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diff --git a/old/53676-h/53676-h.htm b/old/53676-h/53676-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 0ee767e..0000000 --- a/old/53676-h/53676-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12570 +0,0 @@ -<!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"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Dangerous Flirtation, by Laura Jean Libbey</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover-image.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1, h2, h3, h4 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -h1 -{ - text-align: center; - font-size: x-large; - font-weight: normal; - line-height: 1.6; -} - -.center -{ - text-align: center; -} - -.spaced -{ - line-height: 1.5; -} - -.space-above - -{ - margin-top: 3em; -} - -.small -{ - font-size: small; -} - -.ph2 { text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; } -.ph2 { font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; } - -.border -{ - border: 1px solid; -} - -.pagebreak {page-break-after: always;} - -blockquote { - display: block; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: 40px; - margin-right: 40px; -} - -table.centered { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -td.title { text-align: left; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: -2em;} -td.page { text-align: right; vertical-align: top; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: -2em;} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -hr.r5 {width: 10%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.covernote { - visibility: visible; - display: block; -} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - h1.pg { font-size: 190%; - font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1; } - hr.full { width: 100%; - margin-top: 3em; - margin-bottom: 0em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - height: 4px; - border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ - border-style: solid; - border-color: #000000; - clear: both; } - </style> -</head> -<body> -<h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Dangerous Flirtation, by Laura Jean Libbey</h1> -<p>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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: A Dangerous Flirtation</p> -<p> Or, Did Ida May Sin?</p> -<p>Author: Laura Jean Libbey</p> -<p>Release Date: December 6, 2016 [eBook #53676]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DANGEROUS FLIRTATION***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4>E-text prepared by Chris Whitehead, Demian Katz,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Villanova University Digital Library<br /> - (<a href="http://digital.library.villanova.edu/">http://digital.library.villanova.edu/</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Villanova University Digital Library. See - <a href="https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:439857#"> - https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:439857#</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" src="images/cover-image.jpg" id="coverpage" width="500" height="707" alt="Dangerous Flirtation; or Did Ida May sin?" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="400" height="635" alt="Title page for Dangerous Flirtation; or Did Ida May sin?" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table class="centered" border="0" cellpadding="8" style="max-width: 100%;" summary="CONTENTS"> -<tr><td class="title"></td> <td class="page"><span class="smcap">Page.</span></td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></td> <td class="page">5</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></td> <td class="page">9</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></td> <td class="page">13</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></td> <td class="page">17</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></td> <td class="page">20</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></td> <td class="page">24</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></td> <td class="page">27</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></td> <td class="page">32</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></td> <td class="page">37</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></td> <td class="page">40</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></td> <td class="page">45</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></td> <td class="page">47</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></td> <td class="page">54</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></td> <td class="page">59</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></td> <td class="page">65</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></td> <td class="page">71</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></td> <td class="page">74</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></td> <td class="page">79</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></td> <td class="page">87</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></td> <td class="page">90</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></td> <td class="page">94</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></td> <td class="page">97</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></td> <td class="page">99</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></td> <td class="page">103</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></td> <td class="page">107</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></td> <td class="page">111</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></td> <td class="page">115</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></td> <td class="page">121</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></td> <td class="page">126</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></td> <td class="page">129</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></td> <td class="page">134</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></td> <td class="page">137</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></td> <td class="page">141</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></td> <td class="page">145</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></td> <td class="page">150</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></td> <td class="page">154</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></td> <td class="page">159</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a> </td> <td class="page">160</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></td> <td class="page">164</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.</a></td> <td class="page">169</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI.</a></td> <td class="page">174</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII.</a></td> <td class="page">177</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII.</a></td> <td class="page">182</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV.</a></td> <td class="page">187</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV.</a></td> <td class="page">190</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI.</a></td> <td class="page">193</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVII">CHAPTER XLVII.</a></td> <td class="page">196</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVIII">CHAPTER XLVIII.</a></td> <td class="page">200</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIX">CHAPTER XLIX.</a></td> <td class="page">204</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_L">CHAPTER L.</a></td> <td class="page">210</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LI">CHAPTER LI.</a></td> <td class="page">213</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LII">CHAPTER LII.</a></td> <td class="page">217</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LIII">CHAPTER LIII.</a></td> <td class="page">222</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LIV">CHAPTER LIV.</a></td> <td class="page">227</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LV">CHAPTER LV.</a></td> <td class="page">230</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LVI">CHAPTER LVI.</a></td> <td class="page">235</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LVII">CHAPTER LVII.</a></td> <td class="page">240</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LVIII">CHAPTER LVIII.</a></td> <td class="page">241</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LIX">CHAPTER LIX.</a></td> <td class="page">244</td></tr> -<tr><td class="title"><a href="#CHAPTER_LX">CHAPTER LX.</a></td> <td class="page">248</td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h1 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">A DANGEROUS FLIRTATION;</h1> - -<h4>OR</h4> - -<h3>DID IDA MAY SIN?</h3> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></p> - - -<p>Three young girls, as fair as youth and beauty could -make them, stood with arms twined about one another -on the sands of Newport one hot August afternoon.</p> - -<p>Neither of the trio could have been over seventeen. -All three were dressed in white, and looked as delightfully -cool, sweet and airy, with their floating white ribbons -and wind-blown curls, as summer maidens can -possibly look.</p> - -<p>"If I were an artist, I would immortalize that glorious -scene," cried Lily Ryder, her blue eyes sparkling with -the fire of enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>"And if I were an artist, I would paint <i>you</i>," cried a -handsome, fair-haired young man <i>sotto voce</i>, who had -stopped short in his stroll along the sands with his -friend, to admire the three lovely young girls, feeling -sure that his keen scrutiny would not be observed, they -were gazing so intently out to sea.</p> - -<p>"Who are they, Ravenswood?" he asked, eagerly, -turning to his companion. "You know everyone at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -Newport worth knowing, of course—'a golden key -throws open all doors.'"</p> - -<p>"Oh, of course," echoed Philip Ravenswood, with the -slow drawl habitual to him. "They are called at Newport -'The Three Graces.' The blonde fairy to the right -is Lily Ryder, an ex-governor's daughter. The bewitching -girl in the center of the group is Miss Hildegarde -Cramer, a banker's daughter; and, by the way, she's one -of the jolliest girls that ever dazzled a fellow's wits as -well as his eyes—looks more bewitching every time you -see her."</p> - -<p>"But who is the other young girl?" interrupted his -companion, impatiently. "According to my ideas of -feminine loveliness, she's far the prettiest of the three."</p> - -<p>"Hold on, my dear Royal Ainsley, lest you provoke -a duel here and now. Remember, that trio contains the -peerless Hildegarde," laughed Philip Ravenswood, relighting -a fresh Havana.</p> - -<p>"All allowance made for difference of opinion," smiled -Ainsley; "but really, Phil, who is the dark-eyed beauty -this way?"</p> - -<p>Little dreaming of what would come of those few idly -spoken words, Philip Ravenswood answered, carelessly:</p> - -<p>"Her name is Ida May. She's the only living relative -of the Mays of Boston, I understand. I do not know the -Mays personally, but know them well by reputation. -They are fabulously rich, it is generally believed."</p> - -<p>"Suppose you introduce me to the Three Graces," said -Royal Ainsley, banteringly.</p> - -<p>His companion flushed, and looked a trifle uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>"At another time, my dear fellow," he said, answering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> -Ainsley's question after a moment's pause. "Let -the girls enjoy their rhapsodies over the sunset in peace -this time. We really haven't time just now. The fellows -are waiting for us at the club, you know."</p> - -<p>But Ainsley refused to go on; yet he did it in such a -gay, off-hand, rollicking, fun-loving fashion, his friend -did not see the fixed purpose in his action.</p> - -<p>He was quite sure that if they stood there long enough -they could not help attracting the attention of the pretty -maidens, and there was no time like the present to meet -them. In this surmise, he was quite correct. Attracted -by the sound of voices almost behind them, Miss Ryder -glanced around.</p> - -<p>"Hildegarde—Ida!" she exclaimed, in a flutter of delighted -surprise, "why, here is Mr. Ravenswood!"</p> - -<p>She stopped short, for just then she observed that the -handsome young gentleman in the white linen suit, -standing a little apart from Mr. Ravenswood, was with -him.</p> - -<p>It was too late to beat a retreat then, for he had been -discovered. He was certainly in for it, and there was -no help for it but to bring his companion forward with -the best possible grace and present him to the young -ladies.</p> - -<p>Ainsley bowed low in his most charming manner, raising, -with a smile, his white straw hat from his fair, clustering -hair, and Philip Ravenswood could see, with consternation, -the apparent admiration for his friend on all -three girlish faces, including Hildegarde, whom he had -believed to be quite smitten with himself.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley made the most of that next half hour -on the sands. He was so brilliant, so witty, so clever, he -fairly astonished his friend, used as he was to his gay<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -<i>bon-mots</i> and to see him the life of all the affairs at the -club.</p> - -<p>They chatted brightly enough, until Hildegarde exclaimed, -with a little cry:</p> - -<p>"Why, there is some bell striking seven! We have -been here over an hour. We must get back to the hotel, -girls, or we will never be dressed for dinner. Won't -you stroll back that way with us?" she added, with a -dazzling smile to both of the young gentlemen.</p> - -<p>"I think not," replied Ainsley, quickly, taking it upon -himself to answer for his friend. "We have an engagement, -and have barely time to save ourselves from -being the annoying cause of giving our friends a cold -dinner."</p> - -<p>"We hope to see you both soon again," said Lily, -with another blush.</p> - -<p>"We do, indeed!" echoed Hildegarde, archly. But -the girl with the velvet pansy eyes made no audible remark, -though her crimson lips parted, then shut quickly -again.</p> - -<p>The next moment the two gentlemen were gone, and -the three young girls retraced their steps slowly hotelward -along the beach. They had a much pleasanter subject -to discuss now than the sunset.</p> - -<p>"Isn't the new-comer handsome?" remarked Lily.</p> - -<p>"Splendid! but not quite as Phil, though."</p> - -<p>Again they both asked together:</p> - -<p>"What say <i>you</i>, Ida?"</p> - -<p>The girl with cheeks like a damask rose and velvety -pansy eyes blushed to the roots of her jetty curls.</p> - -<p>"He is like the hero of a novel. I have never seen -any one so handsome before—so fair, so smiling—so—so—delightful," -she answered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ida May's heart has been hit by the first shot of -those arrows of blue eyes," laughed Lily, mockingly. "I -knew when she declared that, come what would, she -would not fall in love with any young man she met at -Newport, she was more than likely to meet her fate."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h2> - - -<p>For some moments the two young men walked on in -silence, which was at last broken by Ainsley.</p> - -<p>"I say, Phil," he began, eagerly, laying his hand on -his friend's shoulder, "do you think any one of those -three beauties would accept an invitation to go down and -see the yacht-race with me to-morrow afternoon?"</p> - -<p>Ravenswood looked shocked.</p> - -<p>"You are surely jesting to ask my opinion as to -whether any one of those young girls would accompany -<i>a stranger</i> to a place of amusement. You certainly know, -as well as I do, that they wouldn't entertain such a -thought for an instant. And even suppose they did? -Their parents would soon let you know what <i>they</i> thought -on the subject. Like all sweet rosebuds, they are guarded -by thorns. A very stern <i>duenna</i> usually accompanies -them on their afternoon rambles, and woe to anything -masculine who attempts to hold a few moments' conversation -with any one of them. I confess I was surprised -to find them alone to-day—very much surprised, I must -say."</p> - -<p>"Fate interposed in my behalf," laughed Ainsley, nonchalantly; -adding: "I tell you, Phil, I am a strong believer -in fate, no matter what any one says to the contrary, -believing with the poet—everything is preordained,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -planned out ahead for us, and we can not escape it. We -are to meet certain people. One girl makes no impression -upon us whatever, no matter how pretty she may be; -we meet another, and lo! with the first glance from her -eyes, the mischief's done—<i>we</i> are done for. Now, am I -not correct?"</p> - -<p>"I hope you have not made such a fool of yourself -as to fall in love at first sight with any one of those young -ladies to whom I was mad enough to introduce you, -Ainsley!" cried Ravenswood, very much nettled.</p> - -<p>"And why not, pray?" returned Royal Ainsley, coolly. -"You should blame fate if I have done so, not me, my -dear fellow."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry for you, Ainsley, if such is indeed a fact," -declared Philip Ravenswood, gravely, "for I do not -think you could win the girl. Plainly speaking, you are -no match for either of them. You know that. But -which one of them is it?"</p> - -<p>"The one with the pansy velvet dark eyes—with the -face of a damask rose—Ida May, I believe you called -her."</p> - -<p>Ravenswood looked wonderfully relieved. As long as -it was not Hildegarde, he would not trouble himself.</p> - -<p>"By George!" exclaimed Ainsley, stopping short, "I -believe those three young girls ride the bicycle. Now -that I think of it, I'm sure I saw them whirl past the -club yesterday morning. They wore natty navy blue -suits and blue veils. I couldn't see what their faces -were like. Two elderly gentlemen accompanied them."</p> - -<p>"Yes, they ride the wheel," assented Ravenswood, reluctantly. -"The two gentlemen were Mr. Ryder and Mr. -Cramer, who are very enthusiastic over the sport.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -There's a millionaire's club of wheelmen here at Newport."</p> - -<p>"I presume they will be at the fancy masquerade -cycle tournament next week, then?" said Ainsley, carelessly, -though he listened anxiously for the reply.</p> - -<p>"No doubt," returned Ravenswood. "They were all -at the last one. By the way, it's a very select affair. -One has to be a member of the club, or have considerable -outside influence, to secure tickets."</p> - -<p>"Are you a member?" asked Ainsley, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," returned Ravenswood. "It was Hildegarde's -father who proposed my name. I did not get even one -black ball, and was consequently voted a member."</p> - -<p>"Do you suppose, if you had been a poor devil of a -clerk, instead of a millionaire's son, you would have been -voted in?" asked Ainsley, a trifle bitterly, a hard light -flashing into his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Possibly not," replied Ravenswood, with a good-humored -laugh.</p> - -<p>"I should have thought you would have improved the -opportunity of seeing considerable of the Three Graces -awheel," said Ainsley, after a few moments' pause.</p> - -<p>"Their fathers discourage anything of that kind," -laughed Philip; "as more than one young man has -found out."</p> - -<p>"But Miss May's relatives—do none of them ride?"</p> - -<p>"They are too old for that sort of thing," laughed -Ravenswood. "The old gentleman is as deaf as a post, -and is relegated to the hotel piazza because of the gout. -His wife is equally as deaf, and is too unwieldly to venture -far from her corner of the piazza. It is laughable to -hear them shout at each other through their ear-trumpets. -I have often thought what a lonely life of it that beautiful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -young girl must have with those two old people. It -would be unendurable, I fancy, if it were not for her -two young friends."</p> - -<p>"Probably they make up for not being companionable -by not being so strict with their pretty prospective little -heiress?" suggested Ainsley, again listening eagerly for -his friend's reply.</p> - -<p>"They certainly allow their granddaughter, or niece, -whichever she is, more liberty than Hildegarde's or Lily -Ryder's parents do. Still, I suppose they are confident -that she can come to no harm, surrounded by such careful -friends and companions."</p> - -<p>"Did you say, Philip, you were going to the fancy-dress -masquerade tournament?" asked Royal Ainsley, -slowly.</p> - -<p>"I do not propose to miss it," responded Ravenswood.</p> - -<p>"Do you think you can secure me a ticket, Phil?" -asked Ainsley, point-blank. "Grant me that favor if -you can. Remember, I ask it <i>as a great favor</i>. Surely -you can manage it somehow for me."</p> - -<p>"I'll try," replied Ravenswood. "If it's possible, you -shall attend."</p> - -<p>During the next few days that followed, handsome -Royal Ainsley saw as much of the Three Graces as was -possible. One day he was content with a bow or a smile—on -the next, a few words in passing; but he was wise -enough to keep out of the way whenever their relatives -were about.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h2> - - -<p>The fancy-dress masquerade cycle carnival had been -the talk of fashionable circles in Newport for the last -fortnight, and now, as the auspicious evening drew near, -excitement was almost at fever heat.</p> - -<p>The tickets of admission had been closely guarded; -gold could not buy them. The tickets, which were -strictly <i>not transferable</i>, had been duly delivered by messengers -to the different members whose names they bore, -and the promoters of the affair felt duly satisfied that no -one outside the charmed circle of Newport's fashionable -Four Hundred could by any possibility invade the sacred -precincts.</p> - -<p>A whole army of officers were to guard against intruders. -There was to be a banquet in the supper-room -at midnight, after the masks of the merry cyclers had -been removed, that would be so startling in its sumptuousness -that the whole country would be talking about it, -and those who had been fortunate enough to attend -would never forget it in their after lives.</p> - -<p>Philip Ravenswood had indeed done his utmost to secure -the admittance of his friend; but even he had -failed signally. The officers were inexorable in their -polite but firm refusal to his request.</p> - -<p>Two hours later the grand masquerade cycle carnival -was at its height. The marble walls of the millionaire -club never held a more brilliant gathering of ladies fair, -with eyes behind silken masks brighter than the diamonds -they wore, and men braver than the famous knights of -old in their powdered wigs, satin knee-breeches and -spangled waistcoats.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> - -<p>One wheelman, in the costume of handsome Romeo, -sprung from his wheel near one of the fountains, and -watched with keen eyes through his mask the cyclers as -they passed him one after another.</p> - -<p>"Aha! I have them at last," he muttered, as he noted -three wood-nymphs hovering close together. "Well, I -declare, I thought I should have little difficulty in distinguishing -one from the other," he muttered; "but to -save my life, I can not tell them apart. I shall trust -to fate to choose for me, hoping it will be the beauteous -Hildegarde."</p> - -<p>Suddenly two plumed cavaliers sprung from their -wheels before the two foremost wood-nymphs, and asked -permission in silent pantomime to ride as their escorts -around the rink, which request was graciously acceded -to, but with the dignity of young princesses.</p> - -<p>"This is my opportunity," thought Romeo. "I must -claim the remaining wood-nymph before some other fellow -has the chance to capture her."</p> - -<p>The next instant he was bowing low before her.</p> - -<p>"May I have the great honor of riding as your escort -around the rink, fair wood-nymph?" he whispered in -a low, melodious voice. "Ah, pardon my speaking; it -was purely a slip of the tongue. I should have made -known my request in pantomime. But pray forgive, and -do not betray me, fairest of all maidens, to the floor manager, -pray, or I shall be ordered from the floor in deep -disgrace."</p> - -<p>"If she answers, I shall know by her voice which one -of the three heiresses she is," he thought.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I shall not betray you, Mr. Ainsley," replied the -girl, with a jolly little laugh, showing the whitest of -pearly teeth, "and I accept your escort to ride with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> -me. I—I am so afraid of tumbling off my wheel, this -gay throng and the flashing lights bewilder me so. I—I -was just wondering if you would be here to-night."</p> - -<p>"Fair maid, you know me?" he whispered, in apparent -amazement. "I am astounded, yet flattered. Pray -be kind enough to exchange confidences. I have been -hoping against hope that <i>you</i> are the one whom I longed -to see here. Surely the throbbings of my heart tell me -who you are, fair nymph. Shall I breathe to you the -name of her whom I ardently wish it to be?" he asked, -softly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered, eagerly; and there was no mistaking -the characteristic catching of the breath, and the -intense, eager gaze in the velvety eyes behind the silken -mask.</p> - -<p>He crushed the furtive hope that had stirred his heart -for an instant that it might be Hildegarde, and answered, -boldly:</p> - -<p>"I prayed the fates to lead me to the feet of beauteous -Ida May! Oh, tell me—am I right? Do be kind, and -tell me."</p> - -<p>"Then the fates have answered your prayer," she replied. -"I suppose I ought <i>not</i> to tell you until unmasking -time, but really I can not help it. I <i>am</i> Ida May."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, ten thousand thanks for ending my suspense, -dear girl," he murmured, as only Royal Ainsley could -utter the words. A few sweeps around the rink, where -handsome Romeo, with his superb fancy riding, was the -cynosure of all eager feminine eyes, midst murmurs of -admiration, then he whispered to his companion: "Come -into the conservatory; the air is too close here. You -are riding as though you were dizzy. Are you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered. "I <i>must</i> have air. I——"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> - -<p>The wheel suddenly wobbled recklessly from side to -side, as though its rider had lost control of it entirely.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley sprung from his wheel just in time to -prevent her from falling, and in that instant he crushed -her closely to his heart, then as quickly released her.</p> - -<p>The excitement was so great, no one noticed this little -by-play, or saw Romeo lead the fair wood-nymph from -amid the glittering lights to the shadowy depths of the -cool conservatory. Standing their wheels against a marble -Flora, he found a rustic bench on which he placed -her, taking a seat beside her, dangerously near, his hand -closing over the fluttering little white one, his handsome -head, with its fair, clustering hair, bent near her own. -A half hour they spent amid the dim, cool shadows, the -perfume of the roses enfolding them, the soft, low, bewildering -echo of the delicious music floating out to -them.</p> - -<p>Remember, the young girl was only seventeen, dear -reader, otherwise the place, and the scene, and the fair, -handsome lover by her side could not have infatuated her -so quickly or so deeply.</p> - -<p>"This is heaven!" he whispered. "How I wish we -could linger here forever, Ida—I your devoted knight, -and you my queen, the world forgetting, by the world -forgot! Do <i>you</i> wish it could be so?"</p> - -<p>The low cadence of his voice; the thrilling touch of -that strong, white hand that was stealing around the supple -waist, drawing her toward him; the panting of his -breath, which she could feel on her flushed cheek; the -mesmeric, steady gaze of those bright blue, shining eyes, -bewildered her—made her heart flutter as it had never -fluttered before.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you wish we could be always together, Ida?" he -persisted.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered the girl, with a half sob of affright, -trembling under the strange spell that had slowly but -surely been cast over her.</p> - -<p>"Then marry me, Ida!" he cried, "this very night—within -the hour, and no one can ever part us after that! -Oh, Ida, do not refuse me!" he urged. "I love you so -that I would die for you. Fate surely intended us for -each other, or we would never have met and loved as we -do. Oh, my darling, you can not deny it! You do love -me, Ida May?"</p> - -<p>She strove with all her might to deny it; but, in spite -of herself, he wrung the truth from her lips—that she -<i>did</i> love him. A sudden light that she could not quite -understand leaped up into his eyes for a moment, and a -triumphant smile curved his lips.</p> - -<p>"We shall be married to-night, Ida!" he cried. "I -will arrange it somehow;" and as he uttered the words, -he told himself that the great heiress was as good as -won.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h2> - - -<p>The crash of the music, the hum of voices, and the -song of the rippling fountains seemed to dazzle Ida May's -senses.</p> - -<p>"Promise me that you will marry me, my darling!" -cried the impetuous lover. "Would it be so very difficult, -Ida?" he whispered.</p> - -<p>She clung to him, the terror deepening in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"This is a little romance all our own," he added,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -clasping her closely. "Ida, let me kiss you!" He -clasped his arms around her and drew her to his breast. -"You are mine in life, mine in death, and mine through -all eternity!"</p> - -<p>He kissed the sweet lips over and over again.</p> - -<p>She was so young that she believed him.</p> - -<p>"Let us be married first, then we can talk over all -these things after!" he exclaimed, impetuously.</p> - -<p>She was dazed by his passionate words.</p> - -<p>He felt quite sure that this sweet, beautiful, dainty -young girl could not hold out against him if he only persisted.</p> - -<p>One more bold stroke, and the heiress would be his.</p> - -<p>There would be a scene, he well knew, when he brought -the young girl back to the old folks. But it would surely -end by their forgiving her. They could not hold out -against her very long.</p> - -<p>"You are—sure—it—it—would be right, Mr. Ainsley?" -she faltered.</p> - -<p>"You must not call me 'mister' sweet one," he cried. -"To you I shall be 'Royal' from now on to eternity. -Let me manage this affair, my darling," he added.</p> - -<p>All power of resistance seemed swallowed up by his -indomitable will.</p> - -<p>"Go to the cloak-room, my love," he whispered, "and -change your attire as quickly as you can. I will meet -you at the fountain nearest the entrance. Not one word -to either of your friends, Ida," he said, warningly. -"Promise me that!"</p> - -<p>There was no crossing him. Indeed, the very power -to even think for herself seemed to have left her.</p> - -<p>Like one in a dream, Ida May donned her street -clothes, the thought filling her mind of what Hildegarde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -and Lily would say when it was unmasking time and -they came to look for her. How startled they would -be!</p> - -<p>Outside all was confusion. There was a great crush -of carriages, the babble of coachmen and footmen, the -crunching of wheels, and the calling of numbers. To -the girl whom Royal Ainsley led on to so strange a fate -it seemed like a dream. Some one followed with their -wheels. Royal Ainsley took them from the man, and she -saw him toss him several pieces of silver.</p> - -<p>He did not tell her that he had written a note to an -old minister, living two miles out of the village, asking -him to remain at home to marry them. No name had -been signed to the note; but he had argued to himself -that the minister, who probably was sadly in need of -making an extra dollar, would stay at home to perform -the ceremony. If his plans matured well, all well and -good; if they miscarried, well, no one would be the wiser -as to who sent the letter.</p> - -<p>He assisted her to mount her wheel, and, as if in a -dream, they went speeding down the boulevard.</p> - -<p>"We must make quicker time, my darling," he said.</p> - -<p>Was it a sob he heard coming from the girl's lips? -Ida May seemed to have suddenly awakened to a sense -of what she had done. A brief half hour since she had -been in the midst of a brilliant party, and now, scarcely -knowing how it had come about, she found herself flying -with the handsome lover, whom she had known but a -few short weeks, going she knew not whither.</p> - -<p>The awakening came to her like a terrible shock.</p> - -<p>"Royal!" she cried, "oh, Royal, what have we done? -Where are we going? I did not mean to run away. I -must have been mad. Let us go back again!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> - -<p>As she spoke, the great clock from some adjoining -tower struck the hour of twelve.</p> - -<p>"We are too late," he said. "We have burned our -bridges behind us. They are unmasking now, and they -have missed you. They will soon institute a search."</p> - -<p>She clasped his arm.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Royal! I must tell you all!"</p> - -<p>The hot, trembling hand clung to him, the lovely young -face was full of awful grief.</p> - -<p>"My own darling!" he cried, leaning over and rapturously -embracing her, though in doing so he nearly -caused her to fall from her wheel.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the heavens overhead seemed to darken, the -wind to freshen, and the booming of the waves, as they -dashed heavily against the shore, sounded dismally in the -distance.</p> - -<p>"We must make haste," said Royal Ainsley; "there is -a storm coming up. I think we could save nearly half -a mile by cutting across this field."</p> - -<p>He swung open a gate opening out into a broad patch -of land, and Ida rode in.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h2> - - -<p>"I see a light glimmering in a window a short distance -away. I will take you there, and walk back to the village -to get some kind of a conveyance."</p> - -<p>In a few moments they found themselves knocking for -admission at the little cottage from whence they had -observed the light.</p> - -<p>His impatient knock brought a white, terrified face to -a window which was opened above.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What do you want?" asked a voice in unmistakable -tones of fear.</p> - -<p>"I must have shelter for this young lady for a little -while," exclaimed Ainsley, impatiently; adding: "I will -pay you handsomely if you will allow her to remain here -an hour or two, until I can go for a carriage for her."</p> - -<p>The window was closed quickly down again, and Royal -heard some one say quite distinctly:</p> - -<p>"I tell you it is only a <i>ruse</i>. It is an officer of the -law."</p> - -<p>Again Royal knocked impatiently.</p> - -<p>"It is commencing to rain," he called. "For Heaven's -sake, open the door quickly!"</p> - -<p>Despite the sobs and protestations of the voice inside, -a man opened the door and stepped out, confronting them. -One hand held a lighted lamp and the other rested upon -his hip pocket.</p> - -<p>To Royal Ainsley's intense astonishment, he found -that he was at the summer cottage of Newport's haughty -mayor.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon," stammered the man, in dire -confusion.</p> - -<p>"It is rather late to awaken any one; but you have -heard the words, 'any port in a storm'? The truth is, -I want to find shelter for this young lady until I can go -for a conveyance to take her to a minister who is awaiting -us to perform the marriage ceremony."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is it!" exclaimed the mayor, with a look of -relief coming over his face. "An elopement, eh?"</p> - -<p>"All is fair in love, you know," laughed the young -man, leading Ida into the parlor, his host preceding them.</p> - -<p>"Who are you, and who is the young lady?" inquired -the man.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was Royal's turn to hesitate now. If he found out -that the young girl clinging to his arm was the heiress -of the Mays, would he not refuse to perform the ceremony -until they could be communicated with?</p> - -<p>"I am Royal Ainsley," answered the young man, affecting -not to hear the last part of the question; and Ida, -thinking she was called upon to speak, responded, -promptly:</p> - -<p>"And I am Ida May, sir."</p> - -<p>The mayor wheeled about quickly.</p> - -<p>"What! Did I hear you say the name May? Are -you the young girl stopping at the Ocean House whom -they call the niece of the Mays?"</p> - -<p>The girl was trembling so she could not answer.</p> - -<p>"We might as well put a bold front on the matter," -whispered Royal, clasping quickly the ice-cold hands.</p> - -<p>"She is, sir," he answered, with an air of assurance -which he was far from feeling.</p> - -<p>The effect of his words upon his host was wonderful. -An expression that was almost diabolical flashed over his -face.</p> - -<p>"Hold!" he cried. "You need look no further for a -minister; I will perform the ceremony. It is a pity for -the young lady to have to go out in the storm to have -a little service like that rendered. Old May's niece!" -he muttered under his breath. "Ah, what a glorious revenge -it is for me to give her to this profligate! Of -course, old May don't know anything about the escapade -of this girl!"</p> - -<p>He clinched his hands tightly together as he looked at -her. There was no feature of old John May perceptible -in this slender little creature; but for all that, he hated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -her—ay, he hated her with a deadly hatred. <i>He knew -why.</i></p> - -<p>"I will help you in this affair," he said, with a peculiar -laugh that might mean much or might mean little.</p> - -<p>The ceremony was not a long one, and almost before -Ida could realize what was taking place, Royal Ainsley -was bending over her, and calling her his dear little wife. -But there was something about the kiss that he laid on -her lips that made a strange shiver creep over her.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley could hardly conceal his triumph. No -matter if the Mays did find her now, they could not -undo what had been done. He had wedded her and her -millions!</p> - -<p>"Is there a train that leaves for New York?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes; one passes here in about twenty minutes from -now. By cutting across over to that side road you could -easily catch it."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later, they were steaming toward the city -as fast as steam could carry them. The dark curly head -nestled against his shoulder, while Royal looked out of -the window, out into the blackness of the night, little -dreaming that he was on the eve of a terrible tragedy.</p> - -<p>He had been lucky enough to secure the little compartment -at the rear of the drawing-room car, which those -who have money enough to pay for can secure exclusively -for themselves.</p> - -<p>"I ought to tell you something that is weighing very -heavily upon my mind, Royal," she said, nestling closer -to her fair, handsome, boyish husband.</p> - -<p>"Not until to-morrow, love," he declared, drawing her -toward him, and kissing her fondly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h2> - - -<p>It was early the next morning when the Newport express -steamed into the Grand Central Depot.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley cast a furtive glance around him as he -stepped upon the platform. He had quite expected a -dozen or more detectives to spring forward, for, of -course, the telegraph wires had been busy during the -night.</p> - -<p>They would no doubt be waiting to arrest him for abducting -the heiress. But when he had blandly informed -them that lovely Ida May was his wife, what could they -do but fall back abashed and disconcerted.</p> - -<p>To his great surprise, he seemed to create no sensation -whatever. No one even noticed him as he joined the -throng, with Ida May clinging tightly to his arm.</p> - -<p>"I will give them some little trouble to find us," he -thought to himself.</p> - -<p>He knew of a quiet, aristocratic family hotel facing the -park, and placing Ida in a carriage, he took a seat beside -her, and directed the driver to proceed as quickly as -possible to the place indicated.</p> - -<p>Whirling through the streets of gay New York was -quite a sensation to Ida, who had never been outside of -her own country village, save for that fateful trip to -Newport.</p> - -<p>With Royal clasping her two little fluttering hands -in one of his strong white ones, his left arm holding her -close as the cab rattled up Broadway, her fear of the -noise, the great rush of people hurrying hither and -thither, and the great crush of vehicles that threatened -to demolish them every moment, gradually subsided as -they rode along.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> - -<p>They reached their destination, and a moment more -were ushered into the little white-and-gold parlor.</p> - -<p>"We will have the best breakfast that they can prepare," -said Royal, "and then I shall take you to see the -sights of the city."</p> - -<p>He was obliged to take the hotel clerk into his confidence.</p> - -<p>"It's an elopement," he whispered in the clerk's ear. -"My bride is the heiress of the wealthy Mays, of Boston. -There may be a deuce of a row when they trace us to -this place, but it will end all right by the fatted calf -being killed for us. But as for the breakfast, how long -will it take to prepare it?"</p> - -<p>"Not more than fifteen minutes," returned the clerk, -with an obsequious bow. "We will send up to the parlor, -and let you know when it is ready," he added.</p> - -<p>He turned away with a royal air. Already he felt as -if the May millions were in his pocket, that he was a -man to be envied, that he was of great importance.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley immediately joined Ida in the parlor. -He found her ensconced in one of the large velvet easy-chairs, -looking out of the window, with something very -like fright in her great dark eyes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Royal, are you sure it is quite right?" she sobbed. -"Did you want me to marry you so very much?"</p> - -<p>"What a silly little girl you are!" he cried, impetuously. -"Of course, I want you. I could not live without -you. I know you must be very hungry, as well as -tired from loss of sleep. Come over to this sofa and sit -down, and we will talk over our plans."</p> - -<p>"Royal," she whispered, clasping his hands closer, -"you would not listen to me when I tried to tell you -something in the conservatory; but you must listen to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -me now. I can not be quite happy, dear, until you know -all. I—I have a confession to make."</p> - -<p>He looked at her blankly.</p> - -<p>"What odd words you use, my darling Ida!" he said. -"A confession! I do not like to hear you use such an -expression. I hope that there is no other lover in the -background?"</p> - -<p>"It is not a lover!" she cried, clinging to him. "I -have never loved any one else but you!"</p> - -<p>"Then it is all right, my angel!" he cried, brightly, -gathering her closely to him, despite the fact that people -were passing in the corridor outside, and had a full view -of all that was taking place within the room. She struggled -out of his arms, blushing like a peony, even though -she was his bride.</p> - -<p>"Sit opposite me, where I can see you, and it will not -be so hard to tell you <i>all</i>," sobbed Ida, faintly.</p> - -<p>He complied with her wishes.</p> - -<p>"Cut the story as short as possible, dear," he said, "or -you will be obliged to have it continued in our next, as -breakfast will soon be ready."</p> - -<p>"Oh, how shall I tell you the truth, Royal!" she said, -distressedly. "Perhaps you won't smile so when you -know all, and—and—you might even hate me."</p> - -<p>"No matter what the little story is that you have to -tell me, my darling, I will love you better than ever."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Royal, are you sure of it?" she cried, with that -frightened look which puzzled him so.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I give you my word beforehand, that, no matter -what you have to tell me, I will love you all the -more!"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you all, then, and throw myself on your -mercy to forgive me for the past," she sobbed. "Hold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -my hands, Royal, closely in your own, while I tell you all -of the pitiful past, from beginning to end; and then, -Royal, you shall kiss my tears away, even—oh, Heaven, -pity me!—though I have sinned beyond pardon!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Little dreaming of the purport of the story Ida had -to tell, Royal Ainsley drew near. For a moment, Ida -May's great somber eyes looked into his as though she -would read his very soul.</p> - -<p>"Tell me over again that you will forgive me, no matter -what it is that I have to tell you."</p> - -<p>"I have already given you that promise over and over -again," he declared. "Surely you don't want me to take -an oath to that effect?"</p> - -<p>"Not if your solemn promise is strong enough to -bind you."</p> - -<p>"You forget that you are wasting time, Ida?" he said, -good-humoredly.</p> - -<p>"It will not take me long to tell my sad little story," -she answered, with a half sob; "and oh, what a world -of comfort it will be for me to know that you will care -for me, no matter what the world may think. When you -hear my story you will understand the great temptation, -and will not judge me too cruelly.</p> - -<p>"To begin with, my mother and I lived with a very -wealthy family in Dorchester. My mother was housekeeper, -and I—well, I had no regular position there, until, -owing to the meager salary they paid my mother, I -was compelled to learn telegraphy, and found a position<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -at the station. To gain my mother's consent to do this -was extremely hard.</p> - -<p>"'They will not be pleased, Ida,' she said, piteously.</p> - -<p>"'What do the Deerings care for you or me?' I answered, -bitterly. 'Only to make you toil year in and year -out for a pittance so meager that it scarcely keeps body -and soul together!'</p> - -<p>"'But they allow me to keep you with me, my dear -child. That is everything to a mother who is poor,' she -sighed.</p> - -<p>"'I am not a child any longer,' I cried. 'I am quite -sixteen. I must be making money now, if ever, to help -you!'</p> - -<p>"'But what can you do?' she asked.</p> - -<p>"When I told her my plans, she looked at me dubiously.</p> - -<p>"'Surely Mrs. Deering would not object,' I declared.</p> - -<p>"But she did object. To my surprise she flew into a -terrible rage when I summoned courage enough to go to -the morning-room the next day and asked to speak to her.</p> - -<p>"I unfolded to the cold, proud woman my plans to -make a living. She did not wait to hear me through, but -flew into such a passion of rage that I drew back in -terror.</p> - -<p>"'I have different plans for you entirely, Ida May,' -she said. 'Go to your mother. I told her my plans -scarcely half an hour ago. She will unfold them to you. -Mind, they must be carried out by you, or your mother -and you will suffer. Your father owed us a sum of -money before he died, and during the past years your -mother has worked to pay us off. Over one-half yet -remains to be paid. Your mother's name is signed to -your father's notes of indebtedness, and she is responsible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> -for them. If I pressed for payment and she could not -pay, she could be thrown into a debtor's prison.'</p> - -<p>"I sobbed aloud in my terror: 'Oh, Mrs. Deering, if -this indeed be true, there is more need than ever for me -to earn money to pay off my mother's debts.'</p> - -<p>"'There is another way in which you can pay them -off,' she answered.</p> - -<p>"'Oh, how?' I cried, falling on my knees and clasping -my hands.</p> - -<p>"The answer came like a crash of thunder from a clear -sky.</p> - -<p>"'By marrying my nephew,' she said, harshly.</p> - -<p>"I sprung to my feet in terror. Marry any one! I, -who was only a child!</p> - -<p>"'My mother would not consent to anything like that, -even——'</p> - -<p>"'She will be forced to consent!' was the harsh reply. -'My nephew will be here in a week.'</p> - -<p>"I found my mother walking her room, wringing her -hands and tearing her hair. Her excitement was so -great that for a moment I was terrified.</p> - -<p>"'Has she told you all, Ida?' she asked, in terror.</p> - -<p>"'Yes, mother,' I answered.</p> - -<p>"'And did she tell you what this nephew of hers was -like?'</p> - -<p>"'No,' I replied, greatly puzzled by her manner.</p> - -<p>"She shuddered as with a terrible chill.</p> - -<p>"'Listen, Ida,' she said, in a strained, awful voice: -'Her nephew is such a horrid creature, that to be hated -he needs but to be seen. He is a hunchback—and—an -idiot—has a touch of insanity about him. Except the first -few years of his life, he has been confined in an asylum. -This nephew has a bachelor uncle, who has declared his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -intention to make the young man his heir if he marries -when he is twenty-one. Otherwise the great fortune -goes to another branch of the family. They would -make a victim of you, wreck your beautiful young life -for their own ambitious aims. It will be six months before -he is of age. But the marriage shall never be, -my darling. Your young life shall never be sacrificed -by these inhuman Shylocks. When the hour comes, we -will die together.'</p> - -<p>"One day my mother met me with a white, awful face.</p> - -<p>"'Mrs. Deering's nephew has arrived with a valet!' -she cried, under her breath.</p> - -<p>"'But the six months are not up, mother," I cried. 'It -wants a fortnight to that time.'</p> - -<p>"'He has come to stay until you make your decision.'</p> - -<p>"Oh, God! the horror of it! Death a thousand times -over would have been preferable to that.</p> - -<p>"How could I stand at the altar and promise to obey -a creature the very sight of whom filled me with disgust -and terror?</p> - -<p>"I fled through the village, not daring to look behind -me, and never stopping until I reached the telegraph -office.</p> - -<p>"It was little wonder that I made strange mistakes -during the hour that followed.</p> - -<p>"It was during this time that Mrs. May stepped up to -the window and called for a blank.</p> - -<p>"Although her name was the same as mine, yet we -were in no way related to each other. They were -wealthy people from Boston, I had heard, and were summering -in the village.</p> - -<p>"Without waiting to see the message sent, the lady hurried -out of the office. A great sigh broke from my lips as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -I noted the well-filled purse that she carried, the magnificent -diamonds she wore on her hands, and which -swung sparkling from her ears. Any one of the gems -she wore would have been a fortune to a poor girl like -me.</p> - -<p>"As she crossed the railway track in the direction of -the post office, she must have seen the train bearing down -upon her from around the curve of the road.</p> - -<p>"However, she fainted away from fright, and lay -directly on the track. I had seen it all from my window, -and I sprung to her rescue and dragged her by main -force from the track just in time to save her from destruction, -as the ponderous locomotive just then thundered -by. Mrs. May's gratitude was great when she recovered -consciousness.</p> - -<p>"'How shall I ever reward you, my good girl?' she -cried.</p> - -<p>"'I need no reward,' I answered. 'I would have done -that for any one!'</p> - -<p>"'You must be rewarded,' she declared. 'My husband -is coming from Boston to-night, and he will insist -upon doing handsomely by you.'</p> - -<p>"I was living at home with my poor old mother, and -when I went home that evening and told her the story, -she wept like a child.</p> - -<p>"'You did a noble action, Ida,' she said; adding -slowly: 'The Mays are very rich. I should not be surprised -if they made you a handsome present. I once -knew a gentleman who gave a lad twenty-five dollars for -saving his son from drowning. Perhaps they may do as -well by you.'</p> - -<p>"You see, we were very poor—mother and I—and -twenty-five dollars seemed a great deal to us.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<p>"'How much good we could do with that sum,' my -mother said. 'We could get a little ahead in our rent, -and spare enough out of it to get a new dress for you.'</p> - -<p>"I clasped my hands. A new dress! Oh, surely it -would be madness to hope for such a thing!</p> - -<p>"That evening Mrs. May sent for me to come to the -grand cottage where she was stopping. Her husband, a -very deaf old gentleman, sat at the window as I entered. -They both thanked me in the most eager and grateful -fashion.</p> - -<p>"'We have been thinking the matter over,' said Mrs. -May, 'and I have come to the conclusion that I will do -something handsome for you—give you a pleasure such -as you have never experienced in your young life.'"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>"Mrs. May paused and looked smilingly at me for a -moment or two.</p> - -<p>"'So great is the treat I have in store for you that you -will never forget it. But Mr. May and I disagree slightly -as to what it shall be. We now lay the proposition before -you. Which would you prefer—have five hundred dollars -in cash, or be taken to Newport for a season, have lovely -dresses, and stop at a great hotel, under <i>my</i> protection, -and have as fine a time as any young girl at the sea-shore?'</p> - -<p>"I cried aloud in the exuberance of my joy. I had -read of the lives of other young girls at the sea-shore, -and this opportunity seemed like the opening out of -fairy-land to me. You will not blame me, Royal; I was -young and romantic. I had never seen anything of life<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -or its pleasures. A season at Newport! The very -thought of it fairly took away my breath.</p> - -<p>"'Oh, I will go to Newport!' I cried. 'Then the -great dream of my life will be realized!'</p> - -<p>"'My husband thought you would prefer the money, -but I knew that you would prefer the pleasure.'</p> - -<p>"Half wild with joy, I went home and told my mother -the wonderful news. She shook her head sadly.</p> - -<p>"'We are so poor, you should have chosen the money, -Ida,' she sobbed. 'Such a great gift is offered you but -once in a life-time!'</p> - -<p>"'But what does Mrs. May want you to do for her, -Ida? Are you to be her maid?'</p> - -<p>"'Oh, no, mother!' I cried, with a hysterical laugh. -'I am to be a real lady, wear fine clothes, and sit on the -porch reading novels, or promenade on the sea-shore, -from the time I get up in the morning till I retire at night. -I shall have pin-money, too, they say, and that I will send -home to you. So everything will go on with you while I -am away as it did while I was here.'</p> - -<p>"We had never been parted from each other, mother -and I, and oh! it wrung her heart to say 'Yes.'</p> - -<p>"But after much pleading on my part she consented -to let me go. She made one proviso, however, and that -was—I was not to fall in love with any one whom I -might meet.