 I soon had coffee made that was as black as the night without. Instead of calling Miss Warren I took a tray from the dining room and carried it with several cups upstairs. Bring it here, called the doctor. I entered Mrs. Yocome's room and found that she had quite fully revived, and that Rubin had supported his father thither also, he reclined on the lounge and his usually ruddy face was very pale. Both he and his wife appeared almost helpless, but the doctor had succeeded in arresting, by the use of ice, the distressing nausea that had followed consciousness. They looked at me in a bewildered manner as I entered and could not seem to account for my presence at once. Nor did they apparently try to do so long, for their eyes turned toward little Zilla with a deeply troubled and perplexed expression, as if they were beginning to realize that the child was very ill, and that events of an extraordinary character had happened. Let me taste the coffee, said the doctor. Ah, that's the kind, black and strong. See how it will bring them around, and he made Mr. and Mrs. Yocome each swallow a cup of it. Ms. Warren, he called, give some of this to Ms. Ada if she is quiet enough to take it, I cannot leave the child. Ms. Warren came at once, her face was clouded and anxious, and she looked with eager solicitude toward the still unconscious Zilla, whose hands Rubin was chafing. I think Ms. Ada will soon be better, she replied to the doctor's inquiring glance, and she went back to her charge. Take some yourself, said the physician to me in a low tone. I fear we are going to have a serious time with the little girl. You did not realize, I urged, that Ms. Warren needs keeping up almost as truly as any of them. You'll have to take care of her then, said the doctor hastily, she seems to be doing well herself and doing well for others, make her some coffee, and say that I said she must drink it. I knocked at Ada's door and called. Ms. Warren, the doctor says you must drink this coffee. In a few moments, she answered and after a little time she came out. Where's your cup, she asked, have you taken any? Not yet, of course. Why of course, if you want me to drink this, you must get some at once. There may not be enough, I don't know how much the doctor may need. Then get a cup, and I'll give you half of this. Never, I answered promptly, do as the doctor bade you. She went swiftly to Mrs. Yo-Com's room and filled another cup. I pledge you my word I won't touch a drop till you have taken this, you don't realize what you have been through Mr. Morton, your hand so trembled that you could scarcely carry the cup, you are all unnerved. Come, she added gravely, you must be in a condition to help, for I fear Zilla is in a critical condition. I'm not going to break down, I said resolutely, give it to Ruben, poor fellow, he was very wet. She looked at my clothes and then exclaimed, Why, Mr. Morton, don't you know you are wet through and through? Am I? And I looked down at my soaked garments. I don't believe you have a dry thread on you. I've been too excited to think of it, of course I got wet on the roof, but what's a summer shower? Your coffee's getting cold. So is yours. You have the doctor's orders. I would be glad if my wishes weighed a little with you, she said appealingly. There, Miss Warren, if you put it that way I'd drink gall and vinegar, and I gulped down the coffee. She vanished into Ada's room saying, You must take my word for it that I drink mine, I shall sip it while waiting on my patient. Having insisted on Ruben's taking some also, I returned to the kitchen and made a new supply. Mr. and Mrs. Yocom's extreme prostration, both mental and physical, perplexed me. Their idolized child was still unconscious, and yet they could only look in wondering and perplexed anxiety. I afterward learned that a partial paralysis of every faculty, especially of memory, was a common effect of a severe shock of electricity. It was now evident that Miss Warren from some obscure cause escaped harm from lightning. The words I had employed to reassure her turned out to be true, she had merely swooned, and thus on recovery had full possession of all her faculties. I would be glad if my wishes weighed a little with you, she had said. In wonder at myself I asked, what weighs more with me, by what right is this maiden, whom I have met but today, taking such absolute control of my being? Am I overwrought, morbid, fanciful, deluded by unexcited imagination into beliefs and moods that will vanish in the clear sunlight and clearer light of reason? Or has the vivid lightning revealed with absolute distinctness, the woman on whom I can lean in perfect trust, and yet must often sustain in her pathetic weakness? The world would say we are strangers, but my heart and soul and every fiber of my being appear to recognize a kinship so close, that I feel we never can be strangers again. It is true the lightning fuses the hardest substances, making them one, however I am beginning to think that my hitherto callous nature has been smitten by a divine or fire. If so, heaven grant that I'm not the only one struck. Well it's a queer world, when I broke down last Friday night, and sat cowering before the future in my editorial sanctum, I little dreamed that on Sunday night I should be making coffee in a good old Quaker's kitchen, and what is still more strange, making a divinity out of a New York music teacher. A moment later I added, that's a stupid way of putting it, I'm not making a divinity out of her at all, she is one, and I've had the wit to recognize the truth. Are her gentlemen friends all idiots that they have not? What, talking to yourself, Mr. Morton? I fear the events of this day are turning your head, and Ms. Warren entered. Speak of an angel, you know the saying. Indeed, the only word I heard as I entered was idiot. Pardon me, you overheard the word idiots, so can gather nothing from that. No, your mutterings are dark indeed, I see no light or sense in them, but the doctor came to Ada's door and asked me for more coffee. How is Ms. Ada? Doing nicely, she'll sleep soon I think. I do hope little Zilla is recovering. Yes, Ruben put a radiant face within the door a few minutes since, and said that Zilla was coming too as he expressed it. Ada is doing so well that I feel assured about the others. Now that she is becoming quiet, I think I can leave her and help with Zilla. And you're not exhausting yourself. I've not yet reached the stage of muttering delirium. Mr. Morton, will you permit me to suggest that you go to your room and put on dry clothes? You are not fit to be seen. Moreover, there is a mark at the word your nose that gives to your face a sinister aspect, not becoming in one whose deeds of darkness this night will bear the light of all coming time. It might be appropriate in a printing office, but I don't intend to have little Zilla frightened. Oh, I'm so glad and grateful that we have all escaped. There, that will do, give me the tray. Beg your pardon, I shall carry it up myself. What on earth would I have done without you in this emergency? Come, Mr. Morton, I'm not used to being disobeyed. Yes, you did look as helpless as only a man can look when there's illness, and there's no telling what awful remedies you might have administered before the doctor came. I think I shall take the credit of saving all our lives since you and Ruben won't. She pushed open the door of Mrs. Yocome's room and her face changed instantly. Little Zilla lay on the bed and was still unconscious. Mrs. Yocome had been moved into an armchair, and every moment comprehension of the truth grew clearer and her motherly solicitude was intensified. Ruben evidently was frightened, and the doctor's brow was knitted into a frown of perplexity. We thought she was coming too, said Ruben to Miss Warren, but she's gone back worse than ever. Mr. Morton, I wish you to give to all a cup of that coffee and take some yourself, said the physician in a quiet but authoritative voice. Mr. Yocome, you must not rise, you will be ill again, and I now need all the help I can get with this child. We must try artificial respiration, spraying the chest with cold water, and every possible means. Would to God that I could help thee, cried Mrs. Yocome. You can by keeping absolutely quiet, Mr. Morton, you must become as a brother or one of the family. I am one with them tonight, I said earnestly. Let me help you in any way. You three must rub her with flannel and spirits, while I lift her arms slowly up and down to try to induce respiration. The poor little limp body, how sacred it seemed to me. We worked and worked till the perspiration poured from our faces. Every expedient was tried, until the physician at last desisted and stood back for a moment in anxious thought. Then in a tone broken with anguish Mr. Yocome exclaimed, Would to God the bolt had fallen on my head and not on this dear little lamb. In bitter protest against it all I cried. The bolt has fallen on your heart, Mr. Yocome, how is it that God has thunderbolts for lambs? Richard Morton, these unjust, began Mrs. Yocome in a voice that she tried to render quiet and resigned. Who art thou to judge God? What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know. Oh my child, my child! broke out her wailing cry and motherhood triumphed. Ruben was sobbing over his sister with all the abandon of boyish grief, but Miss Morton stood before the little form apparently lifeless, with clasped hands and dilated eyes. I can't, I won't give her up! she exclaimed passionately and darted from the room. I followed wonderingly, she was already in the kitchen and had found a large tub. Fill this with hot water, she said to me. No, let me do it. I'll trust no one. Yes, you may carry it up, but please be careful. I'll bring some cold water to temper it. Doctor, she exclaimed, re-entering the room. We must work till we know there is no chance. Yes, and after we know it, is not hot water good. Anything is good that will restore suspended circulation, he replied. We'll try it, but wait a moment, I've employed a nice test and if there's life I think this little expedient will reveal it. He held the child's hand and I noted that a string had been tied around one of the small white fingers, and that he intently watched the part of the finger beyond the string. I comprehended the act at once and recognized the truth that there would be little hope of life if this test failed. If there was any circulation at all the string would not prevent the blood flowing out through the artery, but it would prevent its return, and therefore if there was life a faint color would manifest itself in the finger. I bent over and held my breath in eager scrutiny. The child's alive, I exclaimed. By a quick impressive gesture the physician checked my manifestation of feeling and