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stand, and stood listlessly turning tße leaves of
a large book. Was Ada really changed, or
was it but his own morbid sensitiveness ?
That night must put an end to his doubts; he
could bear it no longer.
A few minutes more and Autbur Bryon led
Ada to the piano, and the vivacity of her exe
cution denied the alleged fatigue ; and as her
delicate fingers flew over the key board, a bril
liant diamond flashed and scintillated in the
place of the band of plain gold, which before
had been the only ornament of her perfectly
moulded hand. One look, and Reinhold turned
in an opposite direction, as if an arrow had
pierced his heart. He could no longer delude
himself with the idea that he was mistaken.
Refreshments appearing, music for a time
' was silenced, and gave place to a genera) con
versation. *
‘This,’ said Julia, holding up a glass of
transparent jelly before Reinhold, who was
near her, l is some of my work; don’t you
think that I will soon make a charming house
keeper. Madam Lamont gave each of us a
written schedule to follow for the improvement
of our minds. Let me think —yes, it was three
hours a day to devote to music, one hour each
for Latin, Freneb, and I talian, two for reading
the light and elegant literature of the day,
besides Butler’s analogy must come iu for the
most profound study, and ’ ‘ the dictionary
of poetical quotations,’ added Alt.
* No, replied Miss Bryon, hor list was com
plete without that. 1 have scrupulously fol
lowed it to the letter, and derive much pleasure
and improvement from it; and I have added
to tbo number of languages those of German
and Spanish,’ and Miss Bryon’s head come
down with a slow, dignified bow, and her eyes
closed in what Julia termed, one of her ‘long
winks.’
* Glad she has opened them,’ slyly whispered
Julia to her near neighbor. Wonder if Eugenie
does that? ‘ I was just about ordering a pil
low for her to take her nap out comfortably.’—
Ella was taken with a desperate fit of cough
ing, and Julia, in the most solicituous manner,
insisted that she should move out of the draft
of the door. ,
I Ma thinks, said Ella, alter her cough had
subsided, that at least three hours of each day
should be devoted to domestic affairs; that in
her opinion no young lady’s education was
complete without a thorough knowledge of
housekeeping iu all its branches.’
‘That,’ responded Ada Dalzelle with a smile,
‘ would do very well for a professional house
keeper, whose thoughts'never soar higher than
a plum pudding or a cabbage.’
‘Tell that is high enough for my wife,’ said
the mischief loviug Alf llintou, mortem accor
dance with my ideas of comfort and happiness
than to be ovorlastingly screeching Italian
800 gs and writiug learned essays. Above all
things deliver me from literary women,’ and
his face was expressive of the utmost horror.
This unlucky speech brought around his de
voted head a perfect war of words from his fair
auditors; but ho was equal to the emergency,
and successfully parried the blows. 1
Au hour later, and Ada aud'Reinftold were
a little apart from the rest, engaged in low con
versation.
‘ Your aversion to diaraoud rings has changed
within a short time,’ and Reinhold glanced at
Ada’s fair hand.
* A woman has that privilege, was the cold
reply. ’
4 1 am fully aware of that,’ and the colduess
of her tone was only exceeded by that of Iris,
as the proud upper lip slightly curved.
Was that the lover whose every word and
look had expressed naught but the tenderest
affection? Why did he not upbraid her for her
inconstancy, and plead for the return of her
favor? How dare he treat, with such scorn,
her slightest word ?, Ho should be humbled
and taught how far his superior was Ada Dal
zelle.
4 As my aversion to diamonds has changed,
so has my partiality towards plain gold rings.
I have one iu my possession which will be re
turned to the owner with pleasure.*
‘Your pleasure has ever been mine,’ and a
bitter smile accompanied his words. 4 But may
I ask, to what circumstance lam indebted for
this change of feeling ?’
‘To the circumstances of an iiruoble birth,
and a life of dependance on auotiier’s charity.