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I can not tell you of my delight when I saw the -wonderful dresses that Mrs. May purchased for me, -saying that they were all my own forever after. She -took me to Newport with her. As my name was the -same as theirs, every one took it for granted that I was -a niece of theirs, instead of their <i>protégée</i> for a few short<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -weeks, a report which the Mays did not trouble themselves -to contradict."</p> - -<p>She had told her story hastily, impetuously, not daring -to look into her lover's face until she had concluded. -Then she raised her great dark eyes slowly. But what -she saw in her husband's face made her cry out in terror.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Royal! Royal! what is the matter?" she cried, -in alarm.</p> - -<p>He sat before her as though he were petrified. The -glassy, horrified stare in his eyes cut to her heart like the -thrust of a sword.</p> - -<p>"I married you for love. You have helped me to escape -Mrs. Deering's dreaded nephew," she faltered.</p> - -<p>By a wonderful effort he found his voice.</p> - -<p>"Not the heiress of the Mays!" he cried, hoarsely, as -though he was unable to realize the truth.</p> - -<p>"You do not love me the less for what I have done, -do you?" she cried, catching her breath with a sharp -sob.</p> - -<p>Before he could find words to answer, breakfast was -announced.</p> - -<p>"Go in and eat your breakfast, Ida," he said. "I -have some important matters which I must attend to that -will keep me busy for the next hour to come. Don't wait -for me. Lie down and rest until you hear from me. -You will need all your strength to meet that which is -before you." And his brows darkened ominously.</p> - -<p>She was young, and youth has an appetite all its own. -She was very tired with all she had gone through the -last few hours, and the appetizing breakfast spread before -her caused her to forget everything else.</p> - -<p>Like all young, healthy girls, she ate heartily; then -she rose from the table and re-entered the little parlor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -to wait for the coming of Royal to ask him to send a -telegram to her mother.</p> - -<p>"Shall I show you to your room, miss?" asked the -waiter.</p> - -<p>"No," she answered. "I will wait here."</p> - -<p>"Then here is a letter which has just been handed me -to give to you."</p> - -<p>She opened it, and found that it was from Royal.</p> - -<p>For one moment Ida May looked with an expression -of puzzled wonder at the letter which the hotel waiter -had handed her.</p> - -<p>It was in Royal's handwriting; she saw that at once.</p> - -<p>What could he write to her about, when he had been -away from her scarcely an hour? He probably wished -to remind her to be sure to be ready when he arrived.</p> - -<p>"How he loves me!" she murmured, a pink flush stealing -into the dimpled cheeks. "What a happy girl I -ought to be that my lover loves me so well!"</p> - -<p>The waiter had gone back to attend to his duty. She -saw that she was alone, and with a quick action she -raised the envelope to her lips with her little white -hands and kissed it—ay, kissed passionately the sword -which was to slay her the next moment.</p> - -<p>Seating herself in a cozy arm-chair close by the open -window, Ida May opened the letter which was to be her -death-warrant, and read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">"<span class="smcap">Ida</span>, I suppose the contents of this note will give you -something of a shock; but it is best to know the truth -now than later on. I shall come to the point at once, that -you may not be kept in suspense.</p> - -<p>"The truth is, Ida, that your confession has knocked -all our little plans on the head. To write plainly, when -I thoughtlessly married you, it was under the impression<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -that you were the niece of the Mays—their future heiress. -I have not told you much about myself in the past, but I -am obliged to do so now.</p> - -<p>"I am not at all a rich fellow. I am working along -as best I can, living on what people call wits—and expectations, -which make me a veritable slave to the whims of -a capricious old aunt and uncle.</p> - -<p>"They have decided that I must marry a girl who has -money. I would not dare to present a portionless bride -to them. In such a case, all my future prospects would -be ruined. I must add that I have a still greater surprise -for you. On leaving you, I purchased this morning's -paper, and the first item that met my eye was the absconding -of the man who performed the ceremony for -us last night. It appears that he was turned out of office -some two days before, impeached, as it were, for embezzling -money.</p> - -<p>"All power was taken from him to act in the capacity -of mayor. Thus the ceremony which we thought made -us one is not binding. You are free as air. No one will -be any the wiser, and you are none the worse for our little -escapade—romance—call it what you will.</p> - -<p>"A little affair in the life of a telegraph operator will -not set the heart of the great world throbbing with excitement. -I am sorry affairs have turned out this way; -for, upon my word, I could have liked you. There is but -one thing to do under the circumstances; that is, to part -company. I advise you to go quietly back and marry the -rich lover Mrs. Deering has selected for you. That will -be better than drudging your life away in a telegraph -office.</p> - -<p>"This is all I have to say, and thus I take French leave -of you. Forget me as quickly as you can, little girl. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -am nearly dead broke, but I am generous enough to share -what money I have with you. Inclosed you will find a -twenty-dollar bill—quite enough to take you back to the -village which you should never have left. Yours in great -haste,</p> - - -<p style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">"'<span class="smcap">Royal</span>.'"</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Once, twice, thrice—ay, a dozen times—the girl read -the heartless letter through until every word was scorched -into her brain in letters of fire, then it fluttered from her -hands to the floor.</p> - -<p>She sat quite still, like one petrified by a sudden awful -horror; then creeping to the window, she raised the sash, -and, looking up into God's face through the glinting sunshine, -asked the angels in Heaven to tell her if it was -true that the husband she had but just wedded had deserted -her.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h2> - - -<p>Again the poor child picked up the cruel letter; but -she could not read a line of it, though she sat looking -at the written page.</p> - -<p>"Not his wife!" she moaned over and over again, -clutching her little hands over her heart.</p> - -<p>With a sudden frenzy she tore the letter into a thousand -shreds, and flung the pieces from her through the -open window.</p> - -<p>Would her poor, sick mother's heart break when she -told her all? When she went home, would they force -her to marry the terrible being she abhorred?</p> - -<p>Home! Ah, God! what a mockery! She had only -a shelter. If she refused to marry the horrible hunchback, -her mother and herself would not even have that.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<p>How could she face the future? The very thought -of it made the blood chill in her veins.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Royal! Royal! death from your hands would -have been easier than that!" she moaned.</p> - -<p>The next moment there was a heavy fall, and one of -the house-maids, passing the parlor, saw the girl lying -in a heap.</p> - -<p>They did all in their power to restore her to consciousness; -but it was quite useless. When they had -worked an hour over her, they became alarmed.</p> - -<p>Where was her husband? Why did he not return? -The hotel physician did all in his power, but without -avail.</p> - -<p>"It looks like a case of brain fever," he said, "or -perhaps typhoid. Either is contagious, therefore dangerous. -I should advise that she be sent to the hospital -around the corner."</p> - -<p>"That husband of hers has not settled his bill!" -exclaimed the proprietor, his face darkening angrily.</p> - -<p>"It is <i>my</i> opinion," said the doctor, "that it is best -not to await the return of the young gentleman who -accompanied her here. In short, it is my opinion that -he has deserted her."</p> - -<p>In less time than it takes to tell it, poor, hapless Ida -May, the victim of such a cruel misfortune, and a -sadder fate yet to follow, was taken to the hospital. -The waning summer days drifted slowly by, and -autumn came with its dead, rustling leaves and sobbing -winds, before Ida May opened her eyes to consciousness -and turned them full upon the white-capped nurse bending -over her.</p> - -<p>"Where is Royal?" she asked, faintly.</p> - -<p>"You mean the young man who left you at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -hotel?" queried the nurse, who had heard the young -girl's sad story; adding: "He never came back to -inquire for you. He has deserted you. He did not -care whether or not the shock would kill you. If there -was ever a heartless scoundrel on the face of the earth, -he is that one!"</p> - -<p>The lovely white young face never changed its pallor, -the dark eyes never left the grim countenance of the -nurse.</p> - -<p>"I want to leave this place at once," said the girl, -attempting to rise from her cot.</p> - -<p>"No, no; you must not do so!" exclaimed the nurse. -"It would be dangerous in your case."</p> - -<p>"But I want my mother," moaned Ida, piteously.</p> - -<p>When the nurse made her rounds an hour later, to -her great consternation she found that Cot 27 was -empty. The girl had flown! The most diligent search -through the city failed to elicit the slightest trace of -her whereabouts.</p> - -<p>An hour later a little dark figure, ensconced in a -corner of the car, was whirling rapidly toward Dorchester.</p> - -<p>She sat staring from the window with eyes that did -not see so intent was she with her own thoughts.</p> - -<p>"I can not marry Mrs. Deering's nephew," she -sobbed, under her breath. "It would be easier for me -to die. But what shall I do to raise the money for -which they hold my poor mother a veritable slave!"</p> - -<p>She clasped her hands in piteous entreaty; but the -soft, radiant moon and the golden stars to which she -raised her eyes so appealingly could find no answer -for her.</p> - -<p>As the train slowed up at the station, she pulled her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -veil down closely. She hurriedly alighted and sped like -a storm-driven swallow up the village street and along -the high-road, until, almost out of breath, she reached -the Deerings' mansion. She stood transfixed for a -moment at the gate.</p> - -<p>What was there about the place that caused such -a shudder to creep over her? What did the awful presentiment, -as of coming evil, mean that took possession -of her body and soul?</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h2> - - -<p>How weird the place looked, how gaunt and bare the -great oak-trees looked, looming up darkly against the -moonlit sky! The dead leaves rustled across her path -as she crept around to the rear door.</p> - -<p>She looked up at her mother's window, and another -great chill crept over her. All was dark there. It had -always been her mother's custom to place her lamp on -the broad window-sill at night. Many a time it had -been her beacon-light in cutting across lots from the -station on evenings when she had been detained by -her work. How strange it was that the light was not -in the window to-night!</p> - -<p>"Mother is not expecting me to-night," she said to -herself, "that is the reason it is not there."</p> - -<p>But ah, how she missed it! How her heart had -yearned to behold it, with a yearning so great that -it had been the most intense pain. She lifted the latch -and entered tremblingly, hesitatingly. It had been -over two months since her mother had heard from her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -How had her patient, suffering mother lived through -it?</p> - -<p>As she crossed the hall she heard the sound of Mrs. -Deering's voice in a sharp, high key. Perhaps the -horrible nephew was with her. She paused in a -paroxysm of terror. She was talking to her husband, -scolding him, rather.</p> - -<p>"It isn't <i>my</i> fault that we lost the fortune," he was -answering her meekly. "You brought your nephew -out of the asylum too soon. You knew he would not -be here a fortnight before he would do some terrible -deed—burn the house down over our heads, or kill -himself when the attendant was not watching, or some -other horrible deed of that kind. When he did succeed -in mutilating himself before any of us was aware of it, -instead of sending him back to the asylum, to be cared -for, you kept him here under lock and key thinking to -cure him yourself in a couple of months or so."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" thought Ida May, leaning faint and dizzy -against the wall, "now I understand why Mrs. Deering -consented to let me go away. Anything to get me out -of the house while she was curing the insane nephew -whom she had vowed I must wed."</p> - -<p>The next words, while they shocked her inexpressively, -lifted a world of woe from her heart.</p> - -<p>"Well, despite our watchfulness, he succeeded in killing -himself at last; so there's the end of it. The fortune -is lost, and there's no use in raving over it, and in -venting your bitter wrath upon everything and every -one that comes within your range."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Deering's anger was so great that she could not -utter a word. She flung open the door and dashed into -the hall. The very first object that met her gaze was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -the cowering little figure leaning against the balustrade.</p> - -<p>"You!" she cried, quite as soon as she could catch -her breath. "How dare you come here, Ida May, you -wicked girl! I am amazed that you have the effrontery -to face honest people after what you have done! We -read all about it in the newspapers—how you ran away -from Newport with a gay, dashing fellow who soon after -deserted you. Don't attempt to tell me anything about -it. I won't listen to a word. Get out of this house as -quick as you can! Go, before I bid the servants throw -you from the house!"</p> - -<p>"But my mother! Surely you will let me see my -mother!" sobbed the girl, piteously. "The whole wide -world may be against me, but she will believe me guiltless! -<i>Please</i> let me see her."</p> - -<p>A laugh that was horrible to hear broke from Mrs. -Deering's thin lips.</p> - -<p>"Your mother!" she sneered; "much you cared about -her, or how your doings affected her. That article in -the newspapers did the work, as you might have known -it would. I carried the paper to her myself, and when -she read it she fell to the floor with a bitter cry, and she -never spoke again. It was her death-warrant!"</p> - -<p>For one moment the girl looked at the woman with -frightened eyes, as though she could not quite comprehend -the full import of what the woman was saying.</p> - -<p>"It killed your mother!" she repeated pitilessly. -"You might have known it would. She died of a -broken heart!"</p> - -<p>A long, low moan came from the girl's lips. The -awful despair in the dark eyes would have touched -any other heart, even though it were made of stone; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -in Mrs. Deering's heart there was neither pity nor -mercy.</p> - -<p>"Go!" she repeated, threateningly, "and do not dare -to ever darken my door again!"</p> - -<p>"Will you tell me where you have buried my poor -mother?" moaned Ida May, with bitter anguish.</p> - -<p>"In the lot where the poor of the village are put," -she answered, unfeelingly. "We had to have a mark -put over her. You can easily find it. It's to the left-hand -corner, the last one on the row. It would be -better for you, you shameless girl, if you were lying -beside her rather than sink to the lowest depths of the -road you are traveling. Go—go at once!"</p> - -<p>With trembling feet she crept down the broad path -and out of the gate. She was drenched to the skin, and -the chill October winds pierced through her thin wet -clothes like the sharp cut of a knife. It did not matter -much; nothing mattered for her any more. She was -going to find her mother's grave, kneel down beside it, -lay her tired head on the little green mound, and wait -there for death to come to her, for surely God would -grant her prayer and in pity reach out His hand to her -and take her home. There would be a home <i>there</i> -where her mother was, even if all other doors were -closed to her.</p> - -<p>She had little difficulty in finding the place—a small -inclosure in the rear of the old church that had fallen -into decay and crumbling ruins many years ago—and -by the blinding flashes of lightning, she found the -grave of her mother—her poor, suffering mother, the -only being who had ever loved her in the great, cold, -desolate earth.</p> - -<p>"Mother," she sobbed, laying her face on the cold,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -wet leaves that covered the mound, "mother, I have -come to you to die. The world has gone all wrong -with me. I never meant to go wrong. I do not know -how it happened. Other young girls have married the -lovers whom they thought God had sent to them, and -lived happy enough lives. I built such glorious air-castles -of the home I should have, the handsome, strong -young husband to love and to labor for me, and how -you should live with me, mother, never having to work -any more. But oh, mother, all my plans went wrong! -I don't know why."</p> - -<p>Ida May crouched there among the sleeping dead, -her brain in a whirl; and the long night wore on. The -storm subsided, the wind died away over the tossing -trees and the far-off hills, and the rain ceased. Morning -broke faint and gray in the eastern sky, and the -flecks of crimson along the horizon presaged a bright -and gladsome day.</p> - -<p>The station-agent, hurrying along to his duties at -that early hour, was startled to see a dark figure lying -among the graves. In a moment he was bending over -the prostrate form. He could not distinguish in the -dim light whose grave it was upon which the poor -creature was lying, but as he lifted the slender figure, -and the faint, early light fell upon the white, beautiful -young face, he started back with an exclamation of -horror.</p> - -<p>"Great God! it is little Ida May!"</p> - -<p>For an instant he was incapable of action, his surprise -was so intense.</p> - -<p>"Dead!" he muttered, cold drops of perspiration -standing out like beads on his perturbed brow.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -"Little Ida May dead on her mother's grave! God, -how pitiful! She was so young to die!"</p> - -<p>Then he knelt down beside her in the thick, wet -grass, and placed his hand over her heart in the wild -hope that a spark of life might yet be there.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h2> - - -<p>With bated breath, Hugh Rowland, the station-agent, -knelt down in the dew-wet grass, and placed his hand -over the girl's heart. Although the sweet white face -upturned to the gray morning light was as white as -death, he cried out sharply to himself: "Her heart still -beats! God be praised! There is life in her yet!"</p> - -<p>Gathering her in his arms, as though she were a -little child, he carried her quickly across lots to the -station, and placed her upon a rude bench. Once there, -he could control himself no longer. He dropped upon -his knees beside her, burying his face in the folds of -her wet dress, chafing her hands, and sobbing as though -his heart would break.</p> - -<p>He had loved the girl lying there so stark and -motionless as he had never loved anything in his life -before; but he had never dared to tell her of it. -Though he was station-agent, and she a telegraph -operator, she seemed as far above him as the star is -from the earth.</p> - -<p>For a moment Hugh Rowland had almost lost control -of himself; then he remembered how horribly cold -she was, and he had the presence of mind to start a fire -in the big stove that always stood in the center of the -waiting-room.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> - -<p>The grateful heat that rose from it quickly brought -the breath of life to the girl's white lips. The great, -dark, somber eyes opened wide, and she saw the rugged, -kindly face of the young station-agent bending over -her.</p> - -<p>"I found you—you had fainted in the graveyard," -he said. "Luckily enough, I was just passing, and I -brought you here."</p> - -<p>"Oh, why didn't you let me die?" moaned the girl, -so bitterly that he was shocked.</p> - -<p>"It is very wicked to talk like that," he said, forcing -down the great lump that rose in his throat.</p> - -<p>"No!" she cried, vehemently. "How could it be -very wrong to leave a great, cold, cruel world in which -nobody wants you. I have nothing to live for."</p> - -<p>"But somebody does want you, Ida May!" cried the -great rough fellow, with tears that were no disgrace -to his manhood coursing down his cheek. "I want -you with all my heart!"</p> - -<p>"Hush, hush, hush!" she cried; "you must not talk -so to me!" she cried. "Don't say any more! It can -never be! You do not know all!"</p> - -<p>"Do not say me nay. Give me the right to protect -you, Ida. We can go away from this village. I can -get a job on the road anywhere along the line. I will -work for you, and tend to you so very carefully that -you will forget the past!"</p> - -<p>She only turned away from him, pleading with him -for the love of Heaven to say no more. He stopped -short, looking at her gloomily. He had used all the -words that he could command, and they had been of no -avail. She would not even listen.</p> - -<p>"One moment more!" he cried, hoarsely. "Always<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> -remember, Ida May, that you leave behind you a heart -that beats only for you—only for you. No other -woman's face shall ever win my love from you. I will -wait here, where you leave me, for long years, until you -come back to me—ay, I will wait from day to day with -this one hope in my heart: Some day she will come -back to me; she will find the world too cold and hard, -and will come back to me to comfort her. I will watch -for you from darkness until day dawns again. My -form, so straight now, may grow bent with years, my -hair grow white, and lines seam my face, but through -it all I shall watch for your coming until God rewards -my vigilance. Good-bye, and God bless you, Ida May, -oh love of my heart!"</p> - -<p>She passed from his sight with those words ringing -in her ears, and when the New York express passed on -again after she had boarded it, the young station-agent -fell prone upon his face to the floor, and lay there -like one dead.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Few passengers turned to look at the little figure -that entered the car at the way-side station at so early -an hour of the morning, and Ida May cowered quickly -down into the first seat. The clothes under the long, -dark cloak were saturated, but no one could see that, -nor notice how damp and matted were the curling rings -of dark hair which the hood of the cloak but half concealed. -The hours crept on as the express whirled over -the rails; but Ida May paid no heed to time.</p> - -<p>But hunger at last began to tell upon her, and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -eagerly hailed a boy who passed through the train with -a basket of sandwiches on his arm.</p> - -<p>She looked at the coins she still held loosely in her -hand, and found to her dismay that, with the exception -of two pieces of silver, she held a handful of gold -dollars.</p> - -<p>"His pocket-pieces," she sobbed. "Oh, if I had -known that, I would have refused to take them; but—but -I will work and earn money, and—and pay him -back double their value. Poor fellow—poor fellow!" -and she laid her face on the window-sill, sobbing as -though her heart would break.</p> - -<p>Suddenly she heard a voice in the seat back of her -say:</p> - -<p>"You seem very much distressed, poor girl. Is there -any way in which I can serve you?"</p> - -<p>The deep, musical voice was so kind, so humane, so -sympathetic, that Ida May turned around with a start -to see who it was who had asked the question.</p> - -<p>She saw directly back of her a fair, handsome young -man who had evidently just entered the car, and who -was depositing his grip-sack and umbrella in the rack -above his head.</p> - -<p>At the first glance a faint shriek broke from her lips. -She was just about to cry out, "Royal Ainsley—great -Heaven!—do we meet again?" when she saw her error -in time. Although bearing a certain resemblance to the -lover who had so cruelly betrayed her, a second glance -told her it was not him.</p> - -<p>It was a moment ere she recovered herself sufficiently -to answer, then she faltered, piteously:</p> - -<p>"I <i>am</i> in sorrow, sir, so great that I do not think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -any young girl but me could ever pass through it—and -live."</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to pry into your private affairs," -said the young man, courteously, "but I wish to repeat, -if you will tell me what troubles you, and I can be -of service to you, I shall be only too pleased. Although -a stranger, you will find me worthy of your confidence, -my poor child!"</p> - -<p>There was something about the handsome, kindly, -blue-eyed young man that caused Ida May's heart to -go out to him at once. His was a face that women -always trusted, and no one had ever had cause to regret -it.</p> - -<p>"I am going to New York in search of work," faltered -the girl, clasping her little hands closely together.</p> - -<p>"That is certainly reason enough to weep," he -replied earnestly. "May I ask if you have friends -there to whom you are going until you can find employment?"</p> - -<p>Ida May shook her head, her breast heaved, her -white lips quivered, while great tears welled up to the -great dark eyes, so like purple velvet pansies drowned -in rain.</p> - -<p>"I have no friends—no one. I am all alone in the -world, sir," she sobbed. "My mother is dead—dead. -I have just left her grave. She and I were all in all -to each other; now she is gone, and I—Oh, only the -angels know that no sorrow is so bleak, so pitiful, so -awful, as to be all alone in the world."</p> - -<p>"I can understand the situation perfectly," he -answered in a low voice, "and I can pity you. Although -not quite alone in the world myself, I am almost -as badly off. But to return to yourself: I may be able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -to serve you. What kind of employment were you intending -to search for? In some store, or dress-making -or millinery establishment?" he queried.</p> - -<p>She looked blankly up into his fair, handsome, -earnest face.</p> - -<p>"I do not know how to do anything of that kind," -she answered, simply. "I thought perhaps I might find -employment in some telegraph office."</p> - -<p>"Why, yes, indeed. I wonder that that idea did not -occur to me before. A friend of mine is superintendent -of a large branch of the Western Union, up Broadway. -I will give you a note to him, and I have no doubt he -will do all in his power to aid you, providing he has a -vacancy."</p> - -<p>"Oh, thank you a thousand times, sir," cried Ida -May, thankfully; "I shall be so grateful—oh, so very -grateful!"</p> - -<p>"Mind, it is not a certainty, you know," admonished -the stranger earnestly; "I can only write the letter. -But that is not assuring you of a situation—we can -only hope for it."</p> - -<p>He tore out a leaf from his memorandum, and taking -a gold pencil from his vest pocket, hastily jotted down -a few lines upon it.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry I am not going through to New York; -otherwise I would take you there myself," he said, -courteously, as he folded up the note and handed it to -her.</p> - -<p>At that moment his station was reached. He had -barely time to touch his hat to her, gather up his parcels, -and alight, ere the train moved out again. The -young man looked after it and the sweet, tearful young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -face pressed against one of the windows until it was -out of sight.</p> - -<p>"By all that is wonderful!" he ejaculated in a very -troubled voice, "I am almost positive that I forgot to -sign my name to that note, and it was written so badly -on that jolting car, Ernscourt won't be able to make -it out or know whose writing it is. Poor little girl! I -hope she will find a position there. What a terrible -thing it is to be young and desolate in the great wicked -city of New York! She is so young, guileless and innocent, -I hope no ill will befall her. I must remember -to look up my friend Ernscourt to learn if he gave her -a position or not. I declare, if it were not that I am -betrothed to the sweetest girl in all the world, I am -afraid I should commit the desperate folly of falling -in love with that beautiful, dark-eyed little stranger. -Now that I think of it, it did not occur to me to even -ask her name or where she was from."</p> - -<p>His reverie was somewhat rudely interrupted by a -hearty slap on the shoulder and a hearty voice calling -out gayly:</p> - -<p>"Why, Royal, how are you, old fellow? What, in the -name of all that's amazing, brings you to Yonkers?"</p> - -<p>"Why, Hal, is this you?" cried the other, in astonishment -and delight. "This is an additional pleasure, -meeting my old college chum fully a thousand miles -from where I would never have imagined finding him. -But a word in your ear, my dear boy: It's two years -since you and I parted at college, old fellow, and a -great deal has happened in that time. We will walk up -the street while I inform you."</p> - -<p>"With the greatest of pleasure, Royal," returned -his companion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Tut! tut! Don't call me Royal—Royal Ainsley. -I'm that no longer, you know—no, I suppose you don't -know; but that's exactly what I want to talk to you -about."</p> - -<p>"I am too astonished for utterance," declared his -friend.</p> - -<p>"Why, the explanation is certainly simple enough," -declared the other, with a good-natured, mellow little -laugh; adding: "Why, you, my college chum, knew -what many another friend of mine does <i>not</i> know, -namely, that there are two Royal Ainsleys, or, rather, -there was up to the present year. It's a bit of secret -family history; but I am obliged to take you into my -confidence, in order that you may fully understand my -most peculiar position. Two brothers, who were almost -enemies born, married about the same time, and -to each of the gentlemen—namely, my uncle and my -father, was born a son—my cousin and myself.</p> - -<p>"These gentlemen had an eccentric elder brother who -had money to burn, as the saying is, and what should -each of these younger brothers do but name their sons -after the wealthy old Royal Ainsley, if you please, each -hoping that <i>his</i> son would be the old uncle's heir.</p> - -<p>"A pretty mess these two belligerent gentlemen made -of the affair, I assure you. Two Royal Ainsleys, each -resembling the other to an unpleasantly startling -degree, of almost the same age, being born scarcely a -week apart.</p> - -<p>"We were constantly getting into all manner of -scrapes, a case of being continually taken for the fellow -that looks like me, as the song goes. Each disputed -with the other the right to bear the name, and neither -would put a handle to it or do anything to cause it to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -differ in any way from the cognomen of the famous old -uncle, who was certainly quite as bewildered as any -one else.</p> - -<p>"As we two lads grew older, I took to books, my -cousin to sports and the pretty faces of girls. When -his folks died and he was left to follow the bent of his -own inclination, in spite of my earnest admonition and -my uncle's combined, he jumped the traces of home -restraint altogether, and started out to see life on his -own hook. The last I heard of him he was with some -distant relative, clerking in a New York importing -house.</p> - -<p>"Now for <i>my</i> side of the story. From the hour he -defied uncle and shook off his restraint, old Royal -Ainsley's hatred of him grew so bitter we dared not -mention my wayward cousin, Royal Ainsley, in his -presence. My uncle actually forced me to change my -name through legislative enactment to make it legal. -He insisted upon naming me Eugene Mallard, declaring -that my cousin would be sure to disgrace the name of -Royal Ainsley through the length and breadth of the -land before he stopped in his mad downward career.</p> - -<p>"Well, to make a long story short, my uncle sent me -to Europe on business for him, and his sudden death -brought me hurriedly home this week, to find that he -has left me his entire fortune, with the proviso that -not one dollar shall ever go to my cousin, who, in all -probability, does not yet know of his sad plight.</p> - -<p>"Now, last but by no means least, on the steamer -coming back from London I met a beautiful young -girl, Miss Hildegarde Cramer. It was a case of love -at first sight between us. You know I'm a very impulsive -fellow. I proposed, and she accepted me on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -spot; but mind, she knows me as Eugene Mallard, and -so she shall know me to the end of her sweet life, bless -her.</p> - -<p>"Now you know the whole story. Mind, I'm not -Royal Ainsley, but, instead, Eugene Mallard, at your -service.</p> - -<p>"Hildegarde is visiting in Yonkers, so I ran up to see -my sweetheart. Sounds like a romance or a comedy, -doesn't it?"</p> - -<p>"I hope there will be no tinge of tragedy in it," -laughed his friend, thoughtlessly.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>With a note of introduction to the superintendent -clutched tightly in her hand, Ida May reached New -York City. She took barely time to swallow a cup of -coffee ere she hurried to the number indicated. Her -heart sunk within her as she looked up at the immense -building; but with a courage which should have met -with a better reward, she took the elevator, and soon -found herself on the eighth floor, where the superintendent's -office was situated.</p> - -<p>"He is not in," an attendant told her. "He left the -city two days ago, and is not expected to return for a -fortnight."</p> - -<p>Tears that she could not control sprung into Ida -May's dark eyes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, what shall I do?" cried the girl; "I want to -see him so much!"</p> - -<p>The attendant was moved to pity by her great distress.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<p>"If you are looking for a position, or anything of -that kind, perhaps I could suggest something."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, that is it, sir," exclaimed Ida May, looking -up through her tears—"that is my errand. I want to -secure a position."</p> - -<p>"Then it is the manager, instead of the superintendent, -you will have to apply to. I think he is in his -office. Step this way, please."</p> - -<p>He threw open a door to the right, and Ida May followed -him into a large room, in which were dozens -of young girls bending over tables.</p> - -<p>The deafening click! click! click! of the telegraph -instruments drowned every sound.</p> - -<p>Some girls never raised their heads, as Ida May, -following the attendant, passed down the long aisle. -Others, however, glanced at her, at first casually, -which deepened instantly into a gaze of curiosity and -intense interest, for they had never beheld a creature -with such superb beauty. Their hearts beat with -envy.</p> - -<p>"The manager will be sure to engage her," they -whispered. "Her pretty face will be sure to be a -passport to favor. There used to be a time when it -was 'How much do you know about the business?' -but now it is 'What kind of a face have you? If it's -a pretty and dashing one, I'll engage you.' An old -or a homely girl doesn't stand any show whatever -nowadays."</p> - -<p>All unconscious of these remarks, Ida May passed -on. The attendant threw open another door at the -end of a large room, and she found herself in a luxuriously -furnished office. A young and exceedingly -handsome man sat at a desk writing. He glanced up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -angrily at the sound of footsteps, and was about to -make a sharp remark to the man, when he caught sight -of the beautiful young creature he was ushering into -his presence.</p> - -<p>"Ah, sit down," he said, blandly; "I will attend -to you in one moment."</p> - -<p>The attendant had scarcely closed the door behind -him ere the manager—for such he proved to be—turned -quickly about and faced the young girl.</p> - -<p>"What can I do for you?" he said in his blandest -voice. He had taken in at first glance the wondrous -beauty of the young girl. It was certainly the most -exquisite face he had ever beheld, and a strange gleam -leaped into his eyes. He told himself that, from her -appearance, she had certainly come in search of a -position. Ida May looked up into the dark, handsome -face. Instinctively she shrunk from him, but -could not tell why. Very timidly she stated her -errand, the color on her face deepening, as she could -not help but notice the ardent glance of admiration he -bent upon her, and there was something in the bold -glance of his eyes that made her feel extremely uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>In a falteringly voice Ida stated her errand, and -what experience she had had in her little village home. -To her great delight and surprise, he answered -quickly:</p> - -<p>"I think I will be able to make a place for you. It -would be a pity to send away such a pretty girl as -you are."</p> - -<p>Ida May drew back in alarm. She did not like the -remark, nor the look which accompanied it; but she -dared not make an indignant reply.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where are you stopping?" he asked in the next -breath.</p> - -<p>"I have just reached the city, sir," she responded. -"I came in search of a position even before I found a -place to stop."</p> - -<p>"It is well you did so," he responded quickly. "I -know of a place that I think will suit you. The lady -has no other boarders. You would be company for -her. I would make this observation here and now: the -girls we have here are a talkative set. Pay no attention -to their remarks."</p> - -<p>He wrote an address on a slip of paper, and handed -it to the girl.</p> - -<p>"I am very grateful, sir, for the interest you have -taken in me, a poor girl," she said, tremulously. "Shall -I report to-day for work, sir?" she asked. "I should -like to commence as soon as possible."</p> - -<p>"To-morrow will do," he answered.</p> - -<p>With a heart full of thanks, she left the office.</p> - -<p>Frank Garrick, the manager, looked after her with -a smile that was not pleasant to see.</p> - -<p>"I have run across many a little beauty in my time," -he muttered, gazing after her, "but surely never such -an exquisite little beauty as this one."</p> - -<p>The girls looked at one another, nodding grimly, -when Ida May presented herself for duty the next day.</p> - -<p>"Didn't I tell you how it would be?" sneered one -of the girls. "Our handsome manager, Mr. Garrick, -was captivated by the girl's beauty, as I knew he -would be, and engaged her, although he refused to -take on, only the day before, three girls whom I knew -to be actually starving."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> - -<p>There was one girl who looked at Ida May with -darkening eyes.</p> - -<p>She bent over her task; but though the hours passed, -the terrible look never left her face.</p> - -<p>"Nannie is jealous," more than one girl whispered -to her neighbor. "You see, she's head over heels in -love with our manager. If he so much as looks at any -other girl that passes along, she sulks for a week. What -fun it would be to make her jealous. Oh, let's try, -girls! Let's put up a job on her. It would be such -fun!"</p> - -<p>"Not for the new-comer!" laughed another girl.</p> - -<p>"Nannie would make it pretty hot for her here."</p> - -<p>Little dreaming of the tempest they were stirring up, -the girls thoughtlessly planned their little joke. Their -shouts of laughter would have been turned into tears of -pity could they have beheld the harvest of woe that -was to spring from it.</p> - -<p>Nannie Rogers noticed that the beautiful new-comer -was assigned to an instrument at a table almost directly -opposite the private office. This inflamed the jealously -of Nannie Rogers.</p> - -<p>She noted how he watched her from the window of -his office all the next day.</p> - -<p>More than one girl called Nannie Rogers' attention -to this at noon-hour.</p> - -<p>"You will have to look to your laurels, Nan," more -than one declared, banteringly. "You will find this -Ida May a rival, I fear."</p> - -<p>"Any girl had better be dead than attempt to be a -rival of mine," she answered.</p> - -<p>There came a time when the girls remembered that -remark all too forcibly.</p> - -<p>Ida May bent over her task, paying little attention<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -to anything around her. She was trying to forget her -double sorrow, all that she had gone through, and the -death of her poor mother that had followed.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h2> - - -<p>Ida May had found no difficulty whatever in securing -board at the place where Frank Garrick had suggested.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Cole, who owned the cottage, told Ida that she -was a widow.</p> - -<p>"I have a little income that keeps me comfortable," -she added; "but to accommodate my friend, Mr. Garrick, -I will take you in."</p> - -<p>"He is a friend of yours?" exclaimed the girl.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I used to be in the telegraph office before I -married," she responded. "In fact, my husband and -Mr. Garrick were both paying attention to me at the -same time. To be candid, I liked Mr. Garrick the -better; but we had a little misunderstanding, and -through pique I married his rival. I lost sight of him -after that until my husband died. After I became a -widow he called upon me several times."</p> - -<p>She gave the impression to Ida that she expected a -proposal from her old lover some time in the near -future, but the girl paid little heed to the blushing -widow. Her thoughts were elsewhere.</p> - -<p>One evening, at the end of the second week, as Ida -was hurrying homeward, she was startled by a step -behind her.</p> - -<p>"You seem to be in a hurry, Miss May," a voice -said; and turning quickly around, she beheld the handsome -manager, Mr. Garrick.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I <i>am</i> in a hurry!" she assented. "I am a little -late now, and Mrs. Cole does not like me to keep -supper waiting."</p> - -<p>"Never mind what she likes," he returned, impatiently. -"Let us take a little walk, I have something -to say to you, pretty one."</p> - -<p>There was something in his eyes, his voice, that somehow -startled her.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, but I do not care to walk," she said, -simply, with the haughty air of a young princess.</p> - -<p>"Don't put on airs," he said, harshly; "you are not -very wise to try to snub a manager who has the power -to turn you out of your position at any moment."</p> - -<p>Ida grew frightfully pale.</p> - -<p>"Come, let us take a little walk," he urged. "You're -a very pretty girl, and I like you."</p> - -<p>Ida May drew back with an exclamation of alarm.</p> - -<p>"I refuse to walk with you!" she said.</p> - -<p>"Don't make an enemy of me, Ida May!" he hissed -between his teeth.</p> - -<p>"If such a trifle will make an enemy, I would rather -make an enemy than a friend of you!" she answered.</p> - -<p>"Are you mad, girl, to defy me like this?" he cried, -setting his white teeth together, his eyes fairly blazing.</p> - -<p>"I have no wish to defy you! I can not see why my -refusing to walk with you should offend you!"</p> - -<p>"Come, be reasonable," he urged; "let us have a -little quiet talk. I have called at your boarding-house -half a dozen times since you have been there, but that -idiotic fool, who is half in love with me herself, would -not let me see you. I might have known how it would -be: I'll look for another boarding-place at once for -you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<p>The interest he took in her alarmed her.</p> - -<p>"I am very well satisfied where I am, Mr. Garrick," -she answered, with dignity. "I beg that you will not -call upon me, for I do not care to receive gentlemen -callers."</p> - -<p>Again a rage that was terrible to see flashed into his -eyes.</p> - -<p>"You <i>must</i> see me!" he hissed. "It is not for you -to be chooser. Don't you see I have taken a fancy to -you," he said, throwing off all reserve. "You must be -mine! I never really knew what love meant until I -saw you!"</p> - -<p>"Stop! Stop!" panted Ida May. "I will not listen -to another word. You must not talk to me of love!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I loved you, Ida May, from the first time I saw -you. There was something about you which thrilled -my heart and caused me to wish that you should be -mine, cost what it would!"</p> - -<p>"I will not listen to another word!" said Ida May.</p> - -<p>He laughed an insolent laugh that made the blood -fairly boil in her veins.</p> - -<p>"Come, we will go into this restaurant where we can -talk at our leisure."</p> - -<p>He had caught her by the arm. With a cry of terror -the girl wrenched herself free from his grasp and fairly -flew down the street, and she did not stop until she -reached her boarding-house.</p> - -<p>"Why, dear me, Miss May, one would think you were -flying from a cyclone!" declared Mrs. Cole, who was -just passing through the hall as she came in.</p> - -<p>Gasping for breath, and scarcely able to keep from -tears, Ida May told her all, believing that the woman -would sympathize with her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why, you are more of a prude than I thought you -were," said Mrs. Cole.</p> - -<p>Ida May drew back with dilated eyes.</p> - -<p>"You, a woman, to tell me this! Why, I tell you he -was insulting me!" cried the girl, vehemently.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Cole laughed cynically.</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" she declared. "You might do worse -than accept his attentions. He's over head and heels -in love with you. I could have told you that a week -ago."</p> - -<p>"He is a bold, bad man!" cried Ida May. "And yet -you would counsel me to encourage him wouldn't -you?"</p> - -<p>The elder woman shrugged her shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Any one could easily see that you are a country -girl," she said, with a harsh laugh that grated on the -girl who listened with amazement.</p> - -<p>With this parting shot the woman turned on her -heel and left Ida May staring after her.</p> - -<p>To Ida's intense anxiety, her landlady was unusually -cool at the tea-table. She did not come up to -Ida May's room that evening to chat, but announced -that she had a headache, needed quiet, and would stay -in her own room. Her presence during the long evenings -had done much toward making the girl forget her -sorrow, and she felt her absence keenly enough on this -night when she had so much need of sympathy.</p> - -<p>Feeling too restless to commune with her own -thoughts, she concluded to read a book to fill in the -time that hung so heavily on her hands.</p> - -<p>Ida May descended to the sitting-room, where, she -remembered, she had left the book on the table. She -went down the carpeted stairs quietly, passing Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -Cole's door with noiseless feet, that she might not disturb -her.</p> - -<p>As she stood before the door of the sitting-room, with -her hand on the knob, she was suddenly attracted by -the sound of voices from within, her own name falling -distinctly upon her ears. She stood still with astonishment, -for the voice that uttered her name was that -of Frank Garrick.</p> - -<p>Her first impulse was to turn quickly away; but the -words that she heard him utter held her spell-bound.</p> - -<p>Mr. Garrick was talking to Mrs. Cole in a low, excited -voice, and what the girl heard filled her soul with -wildest terror.</p> - -<p>For a moment she stood irresolute; then her decision -was made. As soon as the morning broke, she would -leave that house.</p> - -<p>She flew back to her room, her mind in a whirl, her -brain dizzy with conflicting emotions. She sat down -in a chair by the open window, and leaned her hot, -flushed face in the palms of her hands. She was beginning -to learn the lessons of the great, wicked world. -How long she sat there she never knew.</p> - -<p>She was planning about what she should do when the -morrow came. Though she starved on the street, she -would not go back to the telegraph office where Frank -Garrick was; nor could she remain in the house that -now sheltered her, where the woman who pretended to -be her friend and counselor was deliberately plotting -against her.</p> - -<p>She had purchased a dress, cloak, and hat out of the -money she had found in her pocket. This expenditure -had reduced the little sum considerably; but she had -been obliged to present a respectable appearance.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> - -<p>Where should she look for work in the great big -city? While she was cogitating over the matter, Mrs. -Cole appeared in the door-way with a glass of lemonade -in her hand.</p> - -<p>"I have brought you something very refreshing, -Ida," she said. "It took away <i>my</i> headache, and it -will make you enjoy a good night's sleep."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, but I do not care for the lemonade," -returned the girl, coldly.</p> - -<p>Her first impulse had been to spring to her feet, -and inform her that she had accidently overheard her -conversation with Frank Garrick, and upbraid her for -it in the bitterest of words. Then the thought occurred -to her that discretion was the better part of valor—to -say nothing, and leave the house quietly in the -morning.</p> - -<p>"But I insist upon your drinking the lemonade," declared -the young widow.</p> - -<p>Ida looked at her steadily, and something in the reproachful -glance of the girl's eyes made her wince. -The hand that held the glass shook in spite of her -efforts at composure.</p> - -<p>"It will induce an excellent night's sleep, my dear," -said Mrs. Cole, smoothly. "Stir it up; you are letting -all the sugar settle at the bottom."</p> - -<p>"I do not care for it," repeated Ida, a trifle more -haughtily.</p> - -<p>"But as it is for your good, you <i>must</i> drink it!" repeated -her companion. "I shall not leave the room -until you do so."</p> - -<p>At that moment Katie, the little maid of all work, -entered the room with towels.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p>Passing near the back of her chair, she managed to -whisper in her ear, unobserved by Mrs. Cole:</p> - -<p>"Promise her to drink the lemonade if she will leave -it on the table; but don't touch a drop of it. I'll tell -you why later."</p> - -<p>The remark was accompanied by a warning glance -from the girl's eyes. Laying down the towels, Katie -retreated to the door; but the warning look that she -cast back at her aroused Ida May.</p> - -<p>"Set the glass down, and I will drink the lemonade -later on," she said, quietly.</p> - -<p>"Do you promise me that you will?" said Mrs. Cole, -with unusual interest.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Ida, hesitatingly. "Put it down on the -table."</p> - -<p>"I will come back in ten minutes," declared Mrs. -Cole, "and if you have not drunk it by that time—well, -I'll make you, that's all," she added, with a -forced laugh, but meaning just what she said.</p> - -<p>Ida May sat down when she found herself alone, -wondering in amazement what Katie could have meant -by her strange words. At that moment the girl glided -into the room.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h2> - - -<p>"Oh! do not touch it, my dear young lady!" cried -Katie, rushing into the room and seizing the lemonade -with hands that were trembling. "Listen, miss," she -cried in an awful whisper. "They put something into it—the -lemonade is drugged!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ida May looked at her with the utmost astonishment. -She could scarcely understand her words.</p> - -<p>"I saw them do it!" repeated the girl. "I heard him -say, 'Put in enough, and it will make her sleep soundly.' -It was a white powder he had brought with him," the -maid went on, excitedly. "Oh, he makes such a dupe -of my poor mistress! He has hypnotized her so that -she is afraid to say that her soul is her own. I heard -a great deal more that he said, but I can not tell you -now. All I can do is to warn you. Go away from here -as quickly as you can. They are enemies of yours, -both of them."</p> - -<p>The girl's words terrified Ida May. She recalled -Frank Garrick's words as he walked along the street -beside her.</p> - -<p>"Take care! beware, girl! You had better not make -an enemy of me! If you do, you will rue the hour! For -I can make it very unpleasant for you. Ay, you will -be sorry that you were ever born."</p> - -<p>She <i>had</i> made an enemy of him, and now he was -about to take some terrible revenge upon her. She -did not have time to exchange another word with the -maid, for she had fled from the room as quickly as she -had entered it, and she was left alone with her conflicting -thoughts.</p> - -<p>The window was open, and she threw the contents of -the glass out on the pavement below.</p> - -<p>She had scarcely set it down, before Mrs. Cole glided -into the room.</p> - -<p>"Ah! you have drunk the lemonade. That's right!" -she added in a triumphant tone. "But I won't sit down -to talk to you to-night; you look sleepy. I would advise -you to retire at once."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ida looked at her steadily, remembering the startling -words that Katie had whispered in her ears. Was this -a woman or a fiend incarnate? Ida wondered.</p> - -<p>Her footsteps had scarcely died away ere Ida took -down a long dark cloak, and hurriedly donning it, together -with her hat and veil, she gathered her effects -together, and thrusting them into a hand-bag, stole -silently as a shadow out into the darkened hall. As -she passed the sitting-room door she heard the sound of -voices.</p> - -<p>Frank Garrick was still there.</p> - -<p>In the shadow of the vestibule door she saw Katie -waiting for her.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, and God bless you, Ida May!" she said, -holding out her rough, toil-worn little hand.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, and thank you for the service you have -rendered me," she answered, with deep feeling. "If -we ever meet again, perhaps it may be in my power to -repay you," added Ida, the tears standing out on her -long lashes.</p> - -<p>She little dreamed that the hour would come when -she would be called upon to remember that promise.</p> - -<p>Out of the house she stole, out into the darkness of -the street.</p> - -<p>At last, when faint and almost falling down from -exhaustion, she ran directly into the arms of a blue -coat who was leisurely passing a corner.</p> - -<p>"Halloo there, my good girl!" he cried. "What are -you doing out at this hour of the night?"</p> - -<p>Trembling piteously, and all unnerved at this unexpected -encounter, for a moment the girl was speechless.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am trying to find shelter until to-morrow morning, -sir," she said. "Then I shall look for work."