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??? ? lewis m. grist, proprietor.! An $ni>c)jcniient Ifantilj) ftetospaper: Jfor t{>e Ijromotion of l^e political, Social, Agricultural anb Commercial Interests of % Sonf|. terms?$3.00 a year, in advance. VOL. 18. YORKVILLE, S. C., THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1872. _ NO. QO. Original frise Jtorg. Written for the Yorkville Enquirer. THE FATE OF MILDRED WEIR. BY MRS. CLARA DARGAN McLEAN. CHAPTER XVII. "Yet, good Hypolito, it is in vain I throw into oblivion's sea the sword That pierces me: for, like Excalibar, With gemmed and flashing hilt, it will not sink." Spanish Student. When Mildred was alone in the privacy of her own room, she sat down and thought over the events of the day?the unexpected meeting with Achille Pignolet; his open devotion to Kate, and the astonnding revelation he bad j % /? ?1 . i ?li. .1 .a 1 . 11 I made. Uouid it De possiDie tnat ne reaiiy loved her ? But that was not the question upon which her mind dwelt. He had confessed to having committed a great wrong against her. That wrong she instantly connected with the saddest episode of her life. How was he involved in this? And something answered?"Through his sister?the soulless Aphrodite of Mardigras." Mildred knew all that Colonel Meredith could tell of the tragedy on Bayou La FourchG; but the two prime actors were forever silent as to the strange and fateful concatenation of circumstances which brought about an end so terrible. The words traced by the unhappy Waldemar a few moments before lifting up his hand against the life God had given him, were delivered by the faithful guardian into the hands for which they were intended. Fearful as was the blow, it could not be averted: sooner or later she must have known the awful truth. That truth had made her free ; the man she had adored and the husband of Rose Collier were not the same. She had bowed before an ideal; the real was an adulterer and a murderer. Horrible words! The innocent girl shuddered as they forced themselves upon her pure mind, but no false delicacy made her shrink from the reality. They were the only words that could be used as applied to him now?because she could know no extenuating circumstance. And now the strange confusion had carried her back into the Past which she had hoped and prayed and believed was past forever. How long was the ghost of her terrible mistake to haunt a life now grown tranquil and happy in the sunshine of love and faith ? Alexis Waldemar lay in his grave?the poor lit tie girl by his side whom he had wronged in life and death. His fortune was bestowed upon charitable institutions?for no soul at Bayou La Fourch6 would have touched a penny of that ill-fated and ill-spent estate? the dowry of the unhappy Elise Waldemar? much less the ill-gotten gains of the gambler and duellist who had been a father only in name. And now that all was gone by?even Gilbert Collier and his mother having returned to their native England, so that no link remained of the evil chain of association?why should anything recall it to trouble the calm of her life ? Mildred laid her head upon a restless pillow, and when morning dawned she had not slept. As she closed the door of her room Jack came down the corridor just returned from his morning ride. He noticed her pallor, but only a tenderer accent in his voice betrayed the anxiety of mind which he suffered whenever the blush-rose &ded from her cheek. They entered the salon together where the usual breakfast of coffee, rolls, and eggs was in process. Mrs. Weir paused in her occupation of filling the cups, and exclaimed in a tone of concern? "What is the matter, my child ? Are you not well?" Each one round the table repeated or looked the anxious question. Mildred smiled and assured them she was quite well, but had been kept awake by some unusual noise on the Strasse. "There was a fire in the royal wood-yard," Colonel Meredith remarked, "and no doubt you were disturbed by the engines." Still this did not satisfy the fond mother who brought Mildred to the warmest place nearest the stove, and Jack had the honorable duty assigned him of arranging her chair and footstool. ft "How you all do spoil me," Mildred said, ? trying to laugh; "I will begin to imagine myself an invalid in real earnest before long." "Oh! do don't," cried Henriette, pushing aside her egg-cup, and coming over hastily to her cousin's side. "Now, Milly, remember all ray happiness depends upon you." "Why, what do you mean ?" Mildred asked laughing in spite of herself at Henriette's energetic manner. "Well, you know we could start for Italy at once if you proposed it" "What is that, Etta ?" Jack inquired, coming round and taking his place by Mildred's side, "Mind, I won't have you teazing my little sweetheart." "Pshaw !" was the unceremonious response : Henriette disdained nonsense and continued; "Mildred don't care about you. She used to love Walderaar." Fortunately nobody heard this remark but the two most interested. Mildred flushed violently; then the quick blood receded, leaving her deadly pale. For once Jack was off his guard. He turned upon his sister eyes flashing with just anger. "Never call that name again," he said in a tone of unmistakable reproof. Henriette was frightened. She looked at: both in her helpless way, and went silently i out of the room. "Poor child!" Jack said, tenderly chafing Mildred's cold hands. "Don't mind it, my darling, for Etta knows nothing and means nothing." "But you know," she whispered, looking up with half-frightened