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Southworth</title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> - <style> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: thin solid silver; padding: .1em .2em; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - .fss { font-size: 75%; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .lg-container-b { text-align: center; } - .x-ebookmaker .lg-container-b { clear: both; } - .lg-container-r { text-align: right; } - .x-ebookmaker .lg-container-r { clear: both; } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: justify; } - .x-ebookmaker .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - .linegroup .in10 { padding-left: 8.0em; } - .linegroup .in14 { padding-left: 10.0em; } - .linegroup .in16 { padding-left: 11.0em; } - .linegroup .in2 { padding-left: 4.0em; } - .linegroup .in4 { padding-left: 5.0em; } - .linegroup .in6 { padding-left: 6.0em; } - .linegroup .in8 { padding-left: 7.0em; } - .ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; } - ol.ol_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: decimal; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - .x-ebookmaker hr.pb { display: none; } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c0 { text-align: justify; margin: 0.5em 0; } - .c000 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em; } - .c002 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c004 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: .9em; } - .c005 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c006 { text-align: right; } - .c007 { font-size: .9em; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; - margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c008 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c009 { vertical-align: top; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1em; - padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; } - .c010 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } - .c011 { text-align: center; } - .c012 { margin-top: 2em; font-size: .9em; } - .c013 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c014 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c015 { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c016 { font-size: .9em; } - div.tnotes { padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;background-color:#E3E4FA; - border:thin solid silver; margin:2em 10% 0 10%; font-family: Georgia, serif; - clear: both; } - .covernote { visibility: hidden; display: none; } - div.tnotes p { text-align: justify; } - .x-ebookmaker .covernote { visibility: visible; display: block; } - .x-ebookmaker img {max-height: 30em; max-width: 100%; } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .ol_1 li {font-size: .9em; } - .x-ebookmaker .ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: 0em; } - body {font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify; } - table {font-size: .9em; padding: 1.5em .5em 1em; page-break-inside: avoid; - clear: both; } - div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; } - div.titlepage p {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } - .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; - margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } - .ph2 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; - page-break-before: always; } - .blackletter {font-family: 'Old English Text MT', serif; font-weight:bold; } - .x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { float: left; } -</style> - </head> - <body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Allworth Abbey, by Emma D. E. N. Southworth</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Allworth Abbey</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Emma D. E. N. Southworth</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 1, 2023 [eBook #69675]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALLWORTH ABBEY ***</div> - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>ALLWORTH ABBEY.</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>BY</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>MRS. EMMA D. E. N. SOUTHWORTH.</span></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='small'>AUTHOR OF “THE FATAL MARRIAGE,” “RETRIBUTION,” “THE DESERTED WIFE,” “LOST HEIRESS,” “DISCARDED DAUGHTER,” “WIFE’S VICTORY,” “VIVIA,” “LADY OF THE ISLE,” “HAUNTED HOMESTEAD,” “MOTHER-IN-LAW,” “THE TWO SISTERS,” “THREE BEAUTIES,” “CURSE OF CLIFTON,” “THE GIPSY’S PROPHECY,” “LOVE’S LABOR WON,” “MISSING BRIDE,” “INDIA,” “BRIDAL EVE,” ETC.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“There is probation to decree,</div> - <div class='line'>Many and long must the trials be;</div> - <div class='line'>But she’ll victoriously endure,</div> - <div class='line'>For her love is true and her faith is sure.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in8'>“Sunrise will come next!</div> - <div class='line'>The shadow of the night will pass away!</div> - <div class='line'>The glory and the grandeur of each dream</div> - <div class='line'>And every prophecy shall be fulfilled.”—<em>Browning.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='blackletter'>Philadelphia:</span></div> - <div>T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS,</div> - <div>306 CHESTNUT STREET.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='small'>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>District of Pennsylvania.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div>TO</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>MRS. FANNIE M<sup>C</sup>DONALD MEAD,</span></div> - <div class='c003'>OF NEW YORK,</div> - <div class='c003'>THIS WORK IS DEDICATED,</div> - <div class='c003'>AS A SLIGHT TESTIMONIAL OF</div> - <div class='c003'>THE HIGHEST ESTEEM AND WARMEST AFFECTION</div> - <div class='c003'>OF</div> - <div class='c003'>THE AUTHOR,</div> - <div class='c003'>E. D. E. N. SOUTHWORTH.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='c006'><span class='small'>PROSPECT COTTAGE.</span></div> - -<p class='c007'><em>November 25th, 1865.</em></p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0'> - <tr> - <th class='c009'></th> - <th class='c010'><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Page.</span></span></th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER I.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE FEARFUL WARNING,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_25'>25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER II.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>HORRIBLE SUSPICIONS,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_34'>34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER III.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE BRIDE OF HEAVEN,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_46'>46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER IV.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE ACCUSATION,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_57'>57</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER V.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE ARREST,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_66'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER VI.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE UNDERGROUND PASSAGE,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_81'>81</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER VII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE FLIGHT,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_90'>90</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER VIII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>ANNELLA,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_106'>106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER IX.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE CHAMBER OF DEATH,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_116'>116</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER X.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE STUBBORN WITNESS,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_130'>130</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XI.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE YOUNG RUNAWAY,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE ANCHORAGE,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_152'>152</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XIII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>AN APPARITION,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_164'>164</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XIV.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE FUGITIVE RETAKEN,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_178'>178</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XV.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>IN PRISON,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_195'>195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XVI.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE MYSTERIES OF EDENLAWN,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_207'>207</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XVII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE STRANGE INTERVIEW,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XVIII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>FATHER AND DAUGHTER,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_230'>230</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XIX.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>“TRUST IN HEAVEN,”</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_251'>251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XX.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE FEARFUL SECRET,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_263'>263</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXI.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE TRIAL,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_279'>279</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE CONVICTION,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_291'>291</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXIII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE CONDEMNED,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_301'>301</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXIV.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>DESPAIR,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_313'>313</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXV.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE APPEAL OF DESPAIR,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_327'>327</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXVI.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE MYSTERIOUS PLAN OF ESCAPE,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_340'>340</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXVII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>A YOUNG HEROINE,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_349'>349</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXVIII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE READING OF THE DEATH-WARRANT,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_362'>362</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXIX.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>PREPARATION FOR DEATH,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_375'>375</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXX.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE BURNING PRISON,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_393'>393</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXXI.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>ANNELLA’S RETURN,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_398'>398</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXXII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE WRECK AND THE DISCLOSURE,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_400'>400</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'> </td> - <td class='c010'> </td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'>CHAPTER XXXIII.</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>THE DENOUEMENT,</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_408'>408</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span></div> -<div class='chapter ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div>ALLWORTH ABBEY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER I.<br> <span class='large'>THE FEARFUL WARNING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“She stood once more in the halls of pride,</div> - <div class='line'>And the light of her beauty was deified,</div> - <div class='line'>And she seemed to the eyes of men a star,</div> - <div class='line'>Lovely but lonely—flashing but far.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“She fixed his gaze with her fearful spell,</div> - <div class='line'>And the book from his failing fingers fell;</div> - <div class='line'>While her low voice hissed in his shuddering ear,</div> - <div class='line'>‘We’ve met at last, slave! Dost thou fear?’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>A few years only have elapsed since the public mind was -electrified by the discovery of a strange tissue of crimes, -through which had perished within the space of twelve -months every member of a noble family, and in which was -implicated the honor of one of England’s haughtiest peers -and the life of one of her loveliest daughters, and finally, -which added a recent and thrilling domestic drama to those -ancient histories and ghostly traditions that have long rendered -<span class='sc'>Allworth Abbey</span> the resort of the curious, and the -terror of the ignorant and the superstitious.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The principal circumstances were made sufficiently public -at the time of the discovery; some at least of the guilty -parties were brought to justice, and the effigy of the chief -criminal may even now be seen in a certain celebrated -“Room of Horrors.” But much also remained enveloped -in mystery, for, underlying the bare facts that were openly -proved, there was a secret history, stranger, more atrocious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>and more appalling, even, than those ruthless crimes for -which the convicted felons suffered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The knowledge of this secret history came to me in a -singular manner; and with the purpose of showing over -what fatal pitfalls the most innocent feet may sometimes -stray, I proceed to relate the story, entreating my readers -to remember, amidst its strangest revelations, that “nothing -is so strange as reality,” and nothing more incredible -than truth:—</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='sc'>Allworth Abbey</span>, the scene of these events, is one of -the most ancient monuments of monastic history left standing -in the United Kingdom. The precise date of its -foundation is lost in the dimness of far-distant ages, and -remains to this day a disputed point among learned antiquarians.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It is a vast and gloomy pile of Gothic architecture, -situated at the bottom of a deep and thickly-wooded glen, -surrounded by high hills, that even at noonday cast a -sombre shadow over the whole scene, which is one of the -wildest, loneliest, and most picturesque to be found on the -northwest coast of England. The surrounding country -may be called mountainous, from the imposing height of -the hills, and the profound depth of the vales.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nothing can be more secluded, solitary, and sombre than -the aspect of this place. The grim old Abbey, lurking at -the bottom of its deep dell, reflected dimly in its dark lake, -overshadowed by its tall trees, and closely shut in by high -hills, is just the object to depress and awe the beholder, -even though he never may have heard the fearful stories -connected with the place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Allworth Abbey is rich in historical associations and -traditional lore. Its cloisters have sheltered kings; its -walls have withstood sieges; it possesses its haunted cell, -its spectre monk and phantom maiden.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the reign of Henry the Church-burner and Wife-killer, -Allworth Abbey was the home of a rich fraternity of Benedictine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>monks. And at the time of that tremendous visitation -of wrath which overswept the land, when</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The ire of an infuriate king</div> - <div class='line'>Rode forth upon destruction’s wing,”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c015'>Allworth Abbey was besieged and sacked by a party of -soldiers under Lord Leaton, a baron of ancient lineage in -the North of England, and of great merit in the estimation -of King Henry Bluebeard. The abbot was slain at the -altar, the brethren were put to the sword, the Abbey was -given to the flames, and the lands conferred by the King -upon the conqueror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Leaton rebuilt the ruined portions of the Abbey, -adapted it as a family residence, and constituted it the -principal seat of his race, in whose possession it remained -from that time until the date of those strange household -mysteries that I am about to disclose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The last male representative of the Leatons of Allworth -was Henry, Lord Leaton, whose name has since become so -painfully memorable. With an ancient title, an ample fortune, -a handsome person, well-cultivated mind, and amiable -disposition, he married, early in life, a fair woman, every -way worthy of his affections. Their union was blest by one -child, Agatha, “sole daughter of his house,” who, at the -opening of this story, had just attained her eighteenth -year.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It is scarcely possible for a human being to be happier -than was Lord Leaton at this time. In the prime of his -manly life, blessed with a fair wife in the maturity of her -matronly beauty, and a lovely daughter, just budding into -womanhood, endowed with an ancient title, an immense -fortune, and a wide popularity, Lord Leaton was the most -contented man in England.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was not even a drawback to his happiness that there -was no male heir to his titles and estates, for in Malcolm -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>Montrose, the betrothed of his daughter, he had found a son -after his own heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose, and Norham, his younger brother, -were the sons of Lord Leaton’s half sister, who had married -a poor but proud Scotch laird. Their parents were now -both dead. From their father they had inherited little -more than an ancient name, a ruined tower, and a blasted -heath. It was therefore only by the assistance of Lord -Leaton, that Malcolm was enabled to enter the University -of Oxford, and Norham to obtain a commission in the -army.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was the high character of Malcolm Montrose that commended -him so favorably to the esteem of Lord Leaton, and -induced his lordship to promote the betrothal between that -young gentleman and the young heiress of Allworth; for be -it known that the engagement was rather of Lord Leaton’s -making than of the young pair’s seeking.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They loved each other as brother and sister, nor dreamed -of the possibility of a stronger affection. They had naturally -and easily glided into the views of Lord and Lady Leaton, -and had at length plighted their hands, in perfect good -faith, if not with the passionate love of which neither young -heart had as yet any experience. One of the conditions of -the betrothal was, that upon his marriage with the heiress, -Malcolm Montrose should assume the name and arms of -Leaton. It was also hoped that, in the event of the death -of Lord Leaton, his son-in-law might obtain the reversion -of the title.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was soon after this solemn betrothal, that took place -in the spring of 185–, that Malcolm Montrose took leave of -his friends, and left England for an extended tour of the -Continent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Up to this time the life of Lord Leaton and his family -had been one of unbroken sunshine. From this time the -clouds began to darken around them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the day succeeding the departure of Malcolm, Lord -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>Leaton received a letter from India, informing him of the -death of his younger brother, who had left England many -years previous to seek his fortune under the burning sun -of Hindostan. The large fortune he had apparently found -was the love of a beautiful native girl, whom he had secretly -married, and who, in ten months after, in the same hour, -made him a widower and the father of a female infant—the -little Eudora, who, under her father’s care, had managed -to grow up even in that deadly climate. But now -that father had fallen a victim to the fatal fever of the -country, and his daughter Eudora was left destitute.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Leaton had been too long separated from his brother -to feel keenly his death; his fraternal affection took a more -practical turn than grief; he lost no time in procuring a -proper messenger to send out to India for the purpose of -bringing back his niece, who, as the only child of his sole -brother, was, after Agatha, the heiress-presumptive of his -estates.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As soon as Lord Leaton had despatched his messenger, -he set out with his family to visit Paris. They took the -first floor of a handsome house in a fashionable quarter of the -city; but the circumstance of their being in mourning for -Lord Leaton’s brother caused them to live in great retirement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was about the time that the concerted revolution in -the Papal States had been discovered and suppressed, and -when some of the noblest Romans had fallen on the scaffold, -and others had been driven into exile. Among those whose -fate excited the liveliest sympathy were the Prince and Princess -Pezzilini. The prince fell gloriously in the cause of -civil and religious liberty, and the princess was said to have -perished in the flames when the Palace Pezzilini was burned -by the mob. This was the common talk of Paris when -Lord Leaton and his family arrived there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was within a few days after their settlement in their -apartments, that the attention of Lord and Lady Leaton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>was attracted by a lady who frequently passed them on the -grand staircase. She was a tall, fine-formed, fair woman, -of great beauty, clothed in mourning, and wearing the aspect -of the profoundest sorrow. No one could have seen -her without becoming interested—no one could have passed -her without a backward glance. She was sometimes attended -by a stout, dark-complexioned, middle-aged man, -whose manner towards her seemed half way between that -of a good uncle and a faithful and trusted domestic.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The feminine curiosity of Lady Leaton had been so much -excited by this mysterious lady and her strange attendant, -that she had at length inquired about her of the old portress -of the house. And it was from that garrulous personage -Lady Leaton learned to her astonishment that the beautiful -stranger was no other than the Princess Pezzilini, who -had <em>not</em> perished in the burning Palace of Pezzilini, but -who had made her escape with the assistance of a faithful -servant, Antonio Mario, who, for her better security, had -circulated the report of her death, while he bore her off to -France. She was now living on the fourth floor of that -house, in great poverty and seclusion, attended only by her -faithful servant, Antonio Mario.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So much Lady Leaton learned from the portress; but -she lost no time in delicately seeking the acquaintance of -the beautiful and unfortunate exile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She found the Princess Pezzilini very accessible to respectful -sympathy. She learned from her some further -particulars of her history—among other matters, that she -had succeeded in securing from the burning palace a box -of valuable family documents and a casket of costly family -jewels. As, however, these jewels were heirlooms, she was -unwilling to part with the least one of them until extreme -want should actually compel her to do so; hence with -almost boundless wealth at her command, she chose to live -in poverty and privation. This was her story.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lively imagination of Lady Leaton was affected by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>her beauty, sensibility and accomplishments. The good -and benevolent heart of Lord Leaton was touched by her -misfortunes, her courage, and her resignation. And the -end of it was that they invited her to return with them to -England, and make Allworth Abbey her home until the -clouds that lowered over her House should be dispersed, -and the sun should shine forth again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They spent the autumn in Paris, and returned to Allworth -Abbey just in time to prepare for Christmas.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And it was on Christmas-eve that the messenger to India -returned, bringing with him Eudora Leaton. It was evening, -and the family circle of Allworth Abbey, consisting of -Lord and Lady Leaton, Miss Leaton, and the Princess -Pezzilini, were assembled in the drawing-room, when Eudora -was announced.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She entered, and her extreme beauty at once impressed -the whole company.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a beauty that owed nothing to external circumstances, -for she had arrived weary, sorrowful, and travel-stained; -yet it was a beauty that sank at once into the very -soul of the beholder, filling him with a strange delight. She -was of medium height, and slender yet well-rounded form. -Her graceful little head was covered with shining, jet-black -ringlets, that fell around a face lovely as ever haunted the -dream of poet or painter. Her features were regular; her -complexion was a pure, clear olive, deepening into a rich -bloom upon the oval cheeks, and a richer still upon the -small full lips; her eyebrows were perfect arches of jet, -tapering off to the finest points at the extremities; her eyes -were large, dark and liquid, and fringed by the longest and -thickest black lashes; her nose was small and straight; her -mouth and chin faultlessly carved; her throat, neck and -bust were rounded in the perfect contour of beauty; the -whole outline of her form was ineffably beautiful. A poet -would have said that her most ordinary motions might have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>been set to music, but to no music more melodious than the -tones of her voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such was the beautiful young Asiatic that stood trembling -before her strange English relatives in the drawing-room of -Allworth Abbey on Christmas-eve.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Leaton was the first to arise and greet her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Welcome to England, my dearest Eudora,” he said, -embracing her fondly; “think that you have come to your -own home, and to your own father and mother, for after -our daughter Agatha we shall love you best of all the world, -as after her, you know, you are the next heiress of our -name and estates.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear uncle, give me but a place in your heart next to -my cousin Agatha, and—let the rest go,” said Eudora, in -a voice vibrating with emotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Leaton then formally presented his niece to her -aunt and cousin, and to the Princess Pezzilini, all of whom -received the beautiful young stranger with the utmost -kindness and courtesy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Agatha, in particular, seemed delighted with the acquisition -of a congenial companion in her charming Indian -cousin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The evening passed delightfully; but for the sake of the -weary traveller, the family party supped and separated at -an unusually early hour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was soon after Lady Leaton had retired to her dressing-room -that she heard a light tap at her door, and to her -surprised exclamation of “Come in,” entered the Princess -Pezzilini.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will pardon me for intruding upon you at this -hour, but you know what great reason I have to be devoted -to your service, Lady Leaton, and you know the force of -my faith in presentiments. It is a presentiment that forces -me to your presence to-night,” said the princess in a mournful -voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, I thank you earnestly for the interest you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>deign to take in my welfare; but—I do not understand -you,” said Lady Leaton, in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I do not understand myself; but I must speak, -for the power of prophecy is upon me! Lady Leaton, <em>beware -of that Asiatic girl</em>!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame!” exclaimed Lady Leaton, in extreme surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, I know what you would say: she is your niece, -the daughter of your husband’s brother. But I tell you -that she is of the treacherous, cruel, and deadly Indian -blood! I have watched her thoughts through this evening. -I noted her look when Lord Leaton told her that she was -the next heiress after Agatha. And I tell you that the -gaze of the deadly cobra-di-capella of her native jungles is -not more fatal than the glance of that Indian girl!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, in the name of Heaven, what mean you?” exclaimed -Lady Leaton, in vague alarm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The voice of the princess sank to its deepest tones, as -she answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The deadly upas-tree of the Indies suffers nothing to -live in its dread neighborhood. If you could transplant -such a tree from an Indian plain to a fair English park, as -it should grow and thrive, all beautiful life would wither -under its poisonous breath, until nothing should remain but -a blasted desert, and the deadly upas-tree should be all in -all! Lady Leaton, beware of the young Indian sapling -transplanted to your fair English park!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, you frighten me!” exclaimed Lady Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; I only mean to warn you! I spoke from an irresistible -impulse. And having spoken, I have no more to -say but to bid you good-night,” said the Italian, lifting the -hand of Lady Leaton to her lips, and then withdrawing, -and leaving her ladyship plunged in deep thought.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER II.<br> <span class='large'>HORRIBLE SUSPICIONS.</span></h2> -</div> -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in10'>The raven himself is hoarse</div> - <div class='line'>That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan</div> - <div class='line'>Under my battlements.—<em>Shakspeare.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The beautiful Asiatic girl soon won her way into every -heart in the household. No one could meet the soft, -appealing gaze of her large, dark, Oriental eyes, or hear -the plaintive tones of her low, deep, sweet voice, without -feeling powerfully drawn towards her. No one could be -with her long without seeing that the angel form was -tenanted by an angel spirit, too.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora became the darling of the household. And yet, -from all events that quickly followed, it would seem that -the previsions of the Princess Pezzilini had been true.</p> - -<p class='c014'>First of all the father of the family, Lord Leaton, a man -in the early prime of life and the full enjoyment of the -finest health, sickened with a strange disease that baffled -all the skill and science of his medical attendants. The -most competent nurses were engaged to take their turns -day and night at his bedside.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The ladies of the family also vied with each other in -their attentions to the invalid. But it was observed that -in his moments of greatest suffering, he would bear no one -to approach him except his niece Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This might be explained by the circumstances that -Eudora’s presence was very soothing, her step was noiseless, -her motions smooth, her touch soft, her voice low, -and her gaze gentle; and all this had a very calming and -subduing effect upon the irritable invalid. And thus -Eudora became almost a fixture beside his couch. And -all who loved Lord Leaton were grateful to the gentle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>girl, who patiently resigned her daily recreations and her -nightly repose to devote herself to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All except the Princess Pezzilini, who was observed to -shake her head and murmur to herself—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The fascination of the cobra-di-capella!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But no one paid attention to the murmured remarks of -the lady, especially as even she herself did not escape the -charms of Eudora’s presence, but frequently fell under the -sweet spell that bound all hearts to the beautiful girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length, one night, Eudora, worn out with fatigue, was -ordered to go to her bed. She mixed the sleeping-draught -for her uncle, put it in the hands of her aunt, and retired -to her room. Lady Leaton was left alone to watch by the -bedside of her husband.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She sat the sleeping potion down upon a stand near the -head of the bed, until Lord Leaton should awake from the -light doze into which he had fallen, and she went out to her -dressing-room to change her dress for a warmer wrapper, -in which to sit up and watch the invalid.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was while she stood before the looking-glass which -was opposite the door and reflected a portion of the adjoining -room, that Lady Leaton saw the shadow of a female -figure glide along the wall, and at the same moment heard -the rustle of a silk dress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She immediately turned and entered the chamber, but -found no one there. Lord Leaton had just awakened and -turned over.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Has any one been here?” inquired her ladyship.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No one at all,” he answered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It was fancy, then,” muttered the lady to herself, as -she gave the sleeping-draught to her husband.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He drank it to the dregs; yet it did not seem to produce -the usual effects. The patient could not get to sleep; on -the contrary, he grew more and more restless, and soon -became violently ill.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lady Leaton, in alarm, aroused the servants, and despatched -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>a messenger to Poolville, the adjoining village, for -their medical attendant, who immediately hastened to the -bedside of his patient. But the utmost skill of the physician -was unavailing, for, before morning, Lord Leaton -expired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was then that the medical attendant felt it his duty to -declare to the grieving widow that her husband had died -from the effects of a virulent poison, and to demand an -investigation by the coroner’s jury.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This would have been a terrible blow to Lady Leaton -could she have been made to receive it. But she indignantly -repudiated the idea.</p> - -<p class='c014'>What, <em>he</em> poisoned?—<em>he</em>, Lord Leaton, who was so kind-hearted -that he would not have crushed a worm in his path, -or killed a wasp that stung him?—<em>he</em>, who was so universally -beloved and honored that he had not one enemy in the -wide world?—<em>he</em>, in whose premature death no one could -have a benefit, but in whose beneficent life thousands possessed -the deepest interest?—<em>he</em> taken off by foul means? -The idea was too preposterous as well as too dreadful to -believe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No; the horror of such a suspicion was not added to -the unspeakable sorrow of the widow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But, as the doctor was firm in his purpose of having a -<i><span lang="la">post-mortem</span></i> examination and a coroner’s inquest, of course -both had to be held. Nothing decisive, however, was -elicited. No trace of poison was found either in the body -of the deceased or in the glasses from which he had drank, -or anywhere else.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The single suspicious circumstance of Lady Leaton’s -seeing the shadow of a female on the wall, and hearing the -rustle of a silk dress in her husband’s chamber, was disproved -by a separate examination of each member of the -household, in which it was clearly shown that every one -was at that hour in bed. And Lady Leaton herself -admitted that her imagination might have deceived her. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>The verdict of the coroner’s inquest, therefore, was that the -deceased died from natural causes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Leaton had died too suddenly to have made a will, -but his wishes were so well understood by Lady Leaton, -that she lost no time in carrying them into effect. She -wrote to Rome to Malcolm Montrose, informing him of -the sudden death of his uncle, and requesting him to come -immediately to England. She wrote, also, to Norham -Montrose, who was absent with his regiment in Ireland, -giving him the same fatal intelligence, and inviting him to -join his brother at Allworth Abbey by a certain day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, though the farthest from the scene of action, -was the first to obey the summons. He hastened to England, -and, without resting a single night on his journey, -hurried to Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was near the close of a stormy day in March that he -got out of the stage-coach at Abbeytown, and leaving his -luggage to the care of the landlord of the “Leaton Arms,” -set out to walk the short distance to the Abbey. He -reached the top of the eastern range of hills that surrounded -the Abbey just as the sun, setting behind the -western hills, cast the whole dell into deep shadow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Never had the aspect of that sombre place seemed so -gloomy and depressing. The huge collection of buildings -comprising the Abbey lurking at the bottom of the deep -dell, reflected dimly in its dark lake, overshadowed by its -gigantic old trees, enclosed by its lofty hills, and cast into -the deepest shade by the sinking of the sun behind those -hills, was well calculated to awe the traveller, even though -he might not have—as Malcolm had—a personal and tragic -interest in the scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few moments he spent in contemplating the picture, -and then rapidly descended the precipitous path leading -down to the bottom of the dell. At the foot of the precipice -was the gamekeeper’s lodge and the principal park -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>gate. He passed this, and took the straightest line to the -Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He passed one more gate and entered the grounds, -immediately around the house. A short walk brought him -to the outer banks of the shaded lake. An avenue of elms -swept right and left around this lake and led up to the -centre front entrance to the Abbey. He took the right-hand -walk, and proceeding at a rapid pace, soon found -himself before the main entrance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here the first object that arrested his attention was the -funeral hatchment suspended over the doorway. A sigh -was given to the memory of his uncle, and then he went up -the broad stairs, and knocked at the great folding oak door -of the main entrance. It was opened by the aged porter, -who welcomed him respectfully, and ushered him at once -into the library, while he went to announce the arrival to -the widowed Lady Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While waiting the entrance of his hostess, Malcolm Montrose -strolled to the front window and looked out upon the -scene—the dark lake immediately under the walls of the -Abbey, rendered darker still by the overhanging branches -of its encircling trees, and the lofty sides of its surrounding -hills, behind which the full moon was now rising.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While Malcolm gazed moodily upon the scene, his -attention was attracted by a female form, clothed in black -and gliding like a spirit among the trees, that bordered -the still lake. He could not at first see her face, but the -ineffable grace of her movements fascinated his eyes to follow -her every motion. At length she turned, and he -caught an instant’s glimpse of a dark face, which, even in -that uncertain light, he fancied to be as beautiful as that -of the fable houri. The beauty disappeared in the thicker -foliage of the evergreens, and Malcolm Montrose turned -to greet his aunt, who now entered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lady Leaton was a woman of commonplace, agreeable -personality, middle-aged, large, fat and fair in body, conscientious, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>discreet, and affectionate in mind. She entered -the room now, with her portly form dressed in widow’s -weeds, and her fair, round face encircled by a widow’s cap. -Her eyes were suffused with tears, and her voice was -broken with grief, as she advanced, held out her hand, and -welcomed Malcolm Montrose to Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A short and agitated conversation sufficed to put Malcolm -in possession of the facts with which the reader is -already acquainted; and of the result of this interview it -is only necessary to say that Malcolm Montrose entirely -coincided in opinion with Lady Leaton and with the verdict -of the coroner’s jury, in supposing that the late Lord Leaton -had died of some obscure disease, and not, as the doctor -had believed, of poison. It was a great relief to Lady -Leaton to find that one so clear-headed and true-hearted as -Malcolm Montrose took the same views of the case with -herself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At the close of the interview she rang for a servant to -show him to his room, where he might change his dress for -dinner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The chamber to which he was shown was situated immediately -over the library, and its front bay window overlooked -the same scene. Involuntarily Malcolm sauntered to the -window and looked forth upon the night. The moon was -now so high in the heavens that its face was reflected even -in the shrouded mirror of the dark lake. As he looked -forth he saw the same beautiful female figure emerge from -the thicket and disappear in the direction of the house. -She had evidently entered the building.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm turned away as though there was no longer any -attraction in the moonlight on the shrouded lake, and -turned to give his attention to old John, the valet of the -late Lord Leaton, who stood ready to assist the young man -in making his toilet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Malcolm Montrose had refreshed himself with a -wash and a change of dress, and stood ready to descend -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>to the drawing-room, he presented in himself one of the -noblest specimens of manly beauty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was at this time about twenty-five years of age, tall -and finely proportioned, broad-shouldered, deep-chested and -strong-limbed. His head was stately, well poised, and covered -with rich, dark, auburn hair that waved around a high, -broad, white, forehead. His features were of the noblest -Roman cast; his complexion was fair and ruddy, and his -eyes of a clear, deep blue. His presence was imposing as -that of one born to command; his manners were at once -gracious and dignified, and his conversational powers brilliant -and profound. He was one of those masterpieces of -creation, one of those magnetic men who attract and control -without any effort.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Malcolm Montrose entered the crimson drawing-room -he found it already brilliantly lighted up for the -evening, and amid its glitter of light and glow of color -three fair women were revealed. The first, who was his -aunt, Lady Leaton, arose and led him up to the other two, -who immediately riveted his attention.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Reclining languidly in an easy-chair sat a fair girl, -with a delicate complexion, dark-grey eyes, and light brown -hair confined in a net of black silk.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Standing on her right hand, and bending affectionately -over her, was a large, tall, finely-formed, fair-haired woman, -whose ample dress of black velvet fell around her majestic -figure like the robes of a queen or the drapery of a goddess.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, permit me to present to you my nephew, Mr. -Montrose, of Dun-Ellen; the Princess Pezzilini, Mr. Montrose,” -said Lady Leaton, respectfully presenting Malcolm -to the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm bowed deeply and reverently, and expressed -himself honored in making the acquaintance of the widow -of the heroic Prince Pezzilini.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lady, on her part, raised her stately head, smiled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>sweetly, curtsied silently, and immediately resumed her -attention to the young girl in the chair. But in that single -glimpse of her full face, Malcolm saw that she was of that -rarest and strangest type of Italian beauty, a perfect -blonde—fair, as though she had been born under the cool, -damp fogs of England, instead of the burning sun of Italy; -and, indeed, if the land of her birth had given her any of -its fire, it was only to be seen in the warm and glowing -smile that occasionally lighted up her face and beamed -from her clear blue eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm took in all these impressions during the few -moments that were occupied in his presentation, and then -he turned to greet the young lady in the easy-chair—his -cousin Agatha.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He saluted her gravely and affectionately, as befitted the -serious occasion of their meeting, and then, observing for -the first time the extreme delicacy of her face and form, -and the languor of her attitude and manner, Malcolm -looked uneasy, and expressed a fear that she had been -indisposed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, she is not indisposed; that is, not seriously so; -but she has not seemed quite well or strong since—since -our great bereavement,” answered Lady Leaton, concluding -the sentence in a faltering voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not well; no, indeed!” thought Malcolm, as he gazed -with concern upon the fair, wan, spiritual face and fragile -form of her whom he had left but a few months before the -very picture of perfect health. “Not well, yet not seriously -indisposed!” Was it possible that this great change could -have come over Agatha so gradually that its effects should -have escaped the eyes of even her own affectionate mother? -Such must have been the case, was the thought of Malcolm, -as he held the thin and wasted hand of the young girl in -his own, and resolved that upon the next day he would -certainly call the attention of Lady Leaton to the fearful -change that, though it might have escaped the notice of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>those in daily communion with the invalid, while their -attention had been absorbed by matters of such transcendent -importance as the illness and death of Lord Leaton, -yet was, withal, so marked and so alarming as to have -shocked him who had left her six months before in full and -blooming health.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While these thoughts engaged the mind of Malcolm, a -soft footstep approached, and Lady Leaton spoke, saying—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My niece, Eudora, Mr. Malcolm.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm raised his eyes carelessly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yes, there she stood! the beautiful girl whose graceful -form he had followed with a delighted gaze as she glided -among the trees upon the banks of the dark lake. There -she stood, in the perfect loveliness of her Oriental charms, -one of Mohammed’s fabled houris descended upon the -earth. There she stood—her elegant little figure drawn -up to its full height, her graceful head slightly bent upon -her bosom, her jet-black ringlets falling around her rich, -warm, olive face, with its slender, arched eyebrows, its -large, dark, burning eyes, and its crimson cheeks and lips.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Only to look upon such beauty was a keen though dangerous -delight. So Malcolm Montrose felt, as he took her -hand, raised his eyes to hers, and met the quick and -quickly-withdrawn flashing glance of those great, black, -burning stars, so full of half-suppressed fire, so replete with -thrilling, mysterious meaning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am very happy to meet you, my dear cousin,” he -said, earnestly, as he pressed and released her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With the long lashes dropped lower over her dark eyes, -and her rich bloom heightened, she curtsied slightly, and -accepted the chair that he set for her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm placed himself beside Agatha, and glided gradually -into conversation with herself and the princess; but -his eyes involuntarily wandered off to the beautiful Asiatic -girl, and every furtive glance thrilled him with a deeper -and a stranger delight.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>Dinner was announced, and Malcolm gave his arm to the -Princess Pezzilini to conduct her to the dining-room. At -dinner he sat next to the princess, who was herself a -woman of brilliant conversational powers; but while conversing -with her his thoughts continually wandered to the -lovely, dark-eyed girl on the opposite side of the table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When dinner was over, and they returned to the drawing-room, -the evening was spent in earnest conversation, until -at length, when it was quite late, Lady Leaton observed -that Agatha seemed fatigued, and rang for her maid to -attend her to her chamber. Malcolm led Agatha to the -door, where he bade her good-night, and soon after the -circle broke up for the evening.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On taking leave of Eudora, Malcolm again touched her -hand, and met her eyes with a thrill of delight as strange -as it was incomprehensible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Malcolm reached his chamber, he at once dismissed -the old valet, locked his door, and commenced -pacing thoughtfully up and down the room. He had enough -of exciting subjects occupying his mind to keep him from -rest. The presence of the magnificent Pezzilini in the -house; the death of his uncle; the failing health of his fair -young cousin; but through all these disturbing subjects -glided one image of ineffable loveliness—Eudora, the beautiful -Asiatic girl; and this haunting image was so delightful -to contemplate, that as often as it glided before his -imagination, he paused to dwell enchanted upon it. He -would not listen to the still small voice that warned him -this was a dangerous vision; he meant no wrong to -Agatha, his betrothed bride, to whom his hand was pledged, -to whom he thought his heart was given, and he knew -nothing of the insidious approaches of that master-passion -which steals first through the eyes, then through the imagination, -until it effects an immovable lodgment in the heart. -The field of his imagination was already occupied; would -the citadel of his heart be occupied? Who could tell?</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>It was after midnight when he retired to rest, resolving -to be faithful to his affianced bride, and sank to sleep, -dreaming of the beautiful Eastern houri.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora occupied a small, plainly-furnished room adjoining -her cousin Agatha’s spacious and sumptuous chamber, -and, since Agatha had been ailing, it was a part of Eudora’s -duty, whenever the invalid was restless at night, to sit by -her bedside and read her to sleep. But on reaching her -little room this evening, Eudora found the door communicating -with her cousin’s chamber closed and locked on the -other side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She wishes to be alone to-night,” said the gentle girl -to herself, as she drew a low chair and sat down before the -little coal fire to fall into one of those reveries to which her -poetical temperament inclined her. She thought of the -magnificent new relative to whom she had been presented -that evening, for magnificent, indeed, to her he seemed in -his noble, manly beauty and grace. She dwelt upon his -image with a strange feeling of satisfaction and content, as -upon some good long wanting in her life, and now found -and appropriated. She felt again the earnest pressure of -his hand in clasping hers; she saw again his eagle eyes -melt into tenderness as they met her own; she heard again -the earnest tones of his voice in greeting her. No one -had ever before clasped her hand, or looked in her eyes, or -spoken to her heart as he did. Every one was kind to the -orphan; indeed it would have been impossible for any one -to have been otherwise to so gentle a creature, but it was -with a superficial kindness that did not seem to recognize -her deeper need of sympathy. No one had seemed to -remember that the stranger girl had under her black bodice -a sensitive heart, to be wounded by neglect or delighted by -affection—no one but him; and he, too, so handsome, so -accomplished, and so distinguished, that he might have -been excused for slighting her. At least, so thought -Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>“But the gods are ever compassionate, and he is like a -god,” said the hero-worshipping young heart to itself. It -was so sweet to recall and live over again that meeting in -which he had been so earnestly kind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He will understand and love me, I feel that he will!” -she murmured to herself, with a delighted smile. But the -words had no sooner been breathed from her lips than she -understood their full import. It stood revealed to her conscience -as by a flash of spiritual light, that her imagination -was occupied by a forbidden and perilous vision. And yet -it was so sweet to entertain this alluring vision, and so -bitter to banish it away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She dropped her head upon her breast, and her clasped -hands upon her lap, and sat, as it were, with her dark eyes -gazing into vacancy after her receding dream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Some time she sat thus, and then murmured—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am lonely and desolate indeed. None love me truly -and deeply, as I need to be loved, as I long to love. They -give me food and clothing and kind words, and with these -I ought to be content, but I am not! I am not! My heart -is starving for a deeper sympathy and a closer friendship, -and I long for that as the famishing beggar longs for -bread, but I must not hope to satisfy this hunger of the -heart upon forbidden fruit, and a sure instinct warns me -that even the kindred affection of my cousin is forbidden -fruit to me. I will think no more of him.” And with this -wise resolution Eudora offered up her evening prayers and -retired to rest. But in the world of sleep the forbidden -vision followed her, and her cousin Malcolm was ever by -her side with looks of sympathy and words of love.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER III.<br> <span class='large'>THE BRIDE OF HEAVEN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>I will not think of him—I’ll pace</div> - <div class='line in2'>This old ancestral hall,</div> - <div class='line'>And dream of that illustrious race</div> - <div class='line in2'>Whose pictures line the wall.</div> - <div class='line'>And from their dark and haughty eyes,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Though faded now and dim,</div> - <div class='line'>A better spirit shall arise,</div> - <div class='line in2'>I will not think of him.—<em>Mrs. Warfield.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Flight! In that one short syllable lies the only safety -from a forbidden passion, and where flight is impossible, -passion becomes destiny.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose had come to Allworth Abbey with -the full understanding that he was to remain with the bereaved -ones for three months, and at the end of that time -quietly consummate his betrothal to the heiress by a marriage -that, in consideration of the recent decease of the -head of the family, was to be celebrated without pomp. -Such had been the dying instructions of Lord Leaton to -his wife, and such she had conveyed in her letter to Malcolm. -To fly from his forbidden love would be to fly also -from his betrothed bride. He remained, therefore, happy -in the absolute obligation that compelled him to remain. -Eudora had no other refuge in the world whither to fly. -Flight, therefore, to her also was impossible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And perhaps by both it was unthought of. Circumstances -bound them together, and so passion became destiny. -Both struggled perseveringly with the growing madness. -They instinctively avoided each other as much as it -was possible to do so. But in every casual touch of their -hands, every meeting glance of their eyes, and every intonation -of their voices, was transmitted the subtle fuel of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>that secret fire that was smoldering in each bosom. They -never remained for a moment alone together; they never -voluntarily addressed one word to each other; and yet, -when they did meet, or were forced to speak, the blushing -cheek of the girl, the faltering tone of the man, the averted -looks of both, betrayed to themselves, if not to others, the -hidden love that was burning in their breasts.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Every motive of honor, gratitude and humanity constrained -them to conquer their passion, and not the least -of these was their mutual sorrow in the declining health of -Agatha.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Agatha was dying—though no one yet dared to say it, -every one knew it. The fair girl herself felt it, and instead -of preparing for her bridal, that was arranged to be celebrated -on the first of May, she withdrew her thoughts more -and more from the things of this world, and fixed them -upon Heaven. Always of a thoughtful and serious turn of -mind, she became now almost saintly in her self-renunciation, -her patience, and her resignation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Often as she sat reclining in her easy-chair, watching -the mutual embarrassment of Malcolm and Eudora, and -seeing, with the clear vision of the dying, the hidden struggles -of their hearts, a sweet smile would break over her -fair, wan, spiritual face, and she would murmur to herself—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They are striving bravely to do right—they will not -have to strive long; a few more short weeks, and their -reward will be certain; their love will be innocent, and their -happiness complete. And shall I, who am going hence, -envy them their love and joy? Oh, no! oh no! for well I -know that whither I go there is a fulness of joy and love -that mortal imaginations have never conceived.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fair girl faded fast away. Day by day her thin form -wasted thinner, her pale cheeks grew paler, and her hollow -eyes hollower, while the saintly spirit within burned with a -more seraphic brightness. The symptoms of her malady -were the same as those that had carried off her father. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>utmost skill and science of the medical faculty were taxed -in vain; they could neither define the nature of her wasting -illness, nor find a cure for it. The fair girl failed rapidly. -Her easy-chair in the drawing-room was soon resigned -for the sofa in her own dressing-room, from which she -never stirred during the day. And about the first of May, -when she was to have been united to Malcolm Montrose, -the sofa was finally resigned for her bed, from which she -never more arose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm and Eudora reproached themselves bitterly for -their unconquerable love, because it seemed to wrong -Agatha. They vied with each other in the most affectionate -attention to the invalid; and often as they stood each -side her couch, ministering to her wants, she longed to -make them happy by releasing Malcolm from his engagement -to herself, and placing the hand of Eudora in his own; -but instinctive delicacy withheld her from intermeddling -with the love affairs of others.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lady Leaton, heart-broken by the loss of her husband, -and the approaching death of her daughter, observed the -growing and ill-concealed attachment between Malcolm -and Eudora with all a mother’s bitter jealousy. And struggled -against as that attachment evidently was, she nevertheless -resented it as a grievous wrong to her dying child.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Agatha, with the clairvoyance of a departing spirit, saw -into the hearts of all around her, and judged them in justice -and mercy. One day while her afflicted mother -watched alone beside her bed, she said to her—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, dear, I wish to speak with you about Malcolm -and Eudora. I know that you are displeased with them, -mamma; but it is without just cause. They love each other; -they struggle against that love, but they cannot conquer it. -It is because they were created for each other. Their -marriage is already made in heaven. My marriage with -Malcolm, mamma, was designed only on earth as a matter -of policy and convenience. Malcolm and I loved each -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>other only as brother and sister; we never could have -loved in any other way even if I had lived to become his -wife. But he and Eudora love one other as two who are -destined for time and eternity to blend into one. Forgive -them, mamma; forgive and be kind to them for my sake.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you, Agatha!—my child!—I can think only of -you!” sobbed the lady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear mamma, I know that all your ambition has been -for your Agatha’s good, and happiness, and advancement. -But consider, if your wildest dreams for your child had -been fulfilled, and even more than that, if you could have -made her a king’s bride, placed upon her brow a queen’s -crown, gathered around her all the wealth, splendor, and -glory of this world—could you have rendered her as happy, -as blessed, and as exalted as she is now by the free mercy -of God—now, when she is departing for that land the joys -of which ‘eye hath not seen, ear heard, or imagination conceived,’ -and where she shall wait for you in perfect bliss -and perfect safety till you come? Mamma, your daughter -is the bride of Heaven, and that is better than being the -wife of the noblest man or the greatest monarch on this -earth.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The countenance of the young saint was glorious in its -holy enthusiasm, and the human jealousy of her mother -was dispelled before its heavenly light.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are better than I am; my child, my child, you are -better than I am; you are a saint prepared for heaven!” -exclaimed Lady Leaton, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, grant Agatha one petition. She wants to see -them happy before she goes. They are so conscientious -and so wretched, mamma; they are afraid to speak to each -other, or to look at each other, lest they should wound or -wrong me. It makes me miserable to see them so because -I love them both, mamma, and I know that they love me, -and for my sake they struggle bravely with their passion -for each other. Let me speak to Malcolm, mamma; let me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>tell him that I loved him only as a dear brother; let me release -him from his engagement to me, and let me place -Eudora’s hand in his with a sister’s frank and warm affection. -Then, mamma, when the embargo is taken off their -love; when they are free to look at each other and speak to -each other as betrothed lovers may, then I shall be happy -in their happiness—happier still to know that I have promoted -it—happiest of all to feel how they both will love me -for it. Dear mamma, let Agatha do this little good and -have this little delight before she departs.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My angel child, you shall do in all things as you please. -You speak and act from Heaven’s own inspiration, and it -were sacrilege to hinder you,” exclaimed Lady Leaton, in -deep emotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank you, dear mamma, I shall be happy,” said Agatha, -with a heavenly smile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And the deadly upas-tree shall be all in all,” said a -low voice at the side of Lady Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She started, and turned to see the Princess Pezzilini -standing there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame!” she said, in some uneasiness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nay, I did but quote a line from a fable that I read you -some three months ago,” said the princess, quietly seating -herself beside the bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Agatha had been too deeply absorbed in her own benevolent -plans to notice what was passing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That evening, when all was quiet in the house, and the -stillness of a deeper repose pervaded her own luxurious -chamber—Agatha dismissed all her attendants, and sent -for Lady Leaton, Malcolm, and Eudora to attend her. They -came immediately. The chamber was illumed with a soft, -moonlight sort of radiance from the shaded beams of an -alabaster lamp that stood upon the mantelshelf opposite -the foot of the bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The bed curtains were drawn away, revealing the fair face -and fragile form of the dying girl as she reclined upon her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>bed propped up with pillows. She smiled on her relatives -as they entered, and beckoned them to draw very near.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They came, and stood at the side of her bed—accidentally -arranged as follows: Eudora nearest the head of the -bed, Lady Leaton next, and Malcolm last.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She put out her wasted hand, took the hand of Eudora, -and held it quietly within her own, while she seemed to -collect her thoughts for utterance. Then, still holding -Eudora’s hand she raised her dove-like eyes to Malcolm’s -face, and whispered—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dearest Malcolm! dearest brother of my heart! you -will let the dying speak out freely, I know.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Speak, sweet Agatha, speak your will,” murmured the -young man, in a voice vibrating with emotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I was your betrothed bride, Malcolm; but our betrothal -was a human error, dearest; and the will of Heaven has -interposed to break it. I am called hence, Malcolm, to -another sphere. Not your bride, but the bride of Heaven -shall I be. But before I go hence, Malcolm, I would prove -to you how true is the sister’s love I bear you, and the kindred -affection I feel for Eudora. I would prove these by -two legacies by which I would have you remember me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She paused and drew from her wasted finger the keeper-ring, -which its attenuated form could scarcely longer hold, -and placing it firmly upon the round, plump finger of Eudora, -she said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This, dear one, is my legacy to you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then taking the same hand with the keeper-ring upon its -finger, she placed it in the hand of Malcolm, saying—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And this, dearest brother of my soul, this is my dying -legacy to you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She sank back exhausted upon her pillow, while low, half-suppressed -sobs broke from those around her. And Malcolm -and Eudora each thought how willingly they would -give up their mutual love, nay, life itself, to have restored -this dying angel to health and joy. And Lady Leaton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>prayed Heaven that her own life might not outlast that of -her beloved child. At length Agatha spoke again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When I am gone, my mother will be very desolate—a -widow, and childless. Promise me this—dear Eudora, and -dearest Malcolm—that you will be a son and daughter to -my mother.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>In earnest tones, and amid suffocating sobs, they promised -all she required.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A little while longer she held the hands of Malcolm and -Eudora united and clasped within her own, and then releasing -them, she said—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good-night, dearest Malcolm. Go to rest, beloved -mother; Eudora will watch with me to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lady Leaton stooped, and gathered Agatha for a moment -to her bosom, and with a whispered prayer, laid her back -upon her pillows. Malcolm bent down, and pressed a kiss -upon her brow; and then both withdrew, leaving Eudora -upon the watch. And still holding Eudora’s hand, Agatha -sank into a peaceful sleep.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hours passed. The room was so quiet, the sleep of the -patient was so calm, and the position of the watcher so easy -within her lounging-chair that Eudora, overcome with -fatigue of many nights’ vigil, could scarcely keep her eyes -open.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once, indeed, she must have lost herself in a momentary -slumber, for she dreamed that a women in dark raiment, -with her head wrapped in a dark veil, glided across the chamber, -and disappeared within her own little room; but when -she aroused herself, and looked around, and walked into the -adjoining room to examine it, there was no one to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have been dreaming—I have slept upon my watch,” -said Eudora, regretfully; and to prevent a recurrence of -drowsiness, she bathed her forehead and temples with aromatic -vinegar, and saturated her handkerchief with the -same pungent liquid, and resumed her seat beside the -patient.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>At this moment Agatha awoke, complained of thirst, and -asked for drink.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora went to a side-table, poured out a glass of tamarind-water, -and brought it to the invalid.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Agatha drank eagerly, and sank back upon her pillows -with a sigh of satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora silently resumed her seat and her watch; but -scarcely five minutes had passed, when suddenly Agatha -started up, her eyes strained outward, her features livid, -and her limbs convulsed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora sprang to her in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Agatha essayed to speak, but the spasms in her throat -prevented utterance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the extremity of terror, Eudora laid her down upon -the pillows, and sprang to the bell-pull, and rang loudly -for assistance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then hurrying back to the bedside, she found Agatha -livid, rigid, with locked jaws, laboring lungs, and startling -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She caught her up in her arms, rubbed her temples, and -rubbed her hands, exclaiming all the while:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my dear, dear Agatha! my dear, dear Agatha! -what, what is this? Speak to me! Oh, speak to me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The strained eyes of the dying girl suddenly softened, -and turned upon the speaker a beseeching, helpless look, -and then the rigid form suddenly relaxed, and became a -dead weight in the arms of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lady Leaton, followed by several of the female servants, -now came hurrying in.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is the matter? Is she worse?” exclaimed the -mother, hurrying to the bedside.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lady Leaton, she is dead!” cried Eudora, in a voice of -anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Let us draw a vail over the grief of that mother. In all -this world of troubles, there is no sorrow like that of a -widowed mother grieving for the death of her only child.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>At first Lady Leaton would not believe in the extent of -her affliction. She wildly insisted that her child could not, -should not be dead—dead without a parting word, or look, -or prayer! She sent off messengers in haste to bring their -medical attendant. And not until Dr. Watkins had come -and examined the patient, and pronounced life fled, could -Lady Leaton be made to believe the truth, or induced -to leave the chamber of death. Then she fainted in the -arms of Princess Pezzilini, and was borne to her own apartment -in a state of insensibility.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was some hours after this that Dr. Watkins somewhat -peremptorily demanded a private interview with Malcolm -Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young man, in deep affliction for the death of her -whom he loved as a dear sister, gave audience to the doctor -in the library.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The family physician entered with a grave and stern -brow, and seating himself at the library-table, opposite Mr. -Montrose, began—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, what I have to say to you is painful in the extreme -both for me to utter and for you to hear; but the sternest -duty obliges me to speak.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose withdrew his hand from his corrugated -brow, raised his troubled eyes to the speaker, and awaited -his further words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know that what I am about to communicate must -greatly augment the sorrow under which you suffer, and -yet it must be communicated.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Speak out, I beseech you, sir,” said Mr. Montrose, with -a vague but awful presentiment of what was coming.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Three months ago I attended the death-bed of the late -Lord Leaton. I gave it as my opinion then, I hold it as -my opinion now, that his death was accelerated by poison. -The coroner’s jury came to a different conclusion, and their -verdict, taken together with the fact that the <i><span lang="la">post-mortem</span></i> -examination detected no trace of poison, I confess shook -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>my faith in my own conviction. To-night I have been -called to the bedside of his only daughter; I have looked -upon her dead body, and heard an account of the manner -in which she had died. And now, Mr. Malcolm Montrose, -I positively assert that Agatha Leaton came to her death -by poison, administered in the tamarind-water of which she -drank some five or ten minutes before her death—and I -stake my medical reputation upon this issue.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My God! it cannot be true!” exclaimed Malcolm Montrose, -starting up, and gazing upon the speaker in the -extremity of horror and grief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose,” said the doctor, impressively, taking -the hand of the young man, and forcing him back to his -seat, “the widowed and childless head of this house -is now in no condition to meet this crisis. You are her -natural representative. You must summon all your firmness -and take the direction of affairs. I shall remain here -to assist you. I have already taken some steps in the -matter; I have secured the jug and glass of tamarind-water -to be analyzed. I have also telegraphed for the family -solicitor to come down, and I have sent for the coroner, and -for a police force to occupy the house, for no one must be -permitted to escape until the coroner’s inquest has set upon -the deceased and given in their verdict.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, good Heaven, doctor!” exclaimed the young man -in horror and amazement; “who, <em>who</em> could aim at so -harmless and innocent a life?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who,” repeated the doctor; “who had the greatest -interest in her death, and in the death of her father before -her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None! no one on earth! Who could have possibly had -such an interest?” cried the young man, shuddering.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who is the next heiress to this vast estate after Lord -Leaton and his daughter?” said the doctor, looking fixedly -in the eyes of his companion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose started up, threw his hands to his head, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>and then reeling back, dropped into his chair again, and -remained gazing in horror upon the speaker.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who,” pursued the doctor, with a merciless inflexibility, -“who had constant access to the bedside of the late Lord -Leaton?—who prepared his food and drink?—who has been -the constant attendant of his invalid daughter?—who -watched by her side last night?—whose hand was it that -placed at her lips the fatal draught that laid her dead?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My God! my God, doctor! what horrible monster of -suspicion has taken possession of your mind? Give it a -name!” exclaimed the young man, as great drops of sweat -beaded upon his agonized brow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Eudora Leaton!</em> Her hand it was that prepared the -death-draught for her uncle! her hand it was that gave the -poisoned draught to his daughter! It is a terrible charge -to make, I know; but we must not deal hesitatingly with -the secret poisoner,” said the doctor, solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Great Heaven! it cannot be—it cannot be!” groaned -the young man, in mortal anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor arose to his feet, saying—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I leave you, Mr. Montrose, to recover this shock, while -I go to put seals upon the effects of this girl, and to -prepare for the investigation that shall bring the poisoner -to justice.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER IV.<br> <span class='large'>THE ACCUSATION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in14'>“If she prove guilty—</div> - <div class='line'>Farewell my faith in aught of human kind.</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll hie me to some hermit’s cave, and there</div> - <div class='line'>Forget my race.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When the doctor had left the library, Malcolm Montrose -threw himself back in his chair, clasped his forehead -between his hands, and strove to master the consternation -that seemed to threaten his very reason.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Grief, horror, and amazement, sufficient to have shaken -the firmness of the strongest mind, deprived him for the -moment of all power of practical and definite action. And -yet, through all the terrible emotion that shook his soul to -its centre, he was conscious of a profound incredulity in the -truth of the doctor’s statement. But the doubt, the uncertainty, -the mere suspicion of such atrocious crimes, perpetrated -in the bosom of his own family, overwhelmed him -with consternation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dead by the hand of the secret poisoner! the baron and -his daughter too! the baron whose whole life had been one -long act of the noblest beneficence, and his child, whose -days had been ever devoted to the happiness of all around -her! their benign lives cut off by poison! Impossible! -impossible! it cannot be! it is not so!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet, and yet the suddenness and the strangeness -of both deaths, and the unquestionable competency of the -physician who attended them in their last hours, and who -now makes this dreadful assertion!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And if this is so, by whom, great Heavens? By whom -has this atrocious crime been perpetrated? and for what -purpose? Who could have any interest in the premature -death of this noble man and lovely girl?</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>“No one but—oh, Heaven! but Eudora! She is their -heiress; the estate is now hers, but she is innocent! my life, -my honor, my soul will I stake upon her innocence. And -yet, if this father and child shall be proved to have died by -poison, how black the evidence may be made to appear -against her, and how weak her own position! She is an orphan -and friendless, and though on her father’s side of English -parentage, she is of foreign birth and education, and has -been in this country too short a time to establish a character. -She has no good antecedents to set against this dreadful -charge with the strong testimony that may be brought -to support it. She was the third in succession to this -estate, and, consequently, her mercenary interest in the -deaths of the baron and his daughter. She was the constant -attendant of the late Lord Leaton, and prepared the -drink of which he died. She watched last night by the side -of Agatha, and administered to her the so-called fatal -draught. If they are proved to have died by poison it will -ruin her indeed. She will be called a second Brinvilliers. -She will be arraigned, tried, condemned—oh, Heaven of -Heavens! what unspeakable horrors remain in store for -her, innocent as an angel though I know her to be.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such were the maddening thoughts that coursed through -his brain and caused the sweat of agony to start from his -brow. He wiped the beaded drops from his pale forehead, -and sprang up and paced the room with disordered steps, -laboring in vain for the composure that he could not obtain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The death of the noble-hearted baron in the prime of -life, the death of the sweet young girl in dawn of youth, -were mournful enough even though they died from natural -causes, and if they perished by poison administered by -treacherous hands their fate was dreadful indeed. And yet -it was nothing to be compared with the unutterable horror -of that train of misfortunes which threatened the orphan, -stranger, the innocent Eudora. And thus other emotions -of sorrow for the loss of his near relatives were swallowed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>up in an anguish of anxiety for the fate of the orphan -girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so he strove for self-command, and coolness, and -clearness of mind, that he might be prepared to assist at -the approaching investigation, in the hope of discovering -the truth, and clearing the fame of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He paced up and down the library floor until he had -obtained the necessary state of calmness to deal with this -mystery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the doctor had left the library he was met in the -hall by a servant, hastening towards him in great agitation, -and saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, I was just coming to see you. The Princess -Pezzilini begs that you will hasten at once to my lady’s -bedside, as her ladyship is in the death-throe!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Without a word of reply the doctor turned and hurried -up the stairs and along the corridor leading to Lady -Leaton’s apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When he entered the chamber he found Lady Leaton in -violent convulsions, and restrained from throwing herself -out of the bed only by the strong arms of the Italian -princess, which thrown around her shoulders supported -her heaving form.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But, even as the doctor stepped up to the bedside, her -form relaxed and became supple as that of an infant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The princess laid the head back upon the pillow. Her -eyes closed, and the ashen hue of death overspread her -features.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor took up her left hand, and placed his fingers -upon the pulse. But that pulse was still, and that hand -was the hand of the dead. He laid it gently down, and -turning, looked upon those gathered around the bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were the Princess Pezzilini, Eudora Leaton, and -her ladyship’s maid.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Especially he fastened his eyes upon Eudora, who knelt -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>on the opposite side of the bed, with her face buried in the -bed-clothes, in an attitude of deep grief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can any one here inform me whether Lady Leaton -drank of the tamarind-water which stood upon the mantleshelf -of Miss Leaton’s chamber?” inquired the doctor, -looking sternly around him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir,” answered the lady’s-maid, looking up -through her tears; “when my lady was so agitated by -seeing the condition of Miss Leaton as to be near swooning, -and I was obliged to support her in my arms, I called -for a glass of water, and Miss Eudora quickly poured out -a tumbler of tamarind-water, saying there was no other at -hand, and held it to her ladyship’s lips.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And her ladyship drank it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir; she eagerly drank off the whole glassful, for -she was so anxious to keep up for Miss Leaton’s sake, not -believing that she was past all help,” replied the woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That will do,” said the doctor, once bending his eyes -sternly upon the kneeling form of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the girl, unconscious of the storm that was gathering -over her head, remained absorbed in grief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame,” said the doctor, turning, to the princess, -“your friend has joined her daughter. There is now no -lady at the head of this afflicted house. I must, therefore, -entreat you for charity to assume some necessary authority -here over these dismayed female domestics; at least, until -some measures can be taken for the regulation of the -establishment.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Italian princess lifted her fine face, in which grief -seemed to struggle with the habitual composure of pride, -and gracefully indicating Eudora by a small wave of her -arm, she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You forget, sir, that we stand in the presence of the -young lady of the house, who, however bowed with grief -she may now be, will soon, no doubt, be found equal to her -high position.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>“Madame, if your highness alludes to Miss Eudora -Leaton, I must beg to say that she cannot be permitted to -intermeddle with any of the affairs of the household for the -present,” replied the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The mention of her name in so stern a manner aroused -Eudora from her trance of sorrow, and she arose from her -knees, and looked around, to see every eye bent on her in -doubt, perplexity, and suspicion. While she looked beseechingly -from one face to another, as if praying for some -explanation of their strange regards, there came a low rap -at the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor went and softly opened it. And the voice of -a servant was heard saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The coroner has arrived, and begs to see you at once, -if you please, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In good time,” replied the doctor. “Have the police -arrived?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Send two of them up to me at once, and say to Coroner -Adams, that I will be with him immediately.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The servant withdrew, and the doctor, returning to the -side of the Italian princess, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, will your highness be pleased to retire to your -own apartments, as this chamber, with all its other occupants, -must be placed in charge of the police.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The princess, with a look of surprise, bent her stately -head, and passed forth from the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had scarcely withdrawn when the two policemen -presented themselves.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will keep the door of this apartment, and let no -one enter or pass out,” said the doctor, posting the two -officers one at each entrance of the death-chamber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He gave a glance at Eudora, who stood still by the -bedside, the image of grief, wonder, and perplexity, and -then he passed on, and went down to rejoin Mr. Montrose, -and to meet the coroner.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>He met Malcolm, who was just leaving the library to -meet him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is the matter now? What new misfortune has -occurred?” inquired the young man, noticing the doctor’s -severe and threatening countenance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lady Leaton has just expired, a victim to the same -diabolical agency that destroyed her husband and child,” -said the doctor, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Montrose started back panic-stricken, and muttering,</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Horror on horror! Are we sleeping or walking—mad -or sane? Lady Leaton dead?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We are awake and in our right senses, Mr. Montrose, and -Lady Leaton is dead—dead by the hands of that same young -Asiatic fiend who murdered her husband and her daughter!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dr. Watkins, beware how you charge an innocent girl -with so heinous a crime.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, I see that you are a partizan of Miss -Leaton’s, but I have made no charge which I am not able -to prove before the coroner’s inquest, and which their verdict -will not soon confirm.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Does this most innocent and unhappy girl know of -what she is accused?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She knows her crimes, and doubtless she has reason -to suspect that we know them also.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not say ‘<em>we know them</em>,’ doctor. I do not know of -any crime of hers; on the contrary, <em>I</em> know in my own -secret consciousness that she is most innocent of all crime, -and even of all wrong; and <em>you</em> do not know it; you only -suspect it, and in that suspicion you wrong one of the -most excellent young creatures that ever lived.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, you are blinded by partiality; but the -veil will soon be torn from your eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is <em>you</em> who are blinded by some prejudice when you -accuse a young and lovely girl of a tissue of crimes that -would make the blood of a Borgia run cold with horror!” -said the young man, with a shudder.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>“We shall see; a few hours will decide between us;” replied -the doctor, grimly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where is the unhappy girl now?” inquired Malcolm -Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where she must remain for the present: in the death-chamber -of Lady Leaton, which is now in the charge of -the police. And now, Mr. Montrose; the coroner awaits -us in the crimson drawing-room,” said the physician, leading -the way thither.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was broad daylight, the sun was high in the heavens, -though the dismayed servants seemed only now to remember -to extinguish the lights and open the windows.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Breakfast was prepared in the breakfast-parlor, but no -family circle gathered around it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor, the Princess Pezzilini, and finally Malcolm -Montrose, strayed separately and at intervals into the room, -quaffed each a cup of coffee, and withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meantime, the coroner formed his inquest. The investigation -required some time and much caution, therefore the -whole house was placed in charge of the police while the -examination was in progress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Physicians and chemists were summoned to assist in the -autopsy of the dead bodies and the analysis of the water -of which they had both drank immediately before death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The autopsy and the analysis both proved successful. -Traces of a virulent poison were found in the bodies of -the deceased, and the presence of the same fatal agent was -detected in the beverage of which they had partaken. It -was so far clearly proved that both Lady Leaton and her -daughter had died by poison!</p> - -<p class='c014'>But by whom had it been prepared and administered? -That was the next point of inquiry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas! the question seemed but too easily answered. -Nevertheless, the coroner went coolly, formally, and systematically -to work.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The witnesses, that had been kept jealously apart during -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>the progress of the inquest, were called and examined -separately, and their testimony carefully taken down and -compared together. The coroner’s jury then deliberated -long and carefully upon the evidence before them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The inquest lasted through the whole of two long summer -days, and the sun was setting on the second when they -made up their verdict.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The deceased, Matilda, Baroness Leaton, of Allworth, -and her daughter, the Honorable Agatha Leaton, came to -their deaths by the poison of <em>Ignatia</em>, administered in -tamarind-water by the hands of Eudora Leaton.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>A warrant was made out for the arrest of Eudora Leaton, -and put in the hands of an officer for immediate execution.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There! what do you think of that? Has my charge -been proved? Is my statement confirmed by the coroner’s -inquest? What is your opinion now?” inquired the doctor -of Malcolm Montrose, who had been a pale and agonized -spectator of the scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My opinion is what it ever has been and ever will be—that -Eudora Leaton is innocent; innocent as one of God’s -holy angels; and upon that issue I stake my every earthly -and every heavenly good, my every temporal and every -eternal hope, my life, honor, and soul!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then you’ll lose them, my young friend, that is all. -Ah, Montrose, it is hard to believe in atrocious crimes, -even when we see them recorded in newspaper paragraphs -as committed by strangers and at some distance; but we -are appalled and utterly incredulous when they come closely -home to ourselves. This self-deception is natural, for -doubtless other great criminals have seemed to their own -partial friends as unlikely to commit the crimes of which -they have been convicted, as this beautiful young demon -has seemed to us. People of notoriously bad character -seldom or never commit great crimes. They seem to fritter -away their natural wickedness in a succession of small -felonies. It is your quiet, respectable, commonplace -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>people that poison and assassinate just as though they -hoarded all their sinfulness for one grand exploit.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, you treat the deepest tragedies of human life, the -tragedies of crime and death, with a levity unbecoming -your age, your profession, and the circumstances in which -we are placed,” said the young man, in bitter sorrow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I treat the subject with levity! I never was in more -solemn earnest in my life! If you doubt my words, recall -your own experience. Recollect all the greatest criminals -within your own knowledge, and say whether they were -not every one of them, according to their social positions, -very decent, very respectable, or very genteel persons—until -they were clearly convicted of capital crimes? I could -name a score within my own memory, only Heaven pardon -them, as they have paid the penalty of their crimes, I do -not wish to vex their ghosts by calling up their names and -deeds to recollection.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Montrose did not reply. He could scarcely follow the -doctor in his discourse. His thoughts were all engaged -with the hapless Eudora and the train of unutterable -misfortunes that lay before her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While he stood in bitter sorrow, a constable, holding a -warrant in his hand, approached, and touching his hat to -the doctor and Mr. Montrose, requested that they would -please accompany him to the chamber of Miss Leaton, that -he might serve the warrant.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER V.<br> <span class='large'>THE ARREST.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Why bend their brows so sternly on me, Vaughn?</div> - <div class='line'>What have I done? Oh, tell me quickly, youth!</div> - <div class='line'>My soul can ill endure their frowning looks.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Through all this long, dreadful investigation, Eudora -had remained in the death-chamber of Lady Leaton, bowed -down with grief, but unconscious of the heavy clouds that -were gathering darkly over her young head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had seen the body of her aunt carried away from the -chamber towards the crimson drawing-room where the -coroner’s inquest was held, and where the <i><span lang="la">post-mortem</span></i> -examination was made.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had been called in her turn to give her separate testimony -before the jury, and she had described the deaths -of Agatha and that of Lady Leaton simply as she had -witnessed them. She had not omitted to mention a circumstance -that she had regarded as a dream—namely, the -passage and disappearance of a dark-robed woman in -Agatha’s chamber. At the close of her testimony she had -been conducted back to the chamber from which she had -been taken, and there she had tarried through the remainder -of the investigation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Half stunned with grief, she felt no disposition and -made no attempt to leave the room. She saw the policemen -guarding the doors, but did not even suspect that -she was their prisoner. She had noticed in the morning -the strange regards of those around her, but, absorbed -in sorrow for the loss of her relatives, the circumstance -had passed from her mind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the course of the day food and drink had been sent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>to her by the thoughtful attention of Malcolm Montrose, -but she had partaken of nothing but a cup of tea.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And now, at the close of this long and terrible day, she -remained as has been said, bowed down with grief, but -totally unsuspicious of the dark storm that was gathering -around her. She sat in a low chair beside the now empty -bed, with her head down upon the coverlet, so dead to all -external impressions, that the door was opened and the -room half-filled with people before she moved. There was -the Princess Pezzilini, Malcolm Montrose, Dr. Watkins, -the officer who brought the warrant, the two policemen that -kept the doors, and a crowd of male and female servants -drawn thither by curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And still Eudora did not look up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Princess Pezzilini glided softly to her side and stood -bending over her with looks of compassion; then raising -her blue eyes swimming in tears to the faces of the doctor -and Mr. Montrose, she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Forgive me; I know that she is most guilty, and that -I of all persons should most condemn her, for she has destroyed -my benefactress; but she is so young, I cannot -help pitying her, for we know that the more guilty the -wretched girl may be the more needful of compassion -she is.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The voice of the princess sounding so near her ear -caused Eudora to look up; and at the same moment the -officer who held the warrant advanced, and laying his -hand upon her shoulder, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Eudora Leaton, you are my prisoner.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She did not understand. She arose quickly to her feet, -and looked inquiringly into the face of the constable, and -from his face into those of the persons that crowded the -room and gathered around her. As her star-like eyes -ranged around the circle, the eyes of those she looked -upon sank to the ground, while dark frowns lowered upon -every brow.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>As she gazed, her perplexity gave place to a vague -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is the matter? What is the meaning of this?” -she inquired, in faltering accents.</p> - -<p class='c014'>An ominous silence followed her question, while the -eyes of the crowd were once more fixed sternly upon her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why do you look upon me so? What is it? Will no -one speak?” she demanded, while a vague, overpowering -terror took possession of her heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Tell her, officer, and put an end to this,” sternly commanded -the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Eudora Leaton, you are my prisoner,” repeated -the constable, again laying his hand upon her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your prisoner!” she exclaimed, shrinking in dismay -and abhorrence from the degrading touch. “Your prisoner! -what do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Tell her, officer, and end this,” repeated the doctor, -while Eudora looked wildly from one to the other, and sank -back in her chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton,” said the constable, blandly, “the crowner’s -’quest has been and found a verdict against you, charging -you with poisoning of your aunt, Matilda, Lady Leaton, -and your cousin, the Honorable Agatha Leaton; and this -paper in my hand is the crowner’s warrant for your -arrest.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Before he had finished, Eudora had sprung to her feet, -and now she stood with her dark, starry eyes dilated and -blazing with a horror that approached insanity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length she found her voice. Clasping her hands and -raising her eyes, in a passion of self-vindication, she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Great Lord of heaven! is there any one on earth -capable of such heinous crimes? Is there any one here -who believes me to be so?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor came to her side, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>“Young girl, the proof against you is too clear to leave -a doubt upon the mind of any one present.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Proof? how can there be proof of that which never -happened—which never could have happened?—a crime -which my very soul abhors; at which my whole frame -shudders, from which my whole nature recoils—and committed -by me and upon those whom I was bound to love and -respect and serve! and committed for what purpose, great -Heaven! for what purpose? What object could I have -had in the destruction of my own nearest kindred, dearest -friends, and only protectors?” demanded the accused girl, -in a tone of impassioned grief, indignation and horror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your object was obvious to the dullest comprehension; -it forms one of the strongest points in the evidence against -you,” said the implacable doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My object, then, what was it? You, who charge me -with the crime, declare the object!” exclaimed Eudora, -rivetting upon his face her blazing eyes, through which her -rising and indignant soul flashed repudiation at so vile a -charge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your object, girl, was the inheritance of their estates. -Lord and Lady Leaton and their daughter being dead, you -are the sole heiress of unencumbered Allworth,” replied the -unflinching physician.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fire that flashed from her eyes, the color that burned -upon her cheeks, died slowly out. The pallor of unutterable -horror spread like death over her face. She reeled as -though she must have fallen to the floor, but recovered -herself by a violent effort. Clasping her hands in the -agonizing earnestness of her appeal, she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh! does any one here believe this of me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Stern silence was the only reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame Pezzilini! you have known me intimately for -months—do you believe it?” she said, turning in an -anguish of supplication to the Italian princess.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>“Bellissima, my heart is broken—do not ask me!” said -the princess, averting her face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora turned her despairing eyes to the crowd of stern, -pitiless, accusing faces around her, and seeing the form of -Malcolm Montrose in the background, she extended her -clasped hands, in passionate prayer, towards him, and the -tones of her voice arose, wild, high, and piercing in the -agony of her last appeal, as she cried:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose! oh, Mr. Montrose! <em>you</em> do not believe -me to be such a fiend?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no, no!” said Malcolm, earnestly, fervently, vehemently, -as he pushed his way through the crowd, and came -to her side and took her hand. “No, Eudora! I do not -believe it! I have never for an instant been tempted to -believe it! You are innocent of the very thought of evil! -and this I will uphold both in private and in public! I -will stand by you like a brother; I will aid, protect and -defend you to the last, so far as you have need of me, and -I power to serve you—and to this I pledge my life, and -soul, and honor! And as I keep this pledge to you, may -Heaven deal with me at my own greatest extremity! -Take comfort, sweet girl! Your innocence is a mighty, -invincible stronghold, which all these atrocious charges -must assail in vain.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, thanks! thanks! thanks!” said Eudora, her fiery -eyes melting into the first tears that she had shed since -her arrest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, I would recommend you to be cautious,” -said the doctor, severely; “for let me inform you, young -gentleman, that you are not so far removed from suspicion -as your friends could wish! Your betrothal to the late -Miss Leaton, and your attachment to the present one, are -both too well known already. And I assure you, the propriety -of your own arrest as an accomplice to this crime -was seriously discussed at the inquest.