</p> - -<p>But the officer would not parley with her. He grasped -her by the arm, and was forcing the sobbing girl along, -when he was suddenly confronted by a young man who -was passing, and who had witnessed the affair.</p> - -<p>"Officer," he said, sternly, "this is an outrage. Why -do you not let that young girl go her way in peace? -Why do you molest her?"</p> - -<p>"It's my duty to run in every girl who walks the -street at night, without a justifiable reason."</p> - -<p>"Let <i>me</i> be responsible for this young woman," said -the man. "I believe what she told you to be true—that -she wants to find a place to stop until day-break, -and then she will look for work."</p> - -<p>The officer recognized the young man at once.</p> - -<p>"If <i>you</i> will vouch for her," he said, "why, she can -go her way, certainly."</p> - -<p>"I think I'm a tolerably good judge of character," -returned the young man, "and I see nothing in her -face to mistrust. Take her to one of the missions near -at hand. She can certainly stay there till morning."</p> - -<p>The policeman made a low bow, and the young man -passed on.</p> - -<p>"You have interested one of the richest young men -in New York in your behalf," said the policeman, after -they had passed on.</p> - -<p>Ida did not ask the name of her benefactor, though -she felt deeply grateful for the kind service he had -rendered her.</p> - -<p>The matron of the home for friendless girls received -the young girl with the kindliness that characterized -her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - -<p>She assigned her a little cot, and, wretched and footsore, -Ida May threw herself upon it and sobbed herself -to sleep.</p> - -<p>The matron looked at her as she passed through the -long dormitory on her way to her room.</p> - -<p>"She has a sweet face!" she muttered, as she turned -away; "but one on which a tragedy is written."</p> - -<p>Ida May was sitting in the reception-room when the -matron passed through it the next morning, and she -asked her if there was anything she could do for her.</p> - -<p>"If you could only tell me, please, where I could -find something to do," she answered. "I must find -work, or—starve!"</p> - -<p>"When do you wish to look for a situation?" asked -the matron, noting how wan and pale the girl looked.</p> - -<p>"This day, this very hour!" cried Ida May, eagerly.</p> - -<p>The matron hesitated.</p> - -<p>"I must first know what sort of employment you are -seeking—what you are best suited for."</p> - -<p>"I am suited for nothing," Ida answered, despondently. -"But that must not deter me. If one did only -the work one was fitted for, three-quarters of the world -would be idle."</p> - -<p>"Would you take a situation as governess if one -could be found for you?"</p> - -<p>She shook her head dejectedly.</p> - -<p>"I have not education enough," she replied. "I did -not have much opportunity of going to school when I -was a little girl, and I am suffering for it now."</p> - -<p>After a moment's pause the matron said, thoughtfully:</p> - -<p>"Would you like to try dress-making?"</p> - -<p>"That's another thing that I know nothing about,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -she said. "I was never taught to mend or sew. I -always got out of it. Mother did it for me rather than -scold me."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you would take a position as lady's-maid."</p> - -<p>A gasp, a shiver passed over her. Quick as lightning -there flashed before her mind the humiliation of three -or four maids who had accompanied their mistresses to -the Ocean Hotel, at Newport, and how Lily Ryder and -Hildegarde Cramer had turned up their noses at them -because they had pretty faces, and had dared to pin -in a pretty ribbon or two in the lace caps they were -forced to wear on all occasions.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I wouldn't be a success at that," she -declared.</p> - -<p>"I don't suppose you would like to be a house-maid," -suggested the matron, looking at the small white hands -that lay in the girl's lap—the blue-veined hands that -were never designed to scour kettles or clean floors. -"My dear child," said the matron, compassionately, -"there is little else in a great city to do."</p> - -<p>There was a pause—a pause broken presently by Ida -May.</p> - -<p>"Don't you think that if I could get into one of those -large stores, I could try on cloaks and hats without requiring -any great amount of knowledge of any kind?"</p> - -<p>The matron looked doubtful.</p> - -<p>"It is not as easy as you may imagine, my dear, to -obtain admission into any of those large stores. They -have any amount of girls on their books who are waiting -eagerly for positions—persons with whom they are acquainted—and -they would stand a better chance than -a stranger. Besides, I hardly think a situation in a place -of that kind would be suitable for one so young. We<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -will look over the paper and read the advertisements."</p> - -<p>She touched a bell, and told the attendant who answered -it to bring in the morning paper.</p> - -<p>"You can look over it, my child," said the matron. -"I will return in half an hour. By that time you will -perhaps have found something that will suit you."</p> - -<p>Left alone, Ida May commenced to look through the -"Want" columns.</p> - -<p>All through sixteen columns of the paper the girl's -eyes eagerly ran. She did not find anything that she -was competent to do, and tears of vexation rolled down -her cheeks.</p> - -<p>Suddenly her eyes rested upon an advertisement -which she must have missed in her hurried examination -of the column.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">"Wanted.—A few more hands in a cotton-mill. No. -— Canal Street. Applicants must apply between the -hours of nine and ten, this <span class="smcap">A. M.</span>"</p> -</blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">Little dreaming of what was to come of it, Ida May -concluded that this was certainly the only position she -could dare apply for.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h2> - - -<p>The matron entered presently, and Ida May showed -her the advertisement that had attracted her attention.</p> - -<p>"It might be as well to try that," said the matron, -encouragingly.</p> - -<p>She looked after the girl as she went slowly down the -steps, and shook her head sadly.</p> - -<p>As usual, Ida May's lovely face attracted the envy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -of all the girls in the mill. The foreman, as well as the -clerks in the office, admired her, and that was enough to -make the girls detest her.</p> - -<p>Ida had secured lodgings in a boarding-house where -a score of the girls stopped. She shared her room with -Emily Downs, a very quiet little thing, who had been a -general favorite with the girls up to this time.</p> - -<p>Matters were going from bad to worse in the mill. -The girls gathered together in little groups here and -there, and looked darkly at Ida May. Even those who -were wont to say "good-night" or "good-morning" -passed her by without a word.</p> - -<p>The comments of the jealous girls became louder and -deeper as another fortnight dragged its slow lengths -by. Whether Ida May heard or heeded them, they did -not care to know. The beautiful face grew whiter still, -and the large dark eyes became more pitiful in their -pathetic terror.</p> - -<p>The girls gathered together one noon hour, and held a -long and excited conversation.</p> - -<p>Ida and Emily Downs were eating their luncheon at -the further end of the room, quite apart by themselves. -Emily could see that something of an unusual order was -transpiring, by the girl's fierce gesticulations and the -angry glances that were cast upon her companion, who -seemed oblivious to it all.</p> - -<p>At length one of them called Emily to them. There -was a whispered conversation, and looking mechanically -across the table at that moment, Ida May saw Emily -start back with a cry of horror.</p> - -<p>"They are talking about me," thought Ida, crushing -back a sob. "They want to turn the only friend I -have from me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> - -<p>She finished her simple luncheon in silence. It was -scarcely concluded ere she noticed with wonder that -the girls had formed a group and were marching over -in her direction in a body. There were fully fifty of -them, and Ida noticed with wonder that the face of -every one of them was white, set, and stern.</p> - -<p>"Ida May," said the ringleader, harshly, "we have -something to say to you!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered, thinking that they had reconsidered -the matter, and were going to ask her to -join them.</p> - -<p>For a moment the girl seemed at a loss to know -what to say, but the angry murmurs of her companions -in the rear nerved her to her task.</p> - -<p>"After consultation, we have concluded that, as -respectable girls, we can not remain in the mills -another day if you are allowed to work here. You -must leave at once, or we shall do so."</p> - -<p>For an instant Ida May was fairly dazed. She -scarcely believed that she had heard aright—surely -her senses were playing her false. She sprung to her -feet, and confronted the girls, who stood, with angered -faces, looking at her.</p> - -<p>"Surely you can not mean what you say!" she -gasped. "What have I done that you should say this -to me?"</p> - -<p>The ringleader looked at her with withering scorn.</p> - -<p>"We do not consider you a proper companion to -mingle among us," returned the girl, stolidly. "We all -work for our living in this cotton-mill, but if we <i>are</i> -poor we are <i>honest</i>. Is that plain enough for you to -understand? If not, I will add this"—and stepping -up to the trembling girl's side, she whispered a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -sharp words in her ear—words that made Ida May -recoil as though they had been thrusts of a knife that -cut to her heart.</p> - -<p>With a piteous cry she sunk on her knees, covering -her death-white face with her trembling hands.</p> - -<p>"It remains with you to deny or affirm our accusation," -went on the girl, harshly "What have you to -say to our charge, Ida May; is it true or false?"</p> - -<p>There was no answer, save the heartrending sobs of -the girl cowering before them in such abject misery—surely -the most pitiful a human heart ever knew.</p> - -<p>"You see she <i>can not</i> deny it," cried the ringleader, -turning triumphantly to her companions. "I assured -you all that I was certain before I advised this step. -We may well look upon her with scorn; she is not -worthy to breathe the same air with us!"</p> - -<p>Ida May rose slowly to her feet.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Half fainting with grief and pain, Ida May rushed -out into the street.</p> - -<p>The sun was shining bright and warm, but it seemed -to the girl that the whole earth was dark and gloomy.</p> - -<p>Where should she go? Which way should she turn? -She would not go back to the little lodging-house for -her few belongings; she never wanted to see it again. -Let them do what they would with her few belongings. -The few dollars that were hers, she happened to have in -the pocket of her dress.</p> - -<p>"Royal!" she murmured, "I can not go to you in -this hour of my deepest woe!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> - -<p>She drew her veil down over her face, and the -passers-by did not see the tears that rolled like rain -down her white, despairing face. It mattered little -to her which way she went.</p> - -<p>Suddenly she heard the sound of a voice just ahead -of her—a voice that sent a thrill to her heart.</p> - -<p>"Heaven pity me!" she gasped; "it is Royal Ainsley!"</p> - -<p>He was bidding good-bye to a companion on the -corner.</p> - -<p>The next moment he had boarded a street car. With -a smothered cry, Ida May sprung after him. She must -see him, she must speak to him!</p> - -<p>The car was crowded. He was in the front of the -car and she was at the rear. There was no way of -speaking to him. She must ride in the car as far as he -did, and when he alighted she must follow him. As -she watched him with strained eyes, she saw him greet -a young and lovely girl.</p> - -<p>The sight made the blood turn cold in her veins: -Light, airy, gay as of yore he was, all unconscious of -the misery he had brought to a human heart. He had -wrecked her life. How could he stand there smiling -into the face of another girl?</p> - -<p>Ida's heart swelled with bitter anguish.</p> - -<p>She saw the young girl alight from the car at the -corner of a fashionable street, and Royal Ainsley accompanied -her. He took her arm and bent lovingly -over her. She was some rich man's daughter. Ida May, -who followed in their footsteps, was sure of that.</p> - -<p>They entered a handsome brown-stone house midway -up the street. The veiled, dark-robed little figure -passed on, and stood at the end of the street until he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -should reappear. Scores of pedestrians passed as the -hours rolled on.</p> - -<p>Up and down past the house she paced under cover of -the darkness. As she paced slowly to the other end of -the street, a coach stopped before the house she was so -intently watching.</p> - -<p>Before she could reach a place where she could get -a full view, Royal Ainsley, with one or two others—she -could not tell whether they were men or women—ran -lightly down the steps and entered the vehicle, -which rolled rapidly away.</p> - -<p>"I have missed him!" sobbed Ida May. "God help -me!"</p> - -<p>On the morrow, Ida May was so ill that she could -not leave the little room to which she had come for -temporary shelter.</p> - -<p>The woman who kept the place took a great interest -in her.</p> - -<p>But every night, as soon as dusk had fallen, Ida -May took up her lonely vigil before the house Royal -Ainsley had visited.</p> - -<p>In her anxiety she did not notice that she had been -observed from an upper window by the mistress of the -mansion. One night she found herself suddenly confronted -by that lady.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing here?" she asked, grasping her -by the shoulder. "Speak at once!"</p> - -<p>For a moment Ida May was so taken aback that she -could not utter a sound.</p> - -<p>"Answer me at once, or I will have you arrested!" -repeated the lady.</p> - -<p>Ida May hung down her head.</p> - -<p>"I must and will know!" cried the lady, pitilessly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -"Are you watching for the butler or any of the servants?"</p> - -<p>The young girl lifted her head as proudly as any -young queen might have done. She remembered those -weeks at Newport, during which she had been considered -the equal of the wealthiest girl there.</p> - -<p>"No, madame!" she answered, sharply, "I was not -waiting for any of your servants to appear, but for one -of your guests."</p> - -<p>The lady gave a little gasp; but in an instant she recovered -herself.</p> - -<p>"A guest!" she repeated. "Of whom are you -speaking?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Royal Ainsley," replied Ida May, gasping the -words out brokenly, the tears falling like rain down her -face.</p> - -<p>"Come inside," said the lady, drawing her hurriedly -into the hall-way, lest she should create a scene. -"Now," she said, standing before the girl with folded -arms, "let me hear all about the matter. You must -speak the truth, or I will certainly force it from you."</p> - -<p>"It would illy become me to speak anything but the -truth," responded Ida May. "Royal Ainsley comes -here to see some beautiful young girl who lives in this -house. But this must not be. He is mine—mine—by -every tie that binds man to woman!"</p> - -<p>"Surely he is not your—your—husband?" exclaimed -the lady, excitedly.</p> - -<p>"He—he should have been," sobbed Ida May, in a -quivering voice. "It was all a mistake, a terrible mistake," -she continued, wringing her hands.</p> - -<p>The lady, who did not know her story, mistook her.</p> - -<p>When she told her she started back in wonder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<p>Quick as thought she had decided upon her course of -action.</p> - -<p>"I wish to make an appointment with you," she -said, "to talk over this matter. Can you come here to-morrow?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Ida May. "I shall be too busy. I have -some work from one of the stores, that will keep me -engaged."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I can assist you so that it will not be -necessary for you to work so hard. Still, if to-morrow -is inconvenient, come in the evening."</p> - -<p>She was about to add, "I pity you;" but there was -something in the girl's face that forbid her pity.</p> - -<p>The lady watched her curiously until she was out of -sight. Then, with a sigh of relief, she walked slowly -up the grand staircase to her <i>boudoir</i>.</p> - -<p>A young and lovely girl was reclining on a couch, -turning over the leaves of a photograph album.</p> - -<p>"Well, did you find out what is the matter with the -girl?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the elder woman. "And you would -never guess what it was."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me; but I shall not even try," said the -young girl, indolently, "for the simple reason that it -would be too much of an effort for me."</p> - -<p>"I will tell you," said the lady, drawing up a chair; -"and I want you to pay the strictest attention, Florence -St. John."</p> - -<p>"The subject will not interest me, mamma," returned -the young girl, turning over the leaves.</p> - -<p>"But it <i>will</i> interest you," returned the other, "when -I tell you that it concerns your new handsome lover."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> - -<p>She was quite right. The album fell to the floor -with a crash.</p> - -<p>"It appears," said Mrs. St. John, "that young Ainsley -has got into some kind of an intrigue with a poor -but very pretty shop-girl. I think she must be a shop-girl."</p> - -<p>"I shall write to him at once never to cross this -threshold again!" cried the young girl, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"You will do nothing of the kind," replied her -mother. "Sit down and listen to me. All young men -are wild, and you must not take a man to task for -what he has done before he knew you. Shut your eyes -to it, and never bring it up to him. That's always -safest. If he thinks you <i>do</i> know about his past life, -he will be reckless, and think he doesn't need to care."</p> - -<p>"About this girl, mamma—who is she?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"A very pretty young creature," was the reply.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Faint and heart-sick, Ida May crept down the broad -stone steps of the elegant mansion, and wended her way -back to her humble lodgings. Just as she was about to -touch the bell, a man ran hastily up the steps.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, I declare!" he exclaimed, "I am at the -wrong house. But in this confounded tenement row, -one house is so like the other that one can not help -making a mistake now and then."</p> - -<p>With a gasp, Ida May reeled backward. At the very -first word he had uttered, Ida May had recognized -Royal Ainsley.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was Frank Garrick, the manager of the telegraph -office.</p> - -<p>The sentence had scarcely left his lips ere he recognized -her.</p> - -<p>"Aha!" he cried, a fierce imprecation accompanying -the words. "So it's <i>you</i>, Ida May?" he added, catching -her fiercely by the cloak. "So I have found you at -last!"</p> - -<p>She was too frightened to reply.</p> - -<p>"So this is where you are stopping, is it? Come, walk -as far as the end of the street with me. I want to talk -to you."</p> - -<p>"No!" cried Ida May, struggling to free herself from -his grasp. "I have nothing to say to you, nor will I -listen to you!"</p> - -<p>"We shall see about that presently," he cried. -"Frank Garrick is not a man to be balked in this way -by a little girl. You <i>shall</i> listen to me!"</p> - -<p>Ida May reached out her hand quickly to touch the -bell, but he anticipated the movement, and caught her -arm roughly.</p> - -<p>She tried to cry out, but no sound issued from her -lips.</p> - -<p>She had already gone through more than her overstrained -nerves could bear. Without a cry or a moan, -she sunk in a dead faint at his feet.</p> - -<p>Gathering her up in his arms, Frank Garrick sprung -quickly down the steps. For a moment he stood there -with his helpless burden in his arms.</p> - -<p>"This is quite an unexpected go," he muttered, -standing there undecided for a moment. "I must leave -her here a moment, that is certain, while I run for a -man's voice."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> - -<p>He placed Ida on the the lower step, in a sitting position, -and darted down the street in the direction of -a cab-stand.</p> - -<p>He did not see the open window of an adjoining -house, because of the closed blind which protected it, -nor the crouching form of the woman behind it, who -had heard and witnessed all.</p> - -<p>Like a flash she caught up her hat, which was lying -on an adjacent table, and sprung out of the door.</p> - -<p>"I knew he would come to see her at last!" she said, -fairly hissing the words. "They have had a quarrel. -That is why he has stayed away so long. He has gone -after a cab to take her elsewhere. But I will block his -little game!" cried Nannie Rogers—for it was she. "I -shall take a terrible revenge upon him by striking him -through her."</p> - -<p>Taking a short cut to a nearer cab-stand, she hailed -the first vehicle. The man sprung down from his box.</p> - -<p>"Why, is that you, Nannie?" he cried, in unfeigned -surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Joe," she answered, quickly. "I want your -cab for a while."</p> - -<p>In a few words she told him of a woman lying on -the steps of the house next to her—a woman whom she -wished to befriend.</p> - -<p>"I want you to take her to a certain place. I will -tell you about it when we start. Come quickly and help -me to get her into your cab."</p> - -<p>This was accomplished in less time than it takes to -tell it.</p> - -<p>"Where to, Nannie?" asked the driver, as he picked -up the reins.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why in the world are you taking her there?" he -exclaimed in dismay.</p> - -<p>"Make no comments," she replied, angrily: "but -drive on as fast as you can. I wouldn't take her there -unless it was all right."</p> - -<p>"Oh, of course," returned the driver. "I am not -saying but that you know what you're doing. But she -seems mighty quiet for that kind of a person."</p> - -<p>They had scarcely turned the first corner ere Frank -Garrick drove up in a cab.</p> - -<p>"By thunder! she has vanished!" he exclaimed, excitedly, -looking in astonishment at the spot where he -had left her a short time before. "She must have fled -into the house," he muttered. "Well, cabby, here's -your fee, anyhow. You may as well go back."</p> - -<p>For some moments Frank Garrick stood quite still -and looked up at the house.</p> - -<p>"Of all places in the world, who would have expected -to find her here—next door to Nannie. It's -certain that Nannie does not know of it. She could -not keep it if she did. Well, this is a pretty howdy-do—two -rivals living next door to each other. Nannie -is expecting me to call on her this evening. If it were -not for that, I wouldn't show up at all, I'm so upset by -that little beauty, Ida May."</p> - -<p>Very slowly he walked up the steps of the adjoining -house and pulled the bell. To his great surprise, he -learned that Nannie was out.</p> - -<p>"She will be sure to be back presently," added the -girl who answered the bell. "Won't you come in and -wait?"</p> - -<p>"No," he answered, glad of the excuse. "I'll run in -some evening during the week."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<p>With that he turned on his heel and walked rapidly -away.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the carriage bearing Nannie Rogers and -the still unconscious Ida May rolled quickly onward, -and stopped at length before a red-brick building on the -outskirts of the city.</p> - -<p>Ida May's swoon lasted so long that even Nannie -grew frightened.</p> - -<p>"Wait," she said to the driver, "I will have to step -in first and see if they will receive her."</p> - -<p>After fully five minutes had elapsed, the door opened -and a tall man looked out.</p> - -<p>"It is I, doctor," said Nannie Rogers. "May I step -inside? I want to speak to you. I have a patient waiting -outside the gate."</p> - -<p>"Dear me! is it really you? You come at rather a -late hour. Still, you know you are a priviliged person -here."</p> - -<p>"I ought to be, since I have learned so many secrets -about the place and yourself," she said, "when I was -nurse here."</p> - -<p>"Didn't I give you five hundred dollars to insure -secrecy when you left here?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I kept my promise. I never told anything, -did I?"</p> - -<p>"Let me understand what you want," he said, -abruptly. "Did I understand you to say that there -was a patient outside?"</p> - -<p>The girl nodded.</p> - -<p>"It does not matter who or what she is," she said, -tersely. "It is the desire of her friends that she be kept -here for a few months. I suppose you are anxious to -know about the pay?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Of course. That's where my interest comes in," -he said.</p> - -<p>"Well, I will be responsible for it," she said.</p> - -<p>"You?" he said, amazedly.</p> - -<p>"Yes; why not?" she returned.</p> - -<p>He looked at her with something like doubt.</p> - -<p>"You dare not refuse to accept her!" she declared.</p> - -<p>"Do you mean that for a threat?" he exclaimed, -fiercely.</p> - -<p>She shrugged her shoulders.</p> - -<p>"I can not be held accountable for the way in which -you take my assertion," she declared.</p> - -<p>The frown deepened on the man's face.</p> - -<p>"For convenience's sake, we will say that the girl -is an opium-eater, and that is why you are keeping -her under such strict surveillance."</p> - -<p>The man muttered some strange, unintelligible -remark.</p> - -<p>"I suppose the cabman will help me in with the -girl?" he said, harshly.</p> - -<p>"Of course," replied Nannie Rogers, impatiently.</p> - -<p>The girl's figure was so light that "the doctor," as -he termed himself, found little difficulty in bringing -her into the house without aid.</p> - -<p>Nannie Rogers stood in the hall-way, and followed -him into the reception room, where he laid the girl -down upon a rude couch. She watched him as he -threw back her long dark veil, and cried out in wonder -at the marvelous beauty of the still white face—the -face so like chiseled marble.</p> - -<p>"How young and how very lovely!" he remarked; -and as he spoke, he unfolded the long dark cloak that -enveloped her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p>A sharp exclamation broke from his lips, and he -turned around suddenly.</p> - -<p>"Nannie Rogers!" he said.</p> - -<p>But the look of astonishment that he saw on her -face was as great as his own bore. Nannie Rogers' -look of astonishment quickly gave way to one of the -most intense hatred; ay, a very demon of rage seemed -to have taken possession of her.</p> - -<p>"I wonder that you brought her here," said the -doctor.</p> - -<p>But Nannie Rogers was speechless. She was gazing -like one turned to stone upon the face of the girl whom -she believed to be her rival.</p> - -<p>"I have a double reason for hating her now," she -said, under her breath, clinching her hands so tightly -that her nails cut deep into her palms. But she did -not even feel the pain.</p> - -<p>"I say, I wonder that you brought her here," repeated -the doctor.</p> - -<p>"I knew of no better place," she replied, turning her -eyes uneasily away from him. "You must not refuse -to receive her."</p> - -<p>"Who is she?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I refuse to answer your question," she replied, -grimly. "You know only this about her: She is a -confirmed opium-eater. One who is very much interested -in her brought her here to be treated by you. -She is to be kept here, under strict watch, to prevent -her getting away. If she writes any letters they are -to be forwarded to me."</p> - -<p>And thus it happened that when Ida May opened -her troubled eyes, after the doctor and an attendant -had worked over her for upward of an hour, she found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> -herself in a strange room, with strange faces bending -over her. She looked blankly up at them.</p> - -<p>"The waves are very high," she moaned. "Come -back on the beach, girls," she murmured.</p> - -<p>"She is out of her head," exclaimed the doctor, turning -nervously to his attendant. "I ought not to have -taken this girl in," he continued, in alarm. "I fear -we shall have no end of trouble with her. This looks -like a long and lingering illness."</p> - -<p>"She is so young, and as fair as a flower," murmured -the attendant, bending over her. "I feel very sorry -for her. If a fever should happen to set in, do you -think it would prove fatal to her?" she asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"In nine cases out of ten—yes," he replied, brusquely.</p> - -<p>At the very hour that this conversation was taking -place, Royal Ainsley, the scape-grace, was ascending -the brown-stone steps of the St. John mansion.</p> - -<p>"I will take beautiful Florence and her stately -mamma to the ball to-night," he mused, under his -breath. "Before we return, I will have proposed to -the haughty beauty. Trust me for that. They think I -am the heir of my uncle, wealthy old Royal Ainsley, who -died recently, and—curse him!—left all his wealth to -my gentlemanly cousin, even making him change his -name to that of Eugene Mallard, that the outside world -might not confound it with mine. Yes, I will marry -beautiful Florence St. John, and live a life of luxury!"</p> - -<p>In that moment there rose before his mental vision -the sweet sad face of beautiful Ida May, the fair -young girl whom he had wronged so cruelly and then -deserted so heartlessly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h2> - - -<p>The servant who answered the bell at that moment, -put a stop to Royal Ainsley's musings.</p> - -<p>He had only a few moments to wait in the drawing-room -before Miss St. John appeared.</p> - -<p>She looked so lovely in her beautiful ball-dress that -his eyes glowed and his heart beat. Before he had an -opportunity to utter the words that were on his lips, -the young girl's mother entered the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>She was so gay and bright with him, that the -mother wondered vaguely if she had forgotten the -story which she had told concerning him.</p> - -<p>The warning glance which she gave her daughter -reminded her that she must act decorously.</p> - -<p>The girl was very much in love, and it was easy -enough for her to forgive him for having had another -sweetheart.</p> - -<p>He accompanied mother and daughter to the grand -ball. He was so gay and so brilliant and so witty, -that he charmed the beautiful Miss St. John more than -ever, and he knew by her smiles that his efforts were -not in vain.</p> - -<p>Ainsley was the very poetry of motion. It was a -dream of delight to Florence St. John, as they made -the round of the magnificent ball-room, with his arms -clasped about her, his handsome face so near her own.</p> - -<p>"Come into the conservatory, Florence," he whispered; -"I have something to tell you."</p> - -<p>How strange it was the scene and the occasion did -not cause him to remember that <i>other</i> scene and that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -<i>other</i> girl whom he had once brought into the conservatory -to listen to words of burning love!</p> - -<p>"Florence," he whispered, "I have something to tell -you. Will you listen to me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said, her heart beating furiously, for, -woman-like, she knew what was coming. The lovely -color on her cheeks deepened, the girl's blue eyes grew -luminous and tender.</p> - -<p>"Florence," he cried, "how shall I tell you what -I have to say? Oh, Florence, let me tell it quickly, -lest my courage fail! I love you, dear—love you as -I have never loved any one in my life before!"</p> - -<p>Looking into the dark, handsome face of the young -man before her, Florence St. John saw that she was -in the presence of a mighty passion—a great love.</p> - -<p>In an instant he was kneeling by her side, his whole -soul in his eyes and on his lips. It was the very first -time in his life that Royal Ainsley's heart was ever -stirred with love.</p> - -<p>If Florence St. John had even been poor, he would -have cared for her. He started in first by wanting the -girl for her money; it ended by his wanting her for -herself.</p> - -<p>He caught the little hand in his that was carrying -the beautiful bouquet of roses he had sent her, and -held it tightly.</p> - -<p>"Thank Heaven!" he said, "the time has come at -last, my beautiful love, for which I have waited so -long. Surely you know what I have to tell you, Florence!" -he said, drawing back and looking at her.</p> - -<p>"I haven't the least idea," declared the girl, in -whom the spirit of coquetry was strong. "Really, I -do not understand."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> - -<p>"There needs be no understanding, my beautiful -love!" he cried. "None! I have come to tell you in -words what I have already told you a hundred times -in a hundred different ways—I love you with all my -heart! I love you! I know no other words. There is none -which can tell how dearly or how much all my heart, -my soul, my life goes out in those few words—I love -you!"</p> - -<p>His voice died away in a whisper.</p> - -<p>"I have a true and serious friendship for you, Mr. -Ainsley," she answered, coyly; "but I—I have never -thought of such a thing as love or marriage."</p> - -<p>"Will you think of it <i>now</i>?" he answered, eagerly.</p> - -<p>He loved her all the more for this sweet, womanly, -modest hesitation.</p> - -<p>She arose from the seat near the fountain where he -had placed her.</p> - -<p>"Well, let it rest in that way," she answered. "I'll -refer the subject to mamma; but you are not to say -one word of love to me, nor speak to her about the -matter for at least two months."</p> - -<p>"Florence, you are cruel," he cried, "to keep me so -long in suspense. Tell me, at least, that if your mother -favors my suit, I may hope that you are not indifferent -to me."</p> - -<p>But she would not answer him. Her heart beat high, -the fever of love throbbed in her veins; but, like all -well-bred young girls, she had been schooled by early -training to make no sign of preference for any man at -his first avowal of affection. As he led her from the -conservatory, past the fountain, the fragrant water-lilies, -past the green palms and the flowering orchids, -he gave a terrible start.</p> - -<p>In that moment there came to him the memory of Ida -May. He was annoyed by the very thought of her in -that hour, and he quickly put it from him.</p> - -<p>When they returned to the ball-room, Florence was -as sweet as ever; but neither by word or by sign -did she betray any rememberance of the scene which -had just occurred in the conservatory.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> - -<p>He left Florence and her mother at the door of their -home an hour later, but he did not have the opportunity -of holding the little white hand in his for one -moment, or of holding even a word of conversation -with her.</p> - -<p>"Well," said Mrs. St. John, when she and her daughter -found themselves alone for a moment, "I saw him -take you to the conservatory. You were gone a long -time. Did he propose?"</p> - -<p>"Yes!" returned the girl, languidly.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" echoed Mrs. St. John. "Why, how can -you take it so calmly, my Florence? You accepted -him, of course?"</p> - -<p>"No," returned the girl, calmly. "I said that I -would like to have two months to consider the matter -before the subject was broached to you."</p> - -<p>"You are mad, Florence!" cried her mother. "A -wealthy young man like that is not captured every -day."</p> - -<p>"We are not so poor, mamma, that I should make -a god of wealth," said the girl.</p> - -<p>"Oh, certainly not," said her mother; "but I have -always been afraid you would be sought after by some -fortune-hunter."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h2> - - -<p>"I am sorry," said Mrs. St. John, after a moment's -pause, "that you have refused to consider his suit for -at least two months. Eligible young men are not so -plentiful nowadays that a young girl can be so independent."</p> - -<p>"I need not ask <i>you</i> what your opinion of an eligible -young man is," said the young girl, throwing back her -head haughtily, "for I know you would answer—a -large bank account. But in <i>my</i> opinion that does not -constitute all, where the happiness of a life-time is at -stake. I would rather marry a man whose reputation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -was spotless, if he did not have a second coat to his -back. There is something more than money in this -world to make our happiness. I am <i>glad</i> instead of -sorry that I refused to give him an answer for two -months. I shall demand to know who the young girl is -who came to our door, and what she is to him."</p> - -<p>"Then you will be doing a very unwise thing," declared -her mother, emphatically. "Let well enough -alone. I told the girl to call around to-morrow night, -and when she comes I will have a talk with her."</p> - -<p>"Will you permit me to be present at the interview, -mamma?"</p> - -<p>"By no means!" exclaimed Mrs. St. John, with asperity. -"The story that no doubt will be unfolded to -me is not for ears such as yours. I will tell as much to -you as I deem necessary for you to know; let that -suffice."</p> - -<p>But the young beauty and heiress was not to be appeased. -She made up her mind to see the girl at all -hazards when she should come; but much to the surprise -of both mother and daughter, the girl did not put -in an appearance.</p> - -<p>That day passed, as did also the next and the next. -A week went by and lengthened into a fortnight, and -still the girl came not.</p> - -<p>"You see, my dear, her statement was false!" cried -Mrs. St. John, triumphantly. "She feared that we -would investigate her story, and she was no doubt a -fraud. If you believe all those strange stories you -hear, you will have enough to do. She was no doubt -looking for hush-money, and when I did not offer to -give it to her, you see she did not return."</p> - -<p>This seemed quite the truth, as Florence saw it.</p> - -<p>How wrong it had been to even suspect him! She -made up her mind that if he should broach the subject -before the time she had named, she might not refuse -his pleading.</p> - -<p>She was expecting him that very evening. He came -at last, looking so handsome, so buoyant, that the girl's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -heart went out to him at once, as the hearts of so many -women had done.</p> - -<p>He brought her some beautiful violets, and he knew -he had as good as won her when he saw her fasten them -in the bodice of her dress.</p> - -<p>Florence St. John was sitting in a velvet arm-chair -but a short distance away. Her beautiful face was -softened, more so than he had ever seen it before, the -smile on her lips was sweeter—the proud, half-defiant, -flashing loveliness seemed all at once to grow gentle.</p> - -<p>He no longer seemed quite sure of her. It was Florence -St. John's silence that alarmed him, perhaps.</p> - -<p>"I wish," he cried, "that I knew in what words and -in what fashion other men make love."</p> - -<p>"Does not your own heart teach you?" asked the -young girl, suddenly.</p> - -<p>His face flushed at the question.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he answered; "but I am not sure that the -teachings are of the right kind. You have not answered -me, and it must be <i>my</i> fault, either because I have not -expressed myself properly or that I have not made myself -understood. Florence, I want you—with my whole -heart I ask you—I want you to become my wife."</p> - -<p>"Am I the first person you have ever told this to?" -she asked, slowly, looking him in the face.</p> - -<p>Almost every girl he had ever made love to had -asked him the same question, and he was not abashed -by it.</p> - -<p>The ever-ready answer was on his lips instantly.</p> - -<p>"How could you ever believe that I had spoken one -word of love to any one but yourself," he said, reproachfully. -"No other face has ever had the slightest -attraction for me. The men of my race have but one -love in a life-time. I have never loved before I met -you. I shall love you until I die. Are you answered?"</p> - -<p>He looked straight into her face as he uttered the -falsehood.</p> - -<p>There did sweep across his mind, as he uttered the -falsehood, the memory of Ida May; but he put it from -him quickly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p> - -<p>How strange it was that her memory should always -haunt him, try hard as he would to banish it!</p> - -<p>"You are quite sure that you never loved any girl -but me?" she repeated.</p> - -<p>"<i>Quite</i> sure," he responded. "To doubt me causes -me great pain, Florence."</p> - -<p>"Then forget that I asked the question," she said, -sweetly, believing in him implicitly.</p> - -<p>"And you will be mine?" he whispered, holding the -little hand closer.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered, solemnly.</p> - -<p>He caught her in his arms in a transport of delight.</p> - -<p>"Thank you—thank you for those words, Ida!" he -cried.</p> - -<p>"Did I understand you to call me <i>Ida</i>?" she asked in -wonder.</p> - -<p>"No," he answered, boldly, cursing himself for the -slip of the tongue. "I was about to add: 'I do so -thank you,' but you did not give me an opportunity to -finish the sentence."</p> - -<p>The falsehood was so adroitly told that she believed -him.</p> - -<p>"I shall have to put a curb on my tongue, or Heaven -knows what name I shall be saying next."</p> - -<p>Should she tell him of the young girl who was at the -door waiting to see him? She remembered her mother's -words the next moment, to say nothing of the matter.</p> - -<p>"Now that you have been so good as to consent to -marry me, we are to consider ourselves engaged. The -question is, when will you marry me? It may as well -be <i>soon</i> as late."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I really don't know about that now," she declared.</p> - -<p>"Make me happy by saying that it will be as soon as -possible," he urged.</p> - -<p>There was no denying anything he asked in that winsome -voice.</p> - -<p>"I promise," she repeated, after another pause.</p> - -<p>He caught her in his arms and strained her to his -bosom.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You have made me the happiest man in the whole -wide world, Florence!" he cried, rapturously.</p> - -<p>Suddenly his arms fell from her and he reeled backward, -staring at the window with widely dilated eyes.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, Royal? Are you ill?" cried -Florence, in the greatest terror.</p> - -<p>"Some one passed along the porch just outside the -window," he panted—"a woman hurrying toward the -vestibule door. She will ring the bell in a moment!" -he gasped.</p> - -<p>At that instant there was a heavy peal at the front -door bell.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h2> - - -<p>"Florence," repeated Royal Ainsley, his face white -as death, his teeth chattering, "order the servants not -to answer the bell!"</p> - -<p>But it was too late; the door had already swung back -on its hinges. An instant later the servant appeared -with a card.</p> - -<p>"A gentleman, miss," he said. "I told him you were -not at home, as you requested."</p> - -<p>Florence St. John held the card in her white fingers.</p> - -<p>"You see, it was not a lady," she said, half amused -at his agitation.</p> - -<p>He drew a breath of intense relief.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, Florence," he said. "I—I—thought it -was one of your girl friends who was about to share -your attention with me. I gave way to my annoyance. -Be kind, and forget it. Remember the old adage: 'One -finds much to pardon in a man who is in love.'"</p> - -<p>His explanation of the matter satisfied her. Very -young girls are never suspicious. The remembrance -of that one evening always stood out bright and clear -in Florence St. John's life. She gave herself up to -happiness, and when Royal urged her to name an early -day, she laughingly consented.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> - -<p>"All the ladies in our family have been married in -April," she declared.</p> - -<p>"That is almost four months from now, my darling," -he groaned. "Do not ask me to wait so long. So much -might take place within that time!"</p> - -<p>He was about to add "to part us," but stopped himself -just in time.</p> - -<p>"A lady has to have a <i>trousseau</i> prepared," she said, -archly. "And when you put yourself in the hands of -these <i>modistes</i>, you are at their mercy; they will not -be hurried. Mamma, I am sure, would not consent to -an earlier marriage than that. I hope that I may persuade -her to do so."</p> - -<p>"You will allow me to persuade her differently, if -I can?" he asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you can," she answered.</p> - -<p>"I will try to settle it before I leave the house this -very night," he declared. "Ah, here comes your -mother now! If you will make some kind of an excuse -to absent yourself from the room, my darling, for a -few moments, I will urge my suit so eloquently that -she will find it difficult to say 'no' to me."</p> - -<p>Mrs. St. John greeted the young man pleasantly as -she entered. She was too thoroughly a woman of the -world to greet him effusively, knowing, had she done -so, it would be sure to make him too confident of success.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley laid himself out to please the mother -as he had never attempted to please an elderly woman -before.</p> - -<p>"You asked me to play over a new piece of music -for you when you came. If you will please excuse me -for a moment, I will get it," said Florence, glancing -up shyly at him with laughing eyes, as much as to say, -"I am going to give you a chance for the longed-for interview -with mamma"—a look which Royal Ainsley -answered with a nod. Florence had scarcely reached -the upper landing ere Royal Ainsley left his seat, and -walked eagerly over to Mrs. St. John's side.</p> - -<p>"My dear lady," he began, dropping into a seat opposite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -her, "I want to tell you a little story and hear -your opinion about it."</p> - -<p>Mrs. St. John was wise enough to know what was -coming, but she did not betray more than the usual -interest.</p> - -<p>"It is the story of a young man who wished to possess -a treasure which belonged to another. He yearned -for it with all his soul.</p> - -<p>"My dear lady, not to beat further round the bush, let -me say I am the young man who wishes to possess the -treasure which you hold as sacred. That treasure is -your beautiful daughter Florence, my dear lady. I -love her with all my heart. I want your consent to -make her my wife."</p> - -<p>"Dear, dear me!" exclaimed Mrs. St. John, apparently -greatly frustrated. "I hope you have not spoken -a word of this to the dear child."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have, and we have both determined to abide -by your decision, as to how long we shall have to wait, -though we both hope you will set as early a day as -possible."</p> - -<p>"Remember that my Florence is only a school-girl -yet," declared the mother. "I could not think of parting -from her yet."</p> - -<p>"Dear, dear lady!" cried Royal Ainsley, "do not -doom me to such pitiful suspense, I beg of you! There -are some men who could wait with much patience, but -I am not one of them. I should have to go away and -travel incessantly."</p> - -<p>This was exactly what Mrs. St. John did not wish to -happen. The gilded youth before her was too good a -catch in the matrimonial market to lose.</p> - -<p>Every mother is always glad to have her daughter -make a good match. She was no exception to the rule.</p> - -<p>And when she read in the paper, a few months later, -of that uncle's death, and that he had left his vast -wealth to his nephew, Royal Ainsley, she was determined -that no effort should be spared to make him fall -in love with her daughter.</p> - -<p>He grew eloquent in his pleading. Ere ten minutes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -more had elapsed, he had drawn from Mrs. St. John's -lips the promise that the wedding should take place in -four months' time at the very latest.</p> - -<p>He made up his mind to accept this decision for the -present, but he would certainly depend upon his own -eloquence and persuasive powers in the near future to -overcome her scruples and influence her to name an -earlier day.</p> - -<p>He left the house that night buoyant of spirits and -gay of heart. It was strange that in that hour he -thought of Ida May.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h2> - - -<p>We must now return to Ida May, dear reader, and -the thrilling experiences the poor girl was passing -through in the lonely stone house on the river-road.</p> - -<p>Owing to the drug which was being constantly administered -to her, from the hour she crossed the threshold -Ida knew little or nothing of what was going on -in the outside world.</p> - -<p>The days lengthened into weeks, and the weeks into -months.</p> - -<p>Her remittances came regularly; still, the "doctor" -of the sanitarium was heartily sick of his bargain. He -dared not refuse Nannie Rogers' request to keep her -there, for reasons which would put him behind the -prison bars had they reached the ears of the authorities.</p> - -<p>When he saw the girl grow whiter and more fragile -with each passing day, his alarm increased.</p> - -<p>In this horrible place Ida May wore out four long -and weary months of her young life.</p> - -<p>They had long since ceased giving her the drug. It -was unnecessary now to waste any more of it upon her.</p> - -<p>When Ida May's mind slowly cleared, and a realization -of what was going on about her came to her, she -looked in the greatest astonishment at the strange<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> -apartment and the grim-faced woman who was bringing -food to her.</p> - -<p>"Where am I, and who are you?" she asked. "Oh, -I remember! I swooned on the steps of the boarding-house. -Did <i>he</i> have me brought here?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," retorted the doctor's sister, thinking that the -better way of stopping all questioning.</p> - -<p>A bitter cry of horror rose to Ida May's lips.</p> - -<p>"Then I must go away from here at once!" she declared, -attempting to gain her feet.</p> - -<p>But she was so weak that she staggered and would -have fallen had not the woman sprung forward and -saved her.</p> - -<p>"Don't go on in that way," said the woman, -brusquely. "You are to remain here until you are—well. -It won't be over a fortnight longer. You've -been here some time."</p> - -<p>"But I <i>will not</i> remain here!" exclaimed Ida May, -excitedly. "I shall leave at once!"</p> - -<p>The woman turned the key in the lock, coolly removed -it, and slipping it into her pocket, remarked:</p> - -<p>"This is a sanitarium. It is not for patients to say -when they shall leave here. <i>That</i> is the doctor's business."</p> - -<p>"But tell me, why does any one wish to keep me -here?" cried Ida May, piteously. "No one in the whole -world has any interest in me."</p> - -<p>"I am surprised to hear you say that," declared the -woman, grimly, with something very much like a sneer -in her harsh voice.</p> - -<p>The words, the tone in which they were uttered, and -the look which accompanied them, cut the poor girl -to the heart.</p> - -<p>"Let me tell you about the man who brought me -here," cried Ida, trembling like a leaf, believing it -must certainly be her sworn enemy, Frank Garrick, -who had taken cruelly taken advantage of her to abduct -her when she swooned on the boarding-house -stoop.</p> - -<p>"I have no time to listen to you," exclaimed the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -woman. "We are strictly forbidden to talk to the -patients or listen to their tales of woe, which are -always woven out of whole cloth."</p> - -<p>"You are a woman like myself," cried Ida May, -sobbing bitterly. "Surely you can not find it in your -heart to turn a deaf ear to me, for pity's sake, if for -nothing else."</p> - -<p>But the woman was inexorable, and said:</p> - -<p>"I tell you, I don't want to hear what you have got -to say—and I <i>won't</i>, that's all about it. If you make -any fuss, you will be put on a diet of bread and water."</p> - -<p>"But answer me this one question," said Ida May, -in terror. "What reason has any one in keeping me -here against my will?"</p> - -<p>The woman shrugged her shoulders.</p> - -<p>"There may be plenty of reasons," she retorted, -sharply. "Perhaps you are a wife that some man -wants to be rid of. Then, again, perhaps you are no -wife—a better reason still for some young man wishing -to get you safely out of his path just now. A father -or a brother may have brought you here to save the -family honor. I could go on with any amount of -practical reasons."</p> - -<p>"Have I not told you that I am all alone in the -world?" panted the poor girl, clinging to her with -death-cold hands.</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I have good reason to think otherwise," -replied the woman, bluntly. "There's no use in your -making a fuss," continued the woman, harshly. "You -may have to put in a long time beneath this roof."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Long hours after the woman left the room, Ida May -sat by the window looking out into the darkness, and -trying to fathom what seemed to her the greatest kind -of a mystery.</p> - -<p>Why should Frank Garrick take interest enough in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -her to have her brought here and to pay money for -having her retained here? What interest could he -have in her?</p> - -<p>He had vowed a terrible vengeance upon her when -she repulsed his offer of love. But why should his -vengeance have taken this form? What benefit could -it be to him to shut her in from the world?</p> - -<p>As Ida sat there in the waning light, her eyes fell -upon a piece of newspaper in the open fire-place.</p> - -<p>"I will wrap up my few belongings in that," she -muttered, "and then set about making my way out of -this place."</p> - -<p>As she smoothed out the half sheet, a few lines midway -down one of the columns held her spell-bound as -they caught her eye.</p> - -<p>For a moment she stared at the words. They seemed -to fairly turn the heart in her bosom to stone, for they -read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">"The engagement is announced of Miss Florence St. -John, of No. —, Fifth Avenue, daughter of Mrs. J. St. -John, to Mr. Royal Ainsley, of New York. The wedding -will take place at Peekskill, on the Hudson, a -month from date."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">As she read it, the room seemed to whirl around her. -With a cry so piteous that it seemed it must reach -God's ear, the poor girl sunk on her knees.</p> - -<p>Her husband about to marry another!</p> - -<p>No matter what the world might say, she had married -him in good faith. He was hers; he belonged to her -before Heaven and all the world.</p> - -<p>She wrung her hands wildly.</p> - -<p>"The marriage must not take place! I must save -the man I love from himself and the anger of the -watching angels!" she cried.</p> - -<p>She prayed wildly that she might not be too late.