eyes into the strong, loving face bent over her. "Yes, I know all. Your mother told me months ago, but no one else guesses the truth. It was only known that he died at Bayou La FourchS and was buried there. The rumor was he shot himself accidentally." Then after a pause?"I suspected before I knew, and I love you the more, dear one, for what you have suffered. It is all over now, and God helping me, you shall suffer no more." Mildred leant her head down upon her hands, and a silent prayer of thanksgiving ' went up from her inmost heart. This was so ! much more than she had ever hoped for. Just then the door opened and Lawrence brought in the mail. Kate, who had been ^ absorbed in an Italian grammar, between her * I i sips of coffee, now rose eagerly, and looked over Colonel Meredith's shoulder as he opened the bag, and distributed to each his or her ! share of the precious contents. "Oh ! there is mine," she cried in ecstacy; ! and grasping it in both hands, ran out of the room. They had scarcely finished the interesting i home budget of papers and letters when I Count Hugo entered. His face was radiant. ! He walked directly up to Mrs. Weir and aunt Agatha who were talking together, and said, clasping a hand of each? "Congratulate me! I have here the letter containing Mr. Moreton's consent to my Buit I know how much I am indebted to you both, and to you, Monsieur le Colonel? and to you most of all, mon ami" shaking Jack's extended hand with all the warmth of his nature. The congratulations were most hearty on i all sides: and when Miss Lvle went after the truant Kate, and returned leading her to the triumphant lover, the party beoamo almost noisy in their demonstrations of joy. But in the midst of all came an awkward interruption. Little Hans burstin, stammeringin his eager haste? "Oh! gracious excellency, there is a young gentleman at the head of the stairs asking for you, and the black African valet, gracious sir, will not allow him to enter." There was declared war between the sturdy little Teuton and Colonel Meredith's own man. A perpetual feud existed, varied by open demonstrations, and suudry encounters on the stairs and in the kitchen, in which the former invariably conquered by a certain impish talent for "worrying to death." Jack now hastened to the rescue. He found Hanschen already upon the scene. There stood M. Pignolet; the obsequious butler bowing, and apologizing most earnestly for his great mistake in failing to recognize "a southern geQtleman, sir, but then it was so unexpected?so very unexpected," he murmured, bowing again. Jack explained matters, and they advanced to the salon, Lawrence and Hans engaged in desperate conflict meanwhile?a ludicrous interchange of German and American "hard names." M. Pignolet was himself again?the polished and polite Creole, slightly empresse towards every woman, but particularly so to a pretty one. The confession of the evening before seemed to have taken place in another existence, so entirely did he ignore it. Mildred was glad to find him at ease; and she determined to forget what had left so unpleasant an impression upon her mind?at least until he should give her an opportunity to demand some explanation of his mysterious words. Very shortly after, Jack invited Achille to accompany him and the ladies in a drive to Nymphenberg to visit the palace, which was now open to strangers, the royal family having returned to the city. Count Hugo had obtained permission for his friends, but preferred himself to spend the morning with his fiancee at home. A merrier party would scarcely be imagJ *1 - ?1 -X ?1 ? 1 a! J _ xl _ liiiK inea man mat wmcn gamereu in me mue salon when the early dusk began to fall. Plans were laid for their approaching journey, routes discussed, and all possible preliminaries settled. The following week was decided upon as the time for their departure. M. Piguolet was to leave several days before for the purpose of bringing his mother and sister to join the party at some point in Switzerland, from whence they could cross into Italy together. It was, doubtless, a hazardous undertaking, and one which few travelers would have ventured. A journey over the Alps is at no time entirely safe, but in winter it is peculiarly dangerous. Nevertheless, the gentlemen, and indeed the ladies also, were not to be awed by "old wives' stories," and resolved to make the attempt. "And then the St. Bernard dogs, you know," Henriette suggested with great confidence ; and was surprised that everybody laughed as if the "dogs" were all a joke. "They wouldn't pull you far, Etta," Kate said when the merriment subsided ; "you will weigh good ten stone with that costume you have prepared, leaving out of consideration the fur pelesse and snow-boots and Alpenstock and plaid, and-so-forth, etcetera." Henriette looked aggrieved at this enumeration of her wardrobe provided for the journey. She dreaded the cold, and made preparations as if for a North-Pole expedition. It was now becoming a sensitive point. "Well, I only hope you will not want to borrow from meshe began, but Jack, the peace-maker, intervened. "Never mind, pussy. Kate will repent it if she fails to supply herself with similar forethought. You don't know what an Alpine snow means. But there are other preventives against cold?" glancing mischievously toward the affianced pair who sat apart engaged in conversation. Kate did not hear, for at that moment Count Hugo was saying? "My mother arrives to-morrow, and will come at once to call upon you. Pray, my sweet Kate, do not refuse to