 CHAPTERS 25 AND 26 THE BRIDAL It was Mabel's wedding night, and in one of the upper rooms of Mr. Livingstone's house she stood awaiting the summons to the parlor. They had arrayed her for the bridle. Mrs. Livingstone, Carrie, Lena, Anna and the seamstress all had had something to do with her toilet, and now they had left her for a time with him who was soon to be her husband. She knew, for they had told her, she was looking uncommonly well. Her dress of pure white satin was singularly becoming. Pearls were interwoven in the braids of her raven hair. The fleecy folds of the rich veil which fell like a cloud around her swept the floor. In her eye there was an unusual sparkle and on her cheek an unwanted bloom. Still Mabel was not happy. There was a heavy pain at her heart, a foreboding of coming evil, and many an anxious glance she cast toward the stern, silent man who, with careless tread, walked up and down the room utterly regardless of her presence and apparently absorbed in bitter reflections. Once only had she ventured to speak and then, in childlike simplicity, she had asked him how she looked. Well enough was his answer as without raising his eyes he continued his walk. The tears gathered in Mabel's eyes she could not help it. Drop after drop they came falling upon the marble table until John Jr. who saw more than he pretended came to her side asking why she wept. Mabel was beginning to be terribly afraid of him and for a moment she hesitated but at length, summoning all her courage, she wound her arms about his neck and in low earnest tone said, Tell me truly, do you wish to marry me? And suppose I do not, he asked with the same stony composure. Stepping backward Mabel stood proudly erect before him and answered, Then would I die rather than wed you? There was something in her appearance and attitude peculiarly attractive to John Jr. Never in his life had he felt so much interested in her and at drawing her toward him and placing his arm around her he said gently, Be calm little meb, you are nervous tonight. Of course I wish you to be my wife, else I had not asked you, are you satisfied? The joyous glance of the dark eyes lifted so confidingly to his was a sufficient answer and as if conscious of the injustice he was about to do to her, John Jr. bent for an instant over his slight figure mentally resolving that so far as in him lay he would be true to his trust. There was a knock at the door and Mrs. Livingstone herself looked in pale, anxious and expectant. Mr. Douglas who was among the invited guests had arrived and must have an interview with John Jr. air the ceremony. It was in vain she attempted politely to waive his request. He would see him and distracted with fear. She had at last conducted him into the upper hall and out upon an open veranda where in the moonlight he awaited the coming of the bridegroom who with some curiosity approached him asking what he wanted. It may seem strange to you, said Mr. Douglas, that I insist upon seeing you now when another time might do as well, but I believe in having a fair understanding all round. Meddling old rascal exclaimed to Mrs. Livingstone who of course was within hearing bending her ears so as not to lose a word. But in this she was thwarted for drawing near to John Jr. Mr. Douglas said so low as to prevent her catching anything further save the sound of his voice. I do not accuse you of being at all mercenary but such things have been and there has something come to my knowledge today which I deem it my duty to tell you so that hereafter you can neither blame me nor Mabel. What is it? asked John Jr. and Mr. Douglas replied. To be brief then, Mabel's large fortune is, with the exception of a few thousands of which I have charged, all swept away by the recent failure of the planter's bank in which it was invested. I heard of it this morning and determined on telling you knowing that if you loved her for herself it would make no difference while if you loved her for her money it were far better to stop here. Nothing could have been further from John's thoughts than a desire for Mabel's wealth which precious as it seemed in his mother's eyes was valueless to him and after a moment's silence in which he was thinking what a rich disappointment it would be to his mother who he knew prized Mabel only for her money, he exclaimed, Good! I'm glad of it. I never sought Mabel's hand for what there was in it and I'm more ready to marry her now than ever. But he added as a sudden impulse of good came over him. She need not know it. It would trouble her uselessly and for the present will keep it from her. John Jr. had always been a puzzle to Mr. Douglas, who by turns censured and admired him, but now there was but one feeling in his bosom toward him and that was one of unbounded respect. With a warm pressure of the hand he turned away thinking perchance of his fair young daughter who far away or the Atlantic waves little dreamed of the scene on which that summer moon was shining. As the conference ended Mrs. Livingstone who had learned nothing glided from her hiding place eagerly scanning her son's face to see if there was ought to justify her fears. But there was nothing and with her heart beating at its accustomed pace she descended the stairs in time to meet Derward who having reached Woodlawn that day had not heard of Lena's decision. This way, Master Balmont, up stars is the gentleman's room, said the servant in attendance, and ascending the stairs Derward met with Anna asking for her cousin. In there go in, said Anna, pointing to a half-open door and then hurrying away to meet Malcolm who's coming she had seen from the window. Hesitatingly Derward approached the chamber indicated and as his knock met with no response he ventured at last to enter unannounced into the presence of Lena whom he had not met since that well-remembered night. Tastefully attired for the wedding in a simple white muslin she sat upon a little stool with her face buried in the cushions of the sofa. She had heard his voice in the lower hall and knowing she must soon meet him she had for a moment abandoned herself to the tumult of bitter thoughts which came sweeping over her in that trying hour. She was weeping. He knew that by the trembling of her body and for an instant everything was forgotten. Advancing softly toward her he was about to lay his hand upon those clustering curls which fell unheeded around her when the thought that from among them had been cut the hated tress which his mother had cast into the flames arrested his hand and he was himself again. Forcing down his emotion he said calmly, Miss Rivers, and starting quickly to her feet Lena demanded proudly what he would have and why he was there. Pardon me, said he as he marked her haughty bearing and glanced at her dress which was hardly in accordance with that of a bridesmaid. I suppose I was to be a groomsman, am I mistaken? So far as I am concerned you are, sir. I knew nothing of Maples writing to you or I should have prevented it for after what has occurred you cannot deem me weak enough to lend myself to such an arrangement. And Lena walked out of the room while Derward looked after her in amazement, one moment admiring her spirit and the next blaming Maples for not informing him how matters stood. But there's no help for it now, thought he, as he descended the stairs and made his way into the parlor whether Lena had preceded him. And thus ended an interview of which Lena had thought so much, hoping and praying that it might result in a reconciliation. But it was all over now, the reach was wider than ever, with half-benummed faculties she leaned on the window, unconscious of the earnest desire he felt to approach her, for there was about her a strange fascination which it required all his power to resist. When at last all was in readiness a messenger was dispatched to John Jr. who, without a word, offered his arm to Maples and, descending the broad staircase, they stood within the parlor in the spot which had been assigned them. Once, during the ceremony, he raised his eyes, encountering those of Lena fixed upon him so reproachfully that with a scowl he turned away. Mechanically he went through with his part of the service, betraying no emotion whatever, until the solemn words which made them one more uttered. Then, when it was over, when he was bound to her forever, he seemed to suddenly to awake from his apathy and think of what he had done. Crowding around him they came with words of congratulation, all but Lena who tarried behind for she had none to give. Wretched as she was herself, she pitted the frail young bride whose half-joyous half-timid glances toward the frigid bridegroom showed that already was she sipping from the bitter cup whose very dregs she was destined to drain. In the recess of a window near to John Jr. Mr. Douglas and Derward stood, speaking together of Nellie, and though John shrank from the sound of her name, his hearing faculties seemed unusually sharpened and he lost not a word of what they were saying. So Nellie is coming home in the autumn, I am told, said Derward, and I am glad of it, for I miss her much. But what is it about Mr. Wilbur's marriage? Wasn't it rather unexpected? No, not very. Nellie knew before she went that he was engaged to Miss Allen, but at his sister's request she kept it still. He found her at a boarding school in Montreal several years ago. Will there remain in Europe? For a time at least, until Mary is better, but Nellie comes home with some friends from New Haven whom she met in Paris. Then in a low tone Mr. Douglas added, I almost dread the effect of this marriage upon her, for I am positive she liked him better than anyone else. The little white blue veined hand which rested on that of John Jr. was suddenly pressed so spasmodically that Mabel looked up inquiringly in the face which had no thought for her, for Mr. Douglas's words had fallen upon him like a thunderbolt, crushing him to the earth, and for a moment rendering him powerless. Instantly he comprehended it all. He had deceived himself, and by his impetuous haste lost all that he held most dear on earth. There was a cry of faintness, a grasping at empty space to keep from falling, and then forth into the open air there led the half-fainting man, followed by his frightened bride, who tenderly bathed his damp cold brow, unmindful how he shrank from her, shuddering as he felt the touch of her soft hand, and motioning her aside when she stooped apart from his forehead the heavy logs of his hair. That night the pale starlight of another hemisphere kept watch over a gentle girl who, neat the blue skies of sunny France, dreamed of her distant home across the ocean wave, of the grey-haired man who, with every morning light and evening shade blessed her as his child, of another whose image was ever present with her whom from her childhood she had loved and whom neither time nor distance could have faced from her memory. Later, and the silvery moon looked mournfully down upon the white, haggard face and heavy-blood-shot eye of him who counted each long, dreary hour as it passed by, cursing the fate which had made him what he was and unjustly hardening his heart against his innocent, unsuspecting wife. 26. MARRIED LIFE For a short time after their marriage, John Jr. treated Mabel with at least a show of attention, but he was not one to long act as he did not feel. Had Nellie been indeed the wife of another, he might in time have learned to love Mabel as she deserved, but now her presence only served to remind him of what he had lost, and at last he began to shun her society, never seeming willing to be left with her alone, and either repulsing or treating with indifference the many little acts of kindness which her affectionate nature prompted. To all this Mabel was not blind, and when once she began to suspect her true position, it was easy for her to fancy sleights where none were intended. Thus ere she had been two months away, her life was one of constant unhappiness, and as a matter of course her health, which had been much improved, began to fail. Her old racking headaches returned with renewed force, confining her for whole days to her room where she lay listening in vain for the footsteps which never came, and tended only by Lina, who in proportion as the others neglected her, clung to her more and more. The trip to Saratoga was given up, John Jr. in the bitterness of his disappointment utterly refusing to go, and saying there was nothing sillier than for a newly married couple to go riding around the country, disgusting sensible people with their foolries. So with a burst of tears Mabel yielded and her bridal tour extended no further than Frankfurt, with her husband did once accompany her, dining out even then with an old schoolmate whom he chanced to meet, and almost forgetting to call at Mr. Douglas's for Mabel when it was time to return home. Air long too, another source of trouble arose which shipwrecked entirely the poor bride's happiness. By some means or other it at last came to Mrs. Livingstone's knowledge that Mabel's fortune was not only all gone, but that her son had known it in time to prevent his marrying her. Owing to various losses, her own property had for a few years passed been gradually diminishing, and when she found that Mabel's fortune, which she leaned upon as an all-powerful prop, was swept away, it was more than she could bear peaceably. And in a fit of disappointed rage she assailed her son reproaching him with bringing disgrace upon the family by marrying a poor, homely, sickly girl who would be forever incurring expense without any means of paying it. For once, however, she found her match, for in good rounded terms John Junior bet her go to thunder, his favorite point of destination for his particular friends, and at the same time saying, he didn't care a dime for Mabel's money. It was you, said he, who kept your eye on that, aiding and abetting the match, and now that you are disappointed I'm heartily glad of it. But who is going to pay for her board? asked Mrs. Livingstone. You've no means of earning it, and I hope you don't intend to sponge out of me, for I think I've enough poppers on my hands already. Board! roared John Junior in a towering fashion. While you thought her rich you gave no heed to board or anything else, and since she has become bore I do not think her appetite greatly increased. You taunt me, too, with having no means of earning my own living. Whose fault is it? Tell me