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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11269-0.txt b/11269-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..13501f4 --- /dev/null +++ b/11269-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7628 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11269 *** + +Virgie's Inheritance + +By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + + + +Author of "Nora," "Trixy," +"Earle Wayne's Nobility," +"Helen's Victory," +"A True Aristocrat," Etc. + +Copyright, 1887, 1888, 1891 +By Street & Smith + + + + +Virgie's Inheritance. + + + + +Chapter I. +Introduces our Heroine and a Benighted Traveler. + + +"Virgie, I shall have to give up the race." + +"Papa!" + +"My strength is failing rapidly. It was all that I could do to creep home +to-night. My trembling limbs, my labored breathing, and this dreadful +cough, all warn me that I must set my house in order, and make provision +for your future." + +It was an apparently old man who spoke thus, and yet the years of his life +numbered but a little over fifty. + +His hair was silvery white; his face was colorless and haggard, his eyes +dim and sunken, and his form was much attenuated and bowed by the disease +which was fast consuming him. + +He was sitting by a blazing fire, in an ordinary easy-chair over which a +heavy coverlid had been thrown to make it more comfortable; but he +shivered, and hovered over the blaze, as if he were chilled to the very +marrow, while the hands which he held extended to catch the warmth were +livid, and trembling from weakness. + +The room was small, but cozy and home-like. A cheap, coarse carpet, though +of a bright and tasteful pattern, lay upon the floor. An oval table, +covered with a daintily embroidered cloth, stood in the center. There was +a pretty lamp, with a bright Japanese shade upon it. There were also a few +books in choice bindings, and a dainty work-basket filled with implements +for sewing. A few pictures—some done with pen and ink, others in crayon, +but all showing great talent and nicety of execution—hung, in simple +frames, upon the walls. The two windows of the apartment were screened by +pretty curtains of spotless muslin over heavier hangings of crimson, while +a lounge and two or three chairs completed the furnishing of the room. + +Beside the table, in a low rocker, several paces from the invalid by the +fire, yet where she could catch every expression of his pale, sad face, +there sat a young girl, with a piece of fancy work in her hands, upon +which she had been busily engaged before her father spoke. + +She was perhaps twenty years of age, with a straight, perfect form, and a +face that would have better graced a a palace than the humble mountain +home where she now abode. It was a pure, oval, with delicate, beautiful +brows; soft, round cheeks, in which a lovely pink came and went with every +emotion. Her eyes were of a deep violet color, shaded by dark silken +lashes, though their expression was saddened somewhat just now by a look +of care and anxiety. Her white forehead was surmounted by rich +chestnut-brown hair, which was gathered into a graceful knot at the back +of her finely shaped head. A straight, patrician nose; a small, but rather +resolute mouth, and a rounded chin, in which there was a bewitching +dimple; small, lady-like hands and feet, completed the <i>tout ensemble</i> of +Virginia Abbot, the daughter and only child of a whilom honored and +wealthy bank president of San Francisco. + +When addressed, as recorded above, the beautiful girl had started and +grown suddenly pale, and a look of keenest pain shot into her violet eyes. + +Then her sweet mouth straightened itself into a stern, resolute line. +There was a moment of solemn silence, which she broke, by saying, in a +repressed but gentle tone: + +"I am sorry that you are feeling worse than usual to-night, papa. I know +you must be weary. You are always that after being all day in the mine, +and the storm, of course, aggravates your cough; but if you will rest a +few days you will surely be better." + +"No, Virgie, it is useless to build upon false hopes. I shall never be any +better. My work is done. I shall go no more to my claim, and I have +decided to dispose of it to the first one who will offer me a fair price +for it. But, dear child, if it were not for you I believe I should be glad +to know that my saddened life is almost at an end. I——" + +The weary voice quivered and failed here, and the man sank back in his +chair with a bitter sigh. + +The young girl, her own face now blanched to the hue of death, laid down +her work, arose, and moved swiftly to her father's side, where she knelt +by his chair. + +"Papa, do not talk so. You must not leave me," she cried, in a voice of +agony. "I cannot spare you. There must be something to help you—to build +up your strength. Let us go back home, where you can have the best medical +advice." + +The man sat up in his chair, stopping her with a gesture almost of +despair. + +"Home!" he cried, hoarsely. "Virgie, we have no home but this. You know +that I am already the same as dead to every one but you; that even our +real name is sunk in oblivion." + +"But, papa, you must try to live for my sake," Virgie cried, clasping her +trembling hands about his emaciated arm, and shuddering as she felt how +frail it was. "If you will not go back, let me at least send for Dr. +Truel. He is skillful. He was always our friend. He will cheer you and +give you something to build you up, and he will keep our secret, too. Oh, +you ought to have had advice long ago. What shall I do in this dreary +place if you leave me alone?" + +The sick man unclasped her clinging hands from his arm, and drew her +slight form to him in a tender embrace. + +"My darling," he said, fondly, "that is just what I wish to talk with you +about; so calm yourself and listen to me. Neither Dr. Truel, nor any other +doctor, can help me now; if I had called him a year ago he might have +prolonged my life; but my pride would not let me face any one whom I had +ever known. But I will not speak of the past; it is too familiar and +painful to both of us. It is useless, however, for me to think for a +moment of going back, even to die, in the home where we were once so +happy, for only disgrace is connected with our name—disgrace and wrong, +all the more keenly felt because unmerited." + +"Hush, Virgie!" he continued, as a shuddering sob burst from the breast +pressed so closely to his, "you must not give way so. I did not mean to +alarm you unnecessarily by what I have said; I may not leave you for some +time yet. I may be spared for a few months, perhaps until autumn, but I +feel that the time has come to arrange some definite plan for your future. +I must, however, give up my work, for I have no longer strength to carry +it on; but if there was only some one whom I could trust to take charge +of my claim. I might even yet reap something of benefit from it to add to +the hoard that I have been saving for you against this emergency." + +"But, papa, I would much rather that you should spend every dollar that +you have, if it would prolong your life; if I lose you, I have not a +friend in the world." + +The man heaved a heavy sigh, for too well he realized the truth of her +words. + +"My dear," he returned, with tender pathos, "if it were possible for me to +regain my health, at any sacrifice, I would gladly make it for your sake. +But I know that it cannot be, and my care now must be to make the best +provision that I can for you." + +"I have been very successful since coming here," he went on, speaking more +cheerfully, "more so than I ever dared to hope, and the claim promises +much for the future and ought to bring a good price if sold; so you will +have quite a snug little fortune, my Virgie, and I trust that your lot in +life will yet be happy, in spite of the dark cloud that has so shadowed it +in the beginning. What say you to writing to my old friend, Laurence +Bancroft, of New York, confiding you to his care after——" + +"Oh, my father, you make me utterly wretched," cried the young girl, +reaching up her arms and clasping them convulsively about his neck, while +she lifted her tear-stained face appealingly to him. + +He bent forward and kissed her white forehead softly with his trembling +lips. + +"Bear with me a little longer, my daughter, and then we will never mention +this again while I live," he returned, huskily. "Laurence Bancroft, as you +know, was a dear friend of my early life. He has a cultivated wife, and +two daughters about your own age; he will believe me when I tell him the +truth regarding our misfortunes, and will, no doubt, give you a home in +his own family, and care for your interests until—woman's best gift—the +love of some true man comes to you, and you have a home of your own. New +York is almost on the other side of the world, and no evil breath of the +past will be likely to touch you there. What do you say, Virgie?—may I +write to my friend, giving you to his care?" + +"Yes, papa," Virgie said, wearily assenting to his project, more to put an +end to the painful conversation than because she had any choice in the +matter, "you may do whatever your judgment tells you is best, and I will +be guided entirely by your wishes." + +Mr. Abbot looked intensely relieved. + +This question had troubled him for many months, and he had always shrunk +from speaking of it, because of the pain which he knew it would inflict. +With this vital matter settled, he felt that he could give up all care, +and spend the few remaining days of his life in peace with his idolized +child, and calmly await the end, which he knew was so near. + +"That is right, dear," he said, with a contented smile. "I am greatly +comforted. I will write a full account of everything, together with my +wishes for your future, and it will be ready to be sent to Mr. Bancroft at +a moment's warning. I do not care to have him know anything about us just +yet; hark! what was that?" he broke off abruptly, and started into a +listening attitude. + +"Only the wind and the storm beating against the house, I think," answered +Virgie, lifting her head, and calmed for the moment as she, too, listened +to what had seemed an unusual noise. + +"It is a wild night, my child. I hope no one is homeless in this storm," +said Mr. Abbot. "I am thankful for this peaceful, though humble refuge, +after the turmoil and wrong of a few years ago, only it is hard for you to +be so shut away and isolated from those of your own age. But surely that +was a knock, Virgie." + +The young girl started to her feet as a loud and imperative rap echoed +through the small entry outside the parlor. + +It was seldom that they were disturbed at that hour of the evening, for +among the hard working people of the mining district in which they lived, +there were few who were not early wrapped in slumber after the labors of +the day. + +Virgie passed quickly out of the cheerful parlor into the tiny hall, and +opened the outer door, though the heavy burglar chain was fastened and +would admit of its being opened but a little ways. + +"Who is there?" she asked, in her clear, sweet tones. + +"A stranger who has lost his way and seeks direction to the nearest public +inn," answered a rich, mellow voice from without. + +Mr. Abbot now came out, a heavy shawl wrapped about his shoulders to +shield him from the dampness. + +"It is more than a mile from here, and a very poor place at that," he +said. + +The stranger outside gave a low whistle of dismay at this information, and +muttered something about being in "a very uncomfortable fix." + +Mr. Abbot unfastened the chain, threw wide the door, and invited the +unknown to come in out of the storm. + +"Thanks," was the courteous response; "but I will not trespass upon your +hospitality if you will kindly direct me to the inn of which you speak. +The darkness came on so suddenly that I lost my way. I left Oreana at +noon to go to Humboldt, but my horse sprained his foot on the rough +mountain road, and I have had to come at a snail's pace ever since." + +"You are sadly out of your way, indeed, if you are going to Humboldt, for +it is a good ten miles from here. Come in—come in out of the pouring +rain, and we will discuss what will be best for you to do," returned his +host, in a hearty tone, for he was won by the man's frankness and +courtesy. + +The stranger stepped, dripping, into the hall, a tall, straight figure, +booted and spurred, and enveloped in waterproof jacket, trousers, and +havelock. + +"Thanks," he said, "you are very kind; but allow me to introduce myself; +my name is Heath—William Heath, at your service." + +"Then, Mr. Heath, come to my fireside and dry and warm yourself; my name +is Abbot and this is my daughter," replied Mr. Abbot, leading the way into +the cheerful parlor whither Virgie had retired when her father opened the +door to the benighted wayfarer. + +Mr. Heath bowed with all the polish that could have been expected of him +had he been in a royal drawing-room instead of a rude cottage in a ruder +mining district of the mountains of Nevada, while his dark eyes flashed +with a look of admiration over the perfect figure and into the lovely face +of his host's daughter. + +He removed his hat and havelock, revealing a grand head covered with +waving brown hair, and a handsome face all aglow with intelligence. His +eyes were a dark, wine-brown, his glance as keen and straight as an +eagle's, his manner and bearing betraying that he was accustomed to mingle +with people of culture and refinement. + + + + +Chapter II. +The Stranger Welcomed. + + +Virginia Abbot simply inclined her regal head in returning the stranger's +greeting; then taking up her work again, she sat down by the table, with +her back toward the fire and the newcomer. She had not failed to notice +his look of surprised admiration when introduced to her, and it had +affected her strangely. + +Five years previous Mr. Abbot and his young daughter had come to that wild +region entire strangers—the former, a man of gentlemanly bearing, +somewhat past his prime; the latter a wondrously beautiful girl of +fifteen, just budding into womanhood, and with a dignity of mien and +refinement of speech which, together with her beauty, caused the uncouth +inhabitants of the place to regard her with something of awe, and as if +they thought she belonged to an entirely different sphere from them. + +Mr. Abbot owned a claim in the gold and silver region there, which he +asserted that he was going to work himself, much to the surprise of the +rough miners, for he was a frail looking man. + +He built a small but very convenient house, containing five rooms, which, +with the few elegancies he had brought with him, for his child's sake, and +which proclaimed that the strangers had been accustomed to the luxuries of +life heretofore, became the pride and wonder of the settlement. + +The house was painted inside and out; there were carpets upon the floors, +draperies at the windows, vases and ornaments on the mantels, pictures on +the walls. But though all the furnishings were of the simplest and +cheapest, yet, to the rude and unaccustomed people about them, their home +seemed a veritable palace. + +Another mystery and evidence of superiority was the grave and +self-contained Chinaman who came with them, and was installed as cook and +servant in general in the small kitchen, and who waited upon the young +lady of the house with so much respect and deference. + +Here the father and daughter lived in the utmost seclusion. Virgie never +was seen outside her home unless accompanied by her father or servant, and +Mr. Abbot, when not in the mine, devoted himself wholly to his child. + +They made no friends, and did not mingle at all with those about them, +although they were always kind and courteous to every one, and thus won +the respect of every man, woman and child in the hamlet. Mr. Abbot had the +appearance of being much broken in spirit; his countenance wore a look of +habitual sadness, and his abundant hair, so prematurely whitened, plainly +told that some heavy trouble had overtaken him in the past. Nothing could +be learned of their antecedents, where they had lived, or why they were +there, though Chi Lu, the servant, was often plied with questions by the +curious, and thus they were regarded as a trio of very mysterious +personages. + +After a year or so, it began to be whispered about that "the governor," as +Mr. Abbot was called, because of the respect in which he was held, had +"struck it rich," in other words, that his claim was proving an unusually +fruitful one, and he was making money rapidly. How this came to be known +it would be hard to say, for he was very uncommunicative, going and coming +to and from his work quietly and unostentatiously, and living in the +simplest manner. + +As time passed, Virginia Abbot grew even more beautiful than she was when +she had first come to her mountain home. The bracing air agreed with her, +her health was perfect, while her simple manner of living and her regular +habits were calculated to develop to the utmost every charm, and keep her +strong, and fresh, and beautiful. + +Her mind was not allowed to lie dormant, however, for her father attended +most carefully and faithfully to her education, and not only insisted upon +a regular and thorough course of study, but kept her well provided with +the literature of the times, embracing many new books and various papers +and periodicals. + +But for more than a year past, Mr. Abbot's health had been failing. The +change, however, was so gradual that Virgie did not observe it until the +disease had fastened itself so firmly upon him that he was beyond all +human aid. The man himself fought against it for months, striving to +prolong his life for the sake of his idolized daughter, although, +personally, the world had no longer any charms for him; but it never +relaxed its fatal hold, and at last, at the time of the opening of our +story, he felt that the time had come for him to give up labor and lay +down all burdens, for he knew that his days were numbered. + +The question of providing a home and protection for Virgie had long +agitated his mind. + +They had no relations or friends to whom he could confide her. There were +reasons why he was unwilling to appoint a guardian and send her back to +their former home, and so, at last, he resolved to commit her to the care +of his early friend and college mate, Laurence Bancroft, a wealthy +merchant of New York city. + +But the matter was to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the +beautiful girl's destiny settled in a way wholly unexpected by either +father or daughter. + + * * * * * + +When Mr. Heath, the benighted and storm-delayed traveler, threw back his +dripping coat, and seated himself at the invitation of his host, before +the blazing fire, Mr. Abbot thought that he had seldom seen a more +attractive young man. + +He was apparently about twenty-five years of age. His dark eyer were full +of intelligence, and fringed with long silken lashes. His features were +clear cut, as if they had been chiseled in marble. A dark brown moustache +shaded, but did not conceal, a sensitive mouth, from which there flashed +the gleam of brilliant teeth whenever he spoke or smiled; his nose was +well formed, and his smooth, rather massive chin betrayed strength of +purpose and decision of character. + +His address was very courteous, even fascinating, and his voice possessed +a rich, mellow tone, with a sympathetic ring in it, to which it was a +delight to listen, and which won at once upon the hearts and confidence of +his entertainers. + +"You are unfortunate to be obliged to traverse our rough mountain roads on +such a night as this," Mr. Abbot observed, with a shiver, as he drew +nearer the fire, and laid another heavy oaken stick across the glowing +blaze. + +"That is true, sir," responded his guest, yet the glance, which he +involuntarily shot at Virgie, bending gracefully over her work, did not +betray an overwhelming sense of his misfortune. + +"I am on my way to join a party of sportsmen at Humboldt," he +continued. "I was detained at Virginia city upon a matter of business, +and they went on before, promising to wait there for me until to-morrow +evening." + +"Are you traveling on horseback?" Mr. Abbot asked, with some surprise. + +"No, sir; but the train on which I started met with an accident this +morning, which was liable to detain it several hours, and being impatient +of the delay, I procured a horse at Oreana, thinking I could easily reach +Humboldt by evening, when I could return it by rail. But the unfortunate +beast sprained his foot on a rolling stone, as I have already told you; +the storm and darkness overtook me, I lost my way, and my courage was just +about failing, when I espied the friendly lights of this settlement, and I +resolved to stop at the first house I came to and ask where I could find +shelter for the night." + +Mr. Abbot had been studying the young man's face attentively during this +explanation. + +He liked his appearance exceedingly; his countenance was honest and true, +his story straightforward and well told, and some unaccountable impulse +prompted him to take measures to become better acquainted with him. + +"If you are going to Humboldt, you should have taken the turn to your left +five miles back on the mountain," he said. "It would be impossible for you +to reach it to-night, even if you could be set right, for you would be +sure to lose your way again in the darkness. The only public house—if you +can call it such—in this region, is at least a mile from here, and far +from inviting or comfortable at that; so allow me, Mr. Heath, to offer +you the hospitality of our home for the night, and to-morrow you can start +afresh and refreshed upon your way." + +The young man looked up with a glance of surprise, while a quick flush +mounted to his brow, at this unexpected and rather extraordinary offer, +for he well knew that in a mining district all strangers are regarded with +suspicion if not with positive dislike. + +"Sir, you are very kind," he began, casting another glance toward the +lovely maiden by the table, for he had seen her give a quick start at her +father's invitation, "but I fear I should trespass beyond all bounds were +I to accept your offer." + +"No, indeed," returned Mr. Abbot, with more of eagerness in his manner +than he was in the habit of betraying over anything. "I could not think of +allowing you to go on in this driving storm, and we can arrange it very +comfortably can we not, Virgie?" turning toward her. + +"Yes, sir," was the low though unhesitating reply. + +"But I am an entire stranger to you. How dare you take me into your +household? How do you know but that I am a robber or a brigand in +disguise?" queried Mr. Heath, with a twinkle in his fine eyes. But still +he was strongly tempted to accept the friendly offer, not only on account +of the comfort surrounding him, but because he was attracted by the +cultivated gentleman and his charming daughter, both of whom were a great +surprise to him, finding them as he had in that wild region. + +"Nay," responded Mr. Abbot, smiling, yet meeting the frank eyes of his +guest steadily, "I think I can vouch for your character as a gentleman +even though you are an utter stranger. Remove your wet garments, I pray, +and make yourself comfortable for the night." + +"But my horse," began Mr. Heath, suddenly bethinking himself of the +dripping and suffering animal. + +"True. Pardon my thoughtlessness," returned his host, adding, "There is a +small shed attached to our dwelling where he can at least be sheltered. +Virgie, please go and send Chi Lu to assist Mr. Heath." + +Virgie immediately arose and left the room, and soon after a diminutive +Chinaman appeared in the doorway, bearing a lighted lantern, and +signifying his readiness to "puttee up te hossee." + +Mr. Heath left the house with him, and both were gone some time, attending +to the animal's injured leg and trying to make him as comfortable as +circumstances would allow. + +During their absence Virgie, at the suggestion of her father, busied +herself in arranging a supper for the storm-beaten traveler, who upon his +return was greeted by the fumes of steaming coffee, while an appetizing +array of cold meats and other viands was spread upon the table, which had +been drawn up before the fire. + +"I fear Miss Abbot is making herself trouble on my account," Mr. Heath +remarked, with a swift and grateful glance at the graceful form and +flushed face that was bending over the glowing coals, where the young girl +was toasting to a delicate brown a slice from a wheaten loaf. + +"No, indeed; it is no trouble; and a meal after your long ride in the rain +will not come amiss," Virgie answered, looking up and meeting his fine +eyes for an instant. + +She deposited the bread upon a plate, and inviting the young man to be +seated, poured with her own hands a cup of fragrant coffee, which she +placed before him. + +She continued to wait upon him with exquisite ease and grace until his +hunger was appeased, which was not soon, for it was a rare pleasure for +him to watch her beautiful and expressive face while he chatted with her +father, sipped his coffee, and ate his toast. + +But he finished at length, and then Chi Lu was summoned the table cleared, +and the room restored to its usual order. + +Mr. Abbot seldom had met a real gentleman since coming among the +mountains; he had lived chiefly within himself and for his child. But now +he found that he had not lost all interest in the outside world, and he +enjoyed immensely Mr. Heath's account of his travels, and his descriptions +of men and things. + +Virgie had not seen her father so bright and animated in all the five +years of their secluded life, and she began to hope that his fears +regarding his failing health were groundless after all. She, too, enjoyed +the young stranger's conversation, although she did not join in it. She +sat by, with her dainty embroidery in her hands, listening, and showing by +her expressive face and shining eyes how rare a pleasure such congenial +society was to her. + +But by and by she stole away to her own room, where she lay far into the +night thinking of the handsome stranger—of his eager yet respectful +glances when he looked at her; of the low, rich cadence of his voice when +he spoke to her, and feeling that she should miss him more than she had +ever yet missed anyone during the last five years, when he should go away +on the morrow. + +The two men talked some time longer after Virgie left; the Chi Lu was +called again, the pretty lounge was converted into a comfortable bed, and +Mr. Heath was told that the parlor was at his service for the night. + +The young man was very thankful for the hearty hospitality of which he had +been the recipient, and felt that he had been extremely fortunate in +finding such a pleasant abiding-place; but, although he was very weary +from his rough and tedious ride over the mountain, he found that slumber +was hard to woo, and he, too, lay awake for long hours, wondering over the +strange experience of the evening, and what hard fate—for hard he felt +sure it must have been—could have driven a cultivated gentleman like Mr. +Abbot, and his peerless daughter, who was so well fitted to shine in the +most brilliant circles of the world, away from the haunts of civilization +into that wilderness, and among the rude, uncultured, uncongenial people +of a mining region. + + + + +Chapter III. +Mr. Heath Talks of Becoming a Miner. + + +The next morning broke fair and beautiful. + +Every trace of the storm had passed away, save that the dust was laid and +all nature looked fresher and brighter for the copious bath it had +received. + +Virgie Abbot, despite her sleeplessness during the first half of the +night, was up at an early hour, superintending breakfast for her father +and their guest. + +If she had been lovely the previous evening she was doubly so now in her +pretty flannel wrapper—for the mornings were chilly in that region, even +in the summer The wrapper was of a light blue tint, wonderfully becoming +to her delicate complexion, and harmonized well with her eyes and the +dainty pink in her cheeks. + +Her face wore a brighter, more eager look, than was its wont, this +morning, and she was full of life and energy that was born of her youth +and sunny, hopeful temperament. + +The incidents of the previous evening had been a pleasant break in her +hitherto monotonous life, and she was now looking forward, with no small +degree of interest, to meeting by daylight the handsome stranger who had +taken refuge with them. + +During all the years that she had been in that rude place she had not seen +one real gentleman, excepting her father; they had never before +entertained a visitor, and there had been nothing but her reading and +studies, her drawing and fancy work, to vary the quiet, almost dull +uniformity of her existence. + +Mr. Abbot himself looked brighter and better as he came out from his +chamber and gave Virgie his usual morning greeting and caress. + +This visit had evidently done him good also, and Virgie took "heart of +grace" from the fact, and put aside, for the time at least, the anxious +fears that had so burdened her the night before. + +Breakfast was served in the simple but clean and cheerful kitchen which +led from the parlor, while the small table, laid for three, had almost an +air of elegance, with its spotless cloth, its few pieces of silver, china, +and cut glass, relics of former glory, and the tiny vase of flowers, with +the dew and rain still on them, which Virgie had gathered from the edge of +the cliff near by. + +Mr. Heath's glance expressed something of surprise as it swiftly took in +these appointments; but to him the fairest sight of all was the slim but +perfect figure of the young girl who sat at the head of the table, and +poured his coffee, and waited upon him with all the ease and +self-possession of one who had been long accustomed to the formalities and +etiquette of high life. + +The young man wondered at it. There was no other woman in the house, nor +had been since they came there, for Mr. Abbot had mentioned that he lost +his wife more than six years ago; but this girl was a perfect little +hostess, and dainty, to the last degree, in her person. Her hands were +white and delicate, the pretty pink nails without a blemish; her hair +soft and silken, showing a careful wielding of the brush; her linen collar +and cuffs were immaculate, her handkerchief white as snow, and fine and +sheer, while everything about her bespoke lady-like refinement and a high +regard for nicety of toilet. + +He could hardly keep his eyes off her, she was so fair a picture; but once +or twice she had looked up and caught his glance, flushed, and fearing to +embarrass her, he turned resolutely to his host and opened a subject upon +which he had been thinking quite, seriously. + +"I understood you to say last evening, I believe, sir, that you were +desirous of disposing of your claim," he remarked. + +"Yes; my health is too poor to admit of my working it any longer, and I +should be glad to dispose of it to the right person," Mr. Abbot replied. + +"I think I know of some one who would like it, if it is still a promising +one," the young man said, but a conscious color flushed his cheek slightly +as he felt Virgie's eyes turned upon him. + +"I honestly believe that it is richer to-day than when I began to work +it," Mr. Abbot asserted confidently. "However," he added, "I do not ask +you to take my word for it. If you know a party who would like to +purchase, tell him to bring an expert and examine for himself; and even +then if he is not satisfied to buy outright, he may work it upon shares +until he is convinced of its value." + +"That is fair, I am sure," said Mr. Heath. + +"Perhaps you would like to take a look at it before you go?" suggested +his host, who was eager to dispose of his property. + +"I would, I assure you," was the reply; "but there is hardly time this +morning, for I feel that I must join my party immediately, else they will +be anxious regarding my safety. We are bound upon an excursion through the +northern portion of the State, and intend to be absent a week or more; but +after that, if you will permit me, I will return here and investigate +matters—that is, if you will give me the refusal of the claim until +then." + +As the young man said this, his glance involuntarily wandered again to the +beautiful face of Virgie. + +There must have been something magnetic in his gaze, for she raised her +white lids just then, and met the earnest, wistful look bent upon her. + +A flush leaped to her cheek, and her violet eyes dropped instantly upon +her plate again, while her heart fluttered like a caged wild bird. + +"I will gladly wait your time, Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot responded, in a +satisfied tone. "I begin to think that your losing your way and falling to +our care last evening was providential." + +"I have no doubt of it, sir," was the grave and reverent reply. "I believe +that all our ways are ordered for us; that everything is arranged for us +by an All-wise Power." + +Something very like a sneer curled the almost colorless lips of his host +at this unexpected assertion. + +Mr. Abbot was no believer in the individuality of God, and had spoken both +lightly and at random when he had referred to the young man's visit as +being providential. + +"What do you mean by an All-wise Power?" he asked, skeptically. + +"I mean God, sir." + +"You believe there is a God, then?" + +"Certainly; do you not?" and Mr. Heath's kind, grave eyes looked pityingly +into the haggard, sunken face before him. + +They seemed almost to say, "If you have not this belief to comfort you, +with the hand of death laid upon your very heart, I grieve inexpressibly +for you." + +"If there is, I imagine He must allow Satan to have the control of some of +our lives," was the evasive and bitter retort. "Virgie, Mr. Heath's cup is +empty." + +But his face flushed and his hands trembled as he thus abruptly turned the +topic, showing how deeply the subject moved him; notwithstanding his +pretended unbelief. + +"Thanks; no more coffee for me," Mr. Heath said, with a smile and a bow to +his young hostess, as she offered to replenish his cup; but he noticed +that there was a troubled, anxious look in her eyes as they rested upon +her father. + +He made no reply to Mr. Abbot's remark, although he looked a trifle hurt. + +He simply said, as he folded his napkin and pushed back his plate: + +"I must ask you to excuse me and my lack of ceremony if I bid you good +morning, and take French leave. I feel that I ought to get on my way as +soon as possible; and believe me I am very grateful for your hospitality +and courtesy." + +Virgie arose as he spoke, and like the true little lady that she was, +assured him that it had been a delight to entertain him, and she should +look forward with pleasure to his return. + +He thanked her, shook hands warmly with her, and then left the house, +followed by Mr. Abbot, who watched him depart with a feeling of regret +such as he had not experienced over any one during all the years of his +exile. + +Still he pleasantly anticipated his coming again, when he meant to make +him remain several days. + +He had been strangely attracted toward him from the moment when he had +first heard his mellow, sympathetic tones, asking to be directed to a +place of shelter. He knew that he possessed a grand character, for he +carried the stamp of true nobility upon his frank, handsome face. + +"That is a promising young man, Virgie," he said, as he returned to the +parlor after watching the horse and its rider disappear down the mountain. +"I should like to know where he came from, and more about him." + +Virgie did not reply, but she turned away from the window where she, too, +had been watching the receding horseman, with a shy, sweet smile on her +red lips. William Heath's last glance had been for her, as he doffed his +hat and bowed low in his saddle when he turned down the road. + +During all the week that followed her step was lighter and her face +brighter than its wont, and she went singing about the house to the +delight of her father, who was now at home all the day long, as he had +given up going to the mine. + +Mr. Abbot had appeared very thoughtful after the departure of his young +guest, often falling into a profound reverie, in which he would sit for +hours. + +Virgie often wondered what he could be thinking about, but she did not +feel like questioning him, lest he should refer again to the painful topic +of his leaving her. + +One day, however, coming into the room suddenly, she saw her mother's +bible in his hands, and she was sure there were tears in his eyes. She +appeared not to notice either his employment or his emotion, but soon +stole softly away again, and went weeping up to her own room. + +After that he busied himself with writing a great deal, and she felt sure +that he was making arrangements for her of which he had spoken on that +stormy evening. A great dread came over her at the thought of being left +alone in the world; and yet, in spite of all, she looked forward to the +return of Mr. Heath with more of pleasure and anticipation than she had +known for many a year. + +Thus more than a week went by, and one afternoon Virgie, her father being +asleep and the house oppressively still, took her book and went out to a +little nook back of her cottage, where she was in the habit of going to +study, and where Chi Lu had built a rustic seat for her beneath a great +pine tree that grew out of a cleft in the mountain. + +But she could not concentrate her thoughts upon the page before her; they +went roving after a coal black steed and its handsome rider, until finally +her book dropped from her hands, her eyes fixed themselves dreamily upon +the lofty, far-off peaks of the Humboldt Mountains, and she was lost to +time and place—everything save her own delightful musings. + +So absorbed was she that she was not aware of the approach of any one +until a small but exquisitely arranged bouquet of mountain flowers were +laid upon the seat beside her, and a rich but well remembered voice said: + +"Pardon me, Miss Abbot, for intruding upon your solitude, but Chi Lu told +me that Mr. Abbot was resting and could not be disturbed at present, and +that I should find you here." + +Virginia sprang to her feet, the tint of the wild rose in her cheeks, her +violet eyes grown black with repressed excitement. + +"Mr. Heath?" she cried, her scarlet lips parting in a bewildering smile. + +"Yes; forgive me for having startled you so," he said, gently, then adding +with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "You were surely in a very brown +study." + +"I am afraid I was," she returned, laughing. "But what lovely flowers!" +she continued, taking them up and bending to inhale their fragrance. "How +kind of you to gather them for me." + +The young man's eyes lingered about her in a delighted gaze, for she made +the fairest picture imaginable standing there in her soft gray dress with +its collar and cuffs of black velvet, a knot of scarlet ribbon at her +throat, the brilliant flowers in her hands, and a fleecy white shawl +wrapped about her shoulders. Her shining hair was gathered into a satiny +brown coil at the back of her head and pinned with a silver arrow, while a +few naturally curling locks lay lightly on her forehead. The dark, +moss-grown rock was behind her; the softly waving plumy boughs of the +pine tree above her, a carpet of tender green beneath her feet. + +"You are still trembling from the shock that I have given you," he said in +a tone of self-reproach, and noticing how the flowers quivered in her +grasp, "pray, pardon me and give me a handshake of welcome, or I shall +almost regret that I came." + +She looked up frankly into his dark eyes, and laid her small hand +unhesitatingly in his. + +"You are very welcome, Mr. Heath," she said, "and I am sure that papa will +be very glad to see you." + +William Heath smiled at her words. + +He felt sure that she, too, was glad to see him—that his coming was a +pleasant break in the monotony of her life; her varying color, the bright, +happy gleam of her eyes told him this. + +Her wonderful beauty, so out of place in that wild region, thrilled him +strangely. Her queenly manner, her delicacy and refinement astonished him, +and he wondered more and more what mysterious circumstances could have +combined to drive two such cultivated people so far from civilization to +hide themselves in the rugged fastnesses of those dreary mountains. + + + + +Chapter IV. +A Mountain Ramble. + + +"You were reading," he remarked, stooping to pick up the book that had +fallen to the ground as she arose. "Tacitus!" he added, in a tone of +astonishment, as his eye fell upon the title page. + +"Yes, I am reviewing; papa likes me to study a little every day, still," +Virgie returned, quietly, while she examined her flowers with a critical +eye, and wondered that a gentleman could have arranged them so well. + +He must be an artist, she thought, for no one save an artist, or a lover +of art, could have taken such pains to harmonize colors like that. + +"I should suppose you would labor under serious difficulties in trying to +pursue your studies in such a place as this," Mr. Heath remarked. + +"Oh, no, papa is a fine scholar, and he makes a most delightful teacher." + +"And have you pursued a regular course under him?" + +"Yes, partly. I left school when I was fifteen, but I have kept right on +the same as I should have done if I had remained, and I graduated two +years ago," she concluded, smiling archly at the idea of graduating in +that wild country. + +"And with high honors, of course," said her companion in the same vein. + +"Certainly; with all the honors, since there was no one to compete with +me or to bear away the palm from me. But, Mr. Heath, you must be both +weary and hungry after your ride over the mountains; come in, and let me +get you a lunch," Virgie concluded, on hospitable thoughts intent. + +"No, indeed, thank you; I will eat nothing until tea time, when, if you +will permit me, I will gladly join you. I should much prefer to sit here +and enjoy this magnificent view with you to going indoors." + +He seated himself, as he spoke, upon the rustic seat, and Virgie, +following his example, they fell into a pleasant chat, which lasted more +than an hour. + +Virgie never forgot that delicious hour, neither did her companion, who +was every moment growing more deeply interested in the beautiful mountain +maiden. + +He talked upon many themes, and was surprised to find how fluently she +could converse with him, showing how much and how thoroughly she had read, +and how wisely and carefully her father had superintended her education. +She was far above the average woman in point of intellect and culture, he +told himself and it was a pity that her life should be wasted in that +wretched place. + +But they were at length interrupted by Chi Lu, who came to tell them that +Mr. Abbot was awake, and had asked for them. + +They immediately arose to go to him, and found him sitting upon the tiny +porch in front of the cottage. + +He was looking thinner and more worn, Mr. Heath thought, than when he had +last seen him, and his cough was far from troublesome, even though the +weather was milder. It was evident, to him, at least, that the man was in +the last stages of consumption, and could not live many months, if weeks, +although, as the weather grew warmer, he might rally somewhat. + +He greeted the young man warmly, and made many inquiries regarding his +trip and the success which he and his party had met with in their sport. + +"Very good," Mr. Heath told him, adding, "And now my friends have gone to +Salt Lake City, while I have retraced my steps hither to talk with you +about that claim of yours." + +Virgie looked up quickly at this, a lovely flush rising to her cheek. If +only he would become its purchaser. + +The eyes of the two young people met, and held each other in a glance that +sent the blood coursing more rapidly than usual through their veins. + +Mr. Abbot's face, brightened. + +"Then you still think that you know some one who will purchase it?" he +said, eagerly. + +"Yes, sir—if—if it proves all that you have described it, I think I may +like to buy it myself," Mr. Heath answered quietly, but with rising color. + +"You! you don't look like a person who would care to take to mining for a +living," returned his host, in a surprised tone. + +"I might say the same of you, sir," said the young man, smiling. + +Mr. Abbot flushed, and for a moment appeared considerably agitated and +unable to speak. + +Then he said, with something of hauteur in his manner: + +"Sometimes a person is compelled by circumstances, over which he has no +control, to adopt a pursuit, which under other conditions he would shun as +both unfitting and obnoxious." + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Abbot," Mr. Heath hastened to say, in a +deprecatory tone. "I had no intention of calling to mind anything of an +unpleasant nature; my reply was lightly and thoughtlessly given. However, +I have always had a desire to see something of mining, and although I may +not attempt to work at it myself, I think I should like to own a claim." + +"Very well; then to-morrow I will show you over the premises; and explain +all that you may wish to know; perhaps, though you may not be quite so +much in favor of a miner's life when you come to realize the difficulties +attending it." + +Chi Lu now interrupted with the information that tea was ready, and Mr. +Abbot repeated the invitation that Virgie had already given to their new +friend, insisting further, that he should remain their guest until he +should decide regarding the purchase of the claim. + +Upon being assured that it would inconvenience the household in no way, he +consented, nothing loath at the prospect of being allowed to bask in +Virgie's presence, and to have an opportunity to study her character more +fully. + +After tea, which was really a dainty meal, far better and more acceptably +served than any the young traveler had eaten since leaving San Francisco +three weeks previous, Mr. Heath, seeing that Mr. Abbot was weary and more +inclined to rest upon the lounge than to converse, asked Virgie if she +would allow him to be her escort and go out for a ramble. + +The young girl flushed with pleasure at the request, and cordially +assented. + +She wrapped her fleecy shawl once more about her shoulders, and tying a +dainty hat—which Chi Lu's skillful fingers had woven from mountain +grasses, and her own fair hands had trimmed—upon her pretty brown head, +they sauntered forth. + +The sun had gone down, but the western sky was all ablaze with crimson and +orange, which gradually faded into soft purple and deeper blue in the +upper sky. There were mountains all about them, some darkly green with +fir, spruce, and pine, others of brighter and tenderer tints in their +dress of oak, maple, and birch, while here and there arose one bald and +gray, all of solid rock, with now and then a patch of moss clinging to its +time worn sides, but giving variety to the scene and enhancing by contrast +the whole picture. + +"Where would you like to go?" Virgie asked, as they passed out of the +little gate into the rough road. + +"Wherever you will take me," Mr. Heath replied, as he looked smilingly +down into the beautiful face upraised to his. + +"Then I will take you up to the Bare Ledge; the finest view can be +obtained from there," the girl replied as she moved on to hide the blush +which his look had called to her face. + +It moved her strangely whenever she met the gaze of the grand man, for +grand her soul told her he was, with that magnificent head, that +intelligent face, and that quiet, yet high-bred dignity of manner which +she had never seen in any other save her father. + +"The Bear Ledge?" repeated Mr. Heath. "Why is it called that? Is it +haunted by wild beasts? If it is, I shall certainly object to your going +there." + +"Oh, no; it is not that kind of a bear at all," laughed Virgie, the +silver ripple of amusement breaking like music upon the evening air. "It +is called so because it is a mass of rock entirely barren; nothing will +grow upon it; it seems to be the one spot in all this region that is +absolutely desolate, and yet from it you may view a world of beauty." + +On they went up the mountain, conversing now upon one topic, now upon +another, yet both conscious of but one prominent fact—that they were +together, and supremely happy in each other's society. + +At last, however, their climb was over, and following a rough path that +led along the side of the mountain for some distance, they at length came +out upon a broad ledge or table rock, which was indeed barren to +desolation. + +But the vista that opened out before them was beautiful beyond +description. + +Mountains everywhere—above, below, and on either hand; but between them +were fertile little valleys, with here and there glittering lakes with +tiny streamlets trickling into them, that seemed like silver brooches and +chains garnishing nature's emerald vestments. + +The youthful couple stood wrapt in silence for several minutes, viewing +the varied landscape. To Virgie the scene was familiar as an oft-repeated +tale, and yet she was never weary of it. To her companion it was one of +the loveliest views that he had ever gazed upon, even though he had +visited many lands and climbed many a mountain. + +"It is grand!" said Mr. Heath, at last. + +"It is grand!" echoed Virgie, drawing in a deep breath of pure air, and +sweeping a delighted glance over all the fair scene. + +"I thank you very much for bringing me here," her companion continued. "I +would hardly have believed there could be such an exquisite view in this +region; my disagreeable ride, when I came here before, rather prejudiced +me against the locality. Do you come here often?" + +"I used to, before papa's health failed him," Virgie answered, with a +regretful sigh, as she remembered how little her father had been able to +go about of late. "We used to come here almost every Sabbath in fine +weather, with our books and papers, and spend half the day—it is all the +church we have had—and I shall always love the spot." + +"No doubt you do, and yet——" + +Virgie looked up inquiringly as he paused abruptly. + +"I was thinking," he continued, in reply to her glance, "that this +mountain must be a wild and lonely place for one like you to spend your +life in." + +"Yes, it is lonely," the young girl responded, with a wistful gleam in her +violent eyes. + +"Have you lived here long, Miss Abbot?" + +"Five years—a little more." + +"So long? Surely you cannot have had much congenial society," Mr. Heath +remarked, as he contemplated with no favoring eye the rude hamlet far +below them on their right. + +"None, save my father." + +"And have you never been lonely, and yearned for youthful companionship?" + +"Oh, yes, often," and the bright tears sprang quickly into Virgie's blue +eyes, as she thought of the nights she had wept herself to sleep from +sheer homesickness and a feeling of utter desolation. "But," she continued +more brightly, and winking rapidly to keep the tell-tale drops from +falling. "I can bear loneliness, or almost anything else, for my father's +sake." + +"Poor child! brave little woman!" thought the man by her side, "it must +have been very much like being buried alive, and she has borne it like a +heroine; but she will not have to endure it much longer 'for her father.' +I wonder what will become of her when he is gone." + +"Mr. Abbot seems very feeble," he said aloud, "do you not think a change +would be beneficial to him?" + +"I—do not know," Virgie began wistfully; then added, more to herself than +to him, "Where could we go?" + +"I would advise the sea-shore. I should think the salt air would do him +good. Santa Cruz, Monterey, or any of those places on the California +coast, would be both pleasant and healthful." + +A startled look came into Virgie's eyes, and her face grew pale. + +She had often been to Santa Cruz and Monterey, in the old delightful days +when her mother was living, where she had reigned like a little queen, and +they had all been so happy, with no suspicion of the black shadow that was +creeping upon them so surely. + +"No, no, we could not go there; I—I do not believe that papa could be +persuaded to leave home," she faltered with evident nervousness and +embarrassment. + +"There is a sad history and a secret here," said Mr. Heath to himself, and +he wondered more than ever what cruel misfortune could have driven these +people thus into exile. + +"Has Mr. Abbot ever consulted a physician?" he asked. + +"No; there is no physician near us. But papa understands something of +medicine himself," Virgie answered, sighing, for her heart was very heavy +whenever she thought of her father's condition, and it was evident to her +that Mr. Heath considered him to be in a very critical state. + +He saw that it troubled her to talk about it, and resolved that he would +not refer to the subject again. + +As they stood there the gorgeous tints faded out of the western sky, a +purplish haze settled over mountain and valley, like a gauzy vail +softening all their outlines, and a mist was beginning to rise from the +depths below. + +"The dew is falling, Miss Abbot. I fear you will take cold in this +dampness. Shall I take you back now?" Mr. Heath asked. + +"Yes. I think it will be hardly safe for us to linger longer," she +replied. "But, Mr. Heath, be careful as you go down; the path is not +altogether safe." + +The young man laughed lightly. + +"I have scaled greater heights, climbed steeper and more rugged paths than +these, Miss Abbot," he said. "The Alps, the Pyrenees, the Caucasus, are +all familiar ground, and this is but child's play compared with them." + +"Oh, then you have been in Europe?" Virgie cried, with animation. + +"Yes, in almost every portion of it," he answered, watching her kindly +face with admiration. + +"How favored you are," she sighed wistfully. "I have longed with a mighty +longing to visit foreign lands." + +"Have you? Perhaps some time your wish may be gratified. I hope it may +be," he returned, in an earnest tone. "Now give me your hand, and let me +assist you down this slippery path." + +"No, no. Please care for yourself, Mr. Heath, and let me follow you," the +young girl pleaded. "I know every step of the way, and it is all strange +to you." + +But he stood still in the way, with his hand outstretched to her, resolute +yet smiling. He would not yield his point, and without another word she +laid her own within his, and together they went down the mountain path, he +guiding her steps as carefully as if she had never been over the ground +before, and she finding it very pleasant to be so shielded and attended. + +When they reached more level ground he drew the hand he held within his +arm, and they slowly wended their way back in the gloaming to the cottage, +Virgie feeling strangely light-hearted and happy, and almost as if a new +and beautiful life was about opening before her, while William Heath, with +a twinkle of amusement in his fine eyes, wondered what his aristocratic +mother and sister would say; what another brilliantly beautiful woman +would think to see him thus playing the devoted cavalier to this simple +and unpretending mountain maiden whom he thought so lovely. + +He had at that moment in his pocket, letters from two of them, begging him +to "quit his wanderings," to "come home and settle down to the real +business of life. The property needed his care, and—Sadie had not been +like herself since his departure." + +These words came to him now, but they did not change in the least the +purposes that were taking root in his mind—the determination to remain in +that isolated hamlet as long as <i>Virginia Abbot's father should live</i>. + + + + +Chapter V. +"Who Is He, and Why Is He Here?" + + +The next morning Mr. Abbot and his young guest visited the mine, and, +after a thorough examination of the former's claim, and instituting some +inquiries, more for form's sake than anything else, regarding the wealth +of the mine generally, Mr. Heath became the purchaser of Mr. Abbot's +property, and at once set about hiring competent miners to work it for +him. + +"It may prove but a foolish, quixotic undertaking after all," he told +himself, when his negotiations were completed, "but I must have some +excuse for remaining here. That girl is the most beautiful being I ever +met. She has power to move me as I was never moved before. I simply +<i>cannot</i> go away and leave her. I am sure her father can live but a little +while, and then—" + +What was to happen after Mr. Abbot should be taken away remained unsaid, +and Mr. Heath walked on for a while with bent head and thoughtful brow. + +He was looking about him a little to find a place in which to live while +he should remain on the mountain, for he was resolved that he would +trespass upon Mr. Abbot's hospitality no longer than he was obliged to, +although every hour in Virgie's presence was perfect delight to him. + +"I would give a good deal to know their history," he resumed, after a +little. "It is the greatest mystery—their being here. The man shows +culture and familiarity with men and things; he is unusually keen and +shrewd in business matters, while the way he has managed his daughter's +education betrays the scholar and a mind of no ordinary power and ability; +and to be <i>here</i>, working with the common herd in a <i>mine!</i> I do not +understand it!" + +While he was speculating thus regarding his new friends, Mr. Abbot and +Virgie were engaged in the same manner with reference to him. + +"Well, Virgie, I have sold my claim, and for a generous sum, too. Mr. +Heath is no haggler, and gave me my price without a demur; but I think +that it is very queer that a young man of his stamp should care to engage +in any such business." + +"It is rather strange," Virgie admitted, absently. + +"He is far above the people with whom he will come in contact," continued +her father. "He has evidently been accustomed to the very best of society, +is well educated and fine appearing, and seems to have an abundance of +means. What do you make of him, dear?" + +"I should say that he is very much of a gentleman, papa," replied the +young girl, flushing, as she remembered their walk of the previous +evening, the care and attention which he had bestowed upon her, and the +delight which she had experienced in his presence. + +"Yes, that goes without saying; but, does he seem like an American to +you?" + +"I had not given a thought to his nationality," Virgie answered, looking +up curiously. + +"Well, it strikes me that he may be English, although there is nothing in +his speech or manner to betray it. He is built like an Englishman, and +somehow the idea has taken possession of me that he belongs over the +water, and so, his desire to settle here seems all the more +incomprehensible." + +"It may be a whim—a romantic desire to learn something of a miner's +life," observed Virgie; "or," with more animation, "he may be an author, +papa, and is taking this way to study certain phases of character with +reference to writing a book." + +"Well, Virgie," said Mr. Abbot, smiling, "I must confess that is the most +reasonable explanation that could suggest itself, and possibly, with your +woman's intuition, you have hit upon the right solution of the mystery. +Yes," after a thoughtful pause, "I shouldn't wonder if you were right. His +saying that he did not intend to work the mine himself goes to show that +it is a secondary object, and he does not care particularly about the +profit of it. He is very pleasant company. I believe his coming has done +me good." + +"I am sure it has," Virgie answered, brightly; "and papa, now that your +mind is relieved of all pecuniary care, don't you think you will continue +to improve?" + +"No, Virgie," her father returned, gravely; "do not allow my temporary +improvement to deceive you. A fatal disease has fastened itself upon me, +and I know that I have not long to live." + +"Oh, papa!" exclaimed the lovely girl, sharply. "I will not believe it. +Pray, <i>pray</i> try what medical advice will do for you." + +"Hush, my child," Mr. Abbot returned, deeply moved. "I did not mean to +refer to this again, but you force me to do so; nothing short of a miracle +could give me a sound pair of lungs again." + +"Then let us try change of air—anything so that I may keep you with me," +Virgie pleaded, yet knowing, as she did so, that there was no place on +earth that held so much attraction for her now as the humble home which +heretofore had seemed so lonely and isolated. + +A subtle charm seemed suddenly to have fallen upon it; everything looked +brighter; all things surrounding it had become dearer. + +"No, dear; no air will be so good for me as this pure, bracing mountain +atmosphere," her father replied, gently. "I would shrink from going to any +place where we should be likely to find familiar faces—nothing would +break me down so quickly. Be patient, Virgie for a little longer, and then +<i>you</i> shall go back to the world, where you ought long ago to have been +with people of your own age." + +"Oh, papa! I care nothing for the world nor for society without you," she +sobbed, realizing more fully than she ever had done, that she would soon +be fatherless. + +"But it is not right that you should spend your life in such a place as +this," responded Mr. Abbot. "I have written to Mr. Bancroft, and if +anything happens to me suddenly you will find the letter in my desk, and +must send it to him immediately. I would mail it now, only—I cannot feel +reconciled to having any one learn of our hiding-place while I live. One +thing more I must speak of. I should have done so the other night if we +had not been interrupted. When I am gone I want you to lay my body here, +under the shadow of the old pine tree." + +"Papa, papa! you will break my heart! Surely you would wish to lie beside +my mother!" Virgie cried, the tears raining over her cheeks. + +Mr. Abbot's face was almost convulsed with pain for a moment. + +"Yes, if that were possible," he said, at length, "but no one must ever +know the fate of Abbot Al—Ha! Virgie, I had nearly uttered the dishonored +name!" he panted. + +"Papa, you shall not talk so," the girl cried, wiping her tears and +turning on him almost indignantly. + +"I would not pain you, my darling," he answered, gently; "but if there +were no cloud hanging over us, I should be only too glad to go back to our +old home to die and be laid beside my loved ones. It cannot be, however," +he concluded, sighing wearily. + +"But, dear papa, the dreadful past was caused by no fault of your own, and +it is not right that you should suffer as if it had been," Virgie said, +passionately. + +A cynical smile curled the lips of the sick man. + +"The world would tell a far different story if it should ferret out my +grave and see my name blazoned above it; and as long as its poisonous +tongues continue to speak slightingly of me, it must never know aught +about me. So do as I bid you; promise that you will obey me, Virgie." + +And the almost broken-hearted girl promised, but feeling as if it would be +almost more than she could bear, to go back to the gay world, where she +would be kindly cared for and sheltered, and leave her dear father lying +in his lonely grave upon that desolate mountain. + +William Heath entered with great apparent interest upon his mining +operations, and although he frankly acknowledged his entire ignorance of +the business, exhibited a goodly amount of judgment and common sense which +warned the workmen whom he had hired that it would not be well for them to +attempt to take advantage of him. + +He was unable to find any place in which he was willing to live, so he +caused a small cabin to be erected just opposite Mr. Abbot's dwelling, +furnished it simply but comfortably from the nearest supply station, and +with Mr. Abbot's permission, contracted with Chi Lu to keep his table +supplied with all needful provisions. + +No one would have supposed from his humble surroundings from the +industrious and energetic life which he led, and the total absence of +anything like arrogance or assumption, that he belonged to an almost royal +family, and had been for years the petted darling of fashionable circles +and drawing rooms, the catch of many seasons, and the prize for which fond +mammas and beautiful, aspiring maidens had long angled in vain. + +But such was the fact, and William Heath had thus isolated himself from +his home and all that he held most dear simply because, while on a +pleasure trip, he had accidentally met a beautiful girl who had chanced to +touch a chord in his heart that had never vibrated before. + +These two young people were now thrown almost daily into each other's +society. + +Mr. Heath was quite literary in his tastes, and after the duties of the +day were over he invariably sought the companionship of Virgie, sometimes +reading to her while she worked, and often with her as she still +persisted in reviewing certain studies and authors which she loved. + +The failing invalid, too, received much of his care and attention, while +many delicacies, which he had never taken pains to procure for himself, +found their way to his table to help sustain his waning strength. + +It is easy to see whither all this tended. + +Virgie soon learned to look for Heath's coming, to listen for his +footsteps and the sound of his voice, as she had never looked for or +listened to anything else in the world before. She began to rely upon him, +to experience a sense of restfulness and content in his care that +sometimes made her wonder how she had ever been able to live without him. + +There came new beauty, and light, and earnestness into her face, a +tenderer smile to her red lips, a more musical cadence into her voice. The +hours dragged heavily without him, and they took to themselves wings when +he came. + +Before she realized the fact she had learned to love him with all the +strength of her nature, and her destiny was sealed. + +Thus weeks and months went by. + +For a time the warm, genial summer weather seemed to hold Mr. Abbot's +disease somewhat in check, and, as he was cheerful, and enjoyed the +novelty of having two young and charming people about him, there was a +little season during which that small household was very happy. + +He studied the young stranger attentively, and was more and more +prepossessed in his favor. They conversed frequently upon topics which Mr. +Abbot had long been in the habit of scoffing at, but there was an element +of reverence in Mr. Heath's nature that commanded his respect in spite of +preconceived ideas and a tendency to skepticism. His arguments were always +reasonable and convincing. He could not fail to feel this influence; and +it was not long before Virgie could see that a great change had taken +place in her father's feelings regarding his relations to an overruling +power and the future, which hitherto had seemed so vague and uncertain. + +Yet, notwithstanding all this, he often experienced a feeling of +uneasiness. + +He could not fail to perceive that Virgie was learning to care a great +deal for their new friend, and that Mr. Heath was deeply interested in his +daughter. + +This was all well enough if Mr. Heath was what he appeared to be, and his +intentions were honorable. + +But he could never quite divest himself of the feeling that there was +something rather mysterious in his desire to remain in that remote region, +and it would be terrible if any harm should result from it to his one ewe +lamb. + +He had always guarded her so tenderly and carefully no breath of evil, +scarce a sorrow, save their one great sorrow, had ever touched her. Once +or twice the thought had come to him, prompted, no doubt, by the +circumstances which had driven him to that place, that the man might have +become entangled in some wrong or crime, and was hiding, like himself, +from the world and justice; and yet it was difficult to fancy that he was +not all that was honorable and upright, for his life and conduct from day +to day were beyond reproach. + +"If they love each other, and he is all he seems, I could give her to +him, and feel more content than I ever thought to be," he said to himself, +while brooding upon the subject one afternoon while Virgie and her lover +were out on a ramble. "She would be far better off under the care and +protection of a kind husband, than she would be to send her to New York. +Her future would be settled, and there would be no fear on account of the +snares and temptations of society in the gay city. + +"Still I really know nothing about him. He says nothing about himself, his +home, or his family. If it should turn out that he has a suspicion that +she will have money, and he is seeking her for that, it would be a fearful +blow. I could not bear that her young life should be ruined." + +He sat in troubled thought for a long time, considering the subject from +every point, sometimes reproaching himself for not having foreseen the +danger of allowing the two young people to come together, and refused to +sell his claim to Mr. Heath; then again feeling a sense of shame for his +unworthy suspicions of one who bore the stamp of true nobility upon his +very face. + +At length he was aroused from his reverie by the sound of the voice he +knew and loved so well; and, sitting suddenly erect and speaking with +resolution, he said: + +"I am her father. I have a right to know. He shall tell me who he is, and +why he is here." + + + + +Chapter VI. +"Will You Give Me Your Daughter?" + + +"Papa," said Virgie, putting a flushed, beautiful face inside the room +where her father was sitting, and all unconscious of the very serious +considerations that were agitating his mind: "I have invited Mr. Heath to +take tea with us. A basket of the loveliest peaches came to us this +afternoon from some mysterious source, which, however, I am inclined to +think, he could tell us something about if he chose. So, if you entertain +him for a little while, I will go and prepare a dish of them for him to +share with us." + +"Yes, yes. Come in, Mr. Heath. I was waiting to see you. Run away, Virgie, +and attend to your peaches, and I will see that our friend is properly +entertained until tea is ready," the invalid responded, with unusual +animation. + +Virgie tripped lightly up to her chamber, where she removed her hat, and +stopped a moment before her glass to rearrange the locks that lay lightly +upon her forehead, and blushed a conscious rosy red as she looked into her +eyes and read the strangely happy expression that lay in their clear +depths. Then she tied a long white apron around her slim waist, and went +down to pare her peaches, never suspecting the vital questions that were +being discussed in the little parlor so near her. + +"Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot began, as the young man had seated himself, "I was +thinking of you just as you entered, and had resolved to ask you a couple +of very plain, and to me, important questions." + +"Which, no doubt, I shall be very glad to answer if I can do so," his +companion responded, smiling, yet flushing lightly as he began to suspect +what the nature of the invalid's inquiries might be. + +"Thank you," responded Mr. Abbot, courteously, and then added, gravely: "I +do not need to remind you, I am sure, that as a father I am often anxious +regarding my daughter's future, and for this reason I feel compelled to +ask you that which, under other circumstances I should not feel at liberty +to ask. Will you tell me who you are?" + +"My name, Mr. Abbot, is—William Heath," the young man began, looking +thoughtful; then seemed to hesitate to go on. + +"Is that all that you have to tell me about yourself?" the invalid +inquired, with some dignity, and attentively studying the face opposite +him. "I knew that before," he went on, a suspicion of sarcasm in his tone, +"but I have long felt that there was something of mystery connected with +the circumstances of your being here. It is rather extraordinary that a +young man of your talent and culture should desire to locate in a rough +place like this. It has been evident to me for some time that your mining +operations were of secondary importance to you, for you cannot reap much +if any profit. It must take nearly all you realize to pay the two men you +hire to work your claim, while you lead, comparatively, a life of leisure. +My second question was regarding this—why are you here?" + +William Heath lifted his frank, dark eyes, and looked straight into the +face of his host, and said, in a low tone, but with an earnestness which +betrayed that he felt he had much at stake: + +"Mr. Abbot, I will answer your last question first, as frankly as you have +asked it, though, no doubt, you will be greatly surprised, and perhaps +startled, by my reply. I am here simply and solely to try and win Virginia +Abbot for my wife." + +Mr. Abbot sat erect, looking astonished indeed at this astounding +statement, and a spot of deep red settled in each hollow cheek. + +"What can you mean? You never saw her until three months ago!" he said, +excitedly. + +"True, I never saw her until that wild, stormy night when I came to you a +weary, dripping traveler and you so kindly extended to me your +hospitality. But I began to love your daughter that very evening. I do not +need to tell you that she is beautiful, for you know it; but to me she +seemed the fairest woman that I had ever seen; her presence moved me as I +had never been moved before, and I felt as if I could hardly go on to join +my friends and leave her. But I suddenly found a pretext for returning +when you mentioned that you desired to dispose of your claim. I resolved +that I would become the purchaser. I would come here and remain to study +the character of your daughter, and if she proved all that I fancied her, +I would strive to win her for my wife. This, my dear sir, is why I am +here; and now—will you give her to me?" + +"Have you said anything to Virgie about this?" Mr. Abbot asked, looking +very grave. + +"No, sir; I have not breathed a word of my intentions to her; but I +accepted her invitation to tea this evening with the determination to tell +you this, if I could make the opportunity, and ask your sanction to my +suit before speaking to her." + +Mr. Abbot looked gratified. + +"That was honorable of you," he said. "It meets my estimate of your +character." + +"Thank you, sir," Mr. Heath returned, flushing slightly, then continued: +"I am not given much to rhapsody or extravagances of language, but I know +that I can never be a happy man unless I win Virgie, and if you will give +her to me, I promise most solemnly to devote my life to her happiness." + +"Is William Heath your true name?" Mr. Abbot questioned, determined to +know all about him before committing himself. + +"Yes, sir. I hope you do not think I have been masquerading under a false +name," returned the young man, a quick flush mantling his cheek. + +"Pardon me; but you must remember that I could not account for your being +here, and—and I was a little suspicious, I own, that you were not quite +what you pretended to be," said the invalid, apologetically, and yet +regarding him keenly. + +The flush on William Heath's face deepened. He looked very thoughtful for +a moment, then said: + +"Mr. Abbot, you have read between the lines better than I thought. I would +have preferred to remain plain William Heath to every one until after I +had won my love; but perhaps I had better be perfectly frank with you. I +am not an American." + +"I thought so," returned his companion, quietly. + +"Did you?" asked the young man, looking surprised. "I compliment you upon +your penetration then, for I have passed for one of your countrymen almost +everywhere since coming to this country." + +"I think you are an Englishman," said Mr. Abbot. + +"I am, sir. I have an estate called Heathdale in the county of Hampshire, +England. I own another in Surrey. Mr. Abbot, I am an English baronet, and +I have simply been a visitor and traveler in this country during the last +year." + +"You, an English baronet!" exclaimed Mr. Abbot, excitedly, a vivid flush +suffusing his face, then quickly receding, leaving him deadly pale. + +"Yes, sir; but, pray believe me, I had no intention of boasting of either +my wealth or title," observed the young man modestly. + +"Oh!" sighed the sick man. "I am afraid then that you can never marry +Virgie." + +"Sir! Why not? What is there in what I have told you to debar me from +making your daughter my wife? I should suppose you would feel that I have +it in my power to make her all the happier on account of it." + +"But you do not know, you cannot understand, you English are so proud, so +tenacious of honor and caste. Ah, my poor child!" Mr. Abbot cried, +incoherently, and appearing greatly agitated and distressed. + +"I am sure, my friend, I cannot comprehend this excessive emotion," Sir +William—as we shall call him henceforth—remarked. + +"Would you be willing to marry a woman whose name is irretrievably linked +with disgrace?" Mr. Abbot asked, while cold perspiration started out upon +his forehead, and his face was almost convulsed with his anguish of mind. + +He knew that Virgie had grown to love this man. He was conscious of the +pride and prejudices of the English aristocracy, and he believed that when +he should tell the story of his life, as he knew it was only right he +should do, Sir William Heath would no longer care to make his daughter his +wife, and her heart would be broken. + +Sir William looked up, startled at this question, his own face paling +suddenly. + +"Surely, Mr. Abbot, you cannot mean anything so bad as that," he replied, +in a low, pained tone. + +"I will tell you all about it," said the sick man, "and then you must +decide for yourself whether you are still willing to wed the daughter of a +dishonored man. Of course you have seen from the beginning of your +acquaintance with us that no pleasure or profit that might accrue to us +from this kind of a life could ever reconcile us to it; that only some +terrible misfortune could have driven me and my beautiful darling into +such a wild and desolate region as this." + +"Yes; I have felt that there was something mysterious in your being +here—some secret reason why you should have shut yourselves away from all +comfort and civilization," Sir William admitted, as his companion paused +for strength to go on. "But I have never attributed it to any willful +wrong on your part." + +"Thank you for your faith in me," returned Mr. Abbot, gratefully. "I only +wish the world at large was as charitable; if it had been, I need not have +been here now, on the verge of the grave, nor been obliged to doom my +lonely child to a life of exile, when everything should be at the +brightest for her; neither should we have been obliged to disown a name +which, until recently had always been an honored and respected one". + +"Then your name is not Abbot," said Sir William. + +"Yes, but that is not the whole of it; I will, however, confide that to +you later. But of course I tell you this in strictest confidence; whatever +your decision may be after you hear my story, I charge you not to betray +me to any one." + +"You may trust me," said the young man, quietly. + +"Then draw your chair closer, for not even Virgie knows the very worst, +and I would not make her burden any heavier when there is no need." + +The young baronet did as he was requested, but he looked both troubled and +pale, for he knew not how this story might affect his future prospects. He +was not different from his kind in some points; he belonged to an old and +honored family; no shadow had ever tarnished their fair fame; he was proud +and tenacious of honor, and his heart was heavy with apprehension as he +thought that he might be about to hear some story of crime or wrong that +would forever separate him from the woman whom he had learned to idolize. + +Mr. Abbot leaned nearer his companion, and in a low voice gave him a brief +and rapid account of his life and the adverse fate that had served to +banish him to the sparsely populated mountains of Nevada. It was a +strange, sad story of sin, and wrong, and shame, in which a complication +of evidence and circumstances had permitted the real offender to escape +justice and another to suffer the consequences of his crime. + +Sir William Heath never once moved or spoke during its recital, but his +fine face expressed pain, and sorrow, and sympathy throughout, and when at +length it was finished he still sat for several minutes in his chair, +exhausted and panting from weariness and excitement. + +At last the young man turned to his companion, a great pity and tenderness +shining in his fine, clear eyes. + +"Mr. Abbot," he said, "you have told me one of the saddest stories that I +have ever known, and I can find nothing but sympathy and regret for you in +my heart. You have been but the victim of an atrocious wrong—no stain +rests upon your character, if there appears to be upon your name, and so I +ask you again, will you give me your daughter, if I find that I have been +so fortunate as to have won her love? What you have related to me can +never make any difference in my feelings toward her, and since I shall +take her to another country, where nothing of this will ever be known or +cast a shadow upon her future, as Lady Heath she will be honored and +respected, and I trust, happy." + +Tears welled up into the eyes of the invalid as he listened to the words +of this true, earnest lover. + +"God bless you for a noble, royal hearted man!" he exclaimed, reaching +forward and clasping the young baronet's hand. "Yes, I can say God bless +you now—for you have taught me to believe there is an Infinite Father and +I can reverently invoke His benediction upon you. Of course I will give +you Virgie and feel that she is richly blessed in having won such a +husband and thus I can die with not a care upon my heart." + +"You have given me the richest boon that it is in my power to crave," +returned Sir William, his face kindling with happiness. "But you need not +speak of dying. A sea voyage would prolong your life. Come with me at once +to England and to Heathdale where you shall have every comfort and +attention, and the change will do you good." + +A sad smile flitted over Mr. Abbot's wan features. + +"It is too late," he said, sorrowfully. "I shall not live through another +month; but my mind is at ease and it will be a restful season—the little +time that I am spared. No, I shall never leave this place, but I have a +request to make of you." + +"Tell me, and it shall be granted if it is in the power of man," returned +Sir William, eagerly. + +"I should like, if you can win Virgie's consent, to see her your wife +before I die. It will be better for you both; then, after I am gone, you +can take her away as soon as you choose, and perhaps among new scenes and +with new ties she will not grieve so bitterly for me." + +Sir William Heath's heart leaped with joy at this proposition, though +there was an expression of sadness on his handsome face as he looked upon +the wreck before him, and realized how truly he had spoken. He knew that +he had very little time to live. + +"If I can win her, nothing would make me happier than to accede to your +wish," he said, in a low, earnest tone. + +At this time, a light step was heard in the hall, and the next moment the +door was opened, while a sweet young voice called: + +"Come, papa and Mr. Heath—tea is ready; the peaches are delicious, and +Chi Lu has obtained, from some mysterious source, real cream to eat with +them." + + + + +Chapter VII. +"Will You Be My Wife?" + + +In spite of the exciting conversation of the last half-hour Mr. Abbot +appeared more than usually cheerful during tea. He was indeed more like +the brilliant, entertaining host that he used to be in their former +beautiful home in San Francisco, than Virgie had seen him since their +troubles had come upon them. + +At the same, time the young girl wondered what could have occurred to make +their guest so silent and preoccupied. It was evidently an effort for him +to converse at all, while two or three times he was addressed more than +once before he responded, but his glance whenever it met hers thrilled her +strangely, and kept a beautiful flush upon her cheeks throughout the meal. + +When it was concluded the two young people went out upon the porch to view +the sunset, while Mr. Abbot retired to his room where he began looking +over and rearranging the papers in his desk. + +There was no need now to send that written history with its request for +fatherly care for Virgie, to Lawrence Bancroft. He had not a doubt as to +the result of Sir William Heath's wooing. He was sure that Virgie loved +him, and he was filled with a blessed content and fervent gratitude that +so bright a future was opening before his darling. + +She would go to another country where none of the old troubles could touch +her, where no one would be able to point the finger of scorn at her and +whisper that her name had been branded with dishonor, and where, +surrounded by her noble husband's love and care, occupying a high social +position with every good thing that wealth could secure, her life would be +one long summer of peace and happiness. + +Meantime an awkward pause had fallen between Virgie and her lover standing +outside upon the porch. + +It was broken at last by the baronet with a very trite remark: + +"What a warm evening." + +"Yes, it has been a very warm day," answered Virgie, feeling very much +inclined to laugh, for never before had they been forced to talk of the +weather in order to keep up a conversation. + +"Let us go to our seat under the old pine tree," said Sir William, and +without waiting for her consent, he stepped down to lead the way. + +Virgie glanced at him questioningly. + +The unusual gravity which she had observed during tea still rested upon +his face and vibrated in his tones. + +She wondered at it, and yet, although she could not have told why, her +heart began to beat with quickened throbs on account of it. + +Reaching their favorite nook, Sir William gently seated his companion, and +then stood looking down upon her a moment without speaking. + +Then he spoke, and there was a tenderer note in his voice than she had +ever heard before. + +"Virgie," he said, "have you ever wondered why I came here and turned +miner?" + +She looked up quickly as he spoke her name thus for the first time, then +her eyes suddenly drooped beneath the look in his. + +"Yes, I have thought it a little singular that you should choose just this +work and this locality," she answered, in a low tone. + +"May I tell you why I came?" seating himself at her side. + +"Certainly, if you like." + +"It was because I found here the only woman whom I could ever love. +Virgie, you are that woman, and my heart told me on that first evening +when I came to you, cold, wet, and hungry, that I must win your love or my +future would be void and desolate. So I seized upon the first reasonable +pretext I could find for remaining, and that, you know, your father +offered me in disposing of his claim. Sometimes I have hoped that you were +learning to love me in return; sometimes I have feared that I should not +succeed in this, the dearest object of my life. My darling, I resolved +to-night that I would put my fate to the test. Will you give yourself to +me for all time, my beautiful mountain queen? Do you love me well enough, +dear, to put your hand in mine and tell me that you will go with me +wherever I will, as my loved and cherished wife?" + +Virginia Abbot sat there, her perfect form outlined against the dark, +moss-grown rock that arose, rugged and grand, behind her. The softened +light, as it fell upon her through the boughs of the tree above her, made +her seem like some exquisite picture painted by a master-hand. Her hands, +white as Parian marble, were quietly folded in her lap, but her heart was +in a tumult of joy, and her color came and went in fitful flushes. + +She knew that she deeply loved this grand man, who had come to her +mountain home in the early summer time, and she felt that earth could hold +no higher happiness for her than to become his wife and go with him +whithersoever he willed. But she knew, too, that her first duty lay with +her father; that she must have no interests that would interfere with the +care and attention which she owed to him in his failing condition. + +"Virgie, you will not crush the sweet hope that has been taking root in my +heart during these months that I have spent with you," Sir William +pleaded, his face paling as she did not answer, and a fear smiting him +that he might have been nourishing a delusion. "I have fancied that I have +seen the love-light dawning in your eyes—oh, do not tell me that I have +been deceiving myself. My darling, I will try to make your life very +bright if you will give yourself to me." + +Virgie looked up now with a steady, unwavering glance into his eager eyes, +although her face was dyed with blushes. + +"Mr. Heath," she faltered, "you know I cannot leave my father." + +"Of course I know it," he returned, his face lighting "I do not ask it, +darling; I only ask that you will give yourself into my keeping, and then +we will devote ourselves to him as long as he lives. Oh, my dearest"—as +he saw an answering gleam in her eyes—"you do love me!" + +"Yes, I love you," Virgie breathed, with a downcast but happy face; and +then she was gathered close to her lover's manly breast in a fond embrace. + +"My love! my love! I would serve twice seven years, as Jacob did, in this +wild region for the sake of winning that coveted confession from your dear +lips. My mountain queen! and you will soon be my wife?" + +But Virgie sat up suddenly at this and pushed him from her with gentle +force, a frightened look in her eyes. Oh, "what have I done? I am afraid I +have done wrong!" she cried. + +"Wrong, dearest, in confessing that you love me!" Sir William whispered, +as he tried to draw her again into his arms. + +"But you do not know—I have no right to tell you; no—no, I am afraid I +ought not to be your wife," she said, remembering, with a sense of shame +and misery, the stigma resting upon her name. + +The young man regarded her anxiously for a moment; then he understood it +all. + +"Virgie," he said, "you need not fear to promise all that I ask, for I +know what troubles you. I asked your father's sanction to my suit before I +came to you, and he told me all his sad story. But it need be no barrier +to our happiness. I told him so, and he gave you to me—providing I could +win you—with his blessing." + +Virgie lifted her face, all radiant with a sweet new joy, a sense of +exultation in her heart. + +"And you were willing——" she began, wondering at the great love that +could thus level what she had had feared would be an insurmountable +barrier. + +"Willing, love, to make myself the happiest man on earth," he +interrupted, in a voice that actually trembled with joy. "What Mr. Abbot +told me does not affect your worth or character, nor his either, and some +time I believe the wrong will be made all right. Even were the facts more +serious than they are, they need not trouble us, for I could take you far +away from every breath of evil, and as my wife it could never touch you. +So you will give yourself to me, Virgie?" + +"Yes," she answered, with grave sweetness; "if papa thinks it is right, I +cannot put my cup of happiness away untasted." + +Sir William Heath bent and touched the beautiful girl's lips with his +first lover's kiss. + +"My beloved," he said, "life looks to me now like one long vista of +happiness—may it prove so to both of us." + +They sat there beneath the shadow of the great pine for more than an hour, +wearing bright plans for the future, while the twilight gathered around +them. But as yet Sir William had not told his bethrothed who he was, nor +of the title awaiting her when she should become his wife. Somehow, he +felt strangely reluctant to do so. + +Once he had spoken of his home, and Virgie looked up with sudden interest, +and asked: + +"Where is your home, Mr. Heath?" + +An amused smile played about his lips at her question + +"My friends—that is those who love me—-call me 'Will,' there," he said, +significantly; "and surely, darling you need not treat me with so much +formality. Do not call me Mr. Heath any more, Virgie." + +"Please tell me where our home is to be—Will," she said, looking up at +him with a shy smile, and blushing as the newly spoken name left her lips. + +He bent and touched them fondly with his own. + +"In England, love," he returned. + +"England!" + +"Yes. Shall you regret leaving your own country?" + +"No; I think I shall be glad," Virgie answered, with a little sigh of +content and relief. + +Sir William looked gratified. + +"Shall I describe our home to you?" he asked, thinking that perhaps now +would be as good a time as any to tell more about himself and what her +future position would be. + +"Yes, do, please." + +"Well, then, imagine a large, old mansion, with many turrets and gables, +its time-worn stones grown with ivy and moss, and set in the midst of +extensive grounds, with grand, beautiful trees scattered all about. There +is a great hall in the center of the house, with spacious rooms on either +hand. At the end of this hall is the library, with two large bay-windows +overlooking a winding river, which is the pride and glory of the place, +and where we sail, and bathe, and fish during the summer months. Over the +library there is a lovely suite of rooms, commanding a wide expanse of +meadow and upland—a scene that is like a picture all the time—which will +henceforth be devoted to the use of the future lady—of Heathdale." + +"Heathdale! What a pretty name!" Virgie cried, but still unsuspicious of +the title which would become hers when she should go with him as his wife +to England although he had almost given utterance to it, then hesitated, +and substituted those last two words. + +"Yes, it is a pretty name, and, Virgie, the place is the pride of my +heart. At some distance from the mansion there are the stables and +kennels, where the horses and dogs abide." + +"Why, Mr.——Why, Will, what an extensive establishment! You must +have——" + +Virgie began in a tone of surprise, then stopped in confusion. + +"Well, I must have what?" he asked. + +"A great deal of money to support such a place," she replied, flushing. + +"And is there anything very alarming about that?" he questioned, with a +quiet smile. + +"No; but—I thought——" + +"You thought that I could not have very much of this world's goods since I +had come here to work a mine," Sir William said, completing her sentence. +"But, darling, all that was only a ruse; I have been working more for my +wife than for gold." + +"Will!" + +"Darling, it is true; that was my only reason for becoming the purchaser +of your father's interest here. I saw you; I loved you; I must have some +good excuse for tarrying near you to try to win you, and now that I have +attained my object, the mine will have to be disposed of, as I have no +further use for it." + +Virgie regarded him with astonishment. She had never suspected anything +like this. + +"How strange," she said, with a beautiful flush. "I have thought it almost +unaccountable that a man like you should come here to remain. I have +imagined that you were an author or a student, and might be investigating +the formation of the mountains or studying character in order to write a +book, but I never dreamed of anything like this." + +Sir William laughed heartily. + +"You were making me out to be quite a lofty character truly," he said; +"and now you find your hero only a very human being after all—one who, +for the sake of a beautiful woman, has been almost willing to barter his +birthright. Have I fallen very low in your estimation, Virgie, because I +am not to become a distinguished public benefactor on account of my +research and investigation? Has my confession shocked you very much?" + +"Your confession has made me a very, very happy woman." Virgie whispered, +slipping her hand confidingly into his, her heart thrilling with a tender +pride and love that this grand man should have sacrificed so much to win +her. + +"And I am exceedingly proud of this happy woman," returned Sir William, +fondly. "I shall take the loveliest bride in the world back with me when +we go home to Heathdale." + +"Where you will be Lady Heath my Virgie. Ah, I am very thankful that my +child will occupy so proud a position in life," said the voice of Mr. +Abbot, just behind them. + +He had come out to seek them, and had approached just as Sir William +uttered those last words. + +"Lady Heath!" exclaimed Virgie, starting up and turning a very astonished +face first upon one and then the other. "What do you mean? I do not +understand." + +"Haven't you told her?" Mr. Abbot asked of the young man. + +Sir William shook his head, with a smile. + +"Told me what, papa?" + +"That our friend here is Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, and an English +baronet." + +Virgie stood in wondering silence for a moment, her face flushed and +drooping, while a hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. + +Her lover a titled peer of England! This noble man, who might have chosen +his wife from the nobility of his own country, had concealed his identity, +had buried himself in the wilds of Nevada, and lived like a common miner +simply to win her, an humble mountain maiden. He who belonged to an +honored race, and possessed both title and wealth, had overlooked the fact +that a heavy cloud enshrouded her own and her father's name, and was +willing to lift her to the proud position of his wife and the mistress of +his beautiful home. These and many other thoughts held her speechless, and +made her tremble with something of fear that in the future he might regret +it all, and wish that he had never seen her. + +"I am afraid I am not fitted—" she at length faltered. + +"In point of education, Virgie, you are fitted for the proudest position +that could be offered you," her father returned, with some spirit. "All +that you need is a trifle more worldly polish, which you will readily gain +as Sir William takes you into society, and I am proud to give you to him. +God bless you both, my children." + +His voice broke. + +He would have been glad to go with her to the scenes of her new life, to +watch her develop in a higher atmosphere and see her happiness in her +proud position. But he knew it could not be; and overcome, for the +moment, with the thought of the separation which must soon come, he turned +abruptly away and went feebly back to the cottage. + + + + +Chapter VIII. +Mr. Abbot Desires an Immediate Marriage. + + +Whether it was owing to the excitement of the previous evening, or to a +feeling of relief from care and anxiety upon Virgie's account which made +Mr. Abbot feel that at last he might safely lay down his burdens, it would +be impossible to say, but he was alarmingly ill the morning after the +betrothal, and unable to rise from his bed. + +His strength seemed to have left him, and he lay weak as a child, panting +with every breath, a deadly faintness and sinking sensation frequently +seizing him and making him feel as if the world was rapidly slipping from +his grasp. + +Virgie was in an agony of fear. + +She had never seen her father so ill before, and it seemed to her that he +must die if he did not soon have relief. + +"What shall I do?" she asked, in a helpless, appealing way, of Sir +William. + +He had been summoned as soon as Mr. Abbot's condition had been discovered, +and he, too, feared that the end was very near, while, being wholly +unaccustomed to sickness of any kind, he felt very useless and +inefficient. + +He bent and kissed his darling's pale, upturned face, and then went +swiftly out of the house. + +Presently, however, he returned with a foreign looking flask or bottle in +his hand. + +"Here is some brandy," he said, giving it to Virgie. "Mix some of it with +two-thirds as much water, and feed your father a teaspoonful at a time +every few minutes until he begins to rally, and call all your courage to +your aid, dear. Meantime, I will go to the nearest telegraph station and +send a message to Virginia City for a skillful physician." + +Virgie looked up at him with quivering lips. + +"Oh, what a comfort it is to have you to help me at this time!" she said. + +He drew her into his arms and held her for a moment while she laid her +lips, softly and gracefully, to his cheek, in the first voluntary caress +that she had ever given him. + +The act touched him, and told him how trustfully she relied upon him. + +"My darling, I wish I could save you from every pang," he said, tenderly. +"But I must not linger—we must have help for your father as soon as +possible. Good-by, my love, for a little while, and be sure that I will +come back just as quickly as I can." + +He went quickly out, and Virgie stole softly into her father's chamber, to +do what she could for him, and her heart began to gather something of hope +and courage when a few minutes later she heard the clatter of a horse's +hoofs outside, and knew that her lover was on the way for help. + +Sir William did not spare his horse until he reached the station. + +A telegram was sent and before long a reply was received saying that a +physician would leave Virginia City upon the next train coming that way. + +But several hours must elapse before he could arrive, and Sir William was +brought up to the highest pitch of anxiety and impatience during the +interval, while to Virgie, anxiously watching and waiting by the bedside +of her father, they were the longest that she had ever known. + +But she followed Sir William's directions regarding administering the +brandy, and she could see that after a few potions the invalid began to +rally somewhat. + +Just as the sun was going down Sir William and the doctor arrived, and +then the young girl felt as if a mountain had rolled from her shoulders. + +They remained all night watching with the patient, insisting that Virgie +should go to her rest, and worn out with her day of watching and anxiety, +she crept away to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion. + +In the morning Mr. Abbot seemed considerably stronger and better, and +Virgie's loving heart began to take courage again and to hope that he was +not really so very ill after all. + +But these feelings received a sudden shock, when, after breakfast, her +lover drew her into the little parlor, his face very grave, yet full of +tenderness for her. + +"I have something that I wish to say to you, Virgie—something to ask +you," he said; "but, remember, that you are to answer me frankly and +truly. You are not to be unduly influenced by my—by any one's wishes—to +consent to what might seem premature, and thus repugnant to you." + +Virgie looked up at him questioningly, growing pale, and a thrill of fear +shooting through her heart. + +"Your father feels," Sir William went on, answering her look, "as if he +would like to—to have your future settled before—his strength fails him +any further." + +"Oh!" cried the young girl, clinging to her lover, a wild look in her +eyes, "papa is not going to—die! Do not tell me that. He is better +to-day, and he will—he must grow yet stronger." + +"My darling," said Sir William, holding her close to him, and speaking +with sorrowful tenderness, "I am not going to deceive you. It would not be +right for me to do so. But Dr. Waters thinks that he cannot stay with us +much longer. He believes that he will rally for a while, but the state of +his system warns him that it will be but a very little while. And, Virgie, +your father wants us to be married at once. Darling, shall it be as he +wishes?" + +But Virgie hardly heard these latter sentences. + +She threw herself upon that manly breast in a wild burst of grief. + +It was a dreadful blow to be told that the die was cast, that her father's +doom was very near. + +In an indefinite way she had been dreading it ever since he himself had +talked so plainly about it to her, but with the buoyancy of youth she had +kept hoping against hope, and refusing to believe the fearful truth. + +Sir William held her in her fond embrace, and allowed her to weep until +her tears were spent. + +He knew that it was better to let her grief have its way. She would be +calmer and stronger afterward, though every sob and tear was bitter pain +to his loving heart. + +She grew more quiet after a time, and at length he felt that he might +again speak of the subject so near his heart. + +"Will you be my wife, Virgie? I would not have forced this upon you just +now but for your father's desire, and because Dr. Waters, who must return +to-day to his own duties, can make all necessary arrangements for us upon +his arrival in Virginia City. + +"A clergyman must be sent to us, and there are some other matters which I +wish attended to, so we must decide now. Still, my darling, if you shrink +from this step, if the thought of it shocks you, I will not urge it, I +will wait until you are quite ready for it." + +"Did papa propose it?" Virgie asked, hiding her flushed face from those +eager, loving eyes looking down upon her. + +"Yes. I should not have presumed to suggest anything of the kind at such a +time," returned the young baronet, gravely. "But he thinks that his mind +would be easier if he could see you my wife. He wishes to give you away +irrevocably while he is able. Then, dear, I could be with you all the time +to help you in your care of him, to relieve you of much that would +encroach upon your strength. Tell me freely, Virgie, shall it or shall it +not be?" + +"Do you really wish it? or—are you only yielding to his desire?" she +asked, in a low voice. + +He gathered her closer to his breast until she could feel the eager +throbbing of his great heart. + +"The day that makes you my wife will be the most blessed of all my life; +though, for your sake. I could wish our bridal to be celebrated under less +sorrowful circumstances Still it must not be as I wish. You must decide +the question," he said, gravely. + +There was a long pause. Then Virgie said, quietly: + +"I am willing." + +"Is that all, love? Are you simply willing to do as your father requests? +Shall you not be glad to be my wife?" Sin William questioned, with a +slight accent of pain. + +"Yes, Will, I shall be glad; but, oh, my father! my father!" she cried, +with a fresh burst of grief, as she realized all that this hurried +marriage meant. + +He kissed her forehead softly, and breathed: + +"Heaven bless you, my beloved, and help me to make your future as happy +as you have made me to-day." + +He made her lie down upon the lounge, for she was nearly exhausted with +her grief. He arranged her pillow, drew down the curtains to soften the +light, and then went quietly out of the room. + +When he came back an hour later he found her calm, though with a saddened +gravity upon her that made his heart ache. + +He told her that Dr. Waters had gone back to Virginia City, but that they +had arranged for a clergyman to come to them to spend the following +Sabbath, when Mr. Abbot desired the marriage to take place. + +Virgie was strangely thrilled by this intelligence. It was Tuesday, and in +five days more she would be Sir William Heath's wife! It all seemed like a +dream to her. + +On Saturday afternoon an elderly and venerable-appearing gentleman made +his appearance before Mr. Abbots door. + +He came in a strong mountain wagon drawn by a pair of handsome horses, and +with him there was a large trunk—which Sir William ordered carried up +stairs into Virgie's room—and two or three hampers, that were given to +Chi Lu to be taken care of. + +Virgie turned a wondering, inquiring look upon her lover at these +proceedings, but he only answered by a quiet smile, and then introduced +her to the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + +The young bride-elect received him with the charming ease and +self-possession that was natural to her, at which the stranger could not +refrain from regarding her with a look of mingled wonder and admiration. + +When told of the errand upon which he was to go, he had consented for the +sake of the dying man; but he had expected to find a very rustic couple +in this rough region, and he was wholly taken aback to meet a polished +gentleman like Mr. Heath—as he was still known except to Virgie and her +father—and such an interesting and lovely woman as his young hostess +appeared to be. + +The clergyman spent an hour with the invalid after tea, and he was no less +mystified and astonished regarding him. He realized that he was in a +household of more than ordinary culture and refinement, and he was sure +that there must be some strange history connected with their lives. + +When Virgie went to bid her father good-night before going to her rest, he +drew her down to him and looked tenderly and wistfully into her face. + +"My daughter," he questioned, "you have no shrinking no misgivings +regarding the step that you are about to take?" + +"None, papa," she said, softly. + +"And are you happy in the prospect of becoming Sir William's wife? Tell me +truly, my child." + +"As happy as I can be while you are so ill, papa," Virgie answered, with +starting tears. + +"Then I am at peace. God bless you, my darling, and may your life have +much of sunshine in it. I give you without fear into Will's care, for I +believe him to be one of nature's noblemen. And now," taking a package +from beneath his pillow, here is your marriage dowry; it is all yours, +Virgie, to do with as you will, and Sir William has promised to settle as +much more upon you, which he will tell you about later. You have been a +dear, good daughter to me, and I am very happy regarding your future; I +could not ask or wish anything better for you." + +"Oh, papa, if I could only have you well again!" Virgie whispered, hiding +her tearful eyes upon his pillow. + +An expression of pain flitted over the sick man's face. + +"We will not think of that now," he said, gently; "and you must not give +way to grief, for it will unnerve us both, and I do not wish to see a pale +or sorrowful bride to-morrow. Now good-night, love, and try to get all the +rest that you can." + +He kissed her again, and was about to let her go, when he caught her hand, +saying, with something of eagerness: + +"But, by the way, Virgie, what will you wear to be married in?" + +The young girl flushed, and her lips trembled. + +"Oh papa, I have hardly given a thought to that, my heart has been so +heavy for you," she murmured, brokenly. Then she added, after a moment of +thought: "I have my pretty silk that you sent to San Francisco for in the +spring, and I wondered when I should ever wear it here, you know. It will +do, will it not?" + +Mr. Abbot sighed. + +"I suppose it will have to, since it is the best you have. I should like +to have you married in something white, dear; but make yourself look as +nicely as you can," he said in an unsteady voice. + +Virgie dropped a light kiss upon his forehead, and then went out, her +heart heavy in spite of the great love which she bore the man whose wife +she was to become on the morrow, and the bright hopes which the future +held for her in spite of the shadow of death which was every moment +drawing nearer. + + + + +Chapter IX. +Virgie's Wedding-Day + + +As Virgie passed out of her father's room, Sir William captured her. + +"I am not going to keep you from your rest," he said, after caressing her +fondly, "but I wanted to tell you that I have been feeling a trifle +jealous regarding the appearance of the future Lady Heath upon her +wedding-day, and you will find everything that you will need for to-morrow +in a trunk, which I have had carried up into your room." + +Virgie lifted her head from his breast, and regarded him questioningly. + +"I sent an order by Dr. Waters," he explained, "to the best dressmaker +that he could find in Virginia City, to provide a simple yet appropriate +outfit for a bride, and you will find the best that could be obtained at +so short a notice, awaiting your approval up stairs." + +"How kind, how thoughtful you are!" Virgie murmured gratefully, and with a +flush of pleasure. "Papa will be so pleased. He was just lamenting that I +was not properly provided for." + +"Then it will be a gratifying surprise when he sees you to-morrow," Sir +William returned. + +"Indeed it will. How can I think you? Perhaps I have been very remiss, +but, truly, I had not given a thought to my dress," Virgie confessed, with +some confusion. + +"How could you, dear, with your heart so full of other things?" Sir +William replied, tenderly; "and I want no thanks other than to see you +looking like a bride," he concluded, smiling. "I did this chiefly to +gratify my own pride in my love." + +He led her to the foot of the stairs, and then, with a lingering clasp, +let her go. + +It was quite late, and Virgie thought that she would only allow herself a +peep into the mysterious trunk that night; but she resolved that she would +rise very early in the morning and lay out everything in readiness for the +wedding. + +She wondered how Sir William could have managed it all, and was somewhat +anxious regarding the fit of her bridal dress; but she was set at rest +upon that point when she lifted the lid of the trunk and found a waist of +one of her own dresses lying upon the top of various packages, and she +knew that he had sent it as a measure and guide. + +Everything else was wrapped in fine packing paper, and she concluded not +to open anything until morning, although her curiosity was greatly +excited. + +She knelt and prayed long and fervently, for she felt very solemn in view +of the important event that was to occur on the morrow. + +Then she retired, and was soon sleeping peacefully and restfully, as only +the pure and innocent can sleep. + +But when the first rays of the sun streamed in at her window in the +morning, she arose, and, after putting her room in perfect order, she +opened the precious trunk and began to remove and undo the packages stored +therein. + +First, there was a long, flat box. + +Opening it, she found a misty and ample veil of finest tulle, simply +hemmed with a heavy thread of silk. + +Then there was another smaller but deeper box, which contained a lovely +wreath of pure white heath, with bouquets of the same mingled with lilies +of the valley, for the corsage of her dress. + +Still another, in which there was a pair of shining white satin boots, +silken hose, and kid gloves, with a dainty handkerchief, fine and sheer as +a cobweb. + +Last, but not least, incased in several wrappings of soft white paper was +the wedding-dress. + +Virgie's face paled and flushed many times while she was undoing this, for +many hopes were centered in it, and tears rose unbidden to her eyes when +at last it was laid out on the bed before her. + +She had seen nothing one-half so lovely for years—not since she used to +watch her mother dress for gay receptions and parties in the happy days so +long ago. + +It was of the finest India mull, very simply yet beautifully made, over an +underskirt of plain white silk—an airy, gauzy thing, just suited for a +youthful bride. + +"How kind! how thoughtful!" the young girl breathed, as her glance ran +over the different articles comprising her toilet. "He has not forgotten a +single thing, and it is all so delicate and beautiful. This wreath of +heath—how suggestive! and nothing could be prettier. + +"Oh papa! I am glad you will have your wish, for it may be the very last +one that can be gratified," she concluded, with a long sigh. + +Had it not been for her father's condition, she would have been supremely +happy on that bright morning. Even as it was, her heart was overflowing +with love and gratitude toward her devoted lover for his kind +consideration and generosity. + +She went below at her usual hour to attend to her regular duties, which +she performed in her customary quiet way, helping her father to rise and +dress, arranging the rooms in the nicest order, and then serving breakfast +to the invalid and their reverend guest. + +Sir William was nowhere visible. He had spent the night with Mr. Abbot, +and when morning broke he went away to his own cabin, where he remained +until the hour for the ceremony. + +The house was very quiet; there was no excitment, no bustle. Chi Lu alone +betrayed any consciousness that an unusual event was to take place, and +this only by a slight nervousness of manner and the restless flash of his +dusky eyes. + +After breakfast Virgie saw that her father was made comfortable in his +reclining-chair in the parlor, and then giving him one last, lingering +kiss, she turned to go up to her chamber to dress for her bridal. + +Just then there came a knock on the outer door. Chi Lu was called to +answer it, and he brought to Virgie a huge basket laden with the loveliest +of mountain ferns and flowers, the dew still glistening upon them. + +They were the offering of some of the miners "for Miss Abbot's wedding," +the boy who brought them said. + +It had become known in some way that Mr. Abbot was failing rapidly, and +had requested that his daughter might be married before his death. + +He was much respected in the hamlet, for he had always been the courteous +gentleman, while Virgie was regarded almost in the light of a young +princess, and thus these humble people were prompted to show their +sympathy and good will in this delicate manner. + +The young bride-elect was touched to the heart by this tribute, and with +her own hands arranged the lovely flowers to furnish the room where she +was to be married. + +Then she went up stairs, and was seen no more until the hour set for the +ceremony, which was eleven o'clock. + +Meanwhile Chi Lu and an elderly woman, who had once been very kind to +Virgie when she was ill, and had been asked to "come and help for the +day," were very busily engaged in the small kitchen, arranging a repast +which was to be served later in the day. + +Sir William was determined that the occasion should be made as cheerful as +circumstances would allow, and had ordered from the city every delicacy +which his fertile brain could suggest, and thus a "wedding breakfast," +such as had never been known in that region before, was in process of +preparation. + +At eleven o'clock the happy groom made his appearance and sent Margery +Follet, the woman before mentioned, to Virgie's door to say that he was +ready and awaiting her. + +To her tap Virgie gently responded "come in," and a low cry of delight +escaped the humble woman's lips as she opened the door, and then stood +transfixed upon the threshold. + +Virgie turned a smiling face to her. "Why, Margery, how came you here?" +she asked. + +"The gent sent for me to come and help." + +"That was thoughtful in him, and it was kind of you to come," Virgie +returned, graciously. + +"It's a boon to me, miss. You look like an angel, and I shall never +forget this day," said the woman, regarding her almost with reverence. + +Virgie felt all the happier for being able to contribute this pleasure to +one so unused to pleasure of any kind, and she increased it tenfold by +asking her to assist her in fastening the last button of one of her +gloves. + +"Yes, I'm ready," Virgie replied, as, with a vivid, conscious flush, she +turned away, after one last look in her mirror, and truly she was a vision +to cheer the heart of the fondest bridegroom. + +Her dress proved to be a perfect fit, and the delicate fabric fell in +soft, graceful folds over the lustrous white of her silken skirt, while +she was covered from head to foot by the mist-like veil. + +The wreath of heath lay lightly upon her brown head, and, with the +beautiful bouquet upon her breast, made a pleasing contrast with the +otherwise spotless costume. + +Her figure looked almost regal in her trailing robe, and she was simply +perfect from crown to sole. + +"Yes," she repeated, as the woman seemed unable to take her eyes from her, +"you may tell Mr. Heath that I am ready," and as Margery went out, she +bowed her head in prayer for a blessing on her new life. + +The next moment she heard Sir William's step on the stairs, and she went +out to meet him. + +How his face lighted as he looked upon her! How his heart throbbed with +exultation as he thought: + +"This peerless girl is mine! Heathdale has never known a mistress so +fair!" + +He was clad, as became a gentleman, in a dress suit of simple black, fine +and rich, a single diamond of purest water gleaming just beneath his +white satin tie, and his hands were incased in spotless gloves. + +"My darling," he whispered, as he took Virgie's right hand and laid it on +his arm, "how beautiful you are!" + +She could not make him any reply—the moment was too solemn for words—but +she lifted her eyes to his for an instant, and they were filled with love +and trust. + +Then they went below. + +Very quietly they took their places in the little parlor, where the +clergyman awaited them, and where Mr. Abbot, after one surprised, +delighted glance at his daughter, lay back in his chair, with a smile of +supreme content upon his lips. + +He understood at once who had so delicately and so fittingly arranged +everything for the fair bride, and it was such a comfort to him to have +Virgie properly arrayed for her marriage. + +Chi Lu and Margery stood one on either side of the door, just inside the +room, according to Sir William's desire, for there must be witnesses, and +thus the group was complete. + +Rev. Dr. Thornton approached the young couple, and in an easy and +impressive, yet graceful manner, performed the marriage service, and those +few moments were very solemn ones to three at least of those present. But +the ceremony was soon over, and the maiden was now a wife—Virgie Abbot +had become Virginia, Lady Heath. + +Sir William had not, however, allowed his title to be used, as he shrank +from the notoriety which the knowledge of his position and wealth would +create among the settlers of that region. He had come there in an +unpretentious way, and he wished to leave as quietly. There would be time +enough, he thought, to resume his honors when he and his bride should go +out into the world. + +When the benediction had been pronounced over the clasped hands of the +husband and wife, Dr. Thornton offered his congratulations, and then Sir +William led Virgie directly to her father. + +She sank upon her knees beside his chair, and putting her arms around his +neck, gave and received a tender caress. + +"God bless you always, my daughter!" the sick man murmured, in trembling +tones. "I believe I am guilty of no irreverence in invoking His blessing," +he added, "for I have learned to feel my need of faith in Him, and, +Virgie, your husband has taught me how to seek it." + +The young bride could only press her lips again to his in reply. She was +very grateful for this confession, for her father's previous skepticism +and bitterness had often caused her much sorrow. + +Chi Lu and Margery came forward to congratulate the bride and groom, and +then went about their duties in the other room. + +Soon after, Dr. Thornton slipped quietly away, thus leaving the invalid +and his children by themselves. + +"Virgie, how beautiful you are to-day! How did it happen?" Mr. Abbot +asked, when he found they were alone, and glancing admiringly over her +costume. + +"It was all Mr.—all Will's doing," she answered, with a charming blush, +and glancing shyly up into her husband's face. + +"I suspected as much, and I thank you, Sir William, more than I can +express, for giving me this unexpected pleasure," said the sick man, +gratefully. + +"It was to gratify myself as well. I could not be satisfied unless Lady +Heath was arrayed as became a bride of the house," the young baronet +returned, with a fond smile, as he noticed how the color came and went on +Virgie's cheek at the sound of her new name. "But," he added, putting his +arm around her, and raising her to her feet, while with one sweep of his +hand he threw back the veil, "I have not yet had the privilege of saluting +my wife. Virgie, I have the right to the first kiss from your sweet lips." + +The beautiful bride lifted her face to him, flushed with a new, almost +holy, happiness. + +"My husband!" she whispered, as he held her close for a moment, and he +felt that henceforth his life would be complete, since she loved him, and +was his. + +Alas, for the weary years that were to follow! + +Was there no one to warn? + +For a little while they fell into a quiet chat, and then Chi Lu came to +bid them to the other room, where a really elegant feast awaited them, and +where Sir William exerted himself to make the occasion as merry as +possible, and all through the day nothing occurred to mar its peace and +joy. + +The next morning Dr. Thornton returned to Virginia City, carrying in his +pocket a much larger fee than he was accustomed to receive; and after +that, life at the mountain cottage resumed its usual quiet routine. + + + + +Chapter X. +A Separation and a Little Stranger. + + +Mr. Abbot appeared to gather new strength after the events related in the +previous chapter, in spite of his own predictions and the fears of others +that he was dying. + +The mild September weather and the quiet happiness which pervaded his home +seemed to have a beneficial effect upon him. But as the weather grew +colder, as the chill October winds began to sweep over the mountains, a +decided change came. Just as daylight was fading one evening, and the dull +gray of a coming storm began to settle down upon the mountains, he +breathed his last, peacefully, quietly and willingly, and thus all earthly +sorrow was at an end for him; he had gone where all wrongs would be +righted, where mystery or shame would no longer envelop him. + +They buried him, as he desired, beneath the great plumy pine tree that +grew near their cottage, and where Virgie's great happiness had come to +her, and then Sir William felt that he had a right to take his wife away +to a more congenial atmosphere. + +He had disposed of his claim some time before, for since he had no longer +any need of an excuse for remaining there, he had given up all pretense of +business and devoted himself exclusively to the care of the invalid and to +making Virgie's duties as light as possible. + +The cottage and its furniture were sold; Chi Lu was presented with Sir +William's own neat little cabin with all its contents, besides being +otherwise handsomely remunerated for all his kindness and faithfulness and +then the baronet took his bride directly to San Francisco, which they +decided to make their headquarters for the winter, intending early in the +spring to sail for England. + +Sir William had written home long before this of his marriage. But the +news had not been cordially received by the members of his household. + +His stately mother had replied in a brief, dignified manner, which did not +fail to convey her displeasure at the step he had taken, while his widowed +sister, who, with her two children, were greatly dependent on her brother, +did not hesitate to express her indignation at his rashness and +inconsideration of their feelings, at least, in marrying so "out of his +own element." + +The young baronet, of course, kept all this to himself. He had known well +enough that his marriage would be displeasing to his family, who had long +had other views for him, but he trusted that, when he should present his +bride to them, every objection would disappear like dew before the sun, +and she would be received with open arms and be loved for her own sweet +sake. + +At all events he was his own master, and he was not a man to tamely submit +to unreasonable prejudices; and if his mother and sister refused to +receive his wife with becoming courtesy and respect, as the mistress of +Heathdale, it would only be the worse for them. + +He did not begin to suspect, however, the bitterness which they +experienced when they received the startling information that he had +married a girl from the wilds of the far West. His union had followed so +closely upon his betrothal that he had no opportunity to communicate plans +beforehand, and thus the news had fallen like a thunderbolt upon them. + +"He has ruined his life!" cried Lady Linton, his sister, in a white rage, +after reading the letter. "To think of it!—he has married a perfect +savage from the wilds of America! A pretty mistress for dear old +Heathdale, truly. I will never receive her, <i>never!</i>" + +"You know what William is, Miriam, and it will not be wise for you to +offend him. He will never tolerate any display of arrogance or discourtesy +to his wife," returned the dowager Lady Heath, more quietly, yet looking +the picture of despair over the <i>mesalliance</i>. + +"I cannot help it; it is an abominable insult to all his friends, and +never to tell us anything about it until the die was cast!" + +"But he explains why he could not; the marriage was hastened on account of +the father's critical condition replied Lady Heath. + +"Oh, I believe it was all a cunning plan to entrap him and secure the girl +a title and position," groaned Lady Linton. "How will Sadie feel; what +<i>will</i> she say?" + +"I do not know as she has any right to say anything," answered the dowager, +with some dignity, for she loved her son and could not bear to have any +one assail him, no matter how much she might blame him herself. "William +has never committed himself to her in any way; that plan has been more +ours than his." + +She was fully as unreconciled as her daughter; still she was capable of +looking at matters as they really were. + +"Oh, I cannot have it so, mamma; do not let us say anything about the +affair at present," pleaded her daughter. "William says it will be some +time before he returns, as he wishes to show his wife something of the +world first. Doubtless," she continued, with increasing bitterness, "he +desires to polish off some of the rough edges before he presents her to +us; so let us suppress the fact of his marriage until the time is set for +their coming; it will be hard enough even then to acknowledge the plebeian +union." + +Lady Heath demurred at first at this proposal, but she finally yielded the +point, and nothing was said regarding the baronet's sudden marriage, and +this was the beginning of a plot to ruin the life of a beautiful young +wife, and to bring years of misery upon a noble man. + + * * * * * + +Virgie found it very pleasant in some respects, though sad in others, to +return to San Francisco, her former home. + +She had left the city nearly six years ago, when she was an undeveloped +girl; she returned to it in the full glory of beautiful womanhood, and +owing to her many changes which had occurred there, as well as in her own +personal appearance and position, no one appeared to recognize her as the +daughter of the unfortunate man who had figured so conspicuously in a +terrible scandal there, and then suddenly disappeared covering his tracks +so successfully that no one, either friend or foe, knew whither he had +gone. + +The young wife was very happy in spite of her recent bereavement; her +husband was kindness and nobility personified, and left nothing undone +that could contribute in any degree to her pleasure, or prevent her from +brooding upon her father's death. + +They had a cozy and elegant suite of rooms at the Baldwin Hotel, which Sir +William had engaged for the winter, and from this point they made many +excursions sometimes being away several weeks at a time, traveling, then +returning to rest, after which they would start afresh again. + +The fond husband was determined that Virgie should see everything that was +worth seeing in her own country before he took her to their home in +England. + +They frequented the opera and theater, attended concerts and lectures, and +Sir William was both surprised and delighted to notice how readily Virgie +adapted herself to the requirements of society and etiquette, +notwithstanding the seclusion of the last half-dozen years. + +About the middle of March they started for the East, intending to take the +trip leisurely and visit points of interest along their route. + +They arrived in New York early in May, and were intending to sail for +England the last of the month. + +But Virgie, although not really ill, was far from well when they reached +the great metropolis, and her husband insisted that she must have medical +advice. + +He called in a skillful physician, who, upon being told what their plans +were, immediately and emphatically vetoed further travel for the present. + +"It will be simply impossible for Mrs. Heath to undertake a sea voyage at +present," he asserted. + +"But the trip occupies eight days—" Sir William began. + +"If it occupied only three it would make no difference it will not be safe +for her to attempt to cross the ocean under three months," Dr. Knox said, +with an air of decision which admitted of no further argument. + +Sir William was disappointed, yet he was too fond and careful of his +beautiful wife to rebel against this verdict. + +A week or two passed and Virgie appeared to be improving, when, one +morning, there came a cablegram from Heathdale, announcing that the +dowager Lady Heath was alarmingly ill, and imploring the baronet's +immediate return if he desired to see her alive. + +The message threw the young husband into a distressing state of mind. + +It seemed like harshest cruelty to obey the summons and leave his wife +alone in that strange city. And yet the alternative of remaining and +allowing his mother to die without seeing him once more, seemed almost +equally unkind. + +He sought Dr. Knox again in his extremity and explained his desperate +situation. + +"I could not answer for the consequences if you take your wife; it will be +a fearful risk for Mrs. Heath to go. She <i>might</i> endure the voyage safely, +but the probabilities are that she would not," the physician gravely told +him. "But," he added, kindly, "I sympathize with you—I appreciate your +dilemma, and, if <i>you</i> must go, I advise you to leave her in my charge and +I promise faithfully to give her every attention during your enforced +absence." + +This seemed the only thing to be done and Sir William finally decided to +return to his home alone. + +Virgie herself urged him to go, though her heart was almost breaking at +the thought of the separation, for it <i>might</i> be that she would never see +him again. + +Still she was brave—she put aside her own feelings out of regard for the +duty which he owed his mother, and there was a possibility that he could +return to her in the course of two or three weeks. + +"Do not feel unduly anxious for me, Will," she said to him, on the evening +before he was to sail, "I know that Dr. Knox will do all for me that you +can wish. I will either write or send some message to you by every +steamer, and I am going to trust that everything will be well." + +"But it is agony to me to leave you—oh! my darling, if your heart fails +you in the least, if you say you prefer to have me stay, I will not go +even now," he said, his own courage failing him and having more than half +a mind to renounce his intended voyage even at that late hour. + +"No, dear, I know that it is your duty to go," Virgie answered, gently. "I +should never forgive myself, if your mother should die, for keeping you +from her at such a time." + +"But if—I should lose you, too," he was going to say, but checked himself +and concluded, "but if you should be neglected and unhappy?" + +"I shall not be, Will; you have provided against the former contingency +most generously, and the latter I can regulate myself. I will not be +unhappy, for I know that you are doing right and that you will return to +me the moment that you are at liberty to do so." + +"Indeed I shall," he answered, as he gathered her close to his breast and +rained passionate kisses upon her lovely face. + +But his heart was very heavy notwithstanding her apparent cheerfulness. + +A superstitious dread seemed to have seized him, warning him that some +fearful calamity would follow this separation. He was not given to such +unreasonable imaginings, and he reproached himself for indulging in them; +but he could not shake them off nevertheless. + +Morning came and with it the hour of departure and the last farewells. + +Virgie wore a brave and even smiling face through all. She had resolved +that she would not unman him at the last moment. + +She watched at her window until he drove away, waving her handkerchief and +throwing him a kiss as he passed from sight, then the pent-up grief of her +heart found vent in a wild burst of tears such as she had not shed since +the hour of her father's death. + +But she would not indulge it long. + +She had every comfort. Her rooms were cheerful and elegant; a motherly, +middle-aged woman had been engaged to remain with her as companion and +nurse during her husband's absence; she had an abundance of money at her +command, and Dr. Knox had promised to look in upon her every day. Surely +she had nothing to complain of, save the enforced separation from her dear +one, and that would not be for long, she trusted. + +The ninth day after the departure of Sir William there came a cablegram, +telling of his safe arrival at Liverpool, and this, at his request, she +immediately responded to, telling him that all was well with her. + +The next steamer, she knew, would bring her a letter and after that she +would hear from him every few days. + +Sir William found his mother alive, but in a very low state; "she might +rally, she might not," they told him; and, with a sigh of resignation, he +could only wait and try to patiently adapt himself to circumstances. + +Thus four weeks went by, and then, early one June morning, a message went +flying through the depths of the ocean, telling that a tiny little maiden, +with eyes and hair like her father's, but bidding fair to become the +counterpart of her mother in form and features had come to Virgie the +morning previous, and "all was well." + +The fervent "thank God!" accompanied with something very like a sob, which +burst from Sir William Heath's lips as he read this message, told how +intense had been his anxiety during the weeks of his absence from his +darling, and how great his relief at those favorable tidings. + +He returned a message of love and congratulation, and when, a little +later, there came a letter to the happy young mother, it begged that their +little one should be called "Virgie May," the latter name being that of a +dear sister of whom Sir Will had been very fond, and who had died several +years previous. + +And thus the little heiress of Heathdale was christened by her mother. + + + + +Chapter XI. +"You Have Overstepped All Bounds." + + +Sir William Heath could hardly control his impatience to fly to his dear +ones across the water. + +His fond heart yearned mightily to behold his child and to clasp once more +the beautiful wife who had now become dearer than ever to him. + +But his mother's condition did not improve; she still lay hovering between +life and death, and he knew that he must not leave her until there was +some change either for the better or worse. + +Her disease was partial paralysis, which, however, had not affected her +brain, and her son's return and presence appeared to be of the greatest +comfort to her. + +Still she was liable, at any hour, to have another shock, which would +doubtless prove fatal, and Sir Herbert Randal—an eminent London +physician—commanded perfect quiet and freedom from all excitement, since +the least anxiety or disturbance of any kind would bring the dread +messenger which they all feared so much. + +Thus it seemed as if the young baronet was hopelessly bound to Heathdale +for the present. + +Not a word had passed between him and his mother regarding his marriage. +Knowing how displeased she had been at the time of it, and fearing to +excite her if he recalled the event to her mind, he had thought it best to +say nothing, but leave her to broach the subject whenever she should feel +inclined, although he wondered that she did not make some inquiry +regarding his young wife whom the family had expected he would bring with +him to Heathdale. + +The meeting with his sister had been somewhat cold and formal, for he +could not forget how harshly she had expressed herself regarding his +choice, while she could not and would not forgive him for disappointing +all her ambitious hopes for him. + +Like his mother, she ignored the subject of his marriage not deigning to +make the slightest inquiry regarding his wife, although she had been +greatly astonished at the non-appearance of Virgie, and was burning with +curiosity to know why he had returned alone. + +This negligence and obstinacy on her part made Sir William very indignant, +and after the first excitement consequent upon his arrival had subsided, +he determined to assert himself, and have it distinctly understood that +his wife was henceforth to be recognized as a member of and a power in his +household. + +Therefore, the morning following his return he had drawn Lady Linton into +the library, and after conducting her, with something of formal +politeness, to a seat, remarked: + +"Miriam, you have not yet done me the honor to inquire after Lady Heath." + +Lady Linton bowed coldly, and lifted her fine eyebrows questioningly. + +Sir William flushed angrily. + +"It is evident that you are still very angry with me, and intend to annoy +me upon this point," he continued, sternly, "and we may as well understand +each other at the outset. I shall demand and expect that my wife when I +bring her home, will be received with all the honor and courtesy which has +ever been accorded to the mistress of Heathdale in the past." + +Again Lady Linton bowed; but she did not deign to open her lips in +response, although a spot of vivid red settled in either cheek. + +"She is worthy of it in every respect," her brother resumed a gleam of +fire in his eye, "and will grace the position which I have given her as +well as the most noted London belle could do. I have pictures of her +here—perhaps you will do me the favor to look at them." + +He laid two or three fine photographs of Virgie, taken in different +attitudes, before her, as he concluded, and then leaned back in his chair +watching her attentively to see what effect that beautiful face would have +upon her. + +Her ladyship adjusted her eyeglasses with English precision, and taking up +one of the pictures regarded it with all the indifference which she could +muster. She was not, however, quite prepared for what she saw; and the +quick, curious, half-admiring gleam which shot into her eye told that she +had not failed to acknowledge the exceeding loveliness of that fair face, +and the natural grace and dignity displayed in the young wife's attitude. + +She took up each picture separately, and her brother could see her +indifference gradually melting away, a keen and critical look taking its +place. + +"Who was she?" she at length condescended to ask, though somewhat curtly. + +"The daughter of a California gentleman," Sir William answered, quietly. + +"A California <i>gentleman!</i>" with a scornful accent upon the last word. +"You speak of him as of an equal." + +"Certainly," returned the baronet, a smile of amusement slightly curling +his lips, "Mr. Abbot was my equal, if not my superior, in point of +intellect, and all that goes to make a gentleman, while his daughter is +in no wise my inferior." + +"How can you make such an absurd statement, William?" demanded his sister, +impatiently. "The idea of an American plebeian being the equal of a Heath +of Heathdale!" + +Sir William laughed outright; then he said: + +"Your loyalty to your family does you credit, Miriam, but I imagine, if +you should ever visit America—which I trust for your own sake, you will +do some time—that you will return much wiser than you went. Your ideas +regarding people and things, in that grand republic are very crude and +incorrect. But how do you like the face that I have shown you?" + +"The face is well enough," Lady Linton was forced to admit. + +There is nothing weak about it?" + +"N-o." + +"It is not lacking in intelligence or character?" + +"Not so far as I am able to judge from a simple picture", the woman +confessed, rather reluctantly. + +"And yet it does not flatter her; you do not often see a face like that +even among the noble families of England, and she is as lovely in mind as +in person," said Sir William, fondly, as he took up one of the photographs +and gazed upon it with his heart in his eyes. + +"Humph! if you are so proud of your American bride, why did you not bring +her home with you?" Lady Linton inquired, in a mocking tone, and then +could have bitten her tongue through for having allowed herself to betray +her curiosity so far. + +Sir William flushed hotly. It was evident that his sister was no more +reconciled since seeing Virgie's pictures than before. Her pride of birth +had received a shock which she could neither overlook nor forgive. + +"Lady Heath was not able to travel. Her physician told me that if she +crossed the ocean it would be at the risk of her life. Miriam, Virgie will +soon become a mother, God willing." + +Lady Linton started and shot a swift look of astonishment at her brother +upon this unexpected announcement. + +This information was disagreeable in the extreme, for it made certain +plans, which her fertile brain had begun to weave as soon as she had +learned that her brother had returned without his wife, all the more +complicated, if not well-nigh impossible. + +"It was a great trial for me to return without her," Sir William went on, +with a regretful sigh, "but your summons was so very imperative that I +felt obliged to do so. My darling bore it very bravely, however; she +regarded it as my duty to hasten to my mother, even though she would be +left alone, a stranger in a great city, and at such a critical time." + +"Of course it was your duty to return to our mother," Lady Linton +responded emphatically, as if the young wife away upon the other side of +the Atlantic was not worthy of consideration. "And," she added, flashing a +look of defiance at her companion, "I am free to confess to a feeling of +relief that you had to come alone—" + +"Miriam, I—" + +"Hear me out, if you please," she interposed. "Mamma's heart has been +nearly broken at the thought of this ill-assorted marriage, and I believe +the excitement and grief would have killed her outright, if you had +brought her," with a withering glance at Virgie's picture, "to Heathdale +to reign as mistress." + +Sir William was tried almost beyond endurance. It was more than a minute +before he could control himself sufficiently to speak, after his sister's +insulting remarks regarding his marriage. + +"Miriam," he at length said, in a voice that made her quail in spite of +her effrontery, "you will please never speak like this again; it is, both +to my wife and me, an insult which I will not tolerate. Virgie is a lady +in every sense of the word; even my critical mother could pick no flaw in +her were she to see her, and the moment that I am at liberty to do so I +shall return to the United States and bring my darling back with me. And +let me here repeat what I said a while ago—I expect and demand that she +be received with all proper respect by the entire household." + +"The household knows nothing of your marriage." + +"What!" cried the young baronet, astonished. + +"No one, save mamma and I, knows anything of this—this alliance." + +"By whose authority have you kept such a matter secret?" Sir William +demanded, in great wrath. + +"We—we thought it best," faltered his sister, shrinking beneath his +anger—she had never seen him so aroused before. "Mamma was so unhappy, +and I was so—so unreconciled, that we determined to wait until you wrote +definitely regarding your coming." + +"You have overstepped all bounds, you have presumed beyond excuse," +retorted her brother, in a voice of thunder. "I know that you are my +senior by fifteen years, and as a boy I was taught to look up to you, and +to render you the respect due an elder. But I am a child no longer. I am a +man, and you forget that I am not only my own master, but the master of +Heathdale as well. I have a right to choose for myself in all matters, and +you are not to consider that I am in leading strings, as I was before +your marriage, when you exercised, to a certain extent, authority over +me. And now if—I abhor thrifts, but I wish you to distinctly understand +me—if you cannot bring yourself to regard my marriage in a proper and +sensible light, and make up your mind to receive my wife as becomes a +sister of the house, the doors of Heathdale will henceforth be closed to +you." + +Lady Linton was astounded at this outburst. + +Her brother, heretofore, had always been a pattern of amiability and +gentleness, and had allowed her to have her own way mostly in the house. +In minor matters she had always ruled him, and she had never imagined that +he could rise to such a height as this. + +She saw that she had gone too far, that she must change her tactics, or +forever lose all influence with him, and make an enemy of him. + +She could ill afford to do this for several reasons. + +She was the widow of Lord Percival Linton, who had married her chiefly for +her large dowry. + +He had been a fast, unprincipled man, who had run through his own property +and most of hers before death put an end to his mad career. + +They had one son, Percy, and a daughter, Lillian, and Lady Linton, with +her two children, had been largely dependent upon the generosity of her +brother ever since her husband's death, and he was even now bearing all +the expense of the education of his nephew and niece. + +They had made their home chiefly at Heathdale, because Lady Linton's pride +could not tolerate life at Linton Grange when they had no means to keep it +up in proper style, and it was very pleasant and comfortable to be in her +brother's home, where there was abundance of everything, and where she had +been allowed to manage the household in her own way. + +It would therefore be very mortifying to have its hospitable doors closed +against her, and, finding herself liable to be ignominiously checkmated if +she persisted in her present course, she resolved to "right about face" +with the greatest grace possible, at least until she was obliged to yield +her position to the future mistress of Heathdale. + +"Fie, William, don't allow yourself to get in such a passion," she said, +in a conciliatory tone. "Perhaps I have expressed myself more freely than +I ought, but you ought to make allowance for our great disappointment. +Remember that you are the pride of an old and honored family, and it is +but natural that we should wish you to marry in your own station. But do +not fear. When Lady Heath comes to take her place as mistress here she +shall be received in a becoming manner." + +Her ladyship arose as she ceased speaking, her eye falling as she did so +upon the lovely upturned face upon the table, and she vowed in her heart +that if she could prevent it, the girl should never set her foot over the +threshold of Heathdale. + +How she was to carry out this vow she had as yet no idea; but all the +malice and enmity of her heart had been aroused against her, and it should +go hard with her if she could not find some way to vent it upon her. + +"Thank you, Miriam," Sir William responded, as he opened the door for his +sister to pass out, but he spoke somewhat coldly. + +He could not lightly forgive and overlook the scorn that had been heaped +upon the darling of his heart, while the fact that his marriage had been +kept a secret angered him exceedingly, and placed him in a very unpleasant +position. + +He resolved that as soon as his mother should be better, he would have a +plain talk with her, also, and insist upon an announcement of Lady Heath's +existence and her expected arrival. But until the invalid was out of +danger he deemed it advisable not to create any excitement on the subject. + + + + +Chapter XII. +"I Will Join You Heart and Hand." + + +Later in the day, while Sir William was engaged with the Stewart looking +over accounts and inquiring into the condition of Heathdale generally, +Lady Linton went quietly up to her brother's rooms to attend to the +unpacking of his trunks and putting his wardrobe in order. + +While thus engaged she came across a worn portfolio filled with papers of +various kinds. + +She knew at once that it was nothing that belonged to her brother, and +surmised that its contents might contain much of interest regarding the +despised girl whom he had married in the far West of America. + +The key was attached by a ribbon to the portfolio, and was tucked into a +fold of the leather, and no sense of either delicacy or honor prevented +her making use of her opportunity for gratifying her curiosity regarding +the young wife, without the necessity of asking questions. + +Accordingly, she boldly and unhesitatingly unlocked the portfolio, and +began examining its contents. + +These proved to be mostly business papers and legal documents, with some +letters directed to a name that she had never heard before. She would have +liked to read them, but she feared being interrupted while doing so, and +she of course had no wish to have her brother know she was prying thus +into his affairs so she laid them back in their place, resolving at some +future time to examine them more thoroughly. But there was one envelope +among them of much fresher appearance than the others, and with no address +upon it, although it contained a document of some kind. + +Lady Linton slipped it out, and, unfolding it, found it to be the marriage +certificate of her brother and his wife. + +She was astonished to find that the ceremony had occurred in some place in +Nevada, remote from any city or town—a little settlement of which she had +never heard—and as she read further, her eyes grew wide with astonishment +and her face dark with anger. + +"He wrote us that her name was Virginia Abbot," she cried, indignantly, a +crimson flush mounting to her brow, "and here it is given as Virginia—" + +A step sounded outside the door in the hall just then, and her ladyship +paused, affrighted, to listen, that last name unspoken on her lips. + +But it proved to be only a servant passing on some duty, and she went on +with her investigations. + +"There is some inexplicable mystery about this thing," she murmured. "The +name is the same as that on those letters, and I am sure he has deceived +us shamefully. He said that she was the daughter of a once wealthy +Californian, but it seems that they were not in California at all. There +must have been some reason for their burying themselves in that isolated +place, and—<i>I will yet find out what it was</i>!" + +She returned the certificate to the envelope, and put back the papers in +their proper places. + +All at once her face lighted. + +"Sara was going directly to San Francisco. I will write her to look this +thing up. I will have that girl's secret before she is a month older, and +then we will <i>see</i> whether she comes here to Heathdale to queen it over +us." + +She resumed her work, but there was a sullen, resolute expression on her +face which told of some purpose that she was determining to carry out at +all hazards. + +When Sir William's trunks were at length emptied, she rang for a servant +to take them to a storeroom, after which she repaired to her own +apartment, where she wrote steadily and rapidly for more than an hour. + +At the end of that time she folded and sealed her letter, and directed it +to "Mrs. Sara Farnum, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal.," and the very +next post from Heathdale carried on its way the missive that was destined +to help accomplish one of the greatest wrongs that had ever been +perpetrated. + +The reader will doubtless remember that when the dowager Lady Heath and +Lady Linton were discussing Sir William's sudden marriage the name "Sadie" +was mentioned in connection with the baronet. + +Sadie was a beautiful English girl of two or three-and-twenty and the +youngest child and only daughter of Mrs. Sara Farnum, to whom Lady Linton +had just written. + +Sadie Farnum had said and thought a great deal upon learning of Sir +William's union with the American maiden, for the news had been a terrible +death-blow to her own hopes and ambitions. + +She had long entertained the desire and intention of one day becoming the +mistress of Heathdale; it had been the dearest wish of her heart, and for +years she had used every art in which she was skilled to bring the man +she loved to her feet, and thus accomplish her purpose. + +Mrs. Farnum and Lady Linton had been intimate friends from girlhood, and +it had also been a darling scheme of theirs to marry the daughter of the +one to the brother of the other, thus securing a fine position and title +to Sadie, and adding to the already well-filled coffers of Heathdale the +handsome fortune which the young girl would bring to her husband. + +But Sir William had never appeared to be particularly fond of the society +of ladies, at least he was not what would be termed a ladies' man, +although he went frequently into company, and did not fall in with those +plans for his future happiness as readily as their projectors desired. + +He liked Sadie well enough as a friend, and had been in the way of seeing +a great deal of her, as Lady Linton frequently invited her to spend +several weeks with her. He even promised to correspond with her when he +left England to travel in America, and at the time of his first meeting +with Virgie, he had in his pocket a voluminous letter indited by her. + +But she had never touched his heart; she was bright, beautiful, and +accomplished, yet there was something lacking in her nature which his own +demanded and which he recognized at once in the lovely mountain maiden the +moment that he met her that wild night when he came a stranger to her +home. + +But Sadie was so broken-hearted over the blighting of all her fond hopes, +and grieved so sorely that her health began to suffer in consequence, and +when Sir William's return began to be talked of, Mrs. Farnum decided to +take her daughter traveling and thus avoid any unpleasant meeting and +fresh grief when the young Lady Heath should come to take possession of +her new home. + +Accordingly they sailed for America, and knowing that the baronet was in +New York, went directly to the Pacific coast about a fortnight previous to +Sir William's return to Heathdale. + +The letter which Lady Linton sent her friend was written, as we know, the +morning following her brother's return, and five weeks later, upon the +very day of little Virgie May Heath's birth, there came to her an +exceedingly gratifying reply. + +A portion of it read thus: + +"Regarding the important questions which you have asked about the ——'s. +I will not write the name for fear this letter might sometime chance to +meet other eyes. I find that such a family resided here a number of years +ago. They occupied a high position in society appeared to have unlimited +means at their command and were much respected, but they were suddenly +overtaken by terrible misfortunes which cut them instantly down from their +high estate and they were obliged to flee from the city in disgrace. It is +quite a complicated story, and I have not been able to learn all the +details. I can do so, however, if you wish. + +"But what is your object? What do you know about the family? Has it +anything to do with that girl whom your brother so rashly married in such +a romantic manner? If it has, let me know, and I will gladly search the +continent over for material to make her bitterly repent for striking such +a blow to my Sadie's, and indeed to all our hopes. Answer immediately and +whatever instructions you may give me, I will follow most faithfully. I +am ready to join you heart and hand in any vendetta against the disturber +of our peace." + +Lady Linton smiled curiously after reading this epistle. + +"I imagined as much," she muttered, "and they presumed to aspire to an +alliance with a Heath of Heathdale, when their own name was so hopelessly +disgraced that they did not dare to own it or be known by it, and were +forced to hide their guilty heads in that low mining district. No, sir; my +Lord of Heath, your shameless bride shall never enter this sacred +ancestral house if there are any means, lawful or otherwise to prevent +it." + +After the examination of the portfolio which she had found in her +brother's trunk, Lady Linton's curiosity had been insatiable, and +simulating an air of friendliness and resignation which she was far from +feeling, she had encouraged him to talk of his wife, hoping thus to learn +more of her history, and trap him into acknowledging something of the +mystery which surrounded her. + +But though Sir William was never loth to talk of his darling, and always +spoke of her in the fondest terms, he would never commit himself regarding +her past; that was to be a sealed book in England, and not even to his +mother and sister would he ever breathe one word of that sad story, that +Mr. Abbot had told him when he pleaded for his daughter's hand, or aught +that would cast a shadow upon any member of her family. + +"She was the daughter of a once wealthy Californian whom reverses had +impoverished," he invariably told them. "She was finely educated and +fitted, both by nature and culture, to shine in any circle." + +"By whom were you married, William?" his mother asked, having at last +deigned to show some interest in the circumstance. + +"By the Rev. Dr. Thornton, an Episcopalian clergyman + +"Of San Francisco?" + +"No, of Virginia City;" and Sir William smiled that she was not familiar +enough with the geographical location of the place to know that it was not +in California at all. + +"Oh, then you were not married in San Francisco?" interrupted Lady Linton, +looking up eagerly, and hoping now to get something definite regarding +that outlandish place in Nevada. + +"No," he replied, not thinking it necessary to enter into particulars, and +leaving them to infer what they chose. + +Her ladyship was baffled again, not daring to press him further lest he +should suspect that she had been tampering with his papers. + +But she tried to console herself with the thought that she would soon know +all there was to be known; then what use she might make of her knowledge +remained to be seen. + +Lady Heath was improving, but still far from being out of danger, and +could not endure the least confusion. + +Sir William was very restless, and anxious to get back to his dear ones in +America; but Sir Herbert Randall was opposed to his going. + +"It would be fatal, my dear sir," he asserted; "the excitement of your +departure and the separation would undoubtedly bring on another shock from +which her ladyship could not possibly rally, even if it did not kill her +outright. Haven't you done roving enough yet?" the physician concluded, +regarding the young man with some surprise. + +"But I've left——" Sir William began, when he was interrupted by a +startled cry from Lady Linton, who was in the room, as she carelessly +upset a vase of flowers on the table beside her. + +"How awkward of me!" she exclaimed, flushing a deep crimson; "won't you +please ring the bell, William for some one to come and clean up this +mess?" + +He went to the opposite side of the room to do her bidding, and she took +the occasion to inform Sir Herbert in a low tone, that her brother had +left some unfinished business in America, which he was anxious to have +settled. + +"I'm sorry," replied the physician, "but it will have to remain unsettled +for a while longer, if he has a proper regard for his mother's health." + +Of course the great doctor's verdict was decisive, and Sir William was +forced to curb his impatience as best he could. He would not allow himself +to do anything that would endanger his mother's life, and yet his heart +was yearning for his wife and for the little one whom he had never seen. + +"Have patience a little longer, my darling," he wrote Virgie that evening; +I will come just as soon as it will do for me to leave home. My heart +longs for you every hour in the day; life seems almost a blank without +you, and I find it difficult to employ myself about anything. If you were +stronger, and our little one was older, I would send some trusty messenger +for you, and another eight days would find you in our beautiful home. But +I fear such a proceeding would be hardly wise at present. + +"Write to me often, my Virgie, and be very careful in directing your +letters; I am afraid that I have missed one or two of your last. Oh, happy +day when there will be no longer any need to communicate with each other +in this slow way." + +Sir William had indeed missed his wife's last letters and this was the +only one that she ever received from him after that date. + +How was it? + +Ask Lady Linton, or go seek in the little brazier, which stood at night in +the dressing-room of her mother for the purpose of heating the nourishment +she was accustomed to take at twelve, for the ashes of the loving epistles +which the fond husband and wife believed no other save themselves would +peruse. + + + + +Chapter XIII. +Becoming Acquainted. + + +Little Virginia May Heath was just six weeks old, and becoming most +interesting to her fond mamma, who was getting stronger every day, and +able to take a little exercise in the corridor outside her rooms, when one +morning as she was pacing slowly back and forth, thinking of her absent +husband, and wishing, oh, so yearningly, that he could come to her, she +encountered two ladies who had just ascended the stairs, and passed on to +their apartments which were just beyond hers. + +One was a finely formed, majestic woman, evidently somewhat over fifty +years, having the air and bearing of one accustomed to society and the +ways of the world. She was tastefully and elegantly dressed, every article +of her apparel denoting wealth and a careful regard for fashion. + +The other was a young lady, perhaps a year or two older than Virgie, a +perfect blonde, with a tall, beautifully developed form, and with a face +such as poets and artists rave about. It was a pure oval, faultless in +feature and coloring, and yet withal, if closely studied, there was a +suspicion of shallowness and insincerity in the full, sapphire eyes, and +the perfectly formed but rather weak mouth. + +Still Virgie, as she lifted her own lovely eyes and beheld this young +lady, thought she had never seen any one more beautiful, while she colored +slightly, and wondered why the strangers should observe her so closely +and with such evident interest. + +It was a very warm day, and she was clad in a fine white robe, richly +embroidered and garnished with pale lavender ribbon. If she had but +realized it, she was exquisitely beautiful herself, with her glossy, brown +hair carelessly yet gracefully coiled at the back of her head, the color +beginning to tinge her cheeks, that smile of happiness upon her sweet +lips, and the holy mother-light shining in her violet eyes. + +"Mamma, that must be she; that must be Lady Heath," whispered the younger +of the two strangers, when they had passed beyond hearing. + +"Lady Heath!" was the scornful repetition, accompanied by a flash of anger +from the dark eyes of the elder woman. + +"Well, mamma, you know of course who I mean. She must be the girl whom +Lady Linton wrote about." + +"I imagine so. She answers the description that Miriam gave of her +photograph. Yes, hark! she has just opened her door, and surely that was a +baby's cry." + +"Well, at last we have seen her," returned the girl, "and I must confess, +I think she is perfectly lovely. She has such beautiful eyes, such a fair, +delicate complexion, and is so peculiarly dainty every way. I do not blame +Sir William for falling in love with her." + +"Mercy, Sadie, how you do chatter! no one would believe, to hear you, that +you had been almost heart-broken because this very girl, over whom you are +so enthusiastic, had ruined your prospects," returned her mother, +impatiently. + +The young girl flushed crimson at this shaft. + +"Thank you, mamma, for reminding me of the fact," she said, bitterly. "It +is true that through her all my fondest hopes have been blighted, and I +suppose I ought to bitterly hate her for it; but truly her exceeding +beauty and sweetness half disarm me." + +The elder woman made no reply to this, but her manner betrayed both +contempt and irritation, her brow was clouded with a wrathful expression, +and her lips were drawn into a straight, rigid line, denoting some cruel +and inflexible purpose. + +It will readily be surmised that these two ladies were none other than +Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, who, as we learned in the previous chapter, +were traveling in the United States, in the hope of improving the health +and spirits of the latter. + +Mrs. Farnum had married while very young, and was the mother of three +children—two sons and one daughter. + +She had herself been very attractive as a girl, and had many suitors; but +with an eye to the comforts of life, she had said "no" to all the titled +and impecunious lovers, and given her hand to a man of wealth, who, with +his million of pounds, bade fair to add another million to them in the +course of time. + +Miriam Heath, on the contrary, had been rather a plain-looking girl, +somewhat cold and repelling in manner, and was almost an old maid before +she was married; thus she was often an inmate of her friend's palatial +home, and became much interested in her children, and little Sadie Farnum +had scarcely reached her teens before the two women began to plan a union +between the young heir of Heathdale and the heiress to half a million +pounds. + +It had been the cherished dream of years, while almost from childhood +Sadie had been foolishly taught to regard Heathdale as her future home, +and to look upon Sir William as her promised husband; thus the +disappointment had been a terrible one to them all when they learned that +the baronet had married a "nobody" from the hated and disloyal country +that had rebelled against its rightful sovereign. + +Lady Linton might be said to have become almost a monomaniac upon this +point, and so bitter was her ire at thus being balked in her plans, so +keen her hatred of the innocent girl who had been the cause of it, that +she abandoned herself to the wildest schemes, casting all honor and +womanliness to the winds, and bending all her energies toward the +destruction of the happiness of the newly wedded couple. She resolved to +begin operations by making an ally of her friend, Mrs. Farnum. + +Fortunately she was at that moment in California, the former home of +Virgie, and could perhaps ascertain what mystery overshadowed her former +life that had made it necessary to conceal her true name. This would +perhaps give a clew how to proceed further, and, as we know, her letter +was written at once, and brought an immediate reply. Further +correspondence elicited information which only tended to strengthen Lady +Linton in her evil designs, and Mrs. Farnum was advised to proceed +directly to New York and take up her abode in the same hotel where Virgie +was located, where she could successfully aid and abet her superior in her +malicious operations. + +Thus we find Mrs. Farnum and her daughter not only in the same house, but +on the same floor with the young wife and her child, and only waiting for +a favorable opportunity to strike a fatal blow to her happiness. + +Virgie had of late experienced a good deal of anxiety regarding her +husband, for his letters, which at first had come with every steamer, had +suddenly ceased entirely. + +For a while this had only filled her with hope, for she had told herself +that doubtless he was coming for her; he might even be on the way to give +her a joyful surprise. But as time went on and not a word came from him, +she was haunted with a sickening dread. He might be ill, she reasoned; but +surely in that case he would send some message by another, or, if he could +not do that, some member of his family would certainly let her know. + +She wrote faithfully, notwithstanding, giving all details regarding +herself and their little one, never dreaming that her fond letters, having +first been devoured by evil, greedy eyes, were ruthlessly consigned to the +flames. + +Every day after the arrival of Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, one or both +of the ladies managed to come upon her whenever she walked in the +corridor, and soon they began to nod in a friendly manner when they passed +her; then a smile and a look of interest was added, until finally it came +to be the regular custom to bid her a pleasant good-morning. + +But Virgie was retiring by nature, and the acquaintance did not progress +rapidly enough to suit Mrs. Farnum, and she was meditating a bold move, +when one day Sadie came suddenly upon the nurse, who was promenading the +long hall, with her little charge in her arms. + +"Oh!" she cried, stopping before her, "I am sure this must be our little +neighbor who serenades us once in a while. I dote on babies. May I have a +look at the darling?" + +"I hope, miss, she doesn't disturb you," the nurse replied respectfully, +but looking greatly pleased to have the little one noticed. + +"No, indeed; the house is so frightfully still that it is real music to +hear its little voice once in a while. What a little beauty it is, to be +sure!" Miss Farnum returned, volubly, as she pulled away the lace frill +from the small face to get a better view of the young heiress of +Heathdale. + +"What is its name?" she asked, after contemplating her in silence for a +moment. + +"Virginia May Heath," the woman replied, thinking the young lady very +gracious. + +"Oh, how pretty! I suppose she will be called 'May.' She looks just like a +little May blossom." + +"No, miss; they call her Virgie. Madam would have preferred the other +name, but her husband wanted her called for his wife, of whom he is very +fond." + +Sadie Farnum's face clouded at this. + +"I presume that delicate lady whom I see occasionally walking here in the +corridor is La—is Mrs. Heath?" she said, more to make the nurse talk than +because she desired information on this point. + +"Yes, miss; the streets are so rough she does not care much for driving, +and she must have some exercise." + +Virgie herself appeared in the doorway of her parlor at this moment, and +smiled as she noticed the young lady admiring her baby. + +Miss Farnum colored slightly, then said boldly, with a light laugh: + +"Pray do not think me very bold, Mrs. Heath, but I have been seeking an +introduction to your little daughter. She is very lovely, and I am <i>so</i> +fond of babies." + +While she spoke her eyes had been fixed upon Virgie's face, and she +thought she had never looked upon any one more beautiful than this woman +who was her rival—for so she regarded her. + +She wore a delicate blue lawn, trimmed profusely with filmy white lace; +there was a dainty cap upon her head, while she had a few blush-roses +fastened in her belt. Every day she was growing stronger and better, and +her beauty seemed to increase in proportion. + +She bowed to Sadie, and smiled again as she remarked that it was rather +unusual for young ladies to be so fond of children of that tender age. + +"Then I am an exception to the rule, Mrs. Heath," Miss Farnum answered; +"but since I have made your daughter's acquaintance, allow me to introduce +myself to you also. I am Sadie Farnum, and mamma and I are your nearest +left-hand neighbors." + +"I am very glad to know you, Miss Farnum," Virgie returned, graciously, +and thinking her delightfully frank and pleasant. + +She was really very glad to meet her in a less formal way than usual, and +hoped they should be friends. + +She had been feeling rather lonely of late, besides being depressed on +account of her husband's long silence; she had no acquaintances, and saw +scarcely any one save the physician and her nurse. + +"I am afraid mamma will think I have committed a shocking breach of +etiquette," Sadie went on; "but we are strangers in the city, and I have +been longing to know you ever since our first meeting here in the +corridor. May I come in to see you occasionally, and this little darling?" + +She concluded with such a winning air, as she stooped and lightly kissed +the tiny pink face lying upon the nurse's arm, that Virgie's heart was +entirely won. + +"Yes, indeed, Miss Farnum; I should be delighted to have you. I am alone +most of the time, and it would be very pleasant to have some young +company." + +"Thank you. Then, if you do not object, I will waive all ceremony, and +come to see you in a friendly way. May I bring mamma, too, and introduce +her to you?" + +"I shall be very glad to meet Mrs. Farnum," Virgie responded, and then +instantly asked herself if she had spoken the exact truth, for she stood +somewhat in awe of that aristocratic and imposing looking woman, whose +curious, piercing glance, in spite of her assumption of friendliness, gave +her an unpleasant sensation. + +"Mamma, the ice is broken at last!" Sadie Farnum cried, rushing in upon +her mother, with a glowing face, after the above interview, and she +proceeded to give her a detailed account of her meeting with Virgie. + +"She is as lovely as a dream, mamma," she said, "and as sweet and gracious +as any lady need to be. If she were not Sir William Heath's wife I should +be ready to do homage at her shrine with all my heart." + +"Nonsense! Has she any education? Can she converse respectably?" demanded +Mrs. Farnum, with a frown at her daughter's enthusiasm. + +"She is a perfect lady, and her language is beyond criticism—she is fit +to be the wife of any peer." + +"Gracious! Sadie, how you annoy me!" ejaculated Mrs. Farnum, angrily. +"Just think of her antecedents." + +"Well, the girl is not to blame if her father was a scamp, and should not +be made to suffer for his sins," responded her daughter, who was not +naturally bad, and but for her mother's influence, would even now have +been won to a better disposition by Virgie's sweetness. + +"What rank folly you are talking!" retorted her mother. "No girl has a +right to marry a respectable man with such a stain on her name." + +"Perhaps she does not know anything about her father's crime." + +"Pshaw! She was fifteen years old when they had to flee from San +Francisco; she could not help knowing that something was wrong, and as she +grew older she could not fail to understand it. From the way you talk it +is evident that you yourself have fallen in love with the woman who has +cheated you out of your husband." + +"Perhaps I have, mamma," Sadie answered, with a spice of defiance and +wickedly taking pleasure in working her mother up to a certain pitch. "She +looked so pretty just now—she has the loveliest complexion, just clear +red and white, with such dark blue eyes that they seem almost black when +she is animated, and such pretty waving brown hair, while her features are +pure and delicate Her taste, too, is exquisite—her dress was just the +right shade to set off her clear skin; she had the daintiest little +matron's cap on her head—real thread, too—while a handful of blush-roses +in her belt made her look too lovely for anything." + +"Do hush, Sadie; you irritate me beyond endurance; one would think that +you were only too ready to renounce all your hopes to this plebeian who +has stolen your lover," and Mrs. Farnum turned upon her daughter as if +ready to shake her for her folly. + +"Mamma!" she cried, passionately, and bursting into tears, for she had +been working herself up as well, "when I am away from her I hate her for +having won him from me, and I am almost ready to do anything desperate; +but when I am with her she disarms me; there is something about the girl +that almost makes me love her. If you could have seen her this morning, +she looked so proud and happy when I praised the baby." + +"Sadie Farnum, I do believe you are becoming demented! Here is poor Lady +Linton almost heart-broken over her brother's <i>mesalliance</i>, his mother +lies at death's door on account of the excitement caused by it, while you, +who ought to be the most interested party of all, are about to turn +traitress and go over to the enemy just because of a foolish +sentimentality for this doll-faced girl. I declare, I have no patience +with you." + +"I think you have said enough, mamma," replied Miss Farnum, coldly, and +wiping away her tears, "but there may come a time when you will regret +your present attitude—when you will be sorry that you strove to inculcate +such a bitter spirit into the mind of your only daughter. Lady Linton for +some strange reason wanted us to come here and see for ourselves what this +girl is like; we have seen her. Let us go our way now and not revive old +hopes and ambitions, which, to say the least, are not pleasant to remember +under the circumstances. Yes, let us end this disagreeable business, and +leave Sir William Heath's wife alone." + +"I am not ready to leave New York yet, and we will stay where we are for +the present," responded Mrs. Farnum, flushing a deep red, for she had +never told her daughter of the plot which she was helping Lady Linton to +carry out, and she saw now that it would not be wise to do so, since Sadie +might flatly refuse to have anything to do with it, and in her present +state of mind, might do something to upset their well-laid schemes. + + + + +Chapter XIV. +The Plot Begins to Work. + + +The acquaintance between the Farnums and Virgie progressed rapidly after +the meeting between Sadie and the young wife. Mrs. Farnum was duly +introduced, and did not prove to be nearly so formidable a personage as +Virgie had imagined her to be; for although she was not drawn toward her +as she had been to her daughter, yet she was so gracious and exerted +herself to be so agreeable, that Virgie could but acknowledge to herself +that she was a very pleasant and entertaining person. + +Visits were exchanged almost every day between them; the baby was praised +and admired, and Virgie was petted and made much of, until her heart and +confidence were entirely won. + +They insisted upon her driving with them; "the fresh air would do her +good," Mrs. Farnum declared, "for she had noticed during the last week +that she was losing color;" and thus she made many excursions with the two +ladies, and visited many points of interest. They even proposed that they +should go into the country together, as it was getting so oppressively +warm in the city; but Virgie would not listen to this proposition, because +of her anxiety for letters, and the hope that Sir William might be coming +for her. + +Poor child! she was, indeed, losing color, and was almost heart-sick with +the terrible suspense, although she tried to be very brave and to conceal +her trouble from every eye. + +She wrote again and again to her husband, begging for one line, one word +even, pleading that he would let her come to him if he was ill and needed +her. She would gladly brave the dangers of the ocean alone, she told him, +if he would but give her his consent to do so. + +But still that terrible silence remained unbroken. + +She was almost tempted to set out alone in spite of everything, and +nothing but the fear of passing her husband on the way prevented her doing +so. + +She had learned that the Farnums were English, but upon discovering that +their home was a long distance from Heathdale—Mr. Farnum owned a large +estate in Bedford County—she reasoned that they could not know anything +of Sir William's family; and being extremely sensitive regarding his +recent apparent neglect of her, she did not once hint that she expected +her own future home would also be in England. + +Meantime Lady Linton's plans were ripening. Events were occurring at +Heathdale which she trusted would serve her purpose well; and now Mrs. +Farnum was only waiting for a favorable opportunity to commence aggressive +operations. + +The opportunity soon came. Sadie had been invited by some friends to spend +a week or two at Coney Island, and her mother, fearing if she should be +there to witness Virgie's grief when she began to work out her plot, that +she might do something to upset her plans, willingly gave her consent for +her to go. + +On the afternoon after her departure, Mrs. Farnum with a basket of fancy +work in hand, went to pay Virgie a little visit, saying she was lonely +without Sadie, and had come in for a cozy chat. + +The young wife had evidently been weeping, for her cheeks were flushed and +her eyes heavy, but she received her guest cordially, and exerted herself +to be entertaining. + +Mrs. Farnum appeared unconscious of anything unusual although she watched +the young wife keenly, and readily surmised what had caused her +unhappiness. + +She chatted socially for a while on various topics, but after a time laid +down her work, and taking up a book from a table near which she was +sitting, began carelessly turning over its pages. + +"Jean Ingelow," she remarked, with a smile. "Are you fond of her poetry, +Mrs. Heath?" + +"Yes," Virgie answered, "I think some of her poems are very sweet." + +Mrs. Farnum glanced absently at two or three, then turned to the fly leaf +of the book, while Virgie's eyes mechanically followed her movements. + +The name of William Heath was written there. + +Mrs. Farnum looked up surprised, then smiled. + +"Your husband's name is William?" she said, inquiringly + +"Yes," Virgie returned, with a slight flush, while a pang shot through her +heart at the sound of the dear name. + +"You must be very lonely to be separated from him for so long a time," +said the woman, in a sympathetic tone. + +"Indeed I am," said the young wife, with a long-drawn sigh which did not +escape her companion's notice, "but our separation is compulsory." + +"Ah, he was away at the time of our arrival, was he not?" + +"Yes, he was called to his home nearly three months ago by the illness of +his mother." + +Mrs. Farnum assumed a look of surprise. + +"And could not you accompany him?" she asked, as if she thought it very +strange that Virgie should not have done so. + +"No, my physician would not allow me to travel; the summons came only a +short time before the birth of my baby, and he said a sea voyage could not +be thought of for me, so my husband was obliged to go without me." + +"A sea voyage!" repeated Mrs. Farnum, with a start. + +"Yes. My husband's home is in England," Virgie answered, flushing vividly. + +A blank look came over Mrs. Farnum's face, then she assumed a grieved +expression. + +"In England! and you never told us that you were our countrywoman, Mrs. +Heath!" she said, reproachfully. + +"I am not. I am a native of California," Virgie explained with some +confusion; but I seldom speak of myself to strangers." + +"With good reason, my pert young woman!" mentally retorted Mrs, Farnum, +for her companion's last words had been rather coldly uttered. Then she +said aloud, in a pitying tone: + +"It must have been very trying for you to let your husband go on such a +journey without you?" + +"Yes, indeed, it was," Virgie replied, with lips that quivered painfully; +"but, of course, I could not keep him from his dying mother." + +"Was her condition so critical as that?" + +"Certainly, or my husband would not have consented to leave me. Mrs. Heath +was suddenly stricken with paralysis." + +Again Mrs. Farnum started, and bent a long, searching look upon her +companion—a look that made Virgie feel very uncomfortable and wonder what +it meant. + +"Is—is she still living?" the woman asked, still regarding Virgie +searchingly. + +"Yes—at least, she was the last I heard; but her condition was still +considered so critical that she could not bear the least excitement." + +"Then it is some time since you have heard from her?" remarked Mrs. +Farnum, pointedly. + +Virgie bridled a trifle at being so closely questioned. She thought her +guest was trespassing beyond the bounds of good breeding. But, after a +moment, feeling as if she must share her burden with some one, she said, +in an unsteady voice: + +"No, I have not, and—I am afraid that my husband's letters have +miscarried, and the suspense has been very trying." + +"Ahem! Mrs. Heath, there is something very strange—very inexplicable +about what you have told me," Mrs. Farnum said, in a grave tone. + +Virgie looked up, astonished both at the words and tone. + +"I do not understand you," she returned. + +"You know, of course, that we are English people," began her companion. + +"Yes. Miss Sadie mentioned the fact to me during the first of our +acquaintance." + +"Did she ever tell you that we know people in England by the name of +Heath?" + +"No. Do you?" Virgie cried, eagerly, her face lighting as she thought +perhaps she might learn something regarding her long silent husband. + +"Yes, and they are a very fine family. They belong in Hampshire, and I may +as well tell you that they are a very proud and aristocratic family, +laying great stress upon their unimpeachable honor and untarnished name." + +Virgie flushed a painful crimson at this, which her companion noticed +with a thrill of exultation, and then resumed: + +"The oldest daughter, who married a peer of the realm, has been my most +intimate friend for many years. Sir William, also——" + +"Sir William!" Virgie interrupted, catching her breath, face growing +radiant. + +"Yes, that's the name of the son and heir. I was about to remark that he +is a baronet and that it is a singular coincidence that he should also +have been here in America while his mother was stricken with paralysis. It +is strange, too, that his first name should be the same as your husband's; +but——" + +"Oh, Mrs. Farnum," cried Virgie, leaning forward and seizing the woman's +hands in a transport of joy, as she believed she was about to hear some +definite news regarding her loved one, "Sir William Heath is my +husband—can you tell me anything about him? I have not heard a word from +him for more than a month, and I am nearly distracted from anxiety and +suspense." + +Mrs. Farnum drew back in well-feigned astonishment. + +"Child! are you mad? Sir William Heath your husband? It is simply +impossible." + +Virgie straightened herself, and yet it seemed as if somebody had suddenly +struck her a cruel blow upon her naked heart. + +Mrs. Farnum had just told her that for years she had been the most +intimate friend of Lady Linton and yet to all appearances she had been +literally astounded to learn that Sir William was married. + +Could it be possible that her husband had never acknowledged her as his +wife to his family? + +The thought almost paralyzed her for a moment; then she put it indignantly +away from her. + +No, he had written letter after letter to his mother and sister—at least +he had spoken of so doing, though she had never read them—telling of +their marriage, and speaking of their return to Heathdale. Of course his +friends must have been apprised of all that had occurred during his +absence; still it was very strange that the "most intimate acquaintance of +Lady Linton" had not been made acquainted with the fact. + +All at once, however, she brightened. Mrs. Farnum had been traveling in +America also, for how long she did not know, and perhaps that accounted +for it. If she did not correspond with Lady Linton she had no means of +knowing of the baronet's marriage. + +She even smiled to think how foolish she had been to allow such thoughts +to have even for a moment a place in her mind, as she looked up and said: + +"No, indeed, Mrs. Farnum, I am not mad, and it is not impossible that I am +Sir William Heath's wife. We were married last September, and after the +death of my father, who was very ill at the time, we traveled for several +months and then came to New York, intending to sail for England the last +of May, but were forbidden to do so by my physician, as I have already +told you." + +"Still I say it is impossible. The Sir William Heath whom I mean is the +master of a large estate called Heathdale in Hampshire County, England," +reiterated Mrs. Farnum, decisively. + +"And my husband is the master of Heathdale, in Hampshire County, England," +Virgie said, a trifle proudly. + +She resented the woman's incredulity, while she could not forget what she +had said about the "unimpeachable honor and untarnished name" of the +family. It had stung her keenly, though she did not suspect that it had +been an intentional slur upon the shadow resting on her own. + +Mrs. Farnum's only reply was a look of increased astonishment, mingled +with something of horror. + +A crimson flush dyed Virgie's face. + +"May I ask, Mrs. Farnum, how long you have been in America?" she said. + +"We sailed from Liverpool the sixth of May." + +Virgie's heart sank a trifle. + +"And had you seen your friend, Lady Linton, within a few months previous +to that time?" + +"Lady Linton came to London only three weeks before, to make me a farewell +visit. She was with me ten days." + +The young wife grew pale. + +"And did she not mention the fact of her brother's marriage?" she inquired +in a faint voice. + +"No such event in connection with him has ever been announced," returned +the woman, ruthlessly. "His friends know nothing of it. Sir William Heath +is believed by his friends to be a single man. More than this——" + +Virgie stopped her with a gesture, but she was as white as new fallen snow +as she arose, and going to her writing-desk, brought a letter, which she +laid upon Mrs. Farnum's lap. + +"There is his last letter to me," she said, but her lips were almost rigid +as she spoke. "It will prove my statements." + +Mrs. Farnum took it, and examined the envelope. It was directed to "Mrs. +William Heath,——Hotel, New York City, U.S.A." It was post-marked at +Heathdale. The handwriting was familiar, and she knew well enough that +Sir William Heath had penned it. + +"Mrs. William Heath!" she said, reading the name aloud. "He does not +address you as Lady Heath, which is your proper title if you are his +wife." + +"Oh!" cried Virgie, with a shiver of pain, for those last words, implying +a doubt of her position, hurt her like a knife. "Neither of us cared to be +conspicuous while we were traveling, so my husband dropped his title," she +explained. + +"Ahem! that was a very strange proceeding. But does—does he say anything +about coming for you, in this letter?" inquired her companion, who was +burning with curiosity to know what it contained. + +"You may read it if you like, Mrs. Farnum. I see that you are still in +doubt about my being what I represent myself," Virgie returned, with some +hauteur. + +Mrs. Farnum flushed at this. + +"You must excuse me, my dear," she said, with hypocritical blandness, +"but—but—it is simply unaccountable to me, knowing what I do about the +family and their future plans for Sir William. I'm afraid——" + +She did not finish what she was going to say, but coolly drew the letter +from the envelope, unfolded, and began to read it, never once stopping to +consider how she was outraging the delicacy and affection of the young +wife by this act, notwithstanding that she had received permission to do +so—She could not doubt, as she read, that the young baronet's heart had +all been given to this fair, beautiful woman, for though written in his +own dignified way, the letter was full of devotion and loyalty to her. And +yet not once in all those eight pages had he called her by the sacred name +of "wife." There were all manner of pet names and expressions of +endearment, but not a single time was written that word which would have +proved so much. + +The arch plotter as she read, was quick to observe this omission, and she +gloated over it; it would materially help to further her designs in the +future she thought, if this letter was a sample of all others which he had +written her. She would have given a great deal to be able to have that +pretty writing-desk at her command for an hour or two. + +Her face took on a sterner and graver look than she had ever yet worn as +she read on, and when at length she finished the epistle, she appeared the +horrified prude to perfection. + + + + +Chapter XV. +The Lawful Wife. + + +"Have you a picture of your—of Sir William, madam?" Mrs. Farnum inquired, +as she folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. + +Virgie arose without a word, and taking a velvet album from the table, +opened it to certain picture and laid it before her companion. + +Mrs. Farnum uttered a cry of despair as her glance fell upon the handsome, +upturned face. + +"Yes, that is a picture of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale; there can be +no mistake," she confessed, with a perfectly rigid face. "But, Mrs.—oh, +madam—I am simply stunned!" + +"What <i>do</i> you mean?" Virgie demanded, standing straight and tall before +her, and meeting her eyes with a blazing look which warned Mrs. Farnum to +be careful how she dealt with that spirit. + +"Pray, be calm, my child," she returned, with a pitiful accent. "Sit down +beside me here, and I will explain why I am so disturbed. Good heavens! we +have always supposed that Sir William was a man of unblemished honor." + +"Madam, be careful how you speak of my husband!" Virgie interrupted, +haughtily, yet with a note of agony in her voice. "Sir William is an +honorable man, and I will not allow you to say one word against him in my +presence." + +"Poor child! poor child! I fear you have been terribly deceived. How can +I ever tell you!" murmured Mrs. Farnum, in a shuddering voice, and with +every appearance of distress. + +"You <i>shall</i> tell me instantly. I will not stand here and listen to such +paralyzing insinuations. <i>If</i> you have any thing to tell me, say it at +once, and do not keep me in this maddening suspense!" Virgie commanded +grasping the woman by the wrist, and transfixing her with her blazing +eyes. + +If Sir William Heath could have seen her at that moment he would have been +very proud of her, for she had never been so beautiful, although a +terrible agony was stamped upon her white, imperious face. + +"I can only repeat what I have already said. It is impossible. You will +never be mistress of Heathdale!" reiterated Mrs. Farnum, in an inflexible +voice, as she disengaged her wrist from Virgie's grasp, which had left the +imprint of every finger upon it. + +"Go on!" commanded the young wife, authoritatively "You have simply made a +statement. You must confirm it." + +"Because," proceeded the relentless woman, "in the first place, if you are +his wife, he would long before this have acknowledged you as such to his +friends." + +"He has done so, I tell you. He wrote immediately after our marriage, +announcing it." + +"Did you see him <i>post</i> his letter?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, quietly, but in +a tone that keenly stung the sensitive girl before her. + +"No," she replied, a hot flush mounting to her brow; "but I know he did. +He is too honorable to dissemble." + +"Did you ever see any reply to his communication in which his friends +recognized the fact of your marriage?" + +"No. I—I never questioned him," Virgie answered, with white lips. "My +father was very ill, dying, at that time, and I scarcely thought of +anything else." + +"But of course you have your marriage certificate. That would prove +everything," observed Mrs. Farnum, insinuatingly, although she well knew +that she had not. + +"My husband has it." + +"Ah!" and a pitiful smile wreathed the woman's lips as she uttered this +interpection with significant emphasis. + +"Madam, can you not see that you are driving me mad?" cried Virgie, in an +agonized voice. "You have heard something; you are concealing something +from me. For mercy's sake, make an end of this suspense!" + +"Answer me one question more. Were there witnesses at your marriage?" + +"Yes, four." + +"Four! Who were they?" + +Mrs. Farnum asked this question in a somewhat disappointed tone, for if +the young wife could bring four witnesses to prove her marriage, Lady +Linton might well tremble for the success of her plots, though Nevada was +a long distance from England, and there might be some difficulty in +producing them. + +"My father"—a sob checked Virgie's utterance as she mentioned him, and +realized how forlorn her condition would be if the horrible suspicions +which were being sown in her mind should prove true—"the clergyman who +performed the ceremony, a woman who lived near us, and our own servant." + +"Then, since you have no tangible proof in your own hands that you are Sir +William Heath's lawful wife, I advise you to communicate with those +witnesses without delay, since their testimony alone will serve to +establish your rights and—those of your child," Mrs. Farnum said, with a +solemnity that struck a fearful chill to Virgie's heart. + +"My child!" + +It was a startled, anguished cry, and all the mother-love and anxiety was +instantly aroused for her little one. + +Was it possible that anything was threatening the honor and future +happiness of her child, who, next to its father, was at once her pride and +idol? + +"Oh!" she cried, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, "why will +you talk so in riddles? If you have anything to tell me, in pity speak out +before I lose my reason!" + +"Wait one moment, and I will bring you a letter which I have recently +received, and when I have read it to you, you will understand why I have +been so skeptical regarding what you have told me, and why I have +questioned you so closely." + +With these words, Mrs. Farnum arose and left the room, while Virgie, +almost stunned by the fearful suspicions which had been so artfully thrust +upon her, and feeling almost as if a knife had been driven through her +heart, sank nerveless and trembling into a chair to await her return. + +The relentless woman was not gone long. The ice was thoroughly broken at +last, and she meant to make quick work of her task now. Lady Linton had +written to her that her brother was becoming very impatient at being +detained so long from his wife; he was nearly ill from anxiety because he +did not hear from her, and she feared he would soon brave everything and +go to her; so whatever was done to separate them eventually, must be +quickly done. + +She soon returned, holding in her hand a letter, and a lurid light burned +in her eyes as she glanced at the stricken wife saw how well her blows had +told. + +"This letter," she began, seating herself, and drawing some closely +written pages from their perfumed envelope, "is from Lady Linton, my +intimate friend, and Sir William Heath's sister, and you will perceive, as +I read, that my authority for what I have told you is indisputable. +Perhaps, however, you would prefer to read it yourself," she concluded, +holding it out to her. + +But Virgie made a gesture of dissent. She felt that she had not strength +even to hold those thin sheets of paper in her trembling hands. + +"Very well; then, I will read it to you; but, my young friend, you must be +prepared for some startling news." + +Virgie opened her lips as if to speak, but the words died on them, and +Mrs. Farnum began: + +"My Dear Myra:—You will be glad to learn that mamma is really +better—not, of course, as far on the road to convalescence as we could +desire, but comfortable enough to have had the wedding take place as +appointed It would have been too bad if it had to be postponed; so +unlucky, you know. We thought once that we should have to put it off +indefinitely; but, as mamma could not bear the thought, and Sir Herbert +consenting, provided there should be no excitement, we decided not to +disarrange the long-talked-of plans. Will and Margie both behaved +beautifully, and declared they would cheerfully defer everything if mamma +was likely to suffer from it; but it was very evident that their happiness +was greatly augmented when told that it would not be necessary. The +wedding occurred on the 28th, in the Heath chapel. It was, of course, very +quiet and unassuming, though the bride was lovely in her robe of white +satin, exquisitely decorated with Chantilly lace, and wreath of heath, +which it has always been the custom for the brides of the house to wear. +William looked as noble as ever, and our good old rector made the service +very impressive not forgetting to mention in his prayer, most touchingly, +her who lay ill at home and could not grace with her presence the glad +occasion. There was a very quiet breakfast afterward at Mrs. Stanhope's, +after which Will and Margie came over for mamma's congratulations and +blessing. + +"They are not going on a journey just now. They will visit London for a +few days, and then return here and remain at home for the present. Will +seems almost like a boy in his happiness, while Margie is sweeter and +prettier than ever. Of course we are all delighted, for we have always +been so pleased at the prospect of the match, though I was afraid for a +little while that something might happen. I feared there had been some +nonsense when William was in America for I came across the photograph of +the loveliest face I ever saw, one day, while looking over and arranging +his wardrobe after his return. But the old saying proves true—'All's well +that ends well,' and I trust there is a brilliant future for the master of +Heathdale." + +There was more pertaining to family matters, which Mrs. Farnum thought +best to omit after stealing a look at Virgie. + +Her face was frightful to behold, and for a moment the woman was +positively alarmed at the result of her work. + +She sat like a statue, scarce seeming to breathe; there was not the +slightest color in her face or lips, and the expression of agony about her +mouth reveiled something of the fearful suffering she was enduring, while +there was a look in her eyes which her companion never forgot. + +She did not move for several minutes after Mrs. Farnum ceased reading; it +was as if she had suddenly been turned to stone, and was oblivious of +everything. + +Mrs. Farnum was awed by her appearance, and hardly dared to speak to her, +lest, in breaking the spell, the girl should drop dead at her feet. + +But all at once Virgie started; some thought seemed to have come to +her—something that made her doubt that the dreadful tidings to which she +had listened were true. + +The letter had spoken of "Will" and "William," to be sure, and she had +every reason to suppose that it had referred to the man whom she had +believed to be her husband—still there might be a mistake. She grasped at +the straw with the eagerness of a drowning man. + +"Of whom is Lady Linton speaking in her letter, as having been—married?" +she demanded, in a hollow voice, and fixing her burning eyes upon her +companion's face. + +"Why, of William Heath, of course," returned Mrs. Farnum, greatly relieved +to hear her speak once more, "and I have known him all my life. I used to +visit at Heathdale a great deal before Lady Linton's marriage, and he was +always a favorite of mine. He was a bright, manly fellow, and his friends +have planned great things for him. I—I can hardly credit what you have +told me to-day. I did not dream he could do anything so wrong; but +doubtless he will settle down now, and I shall expect to see him a member +of Parliament; he has everything in his favor." + +"Who is—Margie?" Virgie asked, in the same tone as before, though she had +shivered at the last words of Mrs. Farnum; they were bitterly cruel. + +"Why, Margaret Stanhope—one of the loveliest girls in Hampshire County. +She and Will have been engaged for years. You remember that Lady Linton +spoke of their always having been 'pleased with the prospect of the +match.'" + +"Oh!" gasped Virgie, clasping her hands over her aching heart, and for a +moment everything seemed to fade from her vision, and a great darkness to +envelop her. + +Mrs. Farnum thought she was going to faint; but the weakness passed, and +then she arose in all the majesty of her terrible agony and righteous +indignation. + +"Madam," she began, standing straight and proud before the astonished +woman, "If what you have told me is true; if Sir William Heath has been +engaged to Margaret Stanhope for years; if he has pretended to marry her +since his return to England, then the greatest wrong that ever was +perpetrated has been done, and he has made a dupe of her and—broken my +heart. As sure as there is a just God, I am Sir William Heath's lawful +wife, and He will vindicate me. My child is his daughter, and the heiress +of Heathdale, and Margaret Stanhope has been shamefully betrayed. I shall +never allow such a crime to prevail. I shall sail for Liverpool on the +very next steamer, to expose this villainy and to assert my legal rights +and my daughter's claim to her position as a Heath of Heathdale. She, at +least, shall not suffer dishonor, if the lives of two women have been +ruined by the villainy of one man. Did he suppose, because England is +three thousand miles from America, that he could perpetrate this wrong +with impunity? I tell you it shall never be! I will face him in the home +of his <i>unimpeachable ancestors,</i> and see if he dares to repudiate his +lawful wife!" + + + + +Chapter XVI. +"My Child Is the Heiress of Heathdale!" + + +Mrs. Farnum looked frightened at Virgie's startling threat, and she +realized at once that she had underrated the character of the woman with +whom she had to deal. + +She saw that she was capable of great decision and prompt action; that +beneath her gracious sweetness, and gentle, winning manner, there lay a +reserve force and strength upon which she had not reckoned, and which +would have to be overcome—if overcome at all—by strategy and deception. + +It would never do for the young wife to set out for England, at least if +there was any power to prevent it, for it would destroy all their +carefully laid plans, and their hopes for the future. + +It had never occurred to Mrs, Farnum that she would contemplate such a +proceeding. + +She knew that she was a stranger and absolutely friendless in the city; +there would be no one on whom she could rely to fight her battles. She had +imagined her to be weak and yielding, and that she would sink helplessly +beneath the terrible blows that she had dealt her, that all life and +spirit would be crushed out of her, and she would be only too willing to +fly from every one whom she knew, and hide herself and her child, with +their supposed shame, in some remote corner of the earth, and that would +be the last of them. + +Then when Sir William should search for her, as of course she knew he +would do, and fail to find her, he could easily be made to believe that +she had been untrue, and fled from him; a divorce could be readily +obtained to set him free, and thus Sadie, if she played her cards aright, +might yet become the mistress of Heathdale. + +But the injured wife's project of going to face her recreant husband, and +demanding to be acknowledged as the lawful mistress of Heathdale, must be +defeated at any cost, and the wily woman immediately set about +accomplishing her object. + +"Ah, my poor child!" she began, assuming a sympathetic tone, "one cannot +blame you for just indignation at having been so deeply wronged. I never +would have believed Sir William capable of such dishonor. But surely you +will never think of subjecting yourself to an ordeal so terrible as that +you have just proposed." + +"Why should I not? Why should I shrink from anything that will right this +wrong? Nothing can hurt me more than I have been hurt to-day," Virgie +answered, spiritedly, yet with inconceivable bitterness. + +"But think of Sir William's family. They are exceedingly sensitive and +proud spirited, and they would never tolerate your claim for an instant; +no shadow of dishonor has ever touched them in any way, and they would not +endure the scandal." + +"Think of Sir William's family! Why should I consider them? Madam, it is +myself of whom I have to think—myself and my innocent little one; and do +you suppose I will tolerate the indignity which has been offered me? Is +not my good name and that of my child as much at stake, and of as much +value as the name of Heath?" Virgie cried, her proud spirit blazing forth +in righteous indignation. + +"But Sir William is a peer of the realm." + +"A peer!" + +Mrs. Farnum actually cringed beneath the scorn that rang out in the young +wife's tone as she repeated these words: + +"And are peers of the realm exempt from all dishonor when they violate +every law, both human and divine?" she continued, with stinging sarcasm. +"Does the code of your nobility provide that young and innocent girls, who +are basely betrayed, shall sit tamely down and meekly bear their injuries, +so that your peers of the realm can go unscathed? If so, thank heaven that +your laws do not prevail in this country. You are yourself a mother—you +are proud of your beautiful daughter; but think you if she stood in my +place you would advise her to consider the feelings of Sir William's +family, to ignore her rights, and shut her eyes to her own injuries, lest +she cast a shadow of dishonor upon their proud escutcheon? And do you +think that I am less of a woman than she—that I am devoid of fine +sensibilities, of pride and self-respect?" + +Mrs. Farnum had winced as under a lash during all this spirited speech. +Its scorn and sarcasm stung her keenly, and made her very angry. She +longed to revenge herself upon the proud girl who had presumed to rank +herself along with her daughter, by proclaiming the secret regarding her +life, which she had so cunningly learned in San Francisco. + +But she feared to arouse her further. She realized that she must seek to +conciliate her, and try to persuade her not to take the mad journey to +England which she seemed so bent upon. + +"Oh, no, my poor child," she began, soothingly; "you do not realize what +you are saying. Of course, I know it is all very wrong to deceive a girl +in any such way, be she high or low, rich or poor. But just consider how +you are situated. You say that your hus—that Sir William has your +marriage certificate, and you have nothing to prove your statements with, +even if you should present yourself at Heathdale. How do you suppose you +would be received there if you should burst in upon them claiming to be +Sir William's wife and the mistress of Heathdale if you could not +substantiate your statements? My dear, it would be the blindest folly." + +"But I have his letters!" cried Virgie, eagerly. + +"True, you have his letters, and no doubt his handwriting would be +instantly recognized by his family, But they could not prove your +position, especially if they are all written after the style of the one +which you allowed me to read this afternoon, for in all those pages not +once does he speak of you as his wife. You must have something more +tangible and conclusive than those," Mrs. Farnum asserted, confidently. + +All the light died out of Virgie's face as she began to see that there +were terrible difficulties in the way of proving that she was a lawfully +wedded wife. + +"I have my ring," she said, weakly, and holding up the white, delicate +hand on which the heavy circlet gleamed, guarded by a brilliant diamond, +but which trembled like a reed shaken by the wind. + +"Is it marked with the date of your marriage?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, an +anxious gleam in her eye as it rested upon that symbol of wifehood. + +"N-o; it was thoughtlessly neglected at the time, because there were so +many other things to be attended to, and—and I could not bear to have it +taken off to rectify the oversight, after it was once put upon my hand," +Virgie confessed, growing white again even to her lips. + +"That was unwise, not to say foolish of you," said Mrs. Farnum, +deprecatingly, but with a throb of exultation. + +"But," added Virgie, after thinking a moment, "he brought me here as his +wife. The proprietor of this hotel will tell you so. Dr. Knox, my +physician, will tell you so also, as I was introduced to him by my husband +as Mrs. Heath; and there are other people in the house who know it." + +Mrs. Farnum smiled pitifully. + +"My dear," she said, gravely, "how many of these people do you think would +be willing to swear that you are Sir William Heath's wife, if you should +ask them to do so? How many would put their names to a paper certifying +their honest conviction that you are, if told the title and position he +occupies in his own country and <i>your history</i> in this?" + +Virgie started at these words, and would have asked the woman what she +knew of her history, but she went on as if she had not remarked her +emotion: + +"If Sir William had brought you here as <i>Lady Heath,</i> registered himself +in his own proper character, and taken you into society thus, there would +have been no room for doubt. But instead, what <i>has</i> he done? It is very +strange that your own suspicions have not been aroused by his actions. He +has registered everywhere as plain 'William Heath and lady.' Instead of +going to the public table, as most of the guests are in the habit of +doing, he has paid extra rates to have your meals served in your own +rooms, and kept you secluded from almost every one. What construction do +you suppose would be put upon these facts, if they were submitted to +people generally, if——" + +"But, Mrs. Farnum, all this was done out of regard for my feelings. I told +you that we did not wish to be conspicuous while traveling, so my husband +dropped his title. I could not go into society here, and I did not like +to go to the public table where I should be—obliged to meet so many +strangers," Virgie interrupted, a hot flush rising to her brow, while +there was a weary, hunted look, in her eyes as the cunning woman continued +to weave her tangled web about her. + +"Of course, <i>I</i> can understand all that," replied Mrs. Farnum, +indulgently, "but how would it appear as evidence if brought up in +connection with your efforts to prove yourself a lawful wife?" + +Virgie's heart sank. + +Turned which way she would, everything, as argued and distorted by her +companion, appeared against her, and for a moment it seemed as if her +spirit was crushed within her. + +But at that instant a little cry from the adjoining room fell upon her +ears, and immediately all her natural pride and energy returned to her +aid. + +She straightened herself and lifted her head proudly a look of firm +resolve settling upon her face and gleaming in her eyes. + +"There are proofs," she said, in a low, firm tone, "even though I have not +my marriage certificate and though some people may doubt the truth of what +I assert, and—I will yet have them. My father, who would have been my +strongest helper, is dead, but there are three other witnesses living who +can swear that I am a lawful wife. There must be records also, and, madam, +I will move heaven and earth to establish my rightful position in life." + +Mrs. Farnum trembled before this indomitable resolution. + +"And would you be willing to occupy it, even if you could establish it?" +she asked, with a covert sneer, "would you force yourself into a position +which, appearances go to prove, was never intended to be given to you? +Would you force yourself upon a man who had subjected you to the indignity +of repudiating you as a wife and put another in your place?" + +Virgie's head reeled beneath the force of these cruel questions, and she +swayed dizzily, as if about to fall, for a moment. + +Then again with a mighty effort she recovered herself. + +"No," she cried, her beautiful lips curling with, scorn, every pulse in +her body throbbing with contempt "the chosen mistress of Heathdale may +keep her position after I have proven my right to it, if she prizes it +enough to pay the price of her own dishonor; but my child is also the +lawful child of Sir William Heath—she is the heiress to all his +possessions and she shall yet occupy the place in the world that +rightfully belongs to her, no matter who else may stand in her path. It +may take time to accomplish all this, but, mark me, Mrs. Farnum, and tell +your 'proud, unimpeachable family' at Heathdale so, if you choose, it +shall be accomplished." + +"Then of course you will not be able to sail immediately for England as +you at first proposed to do," returned Mrs. Farnum, her heart leaping with +joy as Virgie's words told her that she had changed her mind regarding her +first threat. + +"No, I can see, now I come to consider the matter, that it would be folly +for me to attempt to gain my rights without being armed with positive +proof of what I assert. It exists, however, though it will necessitate +much trouble and expense to secure it. Three months hence, however, I +shall hope to have it in my hands, then, let your 'peer of the realm' and +his 'honored family' take warning, for a righteous judgment will surely +overtake them for the wrong which I suffer to-day. Now go—leave me if you +please; you may have meant well in telling me what you have, but, oh! you +have ruined my life and all my hopes," Virgie concluded, with a moan and +gesture full of despair. + +Her strength was failing her; the bitterness of death was upon her and she +longed to be alone, for she could not endure that any one should witness +her cruel humiliation. + +Her last words had galled Mrs. Farnum almost beyond endurance; no doubt +because she realized that there was so much truth in them, while her +threat regarding a righteous judgment overtaking the family at Heathdale +caused her heart to sink with a sudden dread of disgraceful punishment for +herself if ever her complicity in this foul plot should be discovered. + +She arose, cold and stern. + +"<i>I</i> ruin your life, indeed!" she answered, haughtily. "I think you have +no one to thank for that but yourself, for having lent a too willing ear +to the flattering tongue of a strange young man." + +She swept from the room with a firm step and uplifted head, while Virgie +sank prostrate upon the floor, feeling as if her heart had been ruthlessly +trampled upon and all the life and hope crushed out of it. + + + + +Chapter XVII. +The Last Drop in a Bitter Cup. + + +"The girl has more spirit than I gave her credit for," Mrs. Farnum +muttered to herself, as she entered her own rooms after leaving Virgie. +"If she persists in her purpose of securing proofs and going to Heathdale +to claim her position, of course it will upset everything. However, she +will not be able to do that at present; she must first take a long +journey, and meantime Miriam will, no doubt, think of some way to prevent +a <i>denouement</i>. Doubtless the girl will write once more and charge Sir +William with his perfidy—she is not one to bear tamely such a wrong; but +Miriam will be on the watch, and if the little upstart gets no reply, her +pride will probably assert itself, and we shall have no more trouble with +her, for a while at least. Meantime Sir William may be prevailed upon to +get a divorce, and then the way will be clear once more for Sadie. + +"How fortunate," she added, going on with her soliloquy, "that Will Heath +and Margie were married just at this time!—she swallowed that story +whole. Well, I must confess it was calculated to stagger any one, though I +was almost afraid she had heard something before about the facts; but it +seems she had not." + + * * * * * + +The truth regarding the news that Mrs. Farnum had received from Lady +Linton, and which the latter had so cunningly utilized to further her +scheme to separate her brother and his wife, was this: + +Sir William Heath had a cousin who bore the same name as himself, though +without the title, of course. + +He was three years older than the young baronet, and had been named for +his uncle, with the hope that he would be received as the heir in case no +son was born to the elder Sir William. But this was not to be. + +From childhood the boy had been attached to his little, neighbor and +playmate, Margaret Stanhope, and they had been engaged for years, as Mrs. +Farnum told Virgie. + +But being the son of a younger son, he had had to struggle somewhat for +his education and position in life, and it was only a few months previous +to Sir William's return from America that he had succeeded in securing a +situation as private secretary to a nobleman, and thus felt that at last +he had a right to marry the sweet girl whom he had so long and so fondly +loved, and make a home for himself. + +The marriage had been set for the 28th of June, but Lady Heath's sudden +and alarming illness, it was feared, would necessitate a postponement. But +when she began to improve, and the question being submitted to her, she, +having a great fondness for both her nephew and his betrothed, had +insisted that the marriage should proceed. It accordingly took place in +the chapel at Heathdale, Sir William himself giving away the bride, as her +father was not living. So it will readily be seen that there was a +semblance of truth in nearly all that Lady Linton had written to Mrs. +Farnurn. + +She had not been quite sure that she would succeed in this part of her +scheme, for it might be that Sir William had mentioned the fact of his +having a cousin by the same name; so she had written her letter in a way +to do no harm in case it did not help her plan. If Virgie did <i>not</i> know, +however, she would readily take it for granted that it was her husband who +had been married on the 28th, while the fact that a long engagement had +existed would seem to prove that he had wilfully deceived her from the +first, and tend to make her believe that her own marriage had been simply +a farce. + +Knowing that the certificate was in Sir William's possession, that Mr. +Abbot was dead, and surmising, from their signatures, that two of the +witnesses at least were very ignorant, she hoped, even if Virgie should +have sufficient spirit to assert herself that it would be very difficult +for her to collect proofs of a legal marriage. She knew that she could +bring plenty of evidence to prove the fact that they had lived and +traveled together for several months under the name of Mr. and Mrs. Heath, +but she did not believe that that would count for very much; it would not +be the first time that such a thing had occurred—young men would sow wild +oats occasionally, and though it might wound her pride terribly to have +any scandal arise regarding the matter, yet she could bear that with a far +better grace than to have an ignorant plebeian from the wilds of America +become the mistress of Heathdale. + +Her aim was to estrange and keep the couple separated long enough to +secure a divorce and compromise Sir William with Sadie Farnum, and then +she would be ready to snap her fingers at all danger for the future. + +Mrs. Farnum wrote immediately to Lady Linton, giving her a full account of +her interview with her despised sister-in-law, while Virgie, as soon as +she could recover sufficient strength and composure to make the effort, +also wrote a long letter to Sir William. + +She told him everything, just as if she had not written to him before—how +his letters had suddenly ceased, and how she had waited and hoped to hear +from him until she had grown weary and heart-sick from his long silence. + +She told of her meeting with the Farnums, and of the wretched story she +had just learned from the elder lady. She begged him for but one word of +contradiction, and she would believe in him and wait patiently for his own +time for coming to her. But if the terrible tale was true—if he had +deceived her from the first, and had cheated her and her father into +believing that he was making her really his wife, when it had been only a +farce, to tell her plainly, and she would never trouble him again. + +When the letter was finished she went out and posted it herself, to insure +its going by the first steamer, and then she tried to school herself to +wait patiently for a reply. + +But in a day or two she became conscious of a change in the inmates of the +house toward her. Ladies whom she knew met and passed her with a cold nod, +and a bold stare, which brought a scarlet flush to her cheeks. Some, +indeed, did not deign to recognize her at all. The servants were less +attentive, almost rude, the clerk and proprietor distant and reserved. + +Too well she understood what it all meant, and there was but one way to +account for the sudden change in the atmosphere which surrounded her. + +Mrs. Farnum, the only one in the house who could possibly know anything +regarding her history, must have given some hint of her apparently +questionable position. + +But there was no redress, for she would not humiliate herself enough to +ask an explanation; so she could only submit in silence, and bear it with +what fortitude she could summon to her aid, while she was waiting to hear +from her husband. + +But she endured agonies during the time, and the days dragged, oh, so +heavily by. + +She remained closely in her own rooms, seeing no one save the servants and +her own nurse, and devoting herself to the care of her little one. + +At last the day that she had set for a letter to come arrived, and she +grew feverish, almost hysterical while waiting for the mail to be +delivered. + +She heard the clerk going his rounds; he stopped at Mrs. Farnum's door to +leave something, and then came on toward her door. Her heart stood still +as he approached. He passed by—there was nothing for her, and her heart +was almost broken. + +She sent the nurse down to the office to ask if there was not some +mistake—if Mrs. Heath's mail had not been overlooked. + +"No, there are no letters for <i>Mrs. Heath</i>," the man answered, with a +peculiar emphasis on the name, and an insolent laugh, that made the woman +very angry. + +When she related the circumstance to Virgie, she threw up her arms, with a +gesture of despair, and cried out: + +"Oh! what shall I do?" + +She appeared stunned, crushed, and the kind-hearted creature who served +her, and who, of course, had known that something was wrong, was extremely +anxious about her. + +She begged that she might be allowed to send for Dr. Knox; but Virgie +refused, with a shudder. She could not bear the thought of the good +physician learning the story of her desertion and shame, for such, she +began to feel, must be the true construction to be put upon Sir William's +long absence and silence. + +A little later there came a tap upon her door. She sent the nurse to +answer it, and heard some one say: + +"Mrs. Farnum's compliments, and she would like Mrs. Heath to read these, +and then return them to her." + +The nurse shut the door, and then came to Virgie, with a letter and paper +in her hand. + +For an instant she thought it might be a letter for her, and she seized it +with an eager cry. + +But no; it was addressed to Mrs. Farnum, though it bore the Heathdale +postmark, and was in the handwriting of Lady Linton. + +Virgie grew deathly white, and clutched at her throat, for it seemed as if +she were suffocating. + +Then she mastered her emotion, and crept away to her chamber to read the +letter, for she felt that it contained some fatal news, and she wished no +one to witness her suffering as she read it. + +With it convulsively clasped in her hands, she fell upon her knees and +sobbed: + +"Oh, Heaven, spare me deeper sorrow! oh, do not confirm my shame!" + +It was some time before she could compose herself enough to read that +fatal missive, but at length she unfolded it and began to peruse it. + + * * * * * + +"Dear Myra," the letter began, "you may be surprised by the contents of +this, but I cannot bring myself to address that person by the name which +she claims, and so feel compelled to ask you to oblige me by giving her a +message, or, perhaps what would be better, allow her to read this letter +for herself. My brother is away from home just now, and, as my custom is +in his absence, I open all letters of a private nature, and act as I judge +best regarding them. The wildest epistle imaginable came to him yesterday +and I was thankful that he was away, for he is so very happy that it must +have shocked him exceedingly and I shall need to communicate its contents +very delicately to him. + +"That girl of whom you wrote me in your last actually claims to be his +lawful wife—believes it, I suppose, poor child—and cannot understand how +utterly impossible it would be for any one belonging to an old and +honorable family like ours to ally himself with one so low in the social +scale. I am shocked that my brother should have been guilty of anything so +out of character as she represents while he was abroad. I am sincerely +sorry for the wrong which it appears he has done her, if what she says is +true, and shall insist that he provide comfortably for her for the +future; but, of course, the idea that she has a right to come here as +mistress is preposterous, and I trust that you will make it appear so to +her. Advise her to renounce at once all claim to the name, and settle +quietly in some place where she is not known, and perhaps she may be able +to bring up her child in a respectable way, so that its prospects will not +be hampered in the future by its mother's mistake. + +"Will and Margie returned while I was writing to you, and both look so +well and happy that it does my heart good to see them. Of course I had to +stop for awhile, but now I will try and finish my letter. I have had a +serious talk with my brother, and he appears to feel very much troubled +over his American escapade, confessed that he had done wrong, and gave me +this hundred pound note, which I inclose for the benefit of the girl; and +I sincerely trust she will do nothing more to disturb a happy household, +and one which will be very much annoyed by any useless scandal." + +There followed a little more pertaining in an indifferent way to the above +household, but Virgie had read enough, and the letter fell from her +nerveless fingers, while she sat staring vacantly before her, her brain +almost turned by the heartless words she had just read, her heart broken +with its weight of woe, while a feeling of utter wretchedness and +desolation made her long for death to steep her senses in oblivion. + +She forgot all about the paper which had been given her with the letter, +while the hundred-pound note, which had been inclosed with it, had +fluttered out unheeded as she drew it from the envelope, and now lay upon +the floor at her feet. + +Later she examined the paper, and found a notice of the marriage of +William Heath and Margaret Stanhope. Whether Lady Linton had been the +cause of it to further her schemes, or whether some strange fatality had +occasioned the mistake, it would be difficult to say, but the paragraph +read: + +"Married:—On the 28th instant, in the Heath Chapel, Sir William Heath, of +Heathdale, to Miss Margaret Stanhope, only daughter of the late Sidney +Stanhope." + +Thus was added the last drop to the cup of bitterness which Virgie had to +drink. + +There had been a strange mixture of truth and falsehood in the letter +which Lady Linton wrote to Mrs. Farnum. + +Her brother was away for a day or two on a matter of business when +Virgie's imploring epistle arrived—a circumstance for which his sister +was most thankful, for it was no trifling matter for her to be always on +the alert to intercept the letters that passed, through the bag at +Heathdale. But she had succeeded in accomplishing this by having had an +extra key made for the lock and always accompanying the carriage when it +went for the mail. + +This drive she called her "constitutional," and as the carriage was a +closed one, she could readily unlock the bag and abstract the letters she +wanted without being seen, and consequently was never suspected of having +anything to do with the interrupted correspondence of Sir William and +Virgie. + +She had also been interrupted while writing to Mrs. Farnum by the return +of her brother and the entrance of her cousin's new wife. Afterward she +had had a talk with Sir William, in which he confessed to feeling greatly +"troubled" regarding Virgie and her long, unaccountable silence. He said +he felt that he had "done wrong" to have left her so long, for, as it had +proved, his mother was gradually though slowly improving, and he might +have gone and returned without affecting her health; he should see Sir +Herbert Randal when he came again, and make arrangements to sail +immediately for America. But Lady Linton cunningly provided against this +calamity by privately informing the physician that her mother was worrying +over this threatened departure, and he succeeded in prevailing upon the +baronet to wait a week or two longer. + +Sir William had, indeed, given his sister a hundred-pound note, but it was +for the benefit of a poor girl who had been crippled by a railway +accident; and thus all these circumstances being artfully woven into her +letter had something of truth in them, and helped to serve the scheming +woman's purpose. + + + + +Chapter XVIII. +"I Will Prove It." + + +It was very fortunate for Virgie that she had a little one at this time, +else she would have deemed life scarcely worth the living, so stunned and +crushed was she by the terrible blow that had fallen upon her. + +For two long hours, after reading that letter from Lady Linton, and the +paper containing that paragraph of William Heath's marriage, she lay as if +paralyzed upon her bed. One would hardly believe that she lived at all, +but for that look of unutterable woe in her eyes and the expression of +agony about her mouth. + +But she was aroused at last to a sense of her duties and responsibilities +as a mother, by the crying of little Virgie in the outer room; and yet +that cry was like another dagger plunged into her heart, for it reminded +her that, if the dreadful things which she had been told were true, her +whole future was dishonored—that she was a betrayed and deserted woman +and her child nameless. + +"Oh, Heaven! it cannot be!" she cried, lifting her arms with a gesture of +despair and locking her fingers in a convulsive clasp above her head, +while her mind went back over the past and reviewed every event that had +occurred since the beginning of her acquaintance with Sir William Heath. + +She had believed in him so thoroughly, he had seemed so noble and true, +so entirely above all deception and double dealing. He had appeared to +love her so devotedly, had been so proud of her as the future mistress of +his beautiful home, and so supremely happy in the anticipation of the +coming of their little one. He had hoped for a son and heir, and yet he +had expressed no disappointment upon learning that their child was a +daughter; he had welcomed the little stranger most tenderly in his letter +and fondly named her, to please himself, for her mother. + +He had seemed so impatient and regretful at the thought of leaving her so +long alone, and had promised to come to her the moment that he could +safely leave his mother. + +All this made it very difficult for Virgie to believe in his apparent +perfidy and treachery, and yet the evidence against him seemed so +overwhelming that she was convinced in spite of herself. + +She did not dream of a plot against her, for she could not conceive of any +motive for one; but his letters had suddenly ceased and she could not +believe accident had caused it, when she had written again and again +telling him of it and pleading for but a word from him. + +Then she had heard that story of the engagement to Margaret Stanhope, then +the account of the marriage at Heathdale, by Lady Linton, who appeared +entirely ignorant of her existence even; and taking all this into +consideration, together with the notice which had appeared in the paper +sent to Mrs. Farnum she felt obliged to accept the fact of Sir William's +intentional treachery and desertion. + +Yet in the face of everything she clung to the conviction that she was a +lawful wife—that her child was the heiress of Heathdale; but the +difficulty was to prove it. + +"Prove it? <i>I will prove it</i>," she cried, and at once all that was +resolute in Virginia Heath's character began to struggle to assert itself, +and she went forth from her chamber, at that cry from little Virgie, with +an unflinching purpose written upon her heart. + +The nurse cried out in alarm as she saw her white face and sunken eyes. + +"You are ill, madam," she exclaimed. "Go back to bed—the baby will do +well enough with me." + +"No, I am not ill," Virgie answered, as she took her little one, but she +spoke in a strained, unnatural tone, adding, "I would like you to go to +Mrs. Farnum's door and say that I desire a 'few moments' interview with +her." + +The woman went to do her bidding, but muttered with a troubled look: + +"These English people seem to bring nothing but sorrow and mischief to the +poor thing, in spite of their sweet ways and honeyed speeches; I wish +they'd clear out—and whatever her husband can mean to leave her here +alone so long and not a line to tell her why is more'n I can make out." + +Mrs. Farnum obeyed Virgie's request with some misgivings; but she saw at +once upon entering the room that the young wife believed the very worst, +and she was half frightened at the result of her work. + +Virgie arose as she entered, her baby clasped close in her arms, and +handed her the letter which she had sent her to read. + +"Here is your letter, Mrs. Farnum," she said, with a cold dignity that +awed her visitor, "and you will find the note inclosed with it. Please be +particular to have it returned to the one who sent it." + +"But, my dear, will you not need it yourself?" interrupted the woman with +assumed kindness. + +Virgie's lips curled. + +"It was an unpardonable insult to offer it to me," she said, with spirit. +"I cannot understand how they dared to send it to me in any such way; +indeed, I cannot understand a good many things that have come to me +through you. If Sir William Heath has wilfully done me this irreparable +injury he might at least have been man enough to strike the blow himself, +rather than employ women to be his emissaries." + +Mrs. Farnum winced. + +"Ah! but you forget—" + +"I forget nothing; do you suppose that I could?" cried Virgie, sharply, +"but I might at least have been spared this last indignity—to offer me a +paltry hundred pounds when he has a fortune in his hands belonging to me." + +"A fortune! I did not suppose—I did not know that you had any money," +stammered Mrs. Farnum, looking blank. + +"My father left me a good many thousands of dollars when he died; it was +all settled upon me at the time of my marriage, but Sir William Heath took +charge of it and has it now. He deposited five thousand dollars in a bank +here for my use, while he should be away, and the most of that remains; +but there is much more that rightly belongs to me," Virgie explained. + +"Then this hundred pounds surely is your due," Mrs. Farnum said, as she +drew it from the envelope and held it out to the young wife. + +Virgie drew back haughtily. + +"Do you suppose that I would accept as charity a paltry sum like +that?