</p> - -<p>Her hat and cloak were hanging on a peg near the -door. She took them down, and her hands trembled so -that she could hardly put them on. Her knees trembled, -and she felt faint. But she summoned all her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -strength, and reached the door and turned the knob. -But it was locked on the outside.</p> - -<p>Her weak hands were powerless to force the door. -She crept back to the window and threw open the -sash. All that she could behold was a dense mass -of trees.</p> - -<p>A sturdy oak grew close to the window, its great -branches spread out invitingly before her. It was a -desperate chance to take in order to reach the ground, -which was fully thirty feet below.</p> - -<p>Would her strength give way? Dare she take the -terrible risk?</p> - -<p>"I must! I must!" she cried. "Heaven will protect -me!"</p> - -<p>Without stopping to debate the matter further, lest -she should lose courage, the poor girl climbed with -difficulty out on the broad sill and grasped one of the -boughs.</p> - -<p>Would it bear her weight?</p> - -<p>The great bough creaked with its unaccustomed -weight, slight as it was, then shot downward.</p> - -<p>In the old days at home Ida May had been accustomed -to climb trees and to swing about in their -branches. She realized that when the bough bent its -entire length earthward she must let go her hold, or it -would carry her quickly up again. She let go her hold -when she felt that the bough of the tree had bent to -its utmost. Quickly she fell downward, and Ida May, -stunned and helpless for a moment, found herself lying -in the long green grass.</p> - -<p>She had scarcely fallen three feet, yet the shock -had stunned her.</p> - -<p>She knew that she must be on some country road. -Afar in the distance she could distinctly see rows of -glimmering lights. Those she knew must be the lights -of the city. She must reach it and find the house on -Fifth Avenue before she dared give herself a moment's -rest.</p> - -<p>She reached the outskirts of the city at last, and -crept on toward its great throbbing heart.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> - -<p>Like one in a dream, Ida May saw a tall, thin woman -and a young girl, who appeared to be her maid, step -from a carriage.</p> - -<p>She tried to get out of their way, but if her very life -had depended upon it, she could not have done so. -The tall woman and Ida May jostled against each other.</p> - -<p>With a sharp exclamation of anger, the lady turned -upon her. But at that moment Ida reeled, and, with a -piteous moan, fell senseless at her feet.</p> - -<p>"Well, well! here's a pretty howdy-do!" exclaimed -the tall, angular woman. "Here, John!" she -called to the footman, who was just shutting the door of -the vehicle, "pick up this poor creature, and carry her -into the house. It appears I have knocked her down. I -hope no bones are broken."</p> - -<p>The house into which Ida May was carried was a -very small cottage, occupied by a poor laborer and his -wife, who were the parents of a little one who was ill -but was slowly convalescing.</p> - -<p>The wealthy spinster and her maid often called to -bring some fruit or medicine to the child.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly was not fair to look upon, but she had -a heart of gold. She was quite eccentric; but her -purse was always open to the wants of the needy.</p> - -<p>"Leave the room instantly," she said to her maid. -"Run out and tell the coachman to go for the nearest -doctor, and to fetch him back with him at once!"</p> - -<p>It seemed an age until the doctor arrived. Everything -in human power was done to render the sufferer -comfortable.</p> - -<p>It was early morn when the doctor departed—and -there had come into this great world of sorrow a dark-eyed -little stranger—a tiny little one, with a lovely -face like its mother's.</p> - -<p>"Will it live?" cried the young mother, as she listened -breathlessly to its faint little wails.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not," replied the doctor pityingly. -"We can only hope."</p> - -<p>"Oh, if it would only die—only die!" sobbed the -girl's mother. "The world is so cold and so dark!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p>Miss Fernly drew back, shocked and pained.</p> - -<p>"You must not wish for anything like that to happen," -she said, "for God might take you at your word."</p> - -<p>For ten long and weary days the hapless young -mother lay with her face to the wall, crying out to -Heaven to take her and her baby from this cruel world.</p> - -<p>In great fear, the doctor had taken charge of the little -one, and conveyed it to a near-by foundling asylum. Its -presence seemed to irritate the hapless young mother, -who was already in a high fever.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly called every day at the cottage, to see -how her latest charge was progressing.</p> - -<p>She had taken a strange interest in the girl whose -identity seemed shrouded in such profound mystery.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h2> - - -<p>The beautiful girl lying so ill under Miss Fernly's -care grew steadily worse. Her constant cry for the -little one was most pitiful to hear.</p> - -<p>"How are we to let her know that it is slowly fading -away?" said the woman to the doctor.</p> - -<p>"We will not let her know until the last moment; -it would do her no good, and be only a setback for -her," he responded.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly pitied the young mother from the very -depths of her heart. It made this spinster more than -ever enraged at men. She had tried to gain the girl's -confidence. But it had all been in vain. Ida would lie -for hours, looking out of the window at the fleecy -clouds, muttering piteously:</p> - -<p>"It must have taken place by this time! Oh! I am -too late, too late!"</p> - -<p>At last Miss Fernly's curiosity got the better of her.</p> - -<p>"Will you tell me what you mean by those words, -my dear?" she asked, one day. "Perhaps I can help -you in some way."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No," returned Ida May, wearily. "It would be -useless, useless."</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly took the little white hand in her own -and pressed it gently.</p> - -<p>"Do not say that, my dear, and in that tone; it is -not right. Heaven is always kind enough to send a -friend to those who are in need of help."</p> - -<p>"You are right," said the girl, quickly. "In my life -I have been used to cruelty and unkindness. I—I—"</p> - -<p>She stopped for a moment, and something like a -flush crossed her pale cheeks; then she burst into tears.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you my story, my good lady," she -sobbed; "for the weight of it is eating my soul away."</p> - -<p>With her throbbing little hands still held tightly in -Miss Fernly's, she sobbed wretchedly:</p> - -<p>"Surely it is the cruelest story that ever a young girl -had to tell. I might have led a happy life if I had not -been foolish enough to want to be a fine lady. I had -often read of such things happening, and oh! I believed -it. Cinderella was changed from a kitchen-maid -to a fairy princess, and oh! how happy she was, if but -for a brief hour.</p> - -<p>"It seemed to me that an opportunity always came -for those who watched for it. One came to me. A -wealthy family took me with them to Newport for the -summer, and there I met a young man fair of face, -handsome as a dream. I had never before seen any one -like him. You will not wonder that my heart went -out to him. I had known him but a few short weeks -ere he asked me to marry him, counseling a secret marriage, -and I—I consented. It was not a regular minister -who married us, but a—a—mayor, or somebody like -that.</p> - -<p>"My husband brought me to the city. We had barely -reached here, after an all-night's journey, when I -learned to my horror that he believed me to be the -heiress of the wealthy people with whom I had been -stopping. When I told him I was not, what a change -there came over him! With a face as white as it would -ever be in death, he drew back and looked at me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> - -<p>"'Not an heiress?' he cried. 'Great heavens! what -an eternal fool I have made of myself!'</p> - -<p>"He left my presence quickly, telling me that it was -all a mistake—that the man who had married us had -not the power to do so; that it was just as well, perhaps, -for he never could wed a poor girl.</p> - -<p>"He advised me to go home and forget him, adding -insult to injury by concluding with the cruel words; -'Such a little incident in the life of a working-girl will -not amount to anything.'"</p> - -<p>"The scoundrel of a man!" cried Miss Fernly, in intense -indignation. "I wonder that a righteous God lets -such men live!"</p> - -<p>She found herself intensely interested in the story of -this beautiful young girl, whose innocent face she could -not help but trust from the first moment that she beheld -it.</p> - -<p>At first it had occurred to Miss Fernly to ask the -name of the rascal, her husband; then she told herself -that in all probability it was a false one, and that he -could not be traced by it.</p> - -<p>"I will think the matter over," said Miss Fernly, -"and conclude what action you should take. For your -child's sake, you can not allow this man to go free. You -would be committing a crime against society at large."</p> - -<p>Just at that moment the doctor entered the room. -He motioned Miss Fernly to one side. By some strange -intuition, Ida May guessed the import of his visit.</p> - -<p>"My—my little one!" she cried, inquiringly—"tell -me of her! How is she?"</p> - -<p>For a moment the doctor was silent.</p> - -<p>"I may as well tell the truth now as tell it at some -future time," he thought, pityingly.</p> - -<p>"Tell me what news do you bring of my little -child?" cried Ida.</p> - -<p>He crossed over to where the hapless young girl -sat, and bent over her pityingly.</p> - -<p>"The little one is dead!" he said in a low, hushed -voice.</p> - -<p>It was dying when he left the foundling asylum. As<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -he gazed upon it, he said to himself that it would be -but a question of a few short hours. He turned away -from it, leaving it in the care of the good nurses, that -he might go and gently break the sad news to the -young mother.</p> - -<p>While Miss Fernly and the hapless young mother -were discussing the flowers they would plant over -baby's grave, the nurses, with bated breath, were -standing around the little cot. Another physician -sat by the cot, holding the waxen wrist.</p> - -<p>"Quick! hand me the cordial!" he cried. "I may -be able to save this little life!"</p> - -<p>A small vial was hurriedly handed to him. He -poured a few drops between the white lips, and sat -down again, patiently awaiting the result.</p> - -<p>"If the infant lives five minutes, it will be able to -pull through," he observed, quietly.</p> - -<p>They watched the great clock on the opposite wall, -whose pendulum swung noiselessly to and fro. One -minute, two; there was no change. A third; the doctor -bent his ear to listen for the feeble breathing, holding -a mirror close to the child's lips. There was moisture -upon it as he drew it away. Another moment, the -crucial moment, was reached.</p> - -<p>"See! it is dying!" whispered one of the nurses, -touching the doctor's arm.</p> - -<p>A half minute more, and then another half minute -passed by.</p> - -<p>"The baby will live!" exclaimed the doctor, rising -to his feet. "Yes, the baby will live," repeated the -doctor. "It has had a hard time of it, I see, but it -has conquered death.</p> - -<p>"It is so strange," he mused, "whom nobody wants -or seems to care for clings to life most tenaciously, as -though it were worth having.</p> - -<p>"A few hours since I was at the home of one of -the wealthiest families in the city. That young -mother's babe died, though I did everything in human -power to save it. The father caught me by the arm -when I was first called there, and said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> - -<p>"'Doctor, save that little child upstairs, and it will -be the making of your fortune. You shall name your -own price. Stay right here, by night and by day, until -it is out of danger, and anything you may ask for shall -be yours.'</p> - -<p>"He led me through the marble hall and past gilded -drawing-rooms and spacious parlors to the chamber -above where mother and child lay. It was a plump -little mite, with everything to live for. I thought my -task would be an easy one; but you have heard the old -saying: 'Man proposes, but God disposes.'</p> - -<p>"Well it was so in this case. It had only the -measles—a disease which every little one has at some -time during infancy. No wonder I felt no alarm.</p> - -<p>"Although I did my best, it began to fail. I summoned -all the experts in the city, bringing together -men who were older and wiser than myself, to discover -what could possibly be the reason why my skill had -failed me in this instance.</p> - -<p>"There was nothing which science could suggest -that we did not do. But it seemed that fate was -against us. The child literally faded before our very -eyes, and passed away.</p> - -<p>"This one had no such chance of life as the other -had, yet it has passed through an illness so dangerous -that not one in a thousand ever live through. I -predict that it will have an uncommon future," he -added, thoughtfully.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h2> - - -<p>For long hours after the doctor had left Ida May, she -wept so bitterly over the fate of her little child that -Miss Fernly grew alarmed.</p> - -<p>"Crying will not bring the baby back," she said. -"The Almighty knew best whether He wanted it to -live or die. You must not rail against the judgment -of God!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> - -<p>She felt that she must draw her mind into another -channel.</p> - -<p>"Say that you will be more composed when I see -you again," she replied, earnestly, "though it may not -be for some days."</p> - -<p>"I will try," murmured Ida May, with a sigh. -"Will it be long before I see you?" she added, wistfully.</p> - -<p>"I am going to my niece's wedding," answered Miss -Fernly. "I may remain a few days after at the house."</p> - -<p>Ida May drew a long, deep sob.</p> - -<p>"How strange the word 'marriage' sounds to me -now," she moaned. "When I hear of a young girl's -marriage nowadays, I earnestly pray Heaven that her -husband may not deceive her!"</p> - -<p>"I am sure that there need be nothing to fear in -<i>this</i> instance," said Miss Fernly. "My niece sent me -her <i>fiancé's</i> picture this morning. He seems to be a -noble young fellow. By the way, I will show it to -you," she added, still believing that the one thing -needful was to divert the girl's mind.</p> - -<p>Thoughtless as to what would accrue from her action, -Miss Fernly drew a small case from her pocket and -touched the spring.</p> - -<p>The lid flew back, disclosing a magnificent affair in -ivory—the portrait of a young and handsome man.</p> - -<p>"He has an honest look in his eyes, and a fair, open -countenance," said Miss Fernly. "It was painted -three years ago."</p> - -<p>As she uttered the words, she handed the portrait to -Ida May.</p> - -<p>One glance, then a cry of the wildest horror broke -from the girl's white, terrified lips.</p> - -<p>"God have mercy!" she gasped, "it is he!"</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly sprung to her feet, quite as white and -terrified as Ida.</p> - -<p>"You—you do not mean to say that this is the man -who wrought all your woe?" she cried, in horror too -great for words.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" cried Ida May, springing to her feet, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -crying out: "I swear to you that this is Royal Ainsley, -the man whom I wedded, and who deserted me! This -is the father of my little dead babe!"</p> - -<p>The expression upon Miss Fernly's face was horrible -to see.</p> - -<p>She rose in awful wrath and struck her hands -sharply together as she turned and faced the girl.</p> - -<p>"It was fate that sent you across my path," she exclaimed, -hoarsely. "But for this timely intervention -my innocent niece would have wedded that villain on -the morrow. But I thank Heaven that I am now able -to prevent it, and to avenge you as well, my poor -child. Ah!" she cried, as a sudden thought flashed -through her mind, "an idea has come to me, by which -I can not only wreak my vengeance upon him, but mete -out justice to you as well."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, no; do not do anything to harm him!" -cried Ida May, in terror. "Cruel as he has been to me, -I love him still, and I shall always love him!"</p> - -<p>"What I intend to do will not harm him. I repeat -that it will right your wrong," she added, grimly. -"There shall be a wedding to-morrow, my poor, unfortunate -girl. But listen to me well, and heed what I -say—<i>you</i> shall be this man's bride to-morrow, instead -of my niece. Leave everything to me."</p> - -<p>She gathered up her wrap and gloves and put them -on.</p> - -<p>"I shall have a great deal to do between now and -nightfall. But this I say to you, Ida May: Be ready -to go with me when I shall come for you. It may be -to-night, perhaps to-morrow night. Ask me no questions -now, but trust in me implicitly. Since the hour I came -across you in your misfortune, you have found me a -good friend to you, Ida May, have you not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," sobbed Ida May, wretchedly. "I—I—would -have perished in the street but for you, noble lady. -I respect and have all confidence in you."</p> - -<p>"Then by that confidence do as I bid you," repeated -Miss Fernly. "I will send some clothing for you to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -wear. Wrap about you the long, dark cloak you wore -in coming here, and be in readiness."</p> - -<p>With these words, Miss Fernly fairly flew from the -cottage.</p> - -<p>Ida May sunk back in her chair, pale and excited.</p> - -<p>"Why should the announcement that he is to be -married to-morrow have shocked me?" she moaned. -"I had every reason to expect that would occur any -day after I read it myself in the paper."</p> - -<p>She did not sob or cry out. It seemed to Ida that -the very heart within her was crushed. She had borne -so much that it appeared there was nothing more left -for her to endure.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly was thankful beyond words that she -had not brought her maid with her on her last visit.</p> - -<p>In all possible haste she hurried to the magnificent -home of her sister on Riverside Drive.</p> - -<p>Although living in the same city, the married sister -saw very little of Miss Fernly, the latter devoted so -much of her time to charity. She had not been to the -house but once since Mrs. Cramer had written to her -of her daughter Hildegarde, and that she was soon to -be married.</p> - -<p>Hildegarde was delighted when she looked out and -saw her aunt drive up.</p> - -<p>"What a surprise, dear aunt!" she cried, throwing -her white arms about her. "Mamma and I were just -speaking of you. I was almost afraid that you had -forgotten the date set for the wedding. And just to -think you have never met my intended, and he so anxious -to see the darling aunt I have always been talking -of! I want you to see him, he is so lovely. But what -did you think of the picture?" rattled on Hildegarde, -in her gay, girlish fashion, without giving the other -a chance to answer.</p> - -<p>"You are very, very much in love with him?" asked -Miss Fernly, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't I be?" cried the girl, blushing as -red as a rose, and hiding her peachy face against her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> -aunt's broad shoulder. "No girl ever had a more devoted -lover."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is plainly to be seen that you do love him," -said Miss Fernly, sternly.</p> - -<p>"I do not know what to tell you about him, auntie, -except that he is the dearest fellow in all the world, -and just adores me; at least, that is what he tells me," -said Hildegarde.</p> - -<p>"Humph!" ejaculated Miss Fernly.</p> - -<p>"I would rather you would see him for yourself, then -you could form your own opinion. He will be here this -evening. I am sure you will like him."</p> - -<p>"At what time do you expect him!" asked Miss -Fernly, with unusual interest.</p> - -<p>"Let me answer you in the words of the song," said -Hildegarde, laughing lightly.</p> - -<p> -"'Somebody's coming when the dew-drops fall.'"<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Do not be silly, Hildegarde," said her aunt, sharply.</p> - -<p>"I asked you what time this young man is to call here -this evening."</p> - -<p>"It is generally half past seven when he arrives," -said Miss Cramer, smiling mischievously.</p> - -<p>"Very well," said Miss Fernly. "When he calls, I -will go down into the parlor and interview him."</p> - -<p>"I'm sure he would be most delighted," returned the -young girl, demurely.</p> - -<p>"That's neither here nor there," returned Miss Fernly. -"I do not care whether he likes me or not."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h2> - - -<p>Miss Fernly had made her resolution. She would -interview this man when he came. She would foil him, -this fiend in human form, who would wed one young -and lovely girl after bringing sorrow to another.</p> - -<p>When Miss Fernly made up her mind to a course, -nothing could change it.</p> - -<p>"What I am about to do is for Hildegarde's good,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -she told herself grimly. "There will be a few tears at -first, but the time will come when she will thank me -with all her heart for saving her from such a consummate -rascal. The woman of our race have never forgiven -men who have deceived other women. Hildegarde -should not be an exception to the rule. She is -young now, but when she comes to know more about -life she will thank me for saving her."</p> - -<p>"Now," said her aunt, aloud, depositing herself in -the nearest chair, and deliberately removing her hat -and mantle, "tell me about this sweetheart of yours."</p> - -<p>Hildegarde came over to the hassock and flung herself -down upon it and looked up with laughing eyes -into her aunt's face.</p> - -<p>"I sent you his picture," she said, "because you did -not seem inclined to come here to meet him, auntie, so -that you could see for yourself just how he looks. But -it does not do him justice," went on Hildegarde, clasping -her hands. "That portrait does not tell you how -good and noble he is, and how much he thinks of me!"</p> - -<p>An expression that was almost divine came over the -face of Hildegarde Cramer as she uttered the words -in a low, sweet voice.</p> - -<p>"Tell me about him," again urged her aunt, anxious -to fathom just how deep was the love the girl bore -him.</p> - -<p>Should she confide in Hildegarde the story of Ida -May, Miss Fernly knew that the present state of affairs -must end.</p> - -<p>There were girls who would turn in horror from a -man who had done as cruel a deed as that which was -laid at the door of the man whom Hildegarde was about -to marry. But might not Hildegarde cling to him -despite all?</p> - -<p>"He is all that is noble," continued Hildegarde, -dreamily.</p> - -<p>"What if he should cease to love you?" said her -aunt.</p> - -<p>Hildegarde started; a quiver of pain passed over -the lovely face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Cease to love me!" she repeated. "Ah! do you -know what would happen to me, auntie, if that were -to occur? I should die, that is all. When all was -gone that made life worth living, how could I live?"</p> - -<p>"It is not easy to die," said Miss Fernly, huskily.</p> - -<p>"It would be easy for me," declared Hildegarde.</p> - -<p>"One can not live without a heart, and I have given -mine to my love."</p> - -<p>She continued to talk of her lover in a sweet, girlish -fashion; but Miss Fernly scarcely heard a word she -said, she was so engrossed in her own thoughts and -plans.</p> - -<p>"You would be so glad if you knew just how perfectly -happy I am, auntie," she went on, in a half-dreamy -fashion. "Why, it doesn't seem the same world -to me. He came into my life as the sun breaks upon -the flowers, suddenly, swiftly, and all at once my life -became complete. I met him on board the steamer. I -shall never forget how it came about. I had just come -upon deck, and was about to walk to the railing, when -the ship suddenly gave a lurch and I fell forward. I -would have fallen to the deck had not a young man who -was standing near-by sprung quickly forward and -caught me. That was the beginning of our acquaintance. -My mother, who had followed me on deck, -thanked him warmly. Love came to me swiftly. At the -first glance, when our eyes met, I knew that I had met -the only one in the world that I could ever love. I -loved him then with all my heart."</p> - -<p>"Such a sudden love could not be a happy one; it -could not end happily."</p> - -<p>The girl smiled.</p> - -<p>"In most instances that is the case," replied Hildegarde. -"But in mine—mine—ah, Heaven is to be -thanked—mine is to be a happy love, and will have a -happy ending!"</p> - -<p>Ah, if she had but known, if she had but guessed the -thoughts that filled Miss Fernly's heart, she might have -died then and there.</p> - -<p>The sun set, and the dusk crept into the room; but it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> -was a subject that Hildegarde loved, and she could have -talked on forever about her lover.</p> - -<p>"Mamma is quite late in returning," she said, at -length. "She may not even come home to dinner."</p> - -<p>This proved to be the case. Hildegarde and her aunt -dined alone. She could not help but notice how her -niece watched the clock with the brightest of eyes, the -color deepening on her cheeks.</p> - -<p>"I shall want to talk with this lover of yours -alone," said Miss Fernly, a trifle hoarsely.</p> - -<p>"Will you want to talk to him long, auntie?" -asked her niece, wistfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes, an hour, or perhaps two. I ordered my carriage -at seven; it will be here as soon as he arrives. -He will drive home with me, and can talk with me in -the carriage."</p> - -<p>Hildegarde was a little surprised at this announcement, -but it did not occur to her to offer any objection.</p> - -<p>"Ah, here he comes <i>now</i>!" cried Hildegarde, blushing -furiously, all in a flutter of delight.</p> - -<p>In a moment it seemed to her that her aunt had -donned her hat and mantle. She was at the door as -soon as the servant, dragging Hildegarde by the arm.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard was surprised to see Hildegarde -coming to the door to meet him. Then his eyes fell -upon the tall, austere woman in the rear.</p> - -<p>He felt intuitively that this must be the aunt of -whom Hildegarde was always speaking. Even before -he heard the hurried words of introduction, the young -man held out his hand with a cordial smile.</p> - -<p>"I am most pleased to meet you, Miss Fernly," he -said. "I have heard Hildegarde speak of you so -much that I feel as if I really knew and loved you -already."</p> - -<p>Was it only his fancy, or was the greeting of Hildegarde's -aunt a trifle chilly?</p> - -<p>"You are to accompany my aunt to her home," said -his <i>fiancée</i>; adding, with a little twinkle in her eye: -"Auntie has something to say to you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> - -<p>For a moment he looked crestfallen; then he added, -gallantly:</p> - -<p>"I shall be most pleased. Pray command me, Miss -Fernly."</p> - -<p>Another moment, and they were seated in the carriage. -He began to talk brightly to his companion; -but to his great surprise, she answered him only in -monosyllables.</p> - -<p>"I am very much afraid she does not like me," he -thought, with some consternation, and he redoubled -his efforts to be agreeable. Any one who was related -in any way to his darling Hildegarde was dear to him. -He was always liked by women; he hoped from the -depths of his heart that this lady would not form an -aversion to him. But somehow he felt a cold, uncomfortable -chill creeping over his heart. Was it a premonition -of the evil that was so soon to come?</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Although Eugene Mallard tried his best to entertain -Hildegarde's aunt as they rode along, it seemed -to him an almost impossible undertaking. She stared -at him too intently that he wondered what she was -thinking of. He thought it might be as to whether he -would make Hildegarde a good husband, and he -wished with all his heart to set her doubts at rest on -this point, so he began to talk of Hildegarde, and tell -her how much he thought of her.</p> - -<p>The more he spoke of her niece, the sterner Miss -Fernly's face seemed to grow.</p> - -<p>He was wondering to himself how long she would -detain him, he longed so for to return to Hildegarde, -who he knew was waiting for him with the utmost impatience.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Miss Fernly turned to him.</p> - -<p>"You say you would do anything for Hildegarde's -good—for her future happiness?" she asked, slowly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes—certainly," he answered. "I would lay down -my life for her. No sacrifice would be too great for -me to make."</p> - -<p>"You are sure of that?" she asked, quickly.</p> - -<p>"There is no question of it," Hildegarde's lover answered, -promptly. "To save her from a moment's -pain, I would lay down twenty lives if I had them."</p> - -<p>"Very well; I will soon put you to the test," thought -Miss Fernly.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the carriage came to a stop. To the young -man's great surprise, he found, as he assisted Miss -Fernly to alight, that they were in front of a small and -unpretentious church.</p> - -<p>"Step this way," she said, leading him round to the -door of the parsonage.</p> - -<p>He had heard that Miss Fernly was very religious; -but her action now rather puzzled him. Still without -a thought of what the outcome might be, he followed -where she led.</p> - -<p>She spoke hurriedly to the coachman, and with a -bow, he drove quickly away.</p> - -<p>"The minister has been called suddenly away to a -sick person," said the girl who admitted them to the -parsonage. "He has begged me to say that he would -return within the hour."</p> - -<p>The young man wondered what business she had with -the parson; but he made no comment, but followed her -into the parsonage. The reception room into which they -were shown was dimly lighted. Miss Fernly seemed to -be well acquainted there.</p> - -<p>Mr. Mallard took the seat Miss Fernly indicated.</p> - -<p>"I have something to say to you," she began, in a -hard, set voice. "I shall break right into the subject -at once. Your wedding with my niece is fixed for to-morrow -night, is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said, wonderingly.</p> - -<p>"Why should not your marriage take place to-night—<i>here</i> -and <i>now</i>?" she asked, looking intently at him.</p> - -<p>For an instant he almost believed that the good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -lady had taken leave of her senses. He stared at her -in the most complete bewilderment.</p> - -<p>In a slow and emphatic voice she repeated her -words.</p> - -<p>"My dear madame," he said, "I do not see how -that could possibly be. You know it is not to be a -<i>quiet</i> affair. Over five hundred invitations have been -issued."</p> - -<p>"You will be married to-night, and let to-morrow -night take care of itself," said Miss Fernly, sternly.</p> - -<p>Had Hildegarde sent her aunt to make this arrangement? -He could hardly believe his own senses. But -surely it must be so.</p> - -<p>He remembered the twinkle in her eyes as she had -said.</p> - -<p>"You are to ride with auntie, she has something to -say to you."</p> - -<p>"I am so dumfounded, I do not know how to answer -you," he declared.</p> - -<p>"You will not refuse me?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Refuse you! How could I refuse a request in -which my happiness is so much bound up?" he answered, -eagerly.</p> - -<p>"It is well!" said Miss Fernly. "Your bride is on -the way here by this time."</p> - -<p>"Is this idea one of <i>your</i> planning?" asked Hildegarde's -lover, curiously.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered, very quickly.</p> - -<p>It seemed a very strange proceeding to him, but he -then did not pretend to understand the ways of women. -He was only too anxious to carry out Hildegarde's -slightest wish. He was so deeply in love with her that he -did not question the strangeness of her aunt's action.</p> - -<p>Before he had time to think over the matter, two -carriages drove up to the door from different directions. -Out of one stepped the minister, and from the -other a slender figure, robed in snowy white, and almost -enveloped in a white tulle veil.</p> - -<p>He would have sprung to meet her, but Miss Fernly -held him back.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Not yet," she said. "She will meet us at the altar; -the minister will bring her in."</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly seemed to be running this novel affair, -and he did not suppose that it would be worth while -to try to dissuade her, since she must have talked it -over with Hildegarde.</p> - -<p>He followed her into the dimly lighted church, and -down the long aisle to the altar-rail. Only one light -was lighted, which left all the corners of the great -edifice in darkness and gloom.</p> - -<p>He had naturally a great deal of nerve; but to save -his life he could not help a feeling of awe coming over -him.</p> - -<p>Before he had time to say anything, he saw the minister -in his clerical robes coming from an opposite direction -with the bride-elect on his arm. His heart -throbbed, every pulse quickened; a moment more, and -they had advanced.</p> - -<p>"My darling!" he cried, as he sprang forward and -clasped the trembling girl in his arms.</p> - -<p>She tried to speak, but the words died away in her -throat. It seemed to Eugene Mallard that he was in -a dream. Even the girl who stood by his side seemed -scarcely real. The folds of the filmy veil almost concealed -her.</p> - -<p>"Are you ready?" asked the minister, opening the -book.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Eugene Mallard, promptly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Miss Fernly, speaking for the bride-elect.</p> - -<p>The marriage ceremony was begun. Then came the -question solemnly, warningly, from the minister's lips: -"If any one knows aught why this man or woman -should not be united in holy wedlock, let him now -speak, or forever hold his peace!"</p> - -<p>There was an ominous silence. Miss Fernly trembled. -She was doing a noble action in righting a terrible -wrong, she told herself, and there was no response to -the clergyman's appeal.</p> - -<p>In a voice which seemed still more solemn, he pronounced -the two before him man and wife.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> - -<p>The bridegroom caught the bride in his arms, and -he laughed gayly to see how she trembled in his embrace.</p> - -<p>"My wife!" he cried, straining her to his heart. -"Sweet," he murmured in a voice just audible to his -bride, "to be the lover of the girl you love, is bliss; but -to be the husband of the girl you love, is heaven! Tell -me, Hildegarde, are you not as happy as I am?"</p> - -<p>A low cry broke from the white lips of the girl he -held in his arms. The minister had stepped into the -parsonage in response to a summons from one of the -servants, and invited the newly wedded couple and -Miss Fernly to follow him.</p> - -<p>He was not surprised that they held back a moment. -It seemed to be the custom with all new-married couples -to loiter for a moment in the dim shadows of the old -church. The critical moment of Miss Fernly's triumph -had come. She had done a noble action, she told herself. -But somehow she trembled at the thought of what -Eugene Mallard would do when he discovered that the -girl whom he had wedded was not the beautiful Hildegarde -but the cruelly wronged Ida May.</p> - -<p>The young husband had drawn his bride beneath the -chandelier of the church, and all unmindful of Miss -Fernly's presence, he declared, rapturously:</p> - -<p>"I must have a kiss from the lips of my wife."</p> - -<p>As he spoke he drew aside her veil. One glance -at the face it had hidden—oh, so piteous to behold in -its awful pallor! and a cry, surely the most bitter that -ever broke from human lips, issued from Eugene Mallard's. -His arms fell from the supple figure, and he -drew back, crying hoarsely:</p> - -<p>"You are <i>not</i> Hildegarde! Great God! what does this -mean? Who are you?"</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly stepped forward.</p> - -<p>"I wonder that you ask such a question!" she cried, -shrilly. "Look upon her, and behold for yourself the -young girl you <i>duped</i> and deserted! Now, thank -Heaven, she is your wedded wife!" she added, triumphantly. -"I have helped her to right her wrongs!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But I never saw this young woman before!" cried -Eugene Mallard, striking his forehead with his clinched -hand. "There is some terrible mistake! Speak out!" -he cried to the girl at his side, who was trembling like -an aspen-leaf. "Who are you who has done this terrible -deed?"</p> - -<p>Like one dying, the hapless bride fell on her knees at -Miss Fernly's feet.</p> - -<p>"There is some terrible mistake!" she cried, wildly. -"I—I did not discover it until he drew back my veil. -He—is—not—the man!"</p> - -<p>"Not the man?" repeated Miss Fernly, aghast, hardly -believing that she had heard aright, her eyes almost -starting from their sockets. "I—I do not understand!" -she cried, recoiling from the girl. "Do you mean that -the man you have just wedded, and the one to whom -you told me was the cause of wrecking your life, is not -one and the same?"</p> - -<p>The girl shook her head, while Eugene Mallard -looked from one to the other like one in a dream from -which he was expecting to soon awake.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly caught her by the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"What does it mean?" she cried, hoarsely. "You assured -me that this man was the cause of all your -trouble, and now you dare to tell me that he is not the -one! And I—brought about this, making you his -wife! It was a trick of yours, you shameless creature, -to secure a husband for yourself. Quick! Be gone from -this sacred edifice ere I strike you down at my feet, you -most shameless outcast, you horrible creature!"</p> - -<p>Ida May drew back in terror from the upraised hand.</p> - -<p>"Hold!" cried Eugene Mallard, stepping between -them. "No matter what this poor creature has done, -she is, in the eyes of God and man, my wife!"</p> - -<p>By a dexterous movement he had raised the poor girl -from her knees, and had swung her out of the reach of -the blow that had been meant for her. Despite his anguish, -it aroused all the pity and chivalry in his nature -to see how the poor thing clung to him in her terror.</p> - -<p>"Save me from her wrath," she murmured, clinging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> -to him with death-cold hands, and adding vehemently: -"Believe me, it was all a horrible mistake! I saw your -picture, and—and I mistook you for another. The -church was so dimly lighted, I—I could not see, and I -did not know the terrible mistake until—until it was -too late! Oh, tell me, tell me, what can I do to undo -the great wrong that I have done you?"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Eugene Mallard had sunk into the nearest seat, covering -his face with his hands. The horror of the situation -had just come to him. By the cruel working of -fate he had been wedded to one woman through a horrible -mistake, while his heart and soul were another's.</p> - -<p>It seemed to him like some horrible dream from -which he must soon awake. He had parted from Hildegarde -full of hope and love, scarcely an hour before, -saying to himself, as he turned and looked back at her, -that ere the sun would rise and set again, she would be -his own, that they would never be parted from each -other after that. And now a barrier had suddenly risen -between them which parted them just as surely as -though one of them lay in the grave.</p> - -<p>His whole soul was bound up in Hildegarde; yet he -was wedded to another. It seemed to him that the -anguish of it was more than he could bear.</p> - -<p>Then came to him the thought that he must protect -the woman he had wedded—this poor young creature -who still clung to him, imploring him to save her from -Miss Fernly's wrath, repeating to him, over and over -again, that it was a mistake.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard roused himself from the stupor -which was stealing over him. He must face the terrible -consequences of that rash marriage. Although this girl -had wrecked his life, ruined his future, yet he could not -find it in his heart to curse her.</p> - -<p>He could not help but believe her—that it was some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -terrible mistake; he could not judge her before he knew -more about what had prompted her to do this deed. -He could not rest until he knew the reason that lay -behind it.</p> - -<p>"Tell me all about it," he said, hoarsely, turning -to the girl, "that I may judge for myself of this action -of yours."</p> - -<p>"Yes, tell him," cried Miss Fernly, "that I may be -cleared of my part in this transaction. You deceived -me as well."</p> - -<p>In a faltering voice that sounded as though she were -dying, Ida May told her story, the man she had married -listening intently.</p> - -<p>He did not speak until she had concluded, but Miss -Fernly saw that the girl's story was greatly affecting -him.</p> - -<p>"No wonder you mistook me for Royal Ainsley, when -you saw that picture," he exclaimed, "for we are -cousins. The resemblance between us was most marked -when that picture was taken."</p> - -<p>"I—I—thought the name Miss Fernly told me was -an assumed name, or else you had given me a false one."</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly's self-control seemed to leave her entirely -as she listened.</p> - -<p>"I am responsible for it!" she groaned, wringing her -hands. "Oh, what will Hildegarde and my sister say!"</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard and Miss Fernly looked into each -other's faces, and their lips were mute.</p> - -<p>"Let me go to her and tell her my story," sobbed the -hapless bride, "then I will go away, and you shall never -look upon my face again!"</p> - -<p>"That would not mend matters," replied Eugene Mallard. -"I have married you, and nothing can undo -that."</p> - -<p>"Oh, do not say so!" cried Ida May. "I will free you -from the bond whose links have just been forged. You -shall have a divorce. I will set you free!"</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard shook his head.</p> - -<p>"You would do so if you could," he answered; -"but, alas! you can not. Those whom God hath joined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -together no one has the right to put asunder."</p> - -<p>With a sigh that nearly rent his heart, he rose to -his feet. The carriage still stood in waiting at the -door.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?" asked Miss Fernly.</p> - -<p>"We will all three go to Hildegarde, and break it -as gently as we can to her—tell her what has happened—break -the sad story to her as gently as we -can," Eugene repeated.</p> - -<p>As one whose feet refused to do her bidding, Miss -Fernly tottered up the aisle behind them. What would -Hildegarde say—what would she do? Perhaps she -would fall dead at their feet, for she loved, with all the -passionate love of her heart, the man whom she had -promised to wed on the morrow.</p> - -<p>"Oh, if I had not been so hasty!" cried Miss Fernly. -"I meant to do a noble action, but instead I have -wrecked two lives!"</p> - -<p>They entered the carriage in silence—a silence which -was not broken until they reached the door of the -beautiful Cramer mansion. They saw Hildegarde -standing at the lace-draped window, peering out into -the darkness, eagerly watching for them.</p> - -<p>The hapless young lover groaned aloud. Miss Fernly -hid her face in her hands. Hildegarde was at the door -to greet them almost as soon as the servant.</p> - -<p>"You have been gone very long, Eugene!" she cried. -"Dear me! how surprised I was to see Aunt Fernly returning -with you!"</p> - -<p>Then her eyes fell upon the girl in bridal robes her -lover was holding by the hand. She did not recognise -Ida May because of the veil which she had drawn down -over her face, nor did she hear the cry of surprise Ida -May uttered when she recognized her.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly had always spoken of the bride to be as -her niece, but had never once mentioned her name.</p> - -<p>For one moment Ida May stood irresolute. She now -realized what she had done, and wondered how Hildegarde -would take the terrible mistake.</p> - -<p>For a moment the three stood silent. Who would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -be the one to break the terrible news to Hildegarde?</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, and who is this beautiful -young girl, clad in bridal robes, whom you hold by -the hand, Eugene?"</p> - -<p>He tried to speak, but he could not utter a word -if his life had depended upon it. Even Miss Fernly -seemed to have been stricken dumb. Ida May knew -that it devolved upon her to utter the words which -would stab Hildegarde Cramer to the very soul. She -saw the lover try to speak, and fail, and also saw Miss -Fernly's lips twitch convulsively.</p> - -<p>Nerving herself for the ordeal through which she -must pass, she stepped forward.</p> - -<p>"Let <i>me</i> answer for them," she said, in a voice that -sounded to Hildegarde's ears like the strain of some -half-forgotten melody. And as she uttered the words -she threw back her veil.</p> - -<p>"Ida May!" cried Hildegarde, aghast.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am that hapless creature whom you knew -as Ida May."</p> - -<p>For an instant there was silence, broken only by -the sound of the labored breathing of Miss Fernly, -Hildegarde, and Eugene Mallard.</p> - -<p>In an instant the haughty heiress had recovered -herself. She recoiled from the girl who advanced -pleadingly before her.</p> - -<p>"Hildegarde! Hildegarde!" Ida cried, much to the -astonishment of Miss Fernly and her companion, "I -did not know that it was you whom I was to confront -in this awful hour!"</p> - -<p>But Hildegarde shrunk still further from her. How -dared this creature, who had passed those weeks at -Newport a living lie, to claim acquaintance with her!</p> - -<p>She flushed crimson, and retreated from her in abhorrence, -wondering how this creature had come here, -accompanied by her aunt and lover.</p> - -<p>"Hildegarde!" cried Ida May, "listen, for the love -of Heaven, and do not judge me too harshly until you -have heard all!"</p> - -<p>Sobbing wildly, Ida caught at the hem of Hilde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>garde's dress.</p> - -<p>"Auntie!" cried Hildegarde, turning to her relative, -"I do not care to listen to anything this—this -person has to say. The very air she breathes stifles me. -Eugene!" she cried, springing to her lover's side, -"take me in to the drawing-room. I—I can not talk -to this young girl."</p> - -<p>He did not clasp her in his arms, though he made a -movement to do so. His arms fell to his sides, and his -head drooped to his breast.</p> - -<p>He was enduring torture so acute that many a man -would have fainted under the strain of it.</p> - -<p>Hildegarde looked up into his face in wonder.</p> - -<p>"Eugene, my darling!" she cried "are you ill? Tell -me! Something terrible must be the matter! Why do -you not speak?"</p> - -<p>In that instant she seemed to forget the presence of -everybody, save the lover who had parted from her a -few hours since, and who was now standing before her -so greatly changed.</p> - -<p>She looked from one to the other in consternation.</p> - -<p>"Something has happened," she said. "Why do you -keep me in suspense?"</p> - -<p>"I am trying to tell you," sobbed Ida May, "but you -will not listen."</p> - -<p>"Must I listen to her, auntie?" cried Hildegarde, -turning to her aunt.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Miss Fernly, "you must listen, my -poor child, while I pray to Heaven to give you strength -to bear it."</p> - -<p>"Eugene!" cried the girl, "why are you silent?"</p> - -<p>He could not answer her. He only looked at her with -a world of woe in his gaze, his whole frame trembling -with anguish.</p> - -<p>Ida May never knew in what words she told her -strange story. Hildegarde listened like one turned to -stone. Ida May told her of the awful mistake that -had blasted two lives and parted two who fondly loved -each other.</p> - -<p>Those who saw the look of pity in the face of Hildegarde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -would never forget it.</p> - -<p>Her face became as pale as marble; the blood receded -from the ripe-red lips.</p> - -<p>She passed through a life-time of woe in those few -minutes. She did not look at Ida May or her lover -when the former ceased speaking, but she turned her -white, set, tragic face to her aunt.</p> - -<p>"<i>You</i> have done this dreadful thing!" she cried. "I -wonder that Heaven does not strike you dead for it!"</p> - -<p>"Hildegarde! Hildegarde!" cried Miss Fernly, "I -would only be too glad to give my life to atone for my -part in this dreadful affair."</p> - -<p>The girl looked at her with eyes like jets of flame.</p> - -<p>"If you had but told me," she said, in a voice that -was more sorrowful than any tears could have been. -"You took the reins into your own hands; you meddled -with the affairs of another, and see the mischief -you have wrought!"</p> - -<p>A sort of frenzy seemed to possess her.</p> - -<p>"Go!" she cried, turning to Ida May, and pointing -toward the door. "Get out of this house, out of my -sight, before I call the servants to fling you into the -street!"</p> - -<p>Ida May crept toward the door. To Hildegarde's intense -surprise, Eugene Mallard turned to follow her.</p> - -<p>"I will go with you," he said, huskily, "for you—you -are my—my wife!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h2> - - -<p>"Yes; where she goes, I must follow," repeated -Eugene Mallard, in a voice husky with emotion, "for -she is my wife!"</p> - -<p>The words fell upon Hildegarde's ears with a dreadful -shock. It was not until then that she realized her -lover was separated from her.</p> - -<p>She saw him take Ida May's hand and lead her -slowly out of the house.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the years that followed she wondered that the -sight did not kill her.</p> - -<p>When the door closed after them, Hildegarde stood -for a moment stunned, with a white, awful pallor on -her face.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly watched her in silence.</p> - -<p>Was Hildegarde going mad? If she would only cry -out, utter some word. But no; only that awful silence. -"Hildegarde," said Miss Fernly, approaching her -tremblingly, "what can I say, what can I do, to repair -the terrible wrong I have done you?"</p> - -<p>"The only thing you can do is to kill me," answered -the girl, in a hoarse, unnatural voice.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my niece! my precious niece, do not say that!" -replied Miss Fernly, beside herself with grief. "You -will break my heart!"</p> - -<p>"Yours is not the only one that will be broken," returned -Hildegarde.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly attempted to approach her, but Hildegarde -drew back in loathing.</p> - -<p>"Do not come near me!" she cried, with flashing -eyes, "lest I forget who you are, and strike you dead -at my feet!"</p> - -<p>With a quick motion, Hildegarde turned, and without -another word, flew up the staircase and up to her -own <i>boudoir</i>, and closed the door securely after her.</p> - -<p>"Let me realize it," she murmured. "A few hours -ago I was the happiest girl the world held; now I cry -out to Heaven to end my life."</p> - -<p>She crept up to the mirror, and she stood before it, -tall, slender, and erect in the dignity of her own despair, -her face white, her dark eyes dark with sorrow.</p> - -<p>"Can that be me?" she murmured, crossing her -hands over her breast. But the figure reflected gave -back no answer.</p> - -<p>"He has gone out of my life. What am I to do?" -she murmured. "One can never be sure of anything -in this world. He left me only a few hours ago, and -there was nothing between us but love. I can not believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> -it! It is some awful dream from which I shall -presently awake!"</p> - -<p>She wrung her hands wildly; she tore her beautiful -dark hair; she was as one mad with anguish. Then -she thought of Ida May, and she clinched her hands.</p> - -<p>Some one knocked at the door</p> - -<p>"Let me in, Hildegarde!" cried her mother, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"No!" answered the girl. "I can not—do not ask -me. Only leave me here alone. The sight of human -faces, the sound of human voices, would drive me -mad!"</p> - -<p>All in vain the mother pleaded. Suddenly she -heard a fall, and when one of the servants whom Mrs. -Cramer had summoned burst open the door, she found -Hildegarde lying face downward on the velvet carpet.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly had told her sister all, made a clean -breast of the whole affair. But Hildegarde's mother -did not curse her, as she feared she might do. She only -looked at her sister with horror-stricken eyes.</p> - -<p>For a fortnight Hildegarde lay on the bed where -they had placed her.</p> - -<p>The doctor had worked over her for hours.</p> - -<p>"She is young," he said to the heart-broken mother, -"and while there is life there is hope."</p> - -<p>When she arose from her bed, every one was startled -at the change in her. She made no complaint, even to -Miss Fernly, who hovered around her in an agony more -pitiful than words can describe.</p> - -<p>Hildegarde was like one on whom the shadow of -death had fallen. She grew thin and white; the light -was gone from her beautiful eyes, the color from her -beautiful face.</p> - -<p>No smile, no sound of laughter, came to the pale lips. -If her mother, whose heart ached over her beloved child, -tried to cheer her, she had but one answer for her, and -it was:</p> - -<p>"I shall die soon, my heart is slowly bleeding to -death."</p> - -<p>Then came the announcement that Hildegarde was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -going abroad. But the paper did not state how long she -would remain.</p> - -<p>This looked very serious indeed to the friends who -had hoped against all hope.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Cramer was anxious that none of her companions -should behold her, she was so terribly altered. She -could not bear the criticisms which she knew her appearance -would be sure to occasion. But Hildegarde -had stoutly declared she would not go abroad.</p> - -<p>"I want to die in my native land," pleaded the girl, -piteously.</p> - -<p>She sought her couch early, because her mother was -anxious about her; but her mother did not know that -she paced the floor until the gray dawn.</p> - -<p>Now her mother hastened the preparations for the -trip abroad.</p> - -<p>"She is young, and a change of air and scene will -surely bring about forgetfulness," thought Mrs. -Cramer.</p> - -<p>It was well for her that she could not foresee what -was to happen in the near future.