excitement as he said. Yes, she's alive and that's about all. We'll try a plunge in the hot bath and then friction and artificial respiration again. We set to work once more with double zeal under the inspiration of Miss Warren's words and manner, but especially because assured that life still lingered. In less than a quarter of an hour there was a perceptible pulse. At last she was able to swallow a little stimulant and the faint spark of life, of which we scarcely dared to speak lest our breath might extinguish it, began to kindle slowly. When at last she opened her eyes Miss Warren turned hers heavenward with a fullness of gratitude that must have been sweet to the fatherly heart of God if the words be true, like as a father pitieth his children. Mrs. Yocom threw herself on her knees by the bedside sobbing, thank God, thank God. Rubin was growing wild with joy and the father overwhelmed with emotion was struggling to rise when the doctor said in low decided tones, hush nothing must be said or done to excite or surprise her, Mr. and Mrs. Yocom, as you love your child control yourselves. You Mr. Morton would seem strange to her and with Rubin had better leave us now. Miss Warren will help me and I think all will be well. Don't over tax Miss Warren, I urged lingering anxiously at the door a moment. She gave me a smiling reassuring nod as much to say that she would take care of herself. God bless her, I murmured as I sought my room. I believe she has saved the child. End of Book First Chapter 14 Book First Chapter 15 of A Day of Fate by Edward P. Rowe This LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by like many waters Book First Chapter 15 My Fate Having lighted the lamp in my room I looked around it with a delicious sense of proprietorship. Its quaint homely comfort was just to my taste and now appeared doubly attractive. Chief of all it was a portion of the home I had had some part in saving and we instinctively loved that which ministers to our self complacency. An old house seems to gain a life and being of its own and I almost imagined it conscious of gratitude that its existence had not been blotted out. Mrs. Yochome's cordial invitation to come and stay when I could gave me at the time a glad sense that I had found a country refuge to which I could occasionally escape when in need of rest. I felt now however as if the old walls themselves would welcome me. As to the inmates of the home I feared that their grateful sense of the services I was so fortunate as to render might make their boundless sense of obligation embarrassing to me. It would be their disposition to repay an ordinary favor tenfold and they would always believe that Ruben and I had saved their lives and the old home which no doubt had been long in their family. Well I'll never complain of fortune again I thought since I've been permitted to do for these people what I have and I threw myself down on the lounge conscious of the warm comfortable glow imparted by dry clothes and the strong coffee still more conscious of an inner satisfaction that the threatening events of the night had ended just as I could have wished since it was to be thank God I was here and able to act for the best I murmured the June sunshine and the lightning have thrown considerable light on my future I said to Emily Warren what could I have done without you in this emergency with still greater emphasis I feel like asking what would life be without you it seems absurd that one person should become essential to the life of another in a few brief hours and yet why absurd is it not rather in accord with the deepest and truest philosophy of life is the indissoluble union of two lives to result from long and careful calculations of the pros and cons in true marriage it seems to me the soul should recognize its mate when meeting it it's thus may be seen that I was no exception to that large class who accept or create a philosophy pleasing to it and there is usually enough truth in any system to prevent its being wholly unreasonable I heard a step in the hall and as I had left my door open so that at any sound I could spring up I was so fortunate as to intercept the object of my thoughts her face was full of deep content but very pale to the eager questioning of my manner she replied the doctor says Zilla is doing as well as we could expect oh I'm so glad miss Warren you don't know how pale you are when are you going to rest I've been lying down and my conscience troubled me as I thought of you still working I never imagined that night editors had such tender consciences she said with a low laugh and she vanished into Ada's room I knew she wouldn't stay long and remained at the end of the hall looking out of the window the lightning flashes had grown faint and distant but they were almost incessant and they revealed that the clouds were growing thin toward the west while near the horizon a star glimmered distinctly miss Warren I called as she came out of Ada's room I have a good omen to show you do you see that star in the west I think the morning will be cloudless but those flashes prove that the storm is causing fear and loss to other and distant homes not at all it is no doubt causing better grain and clearer skies as Mr. Yocom said such an experience as we have had tonight while having its counterparts not infrequently take the world over is by no means common oh I hope we may have no more heavy thunderstorms this summer they are about the only drawback to this lovely season you are perfectly safe so long as you remain here I laughed you know the lightning never strikes twice in the same place I hope to stay here but for better reasons than that so do I I should think you would you certainly are no longer homeless Mr. and Mrs. Yocom will adopt you in spite of yourself as soon as they realize it all the string of the latch will always hang outside of the door for you I can tell you and a nice place it will be for a city man to come and for a city woman to Mrs. Yocom had adopted you before all this had happened and I don't believe she'll forget that you really saved little Zilla's life the dear little thing she exclaimed tears starting to her eyes how pathetic her little unconscious form was to me I replied earnestly it was the most exquisite and sacred thing I ever saw I don't wonder you felt as you did when you said I can't I won't give her up for it seemed at the moment almost as if my life depended on her life so powerful was her hold on my sympathy the doctor spoke truer than he thought for it seems as if the lightning had fused me into this family and my grief would have been almost as great as Rubens had little Zilla not revived I feel as if it would have broken my heart and her tears fell fast dashing them away she said I cry as well as laugh too easily and I'm often so provoked that I could shake myself I must say that I think we're all becoming well acquainted for people who have met so recently oh as for you I replied I knew you well in some previous state of existence and have just met you again mr. Morton she said turning on me Bruce glee I shall not be quite sure as to your entire sanity till you have had a long sleep you have seemed a little out of your head on some points ever since our extended acquaintance began you have appeared impressed or oppressed with the hallucination that this day is it today or tomorrow it's today for a little while longer I replied looking at my watch well then that today was a day of fate and you made me nervous on the subject then I'm as sane as you are no I had any such nonsense in my mind till you suggested it but having once entertained the idea it haunted me yes and it haunts you still I said eagerly what time is it mr. Morton it lacks but a few moments of midnight no she said laughingly I don't believe anything more will happen today and as soon as the old clock downstairs strikes 12 I think the light of reason will burn again in your disordered mind good night instead of going however she hesitated looked at me earnestly a moment then asked you said you found me unconscious yes how did you revive me I carried you to the sofa under the window which I opened I then shaved your hands but I think the wind and spray restored you I don't remember fainting before and oh well this whole experience has been so strange that I can't realize it don't try to if I'm a little out of my head your soul will be out of your body if you don't take better care of yourself you might as well be killed by lightning as over fatigue that doctor seems to think you are made of india rubber I've laughed to myself more than once at your injunctions to the doctor since Zilla revived we've had such a narrow escape I feel as if I ought not to laugh again for a year but I can't help it I won't thank you as I meant to it might make you vain good night and she gave my hand a quick strong pressure and went swiftly back to mrs. yokohm's room had my hand clasped only flesh and blood bone and sinew no indeed I felt that I had had within my grasp a gratitude and friendly regard that was so full and real that the warm-hearted impulsive girl would not trust herself to express it in words her manner however was so frank and unconstrained that I knew her feelings to be only those of gratitude and friendly regard seeing clearly that she entertained no such thoughts as had come unbidden to me in spite of my fatigue the habit of my life and the strong coffee would have banished all thought of sleep for hours to come if there had been no other cause but the touch of a little hand had put more glad awakening life within me than all the stimulants of the world I went downstairs and looked through the old house to see that all was right with as much solicitude as if it were indeed my own home accepting the disorder I had cost in the kitchen and hall it had the midnight aspect of quiet and order that might have existed for a century I would not be afraid of the ghosts that came back to this home I muttered indeed I would like to see mr. and mrs. yoke homes ancestors and now I think of it some one of them should wear a jaunty worldly hat to account for Ada by joe but she was beautiful as she lay there with her perfect physical life suspended instantaneously if the lightning would only create a woman within the exquisite casket the result would well repay what we have passed through her mother would say as I suppose that another and subtler fire from heaven were needed for such a task as I came out into the hall the great clock began to strike in the slow dignified manner befitting at sage one two three 12 the day of fate had passed I knew that Emily Warren was laughing at me softly to herself as she and the physician watched with the patients in mrs. yoke homes room I was in no mood to laugh for every moment the truth was growing clearer that I had