consider any ar rangement she may propose in regard to our wedding. No doubt she will prefer to have it celebrated at Altenberg in the Tyrol, for it has always been the scene of bridal festivities in our family for centuries. Will you gratify us both in this ?" The high-spirited girl, at some other time, might have resented this as a slur upon her more democratic connections, but she was no longer her own mistress. The "little pugnosed aid-de-camp" as she had once styled him in direct contradiction to the very decided Roman tendency of that organ?had won her by sheer force of will and intellect. To such women beauty is very often a snare, but never a chain. Another by-play was now being enacted at the piano. Mildred was seated before the instrument idly turning over the leaves of a portfolio of music. M. Pignolet stood beside her. "Do you still sing?" he asked, in a constrained voice. Mildred looked up surprised. "I mean?will you sing for me ? I remember your voice: it has haunted me since I first heard it. I am only afraid I can scarcelv hear to listen to it aeain." ?" w "M. Pignolet," Mildred said, slowly and distinctly, "you gave me no opportunity to reply to your unexpected confession of last night. Allow me to say now, that while J appreciate thehonoryoudome, I paqnot hereafter allow any words which might imply such feelings in the most remote manner. I am engaged to Mr. Moreton." I "Engaged!" The young man looked at her in amazement, as if he could not credit his senses. "Alexis Waldemar," he began. Mildred raised her hand imperiously. "That name, sir," she said resolutely, "I for* | bid you to utter in my presence. You know why." She turned as she spoke and struck the keys of the piano. A thrill of indignation swept over her. Gentle as she was in word and manner, the strongest emotions lay dormant, ready to be roused into instant action by circumstances. A storm of sound?a whirlwind of weird chromatics now echoed through the room. Everybody stopped and listened. "Can that be Mildred ?" Colonel Meredith asked involuntarily. "Hush!" whispered Aunt Agatha. In a far corner of the room, looking out of the window towards the white spire of the T 1/l.ni/. minimra a! ao w nn/1 a01 m !nfn V? q XJUUWig VUU1U1 1 iOilJg ticai auu UUIIU mvu vuv starlit sky, Jack stood silently listening. The music surged and beat fbr a time; tbon gradually died away like a summer tempest The chords, retarded and syncopated, lengthened into arpeggios; then before one was prepared for the strange transposition, the Andante of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony stole in upon the charmed ear. There were two hearts that heard and understood; the mother's and the lover's. CHAPTER XVIII. "Ah, ah 1 Dost thou discern what I beheld ?" "I see all. How the spirit in thine eyes From their dilftted orbits bound before To meet the spectral Dread 1" Drama op Exile. It was a bright morning about the middle of December that our friends set out on the long-talked of journey southward. As they entered the two fiacres drawn up at the door to convey them and their luggage to the railway station, Frau Thekla made her appearance, her head enveloped in the wonderful bandana handkerchief, and her countenance disfigured by weeping. Ou either side were Hans and Peter, the former having condescended to a truce with the man-servant; and both urchins shed copious tears, glancing up occasionally from behind their jacket-sleeves which served as handkerchief, to see the progress of affairs and take a fresh start. Such a plentiful shower fell that Jack felt constrained to interpose a handful of groschen. But the fat little landlady was not to be consoled by filthy lucre, though her two boys listened complacently to the persuasive argument. She averred in the most astonishing polyglot that her house was left desolate?that she could not and would not survive their loss. "Becomforted, worthy soul," Colonel Meredith said, holding out his hand to the poor woman who covered it with kisses, "we will return in the spring, and, glancing at Count Hugo and Kate who stood on the steps together as if loath to descend, "it may be that we will have a bride amongst us." "Oh! your excellency, will you indeed bring the gracious lady back as a bride?" looking up in the midst of her tears, her little black eyes sparkling with delight as she turned to Miss Lyle already seated in the fiacre by her sister's side. Aunt Agatha's color came and went in the most school-girlish manner. Henriette clapped her hands and called? "Oh ! Kate, Kate, come and listen! Old Thekla thinks Colonel Meredith is going to marry aunt Agatha. Uh I it is too tunny! Colonel Meredith was scarcely less embarrassed than the lady. He stammered some explanation, and busied himself putting a dressing-case into its place upside down. Mrs. Weir was much amused; she had suspected for some time that the old story was being retold by this pair of rather sober lovers who had been "sweethearts" twenty years ago. However, she quieted Etta with a reproving glance; and as the other carriage now received its compliment of four, Colonel Meredith took his place, and the party drove off amidst a fresh access of tears on the part of poor Friiu Thekla, and a perfect hurra of sobs?badly imitated?by her chubby-faced heirs. The fiacres whirled down the Strasse, across the new city to the borders of the Theresian meadows, where they took the train for Augsberg. They traveled rapidly day and night, anxious to cross the mountains before the heavy winter snows should render them