Gould you delude yourself with the idea, that
Ada Dalzello would ever become 'he wife of a
mameless protege?’ and Ada’s ward* we/e full
of haughty contempt.
The flush that had deepened on Reinhold’s
cheek at the beginning of hor words, subsided,
and the tightly compressed lip and Hash of the
dark eye, was all that spoke of feeling—as with
a low bow he turued from Ada, and mingled
with the more happy throng. But with his
retreating form went out all light and happi
ness in the heart of Ada. Stye had overrated
her powers of conquest when she imagined
that she had conquered her love for Reinhold,
and the warm, throbbing heart felt as if it was
turning to stone in her breast, as she forced
back the burning tide to its fountain. Had he
but spoken one word, she could have pleaded
his forgiveness for those cruel words; but he
had left her with a look of scorn, aDd now he
loathed her, but she would smile as gaily, and
laugh as carelessly, as though uo aching heart
bled within. He should never know how
bitterly she repented her augry and hasty
words.
(n 4 Brother Reinnie, is it not time to order the
THE SOUTHERN FIELD AND FIRESIDE.
carriage,’ said Jenflie, looking at her watch.—
4 No indeed, answered Julia, you are not going
home to-night. Why it is equal to Egyptian
darkness without, and if it is not raining now
it threatens to come down in torrents every
moment. I am goin to send for uncle Mose to
come up and bring bis violin, aud we oar. have
a real breakdown.’
4 But mother is expecting us, replied Jennie.
I think we had better go;’—the idea of Julia’s
4 breakdown ’ not being as agreeable to Jennie
as to the untiring Julia.
4 Indeed you must not think of sach a thing,
said the plump and motherly Mrs. Hinton,who
had come into the room in time to hear the re
marks of Jennie. Your mother would think
us a set of barbarians for allowing you to go
out in such a terrible storm; besides you would
catch your death, of cold, ( and Holly branch
must be considerably swollen by this time.—
You have no idea how hard it has been raining
since six o’clock, and now it is almost twelve.’
‘I think it would be prudent for the young
ladies to remain all night; but I will return, as
I have some business to attend to early in the
morning,’ returned Reinhold. ‘I think the storm
has spent its fury, and the moon will soon
rise.’
4 What a business young man 1 I suppose
we ought to call the meeting to order, and ap
point a committee to wait upon, and thank
you for condescending to waste so much of your
precious time on such frivolous mortals; there
fore I will not farther tax vour good nature by
insisting upon your longer stay,’ and Julia
bowed with mock gravity.
‘I, .too, must plead business, said Arthur
Bryon; but as it is the first offeuce, I can
surely obtain pardon. I promised Mr. Dalzelle
to accompany him to D early in the
morning, and I must not disappoint him.’
4 Papa would be very much disappointed I
am sure ;’ and Ada looked up with a smile so
peculiar to herself.
The brow of Reinhold slightly contracted as
he saw that look and smile, once so exclusively
his own, now lavished upon another. Must I,
thought he, so soon acknowledge that your are
4 false as fair ?’ Go, proud girl; be as nappy
as your own ambition desires; I will never bp
a stumbling block to your upward flight to
fame and happiness. May you enjoy it all
without a thought of the heart that you have
wronged.
Jennie followed her brother to the door, aud
with a tear gli-tening in her eye, gave him a
good night kiss. She would much rather
have braved the storm with him than to remain
with such a heavy gloom upon her spirits.—
She fell that he was unhappy; she knew not why;
but longed to be the recipient of his troubles,
his comforter, aud his confident.
* Miss Julia’s remark about Egyptian dark
ness is certainly verified, said Arthur, as the
two young men were about to mount their
horses. 1 oaunot see au object two feet from
me, and the wind howls as dismally as if it
came direct from the regions of despair.’