met my fate I looked into the parlor in which a lamp was burning and conjured up the scene I had witnessed there I saw a fair young face with eyes turned heavenward and again heard the words my faith looks up to thee their faith had been sorely tried the burning bolt from heaven seemed a strange response to that faith the crashing thunder a wild harsh echo to the girl sweet reverent tones is it all chance I queried or all inexorable law who or what is the author of the events of this night as a thin answer mrs. yoke homes text came into my mind what I do thou knowest not now but thou shalt know hereafter well I muttered perhaps there is as much reason in their philosophy as in any other somebody ought to be in charge of all this complex life and being I went out on the piazza the rain was still falling but softly and lightly a freshening breeze was driving the thin lingering clouds before it and star after star looked out as if lights were being kindled in the western sky the moon was still hidden but the vapor was not dense enough to greatly obscure her rays in the partial light the valley seemed wider the mountains higher and everything more beautiful in contrast with the black tempest that had so recently filled the scene I sat down on the piazza to watch with those who were watching with the child I made up my mind that I certainly should not retire until the physician departed and in my present mood I felt that my midsummer night's dream would be to me more interesting than that of will shakespeare hour after hour past almost unnoted the night became serene and beautiful the moon like a confident beauty at last threw aside her veil of clouds and smiled as if assured of welcome raindrops gemmed every leaf and when the breeze increased myriads of them sparkled momentarily through the silver light as morning approached the air grew so sweet that I recognized the truth that the new flowers of a new day were opening and that I was inhaling their virgin perfume I rose and went softly to the ivy covered gateway of the old garden and the place seemed transfigured in the white moonlight even the kitchen vegetables lost their homely prosaic aspect I stole to the lilac bush and peered at the home that had been ruthless through all the wild storm my approach had been so quiet that the little brown mother sat undisturbed with her head under her wing but the paternal robin from an adjacent spray regarded me with unfaigned surprise and alarm he uttered a note of protest and the mother bird instantly raised her head and fixed on me her round startled eyes I stole away hastily smiling to myself as I said both families will survive unharmed and both nests are safe I went to the spot where I had stood with Emily Warren at the time I had half jestingly half earnestly indulged my fancy to reproduce a bit of Eden like frankness under the influence of the hour and my mood I was able to conjure up the maidens form almost as if she were a real presence I knew her far better now with her I had passed through an ordeal that would test severely the best and strongest she had been singularly strong and very weak but the weakness had left no stain on her crystal truth and her strength had been of the best and most womanly kind as in the twilight so in the white moonlight she again made perfect harmony in the transfigured garden there is but one woman in the world for me I murmured as truly as there was only one for the first lonely man I know not how it is with her but I hope oh what would life now be to me without this hope that she cannot have inspired this absolute conviction that she is essential to my being without some answering sympathy in her own woman's heart but whether this is true or not or whether it ever can be true I have met my fate as I returned from the garden I saw that dawn was coming and I sat down and watched it brighten with the feeling that a new and happy life was also coming the end of book first end of book first chapter 15 book second chapter one of a day of fate by edward p roe the slipper vox recording is in the public domain recording by like many waters book second chapter one the day after the epics of one's life are not divided according to the calendar nor are they measured by the lapse of time within a few brief hours I had reached a conclusion that left no shadow of doubt on my mind as I sat there in the beautiful june dawn I turned a page in my history the record of future joys and ills would have to be kept in double entry for I felt with absolute conviction that I could entertain no project and decide no question without instinctively and naturally consulting the maiden who had quietly and as if by divine right obtained the mastery of my soul but a day since I would have said that my present attitude was impossible but now it seemed both right and inevitable the doubt the sense of strangeness and remoteness that we justly associate with a comparative stranger had utterly passed away and in their place was a feeling of absolute trust and rest I could place in her hands the best treasures of my life without a shadow of hesitancy so strongly had I been impressed with her truth and yet it was all a beautiful mystery over which I could have dreamed for hours I had not shunned society in the past and had greatly admired other ladies their voices had been sweet and low as a woman's tone should be and their glances gentle and kind but not one of them had possessed the power to quicken my pulse or to disturb the quiet slumber of my heart but this woman spoke to me as with authority from heaven my whole being I murmured bows down to her by a constraint that I could scarcely resist and no queen in the despotic past ever had a more loyal subject than I have become to serve her even to suffer for her and to stand between her and all evils the world could inflict are privileges that I covet supremely my regard is not a sudden passion for passion is selfish and inconsiderate my love is already united with honor and reverence and my strongest impulse is to promote her happiness before my own the thought of her is an inspiration toward a purer better manhood than I have yet known her truth and innate nobility produce an intense desire to become like her so that she may look into my eyes and trust also I scarcely know how long my bright huge dream would have lasted but at length the door of missus yoko's room opened and steps were on the stairs a moment later the physician came out and miss warren stood in the doorway they are all sleeping quietly he said an answer to my inquiry yes all danger in zilla's case is now past I think but she's had a serious time of it poor little thing there's no need of your walking home tonight protested miss warren we can make you comfortable here and ruben will gladly drive you over in the morning it's morning now he said smiling and I'll enjoy the walk in the fresh air I'll call again before very long good day and he walked lightly down the path as if all were very satisfactory to him what are you doing here mr. Morton miss warren asked assuming an expression of strong surprise helping to watch what a waste you haven't done zilla a bit of good didn't you know I was here yes but I hope you don't think that I need watching I was within call so you would have been if sleeping I could have blown the great tin horn if it had been necessary to wake in you and you had remained undisturbed by other means oh well then if it made no difference to you I'll merely say I'm a night editor and kept awake from habit I didn't say it made no difference to me she answered you ought to have known better than to have made that speech miss warren I urged anxiously you look white as a ghost in this mingling of moonlight and mourning when will you rest when the mind and heart are at rest a tired body counts for little so you're not afraid of ghosts I looked at her intently as I replied no I would like to be haunted all my life it was not wholly the reflection of the dawn that tinged the pallor of her face as I spoke these words after a moment's hesitation she apparently dismissed the thought and maintained her old frank manner oh how beautiful how welcome the morning is she exclaimed coming out on the piazza to think that this is the same world that we saw last night it's almost impossible Mr. Yocom's words will yet prove true I said and clearer skies and better grain will be the result of the storm oh I'm so glad so very glad she murmured this morning is like a benediction and its brightness and beauty glowed in her face I can tell you something that will please you greatly I continued I have visited the little home in the garden that was open to last night's sky the father and mother robins are well and I'm sure all the little ones are too for the mother robin had her head under her wing a thing impossible I suppose if anything was amiss with the children oh I'm so glad she again repeated and there was a joyous exquisite thrill in her tones at that moment there came a burst of song from the top of the pear tree in the garden and we saw the head of the little household greeting the day almost as sweetly and musically my companions laugh trilled out so it wasn't the day of fate after all impelled by an impulse that for the moment seemed irresistible I took her hand as I said earnestly yes Ms. Warren for me it was whether for a lifetime of happiness or of disappointment at first she appeared startled and gave me a swift searching glance then a strong expression of pain passed over her face she understood me well for my look and manner would have been unmistakable to any woman she withdrew her hand as she said gently you are overwrought from watching from all that's happened let us both forget that such rash words were spoken do not think it I replied slowly and deliberately I have learned to know you better since we have met then I could in months or years amid the conventionalities of society in you I recognize my fate as vividly and distinctly as I saw you in the lightning's gleam last night please hear and understand me I urged as she tried to check my words by a strong gesture of descent if you had parents or guardians I would ask them for the privilege of seeking your hand since you have not I ask you at least give me a chance I can never prove worthy of you but by years of devotion I can prove that I appreciate you oh I'm so sorry so very sorry you feel so she said and there was deep distress in her tones I was in hopes we should be life long friends we shall be I replied quietly she looked at me hesitatingly a moment then said impulsively Mr. Morton you are too honorable a man to seek that which belongs to another there she added fleshing deeply I've told you what I've acknowledged to no one scarcely to myself I know that the light of hope faded out of my face utterly for I felt ill