impassable. Already rumors reached the Bavarian frontier of a terrible storm baving swept over the Pass of St. Bernard, which made it so dangerous to attempt that the gentlemen thought best to make a detour and cross into Italy at St Gothard where the carriage road was said to be perfectly safe. It was late one evening when our party reached the town of Altorf, situated at the head of the beautiful Lake of Lucerne. The little sieamer with its gay penons, in which they had crossed, was moored, and the passengers, gathering up their various effects, made their way leisurely to the shore. The contrast I. .1 1 *1 P i 1* 1? _ I to toe usual styie 01 tne traveling pumic, struck Lawrence with amazement. He stood in a dignified position, a huge dressing-case under his arm, and baskets, portmanteaus and satchels indiscriminately heaped in a pile at bis feet. "Master Moreton," he implored, in a voice of the deepest concern, as Jack came up from the cabin with Mrs. Weir upon his arm, "I do beg of you, sir, to be so kind and obliging as to give an eye to these luggages, sir, while I go and bring the rest of the things from below. It takes these here Switzerlanders a longer length of time to perform their duties, sir, than the laziest African nigger I ever saw on a Gulf plantation, sir," he added, growing more emphatic, and looking around in scorn at the slow movements of a couple of porters who were tugging away with a great show of energy?and a show, only?at a travelingtrunk which either could have lifted upon his shoulder with perfect ease. Jack very obligingly consented to stand guard, while the factotum grasped the-obnoxious trunk, placed it upon the waiting dili_ . .11 . 1 i . 1- A! *t geiice, ana nurriea away to Dring tne oiners, utterly ignoring the stares of the Swiss porters, who crossed their arms and shook their ear-rings at each other in blank bewilderment. Mildred was leaning over the deck-railing, laughing at the comic scene so picturesque withal?Jack in his grey traveling suit and cap standing sentry over the huge fteap of odds-and-ends, the quaintlyr&ttired porters, aud Lawrence, dark and grim, rushing back and forth from the boat to the shore, growing more and more?out of patieuce with the selfpossessed air of the slow-moving passengers. "See here, Mildred," Kate called, "is not ' that the Finster-Aarhorn rising in the dis| tance ?" A faint outline in the gathering twilight alone could be distinguished; and at that j moment Colonel Meredith announced that all was ready, and they joined their elders on the shore. Aunt Agatha was in ecstacies at the associations of Altorf. William Tell was a favorite hero of hers, and she called upon Mildred as they walked along to repeat Bryant's fine lines: "Chains may subdue the feeble spirit, but thee, Tell of the iron heart they could not tamo." She was leaning upon the arm of her niece, Henriette and Colonel Meredith in the rear; so Mildred began in a low voice. They were in the well-known public square before she finished, and with hearts thrilled by the grand memory the two stopped to contemplate this scene of a tyrant's revenge and a patriot's victory. "What is it?" Henriette asked, looking around in her dazed way; "I don't see what you are stopping for in this stupid old street Do let us go on and get some supper. I am fearfully hungry." "Why, Etta, this is the spot upon which Tell refused to bow to Gessler's cap, and where he shot an arrow through the apple on the head of his son." "Well, I am sure I don't see anything very wonderful in the place; and how do you know but Tell was a humbug every way?" "Oh! Etta, you are incorrigible!" Aunt Agatha exclaimed; but they went on, laughing heartily at Henrietta's severely practical view of matters, which liberty she never resented, being perfectly satisfied that hers was tiiA wnxihlp. wftv. s.nd dftflDiainor sentiment with all her matter-of-fact soul. They were seated around the table upon which was spread a substantial meal, combining dinner and supper in one; and were growing enthusiastic in praise of the Swiss cuirine when a great clatter on the street in front of the hotel arrested the conversation. Kate was instantly at the window. "It is a traveling carriage," she announced, "and there is a gentleman alighting. Oh!" in a more animated voice, "it is Achille Pignolet!?and there is Ninon and Madame!" And there they were to be sure. It is strange how a mere indifferent acquaintance is transformed into an intimate friend by an accidental meeting in a foreign land. The sight of a familiar face?the sound or a lamiliar language becomes inexpressibly welcome. It was thus the two parties mutually felt. Mrs. Weir, Miss Lyle, and Madame Pignolet had known each other as girls; and though long years had since intervened, the ladies now renewed their acquaintance with rest. Madame Pignolet was a real Creole? pretty, vain, affected, and shallow, but very pleasant and loveable. Her daughter had much more depth of character, and was even more dazzlingly beautiful than when Mildred had first met her a year before. She glided into the room, her violet eyes beaming, her yellow hair escaping in shining masses from under her quaint felt cap, and caught Kate in her arms. "Oh! my dear old Kitty," she murmured, "how very glad I am !" And Kate?generous soul?forgot this was one of Ninon's "ways," and was as heartily and demonstratively glad to hear the soft, flute-like tones of her old aversion as if she had always believed in and loved her. There was no hypocrisy in her greeting either; with such temperaments