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The cheeks of Malcolm Montrose glowed, his eyes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>flashed, and he made one threatening step towards his -accuser, then recollecting himself, he dropped his hand, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no, no! you are an old friend of the family, and it -is your zeal alone for them that urges you to such indecorous -speech and action. And since the wisdom of the -coroner’s jury was engaged with the question of my arrest, -I wish to Heaven they had ordered it! Since they have -found a verdict against this most innocent girl, I would to -the Lord they had found one against me as her accomplice, -that I might stand where she will have to stand; meet -what she will have to meet; and endure what she will have -to endure! Go, tell the nearest magistrate from me, that -in all the felonies Eudora Leaton has committed Malcolm -Montrose has been her aider and abettor—nay, her instigator! -Tell him, from me, that when Eudora Leaton -poisoned her kindred, Malcolm Montrose procured the -bane and mixed the drink! Tell him that when Eudora -Leaton is in the prison-cell, or waits in the prisoner’s dock, -or stands upon the scaffold, Malcolm Montrose should be -by her side as far the more guilty of the two! Tell him -this from me, and get me arrested, and I will thank -you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are mad, Mr. Montrose, as indeed the events of -this day are well calculated to make you,” replied the -doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning to the officer, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is getting late; had you not better remove your -prisoner?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is some distance to the county gaol, sir. Is there -such a thing as a chaise in the stables, that I could have -the use of to carry her in? or else is there a messenger I -could send to the Leaton Arms to fetch one?” inquired -the constable.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is a chaise in the stables, I know. Go, John, -and order it to be got ready,” commanded the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>The old servant withdrew to obey. The constable turned -to Eudora, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton, while the chaise is getting ready, you had -better be putting on your things.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven! is this some dreadful dream or raving -madness that has taken possession of me, or is it true that -I must leave the house where lie the dead bodies of my -kindred, and go—to the county gaol, charged with the -murder of my nearest relations? Oh, horror! horror! -Oh, save me, Malcolm, save me!” she cried, covering her -face with her hands as though to shut out some horrid -vision, and sinking to the floor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Montrose stooped and raised her, whispering:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will! I will, Eudora! if it is in human power to do -it! You need not be taken from here to-night—you must -not be! I will see the magistrates myself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning to the crowd of servants that still lingered -in the room, he inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have the magistrates yet taken their departure?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, sir; they are taking some refreshments in the -dining-room,” answered one of the servants.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Rest here, dear Eudora, until I return,” said Montrose, -placing her in an easy-chair; and then going to the side of -the Italian princess, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, for Heaven’s sake, speak to her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And he hurried from the chamber, and went down into -the dining-room, where the magistrates were sitting over -their wine.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He addressed them respectfully, speaking of the approaching -storm, the darkness of the night, and the badness -of the mountain-roads that lay between Allworth and -the county gaol; and proposed that as the accused was but -a young and delicate girl, she might be permitted to remain -at Allworth Abbey through the night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose, as the nearest male representative of the -Leaton family, might be supposed to have considerable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>influence with the magistrates. The latter were, besides, -pleased with their day’s work, and subdued by the genial -influence of the juice of the grape; and the boon that was -craved by Malcolm Montrose was not, under the circumstances, -unreasonable. Therefore, after some little delay -and consultation, it was agreed that the accused should -remain at the Abbey through the night, securely locked up -in the chamber which she now occupied, and strictly -guarded by a pair of constables, one of which was to be -placed on the outside of each door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Malcolm Montrose was authorized to bear this -order to the constable.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile Eudora had sunk back in the large chair where -he had left her, and covered her face with her hands. The -Princess Pezzilini had despatched a servant to the little -bed-room of Eudora to fetch her bonnet and shawl. And -now she stood beside the chair of the unhappy girl, urging -her to arise and prepare herself to accompany the constable, -and saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It will all turn out for the best, Bellissima, end how it -may. If you are proved innocent you will be set at liberty; -if you are proved guilty you will have the privilege of -expiating your crime by the death of your body and thus -save your soul. So, end as it may, Bellissima, it will all -be right.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But lawk, mum, s’posen she be innocent, and yet be -found guilty, as many and many a one have been before -her?” suggested Tabitha Tabs, the maid who had now returned -with the bonnet and shawl, and stood with them -hanging over her arm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In that case, my good girl, she will be a martyr, and -go to bliss. So, end as it may, it will all be right. We -should bow to the will of Heaven,” said the princess, -piously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can’t see it, mum, as it would all be right for the innocent -to be conwicted, nor the will of Heaven, nyther, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>begging your pardon, mum, for speaking of my poor mind,” -said Tabby, respectfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are a simple girl, and need instruction. Now, -assist your young mistress to put on her bonnet and shawl. -Eudora, stand up, my poor child, and put on your wrappings.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, Miss, do so if you please, as the storm is rising, -and it is getting late, and the roads is horrid between here -and the gaol,” said the constable, showing signs of impatience.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, wait! pray wait until Mr. Montrose returns. He -went to ask the magistrates if I might be confined here -until morning,” pleaded Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do your duty, officer! Why do you stand arrested by -the prayers of that evil girl? She did not fear to commit -crime, she should not fear to meet its consequences. Do -your duty at once, for every moment she is permitted to -remain beneath this honored roof is an outrage to the -memory of those whom she has hurried to their early -graves,” said the doctor, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The constable still hesitated, and Eudora still stood with -pale face, intense eyes, and clasped hands, silently imploring -delay, when the door opened, and Malcolm Montrose -entered with the order of the magistrates, commanding -Eudora Leaton to be locked in the chamber, under strict -guard, until the morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank you, thank you! Oh, thank you for this short -respite, dear Malcolm!” exclaimed the poor girl, bursting -into tears of relief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm pressed her hand in silence, and then whispered -to her to hope.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor really trembled with rage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well,” he said, “I will see at least, that her present -prison is secure. Madame Pezzilini, will your highness -condescend to withdraw from the room?” he added, turning -respectfully to the princess.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“Good-night, Eudora; repent and pray,” said the princess, -and bowing graciously to Mr. Montrose and to the -doctor, she withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Leave the room, and go about your several businesses -every man and woman of you! I want this room to myself -and the constable,” was the next stern order of the -doctor to the assembled domestics.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All immediately departed except Tabitha Tabs, who -went boldly and placed herself beside her young mistress -as a tower of strength.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Follow your fellow-servants, woman,” commenced the -doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When my young lady orders me to do so, sir,” replied -Tabitha, coldly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora’s left hand was clenched in that of Malcolm -Montrose, and she threw out her right hand and grasped -that of her humble attendant, exclaiming eagerly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, no, no, no, do not leave me, good Tabitha!” For -she felt almost safe between the two.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not till they tears me away piecemeal with pincers, -Miss! for I reckon I’m too big to be forced away all at -once,” replied Tabitha, violently, drawing up her large -person, and looking defiance from her resolute eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Officers, remove that contumacious girl from the room,” -said the doctor angrily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two constables stepped forward to obey, but Malcolm -Montrose dropped the hand of Eudora and confronted them, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“On your peril!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning to the enraged physician, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Doctor, nothing but my knowledge of the sincerity of -your attachment to the late family enables me to endure -the violence of your conduct. But you push your privileges -and my patience too far. You have no right to say that -this girl shall not remain in attendance upon her unhappy -mistress through the night. What harm can she do? Besides, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>if Miss Leaton is to be guarded by constables placed -on the outside of her chamber door, it is but proper that -she should have a female attendant in the room with her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well,” said the doctor, grimly, “as far as I am -concerned, she may keep her waiting-woman <em>in</em>; but I shall -take very good care that she herself does not get <em>out</em>.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so saying, he went immediately to the two high -Gothic windows that lighted the vast room, closed the -strong oaken shutters, placed the iron bars across them, -secured the latter with padlocks, and gave the keys to the -head constable, who held the warrant. He next stationed -one of the officers on the other side of the door leading to -the other rooms of his suite of apartments, directing him -to lock the door and keep the key in his pocket. And, -finally, having ascertained that all the fastenings of the -chamber were well secured, he prepared to withdraw.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose pressed the hand of Eudora to his -heart, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good-night, dearest Eudora. Confide in the God who -watches over to deliver innocence.” And bending lowly to -her ear, he whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hope.” Then raising his head and looking kindly -toward Tabitha, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good girl, take great care of your mistress to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You may trust me for that, sir,” answered Miss Tabs, -confidently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And once more pressing the hand of Eudora, he resigned -it and withdrew from the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor and the head constable followed. They all -paused in the hall outside until the constable had double-locked -the door, and put the key in his pocket, and taken -his station before the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now I think your prisoner is quite secure, even -though you should sleep on your post, officer,” said the -doctor, with grim satisfaction, as he walked from the spot.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose smiled strangely as he followed.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>In the hall below they were met by a servant, who -announced the arrival of Mr. Carter, the family solicitor, -who had asked to see Mr. Montrose, and who had been -shown to the library, where he now waited.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm immediately went thither, and when seated at -the writing-table with the attorney, related to him all the -details of the household tragedy, and the arrest of Eudora -Leaton upon the awful charge of poisoning the whole family.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Even the clear-headed, case-hardened old lawyer was -shocked and stupified by the dreadful story. When Malcolm -had finished, and the lawyer had recovered his presence of -mind, they discussed the affair as calmly as circumstances -would permit. The lawyer insisted that the evidence -against the accused girl was quite convicting, and that -there was not in the whole wide range of human possibility -a single chance of her being acquitted; while Malcolm, in -agonized earnestness, persisted in upholding her perfect -innocence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But if <em>she</em> did not do it, who did it?” pertinently inquired -the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Aye, <span class='fss'>WHO</span> indeed! Conjecture is at a full stand!” -answered Malcolm, wiping the drops forced out by mental -anguish from his brow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is no one else amenable to suspicion?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not one!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Had the late family deeply offended any person, or -casually injured any one, or made any enemy?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no, no; they never wronged or offended a human -being, or had an enemy in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Was there no one whose interest ran counter to those -of the late baron and his House?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None on earth! Lord Leaton and his family were on -the best possible terms with all their friends, acquaintances -and dependants. They were widely, deeply, and sincerely -beloved.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It comes back, then, to this; that no one would have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>any interest in the extinction of this whole family, except -this half-Indian girl, who is their heiress, who it appears -attended them in their illness, and prepared and administered -the drinks of which they died, and in which the poison -was detected—the poison, mark you, of the <i><span lang="la">Faber Sancta -Ignatii</span></i>, a deadly product of the East, scarcely known in -England, but familiar, no doubt, to this Asiatic girl. Mr. -Montrose, the case is very clear,” said the lawyer, with an -ominous shake of the head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then you think,” said the young man, in a tone of -anguish, “that if she is brought to trial——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>His voice was choked by his rising agony. He could -utter no more.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think it as certain as any future event can be in this -uncertain world that Eudora Leaton will be condemned and -executed for the poisoning of her uncle’s family. Mr. -Montrose! Good Heavens, sir, you are very ill! You—you -have not partaken of any food or drink in this thrice-accursed -house, but what you could rely upon?” exclaimed -the lawyer, rising up in alarm, and going to the side of the -young man, who had fallen back in his chair, his whole form -convulsed, his pallid features writhing, and the drops of -sweat, wrung from anguish that he vainly endeavored to -subdue and control, beading upon his icy brow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose—let me call——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no,” interrupted Malcolm, holding up his hand -with an adjuring gesture, and struggling to regain his self-control, -for manhood can ill brook to bend beneath the -power of suffering.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No! It is the blow!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, Malcolm, meet it like a man!” said the lawyer, -who began to understand that it was a mental, and not a -physical agony that convulsed the strong frame of the -young man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But she, Eudora, so young and beautiful, so innocent -and so beloved, to be hurled down to a destruction so appalling!” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>burst in groans of anguish from the heaving breast -of Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He dropped his arms and head upon the table, while sobs -of agony convulsed his great chest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I will save her!” he said to himself. “In spite of -all this, I will save her. I have staked my life, my soul -and honor upon her innocence; and now I will peril that -same life, soul, and honor for her deliverance!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>This mental resolution gave him great strength, for at -once he resumed the command of himself, arose, apologized -to the lawyer for the exhibition of emotion into which -he had been betrayed, and would have resumed the conversation -in a calmer frame of mind, had not a servant entered -and announced supper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm begged the lawyer to excuse him for not appearing -at the supper table, and also requested him to bear his -excuses to the magistrates who had assisted at the coroner’s -inquest, and who now remained to supper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lawyer readily promised to represent Mr. Montrose -to the guests, and withdrew for that purpose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm arose and paced the library floor, engaged in -close thought for about half an hour, and then passed out -to seek the privacy of his own chamber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The whole house was in a painful though subdued bustle.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The members of the coroner’s jury, though at liberty to -go, had not yet dispersed. The strange fascination that -spell-binds men to the scene of any atrocious crime or awful -calamity, kept them lingering about the halls and chambers -of Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The undertaker’s people were also in the house making -preliminary arrangements for the approaching double -funeral. And the servants of the family were continually -passing to and fro, waiting upon them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm passed through them all and went to his own -chamber, locked himself in, and threw himself upon a chair -near the bay window that overlooked the Black Pool.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>It was a beautiful summer night, and the stars that -spangled the clear, blue-black canopy of heaven were reflected -on the surface of the Black Pool like jewels upon an -Ethiope’s dark bosom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Malcolm had no eye for the beauty of the starlight -night. He was thinking of that black and endless night -that had gathered over Eudora’s head. He rested his elbow -upon the arms of his chair, and bowed his head upon his -hand, and thus he sat for more than an hour without changing -his position. Then he arose and looked forth from the -window, and turned and paced the floor, stopping at intervals -to listen. Thus passed another hour. And by this -time the troubled household had settled to repose, and all -was quiet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then Malcolm Montrose left his room, locking the door -and taking the key with him, and passed down the long -corridor leading to the central upper-hall and the grand -staircase. When he entered the hall he saw the constable -standing on guard before the chamber door of the imprisoned -girl. The man was wide-awake, on the alert, and -touched his hat as Mr. Montrose passed. Malcolm went -down the great staircase and through the deserted lower hall -to the main entrance, where he unbarred and unlocked -the doors and let himself out.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He took his way immediately to the stables, entered them, -drew forth a light chaise, led out a swift horse, put him between -the shafts, and finally jumped into the driver’s seat, -and drove off through the northern gate towards a thickly-wooded -part of the park until he reached the ruins of an -ancient nunnery. Then he jumped out and fastened his -horse to a tree, and sought the cellars of the ruins, reiterating -his resolution:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have staked my life, soul, and honor upon Eudora’s -innocence, and now to peril life, soul, and honor for Eudora’s -salvation!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER VI.<br> <span class='large'>THE UNDERGROUND PASSAGE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“’Tis sure some dream, some vision wild!</div> - <div class='line'>What, <em>I</em>, of rank and wealth the child,</div> - <div class='line'>Am <em>I</em> the wretch that bears this shame,</div> - <div class='line'>Deprived of freedom, friends and fame?”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The chamber in which Lady Leaton had died, and where -Eudora was imprisoned, had, in the olden time, been the -abbot’s apartment. It was a vast, dark, gloomy room, now -dimly lighted by a lamp that stood upon the mantelshelf.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a long time after Malcolm Montrose, Dr. Watkins -and the constables had withdrawn from the chamber, Eudora -remained, crushed back in the depths of the large -chair, with her head bowed upon her bosom, her black ringlets -falling forward, and half veiling her beautiful dark -face, her left hand, that Malcolm had resigned, falling listlessly -down by her side, and her right hand still clasped in -that of Tabitha, who continued to stand by her side. No -word was spoken between them as yet. Eudora was buried -in profound, agonizing and bewildering thought, such as -always overwhelms the sensitive victim of any sudden and -crushing misfortune. The shock of the thunderbolt that -had just fallen upon her, devastating her inner life, and -leaving the outer so still, and black, and threatening: the -vast, dark, sombre room; the dead silence around her—all -combined to shake her reason to its centre. In the confusion -wrought among nerves, head and brain by this inner -storm of sensation, thought and suffering, she was fast -losing confidence in heaven, trust in the reality of external -circumstances, and even faith in her own identity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly she threw herself forward, and tightened her -clasp upon Tabitha’s hand, with convulsive tone, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>“Wake me! wake me, Tabitha! I have the nightmare, -and cannot rouse myself. Oh, wake me! wake me, for the -love of Heaven!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Tabitha, whom respect for her mistress’s sorrow had hitherto -kept silent, now became alarmed for her sanity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bending over her with an almost reverential tenderness, -she whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear young lady, try to be composed and collect your -thoughts, and remember yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven! I remember too well! too well!” cried -Eudora, in a piercing voice, dropping her face into her -hands, and shuddering through her whole frame. “It is -no horrible illusion! It is an awful reality! My aunt and -cousin are really dead, and I am arrested upon the charge -of poisoning them! Oh, horrible! most horrible! Oh, I -shall go mad! I shall go mad!” she exclaimed, starting -from her chair, casting up her arms, and throwing herself -forward upon the floor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a moment Tabitha gazed in dismay upon this exhibition -of violent emotion in one whom she loved and honored -almost to adoration, and then kneeling down beside -her, she gently put her arms around her waist to raise her -up, whispering in a low, respectful voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear young lady, try to recollect yourself, your dignity, -your rank, and, above all, your innocence, and put your -trust in God!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Put your trust in God. It was the best advice the simple -country-girl could give, but the Archbishop of Canterbury -could not have given any better.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora suffered herself to be lifted up and replaced in -the deep chair, into which she sank helplessly, and where -she remained, with her head propped upon her breast, and -her arms fallen upon her lap, in the stupor of despair to -which the violence of her anguish had yielded.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Tabitha kneeled at her feet, took her hands, and gazing -pleadingly up into her face, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>“Dear Miss Eudora, look up and hope; all is not lost -that is in danger! Have faith in Him who delivered the -three innocent children from the fires of the furnace seven -times heated. Come, now, let me undress you and help you -to bed.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Into that bed—into that bed whence <em>her</em> corpse has -just been removed? Oh, never, never! Besides, I could -not sleep with the prospect of to-morrow before me, when -I shall be taken to the common gaol. How could I sleep? -I shall never sleep again! Good girl, leave me to my own -thoughts,” said Eudora, with a trembling voice and quivering -face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Tabitha spoke no more, but drawing a footstool, she sat -down at her mistress’s feet, and silently held one of her -listless hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Some time they sat thus: the heavy minutes seemed -drawn out to the length of hours. The house was still -as death, and the mantle clock was on the stroke of eleven -when the quick ears of Tabitha caught a slight, cautious, -grating sound in the wainscoted wall on the left of the fire-place. -She raised her head, and turned her eyes quickly -in the direction of the sound, and with a half-suppressed -shriek and a throbbing heart, she saw one of the oak panels -slide away, and an anxious face and a warning hand appear -at the opening.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The smothered cry of her woman had attracted Eudora’s -attention; and with the apathy of one plunged so deeply -in wretchedness as to fear no farther evil, the unhappy girl -followed, with her listless glance, the frightened gaze of her -attendant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment the hand at the opening was extended -in an encouraging gesture, and a familiar voice murmured, -quickly and softly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hist! hist, Tabitha! Don’t be afraid! It is I.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the next instant the man came through the opening, -and Malcolm Montrose stood within the room. He extended -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>his hand in a warning manner as he approached, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hist! hist! for Heaven’s love, control yourselves! be -composed, and all will be well!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>By this time he stood before the mistress and the maid, -who gazed upon him in astonishment indeed, but not in -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let us speak in whispers, and then, thanks to the -thickness of these walls and doors, we shall not be heard -by the policemen on guard. Listen—there are bolts on -this side of the chamber doors. Are they drawn fast?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, sir,” replied Tabitha, in a hushed voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a sign that they should remain silent and motionless, -Malcolm glided on tip-toe, first to one door and then -to the other, and cautiously slid the bolts into their sockets, -making them both as fast on the inside as they were on the -outside.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He then returned to the side of Eudora, and stood for a -moment listening intently, and then apparently satisfied -that all was well, he murmured:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Peace be with the worthy king or bishop who built -these walls so solidly! The sentinels without have heard -nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning to the curious, anxious, and expectant -waiting-maid he whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Tabitha, my good girl, I can depend upon you to aid -me in freeing your young lady?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Depend upon me? Oh, sir, don’t you know and doesn’t -she know that I would throw myself between her and all that -threatens her, and meet it in her stead, if so be I could?” -said the brave and devoted girl, in a vehement whisper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Indeed it will be but little less than that which will be -required of you, my good Tabitha.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t doubt me, sir, but try me!” said the young -woman, stoutly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, then, Tabitha, you have first to prepare your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>young lady for a hasty journey—thanks to the secret passage -leading from the abbot’s apartments—to the ruins of -the neighboring nunnery, which scandal declares to have -been once put to a less worthy use. I have been able to -provide the means for her escape. But you, my good girl, -will have to remain here to cover her retreat, to face those -who will come to seek her in the morning, and to withstand -all questions as to how or with whom she left her prison. -Are you firm enough for the duty, Tabitha?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let ’em try me, that’s all, sir; and if they don’t find -out as they’re met their match this time, I’m not a woman, -but a muff. They may send me to prison, or they may -hang me if they like. But I defy them to make me speak -when I don’t want to speak!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They can do you no real harm, my girl, be sure of -that. They would only threaten and frighten you at -most.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Frighten who? Lawks, sir, you don’t know me; I -aint made of frightenable stuff. But, sir, how we talk! -won’t they know at once that my young lady got off through -that secret passage of which you speak?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; for its very existence is unknown or forgotten. -It was only accident that discovered it to me some years -ago, when I was delving among the ruins of the convent, -and found in one of the cellars its other terminus. I entered -it to thread its mazes; I should have been smothered -but for the many crooked crevices in its rocky roof that let -in the air. I found that it led to a steep narrow staircase; -ascending it, I found myself opposite a panel, the character -of which I could see by means of the narrow lines of light -around its old and shrunken frame, light that evidently -came from the opposite side. Curiosity got the better of -discretion, and I worked away at the panel and slipped it -aside, when, to my dismay, I found myself looking in upon -the privacy of Lady Leaton’s sleeping-chamber, which was -fortunately then empty. It was this, which was in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>olden time the apartment of the Abbot. I was but a boy -then, and being frightened at what I had done, I hastily -replaced the panel and retreated, and never mentioned my -adventure to any one. Afterwards, consulting the guidebook, -I found that there was a mere tradition of a secret -passage leading from the Abbey to the Convent, which -scandal asserted to have been used by the master here -when going to rendezvous with some fair nun; but of the -precise locality of this secret passage, or even of its actual -existence, the book did not pretend to speak with authority. -Once I mentioned the tradition to my uncle and aunt, but -they disregarded it as mere romance, and I kept my own -counsel, and deferred the mention of my discovery to some -future occasion. But to-night I have turned my knowledge -of the secret passage to some account; to-night, once more -I have threaded its mazes, and find myself in this chamber. -I shall conduct Miss Leaton through this passage to the -other outlet in the cellars of the ruined convent; there I -have a chaise to carry her off. Farther than this, I need -not tell you. And I have told you this much, first, because -I believe you fully worthy of the confidence, and secondly, -that being possessed of the real facts, you may be on your -guard against cross-questioning as well as against threats, -and so be able to baffle inquiry as well as to withstand -browbeating,” said Malcolm Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, never you fear me, sir; I will never give Miss -Leaton’s enemies the satisfaction of knowing as much as I -know,” said Tabitha, firmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young man had addressed himself first to the maid, -not only to secure her immediate sympathy and co-operation, -but also to afford Miss Leaton time to recover from -her surprise, compose her spirits and collect her thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Now he turned to Eudora, who had been much agitated -by the infusion of new hope into her despair, but who now -controlling herself, sat quietly, though intently listening, -and addressing her with reverential tenderness, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>“And now, dearest Eudora, rouse yourself; collect all -your energies, and prepare for your immediate flight.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked at him intently for a moment, and then in a -faltering voice said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But oh, is it right? Ought I, who am as innocent as -a child of that which they charge me with, ought I, like a -guilty creature, to fly from justice? Think of it well, and -then answer me, for I can rely upon your wisdom as well -as upon your honor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora,” said the young man in a solemn voice, “it is -not from <em>justice</em> that I counsel you to fly, for you are innocent -as you say, and the innocent have nothing to fear -from justice; if there was a shadow of a hope that you -would meet justice, my tongue should be the last to advise, -my hand the last to assist your escape. No, Eudora, it is -not from <em>justice</em>, but from the cruelest injustice—from -murder, from martyrdom that I would snatch you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yet still think once more. You grant that I am innocent. -Conscious of that innocence, ought I not to have -courage enough to meet the trial, and faith enough to trust -in God for deliverance?” inquired the girl gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Trust in God, by all means, through all things, and to -any extent: but exercise that trust by wisely embracing -the means He has provided for your escape rather than by -madly remaining to meet swift and certain destruction.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But yet—but yet it seems weak and wrong for the -innocent to fly like the guilty!” said Eudora, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Does it? Then I will give you Scripture warrant and -example for the course! When Herod sent forth and slew -the infants in Galilee, did the parents of the child Jesus -tarry in Bethlehem because he was innocent and even Divine? -No; warned by the angel, they fled into Egypt. In -after years, when Jesus went about preaching and teaching -through Jerusalem, and when the high priests sought Him -to kill Him, did He tarry in deadly peril because He was -innocent, holy, and Divine? No! He withdrew into the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>Mount of Olives, or entered a ship, and put off from the -land, because His hour had not yet come! Oh, Eudora! -it is not faith but presumption that tempts you to remain -and face sure and sudden ruin,” urged the young man, in -impassioned earnestness, while he gazed in an agony of -anxiety upon her countenance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora shuddered through her whole frame, but remained -silent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven, Eudora!” he continued, “why do you still -hesitate? Must I set the truth before you in all its ghastly -realities? I must, I must, for time presses, and the danger -is imminent! Listen, most unhappy girl! You are here -a prisoner, charged with the most atrocious crime that ever -cursed humanity; that charge is supported by a mass of -evidence that would crush an archangel! To-morrow morning -you will be removed from this room to the common -gaol. Next week the assizes will be held; you will be -brought to trial; you will be overwhelmed beneath an avalanche -of evidence! and then—oh, Heaven, Eudora! but -two short weeks will elapse between the sentence of the -judge and the execution of the prisoner! In less than one -little month from this you will be murdered—martyred!” -exclaimed the young man in thrilling, vehement, impassioned -whispers, while the agitation of his whole frame, -and the perspiration that streamed from his flushed brow, -exhibited the agony of his anxiety.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a smothered shriek, the unhappy girl fell back in -her chair, and covered her face with her hands, as though -to shut out the scene of horror that had been called up -before her imagination.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fly, Eudora! fly at once! fly with me, and I will place -you in safety, where you may remain until Providence -shall bring the truth to light, the guilty to justice, and your -innocence to a perfect vindication! Fly! fly, Eudora! It -would be madness to stay!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>“I will! I will fly!” she exclaimed, in a hurried whisper, -as she started up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Tabitha snatched up the black bonnet and shawl that -had been brought in on the preceding evening for a far -different purpose, and hastily assisted her mistress to put -them on. She tied the little bonnet strings under her chin, -and tied the black crape veil over her face. Then she -wrapped the shawl carefully around her form, doubling its -folds twice over her chest to protect it from the chill of the -night air, for Eudora’s Asiatic temperament would ill bear -exposure in this climate of cold mists, and pronounced her -ready for her journey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Malcolm looked anxiously upon her, he saw that her -simple, plain dress of deep mourning was admirably well -calculated for her escape and her journey, for it revealed -nothing of her social position, since the wearer of such a -dress might be the daughter of a tradesman or the child of -an earl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, my good girl, we must take leave of you at -once. Remember that no one can harm you; therefore be -firm in refusing to give any clue to the manner of Miss -Leaton’s escape,” said Malcolm Montrose, shaking hands -with the faithful attendant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Never you doubt, sir; they shall draw me apart with -wild horses before they draw any information from me,” -said Tabitha, firmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good-bye, dear girl; I hope, and trust, and pray that -you may come to no evil through your devotion to me,” -said Eudora, kissing her humble friend.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Never you fear, Miss; if any body comes to grief in -this chase, it won’t be her as is hunted, but them as hunts, -which is as much as to say it won’t be Tabitha Tabs!” said -the latter, valiantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>After once more pressing the hand of her faithful maid, -Eudora followed Malcolm through the secret opening, -leaving the brave Tabitha alone in the chamber.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER VII.<br> <span class='large'>THE FLIGHT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Fly, lady, fly before the wind!</div> - <div class='line in2'>The moor is wild and waste,</div> - <div class='line'>The hound of blood is close behind,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Haste! gentle lady, haste!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>After closing the sliding panel behind him, and carefully -adjusting it in its place, Malcolm took the hand of his -companion to guide her down the narrow, steep and dangerous -steps that led to the secret passage. This caution -was the more needful, as it was so dark that only Malcolm’s -previous knowledge of the passage enabled him to -feel his own way and guide his companion through it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Something like an hundred perpendicular steps brought -them down to a low and narrow archway, not unlike the -entrance to a rudely constructed tunnel.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Although it was still quite dark, and Malcolm, drawing -his companion after him, was obliged to grope his way -along this tunnel, yet occasional sharp drafts of wind -proved that there existed certain irregular crevices in the -rocks overhead that in the daytime admitted a little light -as well as air, although their winding or crooked formation -might prevent any one on the ground above seeing or suspecting -the existence of the subterranean passage beneath -their feet. As this tunnel took nearly a straight line to -the old nunnery, a walk of about ten minutes brought Malcolm -and Eudora to the other terminus that admitted them -to the lower cellars under the ruins.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When they had emerged from the tunnel into these -cellars, Malcolm paused and carefully collected bricks, -stones, and other fallen portions of the building, with -which he choked up and concealed the narrow opening.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>Then taking the hand of Eudora, he led her from the -cellars up into the outer air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here, in the ruined chapel, they found the pony-chaise -fastened to a young oak-tree that grew within what had -once been the grand altar of the chapel of the convent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He led the horse out to the road, and then returned and -conducted Eudora to the chaise, placed her in it, took the -seat by her side, and drove rapidly off. A drive of ten -minutes brought them to a rural railway station.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Up to this time no word had been spoken between them, -so intense had been the anxiety of both. But now, when -he had alighted and fastened his horse to a tree, and came -to the chaise to hand her out, he whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Draw down your veil, Eudora, and keep it down.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She silently obeyed, and he handed her out and led her -into the office of the station.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Two first-class tickets to London,” he said to the clerk -behind the little office-windows.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were supplied to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When does the London train pass here?” he next -inquired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In half an hour, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That will do,” replied Mr. Montrose. Then, drawing -the arm of Eudora within his own, he conducted her to the -waiting-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was empty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Remain here, dearest Eudora, until I return. I shall -be back in twenty minutes. It is not likely that any one -will come in here during my absence, as very few first-class -lady passengers take the train at this station at this hour; -nevertheless, keep your veil down,” said Malcolm, as he -placed her in a chair in a dark corner of the room. He -then pressed her hand, left her, and hurried out to the place -where he had left the pony-chaise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He unhitched the horse, mounted the driver’s seat, and -drove madly off towards Allworth. So fiercely he drove -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>that in ten minutes he reached the stables, and returned -the horse bathed in sweat and covered with foam to his -stall. He replaced the chaise in the carriage-house, and -then set off in a run toward the railway station. He could -not run quite so fast as a horse could gallop, and so the -distance accomplished by the pony in ten minutes occupied -him fifteen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It wanted, therefore, but about five minutes to the passing -of the train when he rejoined Eudora in the waiting-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Besides Eudora, he found two gentlemen and one lady in -the same room. They seemed, also, to belong to the same -party, for they walked and talked together; and the subject -of their conversation was that which then formed the -topic of the whole neighborhood, and which was destined -soon to form the topic of the whole kingdom—the tragedy -of Allworth Abbey!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They say,” observed the lady, “that it is incontrovertibly -proved that this Asiatic girl, Eudora Leaton, was -the poisoner, and that her motive was the inheritance of -the estate. One can scarcely believe in such depravity in -one so young as this girl is represented to be.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Crime is of no age or sex, madam; and from all that -we can hear, it seems abundantly proved that this young -girl actually <em>did</em> poison the whole family,” replied the old -gentleman addressed, whom Malcolm now, with extreme -anxiety, recognized as a neighbor, Admiral Brunton, of the -Anchorage, near Abbeytown.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good Heaven, what a fiend she must be! But she is -young, beautiful, high-born, and very accomplished. Do -you think that if she is convicted they will really hang -her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hang her? Yes; the young demon! They will hang -her as surely as they did Palmer. English juries have no -mercy on the secret poisoner. And the fact of this one -being a young, beautiful, and high-born girl, only makes -her crime the more unnatural and monstrous!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>“But, admiral, it is hard to believe that so lovely a creature -could be such a monster,” said the lady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Bah! bah! madam; you have not read history, or you -have forgotten it. Remember the Countess of Essex, Madame -Brinvilliers, Lucretia Borgia, Mary Stuart, and many -other young, beautiful, and high-born devils. Human -nature is the same in all ages and countries. The youth, -beauty, and high-birth of this young Asiatic fiend will no -more save her from the gallows than the same sort of -charms saved Brinvilliers or Mary Stuart from the block!” -replied the old gentleman, savagely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Shudder after shudder passed over the frame of the -unfortunate subject of these severe remarks, as she sat an -unsuspected hearer of the conversation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, standing by her side, with his back to the speakers, -could only seek to sustain her courage by an earnest -pressure of her hand. It was but an ordeal of five minutes, -and then the shrill whistle of the advancing train warned -all the passengers to hurry to the platform.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The conversing party dropped their interesting subject, -and hastened away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, drawing Eudora’s arm within his own, hurried -after them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When they arrived upon the platform the train had -stopped, and the engine was noisily puffing and blowing -like a short-winded alderman out of breath after a run.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Passengers were hurrying into the various carriages.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can we have a <i><span lang="fr">coupé</span></i>?” inquired Malcolm, slipping a -crown into the hands of one of the guards.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes, sir,” answered that functionary, opening a door -and admitting the fugitives into the desired privacy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sweethearts!” he muttered to himself, as he locked the -door and pocketed the crown.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The train started, and Malcolm and Eudora, finding -themselves alone in the <i><span lang="fr">coupé</span></i>, looked in each other’s faces -wistfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>“Oh, Malcolm,” said Eudora, “how terrible it is to be so -wronged and hated, and by one’s old family friends, too! -Did you hear old Admiral Brunton, how he spoke of me? -Ah! little did he think how near at hand I was to hear -him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, dear Eudora, I heard him. His remarks were valuable, -only to show how right you are to fly until this storm -shall pass,” replied the young man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But to be wronged and hated so, Malcolm, and by my -uncle’s old friends! Oh! it is very, very cruel!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You must bear up under it bravely, dear love. The -time will come when your innocence will be proved, and -then those very friends who wrong you by their suspicions -now will bitterly repent their injustice, and will love and -esteem you more than ever before,” answered the young -man, encouragingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The train rattled on. It was the express, and stopped at -no other station between Abbeytown and London, where it -was expected to arrive at five o’clock in the morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm and Eudora sank back in their seats, and fell -into silence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora relapsed into despair, and Malcolm sank into -thought. He had taken her from confinement and immediate -danger, but not perhaps from quick pursuit and rearrest. -In the plan of her instant deliverance his decision -and his action had necessarily been so prompt and rapid, -that no time had been left him to determine upon any fixed -place of refuge for the fugitive. His only general idea had -been to fly with her, and conceal her in the multitudinous -wilderness of London, until he could arrange her escape to -the Continent. He wished above all things to make her -his own by marriage as soon as they should reach the city; -but he knew that to do so would expose her to certain -discovery. He felt therefore obliged to defer this purpose -until he could escape with her to the Continent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To attempt to take her from England immediately he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>knew would be to expose her to the certainty of arrest. -For, according to the usual practice, as soon as her escape -should be discovered, which it must inevitably be in a few -hours, telegrams he knew would be despatched to the police -or every seaport to anticipate her arrival and to intercept -her passage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To hide her, therefore, in the crowds of London until the -first heat of the pursuit should be over, then to escape with -her to some foreign country, and there unite his fate with -hers for good or ill forever—and then wait patiently until -Providence should bring the truth to light, by discovering -the guilty and vindicating her innocence—seemed the only -plan that promised any success.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But where in London should he leave her?” It must be -in a part of the town far distant from the terminus of the -Great Northern Railway; it must be in a thickly-populated -neighborhood, where the presence even of a remarkable -stranger should not attract the slightest notice; it must -be in lodgings over some small busy shop, where the -people should be too much occupied with their own concerns -to pry into those of others.</p> - -<p class='c014'>After much close thought, Malcolm fixed upon the -Borough as the neighborhood of their destination. Lodgings -of the description he wished to find for Eudora were -not scarce in that locality.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Having settled this point to his satisfaction, the next -thing to be considered was under what name and character, -and with what pretext, he should leave her in her -destined lodgings. To introduce her by her real name -would be certain destruction, since, before another twenty-four -hours, that name—connected with a horrible crime—would -be widely blown over England. To pass her under -an assumed name, though the extreme exigency of the -circumstances might almost seem to justify the deception, -was an idea abhorrent to his truthful, honorable and high-toned -nature. The longer he thought of this difficulty the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>more insurmountable it seemed. Occupied with this -problem, which any one of less delicate scruples would -have quickly solved, Malcolm did not once speak again to -his companion, even to attempt to rouse her from the fit -of despondency into which she had again fallen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meantime the train flew over the sterile heaths of Yorkshire, -and in due time entered the more cultivated country -nearer the great metropolis.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At last, rousing himself desperately, he said to his -companion:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora, dearest, have you any middle name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; I was christened Eudora Milnes; but I never use -my middle name, and, indeed, never did; it is quite a dead -letter,” replied the girl, in surprise at the question.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So much the better. I cannot endure the idea of your -passing under a fictitious name, and yet you must not be -known as Eudora Leaton. I shall therefore call you Miss -Milnes; do not forget it. And if your other name is -marked upon any of your clothing, do not fail to cut it out, -lest it should meet the eye of your laundress. As you -bring no clothing with you, you will have to procure a -small supply from some outfitter, and be sure to order -them marked ‘E. Milnes.’ They will think ‘E’ stands for -Emily, or Eliza, or some such common name. Dear girl, -I trust these precautions will not long be needful,” said -Malcolm, endeavoring to infuse into her heart a hope that -he himself was far from feeling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The train flew onward, and soon the lights of London -were seen to the southward before them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Day was dawning when the train arrived at the King’s-cross -station.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, my dearest Eudora, you must trust yourself entirely -to me, believing that I will do all that is best for -your safety,” said Malcolm, as the train stopped.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am sure that you will, my best and only friend; besides, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>who in the world have I now to trust in but yourself?” -said Eudora, in deep emotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You shall never regret the confidence you place in me, -Eudora,” replied Malcolm, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment the guard opened the door. He was the -same man who had put them into the <i><span lang="fr">coupé</span></i> at the Abbeytown -Station; and in grateful remembrance of the crown-piece -given him by Mr. Montrose, he now politely inquired -if the gentleman wanted a cab, and offered to call one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm perceived at once that this man would be sure -to remember himself and his black-veiled companion, and -would be able to describe her appearance if inquiries should -be made of him, as they were nearly certain to be. He felt, -therefore, the necessity of throwing the man off the scent -of his own purposed course. With this design, he inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When does the next train start for Liverpool?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“At five thirty, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then you may call me a cab at once,” said Mr. Montrose, -handing his companion from the <i><span lang="fr">coupé</span></i>, and leading -her through the station.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The cab drew up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The officious guard held the door open until Mr. Montrose -had put his companion in and taken his seat beside her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where shall I order the man to drive, sir?” asked the -guard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To Euston-square Station, of course,” replied Mr. -Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A runaway match, as sure as shooting. They didn’t -even stop to take their luggage,” said the guard to himself, -as he closed the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The order was given, and the carriage started.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a dark, foggy morning, into which broad day -seemed unable to break. The streets were at this hour -half-deserted, and very dreary. The carriage rattled noisily -over the stones between closed shops and darkened houses, -and drew up before Euston-square Station.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>Here the scene was much busier. A crowd of carriages -of all descriptions were continually drawing up or driving -off. A multitude of people were pouring in and out of the -building, for one train had just arrived, and another was -just about to start.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose alighted, handed out his companion, and -paid and dismissed the cab. And at the same moment a -newly-arrived traveller stepped up, engaged the same cab, -and ordered the man to drive to “Mivart’s.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Mr. Montrose, glad that this possible witness to his -next proceedings was taken out of the way, led Eudora -into the station. It was very much crowded, and the space -before the ticket-windows was thronged. While Malcolm -debated with himself whether he should carry his <i><span lang="fr">ruse</span></i> so -far as actually to lead Eudora up to the first-class window -and take tickets, he saw a gentleman and a young lady in -deep mourning, closely veiled, go up and get two first-class -tickets to Liverpool.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That will do,” said Malcolm to himself. “Should inquiries -be pushed to this extent, that party may pass very -well for her they seek.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then drawing Eudora’s arm within his own, and joining -the throng of newly-arrived passengers that were passing -from the station, he went forth. Taking an opposite direction -from that of the place at which they had first been -set down, he called another cab, placed Eudora in, took -his seat by her side, and ordered the man to drive to St. -Paul’s churchyard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was now broad daylight, and all London was waking -up and throwing open its windows. As they drove along, -Mr. Montrose said to his wondering companion:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, my dearest Eudora, though you ask me no questions -concerning this strange proceeding, I must give you -an explanation. I have acted thus in order to throw your -pursuers off the scent; for if that railway-guard who attended -us at Abbeytown and at the King’s-cross station, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>should be examined by the police, as is most likely, though -he may be able to describe your person, dress, and appearance -in such an accurate manner as to leave no doubt -upon their minds that it was yourself who came up to -London by the night train, yet, mark me, he will say that -on reaching the King’s-cross terminus you took a cab to -the Euston-square Station to catch the ‘five thirty’ down -train to Liverpool. The cabman who took us down will -support his evidence, and even the clerk of the first-class -ticket-office will corroborate both testimonies by remembering -a young lady in deep mourning, who took a first-class -ticket for that train to Liverpool. Thus being -thrown off the true scent by my ruse, they will think that -you have gone down to Liverpool with the purpose of -escaping by one of the outward-bound steamers, while you -may repose unsuspected and securely in London.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But,” said Eudora, anxiously, “since I have fled, had -I not better continue my flight? Had I not better escape -at once to some foreign country?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It would be impossible for you to do so at present, -Eudora. I must tell you why. In an hour or two from -this time your flight will be discovered at Allworth. In -the same hour telegrams will be despatched to the police -of every seaport on the coast of England to intercept you -if you should attempt to pass. These telegrams will reach -their destinations before you could possibly arrive at any -seaport, and you would be arrested immediately upon your -arrival.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Lord of Heaven! that I, that I should be so -hunted! hunted as though I were a wild beast!” exclaimed -Eudora, shuddering with terror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Many a fair and good queen and princess has been so -hunted before you, dear girl! Even in recent times your -own friend, the heroic Princess Pezzilini, was obliged to -fly for her life! Emulate her heroism, dear girl,” said -Malcolm, earnestly pressing her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>“Ah! but she was not dishonored by the charge of a -foul and monstrous crime. Her offence was a political -one, and her very flight was honorable. There is no parallel -between her case and mine,” moaned the poor girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Take courage and have patience, dear Eudora, while I -speak of our future plans,” said Malcolm, affectionately -pressing her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, I will! I will be courageous and patient! I ought -not to complain of any affliction so long as Heaven has -left me so true a friend!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank you, dear Eudora, for that tribute. Listen -now, dearest; I will take you to some safe and honorable -retreat, and leave you there for the present. When the -first heat of the pursuit is over, when it will be safe to do -so, I will take you down to some one of the seaports, and -escape with you to America. There you will give me this -dear hand in marriage. There I will work for our mutual -support until the course of time and Providence shall have -cleared you of this false and dreadful charge, and paved -the way for our happy return! This is my plan, Eudora! -How do you like it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven bless and reward you, Malcolm, who sacrifice -yourself to save the poor lost girl, whom there is none -either to pity or to succor!” exclaimed Eudora, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had now turned into St. Paul’s churchyard, which -was all alive with the commencement of the business of the -day. Malcolm kept his gaze out of the window, as if in -search of some particular place. At length, when they had -got just opposite to a ladies’ out-fitting establishment, he -stopped the cab, paid and dismissed it, and led Eudora -towards the shop.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I deem it safest, dearest, to change at every place we -stop. Go in there now, and purchase things as you may -require, and have them packed in a box, with your name, -‘Miss Milnes,’ written upon it. I will remain outside -until you have completed your business.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>Eudora entered the shop, and was promptly served with -everything that she needed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When she appeared at the door, with a shop-girl bearing -the box behind her, Malcolm hailed an empty cab that was -passing by, entered it with Eudora and her purchases, and -gave the brief order:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To the White Swan Hotel, Borough.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>A rapid drive of twenty minutes brought them to the -house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here Malcolm discharged the cab and entered the hotel, -leading Eudora, and followed by a porter carrying her -box.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He asked to be shown into a private sitting-room, and -ordered breakfast immediately for two.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The waiter hastened to obey; and while breakfast was -being prepared, Malcolm persuaded Eudora to lay off her -bonnet and shawl, and repose in an easy-chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A comfortable meal of coffee, muffins, fresh eggs and -ham was soon spread, and Malcolm led his companion to -the table, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, eat, dear Eudora; nature must be sustained, -even through the direst afflictions.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She drank a cup of coffee, and ate an egg and a small -piece of bread. When breakfast was over, Malcolm said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will stop and rest here for an hour, dearest, while -I take a walk in search of suitable lodgings for you. You -will not be anxious or frightened to be left alone?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will try not to be so,” she answered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He pressed her hand and left the parlor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As he passed through the coffee-room on his way out, he -heard the visitors and loungers discussing the news in that -morning’s <cite>Times</cite>. Some topic of unusual interest seemed -to occupy them. Malcolm’s heart stood still as he caught -some detached portions of their conversation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I recollect perfectly well when the baron died a few -months ago. There was a suspicion of his having been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>poisoned; and now to think of the whole family being -destroyed in that way!—and by one young girl to whom -they had been so very kind, too! What a young devil she -must be!” said one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, she comes from India, it appears. And India is -the native land of devils, as we have good reason to know -since the revolt of the Sepoys,” said another.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, it is a good thing that the unnatural young monster -is in custody. If she isn’t hung the gallows might as -well be put down altogether; but she is safe to be, for this -beats Palmer all hollow.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm heard no more. With a sinking heart he -hurried out into the air, and took his way down the street, -and began to tread the narrow lanes and alleys of the -neighborhood in search of such lodgings as he desired for -Eudora. At length, about half way down, between the -two crossings of a narrow street, he paused before a small -green-grocer’s shop bearing the name of Mrs. Corder, -over which a bill in an upper window announced “Apartments.” -He entered the shop, and behind the counter -found the proprietress, a fat, middle-aged, motherly-looking -widow, with a large number of children, who were continually -toddling in and out between the little dark back parlor -and the front shop.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Stepping up to the counter, he asked the woman to show -him the apartments she had to let.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here, Charley,” said Mrs. Corder, calling her eldest -hope, a red-haired lad of about ten years old, “to take her -place while she showed the gentleman the rooms above.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The lodgers have a private entrance, sir,” she said, -leading the way out of the shop to a street door on its -right hand, which admitted them into a narrow passage, -from which an equally narrow staircase led to the second -floor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose followed the landlady up-stairs to a pair -of small, plainly furnished, but clean rooms, connected by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>folding doors. The front one was a parlor, the back one a -chamber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What are your terms?” inquired Mr. Montrose, when -he had glanced approvingly around these rooms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Twenty-five shillings a week, sir, with attendance,” -replied Mrs. Corder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have you other lodgers?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No others, sir, except a poor gentleman and his daughter -as have the rooms over these, and has never paid me a -penny for ’em,” added the woman, in a low tone, but loud -enough to be heard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will engage these rooms, for a lady, who will take -possession immediately; and here is four weeks’ payment -in advance.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Corder curtsied lowly in acknowledgment of this -liberality, and promised to have fires lighted immediately -to air the apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Mr. Montrose hurried back to the White Swan, -where he found Eudora still resting in the easy-chair, and -awaiting him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have found you lodgings, dearest, where I hope and -believe you will be both comfortable and safe. They are -over a small green-grocer’s shop kept by a stout, rosy -good-humored-looking widow, with a large family of young -children. And with her shop, her children, and her lodgers -to attend to, she is much too busy to pry into other -peoples’ private affairs. You may get ready now while I -call a carriage,” said Malcolm, and without waiting to -hear her warm thanks, he passed out.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In two minutes he returned, and led his companion, who -was quite ready, to the carriage. Her box was put in, and -the directions given to the coachman, who drove on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A quarter of an hour’s drive brought them to the private -entrance of Mrs. Corder’s house. The good-humored landlady -stood at the door to receive her new lodger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose alighted, handed Eudora out, and led her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>into the house, followed by the coachman carrying the box, -which he sat down in the passage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Poor girl,” murmured the landlady to herself, as she -noticed the deep mourning and pale face of her guest. -“Poor girl! an orphan, I dare say—some clergyman’s -daughter come up to London to get her living as a daily -governess or something. She do look like that. But lawk, -she’ll never be able to pay twenty-five shillings a week for -her lodgings, and that she’ll soon find out. Hows’ever, the -gentleman has paid the first month in advance, and maybe -he may——. Lawk, I wonder whatever he is to her——.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This is my cousin, Miss Milnes, who is to be your new -lodger, Mrs. Corder. Will you please to show her at once -to her rooms?” said Mr. Montrose, who, having settled with -the man, now turned and presented his companion to her -landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, certainly, sir; the rooms are quite ready. I’m -proud to see you, Miss Miller—that’s a real governessing -name, is Miller,” added the landlady, <i><span lang="it">sotto voce</span></i>, as she led -the way up-stairs, and threw open the door of the front -parlor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm and Eudora entered the room, and the landlady -lingered to receive orders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You may have the box sent up, if you please, Mrs. Corder,” -said Mr. Montrose, to get rid of the good woman, who -dropped a curtsey and withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, dearest Eudora,” said the young man, “for your -own sake I must hasten to leave you. I must hurry back -to Allworth Abbey, that no one may suspect that I have -been so far absent from the neighborhood, or connect my -absence with your disappearance. My presence is also -necessary to assist at the funeral obsequies at Allworth. -So you perceive, dearest, that I must immediately depart.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes, I know that for every good reason you must -go,” said Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And this advice I must give in leaving you—keep yourself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>closely within doors! send the landlady or her son out -for whatever you may require—but go not forth yourself. -If time hangs heavily on your hands, send for books from -Mudie’s Circulating Library, a branch of which stands near -this. Do not risk writing to any one, not even to me, unless -it should be positively necessary; and, if you do write, -be careful neither to put address nor date at the top of your -letter, nor name of any sort at the bottom; and direct your -letter to Howth, a post town about twenty miles from Allworth. -Do you mark me, dear Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes, I mark, and I will remember and follow your -directions.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will write to you under your middle name of Milnes, -and post my letters at Howth. Now, dearest, trust in God—trust -also in me; keep up your spirits, and hope for the -best. You will be quite safe here, as you know the hunt -for you will be led off in an opposite direction. Your landlady -is evidently a good-humored, obliging, unsuspicious -creature, who will endeavor to make you comfortable. If -she should betray any curiosity upon the subject of my interest -in you, tell her so much of the truth as that we are -betrothed, but avoid telling her my name; she will probably -believe it to be the same as your own. Will you remember -all these things?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes, yes, dearest Malcolm!” said Eudora, endeavoring -to control her emotions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, my beloved, I have not a moment more to -stay, for I must catch the train. Good-bye! good-bye! I -leave you in the keeping of Him who ever watches over the -innocent,” said Malcolm, pressing her to his bosom in a -parting embrace. Then he put her gently back into her -chair, and hurried from the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the stairs he met the boy bringing up the box, and in -the passage below he saw the landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have taken leave of my cousin, Mrs. Corder; but I -must commit her to your best care. She has lost both her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>parents, and is in deep sorrow, as well as in reduced circumstances; -she never lived in lodgings before, and is very -inexperienced. Therefore, I must beg that you will be a -kind of mother to her,” said Mr. Montrose, slipping another -five-pound note into the hand of the woman as he -took leave of her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank’ee, sir; lawks, sir, I’m a poor widder, with a large -family, but I don’t require no bribery to do my duty by my -lodgers, nor likewise to be good to a poor, dear, fatherless, -motherless young creature like her,” said the landlady, -pocketing the money.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER VIII.<br> <span class='large'>ANNELLA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“She is our perplexity,</div> - <div class='line in2'>A creature light and wild;</div> - <div class='line'>Though on the verge of beggary,</div> - <div class='line in2'>As careless as a child.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When the door had closed behind Malcolm Montrose, -and Eudora was left alone in her strange lodgings for the -first time in her life, then all the extreme miseries of her -position rushed back upon her memory, and despair overwhelmed -her soul.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To be charged with an unnatural and monstrous crime, -at the very name of which her pure heart shuddered;—to -be hunted like a wild beast;—to be hiding like a burrowing -fox;—the situation was terrible in its danger; but oh, -how much more terrible in its degradation! And through -all her own personal consciousness of wrong, shame, sorrow, -and peril, two questions continually forced themselves -upon her attention:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='sc'>Who</span> was the poisoner of her uncle’s family?</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span><span class='sc'>What</span> was the motive for the fell deed?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Although the last two days had been a season of unexampled -distress, excitement, and fatigue—and although for -the last three nights she had not once closed her eyes in -slumber—yet she could not now rest for one moment in -her chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She started up with her hands pressed to her throbbing -and burning temples, and with a distracted manner and -irregular steps paced the floor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>One of the most perplexing elements in her misery was -that she could not adequately comprehend her own situation. -She understood “a horror” in her state, but not her -state. Knowing her own innocence, it seemed to her absolutely -incredible that every one else should not know it -also, and monstrous that any one should suspect her of -crime, and especially of such an atrocious crime. She -could not fully credit the fidelity of her own memory, the -evidence of her own experience, or the testimony of her -own senses. She was haunted with a vague suspicion that -this was all a frightful dream, from which she should -presently awake in surprise and joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This distrust of the actual is a dangerous state of mind, -being the intermediate stage between the last extremity of -mental suffering and the insanity to which it tends. Just -as the wretched girl was beginning to lose herself in these -metaphysical miseries the real world broke in upon her -with the voice of her landlady, who was heard outside the -door, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here, Charley, set down the box; I’ll take it in -myself; and now you go, like a clever boy, and mind the -shop till I come.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was a sound of the box set down upon the floor -and of the retreat of Charley down the stairs, and then a -rap at the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come in,” said Eudora, pausing in her walk.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady entered, and inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>“Where will you have this set, Miss Miller?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In my chamber,” replied Eudora, in a startled voice, -like one suddenly roused from a dream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Our landlady looked wistfully at her, and after depositing -the box in a corner of the bed-room, she came back, -and in a motherly manner took Eudora by the hand, and -made her sit down again in the arm-chair, while she stood -by her and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, don’t ye take on so, that’s a darling! Sure -we’ve all got to lose our parents, unless we ourselves die -afore our time. I’ve lost my mother and father; yes, and -the father of my thirteen children, too! And <em>I</em> don’t take -on about it! Sure if I did the house would go to ruin and -the children to the union! And then there’s that poor -child up-stairs, with a father as is worse nor dead, coming -home every night drunk, and beating and starving her -nearly to death! Why, <em>she</em> don’t take on, but is as merry -as a monkey, with her lantern jaws and large eyes. And -more be token, if it wasn’t for the child, I’d ha’ sent the -father packing long ago, which he has never paid me the -first penny of rent for his rooms the six weeks he has been -here, and swears at me when I ask him for it! So you see, -dear, everybody has their own troubles in this world, but -for all that we musn’t take on about it, but must do the -best we can for ourselves and each other too. Now I make -no doubt you would be the greatest of blessings to that -young girl up-stairs, and she’d be the best of amusement -to you! <em>She’d</em> take you off your sorrows; she’s the liveliest, -queerest, funniest—There, <em>that’s</em> her now! Listen!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment a bounding step was heard upon the -stairs, and a carolling voice broke forth in song:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“I care for nobody—no, not I!</div> - <div class='line'>And nobody cares for me!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c015'>as the singing-girl vanished up into the upper stories of -the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>“There! that’s her! she’s always just like that! Now -it’s ten to one as that child will have any dinner this day, -yet listen how she sings like a lark! Shall I go and fetch -her down to you? She’d be a world of entertainment to -you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, no, no, not for the world. I am not fit for any -company, least of all for that of a light-hearted girl. Yet -I thank you for the kind thought,” replied Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, then, dear, since you are too heavy-hearted to be -soothed by anything lively, you must try to interest yourself -in something serious—anything to take your mind off -from brooding over your own troubles,” said the landlady, -and taking a folded newspaper from her pocket, she added:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now here, here’s this morning’s <cite>Times</cite> as I’ve been and -borrowed from the library at the corner, o’ purpose to -read the true account of this horrible poisoning case up -in the North! Lawk! only to think of it, my dear—a -whole family p’isoned by one young girl, and she their own -orphan niece as they fotched over from Indy, and did so -much for! But they’ve <em>got</em> her, that’s a comfort! they’ve -<em>got</em> her safe enough! She’ll never get off! To think of -any young girl being of such a born devil and coming for -to be hung at last. Lawk! it do make my blood run cold.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But how do you know that she poisoned the family?” -asked Eudora, in a faltering voice, and with a shudder that -she could not control.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk! dear, it’s all as clear as a sunshiny noonday. -Here, read it for yourself. I see my landlord coming across -the street towards the house, and he’s a-coming after his -money, which, thanks to Mr. Miller’s liberality, I have got -all ready for him.” And so saying, the landlady put the -<cite>Times</cite> into the hands of her panic-stricken lodger and went -away down-stairs and into her shop, where she found her -surly landlord waiting.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, mum,” began the latter, turning a contemptuous -glance around the little shop, “I have come to tell you that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>I will not wait another day! There are now two quarters’ -rent due, and if the money is not forthcoming I intend to -sell you out. You needn’t tell me any more about lodgers -that can’t pay; if you <em>will</em> keep paupers in the house you -must take the consequence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Grubbins,” said the landlady, going behind her -counter with a bustling air of self-confidence, “luck is like -a pendulum as sways first to the right and then to the left, -and so on backwards and forwards. And if I have one -lodger as can’t pay all at once, poor gentleman, I have -another as pays like a princess! You see the Lord hasn’t -forgot me and my thirteen orphans. So, if you please, Mr. -Grubbins, write me a receipt for a half year’s rent; for I -mean to pay you all, and get out of <em>your</em> debt, though I -mayn’t have five shillings left.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Grubbins stared in astonishment, and then, with but -little abatement of his severity, wrote out the receipt, -while Mrs. Corder laid two five-pound notes and five sovereigns -in gold down upon the counter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Be more punctual for the future, and don’t let one -quarter run into another, and then, maybe, you’ll keep out -of trouble,” said Mr. Grubbins, for he did not believe in -the continuous prosperity of a poor widow with thirteen -children, even with Providence to remember her and -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so Mr. Grubbins relieved the little shop of his oppressive -presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meantime, up-stairs, Eudora, under the spell of a strange -fascination, pored over the <cite>Times’</cite> account of the tragedy -at Allworth Abbey. There she saw her own blameless -name held up to public scorn and execration.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When she had finished reading, she let the paper drop -listlessly from her hands, while she herself fell again into -that stupor of despair which threatened to undermine her -reason.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In this miserable torpor she sat motionless, until the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>entrance of the landlady to lay the cloth for her solitary -dinner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The good woman was, as usual, full of kindness, solicitude, -and gossip, but all this availed nothing in arousing -the wretched girl from her apathy. Even the dinner, -when prepared, remained untasted, nor could the landlady -prevail upon her stricken lodger to approach the table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, this will never do in the world! The girl will kill -herself,” thought good Mrs. Corder, as at length she -carried away the untouched spring chicken and green peas. -“I’ll just wait till tea-time, and then if a cup of good strong -green tea don’t rouse her out of this, I know what I’ll do. -I’ll just make free to call in the medical man from over the -way to look at her. I’m not a-going to let such a profitable -lodger as <em>she</em> is die for want of seeing after, <em>I</em> know.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And accordingly, an hour after the failure of the dinner, -Mrs. Corder brought up Eudora’s tea, with some delicate -cream toast and delicious guava jelly, all of which she -arranged in the most tempting manner upon the table. -She then besought her young lodger to partake of it, hinting -at the same time that unless the latter would listen to -reason in a matter in which her own health was concerned, -it would really be necessary to call in the medical man -over the way to see her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The threat of a visit from the doctor had more effect -than all the other arguments by Mrs. Corder. Eudora -suffered herself to be seated at the table, and drank off the -cup of tea that the careful hostess put into her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And such was the beneficial effect of that blessed gift to -woman, “the cup that cheers, and not inebriates,” that -Eudora, notwithstanding all her wrongs, griefs and terrors, -felt her vital spirits returning, and with them her natural -relish for food. And to Mrs. Corder’s great joy she ate a -round of toast and a spoonful of jelly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, there’s for you! now then you’ll do. See what -it is to take advice. If you had had your own way, you’d -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>a’starved yourself nearly to death, and been ill. And now, -if you’ll take more advice, you’ll go right to bed and to -sleep,” said the delighted woman as she cleared away the -table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora followed her counsel, and retired almost immediately -to bed, where as soon as her light was put out, and -her head was dropped upon her pillow, a feeling of drowsiness -stole over her brain, and she slept and forgot her -sorrows.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Late that evening—after Mrs. Corder had given her -children their supper, and sent them to their beds up in -the attic, and had closed up her shop for the night—she -came up-stairs and paused for a moment on the first landing -to listen at Eudora’s chamber door. Hearing her -breathe deeply, like one soundly sleeping, the landlady -nodded and smiled confidentially to herself, murmuring:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, ha! she is sleeping like a baby, the poor, dear, -motherless child!—sleeping like an innocent infant baby -without a trouble in the world, thanks be to the laudamy -drops as I put into her tea-cup, and to Him as made the -poppy grow for the sake of sorrowful mortals; for if it -hadn’t a’ been for that, sure she’d a’ gone mad to-night -instead o’ going peaceably to sleep. Well, laudamy is a -blessing for which we should be thankful, as well I know -as I would a’ gone crazy the night Corder died if so be the -medical man hadn’t a given me laudamy drops!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>So saying, and being perfectly satisfied with the result -of her own medical experience, good Mrs. Corder glided -noiselessly up the second pair of stairs, and paused again -upon the second landing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Seeing a light shine through a half-open door, she, without -the ceremony of knocking, entered a fireless and -cheerless bed-chamber, where a young girl of about fifteen -years of age sat reading by the light of a farthing candle.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Corder sat her own candle down upon the chest of -drawers, and dropped into a chair to recover her breath, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>while she gazed with interest and curiosity upon the young -girl who was so absorbed in the perusal of her book as not -to notice the entrance of the landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No one—not even the most careless observer—could -have looked upon that girl with indifference. Her form -was slight and fragile, and her face pale and thin from that -unmistakable emaciation which attends a slow starvation—a -slow starvation that saps life as surely as a slow poison. -Yet, withal, the character of her face was full of spirit, -courage, and even mischief. Her bright brown hair rippled -back from a full round, white forehead, and flowed down -her shoulders in wavelets that were golden in the light and -bronze in the shade. Her eyebrows, of a darker hue, were -depressed towards the root of her nose, and elevated -towards the temples, giving a peculiarly arch expression to -her large, clear, gray eyes, that, fringed with their long, -thick lashes, might otherwise have seemed too thoughtful -and melancholy for one so young. Her slightly turned-up -nose, and short upper lip and rounded chin, were also full -of that expression of archness which seemed the natural -characteristic of her face. For the rest, she wore a faded -light gray dress, without any addition except a white linen -collar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Mrs. Corder had watched her for about a minute, -she called her attention by saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Annella!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young girl started, and looked up, and with a laugh -exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Mrs. Corder, is that you? How you startled me! -bringing me so suddenly down from dream-land to sober -earth. I feel as if I had fallen from a balloon, and struck -the ground in a very damp, cold marsh.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Annella, dear, I just dropped in to say if so be -you are awaiting up for the captain, you may as well go to -bed, because, if he comes home to-night—which is very uncertain, -you know—I can just let him in myself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>“Thank you, dear, kind Mrs. Corder; you are really too -good for this wicked world! But you are tired with this -day’s work, and you need your full night’s rest to prepare -you for to-morrow’s; therefore, you see you must go to bed -and go to sleep. As for me, I have got an interesting book -here, and I could not leave it until I get to the end of it -if it were to save my life! So sitting up will be no act of -self-denial on my part.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“La, now! what sort of a book is it as can keep a -young gal out of her bed at this time o’night?” inquired -the landlady, with interest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is the history of a brave boy, that took his father’s -crime upon his own childish shoulders, and ran away to -draw off the chase from his father’s house, and threw himself -upon the world to seek his fortune! Yes, and he will -find it too; or, at least, I shall not lay the book down -until he does.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk! I wonder if it is true?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To be sure it is true; every word of it is true. It is -too good not to be true!” replied the girl, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, I declare!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, how I wish I was a boy!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk, Miss Annella?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, I do! Oh, don’t I wish I was a boy! If I were, -oh, wouldn’t I go and seek my fortune, too!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk-a-daisy me, Miss Annella, whatever do you -mean?” inquired the astounded landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I mean just what I say!” exclaimed the girl, throwing -down her book, and laughing gaily. “I mean that I -would like to be as free as I should be if I were a boy, or -rather if I were a man. I would like to go where I please, -to do as I wish; to struggle with the goddess Fortune -until I had made the capricious vixen my slave!” concluded -the girl; and it was strange to see the fire that -gleamed from her dark-gray eyes, and glowed upon her -wan cheeks, as she spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>“La, bless my soul,” thought the terrified landlady, -“what a misfortin it is for young creatures to lose their -mothers, for sure, never was a woman so beset with two -such luny gals as I am by these two motherless young -things. The one down-stairs is a-going melancholy mad, -and the one up here is gone merry mad.” Then aloud she -asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Annella, do you remember your mother?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My poor, dear mother!” said the girl, in a tone of -deep pathos, and with a total change of expression and -manner. “No, I am very sorry that I cannot remember -her. How should I, when she died while I was yet in the -cradle—died broken-hearted, it is said, because my grandfather -would never forgive her for having married my -father.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, that was hard, too; for though it’s undutiful for -a child to marry against the wishes of her parents, and -never turns out to no good—as you may see yourself—still -it is unnatural for a parent to hold out forever agin -a child. So she died, poor woman, while you were a -baby!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She died in the second year of her marriage, when I -was but a few months old.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, then, that accounts for all your oddities, poor -child. I daresay, now, you never even had a female aunt -to look after you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not since I can recollect. I never had one but my -father. We used to live about in barracks, wherever his -regiment might be quartered for the time, until the evil -days came, and poor father was cashiered—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Umph, ah! for drink, I suppose,” thought the landlady; -but she said nothing, and Annella continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Since that time we have lived about in London lodgings, -but never in any lodgings, Mrs. Corder, where I have -been so happy as I have been here with you,” said the poor -girl, with grateful tears swimming in her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>“Hum! I can easily comprehend <em>that</em>; I’ve never pressed -the captain for his rent, which I don’t suppose his other -landladies has been so forbearing,” thought the good woman; -but instead of expressing such a thought, she said, -kindly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, child, having so many fatherless children of my -own, it came natural to me to try to make a motherless -girl comfortable; for, as I often says to myself, suppose -my children had been motherless, for though it is bad -enough to be fatherless, it is ten thousand times worse to -be motherless, as every orphan child knows. So now, my -dear, I think, as you are determined to finish your book -before you go to bed, the sooner I go and leave you to do -it the better. And so good-night, my dear.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good-night, dear, good Mrs. Corder,” replied the young -girl, warmly pressing the kind hand that was extended to -her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the worthy landlady took up her candle and went -up a third flight of stairs to the attic, where she slept with -her numerous progeny in quarters nearly as close as those -of the fabulous “old woman that lived in a shoe, and had -so many children she didn’t know what to do.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER IX.<br> <span class='large'>THE CHAMBER OF DEATH.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>“Whence is that knocking?</div> - <div class='line'>How is’t with me since every noise appalls me?”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The sleep of Eudora was deep, long and refreshing. It -was late in the morning when she was awakened by the -sound of an unusual commotion in the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>She started up in affright and listened, for in her present -distressing position every new event seemed charged with -deadly danger to herself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As, with breathless lungs and beating heart she listened, -she heard the sound of several heavy footsteps coming -slowly up the stairs, and frequently pausing, as if to rest -a burden. She heard them stop on the first landing outside -her door, and then proceed heavily up the second flight -of stairs. Then she heard them enter the room over her -head, and deposit their burden so heavily that its slow fall -shook the ceiling. This was followed by the shriek of a -girl, that rang piercing through the house, and then dead -silence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Unable longer to endure the agony of suspense, Eudora -rang her bell violently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The summons was immediately answered by the landlady, -who hastily entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Finding Eudora pale, faint and trembling, in a state of -deadly terror, she came to her side instantly, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There, I knew they would frighten you in your nervous -state, though I cautioned them to be quiet, too.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is it?” gasped Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“La, dear, the men a-bringing home the captain in a -dead stupor from the public, where he has been a-drinkin’ -all night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The captain?” echoed Eudora, still in a state of bewilderment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, dear, Captain Wilder, as I told you about him -and daughter last night. They’ve just brought him home -stupid with drink, and the poor girl thought he was dead, -and screamed out, that was all; but I told her as he’d come -to after a bit, and made ’em lay him on the bed, so don’t -you alarm yourself about it, my dear.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora sank back upon her pillow, half ashamed of the -relief she felt in knowing that the present shock of sorrow -had come to another instead of to herself.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>Mrs. Corder brought her hot water, and then Eudora -arose and dressed, and passed into her sitting-room, where -a comfortable breakfast was soon prepared.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora was not so completely absorbed in her own great -sorrow as not to feel some sympathy with the poor girl up-stairs. -And she requested Mrs. Corder to supply Miss -Wilder with anything that might be necessary, and charge -it to herself, Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the landlady had said, the captain came out of his -stupor, but it was only to fall into frightful convulsions of -<em>mania-á-potu</em>.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Many times during the day the kind-hearted landlady -was obliged to run up-stairs to render assistance to his unfortunate -daughter, whose youth, sex, and inexperience -alike rendered her unfit and incompetent to manage a man -in the frenzy of that terrible malady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All the afternoon and evening, Eudora was appalled by -the dreadful groans, shrieks, and struggles of the demoniac, -as he might truly be called, who was possessed by the -demon of intoxication.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Late at night those violent demonstrations of frenzy -ceased. And Eudora hoped, for the sake of his hapless -daughter, that his madness was over for the present.</p> - -<p class='c014'><em>It was over for ever.</em></p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora was just preparing to go to rest, when her door -was abruptly thrown open, and the landlady, in great -excitement, entered the room, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Miss Miller, my dear, for the love of Heaven, go -up-stairs and stay with that poor girl, while I run for the -doctor. I do believe the captain is dying!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, deeply shocked at what she heard, and sensible -withal that she could do but little good in such a case, -could not, however, disregard such an appeal. She arose -at once to comply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is the back room up-stairs, immediately over your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>own, my dear; you’ll be sure to find it,” said Mrs. Corder, -hurrying away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora immediately went up-stairs and rapped at the -door of the apartment to which she had been directed. -But receiving no answer, she gently pushed the door open -and entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a poorly-furnished chamber, lighted by a single -tallow candle, that stood upon a stand on the left side of -an uncurtained bedstead, and cast its sickly beams upon -the haggard face of the dying man, whose form lay extended -upon the mattress, and covered with a white counterpane.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the right side of the bed knelt his daughter, with her -hands clasping his hands, and her eyes gazing fondly and -anxiously into the face of her father. So completely absorbed -was she in her attention to him, that the entrance -of the visitor remained unnoticed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Father,” she said, continuing to gaze imploringly into -his insensible countenance, “father, don’t you know me—won’t -you speak to me? Father, it is your own Nella!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She waited, without removing her eyes from those of the -dying man, but receiving no answering word nor even a -conscious look in reply to her impassioned appeal, she -dropped her face upon the counterpane, and sobbed aloud.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment Eudora glided to her side, laid her hand -softly upon her shoulder, and spoke gently to her, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not weep so bitterly, Miss Wilder. There may be -hope yet.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The child sprang lightly to her feet, threw back the golden brown -tresses that half veiled her face, and fixed her long-lashed, -soft-gray eyes upon the beautiful vision that had -entered the room, like an angel, to breathe of hope.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am your fellow-lodger, Miss Wilder, and having some -experience in illness, I have come to render you what assistance -I may,” pursued Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, thank you! thank you a thousand times for coming! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>But do you think you can do anything for him! Oh, see! -he takes no notice even of a stranger coming into the room! -he does not even know <em>me</em>!” exclaimed Annella, taking her -visitor by the hand, and drawing her closely to the bedside, -while she pointed to the suffering man, over whose -face the gray shadows of death were already creeping.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora saw that this case was not only beyond her skill, -but beyond that of the most skilful physician. Yet she -could not find it in her heart to communicate this grievous -truth to the child whose soft, dark eyes were fixed so -beseechingly upon her face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have you any stimulant in the house—any hartshorn, -or even eau-de-cologne?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was almost mockery to ask for any article of comfort -in a place where the common necessaries of life seemed -wanting. And so Eudora felt it to be when poor Annella -shook her head, and then burst into tears.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not weep, dear; the doctor will be here in a moment, -and he will send the proper remedies immediately,” said -Eudora, who had taken up and was briskly rubbing the icy -hand of the sufferer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella followed her example with the other hand, which -she chafed with the hot tears that fell fast from her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The moment after footsteps were heard upon the stairs, -and the landlady and the doctor entered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The latter immediately stepped to the side of the bed, -from which Eudora and Annella retired to give him place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor took up the hand that Eudora had relinquished, -and held it for about a minute with his finger on -the pulse. Then he softly laid it down again, and stood -with his eyes fixed in grave contemplation upon the stiffening -face before him. The landlady drew near in awe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Remove his unhappy daughter from the room. The man -has ceased to suffer,” said the doctor, in a low tone, yet not -so low but that its import struck the heart of Annella, who -rushed to the bedside, gazed wildly upon the fixed features -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>of her father, and then seizing the doctor’s hand, exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dead? Do you mean dead? Oh, no, sir! no, sir! say -he is not dead.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Poor child! my saying that will not bring him to life. -He has ceased to suffer! and we must all bow to the will -of Heaven!