Denbighshire Free Press

EST ELL E: U J'- -L.J _J oil, WAS SHE WIFE OR WIDO W ? BY THE AUTHOR OF Tried Fot" Her life" The Fatal Secret," The Maiden TVidow," 4-c-, 4-c. CHAPTER V. T H K ASSIZES. The next day, Monday. May 15th, the Assizes were opened with the usual attendant ceremony and bustle. And a remarkably interesting docket had attracted crowds to the spot. The case of Lady Montressor was almost the last on the list, and divided public curiosity with Dlifp Oorak, the Gipsy chief. At nine o'clock, closely veiled, and attended by the Rev. Mr. Oldfield and her counsel, Lady Montressor left her lodgings, entered the car- riage, and was driven to the Com t-houiifc. Upon the proclamation of the public crier, that the courts were now open, etc., etc., etc.—she was Landed from the carriage, and still closely veiled, and leaning upon the arm of her vener. able friend, entered Exeter Hall, and proceeded to the court-room. Estelle had never been inside a court before. At first she bad traversed the passage and staircase, blindly, behind her veil, but when she found herself in a crowded room, impeded, and finally nearly smothered by t he pressure of the masses, she drew her vei I aside for air, and saw herself within a vast hall, with an arched roof, marble pillars, and Gothic windows, not unlike a lecture-room or church. Upon an elevated platform, technically called the "Bench," placed at the upper end of the room, and enclosed by a spacious iron-railing, sac the Judge, Sir James Allan Parke, one of the most eminent of the judges on the Westnu Circuit of England he,%vts ak line, hale-looking old gentleman, arrayed in his oilieial robes—A scarlet gown, ermine cape, and full-bottomed wig. On the wall sear his se a wis blazoned forth in illuminated letters the king's commis- sion. A little below him snt the clerk of the court. And around—sitting, >t.tmling, walk- ing about, or conversing—were the otticers of the crown, in their official liveries, the court- sellors-at-Iaw in their long black robes and white wigs, and various nondescript individuals, who seemed to hold a sort of middle placte between official and non.officiftl life. On the right hand, below the bench, was the prisoner's dock, an enclosure not unlike a peni, in which were gathered some twenty persons of both sexes, and ullages, from twelve to seventy. Lady Montresmor's eyes were ^peJi-bound tb that miserable place. Such a set of wretched- r- looking creatures !—men, aye, and won ten aikl children, too !-with faces stupeiied with suffer- ing. palsied by despair, or demoralised by ,i ill! Heaven and earth !-is my place amoiig these ? she exclaimed, sick with loath terror. But in a moment she rallied aind rebuked herself. "Down proud heart," she said, "who hatk made me to differ, and ho# much at last do I differ from these my poor brothers and sisters? I fell before the firylt temptation, though all my life was fenced abertt from want, or care, or sin—while they—their lises may have been one series of priv,.ttiont, trials, and irresistible temptations Who shall judge but trod Omniscient ? God comfort tliert, and forgive me f" she prayed meekly fuldiag her hand? and bowing her head. Her venerable protector, as inexperienced in these scenes as herself, also contemplated that den of savage or brutal faces, and grew pale with dread lor his delicate charge. He duViiot venture to turn his eyes toward Estelle. but instinctively drew her arm closer within his own, and looked around in distress for Lord Dazzleiight. lonUitip had left them, and might now be se^u c.ni ,r.>ing with the Judge. Presently lie bo^ ed, left his po.-itiou, and with a grave,-a.i. al:n<»st ttfigry countenance, slowly S ntade his w ,iy nimr.gh t!i-;cr<.wu.aiulapprotvched his client. well. Lord J.'a/zleright,well ?" eagerly inquired M r. < >Ifielfl,al;ir'iiied a.t I-.»° ill-omeu^d expression of the counsel's face. "Oh it is nniliiug! it is not^h.g said i his lordship, drawing hisluunikceinei from his pi-cket and perspiring brow. "It is not Lord Dazzle. nght, jui i •_ i;tu iioiii your c • it! euance aud manner, said Iweile, calmly .n i ii.-mly. Well, i M ciiiid. it is notning to alarm you, although ir j, ^mething to displease me." "Tell me the truth, Lord D.-izzleright." •• 1 will do so. Lady Montressor 1 went up there to examine the docket ? f\uii our case is the last, and may not probably come up for a week or ten days I did hot. sen the necessity of your ladyship's presence hero in the interim. 1 had an oppon unify of speaking to the Judge, and showed hillt this, and prayed that my client might be discharged from the obligation of (,nii i I),, cotirt, stiff to i-eiii,-xiii iN-i, It her bail, here in the chy, until the day upon which her trial should come np, when she should ag:li:¡ punctually presenL herself. The Judge chose to refuse my reasonable request, nrei 'cqairemy client'sdaily attendance hen. AM i I am angry; is Except that you are also anxious, my lord is it n,)t -,o ? Hide nothing from me." "No. no, certainly not anxious," «aid the counsel, while his looks belied hi- words,—"in no degree anxious, for though this may appear unfavourable on the part of the court, yet Sir James Allan Parke, if a stern, is a just Judge, and I rest our cause upon its integral justice, not upon external favour." ]Uiiiiiie Ofi-hii groaned the Rector— so she is to remain here, poor lamb day after day a spectator of all the revolting horrors of a criminal court—«ud," sinking hi voice to a "whi-yitv, "where is she to sfaud ?