as Kate Moreton's to love is to be happy, to hate is to be miserable. However intensely she might feel it at the moment, her resentment was soon forgotten; and though Ninon had never done her any direct injury, from the time they were children together, Kate had openly avowed the Creole a snare and a delusion. She had watched her, too, win Alexis Waldemar away by arts and graces; and she had seen with undisguised pleasure the utter failure of fascination and beauty when the consummate trifler became weary of the rose-ohiins which bound him but a brief period. But when Mildred became "vamqueur du vanqueur," Kate's sympathetic heart felt for Ninon as she did for herself. And at last on the evening when the news reached them of the sudden and awful death of the man that had well-nigh wrecked them both?her first thought had been of the frivolous coquette who had once laughed so heartily at Kate's wasted love. The brilliant assemblage, of which Ninon Pignolet was the most admired ornament on that fatal night, little dreamed what wild grief distorted the beautiful features, and tore with unavailing despair the dishevelled, golden tresses, when she was alone and face to face with her sin and remorse. But no traces of these remained when she again reappeared in the gay world; and now as she stood in her radiant beauty, lighting up the dull little inn-parlor as with a dia mond's flash, who would have guessed that the fire of passion and jealousy and hatred yet burned in her breast, though Waldemar lay in his grave, and the daisy-face of her rival could no more stir the silent sleeper. Mildred rose from her seat and advanced to the new-comer. She offered her hand silently ; Ninon's pink-tipped fingers closed over the slender palm while the lava-tide surged within. "It has been long since we met," was all she said. Memory was too cruel even for her cold, selfish nature to withstand. But here we most not linger. The next morning found the travelers on their way to the mountains. When evening fell they were safely in the inn which lies at the entrance of the St. Gothard Pass. There were few and poor accommodations, but with that happy forethought which distinguishes an experienced tourist, Colonel Meredith and Jack had provided all things necessary for a comfortable journey. The night was beautifully clear, and after a hearty supper, which Lawrence prepared with professional skill, M. Pignolet proposed that they should venture outand getaglimpse .*> .t-- a --1 l ?1UV.f Tko vrvn n crcxT I ui nit) Aaiauiu uj uiwunguw. auu ladies agreed at once, and calling for a guide, wrapped themselves up warmly and started forth. The moon was at its full, and every object stood out in almost unearthly lustre as the brilliant beams fell upon it. They had gone but a few steps when Ninon stopped suddenly, exclaiming? "I have lost my ring." She walked hastily back toward the inn. Jack, who had Mildred and Henriette in charge, immediately excused himself and followed her. The rest stood still upon a small open space, and looked around upon the I strange and impressive scene as they waited, s Achille Pignolet was unusually silent He b went a little apart, and folding his arms, stood d gazing upon the distant peak which rose like d a sheeted ghost against a background of pur- d plish-dun clouds. t "I wonder if that portends a storm," Kate whispered to her companion. b Count Hugo now called the guide who lingered near as if loath to leave them. "What does that peculiarly-colored sky in- c dicate ?" he asked. "Yourexcellenza,! fear it foretells a snow? 8 perhaps wind." r The whole party shuddered. a "This is very unfortunate," Count Hugo 1 muttered. He folded the fur closer around g Kate's shoulders, and endeavored to conceal c his anxiety. c "T nioli ma ma?a Odfalu dnmn in (l\0 mIIav " ? X TV I OH nv TVVIO OMiWJ Mvnu AM VMW ?I b Henriette observed in her matter-of-fect way;" I never did like snow and ice, and I am in fa or uuw of going back to tbe inn and getting warm." At that moment the figures were seen ap- 1 proachingand a voice called out?"Mildred!" It echoed again and again in the still, fro- * zen atmosphere till a hundred spirit-voices 8 seemed faintly calling, "Mildred." 8 They came nearer?the absentees who had c been searching for the lost ring. ' "Have you found it ?" some one asked. "Yes," Jack replied; but Miss Ninon is not * yet satisfied with her part of this tour. She * insists upon seeing the Aahorn from the top ( of that rock. Will you go?" y He held out his hand to Mildred as if to in- * vite her. } "Your excellenza," the guide interrupted 1 coming up hastily, "that rock is very steep ^ and dangerous. I hope the young lady will c not attempt to reach it." 8 Ninon turned her lovely face full upon the * swarthy Italian, and smiled as she only could smile?softly, alluringly. 8 "Will you not assist us ?" she asked in his c own liquid tongue; "I am very anxious to n a/>ono fivtm fkonnp arid if. will nnlv I I f IV *T DUW OVVUU UVW viivuvv) MMM mw *? VM?^ be for a few momenta." The man looked steadily at her. "Lady, I will guide you as safely as possi- 8 ble, but the attempt is hazardous." c "AUona /" she cried, a reckless, sneering expression in her eyes, and offering her hand c to Jack as she moved forward. 1 "Excuse me," he said, bowing gravely, "but 1 you have heard what the guide says. I must 8 beg you to desist" ^ A mocking smile played over her beautiful lips. She looked like an evil spirit enticing the traveler to destruction. 1 "Absurd! Does love make cowards of us 1 too ? Then I will gc alone." 