and faint if in truth she belonged to another her absolute truth would make her so loyal to him that future hope would not be only vain but an insult which she would be the first to resent I understand you too well I began despondently to say another word Ms. Warren I I wish it seems rather odd I should have felt so toward you when it was no use it was as inevitable as our meeting the world and all that's in it is an awful muddle to me but God bless you and if there's any good God you will be blessed I shivered as I spoke and was about to leave the Piazza hastily when her eager and intriguing tones detained me Mr. Morton you said that in spite of all we should be friends let me claim my privilege at once I'm sure I'm right in believing that you're overwrought and morbid from the strange experiences you have just passed through do not add to your exhaustion by starting off on another aimless walk today though you may think it might lead you to a better fate it cannot bring you to those who care so deeply for you we'll be merry true-hearted friends after we've had time to rest and think it all over true-hearted anyway I said emphatically what's more I'll be sane when we meet again entirely matter of fact indeed since I already foresee that I shall be troubled by no more days of fate goodbye now go and sleep the sleep of the just I'll rest quietly here and I held out my hand she took it in both of hers and said gently Mr. Morton I believe you saved my our lives last night I had some hand in it yes that should be happiness enough I'll make it answer but never speak of it again when I cease to think of it I shall cease to think at all she said in strong emphasis and with a lingering wistful glance she passed slowly in and up the winding stairway I watched her as I would a ship that had left me on a desolate rock she is one that could not change if she would I thought it's all over no matter possibly I saved her life I sat down again in a rustic chair on the piazza too miserable and disheartened to do more than endure the pain of my disappointment indeed there was nothing else to do for seemingly I had set my heart on the impossible her words and manner had made but one impression that she had given her love and faith to an earlier and more fortunate suitor it would be strange if it were otherwise I muttered I was the idiot in thinking that her gentlemen friends were blind but I protest against a world in which men are left to blunder so fatally the other day I felt broken down physically I now know that I'm broken and disabled in all respects the zest and color have wholly gone out of life if I ever go back to my work I shall find my counterpart in the most jaded and dispirited stagehorse in the city Miss Warren will have no more occasion to criticize light smart paragraphs indeed I imagine that I shall soon be restricted to the obituary notices and I now feel like riding my own confound these birds what makes them sing so nature's a heartless jade anyway last night she would have burned us up with lightning and this morning there would have been not a width less of song and sunshine oh well it's far better that my hopes are in ashes than this house should be I and all there is of me is a small price to pay for this home and its inmates and if I saved her little finger from being scorched I should be well content but why the devil did I feel so toward her when it was of no use that fact irritates me is my whole nature a lie and are its deepest intuitions and most sacred impulses false guides that lead one out into the desert to perish in the crisis of my life when I had been made to see that past tendencies were wrong and I was ready for any change for the better my random aimless steps led to this woman and as I said to her the result was inevitable all nature seemed in league to give emphasis to the verdict of my own heart but the moment I reached the conviction that she was created for me and I for her I am informed that she was created for another I must therefore be one of the odd ones for whom there is no mate curse at all I rather feel as if another man were going to marry my wife and I must admit that I have a consuming curiosity to see him but this can't be her heart must have recognized the true kinship in this other man blast him no bless him if she marries him for she's the last one in the world to enter into merely legal relations unsanctioned by the best and purest instincts of her womanly nature it's all the devil's own muddle and no better conclusion did I reach that dismal morning the most dismal I can remember although the hour abounded in beauty and the glad exuberant life that follows a summer rain I once heard a preacher say that hell could be in heaven and heaven in hell I thought him a trifle irreverent at the time but now I half believed him right my waking train of thought ended in a stupor in which I do not think I lost for a moment the dull consciousness of pain I was aroused by a step upon the gravel path and starting up saw the woman who served Mrs. Yocom in the domestic labors of the farmhouse she stopped and stared at me a moment and then was about to continue around the house to the kitchen entrance wait a moment my good woman I said and you'll now have a chance to prove yourself a good woman and a very helpful and considerate one too the house was struck by lightning last night Lord Amassi she ejaculated and she struck an attitude with her hands on her hips and stared at me again with her small eyes and capacious mouth opened to their utmost extent yes I continued and all were hurt except Reuben the doctor has been here and all are now better and sleeping so please keep the house quiet and let us sleep till the doctor comes again then have a good fire so that you can get ready at once whatever he orders for the patients Lord Amassi she again remarked very emphatically and scuttled off to her kitchen domains in great excitement I now felt that my watch had ended and that I could give the old farmhouse into the hands of one accustomed to its care therefore I weirdly climbed the stairs to my room and threw myself dressed on the lounge after a moment or two miss Warren's door opened and her light step passed down to the kitchen she too had been on the watch for the coming of the domestic and if aware that I had seen the woman did not regard me as competent to enlighten her as to her duties for the day the kitchen divinity began at once Lord Amassi miss Imley what a time yours all had the strange man told me there ain't no danger now is there in response to some remark from miss Warren she continued in shrill volubility yes he told me yours all struck but Reuben I found him a sitting on the stoop and a look and all struck of a heap himself is that the way lightening thets folks he looked as white as a ghost and as if he didn't care if he was one a four night it was amazing and here miss Warren evidently silenced her I heard the murmur of her voice as she gave a few brief directions and then her steps returned swiftly to her room she can be depended upon I sighed to do all she thinks right she must have been wearied beyond mortal endurance and worried by my rash and unlooked for words and yet she kept up till all need is passed every little act shows that I might as well try to win an angel of heaven as Sue against her conscience she is so absolutely true your right old woman I was struck and I wish it had been by lightning only just when I exchanged waking thoughts for hateful dreams I do not remember at last I started to my feet exclaiming it's all wrong he shall not marry my wife and then I sat down on the lounge and tried to extricate myself from the shadows of sleep and thus become able to recognize the facts of the real world that I must now face slowly the events of the previous day and night came back and with them a sense of immeasurable loss the sun was low in the west thus proving that my unrefreshing stupor had lasted many hours the clatter of knives and forks indicated preparations for supper in the dining room below I dreaded meeting the family and all words of thanks as one would the touching of a diseased nerve more than all I dreaded meeting Miss Warren again feeling that we both would be under a wretched constraint my evil mood undoubtedly had physical causes for my mouth was parched my head throbbed and ached and I felt so ill in body and mind so morbid and depressed that I was ready to escape to New York without seeing a soul were the thing possible the door opened softly and I saw Ruben's ready happy face oh I'm so glad these awake he said they're all doing well Ada's got well so fast that she actually looks better than Emily Warren even Zilla's quite bright this evening only she's so weak she can't sit up much but the doctor says it'll wear away thee doesn't look very extra and no wonder thee did so much father mother and Emily Warren have been talking about thee for the last two hours and Ada can't ask questions enough about thee and how thee found her she says the last thing she saw was the on the lawn and thee was the first thing she saw when she came to and now she says she can't help seeing thee all the time Emily Warren said that we must let thee sleep as long as thee would for that she said was what thee needed most of all she's mistaken I muttered starting up Ruben I continued aloud you're a good brave fellow I'll come down to supper as soon as I can fairly wake up I feel as stupid as an owl at midday but I'm exceedingly glad that all are doing well when he left me I thought well I will keep up for two or three hours and then can excuse myself tomorrow I can return to New York since clearly this will be no place for me Miss Warren thinks that a little sleep will cure me and that I will be sane and sensible now that I am awake she will find me matter of fact indeed for I feel like a bottle of champagne that has stood on court for a month but may the devil fly away with me if I play the forlorn lackadaisical lover and show my wounds I bathed my face again and again and made as careful a toilet as circumstances permitted in their kind-hearted simplicity they had evidently planned a sort of family ovation for as I came out on the Piazza they were all there except Miss Warren who sat at her piano playing softly but as Mr. Yocome rose to greet me she turned toward us and through the open window could see us and hear all that passed the old gentleman still bore marks of his shock and the illness that followed but there was nothing weak or limp in his manner as he grasped my hand and began warmly Richard Morton last night I said thee was welcome I now say this home is as truly thine as mine thee saved mother and the children from and here his voice was choked by emotion Mrs. Yocome seized my other hand and I saw that she was moved now if ever for her