4 The elements do seem to be c .qg a
freak, but our hors. ~ are sure f»U
familiar with the road‘ bat mis ihutTis a omi
nable; and his horses hoofs suuk deeply iuto the
pasty clay. 4 1 think we had better take the
river road. I makes the distance half a mile
moro, though with that we will reach our des
tination sooner than at this pace;’ and he
drew up his horses’ reins.
‘ Yes, anything in preference to this; but you
must be my pilot.’
4 1 can easily be that, replied Reinhold. —
Every inch of the way has been traversed by
me iu my school boy days, but not so frequent
ly in the last few years. I know there was an
excellent road leading along the bluff of the
river,which I suppose still remains, at least we
will see,as any chauge will be an improvement
on such a gait as this. We will turn here,’ sai#
Reinhold leading the way, and Arthur having
become somewhat accustomed to the dark
ness, could discern a slight gleam of while in
the path to his right.
‘This is sweet music to our ears,’ remarked
Arthur, as thtir horses hoofs made the mid
night air reverberate to their quick pace on the
rocky bluff. 4 1 always liked when a child, to
listen to the approach of a distant rider; there
is such methodical rejularity in the sounds;
but where is the termination of this road?’
* To follow it along the river, returned Reiu
hom. it leads to the old ruins of Bellmont; but
there is a divergiug road about three quarters
of a mile this side of it where we will turn off,
and which leads us almost directly in front of
Mr. Dalzelle’s.’
The winds blew a chilling blast, widen caused
the young tjaen to button more closely their
overcoats, and then quicken tbeir pace. They
rode on in silence for sometime, when discover
ing that their pathway was obstructed by a
quautity of dead limber,they dismounted,ami led
their horses, partly because they thought
it safer, and to warm themselves by a liberal
walk.
‘You seem to be in a dreary mood to-night,
Reinhold, or at least since jeavipg the presence
of your fair charmer; thougb I wonder not
that the spell-of Miss Julia’s fascinations
should enthrall you even iu absence; and were
it not for honor bright, I might try to supercede
you iu Miss Julia’s good graces.’
* A gout lernau should guard well his honor,
replied his companion coldly.’
‘ Oh don’t take the matter so much to heart
lteinhold: lor were I disposed, I fear there is
but little room for hope. You too firmly
installed in the deep regards of Miss Julia, to
be removed by my weak powers. I suppose I
must try and console myself with Ada Dalzelle.
I think she comes second on the list ot our
bevy of fair friends. It was only this evening
that I wag made aware of your engagement
with Miss Hinton. You never honored me
with your confidence, but Miss Ada informed
me that it has been public for iometime ; and
now I hope you will accept my congratulations.
Although rather late, they are nevertheless
sincere.’
' Sincere,’ and Reinhold Btopped and hissed
the word between his clenched teeth, ‘your
words, sir, are as false and base as the heart
which prompted them.’
4 High words, truly, tor a pauper to use to a
gentleman,’ and Authur grasped bis riding
whip ; but the threatened blow was'intercepted,
and the moon just tbeu emerging from a heavy
cloud, gleamed upon the Hashing of bright
steel. One moment more, a splash was heard,
and the turbid waters engulfed the form of
Re inhold Ralston.
One glance around showed Arthur that they
had been standing upon the brink of ihe river;
and frowning before him rose the sombre pile
of stone and morter of the dilapidated hall of
Bellmont. In the darkness of the night they
had passed the path leading to the principle
road. It was but the work of a moment to take
the whole scene in a glance, and remount his
waiting steed, whose frightened comrade bad
darted into the thick copse of wood, by which
they were almost surrounded.
Life or death now depended on his fieetness,
and onward, onward he rushed, regardless of
any object—pictures of the convict’s cell and
felon’s grave filling bis mind. His fears seemed
to be imparted to the noble animal, who almost
flew with the rapidity of the winds. Could he
bat reach D in time for the train all
would be safe. Dead men, dark woods, and
surging billows tell no tales, and the ocean
barque would soon lead him to a land of safety
and refuge; but one moment too late and
all would be lost. He scarce bestowed a glance
at the bouse, now distinctly visible iu the raj s
of the moon, where scarce an hour before, he
was the gayest of the gay—and now a mur
derer, a fugitive. The thought was maddening,
and he still urged his foaming, panting horse to
the goal of his hopes and fears.