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a low, inarticulate, sobbing moan, like the last -utterance of a breaking heart, the poor girl sank upon the -bed beside her father’s body, and buried her face on his cold -bosom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was no violent demonstration of sorrow. After -that first broken-hearted sob and moan she lay as patient, -as silent, and as motionless as the dead beside her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They let her remain for a little time, during which they -stood in reverent silence around the bed of death; and then -the doctor said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She must be removed. She will make no resistance; -she is too much prostrated to do so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Mrs. Corder went and tenderly raised the light form -in her own strong, motherly arms, murmuring:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“La! she has no more solidness in her nor a poor little -starved sparrow in the hard frost.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Bring her into my room, and lay her upon my bed, -dear Mrs. Corder, and then, while you attend to the dead, -I will do all I can for the living,” said Eudora, gravely -leading the way from the chamber of death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Corder followed with her light burden, carrying it, -as she had been desired, to Eudora’s room, deposited it -carefully upon her bed, and then withdrew to render the -necessary services elsewhere.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, drawn completely out of herself, forgot for the -moment her own sorrows in ministering to those of the poor, -bereaved destitute Annella. Much acquaintance with grief -had taught Eudora the rarest of all arts—that of wisely -comforting the afflicted. She knew that sorrow is less -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>hurtful when it is permitted to express itself in complaints. -She tempted Annella to complain, and the child said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Miss Miller, it is so—<em>so</em> hard! I hadn’t a friend in -the world but him—and he hadn’t one on earth but me! -We were all in all to each other! and so we always have -been, ever since I can remember! When the court-martial -took his commission away from him, he gathered me to his -heart, and said—‘Thank God they can never take <em>you</em> from -me, my Nella!’ And now he is taken from me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here a burst of tears interrupted her speech. When it -was over she resumed her complaint:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They speak ill of him because he drank, Miss Miller; -but he could not help it. How hard he tried to break himself -of that fatal habit no one knows so well as myself—except -his Maker! but he never could! Drinking was as -much a disease with him as coughing is with the consumptive, -or shaking is with the paralytic. Oh, Miss Miller, you -look so good! <em>you</em> don’t think hard of my poor dead father -do you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, dear; I have always believed inebriation—habitual -inebriation—to be a mere disease,” said Eudora, sympathetically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, it is! it is just as much a disease as dyspepsia or -consumption is! This disease that he could not conquer—the -dishonor that he felt to the inmost core of his heart—the -despair that he should ever recover all that he had -lost—these broke his heart! I know it; and I will defend -his memory if no one else does!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here another burst of weeping arrested her farther discourse. -When this second gust of sorrow was past, she -continued her touching apology for the dead:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If man could see as God sees—what it was that first -drove him to drink—I mean what it was that first brought -on this disease, they would pity instead of condemning -him! It was my mother’s early death! He loved her so -much, Miss Miller. Since she died he has never looked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>upon another woman with affection. And he loved me so -much for her sake! And now he is gone, and I shall never -see him more—never! never! never!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here, for the third time, a wild gush of tears and sobs -choked her voice; but as it gradually subsided to quiet -weeping, she grew still, and dropped into slumber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was but a child in her first sorrow, and like a child -she had cried herself to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora then quietly undressed, and lay down by her side, -where she soon shared the same blessing of oblivion and -repose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The next day was one of great bustle in the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The parish officers, summoned by the troubled landlady, -were early on the premises to take cognizance of the deceased -and his necessities.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was to be a parish funeral; there was absolutely no -help for it. Mrs. Corder, after having paid her half year’s -rent, had not five shillings left in the world; and as for -credit—who in this world would credit a poor widow with -thirteen children, even for a grave in a Christian churchyard!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora was equally destitute of money and credit. Mr. -Montrose, in remembering everything else, had forgotten -to supply her with funds. And thus the heiress of Allworth -Abbey had not so much as a crown left in her purse. -A fugitive and a stranger, she dared not ask for credit, -even if there had been a chance of her obtaining it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus it happened that the father of Annella was obliged -to be buried at the expense of the parish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In such burials there is no reverent delay, no long lying -out; no funeral feast; no train of mourners; all is plain, -cheap, and expeditious. The coffin was sent in the same -morning, and the interment was ordered for the afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella heard of this arrangement with a stony resignation.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>“He will not feel it,” she said; “and as for me it does -not matter.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the hasty parish funeral was over, there was a -talk among the parish officers of sending the young girl -for the present to the union, until some other disposition -could be made of her, and this was opposed by Mrs. Corder -with all her heart and soul.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sure, sirs,” she said, “I would no more consent to -her going to the union, nor I would one o’ my own. Sirs, -I’ve thirteen a’ready, and I don’t mind making ’em fourteen; -certain, one more or less can’t make no noticeable -difference in a family like mine, unless it should be one -less instead o’ one more, which the Lord in his mercy forbid!” -added the mother, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thirteen children! Do you tell me to my face that -you have thirteen children, woman? What do you mean -by having thirteen children in an over-populated parish -like this? I should think a visitation of the scarlet-fever -would be a godsend to you,” said one of the officers, staring -in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, may the Lord forgive you for that speech, sir! -And as for the rest, sir, if ever I bring my children on the -parish, it will be time enough for you to reproach me for -first bringing ’em into the world. And more be token, -instead of wanting to put a child on the parish, I am offering -for to take one offen it,” said the widow, in honest -indignation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that’s true, too,” observed the other officer, “but -then you have enough to support now; you will never be -able to bear the burdens of an additional one.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lord, sir, it will be but the putting of a ha’-penny -more on every measure of peas, or potatoes, and persuading -the people that they are better nor usual,” added Mrs. -Corder, <i><span lang="it">sotto voce</span></i>.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Humph, humph, well, we will leave the child with you -to-night, and think about it. Perhaps the parish may give -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>you something for keeping her, until she recovers herself, -and is strong enough to be bound out.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sirs, I thank you; but I would no more take parish -help for her nor I would for one of my own, as I told your -worships before.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, well, my good woman, there will be time enough -to think of that,” said the senior officer, as himself and -his companion took their leave.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This conversation had taken place in the little back -parlor behind the shop.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But there had been one unseen, silent, but attentive -listener to this discourse. And that listener was Annella, -who, crouching in her grief in a dark corner of the room, -had been a witness to the whole interview. And while -Mrs. Corder was attending the parish officers to the shop-door, -Annella slipped through the side-door opening from -the little back parlor into the hall, and crept away to the -privacy of her own room, there to mature her plans for -the future.</p> - -<p class='c014'>An hour afterwards Mrs. Corder carried her up a cup of -tea and a round of toast, and setting these refreshments -down upon a little stand, she dropped into the nearest chair -to recover her breath, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, for the future, my dear, you will come down and -take your meals with me. I have adopted you, and so you -are to be my daughter, unless some of your kinsfolk should -come forward and take you away from me; which I hope -they won’t, unless they can do much better for you than I -can.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella spoke no word of thanks, but arose and knelt -down by the side of the good mother, and raised her fat -hand to her pale lips, and kissed it fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There, child, there; do get up and drink your tea, -I aint a image to be knelt down afore, nor likewise a -sovring Queen to have my hand kissed. But if you are -fond of old women, and do want to be petted, why here, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>then,” said the affectionate creature, raising the girl, and -drawing her slight form to her own motherly bosom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There, now drink your tea while it is hot, and then go -right to bed, and get a good night’s rest. And mind to-morrow -morning come down and take your breakfast with -me at eight o’clock,” said the good woman, releasing the -orphan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then, as Mrs. Corder was much too busy to indulge -in sentiment, she arose and bade Annella good-night, and -left her to repose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now I’ll just look in and see how my other girl -does. I might as well own up to having fifteen children at -once, for this beautiful creature needs a mother’s care as -much as any of the others,” said Mrs. Corder to herself, -as on her way down stairs she paused before Eudora’s door -and rapped.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Being requested to enter, she put her head in at the door, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I just looked in upon you to see if you required anything, -and to say that you needn’t trouble your tender -heart any longer about Miss Nella. She’s having her tea, -and is going to bed presently. She’ll do very well for the -present. I have adopted her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You should really be at the head of an orphan asylum, -Mrs. Corder,” said Eudora, looking up from her book.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think I am at the head of an orphan asylum with fifteen -orphans to look after,” said Mrs. Corder, smiling at -her own notion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then ascertaining that Eudora required nothing more -that evening, she wished her good-night, and withdrew into -the lower regions to attend to her own more rightful -orphans.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Early the next morning the worthy landlady was stirring. -She opened her little shop betimes, placing the red-haired -heir of the house of Corder behind the counter to serve the -early customers, while she busied herself in the kitchen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>behind the little back parlor, preparing breakfast for her -family.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eight o’clock arrived, and the morning meal was ready; -but Annella had not made her appearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is oversleeping herself, poor child; so much the -better, it will do her a world of good; and I can just keep -some coffee and muffins for her against she does wake; so -now, children, come, get your breakfasts.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so saying, as in that busy household there was no -time to wait, the good woman gathered her numerous progeny -around the long kitchen table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When their healthful appetites were well satisfied, the -careful mother bustled up, and leaving her eldest daughter, -Sally, a good-humored, red-haired lass of sixteen years of -age, to clear away the table, she hurried off, up-stairs, to -wait upon her lodger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And it was while Eudora was seated before a delicate -morning repast of black tea, buttered toast, and soft-boiled -fresh eggs, that the latter inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How is Annella this morning?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have not seen her yet. She is oversleeping herself, -poor child, after all this fatigue and distress, and I hope -she will feel the better of it,” said the worthy woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet it is ten o’clock. She may be ill, Mrs. Corder. -And you know there is no bell in her room.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is true, Miss Miller; I will run up and see.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so saying, the landlady left the room and went up-stairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora heard her footsteps overhead passing about from -one room to the other, apparently in great excitement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then there was silence for a little while.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then the lady was heard rushing down the stairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She threw open the door of Eudora’s room and entered -in a state of extreme agitation, holding an open letter in -her hand, and exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is gone, Miss Miller!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>“Gone—<em>who</em>?” inquired the bewildered Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nella! Nella! Who else?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nella! But <em>where</em> is she gone! Sit down and take -breath, Mrs. Corder.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady dropped panting into the nearest chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, tell me quietly all about it, Mrs. Corder.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She’s gone! She’s off! that’s all about it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“‘Gone,’ ‘off,’ you said that before; but <em>why</em> has she -gone?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“’Cause she’s crazy; ’cause she’s frightened o’ the parish -officers, blame ’em, and o’ the union, and o’ being bound -out, or else o’ being a burden to me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But <em>where</em>, then, has she gone!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To her ruin, I’m afeard! To seek her fortin’, she -says.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But in what direction?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lord knows! <em>I</em> don’t, if <em>she</em> does herself. This comes -all along o’ having no home and no mother, and being -brought up in a barrack, with no one but a tipsy father to -look after her. Here, Miss Miller; here’s her letter. I -haven’t more than just looked over it. And to go off -without her breakfast, too, before any of us was up! But -here’s her letter, Miss Miller; it is intended for you as well -as for me, for see it is directed—‘<em>To my good friends</em>!’ -Read it out loud, please, and then, maybe, I may understand -it better, for I never was a good hand at making out -writing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora took the letter, and read:</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='sc'>Dear, Kind Friends</span>:—When these lines shall meet -your eyes, the poor girl that you have befriended will be -far away from London. But do not think that she is ungrateful -because she is forced to leave you; forced to leave -you for your own sakes as well as for her own. She cannot -consent to become a pauper, to be disposed of by the -parish officers in any manner which they may think proper. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>And she cannot remain a burthen upon good Mrs. Corder, -or dear Miss Miller. She longs for freedom and independence, -and pines for the country and the open air. She has -not a relation in the world upon whom she has any claim. -But that you may not be uneasy about her, know that she -is gone to seek her fortune in the north of England. There -she has a possible friend in the daughter of her mother’s -nurse, the foster-sister of her mother, Tabitha Tabs, who -lives as ladies’-maid at a place called Allworth Abbey, -somewhere in the county of C——. For her mother’s -sake, this Tabitha may help her to some good place in the -country, where she will be willing to work very hard, so -that she can only see the green fields, breathe the fresh air, -and feel herself a free girl. And so, dear friends, pray feel -no anxiety for her welfare. But believe, that He who fed -the young ravens will care for her, who will always remember -your kindness with the warmest gratitude while her -name is</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c016'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Annella</span>.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>When Eudora, in reading this letter, met the name of -Allworth Abbey, a deadly terror came over her. She felt -all the extreme danger that threatened herself in the journey -of this unsuspicious girl. She could scarcely command -herself sufficiently to read the letter to its close. And when -she had finished the perusal, the paper fluttered and dropped -from her hand, and she sank back half-fainting in her -chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady perceived her emotion, but ascribed it -wholly to sympathy with the misguided fugitive. She -picked up the letter, and smoothing it out, began to look -at it again, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did ever any human creature hear of such a mad act? -For to go and leave well-known friends to seek her fortin’ -among total strangers; and without any north star to steer -by, as one may say, but a ladies’-maid somewhere in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>North of England. Stay. Where did she say the maid -was at service?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“At a place called Allworth Abbey,” faltered Eudora, -with as indifferent an air as she could assume.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Allworth Abbey? Allworth Abbey? Sure I have -heard that name somewhere lately, and heard no good of it -neither,” said the landlady meditatively.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then with a sudden flash of memory lighting up her face, -she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, it’s the very place where that wicked young girl -poisoned all her relations! Lawk! to think that she should -be going there! But she couldn’t ha’ read the <cite>Times</cite>, or -heard o’ what’s happened in that family, or she never would -be going there.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow and -a fore-ordained fate in the journey of a wild girl to Allworth -Abbey,” sighed Eudora.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER X.<br> <span class='large'>THE STUBBORN WITNESS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“If a woman will, she will, you may depend on’t:</div> - <div class='line'>And if she won’t, she won’t, and there’s an end on’t.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>We must return to the scene of the tragedy, and -relate what took place at Allworth Abbey immediately -after the escape of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the first place, as soon as Eudora had taken leave, -and before she had passed through the secret egress, -Tabitha shut her eyes, and turned her back so that she -might not actually <em>see</em> by what means, or in whose company -her mistress quitted the chamber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But as soon as she heard the panel slipped into its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>place, and the bolt on the other side shot across it, she -turned, and with a smile of triumph, sank into the easy-chair, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now they may cross-examine me until all is blue, if -they like, and I can swear a hole through an iron pot that -I never saw how she left the room.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so saying, Miss Tabs yielded herself up to the repose -of which she stood so much in need.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was late in the morning when she was awakened by a -loud knocking at the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She started up, recollected in an instant where she was, -who rapped, and what was required.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She jumped up, rubbed her eyes, shook herself, and went -to the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, what do you want?” she inquired, as she opened -it a little way.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We want the prisoner. Here’s some breakfast for her. -Let her eat it quickly, for the chaise is at the door to convey -her to the county gaol,” said the policeman on duty, -handing in a waiter of coffee and bread.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The prisoner? What prisoner are you talking about? -There is no prisoner here!” said Tabitha, disdainfully, as -she received the waiter, and set it upon the side-table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Eudora Leaton, your missus, our prisoner. Tell -her to get herself ready quickly, as we must take her off -towards the prison directly,” said the policeman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My missus! Why, haven’t you taken her off already?” -exclaimed Tabitha, in well-assumed surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Taken her off already? No! What do you mean?” -inquired the policeman, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I mean as how she isn’t here! as you know very well -she isn’t, ’cause you’ve taken her away! What have you -done with her—eh?” cried Tabitha.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, woman, none of your nonsense; it won’t do -with us, I can tell you; so just get your missus ready to go -with us.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>“And I tell you she ain’t <em>here</em>! and you know it a -great deal better than I do! ’cause you <em>must</em> have taken -her away! You kept the door!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not here!” exclaimed the policeman, passing without -ceremony into the room, and proceeding to search it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now it is of no use to try to gammon people in this -way, by pretending to search the room where you know -very well that she cannot be found,” said Tabitha, scornfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where is she?” thundered the policeman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s what <em>you’ll</em> have to tell! <em>You</em> kept the door! -I suppose you came in while I was asleep and stole her -away! Mayhap you’ve murdered her and thrown her into -the lake for aught that I know! Oh! you shall pay for -it!” cried Tabitha, working herself up into a well-acted -passion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The policeman, without paying further heed to her -words, immediately gave the alarm; and the chamber was -soon filled with an eager and curious crowd.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, then! what is all this about?” inquired the doctor, -who was present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, sir, this girl declares that the prisoner has escaped!” -said the policeman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t declare no such thing! I declares that when I -woke up this morning she was gone; and it stands to -reason, as that perlice guarded the door, he must have -stolen her away while I was asleep,” cried Tabitha, in an -angry voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Escaped? how? when? where? Look to all the outer -doors and windows. Search the house! Search the grounds! -Give the alarm in the neighborhood! Fifty pounds to any -of you who will bring her back! Disperse! quick! she -destroyed all your master’s family!” exclaimed the doctor, -vehemently, addressing the assembled servants, who hurried -away to obey him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How came you to be so, so negligent, officer, as to let -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>your prisoner pass you?” inquired Squire Humphreys, one -of the magistrates, who had remained in the house all night, -because he was a friend and neighbor of the late Lord -Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As Heaven hears me, your worship, she never got out -through this door! I never left my post for a single minute -during the night, but stood leaning up against the door -itself; so that even if I had dropped asleep, and the door -could have been opened, I should have fallen down and -been roused by the fall. But I never closed my eyes during -the whole night, your worship,” said the policeman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This is most wonderful,” continued the magistrate, who, -with the doctor, made a careful examination of the room, -including the fastenings of the window-shutters, which -were all found secure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Has any one questioned my comrade, your worship?” -inquired the policeman, respectfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sure enough no one has done so,” said the doctor, going -and knocking at the door of the little dressing-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The officer on guard there unlocked the door, and stood -face to face with the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your prisoner has escaped! How came you to be so -careless as to let her pass?” demanded the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Pass! On my honor, sir, no one has passed me the -whole night. I have stood with my back leaning against -the door and the key in my pocket all the time,” said the -officer, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This is most inexplicable! Did neither of you hear -any noise in the night?” inquired the magistrate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None whatever, your worship,” said the first officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Everything was as silent as death, sir,” added the -second.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This is most incredible! The girl seems to have been -a sorceress as well as a poisoner, and to have vanished up -the chimney in a flame of fire!” exclaimed the doctor, in -an angry dismay.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>“I beg your worship’s pardon,” said the principal policeman, -coming up and touching his forehead to the magistrate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, Sims, what is it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think, sir, as the prisoner could not have escaped -through either of the doors guarded by me or my comrade, -that she must have got out in some other manner, and that -this young woman, who stayed with her all night must -know all about it; and with submission to your worship, -I think she ought to be made to tell.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh! <em>ought</em> I? I’d like to see who’ll make <em>me</em> tell anything -I don’t want to tell!” exclaimed Miss Tabs, thrown -as completely off her guard as any passionate person may -be if one can only succeed in making them angry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I agree with you,” said the doctor to the policeman. -Then turning to Tabitha, he said: “Young woman, you -have betrayed yourself. You evidently know something -of this mysterious escape of the prisoner. And we must -insist upon your divulging all that you do know.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Werry well, insist away; I aint no manner of objection -to your insisting as much as ever you please,” replied -Tabitha, folding her arms, setting her teeth, and grinning -defiance at the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How did the prisoner escape from the room?” demanded -the latter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t know,” replied Tabitha.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You <em>do</em> know, and I will make you tell,” vociferated -the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Werry well then, make me,” sneered Miss Tabs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How did the prisoner escape, I ask you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I tell you I don’t know.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Young woman, I am that sure you <em>do</em> know, and you -shall be forced to tell.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Listen to me then; I will tell you what I <em>do</em> know, and -I won’t tell you anything more.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is all we wish to hear. Go on.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>“Well then, I fell asleep in that chair, and when I woke -up my missus was gone. That’s what I <em>know</em>. And it -stands to reason as that perlice, as kept the passage door, -must have come in while I was asleep and stole her off.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Young woman, are you telling the truth?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir; ’pon my word and honor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The <em>whole</em> truth?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk, sir, I don’t <em>know</em> the whole truth no more nor -Pontius Pilate.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Girl! you know more than you choose to tell; but I -will find a way to make you open your mouth,” said the -doctor, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I won’t open my mouth no wider for nobody on -earth, nor for nothing that can be done to me! I’ll be -burked, and made a subject of, and ’natomized in a dissecting-room -afore I’ll open my mouth any wider for anybody -on earth! So there now!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Young woman, it is my duty to inform you that if you -know anything of the escape of the prisoner, you can be -made to divulge it,” said the magistrate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t know nothing at all about it, and I won’t -divulge anything about it,” said Miss Tabs, rather inconsistently. -“I won’t! to save anybody’s life! And I’d -like to see who’ll make me speak when I don’t want to -speak! I’d like to see the Church and the State try to do -it! or the army and navy try to do it! or the House of -Commons and the House of Lords try! or the Archbishop -of Canterbury and the Lord Chancellor try! or all of -them together try to make me speak when I don’t want to -speak!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Or hold your tongue when you don’t want to hold it, -you impudent creature!” exclaimed the doctor, in a rage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, I s’pose people can be imperent if they choose -to take the consequences, can’t they? And here am I, -ready to take the consequences. I s’pose you’ll do something -dreadful to me! well, do it; here I am, ready to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>made a wictim of, or a martyr of, or a ’natomy of! But -I won’t speak! I won’t speak! I won’t! to please anybody.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are speaking all the time, you wretch! You are -deafening us with your speech, if you would only speak to -the purpose,” said the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your words, young woman, betray that you do know -more of this matter than you are willing to divulge,” said -the magistrate, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have told you what I do know, sir; that when I -closed my eyes my mistress was still in the room, and when -I woke up she was gone.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But have you no knowledge or suspicion of how she -went?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have no certain knowledge, sir, as I did not see her -when she left. But as there seems no other way of her -getting out of the room, it stands to reason that that -policeman as kept the passage door must have let her -out.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The magistrate and the doctor looked at each other in -perplexity. They had full faith in the policeman; they -had no faith whatever in Tabitha, and yet the evidence -was certainly against the policeman, and in favor of -Tabitha. She saw this, and followed up her advantage by -saying, valiantly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There, gentlemen, I have told you the truth. I can’t -tell you any more than that. Now you may do your -worst to me, for here I stand ready to be a martyr to the -truth.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor and the magistrate still continued to look -into each other’s faces for counsel.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why don’t you make the policeman confess? Don’t -you see that there was no other way for Miss Leaton to -escape but through the door that he guarded, for the -dressing-room guarded by the other policeman has no outlet, -and the window-shutters were all barred and padlocked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>by the doctor, who took away the keys with him. And -even if he had not done so, the windows are full sixty feet -from the ground, and even if she had attempted to jump -from either of them, she must have broken her neck. But -she could not even have attempted it, since the windows -were found as they were left, securely fastened. And -therefore, your worship, is it not perfectly clear as my mistress -must have left the room through the door guarded by -that perlice?” concluded Tabitha, pointing vindictively at -the innocent but discomfitted officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sims, this looks very badly for you,” said the magistrate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know it do, your worship, but I hope my character is -above suspicion.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I believe it to be, Sims, and I do not myself suspect -you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>In fact, both the magistrate and the doctor strongly suspected -Tabitha, but as the evidence was certainly not -against her, they could do nothing in the premises.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They left the chamber, and went down into the crimson -drawing-room, which had been the scene of so many of -the investigations, to consult with the others upon the best -means of searching for and recapturing the fugitive.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They remained long in consultation before it occurred to -them to summon one who might be supposed to take the -deepest interest in the matter. Then Mr. Humphreys said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Had not Mr. Montrose better be requested to give us -his company and counsel in this affair?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly,” replied Doctor Watkins, ringing the bell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Give my respects to Mr. Montrose, and say that we -should be pleased to see him here,” said the doctor to the -footman who answered the bell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The servant withdrew, but presently returned with the -news.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose has not yet risen, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lazy fellow, and it is nearly twelve o’clock,” said the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>doctor, dismissing that matter from his mind, and resuming -the business with the magistrates.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The form of a placard was drawn up, offering a reward -for the apprehension of Eudora Leaton, and this was ordered -to be immediately printed and posted all over the -country. The police were sent out in every direction to -prosecute the search; and when these measures for the apprehension -of the fugitive had been taken, the doctor -ordered in breakfast, and sat down with the magistrate and -solicitor to partake of it. And while they were thus engaged, -Malcolm Montrose, who had returned home unobserved, -quietly entered the dining-room, and bade them -good morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, you are up at last!” said the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I had a very bad night’s rest; that must be my apology -for a very late appearance,” said Malcolm, drawing his chair -to the table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And have you heard since you came down that the -prisoner has escaped?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, so my servant informed me; but she cannot have -gone far.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, no; and as the promptest measures have been -taken for her apprehension, we hope soon to have her safely -lodged in jail. But the great mystery is the manner of -her escape. She must have vanished up the chimney. I -suspect Tabs of knowing more about it than she is willing -to tell; but then there is no evidence against her, and she -insists that her mistress must have been spirited away by -the policeman on guard while she, Tabs, slept. And in -fact if we were not assured of the fidelity of Sims, this -would seem the most likely solution of the mystery.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I should think it would seem the only one,” said Malcolm, -secretly thanking Heaven that Tabitha had proved -“game,” and that the manner of Eudora’s escape was as -yet unknown and unsuspected.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The remainder of the day was passed in fruitless search -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>for the fugitive, of whom several traces were supposed to -have been found. One policeman brought back the report -that a young lady in deep mourning had taken the night -train at Poolville for Edinburgh. Another that a young -person answering to the description of Eudora Leaton had -been seen to get into the cross-country stage-coach going -to Sherbourne. A third brought the intelligence that a -young woman in black had been seen to go on board a vessel -bound for Abbeyport—a small sea-coast village six miles -from Allworth—to Arrach, on the north coast of Ireland.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Policemen, armed with warrants, were sent off in all these -directions, while the route of the fugitive remained undiscovered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Late that night Lieutenant Norham Montrose, the younger -brother of Malcolm, arrived at the Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Norham Montrose was, in form and features, the very -counterpart of Malcolm, having the same tall, broad-shouldered, -deep-chested, strong limbed athletic form, the -same noble Roman features, and the same commanding -presence. But in complexion and in temperament they -were as opposite as day and night; for whereas Malcolm -was fair as a Saxon, with clear, blue eyes, and light auburn -hair, Norham was dark as a Spaniard, with jet-black eyes -and raven-black hair and whiskers. And where Malcolm -was gracious, liberal and confiding, Norham was haughty, -reserved and suspicious.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He had not visited the Abbey since the arrival of Eudora -from India, and consequently he had never seen her. The -letter from the family solicitor that summoned him to the -house informed him of all that had taken place. And now -he came with his dark blood boiling, and his heart burning -in hatred and vengeance against her whom he considered -the fell destroyer of the doomed Leaton family.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm received him with grave affection, and they talked -over the late tragedy in very much the same strain in which -Malcolm had already discussed the circumstances with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>others—Malcolm insisting upon the innocence of Eudora, -and Norham, like former opponents, appealing to the overwhelming -evidence against her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The next day had been appointed for the double funeral.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At an early hour of the morning the guests began to -assemble to pay due respect to the memory of the deceased.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Among the neighboring gentry who had been invited to -assist at the solemnities, were the respective families of the -Honorable Mrs. Elverton, of Edenlawn, and the veteran -Admiral Sir Ira Brunton, of the Anchorage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These, as the nearest neighbors and dearest friends of the -deceased, arrived first upon the premises.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral came alone in a mourning coach, and was -received by Mr. Montrose and Lieutenant Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton came, accompanied by her daughter Alma, -and was received by the Princess Pezzilini in the deepest -mourning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was high noon when, in all the “pomp, pride and circumstance” -of death, the remains of Lady Leaton and her -daughter Agatha were consigned to the family vault under -the chapel, where three months before those of the head of -the House had been laid. They were placed, the wife on -the right and the daughter on the left of the late Lord -Leaton. And it was with feelings deeper than awe that -the mourners left the chapel where rested the bodies of the -last of that once flourishing but now extinguished race.</p> - -<p class='c014'>After the funeral obsequies were over, it was arranged -that the brothers Malcolm and Norham Montrose, as next -of kin and heirs presumptive, should remain for the present -in charge of Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But as it was known that the Princess Pezzilini, still a -young and beautiful woman, could not continue as the -guest of two gentlemen in a house where there was no -other lady, she was immediately overwhelmed with invitations. -All the country gentry contended for the honor of -the company of an exiled princess. But the beautiful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>Italian decided to accept for the present the hospitality of -the veteran hero, Admiral Sir Ira Brunton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the same evening, attended by Miss Tabs, whom -she had taken into her service, the princess accompanied -the gallant admiral to his elegant retreat, the Anchorage.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XI.<br> <span class='large'>THE YOUNG WANDERER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Either they fear their fate too much,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Or their desert is small,</div> - <div class='line'>Who put it not unto the touch,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And lose or win it all.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The interests of our history require that we take up the -fortunes of the captain’s orphan daughter from the moment -that she was left alone on the evening preceding her flight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Poor Annella had not been brought up as other young -girls, and therefore should not be judged by the same -standard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The only and motherless child of a dissipated officer in -a marching regiment, nearly the whole of her neglected -childhood had been passed in the camp, in the barracks, -and in perpetual change of place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And in this roving and unguarded life she had contracted -a reckless spirit of independence, a proud impatience of -restraint, and a wild love of freedom, which might lead her -into the gravest errors, precipitate her into the deepest -misfortunes, and require the severest discipline of Providence -to correct.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hitherto her short life, though erratic, had been blameless.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>Now deprived by death of her father, her only natural -guardian, and the only authority she would recognize, her -high spirit revolted at the thought of control by any other -power. And above all, the idea of a degrading parochial -interference in her personal matters was most abhorrent to -her proud heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus, the strongest motives that could actuate a creature -of her peculiar character prompted her to immediate flight—on -the one hand, a loathing dread of the degradation of -being sent to the union, or bound to a mistress, or left a -burden upon the poor widow; and on the other hand, a -longing desire for liberty, fresh air, and country scenery; -and under all this a latent love of adventure, a romantic -disposition, and a long-cherished secret resolution to make -her own way in the world, combined an irresistible power -to urge Annella to this strange proceeding.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From the hour of overhearing the conversation between -the parish officers and the landlady, she had firmly determined -upon making her escape into the country.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To hint such a purpose to Mrs. Corder she knew would -be to raise instant and fatal opposition to her plans; and -once resolved to escape, she was desirous that her departure -should be without hindrance or pursuit. Therefore -her withdrawal must be private as well as prompt.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But to leave the house without taking leave of her kind -friends would seem ungrateful, and to leave them in anxiety -concerning her fate would be cruel.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Therefore, after some consideration, she resolved upon -the expedient of writing a farewell letter. When she had -finished, folded, and directed this letter, she pinned it in -front of the frame of her dressing-glass, in a conspicuous -place, where she knew it must be found.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Next she made a large compact bundle of all the most -valuable portions of her personal effects; then she put up -a small parcel containing only a single change of clothing. -And then she looked into her purse, that contained just -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>half-a-crown, which had been slipped into her hand by -Eudora, and accepted as a loan, to be repaid at some future -day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lastly, she lay down upon the bed to rest while waiting -for the dawn of day to commence her journey. She did -not expect or even wish to sleep; yet scarcely had her -head sunk upon her pillow, when her fatigue overcame her -excitement and cast her into a deep sleep that lasted until -morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Day was dawning when she awoke with a start and a -sudden recollection of her purpose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She sprang up from the bed, and commenced cautious -but hasty preparations for her flight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When quite ready, she took her bundles in her arms and -silently descended the stairs until she reached the narrow -entrance-hall. She softly glided along this hall until she -reached the front door. She unlocked this door, passed -through it, closed it behind her, and went forth alone into -the world.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The street was at this hour more deserted, still, and -silent than at any other time of the day or night. The -latest wayfarers had long since retired, and the earliest -were not yet astir. The rows of houses on each side the -street presented long, dark lines of unbroken gloom and -quietness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a moment Annella stood before the door she was -about to leave, and looked up and down the street in perplexity -where first to direct her steps.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then she turned up the street, and walked on briskly in -the direction of the city.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was growing quite light, so that by the time she -reached London Bridge the sun was rising and throwing a -flood of golden glory over the waters of the river.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She crossed the bridge and hurried onward up King -William street until she reached the shop of a Jew dealer -in second-hand clothing.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>She entered this shop, untied her large bundle, displayed -its contents upon the counter, and inquired of the Jewess -in attendance:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What will you give me for these?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How mush do you wantsh?” asked the woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think they are worth three pounds, but you may have -them for two,” replied Annella, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Two poundsh!! You are jokinsh,” said the Jewess -turning the half-worn dresses over in disdain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What will you give me for them, then?” inquired Annella, -impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Five shillingsh for the lotsh.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That will not do,” said Annella, beginning to tie up her -bundle.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stopsh, stopsh, letsh talk a little more,” said the woman, -detaining her customer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella paused, and a little more bargaining ensued, in -which, as a matter of course, Annella was cheated. Impatient -to be off, she closed the sale, disposing of her wardrobe -for the sum of ten shillings, and left the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Keeping nearly due north, she walked on until in due -course of time she reached the King’s-cross Railway station.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was now nine o’clock.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She entered the ticket-office, and inquired when the next -train would start. She was told at ten minutes past the -hour. This gave her just time enough to get a cup of -coffee and a bun at the pastrycook’s stall opposite the -office.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When she had partaken of this refreshment that her -long walk had made so necessary, she went up to the third-class -ticket-window, laid her half sovereign upon the ledge, -and enquired of the clerk:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How far on this line will this money take me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Instead of answering her question the clerk regarded her -with such a look of suspicion, that she hastened to say:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>“I have just lost my father, and have no relations here -in London. I wish to go to the north, where I have a friend. -I have only twelve shillings and six pence, and I wish to -save half-a-crown to buy food, and to go as far as half-a-sovereign -will carry me on my way; after that I must walk.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were other passengers thronging to the window to -be accommodated, and so the clerk hastily drew in the half-sovereign -and pushed out a ticket, which she seized as she -left the window, and joined the crowd that was hurrying -towards the third-class carriages. She had just taken her -seat when the train started.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was the first train, and thus it happened that at the -very moment in which good Mrs. Corder discovered the -absence of her favorite, Annella was full forty miles from -London, flying northward at the rate of forty miles an -hour.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the train rushed onward the wild girl’s spirits rose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a beautiful day in spring; the earth wore its tenderest -and freshest green; the sky its softest and clearest -blue; and the sun shone out like the smile of God over all -nature.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella was alone in the world; she had just buried her -father, and had not a reliable friend left upon earth; she -had but one change of clothing in her parcel, and one-half -crown in her purse; she knew not exactly where she was -going; where she should eat her next meal, or take her -next night’s rest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And yet, in a state of poverty, friendlessness, and uncertainty -that must have crushed the spirit of any grown-up -man or woman subjected to the trial, this child could not -feel sorrowful, anxious, or foreboding.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sun was bright, the country fresh, and the motion -rapid; and between the beauty of the day, the swiftness of -the journey, and the shifting of the scenery, her spirits -were so exhilarated that she could have sung for joy. It -was rapture to watch the woods and fields, farms and hamlets, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>hills and valleys reel past her as the train flew onward. -It was delight to stop at the strange towns, with strange -streets and houses, and strange people coming and going. -And it was ecstasy to rush onward again with lightning -speed. And intoxication to feel that she was free!</p> - -<p class='c014'>She might be the most miserable little creature alive, but -she did not know it. She might come to beggary the next -day, but she did not think it. She might be rushing straight -to ruin, but she did not feel it. Thus, despite of frowning -Fate, the spirit in her bosom clapped its wings and crowed -for joy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And by this the reader may jump to the conclusion that -Annella’s brain was slightly “touched;” that she was a -little “luny;” that she had not her “right change.” Nothing -of the sort, dear reader. Annella was simply undisciplined, -inexperienced, and eccentric. Her ignorance was -“bliss.” And so, though poor and friendless, she set forth -to seek her fortune with as brave a spirit as ever inspired -Richard Cœur-de-Lion, Lady Hester Stanhope, or any other -knight or dame of ancient or of modern times when sallying -forth in quest of adventures.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The day wore on. The afternoon was so much more -sultry than the season warranted, that the weather-wise -farmers in the carriage with Annella predicted the approach -of one of the heaviest storms that ever shook heaven and -earth. And, as if in justification of this prediction, towards -evening the clouds began to gather thick, black, and lowering -over the earth. The face of the country also changed. -The lovely woods, fertile fields, and fruitful farms were all -left far behind, and the barren heaths of the north lay all -around.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And still the train rushed onward in the face of the approaching -tempest. And still with undaunted spirit, Annella -sped on towards her unknown fate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>One after another of her fellow-passengers left the carriage -in which she travelled, until at last, at a small roadside -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>station, Annella found herself quite alone. And at -this station the guard put his head in at the door with the -peremptory demand:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Tickets</span>!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella started from her day-dream, and nervously produced -hers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You’ve travelled thirty miles farther than you’ve any -right to do with this ticket, and I’ve a great mind to give -you in charge,” said the guard, angrily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have I? Indeed I did not mean to do it. I quite -forgot to look at my ticket,” said Annella, beginning to -tremble in a manner most unworthy of damsel-errant seeking -her fortune.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You knew where you were going to, I suppose,” growled -the guard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Indeed I didn’t; I only wanted to go as far by rail as -this ticket would take me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that was to Howth, and you’ve left Howth twenty -miles behind you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My gracious!” was the dismayed exclamation of poor -Nella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come! that won’t do, you know; you’ve got to get -out, and I shall give you in charge of a policeman. I see -one coming now.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t! pray don’t! See, I’ve two shillings left, that -ought to be enough to pay for a twenty-miles’ ride in a -third-class carriage,” said Annella, springing out, and -thrusting her last money into the hand of the guard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That exemplary officer pocketed the fee, and ran forward -to open the door of a first-class carriage to admit a gentleman -and lady who were waiting for seats.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The train moved on, leaving Annella standing alone by -the roadside with her little bundle in her hand, but without -a penny in her purse. Around her, in all directions, lay -the barren and rolling heaths. Above her lowered the dark -and threatening clouds. Night, storm, and darkness were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>approaching, and she was houseless, friendless, and penniless -on the heath. She looked around her on all sides for -shelter from the gathering tempest, but she could not see a -sign of human habitation. Even the little wayside station, -so busy a moment before, seemed now shut up and deserted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In fact, the business of seeking her fortune did not seem -half so pleasant as it had appeared in the morning, and she -fairly wished herself home in good Mrs. Corder’s third-floor -back; but only for a moment, and then her spirits -rallied, and she walked on, saying to herself:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, Nella, we mustn’t be dismayed by the first difficulty, -let us go on; we are in a Christian country, any -how, and by-and-by we must come to some cottage, where -the people will give us shelter from the storm to-night, and -to-morrow will be a new day.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so, with a smile in the face of frowning Fortune, she -struck into a road that crossed the rail way track and hurried -onward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She knew not where she was bound. She knew not where -in all the north Allworth Abbey, the goal of her desires, -might be situated. She knew not even whether she might -be within five or ten miles of the place. In setting out to -seek it she had taken the general northern route as far as -the train would carry her for her money, trusting to the -chapter of accidents to find the rest of her way to her -destination.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It must be within a circuit of twenty miles, I should -think; and somebody about here must know something -about it. So to-night I must seek shelter from the storm, -and to-morrow inquire my way to the Abbey,” she thought, -as she trudged onward through the gathering darkness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Low mutterings of thunder and large drops of rain warned -her to hurry her steps. She ran on, looking eagerly to the -right and left to spy out some wayside cottage in which she -might find refuge from the impending storm. But the darkness -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>was now so thick that she could scarcely see her own -road.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly the clouds were cleft asunder by a stroke of -forked lightning, that blazed from horizon to horizon, making -the night for one instant as bright as noonday. This was -immediately followed by a reverberating crash of thunder -and a heavy fall of rain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella stood still, but not appalled; for in that one -instantaneous glare of light she had seen on a rising ground -far to the westward the white chimneys of a mansion-house. -And though the whole scene was again swallowed up in -darkness, she kept the direction of the house in her “mind’s -eye,” and bent her steps towards it, trusting in the frequent -flashes of lightning to correct her mistakes and guide her -on her way.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her way lay up and down hill through this dreadful night -of storm, of blinding lightning, of deafening thunder, and -of drowning rain. Confused by the warring elements, -saturated with wet, and exhausted by fatigue, Annella yet -held on her way towards the mansion upon which she had -fixed as her house of refuge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As she approached the neighborhood of this dwelling she -grew independent of the lightning as a guide, for in the -darkness between the flashes she could see the windows of -the mansion, which seemed to be illuminated from within -as for a festival.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And from the moment that she found she could keep the -house constantly in view, she toiled on towards it hopefully, -saying to herself:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It may be a gentleman’s house or a lord’s house, but it -must be a civilized Christian’s house, and therefore it must -afford me shelter from the storm for this one night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>So, though nearly blinded, deafened, and drowned by the -lightning, thunder, and rain, Annella valiantly pushed on -towards the goal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But ah! that place of refuge was much farther off than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>she had supposed it to be. A brilliant light set upon a hill -is seen for a long way off in a dark night; and long after -Annella had first caught sight of the illuminated windows, -she continued to toil on through night and storm and darkness, -through thunder, lightning, and rain, up and down -hill, over the rough road, without seeming to get much -nearer the desired haven.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Even the storm grew weary of raging and growled itself -to rest. The lightning ceased to flash, the thunder to roll, -and the rain to fall; the clouds dispersed, the stars came -out, and the moon arose; and Annella, hungry, wet, and -weary, still pushed on up hill and down hill towards the -illuminated house, which, at last, she was certainly drawing -near.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length she began to ascend a hill on which the mansion -stood, blazing like a beacon-light at sea. When she -reached the summit of the hill she found herself arrested by -the low brick wall that seemed to enclose the home-park -attached to the house. Taking this wall for her guide, she -followed it, hoping that it would bring her at last to the -gate or the gamekeeper’s lodge. Keeping close to the wall, -and walking rapidly, she came indeed to the gate, which -stood wide open and unguarded, as the lodge beside it was -untenanted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She passed through the gate and entered a long semi-circular -avenue of elms, that in the course of fifteen minutes’ -rapid walk brought her up in front of a magnificent -house, the whole square front of which was illuminated -from top to bottom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And yet there was not a living creature to be seen!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella paused in awe, and gazed upon the brilliant and -imposing front, muttering to herself:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There must be a party here to-night. And yet there -cannot be, either, for I see no servants, no carriages, and no -crowd. And though everything is as bright as heaven, it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>is also as silent as the grave! What in the world can be -the meaning of it all?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Without daring to go up and knock at the principal -door, Annella turned and went around to seek admittance -at some humbler back entrance, thinking, with a shudder:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I shall be torn to pieces by the dogs, I suppose.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But no dogs barked, and Annella made her way unharmed -to the back part of the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here the windows were likewise all illuminated, and -some of them were so near the ground that Annella was -tempted to look in upon the inmates before knocking for -admittance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So she climbed upon an outside cellar-door, and holding -by the window-sill above it, looked through the window in -upon the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a cosy sitting-room, warmly lighted, well carpeted, -and well curtained, though now the curtains were -drawn back, letting the cheerful light stream out into the -cheerless night. There was a table in the centre of the -room covered with a most comfortable and substantial -supper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Within her view sat two persons—a tall, lean, gray-haired -old man, and a short, fat, fair-haired old woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They looked so happy that Annella could not choose -but hold on to the window-sill and gaze upon their happiness, -until the woman, raising her eyes to the window, -started, uttered a shriek, and dropped her knife and fork.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And at the same instant Annella sank down out of sight -upon the cellar-door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But soon she heard a commotion in the room over her -head, followed by the opening of a door to the left, and the -crashing of a footstep through the shrubbery. And the -next instant she felt herself rudely seized, and set upon her -feet, while a rough hand turned the light of a dark lantern -full upon her face, and a harsh voice demanded:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ship ahoy! Who are you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>“Annella Wilder!” gasped the captured girl, as she -recognized the tall, lean, gray-haired old man whom she -had watched at his supper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“From what port?” asked the questioner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t know, sir,” answered Annella, in perplexity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where bound?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not understand you, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who’s your skipper?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Indeed I cannot tell you, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come along in then to the admiral! We’ll see if we -can’t make you show your colors. We can’t have any -piratical-looking crafts cruising about in our seas without -overhauling their letters of marque! so I’ll just take you -in tow and tug you into port, alongside of the admiral,” -said the oddity, keeping a firm hold of his prize, and -forcing her on through the back entrance into the house.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XII.<br> <span class='large'>THE ANCHORAGE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Some, indeed, have said that creeping,</div> - <div class='line'>Lightly to the casement leaping,</div> - <div class='line'>Slily through the window peeping,</div> - <div class='line in4'>They a ghostly maid have seen.</div> - <div class='line'>To the oaken sill she clingeth,</div> - <div class='line'>And her wanlike hands she wringeth,</div> - <div class='line'>Then in garments white she wingeth</div> - <div class='line'>O’er the grassy plain so green.—<em>E. P. Lee.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>About three miles west of Allworth Abbey, upon a -commanding hight near the sea-coast stood the Anchorage, -the seat of Admiral Sir Ira Brunton. The park extended -to the sea, and its western wall rose directly from -the edge of the cliff, which formed a natural boundary to -this extensive domain.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>Immediately under this cliff nestled the little fishing -village of Abbeyport, with its single street of cottages -facing the sea, its small fleet of fishing-smacks drawn up -to the shore, and its one humble tavern, called the Flagship, -kept by Mr. Tom Tows, a retired boatswain, and -patronized liberally by the kitchen cabinet of Admiral -Sir Ira Brunton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Anchorage, was a large, square, gray edifice, three -stories high, with two great halls crossing each other at -right angles, and dividing each floor into four separate -suites of apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The numerous windows of the mansion commanded -from all points the most magnificent prospect perhaps to -be found in the three kingdoms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The front windows facing the west looked over the -grand slope of hills towards the edge of the cliff, and down -upon the picturesque village at its foot and out upon the -boundless ocean.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The back, or east windows, looked inland down into the -deep valley and thick woods in which was hidden the old -Abbey and the dark pool which lay before it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The north windows looked out upon a rolling country -of sterile heaths, dotted here and there with an oasis in -the form of a farm or a hamlet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And lastly, the south windows looked down over a -smiling landscape of wooded hills surrounding a green -valley, in the midst of which lay a lovely lake, upon whose -farthest bank stood the elegant villa of Edenlawn, the -seat of the Honorable Mrs. Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Admiral Sir Ira Brunton, the proprietor of the Anchorage, -was originally a man of the people. By talent, courage, -and good fortune, he had risen from the humblest -post in the navy to his present high position.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He shared, however, that too common weakness of self-made -men—an exaggerated respect for hereditary rank.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At the mature age of forty, when he had attained the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>rank of post-captain, and was flushed with his recent success, -he attempted to marry into the peerage by proposing -for the hand of the titled but dowerless daughter of an -earl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But failing in this enterprise, he wedded the only child -and heiress of a wealthy city banker, who brought him as -her portion a half million of pounds sterling, the beauty -of a Venus, and the temper of a Xantippe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a part of the money he bought the magnificent -estate of the Anchorage, and with the lady he lived a -tempestuous life of twelve years, at the end of which she -stormed herself to death, leaving him as a legacy one fair -daughter, ten years of age, named after her mother, Anna -Eleanora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Admiral Sir Ira—then Captain Brunton—did not -again venture on the dangerous sea of matrimony, but -brought home his widowed mother to take charge of the -young lady, and engaged a French governess to superintend -her education. But a simple-minded, old-fashioned -dame, and an unprincipled French adventuress, were not -exactly the best guides for a self-willed girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so it happened that when Miss Anna Eleanora was -about sixteen years of age, while her father was at sea, -and herself with her grandmother and governess at Brighton, -she accidentally formed the acquaintance of a young -lieutenant of Hussars, whose regiment was stationed at -the neighboring barracks. With the connivance of the -French governess, who was heavily feed for the purpose, -the young officer frequently met the little heiress, with -whom he finally eloped to Gretna Green, where they were -married.</p> - -<p class='c014'>If, instead of that romantic love which had misled both -the young creatures, fortune had been the object of the -lieutenant, he must have been wofully disappointed, for -when the captain returned from the coast of Africa, and -heard of the runaway marriage, he discarded his daughter -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>and son-in-law, and forbade the names of either ever to be -mentioned in his presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the commands of Captain Brunton were as absolute -as the laws of the Medes and Persians, the name of his -only child and her young husband dropped from conversation -and from memory, and thus their offence, and even -their very existence, became an old and forgotten story.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The captain rose from post to post in the navy, until, -finally, at the advanced age of seventy-five, he retired from -active service with the well-earned rank of an admiral and -the well-merited title of a baronet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His household at this late period of his life was a very -remarkable illustration of family longevity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It consisted of his grandmother, a hale old dame of one -hundred and eight years; his mother, a healthy old woman -of ninety-two; himself, a hearty veteran of seventy-five; -and his grand-nephew and adopted heir, Midshipman -Valerius Brightwell, a young gentleman of nineteen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The antique grandmother of this strong family was -commonly called “old mistress,” “the old madam,” or -“old Mrs. Stilton.” The ancient mother was termed -“young mistress,” “the young madam,” or “young Mrs. -Brunton.” The veteran admiral was denominated by his -venerable ancestresses “that thoughtless boy,” and by the -household, “the young master.” And the midshipman -was called by the old ladies, “the dear baby,” by the -admiral, “the lad,” and by the servants, “little Master -Vally.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At the venerable age of seventy-five, with an emaciated -form, a withered face, and a grey head, the veteran did not -even suspect that he was growing old, far less know that -he was really an aged man, who had already exceeded the -average duration of a human life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The truth was that the existence and the vigorous health -of the two ancient ladies, his mother and his grandmother, -kept the admiral in his prime. How could any man feel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>old, while his mother and his grandmother still lived in a -green old age—and while they still thought of him and -spoke of him as a gay young man, who had not yet sowed -all his wild oats, but who required the constant supervision -and guidance of his elders to keep him out of temptation -and danger?</p> - -<p class='c014'>And thus, while the whole family honestly united in -keeping up this delusion, could the admiral be blamed for -sharing it?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Among the domestic servants of the Anchorage two -deserve mention—Mr. Jessup, late of Her Majesty’s Service, -now in that of Admiral Sir Ira Brunton, to whom he -filled the relation of confidential attendant, and Mistress -Barbara Broadsides, the housekeeper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Jessup was tall, thin, pale-faced, and grey-haired in person; -and narrow, prejudiced and authoritative in mind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Broadsides was short, fat, rosy, and fair-haired in -person; and liberal, merciful, and yielding in disposition. -As might be expected, there was a strong attraction of -antagonism between these two opposite natures that led to -a matrimonial engagement that was to be consummated -after the death of the admiral and his mother and grandmother; -but as the sibyls and their descendant had fallen -into “a confirmed malady of living on for ever,” Jessup -and Mrs. Broadsides were growing old as betrothed lovers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such, with the necessary number of men and maid servants, -was the household of Admiral Sir Ira Brunton at -the time he invited the Italian princess to honor his mansion -with her presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral had gallantly given up his coach for the -accommodation of the princess and her attendant, while he -himself escorted them on horseback.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a lovely summer afternoon, and when they -emerged from the dark, wooded vale, and ascended the -high grounds lying between it and the sea-coast, nothing -could be more animated than the sudden change of scene -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>from deep shadow and circumscribed view to open sunshine -and a boundless landscape. The princess and her attendant -enjoyed it exceedingly, and despite all adverse circumstances, -felt their spirits rise accordingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral frequently rode up to the side of the carriage -to point out some object of interest in the landscape, -such as the bright little lake, Eden, lying like a clear mirror -in the bosom of its green valley, and reflecting in its deep -waters its lovely, embracing hills, and its crowning villa -of Edenlawn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And upon these occasions the admiral ever addressed -his illustrious guest with the profoundest respect as “your -highness,” until at length the princess, with a sweet and -mournful look and tone, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not mock me with that title, best friend. I am a -widow and a fugitive, dependent on your bounty for the -roof that shelters my head and the bread that maintains -my life. Do not mock me, therefore, with any titles of -honor. I am poor Gentilescha Pezzilini; no more than -that. I do not even permit my servants to address me by -any other title than the simple one of madame, that a -matron of any rank may bear.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, I am the humblest of your servants, and -must obey you,” said the admiral, bowing deeply as he fell -behind the carriage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A deused fine woman! I’m glad that she is a widow, -and a fugitive, and the rest of it. I wonder—humph—” -thought the admiral, falling into a day-dream, in which the -fair person of Madame Pezzilini formed the principal figure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Clearly, “that thoughtless boy” was in danger of forming -an indiscreet attachment!</p> - -<p class='c014'>While they passed slowly over the beautiful downs, the -bright sky became gradually overcast, and low mutterings -of thunder reverberated around the horizon.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Once more the admiral approached the carriage-window -to say:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>“We shall have a storm, madame. Shall I order your -coachman to drive faster?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, Sir Ira. I only desired to be driven slowly -that we might enjoy the lovely afternoon, but since it grows -dark and stormy, let us get on by all means, especially as -you are exposed to the weather. Had you not better get -into the carriage, and let my servant Antonio take your -horse?” inquired the princess.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you, madame; and should the storm really -overtake us, I will gladly avail myself of your permission -to do so; but I hope that we shall get under shelter before -it breaks upon us,” replied the admiral; and then calling -to the coachman, “Drive like the deuse, Ned,” he again -fell behind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sky grew darker and darker, the thunder rolled -louder and nearer, and though Ned really drove his horses -as if the Evil One were in chase of him, he had only made -the half circuit of the park wall, and turned into the circular -avenue of elms leading to the house, before the black, -overhanging canopy of clouds was suddenly broken by a -blinding flash of lightning, followed by a stunning crash of -thunder and falling deluge of rain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral spurred his steed, the coachman whipped his -horses, and in two minutes they reached the house. The -admiral sprang from his horse, assisted the princess to -alight from the carriage, and led her into the house, just in -time to escape another flash of lightning, peal of thunder, -and whirl of rain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were met by the two old ladies, who had come out -into the hall to do honor to their guest. They were two -fine old dames, tall, thin, fair-faced, and grey-haired like -their descendant, the admiral. They were both dressed -similarly in black satin gowns with white muslin neckerchiefs, -and white lace caps; and looked very much alike, -except that the elder had more flesh and less hair than the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>younger. They stood smiling and courtesying with pleasing, -old-fashioned affability.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame Pezzilini,” said the admiral, with formal -courtesy, “will your highness permit me to present to you -my grandmother, Mrs. Stilton, and my mother, Mrs. Brunton, -who both feel highly honored to receive you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That we do,” said the elder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, I’m sure,” added the other.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ladies, kind friends,” said the Italian, “you see before -you no princess, but a poor widow, a stranger and a fugitive, -who seeks only a temporary asylum under your hospitable -roof.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are kindly welcome, madame, either as one or the -other,” said Mrs. Stilton, heartily, offering her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, that indeed you are!” chimed in Mrs. Brunton, -extending hers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The princess received and pressed those venerable hands, -and was about to express her thanks, when a broad glare -of lightning, accompanied by a deafening roll of thunder, -and a shock of wind and rain that seemed to shake the -house, made them spring apart. The effect of this burst -of the tempest was felt with the more force from the fact -that all the window shutters were still open.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good gracious, Iry!” said the oldest lady, as soon as -she had recovered from the shock; “surely you’ll have the -shutters closed on such an awful night as this?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, ma’am, not this night, of all nights in the year. -The harder the storm the greater the need of a beacon-light -to guide any wayfaring traveller to the house,” said the -admiral, decidedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning to the princess, he added:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame, I have a custom of which I hope you will not -disapprove; it is to leave my window-shutters open every -night up to the latest hour of retiring, so that the lights -may shine far out over the downs, to guide any weary and -benighted traveller to one house, at least, where he is sure -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>to find welcome and succor. And especially on tempestuous -nights, I light up the whole house from top to bottom, to -invite any poor, storm-beaten wayfarer to its shelter. I -hope you approve of the custom?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think it a grand and beautiful instance of benevolence!” -said the princess, in a fervent tone.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am rewarded,” replied the admiral, “that is, if I had -deserved reward; but the fact is, that in doing this, I only -pay a debt. Providence having guided me through a very -stormy existence into this safe port at last, the least I can -do is to open the harbor freely to all other tempest-tost -barques. That is the reason I call it the Anchorage; for -any storm-driven craft is free to enter and drop anchor -here.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is nobly said—” began the princess; but the words -were interrupted by another burst of the tempest that -rattled all the windows, and seemed to shake the firm building -to its foundation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Iry, I must say that you are clean mad. Every pane -of glass in the house will be shattered, and cost no end of -money to replace, besides the inconvenience!” cried Mrs. -Stilton, as soon as she could recover her breath after the -last shaking.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No danger, grandmother; these old windows have stood -harder storms than this,” replied the admiral, laughing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning to the princess, he said, in a low voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Madame Pezzilini, my grandmother and mother are -old-fashioned dames, and so I hope that you will make -allowance for their ways.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The quick ears of the old lady caught this disparaging -apology, and she was prompt to reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t you mind that boy, madame; like all young -people, he thinks himself wiser than his elders; but time -will teach him better, and show him that old-fashioned -ways are the best ways after all.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The princess opened her large blue eyes in astonishment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>at hearing this grey-haired veteran spoken of as an inexperienced -youth, but remembering that it was his grandmother -who spoke thus, she merely bowed and smiled in -reply—the bow and smile being, in this case, a non-committal -answer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, my dear grandmother, old fashions and new -fashions both agree in suggesting that Madame Pezzilini -be shown to her apartment before tea,” said the admiral.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, certainly! I beg your pardon, madame, but -the thunder and the lightning and the wind do so confuse -my poor head. Oh!” she exclaimed, as another burst of -the tempest shook the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the deafening noise subsided, the old lady turned, -and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come here, Broadsides, and show this lady and her -maid to the suite of rooms on the second floor front, right -side. And when you have made her comfortable, show her -into the drawing-room to the tea-table—the Lord have -mercy upon us!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>This latter exclamation was called forth by a terrible -glare of lightning that filled the whole house like a conflagration, -accompanied by a rolling, crashing, stunning peal -of thunder, and a rushing shock of wind that seemed about -to batter down the walls over their heads. It was some -minutes before this furious blast subsided.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then Mrs. Broadsides, who had been waiting behind -her old mistress, came forward, courtesied, and led the -way up the grand staircase to the splendid suite of apartments -that had been fitted up for the reception of the illustrious -Italian.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Jessup at the same moment advanced from some obscure -retreat where he had been lurking, took possession of his -master, and marshaled him off to his chamber to change -his wet riding-coat for a dry-evening-dress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the two old ladies retreated to the drawing-room to -await the return of the admiral and his guest.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>When they were seated side by side in their comfortable -arm-chairs on the right of the fire-place:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you think of her, Abby, my dear?” said the -antique lady to the ancient one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think she is a very charming woman, and I pity her -misfortunes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And so do I. But see here, Abby, my dear, you must -really look after that boy of yours, or he will be making -love to this Italian lady.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, mother; I see that.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you know, Abby, that you would not like the lad -to marry a foreigner.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, mother.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So, though we must be as kind as possible to this unfortunate -princess, whose story reminds me of all the fairy -tales I ever read in my life, <em>still</em> we must keep an eye on -that boy, and see that he does not make a fool of himself, -Abby.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, mother—Lord bless our souls!” she broke -off, as their conversation was again interrupted by another -rapid onslaught of the tempest that cannonaded the walls -as if it did not mean to leave one stone upon another.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two old ladies sat crushed in a silence of deep awe -for nearly an hour, until the furious storm had raged itself -into a temporary rest. Then Mrs. Stilton spoke:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not know how anybody can have the spirits to -drink tea on such a night as this, but I suppose it will be -wanted all the same; for Iry never turns aside from his -way for any storm that ever falls, and as for the princess, -she looks like just such another. So, Abby, child, you -may ring for the tea.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Brunton, who sat nearest the chimney-corner bell-pull, -complied, and the tea-service was brought in and arranged -upon the table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And soon after they were joined by the admiral, who, -“despite the storm that howled along the sky,” had made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>a very careful evening toilet, and by his nephew, Midshipman -Valerius Brightwell, a fine, tall, dark-haired young -man, who, when not on active service, was at home at the -Anchorage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These had scarcely taken their seats when the door opened, -and the Princess Pezzilini entered, her golden hair and -fair face radiant in contrast to the rich black velvet dress -that was her usual costume.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Way was immediately made for her, the young midshipman -was presented in due form, and the whole party sat -down to tea.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The storm had spent its fury, and now only revived at -intervals in inoffensive blasts of wind, faint flashes of lightning, -and low mutterings of thunder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the conversation at the tea-table became animated, -even upon a gloomy subject.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They talked of the tragedy at Allworth Abbey, and of -the flight of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Opinion was divided upon the subject of the accused -girl’s guilt or innocence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two old ladies and the admiral agreed in pronouncing -the evidence against her to be too convincing to admit -a doubt upon the subject.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young midshipman, who had seen Miss Leaton several -times at church, and judging as a young man will by the -face, declared his absolute faith in her innocence, in despite -of all the testimony that might be brought against her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Princess Pezzilini held a neutral position between -the controversialists, affirming that the whole affair seemed -to her a horrible mystery, to which she could find no clue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>We will leave the drawing-room circle canvassing this -question, and look into the housekeeper’s room upon -another party, with whom we have a little business.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XIII.<br> <span class='large'>AN APPARITION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Through the lighted window prying,</div> - <div class='line'>Softly on the bright pane sighing,</div> - <div class='line'>Then in sudden panic flying,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Through the untrodden gloom,</div> - <div class='line'>To the dark oak-tree she cometh,</div> - <div class='line'>Round its trunk she wildly roameth,</div> - <div class='line'>Shuddering as the dark stream foameth,</div> - <div class='line in4'>There she waits her coming doom.—<em>E. P. Lee.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It was a medium-sized, comfortable apartment, well carpeted, -and well-curtained, with its back windows looking -out upon the shrubberies in the rear of the mansion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A well-spread supper-table stood in the middle of the -floor, and around it were gathered Mrs. Broadsides, Mr. -Jessup, Miss Tabs, and Mr. Antonio, who were the housekeeper’s -guests for the evening. Their conversation, like -that of their superiors, had turned upon the late tragic -events at Allworth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here, also, opinion was divided upon the subject of the -supposed criminal—Mrs. Broadsides, Jessup, and Mr. Antonio -loudly declaring their belief in the guilt of Eudora, -and Miss Tabs stoutly asserting her faith in her innocence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But through the whole of this conversation, it was -observed that at intervals Mrs. Broadsides, who sat at the -head of the table opposite the window, would often start, -stare and bless herself, while Jessup, who sat at the foot, -would twist his head over his shoulder as though he saw a -spectre behind him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Politeness deterred Miss Tabs and Mr. Antonio from -taking any notice of these strange manifestations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length Jessup, after giving his own neck a most -dangerous wring, and getting no satisfaction for his pains, -spoke out, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>“Mrs. Broadsides, I would be obliged to you, ma’am, if -you would tell me what it is that you see out of that window, -for shiver my timbers if I can see anything but black -darkness.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Jessup, don’t ask me! that’s a good soul! it’s nothing -earthly as I see,” answered the woman, in a hushed tone -of awe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is it, then? I insist upon knowing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t, Jessup! it’s nothing earthly, I tell you, and I -don’t like to speak of it. Lord bless my soul, there it is -again!” exclaimed the woman, in a suppressed tone of -horror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What? where? I see nothing!” said Mr. Jessup, -wringing around his neck until his face was nearly between -his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s vanished” whispered the housekeeper, without -withdrawing her gaze from the window, while Mr. Antonio -and Miss Tabs stared in amazement, and Mr. Jessup regarded -her with incredulous indignation, saying at length:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can’t you tell me what you saw, then, if you saw anything -but of your own imagination?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“’Twas no imagination of mine, Jerry Jessup; if you -must and will know what I have seen, I’ll tell. Since I -have been sitting here at this table, I have seen a pale, -ghostly female figure flit past that window three times!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Every one glanced shudderingly at the window except -Jessup, who contemptuously exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It was only your own fancy, Mrs. Broadsides!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The housekeeper shook her head ominously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s all along o’ leaving the shutters open. It’s awful -ghostly to have the night peeping in at you through the -glass. I always imagine that I see something at such time.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why don’t you close the shutters?” suggested Miss -Tabs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because of a whim of master’s to keep all the windows -open till bed-time, most especially on stormy nights, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>when they may serve for beacons to guide the belated -traveler to the shelter of this roof. Lord bless the admiral -and mend his ways, so kind to all the world, so cruel to -his own dear darter,” sighed Mrs. Broadsides.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“His daughter?” echoed Mr. Antonio.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, his darter, my young missus, as run off with a -young lieutenant in a marching regiment, and married him -all for love. She went ’long of him everywhere, and may -have died of fever in the Crimea, or been massacred in -India, for aught we’ve heard of her since her marriage; -for it’s as much as any one’s life’s worth to mention her -name in master’s presence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And is he so hard all these years that he won’t make -friends with her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Make friends with her? You don’t know him. He -won’t even hear her name,” put in Jerry Jessup.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wish I was his wally-de-sham. I’d ding it into his ears -morning, noon and night. I’d bring it up with his hot -water and lay it down with his slippers, and put it on with -his night-cap every day of his life,” said Miss Tabs, -valiantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No you wouldn’t, for the very first time you tried it, -you’d get pitched out of the window or down the stairs, -and have your neck broken. Heaven save me, there it is -again!” cried the woman, breaking off in terror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All looked towards the window. Jessup wrung his neck -around nearly to the point of dislocation, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where now? I tell you there’s nothing there. It’s all -your own nerves. Mrs. Broadsides, ma’am, you want a dose -of assafiddity.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s gone again!” whispered the woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It never was!” snapped Mr. Jessup, impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes it was. And I know <em>what</em> it was. It was a -Banshee come to warn me of my own death, or my master’s, -or my old missusses.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stuff and nonsense.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>“It isn’t stuff, and it isn’t nonsense. It is a Banshee, if -ever one appeared to mortal eyes!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, <em>if</em> ever one appeared,” sneered Mr. Jessup.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I have heard of the Banshee, myself,” said Miss -Tabs, coming to the assistance of the housekeeper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To be sure you have, my dear. Who in this country-side -has not heard of the Banshee that appeared to the -Honorable Mrs. Elverton, of Edenlawn? How Mr. Elverton -was on the Continent, where he had been a many months, -and Mrs. Elverton was at Edenlawn, sitting up late at -night, reading in her dressing-room. The night was fine, -and the curtains were undrawn, when all of a sudden she -heard a low, moaning, unearthly voice outside of the -window, and looking up, she saw a female figure, in flowing -white raiment float past the window as if it were swimming -in the air, and heard it wail forth the words—‘<em>Hollis Elverton -is no more!</em>’ as it disappeared. Well, the lady got up and -made a note of the day and the hour; and sure enough a -fortnight after that, she heard of the death of her husband -at St. Petersburg, and he died the very day and hour at -which she had seen the Banshee! There! what do you -make of <em>that</em>?” inquired the housekeeper, triumphantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, as the Honorable Mrs. Elverton was just as -hysterical as you be,” said Mr. Jessup, doggedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But then her husband actually died at St. Petersburg -at the very day and hour that the Banshee appeared to her -at Edenlawn. How do you account for that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Just happened so, that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You’re as unbelieving as Thomas—Oh, Lord have -mercy upon us! Look there; there it is again! and no -Banshee neither, but the spirit of my young mistress, with -her very face and form, only looking as if she had risen -from the grave. Look, look, oh!” cried the woman, -covering her face with her hands, and shaking with terror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Again all looked fearfully towards the window.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Jessup wrung his neck nearly in two in the effort to look -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>behind his back; and upon this occasion perseverance was -rewarded. Pressed against the outside of the window, -they all saw a fair, wan young face, that sank out of sight -the instant it was detected.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s neither a Banshee nor a spirit; it’s a mortal -girl!” exclaimed Jessup, springing up, overturning his -chair, and rushing out of the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The remainder of the party held their breaths in -suspense until Jessup pushed open the door and reappeared, -dragging after him the pale, weary, half-starved, dripping -wet figure of a young girl, whom he pulled up before the -astonished housekeeper, saying, mockingly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There—there’s your Banshee! A girl as has been -caught out in the storm, and was frightened at ringing the -door-bell at such a great house as this.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The very form, the very face! I never, no, I never <em>did</em> -see such a likeness; the express image of my young missus, -only thinner, and paler, and smaller. Come to the fire, my -lass. What is your name, and how came you out in the -storm? You are not one of the village girls?” inquired -the housekeeper, drawing the chilled stranger to the bright -little coal fire that the dampness of the evening made very -comfortable even at this season.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then seeing in the glare of the light that the girl was -wet to the skin, she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, deary me; you haven’t a dry thread on you! You -must have been out in the whole storm; come into my -chamber and get a suit of dry clothes on your back, and -then you shall have some hot supper before you answer -any of my questions.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And taking the young stranger by the hand, the good -housekeeper conducted her into an adjoining room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They were gone about fifteen minutes, at the end of -which Mrs. Broadsides returned, leading her <i><span lang="fr">protégée</span></i>, who -was now comfortably clad in a black silk dress, that looked -as if it had been made for her.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>“Dear me, how well that fits,” said Miss Tabs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, it was my young missus’s. She left most of her -clothes here, poor child, when she went away, and I have -taken care of them ever since. And now, if you want to -know what my darling looked like, just look at this young -gal; for there never was two peas so much alike as Miss -Anna Eleanora, and this young gal, only that this one looks -like the ghost of the other. And now, my child, sit down at -the corner of the table here by the fire, and have some of -this curried chicken, while we make you a glass of warm -port-wine negus; and no one shall trouble you with any -questions until you have done supper,” said the good -housekeeper, settling her <i><span lang="fr">protégée</span></i> in the most comfortable -seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Another fifteen minutes sufficed to satisfy the appetite of -the stranger, who was thereupon required to gratify the -curiosity of her entertainers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, my lass, tell us all about yourself. You are -not of this country-side, I suppose?” said Mrs. Broadsides, -when they had gathered around the fire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, ma’am, I came from London this morning by rail -as far as the station, and then set off to walk.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But where were you going my child, when you were -caught in the storm?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To Allworth Abbey, ma’am.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To <span class='sc'>Allworth Abbey</span>!” exclaimed Mrs. Broadsides -and Miss Tabs in a breath.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes,” said the girl, looking up in surprise at the manner -in which they had received her communication.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But this was no time to explain by introducing the -tragedy of Allworth Abbey. The curious women were for -once more eager to hear than tell news, and so Mrs. Broadsides -inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And whatever could have taken you to Allworth Abbey -of all the places in the world, my poor dear?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, I don’t mind telling you as you are so good to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>me. I am an orphan; my mother died when I was an infant, -and my poor father died a few days ago in his lodgings -in London, leaving me quite destitute. So the parish -officers talked of sending me to the union, or binding me -apprentice to a mistress. I couldn’t bear the thoughts of -either, so I ran away, travelling by rail as long as my -money lasted, and then setting out to walk.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why to Allworth Abbey?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because my poor mother had a foster-sister living at -service there, who, I thought, might be kind to me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What—what was her name?” inquired Miss Tabs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Tabitha Tabs. I remember it well.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, that was <em>my</em> name; but my mother never had -but one-nurse child, and that was Miss Anna Eleanor -Brunton. Oh, my goodness, Mrs. Broadsides, can—can—can -it be as this is her darter!” exclaimed Miss Tabs, -breathlessly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is your name, young girl?” exclaimed the housekeeper, -in an agitated voice, grasping the arm and gazing -eagerly into the face of the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Annella Wilder—Oh-h! don’t squeeze my arm so tightly; -you’ll break the bone!” said the girl, shrinking from such -a very pressing proof of regard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Annella Wilder! Annella was the pet name we used -to call my darling by, being the short for Anna Eleanora; -and Wilder was the name of the young fellow as bolted -with her. And you as like her as one pea-pod is to another, -and as sure as fate you are my poor darling’s child. You -are! you are! Oh, dear! Oh, dear! oh!” cried the housekeeper, -catching the girl to her bosom, and sobbing and -weeping over her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And so my darling is dead! Died when you were an -infant you say! And her young husband, your father, -did he ever forget her who gave up so much for his sake? -Did he ever put another woman in her place?” cried the -affectionate creature, still holding the girl to her bosom.