that. Haven't you always opposed my having a profession? Didn't you pet and baby Johnny when a boy, keeping him always at your apron strings, and now that he's a man he's not to be turned to drift? No, madam, I shall stay and Mabel, too, just as long as I please. Gaining no satisfaction from him, Mrs. Livingstone turned her battery upon poor Mabel, treating her with shameful neglect, intimating that she was in the way, that the house was full, and that she never suppose John was going to settle down at home for her to support, he was big enough to look after himself, and if he chose to marry a wife who had nothing, why let them go to work as other folks did? Mabel listened in perfect amazement, never dreaming what was meant, for John Junior had carefully kept from her a knowledge of her loss, requesting his mother to do the same in such decided terms, that hint as strongly as she pleased she dared not tell the whole for fear of the storm which was sure to follow. All this was not, of course, calculated to add to Mabel's comfort, and day by day she grew more and more unhappy, generously keeping to herself, however, the treatment which she received from Mrs. Livingstone. He will only dislike me the more if I complain to him of his mother, thought she, so the secret was kept, though she could not always repress the tears which would start when she thought how wretched she was. We believe we have said elsewhere, that if there was anything particularly annoying to John Junior, it was a sick or crying woman, and now when he so often found Mabel indisposed or weeping, he grew more morose and fault-binding, sometimes wantonly accusing her of trying to provoke him, when in fact she had used every means in her power to conciliate him. Again conscience smitten he would lay her aching head upon his bosom and tenderly bathing her throbbing temples would soothe her into a quiet sleep from which she always awoke refreshed and in her heart forgiving him for all he had made her suffer. At such times John would resolve never again to treat her unkindly, but alas, his resolutions were too easily broken. Had he married Nelly, a more faithful affectionate husband there could not have been. But now it was different. A withering blight had fallen upon his earthly prospects, and forgetting that he alone was to blame, he unjustly laid the fault upon his innocent wife, who as far as she was able loved him as deeply as Nelly herself could have done. One morning about the first of September, John Jr. received a note informing him that several of his young associates were going on a three-days hunting excursion in which they wished him to join. In the large easy chair just before him sat Mabel, her head supported by pillows and saturated with camphor, while around her eyes were the dark rings which usually accompanied her headaches. Involuntarily John Jr. glanced toward her. Had it been Nelly, all the pleasures of the world could not have induced him to leave her, but Mabel was altogether another person, and more for the sake of seeing what she would say than from any real intention of going, he read the note aloud. Then carelessly throwing it aside, he said, Ah, yes, I'll go. It'll be rare fun capping out these moonlight nights. Much as she feared him, Mabel could not bear to have him out of her sight, and now, at the first intimation of his leaving her, her lip began to tremble while tears filled her eyes and dropped upon her cheeks. This was enough, and mentally styling her a perfect crybaby, he resolved to go at all hazards. I don't think you ought to leave Mabel, she feels so badly," said Anna, who was present. I want to know if little Anna's got so she can dictate me too," answered John, imitating her voice and adding that, he reckoned Mabel would get over her bad feelings quite as well without him as with him. More for the sake of opposition than because she really cared, Carrie too chimed in saying that he was a pretty specimen of a three month's husband and asking how he ever expected to answer for all of Mabel's tears and headaches. Hang her tears and headaches," said he, beginning to grow angry. She can get one up to order any time and, for my part, I'm getting heartily tired of the sound of aches and pains. Please don't talk so," said Mabel, pressing her hands upon her aching head while Lena sternly exclaimed, shame on you, John Livingstone. I am surprised at you, for I did suppose you had some little feeling left. Miss Rivers can be very eloquent when she chooses, but I am happy to say it is entirely lost on me," said John, leaving the room and shutting the door with a bang which made every one of Mabel's nerves quiver anew. What a perfect brute," said Carrie, while Lena and Anna drew nearer Mabel, the one telling her she would not care and the other silently pressing the little hand which instinctively sought hers as if sure of finding sympathy. At this moment Mrs. Livingstone came in and immediately Carrie gave a detailed account of her brother's conduct, at the same time referring her mother for proof to Mabel's red eyes and swollen face. I never interfere between husband and wife," said Mrs. Livingstone coolly, but as a friend I will give Mabel a bit of advice. Without being at all personal, I would say that a few women have beauty enough to afford to impair it by eternally crying while fewer men have patience enough to bear with a woman who is forever whining and complaining first of this and then of that. I don't suppose that John is so much worse than other people, and I think he bears up wonderfully considering his disappointment. Here the lady plounced out of the room leaving the girls to stare at each other in silence of wondering what she meant. Since her marriage Mabel had occupied the parlor chamber which connected with a cozy little bedroom and dressing room adjoining. These had, at the time, been fitted up and furnished in a style which Mrs. Livingstone thought worthy of Mabel's wealth, but now that she was poor the case was altered and she had long contemplated removing her to more inferior quarters. She wasn't going to give her the very best room in the house. No, indeed she wasn't, wearing out the carpets, soiling the furniture and keeping everything topsy-turvy. She understood John Jr. well enough to know that it would not do to approach him on the subject, so she waited, determining to carry out her plans the very first time he should be absent, thinking when it was once done he would submit quietly. On hearing that he had gone off on a hunting excursion she thought, now is my time. And as summoning to her assistance three or four servants she removed everything belonging to John Jr. and Mabel to the small and not remarkably convenient room which the former had occupied previous to his marriage. What are you about? asked Anna who chanced to pass by and looked in. About my business, answered Mrs. Livingstone, I'm not going to have my best things all worn out and if this was once good enough for John to sleep in it is now. But will Mabel like it? asked Anna, a little suspicious that her sister-in-law's rights were being infringed. Nobody cares whether she is pleased or not, said Mrs. Livingstone. If she don't like it all she has to do is to go away. Last to just about as long as I thought would, said Aunt Millie when she heard what was going on, I'll and crab-apple vinegar won't mix know-how, and if before the year is up old Miss don't worry the life out of that poor little sickly critter that looks now like a thick chicken, my name ain't Millie Livingstone. The other Negroes agreed with her, constantly associated with the family they saw things as they were and while Mrs. Livingstone's conduct was universally condemned, Mabel was a general favorite. After Mrs. Livingstone had left the room, Millie with one or two others stole up to Reconoiter. Now I clarify for it, said Millie. If air ain't Marster John's boot-jack, fish-line and box of tobacco rate out in far sight, and Miss Mabel coming in here to sleep. Peers like some white folks ain't no idea of what longs to good manners. Here, Corinne, put the jack in thar, the fish-line thar, the baggy thar, and heave that or other trash out a door, pointing to some geological specimens which from time to time John Jr. had gathered and which his mother had not thought proper to molest. Corinda obeyed and then Aunt Millie, who really possessed good taste, began to make some alterations in the arrangement of the furniture and under her supervision the room soon began to present a more cheerful and inviting aspect. Get out with your old air-than-candle stick, said she, turning up her broad nose at the said article which stood upon the stand. What's them tall, frosted ones in the parter chamber for, if taint to use? Go, Corinne, and fetch them. But Corinda did not dare, and Aunt Millie went herself taking the precaution to bring them in the tongs so that even in the denouement she could stoutly deny having even touched them or even had them in her hands. So much for a subterfuge when there is no moral training. When Mabel heard of the change she seemed for a moment stupefied. Had she been consulted had Mrs. Livingstone frankly stated her reasons for wishing her to take another room she would have consented willingly but to be thus summarily removed without a shadow of warning hardly came up to her idea of justice. Still there was no help for it and that night the bride of three months watered her lone pillow with tears never once closing her heavy eyelids in sleep until the dim morning light came in through the open window and the tread of the negro's feet was heard in the yard below. Then for many hours the weary girl slumbered on, unconscious of the ill-natured remarks which her non-appearance was eliciting from Mrs. Livingstone who said, It was strange what air some people would put on. Perhaps Mistress Mabel fancied her breakfast would be sent to her room or kept warm for her until such time as she chose to appear but she'd find herself mistaken for the servants had enough to do without waiting upon her and if she couldn't come up to breakfast why she must wait until dinner time. Lena and Millie however thought differently. Softly had the ladders tolling up to her cousin's room gazing pityingly upon the pale-born face whose grieved, mournful expression told of sorrow which had come all too soon. Let her sleep it will do her good, said Lena, adjusting the bed-clothes and dropping the curtain so that the sunlight should not disturb her she left the chamber. An hour after on entering the kitchen she found out Millie preparing a rich cream toast which with a cup of fragrant black tea were to be slyly conveyed to Mabel who was now awake. Reckon that, don't nobody starve as long as this nigger rules the roost, said Millie, wiping one of the silver teaspoons with the corner of her apron and then placing it in the cup, destined for Mabel who not having seen her breakfast prepared, relished it highly, thinking the world was not, after all, so dark and dreary for there were yet a few left who cared for her. Her headache of the day before still remained and Lena suggested that she should stay in her room saying that she would herself see that every necessary attention was paid her. This she could the more readily do as Mrs. Livingstone had gone to Versailles with her husband. That afternoon as Mabel lay watching the drifting clouds as they passed and repassed before the window her ear suddenly caught the sound of horses' feet. Nearer and nearer they came until with a cry of delight she hit her face in the pillows weeping for very joy for John Jr. had come home. She could not be mistaken and if there was any doubt it was soon lost in certainty for she heard his voice in the hall below his footsteps on the stairs. He was coming, an unusual thing, to see her first. But how did he know she was there in his old room? He did not know it. He was only coming to put his rifle in its accustomed place and on seeing the chamber failed with the various paraphernalia of a woman's toilet he started with the exclamation, What the deuce! I reckon I've got into the wrong pew and was going away when Mabel called him back. Meb, you hear? said he. You, in this little tucked up hole that I always thought too small for me and my traps. What does it mean? Mabel had carefully studied the tones of her husband's voice and knowing from the tone he now assumed that he was not displeased with her the sense of injustice done her by his mother burst out and throwing her arms around his neck she told him everything connected with her removal asking what his mother meant by saying that she should never get anything for their board and begging him to take her away where they could live alone and to be happy. Since he had left her, John Junior had thought a great deal the result of which was that he determined on returning home much sooner than he had first intended promising himself to treat Mabel decently and if possible win back the respect of Lena which he knew he had lost. To his companions who urged him to remain he explained that he had left his wife sick and had to stay longer. It cost him a great effort to say my wife for never before had he so called her but he felt better the moment he had done so and bidding his young friends a dear he started for home with the same impetuous speed which usually characterized his writing. He had fully expected to meet Mabel in the parter and was even revolving in his own mind the prospect of kissing her provided Lena were present. That'll prove to her, thought he that I am not the hardened wretch thinks I am so I'll do it if meb doesn't happen to be all bound up in camphor and aromatic vinegar which I can't endure anyway. Full of this resolution he had hastened home going first to his old room where he had come so unexpectedly upon Mabel that for a moment he scarcely knew what to say. By the time however that she had finished her story his mind was pretty well made up. And so its mother's doings hey said he violently pulling the bellrope and then walking up and down the room until Corinda appeared and answered to his summons. How many blacks are there in the kitchen? He asked. Six or seven besides Aunt Polly answered Corinda. Very well. Tell every man of them to come up here quick. Full of wonder Corinda departed carrying the intelligence and adding that Myrster John looked mighty black in the face and she reckoned some on him would catch it at the same time for fear of what might