1 She went forward a few steps. 8 "Surely you will not let her go alone," Mil- ' dred whispered to Jack, but he shook his head. "My first duty is to you," he said, "and e that is but a foolish threat of hers." J Kate and Count Hugo had now turned and were walking toward the inn, Colonel Mere- * dith and Henriette following. "Signor," the guide said earnestly, "can you not persuade the signoranot to venture?" "I can do nothing," Jack replied, "only do 8 you keep near her." "The man bowed and followed the light 1 figure which flitted before him up the steep c mountain path. ^ "Achille," Jack called, "your sister is in danger. You had better watch her." r "Where? Where?" the young man cried, 8 starting from his abstraction and approaching n hastily. ' "She has gone towards that rock, deter- " mined to see the Aarhorn from thence, and * the guide thinks it a very rash and dangerous 11 undertaking. You may perhaps induce her to return : besides it is very late." P Achille scarcely waited to hear the last ^ words, but hastened after his sister. The clouds were thickening, and a low, roaring, ^ distant sound told of rising wind. 11 "Let us return," Jack said, drawing Mildred's arm through his. 8* "Oh! no, I cannot bear to leave Ninon. Wait a few minutes, and she will see how fool- * ish is her design and return." ^ "Never!" returned her companion. "She is wonderfully persevering and tenacious, tl That is what renders her so dangerous." 1 "Dangerous!" Mildred exclaimed, "What a do you mean?" * "Only," he said, dropping his voice, "that ^ she is your greatest enemy, and has compassed ^ a terrible revenge. Mildred, the ring she lost ^ to-night was?your topaz!" Mildred trembled violently. 0 "Dearest," he murmured, holding her closer * in his arms, and urging her steps gently to- b wards the inn, "I should not have told you, ^ but it is best you knew it When I saw the n familiar stone I exclaimed involuntarily? a Mildred's ring that she lost at the Mardigras ball! The consummate dissembler answered C1 quietly 'it was,' but she gave it to Waldemar ** when they were engaged, and he bestowed it ' as a marriage-seal upon his wife?Rose Col- ^ lier. When the poor girl was drowned her cousin Gilbert brought it to me, knowing? tl and then for the first time in her life I saw c< Ninon Pignolet off her guard. Her falsehood b> was so evident that she could say no more, si But we will know the truth some day, and all will be clear, ray darling." * A shriek rang out upon the silent night?a man's voice in the wildest terror. The two si stopped as if struck dumb. Another moment Si and the guide came running towards them, bl He was ringing his hands. ec "What is it ?" Jack cried as he came near- ti er. But he only made a gesture with his A head backward, and ran on to the inn. In cl the pale light of the mist-shrouded moon Jack so hurried forward also. Mildred clung to his arm. They both felt what it was?but dared h< not speak the awful words. B At the inn-door they met Colonel Meredith and Count Hugo. The guide had dropped wi down upon the stone floor, and a crowd of co postillions and servants with the inn-keeper as at their hand, was jabbering and gesticulating th around him. ac "Oh! signor," they cried as Jack appeared, ar "for the love of Heaven tell us what has hap- lei pened, See, poor Beppo can tell us never a word, he is so dead with fright." th But Jack could tell nothing. He ordered ki the men to get torches and ropes and come at ea once. The whole crowd followed him; the so guide Beppo recovering from his stupor, led so the way. to The jagged rock rose lichen-covered and grey before thera. Tall pines waved and | ed ighed in the rising wind. Hundreds of feet >elow lay the gorge, its shadowy abyss the more ieep and awful in the nncert&in gleam. Scud- j ling cloads now hid the moon, and all was ; lark except where the glare of torches lit up j he scene with a lurid light. Jack was first upon the spot?the guide teside him. "Where ?" was all he said. The Italian pointed below. Its fearful siglificance was comprehended at once. Then began the descent. Clinging to the helving sides of the precipice, steadied by ?j -i *1 *. opes WDicn were iasteueu uuuve, me uis.ppeared from view. Count Hugo followed, rbe torches from above shed a pale flickering ;lare upon the scene. The first object which net the affrighted gaze was the mangled body if Achille Pignolet. Beside him lay his siser. CHAPTER XIX. "Do we move ourselves, or are we moved by an mseen hand at a game?"?Maud. She was quite dead. The beautiful features vere distorted with a fearful grimace?as if he had sneered at Death, and was struck to tone in the impious act There was no perceptible wound; but her neck was broken. She had fallen headlong in her daring haste. The guide, Beppo, afterwards recounted he fearful story?how he had implored her o desist?how she had laughed in her musical, scoffing way, as she stood poised upon the rery pinnacle of the fatal rock. Then came he wild appeal of her brother, another augh?she turned and waved her hand as if n triumph?and fell 1 Ah ! that shriek. )ur lady save us! And the wild rush of the levoted brother forward to make that futile ittempt to save her?and then he fell likewise. 