—for the love of Heaven, not there in the dock among those loathsome wretches ? Lord Dazzleright looked positively si; Icked and enraged. T'here You astound mo, reverend sir Those poor outcasts are in the sheriff's custody daily he marshals theru from their cells to the dock, ami nightly from the dock to their cells. • He is king of that goodly company." Lady Montressor, sir, is your holy charge; you only are responsible for her appearance, and may make her position as exclusive and a.s comfort- are responsible for her appearance, and may make her position as exclusive and > comfort- t able as you desire." I "Oh, thank iieavou Since it is so then- pray let 11., liud a secluded Itml-T was going to say pleasant seat—as if such a thing could be found in this place." Don h; less, a moderately agreeable one ran be fonnd though," said Loni nzzkright, cheer- fully putting aside his anger, and offering his J.r111 to his client to conduct her through the crowd. But just as Estelle was about to accept the proffered assistance, she perceived a hurried step approach from behind, and a deep voice speak, at the sound of which, the whole tide of life turned back upon its course, opening her heart, and whelming her senses, in a mist of mingled rapture and anguish. Permit me, my lord," the voice said, and gently putting aside the counsel, Lord Mon- tressor took the arm of his bride and drew it within his own." Estelle's whole being was thrilled with emo- tion, half ecstacy, half agony, as I said. She turned away her swiftly Hushing and paling j face, bowed her head and prayed. j Ah, my lord my lord is this act of yours well conceived ?—is it prudent ?—is it politic ?" inquired the good Rector, in distress. "It is right; beyond that I have not con- si-i^-ed whether it was politic, or prudent, reverend sir," replied hU> lordship. Then turn- ing his face most tendetly down toward the lady ou his arm, he said in a low voice Estelle, my beloved, will you not look at me She put hack her veil, lifted her head, turned np to him a !ook of profound, unutterable, un- dying love, then dropped her eyes. Speak to TV Stella." Ah, my 1 a -;i '• i s;r; p.^rtf •- hut ec'iO •• ''Ml -.j I- now—' \V as this welt done, Lord Montressor" "Excellently well done, my Stella! You are my wife! You are my wife! "Where should I be, but beside my wife in her trial ? Have I not said that I would stand upon the legality of our marriage. How shall I stand by our marriage, and desert my wife ? I never contemplated such an inconsistency for a moment ? It is true—for that no one should venture to say, or hint, that selfish or unscrnpn- lous passion had governed my actions—I con- sented to forego my rights and inclinations in favour of your delicate reserve, and yield you to the care of Mr. Olufield and I forbore to intrude, either by visit or letter, upon the sanctuary of your private life. Now, however, the case is widely different. Yon are before the public, before a judge, charged with a crime, exposed to a severe ordeal. Shall I leave you to tread this wine-press alone ? No, no, so help me Heaven at my bitterest need- no Before the same public, before the same judge, through all the ordeal, will I stand by your side, and with what manhood, strength and virtue there may be within me, assert my position and your innocence. Nor man, nor deiiion-world, tiesh, nor devil, shall prevent me doing thus And may Christ so aid me in my greatest extremity as 1 am true to thee! Amen," he said, and reverently bowed his head. It was vain to oppose a will like that of Lord Montressor. Besides, he was approved by Lord Dazzleright. and felt to be a tower of strength by Ir. Oldtield. "We were about to find a comfortable seat for her ladyship," said the counsel. I have already found one. Will you go with us, my lord V—and you, reverend sir?" inquired Lord Montressor, bowing to his two friends, and leading the way through the crowd that respectfully divided to let him pass. He lud provided a seat in a distant and retired part uf the court-room, out of sight of the prisoners' dock, and nearly out of hearing of all that was revolting in the proceedings. Here she .sat, unobserved and unmolested for a time Lord Montressor, Mr. Oldtield and Lord Dazz!e'ri«'ht standing as a living shield between hei and°the eyes of the crowd. 1!iere w»s little danger now, however, that "Ire slioula be troubled by the impertinent curiosity ofotheis. For all attention was now turned upon the pro- ceedings of the court at the upper end ot the room. The jury was already empannelled, and ih first case on the docket called up. It was that of Dlifp Oorak, the Gipsy king, indicted I for the murder of Sir George Bannerman's game- keeper. He was now arraigned and standing at the bar. All eyes were fixed upon him—a dark wiry fignre of a man, with sharp features I' and deep glittering black eyes, thatched with 11. wisp of wild blaclc hair, and looking alert, spry and restless, as if in another instant he would •break loose, bound over intervening obstacles, clear the door or window, and be away in the free air again ( Lven Lady Montressor, notwithstanding the ab-t > bing nature of her own sorrow, fixed her languid eyes upon this savage child of nature, now bound and captive, and in deadly peril of his life, and watched in hope and fear the pro- gress of his short trial. The forms were quickly ¡ dispatched the testimony on both sides heard the exposition of the opposite lawyers made the charge of the judge delivered the ease given to the jury, and their verdict returned. Stand up and confront the jury; was the order given to the prisoner. Stand up and confront the jury; was the order given to the prisoner. How say yon, gentlemen of the jury, is the prisoner at the bar guilty or not guilty"? I For an instant there was a pause and silence in the court, during which you might have heard a heart beat, broken soon by the deep voice of the foreman pronouncing the awful word of doom,— i L:ILTY I He was only a gipsy, and it had not taken the twelve long to find their verdict. The prisoner was then asked if he had any- thing to advance MS a just reason why sentence of death should not be p'oiwunced against him. Dliip Oorak laughed wildly, shook his black, elf locks, and intimated that since the doom was to be only death; he had no objection to retake !