happen secretly conveying back to the safe the piece of cake which in the mistress's absence she had stolen. Aunt Milly's first thought was of the frosted candlesticks and by way of impressing upon Corinda a sense of what she might expect if in any way she implicated her she gave her a cuff in advance bidding her be careful how she blabbed then heading the sable group she repaired to the chamber where John Jr. was awaiting them. Advancing toward them as they appeared in the doorway he said hold here every one of you and move these things back where they came from. Don't oh don't entreated Mable but laying his hand over her mouth John Jr. batter keeps still at the same time ordering the Negroes to be quick. At first the younger portion of the blacks stood speechless but Aunt Milly comprehending the whole at once and feeling glad that her mistress had her match and her son set to work with a right goodwill and when about dusk Mrs. Livingstone came home she was astonished at seeing a light in the parter chamber while occasionally she could discern the outline of a form moving before the window. What could it mean? Perhaps they had company and springing from the carriage she hastened into the house meeting Lena in the hall and eagerly asking who was in the front chamber. I believe, said Lena, that my cousin is not pleased with the change and has gone back to the front room. The impudent thing exclaimed Mrs. Livingstone ignorant of her son's return and as a matter of course attributing the whole to Mabel. Darting up the stairs she advanced toward the chamber and pushing open the door stood face to face with John Jr. who with hands crammed in his pockets and legs crossed was leaning against the mantle waiting and ready for whatever might occur. John Livingstone she gasped in her surprise. That's my name. He returned quietly enjoying her look of amazement. What do you mean? She continued. Mean what I say? Was his provoking answer. What have you been about? Was her next question to which he replied. Your eyesight is not deficient. You can see for yourself. Gaining no satisfaction from him Mrs. Livingstone now turned upon Mabel abusing her until John Jr. sternly commanded her to desist bidding her confine her remarks to himself and let his wife alone as she was not in the least to blame. Your wife repeated Mrs. Livingstone very affectionate you've grown all at once. Perhaps you've forgotten that you married her despite Nellie who you then believed was the bride of Mr. Wilbur but you surely remember how you fainted when you accidentally learned your mistake. A cry from Mabel who fell back fainting among the pillows prevented Mrs. Livingstone from any further remarks and satisfied with the result of her visit she walked away while John Jr., springing to the bedside bore his young wife to the open window hoping the cool night air would revive her but she lay so pale and motionless in his arms her head resting so heavily upon his shoulder that with a terrible foreboding he laid her back upon the bed and rushing to the door shouted loudly Help somebody come quick Mabel is dead I know she is Lena heard the cry and hastened to the rescue starting back when she saw the marble whiteness I didn't kill her Lena God knows I didn't poor little meb said John Jr. quailing beneath Lena's rebuking glance and bending anxiously over the slight form which looks so much like death but Mabel was not dead Lena knew it by the faint fluttering of her heart and an application of the usual remedies sufficed at last to restore her to consciousness with a long drawn sigh her eyes unclosed and looking earnestly in the face she said was it a dream Lena tell me was it all a dream then as she observed her husband she added shudderingly no no not a dream I remember it all now and I wish I was dead again Lena's rebuking glance went over to John Jr. who advancing nearer to Mabel gently laid his hand upon her white brow saying softly poor poor meb there was genuine pity for the tones of his voice and while the hot tears gushed forth the sick girl murmured forgive me John I couldn't help it I didn't know it and now if you say so I'll go away alone where you'll never see me again she comprehended it all her mother-in-law had rudely torn away the veil and she saw why she was there knew why he had sought her for his wife understood all his coldness and neglect had no word of reproach for him her husband and from the depths of her crushed heart she forgave him commiserating him as the greater sufferer maybe I shall die she whispered and then she did not finish the sentence neither was it necessary for John Jr. understood what she meant and with his conscience smiting him as it did he felt half inclined to declare with his usual impulsiveness that it should never be but the rash promise was not made but it should not be End of chapters 25 and 26 chapters 27 and 28 of Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes this LibriVox recording is in the public domain 27. The Shadow Mabel's nerves had received too great a shock to rally immediately and as day after day went by she still kept her room Nutt was standing the very pointed hints whether in law that she was making believe for the sake of sympathy why didn't she get up and go outdoors anybody would be sick to be flat on their back day in and day out or did she think she was spiting her by showing what must she could keep the best chamber in if she chose this last was undoubtedly the grand secret of Mrs. Livingstone's dissatisfaction foiled in her effort to dislodge them she would not yield without an attempt at making Mabel at least comfortable in mind as possible accordingly almost every day when her son was not present she conveyed from the room some nice article of furniture substituting in its place one of inferior quality which was quite good enough she thought for a penniless bride peers like old Miss going to make a clean finish of her diss time said Aunt Millie who watched her mistress's daily depredations Oh Sam Dunn got titled deed of her sure enough guy won't she catch it into the world when he done show her his globin' foot and won't she holler for old Millie to fudger a drink of water not particular then drink out of the bucket gold shell or anything but this nigger'll sign her post into a parter before she'll go why Millie said Lena who overheard this calliliqui don't you know it's wrong to indulge in such wicked thoughts bless you child returned the old niggers she serves them all for treating that poor dear lamb so I'd annihilate her if I miss Mabel no no Millie said Aunt Polly who was present you must heap cause a fire on her head yes yes that's it she ought to have them quickly responded Millie thinking Polly's method of revenge the very best in the world provided the cause were bylin' hot and with this reflection she started upstairs with a bowl of nice warm gruel she had been preparing for the invalid. Several times each day grand Monico's visited Mabel's room always prescribing some new tea of herbs whose healing qualities were wonderful having affected cures in every member of Nancy's Covindike's family that lady herself as a matter of course being first included and Aunt Millie with the faithfulness characteristic of her race would seek out each new herb uniting with it her own simple prayer that it might have the desired effect but all in vain for every day Mabel became weaker while her dark eyes grew larger and brighter and on lighting up with joy as she heard her husband's footsteps in the hall and again filling with tears as she glanced timidly into his face and thought of the dread reality maybe I shall die was more than once murmured in her sleep and John Junior as often as he heard those words would press her burning hands and mentally reply poor little meb and all this time no one thought to call a physician until Mr. Livingstone himself at last suggested it at first he had felt no interest whatever in his daughter-in-law but with him force of habit was everything and when she no longer came among them he missed her, missed her languid steps upon the stairs and her childish voice in the parlor. At last they occurred to him to visit her. She was sleeping when he entered the room but he could see there had been a fearful change since last he looked upon her and without a word concerning his intentions he walked to the kitchen ordering one of his servants to start forthwith for the physician whose residence was a few miles distant. Mrs. Livingstone was in the front parlor when he returned in company with Dr. Gordon and immediately her avaricious spirit asked who would pay the bill and why was he sent for? Mabel did not need him she was only babyish and spliny and so she told the physician who however did not agree with her. He did not say that Mabel would die but he thought so for his experienced I saw in her infallible signs of the disease which had stricken down both her parents and to which from her birth she had been a prey. Mabel guessed as much from his manner and when again he visited her she asked him plainly what he thought. She was young, a bride surrounded apparently by everything to make her happy and the physician hesitated answering her evasively until she said do not fear to tell me truly for I want to die oh I long to die she continued passionately clasping her thin white hands together that is an unusual wish in one so young answer the physician but to be plain with you Mrs. Livingstone I think consumption too deeply seated to admit of your recovery you may be better but never well your disease is hereditary and has been coming on too long it is well was Mabel's only answer as she turned weirdly upon her side and hit her face in the pillows for a long time she lay there thinking, weeping and thinking again of the noisome grave through which she must pass and from which instinctively shrank it was so dark so cold and dreary but Mabel had trusted in one who she knew would go with her down into the lone valley whose arms she felt would uphold her as she crossed the dark rolling stream of death and as if her frail bark were already safely moored upon the shores of the eternal river she looked back dreamily upon the world she had left and as she saw what she felt would surely be she again murmured through her tears it is well that night when John Jr. came up to his room he appeared somewhat moody and cross barely speaking to Mabel and then walking up and down the room with the heavy tread which created a storm within he had that day been to Frankfurt hearing that Nally was really coming home very soon very possibly she was now on her way of course she would visit Mabel when she heard she was sick and of course he must meet her face to face must stand with her at the bedside of his wife and that wife Mabel in his heart he did not accuse the latter of feigning her illness but he wished she would get well faster so that Nally need not feel obliged to visit her and at least make an effort a great deal depended upon that and she had now been confined to her room three or four weeks thus he reflected as he walked and at last his thoughts formed themselves into words stopping short at the foot of the bed he said abruptly and without looking her in the face how do you feel tonight these stifled cough which Mabel tried to suppress because it was offensive to him brought a scowl to his forehead and in imagination he anticipated her answer I think I am any better and I don't believe you try to be sprang to his lips but its utterance was prevented by a glance at her face which by the flickering lamp light looked whiter than ever Nally is coming home in a few weeks he said at length with his usual precipitancy it was the first time Mabel had heard that name since that night when her mother-in-law had rang it in her ears and now she started so quickly that the offending cough could not be forced back and the coughing pit which followed was so violent that John Junior as he held the bowl to her quivering lip saw that what she had raised was streaked with blood but he was unused to sickness and he gave it no farther thought resuming the conversation as soon as she became quiet to be plain meb said he I want you to hurry and get well before Nally comes for if you are sick she'll feel in duty bound to visit you and I'd rather face a loaded cannon than her Mabel was too much exhausted to answer immediately and she lay so long with her eyes closed that John Junior growing impatient said are you asleep meb? no, no, said she at the same time requesting him to take the vacant chair by her side as she wished to talk with him John Junior hated to be talked to particularly by her for he felt that she had much cause to reproach him but she did not and as she proceeded his heart melted toward her in a manner which he had never thought possible very gently she spoke of her approaching end as sure he asked me to make haste and be well said she but it cannot be I shall never go out into the bright sunshine again never join you in the parlor below and before the cold winds of winter are blowing I shall be dead I hope I shall live until Nally comes for I must see her I must make it right between her and you I must tell her to forgive you for marrying me when you loved only her and she will listen she won't refuse me she won't refuse me and when I am gone you'll be happy together John Junior did not speak but the little hand which nervously moved toward him was met more than half way and thus strengthened Mabel continued you must sometimes think and speak of Mabel when she is dead I do not ask you to call me wife I do not wish it but you must forget how wretched I have made you for oh I did not mean it and I sooner known what I do now I would have died here I had caused you one pang of sorrow afterward when it was too late John Junior would have given worlds to recall that moment that he might tell the broken hearted girl how bitterly he too repented of all the wrong he had done her but he did not say so then he could only listen while he mentally resolved that if Mabel were indeed about to die he would make the remainder of her short life happy and thus atone as far as possible for the past but alas for John Junior his resolutions were easily broken and as days and weeks went by and there was no perceptible change in her he grew weary of well doing absenting himself whole days from the sick room and at night rather unwillingly resuming his post as watcher for Mabel would have no one else since Mabel's