—for Lady Linton sent it as such, and as a sort of remuneration for +what I suffer. It is an outrage which I cannot brook, and I am amazed at +the audacity that prompted it." + +So was Mrs. Farnum amazed, and she saw at once that Lady Linton had +unwittingly committed a great blunder. She had never dreamed that Virgie +had had money at the time of her marriage, and she imagined that Lady +Linton was also ignorant that her brother had taken back to England a +fortune belonging to the girl whom they were thus seeking to wrong. + +Matters were getting complicated, and she almost wished that she had never +allowed herself to become involved in them. + +"You should have kept your marriage certificate," she faltered, "every +wife should do that—then you could have proved your claim." + +"I shall prove it yet," Virgie declared, in a clear, decisive voice. "Do +you imagine I am going to sit tamely down and allow a stigma to rest upon +this innocent child if there is any power on earth to prevent it? In spite +of all that you have told me, or all that your friends have written, I +<i>know</i> that I am Sir William Heath's lawful wife. If he committed a rash +and impulsive act, and one which he regrets now, while he was in America +and while he was bound by other ties in England <i>he</i> must suffer the +consequences. I cannot understand how he has <i>dared</i> to perpetrate such a +farce, were he a thousand times engaged to Miss Stanhope; how he has dared +to so wrong and compromise one of his own countrywomen, for, just so sure +as we both live, it will all be exposed sooner or later. All this I will +do for the sake of my child; then——" + +"Then?" repeated Mrs. Farnum, leaning eagerly toward the resolute girl. + +"Then <i>I</i> will repudiate <i>him</i>. I will never look upon his face again. I +will give him his freedom—will divorce myself from him; and then, if the +woman who now believes herself to be his wife wishes it, or will accept +it, he can make the tie between them legal." + +"You will obtain a divorce?" said her companion, with an exultant thrill. + +This was something she had never thought of before She and Lady Linton had +both hoped to estrange this fond couple, then make Sir William believe in +his wife's infidelity, and work upon his feelings and pride until he +should be willing to seek a divorce; but they had never imagined that +Virgie would be the one to suggest such a measure. Such a preceding on her +part would wonderfully facilitate matters, and Mrs. Farnum, who a few +minutes previous began to be disheartened, was greatly encouraged. + +"Exactly," Virgie replied. "Do you imagine that I desire to hold Sir +William Heath unwillingly bound to me? Do you think that I would ever have +consented to become his wife if I had known that any one had a prior claim +upon him? But, are you sure that he was engaged to Miss Stanhope before he +came to America?" the young wife asked, as doubt again arose in her mind. + +"Yes; Will and Margie have been betrothed for years—ten, at least, I +should say. Did you not read it for yourself in Lady Linton's letter?" +Mrs. Farnum returned; but there was a vivid flush on her cheek as she +told the wretched lie, even while she was literally speaking the truth. + +A convulsion of pain passed over Virgie's face. + +"True; but it is all so strange," she said, wearily. "And I suppose—she +loves him?" + +"I believe her life would be ruined if anything should happen to part +them," said the woman, ruthlessly. + +Any icy shiver ran over Virgie from head to foot, and a low moan escaped +her lips. + +No one cared for <i>her</i> ruined life; it was nothing that <i>she</i> was parted +forever from the man she adored. + +"I will not part them," she said, in a hollow tone; "<i>but</i>—" + +"Well?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, with a painful thrill, as she paused on the +word, with a threatening intonation. + +"A day of reckoning will surely come for him," Virgie answered, firmly; +"for, if this child lives, she will one day make her appearance at +Heathdale and claim her heritage. There may be other children, but she +will have the first right there. Tell your Lady Linton this—tell her that +'that girl,' of whom she wrote so slightingly and heartlessly, will live +to educate her child for her position as the mistress of her 'proud +ancestral home;' tell her to warn her brother that the day of retribution +will not fail to overtake him." + +Virgie was regally beautiful as she stood there before her enemy and +pronounced this stern prophecy. There was not an atom of color in her +face, but her figure was drawn proudly erect, a sort of majesty in every +graceful curve, while there was a resolute, inflexible purpose in every +line of her beautiful features, and her eyes burned with a steady, +relentless fire which told that, if she lived, she would accomplish her +vow, let the cost be what it would. + +Mrs. Farnum, woman of the world though she was, felt cowed and abashed +before her, and when, without waiting for a reply, the wronged wife turned +from her and walked, with a firm, unfaltering step, into her chamber, +shutting the door after her, she slunk away to her own room, feeling like +the guilty thing she was, and trembling for the future if it should ever +be discovered what part she had played in the plot to ruin Virginia +Heath's happiness. + +She was dismayed by the young mother's last words. At first she felt +triumphant when she had spoken of her intention of obtaining a divorce, +for such a measure would simplify matters greatly; it would relieve Lady +Linton from the disagreeable task of trying to persuade her brother to +adopt such a course, and thus he would be free, without any effort of his +own, to wed whom he chose, and she had reckoned upon Sadie being the +favored one. + +But she had not taken into consideration the fact that Virgie's child +would have a claim upon Heathdale; no divorce would affect her right +there, if the legality of Sir William's marriage to Virgie could be +proved, and thus endless trouble, to say nothing of the scandal the story +would create, might ensue. + +Still, there were a hundred "ifs" and possibilities in the way. Virgie +might not be able to get satisfactory proofs; the child might not live; +she might not live herself to accomplish her object; and she finally +resolved to try to be satisfied with the success of her plot thus far, and +not trouble herself about future developments. But that pale, beautiful +face, with that resolute yet heart-broken look upon it, haunted her for +years afterward. She was deeply thankful that Sadie was not there to see +it, and she was resolved that they should not meet again. + +That evening Virgie was waited upon by the proprietor of the house, who, +with much stammering and many apologies, informed her that he was obliged +to request her to vacate the rooms that she was occupying. + +She understood instantly, but her proud spirit rebelled against this last +indignity, and she arose and stood before him in all the majesty of her +insulted womanhood. + +"Sir! Mr. Eldridge! you will please explain this very extraordinary +request," she said, meeting his eyes with a steady glance. + +Mr. Eldridge hemmed, looked embarrassed, and remarked with all the +blandness he could assume: + +"Really, Mrs. ——, madam, I regret to pain you, and it might be as well +to avoid explanations." + +"No, sir; that is impossible; my husband left me here with the +understanding that I should remain here until he came for me, and there +must therefore be some very urgent reason for such a strange proceeding on +your part." + +"Yes, madam," said the man, driven to the wall. "—I—I have been informed +that—that you are not Mrs. Heath at all; that the gentleman who brought +you here was not what he represented himself to be." + +"What authority have you for making such a statement Virgie demanded, +haughtily: + +"This," answered the hotel keeper, producing the paper containing the +notice of the marriage at Heathdale which Mrs. Farnum had slyly laid upon +his desk, with the marked paragraph uppermost. She was very careful, +however, not to appear in the matter to commit herself. + +She had determined to get Virgie away before Sadie's return from Coney +Island, while she feared, too, the coming of Sir William to investigate +the cause of his wife's long silence. + +One glance was sufficient to tell Virgie what paper it was, and she +flushed to her brow. + +"I see," she said, scornfully, "those who have professed to be my friends +are leagued against me." + +"But—pardon me—have you no doubts yourself regarding your position?" +questioned the landlord, feeling a deep pity for the beautiful woman, in +spite of his anxiety regarding the reputation of his house. + +"None," but the word came hoarsely from the now hueless lips. + +"But you have had no letters for a long time; the gentleman has for years +been engaged to an English lady; this paper gives a notice of his recent +marriage to her, and everything goes to prove that you have been grossly +deceived. It is very unfortunate, but I have received notice from several +of my guests that they will leave to-morrow morning unless I insist upon +this change, and thus it becomes my painful duty to request these rooms to +be vacated." + +This was a bitter blow to add to all the rest, but Virgie, conscious of +her own purity, bore it with Spartan-like heroism. + +She cast one look of scorn upon the man before her, then said, with a +calmness that was born of despair: + +"Sir, I still assert, in the face of all that you have just said, that I +am the wife of Mr.—yes, of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire +County, England and some day it will be in my power to prove to you the +truth of my words; but I have no wish to occasion you either trouble or +loss, so I will go away; to-morrow morning." + +The landlord looked greatly relieved at this assurance and yet he was +impressed both by her manner and her words. + +He assured her of his sympathy, and kindly offered to assist her in +obtaining other rooms and establishing herself in them. + +Virgie quietly declined this offer, however, and, thanking her for her +speedy compliance with his request Mr. Eldridge took his leave, though, to +his credit be it said, with considerable shamefacedness and embarrassment. + +The next morning Virgie sent to Dr. Knox for his bill, paid it, dismissed +her nurse, notwithstanding her urgent plea to be retained even at reduced +wages, and then she quietly disappeared from the place, leaving no trace +behind her to point to her destination or future plans, and, after the +gossip consequent upon such a choice bit of scandal had died away, she +was, for the time at least, forgotten. + + + + +Chapter XIX. +Sir William Heath Returns To America. + + +"I cannot understand it, Miriam. It is the strangest thing in the world, +and I shall sail for America on the very next steamer." + +It was Sir William Heath who spoke thus, and there was no mistaking the +decision in his voice. + +He was sitting at the breakfast-table in the large, sunny dining-room at +Heathdale, while the open and empty mail-bag lay upon the table beside +him. + +There were several letters scattered around his plate, but these were +unheeded, while the anxious, perplexed look on the baronet's fine face +told that he was deeply troubled about something. + +Lady Linton sat opposite him, and she had been furtively watching him +during his examination of the bag. There were two very bright spots upon +her cheeks, which <i>might</i> have been caused by her morning drive to the +post-office; or they might have been produced by a guilty conscience and +anxiety regarding her brother's announcement. + +"Then there is no letter for you this morning?" she remarked, trying to +appear unconcerned. + +"No; and I am nearly wild with anxiety. I <i>must</i> go to Virgie at once," +Sir William responded, moodily. + +"I do not know how mamma will bear the thought of your going," Lady Linton +said, looking grave. + +"It cannot harm her. Sir Herbert says she is doing very well, and I might +have gone last week but for the severe cold which she took. I must go, +Miriam. My wife is more to me than all the world, and this unaccountable +silence and suspense is unbearable. I am afraid something dreadful has +happened to her, for, just think, I have not heard one word from her since +she wrote me after the birth of our little one." + +"Why don't you cable, then? I am going in town this morning, and I will +send a message for you, if you wish," craftily suggested his sister, who +felt very uncomfortable at the thought of his starting off so suddenly: +for he might meet his wife just at the very moment when success was about +to crown her plans. + +She had heard from Mrs. Farnum only once since her <i>coup d'etat,</i> when she +had given an account of that last interview with the heart-broken wife. +The letter had been posted that same day, for the woman had not hoped that +Virgie would leave the house so quickly, even though she knew she was +going to be asked to do so; and as she knew her friend would be anxious to +learn the result of her last measure, and as a steamer was to sail the +next morning, she had written immediately. + +"I suppose you might cable and get a reply before a steamer sails," +murmured Sir William, thoughtfully. "It does not seem as if I could wait +even the time it would take for me to get to her." + +"I suppose you <i>are</i> very anxious. It is natural that you should be," +responded Lady Linton, as she broke an egg into her cup and busied herself +seasoning it, although she did not even taste it after it was prepared. +Excitement and anxiety had destroyed her appetite. + +Two or three times every week, of late, there had been just such a scene +as this when the mail came in after the arrival of a steamer. + +No letters came from Virgie. At least, <i>he</i> received none; for they were +all cunningly abstracted before the bag came into the house, and Sir +William did not dream that any one possessed a key to it save himself, and +so, of course was unsuspicious of any plot. + +It was simply unaccountable to him, and he was, as he said, almost wild +from anxiety on account of his dear ones. + +He could not touch his food this morning, his disappointment was so great, +and he nervously unfolded his paper and began to look for an announcement +of the sailing of some steamer. + +"The Cephalonia will sail on Saturday," he remarked, at length. "This is +Wednesday. I shall leave on Friday for Liverpool. You can break the news +to my mother, and I am sure you will do very well without me until my +return. She must strive to be reasonable, for I cannot live like this +another week." + +"Very well; I will do my best to keep her cheerful while you are gone," +returned Lady Linton, trying to appear at ease, although she was quaking +in mortal fear lest all her plotting should come to naught. + +She sometimes regretted having written that last letter and sent that +hundred pounds to Virgie. She began to fear that she might have +overreached herself by so doing, for, if her brother and his wife should +meet, Virgie would of course tell her husband everything, and he would at +once understand that his sister had been guilty of all the +mischief—intercepted letters, and all. She knew that he would never +forgive her; she would be ignominiously banished from Heathdale, and be +obliged to hide herself at Linton Grange, where she would lead a life of +poverty and seclusion; so it is not strange that she trembled at the +thought of Sir William sailing for America. + +"Shall you return at once?" she asked, as they arose from the table. + +"Just as soon as I can possibly arrange to do so; and, Miriam, I want no +pains spared to make the home-coming of my wife an agreeable one." + +"You shall be obeyed," Lady Linton replied, with downcast eyes and a +heavily throbbing heart; "but of course you will let me know when to +expect you." + +"Certainly; and the suite of rooms over the library are to be put in order +for Virgie." + +"Very well; I will speak to the housekeeper about it." + +"You will mention, too, for <i>whom</i> they are being prepared," Sir William +said, glancing sharply at his sister. "It must be known at once that I +have a wife and child. I have made a great mistake in allowing you to +persuade me to keep silence upon the subject so long." + +"But it was for mamma's sake, you know; while she was so ill it was better +not to have it talked about," apologized Lady Linton; but she mentally +resolved that she should be in no hurry to tell the secret, even if he had +ordered her to do so, at least until she was sure her brother would find +his wife. + +Something might prevent his bringing Virgie home, and in that case a +scandal would be avoided if she kept silence. She would wait, at least, +until he notified her of the date of his return. + +"It was a mistake, I tell you," Sir William repeated, with a clouded +brow. "It has been a mark of disloyalty to my wife which I will tolerate +no longer. So please do as I request." + +Lady Linton bowed. + +"Shall I cable for you?" she asked, after a moment of silence. "I shall be +in London most of the day, and perhaps I may be able to get a reply to +bring you on my return." + +"No, thanks; I, too, shall go in town to-day, to engage my passage, and I +will attend to the matter myself," Sir William replied, and the heart of +the schemer sank within her. + +She had intended to cable to Mrs. Farnum, and, if Virgie was still at the +hotel, authorize her to use any strategy to get her away before her +brother should arrive, and then send her a dispatch to suit the emergency. + +But, if he cabled himself, and received an answer from his wife, she had +the very worst to fear for herself. + +They went up to London on the same train, and Lady Linton suffered agonies +during that ride, and all day long, while she was shopping, her suspense +was terrible to her. + +But when she entered the station, late in the afternoon, to return to +Heathdale, she was both startled and relieved to find her brother already +there, and pacing back and forth outside the waiting-room in great +excitement. + +"Have you news, William?" she faltered, her heart beating almost to +suffocation. + +"Yes," he answered, in a strained unnatural tone. "Here, read this!" and +he thrust a cablegram into her trembling hands. + +She had hardly strength to unfold the paper, but her pulses bounded with +exultation as she read: + + New York, Aug. 10, 18—. + "To Sir William Heath, London: + "Lady Heath left the —— House on the 2d instant. Do not know her + address. + Eldred Edlbridge." + +Mr. Eldridge, as we know, was the proprietor of the hotel where Virgie +had been boarding during her husband's absence, and we can imagine +something of his consternation when he received Sir William's cable +dispatch inquiring for his wife, and realized, all too late, the enormity +of the insult he had offered to that lady. + +Lady Linton, however, had hard work to conceal her joy over the contents +of the message. + +Virgie had been gone for more than a week, leaving no clew to her +whereabouts, which was evidence enough that she believed the very worst of +her husband, imagined herself a dishonored and deserted woman, and had +doubtless buried herself in some remote corner where no one would be +likely to discover her. + +Lady Linton's plot had worked thus far beyond her most sanguine +expectations and she accepted her success as an omen of good for the +future. + +But she hid all this under a mask of well-assumed surprise. + +"What can it mean? Why should she leave the hotel where you left her?" she +inquired of her brother. + +"Oh, I do not know. There is something wrong—very mysterious—about it. +Oh, why is there not a steamer ready to sail this instant? I believe I +shall go mad with this delay!" cried the baronet, in an agony of fear and +suspense. + +But he had to wait until Saturday in spite of his suffering though he had +not even gone from Heathdale two hours when Lady Linton received a letter +bearing the United States postmark. + +Of course it was from Mrs. Farnum, who gave a detailed account of all that +had transpired regarding Virgie's sudden departure, and assuring her that +no one in the hotel suspected her agency in the matter, or had any idea +that she knew anything regarding the girl previous to her coming there. +They did not even know that she was from England; she confided that fact +to Virgie alone, simply to further her schemes regarding her. + +Lady Linton uttered a sigh of relief over this letter. Her brother would +not find his wife in New York, and his journey would be all in vain, she +told herself, and yet she would not feel at ease until she had him safely +at home again. + +Sir William thought the voyage across the Atlantic would never end, and +yet it was a very quick and prosperous passage. When the steamer touched +her pier in New York he was the first of all the eager passengers to +spring ashore, and rushing for a carriage, without even stopping to attend +to his baggage, he gave orders to be driven directly to the hotel where he +had left Virgie. + +Mr. Eldridge quaked visibly and grew deadly pale when Sir William suddenly +presented himself in his office and demanded of him the reason of his wife +leaving his house. + +The polite hotel-keeper's blandness all failed him for once, and, with +much stammering and confusion, with many apologies and excuses, he +confessed that there had arisen a rumor—how he could not say—to the +effect that the lady was not Mrs. Heath at all, that her supposed husband +was an English nobleman who had deceived her; that his patrons had +insisted upon her leaving, or they would; and thus, after a hint from him +as to how matters stood, she had quietly gone away. + +Sir William was furious at this, and the landlord was actually frightened +at the tempest his story had aroused. + +"And you allowed such a malicious slander to drive a delicate and +unprotected woman and her child homeless into the street?" cried the +baronet, with sublime scorn. + +"Ah, sir, I was helpless. The honor of my house must be sustained, and +there was so much evidence to make the story appear true," said the man +deprecatingly. + +"Evidence! What do you mean?" demanded the angry husband. + +"You had registered as 'Mr. Heath and lady.' I learned that you were an +English baronet." + +"Yes, but what of that? I simply wished to escape being conspicuous, and I +had a right to register as I chose." + +"Then there was a story that you had taken another wife in England, +shortly after leaving America." + +"And were you idiot enough to believe such a contemptible slander, when +<i>I</i> brought her here and established her as my honored wife? Did I ever +treat her with anything but reverence and respect?" thundered Sir William, +growing more and more indignant. + +"No, sir," confessed the unhappy proprietor, as he drew a paper from his +desk; "but when you read a notice that I have here you may not wonder so +much at the credulity of people; besides, there were no letters coming +from you to the lady." + +"No letters!" cried the baronet, in a startled tone. + +"No, sir, although madam wrote to you with every steamer, and seemed sad +and depressed to get nothing in return." + +The baronet was astounded. + +It all looked as if there was some treachery at work to ruin their +happiness; but Sir William racked his brain in vain to solve the riddle. + +He had received no letters from his wife; she had had none from him; and, +with that dreadful scandal and rumor to crush her, to say nothing of +having been driven from the shelter with which he had provided her, what +must she not have suffered? + +"Will you read this notice, sir?" Mr. Eldridge asked, pushing the paper +nearer to the baronet, and desiring to intrench himself behind as many +bulwarks as possible. + +Sir William bent forward and read it, and he did not wonder then, that +Virgie had felt herself the most wronged of women. + +He knew that it had been intended as the announcement of his cousin's +marriage with Margaret Stanhope, but a grave mistake had been made in +prefixing the young man's name with a title, thus making it appear that it +was the baronet who had been married. + +Virgie did not know that he had a relative by the same name, so, of +course, taking everything else into consideration, she must have believed +that he had been false to all honor, to his manhood, and to her. + +He groaned aloud. + +"Oh, what must she have thought of me!" he cried, in despair. Then, +turning to the proprietor of the hotel, he asked, "Where did you get this +paper?" + +It was the Hampshire County <i>Journal</i>, and he wondered how it could have +got to New York to accomplish so much mischief. + +"I cannot say, sir. I found it in my office here among other papers, +and—and you must confess that such a notice as that was sufficient to +stagger me when I read it." + +"Yes," Sir William admitted, white to his lips, "and yet it was heartless +to send her away. It was my cousin—a gentleman bearing the same name—who +was married; but some one made a mistake and added my title. Did <i>she</i> +see that notice?" + +"She appeared to know about it, sir." + +"It seems as if an enemy had done this to ruin our happiness; but who?" +groaned the miserable husband. + + + + +Chapter XX. +Sir William Finds A Trace Of Virgie. + + +Sir William asked, a little later, when he had succeeded in somewhat +recovering his composure: + +"And have you no idea whither my wife went after leaving here?" + +"No," Mr. Eldridge said. "I offered to find some nice, quiet place for +her, but she simply thanked me and declined my offer. She then ordered a +carriage and drove away, without giving any definite directions regarding +her destination—at least, in my hearing." + +The proprietor was careful not to state that he had been so relieved by +the departure of his then questionable guest that he had taken no pains to +ascertain her plans, being only too glad to be quit of her upon any terms, +and to thus preserve the honor of his house and retain the patronage of +its other occupants. + +Sir William then repaired to the office of Dr. Knox, the physician in +whose care he had left his wife, hoping to glean something from him. But +that gentleman knew nothing whatever of what had occurred, and appeared +greatly surprised by what the young husband told him. + +He simply stated what we already knew—that Mrs. Heath had sent him a note +saying that she was about leaving the city and wished to settle her bill, +and requested him to call for the amount. He had done so, and she had paid +him in full. + +He said that his time was limited, and he had only remained a few moments. +He thought she was looking rather pale and worn; but she said she was +well, and, being calm and self-possessed, he did not imagine that she was +in any trouble. + +It was evident that from this source Sir William could gain nothing to aid +him in his search for his wife. + +He then tried to discover the nurse who had been with her, but she was not +to be found at her usual address, and no one could tell him anything about +her. + +He went to the bank where he had deposited money for Virgie's use, but +disappointment awaited him here also. He was told that she had sent word +one morning that on a certain day she would need the whole amount due her. +She had called according to her appointment, receiving her money, and that +was all that was known there regarding her movements. + +Sir William was in despair. Failure met him on every hand, and he feared +the worst for his loved ones. + +He remained in New York for more than a month, searching the city from end +to end, employing detectives advertising in the papers, and using every +means he could think of to gain some clew to Virgie's hiding-place; but +all to no purpose; and he finally came to the conclusion that she must +have left the metropolis. But whither had she gone? He knew that she had +not a friend on this side of the Rocky Mountains; it was all a strange +country to her. + +Would she be likely to remain East and hide herself and her supposed shame +in some obscure place, or would she wander back to the Pacific coast, +where everything would be more familiar and home-like to her? + +These questions agitated his mind continually, and for a while he knew not +which way to turn, while he was growing both weary and heart-sick with his +fruitless search. + +Finally he decided that he would go again to her old home among the +mountains of Nevada. He might possibly learn something of her there. + +He reached the place just a year from the day of his departure with +Virgie, and a feeling of utter desolation, almost of despair, took +possession of him as he wandered here and there over the familiar ground +visiting the grave of Mr. Abbot, and peering in at the cottage where he +had first met his love, but where only strange faces now met his gaze. + +Everything looked the same as when he left, but evidently no one knew +anything about his wife; he learned that from the eager inquiries, which +met him on every side, for the beautiful girl whom he had taken away with +him. + +He answered and evaded them as well as he could, without betraying that he +was in any trouble, but he was deeply disappointed to find that Chi Lu had +left the place. + +He was told that he had left very suddenly, but came back after a time, +when he disposed of his cabin that Sir William had given him, and then +disappeared altogether. + +The baronet sought out Margery Follet, and was impressed the moment that +he saw her that she had something on her mind. + +She eyed him with suspicion, seemed averse to holding any conversation +with him, and never once inquired regarding his wife. + +This alone made the young baronet hope that she knew something of Virgie, +for, having been at her wedding, and afterward assisted her in many ways +during Mr. Abbott's last illness, it would have been but natural for her +to wish to know something about her. + +By adroitly questioning her he became convinced of the truth of his +suspicion, and finally he charged her outright with having recently seen +his wife. + +The woman stammered, blushed, and finally assumed a defiant attitude, and +Sir William was sure. + +He then told her something of his trouble, enjoining her to secrecy, and +finally she confessed that one day Chi Lu had come to her and persuaded +her to go with him before the county magistrate to sign a paper stating +that she had been a witness to the marriage of Miss Abbot with Mr. Heath. +Chi Lu had given her a handsome sum for her trouble and to keep silent +about the matter afterward. + +This confession gave Sir William great hope. It told him that Virgie had +been in that vicinity; that she was gathering what proofs she could toward +establishing the legality of her marriage, with a view to claiming her +rights as a lawful wife. + +He was very much elated over the discovery, and at once repaired to the +county town, to seek out the magistrate and learn what he could from him. + +That gentleman confirmed what he had already learned. He said that several +weeks previous a young woman had come there to obtain a copy of the record +of a certain marriage, and that afterward a Chinaman and an elderly woman +had signed a paper in his presence, testifying to having been witnesses of +the ceremony. + +Sir William reasoned that, since Virgie was seeking all these proofs, she +would doubtless apply to the clergyman who had married them; so to +Virginia City he straightway hastened, to seek the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + +He found him readily enough. The clergyman appeared to be in feeble +health, and received him with coldness and evident displeasure. + +"I suppose you are somewhat at a loss how to account for my visit, Dr. +Thornton," he remarked, in his genial way, and ignoring the frigidness of +his host's greeting; "but I have come to make some important inquiries of +you." + +The reverend gentleman simply bowed, and then waited for his guest to +proceed. + +"You will be surprised that I have lost my wife and am searching for her," +the baronet continued, thinking it best to come to the point at once. + +"Which one?" demanded the divine, with an accent of scorn in his usually +mild tones. + +"Sir!" + +"For which wife are you searching?" + +"I have but one wife—the lady to whom you married me only a little more +than a year ago!" Sir William replied in a voice of thunder, his handsome +face flaming with righteous anger, though his heart bounded with new hope +at the question. + +"I beg your pardon, sir," the clergyman replied, seeing at once that there +was some mystery, and there must have been some fearful mistake to cause +the separation of these two young people in whom he had been so deeply +interested. + +"You will understand my untimely sarcasm, perhaps," he went on, "when I +tell you that I have been led to believe that you had done that beautiful +woman the greatest possible wrong." + +He then proceeded to explain all that he knew of the matter. + +Mrs. Heath, he said, had come to him, about a month previous, to secure a +written statement from him to the effect that he had performed the +marriage ceremony in a legal and authorized manner between herself and Sir +William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire County, England She was looking +very sad and ill, and she confided to him that she had been deserted by +her husband in New York; he having been called to his home by a cablegram, +ostensibly because of his mother's illness, but that she had learned of +his marriage with another lady in England, and she feared that his union +with her might have been a farce. She had, however, learned to the +contrary, and she was determined to gather all the proofs possible, for +the purpose of securing the future rights and position of her child. + +Sir William Heath listened in painful silence to this recital, and then in +turn related all that he knew regarding the terrible misunderstanding and +the mystery attending it. + +"It looks to me very much as if there was a conspiracy in the matter, and +a desire on the part of some one to separate you and your wife," Dr. +Thornton remarked thoughtfully, when the young husband concluded. + +"A conspiracy!" repeated Sir William. + +"Yes; the fact that all letters, on both sides, have been intercepted, +seems to point to such a suspicion. Have you any enemies who, from +interested motives, would try to create trouble between you and your +wife?" + +"Not that I am aware of," the young man replied, but looking deeply +perplexed. "My family, to be sure, were not very well pleased with the +idea of my marrying an American; but I can think of no one person who +could have accomplished anything like what has occurred. It seems to me +that in order to intercept our letters there would need to be conspirators +on both sides of the Atlantic who were interested in the project." + +"Not necessarily. Any one determined to separate you might have robbed +the mail of all letters at either end of the route. It is certainly very +mysterious, and, mark my words, you will some day learn that an enemy has +been at work. But, Sir William," the clergyman continued smiling genially, +"you have relieved my mind and established my faith in you by this +explanation. I confess I had set you down as a miserable scamp, and I have +suffered a good deal on that beautiful young woman's account." + +"I cannot blame you for thinking the very worst of me," returned Sir +William, with emotion; "but I have loved—I do love my wife with a love +that can never die." + +"I do not doubt it now. Of course I gave her the paper she desired, and +also a copy of the certificate which I presented you on your marriage day, +and told her to command me at any time and I should be at her service to +testify to the legality of her claims upon you." + +"Thank you, sir. I am truly grateful to you for your kindness to my poor +darling," said the baronet, tears springing to his eyes. "But can you give +me any idea regarding her plans or movements?" + +"No, I cannot, I am sorry to say," returned Doctor Thornton. "I asked her +what course she intended to pursue, and she said, in the saddest voice I +ever heard, 'I do not exactly know yet; I simply desire to establish the +rightful claim of my daughter as the heiress of Heathdale.'" + +"That looks as if she meant to go immediately to England!" cried Sir +William, starting excitedly to his feet. "If she should do that, all would +be well—everything will be explained, and we shall be happy once more." + +"I cannot say that such was her plan," returned the clergyman, +thoughtfully. "She looked scarcely able to endure such a journey. Still, +it may be that such was her intention." + +"Oh, if I only knew! Just think, sir, I have never even seen my child!" +cried Sir William, greatly agitated. + +"It is certainly very sad. It is greatly to be regretted that you were +recalled to England as you were," said Doctor Thornton. + +"Indeed it is. Why <i>did</i> I ever leave her? It was wrong! I fear I was +negligent of my duty toward her in so doing. I do not know what to do now. +If she has gone to England, we have passed each other, and I would desire +to retrace my steps thither at once. If she is still here on this +continent, I should be in despair to go home, and only find it out on the +other side of the ocean." + +Doctor Thornton pitied the young husband sincerely. + +"You are in a very trying position, I must acknowledge, and I do not like +to advise you either to go or stay. You might wait here a while, and +notify your friends to cable you in case Lady Heath should go direct to +England; then it would be comparatively easy to join her there." + +Sir William determined to act upon these suggestions. He would cable +Heathdale to be notified if Virgie should make her appearance there; +meantime he would do his utmost to find her here. + +He thanked the clergyman for his kindness, and bade him farewell, feeling +much relieved regarding his wife, yet still very sad at heart at the +mystery surrounding her. + +He determined to search for Chi Lu, believing that he alone, who had +always been so devoted to her, could tell him something definite as to her +movements. He had an idea that he might be even now in her service. + + + + +Chapter XXI. +Nothing but Death Shall Break the Tie. + + +Sir William went directly back to New York, fired with something of hope +by Doctor Thornton's suggestions He determined to search the passenger +lists of the different steamer lines, hoping to find Virgie's name among +them. + +He half believed that, armed with the strong proofs she had secured to +substantiate the legality of her marriage, she would go directly to +England to assert her position there as his wife. + +He realized that underneath her habitual quiet and sweetness there lay a +dignity and strength of character that would stop at nothing legitimate to +remove the stigma she believed was resting on her fair name. + +But while he gave her ample credit for resolution and energy, he did not +make allowance for the sensitive pride which had been crushed to the earth +by the cruel blow which had been dealt her. He did not stop to consider +that it would never allow her to force herself upon him as an unloved and +rejected wife when she believed a more fortunate rival stood in her way. + +But he found nothing in any of the booking offices of the different +steamers to tell him that Virgie had sailed, or was intending to sail, +even though he haunted them daily for three or four weeks. + +Almost discouraged at the end of that time, he cabled to his sister the +following message: + + "I have missed my wife—perhaps crossed her path. + If she arrives at Heathdale, let me know at once." + +Lady Linton was somewhat startled upon receiving this message, for it told +her that her brother had some reason for thinking that Virgie might be on +her way to Heathdale, and, remembering Mrs. Farnum's account of her +threats to claim her position, she began to fear that she had underrated +the girl's spirit, and that she might make her appearance at any moment +and demand to be received as the mistress of the house. + +This, of course, would make matters rather complicated and awkward; but, +as long as her brother was not at home, she trusted to her own craft to +deal with her and make her only too glad to give Heathdale a wide berth +should she show herself there. + +After cabling, Sir William went again to the Pacific coast, in the hope of +finding Chi Lu. He spent several weeks in San Francisco, thinking perhaps +those he sought might hope to lose themselves there among the multitude. + +He thought right for once, had he but known it, and had he possessed a +little more patience, been a trifle less restless and feverish in his +search, he might have succeeded in his quest. + +But he was so wretched; so worn and discouraged with his constant and +fruitless seeking, that he could not remain in one place long at a time, +and so wandered here and there, until, months having elapsed, he had been +in nearly every State in the Union, reaping only disappointment and +anguish of spirit. + +Then there came again a summons for him to go home—his mother had been +stricken with another shock, and, with a heavy heart, a feeling as if all +the world were against him and his whole life ruined, he went back to his +desolate home and the sick one there. + +Lady Heath only lived a few days after the second return of her son. He +reached Heathdale just in season to see the sands of her life run out and +to close her eyes in their last long sleep; then they laid her in the +family vault, and Sir William felt as if he had nothing now to bind him to +his home. + +"I cannot stay here—I must go away again he said one day, in despair, to +his sister, and her heart sank at his words. + +"Well, I hope you are not going to America again, whatever you do," she +remarked, with some unpatience. + +"If going to America would result in finding my wife, I would go a +thousand times over," Sir William responded, sternly, and then added, with +a note of agony in his voice: "Oh, where can my darling have hidden +herself? Miriam," turning suddenly upon his sister, "can you suggest any +reason for this terrible misunderstanding?—who could have intercepted all +of our letters?—who could have conspired, for it seems like a conspiracy, +to separate us?" + +For a moment Lady Linton turned faint and sick with the fear that he had +discovered something to arouse his suspicions against her; but second +thought told her that such could not be the case. + +"What could I suggest?" she demanded, assuming an expression of surprise. +"You forget that I know nothing of this woman who lured your heart from +us, save what I have been told. She may have had a rustic lover who is +seeking his revenge by trying to separate you—a lover who has poisoned +her mind against you, and perhaps won her allegiance back to himself." + +"What utter nonsense you are talking, Miriam!" the baronet interrupted, +indignantly. "How little you appreciate the refinement of the girl whom I +have married! True, you have never seen her; but one look at the face that +I have shown you ought to have told you that she could have been won by no +rustic." + +Lady Linton shrugged her shoulders expressively. + +"As for your letters," she said, flashing a swift, keen glance at him, "if +you think they have been tampered with on this side of the Atlantic, I +advise you to question Robert, since he has the exclusive charge of your +mail-bag." + +"Robert, indeed! I would as soon question my own honesty as his; besides, +no one has a key to it but myself," Sir William asserted, confidently. + +Lady Linton breathed freely now, for it was evident that he had no +suspicion of her. + +"True; and Robert has been faithful too many years to be lightly +suspected," she remarked, appreciatively. + +"But this suspense is insupportable! It is killing me!" cried her brother, +rising, and excitedly pacing the floor. + +"No doubt it is trying," his sister replied, coldly. + +"Trying!" he repeated, bitterly; "you are very sympathetic, Miriam; you +are as cold as ice." + +"Well, William, you know well enough that I never approved of your +marriage. It was a great blow to both mamma and me that you should marry +so out of your element; and therefore you cannot expect me to be so +heart-broken over the mysterious disappearance of your wife as I might +have been if you married—Sadie, for instance." + +"I wish you wouldn't throw Sadie Farnum at me upon every occasion; I never +had any intention of marrying her," retorted Sir William, with an angry +flush. + +"More is the pity; I could have loved her dearly as a sister," responded +Lady Linton, in an injured tone. "But," she added, after a thoughtful +pause, "it seems you were mistaken in thinking that your wife was +collecting proofs of her marriage with the intention of coming here to +claim her position. If that had been her plan, doubtless she would have +been here long ago." + +"Yes—oh! I cannot understand it; but, if I ever discover <i>who</i> has been +at the bottom of this mischief, it will be a sad day for that individual!" +cried the' baronet, with stern emphasis. + +Lady Linton suddenly stooped to brush a thread from her black dress, and +when she sat upright again there was considerable more color than usual in +her face. + +"I am troubled to see you so unhappy, William," she said, more kindly than +she had yet spoken, "and perhaps, after all, a change will be the best +thing for you. What are your plans?" + +"I have none. I simply wish to get away from myself, if that is possible; +to steep my troubled thoughts in some excitement. I believe I will go to +the Far East—Egypt, Palestine—anywhere to escape this feeling of utter +desolation," he answered, dejectedly. + +"When will you go?" + +"At once—before the week is out, if I can arrange to do so." + +"Have you any special commands for me to attend to during your absence?" + +"None, save that you are to remain here as usual, if you like, and in case +any word comes from my loved ones, send for me at once." + +"Very well. Have you any idea how long you will be away?" + +"No. I may not be gone a month; I may stay ten years; it will depend upon +how well I can kill time," returned Sir William, moodily. + +"Oh, William, I wish you would try and rise above this trouble," said his +sister, out of all patience with him at heart, but speaking in a soothing +tone. "I do not like to pain you, but, truly, it looks to me as if your +wife had been guilty of willful desertion in thus hiding herself from you, +and I believe there would be a great deal of happiness yet for you if you +could be freed from her entirely, and then bring some good, gentle woman +here to make your home pleasant for you." + +It was the first time that she had ever been able to gather courage +sufficient to make this proposition; but she was wholly unprepared for the +storm of wrath which the suggestion brought upon her head. + +Sir William came and stood, tall and stern, before her, his face almost +convulsed with mingled pain and wrath, his eyes blazing dangerously: + +"Miriam Linton," he began, in a suppressed tone, "never dare to open your +lips on such a subject to me again. I married my darling for better or +worse, until death should part us, and only my death or hers will ever +break the tie—at least with my consent—that binds us." + +He turned abruptly and left the room as he ceased speaking, more angry +with her than he had ever been before. + +Lady Linton was thoroughly startled by what he had said, and she knew she +would never dare suggest such a measure again to him; but she still had a +secret hope, from what Mrs. Farnum had written her, that the injured wife +would seek a legal separation from him. + +She imagined that this might be the reason of Virgie keeping so quiet just +at present, and she was all the more willing and glad to have her brother +go away from home, as he proposed doing, because she knew that he would +have to be notified whenever any such proceedings should be instituted, +and she feared if he were there to receive them he would at once post off +to America again, and upset all her plans by bringing about a +reconcilation at the last moment. + +So in less than a week Sir William left England for, Egypt and the Holy +Land, and Lady Linton experienced a feeling of intense relief at his +departure. Time, she reasoned, was a great healer, and she hoped much from +this season of travel and change. + +It was rather lonely for her at Heathdale during the winter, but she was +grateful to be released from the anxiety she had suffered on his account +for the last year. + +Spring came, summer passed; a year had come and gone since the +disappearance of her brother's young wife, when one day there came an +official-looking document addressed to the baronet, and bearing the +California postmark. + +Lady Linton quivered in every nerve as she saw it, for her heart told her +instantly what it contained. + +Still, she could not be satisfied until she knew beyond a doubt, and she +skillfully opened it for examination before forwarding it to her brother. + +It was even as she had hoped. + +Virgie had kept her word; she was about to repudiate her husband for his +supposed faithlessness to her, and Lady Linton's lips curled in a smile of +exultation as she read the paper notifying her brother that proceedings +for a divorce were about to be instituted in the courts of San Francisco +by Lady Virginia Heath against Sir William Heath, of Heathsdale, England. + +"Everything is working beautifully," she murmured, triumphantly; "his pride +will never let him seek her after this takes effect; it will be conclusive +evidence to him that she, at least, desires to have the tie that binds +them broken. Let me see! he is notified to appear on the ninth of next +month—in a little more than four weeks. Ha, ha! he was in Alexandria when +he last wrote, and this could not possibly reach him in season to admit of +his obeying the summons in time. Matters will have reached a crisis before +he gets it—the <i>injured and beautiful little savage</i> will have secured +her divorce, and my brother will be free, long before he will know what +has been done. However, I will do my duty, and forward it to him +instantly." + +With a lighter heart than she had known for months, the crafty woman +carefully resealed the document in a way to defy suspicion that it had +been tampered with, inclosed it in another envelope, directed and marked +it "important," and dispatched it by the very next mail to her brother. + +Three months passed and she had heard nothing from him. She began to feel +anxious as to how he had received the news of what Virgie was doing, when +there came another similar-looking document, bearing the same postmark as +before. + +"The deed is done!" she cried, joyfully, the moment her eyes rested upon +it. "I do not even need to open this to be assured of the nature of its +contents." + +She was filled with triumph over the success of all her plans thus far, +and yet she could not forget Virgie's threat that a day of retribution +would surely overtake their proud family. + +But she determined not to worry, for the child might not live long enough +for her to carry her threat into execution. Virgie, herself, might die, +and a hundred other things might happen to prevent. + +Her brother might never consent to marry again—she feared he would +not—and poor Sadie Farnum's reviving hopes would again be crushed; but, +if he did, she felt very sure that her son, Percy—and a noble young +fellow he was, too—would be very likely to inherit Heathdale, while +Lillian would doubtless receive a handsome dowry when she came to marry. + +"I do not believe I will send this to William," she muttered, as she +turned that precious document over and over in her hands, and feasted her +eyes upon it. "I will at least wait until I hear something from him +regarding the other; these priceless papers might be lost on the way, and +then——" + +Her musings were suddenly cut short by a violent ring at the hall bell. + +She started, and sat erect to listen, her face growing pale and anxious, +for there seemed to be something ominous in that vigorous jangle which +went echoing through the house with such an imperious sound. + +The night was raw and stormy; darkness had settled down over the country +earlier than usual; there had been a disagreeable chill in the air all +day, and a dismal sense of loneliness pervaded the mansion. + +She heard the butler go to the door; then there was a sudden exclamation +of surprise, followed by a few indistinct sentences, a step, strangely +familiar, outside the library door, and the next moment Sir William, +gaunt, haggard, and wretched, staggered into the room where his sister was +sitting. + + + + +Chapter XXII. +Virgie Makes a Home for Herself. + + +"William," cried Lady Linton, springing excitedly to her feet, the +document which had caused her so much joy but a moment before dropping +unheeded on the table beside her. "What brings you home in this +unceremonious manner? Are you ill? Has anything happened?" + +"Am I ill? Yes, by heart is broken—dying within me. Has anything +happened? My wife is lost to me forever!" he cried, in a hollow tone, as +he sank weakly into a chair and groaned aloud. + +"What can I do for you? Let me call John to remove your boots and bring +you dry clothing," his sister said, thoroughly alarmed by his appearance; +and suiting the action to her words, she rang for the butler. + +John came, and attended to his master's wants with alacrity. Wood was +piled upon the already cheerful fire, something hot was provided the +traveler to drink, and Lady Linton soon had the satisfaction of seeing +something like warmth and life stealing into her brother's haggard face. + +She understood at once that he must have been nearly crushed upon +receiving the document which she had sent him, and that he had immediately +started for home. He must have been taken ill on the way and been detained +else he would have been there before, and she could imagine how he would +chafe over the delay, and how heart-sick he had grown over the fact of +being too late to stay the proceedings for the divorce. + +She dreaded to have him know that the die was irrevocably cast, although +his own words had told her that he apprehended it; but she absolutely +feared the first passionate outbreak when she should give him those other +papers that had but just arrived. + +When he began to grow more calm, and to realize the comfort of being once +more before his own hearthstone Lady Linton stole softly away to confer +with the housekeeper about preparing him something specially tempting for +his supper. + +She was absent perhaps fifteen minutes, and was about to return to him, +when she was startled by a heavy fall on the floor above her. + +Her heart told her what had caused it, and she hurried up stairs with all +the speed that fear could lend to her feet, and burst into the library, to +find her brother stretched lifeless upon the floor, an open paper clutched +tightly in his hand, while John, the faithful butler, was bending over him +in an agony of terror. + +"Send for Sir Herbert Randal at once, then come back to me," commanded her +ladyship, as she stooped to lift her brother's head to place a cushion +under it and loosen his necktie. + +John sped to do her bidding, and during his absence Lady Linton succeeded +in removing that tell-tale document from Sir William's hand, and locking +it away from all inquisitive eyes; for her first thought was that there +must be no scandal over the affair. + +Few knew of his marriage. She had persisted in keeping still about it, in +spite of all his orders to the contrary, and after his return from his +fruitless search for Virgie, he had been far too sensitive upon the +subject to talk of it himself, and thus almost everybody believed him to +be still a single man. Hence Lady Linton's anxiety that nothing should be +known regarding the divorce. + +When John returned to her she summoned other servants and had Sir William +carried to his own rooms, where she and the housekeeper applied all +remedies that were at hand to revive him. + +When the physician arrived he had recovered from his swoon, but was in a +raging fever, and wild with delirium. + +Sir Herbert pronounced his illness to be brain fever of a serious type, +and Lady Linton knew, from the grave look on the wise man's face, that he +had but very little hope of his recovery. + + * * * * * + +When Virgie left the hotel on the morning after Mr. Eldridge requested her +to vacate her rooms, she drove to a quiet street, where she engaged +lodgings for a few days, until she could arrange her plans for the future. +She then gave notice at the bank where her money was deposited that she +should draw it all on a certain date. As soon as she received it she +purchased a ticket for San Francisco, and a week from the time of +receiving Lady Linton's cruel letter she was rolling over the Central +Pacific Railroad toward her former home, intent upon only one +purpose—that of gaining indisputable proof of her lawful marriage, in +order to shield her child from wrong and shame. + +She reached a small town only a few miles from her old home among the +mountains, and then sent a messenger for Chi Lu to come to her. + +He came at once, glad to do anything for the "young missee" whom he had +served for years, and learned to regard with great affection. + +Virgie felt sure that she could safely confide in him, so she told him +something of her trouble, and asked him to help her gather the proofs of +her marriage. + +He proved himself very efficient in this respect, and was only too eager +to secure justice for her. + +After all was done, and she had the precious papers in her own hands, she +would have paid him handsomely and sent him hack to the mountains again. +But he threw at her feet the money she offered him, and begged to be +allowed to go with her wherever she went—to let him work for her and the +"little missee," as he used to in the old days before she went away. "He +did not want any money—only let him have a little rice and curry, and a +mat to sleep on, and he would serve her as long as she needed him." + +Virgie was moved to tears by this evidence of his faithfulness, and, +though she had not thought of such a thing before, it suddenly occurred to +her that it might be a wise proceeding on her part to grant his request. + +She knew that he was entirely trustworthy; he was very capable in many +ways, and she was sure she should feel a sense of security and protection +with him that she could not experience to go alone into a strange place, +and have to depend entirely upon herself. + +"I should like to have you, Chi," she said, thoughtfully, "but I am afraid +it would be hardly fair to you, for I haven't a great deal of money, and I +shall have to be very economical." + +Chi Lu's little round black eyes flashed at this. "<i>He</i> takee monee too?" +he demanded, with contemptuous emphasis on the pronoun. + +Virgie flushed. She could not bear, from another, the slightest reference +to the wrong she had suffered. + +"How much monee?" the man hastened to add, as he saw that she was +troubled. + +"I have a little over four thousand dollars," Virgie replied, thinking it +best to fully confide in him. + +Her bills had been heavy in New York, and it had taken the most of one +thousand dollars out of the five thousand that Sir William had deposited +for her, to settle them. + +Chi Lu gave a grunt of delight at the information. + +"Good! missee live long. Chi Lu know how; he fix 'em," he said, with an +air of confidence that was reassuring and Virgie believed that he would +indeed make a better steward of her limited means than she could possibly +be with her inexperience, so she resolved to trust him, and told him that +he should go with her if he wished. + +The next question to settle was regarding a place of residence, and she +finally decided, after talking the matter over with her servant, that she +would be less conspicuous in some large city, and as there was no place +she knew so well as San Francisco, she resolved to once more make her home +in that city. + +These matters decided, Chi Lu went back to the mountains to dispose of his +cabin and settle up his affairs, and when he rejoined his young mistress, +they proceeded directly to San Francisco, where the Chinaman soon +succeeded in securing three very comfortable rooms in a quiet and good +locality. + +Virgie furnished these simply, though prettily, and, when all was +completed, really felt quite at home, and as if she had at last found a +haven of safety. + +There was a small parlor and bedroom for her own use, a tiny kitchen, with +a good-sized closet opening out of it, which was allotted exclusively to +Chi Lu. + +Virgie soon found that she had indeed done wisely to take her old servant +again into her employ, for he managed everything in a most economical and +comfortable way, while she realized that if she had been obliged to depend +wholly upon herself and have the care of her little one besides, her +strength and courage would have both failed her in a little while. + +The younger Lady of Heathdale demanded a great deal of attention during +that first year of her life, and, being wholly unaccustomed to children, +Virgie found the care a great tax upon her. + +They had been in San Francisco some three months, when Chi Lu proposed to +Virgie to go into business for himself. + +He told her that he had not half enough to do to keep busy; there was a +large unoccupied room adjoining the building they were in, which he could +secure for a moderate rent, and he desired to set up the laundry business. + +He wanted to employ two or three of his countrymen to do the work, while +he simply had charge of it, which he could easily do and attend to his +duties with her at the same time. + +Virgie willingly consented to this arrangement, never once suspecting that +it was a plan on the part of Chi Lu to obtain funds to contribute toward +her support when her own resources should fail. She knew that the +little which he consented to receive from her was but a small +compensation for the services he rendered her, and she was very glad to +have him make something for himself. + +Thus in the course of time the faithful Chinaman established quite a +thrifty business, while his face would light up and his small eyes gleam +with satisfaction as he gathered in the dollars day by day, and he might +have been heard from time to time to mutter, with a gleeful chuckle: + +"Good! Muche monee for missee and little missee by'm-by!" + +But, as Virgie's baby grew older and capable of amusing herself somewhat, +time began to hang heavily on the young mother's hands. + +Her sorrow was one that could not be easily out-grown and sometimes life +seemed a burden almost too heavy to be borne. Day after day her heart +cried out in rebellion against her lonely bitter lot; night after night +her pillow was wet with scalding tears, as for hours she lay weeping for +the love that she had lost. + +She began to realize at last that her health was suffering from such +constant grieving, and that she must find something to occupy her time +more fully and take her thoughts from herself, or she would soon break +down beneath such severe mental strain. + +It was after a day of unusual depression and sadness that she took up the +evening paper and began carelessly to glance over the columns. + +Suddenly her eyes lighted upon an advertisement. + +It stated that a well-known publishing house of that city offered a prize +of three hundred dollars for the most unique and tasteful design for a +Christmas souvenir. It described what was required, mentioned the +conditions of its acceptance, and the time when the designs of all +competitors must be delivered. + +Virgie was interested at once. + +"Why, cannot I do something of that kind?" she murmured "Papa used to say +that I was remarkably skillful in making pen-and-ink sketches, and why +should I not turn, my talent to some account? If I should succeed it would +not only give me something with which to occupy my time, but perhaps +enable me to earn for the future; my money is not going to last so very +long, in spite of all Chi Lu's economy." + +The idea pleased her, and she set about putting it into practice at once. + +During the next three months she applied herself diligently and as she +worked she became deeply interested in her occupation. Almost immediately +there was a change for the better in her health and general appearance Her +eye brightened, the lassitude that pervaded her movements disappeared and +something of her old energy returned to her. + +She wasted no more time in useless brooding and pining; less tears were +shed at night, for, wearied with her close application to her work during +the day, sleep stole her senses and wrapped her in healthful rest. + +At the time appointed for all competitors to send in their designs, Virgie +was ready to subject her work to criticism. + +She had made three designs, each differing in style and character from the +others, but all so attractive that she felt almost sure they would bring +her some return, even if she was not the fortunate winner of the prize. + +Besides these, she had been hard at work upon an idea of her own, which +she intended to show the publisher, hoping to win his approbation and +assistance in bringing it before the public. + +Dressing herself plainly, but with taste, she started out one morning with +her treasures, and presenting herself at the publishing house referred to, +asked to see the proprietor. + +The gentlemanly clerk led her to a private office, where she found a +pleasant-looking, elderly gentleman who regarded her a trifle curiously, +but greeted her courteously, and then politely asked her business with +him. + +"Some time ago I saw an advertisement in your name, relating to Christmas +souvenirs," Virgie began, "and as this is the date on which they were +required to be delivered I have brought my contribution for your +inspection." + +The gentleman bowed, but hesitated a moment before replying. + +Virgie's manner and language told him that she was a lady, and he did not +like to say anything to wound her; but the advertisement to which she +referred had distinctly stated that competitors were, under no +consideration to expect a personal interview regarding their +contributions. They were either to be sent by mail or left at the office +until an examination by the proprietor should decide who the fortunate +winner of the prize might be. + +"Ah!" he began, "I understand you desire to leave the specimens of your +work with me." + +Virgie flushed, for his tone was rather frigid. Then she recovered +herself, and her face lighted with her rare, beautiful smile, which went +directly to the publisher's heart. + +"Yes, sir," she answered, laying a package upon his desk. "Of course I +understand that I am not to expect a private examination of my work. I had +no intention of annoying you with the matter. I am willing to take my +chance with others. But there is another matter upon which I would like to +consult with you if you can spare me a little time." + +She now drew forth a more bulky package from her bag. + +"Some manuscript, perhaps, which you would like examined?" responded the +gentleman, glancing at it, but speaking indifferently. + +"No, not manuscript according to the common acceptation of the term; and +yet, in reality, I suppose it is." + +"Can you not leave it with me? I will look at it with pleasure later;" but +his tone was not very encouraging. + +"I should prefer not to do so, because there is not very much time between +now and Christmas, and if you do not approve of it I shall like to take it +elsewhere," Virgie replied, untying the dainty ribbon which bound her +package, and, removing the wrapper, she laid before him a little book +about eight inches square and comprising some twenty or thirty pages. + +It was composed of half sheets of the heaviest and nicest of unruled +paper, tied together in three places with beautiful little cords and +tassels of pale-blue silk. + +On the cover, in a lovely design composed of mountain ferns, most +exquisitely executed, there was written, in a dainty hand, the +title—"Gleanings from the Heights." + +The gentleman uttered a low exclamation of pleasure as his eye fell upon +this. + +His attention was riveted; there was no indifference in his manner now. + + + + +Chapter XXIII. +A Mysterious Stranger. + + +"Did you do this?" Mr. Knight, the publisher, asked, looking up after a +close examination of the dainty cover. + +"Yes, sir," Virgie answered, with a quiet smile, and, seeing that she had +gained her point, that he would not leave it until he had seen the whole, +she sat down near him to await his verdict. + +Page after page was turned and on each there was a lovely group of +mountain foliage, flowers, or ferns, all beautifully executed in pen and +ink, while underneath the design, or cunningly woven around it, was +written, in a dainty hand, some appropriate verse or couplet, quotations +from various authors, with now and then a bit of real heart rhyme that had +been the outgrowth of Virgie's own sad experiences. + +Everything, as the title indicated, had been taken from the +mountains—from those heights where she had spent the last few years of +her life. + +It had been her custom, after gathering the wild, beautiful things, to +carefully arrange them and then copy them upon paper. + +This amusement had served to pass away many an otherwise tedious hour, and +she had a portfolio full of these charming designs, which were likely to +prove of great value to her in the future, as we shall see. + +Mr. Knight took ample time for his examination of her work, so much, +indeed, that Virgie began to grow weary and anxious to get back to her +little one. + +But at last the gentleman leaned back in his chair, took off his +spectacles, and turned his keen, searching glance full upon his visitor's +face. + +"Madam," he said, "it is not my custom to speak extravagantly upon any +subject; but I am bound to admit that this is the finest thing of its kind +that it has ever been my privilege to examine." + +A beautiful color sprang into Virgie's cheeks at this high praise. She had +known that her work was well done, but she had not expected to be told of +it quite so frankly or emphatically. + +She bowed, and murmured her thanks for his appreciation + +"What do you want to do with it?" Mr. Knight asked. + +"Get it published as a holiday souvenir, and make it pay me a handsome sum +for my trouble," Virgie responded, in a business-like tone, and then was +half-frightened at her own boldness. + +The publisher's eyes twinkled with amusement. + +"What would you consider a handsome sum?" he inquired. + +Virgie thought a moment; then she replied: + +"You have offered one, two, and three hundred dollars as prizes for the +simple souvenirs described in your advertisement, and surely a work like +this must be worth much more." + +"Very true; but will you name some price for it? I confess that I should +like to take it, if you do not value it <i>too</i> highly." + +Virgie was astonished at this. + +She had not expected to be allowed to name her own price. She had +supposed, if her work was approved at all, to receive some moderate offer, +which she could accept or decline as she saw fit. + +But she shrank from setting a value upon her work. It was her first +effort, and she had no more idea of its worth, as a work of art, than a +child. + +"Sir," she returned, "I will tell you frankly that I never did anything of +the kind before; that is, I have never attempted to <i>dispose</i> of any of my +work and I do not know what it ought to bring me. I have been suddenly +thrown upon my own resources, and it occurred to me that I might turn my +one talent to some account." + +"Your 'one talent' will prove a very valuable one, if rightly employed," +interposed the publisher, smiling. + +"Thank you," returned Virgie, flushing again. "And now, since my little +book pleases you, will you kindly make me an offer?" + +"Well, Miss —— What shall I call you, please? I like to know the names +of people with whom I am dealing," Mr. Knight observed, with a +business-like air. + +A sudden shock went over Virgie, making her tingle to her finger-tips at +this question. + +It was the first time that she had been asked to give her name since +coming to San Francisco. + +She had lived so like a recluse that there had been no occasion, and she +had never decided what she would be called. She could not use her +husband's name. + +If she had more time to think she might have answered the publisher +differently; but, as it was, she said, hastily, and not without some +confusion: + +"My name is Mrs.—Alexander." + +Mr. Knight started slightly, and threw a searching glance at her. + +"Alexander! Ah, I used to know—But, pardon me; I was about to make you an +offer, I believe." + +He seemed to consider a moment, then continued: + +"I will give you five hundred dollars for this little work, just as it +stands, and if it proves to be a success after it is published, I will add +ten per cent, of the sales to that amount." + +Virgie could scarcely credit her hearing at this generous offer. + +She had never dreamed of anything like it, and bright visions of future +prosperity for herself and her child, attained through her own efforts, +alone, flitted through her mind. + +But she did not lose her self-possession or betray her excessive delight +at the unexpected proposal. + +"What am I to understand by your words, 'if it proves a success?'" she +asked. + +Again the publisher's eyes twinkled. + +He knew that she was a novice in dealing with business men, but he saw +that she was shrewd and practical, and, finding her talent valuable, meant +to make the most of it. + +He meant, however, to do so well by her that she would be satisfied to +give her services exclusively to him. + +"Well," he replied, "if the sales reach a thousand copies I shall consider +the book a success." + +He knew well enough, if he could get it out in season, he could easily +sell three times that number for it was a wonderfully unique and +attractive affair. + +"More than that," he continued, "if you are pleased to accept my offer, I +should like to engage you to prepare two or three designs of a similar +character for the Easter trade." + +Virgie was not proof against all this good fortune. Her lips trembled, and +she was very near breaking down. + +It seemed almost as if heaven had suddenly opened and sent her a kind +friend in the midst of her darkness and trouble. + +"You are very kind, sir; I feel that you have made me a most liberal +offer, and I accept it most gratefully," she said. + +Something in her tone—a sort of hopeless cadence mingling with the +gratitude, as if with all this good fortune there were a lurking despair +in her heart—touched the gentleman deeply. + +He was becoming greatly interested in this beautiful woman, who, with that +look of heart-broken sadness in her violet eyes, and that grieved droop +about her sweet mouth, he believed must have some thrilling history +connected with her young life. + +"Then, Mrs. Alexander, do your best, and give me something especially nice +for Easter," he returned, brightly, and appearing not to notice her +emotion. + +He arose as he spoke, and took leave of her with a cordial handshake, +saying that she would hear from him again soon regarding her other +designs, and Virgie went on her homeward way with more of hope and +courage than she had known since her great trouble came upon her. + +She had nearly reached the street where she lived, when something occurred +to give her a fearful start. + +In turning a corner she suddenly came face to face with a man who was +wrapped in a heavy circular cape, its collar turned up close about his +face and concealing the whole lower portion of it. He wore a wide-brimmed +hat that was drawn down over his brow, so that, with the collar and hat +together, scarcely anything of his countenance was visible save a pair of +piercing black eyes, and a long, sharp nose. + +As Virgie met those eyes, which were fixed upon her with an eager, +questioning look, she had difficulty in repressing a scream of fear and +surprise. + +The next moment, however, she recovered herself, and passed him as if he +had been an utter stranger; but, though outwardly calm and indifferent, +she was trembling in every limb, while a sense of weakness caused by the +shock she had received, made it seem as if she could not go on her way. + +But she knew it would not do for her to stop, for a sidelong glance over +her shoulder and the sound of a step behind her told her that the muffled +figure was following her, evidently with the intention of accosting her. + +"How dare he come back here? It cannot be that he knows me after all these +years," she said to herself as she quickened her pace and sped on toward +her home. + +Then a sudden thought smote her. + +"He must not know where I live, if it <i>is</i> he, and I am sure I cannot be +mistaken, for those eyes are like no others in the world. What shall I +do?" + +She was rapidly nearing her own door, but a sudden purpose impelled her +to keep on and go straight by, without even a pause or a look that way. + +A block or two beyond she came to a store where she sometimes went to +purchase articles that she needed She entered, and going to a counter, +called for the first thing she could think of, but kept her eye on the +door to see if the man had followed her. + +Yes, there could be no doubt that her steps were dogged, for the man +passed even as she looked. + +His keen glance searched her out immediately; then he paused, turned, and +walked slowly back. + +The store was on a corner, and there were two entrances to it—one on the +front, one at the side. + +Virgie paid for her purchase, then worked her way around, going from +counter to counter, until she reached the side entrance, when she went +slyly out, waited until she saw a car approaching, hailed it, and in +another moment went rolling down the street, believing that she had eluded +the keen eyes that were on the watch for her. + +Not so, however; for the man, having heard the car stop, darted around the +corner, and espied her in it just as it was about turning into another +street. + +He could not overtake it, and with a muttered expression of annoyance, he +was obliged to wait for the next one. But he saw no more of Virgie that +day, for she took a transfer, and when about a mile from her home changed +cars and at length reached her own door, confident that she had escaped +her pursuer for that time. + +A day or two afterward she saw a personal in one of the daily papers that +both puzzled and alarmed her. + +F.V.A., whom I met on the corner of W. and C. streets, will communicate +with M.A., Lock Box 95, she will learn something to her advantage. + +This was the advertisement, and Virgie knew at once that she had been +recognized by that man muffled in the cloak. + +"That means me," she said, growing deadly white, "and I was not mistaken. +<i>He</i> has come back. How dare he? What can he want of me? But I will never +see him. I will have nothing to say to him. I will hide myself from him. +It is evident he has not discovered where I live, else he would have been +here before this, and I will take care that he does not find me out." + +After that she was very careful about going out, always closely veiling +her face, and wearing a long circular to conceal her form, when she was +obliged to do so, which was not often, as, with rare exceptions, her +business with Mr. Knight could be mostly transacted by correspondence. + +Thus several months passed without her seeing or hearing anything more of +the person who had so disturbed her, until at last she believed he must +have left the city, and she gave herself no further concern about him. + + + + +Chapter XXIV. +The Tie Is Broken. + + +There was no lack of employment now for Virgie. She had plenty to occupy +heart, and brain, and hands, and of such a congenial nature that she +reaped great benefit from it both mentally and physically. + +Of course nothing could ever blot out from her memory the terrible trouble +and suffering that she had had to endure, but her work brought its own +enjoyment so that she no longer spent such wretched days and nights as +formerly. Her baby was every day growing interesting and a source of great +comfort to her, while her life generally was tending to bring out the +latent qualities of her character, the energy and self-reliance, the skill +and talent which otherwise might never have developed into activity. + +More than a year went by, while every month she was earning a handsome +sum, having been permanently engaged by Mr. Knight to keep him supplied +with those novelties which she was so skillful in originating. + +Her "Gleanings from the Heights" proved a great success, selling faster +than the firm could issue them. Besides this she had been awarded the +first prize on the other souvenirs, so that, pecuniarily, she had nothing +to fear for the future. + +And now she set about another undertaking which she had long contemplated; +that of obtaining a divorce from her husband. + +She did not take this step because she had any desire to break the tie +that bound her to him, and she would never have moved in the matter at all +but for the fact that others had assailed her fair name and assumed that +her child was dishonored. + +Her chief aim, in collecting the proofs of the legality of her marriage, +had been to secure to little Virgie the right to the name she bore, and an +indisputable title to her inheritance by and by when she should be of a +suitable age to claim and enjoy it. + +She meant to give her every advantage as she grew older, and do everything +possible to fit her for a high position in life; and when, at length, she +should reach her majority, she would claim her rights and take care that +she secured them in spite of all opposition. + +This was all the revenge that Virgie ever intended to take for the wrong +that she believed herself to have suffered at her husband's hands. She +would scorn to accept anything for herself, but the lawful position of her +daughter must and <i>should</i> be recognized. + +Her residence of a year in San Francisco had given her the right to apply +to the court to have her marriage bonds annulled, and she put her case +into the hands of a competent lawyer, recommended by Mr. Knight, to whom +she had confided something of her history, and solicited his advice +regarding the matter. + +He had advised her not to take any legal proceedings until she had tried +to confer with Sir William again. + +"There is some mistake, I feel sure," he said, "some misunderstanding +which might be explained if proper measures were adopted." + +"A mistake!" repeated Virgie, scornfully, her eyes blazing with +indignation. "I imagine that the only mistake about the whole matter is +that I allowed myself to become the dupe of an unprincipled man." + +"It can at least do no harm to write him what your intentions are," +suggested Mr. Knight, mildly. + +"I wrote him letter after letter while I was in New York. Mrs. Farnum, of +whom I have told you, knew the whole family, and wrote of me to Lady +Linton, but they appeared to be in total ignorance of even my existence, +while Mrs. Farnum asserted that Sir William had been engaged for years to +Miss Stanhope, and I have already told you of his subsequent marriage with +her." + +"Still I cannot comprehend how he should dare to commit such a wrong," +persisted Mr. Knight. "He must have known that his marriage with you was +legal, according to the laws of the State in which it occurred, and the +mere fact of his leaving the country could not annul it. If he had assumed +a name while he was here, it would not seem so inexplicable, but all the +papers which you hold go to show that he married you under his own name +and title; while your description of the character of the man makes it +seem utterly impossible that he should be guilty of such conduct." + +"True. When I think of that, I am heart-broken," said Virgie, breaking +down for a moment. "He seemed so true and noble in every respect, and he +was particular to have his title appear in the certificate, although he +did not adopt it while traveling because he found he was less conspicuous +as plain Mr. Heath." + +"It almost seems to me as if some plot had been laid to separate you," +said Mr. Knight, thoughtfully. + +"Impossible! How could such a thing be?" queried Virgie, skeptically. "Who +would plot against us?" + +"Your letters on both sides may have been intercepted by some enemy with +that end in view." + +"He has no enemy that I am aware of; neither have I. I did not know a +single individual when I went to New York, so there was no one there who +would be likely to meddle with our correspondence. More than this, if he +did not hear from me, and was true to me, or had possessed an atom of +affection for his child, it is but natural to suppose that he would have +taken prompt measures to ascertain what the trouble was. No; the more I +dwell upon it, the more I am convinced that what he has done was a scheme +to secure my property, and then leave me to my fate. I can think of no +other object that he could have had." + +Alas! Virgie realized long after how she had wronged a noble man with +these dreadful suspicions, and even while she was giving utterance to +them, her heart was heavy with a sense of injustice done the man whom, +even then, she loved most fondly. + +Mr. Knight shook his head in a doubtful manner at her last words, and yet +he looked perplexed. + +"You think I am too hard," Virgie continued, bitterly "but does not even +the provision which he made for me before leaving New York look as if he +did not intend to return to me?" + +"You refer to the five thousand dollars which he deposited for you; it was +a very generous amount, truly." + +Of course I could not begin to use such a sum in the few weeks that he +pretended he should be away; while the additional five hundred dollars +which he sent me through his sister goes to prove that he had no intention +of ever coming back to me, yet did not wish me to suffer for lack of +means." + +"I do not like the aspect of that transaction at all," responded Mr. +Knight, emphatically. "It looks to me as if his sister had had more to do +with the matter than rightly belonged to her. Who knows but what she may +have been opposed to her brother's marriage and has been at the bottom of +all the trouble?" he concluded, reasoning with a shrewdness which he did +not realize. + +But Virgie could not be convinced. + +"I do not believe that," she said, with a sigh; "it looks to me as if he +was ashamed—conscience-smitten—and did not have the moral courage to +communicate with me himself." + +Yet, even as she said it, she knew that such a course was utterly at +variance with his character, as she had known it. + +"Well, Mrs. Alexander—or Mrs. Heath, I suppose I ought to call you—I +will not say more to dissuade you from your purpose; but let me advise +you, as a sincere friend, to go to England and ascertain for yourself just +how matters are, before you proceed any further." + +Virgie started to her feet, with crimson cheeks and flashing eyes. + +"Go to England!—to Heathdale! to find another woman queening it there in +<i>my</i> place!—to be brow-beaten and insulted by that proud family!—to be +disowned by the man who has already wronged me beyond all forgiveness! +Never, sir!" + +"You could at least demand your own—the money that your father left you." + +"And do you suppose I should get it? I have no proof that my father ever +left me a dollar. Sir William has every paper in his own possession. I +have not a scrap even that would enable me to wrest so much as a pound +from him as my right." + +Mr. Knight looked grave. Certainly matters were not very promising for the +injured wife. + +"Well, it is the most incomprehensible affair that I ever heard of," he +said. "I still think, though, that a personal interview would be the wiser +course before proceeding further. However, a proper notice will have to be +served upon the man, and if there has been any misunderstanding, or he has +any desire to contest your appeal for a divorce, he will probably make it +apparent when the right time comes. And now, regarding the best counsel +for you, I think my friend, Templeton would work well for you, and secure +a bill with as little notoriety as any one." + +Virgie shivered at this business-like talk of "a bill." It was almost like +severing soul from body to break the sacred tie that bound her to the man +she so fondly loved, and nothing save the belief that another was +occupying the place that rightly belonged to her could have induced her to +take such a step. + +She applied to Mr. Templeton, as Mr. Knight advised He, too, counseled +further intercourse with the baronet, for, to his keen mind, also, the +whole affair appeared more like a conspiracy on the part of enemies than a +willful wrong perpetrated by the husband. + +But Virgie utterly refused to hold any communication with Sir William. + +"He will have to be notified regarding the proceedings about to be +instituted against him," she said, "and if he is guiltless of wrong he +will surely hasten to make it apparent." + +In spite of her obstinate refusal to make further overtures, something of +hope had been revived in her heart by the united opinions of Mr. Knight +and her lawyer that some enemy had plotted to separate her from her +husband. She remembered what Mrs. Farnum had told her about the pride of +his family, and it might be there was some foundation for the belief of +the two gentlemen. She could understand how that might possibly be the +case as far as intercepting their letters was concerned, but those other +facts of the long engagement and the marriage with Miss Stanhope were +things which she could not explain by any reasoning. + +Still she kept hoping for some word during the time that intervened +between the notification and the day set for the hearing of the case. Day +after day she waited and watched for some tidings from her husband +starting at every unusual sound, growing almost faint at the opening and +shutting of a door, and even imagining she saw a familiar form as she sat +at her window and eagerly scanned every passer-by. + +She grew thin and pale with this dreadful suspense; she seemed to be +consuming with fever, and was so restless and nervous that her friend, Mr. +Knight, feared that her mind might suffer from such tension. + +She hoped until the last moment, although she tried to conceal it, but +when the dreaded day arrived, when her case was presented and there was +no one to contest it; when the judge rendered his decision, declaring that +her marriage was null and void, that henceforth in the eyes of the law and +the world she was free from the man to whom she had solemnly promised to +cling until death should part them, her courage and strength forsook her, +and she was carried lifeless from the court-room, while for three weeks +afterward she lay weak and ill, and almost indifferent to life. + +The only grain of comfort in this time of woe was derived from the fact +that the child had been given to her, and she had no fear of ever having +it taken from her, even if Sir William should ever be moved to a desire to +have her. + +For a time she seemed wholly unlike herself; but the kind-hearted +publisher knew that the best antidote for all kinds of trouble is work, +and he kept her crowded with orders, until she felt obliged to rally her +failing energies and to take up the burdens of life once more. + +Thus the winter passed; but, when summer came again, little Virgie began +to droop in the noisome atmosphere of the city, and the physician said she +must be taken where she could have purer air and country living; so Virgie +went to a quiet little place a few miles out of the city, where she +remained the entire season, not returning to San Francisco until late in +October, and thus a cruel fate again seemed to mock her, for during her +absence Sir William Heath had come to seek her again, and not finding her, +he, too, had grown heart-sick with despair and hope deferred. + + + + +Chapter XXV. +Sir William Becomes Guardian. + + +Very distressing were the thoughts of the young baronet, who had so +suddenly returned to his home and been stricken with illness. + +He had been sick at Alexandria when he received the document notifying him +that Virgie was seeking a divorce. + +He was absolutely paralyzed as he read it, and saw by the date that it +would be utterly impossible for him to reach America in time to stay the +proceedings. + +He could not even reach England in season to cable for that purpose, and +he was so overcome by the knowledge and his own helplessness, as to render +him unable to travel for a couple of weeks longer. + +One thing gave him some satisfaction. He at least knew that Virgie was in +San Francisco, and that she must have been residing in the State for some +time to allow her the right to apply for the divorce there. She must have +been there even while he was there searching for her, and it seemed +terribly cruel to him that he should have missed her. + +But he resolved that he would find her yet, if she lived. Poor darling! +what a bitter lot had been hers during this last year, believing what she +must of him. It should not go on, however; he would seek her and vindicate +himself; he would prove to her that he had never wavered in his truth to +her in spite of all the evidence against him. He would prove his love for +her, and he would win her again, even though the dread decree had been +pronounced, bring her back with him to Heathdale, and they would be happy +yet. + +And his child—the precious little one whom he had never seen—his heart +cried out for her with an uncontrollable yearning—his baby! his miniature +Virgie! + +Thus, as we already know, he went directly to Heathdale where he arrived +on the very evening that Lady Linton had received the papers announcing +that his wife had secured a decree of divorce. + +He was very wretched in spite of his sister's hearty welcome and efforts +to render him comfortable; and during her absence from the room to see +that something unusually nice should be prepared for him, anxious, bitter +thoughts crowded his mind, and he rebelled against the arbitrary weariness +and lassitude that bound him, as with chains of iron, and compelled him to +rest. + +Gradually, however, his glance began to wander over the familiar room, +lingering now upon some picture, now upon some rare article of virtu, each +endeared by peculiar associations, until at length it rested upon the +table and that document, which his sister had dropped and forgotten in her +surprise at his appearance. + +Its likeness to the one he had previously received startled him. + +He arose and went forward to examine it. Its postmark told him at once +whence it had come. + +A deathly paleness overspread his face; a horrible numbness fell upon his +heart. + +With trembling hands he tore it open, and one glance was sufficient to +tell him the nature of its contents. + +It was the one bitter blow too much, even though he had half-expected it, +and, with a despairing cry that would have melted the hardest heart, +"Lost! lost! Virgie, my love! my love!" he fell prone upon the floor, +clutching that fatal paper in his grasp. + +Long weeks of watching and anxiety followed—weeks during which Lady +Linton began to fear that she was paying dearly for her plotting and +treachery, even though her son might become the master of Heathdale in the +event of her brother's death. + +But he did not die. His constitution was naturally rugged, and by the end +of winter, after many alternations of hope and fear, he slowly began to +rally. + +As soon as he was able to be dressed and sit up he began to talk of going +again to America. + +Of course Sir Herbert Randal vetoed such a proposition at once. + +"You are not to stir outside the grounds of Heathdale for three months at +least," he said, decidedly. + +"But I must, Sir Herbert. You have no idea how much is at stake," the sick +man pleaded. + +"You must not. I cannot help how much there is at stake," returned the +physician, firmly. "I have had hard work to get you up, even so far, from +this nervous prostration and the least excitement or imprudence will cause +a dangerous relapse." + +And so, with despair at his heart, Sir William was obliged to submit. + +He tried to write to Virgie, intending to send the letter to her through +the lawyer whom she had employed and whose name had appeared in connection +with the papers he had received, but he could not; he found that his brain +was too weak to permit of the framing of even a sentence, and he knew that +he could never plead his cause successfully in such a state. + +He shrank from asking any one else to write for him; his sister he knew +was not in sympathy with him, and he would not confide in her. + +When his mind had become strong enough to realize what was going on about +him, he had one day asked Lady Linton to bring him both documents that had +come to him from America. + +She obeyed him, making no comment, though her manner betrayed that she +knew well enough their character. + +He told her to lock them in a certain drawer which no one was ever allowed +to open save himself. + +She did so in his presence, and earnestly hoped, as the key clicked upon +them, that that episode in her brother's life was buried for all time. + +But she was not long in finding that she was to be disappointed + +As summer advanced Sir William gained more rapidly and by August he was +pronounced comparatively well, although he was still but the ghost of his +former self. + +Then he announced his determination of again crossing the Atlantic, and +Lady Linton's heart failed her. Would he never relinquish his chase after +that miserable girl? + +She earnestly pleaded that he would not leave home again. + +"I must," he replied, sternly. "I must find my wife." + +"Your wife!" she retorted, losing all patience; "you have no wife." + +"Be still, Miriam," he commanded, growing frightfully pale. "I see that +you know what has occurred, and though the law may have succeeded in +breaking the tie between us, yet in my heart I claim Virgie as my wife +just as truly to-day as she ever was. I will search the world over for +her; if I find her the law will give her to me again, for I believe that +she is still true to me, whatever she may think of me; if I do <i>not</i> find +her, I shall live and die cherishing her image alone." + +Lady Linton knew that he meant what he said. + +"That will be bad for Sadie's hopes," she thought; "but doubtless Percy +will be the gainer, unless he succeeds in finding that girl. I never +believed his pride would let him go chasing after her like this." + +The last of August found him again on the ocean. + +The voyage proved beneficial, and he was in much better health and +strength when he landed in New York than when he left England. + +He proceeded directly to San Francisco as fast as steam and wheels could +take him, determined to seek out Mr. Templeton, Virgie's lawyer, who, he +believed, would tell him where she could be found. + +But a terrible disappointment awaited him there. + +Mr. Templeton had retired from business at the beginning of summer, and, +with his family, had gone abroad for an indefinite period. + +He could not even obtain his address, and was thus prevented from +communicating with him by letter. + +Then he began another wearisome search. Day after day he haunted the +streets of the city. He inquired, he advertised, and used every method he +could think of to ascertain where his darling was, but without avail, for, +as we know, she had gone into the country on little Virgie's account, +while Mr. Knight was away on a trip to British Columbia, or he might have +seen Sir William's advertisements, and helped him in the matter so near, +his heart. + +About the middle of October he decided to go once more to her old home +among the mountains of Nevada, hoping to learn something of her there. + +But, of course, he did not, and he finally came to the conclusion that she +must have left California after obtaining her divorce. At least he thought +she would leave San Francisco, for he knew that there were unpleasant +associations connected with her past life there, and he did not believe +she would like to make her home in that city, where disagreeable rumors +might still exist. But, still resolving to find her at any cost, he turned +his face in another direction, and began anew his wanderings up and down +the land. + +Three weary years he spent thus, following every clew, but all to no +purpose. Then, saddened and disheartened he was compelled to give up the +chase and return to Heathdale, for his estate demanded his personal +attention. + +Mrs. Farnum and her daughter were full of hope, after learning that the +decree of divorce had been granted, that the beauty and belle would at +last succeed in securing the prize she had so long coveted. + +Every art was made use of to captivate the wealthy baronet, but it was +evident that his heart was irrevocably fixed—that he had no intention of +ever marrying again. Finally the disappointed girl gave her hand to a +rich, but aged and feeble lord, and tried to satisfy her heart and +ambition with the golden husks thus achieved. + +Mrs. Farnum lost her husband soon after her return from America, and +afterward made her home mostly with her daughter. But she was far from +being a happy woman, even though she had everything which unlimited wealth +could purchase. Her conscience never ceased to trouble her for the part +she had played in helping to ruin the life of that beautiful wife and +mother whom she had met in New York. She was ever haunted by that sad, +sweet face. She had been half-tempted, many times, to confess everything +to Sir William, hoping thus to atone in part for what she had done, and +because, after she found that Sadie's cause was hopeless, she began to +pity that poor, injured girl; but her fear of Lady Linton, and also of Sir +William's righteous anger, prevented her doing so. + +Thus five years passed. + +It was now ten years since Sir William Heath's marriage with Virgie, but +he was still true to the one love of his youth. He continued to cherish +her image in his heart, even as he had vowed to do, and though he had come +to believe her lost to him forever, he had determined that no other should +occupy the place he had once given to her. + +But about this time something occurred to create a pleasant change in his +saddened life. + +A dear friend of his youth died, leaving to his care his fine, manly +little son, now in his twelfth year, who had been the pride of his +father's heart, the comfort of widowered, lonely years. + +Major Hamilton had been in Her Majesty's service for many years, and at +the time of his death was serving on an important appointment abroad. + +During this service he had acquired many honors and great wealth. His wife +was the second daughter of Lord Shaftonsberry, but she had lived only one +short month after the birth of their only son, Rupert, who was now to +become the ward of Sir William Heath. + +He was a noble little fellow, and it was not long before the baronet +became fondly attached to him, and believed that perhaps he had at last +found, in rearing this child of promise to manhood, something that would +add interest and zest to his dreary and monotonous life. + +Lady Linton, who was still at Heathdale, and nominally its mistress, +received the orphaned stranger with great kindness. + +He was heir presumptive to the title and estates of Shaftonsberry, if +death should remove the present incumbent who as yet had no children of +his own, and this circumstance, in addition to the great wealth which +young Rupert inherited from his father, made him a person of considerable +consequence. + +Her ladyship's mind, with its habitual cunning, leaped forward eight or +ten years, and planned a union of the houses of Linton and Shaftonsberry, +by the marriage of her daughter, Lillian, now eleven years of age, with +her brother's ward. + +She argued that everything was in her favor for accomplishing this, for +the children would be reared beneath the same roof, and it would be +comparatively easy to educate them to consider themselves destined for +each other. + +Of course this arch plotter kept all this to herself, for she well knew +that her brother would sternly oppose all match-making of this sort; but +it became a dearly cherished plan with her, and she bent all her energies +toward its accomplishment. + + + + +Chapter XXVI. +"I Shall Never Marry Again." + + +Virgie returned to San Francisco about two weeks after Sir William quitted +the city. + +Her little girl, now more than two years old, was much improved, and had +grown to be a remarkably interesting child, while she was of the greatest +comfort to her mother whose every hope was now centered in her. + +Virgie entered upon her work with renewed interest, although she had not +been idle during the summer by any means. With her pen she had copied +nature in every possible phase, and had brought home, for her winter's +campaign, rich treasures of beauty and art. + +She had for some time been engaged upon quite an extensive work, which was +to be elegantly bound, and which promised to be something very rare and +unique. + +She threw herself into this with such energy, after her return, and worked +at it so steadily and with so much enthusiasm, that Mr. Knight really +began to fear that she would overtax her strength. + +From the first he had been deeply interested in the beautiful and talented +woman who bore her sorrows so bravely and battled so courageously with the +adverse fate that had well-nigh ruined her life. He had pitied her +friendlessness, and tried to throw around her a sort of fatherly care and +protection; but as he came to know her better, to realize her strength of +mind and character, and beauty of disposition, a warmer feeling began to +take the place of pity and compassion, until, as she grew to confide in +and rely upon him more and more, the hope that he might perhaps win her to +share and brighten his lonely home during the declining years of his life, +gradually dawned upon him, and he finally resolved to ask her to become +his wife. + +"I could save her from all this toil, and all uncertainty about the +future. I would ask no greater happiness than to see her mistress of my +home during the remainder of my life, and then, when I am gone, she will +have all my wealth to smooth her own future." + +Thus he mused while considering the propriety of putting his fate to the +test. + +One day Virgie came into his office to consult with him regarding some +point connected with her book, and he thought she appeared weary and +looked paler than usual. + +"You are working too hard, Mrs. Alexander," he said. "Do not apply +yourself so closely—there is no need." + +"No need?" returned Virgie; "there is every need. I am very mercenary, Mr. +Knight," she added, smiling "I am determined to make all the money I can, +so that my dear little girl may have every advantage by and by." + +"But if you tax your strength too severely you may break down, and that +would be far worse than not to make money quite so rapidly." + +"I do not think I am going beyond my strength," Virgie replied, gravely. +"Besides, I am much more content when I am very busy; it keeps me +from—thinking." + +"You ought to be far more than simply 'content,'" answered Mr. Knight, +regarding the fair face wistfully, "for you are not only making plenty of +money, but winning fame for yourself also. The name of Alexander bids fair +to become renowned." + +Virgie started violently at this, and glanced sharply at her companion. +Then a burning blush suffused her face, and she said, in a low, pained +tone: + +"Oh, I hope not! I—I do not wish to be known. I am afraid I have done +wrong in using the name at all. I did it hastily, impulsively——" + +She stopped, covered with confusion, a look of distress on her lovely face +for having allowed herself to say so much. + +Mr. Knight looked astonished for a moment, while he earnestly studied her +countenance. Then light seemed to dawn upon him suddenly. + +"Pardon me," he said, leaning eagerly toward her, "but what you have said +has enlightened me regarding something that has puzzled me since the day I +first met you. You are the daughter of Abbot Alexander who disappeared so +mysteriously from this city several years ago." + +"Yes, it is true," Virgie confessed, with bowed head and burning cheeks. +"But, oh, Mr. Knight, pray do not allow any one else to suspect my +identity if you can avoid it. Put some other name to my books, or put no +name at all to them. For my father's sake, I shrink from attracting public +attention to his name." + +"My dear young friend, I fear you are morbidly sensitive I used to know +your father, and I always esteemed him as a noble man—one whose honor was +unimpeachable." + +"Ah! Then you do not know—" + +"Yes, I do know all about that financial earthquake which wrought his ruin +and that of many others; but I am sure <i>he</i> was blameless." + +"You judge him, then, more kindly than others," Virgie returned, almost +weeping to hear her father so warmly defended. "There are few, I fear, who +do not believe the very worst of him even now." + +"Doubtless that is true," Mr. Knight answered, with a sigh; "but I have +always been convinced that that rascally cashier was at the bottom of the +wrong. You must pardon me for speaking so plainly. I know that he was a +relative, though unworthy the name he bore." + +"But all the papers stated that the president and cashier were in league," +said Virgie. + +"I know it; and at first the affair did have that appearance—at least, +such a construction was but natural under the circumstances." + +"But papa gave up every dollar he possessed to right the wrong." + +"I know he did, but the amount was so small, compared with that which had +been stolen, that people were skeptical regarding his motives, and when he +also disappeared, they were only too ready to believe that he had gone to +share the plunder with the guilty cashier. But I would as soon suspect +myself of a crime as Abbot Alexander. I <i>know</i> that he was an honorable +man." + +"Oh, it is such a comfort to hear you say this," Virgie murmured, her +voice husky with emotion, her eyes filled with tears. "Poor papa! his last +years were embittered with the thought that every one believed him a +defaulter—that he had not one friend in all the world, save his daughter, +who had faith in him." + +"He made a great mistake in leaving San Francisco as he did," Mr. Knight +remarked. "If he had remained here and quietly lived down the scandal, he +might in time have recovered the confidence of the people." + +"Oh! if the stain could be removed from his name and memory!" sighed +Virgie. + +"I do not like to pain you, my dear," replied Mr. Knight, sympathetically; +"but that would be very difficult to accomplish, unless that cashier +should come forward and make a full confession." + +Virgie looked up, startled, her face growing very white. + +"I saw him here in the city last year," she said. + +"Impossible!" exclaimed her friend. + +"I am very sure I was not mistaken," Virgie affirmed and then she told the +publisher the circumstances of her being followed by that muffled figure +and of the advertisement which appeared in the papers a day or two +following, desiring communication with her. + +"I am afraid that <i>you</i> have made a mistake this time," said Mr. Knight, +thoughtfully. "You ought to have communicated with the man." + +"But I had such a horror of him; I could not believe that he would be able +to tell me of anything to my advantage." + +"At least he could have done you no harm, and he might have told you +something worth knowing. Promise me, if anything of the same nature occurs +again, you will let me know. If he could be arrested he might be forced to +a confession of the truth." + +Virgie was greatly disturbed by this view of the matter, and regretted +that she had not had more wisdom at the time. She readily promised to do +as Mr. Knight wished, though she feared she might never again have the +opportunity. + +"Now that the ice has been broken, and I know who you are, tell me +something of your life among the mountains," said her friend. "I fear it +must have been a very dreary and monotonous one." + +"It was a very quiet and peaceful one," Virgie answered with a sigh, as +she thought of the storms she had buffeted since. "Papa's claim proved to +be an excellent one, and he made a good deal of money from it; and after +we became somewhat used to the change in our life, it was not so bad." + +"But all his earnings there had to be sacrificed also. My poor child; what +a hard lot has been yours! I almost wonder at your having any faith +whatever in human nature," said Mr. Knight, feelingly. + +"I am sure that <i>you</i> have proved to me that there is at least one noble +man in the world," Virgie returned, gratefully. "I shall never forget your +kindness to me, Mr. Knight; you have been a true friend to me." + +The publisher leaned eagerly forward, and gathered her hands in his; her +words had inspired him with hope. + +"Let me be more than a friend to you, dear," he pleaded. "Let me take care +of you and your little one in the future. I know that I am much older than +you—old enough almost to be your father; but my home is lonely. I lost my +wife ten years ago. I have no children, and my heart is hungry for some +one to love. Dear child, you have been growing very dear to me ever since +you first came to me, and if you can trust me, if you can give yourself to +me, I will not ask too much, or even expect that you can feel a great deal +of affection for me, for I know how sorely you have been tried and +deceived in that respect; but let me persuade you to come to my home as my +honored wife, and I will surround you with tenderest care. Life shall be +made as pleasant as possible for you, and there will be no need of your +toiling any more." + +Virgie sat as one stunned after this unexpected proposal. + +She had never thought of anything like this during all her intercourse +with the kind-hearted publisher. She had learned to esteem him very highly +for his goodness to her, and to look up to him almost as to a father, but +the thought of ever being any man's wife again had never occurred to her. + +She grew very pale at his words, and instinctively shrank a little from +him. + +That act told him far more than words could have done, and he knew at once +that his cause was hopeless. + +He gently released her hands, sighing regretfully, while a look of pain +settled upon his fine face. + +"Oh! my friend," Virgie began, as soon as she could find her voice, "why +have you said this to me? I have not had the remotest suspicion of—of +your regard and what you have asked can never, never be." + +"Then forget that I have said anything about it, my dear. I would not +wound you for the world," said the old gentleman, with exceeding +gentleness, but with a still pained, white face. + +"Oh, please do not think me ungrateful for all your kindness," Virgie +cried, the tears dropping thick and fast from her eyes; "but, believe me, +I can never marry again. I feel, morally speaking, that I am just as truly +Sir William Heath's wife to-day as I ever was, even though the law has +rent the bond that existed between us. I do not feel that a marriage can +be broken except by death." + +"Then why did you appeal for a divorce?" interrupted Mr. Knight, with +surprise. + +"Simply that he might be free in the eyes of the world to make that other +woman a legal wife—so that she need not suffer such a wrong through me." + +"But she has already suffered it, if what you have heard is true." + +"That may be, but he now has it in his power to do her justice, if he +chooses. At all events, <i>I</i> can never feel free to change my condition in +life. My whole future must be devoted to the preparation of my child for +the position which she will occupy by and by, for I am determined that she +shall be acknowledged the rightful heir to Heathdale," Virgie concluded, +firmly. + +"How about the wrong which this other woman and her children will suffer +in that case?" asked the publisher. + +"That is something which I cannot help—for which I am in no way +responsible. If others suffer, that must be Sir William Heath's punishment +for the wrong which he has done me and my child." + +Virgie was very pale, showing that she felt strongly on the subject, but +she spoke decidedly, as if her purpose was unalterable. + +"I can but own the justice of what you have said," responded Mr. Knight, +adding: "But of course it will have to be as you say regarding the matter +of which I spoke. I should have been very happy in providing for your +future, and I had built many hopes upon having your presence in my home. +However, I will never pain you by mentioning the subject again, and you +must consider me the same friend as before. Come to me with all your +plans, your hopes, and your troubles, and believe that I shall always feel +the same interest in them as ever." + +He arose and held out his hand to her as he spoke, and Virgie could see +that it shook with the emotion which he was bravely trying to conceal. + +Her heart was almost broken for him, for she knew, that his home was very +silent and lonely. There was no one in it save his sister, a maiden lady +of uncertain age, to make it pleasant for him. + +"Forgive me!" she said, hardly able to speak, and with an impulsive +movement she bent forward and touched her lips to the hand extended to +her; then turning quickly, she glided from his presence before he could +interpose a word to prevent her. + +What happened to Virgie, and the final outcome of all her troubles is told +in the sequel to this story entitled "Threads Gathered Up," which is +published in a handsome cloth binding uniform with this volume. + + + +The End. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11269 *** diff --git a/11269-h/11269-h.htm b/11269-h/11269-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2da139b --- /dev/null +++ b/11269-h/11269-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9528 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Virgie's Inheritance, by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +p.letter {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11269 ***</div> + + <h1> + Virgie's Inheritance + </h1> + <h2 class="no-break"> + By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + </h2> + <h4> + Author of "Nora," "Trixy,"<br /> "Earle Wayne's Nobility,"<br /> "Helen's + Victory,"<br /> "A True Aristocrat," Etc. + </h4> + <h4> + Copyright, 1887, 1888, 1891<br /> By Street & Smith + </h4> + + <h2> + Virgie's Inheritance. + </h2> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter I.<br/> + Introduces our Heroine and a Benighted Traveler. + </h2> + <p> + "Virgie, I shall have to give up the race." + </p> + <p> + "Papa!" + </p> + <p> + "My strength is failing rapidly. It was all that I could do to creep + home to-night. My trembling limbs, my labored breathing, and this + dreadful cough, all warn me that I must set my house in order, and make + provision for your future." + </p> + <p> + It was an apparently old man who spoke thus, and yet the years of his + life numbered but a little over fifty. + </p> + <p> + His hair was silvery white; his face was colorless and haggard, his eyes + dim and sunken, and his form was much attenuated and bowed by the + disease which was fast consuming him. + </p> + <p> + He was sitting by a blazing fire, in an ordinary easy-chair over which a + heavy coverlid had been thrown to make it more comfortable; but he + shivered, and hovered over the blaze, as if he were chilled to the very + marrow, while the hands which he held extended to catch the warmth were + livid, and trembling from weakness. + </p> + <p> + The room was small, but cozy and home-like. A cheap, coarse carpet, + though of a bright and tasteful pattern, lay upon the floor. An oval + table, covered with a daintily embroidered cloth, stood in the center. + There was a pretty lamp, with a bright Japanese shade upon it. There + were also a few books in choice bindings, and a dainty work-basket + filled with implements for sewing. A few pictures—some done with pen + and ink, others in crayon, but all showing great talent and nicety of + execution—hung, in simple frames, upon the walls. The two windows of + the apartment were screened by pretty curtains of spotless muslin over + heavier hangings of crimson, while a lounge and two or three chairs + completed the furnishing of the room. + </p> + <p> + Beside the table, in a low rocker, several paces from the invalid by the + fire, yet where she could catch every expression of his pale, sad face, + there sat a young girl, with a piece of fancy work in her hands, upon + which she had been busily engaged before her father spoke. + </p> + <p> + She was perhaps twenty years of age, with a straight, perfect form, and + a face that would have better graced a a palace than the humble mountain + home where she now abode. It was a pure, oval, with delicate, beautiful + brows; soft, round cheeks, in which a lovely pink came and went with + every emotion. Her eyes were of a deep violet color, shaded by dark + silken lashes, though their expression was saddened somewhat just now by + a look of care and anxiety. Her white forehead was surmounted by rich + chestnut-brown hair, which was gathered into a graceful knot at the back + of her finely shaped head. A straight, patrician nose; a small, but + rather resolute mouth, and a rounded chin, in which there was a + bewitching dimple; small, lady-like hands and feet, completed the <i>tout + ensemble</i> of Virginia Abbot, the daughter and only child of a whilom + honored and wealthy bank president of San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + When addressed, as recorded above, the beautiful girl had started and + grown suddenly pale, and a look of keenest pain shot into her violet + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then her sweet mouth straightened itself into a stern, resolute line. + There was a moment of solemn silence, which she broke, by saying, in a + repressed but gentle tone: + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry that you are feeling worse than usual to-night, papa. I know + you must be weary. You are always that after being all day in the mine, + and the storm, of course, aggravates your cough; but if you will rest a + few days you will surely be better." + </p> + <p> + "No, Virgie, it is useless to build upon false hopes. I shall never be + any better. My work is done. I shall go no more to my claim, and I have + decided to dispose of it to the first one who will offer me a fair price + for it. But, dear child, if it were not for you I believe I should be + glad to know that my saddened life is almost at an end. I——" + </p> + <p> + The weary voice quivered and failed here, and the man sank back in his + chair with a bitter sigh. + </p> + <p> + The young girl, her own face now blanched to the hue of death, laid down + her work, arose, and moved swiftly to her father's side, where she knelt + by his chair. + </p> + <p> + "Papa, do not talk so. You must not leave me," she cried, in a voice of + agony. "I cannot spare you. There must be something to help you—to + build up your strength. Let us go back home, where you can have the best + medical advice." + </p> + <p> + The man sat up in his chair, stopping her with a gesture almost of + despair. + </p> + <p> + "Home!" he cried, hoarsely. "Virgie, we have no home but this. You know + that I am already the same as dead to every one but you; that even our + real name is sunk in oblivion." + </p> + <p> + "But, papa, you must try to live for my sake," Virgie cried, clasping + her trembling hands about his emaciated arm, and shuddering as she felt + how frail it was. "If you will not go back, let me at least send for Dr. + Truel. He is skillful. He was always our friend. He will cheer you and + give you something to build you up, and he will keep our secret, too. + Oh, you ought to have had advice long ago. What shall I do in this + dreary place if you leave me alone?" + </p> + <p> + The sick man unclasped her clinging hands from his arm, and drew her + slight form to him in a tender embrace. + </p> + <p> + "My darling," he said, fondly, "that is just what I wish to talk with + you about; so calm yourself and listen to me. Neither Dr. Truel, nor any + other doctor, can help me now; if I had called him a year ago he might + have prolonged my life; but my pride would not let me face any one whom + I had ever known. But I will not speak of the past; it is too familiar + and painful to both of us. It is useless, however, for me to think for a + moment of going back, even to die, in the home where we were once so + happy, for only disgrace is connected with our name—disgrace and wrong, + all the more keenly felt because unmerited." + </p> + <p> + "Hush, Virgie!" he continued, as a shuddering sob burst from the breast + pressed so closely to his, "you must not give way so. I did not mean to + alarm you unnecessarily by what I have said; I may not leave you for + some time yet. I may be spared for a few months, perhaps until autumn, + but I feel that the time has come to arrange some definite plan for your + future. I must, however, give up my work, for I have no longer strength + to carry it on; but if there was only some one whom I could trust to + take charge of my claim. I might even yet reap something of benefit from + it to add to the hoard that I have been saving for you against this + emergency." + </p> + <p> + "But, papa, I would much rather that you should spend every dollar that + you have, if it would prolong your life; if I lose you, I have not a + friend in the world." + </p> + <p> + The man heaved a heavy sigh, for too well he realized the truth of her + words. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," he returned, with tender pathos, "if it were possible for me + to regain my health, at any sacrifice, I would gladly make it for your + sake. But I know that it cannot be, and my care now must be to make the + best provision that I can for you." + </p> + <p> + "I have been very successful since coming here," he went on, speaking + more cheerfully, "more so than I ever dared to hope, and the claim + promises much for the future and ought to bring a good price if sold; so + you will have quite a snug little fortune, my Virgie, and I trust that + your lot in life will yet be happy, in spite of the dark cloud that has + so shadowed it in the beginning. What say you to writing to my old + friend, Laurence Bancroft, of New York, confiding you to his care + after——" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my father, you make me utterly wretched," cried the young girl, + reaching up her arms and clasping them convulsively about his neck, + while she lifted her tear-stained face appealingly to him. + </p> + <p> + He bent forward and kissed her white forehead softly with his trembling + lips. + </p> + <p> + "Bear with me a little longer, my daughter, and then we will never + mention this again while I live," he returned, huskily. "Laurence + Bancroft, as you know, was a dear friend of my early life. He has a + cultivated wife, and two daughters about your own age; he will believe + me when I tell him the truth regarding our misfortunes, and will, no + doubt, give you a home in his own family, and care for your interests + until—woman's best gift—the love of some true man comes to you, and + you have a home of your own. New York is almost on the other side of the + world, and no evil breath of the past will be likely to touch you there. + What do you say, Virgie?—may I write to my friend, giving you to his + care?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, papa," Virgie said, wearily assenting to his project, more to put + an end to the painful conversation than because she had any choice in + the matter, "you may do whatever your judgment tells you is best, and I + will be guided entirely by your wishes." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot looked intensely relieved. + </p> + <p> + This question had troubled him for many months, and he had always shrunk + from speaking of it, because of the pain which he knew it would inflict. + With this vital matter settled, he felt that he could give up all care, + and spend the few remaining days of his life in peace with his idolized + child, and calmly await the end, which he knew was so near. + </p> + <p> + "That is right, dear," he said, with a contented smile. "I am greatly + comforted. I will write a full account of everything, together with my + wishes for your future, and it will be ready to be sent to Mr. Bancroft + at a moment's warning. I do not care to have him know anything about us + just yet; hark! what was that?" he broke off abruptly, and started into + a listening attitude. + </p> + <p> + "Only the wind and the storm beating against the house, I think," + answered Virgie, lifting her head, and calmed for the moment as she, + too, listened to what had seemed an unusual noise. + </p> + <p> + "It is a wild night, my child. I hope no one is homeless in this storm," + said Mr. Abbot. "I am thankful for this peaceful, though humble refuge, + after the turmoil and wrong of a few years ago, only it is hard for you + to be so shut away and isolated from those of your own age. But surely + that was a knock, Virgie." + </p> + <p> + The young girl started to her feet as a loud and imperative rap echoed + through the small entry outside the parlor. + </p> + <p> + It was seldom that they were disturbed at that hour of the evening, for + among the hard working people of the mining district in which they + lived, there were few who were not early wrapped in slumber after the + labors of the day. + </p> + <p> + Virgie passed quickly out of the cheerful parlor into the tiny hall, and + opened the outer door, though the heavy burglar chain was fastened and + would admit of its being opened but a little ways. + </p> + <p> + "Who is there?" she asked, in her clear, sweet tones. + </p> + <p> + "A stranger who has lost his way and seeks direction to the nearest + public inn," answered a rich, mellow voice from without. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot now came out, a heavy shawl wrapped about his shoulders to + shield him from the dampness. + </p> + <p> + "It is more than a mile from here, and a very poor place at that," he + said. + </p> + <p> + The stranger outside gave a low whistle of dismay at this information, + and muttered something about being in "a very uncomfortable fix." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot unfastened the chain, threw wide the door, and invited the + unknown to come in out of the storm. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," was the courteous response; "but I will not trespass upon your + hospitality if you will kindly direct me to the inn of which you speak. + The darkness came on so suddenly that I lost my way. I left Oreana at + noon to go to Humboldt, but my horse sprained his foot on the rough + mountain road, and I have had to come at a snail's pace ever since." + </p> + <p> + "You are sadly out of your way, indeed, if you are going to Humboldt, + for it is a good ten miles from here. Come in—come in out of the + pouring rain, and we will discuss what will be best for you to do," + returned his host, in a hearty tone, for he was won by the man's + frankness and courtesy. + </p> + <p> + The stranger stepped, dripping, into the hall, a tall, straight figure, + booted and spurred, and enveloped in waterproof jacket, trousers, and + havelock. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," he said, "you are very kind; but allow me to introduce myself; + my name is Heath—William Heath, at your service." + </p> + <p> + "Then, Mr. Heath, come to my fireside and dry and warm yourself; my name + is Abbot and this is my daughter," replied Mr. Abbot, leading the way + into the cheerful parlor whither Virgie had retired when her father + opened the door to the benighted wayfarer. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath bowed with all the polish that could have been expected of him + had he been in a royal drawing-room instead of a rude cottage in a ruder + mining district of the mountains of Nevada, while his dark eyes flashed + with a look of admiration over the perfect figure and into the lovely + face of his host's daughter. + </p> + <p> + He removed his hat and havelock, revealing a grand head covered with + waving brown hair, and a handsome face all aglow with intelligence. His + eyes were a dark, wine-brown, his glance as keen and straight as an + eagle's, his manner and bearing betraying that he was accustomed to + mingle with people of culture and refinement. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter II.<br/> + The Stranger Welcomed. + </h2> + <p> + Virginia Abbot simply inclined her regal head in returning the + stranger's greeting; then taking up her work again, she sat down by the + table, with her back toward the fire and the newcomer. She had not + failed to notice his look of surprised admiration when introduced to + her, and it had affected her strangely. + </p> + <p> + Five years previous Mr. Abbot and his young daughter had come to that + wild region entire strangers—the former, a man of gentlemanly bearing, + somewhat past his prime; the latter a wondrously beautiful girl of + fifteen, just budding into womanhood, and with a dignity of mien and + refinement of speech which, together with her beauty, caused the uncouth + inhabitants of the place to regard her with something of awe, and as if + they thought she belonged to an entirely different sphere from them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot owned a claim in the gold and silver region there, which he + asserted that he was going to work himself, much to the surprise of the + rough miners, for he was a frail looking man. + </p> + <p> + He built a small but very convenient house, containing five rooms, + which, with the few elegancies he had brought with him, for his child's + sake, and which proclaimed that the strangers had been accustomed to the + luxuries of life heretofore, became the pride and wonder of the + settlement. + </p> + <p> + The house was painted inside and out; there were carpets upon the + floors, draperies at the windows, vases and ornaments on the mantels, + pictures on the walls. But though all the furnishings were of the + simplest and cheapest, yet, to the rude and unaccustomed people about + them, their home seemed a veritable palace. + </p> + <p> + Another mystery and evidence of superiority was the grave and + self-contained Chinaman who came with them, and was installed as cook + and servant in general in the small kitchen, and who waited upon the + young lady of the house with so much respect and deference. + </p> + <p> + Here the father and daughter lived in the utmost seclusion. Virgie never + was seen outside her home unless accompanied by her father or servant, + and Mr. Abbot, when not in the mine, devoted himself wholly to his + child. + </p> + <p> + They made no friends, and did not mingle at all with those about them, + although they were always kind and courteous to every one, and thus won + the respect of every man, woman and child in the hamlet. Mr. Abbot had + the appearance of being much broken in spirit; his countenance wore a + look of habitual sadness, and his abundant hair, so prematurely + whitened, plainly told that some heavy trouble had overtaken him in the + past. Nothing could be learned of their antecedents, where they had + lived, or why they were there, though Chi Lu, the servant, was often + plied with questions by the curious, and thus they were regarded as a + trio of very mysterious personages. + </p> + <p> + After a year or so, it began to be whispered about that "the governor," + as Mr. Abbot was called, because of the respect in which he was held, + had "struck it rich," in other words, that his claim was proving an + unusually fruitful one, and he was making money rapidly. How this came + to be known it would be hard to say, for he was very uncommunicative, + going and coming to and from his work quietly and unostentatiously, and + living in the simplest manner. + </p> + <p> + As time passed, Virginia Abbot grew even more beautiful than she was + when she had first come to her mountain home. The bracing air agreed + with her, her health was perfect, while her simple manner of living and + her regular habits were calculated to develop to the utmost every charm, + and keep her strong, and fresh, and beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Her mind was not allowed to lie dormant, however, for her father + attended most carefully and faithfully to her education, and not only + insisted upon a regular and thorough course of study, but kept her well + provided with the literature of the times, embracing many new books and + various papers and periodicals. + </p> + <p> + But for more than a year past, Mr. Abbot's health had been failing. The + change, however, was so gradual that Virgie did not observe it until the + disease had fastened itself so firmly upon him that he was beyond all + human aid. The man himself fought against it for months, striving to + prolong his life for the sake of his idolized daughter, although, + personally, the world had no longer any charms for him; but it never + relaxed its fatal hold, and at last, at the time of the opening of our + story, he felt that the time had come for him to give up labor and lay + down all burdens, for he knew that his days were numbered. + </p> + <p> + The question of providing a home and protection for Virgie had long + agitated his mind. + </p> + <p> + They had no relations or friends to whom he could confide her. There + were reasons why he was unwilling to appoint a guardian and send her + back to their former home, and so, at last, he resolved to commit her to + the care of his early friend and college mate, Laurence Bancroft, a + wealthy merchant of New York city. + </p> + <p> + But the matter was to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the + beautiful girl's destiny settled in a way wholly unexpected by either + father or daughter. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When Mr. Heath, the benighted and storm-delayed traveler, threw back his + dripping coat, and seated himself at the invitation of his host, before + the blazing fire, Mr. Abbot thought that he had seldom seen a more + attractive young man. + </p> + <p> + He was apparently about twenty-five years of age. His dark eyer were + full of intelligence, and fringed with long silken lashes. His features + were clear cut, as if they had been chiseled in marble. A dark brown + moustache shaded, but did not conceal, a sensitive mouth, from which + there flashed the gleam of brilliant teeth whenever he spoke or smiled; + his nose was well formed, and his smooth, rather massive chin betrayed + strength of purpose and decision of character. + </p> + <p> + His address was very courteous, even fascinating, and his voice + possessed a rich, mellow tone, with a sympathetic ring in it, to which + it was a delight to listen, and which won at once upon the hearts and + confidence of his entertainers. + </p> + <p> + "You are unfortunate to be obliged to traverse our rough mountain roads + on such a night as this," Mr. Abbot observed, with a shiver, as he drew + nearer the fire, and laid another heavy oaken stick across the glowing + blaze. + </p> + <p> + "That is true, sir," responded his guest, yet the glance, which he + involuntarily shot at Virgie, bending gracefully over her work, did not + betray an overwhelming sense of his misfortune. + </p> + <p> + "I am on my way to join a party of sportsmen at Humboldt," he continued. + "I was detained at Virginia city upon a matter of business, and they + went on before, promising to wait there for me until to-morrow evening." + </p> + <p> + "Are you traveling on horseback?" Mr. Abbot asked, with some surprise. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; but the train on which I started met with an accident this + morning, which was liable to detain it several hours, and being + impatient of the delay, I procured a horse at Oreana, thinking I could + easily reach Humboldt by evening, when I could return it by rail. But + the unfortunate beast sprained his foot on a rolling stone, as I have + already told you; the storm and darkness overtook me, I lost my way, and + my courage was just about failing, when I espied the friendly lights of + this settlement, and I resolved to stop at the first house I came to and + ask where I could find shelter for the night." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot had been studying the young man's face attentively during this + explanation. + </p> + <p> + He liked his appearance exceedingly; his countenance was honest and + true, his story straightforward and well told, and some unaccountable + impulse prompted him to take measures to become better acquainted with + him. + </p> + <p> + "If you are going to Humboldt, you should have taken the turn to your + left five miles back on the mountain," he said. "It would be impossible + for you to reach it to-night, even if you could be set right, for you + would be sure to lose your way again in the darkness. The only public + house—if you can call it such—in this region, is at least a mile from + here, and far from inviting or comfortable at that; so allow me, Mr. + Heath, to offer you the hospitality of our home for the night, and + to-morrow you can start afresh and refreshed upon your way." + </p> + <p> + The young man looked up with a glance of surprise, while a quick flush + mounted to his brow, at this unexpected and rather extraordinary offer, + for he well knew that in a mining district all strangers are regarded + with suspicion if not with positive dislike. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, you are very kind," he began, casting another glance toward the + lovely maiden by the table, for he had seen her give a quick start at + her father's invitation, "but I fear I should trespass beyond all bounds + were I to accept your offer." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," returned Mr. Abbot, with more of eagerness in his manner + than he was in the habit of betraying over anything. "I could not think + of allowing you to go on in this driving storm, and we can arrange it + very comfortably can we not, Virgie?" turning toward her. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," was the low though unhesitating reply. + </p> + <p> + "But I am an entire stranger to you. How dare you take me into your + household? How do you know but that I am a robber or a brigand in + disguise?" queried Mr. Heath, with a twinkle in his fine eyes. But still + he was strongly tempted to accept the friendly offer, not only on + account of the comfort surrounding him, but because he was attracted by + the cultivated gentleman and his charming daughter, both of whom were a + great surprise to him, finding them as he had in that wild region. + </p> + <p> + "Nay," responded Mr. Abbot, smiling, yet meeting the frank eyes of his + guest steadily, "I think I can vouch for your character as a gentleman + even though you are an utter stranger. Remove your wet garments, I pray, + and make yourself comfortable for the night." + </p> + <p> + "But my horse," began Mr. Heath, suddenly bethinking himself of the + dripping and suffering animal. + </p> + <p> + "True. Pardon my thoughtlessness," returned his host, adding, "There is + a small shed attached to our dwelling where he can at least be + sheltered. Virgie, please go and send Chi Lu to assist Mr. Heath." + </p> + <p> + Virgie immediately arose and left the room, and soon after a diminutive + Chinaman appeared in the doorway, bearing a lighted lantern, and + signifying his readiness to "puttee up te hossee." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath left the house with him, and both were gone some time, + attending to the animal's injured leg and trying to make him as + comfortable as circumstances would allow. + </p> + <p> + During their absence Virgie, at the suggestion of her father, busied + herself in arranging a supper for the storm-beaten traveler, who upon + his return was greeted by the fumes of steaming coffee, while an + appetizing array of cold meats and other viands was spread upon the + table, which had been drawn up before the fire. + </p> + <p> + "I fear Miss Abbot is making herself trouble on my account," Mr. Heath + remarked, with a swift and grateful glance at the graceful form and + flushed face that was bending over the glowing coals, where the young + girl was toasting to a delicate brown a slice from a wheaten loaf. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed; it is no trouble; and a meal after your long ride in the + rain will not come amiss," Virgie answered, looking up and meeting his + fine eyes for an instant. + </p> + <p> + She deposited the bread upon a plate, and inviting the young man to be + seated, poured with her own hands a cup of fragrant coffee, which she + placed before him. + </p> + <p> + She continued to wait upon him with exquisite ease and grace until his + hunger was appeased, which was not soon, for it was a rare pleasure for + him to watch her beautiful and expressive face while he chatted with her + father, sipped his coffee, and ate his toast. + </p> + <p> + But he finished at length, and then Chi Lu was summoned the table + cleared, and the room restored to its usual order. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot seldom had met a real gentleman since coming among the + mountains; he had lived chiefly within himself and for his child. But + now he found that he had not lost all interest in the outside world, and + he enjoyed immensely Mr. Heath's account of his travels, and his + descriptions of men and things. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had not seen her father so bright and animated in all the five + years of their secluded life, and she began to hope that his fears + regarding his failing health were groundless after all. She, too, + enjoyed the young stranger's conversation, although she did not join in + it. She sat by, with her dainty embroidery in her hands, listening, and + showing by her expressive face and shining eyes how rare a pleasure such + congenial society was to her. + </p> + <p> + But by and by she stole away to her own room, where she lay far into the + night thinking of the handsome stranger—of his eager yet respectful + glances when he looked at her; of the low, rich cadence of his voice + when he spoke to her, and feeling that she should miss him more than she + had ever yet missed anyone during the last five years, when he should go + away on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The two men talked some time longer after Virgie left; the Chi Lu was + called again, the pretty lounge was converted into a comfortable bed, + and Mr. Heath was told that the parlor was at his service for the night. + </p> + <p> + The young man was very thankful for the hearty hospitality of which he + had been the recipient, and felt that he had been extremely fortunate in + finding such a pleasant abiding-place; but, although he was very weary + from his rough and tedious ride over the mountain, he found that slumber + was hard to woo, and he, too, lay awake for long hours, wondering over + the strange experience of the evening, and what hard fate—for hard he + felt sure it must have been—could have driven a cultivated gentleman + like Mr. Abbot, and his peerless daughter, who was so well fitted to + shine in the most brilliant circles of the world, away from the haunts + of civilization into that wilderness, and among the rude, uncultured, + uncongenial people of a mining region. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter III.<br/> + Mr. Heath Talks of Becoming a Miner. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning broke fair and beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Every trace of the storm had passed away, save that the dust was laid + and all nature looked fresher and brighter for the copious bath it had + received. + </p> + <p> + Virgie Abbot, despite her sleeplessness during the first half of the + night, was up at an early hour, superintending breakfast for her father + and their guest. + </p> + <p> + If she had been lovely the previous evening she was doubly so now in her + pretty flannel wrapper—for the mornings were chilly in that region, + even in the summer The wrapper was of a light blue tint, wonderfully + becoming to her delicate complexion, and harmonized well with her eyes + and the dainty pink in her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Her face wore a brighter, more eager look, than was its wont, this + morning, and she was full of life and energy that was born of her youth + and sunny, hopeful temperament. + </p> + <p> + The incidents of the previous evening had been a pleasant break in her + hitherto monotonous life, and she was now looking forward, with no small + degree of interest, to meeting by daylight the handsome stranger who had + taken refuge with them. + </p> + <p> + During all the years that she had been in that rude place she had not + seen one real gentleman, excepting her father; they had never before + entertained a visitor, and there had been nothing but her reading and + studies, her drawing and fancy work, to vary the quiet, almost dull + uniformity of her existence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot himself looked brighter and better as he came out from his + chamber and gave Virgie his usual morning greeting and caress. + </p> + <p> + This visit had evidently done him good also, and Virgie took "heart of + grace" from the fact, and put aside, for the time at least, the anxious + fears that had so burdened her the night before. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was served in the simple but clean and cheerful kitchen which + led from the parlor, while the small table, laid for three, had almost + an air of elegance, with its spotless cloth, its few pieces of silver, + china, and cut glass, relics of former glory, and the tiny vase of + flowers, with the dew and rain still on them, which Virgie had gathered + from the edge of the cliff near by. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath's glance expressed something of surprise as it swiftly took in + these appointments; but to him the fairest sight of all was the slim but + perfect figure of the young girl who sat at the head of the table, and + poured his coffee, and waited upon him with all the ease and + self-possession of one who had been long accustomed to the formalities + and etiquette of high life. + </p> + <p> + The young man wondered at it. There was no other woman in the house, nor + had been since they came there, for Mr. Abbot had mentioned that he lost + his wife more than six years ago; but this girl was a perfect little + hostess, and dainty, to the last degree, in her person. Her hands were + white and delicate, the pretty pink nails without a blemish; her hair + soft and silken, showing a careful wielding of the brush; her linen + collar and cuffs were immaculate, her handkerchief white as snow, and + fine and sheer, while everything about her bespoke lady-like refinement + and a high regard for nicety of toilet. + </p> + <p> + He could hardly keep his eyes off her, she was so fair a picture; but + once or twice she had looked up and caught his glance, flushed, and + fearing to embarrass her, he turned resolutely to his host and opened a + subject upon which he had been thinking quite, seriously. + </p> + <p> + "I understood you to say last evening, I believe, sir, that you were + desirous of disposing of your claim," he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; my health is too poor to admit of my working it any longer, and I + should be glad to dispose of it to the right person," Mr. Abbot replied. + </p> + <p> + "I think I know of some one who would like it, if it is still a + promising one," the young man said, but a conscious color flushed his + cheek slightly as he felt Virgie's eyes turned upon him. + </p> + <p> + "I honestly believe that it is richer to-day than when I began to work + it," Mr. Abbot asserted confidently. "However," he added, "I do not ask + you to take my word for it. If you know a party who would like to + purchase, tell him to bring an expert and examine for himself; and even + then if he is not satisfied to buy outright, he may work it upon shares + until he is convinced of its value." + </p> + <p> + "That is fair, I am sure," said Mr. Heath. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you would like to take a look at it before you go?" suggested + his host, who was eager to dispose of his property. + </p> + <p> + "I would, I assure you," was the reply; "but there is hardly time this + morning, for I feel that I must join my party immediately, else they + will be anxious regarding my safety. We are bound upon an excursion + through the northern portion of the State, and intend to be absent a + week or more; but after that, if you will permit me, I will return here + and investigate matters—that is, if you will give me the refusal of the + claim until then." + </p> + <p> + As the young man said this, his glance involuntarily wandered again to + the beautiful face of Virgie. + </p> + <p> + There must have been something magnetic in his gaze, for she raised her + white lids just then, and met the earnest, wistful look bent upon her. + </p> + <p> + A flush leaped to her cheek, and her violet eyes dropped instantly upon + her plate again, while her heart fluttered like a caged wild bird. + </p> + <p> + "I will gladly wait your time, Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot responded, in a + satisfied tone. "I begin to think that your losing your way and falling + to our care last evening was providential." + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt of it, sir," was the grave and reverent reply. "I + believe that all our ways are ordered for us; that everything is + arranged for us by an All-wise Power." + </p> + <p> + Something very like a sneer curled the almost colorless lips of his host + at this unexpected assertion. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot was no believer in the individuality of God, and had spoken + both lightly and at random when he had referred to the young man's visit + as being providential. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean by an All-wise Power?" he asked, skeptically. + </p> + <p> + "I mean God, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You believe there is a God, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; do you not?" and Mr. Heath's kind, grave eyes looked + pityingly into the haggard, sunken face before him. + </p> + <p> + They seemed almost to say, "If you have not this belief to comfort you, + with the hand of death laid upon your very heart, I grieve inexpressibly + for you." + </p> + <p> + "If there is, I imagine He must allow Satan to have the control of some + of our lives," was the evasive and bitter retort. "Virgie, Mr. Heath's + cup is empty." + </p> + <p> + But his face flushed and his hands trembled as he thus abruptly turned + the topic, showing how deeply the subject moved him; notwithstanding his + pretended unbelief. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks; no more coffee for me," Mr. Heath said, with a smile and a bow + to his young hostess, as she offered to replenish his cup; but he + noticed that there was a troubled, anxious look in her eyes as they + rested upon her father. + </p> + <p> + He made no reply to Mr. Abbot's remark, although he looked a trifle + hurt. + </p> + <p> + He simply said, as he folded his napkin and pushed back his plate: + </p> + <p> + "I must ask you to excuse me and my lack of ceremony if I bid you good + morning, and take French leave. I feel that I ought to get on my way as + soon as possible; and believe me I am very grateful for your hospitality + and courtesy." + </p> + <p> + Virgie arose as he spoke, and like the true little lady that she was, + assured him that it had been a delight to entertain him, and she should + look forward with pleasure to his return. + </p> + <p> + He thanked her, shook hands warmly with her, and then left the house, + followed by Mr. Abbot, who watched him depart with a feeling of regret + such as he had not experienced over any one during all the years of his + exile. + </p> + <p> + Still he pleasantly anticipated his coming again, when he meant to make + him remain several days. + </p> + <p> + He had been strangely attracted toward him from the moment when he had + first heard his mellow, sympathetic tones, asking to be directed to a + place of shelter. He knew that he possessed a grand character, for he + carried the stamp of true nobility upon his frank, handsome face. + </p> + <p> + "That is a promising young man, Virgie," he said, as he returned to the + parlor after watching the horse and its rider disappear down the + mountain. "I should like to know where he came from, and more about + him." + </p> + <p> + Virgie did not reply, but she turned away from the window where she, + too, had been watching the receding horseman, with a shy, sweet smile on + her red lips. William Heath's last glance had been for her, as he doffed + his hat and bowed low in his saddle when he turned down the road. + </p> + <p> + During all the week that followed her step was lighter and her face + brighter than its wont, and she went singing about the house to the + delight of her father, who was now at home all the day long, as he had + given up going to the mine. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot had appeared very thoughtful after the departure of his young + guest, often falling into a profound reverie, in which he would sit for + hours. + </p> + <p> + Virgie often wondered what he could be thinking about, but she did not + feel like questioning him, lest he should refer again to the painful + topic of his leaving her. + </p> + <p> + One day, however, coming into the room suddenly, she saw her mother's + bible in his hands, and she was sure there were tears in his eyes. She + appeared not to notice either his employment or his emotion, but soon + stole softly away again, and went weeping up to her own room. + </p> + <p> + After that he busied himself with writing a great deal, and she felt + sure that he was making arrangements for her of which he had spoken on + that stormy evening. A great dread came over her at the thought of being + left alone in the world; and yet, in spite of all, she looked forward to + the return of Mr. Heath with more of pleasure and anticipation than she + had known for many a year. + </p> + <p> + Thus more than a week went by, and one afternoon Virgie, her father + being asleep and the house oppressively still, took her book and went + out to a little nook back of her cottage, where she was in the habit of + going to study, and where Chi Lu had built a rustic seat for her beneath + a great pine tree that grew out of a cleft in the mountain. + </p> + <p> + But she could not concentrate her thoughts upon the page before her; + they went roving after a coal black steed and its handsome rider, until + finally her book dropped from her hands, her eyes fixed themselves + dreamily upon the lofty, far-off peaks of the Humboldt Mountains, and + she was lost to time and place—everything save her own delightful + musings. + </p> + <p> + So absorbed was she that she was not aware of the approach of any one + until a small but exquisitely arranged bouquet of mountain flowers were + laid upon the seat beside her, and a rich but well remembered voice + said: + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Miss Abbot, for intruding upon your solitude, but Chi Lu + told me that Mr. Abbot was resting and could not be disturbed at + present, and that I should find you here." + </p> + <p> + Virginia sprang to her feet, the tint of the wild rose in her cheeks, + her violet eyes grown black with repressed excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Heath?" she cried, her scarlet lips parting in a bewildering smile. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; forgive me for having startled you so," he said, gently, then + adding with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "You were surely in a + very brown study." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I was," she returned, laughing. "But what lovely flowers!" + she continued, taking them up and bending to inhale their fragrance. + "How kind of you to gather them for me." + </p> + <p> + The young man's eyes lingered about her in a delighted gaze, for she + made the fairest picture imaginable standing there in her soft gray + dress with its collar and cuffs of black velvet, a knot of scarlet + ribbon at her throat, the brilliant flowers in her hands, and a fleecy + white shawl wrapped about her shoulders. Her shining hair was gathered + into a satiny brown coil at the back of her head and pinned with a + silver arrow, while a few naturally curling locks lay lightly on her + forehead. The dark, moss-grown rock was behind her; the softly waving + plumy boughs of the pine tree above her, a carpet of tender green + beneath her feet. + </p> + <p> + "You are still trembling from the shock that I have given you," he said + in a tone of self-reproach, and noticing how the flowers quivered in her + grasp, "pray, pardon me and give me a handshake of welcome, or I shall + almost regret that I came." + </p> + <p> + She looked up frankly into his dark eyes, and laid her small hand + unhesitatingly in his. + </p> + <p> + "You are very welcome, Mr. Heath," she said, "and I am sure that papa + will be very glad to see you." + </p> + <p> + William Heath smiled at her words. + </p> + <p> + He felt sure that she, too, was glad to see him—that his coming was a + pleasant break in the monotony of her life; her varying color, the + bright, happy gleam of her eyes told him this. + </p> + <p> + Her wonderful beauty, so out of place in that wild region, thrilled him + strangely. Her queenly manner, her delicacy and refinement astonished + him, and he wondered more and more what mysterious circumstances could + have combined to drive two such cultivated people so far from + civilization to hide themselves in the rugged fastnesses of those dreary + mountains. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter IV.<br/> + A Mountain Ramble. + </h2> + <p> + "You were reading," he remarked, stooping to pick up the book that had + fallen to the ground as she arose. "Tacitus!" he added, in a tone of + astonishment, as his eye fell upon the title page. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am reviewing; papa likes me to study a little every day, still," + Virgie returned, quietly, while she examined her flowers with a critical + eye, and wondered that a gentleman could have arranged them so well. + </p> + <p> + He must be an artist, she thought, for no one save an artist, or a lover + of art, could have taken such pains to harmonize colors like that. + </p> + <p> + "I should suppose you would labor under serious difficulties in trying + to pursue your studies in such a place as this," Mr. Heath remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, papa is a fine scholar, and he makes a most delightful + teacher." + </p> + <p> + "And have you pursued a regular course under him?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, partly. I left school when I was fifteen, but I have kept right on + the same as I should have done if I had remained, and I graduated two + years ago," she concluded, smiling archly at the idea of graduating in + that wild country. + </p> + <p> + "And with high honors, of course," said her companion in the same vein. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; with all the honors, since there was no one to compete with + me or to bear away the palm from me. But, Mr. Heath, you must be both + weary and hungry after your ride over the mountains; come in, and let me + get you a lunch," Virgie concluded, on hospitable thoughts intent. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, thank you; I will eat nothing until tea time, when, if you + will permit me, I will gladly join you. I should much prefer to sit here + and enjoy this magnificent view with you to going indoors." + </p> + <p> + He seated himself, as he spoke, upon the rustic seat, and Virgie, + following his example, they fell into a pleasant chat, which lasted more + than an hour. + </p> + <p> + Virgie never forgot that delicious hour, neither did her companion, who + was every moment growing more deeply interested in the beautiful + mountain maiden. + </p> + <p> + He talked upon many themes, and was surprised to find how fluently she + could converse with him, showing how much and how thoroughly she had + read, and how wisely and carefully her father had superintended her + education. She was far above the average woman in point of intellect and + culture, he told himself and it was a pity that her life should be + wasted in that wretched place. + </p> + <p> + But they were at length interrupted by Chi Lu, who came to tell them + that Mr. Abbot was awake, and had asked for them. + </p> + <p> + They immediately arose to go to him, and found him sitting upon the tiny + porch in front of the cottage. + </p> + <p> + He was looking thinner and more worn, Mr. Heath thought, than when he + had last seen him, and his cough was far from troublesome, even though + the weather was milder. It was evident, to him, at least, that the man + was in the last stages of consumption, and could not live many months, + if weeks, although, as the weather grew warmer, he might rally somewhat. + </p> + <p> + He greeted the young man warmly, and made many inquiries regarding his + trip and the success which he and his party had met with in their sport. + </p> + <p> + "Very good," Mr. Heath told him, adding, "And now my friends have gone + to Salt Lake City, while I have retraced my steps hither to talk with + you about that claim of yours." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up quickly at this, a lovely flush rising to her cheek. If + only he would become its purchaser. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the two young people met, and held each other in a glance + that sent the blood coursing more rapidly than usual through their + veins. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot's face, brightened. + </p> + <p> + "Then you still think that you know some one who will purchase it?" he + said, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir—if—if it proves all that you have described it, I think I + may like to buy it myself," Mr. Heath answered quietly, but with rising + color. + </p> + <p> + "You! you don't look like a person who would care to take to mining for + a living," returned his host, in a surprised tone. + </p> + <p> + "I might say the same of you, sir," said the young man, smiling. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot flushed, and for a moment appeared considerably agitated and + unable to speak. + </p> + <p> + Then he said, with something of hauteur in his manner: + </p> + <p> + "Sometimes a person is compelled by circumstances, over which he has no + control, to adopt a pursuit, which under other conditions he would shun + as both unfitting and obnoxious." + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, Mr. Abbot," Mr. Heath hastened to say, in a + deprecatory tone. "I had no intention of calling to mind anything of an + unpleasant nature; my reply was lightly and thoughtlessly given. + However, I have always had a desire to see something of mining, and + although I may not attempt to work at it myself, I think I should like + to own a claim." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; then to-morrow I will show you over the premises; and + explain all that you may wish to know; perhaps, though you may not be + quite so much in favor of a miner's life when you come to realize the + difficulties attending it." + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu now interrupted with the information that tea was ready, and Mr. + Abbot repeated the invitation that Virgie had already given to their new + friend, insisting further, that he should remain their guest until he + should decide regarding the purchase of the claim. + </p> + <p> + Upon being assured that it would inconvenience the household in no way, + he consented, nothing loath at the prospect of being allowed to bask in + Virgie's presence, and to have an opportunity to study her character + more fully. + </p> + <p> + After tea, which was really a dainty meal, far better and more + acceptably served than any the young traveler had eaten since leaving + San Francisco three weeks previous, Mr. Heath, seeing that Mr. Abbot was + weary and more inclined to rest upon the lounge than to converse, asked + Virgie if she would allow him to be her escort and go out for a ramble. + </p> + <p> + The young girl flushed with pleasure at the request, and cordially + assented. + </p> + <p> + She wrapped her fleecy shawl once more about her shoulders, and tying a + dainty hat—which Chi Lu's skillful fingers had woven from mountain + grasses, and her own fair hands had trimmed—upon her pretty brown head, + they sauntered forth. + </p> + <p> + The sun had gone down, but the western sky was all ablaze with crimson + and orange, which gradually faded into soft purple and deeper blue in + the upper sky. There were mountains all about them, some darkly green + with fir, spruce, and pine, others of brighter and tenderer tints in + their dress of oak, maple, and birch, while here and there arose one + bald and gray, all of solid rock, with now and then a patch of moss + clinging to its time worn sides, but giving variety to the scene and + enhancing by contrast the whole picture. + </p> + <p> + "Where would you like to go?" Virgie asked, as they passed out of the + little gate into the rough road. + </p> + <p> + "Wherever you will take me," Mr. Heath replied, as he looked smilingly + down into the beautiful face upraised to his. + </p> + <p> + "Then I will take you up to the Bare Ledge; the finest view can be + obtained from there," the girl replied as she moved on to hide the blush + which his look had called to her face. + </p> + <p> + It moved her strangely whenever she met the gaze of the grand man, for + grand her soul told her he was, with that magnificent head, that + intelligent face, and that quiet, yet high-bred dignity of manner which + she had never seen in any other save her father. + </p> + <p> + "The Bear Ledge?" repeated Mr. Heath. "Why is it called that? Is it + haunted by wild beasts? If it is, I shall certainly object to your going + there." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no; it is not that kind of a bear at all," laughed Virgie, the + silver ripple of amusement breaking like music upon the evening air. "It + is called so because it is a mass of rock entirely barren; nothing will + grow upon it; it seems to be the one spot in all this region that is + absolutely desolate, and yet from it you may view a world of beauty." + </p> + <p> + On they went up the mountain, conversing now upon one topic, now upon + another, yet both conscious of but one prominent fact—that they were + together, and supremely happy in each other's society. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, their climb was over, and following a rough path that + led along the side of the mountain for some distance, they at length + came out upon a broad ledge or table rock, which was indeed barren to + desolation. + </p> + <p> + But the vista that opened out before them was beautiful beyond + description. + </p> + <p> + Mountains everywhere—above, below, and on either hand; but between them + were fertile little valleys, with here and there glittering lakes with + tiny streamlets trickling into them, that seemed like silver brooches + and chains garnishing nature's emerald vestments. + </p> + <p> + The youthful couple stood wrapt in silence for several minutes, viewing + the varied landscape. To Virgie the scene was familiar as an + oft-repeated tale, and yet she was never weary of it. To her companion + it was one of the loveliest views that he had ever gazed upon, even + though he had visited many lands and climbed many a mountain. + </p> + <p> + "It is grand!" said Mr. Heath, at last. + </p> + <p> + "It is grand!" echoed Virgie, drawing in a deep breath of pure air, and + sweeping a delighted glance over all the fair scene. + </p> + <p> + "I thank you very much for bringing me here," her companion continued. + "I would hardly have believed there could be such an exquisite view in + this region; my disagreeable ride, when I came here before, rather + prejudiced me against the locality. Do you come here often?" + </p> + <p> + "I used to, before papa's health failed him," Virgie answered, with a + regretful sigh, as she remembered how little her father had been able to + go about of late. "We used to come here almost every Sabbath in fine + weather, with our books and papers, and spend half the day—it is all + the church we have had—and I shall always love the spot." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt you do, and yet——" + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up inquiringly as he paused abruptly. + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking," he continued, in reply to her glance, "that this + mountain must be a wild and lonely place for one like you to spend your + life in." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is lonely," the young girl responded, with a wistful gleam in + her violent eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Have you lived here long, Miss Abbot?" + </p> + <p> + "Five years—a little more." + </p> + <p> + "So long? Surely you cannot have had much congenial society," Mr. Heath + remarked, as he contemplated with no favoring eye the rude hamlet far + below them on their right. + </p> + <p> + "None, save my father." + </p> + <p> + "And have you never been lonely, and yearned for youthful + companionship?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, often," and the bright tears sprang quickly into Virgie's blue + eyes, as she thought of the nights she had wept herself to sleep from + sheer homesickness and a feeling of utter desolation. "But," she + continued more brightly, and winking rapidly to keep the tell-tale drops + from falling. "I can bear loneliness, or almost anything else, for my + father's sake." + </p> + <p> + "Poor child! brave little woman!" thought the man by her side, "it must + have been very much like being buried alive, and she has borne it like a + heroine; but she will not have to endure it much longer 'for her + father.' I wonder what will become of her when he is gone." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot seems very feeble," he said aloud, "do you not think a change + would be beneficial to him?" + </p> + <p> + "I—do not know," Virgie began wistfully; then added, more to herself + than to him, "Where could we go?" + </p> + <p> + "I would advise the sea-shore. I should think the salt air would do him + good. Santa Cruz, Monterey, or any of those places on the California + coast, would be both pleasant and healthful." + </p> + <p> + A startled look came into Virgie's eyes, and her face grew pale. + </p> + <p> + She had often been to Santa Cruz and Monterey, in the old delightful + days when her mother was living, where she had reigned like a little + queen, and they had all been so happy, with no suspicion of the black + shadow that was creeping upon them so surely. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, we could not go there; I—I do not believe that papa could be + persuaded to leave home," she faltered with evident nervousness and + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + "There is a sad history and a secret here," said Mr. Heath to himself, + and he wondered more than ever what cruel misfortune could have driven + these people thus into exile. + </p> + <p> + "Has Mr. Abbot ever consulted a physician?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No; there is no physician near us. But papa understands something of + medicine himself," Virgie answered, sighing, for her heart was very + heavy whenever she thought of her father's condition, and it was evident + to her that Mr. Heath considered him to be in a very critical state. + </p> + <p> + He saw that it troubled her to talk about it, and resolved that he would + not refer to the subject again. + </p> + <p> + As they stood there the gorgeous tints faded out of the western sky, a + purplish haze settled over mountain and valley, like a gauzy vail + softening all their outlines, and a mist was beginning to rise from the + depths below. + </p> + <p> + "The dew is falling, Miss Abbot. I fear you will take cold in this + dampness. Shall I take you back now?" Mr. Heath asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I think it will be hardly safe for us to linger longer," she + replied. "But, Mr. Heath, be careful as you go down; the path is not + altogether safe." + </p> + <p> + The young man laughed lightly. + </p> + <p> + "I have scaled greater heights, climbed steeper and more rugged paths + than these, Miss Abbot," he said. "The Alps, the Pyrenees, the Caucasus, + are all familiar ground, and this is but child's play compared with + them." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then you have been in Europe?" Virgie cried, with animation. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, in almost every portion of it," he answered, watching her kindly + face with admiration. + </p> + <p> + "How favored you are," she sighed wistfully. "I have longed with a + mighty longing to visit foreign lands." + </p> + <p> + "Have you? Perhaps some time your wish may be gratified. I hope it may + be," he returned, in an earnest tone. "Now give me your hand, and let me + assist you down this slippery path." + </p> + <p> + "No, no. Please care for yourself, Mr. Heath, and let me follow you," + the young girl pleaded. "I know every step of the way, and it is all + strange to you." + </p> + <p> + But he stood still in the way, with his hand outstretched to her, + resolute yet smiling. He would not yield his point, and without another + word she laid her own within his, and together they went down the + mountain path, he guiding her steps as carefully as if she had never + been over the ground before, and she finding it very pleasant to be so + shielded and attended. + </p> + <p> + When they reached more level ground he drew the hand he held within his + arm, and they slowly wended their way back in the gloaming to the + cottage, Virgie feeling strangely light-hearted and happy, and almost as + if a new and beautiful life was about opening before her, while William + Heath, with a twinkle of amusement in his fine eyes, wondered what his + aristocratic mother and sister would say; what another brilliantly + beautiful woman would think to see him thus playing the devoted cavalier + to this simple and unpretending mountain maiden whom he thought so + lovely. + </p> + <p> + He had at that moment in his pocket, letters from two of them, begging + him to "quit his wanderings," to "come home and settle down to the real + business of life. The property needed his care, and—Sadie had not been + like herself since his departure." + </p> + <p> + These words came to him now, but they did not change in the least the + purposes that were taking root in his mind—the determination to remain + in that isolated hamlet as long as <i>Virginia Abbot's father should + live</i>. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter V.<br/> + "Who Is He, and Why Is He Here?" + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Mr. Abbot and his young guest visited the mine, and, + after a thorough examination of the former's claim, and instituting some + inquiries, more for form's sake than anything else, regarding the wealth + of the mine generally, Mr. Heath became the purchaser of Mr. Abbot's + property, and at once set about hiring competent miners to work it for + him. + </p> + <p> + "It may prove but a foolish, quixotic undertaking after all," he told + himself, when his negotiations were completed, "but I must have some + excuse for remaining here. That girl is the most beautiful being I ever + met. She has power to move me as I was never moved before. I simply <i>cannot</i> + go away and leave her. I am sure her father can live but a little while, + and then—" + </p> + <p> + What was to happen after Mr. Abbot should be taken away remained unsaid, + and Mr. Heath walked on for a while with bent head and thoughtful brow. + </p> + <p> + He was looking about him a little to find a place in which to live while + he should remain on the mountain, for he was resolved that he would + trespass upon Mr. Abbot's hospitality no longer than he was obliged to, + although every hour in Virgie's presence was perfect delight to him. + </p> + <p> + "I would give a good deal to know their history," he resumed, after a + little. "It is the greatest mystery—their being here. The man shows + culture and familiarity with men and things; he is unusually keen and + shrewd in business matters, while the way he has managed his daughter's + education betrays the scholar and a mind of no ordinary power and + ability; and to be <i>here</i>, working with the common herd in a <i>mine!</i> + I do not understand it!" + </p> + <p> + While he was speculating thus regarding his new friends, Mr. Abbot and + Virgie were engaged in the same manner with reference to him. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Virgie, I have sold my claim, and for a generous sum, too. Mr. + Heath is no haggler, and gave me my price without a demur; but I think + that it is very queer that a young man of his stamp should care to + engage in any such business." + </p> + <p> + "It is rather strange," Virgie admitted, absently. + </p> + <p> + "He is far above the people with whom he will come in contact," + continued her father. "He has evidently been accustomed to the very best + of society, is well educated and fine appearing, and seems to have an + abundance of means. What do you make of him, dear?" + </p> + <p> + "I should say that he is very much of a gentleman, papa," replied the + young girl, flushing, as she remembered their walk of the previous + evening, the care and attention which he had bestowed upon her, and the + delight which she had experienced in his presence. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that goes without saying; but, does he seem like an American to + you?" + </p> + <p> + "I had not given a thought to his nationality," Virgie answered, looking + up curiously. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it strikes me that he may be English, although there is nothing + in his speech or manner to betray it. He is built like an Englishman, + and somehow the idea has taken possession of me that he belongs over the + water, and so, his desire to settle here seems all the more + incomprehensible." + </p> + <p> + "It may be a whim—a romantic desire to learn something of a miner's + life," observed Virgie; "or," with more animation, "he may be an author, + papa, and is taking this way to study certain phases of character with + reference to writing a book." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Virgie," said Mr. Abbot, smiling, "I must confess that is the + most reasonable explanation that could suggest itself, and possibly, + with your woman's intuition, you have hit upon the right solution of the + mystery. Yes," after a thoughtful pause, "I shouldn't wonder if you were + right. His saying that he did not intend to work the mine himself goes + to show that it is a secondary object, and he does not care particularly + about the profit of it. He is very pleasant company. I believe his + coming has done me good." + </p> + <p> + "I am sure it has," Virgie answered, brightly; "and papa, now that your + mind is relieved of all pecuniary care, don't you think you will + continue to improve?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Virgie," her father returned, gravely; "do not allow my temporary + improvement to deceive you. A fatal disease has fastened itself upon me, + and I know that I have not long to live." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, papa!" exclaimed the lovely girl, sharply. "I will not believe it. + Pray, <i>pray</i> try what medical advice will do for you." + </p> + <p> + "Hush, my child," Mr. Abbot returned, deeply moved. "I did not mean to + refer to this again, but you force me to do so; nothing short of a + miracle could give me a sound pair of lungs again." + </p> + <p> + "Then let us try change of air—anything so that I may keep you with + me," Virgie pleaded, yet knowing, as she did so, that there was no place + on earth that held so much attraction for her now as the humble home + which heretofore had seemed so lonely and isolated. + </p> + <p> + A subtle charm seemed suddenly to have fallen upon it; everything looked + brighter; all things surrounding it had become dearer. + </p> + <p> + "No, dear; no air will be so good for me as this pure, bracing mountain + atmosphere," her father replied, gently. "I would shrink from going to + any place where we should be likely to find familiar faces—nothing + would break me down so quickly. Be patient, Virgie for a little longer, + and then <i>you</i> shall go back to the world, where you ought long ago + to have been with people of your own age." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, papa! I care nothing for the world nor for society without you," + she sobbed, realizing more fully than she ever had done, that she would + soon be fatherless. + </p> + <p> + "But it is not right that you should spend your life in such a place as + this," responded Mr. Abbot. "I have written to Mr. Bancroft, and if + anything happens to me suddenly you will find the letter in my desk, and + must send it to him immediately. I would mail it now, only—I cannot + feel reconciled to having any one learn of our hiding-place while I + live. One thing more I must speak of. I should have done so the other + night if we had not been interrupted. When I am gone I want you to lay + my body here, under the shadow of the old pine tree." + </p> + <p> + "Papa, papa! you will break my heart! Surely you would wish to lie + beside my mother!" Virgie cried, the tears raining over her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot's face was almost convulsed with pain for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, if that were possible," he said, at length, "but no one must ever + know the fate of Abbot Al—Ha! Virgie, I had nearly uttered the + dishonored name!" he panted. + </p> + <p> + "Papa, you shall not talk so," the girl cried, wiping her tears and + turning on him almost indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "I would not pain you, my darling," he answered, gently; "but if there + were no cloud hanging over us, I should be only too glad to go back to + our old home to die and be laid beside my loved ones. It cannot be, + however," he concluded, sighing wearily. + </p> + <p> + "But, dear papa, the dreadful past was caused by no fault of your own, + and it is not right that you should suffer as if it had been," Virgie + said, passionately. + </p> + <p> + A cynical smile curled the lips of the sick man. + </p> + <p> + "The world would tell a far different story if it should ferret out my + grave and see my name blazoned above it; and as long as its poisonous + tongues continue to speak slightingly of me, it must never know aught + about me. So do as I bid you; promise that you will obey me, Virgie." + </p> + <p> + And the almost broken-hearted girl promised, but feeling as if it would + be almost more than she could bear, to go back to the gay world, where + she would be kindly cared for and sheltered, and leave her dear father + lying in his lonely grave upon that desolate mountain. + </p> + <p> + William Heath entered with great apparent interest upon his mining + operations, and although he frankly acknowledged his entire ignorance of + the business, exhibited a goodly amount of judgment and common sense + which warned the workmen whom he had hired that it would not be well for + them to attempt to take advantage of him. + </p> + <p> + He was unable to find any place in which he was willing to live, so he + caused a small cabin to be erected just opposite Mr. Abbot's dwelling, + furnished it simply but comfortably from the nearest supply station, and + with Mr. Abbot's permission, contracted with Chi Lu to keep his table + supplied with all needful provisions. + </p> + <p> + No one would have supposed from his humble surroundings from the + industrious and energetic life which he led, and the total absence of + anything like arrogance or assumption, that he belonged to an almost + royal family, and had been for years the petted darling of fashionable + circles and drawing rooms, the catch of many seasons, and the prize for + which fond mammas and beautiful, aspiring maidens had long angled in + vain. + </p> + <p> + But such was the fact, and William Heath had thus isolated himself from + his home and all that he held most dear simply because, while on a + pleasure trip, he had accidentally met a beautiful girl who had chanced + to touch a chord in his heart that had never vibrated before. + </p> + <p> + These two young people were now thrown almost daily into each other's + society. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath was quite literary in his tastes, and after the duties of the + day were over he invariably sought the companionship of Virgie, + sometimes reading to her while she worked, and often with her as she + still persisted in reviewing certain studies and authors which she + loved. + </p> + <p> + The failing invalid, too, received much of his care and attention, while + many delicacies, which he had never taken pains to procure for himself, + found their way to his table to help sustain his waning strength. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to see whither all this tended. + </p> + <p> + Virgie soon learned to look for Heath's coming, to listen for his + footsteps and the sound of his voice, as she had never looked for or + listened to anything else in the world before. She began to rely upon + him, to experience a sense of restfulness and content in his care that + sometimes made her wonder how she had ever been able to live without + him. + </p> + <p> + There came new beauty, and light, and earnestness into her face, a + tenderer smile to her red lips, a more musical cadence into her voice. + The hours dragged heavily without him, and they took to themselves wings + when he came. + </p> + <p> + Before she realized the fact she had learned to love him with all the + strength of her nature, and her destiny was sealed. + </p> + <p> + Thus weeks and months went by. + </p> + <p> + For a time the warm, genial summer weather seemed to hold Mr. Abbot's + disease somewhat in check, and, as he was cheerful, and enjoyed the + novelty of having two young and charming people about him, there was a + little season during which that small household was very happy. + </p> + <p> + He studied the young stranger attentively, and was more and more + prepossessed in his favor. They conversed frequently upon topics which + Mr. Abbot had long been in the habit of scoffing at, but there was an + element of reverence in Mr. Heath's nature that commanded his respect in + spite of preconceived ideas and a tendency to skepticism. His arguments + were always reasonable and convincing. He could not fail to feel this + influence; and it was not long before Virgie could see that a great + change had taken place in her father's feelings regarding his relations + to an overruling power and the future, which hitherto had seemed so + vague and uncertain. + </p> + <p> + Yet, notwithstanding all this, he often experienced a feeling of + uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + He could not fail to perceive that Virgie was learning to care a great + deal for their new friend, and that Mr. Heath was deeply interested in + his daughter. + </p> + <p> + This was all well enough if Mr. Heath was what he appeared to be, and + his intentions were honorable. + </p> + <p> + But he could never quite divest himself of the feeling that there was + something rather mysterious in his desire to remain in that remote + region, and it would be terrible if any harm should result from it to + his one ewe lamb. + </p> + <p> + He had always guarded her so tenderly and carefully no breath of evil, + scarce a sorrow, save their one great sorrow, had ever touched her. Once + or twice the thought had come to him, prompted, no doubt, by the + circumstances which had driven him to that place, that the man might + have become entangled in some wrong or crime, and was hiding, like + himself, from the world and justice; and yet it was difficult to fancy + that he was not all that was honorable and upright, for his life and + conduct from day to day were beyond reproach. + </p> + <p> + "If they love each other, and he is all he seems, I could give her to + him, and feel more content than I ever thought to be," he said to + himself, while brooding upon the subject one afternoon while Virgie and + her lover were out on a ramble. "She would be far better off under the + care and protection of a kind husband, than she would be to send her to + New York. Her future would be settled, and there would be no fear on + account of the snares and temptations of society in the gay city. + </p> + <p> + "Still I really know nothing about him. He says nothing about himself, + his home, or his family. If it should turn out that he has a suspicion + that she will have money, and he is seeking her for that, it would be a + fearful blow. I could not bear that her young life should be ruined." + </p> + <p> + He sat in troubled thought for a long time, considering the subject from + every point, sometimes reproaching himself for not having foreseen the + danger of allowing the two young people to come together, and refused to + sell his claim to Mr. Heath; then again feeling a sense of shame for his + unworthy suspicions of one who bore the stamp of true nobility upon his + very face. + </p> + <p> + At length he was aroused from his reverie by the sound of the voice he + knew and loved so well; and, sitting suddenly erect and speaking with + resolution, he said: + </p> + <p> + "I am her father. I have a right to know. He shall tell me who he is, + and why he is here." + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter VI.<br/> + "Will You Give Me Your Daughter?" + </h2> + <p> + "Papa," said Virgie, putting a flushed, beautiful face inside the room + where her father was sitting, and all unconscious of the very serious + considerations that were agitating his mind: "I have invited Mr. Heath + to take tea with us. A basket of the loveliest peaches came to us this + afternoon from some mysterious source, which, however, I am inclined to + think, he could tell us something about if he chose. So, if you + entertain him for a little while, I will go and prepare a dish of them + for him to share with us." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes. Come in, Mr. Heath. I was waiting to see you. Run away, + Virgie, and attend to your peaches, and I will see that our friend is + properly entertained until tea is ready," the invalid responded, with + unusual animation. + </p> + <p> + Virgie tripped lightly up to her chamber, where she removed her hat, and + stopped a moment before her glass to rearrange the locks that lay + lightly upon her forehead, and blushed a conscious rosy red as she + looked into her eyes and read the strangely happy expression that lay in + their clear depths. Then she tied a long white apron around her slim + waist, and went down to pare her peaches, never suspecting the vital + questions that were being discussed in the little parlor so near her. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot began, as the young man had seated himself, "I + was thinking of you just as you entered, and had resolved to ask you a + couple of very plain, and to me, important questions." + </p> + <p> + "Which, no doubt, I shall be very glad to answer if I can do so," his + companion responded, smiling, yet flushing lightly as he began to + suspect what the nature of the invalid's inquiries might be. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," responded Mr. Abbot, courteously, and then added, gravely: + "I do not need to remind you, I am sure, that as a father I am often + anxious regarding my daughter's future, and for this reason I feel + compelled to ask you that which, under other circumstances I should not + feel at liberty to ask. Will you tell me who you are?" + </p> + <p> + "My name, Mr. Abbot, is—William Heath," the young man began, looking + thoughtful; then seemed to hesitate to go on. + </p> + <p> + "Is that all that you have to tell me about yourself?" the invalid + inquired, with some dignity, and attentively studying the face opposite + him. "I knew that before," he went on, a suspicion of sarcasm in his + tone, "but I have long felt that there was something of mystery + connected with the circumstances of your being here. It is rather + extraordinary that a young man of your talent and culture should desire + to locate in a rough place like this. It has been evident to me for some + time that your mining operations were of secondary importance to you, + for you cannot reap much if any profit. It must take nearly all you + realize to pay the two men you hire to work your claim, while you lead, + comparatively, a life of leisure. My second question was regarding + this—why are you here?" + </p> + <p> + William Heath lifted his frank, dark eyes, and looked straight into the + face of his host, and said, in a low tone, but with an earnestness which + betrayed that he felt he had much at stake: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot, I will answer your last question first, as frankly as you + have asked it, though, no doubt, you will be greatly surprised, and + perhaps startled, by my reply. I am here simply and solely to try and + win Virginia Abbot for my wife." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot sat erect, looking astonished indeed at this astounding + statement, and a spot of deep red settled in each hollow cheek. + </p> + <p> + "What can you mean? You never saw her until three months ago!" he said, + excitedly. + </p> + <p> + "True, I never saw her until that wild, stormy night when I came to you + a weary, dripping traveler and you so kindly extended to me your + hospitality. But I began to love your daughter that very evening. I do + not need to tell you that she is beautiful, for you know it; but to me + she seemed the fairest woman that I had ever seen; her presence moved me + as I had never been moved before, and I felt as if I could hardly go on + to join my friends and leave her. But I suddenly found a pretext for + returning when you mentioned that you desired to dispose of your claim. + I resolved that I would become the purchaser. I would come here and + remain to study the character of your daughter, and if she proved all + that I fancied her, I would strive to win her for my wife. This, my dear + sir, is why I am here; and now—will you give her to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Have you said anything to Virgie about this?" Mr. Abbot asked, looking + very grave. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; I have not breathed a word of my intentions to her; but I + accepted her invitation to tea this evening with the determination to + tell you this, if I could make the opportunity, and ask your sanction to + my suit before speaking to her." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot looked gratified. + </p> + <p> + "That was honorable of you," he said. "It meets my estimate of your + character." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," Mr. Heath returned, flushing slightly, then continued: + "I am not given much to rhapsody or extravagances of language, but I + know that I can never be a happy man unless I win Virgie, and if you + will give her to me, I promise most solemnly to devote my life to her + happiness." + </p> + <p> + "Is William Heath your true name?" Mr. Abbot questioned, determined to + know all about him before committing himself. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. I hope you do not think I have been masquerading under a + false name," returned the young man, a quick flush mantling his cheek. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me; but you must remember that I could not account for your + being here, and—and I was a little suspicious, I own, that you were not + quite what you pretended to be," said the invalid, apologetically, and + yet regarding him keenly. + </p> + <p> + The flush on William Heath's face deepened. He looked very thoughtful + for a moment, then said: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot, you have read between the lines better than I thought. I + would have preferred to remain plain William Heath to every one until + after I had won my love; but perhaps I had better be perfectly frank + with you. I am not an American." + </p> + <p> + "I thought so," returned his companion, quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Did you?" asked the young man, looking surprised. "I compliment you + upon your penetration then, for I have passed for one of your countrymen + almost everywhere since coming to this country." + </p> + <p> + "I think you are an Englishman," said Mr. Abbot. + </p> + <p> + "I am, sir. I have an estate called Heathdale in the county of + Hampshire, England. I own another in Surrey. Mr. Abbot, I am an English + baronet, and I have simply been a visitor and traveler in this country + during the last year." + </p> + <p> + "You, an English baronet!" exclaimed Mr. Abbot, excitedly, a vivid flush + suffusing his face, then quickly receding, leaving him deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; but, pray believe me, I had no intention of boasting of + either my wealth or title," observed the young man modestly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" sighed the sick man. "I am afraid then that you can never marry + Virgie." + </p> + <p> + "Sir! Why not? What is there in what I have told you to debar me from + making your daughter my wife? I should suppose you would feel that I + have it in my power to make her all the happier on account of it." + </p> + <p> + "But you do not know, you cannot understand, you English are so proud, + so tenacious of honor and caste. Ah, my poor child!" Mr. Abbot cried, + incoherently, and appearing greatly agitated and distressed. + </p> + <p> + "I am sure, my friend, I cannot comprehend this excessive emotion," Sir + William—as we shall call him henceforth—remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Would you be willing to marry a woman whose name is irretrievably + linked with disgrace?" Mr. Abbot asked, while cold perspiration started + out upon his forehead, and his face was almost convulsed with his + anguish of mind. + </p> + <p> + He knew that Virgie had grown to love this man. He was conscious of the + pride and prejudices of the English aristocracy, and he believed that + when he should tell the story of his life, as he knew it was only right + he should do, Sir William Heath would no longer care to make his + daughter his wife, and her heart would be broken. + </p> + <p> + Sir William looked up, startled at this question, his own face paling + suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, Mr. Abbot, you cannot mean anything so bad as that," he + replied, in a low, pained tone. + </p> + <p> + "I will tell you all about it," said the sick man, "and then you must + decide for yourself whether you are still willing to wed the daughter of + a dishonored man. Of course you have seen from the beginning of your + acquaintance with us that no pleasure or profit that might accrue to us + from this kind of a life could ever reconcile us to it; that only some + terrible misfortune could have driven me and my beautiful darling into + such a wild and desolate region as this." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I have felt that there was something mysterious in your being + here—some secret reason why you should have shut yourselves away from + all comfort and civilization," Sir William admitted, as his companion + paused for strength to go on. "But I have never attributed it to any + willful wrong on your part." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you for your faith in me," returned Mr. Abbot, gratefully. "I + only wish the world at large was as charitable; if it had been, I need + not have been here now, on the verge of the grave, nor been obliged to + doom my lonely child to a life of exile, when everything should be at + the brightest for her; neither should we have been obliged to disown a + name which, until recently had always been an honored and respected + one". + </p> + <p> + "Then your name is not Abbot," said Sir William. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but that is not the whole of it; I will, however, confide that to + you later. But of course I tell you this in strictest confidence; + whatever your decision may be after you hear my story, I charge you not + to betray me to any one." + </p> + <p> + "You may trust me," said the young man, quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Then draw your chair closer, for not even Virgie knows the very worst, + and I would not make her burden any heavier when there is no need." + </p> + <p> + The young baronet did as he was requested, but he looked both troubled + and pale, for he knew not how this story might affect his future + prospects. He was not different from his kind in some points; he + belonged to an old and honored family; no shadow had ever tarnished + their fair fame; he was proud and tenacious of honor, and his heart was + heavy with apprehension as he thought that he might be about to hear + some story of crime or wrong that would forever separate him from the + woman whom he had learned to idolize. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot leaned nearer his companion, and in a low voice gave him a + brief and rapid account of his life and the adverse fate that had served + to banish him to the sparsely populated mountains of Nevada. It was a + strange, sad story of sin, and wrong, and shame, in which a complication + of evidence and circumstances had permitted the real offender to escape + justice and another to suffer the consequences of his crime. + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath never once moved or spoke during its recital, but his + fine face expressed pain, and sorrow, and sympathy throughout, and when + at length it was finished he still sat for several minutes in his chair, + exhausted and panting from weariness and excitement. + </p> + <p> + At last the young man turned to his companion, a great pity and + tenderness shining in his fine, clear eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot," he said, "you have told me one of the saddest stories that + I have ever known, and I can find nothing but sympathy and regret for + you in my heart. You have been but the victim of an atrocious wrong—no + stain rests upon your character, if there appears to be upon your name, + and so I ask you again, will you give me your daughter, if I find that I + have been so fortunate as to have won her love? What you have related to + me can never make any difference in my feelings toward her, and since I + shall take her to another country, where nothing of this will ever be + known or cast a shadow upon her future, as Lady Heath she will be + honored and respected, and I trust, happy." + </p> + <p> + Tears welled up into the eyes of the invalid as he listened to the words + of this true, earnest lover. + </p> + <p> + "God bless you for a noble, royal hearted man!" he exclaimed, reaching + forward and clasping the young baronet's hand. "Yes, I can say God bless + you now—for you have taught me to believe there is an Infinite Father + and I can reverently invoke His benediction upon you. Of course I will + give you Virgie and feel that she is richly blessed in having won such a + husband and thus I can die with not a care upon my heart." + </p> + <p> + "You have given me the richest boon that it is in my power to crave," + returned Sir William, his face kindling with happiness. "But you need + not speak of dying. A sea voyage would prolong your life. Come with me + at once to England and to Heathdale where you shall have every comfort + and attention, and the change will do you good." + </p> + <p> + A sad smile flitted over Mr. Abbot's wan features. + </p> + <p> + "It is too late," he said, sorrowfully. "I shall not live through + another month; but my mind is at ease and it will be a restful + season—the little time that I am spared. No, I shall never leave this + place, but I have a request to make of you." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me, and it shall be granted if it is in the power of man," + returned Sir William, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "I should like, if you can win Virgie's consent, to see her your wife + before I die. It will be better for you both; then, after I am gone, you + can take her away as soon as you choose, and perhaps among new scenes + and with new ties she will not grieve so bitterly for me." + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath's heart leaped with joy at this proposition, though + there was an expression of sadness on his handsome face as he looked + upon the wreck before him, and realized how truly he had spoken. He knew + that he had very little time to live. + </p> + <p> + "If I can win her, nothing would make me happier than to accede to your + wish," he said, in a low, earnest tone. + </p> + <p> + At this time, a light step was heard in the hall, and the next moment + the door was opened, while a sweet young voice called: + </p> + <p> + "Come, papa and Mr. Heath—tea is ready; the peaches are delicious, and + Chi Lu has obtained, from some mysterious source, real cream to eat with + them." + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter VII.<br/> + "Will You Be My Wife?" + </h2> + <p> + In spite of the exciting conversation of the last half-hour Mr. Abbot + appeared more than usually cheerful during tea. He was indeed more like + the brilliant, entertaining host that he used to be in their former + beautiful home in San Francisco, than Virgie had seen him since their + troubles had come upon them. + </p> + <p> + At the same, time the young girl wondered what could have occurred to + make their guest so silent and preoccupied. It was evidently an effort + for him to converse at all, while two or three times he was addressed + more than once before he responded, but his glance whenever it met hers + thrilled her strangely, and kept a beautiful flush upon her cheeks + throughout the meal. + </p> + <p> + When it was concluded the two young people went out upon the porch to + view the sunset, while Mr. Abbot retired to his room where he began + looking over and rearranging the papers in his desk. + </p> + <p> + There was no need now to send that written history with its request for + fatherly care for Virgie, to Lawrence Bancroft. He had not a doubt as to + the result of Sir William Heath's wooing. He was sure that Virgie loved + him, and he was filled with a blessed content and fervent gratitude that + so bright a future was opening before his darling. + </p> + <p> + She would go to another country where none of the old troubles could + touch her, where no one would be able to point the finger of scorn at + her and whisper that her name had been branded with dishonor, and where, + surrounded by her noble husband's love and care, occupying a high social + position with every good thing that wealth could secure, her life would + be one long summer of peace and happiness. + </p> + <p> + Meantime an awkward pause had fallen between Virgie and her lover + standing outside upon the porch. + </p> + <p> + It was broken at last by the baronet with a very trite remark: + </p> + <p> + "What a warm evening." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it has been a very warm day," answered Virgie, feeling very much + inclined to laugh, for never before had they been forced to talk of the + weather in order to keep up a conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go to our seat under the old pine tree," said Sir William, and + without waiting for her consent, he stepped down to lead the way. + </p> + <p> + Virgie glanced at him questioningly. + </p> + <p> + The unusual gravity which she had observed during tea still rested upon + his face and vibrated in his tones. + </p> + <p> + She wondered at it, and yet, although she could not have told why, her + heart began to beat with quickened throbs on account of it. + </p> + <p> + Reaching their favorite nook, Sir William gently seated his companion, + and then stood looking down upon her a moment without speaking. + </p> + <p> + Then he spoke, and there was a tenderer note in his voice than she had + ever heard before. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie," he said, "have you ever wondered why I came here and turned + miner?" + </p> + <p> + She looked up quickly as he spoke her name thus for the first time, then + her eyes suddenly drooped beneath the look in his. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I have thought it a little singular that you should choose just + this work and this locality," she answered, in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + "May I tell you why I came?" seating himself at her side. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, if you like." + </p> + <p> + "It was because I found here the only woman whom I could ever love. + Virgie, you are that woman, and my heart told me on that first evening + when I came to you, cold, wet, and hungry, that I must win your love or + my future would be void and desolate. So I seized upon the first + reasonable pretext I could find for remaining, and that, you know, your + father offered me in disposing of his claim. Sometimes I have hoped that + you were learning to love me in return; sometimes I have feared that I + should not succeed in this, the dearest object of my life. My darling, I + resolved to-night that I would put my fate to the test. Will you give + yourself to me for all time, my beautiful mountain queen? Do you love me + well enough, dear, to put your hand in mine and tell me that you will go + with me wherever I will, as my loved and cherished wife?" + </p> + <p> + Virginia Abbot sat there, her perfect form outlined against the dark, + moss-grown rock that arose, rugged and grand, behind her. The softened + light, as it fell upon her through the boughs of the tree above her, + made her seem like some exquisite picture painted by a master-hand. Her + hands, white as Parian marble, were quietly folded in her lap, but her + heart was in a tumult of joy, and her color came and went in fitful + flushes. + </p> + <p> + She knew that she deeply loved this grand man, who had come to her + mountain home in the early summer time, and she felt that earth could + hold no higher happiness for her than to become his wife and go with him + whithersoever he willed. But she knew, too, that her first duty lay with + her father; that she must have no interests that would interfere with + the care and attention which she owed to him in his failing condition. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie, you will not crush the sweet hope that has been taking root in + my heart during these months that I have spent with you," Sir William + pleaded, his face paling as she did not answer, and a fear smiting him + that he might have been nourishing a delusion. "I have fancied that I + have seen the love-light dawning in your eyes—oh, do not tell me that I + have been deceiving myself. My darling, I will try to make your life + very bright if you will give yourself to me." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up now with a steady, unwavering glance into his eager + eyes, although her face was dyed with blushes. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Heath," she faltered, "you know I cannot leave my father." + </p> + <p> + "Of course I know it," he returned, his face lighting "I do not ask it, + darling; I only ask that you will give yourself into my keeping, and + then we will devote ourselves to him as long as he lives. Oh, my + dearest"—as he saw an answering gleam in her eyes—"you do love me!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I love you," Virgie breathed, with a downcast but happy face; and + then she was gathered close to her lover's manly breast in a fond + embrace. + </p> + <p> + "My love! my love! I would serve twice seven years, as Jacob did, in + this wild region for the sake of winning that coveted confession from + your dear lips. My mountain queen! and you will soon be my wife?" + </p> + <p> + But Virgie sat up suddenly at this and pushed him from her with gentle + force, a frightened look in her eyes. Oh, "what have I done? I am afraid + I have done wrong!" she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Wrong, dearest, in confessing that you love me!" Sir William whispered, + as he tried to draw her again into his arms. + </p> + <p> + "But you do not know—I have no right to tell you; no—no, I am afraid I + ought not to be your wife," she said, remembering, with a sense of shame + and misery, the stigma resting upon her name. + </p> + <p> + The young man regarded her anxiously for a moment; then he understood it + all. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie," he said, "you need not fear to promise all that I ask, for I + know what troubles you. I asked your father's sanction to my suit before + I came to you, and he told me all his sad story. But it need be no + barrier to our happiness. I told him so, and he gave you to + me—providing I could win you—with his blessing." + </p> + <p> + Virgie lifted her face, all radiant with a sweet new joy, a sense of + exultation in her heart. + </p> + <p> + "And you were willing——" she began, wondering at the great love that + could thus level what she had had feared would be an insurmountable + barrier. + </p> + <p> + "Willing, love, to make myself the happiest man on earth," he + interrupted, in a voice that actually trembled with joy. "What Mr. Abbot + told me does not affect your worth or character, nor his either, and + some time I believe the wrong will be made all right. Even were the + facts more serious than they are, they need not trouble us, for I could + take you far away from every breath of evil, and as my wife it could + never touch you. So you will give yourself to me, Virgie?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she answered, with grave sweetness; "if papa thinks it is right, + I cannot put my cup of happiness away untasted." + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath bent and touched the beautiful girl's lips with his + first lover's kiss. + </p> + <p> + "My beloved," he said, "life looks to me now like one long vista of + happiness—may it prove so to both of us." + </p> + <p> + They sat there beneath the shadow of the great pine for more than an + hour, wearing bright plans for the future, while the twilight gathered + around them. But as yet Sir William had not told his bethrothed who he + was, nor of the title awaiting her when she should become his wife. + Somehow, he felt strangely reluctant to do so. + </p> + <p> + Once he had spoken of his home, and Virgie looked up with sudden + interest, and asked: + </p> + <p> + "Where is your home, Mr. Heath?" + </p> + <p> + An amused smile played about his lips at her question + </p> + <p> + "My friends—that is those who love me—-call me 'Will,' there," he + said, significantly; "and surely, darling you need not treat me with so + much formality. Do not call me Mr. Heath any more, Virgie." + </p> + <p> + "Please tell me where our home is to be—Will," she said, looking up at + him with a shy smile, and blushing as the newly spoken name left her + lips. + </p> + <p> + He bent and touched them fondly with his own. + </p> + <p> + "In England, love," he returned. + </p> + <p> + "England!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Shall you regret leaving your own country?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I think I shall be glad," Virgie answered, with a little sigh of + content and relief. + </p> + <p> + Sir William looked gratified. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I describe our home to you?" he asked, thinking that perhaps now + would be as good a time as any to tell more about himself and what her + future position would be. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, do, please." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, imagine a large, old mansion, with many turrets and gables, + its time-worn stones grown with ivy and moss, and set in the midst of + extensive grounds, with grand, beautiful trees scattered all about. + There is a great hall in the center of the house, with spacious rooms on + either hand. At the end of this hall is the library, with two large + bay-windows overlooking a winding river, which is the pride and glory of + the place, and where we sail, and bathe, and fish during the summer + months. Over the library there is a lovely suite of rooms, commanding a + wide expanse of meadow and upland—a scene that is like a picture all + the time—which will henceforth be devoted to the use of the future + lady—of Heathdale." + </p> + <p> + "Heathdale! What a pretty name!" Virgie cried, but still unsuspicious of + the title which would become hers when she should go with him as his + wife to England although he had almost given utterance to it, then + hesitated, and substituted those last two words. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is a pretty name, and, Virgie, the place is the pride of my + heart. At some distance from the mansion there are the stables and + kennels, where the horses and dogs abide." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Mr.——Why, Will, what an extensive establishment! You must + have——" + </p> + <p> + Virgie began in a tone of surprise, then stopped in confusion. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I must have what?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "A great deal of money to support such a place," she replied, flushing. + </p> + <p> + "And is there anything very alarming about that?" he questioned, with a + quiet smile. + </p> + <p> + "No; but—I thought——" + </p> + <p> + "You thought that I could not have very much of this world's goods since + I had come here to work a mine," Sir William said, completing her + sentence. "But, darling, all that was only a ruse; I have been working + more for my wife than for gold." + </p> + <p> + "Will!" + </p> + <p> + "Darling, it is true; that was my only reason for becoming the purchaser + of your father's interest here. I saw you; I loved you; I must have some + good excuse for tarrying near you to try to win you, and now that I have + attained my object, the mine will have to be disposed of, as I have no + further use for it." + </p> + <p> + Virgie regarded him with astonishment. She had never suspected anything + like this. + </p> + <p> + "How strange," she said, with a beautiful flush. "I have thought it + almost unaccountable that a man like you should come here to remain. I + have imagined that you were an author or a student, and might be + investigating the formation of the mountains or studying character in + order to write a book, but I never dreamed of anything like this." + </p> + <p> + Sir William laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + "You were making me out to be quite a lofty character truly," he said; + "and now you find your hero only a very human being after all—one who, + for the sake of a beautiful woman, has been almost willing to barter his + birthright. Have I fallen very low in your estimation, Virgie, because I + am not to become a distinguished public benefactor on account of my + research and investigation? Has my confession shocked you very much?" + </p> + <p> + "Your confession has made me a very, very happy woman." Virgie + whispered, slipping her hand confidingly into his, her heart thrilling + with a tender pride and love that this grand man should have sacrificed + so much to win her. + </p> + <p> + "And I am exceedingly proud of this happy woman," returned Sir William, + fondly. "I shall take the loveliest bride in the world back with me when + we go home to Heathdale." + </p> + <p> + "Where you will be Lady Heath my Virgie. Ah, I am very thankful that my + child will occupy so proud a position in life," said the voice of Mr. + Abbot, just behind them. + </p> + <p> + He had come out to seek them, and had approached just as Sir William + uttered those last words. + </p> + <p> + "Lady Heath!" exclaimed Virgie, starting up and turning a very + astonished face first upon one and then the other. "What do you mean? I + do not understand." + </p> + <p> + "Haven't you told her?" Mr. Abbot asked of the young man. + </p> + <p> + Sir William shook his head, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Told me what, papa?" + </p> + <p> + "That our friend here is Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, and an English + baronet." + </p> + <p> + Virgie stood in wondering silence for a moment, her face flushed and + drooping, while a hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. + </p> + <p> + Her lover a titled peer of England! This noble man, who might have + chosen his wife from the nobility of his own country, had concealed his + identity, had buried himself in the wilds of Nevada, and lived like a + common miner simply to win her, an humble mountain maiden. He who + belonged to an honored race, and possessed both title and wealth, had + overlooked the fact that a heavy cloud enshrouded her own and her + father's name, and was willing to lift her to the proud position of his + wife and the mistress of his beautiful home. These and many other + thoughts held her speechless, and made her tremble with something of + fear that in the future he might regret it all, and wish that he had + never seen her. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I am not fitted—" she at length faltered. + </p> + <p> + "In point of education, Virgie, you are fitted for the proudest position + that could be offered you," her father returned, with some spirit. "All + that you need is a trifle more worldly polish, which you will readily + gain as Sir William takes you into society, and I am proud to give you + to him. God bless you both, my children." + </p> + <p> + His voice broke. + </p> + <p> + He would have been glad to go with her to the scenes of her new life, to + watch her develop in a higher atmosphere and see her happiness in her + proud position. But he knew it could not be; and overcome, for the + moment, with the thought of the separation which must soon come, he + turned abruptly away and went feebly back to the cottage. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter VIII.<br/> + Mr. Abbot Desires an Immediate Marriage. + </h2> + <p> + Whether it was owing to the excitement of the previous evening, or to a + feeling of relief from care and anxiety upon Virgie's account which made + Mr. Abbot feel that at last he might safely lay down his burdens, it + would be impossible to say, but he was alarmingly ill the morning after + the betrothal, and unable to rise from his bed. + </p> + <p> + His strength seemed to have left him, and he lay weak as a child, + panting with every breath, a deadly faintness and sinking sensation + frequently seizing him and making him feel as if the world was rapidly + slipping from his grasp. + </p> + <p> + Virgie was in an agony of fear. + </p> + <p> + She had never seen her father so ill before, and it seemed to her that + he must die if he did not soon have relief. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do?" she asked, in a helpless, appealing way, of Sir + William. + </p> + <p> + He had been summoned as soon as Mr. Abbot's condition had been + discovered, and he, too, feared that the end was very near, while, being + wholly unaccustomed to sickness of any kind, he felt very useless and + inefficient. + </p> + <p> + He bent and kissed his darling's pale, upturned face, and then went + swiftly out of the house. + </p> + <p> + Presently, however, he returned with a foreign looking flask or bottle + in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Here is some brandy," he said, giving it to Virgie. "Mix some of it + with two-thirds as much water, and feed your father a teaspoonful at a + time every few minutes until he begins to rally, and call all your + courage to your aid, dear. Meantime, I will go to the nearest telegraph + station and send a message to Virginia City for a skillful physician." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up at him with quivering lips. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what a comfort it is to have you to help me at this time!" she + said. + </p> + <p> + He drew her into his arms and held her for a moment while she laid her + lips, softly and gracefully, to his cheek, in the first voluntary caress + that she had ever given him. + </p> + <p> + The act touched him, and told him how trustfully she relied upon him. + </p> + <p> + "My darling, I wish I could save you from every pang," he said, + tenderly. "But I must not linger—we must have help for your father as + soon as possible. Good-by, my love, for a little while, and be sure that + I will come back just as quickly as I can." + </p> + <p> + He went quickly out, and Virgie stole softly into her father's chamber, + to do what she could for him, and her heart began to gather something of + hope and courage when a few minutes later she heard the clatter of a + horse's hoofs outside, and knew that her lover was on the way for help. + </p> + <p> + Sir William did not spare his horse until he reached the station. + </p> + <p> + A telegram was sent and before long a reply was received saying that a + physician would leave Virginia City upon the next train coming that way. + </p> + <p> + But several hours must elapse before he could arrive, and Sir William + was brought up to the highest pitch of anxiety and impatience during the + interval, while to Virgie, anxiously watching and waiting by the bedside + of her father, they were the longest that she had ever known. + </p> + <p> + But she followed Sir William's directions regarding administering the + brandy, and she could see that after a few potions the invalid began to + rally somewhat. + </p> + <p> + Just as the sun was going down Sir William and the doctor arrived, and + then the young girl felt as if a mountain had rolled from her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + They remained all night watching with the patient, insisting that Virgie + should go to her rest, and worn out with her day of watching and + anxiety, she crept away to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Mr. Abbot seemed considerably stronger and better, and + Virgie's loving heart began to take courage again and to hope that he + was not really so very ill after all. + </p> + <p> + But these feelings received a sudden shock, when, after breakfast, her + lover drew her into the little parlor, his face very grave, yet full of + tenderness for her. + </p> + <p> + "I have something that I wish to say to you, Virgie—something to ask + you," he said; "but, remember, that you are to answer me frankly and + truly. You are not to be unduly influenced by my—by any one's + wishes—to consent to what might seem premature, and thus repugnant to + you." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up at him questioningly, growing pale, and a thrill of + fear shooting through her heart. + </p> + <p> + "Your father feels," Sir William went on, answering her look, "as if he + would like to—to have your future settled before—his strength fails + him any further." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" cried the young girl, clinging to her lover, a wild look in her + eyes, "papa is not going to—die! Do not tell me that. He is better + to-day, and he will—he must grow yet stronger." + </p> + <p> + "My darling," said Sir William, holding her close to him, and speaking + with sorrowful tenderness, "I am not going to deceive you. It would not + be right for me to do so. But Dr. Waters thinks that he cannot stay with + us much longer. He believes that he will rally for a while, but the + state of his system warns him that it will be but a very little while. + And, Virgie, your father wants us to be married at once. Darling, shall + it be as he wishes?" + </p> + <p> + But Virgie hardly heard these latter sentences. + </p> + <p> + She threw herself upon that manly breast in a wild burst of grief. + </p> + <p> + It was a dreadful blow to be told that the die was cast, that her + father's doom was very near. + </p> + <p> + In an indefinite way she had been dreading it ever since he himself had + talked so plainly about it to her, but with the buoyancy of youth she + had kept hoping against hope, and refusing to believe the fearful truth. + </p> + <p> + Sir William held her in her fond embrace, and allowed her to weep until + her tears were spent. + </p> + <p> + He knew that it was better to let her grief have its way. She would be + calmer and stronger afterward, though every sob and tear was bitter pain + to his loving heart. + </p> + <p> + She grew more quiet after a time, and at length he felt that he might + again speak of the subject so near his heart. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be my wife, Virgie? I would not have forced this upon you just + now but for your father's desire, and because Dr. Waters, who must + return to-day to his own duties, can make all necessary arrangements for + us upon his arrival in Virginia City. + </p> + <p> + "A clergyman must be sent to us, and there are some other matters which + I wish attended to, so we must decide now. Still, my darling, if you + shrink from this step, if the thought of it shocks you, I will not urge + it, I will wait until you are quite ready for it." + </p> + <p> + "Did papa propose it?" Virgie asked, hiding her flushed face from those + eager, loving eyes looking down upon her. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I should not have presumed to suggest anything of the kind at such + a time," returned the young baronet, gravely. "But he thinks that his + mind would be easier if he could see you my wife. He wishes to give you + away irrevocably while he is able. Then, dear, I could be with you all + the time to help you in your care of him, to relieve you of much that + would encroach upon your strength. Tell me freely, Virgie, shall it or + shall it not be?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you really wish it? or—are you only yielding to his desire?" she + asked, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + He gathered her closer to his breast until she could feel the eager + throbbing of his great heart. + </p> + <p> + "The day that makes you my wife will be the most blessed of all my life; + though, for your sake. I could wish our bridal to be celebrated under + less sorrowful circumstances Still it must not be as I wish. You must + decide the question," he said, gravely. + </p> + <p> + There was a long pause. Then Virgie said, quietly: + </p> + <p> + "I am willing." + </p> + <p> + "Is that all, love? Are you simply willing to do as your father + requests? Shall you not be glad to be my wife?" Sin William questioned, + with a slight accent of pain. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Will, I shall be glad; but, oh, my father! my father!" she cried, + with a fresh burst of grief, as she realized all that this hurried + marriage meant. + </p> + <p> + He kissed her forehead softly, and breathed: + </p> + <p> + "Heaven bless you, my beloved, and help me to make your future as happy + as you have made me to-day." + </p> + <p> + He made her lie down upon the lounge, for she was nearly exhausted with + her grief. He arranged her pillow, drew down the curtains to soften the + light, and then went quietly out of the room. + </p> + <p> + When he came back an hour later he found her calm, though with a + saddened gravity upon her that made his heart ache. + </p> + <p> + He told her that Dr. Waters had gone back to Virginia City, but that + they had arranged for a clergyman to come to them to spend the following + Sabbath, when Mr. Abbot desired the marriage to take place. + </p> + <p> + Virgie was strangely thrilled by this intelligence. It was Tuesday, and + in five days more she would be Sir William Heath's wife! It all seemed + like a dream to her. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday afternoon an elderly and venerable-appearing gentleman made + his appearance before Mr. Abbots door. + </p> + <p> + He came in a strong mountain wagon drawn by a pair of handsome horses, + and with him there was a large trunk—which Sir William ordered carried + up stairs into Virgie's room—and two or three hampers, that were given + to Chi Lu to be taken care of. + </p> + <p> + Virgie turned a wondering, inquiring look upon her lover at these + proceedings, but he only answered by a quiet smile, and then introduced + her to the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + </p> + <p> + The young bride-elect received him with the charming ease and + self-possession that was natural to her, at which the stranger could not + refrain from regarding her with a look of mingled wonder and admiration. + </p> + <p> + When told of the errand upon which he was to go, he had consented for + the sake of the dying man; but he had expected to find a very rustic + couple in this rough region, and he was wholly taken aback to meet a + polished gentleman like Mr. Heath—as he was still known except to + Virgie and her father—and such an interesting and lovely woman as his + young hostess appeared to be. + </p> + <p> + The clergyman spent an hour with the invalid after tea, and he was no + less mystified and astonished regarding him. He realized that he was in + a household of more than ordinary culture and refinement, and he was + sure that there must be some strange history connected with their lives. + </p> + <p> + When Virgie went to bid her father good-night before going to her rest, + he drew her down to him and looked tenderly and wistfully into her face. + </p> + <p> + "My daughter," he questioned, "you have no shrinking no misgivings + regarding the step that you are about to take?" + </p> + <p> + "None, papa," she said, softly. + </p> + <p> + "And are you happy in the prospect of becoming Sir William's wife? Tell + me truly, my child." + </p> + <p> + "As happy as I can be while you are so ill, papa," Virgie answered, with + starting tears. + </p> + <p> + "Then I am at peace. God bless you, my darling, and may your life have + much of sunshine in it. I give you without fear into Will's care, for I + believe him to be one of nature's noblemen. And now," taking a package + from beneath his pillow, here is your marriage dowry; it is all yours, + Virgie, to do with as you will, and Sir William has promised to settle + as much more upon you, which he will tell you about later. You have been + a dear, good daughter to me, and I am very happy regarding your future; + I could not ask or wish anything better for you." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, papa, if I could only have you well again!" Virgie whispered, + hiding her tearful eyes upon his pillow. + </p> + <p> + An expression of pain flitted over the sick man's face. + </p> + <p> + "We will not think of that now," he said, gently; "and you must not give + way to grief, for it will unnerve us both, and I do not wish to see a + pale or sorrowful bride to-morrow. Now good-night, love, and try to get + all the rest that you can." + </p> + <p> + He kissed her again, and was about to let her go, when he caught her + hand, saying, with something of eagerness: + </p> + <p> + "But, by the way, Virgie, what will you wear to be married in?" + </p> + <p> + The young girl flushed, and her lips trembled. + </p> + <p> + "Oh papa, I have hardly given a thought to that, my heart has been so + heavy for you," she murmured, brokenly. Then she added, after a moment + of thought: "I have my pretty silk that you sent to San Francisco for in + the spring, and I wondered when I should ever wear it here, you know. It + will do, will it not?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot sighed. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it will have to, since it is the best you have. I should like + to have you married in something white, dear; but make yourself look as + nicely as you can," he said in an unsteady voice. + </p> + <p> + Virgie dropped a light kiss upon his forehead, and then went out, her + heart heavy in spite of the great love which she bore the man whose wife + she was to become on the morrow, and the bright hopes which the future + held for her in spite of the shadow of death which was every moment + drawing nearer. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter IX.<br/> + Virgie's Wedding-Day + </h2> + <p> + As Virgie passed out of her father's room, Sir William captured her. + </p> + <p> + "I am not going to keep you from your rest," he said, after caressing + her fondly, "but I wanted to tell you that I have been feeling a trifle + jealous regarding the appearance of the future Lady Heath upon her + wedding-day, and you will find everything that you will need for + to-morrow in a trunk, which I have had carried up into your room." + </p> + <p> + Virgie lifted her head from his breast, and regarded him questioningly. + </p> + <p> + "I sent an order by Dr. Waters," he explained, "to the best dressmaker + that he could find in Virginia City, to provide a simple yet appropriate + outfit for a bride, and you will find the best that could be obtained at + so short a notice, awaiting your approval up stairs." + </p> + <p> + "How kind, how thoughtful you are!" Virgie murmured gratefully, and with + a flush of pleasure. "Papa will be so pleased. He was just lamenting + that I was not properly provided for." + </p> + <p> + "Then it will be a gratifying surprise when he sees you to-morrow," Sir + William returned. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed it will. How can I think you? Perhaps I have been very remiss, + but, truly, I had not given a thought to my dress," Virgie confessed, + with some confusion. + </p> + <p> + "How could you, dear, with your heart so full of other things?" Sir + William replied, tenderly; "and I want no thanks other than to see you + looking like a bride," he concluded, smiling. "I did this chiefly to + gratify my own pride in my love." + </p> + <p> + He led her to the foot of the stairs, and then, with a lingering clasp, + let her go. + </p> + <p> + It was quite late, and Virgie thought that she would only allow herself + a peep into the mysterious trunk that night; but she resolved that she + would rise very early in the morning and lay out everything in readiness + for the wedding. + </p> + <p> + She wondered how Sir William could have managed it all, and was somewhat + anxious regarding the fit of her bridal dress; but she was set at rest + upon that point when she lifted the lid of the trunk and found a waist + of one of her own dresses lying upon the top of various packages, and + she knew that he had sent it as a measure and guide. + </p> + <p> + Everything else was wrapped in fine packing paper, and she concluded not + to open anything until morning, although her curiosity was greatly + excited. + </p> + <p> + She knelt and prayed long and fervently, for she felt very solemn in + view of the important event that was to occur on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Then she retired, and was soon sleeping peacefully and restfully, as + only the pure and innocent can sleep. + </p> + <p> + But when the first rays of the sun streamed in at her window in the + morning, she arose, and, after putting her room in perfect order, she + opened the precious trunk and began to remove and undo the packages + stored therein. + </p> + <p> + First, there was a long, flat box. + </p> + <p> + Opening it, she found a misty and ample veil of finest tulle, simply + hemmed with a heavy thread of silk. + </p> + <p> + Then there was another smaller but deeper box, which contained a lovely + wreath of pure white heath, with bouquets of the same mingled with + lilies of the valley, for the corsage of her dress. + </p> + <p> + Still another, in which there was a pair of shining white satin boots, + silken hose, and kid gloves, with a dainty handkerchief, fine and sheer + as a cobweb. + </p> + <p> + Last, but not least, incased in several wrappings of soft white paper + was the wedding-dress. + </p> + <p> + Virgie's face paled and flushed many times while she was undoing this, + for many hopes were centered in it, and tears rose unbidden to her eyes + when at last it was laid out on the bed before her. + </p> + <p> + She had seen nothing one-half so lovely for years—not since she used to + watch her mother dress for gay receptions and parties in the happy days + so long ago. + </p> + <p> + It was of the finest India mull, very simply yet beautifully made, over + an underskirt of plain white silk—an airy, gauzy thing, just suited for + a youthful bride. + </p> + <p> + "How kind! how thoughtful!" the young girl breathed, as her glance ran + over the different articles comprising her toilet. "He has not forgotten + a single thing, and it is all so delicate and beautiful. This wreath of + heath—how suggestive! and nothing could be prettier. + </p> + <p> + "Oh papa! I am glad you will have your wish, for it may be the very last + one that can be gratified," she concluded, with a long sigh. + </p> + <p> + Had it not been for her father's condition, she would have been + supremely happy on that bright morning. Even as it was, her heart was + overflowing with love and gratitude toward her devoted lover for his + kind consideration and generosity. + </p> + <p> + She went below at her usual hour to attend to her regular duties, which + she performed in her customary quiet way, helping her father to rise and + dress, arranging the rooms in the nicest order, and then serving + breakfast to the invalid and their reverend guest. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was nowhere visible. He had spent the night with Mr. Abbot, + and when morning broke he went away to his own cabin, where he remained + until the hour for the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The house was very quiet; there was no excitment, no bustle. Chi Lu + alone betrayed any consciousness that an unusual event was to take + place, and this only by a slight nervousness of manner and the restless + flash of his dusky eyes. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast Virgie saw that her father was made comfortable in his + reclining-chair in the parlor, and then giving him one last, lingering + kiss, she turned to go up to her chamber to dress for her bridal. + </p> + <p> + Just then there came a knock on the outer door. Chi Lu was called to + answer it, and he brought to Virgie a huge basket laden with the + loveliest of mountain ferns and flowers, the dew still glistening upon + them. + </p> + <p> + They were the offering of some of the miners "for Miss Abbot's wedding," + the boy who brought them said. + </p> + <p> + It had become known in some way that Mr. Abbot was failing rapidly, and + had requested that his daughter might be married before his death. + </p> + <p> + He was much respected in the hamlet, for he had always been the + courteous gentleman, while Virgie was regarded almost in the light of a + young princess, and thus these humble people were prompted to show their + sympathy and good will in this delicate manner. + </p> + <p> + The young bride-elect was touched to the heart by this tribute, and with + her own hands arranged the lovely flowers to furnish the room where she + was to be married. + </p> + <p> + Then she went up stairs, and was seen no more until the hour set for the + ceremony, which was eleven o'clock. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Chi Lu and an elderly woman, who had once been very kind to + Virgie when she was ill, and had been asked to "come and help for the + day," were very busily engaged in the small kitchen, arranging a repast + which was to be served later in the day. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was determined that the occasion should be made as cheerful + as circumstances would allow, and had ordered from the city every + delicacy which his fertile brain could suggest, and thus a "wedding + breakfast," such as had never been known in that region before, was in + process of preparation. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o'clock the happy groom made his appearance and sent Margery + Follet, the woman before mentioned, to Virgie's door to say that he was + ready and awaiting her. + </p> + <p> + To her tap Virgie gently responded "come in," and a low cry of delight + escaped the humble woman's lips as she opened the door, and then stood + transfixed upon the threshold. + </p> + <p> + Virgie turned a smiling face to her. "Why, Margery, how came you here?" + she asked. + </p> + <p> + "The gent sent for me to come and help." + </p> + <p> + "That was thoughtful in him, and it was kind of you to come," Virgie + returned, graciously. + </p> + <p> + "It's a boon to me, miss. You look like an angel, and I shall never + forget this day," said the woman, regarding her almost with reverence. + </p> + <p> + Virgie felt all the happier for being able to contribute this pleasure + to one so unused to pleasure of any kind, and she increased it tenfold + by asking her to assist her in fastening the last button of one of her + gloves. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I'm ready," Virgie replied, as, with a vivid, conscious flush, she + turned away, after one last look in her mirror, and truly she was a + vision to cheer the heart of the fondest bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + Her dress proved to be a perfect fit, and the delicate fabric fell in + soft, graceful folds over the lustrous white of her silken skirt, while + she was covered from head to foot by the mist-like veil. + </p> + <p> + The wreath of heath lay lightly upon her brown head, and, with the + beautiful bouquet upon her breast, made a pleasing contrast with the + otherwise spotless costume. + </p> + <p> + Her figure looked almost regal in her trailing robe, and she was simply + perfect from crown to sole. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she repeated, as the woman seemed unable to take her eyes from + her, "you may tell Mr. Heath that I am ready," and as Margery went out, + she bowed her head in prayer for a blessing on her new life. + </p> + <p> + The next moment she heard Sir William's step on the stairs, and she went + out to meet him. + </p> + <p> + How his face lighted as he looked upon her! How his heart throbbed with + exultation as he thought: + </p> + <p> + "This peerless girl is mine! Heathdale has never known a mistress so + fair!" + </p> + <p> + He was clad, as became a gentleman, in a dress suit of simple black, + fine and rich, a single diamond of purest water gleaming just beneath + his white satin tie, and his hands were incased in spotless gloves. + </p> + <p> + "My darling," he whispered, as he took Virgie's right hand and laid it + on his arm, "how beautiful you are!" + </p> + <p> + She could not make him any reply—the moment was too solemn for + words—but she lifted her eyes to his for an instant, and they were + filled with love and trust. + </p> + <p> + Then they went below. + </p> + <p> + Very quietly they took their places in the little parlor, where the + clergyman awaited them, and where Mr. Abbot, after one surprised, + delighted glance at his daughter, lay back in his chair, with a smile of + supreme content upon his lips. + </p> + <p> + He understood at once who had so delicately and so fittingly arranged + everything for the fair bride, and it was such a comfort to him to have + Virgie properly arrayed for her marriage. + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu and Margery stood one on either side of the door, just inside the + room, according to Sir William's desire, for there must be witnesses, + and thus the group was complete. + </p> + <p> + Rev. Dr. Thornton approached the young couple, and in an easy and + impressive, yet graceful manner, performed the marriage service, and + those few moments were very solemn ones to three at least of those + present. But the ceremony was soon over, and the maiden was now a + wife—Virgie Abbot had become Virginia, Lady Heath. + </p> + <p> + Sir William had not, however, allowed his title to be used, as he shrank + from the notoriety which the knowledge of his position and wealth would + create among the settlers of that region. He had come there in an + unpretentious way, and he wished to leave as quietly. There would be + time enough, he thought, to resume his honors when he and his bride + should go out into the world. + </p> + <p> + When the benediction had been pronounced over the clasped hands of the + husband and wife, Dr. Thornton offered his congratulations, and then Sir + William led Virgie directly to her father. + </p> + <p> + She sank upon her knees beside his chair, and putting her arms around + his neck, gave and received a tender caress. + </p> + <p> + "God bless you always, my daughter!" the sick man murmured, in trembling + tones. "I believe I am guilty of no irreverence in invoking His + blessing," he added, "for I have learned to feel my need of faith in + Him, and, Virgie, your husband has taught me how to seek it." + </p> + <p> + The young bride could only press her lips again to his in reply. She was + very grateful for this confession, for her father's previous skepticism + and bitterness had often caused her much sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu and Margery came forward to congratulate the bride and groom, and + then went about their duties in the other room. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, Dr. Thornton slipped quietly away, thus leaving the invalid + and his children by themselves. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie, how beautiful you are to-day! How did it happen?" Mr. Abbot + asked, when he found they were alone, and glancing admiringly over her + costume. + </p> + <p> + "It was all Mr.—all Will's doing," she answered, with a charming blush, + and glancing shyly up into her husband's face. + </p> + <p> + "I suspected as much, and I thank you, Sir William, more than I can + express, for giving me this unexpected pleasure," said the sick man, + gratefully. + </p> + <p> + "It was to gratify myself as well. I could not be satisfied unless Lady + Heath was arrayed as became a bride of the house," the young baronet + returned, with a fond smile, as he noticed how the color came and went + on Virgie's cheek at the sound of her new name. "But," he added, putting + his arm around her, and raising her to her feet, while with one sweep of + his hand he threw back the veil, "I have not yet had the privilege of + saluting my wife. Virgie, I have the right to the first kiss from your + sweet lips." + </p> + <p> + The beautiful bride lifted her face to him, flushed with a new, almost + holy, happiness. + </p> + <p> + "My husband!" she whispered, as he held her close for a moment, and he + felt that henceforth his life would be complete, since she loved him, + and was his. + </p> + <p> + Alas, for the weary years that were to follow! + </p> + <p> + Was there no one to warn? + </p> + <p> + For a little while they fell into a quiet chat, and then Chi Lu came to + bid them to the other room, where a really elegant feast awaited them, + and where Sir William exerted himself to make the occasion as merry as + possible, and all through the day nothing occurred to mar its peace and + joy. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Dr. Thornton returned to Virginia City, carrying in his + pocket a much larger fee than he was accustomed to receive; and after + that, life at the mountain cottage resumed its usual quiet routine. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter X.<br/> + A Separation and a Little Stranger. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Abbot appeared to gather new strength after the events related in + the previous chapter, in spite of his own predictions and the fears of + others that he was dying. + </p> + <p> + The mild September weather and the quiet happiness which pervaded his + home seemed to have a beneficial effect upon him. But as the weather + grew colder, as the chill October winds began to sweep over the + mountains, a decided change came. Just as daylight was fading one + evening, and the dull gray of a coming storm began to settle down upon + the mountains, he breathed his last, peacefully, quietly and willingly, + and thus all earthly sorrow was at an end for him; he had gone where all + wrongs would be righted, where mystery or shame would no longer envelop + him. + </p> + <p> + They buried him, as he desired, beneath the great plumy pine tree that + grew near their cottage, and where Virgie's great happiness had come to + her, and then Sir William felt that he had a right to take his wife away + to a more congenial atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + He had disposed of his claim some time before, for since he had no + longer any need of an excuse for remaining there, he had given up all + pretense of business and devoted himself exclusively to the care of the + invalid and to making Virgie's duties as light as possible. + </p> + <p> + The cottage and its furniture were sold; Chi Lu was presented with Sir + William's own neat little cabin with all its contents, besides being + otherwise handsomely remunerated for all his kindness and faithfulness + and then the baronet took his bride directly to San Francisco, which + they decided to make their headquarters for the winter, intending early + in the spring to sail for England. + </p> + <p> + Sir William had written home long before this of his marriage. But the + news had not been cordially received by the members of his household. + </p> + <p> + His stately mother had replied in a brief, dignified manner, which did + not fail to convey her displeasure at the step he had taken, while his + widowed sister, who, with her two children, were greatly dependent on + her brother, did not hesitate to express her indignation at his rashness + and inconsideration of their feelings, at least, in marrying so "out of + his own element." + </p> + <p> + The young baronet, of course, kept all this to himself. He had known + well enough that his marriage would be displeasing to his family, who + had long had other views for him, but he trusted that, when he should + present his bride to them, every objection would disappear like dew + before the sun, and she would be received with open arms and be loved + for her own sweet sake. + </p> + <p> + At all events he was his own master, and he was not a man to tamely + submit to unreasonable prejudices; and if his mother and sister refused + to receive his wife with becoming courtesy and respect, as the mistress + of Heathdale, it would only be the worse for them. + </p> + <p> + He did not begin to suspect, however, the bitterness which they + experienced when they received the startling information that he had + married a girl from the wilds of the far West. His union had followed so + closely upon his betrothal that he had no opportunity to communicate + plans beforehand, and thus the news had fallen like a thunderbolt upon + them. + </p> + <p> + "He has ruined his life!" cried Lady Linton, his sister, in a white + rage, after reading the letter. "To think of it!—he has married a + perfect savage from the wilds of America! A pretty mistress for dear old + Heathdale, truly. I will never receive her, <i>never!</i>" + </p> + <p> + "You know what William is, Miriam, and it will not be wise for you to + offend him. He will never tolerate any display of arrogance or + discourtesy to his wife," returned the dowager Lady Heath, more quietly, + yet looking the picture of despair over the <i>mesalliance</i>. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot help it; it is an abominable insult to all his friends, and + never to tell us anything about it until the die was cast!" + </p> + <p> + "But he explains why he could not; the marriage was hastened on account + of the father's critical condition replied Lady Heath. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I believe it was all a cunning plan to entrap him and secure the + girl a title and position," groaned Lady Linton. "How will Sadie feel; + what <i>will</i> she say?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not know as she has any right to say anything," answered the + dowager, with some dignity, for she loved her son and could not bear to + have any one assail him, no matter how much she might blame him herself. + "William has never committed himself to her in any way; that plan has + been more ours than his." + </p> + <p> + She was fully as unreconciled as her daughter; still she was capable of + looking at matters as they really were. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I cannot have it so, mamma; do not let us say anything about the + affair at present," pleaded her daughter. "William says it will be some + time before he returns, as he wishes to show his wife something of the + world first. Doubtless," she continued, with increasing bitterness, "he + desires to polish off some of the rough edges before he presents her to + us; so let us suppress the fact of his marriage until the time is set + for their coming; it will be hard enough even then to acknowledge the + plebeian union." + </p> + <p> + Lady Heath demurred at first at this proposal, but she finally yielded + the point, and nothing was said regarding the baronet's sudden marriage, + and this was the beginning of a plot to ruin the life of a beautiful + young wife, and to bring years of misery upon a noble man. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Virgie found it very pleasant in some respects, though sad in others, to + return to San Francisco, her former home. + </p> + <p> + She had left the city nearly six years ago, when she was an undeveloped + girl; she returned to it in the full glory of beautiful womanhood, and + owing to her many changes which had occurred there, as well as in her + own personal appearance and position, no one appeared to recognize her + as the daughter of the unfortunate man who had figured so conspicuously + in a terrible scandal there, and then suddenly disappeared covering his + tracks so successfully that no one, either friend or foe, knew whither + he had gone. + </p> + <p> + The young wife was very happy in spite of her recent bereavement; her + husband was kindness and nobility personified, and left nothing undone + that could contribute in any degree to her pleasure, or prevent her from + brooding upon her father's death. + </p> + <p> + They had a cozy and elegant suite of rooms at the Baldwin Hotel, which + Sir William had engaged for the winter, and from this point they made + many excursions sometimes being away several weeks at a time, traveling, + then returning to rest, after which they would start afresh again. + </p> + <p> + The fond husband was determined that Virgie should see everything that + was worth seeing in her own country before he took her to their home in + England. + </p> + <p> + They frequented the opera and theater, attended concerts and lectures, + and Sir William was both surprised and delighted to notice how readily + Virgie adapted herself to the requirements of society and etiquette, + notwithstanding the seclusion of the last half-dozen years. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of March they started for the East, intending to take + the trip leisurely and visit points of interest along their route. + </p> + <p> + They arrived in New York early in May, and were intending to sail for + England the last of the month. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie, although not really ill, was far from well when they reached + the great metropolis, and her husband insisted that she must have + medical advice. + </p> + <p> + He called in a skillful physician, who, upon being told what their plans + were, immediately and emphatically vetoed further travel for the + present. + </p> + <p> + "It will be simply impossible for Mrs. Heath to undertake a sea voyage + at present," he asserted. + </p> + <p> + "But the trip occupies eight days—" Sir William began. + </p> + <p> + "If it occupied only three it would make no difference it will not be + safe for her to attempt to cross the ocean under three months," Dr. Knox + said, with an air of decision which admitted of no further argument. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was disappointed, yet he was too fond and careful of his + beautiful wife to rebel against this verdict. + </p> + <p> + A week or two passed and Virgie appeared to be improving, when, one + morning, there came a cablegram from Heathdale, announcing that the + dowager Lady Heath was alarmingly ill, and imploring the baronet's + immediate return if he desired to see her alive. + </p> + <p> + The message threw the young husband into a distressing state of mind. + </p> + <p> + It seemed like harshest cruelty to obey the summons and leave his wife + alone in that strange city. And yet the alternative of remaining and + allowing his mother to die without seeing him once more, seemed almost + equally unkind. + </p> + <p> + He sought Dr. Knox again in his extremity and explained his desperate + situation. + </p> + <p> + "I could not answer for the consequences if you take your wife; it will + be a fearful risk for Mrs. Heath to go. She <i>might</i> endure the + voyage safely, but the probabilities are that she would not," the + physician gravely told him. "But," he added, kindly, "I sympathize with + you—I appreciate your dilemma, and, if <i>you</i> must go, I advise you + to leave her in my charge and I promise faithfully to give her every + attention during your enforced absence." + </p> + <p> + This seemed the only thing to be done and Sir William finally decided to + return to his home alone. + </p> + <p> + Virgie herself urged him to go, though her heart was almost breaking at + the thought of the separation, for it <i>might</i> be that she would + never see him again. + </p> + <p> + Still she was brave—she put aside her own feelings out of regard for + the duty which he owed his mother, and there was a possibility that he + could return to her in the course of two or three weeks. + </p> + <p> + "Do not feel unduly anxious for me, Will," she said to him, on the + evening before he was to sail, "I know that Dr. Knox will do all for me + that you can wish. I will either write or send some message to you by + every steamer, and I am going to trust that everything will be well." + </p> + <p> + "But it is agony to me to leave you—oh! my darling, if your heart fails + you in the least, if you say you prefer to have me stay, I will not go + even now," he said, his own courage failing him and having more than + half a mind to renounce his intended voyage even at that late hour. + </p> + <p> + "No, dear, I know that it is your duty to go," Virgie answered, gently. + "I should never forgive myself, if your mother should die, for keeping + you from her at such a time." + </p> + <p> + "But if—I should lose you, too," he was going to say, but checked + himself and concluded, "but if you should be neglected and unhappy?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall not be, Will; you have provided against the former contingency + most generously, and the latter I can regulate myself. I will not be + unhappy, for I know that you are doing right and that you will return to + me the moment that you are at liberty to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I shall," he answered, as he gathered her close to his breast + and rained passionate kisses upon her lovely face. + </p> + <p> + But his heart was very heavy notwithstanding her apparent cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + A superstitious dread seemed to have seized him, warning him that some + fearful calamity would follow this separation. He was not given to such + unreasonable imaginings, and he reproached himself for indulging in + them; but he could not shake them off nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + Morning came and with it the hour of departure and the last farewells. + </p> + <p> + Virgie wore a brave and even smiling face through all. She had resolved + that she would not unman him at the last moment. + </p> + <p> + She watched at her window until he drove away, waving her handkerchief + and throwing him a kiss as he passed from sight, then the pent-up grief + of her heart found vent in a wild burst of tears such as she had not + shed since the hour of her father's death. + </p> + <p> + But she would not indulge it long. + </p> + <p> + She had every comfort. Her rooms were cheerful and elegant; a motherly, + middle-aged woman had been engaged to remain with her as companion and + nurse during her husband's absence; she had an abundance of money at her + command, and Dr. Knox had promised to look in upon her every day. Surely + she had nothing to complain of, save the enforced separation from her + dear one, and that would not be for long, she trusted. + </p> + <p> + The ninth day after the departure of Sir William there came a cablegram, + telling of his safe arrival at Liverpool, and this, at his request, she + immediately responded to, telling him that all was well with her. + </p> + <p> + The next steamer, she knew, would bring her a letter and after that she + would hear from him every few days. + </p> + <p> + Sir William found his mother alive, but in a very low state; "she might + rally, she might not," they told him; and, with a sigh of resignation, + he could only wait and try to patiently adapt himself to circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Thus four weeks went by, and then, early one June morning, a message + went flying through the depths of the ocean, telling that a tiny little + maiden, with eyes and hair like her father's, but bidding fair to become + the counterpart of her mother in form and features had come to Virgie + the morning previous, and "all was well." + </p> + <p> + The fervent "thank God!" accompanied with something very like a sob, + which burst from Sir William Heath's lips as he read this message, told + how intense had been his anxiety during the weeks of his absence from + his darling, and how great his relief at those favorable tidings. + </p> + <p> + He returned a message of love and congratulation, and when, a little + later, there came a letter to the happy young mother, it begged that + their little one should be called "Virgie May," the latter name being + that of a dear sister of whom Sir Will had been very fond, and who had + died several years previous. + </p> + <p> + And thus the little heiress of Heathdale was christened by her mother. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XI.<br/> + "You Have Overstepped All Bounds." + </h2> + <p> + Sir William Heath could hardly control his impatience to fly to his dear + ones across the water. + </p> + <p> + His fond heart yearned mightily to behold his child and to clasp once + more the beautiful wife who had now become dearer than ever to him. + </p> + <p> + But his mother's condition did not improve; she still lay hovering + between life and death, and he knew that he must not leave her until + there was some change either for the better or worse. + </p> + <p> + Her disease was partial paralysis, which, however, had not affected her + brain, and her son's return and presence appeared to be of the greatest + comfort to her. + </p> + <p> + Still she was liable, at any hour, to have another shock, which would + doubtless prove fatal, and Sir Herbert Randal—an eminent London + physician—commanded perfect quiet and freedom from all excitement, + since the least anxiety or disturbance of any kind would bring the dread + messenger which they all feared so much. + </p> + <p> + Thus it seemed as if the young baronet was hopelessly bound to Heathdale + for the present. + </p> + <p> + Not a word had passed between him and his mother regarding his marriage. + Knowing how displeased she had been at the time of it, and fearing to + excite her if he recalled the event to her mind, he had thought it best + to say nothing, but leave her to broach the subject whenever she should + feel inclined, although he wondered that she did not make some inquiry + regarding his young wife whom the family had expected he would bring + with him to Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + The meeting with his sister had been somewhat cold and formal, for he + could not forget how harshly she had expressed herself regarding his + choice, while she could not and would not forgive him for disappointing + all her ambitious hopes for him. + </p> + <p> + Like his mother, she ignored the subject of his marriage not deigning to + make the slightest inquiry regarding his wife, although she had been + greatly astonished at the non-appearance of Virgie, and was burning with + curiosity to know why he had returned alone. + </p> + <p> + This negligence and obstinacy on her part made Sir William very + indignant, and after the first excitement consequent upon his arrival + had subsided, he determined to assert himself, and have it distinctly + understood that his wife was henceforth to be recognized as a member of + and a power in his household. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, the morning following his return he had drawn Lady Linton + into the library, and after conducting her, with something of formal + politeness, to a seat, remarked: + </p> + <p> + "Miriam, you have not yet done me the honor to inquire after Lady + Heath." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton bowed coldly, and lifted her fine eyebrows questioningly. + </p> + <p> + Sir William flushed angrily. + </p> + <p> + "It is evident that you are still very angry with me, and intend to + annoy me upon this point," he continued, sternly, "and we may as well + understand each other at the outset. I shall demand and expect that my + wife when I bring her home, will be received with all the honor and + courtesy which has ever been accorded to the mistress of Heathdale in + the past." + </p> + <p> + Again Lady Linton bowed; but she did not deign to open her lips in + response, although a spot of vivid red settled in either cheek. + </p> + <p> + "She is worthy of it in every respect," her brother resumed a gleam of + fire in his eye, "and will grace the position which I have given her as + well as the most noted London belle could do. I have pictures of her + here—perhaps you will do me the favor to look at them." + </p> + <p> + He laid two or three fine photographs of Virgie, taken in different + attitudes, before her, as he concluded, and then leaned back in his + chair watching her attentively to see what effect that beautiful face + would have upon her. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship adjusted her eyeglasses with English precision, and taking + up one of the pictures regarded it with all the indifference which she + could muster. She was not, however, quite prepared for what she saw; and + the quick, curious, half-admiring gleam which shot into her eye told + that she had not failed to acknowledge the exceeding loveliness of that + fair face, and the natural grace and dignity displayed in the young + wife's attitude. + </p> + <p> + She took up each picture separately, and her brother could see her + indifference gradually melting away, a keen and critical look taking its + place. + </p> + <p> + "Who was she?" she at length condescended to ask, though somewhat + curtly. + </p> + <p> + "The daughter of a California gentleman," Sir William answered, quietly. + </p> + <p> + "A California <i>gentleman!</i>" with a scornful accent upon the last + word. "You speak of him as of an equal." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," returned the baronet, a smile of amusement slightly curling + his lips, "Mr. Abbot was my equal, if not my superior, in point of + intellect, and all that goes to make a gentleman, while his daughter is + in no wise my inferior." + </p> + <p> + "How can you make such an absurd statement, William?" demanded his + sister, impatiently. "The idea of an American plebeian being the equal + of a Heath of Heathdale!" + </p> + <p> + Sir William laughed outright; then he said: + </p> + <p> + "Your loyalty to your family does you credit, Miriam, but I imagine, if + you should ever visit America—which I trust for your own sake, you will + do some time—that you will return much wiser than you went. Your ideas + regarding people and things, in that grand republic are very crude and + incorrect. But how do you like the face that I have shown you?" + </p> + <p> + "The face is well enough," Lady Linton was forced to admit. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing weak about it?" + </p> + <p> + "N-o." + </p> + <p> + "It is not lacking in intelligence or character?" + </p> + <p> + "Not so far as I am able to judge from a simple picture", the woman + confessed, rather reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + "And yet it does not flatter her; you do not often see a face like that + even among the noble families of England, and she is as lovely in mind + as in person," said Sir William, fondly, as he took up one of the + photographs and gazed upon it with his heart in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Humph! if you are so proud of your American bride, why did you not + bring her home with you?" Lady Linton inquired, in a mocking tone, and + then could have bitten her tongue through for having allowed herself to + betray her curiosity so far. + </p> + <p> + Sir William flushed hotly. It was evident that his sister was no more + reconciled since seeing Virgie's pictures than before. Her pride of + birth had received a shock which she could neither overlook nor forgive. + </p> + <p> + "Lady Heath was not able to travel. Her physician told me that if she + crossed the ocean it would be at the risk of her life. Miriam, Virgie + will soon become a mother, God willing." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton started and shot a swift look of astonishment at her brother + upon this unexpected announcement. + </p> + <p> + This information was disagreeable in the extreme, for it made certain + plans, which her fertile brain had begun to weave as soon as she had + learned that her brother had returned without his wife, all the more + complicated, if not well-nigh impossible. + </p> + <p> + "It was a great trial for me to return without her," Sir William went + on, with a regretful sigh, "but your summons was so very imperative that + I felt obliged to do so. My darling bore it very bravely, however; she + regarded it as my duty to hasten to my mother, even though she would be + left alone, a stranger in a great city, and at such a critical time." + </p> + <p> + "Of course it was your duty to return to our mother," Lady Linton + responded emphatically, as if the young wife away upon the other side of + the Atlantic was not worthy of consideration. "And," she added, flashing + a look of defiance at her companion, "I am free to confess to a feeling + of relief that you had to come alone—" "Miriam, I—" + </p> + <p> + "Hear me out, if you please," she interposed. "Mamma's heart has been + nearly broken at the thought of this ill-assorted marriage, and I + believe the excitement and grief would have killed her outright, if you + had brought her," with a withering glance at Virgie's picture, "to + Heathdale to reign as mistress." + </p> + <p> + Sir William was tried almost beyond endurance. It was more than a minute + before he could control himself sufficiently to speak, after his + sister's insulting remarks regarding his marriage. + </p> + <p> + "Miriam," he at length said, in a voice that made her quail in spite of + her effrontery, "you will please never speak like this again; it is, + both to my wife and me, an insult which I will not tolerate. Virgie is a + lady in every sense of the word; even my critical mother could pick no + flaw in her were she to see her, and the moment that I am at liberty to + do so I shall return to the United States and bring my darling back with + me. And let me here repeat what I said a while ago—I expect and demand + that she be received with all proper respect by the entire household." + </p> + <p> + "The household knows nothing of your marriage." + </p> + <p> + "What!" cried the young baronet, astonished. + </p> + <p> + "No one, save mamma and I, knows anything of this—this alliance." + </p> + <p> + "By whose authority have you kept such a matter secret?" Sir William + demanded, in great wrath. + </p> + <p> + "We—we thought it best," faltered his sister, shrinking beneath his + anger—she had never seen him so aroused before. "Mamma was so unhappy, + and I was so—so unreconciled, that we determined to wait until you + wrote definitely regarding your coming." + </p> + <p> + "You have overstepped all bounds, you have presumed beyond excuse," + retorted her brother, in a voice of thunder. "I know that you are my + senior by fifteen years, and as a boy I was taught to look up to you, + and to render you the respect due an elder. But I am a child no longer. + I am a man, and you forget that I am not only my own master, but the + master of Heathdale as well. I have a right to choose for myself in all + matters, and you are not to consider that I am in leading strings, as I + was before your marriage, when you exercised, to a certain extent, + authority over me. And now if—I abhor thrifts, but I wish you to + distinctly understand me—if you cannot bring yourself to regard my + marriage in a proper and sensible light, and make up your mind to + receive my wife as becomes a sister of the house, the doors of Heathdale + will henceforth be closed to you." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton was astounded at this outburst. + </p> + <p> + Her brother, heretofore, had always been a pattern of amiability and + gentleness, and had allowed her to have her own way mostly in the house. + In minor matters she had always ruled him, and she had never imagined + that he could rise to such a height as this. + </p> + <p> + She saw that she had gone too far, that she must change her tactics, or + forever lose all influence with him, and make an enemy of him. + </p> + <p> + She could ill afford to do this for several reasons. + </p> + <p> + She was the widow of Lord Percival Linton, who had married her chiefly + for her large dowry. + </p> + <p> + He had been a fast, unprincipled man, who had run through his own + property and most of hers before death put an end to his mad career. + </p> + <p> + They had one son, Percy, and a daughter, Lillian, and Lady Linton, with + her two children, had been largely dependent upon the generosity of her + brother ever since her husband's death, and he was even now bearing all + the expense of the education of his nephew and niece. + </p> + <p> + They had made their home chiefly at Heathdale, because Lady Linton's + pride could not tolerate life at Linton Grange when they had no means to + keep it up in proper style, and it was very pleasant and comfortable to + be in her brother's home, where there was abundance of everything, and + where she had been allowed to manage the household in her own way. + </p> + <p> + It would therefore be very mortifying to have its hospitable doors + closed against her, and, finding herself liable to be ignominiously + checkmated if she persisted in her present course, she resolved to + "right about face" with the greatest grace possible, at least until she + was obliged to yield her position to the future mistress of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + "Fie, William, don't allow yourself to get in such a passion," she said, + in a conciliatory tone. "Perhaps I have expressed myself more freely + than I ought, but you ought to make allowance for our great + disappointment. Remember that you are the pride of an old and honored + family, and it is but natural that we should wish you to marry in your + own station. But do not fear. When Lady Heath comes to take her place as + mistress here she shall be received in a becoming manner." + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship arose as she ceased speaking, her eye falling as she did so + upon the lovely upturned face upon the table, and she vowed in her heart + that if she could prevent it, the girl should never set her foot over + the threshold of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + How she was to carry out this vow she had as yet no idea; but all the + malice and enmity of her heart had been aroused against her, and it + should go hard with her if she could not find some way to vent it upon + her. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Miriam," Sir William responded, as he opened the door for + his sister to pass out, but he spoke somewhat coldly. + </p> + <p> + He could not lightly forgive and overlook the scorn that had been heaped + upon the darling of his heart, while the fact that his marriage had been + kept a secret angered him exceedingly, and placed him in a very + unpleasant position. + </p> + <p> + He resolved that as soon as his mother should be better, he would have a + plain talk with her, also, and insist upon an announcement of Lady + Heath's existence and her expected arrival. But until the invalid was + out of danger he deemed it advisable not to create any excitement on the + subject. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XII.<br/> + "I Will Join You Heart and Hand." + </h2> + <p> + Later in the day, while Sir William was engaged with the Stewart looking + over accounts and inquiring into the condition of Heathdale generally, + Lady Linton went quietly up to her brother's rooms to attend to the + unpacking of his trunks and putting his wardrobe in order. + </p> + <p> + While thus engaged she came across a worn portfolio filled with papers + of various kinds. + </p> + <p> + She knew at once that it was nothing that belonged to her brother, and + surmised that its contents might contain much of interest regarding the + despised girl whom he had married in the far West of America. + </p> + <p> + The key was attached by a ribbon to the portfolio, and was tucked into a + fold of the leather, and no sense of either delicacy or honor prevented + her making use of her opportunity for gratifying her curiosity regarding + the young wife, without the necessity of asking questions. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she boldly and unhesitatingly unlocked the portfolio, and + began examining its contents. + </p> + <p> + These proved to be mostly business papers and legal documents, with some + letters directed to a name that she had never heard before. She would + have liked to read them, but she feared being interrupted while doing + so, and she of course had no wish to have her brother know she was + prying thus into his affairs so she laid them back in their place, + resolving at some future time to examine them more thoroughly. But there + was one envelope among them of much fresher appearance than the others, + and with no address upon it, although it contained a document of some + kind. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton slipped it out, and, unfolding it, found it to be the + marriage certificate of her brother and his wife. + </p> + <p> + She was astonished to find that the ceremony had occurred in some place + in Nevada, remote from any city or town—a little settlement of which + she had never heard—and as she read further, her eyes grew wide with + astonishment and her face dark with anger. + </p> + <p> + "He wrote us that her name was Virginia Abbot," she cried, indignantly, + a crimson flush mounting to her brow, "and here it is given as + Virginia—" + </p> + <p> + A step sounded outside the door in the hall just then, and her ladyship + paused, affrighted, to listen, that last name unspoken on her lips. + </p> + <p> + But it proved to be only a servant passing on some duty, and she went on + with her investigations. + </p> + <p> + "There is some inexplicable mystery about this thing," she murmured. + "The name is the same as that on those letters, and I am sure he has + deceived us shamefully. He said that she was the daughter of a once + wealthy Californian, but it seems that they were not in California at + all. There must have been some reason for their burying themselves in + that isolated place, and—<i>I will yet find out what it was</i>!" + </p> + <p> + She returned the certificate to the envelope, and put back the papers in + their proper places. + </p> + <p> + All at once her face lighted. + </p> + <p> + "Sara was going directly to San Francisco. I will write her to look this + thing up. I will have that girl's secret before she is a month older, + and then we will <i>see</i> whether she comes here to Heathdale to queen + it over us." + </p> + <p> + She resumed her work, but there was a sullen, resolute expression on her + face which told of some purpose that she was determining to carry out at + all hazards. + </p> + <p> + When Sir William's trunks were at length emptied, she rang for a servant + to take them to a storeroom, after which she repaired to her own + apartment, where she wrote steadily and rapidly for more than an hour. + </p> + <p> + At the end of that time she folded and sealed her letter, and directed + it to "Mrs. Sara Farnum, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal.," and the + very next post from Heathdale carried on its way the missive that was + destined to help accomplish one of the greatest wrongs that had ever + been perpetrated. + </p> + <p> + The reader will doubtless remember that when the dowager Lady Heath and + Lady Linton were discussing Sir William's sudden marriage the name + "Sadie" was mentioned in connection with the baronet. + </p> + <p> + Sadie was a beautiful English girl of two or three-and-twenty and the + youngest child and only daughter of Mrs. Sara Farnum, to whom Lady + Linton had just written. + </p> + <p> + Sadie Farnum had said and thought a great deal upon learning of Sir + William's union with the American maiden, for the news had been a + terrible death-blow to her own hopes and ambitions. + </p> + <p> + She had long entertained the desire and intention of one day becoming + the mistress of Heathdale; it had been the dearest wish of her heart, + and for years she had used every art in which she was skilled to bring + the man she loved to her feet, and thus accomplish her purpose. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum and Lady Linton had been intimate friends from girlhood, and + it had also been a darling scheme of theirs to marry the daughter of the + one to the brother of the other, thus securing a fine position and title + to Sadie, and adding to the already well-filled coffers of Heathdale the + handsome fortune which the young girl would bring to her husband. + </p> + <p> + But Sir William had never appeared to be particularly fond of the + society of ladies, at least he was not what would be termed a ladies' + man, although he went frequently into company, and did not fall in with + those plans for his future happiness as readily as their projectors + desired. + </p> + <p> + He liked Sadie well enough as a friend, and had been in the way of + seeing a great deal of her, as Lady Linton frequently invited her to + spend several weeks with her. He even promised to correspond with her + when he left England to travel in America, and at the time of his first + meeting with Virgie, he had in his pocket a voluminous letter indited by + her. + </p> + <p> + But she had never touched his heart; she was bright, beautiful, and + accomplished, yet there was something lacking in her nature which his + own demanded and which he recognized at once in the lovely mountain + maiden the moment that he met her that wild night when he came a + stranger to her home. + </p> + <p> + But Sadie was so broken-hearted over the blighting of all her fond + hopes, and grieved so sorely that her health began to suffer in + consequence, and when Sir William's return began to be talked of, Mrs. + Farnum decided to take her daughter traveling and thus avoid any + unpleasant meeting and fresh grief when the young Lady Heath should come + to take possession of her new home. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they sailed for America, and knowing that the baronet was in + New York, went directly to the Pacific coast about a fortnight previous + to Sir William's return to Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + The letter which Lady Linton sent her friend was written, as we know, + the morning following her brother's return, and five weeks later, upon + the very day of little Virgie May Heath's birth, there came to her an + exceedingly gratifying reply. + </p> + <p> + A portion of it read thus: + </p> + <p> + "Regarding the important questions which you have asked about the + ——'s. I will not write the name for fear this letter might sometime + chance to meet other eyes. I find that such a family resided here a + number of years ago. They occupied a high position in society appeared + to have unlimited means at their command and were much respected, but + they were suddenly overtaken by terrible misfortunes which cut them + instantly down from their high estate and they were obliged to flee from + the city in disgrace. It is quite a complicated story, and I have not + been able to learn all the details. I can do so, however, if you wish. + </p> + <p> + "But what is your object? What do you know about the family? Has it + anything to do with that girl whom your brother so rashly married in + such a romantic manner? If it has, let me know, and I will gladly search + the continent over for material to make her bitterly repent for striking + such a blow to my Sadie's, and indeed to all our hopes. Answer + immediately and whatever instructions you may give me, I will follow + most faithfully. I am ready to join you heart and hand in any vendetta + against the disturber of our peace." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton smiled curiously after reading this epistle. + </p> + <p> + "I imagined as much," she muttered, "and they presumed to aspire to an + alliance with a Heath of Heathdale, when their own name was so + hopelessly disgraced that they did not dare to own it or be known by it, + and were forced to hide their guilty heads in that low mining district. + No, sir; my Lord of Heath, your shameless bride shall never enter this + sacred ancestral house if there are any means, lawful or otherwise to + prevent it." + </p> + <p> + After the examination of the portfolio which she had found in her + brother's trunk, Lady Linton's curiosity had been insatiable, and + simulating an air of friendliness and resignation which she was far from + feeling, she had encouraged him to talk of his wife, hoping thus to + learn more of her history, and trap him into acknowledging something of + the mystery which surrounded her. + </p> + <p> + But though Sir William was never loth to talk of his darling, and always + spoke of her in the fondest terms, he would never commit himself + regarding her past; that was to be a sealed book in England, and not + even to his mother and sister would he ever breathe one word of that sad + story, that Mr. Abbot had told him when he pleaded for his daughter's + hand, or aught that would cast a shadow upon any member of her family. + </p> + <p> + "She was the daughter of a once wealthy Californian whom reverses had + impoverished," he invariably told them. "She was finely educated and + fitted, both by nature and culture, to shine in any circle." + </p> + <p> + "By whom were you married, William?" his mother asked, having at last + deigned to show some interest in the circumstance. + </p> + <p> + "By the Rev. Dr. Thornton, an Episcopalian clergyman + </p> + <p> + "Of San Francisco?" + </p> + <p> + "No, of Virginia City;" and Sir William smiled that she was not familiar + enough with the geographical location of the place to know that it was + not in California at all. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then you were not married in San Francisco?" interrupted Lady + Linton, looking up eagerly, and hoping now to get something definite + regarding that outlandish place in Nevada. + </p> + <p> + "No," he replied, not thinking it necessary to enter into particulars, + and leaving them to infer what they chose. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship was baffled again, not daring to press him further lest he + should suspect that she had been tampering with his papers. + </p> + <p> + But she tried to console herself with the thought that she would soon + know all there was to be known; then what use she might make of her + knowledge remained to be seen. + </p> + <p> + Lady Heath was improving, but still far from being out of danger, and + could not endure the least confusion. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was very restless, and anxious to get back to his dear ones + in America; but Sir Herbert Randall was opposed to his going. + </p> + <p> + "It would be fatal, my dear sir," he asserted; "the excitement of your + departure and the separation would undoubtedly bring on another shock + from which her ladyship could not possibly rally, even if it did not + kill her outright. Haven't you done roving enough yet?" the physician + concluded, regarding the young man with some surprise. + </p> + <p> + "But I've left——" Sir William began, when he was interrupted by a + startled cry from Lady Linton, who was in the room, as she carelessly + upset a vase of flowers on the table beside her. + </p> + <p> + "How awkward of me!" she exclaimed, flushing a deep crimson; "won't you + please ring the bell, William for some one to come and clean up this + mess?" + </p> + <p> + He went to the opposite side of the room to do her bidding, and she took + the occasion to inform Sir Herbert in a low tone, that her brother had + left some unfinished business in America, which he was anxious to have + settled. + </p> + <p> + "I'm sorry," replied the physician, "but it will have to remain + unsettled for a while longer, if he has a proper regard for his mother's + health." + </p> + <p> + Of course the great doctor's verdict was decisive, and Sir William was + forced to curb his impatience as best he could. He would not allow + himself to do anything that would endanger his mother's life, and yet + his heart was yearning for his wife and for the little one whom he had + never seen. + </p> + <p> + "Have patience a little longer, my darling," he wrote Virgie that + evening; I will come just as soon as it will do for me to leave home. My + heart longs for you every hour in the day; life seems almost a blank + without you, and I find it difficult to employ myself about anything. If + you were stronger, and our little one was older, I would send some + trusty messenger for you, and another eight days would find you in our + beautiful home. But I fear such a proceeding would be hardly wise at + present. + </p> + <p> + "Write to me often, my Virgie, and be very careful in directing your + letters; I am afraid that I have missed one or two of your last. Oh, + happy day when there will be no longer any need to communicate with each + other in this slow way." + </p> + <p> + Sir William had indeed missed his wife's last letters and this was the + only one that she ever received from him after that date. + </p> + <p> + How was it? + </p> + <p> + Ask Lady Linton, or go seek in the little brazier, which stood at night + in the dressing-room of her mother for the purpose of heating the + nourishment she was accustomed to take at twelve, for the ashes of the + loving epistles which the fond husband and wife believed no other save + themselves would peruse. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XIII.<br/> + Becoming Acquainted. + </h2> + <p> + Little Virginia May Heath was just six weeks old, and becoming most + interesting to her fond mamma, who was getting stronger every day, and + able to take a little exercise in the corridor outside her rooms, when + one morning as she was pacing slowly back and forth, thinking of her + absent husband, and wishing, oh, so yearningly, that he could come to + her, she encountered two ladies who had just ascended the stairs, and + passed on to their apartments which were just beyond hers. + </p> + <p> + One was a finely formed, majestic woman, evidently somewhat over fifty + years, having the air and bearing of one accustomed to society and the + ways of the world. She was tastefully and elegantly dressed, every + article of her apparel denoting wealth and a careful regard for fashion. + </p> + <p> + The other was a young lady, perhaps a year or two older than Virgie, a + perfect blonde, with a tall, beautifully developed form, and with a face + such as poets and artists rave about. It was a pure oval, faultless in + feature and coloring, and yet withal, if closely studied, there was a + suspicion of shallowness and insincerity in the full, sapphire eyes, and + the perfectly formed but rather weak mouth. + </p> + <p> + Still Virgie, as she lifted her own lovely eyes and beheld this young + lady, thought she had never seen any one more beautiful, while she + colored slightly, and wondered why the strangers should observe her so + closely and with such evident interest. + </p> + <p> + It was a very warm day, and she was clad in a fine white robe, richly + embroidered and garnished with pale lavender ribbon. If she had but + realized it, she was exquisitely beautiful herself, with her glossy, + brown hair carelessly yet gracefully coiled at the back of her head, the + color beginning to tinge her cheeks, that smile of happiness upon her + sweet lips, and the holy mother-light shining in her violet eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma, that must be she; that must be Lady Heath," whispered the + younger of the two strangers, when they had passed beyond hearing. + </p> + <p> + "Lady Heath!" was the scornful repetition, accompanied by a flash of + anger from the dark eyes of the elder woman. + </p> + <p> + "Well, mamma, you know of course who I mean. She must be the girl whom + Lady Linton wrote about." + </p> + <p> + "I imagine so. She answers the description that Miriam gave of her + photograph. Yes, hark! she has just opened her door, and surely that was + a baby's cry." + </p> + <p> + "Well, at last we have seen her," returned the girl, "and I must + confess, I think she is perfectly lovely. She has such beautiful eyes, + such a fair, delicate complexion, and is so peculiarly dainty every way. + I do not blame Sir William for falling in love with her." + </p> + <p> + "Mercy, Sadie, how you do chatter! no one would believe, to hear you, + that you had been almost heart-broken because this very girl, over whom + you are so enthusiastic, had ruined your prospects," returned her + mother, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + The young girl flushed crimson at this shaft. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, mamma, for reminding me of the fact," she said, bitterly. + "It is true that through her all my fondest hopes have been blighted, + and I suppose I ought to bitterly hate her for it; but truly her + exceeding beauty and sweetness half disarm me." + </p> + <p> + The elder woman made no reply to this, but her manner betrayed both + contempt and irritation, her brow was clouded with a wrathful + expression, and her lips were drawn into a straight, rigid line, + denoting some cruel and inflexible purpose. + </p> + <p> + It will readily be surmised that these two ladies were none other than + Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, who, as we learned in the previous + chapter, were traveling in the United States, in the hope of improving + the health and spirits of the latter. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum had married while very young, and was the mother of three + children—two sons and one daughter. + </p> + <p> + She had herself been very attractive as a girl, and had many suitors; + but with an eye to the comforts of life, she had said "no" to all the + titled and impecunious lovers, and given her hand to a man of wealth, + who, with his million of pounds, bade fair to add another million to + them in the course of time. + </p> + <p> + Miriam Heath, on the contrary, had been rather a plain-looking girl, + somewhat cold and repelling in manner, and was almost an old maid before + she was married; thus she was often an inmate of her friend's palatial + home, and became much interested in her children, and little Sadie + Farnum had scarcely reached her teens before the two women began to plan + a union between the young heir of Heathdale and the heiress to half a + million pounds. + </p> + <p> + It had been the cherished dream of years, while almost from childhood + Sadie had been foolishly taught to regard Heathdale as her future home, + and to look upon Sir William as her promised husband; thus the + disappointment had been a terrible one to them all when they learned + that the baronet had married a "nobody" from the hated and disloyal + country that had rebelled against its rightful sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton might be said to have become almost a monomaniac upon this + point, and so bitter was her ire at thus being balked in her plans, so + keen her hatred of the innocent girl who had been the cause of it, that + she abandoned herself to the wildest schemes, casting all honor and + womanliness to the winds, and bending all her energies toward the + destruction of the happiness of the newly wedded couple. She resolved to + begin operations by making an ally of her friend, Mrs. Farnum. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately she was at that moment in California, the former home of + Virgie, and could perhaps ascertain what mystery overshadowed her former + life that had made it necessary to conceal her true name. This would + perhaps give a clew how to proceed further, and, as we know, her letter + was written at once, and brought an immediate reply. Further + correspondence elicited information which only tended to strengthen Lady + Linton in her evil designs, and Mrs. Farnum was advised to proceed + directly to New York and take up her abode in the same hotel where + Virgie was located, where she could successfully aid and abet her + superior in her malicious operations. + </p> + <p> + Thus we find Mrs. Farnum and her daughter not only in the same house, + but on the same floor with the young wife and her child, and only + waiting for a favorable opportunity to strike a fatal blow to her + happiness. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had of late experienced a good deal of anxiety regarding her + husband, for his letters, which at first had come with every steamer, + had suddenly ceased entirely. + </p> + <p> + For a while this had only filled her with hope, for she had told herself + that doubtless he was coming for her; he might even be on the way to + give her a joyful surprise. But as time went on and not a word came from + him, she was haunted with a sickening dread. He might be ill, she + reasoned; but surely in that case he would send some message by another, + or, if he could not do that, some member of his family would certainly + let her know. + </p> + <p> + She wrote faithfully, notwithstanding, giving all details regarding + herself and their little one, never dreaming that her fond letters, + having first been devoured by evil, greedy eyes, were ruthlessly + consigned to the flames. + </p> + <p> + Every day after the arrival of Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, one or both + of the ladies managed to come upon her whenever she walked in the + corridor, and soon they began to nod in a friendly manner when they + passed her; then a smile and a look of interest was added, until finally + it came to be the regular custom to bid her a pleasant good-morning. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie was retiring by nature, and the acquaintance did not progress + rapidly enough to suit Mrs. Farnum, and she was meditating a bold move, + when one day Sadie came suddenly upon the nurse, who was promenading the + long hall, with her little charge in her arms. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" she cried, stopping before her, "I am sure this must be our little + neighbor who serenades us once in a while. I dote on babies. May I have + a look at the darling?" + </p> + <p> + "I hope, miss, she doesn't disturb you," the nurse replied respectfully, + but looking greatly pleased to have the little one noticed. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed; the house is so frightfully still that it is real music to + hear its little voice once in a while. What a little beauty it is, to be + sure!" Miss Farnum returned, volubly, as she pulled away the lace frill + from the small face to get a better view of the young heiress of + Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + "What is its name?" she asked, after contemplating her in silence for a + moment. + </p> + <p> + "Virginia May Heath," the woman replied, thinking the young lady very + gracious. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how pretty! I suppose she will be called 'May.' She looks just like + a little May blossom." + </p> + <p> + "No, miss; they call her Virgie. Madam would have preferred the other + name, but her husband wanted her called for his wife, of whom he is very + fond." + </p> + <p> + Sadie Farnum's face clouded at this. + </p> + <p> + "I presume that delicate lady whom I see occasionally walking here in + the corridor is La—is Mrs. Heath?" she said, more to make the nurse + talk than because she desired information on this point. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, miss; the streets are so rough she does not care much for driving, + and she must have some exercise." + </p> + <p> + Virgie herself appeared in the doorway of her parlor at this moment, and + smiled as she noticed the young lady admiring her baby. + </p> + <p> + Miss Farnum colored slightly, then said boldly, with a light laugh: + </p> + <p> + "Pray do not think me very bold, Mrs. Heath, but I have been seeking an + introduction to your little daughter. She is very lovely, and I am <i>so</i> + fond of babies." + </p> + <p> + While she spoke her eyes had been fixed upon Virgie's face, and she + thought she had never looked upon any one more beautiful than this woman + who was her rival—for so she regarded her. + </p> + <p> + She wore a delicate blue lawn, trimmed profusely with filmy white lace; + there was a dainty cap upon her head, while she had a few blush-roses + fastened in her belt. Every day she was growing stronger and better, and + her beauty seemed to increase in proportion. + </p> + <p> + She bowed to Sadie, and smiled again as she remarked that it was rather + unusual for young ladies to be so fond of children of that tender age. + </p> + <p> + "Then I am an exception to the rule, Mrs. Heath," Miss Farnum answered; + "but since I have made your daughter's acquaintance, allow me to + introduce myself to you also. I am Sadie Farnum, and mamma and I are + your nearest left-hand neighbors." + </p> + <p> + "I am very glad to know you, Miss Farnum," Virgie returned, graciously, + and thinking her delightfully frank and pleasant. + </p> + <p> + She was really very glad to meet her in a less formal way than usual, + and hoped they should be friends. + </p> + <p> + She had been feeling rather lonely of late, besides being depressed on + account of her husband's long silence; she had no acquaintances, and saw + scarcely any one save the physician and her nurse. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid mamma will think I have committed a shocking breach of + etiquette," Sadie went on; "but we are strangers in the city, and I have + been longing to know you ever since our first meeting here in the + corridor. May I come in to see you occasionally, and this little + darling?" + </p> + <p> + She concluded with such a winning air, as she stooped and lightly kissed + the tiny pink face lying upon the nurse's arm, that Virgie's heart was + entirely won. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, Miss Farnum; I should be delighted to have you. I am alone + most of the time, and it would be very pleasant to have some young + company." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you. Then, if you do not object, I will waive all ceremony, and + come to see you in a friendly way. May I bring mamma, too, and introduce + her to you?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very glad to meet Mrs. Farnum," Virgie responded, and then + instantly asked herself if she had spoken the exact truth, for she stood + somewhat in awe of that aristocratic and imposing looking woman, whose + curious, piercing glance, in spite of her assumption of friendliness, + gave her an unpleasant sensation. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma, the ice is broken at last!" Sadie Farnum cried, rushing in upon + her mother, with a glowing face, after the above interview, and she + proceeded to give her a detailed account of her meeting with Virgie. + </p> + <p> + "She is as lovely as a dream, mamma," she said, "and as sweet and + gracious as any lady need to be. If she were not Sir William Heath's + wife I should be ready to do homage at her shrine with all my heart." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense! Has she any education? Can she converse respectably?" + demanded Mrs. Farnum, with a frown at her daughter's enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "She is a perfect lady, and her language is beyond criticism—she is fit + to be the wife of any peer." + </p> + <p> + "Gracious! Sadie, how you annoy me!" ejaculated Mrs. Farnum, angrily. + "Just think of her antecedents." + </p> + <p> + "Well, the girl is not to blame if her father was a scamp, and should + not be made to suffer for his sins," responded her daughter, who was not + naturally bad, and but for her mother's influence, would even now have + been won to a better disposition by Virgie's sweetness. + </p> + <p> + "What rank folly you are talking!" retorted her mother. "No girl has a + right to marry a respectable man with such a stain on her name." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps she does not know anything about her father's crime." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw! She was fifteen years old when they had to flee from San + Francisco; she could not help knowing that something was wrong, and as + she grew older she could not fail to understand it. From the way you + talk it is evident that you yourself have fallen in love with the woman + who has cheated you out of your husband." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I have, mamma," Sadie answered, with a spice of defiance and + wickedly taking pleasure in working her mother up to a certain pitch. + "She looked so pretty just now—she has the loveliest complexion, just + clear red and white, with such dark blue eyes that they seem almost + black when she is animated, and such pretty waving brown hair, while her + features are pure and delicate Her taste, too, is exquisite—her dress + was just the right shade to set off her clear skin; she had the + daintiest little matron's cap on her head—real thread, too—while a + handful of blush-roses in her belt made her look too lovely for + anything." + </p> + <p> + "Do hush, Sadie; you irritate me beyond endurance; one would think that + you were only too ready to renounce all your hopes to this plebeian who + has stolen your lover," and Mrs. Farnum turned upon her daughter as if + ready to shake her for her folly. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma!" she cried, passionately, and bursting into tears, for she had + been working herself up as well, "when I am away from her I hate her for + having won him from me, and I am almost ready to do anything desperate; + but when I am with her she disarms me; there is something about the girl + that almost makes me love her. If you could have seen her this morning, + she looked so proud and happy when I praised the baby." + </p> + <p> + "Sadie Farnum, I do believe you are becoming demented! Here is poor Lady + Linton almost heart-broken over her brother's <i>mesalliance</i>, his + mother lies at death's door on account of the excitement caused by it, + while you, who ought to be the most interested party of all, are about + to turn traitress and go over to the enemy just because of a foolish + sentimentality for this doll-faced girl. I declare, I have no patience + with you." + </p> + <p> + "I think you have said enough, mamma," replied Miss Farnum, coldly, and + wiping away her tears, "but there may come a time when you will regret + your present attitude—when you will be sorry that you strove to + inculcate such a bitter spirit into the mind of your only daughter. Lady + Linton for some strange reason wanted us to come here and see for + ourselves what this girl is like; we have seen her. Let us go our way + now and not revive old hopes and ambitions, which, to say the least, are + not pleasant to remember under the circumstances. Yes, let us end this + disagreeable business, and leave Sir William Heath's wife alone." + </p> + <p> + "I am not ready to leave New York yet, and we will stay where we are for + the present," responded Mrs. Farnum, flushing a deep red, for she had + never told her daughter of the plot which she was helping Lady Linton to + carry out, and she saw now that it would not be wise to do so, since + Sadie might flatly refuse to have anything to do with it, and in her + present state of mind, might do something to upset their well-laid + schemes. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XIV.<br/> + The Plot Begins to Work. + </h2> + <p> + The acquaintance between the Farnums and Virgie progressed rapidly after + the meeting between Sadie and the young wife. Mrs. Farnum was duly + introduced, and did not prove to be nearly so formidable a personage as + Virgie had imagined her to be; for although she was not drawn toward her + as she had been to her daughter, yet she was so gracious and exerted + herself to be so agreeable, that Virgie could but acknowledge to herself + that she was a very pleasant and entertaining person. + </p> + <p> + Visits were exchanged almost every day between them; the baby was + praised and admired, and Virgie was petted and made much of, until her + heart and confidence were entirely won. + </p> + <p> + They insisted upon her driving with them; "the fresh air would do her + good," Mrs. Farnum declared, "for she had noticed during the last week + that she was losing color;" and thus she made many excursions with the + two ladies, and visited many points of interest. They even proposed that + they should go into the country together, as it was getting so + oppressively warm in the city; but Virgie would not listen to this + proposition, because of her anxiety for letters, and the hope that Sir + William might be coming for her. + </p> + <p> + Poor child! she was, indeed, losing color, and was almost heart-sick + with the terrible suspense, although she tried to be very brave and to + conceal her trouble from every eye. + </p> + <p> + She wrote again and again to her husband, begging for one line, one word + even, pleading that he would let her come to him if he was ill and + needed her. She would gladly brave the dangers of the ocean alone, she + told him, if he would but give her his consent to do so. + </p> + <p> + But still that terrible silence remained unbroken. + </p> + <p> + She was almost tempted to set out alone in spite of everything, and + nothing but the fear of passing her husband on the way prevented her + doing so. + </p> + <p> + She had learned that the Farnums were English, but upon discovering that + their home was a long distance from Heathdale—Mr. Farnum owned a large + estate in Bedford County—she reasoned that they could not know anything + of Sir William's family; and being extremely sensitive regarding his + recent apparent neglect of her, she did not once hint that she expected + her own future home would also be in England. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Lady Linton's plans were ripening. Events were occurring at + Heathdale which she trusted would serve her purpose well; and now Mrs. + Farnum was only waiting for a favorable opportunity to commence + aggressive operations. + </p> + <p> + The opportunity soon came. Sadie had been invited by some friends to + spend a week or two at Coney Island, and her mother, fearing if she + should be there to witness Virgie's grief when she began to work out her + plot, that she might do something to upset her plans, willingly gave her + consent for her to go. + </p> + <p> + On the afternoon after her departure, Mrs. Farnum with a basket of fancy + work in hand, went to pay Virgie a little visit, saying she was lonely + without Sadie, and had come in for a cozy chat. + </p> + <p> + The young wife had evidently been weeping, for her cheeks were flushed + and her eyes heavy, but she received her guest cordially, and exerted + herself to be entertaining. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum appeared unconscious of anything unusual although she + watched the young wife keenly, and readily surmised what had caused her + unhappiness. + </p> + <p> + She chatted socially for a while on various topics, but after a time + laid down her work, and taking up a book from a table near which she was + sitting, began carelessly turning over its pages. + </p> + <p> + "Jean Ingelow," she remarked, with a smile. "Are you fond of her poetry, + Mrs. Heath?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Virgie answered, "I think some of her poems are very sweet." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum glanced absently at two or three, then turned to the fly + leaf of the book, while Virgie's eyes mechanically followed her + movements. + </p> + <p> + The name of William Heath was written there. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum looked up surprised, then smiled. + </p> + <p> + "Your husband's name is William?" she said, inquiringly + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Virgie returned, with a slight flush, while a pang shot through + her heart at the sound of the dear name. + </p> + <p> + "You must be very lonely to be separated from him for so long a time," + said the woman, in a sympathetic tone. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I am," said the young wife, with a long-drawn sigh which did not + escape her companion's notice, "but our separation is compulsory." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, he was away at the time of our arrival, was he not?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he was called to his home nearly three months ago by the illness + of his mother." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum assumed a look of surprise. + </p> + <p> + "And could not you accompany him?" she asked, as if she thought it very + strange that Virgie should not have done so. + </p> + <p> + "No, my physician would not allow me to travel; the summons came only a + short time before the birth of my baby, and he said a sea voyage could + not be thought of for me, so my husband was obliged to go without me." + </p> + <p> + "A sea voyage!" repeated Mrs. Farnum, with a start. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. My husband's home is in England," Virgie answered, flushing + vividly. + </p> + <p> + A blank look came over Mrs. Farnum's face, then she assumed a grieved + expression. + </p> + <p> + "In England! and you never told us that you were our countrywoman, Mrs. + Heath!" she said, reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "I am not. I am a native of California," Virgie explained with some + confusion; but I seldom speak of myself to strangers." + </p> + <p> + "With good reason, my pert young woman!" mentally retorted Mrs, Farnum, + for her companion's last words had been rather coldly uttered. Then she + said aloud, in a pitying tone: + </p> + <p> + "It must have been very trying for you to let your husband go on such a + journey without you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, it was," Virgie replied, with lips that quivered + painfully; "but, of course, I could not keep him from his dying mother." + </p> + <p> + "Was her condition so critical as that?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, or my husband would not have consented to leave me. Mrs. + Heath was suddenly stricken with paralysis." + </p> + <p> + Again Mrs. Farnum started, and bent a long, searching look upon her + companion—a look that made Virgie feel very uncomfortable and wonder + what it meant. + </p> + <p> + "Is—is she still living?" the woman asked, still regarding Virgie + searchingly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes—at least, she was the last I heard; but her condition was still + considered so critical that she could not bear the least excitement." + </p> + <p> + "Then it is some time since you have heard from her?" remarked Mrs. + Farnum, pointedly. + </p> + <p> + Virgie bridled a trifle at being so closely questioned. She thought her + guest was trespassing beyond the bounds of good breeding. But, after a + moment, feeling as if she must share her burden with some one, she said, + in an unsteady voice: + </p> + <p> + "No, I have not, and—I am afraid that my husband's letters have + miscarried, and the suspense has been very trying." + </p> + <p> + "Ahem! Mrs. Heath, there is something very strange—very inexplicable + about what you have told me," Mrs. Farnum said, in a grave tone. + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up, astonished both at the words and tone. + </p> + <p> + "I do not understand you," she returned. + </p> + <p> + "You know, of course, that we are English people," began her companion. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Miss Sadie mentioned the fact to me during the first of our + acquaintance." + </p> + <p> + "Did she ever tell you that we know people in England by the name of + Heath?" + </p> + <p> + "No. Do you?" Virgie cried, eagerly, her face lighting as she thought + perhaps she might learn something regarding her long silent husband. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and they are a very fine family. They belong in Hampshire, and I + may as well tell you that they are a very proud and aristocratic family, + laying great stress upon their unimpeachable honor and untarnished + name." + </p> + <p> + Virgie flushed a painful crimson at this, which her companion noticed + with a thrill of exultation, and then resumed: + </p> + <p> + "The oldest daughter, who married a peer of the realm, has been my most + intimate friend for many years. Sir William, also——" + </p> + <p> + "Sir William!" Virgie interrupted, catching her breath, face growing + radiant. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's the name of the son and heir. I was about to remark that he + is a baronet and that it is a singular coincidence that he should also + have been here in America while his mother was stricken with paralysis. + It is strange, too, that his first name should be the same as your + husband's; but——" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mrs. Farnum," cried Virgie, leaning forward and seizing the woman's + hands in a transport of joy, as she believed she was about to hear some + definite news regarding her loved one, "Sir William Heath is my + husband—can you tell me anything about him? I have not heard a word + from him for more than a month, and I am nearly distracted from anxiety + and suspense." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum drew back in well-feigned astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Child! are you mad? Sir William Heath your husband? It is simply + impossible." + </p> + <p> + Virgie straightened herself, and yet it seemed as if somebody had + suddenly struck her a cruel blow upon her naked heart. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum had just told her that for years she had been the most + intimate friend of Lady Linton and yet to all appearances she had been + literally astounded to learn that Sir William was married. + </p> + <p> + Could it be possible that her husband had never acknowledged her as his + wife to his family? + </p> + <p> + The thought almost paralyzed her for a moment; then she put it + indignantly away from her. + </p> + <p> + No, he had written letter after letter to his mother and sister—at + least he had spoken of so doing, though she had never read them—telling + of their marriage, and speaking of their return to Heathdale. Of course + his friends must have been apprised of all that had occurred during his + absence; still it was very strange that the "most intimate acquaintance + of Lady Linton" had not been made acquainted with the fact. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, she brightened. Mrs. Farnum had been traveling in + America also, for how long she did not know, and perhaps that accounted + for it. If she did not correspond with Lady Linton she had no means of + knowing of the baronet's marriage. + </p> + <p> + She even smiled to think how foolish she had been to allow such thoughts + to have even for a moment a place in her mind, as she looked up and + said: + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, Mrs. Farnum, I am not mad, and it is not impossible that I + am Sir William Heath's wife. We were married last September, and after + the death of my father, who was very ill at the time, we traveled for + several months and then came to New York, intending to sail for England + the last of May, but were forbidden to do so by my physician, as I have + already told you." + </p> + <p> + "Still I say it is impossible. The Sir William Heath whom I mean is the + master of a large estate called Heathdale in Hampshire County, England," + reiterated Mrs. Farnum, decisively. + </p> + <p> + "And my husband is the master of Heathdale, in Hampshire County, + England," Virgie said, a trifle proudly. + </p> + <p> + She resented the woman's incredulity, while she could not forget what + she had said about the "unimpeachable honor and untarnished name" of the + family. It had stung her keenly, though she did not suspect that it had + been an intentional slur upon the shadow resting on her own. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum's only reply was a look of increased astonishment, mingled + with something of horror. + </p> + <p> + A crimson flush dyed Virgie's face. + </p> + <p> + "May I ask, Mrs. Farnum, how long you have been in America?" she said. + </p> + <p> + "We sailed from Liverpool the sixth of May." + </p> + <p> + Virgie's heart sank a trifle. + </p> + <p> + "And had you seen your friend, Lady Linton, within a few months previous + to that time?" + </p> + <p> + "Lady Linton came to London only three weeks before, to make me a + farewell visit. She was with me ten days." + </p> + <p> + The young wife grew pale. + </p> + <p> + "And did she not mention the fact of her brother's marriage?" she + inquired in a faint voice. + </p> + <p> + "No such event in connection with him has ever been announced," returned + the woman, ruthlessly. "His friends know nothing of it. Sir William + Heath is believed by his friends to be a single man. More than this——" + </p> + <p> + Virgie stopped her with a gesture, but she was as white as new fallen + snow as she arose, and going to her writing-desk, brought a letter, + which she laid upon Mrs. Farnum's lap. + </p> + <p> + "There is his last letter to me," she said, but her lips were almost + rigid as she spoke. "It will prove my statements." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum took it, and examined the envelope. It was directed to "Mrs. + William Heath,——Hotel, New York City, U.S.A." It was post-marked at + Heathdale. The handwriting was familiar, and she knew well enough that + Sir William Heath had penned it. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. William Heath!" she said, reading the name aloud. "He does not + address you as Lady Heath, which is your proper title if you are his + wife." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" cried Virgie, with a shiver of pain, for those last words, + implying a doubt of her position, hurt her like a knife. "Neither of us + cared to be conspicuous while we were traveling, so my husband dropped + his title," she explained. + </p> + <p> + "Ahem! that was a very strange proceeding. But does—does he say + anything about coming for you, in this letter?" inquired her companion, + who was burning with curiosity to know what it contained. + </p> + <p> + "You may read it if you like, Mrs. Farnum. I see that you are still in + doubt about my being what I represent myself," Virgie returned, with + some hauteur. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum flushed at this. + </p> + <p> + "You must excuse me, my dear," she said, with hypocritical blandness, + "but—but—it is simply unaccountable to me, knowing what I do about the + family and their future plans for Sir William. I'm afraid——" + </p> + <p> + She did not finish what she was going to say, but coolly drew the letter + from the envelope, unfolded, and began to read it, never once stopping + to consider how she was outraging the delicacy and affection of the + young wife by this act, notwithstanding that she had received permission + to do so—She could not doubt, as she read, that the young baronet's + heart had all been given to this fair, beautiful woman, for though + written in his own dignified way, the letter was full of devotion and + loyalty to her. And yet not once in all those eight pages had he called + her by the sacred name of "wife." There were all manner of pet names and + expressions of endearment, but not a single time was written that word + which would have proved so much. + </p> + <p> + The arch plotter as she read, was quick to observe this omission, and + she gloated over it; it would materially help to further her designs in + the future she thought, if this letter was a sample of all others which + he had written her. She would have given a great deal to be able to have + that pretty writing-desk at her command for an hour or two. + </p> + <p> + Her face took on a sterner and graver look than she had ever yet worn as + she read on, and when at length she finished the epistle, she appeared + the horrified prude to perfection. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XV.<br/> + The Lawful Wife. + </h2> + <p> + "Have you a picture of your—of Sir William, madam?" Mrs. Farnum + inquired, as she folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. + </p> + <p> + Virgie arose without a word, and taking a velvet album from the table, + opened it to certain picture and laid it before her companion. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum uttered a cry of despair as her glance fell upon the + handsome, upturned face. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is a picture of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale; there can be + no mistake," she confessed, with a perfectly rigid face. "But, Mrs.—oh, + madam—I am simply stunned!" + </p> + <p> + "What <i>do</i> you mean?" Virgie demanded, standing straight and tall + before her, and meeting her eyes with a blazing look which warned Mrs. + Farnum to be careful how she dealt with that spirit. + </p> + <p> + "Pray, be calm, my child," she returned, with a pitiful accent. "Sit + down beside me here, and I will explain why I am so disturbed. Good + heavens! we have always supposed that Sir William was a man of + unblemished honor." + </p> + <p> + "Madam, be careful how you speak of my husband!" Virgie interrupted, + haughtily, yet with a note of agony in her voice. "Sir William is an + honorable man, and I will not allow you to say one word against him in + my presence." + </p> + <p> + "Poor child! poor child! I fear you have been terribly deceived. How can + I ever tell you!" murmured Mrs. Farnum, in a shuddering voice, and with + every appearance of distress. + </p> + <p> + "You <i>shall</i> tell me instantly. I will not stand here and listen to + such paralyzing insinuations. <i>If</i> you have any thing to tell me, + say it at once, and do not keep me in this maddening suspense!" Virgie + commanded grasping the woman by the wrist, and transfixing her with her + blazing eyes. + </p> + <p> + If Sir William Heath could have seen her at that moment he would have + been very proud of her, for she had never been so beautiful, although a + terrible agony was stamped upon her white, imperious face. + </p> + <p> + "I can only repeat what I have already said. It is impossible. You will + never be mistress of Heathdale!" reiterated Mrs. Farnum, in an + inflexible voice, as she disengaged her wrist from Virgie's grasp, which + had left the imprint of every finger upon it. + </p> + <p> + "Go on!" commanded the young wife, authoritatively "You have simply made + a statement. You must confirm it." + </p> + <p> + "Because," proceeded the relentless woman, "in the first place, if you + are his wife, he would long before this have acknowledged you as such to + his friends." + </p> + <p> + "He has done so, I tell you. He wrote immediately after our marriage, + announcing it." + </p> + <p> + "Did you see him <i>post</i> his letter?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, quietly, + but in a tone that keenly stung the sensitive girl before her. + </p> + <p> + "No," she replied, a hot flush mounting to her brow; "but I know he did. + He is too honorable to dissemble." + </p> + <p> + "Did you ever see any reply to his communication in which his friends + recognized the fact of your marriage?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I—I never questioned him," Virgie answered, with white lips. "My + father was very ill, dying, at that time, and I scarcely thought of + anything else." + </p> + <p> + "But of course you have your marriage certificate. That would prove + everything," observed Mrs. Farnum, insinuatingly, although she well knew + that she had not. + </p> + <p> + "My husband has it." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" and a pitiful smile wreathed the woman's lips as she uttered this + interpection with significant emphasis. + </p> + <p> + "Madam, can you not see that you are driving me mad?" cried Virgie, in + an agonized voice. "You have heard something; you are concealing + something from me. For mercy's sake, make an end of this suspense!" + </p> + <p> + "Answer me one question more. Were there witnesses at your marriage?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, four." + </p> + <p> + "Four! Who were they?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum asked this question in a somewhat disappointed tone, for if + the young wife could bring four witnesses to prove her marriage, Lady + Linton might well tremble for the success of her plots, though Nevada + was a long distance from England, and there might be some difficulty in + producing them. + </p> + <p> + "My father"—a sob checked Virgie's utterance as she mentioned him, and + realized how forlorn her condition would be if the horrible suspicions + which were being sown in her mind should prove true—"the clergyman who + performed the ceremony, a woman who lived near us, and our own servant." + </p> + <p> + "Then, since you have no tangible proof in your own hands that you are + Sir William Heath's lawful wife, I advise you to communicate with those + witnesses without delay, since their testimony alone will serve to + establish your rights and—those of your child," Mrs. Farnum said, with + a solemnity that struck a fearful chill to Virgie's heart. + </p> + <p> + "My child!" + </p> + <p> + It was a startled, anguished cry, and all the mother-love and anxiety + was instantly aroused for her little one. + </p> + <p> + Was it possible that anything was threatening the honor and future + happiness of her child, who, next to its father, was at once her pride + and idol? + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" she cried, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, "why will + you talk so in riddles? If you have anything to tell me, in pity speak + out before I lose my reason!" + </p> + <p> + "Wait one moment, and I will bring you a letter which I have recently + received, and when I have read it to you, you will understand why I have + been so skeptical regarding what you have told me, and why I have + questioned you so closely." + </p> + <p> + With these words, Mrs. Farnum arose and left the room, while Virgie, + almost stunned by the fearful suspicions which had been so artfully + thrust upon her, and feeling almost as if a knife had been driven + through her heart, sank nerveless and trembling into a chair to await + her return. + </p> + <p> + The relentless woman was not gone long. The ice was thoroughly broken at + last, and she meant to make quick work of her task now. Lady Linton had + written to her that her brother was becoming very impatient at being + detained so long from his wife; he was nearly ill from anxiety because + he did not hear from her, and she feared he would soon brave everything + and go to her; so whatever was done to separate them eventually, must be + quickly done. + </p> + <p> + She soon returned, holding in her hand a letter, and a lurid light + burned in her eyes as she glanced at the stricken wife saw how well her + blows had told. + </p> + <p> + "This letter," she began, seating herself, and drawing some closely + written pages from their perfumed envelope, "is from Lady Linton, my + intimate friend, and Sir William Heath's sister, and you will perceive, + as I read, that my authority for what I have told you is indisputable. + Perhaps, however, you would prefer to read it yourself," she concluded, + holding it out to her. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie made a gesture of dissent. She felt that she had not strength + even to hold those thin sheets of paper in her trembling hands. + </p> + <p> + "Very well; then, I will read it to you; but, my young friend, you must + be prepared for some startling news." + </p> + <p> + Virgie opened her lips as if to speak, but the words died on them, and + Mrs. Farnum began: + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Myra:—You will be glad to learn that mamma is really + better—not, of course, as far on the road to convalescence as we could + desire, but comfortable enough to have had the wedding take place as + appointed It would have been too bad if it had to be postponed; so + unlucky, you know. We thought once that we should have to put it off + indefinitely; but, as mamma could not bear the thought, and Sir Herbert + consenting, provided there should be no excitement, we decided not to + disarrange the long-talked-of plans. Will and Margie both behaved + beautifully, and declared they would cheerfully defer everything if + mamma was likely to suffer from it; but it was very evident that their + happiness was greatly augmented when told that it would not be + necessary. The wedding occurred on the 28th, in the Heath chapel. It + was, of course, very quiet and unassuming, though the bride was lovely + in her robe of white satin, exquisitely decorated with Chantilly lace, + and wreath of heath, which it has always been the custom for the brides + of the house to wear. William looked as noble as ever, and our good old + rector made the service very impressive not forgetting to mention in his + prayer, most touchingly, her who lay ill at home and could not grace + with her presence the glad occasion. There was a very quiet breakfast + afterward at Mrs. Stanhope's, after which Will and Margie came over for + mamma's congratulations and blessing. + </p> + <p> + "They are not going on a journey just now. They will visit London for a + few days, and then return here and remain at home for the present. Will + seems almost like a boy in his happiness, while Margie is sweeter and + prettier than ever. Of course we are all delighted, for we have always + been so pleased at the prospect of the match, though I was afraid for a + little while that something might happen. I feared there had been some + nonsense when William was in America for I came across the photograph of + the loveliest face I ever saw, one day, while looking over and arranging + his wardrobe after his return. But the old saying proves true—'All's + well that ends well,' and I trust there is a brilliant future for the + master of Heathdale." + </p> + <p> + There was more pertaining to family matters, which Mrs. Farnum thought + best to omit after stealing a look at Virgie. + </p> + <p> + Her face was frightful to behold, and for a moment the woman was + positively alarmed at the result of her work. + </p> + <p> + She sat like a statue, scarce seeming to breathe; there was not the + slightest color in her face or lips, and the expression of agony about + her mouth reveiled something of the fearful suffering she was enduring, + while there was a look in her eyes which her companion never forgot. + </p> + <p> + She did not move for several minutes after Mrs. Farnum ceased reading; + it was as if she had suddenly been turned to stone, and was oblivious of + everything. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum was awed by her appearance, and hardly dared to speak to + her, lest, in breaking the spell, the girl should drop dead at her feet. + </p> + <p> + But all at once Virgie started; some thought seemed to have come to + her—something that made her doubt that the dreadful tidings to which + she had listened were true. + </p> + <p> + The letter had spoken of "Will" and "William," to be sure, and she had + every reason to suppose that it had referred to the man whom she had + believed to be her husband—still there might be a mistake. She grasped + at the straw with the eagerness of a drowning man. + </p> + <p> + "Of whom is Lady Linton speaking in her letter, as having + been—married?" she demanded, in a hollow voice, and fixing her burning + eyes upon her companion's face. + </p> + <p> + "Why, of William Heath, of course," returned Mrs. Farnum, greatly + relieved to hear her speak once more, "and I have known him all my life. + I used to visit at Heathdale a great deal before Lady Linton's marriage, + and he was always a favorite of mine. He was a bright, manly fellow, and + his friends have planned great things for him. I—I can hardly credit + what you have told me to-day. I did not dream he could do anything so + wrong; but doubtless he will settle down now, and I shall expect to see + him a member of Parliament; he has everything in his favor." + </p> + <p> + "Who is—Margie?" Virgie asked, in the same tone as before, though she + had shivered at the last words of Mrs. Farnum; they were bitterly cruel. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Margaret Stanhope—one of the loveliest girls in Hampshire County. + She and Will have been engaged for years. You remember that Lady Linton + spoke of their always having been 'pleased with the prospect of the + match.'" + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" gasped Virgie, clasping her hands over her aching heart, and for a + moment everything seemed to fade from her vision, and a great darkness + to envelop her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum thought she was going to faint; but the weakness passed, and + then she arose in all the majesty of her terrible agony and righteous + indignation. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," she began, standing straight and proud before the astonished + woman, "If what you have told me is true; if Sir William Heath has been + engaged to Margaret Stanhope for years; if he has pretended to marry her + since his return to England, then the greatest wrong that ever was + perpetrated has been done, and he has made a dupe of her and—broken my + heart. As sure as there is a just God, I am Sir William Heath's lawful + wife, and He will vindicate me. My child is his daughter, and the + heiress of Heathdale, and Margaret Stanhope has been shamefully + betrayed. I shall never allow such a crime to prevail. I shall sail for + Liverpool on the very next steamer, to expose this villainy and to + assert my legal rights and my daughter's claim to her position as a + Heath of Heathdale. She, at least, shall not suffer dishonor, if the + lives of two women have been ruined by the villainy of one man. Did he + suppose, because England is three thousand miles from America, that he + could perpetrate this wrong with impunity? I tell you it shall never be! + I will face him in the home of his <i>unimpeachable ancestors,</i> and + see if he dares to repudiate his lawful wife!" + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XVI.<br/> + "My Child Is the Heiress of Heathdale!" + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum looked frightened at Virgie's startling threat, and she + realized at once that she had underrated the character of the woman with + whom she had to deal. + </p> + <p> + She saw that she was capable of great decision and prompt action; that + beneath her gracious sweetness, and gentle, winning manner, there lay a + reserve force and strength upon which she had not reckoned, and which + would have to be overcome—if overcome at all—by strategy and + deception. + </p> + <p> + It would never do for the young wife to set out for England, at least if + there was any power to prevent it, for it would destroy all their + carefully laid plans, and their hopes for the future. + </p> + <p> + It had never occurred to Mrs, Farnum that she would contemplate such a + proceeding. + </p> + <p> + She knew that she was a stranger and absolutely friendless in the city; + there would be no one on whom she could rely to fight her battles. She + had imagined her to be weak and yielding, and that she would sink + helplessly beneath the terrible blows that she had dealt her, that all + life and spirit would be crushed out of her, and she would be only too + willing to fly from every one whom she knew, and hide herself and her + child, with their supposed shame, in some remote corner of the earth, + and that would be the last of them. + </p> + <p> + Then when Sir William should search for her, as of course she knew he + would do, and fail to find her, he could easily be made to believe that + she had been untrue, and fled from him; a divorce could be readily + obtained to set him free, and thus Sadie, if she played her cards + aright, might yet become the mistress of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + But the injured wife's project of going to face her recreant husband, + and demanding to be acknowledged as the lawful mistress of Heathdale, + must be defeated at any cost, and the wily woman immediately set about + accomplishing her object. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my poor child!" she began, assuming a sympathetic tone, "one cannot + blame you for just indignation at having been so deeply wronged. I never + would have believed Sir William capable of such dishonor. But surely you + will never think of subjecting yourself to an ordeal so terrible as that + you have just proposed." + </p> + <p> + "Why should I not? Why should I shrink from anything that will right + this wrong? Nothing can hurt me more than I have been hurt to-day," + Virgie answered, spiritedly, yet with inconceivable bitterness. + </p> + <p> + "But think of Sir William's family. They are exceedingly sensitive and + proud spirited, and they would never tolerate your claim for an instant; + no shadow of dishonor has ever touched them in any way, and they would + not endure the scandal." + </p> + <p> + "Think of Sir William's family! Why should I consider them? Madam, it is + myself of whom I have to think—myself and my innocent little one; and + do you suppose I will tolerate the indignity which has been offered me? + Is not my good name and that of my child as much at stake, and of as + much value as the name of Heath?" Virgie cried, her proud spirit blazing + forth in righteous indignation. + </p> + <p> + "But Sir William is a peer of the realm." + </p> + <p> + "A peer!" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum actually cringed beneath the scorn that rang out in the + young wife's tone as she repeated these words: + </p> + <p> + "And are peers of the realm exempt from all dishonor when they violate + every law, both human and divine?" she continued, with stinging sarcasm. + "Does the code of your nobility provide that young and innocent girls, + who are basely betrayed, shall sit tamely down and meekly bear their + injuries, so that your peers of the realm can go unscathed? If so, thank + heaven that your laws do not prevail in this country. You are yourself a + mother—you are proud of your beautiful daughter; but think you if she + stood in my place you would advise her to consider the feelings of Sir + William's family, to ignore her rights, and shut her eyes to her own + injuries, lest she cast a shadow of dishonor upon their proud + escutcheon? And do you think that I am less of a woman than she—that I + am devoid of fine sensibilities, of pride and self-respect?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum had winced as under a lash during all this spirited speech. + Its scorn and sarcasm stung her keenly, and made her very angry. She + longed to revenge herself upon the proud girl who had presumed to rank + herself along with her daughter, by proclaiming the secret regarding her + life, which she had so cunningly learned in San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + But she feared to arouse her further. She realized that she must seek to + conciliate her, and try to persuade her not to take the mad journey to + England which she seemed so bent upon. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, my poor child," she began, soothingly; "you do not realize what + you are saying. Of course, I know it is all very wrong to deceive a girl + in any such way, be she high or low, rich or poor. But just consider how + you are situated. You say that your hus—that Sir William has your + marriage certificate, and you have nothing to prove your statements + with, even if you should present yourself at Heathdale. How do you + suppose you would be received there if you should burst in upon them + claiming to be Sir William's wife and the mistress of Heathdale if you + could not substantiate your statements? My dear, it would be the + blindest folly." + </p> + <p> + "But I have his letters!" cried Virgie, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "True, you have his letters, and no doubt his handwriting would be + instantly recognized by his family, But they could not prove your + position, especially if they are all written after the style of the one + which you allowed me to read this afternoon, for in all those pages not + once does he speak of you as his wife. You must have something more + tangible and conclusive than those," Mrs. Farnum asserted, confidently. + </p> + <p> + All the light died out of Virgie's face as she began to see that there + were terrible difficulties in the way of proving that she was a lawfully + wedded wife. + </p> + <p> + "I have my ring," she said, weakly, and holding up the white, delicate + hand on which the heavy circlet gleamed, guarded by a brilliant diamond, + but which trembled like a reed shaken by the wind. + </p> + <p> + "Is it marked with the date of your marriage?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, an + anxious gleam in her eye as it rested upon that symbol of wifehood. + </p> + <p> + "N-o; it was thoughtlessly neglected at the time, because there were so + many other things to be attended to, and—and I could not bear to have + it taken off to rectify the oversight, after it was once put upon my + hand," Virgie confessed, growing white again even to her lips. + </p> + <p> + "That was unwise, not to say foolish of you," said Mrs. Farnum, + deprecatingly, but with a throb of exultation. + </p> + <p> + "But," added Virgie, after thinking a moment, "he brought me here as his + wife. The proprietor of this hotel will tell you so. Dr. Knox, my + physician, will tell you so also, as I was introduced to him by my + husband as Mrs. Heath; and there are other people in the house who know + it." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum smiled pitifully. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," she said, gravely, "how many of these people do you think + would be willing to swear that you are Sir William Heath's wife, if you + should ask them to do so? How many would put their names to a paper + certifying their honest conviction that you are, if told the title and + position he occupies in his own country and <i>your history</i> in + this?" + </p> + <p> + Virgie started at these words, and would have asked the woman what she + knew of her history, but she went on as if she had not remarked her + emotion: + </p> + <p> + "If Sir William had brought you here as <i>Lady Heath,</i> registered + himself in his own proper character, and taken you into society thus, + there would have been no room for doubt. But instead, what <i>has</i> he + done? It is very strange that your own suspicions have not been aroused + by his actions. He has registered everywhere as plain 'William Heath and + lady.' Instead of going to the public table, as most of the guests are + in the habit of doing, he has paid extra rates to have your meals served + in your own rooms, and kept you secluded from almost every one. What + construction do you suppose would be put upon these facts, if they were + submitted to people generally, if——" + </p> + <p> + "But, Mrs. Farnum, all this was done out of regard for my feelings. I + told you that we did not wish to be conspicuous while traveling, so my + husband dropped his title. I could not go into society here, and I did + not like to go to the public table where I should be—obliged to meet so + many strangers," Virgie interrupted, a hot flush rising to her brow, + while there was a weary, hunted look, in her eyes as the cunning woman + continued to weave her tangled web about her. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, <i>I</i> can understand all that," replied Mrs. Farnum, + indulgently, "but how would it appear as evidence if brought up in + connection with your efforts to prove yourself a lawful wife?" + </p> + <p> + Virgie's heart sank. + </p> + <p> + Turned which way she would, everything, as argued and distorted by her + companion, appeared against her, and for a moment it seemed as if her + spirit was crushed within her. + </p> + <p> + But at that instant a little cry from the adjoining room fell upon her + ears, and immediately all her natural pride and energy returned to her + aid. + </p> + <p> + She straightened herself and lifted her head proudly a look of firm + resolve settling upon her face and gleaming in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "There are proofs," she said, in a low, firm tone, "even though I have + not my marriage certificate and though some people may doubt the truth + of what I assert, and—I will yet have them. My father, who would have + been my strongest helper, is dead, but there are three other witnesses + living who can swear that I am a lawful wife. There must be records + also, and, madam, I will move heaven and earth to establish my rightful + position in life." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum trembled before this indomitable resolution. + </p> + <p> + "And would you be willing to occupy it, even if you could establish it?" + she asked, with a covert sneer, "would you force yourself into a + position which, appearances go to prove, was never intended to be given + to you? Would you force yourself upon a man who had subjected you to the + indignity of repudiating you as a wife and put another in your place?" + </p> + <p> + Virgie's head reeled beneath the force of these cruel questions, and she + swayed dizzily, as if about to fall, for a moment. + </p> + <p> + Then again with a mighty effort she recovered herself. + </p> + <p> + "No," she cried, her beautiful lips curling with, scorn, every pulse in + her body throbbing with contempt "the chosen mistress of Heathdale may + keep her position after I have proven my right to it, if she prizes it + enough to pay the price of her own dishonor; but my child is also the + lawful child of Sir William Heath—she is the heiress to all his + possessions and she shall yet occupy the place in the world that + rightfully belongs to her, no matter who else may stand in her path. It + may take time to accomplish all this, but, mark me, Mrs. Farnum, and + tell your 'proud, unimpeachable family' at Heathdale so, if you choose, + it shall be accomplished." + </p> + <p> + "Then of course you will not be able to sail immediately for England as + you at first proposed to do," returned Mrs. Farnum, her heart leaping + with joy as Virgie's words told her that she had changed her mind + regarding her first threat. + </p> + <p> + "No, I can see, now I come to consider the matter, that it would be + folly for me to attempt to gain my rights without being armed with + positive proof of what I assert. It exists, however, though it will + necessitate much trouble and expense to secure it. Three months hence, + however, I shall hope to have it in my hands, then, let your 'peer of + the realm' and his 'honored family' take warning, for a righteous + judgment will surely overtake them for the wrong which I suffer to-day. + Now go—leave me if you please; you may have meant well in telling me + what you have, but, oh! you have ruined my life and all my hopes," + Virgie concluded, with a moan and gesture full of despair. + </p> + <p> + Her strength was failing her; the bitterness of death was upon her and + she longed to be alone, for she could not endure that any one should + witness her cruel humiliation. + </p> + <p> + Her last words had galled Mrs. Farnum almost beyond endurance; no doubt + because she realized that there was so much truth in them, while her + threat regarding a righteous judgment overtaking the family at Heathdale + caused her heart to sink with a sudden dread of disgraceful punishment + for herself if ever her complicity in this foul plot should be + discovered. + </p> + <p> + She arose, cold and stern. + </p> + <p> + "<i>I</i> ruin your life, indeed!" she answered, haughtily. "I think you + have no one to thank for that but yourself, for having lent a too + willing ear to the flattering tongue of a strange young man." + </p> + <p> + She swept from the room with a firm step and uplifted head, while Virgie + sank prostrate upon the floor, feeling as if her heart had been + ruthlessly trampled upon and all the life and hope crushed out of it. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XVII.<br/> + The Last Drop in a Bitter Cup. + </h2> + <p> + "The girl has more spirit than I gave her credit for," Mrs. Farnum + muttered to herself, as she entered her own rooms after leaving Virgie. + "If she persists in her purpose of securing proofs and going to + Heathdale to claim her position, of course it will upset everything. + However, she will not be able to do that at present; she must first take + a long journey, and meantime Miriam will, no doubt, think of some way to + prevent a <i>denouement</i>. Doubtless the girl will write once more and + charge Sir William with his perfidy—she is not one to bear tamely such + a wrong; but Miriam will be on the watch, and if the little upstart gets + no reply, her pride will probably assert itself, and we shall have no + more trouble with her, for a while at least. Meantime Sir William may be + prevailed upon to get a divorce, and then the way will be clear once + more for Sadie. + </p> + <p> + "How fortunate," she added, going on with her soliloquy, "that Will + Heath and Margie were married just at this time!—she swallowed that + story whole. Well, I must confess it was calculated to stagger any one, + though I was almost afraid she had heard something before about the + facts; but it seems she had not." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The truth regarding the news that Mrs. Farnum had received from Lady + Linton, and which the latter had so cunningly utilized to further her + scheme to separate her brother and his wife, was this: + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath had a cousin who bore the same name as himself, though + without the title, of course. + </p> + <p> + He was three years older than the young baronet, and had been named for + his uncle, with the hope that he would be received as the heir in case + no son was born to the elder Sir William. But this was not to be. + </p> + <p> + From childhood the boy had been attached to his little, neighbor and + playmate, Margaret Stanhope, and they had been engaged for years, as + Mrs. Farnum told Virgie. + </p> + <p> + But being the son of a younger son, he had had to struggle somewhat for + his education and position in life, and it was only a few months + previous to Sir William's return from America that he had succeeded in + securing a situation as private secretary to a nobleman, and thus felt + that at last he had a right to marry the sweet girl whom he had so long + and so fondly loved, and make a home for himself. + </p> + <p> + The marriage had been set for the 28th of June, but Lady Heath's sudden + and alarming illness, it was feared, would necessitate a postponement. + But when she began to improve, and the question being submitted to her, + she, having a great fondness for both her nephew and his betrothed, had + insisted that the marriage should proceed. It accordingly took place in + the chapel at Heathdale, Sir William himself giving away the bride, as + her father was not living. So it will readily be seen that there was a + semblance of truth in nearly all that Lady Linton had written to Mrs. + Farnurn. + </p> + <p> + She had not been quite sure that she would succeed in this part of her + scheme, for it might be that Sir William had mentioned the fact of his + having a cousin by the same name; so she had written her letter in a way + to do no harm in case it did not help her plan. If Virgie did <i>not</i> + know, however, she would readily take it for granted that it was her + husband who had been married on the 28th, while the fact that a long + engagement had existed would seem to prove that he had wilfully deceived + her from the first, and tend to make her believe that her own marriage + had been simply a farce. + </p> + <p> + Knowing that the certificate was in Sir William's possession, that Mr. + Abbot was dead, and surmising, from their signatures, that two of the + witnesses at least were very ignorant, she hoped, even if Virgie should + have sufficient spirit to assert herself that it would be very difficult + for her to collect proofs of a legal marriage. She knew that she could + bring plenty of evidence to prove the fact that they had lived and + traveled together for several months under the name of Mr. and Mrs. + Heath, but she did not believe that that would count for very much; it + would not be the first time that such a thing had occurred—young men + would sow wild oats occasionally, and though it might wound her pride + terribly to have any scandal arise regarding the matter, yet she could + bear that with a far better grace than to have an ignorant plebeian from + the wilds of America become the mistress of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + Her aim was to estrange and keep the couple separated long enough to + secure a divorce and compromise Sir William with Sadie Farnum, and then + she would be ready to snap her fingers at all danger for the future. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum wrote immediately to Lady Linton, giving her a full account + of her interview with her despised sister-in-law, while Virgie, as soon + as she could recover sufficient strength and composure to make the + effort, also wrote a long letter to Sir William. + </p> + <p> + She told him everything, just as if she had not written to him + before—how his letters had suddenly ceased, and how she had waited and + hoped to hear from him until she had grown weary and heart-sick from his + long silence. + </p> + <p> + She told of her meeting with the Farnums, and of the wretched story she + had just learned from the elder lady. She begged him for but one word of + contradiction, and she would believe in him and wait patiently for his + own time for coming to her. But if the terrible tale was true—if he had + deceived her from the first, and had cheated her and her father into + believing that he was making her really his wife, when it had been only + a farce, to tell her plainly, and she would never trouble him again. + </p> + <p> + When the letter was finished she went out and posted it herself, to + insure its going by the first steamer, and then she tried to school + herself to wait patiently for a reply. + </p> + <p> + But in a day or two she became conscious of a change in the inmates of + the house toward her. Ladies whom she knew met and passed her with a + cold nod, and a bold stare, which brought a scarlet flush to her cheeks. + Some, indeed, did not deign to recognize her at all. The servants were + less attentive, almost rude, the clerk and proprietor distant and + reserved. + </p> + <p> + Too well she understood what it all meant, and there was but one way to + account for the sudden change in the atmosphere which surrounded her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum, the only one in the house who could possibly know anything + regarding her history, must have given some hint of her apparently + questionable position. + </p> + <p> + But there was no redress, for she would not humiliate herself enough to + ask an explanation; so she could only submit in silence, and bear it + with what fortitude she could summon to her aid, while she was waiting + to hear from her husband. + </p> + <p> + But she endured agonies during the time, and the days dragged, oh, so + heavily by. + </p> + <p> + She remained closely in her own rooms, seeing no one save the servants + and her own nurse, and devoting herself to the care of her little one. + </p> + <p> + At last the day that she had set for a letter to come arrived, and she + grew feverish, almost hysterical while waiting for the mail to be + delivered. + </p> + <p> + She heard the clerk going his rounds; he stopped at Mrs. Farnum's door + to leave something, and then came on toward her door. Her heart stood + still as he approached. He passed by—there was nothing for her, and her + heart was almost broken. + </p> + <p> + She sent the nurse down to the office to ask if there was not some + mistake—if Mrs. Heath's mail had not been overlooked. + </p> + <p> + "No, there are no letters for <i>Mrs. Heath</i>," the man answered, with + a peculiar emphasis on the name, and an insolent laugh, that made the + woman very angry. + </p> + <p> + When she related the circumstance to Virgie, she threw up her arms, with + a gesture of despair, and cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Oh! what shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + She appeared stunned, crushed, and the kind-hearted creature who served + her, and who, of course, had known that something was wrong, was + extremely anxious about her. + </p> + <p> + She begged that she might be allowed to send for Dr. Knox; but Virgie + refused, with a shudder. She could not bear the thought of the good + physician learning the story of her desertion and shame, for such, she + began to feel, must be the true construction to be put upon Sir + William's long absence and silence. + </p> + <p> + A little later there came a tap upon her door. She sent the nurse to + answer it, and heard some one say: + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Farnum's compliments, and she would like Mrs. Heath to read these, + and then return them to her." + </p> + <p> + The nurse shut the door, and then came to Virgie, with a letter and + paper in her hand. + </p> + <p> + For an instant she thought it might be a letter for her, and she seized + it with an eager cry. + </p> + <p> + But no; it was addressed to Mrs. Farnum, though it bore the Heathdale + postmark, and was in the handwriting of Lady Linton. + </p> + <p> + Virgie grew deathly white, and clutched at her throat, for it seemed as + if she were suffocating. + </p> + <p> + Then she mastered her emotion, and crept away to her chamber to read the + letter, for she felt that it contained some fatal news, and she wished + no one to witness her suffering as she read it. + </p> + <p> + With it convulsively clasped in her hands, she fell upon her knees and + sobbed: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Heaven, spare me deeper sorrow! oh, do not confirm my shame!" + </p> + <p> + It was some time before she could compose herself enough to read that + fatal missive, but at length she unfolded it and began to peruse it. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "Dear Myra," the letter began, "you may be surprised by the contents of + this, but I cannot bring myself to address that person by the name which + she claims, and so feel compelled to ask you to oblige me by giving her + a message, or, perhaps what would be better, allow her to read this + letter for herself. My brother is away from home just now, and, as my + custom is in his absence, I open all letters of a private nature, and + act as I judge best regarding them. The wildest epistle imaginable came + to him yesterday and I was thankful that he was away, for he is so very + happy that it must have shocked him exceedingly and I shall need to + communicate its contents very delicately to him. + </p> + <p> + "That girl of whom you wrote me in your last actually claims to be his + lawful wife—believes it, I suppose, poor child—and cannot understand + how utterly impossible it would be for any one belonging to an old and + honorable family like ours to ally himself with one so low in the social + scale. I am shocked that my brother should have been guilty of anything + so out of character as she represents while he was abroad. I am + sincerely sorry for the wrong which it appears he has done her, if what + she says is true, and shall insist that he provide comfortably for her + for the future; but, of course, the idea that she has a right to come + here as mistress is preposterous, and I trust that you will make it + appear so to her. Advise her to renounce at once all claim to the name, + and settle quietly in some place where she is not known, and perhaps she + may be able to bring up her child in a respectable way, so that its + prospects will not be hampered in the future by its mother's mistake. + </p> + <p> + "Will and Margie returned while I was writing to you, and both look so + well and happy that it does my heart good to see them. Of course I had + to stop for awhile, but now I will try and finish my letter. I have had + a serious talk with my brother, and he appears to feel very much + troubled over his American escapade, confessed that he had done wrong, + and gave me this hundred pound note, which I inclose for the benefit of + the girl; and I sincerely trust she will do nothing more to disturb a + happy household, and one which will be very much annoyed by any useless + scandal." + </p> + <p> + There followed a little more pertaining in an indifferent way to the + above household, but Virgie had read enough, and the letter fell from + her nerveless fingers, while she sat staring vacantly before her, her + brain almost turned by the heartless words she had just read, her heart + broken with its weight of woe, while a feeling of utter wretchedness and + desolation made her long for death to steep her senses in oblivion. + </p> + <p> + She forgot all about the paper which had been given her with the letter, + while the hundred-pound note, which had been inclosed with it, had + fluttered out unheeded as she drew it from the envelope, and now lay + upon the floor at her feet. + </p> + <p> + Later she examined the paper, and found a notice of the marriage of + William Heath and Margaret Stanhope. Whether Lady Linton had been the + cause of it to further her schemes, or whether some strange fatality had + occasioned the mistake, it would be difficult to say, but the paragraph + read: + </p> + <p> + "Married:—On the 28th instant, in the Heath Chapel, Sir William Heath, + of Heathdale, to Miss Margaret Stanhope, only daughter of the late + Sidney Stanhope." + </p> + <p> + Thus was added the last drop to the cup of bitterness which Virgie had + to drink. + </p> + <p> + There had been a strange mixture of truth and falsehood in the letter + which Lady Linton wrote to Mrs. Farnum. + </p> + <p> + Her brother was away for a day or two on a matter of business when + Virgie's imploring epistle arrived—a circumstance for which his sister + was most thankful, for it was no trifling matter for her to be always on + the alert to intercept the letters that passed, through the bag at + Heathdale. But she had succeeded in accomplishing this by having had an + extra key made for the lock and always accompanying the carriage when it + went for the mail. + </p> + <p> + This drive she called her "constitutional," and as the carriage was a + closed one, she could readily unlock the bag and abstract the letters + she wanted without being seen, and consequently was never suspected of + having anything to do with the interrupted correspondence of Sir William + and Virgie. + </p> + <p> + She had also been interrupted while writing to Mrs. Farnum by the return + of her brother and the entrance of her cousin's new wife. Afterward she + had had a talk with Sir William, in which he confessed to feeling + greatly "troubled" regarding Virgie and her long, unaccountable silence. + He said he felt that he had "done wrong" to have left her so long, for, + as it had proved, his mother was gradually though slowly improving, and + he might have gone and returned without affecting her health; he should + see Sir Herbert Randal when he came again, and make arrangements to sail + immediately for America. But Lady Linton cunningly provided against this + calamity by privately informing the physician that her mother was + worrying over this threatened departure, and he succeeded in prevailing + upon the baronet to wait a week or two longer. + </p> + <p> + Sir William had, indeed, given his sister a hundred-pound note, but it + was for the benefit of a poor girl who had been crippled by a railway + accident; and thus all these circumstances being artfully woven into her + letter had something of truth in them, and helped to serve the scheming + woman's purpose. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XVIII.<br/> + "I Will Prove It." + </h2> + <p> + It was very fortunate for Virgie that she had a little one at this time, + else she would have deemed life scarcely worth the living, so stunned + and crushed was she by the terrible blow that had fallen upon her. + </p> + <p> + For two long hours, after reading that letter from Lady Linton, and the + paper containing that paragraph of William Heath's marriage, she lay as + if paralyzed upon her bed. One would hardly believe that she lived at + all, but for that look of unutterable woe in her eyes and the expression + of agony about her mouth. + </p> + <p> + But she was aroused at last to a sense of her duties and + responsibilities as a mother, by the crying of little Virgie in the + outer room; and yet that cry was like another dagger plunged into her + heart, for it reminded her that, if the dreadful things which she had + been told were true, her whole future was dishonored—that she was a + betrayed and deserted woman and her child nameless. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Heaven! it cannot be!" she cried, lifting her arms with a gesture + of despair and locking her fingers in a convulsive clasp above her head, + while her mind went back over the past and reviewed every event that had + occurred since the beginning of her acquaintance with Sir William Heath. + </p> + <p> + She had believed in him so thoroughly, he had seemed so noble and true, + so entirely above all deception and double dealing. He had appeared to + love her so devotedly, had been so proud of her as the future mistress + of his beautiful home, and so supremely happy in the anticipation of the + coming of their little one. He had hoped for a son and heir, and yet he + had expressed no disappointment upon learning that their child was a + daughter; he had welcomed the little stranger most tenderly in his + letter and fondly named her, to please himself, for her mother. + </p> + <p> + He had seemed so impatient and regretful at the thought of leaving her + so long alone, and had promised to come to her the moment that he could + safely leave his mother. + </p> + <p> + All this made it very difficult for Virgie to believe in his apparent + perfidy and treachery, and yet the evidence against him seemed so + overwhelming that she was convinced in spite of herself. + </p> + <p> + She did not dream of a plot against her, for she could not conceive of + any motive for one; but his letters had suddenly ceased and she could + not believe accident had caused it, when she had written again and again + telling him of it and pleading for but a word from him. + </p> + <p> + Then she had heard that story of the engagement to Margaret Stanhope, + then the account of the marriage at Heathdale, by Lady Linton, who + appeared entirely ignorant of her existence even; and taking all this + into consideration, together with the notice which had appeared in the + paper sent to Mrs. Farnum she felt obliged to accept the fact of Sir + William's intentional treachery and desertion. + </p> + <p> + Yet in the face of everything she clung to the conviction that she was a + lawful wife—that her child was the heiress of Heathdale; but the + difficulty was to prove it. + </p> + <p> + "Prove it? <i>I will prove it</i>," she cried, and at once all that was + resolute in Virginia Heath's character began to struggle to assert + itself, and she went forth from her chamber, at that cry from little + Virgie, with an unflinching purpose written upon her heart. + </p> + <p> + The nurse cried out in alarm as she saw her white face and sunken eyes. + </p> + <p> + "You are ill, madam," she exclaimed. "Go back to bed—the baby will do + well enough with me." + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not ill," Virgie answered, as she took her little one, but she + spoke in a strained, unnatural tone, adding, "I would like you to go to + Mrs. Farnum's door and say that I desire a 'few moments' interview with + her." + </p> + <p> + The woman went to do her bidding, but muttered with a troubled look: + </p> + <p> + "These English people seem to bring nothing but sorrow and mischief to + the poor thing, in spite of their sweet ways and honeyed speeches; I + wish they'd clear out—and whatever her husband can mean to leave her + here alone so long and not a line to tell her why is more'n I can make + out." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum obeyed Virgie's request with some misgivings; but she saw at + once upon entering the room that the young wife believed the very worst, + and she was half frightened at the result of her work. + </p> + <p> + Virgie arose as she entered, her baby clasped close in her arms, and + handed her the letter which she had sent her to read. + </p> + <p> + "Here is your letter, Mrs. Farnum," she said, with a cold dignity that + awed her visitor, "and you will find the note inclosed with it. Please + be particular to have it returned to the one who sent it." + </p> + <p> + "But, my dear, will you not need it yourself?" interrupted the woman + with assumed kindness. + </p> + <p> + Virgie's lips curled. + </p> + <p> + "It was an unpardonable insult to offer it to me," she said, with + spirit. "I cannot understand how they dared to send it to me in any such + way; indeed, I cannot understand a good many things that have come to me + through you. If Sir William Heath has wilfully done me this irreparable + injury he might at least have been man enough to strike the blow + himself, rather than employ women to be his emissaries." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum winced. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! but you forget—" + </p> + <p> + "I forget nothing; do you suppose that I could?" cried Virgie, sharply, + "but I might at least have been spared this last indignity—to offer me + a paltry hundred pounds when he has a fortune in his hands belonging to + me." + </p> + <p> + "A fortune! I did not suppose—I did not know that you had any money," + stammered Mrs. Farnum, looking blank. + </p> + <p> + "My father left me a good many thousands of dollars when he died; it was + all settled upon me at the time of my marriage, but Sir William Heath + took charge of it and has it now. He deposited five thousand dollars in + a bank here for my use, while he should be away, and the most of that + remains; but there is much more that rightly belongs to me," Virgie + explained. + </p> + <p> + "Then this hundred pounds surely is your due," Mrs. Farnum said, as she + drew it from the envelope and held it out to the young wife. + </p> + <p> + Virgie drew back haughtily. + </p> + <p> + "Do you suppose that I would accept as charity a paltry sum like + that?—for Lady Linton sent it as such, and as a sort of remuneration + for what I suffer. It is an outrage which I cannot brook, and I am + amazed at the audacity that prompted it." + </p> + <p> + So was Mrs. Farnum amazed, and she saw at once that Lady Linton had + unwittingly committed a great blunder. She had never dreamed that Virgie + had had money at the time of her marriage, and she imagined that Lady + Linton was also ignorant that her brother had taken back to England a + fortune belonging to the girl whom they were thus seeking to wrong. + </p> + <p> + Matters were getting complicated, and she almost wished that she had + never allowed herself to become involved in them. + </p> + <p> + "You should have kept your marriage certificate," she faltered, "every + wife should do that—then you could have proved your claim." + </p> + <p> + "I shall prove it yet," Virgie declared, in a clear, decisive voice. "Do + you imagine I am going to sit tamely down and allow a stigma to rest + upon this innocent child if there is any power on earth to prevent it? + In spite of all that you have told me, or all that your friends have + written, I <i>know</i> that I am Sir William Heath's lawful wife. If he + committed a rash and impulsive act, and one which he regrets now, while + he was in America and while he was bound by other ties in England <i>he</i> + must suffer the consequences. I cannot understand how he has <i>dared</i> + to perpetrate such a farce, were he a thousand times engaged to Miss + Stanhope; how he has dared to so wrong and compromise one of his own + countrywomen, for, just so sure as we both live, it will all be exposed + sooner or later. All this I will do for the sake of my child; then——" + </p> + <p> + "Then?" repeated Mrs. Farnum, leaning eagerly toward the resolute girl. + </p> + <p> + "Then <i>I</i> will repudiate <i>him</i>. I will never look upon his + face again. I will give him his freedom—will divorce myself from him; + and then, if the woman who now believes herself to be his wife wishes + it, or will accept it, he can make the tie between them legal." + </p> + <p> + "You will obtain a divorce?" said her companion, with an exultant + thrill. + </p> + <p> + This was something she had never thought of before She and Lady Linton + had both hoped to estrange this fond couple, then make Sir William + believe in his wife's infidelity, and work upon his feelings and pride + until he should be willing to seek a divorce; but they had never + imagined that Virgie would be the one to suggest such a measure. Such a + preceding on her part would wonderfully facilitate matters, and Mrs. + Farnum, who a few minutes previous began to be disheartened, was greatly + encouraged. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly," Virgie replied. "Do you imagine that I desire to hold Sir + William Heath unwillingly bound to me? Do you think that I would ever + have consented to become his wife if I had known that any one had a + prior claim upon him? But, are you sure that he was engaged to Miss + Stanhope before he came to America?" the young wife asked, as doubt + again arose in her mind. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; Will and Margie have been betrothed for years—ten, at least, I + should say. Did you not read it for yourself in Lady Linton's letter?" + Mrs. Farnum returned; but there was a vivid flush on her cheek as she + told the wretched lie, even while she was literally speaking the truth. + </p> + <p> + A convulsion of pain passed over Virgie's face. + </p> + <p> + "True; but it is all so strange," she said, wearily. "And I suppose—she + loves him?" + </p> + <p> + "I believe her life would be ruined if anything should happen to part + them," said the woman, ruthlessly. + </p> + <p> + Any icy shiver ran over Virgie from head to foot, and a low moan escaped + her lips. + </p> + <p> + No one cared for <i>her</i> ruined life; it was nothing that <i>she</i> + was parted forever from the man she adored. + </p> + <p> + "I will not part them," she said, in a hollow tone; "<i>but</i>—" + </p> + <p> + "Well?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, with a painful thrill, as she paused on + the word, with a threatening intonation. + </p> + <p> + "A day of reckoning will surely come for him," Virgie answered, firmly; + "for, if this child lives, she will one day make her appearance at + Heathdale and claim her heritage. There may be other children, but she + will have the first right there. Tell your Lady Linton this—tell her + that 'that girl,' of whom she wrote so slightingly and heartlessly, will + live to educate her child for her position as the mistress of her 'proud + ancestral home;' tell her to warn her brother that the day of + retribution will not fail to overtake him." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was regally beautiful as she stood there before her enemy and + pronounced this stern prophecy. There was not an atom of color in her + face, but her figure was drawn proudly erect, a sort of majesty in every + graceful curve, while there was a resolute, inflexible purpose in every + line of her beautiful features, and her eyes burned with a steady, + relentless fire which told that, if she lived, she would accomplish her + vow, let the cost be what it would. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum, woman of the world though she was, felt cowed and abashed + before her, and when, without waiting for a reply, the wronged wife + turned from her and walked, with a firm, unfaltering step, into her + chamber, shutting the door after her, she slunk away to her own room, + feeling like the guilty thing she was, and trembling for the future if + it should ever be discovered what part she had played in the plot to + ruin Virginia Heath's happiness. + </p> + <p> + She was dismayed by the young mother's last words. At first she felt + triumphant when she had spoken of her intention of obtaining a divorce, + for such a measure would simplify matters greatly; it would relieve Lady + Linton from the disagreeable task of trying to persuade her brother to + adopt such a course, and thus he would be free, without any effort of + his own, to wed whom he chose, and she had reckoned upon Sadie being the + favored one. + </p> + <p> + But she had not taken into consideration the fact that Virgie's child + would have a claim upon Heathdale; no divorce would affect her right + there, if the legality of Sir William's marriage to Virgie could be + proved, and thus endless trouble, to say nothing of the scandal the + story would create, might ensue. + </p> + <p> + Still, there were a hundred "ifs" and possibilities in the way. Virgie + might not be able to get satisfactory proofs; the child might not live; + she might not live herself to accomplish her object; and she finally + resolved to try to be satisfied with the success of her plot thus far, + and not trouble herself about future developments. But that pale, + beautiful face, with that resolute yet heart-broken look upon it, + haunted her for years afterward. She was deeply thankful that Sadie was + not there to see it, and she was resolved that they should not meet + again. + </p> + <p> + That evening Virgie was waited upon by the proprietor of the house, who, + with much stammering and many apologies, informed her that he was + obliged to request her to vacate the rooms that she was occupying. + </p> + <p> + She understood instantly, but her proud spirit rebelled against this + last indignity, and she arose and stood before him in all the majesty of + her insulted womanhood. + </p> + <p> + "Sir! Mr. Eldridge! you will please explain this very extraordinary + request," she said, meeting his eyes with a steady glance. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge hemmed, looked embarrassed, and remarked with all the + blandness he could assume: + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mrs. ——, madam, I regret to pain you, and it might be as well + to avoid explanations." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; that is impossible; my husband left me here with the + understanding that I should remain here until he came for me, and there + must therefore be some very urgent reason for such a strange proceeding + on your part." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madam," said the man, driven to the wall. "—I—I have been + informed that—that you are not Mrs. Heath at all; that the gentleman + who brought you here was not what he represented himself to be." + </p> + <p> + "What authority have you for making such a statement Virgie demanded, + haughtily: + </p> + <p> + "This," answered the hotel keeper, producing the paper containing the + notice of the marriage at Heathdale which Mrs. Farnum had slyly laid + upon his desk, with the marked paragraph uppermost. She was very + careful, however, not to appear in the matter to commit herself. + </p> + <p> + She had determined to get Virgie away before Sadie's return from Coney + Island, while she feared, too, the coming of Sir William to investigate + the cause of his wife's long silence. + </p> + <p> + One glance was sufficient to tell Virgie what paper it was, and she + flushed to her brow. + </p> + <p> + "I see," she said, scornfully, "those who have professed to be my + friends are leagued against me." + </p> + <p> + "But—pardon me—have you no doubts yourself regarding your position?" + questioned the landlord, feeling a deep pity for the beautiful woman, in + spite of his anxiety regarding the reputation of his house. + </p> + <p> + "None," but the word came hoarsely from the now hueless lips. + </p> + <p> + "But you have had no letters for a long time; the gentleman has for + years been engaged to an English lady; this paper gives a notice of his + recent marriage to her, and everything goes to prove that you have been + grossly deceived. It is very unfortunate, but I have received notice + from several of my guests that they will leave to-morrow morning unless + I insist upon this change, and thus it becomes my painful duty to + request these rooms to be vacated." + </p> + <p> + This was a bitter blow to add to all the rest, but Virgie, conscious of + her own purity, bore it with Spartan-like heroism. + </p> + <p> + She cast one look of scorn upon the man before her, then said, with a + calmness that was born of despair: + </p> + <p> + "Sir, I still assert, in the face of all that you have just said, that I + am the wife of Mr.—yes, of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire + County, England and some day it will be in my power to prove to you the + truth of my words; but I have no wish to occasion you either trouble or + loss, so I will go away; to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + The landlord looked greatly relieved at this assurance and yet he was + impressed both by her manner and her words. + </p> + <p> + He assured her of his sympathy, and kindly offered to assist her in + obtaining other rooms and establishing herself in them. + </p> + <p> + Virgie quietly declined this offer, however, and, thanking her for her + speedy compliance with his request Mr. Eldridge took his leave, though, + to his credit be it said, with considerable shamefacedness and + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Virgie sent to Dr. Knox for his bill, paid it, + dismissed her nurse, notwithstanding her urgent plea to be retained even + at reduced wages, and then she quietly disappeared from the place, + leaving no trace behind her to point to her destination or future plans, + and, after the gossip consequent upon such a choice bit of scandal had + died away, she was, for the time at least, forgotten. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XIX.<br/> + Sir William Heath Returns To America. + </h2> + <p> + "I cannot understand it, Miriam. It is the strangest thing in the world, + and I shall sail for America on the very next steamer." + </p> + <p> + It was Sir William Heath who spoke thus, and there was no mistaking the + decision in his voice. + </p> + <p> + He was sitting at the breakfast-table in the large, sunny dining-room at + Heathdale, while the open and empty mail-bag lay upon the table beside + him. + </p> + <p> + There were several letters scattered around his plate, but these were + unheeded, while the anxious, perplexed look on the baronet's fine face + told that he was deeply troubled about something. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton sat opposite him, and she had been furtively watching him + during his examination of the bag. There were two very bright spots upon + her cheeks, which <i>might</i> have been caused by her morning drive to + the post-office; or they might have been produced by a guilty conscience + and anxiety regarding her brother's announcement. + </p> + <p> + "Then there is no letter for you this morning?" she remarked, trying to + appear unconcerned. + </p> + <p> + "No; and I am nearly wild with anxiety. I <i>must</i> go to Virgie at + once," Sir William responded, moodily. + </p> + <p> + "I do not know how mamma will bear the thought of your going," Lady + Linton said, looking grave. + </p> + <p> + "It cannot harm her. Sir Herbert says she is doing very well, and I + might have gone last week but for the severe cold which she took. I must + go, Miriam. My wife is more to me than all the world, and this + unaccountable silence and suspense is unbearable. I am afraid something + dreadful has happened to her, for, just think, I have not heard one word + from her since she wrote me after the birth of our little one." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you cable, then? I am going in town this morning, and I will + send a message for you, if you wish," craftily suggested his sister, who + felt very uncomfortable at the thought of his starting off so suddenly: + for he might meet his wife just at the very moment when success was + about to crown her plans. + </p> + <p> + She had heard from Mrs. Farnum only once since her <i>coup d'etat,</i> + when she had given an account of that last interview with the + heart-broken wife. The letter had been posted that same day, for the + woman had not hoped that Virgie would leave the house so quickly, even + though she knew she was going to be asked to do so; and as she knew her + friend would be anxious to learn the result of her last measure, and as + a steamer was to sail the next morning, she had written immediately. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you might cable and get a reply before a steamer sails," + murmured Sir William, thoughtfully. "It does not seem as if I could wait + even the time it would take for me to get to her." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you <i>are</i> very anxious. It is natural that you should + be," responded Lady Linton, as she broke an egg into her cup and busied + herself seasoning it, although she did not even taste it after it was + prepared. Excitement and anxiety had destroyed her appetite. + </p> + <p> + Two or three times every week, of late, there had been just such a scene + as this when the mail came in after the arrival of a steamer. + </p> + <p> + No letters came from Virgie. At least, <i>he</i> received none; for they + were all cunningly abstracted before the bag came into the house, and + Sir William did not dream that any one possessed a key to it save + himself, and so, of course was unsuspicious of any plot. + </p> + <p> + It was simply unaccountable to him, and he was, as he said, almost wild + from anxiety on account of his dear ones. + </p> + <p> + He could not touch his food this morning, his disappointment was so + great, and he nervously unfolded his paper and began to look for an + announcement of the sailing of some steamer. + </p> + <p> + "The Cephalonia will sail on Saturday," he remarked, at length. "This is + Wednesday. I shall leave on Friday for Liverpool. You can break the news + to my mother, and I am sure you will do very well without me until my + return. She must strive to be reasonable, for I cannot live like this + another week." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; I will do my best to keep her cheerful while you are gone," + returned Lady Linton, trying to appear at ease, although she was quaking + in mortal fear lest all her plotting should come to naught. + </p> + <p> + She sometimes regretted having written that last letter and sent that + hundred pounds to Virgie. She began to fear that she might have + overreached herself by so doing, for, if her brother and his wife should + meet, Virgie would of course tell her husband everything, and he would + at once understand that his sister had been guilty of all the + mischief—intercepted letters, and all. She knew that he would never + forgive her; she would be ignominiously banished from Heathdale, and be + obliged to hide herself at Linton Grange, where she would lead a life of + poverty and seclusion; so it is not strange that she trembled at the + thought of Sir William sailing for America. + </p> + <p> + "Shall you return at once?" she asked, as they arose from the table. + </p> + <p> + "Just as soon as I can possibly arrange to do so; and, Miriam, I want no + pains spared to make the home-coming of my wife an agreeable one." + </p> + <p> + "You shall be obeyed," Lady Linton replied, with downcast eyes and a + heavily throbbing heart; "but of course you will let me know when to + expect you." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; and the suite of rooms over the library are to be put in + order for Virgie." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; I will speak to the housekeeper about it." + </p> + <p> + "You will mention, too, for <i>whom</i> they are being prepared," Sir + William said, glancing sharply at his sister. "It must be known at once + that I have a wife and child. I have made a great mistake in allowing + you to persuade me to keep silence upon the subject so long." + </p> + <p> + "But it was for mamma's sake, you know; while she was so ill it was + better not to have it talked about," apologized Lady Linton; but she + mentally resolved that she should be in no hurry to tell the secret, + even if he had ordered her to do so, at least until she was sure her + brother would find his wife. + </p> + <p> + Something might prevent his bringing Virgie home, and in that case a + scandal would be avoided if she kept silence. She would wait, at least, + until he notified her of the date of his return. + </p> + <p> + "It was a mistake, I tell you," Sir William repeated, with a clouded + brow. "It has been a mark of disloyalty to my wife which I will tolerate + no longer. So please do as I request." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton bowed. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I cable for you?" she asked, after a moment of silence. "I shall + be in London most of the day, and perhaps I may be able to get a reply + to bring you on my return." + </p> + <p> + "No, thanks; I, too, shall go in town to-day, to engage my passage, and + I will attend to the matter myself," Sir William replied, and the heart + of the schemer sank within her. + </p> + <p> + She had intended to cable to Mrs. Farnum, and, if Virgie was still at + the hotel, authorize her to use any strategy to get her away before her + brother should arrive, and then send her a dispatch to suit the + emergency. + </p> + <p> + But, if he cabled himself, and received an answer from his wife, she had + the very worst to fear for herself. + </p> + <p> + They went up to London on the same train, and Lady Linton suffered + agonies during that ride, and all day long, while she was shopping, her + suspense was terrible to her. + </p> + <p> + But when she entered the station, late in the afternoon, to return to + Heathdale, she was both startled and relieved to find her brother + already there, and pacing back and forth outside the waiting-room in + great excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Have you news, William?" she faltered, her heart beating almost to + suffocation. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he answered, in a strained unnatural tone. "Here, read this!" and + he thrust a cablegram into her trembling hands. + </p> + <p> + She had hardly strength to unfold the paper, but her pulses bounded with + exultation as she read: + </p> + + <p class="letter"> + New York, Aug. 10, 18—.<br/> + "To Sir William Heath, London:<br/> + "Lady Heath left the —— House on the 2d instant. Do not + know her address.<br/> + Eldred Edlbridge." + </p> + + <p> + Mr. Eldridge, as we know, was the proprietor of the hotel where Virgie + had been boarding during her husband's absence, and we can imagine + something of his consternation when he received Sir William's cable + dispatch inquiring for his wife, and realized, all too late, the + enormity of the insult he had offered to that lady. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton, however, had hard work to conceal her joy over the contents + of the message. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had been gone for more than a week, leaving no clew to her + whereabouts, which was evidence enough that she believed the very worst + of her husband, imagined herself a dishonored and deserted woman, and + had doubtless buried herself in some remote corner where no one would be + likely to discover her. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton's plot had worked thus far beyond her most sanguine + expectations and she accepted her success as an omen of good for the + future. + </p> + <p> + But she hid all this under a mask of well-assumed surprise. + </p> + <p> + "What can it mean? Why should she leave the hotel where you left her?" + she inquired of her brother. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I do not know. There is something wrong—very mysterious—about it. + Oh, why is there not a steamer ready to sail this instant? I believe I + shall go mad with this delay!" cried the baronet, in an agony of fear + and suspense. + </p> + <p> + But he had to wait until Saturday in spite of his suffering though he + had not even gone from Heathdale two hours when Lady Linton received a + letter bearing the United States postmark. + </p> + <p> + Of course it was from Mrs. Farnum, who gave a detailed account of all + that had transpired regarding Virgie's sudden departure, and assuring + her that no one in the hotel suspected her agency in the matter, or had + any idea that she knew anything regarding the girl previous to her + coming there. They did not even know that she was from England; she + confided that fact to Virgie alone, simply to further her schemes + regarding her. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton uttered a sigh of relief over this letter. Her brother would + not find his wife in New York, and his journey would be all in vain, she + told herself, and yet she would not feel at ease until she had him + safely at home again. + </p> + <p> + Sir William thought the voyage across the Atlantic would never end, and + yet it was a very quick and prosperous passage. When the steamer touched + her pier in New York he was the first of all the eager passengers to + spring ashore, and rushing for a carriage, without even stopping to + attend to his baggage, he gave orders to be driven directly to the hotel + where he had left Virgie. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge quaked visibly and grew deadly pale when Sir William + suddenly presented himself in his office and demanded of him the reason + of his wife leaving his house. + </p> + <p> + The polite hotel-keeper's blandness all failed him for once, and, with + much stammering and confusion, with many apologies and excuses, he + confessed that there had arisen a rumor—how he could not say—to the + effect that the lady was not Mrs. Heath at all, that her supposed + husband was an English nobleman who had deceived her; that his patrons + had insisted upon her leaving, or they would; and thus, after a hint + from him as to how matters stood, she had quietly gone away. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was furious at this, and the landlord was actually + frightened at the tempest his story had aroused. + </p> + <p> + "And you allowed such a malicious slander to drive a delicate and + unprotected woman and her child homeless into the street?" cried the + baronet, with sublime scorn. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, sir, I was helpless. The honor of my house must be sustained, and + there was so much evidence to make the story appear true," said the man + deprecatingly. + </p> + <p> + "Evidence! What do you mean?" demanded the angry husband. + </p> + <p> + "You had registered as 'Mr. Heath and lady.' I learned that you were an + English baronet." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but what of that? I simply wished to escape being conspicuous, and + I had a right to register as I chose." + </p> + <p> + "Then there was a story that you had taken another wife in England, + shortly after leaving America." + </p> + <p> + "And were you idiot enough to believe such a contemptible slander, when + <i>I</i> brought her here and established her as my honored wife? Did I + ever treat her with anything but reverence and respect?" thundered Sir + William, growing more and more indignant. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," confessed the unhappy proprietor, as he drew a paper from his + desk; "but when you read a notice that I have here you may not wonder so + much at the credulity of people; besides, there were no letters coming + from you to the lady." + </p> + <p> + "No letters!" cried the baronet, in a startled tone. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, although madam wrote to you with every steamer, and seemed sad + and depressed to get nothing in return." + </p> + <p> + The baronet was astounded. + </p> + <p> + It all looked as if there was some treachery at work to ruin their + happiness; but Sir William racked his brain in vain to solve the riddle. + </p> + <p> + He had received no letters from his wife; she had had none from him; + and, with that dreadful scandal and rumor to crush her, to say nothing + of having been driven from the shelter with which he had provided her, + what must she not have suffered? + </p> + <p> + "Will you read this notice, sir?" Mr. Eldridge asked, pushing the paper + nearer to the baronet, and desiring to intrench himself behind as many + bulwarks as possible. + </p> + <p> + Sir William bent forward and read it, and he did not wonder then, that + Virgie had felt herself the most wronged of women. + </p> + <p> + He knew that it had been intended as the announcement of his cousin's + marriage with Margaret Stanhope, but a grave mistake had been made in + prefixing the young man's name with a title, thus making it appear that + it was the baronet who had been married. + </p> + <p> + Virgie did not know that he had a relative by the same name, so, of + course, taking everything else into consideration, she must have + believed that he had been false to all honor, to his manhood, and to + her. + </p> + <p> + He groaned aloud. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what must she have thought of me!" he cried, in despair. Then, + turning to the proprietor of the hotel, he asked, "Where did you get + this paper?" + </p> + <p> + It was the Hampshire County <i>Journal</i>, and he wondered how it could + have got to New York to accomplish so much mischief. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say, sir. I found it in my office here among other papers, + and—and you must confess that such a notice as that was sufficient to + stagger me when I read it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Sir William admitted, white to his lips, "and yet it was + heartless to send her away. It was my cousin—a gentleman bearing the + same name—who was married; but some one made a mistake and added my + title. Did <i>she</i> see that notice?" + </p> + <p> + "She appeared to know about it, sir." + </p> + <p> + "It seems as if an enemy had done this to ruin our happiness; but who?" + groaned the miserable husband. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XX.<br/> + Sir William Finds A Trace Of Virgie. + </h2> + <p> + Sir William asked, a little later, when he had succeeded in somewhat + recovering his composure: + </p> + <p> + "And have you no idea whither my wife went after leaving here?" + </p> + <p> + "No," Mr. Eldridge said. "I offered to find some nice, quiet place for + her, but she simply thanked me and declined my offer. She then ordered a + carriage and drove away, without giving any definite directions + regarding her destination—at least, in my hearing." + </p> + <p> + The proprietor was careful not to state that he had been so relieved by + the departure of his then questionable guest that he had taken no pains + to ascertain her plans, being only too glad to be quit of her upon any + terms, and to thus preserve the honor of his house and retain the + patronage of its other occupants. + </p> + <p> + Sir William then repaired to the office of Dr. Knox, the physician in + whose care he had left his wife, hoping to glean something from him. But + that gentleman knew nothing whatever of what had occurred, and appeared + greatly surprised by what the young husband told him. + </p> + <p> + He simply stated what we already knew—that Mrs. Heath had sent him a + note saying that she was about leaving the city and wished to settle her + bill, and requested him to call for the amount. He had done so, and she + had paid him in full. + </p> + <p> + He said that his time was limited, and he had only remained a few + moments. He thought she was looking rather pale and worn; but she said + she was well, and, being calm and self-possessed, he did not imagine + that she was in any trouble. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that from this source Sir William could gain nothing to + aid him in his search for his wife. + </p> + <p> + He then tried to discover the nurse who had been with her, but she was + not to be found at her usual address, and no one could tell him anything + about her. + </p> + <p> + He went to the bank where he had deposited money for Virgie's use, but + disappointment awaited him here also. He was told that she had sent word + one morning that on a certain day she would need the whole amount due + her. She had called according to her appointment, receiving her money, + and that was all that was known there regarding her movements. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was in despair. Failure met him on every hand, and he feared + the worst for his loved ones. + </p> + <p> + He remained in New York for more than a month, searching the city from + end to end, employing detectives advertising in the papers, and using + every means he could think of to gain some clew to Virgie's + hiding-place; but all to no purpose; and he finally came to the + conclusion that she must have left the metropolis. But whither had she + gone? He knew that she had not a friend on this side of the Rocky + Mountains; it was all a strange country to her. + </p> + <p> + Would she be likely to remain East and hide herself and her supposed + shame in some obscure place, or would she wander back to the Pacific + coast, where everything would be more familiar and home-like to her? + </p> + <p> + These questions agitated his mind continually, and for a while he knew + not which way to turn, while he was growing both weary and heart-sick + with his fruitless search. + </p> + <p> + Finally he decided that he would go again to her old home among the + mountains of Nevada. He might possibly learn something of her there. + </p> + <p> + He reached the place just a year from the day of his departure with + Virgie, and a feeling of utter desolation, almost of despair, took + possession of him as he wandered here and there over the familiar ground + visiting the grave of Mr. Abbot, and peering in at the cottage where he + had first met his love, but where only strange faces now met his gaze. + </p> + <p> + Everything looked the same as when he left, but evidently no one knew + anything about his wife; he learned that from the eager inquiries, which + met him on every side, for the beautiful girl whom he had taken away + with him. + </p> + <p> + He answered and evaded them as well as he could, without betraying that + he was in any trouble, but he was deeply disappointed to find that Chi + Lu had left the place. + </p> + <p> + He was told that he had left very suddenly, but came back after a time, + when he disposed of his cabin that Sir William had given him, and then + disappeared altogether. + </p> + <p> + The baronet sought out Margery Follet, and was impressed the moment that + he saw her that she had something on her mind. + </p> + <p> + She eyed him with suspicion, seemed averse to holding any conversation + with him, and never once inquired regarding his wife. + </p> + <p> + This alone made the young baronet hope that she knew something of + Virgie, for, having been at her wedding, and afterward assisted her in + many ways during Mr. Abbott's last illness, it would have been but + natural for her to wish to know something about her. + </p> + <p> + By adroitly questioning her he became convinced of the truth of his + suspicion, and finally he charged her outright with having recently seen + his wife. + </p> + <p> + The woman stammered, blushed, and finally assumed a defiant attitude, + and Sir William was sure. + </p> + <p> + He then told her something of his trouble, enjoining her to secrecy, and + finally she confessed that one day Chi Lu had come to her and persuaded + her to go with him before the county magistrate to sign a paper stating + that she had been a witness to the marriage of Miss Abbot with Mr. + Heath. Chi Lu had given her a handsome sum for her trouble and to keep + silent about the matter afterward. + </p> + <p> + This confession gave Sir William great hope. It told him that Virgie had + been in that vicinity; that she was gathering what proofs she could + toward establishing the legality of her marriage, with a view to + claiming her rights as a lawful wife. + </p> + <p> + He was very much elated over the discovery, and at once repaired to the + county town, to seek out the magistrate and learn what he could from + him. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman confirmed what he had already learned. He said that + several weeks previous a young woman had come there to obtain a copy of + the record of a certain marriage, and that afterward a Chinaman and an + elderly woman had signed a paper in his presence, testifying to having + been witnesses of the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Sir William reasoned that, since Virgie was seeking all these proofs, + she would doubtless apply to the clergyman who had married them; so to + Virginia City he straightway hastened, to seek the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + </p> + <p> + He found him readily enough. The clergyman appeared to be in feeble + health, and received him with coldness and evident displeasure. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you are somewhat at a loss how to account for my visit, Dr. + Thornton," he remarked, in his genial way, and ignoring the frigidness + of his host's greeting; "but I have come to make some important + inquiries of you." + </p> + <p> + The reverend gentleman simply bowed, and then waited for his guest to + proceed. + </p> + <p> + "You will be surprised that I have lost my wife and am searching for + her," the baronet continued, thinking it best to come to the point at + once. + </p> + <p> + "Which one?" demanded the divine, with an accent of scorn in his usually + mild tones. + </p> + <p> + "Sir!" + </p> + <p> + "For which wife are you searching?" + </p> + <p> + "I have but one wife—the lady to whom you married me only a little more + than a year ago!" Sir William replied in a voice of thunder, his + handsome face flaming with righteous anger, though his heart bounded + with new hope at the question. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, sir," the clergyman replied, seeing at once that + there was some mystery, and there must have been some fearful mistake to + cause the separation of these two young people in whom he had been so + deeply interested. + </p> + <p> + "You will understand my untimely sarcasm, perhaps," he went on, "when I + tell you that I have been led to believe that you had done that + beautiful woman the greatest possible wrong." + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to explain all that he knew of the matter. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Heath, he said, had come to him, about a month previous, to secure + a written statement from him to the effect that he had performed the + marriage ceremony in a legal and authorized manner between herself and + Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire County, England She was + looking very sad and ill, and she confided to him that she had been + deserted by her husband in New York; he having been called to his home + by a cablegram, ostensibly because of his mother's illness, but that she + had learned of his marriage with another lady in England, and she feared + that his union with her might have been a farce. She had, however, + learned to the contrary, and she was determined to gather all the proofs + possible, for the purpose of securing the future rights and position of + her child. + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath listened in painful silence to this recital, and then + in turn related all that he knew regarding the terrible misunderstanding + and the mystery attending it. + </p> + <p> + "It looks to me very much as if there was a conspiracy in the matter, + and a desire on the part of some one to separate you and your wife," Dr. + Thornton remarked thoughtfully, when the young husband concluded. + </p> + <p> + "A conspiracy!" repeated Sir William. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; the fact that all letters, on both sides, have been intercepted, + seems to point to such a suspicion. Have you any enemies who, from + interested motives, would try to create trouble between you and your + wife?" + </p> + <p> + "Not that I am aware of," the young man replied, but looking deeply + perplexed. "My family, to be sure, were not very well pleased with the + idea of my marrying an American; but I can think of no one person who + could have accomplished anything like what has occurred. It seems to me + that in order to intercept our letters there would need to be + conspirators on both sides of the Atlantic who were interested in the + project." + </p> + <p> + "Not necessarily. Any one determined to separate you might have robbed + the mail of all letters at either end of the route. It is certainly very + mysterious, and, mark my words, you will some day learn that an enemy + has been at work. But, Sir William," the clergyman continued smiling + genially, "you have relieved my mind and established my faith in you by + this explanation. I confess I had set you down as a miserable scamp, and + I have suffered a good deal on that beautiful young woman's account." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot blame you for thinking the very worst of me," returned Sir + William, with emotion; "but I have loved—I do love my wife with a love + that can never die." + </p> + <p> + "I do not doubt it now. Of course I gave her the paper she desired, and + also a copy of the certificate which I presented you on your marriage + day, and told her to command me at any time and I should be at her + service to testify to the legality of her claims upon you." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir. I am truly grateful to you for your kindness to my poor + darling," said the baronet, tears springing to his eyes. "But can you + give me any idea regarding her plans or movements?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I cannot, I am sorry to say," returned Doctor Thornton. "I asked + her what course she intended to pursue, and she said, in the saddest + voice I ever heard, 'I do not exactly know yet; I simply desire to + establish the rightful claim of my daughter as the heiress of + Heathdale.'" + </p> + <p> + "That looks as if she meant to go immediately to England!" cried Sir + William, starting excitedly to his feet. "If she should do that, all + would be well—everything will be explained, and we shall be happy once + more." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say that such was her plan," returned the clergyman, + thoughtfully. "She looked scarcely able to endure such a journey. Still, + it may be that such was her intention." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if I only knew! Just think, sir, I have never even seen my child!" + cried Sir William, greatly agitated. + </p> + <p> + "It is certainly very sad. It is greatly to be regretted that you were + recalled to England as you were," said Doctor Thornton. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed it is. Why <i>did</i> I ever leave her? It was wrong! I fear I + was negligent of my duty toward her in so doing. I do not know what to + do now. If she has gone to England, we have passed each other, and I + would desire to retrace my steps thither at once. If she is still here + on this continent, I should be in despair to go home, and only find it + out on the other side of the ocean." + </p> + <p> + Doctor Thornton pitied the young husband sincerely. + </p> + <p> + "You are in a very trying position, I must acknowledge, and I do not + like to advise you either to go or stay. You might wait here a while, + and notify your friends to cable you in case Lady Heath should go direct + to England; then it would be comparatively easy to join her there." + </p> + <p> + Sir William determined to act upon these suggestions. He would cable + Heathdale to be notified if Virgie should make her appearance there; + meantime he would do his utmost to find her here. + </p> + <p> + He thanked the clergyman for his kindness, and bade him farewell, + feeling much relieved regarding his wife, yet still very sad at heart at + the mystery surrounding her. + </p> + <p> + He determined to search for Chi Lu, believing that he alone, who had + always been so devoted to her, could tell him something definite as to + her movements. He had an idea that he might be even now in her service. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXI.<br/> + Nothing but Death Shall Break the Tie. + </h2> + <p> + Sir William went directly back to New York, fired with something of hope + by Doctor Thornton's suggestions He determined to search the passenger + lists of the different steamer lines, hoping to find Virgie's name among + them. + </p> + <p> + He half believed that, armed with the strong proofs she had secured to + substantiate the legality of her marriage, she would go directly to + England to assert her position there as his wife. + </p> + <p> + He realized that underneath her habitual quiet and sweetness there lay a + dignity and strength of character that would stop at nothing legitimate + to remove the stigma she believed was resting on her fair name. + </p> + <p> + But while he gave her ample credit for resolution and energy, he did not + make allowance for the sensitive pride which had been crushed to the + earth by the cruel blow which had been dealt her. He did not stop to + consider that it would never allow her to force herself upon him as an + unloved and rejected wife when she believed a more fortunate rival stood + in her way. + </p> + <p> + But he found nothing in any of the booking offices of the different + steamers to tell him that Virgie had sailed, or was intending to sail, + even though he haunted them daily for three or four weeks. + </p> + <p> + Almost discouraged at the end of that time, he cabled to his sister the + following message: + </p> + <p class="letter"> + "I have missed my wife—perhaps crossed her path.<br /> + If she arrives at Heathdale, let me know at once." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton was somewhat startled upon receiving this message, for it + told her that her brother had some reason for thinking that Virgie might + be on her way to Heathdale, and, remembering Mrs. Farnum's account of + her threats to claim her position, she began to fear that she had + underrated the girl's spirit, and that she might make her appearance at + any moment and demand to be received as the mistress of the house. + </p> + <p> + This, of course, would make matters rather complicated and awkward; but, + as long as her brother was not at home, she trusted to her own craft to + deal with her and make her only too glad to give Heathdale a wide berth + should she show herself there. + </p> + <p> + After cabling, Sir William went again to the Pacific coast, in the hope + of finding Chi Lu. He spent several weeks in San Francisco, thinking + perhaps those he sought might hope to lose themselves there among the + multitude. + </p> + <p> + He thought right for once, had he but known it, and had he possessed a + little more patience, been a trifle less restless and feverish in his + search, he might have succeeded in his quest. + </p> + <p> + But he was so wretched; so worn and discouraged with his constant and + fruitless seeking, that he could not remain in one place long at a time, + and so wandered here and there, until, months having elapsed, he had + been in nearly every State in the Union, reaping only disappointment and + anguish of spirit. + </p> + <p> + Then there came again a summons for him to go home—his mother had been + stricken with another shock, and, with a heavy heart, a feeling as if + all the world were against him and his whole life ruined, he went back + to his desolate home and the sick one there. + </p> + <p> + Lady Heath only lived a few days after the second return of her son. He + reached Heathdale just in season to see the sands of her life run out + and to close her eyes in their last long sleep; then they laid her in + the family vault, and Sir William felt as if he had nothing now to bind + him to his home. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot stay here—I must go away again he said one day, in despair, + to his sister, and her heart sank at his words. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hope you are not going to America again, whatever you do," she + remarked, with some unpatience. + </p> + <p> + "If going to America would result in finding my wife, I would go a + thousand times over," Sir William responded, sternly, and then added, + with a note of agony in his voice: "Oh, where can my darling have hidden + herself? Miriam," turning suddenly upon his sister, "can you suggest any + reason for this terrible misunderstanding?—who could have intercepted + all of our letters?—who could have conspired, for it seems like a + conspiracy, to separate us?" + </p> + <p> + For a moment Lady Linton turned faint and sick with the fear that he had + discovered something to arouse his suspicions against her; but second + thought told her that such could not be the case. + </p> + <p> + "What could I suggest?" she demanded, assuming an expression of + surprise. "You forget that I know nothing of this woman who lured your + heart from us, save what I have been told. She may have had a rustic + lover who is seeking his revenge by trying to separate you—a lover who + has poisoned her mind against you, and perhaps won her allegiance back + to himself." + </p> + <p> + "What utter nonsense you are talking, Miriam!" the baronet interrupted, + indignantly. "How little you appreciate the refinement of the girl whom + I have married! True, you have never seen her; but one look at the face + that I have shown you ought to have told you that she could have been + won by no rustic." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton shrugged her shoulders expressively. + </p> + <p> + "As for your letters," she said, flashing a swift, keen glance at him, + "if you think they have been tampered with on this side of the Atlantic, + I advise you to question Robert, since he has the exclusive charge of + your mail-bag." + </p> + <p> + "Robert, indeed! I would as soon question my own honesty as his; + besides, no one has a key to it but myself," Sir William asserted, + confidently. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton breathed freely now, for it was evident that he had no + suspicion of her. + </p> + <p> + "True; and Robert has been faithful too many years to be lightly + suspected," she remarked, appreciatively. + </p> + <p> + "But this suspense is insupportable! It is killing me!" cried her + brother, rising, and excitedly pacing the floor. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt it is trying," his sister replied, coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Trying!" he repeated, bitterly; "you are very sympathetic, Miriam; you + are as cold as ice." + </p> + <p> + "Well, William, you know well enough that I never approved of your + marriage. It was a great blow to both mamma and me that you should marry + so out of your element; and therefore you cannot expect me to be so + heart-broken over the mysterious disappearance of your wife as I might + have been if you married—Sadie, for instance." + </p> + <p> + "I wish you wouldn't throw Sadie Farnum at me upon every occasion; I + never had any intention of marrying her," retorted Sir William, with an + angry flush. + </p> + <p> + "More is the pity; I could have loved her dearly as a sister," responded + Lady Linton, in an injured tone. "But," she added, after a thoughtful + pause, "it seems you were mistaken in thinking that your wife was + collecting proofs of her marriage with the intention of coming here to + claim her position. If that had been her plan, doubtless she would have + been here long ago." + </p> + <p> + "Yes—oh! I cannot understand it; but, if I ever discover <i>who</i> has + been at the bottom of this mischief, it will be a sad day for that + individual!" cried the' baronet, with stern emphasis. Lady Linton + suddenly stooped to brush a thread from her black dress, and when she + sat upright again there was considerable more color than usual in her + face. + </p> + <p> + "I am troubled to see you so unhappy, William," she said, more kindly + than she had yet spoken, "and perhaps, after all, a change will be the + best thing for you. What are your plans?" + </p> + <p> + "I have none. I simply wish to get away from myself, if that is + possible; to steep my troubled thoughts in some excitement. I believe I + will go to the Far East—Egypt, Palestine—anywhere to escape this + feeling of utter desolation," he answered, dejectedly. + </p> + <p> + "When will you go?" + </p> + <p> + "At once—before the week is out, if I can arrange to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Have you any special commands for me to attend to during your absence?" + </p> + <p> + "None, save that you are to remain here as usual, if you like, and in + case any word comes from my loved ones, send for me at once." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. Have you any idea how long you will be away?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I may not be gone a month; I may stay ten years; it will depend + upon how well I can kill time," returned Sir William, moodily. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, William, I wish you would try and rise above this trouble," said + his sister, out of all patience with him at heart, but speaking in a + soothing tone. "I do not like to pain you, but, truly, it looks to me as + if your wife had been guilty of willful desertion in thus hiding herself + from you, and I believe there would be a great deal of happiness yet for + you if you could be freed from her entirely, and then bring some good, + gentle woman here to make your home pleasant for you." + </p> + <p> + It was the first time that she had ever been able to gather courage + sufficient to make this proposition; but she was wholly unprepared for + the storm of wrath which the suggestion brought upon her head. + </p> + <p> + Sir William came and stood, tall and stern, before her, his face almost + convulsed with mingled pain and wrath, his eyes blazing dangerously: + </p> + <p> + "Miriam Linton," he began, in a suppressed tone, "never dare to open + your lips on such a subject to me again. I married my darling for better + or worse, until death should part us, and only my death or hers will + ever break the tie—at least with my consent—that binds us." + </p> + <p> + He turned abruptly and left the room as he ceased speaking, more angry + with her than he had ever been before. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton was thoroughly startled by what he had said, and she knew + she would never dare suggest such a measure again to him; but she still + had a secret hope, from what Mrs. Farnum had written her, that the + injured wife would seek a legal separation from him. + </p> + <p> + She imagined that this might be the reason of Virgie keeping so quiet + just at present, and she was all the more willing and glad to have her + brother go away from home, as he proposed doing, because she knew that + he would have to be notified whenever any such proceedings should be + instituted, and she feared if he were there to receive them he would at + once post off to America again, and upset all her plans by bringing + about a reconcilation at the last moment. + </p> + <p> + So in less than a week Sir William left England for, Egypt and the Holy + Land, and Lady Linton experienced a feeling of intense relief at his + departure. Time, she reasoned, was a great healer, and she hoped much + from this season of travel and change. + </p> + <p> + It was rather lonely for her at Heathdale during the winter, but she was + grateful to be released from the anxiety she had suffered on his account + for the last year. + </p> + <p> + Spring came, summer passed; a year had come and gone since the + disappearance of her brother's young wife, when one day there came an + official-looking document addressed to the baronet, and bearing the + California postmark. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton quivered in every nerve as she saw it, for her heart told + her instantly what it contained. + </p> + <p> + Still, she could not be satisfied until she knew beyond a doubt, and she + skillfully opened it for examination before forwarding it to her + brother. + </p> + <p> + It was even as she had hoped. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had kept her word; she was about to repudiate her husband for his + supposed faithlessness to her, and Lady Linton's lips curled in a smile + of exultation as she read the paper notifying her brother that + proceedings for a divorce were about to be instituted in the courts of + San Francisco by Lady Virginia Heath against Sir William Heath, of + Heathsdale, England. + </p> + <p> + "Everything is working beautifully," she murmured, triumphantly; "his + pride will never let him seek her after this takes effect; it will be + conclusive evidence to him that she, at least, desires to have the tie + that binds them broken. Let me see! he is notified to appear on the + ninth of next month—in a little more than four weeks. Ha, ha! he was in + Alexandria when he last wrote, and this could not possibly reach him in + season to admit of his obeying the summons in time. Matters will have + reached a crisis before he gets it—the <i>injured and beautiful little + savage</i> will have secured her divorce, and my brother will be free, + long before he will know what has been done. However, I will do my duty, + and forward it to him instantly." + </p> + <p> + With a lighter heart than she had known for months, the crafty woman + carefully resealed the document in a way to defy suspicion that it had + been tampered with, inclosed it in another envelope, directed and marked + it "important," and dispatched it by the very next mail to her brother. + </p> + <p> + Three months passed and she had heard nothing from him. She began to + feel anxious as to how he had received the news of what Virgie was + doing, when there came another similar-looking document, bearing the + same postmark as before. + </p> + <p> + "The deed is done!" she cried, joyfully, the moment her eyes rested upon + it. "I do not even need to open this to be assured of the nature of its + contents." + </p> + <p> + She was filled with triumph over the success of all her plans thus far, + and yet she could not forget Virgie's threat that a day of retribution + would surely overtake their proud family. + </p> + <p> + But she determined not to worry, for the child might not live long + enough for her to carry her threat into execution. Virgie, herself, + might die, and a hundred other things might happen to prevent. + </p> + <p> + Her brother might never consent to marry again—she feared he would + not—and poor Sadie Farnum's reviving hopes would again be crushed; but, + if he did, she felt very sure that her son, Percy—and a noble young + fellow he was, too—would be very likely to inherit Heathdale, while + Lillian would doubtless receive a handsome dowry when she came to marry. + </p> + <p> + "I do not believe I will send this to William," she muttered, as she + turned that precious document over and over in her hands, and feasted + her eyes upon it. "I will at least wait until I hear something from him + regarding the other; these priceless papers might be lost on the way, + and then——" + </p> + <p> + Her musings were suddenly cut short by a violent ring at the hall bell. + </p> + <p> + She started, and sat erect to listen, her face growing pale and anxious, + for there seemed to be something ominous in that vigorous jangle which + went echoing through the house with such an imperious sound. + </p> + <p> + The night was raw and stormy; darkness had settled down over the country + earlier than usual; there had been a disagreeable chill in the air all + day, and a dismal sense of loneliness pervaded the mansion. + </p> + <p> + She heard the butler go to the door; then there was a sudden exclamation + of surprise, followed by a few indistinct sentences, a step, strangely + familiar, outside the library door, and the next moment Sir William, + gaunt, haggard, and wretched, staggered into the room where his sister + was sitting. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXII.<br/> + Virgie Makes a Home for Herself. + </h2> + <p> + "William," cried Lady Linton, springing excitedly to her feet, the + document which had caused her so much joy but a moment before dropping + unheeded on the table beside her. "What brings you home in this + unceremonious manner? Are you ill? Has anything happened?" + </p> + <p> + "Am I ill? Yes, by heart is broken—dying within me. Has anything + happened? My wife is lost to me forever!" he cried, in a hollow tone, as + he sank weakly into a chair and groaned aloud. + </p> + <p> + "What can I do for you? Let me call John to remove your boots and bring + you dry clothing," his sister said, thoroughly alarmed by his + appearance; and suiting the action to her words, she rang for the + butler. + </p> + <p> + John came, and attended to his master's wants with alacrity. Wood was + piled upon the already cheerful fire, something hot was provided the + traveler to drink, and Lady Linton soon had the satisfaction of seeing + something like warmth and life stealing into her brother's haggard face. + </p> + <p> + She understood at once that he must have been nearly crushed upon + receiving the document which she had sent him, and that he had + immediately started for home. He must have been taken ill on the way and + been detained else he would have been there before, and she could + imagine how he would chafe over the delay, and how heart-sick he had + grown over the fact of being too late to stay the proceedings for the + divorce. + </p> + <p> + She dreaded to have him know that the die was irrevocably cast, although + his own words had told her that he apprehended it; but she absolutely + feared the first passionate outbreak when she should give him those + other papers that had but just arrived. + </p> + <p> + When he began to grow more calm, and to realize the comfort of being + once more before his own hearthstone Lady Linton stole softly away to + confer with the housekeeper about preparing him something specially + tempting for his supper. + </p> + <p> + She was absent perhaps fifteen minutes, and was about to return to him, + when she was startled by a heavy fall on the floor above her. + </p> + <p> + Her heart told her what had caused it, and she hurried up stairs with + all the speed that fear could lend to her feet, and burst into the + library, to find her brother stretched lifeless upon the floor, an open + paper clutched tightly in his hand, while John, the faithful butler, was + bending over him in an agony of terror. + </p> + <p> + "Send for Sir Herbert Randal at once, then come back to me," commanded + her ladyship, as she stooped to lift her brother's head to place a + cushion under it and loosen his necktie. + </p> + <p> + John sped to do her bidding, and during his absence Lady Linton + succeeded in removing that tell-tale document from Sir William's hand, + and locking it away from all inquisitive eyes; for her first thought was + that there must be no scandal over the affair. + </p> + <p> + Few knew of his marriage. She had persisted in keeping still about it, + in spite of all his orders to the contrary, and after his return from + his fruitless search for Virgie, he had been far too sensitive upon the + subject to talk of it himself, and thus almost everybody believed him to + be still a single man. Hence Lady Linton's anxiety that nothing should + be known regarding the divorce. + </p> + <p> + When John returned to her she summoned other servants and had Sir + William carried to his own rooms, where she and the housekeeper applied + all remedies that were at hand to revive him. + </p> + <p> + When the physician arrived he had recovered from his swoon, but was in a + raging fever, and wild with delirium. + </p> + <p> + Sir Herbert pronounced his illness to be brain fever of a serious type, + and Lady Linton knew, from the grave look on the wise man's face, that + he had but very little hope of his recovery. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When Virgie left the hotel on the morning after Mr. Eldridge requested + her to vacate her rooms, she drove to a quiet street, where she engaged + lodgings for a few days, until she could arrange her plans for the + future. She then gave notice at the bank where her money was deposited + that she should draw it all on a certain date. As soon as she received + it she purchased a ticket for San Francisco, and a week from the time of + receiving Lady Linton's cruel letter she was rolling over the Central + Pacific Railroad toward her former home, intent upon only one + purpose—that of gaining indisputable proof of her lawful marriage, in + order to shield her child from wrong and shame. + </p> + <p> + She reached a small town only a few miles from her old home among the + mountains, and then sent a messenger for Chi Lu to come to her. + </p> + <p> + He came at once, glad to do anything for the "young missee" whom he had + served for years, and learned to regard with great affection. + </p> + <p> + Virgie felt sure that she could safely confide in him, so she told him + something of her trouble, and asked him to help her gather the proofs of + her marriage. + </p> + <p> + He proved himself very efficient in this respect, and was only too eager + to secure justice for her. + </p> + <p> + After all was done, and she had the precious papers in her own hands, + she would have paid him handsomely and sent him hack to the mountains + again. But he threw at her feet the money she offered him, and begged to + be allowed to go with her wherever she went—to let him work for her and + the "little missee," as he used to in the old days before she went away. + "He did not want any money—only let him have a little rice and curry, + and a mat to sleep on, and he would serve her as long as she needed + him." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was moved to tears by this evidence of his faithfulness, and, + though she had not thought of such a thing before, it suddenly occurred + to her that it might be a wise proceeding on her part to grant his + request. + </p> + <p> + She knew that he was entirely trustworthy; he was very capable in many + ways, and she was sure she should feel a sense of security and + protection with him that she could not experience to go alone into a + strange place, and have to depend entirely upon herself. + </p> + <p> + "I should like to have you, Chi," she said, thoughtfully, "but I am + afraid it would be hardly fair to you, for I haven't a great deal of + money, and I shall have to be very economical." + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu's little round black eyes flashed at this. "<i>He</i> takee monee + too?" he demanded, with contemptuous emphasis on the pronoun. + </p> + <p> + Virgie flushed. She could not bear, from another, the slightest + reference to the wrong she had suffered. + </p> + <p> + "How much monee?" the man hastened to add, as he saw that she was + troubled. + </p> + <p> + "I have a little over four thousand dollars," Virgie replied, thinking + it best to fully confide in him. + </p> + <p> + Her bills had been heavy in New York, and it had taken the most of one + thousand dollars out of the five thousand that Sir William had deposited + for her, to settle them. + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu gave a grunt of delight at the information. + </p> + <p> + "Good! missee live long. Chi Lu know how; he fix 'em," he said, with an + air of confidence that was reassuring and Virgie believed that he would + indeed make a better steward of her limited means than she could + possibly be with her inexperience, so she resolved to trust him, and + told him that he should go with her if he wished. + </p> + <p> + The next question to settle was regarding a place of residence, and she + finally decided, after talking the matter over with her servant, that + she would be less conspicuous in some large city, and as there was no + place she knew so well as San Francisco, she resolved to once more make + her home in that city. + </p> + <p> + These matters decided, Chi Lu went back to the mountains to dispose of + his cabin and settle up his affairs, and when he rejoined his young + mistress, they proceeded directly to San Francisco, where the Chinaman + soon succeeded in securing three very comfortable rooms in a quiet and + good locality. + </p> + <p> + Virgie furnished these simply, though prettily, and, when all was + completed, really felt quite at home, and as if she had at last found a + haven of safety. + </p> + <p> + There was a small parlor and bedroom for her own use, a tiny kitchen, + with a good-sized closet opening out of it, which was allotted + exclusively to Chi Lu. + </p> + <p> + Virgie soon found that she had indeed done wisely to take her old + servant again into her employ, for he managed everything in a most + economical and comfortable way, while she realized that if she had been + obliged to depend wholly upon herself and have the care of her little + one besides, her strength and courage would have both failed her in a + little while. + </p> + <p> + The younger Lady of Heathdale demanded a great deal of attention during + that first year of her life, and, being wholly unaccustomed to children, + Virgie found the care a great tax upon her. + </p> + <p> + They had been in San Francisco some three months, when Chi Lu proposed + to Virgie to go into business for himself. + </p> + <p> + He told her that he had not half enough to do to keep busy; there was a + large unoccupied room adjoining the building they were in, which he + could secure for a moderate rent, and he desired to set up the laundry + business. + </p> + <p> + He wanted to employ two or three of his countrymen to do the work, while + he simply had charge of it, which he could easily do and attend to his + duties with her at the same time. + </p> + <p> + Virgie willingly consented to this arrangement, never once suspecting + that it was a plan on the part of Chi Lu to obtain funds to contribute + toward her support when her own resources should fail. She knew that the + little which he consented to receive from her was but a small + compensation for the services he rendered her, and she was very glad to + have him make something for himself. + </p> + <p> + Thus in the course of time the faithful Chinaman established quite a + thrifty business, while his face would light up and his small eyes gleam + with satisfaction as he gathered in the dollars day by day, and he might + have been heard from time to time to mutter, with a gleeful chuckle: + </p> + <p> + "Good! Muche monee for missee and little missee by'm-by!" + </p> + <p> + But, as Virgie's baby grew older and capable of amusing herself + somewhat, time began to hang heavily on the young mother's hands. + </p> + <p> + Her sorrow was one that could not be easily out-grown and sometimes life + seemed a burden almost too heavy to be borne. Day after day her heart + cried out in rebellion against her lonely bitter lot; night after night + her pillow was wet with scalding tears, as for hours she lay weeping for + the love that she had lost. + </p> + <p> + She began to realize at last that her health was suffering from such + constant grieving, and that she must find something to occupy her time + more fully and take her thoughts from herself, or she would soon break + down beneath such severe mental strain. + </p> + <p> + It was after a day of unusual depression and sadness that she took up + the evening paper and began carelessly to glance over the columns. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly her eyes lighted upon an advertisement. + </p> + <p> + It stated that a well-known publishing house of that city offered a + prize of three hundred dollars for the most unique and tasteful design + for a Christmas souvenir. It described what was required, mentioned the + conditions of its acceptance, and the time when the designs of all + competitors must be delivered. + </p> + <p> + Virgie was interested at once. + </p> + <p> + "Why, cannot I do something of that kind?" she murmured "Papa used to + say that I was remarkably skillful in making pen-and-ink sketches, and + why should I not turn, my talent to some account? If I should succeed it + would not only give me something with which to occupy my time, but + perhaps enable me to earn for the future; my money is not going to last + so very long, in spite of all Chi Lu's economy." + </p> + <p> + The idea pleased her, and she set about putting it into practice at + once. + </p> + <p> + During the next three months she applied herself diligently and as she + worked she became deeply interested in her occupation. Almost + immediately there was a change for the better in her health and general + appearance Her eye brightened, the lassitude that pervaded her movements + disappeared and something of her old energy returned to her. + </p> + <p> + She wasted no more time in useless brooding and pining; less tears were + shed at night, for, wearied with her close application to her work + during the day, sleep stole her senses and wrapped her in healthful + rest. + </p> + <p> + At the time appointed for all competitors to send in their designs, + Virgie was ready to subject her work to criticism. + </p> + <p> + She had made three designs, each differing in style and character from + the others, but all so attractive that she felt almost sure they would + bring her some return, even if she was not the fortunate winner of the + prize. + </p> + <p> + Besides these, she had been hard at work upon an idea of her own, which + she intended to show the publisher, hoping to win his approbation and + assistance in bringing it before the public. + </p> + <p> + Dressing herself plainly, but with taste, she started out one morning + with her treasures, and presenting herself at the publishing house + referred to, asked to see the proprietor. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemanly clerk led her to a private office, where she found a + pleasant-looking, elderly gentleman who regarded her a trifle curiously, + but greeted her courteously, and then politely asked her business with + him. + </p> + <p> + "Some time ago I saw an advertisement in your name, relating to + Christmas souvenirs," Virgie began, "and as this is the date on which + they were required to be delivered I have brought my contribution for + your inspection." + </p> + <p> + The gentleman bowed, but hesitated a moment before replying. + </p> + <p> + Virgie's manner and language told him that she was a lady, and he did + not like to say anything to wound her; but the advertisement to which + she referred had distinctly stated that competitors were, under no + consideration to expect a personal interview regarding their + contributions. They were either to be sent by mail or left at the office + until an examination by the proprietor should decide who the fortunate + winner of the prize might be. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" he began, "I understand you desire to leave the specimens of your + work with me." + </p> + <p> + Virgie flushed, for his tone was rather frigid. Then she recovered + herself, and her face lighted with her rare, beautiful smile, which went + directly to the publisher's heart. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," she answered, laying a package upon his desk. "Of course I + understand that I am not to expect a private examination of my work. I + had no intention of annoying you with the matter. I am willing to take + my chance with others. But there is another matter upon which I would + like to consult with you if you can spare me a little time." + </p> + <p> + She now drew forth a more bulky package from her bag. + </p> + <p> + "Some manuscript, perhaps, which you would like examined?" responded the + gentleman, glancing at it, but speaking indifferently. + </p> + <p> + "No, not manuscript according to the common acceptation of the term; and + yet, in reality, I suppose it is." + </p> + <p> + "Can you not leave it with me? I will look at it with pleasure later;" + but his tone was not very encouraging. + </p> + <p> + "I should prefer not to do so, because there is not very much time + between now and Christmas, and if you do not approve of it I shall like + to take it elsewhere," Virgie replied, untying the dainty ribbon which + bound her package, and, removing the wrapper, she laid before him a + little book about eight inches square and comprising some twenty or + thirty pages. + </p> + <p> + It was composed of half sheets of the heaviest and nicest of unruled + paper, tied together in three places with beautiful little cords and + tassels of pale-blue silk. + </p> + <p> + On the cover, in a lovely design composed of mountain ferns, most + exquisitely executed, there was written, in a dainty hand, the + title—"Gleanings from the Heights." + </p> + <p> + The gentleman uttered a low exclamation of pleasure as his eye fell upon + this. + </p> + <p> + His attention was riveted; there was no indifference in his manner now. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXIII.<br/> + A Mysterious Stranger. + </h2> + <p> + "Did you do this?" Mr. Knight, the publisher, asked, looking up after a + close examination of the dainty cover. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," Virgie answered, with a quiet smile, and, seeing that she + had gained her point, that he would not leave it until he had seen the + whole, she sat down near him to await his verdict. + </p> + <p> + Page after page was turned and on each there was a lovely group of + mountain foliage, flowers, or ferns, all beautifully executed in pen and + ink, while underneath the design, or cunningly woven around it, was + written, in a dainty hand, some appropriate verse or couplet, quotations + from various authors, with now and then a bit of real heart rhyme that + had been the outgrowth of Virgie's own sad experiences. + </p> + <p> + Everything, as the title indicated, had been taken from the + mountains—from those heights where she had spent the last few years of + her life. + </p> + <p> + It had been her custom, after gathering the wild, beautiful things, to + carefully arrange them and then copy them upon paper. + </p> + <p> + This amusement had served to pass away many an otherwise tedious hour, + and she had a portfolio full of these charming designs, which were + likely to prove of great value to her in the future, as we shall see. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight took ample time for his examination of her work, so much, + indeed, that Virgie began to grow weary and anxious to get back to her + little one. + </p> + <p> + But at last the gentleman leaned back in his chair, took off his + spectacles, and turned his keen, searching glance full upon his + visitor's face. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," he said, "it is not my custom to speak extravagantly upon any + subject; but I am bound to admit that this is the finest thing of its + kind that it has ever been my privilege to examine." + </p> + <p> + A beautiful color sprang into Virgie's cheeks at this high praise. She + had known that her work was well done, but she had not expected to be + told of it quite so frankly or emphatically. + </p> + <p> + She bowed, and murmured her thanks for his appreciation + </p> + <p> + "What do you want to do with it?" Mr. Knight asked. + </p> + <p> + "Get it published as a holiday souvenir, and make it pay me a handsome + sum for my trouble," Virgie responded, in a business-like tone, and then + was half-frightened at her own boldness. + </p> + <p> + The publisher's eyes twinkled with amusement. + </p> + <p> + "What would you consider a handsome sum?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + Virgie thought a moment; then she replied: + </p> + <p> + "You have offered one, two, and three hundred dollars as prizes for the + simple souvenirs described in your advertisement, and surely a work like + this must be worth much more." + </p> + <p> + "Very true; but will you name some price for it? I confess that I should + like to take it, if you do not value it <i>too</i> highly." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was astonished at this. + </p> + <p> + She had not expected to be allowed to name her own price. She had + supposed, if her work was approved at all, to receive some moderate + offer, which she could accept or decline as she saw fit. + </p> + <p> + But she shrank from setting a value upon her work. It was her first + effort, and she had no more idea of its worth, as a work of art, than a + child. + </p> + <p> + "Sir," she returned, "I will tell you frankly that I never did anything + of the kind before; that is, I have never attempted to <i>dispose</i> of + any of my work and I do not know what it ought to bring me. I have been + suddenly thrown upon my own resources, and it occurred to me that I + might turn my one talent to some account." + </p> + <p> + "Your 'one talent' will prove a very valuable one, if rightly employed," + interposed the publisher, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," returned Virgie, flushing again. "And now, since my little + book pleases you, will you kindly make me an offer?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Miss —— What shall I call you, please? I like to know the names + of people with whom I am dealing," Mr. Knight observed, with a + business-like air. + </p> + <p> + A sudden shock went over Virgie, making her tingle to her finger-tips at + this question. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time that she had been asked to give her name since + coming to San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + She had lived so like a recluse that there had been no occasion, and she + had never decided what she would be called. She could not use her + husband's name. + </p> + <p> + If she had more time to think she might have answered the publisher + differently; but, as it was, she said, hastily, and not without some + confusion: + </p> + <p> + "My name is Mrs.—Alexander." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight started slightly, and threw a searching glance at her. + </p> + <p> + "Alexander! Ah, I used to know—But, pardon me; I was about to make you + an offer, I believe." + </p> + <p> + He seemed to consider a moment, then continued: + </p> + <p> + "I will give you five hundred dollars for this little work, just as it + stands, and if it proves to be a success after it is published, I will + add ten per cent, of the sales to that amount." + </p> + <p> + Virgie could scarcely credit her hearing at this generous offer. + </p> + <p> + She had never dreamed of anything like it, and bright visions of future + prosperity for herself and her child, attained through her own efforts, + alone, flitted through her mind. + </p> + <p> + But she did not lose her self-possession or betray her excessive delight + at the unexpected proposal. + </p> + <p> + "What am I to understand by your words, 'if it proves a success?'" she + asked. + </p> + <p> + Again the publisher's eyes twinkled. + </p> + <p> + He knew that she was a novice in dealing with business men, but he saw + that she was shrewd and practical, and, finding her talent valuable, + meant to make the most of it. + </p> + <p> + He meant, however, to do so well by her that she would be satisfied to + give her services exclusively to him. + </p> + <p> + "Well," he replied, "if the sales reach a thousand copies I shall + consider the book a success." + </p> + <p> + He knew well enough, if he could get it out in season, he could easily + sell three times that number for it was a wonderfully unique and + attractive affair. + </p> + <p> + "More than that," he continued, "if you are pleased to accept my offer, + I should like to engage you to prepare two or three designs of a similar + character for the Easter trade." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was not proof against all this good fortune. Her lips trembled, + and she was very near breaking down. + </p> + <p> + It seemed almost as if heaven had suddenly opened and sent her a kind + friend in the midst of her darkness and trouble. + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind, sir; I feel that you have made me a most liberal + offer, and I accept it most gratefully," she said. + </p> + <p> + Something in her tone—a sort of hopeless cadence mingling with the + gratitude, as if with all this good fortune there were a lurking despair + in her heart—touched the gentleman deeply. + </p> + <p> + He was becoming greatly interested in this beautiful woman, who, with + that look of heart-broken sadness in her violet eyes, and that grieved + droop about her sweet mouth, he believed must have some thrilling + history connected with her young life. + </p> + <p> + "Then, Mrs. Alexander, do your best, and give me something especially + nice for Easter," he returned, brightly, and appearing not to notice her + emotion. + </p> + <p> + He arose as he spoke, and took leave of her with a cordial handshake, + saying that she would hear from him again soon regarding her other + designs, and Virgie went on her homeward way with more of hope and + courage than she had known since her great trouble came upon her. + </p> + <p> + She had nearly reached the street where she lived, when something + occurred to give her a fearful start. + </p> + <p> + In turning a corner she suddenly came face to face with a man who was + wrapped in a heavy circular cape, its collar turned up close about his + face and concealing the whole lower portion of it. He wore a + wide-brimmed hat that was drawn down over his brow, so that, with the + collar and hat together, scarcely anything of his countenance was + visible save a pair of piercing black eyes, and a long, sharp nose. + </p> + <p> + As Virgie met those eyes, which were fixed upon her with an eager, + questioning look, she had difficulty in repressing a scream of fear and + surprise. + </p> + <p> + The next moment, however, she recovered herself, and passed him as if he + had been an utter stranger; but, though outwardly calm and indifferent, + she was trembling in every limb, while a sense of weakness caused by the + shock she had received, made it seem as if she could not go on her way. + </p> + <p> + But she knew it would not do for her to stop, for a sidelong glance over + her shoulder and the sound of a step behind her told her that the + muffled figure was following her, evidently with the intention of + accosting her. + </p> + <p> + "How dare he come back here? It cannot be that he knows me after all + these years," she said to herself as she quickened her pace and sped on + toward her home. + </p> + <p> + Then a sudden thought smote her. + </p> + <p> + "He must not know where I live, if it <i>is</i> he, and I am sure I + cannot be mistaken, for those eyes are like no others in the world. What + shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + She was rapidly nearing her own door, but a sudden purpose impelled her + to keep on and go straight by, without even a pause or a look that way. + </p> + <p> + A block or two beyond she came to a store where she sometimes went to + purchase articles that she needed She entered, and going to a counter, + called for the first thing she could think of, but kept her eye on the + door to see if the man had followed her. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there could be no doubt that her steps were dogged, for the man + passed even as she looked. + </p> + <p> + His keen glance searched her out immediately; then he paused, turned, + and walked slowly back. + </p> + <p> + The store was on a corner, and there were two entrances to it—one on + the front, one at the side. + </p> + <p> + Virgie paid for her purchase, then worked her way around, going from + counter to counter, until she reached the side entrance, when she went + slyly out, waited until she saw a car approaching, hailed it, and in + another moment went rolling down the street, believing that she had + eluded the keen eyes that were on the watch for her. + </p> + <p> + Not so, however; for the man, having heard the car stop, darted around + the corner, and espied her in it just as it was about turning into + another street. + </p> + <p> + He could not overtake it, and with a muttered expression of annoyance, + he was obliged to wait for the next one. But he saw no more of Virgie + that day, for she took a transfer, and when about a mile from her home + changed cars and at length reached her own door, confident that she had + escaped her pursuer for that time. + </p> + <p> + A day or two afterward she saw a personal in one of the daily papers + that both puzzled and alarmed her. + </p> + <p> + F.V.A., whom I met on the corner of W. and C. streets, will communicate + with M.A., Lock Box 95, she will learn something to her advantage. + </p> + <p> + This was the advertisement, and Virgie knew at once that she had been + recognized by that man muffled in the cloak. + </p> + <p> + "That means me," she said, growing deadly white, "and I was not + mistaken. <i>He</i> has come back. How dare he? What can he want of me? + But I will never see him. I will have nothing to say to him. I will hide + myself from him. It is evident he has not discovered where I live, else + he would have been here before this, and I will take care that he does + not find me out." + </p> + <p> + After that she was very careful about going out, always closely veiling + her face, and wearing a long circular to conceal her form, when she was + obliged to do so, which was not often, as, with rare exceptions, her + business with Mr. Knight could be mostly transacted by correspondence. + </p> + <p> + Thus several months passed without her seeing or hearing anything more + of the person who had so disturbed her, until at last she believed he + must have left the city, and she gave herself no further concern about + him. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXIV.<br/> + The Tie Is Broken. + </h2> + <p> + There was no lack of employment now for Virgie. She had plenty to occupy + heart, and brain, and hands, and of such a congenial nature that she + reaped great benefit from it both mentally and physically. + </p> + <p> + Of course nothing could ever blot out from her memory the terrible + trouble and suffering that she had had to endure, but her work brought + its own enjoyment so that she no longer spent such wretched days and + nights as formerly. Her baby was every day growing interesting and a + source of great comfort to her, while her life generally was tending to + bring out the latent qualities of her character, the energy and + self-reliance, the skill and talent which otherwise might never have + developed into activity. + </p> + <p> + More than a year went by, while every month she was earning a handsome + sum, having been permanently engaged by Mr. Knight to keep him supplied + with those novelties which she was so skillful in originating. + </p> + <p> + Her "Gleanings from the Heights" proved a great success, selling faster + than the firm could issue them. Besides this she had been awarded the + first prize on the other souvenirs, so that, pecuniarily, she had + nothing to fear for the future. + </p> + <p> + And now she set about another undertaking which she had long + contemplated; that of obtaining a divorce from her husband. + </p> + <p> + She did not take this step because she had any desire to break the tie + that bound her to him, and she would never have moved in the matter at + all but for the fact that others had assailed her fair name and assumed + that her child was dishonored. + </p> + <p> + Her chief aim, in collecting the proofs of the legality of her marriage, + had been to secure to little Virgie the right to the name she bore, and + an indisputable title to her inheritance by and by when she should be of + a suitable age to claim and enjoy it. + </p> + <p> + She meant to give her every advantage as she grew older, and do + everything possible to fit her for a high position in life; and when, at + length, she should reach her majority, she would claim her rights and + take care that she secured them in spite of all opposition. + </p> + <p> + This was all the revenge that Virgie ever intended to take for the wrong + that she believed herself to have suffered at her husband's hands. She + would scorn to accept anything for herself, but the lawful position of + her daughter must and <i>should</i> be recognized. + </p> + <p> + Her residence of a year in San Francisco had given her the right to + apply to the court to have her marriage bonds annulled, and she put her + case into the hands of a competent lawyer, recommended by Mr. Knight, to + whom she had confided something of her history, and solicited his advice + regarding the matter. + </p> + <p> + He had advised her not to take any legal proceedings until she had tried + to confer with Sir William again. + </p> + <p> + "There is some mistake, I feel sure," he said, "some misunderstanding + which might be explained if proper measures were adopted." + </p> + <p> + "A mistake!" repeated Virgie, scornfully, her eyes blazing with + indignation. "I imagine that the only mistake about the whole matter is + that I allowed myself to become the dupe of an unprincipled man." + </p> + <p> + "It can at least do no harm to write him what your intentions are," + suggested Mr. Knight, mildly. + </p> + <p> + "I wrote him letter after letter while I was in New York. Mrs. Farnum, + of whom I have told you, knew the whole family, and wrote of me to Lady + Linton, but they appeared to be in total ignorance of even my existence, + while Mrs. Farnum asserted that Sir William had been engaged for years + to Miss Stanhope, and I have already told you of his subsequent marriage + with her." + </p> + <p> + "Still I cannot comprehend how he should dare to commit such a wrong," + persisted Mr. Knight. "He must have known that his marriage with you was + legal, according to the laws of the State in which it occurred, and the + mere fact of his leaving the country could not annul it. If he had + assumed a name while he was here, it would not seem so inexplicable, but + all the papers which you hold go to show that he married you under his + own name and title; while your description of the character of the man + makes it seem utterly impossible that he should be guilty of such + conduct." + </p> + <p> + "True. When I think of that, I am heart-broken," said Virgie, breaking + down for a moment. "He seemed so true and noble in every respect, and he + was particular to have his title appear in the certificate, although he + did not adopt it while traveling because he found he was less + conspicuous as plain Mr. Heath." + </p> + <p> + "It almost seems to me as if some plot had been laid to separate you," + said Mr. Knight, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Impossible! How could such a thing be?" queried Virgie, skeptically. + "Who would plot against us?" + </p> + <p> + "Your letters on both sides may have been intercepted by some enemy with + that end in view." + </p> + <p> + "He has no enemy that I am aware of; neither have I. I did not know a + single individual when I went to New York, so there was no one there who + would be likely to meddle with our correspondence. More than this, if he + did not hear from me, and was true to me, or had possessed an atom of + affection for his child, it is but natural to suppose that he would have + taken prompt measures to ascertain what the trouble was. No; the more I + dwell upon it, the more I am convinced that what he has done was a + scheme to secure my property, and then leave me to my fate. I can think + of no other object that he could have had." + </p> + <p> + Alas! Virgie realized long after how she had wronged a noble man with + these dreadful suspicions, and even while she was giving utterance to + them, her heart was heavy with a sense of injustice done the man whom, + even then, she loved most fondly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight shook his head in a doubtful manner at her last words, and + yet he looked perplexed. + </p> + <p> + "You think I am too hard," Virgie continued, bitterly "but does not even + the provision which he made for me before leaving New York look as if he + did not intend to return to me?" + </p> + <p> + "You refer to the five thousand dollars which he deposited for you; it + was a very generous amount, truly." + </p> + <p> + Of course I could not begin to use such a sum in the few weeks that he + pretended he should be away; while the additional five hundred dollars + which he sent me through his sister goes to prove that he had no + intention of ever coming back to me, yet did not wish me to suffer for + lack of means." + </p> + <p> + "I do not like the aspect of that transaction at all," responded Mr. + Knight, emphatically. "It looks to me as if his sister had had more to + do with the matter than rightly belonged to her. Who knows but what she + may have been opposed to her brother's marriage and has been at the + bottom of all the trouble?" he concluded, reasoning with a shrewdness + which he did not realize. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie could not be convinced. + </p> + <p> + "I do not believe that," she said, with a sigh; "it looks to me as if he + was ashamed—conscience-smitten—and did not have the moral courage to + communicate with me himself." + </p> + <p> + Yet, even as she said it, she knew that such a course was utterly at + variance with his character, as she had known it. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mrs. Alexander—or Mrs. Heath, I suppose I ought to call you—I + will not say more to dissuade you from your purpose; but let me advise + you, as a sincere friend, to go to England and ascertain for yourself + just how matters are, before you proceed any further." + </p> + <p> + Virgie started to her feet, with crimson cheeks and flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Go to England!—to Heathdale! to find another woman queening it there + in <i>my</i> place!—to be brow-beaten and insulted by that proud + family!—to be disowned by the man who has already wronged me beyond all + forgiveness! Never, sir!" + </p> + <p> + "You could at least demand your own—the money that your father left + you." + </p> + <p> + "And do you suppose I should get it? I have no proof that my father ever + left me a dollar. Sir William has every paper in his own possession. I + have not a scrap even that would enable me to wrest so much as a pound + from him as my right." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight looked grave. Certainly matters were not very promising for + the injured wife. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is the most incomprehensible affair that I ever heard of," he + said. "I still think, though, that a personal interview would be the + wiser course before proceeding further. However, a proper notice will + have to be served upon the man, and if there has been any + misunderstanding, or he has any desire to contest your appeal for a + divorce, he will probably make it apparent when the right time comes. + And now, regarding the best counsel for you, I think my friend, + Templeton would work well for you, and secure a bill with as little + notoriety as any one." + </p> + <p> + Virgie shivered at this business-like talk of "a bill." It was almost + like severing soul from body to break the sacred tie that bound her to + the man she so fondly loved, and nothing save the belief that another + was occupying the place that rightly belonged to her could have induced + her to take such a step. + </p> + <p> + She applied to Mr. Templeton, as Mr. Knight advised He, too, counseled + further intercourse with the baronet, for, to his keen mind, also, the + whole affair appeared more like a conspiracy on the part of enemies than + a willful wrong perpetrated by the husband. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie utterly refused to hold any communication with Sir William. + </p> + <p> + "He will have to be notified regarding the proceedings about to be + instituted against him," she said, "and if he is guiltless of wrong he + will surely hasten to make it apparent." + </p> + <p> + In spite of her obstinate refusal to make further overtures, something + of hope had been revived in her heart by the united opinions of Mr. + Knight and her lawyer that some enemy had plotted to separate her from + her husband. She remembered what Mrs. Farnum had told her about the + pride of his family, and it might be there was some foundation for the + belief of the two gentlemen. She could understand how that might + possibly be the case as far as intercepting their letters was concerned, + but those other facts of the long engagement and the marriage with Miss + Stanhope were things which she could not explain by any reasoning. + </p> + <p> + Still she kept hoping for some word during the time that intervened + between the notification and the day set for the hearing of the case. + Day after day she waited and watched for some tidings from her husband + starting at every unusual sound, growing almost faint at the opening and + shutting of a door, and even imagining she saw a familiar form as she + sat at her window and eagerly scanned every passer-by. + </p> + <p> + She grew thin and pale with this dreadful suspense; she seemed to be + consuming with fever, and was so restless and nervous that her friend, + Mr. Knight, feared that her mind might suffer from such tension. + </p> + <p> + She hoped until the last moment, although she tried to conceal it, but + when the dreaded day arrived, when her case was presented and there was + no one to contest it; when the judge rendered his decision, declaring + that her marriage was null and void, that henceforth in the eyes of the + law and the world she was free from the man to whom she had solemnly + promised to cling until death should part them, her courage and strength + forsook her, and she was carried lifeless from the court-room, while for + three weeks afterward she lay weak and ill, and almost indifferent to + life. + </p> + <p> + The only grain of comfort in this time of woe was derived from the fact + that the child had been given to her, and she had no fear of ever having + it taken from her, even if Sir William should ever be moved to a desire + to have her. + </p> + <p> + For a time she seemed wholly unlike herself; but the kind-hearted + publisher knew that the best antidote for all kinds of trouble is work, + and he kept her crowded with orders, until she felt obliged to rally her + failing energies and to take up the burdens of life once more. + </p> + <p> + Thus the winter passed; but, when summer came again, little Virgie began + to droop in the noisome atmosphere of the city, and the physician said + she must be taken where she could have purer air and country living; so + Virgie went to a quiet little place a few miles out of the city, where + she remained the entire season, not returning to San Francisco until + late in October, and thus a cruel fate again seemed to mock her, for + during her absence Sir William Heath had come to seek her again, and not + finding her, he, too, had grown heart-sick with despair and hope + deferred. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXV.<br/> + Sir William Becomes Guardian. + </h2> + <p> + Very distressing were the thoughts of the young baronet, who had so + suddenly returned to his home and been stricken with illness. + </p> + <p> + He had been sick at Alexandria when he received the document notifying + him that Virgie was seeking a divorce. + </p> + <p> + He was absolutely paralyzed as he read it, and saw by the date that it + would be utterly impossible for him to reach America in time to stay the + proceedings. + </p> + <p> + He could not even reach England in season to cable for that purpose, and + he was so overcome by the knowledge and his own helplessness, as to + render him unable to travel for a couple of weeks longer. + </p> + <p> + One thing gave him some satisfaction. He at least knew that Virgie was + in San Francisco, and that she must have been residing in the State for + some time to allow her the right to apply for the divorce there. She + must have been there even while he was there searching for her, and it + seemed terribly cruel to him that he should have missed her. + </p> + <p> + But he resolved that he would find her yet, if she lived. Poor darling! + what a bitter lot had been hers during this last year, believing what + she must of him. It should not go on, however; he would seek her and + vindicate himself; he would prove to her that he had never wavered in + his truth to her in spite of all the evidence against him. He would + prove his love for her, and he would win her again, even though the + dread decree had been pronounced, bring her back with him to Heathdale, + and they would be happy yet. + </p> + <p> + And his child—the precious little one whom he had never seen—his heart + cried out for her with an uncontrollable yearning—his baby! his + miniature Virgie! + </p> + <p> + Thus, as we already know, he went directly to Heathdale where he arrived + on the very evening that Lady Linton had received the papers announcing + that his wife had secured a decree of divorce. + </p> + <p> + He was very wretched in spite of his sister's hearty welcome and efforts + to render him comfortable; and during her absence from the room to see + that something unusually nice should be prepared for him, anxious, + bitter thoughts crowded his mind, and he rebelled against the arbitrary + weariness and lassitude that bound him, as with chains of iron, and + compelled him to rest. + </p> + <p> + Gradually, however, his glance began to wander over the familiar room, + lingering now upon some picture, now upon some rare article of virtu, + each endeared by peculiar associations, until at length it rested upon + the table and that document, which his sister had dropped and forgotten + in her surprise at his appearance. + </p> + <p> + Its likeness to the one he had previously received startled him. + </p> + <p> + He arose and went forward to examine it. Its postmark told him at once + whence it had come. + </p> + <p> + A deathly paleness overspread his face; a horrible numbness fell upon + his heart. + </p> + <p> + With trembling hands he tore it open, and one glance was sufficient to + tell him the nature of its contents. + </p> + <p> + It was the one bitter blow too much, even though he had half-expected + it, and, with a despairing cry that would have melted the hardest heart, + "Lost! lost! Virgie, my love! my love!" he fell prone upon the floor, + clutching that fatal paper in his grasp. + </p> + <p> + Long weeks of watching and anxiety followed—weeks during which Lady + Linton began to fear that she was paying dearly for her plotting and + treachery, even though her son might become the master of Heathdale in + the event of her brother's death. + </p> + <p> + But he did not die. His constitution was naturally rugged, and by the + end of winter, after many alternations of hope and fear, he slowly began + to rally. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was able to be dressed and sit up he began to talk of + going again to America. + </p> + <p> + Of course Sir Herbert Randal vetoed such a proposition at once. + </p> + <p> + "You are not to stir outside the grounds of Heathdale for three months + at least," he said, decidedly. + </p> + <p> + "But I must, Sir Herbert. You have no idea how much is at stake," the + sick man pleaded. + </p> + <p> + "You must not. I cannot help how much there is at stake," returned the + physician, firmly. "I have had hard work to get you up, even so far, + from this nervous prostration and the least excitement or imprudence + will cause a dangerous relapse." + </p> + <p> + And so, with despair at his heart, Sir William was obliged to submit. + </p> + <p> + He tried to write to Virgie, intending to send the letter to her through + the lawyer whom she had employed and whose name had appeared in + connection with the papers he had received, but he could not; he found + that his brain was too weak to permit of the framing of even a sentence, + and he knew that he could never plead his cause successfully in such a + state. + </p> + <p> + He shrank from asking any one else to write for him; his sister he knew + was not in sympathy with him, and he would not confide in her. + </p> + <p> + When his mind had become strong enough to realize what was going on + about him, he had one day asked Lady Linton to bring him both documents + that had come to him from America. + </p> + <p> + She obeyed him, making no comment, though her manner betrayed that she + knew well enough their character. + </p> + <p> + He told her to lock them in a certain drawer which no one was ever + allowed to open save himself. + </p> + <p> + She did so in his presence, and earnestly hoped, as the key clicked upon + them, that that episode in her brother's life was buried for all time. + </p> + <p> + But she was not long in finding that she was to be disappointed + </p> + <p> + As summer advanced Sir William gained more rapidly and by August he was + pronounced comparatively well, although he was still but the ghost of + his former self. + </p> + <p> + Then he announced his determination of again crossing the Atlantic, and + Lady Linton's heart failed her. Would he never relinquish his chase + after that miserable girl? + </p> + <p> + She earnestly pleaded that he would not leave home again. + </p> + <p> + "I must," he replied, sternly. "I must find my wife." + </p> + <p> + "Your wife!" she retorted, losing all patience; "you have no wife." + </p> + <p> + "Be still, Miriam," he commanded, growing frightfully pale. "I see that + you know what has occurred, and though the law may have succeeded in + breaking the tie between us, yet in my heart I claim Virgie as my wife + just as truly to-day as she ever was. I will search the world over for + her; if I find her the law will give her to me again, for I believe that + she is still true to me, whatever she may think of me; if I do <i>not</i> + find her, I shall live and die cherishing her image alone." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton knew that he meant what he said. + </p> + <p> + "That will be bad for Sadie's hopes," she thought; "but doubtless Percy + will be the gainer, unless he succeeds in finding that girl. I never + believed his pride would let him go chasing after her like this." + </p> + <p> + The last of August found him again on the ocean. + </p> + <p> + The voyage proved beneficial, and he was in much better health and + strength when he landed in New York than when he left England. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded directly to San Francisco as fast as steam and wheels could + take him, determined to seek out Mr. Templeton, Virgie's lawyer, who, he + believed, would tell him where she could be found. + </p> + <p> + But a terrible disappointment awaited him there. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Templeton had retired from business at the beginning of summer, and, + with his family, had gone abroad for an indefinite period. + </p> + <p> + He could not even obtain his address, and was thus prevented from + communicating with him by letter. + </p> + <p> + Then he began another wearisome search. Day after day he haunted the + streets of the city. He inquired, he advertised, and used every method + he could think of to ascertain where his darling was, but without avail, + for, as we know, she had gone into the country on little Virgie's + account, while Mr. Knight was away on a trip to British Columbia, or he + might have seen Sir William's advertisements, and helped him in the + matter so near, his heart. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of October he decided to go once more to her old home + among the mountains of Nevada, hoping to learn something of her there. + </p> + <p> + But, of course, he did not, and he finally came to the conclusion that + she must have left California after obtaining her divorce. At least he + thought she would leave San Francisco, for he knew that there were + unpleasant associations connected with her past life there, and he did + not believe she would like to make her home in that city, where + disagreeable rumors might still exist. But, still resolving to find her + at any cost, he turned his face in another direction, and began anew his + wanderings up and down the land. + </p> + <p> + Three weary years he spent thus, following every clew, but all to no + purpose. Then, saddened and disheartened he was compelled to give up the + chase and return to Heathdale, for his estate demanded his personal + attention. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum and her daughter were full of hope, after learning that the + decree of divorce had been granted, that the beauty and belle would at + last succeed in securing the prize she had so long coveted. + </p> + <p> + Every art was made use of to captivate the wealthy baronet, but it was + evident that his heart was irrevocably fixed—that he had no intention + of ever marrying again. Finally the disappointed girl gave her hand to a + rich, but aged and feeble lord, and tried to satisfy her heart and + ambition with the golden husks thus achieved. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum lost her husband soon after her return from America, and + afterward made her home mostly with her daughter. But she was far from + being a happy woman, even though she had everything which unlimited + wealth could purchase. Her conscience never ceased to trouble her for + the part she had played in helping to ruin the life of that beautiful + wife and mother whom she had met in New York. She was ever haunted by + that sad, sweet face. She had been half-tempted, many times, to confess + everything to Sir William, hoping thus to atone in part for what she had + done, and because, after she found that Sadie's cause was hopeless, she + began to pity that poor, injured girl; but her fear of Lady Linton, and + also of Sir William's righteous anger, prevented her doing so. + </p> + <p> + Thus five years passed. + </p> + <p> + It was now ten years since Sir William Heath's marriage with Virgie, but + he was still true to the one love of his youth. He continued to cherish + her image in his heart, even as he had vowed to do, and though he had + come to believe her lost to him forever, he had determined that no other + should occupy the place he had once given to her. + </p> + <p> + But about this time something occurred to create a pleasant change in + his saddened life. + </p> + <p> + A dear friend of his youth died, leaving to his care his fine, manly + little son, now in his twelfth year, who had been the pride of his + father's heart, the comfort of widowered, lonely years. + </p> + <p> + Major Hamilton had been in Her Majesty's service for many years, and at + the time of his death was serving on an important appointment abroad. + </p> + <p> + During this service he had acquired many honors and great wealth. His + wife was the second daughter of Lord Shaftonsberry, but she had lived + only one short month after the birth of their only son, Rupert, who was + now to become the ward of Sir William Heath. + </p> + <p> + He was a noble little fellow, and it was not long before the baronet + became fondly attached to him, and believed that perhaps he had at last + found, in rearing this child of promise to manhood, something that would + add interest and zest to his dreary and monotonous life. Lady Linton, + who was still at Heathdale, and nominally its mistress, received the + orphaned stranger with great kindness. + </p> + <p> + He was heir presumptive to the title and estates of Shaftonsberry, if + death should remove the present incumbent who as yet had no children of + his own, and this circumstance, in addition to the great wealth which + young Rupert inherited from his father, made him a person of + considerable consequence. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship's mind, with its habitual cunning, leaped forward eight or + ten years, and planned a union of the houses of Linton and + Shaftonsberry, by the marriage of her daughter, Lillian, now eleven + years of age, with her brother's ward. + </p> + <p> + She argued that everything was in her favor for accomplishing this, for + the children would be reared beneath the same roof, and it would be + comparatively easy to educate them to consider themselves destined for + each other. + </p> + <p> + Of course this arch plotter kept all this to herself, for she well knew + that her brother would sternly oppose all match-making of this sort; but + it became a dearly cherished plan with her, and she bent all her + energies toward its accomplishment. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXVI.<br/> + "I Shall Never Marry Again." + </h2> + <p> + Virgie returned to San Francisco about two weeks after Sir William + quitted the city. + </p> + <p> + Her little girl, now more than two years old, was much improved, and had + grown to be a remarkably interesting child, while she was of the + greatest comfort to her mother whose every hope was now centered in her. + </p> + <p> + Virgie entered upon her work with renewed interest, although she had not + been idle during the summer by any means. With her pen she had copied + nature in every possible phase, and had brought home, for her winter's + campaign, rich treasures of beauty and art. + </p> + <p> + She had for some time been engaged upon quite an extensive work, which + was to be elegantly bound, and which promised to be something very rare + and unique. + </p> + <p> + She threw herself into this with such energy, after her return, and + worked at it so steadily and with so much enthusiasm, that Mr. Knight + really began to fear that she would overtax her strength. + </p> + <p> + From the first he had been deeply interested in the beautiful and + talented woman who bore her sorrows so bravely and battled so + courageously with the adverse fate that had well-nigh ruined her life. + He had pitied her friendlessness, and tried to throw around her a sort + of fatherly care and protection; but as he came to know her better, to + realize her strength of mind and character, and beauty of disposition, a + warmer feeling began to take the place of pity and compassion, until, as + she grew to confide in and rely upon him more and more, the hope that he + might perhaps win her to share and brighten his lonely home during the + declining years of his life, gradually dawned upon him, and he finally + resolved to ask her to become his wife. + </p> + <p> + "I could save her from all this toil, and all uncertainty about the + future. I would ask no greater happiness than to see her mistress of my + home during the remainder of my life, and then, when I am gone, she will + have all my wealth to smooth her own future." + </p> + <p> + Thus he mused while considering the propriety of putting his fate to the + test. + </p> + <p> + One day Virgie came into his office to consult with him regarding some + point connected with her book, and he thought she appeared weary and + looked paler than usual. + </p> + <p> + "You are working too hard, Mrs. Alexander," he said. "Do not apply + yourself so closely—there is no need." + </p> + <p> + "No need?" returned Virgie; "there is every need. I am very mercenary, + Mr. Knight," she added, smiling "I am determined to make all the money I + can, so that my dear little girl may have every advantage by and by." + </p> + <p> + "But if you tax your strength too severely you may break down, and that + would be far worse than not to make money quite so rapidly." + </p> + <p> + "I do not think I am going beyond my strength," Virgie replied, gravely. + "Besides, I am much more content when I am very busy; it keeps me + from—thinking." + </p> + <p> + "You ought to be far more than simply 'content,'" answered Mr. Knight, + regarding the fair face wistfully, "for you are not only making plenty + of money, but winning fame for yourself also. The name of Alexander bids + fair to become renowned." + </p> + <p> + Virgie started violently at this, and glanced sharply at her companion. + Then a burning blush suffused her face, and she said, in a low, pained + tone: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I hope not! I—I do not wish to be known. I am afraid I have done + wrong in using the name at all. I did it hastily, impulsively——" + </p> + <p> + She stopped, covered with confusion, a look of distress on her lovely + face for having allowed herself to say so much. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight looked astonished for a moment, while he earnestly studied + her countenance. Then light seemed to dawn upon him suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me," he said, leaning eagerly toward her, "but what you have + said has enlightened me regarding something that has puzzled me since + the day I first met you. You are the daughter of Abbot Alexander who + disappeared so mysteriously from this city several years ago." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is true," Virgie confessed, with bowed head and burning cheeks. + "But, oh, Mr. Knight, pray do not allow any one else to suspect my + identity if you can avoid it. Put some other name to my books, or put no + name at all to them. For my father's sake, I shrink from attracting + public attention to his name." + </p> + <p> + "My dear young friend, I fear you are morbidly sensitive I used to know + your father, and I always esteemed him as a noble man—one whose honor + was unimpeachable." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! Then you do not know—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I do know all about that financial earthquake which wrought his + ruin and that of many others; but I am sure <i>he</i> was blameless." + </p> + <p> + "You judge him, then, more kindly than others," Virgie returned, almost + weeping to hear her father so warmly defended. "There are few, I fear, + who do not believe the very worst of him even now." + </p> + <p> + "Doubtless that is true," Mr. Knight answered, with a sigh; "but I have + always been convinced that that rascally cashier was at the bottom of + the wrong. You must pardon me for speaking so plainly. I know that he + was a relative, though unworthy the name he bore." + </p> + <p> + "But all the papers stated that the president and cashier were in + league," said Virgie. + </p> + <p> + "I know it; and at first the affair did have that appearance—at least, + such a construction was but natural under the circumstances." + </p> + <p> + "But papa gave up every dollar he possessed to right the wrong." + </p> + <p> + "I know he did, but the amount was so small, compared with that which + had been stolen, that people were skeptical regarding his motives, and + when he also disappeared, they were only too ready to believe that he + had gone to share the plunder with the guilty cashier. But I would as + soon suspect myself of a crime as Abbot Alexander. I <i>know</i> that he + was an honorable man." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it is such a comfort to hear you say this," Virgie murmured, her + voice husky with emotion, her eyes filled with tears. "Poor papa! his + last years were embittered with the thought that every one believed him + a defaulter—that he had not one friend in all the world, save his + daughter, who had faith in him." + </p> + <p> + "He made a great mistake in leaving San Francisco as he did," Mr. Knight + remarked. "If he had remained here and quietly lived down the scandal, + he might in time have recovered the confidence of the people." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! if the stain could be removed from his name and memory!" sighed + Virgie. + </p> + <p> + "I do not like to pain you, my dear," replied Mr. Knight, + sympathetically; "but that would be very difficult to accomplish, unless + that cashier should come forward and make a full confession." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up, startled, her face growing very white. + </p> + <p> + "I saw him here in the city last year," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" exclaimed her friend. + </p> + <p> + "I am very sure I was not mistaken," Virgie affirmed and then she told + the publisher the circumstances of her being followed by that muffled + figure and of the advertisement which appeared in the papers a day or + two following, desiring communication with her. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid that <i>you</i> have made a mistake this time," said Mr. + Knight, thoughtfully. "You ought to have communicated with the man." + </p> + <p> + "But I had such a horror of him; I could not believe that he would be + able to tell me of anything to my advantage." + </p> + <p> + "At least he could have done you no harm, and he might have told you + something worth knowing. Promise me, if anything of the same nature + occurs again, you will let me know. If he could be arrested he might be + forced to a confession of the truth." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was greatly disturbed by this view of the matter, and regretted + that she had not had more wisdom at the time. She readily promised to do + as Mr. Knight wished, though she feared she might never again have the + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + "Now that the ice has been broken, and I know who you are, tell me + something of your life among the mountains," said her friend. "I fear it + must have been a very dreary and monotonous one." + </p> + <p> + "It was a very quiet and peaceful one," Virgie answered with a sigh, as + she thought of the storms she had buffeted since. "Papa's claim proved + to be an excellent one, and he made a good deal of money from it; and + after we became somewhat used to the change in our life, it was not so + bad." + </p> + <p> + "But all his earnings there had to be sacrificed also. My poor child; + what a hard lot has been yours! I almost wonder at your having any faith + whatever in human nature," said Mr. Knight, feelingly. + </p> + <p> + "I am sure that <i>you</i> have proved to me that there is at least one + noble man in the world," Virgie returned, gratefully. "I shall never + forget your kindness to me, Mr. Knight; you have been a true friend to + me." + </p> + <p> + The publisher leaned eagerly forward, and gathered her hands in his; her + words had inspired him with hope. + </p> + <p> + "Let me be more than a friend to you, dear," he pleaded. "Let me take + care of you and your little one in the future. I know that I am much + older than you—old enough almost to be your father; but my home is + lonely. I lost my wife ten years ago. I have no children, and my heart + is hungry for some one to love. Dear child, you have been growing very + dear to me ever since you first came to me, and if you can trust me, if + you can give yourself to me, I will not ask too much, or even expect + that you can feel a great deal of affection for me, for I know how + sorely you have been tried and deceived in that respect; but let me + persuade you to come to my home as my honored wife, and I will surround + you with tenderest care. Life shall be made as pleasant as possible for + you, and there will be no need of your toiling any more." + </p> + <p> + Virgie sat as one stunned after this unexpected proposal. + </p> + <p> + She had never thought of anything like this during all her intercourse + with the kind-hearted publisher. She had learned to esteem him very + highly for his goodness to her, and to look up to him almost as to a + father, but the thought of ever being any man's wife again had never + occurred to her. + </p> + <p> + She grew very pale at his words, and instinctively shrank a little from + him. + </p> + <p> + That act told him far more than words could have done, and he knew at + once that his cause was hopeless. + </p> + <p> + He gently released her hands, sighing regretfully, while a look of pain + settled upon his fine face. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! my friend," Virgie began, as soon as she could find her voice, "why + have you said this to me? I have not had the remotest suspicion of—of + your regard and what you have asked can never, never be." + </p> + <p> + "Then forget that I have said anything about it, my dear. I would not + wound you for the world," said the old gentleman, with exceeding + gentleness, but with a still pained, white face. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, please do not think me ungrateful for all your kindness," Virgie + cried, the tears dropping thick and fast from her eyes; "but, believe + me, I can never marry again. I feel, morally speaking, that I am just as + truly Sir William Heath's wife to-day as I ever was, even though the law + has rent the bond that existed between us. I do not feel that a marriage + can be broken except by death." + </p> + <p> + "Then why did you appeal for a divorce?" interrupted Mr. Knight, with + surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Simply that he might be free in the eyes of the world to make that + other woman a legal wife—so that she need not suffer such a wrong + through me." + </p> + <p> + "But she has already suffered it, if what you have heard is true." + </p> + <p> + "That may be, but he now has it in his power to do her justice, if he + chooses. At all events, <i>I</i> can never feel free to change my + condition in life. My whole future must be devoted to the preparation of + my child for the position which she will occupy by and by, for I am + determined that she shall be acknowledged the rightful heir to + Heathdale," Virgie concluded, firmly. + </p> + <p> + "How about the wrong which this other woman and her children will suffer + in that case?" asked the publisher. + </p> + <p> + "That is something which I cannot help—for which I am in no way + responsible. If others suffer, that must be Sir William Heath's + punishment for the wrong which he has done me and my child." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was very pale, showing that she felt strongly on the subject, but + she spoke decidedly, as if her purpose was unalterable. + </p> + <p> + "I can but own the justice of what you have said," responded Mr. Knight, + adding: "But of course it will have to be as you say regarding the + matter of which I spoke. I should have been very happy in providing for + your future, and I had built many hopes upon having your presence in my + home. However, I will never pain you by mentioning the subject again, + and you must consider me the same friend as before. Come to me with all + your plans, your hopes, and your troubles, and believe that I shall + always feel the same interest in them as ever." + </p> + <p> + He arose and held out his hand to her as he spoke, and Virgie could see + that it shook with the emotion which he was bravely trying to conceal. + </p> + <p> + Her heart was almost broken for him, for she knew, that his home was + very silent and lonely. There was no one in it save his sister, a maiden + lady of uncertain age, to make it pleasant for him. + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me!" she said, hardly able to speak, and with an impulsive + movement she bent forward and touched her lips to the hand extended to + her; then turning quickly, she glided from his presence before he could + interpose a word to prevent her. + </p> + <p> + What happened to Virgie, and the final outcome of all her troubles is + told in the sequel to this story entitled "Threads Gathered Up," which + is published in a handsome cloth binding uniform with this volume. + </p> + <h4> + The End. + </h4> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11269 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ae03e4 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11269 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11269) diff --git a/old/11269-0.txt b/old/11269-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5d44724 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11269-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8004 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of Virgie’s Inheritance, by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you +will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before +using this eBook. + +Title: Virgie’s Inheritance + +Author: Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + +Release Date: February 24, 2004 [eBook #11269] +[Most recently updated: August 16, 2021] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +Produced by: Distributed Proofreaders + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIRGIE’S INHERITANCE *** + + + + +Virgie's Inheritance + +By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + + + +Author of "Nora," "Trixy," +"Earle Wayne's Nobility," +"Helen's Victory," +"A True Aristocrat," Etc. + +Copyright, 1887, 1888, 1891 +By Street & Smith + + + + +Virgie's Inheritance. + + + + +Chapter I. +Introduces our Heroine and a Benighted Traveler. + + +"Virgie, I shall have to give up the race." + +"Papa!" + +"My strength is failing rapidly. It was all that I could do to creep home +to-night. My trembling limbs, my labored breathing, and this dreadful +cough, all warn me that I must set my house in order, and make provision +for your future." + +It was an apparently old man who spoke thus, and yet the years of his life +numbered but a little over fifty. + +His hair was silvery white; his face was colorless and haggard, his eyes +dim and sunken, and his form was much attenuated and bowed by the disease +which was fast consuming him. + +He was sitting by a blazing fire, in an ordinary easy-chair over which a +heavy coverlid had been thrown to make it more comfortable; but he +shivered, and hovered over the blaze, as if he were chilled to the very +marrow, while the hands which he held extended to catch the warmth were +livid, and trembling from weakness. + +The room was small, but cozy and home-like. A cheap, coarse carpet, though +of a bright and tasteful pattern, lay upon the floor. An oval table, +covered with a daintily embroidered cloth, stood in the center. There was +a pretty lamp, with a bright Japanese shade upon it. There were also a few +books in choice bindings, and a dainty work-basket filled with implements +for sewing. A few pictures—some done with pen and ink, others in crayon, +but all showing great talent and nicety of execution—hung, in simple +frames, upon the walls. The two windows of the apartment were screened by +pretty curtains of spotless muslin over heavier hangings of crimson, while +a lounge and two or three chairs completed the furnishing of the room. + +Beside the table, in a low rocker, several paces from the invalid by the +fire, yet where she could catch every expression of his pale, sad face, +there sat a young girl, with a piece of fancy work in her hands, upon +which she had been busily engaged before her father spoke. + +She was perhaps twenty years of age, with a straight, perfect form, and a +face that would have better graced a a palace than the humble mountain +home where she now abode. It was a pure, oval, with delicate, beautiful +brows; soft, round cheeks, in which a lovely pink came and went with every +emotion. Her eyes were of a deep violet color, shaded by dark silken +lashes, though their expression was saddened somewhat just now by a look +of care and anxiety. Her white forehead was surmounted by rich +chestnut-brown hair, which was gathered into a graceful knot at the back +of her finely shaped head. A straight, patrician nose; a small, but rather +resolute mouth, and a rounded chin, in which there was a bewitching +dimple; small, lady-like hands and feet, completed the <i>tout ensemble</i> of +Virginia Abbot, the daughter and only child of a whilom honored and +wealthy bank president of San Francisco. + +When addressed, as recorded above, the beautiful girl had started and +grown suddenly pale, and a look of keenest pain shot into her violet eyes. + +Then her sweet mouth straightened itself into a stern, resolute line. +There was a moment of solemn silence, which she broke, by saying, in a +repressed but gentle tone: + +"I am sorry that you are feeling worse than usual to-night, papa. I know +you must be weary. You are always that after being all day in the mine, +and the storm, of course, aggravates your cough; but if you will rest a +few days you will surely be better." + +"No, Virgie, it is useless to build upon false hopes. I shall never be any +better. My work is done. I shall go no more to my claim, and I have +decided to dispose of it to the first one who will offer me a fair price +for it. But, dear child, if it were not for you I believe I should be glad +to know that my saddened life is almost at an end. I——" + +The weary voice quivered and failed here, and the man sank back in his +chair with a bitter sigh. + +The young girl, her own face now blanched to the hue of death, laid down +her work, arose, and moved swiftly to her father's side, where she knelt +by his chair. + +"Papa, do not talk so. You must not leave me," she cried, in a voice of +agony. "I cannot spare you. There must be something to help you—to build +up your strength. Let us go back home, where you can have the best medical +advice." + +The man sat up in his chair, stopping her with a gesture almost of +despair. + +"Home!" he cried, hoarsely. "Virgie, we have no home but this. You know +that I am already the same as dead to every one but you; that even our +real name is sunk in oblivion." + +"But, papa, you must try to live for my sake," Virgie cried, clasping her +trembling hands about his emaciated arm, and shuddering as she felt how +frail it was. "If you will not go back, let me at least send for Dr. +Truel. He is skillful. He was always our friend. He will cheer you and +give you something to build you up, and he will keep our secret, too. Oh, +you ought to have had advice long ago. What shall I do in this dreary +place if you leave me alone?" + +The sick man unclasped her clinging hands from his arm, and drew her +slight form to him in a tender embrace. + +"My darling," he said, fondly, "that is just what I wish to talk with you +about; so calm yourself and listen to me. Neither Dr. Truel, nor any other +doctor, can help me now; if I had called him a year ago he might have +prolonged my life; but my pride would not let me face any one whom I had +ever known. But I will not speak of the past; it is too familiar and +painful to both of us. It is useless, however, for me to think for a +moment of going back, even to die, in the home where we were once so +happy, for only disgrace is connected with our name—disgrace and wrong, +all the more keenly felt because unmerited." + +"Hush, Virgie!" he continued, as a shuddering sob burst from the breast +pressed so closely to his, "you must not give way so. I did not mean to +alarm you unnecessarily by what I have said; I may not leave you for some +time yet. I may be spared for a few months, perhaps until autumn, but I +feel that the time has come to arrange some definite plan for your future. +I must, however, give up my work, for I have no longer strength to carry +it on; but if there was only some one whom I could trust to take charge +of my claim. I might even yet reap something of benefit from it to add to +the hoard that I have been saving for you against this emergency." + +"But, papa, I would much rather that you should spend every dollar that +you have, if it would prolong your life; if I lose you, I have not a +friend in the world." + +The man heaved a heavy sigh, for too well he realized the truth of her +words. + +"My dear," he returned, with tender pathos, "if it were possible for me to +regain my health, at any sacrifice, I would gladly make it for your sake. +But I know that it cannot be, and my care now must be to make the best +provision that I can for you." + +"I have been very successful since coming here," he went on, speaking more +cheerfully, "more so than I ever dared to hope, and the claim promises +much for the future and ought to bring a good price if sold; so you will +have quite a snug little fortune, my Virgie, and I trust that your lot in +life will yet be happy, in spite of the dark cloud that has so shadowed it +in the beginning. What say you to writing to my old friend, Laurence +Bancroft, of New York, confiding you to his care after——" + +"Oh, my father, you make me utterly wretched," cried the young girl, +reaching up her arms and clasping them convulsively about his neck, while +she lifted her tear-stained face appealingly to him. + +He bent forward and kissed her white forehead softly with his trembling +lips. + +"Bear with me a little longer, my daughter, and then we will never mention +this again while I live," he returned, huskily. "Laurence Bancroft, as you +know, was a dear friend of my early life. He has a cultivated wife, and +two daughters about your own age; he will believe me when I tell him the +truth regarding our misfortunes, and will, no doubt, give you a home in +his own family, and care for your interests until—woman's best gift—the +love of some true man comes to you, and you have a home of your own. New +York is almost on the other side of the world, and no evil breath of the +past will be likely to touch you there. What do you say, Virgie?—may I +write to my friend, giving you to his care?" + +"Yes, papa," Virgie said, wearily assenting to his project, more to put an +end to the painful conversation than because she had any choice in the +matter, "you may do whatever your judgment tells you is best, and I will +be guided entirely by your wishes." + +Mr. Abbot looked intensely relieved. + +This question had troubled him for many months, and he had always shrunk +from speaking of it, because of the pain which he knew it would inflict. +With this vital matter settled, he felt that he could give up all care, +and spend the few remaining days of his life in peace with his idolized +child, and calmly await the end, which he knew was so near. + +"That is right, dear," he said, with a contented smile. "I am greatly +comforted. I will write a full account of everything, together with my +wishes for your future, and it will be ready to be sent to Mr. Bancroft at +a moment's warning. I do not care to have him know anything about us just +yet; hark! what was that?" he broke off abruptly, and started into a +listening attitude. + +"Only the wind and the storm beating against the house, I think," answered +Virgie, lifting her head, and calmed for the moment as she, too, listened +to what had seemed an unusual noise. + +"It is a wild night, my child. I hope no one is homeless in this storm," +said Mr. Abbot. "I am thankful for this peaceful, though humble refuge, +after the turmoil and wrong of a few years ago, only it is hard for you to +be so shut away and isolated from those of your own age. But surely that +was a knock, Virgie." + +The young girl started to her feet as a loud and imperative rap echoed +through the small entry outside the parlor. + +It was seldom that they were disturbed at that hour of the evening, for +among the hard working people of the mining district in which they lived, +there were few who were not early wrapped in slumber after the labors of +the day. + +Virgie passed quickly out of the cheerful parlor into the tiny hall, and +opened the outer door, though the heavy burglar chain was fastened and +would admit of its being opened but a little ways. + +"Who is there?" she asked, in her clear, sweet tones. + +"A stranger who has lost his way and seeks direction to the nearest public +inn," answered a rich, mellow voice from without. + +Mr. Abbot now came out, a heavy shawl wrapped about his shoulders to +shield him from the dampness. + +"It is more than a mile from here, and a very poor place at that," he +said. + +The stranger outside gave a low whistle of dismay at this information, and +muttered something about being in "a very uncomfortable fix." + +Mr. Abbot unfastened the chain, threw wide the door, and invited the +unknown to come in out of the storm. + +"Thanks," was the courteous response; "but I will not trespass upon your +hospitality if you will kindly direct me to the inn of which you speak. +The darkness came on so suddenly that I lost my way. I left Oreana at +noon to go to Humboldt, but my horse sprained his foot on the rough +mountain road, and I have had to come at a snail's pace ever since." + +"You are sadly out of your way, indeed, if you are going to Humboldt, for +it is a good ten miles from here. Come in—come in out of the pouring +rain, and we will discuss what will be best for you to do," returned his +host, in a hearty tone, for he was won by the man's frankness and +courtesy. + +The stranger stepped, dripping, into the hall, a tall, straight figure, +booted and spurred, and enveloped in waterproof jacket, trousers, and +havelock. + +"Thanks," he said, "you are very kind; but allow me to introduce myself; +my name is Heath—William Heath, at your service." + +"Then, Mr. Heath, come to my fireside and dry and warm yourself; my name +is Abbot and this is my daughter," replied Mr. Abbot, leading the way into +the cheerful parlor whither Virgie had retired when her father opened the +door to the benighted wayfarer. + +Mr. Heath bowed with all the polish that could have been expected of him +had he been in a royal drawing-room instead of a rude cottage in a ruder +mining district of the mountains of Nevada, while his dark eyes flashed +with a look of admiration over the perfect figure and into the lovely face +of his host's daughter. + +He removed his hat and havelock, revealing a grand head covered with +waving brown hair, and a handsome face all aglow with intelligence. His +eyes were a dark, wine-brown, his glance as keen and straight as an +eagle's, his manner and bearing betraying that he was accustomed to mingle +with people of culture and refinement. + + + + +Chapter II. +The Stranger Welcomed. + + +Virginia Abbot simply inclined her regal head in returning the stranger's +greeting; then taking up her work again, she sat down by the table, with +her back toward the fire and the newcomer. She had not failed to notice +his look of surprised admiration when introduced to her, and it had +affected her strangely. + +Five years previous Mr. Abbot and his young daughter had come to that wild +region entire strangers—the former, a man of gentlemanly bearing, +somewhat past his prime; the latter a wondrously beautiful girl of +fifteen, just budding into womanhood, and with a dignity of mien and +refinement of speech which, together with her beauty, caused the uncouth +inhabitants of the place to regard her with something of awe, and as if +they thought she belonged to an entirely different sphere from them. + +Mr. Abbot owned a claim in the gold and silver region there, which he +asserted that he was going to work himself, much to the surprise of the +rough miners, for he was a frail looking man. + +He built a small but very convenient house, containing five rooms, which, +with the few elegancies he had brought with him, for his child's sake, and +which proclaimed that the strangers had been accustomed to the luxuries of +life heretofore, became the pride and wonder of the settlement. + +The house was painted inside and out; there were carpets upon the floors, +draperies at the windows, vases and ornaments on the mantels, pictures on +the walls. But though all the furnishings were of the simplest and +cheapest, yet, to the rude and unaccustomed people about them, their home +seemed a veritable palace. + +Another mystery and evidence of superiority was the grave and +self-contained Chinaman who came with them, and was installed as cook and +servant in general in the small kitchen, and who waited upon the young +lady of the house with so much respect and deference. + +Here the father and daughter lived in the utmost seclusion. Virgie never +was seen outside her home unless accompanied by her father or servant, and +Mr. Abbot, when not in the mine, devoted himself wholly to his child. + +They made no friends, and did not mingle at all with those about them, +although they were always kind and courteous to every one, and thus won +the respect of every man, woman and child in the hamlet. Mr. Abbot had the +appearance of being much broken in spirit; his countenance wore a look of +habitual sadness, and his abundant hair, so prematurely whitened, plainly +told that some heavy trouble had overtaken him in the past. Nothing could +be learned of their antecedents, where they had lived, or why they were +there, though Chi Lu, the servant, was often plied with questions by the +curious, and thus they were regarded as a trio of very mysterious +personages. + +After a year or so, it began to be whispered about that "the governor," as +Mr. Abbot was called, because of the respect in which he was held, had +"struck it rich," in other words, that his claim was proving an unusually +fruitful one, and he was making money rapidly. How this came to be known +it would be hard to say, for he was very uncommunicative, going and coming +to and from his work quietly and unostentatiously, and living in the +simplest manner. + +As time passed, Virginia Abbot grew even more beautiful than she was when +she had first come to her mountain home. The bracing air agreed with her, +her health was perfect, while her simple manner of living and her regular +habits were calculated to develop to the utmost every charm, and keep her +strong, and fresh, and beautiful. + +Her mind was not allowed to lie dormant, however, for her father attended +most carefully and faithfully to her education, and not only insisted upon +a regular and thorough course of study, but kept her well provided with +the literature of the times, embracing many new books and various papers +and periodicals. + +But for more than a year past, Mr. Abbot's health had been failing. The +change, however, was so gradual that Virgie did not observe it until the +disease had fastened itself so firmly upon him that he was beyond all +human aid. The man himself fought against it for months, striving to +prolong his life for the sake of his idolized daughter, although, +personally, the world had no longer any charms for him; but it never +relaxed its fatal hold, and at last, at the time of the opening of our +story, he felt that the time had come for him to give up labor and lay +down all burdens, for he knew that his days were numbered. + +The question of providing a home and protection for Virgie had long +agitated his mind. + +They had no relations or friends to whom he could confide her. There were +reasons why he was unwilling to appoint a guardian and send her back to +their former home, and so, at last, he resolved to commit her to the care +of his early friend and college mate, Laurence Bancroft, a wealthy +merchant of New York city. + +But the matter was to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the +beautiful girl's destiny settled in a way wholly unexpected by either +father or daughter. + + * * * * * + +When Mr. Heath, the benighted and storm-delayed traveler, threw back his +dripping coat, and seated himself at the invitation of his host, before +the blazing fire, Mr. Abbot thought that he had seldom seen a more +attractive young man. + +He was apparently about twenty-five years of age. His dark eyer were full +of intelligence, and fringed with long silken lashes. His features were +clear cut, as if they had been chiseled in marble. A dark brown moustache +shaded, but did not conceal, a sensitive mouth, from which there flashed +the gleam of brilliant teeth whenever he spoke or smiled; his nose was +well formed, and his smooth, rather massive chin betrayed strength of +purpose and decision of character. + +His address was very courteous, even fascinating, and his voice possessed +a rich, mellow tone, with a sympathetic ring in it, to which it was a +delight to listen, and which won at once upon the hearts and confidence of +his entertainers. + +"You are unfortunate to be obliged to traverse our rough mountain roads on +such a night as this," Mr. Abbot observed, with a shiver, as he drew +nearer the fire, and laid another heavy oaken stick across the glowing +blaze. + +"That is true, sir," responded his guest, yet the glance, which he +involuntarily shot at Virgie, bending gracefully over her work, did not +betray an overwhelming sense of his misfortune. + +"I am on my way to join a party of sportsmen at Humboldt," he +continued. "I was detained at Virginia city upon a matter of business, +and they went on before, promising to wait there for me until to-morrow +evening." + +"Are you traveling on horseback?" Mr. Abbot asked, with some surprise. + +"No, sir; but the train on which I started met with an accident this +morning, which was liable to detain it several hours, and being impatient +of the delay, I procured a horse at Oreana, thinking I could easily reach +Humboldt by evening, when I could return it by rail. But the unfortunate +beast sprained his foot on a rolling stone, as I have already told you; +the storm and darkness overtook me, I lost my way, and my courage was just +about failing, when I espied the friendly lights of this settlement, and I +resolved to stop at the first house I came to and ask where I could find +shelter for the night." + +Mr. Abbot had been studying the young man's face attentively during this +explanation. + +He liked his appearance exceedingly; his countenance was honest and true, +his story straightforward and well told, and some unaccountable impulse +prompted him to take measures to become better acquainted with him. + +"If you are going to Humboldt, you should have taken the turn to your left +five miles back on the mountain," he said. "It would be impossible for you +to reach it to-night, even if you could be set right, for you would be +sure to lose your way again in the darkness. The only public house—if you +can call it such—in this region, is at least a mile from here, and far +from inviting or comfortable at that; so allow me, Mr. Heath, to offer +you the hospitality of our home for the night, and to-morrow you can start +afresh and refreshed upon your way." + +The young man looked up with a glance of surprise, while a quick flush +mounted to his brow, at this unexpected and rather extraordinary offer, +for he well knew that in a mining district all strangers are regarded with +suspicion if not with positive dislike. + +"Sir, you are very kind," he began, casting another glance toward the +lovely maiden by the table, for he had seen her give a quick start at her +father's invitation, "but I fear I should trespass beyond all bounds were +I to accept your offer." + +"No, indeed," returned Mr. Abbot, with more of eagerness in his manner +than he was in the habit of betraying over anything. "I could not think of +allowing you to go on in this driving storm, and we can arrange it very +comfortably can we not, Virgie?" turning toward her. + +"Yes, sir," was the low though unhesitating reply. + +"But I am an entire stranger to you. How dare you take me into your +household? How do you know but that I am a robber or a brigand in +disguise?" queried Mr. Heath, with a twinkle in his fine eyes. But still +he was strongly tempted to accept the friendly offer, not only on account +of the comfort surrounding him, but because he was attracted by the +cultivated gentleman and his charming daughter, both of whom were a great +surprise to him, finding them as he had in that wild region. + +"Nay," responded Mr. Abbot, smiling, yet meeting the frank eyes of his +guest steadily, "I think I can vouch for your character as a gentleman +even though you are an utter stranger. Remove your wet garments, I pray, +and make yourself comfortable for the night." + +"But my horse," began Mr. Heath, suddenly bethinking himself of the +dripping and suffering animal. + +"True. Pardon my thoughtlessness," returned his host, adding, "There is a +small shed attached to our dwelling where he can at least be sheltered. +Virgie, please go and send Chi Lu to assist Mr. Heath." + +Virgie immediately arose and left the room, and soon after a diminutive +Chinaman appeared in the doorway, bearing a lighted lantern, and +signifying his readiness to "puttee up te hossee." + +Mr. Heath left the house with him, and both were gone some time, attending +to the animal's injured leg and trying to make him as comfortable as +circumstances would allow. + +During their absence Virgie, at the suggestion of her father, busied +herself in arranging a supper for the storm-beaten traveler, who upon his +return was greeted by the fumes of steaming coffee, while an appetizing +array of cold meats and other viands was spread upon the table, which had +been drawn up before the fire. + +"I fear Miss Abbot is making herself trouble on my account," Mr. Heath +remarked, with a swift and grateful glance at the graceful form and +flushed face that was bending over the glowing coals, where the young girl +was toasting to a delicate brown a slice from a wheaten loaf. + +"No, indeed; it is no trouble; and a meal after your long ride in the rain +will not come amiss," Virgie answered, looking up and meeting his fine +eyes for an instant. + +She deposited the bread upon a plate, and inviting the young man to be +seated, poured with her own hands a cup of fragrant coffee, which she +placed before him. + +She continued to wait upon him with exquisite ease and grace until his +hunger was appeased, which was not soon, for it was a rare pleasure for +him to watch her beautiful and expressive face while he chatted with her +father, sipped his coffee, and ate his toast. + +But he finished at length, and then Chi Lu was summoned the table cleared, +and the room restored to its usual order. + +Mr. Abbot seldom had met a real gentleman since coming among the +mountains; he had lived chiefly within himself and for his child. But now +he found that he had not lost all interest in the outside world, and he +enjoyed immensely Mr. Heath's account of his travels, and his descriptions +of men and things. + +Virgie had not seen her father so bright and animated in all the five +years of their secluded life, and she began to hope that his fears +regarding his failing health were groundless after all. She, too, enjoyed +the young stranger's conversation, although she did not join in it. She +sat by, with her dainty embroidery in her hands, listening, and showing by +her expressive face and shining eyes how rare a pleasure such congenial +society was to her. + +But by and by she stole away to her own room, where she lay far into the +night thinking of the handsome stranger—of his eager yet respectful +glances when he looked at her; of the low, rich cadence of his voice when +he spoke to her, and feeling that she should miss him more than she had +ever yet missed anyone during the last five years, when he should go away +on the morrow. + +The two men talked some time longer after Virgie left; the Chi Lu was +called again, the pretty lounge was converted into a comfortable bed, and +Mr. Heath was told that the parlor was at his service for the night. + +The young man was very thankful for the hearty hospitality of which he had +been the recipient, and felt that he had been extremely fortunate in +finding such a pleasant abiding-place; but, although he was very weary +from his rough and tedious ride over the mountain, he found that slumber +was hard to woo, and he, too, lay awake for long hours, wondering over the +strange experience of the evening, and what hard fate—for hard he felt +sure it must have been—could have driven a cultivated gentleman like Mr. +Abbot, and his peerless daughter, who was so well fitted to shine in the +most brilliant circles of the world, away from the haunts of civilization +into that wilderness, and among the rude, uncultured, uncongenial people +of a mining region. + + + + +Chapter III. +Mr. Heath Talks of Becoming a Miner. + + +The next morning broke fair and beautiful. + +Every trace of the storm had passed away, save that the dust was laid and +all nature looked fresher and brighter for the copious bath it had +received. + +Virgie Abbot, despite her sleeplessness during the first half of the +night, was up at an early hour, superintending breakfast for her father +and their guest. + +If she had been lovely the previous evening she was doubly so now in her +pretty flannel wrapper—for the mornings were chilly in that region, even +in the summer The wrapper was of a light blue tint, wonderfully becoming +to her delicate complexion, and harmonized well with her eyes and the +dainty pink in her cheeks. + +Her face wore a brighter, more eager look, than was its wont, this +morning, and she was full of life and energy that was born of her youth +and sunny, hopeful temperament. + +The incidents of the previous evening had been a pleasant break in her +hitherto monotonous life, and she was now looking forward, with no small +degree of interest, to meeting by daylight the handsome stranger who had +taken refuge with them. + +During all the years that she had been in that rude place she had not seen +one real gentleman, excepting her father; they had never before +entertained a visitor, and there had been nothing but her reading and +studies, her drawing and fancy work, to vary the quiet, almost dull +uniformity of her existence. + +Mr. Abbot himself looked brighter and better as he came out from his +chamber and gave Virgie his usual morning greeting and caress. + +This visit had evidently done him good also, and Virgie took "heart of +grace" from the fact, and put aside, for the time at least, the anxious +fears that had so burdened her the night before. + +Breakfast was served in the simple but clean and cheerful kitchen which +led from the parlor, while the small table, laid for three, had almost an +air of elegance, with its spotless cloth, its few pieces of silver, china, +and cut glass, relics of former glory, and the tiny vase of flowers, with +the dew and rain still on them, which Virgie had gathered from the edge of +the cliff near by. + +Mr. Heath's glance expressed something of surprise as it swiftly took in +these appointments; but to him the fairest sight of all was the slim but +perfect figure of the young girl who sat at the head of the table, and +poured his coffee, and waited upon him with all the ease and +self-possession of one who had been long accustomed to the formalities and +etiquette of high life. + +The young man wondered at it. There was no other woman in the house, nor +had been since they came there, for Mr. Abbot had mentioned that he lost +his wife more than six years ago; but this girl was a perfect little +hostess, and dainty, to the last degree, in her person. Her hands were +white and delicate, the pretty pink nails without a blemish; her hair +soft and silken, showing a careful wielding of the brush; her linen collar +and cuffs were immaculate, her handkerchief white as snow, and fine and +sheer, while everything about her bespoke lady-like refinement and a high +regard for nicety of toilet. + +He could hardly keep his eyes off her, she was so fair a picture; but once +or twice she had looked up and caught his glance, flushed, and fearing to +embarrass her, he turned resolutely to his host and opened a subject upon +which he had been thinking quite, seriously. + +"I understood you to say last evening, I believe, sir, that you were +desirous of disposing of your claim," he remarked. + +"Yes; my health is too poor to admit of my working it any longer, and I +should be glad to dispose of it to the right person," Mr. Abbot replied. + +"I think I know of some one who would like it, if it is still a promising +one," the young man said, but a conscious color flushed his cheek slightly +as he felt Virgie's eyes turned upon him. + +"I honestly believe that it is richer to-day than when I began to work +it," Mr. Abbot asserted confidently. "However," he added, "I do not ask +you to take my word for it. If you know a party who would like to +purchase, tell him to bring an expert and examine for himself; and even +then if he is not satisfied to buy outright, he may work it upon shares +until he is convinced of its value." + +"That is fair, I am sure," said Mr. Heath. + +"Perhaps you would like to take a look at it before you go?" suggested +his host, who was eager to dispose of his property. + +"I would, I assure you," was the reply; "but there is hardly time this +morning, for I feel that I must join my party immediately, else they will +be anxious regarding my safety. We are bound upon an excursion through the +northern portion of the State, and intend to be absent a week or more; but +after that, if you will permit me, I will return here and investigate +matters—that is, if you will give me the refusal of the claim until +then." + +As the young man said this, his glance involuntarily wandered again to the +beautiful face of Virgie. + +There must have been something magnetic in his gaze, for she raised her +white lids just then, and met the earnest, wistful look bent upon her. + +A flush leaped to her cheek, and her violet eyes dropped instantly upon +her plate again, while her heart fluttered like a caged wild bird. + +"I will gladly wait your time, Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot responded, in a +satisfied tone. "I begin to think that your losing your way and falling to +our care last evening was providential." + +"I have no doubt of it, sir," was the grave and reverent reply. "I believe +that all our ways are ordered for us; that everything is arranged for us +by an All-wise Power." + +Something very like a sneer curled the almost colorless lips of his host +at this unexpected assertion. + +Mr. Abbot was no believer in the individuality of God, and had spoken both +lightly and at random when he had referred to the young man's visit as +being providential. + +"What do you mean by an All-wise Power?" he asked, skeptically. + +"I mean God, sir." + +"You believe there is a God, then?" + +"Certainly; do you not?" and Mr. Heath's kind, grave eyes looked pityingly +into the haggard, sunken face before him. + +They seemed almost to say, "If you have not this belief to comfort you, +with the hand of death laid upon your very heart, I grieve inexpressibly +for you." + +"If there is, I imagine He must allow Satan to have the control of some of +our lives," was the evasive and bitter retort. "Virgie, Mr. Heath's cup is +empty." + +But his face flushed and his hands trembled as he thus abruptly turned the +topic, showing how deeply the subject moved him; notwithstanding his +pretended unbelief. + +"Thanks; no more coffee for me," Mr. Heath said, with a smile and a bow to +his young hostess, as she offered to replenish his cup; but he noticed +that there was a troubled, anxious look in her eyes as they rested upon +her father. + +He made no reply to Mr. Abbot's remark, although he looked a trifle hurt. + +He simply said, as he folded his napkin and pushed back his plate: + +"I must ask you to excuse me and my lack of ceremony if I bid you good +morning, and take French leave. I feel that I ought to get on my way as +soon as possible; and believe me I am very grateful for your hospitality +and courtesy." + +Virgie arose as he spoke, and like the true little lady that she was, +assured him that it had been a delight to entertain him, and she should +look forward with pleasure to his return. + +He thanked her, shook hands warmly with her, and then left the house, +followed by Mr. Abbot, who watched him depart with a feeling of regret +such as he had not experienced over any one during all the years of his +exile. + +Still he pleasantly anticipated his coming again, when he meant to make +him remain several days. + +He had been strangely attracted toward him from the moment when he had +first heard his mellow, sympathetic tones, asking to be directed to a +place of shelter. He knew that he possessed a grand character, for he +carried the stamp of true nobility upon his frank, handsome face. + +"That is a promising young man, Virgie," he said, as he returned to the +parlor after watching the horse and its rider disappear down the mountain. +"I should like to know where he came from, and more about him." + +Virgie did not reply, but she turned away from the window where she, too, +had been watching the receding horseman, with a shy, sweet smile on her +red lips. William Heath's last glance had been for her, as he doffed his +hat and bowed low in his saddle when he turned down the road. + +During all the week that followed her step was lighter and her face +brighter than its wont, and she went singing about the house to the +delight of her father, who was now at home all the day long, as he had +given up going to the mine. + +Mr. Abbot had appeared very thoughtful after the departure of his young +guest, often falling into a profound reverie, in which he would sit for +hours. + +Virgie often wondered what he could be thinking about, but she did not +feel like questioning him, lest he should refer again to the painful topic +of his leaving her. + +One day, however, coming into the room suddenly, she saw her mother's +bible in his hands, and she was sure there were tears in his eyes. She +appeared not to notice either his employment or his emotion, but soon +stole softly away again, and went weeping up to her own room. + +After that he busied himself with writing a great deal, and she felt sure +that he was making arrangements for her of which he had spoken on that +stormy evening. A great dread came over her at the thought of being left +alone in the world; and yet, in spite of all, she looked forward to the +return of Mr. Heath with more of pleasure and anticipation than she had +known for many a year. + +Thus more than a week went by, and one afternoon Virgie, her father being +asleep and the house oppressively still, took her book and went out to a +little nook back of her cottage, where she was in the habit of going to +study, and where Chi Lu had built a rustic seat for her beneath a great +pine tree that grew out of a cleft in the mountain. + +But she could not concentrate her thoughts upon the page before her; they +went roving after a coal black steed and its handsome rider, until finally +her book dropped from her hands, her eyes fixed themselves dreamily upon +the lofty, far-off peaks of the Humboldt Mountains, and she was lost to +time and place—everything save her own delightful musings. + +So absorbed was she that she was not aware of the approach of any one +until a small but exquisitely arranged bouquet of mountain flowers were +laid upon the seat beside her, and a rich but well remembered voice said: + +"Pardon me, Miss Abbot, for intruding upon your solitude, but Chi Lu told +me that Mr. Abbot was resting and could not be disturbed at present, and +that I should find you here." + +Virginia sprang to her feet, the tint of the wild rose in her cheeks, her +violet eyes grown black with repressed excitement. + +"Mr. Heath?" she cried, her scarlet lips parting in a bewildering smile. + +"Yes; forgive me for having startled you so," he said, gently, then adding +with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "You were surely in a very brown +study." + +"I am afraid I was," she returned, laughing. "But what lovely flowers!" +she continued, taking them up and bending to inhale their fragrance. "How +kind of you to gather them for me." + +The young man's eyes lingered about her in a delighted gaze, for she made +the fairest picture imaginable standing there in her soft gray dress with +its collar and cuffs of black velvet, a knot of scarlet ribbon at her +throat, the brilliant flowers in her hands, and a fleecy white shawl +wrapped about her shoulders. Her shining hair was gathered into a satiny +brown coil at the back of her head and pinned with a silver arrow, while a +few naturally curling locks lay lightly on her forehead. The dark, +moss-grown rock was behind her; the softly waving plumy boughs of the +pine tree above her, a carpet of tender green beneath her feet. + +"You are still trembling from the shock that I have given you," he said in +a tone of self-reproach, and noticing how the flowers quivered in her +grasp, "pray, pardon me and give me a handshake of welcome, or I shall +almost regret that I came." + +She looked up frankly into his dark eyes, and laid her small hand +unhesitatingly in his. + +"You are very welcome, Mr. Heath," she said, "and I am sure that papa will +be very glad to see you." + +William Heath smiled at her words. + +He felt sure that she, too, was glad to see him—that his coming was a +pleasant break in the monotony of her life; her varying color, the bright, +happy gleam of her eyes told him this. + +Her wonderful beauty, so out of place in that wild region, thrilled him +strangely. Her queenly manner, her delicacy and refinement astonished him, +and he wondered more and more what mysterious circumstances could have +combined to drive two such cultivated people so far from civilization to +hide themselves in the rugged fastnesses of those dreary mountains. + + + + +Chapter IV. +A Mountain Ramble. + + +"You were reading," he remarked, stooping to pick up the book that had +fallen to the ground as she arose. "Tacitus!" he added, in a tone of +astonishment, as his eye fell upon the title page. + +"Yes, I am reviewing; papa likes me to study a little every day, still," +Virgie returned, quietly, while she examined her flowers with a critical +eye, and wondered that a gentleman could have arranged them so well. + +He must be an artist, she thought, for no one save an artist, or a lover +of art, could have taken such pains to harmonize colors like that. + +"I should suppose you would labor under serious difficulties in trying to +pursue your studies in such a place as this," Mr. Heath remarked. + +"Oh, no, papa is a fine scholar, and he makes a most delightful teacher." + +"And have you pursued a regular course under him?" + +"Yes, partly. I left school when I was fifteen, but I have kept right on +the same as I should have done if I had remained, and I graduated two +years ago," she concluded, smiling archly at the idea of graduating in +that wild country. + +"And with high honors, of course," said her companion in the same vein. + +"Certainly; with all the honors, since there was no one to compete with +me or to bear away the palm from me. But, Mr. Heath, you must be both +weary and hungry after your ride over the mountains; come in, and let me +get you a lunch," Virgie concluded, on hospitable thoughts intent. + +"No, indeed, thank you; I will eat nothing until tea time, when, if you +will permit me, I will gladly join you. I should much prefer to sit here +and enjoy this magnificent view with you to going indoors." + +He seated himself, as he spoke, upon the rustic seat, and Virgie, +following his example, they fell into a pleasant chat, which lasted more +than an hour. + +Virgie never forgot that delicious hour, neither did her companion, who +was every moment growing more deeply interested in the beautiful mountain +maiden. + +He talked upon many themes, and was surprised to find how fluently she +could converse with him, showing how much and how thoroughly she had read, +and how wisely and carefully her father had superintended her education. +She was far above the average woman in point of intellect and culture, he +told himself and it was a pity that her life should be wasted in that +wretched place. + +But they were at length interrupted by Chi Lu, who came to tell them that +Mr. Abbot was awake, and had asked for them. + +They immediately arose to go to him, and found him sitting upon the tiny +porch in front of the cottage. + +He was looking thinner and more worn, Mr. Heath thought, than when he had +last seen him, and his cough was far from troublesome, even though the +weather was milder. It was evident, to him, at least, that the man was in +the last stages of consumption, and could not live many months, if weeks, +although, as the weather grew warmer, he might rally somewhat. + +He greeted the young man warmly, and made many inquiries regarding his +trip and the success which he and his party had met with in their sport. + +"Very good," Mr. Heath told him, adding, "And now my friends have gone to +Salt Lake City, while I have retraced my steps hither to talk with you +about that claim of yours." + +Virgie looked up quickly at this, a lovely flush rising to her cheek. If +only he would become its purchaser. + +The eyes of the two young people met, and held each other in a glance that +sent the blood coursing more rapidly than usual through their veins. + +Mr. Abbot's face, brightened. + +"Then you still think that you know some one who will purchase it?" he +said, eagerly. + +"Yes, sir—if—if it proves all that you have described it, I think I may +like to buy it myself," Mr. Heath answered quietly, but with rising color. + +"You! you don't look like a person who would care to take to mining for a +living," returned his host, in a surprised tone. + +"I might say the same of you, sir," said the young man, smiling. + +Mr. Abbot flushed, and for a moment appeared considerably agitated and +unable to speak. + +Then he said, with something of hauteur in his manner: + +"Sometimes a person is compelled by circumstances, over which he has no +control, to adopt a pursuit, which under other conditions he would shun as +both unfitting and obnoxious." + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Abbot," Mr. Heath hastened to say, in a +deprecatory tone. "I had no intention of calling to mind anything of an +unpleasant nature; my reply was lightly and thoughtlessly given. However, +I have always had a desire to see something of mining, and although I may +not attempt to work at it myself, I think I should like to own a claim." + +"Very well; then to-morrow I will show you over the premises; and explain +all that you may wish to know; perhaps, though you may not be quite so +much in favor of a miner's life when you come to realize the difficulties +attending it." + +Chi Lu now interrupted with the information that tea was ready, and Mr. +Abbot repeated the invitation that Virgie had already given to their new +friend, insisting further, that he should remain their guest until he +should decide regarding the purchase of the claim. + +Upon being assured that it would inconvenience the household in no way, he +consented, nothing loath at the prospect of being allowed to bask in +Virgie's presence, and to have an opportunity to study her character more +fully. + +After tea, which was really a dainty meal, far better and more acceptably +served than any the young traveler had eaten since leaving San Francisco +three weeks previous, Mr. Heath, seeing that Mr. Abbot was weary and more +inclined to rest upon the lounge than to converse, asked Virgie if she +would allow him to be her escort and go out for a ramble. + +The young girl flushed with pleasure at the request, and cordially +assented. + +She wrapped her fleecy shawl once more about her shoulders, and tying a +dainty hat—which Chi Lu's skillful fingers had woven from mountain +grasses, and her own fair hands had trimmed—upon her pretty brown head, +they sauntered forth. + +The sun had gone down, but the western sky was all ablaze with crimson and +orange, which gradually faded into soft purple and deeper blue in the +upper sky. There were mountains all about them, some darkly green with +fir, spruce, and pine, others of brighter and tenderer tints in their +dress of oak, maple, and birch, while here and there arose one bald and +gray, all of solid rock, with now and then a patch of moss clinging to its +time worn sides, but giving variety to the scene and enhancing by contrast +the whole picture. + +"Where would you like to go?" Virgie asked, as they passed out of the +little gate into the rough road. + +"Wherever you will take me," Mr. Heath replied, as he looked smilingly +down into the beautiful face upraised to his. + +"Then I will take you up to the Bare Ledge; the finest view can be +obtained from there," the girl replied as she moved on to hide the blush +which his look had called to her face. + +It moved her strangely whenever she met the gaze of the grand man, for +grand her soul told her he was, with that magnificent head, that +intelligent face, and that quiet, yet high-bred dignity of manner which +she had never seen in any other save her father. + +"The Bear Ledge?" repeated Mr. Heath. "Why is it called that? Is it +haunted by wild beasts? If it is, I shall certainly object to your going +there." + +"Oh, no; it is not that kind of a bear at all," laughed Virgie, the +silver ripple of amusement breaking like music upon the evening air. "It +is called so because it is a mass of rock entirely barren; nothing will +grow upon it; it seems to be the one spot in all this region that is +absolutely desolate, and yet from it you may view a world of beauty." + +On they went up the mountain, conversing now upon one topic, now upon +another, yet both conscious of but one prominent fact—that they were +together, and supremely happy in each other's society. + +At last, however, their climb was over, and following a rough path that +led along the side of the mountain for some distance, they at length came +out upon a broad ledge or table rock, which was indeed barren to +desolation. + +But the vista that opened out before them was beautiful beyond +description. + +Mountains everywhere—above, below, and on either hand; but between them +were fertile little valleys, with here and there glittering lakes with +tiny streamlets trickling into them, that seemed like silver brooches and +chains garnishing nature's emerald vestments. + +The youthful couple stood wrapt in silence for several minutes, viewing +the varied landscape. To Virgie the scene was familiar as an oft-repeated +tale, and yet she was never weary of it. To her companion it was one of +the loveliest views that he had ever gazed upon, even though he had +visited many lands and climbed many a mountain. + +"It is grand!" said Mr. Heath, at last. + +"It is grand!" echoed Virgie, drawing in a deep breath of pure air, and +sweeping a delighted glance over all the fair scene. + +"I thank you very much for bringing me here," her companion continued. "I +would hardly have believed there could be such an exquisite view in this +region; my disagreeable ride, when I came here before, rather prejudiced +me against the locality. Do you come here often?" + +"I used to, before papa's health failed him," Virgie answered, with a +regretful sigh, as she remembered how little her father had been able to +go about of late. "We used to come here almost every Sabbath in fine +weather, with our books and papers, and spend half the day—it is all the +church we have had—and I shall always love the spot." + +"No doubt you do, and yet——" + +Virgie looked up inquiringly as he paused abruptly. + +"I was thinking," he continued, in reply to her glance, "that this +mountain must be a wild and lonely place for one like you to spend your +life in." + +"Yes, it is lonely," the young girl responded, with a wistful gleam in her +violent eyes. + +"Have you lived here long, Miss Abbot?" + +"Five years—a little more." + +"So long? Surely you cannot have had much congenial society," Mr. Heath +remarked, as he contemplated with no favoring eye the rude hamlet far +below them on their right. + +"None, save my father." + +"And have you never been lonely, and yearned for youthful companionship?" + +"Oh, yes, often," and the bright tears sprang quickly into Virgie's blue +eyes, as she thought of the nights she had wept herself to sleep from +sheer homesickness and a feeling of utter desolation. "But," she continued +more brightly, and winking rapidly to keep the tell-tale drops from +falling. "I can bear loneliness, or almost anything else, for my father's +sake." + +"Poor child! brave little woman!" thought the man by her side, "it must +have been very much like being buried alive, and she has borne it like a +heroine; but she will not have to endure it much longer 'for her father.' +I wonder what will become of her when he is gone." + +"Mr. Abbot seems very feeble," he said aloud, "do you not think a change +would be beneficial to him?" + +"I—do not know," Virgie began wistfully; then added, more to herself than +to him, "Where could we go?" + +"I would advise the sea-shore. I should think the salt air would do him +good. Santa Cruz, Monterey, or any of those places on the California +coast, would be both pleasant and healthful." + +A startled look came into Virgie's eyes, and her face grew pale. + +She had often been to Santa Cruz and Monterey, in the old delightful days +when her mother was living, where she had reigned like a little queen, and +they had all been so happy, with no suspicion of the black shadow that was +creeping upon them so surely. + +"No, no, we could not go there; I—I do not believe that papa could be +persuaded to leave home," she faltered with evident nervousness and +embarrassment. + +"There is a sad history and a secret here," said Mr. Heath to himself, and +he wondered more than ever what cruel misfortune could have driven these +people thus into exile. + +"Has Mr. Abbot ever consulted a physician?" he asked. + +"No; there is no physician near us. But papa understands something of +medicine himself," Virgie answered, sighing, for her heart was very heavy +whenever she thought of her father's condition, and it was evident to her +that Mr. Heath considered him to be in a very critical state. + +He saw that it troubled her to talk about it, and resolved that he would +not refer to the subject again. + +As they stood there the gorgeous tints faded out of the western sky, a +purplish haze settled over mountain and valley, like a gauzy vail +softening all their outlines, and a mist was beginning to rise from the +depths below. + +"The dew is falling, Miss Abbot. I fear you will take cold in this +dampness. Shall I take you back now?" Mr. Heath asked. + +"Yes. I think it will be hardly safe for us to linger longer," she +replied. "But, Mr. Heath, be careful as you go down; the path is not +altogether safe." + +The young man laughed lightly. + +"I have scaled greater heights, climbed steeper and more rugged paths than +these, Miss Abbot," he said. "The Alps, the Pyrenees, the Caucasus, are +all familiar ground, and this is but child's play compared with them." + +"Oh, then you have been in Europe?" Virgie cried, with animation. + +"Yes, in almost every portion of it," he answered, watching her kindly +face with admiration. + +"How favored you are," she sighed wistfully. "I have longed with a mighty +longing to visit foreign lands." + +"Have you? Perhaps some time your wish may be gratified. I hope it may +be," he returned, in an earnest tone. "Now give me your hand, and let me +assist you down this slippery path." + +"No, no. Please care for yourself, Mr. Heath, and let me follow you," the +young girl pleaded. "I know every step of the way, and it is all strange +to you." + +But he stood still in the way, with his hand outstretched to her, resolute +yet smiling. He would not yield his point, and without another word she +laid her own within his, and together they went down the mountain path, he +guiding her steps as carefully as if she had never been over the ground +before, and she finding it very pleasant to be so shielded and attended. + +When they reached more level ground he drew the hand he held within his +arm, and they slowly wended their way back in the gloaming to the cottage, +Virgie feeling strangely light-hearted and happy, and almost as if a new +and beautiful life was about opening before her, while William Heath, with +a twinkle of amusement in his fine eyes, wondered what his aristocratic +mother and sister would say; what another brilliantly beautiful woman +would think to see him thus playing the devoted cavalier to this simple +and unpretending mountain maiden whom he thought so lovely. + +He had at that moment in his pocket, letters from two of them, begging him +to "quit his wanderings," to "come home and settle down to the real +business of life. The property needed his care, and—Sadie had not been +like herself since his departure." + +These words came to him now, but they did not change in the least the +purposes that were taking root in his mind—the determination to remain in +that isolated hamlet as long as <i>Virginia Abbot's father should live</i>. + + + + +Chapter V. +"Who Is He, and Why Is He Here?" + + +The next morning Mr. Abbot and his young guest visited the mine, and, +after a thorough examination of the former's claim, and instituting some +inquiries, more for form's sake than anything else, regarding the wealth +of the mine generally, Mr. Heath became the purchaser of Mr. Abbot's +property, and at once set about hiring competent miners to work it for +him. + +"It may prove but a foolish, quixotic undertaking after all," he told +himself, when his negotiations were completed, "but I must have some +excuse for remaining here. That girl is the most beautiful being I ever +met. She has power to move me as I was never moved before. I simply +<i>cannot</i> go away and leave her. I am sure her father can live but a little +while, and then—" + +What was to happen after Mr. Abbot should be taken away remained unsaid, +and Mr. Heath walked on for a while with bent head and thoughtful brow. + +He was looking about him a little to find a place in which to live while +he should remain on the mountain, for he was resolved that he would +trespass upon Mr. Abbot's hospitality no longer than he was obliged to, +although every hour in Virgie's presence was perfect delight to him. + +"I would give a good deal to know their history," he resumed, after a +little. "It is the greatest mystery—their being here. The man shows +culture and familiarity with men and things; he is unusually keen and +shrewd in business matters, while the way he has managed his daughter's +education betrays the scholar and a mind of no ordinary power and ability; +and to be <i>here</i>, working with the common herd in a <i>mine!</i> I do not +understand it!" + +While he was speculating thus regarding his new friends, Mr. Abbot and +Virgie were engaged in the same manner with reference to him. + +"Well, Virgie, I have sold my claim, and for a generous sum, too. Mr. +Heath is no haggler, and gave me my price without a demur; but I think +that it is very queer that a young man of his stamp should care to engage +in any such business." + +"It is rather strange," Virgie admitted, absently. + +"He is far above the people with whom he will come in contact," continued +her father. "He has evidently been accustomed to the very best of society, +is well educated and fine appearing, and seems to have an abundance of +means. What do you make of him, dear?" + +"I should say that he is very much of a gentleman, papa," replied the +young girl, flushing, as she remembered their walk of the previous +evening, the care and attention which he had bestowed upon her, and the +delight which she had experienced in his presence. + +"Yes, that goes without saying; but, does he seem like an American to +you?" + +"I had not given a thought to his nationality," Virgie answered, looking +up curiously. + +"Well, it strikes me that he may be English, although there is nothing in +his speech or manner to betray it. He is built like an Englishman, and +somehow the idea has taken possession of me that he belongs over the +water, and so, his desire to settle here seems all the more +incomprehensible." + +"It may be a whim—a romantic desire to learn something of a miner's +life," observed Virgie; "or," with more animation, "he may be an author, +papa, and is taking this way to study certain phases of character with +reference to writing a book." + +"Well, Virgie," said Mr. Abbot, smiling, "I must confess that is the most +reasonable explanation that could suggest itself, and possibly, with your +woman's intuition, you have hit upon the right solution of the mystery. +Yes," after a thoughtful pause, "I shouldn't wonder if you were right. His +saying that he did not intend to work the mine himself goes to show that +it is a secondary object, and he does not care particularly about the +profit of it. He is very pleasant company. I believe his coming has done +me good." + +"I am sure it has," Virgie answered, brightly; "and papa, now that your +mind is relieved of all pecuniary care, don't you think you will continue +to improve?" + +"No, Virgie," her father returned, gravely; "do not allow my temporary +improvement to deceive you. A fatal disease has fastened itself upon me, +and I know that I have not long to live." + +"Oh, papa!" exclaimed the lovely girl, sharply. "I will not believe it. +Pray, <i>pray</i> try what medical advice will do for you." + +"Hush, my child," Mr. Abbot returned, deeply moved. "I did not mean to +refer to this again, but you force me to do so; nothing short of a miracle +could give me a sound pair of lungs again." + +"Then let us try change of air—anything so that I may keep you with me," +Virgie pleaded, yet knowing, as she did so, that there was no place on +earth that held so much attraction for her now as the humble home which +heretofore had seemed so lonely and isolated. + +A subtle charm seemed suddenly to have fallen upon it; everything looked +brighter; all things surrounding it had become dearer. + +"No, dear; no air will be so good for me as this pure, bracing mountain +atmosphere," her father replied, gently. "I would shrink from going to any +place where we should be likely to find familiar faces—nothing would +break me down so quickly. Be patient, Virgie for a little longer, and then +<i>you</i> shall go back to the world, where you ought long ago to have been +with people of your own age." + +"Oh, papa! I care nothing for the world nor for society without you," she +sobbed, realizing more fully than she ever had done, that she would soon +be fatherless. + +"But it is not right that you should spend your life in such a place as +this," responded Mr. Abbot. "I have written to Mr. Bancroft, and if +anything happens to me suddenly you will find the letter in my desk, and +must send it to him immediately. I would mail it now, only—I cannot feel +reconciled to having any one learn of our hiding-place while I live. One +thing more I must speak of. I should have done so the other night if we +had not been interrupted. When I am gone I want you to lay my body here, +under the shadow of the old pine tree." + +"Papa, papa! you will break my heart! Surely you would wish to lie beside +my mother!" Virgie cried, the tears raining over her cheeks. + +Mr. Abbot's face was almost convulsed with pain for a moment. + +"Yes, if that were possible," he said, at length, "but no one must ever +know the fate of Abbot Al—Ha! Virgie, I had nearly uttered the dishonored +name!" he panted. + +"Papa, you shall not talk so," the girl cried, wiping her tears and +turning on him almost indignantly. + +"I would not pain you, my darling," he answered, gently; "but if there +were no cloud hanging over us, I should be only too glad to go back to our +old home to die and be laid beside my loved ones. It cannot be, however," +he concluded, sighing wearily. + +"But, dear papa, the dreadful past was caused by no fault of your own, and +it is not right that you should suffer as if it had been," Virgie said, +passionately. + +A cynical smile curled the lips of the sick man. + +"The world would tell a far different story if it should ferret out my +grave and see my name blazoned above it; and as long as its poisonous +tongues continue to speak slightingly of me, it must never know aught +about me. So do as I bid you; promise that you will obey me, Virgie." + +And the almost broken-hearted girl promised, but feeling as if it would be +almost more than she could bear, to go back to the gay world, where she +would be kindly cared for and sheltered, and leave her dear father lying +in his lonely grave upon that desolate mountain. + +William Heath entered with great apparent interest upon his mining +operations, and although he frankly acknowledged his entire ignorance of +the business, exhibited a goodly amount of judgment and common sense which +warned the workmen whom he had hired that it would not be well for them to +attempt to take advantage of him. + +He was unable to find any place in which he was willing to live, so he +caused a small cabin to be erected just opposite Mr. Abbot's dwelling, +furnished it simply but comfortably from the nearest supply station, and +with Mr. Abbot's permission, contracted with Chi Lu to keep his table +supplied with all needful provisions. + +No one would have supposed from his humble surroundings from the +industrious and energetic life which he led, and the total absence of +anything like arrogance or assumption, that he belonged to an almost royal +family, and had been for years the petted darling of fashionable circles +and drawing rooms, the catch of many seasons, and the prize for which fond +mammas and beautiful, aspiring maidens had long angled in vain. + +But such was the fact, and William Heath had thus isolated himself from +his home and all that he held most dear simply because, while on a +pleasure trip, he had accidentally met a beautiful girl who had chanced to +touch a chord in his heart that had never vibrated before. + +These two young people were now thrown almost daily into each other's +society. + +Mr. Heath was quite literary in his tastes, and after the duties of the +day were over he invariably sought the companionship of Virgie, sometimes +reading to her while she worked, and often with her as she still +persisted in reviewing certain studies and authors which she loved. + +The failing invalid, too, received much of his care and attention, while +many delicacies, which he had never taken pains to procure for himself, +found their way to his table to help sustain his waning strength. + +It is easy to see whither all this tended. + +Virgie soon learned to look for Heath's coming, to listen for his +footsteps and the sound of his voice, as she had never looked for or +listened to anything else in the world before. She began to rely upon him, +to experience a sense of restfulness and content in his care that +sometimes made her wonder how she had ever been able to live without him. + +There came new beauty, and light, and earnestness into her face, a +tenderer smile to her red lips, a more musical cadence into her voice. The +hours dragged heavily without him, and they took to themselves wings when +he came. + +Before she realized the fact she had learned to love him with all the +strength of her nature, and her destiny was sealed. + +Thus weeks and months went by. + +For a time the warm, genial summer weather seemed to hold Mr. Abbot's +disease somewhat in check, and, as he was cheerful, and enjoyed the +novelty of having two young and charming people about him, there was a +little season during which that small household was very happy. + +He studied the young stranger attentively, and was more and more +prepossessed in his favor. They conversed frequently upon topics which Mr. +Abbot had long been in the habit of scoffing at, but there was an element +of reverence in Mr. Heath's nature that commanded his respect in spite of +preconceived ideas and a tendency to skepticism. His arguments were always +reasonable and convincing. He could not fail to feel this influence; and +it was not long before Virgie could see that a great change had taken +place in her father's feelings regarding his relations to an overruling +power and the future, which hitherto had seemed so vague and uncertain. + +Yet, notwithstanding all this, he often experienced a feeling of +uneasiness. + +He could not fail to perceive that Virgie was learning to care a great +deal for their new friend, and that Mr. Heath was deeply interested in his +daughter. + +This was all well enough if Mr. Heath was what he appeared to be, and his +intentions were honorable. + +But he could never quite divest himself of the feeling that there was +something rather mysterious in his desire to remain in that remote region, +and it would be terrible if any harm should result from it to his one ewe +lamb. + +He had always guarded her so tenderly and carefully no breath of evil, +scarce a sorrow, save their one great sorrow, had ever touched her. Once +or twice the thought had come to him, prompted, no doubt, by the +circumstances which had driven him to that place, that the man might have +become entangled in some wrong or crime, and was hiding, like himself, +from the world and justice; and yet it was difficult to fancy that he was +not all that was honorable and upright, for his life and conduct from day +to day were beyond reproach. + +"If they love each other, and he is all he seems, I could give her to +him, and feel more content than I ever thought to be," he said to himself, +while brooding upon the subject one afternoon while Virgie and her lover +were out on a ramble. "She would be far better off under the care and +protection of a kind husband, than she would be to send her to New York. +Her future would be settled, and there would be no fear on account of the +snares and temptations of society in the gay city. + +"Still I really know nothing about him. He says nothing about himself, his +home, or his family. If it should turn out that he has a suspicion that +she will have money, and he is seeking her for that, it would be a fearful +blow. I could not bear that her young life should be ruined." + +He sat in troubled thought for a long time, considering the subject from +every point, sometimes reproaching himself for not having foreseen the +danger of allowing the two young people to come together, and refused to +sell his claim to Mr. Heath; then again feeling a sense of shame for his +unworthy suspicions of one who bore the stamp of true nobility upon his +very face. + +At length he was aroused from his reverie by the sound of the voice he +knew and loved so well; and, sitting suddenly erect and speaking with +resolution, he said: + +"I am her father. I have a right to know. He shall tell me who he is, and +why he is here." + + + + +Chapter VI. +"Will You Give Me Your Daughter?" + + +"Papa," said Virgie, putting a flushed, beautiful face inside the room +where her father was sitting, and all unconscious of the very serious +considerations that were agitating his mind: "I have invited Mr. Heath to +take tea with us. A basket of the loveliest peaches came to us this +afternoon from some mysterious source, which, however, I am inclined to +think, he could tell us something about if he chose. So, if you entertain +him for a little while, I will go and prepare a dish of them for him to +share with us." + +"Yes, yes. Come in, Mr. Heath. I was waiting to see you. Run away, Virgie, +and attend to your peaches, and I will see that our friend is properly +entertained until tea is ready," the invalid responded, with unusual +animation. + +Virgie tripped lightly up to her chamber, where she removed her hat, and +stopped a moment before her glass to rearrange the locks that lay lightly +upon her forehead, and blushed a conscious rosy red as she looked into her +eyes and read the strangely happy expression that lay in their clear +depths. Then she tied a long white apron around her slim waist, and went +down to pare her peaches, never suspecting the vital questions that were +being discussed in the little parlor so near her. + +"Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot began, as the young man had seated himself, "I was +thinking of you just as you entered, and had resolved to ask you a couple +of very plain, and to me, important questions." + +"Which, no doubt, I shall be very glad to answer if I can do so," his +companion responded, smiling, yet flushing lightly as he began to suspect +what the nature of the invalid's inquiries might be. + +"Thank you," responded Mr. Abbot, courteously, and then added, gravely: "I +do not need to remind you, I am sure, that as a father I am often anxious +regarding my daughter's future, and for this reason I feel compelled to +ask you that which, under other circumstances I should not feel at liberty +to ask. Will you tell me who you are?" + +"My name, Mr. Abbot, is—William Heath," the young man began, looking +thoughtful; then seemed to hesitate to go on. + +"Is that all that you have to tell me about yourself?" the invalid +inquired, with some dignity, and attentively studying the face opposite +him. "I knew that before," he went on, a suspicion of sarcasm in his tone, +"but I have long felt that there was something of mystery connected with +the circumstances of your being here. It is rather extraordinary that a +young man of your talent and culture should desire to locate in a rough +place like this. It has been evident to me for some time that your mining +operations were of secondary importance to you, for you cannot reap much +if any profit. It must take nearly all you realize to pay the two men you +hire to work your claim, while you lead, comparatively, a life of leisure. +My second question was regarding this—why are you here?" + +William Heath lifted his frank, dark eyes, and looked straight into the +face of his host, and said, in a low tone, but with an earnestness which +betrayed that he felt he had much at stake: + +"Mr. Abbot, I will answer your last question first, as frankly as you have +asked it, though, no doubt, you will be greatly surprised, and perhaps +startled, by my reply. I am here simply and solely to try and win Virginia +Abbot for my wife." + +Mr. Abbot sat erect, looking astonished indeed at this astounding +statement, and a spot of deep red settled in each hollow cheek. + +"What can you mean? You never saw her until three months ago!" he said, +excitedly. + +"True, I never saw her until that wild, stormy night when I came to you a +weary, dripping traveler and you so kindly extended to me your +hospitality. But I began to love your daughter that very evening. I do not +need to tell you that she is beautiful, for you know it; but to me she +seemed the fairest woman that I had ever seen; her presence moved me as I +had never been moved before, and I felt as if I could hardly go on to join +my friends and leave her. But I suddenly found a pretext for returning +when you mentioned that you desired to dispose of your claim. I resolved +that I would become the purchaser. I would come here and remain to study +the character of your daughter, and if she proved all that I fancied her, +I would strive to win her for my wife. This, my dear sir, is why I am +here; and now—will you give her to me?" + +"Have you said anything to Virgie about this?" Mr. Abbot asked, looking +very grave. + +"No, sir; I have not breathed a word of my intentions to her; but I +accepted her invitation to tea this evening with the determination to tell +you this, if I could make the opportunity, and ask your sanction to my +suit before speaking to her." + +Mr. Abbot looked gratified. + +"That was honorable of you," he said. "It meets my estimate of your +character." + +"Thank you, sir," Mr. Heath returned, flushing slightly, then continued: +"I am not given much to rhapsody or extravagances of language, but I know +that I can never be a happy man unless I win Virgie, and if you will give +her to me, I promise most solemnly to devote my life to her happiness." + +"Is William Heath your true name?" Mr. Abbot questioned, determined to +know all about him before committing himself. + +"Yes, sir. I hope you do not think I have been masquerading under a false +name," returned the young man, a quick flush mantling his cheek. + +"Pardon me; but you must remember that I could not account for your being +here, and—and I was a little suspicious, I own, that you were not quite +what you pretended to be," said the invalid, apologetically, and yet +regarding him keenly. + +The flush on William Heath's face deepened. He looked very thoughtful for +a moment, then said: + +"Mr. Abbot, you have read between the lines better than I thought. I would +have preferred to remain plain William Heath to every one until after I +had won my love; but perhaps I had better be perfectly frank with you. I +am not an American." + +"I thought so," returned his companion, quietly. + +"Did you?" asked the young man, looking surprised. "I compliment you upon +your penetration then, for I have passed for one of your countrymen almost +everywhere since coming to this country." + +"I think you are an Englishman," said Mr. Abbot. + +"I am, sir. I have an estate called Heathdale in the county of Hampshire, +England. I own another in Surrey. Mr. Abbot, I am an English baronet, and +I have simply been a visitor and traveler in this country during the last +year." + +"You, an English baronet!" exclaimed Mr. Abbot, excitedly, a vivid flush +suffusing his face, then quickly receding, leaving him deadly pale. + +"Yes, sir; but, pray believe me, I had no intention of boasting of either +my wealth or title," observed the young man modestly. + +"Oh!" sighed the sick man. "I am afraid then that you can never marry +Virgie." + +"Sir! Why not? What is there in what I have told you to debar me from +making your daughter my wife? I should suppose you would feel that I have +it in my power to make her all the happier on account of it." + +"But you do not know, you cannot understand, you English are so proud, so +tenacious of honor and caste. Ah, my poor child!" Mr. Abbot cried, +incoherently, and appearing greatly agitated and distressed. + +"I am sure, my friend, I cannot comprehend this excessive emotion," Sir +William—as we shall call him henceforth—remarked. + +"Would you be willing to marry a woman whose name is irretrievably linked +with disgrace?" Mr. Abbot asked, while cold perspiration started out upon +his forehead, and his face was almost convulsed with his anguish of mind. + +He knew that Virgie had grown to love this man. He was conscious of the +pride and prejudices of the English aristocracy, and he believed that when +he should tell the story of his life, as he knew it was only right he +should do, Sir William Heath would no longer care to make his daughter his +wife, and her heart would be broken. + +Sir William looked up, startled at this question, his own face paling +suddenly. + +"Surely, Mr. Abbot, you cannot mean anything so bad as that," he replied, +in a low, pained tone. + +"I will tell you all about it," said the sick man, "and then you must +decide for yourself whether you are still willing to wed the daughter of a +dishonored man. Of course you have seen from the beginning of your +acquaintance with us that no pleasure or profit that might accrue to us +from this kind of a life could ever reconcile us to it; that only some +terrible misfortune could have driven me and my beautiful darling into +such a wild and desolate region as this." + +"Yes; I have felt that there was something mysterious in your being +here—some secret reason why you should have shut yourselves away from all +comfort and civilization," Sir William admitted, as his companion paused +for strength to go on. "But I have never attributed it to any willful +wrong on your part." + +"Thank you for your faith in me," returned Mr. Abbot, gratefully. "I only +wish the world at large was as charitable; if it had been, I need not have +been here now, on the verge of the grave, nor been obliged to doom my +lonely child to a life of exile, when everything should be at the +brightest for her; neither should we have been obliged to disown a name +which, until recently had always been an honored and respected one". + +"Then your name is not Abbot," said Sir William. + +"Yes, but that is not the whole of it; I will, however, confide that to +you later. But of course I tell you this in strictest confidence; whatever +your decision may be after you hear my story, I charge you not to betray +me to any one." + +"You may trust me," said the young man, quietly. + +"Then draw your chair closer, for not even Virgie knows the very worst, +and I would not make her burden any heavier when there is no need." + +The young baronet did as he was requested, but he looked both troubled and +pale, for he knew not how this story might affect his future prospects. He +was not different from his kind in some points; he belonged to an old and +honored family; no shadow had ever tarnished their fair fame; he was proud +and tenacious of honor, and his heart was heavy with apprehension as he +thought that he might be about to hear some story of crime or wrong that +would forever separate him from the woman whom he had learned to idolize. + +Mr. Abbot leaned nearer his companion, and in a low voice gave him a brief +and rapid account of his life and the adverse fate that had served to +banish him to the sparsely populated mountains of Nevada. It was a +strange, sad story of sin, and wrong, and shame, in which a complication +of evidence and circumstances had permitted the real offender to escape +justice and another to suffer the consequences of his crime. + +Sir William Heath never once moved or spoke during its recital, but his +fine face expressed pain, and sorrow, and sympathy throughout, and when at +length it was finished he still sat for several minutes in his chair, +exhausted and panting from weariness and excitement. + +At last the young man turned to his companion, a great pity and tenderness +shining in his fine, clear eyes. + +"Mr. Abbot," he said, "you have told me one of the saddest stories that I +have ever known, and I can find nothing but sympathy and regret for you in +my heart. You have been but the victim of an atrocious wrong—no stain +rests upon your character, if there appears to be upon your name, and so I +ask you again, will you give me your daughter, if I find that I have been +so fortunate as to have won her love? What you have related to me can +never make any difference in my feelings toward her, and since I shall +take her to another country, where nothing of this will ever be known or +cast a shadow upon her future, as Lady Heath she will be honored and +respected, and I trust, happy." + +Tears welled up into the eyes of the invalid as he listened to the words +of this true, earnest lover. + +"God bless you for a noble, royal hearted man!" he exclaimed, reaching +forward and clasping the young baronet's hand. "Yes, I can say God bless +you now—for you have taught me to believe there is an Infinite Father and +I can reverently invoke His benediction upon you. Of course I will give +you Virgie and feel that she is richly blessed in having won such a +husband and thus I can die with not a care upon my heart." + +"You have given me the richest boon that it is in my power to crave," +returned Sir William, his face kindling with happiness. "But you need not +speak of dying. A sea voyage would prolong your life. Come with me at once +to England and to Heathdale where you shall have every comfort and +attention, and the change will do you good." + +A sad smile flitted over Mr. Abbot's wan features. + +"It is too late," he said, sorrowfully. "I shall not live through another +month; but my mind is at ease and it will be a restful season—the little +time that I am spared. No, I shall never leave this place, but I have a +request to make of you." + +"Tell me, and it shall be granted if it is in the power of man," returned +Sir William, eagerly. + +"I should like, if you can win Virgie's consent, to see her your wife +before I die. It will be better for you both; then, after I am gone, you +can take her away as soon as you choose, and perhaps among new scenes and +with new ties she will not grieve so bitterly for me." + +Sir William Heath's heart leaped with joy at this proposition, though +there was an expression of sadness on his handsome face as he looked upon +the wreck before him, and realized how truly he had spoken. He knew that +he had very little time to live. + +"If I can win her, nothing would make me happier than to accede to your +wish," he said, in a low, earnest tone. + +At this time, a light step was heard in the hall, and the next moment the +door was opened, while a sweet young voice called: + +"Come, papa and Mr. Heath—tea is ready; the peaches are delicious, and +Chi Lu has obtained, from some mysterious source, real cream to eat with +them." + + + + +Chapter VII. +"Will You Be My Wife?" + + +In spite of the exciting conversation of the last half-hour Mr. Abbot +appeared more than usually cheerful during tea. He was indeed more like +the brilliant, entertaining host that he used to be in their former +beautiful home in San Francisco, than Virgie had seen him since their +troubles had come upon them. + +At the same, time the young girl wondered what could have occurred to make +their guest so silent and preoccupied. It was evidently an effort for him +to converse at all, while two or three times he was addressed more than +once before he responded, but his glance whenever it met hers thrilled her +strangely, and kept a beautiful flush upon her cheeks throughout the meal. + +When it was concluded the two young people went out upon the porch to view +the sunset, while Mr. Abbot retired to his room where he began looking +over and rearranging the papers in his desk. + +There was no need now to send that written history with its request for +fatherly care for Virgie, to Lawrence Bancroft. He had not a doubt as to +the result of Sir William Heath's wooing. He was sure that Virgie loved +him, and he was filled with a blessed content and fervent gratitude that +so bright a future was opening before his darling. + +She would go to another country where none of the old troubles could touch +her, where no one would be able to point the finger of scorn at her and +whisper that her name had been branded with dishonor, and where, +surrounded by her noble husband's love and care, occupying a high social +position with every good thing that wealth could secure, her life would be +one long summer of peace and happiness. + +Meantime an awkward pause had fallen between Virgie and her lover standing +outside upon the porch. + +It was broken at last by the baronet with a very trite remark: + +"What a warm evening." + +"Yes, it has been a very warm day," answered Virgie, feeling very much +inclined to laugh, for never before had they been forced to talk of the +weather in order to keep up a conversation. + +"Let us go to our seat under the old pine tree," said Sir William, and +without waiting for her consent, he stepped down to lead the way. + +Virgie glanced at him questioningly. + +The unusual gravity which she had observed during tea still rested upon +his face and vibrated in his tones. + +She wondered at it, and yet, although she could not have told why, her +heart began to beat with quickened throbs on account of it. + +Reaching their favorite nook, Sir William gently seated his companion, and +then stood looking down upon her a moment without speaking. + +Then he spoke, and there was a tenderer note in his voice than she had +ever heard before. + +"Virgie," he said, "have you ever wondered why I came here and turned +miner?" + +She looked up quickly as he spoke her name thus for the first time, then +her eyes suddenly drooped beneath the look in his. + +"Yes, I have thought it a little singular that you should choose just this +work and this locality," she answered, in a low tone. + +"May I tell you why I came?" seating himself at her side. + +"Certainly, if you like." + +"It was because I found here the only woman whom I could ever love. +Virgie, you are that woman, and my heart told me on that first evening +when I came to you, cold, wet, and hungry, that I must win your love or my +future would be void and desolate. So I seized upon the first reasonable +pretext I could find for remaining, and that, you know, your father +offered me in disposing of his claim. Sometimes I have hoped that you were +learning to love me in return; sometimes I have feared that I should not +succeed in this, the dearest object of my life. My darling, I resolved +to-night that I would put my fate to the test. Will you give yourself to +me for all time, my beautiful mountain queen? Do you love me well enough, +dear, to put your hand in mine and tell me that you will go with me +wherever I will, as my loved and cherished wife?" + +Virginia Abbot sat there, her perfect form outlined against the dark, +moss-grown rock that arose, rugged and grand, behind her. The softened +light, as it fell upon her through the boughs of the tree above her, made +her seem like some exquisite picture painted by a master-hand. Her hands, +white as Parian marble, were quietly folded in her lap, but her heart was +in a tumult of joy, and her color came and went in fitful flushes. + +She knew that she deeply loved this grand man, who had come to her +mountain home in the early summer time, and she felt that earth could hold +no higher happiness for her than to become his wife and go with him +whithersoever he willed. But she knew, too, that her first duty lay with +her father; that she must have no interests that would interfere with the +care and attention which she owed to him in his failing condition. + +"Virgie, you will not crush the sweet hope that has been taking root in my +heart during these months that I have spent with you," Sir William +pleaded, his face paling as she did not answer, and a fear smiting him +that he might have been nourishing a delusion. "I have fancied that I have +seen the love-light dawning in your eyes—oh, do not tell me that I have +been deceiving myself. My darling, I will try to make your life very +bright if you will give yourself to me." + +Virgie looked up now with a steady, unwavering glance into his eager eyes, +although her face was dyed with blushes. + +"Mr. Heath," she faltered, "you know I cannot leave my father." + +"Of course I know it," he returned, his face lighting "I do not ask it, +darling; I only ask that you will give yourself into my keeping, and then +we will devote ourselves to him as long as he lives. Oh, my dearest"—as +he saw an answering gleam in her eyes—"you do love me!" + +"Yes, I love you," Virgie breathed, with a downcast but happy face; and +then she was gathered close to her lover's manly breast in a fond embrace. + +"My love! my love! I would serve twice seven years, as Jacob did, in this +wild region for the sake of winning that coveted confession from your dear +lips. My mountain queen! and you will soon be my wife?" + +But Virgie sat up suddenly at this and pushed him from her with gentle +force, a frightened look in her eyes. Oh, "what have I done? I am afraid I +have done wrong!" she cried. + +"Wrong, dearest, in confessing that you love me!" Sir William whispered, +as he tried to draw her again into his arms. + +"But you do not know—I have no right to tell you; no—no, I am afraid I +ought not to be your wife," she said, remembering, with a sense of shame +and misery, the stigma resting upon her name. + +The young man regarded her anxiously for a moment; then he understood it +all. + +"Virgie," he said, "you need not fear to promise all that I ask, for I +know what troubles you. I asked your father's sanction to my suit before I +came to you, and he told me all his sad story. But it need be no barrier +to our happiness. I told him so, and he gave you to me—providing I could +win you—with his blessing." + +Virgie lifted her face, all radiant with a sweet new joy, a sense of +exultation in her heart. + +"And you were willing——" she began, wondering at the great love that +could thus level what she had had feared would be an insurmountable +barrier. + +"Willing, love, to make myself the happiest man on earth," he +interrupted, in a voice that actually trembled with joy. "What Mr. Abbot +told me does not affect your worth or character, nor his either, and some +time I believe the wrong will be made all right. Even were the facts more +serious than they are, they need not trouble us, for I could take you far +away from every breath of evil, and as my wife it could never touch you. +So you will give yourself to me, Virgie?" + +"Yes," she answered, with grave sweetness; "if papa thinks it is right, I +cannot put my cup of happiness away untasted." + +Sir William Heath bent and touched the beautiful girl's lips with his +first lover's kiss. + +"My beloved," he said, "life looks to me now like one long vista of +happiness—may it prove so to both of us." + +They sat there beneath the shadow of the great pine for more than an hour, +wearing bright plans for the future, while the twilight gathered around +them. But as yet Sir William had not told his bethrothed who he was, nor +of the title awaiting her when she should become his wife. Somehow, he +felt strangely reluctant to do so. + +Once he had spoken of his home, and Virgie looked up with sudden interest, +and asked: + +"Where is your home, Mr. Heath?" + +An amused smile played about his lips at her question + +"My friends—that is those who love me—-call me 'Will,' there," he said, +significantly; "and surely, darling you need not treat me with so much +formality. Do not call me Mr. Heath any more, Virgie." + +"Please tell me where our home is to be—Will," she said, looking up at +him with a shy smile, and blushing as the newly spoken name left her lips. + +He bent and touched them fondly with his own. + +"In England, love," he returned. + +"England!" + +"Yes. Shall you regret leaving your own country?" + +"No; I think I shall be glad," Virgie answered, with a little sigh of +content and relief. + +Sir William looked gratified. + +"Shall I describe our home to you?" he asked, thinking that perhaps now +would be as good a time as any to tell more about himself and what her +future position would be. + +"Yes, do, please." + +"Well, then, imagine a large, old mansion, with many turrets and gables, +its time-worn stones grown with ivy and moss, and set in the midst of +extensive grounds, with grand, beautiful trees scattered all about. There +is a great hall in the center of the house, with spacious rooms on either +hand. At the end of this hall is the library, with two large bay-windows +overlooking a winding river, which is the pride and glory of the place, +and where we sail, and bathe, and fish during the summer months. Over the +library there is a lovely suite of rooms, commanding a wide expanse of +meadow and upland—a scene that is like a picture all the time—which will +henceforth be devoted to the use of the future lady—of Heathdale." + +"Heathdale! What a pretty name!" Virgie cried, but still unsuspicious of +the title which would become hers when she should go with him as his wife +to England although he had almost given utterance to it, then hesitated, +and substituted those last two words. + +"Yes, it is a pretty name, and, Virgie, the place is the pride of my +heart. At some distance from the mansion there are the stables and +kennels, where the horses and dogs abide." + +"Why, Mr.——Why, Will, what an extensive establishment! You must +have——" + +Virgie began in a tone of surprise, then stopped in confusion. + +"Well, I must have what?" he asked. + +"A great deal of money to support such a place," she replied, flushing. + +"And is there anything very alarming about that?" he questioned, with a +quiet smile. + +"No; but—I thought——" + +"You thought that I could not have very much of this world's goods since I +had come here to work a mine," Sir William said, completing her sentence. +"But, darling, all that was only a ruse; I have been working more for my +wife than for gold." + +"Will!" + +"Darling, it is true; that was my only reason for becoming the purchaser +of your father's interest here. I saw you; I loved you; I must have some +good excuse for tarrying near you to try to win you, and now that I have +attained my object, the mine will have to be disposed of, as I have no +further use for it." + +Virgie regarded him with astonishment. She had never suspected anything +like this. + +"How strange," she said, with a beautiful flush. "I have thought it almost +unaccountable that a man like you should come here to remain. I have +imagined that you were an author or a student, and might be investigating +the formation of the mountains or studying character in order to write a +book, but I never dreamed of anything like this." + +Sir William laughed heartily. + +"You were making me out to be quite a lofty character truly," he said; +"and now you find your hero only a very human being after all—one who, +for the sake of a beautiful woman, has been almost willing to barter his +birthright. Have I fallen very low in your estimation, Virgie, because I +am not to become a distinguished public benefactor on account of my +research and investigation? Has my confession shocked you very much?" + +"Your confession has made me a very, very happy woman." Virgie whispered, +slipping her hand confidingly into his, her heart thrilling with a tender +pride and love that this grand man should have sacrificed so much to win +her. + +"And I am exceedingly proud of this happy woman," returned Sir William, +fondly. "I shall take the loveliest bride in the world back with me when +we go home to Heathdale." + +"Where you will be Lady Heath my Virgie. Ah, I am very thankful that my +child will occupy so proud a position in life," said the voice of Mr. +Abbot, just behind them. + +He had come out to seek them, and had approached just as Sir William +uttered those last words. + +"Lady Heath!" exclaimed Virgie, starting up and turning a very astonished +face first upon one and then the other. "What do you mean? I do not +understand." + +"Haven't you told her?" Mr. Abbot asked of the young man. + +Sir William shook his head, with a smile. + +"Told me what, papa?" + +"That our friend here is Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, and an English +baronet." + +Virgie stood in wondering silence for a moment, her face flushed and +drooping, while a hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. + +Her lover a titled peer of England! This noble man, who might have chosen +his wife from the nobility of his own country, had concealed his identity, +had buried himself in the wilds of Nevada, and lived like a common miner +simply to win her, an humble mountain maiden. He who belonged to an +honored race, and possessed both title and wealth, had overlooked the fact +that a heavy cloud enshrouded her own and her father's name, and was +willing to lift her to the proud position of his wife and the mistress of +his beautiful home. These and many other thoughts held her speechless, and +made her tremble with something of fear that in the future he might regret +it all, and wish that he had never seen her. + +"I am afraid I am not fitted—" she at length faltered. + +"In point of education, Virgie, you are fitted for the proudest position +that could be offered you," her father returned, with some spirit. "All +that you need is a trifle more worldly polish, which you will readily gain +as Sir William takes you into society, and I am proud to give you to him. +God bless you both, my children." + +His voice broke. + +He would have been glad to go with her to the scenes of her new life, to +watch her develop in a higher atmosphere and see her happiness in her +proud position. But he knew it could not be; and overcome, for the +moment, with the thought of the separation which must soon come, he turned +abruptly away and went feebly back to the cottage. + + + + +Chapter VIII. +Mr. Abbot Desires an Immediate Marriage. + + +Whether it was owing to the excitement of the previous evening, or to a +feeling of relief from care and anxiety upon Virgie's account which made +Mr. Abbot feel that at last he might safely lay down his burdens, it would +be impossible to say, but he was alarmingly ill the morning after the +betrothal, and unable to rise from his bed. + +His strength seemed to have left him, and he lay weak as a child, panting +with every breath, a deadly faintness and sinking sensation frequently +seizing him and making him feel as if the world was rapidly slipping from +his grasp. + +Virgie was in an agony of fear. + +She had never seen her father so ill before, and it seemed to her that he +must die if he did not soon have relief. + +"What shall I do?" she asked, in a helpless, appealing way, of Sir +William. + +He had been summoned as soon as Mr. Abbot's condition had been discovered, +and he, too, feared that the end was very near, while, being wholly +unaccustomed to sickness of any kind, he felt very useless and +inefficient. + +He bent and kissed his darling's pale, upturned face, and then went +swiftly out of the house. + +Presently, however, he returned with a foreign looking flask or bottle in +his hand. + +"Here is some brandy," he said, giving it to Virgie. "Mix some of it with +two-thirds as much water, and feed your father a teaspoonful at a time +every few minutes until he begins to rally, and call all your courage to +your aid, dear. Meantime, I will go to the nearest telegraph station and +send a message to Virginia City for a skillful physician." + +Virgie looked up at him with quivering lips. + +"Oh, what a comfort it is to have you to help me at this time!" she said. + +He drew her into his arms and held her for a moment while she laid her +lips, softly and gracefully, to his cheek, in the first voluntary caress +that she had ever given him. + +The act touched him, and told him how trustfully she relied upon him. + +"My darling, I wish I could save you from every pang," he said, tenderly. +"But I must not linger—we must have help for your father as soon as +possible. Good-by, my love, for a little while, and be sure that I will +come back just as quickly as I can." + +He went quickly out, and Virgie stole softly into her father's chamber, to +do what she could for him, and her heart began to gather something of hope +and courage when a few minutes later she heard the clatter of a horse's +hoofs outside, and knew that her lover was on the way for help. + +Sir William did not spare his horse until he reached the station. + +A telegram was sent and before long a reply was received saying that a +physician would leave Virginia City upon the next train coming that way. + +But several hours must elapse before he could arrive, and Sir William was +brought up to the highest pitch of anxiety and impatience during the +interval, while to Virgie, anxiously watching and waiting by the bedside +of her father, they were the longest that she had ever known. + +But she followed Sir William's directions regarding administering the +brandy, and she could see that after a few potions the invalid began to +rally somewhat. + +Just as the sun was going down Sir William and the doctor arrived, and +then the young girl felt as if a mountain had rolled from her shoulders. + +They remained all night watching with the patient, insisting that Virgie +should go to her rest, and worn out with her day of watching and anxiety, +she crept away to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion. + +In the morning Mr. Abbot seemed considerably stronger and better, and +Virgie's loving heart began to take courage again and to hope that he was +not really so very ill after all. + +But these feelings received a sudden shock, when, after breakfast, her +lover drew her into the little parlor, his face very grave, yet full of +tenderness for her. + +"I have something that I wish to say to you, Virgie—something to ask +you," he said; "but, remember, that you are to answer me frankly and +truly. You are not to be unduly influenced by my—by any one's wishes—to +consent to what might seem premature, and thus repugnant to you." + +Virgie looked up at him questioningly, growing pale, and a thrill of fear +shooting through her heart. + +"Your father feels," Sir William went on, answering her look, "as if he +would like to—to have your future settled before—his strength fails him +any further." + +"Oh!" cried the young girl, clinging to her lover, a wild look in her +eyes, "papa is not going to—die! Do not tell me that. He is better +to-day, and he will—he must grow yet stronger." + +"My darling," said Sir William, holding her close to him, and speaking +with sorrowful tenderness, "I am not going to deceive you. It would not be +right for me to do so. But Dr. Waters thinks that he cannot stay with us +much longer. He believes that he will rally for a while, but the state of +his system warns him that it will be but a very little while. And, Virgie, +your father wants us to be married at once. Darling, shall it be as he +wishes?" + +But Virgie hardly heard these latter sentences. + +She threw herself upon that manly breast in a wild burst of grief. + +It was a dreadful blow to be told that the die was cast, that her father's +doom was very near. + +In an indefinite way she had been dreading it ever since he himself had +talked so plainly about it to her, but with the buoyancy of youth she had +kept hoping against hope, and refusing to believe the fearful truth. + +Sir William held her in her fond embrace, and allowed her to weep until +her tears were spent. + +He knew that it was better to let her grief have its way. She would be +calmer and stronger afterward, though every sob and tear was bitter pain +to his loving heart. + +She grew more quiet after a time, and at length he felt that he might +again speak of the subject so near his heart. + +"Will you be my wife, Virgie? I would not have forced this upon you just +now but for your father's desire, and because Dr. Waters, who must return +to-day to his own duties, can make all necessary arrangements for us upon +his arrival in Virginia City. + +"A clergyman must be sent to us, and there are some other matters which I +wish attended to, so we must decide now. Still, my darling, if you shrink +from this step, if the thought of it shocks you, I will not urge it, I +will wait until you are quite ready for it." + +"Did papa propose it?" Virgie asked, hiding her flushed face from those +eager, loving eyes looking down upon her. + +"Yes. I should not have presumed to suggest anything of the kind at such a +time," returned the young baronet, gravely. "But he thinks that his mind +would be easier if he could see you my wife. He wishes to give you away +irrevocably while he is able. Then, dear, I could be with you all the time +to help you in your care of him, to relieve you of much that would +encroach upon your strength. Tell me freely, Virgie, shall it or shall it +not be?" + +"Do you really wish it? or—are you only yielding to his desire?" she +asked, in a low voice. + +He gathered her closer to his breast until she could feel the eager +throbbing of his great heart. + +"The day that makes you my wife will be the most blessed of all my life; +though, for your sake. I could wish our bridal to be celebrated under less +sorrowful circumstances Still it must not be as I wish. You must decide +the question," he said, gravely. + +There was a long pause. Then Virgie said, quietly: + +"I am willing." + +"Is that all, love? Are you simply willing to do as your father requests? +Shall you not be glad to be my wife?" Sin William questioned, with a +slight accent of pain. + +"Yes, Will, I shall be glad; but, oh, my father! my father!" she cried, +with a fresh burst of grief, as she realized all that this hurried +marriage meant. + +He kissed her forehead softly, and breathed: + +"Heaven bless you, my beloved, and help me to make your future as happy +as you have made me to-day." + +He made her lie down upon the lounge, for she was nearly exhausted with +her grief. He arranged her pillow, drew down the curtains to soften the +light, and then went quietly out of the room. + +When he came back an hour later he found her calm, though with a saddened +gravity upon her that made his heart ache. + +He told her that Dr. Waters had gone back to Virginia City, but that they +had arranged for a clergyman to come to them to spend the following +Sabbath, when Mr. Abbot desired the marriage to take place. + +Virgie was strangely thrilled by this intelligence. It was Tuesday, and in +five days more she would be Sir William Heath's wife! It all seemed like a +dream to her. + +On Saturday afternoon an elderly and venerable-appearing gentleman made +his appearance before Mr. Abbots door. + +He came in a strong mountain wagon drawn by a pair of handsome horses, and +with him there was a large trunk—which Sir William ordered carried up +stairs into Virgie's room—and two or three hampers, that were given to +Chi Lu to be taken care of. + +Virgie turned a wondering, inquiring look upon her lover at these +proceedings, but he only answered by a quiet smile, and then introduced +her to the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + +The young bride-elect received him with the charming ease and +self-possession that was natural to her, at which the stranger could not +refrain from regarding her with a look of mingled wonder and admiration. + +When told of the errand upon which he was to go, he had consented for the +sake of the dying man; but he had expected to find a very rustic couple +in this rough region, and he was wholly taken aback to meet a polished +gentleman like Mr. Heath—as he was still known except to Virgie and her +father—and such an interesting and lovely woman as his young hostess +appeared to be. + +The clergyman spent an hour with the invalid after tea, and he was no less +mystified and astonished regarding him. He realized that he was in a +household of more than ordinary culture and refinement, and he was sure +that there must be some strange history connected with their lives. + +When Virgie went to bid her father good-night before going to her rest, he +drew her down to him and looked tenderly and wistfully into her face. + +"My daughter," he questioned, "you have no shrinking no misgivings +regarding the step that you are about to take?" + +"None, papa," she said, softly. + +"And are you happy in the prospect of becoming Sir William's wife? Tell me +truly, my child." + +"As happy as I can be while you are so ill, papa," Virgie answered, with +starting tears. + +"Then I am at peace. God bless you, my darling, and may your life have +much of sunshine in it. I give you without fear into Will's care, for I +believe him to be one of nature's noblemen. And now," taking a package +from beneath his pillow, here is your marriage dowry; it is all yours, +Virgie, to do with as you will, and Sir William has promised to settle as +much more upon you, which he will tell you about later. You have been a +dear, good daughter to me, and I am very happy regarding your future; I +could not ask or wish anything better for you." + +"Oh, papa, if I could only have you well again!" Virgie whispered, hiding +her tearful eyes upon his pillow. + +An expression of pain flitted over the sick man's face. + +"We will not think of that now," he said, gently; "and you must not give +way to grief, for it will unnerve us both, and I do not wish to see a pale +or sorrowful bride to-morrow. Now good-night, love, and try to get all the +rest that you can." + +He kissed her again, and was about to let her go, when he caught her hand, +saying, with something of eagerness: + +"But, by the way, Virgie, what will you wear to be married in?" + +The young girl flushed, and her lips trembled. + +"Oh papa, I have hardly given a thought to that, my heart has been so +heavy for you," she murmured, brokenly. Then she added, after a moment of +thought: "I have my pretty silk that you sent to San Francisco for in the +spring, and I wondered when I should ever wear it here, you know. It will +do, will it not?" + +Mr. Abbot sighed. + +"I suppose it will have to, since it is the best you have. I should like +to have you married in something white, dear; but make yourself look as +nicely as you can," he said in an unsteady voice. + +Virgie dropped a light kiss upon his forehead, and then went out, her +heart heavy in spite of the great love which she bore the man whose wife +she was to become on the morrow, and the bright hopes which the future +held for her in spite of the shadow of death which was every moment +drawing nearer. + + + + +Chapter IX. +Virgie's Wedding-Day + + +As Virgie passed out of her father's room, Sir William captured her. + +"I am not going to keep you from your rest," he said, after caressing her +fondly, "but I wanted to tell you that I have been feeling a trifle +jealous regarding the appearance of the future Lady Heath upon her +wedding-day, and you will find everything that you will need for to-morrow +in a trunk, which I have had carried up into your room." + +Virgie lifted her head from his breast, and regarded him questioningly. + +"I sent an order by Dr. Waters," he explained, "to the best dressmaker +that he could find in Virginia City, to provide a simple yet appropriate +outfit for a bride, and you will find the best that could be obtained at +so short a notice, awaiting your approval up stairs." + +"How kind, how thoughtful you are!" Virgie murmured gratefully, and with a +flush of pleasure. "Papa will be so pleased. He was just lamenting that I +was not properly provided for." + +"Then it will be a gratifying surprise when he sees you to-morrow," Sir +William returned. + +"Indeed it will. How can I think you? Perhaps I have been very remiss, +but, truly, I had not given a thought to my dress," Virgie confessed, with +some confusion. + +"How could you, dear, with your heart so full of other things?" Sir +William replied, tenderly; "and I want no thanks other than to see you +looking like a bride," he concluded, smiling. "I did this chiefly to +gratify my own pride in my love." + +He led her to the foot of the stairs, and then, with a lingering clasp, +let her go. + +It was quite late, and Virgie thought that she would only allow herself a +peep into the mysterious trunk that night; but she resolved that she would +rise very early in the morning and lay out everything in readiness for the +wedding. + +She wondered how Sir William could have managed it all, and was somewhat +anxious regarding the fit of her bridal dress; but she was set at rest +upon that point when she lifted the lid of the trunk and found a waist of +one of her own dresses lying upon the top of various packages, and she +knew that he had sent it as a measure and guide. + +Everything else was wrapped in fine packing paper, and she concluded not +to open anything until morning, although her curiosity was greatly +excited. + +She knelt and prayed long and fervently, for she felt very solemn in view +of the important event that was to occur on the morrow. + +Then she retired, and was soon sleeping peacefully and restfully, as only +the pure and innocent can sleep. + +But when the first rays of the sun streamed in at her window in the +morning, she arose, and, after putting her room in perfect order, she +opened the precious trunk and began to remove and undo the packages stored +therein. + +First, there was a long, flat box. + +Opening it, she found a misty and ample veil of finest tulle, simply +hemmed with a heavy thread of silk. + +Then there was another smaller but deeper box, which contained a lovely +wreath of pure white heath, with bouquets of the same mingled with lilies +of the valley, for the corsage of her dress. + +Still another, in which there was a pair of shining white satin boots, +silken hose, and kid gloves, with a dainty handkerchief, fine and sheer as +a cobweb. + +Last, but not least, incased in several wrappings of soft white paper was +the wedding-dress. + +Virgie's face paled and flushed many times while she was undoing this, for +many hopes were centered in it, and tears rose unbidden to her eyes when +at last it was laid out on the bed before her. + +She had seen nothing one-half so lovely for years—not since she used to +watch her mother dress for gay receptions and parties in the happy days so +long ago. + +It was of the finest India mull, very simply yet beautifully made, over an +underskirt of plain white silk—an airy, gauzy thing, just suited for a +youthful bride. + +"How kind! how thoughtful!" the young girl breathed, as her glance ran +over the different articles comprising her toilet. "He has not forgotten a +single thing, and it is all so delicate and beautiful. This wreath of +heath—how suggestive! and nothing could be prettier. + +"Oh papa! I am glad you will have your wish, for it may be the very last +one that can be gratified," she concluded, with a long sigh. + +Had it not been for her father's condition, she would have been supremely +happy on that bright morning. Even as it was, her heart was overflowing +with love and gratitude toward her devoted lover for his kind +consideration and generosity. + +She went below at her usual hour to attend to her regular duties, which +she performed in her customary quiet way, helping her father to rise and +dress, arranging the rooms in the nicest order, and then serving breakfast +to the invalid and their reverend guest. + +Sir William was nowhere visible. He had spent the night with Mr. Abbot, +and when morning broke he went away to his own cabin, where he remained +until the hour for the ceremony. + +The house was very quiet; there was no excitment, no bustle. Chi Lu alone +betrayed any consciousness that an unusual event was to take place, and +this only by a slight nervousness of manner and the restless flash of his +dusky eyes. + +After breakfast Virgie saw that her father was made comfortable in his +reclining-chair in the parlor, and then giving him one last, lingering +kiss, she turned to go up to her chamber to dress for her bridal. + +Just then there came a knock on the outer door. Chi Lu was called to +answer it, and he brought to Virgie a huge basket laden with the loveliest +of mountain ferns and flowers, the dew still glistening upon them. + +They were the offering of some of the miners "for Miss Abbot's wedding," +the boy who brought them said. + +It had become known in some way that Mr. Abbot was failing rapidly, and +had requested that his daughter might be married before his death. + +He was much respected in the hamlet, for he had always been the courteous +gentleman, while Virgie was regarded almost in the light of a young +princess, and thus these humble people were prompted to show their +sympathy and good will in this delicate manner. + +The young bride-elect was touched to the heart by this tribute, and with +her own hands arranged the lovely flowers to furnish the room where she +was to be married. + +Then she went up stairs, and was seen no more until the hour set for the +ceremony, which was eleven o'clock. + +Meanwhile Chi Lu and an elderly woman, who had once been very kind to +Virgie when she was ill, and had been asked to "come and help for the +day," were very busily engaged in the small kitchen, arranging a repast +which was to be served later in the day. + +Sir William was determined that the occasion should be made as cheerful as +circumstances would allow, and had ordered from the city every delicacy +which his fertile brain could suggest, and thus a "wedding breakfast," +such as had never been known in that region before, was in process of +preparation. + +At eleven o'clock the happy groom made his appearance and sent Margery +Follet, the woman before mentioned, to Virgie's door to say that he was +ready and awaiting her. + +To her tap Virgie gently responded "come in," and a low cry of delight +escaped the humble woman's lips as she opened the door, and then stood +transfixed upon the threshold. + +Virgie turned a smiling face to her. "Why, Margery, how came you here?" +she asked. + +"The gent sent for me to come and help." + +"That was thoughtful in him, and it was kind of you to come," Virgie +returned, graciously. + +"It's a boon to me, miss. You look like an angel, and I shall never +forget this day," said the woman, regarding her almost with reverence. + +Virgie felt all the happier for being able to contribute this pleasure to +one so unused to pleasure of any kind, and she increased it tenfold by +asking her to assist her in fastening the last button of one of her +gloves. + +"Yes, I'm ready," Virgie replied, as, with a vivid, conscious flush, she +turned away, after one last look in her mirror, and truly she was a vision +to cheer the heart of the fondest bridegroom. + +Her dress proved to be a perfect fit, and the delicate fabric fell in +soft, graceful folds over the lustrous white of her silken skirt, while +she was covered from head to foot by the mist-like veil. + +The wreath of heath lay lightly upon her brown head, and, with the +beautiful bouquet upon her breast, made a pleasing contrast with the +otherwise spotless costume. + +Her figure looked almost regal in her trailing robe, and she was simply +perfect from crown to sole. + +"Yes," she repeated, as the woman seemed unable to take her eyes from her, +"you may tell Mr. Heath that I am ready," and as Margery went out, she +bowed her head in prayer for a blessing on her new life. + +The next moment she heard Sir William's step on the stairs, and she went +out to meet him. + +How his face lighted as he looked upon her! How his heart throbbed with +exultation as he thought: + +"This peerless girl is mine! Heathdale has never known a mistress so +fair!" + +He was clad, as became a gentleman, in a dress suit of simple black, fine +and rich, a single diamond of purest water gleaming just beneath his +white satin tie, and his hands were incased in spotless gloves. + +"My darling," he whispered, as he took Virgie's right hand and laid it on +his arm, "how beautiful you are!" + +She could not make him any reply—the moment was too solemn for words—but +she lifted her eyes to his for an instant, and they were filled with love +and trust. + +Then they went below. + +Very quietly they took their places in the little parlor, where the +clergyman awaited them, and where Mr. Abbot, after one surprised, +delighted glance at his daughter, lay back in his chair, with a smile of +supreme content upon his lips. + +He understood at once who had so delicately and so fittingly arranged +everything for the fair bride, and it was such a comfort to him to have +Virgie properly arrayed for her marriage. + +Chi Lu and Margery stood one on either side of the door, just inside the +room, according to Sir William's desire, for there must be witnesses, and +thus the group was complete. + +Rev. Dr. Thornton approached the young couple, and in an easy and +impressive, yet graceful manner, performed the marriage service, and those +few moments were very solemn ones to three at least of those present. But +the ceremony was soon over, and the maiden was now a wife—Virgie Abbot +had become Virginia, Lady Heath. + +Sir William had not, however, allowed his title to be used, as he shrank +from the notoriety which the knowledge of his position and wealth would +create among the settlers of that region. He had come there in an +unpretentious way, and he wished to leave as quietly. There would be time +enough, he thought, to resume his honors when he and his bride should go +out into the world. + +When the benediction had been pronounced over the clasped hands of the +husband and wife, Dr. Thornton offered his congratulations, and then Sir +William led Virgie directly to her father. + +She sank upon her knees beside his chair, and putting her arms around his +neck, gave and received a tender caress. + +"God bless you always, my daughter!" the sick man murmured, in trembling +tones. "I believe I am guilty of no irreverence in invoking His blessing," +he added, "for I have learned to feel my need of faith in Him, and, +Virgie, your husband has taught me how to seek it." + +The young bride could only press her lips again to his in reply. She was +very grateful for this confession, for her father's previous skepticism +and bitterness had often caused her much sorrow. + +Chi Lu and Margery came forward to congratulate the bride and groom, and +then went about their duties in the other room. + +Soon after, Dr. Thornton slipped quietly away, thus leaving the invalid +and his children by themselves. + +"Virgie, how beautiful you are to-day! How did it happen?" Mr. Abbot +asked, when he found they were alone, and glancing admiringly over her +costume. + +"It was all Mr.—all Will's doing," she answered, with a charming blush, +and glancing shyly up into her husband's face. + +"I suspected as much, and I thank you, Sir William, more than I can +express, for giving me this unexpected pleasure," said the sick man, +gratefully. + +"It was to gratify myself as well. I could not be satisfied unless Lady +Heath was arrayed as became a bride of the house," the young baronet +returned, with a fond smile, as he noticed how the color came and went on +Virgie's cheek at the sound of her new name. "But," he added, putting his +arm around her, and raising her to her feet, while with one sweep of his +hand he threw back the veil, "I have not yet had the privilege of saluting +my wife. Virgie, I have the right to the first kiss from your sweet lips." + +The beautiful bride lifted her face to him, flushed with a new, almost +holy, happiness. + +"My husband!" she whispered, as he held her close for a moment, and he +felt that henceforth his life would be complete, since she loved him, and +was his. + +Alas, for the weary years that were to follow! + +Was there no one to warn? + +For a little while they fell into a quiet chat, and then Chi Lu came to +bid them to the other room, where a really elegant feast awaited them, and +where Sir William exerted himself to make the occasion as merry as +possible, and all through the day nothing occurred to mar its peace and +joy. + +The next morning Dr. Thornton returned to Virginia City, carrying in his +pocket a much larger fee than he was accustomed to receive; and after +that, life at the mountain cottage resumed its usual quiet routine. + + + + +Chapter X. +A Separation and a Little Stranger. + + +Mr. Abbot appeared to gather new strength after the events related in the +previous chapter, in spite of his own predictions and the fears of others +that he was dying. + +The mild September weather and the quiet happiness which pervaded his home +seemed to have a beneficial effect upon him. But as the weather grew +colder, as the chill October winds began to sweep over the mountains, a +decided change came. Just as daylight was fading one evening, and the dull +gray of a coming storm began to settle down upon the mountains, he +breathed his last, peacefully, quietly and willingly, and thus all earthly +sorrow was at an end for him; he had gone where all wrongs would be +righted, where mystery or shame would no longer envelop him. + +They buried him, as he desired, beneath the great plumy pine tree that +grew near their cottage, and where Virgie's great happiness had come to +her, and then Sir William felt that he had a right to take his wife away +to a more congenial atmosphere. + +He had disposed of his claim some time before, for since he had no longer +any need of an excuse for remaining there, he had given up all pretense of +business and devoted himself exclusively to the care of the invalid and to +making Virgie's duties as light as possible. + +The cottage and its furniture were sold; Chi Lu was presented with Sir +William's own neat little cabin with all its contents, besides being +otherwise handsomely remunerated for all his kindness and faithfulness and +then the baronet took his bride directly to San Francisco, which they +decided to make their headquarters for the winter, intending early in the +spring to sail for England. + +Sir William had written home long before this of his marriage. But the +news had not been cordially received by the members of his household. + +His stately mother had replied in a brief, dignified manner, which did not +fail to convey her displeasure at the step he had taken, while his widowed +sister, who, with her two children, were greatly dependent on her brother, +did not hesitate to express her indignation at his rashness and +inconsideration of their feelings, at least, in marrying so "out of his +own element." + +The young baronet, of course, kept all this to himself. He had known well +enough that his marriage would be displeasing to his family, who had long +had other views for him, but he trusted that, when he should present his +bride to them, every objection would disappear like dew before the sun, +and she would be received with open arms and be loved for her own sweet +sake. + +At all events he was his own master, and he was not a man to tamely submit +to unreasonable prejudices; and if his mother and sister refused to +receive his wife with becoming courtesy and respect, as the mistress of +Heathdale, it would only be the worse for them. + +He did not begin to suspect, however, the bitterness which they +experienced when they received the startling information that he had +married a girl from the wilds of the far West. His union had followed so +closely upon his betrothal that he had no opportunity to communicate plans +beforehand, and thus the news had fallen like a thunderbolt upon them. + +"He has ruined his life!" cried Lady Linton, his sister, in a white rage, +after reading the letter. "To think of it!—he has married a perfect +savage from the wilds of America! A pretty mistress for dear old +Heathdale, truly. I will never receive her, <i>never!</i>" + +"You know what William is, Miriam, and it will not be wise for you to +offend him. He will never tolerate any display of arrogance or discourtesy +to his wife," returned the dowager Lady Heath, more quietly, yet looking +the picture of despair over the <i>mesalliance</i>. + +"I cannot help it; it is an abominable insult to all his friends, and +never to tell us anything about it until the die was cast!" + +"But he explains why he could not; the marriage was hastened on account of +the father's critical condition replied Lady Heath. + +"Oh, I believe it was all a cunning plan to entrap him and secure the girl +a title and position," groaned Lady Linton. "How will Sadie feel; what +<i>will</i> she say?" + +"I do not know as she has any right to say anything," answered the dowager, +with some dignity, for she loved her son and could not bear to have any +one assail him, no matter how much she might blame him herself. "William +has never committed himself to her in any way; that plan has been more +ours than his." + +She was fully as unreconciled as her daughter; still she was capable of +looking at matters as they really were. + +"Oh, I cannot have it so, mamma; do not let us say anything about the +affair at present," pleaded her daughter. "William says it will be some +time before he returns, as he wishes to show his wife something of the +world first. Doubtless," she continued, with increasing bitterness, "he +desires to polish off some of the rough edges before he presents her to +us; so let us suppress the fact of his marriage until the time is set for +their coming; it will be hard enough even then to acknowledge the plebeian +union." + +Lady Heath demurred at first at this proposal, but she finally yielded the +point, and nothing was said regarding the baronet's sudden marriage, and +this was the beginning of a plot to ruin the life of a beautiful young +wife, and to bring years of misery upon a noble man. + + * * * * * + +Virgie found it very pleasant in some respects, though sad in others, to +return to San Francisco, her former home. + +She had left the city nearly six years ago, when she was an undeveloped +girl; she returned to it in the full glory of beautiful womanhood, and +owing to her many changes which had occurred there, as well as in her own +personal appearance and position, no one appeared to recognize her as the +daughter of the unfortunate man who had figured so conspicuously in a +terrible scandal there, and then suddenly disappeared covering his tracks +so successfully that no one, either friend or foe, knew whither he had +gone. + +The young wife was very happy in spite of her recent bereavement; her +husband was kindness and nobility personified, and left nothing undone +that could contribute in any degree to her pleasure, or prevent her from +brooding upon her father's death. + +They had a cozy and elegant suite of rooms at the Baldwin Hotel, which Sir +William had engaged for the winter, and from this point they made many +excursions sometimes being away several weeks at a time, traveling, then +returning to rest, after which they would start afresh again. + +The fond husband was determined that Virgie should see everything that was +worth seeing in her own country before he took her to their home in +England. + +They frequented the opera and theater, attended concerts and lectures, and +Sir William was both surprised and delighted to notice how readily Virgie +adapted herself to the requirements of society and etiquette, +notwithstanding the seclusion of the last half-dozen years. + +About the middle of March they started for the East, intending to take the +trip leisurely and visit points of interest along their route. + +They arrived in New York early in May, and were intending to sail for +England the last of the month. + +But Virgie, although not really ill, was far from well when they reached +the great metropolis, and her husband insisted that she must have medical +advice. + +He called in a skillful physician, who, upon being told what their plans +were, immediately and emphatically vetoed further travel for the present. + +"It will be simply impossible for Mrs. Heath to undertake a sea voyage at +present," he asserted. + +"But the trip occupies eight days—" Sir William began. + +"If it occupied only three it would make no difference it will not be safe +for her to attempt to cross the ocean under three months," Dr. Knox said, +with an air of decision which admitted of no further argument. + +Sir William was disappointed, yet he was too fond and careful of his +beautiful wife to rebel against this verdict. + +A week or two passed and Virgie appeared to be improving, when, one +morning, there came a cablegram from Heathdale, announcing that the +dowager Lady Heath was alarmingly ill, and imploring the baronet's +immediate return if he desired to see her alive. + +The message threw the young husband into a distressing state of mind. + +It seemed like harshest cruelty to obey the summons and leave his wife +alone in that strange city. And yet the alternative of remaining and +allowing his mother to die without seeing him once more, seemed almost +equally unkind. + +He sought Dr. Knox again in his extremity and explained his desperate +situation. + +"I could not answer for the consequences if you take your wife; it will be +a fearful risk for Mrs. Heath to go. She <i>might</i> endure the voyage safely, +but the probabilities are that she would not," the physician gravely told +him. "But," he added, kindly, "I sympathize with you—I appreciate your +dilemma, and, if <i>you</i> must go, I advise you to leave her in my charge and +I promise faithfully to give her every attention during your enforced +absence." + +This seemed the only thing to be done and Sir William finally decided to +return to his home alone. + +Virgie herself urged him to go, though her heart was almost breaking at +the thought of the separation, for it <i>might</i> be that she would never see +him again. + +Still she was brave—she put aside her own feelings out of regard for the +duty which he owed his mother, and there was a possibility that he could +return to her in the course of two or three weeks. + +"Do not feel unduly anxious for me, Will," she said to him, on the evening +before he was to sail, "I know that Dr. Knox will do all for me that you +can wish. I will either write or send some message to you by every +steamer, and I am going to trust that everything will be well." + +"But it is agony to me to leave you—oh! my darling, if your heart fails +you in the least, if you say you prefer to have me stay, I will not go +even now," he said, his own courage failing him and having more than half +a mind to renounce his intended voyage even at that late hour. + +"No, dear, I know that it is your duty to go," Virgie answered, gently. "I +should never forgive myself, if your mother should die, for keeping you +from her at such a time." + +"But if—I should lose you, too," he was going to say, but checked himself +and concluded, "but if you should be neglected and unhappy?" + +"I shall not be, Will; you have provided against the former contingency +most generously, and the latter I can regulate myself. I will not be +unhappy, for I know that you are doing right and that you will return to +me the moment that you are at liberty to do so." + +"Indeed I shall," he answered, as he gathered her close to his breast and +rained passionate kisses upon her lovely face. + +But his heart was very heavy notwithstanding her apparent cheerfulness. + +A superstitious dread seemed to have seized him, warning him that some +fearful calamity would follow this separation. He was not given to such +unreasonable imaginings, and he reproached himself for indulging in them; +but he could not shake them off nevertheless. + +Morning came and with it the hour of departure and the last farewells. + +Virgie wore a brave and even smiling face through all. She had resolved +that she would not unman him at the last moment. + +She watched at her window until he drove away, waving her handkerchief and +throwing him a kiss as he passed from sight, then the pent-up grief of her +heart found vent in a wild burst of tears such as she had not shed since +the hour of her father's death. + +But she would not indulge it long. + +She had every comfort. Her rooms were cheerful and elegant; a motherly, +middle-aged woman had been engaged to remain with her as companion and +nurse during her husband's absence; she had an abundance of money at her +command, and Dr. Knox had promised to look in upon her every day. Surely +she had nothing to complain of, save the enforced separation from her dear +one, and that would not be for long, she trusted. + +The ninth day after the departure of Sir William there came a cablegram, +telling of his safe arrival at Liverpool, and this, at his request, she +immediately responded to, telling him that all was well with her. + +The next steamer, she knew, would bring her a letter and after that she +would hear from him every few days. + +Sir William found his mother alive, but in a very low state; "she might +rally, she might not," they told him; and, with a sigh of resignation, he +could only wait and try to patiently adapt himself to circumstances. + +Thus four weeks went by, and then, early one June morning, a message went +flying through the depths of the ocean, telling that a tiny little maiden, +with eyes and hair like her father's, but bidding fair to become the +counterpart of her mother in form and features had come to Virgie the +morning previous, and "all was well." + +The fervent "thank God!" accompanied with something very like a sob, which +burst from Sir William Heath's lips as he read this message, told how +intense had been his anxiety during the weeks of his absence from his +darling, and how great his relief at those favorable tidings. + +He returned a message of love and congratulation, and when, a little +later, there came a letter to the happy young mother, it begged that their +little one should be called "Virgie May," the latter name being that of a +dear sister of whom Sir Will had been very fond, and who had died several +years previous. + +And thus the little heiress of Heathdale was christened by her mother. + + + + +Chapter XI. +"You Have Overstepped All Bounds." + + +Sir William Heath could hardly control his impatience to fly to his dear +ones across the water. + +His fond heart yearned mightily to behold his child and to clasp once more +the beautiful wife who had now become dearer than ever to him. + +But his mother's condition did not improve; she still lay hovering between +life and death, and he knew that he must not leave her until there was +some change either for the better or worse. + +Her disease was partial paralysis, which, however, had not affected her +brain, and her son's return and presence appeared to be of the greatest +comfort to her. + +Still she was liable, at any hour, to have another shock, which would +doubtless prove fatal, and Sir Herbert Randal—an eminent London +physician—commanded perfect quiet and freedom from all excitement, since +the least anxiety or disturbance of any kind would bring the dread +messenger which they all feared so much. + +Thus it seemed as if the young baronet was hopelessly bound to Heathdale +for the present. + +Not a word had passed between him and his mother regarding his marriage. +Knowing how displeased she had been at the time of it, and fearing to +excite her if he recalled the event to her mind, he had thought it best to +say nothing, but leave her to broach the subject whenever she should feel +inclined, although he wondered that she did not make some inquiry +regarding his young wife whom the family had expected he would bring with +him to Heathdale. + +The meeting with his sister had been somewhat cold and formal, for he +could not forget how harshly she had expressed herself regarding his +choice, while she could not and would not forgive him for disappointing +all her ambitious hopes for him. + +Like his mother, she ignored the subject of his marriage not deigning to +make the slightest inquiry regarding his wife, although she had been +greatly astonished at the non-appearance of Virgie, and was burning with +curiosity to know why he had returned alone. + +This negligence and obstinacy on her part made Sir William very indignant, +and after the first excitement consequent upon his arrival had subsided, +he determined to assert himself, and have it distinctly understood that +his wife was henceforth to be recognized as a member of and a power in his +household. + +Therefore, the morning following his return he had drawn Lady Linton into +the library, and after conducting her, with something of formal +politeness, to a seat, remarked: + +"Miriam, you have not yet done me the honor to inquire after Lady Heath." + +Lady Linton bowed coldly, and lifted her fine eyebrows questioningly. + +Sir William flushed angrily. + +"It is evident that you are still very angry with me, and intend to annoy +me upon this point," he continued, sternly, "and we may as well understand +each other at the outset. I shall demand and expect that my wife when I +bring her home, will be received with all the honor and courtesy which has +ever been accorded to the mistress of Heathdale in the past." + +Again Lady Linton bowed; but she did not deign to open her lips in +response, although a spot of vivid red settled in either cheek. + +"She is worthy of it in every respect," her brother resumed a gleam of +fire in his eye, "and will grace the position which I have given her as +well as the most noted London belle could do. I have pictures of her +here—perhaps you will do me the favor to look at them." + +He laid two or three fine photographs of Virgie, taken in different +attitudes, before her, as he concluded, and then leaned back in his chair +watching her attentively to see what effect that beautiful face would have +upon her. + +Her ladyship adjusted her eyeglasses with English precision, and taking up +one of the pictures regarded it with all the indifference which she could +muster. She was not, however, quite prepared for what she saw; and the +quick, curious, half-admiring gleam which shot into her eye told that she +had not failed to acknowledge the exceeding loveliness of that fair face, +and the natural grace and dignity displayed in the young wife's attitude. + +She took up each picture separately, and her brother could see her +indifference gradually melting away, a keen and critical look taking its +place. + +"Who was she?" she at length condescended to ask, though somewhat curtly. + +"The daughter of a California gentleman," Sir William answered, quietly. + +"A California <i>gentleman!</i>" with a scornful accent upon the last word. +"You speak of him as of an equal." + +"Certainly," returned the baronet, a smile of amusement slightly curling +his lips, "Mr. Abbot was my equal, if not my superior, in point of +intellect, and all that goes to make a gentleman, while his daughter is +in no wise my inferior." + +"How can you make such an absurd statement, William?" demanded his sister, +impatiently. "The idea of an American plebeian being the equal of a Heath +of Heathdale!" + +Sir William laughed outright; then he said: + +"Your loyalty to your family does you credit, Miriam, but I imagine, if +you should ever visit America—which I trust for your own sake, you will +do some time—that you will return much wiser than you went. Your ideas +regarding people and things, in that grand republic are very crude and +incorrect. But how do you like the face that I have shown you?" + +"The face is well enough," Lady Linton was forced to admit. + +There is nothing weak about it?" + +"N-o." + +"It is not lacking in intelligence or character?" + +"Not so far as I am able to judge from a simple picture", the woman +confessed, rather reluctantly. + +"And yet it does not flatter her; you do not often see a face like that +even among the noble families of England, and she is as lovely in mind as +in person," said Sir William, fondly, as he took up one of the photographs +and gazed upon it with his heart in his eyes. + +"Humph! if you are so proud of your American bride, why did you not bring +her home with you?" Lady Linton inquired, in a mocking tone, and then +could have bitten her tongue through for having allowed herself to betray +her curiosity so far. + +Sir William flushed hotly. It was evident that his sister was no more +reconciled since seeing Virgie's pictures than before. Her pride of birth +had received a shock which she could neither overlook nor forgive. + +"Lady Heath was not able to travel. Her physician told me that if she +crossed the ocean it would be at the risk of her life. Miriam, Virgie will +soon become a mother, God willing." + +Lady Linton started and shot a swift look of astonishment at her brother +upon this unexpected announcement. + +This information was disagreeable in the extreme, for it made certain +plans, which her fertile brain had begun to weave as soon as she had +learned that her brother had returned without his wife, all the more +complicated, if not well-nigh impossible. + +"It was a great trial for me to return without her," Sir William went on, +with a regretful sigh, "but your summons was so very imperative that I +felt obliged to do so. My darling bore it very bravely, however; she +regarded it as my duty to hasten to my mother, even though she would be +left alone, a stranger in a great city, and at such a critical time." + +"Of course it was your duty to return to our mother," Lady Linton +responded emphatically, as if the young wife away upon the other side of +the Atlantic was not worthy of consideration. "And," she added, flashing a +look of defiance at her companion, "I am free to confess to a feeling of +relief that you had to come alone—" + +"Miriam, I—" + +"Hear me out, if you please," she interposed. "Mamma's heart has been +nearly broken at the thought of this ill-assorted marriage, and I believe +the excitement and grief would have killed her outright, if you had +brought her," with a withering glance at Virgie's picture, "to Heathdale +to reign as mistress." + +Sir William was tried almost beyond endurance. It was more than a minute +before he could control himself sufficiently to speak, after his sister's +insulting remarks regarding his marriage. + +"Miriam," he at length said, in a voice that made her quail in spite of +her effrontery, "you will please never speak like this again; it is, both +to my wife and me, an insult which I will not tolerate. Virgie is a lady +in every sense of the word; even my critical mother could pick no flaw in +her were she to see her, and the moment that I am at liberty to do so I +shall return to the United States and bring my darling back with me. And +let me here repeat what I said a while ago—I expect and demand that she +be received with all proper respect by the entire household." + +"The household knows nothing of your marriage." + +"What!" cried the young baronet, astonished. + +"No one, save mamma and I, knows anything of this—this alliance." + +"By whose authority have you kept such a matter secret?" Sir William +demanded, in great wrath. + +"We—we thought it best," faltered his sister, shrinking beneath his +anger—she had never seen him so aroused before. "Mamma was so unhappy, +and I was so—so unreconciled, that we determined to wait until you wrote +definitely regarding your coming." + +"You have overstepped all bounds, you have presumed beyond excuse," +retorted her brother, in a voice of thunder. "I know that you are my +senior by fifteen years, and as a boy I was taught to look up to you, and +to render you the respect due an elder. But I am a child no longer. I am a +man, and you forget that I am not only my own master, but the master of +Heathdale as well. I have a right to choose for myself in all matters, and +you are not to consider that I am in leading strings, as I was before +your marriage, when you exercised, to a certain extent, authority over +me. And now if—I abhor thrifts, but I wish you to distinctly understand +me—if you cannot bring yourself to regard my marriage in a proper and +sensible light, and make up your mind to receive my wife as becomes a +sister of the house, the doors of Heathdale will henceforth be closed to +you." + +Lady Linton was astounded at this outburst. + +Her brother, heretofore, had always been a pattern of amiability and +gentleness, and had allowed her to have her own way mostly in the house. +In minor matters she had always ruled him, and she had never imagined that +he could rise to such a height as this. + +She saw that she had gone too far, that she must change her tactics, or +forever lose all influence with him, and make an enemy of him. + +She could ill afford to do this for several reasons. + +She was the widow of Lord Percival Linton, who had married her chiefly for +her large dowry. + +He had been a fast, unprincipled man, who had run through his own property +and most of hers before death put an end to his mad career. + +They had one son, Percy, and a daughter, Lillian, and Lady Linton, with +her two children, had been largely dependent upon the generosity of her +brother ever since her husband's death, and he was even now bearing all +the expense of the education of his nephew and niece. + +They had made their home chiefly at Heathdale, because Lady Linton's pride +could not tolerate life at Linton Grange when they had no means to keep it +up in proper style, and it was very pleasant and comfortable to be in her +brother's home, where there was abundance of everything, and where she had +been allowed to manage the household in her own way. + +It would therefore be very mortifying to have its hospitable doors closed +against her, and, finding herself liable to be ignominiously checkmated if +she persisted in her present course, she resolved to "right about face" +with the greatest grace possible, at least until she was obliged to yield +her position to the future mistress of Heathdale. + +"Fie, William, don't allow yourself to get in such a passion," she said, +in a conciliatory tone. "Perhaps I have expressed myself more freely than +I ought, but you ought to make allowance for our great disappointment. +Remember that you are the pride of an old and honored family, and it is +but natural that we should wish you to marry in your own station. But do +not fear. When Lady Heath comes to take her place as mistress here she +shall be received in a becoming manner." + +Her ladyship arose as she ceased speaking, her eye falling as she did so +upon the lovely upturned face upon the table, and she vowed in her heart +that if she could prevent it, the girl should never set her foot over the +threshold of Heathdale. + +How she was to carry out this vow she had as yet no idea; but all the +malice and enmity of her heart had been aroused against her, and it should +go hard with her if she could not find some way to vent it upon her. + +"Thank you, Miriam," Sir William responded, as he opened the door for his +sister to pass out, but he spoke somewhat coldly. + +He could not lightly forgive and overlook the scorn that had been heaped +upon the darling of his heart, while the fact that his marriage had been +kept a secret angered him exceedingly, and placed him in a very unpleasant +position. + +He resolved that as soon as his mother should be better, he would have a +plain talk with her, also, and insist upon an announcement of Lady Heath's +existence and her expected arrival. But until the invalid was out of +danger he deemed it advisable not to create any excitement on the subject. + + + + +Chapter XII. +"I Will Join You Heart and Hand." + + +Later in the day, while Sir William was engaged with the Stewart looking +over accounts and inquiring into the condition of Heathdale generally, +Lady Linton went quietly up to her brother's rooms to attend to the +unpacking of his trunks and putting his wardrobe in order. + +While thus engaged she came across a worn portfolio filled with papers of +various kinds. + +She knew at once that it was nothing that belonged to her brother, and +surmised that its contents might contain much of interest regarding the +despised girl whom he had married in the far West of America. + +The key was attached by a ribbon to the portfolio, and was tucked into a +fold of the leather, and no sense of either delicacy or honor prevented +her making use of her opportunity for gratifying her curiosity regarding +the young wife, without the necessity of asking questions. + +Accordingly, she boldly and unhesitatingly unlocked the portfolio, and +began examining its contents. + +These proved to be mostly business papers and legal documents, with some +letters directed to a name that she had never heard before. She would have +liked to read them, but she feared being interrupted while doing so, and +she of course had no wish to have her brother know she was prying thus +into his affairs so she laid them back in their place, resolving at some +future time to examine them more thoroughly. But there was one envelope +among them of much fresher appearance than the others, and with no address +upon it, although it contained a document of some kind. + +Lady Linton slipped it out, and, unfolding it, found it to be the marriage +certificate of her brother and his wife. + +She was astonished to find that the ceremony had occurred in some place in +Nevada, remote from any city or town—a little settlement of which she had +never heard—and as she read further, her eyes grew wide with astonishment +and her face dark with anger. + +"He wrote us that her name was Virginia Abbot," she cried, indignantly, a +crimson flush mounting to her brow, "and here it is given as Virginia—" + +A step sounded outside the door in the hall just then, and her ladyship +paused, affrighted, to listen, that last name unspoken on her lips. + +But it proved to be only a servant passing on some duty, and she went on +with her investigations. + +"There is some inexplicable mystery about this thing," she murmured. "The +name is the same as that on those letters, and I am sure he has deceived +us shamefully. He said that she was the daughter of a once wealthy +Californian, but it seems that they were not in California at all. There +must have been some reason for their burying themselves in that isolated +place, and—<i>I will yet find out what it was</i>!" + +She returned the certificate to the envelope, and put back the papers in +their proper places. + +All at once her face lighted. + +"Sara was going directly to San Francisco. I will write her to look this +thing up. I will have that girl's secret before she is a month older, and +then we will <i>see</i> whether she comes here to Heathdale to queen it over +us." + +She resumed her work, but there was a sullen, resolute expression on her +face which told of some purpose that she was determining to carry out at +all hazards. + +When Sir William's trunks were at length emptied, she rang for a servant +to take them to a storeroom, after which she repaired to her own +apartment, where she wrote steadily and rapidly for more than an hour. + +At the end of that time she folded and sealed her letter, and directed it +to "Mrs. Sara Farnum, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal.," and the very +next post from Heathdale carried on its way the missive that was destined +to help accomplish one of the greatest wrongs that had ever been +perpetrated. + +The reader will doubtless remember that when the dowager Lady Heath and +Lady Linton were discussing Sir William's sudden marriage the name "Sadie" +was mentioned in connection with the baronet. + +Sadie was a beautiful English girl of two or three-and-twenty and the +youngest child and only daughter of Mrs. Sara Farnum, to whom Lady Linton +had just written. + +Sadie Farnum had said and thought a great deal upon learning of Sir +William's union with the American maiden, for the news had been a terrible +death-blow to her own hopes and ambitions. + +She had long entertained the desire and intention of one day becoming the +mistress of Heathdale; it had been the dearest wish of her heart, and for +years she had used every art in which she was skilled to bring the man +she loved to her feet, and thus accomplish her purpose. + +Mrs. Farnum and Lady Linton had been intimate friends from girlhood, and +it had also been a darling scheme of theirs to marry the daughter of the +one to the brother of the other, thus securing a fine position and title +to Sadie, and adding to the already well-filled coffers of Heathdale the +handsome fortune which the young girl would bring to her husband. + +But Sir William had never appeared to be particularly fond of the society +of ladies, at least he was not what would be termed a ladies' man, +although he went frequently into company, and did not fall in with those +plans for his future happiness as readily as their projectors desired. + +He liked Sadie well enough as a friend, and had been in the way of seeing +a great deal of her, as Lady Linton frequently invited her to spend +several weeks with her. He even promised to correspond with her when he +left England to travel in America, and at the time of his first meeting +with Virgie, he had in his pocket a voluminous letter indited by her. + +But she had never touched his heart; she was bright, beautiful, and +accomplished, yet there was something lacking in her nature which his own +demanded and which he recognized at once in the lovely mountain maiden the +moment that he met her that wild night when he came a stranger to her +home. + +But Sadie was so broken-hearted over the blighting of all her fond hopes, +and grieved so sorely that her health began to suffer in consequence, and +when Sir William's return began to be talked of, Mrs. Farnum decided to +take her daughter traveling and thus avoid any unpleasant meeting and +fresh grief when the young Lady Heath should come to take possession of +her new home. + +Accordingly they sailed for America, and knowing that the baronet was in +New York, went directly to the Pacific coast about a fortnight previous to +Sir William's return to Heathdale. + +The letter which Lady Linton sent her friend was written, as we know, the +morning following her brother's return, and five weeks later, upon the +very day of little Virgie May Heath's birth, there came to her an +exceedingly gratifying reply. + +A portion of it read thus: + +"Regarding the important questions which you have asked about the ——'s. +I will not write the name for fear this letter might sometime chance to +meet other eyes. I find that such a family resided here a number of years +ago. They occupied a high position in society appeared to have unlimited +means at their command and were much respected, but they were suddenly +overtaken by terrible misfortunes which cut them instantly down from their +high estate and they were obliged to flee from the city in disgrace. It is +quite a complicated story, and I have not been able to learn all the +details. I can do so, however, if you wish. + +"But what is your object? What do you know about the family? Has it +anything to do with that girl whom your brother so rashly married in such +a romantic manner? If it has, let me know, and I will gladly search the +continent over for material to make her bitterly repent for striking such +a blow to my Sadie's, and indeed to all our hopes. Answer immediately and +whatever instructions you may give me, I will follow most faithfully. I +am ready to join you heart and hand in any vendetta against the disturber +of our peace." + +Lady Linton smiled curiously after reading this epistle. + +"I imagined as much," she muttered, "and they presumed to aspire to an +alliance with a Heath of Heathdale, when their own name was so hopelessly +disgraced that they did not dare to own it or be known by it, and were +forced to hide their guilty heads in that low mining district. No, sir; my +Lord of Heath, your shameless bride shall never enter this sacred +ancestral house if there are any means, lawful or otherwise to prevent +it." + +After the examination of the portfolio which she had found in her +brother's trunk, Lady Linton's curiosity had been insatiable, and +simulating an air of friendliness and resignation which she was far from +feeling, she had encouraged him to talk of his wife, hoping thus to learn +more of her history, and trap him into acknowledging something of the +mystery which surrounded her. + +But though Sir William was never loth to talk of his darling, and always +spoke of her in the fondest terms, he would never commit himself regarding +her past; that was to be a sealed book in England, and not even to his +mother and sister would he ever breathe one word of that sad story, that +Mr. Abbot had told him when he pleaded for his daughter's hand, or aught +that would cast a shadow upon any member of her family. + +"She was the daughter of a once wealthy Californian whom reverses had +impoverished," he invariably told them. "She was finely educated and +fitted, both by nature and culture, to shine in any circle." + +"By whom were you married, William?" his mother asked, having at last +deigned to show some interest in the circumstance. + +"By the Rev. Dr. Thornton, an Episcopalian clergyman + +"Of San Francisco?" + +"No, of Virginia City;" and Sir William smiled that she was not familiar +enough with the geographical location of the place to know that it was not +in California at all. + +"Oh, then you were not married in San Francisco?" interrupted Lady Linton, +looking up eagerly, and hoping now to get something definite regarding +that outlandish place in Nevada. + +"No," he replied, not thinking it necessary to enter into particulars, and +leaving them to infer what they chose. + +Her ladyship was baffled again, not daring to press him further lest he +should suspect that she had been tampering with his papers. + +But she tried to console herself with the thought that she would soon know +all there was to be known; then what use she might make of her knowledge +remained to be seen. + +Lady Heath was improving, but still far from being out of danger, and +could not endure the least confusion. + +Sir William was very restless, and anxious to get back to his dear ones in +America; but Sir Herbert Randall was opposed to his going. + +"It would be fatal, my dear sir," he asserted; "the excitement of your +departure and the separation would undoubtedly bring on another shock from +which her ladyship could not possibly rally, even if it did not kill her +outright. Haven't you done roving enough yet?" the physician concluded, +regarding the young man with some surprise. + +"But I've left——" Sir William began, when he was interrupted by a +startled cry from Lady Linton, who was in the room, as she carelessly +upset a vase of flowers on the table beside her. + +"How awkward of me!" she exclaimed, flushing a deep crimson; "won't you +please ring the bell, William for some one to come and clean up this +mess?" + +He went to the opposite side of the room to do her bidding, and she took +the occasion to inform Sir Herbert in a low tone, that her brother had +left some unfinished business in America, which he was anxious to have +settled. + +"I'm sorry," replied the physician, "but it will have to remain unsettled +for a while longer, if he has a proper regard for his mother's health." + +Of course the great doctor's verdict was decisive, and Sir William was +forced to curb his impatience as best he could. He would not allow himself +to do anything that would endanger his mother's life, and yet his heart +was yearning for his wife and for the little one whom he had never seen. + +"Have patience a little longer, my darling," he wrote Virgie that evening; +I will come just as soon as it will do for me to leave home. My heart +longs for you every hour in the day; life seems almost a blank without +you, and I find it difficult to employ myself about anything. If you were +stronger, and our little one was older, I would send some trusty messenger +for you, and another eight days would find you in our beautiful home. But +I fear such a proceeding would be hardly wise at present. + +"Write to me often, my Virgie, and be very careful in directing your +letters; I am afraid that I have missed one or two of your last. Oh, happy +day when there will be no longer any need to communicate with each other +in this slow way." + +Sir William had indeed missed his wife's last letters and this was the +only one that she ever received from him after that date. + +How was it? + +Ask Lady Linton, or go seek in the little brazier, which stood at night in +the dressing-room of her mother for the purpose of heating the nourishment +she was accustomed to take at twelve, for the ashes of the loving epistles +which the fond husband and wife believed no other save themselves would +peruse. + + + + +Chapter XIII. +Becoming Acquainted. + + +Little Virginia May Heath was just six weeks old, and becoming most +interesting to her fond mamma, who was getting stronger every day, and +able to take a little exercise in the corridor outside her rooms, when one +morning as she was pacing slowly back and forth, thinking of her absent +husband, and wishing, oh, so yearningly, that he could come to her, she +encountered two ladies who had just ascended the stairs, and passed on to +their apartments which were just beyond hers. + +One was a finely formed, majestic woman, evidently somewhat over fifty +years, having the air and bearing of one accustomed to society and the +ways of the world. She was tastefully and elegantly dressed, every article +of her apparel denoting wealth and a careful regard for fashion. + +The other was a young lady, perhaps a year or two older than Virgie, a +perfect blonde, with a tall, beautifully developed form, and with a face +such as poets and artists rave about. It was a pure oval, faultless in +feature and coloring, and yet withal, if closely studied, there was a +suspicion of shallowness and insincerity in the full, sapphire eyes, and +the perfectly formed but rather weak mouth. + +Still Virgie, as she lifted her own lovely eyes and beheld this young +lady, thought she had never seen any one more beautiful, while she colored +slightly, and wondered why the strangers should observe her so closely +and with such evident interest. + +It was a very warm day, and she was clad in a fine white robe, richly +embroidered and garnished with pale lavender ribbon. If she had but +realized it, she was exquisitely beautiful herself, with her glossy, brown +hair carelessly yet gracefully coiled at the back of her head, the color +beginning to tinge her cheeks, that smile of happiness upon her sweet +lips, and the holy mother-light shining in her violet eyes. + +"Mamma, that must be she; that must be Lady Heath," whispered the younger +of the two strangers, when they had passed beyond hearing. + +"Lady Heath!" was the scornful repetition, accompanied by a flash of anger +from the dark eyes of the elder woman. + +"Well, mamma, you know of course who I mean. She must be the girl whom +Lady Linton wrote about." + +"I imagine so. She answers the description that Miriam gave of her +photograph. Yes, hark! she has just opened her door, and surely that was a +baby's cry." + +"Well, at last we have seen her," returned the girl, "and I must confess, +I think she is perfectly lovely. She has such beautiful eyes, such a fair, +delicate complexion, and is so peculiarly dainty every way. I do not blame +Sir William for falling in love with her." + +"Mercy, Sadie, how you do chatter! no one would believe, to hear you, that +you had been almost heart-broken because this very girl, over whom you are +so enthusiastic, had ruined your prospects," returned her mother, +impatiently. + +The young girl flushed crimson at this shaft. + +"Thank you, mamma, for reminding me of the fact," she said, bitterly. "It +is true that through her all my fondest hopes have been blighted, and I +suppose I ought to bitterly hate her for it; but truly her exceeding +beauty and sweetness half disarm me." + +The elder woman made no reply to this, but her manner betrayed both +contempt and irritation, her brow was clouded with a wrathful expression, +and her lips were drawn into a straight, rigid line, denoting some cruel +and inflexible purpose. + +It will readily be surmised that these two ladies were none other than +Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, who, as we learned in the previous chapter, +were traveling in the United States, in the hope of improving the health +and spirits of the latter. + +Mrs. Farnum had married while very young, and was the mother of three +children—two sons and one daughter. + +She had herself been very attractive as a girl, and had many suitors; but +with an eye to the comforts of life, she had said "no" to all the titled +and impecunious lovers, and given her hand to a man of wealth, who, with +his million of pounds, bade fair to add another million to them in the +course of time. + +Miriam Heath, on the contrary, had been rather a plain-looking girl, +somewhat cold and repelling in manner, and was almost an old maid before +she was married; thus she was often an inmate of her friend's palatial +home, and became much interested in her children, and little Sadie Farnum +had scarcely reached her teens before the two women began to plan a union +between the young heir of Heathdale and the heiress to half a million +pounds. + +It had been the cherished dream of years, while almost from childhood +Sadie had been foolishly taught to regard Heathdale as her future home, +and to look upon Sir William as her promised husband; thus the +disappointment had been a terrible one to them all when they learned that +the baronet had married a "nobody" from the hated and disloyal country +that had rebelled against its rightful sovereign. + +Lady Linton might be said to have become almost a monomaniac upon this +point, and so bitter was her ire at thus being balked in her plans, so +keen her hatred of the innocent girl who had been the cause of it, that +she abandoned herself to the wildest schemes, casting all honor and +womanliness to the winds, and bending all her energies toward the +destruction of the happiness of the newly wedded couple. She resolved to +begin operations by making an ally of her friend, Mrs. Farnum. + +Fortunately she was at that moment in California, the former home of +Virgie, and could perhaps ascertain what mystery overshadowed her former +life that had made it necessary to conceal her true name. This would +perhaps give a clew how to proceed further, and, as we know, her letter +was written at once, and brought an immediate reply. Further +correspondence elicited information which only tended to strengthen Lady +Linton in her evil designs, and Mrs. Farnum was advised to proceed +directly to New York and take up her abode in the same hotel where Virgie +was located, where she could successfully aid and abet her superior in her +malicious operations. + +Thus we find Mrs. Farnum and her daughter not only in the same house, but +on the same floor with the young wife and her child, and only waiting for +a favorable opportunity to strike a fatal blow to her happiness. + +Virgie had of late experienced a good deal of anxiety regarding her +husband, for his letters, which at first had come with every steamer, had +suddenly ceased entirely. + +For a while this had only filled her with hope, for she had told herself +that doubtless he was coming for her; he might even be on the way to give +her a joyful surprise. But as time went on and not a word came from him, +she was haunted with a sickening dread. He might be ill, she reasoned; but +surely in that case he would send some message by another, or, if he could +not do that, some member of his family would certainly let her know. + +She wrote faithfully, notwithstanding, giving all details regarding +herself and their little one, never dreaming that her fond letters, having +first been devoured by evil, greedy eyes, were ruthlessly consigned to the +flames. + +Every day after the arrival of Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, one or both +of the ladies managed to come upon her whenever she walked in the +corridor, and soon they began to nod in a friendly manner when they passed +her; then a smile and a look of interest was added, until finally it came +to be the regular custom to bid her a pleasant good-morning. + +But Virgie was retiring by nature, and the acquaintance did not progress +rapidly enough to suit Mrs. Farnum, and she was meditating a bold move, +when one day Sadie came suddenly upon the nurse, who was promenading the +long hall, with her little charge in her arms. + +"Oh!" she cried, stopping before her, "I am sure this must be our little +neighbor who serenades us once in a while. I dote on babies. May I have a +look at the darling?" + +"I hope, miss, she doesn't disturb you," the nurse replied respectfully, +but looking greatly pleased to have the little one noticed. + +"No, indeed; the house is so frightfully still that it is real music to +hear its little voice once in a while. What a little beauty it is, to be +sure!" Miss Farnum returned, volubly, as she pulled away the lace frill +from the small face to get a better view of the young heiress of +Heathdale. + +"What is its name?" she asked, after contemplating her in silence for a +moment. + +"Virginia May Heath," the woman replied, thinking the young lady very +gracious. + +"Oh, how pretty! I suppose she will be called 'May.' She looks just like a +little May blossom." + +"No, miss; they call her Virgie. Madam would have preferred the other +name, but her husband wanted her called for his wife, of whom he is very +fond." + +Sadie Farnum's face clouded at this. + +"I presume that delicate lady whom I see occasionally walking here in the +corridor is La—is Mrs. Heath?" she said, more to make the nurse talk than +because she desired information on this point. + +"Yes, miss; the streets are so rough she does not care much for driving, +and she must have some exercise." + +Virgie herself appeared in the doorway of her parlor at this moment, and +smiled as she noticed the young lady admiring her baby. + +Miss Farnum colored slightly, then said boldly, with a light laugh: + +"Pray do not think me very bold, Mrs. Heath, but I have been seeking an +introduction to your little daughter. She is very lovely, and I am <i>so</i> +fond of babies." + +While she spoke her eyes had been fixed upon Virgie's face, and she +thought she had never looked upon any one more beautiful than this woman +who was her rival—for so she regarded her. + +She wore a delicate blue lawn, trimmed profusely with filmy white lace; +there was a dainty cap upon her head, while she had a few blush-roses +fastened in her belt. Every day she was growing stronger and better, and +her beauty seemed to increase in proportion. + +She bowed to Sadie, and smiled again as she remarked that it was rather +unusual for young ladies to be so fond of children of that tender age. + +"Then I am an exception to the rule, Mrs. Heath," Miss Farnum answered; +"but since I have made your daughter's acquaintance, allow me to introduce +myself to you also. I am Sadie Farnum, and mamma and I are your nearest +left-hand neighbors." + +"I am very glad to know you, Miss Farnum," Virgie returned, graciously, +and thinking her delightfully frank and pleasant. + +She was really very glad to meet her in a less formal way than usual, and +hoped they should be friends. + +She had been feeling rather lonely of late, besides being depressed on +account of her husband's long silence; she had no acquaintances, and saw +scarcely any one save the physician and her nurse. + +"I am afraid mamma will think I have committed a shocking breach of +etiquette," Sadie went on; "but we are strangers in the city, and I have +been longing to know you ever since our first meeting here in the +corridor. May I come in to see you occasionally, and this little darling?" + +She concluded with such a winning air, as she stooped and lightly kissed +the tiny pink face lying upon the nurse's arm, that Virgie's heart was +entirely won. + +"Yes, indeed, Miss Farnum; I should be delighted to have you. I am alone +most of the time, and it would be very pleasant to have some young +company." + +"Thank you. Then, if you do not object, I will waive all ceremony, and +come to see you in a friendly way. May I bring mamma, too, and introduce +her to you?" + +"I shall be very glad to meet Mrs. Farnum," Virgie responded, and then +instantly asked herself if she had spoken the exact truth, for she stood +somewhat in awe of that aristocratic and imposing looking woman, whose +curious, piercing glance, in spite of her assumption of friendliness, gave +her an unpleasant sensation. + +"Mamma, the ice is broken at last!" Sadie Farnum cried, rushing in upon +her mother, with a glowing face, after the above interview, and she +proceeded to give her a detailed account of her meeting with Virgie. + +"She is as lovely as a dream, mamma," she said, "and as sweet and gracious +as any lady need to be. If she were not Sir William Heath's wife I should +be ready to do homage at her shrine with all my heart." + +"Nonsense! Has she any education? Can she converse respectably?" demanded +Mrs. Farnum, with a frown at her daughter's enthusiasm. + +"She is a perfect lady, and her language is beyond criticism—she is fit +to be the wife of any peer." + +"Gracious! Sadie, how you annoy me!" ejaculated Mrs. Farnum, angrily. +"Just think of her antecedents." + +"Well, the girl is not to blame if her father was a scamp, and should not +be made to suffer for his sins," responded her daughter, who was not +naturally bad, and but for her mother's influence, would even now have +been won to a better disposition by Virgie's sweetness. + +"What rank folly you are talking!" retorted her mother. "No girl has a +right to marry a respectable man with such a stain on her name." + +"Perhaps she does not know anything about her father's crime." + +"Pshaw! She was fifteen years old when they had to flee from San +Francisco; she could not help knowing that something was wrong, and as she +grew older she could not fail to understand it. From the way you talk it +is evident that you yourself have fallen in love with the woman who has +cheated you out of your husband." + +"Perhaps I have, mamma," Sadie answered, with a spice of defiance and +wickedly taking pleasure in working her mother up to a certain pitch. "She +looked so pretty just now—she has the loveliest complexion, just clear +red and white, with such dark blue eyes that they seem almost black when +she is animated, and such pretty waving brown hair, while her features are +pure and delicate Her taste, too, is exquisite—her dress was just the +right shade to set off her clear skin; she had the daintiest little +matron's cap on her head—real thread, too—while a handful of blush-roses +in her belt made her look too lovely for anything." + +"Do hush, Sadie; you irritate me beyond endurance; one would think that +you were only too ready to renounce all your hopes to this plebeian who +has stolen your lover," and Mrs. Farnum turned upon her daughter as if +ready to shake her for her folly. + +"Mamma!" she cried, passionately, and bursting into tears, for she had +been working herself up as well, "when I am away from her I hate her for +having won him from me, and I am almost ready to do anything desperate; +but when I am with her she disarms me; there is something about the girl +that almost makes me love her. If you could have seen her this morning, +she looked so proud and happy when I praised the baby." + +"Sadie Farnum, I do believe you are becoming demented! Here is poor Lady +Linton almost heart-broken over her brother's <i>mesalliance</i>, his mother +lies at death's door on account of the excitement caused by it, while you, +who ought to be the most interested party of all, are about to turn +traitress and go over to the enemy just because of a foolish +sentimentality for this doll-faced girl. I declare, I have no patience +with you." + +"I think you have said enough, mamma," replied Miss Farnum, coldly, and +wiping away her tears, "but there may come a time when you will regret +your present attitude—when you will be sorry that you strove to inculcate +such a bitter spirit into the mind of your only daughter. Lady Linton for +some strange reason wanted us to come here and see for ourselves what this +girl is like; we have seen her. Let us go our way now and not revive old +hopes and ambitions, which, to say the least, are not pleasant to remember +under the circumstances. Yes, let us end this disagreeable business, and +leave Sir William Heath's wife alone." + +"I am not ready to leave New York yet, and we will stay where we are for +the present," responded Mrs. Farnum, flushing a deep red, for she had +never told her daughter of the plot which she was helping Lady Linton to +carry out, and she saw now that it would not be wise to do so, since Sadie +might flatly refuse to have anything to do with it, and in her present +state of mind, might do something to upset their well-laid schemes. + + + + +Chapter XIV. +The Plot Begins to Work. + + +The acquaintance between the Farnums and Virgie progressed rapidly after +the meeting between Sadie and the young wife. Mrs. Farnum was duly +introduced, and did not prove to be nearly so formidable a personage as +Virgie had imagined her to be; for although she was not drawn toward her +as she had been to her daughter, yet she was so gracious and exerted +herself to be so agreeable, that Virgie could but acknowledge to herself +that she was a very pleasant and entertaining person. + +Visits were exchanged almost every day between them; the baby was praised +and admired, and Virgie was petted and made much of, until her heart and +confidence were entirely won. + +They insisted upon her driving with them; "the fresh air would do her +good," Mrs. Farnum declared, "for she had noticed during the last week +that she was losing color;" and thus she made many excursions with the two +ladies, and visited many points of interest. They even proposed that they +should go into the country together, as it was getting so oppressively +warm in the city; but Virgie would not listen to this proposition, because +of her anxiety for letters, and the hope that Sir William might be coming +for her. + +Poor child! she was, indeed, losing color, and was almost heart-sick with +the terrible suspense, although she tried to be very brave and to conceal +her trouble from every eye. + +She wrote again and again to her husband, begging for one line, one word +even, pleading that he would let her come to him if he was ill and needed +her. She would gladly brave the dangers of the ocean alone, she told him, +if he would but give her his consent to do so. + +But still that terrible silence remained unbroken. + +She was almost tempted to set out alone in spite of everything, and +nothing but the fear of passing her husband on the way prevented her doing +so. + +She had learned that the Farnums were English, but upon discovering that +their home was a long distance from Heathdale—Mr. Farnum owned a large +estate in Bedford County—she reasoned that they could not know anything +of Sir William's family; and being extremely sensitive regarding his +recent apparent neglect of her, she did not once hint that she expected +her own future home would also be in England. + +Meantime Lady Linton's plans were ripening. Events were occurring at +Heathdale which she trusted would serve her purpose well; and now Mrs. +Farnum was only waiting for a favorable opportunity to commence aggressive +operations. + +The opportunity soon came. Sadie had been invited by some friends to spend +a week or two at Coney Island, and her mother, fearing if she should be +there to witness Virgie's grief when she began to work out her plot, that +she might do something to upset her plans, willingly gave her consent for +her to go. + +On the afternoon after her departure, Mrs. Farnum with a basket of fancy +work in hand, went to pay Virgie a little visit, saying she was lonely +without Sadie, and had come in for a cozy chat. + +The young wife had evidently been weeping, for her cheeks were flushed and +her eyes heavy, but she received her guest cordially, and exerted herself +to be entertaining. + +Mrs. Farnum appeared unconscious of anything unusual although she watched +the young wife keenly, and readily surmised what had caused her +unhappiness. + +She chatted socially for a while on various topics, but after a time laid +down her work, and taking up a book from a table near which she was +sitting, began carelessly turning over its pages. + +"Jean Ingelow," she remarked, with a smile. "Are you fond of her poetry, +Mrs. Heath?" + +"Yes," Virgie answered, "I think some of her poems are very sweet." + +Mrs. Farnum glanced absently at two or three, then turned to the fly leaf +of the book, while Virgie's eyes mechanically followed her movements. + +The name of William Heath was written there. + +Mrs. Farnum looked up surprised, then smiled. + +"Your husband's name is William?" she said, inquiringly + +"Yes," Virgie returned, with a slight flush, while a pang shot through her +heart at the sound of the dear name. + +"You must be very lonely to be separated from him for so long a time," +said the woman, in a sympathetic tone. + +"Indeed I am," said the young wife, with a long-drawn sigh which did not +escape her companion's notice, "but our separation is compulsory." + +"Ah, he was away at the time of our arrival, was he not?" + +"Yes, he was called to his home nearly three months ago by the illness of +his mother." + +Mrs. Farnum assumed a look of surprise. + +"And could not you accompany him?" she asked, as if she thought it very +strange that Virgie should not have done so. + +"No, my physician would not allow me to travel; the summons came only a +short time before the birth of my baby, and he said a sea voyage could not +be thought of for me, so my husband was obliged to go without me." + +"A sea voyage!" repeated Mrs. Farnum, with a start. + +"Yes. My husband's home is in England," Virgie answered, flushing vividly. + +A blank look came over Mrs. Farnum's face, then she assumed a grieved +expression. + +"In England! and you never told us that you were our countrywoman, Mrs. +Heath!" she said, reproachfully. + +"I am not. I am a native of California," Virgie explained with some +confusion; but I seldom speak of myself to strangers." + +"With good reason, my pert young woman!" mentally retorted Mrs, Farnum, +for her companion's last words had been rather coldly uttered. Then she +said aloud, in a pitying tone: + +"It must have been very trying for you to let your husband go on such a +journey without you?" + +"Yes, indeed, it was," Virgie replied, with lips that quivered painfully; +"but, of course, I could not keep him from his dying mother." + +"Was her condition so critical as that?" + +"Certainly, or my husband would not have consented to leave me. Mrs. Heath +was suddenly stricken with paralysis." + +Again Mrs. Farnum started, and bent a long, searching look upon her +companion—a look that made Virgie feel very uncomfortable and wonder what +it meant. + +"Is—is she still living?" the woman asked, still regarding Virgie +searchingly. + +"Yes—at least, she was the last I heard; but her condition was still +considered so critical that she could not bear the least excitement." + +"Then it is some time since you have heard from her?" remarked Mrs. +Farnum, pointedly. + +Virgie bridled a trifle at being so closely questioned. She thought her +guest was trespassing beyond the bounds of good breeding. But, after a +moment, feeling as if she must share her burden with some one, she said, +in an unsteady voice: + +"No, I have not, and—I am afraid that my husband's letters have +miscarried, and the suspense has been very trying." + +"Ahem! Mrs. Heath, there is something very strange—very inexplicable +about what you have told me," Mrs. Farnum said, in a grave tone. + +Virgie looked up, astonished both at the words and tone. + +"I do not understand you," she returned. + +"You know, of course, that we are English people," began her companion. + +"Yes. Miss Sadie mentioned the fact to me during the first of our +acquaintance." + +"Did she ever tell you that we know people in England by the name of +Heath?" + +"No. Do you?" Virgie cried, eagerly, her face lighting as she thought +perhaps she might learn something regarding her long silent husband. + +"Yes, and they are a very fine family. They belong in Hampshire, and I may +as well tell you that they are a very proud and aristocratic family, +laying great stress upon their unimpeachable honor and untarnished name." + +Virgie flushed a painful crimson at this, which her companion noticed +with a thrill of exultation, and then resumed: + +"The oldest daughter, who married a peer of the realm, has been my most +intimate friend for many years. Sir William, also——" + +"Sir William!" Virgie interrupted, catching her breath, face growing +radiant. + +"Yes, that's the name of the son and heir. I was about to remark that he +is a baronet and that it is a singular coincidence that he should also +have been here in America while his mother was stricken with paralysis. It +is strange, too, that his first name should be the same as your husband's; +but——" + +"Oh, Mrs. Farnum," cried Virgie, leaning forward and seizing the woman's +hands in a transport of joy, as she believed she was about to hear some +definite news regarding her loved one, "Sir William Heath is my +husband—can you tell me anything about him? I have not heard a word from +him for more than a month, and I am nearly distracted from anxiety and +suspense." + +Mrs. Farnum drew back in well-feigned astonishment. + +"Child! are you mad? Sir William Heath your husband? It is simply +impossible." + +Virgie straightened herself, and yet it seemed as if somebody had suddenly +struck her a cruel blow upon her naked heart. + +Mrs. Farnum had just told her that for years she had been the most +intimate friend of Lady Linton and yet to all appearances she had been +literally astounded to learn that Sir William was married. + +Could it be possible that her husband had never acknowledged her as his +wife to his family? + +The thought almost paralyzed her for a moment; then she put it indignantly +away from her. + +No, he had written letter after letter to his mother and sister—at least +he had spoken of so doing, though she had never read them—telling of +their marriage, and speaking of their return to Heathdale. Of course his +friends must have been apprised of all that had occurred during his +absence; still it was very strange that the "most intimate acquaintance of +Lady Linton" had not been made acquainted with the fact. + +All at once, however, she brightened. Mrs. Farnum had been traveling in +America also, for how long she did not know, and perhaps that accounted +for it. If she did not correspond with Lady Linton she had no means of +knowing of the baronet's marriage. + +She even smiled to think how foolish she had been to allow such thoughts +to have even for a moment a place in her mind, as she looked up and said: + +"No, indeed, Mrs. Farnum, I am not mad, and it is not impossible that I am +Sir William Heath's wife. We were married last September, and after the +death of my father, who was very ill at the time, we traveled for several +months and then came to New York, intending to sail for England the last +of May, but were forbidden to do so by my physician, as I have already +told you." + +"Still I say it is impossible. The Sir William Heath whom I mean is the +master of a large estate called Heathdale in Hampshire County, England," +reiterated Mrs. Farnum, decisively. + +"And my husband is the master of Heathdale, in Hampshire County, England," +Virgie said, a trifle proudly. + +She resented the woman's incredulity, while she could not forget what she +had said about the "unimpeachable honor and untarnished name" of the +family. It had stung her keenly, though she did not suspect that it had +been an intentional slur upon the shadow resting on her own. + +Mrs. Farnum's only reply was a look of increased astonishment, mingled +with something of horror. + +A crimson flush dyed Virgie's face. + +"May I ask, Mrs. Farnum, how long you have been in America?" she said. + +"We sailed from Liverpool the sixth of May." + +Virgie's heart sank a trifle. + +"And had you seen your friend, Lady Linton, within a few months previous +to that time?" + +"Lady Linton came to London only three weeks before, to make me a farewell +visit. She was with me ten days." + +The young wife grew pale. + +"And did she not mention the fact of her brother's marriage?" she inquired +in a faint voice. + +"No such event in connection with him has ever been announced," returned +the woman, ruthlessly. "His friends know nothing of it. Sir William Heath +is believed by his friends to be a single man. More than this——" + +Virgie stopped her with a gesture, but she was as white as new fallen snow +as she arose, and going to her writing-desk, brought a letter, which she +laid upon Mrs. Farnum's lap. + +"There is his last letter to me," she said, but her lips were almost rigid +as she spoke. "It will prove my statements." + +Mrs. Farnum took it, and examined the envelope. It was directed to "Mrs. +William Heath,——Hotel, New York City, U.S.A." It was post-marked at +Heathdale. The handwriting was familiar, and she knew well enough that +Sir William Heath had penned it. + +"Mrs. William Heath!" she said, reading the name aloud. "He does not +address you as Lady Heath, which is your proper title if you are his +wife." + +"Oh!" cried Virgie, with a shiver of pain, for those last words, implying +a doubt of her position, hurt her like a knife. "Neither of us cared to be +conspicuous while we were traveling, so my husband dropped his title," she +explained. + +"Ahem! that was a very strange proceeding. But does—does he say anything +about coming for you, in this letter?" inquired her companion, who was +burning with curiosity to know what it contained. + +"You may read it if you like, Mrs. Farnum. I see that you are still in +doubt about my being what I represent myself," Virgie returned, with some +hauteur. + +Mrs. Farnum flushed at this. + +"You must excuse me, my dear," she said, with hypocritical blandness, +"but—but—it is simply unaccountable to me, knowing what I do about the +family and their future plans for Sir William. I'm afraid——" + +She did not finish what she was going to say, but coolly drew the letter +from the envelope, unfolded, and began to read it, never once stopping to +consider how she was outraging the delicacy and affection of the young +wife by this act, notwithstanding that she had received permission to do +so—She could not doubt, as she read, that the young baronet's heart had +all been given to this fair, beautiful woman, for though written in his +own dignified way, the letter was full of devotion and loyalty to her. And +yet not once in all those eight pages had he called her by the sacred name +of "wife." There were all manner of pet names and expressions of +endearment, but not a single time was written that word which would have +proved so much. + +The arch plotter as she read, was quick to observe this omission, and she +gloated over it; it would materially help to further her designs in the +future she thought, if this letter was a sample of all others which he had +written her. She would have given a great deal to be able to have that +pretty writing-desk at her command for an hour or two. + +Her face took on a sterner and graver look than she had ever yet worn as +she read on, and when at length she finished the epistle, she appeared the +horrified prude to perfection. + + + + +Chapter XV. +The Lawful Wife. + + +"Have you a picture of your—of Sir William, madam?" Mrs. Farnum inquired, +as she folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. + +Virgie arose without a word, and taking a velvet album from the table, +opened it to certain picture and laid it before her companion. + +Mrs. Farnum uttered a cry of despair as her glance fell upon the handsome, +upturned face. + +"Yes, that is a picture of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale; there can be +no mistake," she confessed, with a perfectly rigid face. "But, Mrs.