—had it been a long imprisonment, now, were. another matter! And the Gipsy chief impatiently stretched his limbs and looked longingly abroad through the tall gothic win- dowsinto the free, sunny air. His attention was gravely recalled by the judge, who donned the black cap, arose, and proceeded to pronounce sentence. TheGipsy heard his doom with an indifference ami a wandering of the eyes bordering on "con- tempt of court." A little delay and bustle ensued, doling wltÎ{'h the sheriff' oHiceJ'f:: proceeded remove the prisoner from the court. ly! --c.ii,otit Lliey passed very near our group of fiends. Lady Montressor noticed I. is half-savage, half- child-like demeanour taught a glance from his wild, deer eyes. silently offe ed up the care of his »:;uit<iied soul to Christ. xliis prisoner had scarcely left the court before the second case on the docket was called. It was that of a young girl charged with the crime of infanticide. The details of this case were so painful, so revolting, that one by one I ho women in the crowd veiled themselves and silently stole away. While Estelle, the most delicate, sensitive and refined of women, was compelled to sit there, between her friend and her minister, and hear the wizole The trial occupied three hours, and ended as the preceding one had ended—in the conviction of the prisoner and sentence of death. So young mercifu] Saviour so young, and so horribly lost! "cried Lady Montressor, in a stilled voice, covering her eyes to shut out the vision of that girl's white, amazed, insane coun- tenance As tiie ruined one passed out under charge of Lhe deputy sheriff, 8he turned hack upon our group of friends, one wild, terrified, flppealing gaze, that reminded Estelle of the portrait of the Cenci, and remained fixed in her mind for ever. She prayed for the lost fellow- creature, and while she prayed the court ad- juii rned. Mr. Oldfield with a deep sigh arose and was about to offer bis arm to his charge, when l ord Montressor, -who had remained standing, antici- pated him, and drew the baud of Estelle through his own arm. They made slow progress through the crowd, and reached the portico, and went to the street. On reaching the carriage, Lord Moutressor handed Estelle in, saw her comfort- ably seated, and then said :— "Before this tribunal and in public, dearest Stella, I must assert Lt once oiii- position—your innocence and my rights but.—that no one shall venture to c. I! in question the of my conduct or yours,—f shall refrain from in- truding on your private life, until the decision of your ease shttl] have endorsed our union. Farewell love, I will meet you here tc-morrow." And, pressing her hand, he bowed and gn\e vny to Mr. Oldfield, who immediately entered the carriage and they then drove rapidly to their hotel. This was the history of the first day at court; and the seoml and third, and many succeeding days, were like unto it. Therewere ten capital cases on tire dockd. And in that single session of the Assizes at Exeter, Sir James Allan Parke proiiounced sentence of death upon seven per- sons, including the king of the Gipsies, all of whom were hanged within a month of their conviction. And day after day in this fetid atmosphere of guilt and death and horror, Lady Montressor sat and sickened until the thirteenth day, when her case was called. The news that (lip- trial would come on that morniiig bid been noised abroad, all over the city, and throughout the country; "1 bw.l attracted all Exeter to the court-house. As on the preceding day, before leaving her lodgings, for the court, Lady Montressor prayed long and earnestly. And then deeply veiled, and leaning on the arm of the venerable pastor, she came out, to enter the carriage. Mr. Oldfield followed her, took his seat, put up the blinds anil let dowlI the curtains; and having tin:- carefully clov' ur> tbf cn.rria.ge, • •> ¡¡ ë:' :,ij, •' '11 Oldfield alighted, and in a quick, nervous man- ner, handed her out, and attempted to hurry her through the crowd that thronged around, and into the court-house, and chocked up its portico, entrance hall, and staircase. Estelle looked wildly around upon this vast and curious multitude. And eventually she saw Lord Montressor emerge from the crowd on the portico and come down the steps to join her. "A few hours mored fortitude, dear Stella, and you will be free he said, as he drew her hand within his arm. He then bowed to Mr. Oldfield, and called a police-officer, whom he directed to precede and clear a way for them through the crowd. And then with his fine head erect and uncovered, and with a mien as self-possessed and dignified as that with which he had a month ago led his bride into the church, he now led her through the crowded portico and passage-way, and staircase into the court. CHAPTER VI. THE ARRAIGNMENT. On entering the thronged room, a group to the left of the door, forced itself upon Lord Mon- tressor's notice. It consisted of Victoire L'Oi-ient, the little old French woman, and the Abbe. The woman recognized Estelle, and pressed forward exclaiming vindictively: Ah, good So that you madame—verily Your most obedient, madame," etc., etc. Until, at length, without looking at her, Lord Mon- tressor just pnt out his arm and brushed the troublesome reptile from his lady's path, and led her on to the same secluded seat she had daily occupied since her attendance at court. They had not been seated more than live minutes, before they were joined by Lord Dazzleright, who came hurriedly to announce that there would be no more delay than was necessary to arrange preliminaries, and that his client would be almost immediately placed at the bar. And then he hastened away again to attend to some business connected with the approaching trial. Estelle closed her eyes and sank back in her chair. "My God my God have mercy and let me die," escaped in stifled tones from her ashy lips. Estelle! my Estelle! be calm, be strong, be liopef ti I See they are about to cal 1 you. Cal 1 thoujon Him who once stood, as you are now about to stand, before man's uncertain tribunal, to be judged by man's often erring wisdom. Call thou on Him!" said Lord Montressor. 