illness he had occupied the little room adjoining hers and often when in the still night he lay awake watching the shadow and thinking of her for whom the light was constantly kept burning his conscience would smite him terribly and rising up he would still softly to her bedside to see if she was sleeping quietly but anon he grew weary of this too the shadow on the wall troubled him it kept him awake it was a continual reproach and he must be rid of it somehow he tried the experiment of closing his door but Mabel knew the moment he attempted it and he could not refuse her when she asked him to leave it open John Junior grew restless fidgety and nervous why need the lamp be kept burning he could light it when necessary or why need he sleep there when someone else would do as well he thought of Lena she was just the one and the next day he would speak to her to his great joy she consented to relieve him a while provided Mabel were willing but she was not and John Junior was forced to submit he was not accustomed to restraint every night matters grew worse and worse the shadow annoyed him exceedingly if he slept he dreamed that it kept a glimmering watch over him and when he awoke he in turn watched over that until the misty daylight came to dissipate the phantom about this time several families from Frankfurt started for New Orleans where they were wont to spend the winter and irresistibly John Junior became possessed of a desire to visit that city too Mabel would undoubtedly live until spring now that the trying part of autumn was passed and there could be no harm in his leaving her for a while when he so much needed rest accordingly Lena was one day surprised by his announcing his intended trip but you cannot be an earnest she said you surely will not leave Mabel now and why not he asked she doesn't grow any worse and won't until spring and this close confinement is absolutely killing me why I've lost six pounds in six months and you'll see to her you will you're a good girl and I like you if I did get angry with you weeks ago when I went hunting Lena knew he ought not to go and she tried hard to convince him of the fact telling him how much pleasure she had felt in observing his improved manner toward Mabel and that he must not spoil it now it's no use talking said he I'm bent on going somewhere I've tried to be good I know but the fact is I can't stay put and tell meb till just before I start for I hate scenes and suppose she dies while you are gone asked Lena John was beginning to grow impatient for he knew he was wrong and rather tartly he answered as he left the room give her a decent burial and present the bill to mother the next morning as Lena sat alone with Mabel John Junior entered dressed and ready for his journey but he found it harder telling his wife than he had anticipated she looked unusually pale this morning the salinus of her complexion was all gone and on either cheek there burned her round bright spot Lena had just been arranging her thick glossy hair and now wholly exhausted she reclined upon her pillows while her large black eyes unnaturally bright sparkled with joy at the sight of her husband but they quickly filled with tears when told that he was going away and had come to say goodbye it's only to New Orleans and back he said as he saw her changing face I shan't be gone long and Lena will take care of you a heap better than I can it isn't that answered Mabel wiping her tears away don't go John wait a little while I'm sure it won't be long you are nervous said he playfully tapping her white cheek you're not going to die you'll live to be grandmother yet who knows but I must be off or lose the train goodbye little meb grasping her hand goodbye Lena I'll bring you both something nice goodbye when she saw that he was going Mabel asked him to come back to her bedside just for a moment he could not refuse and winding her long emaciated arms round his neck she whispered kiss me once before you go I shall never ask it again and it will make me happier when you are gone a dozen times if you like said he giving her the only husband's kiss she had ever received for a moment longer she detained him while she prayed silently for heaven's blessing on his wayward head and then releasing him she bad him go had he known of all that was to follow he would not have left her but he believed as he said that she would survive the winter and with one more kiss upon her brow where the perspiration was standing thickly he departed the window of Mabel's room commanded a view of the turnpike and when the sound of horses feet were heard on the lawn she requested Lena to lead her to the window where she stood watching him until a turn in the road hit him from her sight tis the last time said she and he will never know how much this parting cost me that night as they were alone in the gathering twilight Mabel said if I die before Nellie comes I want you to tell her how it all happened and that she must forgive him for he was not to blame I do not understand you said Lena in broken sentences Mabel told her what her mother-in-law had said and how terribly John was deceived of course he couldn't love me after that said she and it's right that I should die he and Nellie were made for each other and if the inhabitants of heaven are allowed to watch over those they loved on earth I will ask to be always near them you will tell her won't you Lena promised adding that she thought Mabel would see Nellie herself as she was to sail from Liverpool the 20th and a few days proved her conjecture correct entering Mabel's room one morning about a week after John's departure she brought the glad news that Nellie had returned and would be with them tomorrow the next day Nellie came but she too was changed the roundness of her form and face was gone the rose had faded from her cheek and her footsteps were no longer light and bounding as of old she knew of John Junior's absence or she would not have come for she could not meet him face to face she had heard too of his treatment of Mabel and while she felt indignant toward him she freely forgave his innocent wife who she felt had been more sinned against than sinning with a faint cry Mabel started from her pillow and burying her face on Nellie's neck wept like a child you do not hate me she said at last or you would not have come so soon hate you? no answered Nellie that's for hating you and you will stay with me until I die until he comes home and forgive him too Mabel continued I can promise the first but the latter is harder said Nellie her cheeks burning with anger as she gazed on the wreck before her but you must you will exclaimed Mabel rapidly telling all she knew then falling back upon the pillow she added you'll forgive him Nellie as time passed upon Mabel grew weaker and weaker clinging closer to Nellie as she felt the dark shadow of death creeping gradually over her if he'd only come she would say and I could place your hand in his before I died but it was not to be day after day John Junior lingered dreading to return for he knew Nellie was there and he could not meet her he thought at the bedside of Mabel so he tarried until a letter from Lina and decided him and rather reluctantly he started homeward meantime Mabel who knew nothing of her loss conceived the generous idea of willing all her possessions to her husband perhaps he'll think more kindly of me said she to his father to whom she first communicated her plan and Mr. Livingstone felt that he could not un-deceive her accordingly a lawyer was summoned from Frankfurt and the will duly drawn up signed sealed and delivered into the hands whose wife with a mocking laugh bad him guarded carefully it was so valuable it shows her goodness of heart at least said he and possibly Mrs. Livingstone thought so too for from that time her manner softened greatly toward her daughter-in-law it was midnight at Maple Grove on the table in its accustomed place the lamp was burning dimly casting the shadow upon the wall whilst over the whole room a darker shadow was brooding the window was open and the cool night air came soft lay in lifting the masses of raven hair from off the pale brow of the dying tenderly above her Nelly and Lena were bending they had watched by her many a night and now she asked them not to leave her not to disturb a single one she would rather die alone the sound of horseshoops rang out on the still air but she did not heed it nearer and nearer it came over the lawn up the graveled walk through the yard and Nelly's face blanched to an unnatural whiteness as she thought who that midnight writer was arrived in Frankfurt only an hour before he had hastened forward impelled by a something he could not resist from afar he had caught the glimmering light and he felt he was not too late he knew how to enter the house and on through the white hall and up the broad staircase he came until he stood in the chamber where before him another guest had entered whose name was Death face to face he stood with Nelly Douglas and between them lay his wife her rival the white hands folded meekly upon her bosom and the pale lips just as they had breathed a prayer for him Mabel she is dead was all he uttered and falling upon his knees he buried his face in the pillow while half scornfully half pityingly Nelly gazed upon him there was much of bitterness in her heart toward him it was wrong he had done her but for the sake of the young girl now passed forever away Lena felt differently his silent grief conquered all resentment and going to his side she told him how peacefully Mabel had died how to the last she had loved and remembered him praying that he might be happy when she was gone poor little meb she deserved a better fate was all he said as he continued his kneeling posture until the family and servants whom Nelly had summoned came crowding round the cries of the latter grating on the ear and seeming sadly out of place for her whose short life had been so dreary and who had welcomed death as a release from all her pain it was Mrs. Livingstone's wish that Mabel should be arrayed in her bridal robes but with a shudder at the idle mockery John Jr. answered no and in a plain white muslin her shining hair arrayed as she was want to wear it they placed her in her coffin and on a sunny slope were the golden sunlight pale moonbeams laid as fell and where in spring the bright green grass and sweet wildflowers are early as seen they laid her down to sleep that night when all around was still John Jr. lay musing sadly of the past his affection for Mabel had been slight and variable but now that she was gone he missed her the large easy chair with its cushions and pillows was empty and as he thought of the pale dark face and taking head he had so often seen reclining there to which he would never see again he groaned in bitterness of spirit for well he knew that he had helped to break the heart now lying cold and still beneath the coffin lid there was no shadow on the wall for the lamp had gone out with the young life for whom it had been kept burning but many a shadow lay dark and heavy across his heart with the sun setting a driving rain had come on and as the November wind went howling past the window and the large drops beat against the casement he thought of the lonesome little grave on which that rain was falling and shuddering he hit his face in the pillows asking to be forgiven for he knew that all too soon that grave was made and he had helped to make it at last long after the clock had told the hour of midnight he arose and lighting the lamp which many a weary night had burned for her he placed it where the shadow would fall upon the wall as it had done of old it was no longer a phantom to annoy him and soothed by its presence he fell asleep dreaming that Mabel had come back to bring him her forgiveness but when he essayed to touch her she vanished from his sight and there was nothing left save that shadow on the wall 28 Mr. Graham's Return Mr. and Mrs. Graham had returned to Woodlawn the former remaining but a day and night and then without once seeing Lena departing for Europe where business either fancied or real called him often when lying weary and sick in Havana had he resolved on revealing to his wife the secret which he felt was wearing his life away but the cowardice of his nature seemed increased by physical weakness and from time to time was the disclosure postponed while the chain of evidence was fearfully lengthening around poor Lena to whom Mrs. Graham had transferred the entire weight of her displeasure loving her husband as well as such as she could love she was ever ready to forgive when she saw any indications of reform on his part and as during all their journey he had never once given her cause for a fence she began to attribute his former delinquencies wholly to Lena and when he proposed a tour to Europe she readily sanctioned it hoping that time and absence would remove from his mind all thoughts of the beautiful girl who she thought was her rival still though she would not confess it in her heart she did not believe Lena guilty except so far as a desire to attract Mr. Graham's attention would make her so just believe she had a good and potent reason the daguerreotype which had caused so much trouble was still in her possession guarded carefully from her husband who never suspecting the truth suppose he had lost it frequently had Mrs. Graham examine the picture each time discovering some point of difference between it and its supposed original still she never for a moment doubted that it was Lena until an event occurred which convinced her of the contrary leaving her meantime more mystified than ever on their way home from Havana Mr. Graham had proposed topping a day in Cincinnati taking rooms at the Burnett House where the first individual whom they saw at the table was our old acquaintance Joel Slocum not finding his business as profitable in Lexington as he could wish he had recently removed to Cincinnati here his aspiring mind had prompted him to board at the Burnett House until he'd seen the Ohio elephant when he intended retiring to one of the cheaper boarding houses the moment he saw Mr. Graham a grin of recognition became visible on his face bringing to view a row of very long and very yellow teeth apparently unacquainted with the use of either water or brush who is that loafer who seems to know you asked Mrs. Graham directing her husband's attention toward Joel Mr. Graham replied that he had once seen him in Lexington