festberod-lsploilon of a Colliery-8nfr«rlng for Food and Fuel- Mcstinff of tbo Socialists, Etc. erode Ht end Is rejected, end only that which to sweet end Chicago, February 9.—Within the past few days n meeting ol the dynamite chiefs hu been held in this city. The names and the coming and going ol the members from abroad were kept secret. Tbeio was no display, but the outcome of th* «, ..sultatii/u la expected to produce new actfo ty, and possibly a modifi cation, if not a change, of programme. Chi cago has always been in the van of the Irish. revolutionary movements in this country, and to give to this city and to the northwost a boom in' the dynamite direction, it Iim been •determined to havo O'Donovan Roesa hero on March lltb, next, the anniversary of Robert Kvmet, when he will appear at a publio demonstration. It is to be the inauguration of a new crusade against England, in which, it is laid, other agencies m well tk dynamite will be employed. City of Mexico, Fcbiuary 10.—A secret egentof the revenue atenmp department attempting to act m a spy at Jalcsco, bought a package ot cigar* ettes without a itemp from a poor tradesman. Upon attempting to confiscate tho man’s good, the agent was seized by tbo citizens, doused at tbc publio fountain, and afterward tarred and feathered. Halifax, N. 8., February ll.~LMtovtning a violent exploeion occurred at the Vale Col liery, in the new slope which wss being sunk at McBcam Scam at New Glasgow, and the flames from the burning gas eame rushing up the main slots. As soon as possible the man ager at the mine descended the shaft, bnt was unable to get near any of the men in the inino, of whom there are supposed to havo been about 19 in the pit at the time of tho dis aster. Alter several efforts the rescuing party succeeded in reaching a party of seven men, who were brought to tne surface alive, nnd, with the exception of a few trifling bruises, uninjured. Shortly before daylight three bodies were found and brought up. One other man is known to be dead, and his body Is still in the mine. AU the horses, nine In number, In the mine, were killed. The firo has been extinguished, and not mueh damage has been done by it. riiiUDXLFHiA, February 11.—The distress exist lng in MsunyunV, principally caused by the clos- lkg of the mills, is unparalleled In tbc hLstoryof the place. Fully 10,OU) people are out of employ ment. There Is hardly a block In the place that has not dozens of people suffering for food and fuel, and many ate threatened with election for non payment of rent. A relief subscription hss beer started, which liu expended SI.non, and is anxious to have more help. Since Jauuary 17, I MX) worth of coal hss been given out Bismarck, D. T., February 11,—The Dakota msembly yesterday passed tho woman's auffngo bill by • vote of twenty-nine to eighteen. A can vass of Die council ludlcatus its passage by that body, Chicago, February 12.—AU of the coal mines in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are re ported to have shut down, owing to tho failure of the railroads to handle the stock. Tho mines owned by tho Wilmington coal associa tion were closed Tuesdsy, with the exception of one shaft. The association bM sufficient stock on band here to last until to-night, and has 4,000 tons on tho tracks between tho minoa and Chicago. Thoy havo not received a bushel of coal since Saturday, and tho railroad can give no definite in!<>rin:>licn ns to when tho 1 nibargo will be raised. The condition of (ho Chicogo ngenciea of tho Indinna nml Ohio companies Ts no better. All have slock on tho way, but it it about available .< • if it wm a tbomand feet beneath the surface. Wasiiirgton, February 12. -The way* and means miimftlce 10 day decided lo report the bill pro viding that tho duty on leaf tobacco, of the requf- rile size and of the necessary fineness of texture to bo suitable for wrappers, and of which more than one hundred leaves are required to weigh a l«und, and leaf tobacco, tbe growth of different countries, shall be, when enclosed together in tbe bale or other package, Jf not stemmed, 7ft oen taper pound, and lfstcinmcdtl per pound. Ho much of any package of such tobacco us may not be suita ble forwisppen shall pay a duty of 35 cent* per pound. New York, February 12.—Tbo socialist labor rnrty held a meeting In Concordia hail to-night, snd unanimously adopted resolutions favoring the dynamite policy for Irishmen. Alex JonM began bis speech by exclaiming. "Dynamite, you are my lifer Edward King said irishmen were 'led In using dynamite to revenge the cruelties iad been subjected to. A bottle of sulphur wss found in one of tho galleries. Wild enthu siasm prevailed, but thsro wm no disorder. WagEMva, February li.—Okouoko Levels, a village In Hampshire count/, is ngifttc-l over the discovery that a young lady named Mary Cox, who wm Interred in the village I ravcyard last week, wm alive when buried. lias Cox wss tho acknowledged bells of tbe village and the ebild of a wealthy father. Bho wee recently taken ill with acute neuralgia of the stemach. Morphine in largo doses, to bo given at intervals ol six hours,was prescribed, lly mistake two doses were administered so close together that they produced s stupor ao liko death that Miss Cox wat robed for the grave. No physieian living near, none wm summoned, and the body wm committed to the grave. A young lady asso ciate of Miss Cox’s Mid at the funeral that Mary looked so natural she did not believo he r to be dead, but no weight wm attached to her words. The ftineral took piece Bunder. Wednes day night Miss Cox’s friend dreamed tho ‘ ' waa alive and became so hysterical determined to exhnmo the remains to satisfy her. At tho graveyard it wm dis covered that doge had scratched the earth from the grave to the depth of over a foot. Tho coffin wss uncovered and unmistakable evl* dances found thatMiu Cox wm alive when luterrcd and hsd become conscious afterwards. Tbe parents and friends are wild with grief. Tbe mother has with difficulty been prevented from taking her own life. It is belioved sho will be a maniac for life. Yoi'Xostowm, 0., February 15.—George Gas- sar, a drayman hare, who belongs to a church in Girard called the Followers ol Christ, claims that on last Wednesday night he had a vision and a communication from Christ la which tho latter directed him to offer his four teen-year* old eon m a sacrifice. The next morning he choked the boy and but for interference wonld have killed him. Yesterday bo bought a hatchet, and last night dug a grave in bis hack yard. When the lsd reached home hie father jumped et him with the hatchet raised and inflicted a horrible gash on the head. A fearful struggle followed, and tho boy finally escaped. Seven gashes were cut in bis body, end it is doubtful if be can recover. CsMar barred bit door end walked hb room ell night, spouting poetry and verses from tho Bible. This morning be wm taken oat of tbo bouse by force and lodged in jail. Bines ho joined the Followers of Christ he bM not been bimMlf. Bkllb Plunk, Iowa, February 1ft.—A terri ble tragedy bM just been enacted here. James Burts wm arrested on a charge of attempting to poison certain persons in tho family where be wee boarding. It wm alleged that five attempts bad been made. On Saturday one of tho family raw himputsom. thingxuppoj^lte be strychnine, in tbe teapot when it wm being placed on tbe table, finbsequeatly he wm arrested end pleaded not guilty and was bound over In |59# to appear for trial to-morrow. Later citizens discussed the matter and de ni ended that further security bo given for bU appearance. He wm re-arrested and his bond fixed at $1,090, which was given. To-day h* went to n relative in the country near by, and, after stoutly protesting his innocence, weal into the stable end shot himself, dying in t«r» hours. The family making the charges m excellent people.