0 The aged minister stood on the other side he stooped and whispered "When vou rise, my child, do not wait for the order of the court, bit unveil at once the innocent need not conceal her brow of truth." The indictment was then read, and Lhe accused was ordered to rise and hold up Iter head. "Prisoner, you have heard the indictment against yon read. Are you guilty or not guilty of the crime laid to your charge? asked the judge. 6, Not gnilty in intention, my lord." answered the low, thrilling voice of the accused. You may resume your seat." The counsel for the Crown arose, and amid the profoundest silence of the court, opened the prosecution. I cannot in my limited space give a just idea of the logic, eloquence and power of this preliminary speech. It would be tedious to recapitulate the testi- mony, which the reader ha-s already heard given at the investigation before the magistrate. The same witnesses, namely: Madame Gabrielle L'Orient and the Abbe Pierre Le Roux, were successively called, and testified to the fact, to wit, that of the marriage that had been per. formed between Victoire L'Orient and Estelle Morelle at the church of St. Etienne, Paris, on the thirteenth day of November, eighteen bun- died and They also identified the prisoner at the bar and Victoire L'Orient as the con. tracting parties in that ceremony. These wit- nesses were in turn subjected to t severe cross- examination by Lord Dazzleright, Lut wlLJlOut, effect. The Judge then arose to review the case, sum up the evidence, and charge the jury. His lordship's exposition of the lav "lid the testimony, in his instructions, vfglit be con- sidered a virtual acquittal o* die prisoner. It was like the usual clip ges of Sir James Allan Parke-short" cler:, and pointed. The jury retived under the conduct of the sheriff's office" to another room to deliberate. Titeii t., spell of breathless silence that had lloUT" the spectators was dissolved. They h* „athed and spoke—a buzz of voice. filled the room. As for Estelle, she changed not from the frozen, stony look into which she had been at first appalled by the ullicial abuse of the crown's counsel. Lord Montressor stooped and whispered to her,— "My own Estelle, courage! courage for a few moments longer and then all will be over all will be well You are already more than acquitted, you arejusl iiied, you are vindicated." Oh, I know, 1 know -ill replied a sepul- chral voice, that Lord Montressor scarcely recognised as belonging to his silver-tongued E,.te! Ie. In a moment, silence fell again like death upon the court-room. It was produced by the opening of a door, and the appearance of the bailiff, ushering in the jury, They advanced to their place. The fort-man stood before tiie Judge. Not a breath was drawn, scarcely a pulse beat in that crowded court-room for the space of a minute, during which the Judge in. quired CrChfclenien of the jury, have y6ti Agreed I upon your verdict ? "We have, my lord," answered the foreman. I What say you, then, is the prisoner at the I bar guilty or not guilty ? NOT GUILTY, my lord." "Lady Montressor is discharged from custody," said the Judge. A low deep murmur of satisfaction ran through the crowd. The old minister seized the hand of his protege and burst into tears of joy. Lord Montressor grasped that of Lord Dazzleright in warm acknowledgment of his services, and congratulation of his success, and then instantly turned to his bride. His attention was too late-she had fainted on the arm of the old clergyman—she who had firmly borne up under the horrors of the past month, had now succumbed and sunk, and lay like a statue fallen from its pedestal. Lady Montressor is discharged fiwi cus- tody," repeated the clerk of the court, some- what impatiently. Site looked indeed as though she were dis- charged not only from the court, but from the earth—so still, so white, so lifeless Raise her in your arms, Montressor take her into the sheriff's room. 1 will show you the way," said Lord Dazzleright, bending anxiou Jy over her fainting form. At this 111011,01,. also, Susan Copsewood, her maid, who had been somewhere among the .spectators,succeeded in pushingherway through the crowd, and reaching the side of her mistress. Lord Montressor raised Estelle witli and preceded by Lord Dazzleright, 1)ore her fron. the court-room into the sheriff 's office, where he I laid her on the sofa, dropped upon one knee by her side, and began to rub and chafe her hands. and invoke her by every fond epithet-and hope- ful word to awake—arise! Siieil restoratives as could be first procured were brought and applied, and with such good effect that, aft era I while, a shudder passed through iiei i'rvme, her breast heaved, her face quivered—she sighed, and opened her eyes. Her glance met the anxious, earnest gaze of Lord Montressor bent her. She sighed again, and dropped her 'I eyelids. .J Stella! my Stella! my bride! my wife 100, yourself, dearest! You are acquitted, you are justified," said Lord Montressor, anxiously seeking to restore her. "You are vindicated—you are free 0 Free free oh God she cried, so de- spairingly, so incoherently, with a|countenance so blanched ni- f\rv"r'ls'\d with nnguisb, that her fiievi.is d>>-w near am; gazed upoa her a muJi asluuLiimtnfc as; alarm. "Compose yourself, sweet Stella," mur- mured Lord Montressor, sittingdown beside her. Sweet love, be calm." "Iwill, lam," she said, trying to control the motions of her quivering and ashen lips. Then gently putting aside his caressim" hand, and rising upon her elbow, she inquired. "But ten me, why was I acquitted, while all the other prisoners, who had been arraigned before me, were convicted ? Did my father's, my friends', and my Lord Montressor's rank and wealth, and power, thrown into the -c.ites J of justice, tilt the balance in my favour ? Had of justice, tilt the balance in my favour ? Had 1 only this advantage over other wretches she asked, fixing her dark eyes, querulous with > suffering, upon the distressed face of the old clergyman. No, no, my child This was not so. This would