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>“Never; he devoted himself to her memory—he mourned -her as long as he lived.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then how was it, my child, that you were left so destitute?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my father, was unfortunate—he was obliged to sell -out—and—he became more and more unfortunate until he -died—in destitution—and—do not ask me any more,” said -Annella, hesitatingly and bursting into tears.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I understand; I understand; that word ‘unfortunate’ -means a great deal, whether it is applied to man or woman. -But there! don’t cry any more, my dear. Better fortune -is in store for you, I hope; for surely the admiral will -never visit the offences of the parents upon the child. -There, don’t cry any more, you are all right now, you are -here,” said the woman, wiping the tears from Annella’s -eyes and re-seating her in her chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But tell me who you are who take so kind an interest -in my mother and myself, and what place this is where I -feel so much at home?” said Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who am I, and what place is this? Why, my dear, is -it possible that you do not know where you are?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No more than the dead.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did ever any one hear the like! And how did it -happen that you came here, then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As I told you before, I was trying to find Allworth -Abbey, when I was overtaken by the night and the storm, -and while I was wandering about like a lost child, I saw -the lights of this house shine from afar and they guided -me to it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, Lord bless the admiral’s lights, for they have -done some good at last in guiding his own grand-daughter -home!” said Mrs. Broadsides, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ma’am?” exclaimed Annella, opening her grey eyes in -astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, is it creditable that you don’t yet know as you’re -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>at the Anchorage, the seat of your grandfather, Admiral -Sir Ira Brunton?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And is it possible that I am in the house of my grandfather—my -stern and terrible grandfather, who hated and -discarded my father and my mother?” exclaimed Annella, -in dismay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, my dear, but he will not hate them any longer; -he must not hate the dead, you know; and he <em>must</em> love -the living; and he shall acknowledge you as his grand-daughter -and sole heiress, and take you to his heart, or else -turn me out of his house,” said the woman, stoutly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And me, too; which I don’t think he be likely to do -for a trifling difference of opinion,” said Mr. Jessup.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And me!” said Miss Tabs, valiantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so likewise said Mr. Antonio.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella remained in one maze of astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A question now arose as to whether it would be better -to let the admiral know at once of the arrival of his grand-daughter, -or to defer the announcement until the morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Broadsides, who, with all her assumed heroism, was -really very timid, felt inclined to postpone the threatening -hour as long as possible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Miss Tabs agreed with her, especially as the admiral was -now engaged with company.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Mr. Jessup said the matter ought to be referred to -Miss Annella herself, and he was supported in his opinion -by Mr. Antonio. And the matter was referred accordingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Since I am in my grandfather’s house, of all others in -the world, I am not going to stay one hour without his -knowledge and consent,” said Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And the girl is right,” said Mr. Jessup, emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then I hope you’ll go and denounce her yourself, Jerry -Jessup, as you’re so bold about it,” exclaimed Mrs. Broadsides.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that I’ll do this minute, too,” said Jerry, rising.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And mind, however master may receive the news, it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>may be as well to let him know that out of this house she -doesn’t go this night without my going too!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush, hush, woman; don’t cry out till you’re hit. -Wait till I come back,” said Jerry, leaving the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral was still in the drawing-room with his -grandmother, his mother, the Princess Pezzilini, and the -young midshipman. The whole party had finished tea, and -were gathered near the fire, still engaged in discussing the -tragedy at Allworth Abbey, when the door opened, and -Mr. Jessup made his appearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, Jerry?” inquired the admiral, looking up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Jessup gave the naval salute to his superior officer, -and answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If you please, your honor, I spied a small craft to windward, -making signals of distress.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I put out after her, your honor, and found her beating -about in the storm, though well nigh water-logged and -ready to go down.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I overhauled her, your honor, took possession, and -towed her into port.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what now?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Please, your honor, I have come to report and take -orders about her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What sort of a craft is she?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Please, your honor, a small craft, tight-built, trim-rigged, -fast sailing in favorable weather, I should think, -though now rather the worse for the wear and tear of winds -and waves.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, haul her up along side, and let’s have a look at -her,” commanded the admiral.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ay, ay, sir!” said Jerry, hastening to obey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Whatever does he mean? I never can understand that -man, any more than if he spoke in Hebrew,” said Mrs. -Brunton.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>“Hang the fellow! he always mistakes the drawing-room -for the quarter-deck,” said the admiral, laughing. “He -means that a young person has been caught out by the -storm, and driven in here for shelter.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you will never bring a stranger into this room, -Iry?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, if Madame Pezzilini has no objection.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, certainly not,” replied the princess, with a suave -courtesy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then we will see what she is like, and perhaps turn -her over to the care of Mrs. Broadsides,” concluded the -veteran.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment the door opened, and Jerry hove into -sight, towing in his prize, which he announced as—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The Annella Wilder, London, your honor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral did not hear the name distinctly, but fixed -his eyes upon the young girl, who was steadily advancing -towards him. And as she drew nearer, his eyes dilated in -astonishment, until, when she stood before him, he gazed -upon her in a panic of consternation, for it seemed to him -that his long-lost daughter was in his presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a minute that seemed an age, the old man and little -maiden regarded each other in silence, while all the other -members of the party looked on in surprise, and then the -admiral broke forth:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Anna; my Lord, is it possible? I heard that you -were dead long ago, child—you and your infant daughter -together. Where do you come from? You look, indeed, -as if it were from the grave! Why do you come here -now? Is it to reproach me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Grandfather,” said the young girl, sadly but fearlessly; -“the Anna whom you invoke is not here to offend you -with her presence. She could not come if she would, she -would not, perhaps, if she could; fifteen years ago she -went with her broken heart to heaven. And I, her -daughter, standing here before you, came here not willingly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>or wittingly. The storm without drove me, the -lights within drew me here, not knowing where I came. -And now I am ready to depart, not caring where I go.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>During this short interview, the two old ladies had risen -from their seats, and drawn near with looks of deep -interest. The elder spoke:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Iry, she is poor Anna’s child! You will never let -her go! She is my great-great-grandchild; only think of -that, Iry! She <em>shall</em> not go, or, if she does, I’ll go forth, -with my century of years, and beg with her!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Peace, peace, grandmother, be easy,” replied the admiral.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then turning again to Annella, he said, sternly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your father?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is in his grave,” answered the girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank heaven for that!” were the words that rose to -the lips of the veteran; but a glance at the face of his -grand-daughter repressed their utterance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When did he die?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“On Thursday last,” she answered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why did he not write to me in all these years?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Grandfather, if he had been happy and prosperous, he -would have written; but he was the reverse of all this, and -he would not write.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But <em>my</em> blood ran in <em>his</em> child’s veins! and if he was -unhappy and unsuccessful, he should have written to me! -I am not flint!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Grandfather, he was unhappy only in the loss of her -whom your unkindness hurried to the grave. And any -help from your relenting hand, that came too late for her -relief, came much too late for his acceptance! Grandfather, -he loved your daughter too truly to enjoy a benefit -that she could not share.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral groaned in the spirit, but did not reply. -After a few minutes of silence, during which all the other -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>members of the circle looked on in painful suspense, he -inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How came you out wandering alone in this remote -country, so far from the scene of your father’s death? -Had he no friends to look after his orphan child?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Grandfather, it is a very long story; but I will tell you -if you would like to hear it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, but sit down; sit down there in the little chair -beside Madame Pezzilini. And now go on,” said the -admiral, throwing himself into his own elbow-chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella commenced, and gave a short history of her life -in the camp with her father; dwelling on his services -in the Crimean war and the Indian insurrection, glancing -slightly at the circumstances that drove him to sell his -commission, and suppressing altogether the fact of that -fatal habit that caused his ruin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But notwithstanding the delicacy with which she treated -her father’s memory, the experienced veteran understood it -all.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella suppressed also the incident of the pauper funeral; -but dwelt fondly upon the benevolence of her landlady, -and especially on that of the beautiful, foreign-looking -lodger, who had arrived in London only the day before, -and who seemed to have so deep a sorrow of her own.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Something in the manner of the girl in describing her -lovely benefactress attracted the particular attention of -the Princess Pezzilini, who began with much interest to -question the young girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When did you say this young lady reached London?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“On the morning of Wednesday.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How was she dressed?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In deep mourning.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you describe her personal appearance?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes; she was so beautiful it would be a real pleasure -to do so. She was rather small and slender, but not thin. -She had a clear, olive complexion, with full, pouting, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>crimson lips, and large soft, dark eyes, shaded with long -black eyelashes, and arched with slender, jet black eyebrows, -and her hair was black as jet, and curled in long -spiral ringlets all around her head.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Had she a little black mole over her right eye?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; and another at the left corner of her mouth; -they were both very pretty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is Eudora Leaton!” said the princess, addressing -the admiral.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is no doubt of it, and I shall give information to -the police to-morrow,” replied the latter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir?” inquired Annella, looking uneasily, she scarcely -knew why, towards her grandfather.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing, my dear, only we think the young lady you -mention is an acquaintance of ours. And now, my dear, -your looks betray so much weariness, that I must order -you off to bed. Grandmother, will you touch the bell?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Stilton complied; and Mr. Jessup made his appearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Send Broadsides here, Jerry,” said Mrs. Brunton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The housekeeper obeyed the summons.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Broadsides, show Miss Wilder into the suite of rooms -formerly occupied by her mother; and look out to-morrow -for a discreet person to attend her as lady’s-maid,” said -Mrs. Brunton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The housekeeper courtesied in assent, and led off Annella, -saying, as she preceded her up-stairs:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I told you, my dear, that when you found yourself here -you were all right, and you see now that I spoke the truth, -for you <em>are all right</em>!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XIV.<br> <span class='large'>THE FUGITIVE RETAKEN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>Shuddering, she strove to speak</div> - <div class='line'>Once more in nature’s strong, appealing tones,</div> - <div class='line'>To supplicate—then came a shriek</div> - <div class='line in4'>That died in heavy moans.—<em>L. V. French.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Meanwhile Eudora remained in strict seclusion at her -obscure lodgings in the Borough. Her voluntary close confinement -within her own apartments excited no suspicion -in the guileless heart of her landlady, who ascribed it to -the recent bereavement and extreme sorrow which her -deep mourning and pallid countenance seemed truly to -indicate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Corder had formed her own opinion concerning her -beautiful lodger. No one had deceived the good woman, -but she had quite naturally deceived herself; and so -thoroughly was she persuaded of the truth of her own -theory, that, when any chance visitor dropped in at evening -to gossip, she informed her that the new lodger was -the orphan daughter of a country clergyman, and had -come to town to seek employment as a daily governess. -And if any one had asked Mrs. Corder how she obtained -her information, she would have said—and thought—that -Miss Miller had told her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile Eudora passed her days in a heavy, deadly -suspense and terror, and her nights in broken sleep and -fearful dreams, from which she would start in nervous -spasms. Every day her health visibly declined under this -tremendous oppression.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady ascribing her illness to inordinate grief for -the death of her parents, sought every means to soothe and -entertain her.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>On the morning of the fifth day of her residence beneath -the roof, the landlady brought her a letter, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here now! I suppose this is to bring you some good -news; an offer of a situation perhaps in some nobleman’s -family, who knows?” And the good woman stuck her -arms akimbo and stood at rest, evidently anxious to be a -participator in the “good news.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora suspected the disguised handwriting to be that -of Malcolm Montrose, and with trembling fingers opened -the letter. It was without date or signature, and very -brief, merely saying:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<span class='sc'>My Dearest One</span>—All is well as yet—the hounds are -off the scent. Do not answer this letter; it might not be -safe to do so. Keep close, and wait for another communication.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora put the letter in her bosom, and waited for an -opportunity to destroy it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then it isn’t good news,” said the sympathetic landlady, -closely inspecting Eudora’s troubled face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It does not offer me a situation,” replied Eudora, evasively, -and blushing deeply at the prevarication.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, never mind, dear; you’ll have better fortune to-morrow, -perhaps. And now I am not a-going to let you -mope. You must go out and take a walk.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora thanked the landlady, but declined the proposition, -and gently expressed her wish to be alone, whereupon -the kind creature sighed and withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As soon as she found herself free from the watchfulness of -her kind hostess, Eudora struck a match, burned her letter -on the hearth, then threw herself into a chair, covered her -face with her hands, and sank back in the stillness of a -dumb despair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While she sat thus the landlady suddenly broke in upon -her in a state of great excitement, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>“Oh, my dear Miss Miller, you <em>must</em> excuse me; but I -couldn’t help coming to tell you, for I knew you would -like to hear it—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is it, Mrs. Corder?” Eudora languidly inquired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, that vile, wicked, infamous creature—that toad, -that viper, that rattlesnake as poisoned all her good uncle’s -family—have broke loose from the perlice and run away.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Indeed,” was the only answer that Eudora could utter -forth. Her throat was choking, her heart was stopping, -her blood freezing with terror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes! but oh! they’ll catch her again, the tiger-cat! -for there’s a reward of a hundred pounds offered for her -arrest, and a full description of her person that nobody -<em>can’t</em> mistake! Here, my dear, read it for yourself,” said -Mrs. Corder, handing the newspaper to Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The poor girl took it in desperate anxiety to read the -advertisement, and ascertain how far the description might -suit all medium-sized young brunettes, and how nearly it -might agree with her own peculiar individuality.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She essayed to read, but as she held the paper, her -hands trembled, her eyes filmed over, and her voice failed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With an appealing look she held the paper towards Mrs. -Corder, who took it, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, my dear, you <em>are</em> the nervousest I ever saw, and -no wonder. But for all that you would like to hear it. -Shall I read it for you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes,” was the only answer that Eudora could breathe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady seated herself, and with an air of innocent -importance opened the paper, and holding it squarely -before her large person, read as follows:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<span class='sc'>One Hundred Pounds Reward.</span>—Absconded from -Allworth Abbey, near Abbeytown, in the County of Northumberland, -on the night of Tuesday last, Eudora Milnes -Leaton, charged with having poisoned the family of Leaton, -Allworth. The fugitive is of medium height, slender, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>well-rounded, graceful form, and regular features, dark -complexion, with black hair and black eyes. She wore, -when she left, a full suit of deep mourning. The above -reward will be given to any person who may apprehend -and deliver up the said Eudora Milnes Leaton to justice.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora felt that this description might suit any medium-sized -young brunette in mourning as well as herself, and -therefore breathed more freely, especially as she perceived -that the unconscious landlady never once suspected the -identity of her lodger with the advertised fugitive.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There’s for you, my dear; now, what do you think of -that? They’ll be sure to catch her again with <em>that</em> reward -offered and <em>that</em> description given! She had better go and -hide herself under the earth, for if she shows herself above -ground, she is sure to be caught! Anybody would know -her from that description the minute they clapped their -eyes on her! I should, I’m sure, for I think I see her now, -with her sharp, wicked black eyes, and sly leer and vicious -looks!” said the landlady, gazing straight into the face of -Eudora without the slightest suspicion of her identity with -the fugitive; for good Mrs. Corder had an ideal portrait of -the supposed criminal in her mind’s eye that formed a complete -blind to her discovery of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I hope the prisoner will be found and the truth brought -to light,” said Miss Leaton, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I hope so, too; and now, my dear, I will leave the -paper for your amusement while I go down and see what -Sally is about,” said the landlady, leaving the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, as soon as she found herself alone, picked up the -paper, and once more read the imperfect description of her -own person.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How fortunate for me that they did not think of the -two little moles on my face! Even my innocent landlady -must have detected me by them had they been mentioned,” -thought Eudora to herself. Yet still her heart was filled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>with dismay, and she felt an oppression of the lungs and a -difficulty of breathing, that induced her to rise and open -the door for a freer circulation of air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As she did this, her attention was arrested by a knock -at the private door down stairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As she was in that condition of peril when every sound -struck terror to her heart, she paused and listened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She heard the landlady go to the door and open it, -saying, in a tone of surprise and displeasure:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, whatever can be your business here with me or -my house or family?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We come with a warrant for the arrest of Miss Eudora -Leaton, charged with having poisoned her uncle’s family, -and supposed to be now lying concealed in your house,” -replied a voice that Eudora, in an agony of terror, recognized -as that of Sims, the detective policeman, who had -had her in custody at Allworth Abbey. Though nearly -dying, she leaned far over the railings to hear farther.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora Leaton in my house, indeed! You must have -taken leave of your senses, man! I’ll sue you for slander! -Pray, is my house a harbor for poisoners?” exclaimed the -landlady, indignantly, placing her arms akimbo, and filling -up the door with her burly person.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of course not, mum; nobody says that it is, or means -that it shall be, and nobody accuses you of wilfully concealing -the fugitive—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They’d better not!” interposed the landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, they <em>don’t</em> but you have a young lady lodging -here who arrived last Wednesday morning—a dark young -lady, dressed in black?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, but there are hundreds upon hundreds of dark -young ladies dressed in black in London, and they aint all -poisoners—God forbid! And this one with me aint Eudora -Leaton, nor no such demon; on the contrary, she is Miss -Miller, and an angel, that’s what she is!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>“But for all that, mum, you must let us see this Miss -Miller; you can have no objection to that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, but I <em>has</em> an objection; I has a very particular -objection to any party of perlice intruding into a modest -young lady’s private apartments in <em>my</em> house. And so you -had better go about your business,” said the landlady, still -stopping the way with her large form.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We are sorry to trouble you, Mrs. Corder, but it is absolutely -necessary for us to see this lodger,” insisted the -detective.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But as my lodger happens to be a dark young lady in -black, you may take her up by mistake, and that would -kill the poor young creature.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No danger, Mrs. Corder; we are both well acquainted -with the personal appearance of Miss Eudora Leaton, -having held her in custody for a whole day and night before -her escape. It is only necessary for us to see this -lodger for one moment, in order to know whether she is -Eudora Leaton or not. If she is, we must take her at -once; if she is not, you will be instantly relieved of our -presence. And now I hope you will not longer hinder us -from the discharge of our duty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, certainly not—certainly not! Search! search by -all manner of means, if you can’t take an honest woman’s -word for it!” said the landlady, sarcastically. “Only for -decency’s sake, you must let me go before you, and tell -Miss Miller before you burst in upon her privacy.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well, mum; but we must follow close behind you -to prevent accidents. Lead the way, then,” replied Sims.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora heard this conclusion, and turned with the wild -instinct of flying or hiding, she knew not how or where.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady led the way up-stairs, and rapped at -Eudora’s door. There was no answer. Then the policeman -quickly pushed himself in front of the landlady, and -suddenly opened the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora stood in the middle of the floor, with her hands -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>clasped and extended in mute appeal, her face blanched with -terror, and her eyes strained in anguish upon the intruders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is herself,” said Sims, advancing into the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I knew it before I saw her,” added his companion, following -him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s not! you’re both on you clean mad to say so, only -because she happens to have dark hair and eyes like that -Eudora devil! I suppose you’d even be after taking up -my Sally on suspicion, only she happens to be fair complected,” -exclaimed the landlady, vehemently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The young lady herself cannot deny her own identity. -Are you not Miss Leaton?” inquired Detective Sims, -addressing the panic-stricken girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No!” screamed the landlady, before her lodger could -reply; “no, I tell you she is Miss Miller!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I spoke to you, miss; is not your name Eudora -Leaton?” inquired Sims, confidently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is; I am, indeed, poor Eudora Leaton!” said the -miserable girl, in a dying voice, dropping her head upon -her bosom, and letting her clasped hands fall asunder helplessly -by her side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then please to hold out your wrists, miss,” said the -officer, drawing from his pocket a pair of light steel handcuffs -connected by a short, bright steel chain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora mechanically obeyed, without the highest suspicion -of what was about to be done.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sorry to have to clasp these ornaments on your wrists, -miss; but when a prisoner displays such a wonderful -talent for escape as you have, why, we must take proper -precautions. Hold your hands up a little higher, if you -please, miss—there!” said Sims, snapping the handcuffs -upon her delicate wrists; “there, now, I dare say, as your -waiting-maid never clasped your gold bracelets when you -were going to a party quicker than I have these. And -these, though they are of steel, are as light and as bright -as possible, and steel is very fashionable now; and as for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>the chain that connects them, it is for all the world like the -handle of an elegant reticule. You see I selected the -pattern of the ornament with a view to the delicacy of the -wearer,” concluded the man, carefully adjusting the fetters.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, mum,” he added, turning to the landlady, -“will you get Miss Leaton’s bonnet and shawl, and so forth, -and put them on her, while my comrade goes out and calls -a cab?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady, since the confession of Eudora, had been -standing the very image of dumb consternation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The request of the policeman broke the spell of silence -that bound her, and she burst into a passion of tears, sobbing -and exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, who’d a thought it? I wouldn’t—no! I wouldn’t -a believed it if an angel from heaven had come down and -told me! and I can scarce believe it even now when I look -into her innocent face! Oh, my dear! say it was all a -mistake! say as how you are <em>not</em> Eudora Leaton, and <em>not</em> -a poisoner, or you’ll break the mother’s heart in my bosom!” -she cried, extending her arms with yearning tenderness -towards the miserable girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Mrs. Corder! I am indeed Eudora Leaton, but no -poisoner; as the Lord in heaven sees and hears me, no -poisoner! Your pure and honest heart must read and -understand me rightly! Oh, come, look into my eyes, -deep down into my soul, and see if it is stained with such -an atrocious crime!” said Eudora, clasping her fettered -hands, and raising her beautiful eyes to the face of the -landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, indeed!” exclaimed the latter; “since you are -Eudora Leaton, you are wrongfully accused! I’d stake -my life upon it, you are wrongfully accused! I believe you -to be as innocent of that deed as my own Sally, that I do!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, thank you! thank you for that! for you believe -only what God knows to be true! I am innocent!” wept -Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>“I know you be, my poor child! Oh, Mr. Perlice, look -at her! just look at her sweet face and soft eyes, and tell -me if it is possible for <em>her</em> to be guilty of what she is -accused with?” said the landlady, taking the detective by -his arm, and turning him towards the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The testimony, mum, the testimony!” said that functionary, -coolly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, the testimony!” The landlady shut her lips to -prevent the escape of a word that would not have become -the mouth of an honest woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fax is fax, mum! And now, as we want to catch the -three o’clock train, I wish you would show your kindness -to your lodger by putting her things on her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I won’t! You shan’t take her away, you cruel man!” -cried the landlady, roaring with grief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do, Mrs. Corder, get my bonnet and shawl; we must -not resist the warrant, you know,” said Eudora, in an expiring -voice, as, unable longer to support her sinking -frame, she dropped into the nearest chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I <em>will</em> resist! It’s cruel! it’s monstrous! it’s infamous -to drag you off in this way!” sobbed the landlady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll tell you what, mum, unless you get what the young -lady requires, and help her to prepare for her journey, I -shall have to go into her chamber and be her waiting-maid -myself, which might not be so pleasant, you know, for I -expect Rutt here every minute with the cab.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment, indeed, the other policeman entered to -say that the carriage was at the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, come, bestir yourself, my good woman, or shall -I go?” said Sims, hurrying towards the chamber door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No,” said Mrs. Corder, losing her temper, forgetting -her respectability, descending into the depths of Billingsgate, -and fishing up its blackest mud of vituperation to -fling at the policemen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She resisted, abused, and threatened them at such a rate -that, had they not been very forbearing, besides having a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>much more important matter in hand, they might reasonably -have taken her in charge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the landlady had fairly screamed herself out of -breath, so that she was obliged to stop and pant, Eudora -took advantage of the momentary silence to lay her -manacled hands upon the arm of the angry woman, and to -falter:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear, good friend, all this is well meant, but it does me -harm instead of good. We cannot possibly resist lawful -authority; and so, if you really desire to serve me, do that -for me which I should not like a policeman to do, and -which I cannot do for myself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, poor, fatherless, motherless child! Oh, poor, dear -little fettered wrists!” cried the landlady, sobbing and -weeping over them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, mum, come! time’s up!” said Sims.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was answered by another shower of tears and abuse, -as Mrs. Corder retreated into the bed-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She soon reappeared with Eudora’s outer garments, -which she carefully arranged upon the person of their -owner, folding the shawl so as to conceal the degrading -fetters.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, where be you a-going to take my poor -darling? Not to Newgate, I hope?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, no, mum, we must take her back to Abbeytown, -where she will have a fair trial and full justice, that you -may depend upon, so don’t be alarmed,” said Sims, with -more good nature than could have been expected of him -under the circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Eudora was ready she sank into the arms of her -rough but honest friend, who embraced her fervently, -praying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, may the Lord deliver you from all your enemies -and all your troubles, my poor, helpless darling! and may -the old Nick himself—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush, hush!” said Eudora, stopping her words with a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>kiss; “let me go with the sound of blessings, not of curses, -ringing on my ears! Good-bye, dear friend! May God -reward you for all your kindness to me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Eudora withdrew from her arms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The landlady sank sobbing into a chair. The young -prisoner, half fainting, was led away between the two -policemen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They took her down-stairs, and placed her in the cab -which was immediately driven towards the King’s-cross -Railway Station.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They arrived just in time to catch the desired train. -Eudora was hurried into a coupé, where she sat guarded on -the right and left by the two policemen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a miserable journey of about six hours. The -policemen were reasonably kind to her, and whenever the -train stopped for refreshments, they offered her food, wine, -tea and coffee. But she refused all meat and drink, and -sat in a stupor of exhaustion and despair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was after nine o’clock when the train arrived at Abbeytown. -It was quite dark, but the station was well lighted, -and the usual mob of guards, cabmen, and idlers was collected -to see the train come in.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There were but few passengers for Abbeytown, so that -when the policemen stepped out of the coupé, leading their -prisoner between them—and when Sims stood by, guarding -her, while Rutt went to call a cab—they were exposed to -the observation of the whole crowd, who gathered around, -quickly identified the party, and began to whisper audibly -that the notorious Eudora Leaton, the poisoner of her -uncle’s family, was there in custody of the police, and to -elbow, push, and crowd each other in their anxiety to see -her face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, nearly fainting with distress, put up her hands -to draw her veil closer about her face, and in so doing exposed -her fettered wrists.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Handcuffed, too, by all that’s blue! What a desperate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>’un she must be, to be sure,” said a rude man, pushing -near, and trying to look under her veil.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stand back, will you?” shouted Sims, angrily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, we mustn’t look at her, mustn’t we? Well, then, -I reckon the day’ll come as we’ll get a full view of her for -nothing. Calcraft’s patients don’t wear weils to hide their -blushes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora shuddered at this rude speech, when luckily the -other officer came up with the cab, and she was hurried into -it, out of the insulting scrutiny of the mob.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Among those who had gazed with even more interest -than curiosity upon the hapless girl, was a tall, thin, mustachioed -foreigner, wrapped in a large cloak, and having a -travelling-cap pulled down low over his piercing eyes. He -had come down alone in a first-class carriage, and now -stood waiting upon the platform.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the cab had rolled out of sight, and the train had -started, and the bustle of the arrival and departure was -over, the stranger turned to an <i><span lang="fr">employée</span></i> at the station, and -said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who is that young girl that arrived in charge of the -police?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That, sir? why, a most notorious criminal, sir, as has -just been taken in London; by name Miss Leaton, sir; -more’s the pity, for it’s a noble one to end in shame and -ruin.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton!—not of Allworth Abbey!—not the -daughter of Lord Leaton?” questioned the stranger in the -strongest agitation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Lord, no, sir; not the daughter of Lord Leaton, -but his niece. Lord, sir, haven’t you heard about it? I -thought the story had gone all over England.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have but just arrived in the country, and know -nothing of the affair, but I am interested in hearing the -particulars, if you will do me the favor of relating them.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>“Oh, yes, sir, certainly, with great pleasure,” said the -man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And it was indeed with <em>very</em> great pleasure that he -commenced and related to a perfectly fresh hearer the oft-repeated -awful tragedy of Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The stranger listened with the deepest interest. At the -conclusion of the narrative, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The circumstances, indeed, seem to point out this -young Eudora Leaton as the criminal; but from the -glimpse I caught of her lovely face, she is just the last -person in the world I should suspect of crime.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, sir, we mustn’t judge by appearances. Who looked -more innocent nor William Palmer? He had just the -most sweetest and benevolentness face as ever was seen.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know nothing of the man of whom you speak; but -the face of this young girl is certainly not that of a -poisoner. And so I should like you to name over to me -every individual of the drawing-room circle at Allworth -Abbey at the time of Lord Leaton’s sudden death.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir; that is easily done, for there were very few—Lord -and Lady Leaton; their only child, Miss Leaton; -their niece, Miss Eudora; and their guest, the Princess -Pezzilini.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Humph! And the domestic establishment, can you -call its members over by name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lord, yes, sir! ever since that dreadful affair every -individual member of that household is well beknown to -everybody,” replied the man, who immediately began and -gave a list of all the maid and men servants in or about -Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Humph,” said the stranger again; and then, after a -few moments spent in deep thought, he thanked the narrator -for his information, put a crown-piece in his hand, and -requested him to call a cab.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The man touched his hat, hurried away, and soon -returned with the cab.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>“To the Leaton Arms,” said the stranger, as he entered -the cab, and threw himself heavily back among the -cushions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile Eudora Leaton, in charge of the two policemen, -was carried into the town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was considered too late to take her before a magistrate, -or even lodge her in the county gaol, which had been -closed for hours.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The policemen therefore conveyed her to a rude but -strong station, or lock-up house, where drunkards, brawlers, -thieves, and other disturbers of the night were confined -until morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora was thrust into a large stone room, with grated -windows placed high up towards the ceiling, and rude -oaken benches ranged along the walls. This apartment -was without fire, beds, or separate cells.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was occupied by about half a dozen abandoned women -and various children, some of whom lay extended along the -benches in the stupid sleep of intoxication, while others -walked restlessly about, engaged in desultory conversation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As soon as Eudora was brought into the room they -ceased their talk to stare at her, as though she had been a -vision from another world.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Truly, she was a strange visitant of such a place as that.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In a moment, however, they seemed to have fixed upon -her identity, and began an eager whispering concerning -her supposed crimes and probable fate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As soon as the policemen had gone, and the strong oaken -door was locked and barred upon her, and she found herself -alone among these wretched outcasts, fear and loathing -seized her soul, and she retreated to the remotest corner of -the hall, where she crouched down upon the bench, and -covered her face with her veil.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Eudora had to learn in her misery that human sympathies -still lived in the seared hearts of those poor women, -dead though they seemed to all higher feelings.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>While shrinking in horror from the sight and hearing of -these lost creatures, Eudora heard one whisper to another:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Go to her, Nance, you’re the youngest of the lot, and -maybe she’ll not be frightened of you. Go to her, there’s -a good lass; see, she aint used to being in a place like this.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I dunnot like to go, Poll. She’s a lady, and I dunnot -like to.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But she is in trouble with the rest of us, Nance, and -she’s a stranger to the place, with no one to speak to. Go -to her, there’s a good lass.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, if you’ll go with me and speak first.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Me! look at me, with my torn gown and my black eye; -I should scare the soul out of the likes of her,” said Poll, -sighing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Bosh! she wouldn’t see ’em; ’sides, if all’s true as is -said of <em>her</em>, <em>she</em> aint easy scared. Howsoever, and whatsoever -she <em>has</em> done, I am sorry for her, seeing as she is in -about the deepest trouble as any woman <em>could</em> be in! so -let’s both go and comfort her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>One touch of sympathy as well as nature makes all the -world of kin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora’s heart was touched; but though purity cannot -do otherwise than shrink from the contact of impurity, and -though Eudora still shuddered as these women approached -her, yet she put aside her veil and looked gratefully towards -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, lass, don’t be downcast; keep up a good heart -in your bosom. There’s many a one locked up here, and -comes afore the beak, as is never sent up to the ’sizes; and -many and many tried at the ’sizes as are never conwicted, -and more conwicted as are never exercuted. So you see, -my poor dear, as there are ten chances to one in your favor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I am not guilty; that also should be in my favor,” -said poor Eudora, glad of any sympathy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To be sure you arn’t, my dear! You arn’t guilty, even -supposing you <em>did</em> poison your uncle’s family! We arn’t -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>any on us guilty of anything in particular, no matter what -we do. It’s <span class='fss'>SOCIETY</span> as is guilty of everything, as I myself -heard well proved by an philanthrophysing gemman as spoke -to the people on Fledgemoor Common,” said the enlightened -Poll.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I did <em>not</em> poison my uncle’s family. Oh! my God! -how can anyone think I could do such a thing,” said Eudora, -shuddering.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, dear, I don’t ask you to confess, which would be -unreasonable; but I <em>do</em> tell you that it makes no difference -to me; I pities you all the same whether you did poison -’em or not. For, maybe, you couldn’t help it; and maybe -they <em>deserved</em> poisoning, ’cause why? some people are more -agrowoking nor rats and mice, as everyone allows it to be -lawful to poison. And maybe they trampled on you being -of an orphan niece. And leastways—it aint <em>you</em>, it’s society -as is to blame for it all, as the philanthrophysing gemman -said at Fledgemoor Common. So, my darling, you just -keep up your heart. And here, take a drop of comfort to -help you to do so. Here is some rale ‘mountain dew’ as -will get up your spirits just about right. Take a sip,” said -Poll, diving into the depths of a capacious pocket and -drawing forth a flask, which she unstopped and offered to -Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the fumes of the gin were so repulsive to the latter -that she waved it away, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you; you are very kind, indeed; but I do not -require anything.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, if you won’t take the gin, you must lie down and -rest anyhow; for you look just about ready to faint away. -We’ll make you the best bed as we can in this miserable -place. Here, Nance, lend me your shawl; and lend me -yours, Peg; we must be good to a poor girl as is in a -thousand times deeper trouble nor we are ourselves, ’cause -our lives is not in danger as her’s be,” said Poll, stripping -the shawl from her own shoulders and folding and laying it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>on the rude bench, and rolling Nance’s shawl into a pillow -and retaining Peg’s for a blanket.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, my darling, take off your bonnet, and loosen your -clothes, and spread your pocket handkerchief over this rum -pillow, and try to take some rest, and you’ll be all the better -able to face the beaks to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you; you are very, very good to me; and I -know that the best thing I can do is to lie down as you -advise me,” said Eudora, with much emotion, for she had -scarcely hoped to meet such tender sympathy from such -rude natures.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And she took off her bonnet, unhooked the bodice of her -dress, and laid her weary frame down on the little bed that -their kindness had prepared for her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Poll covered her carefully with Peg’s shawl, and then -bidding her good-night, drew off her companions to the -farthest end of the room, where they conversed in low -whispers, for fear of disturbing “the poor young lady.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Left to herself, Eudora composed her mind to prayer; -and as the prayers of innocence always bring peace, -notwithstanding all the shame, grief and terror of her -position, the poor girl sank into a strange calm, and thence -into a deep sleep.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XV.<br> <span class='large'>IN PRISON.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Oh, God! that one might see the book of fate,</div> - <div class='line'>And read the revolution of the times—</div> - <div class='line'>Make mountains level, and the continent,</div> - <div class='line'>Weary of solid firmness, melt itself</div> - <div class='line'>Into the sea! and other times to see</div> - <div class='line'>The beachy girdle of the ocean</div> - <div class='line'>Too wide for Neptune’s hips.—<em>Shakspeare.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Clearly broke the morning through the grated windows -of the lock-up house. The beams of the rising sun slanting -through the bars, shown upon the wretched inmates, some -extended along the benches, some squatted upon the floor -but all in a heavy sleep.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, lying covered up carefully in her remote corner -of the room, out of the direct rays of the sun, also continued -to sleep soundly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>An hour or two passed without anything disturbing the -quiet of the prison, until at length the falling of the bars, -opening of the door, and entrance of the policemen, awoke -the sleepers, who commenced an unanimous clamor for -food, for drink, and above all, for release.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Roused by the noise, Eudora started up and gazed -wildly around, not comprehending her situation; but soon -memory, with all its terrors, awoke, and nearly turned her -into stone. She gazed upon her manacled hands, her prison -walls, and her wretched companions, and her blood nearly -froze in her veins.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The policemen had come to take the other women and -the children before the magistrate. The three females who -had befriended her the night before now came to her to -reclaim their shawls, and with many kind wishes, took leave.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Keep up your spirits, lass! don’t let the beaks see you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>down in the mouth! Lawk, it is only the <em>first</em> time going -as is awful. By the time you’ve been hauled up afore the -beak as often as I has, you won’t mind it more’n I do. -Will she, Nance?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not a bit of it,” said the girl addressed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora shuddered throughout her frame at this horrible -style of consolation. And yet so real is the link that binds -together the whole brotherhood and sisterhood of man and -woman, and so intense in times of trouble is the craving of -the human heart for human sympathy, that it was with -feelings of longing and regret Eudora saw these wretched -women depart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was left quite alone for an hour; at the end of which -the detective Sims brought her some coffee and bread, of -which he kindly advised her to partake.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How long shall I have to remain here?” inquired the -poor girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your examination before the magistrates is fixed for -noon. It can’t take place before, because of the witnesses -having to be brought together.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank you. Will you set down the coffee, and be kind -enough to procure me a pitcher of water?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The officer nodded, and went and brought the required -refreshment, and then retired and barred the door upon the -solitary prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And as soon as she was again left alone, Eudora, over -whose habits of neatness no misfortune could prevail, took -combs, brushes, and a towel from her travelling-bag, and -with the aid of the jug of water, bathed her face, combed -her hair, and arranged her dress as well as with her manacled -hands she could. Then she drank the coffee and tried -to compose her mind for the severe ordeal before her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had not long to wait. At a quarter to twelve the -bars once more fell with a clang, the door was opened, and -the two officers entered to conduct her before the magistrates. -With her fettered hands she managed to put on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>her bonnet, but could not contrive to arrange her shawl; -but Sims performed this service for her with gentleness -and delicacy, folding the shawl so as to conceal the manacles.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, closely veiled, she was led out between the two -policemen, and conducted across the street to the Townhall, -in a front room of which the magistrates held their -sessions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A rude crowd of men, women and boys was collected in -front of the building, waiting to get a sight of her face as -she passed. But the policemen kindly hurried her through -this crowd into the hall.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a large stone room, divided across the middle of -the floor by an iron railing. Within this railing, behind a -long table, sat three magistrates; the presiding Justice, -Sir Ira Brunton, occupied the central position, while on his -right sat Squire Humphreys, and on his left Squire Upton. -At one extremity of the table sat the clerk, and at the opposite -end stood the group of witnesses, consisting of Dr. -Watkins, Dr. Hall, the Princess Pezzilini, two chemists, a -policeman, and the domestic servants of Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Immediately before the table stood Malcolm Montrose, -looking pale, anxious, and heart-broken. On seeing the -entrance of Eudora guarded, he hurried through the little -gate of the railings towards her, saying, in a low and hurried -tone:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Eudora! It is but an hour since I heard of your -arrest—only when the sheriff’s-officer arrived at Allworth -to summon the witnesses; and I hurried hither immediately -to see what I could do for you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing, nothing, you can do nothing for me, dear -friend; my case is so desperate that none but God can help -me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But oh, Eudora——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, we cannot allow any conversation with the prisoner,” -said Sims, hurrying his charge on to the immediate -presence of the magistrates.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>“Place a chair for her, officer; she is unable to stand,” -said Squire Upton, looking at the terrified and half-fainting -girl with feelings that might have been compassion, but for -the horror her supposed crime inspired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sims placed a chair directly in front of the table before -the magistrates, and Eudora dropped rather than set down -in it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sims then laid the warrant upon the table before their -worships, and retreated behind the chair of his prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Sir Ira Brunton adjusted his spectacles, took up the -warrant, looked over it, and then addressing the accused, -said, coldly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you please to throw aside your veil, Miss Leaton?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, with trembling fingers, obeyed, and revealed a -face, so deathly in its pallor, that those who looked upon -it shrank back and uttered exclamations of pity, for they -thought the girl must be dying.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton,” pursued Sir Ira Brunton, “the warrant -that I hold here charges you with the murder, by the administration -of poison, of the late Lord and Lady Leaton -and their daughter, the Hon. Agatha Leaton. I must say -that I grieve exceedingly to see one of your age and sex -and rank stand before us charged with so heinous a -crime.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The deadly pallor of Eudora’s cheeks were suddenly -flushed with a hectic spot, as she faltered forth:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am guiltless; oh, sir, you who have known me ever -since I came, an orphan, in this strange land, should know -that I am.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“God grant that it may prove so,” said the magistrate, -sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the investigation immediately commenced. First, -the minutes of the coroner’s inquest were read; and then -the witnesses were examined in turn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The housekeeper, Mrs. Vose, was called, and with many -tears, and much reluctance, gave in her testimony:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>“That Miss Eudora Leaton was the niece of Lord -Leaton, and after Miss Agatha, the next heiress to the -estate. Miss Eudora had nursed Lord Leaton through his -fatal illness, preparing all his delicate food and drink with -her own hands. She prepared the sleeping-draught of -which he drank ten minutes before his sudden death. Miss -Eudora also nursed Miss Agatha through her last illness, -which corresponded in all its symptoms to that of the late -Lord Leaton. Miss Eudora watched beside Miss Agatha -on the last night of her life, and prepared the tamarind-water -of which she drank just before her death. Lady -Leaton drank of the same beverage just before her sudden -demise.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Squire Upton inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Was the jug containing this beverage left out of the -prisoner’s keeping from the time of her preparing it to -the time of Miss Agatha Leaton’s death?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think not. Miss Eudora prepared the drink in the -housekeeper’s room, and took it up to Miss Agatha’s chamber, -where she (Miss Eudora) watched through the night,” -replied Mrs. Vose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Several others among the domestic servants were examined, -and each one, in a greater or less degree, corroborated -the testimony of the housekeeper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The next witness examined was the family physician, -Dr. Watkins, who testified that the symptoms of the sudden -accessions of illness, which successively terminated in -the death of Lord Leaton, Lady Leaton, and Miss Leaton, -were those produced by the poison of St. Ignatius’ Bean;—that -traces of this poison were discovered in the autopsy -of the dead bodies and in the analysis of the beverage prepared -by Miss Eudora Leaton, and of which they drank -just previous to their deaths;—and that a quantity of the -same fatal drug was found in Miss Eudora Leaton’s box.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The testimony of the doctor was corroborated by two -physicians who had assisted in the autopsy of the bodies -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>and the analysis of the beverage, and by the policeman -who had executed the warrant and discovered the poison -in Eudora’s possession.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The last witness examined was the Princess Pezzilini, -who, with the exception of the scientific evidence offered -by the physicians, corroborated the whole of the foregoing -testimony.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The evidence being all collected, the prisoner was asked -if she had any explanation to give before the magistrates -should decide upon her case.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Slowly rising, and in a very faint voice, she answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None that will do any good, I fear. I did, indeed, -nurse my uncle and my cousin through their last illnesses—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Prisoner, you are seriously compromising yourself by -making these admissions. You must be careful not to -commit yourself again,” said Squire Upton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, if I speak at all, I can only speak the truth, and -I cannot believe that the truth can hurt me. I repeat, -then, your worships, that I did nurse my uncle and cousin -through their last illness. I did prepare with my own -hands all the food and drink of which they partook—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Prisoner, prisoner,” said Squire Upton, in a tone of -great sympathy, for—despite the conclusive evidence -against her, it was impossible to look into her innocent -eyes without feeling a doubt of her supposed guilt, and -wishing to give her the benefit of that doubt—“prisoner, -I must again earnestly warn you that you are fatally criminating -yourself, a thing that the law does not require you -to do. Justice affords even to the most guilty the opportunity -of acquittal, which the criminal is not bound to -destroy.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, I am not a criminal; and if speaking the truth -is to destroy me, it must do so. I did prepare their food -and drink, as I did everything else for their relief and -comfort, because I loved them so much that I would have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>given my life, if its sacrifice could have saved theirs. I -put no injurious ingredient in anything that I made for -them. And as for that deadly poison of St. Ignatius’ -Bean, of which it is said they died, and which was found -in my box, I do not know how it came there. I never, -certainly, had it in my possession, never knew anything of -its properties, never even heard of its existence before! -And as I have spoken truly, so may the Lord deliver my -life from this great peril!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She concluded in a very low voice, and at the close of -her little speech sank trembling into her chair again. Her -simple defence, with its fatal admissions, was of course -worse than useless; and her unsupported denial of the -poisoning had not a feather’s weight to counterbalance the -crushing mass of evidence against her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Humph! I see but one course for us to pursue, and -that is to send her to trial. What do you say, Mr. -Humphreys? What do you say, Mr. Upton?” inquired -Sir Ira Brunton, looking to the right and left upon his -associate magistrates.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I regret to be obliged to coincide with you,” said Mr. -Humphreys.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is very sad, very, very sad; but I see no possible -alternative,” said Squire Upton, looking with deep compassion -upon the poor young girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fill out the mittimus, Wallace,” ordered Sir Ira -Brunton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The clerk immediately filled out the commitment of -Eudora Leaton, and placed it in the hands of detective -Sims, with the order to take away his prisoner at once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this command a wild affright blanched the face of -Eudora, who, in her utter ignorance of the magistrates’ -prerogative, clasped her hands, and raised her dilated -eyes, in an agony of supplication, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, sirs, I am innocent! God knows I am! Have -pity on me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>“My child,” said the kind-hearted Squire Upton, who -more than half-doubted her imputed guilt, “this is not -final, you know. He pronounced no judgment upon your -guilt or innocence, we only send you to take your trial -before a higher court, where you may be fully acquitted. -Meanwhile, no doubt your friends will procure you counsel -from the highest legal talent in the kingdom, and this -talent will devote itself to the task of clearing away these -circumstances that appear against you; and if you are -really innocent, as I hope that you are, take faith and -patience to your heart, and pray and trust to God for their -success and your deliverance.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora listened to these words with eager, breathless -interest; but, oh, they afforded her but little hope. She -bowed in silent acknowledgment of the magistrates’ kindness, -and turned in resigned despair towards her custodians.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose, with anguish stamped like death -upon his brow, came forward, and, in a choking voice, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Gentlemen, if any amount of bail would suffice to set -her at liberty—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, the Queen of England could not bail -out a prisoner charged with the crime of which she stands -committed,” said Sir Ira Brunton, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah! Malcolm knew this as well as the magistrates did; -he had only spoken in the transient madness of grief and -desperation. Now he turned to the prisoner, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora, throw yourself upon the mercy of heaven, -since there is so little left on earth. Oh, pray to God as I -shall pray for you, and try to bear up under this heaviest -affliction through these darkest of days. I will leave for -London to-night, and retain the best counsel that can be -procured. I will bring them to you to-morrow. Oh, try -to endure your life until then.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose,” said Sir Ira Brunton, “the prisoner -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>must be at once removed; we are waiting to examine other -cases.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good-bye until to-morrow, Eudora. Before you reach -your prison walls, I shall be speeding towards London to -bring down your counsel. Heaven be with you, most -innocent and most injured girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And pressing her hand fervently, he relinquished it, and -hurried away, to throw himself into the next up-train.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora was led out between the two officers, placed in a -cab, and driven towards the gaol.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The prison—situated on the outskirts of the town—was -a great, grim-looking, dark, gray stone building, pierced by -narrow grated windows, and surrounded by high stone -walls.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Poor Eudora’s stricken heart collapsed and sank within -her as the cab drew up before this formidable-looking -stronghold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The policemen alighted, handed their prisoner out, and -rang at the grated gate in the wall, which was immediately -unlocked and opened by the turnkey on duty there.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The terrified, half-fainting girl was led into a close courtyard, -where the very wind of heaven, that bloweth where -it listeth, was scarcely free to move, and across it, towards -the main entrance of the prison, a low, narrow, iron-bound -oaken door, approached by six steep stone steps in the -thickness of the wall.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here again the policemen rang, and the door was opened -by the keeper on duty, who admitted the whole party into -a gloomy-looking stone hall, where a turnkey received and -silently conducted them to a side-door on the right leading -into the gaoler’s office.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here the sinking girl was permitted to sit down while -the gaoler received the warrant for her confinement, entered -her name upon the prison books, gave a receipt for her -person, and discharged the policemen, who immediately -left.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>When they were gone, the gaoler looked with the utmost -interest and sorrow upon the unhappy girl left in his custody; -and well he might, for it was the father of Eudora -whose kind efforts had procured his appointment to the -office which he now held.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He went to a small cupboard in the wall, and poured out -a glass of sherry, which he brought to her, and with paternal -kindness compelled her to drink.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The generous wine certainly called back the ebbing tide -of her life, and when Mr. Anderson saw this, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not be too much cast down, Miss Leaton. Hope -for the best. Meantime, while you are left in my charge, -I will try to make your confinement as easy as I can, consistently -with my duty and your safe keeping.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you,” breathed Eudora, in a low voice, and -with a slightly surprised look; for the poor child’s abstract -idea of gaolers had been that they were terrible, avenging -demons, having indeed the shape of men, but being set -aside from common human nature by reason of their -odious office. And to see in this dreaded monster a -benevolent little man, who spoke gently and acted kindly, -was a new revelation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now I will take you to your cell, where at least -you may lie down and take the rest that you seem to need -so much. I will make you as comfortable as circumstances -will admit; and as you are not here for punishment, -but only to await your trial, you may be allowed -many privileges that are denied to those who are confined -for offences.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you,” again sighed the poor girl, whose -tortured brain could shape no other form of reply, and -whose aching heart could take no interest in the minor -comforts or discomforts of her situation, while the appalling -calamity of her approaching trial and probable fate -stared her in the face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But she arose and followed the gaoler, who led her back -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>into the hall, up a flight of steep stone stairs, and along a -narrow corridor flanked each side by grated doors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>About midway down the length of this corridor, he -paused and unlocked a door on the right hand, and led his -prisoner into a stone cell, very small but very clean, having -a grated window at the back, and furnished with a cot-bed, -and a wooden stand and chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I place you here,” said Mr. Anderson, “because the -window looks down upon the prison garden and out over -the heath, so that your eyes may travel though your feet -may not. And now sit down, if you please, while I take -off those handcuffs.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora sank into the only chair, and held up her hands -while the gaoler relieved her of those galling fetters, which, -long after they had been removed, left livid circles around -those delicate wrists to show where they had pressed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now I will go and send one of the female turnkeys -to bring you what you need. And if there is anything that -will—I cannot say add to your comfort, but—detract from -your <em>dis</em>comfort, send word by her to me, and, if possible, -you shall be accommodated with what you want,” said -Anderson, leaving the cell and locking the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora took off her bonnet and shawl, cast herself upon -the narrow bed, closed her eyes, threw her arms up over her -head—it was almost with a sense of pleasure that she felt -them free again—and abandoned herself to the natural -attitude of the prostration of grief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had scarcely lain thus for five minutes when the door -was again unlocked, and a woman, coarse in person, but -civil in demeanor, entered the cell, bringing a basin, pitcher -of water, and towel, all of which she placed upon the stand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hearing this woman moving about the cell, Eudora, -without changing her attitude, listlessly opened her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The woman then pointed to the conveniences she had -brought, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>“Mr. Anderson wishes to know if there is anything else -you would like.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora shook her head in silence, and the woman retreated, -and once more locked the prisoner in.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Two or three hours passed, in which Eudora, lying still -upon her narrow prison bed in the dull anguish of despair, -felt as if her heart was slowly and painfully dying, but -without the hope of ultimate death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Everyone who has suffered the extremity of suspense, -grief, or despair, knows the dread sensation of this dying -life or living death. It is that which even in youth, in -health, and in a few hours, has power to wrinkle the brow, -whiten the hair, and disorganize the heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was quite dark, when the female turnkey, whose name -was Barton, entered the cell, bringing Eudora’s supper on -a tray, and saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This was sent you from Mr. Anderson’s own table, -miss; do try and eat a bit.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora shook her head in silence; but the woman was -kindly persistent, and the poor girl, by nature very docile, -lifted herself up and ate a small bit of mutton-chop, and -drank a little port wine.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, miss, if you’ve brought your night clothes -along with you, I would like to help you to undress, and -see you comfortably in bed before I leave you, for you do -not look so very over strong.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>In this instance also Eudora meekly yielded to the guidance -of Mrs. Barton, took a night-gown from the travelling-bag, -and permitted the good woman to help her to undress -and get into bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then Mrs. Barton hung up Eudora’s dress, and bidding -her be of good cheer, and wishing her good-night, left -the cell, and locked her in.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And as soon as the poor girl found herself again alone, -she closed her eyes, clasped her hands, and raised her heart -in prayer to God for strength, comfort, and deliverance.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XVI.<br> <span class='large'>THE MYSTERIES OF EDENLAWN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>She deemed him dead, in a foreign land;</div> - <div class='line'>Did her smile come back with its glory bland,</div> - <div class='line'>Lighting her face as in other years,</div> - <div class='line'>Ere shame and sorrow had taught her tears?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>He was dead, and the secret of shame and gloom</div> - <div class='line'>Lay buried deep in his distant tomb!</div> - <div class='line'>No more should she shudder to hear his name,</div> - <div class='line'>With a chilling heart and a brow of flame.—<em>C. A. Warfield.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>If Allworth Abbey was the most ancient and gloomy, -and if the Anchorage was the most commanding and cheerful, -assuredly Edenlawn was the most beautiful and delightful -estate in the neighborhood of Abbeytown.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The three estates formed a right angle, of which Allworth -Abbey was the eastern, Edenlawn the southern, and the -Anchorage the western points.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Edenlawn was equi-distant, about three miles from the -two.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The mansion was an elegant modern edifice of white -stone, in the Grecian order of architecture, crowning the -summit of a green and wooded hill that ascended gradually -from the banks of the lovely little lake Eden. A wide -vista had been opened between the trees from the white -front of the mansion down to the clear waters of the lake. -This vista was laid out in terraces, with stone steps leading -down the centre, from level to level, from the house to the -lake. It was adorned with parterres of beautiful flowers, -groves of rare shrubs, and groups of fine statues.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On each side of these ornamented grounds, and behind -the house, stood the ancient woods, where the fine old -forest-trees were kept well trimmed and free from undergrowth -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>by the zeal of old Davy Denny, the head-gardener, -whose care of the place was a labor of earnest love.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And this was well, else, for all the interest taken in it -by the proprietress, the Honorable Mrs. Elverton, this -paradise might have fallen into desolation, or been transformed -to a Gehenna.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For this beautiful Edenlawn, though a comparatively -new place, was a house with a very dark history.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was some years before the time of which we now write -that the Honorable Hollis Elverton, only son of Baron -Elverton of Torg Castle, in Yorkshire, while staying in -Paris, married the beautiful and haughty Athenie de la -Compte, daughter of that celebrated General de la Compte -who held so high a place in the esteem of the ex-King -Louis Phillippe and in the councils of the nation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Athenie de la Compte was a tall and dark brunette, -with raven-black hair and flashing black eyes, and with an -imperious temper and a commanding presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Immediately after their marriage the young couple set -out for a lengthened tour on the Continent, and came to -England only at the end of twelvemonths.</p> - -<p class='c014'>After a short season spent in London, where the imperial -beauty of Mrs. Elverton created an immense sensation, -at the close of the summer the young husband -brought his youthful wife home to his beautiful villa of -Edenlawn, which had been built, furnished, and adorned -by Lord Elverton expressly for the residence of his son -and daughter-in-law.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few days after their settlement at home they were -joined by a select party of invited guests, who came down -from town on a visit of a few weeks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton then issued cards for a large evening -party to all the neighboring nobility and gentry. The -party was a great success, and formed the initiative of a -series of neighborhood festivities.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was in the midst of all this gaiety that the thunderbolt -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>fell that struck the proud Athenie to the dust and spread a -desert round her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On a certain evening Mr. and Mrs. Elverton, and the -friends who were staying with them, had returned late from -a dinner-party given at the Anchorage. The visitors had -withdrawn to their several apartments for the night; but -Mr. and Mrs. Elverton, as was their daily custom, remained -for a few minutes behind them in the drawing-room to -discuss the events of the day before retiring to rest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While, with the buoyancy of youth, love and joy, they -were sitting talking and laughing together, a footman -entered the room and announced a stranger who imperatively -demanded to see Mr. Elverton, and would take no -denial, although Charles had explained that it was too late -for his master to be disturbed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Elverton though the most courteous of gentlemen, -could not be said to have yielded so much to courtesy as to -curiosity to know who this importunate stranger might be, -when he ordered Charles to show the unseasonable visitor -into the library, whither he himself immediately proceeded.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The stranger was a woman of majestic presence, whose -tall, commanding figure was wrapped in a long black cloak; -and whose unknown features were concealed beneath a thick -black veil. Thus much only the servants saw of her as -Charles showed her into the library, whither she was -instantly followed by Mr. Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Charles, in the conscientious discharge of the principal -duty of his office, applied his ear to the keyhole; but his -virtue was not rewarded by any satisfactory result. He -only heard, a low exclamation of astonishment from his -master, a muttered reply from the stranger, and then the -sound of their steps retreating towards a distant part of the -room, where the words of their conversation were quite -inaudible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The ingenuity and perseverance of Mr. Charles was -really worthy of a better cause and a greater success. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>shut his eyes, plugged the orifice of his left ear with his -little finger, and concentrated his five senses into the -hearing of his right ear, which he plastered to the keyhole.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas! he could make out not a single syllable of that -mysterious interview; and the few sounds that he heard -only tortured his curiosity—these sounds were occasionally -a deep, half-smothered groan from his master, and a -sharp, sarcastic laugh from the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This secret interview lasted for about an hour, at the end -of which Charles heard the footsteps coming down the room -towards the door, and deemed it proper to withdraw from -his post of observation. But Mr. Charles’ limbs were so -stiff and numb from long kneeling, that it was no easy -matter to rise, while at the same time there was imminent -danger of his being discovered in the act of listening when -his master should open the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a last desperate effort he struggled upon his feet; -and then, as fortune crowns us when we least expect her to -do so, he had the satisfaction of overhearing something. It -was the voice of his master, saying, in a tone of anguish:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are a fiend! a fiend! H— never cast forth a -blacker one to blast this fair earth!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the moment after Mr. Elverton pulled open the -door, and hurried forth—alone! He crossed the hall, -entered the drawing-room and shut the door after him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Charles stared after his master, and then looked to the -right and to the left, before and behind, above and below, -and everywhere else, to see whither the stranger had -vanished, but in vain, for the earth seemed to have -swallowed her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he entered the library, and turned on the full light -of the gas, and searched every nook and cranny, still in -vain. Finally, he came to the conclusion that the stranger -had been let out through one of the French windows that -opened from the library upon the lawn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And having settled that part of the mystery to his satisfaction, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>Charles turned off the gas, shut up the library, and -came back to the hall, just in time to hear a wild shriek -and a very heavy fall from the drawing-room and to see -Mr. Elverton rush forth and run up-stairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In astonishment and terror, Charles hurried into the -drawing-room, where to his farther consternation, he found -Mrs. Elverton extended upon the floor in a dead swoon. -He hastened to summon the housekeeper and the lady’s-maid, -who came in great alarm to the assistance of their -mistress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton was carried to her room, where every -means was used to restore her to consciousness. But when -she came to her senses it was only to fall into the most -fearful ravings, in which was darkly shadowed forth a -calamity so direful, a grief so deep, a shame so intense, as -raised the hair from the heads of the listeners with horror.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The housekeeper ordered everyone from the room, that -none should hear these awful revelations. She also sent to -summon Mr. Elverton to the bedside of his wife, but the -master of the house was nowhere to be found. In her desperation -she dispatched Charles for the medical attendant -of the family; but it was near morning before Dr. Watkins -could reach Edenlawn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On his arrival he repaired immediately to the chamber of -the suffering lady, but on hearing the appalling nature of -her ravings, he warned the housekeeper to permit no one -but herself to approach Mrs. Elverton until the latter -should recover her senses.</p> - -<p class='c014'>During that morning the illness of the lady assumed -another phase, and before noon an infant daughter was -prematurely ushered into life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Mr. Elverton was not there to bless his first-born; -and though messengers were dispatched in all directions to -seek him, yet no clue could be found to the whereabouts of -the missing master of the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Since the birth of her child Mrs. Elverton had fallen into -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>no more ravings, but lay in a sort of dull despair. To rouse -her from this state, the infant, a fine and healthy one, beautifully -dressed, was carried to her. But the great black eyes -of the mother dilated with horror at the sight of her child, -and shuddering with excessive emotion, she turned away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Seeing how terribly the mother was agitated by the -presence of the child, the doctor ordered it to be carried -to the nursery, where a nurse was engaged to take charge -of it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile the visitors assembled at Edenlawn had -learned, from the confusion of the household, the illness of -the mistress, and the absence of the master, that some great -event, some crushing calamity, some ill-understood horror, -had suddenly fallen upon the family. Learning from the -physician that Mrs. Elverton was in no condition even to -receive their adieus, they left with him their parting compliments -for her, and set out for town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The convalescence of Mrs. Elverton was very long protracted, -but though, during the ravings of her delirium, -she had shrieked forth the names of her husband and child in -connection with some unimagined horror, yet, from the moment -of her return to reason, she never once recurred to the -existence of either. Her attendants wondered that she never -inquired after her husband; but her physician warned them -not to force the subject upon her attention. The babe was -doing well in the nursery, but Mr. Elverton had not yet -returned, nor had any clue been found to his disappearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a period of three months’ duration before Mrs. -Elverton was sufficiently recovered from her severe illness -to make her appearance in the drawing-room, and, oh! how -changed from the haughty and beautiful woman, who, some -little time before, had been brought, a loved and happy -bride, to Edenlawn!</p> - -<p class='c014'>The majestic form was indeed the same, but every vestige -of color had fled from the classic face, leaving it white as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>the chiselled marble it resembled. The imperious brow was -painfully contracted, the proud eyes were darkly veiled, the -scornful lips were bitterly compressed, and the whole countenance -was deeply stamped with the ineffaceable marks of -an incurable despair. No one who had seen her three -months previous could look upon her without feeling that -some unutterable misfortune had blasted her life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her friends and neighbors, who, during her illness, had -sent regularly to inquire after her progress, now called to -pay their compliments upon her convalescence. But Mrs. -Elverton declined to receive any visitors, and commissioned -the physician to make her excuses. She refused even to -receive a pastoral call from the clergyman of the parish; -and though a zealous Protestant, exact in all the forms of -her faith, she shunned the Christian rite of churching, and -absented herself entirely from public worship. And even -when months had passed, and the venerable <i><span lang="fr">bonne</span></i>, whom -she had brought with her from Paris, ventured to urge -upon her the duty of having the infant baptized, she -shuddered, and to the horror of Madame Julien, replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Baptize her!</em> the baptismal waters, if sprinkled on <em>her</em> -forehead, would hiss and fly off in steam, as if thrown upon -red-hot iron.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>About this time Baron Elverton, summoned in haste -from his official duties in London, arrived at Edenlawn on -a hurried visit to his daughter-in-law. He was closeted -with her for an hour in the library, and at the end of the -interview he—the case-hardened old judge of a thousand -criminal trials—came forth alone, with his face as pale as -death, and with blank horror stamped like madness on his -brow. Without waiting to see his grand-daughter, he -ordered a carriage to take him at once to the railway station, -whence he set out the same hour for London. He -never came back to Edenlawn; but those who knew him -well said that within a fortnight after his flying visit there -the hair of Baron Elverton turned white as snow.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>Months passed into years, and still the mystery of -Edenlawn remained unsolved. No news was heard of Mr. -Elverton. No explanation was offered by Mrs. Elverton. -The unbaptized infant grew and thrived in health and -beauty as well as if his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury -had sprinkled her innocent brow; and she became the -pet, the darling, and the idol of the household, although -her wretched mother still continued to regard her as a -creature thrice accursed. She was a healthy and a happy -child, and consequently beautiful and good.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>So</em> good, doctor, so very good,” was the constant report -of Madame Julien, or Madelon, as the old <i><span lang="fr">bonne</span></i> was more -familiarly called.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So good is she; so very good? Well, then, as she has -no other name, let us call her good—or Alma, which is the -same thing,” said the doctor, one morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And thus the infant, to whom her own mother strangely -denied the rights of baptism, received the well-omened -name of Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The infancy of the little heiress passed in the nursery -until she had attained the age of seven years, when an -accomplished governess was engaged to superintend her -education, and she was removed to the school-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But this migration brought Alma no nearer to her -mother, who continued to shun her presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Indeed, the greatest interest ever shown by Mrs. Elverton -in her daughter, was upon the occasion of the latter -being attacked with scarlet-fever, when the anxiety of the -lady became intense; and such anxiety as it was! an -anxiety that made everyone shudder! anxiety, in short—not -that the child should live, but that she should <em>die</em>!</p> - -<p class='c014'>It curdled the blood of the boldest to see, that while the -life of the little girl was in imminent peril, the face of the -lady was lighted up with a wild, maniac hope. But one -morning Dr. Watkins, who had been very devoted in his -attentions to his little patient, after paying his usual visit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>to the bedside of Alma, entered the presence of Mrs. -Elverton, and with his countenance radiant with satisfaction, -said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am happy to announce to you, madam, that our little -Alma is out of danger. She will get well.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>To the consternation of the good doctor, the lady dropped -her clasped hands upon her lap, and while the old expression -of incurable sorrow came back to her face, replied, in a -voice of deep despair:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I had hoped it might have been otherwise, but Heaven’s -holy will be done!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was when Alma was about ten years of age that Mrs. -Elverton received the only news of her husband since the -day of his strange disappearance. This was contained in -an annonymous letter from St. Petersburg, announcing his -decease in that city. Mrs. Elverton immediately wrote to -the British Ministry at that Court, to ascertain the facts of -the case; but after the most careful investigation, the utmost -extent of information she obtained was this, that a -stranger, an Englishman, of the name of Elverton, had -died at St. Petersburg. He had left no papers to afford a -clue to his identity; his linen and boxes were marked “H. -Elverton.” And at the time that this inquiry was set on -foot the body of the stranger had been too long buried to -afford the slightest possibility of its being identified even -if disinterred; and under these circumstances the sanctity -of the grave had not been violated.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton never discovered the writer of the annonymous -letter. She did not consider the intelligence she had -received of sufficient reliability to warrant her in publishing -the death of Mr. Elverton, or in placing her family in -mourning. Yet those most familiar with the lady’s moods -thought that in her secret heart she believed in the death -of her husband, and derived satisfaction from the belief, -for it was observed that from the day she first received the -intelligence—true or false—her countenance, though retaining -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>all its profound melancholy, lost its unnatural expression -of horror and despair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Still, she took no delight in the society of her innocent -daughter; still she attended no place of public worship; -received no company and paid no visits, except visits of -condolence to the houses of affliction, or of charity to -the abodes of poverty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so passed the years of Alma’s childhood. The -young girl, if unfortunate in her mother, was blessed in -her governess—a woman of a Christian heart, a cultivated, -mind, and accomplished manners—who conscientiously devoted -herself to the temporal and eternal welfare of her -young charge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was to this lady that Alma owed not only all her -worldly education, but all her religious instruction. It was -through her governess that Alma was prepared for the -Christian rites of baptism and confirmation, both of which -she received when she was about fifteen years of age.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But after this Alma lost her friend, companion, and -governess.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The curate to whom Miss Moore had been betrothed for -eight years at length obtained a living, and claimed the -long-promised hand of his bride, who took leave of her -friends at Edenlawn, and went to make the happiness of -a humble parsonage in Yorkshire.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XVII.<br> <span class='large'>THE STRANGE INTERVIEW.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“And now they are standing face to face;</div> - <div class='line'>Hath a dream come over that sylvan place?</div> - <div class='line'>One of those visions ghastly and wild,</div> - <div class='line'>That makes her shrink like a frightened child?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“For a while she stood as a bird is said</div> - <div class='line'>To meet the gaze of the serpent dread,</div> - <div class='line'>Pale and still for a time she stood</div> - <div class='line'>In the midst of that woodland solitude.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Alma grew up as beautiful as one of Raphael’s picture -angels; but her beauty was of a directly opposite style to -that of her handsome mother. Alma resembled the patrician -women of her father’s family. Her form was of fairy-like -proportions, small, slender, delicate, yet well-rounded and -very graceful. Her features were of the purest Grecian -type, her complexion was exquisitely fair, with the faintest -rose-tint flushing cheeks and lips. Her hair was of a pale -gold color; her eyebrows and eyelashes, of a darker hue, -shaded deep blue eyes full of pensive thought. Hers was -a beauty that might have gladdened a family circle and -adorned society. But alas for Alma! Her young life passed -in a worse than conventual seclusion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Scarcely any form of existence in this world could be so -lonely and monotonous as that of this fair girl at Edenlawn—Edenlawn, -a paradise to look at, a purgatory to live in!</p> - -<p class='c014'>After the departure of her governess, Alma was literally -solitary. Her mother, in the blind selfishness of a cherished -grief, dwelt apart in her own private suite of rooms, which -she never left except at the call of charity. Alma had -neither brother, sister, friend, nor neighbor; she was utterly -companionless, and her life, therefore, more lonely than -perhaps that of any other young creature in this world.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>The children of the poorest parents have companions -among their equals; the inmates of orphan asylums are -herded together in great numbers; the cloistered nuns form -large communities among themselves; even the convict -prisoners work together in great gangs. In a word, the -most wretched in this world were, in many respects, happier -than Alma Elverton, the young and beautiful heiress-apparent -of Edenlawn, Torg Castle, and the Barony of -Elverton; for they at least enjoyed human sympathy and -companionship, while she had no friend—not one—not a -single creature of her own kind to speak with.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It is true there were laborers on the estate and servants -in the house; but what society could the young girl find in -them?</p> - -<p class='c014'>And there was her mother, retired within the citadel of -her own mysterious and selfish sorrows; but what companionship -could Alma find in her?</p> - -<p class='c014'>All young girls, as they develop into womanhood, yearn -from their secret souls for a more perfect sympathy than -they usually meet from their own family circles. This is -the real cause of romantic school-girl friendships, and, alas! -too frequently of other less harmless attachments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In large and busy households, of many sisters and -brothers, this aspiration is very much modified and rendered -quite endurable. But the more lonely and idle the life of -a young girl is doomed to be, the more intense is this secret -yearning for sympathy. And if she happens to be of a -poetic temperament also, the longing of her heart becomes -the monomania of her mind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma, with no one to converse with, no work to do, and -no visits to receive or to pay, became an aspiring dreamer -of beautiful dreams, impossible to be realized in this world -of stern realities; for “love, still love!” was the burden -of those dreams. And even as it takes a feast to satisfy -the hungry, so it would have required the whole circle of -human love—father’s, mother’s, sister’s, brother’s, friend’s, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>and lover’s—to have satisfied the craving of Alma’s starving -heart. And she had none, not one atom of love, to -keep that heart from perishing!</p> - -<p class='c014'>What do physicians mean by an atrophy of the heart? -We all know what an atrophy of the stomach is—simply -starvation for want of food. Is not an atrophy of the heart -also starvation for the lack of love? He who said, “Feed -my lambs,” said also, “Love one another.” And perhaps -as many are perishing in this world for lack of love as for -the want of food.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma’s was an extreme case of this sort of starvation. -And small as her experience was, she had seen, heard, and -read enough to discover that her own life was very different -from all other lives around her. At church, every Sunday, -she saw happy family parties gathered together in their -family pews. After the service, in the churchyard, she saw -friends and neighbors greeting each other with affection -and delight. She knew that, as the grand-daughter of the -celebrated Baron Elverton, and as the heiress-apparent of -his titles and estates, she was entitled to fully as much -consideration as any other young lady in the county. -Why did she not receive it?</p> - -<p class='c014'>From casual words and chance allusions, rather than -from any detailed narrative or voluntary communication -from the servants, Alma had gleaned as much of the domestic -history as was known to the servants themselves. -And she dreamed, wondered, and speculated upon the -subject of the mystery that enveloped her family.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her father! What was it that, on the night before her -birth, had driven him in an agony of horror from his home -forever?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her mother! What was it that, from the hour of Alma’s -birth, had frozen that beautiful and ardent woman into the -cold, hard statue that she now seemed?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Herself! What was it that set her apart, lonely and -unloved, from all the human race?</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>Alma could have loved her mother, and been happy in -her mother’s love; but the cold and repellant atmosphere -that surrounded the lady chilled and repulsed the maiden.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Alma loved her unknown father with a love passing -the love of woman, and all the mystery that hung over his -sudden flight, his long exile, and his uncertain fate, only -served to strengthen, deepen, and intensify this love.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Adjoining the library was a small study that had once -belonged to her father, but which her mother was never -known to enter. Here hung a full length portrait of her -father, painted in London soon after his marriage. It -represented a man in the prime of his youth, of a tall and -finely-proportioned form, Grecian features, fair complexion, -falcon-fierce blue eyes, and golden brown hair—a man of -whom Alma seemed a small feminine copy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Into this study Alma removed her work-table, her easel, -paint-box, and books. And here, seated in front of the -beloved portrait, Alma liked best to employ her mornings -in needle-work, in drawing, reading, or dreaming of her -unknown father. Her afternoons were passed in wandering -by the margin of fair Eden’s waters below the villa, or in -roaming through the old woods behind the mansion, and ever -dreaming of her unknown father, and yearning for his -presence and his love.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma was very punctual in her attendance upon -public worship, not only from religious principle—though -that of itself would have been a sufficient motive to her—but -also from the absolute necessity of at least looking -upon the human beings with whom she could hold no other -intercourse.</p> - -<p class='c014'>After the departure of her governess, she alone occupied -the great family pew of the Elvertons, until Lady -Leaton, who was then recently widowed, felt compassion -for the lonely girl, and availing herself of the privilege -given by a slight acquaintance with the Honorable Mrs. -Elverton, invited Alma to sit with her family. There -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>seemed to be no possible objection to this plan, and the -solitary girl was only too glad to accept the kind invitation -and sit with a party of young creatures of her own -age and rank. This party consisted now of Agatha and -Eudora Leaton, and Malcolm and Norham Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma informed her mother of this courtesy on the part -of Lady Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton made no absolute objection, but gravely -shook her head and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have almost ceased to wage a vain war with destiny; -yet, girl, I would warn you against one error that to you -would be fatal! There are two young gentlemen on a -visit to that family; it is their attentions that I would -have you shun as you would shun eternal perdition! Beware -of the Messrs. Montrose! Beware of all men! for, -Alma, love and marriage are not for you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma grew pale as death at the awful words and manner -of her mother, for she felt that the warning came too late, -as warnings generally do.