3ere poor Beppo would be utterly overcome >y his grief and horror, and fall into tears md reproaches against himself for not having letained her forcibly?the beautiful, angel ady! and call upon the mother of God lo >ray for her. Count Hugo heard this sad rehearsal, but le could only relate the bare facts to the ilent party, who sat watching by the frozen iorpse of the ill-fated girl. In the adjoining room Achille Pignolet lay in the brink of the yawning gulf, which hreatened momently to hide him from moral gaze. His body was horribly mangled ind bruised, but he still breathed. Aunt Lgatha stood by him day and night, and here ter beautiful character shone forth in all its ustre. As for the stricken mother she was eaping her own reward. Her only children were made the instruments of her chastisenent, for she had tailed to guide them aright, ind now the wind had brought forth the whirlwind. The threatened storm set in, and for one ong, ever-memorable week they were detained in the miserable little inn of St. Gothard. [he invalid slowly convalesced, and as the oad became passable it was decided that the >arty should continue their journey, leaving rnnt Agatha and Jack to take care of Achille. dadame Pignolet was not able to be of any issistance in the nursing, and so it was best he should not remain. ftnfl eveniricr tnwRrH the close nf the week. ??o ? "? ? 1 he little band followed a covered litter to the hapel of a convent a few miles below in the alley, and there mass was read over the dead ody of Ninon Pignolet How little she ecked of the solemn prayers! Of what mall avail were those petitions?"Ora pro obis" "Nune et in hora mortis," which she iad heard with heedless ears while living ? ?he mockery struck Mildred with horrible ividness. Around were the flickering tapers; license filled the chill air; the sweet, plainive voices of the nuns rose and fell as the iriest sprinkled the corpse with cedar and yssop; and anon came the chaunted prayer, Ora pro me." Oh! poor Ninon. In that ind from which there is no returning these lortal cries can never penetrate. And so they left her. The Alpine snows .ill cover her grave in the Convent yard, but bey are not colder than the heart which sacaligiously dared to take vengeance from the land of Him to whom it belongeth. It was many months before Mildred heard le story ofMardigras night and its sequel, 'hen the repentant man poured out his love d his remorse at the feet of the woman for 'horn he had sinned and suffered. Jealousy ad been the bane of his life as it has been of is lost sister. They were accomplices in the eception of Mardigras, little dreaming how ragically it would terminate. When all was ver, Gilbert Collier had come to him and ith the wildest reproaches related the terrile end of their schemes. It was Ninon he lamed most, and the wretched girl had never ^covered from the shock when he called her | murderess?the murderess or the man she >ved?and of the woman he loved. Then razed with grief and despair, he threw the )paz ring upon the floor, and exclaiming, God may forgive you, but I never can," he ed from the house like a madman. Mildred heard all in forced silence, and ien she gave her hand to the man who had jst her so much. It was a hard struggle, ut love like charity covereth a multitude of ns. "May God forgive you," she said, "as I do. ***** Five years have passed. The bright June in is kissing the rose-garden of Weir-wood, tray beams glint in through the half-closed linds and fall caressingly upon two fair-hairl children asleep in each other's arms?a ny Katherine Moreton, and young Hugo of ltenberg. The Countess bends over her lild, and a proud smile lights her dark, handin e face. , "Come here, Mildred," she says, "and see )w wonderfully alike these children are. < oth the counterpart of Jack?are they not?" Count Hugo rises from his game of chess 1 ith Colonel Meredith, and comes over to the rner where the two children have fallen ( leep upon a crimson afghan in the midst of ] eir play. Thoy might have been brother I irl aiofop an ainrritlnrlv nrero tViav alito in fnptri I IV* OIUVV* VJV UlllgUIMIIJ 11 VAW V?*VJ M?*MV *U WA U4 id feature. The mothers watched them si- 1 otly. "There is no face in the world dearer to me an your husband's," Count Hugo said, tang the hand of his cousin, "and I pray God raestly the reflex of his character may be en in that of my child as he has caught mething of his expression?for Jack Moren is the noblest and best man I ever knew." j The door opened and Aunt Agatha enter- g , younger by ten years than when she was s first presented to oar readers, for she has realized the dream of her youth., "Where are my babies ?" she asked looking around, "Charles," to Colonel Meredith, who sat intensely studying his checkmate, "have you seen the children V' "Yes, dear, asleep there in the corner." "What is it, aunty?" Mildred asked. "Old cousin Mark is waiting to give the children a ride," she replied, coming up to join the admiring group. Little Katherine stirred and opened her eyes, deep blue as summer lakes. "Come, my pet," Aunt Agatha said stooping to clasp the child, "cousin Mark is waiting for the babies to ride upon pretty Stella. Don't you know pretty Stella, the pony ?" she continued, caressing the little creature who nlnnff to her with fondness. At this moment Hugo also awoke. "I know Stella," he said, in sturdy English; "Mamma, I want to ride Stella. She is prettier than my Max at Altenberg." "Well, we shall see," Count Hugo said, taking the boy in his arms, and following aunt Agatha. Upon the terrace where the flowers were blooming and Mildred's orchis and rhododendron were spreading their tropical splendor? a merry group was now gathered. Grandma Weir with her netting, still portly and ybuthful-looking, leaning npon Henriette's arm. The latter was not changed, only somewhat mofe practical, if that were possible, and devoted heart and soul to her brother's child. Colonel Meredith smoked his meerschanm as he leant against a bronze urn and watched his wife who petted and caressed alternately, the hope of Weirwood and the young heir of Altenberg. Below the steps stood the fairy-like Stella, with bright saddle-cloth and silken bridle. Old cousin Mark had lifted the boy into the saddle, and little Katharine was perched behind him. Then slowly up and down the graveled walk they went, Count Hugo leading the pony, the tiny, sweet laughter of the children ringing out upon the summer air. Then came a shrill shout Young Hugo had discovered another horseman. Up the wide avenue came the cavalier in all the pride and grace of manhood, his handsome head -? 