not have been so. of course. You owe your acquittal solely to your guiltlessness." What she cried, fixing her wild, dilated eyes upon the old man's face, "was it not true?" "Was not what true, my child ? That which the counsel said of me "Assuredly not! The counsel himself did not believe the words that lie ,poke-Iii,, speech was a mere official form. Compose yourself, my child." "Oh, I will do so. I am composed; but I listen," she said, sinking her voice to a whis- per ? "did they make me out to be my lord's wife ? "Assuredly, my child, and you are in strict law the wife of Lord Montressor; though the Judge of the assizes, as well as he knew that fact, had no authority to pronounce upon it." Oh God my God 1" she cried. Be calm, my child do not let this omission distress yon, for though the Judge had no authority to give judgment upon all affair that belonged exclusively to the ecclesiastic courts, yet neither was his judgment needed. We all know now, as we knew before, that you are really and truly the wife of Lord Montressor. Have wenot,ever since your marriage,addressed you only by that name ? Lord, my Lord f" she cried, twisting and wringing her white fingers. Why, Estelle, my child, what ails you? Have you borne up through aU the trial to sink at last in the hour of your triumph "Y ou said that I was truly the wife of Lord Montressor ? Undoubtedly, my child "Then it was the wife of Lord Montressor who was this day tried for Saints in Heaven I cannot name the charge Estelle," said Lord Montressor, you are 0 ill. This is nothing new, nothing we have not known for a month paRt, why then should it distress you ? "Ah, my lord I did not mind what they, out of pity, called me! I called my lost self Estelle L'Orknt t I thought it was Estelle L'Orient who was to lie tried upon this degrad- ing charge I And had it been Estelle L'Orient, it had not signified. But that the wife of the Viscount Montressor should suffer this degra- tiation-oli angels in heaven it is terrible— it is tf-i-rible » Kstelle, you rave pray try, for our sakes, to control yourself, love 1" "But they spoke falsely^—falsely. It was Estelle L'Orient who was tried for ——— what I cannot speak. It was Estelle L'Orient, and no other! Your honourable name, my lord, was never dragged down through such mire it remains clear of blame—none bearing it ever came to shame." "Assuredly not! and none have borne it move blamelessly than my beloved Stella; but, dear one, you talk so wildly that you had best not speak at all—come drink this, and then | lie down and be quiet for a few minutes," he said, placing a glass of ice-water that had just been brought in by her rnni.l. She quaffed it, but instead of lying down, she straightened her figure up, put up her hands and pushed the overshadowing black ringlets from her brow, and said ),vill-I must control myself. There I ;.111 calmer now. Am I not, my friends ?" "Yes—the water has done you good. You are better, but you'must rest a little while." No—let us leave this place—I shall recover sooner without its Malls." As you please, then, love Let your maid re-arrange your dress. Our travel!ing-ca.rriage waits, and the afternoon wanes yet before the moon rises over the hills of Dorset, I would welcome you to your new home—Montressor Castle," said his lordship, affectionately busy- illg himself in tying her little bonnet, and tuck- ing in her stray ringlets. li would you !'—would you take Estelle to your anccstral home, where never a. dis- honoured woman trod before ? Estelle, you almost anger me, love do not talk so illsanely," said his lordship. But she had dropped her bands idly upon her hip, and with her gaze fastened abstractedly upon them, had. mlhni into a deep reverie that lasted several iiiimues, might, have lasted indefinitely longer, had not Lord Montressor gently recalled her attention to the necessity of departure.. l She tarta.d like oiiea.nui.s.>d from sleep—passed her hand ouce or i wire across her brow, and thou :i wered in a voice strange and unnatural from i' level "Lord Mont :e,or, v. ill you please to excuse for to-nightI am not- equal to the journey you propose." My deaies-t, the distance is but nine miles over the loveliest of roads, and in the of carriages," replied his lordship, encouragingly. ".0., doubt, no doubt yei 1 cannot take the road to-day." Very well. jou please, deaxest. I will then convey you to the Royal Adelaide,' the best t"J::1 -['retest little hotel in Exeter, whoie we ivr.-iahi until you are thoroughly rested and restored. Wiii that plan Imit my Stella?" "You exhibit an angel's goodness tome, my lord, and I must tax it still further. Listen and pray do not misconceive me. I am not un- grateful but the scenes of the last month have so severely tried me that even now, when I am acquitted, L cannot pass from the content- j plat ion of the horrors that filled my mind and threatened my future, at once to the enjoyment of the security of your protection, and the blessedness of your love. I need a short inter- y,¡J of solitude, isolation, self-communion and prayer, before [ dare enter the Eden you open to me. Suffer me, therefore, my Nearest lord, to return, as heretofore, under the charge of our reverend friend to my apartment at the 'Crown and Sceptre.' "And then ? "We shall meet again." To-morrow ?" "You lItay COIllC awl inquire for me to-morrow noon." "Estelle! do yon really feet this interval to be necessary to your convenience ? "It is vitally necessary to my peace and sanity, I think, my lord." Be it so, then. 1 cannot, object, nor will I reproach you, my Stella,, cruel as [ feel this delay to be. Shall I attend you to your hotel ?" If you will not think me ungrateful, I prefer that you should take leave of me, as herei.