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma had been introduced to every member of Lady -Leaton’s party, and among the rest, to Captain Norham -Montrose, who was at once deeply impressed by the fresh -and delicate beauty of the fair young girl, and strongly -attracted by the splendid prospects of the rich young -heiress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Alma, with all her lonely heart and soul yearning -and aching for companionship and sympathy, became too -easily fascinated by the love-tuned voice and love-tempered -gaze of the handsome young hussar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few weeks, therefore, irretrievably decided the destiny -of Alma—she loved, and loved for ever!</p> - -<p class='c014'>To have gained the passionate love of a creature so -good and beautiful, with a heart so fresh and pure, was a -triumph such as had never before fallen to the lot of the -fascinating young officer. And what at first had been to -him a pursuit half of admiration, half speculation, became -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>at length a mad passion, an infatuation, a delirium! He -could scarcely be said to live out of Alma’s presence. The -world to him soon came to be divided only into two parts—where -she was, and where she was not; and time into -two eras—when she was present, and when she was -absent. He saw her only at church on Sundays, and the -six days that intervened between were to him “spaces -between stars.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>To boldly ask the hand of this heiress of her grandfather -and her mother, was nothing less than madness on the part -of a young officer with only his pay. And yet, instigated -as much by his overweening pride as by his headlong passion, -Captain Montrose wrote to Lord Elverton and to -Mrs. Elverton, asking their permission to pay his addresses -to Miss Elverton at Edenlawn. From Lord Elverton he -received a courteous but decided refusal—from Mrs. Elverton -a sharp and peremptory denial.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And after this poor Alma’s only social solace was taken -away from her, and she was forbidden to go to church.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This prohibition, as might have been expected, did more -harm than good; for whereas, before it was issued, the -young lovers met only once a week at church in the -presence of others, they now met almost every day alone -in the woods behind Edenlawn. These meetings commenced -not by appointment, but rather by accident. -Alma, as has been already said, was in the daily habit of -walking by the margin of the lake below Edenlawn, or in -the woods behind the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Norham, missing her from her seat at church, and forbidden -to call upon her at her mother’s house, and longing -for her society as the dying long for life, walked to Edenlawn, -and rambled through the woods, only to be near the -dwelling that contained his idol. In these rambles he met -Alma. But an angel might have been present at these -meetings for any indiscretion on the part of the young -lovers.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>Norham did indeed use all the eloquence of passion to -persuade Alma to fly with him to Scotland. But dreary as -was the home life of the unhappy girl, she was so far firm -to her filial duty as to resist all his persuasions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no, Norham,” she would answer; “my heart reproaches -me bitterly enough for walking with you here, -and I should not do it, perhaps, only I feel that if I did -not see you sometimes I should go mad with loneliness. -But, Norham, I will not farther wrong my mother. Wait -until I am of age, and have the right to dispose of my -hand; then, Norham, I will place it in yours.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And no arguments, entreaties, or prayers on the part of -her lover availed anything against the conscientious resolution -of Alma. And even when at length his leave of -absence expired, and he was ordered to join his regiment, -which was stationed in Scotland, he took advantage of this -fortuitous combination of circumstances to urge upon his -beloved Alma the consideration of the deep pain of separation, -and the facilities for their union offered by the locality -of his service, she remained true to her convictions of duty, -and had the firmness to bid him adieu and see him depart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>To young creatures surrounded by sisters, brothers, -and cousins, relatives, friends, and neighbors, the self-denial -of this lonely girl will scarcely be appreciated.</p> - -<p class='c014'>From the time of her lover’s departure for Scotland she -saw no more of him until the day of the double funeral at -Allworth Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>We have already said that it was only in the times of -their affliction that the Honorable Mrs. Elverton ever -visited her neighbors. Thus recluse as she was, she had -ordered her mourning coach, and with Alma seated by her -side, had attended the funeral solemnities at Allworth -Abbey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the course of that day Alma had exchanged a glance -and a bow with Norham. And the next afternoon, <em>instinct</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>rather than understanding led her out to take a walk in the -woods behind Edenlawn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a lovely summer’s afternoon, and the low descending -sun was striking his level yellow rays through the -interlacings of the forest-trees, edging each leaf and twig, -with a golden flame.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma wandered on, and in that mental struggle between -duty and inclination, or rather between conscience and -necessity, that occupies one half of our inner lives.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was happy in the hope of seeing Norham, and miserable -in the fear of doing wrong. This is a paradox of -daily occurrence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While she walked on in the dulcemarah, the bitter sweet -of this forbidden hope, she heard the fallen leaves and -twigs break beneath a firm footstep behind her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her breath stopped, her heart fluttered, her cheek crimsoned. -She paused for the coming up of the footsteps, but -she did not turn her head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have the honor of speaking to Miss Elverton, I presume.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The voice of the speaker was deep, rich, and inexpressibly -mournful.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma started, turned round, and dropped her eyes, while -a deep blush mantled her face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The speaker was a tall, finely-formed, fair-complexioned, -and very handsome man, of about forty years of age.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While addressing Alma he held his hat entirely off his -head, and stood with a courtly grace that the girl had never -seen equalled.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was naturally surprised and even terrified at the unexpected -apparition of a stranger in that lonely place and -at that late hour, but aside from these natural emotions, -there was something in the aspect of the man that thrilled -her with a feeling which was neither surprise nor terror, -but something infinitely deeper than either.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have the honor of addressing Miss Elverton, I presume?” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>repeated the stranger, with the same gracious courtesy -of tone and manner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir,” breathed the girl, with her heart throbbing -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Elverton, does your mother still live?” inquired -the deep voice of the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The throbbing of Alma’s heart nearly suffocated her. -Her breath came quickly and gaspingly. She threw her -arm around a tree for support, and leaned her head against -the rough bark, while she stole another look at the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yes, there was the same noble head, with its bright locks -of golden brown waving round the broad, white forehead; -the same dark blue eyes with the falcon glance; the same -Grecian nose, short, proud upper lip, and rounded chin; -the same face, only a little older, that daily looked down -upon her from the portrait in the study. As Alma realized -this truth, she felt as though her last hour of life had -come, and that she was dying in a dream.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Does your mother still live?” repeated the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My mother still lives, if breathing means living,” -answered Alma, in an expiring voice, and trembling in -every limb.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The eyes of the stranger were fixed upon her—were reading -her very soul. At length he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Girl, your eyes never beheld me before, and yet—does -not your instinct recognize me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven, my heart!” gasped the girl, leaning, pale -as death, against the tree.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, your heart acknowledges him whom your eyes -never before saw—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My father—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush—hush—no word of that sort—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my father—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush, hush, no word like that, I say!” repeated Hollis -Elverton, in a sepulchral voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But his daughter, pale as death, trembled like a leaf, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>nearly fainting with excessive agitation, had entirely lost -her self-possession.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She either did not hear or did not understand his strange -words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Extending her arms towards him with a look of imploring -affection, and in a voice of thrilling passion, she cried:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Father! oh father! will you not embrace your child?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The tall figure of the man shook as a tree shaken by the -wind, but he averted his face, and threw his hand towards -her with a repelling gesture.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She dropped her arms with a look of shame, sorrow and -wonder, murmuring:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Never since I lived have I been pressed to my mother’s -bosom, or received a mother’s kiss, or known a mother’s -love. And the father for whose presence my heart has -longed through all the years of my lonely youth—the -father whom my love has followed through all the years -of his long exile—now, in the first moments of our meeting, -repulses his child and turns away! Oh, father!” she -exclaimed, in passionate earnestness, “what have I done -that both my parents should hate me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have done nothing wrong, nor do we hate you, -poor girl!” replied Elverton, in an agitated voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>What am I</em>, then, that those who gave me life should -turn shudderingly away from me as from a monster -accursed?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Child, child, cease your wild questionings! There are -mysteries in this world that may never be revealed until -that last dread day of doom, when all that is hidden shall -be made clear!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>After this there was silence between them for a few -minutes, during which they gazed upon each other’s faces -with mournful, questioning interest. Then Hollis Elverton, -in a gentle voice, inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What name have they given you, child?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>“My mother called me by no name, but the good doctor -gave me that of Alma.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then you did not receive the rites of Christian baptism?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not in infancy—not until I was old enough to act for -myself in that respect; then I presented myself at the -altar, and received at the same time the sacraments of baptism -and confirmation.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And your mother?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She made no objection, but gave me no encouragement. -She was neutral in the matter; but, father, did I -not do right?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hollis Elverton groaned, but made no reply. And again -silence fell between them, while they studied each other -with the same painful interest. At length she broke the -spell by asking, in a tearful voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Father, will you not accompany me to the house, and -see my mother?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Never!” exclaimed Hollis Elverton, while a spasm of -unutterable anguish convulsed his fine face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas, sir, if not to see her, what motive has brought -you back to England?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Two of the strongest that can ever govern human -action—the love of one I love, the hate of one I hate! I -come to watch over and save an angel girl from utter ruin, -and to hunt a demon woman to her doom!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your words are strange and alarming, my father.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I can give you no explanation of them now; I am -even here in secret. I must see you only in secret, and -you must give me your word of honor never to mention -this meeting, or even mention the fact of my return to -England.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not even to my mother?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not even to her; least of all to her!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas, alas, my father, do you hate her so?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Hate her?</em>—hate your mother?—hate Athenie?—hate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>my—oh, Heaven, Alma!—no, I do not hate her; on the -contrary—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here his voice broke down, and raising his cloak, he -veiled his agitated face in its folds.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas, alas, my father! what horror was it that so -suddenly burst asunder all ties of affection between you? -Father—father, answer me!—tell me that it was not her -fault—not my mother’s fault!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He dropped the fold of his cloak from his face, and -looking for the first time angrily upon his daughter, demanded -sternly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why should you dare to ask if your mother was in -fault?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas, I know not. I beg your pardon and hers. My -short life has been made a desert by this mystery, father, -and yet for myself I have never once complained, but when -I know that her life is one prolonged agony, and now see -the agony stamped upon your brow, I become half crazy, -and think—I know not what.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will answer your question, unhappy girl; and assure -you, in the presence of high Heaven, that our violent -parting was not caused by your mother’s fault. A purer, -sweeter, nobler woman than your mother never lived,” -said Hollis Elverton, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, God, I thank thee!—I thank thee—I thank thee -for that!” cried Alma, in a thrilling voice that betrayed -how heavy had been the burden of doubt that rested on -her mind, and how ineffable was the sense of relief now -that it was lifted off.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are satisfied?” inquired Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“For her, oh, yes; but oh, my father, tell me—this -separation was not your fault either?” she cried, clasping -her hands, and gazing with imploring eyes into his face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, nor my fault either, Alma; I swear it to you, by -all my hopes of Heaven! We loved each other as man -and woman seldom love in this world,” replied Elverton, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>in a hollow voice; “we severed, and until the judgment -day it may never be known why.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You loved each other so devotedly; you married publicly -with the blessings of all your friends; you came -hither to your beautiful home, and in one month, in the -very perfection of your happiness, your union was shattered -as by a thunderbolt from Heaven. You parted; -oh, my father, was that well?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It was well!” he answered, solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked into the stern sorrow of his face, and read -there that, in the simple words of his reply, he had uttered -some awful truth. Again her heart yearned towards her -father with inextinguishable love. She extended her arms -and advanced towards him with imploring looks. But he -waved her off, saying, in pitying tones:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, no nearer, unhappy girl! Between you and me -there is a great gulf fixed. Hark! Some one approaches! -I must leave you now! Good-night—nay, stop one moment! -I must see you again at this hour to-morrow. In -the meantime, drop no hint of my presence in England.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None; I will keep your secret, my father,” replied -Alma, as Hollis Elverton, waving adieu, disappeared in -the coverts of the woods.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br> <span class='large'>FATHER AND DAUGHTER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Now father and child have met at last,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Met—as they never had met before;</div> - <div class='line'>Between them the spectre of the past</div> - <div class='line in2'>Stands—a barrier for evermore.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Pleased, pained and perplexed at once, Alma stood -transfixed where Elverton had left her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had seen her father! her father, whose sudden flight, -mysterious wanderings, and unknown fate, had been the -great subject of wonder, speculation and conjecture to her -own self, to the family and to the community.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had seen her father, actually seen him in the flesh, -and spoken with him face to face! There in that spot he -had stood before her, intercepting the last rays of the setting -sun as it sank below the horizon. They had not -embraced, or kissed, or even taken each other’s hands—they -had met as souls may meet on the confines of another -world. And now he was gone like a vanished spirit.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had met her father, and though the shock of that -meeting, with its conflicting emotions of great surprise, -deep joy, and bitter disappointment, had impressed her -senses as forcibly as any actual event could possibly impress -any human being, yet now the whole affair seemed to -her so like a dream that she almost doubted its reality.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The meeting so sudden and unexpected; the interview -so short and unsatisfactory; the consequences so uncertain -and alarming; these subjects engrossed her thoughts, -absorbed her senses, and riveted her to the spot, so that she -did not move until the brushwood near her broke sharply -beneath the tread of the intruder whose distant appearance -had driven away her father.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>Then she started as from sleep, looked up, and flushed -with joy, for she thought the new comer would be Norham -Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alack! he was only old Davy Denny, the head-gardener, -returning from one of his occasional inspections of the -woods.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The old man cast a curious, anxious, sorrowful glance at -his young lady as he touched his hat in passing her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma blushed at meeting that glance, which said, as -plainly as eyes could speak:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Please, Miss Elverton, it is too late for you to be out -walking alone in the woods, and if I only dared to speak, -I’d up and tell you so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the old servant went slowly, sadly, and reluctantly -up towards the mansion-house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma felt no disposition to follow his footsteps, but -turned and wandered still farther down the slope of the -hill into the narrow valley below, where the woods were -thickest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had nearly reached the foot of the hill, when the -figure of a man suddenly crossed her path.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Looking up with a start, she recognized Hollis Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My father! back!” she exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, Alma, back; I have not been far from you since -we parted. I left you intending to return to my present -retreat. But from the covert of the trees that concealed -me I saw old David Denny pass, and saw you, instead of -going home, as I expected you to do, and as you should -have done, child, turn and ramble down the hill. I then -took a shorter path to meet you here, to complete the interview -that was interrupted, and under the shadow of the -coming night see you safe within the lawn of your own -dwelling,” said Hollis Elverton gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my dear father! how glad I am that I did not go -home. Oh, if you knew how happy it makes me to see you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>again, even after this short interval, you would indeed love -me a little,” said his daughter, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Peace, girl, peace! No more of that, if you would -ever look upon my face again! I have sought you, Alma, -with a purpose. Sit down, while I unfold it to you. Sit -down, I say, since you cannot stand,” said Mr. Elverton, -pointing to the trunk of a felled tree that lay across their -path, and upon which Alma immediately sank.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Elverton stood at a short distance, with his arms -folded, leaning against an oak.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You know something of this wholesale poisoning at -Allworth Abbey?” he began.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes, sir,” answered Alma, shuddering.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How much do you know?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As much as has been made public through the coroner’s -inquest.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that—is nothing—worse than nothing, since it is -a tissue of false deductions! What opinion have you -formed from the facts elicited by the coroner’s inquest?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, I can not form any.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you think of the guilt or innocence of the -accused girl, Eudora Leaton?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, sir, I dare not think of that at all, the subject is so -painful to me—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You think her guilty then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I would to Heaven that I could believe her innocent, -for I loved her. Oh, my father, she always looked kindly -toward me, and in my loneliness I loved her,” said Alma, in -a broken voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Believe her innocent, then, for she is so,” said Hollis -Elverton, with solemn earnestness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my dear father! Is this really true? Is my poor -Eudora innocent? Oh, prove that her soul is guiltless of -this great crime, and I shall not break my heart—no—not -even if she dies for it!” cried Alma, starting up, seizing -his hand, and gazing eagerly into his face.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>It was the first time their hands had met; and Hollis -Elverton shudderingly shook off her grasp, as he answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, it is true.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are you sure of it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As sure of it as I can be of anything on earth.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How do you know it? What do you know of it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know that Eudora Leaton is innocent, and I know -who is guilty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my father! can you prove this? will you prove -this?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah! Alma, moral certainty is not legal evidence! I -repeat, I know Eudora Leaton to be innocent, and I know -who is guilty; but I have no means as yet to prove the -guilt of the one or the innocence of the other. But, Alma, -you are the well-wisher of the accused girl?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes; oh, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you will take my word for her innocence?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes! it is easy to have faith in what we wish to -believe.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then you must become my agent in doing all that may -be done for this most innocent, injured, and unhappy -girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Willingly, my father.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Listen, then:—Although Eudora Leaton is heiress to -one of the largest estates in this county, yet, being a -minor, and a ward in chancery, I doubt she is without -ready money to retain proper counsel for her defence; and -her only friend, her affianced husband, Mr. Malcolm Montrose, -is, I fear, as poor as herself, having nothing but a -small income from his Highland place. And it is highly -desirable that she should have the very best counsel to be -procured for money; for it is said that the Attorney-General -himself will come from London to conduct this very -important case. Therefore, Alma, as I have a vital interest -in the acquittal of this innocent girl, and the conviction, if -possible, of the guilty person, I must entrust you with this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>money. Take it, and find means to-morrow to place it either -in the hands of Malcolm Montrose, or in those of Eudora -Leaton; and say to either with whom you may leave it, -that it is furnished by a friend who believes in her innocence, -and that it is intended to be devoted to her defence,” -said Hollis Elverton, placing bank-notes for a very large -amount in Alma’s hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will take it to Miss Leaton herself, dear father; I can -do so very well, as no one ever inquires how I spend my -days.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Poor girl! so much greater the need that you should -learn to govern yourself, since there is none to govern you. -But do my errand to Eudora Leaton. Tell her to keep up -her spirits, hope for the best, and trust in God! Tell her -that she has her own consciousness of innocence to support -her, one unknown friend working for her, and a just Providence -watching over her!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will faithfully deliver your message, my father.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But not as coming from me! Remember, girl, you are -never to breathe my name, or hint my existence to anyone -whomsoever! All the world but you believe me dead; -leave them in that illusion.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear father, pardon me, but the illusion is yours. The -world does not believe you dead. There was a report of -your death, and an annonymous letter reached us from St. -Petersburg announcing the supposed fact; but after the -most careful investigation, my mother came to the conclusion -that it was some one else of the same or a similar -name, and——.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She was happier for the hope that it might be true, -however, as I intended that she should be,” said Hollis -Elverton, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma did not reply to this strange observation. She -could not bear to acknowledge that her mother had been -happier for this hope.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But the <em>ruse</em> did not fully succeed, since it did not convince -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>her of my decease; since the death of H. Elverton, -the American stranger, who died at St. Petersburg did not -pass quite current with her for mine. Nevertheless, she is -the better for the hope that, after all, it may be mine. Leave -her to the enjoyment of that saving hope, which must -strengthen every year until it becomes a certainty?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, my father,” said Alma, bowing her burning face -upon her hands, while the tears stole through her fingers, -“these cruel words pierce my heart like daggers. You say -you loved each other as man and woman seldom love, and -that you severed without a fault on either side. Oh, why -then, even if you must be parted, why should you wish her -to believe you dead—and why should she be happier in that -belief? Would <em>you</em> be happier if she were dead?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I should; for it would be well, Alma.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And if I, also, were dead?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It would be better, still, Alma!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And if you were?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Best of all!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, this is fearful! I remember, too, overhearing it -said that, when in childhood, I was ill, and in great danger, -my mother’s mournful face was lighted up as by a wild -hope; but that when I recovered and got well, it sank back -to its habitual look of dull despair! Oh, this is dreadful! -Why is it that the life of each one of us is a curse to the -others, or that the death of either would be a blessing to -the rest?” cried Alma, wildly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because a living sorrow is far harder to bear than a -dead one! because we are each of us a living sorrow to the -others?” said Hollis Elverton, gloomily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh! this is terrible! But why is it best that we <em>all</em> -should die—I in my youth, you and her in your prime of life, -prematurely as though we were not fit to cumber the earth?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because we <em>are not</em> fit to cumber the earth—the dust -should hide us!” cried Hollis Elverton, with such a sudden -change of voice and manner, such a savage energy of tone -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>and gesture, such a fierce gathering of the brows, glare of -the eyes, and writhing of the lips, that his daughter, looking -up at him, suddenly shrieked aloud, and covered her -face with her hands, for she feared she was in the presence -of a madman, if not even in the power of a demoniac.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alma,” he continued, sternly and pitilessly, in despite -of her condition, “this horrifies you; yet, though the words -should kill you, I repeat them—it is better that we should -die, and return to dust!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He wishes indeed to kill me when he uses such awful -words,” thought the shuddering girl, as she shrank more -and more into herself, and cowered nearer and nearer to the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alma, there is a misfortune so unnatural that it has -been forever nameless in all languages; so degrading that -it infects with a worse than moral leprosy all connected -with it; so fatal, that nothing but the death of the victim -can cure it; nothing but the resolution of the body into its -original elements, and its resurrection in another form of -being, and into another sphere of life can regenerate it! -Alma, such a dire misfortune was mine, and hers, and -yours!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, this is horrible—most horrible! But what is it, -then? Give the fatality some name,” cried Alma, distractedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I told you it was nameless, but not cureless; for death -is the certain remedy. Therefore, die, Alma, die!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Father, I am called a Christian, though most unworthy -of the name; and nothing on earth would induce me to cast -away my Maker’s gift of life.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nor do I mean that, either! For though hoping, longing, -praying for our deaths, I would not lay sacrilegious -hands on my life, hers, or yours; for murder and suicide -are crimes of the deepest dye, and I would not burden my -soul with even a venial sin; yet, Alma, die if you can!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven! I do not know what you mean, my father.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>“Why, this. If ever you are ill again, do not call in a -physician, do not take medicine, do not use any means to -keep off the death that may come to you naturally, easily, -kindly, as an angel of mercy. Promise me this.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, my father, I cannot. For not only does my conscience -forbid me to destroy my own life, but it commands -me to do all I can to preserve it; and I would no more be -guilty of negative than of positive suicide,” said Alma, -firmly, though mournfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then life, worse than death, must be on your head! -You are warned! But remember, you who prize this earthly -life so highly, do not deprive your mother of the comfort -she finds in the supposition of my death by the remotest -hint of my existence,” reiterated Hollis Elverton, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Father, you have my promise, and you may rely upon -it. But, sir, there is one of whom neither you nor I have -yet spoken, one whom we should both consider—one, indeed, -who is much to be pitied in his widowed, childless and desolate -old age. I mean your aged parent, my grandfather, -Lord Elverton. Surely he at least would rejoice to hear -that his only son still lives! and if necessary, he would -keep your counsel as faithfully as I shall. Will you not -communicate with him and comfort his aged heart with the -news of your continued life?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Never!</span>” broke forth Hollis Elverton, in a fury, that -again frightened his gentle daughter almost into a swoon. -“I have no father; I know nothing of your grandfather! -and never, in this world, in Hades, or in Heaven, will I see, -speak to, or acknowledge Lord Elverton again! Never! so -save me, Heaven, in my utmost strait!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, sir, he is your father! do not speak of him so -bitterly!” faltered Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Girl! I told you a few moments since that there were -misfortunes so monstrous as to be nameless; so shameful -as to be contagious; so fatal as to be cureless except by -death! and now I add to that, there are sins so great as to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>burst asunder all ties of kindred, destroy all the sympathies -of humanity, and invalidate all obligations of duty! Ask -me no more questions, for I find that you are willing the -very spirit from my bosom! but answer me this: since the -fatal night that drove me from my home forever, has that -old man ever ventured to cross the threshold of Edenlawn?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But once, my father; but once, as I truly believe. I -have never seen him there, but I heard that, within a few -weeks after your flight and my birth, he came to Edenlawn -late one afternoon, and was closeted with my mother in the -library for an hour, at the end of which he came out, and -without taking any refreshment—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ha! a morsel swallowed in that house must have choked -him!” interrupted Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Or even looking at his poor little grand-daughter—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The sight of her must have blasted him, as that of the -Medusa’s head was said to blast those who dared to look -upon it,” again burst forth Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He hastened from the house, which he has never entered -since.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“For he had better walk on red-hot plough-shares than -tread the paving-stones of those halls!” exclaimed Elverton, -fiercely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, after a few minutes’ silence, he inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What have you heard of him since?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing, my father, except this significant fact, that, -within one fortnight after his fatal visit, his nut-brown hair -turned as white as snow!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No doubt, no doubt, but will his scarlet sin ever be so -white?—can time or sorrow or repentance bleach that?” -muttered Elverton, speaking rather to himself than to his -daughter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma did not at once reply; a feeling of deep humiliation -kept her silent for awhile, and then a sense of religious -duty urged her at last to say:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know not of what sin you speak, my father: but this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>I have—Scripture warrant for believing that, though the -sin be ‘as scarlet,’ it may be made, by repentance, as -‘white as snow.’”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let him settle it with Heaven then, as he must ere very -long! but as for <em>me</em>—let me never see his face again! -Come, child, our interview is over. Arise and walk on; -I will follow you until I see you in sight of the north gate, -and then leave you,” said Hollis Elverton, stepping aside -to give her the path and then going after her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They went up the narrow wooded path in silence. When -they reached the top of the hill, and came in sight of the -north gate, Mr. Elverton paused, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I need go no further; hurry home; but meet me here -an hour earlier than this to-morrow evening. Good-night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good-night, my father,” said Alma, extending her -hands imploringly towards him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But he shook his head, waved his hand, plunged into the -wood, and was soon lost to her view.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked wistfully after him for a little while, and then -turned slowly, and with downcast eyes, to walk towards -the house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The full moon was shining broadly on her path, when -suddenly its light was intercepted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma raised her eyes to see the tall, dark figure of Captain -Montrose standing before her, with folded arms, -frowning brows, and scornful lips.</p> - -<p class='c014'>We have observed before this that Norham Montrose, in -mould of form and cast of features, was the very counterpart -of his elder brother, but in every other respect he was -as different from him as the night from the day. Malcolm, it -may be remembered, was as fair as a Dane, with light hair, -blue eyes, and a sanguine complexion; he was also frank, -generous, and confiding. Norham, on the contrary, was as -dark as a Spaniard, with raven-black hair and burning black -eyes; he was, besides, reserved, jealous, and suspicious.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma, conscious of these darker traits in his character, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>fearing their effects upon himself and her, yet loving him -despite of danger, shivered with the presentiment of coming -evil when she saw him standing before her so silent, still, -and stern.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Norham,” she faltered faintly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I beg your pardon, Miss Elverton; I hope I have not prematurely -interrupted a pleasant <i><span lang="fr">tête-a-tête</span></i>,” he replied, sarcastically, -his black eyes flashing and his proud lip curling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma understood all now. He had seen her father walking -with her in the wood, and had mistaken Hollis Elverton -for a favored suitor. And Alma, bound by her promise, -dared not explain the circumstance, and under such conditions -could not hope to reassure her jealous lover. A consciousness -of her false position bowed her fair head upon her -bosom, dyed her delicate cheek with blushes, and invested -her whole manner with the appearance of conscious guilt. -Her heart sank within her bosom, and she could not reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He looked at her for a moment in scorn and anger—the -fierce scorn and anger of wounded love and jealousy, and -then saying—“I will no longer intrude upon your privacy, -Miss Elverton; good evening,” he lifted his hat, turned -upon his heel, and strode away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stay, stay, Norham; do not leave me in a fatal error!” -cried Alma, breaking the spell that had bound her faculties, -and springing forward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He paused and looked wistfully towards her for a -moment, then strode back to her side, and answered, still -very haughtily:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I beg your pardon, Miss Elverton, if I have wronged -you even in my thoughts, but our mutual relations assuredly -warrant me in feeling some surprise and displeasure -at finding you in these woods, walking with a -strange man as you have so often walked with me, and -certainly justify me in demanding some explanation of so -strange a proceeding on your part.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And because I have been so indiscreet as to wander -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>here with you, do you really suppose that I could be so -faultless as to walk here with another?” said Alma, in a -mournful voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have assuredly very good reason to think so,” replied -Norham, sarcastically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, it is true; by coming here to meet you I have -given you good reason for thinking me capable of any -degree of indiscretion,” said Alma, with sorrowful self-humiliation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Elverton, I meant not that, as you know very -well; I meant not to reproach you with your innocent -rambles with me, your betrothed husband, who would die -rather than offer you any offence. ‘The good reason’ -which I have for thinking that you favor others is the -evidence of my own senses. I <em>saw</em> you, Miss Elverton, -walking here in close conversation with a stranger; and -your answer appears to me very like a mere evasion of the -explanation I must still demand,” he said, haughtily, keeping -his stern eyes fixed upon her face with the look of a -man having authority to arraign her conduct.</p> - -<p class='c014'>What explanation could poor Alma give? How could -she answer his doubts? How soothe his jealousy? She -dropped her clasped hands, and moaned with distress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wait your answer, Miss Elverton.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma wrung her hands and remained silent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When I was about to withdraw from your presence you -recalled me; if not to volunteer the explanation that I seek, -will you be kind enough to say for what other purpose?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Norham, be patient! do not misconceive me! I -called you back to say to you that—that—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I came to the woods this afternoon in the hope of seeing -you and speaking with you after so long an absence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And met instead the lover that consoled you during my -absence; but of whom perhaps you are tired now—that -was very awkward while you were expecting to see me. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>Pray, Miss Elverton, have you given him also the promise -of your hand as soon as you shall be of age and free to bestow -it?” sneered the man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Norham! Norham! do not be so unjust to me! -The person that I met this afternoon is no lover of mine; -quite, quite the contrary! He is one who never could, -under any possible circumstances, become one.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet you were in very close confabulation when I -first observed you. It really looked to me like an interview -between very intimate friends.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet, indeed, I never set eyes on that person in all -my life before.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You never set eyes on him before?” repeated Norham -Montrose, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“On my word, on my honor, on my <em>soul</em>, no!” replied -Alma, with vehement earnestness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who was he then?” inquired Norham Montrose, as the -dark scowl of jealousy vanished from his brow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma hesitated, reflected a moment, and then answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He was an elderly gentleman, not familiar with this -part of the country, I believe.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What was his name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I did not ask his name, of course; and neither do I -think that he told me; nay, indeed, I am sure that he did -not.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Or if he did, you have forgotten it, perhaps. But what -was he, then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I did not ask him that question either, nor did he volunteer -the information.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But from your own observation, what did you make of -him?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“An elderly gentleman, who seemed to be recently -arrived in this neighborhood.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that was all?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma bowed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Some tourist come to the North for the summer months, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>and rambling over these hills in search of the picturesque,” -concluded Norham, in a tone of complete satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma dropped her head, blushed deeply, and burst into -tears of shame.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had not spoken one word of falsehood, and yet her -truthful replies had been so carefully worded as to deceive -her lover, and Alma could not endure the thought of -deception.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Norham Montrose mistook the cause of her emotion, -and quick to repent as he had been to offend, he looked at -her sweet suffering face for a moment, then approached, -and dropped gently on his knee before her, and taking her -hand, murmured:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear Alma, I cannot bend too low to sue for your forgiveness; -I have wronged and offended you by my mad -jealousy. I have been unjust, unmanly. I am deeply -grieved and mortified to think of it now. Alma, will you -pardon me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear Norham, I have nothing to pardon in you; but -much, very much to thank and love you for. Please rise,” -she answered, in a gentle voice, as she closed her hand upon -his, and tried to lift him up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have been rude and violent to you, my gentle one.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Only for a few moments, while for months and months -you have been kind and loving.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I have wounded your delicacy, wrung your heart!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, when I have received so much good from you, -shall I not receive a little necessary evil too? Can I have -the rose of Love without its inevitable thorn of Jealousy? -Pray rise.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Gentlest of all gentle girls, I do indeed believe that it -would be easier to wound than offend you, and far easier to -wrong than to estrange your heart,” said Norham, rising -to his feet, and pressing her hand to his lips.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It would indeed be most difficult for you to offend me, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>and quite impossible to estrange me. For even if you -were to cease to love me—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She paused, and a deep blush overspread her face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My own heart must first cease to beat—nay, my own -soul to exist, ere I cease to love you, Alma; for my love -seems the most immortal element in my immortality! Do -you not believe me?” said Norham, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, I do. And trust in me also, Norham; nor for <em>my</em> -sake, for, as I said before, I am willing to take the pain -with the joy, but for your own, dear Norham, for it must -be so distressing to suspect one that you love. And oh, -Norham! consider how little cause you have to doubt me. -I am not as other young ladies who have many friends and -relatives to love them. I have but you only in the wide, -wide world! Did I ever tell you before, Norham, that I -never in my life received a caress, a word, or a glance of -affection from any human creature until I met you? My -very soul seemed perishing in its solitude, when your sympathy -and affection came to me as the dew and the sunshine -to a fading flower. You loved me and won my love! You -gave me new life! Oh, is it likely, is it even possible, that -my heart should ever swerve in its allegiance to its life-giver?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will never doubt you again! I was a wretch to have -doubted you then! Dear one, I have been so occupied -with my own selfish jealousy, that I have not even inquired—how -have you been during the months of my long -absence?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Just as always. Life passes with me in such monotony, -that the changes of the weather are all that I know.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“While others, your nearest neighbors, have experienced -such fearful vicissitudes of fortune that their daily lives -have passed more like the successive acts in some dark -tragedy, than scenes in a real existence! My uncle’s -family at Allworth Abbey! Oh, heaven, Alma! what a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>fatality was there! The whole family swept from the face -of the earth in a few short months!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas, yes; Oh, Norham, you must know how deeply I -sympathize with you in this great sorrow! I should have -said so before, but your own personal trouble engaged all -my attention.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My abominable jealousy, you should say; but let that -pass. Alma, I was not as intimate as my brother Malcolm -was with my uncle’s family; and if they had all gone off -in a natural way, by a visitation of Providence, as it is -called, I should not have grieved more for them than men -usually grieve for uncles, aunts and cousins. But to think -that they should have been destroyed by a fiend in the -shape of a girl—” said Norham, shuddering.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah! to whom do you refer?” inquired Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To whom, but to that serpent whom they warmed at -their hearth-stone until she had life enough to sting them -to death! To whom but to that Indian cobra, Eudora -Leaton? Eudora Leaton, a name destined to become -notorious with those of Borgia, Brinvilliers and Lafarge!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You feel certain of her guilt, then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certain? Yes! Would it were not so! would that -there were a rational doubt of it! For if there were I -should dare to hope that, though the old House should -become extinct, it need not die in blood and shame!” said -Norham Montrose, bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then why not entertain that hope! There is nothing -but circumstantial evidence against Eudora Leaton, and -such evidence is proverbially fallacious.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It cannot be in this case. The evidence is complete, -conclusive, convicting! No one can doubt that the issue -of her trial will be condemnation to death. And all that -I have left to hope is, that the last Leaton of Allworth -will have the grace to die by her own hand in the prison, -rather than become a spectacle to the gaping crowd.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, Norham, <em>I</em> do not think that she is guilty, and I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>pray and hope and trust that she may be proved innocent, -as from my soul I believe her to be!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is because you cannot conceive iniquity like hers, -as Heaven forbid you should, sweet saint! And now, dear -Alma, you must leave me, and go home immediately. In -my selfish love, I have wronged you in keeping you out so -late. And now, to atone for that injury, I must tell you -something that, in your innocence, you would never find -out yourself—something that will effectually arm you -against me—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then do not tell me at all! For if it is anything innocence -could not of itself discover, be sure it is not worth -discovering. And as to its arming me against you, dear -Norham, I cannot consider you an enemy, and therefore do -not wish to be armed.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yet, nevertheless, I will arm you with this knowledge -of the world, which you may use, abuse, or neglect at your -pleasure. Listen, then, dear Alma. Even these meetings -that you accord me are so heterodox to all conventionality, -that were they known they would seriously compromise -your good name, and nothing, Alma, but our full sincerity -of purpose to marry, as soon as you shall become of age, -could justify these interviews. But, Alma, not even our -betrothal will warrant you in remaining out here with -me after sunset. Alma, I tell you this, that your own -mother should have told you, because, dear one, I would -not take the very least advantage of your inexperience. -Therefore, dear Alma, never in future yield even to my -persuasions to detain you out here after sunset. Thus, -you see, while my better spirit is in the ascendant, I would -warn you, arm you even against myself!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are the soul of honor! If I had not known it -before, I should know it now! Good-night,” said Alma, -in a low voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“One more caution in parting, love! It is not usual, -or even safe, for young ladies to talk with strangers whom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>they may casually meet in their walks. Therefore, Alma, -I must pray you that the scene of this afternoon may -never be repeated, and entreat you to promise me never -again to fall into conversation with any stranger whom -you may meet in your rambles.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Norham Montrose paused and waited for her answer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma hesitated for a moment, and then replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I promise you, Norham, never to hold conversation -with any one in my walks except yourself, or some blood -relation of my own, or some servant of our family. I -think that my promise covers the whole ground!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It does, it does, dear Alma. Good-night. Meet me -here to-morrow afternoon, somewhat earlier than this—two -hours earlier—at about six o’clock. Until then, good-bye, -dearest Alma.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And before she could reply, or object to the hour named, -he raised her hand to his lips, bowed, and disappeared in -the depths of the woods.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She remained for an instant transfixed with consternation -at the thought that he had unconsciously appointed -for their next interview the very spot and the very hour at -which she had promised to meet her father.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her first impulse was to fly after Norham, call him back, -and name another afternoon, but the fear of again arousing -his jealous suspicions restrained her. A little reflection -also convinced her that, though she might defer the meeting, -she could not prevent Norham from haunting the -wood to be near her. How to deliver herself from this -dilemma, how to escape from the dangers that threatened -her, Alma understood not.</p> - -<p class='c014'>If she rendered herself at the appointed time and place -she would find herself confronted with her father and her -lover.</p> - -<p class='c014'>If she broke her appointment and remained at home, -Hollis Elverton and Norham Montrose, coming thither at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>the same time to seek her, would be confronted with each -other.</p> - -<p class='c014'>What, in any case, would be the result Alma feared to -think.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Full of distress and perplexity, she turned her steps -homeward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She entered the house just as the hall-clock was striking -eight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mees Alma, I been seeking for you all over ze house. -Miladie, your movver, desire you come to her direct,” said -old Madelon, meeting Miss Elverton at the foot of the -great staircase.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My mother! my mother sent for me! Are you very -sure of this, Madelon?” inquired Alma, in great surprise, -for she had never in her life before been summoned to her -mother’s presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Vat sood make me no sure? Miladie tell me, ‘Madelon, -send Mees Elverton to me soon as she come in from -her valk in de garden,’” said the old woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well, Madelon; I will go to my mother directly,” -replied Alma, as, lost in astonishment, she hurried up the -stairs towards those private apartments into which she had -never in her life been admitted, and where she had never -dared to intrude.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She paused before the door, and knocked softly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The deep, rich, vibrating voice of the lady bade her -enter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma opened the door, crossed the enchanted threshold, -and stood within the heretofore prohibited apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The room in which she found herself was one of the most -lofty and spacious in the mansion. It was the front one of -a magnificent suite of apartments, that had been splendidly -fitted up for the first reception of Mrs. Elverton as a -bride. It was situated directly over the drawing-room, and -had a large bay window that commanded a view of the -terraced lawn and the beautiful lake. But that window -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>was now closed, and the room was lighted up for the night. -It was sumptuously furnished. A Turkey carpet of the -most brilliant colors covered the floor. The chiffoniers, -stands, tables, chairs, and even all the frames and woodwork -were of rosewood and gold, giving the <i><span lang="fr">tout ensemble</span></i> -a peculiarly rich effect. The coverings of the chairs, footstools -and sofas were all of crimson satin and gold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The curtains at the windows were also of crimson satin -and gold, with inner hangings of fine lace. The walls -were lined with splendid mirrors, reaching from ceiling to -floor, and multiplying a hundred-fold the scenery of the -room. The whole was brilliantly lighted up by a chandelier -that hung from the centre of the ceiling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the midst of all this glitter of light and glow of color, -in a luxurious chair, beside an elegant table, sat a lady, -who, under any circumstances, or from any spectator, must -at once have riveted the closest attention.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was apparently about thirty-five years of age, of tall, -justly-proportioned, stately figure, around which flowed the -rich folds of a crimson velvet robe. Her features were of -the purest classic type. Her complexion was deadly pale, -in contrast with her large, dark eyes, jet-black eyebrows, -and raven-black hair, that lay in heavy shining bands upon -her marble cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come hither, Alma,” she said, in that rich, deep, -luscious voice which ever thrilled the bosom of all who -heard it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma approached and stood before her mother. Her -heart beat fast; she eagerly hoped for some demonstration -of affection on the part of the lady. Vain hope!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton took from the table beside her a sealed -packet, and holding it in her hand while she spoke, she -said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alma, I have sent for you to entrust you with a secret -mission, to which I think you will be faithful.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mamma, how happy you make me by trusting me! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>Oh, yes, I would be faithful unto death in any matter you -should confide in me!” said Alma fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Enough. I believe you. To come to the point. I -have just heard that that unhappy girl has been re-arrested -and committed to prison. I have the strongest reasons -for believing her to be innocent, though in great peril. -These, my private reasons, it is not necessary to divulge, -since they would have no weight with judge or jury. But -I have the deepest interest in the acquittal of that girl, and -in the discovery, if possible, of the real criminal. I fear -that though a wealthy heiress, Eudora Leaton is without -available funds to engage the best counsel, which is always -very expensive. Therefore, Alma, I wish you, to-morrow -morning, to take the close carriage, drive over to the prison, -and place this packet in Eudora Leaton’s hands. Tell -her it is to be used in her defence, and is sent by one who -has as deep a stake in her trial as she has herself. But do -not tell her from whom it came. Do you understand me?” -said the lady, placing the package in the hands of her -daughter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes mamma, and I will faithfully do your errand.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Go, then.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, will you not embrace me for this once in our -lives?” pleaded Alma, holding out her arms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Go! go! go! go, girl, and leave me. Is this the advantage -you would take of the very first visit I permit you -to my presence?” exclaimed the lady, excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, pardon me, I go; good-night,” said Alma, -resignedly, as she withdrew from the splendid misery of -her mother’s private apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She retired to her own chamber, full of wonder that her -parents should be unconsciously so unanimous in their -anxiety for Eudora Leaton’s acquittal, and that she should -be the confidant of this unsuspected unanimity.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XIX.<br> <span class='large'>“TRUST IN HEAVEN.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Dearest hopes and joys may perish—</div> - <div class='line in8'>Lost in an hour;</div> - <div class='line'>All the love the heart can cherish</div> - <div class='line in8'>May lose its power!</div> - <div class='line'>But when the storms gather o’er thee</div> - <div class='line in8'>Do not despair,</div> - <div class='line'>Heaven can ever joy restore thee</div> - <div class='line in8'>Still pure and fair.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Early in the morning Eudora arose from her sleepless -bed. With the aid of the rude basin and jug of water and -coarse towel that had been placed on the rough deal stand -by Mrs. Barton the night previous, Eudora made her simple -toilet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And next, with the love of order and neatness which -characterizes every true woman under all the circumstances -of life, she made up the little bed and arranged the narrow -cell. But oh! with what a heavy, aching heart, and what -an ever present sense of the awful danger before her!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Finally, she knelt and offered up her usual morning -prayers, and then sat down, in forced idleness, to endure -the dull pain of merely living on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had not sat long thus, before the little square opening -at the top of her door was darkened by the face of -the female warder, and the next instant Mrs. Barton unlocked -the door and entered the cell, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I peeped in first to see if you were asleep, for if you -had been, Miss, it isn’t I as would ha’ disturbed you; -seeing as sleep is such a blessing to them as is in trouble, -it is a’most a sin to wake ’em. But laws, Miss, you needn’t -ha’ took the pains to do the cell yourself, ’cause I could ha’ -done it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>“I thank you, it cost me little pains; besides, occupation -is almost as great a blessing as sleep to persons in my unhappy -circumstances,” replied Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that’s true, too; I know by myself! for well I -remember when my two poor sailor-lads were lost in the -Great Western steamship as went down with all on board—and -I a lone widder-woman—I should ha’ just gone -raving mad, if so be I hadn’t been obliged to work so hard -all day that I slept sound all night. And so, between hard -work and sound sleep, I lived through it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is your post such a hard one?” inquired the poor -young prisoner, taking an immediate interest in the kind-hearted, -childless widow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Laws, no, Miss, but I wasn’t here then, no, nor for a -year afterwards. Bless you, Miss, I was in the laundry line -o’ business; but being of one of your grandfather, the <em>old</em> -Lord Leaton’s tenants, your father, Mr. Charles, took pity -on me, and spoke to Mr. Anderson, as was under obligations -to him, to give me this place. It isn’t no ways hard on <em>me</em>, -whatsoever it may be to them as I have to ’tend to. But -it’s been a teaching to me, Miss, for since here I’ve been, -I’ve seen other people in so much deeper sorrow than any -that mere death can cause, that I ha’ been ashamed to -grieve out of reason for my own troubles, and I ha’ thought, -i’ the name o’ the Lord, it wer’ perhaps all for the best, for -if my poor fatherless lads had lived, they might ha’ been -led wrong and brought here, and that would ha’ killed me -outright!—I beg your pardon, Miss!” said the woman, -suddenly stopping and reddening at the thought of the unkindness -of speech into which her thoughts had hurried her, -“I beg your pardon, for I know that some come here without -deserving it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I came here without any fault of mine! Oh, -believe it! You knew and honored my father! Oh, for -his sake believe that his only child did not—could not—commit -the dreadful crimes falsely charged upon her!” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>said Eudora, earnestly, clasping her hands, and throwing -her glance, full of impassioned truthfulness, up to the -woman’s face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And ’spite of the evidence, I don’t think you did, Miss; -for being of your father’s daughter, it don’t stand to reason -as you could.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It was all because I was the sole attendant of—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss, Miss, you mustn’t talk of your business to me -nor to anyone else, except your lawyer, for fear o’ letting -out something as might be brought against you on your -trial,” interrupted Mrs. Barton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What, not to you, who were my father’s friend, and -are mine?” asked Eudora, in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, Miss, ’cause how do I know! they might even pull -me up for a witness; best be cautious.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I am guiltless, and being so, how can I say anything -to injure my cause?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I dunnot know, Miss; but they do tell as how you let -out many things afore the Squire as had better been -kept in.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I spoke only the truth of what I had done; and I had -done only what was right. The whole world was welcome -to know it, and I do not see how it could hurt me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, Miss, but then the best of truth do get so turned -upside down and wrong side out by them lawyers, as you -couldn’t tell it from the worst of falsehoods; and so, if so -be you can’t say anything to clear yourself, best keep a -still tongue in your head. But depend upon this, Miss—as -Sarah Barton will do everything she lawfully can do to -help and comfort your father’s daughter.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you from a full heart! Oh, my dear father! -little did you think, in providing for a poor widow, you -were raising up a friend for your unhappy daughter in her -bitterest extremity!” exclaimed Eudora, with emotion, as -she grasped the hard hand of the woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>“The ways of Providence are strange,” said the good -woman, musingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They are,” echoed poor Eudora, thinking of the -strange fate that had cast her into prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, Miss, as the gov’ner’s family are about to -sit down to breakfast, I will go and bring yours from his -own table, same as I brought your supper.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are all the prisoners supplied from the governor’s -table?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk, no, Miss! quite the reverse! You didn’t happen -to think the prisoners all got lamb chop and port wine -for their supper, such as I brought you last night?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, no, and that was the reason why I asked you. -But do all the women, then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk, no, Miss! quite the reverse, as I said before.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, why am I so supplied?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, Miss, you see, it’s a—it’s another affair altogether -with you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then understand that I want no privilege that is not -shared by the humblest of my fellow prisoners—no favor, -in short.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, Miss, for the matter of that, it is not an unlawful -privilege, seeing as how the gov’ner sartinly has the -right to send meals from his own table to any one he -likes—and as for favor, Miss, it’s a favor for you to accept -any lawful services as he is free to render you, seeing as -how he is under such everlasting obligations to you and -your’n as he can never repay.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not to me—not to me—I never saw or heard of the -man before I was brought hither.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, to your honored father, then! And though the -old saying says that ‘favor is no inheritance,’ I say it -ought to be! And so the best service as Mr. Anderson -can do you won’t be too much for your father’s daughter.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Think as you will about that; but I had rather not -fare better than my fellow-sufferers.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>“Neither will you, Miss, though you should have better -than the best as the gov’ner’s house could afford.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not understand you,” said Eudora, in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Harry, come up! I’ll explain!” answered the woman. -“You must know that the best Master Anderson can send -you is not half so good as what you have been used to; -and the worst prison fare as is sent to the others is a deal -better than ever they’ve had outside. Consequently, all -things considered, you fare worse, and not better than the -rest,” said Mrs. Barton, triumphantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your ingenious sophistry does not convince me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then I’ll tell you what must—the gov’ner’s orders; -and he—under the higher authorities, you know—is paramount -here. He commands me to serve you from the best -upon his own table, and I must obey.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Just as you please; I thank you both; but it really -makes no difference to me what I eat or drink,” said Eudora, -dejectedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Reckon it would, though, if you knew what sort of food -we sarve out to the others,” thought Mrs. Barton as she left -the cell and locked the door after her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The grating of that lock! How it always jarred upon -the nerves of the sensitive girl! After an absence of about -fifteen minutes, Mrs. Barton returned, bearing a tray upon -which was neatly arranged a breakfast of coffee, toast, ham, -and poached eggs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nature! wise mother!—you never suffer any degree of -mental anguish to utterly destroy the appetite of the young. -A minute before the entrance of the tray the hapless girl -thought she could not eat; but a minute after, the savory -smell of the well-chosen breakfast assailed her senses, creating -hunger, notwithstanding all her grief, anxiety, and -terror. The gossip of the good-natured Mrs. Barton seasoned -the repast; and at the end of half an hour our poor -Eudora had made a good and refreshing meal, for which -she felt all the better.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>“And now, then, what can I bring you to pass away the -time with, until some of your friends call?” said Mrs. -Barton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A pocket Bible if you please; nothing more.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But lor’, Miss, that’s very solemn sort of study for -week-a-days; hadn’t you better have something funny, as -would liven you up like?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There are times when no book but <em>the one</em> can be read,” -said Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well, Miss; to be sure you shall have it,” replied -the woman, taking the tray and retiring.</p> - -<p class='c014'>An hour afterward, while Eudora was engaged in seeking -to draw comfort and strength from the pages of the -blessed volume, the cell door was opened and a veiled lady -was ushered in by Miss Barton, who immediately re-locked -the door and withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora arose in surprise to receive this unexpected visitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lady threw aside her veil, and revealed the features -of Alma Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Elverton! Is it possible! You here?” exclaimed -Eudora, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, dear; but why do you speak to me so formally? -Why do you not call me Alma, as you used to do?” inquired -the visitor, taking the hand and kissing the cheek -of the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why? Oh, that was so long ago!” sighed Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But two weeks.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No longer? It seems an age; but then so many things -have happened since.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None that can estrange us, I hope, Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You think me innocent, then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes,” replied the visitor, seating herself on the side of -the cot-bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And so you come to see me. Oh, that is very good in -you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I come also to serve you. I come as the messenger of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>two friends, who wish for the present to remain unknown, -but who feel such a personal interest in your acquittal that -they send you this sum of money, and beg that you will -accept it as a loan, to be devoted to the purpose of feeing -counsel for your defence,” said Alma, placing the roll of -bank-notes in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But this is very strange,” remarked Eudora, hesitating -to retain the money.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And is not your presence in this place very strange? -And is not everything that has happened to you for the -last two weeks equally strange?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes, yes; so strange that it sometimes seems to me -to be unreal; as though I were dead and sleeping in my -grave, and dreaming this dreadful dream,” replied Eudora, -with a shudder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then take one incident of the dream with another.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But this money? I may never be able to repay it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then repayment will never be demanded. Those who -have sent you the funds direct me to say that they have a -personal and strictly selfish interest in your acquittal as -well as in the apprehension of the real criminal.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank Heaven that there are some, at least, who believe -me free from this great sin!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There are many; but as the mere belief in your innocence -would do you but little good with judge or jury, it -is necessary that they assist you in every practical way.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But who are those friends that have sent me this assistance?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I must not tell more than I have already told—that -they are those who have a deep interest in the acquittal of -the innocent and the crimination of the guilty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But what sort of an interest?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I may not tell you more than that it is of so selfish a -nature as to justify you in accepting all the assistance they -can render you for their own sakes without feeling under -any obligation to them whatever.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>“That will be difficult—indeed, impossible; for I must -feel very, very grateful to these unknown benefactors,” said -Eudora, no longer refusing the gift, but accepting it with -mixed feelings of gratitude and humiliation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma would have remained longer, but the footsteps of -several persons were heard approaching, and the door was -unlocked, and Mr. Montrose, accompanied by a strange -gentleman, was ushered in by the gaoler.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma hastily kissed Eudora, bade her be of good cheer, -dropped her thick veil over her face, and hurried from the -cell, to return home, and keep her dangerous appointment -with her father.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton, I have brought down Mr. Fenton, who is -here to consult with us upon your case,” said Mr. Montrose, -presenting the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lawyer bowed, and the lady courtesied, just as if the -introduction had taken place in the drawing-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora took her seat upon the side of the cot, and offered -the stranger the only chair, which he took. Malcolm -Montrose seated himself upon the little table, and the -consultation began.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This is Wednesday. The assizes open on Monday. -Can you procure us a copy of the docket, my good friend?” -said Mr. Fenton, addressing the governor, who lingered at -the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think I can, sir,” replied that officer, hurrying away -for the purpose. He returned in a short time, bringing -with him the required document, which he placed in the -hands of the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“‘Queen <i><span lang="fr">versus</span></i> Goffe, poaching;’ ‘Queen <em>versus</em> Hetton, -assault, &c.’ ‘Queen—um—um—um,’” read the lawyer, -running his eyes down the list, until he came to a line -where he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here we are the seventh case on the docket—‘Queen -<em>versus</em> Leaton.’ The cases that precede ours are trifling, -and will soon be disposed of. Ours will come on, I should -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>judge, about Wednesday morning—this day week; so -there is plenty of time to prepare the defence. Have you -a copy of the evidence given at the coroner’s inquest?” said -the lawyer, turning to Mr. Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm drew from his pocket two papers, and handing -them to Mr. Fenton, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here, in this first paper, is the report of the inquest -that sat upon the body of Lord Leaton, and in this second -the report of the one that sat upon those of Lady Leaton -and Miss Leaton.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes,” said the lawyer, taking them, and settling himself -to their careful perusal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the course of his reading he marked three or four -points, and at its close he turned to his fair client, and -said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are aware, I hope, Miss Leaton, that you should -be perfectly frank with me, and that you can be so -with perfect safety. In a word, it is absolutely indispensable -that a client should be as candid with her counsel as -a patient is with her physician.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, I am aware of that; but really I have nothing to -tell you, but that I am wholly innocent of the dreadful -crimes they impute to me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have made several notes here upon items of evidence -that may be used in our defence, and about which I wish -to question you. In the first place, then, in the evidence -given by Lady Leaton before the first coroner’s inquest, -her ladyship testified that on the same night of her husband’s -sudden death, while the sleeping-draught stood on -the stand beside his bed, she being in her adjoining dressing-room, -with the communicating door open between -them, heard the rustle of a woman’s silk dress moving -about, and saw the shadow of a woman’s form gliding -along the wall of her husband’s chamber. In the second -place, the testimony of the late Agatha Leaton proves that -this unknown intruder could not have been yourself, as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>you were at that very hour engaged in reading to her in -her own private apartment. Consequently, the midnight -intruder who stole secretly into Lord Leaton’s room, and -dropped the fatal drug into the sleeping-draught, must -have been some other woman. Suspicion seems to have -fallen on no one else; but have not you, in your private -thought, some idea as to who this midnight poisoner really -was?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not the remotest in the world,” replied Eudora, in -astonishment at the question.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Humph—take time—reflect.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have reflected, sir, but without effect.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Again, then,” said the lawyer, referring to his notes; -“in your own evidence given before the second inquest you -testify that on the night of your cousin’s sudden death, -while watching beside her sick-bed, you lost yourself in -light slumber for a moment, but was almost immediately -awakened by the impression of some strange presence in -the room, and that, in the momentary interval between -sleeping and waking, you saw, or dreamed you saw, a dark-robed -female figure glide through the room and disappear -in the communicating one; but that on arousing yourself, -and searching that room and the adjoining one, you found -no trace of an intruder. Now, what I wish to ask you is, -whether you believe that you really saw anyone in the sick-chamber -at that hour or not?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I was so shocked and terrified, and grieved by the sudden -death of my cousin, that I could not then speak definitely -as to whether I really saw or only dreamed of that figure -in the room; because the scene passed on the instant of my -waking up, and while my faculties were bewildered by -slumber. But since that night, every time I have thought -of that strange incident in my watch, I have become more -and more firmly convinced that what I saw was reality.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In a word, that there was a woman in Miss Leaton’s -room that night?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>“Yes, I earnestly believe that there was.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that this woman dropped the poison into the cooling -drink prepared for Miss Leaton?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Indeed I fear so; for when I saw the figure it was gliding -away from the mantelpiece where the jug of tamarind-water -stood, towards the door that opened into my own little -room.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And might not that woman have put the poison into -your drawers? And may we not in that way account for -its presence there?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora started violently, and turned deadly pale. The -idea of such a depth of wickedness never before had been -presented to her mind; and now it seemed to crush the -very soul from her body.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because my theory of the case is, that the secret poisoner -took measures effectually to conceal her own crime -and to fix it upon you. And that is also the scheme of our -defence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven of heavens! can a human being—can a -<em>demon</em> be so atrociously wicked!” gasped Eudora, in a -suffocating voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; a woman can be so. But reflect, and tell me, -have you no possible suspicion as to who this woman might -have been?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; I have not the remotest idea.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well; in the first place, it must have been the same -woman whose shadow was seen by Lady Leaton on the wall -of Lord Leaton’s chamber on the night of his sudden -death.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You think, then, that Lady Leaton’s impression of having -seen such a figure was correct?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think so. Now, reflect once more, and tell me if you -have no clue to the identity of this woman?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can nothing be done to ascertain who that woman is, -if really guilty, and fix the guilt upon her?” inquired Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>“Yes, much. But the first and most important thing to -be done is to keep perfectly silent regarding our suspicions, -so that she may not be put upon her guard. The -next thing is to engage the services of two or three experienced -detectives, but that will be expensive.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm’s face clouded at the remembrance of his limited -resources.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Eudora placed her roll of bank-notes in the lawyer’s -hands, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Pray take from that parcel as much as may be needed -for this service, and hand over the remainder to Mr. Montrose.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lawyer drew out two fifty pound notes, and handed -the balance to the astonished Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As that was not the proper time to tell the story of this -mysterious loan, Eudora merely looked at Malcolm and -smiled, for now she <em>could</em> smile, as the presence of the -lawyer who came to defend her cheered her spirits and -raised her hopes, even as the face of the physician who -appears to cure animates and revives the sinking and -dying patient.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The consultation was continued a little longer, and then -the lawyer gathered up his documents and withdrew to -prepare his defence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On taking leave, Malcolm found an opportunity of lingering -behind for a moment to look the question that he -would not ask.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, the money was brought me by Alma Elverton, -whom you must have noticed here as you came in, though -she immediately lowered her veil, and withdrew,” said -Eudora, replying to this mute inquiry just as directly as -though it had been made in words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I noticed a lady pass out, but did not recognize her -as Miss Elverton. And so it was Alma who lent us the -money?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; she was acting as the agent of those whose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>names she was forbidden to mention, but who professed to -have a personal and even selfish interest in the acquittal -of the innocent and the crimination of the guilty. Was I -right to accept this loan?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Perfectly. It was a godsend! but we must find out, if -possible, who are your benefactors. The knowledge may -be of the greatest use in your defence. And here is -another piece of service to be rendered by our detectives,” -said Malcolm. Then, knowing that he must not linger -longer, he pressed the hand of his betrothed, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Farewell for the present, my dear Eudora. I will -return and visit you as often as I may be permitted to do -so. In the meanwhile, may God be with you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so saying, he released her hand, and followed the -lawyer from the cell.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XX.<br> <span class='large'>THE FEARFUL SECRET.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Our actions travel and are veiled; and yet</div> - <div class='line'>We sometimes catch a fearful glimpse of one</div> - <div class='line'>When out of sight its march hath well nigh gone,</div> - <div class='line'>An unveiled thing which we can ne’er forget!</div> - <div class='line'>All sins it gathers up into its course,</div> - <div class='line'>As they do grow with it, and its force,</div> - <div class='line'>One day with busy speed that thing shall come,</div> - <div class='line'>Recoiling on the heart that was its home.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>It was late in the afternoon when Alma Elverton, returning -from the prison, reached Edenlawn.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Not daring to present herself unsummoned before her -stern mother, she went direct to her own chamber, threw -off her bonnet and mantle, and then rang for her -attendant.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>Old Madelon, in her hight French <i><span lang="fr">bonne’s</span></i> cap made her -appearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you go to my mamma, Madelon, and tell her that -I have returned from my ride, and ask her to say whether -I shall come to her?” said Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I vill go, Meess Elverton, but miladie is—is more—vat -sall I say?” said the <i><span lang="fr">bonne</span></i>, hesitating.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Disturbed, sorrowful?” suggested Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, <em>severe</em>. Miladie is more severe to-day as ever. I -no like to go to her, but I vill go.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do, good Madelon; she will be pleased to hear that I -have returned,” said Alma, gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know not, Meess Alma, I know not,” said old Madelon, -shaking her head as she left the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma, full of anxiety upon many subjects, threw herself -into an arm-chair to await the coming of the <i><span lang="fr">bonne</span></i>.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nearly an hour passed before the return of Madelon, -who entered, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You must pardon me for staying so long time, Meess -Alma; but it was no mine fault, miladie vas keep me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And has she sent for me at last?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no, Meess Alma; she say you mus’ dine, and then -come to her, and no before.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma made a gesture of impatience. It was now late; -time was flying fast. The hour at which she had promised -to meet her unhappy father was quickly approaching, and, -fraught with danger, as it might be, she was resolved to -keep her appointment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am not hungry; I do not wish to dine at all. Why -cannot I go to my mother at once?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miladie’s commands—Meess Alma must rest, and must -eat, and then come.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But if I am neither tired nor hungry. Can I not go to -mamma now?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, miladie is engaged. Miladie writes letters. She -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>will see Meess Alma later. She will send when she wants -her child.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Go on then, Madelon, I can go through the form of -dinner, at least,” said Alma, looking anxiously at her -watch.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was five o’clock, and she had promised to meet her -father at six. There was an hour left. There might yet -be time to keep her appointment. She hoped to dispatch -her meal, hurry through her interview with her mother, -and then hasten to the wood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She followed old Madelon down into the dining-room, -where a delicate little repast had been prepared for her. -She ate a piece of chicken and a jelly, and was picking a -bunch of grapes when the lady’s bell rang for Madelon, -who hastened to answer it, but soon returned with a message -summoning Alma to her mother’s apartments.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma immediately hurried thither. She found the beautiful, -majestic, pale-faced lady seated in the luxurious chair -beside the elegant table in the midst of the gloom and glow -of that crimson and golden room. That still woman was -the picture of which the boudoir was but the back ground -and frame.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As her daughter entered, the lady lifted her languid eyes -from the book she was reading, and silently motioned -Alma to take the chair on the other side of the table.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young girl obeyed, and waited for her mother to -speak. But the lady’s large eyes had again fallen upon -her book, and in a few moments she seemed to have -forgotten the presence of her daughter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma stole a glance at her watch. It was half-past five. -Her heart throbbed with anxiety. She ventured to break -the silence by saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I did your errand faithfully and successfully, dear -mother.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will speak to you about that presently, Alma,” said -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>the lady, turning a leaf of her book, and relapsing into -silence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma fell into thought. She had private anxieties -enough of her own to engage her mind. She was extremely -desirous to keep her appointment with her unhappy father. -She was extremely fearful, also, of a rencounter between -her father and her betrothed. She therefore felt the urgent -necessity of being herself early on the ground to meet the -first comer, whether that should be her father or her -betrothed. If it should be the former, she would draw -him quickly off in some other direction to avoid a meeting -with Captain Montrose. If the latter, she would merely -greet him and dismiss him, to shun a rencounter with Mr. -Elverton. All these plans were fraught with danger, but -they were the best that she could improvise for the -exigency. Meanwhile, how quickly the precious minutes -flew while she sat waiting her mother’s leisure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The elegant little ormolu clock on the chimney-piece -struck six.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma started and looked up. The hour had come.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, I wish to take an evening walk. If you will -permit me, I will go, and return when you have leisure to -attend to me,” said the young girl, desperately.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are you so impatient, Alma? Well, then, I will hear you -now,” said the lady, closing her book and laying it down.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, mamma, I am not impatient. Indeed, I should -prefer taking my usual walk first, and then come to you -again,” replied the young girl, while a deep blush suffused -her cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have had a long drive—enough of fresh air and -exercise for one day. You may forego your walk; nay, -you <em>must</em> do so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma’s color went and came rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lady continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have finished my book, and am quite ready to attend -you; so now tell me, how did you find your friend?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>This turned the current of Alma’s thoughts, and she -answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fearfully changed, mamma—so thin, so pale, so care-worn, -you would never have known her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She accepted the loan without reluctance?” asked the -lady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, mamma, there was much hesitation; but I used the -arguments with which you had provided me, and I assured -her that those who sent her the money had a personal -interest in her acquittal that made it quite right they -should bear their share in the cost of her defence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You were right; but how did she meet this explanation?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“With the confiding faith of a grateful child—only -anxious to know the names of her benefactors, that she -might mention them in her prayers.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why do you say <em>benefactors</em>, when there was but <em>me</em>?” -inquired the lady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, when we speak of anyone in the third person, -without wishing even to divulge their sex, we say ‘they,’ -because we have no third person singular of the common -gender. And because I used the pronoun ‘they,’ she -fancied there was more than one, and spoke of her benefactors,” -answered Alma, blushing deeply at the necessary -reservation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, but you did not give the name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, mamma.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did she speak of her approaching trial? Is she -frightened? Has she hopes? Speak; tell me more about -her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>In reply to this adjuration, Alma related in detail the -full account of her visit to Eudora. And while Alma -described the anguish to which the poor imprisoned girl -was a prey, the lady, long past shedding tears of sympathy, -could only drop her head upon her hands, and groan -as one suffering under some heavy burthen of remorse.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>As Alma, forgetting her own embarrassment in the deep -sorrows of Eudora, was still engaged in describing the -prison interview, the clock struck seven.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She started, clasped her hands, and gazed appealingly -towards her mother.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, it is too late now, Alma, to keep your appointment. -Even if Captain Montrose has waited a whole hour -over his time, it is not likely that he will wait half an hour -longer, which is the length of time it would take you to -reach the trysting-ground,” said the lady, coldly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma!” exclaimed the dismayed girl, distressed -at this discovery of her interview with her lover, and -frightened lest that discovery should have also extended to -her meeting with her father. Upon this latter point, however, -the next words of Mrs. Elverton reassured her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, poor child, I know all about it; you went to the -wood yesterday to meet Norham Montrose.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, mamma—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nay, poor girl, I do not blame you for the past, but I -give you leave to blame <em>me</em>, both for the past and the -future, if ever you meet your lover again.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mamma!” sobbed Alma, drawing near, and sinking -at her mother’s feet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Mrs. Elverton, with a shudder of repulsion, rolled -her chair back, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alma, resume your seat. Keep as far from me as you -can, keep so as to remain in ear-shot only, while I speak to -you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Tremblingly Alma arose and receded to her chair, where -she sat with pallid cheeks, clasped hands, and wistful eyes -still fixed upon the stern, white face of that strange -mother.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alma,” said the lady, coldly, “I do not mean to deal -in mysteries. I learned this morning from the old gardener, -Denny—who begged an interview with me for the purpose -of making a communication which he deemed it his duty to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>make—that you had an interview with Captain Montrose -in the woods behind the house last evening. At least he -met you loitering there, and a few minutes later met -Captain Montrose going towards you. He inferred that -there was an interview and an appointment. Alma, was -the old man right?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma,” said Alma, seeking to hide her fiery blushes -with both hands. “Yes, he told you the truth; but oh, -mamma, hear my defence—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not now—not until I have done speaking. I dismissed -the old man, with thanks for his fidelity, and with an injunction -to silence, which I am sure that he will observe -for your sake; for be assured, Alma, that such interviews -seriously compromise the fair fame of a young girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma! Oh! let me explain—” again interrupted -Alma, who seemed unable to bear for an instant the implied -reproach in her mother’s words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not yet; not yet, Alma; hear me out. After thinking -over the old man’s story, I came to the conclusion that the -interview of yesterday might have been accidental—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It was, indeed, partly so, mamma.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that it might or might not have resulted in an appointment -for this evening. I did not wish to accuse you -wrongfully, so I resolved to detain you in this room and observe -your manner. And, Alma, your own restlessness and -anxiety have revealed to me that you <em>had</em> made such an -appointment with Captain Montrose this evening. Is it -not so?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, mamma, yes; but hear me and forgive me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Presently—presently; but let me tell you first that the -days of romance and poetry, of troubadours and knights, -and damsels-errant have passed ages and ages ago. You cannot -bring romance into your real life, except at the cost of -your fair fame. And I would not have a single evanescent -cloud pass before that which should be as bright as a clear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>summer day—for it is the only bright thing in your -life, Alma!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And my fair fame shall continue bright, mamma! Oh! -trust me and believe it!” said Alma, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not if these interviews are repeated,” replied the lady, -coldly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, an angel might have been present at our meetings -without offence to its heavenly nature,” insisted Alma, -fervently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet not even an angel’s testimony would be taken -for that.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mamma!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nay, I do not doubt your word, girl, nor blame you -much; but I do very severely censure the conduct of -Captain Montrose, who, as a man of the world, knew well -how seriously he compromised you,” said Mrs. Elverton, -sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma! mamma! he is not to be censured!” exclaimed -Alma, warmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not for persuading an inexperienced young girl, of -high rank, to give him interviews in the woods? What do -you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, hear me! Captain Montrose wished nothing -better than your sanction to pay his addresses openly to -your daughter. He wrote to you and wrote to my grandfather, -earnestly entreating such sanction; and his overtures -were rejected by both!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And properly so!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And why, mamma? Oh! why? He is certainly a -gentleman of ancient family of unblemished character, -and of good position! Why were his proposals so curtly -rejected? At least, dear mamma, you owe it to me to give -a reason!” pleaded Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It should be a reason sufficient to satisfy you, Alma, -that neither Lord Elverton nor myself chose to favor his -addresses.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>“But it is not, mamma! My beating heart cannot be -answered so!” said Alma, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then I have no other answer to give you, Miss Elverton!” -said the lady, freezingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mother, mother, do not speak to me so coldly; if -you knew how sad my life is you would not do it! But, -mother, let me talk to you a little of Norham,” prayed -Alma.