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h2> - - -<p>We must return to Ida May, dear reader, and picture -to you the awful woe she experienced as she -turned from Hildegarde, saying. "Let me go away -out of your lives; if my life could atone for what I -have done, I would give it."</p> - -<p>She scarcely heard Eugene Mallard's words, -"Where you go, I must follow, for you are my wife."</p> - -<p>She was unaware of his presence, until fleeing down -the graveled walk, she heard a step behind her, and -a firm hand caught her arm. Turning, she saw the -man whom she had just wedded.</p> - -<p>She drew back in fear and trembling. He noticed -her action, and despite his bitter woe he could not -but feel sorry for her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p> - -<p>"We can not undo what has been done, my poor -girl," he said. "It was a terrible mistake, but we -must face it bravely."</p> - -<p>She looked up into his face with wistful eyes.</p> - -<p>"If you would only kill me here and now, I would -be so grateful to you. No one would ever know. My -life is of so little account that not one in the whole -world would miss me or grieve for me, and then you -could marry Hildegarde!"</p> - -<p>He drew back shocked.</p> - -<p>"You must not speak in that way," he said. "The -life of every human being is sacred. You are entitled -to your life, no matter what has happened, until God -calls you. I do not blame you, my poor girl, for what -has happened. I only say we must try to face the -future, and to see what can be done."</p> - -<p>Before he could realize what she was about to do, -she had flung herself on her knees at his feet, and -covered his hands with kisses. Her heart was full of -the deepest gratitude to him. He was the only being -who had ever spoken kindly to her of late.</p> - -<p>He raised her gently.</p> - -<p>"You should not kneel to me," he said, "it is not -right."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will!" she cried, impulsively. "You are -good—you are noble. You do not curse me for what -I could not help. I want to show you how bitterly I -deplore what has been done! But how are you to realize -it?"</p> - -<p>While they were speaking, a few drops of rain fell -from the heavens, and Ida May, looking up, said to -herself that even the angels above were weeping for -her.</p> - -<p>"Come!" he said, taking her by the hand and leading -her along as though she were a little child, "you -can not stand out in the rain. Come with me!"</p> - -<p>He hailed a passing cab and placed her in it.</p> - -<p>"Where are we going?" she asked, timidly, looking -up into his troubled face.</p> - -<p>"I do not know until I have had time to think," he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -answered. "I have told the driver to drive about for -an hour. By that time I shall have arrived at some -conclusion."</p> - -<p>The girl's dark head drooped. Great as her own -sorrow was, her heart bled for the trouble which she -had unintentionally caused this young man.</p> - -<p>On and on rolled the cab. So busy was Eugene Mallard -with his own troubled thoughts that he almost -forgot the girl shrinking away in her corner, who was -regarding him so piteously and anxiously.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he turned to her.</p> - -<p>"There is but one course left open to us," he said, -huskily, "and that we must follow. You are my wife, -and I must take you to the home that has been prepared -to receive my bride."</p> - -<p>She uttered a low cry; but before she could speak, he -hastened to add:</p> - -<p>"No advantage shall be taken of the position in -which you are so strangely placed. You shall be my -wife in the eyes of the world, but to me you shall be -just as sacred as a sister. We will live our lives -through in this way."</p> - -<p>She bowed her head. Whatever he suggested must -be wisest and best, she thought.</p> - -<p>"Indeed, I can see no other way out of it at the -present outlook," he went on, his voice trembling a -little. "I will take you to a hotel near where I am -stopping. To-morrow, at this time, I will come for you -to take the train with me!"</p> - -<p>A little later Ida found herself alone in the comfortable -room which he had secured for her at the hotel.</p> - -<p>It was then and not until then that the poor girl gave -vent to her grief, suffering almost as deeply as did -Hildegarde, as the long hours of the night passed away.</p> - -<p>The sun was shining bright and warm when she -opened her eyes the next morning. For a moment she -was dazed and bewildered; then a rush of memory came -to her, and she remembered all that had taken place. -She sprung from her couch with a bitter sob on her lips. -Some one tapped at the door. It was the chamber-maid.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Your breakfast is to be served to you here, ma'am," -she said. "The waiter is bringing it. I will take it -from him. Here are also some large packages which -arrived for you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you!" murmured the girl. "Just put them -on the table. But stay," she added in the next breath; -"you may as well open them. I do not think they are -for me."</p> - -<p>With deft fingers the girl unwrapped the bundle, and -held up to her astonished gaze a beautiful brown traveling -suit of the finest cloth, with hat, shoes, gloves, and -<i>lingerie</i> to match. Gazing upon the outfit with wide-opened -eyes, she forgot her sorrow for the moment.</p> - -<p>This was another proof of the thoughtfulness and -kindness of the man whose life she had wrecked.</p> - -<p>"What a superb traveling-dress!" cried the maid, -with delight. "I have never seen anything like it. And -the hat; why, it is a veritable dream, madame. It is so -exquisitely dainty! There is something in the pocket -of the dress!" exclaimed the maid. "Does madame -wish me to see what it is?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Ida.</p> - -<p>The next moment the girl had produced a tiny -box. On a bed of violet velvet reposed a band of plain -gold. Within were the engraved words: "My -wife!"</p> - -<p>The poor girl caught her breath with a sob as the -maid handed it to her. The color came and went on -her face; her eyes grew dim with tears. It was with -the greatest difficulty that she succeeded in hiding -her emotion from the maid, whose eyes were intently -fixed on her.</p> - -<p>"I thought she was a single young girl," she -thought, "but she seems to be married."</p> - -<p>Ida May turned away; she could not bear to have -any one see her emotion.</p> - -<p>"I can not accept it, nor any of his gifts, because -I can not make use of them," she thought. "I am -going away from here, going out of his life. I could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -not go with him to his Southern home; I have no -right there!"</p> - -<p>When the maid came to her, and asked her if she -wished all her meals served in her room, she mechanically -answered, "Yes." Tempting dishes were -brought, but they went back untasted.</p> - -<p>"The lady in Room 27 seems very ill," said the -chamber-maid, when she went down to the servant's -hall below. "She is <i>very</i> mysterious. Her eyes are -so big, so black, and so mournful, you are sure she is -going to burst into tears at every word she utters. -She looks like a creature who has passed through -some great sorrow. With the exception of <i>one</i> lady, -I never saw any-one else look like that. And oh, mercy! -she had the same room too—No. 27.</p> - -<p>"This woman left word that I was to come to her -in the morning. To my great surprise, I found the -door open as I turned the knob. As I went forward -to awaken her, I saw the still form lying on the bed. -As I approached, I saw, to my great amazement, that -her eyes were wide open and staring at me.</p> - -<p>"'I beg your pardon for not coming sooner, -ma'am,' I said. 'I did not think you would be awake -so early. There—'</p> - -<p>"The rest of the sentence was never finished. I saw -that the eyes staring up into mine were glazed in -death. The scream I uttered brought half the people -in the hotel to the scene, a physician being among -them.</p> - -<p>"He said that the young lady had been dead some -hours. She had taken poison. The mystery surrounding -her—who she was, and whence she came, has never -been solved from that day to this. There is much the -same look in this lady's face as there was in that other -one's. I think she will bear watching.</p> - -<p>"You know, too, that nine out of ten of the people -who think of committing suicide choose a hotel in which -to commit the deed. This young lady in No. 27 seems -to be dazed. She scarcely knows what one is speaking -to her about."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> - -<p>Having told her story, the chamber-maid left the -room, shaking her head as she went. The clerk of the -hotel, who was passing through the corridor, and who -had heard the story was a little annoyed over it. He -knew the habit of the maids to gossip; still, there might -be some truth in the story.</p> - -<p>It would certainly not be amiss to look into the matter -a little. He remembered a tall and handsome gentleman -had made arrangements for the lady, paying her -bills in advance.</p> - -<p>He thought he would wait a day and then speak to -the proprietor concerning the matter.</p> - -<p>The sunshine of the afternoon faded; the gloaming -crept up, deepening into the soft beauty of the starry -night.</p> - -<p>As the hours rolled by, the girl made a resolve to end -it all.</p> - -<p>She arose quietly and donned the dark cloak which -Miss Fernly had wrapped about her as they stepped -from the rector's cottage. She was glad to have it -now, for it would cover the bridal robes which she had -donned. Her bridegroom was to be death!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h2> - - -<p>With trembling hands, this hapless girl, who had -taken such a terrible resolve, opened the door of her -room, and glided softly down the long corridor and out -of the hotel.</p> - -<p>Ida May had scarcely gained the street before a -carriage drove up, and Eugene Mallard sprung from it. -He was surprised at seeing Ida advancing to meet him. -She drew back with a cry.</p> - -<p>"Are you ready?" he asked; but before she could -answer, he went on: "You do not wear your traveling-dress. -Was there anything amiss with it?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> - -<p>She tried to keep back the sobs from her lips; but -almost before she was aware of it, she had confessed to -him that she was about to flee from him.</p> - -<p>Standing there, very gently and patiently, he went -over the ground with her, insisting upon her following -out their original plan; and the upshot of it all was, -she returned to her room, donned her traveling-dress, -joined him again, and took a seat beside him in the carriage.</p> - -<p>A little later the railway station was reached, and -they were soon whirling away toward the mysteries -of the future.</p> - -<p>"We will reach our destination a little before midnight," -Eugene said, seating himself opposite her. -"There will be a number of old friends at the station -to give my bride a welcome home," he added in a -voice that was husky, despite his efforts at self-control; -and Ida knew that he was thinking of that <i>other</i> -bride whom he had intended to bring to them, and she -felt most wretched at the effort he was making to -look the present difficulty in the face and bear up -under it.</p> - -<p>How he must loathe her! Her very presence most -be hateful to him! The thought of that made her -shrink still further from Eugene Mallard.</p> - -<p>She felt like opening the car window and springing -from it out into the blackness of the night. Then he -would be free to marry Hildegarde. On and on -through the darkness rushed the express.</p> - -<p>"The next station will be ours," he said at length. -Ida looked up in apprehension. There would be a -party of friends awaiting Eugene's home-coming; but, -ah! what would they say when they saw that it was -not Hildegarde whom he had wedded? Had he a -mother—had he sisters?</p> - -<p>Perhaps he divined her thoughts, for quite as soon -as they had flashed through her brain he turned to -her, and said, abruptly:</p> - -<p>"I have told you nothing of my home life. It was -an oversight on my part, possibly because the idea did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -not occur to me. I have no relatives upon the face of -the earth, except the scape grace cousin you know of. -From my uncle I inherited the Virginia home to which -I am taking you. It is presided over by Mrs. Rice, an -old lady who has served in the capacity of housekeeper -for twenty years. All the servants have been in the -household quite as long a time. They are good and -faithful to me. They will receive you warmly. Your -word shall be their law. No one outside the household -will know of our strained relationship. The secret will -be kept faithfully from the world by the members of -my household."</p> - -<p>"I do not deserve so much consideration at your -hands," murmured the girl.</p> - -<p>Before he had time to reply, their station was -reached. There were few people at the station owing -to the lateness of the hour.</p> - -<p>An old-fashioned carry-all was waiting at the rear. -Peering out from it was the face of old Black Joe.</p> - -<p>"Welcome, marse! welcome!" he cried. "An' a -thousand welcomes to the lovely young missus, your -bride! There's a great company at the house, sir, -awaiting you both."</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard thanked the old colored servant for -his kind wishes for himself and bride, as he helped Ida -into the vehicle.</p> - -<p>There was a long ride over a rough mountain road, -during which time, much to old Black Joe's surprise, -scarcely a word was exchanged between the bride and -groom, and it puzzled the good old man.</p> - -<p>Was the lady ill? So great was his concern over it, -that he was tempted to ask his master the question a -dozen times. But prudence restrained him.</p> - -<p>At length, in turning an abrupt curve in the road, -a gray stone mansion, fairly ablaze with lights from -cellar to dome, loomed in sight—lights that twinkled -like glow-worms in the distance. They could hear the -strains of music, and as they approached they could -even hear the sound of voices.</p> - -<p>Still no word was uttered by either of them.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h2> - - -<p>In less time than it takes to tell it, the strained relationship -between Eugene Mallard and his bride was -whispered through the household. They had laughed -at old Black Joe when he had whispered the story of -their silence from the railroad station, declaring he -was romancing. Later events certainly gave color to -the story, however. She was all that was sweet and -fair. What could be the trouble?</p> - -<p>"If there was ever a bride most wretchedly unhappy, -she is that one," said Mrs. Rice, shaking her head.</p> - -<p>"Why did he marry her if he did not love her? I -can not understand it, I am sure."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Rice went to the bride's room the next morning -to awaken her. She found her already up and sitting -by the window, and there was no indication that she -had removed her dress. This was reduced to a certainty -when she went into the adjoining apartment and found -the couch just as it had been the previous evening.</p> - -<p>She went back to where young Mrs. Mallard was -sitting, and laid her hand gently upon the girl's arm.</p> - -<p>"I hope you will be happy with us here, my dear," -she said in her sweet, gentle old voice, "for we will do -everything to serve you. I have been here for many -years and have witnessed the home-coming of many of -the brides of the Mallards. There was never one that -I took to more than I did to you, my dear child. I felt -like taking you in my arms and pressing you to my -heart. But you seem lonely. Tell me, is there anything -I can do for you?"</p> - -<p>Ida lifted her face.</p> - -<p>"You are very, very kind," she said, gratefully, "and -I thank you with all my heart."</p> - -<p>She looked as if she were about to add something, but -quickly checked herself.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you would like to see the grounds, my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -dear," said Mrs. Rice. "Will you come out into the -garden?"</p> - -<p>The young woman acquiesced readily enough.</p> - -<p>"Your trunks have not come yet, my dear," said -Mrs. Rice, as they walked along. "The railway service -in this part of the country is abominable. It looks -strange to have you come down to breakfast in your -traveling-dress, but—"</p> - -<p>"I have no trunks coming. This is the only dress I -have to wear at present," returned the girl, quietly.</p> - -<p>It was as much as the old housekeeper could do to -restrain herself from an exclamation of astonishment at -this announcement.</p> - -<p>What could it mean? Why had Eugene Mallard's -bride no <i>trousseau</i>, as he had been preparing for this -event for months, as eager in his anticipation of it as -a school-boy for a holiday! She could not understand -it; she felt mystified. But with the quick wit habitual -to her, Mrs. Rice replied almost instantly:</p> - -<p>"A wardrobe can be easily supplied by our Virginia -<i>modistes</i>. Indeed, they are world-famous, I may add. -They make dresses for many of the ladies of Washington -on the shortest notice. Mr. Mallard pressed a roll of -bills into my hand when he arrived, and said: 'See that -my wife has everything needful, Mrs. Rice.' I could not -think what he meant at the time. Now I see it was your -wardrobe he referred to. You and I will set about getting -the things at once. Or if it will fatigue you too -much after your journey, you leave it to me, and I will -see that you have a complete wardrobe in a short time. -You must not say no, my dear; for remember, it is your -husband's wish, and you surely wish to please him."</p> - -<p>The girl looked at her with the strangest expression -in her dark eyes.</p> - -<p>"Nothing that I could do would please him," she said, -hopelessly.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Rice did not tell that remark to the servants, or -there would have been no end of gossip among them.</p> - -<p>"There is some great mystery between Eugene Mallard -and his bride," she said to herself. "I will not attempt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -to probe into the mystery, but I will endeavor to -bring them together, if it lies within human power."</p> - -<p>The fortnight that followed, the old mansion was -fairly alive with guests coming and going.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard could not help but admire Ida for -bearing up so bravely under the terrible ordeal. During -that fortnight a strange thing happened—the -cruelest blow that Heaven could have dealt Ida. The -lovely girl had learned to love Eugene Mallard with -all the strength of her nature. She was in love with -him, and he was cold and indifferent.</p> - -<p>Another fortnight passed, and yet another. Everything -at the great mansion passed pleasantly enough to -the outside world. But the young girls for miles -around who envied the young bride never dreamed of -the skeleton that existed in that magnificent mansion.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard was all that was kind and considerate. -It seemed a necessity to him to have the house -full of company. He was never alone with Ida. How -gayly he talked to his guests! Looking at him, Ida -said to herself:</p> - -<p>"If he would but smile so when he speaks to me! -His eyes are always cold; no warmth or brightness ever -comes into them for me."</p> - -<p>Although Eugene Mallard appeared so bright and -gay before his guests; yet, unknown to any one, his -heart was filled with the bitterness of death. It did -not seem possible for him to live through the hours day -after day. He felt thankful to Heaven that no one -guessed that he had brought home a different bride -from what he had intended. He dashed recklessly from -one gayety to another, his object being to try to forget -Hildegarde, his love. He never voluntarily looked at -the girl he had married.</p> - -<p>At the end of six weeks most of the guests returned -to their homes, and Eugene Mallard suddenly found -himself alone with his young wife and the servants.</p> - -<p>"I must not let this happen again," he said. "To<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -live here alone requires more strength than I am possessed -of."</p> - -<p>They breakfasted alone in the great oak dining-room, -and each felt the restraint which they could illy conceal.</p> - -<p>As she took her place at the table she was perfectly -calm and self-possessed, but the mask of smiles she had -worn before his guests fell from her face. She did not -attempt any conversation with him, but with a quick, -flashing smile she answered when she was spoken to.</p> - -<p>"It seems to take the servants exceptionally long to -serve breakfast," he said, impatiently; adding: "Will -you permit me to glance over the morning paper? I -am interested in this column on stocks."</p> - -<p>She bowed her head gracefully, and watched him, as -he read in silence. There came over her face an air of -sadness painful to see in one so young.</p> - -<p>To Ida the departure of the company was a great relief. -Indeed, she longed for solitude, and thought that -if they did not go soon she could not keep up much -longer.</p> - -<p>She had wanted to go away long ago; but she had remained -there, and now the attraction was so great that -she would not break away even if she could. Her love -for her husband was like a magnet, strong as her very -life-blood, a part of every heart-beat.</p> - -<p>For long hours she would muse over her strange position.</p> - -<p>It was an uncommon fate—young, with life all before -her, she longed for its blessings. It was pitiful for her -to know that the man she had learned to love cared for -another, that she was no more to her husband than she -would be to a brother.</p> - -<p>How sad it was that she should long for the love of -her husband as she had never longed for anything else -in life! It seemed so strange to live in that magnificent -home, to have everything that her heart desired, -to be wealthy, honored, and envied, yet to have no husband's -love.</p> - -<p>Did he still sigh for Hildegarde? Was he thinking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -of her when that dreamy look came into his eyes? She -would give the world to know. She felt a terrible -jealousy in her heart.</p> - -<p>"Will he never change?" she asked herself, in despair. -"Living under the same roof with me, seeing me -day after day, will his heart never warm ever so little -toward me?"</p> - -<p>Once more the old resolve, to steal away from the -house, came to her. Should she go to him, kneel at his -feet, and sob out:</p> - -<p>"I can not remain in this house any longer, because -I—I—have learned to love you!"</p> - -<p>She could picture the surprise on his face. Perhaps -there would be anger, scorn. The eagle dared to look -at the sun, the worm dared to creep into the tender -heart of the rose. Was it strange that she had dared to -love him?</p> - -<p>Hers was a dreary fate, and she tried to bear it -bravely. If she had only some one to confide in, some -one to talk to! Was his heart dead because of his bitter -disappointment?</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>One morning Eugene Mallard informed his young -wife at the breakfast-table that he had invited a party -of friends from the adjoining city, and had just received -word that they would be with them that day. -This was sorrowful news to Ida, for she realized that she -would see less of her husband when they came. But he -seemed to await their arrival in a fever of impatience.</p> - -<p>While she was wondering how many there would be -in the party, her husband said, as if in answer to the -unexpressed thought:</p> - -<p>"There will be six in the party—Mrs. Staples and her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> -two daughters, Dora and Louisa, Captain Drury, Arthur -Hollis, and—and Vivian Deane."</p> - -<p>Ida looked up quickly as her husband pronounced the -last name. Was it only her fancy, or did he turn away -abruptly?</p> - -<p>Somehow she could not rid herself of the fancy.</p> - -<p>Then suddenly it occurred to her that she had heard -the name, Vivian Deane, before. She remembered the -conversation well.</p> - -<p>While their former guests were there, she had been -sitting in the rose-embowered veranda one day, while -two of them passed on the lawn, and the fragments of -their conversation floated up to her.</p> - -<p>"I am surprised to find that Vivian Deane is not -here," said one.</p> - -<p>"Indeed! I would have been more surprised if she -had been here," said the other.</p> - -<p>They were idle words, almost meaningless, as far as -she was concerned, but the name, Vivian Deane, clung -to her for many days afterward. This was the last -morning she would have with her husband. It was -generally his custom to smoke in the grounds after -breakfast. If she walked over the lawn she might be -able to have a little chat with him.</p> - -<p>She made a tour of the grounds, but to her surprise -she did not see Eugene Mallard. Perhaps he was detained -in the library writing letters. A little brook -ran through a far corner of the grounds, and on either -side of it tall laurel bushes grew.</p> - -<p>Would life ever be any different for her? Would -fate be always as unkind as now? Bitter tears, which -she could not restrain, sprung to her eyes and coursed -down her cheeks.</p> - -<p>She tried to stop their flow, but she could not, though -she realized that they would be a sorry object before -her husband's guests. At that moment she heard the -sound of footsteps.</p> - -<p>Looking through the bushes she saw two of the servants -walking leisurely along, one carrying a basket<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -of newly gathered fruit, and the other a basket of -freshly cut roses.</p> - -<p>Was it fate that caused one of them to say:</p> - -<p>"Let us not return to the house just yet. The morning -is warm and fine, why not sit down here under the -shade of this tree and tie the roses into bunches? I -can do it as well here as in the house."</p> - -<p>Whereupon they leisurely proceeded to seat themselves.</p> - -<p>"It isn't the same house since master brought home -his bride," said the other. "It's nothing but company, -company, all the time. Now we are to have another new -lot of guests."</p> - -<p>"And guess who is invited <i>this</i> time," said her companion.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Mallard seems to know everybody in the country, -so it would be a pretty hard guess," laughed the -girl.</p> - -<p>"Well," returned the other, "as you are not so good -at guessing, I may as well tell you—it is Miss Vivian -Deane."</p> - -<p>"Pray, who is <i>she</i>?" asked the girl who was tying -the roses.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I forgot you were not here long enough to -know about her. Well, I will tell you. She is a young -girl who lives a few miles away in a magnificent house -called Deane Castle. She is as beautiful as a dream, -and as heartless as she is beautiful. She has a doll-like -pink-and-white face, big blue eyes, and a wealth of -flaxen curls. Though she looks like an angel, a bigger -devil in woman's form never lived.</p> - -<p>"She was a great favorite with old Eugene Mallard, -the uncle, and his fond wish was that his favorite -nephew should fall in love with and marry the pretty -girl. But, bless you, the young man had ideas of his -own."</p> - -<p>"Who else is coming?" was the next question.</p> - -<p>"A lady and her two daughters. They used to be -dead in love with Mr. Mallard, until they found it was -useless. They were more sensible, however, than Vivian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -Deane. They turned their attention elsewhere, and -they are still looking for eligible husbands."</p> - -<p>Ida May's heart throbbed wildly. Now she knew -why her husband's face had flushed as he mentioned -the name of Vivian Deane. And this was the young -girl whom she was so soon to meet!</p> - -<p>Ida felt nervous at the very thought of the ordeal -before her. She knew she must be in the drawing-room -to welcome his guests. Her husband would expect that -of her.</p> - -<p>Drying her tears, though her heart was heavy indeed, -the young wife stole back quietly to the house, -and up to her own room. When she had removed the -traces of tears, she looked with pitiful wistfulness at -the face which the mirror reflected.</p> - -<p>How long would it take this Vivian Deane, who -loved her husband so madly, to discover that he was -most unhappy in his marriage?</p> - -<p>There was a light tap on the door, and in answer to -her "Come in" one of the maids entered the room.</p> - -<p>"If you please, Mrs. Mallard, your husband would -like to have you come down into the drawing-room. He -says the guests are likely to arrive at any moment."</p> - -<p>"Say that I will be down directly," she replied, and -her voice sounded so hoarse and unnatural that she -feared the girl would notice her emotion.</p> - -<p>"Would you like me to help you arrange your toilet, -ma'am?" she asked, still holding the door knob in her -hand.</p> - -<p>Her toilet! she had not thought of it, so deeply had -she been engrossed in her thoughts. Yes, she must -make every effort to look well, because the eyes of her -rival would be upon her.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you may help me if you will," she said, wistfully. -And when she was dressed and standing before -her mirror, she was so nervous she could hardly stand. -The maid noticed her trembling.</p> - -<p>"You are ill, my lady," she cried, in alarm; "your -face has grown very pale. Do let me bring you a glass -of wine!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No," replied her young mistress; "it is only a momentary -pain. I will be better presently."</p> - -<p>As the maid watched, Ida's face grew from deathly -pale to a flushed appearance, and her hands were burning -hot.</p> - -<p>"I think I must go and see the housekeeper. I am -sure Mrs. Mallard is not fit to receive guests. She is -very ill," she said to herself.</p> - -<p>"If you only felt as well as you looked, my lady," -said the girl, aloud and admiringly.</p> - -<p>"Do you think I look well, Marie?" she asked, with -a pitiful eagerness in her voice.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ma'am, if I dared speak the truth without being -accused of flattery, I would say I never saw any-one -so beautiful in all my life!"</p> - -<p>"Do I look more beautiful than Vivian Deane?" was -the question that rose to her lips. But she checked the -words just in time. At that moment another maid -tapped at the door, and inquired if her mistress would -soon be down.</p> - -<p>"Yes," returned Ida. "I am coming directly."</p> - -<p>As she uttered the words, she heard the sound of carriage -wheels. By a great effort, she nerved herself for -the ordeal.</p> - -<p>"Why, how foolish I am!" she said, with a nervous -little laugh. But somehow a premonition of coming evil -crept over her which she could not shake off.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h2> - - -<p>Eugene Mallard did not look up as his young wife -entered the room. He was gazing so steadily out of the -window that he did not even hear her light footsteps. -She went up to him timidly. Whatever she was about -to say died away on her lips, for the expression on his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -face startled her. She had never seen him look so cross -before.</p> - -<p>At that moment the servant announced: "Mrs. and -the Misses Staples!"</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard stepped forward quickly to receive -them. How his face lighted up! Was it only her fancy, -or did he hold the hand of the prettiest girl a moment -longer than was necessary? Then he turned and introduced -them to his young wife. Louisa and Dora Staples -looked at her eagerly; she could see great surprise in -their faces.</p> - -<p>Were they disappointed in her? That was the first -thought that crossed Ida's mind. How was she to know -their thoughts? Dora Staples came forward, holding -out her hands and blushing like a school-girl. Louisa -stood back, gazing in puzzled wonder at the bride.</p> - -<p>"We were very sorry that we could not be here to -witness your home-coming and to participate in the -grand wedding reception that every one is talking about -even yet. But we were miles and miles away."</p> - -<p>Then the conversation drifted into other channels.</p> - -<p>A few moments later two gentlemen arrived—Captain -Drury and Arthur Hollis. Ida remembered them well; -they had been to the reception. The two girls were -delighted at this acquisition to the party, and in a few -moments Dora Staples had captured the dashing captain -for a chat, leaving Arthur Hollis for her sister -Louisa.</p> - -<p>But Mr. Hollis was not in a mood to enjoy the senseless -chatter of Miss Louisa Staples, for whom he inwardly -felt a cordial dislike.</p> - -<p>On the pretense of wishing to smoke a cigar, especially -as her mother and Mrs. Mallard had joined the -group, he begged her to excuse him for a little while. -He saw his host on the terrace, and stepped out of the -long French window, and went at once to where he -stood.</p> - -<p>"I congratulate you upon the rare beauty of your -wife," he said, touching him familiarly upon the arm.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -"I thought her exceedingly pretty the first time I saw -her; she has grown more beautiful since."</p> - -<p>"I really ought to be obliged to you for the compliment," -returned Eugene Mallard, laughingly.</p> - -<p>"You ought to love her very much, for she is worth -loving," said Arthur Hollis, bluntly, as he knocked the -ashes from his cigar.</p> - -<p>"Has any one told you that I do not?" asked Mallard, -quickly.</p> - -<p>"No, certainly not; but she does not look happy," -returned Hollis, thoughtfully. "As a friend of many -years' standing, I feel myself privileged to speak without -reserve to you, my old comrade. Forgive me for -saying that though your bride's eyes ought to be filled -with sunshine, they are noticeably sad and dreary. -Hers is not a happy face, Eugene."</p> - -<p>Mr. Mallard frowned. He had heard quite enough -of this topic. His wife's face did not interest him. -Arthur Hollis had been his friend for long years; they -had been chums from childhood. Suddenly Eugene -turned and laid his hand on Arthur Hollis's shoulder.</p> - -<p>"I have a strange explanation to make to you," he -said in a voice husky with emotion. "Your keen eyes -have discovered, Hollis, what I would fain have kept -from you. A full confession is good for the soul, they -say, and I will tell you this much, Arthur: the girl -whom I told you so much about, is not the one whom I -have married. At the altar, in a dimly lighted church, -this girl took the place of the one whom I was to wed, -and I did not find it out until we had been pronounced -man and wife."</p> - -<p>Hollis could not have been more completely astounded -if a volcano had opened at his feet.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard had to repeat his words before Hollis -could grasp the whole meaning of what he had heard.</p> - -<p>"You must not think that I wronged her in any way, -that she had any claim upon me," went on Eugene Mallard, -huskily. "Do not judge me too hastily. It all -came about through a mistake. She—she—mistook me -for Royal Ainsley, my cousin, and hearing that I was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -to be married, came there, and—and, by the aid of a -woman, succeeded in becoming my bride. And now, -because of it, three lives are ruined. I am trying to -make the best of it, but it seems, at times, as though -I will not be able to bear up under it—my whole heart -belonging to one woman, while I am wedded to -another."</p> - -<p>"Great heavens!" exclaimed Hollis. "I did not -dream of such a state of affairs!"</p> - -<p>"She is my wife in name only," added Eugene Mallard, -bitterly. "I do not know what the future will -bring forth. I can only say that I am trying to live -it out as best I can. My life is full of wretchedness, -and I can not see what will be the end of it all."</p> - -<p>Now Arthur Hollis could readily understand the -brooding look in Ida's eyes. Why she was graver, more -thoughtful, more abstracted than when he had seen her -last.</p> - -<p>While they were talking, another carriage drove up.</p> - -<p>They saw a beautiful face at the window.</p> - -<p>"It is Vivian Deane," said Mr. Mallard.</p> - -<p>Hollis looked surprised.</p> - -<p>"I hope, my dear boy," he said in a tone of jest, -beneath which was certainly a vein of earnestness, -"that Miss Deane has got over her mad infatuation for -you, now that she knows you are married!"</p> - -<p>Mr. Mallard looked thoughtful.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you are wondering why I invited her -here," he said, slowly, "and I may as well tell you the -truth, that you will not for a moment imagine I sent -for her to indulge in a flirtation. Miss Deane wrote -me that she was coming to pay my wife a fortnight's -visit, so what could I do. Without waiting to receive -a reply from me, here she is. You will come with me, -and welcome her?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly," said Hollis, understanding Eugene's -position.</p> - -<p>Miss Deane looked exceedingly annoyed as the two -men approached.</p> - -<p>She had calculated upon meeting Eugene alone.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> -She meant to tell him in a few words that her life was -ruined because of his marriage. Now she could only exchange -the merest formal greeting. Biting her red lips -fiercely, and forcing a smile to them, she held out her -hand.</p> - -<p>"I am so delighted at seeing you again, Mr. Mallard," -she declared, giving Hollis a stiff, haughty -bow.</p> - -<p>Eugene assisted her from the carriage and avoided -looking at her as much as possible—a fact which annoyed -her exceedingly.</p> - -<p>"And I am so anxious to see your bride," she continued.</p> - -<p>Eugene could readily understand that, and so could -Hollis.</p> - -<p>Hollis followed his friend to the drawing-room. He -stood by the young bride's side when Vivian Deane was -presented to her.</p> - -<p>He had expected to see an expression of bitter dislike -on the doll-like pink-and-white face. He was surprised -and relieved to see Vivian hold out her little hands and -murmur in her cooing voice:</p> - -<p>"I am so delighted to see you, Mrs. Mallard, I am -sure we shall be friends."</p> - -<p>Ida gazed anxiously, wistfully, into the pink-and-white -face. Vivian's sea-blue eyes met her gaze unflinchingly; -her red lips, which suggested more of art -than nature, wore a mask of the sweetest smiles.</p> - -<p>The young bride drew a deep breath of relief. She -had been unnecessarily frightened, she told herself. -Now that Vivian knew Eugene was married, she had -in all probability resigned herself to the inevitable.</p> - -<p>"Probably she has another lover by this time, and -thinks no more of Eugene," thought Ida.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h2> - - -<p>Alone in her room, Vivian Deane stood before her -mirror and critically viewed the face reflected in it.</p> - -<p>"I am more beautiful than Eugene Mallard's wife," -she cried, nodding approvingly to the dimpled, smiling -face, "and I will make that beauty tell. He does not -look happy," she mused. "I, who know him so well, -can see it. He has married her, but he is dissatisfied. -There is something amiss between them. Ere I have -been in this house a week, I will discover what it is." -She nodded to the reflection in the mirror. "I had -hoped that, seeing him married, I could steel my heart -against him, but I find I can not."</p> - -<p>"There is something connected with the manner in -which Eugene Mallard first met his wife that I must find -out," was Vivian's mental comment.</p> - -<p>It was not long before Vivian discovered that her -beautiful young hostess knew almost nothing of music.</p> - -<p>"I think I have discovered her secret," she said to -herself. "She must have been a poor girl, perhaps a -working-girl."</p> - -<p>Instead of seeing the wisdom of God in such an alliance, -whereby the wealthy might share with the poor -the gifts God had showered upon them, she was angrier -than ever.</p> - -<p>From the hour in which she had asked Ida the question -concerning her meeting with Eugene Mallard, the -young wife avoided being alone with her guest.</p> - -<p>Vivian could not help but notice it, and she smiled to -herself. She seemed to have no wish to capture handsome -Captain Drury or Arthur Hollis. She preferred to -talk to her hostess on each and every occasion.</p> - -<p>"Yon have not told me," she said one day, "whether -you lived in New York, San Francisco or Boston."</p> - -<p>"Most of my life was spent in a little village outside -of the great metropolis," said Ida, inwardly hoping the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> -inquisitive girl would not think of asking the name of -the village.</p> - -<p>Vivian did think of it, but concluded that it would -be wisest not to pursue her inquiries too ardently.</p> - -<p>"All this ought to have been mine," muttered Vivian, -clinching her hands tightly—"all mine! I loved him -first, and I loved him best. She had no right to take him -from me!"</p> - -<p>These thoughts often ran through Vivian's mind -while Ida was talking to her, believing she was entertaining -the best and truest friend she had in the great -cruel world.</p> - -<p>If the young wife had known her as she really was, -she would have turned in utter loathing from the beautiful -pink-and-white face; she would have prayed -Heaven to save her from this, her greatest foe.</p> - -<p>As it was, she saw only Vivian Deane's beauty and -grace. She heard only kindness in her voice, and she -thought to herself that she was very fortunate indeed in -securing such a friend.</p> - -<p>She talked and laughed so happily that the poor -young wife almost forgot her sorrow while listening -to her.</p> - -<p>Vivian wondered if by any chance the young bride -had found out how desperately she had been in love with -her husband in other days.</p> - -<p>The young wife became more and more unhappy day -by day. Once, in following the windings of a brook, -Ida was startled at finding herself several miles from -home. Glancing up with a start, she found that the -sun had almost reached its height. She had been gone -longer than she had intended.</p> - -<p>Perhaps there was some way by which she could take -a shorter cut to the house. She saw a woman slowly -advancing along the path, carrying a little baby in her -arms. She stopped short as the woman approached. -She recognized her as the wife of one of the village -merchants.</p> - -<p>Ida had often seen her driving on the road with her -husband, holding the little child in her lap, and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -had said to herself, as she turned away to hide the -tears that would spring to her eyes: "That woman has -everything in the world to make her life happy. I -would exchange places with her gladly if I could."</p> - -<p>The woman smiled as she saw Eugene Mallard's -young wife, and appeared annoyed upon observing -that she was about to stop and speak to her. She answered -her question readily enough, and pointed out -the way, a short cut over the meadows, that would bring -her near her home. Still Ida lingered, looking wistfully -at the young mother.</p> - -<p>"I have often seen you, from my window, rambling -by the brook-side. You must be very fond of out-door -life," said Ida.</p> - -<p>"I do love the sunshine," replied the young woman; -"but I do not come out for it only for myself, but for -baby's sake also."</p> - -<p>A great, sudden thrill that made her soul grow faint -and dizzy filled Ida's whole being as her gaze rested on -the babe she carried. She thought of that other one, -in a nameless grave, sleeping under the daisies. It -would have been just about the age of this little one -had it lived.</p> - -<p>"How happy you must be!" sighed Ida.</p> - -<p>"We are not always what we seem," replied the woman, -with a sigh. "I love this little thing very dearly, -but it is not my own child. I had a little one whom I -loved better than my life," went on the woman, sadly. -"When it died, I refused to be comforted. I took on -so that my husband grew frightened.</p> - -<p>"'Don't fret, Margaret,' he said; 'I will find a way -to comfort you.'</p> - -<p>"He sent to some foundling asylum in the great city, -and this little one was brought to me to fill the aching -void in my heart. I love it very dearly, but oh! it can -never take the place of the one I lost."</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard's wife was looking at it with her -soul in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"Poor little waif!" she sighed; "it was very fortunate -in securing a home with you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Mallard," said the woman. "We -are poor and plain people, but we will do what we can -for the poor little thing."</p> - -<p>She was about to pass on, thinking she had taken up -too much of the lady's time with her story.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Ida turned, her beautiful dark eyes heavy -with tears.</p> - -<p>"Would you mind letting me hold the baby for just -one minute?" she asked, wistfully.</p> - -<p>"No, certainly not," replied the woman, with a pleasant -smile.</p> - -<p>Again that thrill which she could hardly define shot -through her as she received the babe from the woman's -arms. She bent her face over the little rose-leaf one -that lay upon her breast. Her lips moved, but no sound -came from them.</p> - -<p>It seemed to rend her very heart-strings to relinquish -her hold of the infant—to hand it back to the woman -who waited to receive it. The moments seemed to fly -by on golden wings.</p> - -<p>It seemed to Ida that she could stand there for long -hours looking down into that lovely little face and those -two great starry eyes that looked up wonderingly into -her own. It cost her a great pang to hand the child -back to the woman. But time was fleeting. She could -not remain there longer, for the distant bells of the village -were already ringing, proclaiming the noonday -hour, and she must go home, or luncheon would be kept -waiting.</p> - -<p>"You come here often?" she asked, turning again to -the woman.</p> - -<p>"Almost every day," was the reply.</p> - -<p>The hapless young wife made up her mind that she -would see them often. Acting upon a sudden impulse, -she took out her purse and handed the woman a golden -coin.</p> - -<p>"Take that for the little one," she said. "What is its -name?"</p> - -<p>"We haven't decided upon its name yet," returned -the woman; "we have only had the child a few weeks."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Would you think over it if I suggested a name?" -asked Ida, wistfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed," replied the woman. "You may be -sure I would."</p> - -<p>"Why not call her 'Ida May'?" murmured the young -wife, with her whole heart and soul in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"That is a beautiful name," cried the woman—"Ida -May Lester. That is what it shall be!"</p> - -<p>Somehow the naming of the poor waif gave to the -hapless young wife a great relief.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h2> - - -<p>Ida wended her way over the flower-strewn meadow, -with her heart beating more wildly than it had ever -beaten before. She could not forget the flower-like -little infant that had looked up into her face, and -which had so strangely affected her.</p> - -<p>Even the guests noted her heightened color; and -Vivian Deane, watching her narrowly from across the -table, wondered what brought the brightness to her -eyes.</p> - -<p>She looked at Eugene Mallard with intense interest. -Surely there was no corresponding gladness in his -eyes. Indeed, he looked unusually careworn.</p> - -<p>"I will soon find out what has happened," said -Vivian, with a pang of bitter jealousy.</p> - -<p>A little later Vivian sought Ida in her <i>boudoir</i>.</p> - -<p>"It has commenced to rain," she said, "and I am -at a loss to know what to do with myself. The Staples -girls have gone to their rooms to rest, and their mother -wearies me talking about Christian charity. The gentlemen -have repaired to the smoking-room, and so I -have sought you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are very welcome," said Ida. "I will do my -best to amuse you."</p> - -<p>As she looked at Vivian, she said to herself:</p> - -<p>"How foolish I have been to imagine that this -brilliant, beautiful girl should care for a man who -belonged to another girl."</p> - -<p>Vivian had a very fascinating way when among -women, and now she exerted herself to please Eugene -Mallard's young wife as she had never exerted herself -to please any one before.</p> - -<p>"What a very cozy <i>boudoir</i> you have, Ida!" she said. -"It is like a casket for some precious jewel. How -considerate your husband was to have it furnished to -suit your rich dark beauty. I used to think that nothing -was pretty except white and gold or blue and white."</p> - -<p>"That is only natural," returned Ida. "You are a -pronounced blonde, you know."</p> - -<p>"Then you do not agree with me that there is a possibility -of blondes liking rich dark surroundings?"</p> - -<p>"No; I should not fancy so," returned Ida, "except -that blondes usually fall in love with dark men."</p> - -<p>Vivian flushed a vivid scarlet, which Ida did not see, -for at that moment Vivian's face was turned from her.</p> - -<p>"Yes, that is very true," returned Vivian, making -an effort to control her emotion.</p> - -<p>In her case, Vivian knew that the old saying was at -fault. The strong, passionate love of her heart had -gone out to Eugene Mallard, and he was fair. He was -her ideal of manly beauty. The faces of other men appeared -quite insignificant when compared to his. She -was anxious to turn the conversation into another channel.</p> - -<p>"I have often thought, amid all this gayety, how -lonely you must be at times without some girl friend -to talk matters over with you," said Vivian.</p> - -<p>"You are quite right," said Ida, eagerly. "I <i>do</i> need -a girl friend, some one of my own age, to whom I could -open my heart."</p> - -<p>Vivian glided up to her and threw her arms about her -neck.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Let me be that friend," she whispered, eagerly.</p> - -<p>The young wife looked at her wistfully; her cheeks -flushed.</p> - -<p>"I shall be only too glad, Vivian," Ida said.</p> - -<p>"If she had heard that I was in love with her husband, -I must first throw her off the track," thought -Vivian.</p> - -<p>"I am going to tell you a secret," she murmured, -aloud; "but you must not reveal it to any one, I have -had a strange love affair, Ida."</p> - -<p>She felt the young wife start, her figure tremble; she -saw the lovely face grow pale. But not appearing to -notice her agitation, she went on:</p> - -<p>"My hero is as dark as a Spanish knight. I met him -recently. It was a case of love at first sight. He proposed -to me within a fortnight. But my relatives do -not like him, wealthy, handsome, courteous though he -is. They have forbidden him the house, yet I think in -time they will overcome their objections."</p> - -<p>She could plainly see how her fictitious story relieved -the young wife. The color came back to Ida's cheeks, -the light to her eyes. She threw her arms impulsively -about Vivian, and kissed her fair, lovely, treacherous -face.</p> - -<p>"You are indeed to be envied, Vivian," she said, -earnestly. "To love and be loved is the greatest happiness -God can give any one. I hope, for <i>your</i> sake, that -your lover may win his way to the hearts of your relatives. -But you know that the course of true love never -did run smoothly."</p> - -<p>"My lover is a great friend of your husband's, and -perhaps he has told you about it?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Ida. "I assure you that Mr. Mallard has -not spoken to me on the subject," and she looked very -discomforted.</p> - -<p>"I am sure your husband must have received a letter -from my lover and hidden it away somewhere. Won't -you be so kind as to look thoroughly through his desk, -and see?" asked Vivian.</p> - -<p>Ida drew back in alarm.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, I could do not do what you ask. Mr. Mallard's -rooms are in another part of the house," Ida answered, -thoughtlessly.</p> - -<p>Ida now realized the importance of the admission -she had thoughtlessly made. But she could not recall her -words—it was too late.</p> - -<p>Vivian looked astounded. This was a state of affairs -of which she had never dreamed. Her idea had been -to find some pretext to look through Eugene Mallard's -desk, and to abstract all the notes she had written to -him.</p> - -<p>She remembered one or two which she had written in -which she had poured out her love for him in a mad -fashion, and she would not like any one to come across -them.</p> - -<p>But here she had unearthed a startling surprise. Eugene -Mallard's rooms were in another part of the house. -Then they were indeed estranged. She must find out -the secret that lay between them.</p> - -<p>"I am so sorry to have unearthed so sad a secret," -cried the false friend, winding her arms more tightly -about Ida, and turning her face away, that the young -wife might not observe the look of triumph in it. "But -every life has its sorrow, and perhaps it was meant that -I should comfort you. If you are wearing out your -heart longing for the sympathy of a true friend, oh, -dear Ida, please do confide in me, and let me help -you!"</p> - -<p>The words had such a ring of sympathy in them -that it was no wonder the young wife believed her. -She was young and unversed in the ways of the world, -or this beautiful false friend could not have deceived -her so.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Vivian, I <i>am</i> unhappy," she sobbed, "surely -the most unhappy girl the sun ever shone on! I must -make a confidant of some one—tell some one my -troubles, or I shall die. My—my husband does not -love me!"</p> - -<p>"Does not love you!" repeated Vivian. "Then why -on earth did he marry you?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - -<p>The hapless young wife could find no answer to that -question; her head drooped, and her lips were dumb.</p> - -<p>"I am so glad you told me this," said Vivian; and -it was strange that Ida did not notice the ring of -triumph in the voice of her false friend as she said: "I -will do my best to bring you two together. I do not -ask which one is at fault. Both can not be entirely -blameless."</p> - -<p>"There is a shadow between us which never can be -lifted," sobbed the young wife, putting her head on -Vivian's shoulder. "There is love on only one side," -went on Ida, despairingly. "He is indifferent to me, -and—and he will grow to hate me."</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, please, if I have been so engrossed in -my own love affair that I did not notice anything was -amiss between my old friend Eugene and his fair young -bride."</p> - -<p>"I almost dread to think of the future," moaned the -young wife. "There are times when I give myself up -to wondering over the strange problems of life, and I -ask myself why I, who should be happy, find the world -so dark and dreary."</p> - -<p>"You must be very patient," said Vivian, "and above -all things, let me warn you against being the first to -make overtures for a reconciliation."