^f'»*e. at my carriage door." Well, I will -"Y my lady's behests,"said his lordship. "But Icoiiie to-morrow, y„u said ? "Come to-morrow, my lord." Estelle expressed herself now ready to de- part. Mr. Oldfield arose and gave her his arm. Lord Montressor walked by her side, and at- I tended her to iho cr.rv''»<»e. "Farewell, until we meet agaLi, Stella," lie said, as he placed her in the carriage. "Aye! until we meet'. Farewell my lord," she answered, solemnly—how solemnly he afterward remembered. Lord Montressor lifted her hand to his lips, bowed, and retired, to give place to Mr. Old- field, who entered the carriage, took his seat beside Estelle, and gave orders to the coach- man to drive on. They finally reached their inn, the neigh- bourhood of which was peopled by an expectant wd. waiting to see their arrival. y, i. Oblfichl her veil c-1<>"e!) n von mi the'beat! of his charge, handed her out of the carriage, and let! her quickly into the house, and up to their private parlour. As soon as they had reached this apartment, Estelle turned to her venerable friend, and said in a low voice Mr. Oldfield, send the servants away; I wish to have a private conversation with you immediately." The good clergyman complied. When they were afone, she threAv back her veil, and sav1 m an earnest, solemn vnin", Mr. Oidiiehl, you area Christian minister help me to do my duty." Your dllty, Lady Montressor?" repeated the clergyman, in a perplexed, misgiving, and questioning tone. Aye, my duty my difficult duty." "I confess 1 do not understand you, Lady Montressor." 1 will explain. I must Avithdraw myself at once and for ever from Lord Montressor's neigh- bourhood and knoAvledge." My child, yon are certainly mad NNoiil(l I were !-but no I isteii. The first marriage of mine may not have been a, legal obstacle; but it is, nevertheless, a. moral obstacle to my union with any other man. And oh amid all the gloom, and terror, and desolation of my life, I do rejoice and thank God for one signal blessing! that 1 was arrested immediately on leaving the church, so that I lived not one moment as a wife with Lord Moutressor and ) not one moment must 1 so live with hi in. I must fly Avhile there is yet time." 1 "My child, my dear Estelle, you distress me beyond measure by this rash resolution." It is not a sudden determination. Ah, no. A month ago, as soon as I recovered from the shock of my arrest and collected my scattered faculties together, I thought of it, pondered over it, and decided upon it—long before the court had rendered judgment upon it. Had I been convicted, that conviction would have virtually released Lord Montressor. But I am acquitted, and I must by my own act release him. I ask you as a Christian minister to assist 1\ me in this duty." But I am very much perplexed. You are certainly in law the wife of Lord Montressor." "But not in right." HOAV do you propose to release him ? By leaving the country h» will then in time forget me." I He never can He must and will." "And then ?" An act of Parliament will release him from the bond of a merely nominal marriage. You have heard my plan—will you assist me in it. "No, Lady Montressor, 1 dare not. "Why not?" Because 1llon ht it would be wrong to do so. It Avould be treachery ou my part toAvard Lord Montressor, Avhose legal wile you are "Oh would to God I were indeed the nght- ful Avife. Oh, would to God I Avere. But that 1 am not so—that 1 cannot be so, Avhile Victoire L'Orient lives, you, a Christian minister should know full Avell" cried Estelle, passionately. Lady Montressor, 1 consider your conscience morbid upon this subject. Monsieur Victoire L'Orient has not the shadow of a claim to your hand. Yon never were his wife," said the minister, solemnly. And if, as you say, I never was the wife of Victoire L'Orient—•what then was I to Ili, ? His innocent victim "'His innocent victim!' And think yon, then, that this 'victim' of Monsieur Victoire L Orient is a fit and proper consort for the Right Honourable, the Viscount Montressor?" U Madam, hilS lordship thinks so." "No, Mr. Oldfield, he is a moral hero—and he loves the poor woman before you. He Avould risk name, rank, and social inllllence-, everything, save true honour, to rescue her from the slough of despond into which she has fallen." Lady Montressor, you are wrong upon this subject I You accuse yourself too bitterly." "Ah, Mr. Oidiiehl My lord thinks only of IDe-but I-I think of him, and of Avhat he will have to bear for my sake I will go I aAvay, far away, lie sliil.1 not know whither He shall never hear of me again I shall he dead to him. An Act of Parliament will set him free from the bond of our nominal union. In time Lord Montressor will forget his lost Estelle, and be happy." "Happy? he, Lord Montressor My child, ( from my oAvn observations of the past month, I feel assured that Lord Montressor will never find happiness in forgetfulness of you." He must and shall I Avill, in my retire- ment. besiege Heaven with prayers for his peace. But we lose precious time. Say will you aid me to leave this place secretly ? "Assuredly not, Lady Montressor." "And is this your 1, "Absolutely,- Lady Moutressor." "Mr. Oldfield! are you then a Christian minister or are yon only an incumbent of Bloomingdale ? asked the lady, in sorrowful of spirit. I humbly trust that 1 am a Christian niinis- ter but not therefore a fanatic, Lady Mon- tressor." "And do yon think it a Christian act to refuse tressor." "And do yon think it a Christian act to refuse to aid me in my conscientious withdrawal from Lord j I take the part of law and order, my lady, and such I think the duty of en-ei-y I Ai)d I—take the part of God and—war, if need be—={'!i"osa niftJ'tyi'dom if need be. Good- I night, most Christian lniniPter," said Lady Mon- I i tre-sor, rising to leave the room. lily Cllil(l. You are sarcastic but I tlo not deserve it. You will sleep on this and toiv you will think better of it and me. God bless and comfort you, my child. Good-night," said the old man, very niildly. Estelle smiled n;ov.fully, ironically, as she pnsscd to the i1 (•v L;;i wliilo her hancl rested upon the Jock, he heart relented-repcnted- 1 she turned hack, went to the side of her vener- able friend, took his aged hand, and said Forgive my unkind words. Trouble makes me