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In my youth, and in my country, young ladies never -talked of their lovers, but blushed when others named them. -I know not, however, but that a few years of time and a -few miles of space may alter customs,” said Mrs. Elverton, -ironically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know not, mamma; but if anywhere young women -blush to hear their lovers named, it must be because they -are happy in their loves; for if it were otherwise it seems -to me that their cheeks would pale, not redden.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yours should blanch to marble, girl, at the name of -love or marriage!” said the lady, in a low, stern, sad voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her words escaped the ears of Alma, who, leaning forward, -clasping her hands, and fixing her eyes earnestly upon -the pale face of her mother, said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, mamma, <em>will</em> you let me speak to you from -my heart this once?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lady did not reply, and her daughter continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, let me speak to you freely, my mother! To whom -can I speak, if not to you? Oh, hear me!—for who will -hear me if not you? Whom have I in the world but you? -And, mother, who have you in the world but me? Between -what two in the universe should there be confidence if not -between us?—so separated as we seem from all the earth, -so isolated, so lonely? Mother, may I speak to you, at -least for once, from my heart?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Speak on, Alma; I hear you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, I wish to account for these few, very few, and -mostly chance meetings with Norham in the woods. And -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>to do so I must commence at the commencement, and speak -of the utter—utter loneliness of my life—the loneliness like -living death that has been my lot from the moment of my -birth, I think, to the present hour.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“One would naturally suppose that a condition which -had commenced with your birth, Alma, and continued to -the present time—since you could have known no other—must -have become a second nature.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“One would think so, perhaps: and yet again, perhaps, -such a second nature, formed by unnatural circumstances, -could not be so forced upon the first original nature created -by God. You may take the chrysalis, and shut it under -an inverted glass, and so long as it remains a chrysalis it -will be happy in its way; but when it developes into a -butterfly, and spreads its wings, must it not pine, and suffocate, -and die for want of space, and exercise, and air?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What mean you, Alma?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma, when I was a child, I was happy dressing my -dolls and playing with my pets; when I was a school-girl -I was contented pursuing my studies and talking with my -governess; but all these things have passed away with -childhood and girlhood. I am a woman now, with all a -woman’s craving for human society, sympathy, and affection. -Oh, if I speak plainly, I cannot help it! I feel -every hour in the day, and every minute in the hour, that -there is something fearfully wrong <em>here</em> and <em>here</em>!” said -Alma, placing her hand upon her head and heart. “And, -mamma, believe me, that I feel, if this dreadful hunger of -the heart and mind is not satisfied, idiotcy or death must -be the result. Mamma, I was happier during the hour that -I passed with poor Eudora in her prison-cell, than I have -ever been in all the years that I have passed in this splendid -living tomb. And why, mamma—why? Only because -in that wretched prison-cell I was at least <i><span lang="fr">en rapport</span></i> with -another human creature!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>“Alma, come to the point—what is it you wish me to -do?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mamma bear with me a little while. I was about to -say that it was this utter, utter loneliness of life and -heart, that laid me so open to the advances of almost any -person, man, woman, or child, who might have crossed my -path—for the starving will eat husks rather than perish; -but Providence sent across my path a noble-minded man, -my equal in birth, intellect, and position. He esteemed -me, and won my esteem. He asked the sanction of my -parents to his addresses, and his overtures were rejected -by them. He loved me, and so he haunted the neighborhood -of my home only to be near me. From childhood I -have been accustomed to walk in those woods where he -often accidentally met me. Yesterday I walked as usual -in those woods. I will not deceive you, mamma, or say -that I did not secretly hope he might be walking there -also. He was; and we met. We had not spoken together -for a very long time, and it was then so late in the evening -that our interview was necessarily very short. And so we -agreed to meet again this afternoon—to meet as betrothed -lovers, who are to marry as soon as they both obtain their -majority; for, mamma, there must come a time, when, if I -live, I shall be free, by the laws of God and man, to give -my hand where my heart has long been given—and I have -promised, when that time shall come, to be the wife of -Norham Montrose, and, mamma, I mean to keep my promise! -There, mamma, I have told you all.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was impossible that that white-faced woman could have -become whiter, but now a livid grayness crept over her -features that also seemed to harden into stone. It was in -a low, level, ominous monotone that she repeated:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have told me all—now what is it you wish me to -do?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mamma, pity me, take me to your heart, give me -your confidence, make me happy—it will take but a little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>to do that! Recall Norham Montrose; give him your -sanction to visit me here in your house—here under your -eye!” prayed Alma, with clasped hands and beseeching -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am glad that you have spoken so plainly, girl, for -now I can answer you; and you must take that answer to -be as final and immutable as though the words were sealed -by the most solemn and binding oaths. And my answer -is this—that you must never see Captain Montrose again!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mamma, mamma, tell me at least why you object -to him. Is it his birth, his position, or his character?” -exclaimed Alma, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is neither. His birth, position, and character might -fairly entitle him to wed any young lady in the land.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is there, then, any family feud between his House and -mine, such as sometimes divide——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lovers?—a Montague and Capulet folly? No! His -family and yours have always been the best friends. In -short, Alma, neither Lord Elverton nor myself, nor any of -our friends have the least personal objection whatever either -to Captain Montrose himself or to any of his family. I -can assure you of that, if it can give you any satisfaction.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, it does—it does, mamma! God bless you for -that tribute to Norham’s worth! Oh, mamma, you have -told me what the objection is <em>not</em>—oh, tell me what it <em>is</em>! -I might find a way—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alma,” interrupted the lady, in a deep, low, stern -voice, “many months ago I warned you that love and -marriage were not for you; many months ago I warned -you, if you would escape the heaviest curse that could -hurl a soul to perdition, to avoid the friendship of woman, -and the love of man—<span class='fss'>DID</span> I not?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, you did—you did! but <em>why</em>, <span class='fss'>WHY</span>, my mother?” -demanded Alma, with her hands still tightly clasped and extended, -and her eyes still fixed upon the face of her mother.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>“Alma,” commenced the lady, in a voice of almost awful -solemnity, “if I might be permitted to do so, I would willingly -spare you the anguish of hearing the words that I -must speak; but destiny is stronger than I am—stronger -than all are!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Say on, my mother. Oh, say on! If there is anything -I ought to know, let me hear it—never mind the pain!” -prayed Alma, with her clasped hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, oh! must it be my tongue that tells you at last, -Alma, that your parents’ marriage proved the most awful -calamity that could have crushed any two human beings! -That your birth was a curse to Hollis Elverton—a curse to -me, and deeper still, a curse to you! That <em>your</em> love lighting -upon any human being would be the darkest misfortune -that could fall upon them! That <em>your</em> marriage with any -man would be the direst catastrophe that could blight -him—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her dreadful words were interrupted by a wild, half-suppressed -shriek from Alma, who buried her face in her open -hands for a moment, and then raising her head, cried:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mother, I must be marble!—yes, marble! I cannot be -flesh and blood as others, or your words would kill me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you are not flesh and blood as others! but something -set apart, accursed, that must not join heart or hand -with any other human being!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why, <em>why</em>, <span class='fss'>WHY</span>, my mother? that is what I wish to -know, what I <em>ought</em> to know, what I <em>will</em> know! for when -you pronounce a sentence that may consign me at eighteen -years of age to the long-living death of an existence without -love, without friendship, without sympathy, without communion -with my kind, I ought, I <em>must</em>, I <span class='fss'>WILL</span> know the -reason <em>why</em>!” cried Alma, with wild and startling energy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Poor wretch!” muttered the lady, with something like -pity vibrating in the cold monotone of her voice, and disturbing -the strong rigidity of her features—“poor wretch! -you rush blindly upon your fate just as I did! Aye, your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>very words were once mine! Alma, when, eighteen years -ago, Hollis Elverton rushed into my presence, and, in -frenzied despair, told me that we must part then, there, and -forever, I, too, in the extremity of my anguish and terror, -demanded and wrung from him the <em>why</em>—the <span class='fss'>WHY</span> that -doomed me to that living death of widowhood.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And he told you. My father kept no secret from the -wife of his bosom,” said the young girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He told me. Alma, there are things that kill the soul -in the body and turn the body into stone! He told me—he -whispered one dreadful word in my ear that struck me -down at his feet as a thunderbolt strikes a statue to the -ground! When I recovered my consciousness he was gone, -and I knew that he could not, ought not, must not ever -return!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet he loved you, my mother?” whispered Alma, -in the half hushed tone of awe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes,” muttered the lady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet you loved him?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And your marriage was happy up to that fatal evening?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Perfectly happy.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet—and yet——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet we parted—yes, as ships at sea that meet and -strike in the fog and fly asunder—wrecks doomed to go -down to destruction! So we married, and so we severed.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Was it right?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It was right.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, mother, what made it right? What could make -it right that you and my father, who loved each other so -devotedly, who were so worthy of each other, too, and -whose marriage was so happy in itself, and so highly -approved by all, should separate so suddenly—so utterly -and everlastingly.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lady did not reply, but turned away her face to avoid -the searching eyes of her daughter.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>“Oh, Heaven!” cried Alma, “there could have been -but one reason—some previous engagement, or bond, or, -or——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She could not bring herself to utter the other word, but -dropped her face in her hands, while her bosom rose and -fell with those convulsive, tearless sobs that seem to “press -the life from out young hearts.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know what you would say, Alma; but you are mistaken, -poor, unhappy girl! There was no previous -engagement, bond or love, far less marriage, either on -Hollis Elverton’s side or mine, with any third person -whose existence could invalidate our marriage. Hollis -Elverton was a bachelor and I a girl when we married, -nor had either of us ever loved until we met and loved -each other. No, Alma, it was no previous marriage that -burst ours asunder,” said the lady, as some memory of -unusually exquisite pain convulsed her statue-like form.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, in the name of heaven, earth and hades, <em>what</em> -was it?” exclaimed Alma, with starting vehemence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have told you enough—enough to decide your fate. I -must not tell you more!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, and without any reason assigned, you have pronounced -a sentence of excommunication and outlawry -against me; a sentence that cuts me off from the comforts -of religion and the intercourse of society; a sentence that -dooms me to a fate worse, infinitely worse than death. But, -mother, without a reason that shall convince my own -judgment, and satisfy my own conscience, I cannot, and -ought not, to accept that sentence or submit to that fate!” -said Alma, with gentle firmness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Rash girl, what do you mean by that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I mean, mamma, that, though I may obey your hard -commands while I am a minor, even though obedience may -destroy my life or reason, as it may, but when I am free, -mamma, as every one ought to be at some period of their -life, I must redeem my plighted troth by bestowing my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>hand upon that Norham Montrose to whom even you -acknowledge that you have no personal objection whatever. -This is all I mean, mamma.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But in the interval you will meet him and converse -with him often?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, mother, I will not seek to see him; I will even try -to avoid him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But if he should throw himself in your way, or happen -to meet you and speak to you, you would answer him—you -would converse with him?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wish I could promise you that I would not, mamma; -but oh, I could not keep such a promise, believe me I could -not,” said Alma, convulsed with sobs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do believe you; and that belief forces me at length -to speak that word—that word which must sever you at -once and forever from him and from all others—that word -which may sink into your heart and corrode your life until -you are as bloodless as I am; or, that may kill you at -once—strike you down dead before me! Be it so; better -you should die than live to marry,” said the lady, rising -and approaching her daughter, while the grayness of death -again overspread her pallid face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma, with a dreadful sickness of the heart, waited to -hear some fatal communication.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Elverton bent down and whispered in her ear.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alma sprang to her feet, gazed with dilated eyes and -blanched cheeks in bewildering despair upon her mother’s -face, as though unable to receive at once the full horror of -her words, and then drew her hands wildly to her head, -reeled forward and fell senseless to the floor.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXI.<br> <span class='large'>THE TRIAL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Her veil was backward thrown;</div> - <div class='line'>Relieving tears refused to flow,</div> - <div class='line'>All drank by her great thirsty woe,</div> - <div class='line in2'>She seemed transformed to stone.</div> - <div class='line'>Save that at times her white lips quivered,</div> - <div class='line'>And her young limbs like aspen shivered,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And burst a low, sad moan!—<em>Nicholas Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>And how did Eudora pass the few anxious days of -imprisonment preceding her trial?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Oh, Heaven! how much the human heart may bear, and -yet live on! Who can compute the amount of sorrow, -humiliation and terror that formed the great weight of -anguish that pressed her young heart almost to death?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Deep, poignant grief for the loss of her nearest and -dearest kindred; burning shame at the infamous charge -under which she suffered, and shuddering horrors at the -awful doom that darkly lowered over her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Either of these passionate emotions singly was enough -to have crushed her heart or crazed her brain. All of them -at once she was fated to endure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Often, as with closed eyes and laboring lungs she lay -upon the narrow bed of her prison-cell, she thought that -her fainting heart must stop, and her gasping breath cease -forever. Often she hoped that they might. And thus, -indeed, her light of life might have been smothered beneath -its weight of anguish, but for the tender care of those few -devoted friends who cherished the dying flame.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose, Counsellor Fenton, Mr. Anderson -and Mrs. Barton, all endeavored in every possible way to -comfort, cheer, sustain and strengthen Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>She was seldom left alone for half an hour during the -day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The devoted love of her betrothed gave her consolation; -the confident manner of her advocate inspired her with -hope; the zealous friendship of the governor filled her -with gratitude, and the constant attention of her wardress -left her little time for brooding melancholy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And thus passed the days that brought the fatal Monday -for the opening of the assizes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That Monday on which those assizes were held will long -be remembered in Abbeytown.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The most intense interest was felt by people in all ranks -of society, in all parts of the country, in the approaching -trial of a young, beautiful, and high-born girl, for the -atrocious crime of poisoning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All persons who could possibly leave their homes, came -to Abbeytown to abide during the holding of the assizes, -for the purpose of being present at the trial.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As early as the Saturday previous, the hotels, lodging-houses, -and even private dwellings, began to fill with an -ever-increasing crowd of visitors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On Sunday the town was quite full. On Monday, -though the multitude continued to pour in, not one disengaged -room or bed was to be procured for love or money -within its boundaries.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ingle, the young law-clerk that had come up from London -in attendance upon Mr. Fenton, declared that Abbeytown -during these assizes, looked like Epsom in the race week.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Lord Chief Baron Elverton was on the circuit that year.</p> - -<p class='c014'>About nine o’clock in the morning, the hour of the -judges’ arrival having been duly notified by telegraph, the -high sheriff, with his constabulary staff, proceeded to the -railway station to meet and escort their lordships to the -town.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They drove from the station to the Leaton Arms, where -the best suites of apartments had been pre-engaged for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>their accommodation, and where a public breakfast awaited -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At about twelve at noon the whole party went in procession -to the court-house, and opened the commission.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The whole of that afternoon was occupied with the preliminary -business of the session.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The second day was employed in trying those common -rural cases of poaching, riot, and petty larceny that took -precedence upon the docket of the one great trial. These -were all disposed of before the adjournment of the court -on Tuesday evening.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And thus on Wednesday morning it was confidently -expected that, as soon as the court should meet, the case -of the “Crown <i><span lang="fr">vs.</span></i> Eudora Leaton,” charged with poisoning, -would be called.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The same lawyers’ clerk, whose talents lay rather in -drawing comparisons than briefs, declared that if the town -at the opening of the assizes resembled Epsom in the race -week, it now bore a striking likeness to that famous little -village on the Derby-day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Abbeytown was indeed full to repletion. Every house, -every street, every thoroughfare was crowded to suffocation. -Every avenue approaching the court-house was blocked up -by carriages, horses, and foot-passengers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Every person seemed to have come with the wild idea of -being able to catch a glimpse of the notorious prisoner as -she was conveyed from the gaol to the court-house, or even -with the mad hope of getting a seat in the halls of justice -to witness the trial. Of course most were disappointed; -for the narrow court-room could not comfortably accommodate -much more than one hundred souls, or, compactly -crowded, more than two hundred; though upon this particular -occasion nearly three hundred persons were said to -have been squeezed between its four walls. The aristocracy, -gentry, and yeomanry of the country were represented -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>among the spectators that filled to suffocation that -court-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In one part of the hall, to the right of the bench, were -assembled the whole family from the Anchorage; for not -only the Admiral, Sir Ira Brunton, his nephew, the young -lieutenant, his grand-daughter, Annella, his guest, the Italian -princess, but even his ancestresses, the two ancient -dames, were present, drawn thither by the intense interest -of the approaching trial.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the very deepest shadow of a corner behind this group -stood apart a tall man, whose form was enveloped in a long, -dark cloak, and whose face was shaded by a deep sombrero -hat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At some little distance, sulky, silent and alone, stood -Norham Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And all there were so closely pressed in by the crowd, -that they could neither move, converse, nor scarcely breathe. -The whole assembly seemed so intensely anxious for the -commencement of the trial, that they hardly once removed -their eyes from the door by which the prisoner was expected -to be brought into court. At half-past nine the -judges appeared.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As soon as the Lord Chief Baron Elverton and the associate -judges took their seats, the eyes of the whole assembly -were directed towards the bench.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Indeed, the central figure there, the presiding judge, Lord -Chief Baron Elverton, was, by his imposing presence, no -less than his august office and his mysterious family history, -calculated to attract and rivet attention.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was now but sixty years of age, though looking seventy-five -or eighty. His once large, massive, and erect form -was now bowed, shrunken and emaciated: his fine, high, -noble features were faded, sunken, and sharpened; his -once luxuriant auburn hair and beard were now thin and -white as snow; his countenance, though expressive of -intellectual pride and conscious power, was impressed with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>the ineffaceable marks of deep suffering modified by patient -benignity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But what was the nature of that suffering? Was it -inconsolable sorrow for some heavy misfortune earth -could never repair? Or was it inextinguishable remorse -for some deep sin that Heaven could not pardon?</p> - -<p class='c014'>No one ever knew, or even surmised. But, as the spectators -looked upon that care-worn face, they spoke together -in whispers, of that strange, terrible, unexplained episode -in his family history; the sudden, fearful midnight flight -of his son; the total estrangement between himself and -his daughter-in-law, and the rigid seclusion of his young -grand-daughter; and, for the hundredth time, wondered -whatever could be at the bottom of those mysteries. For -the moment, even the impending trial was forgotten in this -discussion of the family secrets of Lord Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the attention of the assembly was soon recalled to -its first subject.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The prisoner was ordered to be brought into court.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And once more every eye was turned and fixed in -unwinking vigilance upon the door by which she was -expected to enter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And all this eager curiosity in the crowd was only to -see one poor, frightened, trembling girl brought up to -trial for life or death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had not long to wait for their spectacle.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doors were thrown open, and the young prisoner -was led in between the deputy-sheriff and the female turnkey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The merciless gaze of those hundreds of eager eyes fell, -not upon a bold woman—a hardened criminal—but upon -a young, slight, delicate girl, dressed in black and deeply -veiled, who advanced with trembling steps and downcast -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Behind her walked Malcolm Montrose, whose haggard -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>countenance betrayed the agony of anxiety he suffered on -her account.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was led up the length of the hall and let into the -dock, where a seat had been placed for her by some kind -hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At a sign from the sheriff, the wardress entered and -took a place by her side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose posted himself as near the dock as -he could possibly get.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Eudora dropped into her seat, her head sank upon -her breast, her hands fell upon her lap, and her whole form -collapsed and shrank beneath the oppressive gaze of that -large assembly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yet, if the poor girl could have looked up, she would -have seen more than one pair of eyes regarding her with -an expression kinder than mere curiosity; even those of -the venerable judge were bent upon her in deep compassion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But she dared not lift her head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She heard a murmur of voices, a stir of hands, a rustle -of papers, and then the voice of the clerk of arraigns, -calling out:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora Leaton!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She started as though she had received a blow, and -instinctively threw aside her veil.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the beautiful, pale, agonized young face was revealed -to the whole assembly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A murmur of compassion moved, breeze-like, through -the hitherto pitiless crowd, and a single half-suppressed -cry was heard from the Anchorage party.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That cry came from Annella Wilder, who then for the -first time discovered the identity between her friend Miss -Miller and the accused Eudora Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Attend to the reading of the indictment,” continued -the clerk, addressing the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora obeyed by lifting her frightened eyes to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>cold, business-like face of the speaker, who commenced -reading the formidable document he held in his hand, setting -forth in successive counts how the prisoner, Eudora -Leaton, being impelled by satanic agency, with malice -prepense, at certain times and places therein specified, by -the administration of certain poisonous and deadly drugs, -did feloniously procure and effect the death of the Honorable -Agatha Leaton, &c., &c., &c.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Prisoner at the bar, arise, and hold up your right hand,” -ordered the clerk, when the reading was finished.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, pale, faint and trembling, obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Prisoner, you have heard the charge against you. Are -you guilty or not guilty of the felonies with which you are -accused?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not guilty, as I shall answer at the last day before the -awful bar of God,” said Eudora, in a low, sweet, solemn -voice, that thrilled through the hearts of that whole assembly, -as she sank again into her seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The attorney-general, who had come down from London -to prosecute this most important case, now arose in his -place, took the bill of indictment from the clerk of arraigns, -and proceeded to open the case on the part of the Crown.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He commenced by saving that his duty in the present -instance was extremely distressing in its nature, but, fortunately, -simple in its course; that the case he stood there -to prosecute, dark as it was with the deepest guilt, was yet -so clearly illumined by the light of evidence, that happily -it need not occupy the court long; that whether they considered -the tender youth of the criminal, the cold-blooded -atrocity of the crime, or the high worth of the victims, this -agonizing case had no parallel in the long experience of the -oldest barrister living, or the whole history of criminal -jurisprudence; that he need not recall to memory the celebrated -cases of Borgia, Essex, Brinvilliers, or Lafarge to -prove that youth, beauty, womanhood and high rank combined, -were not incompatible with deep guilt and dark -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>crimes in their possessors; that he did not mean to draw -any comparison between the female fiends he had named -and the prisoner at the bar, for he should soon prove Eudora -Leaton had succeeded in reaching a much higher point upon -the “bad eminence” of criminal fame than had ever been -attained by Lafarge, Brinvilliers, Essex, or Borgia.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The prisoner,” he said, “of Indian parentage, was the -only child of the late Honorable Charles Leaton and his -wife, Oolah Kalooh, of Lahore, and, doubtless, she must -have derived from her mother all those subtle, secretive, -and treacherous elements of character for which the East -Indian is noted, while she gained from her father all that -rare, dangerous, botanical knowledge of the deadly plants -of the country, the study of which had once been his favorite -pastime, and the acquaintance with which has been recently -her most fatal medium of destruction.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“By the death of her parents,” he continued, “she was -left an orphan at the early age of sixteen years. Her uncle, -the late Lord Leaton, as soon as he received intelligence -of her condition, dispatched a special messenger to India -to bring her home to his own house. Upon her arrival, -he, as well as his whole family, received the orphan with the -utmost tenderness, placing her at once upon an equal footing -with his own only daughter and sole heiress.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But how,” inquired the prosecutor, “has the benevolence, -confidence, and affection of this honored family been -repaid by their cherished <i><span lang="fr">protégée</span></i>! They have been repaid -by the blackest ingratitude, the foulest treachery, the -deepest guilt; they have been repaid with death—the insidious, -protracted, dreadful death of slow poison—poison -administered by her whom they received into the bosom of -their family.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what,” he asked, “tempted this young, beautiful, -and high-born girl to plunge herself into this deep Gehenna -of guilt, misery, and infamy?</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The basest motive that could influence human nature-the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>love of lucre! She knew that, in the event of the death -of Lord and Lady Leaton and their daughter, <em>she</em> must be -the sole inheritor of the whole Leaton estate; and for this -inheritance she has perpetrated crimes unequalled in atrocity -by her most notorious predecessors of criminal celebrity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She has sacrificed her nearest kindred in this world, -and her dearests interests in the next. She has destroyed -those who sheltered her. Yes, she whom they received into -their homes and hearts, warmed at their household fire, -cherished with their bosom’s love, <em>she</em> drugged their daily -food and drink with the deadliest poisons, until they wasted, -withered, and perished before her, as plants before the -breath of the death-blowing sirocco!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As under the action of this slow poison, one after -another sank upon the last couch of illness, <em>she</em> it was who -superseded every honest and trustworthy attendant, and -with deceitful zeal and deadly purpose, hovered about the -bed of death!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Her</em> hand it was that changed the heated billow, bathed -the burning brow, and then placed the poisoned cup to the -parched lips that thanked her for the cooling draught, and -blessed her for her loving care!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Her</em> hand it was that wiped the death-dew from the -fading forehead, returned the last pressure of the failing -fingers, and closed the glazing eyes of the dead victim—dead -by her deed. But they</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘Are in their graves, where she,</div> - <div class='line'>Their murderess, soon shall be.’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>“For she has lost the game at which she staked her soul, -and sits there now to wait her doom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Bowed down and crushed almost unto death is she? -Aye, not by grief for her sin, but for that ‘sin’s detection -and despair.’</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Beautiful, is she? Aye! beautiful as all the fatal -growths of her native clime! beautiful as the spotted serpent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>of her jungles—as the striped tigress of her forests—as -the stately ignatia of her plains!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank Heaven, she is not a native of civilized and -Christian Europe, but of that deadly clime where the fierce -heat of the sun draws from the earth the most noxious -plants, and developes in man and brute the most ferocious -passions—the land of the upas and the cobra—the land of -Nena Sahib!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But enough,” he concluded. He would not deal in invective, -or seek to exaggerate that guilt which no words of -the prosecutor could magnify. He had stated the facts of -the case; he would now proceed to call witnesses to prove -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This severe opening charge was felt by all to be no mere -official denunciation by the prosecutor, but the awful truth, -as he himself believed it to be, and finally succeeded in -causing judge, jury, and audience to accept it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Its effect upon the poor young prisoner was overwhelming. -She drooped still lower, and breathed from the depths -of her wounded spirit—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Father, Thou, who knoweth all things, knowest -that this is not true of me; Thou who canst do all things, -will yet deliver me from this death!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But was she the greatest sufferer there! Ah, no! He -who stood behind her, hearing this terrible charge, without -the power of contradicting her accuser—seeing all eyes -fixed in horror upon her without the privilege of saying -one word in her defence, and witnessing her distress without -the means of consoling it—suffered more, though he -bore up better than she did.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Upon our simple family party from the Anchorage the -effect of the attorney-general’s opening address was very -profound.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear, dear, dear!” sighed old Mrs. Stilton, whose simple -mind received every word uttered by that high dignitary -as gospel truth, because how could such a learned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>gentleman be mistaken? “Dear, dear, dear! what a young -devil she is to be sure!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes—a real young Indian demon! a genuine little -cobra-di-capello—an infant Thug! They’ll be sure to hang -her, that’s one comfort!” said the admiral.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is false! The attorney-general is no better than a -licensed slanderer! I hate him! and I wish <em>he</em> was on -trial!” cried Annella, bursting into tears of rage and -grief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the clerk was calling the first witness for the Crown, -and all eyes and ears were directed to the words of that -functionary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The evidence for the prosecution was essentially the -same as that elicited at the coroner’s inquest and at the -magistrate’s investigation. It need not be repeated in -detail here. It is sufficient to say that the first witnesses -examined were the medical men who had assisted at the -autopsy of the dead bodies, and the analysis of the -tamarind-water. Their testimony clearly proved that the -deceased had died from the effects of ignatia, and that the -fatal drug had been administered in their drink.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the severest cross-examination of these witnesses -by the counsel for the prisoner only served the more strongly -to confirm the facts, and the more deeply to impress them -upon the minds of the jury.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And thus,” said the counsel for the Crown, “the -primary item in the prosecution—to wit, that the deceased -came to their death by poison—may be considered as -established. Our next care shall be to prove that this -poison was feloniously administered by the prisoner at the -bar.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The witnesses examined upon this point were the household -servants of Allworth Abbey, who all testified to the -facts that Miss Eudora Leaton had been the constant -attendant upon the sick-beds of the deceased; that she -had prepared all their food and drink, and especially the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>tamarind-water, and that she was with Miss Agatha Leaton -at the hour of her sudden death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These witnesses were carefully cross-examined by Mr. -Fenton, but, alas! with no favorable result for his unhappy -client!</p> - -<p class='c014'>Finally, the police-officers who had executed the search-warrant -for examining the chamber of the prisoner, produced -a small packet of strange-looking grey berries, that -they testified to having found hidden in a secret drawer of -her escritoire.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The medical men were recalled, and identified these to -be the deadly <i><span lang="la">fabæ Sancti Ignatii</span></i> of the East Indies, the -same fatal poison which had been discovered in the -autopsy of the dead bodies and the analysis of the -tamarind-water.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These were the last witnesses examined on the part of -the prosecution. And as it had happened before, the -closest cross-examination by the prisoner’s advocate only -resulted in strengthening the testimony.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now,” concluded the Queen’s counsel, “the second -item in the prosecution—namely, that the poison by which -the deceased came to their death was feloniously administered -by the prisoner at the bar—may be considered so -clearly proved that we are contented here to rest the case -for the Crown.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXII.<br> <span class='large'>THE CONVICTION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Thus on her doom to think,</div> - <div class='line'>Well may the dews of torture now</div> - <div class='line'>Hang bead-like on her straining brow,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Well may her spirit shrink.</div> - <div class='line'>’Tis hard in youth to yield our breath;</div> - <div class='line'>To die in thought is double death,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Shivering on fate’s cold brink.—<em>Nicholas Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. Fenton arose for the defence. He was much too -wise to weaken his cause by attempting to deny that -which was undeniable. He therefore resolved to waive -the first, and to concentrate his forces upon the overthrow -of the second and vital point in the prosecution.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He commenced by saying that he would admit the fact -that the Leaton family had perished by poison, but would -totally deny that this poison had been administered by his -client.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let the jury,” he said, “look upon Eudora Leaton, -where she sits, overwhelmed with her weight of woe! Observe -how young, how delicate, how sensitive she is. Can -any one for an instant suppose that she, a young girl -of sixteen springs, a mere child in years, an infant still in -law, could have conceived, planned and executed so atrocious -a crime as the destruction of a whole family to clear -the way for her own inheritance of their estates! Such a -supposition would be preposterous.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It can only be because, for the deep atrocity of this -crime, the law demands an instant victim, and no other is -to be found, that this poor child has been seized and offered -here as a sacrifice to appease the offended majesty of justice. -And if in the end she is immolated, it will be only -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>as the pascal lamb, slain upon the altar of the temple for -the sins of others!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will not,” he continued, “affect to disregard the -meshes of coincidence that envelop my most innocent -client.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Like the poor lost dove, beaten down by the storm, -and fallen into the net of the fowler, she is involved in a -coil of circumstances that may prove to be her destruction, -unless the just interpretation of an intelligent jury intervene -to save her from unmerited martyrdom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But,” he continued, “I have a theory that I shall offer -in explanation of those circumstances, which I firmly believe -must exonerate my client in the mind of the jury and -every just person present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Before proceeding further, I will read a few extracts -from the records of the coroner’s inquest upon the case.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here Counsellor Fenton took from the hands of his -clerk certain documents, from which he read aloud that -part of the evidence given by the late Lady Leaton, in -which she testified to having seen the shadow of a woman’s -form upon the wall, and heard the rustle of a woman’s -dress along the floor of her husband’s chamber a few moments -before he drank the fatal sleeping-draught that -stood upon the stand beside his bed on the night of his -death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Next the advocate turned to another part of the record, -and read the evidence given by the late Miss Leaton, in -which she deposed that, at the very time at which her -mother heard the noise and saw the shadow in her father’s -room, Eudora was seated beside Agatha’s bed, engaged in -the vain effort to read the restless invalid to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Finally, he referred to the record of the second coroner’s -inquest, and read the evidence given by Eudora Leaton, in -which she testified that, while watching by the bedside of -her cousin, on the night of her death, she fell into a light -slumber, from which she was awakened by the impression -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>of some one moving about the room, and that at the moment -of opening her eyes, she saw a figure steal away -through the door opening into her own adjoining chamber; -but that on following the figure, she found the next room -vacant, and therefore fancied that her half-awakened -senses had deceived her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The evidence which I have just read,” continued Counsellor -Fenton, as he returned the documents to the hands -of his clerk, “is so significant, so important, so vital to -the cause of justice, that, had it been permitted to have its -due influence with the coroner’s jury, no such cruel suspicion -could have fallen upon Eudora Leaton as that which -has placed her here on trial for her life. And now at least, -when that evidence shall be duly considered, it must entirely -exonerate this most innocent girl. From that evidence, -gentlemen of the jury, I draw the whole theory of this -most mysterious chain of crime, and that theory I would -undertake to establish, as the only true one, to your perfect -satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The whole Leaton family have perished by the hand of -the poisoner. True—alas! most horribly true! But who, -then, is that poisoner? Who but that nocturnal visitor, -who had stolen like a fell assassin to the chamber of Agatha -Leaton, and while her watcher slumbered, put the -poison into her drink, and whose ill-boding form was seen -by the awakening watcher to steal away and disappear in -the darkness? Who, but that midnight intruder, who, in -the temporary absence of Lady Leaton, glided like an -evil spirit to the bedside of Lord Leaton, and dropped the -deadly drug into his drink, and whose rustling raiment -was heard by Lady Leaton to sweep across the floor like -the trailing wings of a demon, and whose dark shadow was -seen to glide swiftly along the wall like its vanishing -form?</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But who was this fiend in human form. Not Eudora -Leaton, whom the testimony of the late Agatha Leaton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>proved to have been at that hour engaged in another -place. Who, then was it? Heaven only knows! But -whoever it might have been, it was one who, in resolving -upon the destruction of the whole Leaton family, had -determined upon the death of Eudora too! One, who in -carrying out the fell purpose of extirpation, while compassing -the death of Lord and Lady Leaton and their daughter, -took measures to fix the crime upon Eudora Leaton for her -ruin. The same fiend who, in the midnight glided into the -chamber of Agatha Leaton, and infused the deadly ignatia -into her cooling drink, in passing through Eudora’s room, -deposited the fatal drug in her drawers to fix this suspicion -upon her! It was a most diabolical plot, worthy -only of the accursed spirits of Tophet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This,” he concluded, “was his theory of the murders, -a theory that he most fervently believed to be the true one—a -theory that he most earnestly entreated the jury to -deeply consider before consigning a young, lovely, and -accomplished woman; a delicate, sensitive, refined being; -a most injured, most unhappy, yet most innocent maiden, -to the deep dishonor of a capital conviction, the unspeakable -wretchedness of a blighted name, and the horrible -martyrdom of a public death!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The advocate sat down <em>really</em>, not professionally, overcome -by his emotions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The influence of this address upon the unhappy girl was -very beneficial; it inspired her with hope; it revived her -sinking courage; it enabled her to look up and breathe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The effect upon the spectators was seen by their changed -expression. They no longer regarded the poor young prisoner -with looks of horror, but with eyes full of compassion. -But the effect upon our guileless friends of the Anchorage -was noteworthy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, now, perhaps after all she did not do it, poor -thing!” observed the blunt admiral, whose convictions -were shaken by Mr. Fenton’s address.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>“Didn’t do it? Why, of course she didn’t do it!” exclaimed -Mrs. Stilton, who had been turned completely -round by the advocate’s speech; “it’s certain she didn’t do -it. Haven’t you just heard the nice gentleman in the -gown and wig explain how it was all a plot against her, -poor dear, motherless child? It’s my belief as the attorney-general -was in it; and it’s my hopes he’ll be found out -and punished. I don’t believe the good Queen knew anything -about it, as forward as they are using her name in -the dockerments.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I love that dear, darling old Lawyer Fenton. Oh, how -I do love him for his defence of poor Eudora! Yes, I do, -Cousin Vally, and so you needn’t bite your underlip and -frown. I do love him, and if he was to ask me to have -him, I’d marry him to-morrow!” exclaimed Annella, to the -annoyance of Mr. Valorous Brightwell, who could not see -any reason for such enthusiastic gratitude.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the clerk of arraigns was summoning witnesses for -the defence, and the attention of the spectators was immediately -attracted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>These witnesses were some of the household servants of -Allworth Abbey, and some of the friends and neighbors of -the Leaton family, who being in turn called and sworn, -testified to the integrity and amiability of the prisoner, and -the confidence and affection that existed between her and -the deceased.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And with the examination of the last witness, the defence -closed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas! how weak it was, although the best that could be -offered. To the attorney-general, indeed, the defence appeared -so weak and so unlikely to influence in any way the -decision of the jury, that he waived his right to reply upon -the evidence adduced by the counsel for the prisoner, and -left the case in the hands of the judge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Lord Chief Baron Elverton rose to sum up the evidence -on each side, and to charge the jury.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>Every eye was now turned upon the noble, grave, and -grief-worn face of the venerable judge, and every ear was -strained to catch the words of his address, for every soul -believed that from the spirit of his speech the jury would -take its opinions, and the young prisoner receive her fate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Gentlemen of the jury,” began his lordship, “you have -heard the charge brought against the prisoner at the bar. -You have heard that charge ably expounded by the learned -counsel for the Crown, and strongly supported by the witnesses -he called. You have also heard the same eloquently -repudiated by the distinguished advocate for the prisoner, -and somewhat affected by the evidence he has presented.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“On the one hand, the case against the prisoner, as made -out by the prosecution, is strong, very strong, but it is only -circumstantial, and may well be fallacious. On the other -hand, the explanation of those circumstances, as offered by -the defence, are plausible, extremely plausible, and may -easily be true; and I feel it my duty to recommend this -explanation to the most serious attention of the jury.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of the guilt or innocence of this young girl, none but -the Omniscient can judge with infallibility; but in all cases -of uncertainty it is the duty of Christian jurors, as it is the -spirit of civilized law, to favor the acquittal of the prisoner. -Such doubtful cases are most frequently found among those -sustained solely by circumstantial evidence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, circumstantial evidence is not positive testimony—far -from it. Witness the recent case of Eliza Fenning, -an innocent woman, convicted by an English jury upon -circumstantial evidence, but whose innocence was not discovered -until after her execution, when it was too late to -repair the dreadful error—when no power on earth could -restore the life that the law had unjustly taken.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“One such judicial murder as that should be a warning -to English juries, through all future time, never, except -upon the most unquestionable proof, to assume the awful -responsibility of pronouncing upon a fellow-creature’s guilt, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>or taking that sacred life which no earthly power ever can -give back. Better that some guilty homicides should be -left to the sure retribution of God than that one innocent -person should be consigned to the unmerited ignominy of -a capital conviction and a shameful death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If, from the evidence before you, you feel assured of -the prisoner’s guilt, it is your duty to convict her; but if -any—the least degree of uncertainty disturb your judgment—it -is your duty to acquit her. English law recognizes no -such middle course as that taken by the jury in rendering -their verdict in the celebrated case of Madeleine Smith. If -the charge is considered ‘not proved,’ the prisoner is entitled -to a full acquittal.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And, finally praying that their counsels might be directed -by Omniscient wisdom, he dismissed them to the deliberation -upon their verdict.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The venerable chief baron resumed his seat, and the -bailiffs conducted the jury from the court-room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The spectators breathed freely again. His lordship certainly -favored the prisoner. And if ever the charge of a -judge could sway the minds of a jury, those twelve men -must certainly bring in a verdict of acquittal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All will be well, dearest Eudora. The judge believes -you innocent,” whispered Malcolm to the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All is in the hands of God,” breathed the poor, pale -girl, in a dying voice, for her very life seemed ebbing away -under the high pressure of this terrible trial.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In other parts of the crowded court-room the charge of -the judge was not quite so highly approved.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah! Oh? Umph! The most one-sided charge I ever -heard in all the days of my life,” exclaimed Sir Ira Brunton, -indignantly, wiping his flushed forehead as if he himself had -just made a long speech. “It actually forestalls the verdict -of the jury; it positively amounts to an acquittal. It is -the most unjust, barefaced, abominable abuse of office I -ever knew in my life. The man is unfit to sit upon the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>bench. He should be impeached. He must be getting into -his dotage.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lor! Do you think so? Why I thought it was an -excellent discourse—as good as a sermon. And as for -being in his dotage, why how you do talk, boy. He is -younger than you,” said old Mrs. Stilton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“God bless Lord Elverton,” exclaimed Annella, fervently; -“and when he himself shall appear at the last judgment-bar, -may God judge him as mercifully as he has judged -that poor girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You know nothing of the matter, Miss!” exclaimed the -admiral, angrily. “But hush! I do believe the jury are -coming in. What a little time they have taken. But oh, -of course their going out was only a form, since the charge -of the judge was tantamount to an instruction to bring in -a verdict of acquittal.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The jury, marshaled by the bailiffs, were already in -court. All eyes were immediately turned in eager anxiety -towards them, to read, if possible, in their expression the -nature of the verdict they were about to render.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The faces of those twelve men were pale, stern, and -downcast. It seemed ominous to the prisoner, and every -eye was instantly directed towards her to observe the effect -of all this upon her manner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, no longer conscious of the hundreds of eyes -fixed upon her, had half risen from her seat, thrown her -veil quite back, and bent her white face towards the jury, -in an agony of suspense, terrible to behold. The hand -which, in rising, she had rested upon the side of the dock, -was firmly grasped by Malcolm, who stood with his eyes -fixed upon the face of the foreman in fierce anxiety. There -was a breathless pause. And then the clerk of the arraigns -arose, and demanded of the foreman of the jury whether -they had agreed upon their verdict.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The foreman, a tall, fair, sensitive-looking man, hesitated -for a moment, and his voice faltered, as he replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>“We have.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The order given to the prisoner and the jury to confront -each other was quite superfluous as regarded Eudora, who -had never taken her wild, affrighted gaze for an instant -from the faces of those who held her fate in their hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But to those twelve men who had young sisters, wives, -or daughters of their own, it was a severe ordeal to gaze -upon the white, agonized face of that poor child whose -doom they were about to pronounce.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The momentous question was then put by the clerk:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you find the prisoner at the bar guilty or not guilty -of the crime for which she has been indicted?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Guilty.</span>”</p> - -<p class='c014'>A low, wailing cry, like the last quivering note of a -broken harp-string, burst from the pale lips of the prisoner, -as she fell back in her seat and covered her face with her -hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, with a groan that seemed to burst his heart, -leaned towards her in helpless, speechless anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The low sound of sobbing was heard throughout the -hall among the women present.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All wished to end the torture of this scene.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At a sign from the judge, the crier called out for silence, -and the clerk ordered the prisoner to stand up and receive -the sentence of the court.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora attempted to rise, but her limbs failed, and she -sank powerless back into her seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Help her—lift her up,” said an officer to the female -turnkey that sat beside Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Try to stand, my poor, poor child,” said the good -woman, putting her arms around the waist of the wretched -girl, and raising her to her feet, where she stood leaning for -support against the shoulder of Mrs. Barton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then amid the awful stillness of the hall, the venerable -chief baron arose to pronounce the doom of death. -His fine face, usually so pale and woe-worn, was now convulsed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>with an anguish even greater than the terrible occasion -seemed to warrant. He appeared to be incapable of -uttering more than the few frightful words that doomed the -body of that poor, shrinking, fainting girl to “hang by the -neck until she should be dead,” and commended her soul to -the mercy of that Being who alone could help her in this -her utmost extremity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Everyone looked to see how that young, delicate, sensitive -creature would bear this cruel sentence. Ah! Eudora -had not heard one syllable of all those awful words. The -utter fainting of her heart, the sudden failing of her -senses, the swift ebbing away of all her life-forces, saved -her from that last torture.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And when the order was given that the prisoner should -be removed from the court, the weeping woman who supported -her, answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My lord, she has fainted.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And in this state of insensibility, Eudora was conveyed -from the court to the prison, and laid upon the iron bedstead -of the condemned cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the lord chief baron was leaving the court-house that -night, a dark-robed woman plucked at his cloak.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have this day condemned an innocent girl to -death!” hissed the stranger, close to his ear.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I believe it,” groaned Lord Elverton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is another consequence of—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know—I know!” interrupted his lordship.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nor will it be the last result—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Woman! demon! say no more! The end of these -things is not here!” cried the chief baron, hastily escaping -into his carriage, which immediately drove off to the -Leaton Arms.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXIII.<br> <span class='large'>THE CONDEMNED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Condemned to death—Oh! dread</div> - <div class='line'>The thoughts of coming suffering—there</div> - <div class='line'>The scaffold stands in morning’s air,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Crowds wave-like round her spread,</div> - <div class='line'>Their eyes upraised to see her die,</div> - <div class='line'>No heart to breathe a pitying sigh—</div> - <div class='line in2'>The prison stones her bed.—<em>Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Malcolm Montrose, nearly maddened by despair, threw -himself into a carriage, and drove swiftly after the prison -van in which Eudora was taken back to gaol.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was met at the prison entrance by the warden, of -whom he urgently demanded:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where is she? How is she? Has she recovered her -consciousness? Oh, Anderson! let me go to her at -once!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, I am very sorry for you, and my heart -bleeds for her; but I must do my duty, and tell you that -you cannot see her,” said the warden, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, how is this?” groaned Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, sir! all is changed when a prisoner is condemned -to death. The rules that govern us in taking care of them -are very strict. From the moment sentence is passed they -are cut off from the living, as one may say, and have no -more to do on this earth but to use the few days left to -prepare for death!” said the warden, with a heavy sigh.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Great Heaven! Anderson, do you mean to say that no -friend may go to her to try to alleviate her sufferings -through this horrible calamity?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sir, the gaol chaplain will visit her. Two female turnkeys -will always be with her; and by applying to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>sheriff, you may obtain an order to see her, though even -then only in the presence of others.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Eudora! Eudora! has it come to this! Oh, God! -what a world of chaos and horror is this, in which the innocent -are sacrificed and the guilty are triumphant!” cried -Malcolm distractedly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But there is another world, Mr. Montrose, in which the -ways of God shall be justified to man,” said the warden, -solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Aye, there <em>is</em> another! and thank God that this life -which leads to it is short! A few more years of this mystery -of iniquity—this whirling confusion in which truth is -lost and good trampled to dust by evil, and each sinner’s -or sufferer’s share in the madness of life will be over -forever! Would to God it were over with that poor, -sweet victim even now! Oh, would that she might never -have waked again to consciousness of suffering here!” -exclaimed Malcolm with impassionate earnestness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, you are dreadfully agitated. Pray come -into my apartment and sit down, and try to compose -yourself, while I go to the cell to see how she is doing and -bring you word,” advised the warden, opening a side-door, -and admitting his visitor into the office.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm paced up and down the floor with disordered -steps until the return of the warden from his errand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, sir, how is she?” he hurriedly inquired as Mr. -Anderson entered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lying still in a deep swoon,” replied the warden.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank Heaven! every hour of that swoon is a respite -from anguish! Oh, that while she is in it her spirit may -pass peacefully away to Heaven! Who is with her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mrs. Barton and my wife. They are doing all that they -possibly can for her relief, and believe me Mr. Montrose, -every care and comfort shall be given her that her -unhappy condition and our painful duty will permit. -I would do as much, sir, for the poorest and most -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>friendless stranger that might be committed to my charge, -to say nothing of the daughter of the noblest man I ever -saw and the best friend I ever had,” said the warden, -earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am sure you would. And—I hope you do not believe -her guilty?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The warden winced. Since the disclosures of the trial -his faith in the innocence of Eudora was much shaken. -He would gladly have evaded the inquiry, but as the looks -of Malcolm were still eagerly questioning him, he was -obliged to answer:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not know what to believe, sir. As the daughter -of her father, I should say she could not be, sir; but then -her mother was an East-Indian, and no one knows what -venom, might have mixed with the good old Leaton blood -in crossing it with <em>that</em> breed.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is enough! You cannot help believing what all -the world, except a very few, believe. Oh, Heaven! my -poor Eudora, that even your dead mother’s race should -rise up in evidence against you! But we must be patient; -aye, patient until the very judgment-day, when all shall be -made clear! Would to God that it were to-morrow! -Where can the sheriff be found this evening, that I may go -to him at once to get that order you spoke of?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He is in the village now, staying at the Leaton Arms. -But, Mr. Montrose, you cannot in any case see Miss Leaton -before to-morrow morning, for the hour for closing has -already arrived, and it is against the rules to open to anyone.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Deep grief is never irritable, else Malcolm might have -uttered an imprecation on the rules, instead of asking, -with quiet despair:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How early in the morning may I be admitted?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“With the sheriff’s order, at any time after nine.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>With this answer Malcolm bowed, and again earnestly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>commending Eudora to the care of the warden, took his -leave.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He first went and secured the order from the sheriff, and -then sought out Mr. Fenton, who was staying at the same -over-crowded inn. He found the unsuccessful advocate in -deep despondency. They shook hands silently, like friends -meeting at a funeral, and the lawyer began to say:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I did all that man and the law could do to save her, -but—” His voice broke down and he could say no more.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know you did,” moaned Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The evidence was too strong for us—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But not too strong for your faith in her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no; I am an old practitioner with a long experience -among criminals, and I could stake my salvation that -that child is not guilty—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Despite her East-Indian blood?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; and, if there were time, something might even -yet be done to save her—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fenton!” exclaimed Malcolm, starting forward and -gazing with breathless eagerness, in the lawyer’s face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I mean, though the detectives we have hitherto employed -have failed to discover the least clue to this hideous -mystery, yet if there were more time, we might engage -others who might be more successful.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“More time! Oh, God! When is the day of her—martyrdom -ordered?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This day, fortnight, I understand.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm recoiled and sank into his seat. There was -silence between them for a few minutes, and then Malcolm -suddenly exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fenton, I know it is a desperate chance, but I cannot -bear to have her perish without another effort. Draw up a -petition for a respite, and after I have seen her to-morrow, -I will myself take it up to town, and lay it before the Home -Secretary.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will do so, and get as many signatures as I can in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>the meanwhile,” replied the lawyer, feeling a sense of relief -at the thought of doing anything, however hopelessly, for -his unhappy client; and knowing besides, that if it did -Eudora no good, it might help to console Malcolm with -the thought that nothing had been left untried to save her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They talked over the terms of the petition, and then -Malcolm, leaving the lawyer to draw up the document, -took his departure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Loathing the thought of rest while Eudora lay in the -condemned cell, he bent his steps towards the prison, and -spent the night in walking up and down before the walls -that confined the unhappy girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile Eudora lay extended on the iron bed of the -condemned cell. She was still in a deep swoon; her form -was rigid, her features livid, her pulse still.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two watchers, while conscientiously doing all they -could to restore her sensibilities, silently hoped that she -might never more awake to suffering, but that her soul -might pass in that insensibility. During that long, deep -trance, her spirit must have wandered far back over leagues -of space, and years of time to the beautiful land of her -birth, and the days of her childhood, for when at dawn of -morning she recovered her senses, she looked around her -with eyes full of the innocent, soft light of girlhood, modified -only by a slight surprise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What place is this? Where am I?” those eyes seemed -to inquire, as she gently raised herself on her elbow to examine -the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The watchers were silent from awe and pity; but the -narrow stone walls, the iron door, the grated window, -sternly though mutely answered the questioning gaze.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And as the truth slowly grew upon her memory, her -face changed from its look of girlish curiosity to one of -terror and anguish, and with a piercing cry, she fell back -upon the pillow, and covered her eyes with her hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The kind women that filled to her the double office of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>warders and attendants, took her hands from her face, and -began to address her with words of sympathy; but what -words of theirs had power to reach her heart, snatched far -away from ordinary human comprehension as she was by -her great woe!</p> - -<p class='c014'>She never answered, or even seemed to hear them. After -the first sharp cry that marked her returning consciousness, -she lay in silent anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so the hours of the morning crept slowly on until -the rising sunbeams glanced into the cell. Then the two -weary watchers were relieved by Mrs. Barton, who came -in and sent them to take some rest, while she herself remained -to put the cell in order, and assist the nearly dying -girl to get on her clothes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, my poor dear, it is better for you to try to rouse -yourself a little. Rise up and bathe your face in this nice -cool water, and then dress yourself, for some of your -friends will be getting an order from the sheriff to come -and see you, they will, and you should be ready to receive -them,” said Mrs. Barton, as she poured the water into the -basin, and took the hand of Eudora to assist her to rise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In mute despair the poor girl suffered herself to be -guided. Silently she followed all Mrs. Barton’s directions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, come, don’t give up so; while there’s life there’s -hope; and I myself have known more nor one person pardoned -or commuted after they’ve been condemned to -death,” continued the good woman, trying to comfort the -prisoner while assisting at her toilet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the shuddering young creature seemed incapable of -reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, dear, dear! what can I say to you? Can’t you -still trust in God?” sighed the woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No, Eudora could not. Innocent, yet condemned, she -felt her faith in God and man utterly fail; and lacking this -support in her hour of extremity, she sank beneath her -weight of affliction; and as soon as she was dressed and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>out of the hands of Mrs. Barton, she fell again upon the -bed, and buried her head in the pillow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her breakfast was brought her by another turnkey, and -Mrs. Barton took it from his hand and set it on the little -table, while she entreated the prisoner to rise up and try to -partake of it. And Eudora, in the perfect docility of her -spirit, sat up on the side of the bed, and took the cup of -coffee in her hand and attempted to drink it, but in vain; -and then, with a deprecating look she handed the cup back -to Mrs. Barton, and sank down upon the bed. The good -woman saw that she could not swallow, and so she sent -the untasted breakfast away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few minutes after this, Malcolm Montrose, attended by -the governor of the gaol, came to the cell. Mr. Anderson -left him at the door, and retired to a short distance in the -lobby.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm had forced himself into a state of composure, -and nothing but the deadly paleness of his face betrayed -his inward anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When he entered the cell Eudora was still lying on the -outside of the bed, with her face buried in the pillow, while -the female turnkey stood by her side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How is she?” breathed the visitor, in the hushed tones -of deep woe.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, sir, she has not uttered one word, or swallowed one -morsel since her conviction. Speak to her, sir; perhaps -she will answer you,” said Mrs. Barton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do <em>you</em> speak to her; tell her that I am here,” requested -Malcolm, in a faltering voice, as he struggled to -retain an outward composure.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The woman bent over the stricken girl, and whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton, dear, here is your cousin, Mr. Montrose, -come to see you. Won’t you turn and look at him?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The name of Malcolm broke the spell of dumb despair -that bound her. Starting up, she caught the hands of her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>cousin in both her own, and gazing in an agony of supplication -in his face, she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Malcolm, save me from this fate! No one will -save me unless you do!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He dropped upon his knees beside the bed, and bowed -his head upon her clinging hands, and answered, in a broken -voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora, all that man can do shall be done to save you! -I would pour out my heart’s best blood to deliver you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Malcolm,” she exclaimed, still clinging to his hands as -the drowning cling to the last plank, and gazing down on -his bowed face, with her eyes dilated and blazing between -wild terror and mad hope, “Malcolm, I did not do what -they say I must die for! you <em>know</em> I did not! Oh, surely -there must be some way to prove it—some way that you -can find out! Oh, Malcolm! try—try hard to save me -from this fate! Oh! do not think that I am a coward, -Malcolm! It is not death I fear. I should not dread -dying in my bed with some devoted friend beside me, as -sweet Agatha died! But to be hung! to die a violent, -struggling, shameful death, with all the people looking at -me!—oh! for Heaven’s sake, Malcolm, save me from such -maddening horror!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora! child! love! it is not necessary for you to -urge me so earnestly. I would give my body to be burned -if that would save you! and all that human power can -accomplish shall be tried to deliver you. I have not been -idle since your conviction. Already I have set on foot a -scheme by which I hope to serve you!” replied Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Malcolm, devoted friend, before you came in I -feared that even God had forsaken me, but now I do not -think so. Your plan, dear friend, what is it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose had not intended to tell her of his mission -to London, lest he should only raise false hopes; but it was -not possible to behold her agonizing terror of pain and -shame, or hear her earnest appeals for comfort and deliverance, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>without immediately responding and yielding her -hope.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have a petition drawn up, praying the Crown to -respite you during her Majesty’s pleasure; I shall take the -petition to London and lay it before the Home Secretary. -If he favors it, as I hope, and trust, and believe he will, it -will give us time to investigate this dark mystery, discover -the criminal and deliver you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Malcolm, do you think he will?” cried Eudora, -with clasped hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I shall know, dearest, in twenty-four hours. I shall -take the first train, to London, that starts at ten o’clock. -I came here to see you before setting out, and to implore -you to trust in God, to pray to him, and to keep up your -spirits until I return.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you be gone long?” asked Eudora, still clinging -to his hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Two or three days perhaps; but I will write to you -by every mail, and telegraph you the moment I get a -favorable answer.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, may God speed your errand!” she exclaimed, fervently -clasping her hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Amen. And now, dear one, I have but twenty minutes -to catch the train. Eudora, in parting with you for a -short time, I would recommend you to see the chaplain of -the prison. He is a truly righteous man, and his conversation -will do you good.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will see him, if only to please you,” she answered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And, now, dear one, good-bye for the present, and -may the Father of the fatherless, and the God of the innocent, -watch over you!” said Malcolm, lifting her hands to -his lips with reverential tenderness before leaving the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Half an hour later Malcolm, with the petition in his -pocket, was steaming onward in the express train for -London.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was soon known throughout the town that Mr. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>Montrose had gone to the city with a memorial to the -Crown for a respite or commutation of Eudora Leaton’s -sentence; but not one human being that discussed the -subject believed for one instant that his desperate enterprise -could possibly be successful.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The chaplain of the gaol was the Reverend William -Goodall, a grave, gentle, sympathetic young man, who -greatly feared that the youthful prisoner was really guilty, -and earnestly desired to bring her into a state of hopeful -penitence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With this view, early in the afternoon, he visited Eudora -in her cell, and sought by every argument to counteract -the effect of that false hope which had been raised in her -breast, and which he firmly believed was the only thing -that withheld her from repentance and confession.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But to all his exhortations the unhappy girl responded:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, sir, this one little hope is the only vital nerve -that quivers in my bosom; kill it, and you destroy me, -even before the appointed death-day! Oh, Mr. Goodall, -leave me this little hope!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, my poor child,” said the young minister, gazing -with the deepest compassion upon the almost infantile -face of the girl, “it is false, delusive expectation, that is -luring you on to certain and everlasting destruction of -soul as well as body, by keeping you from that full confession -and repentance which is your only chance of salvation.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But it does not, Mr. Goodall. I have nothing to confess -or repent; at least, nothing but my common share in -erring human nature; and for redemption from that I -have been taught to trust in God’s mercy through our -Saviour.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young minister groaned in spirit as he replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, poor, blind child, while you keep a guilty secret -in your breast, that mercy cannot reach you; and while a -single hope of life is left you here, you will not part with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>that secret. Abandon all such delusive hopes, Eudora; -confess, repent, and cherish these heavenly hopes of -pardon and redemption that never yet deceived a penitent -sinner.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is useless for us to talk longer, I fear; we speak -only at cross-purposes. You believe me guilty, and urge -me to abandon all the expectations of mercy in this world, -and to confess crimes that I never committed; while I -know that I am innocent, and upon that knowledge found -all my anticipations of deliverance. I am sorry that we -cannot agree; for I do need religious consolation and -support, but it must be administered by one who is a -sufficiently subtle ‘discerner of spirits’ to recognize the -truth when I speak it,” said Eudora, with gentle dignity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young minister drove his fingers through his dark -hair, and gathered his brows into a deep frown, not of -anger, but of intense perplexity; for the clear, unflinching -gaze of her eyes, the calm, unwavering tones of her voice, -and the keen and powerful aura of truth that seemed to -emanate from her whole presence shook his convictions of -her guilt. He felt the necessity of withdrawing from this -disturbing influence in order to examine his own conscience. -Rising, he took her hand, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My poor child, I will leave you for the present; but I -shall not cease to bear you upon my heart to the Throne -of Grace, and I will come to you again in the evening.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then he left the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora clung to her little hope as the young cling to -life. She had called it the only vital nerve that quivered -in her bosom. Yet it would be scarcely true to say that -she was the happier for it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The days of Malcolm’s absence were passed by her in a -high fever of suspense. By every mail she received letters -from him assuring her of his undying devotion and zealous -efforts in her behalf, and entreating her still to pray and -to trust.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>The chaplain also kept his word, and visited her -frequently, still exhorting her, with tearful earnestness, to -resign all expectations of earthly life, and to turn her -thoughts towards heaven. But still Eudora clung with -death-like tenacity to her hopes of deliverance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You think that I am sinking fast in this stormy sea of -trouble that threatens to overwhelm me, and you ask me -to let go the slender plank that keeps me up, and to resign -myself to death—but I will not! I will cling to this plank -of life! I will not let it go! I will grasp it—I will possess -it—it shall save me!” was still Eudora’s answer to all the -young minister’s fervent exhortations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, well! I see it is in vain to reason with you in -your present mood of mind. You still insanely hope -against hope. But when Mr. Montrose returns without -the respite you expect, and you feel that your fate in this -world is sealed, when death stares you in the face, you will -listen to my counsels, disburden your bosom of its guilty -secret, and give your soul to repentance,” was ever the -minister’s final reply when he concluded each visit.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Alas! these interviews were productive of little satisfaction -to either party.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora could derive no comfort from the conversation of -even a good minister, who founded all his exhortations -upon the mistaken theory of her guilt; and Mr. Goodall -almost despaired of benefitting one whom he considered an -obstinate sinner, wickedly refusing to confess and repent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But as the weary days passed, Eudora felt more keenly -the protracted anguish of suspense, and the increasing -difficulty of holding fast the little hope that sustained her; -for, although Malcolm continued to write to her by every -mail, and in every letter endeavored to keep up her courage, -yet he gave her no definite information. His stay was -protracted from day to day, as though he were engaged in -prosecuting an almost desperate enterprise which he was -resolved to accomplish.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXIV.<br> <span class='large'>DESPAIR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>She looked how pallid there!</div> - <div class='line'>Not starting, sighing, weeping now;</div> - <div class='line'>The quiet anguish of her brow</div> - <div class='line in2'>Was written by Despair.</div> - <div class='line'>Ah me! despite a governed breast,</div> - <div class='line'>Seeming the while in placid rest,</div> - <div class='line in2'>What anguish soul may bear!—<em>Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>When Malcolm had been gone a week, and Eudora’s life -was almost worn out by the long-drawn anguish of hope -deferred, she was sitting in the morning in her cell, in -danger of dropping once more into the death-like torpor of -despair, when the door was opened by the governor, who -announced:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A friend to see Miss Leaton,” and retired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora sprang forward, expecting to meet Malcolm -Montrose, but she found herself confronted with a stranger—a -very young, slight, graceful girl, dressed in simple -but elegant mourning, and deeply veiled; and even when -the stranger threw aside her veil Eudora failed to recognize -in this elegantly-dressed young lady Annella Wilder, -the tipsy captain’s half-starved daughter, whom she had -befriended in the poor London lodgings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You do not know me, Miss Miller—I mean Miss Leaton—and -I—oh!” began Annella, but losing her self-command, -she burst into tears, and threw herself in the arms -of Eudora, who, weakened by long, intense suffering, sat -down in her chair, and would have drawn the girl to her -bosom, but Annella sank to the floor, and dropped her head -on Eudora’s lap, sobbing violently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Miss Leaton could not understand this excessive emotion. -She recollected Annella’s unfortunate barrack education, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>her utter destitution after her father’s death, and her wild -flight from London; and seeing now the costliness of her -attire, and being totally ignorant of the change in her -circumstances, the mind of Eudora was filled with the -darkest fears for Annella. But if she should find that this -young, friendless, and inexperienced girl had really come -to grief, Eudora resolved to befriend her as far as possible -by interesting the noble-hearted Malcolm in her fate to -save her from irremediable ruin. While these thoughts -coursed through the young prisoner’s mind, she gently untied -her visitor’s bonnet and laid it on the bed, and softly -caressed the bowed head, while she inquired, in a low -voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is the matter, dear Annella? I am not so utterly -bewildered by my own woe but that I may be able to comfort -you. Tell me what trouble you are in, and if I cannot -help you very long myself, because I may have to die next -Wednesday, I can leave you to one who will be a brother -to you for my sake.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Miss Leaton, Miss Leaton, say no more! Every -word you speak goes through my heart like a spear!” cried -Annella, breaking into harder sobs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, no, don’t say so! I wish only to do you good. -Tell me the nature of the difficulty you are in,” said Eudora, -gently caressing the weeping girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh! I am in no difficulty myself; it is all right enough -with me personally, and far better than I deserve, Heaven -forgive me! And even if it were not, how could I think -of my good-for-nothing self while you are in such terrible -straits!” cried Annella, wildly sobbing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then do not weep for me, kind girl; it can do no good, -you see.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, but you don’t know how much reason I have to -weep—yes, tears of blood, Eudora; for it was I that did it! -I! I!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>You!</em>—did what?” asked Eudora, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>“Betrayed you, as Judas did his master, wretch that I -am! I wish I was hung!” cried Annella, amid choking -sobs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You?—betrayed me? I do not understand you in the -least.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I set the police on your track, mean scamp, that I am! -I told them where to find you! I gave you up! Oh! if -there is any marrying down below, they ought to wed me -to Judas Iscariot!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But—how could you have known that I was Eudora -Leaton of whom they were in pursuit?” inquired the -deeply-shocked girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I <em>didn’t</em> know it! I was not so irredeemably bad as -<em>that</em> either! Perhaps even Judas did not know all the evil -he was doing when he betrayed his Master. If I had -known it I would have bit my own tongue off rather than -told it. But I had to chatter about you and describe you, -and tell all I knew of you, until I raised suspicion, and they -went and arrested you; and that was the return you got -for your kindness to me! Oh, I wish somebody would -strangle me, for I am too wicked and unlucky to live!” -exclaimed Annella, with streaming tears and suffocating -gasps.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, poor girl, if you did not know what you were -doing you have nothing to reproach yourself with,” said -Eudora, kindly stroking her bowed hair; for all this time -Annella’s head lay in the lap of the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, yes, I have; conscience is the true judge, and it -assures me that ignorance is no excuse; and that instinct -should have taught me silence. I came here to confess -this to you, Miss Leaton; to let you know how wicked I -have been; but not to ask you to pardon me. I do not -want you to do that; I do not wish even the Lord to do -it—I would much rather be punished,” exclaimed Annella, -hysterically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear girl, do not talk so wildly. You have done -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>nothing to require pardon. If you were unconsciously the -means of my arrest, it was not your fault.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But if you should perish, I should feel as if I were -your murderer. But you shall not perish! I hear that -Mr. Montrose is in London, petitioning the Crown for a -respite. I hope he will succeed; but even if he should not, -mind, Miss Leaton, you shall not perish! I swear it before -High Heaven!” exclaimed Annella, wiping her eyes, and -looking up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You must believe me innocent, or you would never -speak with such confidence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Believe! I <em>know</em> you are; and if everyone else fails, -<em>I</em> will save you—I <em>will</em>, if I die for it! I pledge my soul’s -salvation to that!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas! poor child, look at these thick walls and heavy -locks; how could you help me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not know yet <em>how</em>, but I <em>do</em> know that I <em>will</em> somehow!—as -the Lord hears me, I will!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I take the disposition for the deed, and thank you as -much as if you were able to keep your word; and above -all, I bless you that you do me the justice to believe me -guiltless. Ah, dear girl, I have been so tortured by the -chaplain of this prison, who thinks me guilty, and urges -me to confess. It is so distressing to be thought such -a monster by so good a man.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good, is he, and yet believes you guilty? Then he -does not know a white dove from a black crow, which is -tantamount to saying that his reverence is a fool, begging -his pardon. But indeed most of the good people I know -<em>are</em> fools. It seems as if nature were so impartial in the -distribution of her gifts, that she seldom endows the same -individual with both wisdom and goodness at the same -time. There’s my three grannies, I mean the male granny -and the two female grannies, all with such good hearts, but -la! such weak heads. Anybody can whirl their minds -round and round as the wind does the weathercocks. La! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>you shall judge for yourself. At the trial, when the prosecuting -attorney-general was abusing you, he carried them -along with himself until they believed you to be a perfect -demon of iniquity. Then, when your counsel was defending -you, he carried them along with himself, until they -believed you to be a persecuted cherub. Then, when the -judge summed up both sides, they were equally drawn by -opposite opinions, and could not make up their minds -whether you were an angel or a devil. Finally, when the -jury brought in their verdict, they comfortably decided -that you were the latter, and so went home happy to -supper and bed. La! and we are requested <em>always</em> to -respect our elders!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, dear Annella,” said Eudora, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wish they were always respectable, then.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Annella, you shock me, dear; old age must be reverenced.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can’t help it. I haven’t got a particle of reverence in -my composition; it is all owing to my barrack bringing up, -I suppose.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I suppose it is, poor girl; but, Annella, you seem to -have found friends.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Reckon I have; three grannies, I told you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Whom?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll tell you. As I was trying to make out Allworth -Abbey, what do I do but fall over an old servant, half-sailor, -half-valet, who caught me trespassing on private -grounds, and hauled me up before his master, like a -vagrant before a magistrate; and when I told my story, -who does the old gent turn up to be but my own granny, -who was living in that fine house the Anchorage, with two -other old ladies, also my grannies.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The Anchorage; then you must speak of Sir Ira Brunton -and his family?” said Eudora in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Just. He quarrelled with my mother and father, and -cast them off, but he took me in when he found me dragged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>over his threshold. Shall I tell you all the particulars? -Would it interest you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very much, indeed,” said Eudora, forgetting for the -moment her own awful situation in her interest in Annella’s -fortunes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The girl began and related her adventures as they are -already known to the reader.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The narrative won the prisoner from the contemplation -of her own sorrows, and at its close she put out her hand -and took that of Annella, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am very glad for your sake, dear.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>But I am not</em>,” exclaimed Annella, recurring to her -cause of grief and remorse. “I had rather remained in -London, and have met all that I most dreaded—the union, -a vulgar task-mistress, beggary, anything, rather than -have come down here to betray you. But I did not mean -it, Eudora; oh, indeed I did not! I would have died rather -than have brought you to this. But I did not even suspect -your identity until I recognized you in the court-room, -and even then I did not know that I had had any hand -in your arrest until I got home that evening, and Tabitha -Tabs, the lady’s-maid, told me it was all my doings; that -it was from my talk that they had gained the clue to your -hiding-place; and oh, Eudora, I felt that she was telling -the truth, and I felt as if I had been knocked down with a -club, and I have been ill ever since. If I had been well, -do you think I would have stayed away from you so -long?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, dear Annella; but I wonder you got leave to visit -me at all.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I believe you; it was very difficult. First I asked my -grandfather to bring me, but he refused and blowed me up -in the bargain; then I watched my opportunity and put -on my bonnet and walked straight here, and the governor -refused to admit me without an order from the sheriff; -then I went and hunted up the sheriff, and asked him if he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>would give me an order to see you, and he roared out ‘No,’ -as if he would have bit my head off for asking him, and -then I went to the prison chaplain, and told him what a -kind friend you had been to me, and what a traitor I had -been to you, and how broken my heart was, and I cried, -and begged and prayed him to get an order for me, and he -got it from the sheriff and gave it to me, and so here I am. -But I did not come for nothing, Eudora, I said you should -not perish, and you shall not, as Heaven hears me,” added -Annella, in a low whisper, as she glanced jealously over -her shoulder at Mrs. Barton, who was squeezing herself -tightly into the farthest corner of the little cell, to be as -far off as her office would permit.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is that woman waiting here for? It is very -rude. Why does she not go away and leave us together?” -inquired Annella, in a whisper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear, it is her duty to remain. I am not permitted to -be left alone for an instant.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, I suppose that is meant kindly, as you are in -such deep trouble; but you are not alone now; I am with -you, so she can go. Tell her to go.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear, you mistake; it is not in kindness, but for security, -that I am guarded in this way, and Mrs. Barton dares -not leave me, even at my request.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I wish to talk to you privately; I don’t want her -to hear every word we say,” exclaimed Annella, in a vehement -whisper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But no one can be allowed to talk to me so; and she -is here for the very purpose of hearing all that we have to -say,” replied Eudora, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But that is very hard.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is the invariable rule; and as it is a wise precaution, -used in all cases such as mine, I cannot complain of it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why is it used?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because, Annella, if the friends of the condemned were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>allowed to visit them in private, they might bring them the -means of escape.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment Annella became very pale, and gave an -hysterical sob.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Or,” continued Eudora, “what is worse, they might -bring them some instrument of self-destruction, for many -a prisoner would gladly seek death in the cell rather than -meet the shame and anguish of—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Her voice choked, and she shuddered throughout her -frame.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, would you—would you, Eudora?” questioned the -girl, in an eager whisper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I should not dread death so much if I could meet it -here in my bed—even here in prison, and alone—but I -would not seek it, Annella. I would never commit crime -to escape suffering.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Hish!</em> can that woman hear me when I speak as low as -this?” whispered Annella, close to the ear of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, every syllable. The round stone walls of this little -cell seem formed to echo every sound. She hears even this -reply.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wish she was hung, and I don’t care if she hears that.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush, she is very good to me; you must not offend -her, because she only does her duty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Please, miss, I am not offended; I would take a’most -anything from any friend of yours; it’s quite nat’ral as they -should hate and despise me for sitting here a-keeping guard -over an innocent creetur like you; sure I often hates and -despises myself, and I wonder <em>you</em> don’t too,” said Mrs. -Barton, putting her apron to her eyes and beginning to cry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella wheeled around and took a good look at the -woman; then suddenly putting out her hand, she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I beg your pardon—I do indeed, sincerely. I ought -not to have spoken as I did; but you see I am not good, -and never was, nor shall be; and when my heart bleeds, -my temper burns and my tongue raves.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>“No offence, Miss, as I said afore; I only wonders as <em>she</em> -don’t mortally hate and despise me,” said Mrs. Barton, -wiping her eyes and sighing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella, who had been gazing at Mrs. Barton with intense -interest, arose with a pale face, trembling limbs, and quick -and gasping breath, and approaching her, whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You called Miss Leaton innocent. You believe her to -be so?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, I do; and I would not believe otherwise if all the -archbishops and all the bishops, priests, and deacons in the -kingdom was to swear she is guilty, and take the sacrament -on it,” said the woman, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And therefore you must see that it is very cruel she -should be doomed to suffer,” said Annella, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s martyr’om; that’s what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush! listen!” continued Annella, bending low; “you -would like to see her free of this place, would you not?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, wouldn’t I though! Sure, I pray for her deliverance -every night and morning on my knees,” sobbed Mrs. -Barton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And—you would help her to escape, if a good plan was -laid, and it was all safe for you?” inquired Annella, in a -low, breathless whisper.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eh?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If you could do it safely, without endangering yourself, -you would connive at her escape, would you not?