—oh, +madam—I am simply stunned!" + +"What <i>do</i> you mean?" Virgie demanded, standing straight and tall before +her, and meeting her eyes with a blazing look which warned Mrs. Farnum to +be careful how she dealt with that spirit. + +"Pray, be calm, my child," she returned, with a pitiful accent. "Sit down +beside me here, and I will explain why I am so disturbed. Good heavens! we +have always supposed that Sir William was a man of unblemished honor." + +"Madam, be careful how you speak of my husband!" Virgie interrupted, +haughtily, yet with a note of agony in her voice. "Sir William is an +honorable man, and I will not allow you to say one word against him in my +presence." + +"Poor child! poor child! I fear you have been terribly deceived. How can +I ever tell you!" murmured Mrs. Farnum, in a shuddering voice, and with +every appearance of distress. + +"You <i>shall</i> tell me instantly. I will not stand here and listen to such +paralyzing insinuations. <i>If</i> you have any thing to tell me, say it at +once, and do not keep me in this maddening suspense!" Virgie commanded +grasping the woman by the wrist, and transfixing her with her blazing +eyes. + +If Sir William Heath could have seen her at that moment he would have been +very proud of her, for she had never been so beautiful, although a +terrible agony was stamped upon her white, imperious face. + +"I can only repeat what I have already said. It is impossible. You will +never be mistress of Heathdale!" reiterated Mrs. Farnum, in an inflexible +voice, as she disengaged her wrist from Virgie's grasp, which had left the +imprint of every finger upon it. + +"Go on!" commanded the young wife, authoritatively "You have simply made a +statement. You must confirm it." + +"Because," proceeded the relentless woman, "in the first place, if you are +his wife, he would long before this have acknowledged you as such to his +friends." + +"He has done so, I tell you. He wrote immediately after our marriage, +announcing it." + +"Did you see him <i>post</i> his letter?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, quietly, but in +a tone that keenly stung the sensitive girl before her. + +"No," she replied, a hot flush mounting to her brow; "but I know he did. +He is too honorable to dissemble." + +"Did you ever see any reply to his communication in which his friends +recognized the fact of your marriage?" + +"No. I—I never questioned him," Virgie answered, with white lips. "My +father was very ill, dying, at that time, and I scarcely thought of +anything else." + +"But of course you have your marriage certificate. That would prove +everything," observed Mrs. Farnum, insinuatingly, although she well knew +that she had not. + +"My husband has it." + +"Ah!" and a pitiful smile wreathed the woman's lips as she uttered this +interpection with significant emphasis. + +"Madam, can you not see that you are driving me mad?" cried Virgie, in an +agonized voice. "You have heard something; you are concealing something +from me. For mercy's sake, make an end of this suspense!" + +"Answer me one question more. Were there witnesses at your marriage?" + +"Yes, four." + +"Four! Who were they?" + +Mrs. Farnum asked this question in a somewhat disappointed tone, for if +the young wife could bring four witnesses to prove her marriage, Lady +Linton might well tremble for the success of her plots, though Nevada was +a long distance from England, and there might be some difficulty in +producing them. + +"My father"—a sob checked Virgie's utterance as she mentioned him, and +realized how forlorn her condition would be if the horrible suspicions +which were being sown in her mind should prove true—"the clergyman who +performed the ceremony, a woman who lived near us, and our own servant." + +"Then, since you have no tangible proof in your own hands that you are Sir +William Heath's lawful wife, I advise you to communicate with those +witnesses without delay, since their testimony alone will serve to +establish your rights and—those of your child," Mrs. Farnum said, with a +solemnity that struck a fearful chill to Virgie's heart. + +"My child!" + +It was a startled, anguished cry, and all the mother-love and anxiety was +instantly aroused for her little one. + +Was it possible that anything was threatening the honor and future +happiness of her child, who, next to its father, was at once her pride and +idol? + +"Oh!" she cried, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, "why will +you talk so in riddles? If you have anything to tell me, in pity speak out +before I lose my reason!" + +"Wait one moment, and I will bring you a letter which I have recently +received, and when I have read it to you, you will understand why I have +been so skeptical regarding what you have told me, and why I have +questioned you so closely." + +With these words, Mrs. Farnum arose and left the room, while Virgie, +almost stunned by the fearful suspicions which had been so artfully thrust +upon her, and feeling almost as if a knife had been driven through her +heart, sank nerveless and trembling into a chair to await her return. + +The relentless woman was not gone long. The ice was thoroughly broken at +last, and she meant to make quick work of her task now. Lady Linton had +written to her that her brother was becoming very impatient at being +detained so long from his wife; he was nearly ill from anxiety because he +did not hear from her, and she feared he would soon brave everything and +go to her; so whatever was done to separate them eventually, must be +quickly done. + +She soon returned, holding in her hand a letter, and a lurid light burned +in her eyes as she glanced at the stricken wife saw how well her blows had +told. + +"This letter," she began, seating herself, and drawing some closely +written pages from their perfumed envelope, "is from Lady Linton, my +intimate friend, and Sir William Heath's sister, and you will perceive, as +I read, that my authority for what I have told you is indisputable. +Perhaps, however, you would prefer to read it yourself," she concluded, +holding it out to her. + +But Virgie made a gesture of dissent. She felt that she had not strength +even to hold those thin sheets of paper in her trembling hands. + +"Very well; then, I will read it to you; but, my young friend, you must be +prepared for some startling news." + +Virgie opened her lips as if to speak, but the words died on them, and +Mrs. Farnum began: + +"My Dear Myra:—You will be glad to learn that mamma is really +better—not, of course, as far on the road to convalescence as we could +desire, but comfortable enough to have had the wedding take place as +appointed It would have been too bad if it had to be postponed; so +unlucky, you know. We thought once that we should have to put it off +indefinitely; but, as mamma could not bear the thought, and Sir Herbert +consenting, provided there should be no excitement, we decided not to +disarrange the long-talked-of plans. Will and Margie both behaved +beautifully, and declared they would cheerfully defer everything if mamma +was likely to suffer from it; but it was very evident that their happiness +was greatly augmented when told that it would not be necessary. The +wedding occurred on the 28th, in the Heath chapel. It was, of course, very +quiet and unassuming, though the bride was lovely in her robe of white +satin, exquisitely decorated with Chantilly lace, and wreath of heath, +which it has always been the custom for the brides of the house to wear. +William looked as noble as ever, and our good old rector made the service +very impressive not forgetting to mention in his prayer, most touchingly, +her who lay ill at home and could not grace with her presence the glad +occasion. There was a very quiet breakfast afterward at Mrs. Stanhope's, +after which Will and Margie came over for mamma's congratulations and +blessing. + +"They are not going on a journey just now. They will visit London for a +few days, and then return here and remain at home for the present. Will +seems almost like a boy in his happiness, while Margie is sweeter and +prettier than ever. Of course we are all delighted, for we have always +been so pleased at the prospect of the match, though I was afraid for a +little while that something might happen. I feared there had been some +nonsense when William was in America for I came across the photograph of +the loveliest face I ever saw, one day, while looking over and arranging +his wardrobe after his return. But the old saying proves true—'All's well +that ends well,' and I trust there is a brilliant future for the master of +Heathdale." + +There was more pertaining to family matters, which Mrs. Farnum thought +best to omit after stealing a look at Virgie. + +Her face was frightful to behold, and for a moment the woman was +positively alarmed at the result of her work. + +She sat like a statue, scarce seeming to breathe; there was not the +slightest color in her face or lips, and the expression of agony about her +mouth reveiled something of the fearful suffering she was enduring, while +there was a look in her eyes which her companion never forgot. + +She did not move for several minutes after Mrs. Farnum ceased reading; it +was as if she had suddenly been turned to stone, and was oblivious of +everything. + +Mrs. Farnum was awed by her appearance, and hardly dared to speak to her, +lest, in breaking the spell, the girl should drop dead at her feet. + +But all at once Virgie started; some thought seemed to have come to +her—something that made her doubt that the dreadful tidings to which she +had listened were true. + +The letter had spoken of "Will" and "William," to be sure, and she had +every reason to suppose that it had referred to the man whom she had +believed to be her husband—still there might be a mistake. She grasped at +the straw with the eagerness of a drowning man. + +"Of whom is Lady Linton speaking in her letter, as having been—married?" +she demanded, in a hollow voice, and fixing her burning eyes upon her +companion's face. + +"Why, of William Heath, of course," returned Mrs. Farnum, greatly relieved +to hear her speak once more, "and I have known him all my life. I used to +visit at Heathdale a great deal before Lady Linton's marriage, and he was +always a favorite of mine. He was a bright, manly fellow, and his friends +have planned great things for him. I—I can hardly credit what you have +told me to-day. I did not dream he could do anything so wrong; but +doubtless he will settle down now, and I shall expect to see him a member +of Parliament; he has everything in his favor." + +"Who is—Margie?" Virgie asked, in the same tone as before, though she had +shivered at the last words of Mrs. Farnum; they were bitterly cruel. + +"Why, Margaret Stanhope—one of the loveliest girls in Hampshire County. +She and Will have been engaged for years. You remember that Lady Linton +spoke of their always having been 'pleased with the prospect of the +match.'" + +"Oh!" gasped Virgie, clasping her hands over her aching heart, and for a +moment everything seemed to fade from her vision, and a great darkness to +envelop her. + +Mrs. Farnum thought she was going to faint; but the weakness passed, and +then she arose in all the majesty of her terrible agony and righteous +indignation. + +"Madam," she began, standing straight and proud before the astonished +woman, "If what you have told me is true; if Sir William Heath has been +engaged to Margaret Stanhope for years; if he has pretended to marry her +since his return to England, then the greatest wrong that ever was +perpetrated has been done, and he has made a dupe of her and—broken my +heart. As sure as there is a just God, I am Sir William Heath's lawful +wife, and He will vindicate me. My child is his daughter, and the heiress +of Heathdale, and Margaret Stanhope has been shamefully betrayed. I shall +never allow such a crime to prevail. I shall sail for Liverpool on the +very next steamer, to expose this villainy and to assert my legal rights +and my daughter's claim to her position as a Heath of Heathdale. She, at +least, shall not suffer dishonor, if the lives of two women have been +ruined by the villainy of one man. Did he suppose, because England is +three thousand miles from America, that he could perpetrate this wrong +with impunity? I tell you it shall never be! I will face him in the home +of his <i>unimpeachable ancestors,</i> and see if he dares to repudiate his +lawful wife!" + + + + +Chapter XVI. +"My Child Is the Heiress of Heathdale!" + + +Mrs. Farnum looked frightened at Virgie's startling threat, and she +realized at once that she had underrated the character of the woman with +whom she had to deal. + +She saw that she was capable of great decision and prompt action; that +beneath her gracious sweetness, and gentle, winning manner, there lay a +reserve force and strength upon which she had not reckoned, and which +would have to be overcome—if overcome at all—by strategy and deception. + +It would never do for the young wife to set out for England, at least if +there was any power to prevent it, for it would destroy all their +carefully laid plans, and their hopes for the future. + +It had never occurred to Mrs, Farnum that she would contemplate such a +proceeding. + +She knew that she was a stranger and absolutely friendless in the city; +there would be no one on whom she could rely to fight her battles. She had +imagined her to be weak and yielding, and that she would sink helplessly +beneath the terrible blows that she had dealt her, that all life and +spirit would be crushed out of her, and she would be only too willing to +fly from every one whom she knew, and hide herself and her child, with +their supposed shame, in some remote corner of the earth, and that would +be the last of them. + +Then when Sir William should search for her, as of course she knew he +would do, and fail to find her, he could easily be made to believe that +she had been untrue, and fled from him; a divorce could be readily +obtained to set him free, and thus Sadie, if she played her cards aright, +might yet become the mistress of Heathdale. + +But the injured wife's project of going to face her recreant husband, and +demanding to be acknowledged as the lawful mistress of Heathdale, must be +defeated at any cost, and the wily woman immediately set about +accomplishing her object. + +"Ah, my poor child!" she began, assuming a sympathetic tone, "one cannot +blame you for just indignation at having been so deeply wronged. I never +would have believed Sir William capable of such dishonor. But surely you +will never think of subjecting yourself to an ordeal so terrible as that +you have just proposed." + +"Why should I not? Why should I shrink from anything that will right this +wrong? Nothing can hurt me more than I have been hurt to-day," Virgie +answered, spiritedly, yet with inconceivable bitterness. + +"But think of Sir William's family. They are exceedingly sensitive and +proud spirited, and they would never tolerate your claim for an instant; +no shadow of dishonor has ever touched them in any way, and they would not +endure the scandal." + +"Think of Sir William's family! Why should I consider them? Madam, it is +myself of whom I have to think—myself and my innocent little one; and do +you suppose I will tolerate the indignity which has been offered me? Is +not my good name and that of my child as much at stake, and of as much +value as the name of Heath?" Virgie cried, her proud spirit blazing forth +in righteous indignation. + +"But Sir William is a peer of the realm." + +"A peer!" + +Mrs. Farnum actually cringed beneath the scorn that rang out in the young +wife's tone as she repeated these words: + +"And are peers of the realm exempt from all dishonor when they violate +every law, both human and divine?" she continued, with stinging sarcasm. +"Does the code of your nobility provide that young and innocent girls, who +are basely betrayed, shall sit tamely down and meekly bear their injuries, +so that your peers of the realm can go unscathed? If so, thank heaven that +your laws do not prevail in this country. You are yourself a mother—you +are proud of your beautiful daughter; but think you if she stood in my +place you would advise her to consider the feelings of Sir William's +family, to ignore her rights, and shut her eyes to her own injuries, lest +she cast a shadow of dishonor upon their proud escutcheon? And do you +think that I am less of a woman than she—that I am devoid of fine +sensibilities, of pride and self-respect?" + +Mrs. Farnum had winced as under a lash during all this spirited speech. +Its scorn and sarcasm stung her keenly, and made her very angry. She +longed to revenge herself upon the proud girl who had presumed to rank +herself along with her daughter, by proclaiming the secret regarding her +life, which she had so cunningly learned in San Francisco. + +But she feared to arouse her further. She realized that she must seek to +conciliate her, and try to persuade her not to take the mad journey to +England which she seemed so bent upon. + +"Oh, no, my poor child," she began, soothingly; "you do not realize what +you are saying. Of course, I know it is all very wrong to deceive a girl +in any such way, be she high or low, rich or poor. But just consider how +you are situated. You say that your hus—that Sir William has your +marriage certificate, and you have nothing to prove your statements with, +even if you should present yourself at Heathdale. How do you suppose you +would be received there if you should burst in upon them claiming to be +Sir William's wife and the mistress of Heathdale if you could not +substantiate your statements? My dear, it would be the blindest folly." + +"But I have his letters!" cried Virgie, eagerly. + +"True, you have his letters, and no doubt his handwriting would be +instantly recognized by his family, But they could not prove your +position, especially if they are all written after the style of the one +which you allowed me to read this afternoon, for in all those pages not +once does he speak of you as his wife. You must have something more +tangible and conclusive than those," Mrs. Farnum asserted, confidently. + +All the light died out of Virgie's face as she began to see that there +were terrible difficulties in the way of proving that she was a lawfully +wedded wife. + +"I have my ring," she said, weakly, and holding up the white, delicate +hand on which the heavy circlet gleamed, guarded by a brilliant diamond, +but which trembled like a reed shaken by the wind. + +"Is it marked with the date of your marriage?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, an +anxious gleam in her eye as it rested upon that symbol of wifehood. + +"N-o; it was thoughtlessly neglected at the time, because there were so +many other things to be attended to, and—and I could not bear to have it +taken off to rectify the oversight, after it was once put upon my hand," +Virgie confessed, growing white again even to her lips. + +"That was unwise, not to say foolish of you," said Mrs. Farnum, +deprecatingly, but with a throb of exultation. + +"But," added Virgie, after thinking a moment, "he brought me here as his +wife. The proprietor of this hotel will tell you so. Dr. Knox, my +physician, will tell you so also, as I was introduced to him by my husband +as Mrs. Heath; and there are other people in the house who know it." + +Mrs. Farnum smiled pitifully. + +"My dear," she said, gravely, "how many of these people do you think would +be willing to swear that you are Sir William Heath's wife, if you should +ask them to do so? How many would put their names to a paper certifying +their honest conviction that you are, if told the title and position he +occupies in his own country and <i>your history</i> in this?" + +Virgie started at these words, and would have asked the woman what she +knew of her history, but she went on as if she had not remarked her +emotion: + +"If Sir William had brought you here as <i>Lady Heath,</i> registered himself +in his own proper character, and taken you into society thus, there would +have been no room for doubt. But instead, what <i>has</i> he done? It is very +strange that your own suspicions have not been aroused by his actions. He +has registered everywhere as plain 'William Heath and lady.' Instead of +going to the public table, as most of the guests are in the habit of +doing, he has paid extra rates to have your meals served in your own +rooms, and kept you secluded from almost every one. What construction do +you suppose would be put upon these facts, if they were submitted to +people generally, if——" + +"But, Mrs. Farnum, all this was done out of regard for my feelings. I told +you that we did not wish to be conspicuous while traveling, so my husband +dropped his title. I could not go into society here, and I did not like +to go to the public table where I should be—obliged to meet so many +strangers," Virgie interrupted, a hot flush rising to her brow, while +there was a weary, hunted look, in her eyes as the cunning woman continued +to weave her tangled web about her. + +"Of course, <i>I</i> can understand all that," replied Mrs. Farnum, +indulgently, "but how would it appear as evidence if brought up in +connection with your efforts to prove yourself a lawful wife?" + +Virgie's heart sank. + +Turned which way she would, everything, as argued and distorted by her +companion, appeared against her, and for a moment it seemed as if her +spirit was crushed within her. + +But at that instant a little cry from the adjoining room fell upon her +ears, and immediately all her natural pride and energy returned to her +aid. + +She straightened herself and lifted her head proudly a look of firm +resolve settling upon her face and gleaming in her eyes. + +"There are proofs," she said, in a low, firm tone, "even though I have not +my marriage certificate and though some people may doubt the truth of what +I assert, and—I will yet have them. My father, who would have been my +strongest helper, is dead, but there are three other witnesses living who +can swear that I am a lawful wife. There must be records also, and, madam, +I will move heaven and earth to establish my rightful position in life." + +Mrs. Farnum trembled before this indomitable resolution. + +"And would you be willing to occupy it, even if you could establish it?" +she asked, with a covert sneer, "would you force yourself into a position +which, appearances go to prove, was never intended to be given to you? +Would you force yourself upon a man who had subjected you to the indignity +of repudiating you as a wife and put another in your place?" + +Virgie's head reeled beneath the force of these cruel questions, and she +swayed dizzily, as if about to fall, for a moment. + +Then again with a mighty effort she recovered herself. + +"No," she cried, her beautiful lips curling with, scorn, every pulse in +her body throbbing with contempt "the chosen mistress of Heathdale may +keep her position after I have proven my right to it, if she prizes it +enough to pay the price of her own dishonor; but my child is also the +lawful child of Sir William Heath—she is the heiress to all his +possessions and she shall yet occupy the place in the world that +rightfully belongs to her, no matter who else may stand in her path. It +may take time to accomplish all this, but, mark me, Mrs. Farnum, and tell +your 'proud, unimpeachable family' at Heathdale so, if you choose, it +shall be accomplished." + +"Then of course you will not be able to sail immediately for England as +you at first proposed to do," returned Mrs. Farnum, her heart leaping with +joy as Virgie's words told her that she had changed her mind regarding her +first threat. + +"No, I can see, now I come to consider the matter, that it would be folly +for me to attempt to gain my rights without being armed with positive +proof of what I assert. It exists, however, though it will necessitate +much trouble and expense to secure it. Three months hence, however, I +shall hope to have it in my hands, then, let your 'peer of the realm' and +his 'honored family' take warning, for a righteous judgment will surely +overtake them for the wrong which I suffer to-day. Now go—leave me if you +please; you may have meant well in telling me what you have, but, oh! you +have ruined my life and all my hopes," Virgie concluded, with a moan and +gesture full of despair. + +Her strength was failing her; the bitterness of death was upon her and she +longed to be alone, for she could not endure that any one should witness +her cruel humiliation. + +Her last words had galled Mrs. Farnum almost beyond endurance; no doubt +because she realized that there was so much truth in them, while her +threat regarding a righteous judgment overtaking the family at Heathdale +caused her heart to sink with a sudden dread of disgraceful punishment for +herself if ever her complicity in this foul plot should be discovered. + +She arose, cold and stern. + +"<i>I</i> ruin your life, indeed!" she answered, haughtily. "I think you have +no one to thank for that but yourself, for having lent a too willing ear +to the flattering tongue of a strange young man." + +She swept from the room with a firm step and uplifted head, while Virgie +sank prostrate upon the floor, feeling as if her heart had been ruthlessly +trampled upon and all the life and hope crushed out of it. + + + + +Chapter XVII. +The Last Drop in a Bitter Cup. + + +"The girl has more spirit than I gave her credit for," Mrs. Farnum +muttered to herself, as she entered her own rooms after leaving Virgie. +"If she persists in her purpose of securing proofs and going to Heathdale +to claim her position, of course it will upset everything. However, she +will not be able to do that at present; she must first take a long +journey, and meantime Miriam will, no doubt, think of some way to prevent +a <i>denouement</i>. Doubtless the girl will write once more and charge Sir +William with his perfidy—she is not one to bear tamely such a wrong; but +Miriam will be on the watch, and if the little upstart gets no reply, her +pride will probably assert itself, and we shall have no more trouble with +her, for a while at least. Meantime Sir William may be prevailed upon to +get a divorce, and then the way will be clear once more for Sadie. + +"How fortunate," she added, going on with her soliloquy, "that Will Heath +and Margie were married just at this time!—she swallowed that story +whole. Well, I must confess it was calculated to stagger any one, though I +was almost afraid she had heard something before about the facts; but it +seems she had not." + + * * * * * + +The truth regarding the news that Mrs. Farnum had received from Lady +Linton, and which the latter had so cunningly utilized to further her +scheme to separate her brother and his wife, was this: + +Sir William Heath had a cousin who bore the same name as himself, though +without the title, of course. + +He was three years older than the young baronet, and had been named for +his uncle, with the hope that he would be received as the heir in case no +son was born to the elder Sir William. But this was not to be. + +From childhood the boy had been attached to his little, neighbor and +playmate, Margaret Stanhope, and they had been engaged for years, as Mrs. +Farnum told Virgie. + +But being the son of a younger son, he had had to struggle somewhat for +his education and position in life, and it was only a few months previous +to Sir William's return from America that he had succeeded in securing a +situation as private secretary to a nobleman, and thus felt that at last +he had a right to marry the sweet girl whom he had so long and so fondly +loved, and make a home for himself. + +The marriage had been set for the 28th of June, but Lady Heath's sudden +and alarming illness, it was feared, would necessitate a postponement. But +when she began to improve, and the question being submitted to her, she, +having a great fondness for both her nephew and his betrothed, had +insisted that the marriage should proceed. It accordingly took place in +the chapel at Heathdale, Sir William himself giving away the bride, as her +father was not living. So it will readily be seen that there was a +semblance of truth in nearly all that Lady Linton had written to Mrs. +Farnurn. + +She had not been quite sure that she would succeed in this part of her +scheme, for it might be that Sir William had mentioned the fact of his +having a cousin by the same name; so she had written her letter in a way +to do no harm in case it did not help her plan. If Virgie did <i>not</i> know, +however, she would readily take it for granted that it was her husband who +had been married on the 28th, while the fact that a long engagement had +existed would seem to prove that he had wilfully deceived her from the +first, and tend to make her believe that her own marriage had been simply +a farce. + +Knowing that the certificate was in Sir William's possession, that Mr. +Abbot was dead, and surmising, from their signatures, that two of the +witnesses at least were very ignorant, she hoped, even if Virgie should +have sufficient spirit to assert herself that it would be very difficult +for her to collect proofs of a legal marriage. She knew that she could +bring plenty of evidence to prove the fact that they had lived and +traveled together for several months under the name of Mr. and Mrs. Heath, +but she did not believe that that would count for very much; it would not +be the first time that such a thing had occurred—young men would sow wild +oats occasionally, and though it might wound her pride terribly to have +any scandal arise regarding the matter, yet she could bear that with a far +better grace than to have an ignorant plebeian from the wilds of America +become the mistress of Heathdale. + +Her aim was to estrange and keep the couple separated long enough to +secure a divorce and compromise Sir William with Sadie Farnum, and then +she would be ready to snap her fingers at all danger for the future. + +Mrs. Farnum wrote immediately to Lady Linton, giving her a full account of +her interview with her despised sister-in-law, while Virgie, as soon as +she could recover sufficient strength and composure to make the effort, +also wrote a long letter to Sir William. + +She told him everything, just as if she had not written to him before—how +his letters had suddenly ceased, and how she had waited and hoped to hear +from him until she had grown weary and heart-sick from his long silence. + +She told of her meeting with the Farnums, and of the wretched story she +had just learned from the elder lady. She begged him for but one word of +contradiction, and she would believe in him and wait patiently for his own +time for coming to her. But if the terrible tale was true—if he had +deceived her from the first, and had cheated her and her father into +believing that he was making her really his wife, when it had been only a +farce, to tell her plainly, and she would never trouble him again. + +When the letter was finished she went out and posted it herself, to insure +its going by the first steamer, and then she tried to school herself to +wait patiently for a reply. + +But in a day or two she became conscious of a change in the inmates of the +house toward her. Ladies whom she knew met and passed her with a cold nod, +and a bold stare, which brought a scarlet flush to her cheeks. Some, +indeed, did not deign to recognize her at all. The servants were less +attentive, almost rude, the clerk and proprietor distant and reserved. + +Too well she understood what it all meant, and there was but one way to +account for the sudden change in the atmosphere which surrounded her. + +Mrs. Farnum, the only one in the house who could possibly know anything +regarding her history, must have given some hint of her apparently +questionable position. + +But there was no redress, for she would not humiliate herself enough to +ask an explanation; so she could only submit in silence, and bear it with +what fortitude she could summon to her aid, while she was waiting to hear +from her husband. + +But she endured agonies during the time, and the days dragged, oh, so +heavily by. + +She remained closely in her own rooms, seeing no one save the servants and +her own nurse, and devoting herself to the care of her little one. + +At last the day that she had set for a letter to come arrived, and she +grew feverish, almost hysterical while waiting for the mail to be +delivered. + +She heard the clerk going his rounds; he stopped at Mrs. Farnum's door to +leave something, and then came on toward her door. Her heart stood still +as he approached. He passed by—there was nothing for her, and her heart +was almost broken. + +She sent the nurse down to the office to ask if there was not some +mistake—if Mrs. Heath's mail had not been overlooked. + +"No, there are no letters for <i>Mrs. Heath</i>," the man answered, with a +peculiar emphasis on the name, and an insolent laugh, that made the woman +very angry. + +When she related the circumstance to Virgie, she threw up her arms, with a +gesture of despair, and cried out: + +"Oh! what shall I do?" + +She appeared stunned, crushed, and the kind-hearted creature who served +her, and who, of course, had known that something was wrong, was extremely +anxious about her. + +She begged that she might be allowed to send for Dr. Knox; but Virgie +refused, with a shudder. She could not bear the thought of the good +physician learning the story of her desertion and shame, for such, she +began to feel, must be the true construction to be put upon Sir William's +long absence and silence. + +A little later there came a tap upon her door. She sent the nurse to +answer it, and heard some one say: + +"Mrs. Farnum's compliments, and she would like Mrs. Heath to read these, +and then return them to her." + +The nurse shut the door, and then came to Virgie, with a letter and paper +in her hand. + +For an instant she thought it might be a letter for her, and she seized it +with an eager cry. + +But no; it was addressed to Mrs. Farnum, though it bore the Heathdale +postmark, and was in the handwriting of Lady Linton. + +Virgie grew deathly white, and clutched at her throat, for it seemed as if +she were suffocating. + +Then she mastered her emotion, and crept away to her chamber to read the +letter, for she felt that it contained some fatal news, and she wished no +one to witness her suffering as she read it. + +With it convulsively clasped in her hands, she fell upon her knees and +sobbed: + +"Oh, Heaven, spare me deeper sorrow! oh, do not confirm my shame!" + +It was some time before she could compose herself enough to read that +fatal missive, but at length she unfolded it and began to peruse it. + + * * * * * + +"Dear Myra," the letter began, "you may be surprised by the contents of +this, but I cannot bring myself to address that person by the name which +she claims, and so feel compelled to ask you to oblige me by giving her a +message, or, perhaps what would be better, allow her to read this letter +for herself. My brother is away from home just now, and, as my custom is +in his absence, I open all letters of a private nature, and act as I judge +best regarding them. The wildest epistle imaginable came to him yesterday +and I was thankful that he was away, for he is so very happy that it must +have shocked him exceedingly and I shall need to communicate its contents +very delicately to him. + +"That girl of whom you wrote me in your last actually claims to be his +lawful wife—believes it, I suppose, poor child—and cannot understand how +utterly impossible it would be for any one belonging to an old and +honorable family like ours to ally himself with one so low in the social +scale. I am shocked that my brother should have been guilty of anything so +out of character as she represents while he was abroad. I am sincerely +sorry for the wrong which it appears he has done her, if what she says is +true, and shall insist that he provide comfortably for her for the +future; but, of course, the idea that she has a right to come here as +mistress is preposterous, and I trust that you will make it appear so to +her. Advise her to renounce at once all claim to the name, and settle +quietly in some place where she is not known, and perhaps she may be able +to bring up her child in a respectable way, so that its prospects will not +be hampered in the future by its mother's mistake. + +"Will and Margie returned while I was writing to you, and both look so +well and happy that it does my heart good to see them. Of course I had to +stop for awhile, but now I will try and finish my letter. I have had a +serious talk with my brother, and he appears to feel very much troubled +over his American escapade, confessed that he had done wrong, and gave me +this hundred pound note, which I inclose for the benefit of the girl; and +I sincerely trust she will do nothing more to disturb a happy household, +and one which will be very much annoyed by any useless scandal." + +There followed a little more pertaining in an indifferent way to the above +household, but Virgie had read enough, and the letter fell from her +nerveless fingers, while she sat staring vacantly before her, her brain +almost turned by the heartless words she had just read, her heart broken +with its weight of woe, while a feeling of utter wretchedness and +desolation made her long for death to steep her senses in oblivion. + +She forgot all about the paper which had been given her with the letter, +while the hundred-pound note, which had been inclosed with it, had +fluttered out unheeded as she drew it from the envelope, and now lay upon +the floor at her feet. + +Later she examined the paper, and found a notice of the marriage of +William Heath and Margaret Stanhope. Whether Lady Linton had been the +cause of it to further her schemes, or whether some strange fatality had +occasioned the mistake, it would be difficult to say, but the paragraph +read: + +"Married:—On the 28th instant, in the Heath Chapel, Sir William Heath, of +Heathdale, to Miss Margaret Stanhope, only daughter of the late Sidney +Stanhope." + +Thus was added the last drop to the cup of bitterness which Virgie had to +drink. + +There had been a strange mixture of truth and falsehood in the letter +which Lady Linton wrote to Mrs. Farnum. + +Her brother was away for a day or two on a matter of business when +Virgie's imploring epistle arrived—a circumstance for which his sister +was most thankful, for it was no trifling matter for her to be always on +the alert to intercept the letters that passed, through the bag at +Heathdale. But she had succeeded in accomplishing this by having had an +extra key made for the lock and always accompanying the carriage when it +went for the mail. + +This drive she called her "constitutional," and as the carriage was a +closed one, she could readily unlock the bag and abstract the letters she +wanted without being seen, and consequently was never suspected of having +anything to do with the interrupted correspondence of Sir William and +Virgie. + +She had also been interrupted while writing to Mrs. Farnum by the return +of her brother and the entrance of her cousin's new wife. Afterward she +had had a talk with Sir William, in which he confessed to feeling greatly +"troubled" regarding Virgie and her long, unaccountable silence. He said +he felt that he had "done wrong" to have left her so long, for, as it had +proved, his mother was gradually though slowly improving, and he might +have gone and returned without affecting her health; he should see Sir +Herbert Randal when he came again, and make arrangements to sail +immediately for America. But Lady Linton cunningly provided against this +calamity by privately informing the physician that her mother was worrying +over this threatened departure, and he succeeded in prevailing upon the +baronet to wait a week or two longer. + +Sir William had, indeed, given his sister a hundred-pound note, but it was +for the benefit of a poor girl who had been crippled by a railway +accident; and thus all these circumstances being artfully woven into her +letter had something of truth in them, and helped to serve the scheming +woman's purpose. + + + + +Chapter XVIII. +"I Will Prove It." + + +It was very fortunate for Virgie that she had a little one at this time, +else she would have deemed life scarcely worth the living, so stunned and +crushed was she by the terrible blow that had fallen upon her. + +For two long hours, after reading that letter from Lady Linton, and the +paper containing that paragraph of William Heath's marriage, she lay as if +paralyzed upon her bed. One would hardly believe that she lived at all, +but for that look of unutterable woe in her eyes and the expression of +agony about her mouth. + +But she was aroused at last to a sense of her duties and responsibilities +as a mother, by the crying of little Virgie in the outer room; and yet +that cry was like another dagger plunged into her heart, for it reminded +her that, if the dreadful things which she had been told were true, her +whole future was dishonored—that she was a betrayed and deserted woman +and her child nameless. + +"Oh, Heaven! it cannot be!" she cried, lifting her arms with a gesture of +despair and locking her fingers in a convulsive clasp above her head, +while her mind went back over the past and reviewed every event that had +occurred since the beginning of her acquaintance with Sir William Heath. + +She had believed in him so thoroughly, he had seemed so noble and true, +so entirely above all deception and double dealing. He had appeared to +love her so devotedly, had been so proud of her as the future mistress of +his beautiful home, and so supremely happy in the anticipation of the +coming of their little one. He had hoped for a son and heir, and yet he +had expressed no disappointment upon learning that their child was a +daughter; he had welcomed the little stranger most tenderly in his letter +and fondly named her, to please himself, for her mother. + +He had seemed so impatient and regretful at the thought of leaving her so +long alone, and had promised to come to her the moment that he could +safely leave his mother. + +All this made it very difficult for Virgie to believe in his apparent +perfidy and treachery, and yet the evidence against him seemed so +overwhelming that she was convinced in spite of herself. + +She did not dream of a plot against her, for she could not conceive of any +motive for one; but his letters had suddenly ceased and she could not +believe accident had caused it, when she had written again and again +telling him of it and pleading for but a word from him. + +Then she had heard that story of the engagement to Margaret Stanhope, then +the account of the marriage at Heathdale, by Lady Linton, who appeared +entirely ignorant of her existence even; and taking all this into +consideration, together with the notice which had appeared in the paper +sent to Mrs. Farnum she felt obliged to accept the fact of Sir William's +intentional treachery and desertion. + +Yet in the face of everything she clung to the conviction that she was a +lawful wife—that her child was the heiress of Heathdale; but the +difficulty was to prove it. + +"Prove it? <i>I will prove it</i>," she cried, and at once all that was +resolute in Virginia Heath's character began to struggle to assert itself, +and she went forth from her chamber, at that cry from little Virgie, with +an unflinching purpose written upon her heart. + +The nurse cried out in alarm as she saw her white face and sunken eyes. + +"You are ill, madam," she exclaimed. "Go back to bed—the baby will do +well enough with me." + +"No, I am not ill," Virgie answered, as she took her little one, but she +spoke in a strained, unnatural tone, adding, "I would like you to go to +Mrs. Farnum's door and say that I desire a 'few moments' interview with +her." + +The woman went to do her bidding, but muttered with a troubled look: + +"These English people seem to bring nothing but sorrow and mischief to the +poor thing, in spite of their sweet ways and honeyed speeches; I wish +they'd clear out—and whatever her husband can mean to leave her here +alone so long and not a line to tell her why is more'n I can make out." + +Mrs. Farnum obeyed Virgie's request with some misgivings; but she saw at +once upon entering the room that the young wife believed the very worst, +and she was half frightened at the result of her work. + +Virgie arose as she entered, her baby clasped close in her arms, and +handed her the letter which she had sent her to read. + +"Here is your letter, Mrs. Farnum," she said, with a cold dignity that +awed her visitor, "and you will find the note inclosed with it. Please be +particular to have it returned to the one who sent it." + +"But, my dear, will you not need it yourself?" interrupted the woman with +assumed kindness. + +Virgie's lips curled. + +"It was an unpardonable insult to offer it to me," she said, with spirit. +"I cannot understand how they dared to send it to me in any such way; +indeed, I cannot understand a good many things that have come to me +through you. If Sir William Heath has wilfully done me this irreparable +injury he might at least have been man enough to strike the blow himself, +rather than employ women to be his emissaries." + +Mrs. Farnum winced. + +"Ah! but you forget—" + +"I forget nothing; do you suppose that I could?" cried Virgie, sharply, +"but I might at least have been spared this last indignity—to offer me a +paltry hundred pounds when he has a fortune in his hands belonging to me." + +"A fortune! I did not suppose—I did not know that you had any money," +stammered Mrs. Farnum, looking blank. + +"My father left me a good many thousands of dollars when he died; it was +all settled upon me at the time of my marriage, but Sir William Heath took +charge of it and has it now. He deposited five thousand dollars in a bank +here for my use, while he should be away, and the most of that remains; +but there is much more that rightly belongs to me," Virgie explained. + +"Then this hundred pounds surely is your due," Mrs. Farnum said, as she +drew it from the envelope and held it out to the young wife. + +Virgie drew back haughtily. + +"Do you suppose that I would accept as charity a paltry sum like +that?—for Lady Linton sent it as such, and as a sort of remuneration for +what I suffer. It is an outrage which I cannot brook, and I am amazed at +the audacity that prompted it." + +So was Mrs. Farnum amazed, and she saw at once that Lady Linton had +unwittingly committed a great blunder. She had never dreamed that Virgie +had had money at the time of her marriage, and she imagined that Lady +Linton was also ignorant that her brother had taken back to England a +fortune belonging to the girl whom they were thus seeking to wrong. + +Matters were getting complicated, and she almost wished that she had never +allowed herself to become involved in them. + +"You should have kept your marriage certificate," she faltered, "every +wife should do that—then you could have proved your claim." + +"I shall prove it yet," Virgie declared, in a clear, decisive voice. "Do +you imagine I am going to sit tamely down and allow a stigma to rest upon +this innocent child if there is any power on earth to prevent it? In spite +of all that you have told me, or all that your friends have written, I +<i>know</i> that I am Sir William Heath's lawful wife. If he committed a rash +and impulsive act, and one which he regrets now, while he was in America +and while he was bound by other ties in England <i>he</i> must suffer the +consequences. I cannot understand how he has <i>dared</i> to perpetrate such a +farce, were he a thousand times engaged to Miss Stanhope; how he has dared +to so wrong and compromise one of his own countrywomen, for, just so sure +as we both live, it will all be exposed sooner or later. All this I will +do for the sake of my child; then——" + +"Then?" repeated Mrs. Farnum, leaning eagerly toward the resolute girl. + +"Then <i>I</i> will repudiate <i>him</i>. I will never look upon his face again. I +will give him his freedom—will divorce myself from him; and then, if the +woman who now believes herself to be his wife wishes it, or will accept +it, he can make the tie between them legal." + +"You will obtain a divorce?" said her companion, with an exultant thrill. + +This was something she had never thought of before She and Lady Linton had +both hoped to estrange this fond couple, then make Sir William believe in +his wife's infidelity, and work upon his feelings and pride until he +should be willing to seek a divorce; but they had never imagined that +Virgie would be the one to suggest such a measure. Such a preceding on her +part would wonderfully facilitate matters, and Mrs. Farnum, who a few +minutes previous began to be disheartened, was greatly encouraged. + +"Exactly," Virgie replied. "Do you imagine that I desire to hold Sir +William Heath unwillingly bound to me? Do you think that I would ever have +consented to become his wife if I had known that any one had a prior claim +upon him? But, are you sure that he was engaged to Miss Stanhope before he +came to America?" the young wife asked, as doubt again arose in her mind. + +"Yes; Will and Margie have been betrothed for years—ten, at least, I +should say. Did you not read it for yourself in Lady Linton's letter?" +Mrs. Farnum returned; but there was a vivid flush on her cheek as she +told the wretched lie, even while she was literally speaking the truth. + +A convulsion of pain passed over Virgie's face. + +"True; but it is all so strange," she said, wearily. "And I suppose—she +loves him?" + +"I believe her life would be ruined if anything should happen to part +them," said the woman, ruthlessly. + +Any icy shiver ran over Virgie from head to foot, and a low moan escaped +her lips. + +No one cared for <i>her</i> ruined life; it was nothing that <i>she</i> was parted +forever from the man she adored. + +"I will not part them," she said, in a hollow tone; "<i>but</i>—" + +"Well?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, with a painful thrill, as she paused on the +word, with a threatening intonation. + +"A day of reckoning will surely come for him," Virgie answered, firmly; +"for, if this child lives, she will one day make her appearance at +Heathdale and claim her heritage. There may be other children, but she +will have the first right there. Tell your Lady Linton this—tell her that +'that girl,' of whom she wrote so slightingly and heartlessly, will live +to educate her child for her position as the mistress of her 'proud +ancestral home;' tell her to warn her brother that the day of retribution +will not fail to overtake him." + +Virgie was regally beautiful as she stood there before her enemy and +pronounced this stern prophecy. There was not an atom of color in her +face, but her figure was drawn proudly erect, a sort of majesty in every +graceful curve, while there was a resolute, inflexible purpose in every +line of her beautiful features, and her eyes burned with a steady, +relentless fire which told that, if she lived, she would accomplish her +vow, let the cost be what it would. + +Mrs. Farnum, woman of the world though she was, felt cowed and abashed +before her, and when, without waiting for a reply, the wronged wife turned +from her and walked, with a firm, unfaltering step, into her chamber, +shutting the door after her, she slunk away to her own room, feeling like +the guilty thing she was, and trembling for the future if it should ever +be discovered what part she had played in the plot to ruin Virginia +Heath's happiness. + +She was dismayed by the young mother's last words. At first she felt +triumphant when she had spoken of her intention of obtaining a divorce, +for such a measure would simplify matters greatly; it would relieve Lady +Linton from the disagreeable task of trying to persuade her brother to +adopt such a course, and thus he would be free, without any effort of his +own, to wed whom he chose, and she had reckoned upon Sadie being the +favored one. + +But she had not taken into consideration the fact that Virgie's child +would have a claim upon Heathdale; no divorce would affect her right +there, if the legality of Sir William's marriage to Virgie could be +proved, and thus endless trouble, to say nothing of the scandal the story +would create, might ensue. + +Still, there were a hundred "ifs" and possibilities in the way. Virgie +might not be able to get satisfactory proofs; the child might not live; +she might not live herself to accomplish her object; and she finally +resolved to try to be satisfied with the success of her plot thus far, and +not trouble herself about future developments. But that pale, beautiful +face, with that resolute yet heart-broken look upon it, haunted her for +years afterward. She was deeply thankful that Sadie was not there to see +it, and she was resolved that they should not meet again. + +That evening Virgie was waited upon by the proprietor of the house, who, +with much stammering and many apologies, informed her that he was obliged +to request her to vacate the rooms that she was occupying. + +She understood instantly, but her proud spirit rebelled against this last +indignity, and she arose and stood before him in all the majesty of her +insulted womanhood. + +"Sir! Mr. Eldridge! you will please explain this very extraordinary +request," she said, meeting his eyes with a steady glance. + +Mr. Eldridge hemmed, looked embarrassed, and remarked with all the +blandness he could assume: + +"Really, Mrs. ——, madam, I regret to pain you, and it might be as well +to avoid explanations." + +"No, sir; that is impossible; my husband left me here with the +understanding that I should remain here until he came for me, and there +must therefore be some very urgent reason for such a strange proceeding on +your part." + +"Yes, madam," said the man, driven to the wall. "—I—I have been informed +that—that you are not Mrs. Heath at all; that the gentleman who brought +you here was not what he represented himself to be." + +"What authority have you for making such a statement Virgie demanded, +haughtily: + +"This," answered the hotel keeper, producing the paper containing the +notice of the marriage at Heathdale which Mrs. Farnum had slyly laid upon +his desk, with the marked paragraph uppermost. She was very careful, +however, not to appear in the matter to commit herself. + +She had determined to get Virgie away before Sadie's return from Coney +Island, while she feared, too, the coming of Sir William to investigate +the cause of his wife's long silence. + +One glance was sufficient to tell Virgie what paper it was, and she +flushed to her brow. + +"I see," she said, scornfully, "those who have professed to be my friends +are leagued against me." + +"But—pardon me—have you no doubts yourself regarding your position?" +questioned the landlord, feeling a deep pity for the beautiful woman, in +spite of his anxiety regarding the reputation of his house. + +"None," but the word came hoarsely from the now hueless lips. + +"But you have had no letters for a long time; the gentleman has for years +been engaged to an English lady; this paper gives a notice of his recent +marriage to her, and everything goes to prove that you have been grossly +deceived. It is very unfortunate, but I have received notice from several +of my guests that they will leave to-morrow morning unless I insist upon +this change, and thus it becomes my painful duty to request these rooms to +be vacated." + +This was a bitter blow to add to all the rest, but Virgie, conscious of +her own purity, bore it with Spartan-like heroism. + +She cast one look of scorn upon the man before her, then said, with a +calmness that was born of despair: + +"Sir, I still assert, in the face of all that you have just said, that I +am the wife of Mr.—yes, of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire +County, England and some day it will be in my power to prove to you the +truth of my words; but I have no wish to occasion you either trouble or +loss, so I will go away; to-morrow morning." + +The landlord looked greatly relieved at this assurance and yet he was +impressed both by her manner and her words. + +He assured her of his sympathy, and kindly offered to assist her in +obtaining other rooms and establishing herself in them. + +Virgie quietly declined this offer, however, and, thanking her for her +speedy compliance with his request Mr. Eldridge took his leave, though, to +his credit be it said, with considerable shamefacedness and embarrassment. + +The next morning Virgie sent to Dr. Knox for his bill, paid it, dismissed +her nurse, notwithstanding her urgent plea to be retained even at reduced +wages, and then she quietly disappeared from the place, leaving no trace +behind her to point to her destination or future plans, and, after the +gossip consequent upon such a choice bit of scandal had died away, she +was, for the time at least, forgotten. + + + + +Chapter XIX. +Sir William Heath Returns To America. + + +"I cannot understand it, Miriam. It is the strangest thing in the world, +and I shall sail for America on the very next steamer." + +It was Sir William Heath who spoke thus, and there was no mistaking the +decision in his voice. + +He was sitting at the breakfast-table in the large, sunny dining-room at +Heathdale, while the open and empty mail-bag lay upon the table beside +him. + +There were several letters scattered around his plate, but these were +unheeded, while the anxious, perplexed look on the baronet's fine face +told that he was deeply troubled about something. + +Lady Linton sat opposite him, and she had been furtively watching him +during his examination of the bag. There were two very bright spots upon +her cheeks, which <i>might</i> have been caused by her morning drive to the +post-office; or they might have been produced by a guilty conscience and +anxiety regarding her brother's announcement. + +"Then there is no letter for you this morning?" she remarked, trying to +appear unconcerned. + +"No; and I am nearly wild with anxiety. I <i>must</i> go to Virgie at once," +Sir William responded, moodily. + +"I do not know how mamma will bear the thought of your going," Lady Linton +said, looking grave. + +"It cannot harm her. Sir Herbert says she is doing very well, and I might +have gone last week but for the severe cold which she took. I must go, +Miriam. My wife is more to me than all the world, and this unaccountable +silence and suspense is unbearable. I am afraid something dreadful has +happened to her, for, just think, I have not heard one word from her since +she wrote me after the birth of our little one." + +"Why don't you cable, then? I am going in town this morning, and I will +send a message for you, if you wish," craftily suggested his sister, who +felt very uncomfortable at the thought of his starting off so suddenly: +for he might meet his wife just at the very moment when success was about +to crown her plans. + +She had heard from Mrs. Farnum only once since her <i>coup d'etat,</i> when she +had given an account of that last interview with the heart-broken wife. +The letter had been posted that same day, for the woman had not hoped that +Virgie would leave the house so quickly, even though she knew she was +going to be asked to do so; and as she knew her friend would be anxious to +learn the result of her last measure, and as a steamer was to sail the +next morning, she had written immediately. + +"I suppose you might cable and get a reply before a steamer sails," +murmured Sir William, thoughtfully. "It does not seem as if I could wait +even the time it would take for me to get to her." + +"I suppose you <i>are</i> very anxious. It is natural that you should be," +responded Lady Linton, as she broke an egg into her cup and busied herself +seasoning it, although she did not even taste it after it was prepared. +Excitement and anxiety had destroyed her appetite. + +Two or three times every week, of late, there had been just such a scene +as this when the mail came in after the arrival of a steamer. + +No letters came from Virgie. At least, <i>he</i> received none; for they were +all cunningly abstracted before the bag came into the house, and Sir +William did not dream that any one possessed a key to it save himself, and +so, of course was unsuspicious of any plot. + +It was simply unaccountable to him, and he was, as he said, almost wild +from anxiety on account of his dear ones. + +He could not touch his food this morning, his disappointment was so great, +and he nervously unfolded his paper and began to look for an announcement +of the sailing of some steamer. + +"The Cephalonia will sail on Saturday," he remarked, at length. "This is +Wednesday. I shall leave on Friday for Liverpool. You can break the news +to my mother, and I am sure you will do very well without me until my +return. She must strive to be reasonable, for I cannot live like this +another week." + +"Very well; I will do my best to keep her cheerful while you are gone," +returned Lady Linton, trying to appear at ease, although she was quaking +in mortal fear lest all her plotting should come to naught. + +She sometimes regretted having written that last letter and sent that +hundred pounds to Virgie. She began to fear that she might have +overreached herself by so doing, for, if her brother and his wife should +meet, Virgie would of course tell her husband everything, and he would at +once understand that his sister had been guilty of all the +mischief—intercepted letters, and all. She knew that he would never +forgive her; she would be ignominiously banished from Heathdale, and be +obliged to hide herself at Linton Grange, where she would lead a life of +poverty and seclusion; so it is not strange that she trembled at the +thought of Sir William sailing for America. + +"Shall you return at once?" she asked, as they arose from the table. + +"Just as soon as I can possibly arrange to do so; and, Miriam, I want no +pains spared to make the home-coming of my wife an agreeable one." + +"You shall be obeyed," Lady Linton replied, with downcast eyes and a +heavily throbbing heart; "but of course you will let me know when to +expect you." + +"Certainly; and the suite of rooms over the library are to be put in order +for Virgie." + +"Very well; I will speak to the housekeeper about it." + +"You will mention, too, for <i>whom</i> they are being prepared," Sir William +said, glancing sharply at his sister. "It must be known at once that I +have a wife and child. I have made a great mistake in allowing you to +persuade me to keep silence upon the subject so long." + +"But it was for mamma's sake, you know; while she was so ill it was better +not to have it talked about," apologized Lady Linton; but she mentally +resolved that she should be in no hurry to tell the secret, even if he had +ordered her to do so, at least until she was sure her brother would find +his wife. + +Something might prevent his bringing Virgie home, and in that case a +scandal would be avoided if she kept silence. She would wait, at least, +until he notified her of the date of his return. + +"It was a mistake, I tell you," Sir William repeated, with a clouded +brow. "It has been a mark of disloyalty to my wife which I will tolerate +no longer. So please do as I request." + +Lady Linton bowed. + +"Shall I cable for you?" she asked, after a moment of silence. "I shall be +in London most of the day, and perhaps I may be able to get a reply to +bring you on my return." + +"No, thanks; I, too, shall go in town to-day, to engage my passage, and I +will attend to the matter myself," Sir William replied, and the heart of +the schemer sank within her. + +She had intended to cable to Mrs. Farnum, and, if Virgie was still at the +hotel, authorize her to use any strategy to get her away before her +brother should arrive, and then send her a dispatch to suit the emergency. + +But, if he cabled himself, and received an answer from his wife, she had +the very worst to fear for herself. + +They went up to London on the same train, and Lady Linton suffered agonies +during that ride, and all day long, while she was shopping, her suspense +was terrible to her. + +But when she entered the station, late in the afternoon, to return to +Heathdale, she was both startled and relieved to find her brother already +there, and pacing back and forth outside the waiting-room in great +excitement. + +"Have you news, William?" she faltered, her heart beating almost to +suffocation. + +"Yes," he answered, in a strained unnatural tone. "Here, read this!" and +he thrust a cablegram into her trembling hands. + +She had hardly strength to unfold the paper, but her pulses bounded with +exultation as she read: + + New York, Aug. 10, 18—. + "To Sir William Heath, London: + "Lady Heath left the —— House on the 2d instant. Do not know her + address. + Eldred Edlbridge." + +Mr. Eldridge, as we know, was the proprietor of the hotel where Virgie +had been boarding during her husband's absence, and we can imagine +something of his consternation when he received Sir William's cable +dispatch inquiring for his wife, and realized, all too late, the enormity +of the insult he had offered to that lady. + +Lady Linton, however, had hard work to conceal her joy over the contents +of the message. + +Virgie had been gone for more than a week, leaving no clew to her +whereabouts, which was evidence enough that she believed the very worst of +her husband, imagined herself a dishonored and deserted woman, and had +doubtless buried herself in some remote corner where no one would be +likely to discover her. + +Lady Linton's plot had worked thus far beyond her most sanguine +expectations and she accepted her success as an omen of good for the +future. + +But she hid all this under a mask of well-assumed surprise. + +"What can it mean? Why should she leave the hotel where you left her?" she +inquired of her brother. + +"Oh, I do not know. There is something wrong—very mysterious—about it. +Oh, why is there not a steamer ready to sail this instant? I believe I +shall go mad with this delay!" cried the baronet, in an agony of fear and +suspense. + +But he had to wait until Saturday in spite of his suffering though he had +not even gone from Heathdale two hours when Lady Linton received a letter +bearing the United States postmark. + +Of course it was from Mrs. Farnum, who gave a detailed account of all that +had transpired regarding Virgie's sudden departure, and assuring her that +no one in the hotel suspected her agency in the matter, or had any idea +that she knew anything regarding the girl previous to her coming there. +They did not even know that she was from England; she confided that fact +to Virgie alone, simply to further her schemes regarding her. + +Lady Linton uttered a sigh of relief over this letter. Her brother would +not find his wife in New York, and his journey would be all in vain, she +told herself, and yet she would not feel at ease until she had him safely +at home again. + +Sir William thought the voyage across the Atlantic would never end, and +yet it was a very quick and prosperous passage. When the steamer touched +her pier in New York he was the first of all the eager passengers to +spring ashore, and rushing for a carriage, without even stopping to attend +to his baggage, he gave orders to be driven directly to the hotel where he +had left Virgie. + +Mr. Eldridge quaked visibly and grew deadly pale when Sir William suddenly +presented himself in his office and demanded of him the reason of his wife +leaving his house. + +The polite hotel-keeper's blandness all failed him for once, and, with +much stammering and confusion, with many apologies and excuses, he +confessed that there had arisen a rumor—how he could not say—to the +effect that the lady was not Mrs. Heath at all, that her supposed husband +was an English nobleman who had deceived her; that his patrons had +insisted upon her leaving, or they would; and thus, after a hint from him +as to how matters stood, she had quietly gone away. + +Sir William was furious at this, and the landlord was actually frightened +at the tempest his story had aroused. + +"And you allowed such a malicious slander to drive a delicate and +unprotected woman and her child homeless into the street?" cried the +baronet, with sublime scorn. + +"Ah, sir, I was helpless. The honor of my house must be sustained, and +there was so much evidence to make the story appear true," said the man +deprecatingly. + +"Evidence! What do you mean?" demanded the angry husband. + +"You had registered as 'Mr. Heath and lady.' I learned that you were an +English baronet." + +"Yes, but what of that? I simply wished to escape being conspicuous, and I +had a right to register as I chose." + +"Then there was a story that you had taken another wife in England, +shortly after leaving America." + +"And were you idiot enough to believe such a contemptible slander, when +<i>I</i> brought her here and established her as my honored wife? Did I ever +treat her with anything but reverence and respect?" thundered Sir William, +growing more and more indignant. + +"No, sir," confessed the unhappy proprietor, as he drew a paper from his +desk; "but when you read a notice that I have here you may not wonder so +much at the credulity of people; besides, there were no letters coming +from you to the lady." + +"No letters!" cried the baronet, in a startled tone. + +"No, sir, although madam wrote to you with every steamer, and seemed sad +and depressed to get nothing in return." + +The baronet was astounded. + +It all looked as if there was some treachery at work to ruin their +happiness; but Sir William racked his brain in vain to solve the riddle. + +He had received no letters from his wife; she had had none from him; and, +with that dreadful scandal and rumor to crush her, to say nothing of +having been driven from the shelter with which he had provided her, what +must she not have suffered? + +"Will you read this notice, sir?" Mr. Eldridge asked, pushing the paper +nearer to the baronet, and desiring to intrench himself behind as many +bulwarks as possible. + +Sir William bent forward and read it, and he did not wonder then, that +Virgie had felt herself the most wronged of women. + +He knew that it had been intended as the announcement of his cousin's +marriage with Margaret Stanhope, but a grave mistake had been made in +prefixing the young man's name with a title, thus making it appear that it +was the baronet who had been married. + +Virgie did not know that he had a relative by the same name, so, of +course, taking everything else into consideration, she must have believed +that he had been false to all honor, to his manhood, and to her. + +He groaned aloud. + +"Oh, what must she have thought of me!" he cried, in despair. Then, +turning to the proprietor of the hotel, he asked, "Where did you get this +paper?" + +It was the Hampshire County <i>Journal</i>, and he wondered how it could have +got to New York to accomplish so much mischief. + +"I cannot say, sir. I found it in my office here among other papers, +and—and you must confess that such a notice as that was sufficient to +stagger me when I read it." + +"Yes," Sir William admitted, white to his lips, "and yet it was heartless +to send her away. It was my cousin—a gentleman bearing the same name—who +was married; but some one made a mistake and added my title. Did <i>she</i> +see that notice?" + +"She appeared to know about it, sir." + +"It seems as if an enemy had done this to ruin our happiness; but who?" +groaned the miserable husband. + + + + +Chapter XX. +Sir William Finds A Trace Of Virgie. + + +Sir William asked, a little later, when he had succeeded in somewhat +recovering his composure: + +"And have you no idea whither my wife went after leaving here?" + +"No," Mr. Eldridge said. "I offered to find some nice, quiet place for +her, but she simply thanked me and declined my offer. She then ordered a +carriage and drove away, without giving any definite directions regarding +her destination—at least, in my hearing." + +The proprietor was careful not to state that he had been so relieved by +the departure of his then questionable guest that he had taken no pains to +ascertain her plans, being only too glad to be quit of her upon any terms, +and to thus preserve the honor of his house and retain the patronage of +its other occupants. + +Sir William then repaired to the office of Dr. Knox, the physician in +whose care he had left his wife, hoping to glean something from him. But +that gentleman knew nothing whatever of what had occurred, and appeared +greatly surprised by what the young husband told him. + +He simply stated what we already knew—that Mrs. Heath had sent him a note +saying that she was about leaving the city and wished to settle her bill, +and requested him to call for the amount. He had done so, and she had paid +him in full. + +He said that his time was limited, and he had only remained a few moments. +He thought she was looking rather pale and worn; but she said she was +well, and, being calm and self-possessed, he did not imagine that she was +in any trouble. + +It was evident that from this source Sir William could gain nothing to aid +him in his search for his wife. + +He then tried to discover the nurse who had been with her, but she was not +to be found at her usual address, and no one could tell him anything about +her. + +He went to the bank where he had deposited money for Virgie's use, but +disappointment awaited him here also. He was told that she had sent word +one morning that on a certain day she would need the whole amount due her. +She had called according to her appointment, receiving her money, and that +was all that was known there regarding her movements. + +Sir William was in despair. Failure met him on every hand, and he feared +the worst for his loved ones. + +He remained in New York for more than a month, searching the city from end +to end, employing detectives advertising in the papers, and using every +means he could think of to gain some clew to Virgie's hiding-place; but +all to no purpose; and he finally came to the conclusion that she must +have left the metropolis. But whither had she gone? He knew that she had +not a friend on this side of the Rocky Mountains; it was all a strange +country to her. + +Would she be likely to remain East and hide herself and her supposed shame +in some obscure place, or would she wander back to the Pacific coast, +where everything would be more familiar and home-like to her? + +These questions agitated his mind continually, and for a while he knew not +which way to turn, while he was growing both weary and heart-sick with his +fruitless search. + +Finally he decided that he would go again to her old home among the +mountains of Nevada. He might possibly learn something of her there. + +He reached the place just a year from the day of his departure with +Virgie, and a feeling of utter desolation, almost of despair, took +possession of him as he wandered here and there over the familiar ground +visiting the grave of Mr. Abbot, and peering in at the cottage where he +had first met his love, but where only strange faces now met his gaze. + +Everything looked the same as when he left, but evidently no one knew +anything about his wife; he learned that from the eager inquiries, which +met him on every side, for the beautiful girl whom he had taken away with +him. + +He answered and evaded them as well as he could, without betraying that he +was in any trouble, but he was deeply disappointed to find that Chi Lu had +left the place. + +He was told that he had left very suddenly, but came back after a time, +when he disposed of his cabin that Sir William had given him, and then +disappeared altogether. + +The baronet sought out Margery Follet, and was impressed the moment that +he saw her that she had something on her mind. + +She eyed him with suspicion, seemed averse to holding any conversation +with him, and never once inquired regarding his wife. + +This alone made the young baronet hope that she knew something of Virgie, +for, having been at her wedding, and afterward assisted her in many ways +during Mr. Abbott's last illness, it would have been but natural for her +to wish to know something about her. + +By adroitly questioning her he became convinced of the truth of his +suspicion, and finally he charged her outright with having recently seen +his wife. + +The woman stammered, blushed, and finally assumed a defiant attitude, and +Sir William was sure. + +He then told her something of his trouble, enjoining her to secrecy, and +finally she confessed that one day Chi Lu had come to her and persuaded +her to go with him before the county magistrate to sign a paper stating +that she had been a witness to the marriage of Miss Abbot with Mr. Heath. +Chi Lu had given her a handsome sum for her trouble and to keep silent +about the matter afterward. + +This confession gave Sir William great hope. It told him that Virgie had +been in that vicinity; that she was gathering what proofs she could toward +establishing the legality of her marriage, with a view to claiming her +rights as a lawful wife. + +He was very much elated over the discovery, and at once repaired to the +county town, to seek out the magistrate and learn what he could from him. + +That gentleman confirmed what he had already learned. He said that several +weeks previous a young woman had come there to obtain a copy of the record +of a certain marriage, and that afterward a Chinaman and an elderly woman +had signed a paper in his presence, testifying to having been witnesses of +the ceremony. + +Sir William reasoned that, since Virgie was seeking all these proofs, she +would doubtless apply to the clergyman who had married them; so to +Virginia City he straightway hastened, to seek the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + +He found him readily enough. The clergyman appeared to be in feeble +health, and received him with coldness and evident displeasure. + +"I suppose you are somewhat at a loss how to account for my visit, Dr. +Thornton," he remarked, in his genial way, and ignoring the frigidness of +his host's greeting; "but I have come to make some important inquiries of +you." + +The reverend gentleman simply bowed, and then waited for his guest to +proceed. + +"You will be surprised that I have lost my wife and am searching for her," +the baronet continued, thinking it best to come to the point at once. + +"Which one?" demanded the divine, with an accent of scorn in his usually +mild tones. + +"Sir!" + +"For which wife are you searching?" + +"I have but one wife—the lady to whom you married me only a little more +than a year ago!" Sir William replied in a voice of thunder, his handsome +face flaming with righteous anger, though his heart bounded with new hope +at the question. + +"I beg your pardon, sir," the clergyman replied, seeing at once that there +was some mystery, and there must have been some fearful mistake to cause +the separation of these two young people in whom he had been so deeply +interested. + +"You will understand my untimely sarcasm, perhaps," he went on, "when I +tell you that I have been led to believe that you had done that beautiful +woman the greatest possible wrong." + +He then proceeded to explain all that he knew of the matter. + +Mrs. Heath, he said, had come to him, about a month previous, to secure a +written statement from him to the effect that he had performed the +marriage ceremony in a legal and authorized manner between herself and Sir +William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire County, England She was looking +very sad and ill, and she confided to him that she had been deserted by +her husband in New York; he having been called to his home by a cablegram, +ostensibly because of his mother's illness, but that she had learned of +his marriage with another lady in England, and she feared that his union +with her might have been a farce. She had, however, learned to the +contrary, and she was determined to gather all the proofs possible, for +the purpose of securing the future rights and position of her child. + +Sir William Heath listened in painful silence to this recital, and then in +turn related all that he knew regarding the terrible misunderstanding and +the mystery attending it. + +"It looks to me very much as if there was a conspiracy in the matter, and +a desire on the part of some one to separate you and your wife," Dr. +Thornton remarked thoughtfully, when the young husband concluded. + +"A conspiracy!" repeated Sir William. + +"Yes; the fact that all letters, on both sides, have been intercepted, +seems to point to such a suspicion. Have you any enemies who, from +interested motives, would try to create trouble between you and your +wife?" + +"Not that I am aware of," the young man replied, but looking deeply +perplexed. "My family, to be sure, were not very well pleased with the +idea of my marrying an American; but I can think of no one person who +could have accomplished anything like what has occurred. It seems to me +that in order to intercept our letters there would need to be conspirators +on both sides of the Atlantic who were interested in the project." + +"Not necessarily. Any one determined to separate you might have robbed +the mail of all letters at either end of the route. It is certainly very +mysterious, and, mark my words, you will some day learn that an enemy has +been at work. But, Sir William," the clergyman continued smiling genially, +"you have relieved my mind and established my faith in you by this +explanation. I confess I had set you down as a miserable scamp, and I have +suffered a good deal on that beautiful young woman's account." + +"I cannot blame you for thinking the very worst of me," returned Sir +William, with emotion; "but I have loved—I do love my wife with a love +that can never die." + +"I do not doubt it now. Of course I gave her the paper she desired, and +also a copy of the certificate which I presented you on your marriage day, +and told her to command me at any time and I should be at her service to +testify to the legality of her claims upon you." + +"Thank you, sir. I am truly grateful to you for your kindness to my poor +darling," said the baronet, tears springing to his eyes. "But can you give +me any idea regarding her plans or movements?" + +"No, I cannot, I am sorry to say," returned Doctor Thornton. "I asked her +what course she intended to pursue, and she said, in the saddest voice I +ever heard, 'I do not exactly know yet; I simply desire to establish the +rightful claim of my daughter as the heiress of Heathdale.'" + +"That looks as if she meant to go immediately to England!" cried Sir +William, starting excitedly to his feet. "If she should do that, all would +be well—everything will be explained, and we shall be happy once more." + +"I cannot say that such was her plan," returned the clergyman, +thoughtfully. "She looked scarcely able to endure such a journey. Still, +it may be that such was her intention." + +"Oh, if I only knew! Just think, sir, I have never even seen my child!" +cried Sir William, greatly agitated. + +"It is certainly very sad. It is greatly to be regretted that you were +recalled to England as you were," said Doctor Thornton. + +"Indeed it is. Why <i>did</i> I ever leave her? It was wrong! I fear I was +negligent of my duty toward her in so doing. I do not know what to do now. +If she has gone to England, we have passed each other, and I would desire +to retrace my steps thither at once. If she is still here on this +continent, I should be in despair to go home, and only find it out on the +other side of the ocean." + +Doctor Thornton pitied the young husband sincerely. + +"You are in a very trying position, I must acknowledge, and I do not like +to advise you either to go or stay. You might wait here a while, and +notify your friends to cable you in case Lady Heath should go direct to +England; then it would be comparatively easy to join her there." + +Sir William determined to act upon these suggestions. He would cable +Heathdale to be notified if Virgie should make her appearance there; +meantime he would do his utmost to find her here. + +He thanked the clergyman for his kindness, and bade him farewell, feeling +much relieved regarding his wife, yet still very sad at heart at the +mystery surrounding her. + +He determined to search for Chi Lu, believing that he alone, who had +always been so devoted to her, could tell him something definite as to her +movements. He had an idea that he might be even now in her service. + + + + +Chapter XXI. +Nothing but Death Shall Break the Tie. + + +Sir William went directly back to New York, fired with something of hope +by Doctor Thornton's suggestions He determined to search the passenger +lists of the different steamer lines, hoping to find Virgie's name among +them. + +He half believed that, armed with the strong proofs she had secured to +substantiate the legality of her marriage, she would go directly to +England to assert her position there as his wife. + +He realized that underneath her habitual quiet and sweetness there lay a +dignity and strength of character that would stop at nothing legitimate to +remove the stigma she believed was resting on her fair name. + +But while he gave her ample credit for resolution and energy, he did not +make allowance for the sensitive pride which had been crushed to the earth +by the cruel blow which had been dealt her. He did not stop to consider +that it would never allow her to force herself upon him as an unloved and +rejected wife when she believed a more fortunate rival stood in her way. + +But he found nothing in any of the booking offices of the different +steamers to tell him that Virgie had sailed, or was intending to sail, +even though he haunted them daily for three or four weeks. + +Almost discouraged at the end of that time, he cabled to his sister the +following message: + + "I have missed my wife—perhaps crossed her path. + If she arrives at Heathdale, let me know at once." + +Lady Linton was somewhat startled upon receiving this message, for it told +her that her brother had some reason for thinking that Virgie might be on +her way to Heathdale, and, remembering Mrs. Farnum's account of her +threats to claim her position, she began to fear that she had underrated +the girl's spirit, and that she might make her appearance at any moment +and demand to be received as the mistress of the house. + +This, of course, would make matters rather complicated and awkward; but, +as long as her brother was not at home, she trusted to her own craft to +deal with her and make her only too glad to give Heathdale a wide berth +should she show herself there. + +After cabling, Sir William went again to the Pacific coast, in the hope of +finding Chi Lu. He spent several weeks in San Francisco, thinking perhaps +those he sought might hope to lose themselves there among the multitude. + +He thought right for once, had he but known it, and had he possessed a +little more patience, been a trifle less restless and feverish in his +search, he might have succeeded in his quest. + +But he was so wretched; so worn and discouraged with his constant and +fruitless seeking, that he could not remain in one place long at a time, +and so wandered here and there, until, months having elapsed, he had been +in nearly every State in the Union, reaping only disappointment and +anguish of spirit. + +Then there came again a summons for him to go home—his mother had been +stricken with another shock, and, with a heavy heart, a feeling as if all +the world were against him and his whole life ruined, he went back to his +desolate home and the sick one there. + +Lady Heath only lived a few days after the second return of her son. He +reached Heathdale just in season to see the sands of her life run out and +to close her eyes in their last long sleep; then they laid her in the +family vault, and Sir William felt as if he had nothing now to bind him to +his home. + +"I cannot stay here—I must go away again he said one day, in despair, to +his sister, and her heart sank at his words. + +"Well, I hope you are not going to America again, whatever you do," she +remarked, with some unpatience. + +"If going to America would result in finding my wife, I would go a +thousand times over," Sir William responded, sternly, and then added, with +a note of agony in his voice: "Oh, where can my darling have hidden +herself? Miriam," turning suddenly upon his sister, "can you suggest any +reason for this terrible misunderstanding?—who could have intercepted all +of our letters?—who could have conspired, for it seems like a conspiracy, +to separate us?" + +For a moment Lady Linton turned faint and sick with the fear that he had +discovered something to arouse his suspicions against her; but second +thought told her that such could not be the case. + +"What could I suggest?" she demanded, assuming an expression of surprise. +"You forget that I know nothing of this woman who lured your heart from +us, save what I have been told. She may have had a rustic lover who is +seeking his revenge by trying to separate you—a lover who has poisoned +her mind against you, and perhaps won her allegiance back to himself." + +"What utter nonsense you are talking, Miriam!" the baronet interrupted, +indignantly. "How little you appreciate the refinement of the girl whom I +have married! True, you have never seen her; but one look at the face that +I have shown you ought to have told you that she could have been won by no +rustic." + +Lady Linton shrugged her shoulders expressively. + +"As for your letters," she said, flashing a swift, keen glance at him, "if +you think they have been tampered with on this side of the Atlantic, I +advise you to question Robert, since he has the exclusive charge of your +mail-bag." + +"Robert, indeed! I would as soon question my own honesty as his; besides, +no one has a key to it but myself," Sir William asserted, confidently. + +Lady Linton breathed freely now, for it was evident that he had no +suspicion of her. + +"True; and Robert has been faithful too many years to be lightly +suspected," she remarked, appreciatively. + +"But this suspense is insupportable! It is killing me!" cried her brother, +rising, and excitedly pacing the floor. + +"No doubt it is trying," his sister replied, coldly. + +"Trying!" he repeated, bitterly; "you are very sympathetic, Miriam; you +are as cold as ice." + +"Well, William, you know well enough that I never approved of your +marriage. It was a great blow to both mamma and me that you should marry +so out of your element; and therefore you cannot expect me to be so +heart-broken over the mysterious disappearance of your wife as I might +have been if you married—Sadie, for instance." + +"I wish you wouldn't throw Sadie Farnum at me upon every occasion; I never +had any intention of marrying her," retorted Sir William, with an angry +flush. + +"More is the pity; I could have loved her dearly as a sister," responded +Lady Linton, in an injured tone. "But," she added, after a thoughtful +pause, "it seems you were mistaken in thinking that your wife was +collecting proofs of her marriage with the intention of coming here to +claim her position. If that had been her plan, doubtless she would have +been here long ago." + +"Yes—oh! I cannot understand it; but, if I ever discover <i>who</i> has been +at the bottom of this mischief, it will be a sad day for that individual!" +cried the' baronet, with stern emphasis. + +Lady Linton suddenly stooped to brush a thread from her black dress, and +when she sat upright again there was considerable more color than usual in +her face. + +"I am troubled to see you so unhappy, William," she said, more kindly than +she had yet spoken, "and perhaps, after all, a change will be the best +thing for you. What are your plans?" + +"I have none. I simply wish to get away from myself, if that is possible; +to steep my troubled thoughts in some excitement. I believe I will go to +the Far East—Egypt, Palestine—anywhere to escape this feeling of utter +desolation," he answered, dejectedly. + +"When will you go?" + +"At once—before the week is out, if I can arrange to do so." + +"Have you any special commands for me to attend to during your absence?" + +"None, save that you are to remain here as usual, if you like, and in case +any word comes from my loved ones, send for me at once." + +"Very well. Have you any idea how long you will be away?" + +"No. I may not be gone a month; I may stay ten years; it will depend upon +how well I can kill time," returned Sir William, moodily. + +"Oh, William, I wish you would try and rise above this trouble," said his +sister, out of all patience with him at heart, but speaking in a soothing +tone. "I do not like to pain you, but, truly, it looks to me as if your +wife had been guilty of willful desertion in thus hiding herself from you, +and I believe there would be a great deal of happiness yet for you if you +could be freed from her entirely, and then bring some good, gentle woman +here to make your home pleasant for you." + +It was the first time that she had ever been able to gather courage +sufficient to make this proposition; but she was wholly unprepared for the +storm of wrath which the suggestion brought upon her head. + +Sir William came and stood, tall and stern, before her, his face almost +convulsed with mingled pain and wrath, his eyes blazing dangerously: + +"Miriam Linton," he began, in a suppressed tone, "never dare to open your +lips on such a subject to me again. I married my darling for better or +worse, until death should part us, and only my death or hers will ever +break the tie—at least with my consent—that binds us." + +He turned abruptly and left the room as he ceased speaking, more angry +with her than he had ever been before. + +Lady Linton was thoroughly startled by what he had said, and she knew she +would never dare suggest such a measure again to him; but she still had a +secret hope, from what Mrs. Farnum had written her, that the injured wife +would seek a legal separation from him. + +She imagined that this might be the reason of Virgie keeping so quiet just +at present, and she was all the more willing and glad to have her brother +go away from home, as he proposed doing, because she knew that he would +have to be notified whenever any such proceedings should be instituted, +and she feared if he were there to receive them he would at once post off +to America again, and upset all her plans by bringing about a +reconcilation at the last moment. + +So in less than a week Sir William left England for, Egypt and the Holy +Land, and Lady Linton experienced a feeling of intense relief at his +departure. Time, she reasoned, was a great healer, and she hoped much from +this season of travel and change. + +It was rather lonely for her at Heathdale during the winter, but she was +grateful to be released from the anxiety she had suffered on his account +for the last year. + +Spring came, summer passed; a year had come and gone since the +disappearance of her brother's young wife, when one day there came an +official-looking document addressed to the baronet, and bearing the +California postmark. + +Lady Linton quivered in every nerve as she saw it, for her heart told her +instantly what it contained. + +Still, she could not be satisfied until she knew beyond a doubt, and she +skillfully opened it for examination before forwarding it to her brother. + +It was even as she had hoped. + +Virgie had kept her word; she was about to repudiate her husband for his +supposed faithlessness to her, and Lady Linton's lips curled in a smile of +exultation as she read the paper notifying her brother that proceedings +for a divorce were about to be instituted in the courts of San Francisco +by Lady Virginia Heath against Sir William Heath, of Heathsdale, England. + +"Everything is working beautifully," she murmured, triumphantly; "his pride +will never let him seek her after this takes effect; it will be conclusive +evidence to him that she, at least, desires to have the tie that binds +them broken. Let me see! he is notified to appear on the ninth of next +month—in a little more than four weeks. Ha, ha! he was in Alexandria when +he last wrote, and this could not possibly reach him in season to admit of +his obeying the summons in time. Matters will have reached a crisis before +he gets it—the <i>injured and beautiful little savage</i> will have secured +her divorce, and my brother will be free, long before he will know what +has been done. However, I will do my duty, and forward it to him +instantly." + +With a lighter heart than she had known for months, the crafty woman +carefully resealed the document in a way to defy suspicion that it had +been tampered with, inclosed it in another envelope, directed and marked +it "important," and dispatched it by the very next mail to her brother. + +Three months passed and she had heard nothing from him. She began to feel +anxious as to how he had received the news of what Virgie was doing, when +there came another similar-looking document, bearing the same postmark as +before. + +"The deed is done!" she cried, joyfully, the moment her eyes rested upon +it. "I do not even need to open this to be assured of the nature of its +contents." + +She was filled with triumph over the success of all her plans thus far, +and yet she could not forget Virgie's threat that a day of retribution +would surely overtake their proud family. + +But she determined not to worry, for the child might not live long enough +for her to carry her threat into execution. Virgie, herself, might die, +and a hundred other things might happen to prevent. + +Her brother might never consent to marry again—she feared he would +not—and poor Sadie Farnum's reviving hopes would again be crushed; but, +if he did, she felt very sure that her son, Percy—and a noble young +fellow he was, too—would be very likely to inherit Heathdale, while +Lillian would doubtless receive a handsome dowry when she came to marry. + +"I do not believe I will send this to William," she muttered, as she +turned that precious document over and over in her hands, and feasted her +eyes upon it. "I will at least wait until I hear something from him +regarding the other; these priceless papers might be lost on the way, and +then——" + +Her musings were suddenly cut short by a violent ring at the hall bell. + +She started, and sat erect to listen, her face growing pale and anxious, +for there seemed to be something ominous in that vigorous jangle which +went echoing through the house with such an imperious sound. + +The night was raw and stormy; darkness had settled down over the country +earlier than usual; there had been a disagreeable chill in the air all +day, and a dismal sense of loneliness pervaded the mansion. + +She heard the butler go to the door; then there was a sudden exclamation +of surprise, followed by a few indistinct sentences, a step, strangely +familiar, outside the library door, and the next moment Sir William, +gaunt, haggard, and wretched, staggered into the room where his sister was +sitting. + + + + +Chapter XXII. +Virgie Makes a Home for Herself. + + +"William," cried Lady Linton, springing excitedly to her feet, the +document which had caused her so much joy but a moment before dropping +unheeded on the table beside her. "What brings you home in this +unceremonious manner? Are you ill? Has anything happened?" + +"Am I ill? Yes, by heart is broken—dying within me. Has anything +happened? My wife is lost to me forever!" he cried, in a hollow tone, as +he sank weakly into a chair and groaned aloud. + +"What can I do for you? Let me call John to remove your boots and bring +you dry clothing," his sister said, thoroughly alarmed by his appearance; +and suiting the action to her words, she rang for the butler. + +John came, and attended to his master's wants with alacrity. Wood was +piled upon the already cheerful fire, something hot was provided the +traveler to drink, and Lady Linton soon had the satisfaction of seeing +something like warmth and life stealing into her brother's haggard face. + +She understood at once that he must have been nearly crushed upon +receiving the document which she had sent him, and that he had immediately +started for home. He must have been taken ill on the way and been detained +else he would have been there before, and she could imagine how he would +chafe over the delay, and how heart-sick he had grown over the fact of +being too late to stay the proceedings for the divorce. + +She dreaded to have him know that the die was irrevocably cast, although +his own words had told her that he apprehended it; but she absolutely +feared the first passionate outbreak when she should give him those other +papers that had but just arrived. + +When he began to grow more calm, and to realize the comfort of being once +more before his own hearthstone Lady Linton stole softly away to confer +with the housekeeper about preparing him something specially tempting for +his supper. + +She was absent perhaps fifteen minutes, and was about to return to him, +when she was startled by a heavy fall on the floor above her. + +Her heart told her what had caused it, and she hurried up stairs with all +the speed that fear could lend to her feet, and burst into the library, to +find her brother stretched lifeless upon the floor, an open paper clutched +tightly in his hand, while John, the faithful butler, was bending over him +in an agony of terror. + +"Send for Sir Herbert Randal at once, then come back to me," commanded her +ladyship, as she stooped to lift her brother's head to place a cushion +under it and loosen his necktie. + +John sped to do her bidding, and during his absence Lady Linton succeeded +in removing that tell-tale document from Sir William's hand, and locking +it away from all inquisitive eyes; for her first thought was that there +must be no scandal over the affair. + +Few knew of his marriage. She had persisted in keeping still about it, in +spite of all his orders to the contrary, and after his return from his +fruitless search for Virgie, he had been far too sensitive upon the +subject to talk of it himself, and thus almost everybody believed him to +be still a single man. Hence Lady Linton's anxiety that nothing should be +known regarding the divorce. + +When John returned to her she summoned other servants and had Sir William +carried to his own rooms, where she and the housekeeper applied all +remedies that were at hand to revive him. + +When the physician arrived he had recovered from his swoon, but was in a +raging fever, and wild with delirium. + +Sir Herbert pronounced his illness to be brain fever of a serious type, +and Lady Linton knew, from the grave look on the wise man's face, that he +had but very little hope of his recovery. + + * * * * * + +When Virgie left the hotel on the morning after Mr. Eldridge requested her +to vacate her rooms, she drove to a quiet street, where she engaged +lodgings for a few days, until she could arrange her plans for the future. +She then gave notice at the bank where her money was deposited that she +should draw it all on a certain date. As soon as she received it she +purchased a ticket for San Francisco, and a week from the time of +receiving Lady Linton's cruel letter she was rolling over the Central +Pacific Railroad toward her former home, intent upon only one +purpose—that of gaining indisputable proof of her lawful marriage, in +order to shield her child from wrong and shame. + +She reached a small town only a few miles from her old home among the +mountains, and then sent a messenger for Chi Lu to come to her. + +He came at once, glad to do anything for the "young missee" whom he had +served for years, and learned to regard with great affection. + +Virgie felt sure that she could safely confide in him, so she told him +something of her trouble, and asked him to help her gather the proofs of +her marriage. + +He proved himself very efficient in this respect, and was only too eager +to secure justice for her. + +After all was done, and she had the precious papers in her own hands, she +would have paid him handsomely and sent him hack to the mountains again. +But he threw at her feet the money she offered him, and begged to be +allowed to go with her wherever she went—to let him work for her and the +"little missee," as he used to in the old days before she went away. "He +did not want any money—only let him have a little rice and curry, and a +mat to sleep on, and he would serve her as long as she needed him." + +Virgie was moved to tears by this evidence of his faithfulness, and, +though she had not thought of such a thing before, it suddenly occurred to +her that it might be a wise proceeding on her part to grant his request. + +She knew that he was entirely trustworthy; he was very capable in many +ways, and she was sure she should feel a sense of security and protection +with him that she could not experience to go alone into a strange place, +and have to depend entirely upon herself. + +"I should like to have you, Chi," she said, thoughtfully, "but I am afraid +it would be hardly fair to you, for I haven't a great deal of money, and I +shall have to be very economical." + +Chi Lu's little round black eyes flashed at this. "<i>He</i> takee monee too?" +he demanded, with contemptuous emphasis on the pronoun. + +Virgie flushed. She could not bear, from another, the slightest reference +to the wrong she had suffered. + +"How much monee?" the man hastened to add, as he saw that she was +troubled. + +"I have a little over four thousand dollars," Virgie replied, thinking it +best to fully confide in him. + +Her bills had been heavy in New York, and it had taken the most of one +thousand dollars out of the five thousand that Sir William had deposited +for her, to settle them. + +Chi Lu gave a grunt of delight at the information. + +"Good! missee live long. Chi Lu know how; he fix 'em," he said, with an +air of confidence that was reassuring and Virgie believed that he would +indeed make a better steward of her limited means than she could possibly +be with her inexperience, so she resolved to trust him, and told him that +he should go with her if he wished. + +The next question to settle was regarding a place of residence, and she +finally decided, after talking the matter over with her servant, that she +would be less conspicuous in some large city, and as there was no place +she knew so well as San Francisco, she resolved to once more make her home +in that city. + +These matters decided, Chi Lu went back to the mountains to dispose of his +cabin and settle up his affairs, and when he rejoined his young mistress, +they proceeded directly to San Francisco, where the Chinaman soon +succeeded in securing three very comfortable rooms in a quiet and good +locality. + +Virgie furnished these simply, though prettily, and, when all was +completed, really felt quite at home, and as if she had at last found a +haven of safety. + +There was a small parlor and bedroom for her own use, a tiny kitchen, with +a good-sized closet opening out of it, which was allotted exclusively to +Chi Lu. + +Virgie soon found that she had indeed done wisely to take her old servant +again into her employ, for he managed everything in a most economical and +comfortable way, while she realized that if she had been obliged to depend +wholly upon herself and have the care of her little one besides, her +strength and courage would have both failed her in a little while. + +The younger Lady of Heathdale demanded a great deal of attention during +that first year of her life, and, being wholly unaccustomed to children, +Virgie found the care a great tax upon her. + +They had been in San Francisco some three months, when Chi Lu proposed to +Virgie to go into business for himself. + +He told her that he had not half enough to do to keep busy; there was a +large unoccupied room adjoining the building they were in, which he could +secure for a moderate rent, and he desired to set up the laundry business. + +He wanted to employ two or three of his countrymen to do the work, while +he simply had charge of it, which he could easily do and attend to his +duties with her at the same time. + +Virgie willingly consented to this arrangement, never once suspecting that +it was a plan on the part of Chi Lu to obtain funds to contribute toward +her support when her own resources should fail. She knew that the +little which he consented to receive from her was but a small +compensation for the services he rendered her, and she was very glad to +have him make something for himself. + +Thus in the course of time the faithful Chinaman established quite a +thrifty business, while his face would light up and his small eyes gleam +with satisfaction as he gathered in the dollars day by day, and he might +have been heard from time to time to mutter, with a gleeful chuckle: + +"Good! Muche monee for missee and little missee by'm-by!" + +But, as Virgie's baby grew older and capable of amusing herself somewhat, +time began to hang heavily on the young mother's hands. + +Her sorrow was one that could not be easily out-grown and sometimes life +seemed a burden almost too heavy to be borne. Day after day her heart +cried out in rebellion against her lonely bitter lot; night after night +her pillow was wet with scalding tears, as for hours she lay weeping for +the love that she had lost. + +She began to realize at last that her health was suffering from such +constant grieving, and that she must find something to occupy her time +more fully and take her thoughts from herself, or she would soon break +down beneath such severe mental strain. + +It was after a day of unusual depression and sadness that she took up the +evening paper and began carelessly to glance over the columns. + +Suddenly her eyes lighted upon an advertisement. + +It stated that a well-known publishing house of that city offered a prize +of three hundred dollars for the most unique and tasteful design for a +Christmas souvenir. It described what was required, mentioned the +conditions of its acceptance, and the time when the designs of all +competitors must be delivered. + +Virgie was interested at once. + +"Why, cannot I do something of that kind?" she murmured "Papa used to say +that I was remarkably skillful in making pen-and-ink sketches, and why +should I not turn, my talent to some account? If I should succeed it would +not only give me something with which to occupy my time, but perhaps +enable me to earn for the future; my money is not going to last so very +long, in spite of all Chi Lu's economy." + +The idea pleased her, and she set about putting it into practice at once. + +During the next three months she applied herself diligently and as she +worked she became deeply interested in her occupation. Almost immediately +there was a change for the better in her health and general appearance Her +eye brightened, the lassitude that pervaded her movements disappeared and +something of her old energy returned to her. + +She wasted no more time in useless brooding and pining; less tears were +shed at night, for, wearied with her close application to her work during +the day, sleep stole her senses and wrapped her in healthful rest. + +At the time appointed for all competitors to send in their designs, Virgie +was ready to subject her work to criticism. + +She had made three designs, each differing in style and character from the +others, but all so attractive that she felt almost sure they would bring +her some return, even if she was not the fortunate winner of the prize. + +Besides these, she had been hard at work upon an idea of her own, which +she intended to show the publisher, hoping to win his approbation and +assistance in bringing it before the public. + +Dressing herself plainly, but with taste, she started out one morning with +her treasures, and presenting herself at the publishing house referred to, +asked to see the proprietor. + +The gentlemanly clerk led her to a private office, where she found a +pleasant-looking, elderly gentleman who regarded her a trifle curiously, +but greeted her courteously, and then politely asked her business with +him. + +"Some time ago I saw an advertisement in your name, relating to Christmas +souvenirs," Virgie began, "and as this is the date on which they were +required to be delivered I have brought my contribution for your +inspection." + +The gentleman bowed, but hesitated a moment before replying. + +Virgie's manner and language told him that she was a lady, and he did not +like to say anything to wound her; but the advertisement to which she +referred had distinctly stated that competitors were, under no +consideration to expect a personal interview regarding their +contributions. They were either to be sent by mail or left at the office +until an examination by the proprietor should decide who the fortunate +winner of the prize might be. + +"Ah!" he began, "I understand you desire to leave the specimens of your +work with me." + +Virgie flushed, for his tone was rather frigid. Then she recovered +herself, and her face lighted with her rare, beautiful smile, which went +directly to the publisher's heart. + +"Yes, sir," she answered, laying a package upon his desk. "Of course I +understand that I am not to expect a private examination of my work. I had +no intention of annoying you with the matter. I am willing to take my +chance with others. But there is another matter upon which I would like to +consult with you if you can spare me a little time." + +She now drew forth a more bulky package from her bag. + +"Some manuscript, perhaps, which you would like examined?" responded the +gentleman, glancing at it, but speaking indifferently. + +"No, not manuscript according to the common acceptation of the term; and +yet, in reality, I suppose it is." + +"Can you not leave it with me? I will look at it with pleasure later;" but +his tone was not very encouraging. + +"I should prefer not to do so, because there is not very much time between +now and Christmas, and if you do not approve of it I shall like to take it +elsewhere," Virgie replied, untying the dainty ribbon which bound her +package, and, removing the wrapper, she laid before him a little book +about eight inches square and comprising some twenty or thirty pages. + +It was composed of half sheets of the heaviest and nicest of unruled +paper, tied together in three places with beautiful little cords and +tassels of pale-blue silk. + +On the cover, in a lovely design composed of mountain ferns, most +exquisitely executed, there was written, in a dainty hand, the +title—"Gleanings from the Heights." + +The gentleman uttered a low exclamation of pleasure as his eye fell upon +this. + +His attention was riveted; there was no indifference in his manner now. + + + + +Chapter XXIII. +A Mysterious Stranger. + + +"Did you do this?" Mr. Knight, the publisher, asked, looking up after a +close examination of the dainty cover. + +"Yes, sir," Virgie answered, with a quiet smile, and, seeing that she had +gained her point, that he would not leave it until he had seen the whole, +she sat down near him to await his verdict. + +Page after page was turned and on each there was a lovely group of +mountain foliage, flowers, or ferns, all beautifully executed in pen and +ink, while underneath the design, or cunningly woven around it, was +written, in a dainty hand, some appropriate verse or couplet, quotations +from various authors, with now and then a bit of real heart rhyme that had +been the outgrowth of Virgie's own sad experiences. + +Everything, as the title indicated, had been taken from the +mountains—from those heights where she had spent the last few years of +her life. + +It had been her custom, after gathering the wild, beautiful things, to +carefully arrange them and then copy them upon paper. + +This amusement had served to pass away many an otherwise tedious hour, and +she had a portfolio full of these charming designs, which were likely to +prove of great value to her in the future, as we shall see. + +Mr. Knight took ample time for his examination of her work, so much, +indeed, that Virgie began to grow weary and anxious to get back to her +little one. + +But at last the gentleman leaned back in his chair, took off his +spectacles, and turned his keen, searching glance full upon his visitor's +face. + +"Madam," he said, "it is not my custom to speak extravagantly upon any +subject; but I am bound to admit that this is the finest thing of its kind +that it has ever been my privilege to examine." + +A beautiful color sprang into Virgie's cheeks at this high praise. She had +known that her work was well done, but she had not expected to be told of +it quite so frankly or emphatically. + +She bowed, and murmured her thanks for his appreciation + +"What do you want to do with it?" Mr. Knight asked. + +"Get it published as a holiday souvenir, and make it pay me a handsome sum +for my trouble," Virgie responded, in a business-like tone, and then was +half-frightened at her own boldness. + +The publisher's eyes twinkled with amusement. + +"What would you consider a handsome sum?" he inquired. + +Virgie thought a moment; then she replied: + +"You have offered one, two, and three hundred dollars as prizes for the +simple souvenirs described in your advertisement, and surely a work like +this must be worth much more." + +"Very true; but will you name some price for it? I confess that I should +like to take it, if you do not value it <i>too</i> highly." + +Virgie was astonished at this. + +She had not expected to be allowed to name her own price. She had +supposed, if her work was approved at all, to receive some moderate offer, +which she could accept or decline as she saw fit. + +But she shrank from setting a value upon her work. It was her first +effort, and she had no more idea of its worth, as a work of art, than a +child. + +"Sir," she returned, "I will tell you frankly that I never did anything of +the kind before; that is, I have never attempted to <i>dispose</i> of any of my +work and I do not know what it ought to bring me. I have been suddenly +thrown upon my own resources, and it occurred to me that I might turn my +one talent to some account." + +"Your 'one talent' will prove a very valuable one, if rightly employed," +interposed the publisher, smiling. + +"Thank you," returned Virgie, flushing again. "And now, since my little +book pleases you, will you kindly make me an offer?" + +"Well, Miss —— What shall I call you, please? I like to know the names +of people with whom I am dealing," Mr. Knight observed, with a +business-like air. + +A sudden shock went over Virgie, making her tingle to her finger-tips at +this question. + +It was the first time that she had been asked to give her name since +coming to San Francisco. + +She had lived so like a recluse that there had been no occasion, and she +had never decided what she would be called. She could not use her +husband's name. + +If she had more time to think she might have answered the publisher +differently; but, as it was, she said, hastily, and not without some +confusion: + +"My name is Mrs.—Alexander." + +Mr. Knight started slightly, and threw a searching glance at her. + +"Alexander! Ah, I used to know—But, pardon me; I was about to make you an +offer, I believe." + +He seemed to consider a moment, then continued: + +"I will give you five hundred dollars for this little work, just as it +stands, and if it proves to be a success after it is published, I will add +ten per cent, of the sales to that amount." + +Virgie could scarcely credit her hearing at this generous offer. + +She had never dreamed of anything like it, and bright visions of future +prosperity for herself and her child, attained through her own efforts, +alone, flitted through her mind. + +But she did not lose her self-possession or betray her excessive delight +at the unexpected proposal. + +"What am I to understand by your words, 'if it proves a success?'" she +asked. + +Again the publisher's eyes twinkled. + +He knew that she was a novice in dealing with business men, but he saw +that she was shrewd and practical, and, finding her talent valuable, meant +to make the most of it. + +He meant, however, to do so well by her that she would be satisfied to +give her services exclusively to him. + +"Well," he replied, "if the sales reach a thousand copies I shall consider +the book a success." + +He knew well enough, if he could get it out in season, he could easily +sell three times that number for it was a wonderfully unique and +attractive affair. + +"More than that," he continued, "if you are pleased to accept my offer, I +should like to engage you to prepare two or three designs of a similar +character for the Easter trade." + +Virgie was not proof against all this good fortune. Her lips trembled, and +she was very near breaking down. + +It seemed almost as if heaven had suddenly opened and sent her a kind +friend in the midst of her darkness and trouble. + +"You are very kind, sir; I feel that you have made me a most liberal +offer, and I accept it most gratefully," she said. + +Something in her tone—a sort of hopeless cadence mingling with the +gratitude, as if with all this good fortune there were a lurking despair +in her heart—touched the gentleman deeply. + +He was becoming greatly interested in this beautiful woman, who, with that +look of heart-broken sadness in her violet eyes, and that grieved droop +about her sweet mouth, he believed must have some thrilling history +connected with her young life. + +"Then, Mrs. Alexander, do your best, and give me something especially nice +for Easter," he returned, brightly, and appearing not to notice her +emotion. + +He arose as he spoke, and took leave of her with a cordial handshake, +saying that she would hear from him again soon regarding her other +designs, and Virgie went on her homeward way with more of hope and +courage than she had known since her great trouble came upon her. + +She had nearly reached the street where she lived, when something occurred +to give her a fearful start. + +In turning a corner she suddenly came face to face with a man who was +wrapped in a heavy circular cape, its collar turned up close about his +face and concealing the whole lower portion of it. He wore a wide-brimmed +hat that was drawn down over his brow, so that, with the collar and hat +together, scarcely anything of his countenance was visible save a pair of +piercing black eyes, and a long, sharp nose. + +As Virgie met those eyes, which were fixed upon her with an eager, +questioning look, she had difficulty in repressing a scream of fear and +surprise. + +The next moment, however, she recovered herself, and passed him as if he +had been an utter stranger; but, though outwardly calm and indifferent, +she was trembling in every limb, while a sense of weakness caused by the +shock she had received, made it seem as if she could not go on her way. + +But she knew it would not do for her to stop, for a sidelong glance over +her shoulder and the sound of a step behind her told her that the muffled +figure was following her, evidently with the intention of accosting her. + +"How dare he come back here? It cannot be that he knows me after all these +years," she said to herself as she quickened her pace and sped on toward +her home. + +Then a sudden thought smote her. + +"He must not know where I live, if it <i>is</i> he, and I am sure I cannot be +mistaken, for those eyes are like no others in the world. What shall I +do?" + +She was rapidly nearing her own door, but a sudden purpose impelled her +to keep on and go straight by, without even a pause or a look that way. + +A block or two beyond she came to a store where she sometimes went to +purchase articles that she needed She entered, and going to a counter, +called for the first thing she could think of, but kept her eye on the +door to see if the man had followed her. + +Yes, there could be no doubt that her steps were dogged, for the man +passed even as she looked. + +His keen glance searched her out immediately; then he paused, turned, and +walked slowly back. + +The store was on a corner, and there were two entrances to it—one on the +front, one at the side. + +Virgie paid for her purchase, then worked her way around, going from +counter to counter, until she reached the side entrance, when she went +slyly out, waited until she saw a car approaching, hailed it, and in +another moment went rolling down the street, believing that she had eluded +the keen eyes that were on the watch for her. + +Not so, however; for the man, having heard the car stop, darted around the +corner, and espied her in it just as it was about turning into another +street. + +He could not overtake it, and with a muttered expression of annoyance, he +was obliged to wait for the next one. But he saw no more of Virgie that +day, for she took a transfer, and when about a mile from her home changed +cars and at length reached her own door, confident that she had escaped +her pursuer for that time. + +A day or two afterward she saw a personal in one of the daily papers that +both puzzled and alarmed her. + +F.V.A., whom I met on the corner of W. and C. streets, will communicate +with M.A., Lock Box 95, she will learn something to her advantage. + +This was the advertisement, and Virgie knew at once that she had been +recognized by that man muffled in the cloak. + +"That means me," she said, growing deadly white, "and I was not mistaken. +<i>He</i> has come back. How dare he? What can he want of me? But I will never +see him. I will have nothing to say to him. I will hide myself from him. +It is evident he has not discovered where I live, else he would have been +here before this, and I will take care that he does not find me out." + +After that she was very careful about going out, always closely veiling +her face, and wearing a long circular to conceal her form, when she was +obliged to do so, which was not often, as, with rare exceptions, her +business with Mr. Knight could be mostly transacted by correspondence. + +Thus several months passed without her seeing or hearing anything more of +the person who had so disturbed her, until at last she believed he must +have left the city, and she gave herself no further concern about him. + + + + +Chapter XXIV. +The Tie Is Broken. + + +There was no lack of employment now for Virgie. She had plenty to occupy +heart, and brain, and hands, and of such a congenial nature that she +reaped great benefit from it both mentally and physically. + +Of course nothing could ever blot out from her memory the terrible trouble +and suffering that she had had to endure, but her work brought its own +enjoyment so that she no longer spent such wretched days and nights as +formerly. Her baby was every day growing interesting and a source of great +comfort to her, while her life generally was tending to bring out the +latent qualities of her character, the energy and self-reliance, the skill +and talent which otherwise might never have developed into activity. + +More than a year went by, while every month she was earning a handsome +sum, having been permanently engaged by Mr. Knight to keep him supplied +with those novelties which she was so skillful in originating. + +Her "Gleanings from the Heights" proved a great success, selling faster +than the firm could issue them. Besides this she had been awarded the +first prize on the other souvenirs, so that, pecuniarily, she had nothing +to fear for the future. + +And now she set about another undertaking which she had long contemplated; +that of obtaining a divorce from her husband. + +She did not take this step because she had any desire to break the tie +that bound her to him, and she would never have moved in the matter at all +but for the fact that others had assailed her fair name and assumed that +her child was dishonored. + +Her chief aim, in collecting the proofs of the legality of her marriage, +had been to secure to little Virgie the right to the name she bore, and an +indisputable title to her inheritance by and by when she should be of a +suitable age to claim and enjoy it. + +She meant to give her every advantage as she grew older, and do everything +possible to fit her for a high position in life; and when, at length, she +should reach her majority, she would claim her rights and take care that +she secured them in spite of all opposition. + +This was all the revenge that Virgie ever intended to take for the wrong +that she believed herself to have suffered at her husband's hands. She +would scorn to accept anything for herself, but the lawful position of her +daughter must and <i>should</i> be recognized. + +Her residence of a year in San Francisco had given her the right to apply +to the court to have her marriage bonds annulled, and she put her case +into the hands of a competent lawyer, recommended by Mr. Knight, to whom +she had confided something of her history, and solicited his advice +regarding the matter. + +He had advised her not to take any legal proceedings until she had tried +to confer with Sir William again. + +"There is some mistake, I feel sure," he said, "some misunderstanding +which might be explained if proper measures were adopted." + +"A mistake!" repeated Virgie, scornfully, her eyes blazing with +indignation. "I imagine that the only mistake about the whole matter is +that I allowed myself to become the dupe of an unprincipled man." + +"It can at least do no harm to write him what your intentions are," +suggested Mr. Knight, mildly. + +"I wrote him letter after letter while I was in New York. Mrs. Farnum, of +whom I have told you, knew the whole family, and wrote of me to Lady +Linton, but they appeared to be in total ignorance of even my existence, +while Mrs. Farnum asserted that Sir William had been engaged for years to +Miss Stanhope, and I have already told you of his subsequent marriage with +her." + +"Still I cannot comprehend how he should dare to commit such a wrong," +persisted Mr. Knight. "He must have known that his marriage with you was +legal, according to the laws of the State in which it occurred, and the +mere fact of his leaving the country could not annul it. If he had assumed +a name while he was here, it would not seem so inexplicable, but all the +papers which you hold go to show that he married you under his own name +and title; while your description of the character of the man makes it +seem utterly impossible that he should be guilty of such conduct." + +"True. When I think of that, I am heart-broken," said Virgie, breaking +down for a moment. "He seemed so true and noble in every respect, and he +was particular to have his title appear in the certificate, although he +did not adopt it while traveling because he found he was less conspicuous +as plain Mr. Heath." + +"It almost seems to me as if some plot had been laid to separate you," +said Mr. Knight, thoughtfully. + +"Impossible! How could such a thing be?" queried Virgie, skeptically. "Who +would plot against us?" + +"Your letters on both sides may have been intercepted by some enemy with +that end in view." + +"He has no enemy that I am aware of; neither have I. I did not know a +single individual when I went to New York, so there was no one there who +would be likely to meddle with our correspondence. More than this, if he +did not hear from me, and was true to me, or had possessed an atom of +affection for his child, it is but natural to suppose that he would have +taken prompt measures to ascertain what the trouble was. No; the more I +dwell upon it, the more I am convinced that what he has done was a scheme +to secure my property, and then leave me to my fate. I can think of no +other object that he could have had." + +Alas! Virgie realized long after how she had wronged a noble man with +these dreadful suspicions, and even while she was giving utterance to +them, her heart was heavy with a sense of injustice done the man whom, +even then, she loved most fondly. + +Mr. Knight shook his head in a doubtful manner at her last words, and yet +he looked perplexed. + +"You think I am too hard," Virgie continued, bitterly "but does not even +the provision which he made for me before leaving New York look as if he +did not intend to return to me?" + +"You refer to the five thousand dollars which he deposited for you; it was +a very generous amount, truly." + +Of course I could not begin to use such a sum in the few weeks that he +pretended he should be away; while the additional five hundred dollars +which he sent me through his sister goes to prove that he had no intention +of ever coming back to me, yet did not wish me to suffer for lack of +means." + +"I do not like the aspect of that transaction at all," responded Mr. +Knight, emphatically. "It looks to me as if his sister had had more to do +with the matter than rightly belonged to her. Who knows but what she may +have been opposed to her brother's marriage and has been at the bottom of +all the trouble?" he concluded, reasoning with a shrewdness which he did +not realize. + +But Virgie could not be convinced. + +"I do not believe that," she said, with a sigh; "it looks to me as if he +was ashamed—conscience-smitten—and did not have the moral courage to +communicate with me himself." + +Yet, even as she said it, she knew that such a course was utterly at +variance with his character, as she had known it. + +"Well, Mrs. Alexander—or Mrs. Heath, I suppose I ought to call you—I +will not say more to dissuade you from your purpose; but let me advise +you, as a sincere friend, to go to England and ascertain for yourself just +how matters are, before you proceed any further." + +Virgie started to her feet, with crimson cheeks and flashing eyes. + +"Go to England!—to Heathdale! to find another woman queening it there in +<i>my</i> place!—to be brow-beaten and insulted by that proud family!—to be +disowned by the man who has already wronged me beyond all forgiveness! +Never, sir!" + +"You could at least demand your own—the money that your father left you." + +"And do you suppose I should get it? I have no proof that my father ever +left me a dollar. Sir William has every paper in his own possession. I +have not a scrap even that would enable me to wrest so much as a pound +from him as my right." + +Mr. Knight looked grave. Certainly matters were not very promising for the +injured wife. + +"Well, it is the most incomprehensible affair that I ever heard of," he +said. "I still think, though, that a personal interview would be the wiser +course before proceeding further. However, a proper notice will have to be +served upon the man, and if there has been any misunderstanding, or he has +any desire to contest your appeal for a divorce, he will probably make it +apparent when the right time comes. And now, regarding the best counsel +for you, I think my friend, Templeton would work well for you, and secure +a bill with as little notoriety as any one." + +Virgie shivered at this business-like talk of "a bill." It was almost like +severing soul from body to break the sacred tie that bound her to the man +she so fondly loved, and nothing save the belief that another was +occupying the place that rightly belonged to her could have induced her to +take such a step. + +She applied to Mr. Templeton, as Mr. Knight advised He, too, counseled +further intercourse with the baronet, for, to his keen mind, also, the +whole affair appeared more like a conspiracy on the part of enemies than a +willful wrong perpetrated by the husband. + +But Virgie utterly refused to hold any communication with Sir William. + +"He will have to be notified regarding the proceedings about to be +instituted against him," she said, "and if he is guiltless of wrong he +will surely hasten to make it apparent." + +In spite of her obstinate refusal to make further overtures, something of +hope had been revived in her heart by the united opinions of Mr. Knight +and her lawyer that some enemy had plotted to separate her from her +husband. She remembered what Mrs. Farnum had told her about the pride of +his family, and it might be there was some foundation for the belief of +the two gentlemen. She could understand how that might possibly be the +case as far as intercepting their letters was concerned, but those other +facts of the long engagement and the marriage with Miss Stanhope were +things which she could not explain by any reasoning. + +Still she kept hoping for some word during the time that intervened +between the notification and the day set for the hearing of the case. Day +after day she waited and watched for some tidings from her husband +starting at every unusual sound, growing almost faint at the opening and +shutting of a door, and even imagining she saw a familiar form as she sat +at her window and eagerly scanned every passer-by. + +She grew thin and pale with this dreadful suspense; she seemed to be +consuming with fever, and was so restless and nervous that her friend, Mr. +Knight, feared that her mind might suffer from such tension. + +She hoped until the last moment, although she tried to conceal it, but +when the dreaded day arrived, when her case was presented and there was +no one to contest it; when the judge rendered his decision, declaring that +her marriage was null and void, that henceforth in the eyes of the law and +the world she was free from the man to whom she had solemnly promised to +cling until death should part them, her courage and strength forsook her, +and she was carried lifeless from the court-room, while for three weeks +afterward she lay weak and ill, and almost indifferent to life. + +The only grain of comfort in this time of woe was derived from the fact +that the child had been given to her, and she had no fear of ever having +it taken from her, even if Sir William should ever be moved to a desire to +have her. + +For a time she seemed wholly unlike herself; but the kind-hearted +publisher knew that the best antidote for all kinds of trouble is work, +and he kept her crowded with orders, until she felt obliged to rally her +failing energies and to take up the burdens of life once more. + +Thus the winter passed; but, when summer came again, little Virgie began +to droop in the noisome atmosphere of the city, and the physician said she +must be taken where she could have purer air and country living; so Virgie +went to a quiet little place a few miles out of the city, where she +remained the entire season, not returning to San Francisco until late in +October, and thus a cruel fate again seemed to mock her, for during her +absence Sir William Heath had come to seek her again, and not finding her, +he, too, had grown heart-sick with despair and hope deferred. + + + + +Chapter XXV. +Sir William Becomes Guardian. + + +Very distressing were the thoughts of the young baronet, who had so +suddenly returned to his home and been stricken with illness. + +He had been sick at Alexandria when he received the document notifying him +that Virgie was seeking a divorce. + +He was absolutely paralyzed as he read it, and saw by the date that it +would be utterly impossible for him to reach America in time to stay the +proceedings. + +He could not even reach England in season to cable for that purpose, and +he was so overcome by the knowledge and his own helplessness, as to render +him unable to travel for a couple of weeks longer. + +One thing gave him some satisfaction. He at least knew that Virgie was in +San Francisco, and that she must have been residing in the State for some +time to allow her the right to apply for the divorce there. She must have +been there even while he was there searching for her, and it seemed +terribly cruel to him that he should have missed her. + +But he resolved that he would find her yet, if she lived. Poor darling! +what a bitter lot had been hers during this last year, believing what she +must of him. It should not go on, however; he would seek her and vindicate +himself; he would prove to her that he had never wavered in his truth to +her in spite of all the evidence against him. He would prove his love for +her, and he would win her again, even though the dread decree had been +pronounced, bring her back with him to Heathdale, and they would be happy +yet. + +And his child—the precious little one whom he had never seen—his heart +cried out for her with an uncontrollable yearning—his baby! his miniature +Virgie! + +Thus, as we already know, he went directly to Heathdale where he arrived +on the very evening that Lady Linton had received the papers announcing +that his wife had secured a decree of divorce. + +He was very wretched in spite of his sister's hearty welcome and efforts +to render him comfortable; and during her absence from the room to see +that something unusually nice should be prepared for him, anxious, bitter +thoughts crowded his mind, and he rebelled against the arbitrary weariness +and lassitude that bound him, as with chains of iron, and compelled him to +rest. + +Gradually, however, his glance began to wander over the familiar room, +lingering now upon some picture, now upon some rare article of virtu, each +endeared by peculiar associations, until at length it rested upon the +table and that document, which his sister had dropped and forgotten in her +surprise at his appearance. + +Its likeness to the one he had previously received startled him. + +He arose and went forward to examine it. Its postmark told him at once +whence it had come. + +A deathly paleness overspread his face; a horrible numbness fell upon his +heart. + +With trembling hands he tore it open, and one glance was sufficient to +tell him the nature of its contents. + +It was the one bitter blow too much, even though he had half-expected it, +and, with a despairing cry that would have melted the hardest heart, +"Lost! lost! Virgie, my love! my love!" he fell prone upon the floor, +clutching that fatal paper in his grasp. + +Long weeks of watching and anxiety followed—weeks during which Lady +Linton began to fear that she was paying dearly for her plotting and +treachery, even though her son might become the master of Heathdale in the +event of her brother's death. + +But he did not die. His constitution was naturally rugged, and by the end +of winter, after many alternations of hope and fear, he slowly began to +rally. + +As soon as he was able to be dressed and sit up he began to talk of going +again to America. + +Of course Sir Herbert Randal vetoed such a proposition at once. + +"You are not to stir outside the grounds of Heathdale for three months at +least," he said, decidedly. + +"But I must, Sir Herbert. You have no idea how much is at stake," the sick +man pleaded. + +"You must not. I cannot help how much there is at stake," returned the +physician, firmly. "I have had hard work to get you up, even so far, from +this nervous prostration and the least excitement or imprudence will cause +a dangerous relapse." + +And so, with despair at his heart, Sir William was obliged to submit. + +He tried to write to Virgie, intending to send the letter to her through +the lawyer whom she had employed and whose name had appeared in connection +with the papers he had received, but he could not; he found that his brain +was too weak to permit of the framing of even a sentence, and he knew that +he could never plead his cause successfully in such a state. + +He shrank from asking any one else to write for him; his sister he knew +was not in sympathy with him, and he would not confide in her. + +When his mind had become strong enough to realize what was going on about +him, he had one day asked Lady Linton to bring him both documents that had +come to him from America. + +She obeyed him, making no comment, though her manner betrayed that she +knew well enough their character. + +He told her to lock them in a certain drawer which no one was ever allowed +to open save himself. + +She did so in his presence, and earnestly hoped, as the key clicked upon +them, that that episode in her brother's life was buried for all time. + +But she was not long in finding that she was to be disappointed + +As summer advanced Sir William gained more rapidly and by August he was +pronounced comparatively well, although he was still but the ghost of his +former self. + +Then he announced his determination of again crossing the Atlantic, and +Lady Linton's heart failed her. Would he never relinquish his chase after +that miserable girl? + +She earnestly pleaded that he would not leave home again. + +"I must," he replied, sternly. "I must find my wife." + +"Your wife!" she retorted, losing all patience; "you have no wife." + +"Be still, Miriam," he commanded, growing frightfully pale. "I see that +you know what has occurred, and though the law may have succeeded in +breaking the tie between us, yet in my heart I claim Virgie as my wife +just as truly to-day as she ever was. I will search the world over for +her; if I find her the law will give her to me again, for I believe that +she is still true to me, whatever she may think of me; if I do <i>not</i> find +her, I shall live and die cherishing her image alone." + +Lady Linton knew that he meant what he said. + +"That will be bad for Sadie's hopes," she thought; "but doubtless Percy +will be the gainer, unless he succeeds in finding that girl. I never +believed his pride would let him go chasing after her like this." + +The last of August found him again on the ocean. + +The voyage proved beneficial, and he was in much better health and +strength when he landed in New York than when he left England. + +He proceeded directly to San Francisco as fast as steam and wheels could +take him, determined to seek out Mr. Templeton, Virgie's lawyer, who, he +believed, would tell him where she could be found. + +But a terrible disappointment awaited him there. + +Mr. Templeton had retired from business at the beginning of summer, and, +with his family, had gone abroad for an indefinite period. + +He could not even obtain his address, and was thus prevented from +communicating with him by letter. + +Then he began another wearisome search. Day after day he haunted the +streets of the city. He inquired, he advertised, and used every method he +could think of to ascertain where his darling was, but without avail, for, +as we know, she had gone into the country on little Virgie's account, +while Mr. Knight was away on a trip to British Columbia, or he might have +seen Sir William's advertisements, and helped him in the matter so near, +his heart. + +About the middle of October he decided to go once more to her old home +among the mountains of Nevada, hoping to learn something of her there. + +But, of course, he did not, and he finally came to the conclusion that she +must have left California after obtaining her divorce. At least he thought +she would leave San Francisco, for he knew that there were unpleasant +associations connected with her past life there, and he did not believe +she would like to make her home in that city, where disagreeable rumors +might still exist. But, still resolving to find her at any cost, he turned +his face in another direction, and began anew his wanderings up and down +the land. + +Three weary years he spent thus, following every clew, but all to no +purpose. Then, saddened and disheartened he was compelled to give up the +chase and return to Heathdale, for his estate demanded his personal +attention. + +Mrs. Farnum and her daughter were full of hope, after learning that the +decree of divorce had been granted, that the beauty and belle would at +last succeed in securing the prize she had so long coveted. + +Every art was made use of to captivate the wealthy baronet, but it was +evident that his heart was irrevocably fixed—that he had no intention of +ever marrying again. Finally the disappointed girl gave her hand to a +rich, but aged and feeble lord, and tried to satisfy her heart and +ambition with the golden husks thus achieved. + +Mrs. Farnum lost her husband soon after her return from America, and +afterward made her home mostly with her daughter. But she was far from +being a happy woman, even though she had everything which unlimited wealth +could purchase. Her conscience never ceased to trouble her for the part +she had played in helping to ruin the life of that beautiful wife and +mother whom she had met in New York. She was ever haunted by that sad, +sweet face. She had been half-tempted, many times, to confess everything +to Sir William, hoping thus to atone in part for what she had done, and +because, after she found that Sadie's cause was hopeless, she began to +pity that poor, injured girl; but her fear of Lady Linton, and also of Sir +William's righteous anger, prevented her doing so. + +Thus five years passed. + +It was now ten years since Sir William Heath's marriage with Virgie, but +he was still true to the one love of his youth. He continued to cherish +her image in his heart, even as he had vowed to do, and though he had come +to believe her lost to him forever, he had determined that no other should +occupy the place he had once given to her. + +But about this time something occurred to create a pleasant change in his +saddened life. + +A dear friend of his youth died, leaving to his care his fine, manly +little son, now in his twelfth year, who had been the pride of his +father's heart, the comfort of widowered, lonely years. + +Major Hamilton had been in Her Majesty's service for many years, and at +the time of his death was serving on an important appointment abroad. + +During this service he had acquired many honors and great wealth. His wife +was the second daughter of Lord Shaftonsberry, but she had lived only one +short month after the birth of their only son, Rupert, who was now to +become the ward of Sir William Heath. + +He was a noble little fellow, and it was not long before the baronet +became fondly attached to him, and believed that perhaps he had at last +found, in rearing this child of promise to manhood, something that would +add interest and zest to his dreary and monotonous life. + +Lady Linton, who was still at Heathdale, and nominally its mistress, +received the orphaned stranger with great kindness. + +He was heir presumptive to the title and estates of Shaftonsberry, if +death should remove the present incumbent who as yet had no children of +his own, and this circumstance, in addition to the great wealth which +young Rupert inherited from his father, made him a person of considerable +consequence. + +Her ladyship's mind, with its habitual cunning, leaped forward eight or +ten years, and planned a union of the houses of Linton and Shaftonsberry, +by the marriage of her daughter, Lillian, now eleven years of age, with +her brother's ward. + +She argued that everything was in her favor for accomplishing this, for +the children would be reared beneath the same roof, and it would be +comparatively easy to educate them to consider themselves destined for +each other. + +Of course this arch plotter kept all this to herself, for she well knew +that her brother would sternly oppose all match-making of this sort; but +it became a dearly cherished plan with her, and she bent all her energies +toward its accomplishment. + + + + +Chapter XXVI. +"I Shall Never Marry Again." + + +Virgie returned to San Francisco about two weeks after Sir William quitted +the city. + +Her little girl, now more than two years old, was much improved, and had +grown to be a remarkably interesting child, while she was of the greatest +comfort to her mother whose every hope was now centered in her. + +Virgie entered upon her work with renewed interest, although she had not +been idle during the summer by any means. With her pen she had copied +nature in every possible phase, and had brought home, for her winter's +campaign, rich treasures of beauty and art. + +She had for some time been engaged upon quite an extensive work, which was +to be elegantly bound, and which promised to be something very rare and +unique. + +She threw herself into this with such energy, after her return, and worked +at it so steadily and with so much enthusiasm, that Mr. Knight really +began to fear that she would overtax her strength. + +From the first he had been deeply interested in the beautiful and talented +woman who bore her sorrows so bravely and battled so courageously with the +adverse fate that had well-nigh ruined her life. He had pitied her +friendlessness, and tried to throw around her a sort of fatherly care and +protection; but as he came to know her better, to realize her strength of +mind and character, and beauty of disposition, a warmer feeling began to +take the place of pity and compassion, until, as she grew to confide in +and rely upon him more and more, the hope that he might perhaps win her to +share and brighten his lonely home during the declining years of his life, +gradually dawned upon him, and he finally resolved to ask her to become +his wife. + +"I could save her from all this toil, and all uncertainty about the +future. I would ask no greater happiness than to see her mistress of my +home during the remainder of my life, and then, when I am gone, she will +have all my wealth to smooth her own future." + +Thus he mused while considering the propriety of putting his fate to the +test. + +One day Virgie came into his office to consult with him regarding some +point connected with her book, and he thought she appeared weary and +looked paler than usual. + +"You are working too hard, Mrs. Alexander," he said. "Do not apply +yourself so closely—there is no need." + +"No need?" returned Virgie; "there is every need. I am very mercenary, Mr. +Knight," she added, smiling "I am determined to make all the money I can, +so that my dear little girl may have every advantage by and by." + +"But if you tax your strength too severely you may break down, and that +would be far worse than not to make money quite so rapidly." + +"I do not think I am going beyond my strength," Virgie replied, gravely. +"Besides, I am much more content when I am very busy; it keeps me +from—thinking." + +"You ought to be far more than simply 'content,'" answered Mr. Knight, +regarding the fair face wistfully, "for you are not only making plenty of +money, but winning fame for yourself also. The name of Alexander bids fair +to become renowned." + +Virgie started violently at this, and glanced sharply at her companion. +Then a burning blush suffused her face, and she said, in a low, pained +tone: + +"Oh, I hope not! I—I do not wish to be known. I am afraid I have done +wrong in using the name at all. I did it hastily, impulsively——" + +She stopped, covered with confusion, a look of distress on her lovely face +for having allowed herself to say so much. + +Mr. Knight looked astonished for a moment, while he earnestly studied her +countenance. Then light seemed to dawn upon him suddenly. + +"Pardon me," he said, leaning eagerly toward her, "but what you have said +has enlightened me regarding something that has puzzled me since the day I +first met you. You are the daughter of Abbot Alexander who disappeared so +mysteriously from this city several years ago." + +"Yes, it is true," Virgie confessed, with bowed head and burning cheeks. +"But, oh, Mr. Knight, pray do not allow any one else to suspect my +identity if you can avoid it. Put some other name to my books, or put no +name at all to them. For my father's sake, I shrink from attracting public +attention to his name." + +"My dear young friend, I fear you are morbidly sensitive I used to know +your father, and I always esteemed him as a noble man—one whose honor was +unimpeachable." + +"Ah! Then you do not know—" + +"Yes, I do know all about that financial earthquake which wrought his ruin +and that of many others; but I am sure <i>he</i> was blameless." + +"You judge him, then, more kindly than others," Virgie returned, almost +weeping to hear her father so warmly defended. "There are few, I fear, who +do not believe the very worst of him even now." + +"Doubtless that is true," Mr. Knight answered, with a sigh; "but I have +always been convinced that that rascally cashier was at the bottom of the +wrong. You must pardon me for speaking so plainly. I know that he was a +relative, though unworthy the name he bore." + +"But all the papers stated that the president and cashier were in league," +said Virgie. + +"I know it; and at first the affair did have that appearance—at least, +such a construction was but natural under the circumstances." + +"But papa gave up every dollar he possessed to right the wrong." + +"I know he did, but the amount was so small, compared with that which had +been stolen, that people were skeptical regarding his motives, and when he +also disappeared, they were only too ready to believe that he had gone to +share the plunder with the guilty cashier. But I would as soon suspect +myself of a crime as Abbot Alexander. I <i>know</i> that he was an honorable +man." + +"Oh, it is such a comfort to hear you say this," Virgie murmured, her +voice husky with emotion, her eyes filled with tears. "Poor papa! his last +years were embittered with the thought that every one believed him a +defaulter—that he had not one friend in all the world, save his daughter, +who had faith in him." + +"He made a great mistake in leaving San Francisco as he did," Mr. Knight +remarked. "If he had remained here and quietly lived down the scandal, he +might in time have recovered the confidence of the people." + +"Oh! if the stain could be removed from his name and memory!" sighed +Virgie. + +"I do not like to pain you, my dear," replied Mr. Knight, sympathetically; +"but that would be very difficult to accomplish, unless that cashier +should come forward and make a full confession." + +Virgie looked up, startled, her face growing very white. + +"I saw him here in the city last year," she said. + +"Impossible!" exclaimed her friend. + +"I am very sure I was not mistaken," Virgie affirmed and then she told the +publisher the circumstances of her being followed by that muffled figure +and of the advertisement which appeared in the papers a day or two +following, desiring communication with her. + +"I am afraid that <i>you</i> have made a mistake this time," said Mr. Knight, +thoughtfully. "You ought to have communicated with the man." + +"But I had such a horror of him; I could not believe that he would be able +to tell me of anything to my advantage." + +"At least he could have done you no harm, and he might have told you +something worth knowing. Promise me, if anything of the same nature occurs +again, you will let me know. If he could be arrested he might be forced to +a confession of the truth." + +Virgie was greatly disturbed by this view of the matter, and regretted +that she had not had more wisdom at the time. She readily promised to do +as Mr. Knight wished, though she feared she might never again have the +opportunity. + +"Now that the ice has been broken, and I know who you are, tell me +something of your life among the mountains," said her friend. "I fear it +must have been a very dreary and monotonous one." + +"It was a very quiet and peaceful one," Virgie answered with a sigh, as +she thought of the storms she had buffeted since. "Papa's claim proved to +be an excellent one, and he made a good deal of money from it; and after +we became somewhat used to the change in our life, it was not so bad." + +"But all his earnings there had to be sacrificed also. My poor child; what +a hard lot has been yours! I almost wonder at your having any faith +whatever in human nature," said Mr. Knight, feelingly. + +"I am sure that <i>you</i> have proved to me that there is at least one noble +man in the world," Virgie returned, gratefully. "I shall never forget your +kindness to me, Mr. Knight; you have been a true friend to me." + +The publisher leaned eagerly forward, and gathered her hands in his; her +words had inspired him with hope. + +"Let me be more than a friend to you, dear," he pleaded. "Let me take care +of you and your little one in the future. I know that I am much older than +you—old enough almost to be your father; but my home is lonely. I lost my +wife ten years ago. I have no children, and my heart is hungry for some +one to love. Dear child, you have been growing very dear to me ever since +you first came to me, and if you can trust me, if you can give yourself to +me, I will not ask too much, or even expect that you can feel a great deal +of affection for me, for I know how sorely you have been tried and +deceived in that respect; but let me persuade you to come to my home as my +honored wife, and I will surround you with tenderest care. Life shall be +made as pleasant as possible for you, and there will be no need of your +toiling any more." + +Virgie sat as one stunned after this unexpected proposal. + +She had never thought of anything like this during all her intercourse +with the kind-hearted publisher. She had learned to esteem him very highly +for his goodness to her, and to look up to him almost as to a father, but +the thought of ever being any man's wife again had never occurred to her. + +She grew very pale at his words, and instinctively shrank a little from +him. + +That act told him far more than words could have done, and he knew at once +that his cause was hopeless. + +He gently released her hands, sighing regretfully, while a look of pain +settled upon his fine face. + +"Oh! my friend," Virgie began, as soon as she could find her voice, "why +have you said this to me? I have not had the remotest suspicion of—of +your regard and what you have asked can never, never be." + +"Then forget that I have said anything about it, my dear. I would not +wound you for the world," said the old gentleman, with exceeding +gentleness, but with a still pained, white face. + +"Oh, please do not think me ungrateful for all your kindness," Virgie +cried, the tears dropping thick and fast from her eyes; "but, believe me, +I can never marry again. I feel, morally speaking, that I am just as truly +Sir William Heath's wife to-day as I ever was, even though the law has +rent the bond that existed between us. I do not feel that a marriage can +be broken except by death." + +"Then why did you appeal for a divorce?" interrupted Mr. Knight, with +surprise. + +"Simply that he might be free in the eyes of the world to make that other +woman a legal wife—so that she need not suffer such a wrong through me." + +"But she has already suffered it, if what you have heard is true." + +"That may be, but he now has it in his power to do her justice, if he +chooses. At all events, <i>I</i> can never feel free to change my condition in +life. My whole future must be devoted to the preparation of my child for +the position which she will occupy by and by, for I am determined that she +shall be acknowledged the rightful heir to Heathdale," Virgie concluded, +firmly. + +"How about the wrong which this other woman and her children will suffer +in that case?" asked the publisher. + +"That is something which I cannot help—for which I am in no way +responsible. If others suffer, that must be Sir William Heath's punishment +for the wrong which he has done me and my child." + +Virgie was very pale, showing that she felt strongly on the subject, but +she spoke decidedly, as if her purpose was unalterable. + +"I can but own the justice of what you have said," responded Mr. Knight, +adding: "But of course it will have to be as you say regarding the matter +of which I spoke. I should have been very happy in providing for your +future, and I had built many hopes upon having your presence in my home. +However, I will never pain you by mentioning the subject again, and you +must consider me the same friend as before. Come to me with all your +plans, your hopes, and your troubles, and believe that I shall always feel +the same interest in them as ever." + +He arose and held out his hand to her as he spoke, and Virgie could see +that it shook with the emotion which he was bravely trying to conceal. + +Her heart was almost broken for him, for she knew, that his home was very +silent and lonely. There was no one in it save his sister, a maiden lady +of uncertain age, to make it pleasant for him. + +"Forgive me!" she said, hardly able to speak, and with an impulsive +movement she bent forward and touched her lips to the hand extended to +her; then turning quickly, she glided from his presence before he could +interpose a word to prevent her. + +What happened to Virgie, and the final outcome of all her troubles is told +in the sequel to this story entitled "Threads Gathered Up," which is +published in a handsome cloth binding uniform with this volume. + + + +The End. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIRGIE’S INHERITANCE *** + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the +United States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Virgie’s Inheritance</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Mrs. Georgie Sheldon</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 24, 2004 [eBook #11269]<br /> +[Most recently updated: August 16, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Distributed Proofreaders</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIRGIE’S INHERITANCE ***</div> + + <h1> + Virgie's Inheritance + </h1> + <h2 class="no-break"> + By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + </h2> + <h4> + Author of "Nora," "Trixy,"<br /> "Earle Wayne's Nobility,"<br /> "Helen's + Victory,"<br /> "A True Aristocrat," Etc. + </h4> + <h4> + Copyright, 1887, 1888, 1891<br /> By Street & Smith + </h4> + + <h2> + Virgie's Inheritance. + </h2> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter I.<br/> + Introduces our Heroine and a Benighted Traveler. + </h2> + <p> + "Virgie, I shall have to give up the race." + </p> + <p> + "Papa!" + </p> + <p> + "My strength is failing rapidly. It was all that I could do to creep + home to-night. My trembling limbs, my labored breathing, and this + dreadful cough, all warn me that I must set my house in order, and make + provision for your future." + </p> + <p> + It was an apparently old man who spoke thus, and yet the years of his + life numbered but a little over fifty. + </p> + <p> + His hair was silvery white; his face was colorless and haggard, his eyes + dim and sunken, and his form was much attenuated and bowed by the + disease which was fast consuming him. + </p> + <p> + He was sitting by a blazing fire, in an ordinary easy-chair over which a + heavy coverlid had been thrown to make it more comfortable; but he + shivered, and hovered over the blaze, as if he were chilled to the very + marrow, while the hands which he held extended to catch the warmth were + livid, and trembling from weakness. + </p> + <p> + The room was small, but cozy and home-like. A cheap, coarse carpet, + though of a bright and tasteful pattern, lay upon the floor. An oval + table, covered with a daintily embroidered cloth, stood in the center. + There was a pretty lamp, with a bright Japanese shade upon it. There + were also a few books in choice bindings, and a dainty work-basket + filled with implements for sewing. A few pictures—some done with pen + and ink, others in crayon, but all showing great talent and nicety of + execution—hung, in simple frames, upon the walls. The two windows of + the apartment were screened by pretty curtains of spotless muslin over + heavier hangings of crimson, while a lounge and two or three chairs + completed the furnishing of the room. + </p> + <p> + Beside the table, in a low rocker, several paces from the invalid by the + fire, yet where she could catch every expression of his pale, sad face, + there sat a young girl, with a piece of fancy work in her hands, upon + which she had been busily engaged before her father spoke. + </p> + <p> + She was perhaps twenty years of age, with a straight, perfect form, and + a face that would have better graced a a palace than the humble mountain + home where she now abode. It was a pure, oval, with delicate, beautiful + brows; soft, round cheeks, in which a lovely pink came and went with + every emotion. Her eyes were of a deep violet color, shaded by dark + silken lashes, though their expression was saddened somewhat just now by + a look of care and anxiety. Her white forehead was surmounted by rich + chestnut-brown hair, which was gathered into a graceful knot at the back + of her finely shaped head. A straight, patrician nose; a small, but + rather resolute mouth, and a rounded chin, in which there was a + bewitching dimple; small, lady-like hands and feet, completed the <i>tout + ensemble</i> of Virginia Abbot, the daughter and only child of a whilom + honored and wealthy bank president of San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + When addressed, as recorded above, the beautiful girl had started and + grown suddenly pale, and a look of keenest pain shot into her violet + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then her sweet mouth straightened itself into a stern, resolute line. + There was a moment of solemn silence, which she broke, by saying, in a + repressed but gentle tone: + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry that you are feeling worse than usual to-night, papa. I know + you must be weary. You are always that after being all day in the mine, + and the storm, of course, aggravates your cough; but if you will rest a + few days you will surely be better." + </p> + <p> + "No, Virgie, it is useless to build upon false hopes. I shall never be + any better. My work is done. I shall go no more to my claim, and I have + decided to dispose of it to the first one who will offer me a fair price + for it. But, dear child, if it were not for you I believe I should be + glad to know that my saddened life is almost at an end. I——" + </p> + <p> + The weary voice quivered and failed here, and the man sank back in his + chair with a bitter sigh. + </p> + <p> + The young girl, her own face now blanched to the hue of death, laid down + her work, arose, and moved swiftly to her father's side, where she knelt + by his chair. + </p> + <p> + "Papa, do not talk so. You must not leave me," she cried, in a voice of + agony. "I cannot spare you. There must be something to help you—to + build up your strength. Let us go back home, where you can have the best + medical advice." + </p> + <p> + The man sat up in his chair, stopping her with a gesture almost of + despair. + </p> + <p> + "Home!" he cried, hoarsely. "Virgie, we have no home but this. You know + that I am already the same as dead to every one but you; that even our + real name is sunk in oblivion." + </p> + <p> + "But, papa, you must try to live for my sake," Virgie cried, clasping + her trembling hands about his emaciated arm, and shuddering as she felt + how frail it was. "If you will not go back, let me at least send for Dr. + Truel. He is skillful. He was always our friend. He will cheer you and + give you something to build you up, and he will keep our secret, too. + Oh, you ought to have had advice long ago. What shall I do in this + dreary place if you leave me alone?" + </p> + <p> + The sick man unclasped her clinging hands from his arm, and drew her + slight form to him in a tender embrace. + </p> + <p> + "My darling," he said, fondly, "that is just what I wish to talk with + you about; so calm yourself and listen to me. Neither Dr. Truel, nor any + other doctor, can help me now; if I had called him a year ago he might + have prolonged my life; but my pride would not let me face any one whom + I had ever known. But I will not speak of the past; it is too familiar + and painful to both of us. It is useless, however, for me to think for a + moment of going back, even to die, in the home where we were once so + happy, for only disgrace is connected with our name—disgrace and wrong, + all the more keenly felt because unmerited." + </p> + <p> + "Hush, Virgie!" he continued, as a shuddering sob burst from the breast + pressed so closely to his, "you must not give way so. I did not mean to + alarm you unnecessarily by what I have said; I may not leave you for + some time yet. I may be spared for a few months, perhaps until autumn, + but I feel that the time has come to arrange some definite plan for your + future. I must, however, give up my work, for I have no longer strength + to carry it on; but if there was only some one whom I could trust to + take charge of my claim. I might even yet reap something of benefit from + it to add to the hoard that I have been saving for you against this + emergency." + </p> + <p> + "But, papa, I would much rather that you should spend every dollar that + you have, if it would prolong your life; if I lose you, I have not a + friend in the world." + </p> + <p> + The man heaved a heavy sigh, for too well he realized the truth of her + words. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," he returned, with tender pathos, "if it were possible for me + to regain my health, at any sacrifice, I would gladly make it for your + sake. But I know that it cannot be, and my care now must be to make the + best provision that I can for you." + </p> + <p> + "I have been very successful since coming here," he went on, speaking + more cheerfully, "more so than I ever dared to hope, and the claim + promises much for the future and ought to bring a good price if sold; so + you will have quite a snug little fortune, my Virgie, and I trust that + your lot in life will yet be happy, in spite of the dark cloud that has + so shadowed it in the beginning. What say you to writing to my old + friend, Laurence Bancroft, of New York, confiding you to his care + after——" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my father, you make me utterly wretched," cried the young girl, + reaching up her arms and clasping them convulsively about his neck, + while she lifted her tear-stained face appealingly to him. + </p> + <p> + He bent forward and kissed her white forehead softly with his trembling + lips. + </p> + <p> + "Bear with me a little longer, my daughter, and then we will never + mention this again while I live," he returned, huskily. "Laurence + Bancroft, as you know, was a dear friend of my early life. He has a + cultivated wife, and two daughters about your own age; he will believe + me when I tell him the truth regarding our misfortunes, and will, no + doubt, give you a home in his own family, and care for your interests + until—woman's best gift—the love of some true man comes to you, and + you have a home of your own. New York is almost on the other side of the + world, and no evil breath of the past will be likely to touch you there. + What do you say, Virgie?—may I write to my friend, giving you to his + care?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, papa," Virgie said, wearily assenting to his project, more to put + an end to the painful conversation than because she had any choice in + the matter, "you may do whatever your judgment tells you is best, and I + will be guided entirely by your wishes." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot looked intensely relieved. + </p> + <p> + This question had troubled him for many months, and he had always shrunk + from speaking of it, because of the pain which he knew it would inflict. + With this vital matter settled, he felt that he could give up all care, + and spend the few remaining days of his life in peace with his idolized + child, and calmly await the end, which he knew was so near. + </p> + <p> + "That is right, dear," he said, with a contented smile. "I am greatly + comforted. I will write a full account of everything, together with my + wishes for your future, and it will be ready to be sent to Mr. Bancroft + at a moment's warning. I do not care to have him know anything about us + just yet; hark! what was that?" he broke off abruptly, and started into + a listening attitude. + </p> + <p> + "Only the wind and the storm beating against the house, I think," + answered Virgie, lifting her head, and calmed for the moment as she, + too, listened to what had seemed an unusual noise. + </p> + <p> + "It is a wild night, my child. I hope no one is homeless in this storm," + said Mr. Abbot. "I am thankful for this peaceful, though humble refuge, + after the turmoil and wrong of a few years ago, only it is hard for you + to be so shut away and isolated from those of your own age. But surely + that was a knock, Virgie." + </p> + <p> + The young girl started to her feet as a loud and imperative rap echoed + through the small entry outside the parlor. + </p> + <p> + It was seldom that they were disturbed at that hour of the evening, for + among the hard working people of the mining district in which they + lived, there were few who were not early wrapped in slumber after the + labors of the day. + </p> + <p> + Virgie passed quickly out of the cheerful parlor into the tiny hall, and + opened the outer door, though the heavy burglar chain was fastened and + would admit of its being opened but a little ways. + </p> + <p> + "Who is there?" she asked, in her clear, sweet tones. + </p> + <p> + "A stranger who has lost his way and seeks direction to the nearest + public inn," answered a rich, mellow voice from without. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot now came out, a heavy shawl wrapped about his shoulders to + shield him from the dampness. + </p> + <p> + "It is more than a mile from here, and a very poor place at that," he + said. + </p> + <p> + The stranger outside gave a low whistle of dismay at this information, + and muttered something about being in "a very uncomfortable fix." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot unfastened the chain, threw wide the door, and invited the + unknown to come in out of the storm. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," was the courteous response; "but I will not trespass upon your + hospitality if you will kindly direct me to the inn of which you speak. + The darkness came on so suddenly that I lost my way. I left Oreana at + noon to go to Humboldt, but my horse sprained his foot on the rough + mountain road, and I have had to come at a snail's pace ever since." + </p> + <p> + "You are sadly out of your way, indeed, if you are going to Humboldt, + for it is a good ten miles from here. Come in—come in out of the + pouring rain, and we will discuss what will be best for you to do," + returned his host, in a hearty tone, for he was won by the man's + frankness and courtesy. + </p> + <p> + The stranger stepped, dripping, into the hall, a tall, straight figure, + booted and spurred, and enveloped in waterproof jacket, trousers, and + havelock. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks," he said, "you are very kind; but allow me to introduce myself; + my name is Heath—William Heath, at your service." + </p> + <p> + "Then, Mr. Heath, come to my fireside and dry and warm yourself; my name + is Abbot and this is my daughter," replied Mr. Abbot, leading the way + into the cheerful parlor whither Virgie had retired when her father + opened the door to the benighted wayfarer. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath bowed with all the polish that could have been expected of him + had he been in a royal drawing-room instead of a rude cottage in a ruder + mining district of the mountains of Nevada, while his dark eyes flashed + with a look of admiration over the perfect figure and into the lovely + face of his host's daughter. + </p> + <p> + He removed his hat and havelock, revealing a grand head covered with + waving brown hair, and a handsome face all aglow with intelligence. His + eyes were a dark, wine-brown, his glance as keen and straight as an + eagle's, his manner and bearing betraying that he was accustomed to + mingle with people of culture and refinement. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter II.<br/> + The Stranger Welcomed. + </h2> + <p> + Virginia Abbot simply inclined her regal head in returning the + stranger's greeting; then taking up her work again, she sat down by the + table, with her back toward the fire and the newcomer. She had not + failed to notice his look of surprised admiration when introduced to + her, and it had affected her strangely. + </p> + <p> + Five years previous Mr. Abbot and his young daughter had come to that + wild region entire strangers—the former, a man of gentlemanly bearing, + somewhat past his prime; the latter a wondrously beautiful girl of + fifteen, just budding into womanhood, and with a dignity of mien and + refinement of speech which, together with her beauty, caused the uncouth + inhabitants of the place to regard her with something of awe, and as if + they thought she belonged to an entirely different sphere from them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot owned a claim in the gold and silver region there, which he + asserted that he was going to work himself, much to the surprise of the + rough miners, for he was a frail looking man. + </p> + <p> + He built a small but very convenient house, containing five rooms, + which, with the few elegancies he had brought with him, for his child's + sake, and which proclaimed that the strangers had been accustomed to the + luxuries of life heretofore, became the pride and wonder of the + settlement. + </p> + <p> + The house was painted inside and out; there were carpets upon the + floors, draperies at the windows, vases and ornaments on the mantels, + pictures on the walls. But though all the furnishings were of the + simplest and cheapest, yet, to the rude and unaccustomed people about + them, their home seemed a veritable palace. + </p> + <p> + Another mystery and evidence of superiority was the grave and + self-contained Chinaman who came with them, and was installed as cook + and servant in general in the small kitchen, and who waited upon the + young lady of the house with so much respect and deference. + </p> + <p> + Here the father and daughter lived in the utmost seclusion. Virgie never + was seen outside her home unless accompanied by her father or servant, + and Mr. Abbot, when not in the mine, devoted himself wholly to his + child. + </p> + <p> + They made no friends, and did not mingle at all with those about them, + although they were always kind and courteous to every one, and thus won + the respect of every man, woman and child in the hamlet. Mr. Abbot had + the appearance of being much broken in spirit; his countenance wore a + look of habitual sadness, and his abundant hair, so prematurely + whitened, plainly told that some heavy trouble had overtaken him in the + past. Nothing could be learned of their antecedents, where they had + lived, or why they were there, though Chi Lu, the servant, was often + plied with questions by the curious, and thus they were regarded as a + trio of very mysterious personages. + </p> + <p> + After a year or so, it began to be whispered about that "the governor," + as Mr. Abbot was called, because of the respect in which he was held, + had "struck it rich," in other words, that his claim was proving an + unusually fruitful one, and he was making money rapidly. How this came + to be known it would be hard to say, for he was very uncommunicative, + going and coming to and from his work quietly and unostentatiously, and + living in the simplest manner. + </p> + <p> + As time passed, Virginia Abbot grew even more beautiful than she was + when she had first come to her mountain home. The bracing air agreed + with her, her health was perfect, while her simple manner of living and + her regular habits were calculated to develop to the utmost every charm, + and keep her strong, and fresh, and beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Her mind was not allowed to lie dormant, however, for her father + attended most carefully and faithfully to her education, and not only + insisted upon a regular and thorough course of study, but kept her well + provided with the literature of the times, embracing many new books and + various papers and periodicals. + </p> + <p> + But for more than a year past, Mr. Abbot's health had been failing. The + change, however, was so gradual that Virgie did not observe it until the + disease had fastened itself so firmly upon him that he was beyond all + human aid. The man himself fought against it for months, striving to + prolong his life for the sake of his idolized daughter, although, + personally, the world had no longer any charms for him; but it never + relaxed its fatal hold, and at last, at the time of the opening of our + story, he felt that the time had come for him to give up labor and lay + down all burdens, for he knew that his days were numbered. + </p> + <p> + The question of providing a home and protection for Virgie had long + agitated his mind. + </p> + <p> + They had no relations or friends to whom he could confide her. There + were reasons why he was unwilling to appoint a guardian and send her + back to their former home, and so, at last, he resolved to commit her to + the care of his early friend and college mate, Laurence Bancroft, a + wealthy merchant of New York city. + </p> + <p> + But the matter was to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the + beautiful girl's destiny settled in a way wholly unexpected by either + father or daughter. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When Mr. Heath, the benighted and storm-delayed traveler, threw back his + dripping coat, and seated himself at the invitation of his host, before + the blazing fire, Mr. Abbot thought that he had seldom seen a more + attractive young man. + </p> + <p> + He was apparently about twenty-five years of age. His dark eyer were + full of intelligence, and fringed with long silken lashes. His features + were clear cut, as if they had been chiseled in marble. A dark brown + moustache shaded, but did not conceal, a sensitive mouth, from which + there flashed the gleam of brilliant teeth whenever he spoke or smiled; + his nose was well formed, and his smooth, rather massive chin betrayed + strength of purpose and decision of character. + </p> + <p> + His address was very courteous, even fascinating, and his voice + possessed a rich, mellow tone, with a sympathetic ring in it, to which + it was a delight to listen, and which won at once upon the hearts and + confidence of his entertainers. + </p> + <p> + "You are unfortunate to be obliged to traverse our rough mountain roads + on such a night as this," Mr. Abbot observed, with a shiver, as he drew + nearer the fire, and laid another heavy oaken stick across the glowing + blaze. + </p> + <p> + "That is true, sir," responded his guest, yet the glance, which he + involuntarily shot at Virgie, bending gracefully over her work, did not + betray an overwhelming sense of his misfortune. + </p> + <p> + "I am on my way to join a party of sportsmen at Humboldt," he continued. + "I was detained at Virginia city upon a matter of business, and they + went on before, promising to wait there for me until to-morrow evening." + </p> + <p> + "Are you traveling on horseback?" Mr. Abbot asked, with some surprise. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; but the train on which I started met with an accident this + morning, which was liable to detain it several hours, and being + impatient of the delay, I procured a horse at Oreana, thinking I could + easily reach Humboldt by evening, when I could return it by rail. But + the unfortunate beast sprained his foot on a rolling stone, as I have + already told you; the storm and darkness overtook me, I lost my way, and + my courage was just about failing, when I espied the friendly lights of + this settlement, and I resolved to stop at the first house I came to and + ask where I could find shelter for the night." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot had been studying the young man's face attentively during this + explanation. + </p> + <p> + He liked his appearance exceedingly; his countenance was honest and + true, his story straightforward and well told, and some unaccountable + impulse prompted him to take measures to become better acquainted with + him. + </p> + <p> + "If you are going to Humboldt, you should have taken the turn to your + left five miles back on the mountain," he said. "It would be impossible + for you to reach it to-night, even if you could be set right, for you + would be sure to lose your way again in the darkness. The only public + house—if you can call it such—in this region, is at least a mile from + here, and far from inviting or comfortable at that; so allow me, Mr. + Heath, to offer you the hospitality of our home for the night, and + to-morrow you can start afresh and refreshed upon your way." + </p> + <p> + The young man looked up with a glance of surprise, while a quick flush + mounted to his brow, at this unexpected and rather extraordinary offer, + for he well knew that in a mining district all strangers are regarded + with suspicion if not with positive dislike. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, you are very kind," he began, casting another glance toward the + lovely maiden by the table, for he had seen her give a quick start at + her father's invitation, "but I fear I should trespass beyond all bounds + were I to accept your offer." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," returned Mr. Abbot, with more of eagerness in his manner + than he was in the habit of betraying over anything. "I could not think + of allowing you to go on in this driving storm, and we can arrange it + very comfortably can we not, Virgie?" turning toward her. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," was the low though unhesitating reply. + </p> + <p> + "But I am an entire stranger to you. How dare you take me into your + household? How do you know but that I am a robber or a brigand in + disguise?" queried Mr. Heath, with a twinkle in his fine eyes. But still + he was strongly tempted to accept the friendly offer, not only on + account of the comfort surrounding him, but because he was attracted by + the cultivated gentleman and his charming daughter, both of whom were a + great surprise to him, finding them as he had in that wild region. + </p> + <p> + "Nay," responded Mr. Abbot, smiling, yet meeting the frank eyes of his + guest steadily, "I think I can vouch for your character as a gentleman + even though you are an utter stranger. Remove your wet garments, I pray, + and make yourself comfortable for the night." + </p> + <p> + "But my horse," began Mr. Heath, suddenly bethinking himself of the + dripping and suffering animal. + </p> + <p> + "True. Pardon my thoughtlessness," returned his host, adding, "There is + a small shed attached to our dwelling where he can at least be + sheltered. Virgie, please go and send Chi Lu to assist Mr. Heath." + </p> + <p> + Virgie immediately arose and left the room, and soon after a diminutive + Chinaman appeared in the doorway, bearing a lighted lantern, and + signifying his readiness to "puttee up te hossee." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath left the house with him, and both were gone some time, + attending to the animal's injured leg and trying to make him as + comfortable as circumstances would allow. + </p> + <p> + During their absence Virgie, at the suggestion of her father, busied + herself in arranging a supper for the storm-beaten traveler, who upon + his return was greeted by the fumes of steaming coffee, while an + appetizing array of cold meats and other viands was spread upon the + table, which had been drawn up before the fire. + </p> + <p> + "I fear Miss Abbot is making herself trouble on my account," Mr. Heath + remarked, with a swift and grateful glance at the graceful form and + flushed face that was bending over the glowing coals, where the young + girl was toasting to a delicate brown a slice from a wheaten loaf. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed; it is no trouble; and a meal after your long ride in the + rain will not come amiss," Virgie answered, looking up and meeting his + fine eyes for an instant. + </p> + <p> + She deposited the bread upon a plate, and inviting the young man to be + seated, poured with her own hands a cup of fragrant coffee, which she + placed before him. + </p> + <p> + She continued to wait upon him with exquisite ease and grace until his + hunger was appeased, which was not soon, for it was a rare pleasure for + him to watch her beautiful and expressive face while he chatted with her + father, sipped his coffee, and ate his toast. + </p> + <p> + But he finished at length, and then Chi Lu was summoned the table + cleared, and the room restored to its usual order. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot seldom had met a real gentleman since coming among the + mountains; he had lived chiefly within himself and for his child. But + now he found that he had not lost all interest in the outside world, and + he enjoyed immensely Mr. Heath's account of his travels, and his + descriptions of men and things. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had not seen her father so bright and animated in all the five + years of their secluded life, and she began to hope that his fears + regarding his failing health were groundless after all. She, too, + enjoyed the young stranger's conversation, although she did not join in + it. She sat by, with her dainty embroidery in her hands, listening, and + showing by her expressive face and shining eyes how rare a pleasure such + congenial society was to her. + </p> + <p> + But by and by she stole away to her own room, where she lay far into the + night thinking of the handsome stranger—of his eager yet respectful + glances when he looked at her; of the low, rich cadence of his voice + when he spoke to her, and feeling that she should miss him more than she + had ever yet missed anyone during the last five years, when he should go + away on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The two men talked some time longer after Virgie left; the Chi Lu was + called again, the pretty lounge was converted into a comfortable bed, + and Mr. Heath was told that the parlor was at his service for the night. + </p> + <p> + The young man was very thankful for the hearty hospitality of which he + had been the recipient, and felt that he had been extremely fortunate in + finding such a pleasant abiding-place; but, although he was very weary + from his rough and tedious ride over the mountain, he found that slumber + was hard to woo, and he, too, lay awake for long hours, wondering over + the strange experience of the evening, and what hard fate—for hard he + felt sure it must have been—could have driven a cultivated gentleman + like Mr. Abbot, and his peerless daughter, who was so well fitted to + shine in the most brilliant circles of the world, away from the haunts + of civilization into that wilderness, and among the rude, uncultured, + uncongenial people of a mining region. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter III.<br/> + Mr. Heath Talks of Becoming a Miner. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning broke fair and beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Every trace of the storm had passed away, save that the dust was laid + and all nature looked fresher and brighter for the copious bath it had + received. + </p> + <p> + Virgie Abbot, despite her sleeplessness during the first half of the + night, was up at an early hour, superintending breakfast for her father + and their guest. + </p> + <p> + If she had been lovely the previous evening she was doubly so now in her + pretty flannel wrapper—for the mornings were chilly in that region, + even in the summer The wrapper was of a light blue tint, wonderfully + becoming to her delicate complexion, and harmonized well with her eyes + and the dainty pink in her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Her face wore a brighter, more eager look, than was its wont, this + morning, and she was full of life and energy that was born of her youth + and sunny, hopeful temperament. + </p> + <p> + The incidents of the previous evening had been a pleasant break in her + hitherto monotonous life, and she was now looking forward, with no small + degree of interest, to meeting by daylight the handsome stranger who had + taken refuge with them. + </p> + <p> + During all the years that she had been in that rude place she had not + seen one real gentleman, excepting her father; they had never before + entertained a visitor, and there had been nothing but her reading and + studies, her drawing and fancy work, to vary the quiet, almost dull + uniformity of her existence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot himself looked brighter and better as he came out from his + chamber and gave Virgie his usual morning greeting and caress. + </p> + <p> + This visit had evidently done him good also, and Virgie took "heart of + grace" from the fact, and put aside, for the time at least, the anxious + fears that had so burdened her the night before. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was served in the simple but clean and cheerful kitchen which + led from the parlor, while the small table, laid for three, had almost + an air of elegance, with its spotless cloth, its few pieces of silver, + china, and cut glass, relics of former glory, and the tiny vase of + flowers, with the dew and rain still on them, which Virgie had gathered + from the edge of the cliff near by. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath's glance expressed something of surprise as it swiftly took in + these appointments; but to him the fairest sight of all was the slim but + perfect figure of the young girl who sat at the head of the table, and + poured his coffee, and waited upon him with all the ease and + self-possession of one who had been long accustomed to the formalities + and etiquette of high life. + </p> + <p> + The young man wondered at it. There was no other woman in the house, nor + had been since they came there, for Mr. Abbot had mentioned that he lost + his wife more than six years ago; but this girl was a perfect little + hostess, and dainty, to the last degree, in her person. Her hands were + white and delicate, the pretty pink nails without a blemish; her hair + soft and silken, showing a careful wielding of the brush; her linen + collar and cuffs were immaculate, her handkerchief white as snow, and + fine and sheer, while everything about her bespoke lady-like refinement + and a high regard for nicety of toilet. + </p> + <p> + He could hardly keep his eyes off her, she was so fair a picture; but + once or twice she had looked up and caught his glance, flushed, and + fearing to embarrass her, he turned resolutely to his host and opened a + subject upon which he had been thinking quite, seriously. + </p> + <p> + "I understood you to say last evening, I believe, sir, that you were + desirous of disposing of your claim," he remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; my health is too poor to admit of my working it any longer, and I + should be glad to dispose of it to the right person," Mr. Abbot replied. + </p> + <p> + "I think I know of some one who would like it, if it is still a + promising one," the young man said, but a conscious color flushed his + cheek slightly as he felt Virgie's eyes turned upon him. + </p> + <p> + "I honestly believe that it is richer to-day than when I began to work + it," Mr. Abbot asserted confidently. "However," he added, "I do not ask + you to take my word for it. If you know a party who would like to + purchase, tell him to bring an expert and examine for himself; and even + then if he is not satisfied to buy outright, he may work it upon shares + until he is convinced of its value." + </p> + <p> + "That is fair, I am sure," said Mr. Heath. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you would like to take a look at it before you go?" suggested + his host, who was eager to dispose of his property. + </p> + <p> + "I would, I assure you," was the reply; "but there is hardly time this + morning, for I feel that I must join my party immediately, else they + will be anxious regarding my safety. We are bound upon an excursion + through the northern portion of the State, and intend to be absent a + week or more; but after that, if you will permit me, I will return here + and investigate matters—that is, if you will give me the refusal of the + claim until then." + </p> + <p> + As the young man said this, his glance involuntarily wandered again to + the beautiful face of Virgie. + </p> + <p> + There must have been something magnetic in his gaze, for she raised her + white lids just then, and met the earnest, wistful look bent upon her. + </p> + <p> + A flush leaped to her cheek, and her violet eyes dropped instantly upon + her plate again, while her heart fluttered like a caged wild bird. + </p> + <p> + "I will gladly wait your time, Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot responded, in a + satisfied tone. "I begin to think that your losing your way and falling + to our care last evening was providential." + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt of it, sir," was the grave and reverent reply. "I + believe that all our ways are ordered for us; that everything is + arranged for us by an All-wise Power." + </p> + <p> + Something very like a sneer curled the almost colorless lips of his host + at this unexpected assertion. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot was no believer in the individuality of God, and had spoken + both lightly and at random when he had referred to the young man's visit + as being providential. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean by an All-wise Power?" he asked, skeptically. + </p> + <p> + "I mean God, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You believe there is a God, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; do you not?" and Mr. Heath's kind, grave eyes looked + pityingly into the haggard, sunken face before him. + </p> + <p> + They seemed almost to say, "If you have not this belief to comfort you, + with the hand of death laid upon your very heart, I grieve inexpressibly + for you." + </p> + <p> + "If there is, I imagine He must allow Satan to have the control of some + of our lives," was the evasive and bitter retort. "Virgie, Mr. Heath's + cup is empty." + </p> + <p> + But his face flushed and his hands trembled as he thus abruptly turned + the topic, showing how deeply the subject moved him; notwithstanding his + pretended unbelief. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks; no more coffee for me," Mr. Heath said, with a smile and a bow + to his young hostess, as she offered to replenish his cup; but he + noticed that there was a troubled, anxious look in her eyes as they + rested upon her father. + </p> + <p> + He made no reply to Mr. Abbot's remark, although he looked a trifle + hurt. + </p> + <p> + He simply said, as he folded his napkin and pushed back his plate: + </p> + <p> + "I must ask you to excuse me and my lack of ceremony if I bid you good + morning, and take French leave. I feel that I ought to get on my way as + soon as possible; and believe me I am very grateful for your hospitality + and courtesy." + </p> + <p> + Virgie arose as he spoke, and like the true little lady that she was, + assured him that it had been a delight to entertain him, and she should + look forward with pleasure to his return. + </p> + <p> + He thanked her, shook hands warmly with her, and then left the house, + followed by Mr. Abbot, who watched him depart with a feeling of regret + such as he had not experienced over any one during all the years of his + exile. + </p> + <p> + Still he pleasantly anticipated his coming again, when he meant to make + him remain several days. + </p> + <p> + He had been strangely attracted toward him from the moment when he had + first heard his mellow, sympathetic tones, asking to be directed to a + place of shelter. He knew that he possessed a grand character, for he + carried the stamp of true nobility upon his frank, handsome face. + </p> + <p> + "That is a promising young man, Virgie," he said, as he returned to the + parlor after watching the horse and its rider disappear down the + mountain. "I should like to know where he came from, and more about + him." + </p> + <p> + Virgie did not reply, but she turned away from the window where she, + too, had been watching the receding horseman, with a shy, sweet smile on + her red lips. William Heath's last glance had been for her, as he doffed + his hat and bowed low in his saddle when he turned down the road. + </p> + <p> + During all the week that followed her step was lighter and her face + brighter than its wont, and she went singing about the house to the + delight of her father, who was now at home all the day long, as he had + given up going to the mine. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot had appeared very thoughtful after the departure of his young + guest, often falling into a profound reverie, in which he would sit for + hours. + </p> + <p> + Virgie often wondered what he could be thinking about, but she did not + feel like questioning him, lest he should refer again to the painful + topic of his leaving her. + </p> + <p> + One day, however, coming into the room suddenly, she saw her mother's + bible in his hands, and she was sure there were tears in his eyes. She + appeared not to notice either his employment or his emotion, but soon + stole softly away again, and went weeping up to her own room. + </p> + <p> + After that he busied himself with writing a great deal, and she felt + sure that he was making arrangements for her of which he had spoken on + that stormy evening. A great dread came over her at the thought of being + left alone in the world; and yet, in spite of all, she looked forward to + the return of Mr. Heath with more of pleasure and anticipation than she + had known for many a year. + </p> + <p> + Thus more than a week went by, and one afternoon Virgie, her father + being asleep and the house oppressively still, took her book and went + out to a little nook back of her cottage, where she was in the habit of + going to study, and where Chi Lu had built a rustic seat for her beneath + a great pine tree that grew out of a cleft in the mountain. + </p> + <p> + But she could not concentrate her thoughts upon the page before her; + they went roving after a coal black steed and its handsome rider, until + finally her book dropped from her hands, her eyes fixed themselves + dreamily upon the lofty, far-off peaks of the Humboldt Mountains, and + she was lost to time and place—everything save her own delightful + musings. + </p> + <p> + So absorbed was she that she was not aware of the approach of any one + until a small but exquisitely arranged bouquet of mountain flowers were + laid upon the seat beside her, and a rich but well remembered voice + said: + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Miss Abbot, for intruding upon your solitude, but Chi Lu + told me that Mr. Abbot was resting and could not be disturbed at + present, and that I should find you here." + </p> + <p> + Virginia sprang to her feet, the tint of the wild rose in her cheeks, + her violet eyes grown black with repressed excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Heath?" she cried, her scarlet lips parting in a bewildering smile. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; forgive me for having startled you so," he said, gently, then + adding with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "You were surely in a + very brown study." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I was," she returned, laughing. "But what lovely flowers!" + she continued, taking them up and bending to inhale their fragrance. + "How kind of you to gather them for me." + </p> + <p> + The young man's eyes lingered about her in a delighted gaze, for she + made the fairest picture imaginable standing there in her soft gray + dress with its collar and cuffs of black velvet, a knot of scarlet + ribbon at her throat, the brilliant flowers in her hands, and a fleecy + white shawl wrapped about her shoulders. Her shining hair was gathered + into a satiny brown coil at the back of her head and pinned with a + silver arrow, while a few naturally curling locks lay lightly on her + forehead. The dark, moss-grown rock was behind her; the softly waving + plumy boughs of the pine tree above her, a carpet of tender green + beneath her feet. + </p> + <p> + "You are still trembling from the shock that I have given you," he said + in a tone of self-reproach, and noticing how the flowers quivered in her + grasp, "pray, pardon me and give me a handshake of welcome, or I shall + almost regret that I came." + </p> + <p> + She looked up frankly into his dark eyes, and laid her small hand + unhesitatingly in his. + </p> + <p> + "You are very welcome, Mr. Heath," she said, "and I am sure that papa + will be very glad to see you." + </p> + <p> + William Heath smiled at her words. + </p> + <p> + He felt sure that she, too, was glad to see him—that his coming was a + pleasant break in the monotony of her life; her varying color, the + bright, happy gleam of her eyes told him this. + </p> + <p> + Her wonderful beauty, so out of place in that wild region, thrilled him + strangely. Her queenly manner, her delicacy and refinement astonished + him, and he wondered more and more what mysterious circumstances could + have combined to drive two such cultivated people so far from + civilization to hide themselves in the rugged fastnesses of those dreary + mountains. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter IV.<br/> + A Mountain Ramble. + </h2> + <p> + "You were reading," he remarked, stooping to pick up the book that had + fallen to the ground as she arose. "Tacitus!" he added, in a tone of + astonishment, as his eye fell upon the title page. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am reviewing; papa likes me to study a little every day, still," + Virgie returned, quietly, while she examined her flowers with a critical + eye, and wondered that a gentleman could have arranged them so well. + </p> + <p> + He must be an artist, she thought, for no one save an artist, or a lover + of art, could have taken such pains to harmonize colors like that. + </p> + <p> + "I should suppose you would labor under serious difficulties in trying + to pursue your studies in such a place as this," Mr. Heath remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, papa is a fine scholar, and he makes a most delightful + teacher." + </p> + <p> + "And have you pursued a regular course under him?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, partly. I left school when I was fifteen, but I have kept right on + the same as I should have done if I had remained, and I graduated two + years ago," she concluded, smiling archly at the idea of graduating in + that wild country. + </p> + <p> + "And with high honors, of course," said her companion in the same vein. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; with all the honors, since there was no one to compete with + me or to bear away the palm from me. But, Mr. Heath, you must be both + weary and hungry after your ride over the mountains; come in, and let me + get you a lunch," Virgie concluded, on hospitable thoughts intent. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, thank you; I will eat nothing until tea time, when, if you + will permit me, I will gladly join you. I should much prefer to sit here + and enjoy this magnificent view with you to going indoors." + </p> + <p> + He seated himself, as he spoke, upon the rustic seat, and Virgie, + following his example, they fell into a pleasant chat, which lasted more + than an hour. + </p> + <p> + Virgie never forgot that delicious hour, neither did her companion, who + was every moment growing more deeply interested in the beautiful + mountain maiden. + </p> + <p> + He talked upon many themes, and was surprised to find how fluently she + could converse with him, showing how much and how thoroughly she had + read, and how wisely and carefully her father had superintended her + education. She was far above the average woman in point of intellect and + culture, he told himself and it was a pity that her life should be + wasted in that wretched place. + </p> + <p> + But they were at length interrupted by Chi Lu, who came to tell them + that Mr. Abbot was awake, and had asked for them. + </p> + <p> + They immediately arose to go to him, and found him sitting upon the tiny + porch in front of the cottage. + </p> + <p> + He was looking thinner and more worn, Mr. Heath thought, than when he + had last seen him, and his cough was far from troublesome, even though + the weather was milder. It was evident, to him, at least, that the man + was in the last stages of consumption, and could not live many months, + if weeks, although, as the weather grew warmer, he might rally somewhat. + </p> + <p> + He greeted the young man warmly, and made many inquiries regarding his + trip and the success which he and his party had met with in their sport. + </p> + <p> + "Very good," Mr. Heath told him, adding, "And now my friends have gone + to Salt Lake City, while I have retraced my steps hither to talk with + you about that claim of yours." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up quickly at this, a lovely flush rising to her cheek. If + only he would become its purchaser. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the two young people met, and held each other in a glance + that sent the blood coursing more rapidly than usual through their + veins. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot's face, brightened. + </p> + <p> + "Then you still think that you know some one who will purchase it?" he + said, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir—if—if it proves all that you have described it, I think I + may like to buy it myself," Mr. Heath answered quietly, but with rising + color. + </p> + <p> + "You! you don't look like a person who would care to take to mining for + a living," returned his host, in a surprised tone. + </p> + <p> + "I might say the same of you, sir," said the young man, smiling. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot flushed, and for a moment appeared considerably agitated and + unable to speak. + </p> + <p> + Then he said, with something of hauteur in his manner: + </p> + <p> + "Sometimes a person is compelled by circumstances, over which he has no + control, to adopt a pursuit, which under other conditions he would shun + as both unfitting and obnoxious." + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, Mr. Abbot," Mr. Heath hastened to say, in a + deprecatory tone. "I had no intention of calling to mind anything of an + unpleasant nature; my reply was lightly and thoughtlessly given. + However, I have always had a desire to see something of mining, and + although I may not attempt to work at it myself, I think I should like + to own a claim." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; then to-morrow I will show you over the premises; and + explain all that you may wish to know; perhaps, though you may not be + quite so much in favor of a miner's life when you come to realize the + difficulties attending it." + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu now interrupted with the information that tea was ready, and Mr. + Abbot repeated the invitation that Virgie had already given to their new + friend, insisting further, that he should remain their guest until he + should decide regarding the purchase of the claim. + </p> + <p> + Upon being assured that it would inconvenience the household in no way, + he consented, nothing loath at the prospect of being allowed to bask in + Virgie's presence, and to have an opportunity to study her character + more fully. + </p> + <p> + After tea, which was really a dainty meal, far better and more + acceptably served than any the young traveler had eaten since leaving + San Francisco three weeks previous, Mr. Heath, seeing that Mr. Abbot was + weary and more inclined to rest upon the lounge than to converse, asked + Virgie if she would allow him to be her escort and go out for a ramble. + </p> + <p> + The young girl flushed with pleasure at the request, and cordially + assented. + </p> + <p> + She wrapped her fleecy shawl once more about her shoulders, and tying a + dainty hat—which Chi Lu's skillful fingers had woven from mountain + grasses, and her own fair hands had trimmed—upon her pretty brown head, + they sauntered forth. + </p> + <p> + The sun had gone down, but the western sky was all ablaze with crimson + and orange, which gradually faded into soft purple and deeper blue in + the upper sky. There were mountains all about them, some darkly green + with fir, spruce, and pine, others of brighter and tenderer tints in + their dress of oak, maple, and birch, while here and there arose one + bald and gray, all of solid rock, with now and then a patch of moss + clinging to its time worn sides, but giving variety to the scene and + enhancing by contrast the whole picture. + </p> + <p> + "Where would you like to go?" Virgie asked, as they passed out of the + little gate into the rough road. + </p> + <p> + "Wherever you will take me," Mr. Heath replied, as he looked smilingly + down into the beautiful face upraised to his. + </p> + <p> + "Then I will take you up to the Bare Ledge; the finest view can be + obtained from there," the girl replied as she moved on to hide the blush + which his look had called to her face. + </p> + <p> + It moved her strangely whenever she met the gaze of the grand man, for + grand her soul told her he was, with that magnificent head, that + intelligent face, and that quiet, yet high-bred dignity of manner which + she had never seen in any other save her father. + </p> + <p> + "The Bear Ledge?" repeated Mr. Heath. "Why is it called that? Is it + haunted by wild beasts? If it is, I shall certainly object to your going + there." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no; it is not that kind of a bear at all," laughed Virgie, the + silver ripple of amusement breaking like music upon the evening air. "It + is called so because it is a mass of rock entirely barren; nothing will + grow upon it; it seems to be the one spot in all this region that is + absolutely desolate, and yet from it you may view a world of beauty." + </p> + <p> + On they went up the mountain, conversing now upon one topic, now upon + another, yet both conscious of but one prominent fact—that they were + together, and supremely happy in each other's society. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, their climb was over, and following a rough path that + led along the side of the mountain for some distance, they at length + came out upon a broad ledge or table rock, which was indeed barren to + desolation. + </p> + <p> + But the vista that opened out before them was beautiful beyond + description. + </p> + <p> + Mountains everywhere—above, below, and on either hand; but between them + were fertile little valleys, with here and there glittering lakes with + tiny streamlets trickling into them, that seemed like silver brooches + and chains garnishing nature's emerald vestments. + </p> + <p> + The youthful couple stood wrapt in silence for several minutes, viewing + the varied landscape. To Virgie the scene was familiar as an + oft-repeated tale, and yet she was never weary of it. To her companion + it was one of the loveliest views that he had ever gazed upon, even + though he had visited many lands and climbed many a mountain. + </p> + <p> + "It is grand!" said Mr. Heath, at last. + </p> + <p> + "It is grand!" echoed Virgie, drawing in a deep breath of pure air, and + sweeping a delighted glance over all the fair scene. + </p> + <p> + "I thank you very much for bringing me here," her companion continued. + "I would hardly have believed there could be such an exquisite view in + this region; my disagreeable ride, when I came here before, rather + prejudiced me against the locality. Do you come here often?" + </p> + <p> + "I used to, before papa's health failed him," Virgie answered, with a + regretful sigh, as she remembered how little her father had been able to + go about of late. "We used to come here almost every Sabbath in fine + weather, with our books and papers, and spend half the day—it is all + the church we have had—and I shall always love the spot." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt you do, and yet——" + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up inquiringly as he paused abruptly. + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking," he continued, in reply to her glance, "that this + mountain must be a wild and lonely place for one like you to spend your + life in." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is lonely," the young girl responded, with a wistful gleam in + her violent eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Have you lived here long, Miss Abbot?" + </p> + <p> + "Five years—a little more." + </p> + <p> + "So long? Surely you cannot have had much congenial society," Mr. Heath + remarked, as he contemplated with no favoring eye the rude hamlet far + below them on their right. + </p> + <p> + "None, save my father." + </p> + <p> + "And have you never been lonely, and yearned for youthful + companionship?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, often," and the bright tears sprang quickly into Virgie's blue + eyes, as she thought of the nights she had wept herself to sleep from + sheer homesickness and a feeling of utter desolation. "But," she + continued more brightly, and winking rapidly to keep the tell-tale drops + from falling. "I can bear loneliness, or almost anything else, for my + father's sake." + </p> + <p> + "Poor child! brave little woman!" thought the man by her side, "it must + have been very much like being buried alive, and she has borne it like a + heroine; but she will not have to endure it much longer 'for her + father.' I wonder what will become of her when he is gone." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot seems very feeble," he said aloud, "do you not think a change + would be beneficial to him?" + </p> + <p> + "I—do not know," Virgie began wistfully; then added, more to herself + than to him, "Where could we go?" + </p> + <p> + "I would advise the sea-shore. I should think the salt air would do him + good. Santa Cruz, Monterey, or any of those places on the California + coast, would be both pleasant and healthful." + </p> + <p> + A startled look came into Virgie's eyes, and her face grew pale. + </p> + <p> + She had often been to Santa Cruz and Monterey, in the old delightful + days when her mother was living, where she had reigned like a little + queen, and they had all been so happy, with no suspicion of the black + shadow that was creeping upon them so surely. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, we could not go there; I—I do not believe that papa could be + persuaded to leave home," she faltered with evident nervousness and + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + "There is a sad history and a secret here," said Mr. Heath to himself, + and he wondered more than ever what cruel misfortune could have driven + these people thus into exile. + </p> + <p> + "Has Mr. Abbot ever consulted a physician?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No; there is no physician near us. But papa understands something of + medicine himself," Virgie answered, sighing, for her heart was very + heavy whenever she thought of her father's condition, and it was evident + to her that Mr. Heath considered him to be in a very critical state. + </p> + <p> + He saw that it troubled her to talk about it, and resolved that he would + not refer to the subject again. + </p> + <p> + As they stood there the gorgeous tints faded out of the western sky, a + purplish haze settled over mountain and valley, like a gauzy vail + softening all their outlines, and a mist was beginning to rise from the + depths below. + </p> + <p> + "The dew is falling, Miss Abbot. I fear you will take cold in this + dampness. Shall I take you back now?" Mr. Heath asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I think it will be hardly safe for us to linger longer," she + replied. "But, Mr. Heath, be careful as you go down; the path is not + altogether safe." + </p> + <p> + The young man laughed lightly. + </p> + <p> + "I have scaled greater heights, climbed steeper and more rugged paths + than these, Miss Abbot," he said. "The Alps, the Pyrenees, the Caucasus, + are all familiar ground, and this is but child's play compared with + them." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then you have been in Europe?" Virgie cried, with animation. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, in almost every portion of it," he answered, watching her kindly + face with admiration. + </p> + <p> + "How favored you are," she sighed wistfully. "I have longed with a + mighty longing to visit foreign lands." + </p> + <p> + "Have you? Perhaps some time your wish may be gratified. I hope it may + be," he returned, in an earnest tone. "Now give me your hand, and let me + assist you down this slippery path." + </p> + <p> + "No, no. Please care for yourself, Mr. Heath, and let me follow you," + the young girl pleaded. "I know every step of the way, and it is all + strange to you." + </p> + <p> + But he stood still in the way, with his hand outstretched to her, + resolute yet smiling. He would not yield his point, and without another + word she laid her own within his, and together they went down the + mountain path, he guiding her steps as carefully as if she had never + been over the ground before, and she finding it very pleasant to be so + shielded and attended. + </p> + <p> + When they reached more level ground he drew the hand he held within his + arm, and they slowly wended their way back in the gloaming to the + cottage, Virgie feeling strangely light-hearted and happy, and almost as + if a new and beautiful life was about opening before her, while William + Heath, with a twinkle of amusement in his fine eyes, wondered what his + aristocratic mother and sister would say; what another brilliantly + beautiful woman would think to see him thus playing the devoted cavalier + to this simple and unpretending mountain maiden whom he thought so + lovely. + </p> + <p> + He had at that moment in his pocket, letters from two of them, begging + him to "quit his wanderings," to "come home and settle down to the real + business of life. The property needed his care, and—Sadie had not been + like herself since his departure." + </p> + <p> + These words came to him now, but they did not change in the least the + purposes that were taking root in his mind—the determination to remain + in that isolated hamlet as long as <i>Virginia Abbot's father should + live</i>. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter V.<br/> + "Who Is He, and Why Is He Here?" + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Mr. Abbot and his young guest visited the mine, and, + after a thorough examination of the former's claim, and instituting some + inquiries, more for form's sake than anything else, regarding the wealth + of the mine generally, Mr. Heath became the purchaser of Mr. Abbot's + property, and at once set about hiring competent miners to work it for + him. + </p> + <p> + "It may prove but a foolish, quixotic undertaking after all," he told + himself, when his negotiations were completed, "but I must have some + excuse for remaining here. That girl is the most beautiful being I ever + met. She has power to move me as I was never moved before. I simply <i>cannot</i> + go away and leave her. I am sure her father can live but a little while, + and then—" + </p> + <p> + What was to happen after Mr. Abbot should be taken away remained unsaid, + and Mr. Heath walked on for a while with bent head and thoughtful brow. + </p> + <p> + He was looking about him a little to find a place in which to live while + he should remain on the mountain, for he was resolved that he would + trespass upon Mr. Abbot's hospitality no longer than he was obliged to, + although every hour in Virgie's presence was perfect delight to him. + </p> + <p> + "I would give a good deal to know their history," he resumed, after a + little. "It is the greatest mystery—their being here. The man shows + culture and familiarity with men and things; he is unusually keen and + shrewd in business matters, while the way he has managed his daughter's + education betrays the scholar and a mind of no ordinary power and + ability; and to be <i>here</i>, working with the common herd in a <i>mine!</i> + I do not understand it!" + </p> + <p> + While he was speculating thus regarding his new friends, Mr. Abbot and + Virgie were engaged in the same manner with reference to him. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Virgie, I have sold my claim, and for a generous sum, too. Mr. + Heath is no haggler, and gave me my price without a demur; but I think + that it is very queer that a young man of his stamp should care to + engage in any such business." + </p> + <p> + "It is rather strange," Virgie admitted, absently. + </p> + <p> + "He is far above the people with whom he will come in contact," + continued her father. "He has evidently been accustomed to the very best + of society, is well educated and fine appearing, and seems to have an + abundance of means. What do you make of him, dear?" + </p> + <p> + "I should say that he is very much of a gentleman, papa," replied the + young girl, flushing, as she remembered their walk of the previous + evening, the care and attention which he had bestowed upon her, and the + delight which she had experienced in his presence. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that goes without saying; but, does he seem like an American to + you?" + </p> + <p> + "I had not given a thought to his nationality," Virgie answered, looking + up curiously. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it strikes me that he may be English, although there is nothing + in his speech or manner to betray it. He is built like an Englishman, + and somehow the idea has taken possession of me that he belongs over the + water, and so, his desire to settle here seems all the more + incomprehensible." + </p> + <p> + "It may be a whim—a romantic desire to learn something of a miner's + life," observed Virgie; "or," with more animation, "he may be an author, + papa, and is taking this way to study certain phases of character with + reference to writing a book." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Virgie," said Mr. Abbot, smiling, "I must confess that is the + most reasonable explanation that could suggest itself, and possibly, + with your woman's intuition, you have hit upon the right solution of the + mystery. Yes," after a thoughtful pause, "I shouldn't wonder if you were + right. His saying that he did not intend to work the mine himself goes + to show that it is a secondary object, and he does not care particularly + about the profit of it. He is very pleasant company. I believe his + coming has done me good." + </p> + <p> + "I am sure it has," Virgie answered, brightly; "and papa, now that your + mind is relieved of all pecuniary care, don't you think you will + continue to improve?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Virgie," her father returned, gravely; "do not allow my temporary + improvement to deceive you. A fatal disease has fastened itself upon me, + and I know that I have not long to live." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, papa!" exclaimed the lovely girl, sharply. "I will not believe it. + Pray, <i>pray</i> try what medical advice will do for you." + </p> + <p> + "Hush, my child," Mr. Abbot returned, deeply moved. "I did not mean to + refer to this again, but you force me to do so; nothing short of a + miracle could give me a sound pair of lungs again." + </p> + <p> + "Then let us try change of air—anything so that I may keep you with + me," Virgie pleaded, yet knowing, as she did so, that there was no place + on earth that held so much attraction for her now as the humble home + which heretofore had seemed so lonely and isolated. + </p> + <p> + A subtle charm seemed suddenly to have fallen upon it; everything looked + brighter; all things surrounding it had become dearer. + </p> + <p> + "No, dear; no air will be so good for me as this pure, bracing mountain + atmosphere," her father replied, gently. "I would shrink from going to + any place where we should be likely to find familiar faces—nothing + would break me down so quickly. Be patient, Virgie for a little longer, + and then <i>you</i> shall go back to the world, where you ought long ago + to have been with people of your own age." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, papa! I care nothing for the world nor for society without you," + she sobbed, realizing more fully than she ever had done, that she would + soon be fatherless. + </p> + <p> + "But it is not right that you should spend your life in such a place as + this," responded Mr. Abbot. "I have written to Mr. Bancroft, and if + anything happens to me suddenly you will find the letter in my desk, and + must send it to him immediately. I would mail it now, only—I cannot + feel reconciled to having any one learn of our hiding-place while I + live. One thing more I must speak of. I should have done so the other + night if we had not been interrupted. When I am gone I want you to lay + my body here, under the shadow of the old pine tree." + </p> + <p> + "Papa, papa! you will break my heart! Surely you would wish to lie + beside my mother!" Virgie cried, the tears raining over her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot's face was almost convulsed with pain for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, if that were possible," he said, at length, "but no one must ever + know the fate of Abbot Al—Ha! Virgie, I had nearly uttered the + dishonored name!" he panted. + </p> + <p> + "Papa, you shall not talk so," the girl cried, wiping her tears and + turning on him almost indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "I would not pain you, my darling," he answered, gently; "but if there + were no cloud hanging over us, I should be only too glad to go back to + our old home to die and be laid beside my loved ones. It cannot be, + however," he concluded, sighing wearily. + </p> + <p> + "But, dear papa, the dreadful past was caused by no fault of your own, + and it is not right that you should suffer as if it had been," Virgie + said, passionately. + </p> + <p> + A cynical smile curled the lips of the sick man. + </p> + <p> + "The world would tell a far different story if it should ferret out my + grave and see my name blazoned above it; and as long as its poisonous + tongues continue to speak slightingly of me, it must never know aught + about me. So do as I bid you; promise that you will obey me, Virgie." + </p> + <p> + And the almost broken-hearted girl promised, but feeling as if it would + be almost more than she could bear, to go back to the gay world, where + she would be kindly cared for and sheltered, and leave her dear father + lying in his lonely grave upon that desolate mountain. + </p> + <p> + William Heath entered with great apparent interest upon his mining + operations, and although he frankly acknowledged his entire ignorance of + the business, exhibited a goodly amount of judgment and common sense + which warned the workmen whom he had hired that it would not be well for + them to attempt to take advantage of him. + </p> + <p> + He was unable to find any place in which he was willing to live, so he + caused a small cabin to be erected just opposite Mr. Abbot's dwelling, + furnished it simply but comfortably from the nearest supply station, and + with Mr. Abbot's permission, contracted with Chi Lu to keep his table + supplied with all needful provisions. + </p> + <p> + No one would have supposed from his humble surroundings from the + industrious and energetic life which he led, and the total absence of + anything like arrogance or assumption, that he belonged to an almost + royal family, and had been for years the petted darling of fashionable + circles and drawing rooms, the catch of many seasons, and the prize for + which fond mammas and beautiful, aspiring maidens had long angled in + vain. + </p> + <p> + But such was the fact, and William Heath had thus isolated himself from + his home and all that he held most dear simply because, while on a + pleasure trip, he had accidentally met a beautiful girl who had chanced + to touch a chord in his heart that had never vibrated before. + </p> + <p> + These two young people were now thrown almost daily into each other's + society. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heath was quite literary in his tastes, and after the duties of the + day were over he invariably sought the companionship of Virgie, + sometimes reading to her while she worked, and often with her as she + still persisted in reviewing certain studies and authors which she + loved. + </p> + <p> + The failing invalid, too, received much of his care and attention, while + many delicacies, which he had never taken pains to procure for himself, + found their way to his table to help sustain his waning strength. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to see whither all this tended. + </p> + <p> + Virgie soon learned to look for Heath's coming, to listen for his + footsteps and the sound of his voice, as she had never looked for or + listened to anything else in the world before. She began to rely upon + him, to experience a sense of restfulness and content in his care that + sometimes made her wonder how she had ever been able to live without + him. + </p> + <p> + There came new beauty, and light, and earnestness into her face, a + tenderer smile to her red lips, a more musical cadence into her voice. + The hours dragged heavily without him, and they took to themselves wings + when he came. + </p> + <p> + Before she realized the fact she had learned to love him with all the + strength of her nature, and her destiny was sealed. + </p> + <p> + Thus weeks and months went by. + </p> + <p> + For a time the warm, genial summer weather seemed to hold Mr. Abbot's + disease somewhat in check, and, as he was cheerful, and enjoyed the + novelty of having two young and charming people about him, there was a + little season during which that small household was very happy. + </p> + <p> + He studied the young stranger attentively, and was more and more + prepossessed in his favor. They conversed frequently upon topics which + Mr. Abbot had long been in the habit of scoffing at, but there was an + element of reverence in Mr. Heath's nature that commanded his respect in + spite of preconceived ideas and a tendency to skepticism. His arguments + were always reasonable and convincing. He could not fail to feel this + influence; and it was not long before Virgie could see that a great + change had taken place in her father's feelings regarding his relations + to an overruling power and the future, which hitherto had seemed so + vague and uncertain. + </p> + <p> + Yet, notwithstanding all this, he often experienced a feeling of + uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + He could not fail to perceive that Virgie was learning to care a great + deal for their new friend, and that Mr. Heath was deeply interested in + his daughter. + </p> + <p> + This was all well enough if Mr. Heath was what he appeared to be, and + his intentions were honorable. + </p> + <p> + But he could never quite divest himself of the feeling that there was + something rather mysterious in his desire to remain in that remote + region, and it would be terrible if any harm should result from it to + his one ewe lamb. + </p> + <p> + He had always guarded her so tenderly and carefully no breath of evil, + scarce a sorrow, save their one great sorrow, had ever touched her. Once + or twice the thought had come to him, prompted, no doubt, by the + circumstances which had driven him to that place, that the man might + have become entangled in some wrong or crime, and was hiding, like + himself, from the world and justice; and yet it was difficult to fancy + that he was not all that was honorable and upright, for his life and + conduct from day to day were beyond reproach. + </p> + <p> + "If they love each other, and he is all he seems, I could give her to + him, and feel more content than I ever thought to be," he said to + himself, while brooding upon the subject one afternoon while Virgie and + her lover were out on a ramble. "She would be far better off under the + care and protection of a kind husband, than she would be to send her to + New York. Her future would be settled, and there would be no fear on + account of the snares and temptations of society in the gay city. + </p> + <p> + "Still I really know nothing about him. He says nothing about himself, + his home, or his family. If it should turn out that he has a suspicion + that she will have money, and he is seeking her for that, it would be a + fearful blow. I could not bear that her young life should be ruined." + </p> + <p> + He sat in troubled thought for a long time, considering the subject from + every point, sometimes reproaching himself for not having foreseen the + danger of allowing the two young people to come together, and refused to + sell his claim to Mr. Heath; then again feeling a sense of shame for his + unworthy suspicions of one who bore the stamp of true nobility upon his + very face. + </p> + <p> + At length he was aroused from his reverie by the sound of the voice he + knew and loved so well; and, sitting suddenly erect and speaking with + resolution, he said: + </p> + <p> + "I am her father. I have a right to know. He shall tell me who he is, + and why he is here." + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter VI.<br/> + "Will You Give Me Your Daughter?" + </h2> + <p> + "Papa," said Virgie, putting a flushed, beautiful face inside the room + where her father was sitting, and all unconscious of the very serious + considerations that were agitating his mind: "I have invited Mr. Heath + to take tea with us. A basket of the loveliest peaches came to us this + afternoon from some mysterious source, which, however, I am inclined to + think, he could tell us something about if he chose. So, if you + entertain him for a little while, I will go and prepare a dish of them + for him to share with us." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes. Come in, Mr. Heath. I was waiting to see you. Run away, + Virgie, and attend to your peaches, and I will see that our friend is + properly entertained until tea is ready," the invalid responded, with + unusual animation. + </p> + <p> + Virgie tripped lightly up to her chamber, where she removed her hat, and + stopped a moment before her glass to rearrange the locks that lay + lightly upon her forehead, and blushed a conscious rosy red as she + looked into her eyes and read the strangely happy expression that lay in + their clear depths. Then she tied a long white apron around her slim + waist, and went down to pare her peaches, never suspecting the vital + questions that were being discussed in the little parlor so near her. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot began, as the young man had seated himself, "I + was thinking of you just as you entered, and had resolved to ask you a + couple of very plain, and to me, important questions." + </p> + <p> + "Which, no doubt, I shall be very glad to answer if I can do so," his + companion responded, smiling, yet flushing lightly as he began to + suspect what the nature of the invalid's inquiries might be. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," responded Mr. Abbot, courteously, and then added, gravely: + "I do not need to remind you, I am sure, that as a father I am often + anxious regarding my daughter's future, and for this reason I feel + compelled to ask you that which, under other circumstances I should not + feel at liberty to ask. Will you tell me who you are?" + </p> + <p> + "My name, Mr. Abbot, is—William Heath," the young man began, looking + thoughtful; then seemed to hesitate to go on. + </p> + <p> + "Is that all that you have to tell me about yourself?" the invalid + inquired, with some dignity, and attentively studying the face opposite + him. "I knew that before," he went on, a suspicion of sarcasm in his + tone, "but I have long felt that there was something of mystery + connected with the circumstances of your being here. It is rather + extraordinary that a young man of your talent and culture should desire + to locate in a rough place like this. It has been evident to me for some + time that your mining operations were of secondary importance to you, + for you cannot reap much if any profit. It must take nearly all you + realize to pay the two men you hire to work your claim, while you lead, + comparatively, a life of leisure. My second question was regarding + this—why are you here?" + </p> + <p> + William Heath lifted his frank, dark eyes, and looked straight into the + face of his host, and said, in a low tone, but with an earnestness which + betrayed that he felt he had much at stake: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot, I will answer your last question first, as frankly as you + have asked it, though, no doubt, you will be greatly surprised, and + perhaps startled, by my reply. I am here simply and solely to try and + win Virginia Abbot for my wife." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot sat erect, looking astonished indeed at this astounding + statement, and a spot of deep red settled in each hollow cheek. + </p> + <p> + "What can you mean? You never saw her until three months ago!" he said, + excitedly. + </p> + <p> + "True, I never saw her until that wild, stormy night when I came to you + a weary, dripping traveler and you so kindly extended to me your + hospitality. But I began to love your daughter that very evening. I do + not need to tell you that she is beautiful, for you know it; but to me + she seemed the fairest woman that I had ever seen; her presence moved me + as I had never been moved before, and I felt as if I could hardly go on + to join my friends and leave her. But I suddenly found a pretext for + returning when you mentioned that you desired to dispose of your claim. + I resolved that I would become the purchaser. I would come here and + remain to study the character of your daughter, and if she proved all + that I fancied her, I would strive to win her for my wife. This, my dear + sir, is why I am here; and now—will you give her to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Have you said anything to Virgie about this?" Mr. Abbot asked, looking + very grave. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; I have not breathed a word of my intentions to her; but I + accepted her invitation to tea this evening with the determination to + tell you this, if I could make the opportunity, and ask your sanction to + my suit before speaking to her." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot looked gratified. + </p> + <p> + "That was honorable of you," he said. "It meets my estimate of your + character." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," Mr. Heath returned, flushing slightly, then continued: + "I am not given much to rhapsody or extravagances of language, but I + know that I can never be a happy man unless I win Virgie, and if you + will give her to me, I promise most solemnly to devote my life to her + happiness." + </p> + <p> + "Is William Heath your true name?" Mr. Abbot questioned, determined to + know all about him before committing himself. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. I hope you do not think I have been masquerading under a + false name," returned the young man, a quick flush mantling his cheek. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me; but you must remember that I could not account for your + being here, and—and I was a little suspicious, I own, that you were not + quite what you pretended to be," said the invalid, apologetically, and + yet regarding him keenly. + </p> + <p> + The flush on William Heath's face deepened. He looked very thoughtful + for a moment, then said: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot, you have read between the lines better than I thought. I + would have preferred to remain plain William Heath to every one until + after I had won my love; but perhaps I had better be perfectly frank + with you. I am not an American." + </p> + <p> + "I thought so," returned his companion, quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Did you?" asked the young man, looking surprised. "I compliment you + upon your penetration then, for I have passed for one of your countrymen + almost everywhere since coming to this country." + </p> + <p> + "I think you are an Englishman," said Mr. Abbot. + </p> + <p> + "I am, sir. I have an estate called Heathdale in the county of + Hampshire, England. I own another in Surrey. Mr. Abbot, I am an English + baronet, and I have simply been a visitor and traveler in this country + during the last year." + </p> + <p> + "You, an English baronet!" exclaimed Mr. Abbot, excitedly, a vivid flush + suffusing his face, then quickly receding, leaving him deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; but, pray believe me, I had no intention of boasting of + either my wealth or title," observed the young man modestly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" sighed the sick man. "I am afraid then that you can never marry + Virgie." + </p> + <p> + "Sir! Why not? What is there in what I have told you to debar me from + making your daughter my wife? I should suppose you would feel that I + have it in my power to make her all the happier on account of it." + </p> + <p> + "But you do not know, you cannot understand, you English are so proud, + so tenacious of honor and caste. Ah, my poor child!" Mr. Abbot cried, + incoherently, and appearing greatly agitated and distressed. + </p> + <p> + "I am sure, my friend, I cannot comprehend this excessive emotion," Sir + William—as we shall call him henceforth—remarked. + </p> + <p> + "Would you be willing to marry a woman whose name is irretrievably + linked with disgrace?" Mr. Abbot asked, while cold perspiration started + out upon his forehead, and his face was almost convulsed with his + anguish of mind. + </p> + <p> + He knew that Virgie had grown to love this man. He was conscious of the + pride and prejudices of the English aristocracy, and he believed that + when he should tell the story of his life, as he knew it was only right + he should do, Sir William Heath would no longer care to make his + daughter his wife, and her heart would be broken. + </p> + <p> + Sir William looked up, startled at this question, his own face paling + suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Surely, Mr. Abbot, you cannot mean anything so bad as that," he + replied, in a low, pained tone. + </p> + <p> + "I will tell you all about it," said the sick man, "and then you must + decide for yourself whether you are still willing to wed the daughter of + a dishonored man. Of course you have seen from the beginning of your + acquaintance with us that no pleasure or profit that might accrue to us + from this kind of a life could ever reconcile us to it; that only some + terrible misfortune could have driven me and my beautiful darling into + such a wild and desolate region as this." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I have felt that there was something mysterious in your being + here—some secret reason why you should have shut yourselves away from + all comfort and civilization," Sir William admitted, as his companion + paused for strength to go on. "But I have never attributed it to any + willful wrong on your part." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you for your faith in me," returned Mr. Abbot, gratefully. "I + only wish the world at large was as charitable; if it had been, I need + not have been here now, on the verge of the grave, nor been obliged to + doom my lonely child to a life of exile, when everything should be at + the brightest for her; neither should we have been obliged to disown a + name which, until recently had always been an honored and respected + one". + </p> + <p> + "Then your name is not Abbot," said Sir William. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but that is not the whole of it; I will, however, confide that to + you later. But of course I tell you this in strictest confidence; + whatever your decision may be after you hear my story, I charge you not + to betray me to any one." + </p> + <p> + "You may trust me," said the young man, quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Then draw your chair closer, for not even Virgie knows the very worst, + and I would not make her burden any heavier when there is no need." + </p> + <p> + The young baronet did as he was requested, but he looked both troubled + and pale, for he knew not how this story might affect his future + prospects. He was not different from his kind in some points; he + belonged to an old and honored family; no shadow had ever tarnished + their fair fame; he was proud and tenacious of honor, and his heart was + heavy with apprehension as he thought that he might be about to hear + some story of crime or wrong that would forever separate him from the + woman whom he had learned to idolize. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot leaned nearer his companion, and in a low voice gave him a + brief and rapid account of his life and the adverse fate that had served + to banish him to the sparsely populated mountains of Nevada. It was a + strange, sad story of sin, and wrong, and shame, in which a complication + of evidence and circumstances had permitted the real offender to escape + justice and another to suffer the consequences of his crime. + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath never once moved or spoke during its recital, but his + fine face expressed pain, and sorrow, and sympathy throughout, and when + at length it was finished he still sat for several minutes in his chair, + exhausted and panting from weariness and excitement. + </p> + <p> + At last the young man turned to his companion, a great pity and + tenderness shining in his fine, clear eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Abbot," he said, "you have told me one of the saddest stories that + I have ever known, and I can find nothing but sympathy and regret for + you in my heart. You have been but the victim of an atrocious wrong—no + stain rests upon your character, if there appears to be upon your name, + and so I ask you again, will you give me your daughter, if I find that I + have been so fortunate as to have won her love? What you have related to + me can never make any difference in my feelings toward her, and since I + shall take her to another country, where nothing of this will ever be + known or cast a shadow upon her future, as Lady Heath she will be + honored and respected, and I trust, happy." + </p> + <p> + Tears welled up into the eyes of the invalid as he listened to the words + of this true, earnest lover. + </p> + <p> + "God bless you for a noble, royal hearted man!" he exclaimed, reaching + forward and clasping the young baronet's hand. "Yes, I can say God bless + you now—for you have taught me to believe there is an Infinite Father + and I can reverently invoke His benediction upon you. Of course I will + give you Virgie and feel that she is richly blessed in having won such a + husband and thus I can die with not a care upon my heart." + </p> + <p> + "You have given me the richest boon that it is in my power to crave," + returned Sir William, his face kindling with happiness. "But you need + not speak of dying. A sea voyage would prolong your life. Come with me + at once to England and to Heathdale where you shall have every comfort + and attention, and the change will do you good." + </p> + <p> + A sad smile flitted over Mr. Abbot's wan features. + </p> + <p> + "It is too late," he said, sorrowfully. "I shall not live through + another month; but my mind is at ease and it will be a restful + season—the little time that I am spared. No, I shall never leave this + place, but I have a request to make of you." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me, and it shall be granted if it is in the power of man," + returned Sir William, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "I should like, if you can win Virgie's consent, to see her your wife + before I die. It will be better for you both; then, after I am gone, you + can take her away as soon as you choose, and perhaps among new scenes + and with new ties she will not grieve so bitterly for me." + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath's heart leaped with joy at this proposition, though + there was an expression of sadness on his handsome face as he looked + upon the wreck before him, and realized how truly he had spoken. He knew + that he had very little time to live. + </p> + <p> + "If I can win her, nothing would make me happier than to accede to your + wish," he said, in a low, earnest tone. + </p> + <p> + At this time, a light step was heard in the hall, and the next moment + the door was opened, while a sweet young voice called: + </p> + <p> + "Come, papa and Mr. Heath—tea is ready; the peaches are delicious, and + Chi Lu has obtained, from some mysterious source, real cream to eat with + them." + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter VII.<br/> + "Will You Be My Wife?" + </h2> + <p> + In spite of the exciting conversation of the last half-hour Mr. Abbot + appeared more than usually cheerful during tea. He was indeed more like + the brilliant, entertaining host that he used to be in their former + beautiful home in San Francisco, than Virgie had seen him since their + troubles had come upon them. + </p> + <p> + At the same, time the young girl wondered what could have occurred to + make their guest so silent and preoccupied. It was evidently an effort + for him to converse at all, while two or three times he was addressed + more than once before he responded, but his glance whenever it met hers + thrilled her strangely, and kept a beautiful flush upon her cheeks + throughout the meal. + </p> + <p> + When it was concluded the two young people went out upon the porch to + view the sunset, while Mr. Abbot retired to his room where he began + looking over and rearranging the papers in his desk. + </p> + <p> + There was no need now to send that written history with its request for + fatherly care for Virgie, to Lawrence Bancroft. He had not a doubt as to + the result of Sir William Heath's wooing. He was sure that Virgie loved + him, and he was filled with a blessed content and fervent gratitude that + so bright a future was opening before his darling. + </p> + <p> + She would go to another country where none of the old troubles could + touch her, where no one would be able to point the finger of scorn at + her and whisper that her name had been branded with dishonor, and where, + surrounded by her noble husband's love and care, occupying a high social + position with every good thing that wealth could secure, her life would + be one long summer of peace and happiness. + </p> + <p> + Meantime an awkward pause had fallen between Virgie and her lover + standing outside upon the porch. + </p> + <p> + It was broken at last by the baronet with a very trite remark: + </p> + <p> + "What a warm evening." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it has been a very warm day," answered Virgie, feeling very much + inclined to laugh, for never before had they been forced to talk of the + weather in order to keep up a conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go to our seat under the old pine tree," said Sir William, and + without waiting for her consent, he stepped down to lead the way. + </p> + <p> + Virgie glanced at him questioningly. + </p> + <p> + The unusual gravity which she had observed during tea still rested upon + his face and vibrated in his tones. + </p> + <p> + She wondered at it, and yet, although she could not have told why, her + heart began to beat with quickened throbs on account of it. + </p> + <p> + Reaching their favorite nook, Sir William gently seated his companion, + and then stood looking down upon her a moment without speaking. + </p> + <p> + Then he spoke, and there was a tenderer note in his voice than she had + ever heard before. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie," he said, "have you ever wondered why I came here and turned + miner?" + </p> + <p> + She looked up quickly as he spoke her name thus for the first time, then + her eyes suddenly drooped beneath the look in his. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I have thought it a little singular that you should choose just + this work and this locality," she answered, in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + "May I tell you why I came?" seating himself at her side. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, if you like." + </p> + <p> + "It was because I found here the only woman whom I could ever love. + Virgie, you are that woman, and my heart told me on that first evening + when I came to you, cold, wet, and hungry, that I must win your love or + my future would be void and desolate. So I seized upon the first + reasonable pretext I could find for remaining, and that, you know, your + father offered me in disposing of his claim. Sometimes I have hoped that + you were learning to love me in return; sometimes I have feared that I + should not succeed in this, the dearest object of my life. My darling, I + resolved to-night that I would put my fate to the test. Will you give + yourself to me for all time, my beautiful mountain queen? Do you love me + well enough, dear, to put your hand in mine and tell me that you will go + with me wherever I will, as my loved and cherished wife?" + </p> + <p> + Virginia Abbot sat there, her perfect form outlined against the dark, + moss-grown rock that arose, rugged and grand, behind her. The softened + light, as it fell upon her through the boughs of the tree above her, + made her seem like some exquisite picture painted by a master-hand. Her + hands, white as Parian marble, were quietly folded in her lap, but her + heart was in a tumult of joy, and her color came and went in fitful + flushes. + </p> + <p> + She knew that she deeply loved this grand man, who had come to her + mountain home in the early summer time, and she felt that earth could + hold no higher happiness for her than to become his wife and go with him + whithersoever he willed. But she knew, too, that her first duty lay with + her father; that she must have no interests that would interfere with + the care and attention which she owed to him in his failing condition. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie, you will not crush the sweet hope that has been taking root in + my heart during these months that I have spent with you," Sir William + pleaded, his face paling as she did not answer, and a fear smiting him + that he might have been nourishing a delusion. "I have fancied that I + have seen the love-light dawning in your eyes—oh, do not tell me that I + have been deceiving myself. My darling, I will try to make your life + very bright if you will give yourself to me." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up now with a steady, unwavering glance into his eager + eyes, although her face was dyed with blushes. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Heath," she faltered, "you know I cannot leave my father." + </p> + <p> + "Of course I know it," he returned, his face lighting "I do not ask it, + darling; I only ask that you will give yourself into my keeping, and + then we will devote ourselves to him as long as he lives. Oh, my + dearest"—as he saw an answering gleam in her eyes—"you do love me!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I love you," Virgie breathed, with a downcast but happy face; and + then she was gathered close to her lover's manly breast in a fond + embrace. + </p> + <p> + "My love! my love! I would serve twice seven years, as Jacob did, in + this wild region for the sake of winning that coveted confession from + your dear lips. My mountain queen! and you will soon be my wife?" + </p> + <p> + But Virgie sat up suddenly at this and pushed him from her with gentle + force, a frightened look in her eyes. Oh, "what have I done? I am afraid + I have done wrong!" she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Wrong, dearest, in confessing that you love me!" Sir William whispered, + as he tried to draw her again into his arms. + </p> + <p> + "But you do not know—I have no right to tell you; no—no, I am afraid I + ought not to be your wife," she said, remembering, with a sense of shame + and misery, the stigma resting upon her name. + </p> + <p> + The young man regarded her anxiously for a moment; then he understood it + all. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie," he said, "you need not fear to promise all that I ask, for I + know what troubles you. I asked your father's sanction to my suit before + I came to you, and he told me all his sad story. But it need be no + barrier to our happiness. I told him so, and he gave you to + me—providing I could win you—with his blessing." + </p> + <p> + Virgie lifted her face, all radiant with a sweet new joy, a sense of + exultation in her heart. + </p> + <p> + "And you were willing——" she began, wondering at the great love that + could thus level what she had had feared would be an insurmountable + barrier. + </p> + <p> + "Willing, love, to make myself the happiest man on earth," he + interrupted, in a voice that actually trembled with joy. "What Mr. Abbot + told me does not affect your worth or character, nor his either, and + some time I believe the wrong will be made all right. Even were the + facts more serious than they are, they need not trouble us, for I could + take you far away from every breath of evil, and as my wife it could + never touch you. So you will give yourself to me, Virgie?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she answered, with grave sweetness; "if papa thinks it is right, + I cannot put my cup of happiness away untasted." + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath bent and touched the beautiful girl's lips with his + first lover's kiss. + </p> + <p> + "My beloved," he said, "life looks to me now like one long vista of + happiness—may it prove so to both of us." + </p> + <p> + They sat there beneath the shadow of the great pine for more than an + hour, wearing bright plans for the future, while the twilight gathered + around them. But as yet Sir William had not told his bethrothed who he + was, nor of the title awaiting her when she should become his wife. + Somehow, he felt strangely reluctant to do so. + </p> + <p> + Once he had spoken of his home, and Virgie looked up with sudden + interest, and asked: + </p> + <p> + "Where is your home, Mr. Heath?" + </p> + <p> + An amused smile played about his lips at her question + </p> + <p> + "My friends—that is those who love me—-call me 'Will,' there," he + said, significantly; "and surely, darling you need not treat me with so + much formality. Do not call me Mr. Heath any more, Virgie." + </p> + <p> + "Please tell me where our home is to be—Will," she said, looking up at + him with a shy smile, and blushing as the newly spoken name left her + lips. + </p> + <p> + He bent and touched them fondly with his own. + </p> + <p> + "In England, love," he returned. + </p> + <p> + "England!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Shall you regret leaving your own country?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I think I shall be glad," Virgie answered, with a little sigh of + content and relief. + </p> + <p> + Sir William looked gratified. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I describe our home to you?" he asked, thinking that perhaps now + would be as good a time as any to tell more about himself and what her + future position would be. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, do, please." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, imagine a large, old mansion, with many turrets and gables, + its time-worn stones grown with ivy and moss, and set in the midst of + extensive grounds, with grand, beautiful trees scattered all about. + There is a great hall in the center of the house, with spacious rooms on + either hand. At the end of this hall is the library, with two large + bay-windows overlooking a winding river, which is the pride and glory of + the place, and where we sail, and bathe, and fish during the summer + months. Over the library there is a lovely suite of rooms, commanding a + wide expanse of meadow and upland—a scene that is like a picture all + the time—which will henceforth be devoted to the use of the future + lady—of Heathdale." + </p> + <p> + "Heathdale! What a pretty name!" Virgie cried, but still unsuspicious of + the title which would become hers when she should go with him as his + wife to England although he had almost given utterance to it, then + hesitated, and substituted those last two words. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is a pretty name, and, Virgie, the place is the pride of my + heart. At some distance from the mansion there are the stables and + kennels, where the horses and dogs abide." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Mr.——Why, Will, what an extensive establishment! You must + have——" + </p> + <p> + Virgie began in a tone of surprise, then stopped in confusion. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I must have what?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "A great deal of money to support such a place," she replied, flushing. + </p> + <p> + "And is there anything very alarming about that?" he questioned, with a + quiet smile. + </p> + <p> + "No; but—I thought——" + </p> + <p> + "You thought that I could not have very much of this world's goods since + I had come here to work a mine," Sir William said, completing her + sentence. "But, darling, all that was only a ruse; I have been working + more for my wife than for gold." + </p> + <p> + "Will!" + </p> + <p> + "Darling, it is true; that was my only reason for becoming the purchaser + of your father's interest here. I saw you; I loved you; I must have some + good excuse for tarrying near you to try to win you, and now that I have + attained my object, the mine will have to be disposed of, as I have no + further use for it." + </p> + <p> + Virgie regarded him with astonishment. She had never suspected anything + like this. + </p> + <p> + "How strange," she said, with a beautiful flush. "I have thought it + almost unaccountable that a man like you should come here to remain. I + have imagined that you were an author or a student, and might be + investigating the formation of the mountains or studying character in + order to write a book, but I never dreamed of anything like this." + </p> + <p> + Sir William laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + "You were making me out to be quite a lofty character truly," he said; + "and now you find your hero only a very human being after all—one who, + for the sake of a beautiful woman, has been almost willing to barter his + birthright. Have I fallen very low in your estimation, Virgie, because I + am not to become a distinguished public benefactor on account of my + research and investigation? Has my confession shocked you very much?" + </p> + <p> + "Your confession has made me a very, very happy woman." Virgie + whispered, slipping her hand confidingly into his, her heart thrilling + with a tender pride and love that this grand man should have sacrificed + so much to win her. + </p> + <p> + "And I am exceedingly proud of this happy woman," returned Sir William, + fondly. "I shall take the loveliest bride in the world back with me when + we go home to Heathdale." + </p> + <p> + "Where you will be Lady Heath my Virgie. Ah, I am very thankful that my + child will occupy so proud a position in life," said the voice of Mr. + Abbot, just behind them. + </p> + <p> + He had come out to seek them, and had approached just as Sir William + uttered those last words. + </p> + <p> + "Lady Heath!" exclaimed Virgie, starting up and turning a very + astonished face first upon one and then the other. "What do you mean? I + do not understand." + </p> + <p> + "Haven't you told her?" Mr. Abbot asked of the young man. + </p> + <p> + Sir William shook his head, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Told me what, papa?" + </p> + <p> + "That our friend here is Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, and an English + baronet." + </p> + <p> + Virgie stood in wondering silence for a moment, her face flushed and + drooping, while a hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. + </p> + <p> + Her lover a titled peer of England! This noble man, who might have + chosen his wife from the nobility of his own country, had concealed his + identity, had buried himself in the wilds of Nevada, and lived like a + common miner simply to win her, an humble mountain maiden. He who + belonged to an honored race, and possessed both title and wealth, had + overlooked the fact that a heavy cloud enshrouded her own and her + father's name, and was willing to lift her to the proud position of his + wife and the mistress of his beautiful home. These and many other + thoughts held her speechless, and made her tremble with something of + fear that in the future he might regret it all, and wish that he had + never seen her. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I am not fitted—" she at length faltered. + </p> + <p> + "In point of education, Virgie, you are fitted for the proudest position + that could be offered you," her father returned, with some spirit. "All + that you need is a trifle more worldly polish, which you will readily + gain as Sir William takes you into society, and I am proud to give you + to him. God bless you both, my children." + </p> + <p> + His voice broke. + </p> + <p> + He would have been glad to go with her to the scenes of her new life, to + watch her develop in a higher atmosphere and see her happiness in her + proud position. But he knew it could not be; and overcome, for the + moment, with the thought of the separation which must soon come, he + turned abruptly away and went feebly back to the cottage. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter VIII.<br/> + Mr. Abbot Desires an Immediate Marriage. + </h2> + <p> + Whether it was owing to the excitement of the previous evening, or to a + feeling of relief from care and anxiety upon Virgie's account which made + Mr. Abbot feel that at last he might safely lay down his burdens, it + would be impossible to say, but he was alarmingly ill the morning after + the betrothal, and unable to rise from his bed. + </p> + <p> + His strength seemed to have left him, and he lay weak as a child, + panting with every breath, a deadly faintness and sinking sensation + frequently seizing him and making him feel as if the world was rapidly + slipping from his grasp. + </p> + <p> + Virgie was in an agony of fear. + </p> + <p> + She had never seen her father so ill before, and it seemed to her that + he must die if he did not soon have relief. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do?" she asked, in a helpless, appealing way, of Sir + William. + </p> + <p> + He had been summoned as soon as Mr. Abbot's condition had been + discovered, and he, too, feared that the end was very near, while, being + wholly unaccustomed to sickness of any kind, he felt very useless and + inefficient. + </p> + <p> + He bent and kissed his darling's pale, upturned face, and then went + swiftly out of the house. + </p> + <p> + Presently, however, he returned with a foreign looking flask or bottle + in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Here is some brandy," he said, giving it to Virgie. "Mix some of it + with two-thirds as much water, and feed your father a teaspoonful at a + time every few minutes until he begins to rally, and call all your + courage to your aid, dear. Meantime, I will go to the nearest telegraph + station and send a message to Virginia City for a skillful physician." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up at him with quivering lips. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what a comfort it is to have you to help me at this time!" she + said. + </p> + <p> + He drew her into his arms and held her for a moment while she laid her + lips, softly and gracefully, to his cheek, in the first voluntary caress + that she had ever given him. + </p> + <p> + The act touched him, and told him how trustfully she relied upon him. + </p> + <p> + "My darling, I wish I could save you from every pang," he said, + tenderly. "But I must not linger—we must have help for your father as + soon as possible. Good-by, my love, for a little while, and be sure that + I will come back just as quickly as I can." + </p> + <p> + He went quickly out, and Virgie stole softly into her father's chamber, + to do what she could for him, and her heart began to gather something of + hope and courage when a few minutes later she heard the clatter of a + horse's hoofs outside, and knew that her lover was on the way for help. + </p> + <p> + Sir William did not spare his horse until he reached the station. + </p> + <p> + A telegram was sent and before long a reply was received saying that a + physician would leave Virginia City upon the next train coming that way. + </p> + <p> + But several hours must elapse before he could arrive, and Sir William + was brought up to the highest pitch of anxiety and impatience during the + interval, while to Virgie, anxiously watching and waiting by the bedside + of her father, they were the longest that she had ever known. + </p> + <p> + But she followed Sir William's directions regarding administering the + brandy, and she could see that after a few potions the invalid began to + rally somewhat. + </p> + <p> + Just as the sun was going down Sir William and the doctor arrived, and + then the young girl felt as if a mountain had rolled from her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + They remained all night watching with the patient, insisting that Virgie + should go to her rest, and worn out with her day of watching and + anxiety, she crept away to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Mr. Abbot seemed considerably stronger and better, and + Virgie's loving heart began to take courage again and to hope that he + was not really so very ill after all. + </p> + <p> + But these feelings received a sudden shock, when, after breakfast, her + lover drew her into the little parlor, his face very grave, yet full of + tenderness for her. + </p> + <p> + "I have something that I wish to say to you, Virgie—something to ask + you," he said; "but, remember, that you are to answer me frankly and + truly. You are not to be unduly influenced by my—by any one's + wishes—to consent to what might seem premature, and thus repugnant to + you." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up at him questioningly, growing pale, and a thrill of + fear shooting through her heart. + </p> + <p> + "Your father feels," Sir William went on, answering her look, "as if he + would like to—to have your future settled before—his strength fails + him any further." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" cried the young girl, clinging to her lover, a wild look in her + eyes, "papa is not going to—die! Do not tell me that. He is better + to-day, and he will—he must grow yet stronger." + </p> + <p> + "My darling," said Sir William, holding her close to him, and speaking + with sorrowful tenderness, "I am not going to deceive you. It would not + be right for me to do so. But Dr. Waters thinks that he cannot stay with + us much longer. He believes that he will rally for a while, but the + state of his system warns him that it will be but a very little while. + And, Virgie, your father wants us to be married at once. Darling, shall + it be as he wishes?" + </p> + <p> + But Virgie hardly heard these latter sentences. + </p> + <p> + She threw herself upon that manly breast in a wild burst of grief. + </p> + <p> + It was a dreadful blow to be told that the die was cast, that her + father's doom was very near. + </p> + <p> + In an indefinite way she had been dreading it ever since he himself had + talked so plainly about it to her, but with the buoyancy of youth she + had kept hoping against hope, and refusing to believe the fearful truth. + </p> + <p> + Sir William held her in her fond embrace, and allowed her to weep until + her tears were spent. + </p> + <p> + He knew that it was better to let her grief have its way. She would be + calmer and stronger afterward, though every sob and tear was bitter pain + to his loving heart. + </p> + <p> + She grew more quiet after a time, and at length he felt that he might + again speak of the subject so near his heart. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be my wife, Virgie? I would not have forced this upon you just + now but for your father's desire, and because Dr. Waters, who must + return to-day to his own duties, can make all necessary arrangements for + us upon his arrival in Virginia City. + </p> + <p> + "A clergyman must be sent to us, and there are some other matters which + I wish attended to, so we must decide now. Still, my darling, if you + shrink from this step, if the thought of it shocks you, I will not urge + it, I will wait until you are quite ready for it." + </p> + <p> + "Did papa propose it?" Virgie asked, hiding her flushed face from those + eager, loving eyes looking down upon her. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I should not have presumed to suggest anything of the kind at such + a time," returned the young baronet, gravely. "But he thinks that his + mind would be easier if he could see you my wife. He wishes to give you + away irrevocably while he is able. Then, dear, I could be with you all + the time to help you in your care of him, to relieve you of much that + would encroach upon your strength. Tell me freely, Virgie, shall it or + shall it not be?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you really wish it? or—are you only yielding to his desire?" she + asked, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + He gathered her closer to his breast until she could feel the eager + throbbing of his great heart. + </p> + <p> + "The day that makes you my wife will be the most blessed of all my life; + though, for your sake. I could wish our bridal to be celebrated under + less sorrowful circumstances Still it must not be as I wish. You must + decide the question," he said, gravely. + </p> + <p> + There was a long pause. Then Virgie said, quietly: + </p> + <p> + "I am willing." + </p> + <p> + "Is that all, love? Are you simply willing to do as your father + requests? Shall you not be glad to be my wife?" Sin William questioned, + with a slight accent of pain. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Will, I shall be glad; but, oh, my father! my father!" she cried, + with a fresh burst of grief, as she realized all that this hurried + marriage meant. + </p> + <p> + He kissed her forehead softly, and breathed: + </p> + <p> + "Heaven bless you, my beloved, and help me to make your future as happy + as you have made me to-day." + </p> + <p> + He made her lie down upon the lounge, for she was nearly exhausted with + her grief. He arranged her pillow, drew down the curtains to soften the + light, and then went quietly out of the room. + </p> + <p> + When he came back an hour later he found her calm, though with a + saddened gravity upon her that made his heart ache. + </p> + <p> + He told her that Dr. Waters had gone back to Virginia City, but that + they had arranged for a clergyman to come to them to spend the following + Sabbath, when Mr. Abbot desired the marriage to take place. + </p> + <p> + Virgie was strangely thrilled by this intelligence. It was Tuesday, and + in five days more she would be Sir William Heath's wife! It all seemed + like a dream to her. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday afternoon an elderly and venerable-appearing gentleman made + his appearance before Mr. Abbots door. + </p> + <p> + He came in a strong mountain wagon drawn by a pair of handsome horses, + and with him there was a large trunk—which Sir William ordered carried + up stairs into Virgie's room—and two or three hampers, that were given + to Chi Lu to be taken care of. + </p> + <p> + Virgie turned a wondering, inquiring look upon her lover at these + proceedings, but he only answered by a quiet smile, and then introduced + her to the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + </p> + <p> + The young bride-elect received him with the charming ease and + self-possession that was natural to her, at which the stranger could not + refrain from regarding her with a look of mingled wonder and admiration. + </p> + <p> + When told of the errand upon which he was to go, he had consented for + the sake of the dying man; but he had expected to find a very rustic + couple in this rough region, and he was wholly taken aback to meet a + polished gentleman like Mr. Heath—as he was still known except to + Virgie and her father—and such an interesting and lovely woman as his + young hostess appeared to be. + </p> + <p> + The clergyman spent an hour with the invalid after tea, and he was no + less mystified and astonished regarding him. He realized that he was in + a household of more than ordinary culture and refinement, and he was + sure that there must be some strange history connected with their lives. + </p> + <p> + When Virgie went to bid her father good-night before going to her rest, + he drew her down to him and looked tenderly and wistfully into her face. + </p> + <p> + "My daughter," he questioned, "you have no shrinking no misgivings + regarding the step that you are about to take?" + </p> + <p> + "None, papa," she said, softly. + </p> + <p> + "And are you happy in the prospect of becoming Sir William's wife? Tell + me truly, my child." + </p> + <p> + "As happy as I can be while you are so ill, papa," Virgie answered, with + starting tears. + </p> + <p> + "Then I am at peace. God bless you, my darling, and may your life have + much of sunshine in it. I give you without fear into Will's care, for I + believe him to be one of nature's noblemen. And now," taking a package + from beneath his pillow, here is your marriage dowry; it is all yours, + Virgie, to do with as you will, and Sir William has promised to settle + as much more upon you, which he will tell you about later. You have been + a dear, good daughter to me, and I am very happy regarding your future; + I could not ask or wish anything better for you." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, papa, if I could only have you well again!" Virgie whispered, + hiding her tearful eyes upon his pillow. + </p> + <p> + An expression of pain flitted over the sick man's face. + </p> + <p> + "We will not think of that now," he said, gently; "and you must not give + way to grief, for it will unnerve us both, and I do not wish to see a + pale or sorrowful bride to-morrow. Now good-night, love, and try to get + all the rest that you can." + </p> + <p> + He kissed her again, and was about to let her go, when he caught her + hand, saying, with something of eagerness: + </p> + <p> + "But, by the way, Virgie, what will you wear to be married in?" + </p> + <p> + The young girl flushed, and her lips trembled. + </p> + <p> + "Oh papa, I have hardly given a thought to that, my heart has been so + heavy for you," she murmured, brokenly. Then she added, after a moment + of thought: "I have my pretty silk that you sent to San Francisco for in + the spring, and I wondered when I should ever wear it here, you know. It + will do, will it not?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbot sighed. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it will have to, since it is the best you have. I should like + to have you married in something white, dear; but make yourself look as + nicely as you can," he said in an unsteady voice. + </p> + <p> + Virgie dropped a light kiss upon his forehead, and then went out, her + heart heavy in spite of the great love which she bore the man whose wife + she was to become on the morrow, and the bright hopes which the future + held for her in spite of the shadow of death which was every moment + drawing nearer. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter IX.<br/> + Virgie's Wedding-Day + </h2> + <p> + As Virgie passed out of her father's room, Sir William captured her. + </p> + <p> + "I am not going to keep you from your rest," he said, after caressing + her fondly, "but I wanted to tell you that I have been feeling a trifle + jealous regarding the appearance of the future Lady Heath upon her + wedding-day, and you will find everything that you will need for + to-morrow in a trunk, which I have had carried up into your room." + </p> + <p> + Virgie lifted her head from his breast, and regarded him questioningly. + </p> + <p> + "I sent an order by Dr. Waters," he explained, "to the best dressmaker + that he could find in Virginia City, to provide a simple yet appropriate + outfit for a bride, and you will find the best that could be obtained at + so short a notice, awaiting your approval up stairs." + </p> + <p> + "How kind, how thoughtful you are!" Virgie murmured gratefully, and with + a flush of pleasure. "Papa will be so pleased. He was just lamenting + that I was not properly provided for." + </p> + <p> + "Then it will be a gratifying surprise when he sees you to-morrow," Sir + William returned. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed it will. How can I think you? Perhaps I have been very remiss, + but, truly, I had not given a thought to my dress," Virgie confessed, + with some confusion. + </p> + <p> + "How could you, dear, with your heart so full of other things?" Sir + William replied, tenderly; "and I want no thanks other than to see you + looking like a bride," he concluded, smiling. "I did this chiefly to + gratify my own pride in my love." + </p> + <p> + He led her to the foot of the stairs, and then, with a lingering clasp, + let her go. + </p> + <p> + It was quite late, and Virgie thought that she would only allow herself + a peep into the mysterious trunk that night; but she resolved that she + would rise very early in the morning and lay out everything in readiness + for the wedding. + </p> + <p> + She wondered how Sir William could have managed it all, and was somewhat + anxious regarding the fit of her bridal dress; but she was set at rest + upon that point when she lifted the lid of the trunk and found a waist + of one of her own dresses lying upon the top of various packages, and + she knew that he had sent it as a measure and guide. + </p> + <p> + Everything else was wrapped in fine packing paper, and she concluded not + to open anything until morning, although her curiosity was greatly + excited. + </p> + <p> + She knelt and prayed long and fervently, for she felt very solemn in + view of the important event that was to occur on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Then she retired, and was soon sleeping peacefully and restfully, as + only the pure and innocent can sleep. + </p> + <p> + But when the first rays of the sun streamed in at her window in the + morning, she arose, and, after putting her room in perfect order, she + opened the precious trunk and began to remove and undo the packages + stored therein. + </p> + <p> + First, there was a long, flat box. + </p> + <p> + Opening it, she found a misty and ample veil of finest tulle, simply + hemmed with a heavy thread of silk. + </p> + <p> + Then there was another smaller but deeper box, which contained a lovely + wreath of pure white heath, with bouquets of the same mingled with + lilies of the valley, for the corsage of her dress. + </p> + <p> + Still another, in which there was a pair of shining white satin boots, + silken hose, and kid gloves, with a dainty handkerchief, fine and sheer + as a cobweb. + </p> + <p> + Last, but not least, incased in several wrappings of soft white paper + was the wedding-dress. + </p> + <p> + Virgie's face paled and flushed many times while she was undoing this, + for many hopes were centered in it, and tears rose unbidden to her eyes + when at last it was laid out on the bed before her. + </p> + <p> + She had seen nothing one-half so lovely for years—not since she used to + watch her mother dress for gay receptions and parties in the happy days + so long ago. + </p> + <p> + It was of the finest India mull, very simply yet beautifully made, over + an underskirt of plain white silk—an airy, gauzy thing, just suited for + a youthful bride. + </p> + <p> + "How kind! how thoughtful!" the young girl breathed, as her glance ran + over the different articles comprising her toilet. "He has not forgotten + a single thing, and it is all so delicate and beautiful. This wreath of + heath—how suggestive! and nothing could be prettier. + </p> + <p> + "Oh papa! I am glad you will have your wish, for it may be the very last + one that can be gratified," she concluded, with a long sigh. + </p> + <p> + Had it not been for her father's condition, she would have been + supremely happy on that bright morning. Even as it was, her heart was + overflowing with love and gratitude toward her devoted lover for his + kind consideration and generosity. + </p> + <p> + She went below at her usual hour to attend to her regular duties, which + she performed in her customary quiet way, helping her father to rise and + dress, arranging the rooms in the nicest order, and then serving + breakfast to the invalid and their reverend guest. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was nowhere visible. He had spent the night with Mr. Abbot, + and when morning broke he went away to his own cabin, where he remained + until the hour for the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The house was very quiet; there was no excitment, no bustle. Chi Lu + alone betrayed any consciousness that an unusual event was to take + place, and this only by a slight nervousness of manner and the restless + flash of his dusky eyes. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast Virgie saw that her father was made comfortable in his + reclining-chair in the parlor, and then giving him one last, lingering + kiss, she turned to go up to her chamber to dress for her bridal. + </p> + <p> + Just then there came a knock on the outer door. Chi Lu was called to + answer it, and he brought to Virgie a huge basket laden with the + loveliest of mountain ferns and flowers, the dew still glistening upon + them. + </p> + <p> + They were the offering of some of the miners "for Miss Abbot's wedding," + the boy who brought them said. + </p> + <p> + It had become known in some way that Mr. Abbot was failing rapidly, and + had requested that his daughter might be married before his death. + </p> + <p> + He was much respected in the hamlet, for he had always been the + courteous gentleman, while Virgie was regarded almost in the light of a + young princess, and thus these humble people were prompted to show their + sympathy and good will in this delicate manner. + </p> + <p> + The young bride-elect was touched to the heart by this tribute, and with + her own hands arranged the lovely flowers to furnish the room where she + was to be married. + </p> + <p> + Then she went up stairs, and was seen no more until the hour set for the + ceremony, which was eleven o'clock. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Chi Lu and an elderly woman, who had once been very kind to + Virgie when she was ill, and had been asked to "come and help for the + day," were very busily engaged in the small kitchen, arranging a repast + which was to be served later in the day. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was determined that the occasion should be made as cheerful + as circumstances would allow, and had ordered from the city every + delicacy which his fertile brain could suggest, and thus a "wedding + breakfast," such as had never been known in that region before, was in + process of preparation. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o'clock the happy groom made his appearance and sent Margery + Follet, the woman before mentioned, to Virgie's door to say that he was + ready and awaiting her. + </p> + <p> + To her tap Virgie gently responded "come in," and a low cry of delight + escaped the humble woman's lips as she opened the door, and then stood + transfixed upon the threshold. + </p> + <p> + Virgie turned a smiling face to her. "Why, Margery, how came you here?" + she asked. + </p> + <p> + "The gent sent for me to come and help." + </p> + <p> + "That was thoughtful in him, and it was kind of you to come," Virgie + returned, graciously. + </p> + <p> + "It's a boon to me, miss. You look like an angel, and I shall never + forget this day," said the woman, regarding her almost with reverence. + </p> + <p> + Virgie felt all the happier for being able to contribute this pleasure + to one so unused to pleasure of any kind, and she increased it tenfold + by asking her to assist her in fastening the last button of one of her + gloves. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I'm ready," Virgie replied, as, with a vivid, conscious flush, she + turned away, after one last look in her mirror, and truly she was a + vision to cheer the heart of the fondest bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + Her dress proved to be a perfect fit, and the delicate fabric fell in + soft, graceful folds over the lustrous white of her silken skirt, while + she was covered from head to foot by the mist-like veil. + </p> + <p> + The wreath of heath lay lightly upon her brown head, and, with the + beautiful bouquet upon her breast, made a pleasing contrast with the + otherwise spotless costume. + </p> + <p> + Her figure looked almost regal in her trailing robe, and she was simply + perfect from crown to sole. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she repeated, as the woman seemed unable to take her eyes from + her, "you may tell Mr. Heath that I am ready," and as Margery went out, + she bowed her head in prayer for a blessing on her new life. + </p> + <p> + The next moment she heard Sir William's step on the stairs, and she went + out to meet him. + </p> + <p> + How his face lighted as he looked upon her! How his heart throbbed with + exultation as he thought: + </p> + <p> + "This peerless girl is mine! Heathdale has never known a mistress so + fair!" + </p> + <p> + He was clad, as became a gentleman, in a dress suit of simple black, + fine and rich, a single diamond of purest water gleaming just beneath + his white satin tie, and his hands were incased in spotless gloves. + </p> + <p> + "My darling," he whispered, as he took Virgie's right hand and laid it + on his arm, "how beautiful you are!" + </p> + <p> + She could not make him any reply—the moment was too solemn for + words—but she lifted her eyes to his for an instant, and they were + filled with love and trust. + </p> + <p> + Then they went below. + </p> + <p> + Very quietly they took their places in the little parlor, where the + clergyman awaited them, and where Mr. Abbot, after one surprised, + delighted glance at his daughter, lay back in his chair, with a smile of + supreme content upon his lips. + </p> + <p> + He understood at once who had so delicately and so fittingly arranged + everything for the fair bride, and it was such a comfort to him to have + Virgie properly arrayed for her marriage. + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu and Margery stood one on either side of the door, just inside the + room, according to Sir William's desire, for there must be witnesses, + and thus the group was complete. + </p> + <p> + Rev. Dr. Thornton approached the young couple, and in an easy and + impressive, yet graceful manner, performed the marriage service, and + those few moments were very solemn ones to three at least of those + present. But the ceremony was soon over, and the maiden was now a + wife—Virgie Abbot had become Virginia, Lady Heath. + </p> + <p> + Sir William had not, however, allowed his title to be used, as he shrank + from the notoriety which the knowledge of his position and wealth would + create among the settlers of that region. He had come there in an + unpretentious way, and he wished to leave as quietly. There would be + time enough, he thought, to resume his honors when he and his bride + should go out into the world. + </p> + <p> + When the benediction had been pronounced over the clasped hands of the + husband and wife, Dr. Thornton offered his congratulations, and then Sir + William led Virgie directly to her father. + </p> + <p> + She sank upon her knees beside his chair, and putting her arms around + his neck, gave and received a tender caress. + </p> + <p> + "God bless you always, my daughter!" the sick man murmured, in trembling + tones. "I believe I am guilty of no irreverence in invoking His + blessing," he added, "for I have learned to feel my need of faith in + Him, and, Virgie, your husband has taught me how to seek it." + </p> + <p> + The young bride could only press her lips again to his in reply. She was + very grateful for this confession, for her father's previous skepticism + and bitterness had often caused her much sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu and Margery came forward to congratulate the bride and groom, and + then went about their duties in the other room. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, Dr. Thornton slipped quietly away, thus leaving the invalid + and his children by themselves. + </p> + <p> + "Virgie, how beautiful you are to-day! How did it happen?" Mr. Abbot + asked, when he found they were alone, and glancing admiringly over her + costume. + </p> + <p> + "It was all Mr.—all Will's doing," she answered, with a charming blush, + and glancing shyly up into her husband's face. + </p> + <p> + "I suspected as much, and I thank you, Sir William, more than I can + express, for giving me this unexpected pleasure," said the sick man, + gratefully. + </p> + <p> + "It was to gratify myself as well. I could not be satisfied unless Lady + Heath was arrayed as became a bride of the house," the young baronet + returned, with a fond smile, as he noticed how the color came and went + on Virgie's cheek at the sound of her new name. "But," he added, putting + his arm around her, and raising her to her feet, while with one sweep of + his hand he threw back the veil, "I have not yet had the privilege of + saluting my wife. Virgie, I have the right to the first kiss from your + sweet lips." + </p> + <p> + The beautiful bride lifted her face to him, flushed with a new, almost + holy, happiness. + </p> + <p> + "My husband!" she whispered, as he held her close for a moment, and he + felt that henceforth his life would be complete, since she loved him, + and was his. + </p> + <p> + Alas, for the weary years that were to follow! + </p> + <p> + Was there no one to warn? + </p> + <p> + For a little while they fell into a quiet chat, and then Chi Lu came to + bid them to the other room, where a really elegant feast awaited them, + and where Sir William exerted himself to make the occasion as merry as + possible, and all through the day nothing occurred to mar its peace and + joy. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Dr. Thornton returned to Virginia City, carrying in his + pocket a much larger fee than he was accustomed to receive; and after + that, life at the mountain cottage resumed its usual quiet routine. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter X.<br/> + A Separation and a Little Stranger. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Abbot appeared to gather new strength after the events related in + the previous chapter, in spite of his own predictions and the fears of + others that he was dying. + </p> + <p> + The mild September weather and the quiet happiness which pervaded his + home seemed to have a beneficial effect upon him. But as the weather + grew colder, as the chill October winds began to sweep over the + mountains, a decided change came. Just as daylight was fading one + evening, and the dull gray of a coming storm began to settle down upon + the mountains, he breathed his last, peacefully, quietly and willingly, + and thus all earthly sorrow was at an end for him; he had gone where all + wrongs would be righted, where mystery or shame would no longer envelop + him. + </p> + <p> + They buried him, as he desired, beneath the great plumy pine tree that + grew near their cottage, and where Virgie's great happiness had come to + her, and then Sir William felt that he had a right to take his wife away + to a more congenial atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + He had disposed of his claim some time before, for since he had no + longer any need of an excuse for remaining there, he had given up all + pretense of business and devoted himself exclusively to the care of the + invalid and to making Virgie's duties as light as possible. + </p> + <p> + The cottage and its furniture were sold; Chi Lu was presented with Sir + William's own neat little cabin with all its contents, besides being + otherwise handsomely remunerated for all his kindness and faithfulness + and then the baronet took his bride directly to San Francisco, which + they decided to make their headquarters for the winter, intending early + in the spring to sail for England. + </p> + <p> + Sir William had written home long before this of his marriage. But the + news had not been cordially received by the members of his household. + </p> + <p> + His stately mother had replied in a brief, dignified manner, which did + not fail to convey her displeasure at the step he had taken, while his + widowed sister, who, with her two children, were greatly dependent on + her brother, did not hesitate to express her indignation at his rashness + and inconsideration of their feelings, at least, in marrying so "out of + his own element." + </p> + <p> + The young baronet, of course, kept all this to himself. He had known + well enough that his marriage would be displeasing to his family, who + had long had other views for him, but he trusted that, when he should + present his bride to them, every objection would disappear like dew + before the sun, and she would be received with open arms and be loved + for her own sweet sake. + </p> + <p> + At all events he was his own master, and he was not a man to tamely + submit to unreasonable prejudices; and if his mother and sister refused + to receive his wife with becoming courtesy and respect, as the mistress + of Heathdale, it would only be the worse for them. + </p> + <p> + He did not begin to suspect, however, the bitterness which they + experienced when they received the startling information that he had + married a girl from the wilds of the far West. His union had followed so + closely upon his betrothal that he had no opportunity to communicate + plans beforehand, and thus the news had fallen like a thunderbolt upon + them. + </p> + <p> + "He has ruined his life!" cried Lady Linton, his sister, in a white + rage, after reading the letter. "To think of it!—he has married a + perfect savage from the wilds of America! A pretty mistress for dear old + Heathdale, truly. I will never receive her, <i>never!</i>" + </p> + <p> + "You know what William is, Miriam, and it will not be wise for you to + offend him. He will never tolerate any display of arrogance or + discourtesy to his wife," returned the dowager Lady Heath, more quietly, + yet looking the picture of despair over the <i>mesalliance</i>. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot help it; it is an abominable insult to all his friends, and + never to tell us anything about it until the die was cast!" + </p> + <p> + "But he explains why he could not; the marriage was hastened on account + of the father's critical condition replied Lady Heath. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I believe it was all a cunning plan to entrap him and secure the + girl a title and position," groaned Lady Linton. "How will Sadie feel; + what <i>will</i> she say?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not know as she has any right to say anything," answered the + dowager, with some dignity, for she loved her son and could not bear to + have any one assail him, no matter how much she might blame him herself. + "William has never committed himself to her in any way; that plan has + been more ours than his." + </p> + <p> + She was fully as unreconciled as her daughter; still she was capable of + looking at matters as they really were. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I cannot have it so, mamma; do not let us say anything about the + affair at present," pleaded her daughter. "William says it will be some + time before he returns, as he wishes to show his wife something of the + world first. Doubtless," she continued, with increasing bitterness, "he + desires to polish off some of the rough edges before he presents her to + us; so let us suppress the fact of his marriage until the time is set + for their coming; it will be hard enough even then to acknowledge the + plebeian union." + </p> + <p> + Lady Heath demurred at first at this proposal, but she finally yielded + the point, and nothing was said regarding the baronet's sudden marriage, + and this was the beginning of a plot to ruin the life of a beautiful + young wife, and to bring years of misery upon a noble man. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Virgie found it very pleasant in some respects, though sad in others, to + return to San Francisco, her former home. + </p> + <p> + She had left the city nearly six years ago, when she was an undeveloped + girl; she returned to it in the full glory of beautiful womanhood, and + owing to her many changes which had occurred there, as well as in her + own personal appearance and position, no one appeared to recognize her + as the daughter of the unfortunate man who had figured so conspicuously + in a terrible scandal there, and then suddenly disappeared covering his + tracks so successfully that no one, either friend or foe, knew whither + he had gone. + </p> + <p> + The young wife was very happy in spite of her recent bereavement; her + husband was kindness and nobility personified, and left nothing undone + that could contribute in any degree to her pleasure, or prevent her from + brooding upon her father's death. + </p> + <p> + They had a cozy and elegant suite of rooms at the Baldwin Hotel, which + Sir William had engaged for the winter, and from this point they made + many excursions sometimes being away several weeks at a time, traveling, + then returning to rest, after which they would start afresh again. + </p> + <p> + The fond husband was determined that Virgie should see everything that + was worth seeing in her own country before he took her to their home in + England. + </p> + <p> + They frequented the opera and theater, attended concerts and lectures, + and Sir William was both surprised and delighted to notice how readily + Virgie adapted herself to the requirements of society and etiquette, + notwithstanding the seclusion of the last half-dozen years. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of March they started for the East, intending to take + the trip leisurely and visit points of interest along their route. + </p> + <p> + They arrived in New York early in May, and were intending to sail for + England the last of the month. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie, although not really ill, was far from well when they reached + the great metropolis, and her husband insisted that she must have + medical advice. + </p> + <p> + He called in a skillful physician, who, upon being told what their plans + were, immediately and emphatically vetoed further travel for the + present. + </p> + <p> + "It will be simply impossible for Mrs. Heath to undertake a sea voyage + at present," he asserted. + </p> + <p> + "But the trip occupies eight days—" Sir William began. + </p> + <p> + "If it occupied only three it would make no difference it will not be + safe for her to attempt to cross the ocean under three months," Dr. Knox + said, with an air of decision which admitted of no further argument. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was disappointed, yet he was too fond and careful of his + beautiful wife to rebel against this verdict. + </p> + <p> + A week or two passed and Virgie appeared to be improving, when, one + morning, there came a cablegram from Heathdale, announcing that the + dowager Lady Heath was alarmingly ill, and imploring the baronet's + immediate return if he desired to see her alive. + </p> + <p> + The message threw the young husband into a distressing state of mind. + </p> + <p> + It seemed like harshest cruelty to obey the summons and leave his wife + alone in that strange city. And yet the alternative of remaining and + allowing his mother to die without seeing him once more, seemed almost + equally unkind. + </p> + <p> + He sought Dr. Knox again in his extremity and explained his desperate + situation. + </p> + <p> + "I could not answer for the consequences if you take your wife; it will + be a fearful risk for Mrs. Heath to go. She <i>might</i> endure the + voyage safely, but the probabilities are that she would not," the + physician gravely told him. "But," he added, kindly, "I sympathize with + you—I appreciate your dilemma, and, if <i>you</i> must go, I advise you + to leave her in my charge and I promise faithfully to give her every + attention during your enforced absence." + </p> + <p> + This seemed the only thing to be done and Sir William finally decided to + return to his home alone. + </p> + <p> + Virgie herself urged him to go, though her heart was almost breaking at + the thought of the separation, for it <i>might</i> be that she would + never see him again. + </p> + <p> + Still she was brave—she put aside her own feelings out of regard for + the duty which he owed his mother, and there was a possibility that he + could return to her in the course of two or three weeks. + </p> + <p> + "Do not feel unduly anxious for me, Will," she said to him, on the + evening before he was to sail, "I know that Dr. Knox will do all for me + that you can wish. I will either write or send some message to you by + every steamer, and I am going to trust that everything will be well." + </p> + <p> + "But it is agony to me to leave you—oh! my darling, if your heart fails + you in the least, if you say you prefer to have me stay, I will not go + even now," he said, his own courage failing him and having more than + half a mind to renounce his intended voyage even at that late hour. + </p> + <p> + "No, dear, I know that it is your duty to go," Virgie answered, gently. + "I should never forgive myself, if your mother should die, for keeping + you from her at such a time." + </p> + <p> + "But if—I should lose you, too," he was going to say, but checked + himself and concluded, "but if you should be neglected and unhappy?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall not be, Will; you have provided against the former contingency + most generously, and the latter I can regulate myself. I will not be + unhappy, for I know that you are doing right and that you will return to + me the moment that you are at liberty to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I shall," he answered, as he gathered her close to his breast + and rained passionate kisses upon her lovely face. + </p> + <p> + But his heart was very heavy notwithstanding her apparent cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + A superstitious dread seemed to have seized him, warning him that some + fearful calamity would follow this separation. He was not given to such + unreasonable imaginings, and he reproached himself for indulging in + them; but he could not shake them off nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + Morning came and with it the hour of departure and the last farewells. + </p> + <p> + Virgie wore a brave and even smiling face through all. She had resolved + that she would not unman him at the last moment. + </p> + <p> + She watched at her window until he drove away, waving her handkerchief + and throwing him a kiss as he passed from sight, then the pent-up grief + of her heart found vent in a wild burst of tears such as she had not + shed since the hour of her father's death. + </p> + <p> + But she would not indulge it long. + </p> + <p> + She had every comfort. Her rooms were cheerful and elegant; a motherly, + middle-aged woman had been engaged to remain with her as companion and + nurse during her husband's absence; she had an abundance of money at her + command, and Dr. Knox had promised to look in upon her every day. Surely + she had nothing to complain of, save the enforced separation from her + dear one, and that would not be for long, she trusted. + </p> + <p> + The ninth day after the departure of Sir William there came a cablegram, + telling of his safe arrival at Liverpool, and this, at his request, she + immediately responded to, telling him that all was well with her. + </p> + <p> + The next steamer, she knew, would bring her a letter and after that she + would hear from him every few days. + </p> + <p> + Sir William found his mother alive, but in a very low state; "she might + rally, she might not," they told him; and, with a sigh of resignation, + he could only wait and try to patiently adapt himself to circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Thus four weeks went by, and then, early one June morning, a message + went flying through the depths of the ocean, telling that a tiny little + maiden, with eyes and hair like her father's, but bidding fair to become + the counterpart of her mother in form and features had come to Virgie + the morning previous, and "all was well." + </p> + <p> + The fervent "thank God!" accompanied with something very like a sob, + which burst from Sir William Heath's lips as he read this message, told + how intense had been his anxiety during the weeks of his absence from + his darling, and how great his relief at those favorable tidings. + </p> + <p> + He returned a message of love and congratulation, and when, a little + later, there came a letter to the happy young mother, it begged that + their little one should be called "Virgie May," the latter name being + that of a dear sister of whom Sir Will had been very fond, and who had + died several years previous. + </p> + <p> + And thus the little heiress of Heathdale was christened by her mother. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XI.<br/> + "You Have Overstepped All Bounds." + </h2> + <p> + Sir William Heath could hardly control his impatience to fly to his dear + ones across the water. + </p> + <p> + His fond heart yearned mightily to behold his child and to clasp once + more the beautiful wife who had now become dearer than ever to him. + </p> + <p> + But his mother's condition did not improve; she still lay hovering + between life and death, and he knew that he must not leave her until + there was some change either for the better or worse. + </p> + <p> + Her disease was partial paralysis, which, however, had not affected her + brain, and her son's return and presence appeared to be of the greatest + comfort to her. + </p> + <p> + Still she was liable, at any hour, to have another shock, which would + doubtless prove fatal, and Sir Herbert Randal—an eminent London + physician—commanded perfect quiet and freedom from all excitement, + since the least anxiety or disturbance of any kind would bring the dread + messenger which they all feared so much. + </p> + <p> + Thus it seemed as if the young baronet was hopelessly bound to Heathdale + for the present. + </p> + <p> + Not a word had passed between him and his mother regarding his marriage. + Knowing how displeased she had been at the time of it, and fearing to + excite her if he recalled the event to her mind, he had thought it best + to say nothing, but leave her to broach the subject whenever she should + feel inclined, although he wondered that she did not make some inquiry + regarding his young wife whom the family had expected he would bring + with him to Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + The meeting with his sister had been somewhat cold and formal, for he + could not forget how harshly she had expressed herself regarding his + choice, while she could not and would not forgive him for disappointing + all her ambitious hopes for him. + </p> + <p> + Like his mother, she ignored the subject of his marriage not deigning to + make the slightest inquiry regarding his wife, although she had been + greatly astonished at the non-appearance of Virgie, and was burning with + curiosity to know why he had returned alone. + </p> + <p> + This negligence and obstinacy on her part made Sir William very + indignant, and after the first excitement consequent upon his arrival + had subsided, he determined to assert himself, and have it distinctly + understood that his wife was henceforth to be recognized as a member of + and a power in his household. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, the morning following his return he had drawn Lady Linton + into the library, and after conducting her, with something of formal + politeness, to a seat, remarked: + </p> + <p> + "Miriam, you have not yet done me the honor to inquire after Lady + Heath." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton bowed coldly, and lifted her fine eyebrows questioningly. + </p> + <p> + Sir William flushed angrily. + </p> + <p> + "It is evident that you are still very angry with me, and intend to + annoy me upon this point," he continued, sternly, "and we may as well + understand each other at the outset. I shall demand and expect that my + wife when I bring her home, will be received with all the honor and + courtesy which has ever been accorded to the mistress of Heathdale in + the past." + </p> + <p> + Again Lady Linton bowed; but she did not deign to open her lips in + response, although a spot of vivid red settled in either cheek. + </p> + <p> + "She is worthy of it in every respect," her brother resumed a gleam of + fire in his eye, "and will grace the position which I have given her as + well as the most noted London belle could do. I have pictures of her + here—perhaps you will do me the favor to look at them." + </p> + <p> + He laid two or three fine photographs of Virgie, taken in different + attitudes, before her, as he concluded, and then leaned back in his + chair watching her attentively to see what effect that beautiful face + would have upon her. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship adjusted her eyeglasses with English precision, and taking + up one of the pictures regarded it with all the indifference which she + could muster. She was not, however, quite prepared for what she saw; and + the quick, curious, half-admiring gleam which shot into her eye told + that she had not failed to acknowledge the exceeding loveliness of that + fair face, and the natural grace and dignity displayed in the young + wife's attitude. + </p> + <p> + She took up each picture separately, and her brother could see her + indifference gradually melting away, a keen and critical look taking its + place. + </p> + <p> + "Who was she?" she at length condescended to ask, though somewhat + curtly. + </p> + <p> + "The daughter of a California gentleman," Sir William answered, quietly. + </p> + <p> + "A California <i>gentleman!</i>" with a scornful accent upon the last + word. "You speak of him as of an equal." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," returned the baronet, a smile of amusement slightly curling + his lips, "Mr. Abbot was my equal, if not my superior, in point of + intellect, and all that goes to make a gentleman, while his daughter is + in no wise my inferior." + </p> + <p> + "How can you make such an absurd statement, William?" demanded his + sister, impatiently. "The idea of an American plebeian being the equal + of a Heath of Heathdale!" + </p> + <p> + Sir William laughed outright; then he said: + </p> + <p> + "Your loyalty to your family does you credit, Miriam, but I imagine, if + you should ever visit America—which I trust for your own sake, you will + do some time—that you will return much wiser than you went. Your ideas + regarding people and things, in that grand republic are very crude and + incorrect. But how do you like the face that I have shown you?" + </p> + <p> + "The face is well enough," Lady Linton was forced to admit. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing weak about it?" + </p> + <p> + "N-o." + </p> + <p> + "It is not lacking in intelligence or character?" + </p> + <p> + "Not so far as I am able to judge from a simple picture", the woman + confessed, rather reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + "And yet it does not flatter her; you do not often see a face like that + even among the noble families of England, and she is as lovely in mind + as in person," said Sir William, fondly, as he took up one of the + photographs and gazed upon it with his heart in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Humph! if you are so proud of your American bride, why did you not + bring her home with you?" Lady Linton inquired, in a mocking tone, and + then could have bitten her tongue through for having allowed herself to + betray her curiosity so far. + </p> + <p> + Sir William flushed hotly. It was evident that his sister was no more + reconciled since seeing Virgie's pictures than before. Her pride of + birth had received a shock which she could neither overlook nor forgive. + </p> + <p> + "Lady Heath was not able to travel. Her physician told me that if she + crossed the ocean it would be at the risk of her life. Miriam, Virgie + will soon become a mother, God willing." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton started and shot a swift look of astonishment at her brother + upon this unexpected announcement. + </p> + <p> + This information was disagreeable in the extreme, for it made certain + plans, which her fertile brain had begun to weave as soon as she had + learned that her brother had returned without his wife, all the more + complicated, if not well-nigh impossible. + </p> + <p> + "It was a great trial for me to return without her," Sir William went + on, with a regretful sigh, "but your summons was so very imperative that + I felt obliged to do so. My darling bore it very bravely, however; she + regarded it as my duty to hasten to my mother, even though she would be + left alone, a stranger in a great city, and at such a critical time." + </p> + <p> + "Of course it was your duty to return to our mother," Lady Linton + responded emphatically, as if the young wife away upon the other side of + the Atlantic was not worthy of consideration. "And," she added, flashing + a look of defiance at her companion, "I am free to confess to a feeling + of relief that you had to come alone—" "Miriam, I—" + </p> + <p> + "Hear me out, if you please," she interposed. "Mamma's heart has been + nearly broken at the thought of this ill-assorted marriage, and I + believe the excitement and grief would have killed her outright, if you + had brought her," with a withering glance at Virgie's picture, "to + Heathdale to reign as mistress." + </p> + <p> + Sir William was tried almost beyond endurance. It was more than a minute + before he could control himself sufficiently to speak, after his + sister's insulting remarks regarding his marriage. + </p> + <p> + "Miriam," he at length said, in a voice that made her quail in spite of + her effrontery, "you will please never speak like this again; it is, + both to my wife and me, an insult which I will not tolerate. Virgie is a + lady in every sense of the word; even my critical mother could pick no + flaw in her were she to see her, and the moment that I am at liberty to + do so I shall return to the United States and bring my darling back with + me. And let me here repeat what I said a while ago—I expect and demand + that she be received with all proper respect by the entire household." + </p> + <p> + "The household knows nothing of your marriage." + </p> + <p> + "What!" cried the young baronet, astonished. + </p> + <p> + "No one, save mamma and I, knows anything of this—this alliance." + </p> + <p> + "By whose authority have you kept such a matter secret?" Sir William + demanded, in great wrath. + </p> + <p> + "We—we thought it best," faltered his sister, shrinking beneath his + anger—she had never seen him so aroused before. "Mamma was so unhappy, + and I was so—so unreconciled, that we determined to wait until you + wrote definitely regarding your coming." + </p> + <p> + "You have overstepped all bounds, you have presumed beyond excuse," + retorted her brother, in a voice of thunder. "I know that you are my + senior by fifteen years, and as a boy I was taught to look up to you, + and to render you the respect due an elder. But I am a child no longer. + I am a man, and you forget that I am not only my own master, but the + master of Heathdale as well. I have a right to choose for myself in all + matters, and you are not to consider that I am in leading strings, as I + was before your marriage, when you exercised, to a certain extent, + authority over me. And now if—I abhor thrifts, but I wish you to + distinctly understand me—if you cannot bring yourself to regard my + marriage in a proper and sensible light, and make up your mind to + receive my wife as becomes a sister of the house, the doors of Heathdale + will henceforth be closed to you." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton was astounded at this outburst. + </p> + <p> + Her brother, heretofore, had always been a pattern of amiability and + gentleness, and had allowed her to have her own way mostly in the house. + In minor matters she had always ruled him, and she had never imagined + that he could rise to such a height as this. + </p> + <p> + She saw that she had gone too far, that she must change her tactics, or + forever lose all influence with him, and make an enemy of him. + </p> + <p> + She could ill afford to do this for several reasons. + </p> + <p> + She was the widow of Lord Percival Linton, who had married her chiefly + for her large dowry. + </p> + <p> + He had been a fast, unprincipled man, who had run through his own + property and most of hers before death put an end to his mad career. + </p> + <p> + They had one son, Percy, and a daughter, Lillian, and Lady Linton, with + her two children, had been largely dependent upon the generosity of her + brother ever since her husband's death, and he was even now bearing all + the expense of the education of his nephew and niece. + </p> + <p> + They had made their home chiefly at Heathdale, because Lady Linton's + pride could not tolerate life at Linton Grange when they had no means to + keep it up in proper style, and it was very pleasant and comfortable to + be in her brother's home, where there was abundance of everything, and + where she had been allowed to manage the household in her own way. + </p> + <p> + It would therefore be very mortifying to have its hospitable doors + closed against her, and, finding herself liable to be ignominiously + checkmated if she persisted in her present course, she resolved to + "right about face" with the greatest grace possible, at least until she + was obliged to yield her position to the future mistress of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + "Fie, William, don't allow yourself to get in such a passion," she said, + in a conciliatory tone. "Perhaps I have expressed myself more freely + than I ought, but you ought to make allowance for our great + disappointment. Remember that you are the pride of an old and honored + family, and it is but natural that we should wish you to marry in your + own station. But do not fear. When Lady Heath comes to take her place as + mistress here she shall be received in a becoming manner." + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship arose as she ceased speaking, her eye falling as she did so + upon the lovely upturned face upon the table, and she vowed in her heart + that if she could prevent it, the girl should never set her foot over + the threshold of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + How she was to carry out this vow she had as yet no idea; but all the + malice and enmity of her heart had been aroused against her, and it + should go hard with her if she could not find some way to vent it upon + her. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Miriam," Sir William responded, as he opened the door for + his sister to pass out, but he spoke somewhat coldly. + </p> + <p> + He could not lightly forgive and overlook the scorn that had been heaped + upon the darling of his heart, while the fact that his marriage had been + kept a secret angered him exceedingly, and placed him in a very + unpleasant position. + </p> + <p> + He resolved that as soon as his mother should be better, he would have a + plain talk with her, also, and insist upon an announcement of Lady + Heath's existence and her expected arrival. But until the invalid was + out of danger he deemed it advisable not to create any excitement on the + subject. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XII.<br/> + "I Will Join You Heart and Hand." + </h2> + <p> + Later in the day, while Sir William was engaged with the Stewart looking + over accounts and inquiring into the condition of Heathdale generally, + Lady Linton went quietly up to her brother's rooms to attend to the + unpacking of his trunks and putting his wardrobe in order. + </p> + <p> + While thus engaged she came across a worn portfolio filled with papers + of various kinds. + </p> + <p> + She knew at once that it was nothing that belonged to her brother, and + surmised that its contents might contain much of interest regarding the + despised girl whom he had married in the far West of America. + </p> + <p> + The key was attached by a ribbon to the portfolio, and was tucked into a + fold of the leather, and no sense of either delicacy or honor prevented + her making use of her opportunity for gratifying her curiosity regarding + the young wife, without the necessity of asking questions. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she boldly and unhesitatingly unlocked the portfolio, and + began examining its contents. + </p> + <p> + These proved to be mostly business papers and legal documents, with some + letters directed to a name that she had never heard before. She would + have liked to read them, but she feared being interrupted while doing + so, and she of course had no wish to have her brother know she was + prying thus into his affairs so she laid them back in their place, + resolving at some future time to examine them more thoroughly. But there + was one envelope among them of much fresher appearance than the others, + and with no address upon it, although it contained a document of some + kind. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton slipped it out, and, unfolding it, found it to be the + marriage certificate of her brother and his wife. + </p> + <p> + She was astonished to find that the ceremony had occurred in some place + in Nevada, remote from any city or town—a little settlement of which + she had never heard—and as she read further, her eyes grew wide with + astonishment and her face dark with anger. + </p> + <p> + "He wrote us that her name was Virginia Abbot," she cried, indignantly, + a crimson flush mounting to her brow, "and here it is given as + Virginia—" + </p> + <p> + A step sounded outside the door in the hall just then, and her ladyship + paused, affrighted, to listen, that last name unspoken on her lips. + </p> + <p> + But it proved to be only a servant passing on some duty, and she went on + with her investigations. + </p> + <p> + "There is some inexplicable mystery about this thing," she murmured. + "The name is the same as that on those letters, and I am sure he has + deceived us shamefully. He said that she was the daughter of a once + wealthy Californian, but it seems that they were not in California at + all. There must have been some reason for their burying themselves in + that isolated place, and—<i>I will yet find out what it was</i>!" + </p> + <p> + She returned the certificate to the envelope, and put back the papers in + their proper places. + </p> + <p> + All at once her face lighted. + </p> + <p> + "Sara was going directly to San Francisco. I will write her to look this + thing up. I will have that girl's secret before she is a month older, + and then we will <i>see</i> whether she comes here to Heathdale to queen + it over us." + </p> + <p> + She resumed her work, but there was a sullen, resolute expression on her + face which told of some purpose that she was determining to carry out at + all hazards. + </p> + <p> + When Sir William's trunks were at length emptied, she rang for a servant + to take them to a storeroom, after which she repaired to her own + apartment, where she wrote steadily and rapidly for more than an hour. + </p> + <p> + At the end of that time she folded and sealed her letter, and directed + it to "Mrs. Sara Farnum, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal.," and the + very next post from Heathdale carried on its way the missive that was + destined to help accomplish one of the greatest wrongs that had ever + been perpetrated. + </p> + <p> + The reader will doubtless remember that when the dowager Lady Heath and + Lady Linton were discussing Sir William's sudden marriage the name + "Sadie" was mentioned in connection with the baronet. + </p> + <p> + Sadie was a beautiful English girl of two or three-and-twenty and the + youngest child and only daughter of Mrs. Sara Farnum, to whom Lady + Linton had just written. + </p> + <p> + Sadie Farnum had said and thought a great deal upon learning of Sir + William's union with the American maiden, for the news had been a + terrible death-blow to her own hopes and ambitions. + </p> + <p> + She had long entertained the desire and intention of one day becoming + the mistress of Heathdale; it had been the dearest wish of her heart, + and for years she had used every art in which she was skilled to bring + the man she loved to her feet, and thus accomplish her purpose. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum and Lady Linton had been intimate friends from girlhood, and + it had also been a darling scheme of theirs to marry the daughter of the + one to the brother of the other, thus securing a fine position and title + to Sadie, and adding to the already well-filled coffers of Heathdale the + handsome fortune which the young girl would bring to her husband. + </p> + <p> + But Sir William had never appeared to be particularly fond of the + society of ladies, at least he was not what would be termed a ladies' + man, although he went frequently into company, and did not fall in with + those plans for his future happiness as readily as their projectors + desired. + </p> + <p> + He liked Sadie well enough as a friend, and had been in the way of + seeing a great deal of her, as Lady Linton frequently invited her to + spend several weeks with her. He even promised to correspond with her + when he left England to travel in America, and at the time of his first + meeting with Virgie, he had in his pocket a voluminous letter indited by + her. + </p> + <p> + But she had never touched his heart; she was bright, beautiful, and + accomplished, yet there was something lacking in her nature which his + own demanded and which he recognized at once in the lovely mountain + maiden the moment that he met her that wild night when he came a + stranger to her home. + </p> + <p> + But Sadie was so broken-hearted over the blighting of all her fond + hopes, and grieved so sorely that her health began to suffer in + consequence, and when Sir William's return began to be talked of, Mrs. + Farnum decided to take her daughter traveling and thus avoid any + unpleasant meeting and fresh grief when the young Lady Heath should come + to take possession of her new home. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they sailed for America, and knowing that the baronet was in + New York, went directly to the Pacific coast about a fortnight previous + to Sir William's return to Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + The letter which Lady Linton sent her friend was written, as we know, + the morning following her brother's return, and five weeks later, upon + the very day of little Virgie May Heath's birth, there came to her an + exceedingly gratifying reply. + </p> + <p> + A portion of it read thus: + </p> + <p> + "Regarding the important questions which you have asked about the + ——'s. I will not write the name for fear this letter might sometime + chance to meet other eyes. I find that such a family resided here a + number of years ago. They occupied a high position in society appeared + to have unlimited means at their command and were much respected, but + they were suddenly overtaken by terrible misfortunes which cut them + instantly down from their high estate and they were obliged to flee from + the city in disgrace. It is quite a complicated story, and I have not + been able to learn all the details. I can do so, however, if you wish. + </p> + <p> + "But what is your object? What do you know about the family? Has it + anything to do with that girl whom your brother so rashly married in + such a romantic manner? If it has, let me know, and I will gladly search + the continent over for material to make her bitterly repent for striking + such a blow to my Sadie's, and indeed to all our hopes. Answer + immediately and whatever instructions you may give me, I will follow + most faithfully. I am ready to join you heart and hand in any vendetta + against the disturber of our peace." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton smiled curiously after reading this epistle. + </p> + <p> + "I imagined as much," she muttered, "and they presumed to aspire to an + alliance with a Heath of Heathdale, when their own name was so + hopelessly disgraced that they did not dare to own it or be known by it, + and were forced to hide their guilty heads in that low mining district. + No, sir; my Lord of Heath, your shameless bride shall never enter this + sacred ancestral house if there are any means, lawful or otherwise to + prevent it." + </p> + <p> + After the examination of the portfolio which she had found in her + brother's trunk, Lady Linton's curiosity had been insatiable, and + simulating an air of friendliness and resignation which she was far from + feeling, she had encouraged him to talk of his wife, hoping thus to + learn more of her history, and trap him into acknowledging something of + the mystery which surrounded her. + </p> + <p> + But though Sir William was never loth to talk of his darling, and always + spoke of her in the fondest terms, he would never commit himself + regarding her past; that was to be a sealed book in England, and not + even to his mother and sister would he ever breathe one word of that sad + story, that Mr. Abbot had told him when he pleaded for his daughter's + hand, or aught that would cast a shadow upon any member of her family. + </p> + <p> + "She was the daughter of a once wealthy Californian whom reverses had + impoverished," he invariably told them. "She was finely educated and + fitted, both by nature and culture, to shine in any circle." + </p> + <p> + "By whom were you married, William?" his mother asked, having at last + deigned to show some interest in the circumstance. + </p> + <p> + "By the Rev. Dr. Thornton, an Episcopalian clergyman + </p> + <p> + "Of San Francisco?" + </p> + <p> + "No, of Virginia City;" and Sir William smiled that she was not familiar + enough with the geographical location of the place to know that it was + not in California at all. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, then you were not married in San Francisco?" interrupted Lady + Linton, looking up eagerly, and hoping now to get something definite + regarding that outlandish place in Nevada. + </p> + <p> + "No," he replied, not thinking it necessary to enter into particulars, + and leaving them to infer what they chose. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship was baffled again, not daring to press him further lest he + should suspect that she had been tampering with his papers. + </p> + <p> + But she tried to console herself with the thought that she would soon + know all there was to be known; then what use she might make of her + knowledge remained to be seen. + </p> + <p> + Lady Heath was improving, but still far from being out of danger, and + could not endure the least confusion. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was very restless, and anxious to get back to his dear ones + in America; but Sir Herbert Randall was opposed to his going. + </p> + <p> + "It would be fatal, my dear sir," he asserted; "the excitement of your + departure and the separation would undoubtedly bring on another shock + from which her ladyship could not possibly rally, even if it did not + kill her outright. Haven't you done roving enough yet?" the physician + concluded, regarding the young man with some surprise. + </p> + <p> + "But I've left——" Sir William began, when he was interrupted by a + startled cry from Lady Linton, who was in the room, as she carelessly + upset a vase of flowers on the table beside her. + </p> + <p> + "How awkward of me!" she exclaimed, flushing a deep crimson; "won't you + please ring the bell, William for some one to come and clean up this + mess?" + </p> + <p> + He went to the opposite side of the room to do her bidding, and she took + the occasion to inform Sir Herbert in a low tone, that her brother had + left some unfinished business in America, which he was anxious to have + settled. + </p> + <p> + "I'm sorry," replied the physician, "but it will have to remain + unsettled for a while longer, if he has a proper regard for his mother's + health." + </p> + <p> + Of course the great doctor's verdict was decisive, and Sir William was + forced to curb his impatience as best he could. He would not allow + himself to do anything that would endanger his mother's life, and yet + his heart was yearning for his wife and for the little one whom he had + never seen. + </p> + <p> + "Have patience a little longer, my darling," he wrote Virgie that + evening; I will come just as soon as it will do for me to leave home. My + heart longs for you every hour in the day; life seems almost a blank + without you, and I find it difficult to employ myself about anything. If + you were stronger, and our little one was older, I would send some + trusty messenger for you, and another eight days would find you in our + beautiful home. But I fear such a proceeding would be hardly wise at + present. + </p> + <p> + "Write to me often, my Virgie, and be very careful in directing your + letters; I am afraid that I have missed one or two of your last. Oh, + happy day when there will be no longer any need to communicate with each + other in this slow way." + </p> + <p> + Sir William had indeed missed his wife's last letters and this was the + only one that she ever received from him after that date. + </p> + <p> + How was it? + </p> + <p> + Ask Lady Linton, or go seek in the little brazier, which stood at night + in the dressing-room of her mother for the purpose of heating the + nourishment she was accustomed to take at twelve, for the ashes of the + loving epistles which the fond husband and wife believed no other save + themselves would peruse. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XIII.<br/> + Becoming Acquainted. + </h2> + <p> + Little Virginia May Heath was just six weeks old, and becoming most + interesting to her fond mamma, who was getting stronger every day, and + able to take a little exercise in the corridor outside her rooms, when + one morning as she was pacing slowly back and forth, thinking of her + absent husband, and wishing, oh, so yearningly, that he could come to + her, she encountered two ladies who had just ascended the stairs, and + passed on to their apartments which were just beyond hers. + </p> + <p> + One was a finely formed, majestic woman, evidently somewhat over fifty + years, having the air and bearing of one accustomed to society and the + ways of the world. She was tastefully and elegantly dressed, every + article of her apparel denoting wealth and a careful regard for fashion. + </p> + <p> + The other was a young lady, perhaps a year or two older than Virgie, a + perfect blonde, with a tall, beautifully developed form, and with a face + such as poets and artists rave about. It was a pure oval, faultless in + feature and coloring, and yet withal, if closely studied, there was a + suspicion of shallowness and insincerity in the full, sapphire eyes, and + the perfectly formed but rather weak mouth. + </p> + <p> + Still Virgie, as she lifted her own lovely eyes and beheld this young + lady, thought she had never seen any one more beautiful, while she + colored slightly, and wondered why the strangers should observe her so + closely and with such evident interest. + </p> + <p> + It was a very warm day, and she was clad in a fine white robe, richly + embroidered and garnished with pale lavender ribbon. If she had but + realized it, she was exquisitely beautiful herself, with her glossy, + brown hair carelessly yet gracefully coiled at the back of her head, the + color beginning to tinge her cheeks, that smile of happiness upon her + sweet lips, and the holy mother-light shining in her violet eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma, that must be she; that must be Lady Heath," whispered the + younger of the two strangers, when they had passed beyond hearing. + </p> + <p> + "Lady Heath!" was the scornful repetition, accompanied by a flash of + anger from the dark eyes of the elder woman. + </p> + <p> + "Well, mamma, you know of course who I mean. She must be the girl whom + Lady Linton wrote about." + </p> + <p> + "I imagine so. She answers the description that Miriam gave of her + photograph. Yes, hark! she has just opened her door, and surely that was + a baby's cry." + </p> + <p> + "Well, at last we have seen her," returned the girl, "and I must + confess, I think she is perfectly lovely. She has such beautiful eyes, + such a fair, delicate complexion, and is so peculiarly dainty every way. + I do not blame Sir William for falling in love with her." + </p> + <p> + "Mercy, Sadie, how you do chatter! no one would believe, to hear you, + that you had been almost heart-broken because this very girl, over whom + you are so enthusiastic, had ruined your prospects," returned her + mother, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + The young girl flushed crimson at this shaft. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, mamma, for reminding me of the fact," she said, bitterly. + "It is true that through her all my fondest hopes have been blighted, + and I suppose I ought to bitterly hate her for it; but truly her + exceeding beauty and sweetness half disarm me." + </p> + <p> + The elder woman made no reply to this, but her manner betrayed both + contempt and irritation, her brow was clouded with a wrathful + expression, and her lips were drawn into a straight, rigid line, + denoting some cruel and inflexible purpose. + </p> + <p> + It will readily be surmised that these two ladies were none other than + Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, who, as we learned in the previous + chapter, were traveling in the United States, in the hope of improving + the health and spirits of the latter. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum had married while very young, and was the mother of three + children—two sons and one daughter. + </p> + <p> + She had herself been very attractive as a girl, and had many suitors; + but with an eye to the comforts of life, she had said "no" to all the + titled and impecunious lovers, and given her hand to a man of wealth, + who, with his million of pounds, bade fair to add another million to + them in the course of time. + </p> + <p> + Miriam Heath, on the contrary, had been rather a plain-looking girl, + somewhat cold and repelling in manner, and was almost an old maid before + she was married; thus she was often an inmate of her friend's palatial + home, and became much interested in her children, and little Sadie + Farnum had scarcely reached her teens before the two women began to plan + a union between the young heir of Heathdale and the heiress to half a + million pounds. + </p> + <p> + It had been the cherished dream of years, while almost from childhood + Sadie had been foolishly taught to regard Heathdale as her future home, + and to look upon Sir William as her promised husband; thus the + disappointment had been a terrible one to them all when they learned + that the baronet had married a "nobody" from the hated and disloyal + country that had rebelled against its rightful sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton might be said to have become almost a monomaniac upon this + point, and so bitter was her ire at thus being balked in her plans, so + keen her hatred of the innocent girl who had been the cause of it, that + she abandoned herself to the wildest schemes, casting all honor and + womanliness to the winds, and bending all her energies toward the + destruction of the happiness of the newly wedded couple. She resolved to + begin operations by making an ally of her friend, Mrs. Farnum. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately she was at that moment in California, the former home of + Virgie, and could perhaps ascertain what mystery overshadowed her former + life that had made it necessary to conceal her true name. This would + perhaps give a clew how to proceed further, and, as we know, her letter + was written at once, and brought an immediate reply. Further + correspondence elicited information which only tended to strengthen Lady + Linton in her evil designs, and Mrs. Farnum was advised to proceed + directly to New York and take up her abode in the same hotel where + Virgie was located, where she could successfully aid and abet her + superior in her malicious operations. + </p> + <p> + Thus we find Mrs. Farnum and her daughter not only in the same house, + but on the same floor with the young wife and her child, and only + waiting for a favorable opportunity to strike a fatal blow to her + happiness. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had of late experienced a good deal of anxiety regarding her + husband, for his letters, which at first had come with every steamer, + had suddenly ceased entirely. + </p> + <p> + For a while this had only filled her with hope, for she had told herself + that doubtless he was coming for her; he might even be on the way to + give her a joyful surprise. But as time went on and not a word came from + him, she was haunted with a sickening dread. He might be ill, she + reasoned; but surely in that case he would send some message by another, + or, if he could not do that, some member of his family would certainly + let her know. + </p> + <p> + She wrote faithfully, notwithstanding, giving all details regarding + herself and their little one, never dreaming that her fond letters, + having first been devoured by evil, greedy eyes, were ruthlessly + consigned to the flames. + </p> + <p> + Every day after the arrival of Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, one or both + of the ladies managed to come upon her whenever she walked in the + corridor, and soon they began to nod in a friendly manner when they + passed her; then a smile and a look of interest was added, until finally + it came to be the regular custom to bid her a pleasant good-morning. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie was retiring by nature, and the acquaintance did not progress + rapidly enough to suit Mrs. Farnum, and she was meditating a bold move, + when one day Sadie came suddenly upon the nurse, who was promenading the + long hall, with her little charge in her arms. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" she cried, stopping before her, "I am sure this must be our little + neighbor who serenades us once in a while. I dote on babies. May I have + a look at the darling?" + </p> + <p> + "I hope, miss, she doesn't disturb you," the nurse replied respectfully, + but looking greatly pleased to have the little one noticed. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed; the house is so frightfully still that it is real music to + hear its little voice once in a while. What a little beauty it is, to be + sure!" Miss Farnum returned, volubly, as she pulled away the lace frill + from the small face to get a better view of the young heiress of + Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + "What is its name?" she asked, after contemplating her in silence for a + moment. + </p> + <p> + "Virginia May Heath," the woman replied, thinking the young lady very + gracious. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how pretty! I suppose she will be called 'May.' She looks just like + a little May blossom." + </p> + <p> + "No, miss; they call her Virgie. Madam would have preferred the other + name, but her husband wanted her called for his wife, of whom he is very + fond." + </p> + <p> + Sadie Farnum's face clouded at this. + </p> + <p> + "I presume that delicate lady whom I see occasionally walking here in + the corridor is La—is Mrs. Heath?" she said, more to make the nurse + talk than because she desired information on this point. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, miss; the streets are so rough she does not care much for driving, + and she must have some exercise." + </p> + <p> + Virgie herself appeared in the doorway of her parlor at this moment, and + smiled as she noticed the young lady admiring her baby. + </p> + <p> + Miss Farnum colored slightly, then said boldly, with a light laugh: + </p> + <p> + "Pray do not think me very bold, Mrs. Heath, but I have been seeking an + introduction to your little daughter. She is very lovely, and I am <i>so</i> + fond of babies." + </p> + <p> + While she spoke her eyes had been fixed upon Virgie's face, and she + thought she had never looked upon any one more beautiful than this woman + who was her rival—for so she regarded her. + </p> + <p> + She wore a delicate blue lawn, trimmed profusely with filmy white lace; + there was a dainty cap upon her head, while she had a few blush-roses + fastened in her belt. Every day she was growing stronger and better, and + her beauty seemed to increase in proportion. + </p> + <p> + She bowed to Sadie, and smiled again as she remarked that it was rather + unusual for young ladies to be so fond of children of that tender age. + </p> + <p> + "Then I am an exception to the rule, Mrs. Heath," Miss Farnum answered; + "but since I have made your daughter's acquaintance, allow me to + introduce myself to you also. I am Sadie Farnum, and mamma and I are + your nearest left-hand neighbors." + </p> + <p> + "I am very glad to know you, Miss Farnum," Virgie returned, graciously, + and thinking her delightfully frank and pleasant. + </p> + <p> + She was really very glad to meet her in a less formal way than usual, + and hoped they should be friends. + </p> + <p> + She had been feeling rather lonely of late, besides being depressed on + account of her husband's long silence; she had no acquaintances, and saw + scarcely any one save the physician and her nurse. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid mamma will think I have committed a shocking breach of + etiquette," Sadie went on; "but we are strangers in the city, and I have + been longing to know you ever since our first meeting here in the + corridor. May I come in to see you occasionally, and this little + darling?" + </p> + <p> + She concluded with such a winning air, as she stooped and lightly kissed + the tiny pink face lying upon the nurse's arm, that Virgie's heart was + entirely won. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, Miss Farnum; I should be delighted to have you. I am alone + most of the time, and it would be very pleasant to have some young + company." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you. Then, if you do not object, I will waive all ceremony, and + come to see you in a friendly way. May I bring mamma, too, and introduce + her to you?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very glad to meet Mrs. Farnum," Virgie responded, and then + instantly asked herself if she had spoken the exact truth, for she stood + somewhat in awe of that aristocratic and imposing looking woman, whose + curious, piercing glance, in spite of her assumption of friendliness, + gave her an unpleasant sensation. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma, the ice is broken at last!" Sadie Farnum cried, rushing in upon + her mother, with a glowing face, after the above interview, and she + proceeded to give her a detailed account of her meeting with Virgie. + </p> + <p> + "She is as lovely as a dream, mamma," she said, "and as sweet and + gracious as any lady need to be. If she were not Sir William Heath's + wife I should be ready to do homage at her shrine with all my heart." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense! Has she any education? Can she converse respectably?" + demanded Mrs. Farnum, with a frown at her daughter's enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "She is a perfect lady, and her language is beyond criticism—she is fit + to be the wife of any peer." + </p> + <p> + "Gracious! Sadie, how you annoy me!" ejaculated Mrs. Farnum, angrily. + "Just think of her antecedents." + </p> + <p> + "Well, the girl is not to blame if her father was a scamp, and should + not be made to suffer for his sins," responded her daughter, who was not + naturally bad, and but for her mother's influence, would even now have + been won to a better disposition by Virgie's sweetness. + </p> + <p> + "What rank folly you are talking!" retorted her mother. "No girl has a + right to marry a respectable man with such a stain on her name." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps she does not know anything about her father's crime." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw! She was fifteen years old when they had to flee from San + Francisco; she could not help knowing that something was wrong, and as + she grew older she could not fail to understand it. From the way you + talk it is evident that you yourself have fallen in love with the woman + who has cheated you out of your husband." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I have, mamma," Sadie answered, with a spice of defiance and + wickedly taking pleasure in working her mother up to a certain pitch. + "She looked so pretty just now—she has the loveliest complexion, just + clear red and white, with such dark blue eyes that they seem almost + black when she is animated, and such pretty waving brown hair, while her + features are pure and delicate Her taste, too, is exquisite—her dress + was just the right shade to set off her clear skin; she had the + daintiest little matron's cap on her head—real thread, too—while a + handful of blush-roses in her belt made her look too lovely for + anything." + </p> + <p> + "Do hush, Sadie; you irritate me beyond endurance; one would think that + you were only too ready to renounce all your hopes to this plebeian who + has stolen your lover," and Mrs. Farnum turned upon her daughter as if + ready to shake her for her folly. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma!" she cried, passionately, and bursting into tears, for she had + been working herself up as well, "when I am away from her I hate her for + having won him from me, and I am almost ready to do anything desperate; + but when I am with her she disarms me; there is something about the girl + that almost makes me love her. If you could have seen her this morning, + she looked so proud and happy when I praised the baby." + </p> + <p> + "Sadie Farnum, I do believe you are becoming demented! Here is poor Lady + Linton almost heart-broken over her brother's <i>mesalliance</i>, his + mother lies at death's door on account of the excitement caused by it, + while you, who ought to be the most interested party of all, are about + to turn traitress and go over to the enemy just because of a foolish + sentimentality for this doll-faced girl. I declare, I have no patience + with you." + </p> + <p> + "I think you have said enough, mamma," replied Miss Farnum, coldly, and + wiping away her tears, "but there may come a time when you will regret + your present attitude—when you will be sorry that you strove to + inculcate such a bitter spirit into the mind of your only daughter. Lady + Linton for some strange reason wanted us to come here and see for + ourselves what this girl is like; we have seen her. Let us go our way + now and not revive old hopes and ambitions, which, to say the least, are + not pleasant to remember under the circumstances. Yes, let us end this + disagreeable business, and leave Sir William Heath's wife alone." + </p> + <p> + "I am not ready to leave New York yet, and we will stay where we are for + the present," responded Mrs. Farnum, flushing a deep red, for she had + never told her daughter of the plot which she was helping Lady Linton to + carry out, and she saw now that it would not be wise to do so, since + Sadie might flatly refuse to have anything to do with it, and in her + present state of mind, might do something to upset their well-laid + schemes. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XIV.<br/> + The Plot Begins to Work. + </h2> + <p> + The acquaintance between the Farnums and Virgie progressed rapidly after + the meeting between Sadie and the young wife. Mrs. Farnum was duly + introduced, and did not prove to be nearly so formidable a personage as + Virgie had imagined her to be; for although she was not drawn toward her + as she had been to her daughter, yet she was so gracious and exerted + herself to be so agreeable, that Virgie could but acknowledge to herself + that she was a very pleasant and entertaining person. + </p> + <p> + Visits were exchanged almost every day between them; the baby was + praised and admired, and Virgie was petted and made much of, until her + heart and confidence were entirely won. + </p> + <p> + They insisted upon her driving with them; "the fresh air would do her + good," Mrs. Farnum declared, "for she had noticed during the last week + that she was losing color;" and thus she made many excursions with the + two ladies, and visited many points of interest. They even proposed that + they should go into the country together, as it was getting so + oppressively warm in the city; but Virgie would not listen to this + proposition, because of her anxiety for letters, and the hope that Sir + William might be coming for her. + </p> + <p> + Poor child! she was, indeed, losing color, and was almost heart-sick + with the terrible suspense, although she tried to be very brave and to + conceal her trouble from every eye. + </p> + <p> + She wrote again and again to her husband, begging for one line, one word + even, pleading that he would let her come to him if he was ill and + needed her. She would gladly brave the dangers of the ocean alone, she + told him, if he would but give her his consent to do so. + </p> + <p> + But still that terrible silence remained unbroken. + </p> + <p> + She was almost tempted to set out alone in spite of everything, and + nothing but the fear of passing her husband on the way prevented her + doing so. + </p> + <p> + She had learned that the Farnums were English, but upon discovering that + their home was a long distance from Heathdale—Mr. Farnum owned a large + estate in Bedford County—she reasoned that they could not know anything + of Sir William's family; and being extremely sensitive regarding his + recent apparent neglect of her, she did not once hint that she expected + her own future home would also be in England. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Lady Linton's plans were ripening. Events were occurring at + Heathdale which she trusted would serve her purpose well; and now Mrs. + Farnum was only waiting for a favorable opportunity to commence + aggressive operations. + </p> + <p> + The opportunity soon came. Sadie had been invited by some friends to + spend a week or two at Coney Island, and her mother, fearing if she + should be there to witness Virgie's grief when she began to work out her + plot, that she might do something to upset her plans, willingly gave her + consent for her to go. + </p> + <p> + On the afternoon after her departure, Mrs. Farnum with a basket of fancy + work in hand, went to pay Virgie a little visit, saying she was lonely + without Sadie, and had come in for a cozy chat. + </p> + <p> + The young wife had evidently been weeping, for her cheeks were flushed + and her eyes heavy, but she received her guest cordially, and exerted + herself to be entertaining. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum appeared unconscious of anything unusual although she + watched the young wife keenly, and readily surmised what had caused her + unhappiness. + </p> + <p> + She chatted socially for a while on various topics, but after a time + laid down her work, and taking up a book from a table near which she was + sitting, began carelessly turning over its pages. + </p> + <p> + "Jean Ingelow," she remarked, with a smile. "Are you fond of her poetry, + Mrs. Heath?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Virgie answered, "I think some of her poems are very sweet." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum glanced absently at two or three, then turned to the fly + leaf of the book, while Virgie's eyes mechanically followed her + movements. + </p> + <p> + The name of William Heath was written there. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum looked up surprised, then smiled. + </p> + <p> + "Your husband's name is William?" she said, inquiringly + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Virgie returned, with a slight flush, while a pang shot through + her heart at the sound of the dear name. + </p> + <p> + "You must be very lonely to be separated from him for so long a time," + said the woman, in a sympathetic tone. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I am," said the young wife, with a long-drawn sigh which did not + escape her companion's notice, "but our separation is compulsory." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, he was away at the time of our arrival, was he not?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he was called to his home nearly three months ago by the illness + of his mother." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum assumed a look of surprise. + </p> + <p> + "And could not you accompany him?" she asked, as if she thought it very + strange that Virgie should not have done so. + </p> + <p> + "No, my physician would not allow me to travel; the summons came only a + short time before the birth of my baby, and he said a sea voyage could + not be thought of for me, so my husband was obliged to go without me." + </p> + <p> + "A sea voyage!" repeated Mrs. Farnum, with a start. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. My husband's home is in England," Virgie answered, flushing + vividly. + </p> + <p> + A blank look came over Mrs. Farnum's face, then she assumed a grieved + expression. + </p> + <p> + "In England! and you never told us that you were our countrywoman, Mrs. + Heath!" she said, reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "I am not. I am a native of California," Virgie explained with some + confusion; but I seldom speak of myself to strangers." + </p> + <p> + "With good reason, my pert young woman!" mentally retorted Mrs, Farnum, + for her companion's last words had been rather coldly uttered. Then she + said aloud, in a pitying tone: + </p> + <p> + "It must have been very trying for you to let your husband go on such a + journey without you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, it was," Virgie replied, with lips that quivered + painfully; "but, of course, I could not keep him from his dying mother." + </p> + <p> + "Was her condition so critical as that?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, or my husband would not have consented to leave me. Mrs. + Heath was suddenly stricken with paralysis." + </p> + <p> + Again Mrs. Farnum started, and bent a long, searching look upon her + companion—a look that made Virgie feel very uncomfortable and wonder + what it meant. + </p> + <p> + "Is—is she still living?" the woman asked, still regarding Virgie + searchingly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes—at least, she was the last I heard; but her condition was still + considered so critical that she could not bear the least excitement." + </p> + <p> + "Then it is some time since you have heard from her?" remarked Mrs. + Farnum, pointedly. + </p> + <p> + Virgie bridled a trifle at being so closely questioned. She thought her + guest was trespassing beyond the bounds of good breeding. But, after a + moment, feeling as if she must share her burden with some one, she said, + in an unsteady voice: + </p> + <p> + "No, I have not, and—I am afraid that my husband's letters have + miscarried, and the suspense has been very trying." + </p> + <p> + "Ahem! Mrs. Heath, there is something very strange—very inexplicable + about what you have told me," Mrs. Farnum said, in a grave tone. + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up, astonished both at the words and tone. + </p> + <p> + "I do not understand you," she returned. + </p> + <p> + "You know, of course, that we are English people," began her companion. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Miss Sadie mentioned the fact to me during the first of our + acquaintance." + </p> + <p> + "Did she ever tell you that we know people in England by the name of + Heath?" + </p> + <p> + "No. Do you?" Virgie cried, eagerly, her face lighting as she thought + perhaps she might learn something regarding her long silent husband. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and they are a very fine family. They belong in Hampshire, and I + may as well tell you that they are a very proud and aristocratic family, + laying great stress upon their unimpeachable honor and untarnished + name." + </p> + <p> + Virgie flushed a painful crimson at this, which her companion noticed + with a thrill of exultation, and then resumed: + </p> + <p> + "The oldest daughter, who married a peer of the realm, has been my most + intimate friend for many years. Sir William, also——" + </p> + <p> + "Sir William!" Virgie interrupted, catching her breath, face growing + radiant. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's the name of the son and heir. I was about to remark that he + is a baronet and that it is a singular coincidence that he should also + have been here in America while his mother was stricken with paralysis. + It is strange, too, that his first name should be the same as your + husband's; but——" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mrs. Farnum," cried Virgie, leaning forward and seizing the woman's + hands in a transport of joy, as she believed she was about to hear some + definite news regarding her loved one, "Sir William Heath is my + husband—can you tell me anything about him? I have not heard a word + from him for more than a month, and I am nearly distracted from anxiety + and suspense." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum drew back in well-feigned astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Child! are you mad? Sir William Heath your husband? It is simply + impossible." + </p> + <p> + Virgie straightened herself, and yet it seemed as if somebody had + suddenly struck her a cruel blow upon her naked heart. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum had just told her that for years she had been the most + intimate friend of Lady Linton and yet to all appearances she had been + literally astounded to learn that Sir William was married. + </p> + <p> + Could it be possible that her husband had never acknowledged her as his + wife to his family? + </p> + <p> + The thought almost paralyzed her for a moment; then she put it + indignantly away from her. + </p> + <p> + No, he had written letter after letter to his mother and sister—at + least he had spoken of so doing, though she had never read them—telling + of their marriage, and speaking of their return to Heathdale. Of course + his friends must have been apprised of all that had occurred during his + absence; still it was very strange that the "most intimate acquaintance + of Lady Linton" had not been made acquainted with the fact. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, she brightened. Mrs. Farnum had been traveling in + America also, for how long she did not know, and perhaps that accounted + for it. If she did not correspond with Lady Linton she had no means of + knowing of the baronet's marriage. + </p> + <p> + She even smiled to think how foolish she had been to allow such thoughts + to have even for a moment a place in her mind, as she looked up and + said: + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, Mrs. Farnum, I am not mad, and it is not impossible that I + am Sir William Heath's wife. We were married last September, and after + the death of my father, who was very ill at the time, we traveled for + several months and then came to New York, intending to sail for England + the last of May, but were forbidden to do so by my physician, as I have + already told you." + </p> + <p> + "Still I say it is impossible. The Sir William Heath whom I mean is the + master of a large estate called Heathdale in Hampshire County, England," + reiterated Mrs. Farnum, decisively. + </p> + <p> + "And my husband is the master of Heathdale, in Hampshire County, + England," Virgie said, a trifle proudly. + </p> + <p> + She resented the woman's incredulity, while she could not forget what + she had said about the "unimpeachable honor and untarnished name" of the + family. It had stung her keenly, though she did not suspect that it had + been an intentional slur upon the shadow resting on her own. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum's only reply was a look of increased astonishment, mingled + with something of horror. + </p> + <p> + A crimson flush dyed Virgie's face. + </p> + <p> + "May I ask, Mrs. Farnum, how long you have been in America?" she said. + </p> + <p> + "We sailed from Liverpool the sixth of May." + </p> + <p> + Virgie's heart sank a trifle. + </p> + <p> + "And had you seen your friend, Lady Linton, within a few months previous + to that time?" + </p> + <p> + "Lady Linton came to London only three weeks before, to make me a + farewell visit. She was with me ten days." + </p> + <p> + The young wife grew pale. + </p> + <p> + "And did she not mention the fact of her brother's marriage?" she + inquired in a faint voice. + </p> + <p> + "No such event in connection with him has ever been announced," returned + the woman, ruthlessly. "His friends know nothing of it. Sir William + Heath is believed by his friends to be a single man. More than this——" + </p> + <p> + Virgie stopped her with a gesture, but she was as white as new fallen + snow as she arose, and going to her writing-desk, brought a letter, + which she laid upon Mrs. Farnum's lap. + </p> + <p> + "There is his last letter to me," she said, but her lips were almost + rigid as she spoke. "It will prove my statements." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum took it, and examined the envelope. It was directed to "Mrs. + William Heath,——Hotel, New York City, U.S.A." It was post-marked at + Heathdale. The handwriting was familiar, and she knew well enough that + Sir William Heath had penned it. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. William Heath!" she said, reading the name aloud. "He does not + address you as Lady Heath, which is your proper title if you are his + wife." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" cried Virgie, with a shiver of pain, for those last words, + implying a doubt of her position, hurt her like a knife. "Neither of us + cared to be conspicuous while we were traveling, so my husband dropped + his title," she explained. + </p> + <p> + "Ahem! that was a very strange proceeding. But does—does he say + anything about coming for you, in this letter?" inquired her companion, + who was burning with curiosity to know what it contained. + </p> + <p> + "You may read it if you like, Mrs. Farnum. I see that you are still in + doubt about my being what I represent myself," Virgie returned, with + some hauteur. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum flushed at this. + </p> + <p> + "You must excuse me, my dear," she said, with hypocritical blandness, + "but—but—it is simply unaccountable to me, knowing what I do about the + family and their future plans for Sir William. I'm afraid——" + </p> + <p> + She did not finish what she was going to say, but coolly drew the letter + from the envelope, unfolded, and began to read it, never once stopping + to consider how she was outraging the delicacy and affection of the + young wife by this act, notwithstanding that she had received permission + to do so—She could not doubt, as she read, that the young baronet's + heart had all been given to this fair, beautiful woman, for though + written in his own dignified way, the letter was full of devotion and + loyalty to her. And yet not once in all those eight pages had he called + her by the sacred name of "wife." There were all manner of pet names and + expressions of endearment, but not a single time was written that word + which would have proved so much. + </p> + <p> + The arch plotter as she read, was quick to observe this omission, and + she gloated over it; it would materially help to further her designs in + the future she thought, if this letter was a sample of all others which + he had written her. She would have given a great deal to be able to have + that pretty writing-desk at her command for an hour or two. + </p> + <p> + Her face took on a sterner and graver look than she had ever yet worn as + she read on, and when at length she finished the epistle, she appeared + the horrified prude to perfection. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XV.<br/> + The Lawful Wife. + </h2> + <p> + "Have you a picture of your—of Sir William, madam?" Mrs. Farnum + inquired, as she folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. + </p> + <p> + Virgie arose without a word, and taking a velvet album from the table, + opened it to certain picture and laid it before her companion. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum uttered a cry of despair as her glance fell upon the + handsome, upturned face. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is a picture of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale; there can be + no mistake," she confessed, with a perfectly rigid face. "But, Mrs.—oh, + madam—I am simply stunned!" + </p> + <p> + "What <i>do</i> you mean?" Virgie demanded, standing straight and tall + before her, and meeting her eyes with a blazing look which warned Mrs. + Farnum to be careful how she dealt with that spirit. + </p> + <p> + "Pray, be calm, my child," she returned, with a pitiful accent. "Sit + down beside me here, and I will explain why I am so disturbed. Good + heavens! we have always supposed that Sir William was a man of + unblemished honor." + </p> + <p> + "Madam, be careful how you speak of my husband!" Virgie interrupted, + haughtily, yet with a note of agony in her voice. "Sir William is an + honorable man, and I will not allow you to say one word against him in + my presence." + </p> + <p> + "Poor child! poor child! I fear you have been terribly deceived. How can + I ever tell you!" murmured Mrs. Farnum, in a shuddering voice, and with + every appearance of distress. + </p> + <p> + "You <i>shall</i> tell me instantly. I will not stand here and listen to + such paralyzing insinuations. <i>If</i> you have any thing to tell me, + say it at once, and do not keep me in this maddening suspense!" Virgie + commanded grasping the woman by the wrist, and transfixing her with her + blazing eyes. + </p> + <p> + If Sir William Heath could have seen her at that moment he would have + been very proud of her, for she had never been so beautiful, although a + terrible agony was stamped upon her white, imperious face. + </p> + <p> + "I can only repeat what I have already said. It is impossible. You will + never be mistress of Heathdale!" reiterated Mrs. Farnum, in an + inflexible voice, as she disengaged her wrist from Virgie's grasp, which + had left the imprint of every finger upon it. + </p> + <p> + "Go on!" commanded the young wife, authoritatively "You have simply made + a statement. You must confirm it." + </p> + <p> + "Because," proceeded the relentless woman, "in the first place, if you + are his wife, he would long before this have acknowledged you as such to + his friends." + </p> + <p> + "He has done so, I tell you. He wrote immediately after our marriage, + announcing it." + </p> + <p> + "Did you see him <i>post</i> his letter?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, quietly, + but in a tone that keenly stung the sensitive girl before her. + </p> + <p> + "No," she replied, a hot flush mounting to her brow; "but I know he did. + He is too honorable to dissemble." + </p> + <p> + "Did you ever see any reply to his communication in which his friends + recognized the fact of your marriage?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I—I never questioned him," Virgie answered, with white lips. "My + father was very ill, dying, at that time, and I scarcely thought of + anything else." + </p> + <p> + "But of course you have your marriage certificate. That would prove + everything," observed Mrs. Farnum, insinuatingly, although she well knew + that she had not. + </p> + <p> + "My husband has it." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" and a pitiful smile wreathed the woman's lips as she uttered this + interpection with significant emphasis. + </p> + <p> + "Madam, can you not see that you are driving me mad?" cried Virgie, in + an agonized voice. "You have heard something; you are concealing + something from me. For mercy's sake, make an end of this suspense!" + </p> + <p> + "Answer me one question more. Were there witnesses at your marriage?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, four." + </p> + <p> + "Four! Who were they?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum asked this question in a somewhat disappointed tone, for if + the young wife could bring four witnesses to prove her marriage, Lady + Linton might well tremble for the success of her plots, though Nevada + was a long distance from England, and there might be some difficulty in + producing them. + </p> + <p> + "My father"—a sob checked Virgie's utterance as she mentioned him, and + realized how forlorn her condition would be if the horrible suspicions + which were being sown in her mind should prove true—"the clergyman who + performed the ceremony, a woman who lived near us, and our own servant." + </p> + <p> + "Then, since you have no tangible proof in your own hands that you are + Sir William Heath's lawful wife, I advise you to communicate with those + witnesses without delay, since their testimony alone will serve to + establish your rights and—those of your child," Mrs. Farnum said, with + a solemnity that struck a fearful chill to Virgie's heart. + </p> + <p> + "My child!" + </p> + <p> + It was a startled, anguished cry, and all the mother-love and anxiety + was instantly aroused for her little one. + </p> + <p> + Was it possible that anything was threatening the honor and future + happiness of her child, who, next to its father, was at once her pride + and idol? + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" she cried, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, "why will + you talk so in riddles? If you have anything to tell me, in pity speak + out before I lose my reason!" + </p> + <p> + "Wait one moment, and I will bring you a letter which I have recently + received, and when I have read it to you, you will understand why I have + been so skeptical regarding what you have told me, and why I have + questioned you so closely." + </p> + <p> + With these words, Mrs. Farnum arose and left the room, while Virgie, + almost stunned by the fearful suspicions which had been so artfully + thrust upon her, and feeling almost as if a knife had been driven + through her heart, sank nerveless and trembling into a chair to await + her return. + </p> + <p> + The relentless woman was not gone long. The ice was thoroughly broken at + last, and she meant to make quick work of her task now. Lady Linton had + written to her that her brother was becoming very impatient at being + detained so long from his wife; he was nearly ill from anxiety because + he did not hear from her, and she feared he would soon brave everything + and go to her; so whatever was done to separate them eventually, must be + quickly done. + </p> + <p> + She soon returned, holding in her hand a letter, and a lurid light + burned in her eyes as she glanced at the stricken wife saw how well her + blows had told. + </p> + <p> + "This letter," she began, seating herself, and drawing some closely + written pages from their perfumed envelope, "is from Lady Linton, my + intimate friend, and Sir William Heath's sister, and you will perceive, + as I read, that my authority for what I have told you is indisputable. + Perhaps, however, you would prefer to read it yourself," she concluded, + holding it out to her. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie made a gesture of dissent. She felt that she had not strength + even to hold those thin sheets of paper in her trembling hands. + </p> + <p> + "Very well; then, I will read it to you; but, my young friend, you must + be prepared for some startling news." + </p> + <p> + Virgie opened her lips as if to speak, but the words died on them, and + Mrs. Farnum began: + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Myra:—You will be glad to learn that mamma is really + better—not, of course, as far on the road to convalescence as we could + desire, but comfortable enough to have had the wedding take place as + appointed It would have been too bad if it had to be postponed; so + unlucky, you know. We thought once that we should have to put it off + indefinitely; but, as mamma could not bear the thought, and Sir Herbert + consenting, provided there should be no excitement, we decided not to + disarrange the long-talked-of plans. Will and Margie both behaved + beautifully, and declared they would cheerfully defer everything if + mamma was likely to suffer from it; but it was very evident that their + happiness was greatly augmented when told that it would not be + necessary. The wedding occurred on the 28th, in the Heath chapel. It + was, of course, very quiet and unassuming, though the bride was lovely + in her robe of white satin, exquisitely decorated with Chantilly lace, + and wreath of heath, which it has always been the custom for the brides + of the house to wear. William looked as noble as ever, and our good old + rector made the service very impressive not forgetting to mention in his + prayer, most touchingly, her who lay ill at home and could not grace + with her presence the glad occasion. There was a very quiet breakfast + afterward at Mrs. Stanhope's, after which Will and Margie came over for + mamma's congratulations and blessing. + </p> + <p> + "They are not going on a journey just now. They will visit London for a + few days, and then return here and remain at home for the present. Will + seems almost like a boy in his happiness, while Margie is sweeter and + prettier than ever. Of course we are all delighted, for we have always + been so pleased at the prospect of the match, though I was afraid for a + little while that something might happen. I feared there had been some + nonsense when William was in America for I came across the photograph of + the loveliest face I ever saw, one day, while looking over and arranging + his wardrobe after his return. But the old saying proves true—'All's + well that ends well,' and I trust there is a brilliant future for the + master of Heathdale." + </p> + <p> + There was more pertaining to family matters, which Mrs. Farnum thought + best to omit after stealing a look at Virgie. + </p> + <p> + Her face was frightful to behold, and for a moment the woman was + positively alarmed at the result of her work. + </p> + <p> + She sat like a statue, scarce seeming to breathe; there was not the + slightest color in her face or lips, and the expression of agony about + her mouth reveiled something of the fearful suffering she was enduring, + while there was a look in her eyes which her companion never forgot. + </p> + <p> + She did not move for several minutes after Mrs. Farnum ceased reading; + it was as if she had suddenly been turned to stone, and was oblivious of + everything. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum was awed by her appearance, and hardly dared to speak to + her, lest, in breaking the spell, the girl should drop dead at her feet. + </p> + <p> + But all at once Virgie started; some thought seemed to have come to + her—something that made her doubt that the dreadful tidings to which + she had listened were true. + </p> + <p> + The letter had spoken of "Will" and "William," to be sure, and she had + every reason to suppose that it had referred to the man whom she had + believed to be her husband—still there might be a mistake. She grasped + at the straw with the eagerness of a drowning man. + </p> + <p> + "Of whom is Lady Linton speaking in her letter, as having + been—married?" she demanded, in a hollow voice, and fixing her burning + eyes upon her companion's face. + </p> + <p> + "Why, of William Heath, of course," returned Mrs. Farnum, greatly + relieved to hear her speak once more, "and I have known him all my life. + I used to visit at Heathdale a great deal before Lady Linton's marriage, + and he was always a favorite of mine. He was a bright, manly fellow, and + his friends have planned great things for him. I—I can hardly credit + what you have told me to-day. I did not dream he could do anything so + wrong; but doubtless he will settle down now, and I shall expect to see + him a member of Parliament; he has everything in his favor." + </p> + <p> + "Who is—Margie?" Virgie asked, in the same tone as before, though she + had shivered at the last words of Mrs. Farnum; they were bitterly cruel. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Margaret Stanhope—one of the loveliest girls in Hampshire County. + She and Will have been engaged for years. You remember that Lady Linton + spoke of their always having been 'pleased with the prospect of the + match.'" + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" gasped Virgie, clasping her hands over her aching heart, and for a + moment everything seemed to fade from her vision, and a great darkness + to envelop her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum thought she was going to faint; but the weakness passed, and + then she arose in all the majesty of her terrible agony and righteous + indignation. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," she began, standing straight and proud before the astonished + woman, "If what you have told me is true; if Sir William Heath has been + engaged to Margaret Stanhope for years; if he has pretended to marry her + since his return to England, then the greatest wrong that ever was + perpetrated has been done, and he has made a dupe of her and—broken my + heart. As sure as there is a just God, I am Sir William Heath's lawful + wife, and He will vindicate me. My child is his daughter, and the + heiress of Heathdale, and Margaret Stanhope has been shamefully + betrayed. I shall never allow such a crime to prevail. I shall sail for + Liverpool on the very next steamer, to expose this villainy and to + assert my legal rights and my daughter's claim to her position as a + Heath of Heathdale. She, at least, shall not suffer dishonor, if the + lives of two women have been ruined by the villainy of one man. Did he + suppose, because England is three thousand miles from America, that he + could perpetrate this wrong with impunity? I tell you it shall never be! + I will face him in the home of his <i>unimpeachable ancestors,</i> and + see if he dares to repudiate his lawful wife!" + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XVI.<br/> + "My Child Is the Heiress of Heathdale!" + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum looked frightened at Virgie's startling threat, and she + realized at once that she had underrated the character of the woman with + whom she had to deal. + </p> + <p> + She saw that she was capable of great decision and prompt action; that + beneath her gracious sweetness, and gentle, winning manner, there lay a + reserve force and strength upon which she had not reckoned, and which + would have to be overcome—if overcome at all—by strategy and + deception. + </p> + <p> + It would never do for the young wife to set out for England, at least if + there was any power to prevent it, for it would destroy all their + carefully laid plans, and their hopes for the future. + </p> + <p> + It had never occurred to Mrs, Farnum that she would contemplate such a + proceeding. + </p> + <p> + She knew that she was a stranger and absolutely friendless in the city; + there would be no one on whom she could rely to fight her battles. She + had imagined her to be weak and yielding, and that she would sink + helplessly beneath the terrible blows that she had dealt her, that all + life and spirit would be crushed out of her, and she would be only too + willing to fly from every one whom she knew, and hide herself and her + child, with their supposed shame, in some remote corner of the earth, + and that would be the last of them. + </p> + <p> + Then when Sir William should search for her, as of course she knew he + would do, and fail to find her, he could easily be made to believe that + she had been untrue, and fled from him; a divorce could be readily + obtained to set him free, and thus Sadie, if she played her cards + aright, might yet become the mistress of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + But the injured wife's project of going to face her recreant husband, + and demanding to be acknowledged as the lawful mistress of Heathdale, + must be defeated at any cost, and the wily woman immediately set about + accomplishing her object. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my poor child!" she began, assuming a sympathetic tone, "one cannot + blame you for just indignation at having been so deeply wronged. I never + would have believed Sir William capable of such dishonor. But surely you + will never think of subjecting yourself to an ordeal so terrible as that + you have just proposed." + </p> + <p> + "Why should I not? Why should I shrink from anything that will right + this wrong? Nothing can hurt me more than I have been hurt to-day," + Virgie answered, spiritedly, yet with inconceivable bitterness. + </p> + <p> + "But think of Sir William's family. They are exceedingly sensitive and + proud spirited, and they would never tolerate your claim for an instant; + no shadow of dishonor has ever touched them in any way, and they would + not endure the scandal." + </p> + <p> + "Think of Sir William's family! Why should I consider them? Madam, it is + myself of whom I have to think—myself and my innocent little one; and + do you suppose I will tolerate the indignity which has been offered me? + Is not my good name and that of my child as much at stake, and of as + much value as the name of Heath?" Virgie cried, her proud spirit blazing + forth in righteous indignation. + </p> + <p> + "But Sir William is a peer of the realm." + </p> + <p> + "A peer!" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum actually cringed beneath the scorn that rang out in the + young wife's tone as she repeated these words: + </p> + <p> + "And are peers of the realm exempt from all dishonor when they violate + every law, both human and divine?" she continued, with stinging sarcasm. + "Does the code of your nobility provide that young and innocent girls, + who are basely betrayed, shall sit tamely down and meekly bear their + injuries, so that your peers of the realm can go unscathed? If so, thank + heaven that your laws do not prevail in this country. You are yourself a + mother—you are proud of your beautiful daughter; but think you if she + stood in my place you would advise her to consider the feelings of Sir + William's family, to ignore her rights, and shut her eyes to her own + injuries, lest she cast a shadow of dishonor upon their proud + escutcheon? And do you think that I am less of a woman than she—that I + am devoid of fine sensibilities, of pride and self-respect?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum had winced as under a lash during all this spirited speech. + Its scorn and sarcasm stung her keenly, and made her very angry. She + longed to revenge herself upon the proud girl who had presumed to rank + herself along with her daughter, by proclaiming the secret regarding her + life, which she had so cunningly learned in San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + But she feared to arouse her further. She realized that she must seek to + conciliate her, and try to persuade her not to take the mad journey to + England which she seemed so bent upon. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, my poor child," she began, soothingly; "you do not realize what + you are saying. Of course, I know it is all very wrong to deceive a girl + in any such way, be she high or low, rich or poor. But just consider how + you are situated. You say that your hus—that Sir William has your + marriage certificate, and you have nothing to prove your statements + with, even if you should present yourself at Heathdale. How do you + suppose you would be received there if you should burst in upon them + claiming to be Sir William's wife and the mistress of Heathdale if you + could not substantiate your statements? My dear, it would be the + blindest folly." + </p> + <p> + "But I have his letters!" cried Virgie, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "True, you have his letters, and no doubt his handwriting would be + instantly recognized by his family, But they could not prove your + position, especially if they are all written after the style of the one + which you allowed me to read this afternoon, for in all those pages not + once does he speak of you as his wife. You must have something more + tangible and conclusive than those," Mrs. Farnum asserted, confidently. + </p> + <p> + All the light died out of Virgie's face as she began to see that there + were terrible difficulties in the way of proving that she was a lawfully + wedded wife. + </p> + <p> + "I have my ring," she said, weakly, and holding up the white, delicate + hand on which the heavy circlet gleamed, guarded by a brilliant diamond, + but which trembled like a reed shaken by the wind. + </p> + <p> + "Is it marked with the date of your marriage?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, an + anxious gleam in her eye as it rested upon that symbol of wifehood. + </p> + <p> + "N-o; it was thoughtlessly neglected at the time, because there were so + many other things to be attended to, and—and I could not bear to have + it taken off to rectify the oversight, after it was once put upon my + hand," Virgie confessed, growing white again even to her lips. + </p> + <p> + "That was unwise, not to say foolish of you," said Mrs. Farnum, + deprecatingly, but with a throb of exultation. + </p> + <p> + "But," added Virgie, after thinking a moment, "he brought me here as his + wife. The proprietor of this hotel will tell you so. Dr. Knox, my + physician, will tell you so also, as I was introduced to him by my + husband as Mrs. Heath; and there are other people in the house who know + it." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum smiled pitifully. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," she said, gravely, "how many of these people do you think + would be willing to swear that you are Sir William Heath's wife, if you + should ask them to do so? How many would put their names to a paper + certifying their honest conviction that you are, if told the title and + position he occupies in his own country and <i>your history</i> in + this?" + </p> + <p> + Virgie started at these words, and would have asked the woman what she + knew of her history, but she went on as if she had not remarked her + emotion: + </p> + <p> + "If Sir William had brought you here as <i>Lady Heath,</i> registered + himself in his own proper character, and taken you into society thus, + there would have been no room for doubt. But instead, what <i>has</i> he + done? It is very strange that your own suspicions have not been aroused + by his actions. He has registered everywhere as plain 'William Heath and + lady.' Instead of going to the public table, as most of the guests are + in the habit of doing, he has paid extra rates to have your meals served + in your own rooms, and kept you secluded from almost every one. What + construction do you suppose would be put upon these facts, if they were + submitted to people generally, if——" + </p> + <p> + "But, Mrs. Farnum, all this was done out of regard for my feelings. I + told you that we did not wish to be conspicuous while traveling, so my + husband dropped his title. I could not go into society here, and I did + not like to go to the public table where I should be—obliged to meet so + many strangers," Virgie interrupted, a hot flush rising to her brow, + while there was a weary, hunted look, in her eyes as the cunning woman + continued to weave her tangled web about her. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, <i>I</i> can understand all that," replied Mrs. Farnum, + indulgently, "but how would it appear as evidence if brought up in + connection with your efforts to prove yourself a lawful wife?" + </p> + <p> + Virgie's heart sank. + </p> + <p> + Turned which way she would, everything, as argued and distorted by her + companion, appeared against her, and for a moment it seemed as if her + spirit was crushed within her. + </p> + <p> + But at that instant a little cry from the adjoining room fell upon her + ears, and immediately all her natural pride and energy returned to her + aid. + </p> + <p> + She straightened herself and lifted her head proudly a look of firm + resolve settling upon her face and gleaming in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "There are proofs," she said, in a low, firm tone, "even though I have + not my marriage certificate and though some people may doubt the truth + of what I assert, and—I will yet have them. My father, who would have + been my strongest helper, is dead, but there are three other witnesses + living who can swear that I am a lawful wife. There must be records + also, and, madam, I will move heaven and earth to establish my rightful + position in life." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum trembled before this indomitable resolution. + </p> + <p> + "And would you be willing to occupy it, even if you could establish it?" + she asked, with a covert sneer, "would you force yourself into a + position which, appearances go to prove, was never intended to be given + to you? Would you force yourself upon a man who had subjected you to the + indignity of repudiating you as a wife and put another in your place?" + </p> + <p> + Virgie's head reeled beneath the force of these cruel questions, and she + swayed dizzily, as if about to fall, for a moment. + </p> + <p> + Then again with a mighty effort she recovered herself. + </p> + <p> + "No," she cried, her beautiful lips curling with, scorn, every pulse in + her body throbbing with contempt "the chosen mistress of Heathdale may + keep her position after I have proven my right to it, if she prizes it + enough to pay the price of her own dishonor; but my child is also the + lawful child of Sir William Heath—she is the heiress to all his + possessions and she shall yet occupy the place in the world that + rightfully belongs to her, no matter who else may stand in her path. It + may take time to accomplish all this, but, mark me, Mrs. Farnum, and + tell your 'proud, unimpeachable family' at Heathdale so, if you choose, + it shall be accomplished." + </p> + <p> + "Then of course you will not be able to sail immediately for England as + you at first proposed to do," returned Mrs. Farnum, her heart leaping + with joy as Virgie's words told her that she had changed her mind + regarding her first threat. + </p> + <p> + "No, I can see, now I come to consider the matter, that it would be + folly for me to attempt to gain my rights without being armed with + positive proof of what I assert. It exists, however, though it will + necessitate much trouble and expense to secure it. Three months hence, + however, I shall hope to have it in my hands, then, let your 'peer of + the realm' and his 'honored family' take warning, for a righteous + judgment will surely overtake them for the wrong which I suffer to-day. + Now go—leave me if you please; you may have meant well in telling me + what you have, but, oh! you have ruined my life and all my hopes," + Virgie concluded, with a moan and gesture full of despair. + </p> + <p> + Her strength was failing her; the bitterness of death was upon her and + she longed to be alone, for she could not endure that any one should + witness her cruel humiliation. + </p> + <p> + Her last words had galled Mrs. Farnum almost beyond endurance; no doubt + because she realized that there was so much truth in them, while her + threat regarding a righteous judgment overtaking the family at Heathdale + caused her heart to sink with a sudden dread of disgraceful punishment + for herself if ever her complicity in this foul plot should be + discovered. + </p> + <p> + She arose, cold and stern. + </p> + <p> + "<i>I</i> ruin your life, indeed!" she answered, haughtily. "I think you + have no one to thank for that but yourself, for having lent a too + willing ear to the flattering tongue of a strange young man." + </p> + <p> + She swept from the room with a firm step and uplifted head, while Virgie + sank prostrate upon the floor, feeling as if her heart had been + ruthlessly trampled upon and all the life and hope crushed out of it. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XVII.<br/> + The Last Drop in a Bitter Cup. + </h2> + <p> + "The girl has more spirit than I gave her credit for," Mrs. Farnum + muttered to herself, as she entered her own rooms after leaving Virgie. + "If she persists in her purpose of securing proofs and going to + Heathdale to claim her position, of course it will upset everything. + However, she will not be able to do that at present; she must first take + a long journey, and meantime Miriam will, no doubt, think of some way to + prevent a <i>denouement</i>. Doubtless the girl will write once more and + charge Sir William with his perfidy—she is not one to bear tamely such + a wrong; but Miriam will be on the watch, and if the little upstart gets + no reply, her pride will probably assert itself, and we shall have no + more trouble with her, for a while at least. Meantime Sir William may be + prevailed upon to get a divorce, and then the way will be clear once + more for Sadie. + </p> + <p> + "How fortunate," she added, going on with her soliloquy, "that Will + Heath and Margie were married just at this time!—she swallowed that + story whole. Well, I must confess it was calculated to stagger any one, + though I was almost afraid she had heard something before about the + facts; but it seems she had not." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The truth regarding the news that Mrs. Farnum had received from Lady + Linton, and which the latter had so cunningly utilized to further her + scheme to separate her brother and his wife, was this: + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath had a cousin who bore the same name as himself, though + without the title, of course. + </p> + <p> + He was three years older than the young baronet, and had been named for + his uncle, with the hope that he would be received as the heir in case + no son was born to the elder Sir William. But this was not to be. + </p> + <p> + From childhood the boy had been attached to his little, neighbor and + playmate, Margaret Stanhope, and they had been engaged for years, as + Mrs. Farnum told Virgie. + </p> + <p> + But being the son of a younger son, he had had to struggle somewhat for + his education and position in life, and it was only a few months + previous to Sir William's return from America that he had succeeded in + securing a situation as private secretary to a nobleman, and thus felt + that at last he had a right to marry the sweet girl whom he had so long + and so fondly loved, and make a home for himself. + </p> + <p> + The marriage had been set for the 28th of June, but Lady Heath's sudden + and alarming illness, it was feared, would necessitate a postponement. + But when she began to improve, and the question being submitted to her, + she, having a great fondness for both her nephew and his betrothed, had + insisted that the marriage should proceed. It accordingly took place in + the chapel at Heathdale, Sir William himself giving away the bride, as + her father was not living. So it will readily be seen that there was a + semblance of truth in nearly all that Lady Linton had written to Mrs. + Farnurn. + </p> + <p> + She had not been quite sure that she would succeed in this part of her + scheme, for it might be that Sir William had mentioned the fact of his + having a cousin by the same name; so she had written her letter in a way + to do no harm in case it did not help her plan. If Virgie did <i>not</i> + know, however, she would readily take it for granted that it was her + husband who had been married on the 28th, while the fact that a long + engagement had existed would seem to prove that he had wilfully deceived + her from the first, and tend to make her believe that her own marriage + had been simply a farce. + </p> + <p> + Knowing that the certificate was in Sir William's possession, that Mr. + Abbot was dead, and surmising, from their signatures, that two of the + witnesses at least were very ignorant, she hoped, even if Virgie should + have sufficient spirit to assert herself that it would be very difficult + for her to collect proofs of a legal marriage. She knew that she could + bring plenty of evidence to prove the fact that they had lived and + traveled together for several months under the name of Mr. and Mrs. + Heath, but she did not believe that that would count for very much; it + would not be the first time that such a thing had occurred—young men + would sow wild oats occasionally, and though it might wound her pride + terribly to have any scandal arise regarding the matter, yet she could + bear that with a far better grace than to have an ignorant plebeian from + the wilds of America become the mistress of Heathdale. + </p> + <p> + Her aim was to estrange and keep the couple separated long enough to + secure a divorce and compromise Sir William with Sadie Farnum, and then + she would be ready to snap her fingers at all danger for the future. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum wrote immediately to Lady Linton, giving her a full account + of her interview with her despised sister-in-law, while Virgie, as soon + as she could recover sufficient strength and composure to make the + effort, also wrote a long letter to Sir William. + </p> + <p> + She told him everything, just as if she had not written to him + before—how his letters had suddenly ceased, and how she had waited and + hoped to hear from him until she had grown weary and heart-sick from his + long silence. + </p> + <p> + She told of her meeting with the Farnums, and of the wretched story she + had just learned from the elder lady. She begged him for but one word of + contradiction, and she would believe in him and wait patiently for his + own time for coming to her. But if the terrible tale was true—if he had + deceived her from the first, and had cheated her and her father into + believing that he was making her really his wife, when it had been only + a farce, to tell her plainly, and she would never trouble him again. + </p> + <p> + When the letter was finished she went out and posted it herself, to + insure its going by the first steamer, and then she tried to school + herself to wait patiently for a reply. + </p> + <p> + But in a day or two she became conscious of a change in the inmates of + the house toward her. Ladies whom she knew met and passed her with a + cold nod, and a bold stare, which brought a scarlet flush to her cheeks. + Some, indeed, did not deign to recognize her at all. The servants were + less attentive, almost rude, the clerk and proprietor distant and + reserved. + </p> + <p> + Too well she understood what it all meant, and there was but one way to + account for the sudden change in the atmosphere which surrounded her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum, the only one in the house who could possibly know anything + regarding her history, must have given some hint of her apparently + questionable position. + </p> + <p> + But there was no redress, for she would not humiliate herself enough to + ask an explanation; so she could only submit in silence, and bear it + with what fortitude she could summon to her aid, while she was waiting + to hear from her husband. + </p> + <p> + But she endured agonies during the time, and the days dragged, oh, so + heavily by. + </p> + <p> + She remained closely in her own rooms, seeing no one save the servants + and her own nurse, and devoting herself to the care of her little one. + </p> + <p> + At last the day that she had set for a letter to come arrived, and she + grew feverish, almost hysterical while waiting for the mail to be + delivered. + </p> + <p> + She heard the clerk going his rounds; he stopped at Mrs. Farnum's door + to leave something, and then came on toward her door. Her heart stood + still as he approached. He passed by—there was nothing for her, and her + heart was almost broken. + </p> + <p> + She sent the nurse down to the office to ask if there was not some + mistake—if Mrs. Heath's mail had not been overlooked. + </p> + <p> + "No, there are no letters for <i>Mrs. Heath</i>," the man answered, with + a peculiar emphasis on the name, and an insolent laugh, that made the + woman very angry. + </p> + <p> + When she related the circumstance to Virgie, she threw up her arms, with + a gesture of despair, and cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Oh! what shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + She appeared stunned, crushed, and the kind-hearted creature who served + her, and who, of course, had known that something was wrong, was + extremely anxious about her. + </p> + <p> + She begged that she might be allowed to send for Dr. Knox; but Virgie + refused, with a shudder. She could not bear the thought of the good + physician learning the story of her desertion and shame, for such, she + began to feel, must be the true construction to be put upon Sir + William's long absence and silence. + </p> + <p> + A little later there came a tap upon her door. She sent the nurse to + answer it, and heard some one say: + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Farnum's compliments, and she would like Mrs. Heath to read these, + and then return them to her." + </p> + <p> + The nurse shut the door, and then came to Virgie, with a letter and + paper in her hand. + </p> + <p> + For an instant she thought it might be a letter for her, and she seized + it with an eager cry. + </p> + <p> + But no; it was addressed to Mrs. Farnum, though it bore the Heathdale + postmark, and was in the handwriting of Lady Linton. + </p> + <p> + Virgie grew deathly white, and clutched at her throat, for it seemed as + if she were suffocating. + </p> + <p> + Then she mastered her emotion, and crept away to her chamber to read the + letter, for she felt that it contained some fatal news, and she wished + no one to witness her suffering as she read it. + </p> + <p> + With it convulsively clasped in her hands, she fell upon her knees and + sobbed: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Heaven, spare me deeper sorrow! oh, do not confirm my shame!" + </p> + <p> + It was some time before she could compose herself enough to read that + fatal missive, but at length she unfolded it and began to peruse it. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "Dear Myra," the letter began, "you may be surprised by the contents of + this, but I cannot bring myself to address that person by the name which + she claims, and so feel compelled to ask you to oblige me by giving her + a message, or, perhaps what would be better, allow her to read this + letter for herself. My brother is away from home just now, and, as my + custom is in his absence, I open all letters of a private nature, and + act as I judge best regarding them. The wildest epistle imaginable came + to him yesterday and I was thankful that he was away, for he is so very + happy that it must have shocked him exceedingly and I shall need to + communicate its contents very delicately to him. + </p> + <p> + "That girl of whom you wrote me in your last actually claims to be his + lawful wife—believes it, I suppose, poor child—and cannot understand + how utterly impossible it would be for any one belonging to an old and + honorable family like ours to ally himself with one so low in the social + scale. I am shocked that my brother should have been guilty of anything + so out of character as she represents while he was abroad. I am + sincerely sorry for the wrong which it appears he has done her, if what + she says is true, and shall insist that he provide comfortably for her + for the future; but, of course, the idea that she has a right to come + here as mistress is preposterous, and I trust that you will make it + appear so to her. Advise her to renounce at once all claim to the name, + and settle quietly in some place where she is not known, and perhaps she + may be able to bring up her child in a respectable way, so that its + prospects will not be hampered in the future by its mother's mistake. + </p> + <p> + "Will and Margie returned while I was writing to you, and both look so + well and happy that it does my heart good to see them. Of course I had + to stop for awhile, but now I will try and finish my letter. I have had + a serious talk with my brother, and he appears to feel very much + troubled over his American escapade, confessed that he had done wrong, + and gave me this hundred pound note, which I inclose for the benefit of + the girl; and I sincerely trust she will do nothing more to disturb a + happy household, and one which will be very much annoyed by any useless + scandal." + </p> + <p> + There followed a little more pertaining in an indifferent way to the + above household, but Virgie had read enough, and the letter fell from + her nerveless fingers, while she sat staring vacantly before her, her + brain almost turned by the heartless words she had just read, her heart + broken with its weight of woe, while a feeling of utter wretchedness and + desolation made her long for death to steep her senses in oblivion. + </p> + <p> + She forgot all about the paper which had been given her with the letter, + while the hundred-pound note, which had been inclosed with it, had + fluttered out unheeded as she drew it from the envelope, and now lay + upon the floor at her feet. + </p> + <p> + Later she examined the paper, and found a notice of the marriage of + William Heath and Margaret Stanhope. Whether Lady Linton had been the + cause of it to further her schemes, or whether some strange fatality had + occasioned the mistake, it would be difficult to say, but the paragraph + read: + </p> + <p> + "Married:—On the 28th instant, in the Heath Chapel, Sir William Heath, + of Heathdale, to Miss Margaret Stanhope, only daughter of the late + Sidney Stanhope." + </p> + <p> + Thus was added the last drop to the cup of bitterness which Virgie had + to drink. + </p> + <p> + There had been a strange mixture of truth and falsehood in the letter + which Lady Linton wrote to Mrs. Farnum. + </p> + <p> + Her brother was away for a day or two on a matter of business when + Virgie's imploring epistle arrived—a circumstance for which his sister + was most thankful, for it was no trifling matter for her to be always on + the alert to intercept the letters that passed, through the bag at + Heathdale. But she had succeeded in accomplishing this by having had an + extra key made for the lock and always accompanying the carriage when it + went for the mail. + </p> + <p> + This drive she called her "constitutional," and as the carriage was a + closed one, she could readily unlock the bag and abstract the letters + she wanted without being seen, and consequently was never suspected of + having anything to do with the interrupted correspondence of Sir William + and Virgie. + </p> + <p> + She had also been interrupted while writing to Mrs. Farnum by the return + of her brother and the entrance of her cousin's new wife. Afterward she + had had a talk with Sir William, in which he confessed to feeling + greatly "troubled" regarding Virgie and her long, unaccountable silence. + He said he felt that he had "done wrong" to have left her so long, for, + as it had proved, his mother was gradually though slowly improving, and + he might have gone and returned without affecting her health; he should + see Sir Herbert Randal when he came again, and make arrangements to sail + immediately for America. But Lady Linton cunningly provided against this + calamity by privately informing the physician that her mother was + worrying over this threatened departure, and he succeeded in prevailing + upon the baronet to wait a week or two longer. + </p> + <p> + Sir William had, indeed, given his sister a hundred-pound note, but it + was for the benefit of a poor girl who had been crippled by a railway + accident; and thus all these circumstances being artfully woven into her + letter had something of truth in them, and helped to serve the scheming + woman's purpose. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XVIII.<br/> + "I Will Prove It." + </h2> + <p> + It was very fortunate for Virgie that she had a little one at this time, + else she would have deemed life scarcely worth the living, so stunned + and crushed was she by the terrible blow that had fallen upon her. + </p> + <p> + For two long hours, after reading that letter from Lady Linton, and the + paper containing that paragraph of William Heath's marriage, she lay as + if paralyzed upon her bed. One would hardly believe that she lived at + all, but for that look of unutterable woe in her eyes and the expression + of agony about her mouth. + </p> + <p> + But she was aroused at last to a sense of her duties and + responsibilities as a mother, by the crying of little Virgie in the + outer room; and yet that cry was like another dagger plunged into her + heart, for it reminded her that, if the dreadful things which she had + been told were true, her whole future was dishonored—that she was a + betrayed and deserted woman and her child nameless. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Heaven! it cannot be!" she cried, lifting her arms with a gesture + of despair and locking her fingers in a convulsive clasp above her head, + while her mind went back over the past and reviewed every event that had + occurred since the beginning of her acquaintance with Sir William Heath. + </p> + <p> + She had believed in him so thoroughly, he had seemed so noble and true, + so entirely above all deception and double dealing. He had appeared to + love her so devotedly, had been so proud of her as the future mistress + of his beautiful home, and so supremely happy in the anticipation of the + coming of their little one. He had hoped for a son and heir, and yet he + had expressed no disappointment upon learning that their child was a + daughter; he had welcomed the little stranger most tenderly in his + letter and fondly named her, to please himself, for her mother. + </p> + <p> + He had seemed so impatient and regretful at the thought of leaving her + so long alone, and had promised to come to her the moment that he could + safely leave his mother. + </p> + <p> + All this made it very difficult for Virgie to believe in his apparent + perfidy and treachery, and yet the evidence against him seemed so + overwhelming that she was convinced in spite of herself. + </p> + <p> + She did not dream of a plot against her, for she could not conceive of + any motive for one; but his letters had suddenly ceased and she could + not believe accident had caused it, when she had written again and again + telling him of it and pleading for but a word from him. + </p> + <p> + Then she had heard that story of the engagement to Margaret Stanhope, + then the account of the marriage at Heathdale, by Lady Linton, who + appeared entirely ignorant of her existence even; and taking all this + into consideration, together with the notice which had appeared in the + paper sent to Mrs. Farnum she felt obliged to accept the fact of Sir + William's intentional treachery and desertion. + </p> + <p> + Yet in the face of everything she clung to the conviction that she was a + lawful wife—that her child was the heiress of Heathdale; but the + difficulty was to prove it. + </p> + <p> + "Prove it? <i>I will prove it</i>," she cried, and at once all that was + resolute in Virginia Heath's character began to struggle to assert + itself, and she went forth from her chamber, at that cry from little + Virgie, with an unflinching purpose written upon her heart. + </p> + <p> + The nurse cried out in alarm as she saw her white face and sunken eyes. + </p> + <p> + "You are ill, madam," she exclaimed. "Go back to bed—the baby will do + well enough with me." + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not ill," Virgie answered, as she took her little one, but she + spoke in a strained, unnatural tone, adding, "I would like you to go to + Mrs. Farnum's door and say that I desire a 'few moments' interview with + her." + </p> + <p> + The woman went to do her bidding, but muttered with a troubled look: + </p> + <p> + "These English people seem to bring nothing but sorrow and mischief to + the poor thing, in spite of their sweet ways and honeyed speeches; I + wish they'd clear out—and whatever her husband can mean to leave her + here alone so long and not a line to tell her why is more'n I can make + out." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum obeyed Virgie's request with some misgivings; but she saw at + once upon entering the room that the young wife believed the very worst, + and she was half frightened at the result of her work. + </p> + <p> + Virgie arose as she entered, her baby clasped close in her arms, and + handed her the letter which she had sent her to read. + </p> + <p> + "Here is your letter, Mrs. Farnum," she said, with a cold dignity that + awed her visitor, "and you will find the note inclosed with it. Please + be particular to have it returned to the one who sent it." + </p> + <p> + "But, my dear, will you not need it yourself?" interrupted the woman + with assumed kindness. + </p> + <p> + Virgie's lips curled. + </p> + <p> + "It was an unpardonable insult to offer it to me," she said, with + spirit. "I cannot understand how they dared to send it to me in any such + way; indeed, I cannot understand a good many things that have come to me + through you. If Sir William Heath has wilfully done me this irreparable + injury he might at least have been man enough to strike the blow + himself, rather than employ women to be his emissaries." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum winced. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! but you forget—" + </p> + <p> + "I forget nothing; do you suppose that I could?" cried Virgie, sharply, + "but I might at least have been spared this last indignity—to offer me + a paltry hundred pounds when he has a fortune in his hands belonging to + me." + </p> + <p> + "A fortune! I did not suppose—I did not know that you had any money," + stammered Mrs. Farnum, looking blank. + </p> + <p> + "My father left me a good many thousands of dollars when he died; it was + all settled upon me at the time of my marriage, but Sir William Heath + took charge of it and has it now. He deposited five thousand dollars in + a bank here for my use, while he should be away, and the most of that + remains; but there is much more that rightly belongs to me," Virgie + explained. + </p> + <p> + "Then this hundred pounds surely is your due," Mrs. Farnum said, as she + drew it from the envelope and held it out to the young wife. + </p> + <p> + Virgie drew back haughtily. + </p> + <p> + "Do you suppose that I would accept as charity a paltry sum like + that?—for Lady Linton sent it as such, and as a sort of remuneration + for what I suffer. It is an outrage which I cannot brook, and I am + amazed at the audacity that prompted it." + </p> + <p> + So was Mrs. Farnum amazed, and she saw at once that Lady Linton had + unwittingly committed a great blunder. She had never dreamed that Virgie + had had money at the time of her marriage, and she imagined that Lady + Linton was also ignorant that her brother had taken back to England a + fortune belonging to the girl whom they were thus seeking to wrong. + </p> + <p> + Matters were getting complicated, and she almost wished that she had + never allowed herself to become involved in them. + </p> + <p> + "You should have kept your marriage certificate," she faltered, "every + wife should do that—then you could have proved your claim." + </p> + <p> + "I shall prove it yet," Virgie declared, in a clear, decisive voice. "Do + you imagine I am going to sit tamely down and allow a stigma to rest + upon this innocent child if there is any power on earth to prevent it? + In spite of all that you have told me, or all that your friends have + written, I <i>know</i> that I am Sir William Heath's lawful wife. If he + committed a rash and impulsive act, and one which he regrets now, while + he was in America and while he was bound by other ties in England <i>he</i> + must suffer the consequences. I cannot understand how he has <i>dared</i> + to perpetrate such a farce, were he a thousand times engaged to Miss + Stanhope; how he has dared to so wrong and compromise one of his own + countrywomen, for, just so sure as we both live, it will all be exposed + sooner or later. All this I will do for the sake of my child; then——" + </p> + <p> + "Then?" repeated Mrs. Farnum, leaning eagerly toward the resolute girl. + </p> + <p> + "Then <i>I</i> will repudiate <i>him</i>. I will never look upon his + face again. I will give him his freedom—will divorce myself from him; + and then, if the woman who now believes herself to be his wife wishes + it, or will accept it, he can make the tie between them legal." + </p> + <p> + "You will obtain a divorce?" said her companion, with an exultant + thrill. + </p> + <p> + This was something she had never thought of before She and Lady Linton + had both hoped to estrange this fond couple, then make Sir William + believe in his wife's infidelity, and work upon his feelings and pride + until he should be willing to seek a divorce; but they had never + imagined that Virgie would be the one to suggest such a measure. Such a + preceding on her part would wonderfully facilitate matters, and Mrs. + Farnum, who a few minutes previous began to be disheartened, was greatly + encouraged. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly," Virgie replied. "Do you imagine that I desire to hold Sir + William Heath unwillingly bound to me? Do you think that I would ever + have consented to become his wife if I had known that any one had a + prior claim upon him? But, are you sure that he was engaged to Miss + Stanhope before he came to America?" the young wife asked, as doubt + again arose in her mind. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; Will and Margie have been betrothed for years—ten, at least, I + should say. Did you not read it for yourself in Lady Linton's letter?" + Mrs. Farnum returned; but there was a vivid flush on her cheek as she + told the wretched lie, even while she was literally speaking the truth. + </p> + <p> + A convulsion of pain passed over Virgie's face. + </p> + <p> + "True; but it is all so strange," she said, wearily. "And I suppose—she + loves him?" + </p> + <p> + "I believe her life would be ruined if anything should happen to part + them," said the woman, ruthlessly. + </p> + <p> + Any icy shiver ran over Virgie from head to foot, and a low moan escaped + her lips. + </p> + <p> + No one cared for <i>her</i> ruined life; it was nothing that <i>she</i> + was parted forever from the man she adored. + </p> + <p> + "I will not part them," she said, in a hollow tone; "<i>but</i>—" + </p> + <p> + "Well?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, with a painful thrill, as she paused on + the word, with a threatening intonation. + </p> + <p> + "A day of reckoning will surely come for him," Virgie answered, firmly; + "for, if this child lives, she will one day make her appearance at + Heathdale and claim her heritage. There may be other children, but she + will have the first right there. Tell your Lady Linton this—tell her + that 'that girl,' of whom she wrote so slightingly and heartlessly, will + live to educate her child for her position as the mistress of her 'proud + ancestral home;' tell her to warn her brother that the day of + retribution will not fail to overtake him." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was regally beautiful as she stood there before her enemy and + pronounced this stern prophecy. There was not an atom of color in her + face, but her figure was drawn proudly erect, a sort of majesty in every + graceful curve, while there was a resolute, inflexible purpose in every + line of her beautiful features, and her eyes burned with a steady, + relentless fire which told that, if she lived, she would accomplish her + vow, let the cost be what it would. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum, woman of the world though she was, felt cowed and abashed + before her, and when, without waiting for a reply, the wronged wife + turned from her and walked, with a firm, unfaltering step, into her + chamber, shutting the door after her, she slunk away to her own room, + feeling like the guilty thing she was, and trembling for the future if + it should ever be discovered what part she had played in the plot to + ruin Virginia Heath's happiness. + </p> + <p> + She was dismayed by the young mother's last words. At first she felt + triumphant when she had spoken of her intention of obtaining a divorce, + for such a measure would simplify matters greatly; it would relieve Lady + Linton from the disagreeable task of trying to persuade her brother to + adopt such a course, and thus he would be free, without any effort of + his own, to wed whom he chose, and she had reckoned upon Sadie being the + favored one. + </p> + <p> + But she had not taken into consideration the fact that Virgie's child + would have a claim upon Heathdale; no divorce would affect her right + there, if the legality of Sir William's marriage to Virgie could be + proved, and thus endless trouble, to say nothing of the scandal the + story would create, might ensue. + </p> + <p> + Still, there were a hundred "ifs" and possibilities in the way. Virgie + might not be able to get satisfactory proofs; the child might not live; + she might not live herself to accomplish her object; and she finally + resolved to try to be satisfied with the success of her plot thus far, + and not trouble herself about future developments. But that pale, + beautiful face, with that resolute yet heart-broken look upon it, + haunted her for years afterward. She was deeply thankful that Sadie was + not there to see it, and she was resolved that they should not meet + again. + </p> + <p> + That evening Virgie was waited upon by the proprietor of the house, who, + with much stammering and many apologies, informed her that he was + obliged to request her to vacate the rooms that she was occupying. + </p> + <p> + She understood instantly, but her proud spirit rebelled against this + last indignity, and she arose and stood before him in all the majesty of + her insulted womanhood. + </p> + <p> + "Sir! Mr. Eldridge! you will please explain this very extraordinary + request," she said, meeting his eyes with a steady glance. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge hemmed, looked embarrassed, and remarked with all the + blandness he could assume: + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mrs. ——, madam, I regret to pain you, and it might be as well + to avoid explanations." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; that is impossible; my husband left me here with the + understanding that I should remain here until he came for me, and there + must therefore be some very urgent reason for such a strange proceeding + on your part." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madam," said the man, driven to the wall. "—I—I have been + informed that—that you are not Mrs. Heath at all; that the gentleman + who brought you here was not what he represented himself to be." + </p> + <p> + "What authority have you for making such a statement Virgie demanded, + haughtily: + </p> + <p> + "This," answered the hotel keeper, producing the paper containing the + notice of the marriage at Heathdale which Mrs. Farnum had slyly laid + upon his desk, with the marked paragraph uppermost. She was very + careful, however, not to appear in the matter to commit herself. + </p> + <p> + She had determined to get Virgie away before Sadie's return from Coney + Island, while she feared, too, the coming of Sir William to investigate + the cause of his wife's long silence. + </p> + <p> + One glance was sufficient to tell Virgie what paper it was, and she + flushed to her brow. + </p> + <p> + "I see," she said, scornfully, "those who have professed to be my + friends are leagued against me." + </p> + <p> + "But—pardon me—have you no doubts yourself regarding your position?" + questioned the landlord, feeling a deep pity for the beautiful woman, in + spite of his anxiety regarding the reputation of his house. + </p> + <p> + "None," but the word came hoarsely from the now hueless lips. + </p> + <p> + "But you have had no letters for a long time; the gentleman has for + years been engaged to an English lady; this paper gives a notice of his + recent marriage to her, and everything goes to prove that you have been + grossly deceived. It is very unfortunate, but I have received notice + from several of my guests that they will leave to-morrow morning unless + I insist upon this change, and thus it becomes my painful duty to + request these rooms to be vacated." + </p> + <p> + This was a bitter blow to add to all the rest, but Virgie, conscious of + her own purity, bore it with Spartan-like heroism. + </p> + <p> + She cast one look of scorn upon the man before her, then said, with a + calmness that was born of despair: + </p> + <p> + "Sir, I still assert, in the face of all that you have just said, that I + am the wife of Mr.—yes, of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire + County, England and some day it will be in my power to prove to you the + truth of my words; but I have no wish to occasion you either trouble or + loss, so I will go away; to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + The landlord looked greatly relieved at this assurance and yet he was + impressed both by her manner and her words. + </p> + <p> + He assured her of his sympathy, and kindly offered to assist her in + obtaining other rooms and establishing herself in them. + </p> + <p> + Virgie quietly declined this offer, however, and, thanking her for her + speedy compliance with his request Mr. Eldridge took his leave, though, + to his credit be it said, with considerable shamefacedness and + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Virgie sent to Dr. Knox for his bill, paid it, + dismissed her nurse, notwithstanding her urgent plea to be retained even + at reduced wages, and then she quietly disappeared from the place, + leaving no trace behind her to point to her destination or future plans, + and, after the gossip consequent upon such a choice bit of scandal had + died away, she was, for the time at least, forgotten. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XIX.<br/> + Sir William Heath Returns To America. + </h2> + <p> + "I cannot understand it, Miriam. It is the strangest thing in the world, + and I shall sail for America on the very next steamer." + </p> + <p> + It was Sir William Heath who spoke thus, and there was no mistaking the + decision in his voice. + </p> + <p> + He was sitting at the breakfast-table in the large, sunny dining-room at + Heathdale, while the open and empty mail-bag lay upon the table beside + him. + </p> + <p> + There were several letters scattered around his plate, but these were + unheeded, while the anxious, perplexed look on the baronet's fine face + told that he was deeply troubled about something. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton sat opposite him, and she had been furtively watching him + during his examination of the bag. There were two very bright spots upon + her cheeks, which <i>might</i> have been caused by her morning drive to + the post-office; or they might have been produced by a guilty conscience + and anxiety regarding her brother's announcement. + </p> + <p> + "Then there is no letter for you this morning?" she remarked, trying to + appear unconcerned. + </p> + <p> + "No; and I am nearly wild with anxiety. I <i>must</i> go to Virgie at + once," Sir William responded, moodily. + </p> + <p> + "I do not know how mamma will bear the thought of your going," Lady + Linton said, looking grave. + </p> + <p> + "It cannot harm her. Sir Herbert says she is doing very well, and I + might have gone last week but for the severe cold which she took. I must + go, Miriam. My wife is more to me than all the world, and this + unaccountable silence and suspense is unbearable. I am afraid something + dreadful has happened to her, for, just think, I have not heard one word + from her since she wrote me after the birth of our little one." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you cable, then? I am going in town this morning, and I will + send a message for you, if you wish," craftily suggested his sister, who + felt very uncomfortable at the thought of his starting off so suddenly: + for he might meet his wife just at the very moment when success was + about to crown her plans. + </p> + <p> + She had heard from Mrs. Farnum only once since her <i>coup d'etat,</i> + when she had given an account of that last interview with the + heart-broken wife. The letter had been posted that same day, for the + woman had not hoped that Virgie would leave the house so quickly, even + though she knew she was going to be asked to do so; and as she knew her + friend would be anxious to learn the result of her last measure, and as + a steamer was to sail the next morning, she had written immediately. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you might cable and get a reply before a steamer sails," + murmured Sir William, thoughtfully. "It does not seem as if I could wait + even the time it would take for me to get to her." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you <i>are</i> very anxious. It is natural that you should + be," responded Lady Linton, as she broke an egg into her cup and busied + herself seasoning it, although she did not even taste it after it was + prepared. Excitement and anxiety had destroyed her appetite. + </p> + <p> + Two or three times every week, of late, there had been just such a scene + as this when the mail came in after the arrival of a steamer. + </p> + <p> + No letters came from Virgie. At least, <i>he</i> received none; for they + were all cunningly abstracted before the bag came into the house, and + Sir William did not dream that any one possessed a key to it save + himself, and so, of course was unsuspicious of any plot. + </p> + <p> + It was simply unaccountable to him, and he was, as he said, almost wild + from anxiety on account of his dear ones. + </p> + <p> + He could not touch his food this morning, his disappointment was so + great, and he nervously unfolded his paper and began to look for an + announcement of the sailing of some steamer. + </p> + <p> + "The Cephalonia will sail on Saturday," he remarked, at length. "This is + Wednesday. I shall leave on Friday for Liverpool. You can break the news + to my mother, and I am sure you will do very well without me until my + return. She must strive to be reasonable, for I cannot live like this + another week." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; I will do my best to keep her cheerful while you are gone," + returned Lady Linton, trying to appear at ease, although she was quaking + in mortal fear lest all her plotting should come to naught. + </p> + <p> + She sometimes regretted having written that last letter and sent that + hundred pounds to Virgie. She began to fear that she might have + overreached herself by so doing, for, if her brother and his wife should + meet, Virgie would of course tell her husband everything, and he would + at once understand that his sister had been guilty of all the + mischief—intercepted letters, and all. She knew that he would never + forgive her; she would be ignominiously banished from Heathdale, and be + obliged to hide herself at Linton Grange, where she would lead a life of + poverty and seclusion; so it is not strange that she trembled at the + thought of Sir William sailing for America. + </p> + <p> + "Shall you return at once?" she asked, as they arose from the table. + </p> + <p> + "Just as soon as I can possibly arrange to do so; and, Miriam, I want no + pains spared to make the home-coming of my wife an agreeable one." + </p> + <p> + "You shall be obeyed," Lady Linton replied, with downcast eyes and a + heavily throbbing heart; "but of course you will let me know when to + expect you." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; and the suite of rooms over the library are to be put in + order for Virgie." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; I will speak to the housekeeper about it." + </p> + <p> + "You will mention, too, for <i>whom</i> they are being prepared," Sir + William said, glancing sharply at his sister. "It must be known at once + that I have a wife and child. I have made a great mistake in allowing + you to persuade me to keep silence upon the subject so long." + </p> + <p> + "But it was for mamma's sake, you know; while she was so ill it was + better not to have it talked about," apologized Lady Linton; but she + mentally resolved that she should be in no hurry to tell the secret, + even if he had ordered her to do so, at least until she was sure her + brother would find his wife. + </p> + <p> + Something might prevent his bringing Virgie home, and in that case a + scandal would be avoided if she kept silence. She would wait, at least, + until he notified her of the date of his return. + </p> + <p> + "It was a mistake, I tell you," Sir William repeated, with a clouded + brow. "It has been a mark of disloyalty to my wife which I will tolerate + no longer. So please do as I request." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton bowed. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I cable for you?" she asked, after a moment of silence. "I shall + be in London most of the day, and perhaps I may be able to get a reply + to bring you on my return." + </p> + <p> + "No, thanks; I, too, shall go in town to-day, to engage my passage, and + I will attend to the matter myself," Sir William replied, and the heart + of the schemer sank within her. + </p> + <p> + She had intended to cable to Mrs. Farnum, and, if Virgie was still at + the hotel, authorize her to use any strategy to get her away before her + brother should arrive, and then send her a dispatch to suit the + emergency. + </p> + <p> + But, if he cabled himself, and received an answer from his wife, she had + the very worst to fear for herself. + </p> + <p> + They went up to London on the same train, and Lady Linton suffered + agonies during that ride, and all day long, while she was shopping, her + suspense was terrible to her. + </p> + <p> + But when she entered the station, late in the afternoon, to return to + Heathdale, she was both startled and relieved to find her brother + already there, and pacing back and forth outside the waiting-room in + great excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Have you news, William?" she faltered, her heart beating almost to + suffocation. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he answered, in a strained unnatural tone. "Here, read this!" and + he thrust a cablegram into her trembling hands. + </p> + <p> + She had hardly strength to unfold the paper, but her pulses bounded with + exultation as she read: + </p> + + <p class="letter"> + New York, Aug. 10, 18—.<br/> + "To Sir William Heath, London:<br/> + "Lady Heath left the —— House on the 2d instant. Do not + know her address.<br/> + Eldred Edlbridge." + </p> + + <p> + Mr. Eldridge, as we know, was the proprietor of the hotel where Virgie + had been boarding during her husband's absence, and we can imagine + something of his consternation when he received Sir William's cable + dispatch inquiring for his wife, and realized, all too late, the + enormity of the insult he had offered to that lady. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton, however, had hard work to conceal her joy over the contents + of the message. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had been gone for more than a week, leaving no clew to her + whereabouts, which was evidence enough that she believed the very worst + of her husband, imagined herself a dishonored and deserted woman, and + had doubtless buried herself in some remote corner where no one would be + likely to discover her. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton's plot had worked thus far beyond her most sanguine + expectations and she accepted her success as an omen of good for the + future. + </p> + <p> + But she hid all this under a mask of well-assumed surprise. + </p> + <p> + "What can it mean? Why should she leave the hotel where you left her?" + she inquired of her brother. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I do not know. There is something wrong—very mysterious—about it. + Oh, why is there not a steamer ready to sail this instant? I believe I + shall go mad with this delay!" cried the baronet, in an agony of fear + and suspense. + </p> + <p> + But he had to wait until Saturday in spite of his suffering though he + had not even gone from Heathdale two hours when Lady Linton received a + letter bearing the United States postmark. + </p> + <p> + Of course it was from Mrs. Farnum, who gave a detailed account of all + that had transpired regarding Virgie's sudden departure, and assuring + her that no one in the hotel suspected her agency in the matter, or had + any idea that she knew anything regarding the girl previous to her + coming there. They did not even know that she was from England; she + confided that fact to Virgie alone, simply to further her schemes + regarding her. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton uttered a sigh of relief over this letter. Her brother would + not find his wife in New York, and his journey would be all in vain, she + told herself, and yet she would not feel at ease until she had him + safely at home again. + </p> + <p> + Sir William thought the voyage across the Atlantic would never end, and + yet it was a very quick and prosperous passage. When the steamer touched + her pier in New York he was the first of all the eager passengers to + spring ashore, and rushing for a carriage, without even stopping to + attend to his baggage, he gave orders to be driven directly to the hotel + where he had left Virgie. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Eldridge quaked visibly and grew deadly pale when Sir William + suddenly presented himself in his office and demanded of him the reason + of his wife leaving his house. + </p> + <p> + The polite hotel-keeper's blandness all failed him for once, and, with + much stammering and confusion, with many apologies and excuses, he + confessed that there had arisen a rumor—how he could not say—to the + effect that the lady was not Mrs. Heath at all, that her supposed + husband was an English nobleman who had deceived her; that his patrons + had insisted upon her leaving, or they would; and thus, after a hint + from him as to how matters stood, she had quietly gone away. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was furious at this, and the landlord was actually + frightened at the tempest his story had aroused. + </p> + <p> + "And you allowed such a malicious slander to drive a delicate and + unprotected woman and her child homeless into the street?" cried the + baronet, with sublime scorn. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, sir, I was helpless. The honor of my house must be sustained, and + there was so much evidence to make the story appear true," said the man + deprecatingly. + </p> + <p> + "Evidence! What do you mean?" demanded the angry husband. + </p> + <p> + "You had registered as 'Mr. Heath and lady.' I learned that you were an + English baronet." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but what of that? I simply wished to escape being conspicuous, and + I had a right to register as I chose." + </p> + <p> + "Then there was a story that you had taken another wife in England, + shortly after leaving America." + </p> + <p> + "And were you idiot enough to believe such a contemptible slander, when + <i>I</i> brought her here and established her as my honored wife? Did I + ever treat her with anything but reverence and respect?" thundered Sir + William, growing more and more indignant. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," confessed the unhappy proprietor, as he drew a paper from his + desk; "but when you read a notice that I have here you may not wonder so + much at the credulity of people; besides, there were no letters coming + from you to the lady." + </p> + <p> + "No letters!" cried the baronet, in a startled tone. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, although madam wrote to you with every steamer, and seemed sad + and depressed to get nothing in return." + </p> + <p> + The baronet was astounded. + </p> + <p> + It all looked as if there was some treachery at work to ruin their + happiness; but Sir William racked his brain in vain to solve the riddle. + </p> + <p> + He had received no letters from his wife; she had had none from him; + and, with that dreadful scandal and rumor to crush her, to say nothing + of having been driven from the shelter with which he had provided her, + what must she not have suffered? + </p> + <p> + "Will you read this notice, sir?" Mr. Eldridge asked, pushing the paper + nearer to the baronet, and desiring to intrench himself behind as many + bulwarks as possible. + </p> + <p> + Sir William bent forward and read it, and he did not wonder then, that + Virgie had felt herself the most wronged of women. + </p> + <p> + He knew that it had been intended as the announcement of his cousin's + marriage with Margaret Stanhope, but a grave mistake had been made in + prefixing the young man's name with a title, thus making it appear that + it was the baronet who had been married. + </p> + <p> + Virgie did not know that he had a relative by the same name, so, of + course, taking everything else into consideration, she must have + believed that he had been false to all honor, to his manhood, and to + her. + </p> + <p> + He groaned aloud. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what must she have thought of me!" he cried, in despair. Then, + turning to the proprietor of the hotel, he asked, "Where did you get + this paper?" + </p> + <p> + It was the Hampshire County <i>Journal</i>, and he wondered how it could + have got to New York to accomplish so much mischief. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say, sir. I found it in my office here among other papers, + and—and you must confess that such a notice as that was sufficient to + stagger me when I read it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Sir William admitted, white to his lips, "and yet it was + heartless to send her away. It was my cousin—a gentleman bearing the + same name—who was married; but some one made a mistake and added my + title. Did <i>she</i> see that notice?" + </p> + <p> + "She appeared to know about it, sir." + </p> + <p> + "It seems as if an enemy had done this to ruin our happiness; but who?" + groaned the miserable husband. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XX.<br/> + Sir William Finds A Trace Of Virgie. + </h2> + <p> + Sir William asked, a little later, when he had succeeded in somewhat + recovering his composure: + </p> + <p> + "And have you no idea whither my wife went after leaving here?" + </p> + <p> + "No," Mr. Eldridge said. "I offered to find some nice, quiet place for + her, but she simply thanked me and declined my offer. She then ordered a + carriage and drove away, without giving any definite directions + regarding her destination—at least, in my hearing." + </p> + <p> + The proprietor was careful not to state that he had been so relieved by + the departure of his then questionable guest that he had taken no pains + to ascertain her plans, being only too glad to be quit of her upon any + terms, and to thus preserve the honor of his house and retain the + patronage of its other occupants. + </p> + <p> + Sir William then repaired to the office of Dr. Knox, the physician in + whose care he had left his wife, hoping to glean something from him. But + that gentleman knew nothing whatever of what had occurred, and appeared + greatly surprised by what the young husband told him. + </p> + <p> + He simply stated what we already knew—that Mrs. Heath had sent him a + note saying that she was about leaving the city and wished to settle her + bill, and requested him to call for the amount. He had done so, and she + had paid him in full. + </p> + <p> + He said that his time was limited, and he had only remained a few + moments. He thought she was looking rather pale and worn; but she said + she was well, and, being calm and self-possessed, he did not imagine + that she was in any trouble. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that from this source Sir William could gain nothing to + aid him in his search for his wife. + </p> + <p> + He then tried to discover the nurse who had been with her, but she was + not to be found at her usual address, and no one could tell him anything + about her. + </p> + <p> + He went to the bank where he had deposited money for Virgie's use, but + disappointment awaited him here also. He was told that she had sent word + one morning that on a certain day she would need the whole amount due + her. She had called according to her appointment, receiving her money, + and that was all that was known there regarding her movements. + </p> + <p> + Sir William was in despair. Failure met him on every hand, and he feared + the worst for his loved ones. + </p> + <p> + He remained in New York for more than a month, searching the city from + end to end, employing detectives advertising in the papers, and using + every means he could think of to gain some clew to Virgie's + hiding-place; but all to no purpose; and he finally came to the + conclusion that she must have left the metropolis. But whither had she + gone? He knew that she had not a friend on this side of the Rocky + Mountains; it was all a strange country to her. + </p> + <p> + Would she be likely to remain East and hide herself and her supposed + shame in some obscure place, or would she wander back to the Pacific + coast, where everything would be more familiar and home-like to her? + </p> + <p> + These questions agitated his mind continually, and for a while he knew + not which way to turn, while he was growing both weary and heart-sick + with his fruitless search. + </p> + <p> + Finally he decided that he would go again to her old home among the + mountains of Nevada. He might possibly learn something of her there. + </p> + <p> + He reached the place just a year from the day of his departure with + Virgie, and a feeling of utter desolation, almost of despair, took + possession of him as he wandered here and there over the familiar ground + visiting the grave of Mr. Abbot, and peering in at the cottage where he + had first met his love, but where only strange faces now met his gaze. + </p> + <p> + Everything looked the same as when he left, but evidently no one knew + anything about his wife; he learned that from the eager inquiries, which + met him on every side, for the beautiful girl whom he had taken away + with him. + </p> + <p> + He answered and evaded them as well as he could, without betraying that + he was in any trouble, but he was deeply disappointed to find that Chi + Lu had left the place. + </p> + <p> + He was told that he had left very suddenly, but came back after a time, + when he disposed of his cabin that Sir William had given him, and then + disappeared altogether. + </p> + <p> + The baronet sought out Margery Follet, and was impressed the moment that + he saw her that she had something on her mind. + </p> + <p> + She eyed him with suspicion, seemed averse to holding any conversation + with him, and never once inquired regarding his wife. + </p> + <p> + This alone made the young baronet hope that she knew something of + Virgie, for, having been at her wedding, and afterward assisted her in + many ways during Mr. Abbott's last illness, it would have been but + natural for her to wish to know something about her. + </p> + <p> + By adroitly questioning her he became convinced of the truth of his + suspicion, and finally he charged her outright with having recently seen + his wife. + </p> + <p> + The woman stammered, blushed, and finally assumed a defiant attitude, + and Sir William was sure. + </p> + <p> + He then told her something of his trouble, enjoining her to secrecy, and + finally she confessed that one day Chi Lu had come to her and persuaded + her to go with him before the county magistrate to sign a paper stating + that she had been a witness to the marriage of Miss Abbot with Mr. + Heath. Chi Lu had given her a handsome sum for her trouble and to keep + silent about the matter afterward. + </p> + <p> + This confession gave Sir William great hope. It told him that Virgie had + been in that vicinity; that she was gathering what proofs she could + toward establishing the legality of her marriage, with a view to + claiming her rights as a lawful wife. + </p> + <p> + He was very much elated over the discovery, and at once repaired to the + county town, to seek out the magistrate and learn what he could from + him. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman confirmed what he had already learned. He said that + several weeks previous a young woman had come there to obtain a copy of + the record of a certain marriage, and that afterward a Chinaman and an + elderly woman had signed a paper in his presence, testifying to having + been witnesses of the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Sir William reasoned that, since Virgie was seeking all these proofs, + she would doubtless apply to the clergyman who had married them; so to + Virginia City he straightway hastened, to seek the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + </p> + <p> + He found him readily enough. The clergyman appeared to be in feeble + health, and received him with coldness and evident displeasure. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you are somewhat at a loss how to account for my visit, Dr. + Thornton," he remarked, in his genial way, and ignoring the frigidness + of his host's greeting; "but I have come to make some important + inquiries of you." + </p> + <p> + The reverend gentleman simply bowed, and then waited for his guest to + proceed. + </p> + <p> + "You will be surprised that I have lost my wife and am searching for + her," the baronet continued, thinking it best to come to the point at + once. + </p> + <p> + "Which one?" demanded the divine, with an accent of scorn in his usually + mild tones. + </p> + <p> + "Sir!" + </p> + <p> + "For which wife are you searching?" + </p> + <p> + "I have but one wife—the lady to whom you married me only a little more + than a year ago!" Sir William replied in a voice of thunder, his + handsome face flaming with righteous anger, though his heart bounded + with new hope at the question. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, sir," the clergyman replied, seeing at once that + there was some mystery, and there must have been some fearful mistake to + cause the separation of these two young people in whom he had been so + deeply interested. + </p> + <p> + "You will understand my untimely sarcasm, perhaps," he went on, "when I + tell you that I have been led to believe that you had done that + beautiful woman the greatest possible wrong." + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to explain all that he knew of the matter. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Heath, he said, had come to him, about a month previous, to secure + a written statement from him to the effect that he had performed the + marriage ceremony in a legal and authorized manner between herself and + Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire County, England She was + looking very sad and ill, and she confided to him that she had been + deserted by her husband in New York; he having been called to his home + by a cablegram, ostensibly because of his mother's illness, but that she + had learned of his marriage with another lady in England, and she feared + that his union with her might have been a farce. She had, however, + learned to the contrary, and she was determined to gather all the proofs + possible, for the purpose of securing the future rights and position of + her child. + </p> + <p> + Sir William Heath listened in painful silence to this recital, and then + in turn related all that he knew regarding the terrible misunderstanding + and the mystery attending it. + </p> + <p> + "It looks to me very much as if there was a conspiracy in the matter, + and a desire on the part of some one to separate you and your wife," Dr. + Thornton remarked thoughtfully, when the young husband concluded. + </p> + <p> + "A conspiracy!" repeated Sir William. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; the fact that all letters, on both sides, have been intercepted, + seems to point to such a suspicion. Have you any enemies who, from + interested motives, would try to create trouble between you and your + wife?" + </p> + <p> + "Not that I am aware of," the young man replied, but looking deeply + perplexed. "My family, to be sure, were not very well pleased with the + idea of my marrying an American; but I can think of no one person who + could have accomplished anything like what has occurred. It seems to me + that in order to intercept our letters there would need to be + conspirators on both sides of the Atlantic who were interested in the + project." + </p> + <p> + "Not necessarily. Any one determined to separate you might have robbed + the mail of all letters at either end of the route. It is certainly very + mysterious, and, mark my words, you will some day learn that an enemy + has been at work. But, Sir William," the clergyman continued smiling + genially, "you have relieved my mind and established my faith in you by + this explanation. I confess I had set you down as a miserable scamp, and + I have suffered a good deal on that beautiful young woman's account." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot blame you for thinking the very worst of me," returned Sir + William, with emotion; "but I have loved—I do love my wife with a love + that can never die." + </p> + <p> + "I do not doubt it now. Of course I gave her the paper she desired, and + also a copy of the certificate which I presented you on your marriage + day, and told her to command me at any time and I should be at her + service to testify to the legality of her claims upon you." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir. I am truly grateful to you for your kindness to my poor + darling," said the baronet, tears springing to his eyes. "But can you + give me any idea regarding her plans or movements?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I cannot, I am sorry to say," returned Doctor Thornton. "I asked + her what course she intended to pursue, and she said, in the saddest + voice I ever heard, 'I do not exactly know yet; I simply desire to + establish the rightful claim of my daughter as the heiress of + Heathdale.'" + </p> + <p> + "That looks as if she meant to go immediately to England!" cried Sir + William, starting excitedly to his feet. "If she should do that, all + would be well—everything will be explained, and we shall be happy once + more." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say that such was her plan," returned the clergyman, + thoughtfully. "She looked scarcely able to endure such a journey. Still, + it may be that such was her intention." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if I only knew! Just think, sir, I have never even seen my child!" + cried Sir William, greatly agitated. + </p> + <p> + "It is certainly very sad. It is greatly to be regretted that you were + recalled to England as you were," said Doctor Thornton. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed it is. Why <i>did</i> I ever leave her? It was wrong! I fear I + was negligent of my duty toward her in so doing. I do not know what to + do now. If she has gone to England, we have passed each other, and I + would desire to retrace my steps thither at once. If she is still here + on this continent, I should be in despair to go home, and only find it + out on the other side of the ocean." + </p> + <p> + Doctor Thornton pitied the young husband sincerely. + </p> + <p> + "You are in a very trying position, I must acknowledge, and I do not + like to advise you either to go or stay. You might wait here a while, + and notify your friends to cable you in case Lady Heath should go direct + to England; then it would be comparatively easy to join her there." + </p> + <p> + Sir William determined to act upon these suggestions. He would cable + Heathdale to be notified if Virgie should make her appearance there; + meantime he would do his utmost to find her here. + </p> + <p> + He thanked the clergyman for his kindness, and bade him farewell, + feeling much relieved regarding his wife, yet still very sad at heart at + the mystery surrounding her. + </p> + <p> + He determined to search for Chi Lu, believing that he alone, who had + always been so devoted to her, could tell him something definite as to + her movements. He had an idea that he might be even now in her service. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXI.<br/> + Nothing but Death Shall Break the Tie. + </h2> + <p> + Sir William went directly back to New York, fired with something of hope + by Doctor Thornton's suggestions He determined to search the passenger + lists of the different steamer lines, hoping to find Virgie's name among + them. + </p> + <p> + He half believed that, armed with the strong proofs she had secured to + substantiate the legality of her marriage, she would go directly to + England to assert her position there as his wife. + </p> + <p> + He realized that underneath her habitual quiet and sweetness there lay a + dignity and strength of character that would stop at nothing legitimate + to remove the stigma she believed was resting on her fair name. + </p> + <p> + But while he gave her ample credit for resolution and energy, he did not + make allowance for the sensitive pride which had been crushed to the + earth by the cruel blow which had been dealt her. He did not stop to + consider that it would never allow her to force herself upon him as an + unloved and rejected wife when she believed a more fortunate rival stood + in her way. + </p> + <p> + But he found nothing in any of the booking offices of the different + steamers to tell him that Virgie had sailed, or was intending to sail, + even though he haunted them daily for three or four weeks. + </p> + <p> + Almost discouraged at the end of that time, he cabled to his sister the + following message: + </p> + <p class="letter"> + "I have missed my wife—perhaps crossed her path.<br /> + If she arrives at Heathdale, let me know at once." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton was somewhat startled upon receiving this message, for it + told her that her brother had some reason for thinking that Virgie might + be on her way to Heathdale, and, remembering Mrs. Farnum's account of + her threats to claim her position, she began to fear that she had + underrated the girl's spirit, and that she might make her appearance at + any moment and demand to be received as the mistress of the house. + </p> + <p> + This, of course, would make matters rather complicated and awkward; but, + as long as her brother was not at home, she trusted to her own craft to + deal with her and make her only too glad to give Heathdale a wide berth + should she show herself there. + </p> + <p> + After cabling, Sir William went again to the Pacific coast, in the hope + of finding Chi Lu. He spent several weeks in San Francisco, thinking + perhaps those he sought might hope to lose themselves there among the + multitude. + </p> + <p> + He thought right for once, had he but known it, and had he possessed a + little more patience, been a trifle less restless and feverish in his + search, he might have succeeded in his quest. + </p> + <p> + But he was so wretched; so worn and discouraged with his constant and + fruitless seeking, that he could not remain in one place long at a time, + and so wandered here and there, until, months having elapsed, he had + been in nearly every State in the Union, reaping only disappointment and + anguish of spirit. + </p> + <p> + Then there came again a summons for him to go home—his mother had been + stricken with another shock, and, with a heavy heart, a feeling as if + all the world were against him and his whole life ruined, he went back + to his desolate home and the sick one there. + </p> + <p> + Lady Heath only lived a few days after the second return of her son. He + reached Heathdale just in season to see the sands of her life run out + and to close her eyes in their last long sleep; then they laid her in + the family vault, and Sir William felt as if he had nothing now to bind + him to his home. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot stay here—I must go away again he said one day, in despair, + to his sister, and her heart sank at his words. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hope you are not going to America again, whatever you do," she + remarked, with some unpatience. + </p> + <p> + "If going to America would result in finding my wife, I would go a + thousand times over," Sir William responded, sternly, and then added, + with a note of agony in his voice: "Oh, where can my darling have hidden + herself? Miriam," turning suddenly upon his sister, "can you suggest any + reason for this terrible misunderstanding?—who could have intercepted + all of our letters?—who could have conspired, for it seems like a + conspiracy, to separate us?" + </p> + <p> + For a moment Lady Linton turned faint and sick with the fear that he had + discovered something to arouse his suspicions against her; but second + thought told her that such could not be the case. + </p> + <p> + "What could I suggest?" she demanded, assuming an expression of + surprise. "You forget that I know nothing of this woman who lured your + heart from us, save what I have been told. She may have had a rustic + lover who is seeking his revenge by trying to separate you—a lover who + has poisoned her mind against you, and perhaps won her allegiance back + to himself." + </p> + <p> + "What utter nonsense you are talking, Miriam!" the baronet interrupted, + indignantly. "How little you appreciate the refinement of the girl whom + I have married! True, you have never seen her; but one look at the face + that I have shown you ought to have told you that she could have been + won by no rustic." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton shrugged her shoulders expressively. + </p> + <p> + "As for your letters," she said, flashing a swift, keen glance at him, + "if you think they have been tampered with on this side of the Atlantic, + I advise you to question Robert, since he has the exclusive charge of + your mail-bag." + </p> + <p> + "Robert, indeed! I would as soon question my own honesty as his; + besides, no one has a key to it but myself," Sir William asserted, + confidently. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton breathed freely now, for it was evident that he had no + suspicion of her. + </p> + <p> + "True; and Robert has been faithful too many years to be lightly + suspected," she remarked, appreciatively. + </p> + <p> + "But this suspense is insupportable! It is killing me!" cried her + brother, rising, and excitedly pacing the floor. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt it is trying," his sister replied, coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Trying!" he repeated, bitterly; "you are very sympathetic, Miriam; you + are as cold as ice." + </p> + <p> + "Well, William, you know well enough that I never approved of your + marriage. It was a great blow to both mamma and me that you should marry + so out of your element; and therefore you cannot expect me to be so + heart-broken over the mysterious disappearance of your wife as I might + have been if you married—Sadie, for instance." + </p> + <p> + "I wish you wouldn't throw Sadie Farnum at me upon every occasion; I + never had any intention of marrying her," retorted Sir William, with an + angry flush. + </p> + <p> + "More is the pity; I could have loved her dearly as a sister," responded + Lady Linton, in an injured tone. "But," she added, after a thoughtful + pause, "it seems you were mistaken in thinking that your wife was + collecting proofs of her marriage with the intention of coming here to + claim her position. If that had been her plan, doubtless she would have + been here long ago." + </p> + <p> + "Yes—oh! I cannot understand it; but, if I ever discover <i>who</i> has + been at the bottom of this mischief, it will be a sad day for that + individual!" cried the' baronet, with stern emphasis. Lady Linton + suddenly stooped to brush a thread from her black dress, and when she + sat upright again there was considerable more color than usual in her + face. + </p> + <p> + "I am troubled to see you so unhappy, William," she said, more kindly + than she had yet spoken, "and perhaps, after all, a change will be the + best thing for you. What are your plans?" + </p> + <p> + "I have none. I simply wish to get away from myself, if that is + possible; to steep my troubled thoughts in some excitement. I believe I + will go to the Far East—Egypt, Palestine—anywhere to escape this + feeling of utter desolation," he answered, dejectedly. + </p> + <p> + "When will you go?" + </p> + <p> + "At once—before the week is out, if I can arrange to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Have you any special commands for me to attend to during your absence?" + </p> + <p> + "None, save that you are to remain here as usual, if you like, and in + case any word comes from my loved ones, send for me at once." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. Have you any idea how long you will be away?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I may not be gone a month; I may stay ten years; it will depend + upon how well I can kill time," returned Sir William, moodily. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, William, I wish you would try and rise above this trouble," said + his sister, out of all patience with him at heart, but speaking in a + soothing tone. "I do not like to pain you, but, truly, it looks to me as + if your wife had been guilty of willful desertion in thus hiding herself + from you, and I believe there would be a great deal of happiness yet for + you if you could be freed from her entirely, and then bring some good, + gentle woman here to make your home pleasant for you." + </p> + <p> + It was the first time that she had ever been able to gather courage + sufficient to make this proposition; but she was wholly unprepared for + the storm of wrath which the suggestion brought upon her head. + </p> + <p> + Sir William came and stood, tall and stern, before her, his face almost + convulsed with mingled pain and wrath, his eyes blazing dangerously: + </p> + <p> + "Miriam Linton," he began, in a suppressed tone, "never dare to open + your lips on such a subject to me again. I married my darling for better + or worse, until death should part us, and only my death or hers will + ever break the tie—at least with my consent—that binds us." + </p> + <p> + He turned abruptly and left the room as he ceased speaking, more angry + with her than he had ever been before. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton was thoroughly startled by what he had said, and she knew + she would never dare suggest such a measure again to him; but she still + had a secret hope, from what Mrs. Farnum had written her, that the + injured wife would seek a legal separation from him. + </p> + <p> + She imagined that this might be the reason of Virgie keeping so quiet + just at present, and she was all the more willing and glad to have her + brother go away from home, as he proposed doing, because she knew that + he would have to be notified whenever any such proceedings should be + instituted, and she feared if he were there to receive them he would at + once post off to America again, and upset all her plans by bringing + about a reconcilation at the last moment. + </p> + <p> + So in less than a week Sir William left England for, Egypt and the Holy + Land, and Lady Linton experienced a feeling of intense relief at his + departure. Time, she reasoned, was a great healer, and she hoped much + from this season of travel and change. + </p> + <p> + It was rather lonely for her at Heathdale during the winter, but she was + grateful to be released from the anxiety she had suffered on his account + for the last year. + </p> + <p> + Spring came, summer passed; a year had come and gone since the + disappearance of her brother's young wife, when one day there came an + official-looking document addressed to the baronet, and bearing the + California postmark. + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton quivered in every nerve as she saw it, for her heart told + her instantly what it contained. + </p> + <p> + Still, she could not be satisfied until she knew beyond a doubt, and she + skillfully opened it for examination before forwarding it to her + brother. + </p> + <p> + It was even as she had hoped. + </p> + <p> + Virgie had kept her word; she was about to repudiate her husband for his + supposed faithlessness to her, and Lady Linton's lips curled in a smile + of exultation as she read the paper notifying her brother that + proceedings for a divorce were about to be instituted in the courts of + San Francisco by Lady Virginia Heath against Sir William Heath, of + Heathsdale, England. + </p> + <p> + "Everything is working beautifully," she murmured, triumphantly; "his + pride will never let him seek her after this takes effect; it will be + conclusive evidence to him that she, at least, desires to have the tie + that binds them broken. Let me see! he is notified to appear on the + ninth of next month—in a little more than four weeks. Ha, ha! he was in + Alexandria when he last wrote, and this could not possibly reach him in + season to admit of his obeying the summons in time. Matters will have + reached a crisis before he gets it—the <i>injured and beautiful little + savage</i> will have secured her divorce, and my brother will be free, + long before he will know what has been done. However, I will do my duty, + and forward it to him instantly." + </p> + <p> + With a lighter heart than she had known for months, the crafty woman + carefully resealed the document in a way to defy suspicion that it had + been tampered with, inclosed it in another envelope, directed and marked + it "important," and dispatched it by the very next mail to her brother. + </p> + <p> + Three months passed and she had heard nothing from him. She began to + feel anxious as to how he had received the news of what Virgie was + doing, when there came another similar-looking document, bearing the + same postmark as before. + </p> + <p> + "The deed is done!" she cried, joyfully, the moment her eyes rested upon + it. "I do not even need to open this to be assured of the nature of its + contents." + </p> + <p> + She was filled with triumph over the success of all her plans thus far, + and yet she could not forget Virgie's threat that a day of retribution + would surely overtake their proud family. + </p> + <p> + But she determined not to worry, for the child might not live long + enough for her to carry her threat into execution. Virgie, herself, + might die, and a hundred other things might happen to prevent. + </p> + <p> + Her brother might never consent to marry again—she feared he would + not—and poor Sadie Farnum's reviving hopes would again be crushed; but, + if he did, she felt very sure that her son, Percy—and a noble young + fellow he was, too—would be very likely to inherit Heathdale, while + Lillian would doubtless receive a handsome dowry when she came to marry. + </p> + <p> + "I do not believe I will send this to William," she muttered, as she + turned that precious document over and over in her hands, and feasted + her eyes upon it. "I will at least wait until I hear something from him + regarding the other; these priceless papers might be lost on the way, + and then——" + </p> + <p> + Her musings were suddenly cut short by a violent ring at the hall bell. + </p> + <p> + She started, and sat erect to listen, her face growing pale and anxious, + for there seemed to be something ominous in that vigorous jangle which + went echoing through the house with such an imperious sound. + </p> + <p> + The night was raw and stormy; darkness had settled down over the country + earlier than usual; there had been a disagreeable chill in the air all + day, and a dismal sense of loneliness pervaded the mansion. + </p> + <p> + She heard the butler go to the door; then there was a sudden exclamation + of surprise, followed by a few indistinct sentences, a step, strangely + familiar, outside the library door, and the next moment Sir William, + gaunt, haggard, and wretched, staggered into the room where his sister + was sitting. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXII.<br/> + Virgie Makes a Home for Herself. + </h2> + <p> + "William," cried Lady Linton, springing excitedly to her feet, the + document which had caused her so much joy but a moment before dropping + unheeded on the table beside her. "What brings you home in this + unceremonious manner? Are you ill? Has anything happened?" + </p> + <p> + "Am I ill? Yes, by heart is broken—dying within me. Has anything + happened? My wife is lost to me forever!" he cried, in a hollow tone, as + he sank weakly into a chair and groaned aloud. + </p> + <p> + "What can I do for you? Let me call John to remove your boots and bring + you dry clothing," his sister said, thoroughly alarmed by his + appearance; and suiting the action to her words, she rang for the + butler. + </p> + <p> + John came, and attended to his master's wants with alacrity. Wood was + piled upon the already cheerful fire, something hot was provided the + traveler to drink, and Lady Linton soon had the satisfaction of seeing + something like warmth and life stealing into her brother's haggard face. + </p> + <p> + She understood at once that he must have been nearly crushed upon + receiving the document which she had sent him, and that he had + immediately started for home. He must have been taken ill on the way and + been detained else he would have been there before, and she could + imagine how he would chafe over the delay, and how heart-sick he had + grown over the fact of being too late to stay the proceedings for the + divorce. + </p> + <p> + She dreaded to have him know that the die was irrevocably cast, although + his own words had told her that he apprehended it; but she absolutely + feared the first passionate outbreak when she should give him those + other papers that had but just arrived. + </p> + <p> + When he began to grow more calm, and to realize the comfort of being + once more before his own hearthstone Lady Linton stole softly away to + confer with the housekeeper about preparing him something specially + tempting for his supper. + </p> + <p> + She was absent perhaps fifteen minutes, and was about to return to him, + when she was startled by a heavy fall on the floor above her. + </p> + <p> + Her heart told her what had caused it, and she hurried up stairs with + all the speed that fear could lend to her feet, and burst into the + library, to find her brother stretched lifeless upon the floor, an open + paper clutched tightly in his hand, while John, the faithful butler, was + bending over him in an agony of terror. + </p> + <p> + "Send for Sir Herbert Randal at once, then come back to me," commanded + her ladyship, as she stooped to lift her brother's head to place a + cushion under it and loosen his necktie. + </p> + <p> + John sped to do her bidding, and during his absence Lady Linton + succeeded in removing that tell-tale document from Sir William's hand, + and locking it away from all inquisitive eyes; for her first thought was + that there must be no scandal over the affair. + </p> + <p> + Few knew of his marriage. She had persisted in keeping still about it, + in spite of all his orders to the contrary, and after his return from + his fruitless search for Virgie, he had been far too sensitive upon the + subject to talk of it himself, and thus almost everybody believed him to + be still a single man. Hence Lady Linton's anxiety that nothing should + be known regarding the divorce. + </p> + <p> + When John returned to her she summoned other servants and had Sir + William carried to his own rooms, where she and the housekeeper applied + all remedies that were at hand to revive him. + </p> + <p> + When the physician arrived he had recovered from his swoon, but was in a + raging fever, and wild with delirium. + </p> + <p> + Sir Herbert pronounced his illness to be brain fever of a serious type, + and Lady Linton knew, from the grave look on the wise man's face, that + he had but very little hope of his recovery. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When Virgie left the hotel on the morning after Mr. Eldridge requested + her to vacate her rooms, she drove to a quiet street, where she engaged + lodgings for a few days, until she could arrange her plans for the + future. She then gave notice at the bank where her money was deposited + that she should draw it all on a certain date. As soon as she received + it she purchased a ticket for San Francisco, and a week from the time of + receiving Lady Linton's cruel letter she was rolling over the Central + Pacific Railroad toward her former home, intent upon only one + purpose—that of gaining indisputable proof of her lawful marriage, in + order to shield her child from wrong and shame. + </p> + <p> + She reached a small town only a few miles from her old home among the + mountains, and then sent a messenger for Chi Lu to come to her. + </p> + <p> + He came at once, glad to do anything for the "young missee" whom he had + served for years, and learned to regard with great affection. + </p> + <p> + Virgie felt sure that she could safely confide in him, so she told him + something of her trouble, and asked him to help her gather the proofs of + her marriage. + </p> + <p> + He proved himself very efficient in this respect, and was only too eager + to secure justice for her. + </p> + <p> + After all was done, and she had the precious papers in her own hands, + she would have paid him handsomely and sent him hack to the mountains + again. But he threw at her feet the money she offered him, and begged to + be allowed to go with her wherever she went—to let him work for her and + the "little missee," as he used to in the old days before she went away. + "He did not want any money—only let him have a little rice and curry, + and a mat to sleep on, and he would serve her as long as she needed + him." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was moved to tears by this evidence of his faithfulness, and, + though she had not thought of such a thing before, it suddenly occurred + to her that it might be a wise proceeding on her part to grant his + request. + </p> + <p> + She knew that he was entirely trustworthy; he was very capable in many + ways, and she was sure she should feel a sense of security and + protection with him that she could not experience to go alone into a + strange place, and have to depend entirely upon herself. + </p> + <p> + "I should like to have you, Chi," she said, thoughtfully, "but I am + afraid it would be hardly fair to you, for I haven't a great deal of + money, and I shall have to be very economical." + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu's little round black eyes flashed at this. "<i>He</i> takee monee + too?" he demanded, with contemptuous emphasis on the pronoun. + </p> + <p> + Virgie flushed. She could not bear, from another, the slightest + reference to the wrong she had suffered. + </p> + <p> + "How much monee?" the man hastened to add, as he saw that she was + troubled. + </p> + <p> + "I have a little over four thousand dollars," Virgie replied, thinking + it best to fully confide in him. + </p> + <p> + Her bills had been heavy in New York, and it had taken the most of one + thousand dollars out of the five thousand that Sir William had deposited + for her, to settle them. + </p> + <p> + Chi Lu gave a grunt of delight at the information. + </p> + <p> + "Good! missee live long. Chi Lu know how; he fix 'em," he said, with an + air of confidence that was reassuring and Virgie believed that he would + indeed make a better steward of her limited means than she could + possibly be with her inexperience, so she resolved to trust him, and + told him that he should go with her if he wished. + </p> + <p> + The next question to settle was regarding a place of residence, and she + finally decided, after talking the matter over with her servant, that + she would be less conspicuous in some large city, and as there was no + place she knew so well as San Francisco, she resolved to once more make + her home in that city. + </p> + <p> + These matters decided, Chi Lu went back to the mountains to dispose of + his cabin and settle up his affairs, and when he rejoined his young + mistress, they proceeded directly to San Francisco, where the Chinaman + soon succeeded in securing three very comfortable rooms in a quiet and + good locality. + </p> + <p> + Virgie furnished these simply, though prettily, and, when all was + completed, really felt quite at home, and as if she had at last found a + haven of safety. + </p> + <p> + There was a small parlor and bedroom for her own use, a tiny kitchen, + with a good-sized closet opening out of it, which was allotted + exclusively to Chi Lu. + </p> + <p> + Virgie soon found that she had indeed done wisely to take her old + servant again into her employ, for he managed everything in a most + economical and comfortable way, while she realized that if she had been + obliged to depend wholly upon herself and have the care of her little + one besides, her strength and courage would have both failed her in a + little while. + </p> + <p> + The younger Lady of Heathdale demanded a great deal of attention during + that first year of her life, and, being wholly unaccustomed to children, + Virgie found the care a great tax upon her. + </p> + <p> + They had been in San Francisco some three months, when Chi Lu proposed + to Virgie to go into business for himself. + </p> + <p> + He told her that he had not half enough to do to keep busy; there was a + large unoccupied room adjoining the building they were in, which he + could secure for a moderate rent, and he desired to set up the laundry + business. + </p> + <p> + He wanted to employ two or three of his countrymen to do the work, while + he simply had charge of it, which he could easily do and attend to his + duties with her at the same time. + </p> + <p> + Virgie willingly consented to this arrangement, never once suspecting + that it was a plan on the part of Chi Lu to obtain funds to contribute + toward her support when her own resources should fail. She knew that the + little which he consented to receive from her was but a small + compensation for the services he rendered her, and she was very glad to + have him make something for himself. + </p> + <p> + Thus in the course of time the faithful Chinaman established quite a + thrifty business, while his face would light up and his small eyes gleam + with satisfaction as he gathered in the dollars day by day, and he might + have been heard from time to time to mutter, with a gleeful chuckle: + </p> + <p> + "Good! Muche monee for missee and little missee by'm-by!" + </p> + <p> + But, as Virgie's baby grew older and capable of amusing herself + somewhat, time began to hang heavily on the young mother's hands. + </p> + <p> + Her sorrow was one that could not be easily out-grown and sometimes life + seemed a burden almost too heavy to be borne. Day after day her heart + cried out in rebellion against her lonely bitter lot; night after night + her pillow was wet with scalding tears, as for hours she lay weeping for + the love that she had lost. + </p> + <p> + She began to realize at last that her health was suffering from such + constant grieving, and that she must find something to occupy her time + more fully and take her thoughts from herself, or she would soon break + down beneath such severe mental strain. + </p> + <p> + It was after a day of unusual depression and sadness that she took up + the evening paper and began carelessly to glance over the columns. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly her eyes lighted upon an advertisement. + </p> + <p> + It stated that a well-known publishing house of that city offered a + prize of three hundred dollars for the most unique and tasteful design + for a Christmas souvenir. It described what was required, mentioned the + conditions of its acceptance, and the time when the designs of all + competitors must be delivered. + </p> + <p> + Virgie was interested at once. + </p> + <p> + "Why, cannot I do something of that kind?" she murmured "Papa used to + say that I was remarkably skillful in making pen-and-ink sketches, and + why should I not turn, my talent to some account? If I should succeed it + would not only give me something with which to occupy my time, but + perhaps enable me to earn for the future; my money is not going to last + so very long, in spite of all Chi Lu's economy." + </p> + <p> + The idea pleased her, and she set about putting it into practice at + once. + </p> + <p> + During the next three months she applied herself diligently and as she + worked she became deeply interested in her occupation. Almost + immediately there was a change for the better in her health and general + appearance Her eye brightened, the lassitude that pervaded her movements + disappeared and something of her old energy returned to her. + </p> + <p> + She wasted no more time in useless brooding and pining; less tears were + shed at night, for, wearied with her close application to her work + during the day, sleep stole her senses and wrapped her in healthful + rest. + </p> + <p> + At the time appointed for all competitors to send in their designs, + Virgie was ready to subject her work to criticism. + </p> + <p> + She had made three designs, each differing in style and character from + the others, but all so attractive that she felt almost sure they would + bring her some return, even if she was not the fortunate winner of the + prize. + </p> + <p> + Besides these, she had been hard at work upon an idea of her own, which + she intended to show the publisher, hoping to win his approbation and + assistance in bringing it before the public. + </p> + <p> + Dressing herself plainly, but with taste, she started out one morning + with her treasures, and presenting herself at the publishing house + referred to, asked to see the proprietor. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemanly clerk led her to a private office, where she found a + pleasant-looking, elderly gentleman who regarded her a trifle curiously, + but greeted her courteously, and then politely asked her business with + him. + </p> + <p> + "Some time ago I saw an advertisement in your name, relating to + Christmas souvenirs," Virgie began, "and as this is the date on which + they were required to be delivered I have brought my contribution for + your inspection." + </p> + <p> + The gentleman bowed, but hesitated a moment before replying. + </p> + <p> + Virgie's manner and language told him that she was a lady, and he did + not like to say anything to wound her; but the advertisement to which + she referred had distinctly stated that competitors were, under no + consideration to expect a personal interview regarding their + contributions. They were either to be sent by mail or left at the office + until an examination by the proprietor should decide who the fortunate + winner of the prize might be. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" he began, "I understand you desire to leave the specimens of your + work with me." + </p> + <p> + Virgie flushed, for his tone was rather frigid. Then she recovered + herself, and her face lighted with her rare, beautiful smile, which went + directly to the publisher's heart. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," she answered, laying a package upon his desk. "Of course I + understand that I am not to expect a private examination of my work. I + had no intention of annoying you with the matter. I am willing to take + my chance with others. But there is another matter upon which I would + like to consult with you if you can spare me a little time." + </p> + <p> + She now drew forth a more bulky package from her bag. + </p> + <p> + "Some manuscript, perhaps, which you would like examined?" responded the + gentleman, glancing at it, but speaking indifferently. + </p> + <p> + "No, not manuscript according to the common acceptation of the term; and + yet, in reality, I suppose it is." + </p> + <p> + "Can you not leave it with me? I will look at it with pleasure later;" + but his tone was not very encouraging. + </p> + <p> + "I should prefer not to do so, because there is not very much time + between now and Christmas, and if you do not approve of it I shall like + to take it elsewhere," Virgie replied, untying the dainty ribbon which + bound her package, and, removing the wrapper, she laid before him a + little book about eight inches square and comprising some twenty or + thirty pages. + </p> + <p> + It was composed of half sheets of the heaviest and nicest of unruled + paper, tied together in three places with beautiful little cords and + tassels of pale-blue silk. + </p> + <p> + On the cover, in a lovely design composed of mountain ferns, most + exquisitely executed, there was written, in a dainty hand, the + title—"Gleanings from the Heights." + </p> + <p> + The gentleman uttered a low exclamation of pleasure as his eye fell upon + this. + </p> + <p> + His attention was riveted; there was no indifference in his manner now. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXIII.<br/> + A Mysterious Stranger. + </h2> + <p> + "Did you do this?" Mr. Knight, the publisher, asked, looking up after a + close examination of the dainty cover. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," Virgie answered, with a quiet smile, and, seeing that she + had gained her point, that he would not leave it until he had seen the + whole, she sat down near him to await his verdict. + </p> + <p> + Page after page was turned and on each there was a lovely group of + mountain foliage, flowers, or ferns, all beautifully executed in pen and + ink, while underneath the design, or cunningly woven around it, was + written, in a dainty hand, some appropriate verse or couplet, quotations + from various authors, with now and then a bit of real heart rhyme that + had been the outgrowth of Virgie's own sad experiences. + </p> + <p> + Everything, as the title indicated, had been taken from the + mountains—from those heights where she had spent the last few years of + her life. + </p> + <p> + It had been her custom, after gathering the wild, beautiful things, to + carefully arrange them and then copy them upon paper. + </p> + <p> + This amusement had served to pass away many an otherwise tedious hour, + and she had a portfolio full of these charming designs, which were + likely to prove of great value to her in the future, as we shall see. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight took ample time for his examination of her work, so much, + indeed, that Virgie began to grow weary and anxious to get back to her + little one. + </p> + <p> + But at last the gentleman leaned back in his chair, took off his + spectacles, and turned his keen, searching glance full upon his + visitor's face. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," he said, "it is not my custom to speak extravagantly upon any + subject; but I am bound to admit that this is the finest thing of its + kind that it has ever been my privilege to examine." + </p> + <p> + A beautiful color sprang into Virgie's cheeks at this high praise. She + had known that her work was well done, but she had not expected to be + told of it quite so frankly or emphatically. + </p> + <p> + She bowed, and murmured her thanks for his appreciation + </p> + <p> + "What do you want to do with it?" Mr. Knight asked. + </p> + <p> + "Get it published as a holiday souvenir, and make it pay me a handsome + sum for my trouble," Virgie responded, in a business-like tone, and then + was half-frightened at her own boldness. + </p> + <p> + The publisher's eyes twinkled with amusement. + </p> + <p> + "What would you consider a handsome sum?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + Virgie thought a moment; then she replied: + </p> + <p> + "You have offered one, two, and three hundred dollars as prizes for the + simple souvenirs described in your advertisement, and surely a work like + this must be worth much more." + </p> + <p> + "Very true; but will you name some price for it? I confess that I should + like to take it, if you do not value it <i>too</i> highly." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was astonished at this. + </p> + <p> + She had not expected to be allowed to name her own price. She had + supposed, if her work was approved at all, to receive some moderate + offer, which she could accept or decline as she saw fit. + </p> + <p> + But she shrank from setting a value upon her work. It was her first + effort, and she had no more idea of its worth, as a work of art, than a + child. + </p> + <p> + "Sir," she returned, "I will tell you frankly that I never did anything + of the kind before; that is, I have never attempted to <i>dispose</i> of + any of my work and I do not know what it ought to bring me. I have been + suddenly thrown upon my own resources, and it occurred to me that I + might turn my one talent to some account." + </p> + <p> + "Your 'one talent' will prove a very valuable one, if rightly employed," + interposed the publisher, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," returned Virgie, flushing again. "And now, since my little + book pleases you, will you kindly make me an offer?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Miss —— What shall I call you, please? I like to know the names + of people with whom I am dealing," Mr. Knight observed, with a + business-like air. + </p> + <p> + A sudden shock went over Virgie, making her tingle to her finger-tips at + this question. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time that she had been asked to give her name since + coming to San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + She had lived so like a recluse that there had been no occasion, and she + had never decided what she would be called. She could not use her + husband's name. + </p> + <p> + If she had more time to think she might have answered the publisher + differently; but, as it was, she said, hastily, and not without some + confusion: + </p> + <p> + "My name is Mrs.—Alexander." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight started slightly, and threw a searching glance at her. + </p> + <p> + "Alexander! Ah, I used to know—But, pardon me; I was about to make you + an offer, I believe." + </p> + <p> + He seemed to consider a moment, then continued: + </p> + <p> + "I will give you five hundred dollars for this little work, just as it + stands, and if it proves to be a success after it is published, I will + add ten per cent, of the sales to that amount." + </p> + <p> + Virgie could scarcely credit her hearing at this generous offer. + </p> + <p> + She had never dreamed of anything like it, and bright visions of future + prosperity for herself and her child, attained through her own efforts, + alone, flitted through her mind. + </p> + <p> + But she did not lose her self-possession or betray her excessive delight + at the unexpected proposal. + </p> + <p> + "What am I to understand by your words, 'if it proves a success?'" she + asked. + </p> + <p> + Again the publisher's eyes twinkled. + </p> + <p> + He knew that she was a novice in dealing with business men, but he saw + that she was shrewd and practical, and, finding her talent valuable, + meant to make the most of it. + </p> + <p> + He meant, however, to do so well by her that she would be satisfied to + give her services exclusively to him. + </p> + <p> + "Well," he replied, "if the sales reach a thousand copies I shall + consider the book a success." + </p> + <p> + He knew well enough, if he could get it out in season, he could easily + sell three times that number for it was a wonderfully unique and + attractive affair. + </p> + <p> + "More than that," he continued, "if you are pleased to accept my offer, + I should like to engage you to prepare two or three designs of a similar + character for the Easter trade." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was not proof against all this good fortune. Her lips trembled, + and she was very near breaking down. + </p> + <p> + It seemed almost as if heaven had suddenly opened and sent her a kind + friend in the midst of her darkness and trouble. + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind, sir; I feel that you have made me a most liberal + offer, and I accept it most gratefully," she said. + </p> + <p> + Something in her tone—a sort of hopeless cadence mingling with the + gratitude, as if with all this good fortune there were a lurking despair + in her heart—touched the gentleman deeply. + </p> + <p> + He was becoming greatly interested in this beautiful woman, who, with + that look of heart-broken sadness in her violet eyes, and that grieved + droop about her sweet mouth, he believed must have some thrilling + history connected with her young life. + </p> + <p> + "Then, Mrs. Alexander, do your best, and give me something especially + nice for Easter," he returned, brightly, and appearing not to notice her + emotion. + </p> + <p> + He arose as he spoke, and took leave of her with a cordial handshake, + saying that she would hear from him again soon regarding her other + designs, and Virgie went on her homeward way with more of hope and + courage than she had known since her great trouble came upon her. + </p> + <p> + She had nearly reached the street where she lived, when something + occurred to give her a fearful start. + </p> + <p> + In turning a corner she suddenly came face to face with a man who was + wrapped in a heavy circular cape, its collar turned up close about his + face and concealing the whole lower portion of it. He wore a + wide-brimmed hat that was drawn down over his brow, so that, with the + collar and hat together, scarcely anything of his countenance was + visible save a pair of piercing black eyes, and a long, sharp nose. + </p> + <p> + As Virgie met those eyes, which were fixed upon her with an eager, + questioning look, she had difficulty in repressing a scream of fear and + surprise. + </p> + <p> + The next moment, however, she recovered herself, and passed him as if he + had been an utter stranger; but, though outwardly calm and indifferent, + she was trembling in every limb, while a sense of weakness caused by the + shock she had received, made it seem as if she could not go on her way. + </p> + <p> + But she knew it would not do for her to stop, for a sidelong glance over + her shoulder and the sound of a step behind her told her that the + muffled figure was following her, evidently with the intention of + accosting her. + </p> + <p> + "How dare he come back here? It cannot be that he knows me after all + these years," she said to herself as she quickened her pace and sped on + toward her home. + </p> + <p> + Then a sudden thought smote her. + </p> + <p> + "He must not know where I live, if it <i>is</i> he, and I am sure I + cannot be mistaken, for those eyes are like no others in the world. What + shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + She was rapidly nearing her own door, but a sudden purpose impelled her + to keep on and go straight by, without even a pause or a look that way. + </p> + <p> + A block or two beyond she came to a store where she sometimes went to + purchase articles that she needed She entered, and going to a counter, + called for the first thing she could think of, but kept her eye on the + door to see if the man had followed her. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there could be no doubt that her steps were dogged, for the man + passed even as she looked. + </p> + <p> + His keen glance searched her out immediately; then he paused, turned, + and walked slowly back. + </p> + <p> + The store was on a corner, and there were two entrances to it—one on + the front, one at the side. + </p> + <p> + Virgie paid for her purchase, then worked her way around, going from + counter to counter, until she reached the side entrance, when she went + slyly out, waited until she saw a car approaching, hailed it, and in + another moment went rolling down the street, believing that she had + eluded the keen eyes that were on the watch for her. + </p> + <p> + Not so, however; for the man, having heard the car stop, darted around + the corner, and espied her in it just as it was about turning into + another street. + </p> + <p> + He could not overtake it, and with a muttered expression of annoyance, + he was obliged to wait for the next one. But he saw no more of Virgie + that day, for she took a transfer, and when about a mile from her home + changed cars and at length reached her own door, confident that she had + escaped her pursuer for that time. + </p> + <p> + A day or two afterward she saw a personal in one of the daily papers + that both puzzled and alarmed her. + </p> + <p> + F.V.A., whom I met on the corner of W. and C. streets, will communicate + with M.A., Lock Box 95, she will learn something to her advantage. + </p> + <p> + This was the advertisement, and Virgie knew at once that she had been + recognized by that man muffled in the cloak. + </p> + <p> + "That means me," she said, growing deadly white, "and I was not + mistaken. <i>He</i> has come back. How dare he? What can he want of me? + But I will never see him. I will have nothing to say to him. I will hide + myself from him. It is evident he has not discovered where I live, else + he would have been here before this, and I will take care that he does + not find me out." + </p> + <p> + After that she was very careful about going out, always closely veiling + her face, and wearing a long circular to conceal her form, when she was + obliged to do so, which was not often, as, with rare exceptions, her + business with Mr. Knight could be mostly transacted by correspondence. + </p> + <p> + Thus several months passed without her seeing or hearing anything more + of the person who had so disturbed her, until at last she believed he + must have left the city, and she gave herself no further concern about + him. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXIV.<br/> + The Tie Is Broken. + </h2> + <p> + There was no lack of employment now for Virgie. She had plenty to occupy + heart, and brain, and hands, and of such a congenial nature that she + reaped great benefit from it both mentally and physically. + </p> + <p> + Of course nothing could ever blot out from her memory the terrible + trouble and suffering that she had had to endure, but her work brought + its own enjoyment so that she no longer spent such wretched days and + nights as formerly. Her baby was every day growing interesting and a + source of great comfort to her, while her life generally was tending to + bring out the latent qualities of her character, the energy and + self-reliance, the skill and talent which otherwise might never have + developed into activity. + </p> + <p> + More than a year went by, while every month she was earning a handsome + sum, having been permanently engaged by Mr. Knight to keep him supplied + with those novelties which she was so skillful in originating. + </p> + <p> + Her "Gleanings from the Heights" proved a great success, selling faster + than the firm could issue them. Besides this she had been awarded the + first prize on the other souvenirs, so that, pecuniarily, she had + nothing to fear for the future. + </p> + <p> + And now she set about another undertaking which she had long + contemplated; that of obtaining a divorce from her husband. + </p> + <p> + She did not take this step because she had any desire to break the tie + that bound her to him, and she would never have moved in the matter at + all but for the fact that others had assailed her fair name and assumed + that her child was dishonored. + </p> + <p> + Her chief aim, in collecting the proofs of the legality of her marriage, + had been to secure to little Virgie the right to the name she bore, and + an indisputable title to her inheritance by and by when she should be of + a suitable age to claim and enjoy it. + </p> + <p> + She meant to give her every advantage as she grew older, and do + everything possible to fit her for a high position in life; and when, at + length, she should reach her majority, she would claim her rights and + take care that she secured them in spite of all opposition. + </p> + <p> + This was all the revenge that Virgie ever intended to take for the wrong + that she believed herself to have suffered at her husband's hands. She + would scorn to accept anything for herself, but the lawful position of + her daughter must and <i>should</i> be recognized. + </p> + <p> + Her residence of a year in San Francisco had given her the right to + apply to the court to have her marriage bonds annulled, and she put her + case into the hands of a competent lawyer, recommended by Mr. Knight, to + whom she had confided something of her history, and solicited his advice + regarding the matter. + </p> + <p> + He had advised her not to take any legal proceedings until she had tried + to confer with Sir William again. + </p> + <p> + "There is some mistake, I feel sure," he said, "some misunderstanding + which might be explained if proper measures were adopted." + </p> + <p> + "A mistake!" repeated Virgie, scornfully, her eyes blazing with + indignation. "I imagine that the only mistake about the whole matter is + that I allowed myself to become the dupe of an unprincipled man." + </p> + <p> + "It can at least do no harm to write him what your intentions are," + suggested Mr. Knight, mildly. + </p> + <p> + "I wrote him letter after letter while I was in New York. Mrs. Farnum, + of whom I have told you, knew the whole family, and wrote of me to Lady + Linton, but they appeared to be in total ignorance of even my existence, + while Mrs. Farnum asserted that Sir William had been engaged for years + to Miss Stanhope, and I have already told you of his subsequent marriage + with her." + </p> + <p> + "Still I cannot comprehend how he should dare to commit such a wrong," + persisted Mr. Knight. "He must have known that his marriage with you was + legal, according to the laws of the State in which it occurred, and the + mere fact of his leaving the country could not annul it. If he had + assumed a name while he was here, it would not seem so inexplicable, but + all the papers which you hold go to show that he married you under his + own name and title; while your description of the character of the man + makes it seem utterly impossible that he should be guilty of such + conduct." + </p> + <p> + "True. When I think of that, I am heart-broken," said Virgie, breaking + down for a moment. "He seemed so true and noble in every respect, and he + was particular to have his title appear in the certificate, although he + did not adopt it while traveling because he found he was less + conspicuous as plain Mr. Heath." + </p> + <p> + "It almost seems to me as if some plot had been laid to separate you," + said Mr. Knight, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Impossible! How could such a thing be?" queried Virgie, skeptically. + "Who would plot against us?" + </p> + <p> + "Your letters on both sides may have been intercepted by some enemy with + that end in view." + </p> + <p> + "He has no enemy that I am aware of; neither have I. I did not know a + single individual when I went to New York, so there was no one there who + would be likely to meddle with our correspondence. More than this, if he + did not hear from me, and was true to me, or had possessed an atom of + affection for his child, it is but natural to suppose that he would have + taken prompt measures to ascertain what the trouble was. No; the more I + dwell upon it, the more I am convinced that what he has done was a + scheme to secure my property, and then leave me to my fate. I can think + of no other object that he could have had." + </p> + <p> + Alas! Virgie realized long after how she had wronged a noble man with + these dreadful suspicions, and even while she was giving utterance to + them, her heart was heavy with a sense of injustice done the man whom, + even then, she loved most fondly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight shook his head in a doubtful manner at her last words, and + yet he looked perplexed. + </p> + <p> + "You think I am too hard," Virgie continued, bitterly "but does not even + the provision which he made for me before leaving New York look as if he + did not intend to return to me?" + </p> + <p> + "You refer to the five thousand dollars which he deposited for you; it + was a very generous amount, truly." + </p> + <p> + Of course I could not begin to use such a sum in the few weeks that he + pretended he should be away; while the additional five hundred dollars + which he sent me through his sister goes to prove that he had no + intention of ever coming back to me, yet did not wish me to suffer for + lack of means." + </p> + <p> + "I do not like the aspect of that transaction at all," responded Mr. + Knight, emphatically. "It looks to me as if his sister had had more to + do with the matter than rightly belonged to her. Who knows but what she + may have been opposed to her brother's marriage and has been at the + bottom of all the trouble?" he concluded, reasoning with a shrewdness + which he did not realize. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie could not be convinced. + </p> + <p> + "I do not believe that," she said, with a sigh; "it looks to me as if he + was ashamed—conscience-smitten—and did not have the moral courage to + communicate with me himself." + </p> + <p> + Yet, even as she said it, she knew that such a course was utterly at + variance with his character, as she had known it. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mrs. Alexander—or Mrs. Heath, I suppose I ought to call you—I + will not say more to dissuade you from your purpose; but let me advise + you, as a sincere friend, to go to England and ascertain for yourself + just how matters are, before you proceed any further." + </p> + <p> + Virgie started to her feet, with crimson cheeks and flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Go to England!—to Heathdale! to find another woman queening it there + in <i>my</i> place!—to be brow-beaten and insulted by that proud + family!—to be disowned by the man who has already wronged me beyond all + forgiveness! Never, sir!" + </p> + <p> + "You could at least demand your own—the money that your father left + you." + </p> + <p> + "And do you suppose I should get it? I have no proof that my father ever + left me a dollar. Sir William has every paper in his own possession. I + have not a scrap even that would enable me to wrest so much as a pound + from him as my right." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight looked grave. Certainly matters were not very promising for + the injured wife. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is the most incomprehensible affair that I ever heard of," he + said. "I still think, though, that a personal interview would be the + wiser course before proceeding further. However, a proper notice will + have to be served upon the man, and if there has been any + misunderstanding, or he has any desire to contest your appeal for a + divorce, he will probably make it apparent when the right time comes. + And now, regarding the best counsel for you, I think my friend, + Templeton would work well for you, and secure a bill with as little + notoriety as any one." + </p> + <p> + Virgie shivered at this business-like talk of "a bill." It was almost + like severing soul from body to break the sacred tie that bound her to + the man she so fondly loved, and nothing save the belief that another + was occupying the place that rightly belonged to her could have induced + her to take such a step. + </p> + <p> + She applied to Mr. Templeton, as Mr. Knight advised He, too, counseled + further intercourse with the baronet, for, to his keen mind, also, the + whole affair appeared more like a conspiracy on the part of enemies than + a willful wrong perpetrated by the husband. + </p> + <p> + But Virgie utterly refused to hold any communication with Sir William. + </p> + <p> + "He will have to be notified regarding the proceedings about to be + instituted against him," she said, "and if he is guiltless of wrong he + will surely hasten to make it apparent." + </p> + <p> + In spite of her obstinate refusal to make further overtures, something + of hope had been revived in her heart by the united opinions of Mr. + Knight and her lawyer that some enemy had plotted to separate her from + her husband. She remembered what Mrs. Farnum had told her about the + pride of his family, and it might be there was some foundation for the + belief of the two gentlemen. She could understand how that might + possibly be the case as far as intercepting their letters was concerned, + but those other facts of the long engagement and the marriage with Miss + Stanhope were things which she could not explain by any reasoning. + </p> + <p> + Still she kept hoping for some word during the time that intervened + between the notification and the day set for the hearing of the case. + Day after day she waited and watched for some tidings from her husband + starting at every unusual sound, growing almost faint at the opening and + shutting of a door, and even imagining she saw a familiar form as she + sat at her window and eagerly scanned every passer-by. + </p> + <p> + She grew thin and pale with this dreadful suspense; she seemed to be + consuming with fever, and was so restless and nervous that her friend, + Mr. Knight, feared that her mind might suffer from such tension. + </p> + <p> + She hoped until the last moment, although she tried to conceal it, but + when the dreaded day arrived, when her case was presented and there was + no one to contest it; when the judge rendered his decision, declaring + that her marriage was null and void, that henceforth in the eyes of the + law and the world she was free from the man to whom she had solemnly + promised to cling until death should part them, her courage and strength + forsook her, and she was carried lifeless from the court-room, while for + three weeks afterward she lay weak and ill, and almost indifferent to + life. + </p> + <p> + The only grain of comfort in this time of woe was derived from the fact + that the child had been given to her, and she had no fear of ever having + it taken from her, even if Sir William should ever be moved to a desire + to have her. + </p> + <p> + For a time she seemed wholly unlike herself; but the kind-hearted + publisher knew that the best antidote for all kinds of trouble is work, + and he kept her crowded with orders, until she felt obliged to rally her + failing energies and to take up the burdens of life once more. + </p> + <p> + Thus the winter passed; but, when summer came again, little Virgie began + to droop in the noisome atmosphere of the city, and the physician said + she must be taken where she could have purer air and country living; so + Virgie went to a quiet little place a few miles out of the city, where + she remained the entire season, not returning to San Francisco until + late in October, and thus a cruel fate again seemed to mock her, for + during her absence Sir William Heath had come to seek her again, and not + finding her, he, too, had grown heart-sick with despair and hope + deferred. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXV.<br/> + Sir William Becomes Guardian. + </h2> + <p> + Very distressing were the thoughts of the young baronet, who had so + suddenly returned to his home and been stricken with illness. + </p> + <p> + He had been sick at Alexandria when he received the document notifying + him that Virgie was seeking a divorce. + </p> + <p> + He was absolutely paralyzed as he read it, and saw by the date that it + would be utterly impossible for him to reach America in time to stay the + proceedings. + </p> + <p> + He could not even reach England in season to cable for that purpose, and + he was so overcome by the knowledge and his own helplessness, as to + render him unable to travel for a couple of weeks longer. + </p> + <p> + One thing gave him some satisfaction. He at least knew that Virgie was + in San Francisco, and that she must have been residing in the State for + some time to allow her the right to apply for the divorce there. She + must have been there even while he was there searching for her, and it + seemed terribly cruel to him that he should have missed her. + </p> + <p> + But he resolved that he would find her yet, if she lived. Poor darling! + what a bitter lot had been hers during this last year, believing what + she must of him. It should not go on, however; he would seek her and + vindicate himself; he would prove to her that he had never wavered in + his truth to her in spite of all the evidence against him. He would + prove his love for her, and he would win her again, even though the + dread decree had been pronounced, bring her back with him to Heathdale, + and they would be happy yet. + </p> + <p> + And his child—the precious little one whom he had never seen—his heart + cried out for her with an uncontrollable yearning—his baby! his + miniature Virgie! + </p> + <p> + Thus, as we already know, he went directly to Heathdale where he arrived + on the very evening that Lady Linton had received the papers announcing + that his wife had secured a decree of divorce. + </p> + <p> + He was very wretched in spite of his sister's hearty welcome and efforts + to render him comfortable; and during her absence from the room to see + that something unusually nice should be prepared for him, anxious, + bitter thoughts crowded his mind, and he rebelled against the arbitrary + weariness and lassitude that bound him, as with chains of iron, and + compelled him to rest. + </p> + <p> + Gradually, however, his glance began to wander over the familiar room, + lingering now upon some picture, now upon some rare article of virtu, + each endeared by peculiar associations, until at length it rested upon + the table and that document, which his sister had dropped and forgotten + in her surprise at his appearance. + </p> + <p> + Its likeness to the one he had previously received startled him. + </p> + <p> + He arose and went forward to examine it. Its postmark told him at once + whence it had come. + </p> + <p> + A deathly paleness overspread his face; a horrible numbness fell upon + his heart. + </p> + <p> + With trembling hands he tore it open, and one glance was sufficient to + tell him the nature of its contents. + </p> + <p> + It was the one bitter blow too much, even though he had half-expected + it, and, with a despairing cry that would have melted the hardest heart, + "Lost! lost! Virgie, my love! my love!" he fell prone upon the floor, + clutching that fatal paper in his grasp. + </p> + <p> + Long weeks of watching and anxiety followed—weeks during which Lady + Linton began to fear that she was paying dearly for her plotting and + treachery, even though her son might become the master of Heathdale in + the event of her brother's death. + </p> + <p> + But he did not die. His constitution was naturally rugged, and by the + end of winter, after many alternations of hope and fear, he slowly began + to rally. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was able to be dressed and sit up he began to talk of + going again to America. + </p> + <p> + Of course Sir Herbert Randal vetoed such a proposition at once. + </p> + <p> + "You are not to stir outside the grounds of Heathdale for three months + at least," he said, decidedly. + </p> + <p> + "But I must, Sir Herbert. You have no idea how much is at stake," the + sick man pleaded. + </p> + <p> + "You must not. I cannot help how much there is at stake," returned the + physician, firmly. "I have had hard work to get you up, even so far, + from this nervous prostration and the least excitement or imprudence + will cause a dangerous relapse." + </p> + <p> + And so, with despair at his heart, Sir William was obliged to submit. + </p> + <p> + He tried to write to Virgie, intending to send the letter to her through + the lawyer whom she had employed and whose name had appeared in + connection with the papers he had received, but he could not; he found + that his brain was too weak to permit of the framing of even a sentence, + and he knew that he could never plead his cause successfully in such a + state. + </p> + <p> + He shrank from asking any one else to write for him; his sister he knew + was not in sympathy with him, and he would not confide in her. + </p> + <p> + When his mind had become strong enough to realize what was going on + about him, he had one day asked Lady Linton to bring him both documents + that had come to him from America. + </p> + <p> + She obeyed him, making no comment, though her manner betrayed that she + knew well enough their character. + </p> + <p> + He told her to lock them in a certain drawer which no one was ever + allowed to open save himself. + </p> + <p> + She did so in his presence, and earnestly hoped, as the key clicked upon + them, that that episode in her brother's life was buried for all time. + </p> + <p> + But she was not long in finding that she was to be disappointed + </p> + <p> + As summer advanced Sir William gained more rapidly and by August he was + pronounced comparatively well, although he was still but the ghost of + his former self. + </p> + <p> + Then he announced his determination of again crossing the Atlantic, and + Lady Linton's heart failed her. Would he never relinquish his chase + after that miserable girl? + </p> + <p> + She earnestly pleaded that he would not leave home again. + </p> + <p> + "I must," he replied, sternly. "I must find my wife." + </p> + <p> + "Your wife!" she retorted, losing all patience; "you have no wife." + </p> + <p> + "Be still, Miriam," he commanded, growing frightfully pale. "I see that + you know what has occurred, and though the law may have succeeded in + breaking the tie between us, yet in my heart I claim Virgie as my wife + just as truly to-day as she ever was. I will search the world over for + her; if I find her the law will give her to me again, for I believe that + she is still true to me, whatever she may think of me; if I do <i>not</i> + find her, I shall live and die cherishing her image alone." + </p> + <p> + Lady Linton knew that he meant what he said. + </p> + <p> + "That will be bad for Sadie's hopes," she thought; "but doubtless Percy + will be the gainer, unless he succeeds in finding that girl. I never + believed his pride would let him go chasing after her like this." + </p> + <p> + The last of August found him again on the ocean. + </p> + <p> + The voyage proved beneficial, and he was in much better health and + strength when he landed in New York than when he left England. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded directly to San Francisco as fast as steam and wheels could + take him, determined to seek out Mr. Templeton, Virgie's lawyer, who, he + believed, would tell him where she could be found. + </p> + <p> + But a terrible disappointment awaited him there. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Templeton had retired from business at the beginning of summer, and, + with his family, had gone abroad for an indefinite period. + </p> + <p> + He could not even obtain his address, and was thus prevented from + communicating with him by letter. + </p> + <p> + Then he began another wearisome search. Day after day he haunted the + streets of the city. He inquired, he advertised, and used every method + he could think of to ascertain where his darling was, but without avail, + for, as we know, she had gone into the country on little Virgie's + account, while Mr. Knight was away on a trip to British Columbia, or he + might have seen Sir William's advertisements, and helped him in the + matter so near, his heart. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of October he decided to go once more to her old home + among the mountains of Nevada, hoping to learn something of her there. + </p> + <p> + But, of course, he did not, and he finally came to the conclusion that + she must have left California after obtaining her divorce. At least he + thought she would leave San Francisco, for he knew that there were + unpleasant associations connected with her past life there, and he did + not believe she would like to make her home in that city, where + disagreeable rumors might still exist. But, still resolving to find her + at any cost, he turned his face in another direction, and began anew his + wanderings up and down the land. + </p> + <p> + Three weary years he spent thus, following every clew, but all to no + purpose. Then, saddened and disheartened he was compelled to give up the + chase and return to Heathdale, for his estate demanded his personal + attention. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum and her daughter were full of hope, after learning that the + decree of divorce had been granted, that the beauty and belle would at + last succeed in securing the prize she had so long coveted. + </p> + <p> + Every art was made use of to captivate the wealthy baronet, but it was + evident that his heart was irrevocably fixed—that he had no intention + of ever marrying again. Finally the disappointed girl gave her hand to a + rich, but aged and feeble lord, and tried to satisfy her heart and + ambition with the golden husks thus achieved. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Farnum lost her husband soon after her return from America, and + afterward made her home mostly with her daughter. But she was far from + being a happy woman, even though she had everything which unlimited + wealth could purchase. Her conscience never ceased to trouble her for + the part she had played in helping to ruin the life of that beautiful + wife and mother whom she had met in New York. She was ever haunted by + that sad, sweet face. She had been half-tempted, many times, to confess + everything to Sir William, hoping thus to atone in part for what she had + done, and because, after she found that Sadie's cause was hopeless, she + began to pity that poor, injured girl; but her fear of Lady Linton, and + also of Sir William's righteous anger, prevented her doing so. + </p> + <p> + Thus five years passed. + </p> + <p> + It was now ten years since Sir William Heath's marriage with Virgie, but + he was still true to the one love of his youth. He continued to cherish + her image in his heart, even as he had vowed to do, and though he had + come to believe her lost to him forever, he had determined that no other + should occupy the place he had once given to her. + </p> + <p> + But about this time something occurred to create a pleasant change in + his saddened life. + </p> + <p> + A dear friend of his youth died, leaving to his care his fine, manly + little son, now in his twelfth year, who had been the pride of his + father's heart, the comfort of widowered, lonely years. + </p> + <p> + Major Hamilton had been in Her Majesty's service for many years, and at + the time of his death was serving on an important appointment abroad. + </p> + <p> + During this service he had acquired many honors and great wealth. His + wife was the second daughter of Lord Shaftonsberry, but she had lived + only one short month after the birth of their only son, Rupert, who was + now to become the ward of Sir William Heath. + </p> + <p> + He was a noble little fellow, and it was not long before the baronet + became fondly attached to him, and believed that perhaps he had at last + found, in rearing this child of promise to manhood, something that would + add interest and zest to his dreary and monotonous life. Lady Linton, + who was still at Heathdale, and nominally its mistress, received the + orphaned stranger with great kindness. + </p> + <p> + He was heir presumptive to the title and estates of Shaftonsberry, if + death should remove the present incumbent who as yet had no children of + his own, and this circumstance, in addition to the great wealth which + young Rupert inherited from his father, made him a person of + considerable consequence. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship's mind, with its habitual cunning, leaped forward eight or + ten years, and planned a union of the houses of Linton and + Shaftonsberry, by the marriage of her daughter, Lillian, now eleven + years of age, with her brother's ward. + </p> + <p> + She argued that everything was in her favor for accomplishing this, for + the children would be reared beneath the same roof, and it would be + comparatively easy to educate them to consider themselves destined for + each other. + </p> + <p> + Of course this arch plotter kept all this to herself, for she well knew + that her brother would sternly oppose all match-making of this sort; but + it became a dearly cherished plan with her, and she bent all her + energies toward its accomplishment. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2>Chapter XXVI.<br/> + "I Shall Never Marry Again." + </h2> + <p> + Virgie returned to San Francisco about two weeks after Sir William + quitted the city. + </p> + <p> + Her little girl, now more than two years old, was much improved, and had + grown to be a remarkably interesting child, while she was of the + greatest comfort to her mother whose every hope was now centered in her. + </p> + <p> + Virgie entered upon her work with renewed interest, although she had not + been idle during the summer by any means. With her pen she had copied + nature in every possible phase, and had brought home, for her winter's + campaign, rich treasures of beauty and art. + </p> + <p> + She had for some time been engaged upon quite an extensive work, which + was to be elegantly bound, and which promised to be something very rare + and unique. + </p> + <p> + She threw herself into this with such energy, after her return, and + worked at it so steadily and with so much enthusiasm, that Mr. Knight + really began to fear that she would overtax her strength. + </p> + <p> + From the first he had been deeply interested in the beautiful and + talented woman who bore her sorrows so bravely and battled so + courageously with the adverse fate that had well-nigh ruined her life. + He had pitied her friendlessness, and tried to throw around her a sort + of fatherly care and protection; but as he came to know her better, to + realize her strength of mind and character, and beauty of disposition, a + warmer feeling began to take the place of pity and compassion, until, as + she grew to confide in and rely upon him more and more, the hope that he + might perhaps win her to share and brighten his lonely home during the + declining years of his life, gradually dawned upon him, and he finally + resolved to ask her to become his wife. + </p> + <p> + "I could save her from all this toil, and all uncertainty about the + future. I would ask no greater happiness than to see her mistress of my + home during the remainder of my life, and then, when I am gone, she will + have all my wealth to smooth her own future." + </p> + <p> + Thus he mused while considering the propriety of putting his fate to the + test. + </p> + <p> + One day Virgie came into his office to consult with him regarding some + point connected with her book, and he thought she appeared weary and + looked paler than usual. + </p> + <p> + "You are working too hard, Mrs. Alexander," he said. "Do not apply + yourself so closely—there is no need." + </p> + <p> + "No need?" returned Virgie; "there is every need. I am very mercenary, + Mr. Knight," she added, smiling "I am determined to make all the money I + can, so that my dear little girl may have every advantage by and by." + </p> + <p> + "But if you tax your strength too severely you may break down, and that + would be far worse than not to make money quite so rapidly." + </p> + <p> + "I do not think I am going beyond my strength," Virgie replied, gravely. + "Besides, I am much more content when I am very busy; it keeps me + from—thinking." + </p> + <p> + "You ought to be far more than simply 'content,'" answered Mr. Knight, + regarding the fair face wistfully, "for you are not only making plenty + of money, but winning fame for yourself also. The name of Alexander bids + fair to become renowned." + </p> + <p> + Virgie started violently at this, and glanced sharply at her companion. + Then a burning blush suffused her face, and she said, in a low, pained + tone: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I hope not! I—I do not wish to be known. I am afraid I have done + wrong in using the name at all. I did it hastily, impulsively——" + </p> + <p> + She stopped, covered with confusion, a look of distress on her lovely + face for having allowed herself to say so much. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Knight looked astonished for a moment, while he earnestly studied + her countenance. Then light seemed to dawn upon him suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me," he said, leaning eagerly toward her, "but what you have + said has enlightened me regarding something that has puzzled me since + the day I first met you. You are the daughter of Abbot Alexander who + disappeared so mysteriously from this city several years ago." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is true," Virgie confessed, with bowed head and burning cheeks. + "But, oh, Mr. Knight, pray do not allow any one else to suspect my + identity if you can avoid it. Put some other name to my books, or put no + name at all to them. For my father's sake, I shrink from attracting + public attention to his name." + </p> + <p> + "My dear young friend, I fear you are morbidly sensitive I used to know + your father, and I always esteemed him as a noble man—one whose honor + was unimpeachable." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! Then you do not know—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I do know all about that financial earthquake which wrought his + ruin and that of many others; but I am sure <i>he</i> was blameless." + </p> + <p> + "You judge him, then, more kindly than others," Virgie returned, almost + weeping to hear her father so warmly defended. "There are few, I fear, + who do not believe the very worst of him even now." + </p> + <p> + "Doubtless that is true," Mr. Knight answered, with a sigh; "but I have + always been convinced that that rascally cashier was at the bottom of + the wrong. You must pardon me for speaking so plainly. I know that he + was a relative, though unworthy the name he bore." + </p> + <p> + "But all the papers stated that the president and cashier were in + league," said Virgie. + </p> + <p> + "I know it; and at first the affair did have that appearance—at least, + such a construction was but natural under the circumstances." + </p> + <p> + "But papa gave up every dollar he possessed to right the wrong." + </p> + <p> + "I know he did, but the amount was so small, compared with that which + had been stolen, that people were skeptical regarding his motives, and + when he also disappeared, they were only too ready to believe that he + had gone to share the plunder with the guilty cashier. But I would as + soon suspect myself of a crime as Abbot Alexander. I <i>know</i> that he + was an honorable man." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it is such a comfort to hear you say this," Virgie murmured, her + voice husky with emotion, her eyes filled with tears. "Poor papa! his + last years were embittered with the thought that every one believed him + a defaulter—that he had not one friend in all the world, save his + daughter, who had faith in him." + </p> + <p> + "He made a great mistake in leaving San Francisco as he did," Mr. Knight + remarked. "If he had remained here and quietly lived down the scandal, + he might in time have recovered the confidence of the people." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! if the stain could be removed from his name and memory!" sighed + Virgie. + </p> + <p> + "I do not like to pain you, my dear," replied Mr. Knight, + sympathetically; "but that would be very difficult to accomplish, unless + that cashier should come forward and make a full confession." + </p> + <p> + Virgie looked up, startled, her face growing very white. + </p> + <p> + "I saw him here in the city last year," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" exclaimed her friend. + </p> + <p> + "I am very sure I was not mistaken," Virgie affirmed and then she told + the publisher the circumstances of her being followed by that muffled + figure and of the advertisement which appeared in the papers a day or + two following, desiring communication with her. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid that <i>you</i> have made a mistake this time," said Mr. + Knight, thoughtfully. "You ought to have communicated with the man." + </p> + <p> + "But I had such a horror of him; I could not believe that he would be + able to tell me of anything to my advantage." + </p> + <p> + "At least he could have done you no harm, and he might have told you + something worth knowing. Promise me, if anything of the same nature + occurs again, you will let me know. If he could be arrested he might be + forced to a confession of the truth." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was greatly disturbed by this view of the matter, and regretted + that she had not had more wisdom at the time. She readily promised to do + as Mr. Knight wished, though she feared she might never again have the + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + "Now that the ice has been broken, and I know who you are, tell me + something of your life among the mountains," said her friend. "I fear it + must have been a very dreary and monotonous one." + </p> + <p> + "It was a very quiet and peaceful one," Virgie answered with a sigh, as + she thought of the storms she had buffeted since. "Papa's claim proved + to be an excellent one, and he made a good deal of money from it; and + after we became somewhat used to the change in our life, it was not so + bad." + </p> + <p> + "But all his earnings there had to be sacrificed also. My poor child; + what a hard lot has been yours! I almost wonder at your having any faith + whatever in human nature," said Mr. Knight, feelingly. + </p> + <p> + "I am sure that <i>you</i> have proved to me that there is at least one + noble man in the world," Virgie returned, gratefully. "I shall never + forget your kindness to me, Mr. Knight; you have been a true friend to + me." + </p> + <p> + The publisher leaned eagerly forward, and gathered her hands in his; her + words had inspired him with hope. + </p> + <p> + "Let me be more than a friend to you, dear," he pleaded. "Let me take + care of you and your little one in the future. I know that I am much + older than you—old enough almost to be your father; but my home is + lonely. I lost my wife ten years ago. I have no children, and my heart + is hungry for some one to love. Dear child, you have been growing very + dear to me ever since you first came to me, and if you can trust me, if + you can give yourself to me, I will not ask too much, or even expect + that you can feel a great deal of affection for me, for I know how + sorely you have been tried and deceived in that respect; but let me + persuade you to come to my home as my honored wife, and I will surround + you with tenderest care. Life shall be made as pleasant as possible for + you, and there will be no need of your toiling any more." + </p> + <p> + Virgie sat as one stunned after this unexpected proposal. + </p> + <p> + She had never thought of anything like this during all her intercourse + with the kind-hearted publisher. She had learned to esteem him very + highly for his goodness to her, and to look up to him almost as to a + father, but the thought of ever being any man's wife again had never + occurred to her. + </p> + <p> + She grew very pale at his words, and instinctively shrank a little from + him. + </p> + <p> + That act told him far more than words could have done, and he knew at + once that his cause was hopeless. + </p> + <p> + He gently released her hands, sighing regretfully, while a look of pain + settled upon his fine face. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! my friend," Virgie began, as soon as she could find her voice, "why + have you said this to me? I have not had the remotest suspicion of—of + your regard and what you have asked can never, never be." + </p> + <p> + "Then forget that I have said anything about it, my dear. I would not + wound you for the world," said the old gentleman, with exceeding + gentleness, but with a still pained, white face. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, please do not think me ungrateful for all your kindness," Virgie + cried, the tears dropping thick and fast from her eyes; "but, believe + me, I can never marry again. I feel, morally speaking, that I am just as + truly Sir William Heath's wife to-day as I ever was, even though the law + has rent the bond that existed between us. I do not feel that a marriage + can be broken except by death." + </p> + <p> + "Then why did you appeal for a divorce?" interrupted Mr. Knight, with + surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Simply that he might be free in the eyes of the world to make that + other woman a legal wife—so that she need not suffer such a wrong + through me." + </p> + <p> + "But she has already suffered it, if what you have heard is true." + </p> + <p> + "That may be, but he now has it in his power to do her justice, if he + chooses. At all events, <i>I</i> can never feel free to change my + condition in life. My whole future must be devoted to the preparation of + my child for the position which she will occupy by and by, for I am + determined that she shall be acknowledged the rightful heir to + Heathdale," Virgie concluded, firmly. + </p> + <p> + "How about the wrong which this other woman and her children will suffer + in that case?" asked the publisher. + </p> + <p> + "That is something which I cannot help—for which I am in no way + responsible. If others suffer, that must be Sir William Heath's + punishment for the wrong which he has done me and my child." + </p> + <p> + Virgie was very pale, showing that she felt strongly on the subject, but + she spoke decidedly, as if her purpose was unalterable. + </p> + <p> + "I can but own the justice of what you have said," responded Mr. Knight, + adding: "But of course it will have to be as you say regarding the + matter of which I spoke. I should have been very happy in providing for + your future, and I had built many hopes upon having your presence in my + home. However, I will never pain you by mentioning the subject again, + and you must consider me the same friend as before. Come to me with all + your plans, your hopes, and your troubles, and believe that I shall + always feel the same interest in them as ever." + </p> + <p> + He arose and held out his hand to her as he spoke, and Virgie could see + that it shook with the emotion which he was bravely trying to conceal. + </p> + <p> + Her heart was almost broken for him, for she knew, that his home was + very silent and lonely. There was no one in it save his sister, a maiden + lady of uncertain age, to make it pleasant for him. + </p> + <p> + "Forgive me!" she said, hardly able to speak, and with an impulsive + movement she bent forward and touched her lips to the hand extended to + her; then turning quickly, she glided from his presence before he could + interpose a word to prevent her. + </p> + <p> + What happened to Virgie, and the final outcome of all her troubles is + told in the sequel to this story entitled "Threads Gathered Up," which + is published in a handsome cloth binding uniform with this volume. + </p> + <h4> + The End. + </h4> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIRGIE’S INHERITANCE ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Virgie's Inheritance + +Author: Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + +Release Date: February 24, 2004 [EBook #11269] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIRGIE'S INHERITANCE *** + + + + +Produced by Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +Virgie's Inheritance + +By Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + + + +Author of "Nora," "Trixy," +"Earle Wayne's Nobility," +"Helen's Victory," +"A True Aristocrat," Etc. + +Copyright, 1887, 1888, 1891 +By Street & Smith + + + + +Virgie's Inheritance. + + + + +Chapter I. + +Virgie and the Benighted Traveler. + + + +"Virgie, I shall have to give up the race." + +"Papa!" + +"My strength is failing rapidly. It was all that I could do to creep home +to-night. My trembling limbs, my labored breathing, and this dreadful +cough, all warn me that I must set my house in order, and make provision +for your future." + +It was an apparently old man who spoke thus, and yet the years of his life +numbered but a little over fifty. + +His hair was silvery white; his face was colorless and haggard, his eyes +dim and sunken, and his form was much attenuated and bowed by the disease +which was fast consuming him. + +He was sitting by a blazing fire, in an ordinary easy-chair over which a +heavy coverlid had been thrown to make it more comfortable; but he +shivered, and hovered over the blaze, as if he were chilled to the very +marrow, while the hands which he held extended to catch the warmth were +livid, and trembling from weakness. + +The room was small, but cozy and home-like. A cheap, coarse carpet, though +of a bright and tasteful pattern, lay upon the floor. An oval table, +covered with a daintily embroidered cloth, stood in the center. There was +a pretty lamp, with a bright Japanese shade upon it. There were also a few +books in choice bindings, and a dainty work-basket filled with implements +for sewing. A few pictures--some done with pen and ink, others in crayon, +but all showing great talent and nicety of execution--hung, in simple +frames, upon the walls. The two windows of the apartment were screened by +pretty curtains of spotless muslin over heavier hangings of crimson, while +a lounge and two or three chairs completed the furnishing of the room. + +Beside the table, in a low rocker, several paces from the invalid by the +fire, yet where she could catch every expression of his pale, sad face, +there sat a young girl, with a piece of fancy work in her hands, upon +which she had been busily engaged before her father spoke. + +She was perhaps twenty years of age, with a straight, perfect form, and a +face that would have better graced a a palace than the humble mountain +home where she now abode. It was a pure, oval, with delicate, beautiful +brows; soft, round cheeks, in which a lovely pink came and went with every +emotion. Her eyes were of a deep violet color, shaded by dark silken +lashes, though their expression was saddened somewhat just now by a look +of care and anxiety. Her white forehead was surmounted by rich +chestnut-brown hair, which was gathered into a graceful knot at the back +of her finely shaped head. A straight, patrician nose; a small, but rather +resolute mouth, and a rounded chin, in which there was a bewitching +dimple; small, lady-like hands and feet, completed the <i>tout ensemble</i> of +Virginia Abbot, the daughter and only child of a whilom honored and +wealthy bank president of San Francisco. + +When addressed, as recorded above, the beautiful girl had started and +grown suddenly pale, and a look of keenest pain shot into her violet eyes. + +Then her sweet mouth straightened itself into a stern, resolute line. +There was a moment of solemn silence, which she broke, by saying, in a +repressed but gentle tone: + +"I am sorry that you are feeling worse than usual to-night, papa. I know +you must be weary. You are always that after being all day in the mine, +and the storm, of course, aggravates your cough; but if you will rest a +few days you will surely be better." + +"No, Virgie, it is useless to build upon false hopes. I shall never be any +better. My work is done. I shall go no more to my claim, and I have +decided to dispose of it to the first one who will offer me a fair price +for it. But, dear child, if it were not for you I believe I should be glad +to know that my saddened life is almost at an end. I----" + +The weary voice quivered and failed here, and the man sank back in his +chair with a bitter sigh. + +The young girl, her own face now blanched to the hue of death, laid down +her work, arose, and moved swiftly to her father's side, where she knelt +by his chair. + +"Papa, do not talk so. You must not leave me," she cried, in a voice of +agony. "I cannot spare you. There must be something to help you--to build +up your strength. Let us go back home, where you can have the best medical +advice." + +The man sat up in his chair, stopping her with a gesture almost of +despair. + +"Home!" he cried, hoarsely. "Virgie, we have no home but this. You know +that I am already the same as dead to every one but you; that even our +real name is sunk in oblivion." + +"But, papa, you must try to live for my sake," Virgie cried, clasping her +trembling hands about his emaciated arm, and shuddering as she felt how +frail it was. "If you will not go back, let me at least send for Dr. +Truel. He is skillful. He was always our friend. He will cheer you and +give you something to build you up, and he will keep our secret, too. Oh, +you ought to have had advice long ago. What shall I do in this dreary +place if you leave me alone?" + +The sick man unclasped her clinging hands from his arm, and drew her +slight form to him in a tender embrace. + +"My darling," he said, fondly, "that is just what I wish to talk with you +about; so calm yourself and listen to me. Neither Dr. Truel, nor any other +doctor, can help me now; if I had called him a year ago he might have +prolonged my life; but my pride would not let me face any one whom I had +ever known. But I will not speak of the past; it is too familiar and +painful to both of us. It is useless, however, for me to think for a +moment of going back, even to die, in the home where we were once so +happy, for only disgrace is connected with our name--disgrace and wrong, +all the more keenly felt because unmerited." + +"Hush, Virgie!" he continued, as a shuddering sob burst from the breast +pressed so closely to his, "you must not give way so. I did not mean to +alarm you unnecessarily by what I have said; I may not leave you for some +time yet. I may be spared for a few months, perhaps until autumn, but I +feel that the time has come to arrange some definite plan for your future. +I must, however, give up my work, for I have no longer strength to carry +it on; but if there was only some one whom I could trust to take charge +of my claim. I might even yet reap something of benefit from it to add to +the hoard that I have been saving for you against this emergency." + +"But, papa, I would much rather that you should spend every dollar that +you have, if it would prolong your life; if I lose you, I have not a +friend in the world." + +The man heaved a heavy sigh, for too well he realized the truth of her +words. + +"My dear," he returned, with tender pathos, "if it were possible for me to +regain my health, at any sacrifice, I would gladly make it for your sake. +But I know that it cannot be, and my care now must be to make the best +provision that I can for you." + +"I have been very successful since coming here," he went on, speaking more +cheerfully, "more so than I ever dared to hope, and the claim promises +much for the future and ought to bring a good price if sold; so you will +have quite a snug little fortune, my Virgie, and I trust that your lot in +life will yet be happy, in spite of the dark cloud that has so shadowed it +in the beginning. What say you to writing to my old friend, Laurence +Bancroft, of New York, confiding you to his care after----" + +"Oh, my father, you make me utterly wretched," cried the young girl, +reaching up her arms and clasping them convulsively about his neck, while +she lifted her tear-stained face appealingly to him. + +He bent forward and kissed her white forehead softly with his trembling +lips. + +"Bear with me a little longer, my daughter, and then we will never mention +this again while I live," he returned, huskily. "Laurence Bancroft, as you +know, was a dear friend of my early life. He has a cultivated wife, and +two daughters about your own age; he will believe me when I tell him the +truth regarding our misfortunes, and will, no doubt, give you a home in +his own family, and care for your interests until--woman's best gift--the +love of some true man comes to you, and you have a home of your own. New +York is almost on the other side of the world, and no evil breath of the +past will be likely to touch you there. What do you say, Virgie?--may I +write to my friend, giving you to his care?" + +"Yes, papa," Virgie said, wearily assenting to his project, more to put an +end to the painful conversation than because she had any choice in the +matter, "you may do whatever your judgment tells you is best, and I will +be guided entirely by your wishes." + +Mr. Abbot looked intensely relieved. + +This question had troubled him for many months, and he had always shrunk +from speaking of it, because of the pain which he knew it would inflict. +With this vital matter settled, he felt that he could give up all care, +and spend the few remaining days of his life in peace with his idolized +child, and calmly await the end, which he knew was so near. + +"That is right, dear," he said, with a contented smile. "I am greatly +comforted. I will write a full account of everything, together with my +wishes for your future, and it will be ready to be sent to Mr. Bancroft at +a moment's warning. I do not care to have him know anything about us just +yet; hark! what was that?" he broke off abruptly, and started into a +listening attitude. + +"Only the wind and the storm beating against the house, I think," answered +Virgie, lifting her head, and calmed for the moment as she, too, listened +to what had seemed an unusual noise. + +"It is a wild night, my child. I hope no one is homeless in this storm," +said Mr. Abbot. "I am thankful for this peaceful, though humble refuge, +after the turmoil and wrong of a few years ago, only it is hard for you to +be so shut away and isolated from those of your own age. But surely that +was a knock, Virgie." + +The young girl started to her feet as a loud and imperative rap echoed +through the small entry outside the parlor. + +It was seldom that they were disturbed at that hour of the evening, for +among the hard working people of the mining district in which they lived, +there were few who were not early wrapped in slumber after the labors of +the day. + +Virgie passed quickly out of the cheerful parlor into the tiny hall, and +opened the outer door, though the heavy burglar chain was fastened and +would admit of its being opened but a little ways. + +"Who is there?" she asked, in her clear, sweet tones. + +"A stranger who has lost his way and seeks direction to the nearest public +inn," answered a rich, mellow voice from without. + +Mr. Abbot now came out, a heavy shawl wrapped about his shoulders to +shield him from the dampness. + +"It is more than a mile from here, and a very poor place at that," he +said. + +The stranger outside gave a low whistle of dismay at this information, and +muttered something about being in "a very uncomfortable fix." + +Mr. Abbot unfastened the chain, threw wide the door, and invited the +unknown to come in out of the storm. + +"Thanks," was the courteous response; "but I will not trespass upon your +hospitality if you will kindly direct me to the inn of which you speak. +The darkness came on so suddenly that I lost my way. I left Oreana at +noon to go to Humboldt, but my horse sprained his foot on the rough +mountain road, and I have had to come at a snail's pace ever since." + +"You are sadly out of your way, indeed, if you are going to Humboldt, for +it is a good ten miles from here. Come in--come in out of the pouring +rain, and we will discuss what will be best for you to do," returned his +host, in a hearty tone, for he was won by the man's frankness and +courtesy. + +The stranger stepped, dripping, into the hall, a tall, straight figure, +booted and spurred, and enveloped in waterproof jacket, trousers, and +havelock. + +"Thanks," he said, "you are very kind; but allow me to introduce myself; +my name is Heath--William Heath, at your service." + +"Then, Mr. Heath, come to my fireside and dry and warm yourself; my name +is Abbot and this is my daughter," replied Mr. Abbot, leading the way into +the cheerful parlor whither Virgie had retired when her father opened the +door to the benighted wayfarer. + +Mr. Heath bowed with all the polish that could have been expected of him +had he been in a royal drawing-room instead of a rude cottage in a ruder +mining district of the mountains of Nevada, while his dark eyes flashed +with a look of admiration over the perfect figure and into the lovely face +of his host's daughter. + +He removed his hat and havelock, revealing a grand head covered with +waving brown hair, and a handsome face all aglow with intelligence. His +eyes were a dark, wine-brown, his glance as keen and straight as an +eagle's, his manner and bearing betraying that he was accustomed to mingle +with people of culture and refinement. + + + + +Chapter II. + +The Stranger Welcomed. + + + +Virginia Abbot simply inclined her regal head in returning the stranger's +greeting; then taking up her work again, she sat down by the table, with +her back toward the fire and the newcomer. She had not failed to notice +his look of surprised admiration when introduced to her, and it had +affected her strangely. + +Five years previous Mr. Abbot and his young daughter had come to that wild +region entire strangers--the former, a man of gentlemanly bearing, +somewhat past his prime; the latter a wondrously beautiful girl of +fifteen, just budding into womanhood, and with a dignity of mien and +refinement of speech which, together with her beauty, caused the uncouth +inhabitants of the place to regard her with something of awe, and as if +they thought she belonged to an entirely different sphere from them. + +Mr. Abbot owned a claim in the gold and silver region there, which he +asserted that he was going to work himself, much to the surprise of the +rough miners, for he was a frail looking man. + +He built a small but very convenient house, containing five rooms, which, +with the few elegancies he had brought with him, for his child's sake, and +which proclaimed that the strangers had been accustomed to the luxuries of +life heretofore, became the pride and wonder of the settlement. + +The house was painted inside and out; there were carpets upon the floors, +draperies at the windows, vases and ornaments on the mantels, pictures on +the walls. But though all the furnishings were of the simplest and +cheapest, yet, to the rude and unaccustomed people about them, their home +seemed a veritable palace. + +Another mystery and evidence of superiority was the grave and +self-contained Chinaman who came with them, and was installed as cook and +servant in general in the small kitchen, and who waited upon the young +lady of the house with so much respect and deference. + +Here the father and daughter lived in the utmost seclusion. Virgie never +was seen outside her home unless accompanied by her father or servant, and +Mr. Abbot, when not in the mine, devoted himself wholly to his child. + +They made no friends, and did not mingle at all with those about them, +although they were always kind and courteous to every one, and thus won +the respect of every man, woman and child in the hamlet. Mr. Abbot had the +appearance of being much broken in spirit; his countenance wore a look of +habitual sadness, and his abundant hair, so prematurely whitened, plainly +told that some heavy trouble had overtaken him in the past. Nothing could +be learned of their antecedents, where they had lived, or why they were +there, though Chi Lu, the servant, was often plied with questions by the +curious, and thus they were regarded as a trio of very mysterious +personages. + +After a year or so, it began to be whispered about that "the governor," as +Mr. Abbot was called, because of the respect in which he was held, had +"struck it rich," in other words, that his claim was proving an unusually +fruitful one, and he was making money rapidly. How this came to be known +it would be hard to say, for he was very uncommunicative, going and coming +to and from his work quietly and unostentatiously, and living in the +simplest manner. + +As time passed, Virginia Abbot grew even more beautiful than she was when +she had first come to her mountain home. The bracing air agreed with her, +her health was perfect, while her simple manner of living and her regular +habits were calculated to develop to the utmost every charm, and keep her +strong, and fresh, and beautiful. + +Her mind was not allowed to lie dormant, however, for her father attended +most carefully and faithfully to her education, and not only insisted upon +a regular and thorough course of study, but kept her well provided with +the literature of the times, embracing many new books and various papers +and periodicals. + +But for more than a year past, Mr. Abbot's health had been failing. The +change, however, was so gradual that Virgie did not observe it until the +disease had fastened itself so firmly upon him that he was beyond all +human aid. The man himself fought against it for months, striving to +prolong his life for the sake of his idolized daughter, although, +personally, the world had no longer any charms for him; but it never +relaxed its fatal hold, and at last, at the time of the opening of our +story, he felt that the time had come for him to give up labor and lay +down all burdens, for he knew that his days were numbered. + +The question of providing a home and protection for Virgie had long +agitated his mind. + +They had no relations or friends to whom he could confide her. There were +reasons why he was unwilling to appoint a guardian and send her back to +their former home, and so, at last, he resolved to commit her to the care +of his early friend and college mate, Laurence Bancroft, a wealthy +merchant of New York city. + +But the matter was to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the +beautiful girl's destiny settled in a way wholly unexpected by either +father or daughter. + + * * * * * + +When Mr. Heath, the benighted and storm-delayed traveler, threw back his +dripping coat, and seated himself at the invitation of his host, before +the blazing fire, Mr. Abbot thought that he had seldom seen a more +attractive young man. + +He was apparently about twenty-five years of age. His dark eyer were full +of intelligence, and fringed with long silken lashes. His features were +clear cut, as if they had been chiseled in marble. A dark brown moustache +shaded, but did not conceal, a sensitive mouth, from which there flashed +the gleam of brilliant teeth whenever he spoke or smiled; his nose was +well formed, and his smooth, rather massive chin betrayed strength of +purpose and decision of character. + +His address was very courteous, even fascinating, and his voice possessed +a rich, mellow tone, with a sympathetic ring in it, to which it was a +delight to listen, and which won at once upon the hearts and confidence of +his entertainers. + +"You are unfortunate to be obliged to traverse our rough mountain roads on +such a night as this," Mr. Abbot observed, with a shiver, as he drew +nearer the fire, and laid another heavy oaken stick across the glowing +blaze. + +"That is true, sir," responded his guest, yet the glance, which he +involuntarily shot at Virgie, bending gracefully over her work, did not +betray an overwhelming sense of his misfortune. + +"I Am On My Way To Join A Party Of Sportsmen At Humboldt," He Continued. "I +Was Detained At Virginia City Upon A Matter Of Business, And They Went On +Before, Promising To Wait There For Me Until To-Morrow Evening." + +"Are you traveling on horseback?" Mr. Abbot asked, with some surprise. + +"No, sir; but the train on which I started met with an accident this +morning, which was liable to detain it several hours, and being impatient +of the delay, I procured a horse at Oreana, thinking I could easily reach +Humboldt by evening, when I could return it by rail. But the unfortunate +beast sprained his foot on a rolling stone, as I have already told you; +the storm and darkness overtook me, I lost my way, and my courage was just +about failing, when I espied the friendly lights of this settlement, and I +resolved to stop at the first house I came to and ask where I could find +shelter for the night." + +Mr. Abbot had been studying the young man's face attentively during this +explanation. + +He liked his appearance exceedingly; his countenance was honest and true, +his story straightforward and well told, and some unaccountable impulse +prompted him to take measures to become better acquainted with him. + +"If you are going to Humboldt, you should have taken the turn to your left +five miles back on the mountain," he said. "It would be impossible for you +to reach it to-night, even if you could be set right, for you would be +sure to lose your way again in the darkness. The only public house--if you +can call it such--in this region, is at least a mile from here, and far +from inviting or comfortable at that; so allow me, Mr. Heath, to offer +you the hospitality of our home for the night, and to-morrow you can start +afresh and refreshed upon your way." + +The young man looked up with a glance of surprise, while a quick flush +mounted to his brow, at this unexpected and rather extraordinary offer, +for he well knew that in a mining district all strangers are regarded with +suspicion if not with positive dislike. + +"Sir, you are very kind," he began, casting another glance toward the +lovely maiden by the table, for he had seen her give a quick start at her +father's invitation, "but I fear I should trespass beyond all bounds were +I to accept your offer." + +"No, indeed," returned Mr. Abbot, with more of eagerness in his manner +than he was in the habit of betraying over anything. "I could not think of +allowing you to go on in this driving storm, and we can arrange it very +comfortably can we not, Virgie?" turning toward her. + +"Yes, sir," was the low though unhesitating reply. + +"But I am an entire stranger to you. How dare you take me into your +household? How do you know but that I am a robber or a brigand in +disguise?" queried Mr. Heath, with a twinkle in his fine eyes. But still +he was strongly tempted to accept the friendly offer, not only on account +of the comfort surrounding him, but because he was attracted by the +cultivated gentleman and his charming daughter, both of whom were a great +surprise to him, finding them as he had in that wild region. + +"Nay," responded Mr. Abbot, smiling, yet meeting the frank eyes of his +guest steadily, "I think I can vouch for your character as a gentleman +even though you are an utter stranger. Remove your wet garments, I pray, +and make yourself comfortable for the night." + +"But my horse," began Mr. Heath, suddenly bethinking himself of the +dripping and suffering animal. + +"True. Pardon my thoughtlessness," returned his host, adding, "There is a +small shed attached to our dwelling where he can at least be sheltered. +Virgie, please go and send Chi Lu to assist Mr. Heath." + +Virgie immediately arose and left the room, and soon after a diminutive +Chinaman appeared in the doorway, bearing a lighted lantern, and +signifying his readiness to "puttee up te hossee." + +Mr. Heath left the house with him, and both were gone some time, attending +to the animal's injured leg and trying to make him as comfortable as +circumstances would allow. + +During their absence Virgie, at the suggestion of her father, busied +herself in arranging a supper for the storm-beaten traveler, who upon his +return was greeted by the fumes of steaming coffee, while an appetizing +array of cold meats and other viands was spread upon the table, which had +been drawn up before the fire. + +"I fear Miss Abbot is making herself trouble on my account," Mr. Heath +remarked, with a swift and grateful glance at the graceful form and +flushed face that was bending over the glowing coals, where the young girl +was toasting to a delicate brown a slice from a wheaten loaf. + +"No, indeed; it is no trouble; and a meal after your long ride in the rain +will not come amiss," Virgie answered, looking up and meeting his fine +eyes for an instant. + +She deposited the bread upon a plate, and inviting the young man to be +seated, poured with her own hands a cup of fragrant coffee, which she +placed before him. + +She continued to wait upon him with exquisite ease and grace until his +hunger was appeased, which was not soon, for it was a rare pleasure for +him to watch her beautiful and expressive face while he chatted with her +father, sipped his coffee, and ate his toast. + +But he finished at length, and then Chi Lu was summoned the table cleared, +and the room restored to its usual order. + +Mr. Abbot seldom had met a real gentleman since coming among the +mountains; he had lived chiefly within himself and for his child. But now +he found that he had not lost all interest in the outside world, and he +enjoyed immensely Mr. Heath's account of his travels, and his descriptions +of men and things. + +Virgie had not seen her father so bright and animated in all the five +years of their secluded life, and she began to hope that his fears +regarding his failing health were groundless after all. She, too, enjoyed +the young stranger's conversation, although she did not join in it. She +sat by, with her dainty embroidery in her hands, listening, and showing by +her expressive face and shining eyes how rare a pleasure such congenial +society was to her. + +But by and by she stole away to her own room, where she lay far into the +night thinking of the handsome stranger--of his eager yet respectful +glances when he looked at her; of the low, rich cadence of his voice when +he spoke to her, and feeling that she should miss him more than she had +ever yet missed anyone during the last five years, when he should go away +on the morrow. + +The two men talked some time longer after Virgie left; the Chi Lu was +called again, the pretty lounge was converted into a comfortable bed, and +Mr. Heath was told that the parlor was at his service for the night. + +The young man was very thankful for the hearty hospitality of which he had +been the recipient, and felt that he had been extremely fortunate in +finding such a pleasant abiding-place; but, although he was very weary +from his rough and tedious ride over the mountain, he found that slumber +was hard to woo, and he, too, lay awake for long hours, wondering over the +strange experience of the evening, and what hard fate--for hard he felt +sure it must have been--could have driven a cultivated gentleman like Mr. +Abbot, and his peerless daughter, who was so well fitted to shine in the +most brilliant circles of the world, away from the haunts of civilization +into that wilderness, and among the rude, uncultured, uncongenial people +of a mining region. + + + + +Chapter III. + +Mr. Heath Talks of Becoming a Miner. + + + +The next morning broke fair and beautiful. + +Every trace of the storm had passed away, save that the dust was laid and +all nature looked fresher and brighter for the copious bath it had +received. + +Virgie Abbot, despite her sleeplessness during the first half of the +night, was up at an early hour, superintending breakfast for her father +and their guest. + +If she had been lovely the previous evening she was doubly so now in her +pretty flannel wrapper--for the mornings were chilly in that region, even +in the summer The wrapper was of a light blue tint, wonderfully becoming +to her delicate complexion, and harmonized well with her eyes and the +dainty pink in her cheeks. + +Her face wore a brighter, more eager look, than was its wont, this +morning, and she was full of life and energy that was born of her youth +and sunny, hopeful temperament. + +The incidents of the previous evening had been a pleasant break in her +hitherto monotonous life, and she was now looking forward, with no small +degree of interest, to meeting by daylight the handsome stranger who had +taken refuge with them. + +During all the years that she had been in that rude place she had not seen +one real gentleman, excepting her father; they had never before +entertained a visitor, and there had been nothing but her reading and +studies, her drawing and fancy work, to vary the quiet, almost dull +uniformity of her existence. + +Mr. Abbot himself looked brighter and better as he came out from his +chamber and gave Virgie his usual morning greeting and caress. + +This visit had evidently done him good also, and Virgie took "heart of +grace" from the fact, and put aside, for the time at least, the anxious +fears that had so burdened her the night before. + +Breakfast was served in the simple but clean and cheerful kitchen which +led from the parlor, while the small table, laid for three, had almost an +air of elegance, with its spotless cloth, its few pieces of silver, china, +and cut glass, relics of former glory, and the tiny vase of flowers, with +the dew and rain still on them, which Virgie had gathered from the edge of +the cliff near by. + +Mr. Heath's glance expressed something of surprise as it swiftly took in +these appointments; but to him the fairest sight of all was the slim but +perfect figure of the young girl who sat at the head of the table, and +poured his coffee, and waited upon him with all the ease and +self-possession of one who had been long accustomed to the formalities and +etiquette of high life. + +The young man wondered at it. There was no other woman in the house, nor +had been since they came there, for Mr. Abbot had mentioned that he lost +his wife more than six years ago; but this girl was a perfect little +hostess, and dainty, to the last degree, in her person. Her hands were +white and delicate, the pretty pink nails without a blemish; her hair +soft and silken, showing a careful wielding of the brush; her linen collar +and cuffs were immaculate, her handkerchief white as snow, and fine and +sheer, while everything about her bespoke lady-like refinement and a high +regard for nicety of toilet. + +He could hardly keep his eyes off her, she was so fair a picture; but once +or twice she had looked up and caught his glance, flushed, and fearing to +embarrass her, he turned resolutely to his host and opened a subject upon +which he had been thinking quite, seriously. + +"I understood you to say last evening, I believe, sir, that you were +desirous of disposing of your claim," he remarked. + +"Yes; my health is too poor to admit of my working it any longer, and I +should be glad to dispose of it to the right person," Mr. Abbot replied. + +"I think I know of some one who would like it, if it is still a promising +one," the young man said, but a conscious color flushed his cheek slightly +as he felt Virgie's eyes turned upon him. + +"I honestly believe that it is richer to-day than when I began to work +it," Mr. Abbot asserted confidently. "However," he added, "I do not ask +you to take my word for it. If you know a party who would like to +purchase, tell him to bring an expert and examine for himself; and even +then if he is not satisfied to buy outright, he may work it upon shares +until he is convinced of its value." + +"That is fair, I am sure," said Mr. Heath. + +"Perhaps you would like to take a look at it before you go?" suggested +his host, who was eager to dispose of his property. + +"I would, I assure you," was the reply; "but there is hardly time this +morning, for I feel that I must join my party immediately, else they will +be anxious regarding my safety. We are bound upon an excursion through the +northern portion of the State, and intend to be absent a week or more; but +after that, if you will permit me, I will return here and investigate +matters--that is, if you will give me the refusal of the claim until +then." + +As the young man said this, his glance involuntarily wandered again to the +beautiful face of Virgie. + +There must have been something magnetic in his gaze, for she raised her +white lids just then, and met the earnest, wistful look bent upon her. + +A flush leaped to her cheek, and her violet eyes dropped instantly upon +her plate again, while her heart fluttered like a caged wild bird. + +"I will gladly wait your time, Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot responded, in a +satisfied tone. "I begin to think that your losing your way and falling to +our care last evening was providential." + +"I have no doubt of it, sir," was the grave and reverent reply. "I believe +that all our ways are ordered for us; that everything is arranged for us +by an All-wise Power." + +Something very like a sneer curled the almost colorless lips of his host +at this unexpected assertion. + +Mr. Abbot was no believer in the individuality of God, and had spoken both +lightly and at random when he had referred to the young man's visit as +being providential. + +"What do you mean by an All-wise Power?" he asked, skeptically. + +"I mean God, sir." + +"You believe there is a God, then?" + +"Certainly; do you not?" and Mr. Heath's kind, grave eyes looked pityingly +into the haggard, sunken face before him. + +They seemed almost to say, "If you have not this belief to comfort you, +with the hand of death laid upon your very heart, I grieve inexpressibly +for you." + +"If there is, I imagine He must allow Satan to have the control of some of +our lives," was the evasive and bitter retort. "Virgie, Mr. Heath's cup is +empty." + +But his face flushed and his hands trembled as he thus abruptly turned the +topic, showing how deeply the subject moved him; notwithstanding his +pretended unbelief. + +"Thanks; no more coffee for me," Mr. Heath said, with a smile and a bow to +his young hostess, as she offered to replenish his cup; but he noticed +that there was a troubled, anxious look in her eyes as they rested upon +her father. + +He made no reply to Mr. Abbot's remark, although he looked a trifle hurt. + +He simply said, as he folded his napkin and pushed back his plate: + +"I must ask you to excuse me and my lack of ceremony if I bid you good +morning, and take French leave. I feel that I ought to get on my way as +soon as possible; and believe me I am very grateful for your hospitality +and courtesy." + +Virgie arose as he spoke, and like the true little lady that she was, +assured him that it had been a delight to entertain him, and she should +look forward with pleasure to his return. + +He thanked her, shook hands warmly with her, and then left the house, +followed by Mr. Abbot, who watched him depart with a feeling of regret +such as he had not experienced over any one during all the years of his +exile. + +Still he pleasantly anticipated his coming again, when he meant to make +him remain several days. + +He had been strangely attracted toward him from the moment when he had +first heard his mellow, sympathetic tones, asking to be directed to a +place of shelter. He knew that he possessed a grand character, for he +carried the stamp of true nobility upon his frank, handsome face. + +"That is a promising young man, Virgie," he said, as he returned to the +parlor after watching the horse and its rider disappear down the mountain. +"I should like to know where he came from, and more about him." + +Virgie did not reply, but she turned away from the window where she, too, +had been watching the receding horseman, with a shy, sweet smile on her +red lips. William Heath's last glance had been for her, as he doffed his +hat and bowed low in his saddle when he turned down the road. + +During all the week that followed her step was lighter and her face +brighter than its wont, and she went singing about the house to the +delight of her father, who was now at home all the day long, as he had +given up going to the mine. + +Mr. Abbot had appeared very thoughtful after the departure of his young +guest, often falling into a profound reverie, in which he would sit for +hours. + +Virgie often wondered what he could be thinking about, but she did not +feel like questioning him, lest he should refer again to the painful topic +of his leaving her. + +One day, however, coming into the room suddenly, she saw her mother's +bible in his hands, and she was sure there were tears in his eyes. She +appeared not to notice either his employment or his emotion, but soon +stole softly away again, and went weeping up to her own room. + +After that he busied himself with writing a great deal, and she felt sure +that he was making arrangements for her of which he had spoken on that +stormy evening. A great dread came over her at the thought of being left +alone in the world; and yet, in spite of all, she looked forward to the +return of Mr. Heath with more of pleasure and anticipation than she had +known for many a year. + +Thus more than a week went by, and one afternoon Virgie, her father being +asleep and the house oppressively still, took her book and went out to a +little nook back of her cottage, where she was in the habit of going to +study, and where Chi Lu had built a rustic seat for her beneath a great +pine tree that grew out of a cleft in the mountain. + +But she could not concentrate her thoughts upon the page before her; they +went roving after a coal black steed and its handsome rider, until finally +her book dropped from her hands, her eyes fixed themselves dreamily upon +the lofty, far-off peaks of the Humboldt Mountains, and she was lost to +time and place--everything save her own delightful musings. + +So absorbed was she that she was not aware of the approach of any one +until a small but exquisitely arranged bouquet of mountain flowers were +laid upon the seat beside her, and a rich but well remembered voice said: + +"Pardon me, Miss Abbot, for intruding upon your solitude, but Chi Lu told +me that Mr. Abbot was resting and could not be disturbed at present, and +that I should find you here." + +Virginia sprang to her feet, the tint of the wild rose in her cheeks, her +violet eyes grown black with repressed excitement. + +"Mr. Heath?" she cried, her scarlet lips parting in a bewildering smile. + +"Yes; forgive me for having startled you so," he said, gently, then adding +with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "You were surely in a very brown +study." + +"I am afraid I was," she returned, laughing. "But what lovely flowers!" +she continued, taking them up and bending to inhale their fragrance. "How +kind of you to gather them for me." + +The young man's eyes lingered about her in a delighted gaze, for she made +the fairest picture imaginable standing there in her soft gray dress with +its collar and cuffs of black velvet, a knot of scarlet ribbon at her +throat, the brilliant flowers in her hands, and a fleecy white shawl +wrapped about her shoulders. Her shining hair was gathered into a satiny +brown coil at the back of her head and pinned with a silver arrow, while a +few naturally curling locks lay lightly on her forehead. The dark, +moss-grown rock was behind her; the softly waving plumy boughs of the +pine tree above her, a carpet of tender green beneath her feet. + +"You are still trembling from the shock that I have given you," he said in +a tone of self-reproach, and noticing how the flowers quivered in her +grasp, "pray, pardon me and give me a handshake of welcome, or I shall +almost regret that I came." + +She looked up frankly into his dark eyes, and laid her small hand +unhesitatingly in his. + +"You are very welcome, Mr. Heath," she said, "and I am sure that papa will +be very glad to see you." + +William Heath smiled at her words. + +He felt sure that she, too, was glad to see him--that his coming was a +pleasant break in the monotony of her life; her varying color, the bright, +happy gleam of her eyes told him this. + +Her wonderful beauty, so out of place in that wild region, thrilled him +strangely. Her queenly manner, her delicacy and refinement astonished him, +and he wondered more and more what mysterious circumstances could have +combined to drive two such cultivated people so far from civilization to +hide themselves in the rugged fastnesses of those dreary mountains. + + + + +Chapter IV. + +A Mountain Ramble. + + + +"You were reading," he remarked, stooping to pick up the book that had +fallen to the ground as she arose. "Tacitus!" he added, in a tone of +astonishment, as his eye fell upon the title page. + +"Yes, I am reviewing; papa likes me to study a little every day, still," +Virgie returned, quietly, while she examined her flowers with a critical +eye, and wondered that a gentleman could have arranged them so well. + +He must be an artist, she thought, for no one save an artist, or a lover +of art, could have taken such pains to harmonize colors like that. + +"I should suppose you would labor under serious difficulties in trying to +pursue your studies in such a place as this," Mr. Heath remarked. + +"Oh, no, papa is a fine scholar, and he makes a most delightful teacher." + +"And have you pursued a regular course under him?" + +"Yes, partly. I left school when I was fifteen, but I have kept right on +the same as I should have done if I had remained, and I graduated two +years ago," she concluded, smiling archly at the idea of graduating in +that wild country. + +"And with high honors, of course," said her companion in the same vein. + +"Certainly; with all the honors, since there was no one to compete with +me or to bear away the palm from me. But, Mr. Heath, you must be both +weary and hungry after your ride over the mountains; come in, and let me +get you a lunch," Virgie concluded, on hospitable thoughts intent. + +"No, indeed, thank you; I will eat nothing until tea time, when, if you +will permit me, I will gladly join you. I should much prefer to sit here +and enjoy this magnificent view with you to going indoors." + +He seated himself, as he spoke, upon the rustic seat, and Virgie, +following his example, they fell into a pleasant chat, which lasted more +than an hour. + +Virgie never forgot that delicious hour, neither did her companion, who +was every moment growing more deeply interested in the beautiful mountain +maiden. + +He talked upon many themes, and was surprised to find how fluently she +could converse with him, showing how much and how thoroughly she had read, +and how wisely and carefully her father had superintended her education. +She was far above the average woman in point of intellect and culture, he +told himself and it was a pity that her life should be wasted in that +wretched place. + +But they were at length interrupted by Chi Lu, who came to tell them that +Mr. Abbot was awake, and had asked for them. + +They immediately arose to go to him, and found him sitting upon the tiny +porch in front of the cottage. + +He was looking thinner and more worn, Mr. Heath thought, than when he had +last seen him, and his cough was far from troublesome, even though the +weather was milder. It was evident, to him, at least, that the man was in +the last stages of consumption, and could not live many months, if weeks, +although, as the weather grew warmer, he might rally somewhat. + +He greeted the young man warmly, and made many inquiries regarding his +trip and the success which he and his party had met with in their sport. + +"Very good," Mr. Heath told him, adding, "And now my friends have gone to +Salt Lake City, while I have retraced my steps hither to talk with you +about that claim of yours." + +Virgie looked up quickly at this, a lovely flush rising to her cheek. If +only he would become its purchaser. + +The eyes of the two young people met, and held each other in a glance that +sent the blood coursing more rapidly than usual through their veins. + +Mr. Abbot's face, brightened. + +"Then you still think that you know some one who will purchase it?" he +said, eagerly. + +"Yes, sir--if--if it proves all that you have described it, I think I may +like to buy it myself," Mr. Heath answered quietly, but with rising color. + +"You! you don't look like a person who would care to take to mining for a +living," returned his host, in a surprised tone. + +"I might say the same of you, sir," said the young man, smiling. + +Mr. Abbot flushed, and for a moment appeared considerably agitated and +unable to speak. + +Then he said, with something of hauteur in his manner: + +"Sometimes a person is compelled by circumstances, over which he has no +control, to adopt a pursuit, which under other conditions he would shun as +both unfitting and obnoxious." + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Abbot," Mr. Heath hastened to say, in a +deprecatory tone. "I had no intention of calling to mind anything of an +unpleasant nature; my reply was lightly and thoughtlessly given. However, +I have always had a desire to see something of mining, and although I may +not attempt to work at it myself, I think I should like to own a claim." + +"Very well; then to-morrow I will show you over the premises; and explain +all that you may wish to know; perhaps, though you may not be quite so +much in favor of a miner's life when you come to realize the difficulties +attending it." + +Chi Lu now interrupted with the information that tea was ready, and Mr. +Abbot repeated the invitation that Virgie had already given to their new +friend, insisting further, that he should remain their guest until he +should decide regarding the purchase of the claim. + +Upon being assured that it would inconvenience the household in no way, he +consented, nothing loath at the prospect of being allowed to bask in +Virgie's presence, and to have an opportunity to study her character more +fully. + +After tea, which was really a dainty meal, far better and more acceptably +served than any the young traveler had eaten since leaving San Francisco +three weeks previous, Mr. Heath, seeing that Mr. Abbot was weary and more +inclined to rest upon the lounge than to converse, asked Virgie if she +would allow him to be her escort and go out for a ramble. + +The young girl flushed with pleasure at the request, and cordially +assented. + +She wrapped her fleecy shawl once more about her shoulders, and tying a +dainty hat--which Chi Lu's skillful fingers had woven from mountain +grasses, and her own fair hands had trimmed--upon her pretty brown head, +they sauntered forth. + +The sun had gone down, but the western sky was all ablaze with crimson and +orange, which gradually faded into soft purple and deeper blue in the +upper sky. There were mountains all about them, some darkly green with +fir, spruce, and pine, others of brighter and tenderer tints in their +dress of oak, maple, and birch, while here and there arose one bald and +gray, all of solid rock, with now and then a patch of moss clinging to its +time worn sides, but giving variety to the scene and enhancing by contrast +the whole picture. + +"Where would you like to go?" Virgie asked, as they passed out of the +little gate into the rough road. + +"Wherever you will take me," Mr. Heath replied, as he looked smilingly +down into the beautiful face upraised to his. + +"Then I will take you up to the Bare Ledge; the finest view can be +obtained from there," the girl replied as she moved on to hide the blush +which his look had called to her face. + +It moved her strangely whenever she met the gaze of the grand man, for +grand her soul told her he was, with that magnificent head, that +intelligent face, and that quiet, yet high-bred dignity of manner which +she had never seen in any other save her father. + +"The Bear Ledge?" repeated Mr. Heath. "Why is it called that? Is it +haunted by wild beasts? If it is, I shall certainly object to your going +there." + +"Oh, no; it is not that kind of a bear at all," laughed Virgie, the +silver ripple of amusement breaking like music upon the evening air. "It +is called so because it is a mass of rock entirely barren; nothing will +grow upon it; it seems to be the one spot in all this region that is +absolutely desolate, and yet from it you may view a world of beauty." + +On they went up the mountain, conversing now upon one topic, now upon +another, yet both conscious of but one prominent fact--that they were +together, and supremely happy in each other's society. + +At last, however, their climb was over, and following a rough path that +led along the side of the mountain for some distance, they at length came +out upon a broad ledge or table rock, which was indeed barren to +desolation. + +But the vista that opened out before them was beautiful beyond +description. + +Mountains everywhere--above, below, and on either hand; but between them +were fertile little valleys, with here and there glittering lakes with +tiny streamlets trickling into them, that seemed like silver brooches and +chains garnishing nature's emerald vestments. + +The youthful couple stood wrapt in silence for several minutes, viewing +the varied landscape. To Virgie the scene was familiar as an oft-repeated +tale, and yet she was never weary of it. To her companion it was one of +the loveliest views that he had ever gazed upon, even though he had +visited many lands and climbed many a mountain. + +"It is grand!" said Mr. Heath, at last. + +"It is grand!" echoed Virgie, drawing in a deep breath of pure air, and +sweeping a delighted glance over all the fair scene. + +"I thank you very much for bringing me here," her companion continued. "I +would hardly have believed there could be such an exquisite view in this +region; my disagreeable ride, when I came here before, rather prejudiced +me against the locality. Do you come here often?" + +"I used to, before papa's health failed him," Virgie answered, with a +regretful sigh, as she remembered how little her father had been able to +go about of late. "We used to come here almost every Sabbath in fine +weather, with our books and papers, and spend half the day--it is all the +church we have had--and I shall always love the spot." + +"No doubt you do, and yet----" + +Virgie looked up inquiringly as he paused abruptly. + +"I was thinking," he continued, in reply to her glance, "that this +mountain must be a wild and lonely place for one like you to spend your +life in." + +"Yes, it is lonely," the young girl responded, with a wistful gleam in her +violent eyes. + +"Have you lived here long, Miss Abbot?" + +"Five years--a little more." + +"So long? Surely you cannot have had much congenial society," Mr. Heath +remarked, as he contemplated with no favoring eye the rude hamlet far +below them on their right. + +"None, save my father." + +"And have you never been lonely, and yearned for youthful companionship?" + +"Oh, yes, often," and the bright tears sprang quickly into Virgie's blue +eyes, as she thought of the nights she had wept herself to sleep from +sheer homesickness and a feeling of utter desolation. "But," she continued +more brightly, and winking rapidly to keep the tell-tale drops from +falling. "I can bear loneliness, or almost anything else, for my father's +sake." + +"Poor child! brave little woman!" thought the man by her side, "it must +have been very much like being buried alive, and she has borne it like a +heroine; but she will not have to endure it much longer 'for her father.' +I wonder what will become of her when he is gone." + +"Mr. Abbot seems very feeble," he said aloud, "do you not think a change +would be beneficial to him?" + +"I--do not know," Virgie began wistfully; then added, more to herself than +to him, "Where could we go?" + +"I would advise the sea-shore. I should think the salt air would do him +good. Santa Cruz, Monterey, or any of those places on the California +coast, would be both pleasant and healthful." + +A startled look came into Virgie's eyes, and her face grew pale. + +She had often been to Santa Cruz and Monterey, in the old delightful days +when her mother was living, where she had reigned like a little queen, and +they had all been so happy, with no suspicion of the black shadow that was +creeping upon them so surely. + +"No, no, we could not go there; I--I do not believe that papa could be +persuaded to leave home," she faltered with evident nervousness and +embarrassment. + +"There is a sad history and a secret here," said Mr. Heath to himself, and +he wondered more than ever what cruel misfortune could have driven these +people thus into exile. + +"Has Mr. Abbot ever consulted a physician?" he asked. + +"No; there is no physician near us. But papa understands something of +medicine himself," Virgie answered, sighing, for her heart was very heavy +whenever she thought of her father's condition, and it was evident to her +that Mr. Heath considered him to be in a very critical state. + +He saw that it troubled her to talk about it, and resolved that he would +not refer to the subject again. + +As they stood there the gorgeous tints faded out of the western sky, a +purplish haze settled over mountain and valley, like a gauzy vail +softening all their outlines, and a mist was beginning to rise from the +depths below. + +"The dew is falling, Miss Abbot. I fear you will take cold in this +dampness. Shall I take you back now?" Mr. Heath asked. + +"Yes. I think it will be hardly safe for us to linger longer," she +replied. "But, Mr. Heath, be careful as you go down; the path is not +altogether safe." + +The young man laughed lightly. + +"I have scaled greater heights, climbed steeper and more rugged paths than +these, Miss Abbot," he said. "The Alps, the Pyrenees, the Caucasus, are +all familiar ground, and this is but child's play compared with them." + +"Oh, then you have been in Europe?" Virgie cried, with animation. + +"Yes, in almost every portion of it," he answered, watching her kindly +face with admiration. + +"How favored you are," she sighed wistfully. "I have longed with a mighty +longing to visit foreign lands." + +"Have you? Perhaps some time your wish may be gratified. I hope it may +be," he returned, in an earnest tone. "Now give me your hand, and let me +assist you down this slippery path." + +"No, no. Please care for yourself, Mr. Heath, and let me follow you," the +young girl pleaded. "I know every step of the way, and it is all strange +to you." + +But he stood still in the way, with his hand outstretched to her, resolute +yet smiling. He would not yield his point, and without another word she +laid her own within his, and together they went down the mountain path, he +guiding her steps as carefully as if she had never been over the ground +before, and she finding it very pleasant to be so shielded and attended. + +When they reached more level ground he drew the hand he held within his +arm, and they slowly wended their way back in the gloaming to the cottage, +Virgie feeling strangely light-hearted and happy, and almost as if a new +and beautiful life was about opening before her, while William Heath, with +a twinkle of amusement in his fine eyes, wondered what his aristocratic +mother and sister would say; what another brilliantly beautiful woman +would think to see him thus playing the devoted cavalier to this simple +and unpretending mountain maiden whom he thought so lovely. + +He had at that moment in his pocket, letters from two of them, begging him +to "quit his wanderings," to "come home and settle down to the real +business of life. The property needed his care, and--Sadie had not been +like herself since his departure." + +These words came to him now, but they did not change in the least the +purposes that were taking root in his mind--the determination to remain in +that isolated hamlet as long as <i>Virginia Abbot's father should live</i>. + + + + +Chapter V. + +"Who Is He, and Why Is He Here?" + + + +The next morning Mr. Abbot and his young guest visited the mine, and, +after a thorough examination of the former's claim, and instituting some +inquiries, more for form's sake than anything else, regarding the wealth +of the mine generally, Mr. Heath became the purchaser of Mr. Abbot's +property, and at once set about hiring competent miners to work it for +him. + +"It may prove but a foolish, quixotic undertaking after all," he told +himself, when his negotiations were completed, "but I must have some +excuse for remaining here. That girl is the most beautiful being I ever +met. She has power to move me as I was never moved before. I simply +<i>cannot</i> go away and leave her. I am sure her father can live but a little +while, and then--" + +What was to happen after Mr. Abbot should be taken away remained unsaid, +and Mr. Heath walked on for a while with bent head and thoughtful brow. + +He was looking about him a little to find a place in which to live while +he should remain on the mountain, for he was resolved that he would +trespass upon Mr. Abbot's hospitality no longer than he was obliged to, +although every hour in Virgie's presence was perfect delight to him. + +"I would give a good deal to know their history," he resumed, after a +little. "It is the greatest mystery--their being here. The man shows +culture and familiarity with men and things; he is unusually keen and +shrewd in business matters, while the way he has managed his daughter's +education betrays the scholar and a mind of no ordinary power and ability; +and to be <i>here</i>, working with the common herd in a <i>mine!</i> I do not +understand it!" + +While he was speculating thus regarding his new friends, Mr. Abbot and +Virgie were engaged in the same manner with reference to him. + +"Well, Virgie, I have sold my claim, and for a generous sum, too. Mr. +Heath is no haggler, and gave me my price without a demur; but I think +that it is very queer that a young man of his stamp should care to engage +in any such business." + +"It is rather strange," Virgie admitted, absently. + +"He is far above the people with whom he will come in contact," continued +her father. "He has evidently been accustomed to the very best of society, +is well educated and fine appearing, and seems to have an abundance of +means. What do you make of him, dear?" + +"I should say that he is very much of a gentleman, papa," replied the +young girl, flushing, as she remembered their walk of the previous +evening, the care and attention which he had bestowed upon her, and the +delight which she had experienced in his presence. + +"Yes, that goes without saying; but, does he seem like an American to +you?" + +"I had not given a thought to his nationality," Virgie answered, looking +up curiously. + +"Well, it strikes me that he may be English, although there is nothing in +his speech or manner to betray it. He is built like an Englishman, and +somehow the idea has taken possession of me that he belongs over the +water, and so, his desire to settle here seems all the more +incomprehensible." + +"It may be a whim--a romantic desire to learn something of a miner's +life," observed Virgie; "or," with more animation, "he may be an author, +papa, and is taking this way to study certain phases of character with +reference to writing a book." + +"Well, Virgie," said Mr. Abbot, smiling, "I must confess that is the most +reasonable explanation that could suggest itself, and possibly, with your +woman's intuition, you have hit upon the right solution of the mystery. +Yes," after a thoughtful pause, "I shouldn't wonder if you were right. His +saying that he did not intend to work the mine himself goes to show that +it is a secondary object, and he does not care particularly about the +profit of it. He is very pleasant company. I believe his coming has done +me good." + +"I am sure it has," Virgie answered, brightly; "and papa, now that your +mind is relieved of all pecuniary care, don't you think you will continue +to improve?" + +"No, Virgie," her father returned, gravely; "do not allow my temporary +improvement to deceive you. A fatal disease has fastened itself upon me, +and I know that I have not long to live." + +"Oh, papa!" exclaimed the lovely girl, sharply. "I will not believe it. +Pray, <i>pray</i> try what medical advice will do for you." + +"Hush, my child," Mr. Abbot returned, deeply moved. "I did not mean to +refer to this again, but you force me to do so; nothing short of a miracle +could give me a sound pair of lungs again." + +"Then let us try change of air--anything so that I may keep you with me," +Virgie pleaded, yet knowing, as she did so, that there was no place on +earth that held so much attraction for her now as the humble home which +heretofore had seemed so lonely and isolated. + +A subtle charm seemed suddenly to have fallen upon it; everything looked +brighter; all things surrounding it had become dearer. + +"No, dear; no air will be so good for me as this pure, bracing mountain +atmosphere," her father replied, gently. "I would shrink from going to any +place where we should be likely to find familiar faces--nothing would +break me down so quickly. Be patient, Virgie for a little longer, and then +<i>you</i> shall go back to the world, where you ought long ago to have been +with people of your own age." + +"Oh, papa! I care nothing for the world nor for society without you," she +sobbed, realizing more fully than she ever had done, that she would soon +be fatherless. + +"But it is not right that you should spend your life in such a place as +this," responded Mr. Abbot. "I have written to Mr. Bancroft, and if +anything happens to me suddenly you will find the letter in my desk, and +must send it to him immediately. I would mail it now, only--I cannot feel +reconciled to having any one learn of our hiding-place while I live. One +thing more I must speak of. I should have done so the other night if we +had not been interrupted. When I am gone I want you to lay my body here, +under the shadow of the old pine tree." + +"Papa, papa! you will break my heart! Surely you would wish to lie beside +my mother!" Virgie cried, the tears raining over her cheeks. + +Mr. Abbot's face was almost convulsed with pain for a moment. + +"Yes, if that were possible," he said, at length, "but no one must ever +know the fate of Abbot Al--Ha! Virgie, I had nearly uttered the dishonored +name!" he panted. + +"Papa, you shall not talk so," the girl cried, wiping her tears and +turning on him almost indignantly. + +"I would not pain you, my darling," he answered, gently; "but if there +were no cloud hanging over us, I should be only too glad to go back to our +old home to die and be laid beside my loved ones. It cannot be, however," +he concluded, sighing wearily. + +"But, dear papa, the dreadful past was caused by no fault of your own, and +it is not right that you should suffer as if it had been," Virgie said, +passionately. + +A cynical smile curled the lips of the sick man. + +"The world would tell a far different story if it should ferret out my +grave and see my name blazoned above it; and as long as its poisonous +tongues continue to speak slightingly of me, it must never know aught +about me. So do as I bid you; promise that you will obey me, Virgie." + +And the almost broken-hearted girl promised, but feeling as if it would be +almost more than she could bear, to go back to the gay world, where she +would be kindly cared for and sheltered, and leave her dear father lying +in his lonely grave upon that desolate mountain. + +William Heath entered with great apparent interest upon his mining +operations, and although he frankly acknowledged his entire ignorance of +the business, exhibited a goodly amount of judgment and common sense which +warned the workmen whom he had hired that it would not be well for them to +attempt to take advantage of him. + +He was unable to find any place in which he was willing to live, so he +caused a small cabin to be erected just opposite Mr. Abbot's dwelling, +furnished it simply but comfortably from the nearest supply station, and +with Mr. Abbot's permission, contracted with Chi Lu to keep his table +supplied with all needful provisions. + +No one would have supposed from his humble surroundings from the +industrious and energetic life which he led, and the total absence of +anything like arrogance or assumption, that he belonged to an almost royal +family, and had been for years the petted darling of fashionable circles +and drawing rooms, the catch of many seasons, and the prize for which fond +mammas and beautiful, aspiring maidens had long angled in vain. + +But such was the fact, and William Heath had thus isolated himself from +his home and all that he held most dear simply because, while on a +pleasure trip, he had accidentally met a beautiful girl who had chanced to +touch a chord in his heart that had never vibrated before. + +These two young people were now thrown almost daily into each other's +society. + +Mr. Heath was quite literary in his tastes, and after the duties of the +day were over he invariably sought the companionship of Virgie, sometimes +reading to her while she worked, and often with her as she still +persisted in reviewing certain studies and authors which she loved. + +The failing invalid, too, received much of his care and attention, while +many delicacies, which he had never taken pains to procure for himself, +found their way to his table to help sustain his waning strength. + +It is easy to see whither all this tended. + +Virgie soon learned to look for Heath's coming, to listen for his +footsteps and the sound of his voice, as she had never looked for or +listened to anything else in the world before. She began to rely upon him, +to experience a sense of restfulness and content in his care that +sometimes made her wonder how she had ever been able to live without him. + +There came new beauty, and light, and earnestness into her face, a +tenderer smile to her red lips, a more musical cadence into her voice. The +hours dragged heavily without him, and they took to themselves wings when +he came. + +Before she realized the fact she had learned to love him with all the +strength of her nature, and her destiny was sealed. + +Thus weeks and months went by. + +For a time the warm, genial summer weather seemed to hold Mr. Abbot's +disease somewhat in check, and, as he was cheerful, and enjoyed the +novelty of having two young and charming people about him, there was a +little season during which that small household was very happy. + +He studied the young stranger attentively, and was more and more +prepossessed in his favor. They conversed frequently upon topics which Mr. +Abbot had long been in the habit of scoffing at, but there was an element +of reverence in Mr. Heath's nature that commanded his respect in spite of +preconceived ideas and a tendency to skepticism. His arguments were always +reasonable and convincing. He could not fail to feel this influence; and +it was not long before Virgie could see that a great change had taken +place in her father's feelings regarding his relations to an overruling +power and the future, which hitherto had seemed so vague and uncertain. + +Yet, notwithstanding all this, he often experienced a feeling of +uneasiness. + +He could not fail to perceive that Virgie was learning to care a great +deal for their new friend, and that Mr. Heath was deeply interested in his +daughter. + +This was all well enough if Mr. Heath was what he appeared to be, and his +intentions were honorable. + +But he could never quite divest himself of the feeling that there was +something rather mysterious in his desire to remain in that remote region, +and it would be terrible if any harm should result from it to his one ewe +lamb. + +He had always guarded her so tenderly and carefully no breath of evil, +scarce a sorrow, save their one great sorrow, had ever touched her. Once +or twice the thought had come to him, prompted, no doubt, by the +circumstances which had driven him to that place, that the man might have +become entangled in some wrong or crime, and was hiding, like himself, +from the world and justice; and yet it was difficult to fancy that he was +not all that was honorable and upright, for his life and conduct from day +to day were beyond reproach. + +"If they love each other, and he is all he seems, I could give her to +him, and feel more content than I ever thought to be," he said to himself, +while brooding upon the subject one afternoon while Virgie and her lover +were out on a ramble. "She would be far better off under the care and +protection of a kind husband, than she would be to send her to New York. +Her future would be settled, and there would be no fear on account of the +snares and temptations of society in the gay city. + +"Still I really know nothing about him. He says nothing about himself, his +home, or his family. If it should turn out that he has a suspicion that +she will have money, and he is seeking her for that, it would be a fearful +blow. I could not bear that her young life should be ruined." + +He sat in troubled thought for a long time, considering the subject from +every point, sometimes reproaching himself for not having foreseen the +danger of allowing the two young people to come together, and refused to +sell his claim to Mr. Heath; then again feeling a sense of shame for his +unworthy suspicions of one who bore the stamp of true nobility upon his +very face. + +At length he was aroused from his reverie by the sound of the voice he +knew and loved so well; and, sitting suddenly erect and speaking with +resolution, he said: + +"I am her father. I have a right to know. He shall tell me who he is, and +why he is here." + + + + +Chapter VI. + +"Will You Give Me Your Daughter?" + + + +"Papa," said Virgie, putting a flushed, beautiful face inside the room +where her father was sitting, and all unconscious of the very serious +considerations that were agitating his mind: "I have invited Mr. Heath to +take tea with us. A basket of the loveliest peaches came to us this +afternoon from some mysterious source, which, however, I am inclined to +think, he could tell us something about if he chose. So, if you entertain +him for a little while, I will go and prepare a dish of them for him to +share with us." + +"Yes, yes. Come in, Mr. Heath. I was waiting to see you. Run away, Virgie, +and attend to your peaches, and I will see that our friend is properly +entertained until tea is ready," the invalid responded, with unusual +animation. + +Virgie tripped lightly up to her chamber, where she removed her hat, and +stopped a moment before her glass to rearrange the locks that lay lightly +upon her forehead, and blushed a conscious rosy red as she looked into her +eyes and read the strangely happy expression that lay in their clear +depths. Then she tied a long white apron around her slim waist, and went +down to pare her peaches, never suspecting the vital questions that were +being discussed in the little parlor so near her. + +"Mr. Heath," Mr. Abbot began, as the young man had seated himself, "I was +thinking of you just as you entered, and had resolved to ask you a couple +of very plain, and to me, important questions." + +"Which, no doubt, I shall be very glad to answer if I can do so," his +companion responded, smiling, yet flushing lightly as he began to suspect +what the nature of the invalid's inquiries might be. + +"Thank you," responded Mr. Abbot, courteously, and then added, gravely: "I +do not need to remind you, I am sure, that as a father I am often anxious +regarding my daughter's future, and for this reason I feel compelled to +ask you that which, under other circumstances I should not feel at liberty +to ask. Will you tell me who you are?" + +"My name, Mr. Abbot, is--William Heath," the young man began, looking +thoughtful; then seemed to hesitate to go on. + +"Is that all that you have to tell me about yourself?" the invalid +inquired, with some dignity, and attentively studying the face opposite +him. "I knew that before," he went on, a suspicion of sarcasm in his tone, +"but I have long felt that there was something of mystery connected with +the circumstances of your being here. It is rather extraordinary that a +young man of your talent and culture should desire to locate in a rough +place like this. It has been evident to me for some time that your mining +operations were of secondary importance to you, for you cannot reap much +if any profit. It must take nearly all you realize to pay the two men you +hire to work your claim, while you lead, comparatively, a life of leisure. +My second question was regarding this--why are you here?" + +William Heath lifted his frank, dark eyes, and looked straight into the +face of his host, and said, in a low tone, but with an earnestness which +betrayed that he felt he had much at stake: + +"Mr. Abbot, I will answer your last question first, as frankly as you have +asked it, though, no doubt, you will be greatly surprised, and perhaps +startled, by my reply. I am here simply and solely to try and win Virginia +Abbot for my wife." + +Mr. Abbot sat erect, looking astonished indeed at this astounding +statement, and a spot of deep red settled in each hollow cheek. + +"What can you mean? You never saw her until three months ago!" he said, +excitedly. + +"True, I never saw her until that wild, stormy night when I came to you a +weary, dripping traveler and you so kindly extended to me your +hospitality. But I began to love your daughter that very evening. I do not +need to tell you that she is beautiful, for you know it; but to me she +seemed the fairest woman that I had ever seen; her presence moved me as I +had never been moved before, and I felt as if I could hardly go on to join +my friends and leave her. But I suddenly found a pretext for returning +when you mentioned that you desired to dispose of your claim. I resolved +that I would become the purchaser. I would come here and remain to study +the character of your daughter, and if she proved all that I fancied her, +I would strive to win her for my wife. This, my dear sir, is why I am +here; and now--will you give her to me?" + +"Have you said anything to Virgie about this?" Mr. Abbot asked, looking +very grave. + +"No, sir; I have not breathed a word of my intentions to her; but I +accepted her invitation to tea this evening with the determination to tell +you this, if I could make the opportunity, and ask your sanction to my +suit before speaking to her." + +Mr. Abbot looked gratified. + +"That was honorable of you," he said. "It meets my estimate of your +character." + +"Thank you, sir," Mr. Heath returned, flushing slightly, then continued: +"I am not given much to rhapsody or extravagances of language, but I know +that I can never be a happy man unless I win Virgie, and if you will give +her to me, I promise most solemnly to devote my life to her happiness." + +"Is William Heath your true name?" Mr. Abbot questioned, determined to +know all about him before committing himself. + +"Yes, sir. I hope you do not think I have been masquerading under a false +name," returned the young man, a quick flush mantling his cheek. + +"Pardon me; but you must remember that I could not account for your being +here, and--and I was a little suspicious, I own, that you were not quite +what you pretended to be," said the invalid, apologetically, and yet +regarding him keenly. + +The flush on William Heath's face deepened. He looked very thoughtful for +a moment, then said: + +"Mr. Abbot, you have read between the lines better than I thought. I would +have preferred to remain plain William Heath to every one until after I +had won my love; but perhaps I had better be perfectly frank with you. I +am not an American." + +"I thought so," returned his companion, quietly. + +"Did you?" asked the young man, looking surprised. "I compliment you upon +your penetration then, for I have passed for one of your countrymen almost +everywhere since coming to this country." + +"I think you are an Englishman," said Mr. Abbot. + +"I am, sir. I have an estate called Heathdale in the county of Hampshire, +England. I own another in Surrey. Mr. Abbot, I am an English baronet, and +I have simply been a visitor and traveler in this country during the last +year." + +"You, an English baronet!" exclaimed Mr. Abbot, excitedly, a vivid flush +suffusing his face, then quickly receding, leaving him deadly pale. + +"Yes, sir; but, pray believe me, I had no intention of boasting of either +my wealth or title," observed the young man modestly. + +"Oh!" sighed the sick man. "I am afraid then that you can never marry +Virgie." + +"Sir! Why not? What is there in what I have told you to debar me from +making your daughter my wife? I should suppose you would feel that I have +it in my power to make her all the happier on account of it." + +"But you do not know, you cannot understand, you English are so proud, so +tenacious of honor and caste. Ah, my poor child!" Mr. Abbot cried, +incoherently, and appearing greatly agitated and distressed. + +"I am sure, my friend, I cannot comprehend this excessive emotion," Sir +William--as we shall call him henceforth--remarked. + +"Would you be willing to marry a woman whose name is irretrievably linked +with disgrace?" Mr. Abbot asked, while cold perspiration started out upon +his forehead, and his face was almost convulsed with his anguish of mind. + +He knew that Virgie had grown to love this man. He was conscious of the +pride and prejudices of the English aristocracy, and he believed that when +he should tell the story of his life, as he knew it was only right he +should do, Sir William Heath would no longer care to make his daughter his +wife, and her heart would be broken. + +Sir William looked up, startled at this question, his own face paling +suddenly. + +"Surely, Mr. Abbot, you cannot mean anything so bad as that," he replied, +in a low, pained tone. + +"I will tell you all about it," said the sick man, "and then you must +decide for yourself whether you are still willing to wed the daughter of a +dishonored man. Of course you have seen from the beginning of your +acquaintance with us that no pleasure or profit that might accrue to us +from this kind of a life could ever reconcile us to it; that only some +terrible misfortune could have driven me and my beautiful darling into +such a wild and desolate region as this." + +"Yes; I have felt that there was something mysterious in your being +here--some secret reason why you should have shut yourselves away from all +comfort and civilization," Sir William admitted, as his companion paused +for strength to go on. "But I have never attributed it to any willful +wrong on your part." + +"Thank you for your faith in me," returned Mr. Abbot, gratefully. "I only +wish the world at large was as charitable; if it had been, I need not have +been here now, on the verge of the grave, nor been obliged to doom my +lonely child to a life of exile, when everything should be at the +brightest for her; neither should we have been obliged to disown a name +which, until recently had always been an honored and respected one". + +"Then your name is not Abbot," said Sir William. + +"Yes, but that is not the whole of it; I will, however, confide that to +you later. But of course I tell you this in strictest confidence; whatever +your decision may be after you hear my story, I charge you not to betray +me to any one." + +"You may trust me," said the young man, quietly. + +"Then draw your chair closer, for not even Virgie knows the very worst, +and I would not make her burden any heavier when there is no need." + +The young baronet did as he was requested, but he looked both troubled and +pale, for he knew not how this story might affect his future prospects. He +was not different from his kind in some points; he belonged to an old and +honored family; no shadow had ever tarnished their fair fame; he was proud +and tenacious of honor, and his heart was heavy with apprehension as he +thought that he might be about to hear some story of crime or wrong that +would forever separate him from the woman whom he had learned to idolize. + +Mr. Abbot leaned nearer his companion, and in a low voice gave him a brief +and rapid account of his life and the adverse fate that had served to +banish him to the sparsely populated mountains of Nevada. It was a +strange, sad story of sin, and wrong, and shame, in which a complication +of evidence and circumstances had permitted the real offender to escape +justice and another to suffer the consequences of his crime. + +Sir William Heath never once moved or spoke during its recital, but his +fine face expressed pain, and sorrow, and sympathy throughout, and when at +length it was finished he still sat for several minutes in his chair, +exhausted and panting from weariness and excitement. + +At last the young man turned to his companion, a great pity and tenderness +shining in his fine, clear eyes. + +"Mr. Abbot," he said, "you have told me one of the saddest stories that I +have ever known, and I can find nothing but sympathy and regret for you in +my heart. You have been but the victim of an atrocious wrong--no stain +rests upon your character, if there appears to be upon your name, and so I +ask you again, will you give me your daughter, if I find that I have been +so fortunate as to have won her love? What you have related to me can +never make any difference in my feelings toward her, and since I shall +take her to another country, where nothing of this will ever be known or +cast a shadow upon her future, as Lady Heath she will be honored and +respected, and I trust, happy." + +Tears welled up into the eyes of the invalid as he listened to the words +of this true, earnest lover. + +"God bless you for a noble, royal hearted man!" he exclaimed, reaching +forward and clasping the young baronet's hand. "Yes, I can say God bless +you now--for you have taught me to believe there is an Infinite Father and +I can reverently invoke His benediction upon you. Of course I will give +you Virgie and feel that she is richly blessed in having won such a +husband and thus I can die with not a care upon my heart." + +"You have given me the richest boon that it is in my power to crave," +returned Sir William, his face kindling with happiness. "But you need not +speak of dying. A sea voyage would prolong your life. Come with me at once +to England and to Heathdale where you shall have every comfort and +attention, and the change will do you good." + +A sad smile flitted over Mr. Abbot's wan features. + +"It is too late," he said, sorrowfully. "I shall not live through another +month; but my mind is at ease and it will be a restful season--the little +time that I am spared. No, I shall never leave this place, but I have a +request to make of you." + +"Tell me, and it shall be granted if it is in the power of man," returned +Sir William, eagerly. + +"I should like, if you can win Virgie's consent, to see her your wife +before I die. It will be better for you both; then, after I am gone, you +can take her away as soon as you choose, and perhaps among new scenes and +with new ties she will not grieve so bitterly for me." + +Sir William Heath's heart leaped with joy at this proposition, though +there was an expression of sadness on his handsome face as he looked upon +the wreck before him, and realized how truly he had spoken. He knew that +he had very little time to live. + +"If I can win her, nothing would make me happier than to accede to your +wish," he said, in a low, earnest tone. + +At this time, a light step was heard in the hall, and the next moment the +door was opened, while a sweet young voice called: + +"Come, papa and Mr. Heath--tea is ready; the peaches are delicious, and +Chi Lu has obtained, from some mysterious source, real cream to eat with +them." + + + + +Chapter VII. + +"Will You Be My Wife?" + + + +In spite of the exciting conversation of the last half-hour Mr. Abbot +appeared more than usually cheerful during tea. He was indeed more like +the brilliant, entertaining host that he used to be in their former +beautiful home in San Francisco, than Virgie had seen him since their +troubles had come upon them. + +At the same, time the young girl wondered what could have occurred to make +their guest so silent and preoccupied. It was evidently an effort for him +to converse at all, while two or three times he was addressed more than +once before he responded, but his glance whenever it met hers thrilled her +strangely, and kept a beautiful flush upon her cheeks throughout the meal. + +When it was concluded the two young people went out upon the porch to view +the sunset, while Mr. Abbot retired to his room where he began looking +over and rearranging the papers in his desk. + +There was no need now to send that written history with its request for +fatherly care for Virgie, to Lawrence Bancroft. He had not a doubt as to +the result of Sir William Heath's wooing. He was sure that Virgie loved +him, and he was filled with a blessed content and fervent gratitude that +so bright a future was opening before his darling. + +She would go to another country where none of the old troubles could touch +her, where no one would be able to point the finger of scorn at her and +whisper that her name had been branded with dishonor, and where, +surrounded by her noble husband's love and care, occupying a high social +position with every good thing that wealth could secure, her life would be +one long summer of peace and happiness. + +Meantime an awkward pause had fallen between Virgie and her lover standing +outside upon the porch. + +It was broken at last by the baronet with a very trite remark: + +"What a warm evening." + +"Yes, it has been a very warm day," answered Virgie, feeling very much +inclined to laugh, for never before had they been forced to talk of the +weather in order to keep up a conversation. + +"Let us go to our seat under the old pine tree," said Sir William, and +without waiting for her consent, he stepped down to lead the way. + +Virgie glanced at him questioningly. + +The unusual gravity which she had observed during tea still rested upon +his face and vibrated in his tones. + +She wondered at it, and yet, although she could not have told why, her +heart began to beat with quickened throbs on account of it. + +Reaching their favorite nook, Sir William gently seated his companion, and +then stood looking down upon her a moment without speaking. + +Then he spoke, and there was a tenderer note in his voice than she had +ever heard before. + +"Virgie," he said, "have you ever wondered why I came here and turned +miner?" + +She looked up quickly as he spoke her name thus for the first time, then +her eyes suddenly drooped beneath the look in his. + +"Yes, I have thought it a little singular that you should choose just this +work and this locality," she answered, in a low tone. + +"May I tell you why I came?" seating himself at her side. + +"Certainly, if you like." + +"It was because I found here the only woman whom I could ever love. +Virgie, you are that woman, and my heart told me on that first evening +when I came to you, cold, wet, and hungry, that I must win your love or my +future would be void and desolate. So I seized upon the first reasonable +pretext I could find for remaining, and that, you know, your father +offered me in disposing of his claim. Sometimes I have hoped that you were +learning to love me in return; sometimes I have feared that I should not +succeed in this, the dearest object of my life. My darling, I resolved +to-night that I would put my fate to the test. Will you give yourself to +me for all time, my beautiful mountain queen? Do you love me well enough, +dear, to put your hand in mine and tell me that you will go with me +wherever I will, as my loved and cherished wife?" + +Virginia Abbot sat there, her perfect form outlined against the dark, +moss-grown rock that arose, rugged and grand, behind her. The softened +light, as it fell upon her through the boughs of the tree above her, made +her seem like some exquisite picture painted by a master-hand. Her hands, +white as Parian marble, were quietly folded in her lap, but her heart was +in a tumult of joy, and her color came and went in fitful flushes. + +She knew that she deeply loved this grand man, who had come to her +mountain home in the early summer time, and she felt that earth could hold +no higher happiness for her than to become his wife and go with him +whithersoever he willed. But she knew, too, that her first duty lay with +her father; that she must have no interests that would interfere with the +care and attention which she owed to him in his failing condition. + +"Virgie, you will not crush the sweet hope that has been taking root in my +heart during these months that I have spent with you," Sir William +pleaded, his face paling as she did not answer, and a fear smiting him +that he might have been nourishing a delusion. "I have fancied that I have +seen the love-light dawning in your eyes--oh, do not tell me that I have +been deceiving myself. My darling, I will try to make your life very +bright if you will give yourself to me." + +Virgie looked up now with a steady, unwavering glance into his eager eyes, +although her face was dyed with blushes. + +"Mr. Heath," she faltered, "you know I cannot leave my father." + +"Of course I know it," he returned, his face lighting "I do not ask it, +darling; I only ask that you will give yourself into my keeping, and then +we will devote ourselves to him as long as he lives. Oh, my dearest"--as +he saw an answering gleam in her eyes--"you do love me!" + +"Yes, I love you," Virgie breathed, with a downcast but happy face; and +then she was gathered close to her lover's manly breast in a fond embrace. + +"My love! my love! I would serve twice seven years, as Jacob did, in this +wild region for the sake of winning that coveted confession from your dear +lips. My mountain queen! and you will soon be my wife?" + +But Virgie sat up suddenly at this and pushed him from her with gentle +force, a frightened look in her eyes. Oh, "what have I done? I am afraid I +have done wrong!" she cried. + +"Wrong, dearest, in confessing that you love me!" Sir William whispered, +as he tried to draw her again into his arms. + +"But you do not know--I have no right to tell you; no--no, I am afraid I +ought not to be your wife," she said, remembering, with a sense of shame +and misery, the stigma resting upon her name. + +The young man regarded her anxiously for a moment; then he understood it +all. + +"Virgie," he said, "you need not fear to promise all that I ask, for I +know what troubles you. I asked your father's sanction to my suit before I +came to you, and he told me all his sad story. But it need be no barrier +to our happiness. I told him so, and he gave you to me--providing I could +win you--with his blessing." + +Virgie lifted her face, all radiant with a sweet new joy, a sense of +exultation in her heart. + +"And you were willing----" she began, wondering at the great love that +could thus level what she had had feared would be an insurmountable +barrier. + +"Willing, love, to make myself the happiest man on earth," he +interrupted, in a voice that actually trembled with joy. "What Mr. Abbot +told me does not affect your worth or character, nor his either, and some +time I believe the wrong will be made all right. Even were the facts more +serious than they are, they need not trouble us, for I could take you far +away from every breath of evil, and as my wife it could never touch you. +So you will give yourself to me, Virgie?" + +"Yes," she answered, with grave sweetness; "if papa thinks it is right, I +cannot put my cup of happiness away untasted." + +Sir William Heath bent and touched the beautiful girl's lips with his +first lover's kiss. + +"My beloved," he said, "life looks to me now like one long vista of +happiness--may it prove so to both of us." + +They sat there beneath the shadow of the great pine for more than an hour, +wearing bright plans for the future, while the twilight gathered around +them. But as yet Sir William had not told his bethrothed who he was, nor +of the title awaiting her when she should become his wife. Somehow, he +felt strangely reluctant to do so. + +Once he had spoken of his home, and Virgie looked up with sudden interest, +and asked: + +"Where is your home, Mr. Heath?" + +An amused smile played about his lips at her question + +"My friends--that is those who love me---call me 'Will,' there," he said, +significantly; "and surely, darling you need not treat me with so much +formality. Do not call me Mr. Heath any more, Virgie." + +"Please tell me where our home is to be--Will," she said, looking up at +him with a shy smile, and blushing as the newly spoken name left her lips. + +He bent and touched them fondly with his own. + +"In England, love," he returned. + +"England!" + +"Yes. Shall you regret leaving your own country?" + +"No; I think I shall be glad," Virgie answered, with a little sigh of +content and relief. + +Sir William looked gratified. + +"Shall I describe our home to you?" he asked, thinking that perhaps now +would be as good a time as any to tell more about himself and what her +future position would be. + +"Yes, do, please." + +"Well, then, imagine a large, old mansion, with many turrets and gables, +its time-worn stones grown with ivy and moss, and set in the midst of +extensive grounds, with grand, beautiful trees scattered all about. There +is a great hall in the center of the house, with spacious rooms on either +hand. At the end of this hall is the library, with two large bay-windows +overlooking a winding river, which is the pride and glory of the place, +and where we sail, and bathe, and fish during the summer months. Over the +library there is a lovely suite of rooms, commanding a wide expanse of +meadow and upland--a scene that is like a picture all the time--which will +henceforth be devoted to the use of the future lady--of Heathdale." + +"Heathdale! What a pretty name!" Virgie cried, but still unsuspicious of +the title which would become hers when she should go with him as his wife +to England although he had almost given utterance to it, then hesitated, +and substituted those last two words. + +"Yes, it is a pretty name, and, Virgie, the place is the pride of my +heart. At some distance from the mansion there are the stables and +kennels, where the horses and dogs abide." + +"Why, Mr.----Why, Will, what an extensive establishment! You must +have----" + +Virgie began in a tone of surprise, then stopped in confusion. + +"Well, I must have what?" he asked. + +"A great deal of money to support such a place," she replied, flushing. + +"And is there anything very alarming about that?" he questioned, with a +quiet smile. + +"No; but--I thought----" + +"You thought that I could not have very much of this world's goods since I +had come here to work a mine," Sir William said, completing her sentence. +"But, darling, all that was only a ruse; I have been working more for my +wife than for gold." + +"Will!" + +"Darling, it is true; that was my only reason for becoming the purchaser +of your father's interest here. I saw you; I loved you; I must have some +good excuse for tarrying near you to try to win you, and now that I have +attained my object, the mine will have to be disposed of, as I have no +further use for it." + +Virgie regarded him with astonishment. She had never suspected anything +like this. + +"How strange," she said, with a beautiful flush. "I have thought it almost +unaccountable that a man like you should come here to remain. I have +imagined that you were an author or a student, and might be investigating +the formation of the mountains or studying character in order to write a +book, but I never dreamed of anything like this." + +Sir William laughed heartily. + +"You were making me out to be quite a lofty character truly," he said; +"and now you find your hero only a very human being after all--one who, +for the sake of a beautiful woman, has been almost willing to barter his +birthright. Have I fallen very low in your estimation, Virgie, because I +am not to become a distinguished public benefactor on account of my +research and investigation? Has my confession shocked you very much?" + +"Your confession has made me a very, very happy woman." Virgie whispered, +slipping her hand confidingly into his, her heart thrilling with a tender +pride and love that this grand man should have sacrificed so much to win +her. + +"And I am exceedingly proud of this happy woman," returned Sir William, +fondly. "I shall take the loveliest bride in the world back with me when +we go home to Heathdale." + +"Where you will be Lady Heath my Virgie. Ah, I am very thankful that my +child will occupy so proud a position in life," said the voice of Mr. +Abbot, just behind them. + +He had come out to seek them, and had approached just as Sir William +uttered those last words. + +"Lady Heath!" exclaimed Virgie, starting up and turning a very astonished +face first upon one and then the other. "What do you mean? I do not +understand." + +"Haven't you told her?" Mr. Abbot asked of the young man. + +Sir William shook his head, with a smile. + +"Told me what, papa?" + +"That our friend here is Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, and an English +baronet." + +Virgie stood in wondering silence for a moment, her face flushed and +drooping, while a hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. + +Her lover a titled peer of England! This noble man, who might have chosen +his wife from the nobility of his own country, had concealed his identity, +had buried himself in the wilds of Nevada, and lived like a common miner +simply to win her, an humble mountain maiden. He who belonged to an +honored race, and possessed both title and wealth, had overlooked the fact +that a heavy cloud enshrouded her own and her father's name, and was +willing to lift her to the proud position of his wife and the mistress of +his beautiful home. These and many other thoughts held her speechless, and +made her tremble with something of fear that in the future he might regret +it all, and wish that he had never seen her. + +"I am afraid I am not fitted--" she at length faltered. + +"In point of education, Virgie, you are fitted for the proudest position +that could be offered you," her father returned, with some spirit. "All +that you need is a trifle more worldly polish, which you will readily gain +as Sir William takes you into society, and I am proud to give you to him. +God bless you both, my children." + +His voice broke. + +He would have been glad to go with her to the scenes of her new life, to +watch her develop in a higher atmosphere and see her happiness in her +proud position. But he knew it could not be; and overcome, for the +moment, with the thought of the separation which must soon come, he turned +abruptly away and went feebly back to the cottage. + + + + +Chapter VIII. + +Mr. Abbot Desires an Immediate Marriage. + + + +Whether it was owing to the excitement of the previous evening, or to a +feeling of relief from care and anxiety upon Virgie's account which made +Mr. Abbot feel that at last he might safely lay down his burdens, it would +be impossible to say, but he was alarmingly ill the morning after the +betrothal, and unable to rise from his bed. + +His strength seemed to have left him, and he lay weak as a child, panting +with every breath, a deadly faintness and sinking sensation frequently +seizing him and making him feel as if the world was rapidly slipping from +his grasp. + +Virgie was in an agony of fear. + +She had never seen her father so ill before, and it seemed to her that he +must die if he did not soon have relief. + +"What shall I do?" she asked, in a helpless, appealing way, of Sir +William. + +He had been summoned as soon as Mr. Abbot's condition had been discovered, +and he, too, feared that the end was very near, while, being wholly +unaccustomed to sickness of any kind, he felt very useless and +inefficient. + +He bent and kissed his darling's pale, upturned face, and then went +swiftly out of the house. + +Presently, however, he returned with a foreign looking flask or bottle in +his hand. + +"Here is some brandy," he said, giving it to Virgie. "Mix some of it with +two-thirds as much water, and feed your father a teaspoonful at a time +every few minutes until he begins to rally, and call all your courage to +your aid, dear. Meantime, I will go to the nearest telegraph station and +send a message to Virginia City for a skillful physician." + +Virgie looked up at him with quivering lips. + +"Oh, what a comfort it is to have you to help me at this time!" she said. + +He drew her into his arms and held her for a moment while she laid her +lips, softly and gracefully, to his cheek, in the first voluntary caress +that she had ever given him. + +The act touched him, and told him how trustfully she relied upon him. + +"My darling, I wish I could save you from every pang," he said, tenderly. +"But I must not linger--we must have help for your father as soon as +possible. Good-by, my love, for a little while, and be sure that I will +come back just as quickly as I can." + +He went quickly out, and Virgie stole softly into her father's chamber, to +do what she could for him, and her heart began to gather something of hope +and courage when a few minutes later she heard the clatter of a horse's +hoofs outside, and knew that her lover was on the way for help. + +Sir William did not spare his horse until he reached the station. + +A telegram was sent and before long a reply was received saying that a +physician would leave Virginia City upon the next train coming that way. + +But several hours must elapse before he could arrive, and Sir William was +brought up to the highest pitch of anxiety and impatience during the +interval, while to Virgie, anxiously watching and waiting by the bedside +of her father, they were the longest that she had ever known. + +But she followed Sir William's directions regarding administering the +brandy, and she could see that after a few potions the invalid began to +rally somewhat. + +Just as the sun was going down Sir William and the doctor arrived, and +then the young girl felt as if a mountain had rolled from her shoulders. + +They remained all night watching with the patient, insisting that Virgie +should go to her rest, and worn out with her day of watching and anxiety, +she crept away to bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion. + +In the morning Mr. Abbot seemed considerably stronger and better, and +Virgie's loving heart began to take courage again and to hope that he was +not really so very ill after all. + +But these feelings received a sudden shock, when, after breakfast, her +lover drew her into the little parlor, his face very grave, yet full of +tenderness for her. + +"I have something that I wish to say to you, Virgie--something to ask +you," he said; "but, remember, that you are to answer me frankly and +truly. You are not to be unduly influenced by my--by any one's wishes--to +consent to what might seem premature, and thus repugnant to you." + +Virgie looked up at him questioningly, growing pale, and a thrill of fear +shooting through her heart. + +"Your father feels," Sir William went on, answering her look, "as if he +would like to--to have your future settled before--his strength fails him +any further." + +"Oh!" cried the young girl, clinging to her lover, a wild look in her +eyes, "papa is not going to--die! Do not tell me that. He is better +to-day, and he will--he must grow yet stronger." + +"My darling," said Sir William, holding her close to him, and speaking +with sorrowful tenderness, "I am not going to deceive you. It would not be +right for me to do so. But Dr. Waters thinks that he cannot stay with us +much longer. He believes that he will rally for a while, but the state of +his system warns him that it will be but a very little while. And, Virgie, +your father wants us to be married at once. Darling, shall it be as he +wishes?" + +But Virgie hardly heard these latter sentences. + +She threw herself upon that manly breast in a wild burst of grief. + +It was a dreadful blow to be told that the die was cast, that her father's +doom was very near. + +In an indefinite way she had been dreading it ever since he himself had +talked so plainly about it to her, but with the buoyancy of youth she had +kept hoping against hope, and refusing to believe the fearful truth. + +Sir William held her in her fond embrace, and allowed her to weep until +her tears were spent. + +He knew that it was better to let her grief have its way. She would be +calmer and stronger afterward, though every sob and tear was bitter pain +to his loving heart. + +She grew more quiet after a time, and at length he felt that he might +again speak of the subject so near his heart. + +"Will you be my wife, Virgie? I would not have forced this upon you just +now but for your father's desire, and because Dr. Waters, who must return +to-day to his own duties, can make all necessary arrangements for us upon +his arrival in Virginia City. + +"A clergyman must be sent to us, and there are some other matters which I +wish attended to, so we must decide now. Still, my darling, if you shrink +from this step, if the thought of it shocks you, I will not urge it, I +will wait until you are quite ready for it." + +"Did papa propose it?" Virgie asked, hiding her flushed face from those +eager, loving eyes looking down upon her. + +"Yes. I should not have presumed to suggest anything of the kind at such a +time," returned the young baronet, gravely. "But he thinks that his mind +would be easier if he could see you my wife. He wishes to give you away +irrevocably while he is able. Then, dear, I could be with you all the time +to help you in your care of him, to relieve you of much that would +encroach upon your strength. Tell me freely, Virgie, shall it or shall it +not be?" + +"Do you really wish it? or--are you only yielding to his desire?" she +asked, in a low voice. + +He gathered her closer to his breast until she could feel the eager +throbbing of his great heart. + +"The day that makes you my wife will be the most blessed of all my life; +though, for your sake. I could wish our bridal to be celebrated under less +sorrowful circumstances Still it must not be as I wish. You must decide +the question," he said, gravely. + +There was a long pause. Then Virgie said, quietly: + +"I am willing." + +"Is that all, love? Are you simply willing to do as your father requests? +Shall you not be glad to be my wife?" Sin William questioned, with a +slight accent of pain. + +"Yes, Will, I shall be glad; but, oh, my father! my father!" she cried, +with a fresh burst of grief, as she realized all that this hurried +marriage meant. + +He kissed her forehead softly, and breathed: + +"Heaven bless you, my beloved, and help me to make your future as happy +as you have made me to-day." + +He made her lie down upon the lounge, for she was nearly exhausted with +her grief. He arranged her pillow, drew down the curtains to soften the +light, and then went quietly out of the room. + +When he came back an hour later he found her calm, though with a saddened +gravity upon her that made his heart ache. + +He told her that Dr. Waters had gone back to Virginia City, but that they +had arranged for a clergyman to come to them to spend the following +Sabbath, when Mr. Abbot desired the marriage to take place. + +Virgie was strangely thrilled by this intelligence. It was Tuesday, and in +five days more she would be Sir William Heath's wife! It all seemed like a +dream to her. + +On Saturday afternoon an elderly and venerable-appearing gentleman made +his appearance before Mr. Abbots door. + +He came in a strong mountain wagon drawn by a pair of handsome horses, and +with him there was a large trunk--which Sir William ordered carried up +stairs into Virgie's room--and two or three hampers, that were given to +Chi Lu to be taken care of. + +Virgie turned a wondering, inquiring look upon her lover at these +proceedings, but he only answered by a quiet smile, and then introduced +her to the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + +The young bride-elect received him with the charming ease and +self-possession that was natural to her, at which the stranger could not +refrain from regarding her with a look of mingled wonder and admiration. + +When told of the errand upon which he was to go, he had consented for the +sake of the dying man; but he had expected to find a very rustic couple +in this rough region, and he was wholly taken aback to meet a polished +gentleman like Mr. Heath--as he was still known except to Virgie and her +father--and such an interesting and lovely woman as his young hostess +appeared to be. + +The clergyman spent an hour with the invalid after tea, and he was no less +mystified and astonished regarding him. He realized that he was in a +household of more than ordinary culture and refinement, and he was sure +that there must be some strange history connected with their lives. + +When Virgie went to bid her father good-night before going to her rest, he +drew her down to him and looked tenderly and wistfully into her face. + +"My daughter," he questioned, "you have no shrinking no misgivings +regarding the step that you are about to take?" + +"None, papa," she said, softly. + +"And are you happy in the prospect of becoming Sir William's wife? Tell me +truly, my child." + +"As happy as I can be while you are so ill, papa," Virgie answered, with +starting tears. + +"Then I am at peace. God bless you, my darling, and may your life have +much of sunshine in it. I give you without fear into Will's care, for I +believe him to be one of nature's noblemen. And now," taking a package +from beneath his pillow, here is your marriage dowry; it is all yours, +Virgie, to do with as you will, and Sir William has promised to settle as +much more upon you, which he will tell you about later. You have been a +dear, good daughter to me, and I am very happy regarding your future; I +could not ask or wish anything better for you." + +"Oh, papa, if I could only have you well again!" Virgie whispered, hiding +her tearful eyes upon his pillow. + +An expression of pain flitted over the sick man's face. + +"We will not think of that now," he said, gently; "and you must not give +way to grief, for it will unnerve us both, and I do not wish to see a pale +or sorrowful bride to-morrow. Now good-night, love, and try to get all the +rest that you can." + +He kissed her again, and was about to let her go, when he caught her hand, +saying, with something of eagerness: + +"But, by the way, Virgie, what will you wear to be married in?" + +The young girl flushed, and her lips trembled. + +"Oh papa, I have hardly given a thought to that, my heart has been so +heavy for you," she murmured, brokenly. Then she added, after a moment of +thought: "I have my pretty silk that you sent to San Francisco for in the +spring, and I wondered when I should ever wear it here, you know. It will +do, will it not?" + +Mr. Abbot sighed. + +"I suppose it will have to, since it is the best you have. I should like +to have you married in something white, dear; but make yourself look as +nicely as you can," he said in an unsteady voice. + +Virgie dropped a light kiss upon his forehead, and then went out, her +heart heavy in spite of the great love which she bore the man whose wife +she was to become on the morrow, and the bright hopes which the future +held for her in spite of the shadow of death which was every moment +drawing nearer. + + + + +Chapter IX. + +Virgie's Wedding-Day + + + +As Virgie passed out of her father's room, Sir William captured her. + +"I am not going to keep you from your rest," he said, after caressing her +fondly, "but I wanted to tell you that I have been feeling a trifle +jealous regarding the appearance of the future Lady Heath upon her +wedding-day, and you will find everything that you will need for to-morrow +in a trunk, which I have had carried up into your room." + +Virgie lifted her head from his breast, and regarded him questioningly. + +"I sent an order by Dr. Waters," he explained, "to the best dressmaker +that he could find in Virginia City, to provide a simple yet appropriate +outfit for a bride, and you will find the best that could be obtained at +so short a notice, awaiting your approval up stairs." + +"How kind, how thoughtful you are!" Virgie murmured gratefully, and with a +flush of pleasure. "Papa will be so pleased. He was just lamenting that I +was not properly provided for." + +"Then it will be a gratifying surprise when he sees you to-morrow," Sir +William returned. + +"Indeed it will. How can I think you? Perhaps I have been very remiss, +but, truly, I had not given a thought to my dress," Virgie confessed, with +some confusion. + +"How could you, dear, with your heart so full of other things?" Sir +William replied, tenderly; "and I want no thanks other than to see you +looking like a bride," he concluded, smiling. "I did this chiefly to +gratify my own pride in my love." + +He led her to the foot of the stairs, and then, with a lingering clasp, +let her go. + +It was quite late, and Virgie thought that she would only allow herself a +peep into the mysterious trunk that night; but she resolved that she would +rise very early in the morning and lay out everything in readiness for the +wedding. + +She wondered how Sir William could have managed it all, and was somewhat +anxious regarding the fit of her bridal dress; but she was set at rest +upon that point when she lifted the lid of the trunk and found a waist of +one of her own dresses lying upon the top of various packages, and she +knew that he had sent it as a measure and guide. + +Everything else was wrapped in fine packing paper, and she concluded not +to open anything until morning, although her curiosity was greatly +excited. + +She knelt and prayed long and fervently, for she felt very solemn in view +of the important event that was to occur on the morrow. + +Then she retired, and was soon sleeping peacefully and restfully, as only +the pure and innocent can sleep. + +But when the first rays of the sun streamed in at her window in the +morning, she arose, and, after putting her room in perfect order, she +opened the precious trunk and began to remove and undo the packages stored +therein. + +First, there was a long, flat box. + +Opening it, she found a misty and ample veil of finest tulle, simply +hemmed with a heavy thread of silk. + +Then there was another smaller but deeper box, which contained a lovely +wreath of pure white heath, with bouquets of the same mingled with lilies +of the valley, for the corsage of her dress. + +Still another, in which there was a pair of shining white satin boots, +silken hose, and kid gloves, with a dainty handkerchief, fine and sheer as +a cobweb. + +Last, but not least, incased in several wrappings of soft white paper was +the wedding-dress. + +Virgie's face paled and flushed many times while she was undoing this, for +many hopes were centered in it, and tears rose unbidden to her eyes when +at last it was laid out on the bed before her. + +She had seen nothing one-half so lovely for years--not since she used to +watch her mother dress for gay receptions and parties in the happy days so +long ago. + +It was of the finest India mull, very simply yet beautifully made, over an +underskirt of plain white silk--an airy, gauzy thing, just suited for a +youthful bride. + +"How kind! how thoughtful!" the young girl breathed, as her glance ran +over the different articles comprising her toilet. "He has not forgotten a +single thing, and it is all so delicate and beautiful. This wreath of +heath--how suggestive! and nothing could be prettier. + +"Oh papa! I am glad you will have your wish, for it may be the very last +one that can be gratified," she concluded, with a long sigh. + +Had it not been for her father's condition, she would have been supremely +happy on that bright morning. Even as it was, her heart was overflowing +with love and gratitude toward her devoted lover for his kind +consideration and generosity. + +She went below at her usual hour to attend to her regular duties, which +she performed in her customary quiet way, helping her father to rise and +dress, arranging the rooms in the nicest order, and then serving breakfast +to the invalid and their reverend guest. + +Sir William was nowhere visible. He had spent the night with Mr. Abbot, +and when morning broke he went away to his own cabin, where he remained +until the hour for the ceremony. + +The house was very quiet; there was no excitment, no bustle. Chi Lu alone +betrayed any consciousness that an unusual event was to take place, and +this only by a slight nervousness of manner and the restless flash of his +dusky eyes. + +After breakfast Virgie saw that her father was made comfortable in his +reclining-chair in the parlor, and then giving him one last, lingering +kiss, she turned to go up to her chamber to dress for her bridal. + +Just then there came a knock on the outer door. Chi Lu was called to +answer it, and he brought to Virgie a huge basket laden with the loveliest +of mountain ferns and flowers, the dew still glistening upon them. + +They were the offering of some of the miners "for Miss Abbot's wedding," +the boy who brought them said. + +It had become known in some way that Mr. Abbot was failing rapidly, and +had requested that his daughter might be married before his death. + +He was much respected in the hamlet, for he had always been the courteous +gentleman, while Virgie was regarded almost in the light of a young +princess, and thus these humble people were prompted to show their +sympathy and good will in this delicate manner. + +The young bride-elect was touched to the heart by this tribute, and with +her own hands arranged the lovely flowers to furnish the room where she +was to be married. + +Then she went up stairs, and was seen no more until the hour set for the +ceremony, which was eleven o'clock. + +Meanwhile Chi Lu and an elderly woman, who had once been very kind to +Virgie when she was ill, and had been asked to "come and help for the +day," were very busily engaged in the small kitchen, arranging a repast +which was to be served later in the day. + +Sir William was determined that the occasion should be made as cheerful as +circumstances would allow, and had ordered from the city every delicacy +which his fertile brain could suggest, and thus a "wedding breakfast," +such as had never been known in that region before, was in process of +preparation. + +At eleven o'clock the happy groom made his appearance and sent Margery +Follet, the woman before mentioned, to Virgie's door to say that he was +ready and awaiting her. + +To her tap Virgie gently responded "come in," and a low cry of delight +escaped the humble woman's lips as she opened the door, and then stood +transfixed upon the threshold. + +Virgie turned a smiling face to her. "Why, Margery, how came you here?" +she asked. + +"The gent sent for me to come and help." + +"That was thoughtful in him, and it was kind of you to come," Virgie +returned, graciously. + +"It's a boon to me, miss. You look like an angel, and I shall never +forget this day," said the woman, regarding her almost with reverence. + +Virgie felt all the happier for being able to contribute this pleasure to +one so unused to pleasure of any kind, and she increased it tenfold by +asking her to assist her in fastening the last button of one of her +gloves. + +"Yes, I'm ready," Virgie replied, as, with a vivid, conscious flush, she +turned away, after one last look in her mirror, and truly she was a vision +to cheer the heart of the fondest bridegroom. + +Her dress proved to be a perfect fit, and the delicate fabric fell in +soft, graceful folds over the lustrous white of her silken skirt, while +she was covered from head to foot by the mist-like veil. + +The wreath of heath lay lightly upon her brown head, and, with the +beautiful bouquet upon her breast, made a pleasing contrast with the +otherwise spotless costume. + +Her figure looked almost regal in her trailing robe, and she was simply +perfect from crown to sole. + +"Yes," she repeated, as the woman seemed unable to take her eyes from her, +"you may tell Mr. Heath that I am ready," and as Margery went out, she +bowed her head in prayer for a blessing on her new life. + +The next moment she heard Sir William's step on the stairs, and she went +out to meet him. + +How his face lighted as he looked upon her! How his heart throbbed with +exultation as he thought: + +"This peerless girl is mine! Heathdale has never known a mistress so +fair!" + +He was clad, as became a gentleman, in a dress suit of simple black, fine +and rich, a single diamond of purest water gleaming just beneath his +white satin tie, and his hands were incased in spotless gloves. + +"My darling," he whispered, as he took Virgie's right hand and laid it on +his arm, "how beautiful you are!" + +She could not make him any reply--the moment was too solemn for words--but +she lifted her eyes to his for an instant, and they were filled with love +and trust. + +Then they went below. + +Very quietly they took their places in the little parlor, where the +clergyman awaited them, and where Mr. Abbot, after one surprised, +delighted glance at his daughter, lay back in his chair, with a smile of +supreme content upon his lips. + +He understood at once who had so delicately and so fittingly arranged +everything for the fair bride, and it was such a comfort to him to have +Virgie properly arrayed for her marriage. + +Chi Lu and Margery stood one on either side of the door, just inside the +room, according to Sir William's desire, for there must be witnesses, and +thus the group was complete. + +Rev. Dr. Thornton approached the young couple, and in an easy and +impressive, yet graceful manner, performed the marriage service, and those +few moments were very solemn ones to three at least of those present. But +the ceremony was soon over, and the maiden was now a wife--Virgie Abbot +had become Virginia, Lady Heath. + +Sir William had not, however, allowed his title to be used, as he shrank +from the notoriety which the knowledge of his position and wealth would +create among the settlers of that region. He had come there in an +unpretentious way, and he wished to leave as quietly. There would be time +enough, he thought, to resume his honors when he and his bride should go +out into the world. + +When the benediction had been pronounced over the clasped hands of the +husband and wife, Dr. Thornton offered his congratulations, and then Sir +William led Virgie directly to her father. + +She sank upon her knees beside his chair, and putting her arms around his +neck, gave and received a tender caress. + +"God bless you always, my daughter!" the sick man murmured, in trembling +tones. "I believe I am guilty of no irreverence in invoking His blessing," +he added, "for I have learned to feel my need of faith in Him, and, +Virgie, your husband has taught me how to seek it." + +The young bride could only press her lips again to his in reply. She was +very grateful for this confession, for her father's previous skepticism +and bitterness had often caused her much sorrow. + +Chi Lu and Margery came forward to congratulate the bride and groom, and +then went about their duties in the other room. + +Soon after, Dr. Thornton slipped quietly away, thus leaving the invalid +and his children by themselves. + +"Virgie, how beautiful you are to-day! How did it happen?" Mr. Abbot +asked, when he found they were alone, and glancing admiringly over her +costume. + +"It was all Mr.--all Will's doing," she answered, with a charming blush, +and glancing shyly up into her husband's face. + +"I suspected as much, and I thank you, Sir William, more than I can +express, for giving me this unexpected pleasure," said the sick man, +gratefully. + +"It was to gratify myself as well. I could not be satisfied unless Lady +Heath was arrayed as became a bride of the house," the young baronet +returned, with a fond smile, as he noticed how the color came and went on +Virgie's cheek at the sound of her new name. "But," he added, putting his +arm around her, and raising her to her feet, while with one sweep of his +hand he threw back the veil, "I have not yet had the privilege of saluting +my wife. Virgie, I have the right to the first kiss from your sweet lips." + +The beautiful bride lifted her face to him, flushed with a new, almost +holy, happiness. + +"My husband!" she whispered, as he held her close for a moment, and he +felt that henceforth his life would be complete, since she loved him, and +was his. + +Alas, for the weary years that were to follow! + +Was there no one to warn? + +For a little while they fell into a quiet chat, and then Chi Lu came to +bid them to the other room, where a really elegant feast awaited them, and +where Sir William exerted himself to make the occasion as merry as +possible, and all through the day nothing occurred to mar its peace and +joy. + +The next morning Dr. Thornton returned to Virginia City, carrying in his +pocket a much larger fee than he was accustomed to receive; and after +that, life at the mountain cottage resumed its usual quiet routine. + + + + +Chapter X. + +A Separation and a Little Stranger. + + + +Mr. Abbot appeared to gather new strength after the events related in the +previous chapter, in spite of his own predictions and the fears of others +that he was dying. + +The mild September weather and the quiet happiness which pervaded his home +seemed to have a beneficial effect upon him. But as the weather grew +colder, as the chill October winds began to sweep over the mountains, a +decided change came. Just as daylight was fading one evening, and the dull +gray of a coming storm began to settle down upon the mountains, he +breathed his last, peacefully, quietly and willingly, and thus all earthly +sorrow was at an end for him; he had gone where all wrongs would be +righted, where mystery or shame would no longer envelop him. + +They buried him, as he desired, beneath the great plumy pine tree that +grew near their cottage, and where Virgie's great happiness had come to +her, and then Sir William felt that he had a right to take his wife away +to a more congenial atmosphere. + +He had disposed of his claim some time before, for since he had no longer +any need of an excuse for remaining there, he had given up all pretense of +business and devoted himself exclusively to the care of the invalid and to +making Virgie's duties as light as possible. + +The cottage and its furniture were sold; Chi Lu was presented with Sir +William's own neat little cabin with all its contents, besides being +otherwise handsomely remunerated for all his kindness and faithfulness and +then the baronet took his bride directly to San Francisco, which they +decided to make their headquarters for the winter, intending early in the +spring to sail for England. + +Sir William had written home long before this of his marriage. But the +news had not been cordially received by the members of his household. + +His stately mother had replied in a brief, dignified manner, which did not +fail to convey her displeasure at the step he had taken, while his widowed +sister, who, with her two children, were greatly dependent on her brother, +did not hesitate to express her indignation at his rashness and +inconsideration of their feelings, at least, in marrying so "out of his +own element." + +The young baronet, of course, kept all this to himself. He had known well +enough that his marriage would be displeasing to his family, who had long +had other views for him, but he trusted that, when he should present his +bride to them, every objection would disappear like dew before the sun, +and she would be received with open arms and be loved for her own sweet +sake. + +At all events he was his own master, and he was not a man to tamely submit +to unreasonable prejudices; and if his mother and sister refused to +receive his wife with becoming courtesy and respect, as the mistress of +Heathdale, it would only be the worse for them. + +He did not begin to suspect, however, the bitterness which they +experienced when they received the startling information that he had +married a girl from the wilds of the far West. His union had followed so +closely upon his betrothal that he had no opportunity to communicate plans +beforehand, and thus the news had fallen like a thunderbolt upon them. + +"He has ruined his life!" cried Lady Linton, his sister, in a white rage, +after reading the letter. "To think of it!