irritable and unjust-yes, and ungrateful. For you have been very good to me when my father and mother forsook me, you took me up when i. stood arrainged upon a criminal and degrading charge, you stood at my side, sus- taining me. Do you think that T can ever for- get you, or lie thankless to you? Oil, never no. God bless and preserve you. COlI Jove yon and reward you. Good-night. Good-night!" she cried, and pressed his hand fervently to her heart and lips-then dropped it, turned, and hurried from the room. The good clergyman never looked upon her ¡ living face again. CHAPTER VII. Till" FLIGHT OF E8TJŒLE. When Lady Montressor reached,, her own apartment, she found her faithful attendant, Susan Copsewood, kneeling among the trunks, ill the middle of the floor, busily engaged in packing them. On hearing the door opened Susan arose from I her knees to receive and attend upon her mis- tress but started and stood aghast on behold- ing the wild and haggard countenance of the lady. "Heaven and earth, my lady! what is it Wha t new misfortune ? What can I do for you ? Sit down, dear Madam—here she exclaimed, recovering her presence of mind I sufficiently to enable her to draw forward an easy chair and place her mistress in it. Lady Montressor sank down into theseat and dropped her face upon her open hands, while her veil of loiig, black ringlets fell forward concealingthem. "theii loiig, black ringlets fell forward concealingthem. Lady, dea r lady, w hat is the matter ? What can I 'b> for you": pleaded Susan, kneeling by her mis! l ess', cside and looking up imploringly to her hidden face- do.-ir, dear lady, w hat can 1 do for you itt, is it nothing, nothing, Susan." Forgive nie, dear Madam, but you always say that And this is not just nothing." I Susan I know you are faithful to me, If I weie half as faithful [to the Lord I should he sure of Heaven, my L'dy. llr -h. h.w er, Gr- and see i> the -.ms- oage is citi«.t", .viid then lock the ao^r." Susan obeyed, 3011(1 then returned and kneeled down bv her mistress's side. "Susan, I know you will be worthy of the ;fre" trust I nm about to iepose in you." .y Ule, Madam, try me, if it is a secret, they might put me on old-t i nie rack and wrench and screw my limbs until their own limbs ached Avith the hi.hour, and they'd never screw any- thing out of my lips that was put, H;) heart by your ladyship." I do believe you speak sincerely but your fidelity will not be put to so severe a test Susan," said Lady Montressor. Susan, I must go to London to-night." Madam. My lady," exclaimed the girl. "Imnst depart in secret, and alone," con- tinued Lady Montressor. "You ,vi II, there- fore, have to make all necessary arrangements for me." "lint, I\Tadaiii -bit t, iny dearest mistress Be silent, dear girl, or rather listen to me, and answer my questions. When docs the Bristol train go ? -ri At tAvelve to-night, and at six in the morn- ing, Madam." [ must go by the night train. How far is the station from this house, Susan ? At least a mile, my lady." What o'clock is it now ? "It has just struck eight, Madam." No later ? good \e can complete all necessary arrangements in IIlree hours, ami I can leave heie by eleven nwl reach the station ill tiule. Go now, dear girl, and engage a. hackney-coach to be in readiness.—No that would never do—that Avould betray me. I must walk the distance." "Dear, dear lady, you could never walk it- never 11 Yes, I aiii -tble. I shall walk," said Lady Montressor. "Dear, dear lady, yon keep on saying 'J,' and 'I,' 'I can leave,' and I shall f-s if—as if—as if-oh cried Susan, suddenly breaking down and sobbir'r aloud. "Now then, Susan, do you grieve J L o You keep on repeating and as if—as if-you were going to leave me behind." What I do you wish to go with me ? my lady." But I am about to leave England—to leave all my past, easy and pleasant life behind, and to go into retirement in some foreign country." Well, my lady, Avhat have [ done to deserve to be cast off and left behind ? Nothing ill, have you done, my dear girl but do you really Avisli to leave youi* native country, your home and frieJlds, and attach yourself to the doubtful fortunes of a hapless fugitive like your mistress "Dear laily,l have lieitliei- f;i.ilici-iio..r mother —nor any one to love and serve but you I will leave a letter with you for Mr. Old- field, who will procure you a better home than I could ever give you." It isn't that," said Susan, with a certain quiet self-respect. I Avould get homes enough, dear lady; but But what? I wish to go Avith you. I love you, my lady. I would follow you to the Avorld's end." If you follow me, it may even be to that extent, dear girl," said Lady Montressor, ex- tending her hand to Susan, Avho caught ant covered it with kisses. I may go, your ladyship ?" It is only for your OAvn sake I hesitate, to ^Tlitfgirl^htwe'to hear only the two last words of Lady Montressor's reply, and arose with alacrity to wait her next orders. You may put up a change of clothing in a small packet—that will be sufficient for me. The trunks must be left here for the present- to take them with us would be to blazon our journey. By the Avay, how came they ail opi>n, and in the middle of the floor said Lady Montressor, noticing for the first time the con- fusion of the room. "Pardon, my lady. But when we were leaving the court-room, his lordship Lord Montressor I mean—said to me, Susan, my good child, hasten home and pack your lady's trunks before she si tall have time to get there, so that she siiall not be incommoded and fatigued by the confusion.' And I was doing it, your ladyship, not expecting you in so soon." "Oh, the deur, the kind, the ever-thought- ful. Oh, my lord, my lord," murmured Estelle, in low, inaudible, heart-broken tones, as this little instance of Lord Montressor's ever con- siderate love touched her heart. "Dear lady, you are not well. "i-ou have taken no rest and no refreshment since morning. Let itic undress you lie down and re,ot, while 1 go and order something for