and that he took daguerreotypes the moment dinner was over Joel came forward going through with one of his wonderful bows and exclaiming with his peculiar nasal twang now you don't say this is you and this is your old woman I suppose Miss Graham how'd he do darned if you don't look like Aunt Nancy only she's lean in your squatty Sposen you give me a call and get your pictures taken I didn't get an all kill inside a practice in Lexington for the plaguey green horns didn't know enough to patronize me and taint a tarnation sight better here but you turning to Mr. Graham employed me once and pretended to be suited Mr. Graham turned scarlet and saying something in an undertone to Joel gave his wife his arm leading her to their room where he made an excuse for leaving her a while looking from the window a moment after Mrs. Graham saw him walking down the street in close conversation with Joel who by the way of showing his importance was a white beaver to almost every man he met instantly her curiosity was roused and when her husband returned every motion of his was narrowly watched the espionage resulting in the conviction that there was something in his possession which he did not wish her to see once when she came unexpectedly upon him he hastily thrust something into his pocket appearing so much confused that she resolved to ferret out the secret accordingly that night when assured by his heavy breathing as asleep she crept softly from his side and rummaging his pockets found a daguerreotype which by the full moonlight she saw was a facsimile of the one she had in her possession the arrangement of the hair everything was the same and utterly confounded she stood gazing first at one and then at the other wondering what it meant could Lena be in the city she thought not and even if she were the last daguerreotype was not so much like her she fancied as the first at all events she did not dare secrete it as she had done its companion and stealthily returning it to its place she crept back to bed the next night they reached Woodlawn where they learned that Mabel was buried that day of course Lena could not have been absent from home Mrs. Graham felt convinced of that and gradually the conviction came upon her that another than Lena was the original of the daguerreotypes and yet she was not generous enough to tell der word so and to effect it she refrained from seeking an explanation from her husband fearing last Lena should be proved innocent her husband knew there was a misunderstanding between der word and Lena and if she were to ask him about the pictures he would she thought at once suspect the cause of that misunderstanding and as a matter of course exonerate Lena from all blame the consequence of this she foresaw and therefore she resolved upon keeping her own counsel satisfied if in the end she prevented der word from making Lena his wife to effect this she endeavored during the winter to keep the matter almost constantly before der words mind frequently referring to Lena's agitation when she first learned that Mr. Graham had started for Europe she had called with her son at Maple Grove on the very day of her husband's departure Lena had not met the lady before since that night in Frankfurt and now with the utmost hotel she returned her nod and then too proud the room resumed her seat near the window directly opposite the divine on which der word was seated with Kerry she did not know before of Mrs. Graham's return and when her aunt casually asked did your husband come back with you she involuntarily held her breath for the answer which when it came sent the blood and torrents to her face and neck while her eyes sparkled with joy she should see him he would explain everything and she should be guiltless in der words sight was the cause of her joy which was quickly turned into sorrow by Mrs. Graham adding but he started this morning for Europe where he will remain three months and perhaps longer just according to his business the bright flush died away and it was succeeded by paleness which did not escape the observation of either mother or son the latter of whom had watched her from the first noting each change and interpreting it according to his fears Lena Lena how have I been deceived was his mental cry as she precipitately left the room saying to her and who asked what was the matter that she was faint and dizzy death had been but yesterday within their walls and as if softened by its presence Mrs. Livingstone actually spoke kindly of her knees saying that constant watching with poor dear Mabel had impaired her health perhaps there are other causes which may affect her returned Mrs. Graham with a meaning look which though lost on Mrs. Livingstone noticed by Durwood who soon proposed leaving on their way home his mother asked if he observed Lena when Mr. Graham was mentioned without saying that he did Durwood replied I noticed your remark to Mrs. Livingstone and was sorry for it for I do not wish you to say a word which will throw the least shade of suspicion upon Lena her reputation as yet is good and you must not be the first to say out against it I won't I won't Mr. Graham anxious to conciliate her son but she found it a harder matter to refrain than she had first supposed Lena was to her a constant eyesore and nothing but the presence of Durwood prevented her from occasionally giving vent in public to expressions which would have operated unfavorably against the young girl and when at last circumstances occurred which gave her as she thought liberty to free her mind she was only too willing to do so of those circumstances in which others besides Lena were concerned we will speak in another chapter end of chapters 27 and 28 chapter 29 of Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes this LibriVox recording is in the public domain 29 Anna and Captain Atherton Malcolm Everett's engagement with General Fontaine had expired and as was his original intention he started for work first seeking an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Livingstone of whom he asked their daughter Anna in marriage at the same time announcing the startling fact that they had been engaged for more than a year I do not ask you for her now said he for I am not in a situation to support her as I would wish to but that time will come here long I trust and I can assure you that her happiness shall be the first object of my life there was no cringing on the part of Malcolm Everett he was used to that and as an equal meets an equal he met them made known his request and then in silence awaited their answer had Mrs. Livingstone been less indignant there would undoubtedly have been sued a climber's call for hearts horn and vinaigrette but as it was she started up and confronting the young man she exclaimed how dare you ask such a thing my daughter marry you and why not madam he answered Cooley while Mrs. Livingstone continued you a low-born Yankee who have been as it were a hireling you presumed to ask for my daughter I do he answered calmly with a quiet smile tenfold more tantalizing than harsh words would have been I do can I have her with your consent never so long as I live I'd sooner see her dead than wedded to vulgar poverty that is your answer very well said Malcolm bowing stiffly and now I will hear yours turning to Mr. Livingstone who replied that he would leave the matter entirely with his wife it was nothing to him he had nothing personal against Mr. Effort he rather liked him than otherwise but he hardly thought Anna suited to him she had been brought up so differently and thus evasively answering he walked away cowardly fool muttered Mrs. Livingstone as the door closed upon him I pretended to be a man I'd be one then turning to Malcolm she said is there anything further you wish to say nothing he replied I have honorably asked you for your daughter you have refused her and must abide the consequence and pray what may that be she asked and he answered she will soon be of an age to act for herself and though I would far rather take her with your consent I shall not then hesitate to take her without if you still persist in opposing her there is the door said Mrs. Livingstone rising I see it madam answered Malcolm without daining to move oblige me by passing out continued Mrs. Livingstone insolent creature to stand here threatening to elope with my daughter who has been destined for another since her infancy but she shall never become the bride of that old man answered Malcolm I know your schemes I've seen them all along and I will frustrate them too you cannot fiercely answered Mrs. Livingstone it shall be here another year comes round and when you hear that it is so know that you hastened it forward and the indignant lady finding that her opponent was not inclined to move left the room herself going in quest of Anna whom she determined to watch for fear of what might happen but Anna was nowhere to be found and in a paroxysm of her age she alarmed the household instituting a strict search which resulted in the discovery of Anna beneath the same sycamore where Malcolm had first breathed his vows and with her she had repaired to await the decision of her parents I expected as much said she when told of the result but it matters not I am yours and I'll never marry another the approach of the servants prevented any further conversation and with a hurried adieu they parted a few days afterward as Mrs. Livingstone sat in her large easy chair before the glowing great Captain Atherton was announced and shown at once into her room to do Mrs. Livingstone justice we must say that she had long debated the propriety of giving Anna in all the freshness of her girlhood to a man old as her father but any hesitancy she had here too for felt had now vanished the crisis had come and when the captain as he had two or three objects urging her to a decision she replied that she was willing provided Anna's consent could be gained oh that's easy enough said the captain complacently rubbing together his fat hands and smoothing his colored whiskers bring her in here and I'll coax her in five minutes Anna was sitting with her grandmother and Lena when word came that her mother wished to see her the servant adding with a titter that Master Arthurton there too instinctively she knew why she was sent for and turning white as marble she begged her cousin to go with her but Lena refused soothing the agitated girl and begging her to be calm you've only to be decided said she and it will soon be over Captain Atherton I am sure will not insist when he sees how repugnant to your feelings it is but Anna knew her own weakness she could never say in her mother's presence what she felt and trembling like an aspen she descended the stairs into the lower hall her brother who asked what was the matter oh John, John she cried Captain Atherton is there with mother and they have sent for me what shall I do be a woman answer John Junior tell him no in good broad English and if the old fellow insists I'll blow his brains out but the captain did not insist he was too cunning for that and when with a burst of tears she loved another he said good humordly well well never mind spoiling those pretty blue eyes I'm not such an old savage as you think me so we'll compromise the matter this way if you really love Malcolm why marry him and on your bridal day I'll make you a present of a nice little place I have in Frankfurt but if on the other hand Malcolm proves untrue you must promise to have me come that's a fair bargain what do you say Malcolm will never prove untrue answered Anna of course not return the captain so you are safe in promising but what good will it do you queried Anna no good in particular said the captain it's only a whim of mine to which I thought you might perhaps agree in consideration of my offer I do I will said Anna thinking the captain not so bad after all there's mischief somewhere and I advise you to watch said John Jr. when he learned from Anna the result of the interview but week after week glided by Mrs. Livingstone's persecution ceased and she sometimes herself handed to Anna Malcolm's letters which came regularly and when about the first of March Captain Atherton himself went off to Washington Anna gave her fears to the wind and all the day long went singing about the house unmindful of the snare laid for her unsuspecting footsteps at length Malcolm's letters suddenly ceased and though Anna wrote again and again there came no answer old Caesar who always carried and brought the mail from April Grove was questioned but he declared he done got none from Masser Everett and suspicion in that quarter was lulled unfortunately for Anna both her father and John Jr. were now away and she had no counselor save Lena who once on her own responsibility wrote to Malcolm but with a like success and Anna's heart grew weary with hope deferred smilingly Mrs. Livingstone looked on one moment laughing at Anna for what she termed love sickness and the next advising her to be a woman and marry Captain Atherton he was not very old only 43 and it was better to be an old man's darling than a young man's slave thus the days wore on until one evening just as the family were sitting down to tea they were surprised by a call from the captain who had returned that afternoon and who with the freedom of an old friend unceremoniously entered the supper room appropriating to himself the extra plate which Mrs. Livingstone always had upon the table simultaneously with him came Caesar who having been to the post office had just returned bringing besides other things a paper for Cary from her old admirer Tom Lakin who lived in Rockford at which place the paper was printed several times at Tom remembered Cary in this way and now carelessly glancing at the first page she threw it upon the floor once it was taken by Anna who examined it more minutely glancing as a matter of course to the marriage notices meantime the captain who was sitting by Lena casually remarked oh I forgot to tell you that I saw Mr. Everett in Washington Mr. Everett Malcolm Everett said Lena quickly yes Malcolm Everett answered the captain after spending the honeymoon with his bride Lena's exclamation of astonishment was prevented by a shriek from Anna who had that moment read the announcement of Mr. Everett's marriage which was the first in the list it was Malcolm H. Everett there could be no mistake and when Lena reached her cousin's side she found that she had fainted all was now in confusion in the midst of