1*1 - 1 1_ iL_ erect, tne guir-Dreeze sweeping dock me silky, nut-brown hair, eyes glowing with love and joy as home-voices and home-faces greeted his approach. "Oh, papa! papa!" cried Katherine; but her mother spoke never a word. His arm encircled her, and her uplifted eyes?shining with heaven's own light? " The love of man and woman When they love beat"? said what words could never have expressed. [the end.] fCopies of the Enqomur containing the previoui chapter* of thu Story can be fumhihcd to new subscribers.] THE CINCINNATI PLATFOBM. The following are the resolutions in full: We, the Liberal Republicans of the United States, in national convention assembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the following principles as essential to a just government: First. We recognize the equality of all men before the law, and hold that it is the duty of the government, in its dealings with the people, to mete out equal and exact justice to all, of whatever nativity, race, color or persuasion, religious or political. Second. We pledge ourselves to maintain the union of these States, emancipation and enfranchisement,and to oppose any re-opening of the questions settled by the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the constitution. Third. We demand the immediate and absolute removal of all disabilities imposed on account of the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven years ago, believing that universal amnesty will result in the complete pacification of all sections of the country. Fourth. Local self-government, with impartial suffrage, will guard the rights of all citizens more securely than any centralized power. The public welfare requires the su premacy of the civil over the military authority, and the freedom of person under the protection of the habeaseorpus. We demand for the individual the largest liberty consistent with public order, for the States self-government, and for the nation a return to the methods of peace and the constitutional limitation of power. Fifth. The civil service of the government has become a mere instrument of partisan tyranny and personal ambition, and an object of selfish greed. It is a scandal and reproach upon our free institutions, and breeds a demoralization dangerous to the perpetuity of Republican government We, therefore, regard a thorough reform of the civil service as one of the most pressing necessities of the hour; that honesty, capacity and fidelity constitute the only valid claims to public employment ; that the offices of the government cease to be a matter of arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and that public stations become again posts of honor. To this end it is imperatively required that no President shall be a candidate for reelection. Sixth. We demand a system of Federal taxation which shall not unnecessarily interfere with the industry of the people, and which shall provide means necessary to pay the expenses of the government, economically administered, pensions, the interest on the public debt, and a moderate reduction, annually, of the principal thereof, and recognizing that there are in our midst honest but irreconcilable differences of opinion with regard to the respective systems of protection ana free trade, we remit discussion of the subject to the people in their congressional districts, and to the decision of Congress thereon, wholly free of executive interference or dictation. Seventh. The public credit must be sacredly maintained, and we denounce repudiation in every form and guise. Eighth. A speedy return to specie payment is demanded alike by the highest consideration of commercial morality and honest government. Ninth. We remember with gratitude the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers and sailors of the republic, and no act of ours shall ever detract from their justly earned fame or Klio full roccnrrl i\f tVicir nfttrintiam. Tenth. We are opposed to all further grants Df lands to railroads or other corporations. The public domain should be held sacred to actual settlers. Eleventh. We hold that it is the duty of the Government in its intercourse with foreign nations to cultivate the friendship of peace by treating with all on fair and equal terms, regarding it alike dishonorable either to demand what is not right or to submit to ivhat is wrong. Twelfth. For the promotion and success of ihese vital principles, and the support of the jandidates nominated by this convention, we nvite and cordially welcome the co-operation >f all patriotic citizens without regard to previous political affiliation. . Somebody tells the Scientific American >f a way to clear a well of carbonic acid gas. 't is to lower a red hot iron to the water, so is to produce a little steam. The vapor intantly absorbs the gas.