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am so very, very glad that I have had this -talk with you," sobbed Ida, "for during the past week -I had come to the conclusion that the very first time I -found my husband in the library, I would go up to him, -and say; 'This kind of life is killing me. It would be -better far for you to plunge a knife in my breast and -kill me. Either take me to your heart, either make me -your wife in fact as well as name, or send me out into -the coldness and bitterness of the world. I can endure -this no longer. Your friends crowd about me, thinking -I am the happiest person in the world, while I am the -most miserable. I must go from here, because I have -learned to love you, my husband, with all my heart and -soul. You may be surprised to hear this from me, but -it is the truth. I love you as no one else ever will.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -You may live for years, flattered and happy, but no -love like mine will ever come to you again. Although -you married me, yet you do not love me, and never will. -Always remember that the wife who is leaving you -loves you with all her heart. I would not tell you this -now, but that I know in this world we may never meet -again.'"</p> - -<p>Her voice died away in a whisper as she uttered the -last word, and the false friend who had determined to -part husband and wife said she had learned just in time -what was necessary to prevent a reconciliation between -Ida and her husband.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h2> - - -<p>After Vivian Deane had learned of the estrangement -of Eugene and Ida, she made up her mind that -she would part them forever.</p> - -<p>But how? She thought over the matter long and -earnestly. She was standing in the magnificent drawing-room -one morning, when Arthur Hollis entered.</p> - -<p>"How does it happen that you are not out for a -canter on horseback with our host and Captain -Drury?" she asked. "This is such a delightful morning."</p> - -<p>"Ah, Miss Deane," he replied, laughingly, showing -a handsome set of white teeth, "I was just bemoaning -that fact. But I had some important letters to write, -and I was obliged to remain in my room and finish -them."</p> - -<p>At that moment they saw their young hostess crossing -the lawn. Vivian saw Arthur Hollis look after her -with a long, steady, earnest gaze, until she was quite -out of their sight.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Are you admiring our young hostess?" she asked, -suddenly, with something like a frown on her face.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he answered, frankly. "I was just thinking -that Mrs. Mallard has the sweetest face and most -charming manner of any woman I ever met."</p> - -<p>"Then you admire her style of beauty?" said Vivian, -a little piqued.</p> - -<p>"Yes, very much," said Arthur Hollis. "If I had -met her before she married our friend Eugene, I think -I should have fallen in love with her myself."</p> - -<p>The words were innocent enough; but Arthur Hollis -never for a moment dreamed of the terrible mischief -they were to do in the after years.</p> - -<p>Those words so simply uttered sent a thrill through -the heart of the girl who listened.</p> - -<p>"Ah, I have it!" she said to herself. "A way is -opened to me at last to part Eugene Mallard and his -wife. I will encourage Arthur Hollis's admiration for -the beautiful Ida. Men are easily flattered. There is -no knowing what the end will be."</p> - -<p>It was a plot worthy of a fiend incarnate; but this -girl, who loved Eugene Mallard, would stop at nothing -to gain her end.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>During the fortnight that followed, Arthur Hollis -sunned himself each day more and more in Ida's presence.</p> - -<p>No one noticed it save Vivian Deane. He saw no -danger, nor did she, in their companionship. In the -meantime, the shadow darkened and deepened. It was -simply the old story in another form.</p> - -<p>They were both young. She was gifted with the -sweetest grace that ever a woman possessed; he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> -brave, courteous, and noble, with the first throb of a -mighty passion in his heart.</p> - -<p>What usually happens in such cases? He fell desperately -in love with Ida.</p> - -<p>At first Arthur told himself it was pity for her loneliness -that actuated him to be always at her side, to -make time pass pleasantly for her. He realized, when -it was too late, that pity had deepened into a mighty -love. And he told himself, in his despair, as the truth -forced itself upon him, that he loved her.</p> - -<p>The truth came to him like a great shock. He went -to Eugene Mallard, and told him he must go away at -once. It would have been better if he had told him -why; but he did not.</p> - -<p>"I will not listen to such a thing!" cried Eugene. -"You have promised to stay until the shooting season, -and I will hold you to your word."</p> - -<p>In vain he pleaded. But Eugene was obdurate.</p> - -<p>"There is no good reason for your hurrying away," -said Eugene.</p> - -<p>"Then you want me to stay, no matter what happens?" -replied his friend, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Eugene Mallard; and he thought of -Arthur's words for many a day afterward.</p> - -<p>Arthur Hollis tried to reason with himself, saying -that it was better to go. But he was like the moth, who -felt insensibly attracted toward the flame, drawing -nearer and nearer, until, like the moth, he would perish -in it.</p> - -<p>After his conversation with Eugene, he proceeded to -shut his eyes to the danger.</p> - -<p>He was a free-lance. No woman's face had ever -touched his heart before, and he was frightened at the -intensity of the love that thrilled his heart for beautiful -Ida Mallard.</p> - -<p>He would sun himself in her presence for one brief -fortnight longer, and then go away. Surely it was not -much in a life-time. He would not deprive himself of -the one glimpse of sunshine that had drifted into his -life.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> - -<p>Every day found them together.</p> - -<p>Although Ida did not realize what was in his heart, -yet she felt intuitively that there was a great change -in Arthur Hollis since he had been beneath that roof.</p> - -<p>Although he lingered with his feet on the edge of a -precipice, yet he stood face to face with the truth—he -loved at last with all the passionate strength of his -heart and nature.</p> - -<p>He said to himself that if marriages were made in -heaven, she was the one woman intended for him; she -was the only woman in this world that he could ever -love.</p> - -<p>If she had only been free, he would have given her -his life, his love—all that he had on earth to give.</p> - -<p>To make the situation all the more pitiful, he knew -that she was a wife in name only to the man whose name -she bore; that she was as far removed from him as -though she dwelt in an opposite part of the world from -him.</p> - -<p>She was so young, so unhappy, he pitied her with all -his heart. He was perplexed, agitated.</p> - -<p>How he enjoyed the rambles, the rides with her! The -sweetest moment of his life was when he could steal -upon her unawares.</p> - -<p>He saw no danger, and in the meantime the shadow -darkened and deepened. Vivian Deane watched them -with exultant eyes.</p> - -<p>"It will end in an elopement," she told herself, -triumphantly. "Their hearts are drifting nearer and -nearer together, and the end is not far off."</p> - -<p>Every day seemed to make Ida more cold and careless, -and to leave an added sternness upon the face of -Eugene Mallard, and a harshness in his voice.</p> - -<p>His marriage had been a bitter regret. It was an -effort now to even keep up appearances. He had sealed -his misery. There were times when he wished fiercely, -miserably, that he could sever that most unhappy bond -and set her free.</p> - -<p>Not all the wealth and luxury and the army of obsequious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> -servants could make the grand old mansion a -home in its true sense.</p> - -<p>The young wife plunged into a ceaseless round of -frivolity with a reckless <i>abandon</i> quite foreign to her -nature.</p> - -<p>She accepted every invitation that came to her, and -gave in return a series of entertainments of so extravagant -and magnificent a character that the people around -opened their eyes in astonishment, and whispered it was -well that Eugene Mallard's pocket was a deep one.</p> - -<p>But before long they found something else to comment -upon. Wherever Ida went, whether she went -abroad or entertained at home, at dinner, ball, assembly, -there, always closely in her train, might be seen -the handsome Arthur Hollis.</p> - -<p>Gossip began to circulate, slight and vague at first, -but it soon became plainly hinted that Eugene Mallard's -beautiful young wife was flirting with Arthur -Hollis—flirting defiantly, desperately, recklessly. -People wondered in indignant astonishment if her husband -was blind or mad.</p> - -<p>Almost everybody was discussing the piquant scandal. -Even those who had been her guests found something -to say, declaring that they had noticed it from -the first, adding this or that detail as the occasion -prompted.</p> - -<p>They wondered why some one did not drop a hint -to the husband. Unsuspicious by nature, and disregarding -the formal calls of society whenever he could -possibly do so, he very seldom accompanied his wife -on the rounds of gayety on which she had embarked. -For weeks neither significant words nor glances came -to him.</p> - -<p>But he did hear of it at last, and then the blow struck -him with terrible effect. It was only a few sentences -spoken by a couple of ladies, and pointed with a venom -which only a woman's tongue can give, coupling the -name of his wife with that of Arthur Hollis.</p> - -<p>But the import of their words was unmistakable, and -the shock seemed momentarily to stop the young man's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> -breath. The two scandal-mongers lingered over their -gossip with keen delight, not knowing that they were -overheard. It was at a garden-party given by Ida. -Eugene Mallard had gone into the grounds to enjoy a -cigar in a favorite little retreat which few of the guests -had as yet discovered. He did not care for the dancing -on the lawn, and could not be induced to join the dancers.</p> - -<p>Hidden by a group of laurel-bushes, Eugene's quick -ear caught the words of two young girls walking slowly -down the path.</p> - -<p>"Have you seen our hostess, young Mrs. Mallard?" -asked one of the other. "I have been searching for her -everywhere."</p> - -<p>"Look for handsome Arthur Hollis," returned her -companion. "You will surely find her with him."</p> - -<p>The rest of the sentence was uttered in a whisper, but -Eugene Mallard heard every word of it.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></h2> - - -<p>Eugene Mallard flung down the cigar which he had -just lighted as soon as the girls passed, and made his -way from the place.</p> - -<p>He resisted the impulse to turn fiercely upon them -and demand how they dared to speak of his young wife -in that manner. It required all his strength of will to -keep down his anger.</p> - -<p>He passed the two girls on the path a moment later, -and though they gave a start, they believed that he had -not heard their remarks, for he did not betray his anger -in his face.</p> - -<p>Eugene looked about for his wife. His eyes wandered -sharply around as he threaded his way among the -dancers. But Ida was not visible.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> - -<p>Crossing the lawn, he encountered Vivian Deane and -Captain Drury. She was looking her sweetest in pale-blue -summer silk half veiled by white lace and pink -rosebuds.</p> - -<p>He would have passed them by, with a few forced -words of pleasantry, but Vivian would not have it so.</p> - -<p>"You have not danced once this afternoon, Eugene," -she said; "and a host who does his duty should figure in -some of the waltzes at least. Are you looking for a -partner now? Shall I find you one?"</p> - -<p>"No; thanks, Vivian," he answered. "I am looking -for my—my wife. Do you know where she is?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," returned Vivian. "I saw her a moment ago. -Let me see where it was. Oh, yes; I remember—down -by the clump of oaks. She and Mr. Hollis had danced -four consecutive dances together, and were resting. By -the way," she added, with a gay little laugh, and something -like a pout on her pretty red lips, "you must tell -her not to monopolize Mr. Hollis, Eugene. It is too bad -of her. It does not give a <i>single</i> girl a fair chance, you -know."</p> - -<p>Vivian moved away with the captain after giving him -that parting shot, and Eugene was not rendered much -easier by her last words, although they were apparently -gayly and carelessly spoken.</p> - -<p>He walked hurriedly to the further end of the -grounds, and there, under a huge oak-tree, he caught -a glimpse of a filmy white dress.</p> - -<p>Advancing, he saw his wife sitting there, with Arthur -Hollis beside her.</p> - -<p>Neither saw him. Ida's eyes were fixed upon a crimson -rose she was recklessly plucking to pieces. She -seemed to be hardly heeding her companion's words.</p> - -<p>Arthur was leaning back against the oak-tree, looking -down at the dark, curly head, and he was speaking -earnestly in a tone hardly above a whisper.</p> - -<p>A handsome couple they looked, and surely like -nothing so much as lovers.</p> - -<p>Eugene realized this, and a feeling of wrath took -possession of him. He did not love her; in fact, there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -were times when he told himself that he hated her with -the bitterest kind of hatred; but she bore his name, -and she must not be allowed to set the tongues of -gossipers wagging.</p> - -<p>Eugene knew that she did not mean anything by -receiving the attentions of handsome Arthur Hollis, -his friend. She was but a young girl, after all, and she -thoughtlessly allowed herself to drift into this most -wretched flirtation.</p> - -<p>His thoughts went no deeper, no further than that; -but that was far enough, and for the sake of her good -name, this thoughtless, reckless nonsense must be -stopped. He trusted her implicitly, yet he felt a mad, -unreasonable rage against the two sitting there.</p> - -<p>It was well his will was so strong and his temper so -well under control, or he could not have advanced as -calmly as he did.</p> - -<p>Ida was dressed in white. It struck him that she -looked very beautiful. But just then her beauty seemed -to exasperate and harden her husband toward her.</p> - -<p>Ida glanced up, and seeing him, started.</p> - -<p>Arthur Hollis appeared a little uncomfortable, but -after the first sharp glance, Eugene Mallard did not -look at him, feeling that he could not trust himself to -do so. He addressed his wife, looking at her with a -dark frown on his face.</p> - -<p>"Vivian told me you were here," he began. "Are -you going to dance the next set?"</p> - -<p>Her face flushed, her hands trembled. Was <i>he</i>, her -husband, coming to ask her to dance with him? His -next words showed her how mad she had been to -cherish such a hope.</p> - -<p>"I was going to ask Vivian to dance," he said. "I -see there are three couples standing over there ready -to dance. It will require one more couple to fill up the -set."</p> - -<p>With something like haughty pride, she raised her -dark head.</p> - -<p>"I shall not dance," said Ida, in a cold, bitter voice. -"I am tired."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> - -<p>Arthur Hollis had the grace to laughingly excuse -himself. He had been enjoying his <i>tête-à-tête</i>, and the -sudden appearance of her husband on the scene was not -welcome. Besides, he had noticed that there was something -in Eugene Mallard's face which he did not like.</p> - -<p>Arthur Hollis did not speak, and Eugene Mallard -waited until he was well out of hearing. The silence -lasted so long that Ida broke it by petulantly saying:</p> - -<p>"As I shall not dance this set, would it not be as well -for you to find some one else? The music is just starting."</p> - -<p>He did not appear to listen to the remark. His eyes -were riveted on the little satin programme, suspended -by a little silver cord at her belt, and he saw the initials -of Arthur Hollis written opposite six or eight dances.</p> - -<p>His face grew hard, stern, and rigid. Had he been -blind not to have noticed what was going on, when it -was so plainly apparent to every one else?</p> - -<p>"I should like to ask something of you," he said, -pointing to the card. "I want you to promise me that -you will not dance any more with Arthur Hollis."</p> - -<p>With a feeling of mingled rage and pain he saw that -Ida turned first pale then scarlet. She drew herself up -to her full height and looked at him with a <i>hauteur</i> -which she never knew she possessed.</p> - -<p>"May I ask why you make such a request?" she -asked, sharply.</p> - -<p>"For to-day let it be enough that I make the request. -Will you promise me?"</p> - -<p>All the spirit that Ida possessed was up in arms.</p> - -<p>"Certainly not," Ida responded. "I would not -dream of breaking an engagement for no reason whatever."</p> - -<p>There was a pause, filled only by the strains of distant -music.</p> - -<p>Paler than usual and with a stern look overspreading -his face, Eugene Mallard waited for his wife to continue, -as she seemed to have something more to say.</p> - -<p>"If you objected to your friend dancing with me,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> -you—you should have made the request before the engagements -were made."</p> - -<p>He looked at her angrily, his fair, handsome face -flushing.</p> - -<p>"A half dozen engagements should not have been -made," he returned. "People will certainly comment -upon it. They are already whispering of my friend's -attention to you."</p> - -<p>A strange look which he could not analyze crossed -the beautiful face.</p> - -<p>"You must stop this gossip," he went on, "or I will -take measures to do so. I have made a request of you, -and shown you why I made it. Will you grant it—for -your own sake?"</p> - -<p>"I refuse!" she repeated. "I am sorry that you do -not think me capable of protecting my own name—and -yours."</p> - -<p>With something like a muttered imprecation on his -lips, he turned on his heel, and strode rapidly from her -side.</p> - -<p>"Fool that I was!" he muttered, clinching his hands -together. "To save her honor I married her. But -what does she care for my honor?"</p> - -<p>The breech between them grew wider than ever now.</p> - -<p>Ida danced with Arthur Hollis, and the tongues of -the gossips wagged. If Eugene Mallard heard, he paid -no heed. Strange thoughts were passing through his -mind.</p> - -<p>All unmindful of what Eugene Mallard had to say -to his wife, Arthur Hollis danced with her, and hovered -more closely than ever by her side.</p> - -<p>He was growing desperate. His stay was drawing -to a close. He meant to make the most of the few hours -of sunshine and happiness before he turned his back -on all that made life worth the living.</p> - -<p>At the finish of one of the dances a messenger-boy -was seen approaching with a telegram.</p> - -<p>"For Mr. Arthur Hollis," he called.</p> - -<p>Mechanically Arthur held out his hand. It was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> -dispatch requiring his immediate presence in Baltimore -to attend to some urgent business.</p> - -<p>"Have you bad news?" asked Ida, turning to him; -for she saw his face had grown very pale.</p> - -<p>"Yes—no," he answered, incoherently, a troubled -look coming into his eyes. "I must go away." He did -not look at her as he uttered the words. "I must go -within the hour," he said, huskily. "Come down by -the brook where we have passed so many happy hours. -I should like to say good-bye to you there."</p> - -<p>For a moment she hesitated; then seeing the sorrowful -look on his face, she quietly allowed him to lead her -down the path toward the brook.</p> - -<p>In silence they walked through the sunshine, heedless -that there were two pairs of eyes following them—Vivian -Deane's from one part of the grounds, and -Eugene Mallard's from another.</p> - -<p>Vivian turned and followed them. That was the beginning -of the tragedy that darkened three lives.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.</a></h2> - - -<p>Slowly Ida and Arthur Hollis walked together over -the beautiful green lawn, Vivian Deane creeping like -the shadow of fate after them.</p> - -<p>Arthur seated Ida in her favorite nook on the mossy -stone. For a moment neither of them spoke; then he -suddenly caught her little hand in his. Ida did not -know why she trembled, why her hand grew cold in -his clasp.</p> - -<p>There was not a cloud in the blue sky overhead. -The cool, sweet breeze shook the rose leaves and scattered -them on the grass; the leaves of the oak-trees -stirred on the great boughs. A calm, sweet and solemn -in its beauty, stole over them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ida," he whispered, hoarsely, "did ever a great -pity fill your heart for any one? If so, let pity fill it -now for me, for I am in need of it."</p> - -<p>"Why?" she asked, looking wonderingly up at him.</p> - -<p>"How I shall look back to this hour when I am -gone!" he said, brokenly.</p> - -<p>"When I am gone!" The words had a sad murmur -in them, like the fall of autumn leaves. They pierced -the very heart of the girl who heard them.</p> - -<p>"When you are gone?" she repeated. "What do you -mean?"</p> - -<p>"I am going away within the hour," he said. "The -telegram I received calls me back to Baltimore by the -first train," he added.</p> - -<p>Involuntarily Ida drew closer to him, her face paling. -Suddenly the light went out of the sun, the glory -faded from the blue sky; the music of the birds was -hushed, the bitterness of death seemed to have fallen -over her heart.</p> - -<p>"Going away?" She repeated the words over and -over again, but she could not realize their meaning.</p> - -<p>"I—I have been so happy, I forgot you would have -to go away," she said, slowly.</p> - -<p>"I am going down to Central America. I may die -of fever and never come back," he answered, with passionate -pain in his voice. "If I am spared to return, -it may not be for years. I will have passed out of -your thoughts by that time. You will have forgotten -the pleasant hours we spent together, forgotten our -rambles through the sunny hours. You will have grown -into a woman of the world by that time. You have not -begun life yet."</p> - -<p>"I feel as though I had finished with it," she murmured.</p> - -<p>She did not try to check the words that came throbbing -to her lips.</p> - -<p>"I wish you had not come into my life only to go out -of it," she added, with passionate pain.</p> - -<p>He looked at her, and strong man though he was, his -lips trembled. She had raised her face to his, and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -looked so beautiful, so unhappy, that he turned away -with a groan which came from the very depths of his -heart.</p> - -<p>Vivian Deane had crept near enough to hear the first -words that had passed between them. She knew that -he had received a telegram calling him away. He had -either taken Ida Mallard down to the brook-side to say -good-bye, or to urge her to elope with him. Most likely -the latter.</p> - -<p>She would go and fetch Eugene. He should be a -silent witness to the scene; then her vengeance would -be complete.</p> - -<p>She knew his pride, his temper. She knew he would -not raise his voice to utter one word to stay her steps. -He would spurn her, he would force her to go.</p> - -<p>Vivian hurried back to the dancers on the lawn. Eugene -Mallard was standing apart from his guests. She -glided up to him and laid a little white hand upon his -arm.</p> - -<p>"Eugene," she said, in a voice which trembled with -excitement, "I have always been your true friend. If -I saw you in danger, my first impulse would be to save -you. If I saw an enemy pointing a deadly arrow at -your heart, I would try to turn it aside. If I saw a dark -cloud hanging over you, my first impulse would be to -warn you."</p> - -<p>"I anticipate what you are going to say, Vivian," -he broke in, with an expression of annoyance on his -face. "You are going to repeat some gossip to me, and -I will say, before you begin, that I do not care to hear -it."</p> - -<p>"If you will not heed the words of warning of one -who wishes you well, you must submit to the jeers of -the whole country. I advise you to go to the brook-side, -where your wife is saying farewell to Arthur -Hollis; or perhaps she is going with him."</p> - -<p>She saw the look that passed over his face as she -turned swiftly and hurried away. He could not have -answered her if his life had depended upon it. Glancing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> -back over her shoulder, she saw that he had strolled -off in the direction which she had indicated.</p> - -<p>"He will catch them making love to each other, and -then—Ah, well, we shall see!"</p> - -<p>Ida and Arthur had walked in silence by the brook, -and they stood beside it for some moments without -speaking; then suddenly Arthur Hollis turned toward -her.</p> - -<p>"Say that you will miss me when I am gone," he -murmured, with emotion.</p> - -<p>"You know that I will," she answered. "But for -you, my life here would have been very lonely."</p> - -<p>"Do you really mean that?" he asked, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she returned, with something very like a -sob on her lips.</p> - -<p>Impetuously he caught the little white hand that -hung by her side.</p> - -<p>"Those words will linger in my memory until the -day I die!" he cried, huskily. "Ida, I am going away. -You will never see me in this world again. I shall -never come back."</p> - -<p>She looked at him with her great dark eyes.</p> - -<p>"It breaks my heart to say farewell," he continued, -huskily, "for when I leave you, Ida, I go out into the -darkness of death."</p> - -<p>"Oh, do not say that!" she cried.</p> - -<p>"Yes, the hour has come when I must tell you," he -answered. "It will ease my heart. Only forgive and -forget me. Oh, how am I to say good-bye to you?" he -asked, sharply, looking, with desperation in his eyes, -at the lovely pale face. "I have lived under the same -roof with you. I have been thrown into your society -day by day, yet I have kept my secret in my own heart. -Now I am going away, and I will tell you the truth—I -love you, Ida—I love you!"</p> - -<p>He caught her hands in his, and she was too bewildered -and dazed to withdraw them.</p> - -<p>"You must forgive me!" he cried. "Have pity on -me, if my words do not please you!"</p> - -<p>She was carried away by his reckless impetuosity, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -was too much surprised to interrupt him. She had not -even recovered herself sufficiently to withdraw her -hands from his. All she knew, in her bewilderment, -was, that he was kneeling upon the grass at her feet, -with his head bent, and that hot, passionate tears were -falling from his eyes.</p> - -<p>"I have brought you here because I could not bear the -pain any longer. I must speak to you or die. I love -you! Ah, Heaven knows how I love you!"</p> - -<p>She had no power to stop the torrent of words that -fell from his lips.</p> - -<p>"You will no doubt wonder how I dare say this to -you," he went on, brokenly, "but my answer is—love -dares anything. It must express itself in action -or words. No mortal can keep it back."</p> - -<p>She tried to check him, but it was impossible.</p> - -<p>"Hush—hush!" was all she could say.</p> - -<p>"I know the gulf that lies between us," he went on: -"I realize that it can never be bridged over. If I had -met you first, I feel all would have ended differently. -You would have loved me as I love you. I feel it—I -know it."</p> - -<p>At that moment Eugene Mallard, who had hurried -down the path at the suggestion of Vivian Deane, arrived -upon the scene.</p> - -<p>Only the tall lilac bushes sheltered him from the two -who stood by the brook-side. For a moment he was -horrified at what he saw and heard. He stood fairly -rooted to the spot. His first impulse was to dash in -upon them, fling Arthur Hollis to the earth, and beat -his very life out.</p> - -<p>His next impulse was to rush to the house for his -revolver, return with it, and shoot his false friend -before his guilty wife's eyes.</p> - -<p>He acted upon the latter impulse, turned on his heel, -and a moment later, white as death, he dashed into -the house and ran up a rear stair-way to his room.</p> - -<p>He did not love the girl who bore his name, but she -should learn, even if it were at the cost of a life, what -it meant to drag his name, his honor, through the mire.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLI" id="CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI.</a></h2> - - -<p>Although scarcely five minutes had elapsed since Eugene -Mallard dashed into the house in search of his revolver, -when he returned to the brook-side neither his -wife nor Arthur Hollis was to be seen.</p> - -<p>His rage was so great that he could scarcely contain -himself. In his present state of mind he did not dare -return to his guests, lest his emotion should betray him.</p> - -<p>He thought they were planning an elopement; but he -would nip that in the bud.</p> - -<p>The woman to whom he had given his name should -not disgrace him. He determined upon that as he hurried -up a rear stair-way to his wife's apartments to -verify his suspicions.</p> - -<p>To his utter surprise, as he flung open the door, he saw -her sitting by the window. She sprung to her feet, looking -at him with widely distended eyes.</p> - -<p>It was the first time that her husband had ever crossed -the threshold of her apartments.</p> - -<p>He entered the room, closed the door behind him, and -stood with folded arms before her.</p> - -<p>Husband and wife looked at each other.</p> - -<p>It was he who broke the awful silence. He strode up -to her, and seized her wrist in a vise-like grasp.</p> - -<p>"There is little use in making a preliminary speech," -he cried, hoarsely. "I will come to the point at once!"</p> - -<p>His face was ghastly, his lips trembled with uncontrollable -rage.</p> - -<p>Ida, pale, terrified, wondering, gazed at him with undisguised -terror in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" she gasped.</p> - -<p>"You guilty woman!" cried Eugene Mallard—"you -cruel, guilty woman, I have interrupted you in your -preparation for flight, it seems!"</p> - -<p>His stern face, the anger that shone in his eyes, and -the harsh voice frightened her. She shrunk back as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -though he had struck her. Her lips parted as though she -would speak; but all sound died away on them.</p> - -<p>"It is time," said Eugene Mallard, "that we came to -a clear understanding. In every way you have deceived -me! I have been fatally betrayed! Your shameless -flirtation has tarnished my name and lowered my position! -I am ashamed to look men in the face! Where -is he?" he demanded, looking about him, as though he -expected to see Arthur Hollis in the room.</p> - -<p>"Down by the brook," she faltered.</p> - -<p>Eugene laughed a harsh, satirical laugh.</p> - -<p>"He must have seen me coming while he waited there -for you, and fled from my wrath." He turned on his -heel. "I repeat, if you stir from this room until I give -you leave, it will end in a tragedy!"</p> - -<p>In his anger, he did not see that he was trampling under -foot a noble heart. If she had been able to calmly -explain to him just what had occurred, she might have -been saved. She attempted to speak, but he held up his -hand.</p> - -<p>"Not one word!" he cried. "I will not listen!"</p> - -<p>He turned suddenly, hurried from the room, closed the -door after him, and went quickly to his library, where he -could be alone.</p> - -<p>Ida, left alone, reeled into the nearest chair. She shook -as if in an ague; she was cold, and her head reeled. Her -keen pain and agony kept her from fainting.</p> - -<p>She tried to imagine her future life. What was Eugene -Mallard about to do? Her future was now ruined, sacrificed. -Eugene Mallard had been cold and indifferent -to her before, now he hated her.</p> - -<p>He said she was to remain in that room until he should -return. She flung herself face downward upon the floor. -He had called her guilty and cruel; he had vented his -rage upon her. Her brain was dizzy with the unusual -excitement.</p> - -<p>When Vivian Deane glided into Ida's room to find out -what was going on, to see whether Ida had really eloped, -she found her in a deep swoon. She did not call the -servants, but set about reviving her herself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ida lay white and still as one dead. Above her bent -Vivian Deane, half terrified at the result of her work. -Very soon her labors were rewarded, and Ida opened her -large, dark eyes.</p> - -<p>"Vivian—Vivian!" she murmured, catching at the -arms of her false friend, her teeth chattering.</p> - -<p>The blinding tears that now fell from Ida's eyes was -a mercy sent directly from Heaven, for they saved the -hapless young wife from going mad.</p> - -<p>"Something has gone wrong with you, my dear," -said Vivian, in her sweetest, most cooing voice. "Tell -me what it is, Ida, dear. Let me console and comfort -you."</p> - -<p>Another fit of sobbing more violent than the first, and -Ida threw herself into the arms of her treacherous -friend, sobbing out:</p> - -<p>"Oh! Vivian, I must tell some one."</p> - -<p>In a voice that shook with emotion, she proceeded to -confide to her enemy what had happened down by the -brook-side, adding that her husband had discovered it in -some way, and accused her of encouraging Arthur Hollis.</p> - -<p>"Even if you had given him encouragement, no one -could have blamed you," Vivian said in a soft, purring -voice, "for your husband's neglect has been noticeable -by every one!"</p> - -<p>"But I did not encourage him!" cried Ida, in agony. -"He was pleasant company, but I thought no more of -him, even though I spent so much of my time in his society, -than I did of Captain Drury, or any of the other -guests beneath this roof. Oh! I do wish I were dead—I -do—I do!"</p> - -<p>In this exaggerated feeling of one ill in body and in -mind, in a state of nervous tension, a true friend would -have shown the unhappy Ida that her position was not -so desperate and hopeless as she imagined. Matters -could not, however, be carried to an extremity without an -explanation.</p> - -<p>"He bid me to remain here until he should return," -sobbed Ida. "What do you suppose he means to do?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you really want my honest opinion?" asked Vivian, -with a steely glitter in her blue eyes.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" said the young wife, anxiously, fairly holding -her breath in suspense.</p> - -<p>"Well, then, my dear, if you must have it, here it is: -I, who know the fierce temper of the Mallards, say to -you that I think he intends to call all the guests here, to -openly denounce you before them, and then turn you -away from his house!"</p> - -<p>The face of the girl-wife who listened grew ghastly.</p> - -<p>"I would never stay beneath this roof to face his anger," -said Vivian, her eyes glistening. "I would gather -up what money and jewels I could lay my hands on, and -run away—go as far away as possible."</p> - -<p>"Would you?" cried Ida, in a hushed, awful voice.</p> - -<p>"Yes," advised Vivian, firmly. "And every moment -of delay brings you nearer and nearer to face the terrible -ordeal that I am sure he intends to mete out to you!"</p> - -<p>Ida rose suddenly to her feet</p> - -<p>"I will do as you advise, Vivian," she whispered, her -dark eyes filled with terror. "I will fly at once!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLII" id="CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Vivian Deane looked down at the cowering girl at her -feet. It seemed to her then that her triumph was complete. -She could scarcely keep back the cry of exultation -that rose to her lips.</p> - -<p>"How shall I leave the house without being seen?" -whispered Ida, piteously.</p> - -<p>"Leave that to me," murmured Vivian. "I am very -sorry for you, Ida, and I will do all I can to aid you in -this, your hour of greatest sorrow."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are, indeed, a true friend to me," sobbed Ida. -"I shall never, never forget your kindness."</p> - -<p>Vivian looked a trifle uncomfortable at these words -of unmerited praise. She dared not remain longer with -Ida, for she knew that two or three partners would be -looking for her.</p> - -<p>"Stay here for at least fifteen minutes," she said, -eagerly, "and by that time I will join you, and tell you -what plans I have made for you."</p> - -<p>Ida could not think for herself, her brain was so benumbed. -She could only nod in silence.</p> - -<p>Scarcely five minutes had elapsed since Vivian had -quitted the <i>boudoir</i>, until Eugene Mallard again knocked -for admittance at the door.</p> - -<p>There was no answer. He turned the knob, entered, -and found his young wife lying senseless upon the carpet. -For the second time, Ida had given away to the -awful agony that consumed her. Among those at the -<i>fête</i> was a young doctor. Eugene summoned him hastily.</p> - -<p>"Dear me, this is quite serious!" exclaimed the doctor, -as he bent over the prostrate form which Eugene -had borne to a couch. "Your wife has brain fever. It -is a serious case, I fear."</p> - -<p>The garden-party broke up quite suddenly. The news -that Mrs. Mallard had been taken ill was rumored among -the revelers, and silently but quickly the guests took their -departure, all save Vivian Deane.</p> - -<p>She went up to Eugene, and laid a hand on his arm.</p> - -<p>"Let me remain and nurse my dear friend Ida," she -pleaded. "Do not refuse, I beg of you!"</p> - -<p>"Let it be as the doctor says," answered Eugene.</p> - -<p>But the physician shook his head decisively.</p> - -<p>"This is a case requiring the most competent nurses. -I am sorry to refuse you, Miss Deane, but in this instance -I must do so."</p> - -<p>Vivian controlled the anger that leaped into her heart.</p> - -<p>"You certainly mean well," added the doctor, "but -in such a case as this even her nearest relatives are not -to be allowed in the sick-room."</p> - -<p>Vivian was obliged to swallow her chagrin as best<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -she could. If she had been allowed her way, the young -wife who had come between her love and herself would -never rise from her bed.</p> - -<p>"When she is convalescing I will visit her," she said -to herself.</p> - -<p>As she had no excuse to remain longer in the house, -she was obliged to take her departure along with the -other guests.</p> - -<p>When Eugene Mallard had hurried to his room, after -bidding Ida to remain there until his return, it was his -intention to go to his room for writing materials, and returning -to Ida, force from her a written confession of -her love for his friend, and her intention to elope with -him.</p> - -<p>Under the circumstances, he could not very well carry -his plan into execution. His rage against his hapless -young wife turned to pity when he saw her lying there so -helplessly before him.</p> - -<p>During the fortnight that followed, the servants, who -knew of their master's estrangement from his young -wife, and how little he cared for her, were greatly surprised -to find themselves banished from the sick-room, -while Eugene Mallard took possession of it.</p> - -<p>The fact was, he was puzzled at her raving. Sometimes, -when taking the place of the trained nurse for an -hour, he was troubled beyond expression to hear her go -over again and again the scene that had taken place by -the brook.</p> - -<p>In her delirium, Ida vehemently repulsed Arthur Hollis, -demanding of him how it was that he dared speak a -word of love to her, the wife of another.</p> - -<p>Then the scene would change, and she would fancy -herself once more in her own room, falling on her knees -and crying out to Heaven that she could not bear her -husband's coldness.</p> - -<p>Often would Eugene listen intently while Ida clasped -her hands and moaned:</p> - -<p>"Oh, Eugene! Eugene! will I ever be more to you -than I am now? I love you! Yes, I love you, but you -will never know it! If you only knew it, you would be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> -surprised. A wife never loved a husband more dearly, more -devotedly than I love you. I would have devoted my -whole life to you. I would have died for you! Every -beat of my heart, every thought of my mind, every action -of my life is for you! I love you as no one else ever will, -as no one has loved you! You may live many years, -happy, flattered by the women of the world, but no love -like mine will ever come to you. The wife who is to you -as the dirt beneath your feet is the truest friend you -have!"</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard looked terribly distressed as he listened.</p> - -<p>"Ida, my dear wife, listen to me," he would say. "I—I—shall -try very hard to be kinder to you than I have -been. Do you hear me, do you understand?"</p> - -<p>There was no gleam of love in the pale face; no light -such as he had thought his words would bring there; no -gleam of joy. She did not seem to understand him. He -said to himself that he must be cautious; that he must not -distress her by speaking words that would give her hope.</p> - -<p>The news of the illness of Eugene Mallard's young -wife had traversed far beyond the small Virginia town. -He was well known in New York, and the papers of the -metropolis copied the bit of news; but in doing so, they -made a great mistake. The items read that the young -wife of Eugene Mallard had died from the effects of -brain fever.</p> - -<p>Miss Fernly read the article, and without delay she -wrote to Eugene Mallard.</p> - -<p>In one part of her letter she said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">"I should never have written you the following if the -wife whom you had wedded through <i>my</i> mistake had -lived. But now that she is gone, I will tell you the truth—that -hapless deed came very near costing your poor -Hildegarde her life. From the time of your marriage to -the present, she has never been the same. She loved you -then, she still loves you.</p> - -<p>"This is what I would advise you to do: wait a reasonable -length of time, and then come and claim Hildegarde,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -and this time nothing shall happen to prevent the -marriage of you two whom Heaven had intended for -each other. I know Hildegarde is breaking her heart -day by day, hour by hour, for love of you.</p> - -<p>"I urge you to come to her just as soon as you think -it prudent, as I think it is my duty to warn you that -Hildegarde is fading away before our very eyes, and -your presence is the only thing that can save her life.</p> - -<p>"I here inclose you a small portrait of her I had taken -only a little while ago. Her face is as sweet as a flower, -but, ah, me! one can not help but read the sadness in -every line of it."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">It was just at the time when Eugene Mallard was -feeling kinder toward his wife than ever that he received -Miss Fernly's letter inclosing Hildegarde's picture. He -had done his best to try to crush out his hopeless love for -one from whom Heaven had so strangely parted him.</p> - -<p>Great drops of perspiration stood out on his brow as -he folded the letter and turned the picture face downward -on his desk.</p> - -<p>It seemed to Eugene that the bitter waves of death -were sweeping over him. It was the reopening of the -old wound in his heart that he prayed Heaven to heal. -He loved Hildegarde with all the strength of his manhood. -He wished that he were dead. The pain seemed -greater than he could bear. He found that he still loved -sweet Hildegarde; but he was bound to another in honor -and conscience. He would try to do his duty toward -the one who bore his name.</p> - -<p>He took the letter to the open fire-place, where a log -fire burned lazily, and knelt down before it, holding it to -the flame. Red tongues of fire caught at it gleefully, and -the next instant it was a heap of ashes in one corner of -the grate.</p> - -<p>Then he held out the picture to the flames, but involuntarily -he drew it back. He could not allow it to burn. It -seemed to him that his own heart would burn first.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Heaven give me strength to destroy it!" he cried. -"I dare not trust myself to keep it. It will drive me -mad!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLIII" id="CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>The flames touched the portrait, and with a cry Eugene -Mallard hastily drew it back.</p> - -<p>"No, no—a thousand times no!" It would be as easy to -burn the living, beating heart in his bosom.</p> - -<p>While he had the strength, he hurried to his writing-desk, -placed it in a pigeon-hole, shut down the lid, and -turned the key. Then he buried his face in his hands.</p> - -<p>He ruminated upon the strangeness of the position he -was placed in. Both of these young girls loved him, while -he loved but one of them, and the one whom he loved so -deeply could never be anything in this world to him. He -wondered in what way he had offended Heaven that such -a fate should be meted out to him.</p> - -<p>At that moment quite a thrilling scene was transpiring -at the railway station of the little Virginia town.</p> - -<p>The New York Express, which had just steamed in, -stood before it, and from one of the drawing-room cars -there stepped a handsome man dressed in the height of -fashion.</p> - -<p>He sauntered into the waiting-room, looking about him -as though in search of the ticket-agent.</p> - -<p>A woman entered the depot at that moment carrying a -little child in her arms. She recognized the man at a -single glance.</p> - -<p>"Why, Mr. Royal Ainsley!" she cried, "is this indeed -you returning to your old home?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> - -<p>Turning hastily around at the mention of his name, -he beheld Mrs. Lester standing before him.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I have returned like a bad penny, Mrs. Lester," -he said, with a light, flippant laugh. "But, judging -from the expression on your face, you are not glad to -see me."</p> - -<p>"I have not said so," she answered.</p> - -<p>"Sit down, Mrs. Lester," he said, flinging himself -down on one of the benches. "I should like to inquire -of you about the women-folk of the village."</p> - -<p>The woman sat down beside him, in obedience to his -request.</p> - -<p>"There is very little to tell," she answered; "everything -in our village moves on about the same, year in and -year out. Nothing of importance has taken place, except -the marriage of your cousin, Eugene Mallard."</p> - -<p>"Ha! ha! ha! So my fastidious cousin has changed -his name from Royal Ainsley to that of Eugene Mallard -to please his uncle, has he? Well, I read of it in one of -the New York papers, but I scarcely credited it. Between -you and me, Mrs. Lester, that was a mighty mean piece -of work—the old fool leaving his entire fortune to him, -and cutting me off without a cent."</p> - -<p>"Every one knows that you were warned of what -was to come unless you mended your ways," answered -the woman.</p> - -<p>"Bah! I never thought for a moment that the old fool -would keep his word," retorted the other. "But you say -that my cousin is wedded. That is indeed news to me. -Whom did he wed—Vivian Deane?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," she answered, "not Miss Deane. Every -one in the village prophesied that he wouldn't wed her, -although she was so infatuated with him."</p> - -<p>"I suppose she is an heiress," said Ainsley, savagely -knocking the ashes off his cigar. "It's easy enough to -marry another fortune if you have one already."</p> - -<p>"I don't know if she is an heiress," returned Mrs. Lester; -"but she's a real lady. Any one can see that. But -I fear that he is in great danger of losing her. She is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -now very low with brain fever, and it is doubtful whether -she will live."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" he muttered. "My visit here is most inopportune -then. I wanted to see my cousin, and strike -him for the loan of a few thousand dollars. He won't be -in very good humor now to accede to my request. I think -I'll keep shady and wait a fortnight before seeing him. -But who is <i>this</i>?" he cried, looking at the child she carried -in her arms. "I understood that your baby died."</p> - -<p>"So it did," replied Mrs. Lester. "This is the little -foundling whom we are about to adopt. My husband -brought it to me from a foundling asylum."</p> - -<p>"Well, I do declare!" said Ainsley. "That's quite a -risky operation, taking a little waif into your home, when -you don't know its parents."</p> - -<p>"But I <i>do</i> know its mother," she answered. "I wrote -and found out all about its mother. She was a young -girl who was taken ill in the streets. A poor family permitted -her to be brought into their house, and there her -babe was born. The young mother was so ill that the -babe was taken to the foundling asylum by the doctor -who attended her, where it could have constant attention, -for its little life was despaired of. By a strange mistake, -word was sent to the mother that the little one had died. -But the baby rallied and recovered. Almost heart-broken -over the news of its death, the young mother disappeared. -There was no one so interested as to make search for her, -and tell her that her little one had been spared. In her -flight she left behind her a package which contained some -articles that may lead to her identity, if the child should -ever want to find her hapless mother when she grows to -womanhood. I have them with me now. Do let me show -them to you, Mr. Ainsley."</p> - -<p>At that moment the little one, who had been sleeping, -slowly opened its great, dark, solemn eyes, looked up -into the face of Royal Ainsley, and uttered a plaintive -little sob.</p> - -<p>It was not often that he noticed little children—indeed, -he had an aversion to them—but he could not understand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -the impulse that made him bend forward and look with -interest into the flower-like little face.</p> - -<p>Where had he seen just such a face? The great, dark, -solemn eyes, so like purple pansies, held him spell-bound.</p> - -<p>An impulse which he could not control or define caused -him to reach out his trembling hand and touch the waxen -little fingers, and the contact made the blood rush -through his veins like fire. He tried to speak, but his -tongue seemed too thick and heavy to perform its functions.</p> - -<p>The woman did not notice his agitation. She was -busily engaged in unwrapping a small parcel which she -had tied up in oil silk.</p> - -<p>Then, to his astonished gaze, Mrs. Lester held up before -him a beautiful bracelet made of tiny pink sea-shells, -with a heavy gold clasp, upon which was engraved, -"From R. to I."</p> - -<p>If Mrs. Lester had but looked at him, she would have -seen that his face had grown ghastly.</p> - -<p>At a glance he recognized the bracelet as one which -he had designed and presented to Ida May, at Newport, -when he believed her to be the heiress of the wealthy -Mays.</p> - -<p>"That is not all," said Mrs. Lester, holding up a man's -pocket-book, which he recognized as his own—-the identical -one he had sent up to Ida May by the porter, with a -little change in it, on the morning he deserted her.</p> - -<p>Again he opened his mouth to speak; but no sound -issued from his lips. The pocket-book contained only -a part of a sleeve-link that had belonged to himself, the -other part of the link was in his pocket at that moment.</p> - -<p>In a flash, the truth came to him—this little one was -Ida May's child.</p> - -<p>He now recalled the appealing letters she had written -to him at the hotel after he had deserted her. He had -never answered them, for by that time he was trying to -win the beautiful heiress, Florence St. John. He had -told Ida May that his marriage to her was not legal, -while in truth it was as binding as Church and State -could make it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> - -<p>He had cast all upon the throw of a dice, and it would -never do for the poor young girl whom he had married to -come between him and the young girl whom he was about -to win.</p> - -<p>He had resolved upon a desperate scheme to gain a -fortune, by deluding the young girl whom he had made -his wife into believing that she was not such, and going -through the ceremony with the heiress, Florence St. John.</p> - -<p>But Fate had snatched the beautiful Florence St. John -from his grasp just as he was about to wed her. Her -brother came on the scene, and Royal Ainsley beat a -hasty retreat, as he had commenced to inquire into his -antecedents.</p> - -<p>All these thoughts flashed through his brain in an instant. -Then he realized that Mrs. Lester was speaking -to him.</p> - -<p>"A pretty baby, is she not?" said the woman, holding -the infant toward him. "But we have decided not to -keep her, after all. I am going to take the first train to -New York, and return the baby to the foundling asylum, -though Heaven knows I shall miss her sorely. We are -too poor to keep her."</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley turned toward her with strange eagerness.</p> - -<p>"What do you say if I take your charge off your -hands?" he asked, huskily.</p> - -<p>"You, Mr. Ainsley?" exclaimed the woman, amazed. -"Why, what in the world could <i>you</i>, a young bachelor, -do with a baby?"</p> - -<p>"I will give you one hundred dollars to give me the -child. Is it a bargain, Mrs. Lester? Speak quickly, before -I change my mind!"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLIV" id="CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV.</a></h2> - - -<p>Royal Ainsley leaned forward, and caught Mrs. Lester's -arm, saying hastily:</p> - -<p>"I repeat, that you shall have one hundred dollars if -you will but give the child into my custody."</p> - -<p>"Again I ask, what could you, a bachelor, do with it, -Mr. Ainsley?" said Mrs. Lester.</p> - -<p>He had an answer ready for her.</p> - -<p>"I know a family who lost a little one, and would be -only too delighted to take the infant and give it a good -home."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Lester breathed a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>"I am very poor, as you know very well, Mr. Ainsley," -she answered, "and I can not refuse your kind offer. -Take the little one with welcome. Only be sure that it is -a good home you consign it to."</p> - -<p>He counted out the money and handed it to her, and -she resigned the infant to his arms. At that moment -they heard the shriek of the incoming express.</p> - -<p>"That is the train I was going to take," she said, "and -now I am out the price of my ticket, which I bought in -advance."</p> - -<p>"If you will give it to me, I will use it," he said.</p> - -<p>She handed him the ticket, and in another moment -Mrs. Lester saw him board the train with the child.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if I have done right or wrong," she thought, -a scared look coming into her face. "It was all done so -quickly that I had not the time to consider the matter. -But this much I do know; I have the hundred dollars in -my pocket, and that is a God-send to me. We need the -money badly just now."</p> - -<p>She turned and walked slowly away; but somehow -she did not seem quite easy regarding the fate of the little -child.</p> - -<p>"I ought to have asked him the name of the family to -whom he was going to take the baby," she mused; "then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -I could have written to them to be very careful, and to -bring her up to be a good and true woman. I shall certainly -ask him all about it the very next time I see him—that -is, if I ever <i>do</i> see him."