face was eloquent with kindly grateful feeling please don't I said so sharply as to indicate irritation for I felt that I could not endure another syllable then slapping Ruben Bruce Glee on the shoulder I added Ruben was quite as helpful as I thank him any tramp from New York would try to do as much as I did and might have done better ah here is Zilla and I saw that the little girl was propped up on pillows just within the parlor window where she could enjoy the cool evening air without too great exposure if she'll give me another kiss we'll call it all square and say no more about it and I leaned over the window sill the child put her arms around my neck and clung to me for a moment there could have been no better antidote for my mood of irritable protest against my fate than the child's warm and innocent embrace and for a moment it was balm indeed there I cried kissing her twice now I'm overpaid raising my eyes I met those of Miss Warren as she sat by her piano yes she said with a smile after that I should think you would be more than content I certainly ought to be I replied looking at her steadily Zilla's very grateful Miss Warren continued she knows that you watched with her till morning so did other night owls Zilla and they were quite as useful as I was she reached up her hand and pulled me down mother said she began you needn't tell a stranger what mother said and I put my finger on her lips these no more of a stranger than Emily Warren said the little girl reproachfully I can't think of thee without thinking of her I raised my eyes in a quick flash toward the young lady but she had turned to the piano and her right hand was evoking a few low chords Miss Warren can tell you I said laughing that when people have been struck by lightning they often don't think straight for a long time to come cricket thinking sometimes happens without so vivid a cause Miss Warren responded without looking around Zilla's right in thinking that thee can never be a stranger in this home said Mrs. Yocome warmly Mrs. Yocome please don't think me insensible to the feelings which are so apparent should I live centuries the belief that I have served you and yours after your kindness would still be my pleasantest thought but you overrate what I have done it was such obvious duty that anyone would have done the same or else his ears should have been cropped it gives me a miserably mean feeling to have you thank me so for it please don't anymore we forget said Miss Warren advancing to the window that Mr. Morton is versed in tragedies and has daily published more dreadful affairs yes and has written paragraphs about them that no doubt seem quite as lurid as the events themselves suggesting that I gloated over disasters as so much material Mr. Morton isn't it nearly as bad to tell fibs about oneself as about other people my depravity will be a continuous revelation to you Miss Warren I replied with a low laugh she answered I see you make no secret of it and she went back to her piano I had bowed cordially to Ada as I joined the family group and had been conscious all the time of her rather peculiar and fixed scrutiny which I imagined suggested a strong curiosity more than anything else well Richard Morton said Mr. Yocome as if the words were irrepressible thee knows a little of how we feel toward thee if thee won't let us say as much as we would like I love this old home in which I was born and have lived until this day I could never build another home like it if every leaf on the farm were a banknote but I love the people who live here far more Richard Morton I know how it would have all ended and thee knows the house was on fire and all within were helpless and unconscious I've seen it all today and Ruben has told us may the Lord bless thee for what them has done for thee and mine I'm not going to burden thee with our gratitude but truth is truth and we must speak out once for all to be satisfied thee knows too that when a friend has anything on his mind it's got to come hasn't it mother Richard Morton thee has saved us all from a horrible death yes mr. Morton said Miss Warren coming again to the window and laughing at my crimson face and embarrassment you must face that truth there's no escaping it forgive me mr. Yocome for laughing over so serious a subject but Ruben and mr. Morton amuse me greatly mr. Morton already says that any tramp from new york would have done the same by easy transition he will soon begin to insist that it was some other tramp I now understand evolution Emily Warren the need and laugh at Richard Morton said Ruben a little indignantly the owes more to him than to any other man living she did not turn to the piano so quickly now but that I saw her face flush at the unlooked for speech that you are mistaken Ruben no one knows better than Miss Warren herself I replied irritably she turned quickly and said in a low tone you are right mr. Morton friends do not keep a debit and credit account with each other I shall not forget however that Ruben is right also even though I may seem to sometimes and she left the room I was by the open window and I do not think anyone heard her words except Zilla and she did not understand them I stood looking after her forgetful of all else when a hand laid upon my arm caused me to look around and I met Ada's gaze and it was as fixed and intent as that of a child she doesn't owe thee anymore than I do she said gravely I wish I could do something for thee why do you say thee to me now you always said you before I asked I don't know it seems as if I couldn't say you to thee anymore and a delicate color stolen to her face we all feel as if they were one of us now explained mrs. Yocum gently and I trust that life will henceforth seem to Ada a more sacred thing and worthy of more sacred uses and she passed into the house to prepare for supper mr. Yocum followed her and Ruben went down to the barn if you live to grow like your mother miss Ada you will be the most beautiful woman in the world I said frankly for I felt as if I could speak to her almost as I would to Zilla her eyes drooped and her color deepened as she shook her head and murmured I'd rather be Emily Warren than any other woman in the world her words and manner so puzzled me that I thought she had not fully recovered from the effects of the shock and I replied in an offhand way after a few weeks of teaching stupid children to turn noise into music you would gladly be yourself again she paid no heed to this remark but with the same intent exploring look asked thee was the first one I saw when I came to last night yes and you were much afraid of me I was foolish I fear mother's right and I've always been foolish your manner last night was most natural I was a stranger and a hard-looking customer too when I entered your room I hope I didn't look very very bad you looked so like a beautiful piece of marble that I feared you were dead thee wouldn't have cared much indeed I would if you knew how anxious I was about Zilla uhg she interrupted with an expression of strong disgust I might have been a horrid blackened thing if it hadn't been for thee oh hush I cried I merely threw a couple of pails of water on the roof please say no more about it she passed her hand over her brow and said hesitatingly I'm so puzzled I feel so strangely it seems an age since yesterday you've had a very severe shock misada yes that may be it but it's so strange that I was afraid of thee why misada I was wet as a drowned rat and had a black mark across my nose I would have made an ideal burglar that oughtn't to have made any difference thee was trying to save my life but you didn't know it I don't believe I know anything rightly I I feel so strange just as if I had waked up and hadn't got anything clear but I know this much in spite of what Ruben said she added impulsively Emily Warren doesn't owe thee any more than I do and she turned like a flash and was gone poor child I muttered she hasn't recovered so fully as the others I had been holding one of Zilla's hand during the interview and she now pulled me down and whispered what's the matter with thee Richard Morton heaven grant you may never know little one goodbye I had scarcely left the Piazza however before Mrs. Yocome called Richard Morton thee must be famished come to supper end of book second chapter one book second chapter two of a day of fate by Edward P. Row the slipper vox recording is in the public domain recording by like many waters book second chapter two it was inevitable I ought to have had a ravenous appetite but I had none at all I ought to have been glad and thankful from the depths of my heart but I was so depressed that everything I said was forced and unnatural my head felt as if it were bursting and I was enraged with myself and the wretched result of my bright dream indeed I found myself inclined to a spirit of recklessness and irritation that was well nigh irresistible Miss Warren seemed as wholly free from any morbid unnatural tendencies as Mr. Yocome himself and she did her utmost to make the hour as genial as it should have been at first I imagined that she was trying to satisfy herself that I had recovered my senses and that my unexpected words spoken in the morning were the result of a mood that was as transient as it was abnormal I think I puzzled her I certainly did not understand myself any better than did poor Ada whose mind appeared to be in solution from the effects of the lightning and I felt that I must be appearing worse than idiotic Miss Warren resolutely bent on banishing every unnatural constraint asked Mr. Yocome how was my genuine friend old plaid did the lightning wake him up no he plods as heavily as ever this morning the only can wake him up you've no idea what a compliment that is she said with a low laugh old plot inspires me with a sense of confidence and stability that is very reassuring in a world full of lightning flashes yes I said he is as safe as a horse block and quite as exhilarating give me dapple she looked at me quietly and keenly and colored slightly she evidently had some association in her mind with the old plow horse that I did not understand exhilaration scarcely answers as a steady diet mr. Morton little chance of its lasting long I replied even in a world overcharged with electricity I prefer calm steady sunshine to these wild alterations I doubt it calm steady sunshine would make the world as dry and monotonous as a desert that's true Richard Morton said mr. Yocome I like peace and quiet more than most men but even if we had all burned up last night this part of the world would have been wonderfully better for the storm I reckon it was worth a million or more dollars to the county that's the right way to look at it mr. Yocome I said carelessly the greatest good to the greatest number individuals are of no account your