which the captain took his leave having first managed to speak a few words in private with Mrs. Livingstone fortune favors us was her reply as she went back to her daughter whose long death-like swoon almost rung from her the secret but Anna revived and with the first indication of returning consciousness the cold hard woman stifled all her better feelings and then tried to think she was acting only for the good of her child for a long time Anna appeared to be in a kind of benumbed torpor requesting to be left alone and shuddering if Mr. Everett's name was in vain that Lena strove to comfort her telling her there might be some mistake Anna refused to listen angrily bidding Lena desist and saying frequently that she cared but little what became of herself now a species of recklessness seemed to have taken possession of her and when her mother one day carelessly remarked that possibly Captain Atherton would claim the fulfillment of her promise she answered in the cold indifferent tone which now marked her manner of speaking I am. I am ready and willing for the sacrifice. Are you an earnest? asked Mrs. Livingstone eagerly In earnest? Yes. Try me and see was Anna's brief answer which somewhat puzzled her mother who would in reality have preferred opposition to this unnatural passiveness But anything to gain her purpose she thought and drawing Anna closely to her side she very gently and affectionately told her how happy it would make her could she see her the wife of Captain Atherton who had loved and waited for her so long and who would leave no wish however slight ungratified and Anna with no shadow of emotion on her calm white face consented to all that her mother asked and when next the Captain came she laid her feverish hand in his and with a strange wild light beaming from her dark blue eyes promised to share his fortunes as his wife Twill be winter and spring said she with a bitter mocking laugh Twill be winter and spring and it matters not Many years before when a boy of 18 Captain Atherton had loved or fancied he loved a young girl whose very name afterward became hateful to him and now as he thought of Anna's affection for Malcolm he likened it to his own boyish fancy believing she would soon get over it and thank him for what he had done That night Anna saw the moon and stars go down bending far out from her window that the damp air might cool her burning brow and when the morning sun came up the eastern horizon its first beams fell on the golden curls which streamed across the windowsill her only pillow the live long night on Lena's mind a terrible conviction was fastening itself Anna was crazed she sawed in the wildness of her eye in the tones of her voice and more than all in the readiness with which she yielded herself to her mother's schemes but it shall not be she thought I will save her and then she knelt before her aunt imploring her to spare her daughter not to sacrifice her on the altar of Mammon but Mrs. Livingstone turned angrily away telling her to mind her own affairs then Lena sought her cousin and winding her arms around her neck besought of her to resist to burst the chain which bound her and be free but with a shake of her head Anna bad her go away leave me Lena Rivers she said leave me to work out my destiny it is decreed that I shall be his wife and I may not struggle against it each night I read it in the stars and the wind as it sighs through the maple trees whispers it to my ear oh if my aunt could see her now thought Lena but as if her mother's presence had a paralyzing power Anna when with her was quiet gentle and silent and if Mrs. Livingstone sometimes missed her merry love and playful ways she thought the air of dignity which seemed to have taken their place quite an improvement and far more in keeping with the bright elect of Captain Atherton about this time Mr. Livingstone returned appearing greatly surprised at the phase which affairs that assumed in his absence but when Lena whispered to him her fear as he smilingly answered I reckon you're mistaken her mother would have found it out where is she in her chamber at the old place by the open window they found her and though she did not as usual spring eagerly forward to meet her father her greeting was wholly natural but when Mr. Livingstone taking her upon his knee said gently they tell me you are to be married soon the wildness came back to her eye and Lena wondered he could not see it but he did not and smoothing her disordered tresses he said tell me my daughter does this marriage please you do you enter into it willingly for a moment there was a wavering and Lena held her breath to catch the answer which came at last while the eyes shone brighter than ever willing yes or I should not do it no one compels me else I would resist woman's nature said Mr. Livingstone laughingly while Lena turned away to hide her tears day after day preparations went on for Mrs. Livingstone would have the ceremony a grand and imposing one in the neighborhood the fast approaching event was discussed some pronouncing it a most fortunate thing for Anna who could not of course expect to make so eligible a match as her more brilliant sister while others the sensible portion wondered, pitied and blamed attributing the whole to the ambitious mother whose agency in her son's marriage was now generally known at Maple Grove closets chairs tables and sofas were loaded down with finery and like an automaton Anna stood up while they fitted to her the rich white satin scarcely whiter than her own face and Mrs. Livingstone when she saw her daughter's indifference would pinch her bloodless cheeks wondering how she could care so little for her good fortune unnatural mother from the little grave on the sunny slope now grass grown and green came there no warning voice to stay her in her purpose no she scarcely thought of Maple now and with unflinching determination she kept on her way but there was one who night and day pondered in her mind the best way of saving Anna from the living death to which she would surely awake when it was too late at last she resolved on going herself to Captain Atherton telling him just how it was and if there was a spark of generosity in his nature she thought he would release her cousin but this plan required much caution for she would not have her uncle's family know of it and if she failed she preferred that it should be kept a secret from the world there was then no alternative but to go in the night and alone she did not now often sit with the family and she knew they would not miss her so one evening when they were as usual assembled in the parter she stole softly from the house and managing to pass the Negro quarters unobserved she went down to the lowest table where she saddled the pony she was now accustomed to ride and leading him by a circuitous path out upon the turnpike mounted and rode away the night was moonless and the starlight obscured by heavy clouds but the pale face and golden curls of Anna for whose sake she was there alone gleamed on her in the darkness once, twice, she thought she caught the sound of another horse's hoofs but when she stopped to listen all was still and again she pressed forward while her pursuer for Lena was followed kept at a greater distance Derward had been to Frankfurt and on his way home had stopped at Maple Grove to deliver a package stopping only a moment he reached the turnpike just after Lena struck into it thinking it was a servant he was about to pass her when her horse sheered at something on the roadside and involuntarily she exclaimed courage, Dido, there's nothing to fear instantly he recognized her voice and was about to overtake and speak to her but thinking that her mission was a secret one or she would not be there alone he desisted still he could not leave her thus her safety might be endangered and raiding in his steed and accommodating his pace to hers he followed without her knowledge on she went until she reached the avenue leading to Sunnyside as Captain Atherton termed his residence and there she stopped going on foot to the house while hidden by the deep darkness Derward waited and watched half timidly Lena rang the doorbell dropping her veil over her face that she might not be recognized I want to see your master she said to the woman who answered her ring and who in some astonishment replied bless you, Miss Master Atherton done gone to Lexington and won't be home till tomorrow gone repeated Lena in a disappointed tone oh I'm so sorry is you the new miss what's coming here to live asked the Negro who was Captain Atherton's housekeeper instantly the awkwardness of her position flashed upon Lena but resolving to put a bold face on the matter she removed her veil saying playfully you know me now Aunt Martha in course I do answered the Negro holding up both hands in amazement but what sent you here this dark unerthly night business with your master and then suddenly remembering that among her own race Aunt Martha was accounted an intolerable gossip she began to wish she had not come but it could not now be helped and turning away she walked slowly down the avenue wondering what the result would be again they were in motion she and Derward who followed until he saw her safe home and then glad that no one else had seen her but himself he retraced his steps pondering on the mystery which he could not fathom after Lena left sunny side a misty rain came on and by the time she reached her home her long riding dress was wet and drizzled the feathers on her cap were drooping and to crown all as she was crossing the hall with stealthy step she came suddenly upon her aunt who surprised that her appearance demanded of her where she had been but Lena refused to tell and in quite a passion Mrs. Livingstone laid the case before her husband Lena had been off that dark rainy night riding somewhere with somebody she wouldn't tell who but she Mrs. Livingstone most knew it was Derward and something must be done accordingly next day when they chanced to be alone Mr. Livingstone took the opportunity of questioning Lena who dared not disobey him and with many tears she confessed the whole saying that if it were wrong she was very sorry you acted foolishly to say the least of it answered her uncle adding dryly that he thought she troubled herself altogether too much about Anna who seemed happy and contented still he was ill at ease Lena's fears disturbed him and for many days he watched his daughter narrowly admitting to himself that there was something strange about her but possibly all engaged girls acted so his wife said they did and hating anything like a scene he concluded to let matters take their course half hoping and half believing too that something would occur to prevent the marriage what it would be or by what agency would be brought about he didn't know but he resolved to let Lena alone and when his wife insisted upon his lecturing her soundly for meddling he refused venturing even to say that she hadn't meddled meantime a new idea had entered Lena's mind she would write to Mr. Everett there might yet be some mistake she had read of such things in stories and it could do no harm gradually as she wrote hope grew strong within her and it became impressed upon her that there had been some deep-laid fiendish plot if so she dared not trust her letter with old Caesar who might be bribed by his mistress and how to convey it to the office was now the grand difficulty as if fortune favored her plan derbored that very afternoon called at Maple Grove being as he said on his way to Frankfurt Lena would have died rather than ask a favor of him for herself but to save Anna she could do almost anything hastily securing the letter and throwing on her sunbonnet she sauntered down the lawn and out upon the turnpike whereby the gate she awaited is coming Lena, excuse me Miss Rivers, is it you? asked Derward touching his hat as in evident confusion she came forward asking if she could trust him trust me, yes with anything answered Derward quickly dismounting and forgetting everything save the bright, beautiful face which looked up to him so eagerly then answered Lena take this letter and see it deposited safely will you? glancing at the superscription Derward felt his face crimson while he instantly remembered what Mrs. Livingstone had once said concerning Lena's attachment to Mr. Everett sometime perhaps I will explain said Lena observing the expression of his countenance and then adding with some bitterness I assure you there is no harm in it of course not answered Derward again mounting his horse and riding away more puzzled than ever while Lena returned to the house which everywhere gave tokens of the approaching nuptials already had several costly bridal gifts arrived and among them was a box from the captain containing a set of diamonds which Mrs. Livingstone placed in her daughter's waving hair bidding her mark their effect but not a muscle of Anna's face changed nothing moved her and with the utmost indifference she gazed on the preparations around her a stranger would have said Lena was the bride for with plush cheeks and nervously anxious manner she watched each son as it rose and set wondering what the result would be once when asked whom she would have for her bridesmaid and groomsman Anna had answered Nelly and John but that could not be for the latter had imposed upon himself the penance of waiting a whole year ere he spoke to Nelly of that which lay nearest his heart and in order the better to keep his vow he had gone from home from her the promise that she would not become engaged until his return and now when he learned of his sister's request he refused to come saying if she would make such a consummate fool of herself he did not wish to see her so Carrie and Derward were substituted and as this arrangement brought the latter occasionally to the house Lena had opportunities of asking him if there had yet come any answer to her letter and much oftener than he would otherwise have done Derward went down to Frankfurt for he felt that it was no unimportant matter which thus deeply interested Lena at last the day before the bridal came Derward had gone to the city and in a state of great excitement Lena awaited his return watching with a trembling heart as the sun went down behind the western hills slowly the hours dragged on and many a time she stole out in the deep darkness to listen but there was nothing to be heard save the distant cry of the night owl and she was about retracing her steps