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eh? What? I don’t understand you; but I would -do anything in the world I could for her. Sure, she knows -that without my telling her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, then, listen! But stop—what hours do you -watch with her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“From six to twelve in the morning, and then from six -to twelve at night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well; no, if I were to come again to-morrow -morning while you have the watch, couldn’t you contrive -to turn your back and shut your eyes and pretend to drop -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>asleep while I change clothes with her, and let her walk -out closely veiled in my place?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eh! What! No, Miss.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lawk, Miss, I dar’n’t.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, you need not be afraid of consequences; there -would be no danger to you. You might be suspected, but -you could not be convicted, for no one on earth could -prove that, overcome by fatigue you didn’t fall asleep; -and so the worse that could befall you would be the loss of -your place—for I do suppose they would not keep a female -warder who was addicted to falling asleep on her watch. -But, Mrs. Barton, any loss you might sustain, should be -made up to you a hundred-fold.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“’Taint that, Miss; I ain’t afeared of nothink but doing -wrong. I dar’n’t let her escape.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But it would be a meritorious act, helping the innocent -to evade unmerited death.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So it would, Miss, under some circumstances; but, you -see, when I took this place, I pledged myself to obey the -laws, and to watch over the safe custody of the prisoners -under my charge. And so I dar’n’t break my word, or -betray my trust, Miss—no, not even to save her precious -life, as it melts my heart to see her suffer so,” said Mrs. -Barton, putting her apron up to her face, and beginning to -cry again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not if I was to offer you five hundred pounds—a thousand -pounds?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not if so be as you were to offer me ten thousand, -Miss,” sobbed the woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Look at Eudora, then; if you won’t let her go, only -look at her,” said Annella, artfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton dropped her apron, and turned her eyes -towards the prisoner, who sat upon the side of her bed, -with her head bent forward, her cheeks flushed, her lips -apart, her eyes strained outward, and her hands clasped -and extended in mute, eloquent appeal for freedom.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>“I can’t look at her; it cleaves my heart in two, it -does!” sobbed Mrs. Barton, covering her face again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a sudden impulse, Eudora started forward, and -clasped the hand of her warder, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, listen to her! Listen to my friend! Give me -leave to get away if I can; give me this one <em>little</em> chance -of life. Think—I have got but one week to live; one -short week, and then I am to die such a horrible death! -Oh, pity me! let me go!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, this is dreadful—dreadful! I would do anything -in the world for you, poor child; but I dar’n’t do this—I -dar’n’t betray my trust,” replied Mrs. Barton, wildly -weeping.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Suppose I was your own child, you would let me go—you -would risk your soul’s salvation to free me; or, if I -had a mother, she would move heaven and earth to save -me—but I am motherless. Oh, pity me as if I were your -child, and let me go!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I darn’t; Lord help me, I darn’t. And even if I did, -poor dear, it wouldn’t save you; you’d be known and tuk -up again afore you got outside of the prison gates. Lawk, -yes; afore you even got to the head o’ the stairs o’ this -very ward; and then your case would be worse nor it is -now.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It <em>could not</em> be worse; and if the chance is ever so -small, still it <em>is</em> one. Oh, give me this little, little chance -of life! I do not deserve to die this horrible death.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’d rather die this minute myself than refuse you. I -mustn’t be a traitor. Sure, you wouldn’t have me go agin -my conscience?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Without another word Eudora turned and sat down on -the bed, dropped her clasped hands upon her lap, her pale -face upon her breast, and sat in an attitude and expression -of blended shame and resignation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How could you be so hard-hearted and cruel?” exclaimed -Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>“I’m not so, Miss; contrariwise, it a’most breaks my -heart to refuse her, but even so I must do my duty,” -sobbed Mrs. Barton, with her apron once more at her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, bother your duty,” exclaimed Annella, with indignant -vehemence. “That word is as good as a dose of tartar-emetic -to me, for I do believe there is more sin committed -in the name of duty than ever has been perpetrated -at the instigation of any devil in Pandemonium from -Moloch down. I am not as old as the north star, but even -I have noticed all my life, when anyone is going to do -anything so abominably wicked or shamefully mean that -Satan himself would blush to own it, they father it upon -duty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, duty is not the less sacred nor incumbent upon -us on that account. Many ill deeds have been done in the -name of the Most High, but we do not, for that, worship -the Divine name the less,” said Eudora, reverently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Miss, I hopes you do not think as I am a hypocrite -as acts wicked an’ mean in the presence of duty?” asked -Mrs. Barton, still sobbing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, I am sure you acted conscientiously in refusing to -aid my escape. It was I who did wrong. I ought not to -have made such an appeal to you, or worked upon your -feelings, or tempted your fidelity. But I was carried away -by my emotions—I forgot myself—I acted upon the impulse -of the moment. The temptation was so strong—death -seemed so bitter, life so sweet,” said Eudora, with a deep sigh.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, how can you be so cruel as still to refuse to let her -go? Even supposing it would be wrong, you might do a -<em>little</em> wrong for mercy’s sake, and to save her from perishing,” -pleaded Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not tempt her farther, dear. God is omnipotent; -if He wills He can deliver me, but to tempt His creatures -is no way to gain His favor,” said Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s it, Miss; do right, and trust in Him as can save -even at the eleventh hour,” commented Mrs. Barton, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>wiping her eyes. “And now listen; I hear the other -warder coming. Don’t attempt to talk to her as you have -to me, for <em>she</em> would think it <em>her</em> place to report the conversation -to the governor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment, without an instant’s warning, the door -was unlocked, Mrs. Barton peremptorily called out, and -her substitute admitted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The new comer was a stern, “grim-visaged” woman, -who took her seat with the stolid indifference of one long -hardened to her cruel office.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella, not daring, for Eudora’s sake, to speak -freely before this she-dragon, yet had not the heart to take -leave of her unhappy friend. She sat down beside her on -the cot, and silently took and held her hand. She remained -as long as she possibly could do so, and then, in parting, -promised to re-visit Eudora, if permitted, the next day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With the departure of the wild, though true-hearted girl, -a sunbeam seemed to have been withdrawn from the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>During her visit, Eudora’s agonizing consciousness of her -situation had been suspended, or modified.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Nature, indeed, the most tender of mothers, never permits -her children to endure a long continued strain of suffering, -whether of mind or body. She makes the tortured victim -faint upon the rack, and in unconsciousness lose the sense -of physical agony. She gives the mourner long intervals -of stupor, distraction of hope, to alleviate the effect of -mental anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such a blessing had come to Eudora with the entrance of -Annella, but had gone with her exit. After the departure -of her visitor, all the full realization of her dreadful position -rushed back upon the mind of Eudora and overwhelmed -her, and she sank upon the bed in the collapse of despair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She had not remained thus many minutes before the door -was once more unlocked, another “friend to see Miss -Leaton” announced, and Malcolm Montrose entered the -cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>Forgetting everything else, Eudora started up and sprang -towards him, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Malcolm, have you come at last? What a weary, -weary time you have been away! God bless you, I am so -glad to see you! But, oh, Malcolm! will they let me live? -Quick, tell me if you will!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He could not answer her; he pressed her hand with an -unconsciously cruel force, while he turned away his face in -silent misery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked at him in sudden terror, and in the written -agony of his brow she read the truth. Her beating heart -grew still as death; her flushed cheek turned pale as -marble, and she sank upon her seat and covered her face -with her hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He sat down by her side, took one of her hands in his -own, and essayed to speak; but his voice refused its -office.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then with that wonderful strength which comes even to -the weakest woman in the direst distress, she controlled -her own agitation, and wishing to save him the pain of -announcing the fatal intelligence, she quietly said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am to die.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He pressed her hand in mute despair, and not another -word was spoken between them. They sat with clasped -hands side by side, until the hour of closing the prison -separated them. Then, in taking leave, Malcolm, with a -broken voice, faltered forth:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will see you again, to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so they parted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That evening it was known throughout the town that the -petition for a respite or commutation of Eudora Leaton’s -sentence had been rejected; that all hope of saving her life -was abandoned, and that the execution appointed for -Wednesday morning would certainly proceed.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXV.<br> <span class='large'>THE APPEAL OF DESPAIR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“A friend! and thine the ruthless part</div> - <div class='line in2'>To break the bruised reed;</div> - <div class='line'>Coldly to crush the trusting heart</div> - <div class='line in2'>In time of deepest need;</div> - <div class='line'>To quench the lingering, quivering ray,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Of Hope’s just dying light,</div> - <div class='line'>Thus spreading o’er life’s dreary way</div> - <div class='line in2'>One deep unbroken night.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The next morning, while Malcolm Montrose sat within his -private parlor at the “Leaton Arms,” crushed by the -failure of his last hopes, the door was suddenly thrown -open, and a young girl, dressed in mourning, with a face -pale as death, and a manner dreadfully agitated, hastily -entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So your mission to the Home Secretary has not succeeded!” -were the first abrupt words uttered by the visitor, -as she threw aside her veil, and stood before Mr. Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm sighed, and looked in surprise at this singular -intruder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you pretend to be in earnest in your desire to save -her, yet could not accomplish your object?” exclaimed the -girl in bitter, and scornful irony.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I would have given my life for hers; I would give it -now, could the gift save her!” groaned Malcolm, in deep -bitterness of spirit.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet you failed to obtain even a respite of her -sentence!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because,” said Malcolm, sorrowfully, “the Home Secretary -was unable, on account of the illness of the judge, -who tried the case, to consult him on the subject.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And so I suppose she must suffer on Wednesday?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm choked, and faltered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>“And you affect to love her, and yet say that? Oh! -man! man! you love her not! But I love her, and I say -she shall not die!” exclaimed the girl, with an impassioned -earnestness that caused the young man to start and look -up at her with amazement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Clearly he supposed his strange visitor to be mad.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She shall not die, I repeat!” said the girl, in answer to -his astonished gaze.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who are you, young woman, who seem to take such an -earnest interest in the fate of that unhappy lady?” inquired -Malcolm, gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“One who is far too deeply in earnest to abandon Eudora -Leaton to her unmerited fate; one who will save her -despite of judge, jury, gaoler, and sheriff,” replied the -visitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Alas! poor girl!” sighed Malcolm, feeling sure that he -was in the presence of some compassionate young lunatic.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“See here, Mr. Malcolm Montrose. I am not beside -myself although your looks seem to say so; and although, -if trouble ever crazed anybody, I should be mad!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But who are you, then, young woman, who are so -kindly solicitous—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What does it matter who I am?” impatiently interrupted -the visitor. “I am Annella Wilder, the grand-daughter -of Admiral Brunton for his sins! But that is -not of the slightest consequence. What <em>is</em> of the utmost -importance is my errand here to plan with you the rescue -of Eudora Leaton!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She paused for breath, for all this time she had been -speaking with eager, earnest, impassioned vehemence; but -as Malcolm still regarded her with a fixed, inquiring, distrustful -look, she broke forth again, impatiently:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, I see you still think I am mad! but I am not. I -am only nervous, anxious, and excited; and very conscious -of being so! How should I be otherwise? I have slept -but little since her conviction, and not at all since the last -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>hope of a respite failed. I have lain awake night after -night planning how we might free her. And scheme after -scheme has surged through and through my brain, until I -have grown almost wild from excitement and loss of sleep. -So I scarcely wonder that you think me mad; but surely -you must see now that I am not.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Young lady, I thank you from the depths of a most -grateful heart for the deep interest you take in Miss Leaton, -whose misfortunes must be her only claim to your -regard; for you are probably a stranger to her, and cannot -know the excellence of her character,” said Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can’t I? There you are mistaken. She is no stranger, -but the dearest friend I have in the world!” exclaimed -Annella, who immediately poured forth in a few vehement -words the history of her acquaintance with Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All this time Annella had been standing before Malcolm, -who had remained sitting.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He understood her now, and recollected himself. He -arose, took her hand, and led her to a seat with respectful -tenderness, saying, deprecatingly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I beg you will forgive me, Miss Wilder, but this heavy -calamity has quite unmanned me, and made me oblivious -even of the common courtesies of life.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know, I know,” said Annella, impatiently, “but -don’t waste words of apology on me, I don’t want that; I -want your immediate co-operation in a plan for the rescue -of Eudora.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Kind girl, I thank you earnestly in Eudora’s name; -but any plan you might arrange I greatly fear must prove -impossible of execution.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Do</em> you love her, and <em>can</em> you talk of fear and of -impossibility in reference to any scheme for her deliverance?” -exclaimed Annella, passionately.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Wilder, I told you that I would gladly purchase -her life with my own, if I could be permitted to do so; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>for any plan for her rescue, dear girl, I can have but little -hope.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, Miss Wilder! have you reflected upon the strength -of that prison, and the vigilance and incorruptibility of its -officers?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The strength of the prison is a hard material fact that -I cannot deny; the vigilance of its officers is also very -evident to the most casual observer; but their incorruptibility—bah! -Voltaire, or Solomon, or Robinson Crusoe, -or somebody said, that every man could be bought if you’d -only pay him his own price! Now, how do you know that -the officers are incorruptible? Is anybody perfect? Are -you? The only question is, have you money enough to -bribe the gaoler to favor her escape?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not think I have. For I do not think that any -sum would bribe him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You do not <em>half</em> love her! But how much money -have you got?” inquired Annella, with eager interest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm paused a moment, and then answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I could raise five thousand pounds.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“La! why that would buy an archbishop or a prime -minister, much more a poor provincial gaoler!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have a bad opinion of human nature.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Got a right to. The only human being with whom I -am intimately acquainted—and that’s myself—I <em>know</em> -deserves to be put in a pillory; and all the rest except a -few ought to be hung! But try the gaoler with the offer -of five thousand pounds. That sum will be an irresistible -inducement to a man in his circumstances—especially if -you can convince him of what I believe to be the truth—that -he will be doing a meritorious act in assisting the -escape of an innocent girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Really, your reasoning has a certain plausibility in it. -‘The drowning catch at straws,’ and I am inclined to seize -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>upon your idea. What is the plan of escape that you wish -that the gaoler should be brought to favor?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I said <em>bought</em> to favor! Oh, it is a very simple one. -I go to the prison closely veiled. I propose to change -dress with Eudora, and let her walk out in my gown, mantle, -bonnet, and veil, while the gaoler, upon some pretence -or another draws off the warders to some other part of the -building, so that she can pass out uninterruptedly. And -you could have a close carriage somewhere near, put her -into it, and drive at once to the sea-coast, where you must -have a fishing-smack already hired to take her away. -Meanwhile, when they come to look for her, they find me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But do you know, kind girl, even if your plan should -succeed, what would be the penalty to yourself for assisting -the escape of a convicted prisoner?” inquired Malcolm, -gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, nor care! They couldn’t hang me, and even if -they could, I shouldn’t mind a little hanging in the cause -of a friend!” said Annella, cheerfully, for her spirits were -rising with sanguine hopes of success.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They would transport you for life!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, let them, if it would be any comfort to them for -the escape of Eudora! It would only be giving me a free -passage to Australia, and I want to see the world. I dare -say Botany Bay is not the worst place on the face of the -earth. They say convicts there in a very short time are -able to retire on ample fortunes. In a word, I should be -transported with joy to be sent over for Miss Leaton’s -sake. ‘Variety is the spice of existence,’ and that would -be one of the spices!” said Annella, gaily, for in Malcolm’s -evident acquiescence her spirits were rising.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your plan shall be tried,” said Mr. Montrose, gravely, -“the more readily that I do not believe you would really -come to harm through it. But are you sure that even if -you win over the gaoler, you have courage to act out your -own part? Remember that yours is far the most perilous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>part of all. My hand would scarcely be seen in it. The -gaoler, with five thousand pounds, could afford to leave the -country, but you would be found in the cell, and have to -face—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The music of the row they’d raise! I know it. I’m -not afraid. Go ahead. I’ll do my part,” said Annella, -bravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If the peril were all my own—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now you are at your doubts and hesitations again. -Think of Eudora’s peril, and act with decision.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are right, Eudora only should be thought of now, -but when she is once in safety, my dear girl, I will devote -all my energies to helping you out of any trouble you may -get into upon her account,” replied Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank you kindly, but I will not trouble you. I shall -help myself, as I have done all my life. I had a great deal -rather you would tell me when we shall begin to help -Eudora,” said Annella, bravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Immediately. I was only waiting here for the hour of -opening the prison to arrive. Now, by the time we can -walk thither it will have come, and we can be admitted. I -shall go at once to the gaoler, and in a private interview, -open my plan to him. You, meanwhile, can visit Eudora -in her cell; but I beseech you, say not one word of the -plan of deliverance to her until we discover whether the -gaoler can be induced to favor it, for the subject might only -agitate with vain hopes a soul that is piously trying to resign -itself to death,” said Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, do you think me an idiot? Of course I should -say nothing to her prematurely, even if I had the opportunity, -which I should not have, as one of those women -warders is always on guard over her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“True; but if the governor can be induced to co-operate -with us, he will make some opportunity for me to convey -the news to Eudora. Then I will hurry away, and make -every arrangement for the flight, which may be accomplished -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>to-morrow,” said Montrose, rising, and taking his -hat and gloves.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They immediately left the hotel, and walked rapidly on -to the prison, exhibited the sheriff’s order, and were at once -admitted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While they waited for a minute in the hall, for some -turnkey to attend them, Annella inquired in a breathless -whisper:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“After your interview with the governor, you will come -immediately to Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But one of the warders will be with her, and you cannot -speak of it before either of them, how, then, shall I know -whether your appeal has been successful?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“By my face! Could I, with all the self-control of my -nature, repress the satisfaction you would read there if I -had succeeded, or the despair you would see there if I had -failed?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you will <em>not</em> fail. You are sure to succeed,” said -Annella, impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this moment a turnkey came forward with his bunch -of keys.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Be kind enough to say to the governor that I wish to -see him, and then conduct this young lady to Miss Leaton’s -presence,” said Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The officer bowed, opened a side door, and announced:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A gentleman to see the governor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then touching his hat to Annella, he led the way up the -heavy staircase to the upper wards in which the condemned -cells were located.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile, Malcolm entered the office of the governor, -who was seated at a desk engaged in writing, but immediately -arose, with an earnest expression of sympathy and -respect, to meet his visitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, still looking so harassed and ill, and no -wonder! You could endure it better in your own person, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>I know that, but try still to bear up, even for her sake. -Time carries away the sharpest griefs as well as the sweetest -joys. A few more days and all this agony for you and her -will be over for ever. She will be at rest, with her it will -be well. If she is guiltless, as I hope she is, and suffers unjustly, -as I fear she must, God will abundantly compensate -her in another world. When all is over you must travel, -and time, philosophy and religion will heal the wounds of -your heart. Sit down here, Mr. Montrose, and let me offer -you something,” said the governor, placing a cushioned arm-chair -for his visitor, and moving towards that buffet where -he kept liquors for exigencies like this.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you—no, I require nothing of that sort. But, -Mr. Anderson, I wish to have a private interview with you. -Will you be kind enough to turn the key in that door, so -that we may not be interrupted?” inquired Malcolm, -seating himself in the arm-chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The governor, in some surprise, did as he was requested, -and then drew a chair and seated himself near Malcolm, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How can I serve you, Mr. Montrose?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“First, by giving me your word of honor that what -passes at this interview between you and myself shall be -considered strictly private and confidential. I make the -request, not for my own sake, but for that of another person—a -young lady.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Leaton?” inquired the governor, dubiously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Another young lady, a stranger to you, and until this -morning, to me also,” replied Malcolm, evasively.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is not in any way concerned in that Allworth -poisoning affair, I hope, because, if she were, I would not -give you the promise, you know?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nor should I be likely to ask it. No, she was never -in the county until about two weeks ago, and has never, in -the least degree, transgressed the laws of the land.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>The governor paused in deep thought for a moment, and -then cautiously answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, Mr. Montrose, I have sufficient confidence in -your integrity of mind to believe that you would not confide -to me, or bind me to keep secret any conversation that -it would be my duty to communicate, and so you have my -promise that whatever may pass between us in this interview -shall be held strictly confidential.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And that upon your word and honor?” inquired Malcolm, -solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Upon my word and honor, yes,” replied the governor, -earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Anderson, I have heard that the father of Eudora -Leaton was your patron and best friend?” said Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I owe him everything I possess in this world,” replied -the governor, shortly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And, therefore, you must feel for his most unhappy -child?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As if she were my own—yes, I do.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you believe the daughter of so good a man free -from the foul crime for which she is doomed to die?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not know; I am inclined to believe her so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then while you are disposed to believe her innocent, -how can you consider the approaching execution in any -other character than that of a judicial murder?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The governor arose hastily from his seat, and walked up -and down the floor of his office in great agitation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Montrose, steadied by the concentrated intensity of -his own purpose, sat watching the troubled governor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length the latter resumed his seat, and wiped his -brow, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why do you say all this to me, Mr. Montrose? I did -not try her, nor condemn her, and shall not execute the -sentence of the law upon her. Granted that her execution -may be a judicial murder, I shall not have committed it, -and I cannot help it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>“<em>You can help it!</em>” said Malcolm, emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ha!” cried the governor, looking up in perplexity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I say you <em>can help it</em>! You can hinder this great -wrong being done—this great crime being committed—this -innocent girl being executed! And if you do not hinder -it, you yourself become accessory to the murder of your -benefactor’s orphan daughter!” exclaimed Montrose, with -impassioned earnestness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The governor gazed upon the speaker in astonishment -and perplexity that only required the additional element -of fear to form perfect consternation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I—I hinder all this? For the Redeemer’s sake, Mr. -Montrose, tell me how. I am a poor man, with a wife and -child, but I would joyfully sacrifice everything I possess -in this world, and go forth a beggar, if, by so doing, I -could save her from the horrible fate awaiting her!” he -eagerly protested.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Noble heart! no sacrifice will be required of you. -Eudora Leaton’s friends would never permit you to suffer -loss or injury in her cause. No, Anderson! you will at -the same time save your patron’s child and enrich yourself!” -exclaimed Malcolm, seizing and pressing the brown -hand of the governor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Anderson grew, if possible, more embarrassed than -before. He dropped his head upon his breast, bent his -eyes upon the floor, and remained silent. Perceiving that -he would not make any comment at present, Malcolm continued, -by inquiring:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How much is your post here worth?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A small salary with apartments,” replied the governor, -glad of a question to which he could return a straightforward -answer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How much can you save from that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Twenty pounds a year when all goes prosperously.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, under the most favorable circumstances, it -would take you five years to save one hundred, ten -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>to lay by two hundred, and twenty-five to accumulate five -hundred pounds?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Just, so, if everything went well with me; otherwise, -I could save nothing, and might even get into debt.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes. Well, Anderson, if you will lend your assistance -in the most righteous cause of delivering your benefactor’s -orphan daughter from unmerited death, I will pay you -down five thousand pounds in hard English sovereigns—a -sum that will make you and your family independent in -this or any other country for the rest of your lives!” said -Malcolm, coming at once to the point, though with an -unsteady voice and flushed cheek.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good Heaven, sir!” exclaimed the governor, shrinking -back, as the blood rushed to his face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You consent?” asked Malcolm, in a low husky voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I never dreamed of such a thing!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The sum is large, it is all I can raise, or it should be -doubled, trebled, quadrupled! I would give twenty thousand—a -hundred thousand—a million if I had it—as I -would give my life, if I could do it, to save Eudora.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I would not ask one penny to save her, if I could -do it honestly, sir. Perhaps I didn’t understand you, -sir. How could I save her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm seized his wrist, bent to his ear, and in eager, -vehement whispers, recounted his simple plan for the -escape of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While he spoke the governor listened with downcast -eyes, and at the end of his speech answered nothing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What have you to say to this? Will you take the -money, and save her?” demanded Malcolm, impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose, I repeat, without taking one penny of -that money, I would gladly save her if I could do so -honestly; but to lend my countenance to the plan you -propose, or any plan for a prisoner’s escape, would be a -grave breach of trust.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>“A justifiable one, if ever such existed,” exclaimed Malcolm, -earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, if ever such existed; but no breach of trust ever -could be justifiable, Mr. Montrose.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not even to save an innocent girl from a horrible -death?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, sir, not even for that. But, indeed, I do not know -that she is innocent, poor girl, and even if I did, it would -not be my place to set judge, jury, and sheriff right by -opening the doors and letting a convicted prisoner walk -freely out of gaol!” said the governor, trying to speak -sternly, though his honest face paled, flushed, and quivered -with emotion, and he was again obliged to rise and -walk rapidly up and down the floor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm watched him closely, and perceived, notwithstanding -the decisiveness of his words, that he was undergoing -a severe conflict between duty and inclination, and -that his temptation came not from greed of gain, but from -pity for Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm let him walk up and down for some time in -silence, and then, as he saw the struggle still going on in -his mind, arose and joined him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And as they paced side by side, Malcolm said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will have compassion on this poor, sweet victim; -you will permit her to escape and reach some foreign -country in safety, and in after years, when her innocence -shall be discovered, you will rejoice to remember that you -saved her blameless life from a felon’s death!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Anderson mournfully shook his head, saying, “My -God! I am not fit for my hard duties.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, you are not hard enough for the stern duties of a -governor of a gaol. Your humane nature must suffer -much in constantly witnessing the very worst forms of -human woe, crime, remorse and punishment, and the wide -ruin and unspeakable misery they bring upon the innocent -as well as the guilty,” said Malcolm, gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>“True, true! my heart has been wrung daily, for years, -in witnessing the wretchedness of prisoners and their -friends. But what would you have—some must be -gaolers?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But not men like you—you suffer too much in the -performance of your duties. Come, listen to me! be persuaded -to leave this abode of sin and misery. Let Eudora -escape! take the compensation that her grateful friends -will offer you, and go to some lovely, quiet, rural home, in -some foreign country, where you can live with your wife -and child amid the sweet influence of nature, and with the -almost Divine consciousness of having saved a human -life! Come—speak—consent! urged Malcolm persuasively.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I dare not! oh, Heaven! I dare not commit a breach -of trust—I dare not do a dishonorable deed!” said Anderson, -wiping the streaming perspiration from his brow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Remember her dead father, and all his brotherly kindness -to you, and pity his orphan child in her unspeakable -wretchedness. Think how dear life is at her tender age; -how hard it is to die at seventeen, and such an awful -death—a death of public ignominy! How her young -heart must shrink in anguish and affright. Think how -sweet the offer of life would be to her; how her spirit -would leap with joy to meet it; how she would bless you; -how she would thank you; how she would pray for you -through all the days of the life that she would owe to -you;—and how you would rejoice to feel that the debt of -gratitude to your benefactor had been abundantly paid off -by saving the life of his child, who, but for you, would be -mouldering in a premature, dishonored grave! Anderson, -think how, at this very moment, the spirit of her sainted -father bends down from the Heaven of Heavens to hear -what you shall say!” concluded Malcolm, solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Montrose, speak no more! All this that you have -said my own heart has urged more forcibly than you could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>speak! But I must not do this thing. I must not stain -my soul with dishonor!” exclaimed the gaoler, and then, -man though he was, he burst into tears, went and leaned -his elbows on his desk, dropped his face upon his open -palms, and wept bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But not for this would Malcolm Montrose abandon the -cause of Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He went to the side of Anderson, put his arm caressingly -over his shoulder, and continued his pleadings with -all the impassioned eloquence of love and grief. Whether -he was successful will be seen.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXVI.<br> <span class='large'>THE MYSTERIOUS PLAN OF ESCAPE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Condemned to death—how near</div> - <div class='line'>The fatal, terrible to-morrow!</div> - <div class='line'>’Twould end her agony and sorrow,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Yet, oh, how fraught with fear!</div> - <div class='line'>She counted—mind’s fore-torturing hell—</div> - <div class='line'>Hours, minutes, till the solemn bell</div> - <div class='line in2'>Should sound upon her ear.—<em>Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Meanwhile Annella had entered the cell of the young -prisoner, whom she found extended upon the outside of the -bed, looking more like a corpse laid out than a living -creature. Mrs. Barton was sitting near her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella nodded to the warder, and then, with that hushed -air of awe with which one approaches death or deep affliction, -she drew near Eudora, whispering:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How do you find yourself this morning?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora, whose eyes were covered with her left hand, put -out her right hand, and silently pressed that of Annella, -but made no other answer.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>Annella stooped and kissed her chilled lips, and after a -few minutes, repeated her question:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How do you find yourself this morning, dear Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Drifting, drifting down the dark river towards the -horrible fall! I shall soon go over and be dashed to -pieces! That will be well. There will be a catching of the -breath, a shiver of fear, a shock of death, and all will be -over!” murmured the sufferer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Again Annella stooped and pressed her lips to those of -Eudora, and then turning to the warder, she asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How has she seemed since I was here yesterday?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Miss, it a’most breaks my heart to be with her and -see her—it do. She bore up well enough even after Mr. -Montrose told her as the petition had been refused, and she -knew there was no hope at all. She heard all that as quiet -as possible, and took leave of him quite calm when he went -away. You see, I think she tried hard to bear up for his -sake, to spare his feelings; for the moment he was gone, -she turned and sank down in a deep swoon, poor dear! -and that’s the second time she’s gone into one o’ them -since she has been here. And it was a longer fit than the -first, and we only brought her to this morning about sunrise, -and she’s been lying as you see her, ever since. And -what makes matters worse, the chaplain, as might ha’ -spoke some words o’ comfort to her, is ill in bed,” replied -Mrs. Barton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella would have given much for the privilege of -whispering into the ear of the despairing sufferer a few -words of hope, but even her sanguine nature felt that the -communication would now be premature, as it might also -be cruel and dangerous. And as she might not speak of -hope, Annella felt that all other words were worse than -mockery in a woe like this.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She sat down beside the bed and took the prisoner’s poor -little wasted hand, and held it in silence, sometimes pressing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>it tenderly, or kissing it, while she waited in breathless -suspense for the appearance of Malcolm Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>More than two hours passed in this silent, dreary misery, -and still Malcolm did not appear. And now every passing -minute seemed to tread with a leaden foot upon the sinking -heart of Annella, that every moment grew heavier, -more fearful, and more impatient.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, I cannot stand this! I shall lose my breath presently!” -she inwardly exclaimed, feeling the protracted -suspense grow almost suffocating.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length footsteps were heard approaching, the cell -door was unlocked, and Malcolm Montrose was ushered in -by the turnkey, who, as usual, retired.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella bounded forward to meet him, and raised her -eyes, dilated and blazing with burning anxiety, to his face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She read there the death-warrant of Eudora Leaton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He has failed!” she said to herself, as she sank, shuddering -into the nearest seat, where she sat during the -remainder of the interview, like one spell-bound in some -awful trance, with her elbow resting on the little table, her -chin leaning on the palm of her hand, her face white as -death, her lips compressed, her eyes contracted, glittering, -and fixed apparently upon some far-distant, visionary, fearful -scene in which, perhaps, she saw herself the principal -actor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, meanwhile, passed her quickly, and sank upon -his knees beside the bed, and took Eudora’s pale hand, -inquiring, in a low tone of reverential tenderness:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How is my dearest Eudora, now?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Almost resigned, Malcolm, if I could only suffer alone!—thinking -less of my own fate than of your sorrow when -all shall be over with me,” replied Eudora, opening her -eyes, and fixing them upon his face with an expression of -tender pity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He could not bear the look of those sweet eyes. He -bowed his head upon her hands, and it required all his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>strength to keep the swelling agony of his bosom from -bursting forth in sobs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven!” he exclaimed, “what anguish it is to feel -myself utterly powerless to save you, or to help you, even -by the sacrifice of my life and soul, that I would gladly offer -for your sake!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She drew her hand from under his face, and passing it -around his bowed head, gently smoothed his hair, while she -said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All that human power could do to save me you have -done. Let that thought support you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But to think that I can do no more!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, dearest, truest friend, you can do much yet to -console me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, Eudora, how—how can I comfort or help you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, for the few remaining days of my life, come to -me as often, and stay as long as they will let you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That be sure I will; but, oh I how little good it can do -you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It will do me all the good I am capable of appreciating -now. Oh, Malcolm! you do not know how much I -regret those precious days vainly lost in London when they -might have been spent with me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And so do I, dearest; but yet I should have been even -more wretched than I am now, had not those days been -employed as they were, in using every possible means to -gain a respite for you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know; so, therefore, it is of no use to regret them.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, dearest, what else is there that I can do for -you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Promise me, dear Malcolm, that when the last day of -my life comes, you will be with me in my hour of death. -It will not seem so horrible if I can have you near me, and -take my farewell look from your kind eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I promise, Eudora,” answered Malcolm, feeling sure -that it would drive him mad to witness her execution, yet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>resolving to stand by her to the very last moment of her -life, if permitted to do so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He remained with her as long as possible, and then in -rising to take leave, promised to be with her again early -the next day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Malcolm,” she said, holding his hand as he lingered by -her side, “you will think it a frivolous request from one in -my awful circumstances, I know, but I must make it for all -that—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is it, dear? Be sure that no wish of yours could -be thought frivolous by any one,” said Malcolm, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is only to go to Allworth Abbey this afternoon, and -bring away my poor little Fidelle, and bring her with you -when you come to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, dearest Eudora; I will attend to it at -once.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I would like to see the faithful little creature once more -before I die. Indeed, I wanted to have her here, only I -did not like to bring any harmless creature to such a -gloomy place as this; and, besides, I do not think they -would have let me have her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They will let you have almost anything you desire now, -dearest.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Except life and liberty, or anything that might help -me to either—yes, I know that! You will not think it -levity in me, even in my awful position, to ask to have my -little dog, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, my own dearest one, no; I only see in your desire -the all-embracing goodness of your heart, that, like the love -of Divine Providence, encircles all creatures, from the -highest to the humblest,” replied Malcolm, bowing his head -over her hand, and pressing it to his lips, as he turned to -leave the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He looked back for Annella, who remained spell-bound -as before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, Miss, time is up, and you must leave with Mr. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>Montrose,” said the warder, touching the girl’s shoulder -to call her attention.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella started from her trance, and arose to obey; but -before leaving the cell she turned to Eudora, and, in an -eager, earnest, breathless whisper, exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do not resign yourself to death! Keep up your heart—look -forward to life and liberty! for I swear before -Heaven, and by all my hopes of salvation, that you shall -be saved!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>To Eudora these words seemed nothing more nor less -than those of madness—the expression of a compassionate -soul wrought by sympathy to frenzy. But before she had -considered how to reply to them, the speaker had vanished.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella joined Malcolm in the lobby; but it was not -until they were fairly outside the prison walls that she -spoke, but without the tone of reproach Malcolm expected -to hear in her voice. She merely said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So you have failed again?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven! yes. I did all that any man possibly -could do to win him over! I appealed to his affection -for her father, to his compassion for herself, to his regard -for his own interests, to every motive that could actuate -the soul of man—but in vain! He was not to be tempted -by money, or moved by mercy. He made it a matter of -conscience not to ‘betray his trust,’ as he called it. And -when an honest man—a man like Anderson—takes a stand -upon conscience, you might just as well try to uproot Helvellyn -as to move him from his position!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Pitiless monster!” exclaimed Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, he was not that either; he wept like a woman in -refusing me; but his last words to me were, ‘Mr. Montrose, -I dare not stain my soul with dishonor; and you, as a man -of honor, should not dare to urge me to do so.’ What -could I reply to that? Nothing. And I came away with -a broken heart. Miss Wilder, have you no reproaches for -me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>“No. It is said that things beyond remedy should be -beyond regret, and when they are not so, they should be -remedied instead of regretted,” said Annella, in so strange -a tone that her companion turned to look upon her, and -started to see her lips drawn tightly away from her clenched -teeth, and a deadly, stiletto-gleam darting from the contracted -pupils of her half closed eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you mean, Annella?” he inquired in vague -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing that I intend to confide to you or to any one -else whose friendship is so cold a thing that they will not -peril <em>soul</em> as well as body for a friend in extremity!” said -Annella, severely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is a very bitter reproach, which I do not deserve, -Miss Wilder,” said Malcolm, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is it? Good people like you and Mr. Anderson, who -would not strain a point of conscience to save a friend, -may think it bitter; I think it just; but then I’m not -good, you know. I’m only devoted—mind, body, and -estate, for life, death, and eternity—to my friends, or -rather for my friend, for I feel only for one.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I believe you, Miss Wilder; you have not even the -slightest pity for the anguish I suffer on Eudora’s account,” -said Malcolm, bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, not one bit! for you have the use of your long -limbs to go whither you please over this sunny earth. I -pity only, that poor, sweet girl, who cannot get out; who -is waiting only for death to release her from prison. But she -shall not die! by all my hopes of heaven, she shall not!” -hissed Annella through her clenched teeth, while the same -fearful expression sat upon her tightly-drawn lips, and -gleamed from her contracted eyes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She would not die, if you, kind girl, by any effort or -any sacrifice, could save her; or if I could do so; but oh, -Annella, everything has been tried in vain! human power -can do no more!” groaned Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>“Can it not? We shall see! What is the meaning of -that noble proverb, ‘Where there is a will there is a way?’ -It came from the wisdom of ages, and I believe it. My -own will is so strong that I shall find a way to save her, -though it should lead through floods and flames!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear, dear girl, one must honor your single-hearted -devotion to this object, while at the same time—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You believe me mad,” interrupted Annella. “Well, believe -me so; it will do no harm. Mr. Montrose, I am at -this day a poor, weak, wild girl, as I may be in another a -corpse, a prisoner, or an exile! but whatever becomes of -me, Eudora shall be free!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Annella, there is something in your words and manner -that fills me with alarm for your sake. I fear you will -attempt some desperate act, which instead of serving -Eudora, will only ruin yourself. What is the plan you are -thinking of?” inquired the young man, in earnest kindness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will not tell you, Mr. Montrose; henceforth I shall -act alone in this matter; then, if my deed be a misdemeanor, -my person only will suffer for it; and if it be a -mortal sin, my soul only will perish for it,” replied Annella, -with gloomy firmness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, Miss Wilder,” said Montrose, solemnly, “whatever -your own thoughts may be, this one request I must -earnestly make of you—that you say not another word -upon the subject of rescue to Miss Leaton. It would be -now the greatest possible cruelty to disturb her thoughts -with vain hopes of escape, and prevent her from settling -her mind into that religious resignation and composure -that her awful condition renders so desirable. Therefore -I must entreat your silence to her, at least upon this -anxious subject.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have my promise. I will not say another word -to her upon the subject of her escape,” answered Annella, -with great emphasis.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They walked on in silence awhile, until they reached a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>point where their road forked—the right hand path leading -across to the Anchorage, and the left-hand one going -into the town. Annella stopped short, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Our ways divide here, and I must hurry home, lest my -longer absence should raise inquiry; but before I go, Mr. -Montrose, I have something to say to you, and if you do -really love Eudora Leaton, and long for her release, you -will attend to what I say.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear Annella, I am all attention,” answered Malcolm, -in anxious perplexity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked up and down the roads, and all around them, -to see if any person were in hearing, and finding all the -way clear, she suddenly clutched the hand of Malcolm, held -it with a spasmodic grip, gazed in his face with eager intensity, -drew closer to him, and whispered, with breathless -vehemence:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do just as you would have done if our plan had succeeded.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eh?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Make all the arrangements for flight just as you would -have made them if the governor could have been bribed to -connive at Eudora’s escape.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not comprehend you. What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dullard! I mean this—go secretly and find out some -small vessel; hire it, and keep it hovering near this part -of the coast ready for service at a moment’s warning; have -a little row-boat always at the beach ready to take you to -the vessel at an instant’s notice; keep your fast horse tied -in the shade of the thicket, under the dead wall, at the -back of the gaol; and you yourself walk every night up -and down before the front gate of the prison, just as you -walked the first night after Eudora’s conviction, and so -wait for what fortune shall send you; and then, when you -find Eudora standing before you, do not stop to ask how -she came there, but catch her up in your arms, run with -her to the thicket, place her before you on the horse, gallop -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>to the beach, put her in the boat, row for life to the -vessel, and set sail for some foreign port!” said Annella, -speaking with breathless excitement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear, devoted girl, are you really mad?” exclaimed -Malcolm, in dismay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No,” cried Annella, with startling energy, “only exalted -above doubt, fear, and selfishness. Promise that you -will do as I request.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, to make these arrangements will do no harm, -though they may do no good. Yes, Annella, I promise,” -answered Malcolm, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you will set about the business immediately?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then Eudora shall be saved!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXVII.<br> <span class='large'>A YOUNG HEROINE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>A lamp faint lit the cell,</div> - <div class='line'>Feebly upon her iron bed,</div> - <div class='line'>Feebly upon her drooping head,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Its sickly quiverings fell:</div> - <div class='line'>The silent watchers sat apart,</div> - <div class='line'>What passed in that poor bleeding heart</div> - <div class='line in2'>Their cold hearts naught could tell.—<em>Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The first thing Malcolm Montrose did the next morning -was to go over to Allworth Abbey to fetch the small sky-terrier -that had been Eudora’s only pet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He found the poor little creature rambling disconsolately -about the grounds, where the servants told him she always -wandered, as if in search of her lost mistress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He took her with him in the chaise and drove to the -prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>He was admitted at once to the condemned cell, where -he found Eudora reclining upon the bed, from which she -seldom now arose, for her strength seemed hourly waning, -and it was a question whether she could survive till the day -appointed for the execution, to undergo the sentence of the -law. She was attended by the stern-faced woman who -alternately, with Mrs. Barton, kept guard over the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She arose upon her elbow to welcome Malcolm, but -before she could speak, Fidelle, with a quick bark of joy, -had recognized her mistress, and sprang from the arms of -Malcolm to the bosom of Eudora, where she nestled, trembling -with delight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The poor young prisoner smiled faintly as she put one -hand caressingly around her favorite, and held out the -other to her visitor, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you very much, dear Malcolm, for fetching her -so soon. Poor little thing, I’m glad <em>she</em> does not know,” -she added, tenderly caressing her pet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah, but Fidelle <em>did</em> know—if not the nature and particulars -of the heavy misfortune—at least that something -had gone wofully wrong with her mistress, upon whose -faded, wasted, hollow-eyed countenance she gazed with the -touching mute eloquence of a dog’s love and sympathy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm seated himself beside Eudora, and watched her -uneasily as she lay dimly smiling and softly caressing her -little dumb friend, and apparently forgetting for the time -being her own awful position. And as he noticed her, his -heart ached with the foreboding fear that her mind as well -as her body was giving way and sinking into imbecility -under the pressure of her heavy calamity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He wished to test the truth of his suspicion by conversing -with her upon some subject more serious than that of -her little dog, who seemed for the present to engage all her -attention; yet he hesitated to disturb the transient peace -that seemed to have descended upon her bruised spirit like -a blessing.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>“I wonder if they would let me keep her? she could do -no harm, you know, poor little beast, and it would be -almost a comfort to have something here that loves me -through the sleepless nights,” said Eudora, raising her eyes -with pleading inquiry to Malcolm’s face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think they will, if you so much desire it. I think -they will give you every indulgence the rules do not absolutely -forbid,” answered Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is only a few days, so they might not mind, you -know. Why, even the cruel men of the French Revolution -let Marie Antoinette keep her little dog, though they took -crown and kingdom, husband and children, and even life -away from her, and surely—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will see to it, love; there can be no possible objection -to granting you so harmless an indulgence,” interrupted -Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm’s order for admission comprised only one hour -of each day. It was supposed that longer or more frequent -visits would only distract the prisoner’s mind from -the solemn duty of preparation for death, for which so -short a time had been granted her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Punctually, therefore, at the end of the stipulated hour, -the turnkey unlocked the door of the cell, and informed -Mr. Montrose that his time was up.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora held her little dog towards him, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You had better take her down and get permission before -you venture to leave her with me, Malcolm.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Montrose silently received the little animal, but when -Fidelle perceived that she was to be carried off, she set up -such a piteous howling and struggling, that even the stern -heart of the female warder, callous to human suffering, -was touched with compassion, and she said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think as how you may venture to leave her, sir. You -can ask the governor about it when you go down stairs, -and then, if so be objections are made, it will be time -enough to come and force her away.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>“Thank you; I think you are quite right,” said Malcolm, -restoring the little creature to her mistress. Then stooping, -he pressed his lips to the forehead of Eudora, promised -to repeat his visit the next day at the usual hour, -took his leave, and left the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the hall below he met the governor and preferred his -request. And Mr. Anderson, really pleased with the -opportunity of granting any indulgence to the unhappy -young prisoner not inconsistent with the duties of his -office, readily consented, and he himself went to the cell -to assure Eudora that she might keep her little four-footed -friend as long as she liked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose left the prison wondering that he had -not encountered Annella Wilder there, or on the road. He -felt extremely anxious again to see and speak with that -mad girl, who, he much feared, was rushing headlong into -some frantic enterprise which, without helping Eudora, -might ruin herself. He vainly looked out for her on his -way back to town, and vainly expected her during the -remainder of the morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The whole day passed without his seeing or hearing anything -of the admiral’s grand-daughter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The next morning, however, as he was sitting over an -untasted breakfast, impatiently waiting for the hour that -he might visit Eudora, the door was suddenly pushed open, -and unannounced, Annella stood before him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He positively started with dismay at her appearance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was dressed in black as on the previous days, and -her face had always been pale and wasted from the effects -of the long continued slow starvation of her childhood’s -years. But now two crimson spots burned in the hollows -of her cheeks, and her eyes glowed like fire in their sunken -sockets. She seemed consuming with some hidden fever or -restrained frenzy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm took her hand, and made her sit down in the -easy-chair, while he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>“I did not see you at the prison yesterday. I hope that -illness did not keep you away?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It could not have done so. No; they would not admit -me yesterday, and they will not to-day. They say that so -many visits disturb the prisoner’s mind, and draw off her -thoughts from the duty of preparing for death. They say -that from this time no one is to see her, except the officers -of justice, the ministers of the Gospel, and yourself, as her -nearest living relative!” answered Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They say—who say, my dear child?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, the sheriff and the gaoler, and even the chaplain, -who stood my friend at first, but who now says that my -daily visits will do the prisoner more harm than good.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This will interfere with your hopes of saving Eudora,” -said Malcolm, only with the view of drawing her out; “for, -of course, if you are not permitted to see her, you can do -nothing for her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes I can! besides, I shall see her once more. The -sheriff promised that, to get rid of me, I am to be allowed -one parting interview with her the day before she is to -die—‘<em>To die!</em>’ as if he thought I was going to let her die!” -exclaimed Annella, feverishly, while the crimson spots in -her hollow cheeks burned more brightly, and the smoldering -fire in her sunken eyes flashed more fiercely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What are your plans, Annella?” inquired Malcolm, with -as much calmness as he could assume, secretly hoping that -she might have forgotten her former refusal to confide in -him, and would now, as a matter of course, inform him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Annella had a good memory and a firm will. She -replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I repeat that I will not tell you! I will not tell any -one! I will act alone! If my act be a felony, my person -only shall pay for it! If it be a sin, my soul only shall -answer for it! If the plan fail—as it shall not—I only -will bear the blame! If it succeed—as it shall—you only -shall gain the honor!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>“The honor, from whom?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“From Eudora, of course, for saving her life! from no -one else, for none but her, you, and myself shall ever know -that she is saved! All else shall believe that she has perished!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My dear, dear child, you talk wildly!” said Malcolm, -uneasily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not, even when I reiterate that Eudora shall be -saved, while all the world, except us three, shall believe -that she has perished!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Annella, you speak of impossibilities!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will find before three days shall have passed over -our heads, that I have converted those impossibilities into -certainties.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose bowed his head upon his breast, and -remained a few moments in deep and anxious thought. -Then looking up he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have been vainly taxing my brain to discover what -your scheme may be; but I cannot find it out; I cannot -even imagine what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, I presume not,” replied Annella.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are not perhaps dreaming of such an impracticability -as taking her place and dying in her stead?” -inquired Malcolm, dubiously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella laughed a low, weird, unnatural laugh, as she -replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, for that, indeed, would be impossible; though, -could it be otherwise, I would gladly attempt it, since it is -so much easier to die one’s self than to see a dear friend -die! But such is not my plan, for it would be, as you say, -impracticable. I should be found out in an hour. Besides, -even to attempt such a plan would require the -connivance of her warders, which you know cannot be -gained for love or money. No, Mr. Montrose, what I do -shall be accomplished without the assistance, connivance, -or even knowledge of any soul within or without the prison! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>It shall be accomplished by myself singly!” said Annella, -proudly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Again Malcolm dropped his head upon his breast, and -fell into profound and troubled thought. At length he -raised his head, and said, very gravely:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have discovered your scheme, Annella; and I am -glad that I have done so in time to save you from attempting -to put it into practice.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella started violently, and gazed upon him anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“For the very attempt would be a crime.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, it would be <em>my</em> crime, not yours. <em>I</em> should have -to answer for it, not you! And if <em>I</em> choose to peril my -life, liberty, and honor here, and my salvation hereafter, in -the service of Eudora, it is not <em>your</em> hand or voice that -should be lifted to hinder me!” exclaimed Annella, indignantly, -rising and pacing the floor. Presently she paused -before him, and sharply demanded:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why do you, of all men in the world, seek to hinder -me from attempting to save Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because, dear girl, in the first place, the very attempt -to save her by such means would be, as I said before, a -crime; and because in the second place it would never -succeed!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why should it not succeed?” demanded Annella, abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because, dearest girl, the physician of the prison is a -man of science, skill, and experience, and he would detect -the trick in a moment.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The physician of the prison?” inquired Annella, with -a puzzled look.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; Dr. Nelson would understand and expose the <em>ruse</em> -in an instant.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why should he more than others? May I die, if -I know what you are driving at!” exclaimed Annella, -looking more and more perplexed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, at this fact, that Dr. Nelson would certainly be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>summoned; that his knowledge of narcotics and their -effects would enable him to comprehend the case at the -first glance, and so your scheme would fail.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>While he spoke Annella was watching him attentively. -When he ceased, she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am astonished at your perspicacity, Mr. Montrose; -but tell me what you suppose the plan to be which the -medical attendant of the prison will be so quick to -detect?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, of course, when you assure me that Eudora -Leaton shall be saved, at the very time that all the world, -except our three selves, shall believe her to have perished, -I can come but to one of two conclusions in respect to -your purposed course.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what may those be?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The <em>first</em> I have already mentioned; that perhaps you -insanely propose to take her place, in the mad hope that -your person might possibly be mistaken for hers and yourself -permitted to suffer in her stead, so as to deceive the -world into the belief that she had perished, while in reality -she would be safe and free.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You know that I have denied and repudiated that -course as impracticable and even unthought of by me. But -the <em>other</em>! What is the other conclusion to which your -wisdom has arrived in regard to my purposed course?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Or else—” said Malcolm, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Or else?—Yes! What else? What is that <em>second</em> -conclusion—that other scheme which is to be a crime, and -which the physician of the gaol is to detect and expose? -I am anxious to know what you suppose that to be, if -you will tell me?” said Annella, mockingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm hesitated for a moment, and then said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You intend surreptitiously, to administer some powerful -narcotic sedative to Eudora, which shall plunge her -into a sleep, trance, or coma, so profound as to simulate -death. And then, when she shall be supposed dead, you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>propose to have her body claimed by me, as her nearest -relative, ostensibly for the purpose of Christian burial, but -really for that of being conveyed to some safe and secret -place and restored to consciousness. A very ingenious -plan, Annella, which, if it could be made to succeed, would -certainly deliver our dearest one from captivity and death, -while it would, at the same time, mislead the public into -the belief that she had perished in prison. But, dear Annella, -for the reasons I advanced just now, it must not be -attempted. The very administration of such a drug would -seriously endanger Eudora’s life, and therefore constitute a -crime. Besides, it could not succeed for a moment. The -physician who would be called would immediately recognize -the presence of the drug and apply antidotes. So the -only effect of your scheme, my poor Annella, would be to -entail useless suffering upon that sweet victim; therefore—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was interrupted and astonished by a peal of weird -laughter from Annella, who, as soon as she recovered herself, -exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do so much admire your perspicacity, Mr. Montrose, -and also your ingenuity in imagining such a plan! And I -likewise perfectly agree with you that it could never succeed, -as the science and experience of the prison doctor -would detect and expose the fraud in an instant. But I -never even dreamed of such a <em>ruse</em>, Mr. Montrose. I know -nothing whatever of ‘narcotic sedatives’ or any other -drugs, or their effects; and even if I did, I would not for -the world risk Eudora’s life by administering them to her. -And even if I were wicked enough to do so, I should never -have the opportunity afforded me, because of the sharp eyes -of those female turnkeys that are never removed from me -while I am in the cell. No, Mr. Montrose, you are very -clever indeed, but you have not discovered my plan. My -scheme involves no such risk of life to Eudora, nor of discovery -by the physician! No; for if my scheme succeeds, -as it must, Eudora shall leave the prison in full possession -<span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>of her life, health, and faculties! Excuse my having -laughed, but I could not help it. I was so tickled by your -positiveness, so delighted to find, after all, that you had -not detected my plot! And if <em>you</em>, with <em>your</em> perspicacity, -have not discovered it, who will?—why, no one!” exclaimed -Annella, triumphantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, in the name of Heaven, since neither of my conjectures -were right, what is your most inexplicable scheme?” -demanded Malcolm, in amazement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have already several times assured you that I shall -not tell you; and I mean to keep my word!” replied Annella, -firmly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let me consider for a moment,” said Malcolm reflectively. -“You propose, without the assistance, connivance, -or even knowledge of any other single soul within or without -the prison, except our three selves, to place Eudora -Leaton, free and safe, outside the prison walls, while all the -world except ourselves shall believe her to have perished?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, that is just exactly what I undertake to do!” said -Annella, exultingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why not confide to me the mode by which you -propose to do all this?” inquired Malcolm, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because I won’t!” said Annella, giving him the “woman’s -reason” without an instant’s hesitation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Miss Wilder,” began Malcolm, in a grave, sorrowful -tone, “I greatly fear that in your beautiful devotion to -Eudora, your zeal in her behalf, and your total inexperience -of the world, you are about to rush into some ruinous -enterprise that may destroy yourself without saving that -poor, sweet girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well?” inquired Annella, looking up anxiously and -defiantly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Under these circumstances, I doubt whether it is not -my duty to go to the Anchorage, and advise your friends -there to take better care of you than they seem to be doing,” -answered Montrose, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>Annella jumped to her feet with a rebound that wrung -like steel springs on the floor, confronted him, and flashed-sheet-lightning -from her eyes, as she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If you dare! If you <em>dare</em>, Mr. Montrose! I will do -you some deadly mischief! I will, as the Lord in Heaven -hears me; for I am not good, I tell you! I am bad! I -have black blood in my veins, wherever I could have got -it!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>While Malcolm gazed in astonishment upon her, her -mood suddenly changed. The fire died out of her eyes, -her arms dropped by her sides, and her voice lowered, as -she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But—pshaw! I am a fool to threaten you; you would -not mind what mischief anyone might do you. But I will -give you a reason for your silence that you must mind—Eudora’s -safety! Mr. Montrose, I was wrong to boast so -much to you of my own secret certainty of success, especially -as I refused to confide to you the grounds of that -certainty.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you confide them to me now, Annella?” inquired -Montrose, kindly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No! and a thousand times no! but still—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Still you expect me to believe in them?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; and when you are inclined to doubt, because of -the humble instrument of this success, please to remember -that a mouse once freed a lion from a net, and a goose -saved imperial Rome! and think that poor Annella Wilder -may not have boasted vainly when she promised to deliver -Eudora Leaton from death! And so, if you really do love -Eudora, and desire her deliverance, you will take no step -to hinder my plans! Nay, you must promise me to take -none!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You ask much of me, Annella!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not more than you will grant for Eudora’s sake.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But your plans are totally inexplicable; and your object, -by your own single act to set the prisoner free and safe -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>outside the prison walls, and make all the world believe that -she has perished, seems quite impossible of attainment.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I shall accomplish it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is a riddle to me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let it remain so for a few days longer. But I did not -come here to propound or expound riddles; I came to tell -you that as they have refused me admittance to Eudora -until the evening before the appointed execution, it will -be well to make some little change in our arrangements.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, as I cannot get into the prison before Tuesday -evening, of course I cannot get Eudora out before that -time.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what then?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, then it will be perfectly useless for you to keep -the fast horse tied every night in the thicket, or lose your -own rest by watching near the prison. And it would not -only be useless, but indiscreet, as it might attract attention, -and endanger the success of my plot.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then what is it you wish of me?” inquired Malcolm, -rather with the design of acquiring some little knowledge -of her plan than with any hope of its success.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Before I tell you what I wish, I want to know if you -have already done what you engaged to do?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You mean to ask—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If you have hired the vessel to take her away, when she -is safe outside the prison walls?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have not yet.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You promised to do that! You dare not break your -pledged word!” exclaimed Annella, between alarm and -defiance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have no purpose to break faith with you, dear -Annella. It can do no manner of harm to hire the vessel -you speak of; and it is my intention to look out for one -to-day. What next?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, after you have hired the vessel to hover near the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>coast, and arranged to have the little boat always tied and -floating at the beach, then I advise you to keep as quiet and -get as much rest as you can between now and Tuesday -night; for I assure you you will need all your health, and -strength, and nerve, and presence of mind for that occasion. -Then, on Tuesday night, about eleven o’clock, have your -fast horse ready in the thicket, and you yourself wait near -the gate, and, as I said before, when you find Eudora Leaton -in your arms, never stop to ask a question, or to look behind -you, but fly as Lot fled from burning Sodom!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mystery of mysteries—all is mystery!” exclaimed -Montrose, involuntarily paraphrasing the Scripture proverb, -as he gazed like one in a dream upon the thin, flashing -face of the excited girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now promise me that you will not go to the Anchorage -to do what you threatened, or even attempt to -hinder me in any way.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I promise,” answered Malcolm, “though I do so in -blind confidence.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your faith shall be justified, if ever faith was.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I promise,” repeated Malcolm, like one under the influence -of a spell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That will do; I know that you will keep your word; -and now that I have your pledge, I will tell you—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your plan?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No! But why it is I cannot confide that plan to -you, Mr. Montrose;—because if I were to impart to you -or to any other human being the nature of my plan, it could -never be accomplished, and Eudora would be left to die.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But look at the clock! the hour of your daily visit to -the prison is approaching, and I will not detain you any -longer. Give my love to Eudora, and explain to her why -I cannot come to her. Good-bye. Remember!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so saying, Annella seized and dropped his hand, -and vanished from the room, leaving Montrose still under -her spell.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br> <span class='large'>THE READING OF THE DEATH-WARRANT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>Life! life! Oh, Heaven, for this!</div> - <div class='line'>To gaze again on God’s bright sun,</div> - <div class='line'>To see the moss-marged streamlet run,</div> - <div class='line in4'>To feel the wind’s soft kiss;</div> - <div class='line'>To meet loved eyes where pity glows,</div> - <div class='line'>To hear kind words to soothe her woes,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Life! life! Oh, bliss of bliss!—<em>Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>He remained for a few moments, sitting in silence where -she had left him, and then rose with an effort to shake off -her influence, murmuring to himself:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What an incomprehensible creature! a mere girl, not -more than fifteen or sixteen years of age, and yet planning, -by her own unaided efforts, the rescue of a prisoner from -the strong Abbeytown gaol! Is she mad or inspired? If -inspired, is it by a good or an evil spirit?—an angel or a -devil! If I were a mystic, now, and believed in people -being possessed, I should suppose that fragile, excited, half-frenzied -girl, to be the medium and agent of some tremendous -spirit acting through her. But whether she be mad, -sane, or inspired, I will do what I promised, if it afford one -chance in a million of saving Eudora. Oh, Eudora! Eudora! -as the drowning catch at straws, I catch at this mad girl’s -unknown scheme to save you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He took up his hat and went out to walk to the prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was immediately shown to the cell, where he found -Eudora, as on the preceding day, reclining on the outside -of the bed. Her little dog was coiled up contentedly by -her side. Mrs. Barton was on guard. As Malcolm approached -and took the little wasted hand she held out to -him, he saw she was perceptibly paler, thinner, and feebler -than on the day before.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span>This increasing weakness was evident not only in the -emaciation of her face and form, but in the faint tones of -her voice and the slow motions of her hands. As he -noticed this, the heart of Montrose sank within him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And yet,” he thought, “why should I grieve for her -waning life? It is better, far better, that she should sink -gently into death here—even here in her prison-cell, where -her soul might depart in peace and privacy—than live to be -dragged forth. Oh, God! oh, God!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He groaned and buried his face in his hands, as if to shut -out the image that arose before his mind’s eye.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora looked up at him uneasily, and with quick sympathy -caught his mental vision. She could not have been -paler than she had been before. But now her very lips -blanched and quivered, and a spasm seized her throat and -choked her utterance. This passed in a moment, and then -she put up her hand and gently removed those of Malcolm, -and looked in his face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>That face was convulsed with anguish; but with a mighty -effort, he crushed down his emotions, seated himself by her -side, took her hand, and held it in silence, as was often now -his custom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a few moments neither trusted themselves to speak, -but at length Eudora broke the silence by inquiring:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you know why Annella has not been here these two -days?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The officers of justice believe that her visits disturb -you, dear,” answered Malcolm, gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, I thought they would interdict her visits, poor -child! She is so rash in her zeal for me. Do you know, -Malcolm, that she even tried to bribe Mrs. Barton here to -let her change clothes with me, so that I might escape in -hers? Did she tell you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, she never told me that; but I know she would run -any risk on earth for you, dearest, and so I am not surprised -to hear it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>“I wonder if the attempt came to the ears of the officers, -and if that was the reason why they stopped her visits?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, Miss—oh, no, because there was nobody to tell but -me, and I never dropped a hint of it,” Mrs. Barton hastened -to say.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, that was not the reason, dear Eudora; it was because -she was considered too young and flighty to do you -any real good by her visits, which it was also feared might -disturb you,” said Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And shall I see her no more?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes; she called at my lodgings this morning to tell -me why she has not been to see you these two days, and to -send you her love, with the assurance that she would come -on Tuesday, having the sheriff’s promise of permission to -do so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora shivered, for she remembered that Tuesday was -the last day of her allotted life, and knew that Annella’s -next visit would be also her last one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The hour of grace sped quickly away, and Malcolm arose -to go. He stooped and pressed his farewell kiss upon -Eudora’s brow. He dared not trust himself to speak; he -was thinking how swiftly the sands of her life were running -out. But one more quiet visit, and then—the dreadful -parting interview on Tuesday night—and then, unless the -unknown scheme of Annella should succeed—as he did not -dare to hope—death for Eudora and endless despair for -himself! So he pressed his parting kiss in silence on her -brow, and turned away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton happened to be relieved of her guard by the -entrance of the other warder, and she left the cell at the -same moment with Mr. Montrose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm beckoned her to his side, and as they walked -down the lobby, he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wished to speak to you alone, Mrs. Barton, to ask you -about your charge. She seems wonderfully composed for -so young a girl in so awful a position. I fear that it is only -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>assumed composure, for I see that she is sinking fast under -her heavy misfortunes. Now, tell me, does she not put -herself under great restraint when I am with her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, sir, she certainly do seem much more composeder -when you are here nor she do at any other time. I think, -howsoever, that’s partly because she do feel it to be a -comfort and a support to her like to have you along with -her; and partly because she do try to keep down her feelings -for fear of hurting yours. Leastways, I know she -don’t give way to ’em as she does at other times,” -answered Mrs. Barton, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How is she at other times?” inquired Mr. Montrose, -anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, sir, wariable, wery much so indeed; for sometimes -she will be quiet enough for hours and hours together; -and then, maybe, something will happen to bring her doom -afore her all on a suddint—and she’ll scream, and clap her -hands over her eyes, and fall to shaking as if she wer’ tuk -with an agur fit. And when that’s over, she’ll turn on her -face, and not move nor speak for hours and hours more.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm groaned with anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And sometimes, sir—and that hurts my heart worse -nor all the rest—when she will be lying quite calm, she’ll -put her finger and thumb around her throat and press it, -and then quickly drop her hand and scream with terror, -and fall into another shaking agur fit.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Another involuntary groan burst from the overcharged -breast of Malcolm, while Mrs. Barton continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, lor, sir! what could you expect from such a mere -child as she is, with such a fate afore her? Why, sir, I’ve -been in service here this twenty year, and I’ve seen the -most strongest and hardenest of men as ever was, have -their hair turn grey with the thoughts of what was afore -them, between the day of conviction and the day of execution. -So what could you expect of a poor, tender girl, -with the scaffold staring her in the face? I wonder she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>isn’t dead already, for my part; and I am sure I think it -would be a mercy and a blessing if she was.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It would, indeed,” muttered Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But there is one thing I dreads for her more nor all the -rest—more even nor the last thing of all.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what is that?” inquired Malcolm, in a sinking -voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, sir, the reading o’ the death-warrant to her; and -it’s my belief as the sheriff don’t like the job himself, as he -has put it off so long—and I doubt it’ll be the death of -her without any more trouble. Why, lor’, sir, I’ve seen -the dare-devilest ruffians, as you would think they’d go -through fire and brimstone, and face Satan himself, blanch -as white as a sheet at hearing of that read. Why, lor’! -you see, sir, it do go into all the particulars, so cruel plain, -telling all about how they are to be—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know—I know!” hastily interrupted Malcolm, with -sickening faintness stealing over him. “But, tell me, is -this formality never in any case omitted?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I beg your pardon, sir—” said the perplexed wardress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Does not the sheriff sometimes fail to read the death-warrant -to the condemned prisoner?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not as ever I hear on, sir; no, I believe not. But -sure you ought to be able to tell, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know very little of these formalities,” answered -Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had by this time reached the lower hall, where -their way divided.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton courtesied, and turned off towards her own -apartment; and Mr. Montrose, with breathless lungs, bursting -heart, and burning brain, hurried out into the open air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All that he had seen, heard and felt during this morning’s -visit to the prison, confirmed him in his resolution to -keep faith with Annella, and he immediately set about -making all external arrangements for a possible rescue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella might be mad; her unknown scheme might be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>vain, useless, dangerous, fatal. There might not be one -chance in a million of its success; yet it was the only -hope of rescue for Eudora, and as the despairing snatch at -the very shadow of hope, he resolved to embrace it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Good reason had the kind-hearted wardress to dread the -ordeal to which Eudora’s fortitude was soon to be subjected. -Mrs. Barton had just gone into the cell to take her afternoon’s -turn at guarding the prisoner, when several footsteps -were heard approaching, the door was unlocked, and -the sheriff, attended by the gaoler, entered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The manner of the sheriff was grave even to solemnity; -that of the gaoler was very sorrowful.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora hastily arose from her recumbent posture, and -sat up, glancing in surprise and vague dread, but without -the least suspicion of their errand, upon the intruders.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton, who knew what was coming, got up and -passed towards the door, crying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let me go away, Mr. Anderson—please, sir, do! I -can’t stand it—indeed, sir, I can’t!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stay where you are, woman,” answered the governor, -in a low voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Mrs. Barton, forced to obey, sank trembling into her -seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This is Mr. Rushton, the sheriff of the county, Miss -Leaton, who has some business with you this afternoon,” -said the gaoler, in a faltering voice, as he presented the -visitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora arose, and slightly bowed in acknowledgment of -the sheriff’s presence, and then resumed her seat. But far -from surmising the nature of his business with her, she -flushed with a transient hope that the paper he carried in -his hand might possibly be a commutation of her sentence—a -respite, or even a pardon! While her face flushed and -paled, her heart beat, and her pulses quickened with this -hope, the sheriff slowly unfolded the document, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have a necessary duty to perform, Miss Leaton, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>must request you to give your attention to the reading of -this paper.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Something in his manner banished Eudora’s new hopes, -and brought back her vague fears, and while she gazed -with eyes dilated by terror, the sheriff commenced in a -distinct voice, and read, with all its plain, clear, cruel -details, the warrant for her execution.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But before the reading of the warrant that consigned -her to a speedy, public, shameful, and violent death, was -completed, Eudora’s fortitude gave way, and with a piercing -shriek she fell to the floor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There, I hope and trust, with all my heart and soul, as -you’ve finished her and put her out of her misery now!” -sobbed Mrs. Barton, as she hastened to raise Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sheriff, having done his painful duty, retreated from -the cell, attended by the gaoler, and leaving Eudora to the -care of the wardress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton lifted the swooning girl, and laid her upon -the bed, and applied such restoratives as she kept at hand -for her recovery. It was a long time before the deadly -swoon could be broken by the pungent stimulants that -were used. But at length Eudora, with a shiver, opened -her eyes. Alas! return to consciousness was only return -to thought, to memory, and to agonizing terror. Sobs, -shrieks, and spasms that could not be controlled, expressed -the anguish, despair, and wild affright that shook her life -and reason to their foundations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton did all that the most tender nurse or mother -could have done for her relief. She voluntarily remained -with her through the whole of the afternoon and the night; -but her endeavors to ameliorate the sufferings of her charge -were all in vain. And in the morning, finding Eudora still -pallid, collapsed, and shuddering, upon the very verge of -dissolution, Mrs. Barton, when relieved from her long -watch, hastened to the office, and said to the gaoler:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I doubt my prisoner is a-dying sir; and though it might -<span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>be a mercy to let her die and go out of her misery, yet -mayhap it’s our duty to send for the medical man.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The gaoler immediately arose, and beckoning the wardress -to follow him, hastened to the condemned cell, and after -gazing mournfully upon the stricken girl for a few minutes, -he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will send for the doctor; but no one else, not even -Mr. Montrose, must be permitted to see her while she is in -this precarious state.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And calling a turnkey who happened to be passing, he -dispatched him for the medical attendant of the prison. The -messenger had scarcely departed when Malcolm Montrose -was heard approaching, attended by another turnkey. The -gaoler, who was on the watch, went out to turn him back. -Meeting him, he took his arm, and walked him off to a -distant part of the lobby, where he paused to say to the -astonished and half-offended young man:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I beg your pardon, Mr. Montrose; I am very sorry to -stop you, but the truth is, that ever since the death-warrant -was read to that poor young creature yesterday afternoon, -her courage has entirely given way, and she has been in -such a precarious state that I fear the least accession of -excitement might prove instantly fatal to her; and under -these circumstances I dare not admit anyone, even yourself, -to her cell until after our doctor has seen her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I have the sheriff’s order,” urged Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Still I beg that you will not press it, sir. It is for her -sake only that I entreat you to refrain until the doctor has -made his visit.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I see the necessity of doing as you advise. But oh, -Heaven! when, when will her long-drawn sufferings cease! -It is but a few weeks since her arrest, yet since that day -ages and ages of torture seem to have passed! Would to -Heaven it were over for her!” exclaimed Malcolm, wildly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Try to compose yourself, Mr. Montrose. Come down -to my room, and take something strong.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>“I thank you, I require nothing; but with your consent -I will go and sit in your office until I hear the doctor’s report,” -answered Malcolm, accompanying the governor to -the ward-room below, but refusing the refreshment that -Mr. Anderson still pressed upon his acceptance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile Dr. Moss, the physician in ordinary to the -prison, proceeded to the condemned cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Dr. Moss was a tall, fair-skinned, gray-haired old man, -whom forty years’ connection with the prison, and constant -ministration to the worst forms of human suffering among -the most desperate criminals of both sexes had not hardened, -but rather softened; had not rendered harsh, obdurate -and unfeeling, but rather tender, sympathetic, and -compassionate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He now entered Eudora’s cell, and stood for a moment -silently regarding her as she lay with her face turned down -and hidden in the pillow, cold, pallid, collapsed, and shuddering.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then beckoning Mrs. Barton to the door of the cell, he -questioned her minutely as to the state of mind and frame -that had preceded this asphyxia of the sufferer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the careful wardress described the girlish terrors of -Eudora, and ended by saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You can’t expect a mere child like that to face quietly -what makes the hardest men quail. Besides, doctor, we -women cre’turs are ten thousand times worse afeard of being -<em>hurt</em> nor we are of being killed. I am pretty nigh sure -as it isn’t the fear of death as has brought her to this state, -but the horror of the violent death as is always afore her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The doctor having learned all that he wished to know for -his own guidance in this case, returned to the cell, seated himself -beside the sufferer, took her hand, and said, gently:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Look up, poor child, and let me see your face. I can -do you good, though you may not yet believe it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The deep-toned, tender, sympathetic voice of the Christian -physician fell like balm upon the bruised heart of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>victim, and caused her to turn her wasted face and anguished -eyes to meet the compassionate gaze and benignant countenance -that was bent upon her in such deep commiseration.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I can relieve your acute sufferings, Eudora. I can -scatter all your terrors and give you ease,” he repeated.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, can you change what is before me? Can you -snatch me away from this doom, as you would rouse one up -from a horrid nightmare? If you cannot do this you can -do nothing for me!” she cried.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I cannot change your fate, Eudora, but I can disarm it -of its terrors,” he answered, very gently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked at him with a wild, incredulous gaze.