--he has married a perfect +savage from the wilds of America! A pretty mistress for dear old +Heathdale, truly. I will never receive her, <i>never!</i>" + +"You know what William is, Miriam, and it will not be wise for you to +offend him. He will never tolerate any display of arrogance or discourtesy +to his wife," returned the dowager Lady Heath, more quietly, yet looking +the picture of despair over the <i>mesalliance</i>. + +"I cannot help it; it is an abominable insult to all his friends, and +never to tell us anything about it until the die was cast!" + +"But he explains why he could not; the marriage was hastened on account of +the father's critical condition replied Lady Heath. + +"Oh, I believe it was all a cunning plan to entrap him and secure the girl +a title and position," groaned Lady Linton. "How will Sadie feel; what +<i>will</i> she say?" + +"I do not know as she has any right to say anything," answered the dowager, +with some dignity, for she loved her son and could not bear to have any +one assail him, no matter how much she might blame him herself. "William +has never committed himself to her in any way; that plan has been more +ours than his." + +She was fully as unreconciled as her daughter; still she was capable of +looking at matters as they really were. + +"Oh, I cannot have it so, mamma; do not let us say anything about the +affair at present," pleaded her daughter. "William says it will be some +time before he returns, as he wishes to show his wife something of the +world first. Doubtless," she continued, with increasing bitterness, "he +desires to polish off some of the rough edges before he presents her to +us; so let us suppress the fact of his marriage until the time is set for +their coming; it will be hard enough even then to acknowledge the plebeian +union." + +Lady Heath demurred at first at this proposal, but she finally yielded the +point, and nothing was said regarding the baronet's sudden marriage, and +this was the beginning of a plot to ruin the life of a beautiful young +wife, and to bring years of misery upon a noble man. + + * * * * * + +Virgie found it very pleasant in some respects, though sad in others, to +return to San Francisco, her former home. + +She had left the city nearly six years ago, when she was an undeveloped +girl; she returned to it in the full glory of beautiful womanhood, and +owing to her many changes which had occurred there, as well as in her own +personal appearance and position, no one appeared to recognize her as the +daughter of the unfortunate man who had figured so conspicuously in a +terrible scandal there, and then suddenly disappeared covering his tracks +so successfully that no one, either friend or foe, knew whither he had +gone. + +The young wife was very happy in spite of her recent bereavement; her +husband was kindness and nobility personified, and left nothing undone +that could contribute in any degree to her pleasure, or prevent her from +brooding upon her father's death. + +They had a cozy and elegant suite of rooms at the Baldwin Hotel, which Sir +William had engaged for the winter, and from this point they made many +excursions sometimes being away several weeks at a time, traveling, then +returning to rest, after which they would start afresh again. + +The fond husband was determined that Virgie should see everything that was +worth seeing in her own country before he took her to their home in +England. + +They frequented the opera and theater, attended concerts and lectures, and +Sir William was both surprised and delighted to notice how readily Virgie +adapted herself to the requirements of society and etiquette, +notwithstanding the seclusion of the last half-dozen years. + +About the middle of March they started for the East, intending to take the +trip leisurely and visit points of interest along their route. + +They arrived in New York early in May, and were intending to sail for +England the last of the month. + +But Virgie, although not really ill, was far from well when they reached +the great metropolis, and her husband insisted that she must have medical +advice. + +He called in a skillful physician, who, upon being told what their plans +were, immediately and emphatically vetoed further travel for the present. + +"It will be simply impossible for Mrs. Heath to undertake a sea voyage at +present," he asserted. + +"But the trip occupies eight days--" Sir William began. + +"If it occupied only three it would make no difference it will not be safe +for her to attempt to cross the ocean under three months," Dr. Knox said, +with an air of decision which admitted of no further argument. + +Sir William was disappointed, yet he was too fond and careful of his +beautiful wife to rebel against this verdict. + +A week or two passed and Virgie appeared to be improving, when, one +morning, there came a cablegram from Heathdale, announcing that the +dowager Lady Heath was alarmingly ill, and imploring the baronet's +immediate return if he desired to see her alive. + +The message threw the young husband into a distressing state of mind. + +It seemed like harshest cruelty to obey the summons and leave his wife +alone in that strange city. And yet the alternative of remaining and +allowing his mother to die without seeing him once more, seemed almost +equally unkind. + +He sought Dr. Knox again in his extremity and explained his desperate +situation. + +"I could not answer for the consequences if you take your wife; it will be +a fearful risk for Mrs. Heath to go. She <i>might</i> endure the voyage safely, +but the probabilities are that she would not," the physician gravely told +him. "But," he added, kindly, "I sympathize with you--I appreciate your +dilemma, and, if <i>you</i> must go, I advise you to leave her in my charge and +I promise faithfully to give her every attention during your enforced +absence." + +This seemed the only thing to be done and Sir William finally decided to +return to his home alone. + +Virgie herself urged him to go, though her heart was almost breaking at +the thought of the separation, for it <i>might</i> be that she would never see +him again. + +Still she was brave--she put aside her own feelings out of regard for the +duty which he owed his mother, and there was a possibility that he could +return to her in the course of two or three weeks. + +"Do not feel unduly anxious for me, Will," she said to him, on the evening +before he was to sail, "I know that Dr. Knox will do all for me that you +can wish. I will either write or send some message to you by every +steamer, and I am going to trust that everything will be well." + +"But it is agony to me to leave you--oh! my darling, if your heart fails +you in the least, if you say you prefer to have me stay, I will not go +even now," he said, his own courage failing him and having more than half +a mind to renounce his intended voyage even at that late hour. + +"No, dear, I know that it is your duty to go," Virgie answered, gently. "I +should never forgive myself, if your mother should die, for keeping you +from her at such a time." + +"But if--I should lose you, too," he was going to say, but checked himself +and concluded, "but if you should be neglected and unhappy?" + +"I shall not be, Will; you have provided against the former contingency +most generously, and the latter I can regulate myself. I will not be +unhappy, for I know that you are doing right and that you will return to +me the moment that you are at liberty to do so." + +"Indeed I shall," he answered, as he gathered her close to his breast and +rained passionate kisses upon her lovely face. + +But his heart was very heavy notwithstanding her apparent cheerfulness. + +A superstitious dread seemed to have seized him, warning him that some +fearful calamity would follow this separation. He was not given to such +unreasonable imaginings, and he reproached himself for indulging in them; +but he could not shake them off nevertheless. + +Morning came and with it the hour of departure and the last farewells. + +Virgie wore a brave and even smiling face through all. She had resolved +that she would not unman him at the last moment. + +She watched at her window until he drove away, waving her handkerchief and +throwing him a kiss as he passed from sight, then the pent-up grief of her +heart found vent in a wild burst of tears such as she had not shed since +the hour of her father's death. + +But she would not indulge it long. + +She had every comfort. Her rooms were cheerful and elegant; a motherly, +middle-aged woman had been engaged to remain with her as companion and +nurse during her husband's absence; she had an abundance of money at her +command, and Dr. Knox had promised to look in upon her every day. Surely +she had nothing to complain of, save the enforced separation from her dear +one, and that would not be for long, she trusted. + +The ninth day after the departure of Sir William there came a cablegram, +telling of his safe arrival at Liverpool, and this, at his request, she +immediately responded to, telling him that all was well with her. + +The next steamer, she knew, would bring her a letter and after that she +would hear from him every few days. + +Sir William found his mother alive, but in a very low state; "she might +rally, she might not," they told him; and, with a sigh of resignation, he +could only wait and try to patiently adapt himself to circumstances. + +Thus four weeks went by, and then, early one June morning, a message went +flying through the depths of the ocean, telling that a tiny little maiden, +with eyes and hair like her father's, but bidding fair to become the +counterpart of her mother in form and features had come to Virgie the +morning previous, and "all was well." + +The fervent "thank God!" accompanied with something very like a sob, which +burst from Sir William Heath's lips as he read this message, told how +intense had been his anxiety during the weeks of his absence from his +darling, and how great his relief at those favorable tidings. + +He returned a message of love and congratulation, and when, a little +later, there came a letter to the happy young mother, it begged that their +little one should be called "Virgie May," the latter name being that of a +dear sister of whom Sir Will had been very fond, and who had died several +years previous. + +And thus the little heiress of Heathdale was christened by her mother. + + + + +Chapter XI. + +"You Have Overstepped All Bounds." + + + +Sir William Heath could hardly control his impatience to fly to his dear +ones across the water. + +His fond heart yearned mightily to behold his child and to clasp once more +the beautiful wife who had now become dearer than ever to him. + +But his mother's condition did not improve; she still lay hovering between +life and death, and he knew that he must not leave her until there was +some change either for the better or worse. + +Her disease was partial paralysis, which, however, had not affected her +brain, and her son's return and presence appeared to be of the greatest +comfort to her. + +Still she was liable, at any hour, to have another shock, which would +doubtless prove fatal, and Sir Herbert Randal--an eminent London +physician--commanded perfect quiet and freedom from all excitement, since +the least anxiety or disturbance of any kind would bring the dread +messenger which they all feared so much. + +Thus it seemed as if the young baronet was hopelessly bound to Heathdale +for the present. + +Not a word had passed between him and his mother regarding his marriage. +Knowing how displeased she had been at the time of it, and fearing to +excite her if he recalled the event to her mind, he had thought it best to +say nothing, but leave her to broach the subject whenever she should feel +inclined, although he wondered that she did not make some inquiry +regarding his young wife whom the family had expected he would bring with +him to Heathdale. + +The meeting with his sister had been somewhat cold and formal, for he +could not forget how harshly she had expressed herself regarding his +choice, while she could not and would not forgive him for disappointing +all her ambitious hopes for him. + +Like his mother, she ignored the subject of his marriage not deigning to +make the slightest inquiry regarding his wife, although she had been +greatly astonished at the non-appearance of Virgie, and was burning with +curiosity to know why he had returned alone. + +This negligence and obstinacy on her part made Sir William very indignant, +and after the first excitement consequent upon his arrival had subsided, +he determined to assert himself, and have it distinctly understood that +his wife was henceforth to be recognized as a member of and a power in his +household. + +Therefore, the morning following his return he had drawn Lady Linton into +the library, and after conducting her, with something of formal +politeness, to a seat, remarked: + +"Miriam, you have not yet done me the honor to inquire after Lady Heath." + +Lady Linton bowed coldly, and lifted her fine eyebrows questioningly. + +Sir William flushed angrily. + +"It is evident that you are still very angry with me, and intend to annoy +me upon this point," he continued, sternly, "and we may as well understand +each other at the outset. I shall demand and expect that my wife when I +bring her home, will be received with all the honor and courtesy which has +ever been accorded to the mistress of Heathdale in the past." + +Again Lady Linton bowed; but she did not deign to open her lips in +response, although a spot of vivid red settled in either cheek. + +"She is worthy of it in every respect," her brother resumed a gleam of +fire in his eye, "and will grace the position which I have given her as +well as the most noted London belle could do. I have pictures of her +here--perhaps you will do me the favor to look at them." + +He laid two or three fine photographs of Virgie, taken in different +attitudes, before her, as he concluded, and then leaned back in his chair +watching her attentively to see what effect that beautiful face would have +upon her. + +Her ladyship adjusted her eyeglasses with English precision, and taking up +one of the pictures regarded it with all the indifference which she could +muster. She was not, however, quite prepared for what she saw; and the +quick, curious, half-admiring gleam which shot into her eye told that she +had not failed to acknowledge the exceeding loveliness of that fair face, +and the natural grace and dignity displayed in the young wife's attitude. + +She took up each picture separately, and her brother could see her +indifference gradually melting away, a keen and critical look taking its +place. + +"Who was she?" she at length condescended to ask, though somewhat curtly. + +"The daughter of a California gentleman," Sir William answered, quietly. + +"A California <i>gentleman!</i>" with a scornful accent upon the last word. +"You speak of him as of an equal." + +"Certainly," returned the baronet, a smile of amusement slightly curling +his lips, "Mr. Abbot was my equal, if not my superior, in point of +intellect, and all that goes to make a gentleman, while his daughter is +in no wise my inferior." + +"How can you make such an absurd statement, William?" demanded his sister, +impatiently. "The idea of an American plebeian being the equal of a Heath +of Heathdale!" + +Sir William laughed outright; then he said: + +"Your loyalty to your family does you credit, Miriam, but I imagine, if +you should ever visit America--which I trust for your own sake, you will +do some time--that you will return much wiser than you went. Your ideas +regarding people and things, in that grand republic are very crude and +incorrect. But how do you like the face that I have shown you?" + +"The face is well enough," Lady Linton was forced to admit. + +There is nothing weak about it?" + +"N-o." + +"It is not lacking in intelligence or character?" + +"Not so far as I am able to judge from a simple picture", the woman +confessed, rather reluctantly. + +"And yet it does not flatter her; you do not often see a face like that +even among the noble families of England, and she is as lovely in mind as +in person," said Sir William, fondly, as he took up one of the photographs +and gazed upon it with his heart in his eyes. + +"Humph! if you are so proud of your American bride, why did you not bring +her home with you?" Lady Linton inquired, in a mocking tone, and then +could have bitten her tongue through for having allowed herself to betray +her curiosity so far. + +Sir William flushed hotly. It was evident that his sister was no more +reconciled since seeing Virgie's pictures than before. Her pride of birth +had received a shock which she could neither overlook nor forgive. + +"Lady Heath was not able to travel. Her physician told me that if she +crossed the ocean it would be at the risk of her life. Miriam, Virgie will +soon become a mother, God willing." + +Lady Linton started and shot a swift look of astonishment at her brother +upon this unexpected announcement. + +This information was disagreeable in the extreme, for it made certain +plans, which her fertile brain had begun to weave as soon as she had +learned that her brother had returned without his wife, all the more +complicated, if not well-nigh impossible. + +"It was a great trial for me to return without her," Sir William went on, +with a regretful sigh, "but your summons was so very imperative that I +felt obliged to do so. My darling bore it very bravely, however; she +regarded it as my duty to hasten to my mother, even though she would be +left alone, a stranger in a great city, and at such a critical time." + +"Of course it was your duty to return to our mother," Lady Linton +responded emphatically, as if the young wife away upon the other side of +the Atlantic was not worthy of consideration. "And," she added, flashing a +look of defiance at her companion, "I am free to confess to a feeling of +relief that you had to come alone--" + +"Miriam, I--" + +"Hear me out, if you please," she interposed. "Mamma's heart has been +nearly broken at the thought of this ill-assorted marriage, and I believe +the excitement and grief would have killed her outright, if you had +brought her," with a withering glance at Virgie's picture, "to Heathdale +to reign as mistress." + +Sir William was tried almost beyond endurance. It was more than a minute +before he could control himself sufficiently to speak, after his sister's +insulting remarks regarding his marriage. + +"Miriam," he at length said, in a voice that made her quail in spite of +her effrontery, "you will please never speak like this again; it is, both +to my wife and me, an insult which I will not tolerate. Virgie is a lady +in every sense of the word; even my critical mother could pick no flaw in +her were she to see her, and the moment that I am at liberty to do so I +shall return to the United States and bring my darling back with me. And +let me here repeat what I said a while ago--I expect and demand that she +be received with all proper respect by the entire household." + +"The household knows nothing of your marriage." + +"What!" cried the young baronet, astonished. + +"No one, save mamma and I, knows anything of this--this alliance." + +"By whose authority have you kept such a matter secret?" Sir William +demanded, in great wrath. + +"We--we thought it best," faltered his sister, shrinking beneath his +anger--she had never seen him so aroused before. "Mamma was so unhappy, +and I was so--so unreconciled, that we determined to wait until you wrote +definitely regarding your coming." + +"You have overstepped all bounds, you have presumed beyond excuse," +retorted her brother, in a voice of thunder. "I know that you are my +senior by fifteen years, and as a boy I was taught to look up to you, and +to render you the respect due an elder. But I am a child no longer. I am a +man, and you forget that I am not only my own master, but the master of +Heathdale as well. I have a right to choose for myself in all matters, and +you are not to consider that I am in leading strings, as I was before +your marriage, when you exercised, to a certain extent, authority over +me. And now if--I abhor thrifts, but I wish you to distinctly understand +me--if you cannot bring yourself to regard my marriage in a proper and +sensible light, and make up your mind to receive my wife as becomes a +sister of the house, the doors of Heathdale will henceforth be closed to +you." + +Lady Linton was astounded at this outburst. + +Her brother, heretofore, had always been a pattern of amiability and +gentleness, and had allowed her to have her own way mostly in the house. +In minor matters she had always ruled him, and she had never imagined that +he could rise to such a height as this. + +She saw that she had gone too far, that she must change her tactics, or +forever lose all influence with him, and make an enemy of him. + +She could ill afford to do this for several reasons. + +She was the widow of Lord Percival Linton, who had married her chiefly for +her large dowry. + +He had been a fast, unprincipled man, who had run through his own property +and most of hers before death put an end to his mad career. + +They had one son, Percy, and a daughter, Lillian, and Lady Linton, with +her two children, had been largely dependent upon the generosity of her +brother ever since her husband's death, and he was even now bearing all +the expense of the education of his nephew and niece. + +They had made their home chiefly at Heathdale, because Lady Linton's pride +could not tolerate life at Linton Grange when they had no means to keep it +up in proper style, and it was very pleasant and comfortable to be in her +brother's home, where there was abundance of everything, and where she had +been allowed to manage the household in her own way. + +It would therefore be very mortifying to have its hospitable doors closed +against her, and, finding herself liable to be ignominiously checkmated if +she persisted in her present course, she resolved to "right about face" +with the greatest grace possible, at least until she was obliged to yield +her position to the future mistress of Heathdale. + +"Fie, William, don't allow yourself to get in such a passion," she said, +in a conciliatory tone. "Perhaps I have expressed myself more freely than +I ought, but you ought to make allowance for our great disappointment. +Remember that you are the pride of an old and honored family, and it is +but natural that we should wish you to marry in your own station. But do +not fear. When Lady Heath comes to take her place as mistress here she +shall be received in a becoming manner." + +Her ladyship arose as she ceased speaking, her eye falling as she did so +upon the lovely upturned face upon the table, and she vowed in her heart +that if she could prevent it, the girl should never set her foot over the +threshold of Heathdale. + +How she was to carry out this vow she had as yet no idea; but all the +malice and enmity of her heart had been aroused against her, and it should +go hard with her if she could not find some way to vent it upon her. + +"Thank you, Miriam," Sir William responded, as he opened the door for his +sister to pass out, but he spoke somewhat coldly. + +He could not lightly forgive and overlook the scorn that had been heaped +upon the darling of his heart, while the fact that his marriage had been +kept a secret angered him exceedingly, and placed him in a very unpleasant +position. + +He resolved that as soon as his mother should be better, he would have a +plain talk with her, also, and insist upon an announcement of Lady Heath's +existence and her expected arrival. But until the invalid was out of +danger he deemed it advisable not to create any excitement on the subject. + + + + +Chapter XII. + +"I Will Join You Heart and Hand." + + + +Later in the day, while Sir William was engaged with the Stewart looking +over accounts and inquiring into the condition of Heathdale generally, +Lady Linton went quietly up to her brother's rooms to attend to the +unpacking of his trunks and putting his wardrobe in order. + +While thus engaged she came across a worn portfolio filled with papers of +various kinds. + +She knew at once that it was nothing that belonged to her brother, and +surmised that its contents might contain much of interest regarding the +despised girl whom he had married in the far West of America. + +The key was attached by a ribbon to the portfolio, and was tucked into a +fold of the leather, and no sense of either delicacy or honor prevented +her making use of her opportunity for gratifying her curiosity regarding +the young wife, without the necessity of asking questions. + +Accordingly, she boldly and unhesitatingly unlocked the portfolio, and +began examining its contents. + +These proved to be mostly business papers and legal documents, with some +letters directed to a name that she had never heard before. She would have +liked to read them, but she feared being interrupted while doing so, and +she of course had no wish to have her brother know she was prying thus +into his affairs so she laid them back in their place, resolving at some +future time to examine them more thoroughly. But there was one envelope +among them of much fresher appearance than the others, and with no address +upon it, although it contained a document of some kind. + +Lady Linton slipped it out, and, unfolding it, found it to be the marriage +certificate of her brother and his wife. + +She was astonished to find that the ceremony had occurred in some place in +Nevada, remote from any city or town--a little settlement of which she had +never heard--and as she read further, her eyes grew wide with astonishment +and her face dark with anger. + +"He wrote us that her name was Virginia Abbot," she cried, indignantly, a +crimson flush mounting to her brow, "and here it is given as Virginia--" + +A step sounded outside the door in the hall just then, and her ladyship +paused, affrighted, to listen, that last name unspoken on her lips. + +But it proved to be only a servant passing on some duty, and she went on +with her investigations. + +"There is some inexplicable mystery about this thing," she murmured. "The +name is the same as that on those letters, and I am sure he has deceived +us shamefully. He said that she was the daughter of a once wealthy +Californian, but it seems that they were not in California at all. There +must have been some reason for their burying themselves in that isolated +place, and--<i>I will yet find out what it was</i>!" + +She returned the certificate to the envelope, and put back the papers in +their proper places. + +All at once her face lighted. + +"Sara was going directly to San Francisco. I will write her to look this +thing up. I will have that girl's secret before she is a month older, and +then we will <i>see</i> whether she comes here to Heathdale to queen it over +us." + +She resumed her work, but there was a sullen, resolute expression on her +face which told of some purpose that she was determining to carry out at +all hazards. + +When Sir William's trunks were at length emptied, she rang for a servant +to take them to a storeroom, after which she repaired to her own +apartment, where she wrote steadily and rapidly for more than an hour. + +At the end of that time she folded and sealed her letter, and directed it +to "Mrs. Sara Farnum, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal.," and the very +next post from Heathdale carried on its way the missive that was destined +to help accomplish one of the greatest wrongs that had ever been +perpetrated. + +The reader will doubtless remember that when the dowager Lady Heath and +Lady Linton were discussing Sir William's sudden marriage the name "Sadie" +was mentioned in connection with the baronet. + +Sadie was a beautiful English girl of two or three-and-twenty and the +youngest child and only daughter of Mrs. Sara Farnum, to whom Lady Linton +had just written. + +Sadie Farnum had said and thought a great deal upon learning of Sir +William's union with the American maiden, for the news had been a terrible +death-blow to her own hopes and ambitions. + +She had long entertained the desire and intention of one day becoming the +mistress of Heathdale; it had been the dearest wish of her heart, and for +years she had used every art in which she was skilled to bring the man +she loved to her feet, and thus accomplish her purpose. + +Mrs. Farnum and Lady Linton had been intimate friends from girlhood, and +it had also been a darling scheme of theirs to marry the daughter of the +one to the brother of the other, thus securing a fine position and title +to Sadie, and adding to the already well-filled coffers of Heathdale the +handsome fortune which the young girl would bring to her husband. + +But Sir William had never appeared to be particularly fond of the society +of ladies, at least he was not what would be termed a ladies' man, +although he went frequently into company, and did not fall in with those +plans for his future happiness as readily as their projectors desired. + +He liked Sadie well enough as a friend, and had been in the way of seeing +a great deal of her, as Lady Linton frequently invited her to spend +several weeks with her. He even promised to correspond with her when he +left England to travel in America, and at the time of his first meeting +with Virgie, he had in his pocket a voluminous letter indited by her. + +But she had never touched his heart; she was bright, beautiful, and +accomplished, yet there was something lacking in her nature which his own +demanded and which he recognized at once in the lovely mountain maiden the +moment that he met her that wild night when he came a stranger to her +home. + +But Sadie was so broken-hearted over the blighting of all her fond hopes, +and grieved so sorely that her health began to suffer in consequence, and +when Sir William's return began to be talked of, Mrs. Farnum decided to +take her daughter traveling and thus avoid any unpleasant meeting and +fresh grief when the young Lady Heath should come to take possession of +her new home. + +Accordingly they sailed for America, and knowing that the baronet was in +New York, went directly to the Pacific coast about a fortnight previous to +Sir William's return to Heathdale. + +The letter which Lady Linton sent her friend was written, as we know, the +morning following her brother's return, and five weeks later, upon the +very day of little Virgie May Heath's birth, there came to her an +exceedingly gratifying reply. + +A portion of it read thus: + +"Regarding the important questions which you have asked about the ----'s. +I will not write the name for fear this letter might sometime chance to +meet other eyes. I find that such a family resided here a number of years +ago. They occupied a high position in society appeared to have unlimited +means at their command and were much respected, but they were suddenly +overtaken by terrible misfortunes which cut them instantly down from their +high estate and they were obliged to flee from the city in disgrace. It is +quite a complicated story, and I have not been able to learn all the +details. I can do so, however, if you wish. + +"But what is your object? What do you know about the family? Has it +anything to do with that girl whom your brother so rashly married in such +a romantic manner? If it has, let me know, and I will gladly search the +continent over for material to make her bitterly repent for striking such +a blow to my Sadie's, and indeed to all our hopes. Answer immediately and +whatever instructions you may give me, I will follow most faithfully. I +am ready to join you heart and hand in any vendetta against the disturber +of our peace." + +Lady Linton smiled curiously after reading this epistle. + +"I imagined as much," she muttered, "and they presumed to aspire to an +alliance with a Heath of Heathdale, when their own name was so hopelessly +disgraced that they did not dare to own it or be known by it, and were +forced to hide their guilty heads in that low mining district. No, sir; my +Lord of Heath, your shameless bride shall never enter this sacred +ancestral house if there are any means, lawful or otherwise to prevent +it." + +After the examination of the portfolio which she had found in her +brother's trunk, Lady Linton's curiosity had been insatiable, and +simulating an air of friendliness and resignation which she was far from +feeling, she had encouraged him to talk of his wife, hoping thus to learn +more of her history, and trap him into acknowledging something of the +mystery which surrounded her. + +But though Sir William was never loth to talk of his darling, and always +spoke of her in the fondest terms, he would never commit himself regarding +her past; that was to be a sealed book in England, and not even to his +mother and sister would he ever breathe one word of that sad story, that +Mr. Abbot had told him when he pleaded for his daughter's hand, or aught +that would cast a shadow upon any member of her family. + +"She was the daughter of a once wealthy Californian whom reverses had +impoverished," he invariably told them. "She was finely educated and +fitted, both by nature and culture, to shine in any circle." + +"By whom were you married, William?" his mother asked, having at last +deigned to show some interest in the circumstance. + +"By the Rev. Dr. Thornton, an Episcopalian clergyman + +"Of San Francisco?" + +"No, of Virginia City;" and Sir William smiled that she was not familiar +enough with the geographical location of the place to know that it was not +in California at all. + +"Oh, then you were not married in San Francisco?" interrupted Lady Linton, +looking up eagerly, and hoping now to get something definite regarding +that outlandish place in Nevada. + +"No," he replied, not thinking it necessary to enter into particulars, and +leaving them to infer what they chose. + +Her ladyship was baffled again, not daring to press him further lest he +should suspect that she had been tampering with his papers. + +But she tried to console herself with the thought that she would soon know +all there was to be known; then what use she might make of her knowledge +remained to be seen. + +Lady Heath was improving, but still far from being out of danger, and +could not endure the least confusion. + +Sir William was very restless, and anxious to get back to his dear ones in +America; but Sir Herbert Randall was opposed to his going. + +"It would be fatal, my dear sir," he asserted; "the excitement of your +departure and the separation would undoubtedly bring on another shock from +which her ladyship could not possibly rally, even if it did not kill her +outright. Haven't you done roving enough yet?" the physician concluded, +regarding the young man with some surprise. + +"But I've left----" Sir William began, when he was interrupted by a +startled cry from Lady Linton, who was in the room, as she carelessly +upset a vase of flowers on the table beside her. + +"How awkward of me!" she exclaimed, flushing a deep crimson; "won't you +please ring the bell, William for some one to come and clean up this +mess?" + +He went to the opposite side of the room to do her bidding, and she took +the occasion to inform Sir Herbert in a low tone, that her brother had +left some unfinished business in America, which he was anxious to have +settled. + +"I'm sorry," replied the physician, "but it will have to remain unsettled +for a while longer, if he has a proper regard for his mother's health." + +Of course the great doctor's verdict was decisive, and Sir William was +forced to curb his impatience as best he could. He would not allow himself +to do anything that would endanger his mother's life, and yet his heart +was yearning for his wife and for the little one whom he had never seen. + +"Have patience a little longer, my darling," he wrote Virgie that evening; +I will come just as soon as it will do for me to leave home. My heart +longs for you every hour in the day; life seems almost a blank without +you, and I find it difficult to employ myself about anything. If you were +stronger, and our little one was older, I would send some trusty messenger +for you, and another eight days would find you in our beautiful home. But +I fear such a proceeding would be hardly wise at present. + +"Write to me often, my Virgie, and be very careful in directing your +letters; I am afraid that I have missed one or two of your last. Oh, happy +day when there will be no longer any need to communicate with each other +in this slow way." + +Sir William had indeed missed his wife's last letters and this was the +only one that she ever received from him after that date. + +How was it? + +Ask Lady Linton, or go seek in the little brazier, which stood at night in +the dressing-room of her mother for the purpose of heating the nourishment +she was accustomed to take at twelve, for the ashes of the loving epistles +which the fond husband and wife believed no other save themselves would +peruse. + + + + +Chapter XIII. + +Becoming Acquainted. + + + +Little Virginia May Heath was just six weeks old, and becoming most +interesting to her fond mamma, who was getting stronger every day, and +able to take a little exercise in the corridor outside her rooms, when one +morning as she was pacing slowly back and forth, thinking of her absent +husband, and wishing, oh, so yearningly, that he could come to her, she +encountered two ladies who had just ascended the stairs, and passed on to +their apartments which were just beyond hers. + +One was a finely formed, majestic woman, evidently somewhat over fifty +years, having the air and bearing of one accustomed to society and the +ways of the world. She was tastefully and elegantly dressed, every article +of her apparel denoting wealth and a careful regard for fashion. + +The other was a young lady, perhaps a year or two older than Virgie, a +perfect blonde, with a tall, beautifully developed form, and with a face +such as poets and artists rave about. It was a pure oval, faultless in +feature and coloring, and yet withal, if closely studied, there was a +suspicion of shallowness and insincerity in the full, sapphire eyes, and +the perfectly formed but rather weak mouth. + +Still Virgie, as she lifted her own lovely eyes and beheld this young +lady, thought she had never seen any one more beautiful, while she colored +slightly, and wondered why the strangers should observe her so closely +and with such evident interest. + +It was a very warm day, and she was clad in a fine white robe, richly +embroidered and garnished with pale lavender ribbon. If she had but +realized it, she was exquisitely beautiful herself, with her glossy, brown +hair carelessly yet gracefully coiled at the back of her head, the color +beginning to tinge her cheeks, that smile of happiness upon her sweet +lips, and the holy mother-light shining in her violet eyes. + +"Mamma, that must be she; that must be Lady Heath," whispered the younger +of the two strangers, when they had passed beyond hearing. + +"Lady Heath!" was the scornful repetition, accompanied by a flash of anger +from the dark eyes of the elder woman. + +"Well, mamma, you know of course who I mean. She must be the girl whom +Lady Linton wrote about." + +"I imagine so. She answers the description that Miriam gave of her +photograph. Yes, hark! she has just opened her door, and surely that was a +baby's cry." + +"Well, at last we have seen her," returned the girl, "and I must confess, +I think she is perfectly lovely. She has such beautiful eyes, such a fair, +delicate complexion, and is so peculiarly dainty every way. I do not blame +Sir William for falling in love with her." + +"Mercy, Sadie, how you do chatter! no one would believe, to hear you, that +you had been almost heart-broken because this very girl, over whom you are +so enthusiastic, had ruined your prospects," returned her mother, +impatiently. + +The young girl flushed crimson at this shaft. + +"Thank you, mamma, for reminding me of the fact," she said, bitterly. "It +is true that through her all my fondest hopes have been blighted, and I +suppose I ought to bitterly hate her for it; but truly her exceeding +beauty and sweetness half disarm me." + +The elder woman made no reply to this, but her manner betrayed both +contempt and irritation, her brow was clouded with a wrathful expression, +and her lips were drawn into a straight, rigid line, denoting some cruel +and inflexible purpose. + +It will readily be surmised that these two ladies were none other than +Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, who, as we learned in the previous chapter, +were traveling in the United States, in the hope of improving the health +and spirits of the latter. + +Mrs. Farnum had married while very young, and was the mother of three +children--two sons and one daughter. + +She had herself been very attractive as a girl, and had many suitors; but +with an eye to the comforts of life, she had said "no" to all the titled +and impecunious lovers, and given her hand to a man of wealth, who, with +his million of pounds, bade fair to add another million to them in the +course of time. + +Miriam Heath, on the contrary, had been rather a plain-looking girl, +somewhat cold and repelling in manner, and was almost an old maid before +she was married; thus she was often an inmate of her friend's palatial +home, and became much interested in her children, and little Sadie Farnum +had scarcely reached her teens before the two women began to plan a union +between the young heir of Heathdale and the heiress to half a million +pounds. + +It had been the cherished dream of years, while almost from childhood +Sadie had been foolishly taught to regard Heathdale as her future home, +and to look upon Sir William as her promised husband; thus the +disappointment had been a terrible one to them all when they learned that +the baronet had married a "nobody" from the hated and disloyal country +that had rebelled against its rightful sovereign. + +Lady Linton might be said to have become almost a monomaniac upon this +point, and so bitter was her ire at thus being balked in her plans, so +keen her hatred of the innocent girl who had been the cause of it, that +she abandoned herself to the wildest schemes, casting all honor and +womanliness to the winds, and bending all her energies toward the +destruction of the happiness of the newly wedded couple. She resolved to +begin operations by making an ally of her friend, Mrs. Farnum. + +Fortunately she was at that moment in California, the former home of +Virgie, and could perhaps ascertain what mystery overshadowed her former +life that had made it necessary to conceal her true name. This would +perhaps give a clew how to proceed further, and, as we know, her letter +was written at once, and brought an immediate reply. Further +correspondence elicited information which only tended to strengthen Lady +Linton in her evil designs, and Mrs. Farnum was advised to proceed +directly to New York and take up her abode in the same hotel where Virgie +was located, where she could successfully aid and abet her superior in her +malicious operations. + +Thus we find Mrs. Farnum and her daughter not only in the same house, but +on the same floor with the young wife and her child, and only waiting for +a favorable opportunity to strike a fatal blow to her happiness. + +Virgie had of late experienced a good deal of anxiety regarding her +husband, for his letters, which at first had come with every steamer, had +suddenly ceased entirely. + +For a while this had only filled her with hope, for she had told herself +that doubtless he was coming for her; he might even be on the way to give +her a joyful surprise. But as time went on and not a word came from him, +she was haunted with a sickening dread. He might be ill, she reasoned; but +surely in that case he would send some message by another, or, if he could +not do that, some member of her family would certainly let her know. + +She wrote faithfully, notwithstanding, giving all details regarding +herself and their little one, never dreaming that her fond letters, having +first been devoured by evil, greedy eyes, were ruthlessly consigned to the +flames. + +Every day after the arrival of Mrs. Farnum and her daughter, one or both +of the ladies managed to come upon her whenever she walked in the +corridor, and soon they began to nod in a friendly manner when they passed +her; then a smile and a look of interest was added, until finally it came +to be the regular custom to bid her a pleasant good-morning. + +But Virgie was retiring by nature, and the acquaintance did not progress +rapidly enough to suit Mrs. Farnum, and she was meditating a bold move, +when one day Sadie came suddenly upon the nurse, who was promenading the +long hall, with her little charge in her arms. + +"Oh!" she cried, stopping before her, "I am sure this must be our little +neighbor who serenades us once in a while. I dote on babies. May I have a +look at the darling?" + +"I hope, miss, she doesn't disturb you," the nurse replied respectfully, +but looking greatly pleased to have the little one noticed. + +"No, indeed; the house is so frightfully still that it is real music to +hear its little voice once in a while. What a little beauty it is, to be +sure!" Miss Farnum returned, volubly, as she pulled away the lace frill +from the small face to get a better view of the young heiress of +Heathdale. + +"What is its name?" she asked, after contemplating her in silence for a +moment. + +"Virginia May Heath," the woman replied, thinking the young lady very +gracious. + +"Oh, how pretty! I suppose she will be called 'May.' She looks just like a +little May blossom." + +"No, miss; they call her Virgie. Madam would have preferred the other +name, but her husband wanted her called for his wife, of whom he is very +fond." + +Sadie Farnum's face clouded at this. + +"I presume that delicate lady whom I see occasionally walking here in the +corridor is La--is Mrs. Heath?" she said, more to make the nurse talk than +because she desired information on this point. + +"Yes, miss; the streets are so rough she does not care much for driving, +and she must have some exercise." + +Virgie herself appeared in the doorway of her parlor at this moment, and +smiled as she noticed the young lady admiring her baby. + +Miss Farnum colored slightly, then said boldly, with a light laugh: + +"Pray do not think me very bold, Mrs. Heath, but I have been seeking an +introduction to your little daughter. She is very lovely, and I am <i>so</i> +fond of babies." + +While she spoke her eyes had been fixed upon Virgie's face, and she +thought she had never looked upon any one more beautiful than this woman +who was her rival--for so she regarded her. + +She wore a delicate blue lawn, trimmed profusely with filmy white lace; +there was a dainty cap upon her head, while she had a few blush-roses +fastened in her belt. Every day she was growing stronger and better, and +her beauty seemed to increase in proportion. + +She bowed to Sadie, and smiled again as she remarked that it was rather +unusual for young ladies to be so fond of children of that tender age. + +"Then I am an exception to the rule, Mrs. Heath," Miss Farnum answered; +"but since I have made your daughter's acquaintance, allow me to introduce +myself to you also. I am Sadie Farnum, and mamma and I are your nearest +left-hand neighbors." + +"I am very glad to know you, Miss Farnum," Virgie returned, graciously, +and thinking her delightfully frank and pleasant. + +She was really very glad to meet her in a less formal way than usual, and +hoped they should be friends. + +She had been feeling rather lonely of late, besides being depressed on +account of her husband's long silence; she had no acquaintances, and saw +scarcely any one save the physician and her nurse. + +"I am afraid mamma will think I have committed a shocking breach of +etiquette," Sadie went on; "but we are strangers in the city, and I have +been longing to know you ever since our first meeting here in the +corridor. May I come in to see you occasionally, and this little darling?" + +She concluded with such a winning air, as she stooped and lightly kissed +the tiny pink face lying upon the nurse's arm, that Virgie's heart was +entirely won. + +"Yes, indeed, Miss Farnum; I should be delighted to have you. I am alone +most of the time, and it would be very pleasant to have some young +company." + +"Thank you. Then, if you do not object, I will waive all ceremony, and +come to see you in a friendly way. May I bring mamma, too, and introduce +her to you?" + +"I shall be very glad to meet Mrs. Farnum," Virgie responded, and then +instantly asked herself if she had spoken the exact truth, for she stood +somewhat in awe of that aristocratic and imposing looking woman, whose +curious, piercing glance, in spite of her assumption of friendliness, gave +her an unpleasant sensation. + +"Mamma, the ice is broken at last!" Sadie Farnum cried, rushing in upon +her mother, with a glowing face, after the above interview, and she +proceeded to give her a detailed account of her meeting with Virgie. + +"She is as lovely as a dream, mamma," she said, "and as sweet and gracious +as any lady need to be. If she were not Sir William Heath's wife I should +be ready to do homage at her shrine with all my heart." + +"Nonsense! Has she any education? Can she converse respectably?" demanded +Mrs. Farnum, with a frown at her daughter's enthusiasm. + +"She is a perfect lady, and her language is beyond criticism--she is fit +to be the wife of any peer." + +"Gracious! Sadie, how you annoy me!" ejaculated Mrs. Farnum, angrily. +"Just think of her antecedents." + +"Well, the girl is not to blame if her father was a scamp, and should not +be made to suffer for his sins," responded her daughter, who was not +naturally bad, and but for her mother's influence, would even now have +been won to a better disposition by Virgie's sweetness. + +"What rank folly you are talking!" retorted her mother. "No girl has a +right to marry a respectable man with such a stain on her name." + +"Perhaps she does not know anything about her father's crime." + +"Pshaw! She was fifteen years old when they had to flee from San +Francisco; she could not help knowing that something was wrong, and as she +grew older she could not fail to understand it. From the way you talk it +is evident that you yourself have fallen in love with the woman who has +cheated you out of your husband." + +"Perhaps I have, mamma," Sadie answered, with a spice of defiance and +wickedly taking pleasure in working her mother up to a certain pitch. "She +looked so pretty just now--she has the loveliest complexion, just clear +red and white, with such dark blue eyes that they seem almost black when +she is animated, and such pretty waving brown hair, while her features are +pure and delicate Her taste, too, is exquisite--her dress was just the +right shade to set off her clear skin; she had the daintiest little +matron's cap on her head--real thread, too--while a handful of blush-roses +in her belt made her look too lovely for anything." + +"Do hush, Sadie; you irritate me beyond endurance; one would think that +you were only too ready to renounce all your hopes to this plebeian who +has stolen your lover," and Mrs. Farnum turned upon her daughter as if +ready to shake her for her folly. + +"Mamma!" she cried, passionately, and bursting into tears, for she had +been working herself up as well, "when I am away from her I hate her for +having won him from me, and I am almost ready to do anything desperate; +but when I am with her she disarms me; there is something about the girl +that almost makes me love her. If you could have seen her this morning, +she looked so proud and happy when I praised the baby." + +"Sadie Farnum, I do believe you are becoming demented! Here is poor Lady +Linton almost heart-broken over her brother's <i>mesalliance</i>, his mother +lies at death's door on account of the excitement caused by it, while you, +who ought to be the most interested party of all, are about to turn +traitress and go over to the enemy just because of a foolish +sentimentality for this doll-faced girl. I declare, I have no patience +with you." + +"I think you have said enough, mamma," replied Miss Farnum, coldly, and +wiping away her tears, "but there may come a time when you will regret +your present attitude--when you will be sorry that you strove to inculcate +such a bitter spirit into the mind of your only daughter. Lady Linton for +some strange reason wanted us to come here and see for ourselves what this +girl is like; we have seen her. Let us go our way now and not revive old +hopes and ambitions, which, to say the least, are not pleasant to remember +under the circumstances. Yes, let us end this disagreeable business, and +leave Sir William Heath's wife alone." + +"I am not ready to leave New York yet, and we will stay where we are for +the present," responded Mrs. Farnum, flushing a deep red, for she had +never told her daughter of the plot which she was helping Lady Linton to +carry out, and she saw now that it would not be wise to do so, since Sadie +might flatly refuse to have anything to do with it, and in her present +state of mind, might do something to upset their well-laid schemes. + + + + +Chapter XIV. + +The Plot Begins to Work. + + + +The acquaintance between the Farnums and Virgie progressed rapidly after +the meeting between Sadie and the young wife. Mrs. Farnum was duly +introduced, and did not prove to be nearly so formidable a personage as +Virgie had imagined her to be; for although she was not drawn toward her +as she had been to her daughter, yet she was so gracious and exerted +herself to be so agreeable, that Virgie could but acknowledge to herself +that she was a very pleasant and entertaining person. + +Visits were exchanged almost every day between them; the baby was praised +and admired, and Virgie was petted and made much of, until her heart and +confidence were entirely won. + +They insisted upon her driving with them; "the fresh air would do her +good," Mrs. Farnum declared, "for she had noticed during the last week +that she was losing color;" and thus she made many excursions with the two +ladies, and visited many points of interest. They even proposed that they +should go into the country together, as it was getting so oppressively +warm in the city; but Virgie would not listen to this proposition, because +of her anxiety for letters, and the hope that Sir William might be coming +for her. + +Poor child! she was, indeed, losing color, and was almost heart-sick with +the terrible suspense, although she tried to be very brave and to conceal +her trouble from every eye. + +She wrote again and again to her husband, begging for one line, one word +even, pleading that he would let her come to him if he was ill and needed +her. She would gladly brave the dangers of the ocean alone, she told him, +if he would but give her his consent to do so. + +But still that terrible silence remained unbroken. + +She was almost tempted to set out alone in spite of everything, and +nothing but the fear of passing her husband on the way prevented her doing +so. + +She had learned that the Farnums were English, but upon discovering that +their home was a long distance from Heathdale--Mr. Farnum owned a large +estate in Bedford County--she reasoned that they could not know anything +of Sir William's family; and being extremely sensitive regarding his +recent apparent neglect of her, she did not once hint that she expected +her own future home would also be in England. + +Meantime Lady Linton's plans were ripening. Events were occurring at +Heathdale which she trusted would serve her purpose well; and now Mrs. +Farnum was only waiting for a favorable opportunity to commence aggressive +operations. + +The opportunity soon came. Sadie had been invited by some friends to spend +a week or two at Coney Island, and her mother, fearing if she should be +there to witness Virgie's grief when she began to work out her plot, that +she might do something to upset her plans, willingly gave her consent for +her to go. + +On the afternoon after her departure, Mrs. Farnum with a basket of fancy +work in hand, went to pay Virgie a little visit, saying she was lonely +without Sadie, and had come in for a cozy chat. + +The young wife had evidently been weeping, for her cheeks were flushed and +her eyes heavy, but she received her guest cordially, and exerted herself +to be entertaining. + +Mrs. Farnum appeared unconscious of anything unusual although she watched +the young wife keenly, and readily surmised what had caused her +unhappiness. + +She chatted socially for a while on various topics, but after a time laid +down her work, and taking up a book from a table near which she was +sitting, began carelessly turning over its pages. + +"Jean Ingelow," she remarked, with a smile. "Are you fond of her poetry, +Mrs. Heath?" + +"Yes," Virgie answered, "I think some of her poems are very sweet." + +Mrs. Farnum glanced absently at two or three, then turned to the fly leaf +of the book, while Virgie's eyes mechanically followed her movements. + +The name of William Heath was written there. + +Mrs. Farnum looked up surprised, then smiled. + +"Your husband's name is William?" she said, inquiringly + +"Yes," Virgie returned, with a slight flush, while a pang shot through her +heart at the sound of the dear name. + +"You must be very lonely to be separated from him for so long a time," +said the woman, in a sympathetic tone. + +"Indeed I am," said the young wife, with a long-drawn sigh which did not +escape her companion's notice, "but our separation is compulsory." + +"Ah, he was away at the time of our arrival, was he not?" + +"Yes, he was called to his home nearly three months ago by the illness of +his mother." + +Mrs. Farnum assumed a look of surprise. + +"And could not you accompany him?" she asked, as if she thought it very +strange that Virgie should not have done so. + +"No, my physician would not allow me to travel; the summons came only a +short time before the birth of my baby, and he said a sea voyage could not +be thought of for me, so my husband was obliged to go without me." + +"A sea voyage!" repeated Mrs. Farnum, with a start. + +"Yes. My husband's home is in England," Virgie answered, flushing vividly. + +A blank look came over Mrs. Farnum's face, then she assumed a grieved +expression. + +"In England! and you never told us that you were our countrywoman, Mrs. +Heath!" she said, reproachfully. + +"I am not. I am a native of California," Virgie explained with some +confusion; but I seldom speak of myself to strangers." + +"With good reason, my pert young woman!" mentally retorted Mrs, Farnum, +for her companion's last words had been rather coldly uttered. Then she +said aloud, in a pitying tone: + +"It must have been very trying for you to let your husband go on such a +journey without you?" + +"Yes, indeed, it was," Virgie replied, with lips that quivered painfully; +"but, of course, I could not keep him from his dying mother." + +"Was her condition so critical as that?" + +"Certainly, or my husband would not have consented to leave me. Mrs. Heath +was suddenly stricken with paralysis." + +Again Mrs. Farnum started, and bent a long, searching look upon her +companion--a look that made Virgie feel very uncomfortable and wonder what +it meant. + +"Is--is she still living?" the woman asked, still regarding Virgie +searchingly. + +"Yes--at least, she was the last I heard; but her condition was still +considered so critical that she could not bear the least excitement." + +"Then it is some time since you have heard from her?" remarked Mrs. +Farnum, pointedly. + +Virgie bridled a trifle at being so closely questioned. She thought her +guest was trespassing beyond the bounds of good breeding. But, after a +moment, feeling as if she must share her burden with some one, she said, +in an unsteady voice: + +"No, I have not, and--I am afraid that my husband's letters have +miscarried, and the suspense has been very trying." + +"Ahem! Mrs. Heath, there is something very strange--very inexplicable +about what you have told me," Mrs. Farnum said, in a grave tone. + +Virgie looked up, astonished both at the words and tone. + +"I do not understand you," she returned. + +"You know, of course, that we are English people," began her companion. + +"Yes. Miss Sadie mentioned the fact to me during the first of our +acquaintance." + +"Did she ever tell you that we know people in England by the name of +Heath?" + +"No. Do you?" Virgie cried, eagerly, her face lighting as she thought +perhaps she might learn something regarding her long silent husband. + +"Yes, and they are a very fine family. They belong in Hampshire, and I may +as well tell you that they are a very proud and aristocratic family, +laying great stress upon their unimpeachable honor and untarnished name." + +Virgie flushed a painful crimson at this, which her companion noticed +with a thrill of exultation, and then resumed: + +"The oldest daughter, who married a peer of the realm, has been my most +intimate friend for many years. Sir William, also----" + +"Sir William!" Virgie interrupted, catching her breath, face growing +radiant. + +"Yes, that's the name of the son and heir. I was about to remark that he +is a baronet and that it is a singular coincidence that he should also +have been here in America while his mother was stricken with paralysis. It +is strange, too, that his first name should be the same as your husband's; +but----" + +"Oh, Mrs. Farnum," cried Virgie, leaning forward and seizing the woman's +hands in a transport of joy, as she believed she was about to hear some +definite news regarding her loved one, "Sir William Heath is my +husband--can you tell me anything about him? I have not heard a word from +him for more than a month, and I am nearly distracted from anxiety and +suspense." + +Mrs. Farnum drew back in well-feigned astonishment. + +"Child! are you mad? Sir William Heath your husband? It is simply +impossible." + +Virgie straightened herself, and yet it seemed as if somebody had suddenly +struck her a cruel blow upon her naked heart. + +Mrs. Farnum had just told her that for years she had been the most +intimate friend of Lady Linton and yet to all appearances she had been +literally astounded to learn that Sir William was married. + +Could it be possible that her husband had never acknowledged her as his +wife to his family? + +The thought almost paralyzed her for a moment; then she put it indignantly +away from her. + +No, he had written letter after letter to his mother and sister--at least +he had spoken of so doing, though she had never read them--telling of +their marriage, and speaking of their return to Heathdale. Of course his +friends must have been apprised of all that had occurred during his +absence; still it was very strange that the "most intimate acquaintance of +Lady Linton" had not been made acquainted with the fact. + +All at once, however, she brightened. Mrs. Farnum had been traveling in +America also, for how long she did not know, and perhaps that accounted +for it. If she did not correspond with Lady Linton she had no means of +knowing of the baronet's marriage. + +She even smiled to think how foolish she had been to allow such thoughts +to have even for a moment a place in her mind, as she looked up and said: + +"No, indeed, Mrs. Farnum, I am not mad, and it is not impossible that I am +Sir William Heath's wife. We were married last September, and after the +death of my father, who was very ill at the time, we traveled for several +months and then came to New York, intending to sail for England the last +of May, but were forbidden to do so by my physician, as I have already +told you." + +"Still I say it is impossible. The Sir William Heath whom I mean is the +master of a large estate called Heathdale in Hampshire County, England," +reiterated Mrs. Farnum, decisively. + +"And my husband is the master of Heathdale, in Hampshire County, England," +Virgie said, a trifle proudly. + +She resented the woman's incredulity, while she could not forget what she +had said about the "unimpeachable honor and untarnished name" of the +family. It had stung her keenly, though she did not suspect that it had +been an intentional slur upon the shadow resting on her own. + +Mrs. Farnum's only reply was a look of increased astonishment, mingled +with something of horror. + +A crimson flush dyed Virgie's face. + +"May I ask, Mrs. Farnum, how long you have been in America?" she said. + +"We sailed from Liverpool the sixth of May." + +Virgie's heart sank a trifle. + +"And had you seen your friend, Lady Linton, within a few months previous +to that time?" + +"Lady Linton came to London only three weeks before, to make me a farewell +visit. She was with me ten days." + +The young wife grew pale. + +"And did she not mention the fact of her brother's marriage?" she inquired +in a faint voice. + +"No such event in connection with him has ever been announced," returned +the woman, ruthlessly. "His friends know nothing of it. Sir William Heath +is believed by his friends to be a single man. More than this----" + +Virgie stopped her with a gesture, but she was as white as new fallen snow +as she arose, and going to her writing-desk, brought a letter, which she +laid upon Mrs. Farnum's lap. + +"There is his last letter to me," she said, but her lips were almost rigid +as she spoke. "It will prove my statements." + +Mrs. Farnum took it, and examined the envelope. It was directed to "Mrs. +William Heath,----Hotel, New York City, U.S.A." It was post-marked at +Heathdale. The handwriting was familiar, and she knew well enough that +Sir William Heath had penned it. + +"Mrs. William Heath!" she said, reading the name aloud. "He does not +address you as Lady Heath, which is your proper title if you are his +wife." + +"Oh!" cried Virgie, with a shiver of pain, for those last words, implying +a doubt of her position, hurt her like a knife. "Neither of us cared to be +conspicuous while we were traveling, so my husband dropped his title," she +explained. + +"Ahem! that was a very strange proceeding. But does--does he say anything +about coming for you, in this letter?" inquired her companion, who was +burning with curiosity to know what it contained. + +"You may read it if you like, Mrs. Farnum. I see that you are still in +doubt about my being what I represent myself," Virgie returned, with some +hauteur. + +Mrs. Farnum flushed at this. + +"You must excuse me, my dear," she said, with hypocritical blandness, +"but--but--it is simply unaccountable to me, knowing what I do about the +family and their future plans for Sir William. I'm afraid----" + +She did not finish what she was going to say, but coolly drew the letter +from the envelope, unfolded, and began to read it, never once stopping to +consider how she was outraging the delicacy and affection of the young +wife by this act, notwithstanding that she had received permission to do +so--She could not doubt, as she read, that the young baronet's heart had +all been given to this fair, beautiful woman, for though written in his +own dignified way, the letter was full of devotion and loyalty to her. And +yet not once in all those eight pages had he called her by the sacred name +of "wife." There were all manner of pet names and expressions of +endearment, but not a single time was written that word which would have +proved so much. + +The arch plotter as she read, was quick to observe this omission, and she +gloated over it; it would materially help to further her designs in the +future she thought, if this letter was a sample of all others which he had +written her. She would have given a great deal to be able to have that +pretty writing-desk at her command for an hour or two. + +Her face took on a sterner and graver look than she had ever yet worn as +she read on, and when at length she finished the epistle, she appeared the +horrified prude to perfection. + + + + +Chapter XV. + +The Lawful Wife. + + + +"Have you a picture of your--of Sir William, madam?" Mrs. Farnum inquired, +as she folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. + +Virgie arose without a word, and taking a velvet album from the table, +opened it to certain picture and laid it before her companion. + +Mrs. Farnum uttered a cry of despair as her glance fell upon the handsome, +upturned face. + +"Yes, that is a picture of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale; there can be +no mistake," she confessed, with a perfectly rigid face. "But, Mrs.--oh, +madam--I am simply stunned!" + +"What <i>do</i> you mean?" Virgie demanded, standing straight and tall before +her, and meeting her eyes with a blazing look which warned Mrs. Farnum to +be careful how she dealt with that spirit. + +"Pray, be calm, my child," she returned, with a pitiful accent. "Sit down +beside me here, and I will explain why I am so disturbed. Good heavens! we +have always supposed that Sir William was a man of unblemished honor." + +"Madam, be careful how you speak of my husband!" Virgie interrupted, +haughtily, yet with a note of agony in her voice. "Sir William is an +honorable man, and I will not allow you to say one word against him in my +presence." + +"Poor child! poor child! I fear you have been terribly deceived. How can +I ever tell you!" murmured Mrs. Farnum, in a shuddering voice, and with +every appearance of distress. + +"You <i>shall</i> tell me instantly. I will not stand here and listen to such +paralyzing insinuations. <i>If</i> you have any thing to tell me, say it at +once, and do not keep me in this maddening suspense!" Virgie commanded +grasping the woman by the wrist, and transfixing her with her blazing +eyes. + +If Sir William Heath could have seen her at that moment he would have been +very proud of her, for she had never been so beautiful, although a +terrible agony was stamped upon her white, imperious face. + +"I can only repeat what I have already said. It is impossible. You will +never be mistress of Heathdale!" reiterated Mrs. Farnum, in an inflexible +voice, as she disengaged her wrist from Virgie's grasp, which had left the +imprint of every finger upon it. + +"Go on!" commanded the young wife, authoritatively "You have simply made a +statement. You must confirm it." + +"Because," proceeded the relentless woman, "in the first place, if you are +his wife, he would long before this have acknowledged you as such to his +friends." + +"He has done so, I tell you. He wrote immediately after our marriage, +announcing it." + +"Did you see him <i>post</i> his letter?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, quietly, but in +a tone that keenly stung the sensitive girl before her. + +"No," she replied, a hot flush mounting to her brow; "but I know he did. +He is to honorable to dissemble." + +"Did you ever see any reply to his communication in which his friends +recognized the fact of your marriage?" + +"No. I--I never questioned him," Virgie answered, with white lips. "My +father was very ill, dying, at that time, and I scarcely thought of +anything else." + +"But of course you have your marriage certificate. That would prove +everything," observed Mrs. Farnum, insinuatingly, although she well knew +that she had not. + +"My husband has it." + +"Ah!" and a pitiful smile wreathed the woman's lips as she uttered this +interpection with significant emphasis. + +"Madam, can you not see that you are driving me mad?" cried Virgie, in an +agonized voice. "You have heard something; you are concealing something +from me. For mercy's sake, make an end of this suspense!" + +"Answer me one question more. Were there witnesses at your marriage?" + +"Yes, four." + +"Four! Who were they?" + +Mrs. Farnum asked this question in a somewhat disappointed tone, for if +the young wife could bring four witnesses to prove her marriage, Lady +Linton might well tremble for the success of her plots, though Nevada was +a long distance from England, and there might be some difficulty in +producing them. + +"My father"--a sob checked Virgie's utterance as she mentioned him, and +realized how forlorn her condition would be if the horrible suspicions +which were being sown in her mind should prove true--"the clergyman who +performed the ceremony, a woman who lived near us, and our own servant." + +"Then, since you have no tangible proof in your own hands that you are Sir +William Heath's lawful wife, I advise you to communicate with those +witnesses without delay, since their testimony alone will serve to +establish your rights and--those of your child," Mrs. Farnum said, with a +solemnity that struck a fearful chill to Virgie's heart. + +"My child!" + +It was a startled, anguished cry, and all the mother-love and anxiety was +instantly aroused for her little one. + +Was it possible that anything was threatening the honor and future +happiness of her child, who, next to its father, was at once her pride and +idol? + +"Oh!" she cried, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, "why will +you talk so in riddles? If you have anything to tell me, in pity speak out +before I lose my reason!" + +"Wait one moment, and I will bring you a letter which I have recently +received, and when I have read it to you, you will understand why I have +been so skeptical regarding what you have told me, and why I have +questioned you so closely." + +With these words, Mrs. Farnum arose and left the room, while Virgie, +almost stunned by the fearful suspicions which had been so artfully thrust +upon her, and feeling almost as if a knife had been driven through her +heart, sank nerveless and trembling into a chair to await her return. + +The relentless woman was not gone long. The ice was thoroughly broken at +last, and she meant to make quick work of her task now. Lady Linton had +written to her that her brother was becoming very impatient at being +detained so long from his wife; he was nearly ill from anxiety because he +did not hear from her, and she feared he would soon brave everything and +go to her; so whatever was done to separate them eventually, must be +quickly done. + +She soon returned, holding in her hand a letter, and a lurid light burned +in her eyes as she glanced at the stricken wife saw how well her blows had +told. + +"This letter," she began, seating herself, and drawing some closely +written pages from their perfumed envelope, "is from Lady Linton, my +intimate friend, and Sir William Heath's sister, and you will perceive, as +I read, that my authority for what I have told you is indisputable. +Perhaps, however, you would prefer to read it yourself," she concluded, +holding it out to her. + +But Virgie made a gesture of dissent. She felt that she had not strength +even to hold those thin sheets of paper in her trembling hands. + +"Very well; then, I will read it to you; but, my young friend, you must be +prepared for some startling news." + +Virgie opened her lips as if to speak, but the words died on them, and +Mrs. Farnum began: + +"My Dear Myra:--You will be glad to learn that mamma is really +better--not, of course, as far on the road to convalescence as we could +desire, but comfortable enough to have had the wedding take place as +appointed It would have been too bad if it had to be postponed; so +unlucky, you know. We thought once that we should have to put it off +indefinitely; but, as mamma could not bear the thought, and Sir Herbert +consenting, provided there should be no excitement, we decided not to +disarrange the long-talked-of plans. Will and Margie both behaved +beautifully, and declared they would cheerfully defer everything if mamma +was likely to suffer from it; but it was very evident that their happiness +was greatly augmented when told that it would not be necessary. The +wedding occurred on the 28th, in the Heath chapel. It was, of course, very +quiet and unassuming, though the bride was lovely in her robe of white +satin, exquisitely decorated with Chantilly lace, and wreath of heath, +which it has always been the custom for the brides of the house to wear. +William looked as noble as ever, and our good old rector made the service +very impressive not forgetting to mention in his prayer, most touchingly, +her who lay ill at home and could not grace with her presence the glad +occasion. There was a very quiet breakfast afterward at Mrs. Stanhope's, +after which Will and Margie came over for mamma's congratulations and +blessing. + +"They are not going on a journey just now. They will visit London for a +few days, and then return here and remain at home for the present. Will +seems almost like a boy in his happiness, while Margie is sweeter and +prettier than ever. Of course we are all delighted, for we have always +been so pleased at the prospect of the match, though I was afraid for a +little while that something might happen. I feared there had been some +nonsense when William was in America for I came across the photograph of +the loveliest face I ever saw, one day, while looking over and arranging +his wardrobe after his return. But the old saying proves true--'All's well +that ends well,' and I trust there is a brilliant future for the master of +Heathdale." + +There was more pertaining to family matters, which Mrs. Farnum thought +best to omit after stealing a look at Virgie. + +Her face was frightful to behold, and for a moment the woman was +positively alarmed at the result of her work. + +She sat like a statue, scarce seeming to breathe; there was not the +slightest color in her face or lips, and the expression of agony about her +mouth reveiled something of the fearful suffering she was enduring, while +there was a look in her eyes which her companion never forgot. + +She did not move for several minutes after Mrs. Farnum ceased reading; it +was as if she had suddenly been turned to stone, and was oblivious of +everything. + +Mrs. Farnum was awed by her appearance, and hardly dared to speak to her, +lest, in breaking the spell, the girl should drop dead at her feet. + +But all at once Virgie started; some thought seemed to have come to +her--something that made her doubt that the dreadful tidings to which she +had listened were true. + +The letter had spoken of "Will" and "William," to be sure, and she had +every reason to suppose that it had referred to the man whom she had +believed to be her husband--still there might be a mistake. She grasped at +the straw with the eagerness of a drowning man. + +"Of whom is Lady Linton speaking in her letter, as having been--married?" +she demanded, in a hollow voice, and fixing her burning eyes upon her +companion's face. + +"Why, of William Heath, of course," returned Mrs. Farnum, greatly relieved +to hear her speak once more, "and I have known him all my life. I used to +visit at Heathdale a great deal before Lady Linton's marriage, and he was +always a favorite of mine. He was a bright, manly fellow, and his friends +have planned great things for him. I--I can hardly credit what you have +told me to-day. I did not dream he could do anything so wrong; but +doubtless he will settle down now, and I shall expect to see him a member +of Parliament; he has everything in his favor." + +"Who is--Margie?" Virgie asked, in the same tone as before, though she had +shivered at the last words of Mrs. Farnum; they were bitterly cruel. + +"Why, Margaret Stanhope--one of the loveliest girls in Hampshire County. +She and Will have been engaged for years. You remember that Lady Linton +spoke of their always having been 'pleased with the prospect of the +match.'" + +"Oh!" gasped Virgie, clasping her hands over her aching heart, and for a +moment everything seemed to fade from her vision, and a great darkness to +envelop her. + +Mrs. Farnum thought she was going to faint; but the weakness passed, and +then she arose in all the majesty of her terrible agony and righteous +indignation. + +"Madam," she began, standing straight and proud before the astonished +woman, "If what you have told me is true; if Sir William Heath has been +engaged to Margaret Stanhope for years; if he has pretended to marry her +since his return to England, then the greatest wrong that ever was +perpetrated has been done, and he has made a dupe of her and--broken my +heart. As sure as there is a just God, I am Sir William Heath's lawful +wife, and He will vindicate me. My child is his daughter, and the heiress +of Heathdale, and Margaret Stanhope has been shamefully betrayed. I shall +never allow such a crime to prevail. I shall sail for Liverpool on the +very next steamer, to expose this villainy and to assert my legal rights +and my daughter's claim to her position as a Heath of Heathdale. She, at +least, shall not suffer dishonor, if the lives of two women have been +ruined by the villainy of one man. Did he suppose, because England is +three thousand miles from America, that he could perpetrate this wrong +with impunity? I tell you it shall never be! I will face him in the home +of his <i>unimpeachable ancestors,</i> and see if he dares to repudiate his +lawful wife!" + + + + +Chapter XVI. + +"My Child Is the Heiress of Heathdale!" + + + +Mrs. Farnum looked frightened at Virgie's startling threat, and she +realized at once that she had underrated the character of the woman with +whom she had to deal. + +She saw that she was capable of great decision and prompt action; that +beneath her gracious sweetness, and gentle, winning manner, there lay a +reserve force and strength upon which she had not reckoned, and which +would have to be overcome--if overcome at all--by strategy and deception. + +It would never do for the young wife to set out for England, at least if +there was any power to prevent it, for it would destroy all their +carefully laid plans, and their hopes for the future. + +It had never occurred to Mrs, Farnum that she would contemplate such a +proceeding. + +She knew that she was a stranger and absolutely friendless in the city; +there would be no one on whom she could rely to fight her battles. She had +imagined her to be weak and yielding, and that she would sink helplessly +beneath the terrible blows that she had dealt her, that all life and +spirit would be crushed out of her, and she would be only too willing to +fly from every one whom she knew, and hide herself and her child, with +their supposed shame, in some remote corner of the earth, and that would +be the last of them. + +Then when Sir William should search for her, as of course she knew he +would do, and fail to find her, he could easily be made to believe that +she had been untrue, and fled from him; a divorce could be readily +obtained to set him free, and thus Sadie, if she played her cards aright, +might yet become the mistress of Heathdale. + +But the injured wife's project of going to face her recreant husband, and +demanding to be acknowledged as the lawful mistress of Heathdale, must be +defeated at any cost, and the wily woman immediately set about +accomplishing her object. + +"Ah, my poor child!" she began, assuming a sympathetic tone, "one cannot +blame you for just indignation at having been so deeply wronged. I never +would have believed Sir William capable of such dishonor. But surely you +will never think of subjecting yourself to an ordeal so terrible as that +you have just proposed." + +"Why should I not? Why should I shrink from anything that will right this +wrong? Nothing can hurt me more than I have been hurt to-day," Virgie +answered, spiritedly, yet with inconceivable bitterness. + +"But think of Sir William's family. They are exceedingly sensitive and +proud spirited, and they would never tolerate your claim for an instant; +no shadow of dishonor has ever touched them in any way, and they would not +endure the scandal." + +"Think of Sir William's family! Why should I consider them? Madam, it is +myself of whom I have to think--myself and my innocent little one; and do +you suppose I will tolerate the indignity which has been offered me? Is +not my good name and that of my child as much at stake, and of as much +value as the name of Heath?" Virgie cried, her proud spirit blazing forth +in righteous indignation. + +"But Sir William is a peer of the realm." + +"A peer!" + +Mrs. Farnum actually cringed beneath the scorn that rang out in the young +wife's tone as she repeated these words: + +"And are peers of the realm exempt from all dishonor when they violate +every law, both human and divine?" she continued, with stinging sarcasm. +"Does the code of your nobility provide that young and innocent girls, who +are basely betrayed, shall sit tamely down and meekly bear their injuries, +so that your peers of the realm can go unscathed? If so, thank heaven that +your laws do not prevail in this country. You are yourself a mother--you +are proud of your beautiful daughter; but think you if she stood in my +place you would advise her to consider the feelings of Sir William's +family, to ignore her rights, and shut her eyes to her own injuries, lest +she cast a shadow of dishonor upon their proud escutcheon? And do you +think that I am less of a woman than she--that I am devoid of fine +sensibilities, of pride and self-respect?" + +Mrs. Farnum had winced as under a lash during all this spirited speech. +Its scorn and sarcasm stung her keenly, and made her very angry. She +longed to revenge herself upon the proud girl who had presumed to rank +herself along with her daughter, by proclaiming the secret regarding her +life, which she had so cunningly learned in San Francisco. + +But she feared to arouse her further. She realized that she must seek to +conciliate her, and try to persuade her not to take the mad journey to +England which she seemed so bent upon. + +"Oh, no, my poor child," she began, soothingly; "you do not realize what +you are saying. Of course, I know it is all very wrong to deceive a girl +in any such way, be she high or low, rich or poor. But just consider how +you are situated. You say that your hus--that Sir William has your +marriage certificate, and you have nothing to prove your statements with, +even if you should present yourself at Heathdale. How do you suppose you +would be received there if you should burst in upon them claiming to be +Sir William's wife and the mistress of Heathdale if you could not +substantiate your statements? My dear, it would be the blindest folly." + +"But I have his letters!" cried Virgie, eagerly. + +"True, you have his letters, and no doubt his handwriting would be +instantly recognized by his family, But they could not prove your +position, especially if they are all written after the style of the one +which you allowed me to read this afternoon, for in all those pages not +once does he speak of you as his wife. You must have something more +tangible and conclusive than those," Mrs. Farnum asserted, confidently. + +All the light died out of Virgie's face as she began to see that there +were terrible difficulties in the way of proving that she was a lawfully +wedded wife. + +"I have my ring," she said, weakly, and holding up the white, delicate +hand on which the heavy circlet gleamed, guarded by a brilliant diamond, +but which trembled like a reed shaken by the wind. + +"Is it marked with the date of your marriage?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, an +anxious gleam in her eye as it rested upon that symbol of wifehood. + +"N-o; it was thoughtlessly neglected at the time, because there were so +many other things to be attended to, and--and I could not bear to have it +taken off to rectify the oversight, after it was once put upon my hand," +Virgie confessed, growing white again even to her lips. + +"That was unwise, not to say foolish of you," said Mrs. Farnum, +deprecatingly, but with a throb of exultation. + +"But," added Virgie, after thinking a moment, "he brought me here as his +wife. The proprietor of this hotel will tell you so. Dr. Knox, my +physician, will tell you so also, as I was introduced to him by my husband +as Mrs. Heath; and there are other people in the house who know it." + +Mrs. Farnum smiled pitifully. + +"My dear," she said, gravely, "how many of these people do you think would +be willing to swear that you are Sir William Heath's wife, if you should +ask them to do so? How many would put their names to a paper certifying +their honest conviction that you are, if told the title and position he +occupies in his own country and <i>your history</i> in this?" + +Virgie started at these words, and would have asked the woman what she +knew of her history, but she went on as if she had not remarked her +emotion: + +"If Sir William had brought you here as <i>Lady Heath,</i> registered himself +in his own proper character, and taken you into society thus, there would +have been no room for doubt. But instead, what <i>has</i> he done? It is very +strange that your own suspicions have not been aroused by his actions. He +has registered everywhere as plain 'William Heath and lady.' Instead of +going to the public table, as most of the guests are in the habit of +doing, he has paid extra rates to have your meals served in your own +rooms, and kept you secluded from almost every one. What construction do +you suppose would be put upon these facts, if they were submitted to +people generally, if----" + +"But, Mrs. Farnum, all this was done out of regard for my feelings. I told +you that we did not wish to be conspicuous while traveling, so my husband +dropped his title. I could not go into society here, and I did not like +to go to the public table where I should be--obliged to meet so many +strangers," Virgie interrupted, a hot flush rising to her brow, while +there was a weary, hunted look, in her eyes as the cunning woman continued +to weave her tangled web about her. + +"Of course, <i>I</i> can understand all that," replied Mrs. Farnum, +indulgently, "but how would it appear as evidence if brought up in +connection with your efforts to prove yourself a lawful wife?" + +Virgie's heart sank. + +Turned which way she would, everything, as argued and distorted by her +companion, appeared against her, and for a moment it seemed as if her +spirit was crushed within her. + +But at that instant a little cry from the adjoining room fell upon her +ears, and immediately all her natural pride and energy returned to her +aid. + +She straightened herself and lifted her head proudly a look of firm +resolve settling upon her face and gleaming in her eyes. + +"There are proofs," she said, in a low, firm tone, "even though I have not +my marriage certificate and though some people may doubt the truth of what +I assert, and--I will yet have them. My father, who would have been my +strongest helper, is dead, but there are three other witnesses living who +can swear that I am a lawful wife. There must be records also, and, madam, +I will move heaven and earth to establish my rightful position in life." + +Mrs. Farnum trembled before this indomitable resolution. + +"And would you be willing to occupy it, even if you could establish it?" +she asked, with a covert sneer, "would you force yourself into a position +which, appearances go to prove, was never intended to be given to you? +Would you force yourself upon a man who had subjected you to the indignity +of repudiating you as a wife and put another in your place?" + +Virgie's head reeled beneath the force of these cruel questions, and she +swayed dizzily, as if about to fall, for a moment. + +Then again with a mighty effort she recovered herself. + +"No," she cried, her beautiful lips curling with, scorn, every pulse in +her body throbbing with contempt "the chosen mistress of Heathdale may +keep her position after I have proven my right to it, if she prizes it +enough to pay the price of her own dishonor; but my child is also the +lawful child of Sir William Heath--she is the heiress to all his +possessions and she shall yet occupy the place in the world that +rightfully belongs to her, no matter who else may stand in her path. It +may take time to accomplish all this, but, mark me, Mrs. Farnum, and tell +your 'proud, unimpeachable family' at Heathdale so, if you choose, it +shall be accomplished." + +"Then of course you will not be able to sail immediately for England as +you at first proposed to do," returned Mrs. Farnum, her heart leaping with +joy as Virgie's words told her that she had changed her mind regarding her +first threat. + +"No, I can see, now I come to consider the matter, that it would be folly +for me to attempt to gain my rights without being armed with positive +proof of what I assert. It exists, however, though it will necessitate +much trouble and expense to secure it. Three months hence, however, I +shall hope to have it in my hands, then, let your 'peer of the realm' and +his 'honored family' take warning, for a righteous judgment will surely +overtake them for the wrong which I suffer to-day. Now go--leave me if you +please; you may have meant well in telling me what you have, but, oh! you +have ruined my life and all my hopes," Virgie concluded, with a moan and +gesture full of despair. + +Her strength was failing her; the bitterness of death was upon her and she +longed to be alone, for she could not endure that any one should witness +her cruel humiliation. + +Her last words had galled Mrs. Farnum almost beyond endurance; no doubt +because she realized that there was so much truth in them, while her +threat regarding a righteous judgment overtaking the family at Heathdale +caused her heart to sink with a sudden dread of disgraceful punishment for +herself if ever her complicity in this foul plot should be discovered. + +She arose, cold and stern. + +"<i>I</i> ruin your life, indeed!" she answered, haughtily. "I think you have +no one to thank for that but yourself, for having lent a too willing ear +to the flattering tongue of a strange young man." + +She swept from the room with a firm step and uplifted head, while Virgie +sank prostrate upon the floor, feeling as if her heart had been ruthlessly +trampled upon and all the life and hope crushed out of it. + + + + +Chapter XVII. + +The Last Drop in a Bitter Cup. + + + +"The girl has more spirit than I gave her credit for," Mrs. Farnum +muttered to herself, as she entered her own rooms after leaving Virgie. +"If she persists in her purpose of securing proofs and going to Heathdale +to claim her position, of course it will upset everything. However, she +will not be able to do that at present; she must first take a long +journey, and meantime Miriam will, no doubt, think of some way to prevent +a <i>denouement</i>. Doubtless the girl will write once more and charge Sir +William with his perfidy--she is not one to bear tamely such a wrong; but +Miriam will be on the watch, and if the little upstart gets no reply, her +pride will probably assert itself, and we shall have no more trouble with +her, for a while at least. Meantime Sir William may be prevailed upon to +get a divorce, and then the way will be clear once more for Sadie. + +"How fortunate," she added, going on with her soliloquy, "that Will Heath +and Margie were married just at this time!--she swallowed that story +whole. Well, I must confess it was calculated to stagger any one, though I +was almost afraid she had heard something before about the facts; but it +seems she had not." + + * * * * * + +The truth regarding the news that Mrs. Farnum had received from Lady +Linton, and which the latter had so cunningly utilized to further her +scheme to separate her brother and his wife, was this: + +Sir William Heath had a cousin who bore the same name as himself, though +without the title, of course. + +He was three years older than the young baronet, and had been named for +his uncle, with the hope that he would be received as the heir in case no +son was born to the elder Sir William. But this was not to be. + +From childhood the boy had been attached to his little, neighbor and +playmate, Margaret Stanhope, and they had been engaged for years, as Mrs. +Farnum told Virgie. + +But being the son of a younger son, he had had to struggle somewhat for +his education and position in life, and it was only a few months previous +to Sir William's return from America that he had succeeded in securing a +situation as private secretary to a nobleman, and thus felt that at last +he had a right to marry the sweet girl whom he had so long and so fondly +loved, and make a home for himself. + +The marriage had been set for the 28th of June, but Lady Heath's sudden +and alarming illness, it was feared, would necessitate a postponement. But +when she began to improve, and the question being submitted to her, she, +having a great fondness for both her nephew and his betrothed, had +insisted that the marriage should proceed. It accordingly took place in +the chapel at Heathdale, Sir William himself giving away the bride, as her +father was not living. So it will readily be seen that there was a +semblance of truth in nearly all that Lady Linton had written to Mrs. +Farnurn. + +She had not been quite sure that she would succeed in this part of her +scheme, for it might be that Sir William had mentioned the fact of his +having a cousin by the same name; so she had written her letter in a way +to do no harm in case it did not help her plan. If Virgie did <i>not</i> know, +however, she would readily take it for granted that it was her husband who +had been married on the 28th, while the fact that a long engagement had +existed would seem to prove that he had wilfully deceived her from the +first, and tend to make her believe that her own marriage had been simply +a farce. + +Knowing that the certificate was in Sir William's possession, that Mr. +Abbot was dead, and surmising, from their signatures, that two of the +witnesses at least were very ignorant, she hoped, even if Virgie should +have sufficient spirit to assert herself that it would be very difficult +for her to collect proofs of a legal marriage. She knew that she could +bring plenty of evidence to prove the fact that they had lived and +traveled together for several months under the name of Mr. and Mrs. Heath, +but she did not believe that that would count for very much; it would not +be the first time that such a thing had occurred--young men would sow wild +oats occasionally, and though it might wound her pride terribly to have +any scandal arise regarding the matter, yet she could bear that with a far +better grace than to have an ignorant plebeian from the wilds of America +become the mistress of Heathdale. + +Her aim was to estrange and keep the couple separated long enough to +secure a divorce and compromise Sir William with Sadie Farnum, and then +she would be ready to snap her fingers at all danger for the future. + +Mrs. Farnum wrote immediately to Lady Linton, giving her a full account of +her interview with her despised sister-in-law, while Virgie, as soon as +she could recover sufficient strength and composure to make the effort, +also wrote a long letter to Sir William. + +She told him everything, just as if she had not written to him before--how +his letters had suddenly ceased, and how she had waited and hoped to hear +from him until she had grown weary and heart-sick from his long silence. + +She told of her meeting with the Farnums, and of the wretched story she +had just learned from the elder lady. She begged him for but one word of +contradiction, and she would believe in him and wait patiently for his own +time for coming to her. But if the terrible tale was true--if he had +deceived her from the first, and had cheated her and her father into +believing that he was making her really his wife, when it had been only a +farce, to tell her plainly, and she would never trouble him again. + +When the letter was finished she went out and posted it herself, to insure +its going by the first steamer, and then she tried to school herself to +wait patiently for a reply. + +But in a day or two she became conscious of a change in the inmates of the +house toward her. Ladies whom she knew met and passed her with a cold nod, +and a bold stare, which brought a scarlet flush to her cheeks. Some, +indeed, did not deign to recognize her at all. The servants were less +attentive, almost rude, the clerk and proprietor distant and reserved. + +Too well she understood what it all meant, and there was but one way to +account for the sudden change in the atmosphere which surrounded her. + +Mrs. Farnum, the only one in the house who could possibly know anything +regarding her history, must have given some hint of her apparently +questionable position. + +But there was no redress, for she would not humiliate herself enough to +ask an explanation; so she could only submit in silence, and bear it with +what fortitude she could summon to her aid, while she was waiting to hear +from her husband. + +But she endured agonies during the time, and the days dragged, oh, so +heavily by. + +She remained closely in her own rooms, seeing no one save the servants and +her own nurse, and devoting herself to the care of her little one. + +At last the day that she had set for a letter to come arrived, and she +grew feverish, almost hysterical while waiting for the mail to be +delivered. + +She heard the clerk going his rounds; he stopped at Mrs. Farnum's door to +leave something, and then came on toward her door. Her heart stood still +as he approached. He passed by--there was nothing for her, and her heart +was almost broken. + +She sent the nurse down to the office to ask if there was not some +mistake--if Mrs. Heath's mail had not been overlooked. + +"No, there are no letters for <i>Mrs. Heath</i>," the man answered, with a +peculiar emphasis on the name, and an insolent laugh, that made the woman +very angry. + +When she related the circumstance to Virgie, she threw up her arms, with a +gesture of despair, and cried out: + +"Oh! what shall I do?" + +She appeared stunned, crushed, and the kind-hearted creature who served +her, and who, of course, had known that something was wrong, was extremely +anxious about her. + +She begged that she might be allowed to send for Dr. Knox; but Virgie +refused, with a shudder. She could not bear the thought of the good +physician learning the story of her desertion and shame, for such, she +began to feel, must be the true construction to be put upon Sir William's +long absence and silence. + +A little later there came a tap upon her door. She sent the nurse to +answer it, and heard some one say: + +"Mrs. Farnum's compliments, and she would like Mrs. Heath to read these, +and then return them to her." + +The nurse shut the door, and then came to Virgie, with a letter and paper +in her hand. + +For an instant she thought it might be a letter for her, and she seized it +with an eager cry. + +But no; it was addressed to Mrs. Farnum, though it bore the Heathdale +postmark, and was in the handwriting of Lady Linton. + +Virgie grew deathly white, and clutched at her throat, for it seemed as if +she were suffocating. + +Then she mastered her emotion, and crept away to her chamber to read the +letter, for she felt that it contained some fatal news, and she wished no +one to witness her suffering as she read it. + +With it convulsively clasped in her hands, she fell upon her knees and +sobbed: + +"Oh, Heaven, spare me deeper sorrow! oh, do not confirm my shame!" + +It was some time before she could compose herself enough to read that +fatal missive, but at length she unfolded it and began to peruse it. + + * * * * * + +"Dear Myra," the letter began, "you may be surprised by the contents of +this, but I cannot bring myself to address that person by the name which +she claims, and so feel compelled to ask you to oblige me by giving her a +message, or, perhaps what would be better, allow her to read this letter +for herself. My brother is away from home just now, and, as my custom is +in his absence, I open all letters of a private nature, and act as I judge +best regarding them. The wildest epistle imaginable came to him yesterday +and I was thankful that he was away, for he is so very happy that it must +have shocked him exceedingly and I shall need to communicate its contents +very delicately to him. + +"That girl of whom you wrote me in your last actually claims to be his +lawful wife--believes it, I suppose, poor child--and cannot understand how +utterly impossible it would be for any one belonging to an old and +honorable family like ours to ally himself with one so low in the social +scale. I am shocked that my brother should have been guilty of anything so +out of character as she represents while he was abroad. I am sincerely +sorry for the wrong which it appears he has done her, if what she says is +true, and shall insist that he provide comfortably for her for the +future; but, of course, the idea that she has a right to come here as +mistress is preposterous, and I trust that you will make it appear so to +her. Advise her to renounce at once all claim to the name, and settle +quietly in some place where she is not known, and perhaps she may be able +to bring up her child in a respectable way, so that its prospects will not +be hampered in the future by its mother's mistake. + +"Will and Margie returned while I was writing to you, and both look so +well and happy that it does my heart good to see them. Of course I had to +stop for awhile, but now I will try and finish my letter. I have had a +serious talk with my brother, and he appears to feel very much troubled +over his American escapade, confessed that he had done wrong, and gave me +this hundred pound note, which I inclose for the benefit of the girl; and +I sincerely trust she will do nothing more to disturb a happy household, +and one which will be very much annoyed by any useless scandal." + +There followed a little more pertaining in an indifferent way to the above +household, but Virgie had read enough, and the letter fell from her +nerveless fingers, while she sat staring vacantly before her, her brain +almost turned by the heartless words she had just read, her heart broken +with its weight of woe, while a feeling of utter wretchedness and +desolation made her long for death to steep her senses in oblivion. + +She forgot all about the paper which had been given her with the letter, +while the hundred-pound note, which had been inclosed with it, had +fluttered out unheeded as she drew it from the envelope, and now lay upon +the floor at her feet. + +Later she examined the paper, and found a notice of the marriage of +William Heath and Margaret Stanhope. Whether Lady Linton had been the +cause of it to further her schemes, or whether some strange fatality had +occasioned the mistake, it would be difficult to say, but the paragraph +read: + +"Married:--On the 28th instant, in the Heath Chapel, Sir William Heath, of +Heathdale, to Miss Margaret Stanhope, only daughter of the late Sidney +Stanhope." + +Thus was added the last drop to the cup of bitterness which Virgie had to +drink. + +There had been a strange mixture of truth and falsehood in the letter +which Lady Linton wrote to Mrs. Farnum. + +Her brother was away for a day or two on a matter of business when +Virgie's imploring epistle arrived--a circumstance for which his sister +was most thankful, for it was no trifling matter for her to be always on +the alert to intercept the letters that passed, through the bag at +Heathdale. But she had succeeded in accomplishing this by having had an +extra key made for the lock and always accompanying the carriage when it +went for the mail. + +This drive she called her "constitutional," and as the carriage was a +closed one, she could readily unlock the bag and abstract the letters she +wanted without being seen, and consequently was never suspected of having +anything to do with the interrupted correspondence of Sir William and +Virgie. + +She had also been interrupted while writing to Mrs. Farnum by the return +of her brother and the entrance of her cousin's new wife. Afterward she +had had a talk with Sir William, in which he confessed to feeling greatly +"troubled" regarding Virgie and her long, unaccountable silence. He said +he felt that he had "done wrong" to have left her so long, for, as it had +proved, his mother was gradually though slowly improving, and he might +have gone and returned without affecting her health; he should see Sir +Herbert Randal when he came again, and make arrangements to sail +immediately for America. But Lady Linton cunningly provided against this +calamity by privately informing the physician that her mother was worrying +over this threatened departure, and he succeeded in prevailing upon the +baronet to wait a week or two longer. + +Sir William had, indeed, given his sister a hundred-pound note, but it was +for the benefit of a poor girl who had been crippled by a railway +accident; and thus all these circumstances being artfully woven into her +letter had something of truth in them, and helped to serve the scheming +woman's purpose. + + + + +Chapter XVIII. + +"I Will Prove It." + + + +It was very fortunate for Virgie that she had a little one at this time, +else she would have deemed life scarcely worth the living, so stunned and +crushed was she by the terrible blow that had fallen upon her. + +For two long hours, after reading that letter from Lady Linton, and the +paper containing that paragraph of William Heath's marriage, she lay as if +paralyzed upon her bed. One would hardly believe that she lived at all, +but for that look of unutterable woe in her eyes and the expression of +agony about her mouth. + +But she was aroused at last to a sense of her duties and responsibilities +as a mother, by the crying of little Virgie in the outer room; and yet +that cry was like another dagger plunged into her heart, for it reminded +her that, if the dreadful things which she had been told were true, her +whole future was dishonored--that she was a betrayed and deserted woman +and her child nameless. + +"Oh, Heaven! it cannot be!" she cried, lifting her arms with a gesture of +despair and locking her fingers in a convulsive clasp above her head, +while her mind went back over the past and reviewed every event that had +occurred since the beginning of her acquaintance with Sir William Heath. + +She had believed in him so thoroughly, he had seemed so noble and true, +so entirely above all deception and double dealing. He had appeared to +love her so devotedly, had been so proud of her as the future mistress of +his beautiful home, and so supremely happy in the anticipation of the +coming of their little one. He had hoped for a son and heir, and yet he +had expressed no disappointment upon learning that their child was a +daughter; he had welcomed the little stranger most tenderly in his letter +and fondly named her, to please himself, for her mother. + +He had seemed so impatient and regretful at the thought of leaving her so +long alone, and had promised to come to her the moment that he could +safely leave his mother. + +All this made it very difficult for Virgie to believe in his apparent +perfidy and treachery, and yet the evidence against him seemed so +overwhelming that she was convinced in spite of herself. + +She did not dream of a plot against her, for she could not conceive of any +motive for one; but his letters had suddenly ceased and she could not +believe accident had caused it, when she had written again and again +telling him of it and pleading for but a word from him. + +Then she had heard that story of the engagement to Margaret Stanhope, then +the account of the marriage at Heathdale, by Lady Linton, who appeared +entirely ignorant of her existence even; and taking all this into +consideration, together with the notice which had appeared in the paper +sent to Mrs. Farnum she felt obliged to accept the fact of Sir William's +intentional treachery and desertion. + +Yet in the face of everything she clung to the conviction that she was a +lawful wife--that her child was the heiress of Heathdale; but the +difficulty was to prove it. + +"Prove it? <i>I will prove it</i>," she cried, and at once all that was +resolute in Virginia Heath's character began to struggle to assert itself, +and she went forth from her chamber, at that cry from little Virgie, with +an unflinching purpose written upon her heart. + +The nurse cried out in alarm as she saw her white face and sunken eyes. + +"You are ill, madam," she exclaimed. "Go back to bed--the baby will do +well enough with me." + +"No, I am not ill," Virgie answered, as she took her little one, but she +spoke in a strained, unnatural tone, adding, "I would like you to go to +Mrs. Farnum's door and say that I desire a 'few moments' interview with +her." + +The woman went to do her bidding, but muttered with a troubled look: + +"These English people seem to bring nothing but sorrow and mischief to the +poor thing, in spite of their sweet ways and honeyed speeches; I wish +they'd clear out--and whatever her husband can mean to leave her here +alone so long and not a line to tell her why is more'n I can make out." + +Mrs. Farnum obeyed Virgie's request with some misgivings; but she saw at +once upon entering the room that the young wife believed the very worst, +and she was half frightened at the result of her work. + +Virgie arose as she entered, her baby clasped close in her arms, and +handed her the letter which she had sent her to read. + +"Here is your letter, Mrs. Farnum," she said, with a cold dignity that +awed her visitor, "and you will find the note inclosed with it. Please be +particular to have it returned to the one who sent it." + +"But, my dear, will you not need it yourself?" interrupted the woman with +assumed kindness. + +Virgie's lips curled. + +"It was an unpardonable insult to offer it to me," she said, with spirit. +"I cannot understand how they dared to send it to me in any such way; +indeed, I cannot understand a good many things that have come to me +through you. If Sir William Heath has wilfully done me this irreparable +injury he might at least have been man enough to strike the blow himself, +rather than employ women to be his emissaries." + +Mrs. Farnum winced. + +"Ah! but you forget--" + +"I forget nothing; do you suppose that I could?" cried Virgie, sharply, +"but I might at least have been spared this last indignity--to offer me a +paltry hundred pounds when he has a fortune in his hands belonging to me." + +"A fortune! I did not suppose--I did not know that you had any money," +stammered Mrs. Farnum, looking blank. + +"My father left me a good many thousands of dollars when he died; it was +all settled upon me at the time of my marriage, but Sir William Heath took +charge of it and has it now. He deposited five thousand dollars in a bank +here for my use, while he should be away, and the most of that remains; +but there is much more that rightly belongs to me," Virgie explained. + +"Then this hundred pounds surely is your due," Mrs. Farnum said, as she +drew it from the envelope and held it out to the young wife. + +Virgie drew back haughtily. + +"Do you suppose that I would accept as charity a paltry sum like +that?--for Lady Linton sent it as such, and as a sort of remuneration for +what I suffer. It is an outrage which I cannot brook, and I am amazed at +the audacity that prompted it." + +So was Mrs. Farnum amazed, and she saw at once that Lady Linton had +unwittingly committed a great blunder. She had never dreamed that Virgie +had had money at the time of her marriage, and she imagined that Lady +Linton was also ignorant that her brother had taken back to England a +fortune belonging to the girl whom they were thus seeking to wrong. + +Matters were getting complicated, and she almost wished that she had never +allowed herself to become involved in them. + +"You should have kept your marriage certificate," she faltered, "every +wife should do that--then you could have proved your claim." + +"I shall prove it yet," Virgie declared, in a clear, decisive voice. "Do +you imagine I am going to sit tamely down and allow a stigma to rest upon +this innocent child if there is any power on earth to prevent it? In spite +of all that you have told me, or all that your friends have written, I +<i>know</i> that I am Sir William Heath's lawful wife. If he committed a rash +and impulsive act, and one which he regrets now, while he was in America +and while he was bound by other ties in England <i>he</i> must suffer the +consequences. I cannot understand how he has <i>dared</i> to perpetrate such a +farce, were he a thousand times engaged to Miss Stanhope; how he has dared +to so wrong and compromise one of his own countrywomen, for, just so sure +as we both live, it will all be exposed sooner or later. All this I will +do for the sake of my child; then----" + +"Then?" repeated Mrs. Farnum, leaning eagerly toward the resolute girl. + +"Then <i>I</i> will repudiate <i>him</i>. I will never look upon his face again. I +will give him his freedom--will divorce myself from him; and then, if the +woman who now believes herself to be his wife wishes it, or will accept +it, he can make the tie between them legal." + +"You will obtain a divorce?" said her companion, with an exultant thrill. + +This was something she had never thought of before She and Lady Linton had +both hoped to estrange this fond couple, then make Sir William believe in +his wife's infidelity, and work upon his feelings and pride until he +should be willing to seek a divorce; but they had never imagined that +Virgie would be the one to suggest such a measure. Such a preceding on her +part would wonderfully facilitate matters, and Mrs. Farnum, who a few +minutes previous began to be disheartened, was greatly encouraged. + +"Exactly," Virgie replied. "Do you imagine that I desire to hold Sir +William Heath unwillingly bound to me? Do you think that I would ever have +consented to become his wife if I had known that any one had a prior claim +upon him? But, are you sure that he was engaged to Miss Stanhope before he +came to America?" the young wife asked, as doubt again arose in her mind. + +"Yes; Will and Margie have been betrothed for years--ten, at least, I +should say. Did you not read it for yourself in Lady Linton's letter?" +Mrs. Farnum returned; but there was a vivid flush on her cheek as she +told the wretched lie, even while she was literally speaking the truth. + +A convulsion of pain passed over Virgie's face. + +"True; but it is all so strange," she said, wearily. "And I suppose--she +loves him?" + +"I believe her life would be ruined if anything should happen to part +them," said the woman, ruthlessly. + +Any icy shiver ran over Virgie from head to foot, and a low moan escaped +her lips. + +No one cared for <i>her</i> ruined life; it was nothing that <i>she</i> was parted +forever from the man she adored. + +"I will not part them," she said, in a hollow tone; "<i>but</i>--" + +"Well?" inquired Mrs. Farnum, with a painful thrill, as she paused on the +word, with a threatening intonation. + +"A day of reckoning will surely come for him," Virgie answered, firmly; +"for, if this child lives, she will one day make her appearance at +Heathdale and claim her heritage. There may be other children, but she +will have the first right there. Tell your Lady Linton this--tell her that +'that girl,' of whom she wrote so slightingly and heartlessly, will live +to educate her child for her position as the mistress of her 'proud +ancestral home;' tell her to warn her brother that the day of retribution +will not fail to overtake him." + +Virgie was regally beautiful as she stood there before her enemy and +pronounced this stern prophecy. There was not an atom of color in her +face, but her figure was drawn proudly erect, a sort of majesty in every +graceful curve, while there was a resolute, inflexible purpose in every +line of her beautiful features, and her eyes burned with a steady, +relentless fire which told that, if she lived, she would accomplish her +vow, let the cost be what it would. + +Mrs. Farnum, woman of the world though she was, felt cowed and abashed +before her, and when, without waiting for a reply, the wronged wife turned +from her and walked, with a firm, unfaltering step, into her chamber, +shutting the door after her, she slunk away to her own room, feeling like +the guilty thing she was, and trembling for the future if it should ever +be discovered what part she had played in the plot to ruin Virginia +Heath's happiness. + +She was dismayed by the young mother's last words. At first she felt +triumphant when she had spoken of her intention of obtaining a divorce, +for such a measure would simplify matters greatly; it would relieve Lady +Linton from the disagreeable task of trying to persuade her brother to +adopt such a course, and thus he would be free, without any effort of his +own, to wed whom he chose, and she had reckoned upon Sadie being the +favored one. + +But she had not taken into consideration the fact that Virgie's child +would have a claim upon Heathdale; no divorce would affect her right +there, if the legality of Sir William's marriage to Virgie could be +proved, and thus endless trouble, to say nothing of the scandal the story +would create, might ensue. + +Still, there were a hundred "ifs" and possibilities in the way. Virgie +might not be able to get satisfactory proofs; the child might not live; +she might not live herself to accomplish her object; and she finally +resolved to try to be satisfied with the success of her plot thus far, and +not trouble herself about future developments. But that pale, beautiful +face, with that resolute yet heart-broken look upon it, haunted her for +years afterward. She was deeply thankful that Sadie was not there to see +it, and she was resolved that they should not meet again. + +That evening Virgie was waited upon by the proprietor of the house, who, +with much stammering and many apologies, informed her that he was obliged +to request her to vacate the rooms that she was occupying. + +She understood instantly, but her proud spirit rebelled against this last +indignity, and she arose and stood before him in all the majesty of her +insulted womanhood. + +"Sir! Mr. Eldridge! you will please explain this very extraordinary +request," she said, meeting his eyes with a steady glance. + +Mr. Eldridge hemmed, looked embarrassed, and remarked with all the +blandness he could assume: + +"Really, Mrs. ----, madam, I regret to pain you, and it might be as well +to avoid explanations." + +"No, sir; that is impossible; my husband left me here with the +understanding that I should remain here until he came for me, and there +must therefore be some very urgent reason for such a strange proceeding on +your part." + +"Yes, madam," said the man, driven to the wall. "--I--I have been informed +that--that you are not Mrs. Heath at all; that the gentleman who brought +you here was not what he represented himself to be." + +"What authority have you for making such a statement Virgie demanded, +haughtily: + +"This," answered the hotel keeper, producing the paper containing the +notice of the marriage at Heathdale which Mrs. Farnum had slyly laid upon +his desk, with the marked paragraph uppermost. She was very careful, +however, not to appear in the matter to commit herself. + +She had determined to get Virgie away before Sadie's return from Coney +Island, while she feared, too, the coming of Sir William to investigate +the cause of his wife's long silence. + +One glance was sufficient to tell Virgie what paper it was, and she +flushed to her brow. + +"I see," she said, scornfully, "those who have professed to be my friends +are leagued against me." + +"But--pardon me--have you no doubts yourself regarding your position?" +questioned the landlord, feeling a deep pity for the beautiful woman, in +spite of his anxiety regarding the reputation of his house. + +"None," but the word came hoarsely from the now hueless lips. + +"But you have had no letters for a long time; the gentleman has for years +been engaged to an English lady; this paper gives a notice of his recent +marriage to her, and everything goes to prove that you have been grossly +deceived. It is very unfortunate, but I have received notice from several +of my guests that they will leave to-morrow morning unless I insist upon +this change, and thus it becomes my painful duty to request these rooms to +be vacated." + +This was a bitter blow to add to all the rest, but Virgie, conscious of +her own purity, bore it with Spartan-like heroism. + +She cast one look of scorn upon the man before her, then said, with a +calmness that was born of despair: + +"Sir, I still assert, in the face of all that you have just said, that I +am the wife of Mr.--yes, of Sir William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire +County, England and some day it will be in my power to prove to you the +truth of my words; but I have no wish to occasion you either trouble or +loss, so I will go away; to-morrow morning." + +The landlord looked greatly relieved at this assurance and yet he was +impressed both by her manner and her words. + +He assured her of his sympathy, and kindly offered to assist her in +obtaining other rooms and establishing herself in them. + +Virgie quietly declined this offer, however, and, thanking her for her +speedy compliance with his request Mr. Eldridge took his leave, though, to +his credit be it said, with considerable shamefacedness and embarrassment. + +The next morning Virgie sent to Dr. Knox for his bill, paid it, dismissed +her nurse, notwithstanding her urgent plea to be retained even at reduced +wages, and then she quietly disappeared from the place, leaving no trace +behind her to point to her destination or future plans, and, after the +gossip consequent upon such a choice bit of scandal had died away, she +was, for the time at least, forgotten. + + + + +Chapter XIX. + +Sir William Heath Returns To America. + + + +"I cannot understand it, Miriam. It is the strangest thing in the world, +and I shall sail for America on the very next steamer." + +It was Sir William Heath who spoke thus, and there was no mistaking the +decision in his voice. + +He was sitting at the breakfast-table in the large, sunny dining-room at +Heathdale, while the open and empty mail-bag lay upon the table beside +him. + +There were several letters scattered around his plate, but these were +unheeded, while the anxious, perplexed look on the baronet's fine face +told that he was deeply troubled about something. + +Lady Linton sat opposite him, and she had been furtively watching him +during his examination of the bag. There were two very bright spots upon +her cheeks, which <i>might</i> have been caused by her morning drive to the +post-office; or they might have been produced by a guilty conscience and +anxiety regarding her brother's announcement. + +"Then there is no letter for you this morning?" she remarked, trying to +appear unconcerned. + +"No; and I am nearly wild with anxiety. I <i>must</i> go to Virgie at once," +Sir William responded, moodily. + +"I do not know how mamma will bear the thought of your going," Lady Linton +said, looking grave. + +"It cannot harm her. Sir Herbert says she is doing very well, and I might +have gone last week but for the severe cold which she took. I must go, +Miriam. My wife is more to me than all the world, and this unaccountable +silence and suspense is unbearable. I am afraid something dreadful has +happened to her, for, just think, I have not heard one word from her since +she wrote me after the birth of our little one." + +"Why don't you cable, then? I am going in town this morning, and I will +send a message for you, if you wish," craftily suggested his sister, who +felt very uncomfortable at the thought of his starting off so suddenly: +for he might meet his wife just at the very moment when success was about +to crown her plans. + +She had heard from Mrs. Farnum only once since her <i>coup d'etat,</i> when she +had given an account of that last interview with the heart-broken wife. +The letter had been posted that same day, for the woman had not hoped that +Virgie would leave the house so quickly, even though she knew she was +going to be asked to do so; and as she knew her friend would be anxious to +learn the result of her last measure, and as a steamer was to sail the +next morning, she had written immediately. + +"I suppose you might cable and get a reply before a steamer sails," +murmured Sir William, thoughtfully. "It does not seem as if I could wait +even the time it would take for me to get to her." + +"I suppose you <i>are</i> very anxious. It is natural that you should be," +responded Lady Linton, as she broke an egg into her cup and busied herself +seasoning it, although she did not even taste it after it was prepared. +Excitement and anxiety had destroyed her appetite. + +Two or three times every week, of late, there had been just such a scene +as this when the mail came in after the arrival of a steamer. + +No letters came from Virgie. At least, <i>he</i> received none; for they were +all cunningly abstracted before the bag came into the house, and Sir +William did not dream that any one possessed a key to it save himself, and +so, of course was unsuspicious of any plot. + +It was simply unaccountable to him, and he was, as he said, almost wild +from anxiety on account of his dear ones. + +He could not touch his food this morning, his disappointment was so great, +and he nervously unfolded his paper and began to look for an announcement +of the sailing of some steamer. + +"The Cephalonia will sail on Saturday," he remarked, at length. "This is +Wednesday. I shall leave on Friday for Liverpool. You can break the news +to my mother, and I am sure you will do very well without me until my +return. She must strive to be reasonable, for I cannot live like this +another week." + +"Very well; I will do my best to keep her cheerful while you are gone," +returned Lady Linton, trying to appear at ease, although she was quaking +in mortal fear lest all her plotting should come to naught. + +She sometimes regretted having written that last letter and sent that +hundred pounds to Virgie. She began to fear that she might have +overreached herself by so doing, for, if her brother and his wife should +meet, Virgie would of course tell her husband everything, and he would at +once understand that his sister had been guilty of all the +mischief--intercepted letters, and all. She knew that he would never +forgive her; she would be ignominiously banished from Heathdale, and be +obliged to hide herself at Linton Grange, where she would lead a life of +poverty and seclusion; so it is not strange that she trembled at the +thought of Sir William sailing for America. + +"Shall you return at once?" she asked, as they arose from the table. + +"Just as soon as I can possibly arrange to do so; and, Miriam, I want no +pains spared to make the home-coming of my wife an agreeable one." + +"You shall be obeyed," Lady Linton replied, with downcast eyes and a +heavily throbbing heart; "but of course you will let me know when to +expect you." + +"Certainly; and the suite of rooms over the library are to be put in order +for Virgie." + +"Very well; I will speak to the housekeeper about it." + +"You will mention, too, for <i>whom</i> they are being prepared," Sir William +said, glancing sharply at his sister. "It must be known at once that I +have a wife and child. I have made a great mistake in allowing you to +persuade me to keep silence upon the subject so long." + +"But it was for mamma's sake, you know; while she was so ill it was better +not to have it talked about," apologized Lady Linton; but she mentally +resolved that she should be in no hurry to tell the secret, even if he had +ordered her to do so, at least until she was sure her brother would find +his wife. + +Something might prevent his bringing Virgie home, and in that case a +scandal would be avoided if she kept silence. She would wait, at least, +until he notified her of the date of his return. + +"It was a mistake, I tell you," Sir William repeated, with a clouded +brow. "It has been a mark of disloyalty to my wife which I will tolerate +no longer. So please do as I request." + +Lady Linton bowed. + +"Shall I cable for you?" she asked, after a moment of silence. "I shall be +in London most of the day, and perhaps I may be able to get a reply to +bring you on my return." + +"No, thanks; I, too, shall go in town to-day, to engage my passage, and I +will attend to the matter myself," Sir William replied, and the heart of +the schemer sank within her. + +She had intended to cable to Mrs. Farnum, and, if Virgie was still at the +hotel, authorize her to use any strategy to get her away before her +brother should arrive, and then send her a dispatch to suit the emergency. + +But, if he cabled himself, and received an answer from his wife, she had +the very worst to fear for herself. + +They went up to London on the same train, and Lady Linton suffered agonies +during that ride, and all day long, while she was shopping, her suspense +was terrible to her. + +But when she entered the station, late in the afternoon, to return to +Heathdale, she was both startled and relieved to find her brother already +there, and pacing back and forth outside the waiting-room in great +excitement. + +"Have you news, William?" she faltered, her heart beating almost to +suffocation. + +"Yes," he answered, in a strained unnatural tone. "Here, read this!" and +he thrust a cablegram into her trembling hands. + +She had hardly strength to unfold the paper, but her pulses bounded with +exultation as she read: + + New York, Aug. 10, 18--. + + "To Sir William Heath, London: + + "Lady Heath left the ------- House on the 2d instant. Do not know her + address. + + Eldred Edlbridge." + +Mr. Eldridge, as we know, was the proprietor of the hotel where Virgie +had been boarding during her husband's absence, and we can imagine +something of his consternation when he received Sir William's cable +dispatch inquiring for his wife, and realized, all too late, the enormity +of the insult he had offered to that lady. + +Lady Linton, however, had hard work to conceal her joy over the contents +of the message. + +Virgie had been gone for more than a week, leaving no clew to her +whereabouts, which was evidence enough that she believed the very worst of +her husband, imagined herself a dishonored and deserted woman, and had +doubtless buried herself in some remote corner where no one would be +likely to discover her. + +Lady Linton's plot had worked thus far beyond her most sanguine +expectations and she accepted her success as an omen of good for the +future. + +But she hid all this under a mask of well-assumed surprise. + +"What can it mean? Why should she leave the hotel where you left her?" she +inquired of her brother. + +"Oh, I do not know. There is something wrong--very mysterious--about it. +Oh, why is there not a steamer ready to sail this instant? I believe I +shall go mad with this delay!" cried the baronet, in an agony of fear and +suspense. + +But he had to wait until Saturday in spite of his suffering though he had +not even gone from Heathdale two hours when Lady Linton received a letter +bearing the United States postmark. + +Of course it was from Mrs. Farnum, who gave a detailed account of all that +had transpired regarding Virgie's sudden departure, and assuring her that +no one in the hotel suspected her agency in the matter, or had any idea +that she knew anything regarding the girl previous to her coming there. +They did not even know that she was from England; she confided that fact +to Virgie alone, simply to further her schemes regarding her. + +Lady Linton uttered a sigh of relief over this letter. Her brother would +not find his wife in New York, and his journey would be all in vain, she +told herself, and yet she would not feel at ease until she had him safely +at home again. + +Sir William thought the voyage across the Atlantic would never end, and +yet it was a very quick and prosperous passage. When the steamer touched +her pier in New York he was the first of all the eager passengers to +spring ashore, and rushing for a carriage, without even stopping to attend +to his baggage, he gave orders to be driven directly to the hotel where he +had left Virgie. + +Mr. Eldridge quaked visibly and grew deadly pale when Sir William suddenly +presented himself in his office and demanded of him the reason of his wife +leaving his house. + +The polite hotel-keeper's blandness all failed him for once, and, with +much stammering and confusion, with many apologies and excuses, he +confessed that there had arisen a rumor--how he could not say--to the +effect that the lady was not Mrs. Heath at all, that her supposed husband +was an English nobleman who had deceived her; that his patrons had +insisted upon her leaving, or they would; and thus, after a hint from him +as to how matters stood, she had quietly gone away. + +Sir William was furious at this, and the landlord was actually frightened +at the tempest his story had aroused. + +"And you allowed such a malicious slander to drive a delicate and +unprotected woman and her child homeless into the street?" cried the +baronet, with sublime scorn. + +"Ah, sir, I was helpless. The honor of my house must be sustained, and +there was so much evidence to make the story appear true," said the man +deprecatingly. + +"Evidence! What do you mean?" demanded the angry husband. + +"You had registered as 'Mr. Heath and lady.' I learned that you were an +English baronet." + +"Yes, but what of that? I simply wished to escape being conspicuous, and I +had a right to register as I chose." + +"Then there was a story that you had taken another wife in England, +shortly after leaving America." + +"And were you idiot enough to believe such a contemptible slander, when +<i>I</i> brought her here and established her as my honored wife? Did I ever +treat her with anything but reverence and respect?" thundered Sir William, +growing more and more indignant. + +"No, sir," confessed the unhappy proprietor, as he drew a paper from his +desk; "but when you read a notice that I have here you may not wonder so +much at the credulity of people; besides, there were no letters coming +from you to the lady." + +"No letters!" cried the baronet, in a startled tone. + +"No, sir, although madam wrote to you with every steamer, and seemed sad +and depressed to get nothing in return." + +The baronet was astounded. + +It all looked as if there was some treachery at work to ruin their +happiness; but Sir William racked his brain in vain to solve the riddle. + +He had received no letters from his wife; she had had none from him; and, +with that dreadful scandal and rumor to crush her, to say nothing of +having been driven from the shelter with which he had provided her, what +must she not have suffered? + +"Will you read this notice, sir?" Mr. Eldridge asked, pushing the paper +nearer to the baronet, and desiring to intrench himself behind as many +bulwarks as possible. + +Sir William bent forward and read it, and he did not wonder then, that +Virgie had felt herself the most wronged of women. + +He knew that it had been intended as the announcement of his cousin's +marriage with Margaret Stanhope, but a grave mistake had been made in +prefixing the young man's name with a title, thus making it appear that it +was the baronet who had been married. + +Virgie did not know that he had a relative by the same name, so, of +course, taking everything else into consideration, she must have believed +that he had been false to all honor, to his manhood, and to her. + +He groaned aloud. + +"Oh, what must she have thought of me!" he cried, in despair. Then, +turning to the proprietor of the hotel, he asked, "Where did you get this +paper?" + +It was the Hampshire County <i>Journal</i>, and he wondered how it could have +got to New York to accomplish so much mischief. + +"I cannot say, sir. I found it in my office here among other papers, +and--and you must confess that such a notice as that was sufficient to +stagger me when I read it." + +"Yes," Sir William admitted, white to his lips, "and yet it was heartless +to send her away. It was my cousin--a gentleman bearing the same name--who +was married; but some one made a mistake and added my title. Did <i>she</i> +see that notice?" + +"She appeared to know about it, sir." + +"It seems as if an enemy had done this to ruin our happiness; but who?" +groaned the miserable husband. + + + + +Chapter XX. + +Sir William Finds A Trace Of Virgie. + + + +Sir William asked, a little later, when he had succeeded in somewhat +recovering his composure: + +"And have you no idea whither my wife went after leaving here?" + +"No," Mr. Eldridge said. "I offered to find some nice, quiet place for +her, but she simply thanked me and declined my offer. She then ordered a +carriage and drove away, without giving any definite directions regarding +her destination--at least, in my hearing." + +The proprietor was careful not to state that he had been so relieved by +the departure of his then questionable guest that he had taken no pains to +ascertain her plans, being only too glad to be quit of her upon any terms, +and to thus preserve the honor of his house and retain the patronage of +its other occupants. + +Sir William then repaired to the office of Dr. Knox, the physician in +whose care he had left his wife, hoping to glean something from him. But +that gentleman knew nothing whatever of what had occurred, and appeared +greatly surprised by what the young husband told him. + +He simply stated what we already knew--that Mrs. Heath had sent him a note +saying that she was about leaving the city and wished to settle her bill, +and requested him to call for the amount. He had done so, and she had paid +him in full. + +He said that his time was limited, and he had only remained a few moments. +He thought she was looking rather pale and worn; but she said she was +well, and, being calm and self-possessed, he did not imagine that she was +in any trouble. + +It was evident that from this source Sir William could gain nothing to aid +him in his search for his wife. + +He then tried to discover the nurse who had been with her, but she was not +to be found at her usual address, and no one could tell him anything about +her. + +He went to the bank where he had deposited money for Virgie's use, but +disappointment awaited him here also. He was told that she had sent word +one morning that on a certain day she would need the whole amount due her. +She had called according to her appointment, receiving her money, and that +was all that was known there regarding her movements. + +Sir William was in despair. Failure met him on every hand, and he feared +the worst for his loved ones. + +He remained in New York for more than a month, searching the city from end +to end, employing detectives advertising in the papers, and using every +means he could think of to gain some clew to Virgie's hiding-place; but +all to no purpose; and he finally came to the conclusion that she must +have left the metropolis. But whither had she gone? He knew that she had +not a friend on this side of the Rocky Mountains; it was all a strange +country to her. + +Would she be likely to remain East and hide herself and her supposed shame +in some obscure place, or would she wander back to the Pacific coast, +where everything would be more familiar and home-like to her? + +These questions agitated his mind continually, and for a while he knew not +which way to turn, while he was growing both weary and heart-sick with his +fruitless search. + +Finally he decided that he would go again to her old home among the +mountains of Nevada. He might possibly learn something of her there. + +He reached the place just a year from the day of his departure with +Virgie, and a feeling of utter desolation, almost of despair, took +possession of him as he wandered here and there over the familiar ground +visiting the grave of Mr. Abbot, and peering in at the cottage where he +had first met his love, but where only strange faces now met his gaze. + +Everything looked the same as when he left, but evidently no one knew +anything about his wife; he learned that from the eager inquiries, which +met him on every side, for the beautiful girl whom he had taken away with +him. + +He answered and evaded them as well as he could, without betraying that he +was in any trouble, but he was deeply disappointed to find that Chi Lu had +left the place. + +He was told that he had left very suddenly, but came back after a time, +when he disposed of his cabin that Sir William had given him, and then +disappeared altogether. + +The baronet sought out Margery Follet, and was impressed the moment that +he saw her that she had something on her mind. + +She eyed him with suspicion, seemed averse to holding any conversation +with him, and never once inquired regarding his wife. + +This alone made the young baronet hope that she knew something of Virgie, +for, having been at her wedding, and afterward assisted her in many ways +during Mr. Abbott's last illness, it would have been but natural for her +to wish to know something about her. + +By adroitly questioning her he became convinced of the truth of his +suspicion, and finally he charged her outright with having recently seen +his wife. + +The woman stammered, blushed, and finally assumed a defiant attitude, and +Sir William was sure. + +He then told her something of his trouble, enjoining her to secrecy, and +finally she confessed that one day Chi Lu had come to her and persuaded +her to go with him before the county magistrate to sign a paper stating +that she had been a witness to the marriage of Miss Abbot with Mr. Heath. +Chi Lu had given her a handsome sum for her trouble and to keep silent +about the matter afterward. + +This confession gave Sir William great hope. It told him that Virgie had +been in that vicinity; that she was gathering what proofs she could toward +establishing the legality of her marriage, with a view to claiming her +rights as a lawful wife. + +He was very much elated over the discovery, and at once repaired to the +county town, to seek out the magistrate and learn what he could from him. + +That gentleman confirmed what he had already learned. He said that several +weeks previous a young woman had come there to obtain a copy of the record +of a certain marriage, and that afterward a Chinaman and an elderly woman +had signed a paper in his presence, testifying to having been witnesses of +the ceremony. + +Sir William reasoned that, since Virgie was seeking all these proofs, she +would doubtless apply to the clergyman who had married them; so to +Virginia City he straightway hastened, to seek the Rev. Dr. Thornton. + +He found him readily enough. The clergyman appeared to be in feeble +health, and received him with coldness and evident displeasure. + +"I suppose you are somewhat at a loss how to account for my visit, Dr. +Thornton," he remarked, in his genial way, and ignoring the frigidness of +his host's greeting; "but I have come to make some important inquiries of +you." + +The reverend gentleman simply bowed, and then waited for his guest to +proceed. + +"You will be surprised that I have lost my wife and am searching for her," +the baronet continued, thinking it best to come to the point at once. + +"Which one?" demanded the divine, with an accent of scorn in his usually +mild tones. + +"Sir!" + +"For which wife are you searching?" + +"I have but one wife--the lady to whom you married me only a little more +than a year ago!" Sir William replied in a voice of thunder, his handsome +face flaming with righteous anger, though his heart bounded with new hope +at the question. + +"I beg your pardon, sir," the clergyman replied, seeing at once that there +was some mystery, and there must have been some fearful mistake to cause +the separation of these two young people in whom he had been so deeply +interested. + +"You will understand my untimely sarcasm, perhaps," he went on, "when I +tell you that I have been led to believe that you had done that beautiful +woman the greatest possible wrong." + +He then proceeded to explain all that he knew of the matter. + +Mrs. Heath, he said, had come to him, about a month previous, to secure a +written statement from him to the effect that he had performed the +marriage ceremony in a legal and authorized manner between herself and Sir +William Heath, of Heathdale, Hampshire County, England She was looking +very sad and ill, and she confided to him that she had been deserted by +her husband in New York; he having been called to his home by a cablegram, +ostensibly because of his mother's illness, but that she had learned of +his marriage with another lady in England, and she feared that his union +with her might have been a farce. She had, however, learned to the +contrary, and she was determined to gather all the proofs possible, for +the purpose of securing the future rights and position of her child. + +Sir William Heath listened in painful silence to this recital, and then in +turn related all that he knew regarding the terrible misunderstanding and +the mystery attending it. + +"It looks to me very much as if there was a conspiracy in the matter, and +a desire on the part of some one to separate you and your wife," Dr. +Thornton remarked thoughtfully, when the young husband concluded. + +"A conspiracy!" repeated Sir William. + +"Yes; the fact that all letters, on both sides, have been intercepted, +seems to point to such a suspicion. Have you any enemies who, from +interested motives, would try to create trouble between you and your +wife?" + +"Not that I am aware of," the young man replied, but looking deeply +perplexed. "My family, to be sure, were not very well pleased with the +idea of my marrying an American; but I can think of no one person who +could have accomplished anything like what has occurred. It seems to me +that in order to intercept our letters there would need to be conspirators +on both sides of the Atlantic who were interested in the project." + +"Not necessarily. Any one determined to separate you might have robbed +the mail of all letters at either end of the route. It is certainly very +mysterious, and, mark my words, you will some day learn that an enemy has +been at work. But, Sir William," the clergyman continued smiling genially, +"you have relieved my mind and established my faith in you by this +explanation. I confess I had set you down as a miserable scamp, and I have +suffered a good deal on that beautiful young woman's account." + +"I cannot blame you for thinking the very worst of me," returned Sir +William, with emotion; "but I have loved--I do love my wife with a love +that can never die." + +"I do not doubt it now. Of course I gave her the paper she desired, and +also a copy of the certificate which I presented you on your marriage day, +and told her to command me at any time and I should be at her service to +testify to the legality of her claims upon you." + +"Thank you, sir. I am truly grateful to you for your kindness to my poor +darling," said the baronet, tears springing to his eyes. "But can you give +me any idea regarding her plans or movements?" + +"No, I cannot, I am sorry to say," returned Doctor Thornton. "I asked her +what course she intended to pursue, and she said, in the saddest voice I +ever heard, 'I do not exactly know yet; I simply desire to establish the +rightful claim of my daughter as the heiress of Heathdale.'" + +"That looks as if she meant to go immediately to England!" cried Sir +William, starting excitedly to his feet. "If she should do that, all would +be well--everything will be explained, and we shall be happy once more." + +"I cannot say that such was her plan," returned the clergyman, +thoughtfully. "She looked scarcely able to endure such a journey. Still, +it may be that such was her intention." + +"Oh, if I only knew! Just think, sir, I have never even seen my child!" +cried Sir William, greatly agitated. + +"It is certainly very sad. It is greatly to be regretted that you were +recalled to England as you were," said Doctor Thornton. + +"Indeed it is. Why <i>did</i> I ever leave her? It was wrong! I fear I was +negligent of my duty toward her in so doing. I do not know what to do now. +If she has gone to England, we have passed each other, and I would desire +to retrace my steps thither at once. If she is still here on this +continent, I should be in despair to go home, and only find it out on the +other side of the ocean." + +Doctor Thornton pitied the young husband sincerely. + +"You are in a very trying position, I must acknowledge, and I do not like +to advise you either to go or stay. You might wait here a while, and +notify your friends to cable you in case Lady Heath should go direct to +England; then it would be comparatively easy to join her there." + +Sir William determined to act upon these suggestions. He would cable +Heathdale to be notified if Virgie should make her appearance there; +meantime he would do his utmost to find her here. + +He thanked the clergyman for his kindness, and bade him farewell, feeling +much relieved regarding his wife, yet still very sad at heart at the +mystery surrounding her. + +He determined to search for Chi Lu, believing that he alone, who had +always been so devoted to her, could tell him something definite as to her +movements. He had an idea that he might be even now in her service. + + + + +Chapter XXI. + +Nothing but Death Shall Break the Tie. + + + +Sir William went directly back to New York, fired with something of hope +by Doctor Thornton's suggestions He determined to search the passenger +lists of the different steamer lines, hoping to find Virgie's name among +them. + +He half believed that, armed with the strong proofs she had secured to +substantiate the legality of her marriage, she would go directly to +England to assert her position there as his wife. + +He realized that underneath her habitual quiet and sweetness there lay a +dignity and strength of character that would stop at nothing legitimate to +remove the stigma she believed was resting on her fair name. + +But while he gave her ample credit for resolution and energy, he did not +make allowance for the sensitive pride which had been crushed to the earth +by the cruel blow which had been dealt her. He did not stop to consider +that it would never allow her to force herself upon him as an unloved and +rejected wife when she believed a more fortunate rival stood in her way. + +But he found nothing in any of the booking offices of the different +steamers to tell him that Virgie had sailed, or was intending to sail, +even though he haunted them daily for three or four weeks. + +Almost discouraged at the end of that time, he cabled to his sister the +following message: + + "I have missed my wife--perhaps crossed her path. + If she arrives at Heathdale, let me know at once." + +Lady Linton was somewhat startled upon receiving this message, for it told +her that her brother had some reason for thinking that Virgie might be on +her way to Heathdale, and, remembering Mrs. Farnum's account of her +threats to claim her position, she began to fear that she had underrated +the girl's spirit, and that she might make her appearance at any moment +and demand to be received as the mistress of the house. + +This, of course, would make matters rather complicated and awkward; but, +as long as her brother was not at home, she trusted to her own craft to +deal with her and make her only too glad to give Heathdale a wide berth +should she show herself there. + +After cabling, Sir William went again to the Pacific coast, in the hope of +finding Chi Lu. He spent several weeks in San Francisco, thinking perhaps +those he sought might hope to lose themselves there among the multitude. + +He thought right for once, had he but known it, and had he possessed a +little more patience, been a trifle less restless and feverish in his +search, he might have succeeded in his quest. + +But he was so wretched; so worn and discouraged with his constant and +fruitless seeking, that he could not remain in one place long at a time, +and so wandered here and there, until, months having elapsed, he had been +in nearly every State in the Union, reaping only disappointment and +anguish of spirit. + +Then there came again a summons for him to go home--his mother had been +stricken with another shock, and, with a heavy heart, a feeling as if all +the world were against him and his whole life ruined, he went back to his +desolate home and the sick one there. + +Lady Heath only lived a few days after the second return of her son. He +reached Heathdale just in season to see the sands of her life run out and +to close her eyes in their last long sleep; then they laid her in the +family vault, and Sir William felt as if he had nothing now to bind him to +his home. + +"I cannot stay here--I must go away again he said one day, in despair, to +his sister, and her heart sank at his words. + +"Well, I hope you are not going to America again, whatever you do," she +remarked, with some unpatience. + +"If going to America would result in finding my wife, I would go a +thousand times over," Sir William responded, sternly, and then added, with +a note of agony in his voice: "Oh, where can my darling have hidden +herself? Miriam," turning suddenly upon his sister, "can you suggest any +reason for this terrible misunderstanding?--who could have intercepted all +of our letters?--who could have conspired, for it seems like a conspiracy, +to separate us?" + +For a moment Lady Linton turned faint and sick with the fear that he had +discovered something to arouse his suspicions against her; but second +thought told her that such could not be the case. + +"What could I suggest?" she demanded, assuming an expression of surprise. +"You forget that I know nothing of this woman who lured your heart from +us, save what I have been told. She may have had a rustic lover who is +seeking his revenge by trying to separate you--a lover who has poisoned +her mind against you, and perhaps won her allegiance back to himself." + +"What utter nonsense you are talking, Miriam!" the baronet interrupted, +indignantly. "How little you appreciate the refinement of the girl whom I +have married! True, you have never seen her; but one look at the face that +I have shown you ought to have told you that she could have been won by no +rustic." + +Lady Linton shrugged her shoulders expressively. + +"As for your letters," she said, flashing a swift, keen glance at him, "if +you think they have been tampered with on this side of the Atlantic, I +advise you to question Robert, since he has the exclusive charge of your +mail-bag." + +"Robert, indeed! I would as soon question my own honesty as his; besides, +no one has a key to it but myself," Sir William asserted, confidently. + +Lady Linton breathed freely now, for it was evident that he had no +suspicion of her. + +"True; and Robert has been faithful too many years to be lightly +suspected," she remarked, appreciatively. + +"But this suspense is insupportable! It is killing me!" cried her brother, +rising, and excitedly pacing the floor. + +"No doubt it is trying," his sister replied, coldly. + +"Trying!" he repeated, bitterly; "you are very sympathetic, Miriam; you +are as cold as ice." + +"Well, William, you know well enough that I never approved of your +marriage. It was a great blow to both mamma and me that you should marry +so out of your element; and therefore you cannot expect me to be so +heart-broken over the mysterious disappearance of your wife as I might +have been if you married--Sadie, for instance." + +"I wish you wouldn't throw Sadie Farnum at me upon every occasion; I never +had any intention of marrying her," retorted Sir William, with an angry +flush. + +"More is the pity; I could have loved her dearly as a sister," responded +Lady Linton, in an injured tone. "But," she added, after a thoughtful +pause, "it seems you were mistaken in thinking that your wife was +collecting proofs of her marriage with the intention of coming here to +claim her position. If that had been her plan, doubtless she would have +been here long ago." + +"Yes--oh! I cannot understand it; but, if I ever discover <i>who</i> has been +at the bottom of this mischief, it will be a sad day for that individual!" +cried the' baronet, with stern emphasis. + +Lady Linton suddenly stooped to brush a thread from her black dress, and +when she sat upright again there was considerable more color than usual in +her face. + +"I am troubled to see you so unhappy, William," she said, more kindly than +she had yet spoken, "and perhaps, after all, a change will be the best +thing for you. What are your plans?" + +"I have none. I simply wish to get away from myself, if that is possible; +to steep my troubled thoughts in some excitement. I believe I will go to +the Far East--Egypt, Palestine--anywhere to escape this feeling of utter +desolation," he answered, dejectedly. + +"When will you go?" + +"At once--before the week is out, if I can arrange to do so." + +"Have you any special commands for me to attend to during your absence?" + +"None, save that you are to remain here as usual, if you like, and in case +any word comes from my loved ones, send for me at once." + +"Very well. Have you any idea how long you will be away?" + +"No. I may not be gone a month; I may stay ten years; it will depend upon +how well I can kill time," returned Sir William, moodily. + +"Oh, William, I wish you would try and rise above this trouble," said his +sister, out of all patience with him at heart, but speaking in a soothing +tone. "I do not like to pain you, but, truly, it looks to me as if your +wife had been guilty of willful desertion in thus hiding herself from you, +and I believe there would be a great deal of happiness yet for you if you +could be freed from her entirely, and then bring some good, gentle woman +here to make your home pleasant for you." + +It was the first time that she had ever been able to gather courage +sufficient to make this proposition; but she was wholly unprepared for the +storm of wrath which the suggestion brought upon her head. + +Sir William came and stood, tall and stern, before her, his face almost +convulsed with mingled pain and wrath, his eyes blazing dangerously: + +"Miriam Linton," he began, in a suppressed tone, "never dare to open your +lips on such a subject to me again. I married my darling for better or +worse, until death should part us, and only my death or hers will ever +break the tie--at least with my consent--that binds us." + +He turned abruptly and left the room as he ceased speaking, more angry +with her than he had ever been before. + +Lady Linton was thoroughly startled by what he had said, and she knew she +would never dare suggest such a measure again to him; but she still had a +secret hope, from what Mrs. Farnum had written her, that the injured wife +would seek a legal separation from him. + +She imagined that this might be the reason of Virgie keeping so quiet just +at present, and she was all the more willing and glad to have her brother +go away from home, as he proposed doing, because she knew that he would +have to be notified whenever any such proceedings should be instituted, +and she feared if he were there to receive them he would at once post off +to America again, and upset all her plans by bringing about a +reconcilation at the last moment. + +So in less than a week Sir William left England for, Egypt and the Holy +Land, and Lady Linton experienced a feeling of intense relief at his +departure. Time, she reasoned, was a great healer, and she hoped much from +this season of travel and change. + +It was rather lonely for her at Heathdale during the winter, but she was +grateful to be released from the anxiety she had suffered on his account +for the last year. + +Spring came, summer passed; a year had come and gone since the +disappearance of her brother's young wife, when one day there came an +official-looking document addressed to the baronet, and bearing the +California postmark. + +Lady Linton quivered in every nerve as she saw it, for her heart told her +instantly what it contained. + +Still, she could not be satisfied until she knew beyond a doubt, and she +skillfully opened it for examination before forwarding it to her brother. + +It was even as she had hoped. + +Virgie had kept her word; she was about to repudiate her husband for his +supposed faithlessness to her, and Lady Linton's lips curled in a smile of +exultation as she read the paper notifying her brother that proceedings +for a divorce were about to be instituted in the courts of San Francisco +by Lady Virginia Heath against Sir William Heath, of Heathsdale, England. + +"Everything is working beautifully," she murmured, triumphantly; "his pride +will never let him seek her after this takes effect; it will be conclusive +evidence to him that she, at least, desires to have the tie that binds +them broken. Let me see! he is notified to appear on the ninth of next +month--in a little more than four weeks. Ha, ha! he was in Alexandria when +he last wrote, and this could not possibly reach him in season to admit of +his obeying the summons in time. Matters will have reached a crisis before +he gets it--the <i>injured and beautiful little savage</i> will have secured +her divorce, and my brother will be free, long before he will know what +has been done. However, I will do my duty, and forward it to him +instantly." + +With a lighter heart than she had known for months, the crafty woman +carefully resealed the document in a way to defy suspicion that it had +been tampered with, inclosed it in another envelope, directed and marked +it "important," and dispatched it by the very next mail to her brother. + +Three months passed and she had heard nothing from him. She began to feel +anxious as to how he had received the news of what Virgie was doing, when +there came another similar-looking document, bearing the same postmark as +before. + +"The deed is done!" she cried, joyfully, the moment her eyes rested upon +it. "I do not even need to open this to be assured of the nature of its +contents." + +She was filled with triumph over the success of all her plans thus far, +and yet she could not forget Virgie's threat that a day of retribution +would surely overtake their proud family. + +But she determined not to worry, for the child might not live long enough +for her to carry her threat into execution. Virgie, herself, might die, +and a hundred other things might happen to prevent. + +Her brother might never consent to marry again--she feared he would +not--and poor Sadie Farnum's reviving hopes would again be crushed; but, +if he did, she felt very sure that her son, Percy--and a noble young +fellow he was, too--would be very likely to inherit Heathdale, while +Lillian would doubtless receive a handsome dowry when she came to marry. + +"I do not believe I will send this to William," she muttered, as she +turned that precious document over and over in her hands, and feasted her +eyes upon it. "I will at least wait until I hear something from him +regarding the other; these priceless papers might be lost on the way, and +then----" + +Her musings were suddenly cut short by a violent ring at the hall bell. + +She started, and sat erect to listen, her face growing pale and anxious, +for there seemed to be something ominous in that vigorous jangle which +went echoing through the house with such an imperious sound. + +The night was raw and stormy; darkness had settled down over the country +earlier than usual; there had been a disagreeable chill in the air all +day, and a dismal sense of loneliness pervaded the mansion. + +She heard the butler go to the door; then there was a sudden exclamation +of surprise, followed by a few indistinct sentences, a step, strangely +familiar, outside the library door, and the next moment Sir William, +gaunt, haggard, and wretched, staggered into the room where his sister was +sitting. + + + + +Chapter XXII. + +Virgie Makes a Home for Herself. + + + +"William," cried Lady Linton, springing excitedly to her feet, the +document which had caused her so much joy but a moment before dropping +unheeded on the table beside her. "What brings you home in this +unceremonious manner? Are you ill? Has anything happened?" + +"Am I ill? Yes, by heart is broken--dying within me. Has anything +happened? My wife is lost to me forever!" he cried, in a hollow tone, as +he sank weakly into a chair and groaned aloud. + +"What can I do for you? Let me call John to remove your boots and bring +you dry clothing," his sister said, thoroughly alarmed by his appearance; +and suiting the action to her words, she rang for the butler. + +John came, and attended to his master's wants with alacrity. Wood was +piled upon the already cheerful fire, something hot was provided the +traveler to drink, and Lady Linton soon had the satisfaction of seeing +something like warmth and life stealing into her brother's haggard face. + +She understood at once that he must have been nearly crushed upon +receiving the document which she had sent him, and that he had immediately +started for home. He must have been taken ill on the way and been detained +else he would have been there before, and she could imagine how he would +chafe over the delay, and how heart-sick he had grown over the fact of +being too late to stay the proceedings for the divorce. + +She dreaded to have him know that the die was irrevocably cast, although +his own words had told her that he apprehended it; but she absolutely +feared the first passionate outbreak when she should give him those other +papers that had but just arrived. + +When he began to grow more calm, and to realize the comfort of being once +more before his own hearthstone Lady Linton stole softly away to confer +with the housekeeper about preparing him something specially tempting for +his supper. + +She was absent perhaps fifteen minutes, and was about to return to him, +when she was startled by a heavy fall on the floor above her. + +Her heart told her what had caused it, and she hurried up stairs with all +the speed that fear could lend to her feet, and burst into the library, to +find her brother stretched lifeless upon the floor, an open paper clutched +tightly in his hand, while John, the faithful butler, was bending over him +in an agony of terror. + +"Send for Sir Herbert Randal at once, then come back to me," commanded her +ladyship, as she stooped to lift her brother's head to place a cushion +under it and loosen his necktie. + +John sped to do her bidding, and during his absence Lady Linton succeeded +in removing that tell-tale document from Sir William's hand, and locking +it away from all inquisitive eyes; for her first thought was that there +must be no scandal over the affair. + +Few knew of his marriage. She had persisted in keeping still about it, in +spite of all his orders to the contrary, and after his return from his +fruitless search for Virgie, he had been far too sensitive upon the +subject to talk of it himself, and thus almost everybody believed him to +be still a single man. Hence Lady Linton's anxiety that nothing should be +known regarding the divorce. + +When John returned to her she summoned other servants and had Sir William +carried to his own rooms, where she and the housekeeper applied all +remedies that were at hand to revive him. + +When the physician arrived he had recovered from his swoon, but was in a +raging fever, and wild with delirium. + +Sir Herbert pronounced his illness to be brain fever of a serious type, +and Lady Linton knew, from the grave look on the wise man's face, that he +had but very little hope of his recovery. + + * * * * * + +When Virgie left the hotel on the morning after Mr. Eldridge requested her +to vacate her rooms, she drove to a quiet street, where she engaged +lodgings for a few days, until she could arrange her plans for the future. +She then gave notice at the bank where her money was deposited that she +should draw it all on a certain date. As soon as she received it she +purchased a ticket for San Francisco, and a week from the time of +receiving Lady Linton's cruel letter she was rolling over the Central +Pacific Railroad toward her former home, intent upon only one +purpose--that of gaining indisputable proof of her lawful marriage, in +order to shield her child from wrong and shame. + +She reached a small town only a few miles from her old home among the +mountains, and then sent a messenger for Chi Lu to come to her. + +He came at once, glad to do anything for the "young missee" whom he had +served for years, and learned to regard with great affection. + +Virgie felt sure that she could safely confide in him, so she told him +something of her trouble, and asked him to help her gather the proofs of +her marriage. + +He proved himself very efficient in this respect, and was only too eager +to secure justice for her. + +After all was done, and she had the precious papers in her own hands, she +would have paid him handsomely and sent him hack to the mountains again. +But he threw at her feet the money she offered him, and begged to be +allowed to go with her wherever she went--to let him work for her and the +"little missee," as he used to in the old days before she went away. "He +did not want any money--only let him have a little rice and curry, and a +mat to sleep on, and he would serve her as long as she needed him." + +Virgie was moved to tears by this evidence of his faithfulness, and, +though she had not thought of such a thing before, it suddenly occurred to +her that it might be a wise proceeding on her part to grant his request. + +She knew that he was entirely trustworthy; he was very capable in many +ways, and she was sure she should feel a sense of security and protection +with him that she could not experience to go alone into a strange place, +and have to depend entirely upon herself. + +"I should like to have you, Chi," she said, thoughtfully, "but I am afraid +it would be hardly fair to you, for I haven't a great deal of money, and I +shall have to be very economical." + +Chi Lu's little round black eyes flashed at this. "<i>He</i> takee monee too?" +he demanded, with contemptuous emphasis on the pronoun. + +Virgie flushed. She could not bear, from another, the slightest reference +to the wrong she had suffered. + +"How much monee?" the man hastened to add, as he saw that she was +troubled. + +"I have a little over four thousand dollars," Virgie replied, thinking it +best to fully confide in him. + +Her bills had been heavy in New York, and it had taken the most of one +thousand dollars out of the five thousand that Sir William had deposited +for her, to settle them. + +Chi Lu gave a grunt of delight at the information. + +"Good! missee live long. Chi Lu know how; he fix 'em," he said, with an +air of confidence that was reassuring and Virgie believed that he would +indeed make a better steward of her limited means than she could possibly +be with her inexperience, so she resolved to trust him, and told him that +he should go with her if he wished. + +The next question to settle was regarding a place of residence, and she +finally decided, after talking the matter over with her servant, that she +would be less conspicuous in some large city, and as there was no place +she knew so well as San Francisco, she resolved to once more make her home +in that city. + +These matters decided, Chi Lu went back to the mountains to dispose of his +cabin and settle up his affairs, and when he rejoined his young mistress, +they proceeded directly to San Francisco, where the Chinaman soon +succeeded in securing three very comfortable rooms in a quiet and good +locality. + +Virgie furnished these simply, though prettily, and, when all was +completed, really felt quite at home, and as if she had at last found a +haven of safety. + +There was a small parlor and bedroom for her own use, a tiny kitchen, with +a good-sized closet opening out of it, which was allotted exclusively to +Chi Lu. + +Virgie soon found that she had indeed done wisely to take her old servant +again into her employ, for he managed everything in a most economical and +comfortable way, while she realized that if she had been obliged to depend +wholly upon herself and have the care of her little one besides, her +strength and courage would have both failed her in a little while. + +The younger Lady of Heathdale demanded a great deal of attention during +that first year of her life, and, being wholly unaccustomed to children, +Virgie found the care a great tax upon her. + +They had been in San Francisco some three months, when Chi Lu proposed to +Virgie to go into business for himself. + +He told her that he had not half enough to do to keep busy; there was a +large unoccupied room adjoining the building they were in, which he could +secure for a moderate rent, and he desired to set up the laundry business. + +He wanted to employ two or three of his countrymen to do the work, while +he simply had charge of it, which he could easily do and attend to his +duties with her at the same time. + +Virgie willingly consented to this arrangement, never once suspecting that +it was a plan on the part of Chi Lu to obtain funds to contribute toward +her support when her own resources should fail. She knew that the +little which he consented to receive from her was but a small +compensation for the services he rendered her, and she was very glad to +have him make something for himself. + +Thus in the course of time the faithful Chinaman established quite a +thrifty business, while his face would light up and his small eyes gleam +with satisfaction as he gathered in the dollars day by day, and he might +have been heard from time to time to mutter, with a gleeful chuckle: + +"Good! Muche monee for missee and little missee by'm-by!" + +But, as Virgie's baby grew older and capable of amusing herself somewhat, +time began to hang heavily on the young mother's hands. + +Her sorrow was one that could not be easily out-grown and sometimes life +seemed a burden almost too heavy to be borne. Day after day her heart +cried out in rebellion against her lonely bitter lot; night after night +her pillow was wet with scalding tears, as for hours she lay weeping for +the love that she had lost. + +She began to realize at last that her health was suffering from such +constant grieving, and that she must find something to occupy her time +more fully and take her thoughts from herself, or she would soon break +down beneath such severe mental strain. + +It was after a day of unusual depression and sadness that she took up the +evening paper and began carelessly to glance over the columns. + +Suddenly her eyes lighted upon an advertisement. + +It stated that a well-known publishing house of that city offered a prize +of three hundred dollars for the most unique and tasteful design for a +Christmas souvenir. It described what was required, mentioned the +conditions of its acceptance, and the time when the designs of all +competitors must be delivered. + +Virgie was interested at once. + +"Why, cannot I do something of that kind?" she murmured "Papa used to say +that I was remarkably skillful in making pen-and-ink sketches, and why +should I not turn, my talent to some account? If I should succeed it would +not only give me something with which to occupy my time, but perhaps +enable me to earn for the future; my money is not going to last so very +long, in spite of all Chi Lu's economy." + +The idea pleased her, and she set about putting it into practice at once. + +During the next three months she applied herself diligently and as she +worked she became deeply interested in her occupation. Almost immediately +there was a change for the better in her health and general appearance Her +eye brightened, the lassitude that pervaded her movements disappeared and +something of her old energy returned to her. + +She wasted no more time in useless brooding and pining; less tears were +shed at night, for, wearied with her close application to her work during +the day, sleep stole her senses and wrapped her in healthful rest. + +At the time appointed for all competitors to send in their designs, Virgie +was ready to subject her work to criticism. + +She had made three designs, each differing in style and character from the +others, but all so attractive that she felt almost sure they would bring +her some return, even if she was not the fortunate winner of the prize. + +Besides these, she had been hard at work upon an idea of her own, which +she intended to show the publisher, hoping to win his approbation and +assistance in bringing it before the public. + +Dressing herself plainly, but with taste, she started out one morning with +her treasures, and presenting herself at the publishing house referred to, +asked to see the proprietor. + +The gentlemanly clerk led her to a private office, where she found a +pleasant-looking, elderly gentleman who regarded her a trifle curiously, +but greeted her courteously, and then politely asked her business with +him. + +"Some time ago I saw an advertisement in your name, relating to Christmas +souvenirs," Virgie began, "and as this is the date on which they were +required to be delivered I have brought my contribution for your +inspection." + +The gentleman bowed, but hesitated a moment before replying. + +Virgie's manner and language told him that she was a lady, and he did not +like to say anything to wound her; but the advertisement to which she +referred had distinctly stated that competitors were, under no +consideration to expect a personal interview regarding their +contributions. They were either to be sent by mail or left at the office +until an examination by the proprietor should decide who the fortunate +winner of the prize might be. + +"Ah!" he began, "I understand you desire to leave the specimens of your +work with me." + +Virgie flushed, for his tone was rather frigid. Then she recovered +herself, and her face lighted with her rare, beautiful smile, which went +directly to the publisher's heart. + +"Yes, sir," she answered, laying a package upon his desk. "Of course I +understand that I am not to expect a private examination of my work. I had +no intention of annoying you with the matter. I am willing to take my +chance with others. But there is another matter upon which I would like to +consult with you if you can spare me a little time." + +She now drew forth a more bulky package from her bag. + +"Some manuscript, perhaps, which you would like examined?" responded the +gentleman, glancing at it, but speaking indifferently. + +"No, not manuscript according to the common acceptation of the term; and +yet, in reality, I suppose it is." + +"Can you not leave it with me? I will look at it with pleasure later;" but +his tone was not very encouraging. + +"I should prefer not to do so, because there is not very much time between +now and Christmas, and if you do not approve of it I shall like to take it +elsewhere," Virgie replied, untying the dainty ribbon which bound her +package, and, removing the wrapper, she laid before him a little book +about eight inches square and comprising some twenty or thirty pages. + +It was composed of half sheets of the heaviest and nicest of unruled +paper, tied together in three places with beautiful little cords and +tassels of pale-blue silk. + +On the cover, in a lovely design composed of mountain ferns, most +exquisitely executed, there was written, in a dainty hand, the +title--"Gleanings from the Heights." + +The gentleman uttered a low exclamation of pleasure as his eye fell upon +this. + +His attention was riveted; there was no indifference in his manner now. + + + + +Chapter XXIII. + +A Mysterious Stranger. + + + +"Did you do this?" Mr. Knight, the publisher, asked, looking up after a +close examination of the dainty cover. + +"Yes, sir," Virgie answered, with a quiet smile, and, seeing that she had +gained her point, that he would not leave it until he had seen the whole, +she sat down near him to await his verdict. + +Page after page was turned and on each there was a lovely group of +mountain foliage, flowers, or ferns, all beautifully executed in pen and +ink, while underneath the design, or cunningly woven around it, was +written, in a dainty hand, some appropriate verse or couplet, quotations +from various authors, with now and then a bit of real heart rhyme that had +been the outgrowth of Virgie's own sad experiences. + +Everything, as the title indicated, had been taken from the +mountains--from those heights where she had spent the last few years of +her life. + +It had been her custom, after gathering the wild, beautiful things, to +carefully arrange them and then copy them upon paper. + +This amusement had served to pass away many an otherwise tedious hour, and +she had a portfolio full of these charming designs, which were likely to +prove of great value to her in the future, as we shall see. + +Mr. Knight took ample time for his examination of her work, so much, +indeed, that Virgie began to grow weary and anxious to get back to her +little one. + +But at last the gentleman leaned back in his chair, took off his +spectacles, and turned his keen, searching glance full upon his visitor's +face. + +"Madam," he said, "it is not my custom to speak extravagantly upon any +subject; but I am bound to admit that this is the finest thing of its kind +that it has ever been my privilege to examine." + +A beautiful color sprang into Virgie's cheeks at this high praise. She had +known that her work was well done, but she had not expected to be told of +it quite so frankly or emphatically. + +She bowed, and murmured her thanks for his appreciation + +"What do you want to do with it?" Mr. Knight asked. + +"Get it published as a holiday souvenir, and make it pay me a handsome sum +for my trouble," Virgie responded, in a business-like tone, and then was +half-frightened at her own boldness. + +The publisher's eyes twinkled with amusement. + +"What would you consider a handsome sum?" he inquired. + +Virgie thought a moment; then she replied: + +"You have offered one, two, and three hundred dollars as prizes for the +simple souvenirs described in your advertisement, and surely a work like +this must be worth much more." + +"Very true; but will you name some price for it? I confess that I should +like to take it, if you do not value it <i>too</i> highly." + +Virgie was astonished at this. + +She had not expected to be allowed to name her own price. She had +supposed, if her work was approved at all, to receive some moderate offer, +which she could accept or decline as she saw fit. + +But she shrank from setting a value upon her work. It was her first +effort, and she had no more idea of its worth, as a work of art, than a +child. + +"Sir," she returned, "I will tell you frankly that I never did anything of +the kind before; that is, I have never attempted to <i>dispose</i> of any of my +work and I do not know what it ought to bring me. I have been suddenly +thrown upon my own resources, and it occurred to me that I might turn my +one talent to some account." + +"Your 'one talent' will prove a very valuable one, if rightly employed," +interposed the publisher, smiling. + +"Thank you," returned Virgie, flushing again. "And now, since my little +book pleases you, will you kindly make me an offer?" + +"Well, Miss ---- What shall I call you, please? I like to know the names +of people with whom I am dealing," Mr. Knight observed, with a +business-like air. + +A sudden shock went over Virgie, making her tingle to her finger-tips at +this question. + +It was the first time that she had been asked to give her name since +coming to San Francisco. + +She had lived so like a recluse that there had been no occasion, and she +had never decided what she would be called. She could not use her +husband's name. + +If she had more time to think she might have answered the publisher +differently; but, as it was, she said, hastily, and not without some +confusion: + +"My name is Mrs.--Alexander." + +Mr. Knight started slightly, and threw a searching glance at her. + +"Alexander! Ah, I used to know--But, pardon me; I was about to make you an +offer, I believe." + +He seemed to consider a moment, then continued: + +"I will give you five hundred dollars for this little work, just as it +stands, and if it proves to be a success after it is published, I will add +ten per cent, of the sales to that amount." + +Virgie could scarcely credit her hearing at this generous offer. + +She had never dreamed of anything like it, and bright visions of future +prosperity for herself and her child, attained through her own efforts, +alone, flitted through her mind. + +But she did not lose her self-possession or betray her excessive delight +at the unexpected proposal. + +"What am I to understand by your words, 'if it proves a success?'" she +asked. + +Again the publisher's eyes twinkled. + +He knew that she was a novice in dealing with business men, but he saw +that she was shrewd and practical, and, finding her talent valuable, meant +to make the most of it. + +He meant, however, to do so well by her that she would be satisfied to +give her services exclusively to him. + +"Well," he replied, "if the sales reach a thousand copies I shall consider +the book a success." + +He knew well enough, if he could get it out in season, he could easily +sell three times that number for it was a wonderfully unique and +attractive affair. + +"More than that," he continued, "if you are pleased to accept my offer, I +should like to engage you to prepare two or three designs of a similar +character for the Easter trade." + +Virgie was not proof against all this good fortune. Her lips trembled, and +she was very near breaking down. + +It seemed almost as if heaven had suddenly opened and sent her a kind +friend in the midst of her darkness and trouble. + +"You are very kind, sir; I feel that you have made me a most liberal +offer, and I accept it most gratefully," she said. + +Something in her tone--a sort of hopeless cadence mingling with the +gratitude, as if with all this good fortune there were a lurking despair +in her heart--touched the gentleman deeply. + +He was becoming greatly interested in this beautiful woman, who, with that +look of heart-broken sadness in her violet eyes, and that grieved droop +about her sweet mouth, he believed must have some thrilling history +connected with her young life. + +"Then, Mrs. Alexander, do your best, and give me something especially nice +for Easter," he returned, brightly, and appearing not to notice her +emotion. + +He arose as he spoke, and took leave of her with a cordial handshake, +saying that she would hear from him again soon regarding her other +designs, and Virgie went on her homeward way with more of hope and +courage than she had known since her great trouble came upon her. + +She had nearly reached the street where she lived, when something occurred +to give her a fearful start. + +In turning a corner she suddenly came face to face with a man who was +wrapped in a heavy circular cape, its collar turned up close about his +face and concealing the whole lower portion of it. He wore a wide-brimmed +hat that was drawn down over his brow, so that, with the collar and hat +together, scarcely anything of his countenance was visible save a pair of +piercing black eyes, and a long, sharp nose. + +As Virgie met those eyes, which were fixed upon her with an eager, +questioning look, she had difficulty in repressing a scream of fear and +surprise. + +The next moment, however, she recovered herself, and passed him as if he +had been an utter stranger; but, though outwardly calm and indifferent, +she was trembling in every limb, while a sense of weakness caused by the +shock she had received, made it seem as if she could not go on her way. + +But she knew it would not do for her to stop, for a sidelong glance over +her shoulder and the sound of a step behind her told her that the muffled +figure was following her, evidently with the intention of accosting her. + +"How dare he come back here? It cannot be that he knows me after all these +years," she said to herself as she quickened her pace and sped on toward +her home. + +Then a sudden thought smote her. + +"He must not know where I live, if it <i>is</i> he, and I am sure I cannot be +mistaken, for those eyes are like no others in the world. What shall I +do?" + +She was rapidly nearing her own door, but a sudden purpose impelled her +to keep on and go straight by, without even a pause or a look that way. + +A block or two beyond she came to a store where she sometimes went to +purchase articles that she needed She entered, and going to a counter, +called for the first thing she could think of, but kept her eye on the +door to see if the man had followed her. + +Yes, there could be no doubt that her steps were dogged, for the man +passed even as she looked. + +His keen glance searched her out immediately; then he paused, turned, and +walked slowly back. + +The store was on a corner, and there were two entrances to it--one on the +front, one at the side. + +Virgie paid for her purchase, then worked her way around, going from +counter to counter, until she reached the side entrance, when she went +slyly out, waited until she saw a car approaching, hailed it, and in +another moment went rolling down the street, believing that she had eluded +the keen eyes that were on the watch for her. + +Not so, however; for the man, having heard the car stop, darted around the +corner, and espied her in it just as it was about turning into another +street. + +He could not overtake it, and with a muttered expression of annoyance, he +was obliged to wait for the next one. But he saw no more of Virgie that +day, for she took a transfer, and when about a mile from her home changed +cars and at length reached her own door, confident that she had escaped +her pursuer for that time. + +A day or two afterward she saw a personal in one of the daily papers that +both puzzled and alarmed her. + +F.V.A., whom I met on the corner of W. and C. streets, will communicate +with M.A., Lock Box 95, she will learn something to her advantage. + +This was the advertisement, and Virgie knew at once that she had been +recognized by that man muffled in the cloak. + +"That means me," she said, growing deadly white, "and I was not mistaken. +<i>He</i> has come back. How dare he? What can he want of me? But I will never +see him. I will have nothing to say to him. I will hide myself from him. +It is evident he has not discovered where I live, else he would have been +here before this, and I will take care that he does not find me out." + +After that she was very careful about going out, always closely veiling +her face, and wearing a long circular to conceal her form, when she was +obliged to do so, which was not often, as, with rare exceptions, her +business with Mr. Knight could be mostly transacted by correspondence. + +Thus several months passed without her seeing or hearing anything more of +the person who had so disturbed her, until at last she believed he must +have left the city, and she gave herself no further concern about him. + + + + +Chapter XXIV. + +The Tie Is Broken. + + + +There was no lack of employment now for Virgie. She had plenty to occupy +heart, and brain, and hands, and of such a congenial nature that she +reaped great benefit from it both mentally and physically. + +Of course nothing could ever blot out from her memory the terrible trouble +and suffering that she had had to endure, but her work brought its own +enjoyment so that she no longer spent such wretched days and nights as +formerly. Her baby was every day growing interesting and a source of great +comfort to her, while her life generally was tending to bring out the +latent qualities of her character, the energy and self-reliance, the skill +and talent which otherwise might never have developed into activity. + +More than a year went by, while every month she was earning a handsome +sum, having been permanently engaged by Mr. Knight to keep him supplied +with those novelties which she was so skillful in originating. + +Her "Gleanings from the Heights" proved a great success, selling faster +than the firm could issue them. Besides this she had been awarded the +first prize on the other souvenirs, so that, pecuniarily, she had nothing +to fear for the future. + +And now she set about another undertaking which she had long contemplated; +that of obtaining a divorce from her husband. + +She did not take this step because she had any desire to break the tie +that bound her to him, and she would never have moved in the matter at all +but for the fact that others had assailed her fair name and assumed that +her child was dishonored. + +Her chief aim, in collecting the proofs of the legality of her marriage, +had been to secure to little Virgie the right to the name she bore, and an +indisputable title to her inheritance by and by when she should be of a +suitable age to claim and enjoy it. + +She meant to give her every advantage as she grew older, and do everything +possible to fit her for a high position in life; and when, at length, she +should reach her majority, she would claim her rights and take care that +she secured them in spite of all opposition. + +This was all the revenge that Virgie ever intended to take for the wrong +that she believed herself to have suffered at her husband's hands. She +would scorn to accept anything for herself, but the lawful position of her +daughter must and <i>should</i> be recognized. + +Her residence of a year in San Francisco had given her the right to apply +to the court to have her marriage bonds annulled, and she put her case +into the hands of a competent lawyer, recommended by Mr. Knight, to whom +she had confided something of her history, and solicited his advice +regarding the matter. + +He had advised her not to take any legal proceedings until she had tried +to confer with Sir William again. + +"There is some mistake, I feel sure," he said, "some misunderstanding +which might be explained if proper measures were adopted." + +"A mistake!" repeated Virgie, scornfully, her eyes blazing with +indignation. "I imagine that the only mistake about the whole matter is +that I allowed myself to become the dupe of an unprincipled man." + +"It can at least do no harm to write him what your intentions are," +suggested Mr. Knight, mildly. + +"I wrote him letter after letter while I was in New York. Mrs. Farnum, of +whom I have told you, knew the whole family, and wrote of me to Lady +Linton, but they appeared to be in total ignorance of even my existence, +while Mrs. Farnum asserted that Sir William had been engaged for years to +Miss Stanhope, and I have already told you of his subsequent marriage with +her." + +"Still I cannot comprehend how he should dare to commit such a wrong," +persisted Mr. Knight. "He must have known that his marriage with you was +legal, according to the laws of the State in which it occurred, and the +mere fact of his leaving the country could not annul it. If he had assumed +a name while he was here, it would not seem so inexplicable, but all the +papers which you hold go to show that he married you under his own name +and title; while your description of the character of the man makes it +seem utterly impossible that he should be guilty of such conduct." + +"True. When I think of that, I am heart-broken," said Virgie, breaking +down for a moment. "He seemed so true and noble in every respect, and he +was particular to have his title appear in the certificate, although he +did not adopt it while traveling because he found he was less conspicuous +as plain Mr. Heath." + +"It almost seems to me as if some plot had been laid to separate you," +said Mr. Knight, thoughtfully. + +"Impossible! How could such a thing be?" queried Virgie, skeptically. "Who +would plot against us?" + +"Your letters on both sides may have been intercepted by some enemy with +that end in view." + +"He has no enemy that I am aware of; neither have I. I did not know a +single individual when I went to New York, so there was no one there who +would be likely to meddle with our correspondence. More than this, if he +did not hear from me, and was true to me, or had possessed an atom of +affection for his child, it is but natural to suppose that he would have +taken prompt measures to ascertain what the trouble was. No; the more I +dwell upon it, the more I am convinced that what he has done was a scheme +to secure my property, and then leave me to my fate. I can think of no +other object that he could have had." + +Alas! Virgie realized long after how she had wronged a noble man with +these dreadful suspicions, and even while she was giving utterance to +them, her heart was heavy with a sense of injustice done the man whom, +even then, she loved most fondly. + +Mr. Knight shook his head in a doubtful manner at her last words, and yet +he looked perplexed. + +"You think I am too hard," Virgie continued, bitterly "but does not even +the provision which he made for me before leaving New York look as if he +did not intend to return to me?" + +"You refer to the five thousand dollars which he deposited for you; it was +a very generous amount, truly." + +Of course I could not begin to use such a sum in the few weeks that he +pretended he should be away; while the additional five hundred dollars +which he sent me through his sister goes to prove that he had no intention +of ever coming back to me, yet did not wish me to suffer for lack of +means." + +"I do not like the aspect of that transaction at all," responded Mr. +Knight, emphatically. "It looks to me as if his sister had had more to do +with the matter than rightly belonged to her. Who knows but what she may +have been opposed to her brother's marriage and has been at the bottom of +all the trouble?" he concluded, reasoning with a shrewdness which he did +not realize. + +But Virgie could not be convinced. + +"I do not believe that," she said, with a sigh; "it looks to me as if he +was ashamed--conscience-smitten--and did not have the moral courage to +communicate with me himself." + +Yet, even as she said it, she knew that such a course was utterly at +variance with his character, as she had known it. + +"Well, Mrs. Alexander--or Mrs. Heath, I suppose I ought to call you--I +will not say more to dissuade you from your purpose; but let me advise +you, as a sincere friend, to go to England and ascertain for yourself just +how matters are, before you proceed any further." + +Virgie started to her feet, with crimson cheeks and flashing eyes. + +"Go to England!--to Heathdale! to find another woman queening it there in +<i>my</i> place!--to be brow-beaten and insulted by that proud family!--to be +disowned by the man who has already wronged me beyond all forgiveness! +Never, sir!" + +"You could at least demand your own--the money that your father left you." + +"And do you suppose I should get it? I have no proof that my father ever +left me a dollar. Sir William has every paper in his own possession. I +have not a scrap even that would enable me to wrest so much as a pound +from him as my right." + +Mr. Knight looked grave. Certainly matters were not very promising for the +injured wife. + +"Well, it is the most incomprehensible affair that I ever heard of," he +said. "I still think, though, that a personal interview would be the wiser +course before proceeding further. However, a proper notice will have to be +served upon the man, and if there has been any misunderstanding, or he has +any desire to contest your appeal for a divorce, he will probably make it +apparent when the right time comes. And now, regarding the best counsel +for you, I think my friend, Templeton would work well for you, and secure +a bill with as little notoriety as any one." + +Virgie shivered at this business-like talk of "a bill." It was almost like +severing soul from body to break the sacred tie that bound her to the man +she so fondly loved, and nothing save the belief that another was +occupying the place that rightly belonged to her could have induced her to +take such a step. + +She applied to Mr. Templeton, as Mr. Knight advised He, too, counseled +further intercourse with the baronet, for, to his keen mind, also, the +whole affair appeared more like a conspiracy on the part of enemies than a +willful wrong perpetrated by the husband. + +But Virgie utterly refused to hold any communication with Sir William. + +"He will have to be notified regarding the proceedings about to be +instituted against him," she said, "and if he is guiltless of wrong he +will surely hasten to make it apparent." + +In spite of her obstinate refusal to make further overtures, something of +hope had been revived in her heart by the united opinions of Mr. Knight +and her lawyer that some enemy had plotted to separate her from her +husband. She remembered what Mrs. Farnum had told her about the pride of +his family, and it might be there was some foundation for the belief of +the two gentlemen. She could understand how that might possibly be the +case as far as intercepting their letters was concerned, but those other +facts of the long engagement and the marriage with Miss Stanhope were +things which she could not explain by any reasoning. + +Still she kept hoping for some word during the time that intervened +between the notification and the day set for the hearing of the case. Day +after day she waited and watched for some tidings from her husband +starting at every unusual sound, growing almost faint at the opening and +shutting of a door, and even imagining she saw a familiar form as she sat +at her window and eagerly scanned every passer-by. + +She grew thin and pale with this dreadful suspense; she seemed to be +consuming with fever, and was so restless and nervous that her friend, Mr. +Knight, feared that her mind might suffer from such tension. + +She hoped until the last moment, although she tried to conceal it, but +when the dreaded day arrived, when her case was presented and there was +no one to contest it; when the judge rendered his decision, declaring that +her marriage was null and void, that henceforth in the eyes of the law and +the world she was free from the man to whom she had solemnly promised to +cling until death should part them, her courage and strength forsook her, +and she was carried lifeless from the court-room, while for three weeks +afterward she lay weak and ill, and almost indifferent to life. + +The only grain of comfort in this time of woe was derived from the fact +that the child had been given to her, and she had no fear of ever having +it taken from her, even if Sir William should ever be moved to a desire to +have her. + +For a time she seemed wholly unlike herself; but the kind-hearted +publisher knew that the best antidote for all kinds of trouble is work, +and he kept her crowded with orders, until she felt obliged to rally her +failing energies and to take up the burdens of life once more. + +Thus the winter passed; but, when summer came again, little Virgie began +to droop in the noisome atmosphere of the city, and the physician said she +must be taken where she could have purer air and country living; so Virgie +went to a quiet little place a few miles out of the city, where she +remained the entire season, not returning to San Francisco until late in +October, and thus a cruel fate again seemed to mock her, for during her +absence Sir William Heath had come to seek her again, and not finding her, +he, too, had grown heart-sick with despair and hope deferred. + + + + +Chapter XXV. + +Sir William Becomes Guardian. + + + +Very distressing were the thoughts of the young baronet, who had so +suddenly returned to his home and been stricken with illness. + +He had been sick at Alexandria when he received the document notifying him +that Virgie was seeking a divorce. + +He was absolutely paralyzed as he read it, and saw by the date that it +would be utterly impossible for him to reach America in time to stay the +proceedings. + +He could not even reach England in season to cable for that purpose, and +he was so overcome by the knowledge and his own helplessness, as to render +him unable to travel for a couple of weeks longer. + +One thing gave him some satisfaction. He at least knew that Virgie was in +San Francisco, and that she must have been residing in the State for some +time to allow her the right to apply for the divorce there. She must have +been there even while he was there searching for her, and it seemed +terribly cruel to him that he should have missed her. + +But he resolved that he would find her yet, if she lived. Poor darling! +what a bitter lot had been hers during this last year, believing what she +must of him. It should not go on, however; he would seek her and vindicate +himself; he would prove to her that he had never wavered in his truth to +her in spite of all the evidence against him. He would prove his love for +her, and he would win her again, even though the dread decree had been +pronounced, bring her back with him to Heathdale, and they would be happy +yet. + +And his child--the precious little one whom he had never seen--his heart +cried out for her with an uncontrollable yearning--his baby! his miniature +Virgie! + +Thus, as we already know, he went directly to Heathdale where he arrived +on the very evening that Lady Linton had received the papers announcing +that his wife had secured a decree of divorce. + +He was very wretched in spite of his sister's hearty welcome and efforts +to render him comfortable; and during her absence from the room to see +that something unusually nice should be prepared for him, anxious, bitter +thoughts crowded his mind, and he rebelled against the arbitrary weariness +and lassitude that bound him, as with chains of iron, and compelled him to +rest. + +Gradually, however, his glance began to wander over the familiar room, +lingering now upon some picture, now upon some rare article of virtu, each +endeared by peculiar associations, until at length it rested upon the +table and that document, which his sister had dropped and forgotten in her +surprise at his appearance. + +Its likeness to the one he had previously received startled him. + +He arose and went forward to examine it. Its postmark told him at once +whence it had come. + +A deathly paleness overspread his face; a horrible numbness fell upon his +heart. + +With trembling hands he tore it open, and one glance was sufficient to +tell him the nature of its contents. + +It was the one bitter blow too much, even though he had half-expected it, +and, with a despairing cry that would have melted the hardest heart, +"Lost! lost! Virgie, my love! my love!" he fell prone upon the floor, +clutching that fatal paper in his grasp. + +Long weeks of watching and anxiety followed--weeks during which Lady +Linton began to fear that she was paying dearly for her plotting and +treachery, even though her son might become the master of Heathdale in the +event of her brother's death. + +But he did not die. His constitution was naturally rugged, and by the end +of winter, after many alternations of hope and fear, he slowly began to +rally. + +As soon as he was able to be dressed and sit up he began to talk of going +again to America. + +Of course Sir Herbert Randal vetoed such a proposition at once. + +"You are not to stir outside the grounds of Heathdale for three months at +least," he said, decidedly. + +"But I must, Sir Herbert. You have no idea how much is at stake," the sick +man pleaded. + +"You must not. I cannot help how much there is at stake," returned the +physician, firmly. "I have had hard work to get you up, even so far, from +this nervous prostration and the least excitement or imprudence will cause +a dangerous relapse." + +And so, with despair at his heart, Sir William was obliged to submit. + +He tried to write to Virgie, intending to send the letter to her through +the lawyer whom she had employed and whose name had appeared in connection +with the papers he had received, but he could not; he found that his brain +was too weak to permit of the framing of even a sentence, and he knew that +he could never plead his cause successfully in such a state. + +He shrank from asking any one else to write for him; his sister he knew +was not in sympathy with him, and he would not confide in her. + +When his mind had become strong enough to realize what was going on about +him, he had one day asked Lady Linton to bring him both documents that had +come to him from America. + +She obeyed him, making no comment, though her manner betrayed that she +knew well enough their character. + +He told her to lock them in a certain drawer which no one was ever allowed +to open save himself. + +She did so in his presence, and earnestly hoped, as the key clicked upon +them, that that episode in her brother's life was buried for all time. + +But she was not long in finding that she was to be disappointed + +As summer advanced Sir William gained more rapidly and by August he was +pronounced comparatively well, although he was still but the ghost of his +former self. + +Then he announced his determination of again crossing the Atlantic, and +Lady Linton's heart failed her. Would he never relinquish his chase after +that miserable girl? + +She earnestly pleaded that he would not leave home again. + +"I must," he replied, sternly. "I must find my wife." + +"Your wife!" she retorted, losing all patience; "you have no wife." + +"Be still, Miriam," he commanded, growing frightfully pale. "I see that +you know what has occurred, and though the law may have succeeded in +breaking the tie between us, yet in my heart I claim Virgie as my wife +just as truly to-day as she ever was. I will search the world over for +her; if I find her the law will give her to me again, for I believe that +she is still true to me, whatever she may think of me; if I do <i>not</i> find +her, I shall live and die cherishing her image alone." + +Lady Linton knew that he meant what he said. + +"That will be bad for Sadie's hopes," she thought; "but doubtless Percy +will be the gainer, unless he succeeds in finding that girl. I never +believed his pride would let him go chasing after her like this." + +The last of August found him again on the ocean. + +The voyage proved beneficial, and he was in much better health and +strength when he landed in New York than when he left England. + +He proceeded directly to San Francisco as fast as steam and wheels could +take him, determined to seek out Mr. Templeton, Virgie's lawyer, who, he +believed, would tell him where she could be found. + +But a terrible disappointment awaited him there. + +Mr. Templeton had retired from business at the beginning of summer, and, +with his family, had gone abroad for an indefinite period. + +He could not even obtain his address, and was thus prevented from +communicating with him by letter. + +Then he began another wearisome search. Day after day he haunted the +streets of the city. He inquired, he advertised, and used every method he +could think of to ascertain where his darling was, but without avail, for, +as we know, she had gone into the country on little Virgie's account, +while Mr. Knight was away on a trip to British Columbia, or he might have +seen Sir William's advertisements, and helped him in the matter so near, +his heart. + +About the middle of October he decided to go once more to her old home +among the mountains of Nevada, hoping to learn something of her there. + +But, of course, he did not, and he finally came to the conclusion that she +must have left California after obtaining her divorce. At least he thought +she would leave San Francisco, for he knew that there were unpleasant +associations connected with her past life there, and he did not believe +she would like to make her home in that city, where disagreeable rumors +might still exist. But, still resolving to find her at any cost, he turned +his face in another direction, and began anew his wanderings up and down +the land. + +Three weary years he spent thus, following every clew, but all to no +purpose. Then, saddened and disheartened he was compelled to give up the +chase and return to Heathdale, for his estate demanded his personal +attention. + +Mrs. Farnum and her daughter were full of hope, after learning that the +decree of divorce had been granted, that the beauty and belle would at +last succeed in securing the prize she had so long coveted. + +Every art was made use of to captivate the wealthy baronet, but it was +evident that his heart was irrevocably fixed--that he had no intention of +ever marrying again. Finally the disappointed girl gave her hand to a +rich, but aged and feeble lord, and tried to satisfy her heart and +ambition with the golden husks thus achieved. + +Mrs. Farnum lost her husband soon after her return from America, and +afterward made her home mostly with her daughter. But she was far from +being a happy woman, even though she had everything which unlimited wealth +could purchase. Her conscience never ceased to trouble her for the part +she had played in helping to ruin the life of that beautiful wife and +mother whom she had met in New York. She was ever haunted by that sad, +sweet face. She had been half-tempted, many times, to confess everything +to Sir William, hoping thus to atone in part for what she had done, and +because, after she found that Sadie's cause was hopeless, she began to +pity that poor, injured girl; but her fear of Lady Linton, and also of Sir +William's righteous anger, prevented her doing so. + +Thus five years passed. + +It was now ten years since Sir William Heath's marriage with Virgie, but +he was still true to the one love of his youth. He continued to cherish +her image in his heart, even as he had vowed to do, and though he had come +to believe her lost to him forever, he had determined that no other should +occupy the place he had once given to her. + +But about this time something occurred to create a pleasant change in his +saddened life. + +A dear friend of his youth died, leaving to his care his fine, manly +little son, now in his twelfth year, who had been the pride of his +father's heart, the comfort of widowered, lonely years. + +Major Hamilton had been in Her Majesty's service for many years, and at +the time of his death was serving on an important appointment abroad. + +During this service he had acquired many honors and great wealth. His wife +was the second daughter of Lord Shaftonsberry, but she had lived only one +short month after the birth of their only son, Rupert, who was now to +become the ward of Sir William Heath. + +He was a noble little fellow, and it was not long before the baronet +became fondly attached to him, and believed that perhaps he had at last +found, in rearing this child of promise to manhood, something that would +add interest and zest to his dreary and monotonous life. + +Lady Linton, who was still at Heathdale, and nominally its mistress, +received the orphaned stranger with great kindness. + +He was heir presumptive to the title and estates of Shaftonsberry, if +death should remove the present incumbent who as yet had no children of +his own, and this circumstance, in addition to the great wealth which +young Rupert inherited from his father, made him a person of considerable +consequence. + +Her ladyship's mind, with its habitual cunning, leaped forward eight or +ten years, and planned a union of the houses of Linton and Shaftonsberry, +by the marriage of her daughter, Lillian, now eleven years of age, with +her brother's ward. + +She argued that everything was in her favor for accomplishing this, for +the children would be reared beneath the same roof, and it would be +comparatively easy to educate them to consider themselves destined for +each other. + +Of course this arch plotter kept all this to herself, for she well knew +that her brother would sternly oppose all match-making of this sort; but +it became a dearly cherished plan with her, and she bent all her energies +toward its accomplishment. + + + + +Chapter XXVI. + +"I Shall Never Marry Again." + + + +Virgie returned to San Francisco about two weeks after Sir William quitted +the city. + +Her little girl, now more than two years old, was much improved, and had +grown to be a remarkably interesting child, while she was of the greatest +comfort to her mother whose every hope was now centered in her. + +Virgie entered upon her work with renewed interest, although she had not +been idle during the summer by any means. With her pen she had copied +nature in every possible phase, and had brought home, for her winter's +campaign, rich treasures of beauty and art. + +She had for some time been engaged upon quite an extensive work, which was +to be elegantly bound, and which promised to be something very rare and +unique. + +She threw herself into this with such energy, after her return, and worked +at it so steadily and with so much enthusiasm, that Mr. Knight really +began to fear that she would overtax her strength. + +From the first he had been deeply interested in the beautiful and talented +woman who bore her sorrows so bravely and battled so courageously with the +adverse fate that had well-nigh ruined her life. He had pitied her +friendlessness, and tried to throw around her a sort of fatherly care and +protection; but as he came to know her better, to realize her strength of +mind and character, and beauty of disposition, a warmer feeling began to +take the place of pity and compassion, until, as she grew to confide in +and rely upon him more and more, the hope that he might perhaps win her to +share and brighten his lonely home during the declining years of his life, +gradually dawned upon him, and he finally resolved to ask her to become +his wife. + +"I could save her from all this toil, and all uncertainty about the +future. I would ask no greater happiness than to see her mistress of my +home during the remainder of my life, and then, when I am gone, she will +have all my wealth to smooth her own future." + +Thus he mused while considering the propriety of putting his fate to the +test. + +One day Virgie came into his office to consult with him regarding some +point connected with her book, and he thought she appeared weary and +looked paler than usual. + +"You are working too hard, Mrs. Alexander," he said. "Do not apply +yourself so closely--there is no need." + +"No need?" returned Virgie; "there is every need. I am very mercenary, Mr. +Knight," she added, smiling "I am determined to make all the money I can, +so that my dear little girl may have every advantage by and by." + +"But if you tax your strength too severely you may break down, and that +would be far worse than not to make money quite so rapidly." + +"I do not think I am going beyond my strength," Virgie replied, gravely. +"Besides, I am much more content when I am very busy; it keeps me +from--thinking." + +"You ought to be far more than simply 'content,'" answered Mr. Knight, +regarding the fair face wistfully, "for you are not only making plenty of +money, but winning fame for yourself also. The name of Alexander bids fair +to become renowned." + +Virgie started violently at this, and glanced sharply at her companion. +Then a burning blush suffused her face, and she said, in a low, pained +tone: + +"Oh, I hope not! I--I do not wish to be known. I am afraid I have done +wrong in using the name at all. I did it hastily, impulsively----" + +She stopped, covered with confusion, a look of distress on her lovely face +for having allowed herself to say so much. + +Mr. Knight looked astonished for a moment, while he earnestly studied her +countenance. Then light seemed to dawn upon him suddenly. + +"Pardon me," he said, leaning eagerly toward her, "but what you have said +has enlightened me regarding something that has puzzled me since the day I +first met you. You are the daughter of Abbot Alexander who disappeared so +mysteriously from this city several years ago." + +"Yes, it is true," Virgie confessed, with bowed head and burning cheeks. +"But, oh, Mr. Knight, pray do not allow any one else to suspect my +identity if you can avoid it. Put some other name to my books, or put no +name at all to them. For my father's sake, I shrink from attracting public +attention to his name." + +"My dear young friend, I fear you are morbidly sensitive I used to know +your father, and I always esteemed him as a noble man--one whose honor was +unimpeachable." + +"Ah! Then you do not know--" + +"Yes, I do know all about that financial earthquake which wrought his ruin +and that of many others; but I am sure <i>he</i> was blameless." + +"You judge him, then, more kindly than others," Virgie returned, almost +weeping to hear her father so warmly defended. "There are few, I fear, who +do not believe the very worst of him even now." + +"Doubtless that is true," Mr. Knight answered, with a sigh; "but I have +always been convinced that that rascally cashier was at the bottom of the +wrong. You must pardon me for speaking so plainly. I know that he was a +relative, though unworthy the name he bore." + +"But all the papers stated that the president and cashier were in league," +said Virgie. + +"I know it; and at first the affair did have that appearance--at least, +such a construction was but natural under the circumstances." + +"But papa gave up every dollar he possessed to right the wrong." + +"I know he did, but the amount was so small, compared with that which had +been stolen, that people were skeptical regarding his motives, and when he +also disappeared, they were only too ready to believe that he had gone to +share the plunder with the guilty cashier. But I would as soon suspect +myself of a crime as Abbot Alexander. I <i>know</i> that he was an honorable +man." + +"Oh, it is such a comfort to hear you say this," Virgie murmured, her +voice husky with emotion, her eyes filled with tears. "Poor papa! his last +years were embittered with the thought that every one believed him a +defaulter--that he had not one friend in all the world, save his daughter, +who had faith in him." + +"He made a great mistake in leaving San Francisco as he did," Mr. Knight +remarked. "If he had remained here and quietly lived down the scandal, he +might in time have recovered the confidence of the people." + +"Oh! if the stain could be removed from his name and memory!" sighed +Virgie. + +"I do not like to pain you, my dear," replied Mr. Knight, sympathetically; +"but that would be very difficult to accomplish, unless that cashier +should come forward and make a full confession." + +Virgie looked up, startled, her face growing very white. + +"I saw him here in the city last year," she said. + +"Impossible!" exclaimed her friend. + +"I am very sure I was not mistaken," Virgie affirmed and then she told the +publisher the circumstances of her being followed by that muffled figure +and of the advertisement which appeared in the papers a day or two +following, desiring communication with her. + +"I am afraid that <i>you</i> have made a mistake this time," said Mr. Knight, +thoughtfully. "You ought to have communicated with the man." + +"But I had such a horror of him; I could not believe that he would be able +to tell me of anything to my advantage." + +"At least he could have done you no harm, and he might have told you +something worth knowing. Promise me, if anything of the same nature occurs +again, you will let me know. If he could be arrested he might be forced to +a confession of the truth." + +Virgie was greatly disturbed by this view of the matter, and regretted +that she had not had more wisdom at the time. She readily promised to do +as Mr. Knight wished, though she feared she might never again have the +opportunity. + +"Now that the ice has been broken, and I know who you are, tell me +something of your life among the mountains," said her friend. "I fear it +must have been a very dreary and monotonous one." + +"It was a very quiet and peaceful one," Virgie answered with a sigh, as +she thought of the storms she had buffeted since. "Papa's claim proved to +be an excellent one, and he made a good deal of money from it; and after +we became somewhat used to the change in our life, it was not so bad." + +"But all his earnings there had to be sacrificed also. My poor child; what +a hard lot has been yours! I almost wonder at your having any faith +whatever in human nature," said Mr. Knight, feelingly. + +"I am sure that <i>you</i> have proved to me that there is at least one noble +man in the world," Virgie returned, gratefully. "I shall never forget your +kindness to me, Mr. Knight; you have been a true friend to me." + +The publisher leaned eagerly forward, and gathered her hands in his; her +words had inspired him with hope. + +"Let me be more than a friend to you, dear," he pleaded. "Let me take care +of you and your little one in the future. I know that I am much older than +you--old enough almost to be your father; but my home is lonely. I lost my +wife ten years ago. I have no children, and my heart is hungry for some +one to love. Dear child, you have been growing very dear to me ever since +you first came to me, and if you can trust me, if you can give yourself to +me, I will not ask too much, or even expect that you can feel a great deal +of affection for me, for I know how sorely you have been tried and +deceived in that respect; but let me persuade you to come to my home as my +honored wife, and I will surround you with tenderest care. Life shall be +made as pleasant as possible for you, and there will be no need of your +toiling any more." + +Virgie sat as one stunned after this unexpected proposal. + +She had never thought of anything like this during all her intercourse +with the kind-hearted publisher. She had learned to esteem him very highly +for his goodness to her, and to look up to him almost as to a father, but +the thought of ever being any man's wife again had never occurred to her. + +She grew very pale at his words, and instinctively shrank a little from +him. + +That act told him far more than words could have done, and he knew at once +that his cause was hopeless. + +He gently released her hands, sighing regretfully, while a look of pain +settled upon his fine face. + +"Oh! my friend," Virgie began, as soon as she could find her voice, "why +have you said this to me? I have not had the remotest suspicion of--of +your regard and what you have asked can never, never be." + +"Then forget that I have said anything about it, my dear. I would not +wound you for the world," said the old gentleman, with exceeding +gentleness, but with a still pained, white face. + +"Oh, please do not think me ungrateful for all your kindness," Virgie +cried, the tears dropping thick and fast from her eyes; "but, believe me, +I can never marry again. I feel, morally speaking, that I am just as truly +Sir William Heath's wife to-day as I ever was, even though the law has +rent the bond that existed between us. I do not feel that a marriage can +be broken except by death." + +"Then why did you appeal for a divorce?" interrupted Mr. Knight, with +surprise. + +"Simply that he might be free in the eyes of the world to make that other +woman a legal wife--so that she need not suffer such a wrong through me." + +"But she has already suffered it, if what you have heard is true." + +"That may be, but he now has it in his power to do her justice, if he +chooses. At all events, <i>I</i> can never feel free to change my condition in +life. My whole future must be devoted to the preparation of my child for +the position which she will occupy by and by, for I am determined that she +shall be acknowledged the rightful heir to Heathdale," Virgie concluded, +firmly. + +"How about the wrong which this other woman and her children will suffer +in that case?" asked the publisher. + +"That is something which I cannot help--for which I am in no way +responsible. If others suffer, that must be Sir William Heath's punishment +for the wrong which he has done me and my child." + +Virgie was very pale, showing that she felt strongly on the subject, but +she spoke decidedly, as if her purpose was unalterable. + +"I can but own the justice of what you have said," responded Mr. Knight, +adding: "But of course it will have to be as you say regarding the matter +of which I spoke. I should have been very happy in providing for your +future, and I had built many hopes upon having your presence in my home. +However, I will never pain you by mentioning the subject again, and you +must consider me the same friend as before. Come to me with all your +plans, your hopes, and your troubles, and believe that I shall always feel +the same interest in them as ever." + +He arose and held out his hand to her as he spoke, and Virgie could see +that it shook with the emotion which he was bravely trying to conceal. + +Her heart was almost broken for him, for she knew, that his home was very +silent and lonely. There was no one in it save his sister, a maiden lady +of uncertain age, to make it pleasant for him. + +"Forgive me!" she said, hardly able to speak, and with an impulsive +movement she bent forward and touched her lips to the hand extended to +her; then turning quickly, she glided from his presence before he could +interpose a word to prevent her. + +What happened to Virgie, and the final outcome of all her troubles is told +in the sequel to this story entitled "Threads Gathered Up," which is +published in a handsome cloth binding uniform with this volume. + + + +The End. + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Virgie's Inheritance, by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIRGIE'S INHERITANCE *** + +***** This file should be named 11269.txt or 11269.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/2/6/11269/ + +Produced by Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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