for the fifth time when from behind a clump of rose bushes started a little dusky forum which whispered softly is you miss Leni repressing the scream which came near escaping her lips Lena answered yes what do you want while at the same moment she recognized a little hunchback belonging to general Fontaine master Everett told me to fight you this and wait for the answer said the boy passing her a tiny note master Everett is he here she exclaimed catching the note and re-entering the house where by the light of the hall lamp she read what he had written it was very short but it told all how he had written again and again receiving no answer and was about coming himself when a severe illness prevented the marriage he said was that of his uncle for whom he was named and who had in truth gone on to Washington the home of his second wife it closed by asking her to meet him with Anna on one of the arbor bridges at midnight hastily tearing a black leaf from a book which chance to be lying in the hall Lena wrote we will be there and giving it to the Negro bad him hasten back there was no longer need to wait for Derwood who if he got no letter was not to call and trembling in every nerve Lena sought her chamber there to consider what she was next to do for some time past Kerry had occupied a separate room from Anna who she said disturbed her with her late hours and restless turnings so Lena's part seemed comparatively easy waiting until the house was still she entered Anna's room finding her as she had expected at her old place by the open window her head resting upon the sill and when she approached near she saw that she was asleep let her sleep yet a while said she it will do her good in the room adjoining lay the bridal dress and Lena's first impulse was to trample it under her feet but passing it with a shutter she hastily collected whatever she thought Anna would most need these she placed in a small sized trunk and then knowing it was time she approached her cousin who seemed to be dreaming but she murmured the name of Malcolm he is here love he has come to save you she whispered while Anna only partially aroused gazed at her so vacantly that Lena's heart stood still with fear less the poor girls reason were wholly gone Anna Anna she said awake Malcolm is here in the garden where you must meet him come Malcolm is married said Anna in a whisper married and my bridal dress is in there all looped with flowers would you like to see it our father in heaven help me cried Lena clasping her hands in anguish while her tears fell like rain on Anna's upturned face this seemed to arouse her for in a natural tone she asked why Lena wept again and again Lena repeated to her that Malcolm had come that he was not married that he had come for her and as Anna listened the torpor slowly passed away the wild light in her eyes grew less bright for it was quenched by the first tears she had shed since the shadow fell upon her and when Lena produced the note and she saw it was indeed true the ice about her heart was melted and in choking long drawn sobs her pent-up feelings gave way as she saw the gulf whose verge she had been treading crouching at Lena's feet in her garments blessing her as her preserver and praying heaven to bless her also it was the work of a few moments to array her in her travelling dress and then very cautiously Lena let her down the stairs and out into the open air if I could see father once said Anna but such an act involved too much danger and with one lingering tearful look at her old home she moved away supported by Lena who rather dragged than let her over the graveled walk towards the Arbor Bridge they saw the glimmering light of a lantern for the night was intensely dark and in a moment Anna was clasped in the arms which henceforth were to shelter her from the storms of life helpless as an infant she lay while Lena motioning the negro who was in attendance to follow her returned to the house for the trunk which was soon safely deposited in the carriage at the gate words could not express what I owe you said Malcolm when he gave her his hand so long as I live you have in me a friend and brother turning back for a moment he added this flight is I know unnecessary for I could prevent tomorrow's expected event in other ways than this but revenge is sweet and I trust I am excusable for taking it in my own way Anna could not speak but the look of deep gratitude which beamed from her eyes was far more eloquent than words upon the broad piazza Lena stood until the last faint sound of the carriage wheels died away then weary and warned she sought her room locking Anna's door as she passed it and placing the key in her pocket softly she crept to bed by the side of her slumbering grandmother and with a fervent prayer for the safety of the fugitives fell asleep End of Chapter 29 Chapters 30 and 31 of Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes This LibriVox recording is in the public domain 30 The result The loud ringing of the breakfast bell aroused Lena from her heavy slumber and with a vague consciousness of what had transpired the night previous she at first turned wearyly upon her pillow wishing it were not morning but soon remembering all she sprang up and after a hasty toilet descended to the breakfast room where another chair was vacant another face was missing Without any suspicion of the truth Mrs. Livingstone spoke of Anna's absence she presumed the poor girl was tired and sleepy and this was admitted as an excuse for her tardiness but when breakfast was over and she still did not appear Carinda was sent to call her returning soon with the information that she knocked and knocked but Miss Anna would not answer and when she tried the door she found it locked involuntarily Mr. Livingstone glanced at Lena whose face wore a scarlet hue as she hastily quitted the table a sentiment of something he himself started for Anna's room followed by his wife and Cari while Lena halfway up the stairs listened breathlessly for the result it was useless knocking for admittance for there was no one within to bid them enter and with a powerful effort Mr. Livingstone burst the lock the window was open the lamp was still burning emitting a faint sickly odor the bed was undisturbed the room in confusion and Anna was gone Mrs. Livingstone's eye in all this at a glance but her husband saw only the latter in ere he was aware of what he did a fervent thank heaven escaped him she's gone run away dead maybe exclaimed Mrs. Livingstone ringing her hands in unfamed distress and instinctively drawing near to her husband for comfort by this time Lena had ventured into the room and turning toward her Mr. Livingstone said very gently Lena where is our child in Ohio I dare say by this time as she took the night train at midway for Cincinnati said Lena thinking she might as well tell the whole at once in Ohio shrieked Mrs. Livingstone fiercely grasping Lena's arm what has she gone to Ohio for speak in great for you have done the deed I am sure of that it was Mr. Everett's wish to return home that way I believe Cooley answered Lena without quailing from the eyes bent so angrily upon her instantly Mrs. Livingstone's fingers loosened their grasp while her face grew livid with mingled fashion and fear her fraud was discovered her stratagem had failed and she was foiled in this her second darling scheme but she was yet to learn what agency Lena had in the matter and this information her husband obtained for her there was no anger in the tones of his voice when he asked his niece to explain the mystery else she might not have answered for Lena could not be driven now however she felt that he had a right to know and she told him all she knew what she had done herself and why she had done it that General Fontaine to whom Malcolm had gone in his trouble had kindly assisted him by lending both servants and carriage but upon the intercepted letter she could throw no light it was a cursed act and whoever was guilty of it is unworthy the name of either man or woman was Mr. Livingstone while his eye rested sternly upon his wife she knew that he suspected her but he had no proof and resolving to make the best of the matter she too united with him in denouncing the deed wondering who could have done it and meanly suggesting Maria Fontaine a pupil of Mr. Evers who had at one time felt a slight preference for him but this did not deceive her husband neither did it help her at all in the present emergency the bride was gone and already the bride of scandal and gossip which she knew would be the theme of the entire neighborhood still if her own shameful act was kept a secret she could bear it and it must be no one knew of it except Captain Atherton and Caesar the former of whom would keep his own counsel while fear of a passport down the river the Negro's dread would prevent the latter from telling accordingly her chagrin was concealed and affecting to treat the whole matter as a capital joke worthy of being immortalized in romance she returned to her room and hastily writing a few lines rang the bell for Caesar who soon appeared declaring that as true as he lived and breathed and drew the breath of life he'd done again miss every single letter a forehead and up to anybody else shut your mouth and mind you keep it shut or you'll find yourself in New Orleans was Mrs. Livingstone's very ladylike response as she handed him the note bidding him to take it to Captain Atherton for some reason or other the captain this morning was exceedingly restless walking from room to room watching the clock then the sun and a finally in order to pass the time away trying on his wedding suit to see how he was going to look perfectly satisfied with his appearance he was in imagination going through the ceremony and had just inclined his head and token that he would take Anna for his wife when Mrs. Livingstone's note was handed him at first he could hardly believe the evidence of his own eyes Anna gone run away with Mr. Everett it could not be and sinking into a chair he felt as he afterwards expressed it mighty queer and shaky but Mrs. Livingstone had advised him to put a bold face on it and this upon second thought he determined to do hastily changing his dress now useless he mounted his steed and was soon on his way toward Maple Grove a new idea dawning upon his mind and ere his arrival settling itself into a fixed purpose from Aunt Martha he had left from Aunt Martha he had learned of Lena's strange visit and he now remembered the many times she had tried to withdraw him from Anna appropriating him to herself for hours the captain's vanity was wonderful sonny side needed a mistress he needed a wife Lena was poor perhaps she liked him and if so there might be a wedding after all she was beautiful and would sustain the honors of his house with a better grace he verily believed than Anna of these thoughts he reached Maple Grove where he found Derward to whom Mrs. Livingstone had detailed the whole circumstance dwelling long upon Lena's meddling propensities and charging the whole affair upon her but she knew what she was about she had an object in view undoubtedly she added glad of an opportunity to give vent to her feelings against Lena what was her object asked Derward and Mrs. Livingstone replied I told you once that Lena was ambitious and I have every reason to believe she would willingly marry Captain Atherton notwithstanding he is so much older she forgot that there was the same disparity between the captain and Anna as between him and Lena but Derward did not and with a derisive smile he listened while she proceeded to give her reasons for thinking that a desire to supplant Anna was a sole object which Lena had in view or what else could have prompted that midnight ride to sonny side again Derward smiled but answer the bridegroom elect stood before them looking rather crest pollen but evidently making a great effort to appear as usual and so the bird has flown said he well it takes a Yankee after all to manage a case but how did he find out briefly Mrs. Livingstone explained to him Lena's agency in the matter omitting this time to impute to her the same motive which she had done when stating the case to Derward so Lena is at the bottom of it said he rubbing his little fat red hands well well where is she I'd like to see her Carinda tell Lena she is wanted in the parter said Mrs. Livingstone while Derward not wishing to witness the interviewer rose to go but Mrs. Livingstone urged him so hard to stay that he at last resumed his seat on the sofa by the side of Cary Captain Atherton wishes to question you concerning the part you have taken in this elopement said Mrs. Livingstone sternly as Lena appeared in the doorway no I don't said the captain gallantly offering Lena a chair my business with Miss Rivers concerns herself I am here sir to answer any proper question said Lena proudly at the same time declining the proffered seat there's an heir worthy of a queen thought the captain and a determining to make his business known at once he arose and turning toward Mrs. Livingstone, Derward and Cary whom he considered his audience he commenced what I am about to say may seem strange but the fact is I want a wife I've lived alone long enough I waited for Anna 18 years and now she's gone everything is in readiness for the bridal the guests are invited nothing wanting but the bride now if I could find a substitute not in me muttered Cary drawing nearer to Derward while with a sarcastic leer the captain continued don't refuse before you are asked Miss Livingstone I do not aspire to the honor of your hand but I do ask Miss Rivers to be my wife here before you all she shall live like a princess she and her grandmother both come what do you say many a poor girl would jump at the chance the rich blood which usually died Lena's cheek was gone and pale as the marble mantel against which she leaned she answered proudly sooner die than link my destiny with one who could so basely deceive my cousin making her believe it was her betrothed husband whom he saw in Washington instead of his uncle marry you never if I beg my bread from door to door noble girl came involuntarily from the lips of Derward who had held his breath for her answer and who now glanced triumphantly at Miss Livingstone whose surmises were thus proved incorrect the captain's self-pride he was touched that a poor humble girl should refuse him with his half million a sense of the ridiculous position in which he was placed maddened