philosophy may be true but I don't like it Ms. Warren protested a woman doesn't generalize thy philosophy is only half true Richard Morton God cares for each one of his children and everyone in my house counts for much to me there's no getting ahead of the mother if we want to talk here say Richard Morton we must go off by ourselves I think God showed his love for us in a queer way last night said Ada abruptly both her father and mother looked pained at this speech and mrs. Yocome said gravely you'll see things in the true light someday I hope the lightning bolt may have been a message from heaven to thee it seems to me that Zilla got more of the message than I did and she didn't need any said the matter of fact Ada at any rate I hope Richard Morton may be here if I ever get another message I shall surely be struck next time I laughed a trifle bitterly for according to mrs. Yocome's view I need a message more than any of you it was evident that neither Ada nor I was in a frame of mind that mrs. Yocome could commend as you suggested mr. Morton if some other tramp from New York had been present what a thrilling narrative you could write for your paper Ms. Warren began seemingly she had had enough of clouds the previous evening and was bent on clear skies tonight she found me incorrigible however for I said briefly oh no it would only make an item among the crimes and casualties undaunted she replied and such might have been its appropriate place had not the doctor arrived so promptly the casualty had already occurred and I'm quite sure you would have finished us all with original remedies if left to yourself I agree with you miss Warren blunders are worse than crimes and I've a genius for them well I'm not a genius in any sense of the word miss Ada and I look at things as they are one would think mr. Morton accepting your view of yourself that you could supply your paper with all the crimes and casualties required as the result of the genius you claim stupid blunders would make stupid reading oh that column in your paper is very interesting then why should it be I've never had the bad taste to publish in it anything about myself I failed to find any logic in that remark have you a conscience mr. Morton the idea of an editor having a conscience I doubt whether you have ever seen New York miss Warren you are so unsophisticated Emily these shouldn't be afraid of lightning when the and Richard Morton are so ready to flash back and for that one another my words are only heat lightning very harmless and mr. Morton's partake of the aurora in character they are cool and distant I hope they are not so mysterious I replied their causes quite I think I understand the cause said Mrs. Yocome as we rose from the table and she came and took my hand Richard Morton the has fever thy hands are hot and thy temples are throbbing I saw that Ms. Warren was looking at me with an expression that was full of kind regretful interest but with the perversity of a child that should have been shaken I replied recklessly I've taken cold I fear I sat on the Piazza like an owl last night and I learned that an owl would have been equally useful there I fear I'm going to be ill Mrs. Yocome and I think I had better make a precipitated retreat to my den in New York who'll take care of the indict in she asked with a smile that would have disarmed cynicism itself oh they can spare a devil from the office occasionally I said carelessly but I felt that my remark was brutal in answer to her look of pain surprise I added pardon me that I used the vile slang of the shop I meant one of the boys employed in the printing rooms Mrs. Yocome I have now satisfied you that I'm too much of a bear to deserve any gentler nurse I truly think I had better return to town at once I've never been very ill and I have no idea how to behave it's already clear that I wouldn't prove a meek and interesting patient and I don't want to lose your good opinion Richard Morton if these should leave us now I should feel hurt beyond measure these not thyself or they wouldn't think of it Richard Morton the cannot go said Mr. Yocome in his hearty way if the new mother as I do they'd give right in I don't often put my foot down but when I do it's like Old South Mountain there ah here comes the doctor Dr. Bates if he doesn't prescribe several weeks of quiet life in this old farmhouse for friend Morton I'll start right off to find a doctor who will please stay and I'll gather wild strawberries for thee said Ada in a low tone she had stolen close to my side and still had the wistful intent look of a child you might do worse Dr. Bates remarked he'll never make him believe that laughed Miss Warren who evidently believed in tonic treatment and counter irritants he would much prefer sultry new york and a nymph from the printing rooms they may drive dapple all the wishes if they'll only stay said Reuben his round boyish face shadowed with unwanted anxiety we were standing in the hallway and Zilla heard our talk for her little figure came tottering out of the parlor in her trailing wrapper and her eyes were full of tears Richard Morton if he doesn't stay I'll cry myself sick I caught her up in my arms and carried her back to the sofa and whispered in her ear I'll stay Zilla I'll do anything for you the child clapped her hands gleefully as she exclaimed now I've got thee he's promised me to stay mother yes said the physician after feeling my pulse you certainly must and you ought to be in bed this moment your pulse indicates a very high fever what's more you seem badly run down I shall put you under active treatment at once that is if you'll trust me go ahead doctor I said and get me through one way or the other before very long because these friends are so good and kind is no reason why I should become a burden to them and I sank down on the sofa in the hall the old do us a great wrong if the ever thinks that Richard Morton said Mrs. Yocum earnestly Ada the see that his room is ready I'm going to take thee in hand myself and she bustled off to the kitchen you couldn't be in better hands mr. Morton said the physician and mrs. Yocum can do more for you than I can I'll try and help a little however and will prescribe for you after I've seen Zilla and he and mr. Yocum went into the parlor while Ruben with a triumphant chuckle started for the barn now that I was alone for a moment miss Warren who had been standing in the doorway and a little aloof came to me and her face was full of trouble as she said hurriedly in a low tone I fear I'm to blame for this you'll never know how sorry I am I do owe you so much please get well quickly or I'll and she hesitated you are the only one who did not ask me to stay I said reproachfully I know it I know too that I'd be ill in your place if I could how could I help loving you I said impetuously there forgive me I added hastily as I saw her look of pain and almost fright remember I'm ill delirious it may be but whatever happens also remember that I said I wouldn't change anything were it all to do over again I'd do the same it was inevitable I'm sane enough to know that you are not in the least to blame she hung on my last words as if I were giving her absolution from a mortal sin it's all a mistake oh if you but knew how I regret steps were approaching I shook my head with a dreary glimmer of a smile goodbye I said in a whisper and weirdly closed my eyes everything soon became very confused I remember Mr. Yocom's helping me to my room I saw Ada's intent wistful look as I tried to thank her Mrs. Yocom's kind motherly face changed into the features of my own mother and then came along blank end of book second chapter two book second chapter three of a day of eight by Edward P. Rowe the slipper box recording is in the public domain recording by like many waters book second chapter three returning consciousness I seemed to awaken as if from a long troubled sleep at first I was merely conscious that I was awake and wondered how long I had slept then I was glad I was awake and that my confused and hateful dreams of which no distinct memory remained had vanished the only thing I could recall concerning them was an indefinite and oppressive sense of loss of some kind at which I had vaguely and impotently protested I knew I was awake and yet I felt too languid to open my eyes I was little more than barely conscious of existence and I rather enjoyed this negative condition of complete inertia the thought floated through my mind that I was like a newborn child that knows nothing fears nothing thinks nothing but simply breathes and I felt so tired and gone that I coveted an age of mere respiration but thought slowly kindled in a weak fitful fashion I first became slightly curious about myself why had I slept so profoundly why was I so nervous and stupid after such a sleep instead of answering these questions I weakly wandered off into another train of thought my mind seems a perfect blank I said to myself I don't remember anything I don't know where I am and I don't much care nor do I know what my experience will be when I fully rouse myself this is like beginning a new existence what shall be the first entry on the blank page of my awakening mind perhaps I had better rouse up and see whether I am truly alive and yet I did not rise but just lay still heavy with a strange painless inertia over which I puzzled in a vague weak way at last I was sure I heard a child crying then there was a voice that I thought I had heard before trying to hush and reassure the child and I began to think who they were and yet I did not seem to care enough to open my eyes to see I next heard something like a low sob near me and it caused a faint thrill among my sluggish nerves surely I had heard that sound before and curiosity so far asserted itself that I opened my eyes and looked wonderingly around the room was unfamiliar and yet I was certain I had seen it on some previous occasion seated at a window however was a lady who soon absorbed my whole weak and wavering attention my first thought was how very pretty she is then what is she looking at so steadfastly from the window after a moment I mentally laughed at my stupidity she's looking at the sunset what else should she be looking at can I have slept all day I saw her bosom heave with another convulsive sob and that tears fast followed each other down her cheeks I seem to have the power of noting everything distinctly but I couldn't understand or account for what I saw who was that sweet-faced girl beyond a doubt I had seen her before but where why was she crying why was she in my room then I thought it must be all imaginary I doubt whether I am awake yet if she were only smiling instead of crying I would like to dream on forever how strangely familiar her face is I must have seen it daily for years and yet I can't recognize it the