you." cannot. Oh, I cannot, Susan." "But Lady Montressor ".Po no teaze, dear girl. I can neither eat nor sleep." how then will your ladyship have strength to reach the train?" Lrulv, that is well put. I thank you, Susan, for reminding me. Well, well, if I mu-L take something, go and order a cup of coffe?, it will be. sufifcient, "And, near lady, won't yon lie down and l'op, while i go ami have it prepared ? "•Well, well, my girl, to please you I will lie dov. whether I can ••••en or pot." replied T.adyM on tremor. Avhoihe., rose and permitted her maid to loosen her and arranged her comfortably upon the coio'fi wLerG "he: 1..i1 down, but not to sleep, not even to rest. was no rest for that tempiest-tossed soul, Susan closed the blinds, let iIOAVU the cur- tair.s, ftiul having thus darkened the chamber, stole our i (j do her errand. Presently her maid returned on tip-toe, and cautiously approached the couch. '■ I am not shaping, Susan, child. You may ring and older I'ghts," the Lady said. Susan obeyed. And when lights were brought find Susan con Id see her mistress's fa.ee,— You are better, my lady," she said. I am better, Susan," replied J ally Ion. tressor, rising and sufr'cring her at tendant to bathe her face and hands, and comb her hair and arrange her dress. When these toilet ser- vices were rendered, the maid rang again and answered by the waiter, who made his appearance with a tray of refreshments for Lady Montressor. Sa-n a sofa-table beside the couch upon which her iadyship reclined, arranged the viands upon it. and pre;>ed her mistress topar- take of Lady Montressor forced herself to swallow a piece of bread and a few mouthfuls of coffee. Then pu.-hing the salver from her, she said "Tiiere. take these tilings away, my girl, :1.\(1 go and get your supper, while I write two letters that- must, be left behind." Susan did as she was ordered. And Lady Montressor when left f),ione, went nUll sat down at her writing table, and AvrotC— first, a short note of adieu, which she h LIed and directed to Mr. Oldfield. Then she commenced a farewell letter to Lord Montressor. She poured out her Avhole heart ami soul up»ni!>*i 'ner—page after page, sheet after sheet, was ldied ns her pen new along the Iiiies her umlying love, her Y. terrible temptation, hei agonizing struggle, her final, despairing illici all, a poured forth with the living' eloquence of a loving, despairing, impassioned heart. At last she paused, exhausted, and bill down her pen. Had she finished ? lied she poured forth aii her burning brain thought ?—all her bleeding heart felt ? Ah, no !lot a millionth And yet she had said too much, too much. M< Alas how inconsistent I am, how Aveaks she said I practice self-denial at one point, and fail into self-indulgence at another Why, to write thus, to him, is almost [I. » rong as to remain and live with him. For, oh, if I should send him this letter, showing him how much I '■n-e and suffer and despair, be Avill never resign me, never free himself and forger me and be happy. No, no, he would search for me over the world, and not finding me, would sit down 111 his' chamber rof to mourn me lor ever. Thai, must not be. IT tint >• r-ow :!■•- (if 1'T bosom. noisf drink this cup of renunciation to the dregs, oenykig my heart even the sorrowful consolation of writing to him ;-sft%,e, perhaps, a few lines of friemjly leave-taking." She tore up her first and impassioned letter, and then she took a sheet of paper and wrote a short note of adieu, which she folded and directed. A few minutes after this her maid returned to the room, and announced that her few pre- parations were complete, and that it was near eleven o'clock. Are yon ready, Susan ? Yes, madam," replied the girl, tying on her bonnet. Is the house quiet ? "Our portion of it is, my lad}- "Very well. then. Now give me my cottage- bonnet and my shawl.—Thank you. Now my thick veil and my gloves.—That is right. Have you the packet ? "Yes, Madam." We are ready, then, I believe? Ye. my lady," repl iell Susan but still she lingered. "Come, then, Avliy do you loiter?" Forgi\'e me, dear lady! but I knew you could not walk besides, it is coming on to mm hard so I took the liberty of going out and engaging a cab. that is to Avait for us at the corner of the next square. Pray do not be un- easy. dear lady the cabman knows nothing/ but that he is to take two passenger* to the station." "Well, Avell, my girlvon acted for the best, and I do not blame you. hut thank you and trust that your act may not lead to a prema- ture discovervoi our flight. Come, let us go, naid Lady Montressor, and she placed the two letters in a conspicuous position Oil the mantle pbxfe, while Susan extinguished the lights, ^phey then left the chamber; Susan closed the door after them. And so Lady Montressor, attended by her faithful servant, went down the stairs, through the long passage, and out by the private door-out into the double darkness of the midnight and the tempest! (To be concluded.)

WALTER SCOTT AND THE DUNCE. Sir Walter Scott was far from being a bril- I liant pupil at school. After lie became famous be one day dropped into the old Tn" teacher put the pupils through, it- .t paces- After .a while Scott sojii. "But Avrii&h is the dunetft You have one/suiely ? Show him to me." The teacher c;.il"d up a potor fellow, who looked the picture of woe as he bashfully came towards the distinguished visitoll*, Al,e you the (Iiiijee ? asked Scott. "Yes, sir, said the hoy. Well, my good fellow," sald Scott, "here is a crown for you for keeping place warm."

IT WENT OUT. Mistress: "Why is dinner not i-e:t(ly, I)iklll,t I tell you to couk it in the gas sto;:e • Bridget Plaze, mum, yes. and I did til".Y, hut th' stove wint out." Mistress: I I did,n't you light it again after it went out i; Yis, mum, but it's not come back yit. wilJt out t'rough the roof." Flo: "Do you love me, swe-t 1" Will Dearly." "y QuId you die for me!" JS" my precious girl, mine is undying love." I

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