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the train thundered on, carrying Royal -Ainsley and the child away. It was hard to keep back the -expression of mingled hatred and rage with which Royal -Ainsley regarded the infant he held in his arms. He -knew full well that the child was his own, but he had -no love for it. If it had died then and there, that fact -would have afforded him much satisfaction.</p> - -<p>But one course presented itself. He would take it to -New York, and once there, he would have no further -trouble with it—he would manage to lose it. Many -waifs were found on the doorsteps, and no one ever could -trace their parentage, or whose hand had placed them -there.</p> - -<p>In all probability he would never run across Ida May -again. She believed her child dead.</p> - -<p>While these thoughts were flitting through his brain, -the little one commenced to cry. Its piteous wails attracted -the attention of more than one person in the car.</p> - -<p>"Mother," said a buxom young woman sitting opposite, -"I am sure that young man is a widower, left with -the little child, and he is taking it to his folks. You see -he is in deep mourning.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet that baby's hungry, mother, and I'll bet, too, -that he hasn't a nursing-bottle to feed it from."</p> - -<p>"You can depend upon it that he has one," remarked -her mother. "Every father knows that much about -babies."</p> - -<p>"Of course he has it in his pocket; he never came -away without one; but he is so deeply engrossed in his -own thoughts that he does not hear the baby. Don't you -think you ought to give him a little reminder of it?" said -her daughter, thoughtfully. "You're an elderly woman, -and can do it."</p> - -<p>"He might tell me to mind my own business," said the -elder woman. "Some strangers don't take kindly to -other people meddling in their affairs."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> - -<p>As the plaintive wails of the infant increased instead -of diminished, the elder woman got up and made her -way up the aisle.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley started violently as he felt the heavy -hand on his shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Why don't you feed your baby, sir?" she said, -brusquely.</p> - -<p>He looked at her angrily, his brows bent together in a -decided frown.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by interrupting my thoughts, -woman?" he cried, harshly.</p> - -<p>His angry retort roused all the antagonism in the -woman's nature.</p> - -<p>"I mean just what I say—your baby's hungry, mister," -she replied. "If you had the feelings of a loving -father, you'd know enough to feed it."</p> - -<p>He looked at her in consternation.</p> - -<p>"Feed it?" he echoed, blankly. "I—I was not prepared -for anything like this. Such a thing did not occur -to me."</p> - -<p>"And you didn't bring a nursing-bottle along with -you?" echoed the woman.</p> - -<p>"No," he responded, curtly, but also somewhat blankly.</p> - -<p>"Good Lord! that's just like a man, to forget important -things like that."</p> - -<p>"What am I to do?" he asked, appealingly. "What -would you suggest, madame. I am at sea."</p> - -<p>She looked at him perplexedly; then her motherly face -brightened as she glanced about the car.</p> - -<p>"I will soon see what can be done," she answered, -making her way as quickly as the moving train would -allow to the end of the car, where two women sat with -tiny infants on their laps.</p> - -<p>Very soon she returned with the article she had gone -in search of.</p> - -<p>"Let me take the poor little thing," she said, "and -feed it. Men, and more especially young men, don't -know anything about such things."</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley gladly delivered his charge into her -keeping. Very soon the woman had stilled its cries, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> -it was sleeping peacefully in her arms. An idea then -came to Royal Ainsley. His pale-blue eyes glittered with -a fiendish light.</p> - -<p>He almost laughed aloud at the thought that flashed -through his mind.</p> - -<p>"Do you think the baby will sleep a little while?" he -asked, drawing his hat down over his face.</p> - -<p>"It is likely to," she answered; "still, one can not -always tell. Samantha, my daughter here, never slept -ten minutes on a stretch when she was a baby. She was -a lot of trouble to me then; but I don't mind -it now, for she's a heap of comfort to me, sir. I wouldn't -know how to get along without Samantha. She——"</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley interrupted her impatiently.</p> - -<p>"I was going to say that if you would be kind enough -to hold the little one for awhile I would like to go into -the smoking-car and smoke a cigar."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLV" id="CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV.</a></h2> - - -<p>Royal Ainsley thought the woman did not hear his -question, for she did not answer, and he repeated, in -his suave, winning way:</p> - -<p>"Could I trouble you to hold the little one a few moments, -while I enjoy a smoke in the car ahead?"</p> - -<p>Widow Jones answered readily enough:</p> - -<p>"To be sure I will take care of the little one, sir. Go -right along and enjoy your cigar. I know just how a -man feels when he is deprived of a smoke. My husband -had to have his pipe every night after his supper, just -as sure as the sun went down. If he missed it, he was -fairly beside himself—like a fish out of water."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - -<p>It suddenly occurred to Royal Ainsley that it wouldn't -be a bad idea to know more about this woman.</p> - -<p>"Do you live near here?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Just three stations above—near Larchmont village. -We won't reach there for nearly three-quarters of an -hour, so that need not trouble you, sir. I take it that you -are a widower, sir," she went on, before he could rise -from his seat.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he answered, shortly, and with considerable -impatience.</p> - -<p>"It's too bad!" chimed in Samantha—"and to be left -with such a young baby, too. It's too bad that you -didn't get a nurse for her, unless you are taking her to -some of your folks."</p> - -<p>"I have no relatives," he answered. "I am going to -New York for the express purpose of finding some one -to take care of the child."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" exclaimed Widow Jones. "How strange -that you should come across me! Why, do you know, I -used to take little ones in occasionally, and keep them -for their fathers until they were old enough to get about. -Before you look further, sir—although I don't like to -recommend myself—I'd like to have you stop off at -Larchmont and inquire all about me. There isn't a man, -woman, or child for miles around but can tell you about -me."</p> - -<p>"Why, it is indeed a piece of good luck that I should -have come across you, madame!" declared Royal Ainsley. -"We may be able to come to terms here and now."</p> - -<p>"Don't ask too much, ma," whispered Samantha, under -her breath.</p> - -<p>"You can set your own price," said Royal Ainsley, -in an off-hand manner.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I will leave that entirely to you, sir," said the -widow. "I'll take the baby and care for her, and you -can come and see her whenever you like. I'll leave the -pay entirely to you. That's fair enough, sir, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"You are entirely too magnanimous," he declared. -"By the way, here's a ten-dollar note to start with. -That's the only bill I have, save those of very large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -denomination. In the course of a few weeks I will make -permanent arrangements with you."</p> - -<p>"But surely you are going to stop off at Larchmont, -sir, and see where I live. I don't expect that you will -trust a dear little baby like this to a stranger. You will -most likely want a recommendation."</p> - -<p>"Your face is certainly recommendation enough, my -good woman," he declared. "Nevertheless, I shall, of -course, stop off with you."</p> - -<p>He rose with a bow.</p> - -<p>"Remember, sir," chimed in Samantha, "that part of the -train switches off just a few miles below there. If you -don't look out, you'll be taken on to New York."</p> - -<p>"I must look out for that," he said. "I had certainly -intended to take a little nap after my smoke. I haven't -closed my eyes for two nights; the baby was not feeling -well. Your warning will put me on my guard, at all -events."</p> - -<p>Again he bowed, and in an instant he had disappeared.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what his name is," said Samantha. "You -forgot to ask him, ma."</p> - -<p>"So I did, to be sure. But it's easy finding that out."</p> - -<p>Further conversation was stopped by the sudden waking -up of the pretty dark-eyed babe; but a little milk -from the bottle and a few soothing words soon succeeded -in quieting her.</p> - -<p>"We are almost at the switch," said Samantha. -"Ought not somebody go into the smoking-car and inform -the gentleman of it?"</p> - -<p>"Why, certainly not. It's likely he knows of it. He -was told of it, and it's likely some one will inform him. -You had better look after your boxes and bundles. Be -sure to pick up the bag of candy, the ginger-snaps, the -bunch of bachelor buttons, the rosemary, my shawl, and -your new pair of shoes."</p> - -<p>"If I have to hold this baby and pick up my dress, it -will be as much as I can do. But I'm quite sure the gentleman -will come and take care of the baby himself," -added Samantha, wistfully.</p> - -<p>The conductor called out the station. It was the busiest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> -junction in the northern part of Virginia. Two -trains met and passed each other here, while still another -was side-tracked, waiting for the right of way. There -was always a rush of people at the station, and consequently -confusion and noise. Widow Jones and Samantha -stepped from the car to the platform.</p> - -<p>"We ought to have waited," declared the girl. "See, -we have missed him, as I told you we would. I had -better run back and see if he's there. He's probably -going on to New York. But he will be sure to see us, no -matter what car he is in."</p> - -<p>A moment more, and the two trains moved on. Even -Widow Jones was now thoroughly alarmed. What her -daughter had feared had taken place. The young man -had certainly missed them.</p> - -<p>"Overcome with fatigue, he probably fell asleep in -the smoking-car, in spite of himself," said Samantha.</p> - -<p>"Well, anyhow he knows your name and address, -mother. He will be sure to telegraph back to us at -Larchmont."</p> - -<p>Still, Widow Jones, who held the baby close in her -arms, looked troubled.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLVI" id="CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI.</a></h2> - - -<p>"He has certainly been carried on to New York," said -Widow Jones. "There is nothing left but to get home -and await results."</p> - -<p>"I guess you're about right," said Samantha.</p> - -<p>They left word at the railroad station to at once bring -up any telegram that might come for them.</p> - -<p>An hour after they arrived at Larchmont, every one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> -had heard of Mrs. Jones and the baby, and her experience -with the handsome stranger.</p> - -<p>When a fortnight passed, and the weeks lengthened -into months, Mrs. Jones began to be a little skeptical.</p> - -<p>"We will keep the baby until he <i>does</i> come for it, Samantha," -she said.</p> - -<p>Somehow the little waif with the great dark eyes and -the little rose-bud mouth had crept into their hearts, and -they could not turn it away.</p> - -<p>Samantha did her share in looking after the baby; but -it was a little hard, for she had a great deal to do waiting -upon customers in the village bakery.</p> - -<p>The mother and daughter made no further mention -of the handsome stranger.</p> - -<p>"If we had but asked him his name. I wanted you -to, ma," declared Samantha. "But there's no use in -crying now. We have the satisfaction of having a baby, -anyhow," declared the girl, spiritedly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," assented her mother, dubiously; "but it's quite -a task to bring up other people's children."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, freed from the care of the child, Royal -Ainsley walked through the train. It was just approaching -the station, when, all unobserved, he swung from the -back platform just as the express was moving out again.</p> - -<p>A chuckle of delight broke from his lips.</p> - -<p>"That was most cleverly managed. My compliments -to Mrs. Jones, of Larchmont. She has been exceedingly -useful to me."</p> - -<p>He did not trouble himself as to what disposition they -might make of the child.</p> - -<p>The question that occurred to him was—"how am I to -destroy the proofs I have concerning the child?"</p> - -<p>But no answer came to him regarding this dilemma. -He thrust them back into his pocket. He would have -plenty of time to plan when he reached New York.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the thought came to him, that he would be -foolish to turn back from the course he had marked out -for himself. Instead of returning, he would go back and -see Eugene.</p> - -<p>There was a friend of his living in the vicinity. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> -would find him, and pass a week or two with him, then -he would carry out his original scheme. He acted upon -this thought.</p> - -<p>It was the fishing season, and Royal Ainsley made a -valuable addition to a party of young men already gathered -at his friend's quarters. Five weeks elapsed before -the party broke up.</p> - -<p>"By this time Eugene's wife must have recovered -from her illness," he said, grimly. "If I don't go and -see him now, they will probably be getting ready to go -off somewhere, and I will miss them."</p> - -<p>Suiting the action to the word, Royal Ainsley took the -train the next day and arrived at his native village at -dusk.</p> - -<p>He had taken the precaution to provide himself with a -long top-coat and a slouch hat.</p> - -<p>He avoided the depot and its waiting-room, lest he -should meet some one who might recognize him.</p> - -<p>He struck into a side-path, and a sharp walk of some -fifteen minutes brought him in sight of the old mansion.</p> - -<p>How dark and gloomy the night was! There was no -moon, and not a star shone in the heavens.</p> - -<p>A short cut across the fields brought him to a little -brook. He looked down upon it in silence as it gurgled -on sullenly over its rocky bed.</p> - -<p>He looked back at the grand old mansion looming up -in the distance. And as he looked, he clinched his hands, -and the bitterness in his heart became more intense.</p> - -<p>"But for Eugene, all that would be mine," he muttered. -"He stepped between me and the fortune. When -we were boys together, I realized that he would do it, and -I hated him—hated him for his suave, winning ways and -the love which every one showered on him. He was always -lucky."</p> - -<p>He turned and looked again at the great stone mansion, -whose turrets were dimly outlined against the sky. -And as he looked he saw a door on the rear porch open -and a figure clad in a white, fleecy dress glide out upon -the porch and walk slowly into the grounds.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is probably the bride," he muttered, with a -harsh little laugh.</p> - -<p>To his surprise, she crossed the lawn and made directly -for the spot where he stood.</p> - -<p>"I shall not be likely to get a good look at her unless -the moon comes out," he thought.</p> - -<p>He drew back into the shadow of the alders that skirted -the brook. His bitter, vengeful thoughts were turned -aside for a moment while watching the advancing figure.</p> - -<p>"Why should my cousin have wealth, love, happiness, -while I have to knock about here and there, getting my -living as best I can, being always in hard luck and a -mark for the arrows of relentless fate?" he soliloquized.</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer drew the slender, graceful figure.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley was right. It was his cousin's wife.</p> - -<p>She went on slowly over the greensward in the sweet -night air, little dreaming what lay at the end of her path.</p> - -<p>By the merest chance the hapless young wife had come -across the letter that Miss Fernly had written to Eugene -Mallard. It had fallen from his pocket when he was -looking over some papers on the porch one day.</p> - -<p>Passing by soon after, Ida saw the paper lying there, -picked it up, and opened it. There, while the sun shone -and the birds sung, she read it through, and the wonder -was that she did not die then and there.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLVII" id="CHAPTER_XLVII">CHAPTER XLVII.</a></h2> - - -<p>From the moment that Ida had learned through Miss -Fernly's letter how Hildegarde Cramer had mourned for -her lover, the young wife's life had become very unhappy.</p> - -<p>She knew well that she stood between Hildegarde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -Cramer and her happiness. She had done her best to -die, but Heaven had not so willed it.</p> - -<p>The pity of it was that her love for Eugene Mallard -had increased a hundred fold. It was driving her to -madness.</p> - -<p>"Oh, if it were all ended!" she cried aloud. "Better -anything than this awful despair!"</p> - -<p>No one heard her. There was no one near to hear -what she moaned out to the brook that kept so many -secrets.</p> - -<p>She heard a crash in the branches near by—a slight -crash, but she started. It was only a bird that had fallen -from its nest in the tree overhead, she told herself.</p> - -<p>But even after she had said it she felt a sense of uncontrollable -terror that she could not account for; felt the -weight of some strange presence.</p> - -<p>That voice!</p> - -<p>When Ida cried aloud in her despair, the words fell like -an electric shock upon the ears of a man who listened -behind the alder branches.</p> - -<p>"By all that is wonderful!" he cried, under his breath. -"Either my ears have deceived me, or that is the voice -of Ida May! Well, well! Will surprises never cease?"</p> - -<p>He stepped quickly forward, and the next moment he -was by her side. How strange it was that at that instant -the moon came out from behind a cloud and rendered -every object as bright as if in the noonday sun.</p> - -<p>At the sound of the step, Ida started back in affright.</p> - -<p>One glance into the face looking down into her own -and she started back with a cry that was scarcely human.</p> - -<p>"You!" she gasped.</p> - -<p>Then her lips grew cold and stiff. She could not utter -another word.</p> - -<p>"The surprise is mutual!" he answered. "What in -the name of all that is wonderful are you doing in this -house? Come, my dear, let us sit down on this log while -you explain matters."</p> - -<p>Ida drew back in loathing.</p> - -<p>"Stand back!" she cried. "Do not attempt to touch -me, or I shall cry out for help!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> - -<p>A fierce imprecation broke from the man's lips.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by all this high and mighty nonsense?" -he cried. "Speak at once. You are my wife! -Why shouldn't I lay hands on you?"</p> - -<p>"No!" she cried. "Though you have so cruelly deceived -me, I thank God that I am not your wife."</p> - -<p>He threw back his fair, handsome head, and a laugh -that was not pleasant to hear fell from his lips.</p> - -<p>"Don't make any mistake about that!" he cried. "I -remember what I wrote you—that there was some illegality -in the ceremony which made our marriage invalid. -But I learned afterward, when I met the chap who performed -the ceremony, that it was entirely legal. If you -doubt that what I say is true, I can easily convince you -of the truth of my assertion."</p> - -<p>Ida drew back with a cry so awful that he looked at -her.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, who can understand the ways of -women?" he remarked, ironically. "I thought that you -would rejoice over the fact that our marriage was legal, -but I find that you are sorry."</p> - -<p>Still she was looking at him with wide-open eyes.</p> - -<p>"I can not, I will not believe anything so horrible!" -she gasped. "It would drive me mad!"</p> - -<p>"I assure you it is true," he declared. "Like yourself, -I believed that the marriage was not binding. But I -found it was, and that saved me from wedding another -girl."</p> - -<p>A cry that seemed to rend her heart in twain broke -from her white lips.</p> - -<p>"But tell me, what are you doing here?" he asked, -wonderingly.</p> - -<p>Then it was that something like an inkling of the truth -came to him.</p> - -<p>"Great God!" he cried, "it can not be possible that -you are in any way connected with my cousin—that you -are the bride he brought home? Speak! Why are you -trembling so? Has my guess come anywhere near the -mark?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ida looked up at him with wild, frightened eyes like -those of a hunted deer.</p> - -<p>"Speak!" he cried again, fiercely grasping her arm, -"or I will wring the truth from you!"</p> - -<p>"I—I am Eugene Mallard's wife," she whispered in -a voice that would have touched any other man's heart -than the one who was bending over her with rage depicted -on his face.</p> - -<p>He laughed aloud, and that laugh was horrible to hear.</p> - -<p>She did not spare herself. She told him all the bitter -truth—how, being thrown in contact with Eugene Mallard -day after day, she had learned to love him with all -the strength of her nature; how, seeing how good, kind -and true he was—a king among men—she fell face -downward in the dew-wet grass and cried out to Heaven -that her life would cease the moment she went out of -Eugene Mallard's life.</p> - -<p>"This is, indeed, a fine state of affairs!" he cried out.</p> - -<p>"What would you have me do?" cried the unhappy -young girl in the voice of one dying.</p> - -<p>He did not answer her at once; but, taking a cigar -from his pocket, he coolly lighted it.</p> - -<p>"When you are through with your hysterics, we will -talk the matter over," he assented, frowningly.</p> - -<p>She struggled to her feet.</p> - -<p>"Sit down!" he commanded, pointing to the trunk of -a tree.</p> - -<p>Feeling more dead than alive, she sat down in the place -which he had indicated. She expected that her life -would end at any moment, the tension on her nerves was -so great.</p> - -<p>He did not speak; but the short, harsh laugh that broke -from his lips, as he puffed away at his cigar, was more -cruel than the harshest words.</p> - -<p>"This is what one might call a melodrama in real life," -he said, at length. "It savors of comedy, too, and illustrates -fully the old saying: 'Truth is often stranger than -fiction!' But, to get down to business. Turn around -and face me, while I tell you the injunction I lay upon -you, and which you dare not refuse to obey!"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLVIII" id="CHAPTER_XLVIII">CHAPTER XLVIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>The hapless young wife looked into the hard, set face -above her, her eyes dilating with fear.</p> - -<p>Her brain reeled; it seemed to her that she was dying.</p> - -<p>"Listen to what I have to say," exclaimed Royal Ainsley, -his hand tightening on her shoulder. "You have a -fine home here—much finer than I could possibly offer -you—and I propose that you shall keep it. There is no -use in wasting sentiment between us. We do not care -for each other, and you <i>do</i> care for Eugene Mallard. It -will be some satisfaction for you to live beneath this roof, -and I won't mind it at all, providing you make it worth -my while. I will make my meaning clearer to you. I -must have some money, and you are the one who must -help me to it. Get a thousand dollars, and I will go away -and never again molest you. Come, now, what do you -say?"</p> - -<p>Ida drew back and looked at him.</p> - -<p>"You know that I could not get it for you," she said, -with calmness.</p> - -<p>"You know the alternative," he said, harshly.</p> - -<p>"No matter what the alternative is, I—I could not -help you," she answered, huskily.</p> - -<p>"If you refuse," he went on, "I can have Eugene -Mallard and yourself arrested for bigamy. I can send -you both to prison, and, so help me Heaven, I'll do it! -You say that you love Eugene Mallard. We will see if -you love him well enough to save him."</p> - -<p>"You monster!" she gasped, wildly, "you would not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> -do such a thing, I say. You dare not outrage Heaven -like that."</p> - -<p>"The shoe is on the other foot. It is <i>you</i> who have -outraged Heaven in violating the law. I must have that -money, and you know I am a desperate man."</p> - -<p>He would not tell her just now that her child was alive. -He would save that piece of news for some other time.</p> - -<p>Before she could reply, they saw some of the servants -crossing the lawn.</p> - -<p>"I must go!" she cried, wrenching herself free from -his grasp. "They have come in search of me!"</p> - -<p>"I shall be here to-morrow night at this very spot -awaiting your answer," he said, harshly.</p> - -<p>Why had Heaven let Royal Ainsley find her? Had he -not already brought misery enough into her life?</p> - -<p>She turned the matter over in her mind. Every word -he had said, every threat he had made, occurred to her.</p> - -<p>Would he make good his threat, and take vengeance -upon the man she loved if she refused to raise one thousand -dollars for him?</p> - -<p>She knew he was what he had said—a desperate man.</p> - -<p>Oh, if she had but dared creep into the library, throw -herself at Eugene Mallard's feet, and tell him all, what -woe would have been spared her. But, alas! she dared -not.</p> - -<p>Heaven help her! How could she leave Eugene Mallard, -whom she loved better than life.</p> - -<p>She crept up to her room, and during the long hours -of the night she fought the fiercest battle that woman -ever fought with herself. If she gave Royal Ainsley the -money he had asked for, he would certainly go away and -never cross her path again.</p> - -<p>Her heart leaped at the thought. The thought that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> -she was still bound to Royal Ainsley brought with it -the most poignant grief—a feeling of horror.</p> - -<p>She did realize what it meant to live there beneath -that roof, even after she had found out the truth—that -she was not Eugene Mallard's wife.</p> - -<p>What harm was there in living in the home of the -man she loved, seeing that they were so far apart in heart -as well as in purpose?</p> - -<p>"No, I can not tear myself away from the only one I -have ever loved!" she cried. "If I were living here with -Eugene Mallard as his wife, then my duty would be plain—I -would have to leave here at once."</p> - -<p>No, no! Come what might, she could not tear herself -away from Eugene Mallard.</p> - -<p>In the drawer of her writing-desk lay a roll of bills -which Eugene had handed her the day before, to -purchase new furniture for her suite of rooms.</p> - -<p>"Select it the first day you go to the city," he had said.</p> - -<p>She had intended purchasing it the following week.</p> - -<p>Now she went hurriedly to her desk, took out the roll -of bills, and counted them.</p> - -<p>There was just a thousand dollars. She drew a great -sigh of relief. That would buy Royal Ainsley's eternal -silence. Before handing it to him, she would swear him -to secrecy forever.</p> - -<p>She never knew how she lived through the next day.</p> - -<p>There was not a moment that Royal Ainsley's handsome, -cruel, sneering face did not appear before her.</p> - -<p>How she loathed him! She hated, with fierce, intense -hatred, the very sound of his name.</p> - -<p>Night came at last.</p> - -<p>The few guests that were stopping at the house were -assembled in the drawing-room, and it was not an easy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> -matter to find some convenient excuse to get away from -them.</p> - -<p>But when the hands of the clock on the mantel pointed -to the hour of eight, she felt that she must get away.</p> - -<p>Some one suggested playing a piece of music which she -had taken to her room the day before to study.</p> - -<p>"I will go and search for it," she said; and with that -remark she glided from the room.</p> - -<p>How dark the night was! She almost shivered as she -touched the graveled walk and hurried down to the brook-side.</p> - -<p>When this night had passed away, a life-time of happiness -would lay before her. The wind moaned fitfully -among the trees, and the branches of the tall oaks swayed -to and fro. She heard the murmur of the brook before -she reached it, and as she drew near and became accustomed -to the dim light, she saw a tall man pacing up -and down.</p> - -<p>He did not hear the light step on the grass. He was -muttering imprecations that made the girl's heart turn -cold with dread as she listened. Then he saw her.</p> - -<p>"Ah! you have come!" he eagerly called out. "It is -well for you that you did," he continued, "for I had just -made up my mind to go to the house and ask for you."</p> - -<p>In the dim light he saw her recoil. Although she made -no answer, he fancied he could almost hear the wild -throbbing of her heart.</p> - -<p>"Did you bring the money?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered hoarsely; "but before I give -it to you, I shall exact a solemn promise that you will -never come near me again!"</p> - -<p>"Certainly you shall have the promise—a dozen of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -them if you like," he cried, forcing back an insolent -laugh.</p> - -<p>"You must solemnly promise that you will never -come near me again if I give this money to you," she said.</p> - -<p>"No," he answered; "I will never come near you. I -will go abroad. Does that satisfy you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered. "Only go so far away that I -shall never see your face again."</p> - -<p>He closed his hand eagerly over the money, saying to -himself that it was a veritable gold mine that he had -found.</p> - -<p>"Let me go!" she panted, as he put out his hand to -touch her.</p> - -<p>With the swiftness of a startled deer, she fled past him -into the darkness of the grounds.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley laughed harshly.</p> - -<p>"This money will last me for a few weeks, my lady," -he muttered, "and then—Ah! we shall see!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_XLIX" id="CHAPTER_XLIX">CHAPTER XLIX.</a></h2> - - -<p>When Ida re-entered the house, the guests were still -assembled in the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard was standing a little apart from the -rest, looking thoughtfully into vacancy.</p> - -<p>As she entered the room, he started, and, to her surprise, -he crossed over to her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ida," he said, "will you come out on the porch with -me for a few moments? I wish to speak with you."</p> - -<p>She looked at him in terror. Had he learned of the -return of Royal Ainsley?</p> - -<p>A great darkness seemed to suddenly envelop her, and -it was by the greatest effort that she kept herself from -swooning. But the fresh air revived her.</p> - -<p>Eugene placed a chair for her, and as she was trembling -violently, she was glad to sink into it. There was a -seat near. Eugene did not take it, but, instead, stood -leaning against one of the fluted columns of the porch. -For a few moments he was silent, and those few moments -seemed like long years to Ida.</p> - -<p>"I have brought you out here to have an earnest talk -with you," he said, huskily. "The time has now come -when we should try to understand each other. Don't -you think so?"</p> - -<p>She looked up at him in affright. Was he going to -send her away? Was he growing tired of the position -in which they stood to each other?</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered; and it caused her a desperate -effort to utter the word.</p> - -<p>"I am going to take you into my confidence, Ida," he -said. "Come under this swinging lamp. I want to read -you this letter."</p> - -<p>She followed him with faltering steps.</p> - -<p>To her great surprise she saw him take from his -breast-pocket the very letter which Miss Fernly had sent, -and which she had slipped into his desk. But she dared -not tell him that she knew what the letter contained.</p> - -<p>"I will preface my remarks by saying that the news -of your illness has spread far and wide, and that the -report was repeated in different forms. Instead of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -saying that you were ill, some of the papers had it that -my young wife had died. Miss Fernly, whom you have -good reason to remember, thereupon wrote me this -letter."</p> - -<p>She listened, her face white as death. He handed her -the letter. Every word made a new wound in her heart. -How well she remembered each and every sentence! -Slowly she read the letter through. Then she folded and -handed it back to him.</p> - -<p>"Ida," he said, "I have been trying to forget the past -as no man has ever tried before. All my time has been -given up to it. I have drawn a curtain over my past, and -shut out its brightness, its hopes, from my life. I have -pulled the roots of a beautiful budding plant from my -soul, and bid it grow there no more. I have tried to do -my duty by you, and now I have come to this conclusion—you -must help me bury the past. I have brought you -out here to ask you to be my wife in fact as well as in -name."</p> - -<p>He did not tell her that during her illness he had discovered -the secret of her life—that she loved him with all -the passionate love of her nature, and that his indifference -was eating out her life.</p> - -<p>Ever since he had been turning the matter over in his -mind, and asking himself what he should do, and at last -he was brought face to face with the truth—he had no -right to marry her unless he intended living with her.</p> - -<p>So clearly had his duty become defined to him that the -path of the future was now plain before him. He must -forget his love for Hildegarde, and the only way to do -that was to ask the wife he had wedded to help him.</p> - -<p>"I ask you this after much calm deliberation," he said, -slowly. "Be my wife in reality as well as in name, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -we may yet make good and useful lives out of what is left -of them!"</p> - -<p>He heard a cry escape from her lips, but he could not -tell whether it was one of pleasure or pain.</p> - -<p>"I do not ask you to give my answer at once, unless -you choose to do so," he said, gently.</p> - -<p>He bent over her and took her hand. He was startled -at its icy coldness. He could feel that she trembled at -his touch.</p> - -<p>"I have startled you," he said, gently. "I would advise -you to go to your room, instead of mingling with the -guests to-night. There you can reflect upon what you -wish to do. I will leave you here," he said. But before -he turned away, he involuntarily stooped down, and -kissed the white face raised so appealingly to his.</p> - -<p>It was the first caress he had ever offered her, and -that kiss burned her face for long hours afterward. It -filled her to the very depth of her soul, to the very center -of her heart.</p> - -<p>Like one stricken suddenly blind, Ida groped her way -to her room.</p> - -<p>"Ah! if I could only die with the memory of that kiss -burning my lips!" she cried.</p> - -<p>She was like one stunned. What she had longed for, -yearned for with all the intensity of her soul, was laid -at her feet at last. But it was too late.</p> - -<p>His love was offered her now, when she dared not -claim it, dared not accept it.</p> - -<p>Ida rose the next morning with a heavy heart. She -had slept the sleep of exhaustion.</p> - -<p>Eugene was surprised when she came down to the -table, she looked so changed. There were heavy circles -under her eyes, as though she had been weeping.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> - -<p>He could not understand her. He was quite sure she -would meet him with a happy, blushing face and downcast -eyes. Ida would be glad when she could escape his -wondering eyes. An hour later she was standing at the -window of the morning-room, which opened out on the -terrace, her mind in a tumult, when she heard Eugene's -voice at the other end of the room. She knew instinctively -that he was looking for her. Only two days ago she -would have waited there for him—would have eagerly -sought the opportunity of a few words with him; but -now she hastily unfastened the long French window, and -fled out into the grounds.</p> - -<p>Eugene saw the flutter of the white figure hurrying -down the terrace.</p> - -<p>"She wishes to escape an encounter with me," he -thought; and he was puzzled.</p> - -<p>Ida went to the further end of the garden, where the -tall rose-bushes hid her from human eyes. She sat down -upon a little rustic bench and tried to think. But her -brain grew confused.</p> - -<p>Only a short time ago she had cried out to Heaven to -give her the love of Eugene Mallard. Now that it was -laid at her feet, what should she do?</p> - -<p>"Heaven direct me," she cried out; "I am so sorely -tempted! I used to wonder what people meant when they -talked of the agony of death. Now I know."</p> - -<p>She was frightened at the vehemence of her emotion; -the memory of that caress made her tremble. She -dreaded the moment when she should see Eugene alone -again, but, woman-like, hoped that it would be soon. Her -heart was awakened at last. The sun of love shone in -its glory upon her.</p> - -<p>It had come to her, this woman's heritage, this dower<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -of passion and sorrow, called love, changing the world -into a golden gleam.</p> - -<p>How was she ever to calm the fever that burned in her -veins? Yes, she loved him. She who had never, until -she met Eugene Mallard, known what love meant; she, -so young, beautiful, made so essentially for love, and -yet whose life had been so joyless and hopeless, loved -at last.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard noticed her avoidance of him during -the week that followed. She was trying to think out -the problem in her own mind. Dare she drink of the cup -of joy that he had pressed to her lips? In her simplicity, -Ida thought that she had done much in denying herself -a look at him.</p> - -<p>If she had been the most accomplished of coquettes, -she could not have chosen a method more calculating to -awaken his interest than by avoiding him.</p> - -<p>"She does not care for me as much as I thought," he -told himself; and, man-like, he felt a trifle piqued.</p> - -<p>He had fancied that all he would have to do would be -to ask her, and she would come straight to his arms.</p> - -<p>This was, indeed, a new phase of her character. Yet -he could not help but admire her maidenly modesty.</p> - -<p>He would give her her own time to think over the -proposition that he had laid before her. He would not -seek her, would not intrude upon her. He looked at her -more during that day than he had during all the time she -had been under his roof.</p> - -<p>He had not known before that she was so beautiful, so -sweet, so womanly. How careless he had been in letting -her go about by herself, a prey for such rascals as Arthur -Hollis!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p> - -<p>Once he surprised her in the grounds. He had come -up to her very quietly.</p> - -<p>"Ida," he said, "have you forgotten that you have not -so far answered the question I asked of you two weeks -ago on the porch? Tell me, when am I to claim my -wife?"</p> - -<p>His wife! Great Heaven! Had she been mad, dreaming? -What had she been doing? What had she done?</p> - -<p>His wife! She was Royal Ainsley's wife, and she -could not belong to any other man. She looked at him -with the pallor of despair in her face, the shadow of -death in her eyes.</p> - -<p>What had she been doing to think of love in connection -with Eugene Mallard, when she was bound by the -heaviest of chains? The shock was terrible to her in -those few minutes, and the wonder is that it did not -kill her.</p> - -<p>"I must have your answer here and now," Eugene -said, a trifle impatiently.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_L" id="CHAPTER_L">CHAPTER L.</a></h2> - - -<p>Eugene Mallard, looking down at the lovely, terrified -face, wondered what there could be to frighten her so.</p> - -<p>He was intending to do a kind action. That she should -take the matter in this fashion rather surprised him. -He told himself that he could not understand women and -their ways.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My reason for coming to this conclusion," he said, -"is that I am intending to take a trip through the country, -and desire that you shall accompany me, Ida. We -could not go as we are now, and lead the same life as we -are living under this roof," he added, as she did not appear -to understand him. "You understand what I -mean?" he asked.</p> - -<p>She answered "Yes," though he doubted very much if -she really did comprehend his words.</p> - -<p>"That will be a fortnight from now. It will give you -plenty of time to think the matter over."</p> - -<p>With these words he turned and left her.</p> - -<p>She sank down into a garden-seat near by, her heart in -a tumult. The sheltered spot in which she sat was free -from observation. The tall, flowering branches screened -her.</p> - -<p>During the days that followed, Eugene Mallard -watched Ida sharply. If the girl loved him as well as she -said she did, how strange it was that she was unwilling -to come to him.</p> - -<p>One day, while they were at the breakfast-table, the -servant brought in the morning's mail.</p> - -<p>"Here is a letter for you, Ida," said Eugene, handing -her a square white envelope.</p> - -<p>One glance at it, and her soul seemed to turn sick -within her. It was from Royal Ainsley!</p> - -<p>What had he to say to her? When he left her he -promised that she should never see his face again, that -he would never cross her path.</p> - -<p>What did this communication mean?</p> - -<p>Breakfast was over at last, and she hastened to the -morning-room, where she could read her letter without -being observed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;"> "<span class="smcap">My little Wife.</span>—I am running in hard luck after -all. I invested all the money you were so generous as to -give me, and lost every cent of it. An open confession -is good for the soul. Having told you the truth, I feel -better. I will need just the same amount of money to -float me, and you must raise it for me somehow. I use -the word <i>must</i> to duly impress it upon you. I will be at -the same place where I met you last, on the evening of -the fourteenth. That will be just ten days from the time -you receive this letter. Do not fail me, Ida, or I might -be tempted to wreak vengeance upon my amiable cousin, -fascinating Eugene.</p> - -<p> "Yours in haste, and with much love,</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 45%;">"<span class="smcap">Royal</span>."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>She flung the letter from her as though it were a scorpion. -A look of terror came over her face, her head -throbbed, and her brain whirled. Oh, Heaven! the torture -of it!</p> - -<p>What if he kept this up? It would not be long before -she would be driven to madness.</p> - -<p>"My little wife!" How the words galled her; they -almost seemed to take her life away.</p> - -<p>"He will torture me to madness," she thought, with -the agony of despair.</p> - -<p>How was she to raise the money to appease the man -who was her relentless foe?</p> - -<p>Then she thought of her diamonds. Among the gifts -which she had received from Eugene was a diamond -necklace. This he had inherited from his uncle.</p> - -<p>"The setting is very old," he had said, "because the -necklace has been worn by the ladies of our family for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -generations. The stones, however, are remarkably white -and brilliant. They are among the finest in this country, -and worth a fortune in themselves."</p> - -<p>She had often looked at them as they lay in their rich -purple-velvet case.</p> - -<p>"I—I could raise the money on them," she thought, -with a little sob.</p> - -<p>But she did not know it was to end in a tragedy.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LI" id="CHAPTER_LI">CHAPTER LI.</a></h2> - - -<p>Ida no sooner found herself alone than she took from -her wardrobe a black dress, a long cloak, a bonnet and -black veil. She quickly donned them, then stole into -the corridor, locking the door after her, and putting the -key in her pocket.</p> - -<p>If she could get out of the house and into the grounds -unobserved, all would be well. Fortune favored her; no -one was in sight.</p> - -<p>She made her way to the railway station, and bought -a ticket for Washington. On the train was quite a number -of people whom she had met before. But they did -not recognize her with the veil pulled so closely over her -face.</p> - -<p>The world seemed to stand still; but her heart seemed -to beat wildly, as she thought of it all.</p> - -<p>At last Washington was reached, and for a minute she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -stood irresolute as she stepped upon the platform of the -depot. Then she timidly crossed over to where a policeman -stood.</p> - -<p>"I—I would like to be directed to a pawn-broker's -store, if—if you know where there is one," she said.</p> - -<p>The guardian of the peace looked at her suspiciously.</p> - -<p>It was a part of his business to believe all strangers -dishonest until he found them otherwise.</p> - -<p>"Are you so much in need of money as to have to resort -to that?" he asked, taking in the stylish make and -fine texture of the clothes she wore.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered, timidly.</p> - -<p>The policeman pointed to a store a couple of blocks -further up, and Ida started for the place indicated, after -stopping to inquire when the train returned to where -she had come from.</p> - -<p>He gave her the information, and watched her curiously -until she was out of sight.</p> - -<p>"It is evident that she has come to Washington simply -for the purpose of pawning something. As soon as I -reach the other end of my beat I will make it my business -to step into Uncle Samuel's and ask what she has disposed -of. It is just as well for me to know."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Ida hurried quickly on her errand.</p> - -<p>The pawn-broker's clerk glanced up impatiently as -the door opened and the dark-clad figure glided in.</p> - -<p>"I—I should like to see the proprietor, to ask if he will -advance me a sum of money on some diamonds."</p> - -<p>"Have you got them with you?" asked the man, -carelessly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Ida, faintly; "but can't I see the proprietor?"</p> - -<p>"You can deal with me just as well," he answered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> - -<p>After a moment's hesitation, Ida produced the package -from her pocket, and unwrapping it, disclosed the magnificent -diamonds.</p> - -<p>A cry of surprise broke from the clerk's lips. In all -the years of his life he had never seen anything so grand -as the diamond necklace. But, like all shrewd men in -his calling, he carefully suppressed the cry of astonishment.</p> - -<p>"How much do you want to realize on this?" he asked, -indifferently.</p> - -<p>"One thousand dollars," said Ida, faintly.</p> - -<p>"Ha! ha! ha!" he laughed. "That's pretty good, -when you know full well that you couldn't realize one-half -that sum on them."</p> - -<p>"But I shall have to!" cried Ida.</p> - -<p>The man closed his hand down over the lid.</p> - -<p>"How did you come by these?" he asked.</p> - -<p>He saw the slender figure shiver.</p> - -<p>"You have no right to ask me anything like that," -she replied.</p> - -<p>"Probably not," returned the man; "still, when we -don't ask, we generally do a great deal of guessing. But -to end the matter, I will advance you a couple of hundred -on them."</p> - -<p>"I must have a thousand dollars," repeated Ida. "If -it were not absolutely necessary for me to raise the -money on them, I should not have brought them here."</p> - -<p>"Two hundred is a nice little sum," said the man. "If -you refuse to take that, I might take it into my head to -hold you on suspicion, and call in a policeman. Bear in -mind, I will give you that amount of money without -asking you where they came from. A policeman would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> -want to know the whys and wherefores of the whole -thing."</p> - -<p>"I—I <i>must</i> raise a thousand dollars on them," she reiterated, -grasping the jewel-case.</p> - -<p>The man's bluff had not worked.</p> - -<p>"That's all <i>I'll</i> give; but father might accommodate -you with a little more," he added, touching a little bell.</p> - -<p>The summons was instantly answered by a short, stout -little man who looked as if he had overheard the conversation.</p> - -<p>A quick glance passed between them.</p> - -<p>"Here is something for you to decide," went on the -young man. "This lady tells me that she wants a certain -amount for these diamonds."</p> - -<p>"I must have a thousand dollars," interposed Ida, -"and if you can not advance me that amount, do not -detain me, please; I must look elsewhere."</p> - -<p>Again the lid was thrown back, and the casket exposed -to the elder man's gaze. He fairly caught his breath as -the blazing jewels met his eye. A wolfish expression -leaped into his face.</p> - -<p>"I think I can accommodate the lady," he said, blandly. -"My motto is to please the ladies even if I have to strain -a point to do so."</p> - -<p>He placed his hand in his pocket and brought forth a -roll of bills.</p> - -<p>"How will you have the money—in tens or twenties?" -he asked.</p> - -<p>"It does not matter much," said Ida.</p> - -<p>He handed her a roll of bills.</p> - -<p>"You can count it, and see if the amount you wish is -there," he said.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p>She counted it over with trembling hands. Yes, there -was just a thousand dollars there.</p> - -<p>"You will take great care of the diamonds?" she -asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Certainly—certainly. They are as safe in my hands -as though they were in your own keeping, lady."</p> - -<p>She put the money in her pocket, and hurried from -the place.</p> - -<p>"Abraham! Abraham!" cried the old man, excitedly, -as soon as the street door had closed upon her, "our -fortune is made! This necklace is worth at least a cool -seventy-five thousand if it's worth a penny, and we have -got it in our possession for a paltry thousand dollars!"</p> - -<p>"I knew the diamonds were very fine, and worth a -fortune," replied the young man; "but I did not know -they were worth as much as that. What do you intend -to do with them, father? You will have to give them up -to her if she claims them."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I'm a fool!" exclaimed the elder man, -angrily. "She'll never lay eyes on those stones. Depend -on that!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LII" id="CHAPTER_LII">CHAPTER LII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Ida hurried back to the depot, purchased her ticket, -and boarded the train for home.</p> - -<p>She had scarcely stepped from the ticket-agent's window,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> -ere the policeman who had directed her to the -pawn-shop accosted the agent.</p> - -<p>"Where did that veiled woman buy her ticket for? -What is her destination?" he whispered.</p> - -<p>He told him, and the officer jotted down the name of -the station in his note-book.</p> - -<p>With the money securely in her possession, Ida reached -home. Dusk had crept up; the stars were out in the sky.</p> - -<p>She succeeded in gaining her own room unobserved. -She was tired and hungry; indeed, she had not thought -of food since she had left the house early in the day.</p> - -<p>She threw off the long black cloak, the bonnet, thick -veil, and black dress she had worn on her visit to Washington. -After bathing her face in fragrant water and -donning a silken house-robe, Ida rang the bell for her -maid.</p> - -<p>"Nora," she said, "you may bring me a cup of tea -and a biscuit."</p> - -<p>"I am very glad that you are awake at last," said -Nora. "I wanted very much to tell you something; but -as you bid me not to disturb you on any account, I dared -not come and knock on the door, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"You are quite right," said Ida, wearily, "not to disturb -me. I needed rest—rest," said Ida, brokenly.</p> - -<p>"I wanted to tell you about the man who was skulking -in the grounds. I was hurrying along here a few -moments ago, when some one sprung out from behind -the rose-bushes and grasped me by the arm.</p> - -<p>"I certainly would have cried out with terror, but he -put his hand over my mouth.</p> - -<p>"'Keep still, and I won't hurt you,' he said, with an -oath.</p> - -<p>"Trembling with terror, I stood still. I saw that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> -was a gentleman; but I noticed also that he was very -much under the influence of wine.</p> - -<p>"'Tell me, are you one of the maids from the house?' -he asked.</p> - -<p>"'Yes,' I answered.</p> - -<p>"'Do you know me?' he questioned.</p> - -<p>"'No,' I replied. 'I am a stranger in the village. I -have only been in my lady's employ a little more than a -fortnight.'</p> - -<p>"'I want you to give your mistress <i>this</i>,' he said, producing -an envelope from his pocket."</p> - -<p>She did not add that the stranger had given her a bill -to insure the safe delivery of his message, and to keep -her from saying anything about it.</p> - -<p>As the girl spoke, she produced an envelope.</p> - -<p>Even before the hapless Ida saw it, she knew full well -from whom it came.</p> - -<p>Poor, hapless Ida! She sunk down into the nearest -seat, white as she would ever be in death. She did not -dare open it until after the girl had gone for the tea.</p> - -<p>She drank it eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Please bring me another cup, Nora," she said, -"stronger than the first."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid that you have a fever, my lady," said the -girl, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"I am only thirsty. You may as well take the biscuit -back; I am afraid it would choke me," said Ida.</p> - -<p>"But you must be hungry," persisted the maid. "I -am sure you have eaten nothing since breakfast time."</p> - -<p>When the girl had gone, Ida tore open the envelope, -and read:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">"My clever little wife, I am here a day earlier than -I anticipated. Meet me at once in the same place. Of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> -course you have the money by this time. Bring it with -you."</p></blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1.5em;">She crushed the note in her hand. No one heard the -gasping, the bitter sob, the despairing cry she uttered. -The iron had entered her soul. There was nothing but -to obey his commands.</p> - -<p>The girl had said that he was under the influence of -wine.</p> - -<p>Ida had seen him in that condition once before, and -that was on his bridal-eve, and the memory of it had -never left her.</p> - -<p>He was terrible enough when sober, but under the influence -of liquor he might be a fiend.</p> - -<p>The girl brought a second cup of tea, which Ida drank -eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Now, leave me, Nora," she said, "and do not come -again until I ring for you."</p> - -<p>With trembling hands, Ida placed the money in her -bosom, drew the black cloak over her shoulders, and -hurried into the grounds.