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The state of the mind depends so much upon the condition -of the body, that I must bring your excited nervous -system into some quietude before I can hope that you will -listen to me with benefit,” said the doctor, opening a small -box and taking from it a minute lozenge, which he directed -her to swallow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora obeyed, and the doctor sat watching the effect of -the drug.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In a few moments the morphia had done its benign work, -and soothed the agonized nervousness of the victim down -to a state of serene repose, in which she could calmly contemplate -her coming doom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You feel better now, my child,” said Dr. Moss.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes,” she replied.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And you can bear to speak of your position?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, Eudora, I wish you to open your heart to me as to -an old and experienced friend, who sympathizes with every -phase of your sufferings, and can ameliorate them all. Tell -me, now, what it was that filled your mind with such fear -and horror as to overthrow your fortitude so completely. -It was not fear of death I know; for even children meet -death unblenchingly. What was it then? It will do you -good to confess to me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>“You judge me rightly,” said Eudora, as, calmed by the -morphia, she now entered with perfect self-possession upon -the dreaded subject. “It was not fear of death, for I -should be happy if I could die quietly here in my bed. It -was the manner of the death, the deep dishonor, and the -mysterious, unknown, awful agony of that blindfolded, -suffocating, helpless struggle with a violent death!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In a word, you dreaded excessive physical suffering.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My child, there will be no such suffering at all. The -death you so much dreaded will be the easiest of all -deaths.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She looked up at him with calm, incredulous wonder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Eudora, I speak the words of truth and soberness, as -well as of science and experience,” said the doctor, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, how do you know? How can any one know. I -myself can only judge by this.” Here she put her thumb -and fingers towards her throat, but the doctor arrested her -moving hand, and held it while he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You must not do that—you will only frighten yourself -with false terrors. An incomplete pressure like that is very -distressing, a complete one is quite the reverse.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, how can we be sure of that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“By the light of science, which shows us that the instantaneous -congestion of the brain consequent upon such a -pressure prevents all suffering. So, my child, dismiss all -dread of pain, you will not have to bear it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not know. No one has ever come back from that -dread mystery to tell us what it was.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, but there has. There are several authentic instances -on record of individuals who have been resuscitated -after execution, and who have all agreed in testifying that -the manner of death was easy, thus demonstrating the -theory of science in that respect. But if you want farther -confirmation, Eudora, you can have it in my own professional -experience.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>“Yours!” exclaimed Eudora, in quiet incredulity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; I resuscitated a man who had, in a fit of despair, -attempted to destroy himself in that very manner. He -was found by his friends suspended from a tree in a grove, -and when taken down was quite insensible, and apparently -quite dead. But the vital spark had not fled, for when I -was called to him, and took proper means to restore him to -consciousness, I succeeded. He was very penitent for -having, in a fit of despondency, tried to rush unbidden -into the presence of his God. But what made his case -most interesting to me, as a medical man, was his description -of his sensations while undergoing that process. He -described them as being without the least degree of suffering, -and as resembling the effects produced by the first -inhalations of chloroform, until, like one under the full -influence of that drug, he lapsed into insensibility, and -knew no more until his resuscitation; and now I hope you -will believe me, and dismiss your fears of suffering.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, yes; I suppose I was a sad coward to dread torture -so much.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All women do, Eudora. It is their nature; their tender, -delicate sensitive organizations shrink from torture. -But now, what other feature is there in this fate that so distressed -you, for the dread of physical agony was not all?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, no, for there was the sense of deep dishonor.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yet you say that you are innocent?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am weary of repeating that to incredulous ears, and -yet God knows that I am innocent.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then trust in God to redeem your name from all -lasting reproach, as your Christian faith teaches you to -believe that He will; and consider also, dear child, that -when, in a few more hours, you shall stand in the presence -of that Divine Judge who knows your innocence, the -opinion of the world you have left behind will be as nothing -to your released and happy spirit. Should not such -thoughts console you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>“Oh, yes, they should, indeed. Oh! sir, you have given -me comfort—such comfort as I could not have believed in -before you came to me. I could not have imagined that -any earthly power could have lifted me from the pit of -black despair in which I seemed to have fallen. Heaven -bless you, Doctor, for the help you have given me,” said -Eudora, holding out her hand to the kind physician, who -pressed and released it, as he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now you must have another lozenge to put you to -sleep. Take this little one, and compose yourself to rest, -and when you awake I will see you again.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And thus having ministered to the mental and physical -necessities of the sufferer, this good physician of the soul -and body took his leave of the patient.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Beckoning Mrs. Barton outside the door, he enjoined her -to keep everything quiet in and about the cell, as the -reason, and even life of the prisoner depended upon her -getting an undisturbed rest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then he went down to the lower hall, where his approach -was anxiously watched for by Malcolm Montrose, who -hastened out of the ward-room, eagerly inquiring:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How is your patient, Doctor? Can I be permitted to -see her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is better, and is composing herself to sleep, but -you cannot see her, as she must not be disturbed to-day,” -answered the physician, kindly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And there will be but one more meeting between us—the -parting interview of to-morrow,” exclaimed Malcolm, -in the extremity of mental anguish, as he left the prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was seized with a burning anxiety to see Annella -Wilder, but did not know where to find, or how to communicate -with that eccentric girl. He therefore passed -the remainder of the day in making the promised arrangements -for the almost inconceivable possibility of Eudora’s -escape.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXIX.<br> <span class='large'>PREPARATION FOR DEATH.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>What hears she?—a slight sound—</div> - <div class='line'>The opening of the cell’s dark door,—</div> - <div class='line'>Bright eyes—a word, and nothing more.</div> - <div class='line in2'>Quickly she gazed around,</div> - <div class='line'>Then, passionate, flung her hands on high,</div> - <div class='line'>And with a sharp, wild, rapturous cry,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Fell swooning to the ground.—<em>Michell.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Eudora slept long and calmly, and awoke early on -Tuesday morning, the last day of her allotted life. Thanks -to the good physician’s merciful ministrations, the frenzy -of terror and the darkness of despair had alike vanished. -Her nerves were wonderfully composed, and her mind -perfectly clear.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is strange, Mrs. Barton,” she said, as the wardress -was assisting her to dress, “how well I am this morning, -the very last day of my life. It seems to me, looking back -on my past feelings, as if I had been very ill ever since -my first arrest, and have only now recovered health and -reason. And this is my last day, and I have made no -preparations for death; but indeed I could not, and I see -clearly now why I could not. First came the thunderbolt -of my arrest; then the anguish of suspense before -the trial; then the blackness of despair after conviction; -and then the frenzy of terror that followed the reading of -the death-warrant! What could I do amidst all that -various suffering? But it has all gone, now; the suspense, -the despair, and the terror have all taken flight, -like evil spirits, and left my mind in a sweet, clear, sunny, -almost buoyant state, although I am to die to-morrow -morning. I hope this is not unnatural; I hope I am in -my senses; for it is a very strange experience.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>“It is the goodness of God, and the skill of the doctor -as His instrument, my poor, dear child. You are innocent -and martyred, and so you are comforted by Heaven -and earth,” answered the wardress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am not afraid to meet my Maker. I never was, -even in the midst of my worst terrors. I have not got my -peace to make with Heaven at this late hour, but I have -much to do for those whom I shall leave behind, and I -must set about it immediately.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear saint, think of yourself; do not trouble your -heart about any one else.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did Mr. Montrose call yesterday?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, dear child, but you were then too ill to see any -one. But I suppose he will come this morning, as usual.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, he will not. We agreed that as he is permitted -but one visit in the day, he should not come on this last -day until the evening, so as to see me at as late a period -as possible before my death. You see how calmly I can -speak of that now, Mrs. Barton.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank God, my dear, though it breaks my heart to -hear you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>After her frugal breakfast, Eudora asked for pen, ink -and paper, and sat down to write her last wishes, to be -confided to Malcolm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile, the chaplain of the prison, who had been -very ill with fever for the last week, arose from his sick-bed -to administer the last consolations of religion to the -condemned girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He found Eudora seated at the little table and engaged -in writing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She arose as he entered, and held out her hand, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am glad you have come to see me again on this last -day, Mr. Goodall—sit down.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I should have come before if I had been able to stand -upon my feet,” replied the clergyman, earnestly, as he sank -quite exhausted in the offered chair.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>“I am sorry to see that you are still so ill,” she said, -looking with sympathy upon his haggard face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is it credible that you can have room in your heart -for any other sorrow than your own great one?” inquired -the clergyman, looking up in compassion at the face of the -speaker.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then, for the first time, he noticed the perfect -serenity and almost cheerfulness of her countenance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She perceived his surprise, and answered both his looks -and words by saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do not know how it is, but I cannot grieve for myself -now. I seem changed since yesterday; all the evil spirits -of despair and terror that have been tormenting me for so -many weeks past have vanished, and left my soul in a -‘peace that passeth understanding,’ a ‘sunshine of the -breast,’ that I cannot comprehend, but only receive in awe -and gratitude.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Mr. Goodall did not immediately answer, but only -watched her in silent wonder, she continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I feel as if I were on the eve of a journey, going home -to my father and mother, and friends, and above all, to that -Heavenly Father who knows my innocence of this imputed -guilt, and in whose Divine Mercy I have never ceased -to trust through the darkest days of my despair and -terror!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Goodall was reading her very soul, and, therefore, he -would not reply as yet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly she held her hand out to him, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Goodall, hitherto you have supposed that I only -protested my innocence because I hoped, through such -protestations, to be believed and saved. But now you -must know that not a shadow of hope remains to me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do know it,” said the minister, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And, therefore, now that I have lost all hope of man’s -mercy, and know that I must certainly die to-morrow -morning, you will believe me when I repeat, as I hope for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>God’s mercy—I am guiltless of the crimes for which I am -to suffer,” said Eudora, solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I <em>do</em> believe you; I am constrained to have faith in -your innocence; dear Eudora, forgive me that I ever -doubted you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is nothing to forgive, since it was inevitable that -you should at first think as all the world did; but there is -much to be grateful for, now that you have confidence in -me. And now that we understand each other, you can -indeed give me much comfort,” said Eudora, holding out -her hand, which he took and held, while he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will attend you to the last, dear, unhappy girl.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you are ill, and must not fatigue yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I will be with you to the last,” repeated the minister. -“It will be time enough for me to rest when you are—in -Heaven.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Meanwhile, what had become of Annella Wilder, since -her daily visits to the prison had been prohibited, and her -eccentric inroads into Malcolm Montrose’s lodgings had -ceased?</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella, for the last few days, had restricted herself to -the Anchorage and its immediate environs, where her burning -cheeks and blazing eyes, and feverish manner, excited -the serious alarm of her relatives.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That dear baby is going to be ill, and she ought to be -looked after,” said Mrs. Stilton, who immediately ordered -a foot-bath and certain herb-teas to be taken by the patient -at night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And with unusual docility Annella obeyed, saying to herself:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have need of a cool head, and would drink a pint of -bitterest wormwood, and plunge my limbs into boiling -water, if I thought that would take away the burning pain -in my head that prevents me from thinking clearly.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And so she took—not her own desperate prescription, -but the milder one of Grandmother Stilton. And she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>arose the next morning, looking like an expiring fire, and -professing herself much better.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But on this last day no one took notice of Annella. All -the inmates of the house seemed to be possessed of a sort -of half-restrained frenzy, in view of the tragedy to be enacted -the next morning—that dread tragedy, in which the -life of a young girl was to be publicly offered up in expiation -of an atrocious crime.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They had all known Eudora, and even those who believed -her guilty felt overshadowed and oppressed by the horror -of her coming doom, now that it drew so near.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two ancient dames—they were both so old that a -trifling difference of eighteen years between the ages of -the mother and daughter was of no sort of account—sat -lovingly, side by side, in their easy-chairs, near the drawing-room -chimney-corner, where, summer and winter, a -little fire was always kept burning for cheerfulness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have lived too long, Abby, my dear—I have lived too -long, now that I see little girls as should be innocent as -cherubs, and never come to no more harm than soiling -their bibs, and getting smacked by their nurse, actually -dipping their hands in human blood, and being hanged. -Yes, Abby, my dear, I have lived clear away into an age -of the world as I wasn’t born and brought up in, and don’t -know nothing about. And if the good Lord hasn’t forgot -to send for me, I don’t know the reason why I am left. -And I think I had better go,” said Mrs. Stilton, despondingly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t say that, mother. You are the head of the family, -which I don’t know what we would do without you. And -I have been used to you all my life. And me and you -have always been together ever since I can remember. -Think o’ the poor little haberdashery-shop as we kept when -we was both left widdies!—and how you comforted me -when that boy o’ mine run away and went to sea; which -little did we think he would ever rise to be an admiral and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>make our fortin’, and make ladies of us, and never be -ashamed of us ’ither! And since that we have always -been so comfortable together! And s’pose now I was to -see that chair o’ your’n empty! Oh! whatever should I -do! <em>Oh, hoo! hoo! hoo!</em> You’d never go and die and -leave me an orphan after all these years at my time of -life! <em>Oh, hoo! hoo! hoo!</em>” whimpered the old lady, in -the piteous grief of age; for though the younger, she was -in mind and body much the feebler of the two.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There, there, there, now, Abby, my dear, don’t cry. I -didn’t mean it. I won’t die! I’ll live to take care of you -and your boy! Didn’t I promise your dear father, on his -death-bed, as I would bear up for the sake o’ the child?—and -haven’t I beared up? Good Lord, yes! how many -years! Years of t’iling and striving and struggling for -life! And now, in these latter days, when rest and peace -have come, is it likely as I will give up and die? No, -Abby, my dear, not I! I think as the longer I’ve lived in -this world the better I like it, that I do! Only I was upset -this morning along of thinking about that poor dear baby. -There, then, don’t cry, Abby! I’m sure if you want me -to do it, I’d just as lief keep on living all the time as not. -I’m sure I don’t see what’s to hinder me. I’m noways ill, -thank God, nor yet dissatisfied with this world. There’s -many a dark, stormy day as has cleared off just at sunset. -And that has been the way of our day of life, Abby, my -dear, and now I don’t care if our clear, pleasant twilight -lasts forever. I know heaven is a better land; but then I -was always humble-minded, and easy satisfied, and so I’m -contented with this earth, and don’t long for no better till -the Lord pleases. Leastways, Abby, I won’t die till you -are ready to go along with me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>While the old ladies talked in this childish, affectionate -way, the admiral walked up and down the lawn in front of -the house, with his hands clasped behind him, in troubled -thought. He, too, was overshadowed by the “coming -<span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>event.” He had no glance even for the fair Princess Pezzilini, -who, calm, placid, and elegant, occupied her usual -morning seat in the bay window, where she employed herself -with some graceful fancy-work, while Master Valerius -Brightwell sat upon a footstool at her feet, reading aloud -for her amusement, and occasionally glancing up at her -with all a boy’s shy admiration of a beautiful woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella had not been seen since breakfast-time. But -when the family assembled for luncheon at two o’clock, she -was called, and appeared with cheeks again so deeply -flushed, and eyes so bright and restless, that Mrs. Stilton -exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That child is on the very verge of brain-fever!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And she not only ordered her off to bed, but went herself -to see her order obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella made no resistance; but as soon as her head -was on the pillow, and a brown paper, wet with vinegar, -was laid upon her brow, she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, grandmamma, all I want is to be let to go to -sleep, and if Madame Pezzilini will be kind enough to let -Tabitha come and sit by me, I shall do very well.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why Tabitha? Why not your own woman?” inquired -the old lady.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because I <em>hate</em> my own woman, and I love Tabitha—and—it -will make my head ache to talk more about it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, well, my baby, it shall be just as you please,” -said the indulgent old dame, shutting the door softly and -retiring.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few moments passed, and then the door was as softly -opened, and Tabitha, stepping lightly, entered. She first -went noiselessly to the windows, and made them quite dark -by closing the storm-shutters, and then stole silently to the -side of the bed to see if Annella slept.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am awake, dear Tabitha; though I wish very much -to sleep and recruit myself for a few hours if I can. What -o’clock is it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>“Half-past two, Miss Wilder.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well; dip a towel in that iced vinegar and lay it -on my head, and let me sleep, if possible, until five o’clock. -Then, Tabitha, wake me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wouldn’t it be better as I should let you sleep your -sleep out, Miss?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; if you love Eudora Leaton, wake me at five -o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Miss, don’t speak of her now! It almost drives -me crazy.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hush! She shall be saved if you will wake me at five -o’clock. In the meantime I <em>must</em> lie quiet and sleep if I -can, or I shall go mad!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But is there—is there a chance of saving her? Oh, -Miss! if I thought there was I would be a’most willing to -lay down my life for it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is a chance—I cannot explain now. I can do -nothing before five o’clock. Until then I <em>must</em> try to compose -myself! Tabitha, <em>will</em> you obey me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, yes, Miss,—surely I am afraid she is going out of -her senses,” added the girl, <i><span lang="it">sotto voce</span></i>, as she wetted the -napkin in iced vinegar, and laid it upon Annella’s burning -head, and then silently took her seat beside the bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella closed her eyes, and lay still as death, but -whether she slept or not, Tabitha had no means of ascertaining -in that darkened chamber.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Hour after hour passed, and Tabitha was on the point -of dropping asleep herself, when the striking of the little -golden-toned ormolu clock on the mantelpiece aroused her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is five o’clock, Miss Annella,” she said, softly, bending -over the quiet girl.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then go and bring me my tea, and say that I am better, -but shall not come down this afternoon, and that I do -not wish to be disturbed this evening. And listen, Tabitha, -say not a word of what passed between us before I composed -myself to sleep,” murmured Annella, without changing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>her position or even opening her eyes. She seemed as -one hoarding every atom of her strength for one final -effort.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, Miss; I shan’t say nothing at all of what has -passed between us, at least not yet,” answered Tabitha, -leaving the room to obey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In due time she reappeared with the tray, upon which -was neatly arranged Annella’s little chamber tea-service.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The girl arose, bathed her face and head, arranged her -hair and dress, and then drank her tea. After which, she -called Tabitha to her side, and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am sure you love Miss Leaton—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, that I do! I would lay down my life for her,” -said Tabitha, beginning to sob.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In that case you would not betray anyone who tried to -serve her, to comfort her, or even to rescue her?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’d bite my tongue off first! Sure I have proved as -much!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes. I always believed that you knew more than you -chose to tell of her first escape from Allworth Abbey. Well, -Tabitha, listen now. I have an order to visit Eudora to -take a final farewell of her this evening. I have, also, in -my own mind, a plan for rescuing her even at this late -hour—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lord, Miss Annella! what ever can that be, and could -you ever carry it through—and wouldn’t the law punish -you if you did?” inquired Tabitha, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I cannot tell you—it is enough for you to know that I -shall go to visit her this evening, but my visit to the prison -must not be known—my absence from this house must not -even be suspected, lest it lead to discovery; therefore, -Tabitha, you must let me out the back way; and you -must remain in this room, and if anybody comes to inquire -after me, put them off with some excuse; and at night go -out and lock the door after you, so that no one can get into -the room and miss me. And when you come up again, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>bring a basin of gruel, as if I had need of it. Ask leave -to sleep in my room to take care of me to-night; but on -no account let any one else come in. You understand this, -Tabitha?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Every word of it, Miss Annella.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, now hear my last words of all. After the family -have all retired, and the house is quiet, and everybody is -asleep, steal out of this room, lock the door behind you, -and bring away the key, and creep down stairs and out of -the house, and watch for me at the lower park gate. Can -you do this?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Surely, Miss Annella.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you look frightened already.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is enough to frighten one, but I’ll do it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, what are they all about down-stairs?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The family are all gathered around the grand piano, -listening to Madame Pezzilini playing and singing—Heaven -help them! and the servants are all at dinner in -the servants’ hall.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is well! It is the very hour for me to steal out -of the house unobserved. Lock the door and come with -me, Tabitha.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>They left the room, glided down the back stairs, and out -at the back door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella flew across the lawn; through the park, out upon -the downs, and into the high road. She ran along a little -way, and then struck into a by-path leading through a -narrow, wooded valley, or “coombe,” lying between two -rolling uplands of the downs, and leading towards Abbeytown. -As soon as she found herself out of the reach of -discovery and pursuit, and safely hidden in this thicket, -she sat down to recover her breath and to still the violent -throbbing of her heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Surely if Tabitha Tabs had noticed the signs of excitement -and almost of insanity in the expression of Annella’s -face, she had not consented to her leaving the house. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>But the darkness of the bed-chamber and of the narrow -back staircase had obscured the woman’s vision, and the -assumed calmness and self-restrained manner of Annella -had disarmed her caution.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But any rambler passing that way, and seeing Annella -as she sat, with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes, and -restless, frenzied manner, would have felt justified in taking -her in charge upon his own responsibility, and delivering -her up to her friends as a wandering maniac.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But withal Annella had as yet a strange, self-regulating -power that enabled her to control these frequently-recurring -fits of excitement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She sat quietly in the cool shadows of the wood until -its spirit had entered into her soul, and for the time, at -least, calmed its fever.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then she arose and took her way towards the prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With the order in her pocket, she was at once admitted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Has Mr. Montrose been here to day?” was the first -question she put to the turnkey, who conducted her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, he is not to come until six o’clock,” answered the -man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well; go on.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She was admitted to the cell, where she found Eudora -sitting by the little table engaged in reading the Scriptures. -At her feet was coiled up her little dog, and on the -table was laid a folded paper. Upon seeing the visitor, -she put her hand out, and taking that of Annella, drew her -up to her side and kissed her, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I thank you for coming to see me once more, dear girl. -I am not afraid, now, Annella! Every dark cloud has -passed from my spirit, and I feel strangely well. And -now I begin to understand how it was that Jane Grey and -Anne Boleyn, and so many other young and timorous -women, were enabled to meet unmerited death with so much -fortitude. I think that strength comes at the very last by -the gift of God.” And so saying, Eudora moved and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>seated herself on the side of the bed to yield the only chair -to her visitor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella did not trust her tongue to speak. She sat -down with her back to the light, that Eudora might not -see the disturbance of her face.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So there fell silence in the cell for a few moments, and -then Eudora arose and approached the table, took up the -pocket Bible, and wrote a few lines on the flyleaf. Then -laying it upon the lap of the visitor, she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will keep it for my sake, dear?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella’s hand closed over the book, but she made no -reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The dead silence of the young girl surprised and -troubled Eudora, who perceived in it a sympathy too deep -and painful for words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length the striking of a distant clock was faintly -heard. As the last stroke of six died away, Annella -started up, threw her arms around Eudora, strained her -to her bosom, pressed a kiss upon her forehead, and murmured, -in a fainting voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mr. Montrose will be here in a moment; I will not -stay to disturb your interview. Good-bye—Good-bye!” -and hurried from the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Even this failed to disturb the almost supernatural calmness -of Eudora, and saying merely: “I will rest now,” she -lay down upon the outside of the cot.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Barton occupied her usual seat in the corner of the -cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few moments passed, and then steps were heard approaching. -The door was opened, and Malcolm Montrose, -ushered in by the governor, who immediately retreated, -entered the cell. Malcolm’s face was fearfully pale, and -bore all the signs of extreme mental anguish. It was -evident that he put a severe restraint upon himself, and -exhibited a merely external fortitude that might at any -moment give way.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>She, too, though now so calm, was so wasted, wan, and -deadly fair, that she seemed more like a spirit of the air -than a maiden of mortal mould.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As she approached, she held out one thin, blue, pale, -transparent hand, and taking his, drew him towards her.</p> - -<p class='c014'>They looked into each other’s faces intently for a -moment with unspeakable love and grief, and then his -fortitude utterly failed him, and he dropped upon his knees -by her side, buried his face in his hands, and bursting into -sobs, wept such bitter tears as are only pressed, like drops -of life-blood, from the mighty heart of man by the extremity -of anguish.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A spasm of agony passed over Eudora’s still face. She -who had ceased to feel for herself suffered acutely for him. -With a supreme effort she controlled her rising emotions, -and, but for the fluttering of the muscles in her transparent -throat, and the quivering of her blue lips, she seemed calm -as before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She put her arm around his bowed head, drew it upon -her bosom, and held it gently there while she murmured:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear Malcolm, this wrings your heart cruelly, I know. -You could endure it with fortitude if it were yourself -instead of me. It is for my fate alone that you grieve; -and your grief is the only thing that troubles me. But do -not weep so bitterly; remember that in a few short hours -all my earthly troubles will be over. And if it is the -manner of my death that appals you, remember that hundreds -as young, as delicate, and as innocent as your -Eudora, have endured as dark a doom. And think that I -have strength given me to meet my fate, and reflect that -by this hour to-morrow it will be all the same to Eudora’s -emancipated spirit as if she had died in a bed of purple -and fine linen, with ministering friends around her. And -now look up, dear friend. We have but an hour to pass -together, and I wish you to try to calm yourself and listen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span>to me, for there are some things that I want to commission -you to do.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>While Eudora was speaking, the sobs that burst from -Malcolm’s agonized bosom shook his whole frame. But -with an almost superhuman effort he subdued the storm of -anguish, and forced himself to be calm.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then, still kneeling by her side, he took her wasted hand -in his own, gazed with unutterable love in her spirit-like -face, and listened with reverential tenderness to her last -words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With her hands still clasped in his, and her eyes dwelling -upon his with unutterable love and faith, she spoke:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear Malcolm, when you were here the other day I requested -you to promise me that you would mingle with the -crowd to-morrow, and place yourself near the—the scene -of my death, so that at the very last I might look upon the -face of a friend. Do you remember?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, dearest Eudora; and I will keep my promise—ay, -if it drives reason from its throne—as it is sure to do,” he -added, mentally.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I release you from that promise, Malcolm. It -should never have been asked or given; the trial is too -great for human nature to bear; a woman, even a fragile -girl, has strength given her to endure that which it would -kill or craze the man who loves her to witness; therefore -you must not see me die.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, dear Eudora—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now, hear me out before you interrupt me. I have released -you from <em>that</em> promise, but there is another which I -wish you to make me—only one, dear Malcolm; for though -there are several requests that I wish to make of you, there -is but one promise by which I mean to bind your faith.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And what is that, dear Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wish you to promise me, on your honor as a gentleman, -and your faith as a Christian, to obey the one single -command that I shall give you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>“I promise, dear Eudora.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then, my order is this: that you take the six o’clock -train for London to-morrow morning, so as to be far from -the scene that must be enacted here. I have your promise. -I have given you the order, and you are pledged to obey it -whether you like or not.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am pledged,” groaned Montrose, dropping his face in -his hands.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was silence between them for a few moments, and -then she spoke:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And now, dear Malcolm, for the requests that I have to -make of you, and that I feel sure you will grant without a -promise.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Be sure that all your requests are at this moment as -sacred to me as the laws of God.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Heaven bless you, dear Malcolm.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is it you wish me to do, Eudora?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To carry out a plan which I would accomplish if I -might be permitted to live.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>She paused for a moment, as if uncertain how to open -her communication, and then at length said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I was the heiress of Allworth, Malcolm, and after me -you are the sole heir. You will be very wealthy, Malcolm, -for I am told that the forfeiture will not be enforced—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Eudora! can you think of these things at this -moment?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; I can think of everything that requires to be -thought of. Pray let me proceed. You will have abundant -means of doing good. For my sake I wish you to be a -Providence to that poor widow with whom I lodged in the -Borough, and her thirteen children—what a family! and -she was willing to have made it fourteen, and even fifteen, -by keeping the Captain’s orphan daughter, and myself also, -if there had been any need. Hers is a terrible struggle -with the world to win daily bread for all those ravenous -young mouths; and well and bravely does she maintain it. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>Now, dear Malcolm, as I firmly believe that there is not a -woman in this world more worthy of assistance, I wish you -to give her no merely transient help, but such permanent -aid as shall establish herself and children in comfortable -independence for life. I heard her say the house she occupies -was for sale. Buy it and give it to her; renew the -furniture and stock the shop. It will take but a few -hundred pounds—that you will never miss—but to her and -her children what a fortune it will be!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If it took thousands, Eudora, it should be done, and -not only because they would be well bestowed, but because -you desire it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know it. Well, when you have made her comfortable -in the way I have indicated, next find out what trades or -professions she would like her sons and daughters to follow, -and pay the fees to apprentice them. That will provide for -all their future lives, and relieve the good mother from the -great burden of care.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It shall be done, Eudora, and in your own dear name, -so that for years after you have become an angel in heaven, -the widow and her children shall bless your memory.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, well, I feel the need that some one should bless me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Many will do so, dear saint! And now what more -shall I do?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not much; only when I am gone, do not let my little -dog perish. Mrs. Barton will keep her for a few days, until -you can call and fetch her.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dear girl, be sure that there will be few things in this -world so precious to me as the little creature that you -loved. And now what else? Speak all your wishes; tell -me all that I can do for you, for to obey all your commands -will be the only course to save me from madness—the -only purpose for which I shall bear to live—except one! -yes, except one!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is nothing else whatever, dear friend?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing else? You ask nothing for yourself—nothing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>for your own memory! Even at this supreme hour your -thoughts are all for the good of others. Yet, dear saint, -though in your sweet resignation you have not asked it, -here I make you one solemn promise, one binding oath, -one sacred vow! Here, with my hand upon your martyred -head—here, speaking to your innocent heart—here, in the -sight of the all-seeing God—I pledge my whole life, fortune, -and honor to the one sacred purpose of discovering the real -criminal, redeeming your memory from all reproach, and -establishing your innocence beyond all question!” said -Malcolm, solemnly sealing his vow by pressing a kiss upon -her forehead.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thanks, thanks for this devotion, dearest friend. And -now bid me a gentle good-night and go.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So soon—has it come?” aspirated the young man, as -all the blood in his veins seemed to turn back in its course, -and roll in with annihilating force upon his heart. “Must -I leave you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is my own tongue that bids you go, dear Malcolm. -Go, while we still have some self-command left; go, and leave -me to God!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this very moment also a warder appeared at the cell -door. He did not speak, but the mere event of his appearance -there announced that the moment of separation had arrived. -She raised him and threw herself upon his bosom. He -strained her to his heart in the unutterable agony of a last -embrace. A moment thus, and then her arms relaxed, and -she sank back fainting upon her pillow.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, blinded, giddy, and stunned by despair, reeled -from the cell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lobby, lighted only here and there at long intervals -by lamps in high sconces, was very dusky. As he rushed -along its gloom, he suddenly felt his wrist caught by a thin, -fiery hand, that seemed to scorch into his flesh, while a -fierce, hot whisper pierced his ear, saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>Be on the watch to-night at the appointed place!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span>The burning, wiry grip, the eager, stinging tones were -those of Annella Wilder. But before he could reply to -her words, almost indeed, before he had recognized her, -she had vanished.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And the next minute he was joined by the warder, who -had only lingered behind to lock the door, and who now -attended him down the stairs and saw him fairly outside -the prison walls.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He heard the great gate close with a loud clang, the key -turn, the bolts shove into their grooves, the bars fell into -their places, and he knew that the prison was closed up -for the night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But where was Annella?</p> - -<p class='c014'>He looked up and down the highway and all around, in -expectation of seeing that strange creature, whom he supposed -must have left the building before he did, and with -whom, as the despairing and the frenzied snatch at the -faintest shadows of hope, he wished to confer. But he -looked in vain; she was nowhere visible.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He well understood the meaning that her words were -intended to convey. But were they not the words of madness? -Who could tell?</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Be on the watch to-night at the appointed place,” she -had said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Be on the watch? Aye, that he surely would, without -the need of warning; for could he go home and go to rest -upon this last bitter night? Ah, no! The only thing -that he could bring himself to do was to pace up and -down the road beneath the prison walls, praying for her—praying -for himself—until the dawn of the fatal day -should compel him to keep his promise to Eudora, and -throw himself into the first morning train, to fly from the -scene of her martyrdom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But with the constant echo of Annella’s last words in -his ear came the memory of the promise he had made her—an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>insane promise, but otherwise harmless and certainly -binding. A part of it he had already kept.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was a small vessel anchored in a quiet cove, five -miles from Abbeytown, and a boat chained at the beach. -There was his fast horse, Fleetfoot, in the stables of the -Leaton Arms. There was not one chance in a billion, not -the shadow of a hope, not the faintest indication of a -possibility that any of these preparations would be of the -least use; yet he had madly promised to complete them, -and he must keep his promise. Still half stunned, blind, -and dizzy with despair, he went on to the town, got his -horse from the stables, rode slowly through the woods -until it was quite dark, then tied Fleetfoot in the thicket -behind the prison, and went round and resumed his walk -and watch before the front gates.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXX.<br> <span class='large'>THE BURNING PRISON.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The doomed girl is silent,</div> - <div class='line in2'>I watch with her now,</div> - <div class='line'>And her pulse beats no quicker,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Nor flushes her brow.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The small hand that trembled,</div> - <div class='line in2'>When last in my own,</div> - <div class='line'>Lies patient and folded</div> - <div class='line in2'>And colder than stone.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Malcolm paced up and down before the prison walls. The -sky was “blind with a double dark” of night and clouds. -The huge building itself seemed only a blacker shadow in -the black scene. But not darker was the night without -than the soul within the solitary watcher. Why did he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span>walk there? Not only because he had promised Annella -to do so. Not, either, with the faintest hope of saving the -martyr-girl who lay within those strong walls awaiting her -doom. No; but to be near her in her sorrow, to watch -with her as we watch beside the dead. Who can estimate -the anguish of that dark vigil? The deep-voiced clock at -the top of one of the towers struck each hour in its turn, -and each stroke sounded like a knell upon his ear and -heart. He wondered if she heard them too, or if Heaven -had blessed her with sleep in these last hours. If so, -would to Heaven she might never wake to the horrors of -the morning.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While these agonizing thoughts were lacerating his -bosom, he raised his eyes towards the east wing of the -building, in which she lay, and he was startled to see the -gratings strongly defined against a bright, ruddy light -shining within!</p> - -<p class='c014'>What was the matter that the deadly darkness of this -massive structure, which an instant before had seemed -but a shapeless mass of shadows piled up against the -midnight sky, should now be illumined so ominously? -Was she ill? dying? Heaven, in its mercy, grant that -she might be!</p> - -<p class='c014'>But while he gazed with suspended breath, the lighted -row of gratings suddenly darkened, and belched forth -volumes of lurid smoke, pierced by tongues of flame!</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='sc'>The Prison was on Fire!</span></p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, Heaven! she might escape her impending doom, -but only perishing by the most fearful of deaths!—perishing -by fire with hundreds of others!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He rushed to the gate, seized the iron handle of the bell -that communicated with the door-keeper’s room, and rang -it loudly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Another moment, and the great bell of the prison -sounded from the tower, rousing by its deep-toned thunder -all the sleepers of the neighborhood, while cries of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>“Fire! fire! fire!” burst in every tone of terror, anguish, -and despair from the inmates of the burning building.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Still but another instant, and crowds of half-dressed men -and even women, who seemed to have started up from the -depths of the earth in the darkness of the night, came -pouring towards the building. The great gates were -opened—when, how, or by whom Malcolm scarcely knew. -Bewildered by his trouble, he was carried with the crowd -and hurried on until he found himself in the great hall of -the prison.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Within, as without, the most fearful panic prevailed. -Warders, turnkeys, and door-keepers, roused from deep -sleep by the horrid alarm of fire, hurried hither and thither -like men bereft of their senses.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the ward where Eudora’s cell was situated the darkness -was intense and the smoke suffocating. Malcolm, who -had hastened thither, could scarcely breathe the air. While -blindly making his way towards her door, from which he -heard the voice of the wardress shrieking “Fire!” and -“Help!” he <em>felt</em> rather than saw two figures meet in the -darkness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is that you, Nally?” demanded the voice of the first, -which Malcolm recognized as that of the governor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes, sir,” replied a husky, smoke-smothered voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Take this key, then, and release the condemned prisoner. -Slip these handcuffs upon her, and hurry her forward -to the west-wing strong-room. Don’t let her escape in this -confusion. I must go and look after the poor wretches -above,” said the governor, in an agitated voice, as he hurried -away to the other end of the lobby.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm groped along, keeping as near as he could to -the figure that he still <em>felt</em> rather than saw moving before -him. Screams of “Fire” and “Help” still came from the -condemned cell, which now, like the lobby, was as dark as -pitch. Malcolm came up with the other just at the cell -door. He held his breath with suspense, but the invisible -<span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span>figure beside him breathed quickly and fiercely as they -stood there together.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A panic of astonishment transfixed Malcolm as he felt -that hot breath upon his cheek. An instant, and the cell -door was unlocked and thrown open, and Mrs. Barton, distracted -with fright, rushed out past them, to make good her -escape from the burning building. Another instant and -the mysterious figure, who had plunged into the darkness -of the cell, issued forth, and dropped a light, soft burden -upon Malcolm’s breast, whispering fiercely:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is saved! Fly for your life and hers; look not -behind you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Oh, Heaven! it was Annella’s voice! And she had kept -her word!</p> - -<p class='c014'>But he felt that there was not an instant to lose. Pressing -the light form of the girl close in his arm, he ran along -through the darkness and the suffocating smoke, through -the lobby, and down the stairs, and out into the free air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The smoke, the darkness, the crowd, and the panic befriended -him. He passed the bounds of the prison unobserved, -and hurried on towards the thicket where his horse -was tied. As he pressed through the dark crowd without, -he heard many remarks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The fire broke out in the prison wardrobe-room, where -they keep the clothing,” said one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No one knows how it broke out,” said another.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They have saved all the prisoners, poor wretches!” -exclaimed a woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They’ll soon bring the fire under, too,” observed a man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No one noticed Malcolm hurrying along with his beloved -burden enveloped in a dark shawl. All eyes were fixed on -the ignited building, upon the walls of which the fire-engines, -which had now arrived, were playing freely.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm reached the thicket in safety. He sat down for -a moment to rest Eudora and uncovered her face to give -her air. He thought that she had swooned, but this was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>not so. She was pale, and weak, and limber, but breathing -and conscious. She was the first to speak. Raising her -eyes to his, she asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is all this? What has occurred?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are saved, dearest Eudora!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I scarcely know myself. Ask no questions yet, dear -one, but rally all your strength to fly with me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He placed her gently on a bank, where she could rest -against the trunk of a tree. He led his horse to the spot, -stooped and raised her to the seat before him, and rode -slowly and carefully until he was out of the wood. Then -putting spurs to his horse, he galloped swiftly towards the -sea-coast. As his horse rushed onward Malcolm turned to -look at the fire, and was gratified to see that the flames -were certainly in process of extinction. With a lighter -heart he galloped along the beach until at length he reached -the cove, where his hired vessel lay at anchor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Day was now dawning, and by its faint light they discerned -the little boat upon the sands, and the vessel standing -off a short distance from the shore.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm, leaving the horse to his fate, placed Eudora in -the boat, pushed it off, took up the pair of oars, and rowed -rapidly to the vessel.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The captain was on deck, ready to receive his passengers, -whom he had been led to believe were only a pair of -“true lovers” running away to be married.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Poor young lady, but she is dreadfully faint,” he said, -as he received Eudora from Malcolm’s arms, and bore her -into the cabin, where he laid her gently upon the berths.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is; but rest and safety will restore her. When can -you sail?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This instant! the tide has turned.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Up anchor!</span>” shouted the captain, hurrying upon deck.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The anchor was raised, the canvas was unfurled to the -breeze, and the little vessel sailed away upon the blue sea.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXXI.<br> <span class='large'>ANNELLA’S RETURN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“For the soul of a sinner</div> - <div class='line in2'>Let masses be said;</div> - <div class='line'>The sin shall be nameless,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And nameless the maid.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Long and fearful was the watch kept by poor Tabitha -Tabs, who had stationed herself at the back gate of the -lawn to await Annella’s return. As hour after hour passed -away she grew more and more anxious. Where could the -strange girl be? When would she come back? Would -she ever come back? If not, what would be the consequences? -Tabitha shuddered even to conjecture.</p> - -<p class='c014'>At length, when she had grown almost hysterical with -suspense, anxiety, and terror, she was startled by seeing a -light rising in the distance. It was the burning prison! -It was too far off for her to hear the cries of “Fire!” or -even the alarm-bells, so she could not know what building -was in flames; but the fascination of the fire, lighting up -the midnight sky, kept her gazing open-eyed and open-mouthed, -and forgetful of all her causes of anxiety. She -would even have called her fellow-servants to share the -delight of this spectacle, but that she feared they would -question how she came to be up and watching, and might -thus discover the absence of Annella, who might even -return while they were all enjoying the pageantry of this -illuminated midnight sky.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While she still gazed upon the scene, with these thoughts -revolving through her mind, there was a sharp rap at the -gate, followed by the voice of Annella, wildly demanding -admittance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Lord sake, Miss Annella, I am glad you have come at -last! I never spent such an anxious night in all my life. -Wherever have you been? And you shall never go out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>in this way again with <em>my</em> connivance! And can you tell -me what house that is a-fire?” inquired Tabitha, as she -unbolted the gate, and put out her hand to draw in the -returning fugitive.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the hand she took was burning hot, and the words -that replied to her were wild and incoherent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Tabitha could not see the face of Annella, but she was -greatly alarmed, and holding the hand of the excited girl, -she hurried her on to the house, up the back stairs and -into her chamber. There she struck a light and looked at -Annella’s face. That face was fearful to behold. The -cheeks were burning with fever; the eyes were blazing -with frenzy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Good Lord! the girl is delirious!” cried Tabitha, in -affright.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But, panic-stricken as she was, she had the presence of -mind to undress Annella and place her in the bed, and put -away all her clothing, and set the room in order before she -gave the alarm. Then, indeed, she aroused the housekeeper, -telling her that Miss Wilder was extremely ill and -raving mad, and that a physician should be summoned at -once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Barbara Broadsides felt herself quite equal to such an -emergency, and therefore declined to wake up her old mistresses -before their accustomed hour. But she aroused -Mr. Jessup, and dispatched him to Abbeytown to fetch a -doctor, who arrived about the dawn of day. He pronounced -the illness of Annella to be a most alarming type -of brain-fever, and applied the proper remedies.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was the beginning of a long and dangerous illness, -during which the delirious girl continually raved of fire -and floods, perils and rescues; but as no one but Tabitha -in that house knew the secret of her absence that night, -her talk was all considered to be the mere wanderings of a -mind excited and deranged by fever, as, perhaps, it might -have been.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXXII.<br> <span class='large'>THE WRECK AND THE DISCLOSURE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Storm that, like a demon,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Howls with horrid note</div> - <div class='line'>Round the toiling seamen</div> - <div class='line in2'>In the tossing boat—</div> - <div class='line in6'>Drive her out to sea!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Sleet, and hail, and thunder—</div> - <div class='line in2'>And ye winds that rave</div> - <div class='line'>Till the sands thereunder</div> - <div class='line in2'>Tinge the sullen wave—</div> - <div class='line in6'>Drive her out to sea!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The little vessel sailed onward over the blue sea. She -was bound for a small and distant port on the coast of -France, but she made slow way against a wind almost dead -ahead.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Leaving Eudora sleeping in the cabin-berth, Malcolm -went on deck to get a little fresh air. While standing in -the forward part of the vessel, he observed a man with his -back turned and his head bowed upon his breast, in an attitude -of deep dejection, leaning against the mast. Something -in the general form and air of this man seemed half -familiar and half alarming to Montrose. Unable to analyze -his instincts in regard to this stranger, he beckoned the -captain to approach, and inquired, in a tone of displeasure:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who is that man? How is it that you have taken -another passenger, when I bargained for the sole use of the -vessel?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, sir, he is not a passenger, but a hand I picked -up at Abbeyport, to replace one of my men who is too ill -for this trip,” answered the captain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is his name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Antony More.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>“Antony More!” repeated Malcolm to himself, as he -walked up to the stranger, and confronted—Antonio Morio, -the <i><span lang="fr">soi-disant</span></i> seneschal of the Princess Pezzilini!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Self-preservation is the first law of nature. What have -you to say why I should not forthwith pitch you into the -sea, Signor Antonio?” inquired Malcolm, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This, Mr. Montrose!—that, so help me Heaven, I will -not betray you, nor that sweet young lady in the cabin,” -answered the man, not in broken English, but in such good -vernacular that it might have been his mother tongue.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why are you here?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is my secret! Torture should not wring it from -me. Pitch me into the sea if you like, Mr. Montrose! I’d -quite as lief, you would! I shall say no more.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Full of thought, Malcolm walked away from this man, -whom he observed was as pale as death, and looked as if -recently recovered from some nearly fatal illness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The wind is rising,” said the captain; “I fear we shall -have a gale.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm hoped not, and went below to carry such refreshments -as the vessel afforded to Eudora. After she -had partaken of them, she expressed a wish to go up on -deck, and Malcolm assisted her to ascend.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Oh, dear friend! if you could conceive the rapture of -moving in wide space, breathing free air, and looking -upon the boundless sea and sky once more!” exclaimed -Eudora, sinking upon the couch of rugs and cushions that -Malcolm had prepared for her upon the deck.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He sat down at her feet, and began to tell her of their -destination, and that immediately upon their arrival it -would be necessary for them to be united in marriage, and -that then they would sail for America, and commence life -together.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Eudora listened with calm delight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But while they talked the wind was rising rapidly and -lashing the waves into fury. The little vessel began to roll -<span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span>so heavily that Eudora was driven below for safety. -Malcolm guided her down into the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The wind was now so high that they were compelled to -take in the sails, and the voice of the captain was heard -shouting at the head of the cabin stairs:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“For God’s sake, Mr. Montrose, come up and help us, or -we are lost.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm secured Eudora as well as he could, and hurried -up on deck to render assistance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The storm came on apace. The sky was now as dark as -night. The froth-capped waves rushed like foaming steeds -before the lashing of the wind.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The little vessel, driven back on her course, was forced -to tack and scud under bare poles before the gale, and -towards the coast from whence she had sailed but a few -hours ago. All the afternoon the little craft, struggling -bravely for her life, was driven furiously before the winds -and waves.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As evening deepened, the sky darkened to a blacker hue, -and the gale increased in violence. The captain and his -mate never left the deck for an instant. Malcolm gave all -the aid he could, but went below occasionally to reassure -Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am not afraid, dear Malcolm. How could any one -who has passed through what I have, be afraid of anything -else that could happen in this world? Go on deck and -help to save the vessel, and think no more of me,” was her -constant answer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Ah! she did not know that they were being driven -swiftly back upon the coast of England, to which they were -already fearfully near.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The night was now dark as the grave. Not a ray of -light was to be seen, except the phosphorescent sparkling -of the leaping waves. On—on—the little vessel plunged -through the black fury of the tempest. The men had lost -all control over her, and merely waited for death, while she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>was whirled, tossing and pitching, now whelming in the -black waves, now lifted towards the sky, and ever carried -onward towards the lee shore. While fate was thus imminent, -Malcolm had brought Eudora from the cabin, and -bound her firmly to himself, so as to leave his limbs free -for struggling with the waves. And thus they awaited -their doom. At length it came. The vessel was slowly -lifted on a mighty wave, and dashed with a stupendous -shock upon the sands; and in the same instant all were -struggling for life in the black and furious waves.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm was a strong swimmer; but he never could explain, -because he never knew, how he and his companion -reached the shore that terrible night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He only knew that while the black chaos still roared -around him, he found himself high on the beach, stunned -and exhausted, with the dripping and drowned form of -Eudora in his arms.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Fishermen from the cliffs above were hurrying down with -lanterns to render assistance to the shipwrecked mariners.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Two of these came towards him and with homely words -of sympathy, took charge of him and his drowned Eudora, -and bore them off to a cottage on the cliff.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She is dead! quite dead!” moaned Malcolm, in a voice -of despair that sounded like content, as he gazed upon the -cold, still form that the fisherman’s wife had laid upon the -rude cottage bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not she, sir; we’ll bring her to presently, if you’ll go -in t’other room and leave her to us,” said the kind dame.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm turned into the kitchen, where the fisherman -supplied him with a suit of dry clothes and a glass of -brandy that had never lost its flavor by passing through -the custom-house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then, while Malcolm sat before the kitchen fire, -waiting anxiously to hear some report of Eudora’s state, -the fisherman relighted his lantern and went out to see -what further aid he could render to the sufferers. After an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>absence of half an hour he returned, and seating himself -beside his guest, inquired:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How many on you might ha’ been aboard that craft, -master?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm informed him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well, then they’re all landed alive.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Thank God!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Aye; but whether they are all saved, that is another -matter, master. Some on ’em are badly hurt; and one on -’em mos’ particular badly hurt, poor fellow! nigh upon -killed, I should think. He’s lying in the next cottage.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm uttered some few words of sympathy, but his -whole heart was with Eudora. He could think of no one -else. At length the fisherman’s wife appeared to relieve -his anxiety. “The young lady had come round,” she said, -“and had inquired after the gentleman, and being told that -he was safe and well, she had taken a quieting drink and -gone to sleep. And now could the gentleman do better -than to follow her example? There was a good bed in the -room up-stairs that was heartily at his honor’s service.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm thanked the woman, and followed the man, who -led him up-stairs, to a humble attic, where he stretched -himself upon a hard bed. But notwithstanding the weariness -and exhaustion of his body, the excitement and anxiety of -his mind kept him from sleep until near morning, when he -was aroused by a loud knocking at his door. It was the -fisherman, who entered, deprecatingly saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Excuse <em>me</em>, master, but <em>might</em> your name be Mr. -Montrose?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; what is the matter?” demanded the young man, -in a voice so startled as to seem angry, for he dreaded some -evil to Eudora.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why, then, master, the poor man as were so badly hurt -last night, which we think he is dying, is very particular -anxious to see you, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Which of them is he? What is his name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span>“Antony More, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Antonio Morio!” exclaimed Malcolm, springing from -the bed, and quickly preparing to visit the dying man, -whom ten minutes after he found lying upon a poor cot in -the next hut.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What can I do for you?” inquired Malcolm, seating -himself beside the man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“First send all these people from the room, as our interview -must be a private one,” answered Morio, or More, as -we shall hereafter call him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm made a sign to the fisherman’s family, who -withdrew from sight only to plant themselves at convenient -listening-posts without.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They say the poor young lady is saved from the wreck. -Is it true?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m glad to be sure about it; for if she had escaped to -France, or if she had perished in the waves, I should have -died and made no sign. I should have been faithful to the -friend who has ruined me, even though she would have consummated -that ruin in death, and offered me up the last of -the holocaust of victims sacrificed to her evil passions. But -now that that poor girl is thrown again upon these shores, -to suffer for another’s crimes, and that I am dying, I dare -not carry to the grave the secret that might save her; or -face my Judge with her innocent blood on my soul!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm bent over the dying man, and listened with suspended -breath, fearing to ask a question, or to make an -observation, lest he should arrest the confession that was -trembling on his lips.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The theologians are all wrong in supposing the great -principal evil to be a male—it is a female. Satan is a -woman—I am sure of it, and many another man must know -it also. An evil woman gains a spell over a man’s senses, -and then a power over his soul, that is like diabolical magic. -The man may know her, scorn her, hate her, but he cannot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span>escape from her. Sometimes he goes mad and kills her, -and gets himself hanged for it, and finds freedom, purchased -even at that price, an infinite relief. Such an ascendancy -one fatal woman gained over me. For years I have been -her dupe, her slave, her tool. She has been my god, for at -her command I have broken all the laws of the Divine -One—all, all! At her command I would have</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘Marched to death as to a festival!’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>The man paused from exhaustion; but after a few moments -of silence, continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why she wished to destroy the house of Leaton I do -not know, but I became her blind tool in that work of -destruction——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Name this woman!” exclaimed Malcolm, under his -breath.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I cannot; I know neither her name nor her country. -She bears half a dozen aliases, and speaks with equal -facility half a dozen modern languages—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You mean the Italian Princess Pezzilini?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I mean the mysterious woman who has successfully -imposed herself upon a few guileless country families as -that illustrious lady. I first met her many years ago at -Rome, where I was in the suite of the English Ambassador, -and she in the household of the Princess Gentilescha Pezzilini. -When the Palazza Pezzilini was burned by the mob, -she purloined the family jewels and papers, and fled with -me to Paris, where, with the aid of her documents, she succeeded -in passing herself upon Lord Leaton’s retired circle -as the illustrious lady who had really perished in the burning -palace. She accompanied them to England, bringing -me in her train. You know what followed. Why she -wished to exterminate the whole race of her benefactors -from the face of the earth, I never knew. She used me -without trusting me, or confided in me only so far as was absolutely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>needful. And when she had no further use for me, -she turned her death-dealing powers against me to get me -out of the way. Death was dealt to me insidiously, slowly, -and cautiously; but still I knew that it <em>was</em> death, and that -it came from her hand. Even then I was too much under -her spell to denounce her; but I escaped from her, and fled -for my life when I embarked in the vessel. Judge how glad -I was that the poor innocent girl was escaping too!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But to do that young lady justice, you are aware that -this confession must be made on oath before a magistrate, -in the presence of witnesses, with every circumstantial -detail, and reduced to writing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know that, and have already sent to summon the -proper persons,” moaned the man, who now seemed thoroughly -exhausted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm gave him drink. And in a few minutes afterwards -a justice of the peace, attended by his clerk, arrived -at the hut. A magistrate in a populous district is inured -to startling revelations. Therefore this worthy justice sat -calmly through the terrible statement made upon oath by -the dying man, and reduced to writing by the clerk. The -document was signed by Antony More, and witnessed by -Malcolm Montrose and another.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The necessary warrants were then issued, and the magistrate -departed, leaving a constable in charge of the dying -witness, whom the doctors pronounced unfit for removal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose hurried to the cottage where Eudora -lay concealed, to comfort her with news of the revelation -that would completely vindicate her fair fame.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span> - <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br> <span class='large'>THE DENOUEMENT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“And well my folly’s meed you gave,</div> - <div class='line'>Who forfeited, to be your slave,</div> - <div class='line'>All here and all beyond the grave!</div> - <div class='line'>You saw another’s face more fair,</div> - <div class='line'>You knew her of broad lands the heir,</div> - <div class='line'>Forgot your vows, your faith forswore.</div> - <div class='line'>And I was then beloved no more.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The whole conversation at Abbeytown turned upon the -subject of the accident at the prison. It was well ascertained -that the fire had originated in the clothes-room. -But the flames had been extinguished before any very -material damage was done to the building. No one was -injured, and no one was missing, except Eudora Leaton, -who was supposed to have perished in the flames or to -have escaped in the confusion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella Wilder, on her fevered bed, raved of conflagrations -and tempests, and deadly perils by fire or flood. -And the two old ladies scolded all the women for mentioning -the burning prison in her presence.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“For how could she have known anything about it -but for their gabbling in the sick room?” inquired Mrs. -Stilton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The admiral was divided between anxiety for the recovery -of his grand-daughter and aspiration for the love -of the Princess Pezzilini! Yes, despite his own bitter -matrimonial reminiscences, his threescore years, and the -constant supervision of the two sybils, “that boy” had -become the bond-slave of the Italian princess. In addition -to the beauty, accomplishments, and fascination of the -woman, there were other strong reasons for this infatuation. -The admiral, like most self-made men, had a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span>profound veneration for hereditary greatness. And her -assumed title of “princess,” even though it only represented -the ill-defined rank of an <em>Italian</em> princess, threw a -halo over the Pezzilini that enhanced her value a hundred-fold.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then the admiral was of an heroic temper, and her perilous -adventures charmed his mind. He was also excessively -benevolent, and her misfortunes melted his heart.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus it happened that the admiral was kneeling at the -feet of the “princess,” in the recess of the bay window, -when the officers arrived with the warrant for her “highness’s” -arrest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The “princess” was calmly incredulous; the household -were astonished; the admiral was furious! It was a mistake, -an absurdity, an outrage; but the persecuted princess -was in England, the land of civil and religious liberty, -thank Heaven! and should have justice done her, so he said.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He ordered out his own carriage to take her before the -magistrate, and insisted on escorting her. The officers -made no objection to these arrangements, stipulating only -that they should occupy the remaining two seats in the -carriage, so as to keep their charge in view. In this manner -the <i><span lang="fr">soi-disant</span></i> princess was taken to the town-hall, -where the magistrates were then sitting. The examination -occupied a very long time, yet the case was so clearly -made out against the adventuress that she was fully committed -for trial. And the same day a report of the proceedings -was dispatched to the Home Secretary, with a -petition in behalf of Eudora Leaton, falsely convicted of -poisoning her uncle’s family, and reported missing since -the fire. This was met by a respite of the sentence until -after the trial of Madame Pezzilini should either confirm or -refute the testimony upon which the latter had been indicted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The assizes was still in session, and the trial was fixed -for an early day.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Antony More, to the surprise of every one, survived his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>great injuries, and was able to appear in the court as a -witness against her. His testimony was clear, conclusive, -and corroborated by certain facts produced in evidence. -The trial occupied three days, at the end of which the -self-styled princess was convicted and sentenced. She -received her doom with the cool self-possession she had -displayed throughout the whole proceedings. Only once -she betrayed a momentary emotion. Throughout her short -imprisonment she had been frequently visited by an elderly -woman, whose relations to her were unknown. Soon after -being placed in the condemned cell, she was visited by this -woman, upon whose bosom she threw herself in a transient -burst of feeling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do nothing rash, my mother—my most injured mother. -Keep your own counsel, for I will never betray you!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The next instant she was as calm and self-possessed as -ever, but the wardress had overheard her words.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the visitor had departed, the prisoner was carefully -searched by the women, but no instrument of self-destruction -was found upon her, and she was permitted at -last to lie down and rest, guarded by the wardress.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the night succeeding the conviction of the strange -adventuress, the Lord Chief Baron Elverton was seated -alone in his apartment at the Leaton Arms, pondering over -the subject of the most inexplicable criminal trial at -which he had ever presided; for though the guilt of the -accused had been established to the satisfaction of the -Jury, yet her motive for the deed was still a deep mystery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Jealousy, revenge, avarice, ambition, the usual incentives -to such crimes, seemed totally wanting in this case, and -why she had exterminated her benefactor’s family was still -a secret.</p> - -<p class='c014'>While the baron pondered over this subject, the door -was opened and a visitor announced.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a woman of majestic appearance, clothed in deep -mourning and closely veiled.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>She advanced to the table, at which he was seated, and -threw aside her veil. And oh, what a countenance was -there revealed!</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a fine face, still bearing the vestiges of magnificent -beauty, but it was the thunder-blasted beauty of the -ruined archangel!</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Again!” cried the baron, with a shudder of horror, as -he met her dark, splendid eyes, now blazing with the fires -of insanity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ay, again! for the third and last time since your sin, -I stand before you, Baron Elverton!” replied the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In the name of Heaven, what is your will with me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To sum up—<em>just judge!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know not what you mean beyond this, that it must -be some new diabolism!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you know who you have condemned to death to-day?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No, beyond the fact that she was an adventuress with a -half dozen aliases, a murderess, who merited breaking upon -the wheel rather than any milder form of death!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah, she was very wicked, was she not?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A double-dyed, diabolical traitor to destroy her benefactors, -and without even any apparent motive for the -deed!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But perhaps she could not help it. Treachery and -ingratitude were hereditary with her, were in her blood, -were given to her at her birth.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What dark meaning now lurks under your words?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Listen, Baron Elverton, while I tell you. More years -ago than I care to count, the sinful woman who confronts -you now for the last time was a sinless child—the only -child of a poor old widowed country curate. She became, -at seventeen years of age, the nursery governess of your -little sisters. You saw and admired her beauty. You -made her your wife by a secret marriage.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Woman! why do you recall these follies after all these -years?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>“To lead to the end! You made Harriette Newton -your wife by a clandestine marriage, but you were a few -months under age, and the marriage was not binding -unless you should choose to make it so after your majority. -Alas! before that time arrived you had repented -of your ‘low’ marriage, and grown tired of the humble -woman whose peace you had destroyed. When your secret -was discovered you humbled yourself to your offended -father; you promised never to see the ‘girl’ again; you -suffered her to be sent back with ignominy to break the -heart of <em>her</em> father, for the poor old curate never held up -his head again; he died before his daughter became a -mother—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Harriette, I was a boy then—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A boy with the hardened heart of a veteran sinner! -Your father died; you came into your estates; and I, with -my daughter in my arms, threw myself at your feet, and -entreated you to acknowledge us as your wife and -child—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And then I would have done it, Harriette.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Aye, for a moment nature made herself heard above -the clamor of pride, ambition, selfishness! You would -have yielded, you would then and there have restored us -to our places in your heart and home, but you were prevented!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Aye, I was prevented!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And who was it that hindered you in that act of justice? -Your bosom friend and confidant, <em>Henry Lord -Leaton</em>! He it was who, in that moment of your better -feelings, laid his hand upon your shoulder, and bade you -pause and reflect; told you that marriage with an inferior -was always a snare and a curse to both parties; that I was -unfitted for the sphere of life to which you would have -raised me; that by such a marriage you would be humiliated -and wretched, and I misplaced and miserable; bade -you remember the fate of the ‘Ladye of Burleigh,’ and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>take warning, and advised you to repudiate and provide -for us! ‘Provide for us!’ I think even <em>he</em> saw that I -would have seen my child slowly starve to death in my -arms rather than have taken one crumb from the father -who refused to acknowledge her as his legitimate daughter!” -exclaimed the woman, with her eyes suddenly -kindling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He was a high-toned, honorable man; he meant well -by you and me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Especially by me and my child, whom he consigned to -a life of misery, dishonor and reproach!” said the woman, -in withering scorn. “Enough! by his advice and his -assistance, you succeeded in annulling your juvenile marriage -and repudiating your wife and child! Once more -we are turned from your door. I had a long illness, -during which, I think, my soul must have left my body, -and the spirit of a fiend entered it. For, a loving, suffering, -forgiving woman, I fell into that fever, but I arose -from it the avenger of my own sex, the destroyer of -yours!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He knew that her words were the ravings of insanity, -and yet they seemed to curdle his blood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>She continued:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Were there not fallen angels enough in this pandemonium -of a world that you might have spared the poor -old curate’s little daughter? What excuse had you for -her destruction? Love? Bah! Love does not destroy -its object! Passion? Passion is of the soul, and your -soul was smothered in selfishness even in your infancy! -You feel a single glow of human love or passion, who from -boyhood have been a monster of egotism! But I did not -come here to deal in invective—I came to wind up accounts -with you for ever. Enough that I arose from that bed of -illness a spirit prepared for any work of evil! Every door -was closed against me—every road barred except that -which leads down to death and perdition! I do not intend -<span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>to amuse you, baron, with the life of a lost spirit. I was -not far from you on that grand day when you led the -Lady Elfrida Gaunt to the altar; and my curse that -arose to Heaven interrupted the marriage benediction. I -was near you also on that other proud day, when bonfires -blazed and bells were rung, and oxen roasted in honor of -the christening of your heir, and my curse neutralized -the blessing of the babe. Then I pressed my own discarded -child to my heart, and recorded a vow of vengeance -upon two men and all their race, even though it -should take me a long lifetime to work it out. How -long I pursued you secretly, how often I failed, need not -here be told. One day I found myself in Paris, among -congenial spirits, where a career opened before me; -where evil is organized into a perfect working system, -having its constitution and by-laws—its forms of government -and schools of training—its lovely girls and -handsome boys, educated into accomplished women and -men to become the sirens and satyrs of society. Of -this secret band I became a member. Men called me -beautiful and gifted. I went upon the stage, not from -necessity, but to facilitate my intercourse with a certain -set of wealthy dupes, for I still continued a bond member -of the secret society. Years passed and I became a -celebrity. At last I met the aged and decrepit General -de la Compte. He offered me marriage and I accepted -him. He had a daughter but a few months younger than -my own. He died in the second year of our marriage, -leaving me to bring up the two girls. When these young -women had reached a marriageable age, your son, grown -to manhood, appeared in Paris—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here the woman paused, and looked wistfully into the -blanched face of the old man; then, with a dreadful smile, -she said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you know the story—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Woman of Belial, yes!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>“But you do not know whom you have doomed to -death to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ha! There is something more than meets the ear -in this reiterated question! Whom do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your own daughter! She who, but for your black -treachery, would now be ruling in your halls, heiress of -Elverton, instead of lying in a prison-cell, a convicted -felon!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Great Heaven! this is most horrible! But then—but -then—if this story is true, the communication that -you made to my unhappy son, upon that fatal night -which drove him in madness from his home, a fugitive -and a wanderer over the face of the earth, and turned -the fair home into a Gehenna of remorse and despair was -false—must have been utterly false!” exclaimed the -baron, in uncontrollable agitation between the horror he -felt at being told that the criminal he had just condemned -to death was his own discarded daughter, and the -joy that rushed upon him with the thought that another -and a deeper curse was removed from his house.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His condition between these two excessive and antagonistic -emotions bordered upon insanity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ah!” muttered the woman to herself, with an expression -of perplexity and pain traversing her fine features as -she passed her hand over her brow; “I did not mean to -betray that fact; but my brain! my brain; I am not well!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Harriette!” exclaimed the baron, excited beyond all -measure, as he arose and dropped his hand upon her shoulder, -“Harriette, as you hope for God’s pardon in your dying -hour—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I do <em>not</em> hope for his pardon!” interrupted the woman, -gloomily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Tell me</span>, who is she that lies doomed to death in yonder -cell?” demanded the baron, without noticing her interruption.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span>“I have told you! your daughter and mine! the rightful -heiress of Elverton, if justice had been done!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And she whom my son married—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have unwillingly betrayed that secret too I take it, -since you have it! Your son’s wife is the daughter of the -late General de la Compte, by his first wife, and was, therefore, -<em>not</em> within the prohibited degree of kindred according -to the marriage code. Our daughter never married; she -was destined to another doom; to work her mother’s will; -to avenge her mother’s wrongs. For this I kept her always -near me; won her whole heart; absorbed her will; mastered -her spirit. Whatever she has done in this world has been -done for me, and often blindly by her. She had but one -human affection—filial love. To-day the daughter stood -before the father’s face to receive from him the doom of -death. But the doom was unmerited.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Woman! what do you tell me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“She was guiltless of the death of the Leatons!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who, then, was the destroyer?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>I!</em>” shouted the monomaniac. “<span class='sc'>I, the Avenger!</span> I, -who, in the same hour that I turned away from your triumphant -wickedness, with my discarded child pressed to -my bleeding heart—I who, in the same hour that was transformed -from a woman to a fiend, vowed a vow of exterminating -wrath against two men, with all their race, and sold -my soul to Satan for the power of accomplishing the work! -Had not Satan failed me at the last, the race of Leaton -would have been extinguished in blood and shame. That -of Elverton, would have lived in misery and dishonor—worse -than death and perdition.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Woman, you wildly rave! Come to your senses—collect -yourself, explain; you say that your daughter was -guiltless; that <em>you</em> were the criminal; if this is not a mere -trick to attempt to defeat the ends of justice, how do you -explain away the direct evidence of Antony More, who -swore that he was employed by the so-called Princess -<span class='pageno' id='Page_417'>417</span>Pezzilini to procure the drugs of which the Leatons died!” -inquired Lord Elverton, who, amidst all the violent emotion -that shook the bosom of the man retained the mental -calmness of the judge.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Antony More was a fool and a beast; the slave of a -slave; the mere tool of her who was but the tool of her -mother. I put into the hands of my daughter a card with -the name of the drug I wanted written upon it. I said to -her, ‘Give this card to your dog, Antonio, and tell him to -procure the drug secretly and bring it to you; when you -get it, pass it secretly to me.’ This was done. Afterwards, -she privately admitted me to the house on various occasions -by night; and so the work was accomplished; and -the last Leaton would have perished on the scaffold for the -murder of the others, but that Satan failed me at the very -last! It was necessary to get rid of Antony More; but I -was not quick enough about it. He took the alarm and -fled, and you know the result—a shipwreck, a confession, -and the arrest, trial, and conviction of Agnes. But Agnes -is guiltless! guiltless even of purloining the jewels and -documents of the Princess Gentilescha Pezzilini, which -were really given into my hands for safe custody during -the time of trouble; and only after the burning of the palace -and the death of the princess were they used by me for -the furtherance of our plans. For the rest, whatever Agnes -might have suspected, she never certainly knew why I -wanted the <i><span lang="la">Fabæ Sancta Ignatii</span></i>, or for what purpose I kept -myself concealed in the neighborhood and gained admittance -to the abbey only in the dead of night. That dolt, -Antony More, complained that she never took him into her -confidence! How could she, when she had nothing to confide -to him? But she is guiltless, and must not perish! -She was the only human creature that was ever true to me; -but she must not die for me! Baron Elverton, I came here -to denounce myself as the destroyer of the Leaton family! -You know your duty; do it!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_418'>418</span>“Yes,” he said, “whether you are mad or sane, it is -equally necessary that you should be placed in custody; -and to-morrow this affair shall be investigated. If your -unfortunate daughter should be proved really guiltless, -justice must be done her at any cost to myself or to you! -And you, wretched woman! must take your chance between -the doom of death and the living grave of Bedlam!” -said the Baron, as he rang the bell and summoned the -proper officers.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And ten minutes afterwards the woman was in custody -of the police.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Early the next morning inquiries were set on foot. They -were too late to avail the unhappy, blind instrument of a -mother’s vengeance. The <i><span lang="fr">soi-disant</span></i> Princess Pezzilini was -found dead in her bed. A small locket ring, that fitted -tightly upon her finger, was open; but instead of some -minute likeness of a friend’s face, or small lock of a lover’s -hair, it contained only a tiny glass cavity, which being -subjected to scientific experiments, was supposed to have -contained a certain deadly poison, one drop of which was -sufficient to have produced instantaneous dissolution.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Yes, “like the scorpion girt with fire,” she had stung -herself to death!</p> - -<p class='c014'>In due time the criminals were brought to justice and -paid the penalty of their crimes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When the turbulent emotions excited by these later -events had somewhat subsided, Malcolm Montrose and -Eudora Leaton were quietly married at the village church.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Annella Wilder, who had recovered from her severe -illness, attended as bridesmaid. Norham Montrose officiated -as best man. Admiral Sir Ira Brunton gave the bride away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>After the ceremony they set out immediately for Southhampton, -whence they sailed for India, where Montrose had -received a high official appointment, and where, for the -further restoration of Eudora’s peace of mind, he had -determined to fix their future residence.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_419'>419</span>Up to the hour of their departure one trouble had -weighed upon the mind of Malcolm. That grief remained -unspoken, yet found its most eloquent expression in the -earnest gaze he sent into Annella’s eyes as he pressed her -hand in a last adieu. She understood, and replied to his -look, by saying:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know what it is that you would say if you dared! but -you are widely mistaken. <em>I did not set fire to the prison!</em> -Not even to have saved Eudora’s precious life would I -have endangered hundreds of other lives. No, desperate -as my plan of rescue was, it was not so criminal as that! -What the nature of my original project was it is needless -now to say, since it was forestalled by accident. It is -enough for me to admit that I had concealed myself in -the building that night for the purpose of carrying out my -plan of rescue when the alarm of fire startled me as well -as others. My first thought was of Eudora and her safety, -and I was rushing through the black and suffocated lobby, -in which her cell was situated, when I was met by the -governor, who, in the double darkness of night and thick -smoke, mistook me for the only person who had any business -there—Nally, the old turnkey of that ward. Thus I -got possession of the key of the cell, and was enabled to -keep my word with you. I did it without crime. Take -that comfort to India with you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“God bless you, Annella!” exclaimed Malcolm drawing -a deep inspiration with a sense of infinite relief, as he -pressed her hand and bade her farewell.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The long-severed pair of Edenlawn—long-severed -through the crudest misrepresentation—were at length -re-united. The world, who neither knew the cause of their -severance nor of their re-union, ascribed both to caprice; -but the contented family at Edenlawn cared little for its -misapprehension.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Strong suspicion of foul play on the part of the unfortunate -and guilty Madame de la Compte had brought -<span class='pageno' id='Page_420'>420</span>Hollis Elverton again to England, but her cunning had -baffled his unaided attempts at investigation, while the very -nature of his wrongs prevented him from calling in the aid -of the detective police, and thus accident alone brought the -guilty to justice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With the full approbation of their mutual friends, Norham -Montrose and Alma Elverton were married, and, at -the desire of all parties, fixed their abode at Edenlawn, -where Alma’s “hunger of the heart” is at length fully -satisfied, for in her the circle of human love is complete. -She lives in the rich enjoyment of father’s, mother’s, husband’s, -and children’s affection. She is the centre of their -household, the darling of all hearts and eyes, the consolation -even of the grave old man, who, retired from official -life, passed his time in reading, prayer, meditation, and -deeds of mercy, and who is less proud of Alma as his heiress, -and the future Baroness of Elverton, than fond of her -as a good and lovely woman.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The last marriage that we have to record is that of Lieutenant -Valerius Brightwell, R. N., and Miss Annella Wilder, -which took place quite recently with great <em>eclat</em>. As the -young couple were the joint heirs of Admiral Brunton, and -as the bride was very young, and the bridegroom on the -point of sailing on a distant service, it was arranged that -they should fix their permanent residence at the Anchorage; -and so, should old Mrs. Stilton be still unable “to -conquer her chronic malady of living,” we shrink from surmising -how many degrees of descendants she may have to -look down upon.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mrs. Corder and her thirteen children are made comfortable -by the liberality of Eudora. The worthy little widow -owns the neatly-furnished house and the well-stocked shop -in which she lives happily and does a flourishing business. -Her elder children are apprenticed to profitable trades, -and the younger ones are put to good schools. Mrs. -Corder was always so happy, even in her adversity, that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_421'>421</span>she could scarcely be said to be more so now in her -prosperity.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Allworth Abbey remains untenanted, closely shut up -and in charge of the housekeeper, Mrs. Vose, who prefers -to live at the lodge, and who will not even be bribed to -show the inside of the building,—no, not even to the most -curious and importunate of tourists.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Barony of Leaton remains in abeyance.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Malcolm Montrose, on the part of his wife, draws the -large revenues of the Abbey estates that are flourishing -under the care of an able steward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Whether Mr. Montrose will ever advance his wife’s claim -to the Barony of Leaton, or whether Eudora will ever have -nerve enough to return to the scene of her terrible sorrows, -remains an open question.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the sunny land of her birth she is in the possession of -all the happiness she is capable of enjoying—the love of a -devoted husband, beautiful children, and faithful friends; -an honorable position, an ample fortune, and good health. -As for the rest, the scars of those early, deep wounds, they -may possibly never be effaced in this world. As long as -she lives on earth, perhaps some subjects and some memories -will cause her cheek to blanch and her blood to curdle -with a deadly soul-sickness; but we commend her, with all -the stricken in heart and wounded in spirit to that Benignant -Power, which being “almighty to create,” is also <span class='fss'>ALMIGHTY -TO RENEW</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003'> -</div> -<div class='tnotes x-ebookmaker'> - -<div class='chapter ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in spelling. - </li> - <li>Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. Also - retained Chapter XI, “Runaway” in the Contents; “Wanderer” in the body text. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALLWORTH ABBEY ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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