loud whinny of a horse seemed to give my paralyzed memory and impetus and suggestion by means of which I began to reconstruct the past that's old plot I exclaimed mentally and and why that's Ms. Warren sitting by the window I remember now we were in the barn together and I was jealous of the old horse how absurd then we were in the garden and she was laughing at me how like a dream at all is it seemed as if she were always laughing and that the birds might well stop singing to listen now she is crying here in my room I have believed it's an apparition and that if I speak it will vanish perhaps it is a warning that she's in trouble somewhere and that I ought to go to her help how lovely she looks with her hands lying in her lap forgetful of the work they hold and her tearful eyes fixed on the glowing west her face is very pale in contrast surely she's only a shadow and the real maiden is in need of my aid and I made an effort to rise it seemed exceedingly strange that I could scarcely lift my hand but my slight movement caused her to look around and in answer to my gaze of eager inquiry she came softly and hesitatingly toward me Ms. Warren I said can it be you in very truth yes she replied with a sudden and glad lighting up of her face but please don't talk how you relieve me I tried to say joyfully but I found I could only whisper what the mischief makes my voice so weak do you know that I had the odd impression that you were an apparition and had come to me as a token that you were in trouble and I tried to rise to go to your aid then it seemed yourself that looked around but you are in trouble why can't I get up and help you she trembled and by her gesture tried to stop my words will you do what I ask she said in a low eager tone I smiled as I replied little need of your asking that question then please try to get well speedily don't talk but just keep every little grain of strength oh I'm so glad you are in your right mind you have been very ill but we'll soon get well now if only careful I'll call Mrs. Yocom please don't go I whispered now that I know you it seems so natural that you should be here so I've been ill and you have taken care of me and I gave a deep sigh of satisfaction I did not know you at first idiot but old plot winnied and then it all began to come back at the word old plot she turned hastily toward the door then as if mastered by an impulse she returned and said in a tone that thrilled even my feeble pulse oh live in mercy live or else I can never forgive myself I'll live never fear I replied with a low laugh I'm not such a fool as to leave a world containing you a rich glow overspread her face she smiled then suddenly her face became very pale and she even seemed frightened as she hastily left the room a moment later Mrs. Yocom came in full of motherly solicitude kind Mrs. Yocom I murmured I am glad I'm in such good hands thank God Richard Morton she said in low fervent tones these going to get well but don't speak a word was that Zilla crying yes she was heartbroken about the being so sick but she'll laugh now when I tell her these better take this and sleep again bless her kind heart I said Mrs. Yocom laid her finger on my lips I saw her pour out something which I swallowed unquestioningly and after a moment sank into a quiet sleep end of book second chapter three book second chapter four of a day of fate by Edward P. Row this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by like many waters book second chapter four in the dark yes Mrs. Yocom good nursing and nourishment are all that he now requires were the reassuring words that greeted my waking later in the evening I opened my eyes and found that a physician was feeling my pulse I turned feebly toward my kind hostess and smilingly whispered there's no fear of my wanting these where you are Mrs. Yocom but don't let me make trouble I fear I've made too much already the only way they can make trouble Richard is to worry about making trouble the more we can do for thee the better we shall be pleased all these got to do is to get well and take thy time about it that's just like you how long have I been ill that's none of thy business at present one thing at a time the doctor has put thee in my hands and I'm going to make thee mind I've heard that men were perfect bears when getting well I said they can be a bear if he feels like it but not another word tonight not another syllable am I not right doctor yes I prescribe absolute quiet of mind and body that and good living will bring you around in time you've had a narrow graze of it but if you will mind Mrs. Yocom you will yet die of old age good night my nurse gave me what she thought I needed and darkened the room but it was not so dark but that I saw a beautiful face in the doorway Ms. Warren I exclaimed it was Ada said Mrs. Yocom quietly she's been very anxious about thee you are all so kind please thank her for me I replied eagerly mother may I speak to Richard Morton asked a timid voice from the obscurity of the hallway not tonight Ada tomorrow forgive me if I disobey you this once I interrupted hastily yes miss Ada I want to thank you she came instantly to my side and I held up my hand to her I wondered why hers throbbed and trembled so strangely it's I who should thank thee I can never thank thee enough oh I feared I might I might never have a chance there Ada thee mustn't say another word Richard's too weak yet her hand closed tightly over mine goodbye she breathed softly and vanished Mrs. Yocom sat down with her knitting by a distant and shaded lamp too weak to think or to realize ought accept that I was surrounded by an atmosphere of kindness and sympathy I was well content to lie still and watch through the open window the dark foliage wave to and fro and the leaves grow distinct in the light of the rising moon which though hidden I knew must be above the eastern mountains I had the vague impression that very much had happened but I would not think not for the world would I break the spell of deep quietude that enthralled every sense of my body and every faculty of my mind Mrs. Yocom I said at last it must be you who creates this atmosphere of perfect peace and restfulness the past is forgotten the future a blank and I see only your serene face a subdued light seems to come from it as from the shaded lamp thee is weak and fanciful Richard the doctor said thee must be quiet I wish it were possible to obey the doctor forever and that this exquisite rest and oblivion could last I am like a ship be calmed on a summer sea in a summer night mind and body are both motionless sleep Richard Morton and when rested and well may gales from heaven spring up and carry the homeward fear not even rough winds if they bear thee toward the only true home now thy only duty is to rest you are not going to sit up tonight Mrs. Yocom she put her finger on her lips hush she said oh delicious tyranny I murmured the ideal government is that of an absolute and friendly power I had a vague consciousness of being awakened from time to time and of taking something from Mrs. Yocom's hand and then sinking back into an enthrallment of blessed and refreshing slumber with every respiration life and health flowed back at last as after my first long sleep in the country I seemed to hear exquisite strains of music that swelled into richer harmony until what seemed a burst of song awoke me opening my eyes I looked intently through the open window and gladly welcomed the early day the air was fresh and I felt its exhilarating quality the drooping branches of the elm swayed to and fro and the mountains beyond were bathed in light I speedily realized that it was the song of innumerable birds that had supplied the music of my waking dream for a few moments I gazed through the window with the same perfect content with which I had watched the foliage grow distinct in the moonlight the previous evening and then I looked around the room I started slightly as I encountered the deep blue eyes of Adi Yocom fixed on me with an intent eager wistfulness can I do anything for the Richard Morton she asked rising from her chair near the door mother asked me to stay with the a while and to let her know if the woke and wanted anything with you here this bright morning how could I want anything more I asked with a smile for her young beautiful face comported so well with the early morning of the summer day as to greatly please both my eye and fancy the color of the early morning grew richer in her face as she replied I'm glad the doesn't want me to go away but I must go and have my breakfast brought up no stay tell me all that's happened I seem to have forgotten everything so strangely I feel as if I had known you all a long time and yet that can't be for only the other day I was at my office in New York mother says these two week to talk yet and that I must not answer questions she says they know these been sick and they know these getting well and that must do till these much stronger oh I feel ever so much stronger sleep and the good things your mother has given me has made a new man of me mother says he has never been sick and that the doesn't know how to take care of thyself and that they'll use thy strength right up if we don't take good care of thee and are you going to take care of me yes if thee pleases I'll help mother I should be hard to please were I not glad I shall have so nice a time getting well that I shall be tempted to play sick I'll I'll wait on thee as long as they'll let me for no one knows thee more than I do what in the world do you owe me I asked much perplexed if you are going to help me get well and will come to my room daily with a face like this summer morning I shall owe you more than I can ever repay my face would have been black enough but for thee but I'm glad the things I look well they are all saying I look pale and I'm growing thin but if he doesn't think so I don't care and she seemed to glow with pleasure it would make a sick man well to look at you I said smiling please come and sit by me and help me to get my confused brain straight once more I have the strangest sense of not knowing what I ought to know well you and your kind father and mother brought me home from meeting your mother says I might stay here and rest Miss Warren was here she was singing in the parlor where is Miss Warren she has gone out for a walk said the girl a little coldly her manner perplexed me and together with my thought of Miss Warren there came a vague sense of trouble of something wrong I tried to raise my hand to my brow as if to clear away the mist that obscured my mind and my hand was like lead it was so heavy a plague on my memory I exclaimed we were in the parlor and Miss Warren was singing your mother spoke would that I might hear her again it's all tolerably clear up to that time and then