</p> - -<p>Trembling with a vague apprehension, she sped by a -path that was seldom used down to the brook-side.</p> - -<p>"True to your tryst!" said a well-known voice. "Fairest, -cleverest of women, how can I thank you enough -for your promptness?"</p> - -<p>She stood still, cold as marble, her face ghastly white -in the flickering light of the stars.</p> - -<p>"Have you no word for me?" he cried, with a harsh, -derisive laugh. "Have you no smile, no kiss, no kind -word? Have you nothing to say to me? You have no -love, no light of welcome in your eyes, and yet you loved -me so dearly once, my sweet Ida? Do you remember? -And now——"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You mocking demon!" she panted, "how dare you -utter such words to me? I wonder you are not afraid -that Heaven will strike you dead where you stand!"</p> - -<p>"Heaven strike me dead?" he repeated. "What a -horrible idea! Afraid? Oh, no, my dear. You are the -first charming creature I ever saw who flew into such a -rage because her husband was pleased to be sentimental -to her."</p> - -<p>He heard her draw her breath hard. She stood before -him white and trembling, her eyes filled with burning -fire.</p> - -<p>"Say, Ida, couldn't you manage somehow to get the -rest of the money—the five thousand?"</p> - -<p>"No!" she answered, pitifully.</p> - -<p>"That's only a bluff," he cried. "But it won't work -with me!"</p> - -<p>"You have sworn eternal silence <i>now</i>!" she cried; -"you have given your oath, and you dare not break it. -I can not raise any more money!"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you will pay that amount for a little secret -which I possess, my lady," he said, mockingly.</p> - -<p>"There is nothing more you could tell me that would -interest me."</p> - -<p>"We shall see," he replied, sneeringly.</p> - -<p>He pulled from under his coat a dark-lantern, shot -back the slide, and a flood of light illumined the scene. -He drew a package from his pocket and unwrapped it. -Ida watched him like one in a dream.</p> - -<p>Suddenly an awful cry broke from her lips. One by -one he took from the package the articles of clothing that -had been worn by the little child he had secured from the -village merchant's wife.</p> - -<p>A cry awful to hear broke from her lips.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I suppose, Ida, it isn't the proper thing to keep a -person in suspense," he cried. "You deserted your little -child—never once sought to discover whether it were -dead or alive. By the merest chance, I ran across it -lately. I took possession of it, and I have it now."</p> - -<p>"I can not, I will not believe you," she answered, -quickly.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps this will convince you," he said, reading -aloud a letter from the superintendent of the foundling -asylum where the child had been placed.</p> - -<p>It gave a full account of all that could be ascertained -of the hapless mother of the child. As he read by the -light of the dark-lantern, she knew that it was all true.</p> - -<p>Her child alive!</p> - -<p>The rapture of the thought was drowned in the horror -that it was in this man's possession.</p> - -<p>She fell on her face in the long grass, mad with misery -and despair.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LIII" id="CHAPTER_LIII">CHAPTER LIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>For a moment it seemed as though the darkness of -death had come over Ida.</p> - -<p>"My revelation surprises you," Royal Ainsley said, -with a most horrible laugh.</p> - -<p>The laugh and the words recalled her to her senses. -She sprung to her feet and faced him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where is my child?" she cried, wildly. "Speak, for -the love of Heaven, I pray you."</p> - -<p>"It will cost you just another thousand dollars to find -that out. Bring me that amount here to-morrow night at -the same hour, and I will give you full information. -Isn't that fair enough?"</p> - -<p>Pleadings and prayers were alike unavailing.</p> - -<p>"Do you suppose I am going to tell you for nothing, -when I can make you pay handsomely?"</p> - -<p>"But I haven't the money," she sobbed, "and—and -you know it!"</p> - -<p>"How did you get this thousand?" he asked.</p> - -<p>Then Ida told him all.</p> - -<p>"You were a fool to get rid of the diamonds before -you had asked Eugene Mallard for the money and been -refused. Go to him and ask him for the money now. -He does not know how to refuse a woman, and he will -give it to you."</p> - -<p>"And if I refuse?" she asked, desperately.</p> - -<p>He shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Then you and the man you love will be thrown into -prison," Royal declared, "to serve a term of fifteen or -twenty years. After that you can not complain as to how -I brought up your daughter, if she follows in the footsteps -of her mother!"</p> - -<p>He could not have used a more conclusive argument.</p> - -<p>"Have you no heart, man—no mercy?" cried Ida.</p> - -<p>"Come, come, I say, do not be theatrical; the role does -not become you! Better be sensible, and consider the -proposition I make you."</p> - -<p>"I will leave you now," he said; "but I will be here, -at this same hour, to-morrow night."</p> - -<p>"No, no!" she cried. "Give me a week to think it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -over, and—and to see what I can do about raising the -money."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, a week, if you must have it," he replied; -"but no longer. Here, you can take these proofs of my -story regarding your child and look them over at your -leisure," he said, thrusting the package into her hand.</p> - -<p>The next moment he was gone. She did not faint; -she knew that if she did she would be found there with -the package in her hand. She was so dazed, so bewildered, -she never remembered how she reached the house -and her own room. Again she rang the bell for Nora.</p> - -<p>"You may bring me another cup of tea," she said, -faintly, "as strong as the last one."</p> - -<p>The girl, noticing how pale and ill her mistress looked, -thought it would be best to bring her a glass of wine as -well.</p> - -<p>"Unless I am very much mistaken, she has a sick spell -coming on. Her face is pale, but every now and then it -flushes burning red."</p> - -<p>Ida did not seek her couch that night until she had -eagerly scanned every article of clothing the parcel contained.</p> - -<p>Her excitement knew no bounds as she read the letter -from the superintendent of the foundling asylum, concerning -all that he knew of the baby's parentage, in which -he stated that the doctor who had attended the young -mother had brought the child to the institution in a dying -condition, as he supposed, and was hastily called abroad, -and had barely time to make the outgoing steamer. He -had told them that they could tell the hapless young -mother when she was able to bear the sad news.</p> - -<p>Ida wept as she had never wept before as she read -those written words, and her excitement increased as she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -saw that the letter was directed to the village merchant's -wife, Mrs. Lester, who had taken the child.</p> - -<p>It was, then, her own child that she had clasped in -her arms, the eyes of her own babe into which she had -gazed with such agony and yet with such rapture.</p> - -<p>Then another fear seized her. She had not seen the -little one for weeks.</p> - -<p>Was it ill? Had anything happened to it? She could -not visit Mrs. Lester's home until the day broke.</p> - -<p>How came her little child in the possession of Royal -Ainsley?</p> - -<p>The suspense which she endured almost drove her insane. -The next morning she was up as early as the -servants were.</p> - -<p>"Joe," she said to the old coachman, "I want you to -harness up the swiftest horses you have in the stable, -and take me to the village. I want to go to the store -kept by the Lesters."</p> - -<p>"You will not find it open so early in the mornin', -ma'am," declared Joe. "Dem village folk am pow'ful -lazy."</p> - -<p>"We will go to their garden, and perhaps be fortunate -enough to find them there," said Ida, eagerly. "Harness -the horses at once, Joe."</p> - -<p>The hapless young mother scarcely breathed during -that ride.</p> - -<p>After what seemed to her almost an endless ride, they -drew up before the village store kept by the Lesters.</p> - -<p>As Joe had predicted, the door was closed, and the -blinds drawn.</p> - -<p>"There they are in the garden yonder; at least, there -am Mrs. Lester in the strawberry-patch, and there am -her husband, off further in the fields."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will go to her," said Ida, stepping quickly from the -carriage.</p> - -<p>So busy was Mrs. Lester with her task of gathering -the ripe fruit, that she did not know of the presence of -her visitor until she stood beside her.</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Lester," said a quick, eager, husky voice, "I do -hope I have not surprised you this morning."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, you have surprised me, for a fact. I -suppose you want to get something from the store."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do, but not just now," returned Ida, with -feverish impatience. "Let me sit down here a few moments -and talk with you."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," said the woman; "but I haven't anything -out here to invite you to sit upon, save that little -garden-seat which I always take around with me, so -that I can rest myself when I get tired."</p> - -<p>"It will do very well, thank you," said Ida, feeling so -weak and faint that she could hardly stand.</p> - -<p>"I have not seen you nor your little child lately," -began Ida.</p> - -<p>Then she stopped short, lest her quivering voice should -betray her terrible anxiety.</p> - -<p>"No," returned Mrs. Lester. "I no longer have the -little one, bless its poor, dear little heart!"</p> - -<p>"Has anything happened to it?" asked Ida, the agony -of death in her voice. "Oh, tell me, where is it? Is -the little baby dead?"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LIV" id="CHAPTER_LIV">CHAPTER LIV.</a></h2> - - -<p>It seemed to Ida that it took ages for the woman to -reply. She leaned forward breathlessly, fairly devouring -her with her dark, dilated eyes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! the baby did not die," said Mrs. Lester, "although -it was a weak, puny little thing.</p> - -<p>"I'll just tell you all about it, for I feel just like talking -it over with some one.</p> - -<p>"The child required so much care that my husband -decided we could not keep it, and I was on my way to -take it back to the foundling asylum in New York, when -the strangest thing happened.</p> - -<p>"In the depot I met a young man who used to live in -the village. His name is Royal Ainsley."</p> - -<p>"Yes! yes!" interposed Ida, faintly, feeling almost -more dead than alive.</p> - -<p>"I was telling him all about the baby, showing him the -letters that came with it, and the proofs I had of its -identity, when he suddenly exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"'I will tell you in a few words what I'll do. I'll take -this little one back to New York, and save you the trip!'</p> - -<p>"He offered me one hundred dollars to give him the -child then and there. We are very poor, Mrs. Mallard, -and a hundred dollars seemed a fortune to me.</p> - -<p>"It's over a fortnight since that occurred, but I have -not ceased to worry about it, I assure you."</p> - -<p>Young Mrs. Mallard suddenly staggered to her feet -and turned away.</p> - -<p>"I think I will not wait any longer," said Ida, in a -strangely altered voice. "Good-morning, Mrs. Lester!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next moment she hurried down the garden-path, -and entered her carriage.</p> - -<p>Like one wild with terror, Ida hurried back to the carriage -and re-entered it.</p> - -<p>"Home!" she said; and old Joe was surprised at the -sound of her voice, it was so unnatural.</p> - -<p>"What Royal Ainsley told me is indeed too true!" -she said to herself, with an inward moan. "He has possession -of my little child. Only Heaven knows how he -will use his power to crush me, and the fair, sweet, innocent -babe as well!"</p> - -<p>It seemed to her as though the very thought of it would -drive her mad. She knew she was in his power, and that -he would certainly use that power to extort every dollar -from her that he possibly could. And then, when there -was no more money to be gained, what would he do?</p> - -<p>She avoided Eugene Mallard during the next few -days, lest he should repeat the question he had asked -when he last talked with her.</p> - -<p>He watched her in wonder. Her apparent coyness -amused as well as surprised him.</p> - -<p>"There is no way of understanding women," he said -to himself. "To-day they are eager for something; to-morrow -they will not have it!"</p> - -<p>He was surprised when he received a message from -her one day, asking him if she could see him alone in -the library.</p> - -<p>He sent back a reply in the affirmative, and awaited -her coming with some curiosity, no doubt entering his -mind as to what she wished to say.</p> - -<p>It was some time before she put in an appearance. He -was not aware of her presence, he was gazing so intently -out of the window, until she stood by his side.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Mr. Mallard," she began, hesitatingly, "please pardon -me for intruding upon you; but I could not wait."</p> - -<p>He looked down wonderingly at the lovely young face -so strangely pale.</p> - -<p>"Would it not be as well for my wife to address me -as Eugene?" he asked, with a grave smile.</p> - -<p>She looked up at him and tried to utter the word; but -somehow it seemed as though she could not.</p> - -<p>My wife!</p> - -<p>How those words cut her! If they had been the -sharp thrust of a sword, they could not have cut her -deeper.</p> - -<p>His wife!</p> - -<p>She would have given everything in this world if indeed -it were true that she was Eugene Mallard's wife.</p> - -<p>Another face rose before her vision—a fair, handsome, -sneering face—and she drew back with a shudder.</p> - -<p>He noticed it, and the kindly words he was about to -utter were hushed on his lips.</p> - -<p>After placing a chair for her, and taking one near it, -he waited for her to proceed.</p> - -<p>"I—I have come to ask your indulgence in a little -matter," she said, faintly.</p> - -<p>"Yes?" he said, kindly.</p> - -<p>For a moment there was silence between them—a -deep, painful, awkward silence, which was broken at -length by Ida.</p> - -<p>"I have been looking over some furniture," she said, -tremulously, "and—and I could use just double the -amount of money you gave me. Would you be very, -very angry if I asked you for a thousand dollars more?"</p> - -<p>He threw back his head and laughed outright.</p> - -<p>"One would think, by the manner in which you express<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -yourself, that you were suing for some great favor, the -granting of which you doubted."</p> - -<p>She looked at him with dilated eyes, the color coming -and going in her face.</p> - -<p>She could not understand, by his remark, whether or -not he intended giving it to her.</p> - -<p>He turned at once to his desk, saying:</p> - -<p>"I will write out a check for the amount you wish."</p> - -<p>"No; not a check, please," she answered, piteously. -"I would so much rather have the money."</p> - -<p>He looked surprised.</p> - -<p>"I haven't the amount you wish," he said. "I have -not half that amount probably. I always use checks in -preference to carrying money about with me."</p> - -<p>He was quite mystified at the look of terror that crept -into her eyes.</p> - -<p>"I must have it in cash," she said, imploringly. -"Could you not get it for me somehow?"</p> - -<p>"Yes—certainly," he replied. "When will you want -it?"</p> - -<p>"To-night," she answered, piteously.</p> - -<p>"You shall have it," he answered.</p> - -<p>But there flashed through his mind a suspicion he -would have given anything to have removed.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LV" id="CHAPTER_LV">CHAPTER LV.</a></h2> - - -<p>Eugene Mallard thought long and earnestly after Ida -had left him: "What can Ida want with the cash, and -in so short a time?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> - -<p>He put on his hat, went round to the stables, and ordered -his horse. A canter over the hills would drive -away these gloomy, unhappy thoughts.</p> - -<p>The sun had crept to its zenith, and was now sinking -toward the west as he reined his horse before the little -village inn at Hampton Corners.</p> - -<p>Every one knew Eugene Mallard. The proprietor of -the hotel on the old Virginia turnpike road warmly welcomed -him. He had concluded to rest a little and refresh -his horse.</p> - -<p>As he lighted his cigar and sat down on the porch, the -first person he saw was Dora Staples.</p> - -<p>"I am really so delighted to see you, Mr. Mallard," -she said in her pretty lisping accent.</p> - -<p>"I had not expected to see you before the fourteenth. -We have not had an acknowledgment of the invitation -to our ball which we sent you and your wife a week ago; -but I feel sure you won't disappoint us. We count upon -you two as our most particular guests."</p> - -<p>Eugene flushed hotly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, certainly," he said. "I hope you will pardon -my not answering your kind favor at once. I will see -that my wife writes you and accepts the invitation."</p> - -<p>"By the way," went on Dora. "I saw Mr. Hollis only -yesterday. We went to Richmond to do some shopping, -and the first person I met was Mr. Hollis. I am sure -he tried to avoid me, though he says he didn't. I told -him about the ball, as I did not know where to send the -invitation to him. I told him that you and Mrs. Mallard -would be there, and that all we now needed to make the -affair as pleasant as the one at your house was his -presence.</p> - -<p>"'I will come if I can,' he said; 'but don't feel hard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> -toward me if I should fail to be there. I have a matter -of considerable importance on hand for that date, and I -do not know just how I will be able to arrange it.'"</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard drove slowly homeward. Although -he tried to banish Dora's words from his mind, yet they -still haunted him.</p> - -<p>What was Arthur Hollis doing in Richmond? He -was more puzzled over it than he cared to own.</p> - -<p>As he rode up to the door, he saw Ida on the veranda, -talking to a group of friends. It then struck him as it -had never struck him before that his young wife was very -handsome; and he was beginning to wonder how it was -that he had been so blind as to not see that which was -attracting the attention of every one else.</p> - -<p>She wore a tight-fitting dress of pale-blue silk, with a -crimson rose in its bodice. She held a bunch of roses -in her white hand. There were several other ladies -present, but not one of them could compare with her.</p> - -<p>For the first time since his marriage a feeling of exultation -stole into his heart at the thought that this peerless -creature belonged solely to him.</p> - -<p>They were speaking of the grand ball the Staples's -were to give, and commenting on what they were going -to wear.</p> - -<p>"How about <i>you</i>, Mrs. Mallard? What are <i>you</i> going -to wear? Don't keep what you are going to wear a -secret, and then spring some wonderful creation upon our -wondering gaze."</p> - -<p>"I assure you," said Ida, "that I have no intention of -doing anything of the kind. Indeed," she declared, earnestly, -"in sending out the invitations, I am <i>sure</i> they have -forgotten us!"</p> - -<p>At this juncture, Eugene stepped forward, saying:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is there any excuse a man can offer for forgetting -so great a favor as an invitation to a grand ball? That -is exactly what has occurred. I received the invitation -for the Staples's ball one day last week. I should have -taken it direct to my wife, but you know that 'procrastination -is the thief of time.' It has proved so in this case. -I laid it down, and in the press of other matters, I forgot -it. My papers must have covered it, and the matter entirely -escaped my mind until to-day."</p> - -<p>"Of course you will go?" remarked the ladies in -chorus.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; we are sure to do so," he responded.</p> - -<p>A little later he found Ida alone in the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>"I do hope you will look your best at this particular -ball," he said. "The governor of the State; in fact, any -number of my old friends will be there. I want you to -wear your most becoming dress, and all the family diamonds."</p> - -<p>Ida had been looking down calmly at the roses she held. -But as mention of the diamonds fell from her husband's -lips, a change that was alarming came over her face.</p> - -<p>She grew white as death; her eyes lost their light. The -roses which she held fell to her feet.</p> - -<p>"Why, Ida, you look as if it were an occasion for sorrow -instead of one of joy," Eugene remarked.</p> - -<p>"What is the date of the ball?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"The fourteenth," he responded.</p> - -<p>Again that ashen pallor spread over her face, leaving it -white to the lips.</p> - -<p>That was the date upon which Royal Ainsley was to -bring her child to her.</p> - -<p>What was the great ball to her compared with this -event?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p> - -<p>While in the village Eugene had got the money she -had asked of him. He had handed it to her inclosed in -an envelope.</p> - -<p>Oh, how kind and good he was to her! How very despicable -it was to deceive him! But what could she do? -Fate was against her.</p> - -<p>Eugene could not help but notice the intense excitement -under which she labored during the time that -elapsed to the coming of the ball. She longed, yet -dreaded to have the day arrive.</p> - -<p>The day came at last, bright and clear. There was -no cloud in the blue sky; the sun shone brightly in the -heavens. She was glad that there were several guests -at the house, as her husband would not have much opportunity -of observing her.</p> - -<p>How that day passed she never knew. One moment -she was as white as death, the next she flushed as red -as a rose.</p> - -<p>"Heaven help me to live over the excitement of to-day!" -she murmured, clasping her hands tightly.</p> - -<p>She prayed for the noonday to linger. But time, which -stays at no man's bidding, rolled on. The sun went down -in a sweep of crimson glory; dusk gathered and deepened -into the darkness of night.</p> - -<p>Seven o'clock sounded from the pearl-and-gold clock -on the mantel. Seven o'clock resounded from the great -brass-throated clock in the main hall.</p> - -<p>"Nora," said Ida to her maid, "go down to the library -and tell Mr. Mallard that I am indisposed and can not -go with him to the ball, but that I earnestly pray he will -go without me, and enjoy himself. Say that I wish particularly -that he should go; and notice what he says, -Nora, and come back and tell me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> - -<p>It seemed to Ida that Nora would never deliver the -message.</p> - -<p>Why did she linger? At last the girl returned.</p> - -<p>"What did he say, Nora?" she asked, breathlessly, -fixing her startled eyes eagerly on the girl's face.</p> - -<p>"He made no reply, ma'am," returned Nora; "but I -am sure he will go, since you so earnestly requested it."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LVI" id="CHAPTER_LVI">CHAPTER LVI.</a></h2> - - -<p>It was with the greatest surprise that Eugene Mallard -received the message that Nora delivered—that Ida was -too ill to attend the grand ball with him.</p> - -<p>"She did not seem to be ill this afternoon," he said -to himself.</p> - -<p>Obeying a sudden impulse, he hurried from the room, -intent upon going to Ida's <i>boudoir</i> and offering her his -sympathy; but, on second thought, he concluded that in -all probability she would not care to be disturbed.</p> - -<p>He felt grievously disappointed. He knew that many -of his friends would be present; and besides, what could -he say to Mrs. Staples and her daughters?</p> - -<p>Some of her friends had left Ida apparently in the best -of health and spirits at noon. How could he account to -them for her sudden indisposition?</p> - -<p>During the forenoon he saw that there was something -on Ida's mind; that she was greatly troubled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> - -<p>Perhaps the words he had said to her only a short -time before had much to do with her indisposition. He -felt that he ought to have a talk with Ida. If he were -to reassure her that she could have everything her own -way, she might feel much relieved.</p> - -<p>A second time he started for her <i>boudoir</i>; but again he -drew back. He could not tell what prompted him to -do so.</p> - -<p>"Such strange, contradictory emotions seem to possess -me," he said. "I will go out into the grounds and -smoke a cigar. That will quiet me a little, and afterward -I will have a talk with Ida."</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard wandered about the grounds for half -an hour or more. He heard a clock strike the hour of -eight.</p> - -<p>How dark and gloomy it was! There was no moon, -but the stars shed a faint, glimmering light.</p> - -<p>He had smoked a cigar; but still he paced aimlessly up -and down the grounds, lost in thought.</p> - -<p>He came to one of the garden benches. It looked so -inviting that he threw himself down upon it.</p> - -<p>How long he sat there he never knew. Presently he -was disturbed by the sound of slow, cautious footsteps. -It could not be one of the servants stealing through the -grounds in that manner. It must be some poacher.</p> - -<p>He drew back into the shadow of the trees, and -watched with no little curiosity. He had been so kind to -the villagers that he felt surprised at this apparent ingratitude.</p> - -<p>Presently a figure came down the path. The more he -watched the figure the more certain he became that he -had seen it before. Its every move seemed familiar -to him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> - -<p>Suddenly a thought flashed into his mind that made -him hold his breath.</p> - -<p>"Great Heavens! can it be Arthur Hollis?" he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>His face paled; great flashes of fire seemed to come -from his eyes. The very blood in his veins seemed to -stagnate. Faint and dizzy, he leaned back against the -trunk of a tree.</p> - -<p>Great God! what could it mean? His wife supposed -him to be by this time on his way to the ball. During -his absence would she meet, dared she meet Arthur -Hollis?</p> - -<p>The tall, familiar-looking figure paced impatiently by -the brook-side under the dim light of the stars. Yes, the -man was there waiting for some one.</p> - -<p>From where he stood he could plainly see a faint light -in the window of his wife's room, and as his eyes were -fixed upon it, the light was extinguished.</p> - -<p>If a sword had been plunged into Eugene Mallard's -heart, it could not have given him a greater shock.</p> - -<p>Many a night he had paced up and down the grounds, -watching the light in that window. Then it had never -been put out before ten. Why should it be extinguished -so early to-night?</p> - -<p>The thought troubled Eugene Mallard, as he turned -his head and saw the figure still pacing restlessly up and -down by the brook.</p> - -<p>He dared not utter a word. He would await developments. -He scarcely breathed, in his suspense. It seemed -to him that the blood in his veins was turned to ice.</p> - -<p>He took up a position where there was no possible -danger of being observed, and there he watched and -waited.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> - -<p>Up in her <i>boudoir</i> Ida was donning with trembling -hands, the long cloak that was to disguise her.</p> - -<p>She had sent Nora from her room. But it seemed to -her that the girl looked back suspiciously as she went out -and closed the door after her.</p> - -<p>"Heaven help me to get through with this exciting -scene!" Ida muttered.</p> - -<p>Her heart was throbbing so, her limbs were so weak, -that she was obliged to sit down for a minute.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Heaven help me! How thankful I am that Eugene -did not send for me before he left for the ball. He -has reached there by this time!" she muttered.</p> - -<p>She looked at the clock, and said to herself that time -was flying, and she must hasten to keep her appointment.</p> - -<p>Again she counted over the money which Eugene had -given her—the money that was to restore her little child -to her—the money that was to purchase her freedom and -end forever Royal Ainsley's persecutions.</p> - -<p>"What would Eugene say if he knew all?" she asked -herself, in great trepidation.</p> - -<p>She trembled even at the thought of it.</p> - -<p>Was she doing right in concealing the truth from Eugene -Mallard?</p> - -<p>She sprung from her chair and paced hurriedly up and -down the room.</p> - -<p>If Eugene knew all, he would certainly tell her that her -path lay with Royal Ainsley, that his roof would shelter -her no more. And now she could not part from him. -Every fiber of her heart was woven about him.</p> - -<p>She tried to look into the future; but, think what she -would, the pictures presented frightened her.</p> - -<p>Presently she paused before the window. Was it only -her fancy, or did she hear the patter of rain-drops?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> - -<p>She turned out the light and threw open the window. -She felt relieved to find that it was only the leaves that -were tapping against the window-pane. She closed the -window, with a sigh, and opened the door softly.</p> - -<p>The corridor was empty; the gas-jets of the great chandelier -were turned low. Like a thief in the night, she -stole noiselessly down the winding passageway.</p> - -<p>The sound of laughter from the servants' hall below -floated up to her through the awful stillness.</p> - -<p>What if one of the doors on either side should open, -and some one step out and confront her?</p> - -<p>She drew her long cloak closely about her, and pulled -the hood down over her head.</p> - -<p>There was a side door opening on to a porch, and -leading directly into the grounds.</p> - -<p>Ida hurried toward this door and opened it cautiously. -For a moment she stood on the threshold, and in that moment -a gust of wind blew the cloak from about her shoulders, -and it fell at her feet.</p> - -<p>The light from the hall lamp clearly revealed her form -to Eugene Mallard, who stood leaning against an oak-tree -scarcely one hundred feet distant.</p> - -<p>"It is Ida!" he muttered, hoarsely.</p> - -<p>She turned her steps down toward the brook, as he -had feared she would do.</p> - -<p>"She stayed away from the ball to meet that scoundrel!" -he muttered under his breath.</p> - -<p>With hesitating steps, little dreaming of what the end -of her adventure would be, Ida hurried on to her doom.</p> - -<p>The wind sighed a mournful requiem in the trees, the -songs of the birds were hushed, and the sweet murmur -of the brook seemed to end in a sob as it rushed onward -to the sea.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> - -<p>The night was warm, but a great shiver crept over Ida -as she turned out of the path and hurried along through -the garden by a short cut to the place where she knew -Royal Ainsley was impatiently waiting for her.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LVII" id="CHAPTER_LVII">CHAPTER LVII.</a></h2> - - -<p>Royal Ainsley was not a man to be trusted when under -the influence of drink. As the minutes went by, and Ida -did not come, he was beside himself with rage.</p> - -<p>"What does she mean by keeping me waiting in this -manner?" he roared. "By the Lord Harry, I'll make -her pay for this!"</p> - -<p>Then, like Eugene Mallard, who was watching but a -few feet from him, he saw the light go out in Ida's room.</p> - -<p>"That must be <i>her</i> room. She is coming at last," he -murmured.</p> - -<p>He braced himself against the trunk of a tree, for by -this time his limbs were none too steady under him.</p> - -<p>When the door opened, and he saw Ida approach, an -exclamation of satisfaction broke from his lips.</p> - -<p>He sat down upon the mossy rock and watched the -slim figure as it moved slowly over the greensward.</p> - -<p>"She is certainly in no hurry to see me," he muttered, -with a grim smile. "But I'll change all that."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Ida had stopped short, and was standing -motionless in the path.</p> - -<p>Putting her hand into the pocket of her dress, the -girl found, to her great amazement, that she had come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> -away without the roll of bills she had intended to bring -with her. In her excitement she had left the money -on the table.</p> - -<p>What should she do? There was no course to pursue -but go back for it.</p> - -<p>Then a superstitious terror for which she could not -account seemed to seize her.</p> - -<p>"It will surely be a bad omen to return to the house." -she told herself; "and yet I dare not meet Royal Ainsley -without the money. He will say that my story about forgetting -the money is only an excuse."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LVIII" id="CHAPTER_LVIII">CHAPTER LVIII.</a></h2> - - -<p>As Ida paused for a moment, wondering what course -would be best to pursue, she concluded that her only -course would be to return to the house for the money.</p> - -<p>She had scarcely turned, before a piercing cry sounded -through the grounds, coming from the direction of the -brook.</p> - -<p>Ida, terrified, stood for a moment rooted to the spot. -She tried to fly, but if her life had depended upon it, she -could not have stirred hand or foot.</p> - -<p>She distinctly heard the sound of voices. Still, all -power to fly seemed to have left her.</p> - -<p>What could it be? Had some of the servants discovered -Royal Ainsley's presence?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p> - -<p>She tried to think, but she was powerless. Every -sound seemed confusing.</p> - -<p>Guided by the light, Nora had dashed quickly down -toward the brook. But ere she could reach the figure -pacing up and down so impatiently, she was seized -from behind by a pair of strong arms, a white angry -face bent over her, and a voice, which she instantly recognized -as her master's, cried harshly:</p> - -<p>"Let me understand what this means!"</p> - -<p>The girl was too frightened to speak.</p> - -<p>"This is why you would not come to the ball, is it?" -he cried, excitedly, dragging her toward the spot where -her lover stood. "Come, you and I will confront the -lover whom you stayed away from the ball to meet here!"</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley took in the situation at once. He recognized -Eugene's voice.</p> - -<p>"He has discovered Ida Mallard's appointment with -me in some way," he thought. And the knowledge terrified -him, coward as he was.</p> - -<p>He turned and beat a hasty retreat, dodging directly -into the arms of old Joe.</p> - -<p>"Ha! I've caught you <i>this</i> time!" cried the old servitor.</p> - -<p>With an oath, Royal Ainsley flung Joe from him.</p> - -<p>"Out of my way!" he cried, fiercely, "or I'll kill -you!"</p> - -<p>The voice, as well as the words, startled old Joe, and -threw him entirely off his guard for an instant. In that -instant a heavy blow was dealt him which caused him to -loosen his hold on the intruder.</p> - -<p>Then Royal Ainsley sped like a deer through the -grounds, every foot of which he knew well, and was -quickly lost to sight in the darkness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> - -<p>After that first sharp cry, Nora regained something -of her natural bravado.</p> - -<p>In less time than it takes to tell it, her master had -dragged her toward the house and under the full light of -the swinging lamp.</p> - -<p>"Oh, master!" she cried, gaining her breath at last -"It's I, Nora, the maid!"</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard's tightly clinched hands fell from her; -he stared aghast at the girl.</p> - -<p>"You, Nora!" he cried, in the greatest amazement, -with a world of relief and thankfulness blended in -his voice.</p> - -<p>"Pray for—forgive me, Mr. Mallard," sobbed the girl. -"I—I did not do any intentional wrong. I was only -going down to the old south gate to meet my lover, sir. -I—I did not think for a moment that any one would -mind. My lady did not need me for an hour or more. -Oh, please forgive me if my action has displeased you!"</p> - -<p>"It was your lover that you were going to meet?" repeated -Eugene Mallard, as if to satisfy himself that he -had heard aright.</p> - -<p>He drew back and looked at Nora with fixed intentness, -the color that had left his face surging back to it again.</p> - -<p>Eugene Mallard now walked to his library, and flung -himself down to think over the situation.</p> - -<p>He felt grateful beyond words that matters were no -worse. He was ashamed of the thought that for a moment -had found lodgment in his brain against the wife -whom he had wedded.</p> - -<p>Then it came to him—his love for Ida, whom he knew -now that he worshipped with all the passionate love of his -heart. How different it was from the love he had borne -Hildegarde Cramer!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> - -<p>He wondered that he had been so blind as not to have -noticed his love for her sooner. He could scarcely wait -until the day dawned, that he might go to her and tell -her of the great love for her that was consuming his soul.</p> - -<p>He said to himself that it was only her innate modesty -that caused her to hold aloof from him of late, and to -make her hesitate about giving him her answer.</p> - -<p>He looked shudderingly backward over the past for -the last time. Yes, he would urge her to give him his -answer on the morrow. It never once occurred to him -but that her answer would be "Yes."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LIX" id="CHAPTER_LIX">CHAPTER LIX.</a></h2> - - -<p>When Royal Ainsley shook himself free from old Joe's -detaining grasp, his first impulse was to get as far away -from the place as possible.</p> - -<p>With second thoughts, however, came another decision. -No; he must learn all that was taking place.</p> - -<p>Quickly circling the grounds, he soon gained a vantage-place -behind a group of bushes not far from the house. -There he could easily see and hear all that transpired -without being seen himself.</p> - -<p>He saw Eugene Mallard as he drew the girl beneath -the swinging lamp in the hall, and heard the conversation -that passed between them.</p> - -<p>"So!" he muttered, grinding his white teeth savagely,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> -"the girl is my lady's maid, eh? I dare say, she sent -her with some message to me when she was intercepted -by Eugene Mallard. But Ida will find that this will not -work with me. See her I shall, if I have to stay in these -grounds till broad daylight."</p> - -<p>He watched and waited until he saw even old Joe relax -his vigilance and go into the house.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley waited there until the old mansion was -wrapped in gloom and darkness, then he slipped from his -hiding-place, passed noiselessly over the graveled walk, -and stood beneath Ida's window.</p> - -<p>Stooping, he caught up a handful of pebbles. One -by one he flung them up against the window-pane. Just -as he had expected, he saw a white, terrified face appear -at the window, and two white hands threw up the sash.</p> - -<p>He saw at once that it was Ida. He moved out from -the shadow of the trees. She saw him at once, and -recognized him.</p> - -<p>"Is it <i>you</i>?" she cried, in the greatest alarm. "What -in Heaven's name are you doing there, pray?"</p> - -<p>"Your common sense ought to tell you <i>that</i>;" he retorted, -harshly. "Come down here at once, I tell you, -and be sure to bring that money with you!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! no! I can not!" she answered him, piteously.</p> - -<p>"Why?" he demanded, with something very much like -an imprecation upon his lips.</p> - -<p>"I dropped the money in the dining-room as I was -passing through it to get out into the grounds. The -room is locked; I can not get it until to-morrow morning. -Old Joe always carries the key with him."</p> - -<p>"It is a lie!" he cried, fiercely.</p> - -<p>"No! no! On my life, it is true!" she answered, with -a piteous quiver in her voice; adding: "I was hurrying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -through the room, and there I must have dropped it. I -searched for it in every other place."</p> - -<p>"Then hear what I say," he retorted, with an oath, -"in these very grounds I shall stay until you come to -me. I know well that old Joe is astir at dawn. You -must be up then, find the money which you say you -dropped, and bring it out to me. I will be waiting for -you at the same place."</p> - -<p>Before she could utter a word of protest, he had turned -and disappeared in the darkness.</p> - -<p>All night long Ida Mallard paced the floor of her -room, scarcely heeding the hours that dragged their slow -lengths by. Dawn came before she realized it. She was -startled from her reverie by hearing old Joe throwing -open the shutters about the house. That recalled her -to a realization of passing events.</p> - -<p>Joe had unlocked the door of the dining-room at last, -but his sight was so poor that he could not espy a small -roll of bills lying on the floor.</p> - -<p>Ida, gliding into the room as soon as his footsteps -echoed down the corridor, found the package.</p> - -<p>She stole to the door as soon as it was unlocked.</p> - -<p>Ah! how sweet and fragrant was the early morning. -How cool and green the grass looked, wet with the -morning dew! Little she dreamed that ere the day -waned that same grass would be dyed with a human -being's blood.</p> - -<p>She shivered as she stepped forth into the grounds. -With hurried steps she crossed the lawn, and went into -the rose-garden beyond. There she saw Royal Ainsley. -He was pacing the little path by the brook, his face -white, his eyes angry-looking, downcast and sullen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p> - -<p>"So you have come at last, eh?" he exclaimed, angrily.</p> - -<p>"I am here," she responded, tremulously.</p> - -<p>"I was just about to go and wake up the household," -he cried, his rage increasing.</p> - -<p>"Now, that I am here, you will not have to do that," -she answered, wearily.</p> - -<p>"Where is the money?" he asked, abruptly.</p> - -<p>She held it in her hand, but clutched it more tightly.</p> - -<p>"I have it with me," she responded; "but it is not -yours until you carry out your promises!"</p> - -<p>He looked at her with a cunning gleam in his eyes.</p> - -<p>"To be sure I will carry out my agreement," he said.</p> - -<p>"But I must have proof that you will do so before I -part with so much money," she said. "You must give -me your written word that you will never trouble me -again. You must also tell me where I can find my child, -for I see that you have not kept your word about bringing -her with you!"</p> - -<p>He laughed aloud—a harsh, mocking laugh.</p> - -<p>"I am not surprised at hearing a remark like that -from your lips. A woman who could abandon her child -as easily as <i>you</i> did, without so much as knowing its -fate, and who is content to live here as Eugene Mallard's -wife, whenever he is ready to take you to his heart, is -capable of doing anything. I do not wonder that you -supposed the little one was here in the grounds all night -long awaiting your fancy to appear!"</p> - -<p>She recoiled at the words as though he had struck her -a blow.</p> - -<p>"Let me tell you where your child is," he said, hoarsely. -"You shall know its fate!"</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he seized the hand that held the money, -and tore the bills from her grasp.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><a name="CHAPTER_LX" id="CHAPTER_LX">CHAPTER LX.</a></h2> - - -<p>Ida sunk on her knees before him.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said; "you must go quietly with me."</p> - -<p>"Inhuman monster!" moaned Ida.</p> - -<p>"Come. This is no time to exchange compliments," he -said. "We have parleyed here too long already."</p> - -<p>His grasp tightened on the slender wrist, but she did -not seem to heed the pain of it.</p> - -<p>"I can not, I will not go with you!" she panted.</p> - -<p>A taunting laugh answered her. He was dragging her -by main force down the path, when the figure of a man -suddenly sprung before him.</p> - -<p>"You!" cried Royal Ainsley, furiously.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is I!" returned Eugene Mallard, sternly. "I -am just in time, it appears, to save my—this lady from -you."</p> - -<p>At the sight of Eugene, Ida flung up her hands with a -wild cry, and sunk at his feet unconscious. Royal Ainsley -sprung forward to catch her in his arms, but Eugene -dashed up to him.</p> - -<p>"Lay one hand on her at your peril!" he commanded.</p> - -<p>"And who shall prevent me, when she is my wife?" -sneered Royal Ainsley.</p> - -<p>"She is <i>not</i> your wife!" cried Eugene Mallard, his -face darkening; "and here and now, I propose to avenge -the wrongs you have done her. There will be a duel to -the death between us! I have two pistols in my pocket, -you shall take one and defend yourself, I will use the -other."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley sprung forward. Quick as a flash he -drew something from his vest-pocket. It was a sharp -steel dagger which he always carried.</p> - -<p>He made a lunge forward, but his foot slipped, and -he fell to the earth in mortal pain. The dagger he had -intended to plunge into the body of his cousin had been -the cause of his own death.</p> - -<p>In an instant Eugene was bending over him.</p> - -<p>"It is too late!" gasped the miserable man—"it is -all over with me now. I am about to pass in my checks. -Don't you think so?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Eugene; "you are mortally wounded, I -can see that. Heaven forgive you for the sins you -have committed!"</p> - -<p>Eugene carried Ida to her own room, thanking Heaven -that he had met no one. No one would know of her -presence in the grounds.</p> - -<p>Then he quickly summoned the servants.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley, lying there with his face upturned to -the sunlight and his hand clutching the fatal dagger, told -its own story.</p> - -<p>As soon as Ida was able to see him Eugene sent for her -to come to the library.</p> - -<p>When she received the summons, the poor soul, white -as death, fell upon her knees.</p> - -<p>"He is going to denounce me for my sin, and for not -telling him when I found it out," she said.</p> - -<p>Could she face him, now that he knew all?</p> - -<p>As she knelt there she caught a glimpse of herself in -the great mirror opposite.</p> - -<p>Again the girl knocked at the door.</p> - -<p>"Tell your master that I will see him to-morrow," she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> -whispered in a strained, strange voice; and the girl went -away.</p> - -<p>Strange fancies seemed to throng through her brain.</p> - -<p>Royal Ainsley was dead, she had heard them say; and -she fancied that her child was dead, too.</p> - -<p>And now the man she loved had sent for her to turn -her from the house, and she would never see him again.</p> - -<p>Then she thought of the brook, so deep, so wide, that -struggled on to meet the sea.</p> - -<p>Yes, she would go there where some of the happiest, -ay, and some of the most sorrowful moments of her life -had been spent. The deep waters would carry her away -on their bosom.</p> - -<p>At intervals the girl came to the door to inquire if she -wanted anything. The answer was always the same—"No."</p> - -<p>She never knew how the long hours passed; she was -like one in a dream.</p> - -<p>At last night came. She waited until the house was -dark and still. There was silence in the hall. All the -lights were out, every one was asleep, and the troubles -of the day were blotted out.</p> - -<p>She raised the long French window that opened out -onto the lawn and stepped out into the garden.</p> - -<p>As she passed the room in which Eugene Mallard was -quietly sleeping, she knelt and laid her cold white lips -on the threshold his feet would press.</p> - -<p>How cruelly Heaven had punished her, because in -those other days she had longed to be a lady, like the -heroines she had read of in the great world of beauty -and fashion.</p> - -<p>She reached the brook and knelt down beside it. The -moon threw a silvery light upon it, and in its song she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> -seemed to hear Eugene's voice mingled with that of the -little child she had lost.</p> - -<p>"I am coming to you, little baby!" she muttered below -her breath. Then aloud, she said: "Good-bye, Eugene—good-bye -forever!"</p> - -<p>Suddenly a pair of strong arms clasped her, and Eugene's -voice whispered:</p> - -<p>"Not good-bye, my darling!"</p> - -<p>Only the stars and the moonlight and the rippling -waters of the brook heard what he said—how he pleaded -with her to live only for him and her little child.</p> - -<p>Ida could not believe the great happiness that had suddenly -fallen upon her like a mantle from God's hands.</p> - -<p>They talked by the brook-side for long hours. The -next day the master and mistress of the great mansion -went away.</p> - -<p>When they reached New York, another ceremony was -performed, which made Ida Eugene Mallard's wife until -death should part them.</p> - -<p>Then they quietly went and obtained the little child, -whom both idolized, and went abroad, where they remained -for years.</p> - -<p>No one learned the strange romance of the fair young -girl whom Eugene Mallard worshipped so fondly.</p> - -<p>When they returned to their home, years after, with -a lovely, dark-eyed little girl and a sturdy, blue-eyed boy, -no one guessed but that they were Eugene Mallard's -children.</p> - -<p>While they had been abroad they read of the marriage -of Hildegarde Cramer to Philip Ravenswood, the -noble young man who had loved her ever since they had -first met on the Newport sands.</p> - -<p>The same paper also brought the intelligence of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> -engagement of Arthur Hollis and pretty Dora Staples, -and the sad ending, in a railroad accident, of beautiful, -hapless Vivian Deane and her maid Nora.</p> - -<p>Eugene passed the paper to his wife, and Ida read it, -making no comments. But after awhile, as though the -subject weighed heavily on her mind, she went up to Eugene, -and laid her soft white arms round his neck, and -whispered:</p> - -<p>"Does the knowledge of Hildegarde's marriage bring -you any regrets, Eugene?"</p> - -<p>"No, my darling!" he cried, clasping her in his strong -arms. "For all the love of my heart is yours now, and—and—our -children's."</p> - -<p>"I have often wanted to ask you, Eugene," she murmured, -with her face hidden on his breast, "if the story -of my past were known, how would people judge me? -Would the world say, 'Ida May had sinned'?"</p> - -<p>Let us hope all our readers will join heartily in his -answer—"No."</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 8em;">THE END.</p> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - - - -<h2>THE A. and L. SERIES<br /> -POPULAR CLOTH<br /> -BOUND BOOKS</h2> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Issued ONLY by<br /> -THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<blockquote> -<p style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The Arthur Westbrook Company, in furtherance -of its policy to give the reading public the -best stories at the lowest price, now offers books -by the foremost writers not only of to-day but of -the last decade.</p> -</blockquote> - -<p style="margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">These books are bound in cloth.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The covers are attractive.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Each book costs only TWENTY-FIVE -CENTS.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Among the writers whose works are offered -at this POPULAR PRICE are such men and -women as Rider Haggard, Guy Boothby, -Charles Garvice, Marie Corelli, Augusta Evans, -Laura Jean Libbey, and many others whose -names are only a little less dear to the hearts -of the reading public who like to read real books, -written about real people, who have real experiences.</p> - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The A. and L. Series Popular Cloth Bound -Books is on sale at all newsdealers and booksellers, -but it is only published by</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY,<br /> -Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<blockquote> -<p style="margin-left: 5%; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">If you wish to read entertaining, fascinating -books, look for the name, <big>A. and L. SERIES.</big></p> - -<p style="margin-left: 5%; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">These popular cloth bound books are issued -only by The ARTHUR WESTBROOK COMPANY.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 5%; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The A. and L. 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PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">Mysterious Mr. Sabin</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">MAX PEMBERTON</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">The Shadow on the Sea</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">F. DU BOISGOBEY</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">The Severed Hand</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">LAURA JEAN LIBBEY</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">Kidnapped at the Altar<br /> -Gladiola's Two Lovers<br /> -A Bride for a Day<br /> -Aleta's Terrible Secret<br /> -The Romance of Enola<br /> -A Handsome Engineer's Flirtation<br /> -Was She Sweetheart or Wife<br /> -Della's Handsome Lover<br /> -Flora Garland's Courtship<br /> -My Sweetheart Idabell<br /> -Pretty Madcap Dorothy<br /> -The Loan of a Lover<br /> -A Fatal Elopement<br /> -The Girl He Forsook<br /> -Which Loved Her Best<br /> -A Dangerous Flirtation<br /> -Garnetta, the Silver King's Daughter<br /> -Flora Temple<br /> -Pretty Rose Hall<br /> -Cora, the Pet of the Regiment<br /> -Jolly Sally Pendleton</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">MARIE CORELLI</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">Vendetta<br /> -A Romance of Two Worlds</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">CHARLES GARVICE</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">She Loved Him<br /> -The Marquis<br /> -A Wasted Love<br /> -Her Ransom</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">AUGUSTA EVANS</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">St. Elmo<br /> -Inez</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">MRS. SOUTHWORTH</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">Ishmael<br /> -Self-Raised<br /> -The Missing Bride<br /> -India</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 2em;">CHARLOTTE M. BRAEME</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1.5em;">Thorns and Orange Blossoms<br /> -A Dark Marriage Morn<br /> -Dora Thorne</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p> </p> - -<div class="transnote"> - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 3em;">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</p> - -<p>Obvious printer errors have been corrected. 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