him and in a violent rage he replied you won't eh what under heavens have you hung around me so for sticking yourself in between me and Anna when you knew you were not wanted I did it sir at Anna's request to relieve her and for nothing else and was it at her request that you went alone to Sunnyside on that dark rainy night chimed in Miss Livingstone no madam said Lena turning toward her aunt I had in vain implored of you to save her from a marriage every way irksome to her when in her right mind but you would not listen and I resolved to appeal to the captain's better nature in this I failed and then I wrote to Mr. Everett with the result which you see in her first excitement Miss Livingstone had forgotten to ask who was the bearer of Lena's letter but remembering it now with the question Lena would not implicate Derwood without his permission but while she hesitated he answered for her I carried that letter Miss Livingstone though I did not then know its nature still if I had I should have done the same and the event has proved that I was right in so doing ah indeed said the captain growing more and more nettle and disagreeable ah indeed Mr. Belmont leagued with Miss Rivers against me I had so bluntly refused an offer coming from you but I can tell you it won't sound very well that the honourable Mrs. Belmont once wrote four miles alone in the night to visit a bachelor ha ha Miss Lena better have submitted to my terms at once for don't you see I have you in my power and if you ever use that power to her disadvantage you answer for it to me do you understand exclaimed Derwood starting up and confronting Captain Atherton who the various coward in the world shrank from the flashing of Derwood's eye and amicably answered yes yes yes yes yes I won't I won't I don't want to fight I like Lena I don't blame Anna for running away if she didn't want me but it's left me in a doosed mean scrape which I wish you'd help me out of Derwood saw that the captain was an earnest and taking his proffered hand promised to render him any assistance in his power and advising him to be present himself the evening as the first meeting with his acquaintances would thus be over upon reflection the captain concluded to follow his advice and when evening arrived and with it those who had not heard the news he was in attendance together with Derwood who managed the whole affair so skillfully that the party passed off quite pleasantly the disappointed guests playfully condoling with the deserted bridegroom who received their jokes with a good grace wishing himself meantime anywhere but there when the company were gone and all around was silent Mrs. Livingstone watered her pillow with the first tear she had shed for her youngest born whom she well knew she had driven from the house and when her husband asked what they should do she answered with a fresh burst of tears sent for Anna to come back and Malcolm too queried Mr. Livingstone knowing it was useless to send for one without the other yes Malcolm too there's room for both said the weeping mother feeling how every hour she should miss the little girl whose presence had in it so much of sunlight and joy but Anna would not return away to the northward in a fairy cottage overhung with the breathing honeysuckle and the twining grapevine where the first summer flowers were blooming and the songbirds were caroling all the day long her home was henceforth to be and though the letter which contained her answer to her father's earnest appeal was stained and blotted it told of perfect happiness with Malcolm who kissed away her tears as she wrote tell mother I cannot come 31 more clouds since the morning when Derwood had so boldly avowed himself Lena's champion her health and spirits began to improve that she was not wholly indifferent to him she had every reason to believe and Anna was standing the strong barrier between them hope sometimes whispered to her of a future when all that was now so dark and mysterious should be made plain but while she was thus securely dreaming a cloud darker and deeper than any which had yet overshadowed her was gathering around her pathway gradually had the story of her ride to Captain Atherton's gain circulation magnifying itself as it went until at last it was currently reported that at several different times had she been seen riding away from Sunnyside at unreasonable hours of the night the time varying from nine in the evening to three in the morning according to the exaggerating powers of the informer but few believed it and yet such a human nature that each and everyone repeated it to his or her neighbor until at last it reached Mrs. Graham who forgetting the caution of her Sunnyside with a very wise look that she was not at all surprised she had from the first suspected Lena and she had the best of reasons for so doing of course Mrs. Graham's friend was exceedingly anxious to know what she meant and by dint of quizzing questioning and promising never to tell she at last drew out just enough of the story to know that Mr. Graham had a daguerreotype which looked just like Lena and that Mrs. Graham had no doubt whatever that she was in the habit of writing to him this was of course repeated notwithstanding the promise of secrecy and then many of the neighbors suddenly remembered some little circumstance trivial in itself but all going to swell the amount of evidence against poor Lena who unconscious of the gathering storm did not for a time observe the side long glances cast toward her whenever she appeared in public air long however the cool nods and distant manners of her acquaintances began to attract her attention causing her to wonder what it meant but there was no one of whom she would ask an explanation John Jr. was gone Anna was gone and to crown all Derwood too left the neighborhood just as the first breath of scandal was beginning to set the waves of gossip in motion in his absence Mrs. Graham felt no restraint whatever and all that she knew together with many things that she didn't know she told until it became a matter of serious debate whether Lena ought not to be cut entirely Mrs. Graham and her clique decided in the affirmative and when Mrs. Fontaine who was a weak woman wholly governed by public opinion gave a small party for her daughter Maria Lena was purposely omitted hitherto she had been greatly petted and admired by both Maria and her mother and she felt the slight sensibly the more so as Carrie darkly hinted that girls who could not behave themselves was not expect to associate with respectable people Leni not invited said Mrs. Nichols espousing the cause of her granddaughter what's to pay a wonder Miss Fontaine and the general too Alice appeared to think aside on her I presume the general does now answered Mrs. Livingstone but it's natural that Mrs. Fontaine should feel particular about the reputation of her daughter's associates Mrs. Fontaine Leni's reputation as good as the best on them has Mrs. Nichols her shriveled cheeks glowing with insulted pride it's the general opinion that it might be improved was Mrs. Livingstone's hearty answer as she left her mother-in-law to her own reflections it'll kill her stone dead thought Mrs. Nichols revolving in her own mind the propriety of telling Lena what her aunt had said it'll kill her stone dead and I can't tell her it'll blow over pretty soon that afternoon several ladies who were in the habit of calling upon Lena came to Maple Grove but not one asked for her and with her eyes and ears now sharpened she fancied that once as she was passing the parlor door she heard her own name coupled with that of Mr. Graham a startling light burst upon her and staggering to her room she threw herself half fainting upon the bed where an hour afterward she was found by Aunt Melly the old Negress had also heard the story in its most aggravated form and readily divining the cause of Lena's grief attempted to console her telling her not the mind what they're good for nothing critters said they were only mad cause she's so much handsomer and trimmer built you know then said Lena lifting her head from the pillow you know what it is so tell me for I shall die if I remain longer in suspense Lord bless the child exclaimed old Melly to think she's the very last one to know when it's been common talk more than a month what's been common talk what is it demanded Lena and old Melly seating herself upon a trunk commenced why honey ain't you heard how you done got Mr. Graham's picture and give him your long of one of them curls oh he's writ and you've writ and how he's gone off to the ends of the earth to get rid on you and how you try to catch young master Derward who hate the sight on you how you whaley him one day setting on a rock out by the big gate and how you've been seen mighty nine fifty times coming home a foot from Captain Atherton's in the night rain and thunder and lightning hard as it could pour oh after you done got Miss Anna to lope you ask Captain Atherton to have you and get mad as fury because he fuses and how your mother weren't none too likely and a heap more that I can't remember ain't you heard of none on it none none answered Lena while Melly continued it's a sin and shame for equality folks that belong to the meet and to pitch into a poor fence less girl and picker all to pieces they done forgot what our heavenly master told him when he lived here in old Kentucky how they must dig the truck out of their own eyes before they go to meddling with others but they never think of him these days except Sundays and then as soon as meeting is out they done get together and talk about you and master Graham Orphely I heard him last Sunday I and Miss Fontaine's cook silly and if they don't quit it there's a heap on us going to leave the church Lena smiled in spite of herself and when Melly who arose to leave the room again told her not to care as all the blacks were for her she felt that she was not utterly alone in her wretchedness still the sympathy of the colored people alone could not help her and daily matters grew worse until at last even Nelly Douglas's faith was shaken and Lena's heart died within her as she saw on her signs of neglect never had Mr. Livingstone exchanged a word with her upon the subject but the reserve with which he treated her plainly indicated that he too was prejudiced while her aunt and Carrie let no opportunity pass of slighting her the latter invariably leaving the room if she entered it on one such occasion in a state bordering almost on distraction Lena flew back to her own chamber were to her great surprise she found her uncle in close conversation with her grandmother whose face told the pain his words were inflicting Lena's first impulse was to fall at his feet and implore his protection but he prevented her by immediately leaving the room oh, grandmother, grandmother she cried help me, or I shall die in her heart Mrs. Nichols believed her guilty for John had said so he would not lie and to Lena's touching appeal for sympathy she replied as she rocked to and fro I wish you had died, Leni, years and years ago it was the last drop in the brimming bucket and with the wailing cry God help me now no one else can the heartbroken girl fell fainting to the floor while in silent agony Mrs. Nichols hung over her shouting for help both Mrs. Livingstone and Carrie refused to come but at the first call Aunt Melly hastened to the room poor sheared lamb said she gathering back thick clustering curls which shaded Lena's marble face she's innocent as the newborn baby oh, if I could think so said grandma but she could not and when the soft brown eyes again enclosed and eagerly sought hers they read distrust and doubt and motioning her grandmother away Lena said she would rather be alone many and bitter were the thoughts which crowded upon her as she lay there watching the daylight fade from the distant hills and musing of the stern realities around her gradually her thoughts assumed a definite purpose she would go away from a place where she was never wanted and where she now no longer wished to stay Mr. Everett had promised to be her friend and to him she would go at different intervals her uncle and cousin had given her money to the amount of $20 which was still in her possession and which she knew would take her far on her road with Lena to resolve was to do in that night when sure her grandmother was asleep she arose and hurriedly made the needful preparations for her flight unlike most aged people Mrs. Nicholl slept soundly and Lena had no fears of waking her very stealthily she moved around the room placing in a satchel which she could carry upon her arm the few things she would need then sitting down by the table she wrote Dear Grandma when you read this I shall be gone for I cannot longer stay where I'll look upon me as a wretched guilty thing I am innocent Grandma as innocent as my angel mother when they dare to slander her but you do not believe it and that is the hardest of all I could have borne the rest but when you too doubted me it broke my heart and now I am going away nobody will care nobody will miss me but you and now Dear Dear Grandma it costs me more pain to write than it will you to read Lena's last goodbye all was at length ready and then bending gently over the wrinkled face so calmly sleeping Lena gazed through blinding tears upon each lineaments driving to imprinted upon her heart's memory and wondering if they would ever meet again the hand which had so often rested caressingly upon her young head was lying outside the counter pain and with one burning kiss upon it she turned away first placing the lamp by the window where it's light shining upon her from afar would be the last thing she could see of the home she was leaving the road to midway the nearest railway station was well known to her and without once pausing lest her courage should fail her she pressed forward the distance which she had to travel was about three and a half miles and as she did not dare trust herself in the highway she struck into the fields looking back as long as the glimmering light from the window could be seen and then when that home star had disappeared from view silently imploring aid from him who alone could help her now she was in time for the cars and though the depot agent looked curiously at her slight shrinking figure he asked no questions and when the train moved rapidly away lina looked out upon the dark still night and felt that she was a wanderer in the world end of chapters 30 and 31