[to be continued.]
[For the Southern Field and Fireside.
FIVE CHAPTERS OF A HISTORY :
A GEORGIAN CGURT, FORTY YEARS AGO.
■ T PHILEMON FEBCH.
. CHAPTER IT.
Overton atteuded the Court, and obtained by
the assistance of Mr. Mobley a seat within the
bar. He had been introduced to several law
yers from different counties within the circuit
and to the. judge. On his introduction to the
latter, he remarked a certain ungainly attempt
at a congratulation on his expected accession
in the srot'e*slon. which was anything 'else
but cordiaT Tsconofieynacr epocen urmor w the
other lawyors in the judge’s hearing as a young
man of education and genius, when Mr. San
didge, who was sitting by him at the time,
whispered that that was the sort of men who
were always talking about a Supreme Court
After this, His Honor took no further notice of
him. During tha week, be noticed what was
new to him, how much of an art it was to con
ciliate aud to control the Court. It was evi
dent that Mr. Sandidge was the favorite.—
Every body knew that. Mr. Sandidge himself,
who had long foreseen aud foreordained it.—
Os all positions in a free government, where fa
voritism is worth having, it was that of a favorite
circuit judge of Georgia in the old times.—
* When the fortunes of men,‘their security, and
sometimes even their lives were dependent up
on the will of an individual, and that individual
amenable to no earthly tribunal for whatever
errors he might cominit, or even for his wick
edness, except ujion principles the most vague
and uncertain, it was an art ranking as high as
the science of tha law itself, and attainable by
greater cost and sacrifice, to obtain an easy
and successful access to the ear of that most
important depositary of power. They were thfc,
fortunate accidents of our ancient judiciary sys
tem, that there were a goodly number of vir
tuous and talented men upon the bench; for
neither virtue nor any very considerable
amount of talent were essential qualifications.
Jf the occupant for the time being possessed
them, very well. If not, then not so* well, yet
well enough.
The present occupant, we have seen, had no
uncommon talents. In virtue, he was neither
good nor bad. At least, he was incapable of
bribery. If he was below the capacity to feel
or to understand a noble impulse, he was above
that of perpetrating an act of plain dishonesty.
In taient and in virtue, he might be said to
have occupied a middle state between high and
iow, but tending downwards. Fortunately for
unfortunately for others, he was not
brave. Now of all official personages, cowards
are the most troublesome and oppressive.—
They are troublesome to those of whom they
are afraid, and oppressive to those who are
afraid of them: troublesome to the former by
inflicting petty annoyances, in the use of small
advantages, and the punishment of unimpor
tant lapses, in remembrances and in resentment
of the pain they feel on acconut of such per
sons ; oppressive to the latter in order to pre
serve the equilibrium between the feeling and
the excitement of fear. This quality is not pe
culiar to official nor even to human cowards.
Instance canine. I once saw in the city of
Milledgeville, one cur badly bitten and con
quered in single combat with another. Imme
diately afterwards, as with his tail shrunk be
tween his hind legs, -he was making for home
with what speed he could employ, he spied
one of those dogs commonly denominated
amongst us ts fice. Whereupon his tail at
once tame out to its natural suspension; he
rushed upon the little animal, and without any
known justiliable cause, end even without any
previous acquaintance with him, caught him by
the throat and shook him until he was beaten
off with rods. After he had gotten out of the
reach of these, he went on his way leisurely,
apparently satisfied that he was again even
with the world.