everything is confused Ada house this said Mrs. Yocome reproachfully he was not to let Richard Morton talk I only am to blame Mrs. Yocome I would talk I'm trying to get the past straightened out I know that something happened the other evening when you spoke so beautifully to us but my memory comes up to that point as to an abyss and I can't bridge it over Richard Morton doesn't believe that I'm thy friend my mind would indeed be a total blank if I doubted that well then do what I ask you don't question don't think isn't it sufficient to know that he has been ill and that thy life depends on quiet he can scarcely lift thy hand to thy head thy words are slow and feeble can't thee realize that it is thy sacred duty to rest and grow strong before taking up the cares and burdens that life brings to us all thee looks weak and exhausted I am indeed weak enough but I felt almost well when I awoke Ada I fear I can't trust thee as a nurse her mother began gravely please don't blame her it was wholly my fault I whispered I'll be very good now and do just what you bid me well then thee must take what I have prepared and thy medicine and sleep again goodbye Ada I said smiling don't look so concerned you haven't done me a bit of harm your face was as bright and welcome as the sunshine if it hadn't been for thee she began Mrs. Yoko raised a warning finger and the girl stole away Ken can I not see Miss Warren this morning I asked hesitatingly thee must sleep first the medicine she gave evidently contained a sedative or else sleep was the remedy that nature instinctively grasped for it gave back part of the strength that I had lost when I awoke again I felt wonderfully the better for a long rest that had not been broken but made more beneficial from the fact that I was slightly roused from time to time to take stimulants and nourishment the heat and glare of the summer day had passed this I could perceive even through the half closed window blinds at first I thought myself alone but soon saw that Reuben was seated in the furthest corner quietly carving on some woodwork that interested his boyish fancy his round fresh face was like a tonic well old fellow I laughed so you are playing nurse is the awake for good Richard Morton he asked springing up I hope so because mother said that as soon as the really waked up I must call her oh wait a moment and tell me all the news mother said I mustn't tell the anything but to get well I'm never going to get well what exclaimed the boy in consternation your mother and misada take such good care of me that I'm going to play sick the rest of my life I explained laughing how is dapple oh these only joking then well all I ask of thee is to get well just enough to drive dapple around with me he'll put life into thee never fear when I get hold of the reins he barely makes my hands tingle but there mother said that I shouldn't let the talk but tell her right away and he started for the door how is miss Warren is she never coming to see me Emily Warren's been dreadfully anxious about the I never saw anyone change so but today she has been like a lark she went with me to the village this morning and she had almost as much spirit and life as dapple she's a jolly good girl I like her we're also glad these getting well we don't know what to do father said he felt like jumping over a five bar fence only Ada acts kind of queer and glum I think I hear talking said mrs. Yocom entering dear mrs. Yocom I laughed you are the most amiable and beneficent dragon that ever watched over a captive the wants watching the moment my backs turned these into mischief and the young people are just as bad Ruben I might better have left Zilla here do let her come I exclaimed she'll do more good than medicine well she shall bring the up thy chicken broth that will please her wonderfully go away Ruben and tell Zilla to bring the broth not another word does he feel better Richard oh I am almost well I'm ashamed to own how hungry I am that's a good sign a very good sign mrs. Yocom how did I become so ill I'm haunted by the oddest sense of not remembering something that happened after you spoke to us the other evening there's nothing strange in people's being sick he knows that then they had been overworking so long that they had to pay the penalty yes I remember that thank heaven I drifted into this quiet harbor before the storm came I should have died in New York well the knows where to come now when these going to have another bad turn I hope however that they'll be too good a man to overwork again now these talked enough can I not see mr. Yocom and and mrs. Warren this evening no not till tomorrow father's been waiting till I said he could come but he's so hearty like that I won't trust him till the stronger is is Ms. Warren so hearty like also it seems to me her laugh would put life into a mummy well the isn't a mummy so she can't come till tomorrow she had been smoothing my pillow and bathing my face with cologne thus creating a general sense of comfort and refreshment now she lifted my head on her strong plump arm and brushed my hair tears came into my eyes as I said brokenly I can remember my mother doing this for me when I was ill once and a little fellow I've taken care of myself ever since you can have no idea how grateful your manner is to one who has no one to care for him specially they'll always have someone to care for the now but they mustn't say anything more and I saw strong sympathy and her moist eyes yes I breathed softly I should have died in New York and these said an imp from the printing house could take care of the she replied with a low laugh did I say that I must have been out of my head they'll see that all was ordered for the best and be content when they get strong people are often better every way after a good fit of sickness I believe the good physician will give his healing touch to thy soul as well as thy body ah here is Zilla come in little girl Richard wishes to see thee bearing a bowl with both hands she entered hesitatingly why Zilla you waiting on me to it's all like a fairy tale and I'm transformed into a great prince and I'm waited on right royally I'm going to drink that broth to your health as if you were a great lady it will do me more good than all the drugs of all the doctors just because you are such a good little fairy and have bewitched it the child dimpled all over with pleasure as she came and stood by my side oh I'm so glad these getting well she cried the talks queer but not so queer as they did before the a warning gesture from her mother checked her and she looked a little frightened that will do Zilla after Richard has taken this I'm not going to let him talk for a long time do you want to make me all well Zilla I asked smiling into her troubled and sympathetic face she nodded eagerly and most emphatically then climb on a chair and give me a kiss after a quick questioning look at her mother she complied laughing ah that puts life into me I said you can tell them all that you did me more good than the doctor I'll go with you to see the robin soon I've got something else for thee downstairs she whispered something that Emily Warren gathered for thee and she was gone in a flash a moment later she stood in the doorway announced in advance by the perfume of an exquisite cluster of rose buds arranged in a dainty vase entwined and half hidden with myrtle put the vase on the table by Richard and they mustn't come anymore these surely are from the Garden of Eden I exclaimed these and your kiss Zilla will make me well tell Ms. Warren that I am going to thank her myself goodbye now and she flitted out of the room right with the unalloyed happiness of a child dear me said Mrs. Yocombe they must indeed get strong fast for I do have such a time keeping the young people out of thy room Rubin asks a dozen times a day if he can see thee and fathers nearly as bad no more shall see thee today I promise now they must rest till tomorrow I was well content for the roses brought a presence very near in their fragrance their beauty their dewy freshness their superiority to other flowers they seemed the emblem of the maiden who had made harmony in the garden when nature was at her best the scene as we had stood there together grew so vivid that I saw her again almost in reality her face glowing with the undisguised irrepressible pleasure that had been caused by my unexpected tribute to the absolute truthfulness of her character again I heard her pecan't laugh then her sweet vibratory voice as she sang hymns that awakened other than religious emotions I fear by an odd freak of fancy the flowers seemed an embodied strain from Chopin's nocturne that she had played and the different shades of color the rising and falling of the melody what do they mean I murmured to myself at any rate I see no york and Lancaster buds among them is thee so very fond of roses that the gazes so long and intently at them mrs. Yocombe quietly asked I started and I had still sufficient blood to crimson my palette face turning away I said they recall a scene in the garden where they grew it seems to me that mrs. Warren had grown there too she was so like them and that this impression should have been made by a girl bred in the city struck me as rather strange thy impression was correct she's genuine mrs. Yocombe replied gravely and her eyes rested on me in a questioning and sympathetic way that I understood better as I thought it over afterward yes I said she made just that impression on me from the first we met as strangers and in a few hours without the slightest effort on her part she won my absolute trust this at first greatly surprised me for I regret to say that my calling has made me distrustful I soon learned however that this was just the impression that she should make on anyone capable of understanding her a deep sigh was my companion's only answer mrs. Yocombe I continued earnestly was I taken ill while you were speaking I have a vague tormenting impression that something occurred which I cannot recall the last that I can remember was your speaking to us and then and then wasn't there a storm there may have been we've had several showers of late he had been overdoing Richard and he felt the effects of the fever in thy system before thee or any of us knew what was the matter I mind soon wandered but he was never violent he made us no trouble only our anxiety now I hope I've satisfied thee how wondrously kind you've all been to such a stranger but misada made reference to something that I can't understand mrs. Yocombe looked perplexed and annoyed I'll ask Ada she said gravely it's time he took this medicine and slept the drought she gave me was more quieting than her words had been for I remembered nothing more distinctly until I awoke in the brightness of another day end of book second chapter four