Mr. Sandidge was the favorite. The judge
liked him not only for past favors of the kind
we know of, but for another reason. He
thought Mr. Sandidge a man like himself and
about of his quality; and, therefore, he liked
to do honor to himself as it were in honoring
bis image. Mr. Sandidge made no great pre
tension to a knowledge of books, and he thank
edJjim for that. He never even hinted about
a Supreme Court, but seemed to be, as in fact
he was, satisfied with the way of the present
administration of justice. Such being the rela
tions between them, Mr. Sandidge was lucky
in getting- rulings in bis favor. He was in
fact a much better lawyer than the judge, and
shrewed 5 enough to beguile him of many a
wrong decision, even had he been indifferent to
him.
But, notwithstanding this favoritism, there
were two or three lawyers of real ability who,
in spite of their contempt of him and his dislike
of them, exercised over him that influence
which a strong and bold intellect will always
exert over a weak and timid one. Above flat
tering him, they often, and even against Mr.
Sandidge, obtained rulings of doubtful right
when he was unable, out of his dread of their
unconcealed contempt, to resist them. But to
compensate Mr. Sandidge for such as this, and
to preserve his own regard for himself, he ea
gerly sought for opportunities to help him, in
taking advantage of oversights in pleadings
and in proof: oversights which Mr. Sandidge
himself never committed. The latter was in
addition, graciously allowed to domineer to any
extent over the younger lawyers. They stood
in great awe of the bench. They could neither
cajole nor brow-beat. Even a respectful re
monstrance from them was usually followed by
a fine, or a threat of it They, therefore, timidly
went about their busiuess in the Court, hoping
for the coming of the day when they might be
come brow-beaters or Sandidges.
Like most small minded men who go upon
the bench, this judge set himself up lor a great
reformer of abuses. He was a terror to evil
doers; especially to those who did it on a
small scale. Whenever he got a chance, he
was wont to stick the law on to them (to use
bis own phrase) up< to the very hilt. There
were twb vices in particular which he bated
cordially. They were fighting and iwury. —
Whenever he could get a blow at either of
these, he struck it with all his official might.
Mr. Sandidge well knew his weakness on the
subject bf usury, and managed so as to have
no cases of his own, but confined his financial
operations to shaving paper. And yet he was
lucky enough to make -more >ut of usurious
transactions than he was accustomed to when
he loaned out his own money. For now the
pleading of usury had become common, and
there was no lawyer who could compare with
him in ferreting testimony to establish its
proof.
Os the younger lawyers, Mr. Mobley was an
exception so far as to the standing in any awe
of the judge. He was usually very much em
barrassed in the management of 'bis cases, be
cause of his apprehension of being cast hy the
starting of some unforeseen difficulty, as was
often the case from the want of familiarity with
precedents and forms. Here was Mr. San
didge’s forte. He understood pleading and the
rules of practice thoroughly, and it was bis de
light to pick flaws in his adversary’s papers,
and drive him cut of court. Mr. Mobley was
atraid of him on these grounds, and well he
might be; but otherwise he was insensible to
fear. The people were generally in great dread
of the court. Here was where he could domi
neer at his pleasure. They should feel his pow
er. All absences of witnesses and jurors, all
noises in the court room and court yard, all
misdemeanors of all Borts met with ready and
condign punishment: always the more condign
when their convictions came on shortly after a
series of brow-beatings from those whom he
could not frighten. One mQrning, during the
progress of a trial in which his patience had
been sorely tried, a man in the crowd near the
bar bavins: a cold blew his nose—an action na
tural and necessary to the preservation of
whatever amount of comfort is consistent with
that ailment. The action in this instance was
accompanied by the usual loudness of sound
produced by those who have uncommonly good
lungs.
‘Mr. Sheriff, bring that nose-blower within
the bar.’
The culprit was brought iu.
‘ls this court a stable, sir, that you must bray
in it like a jackass?’
The unhappy mau answered the question
respectfully and candidly in the negative.
‘What do you bray in it for then, sir?’
‘I didn’t br —. I didn’t know I was a brayin’ |
i