 CHAPTERS 32 and 33 The Light of a Dark Cloudy Morning Shown Faintly at the Window of Grand Monaco's Room and Roused her from her slumber. On the pillow beside her rested no youthful head, there was no kind voice bidding her good morrow, no gentle hand ministering to her comfort. For Lena was gone, and on the table lay the note which at first escaped Mrs. Nichols' attention. Thinking her granddaughter had arisen early and gone before her, she attempted to make her own toilet, which was nearly completed when her eye caught the note. It was directed to her, and with a dim foreboding she took it up, reading that her child was gone, gone from those who should have sustained her in her hour of trial, but who instead turned against her, crushing her down until in a state of desperation she had fled. It was in vain that the breakfast bell rang out its loud summons. Grandma did not heed it, and when Carinda came up to seek her she started back in a fright at the scene before her. Mrs. Nichols' cap was not yet on, and her thin gray locks fell around her livid face as she swayed from side to side, moaning at intervals. God forgive me that I broke her heart! The sound of the opening door aroused her, and looking up she said, pointing toward the vacant bed. Lean! He's gone! I've killed her! Carinda waited for no more, but darting through the hall and down the stairs, she rushed into the dining-room, announcing the startling news that old Miss had done murdered Miss Lena and hid her under the bed. What will come next? Exclaimed Mrs. Livingstone, following her husband to his mother's room, for a moment suffice to explain the whole. Lena was gone, and the shock had for a time unsettled the poor old lady's reason. The sight of his mother's distress aroused all the better nature of Mr. Livingstone, and tenderly soothing her he told her that Lena should be found, he would go for her himself. Cari too was touched, and with unwanted kindness she gathered up the scattered locks, and, tying on the muslin cap, placed her hand for an instant on the wrinkled brow. Keep it there. It feels soft, like leanies, said Mrs. Nichols, the tears gushing out at this little act of sympathy. Meantime, Mr. Livingstone, after a short consultation with his wife, hurried off to the neighbors, none of whom knew out of the fugitive, and all of whom offered their assistance in searching. Never once did it occur to Mr. Livingstone that she might have taken the cars, for that he knew would need money, and he supposed she had none in her possession. By a strange coincidence too, the depot agent who sold her the ticket left the very next morning for Indiana, where he had been intending to go for some time, and where he remained for more than a week, thus preventing the information which he could otherwise have given concerning her flight. Consequently, Mr. Livingstone returned each night weary and disheartened to his home, where all the day long his mother moaned and wept, asking for her Lena. At last, as day after day went by and brought no tidings of the terror, she ceased to ask for her, but whenever a stranger came to the house she would whisper softly to them, Lena is dead. I killed her. Did you know it? At the same time passing to them the crumpled note which she ever held in her hand. Lena was a general favorite in the neighborhood which had so recently denounced her, and when it became known that she was gone there came a reaction, and those who had been the most bitter against her now changed their opinion, wondering how they could ever have thought her guilty. The stories concerning her visits to Captain Atherton's were traced back to their source, resulting in exonerating her from all blame while many things hitherto kept secret concerning Anna's engagement were brought to light, and Lena was universally commended for her efforts to save her cousin from a marriage so wholly unnatural. Severely was the captain censured for the party had taken in deceiving Anna, a part which he frankly confessed while he openly espoused the cause of the fugitive. His living-stone on the contrary was not generous enough to make a like confession. Public suspicion pointed to her as the interceptor of Anna's letters, and though she did not deny it she wondered what that had to do with Lena at the same time asking, how they expected to clear up the Graham affair. This was comparatively easy, for in the present state of feeling the neighborhood were willing to overlook many things which had before seemed dark and mysterious, while Mrs. Graham, for some most unaccountable reasons suddenly retracted almost everything she had said, acknowledging that she was too hasty in her conclusions and evincing for the missing girl a degree of interest perfectly surprising to Mrs. Livingstone, who looked on in utter astonishment wondering what the end would be. About this time Derwood returned, greatly pained at the existing state of things. In Frankfurt, where Lena's flight was a topic of discussion, he had met with a depot agent who was on his way home and who spoke of the young girl whose rather singular manner had attracted his attention. This was undoubtedly Lena, and after a few moments' conversation with his mother, Derwood announced his intention of going after her, at least as far as Rockford, where he fancied she might have gone. To his surprise, his mother made no objection, but her manner seemed so strange that he at last asked what was the matter. Nothing, nothing in particular, said she, only I've been thinking it all over lately, and I've come to the conclusion that perhaps Lena is innocent after all. Oh, how eagerly Derwood caught at her words, interrupting her almost before she had finished speaking with, do you know anything, have you heard anything? She had heard, she did know, but ere she could reply, the violent ringing of the doorbell and the arrival of visitors prevented her answer. In a perfect fever of excitement Derwood glanced at his watch. If he waited long he would be too late for the cars, and with a hasty idea he left the parlor, turning back ere he reached the outer door and telling his mother he must speak with her alone. If Mrs. Graham had at first intended to divulge what she knew, the impulse was now gone, and to her son's urgent request that she should disclose what she knew, she replied, it isn't much, only your father has another daguerreotype, the counterpart of the first one. He procured it in Cincinnati, and Lena I know was not there. Is that all? asked Derwood in a disappointed tone. Why, no, not exactly. I have examined both pictures closely, and I do not think they resemble Lena as much as we had first supposed. Possibly it might have been someone else, her mother maybe, and Mrs. Graham looked earnestly at her son who rather impatiently answered, her mother died years ago. At the same time he walked away pondering upon what he had heard and hoping, half believing, that Lena would yet be exonerated from all blame. For a moment Mrs. Graham gazed after him, regretting that she had not told him all, but thinking there was time enough yet, and remembering that her husband had said she might wait until his return if she chose, she went back to the parlor while Derwood kept on his way. 33. The Wanderer. Fiercely the noontide blaze of a scorching July sun was falling upon the huge walls of the Laurel Hill Sun, where a group of idlers were lounging on the long narrow piazza, some niching into still more grotesque carving the rude unpainted railing while others half reclining on one elbow shaded their eyes with their old slouched hats as they gazed wistfully toward the long hill, eager to catch the first sight of the daily stage which was momentarily expected. 33. Jerry is late today, but it's so plaguey hot he's favoring his horses I guess, said the rosy-faced landlord with that peculiar intonation which stamped him at once a genuine Yankee. 34. The Watched Bot Never Biles muttered one of the loungers who regularly for fifteen years had been at his post waiting for the stage which during all that time had brought him neither letter, message, friend nor foe. But force of habit is everything and after the very wise saying recorded above he resumed his whittling never again looking up until the loud blast of the driver's horn was heard on the distant hilltop where the four weary jaded horses were now visible. It was the driver's usual custom to blow his horn from the moment he appeared on the hill until with a grand flourish he reigned his panting steez before the door of the inn. But this time there was one sharp shrill sound and then all was still, the omission eliciting several remarks not very complementary to the weather which was probably the cause of Jerry's unwanted silence. Very slowly the vehicle came on, the horses never leaving a walk, and the idler of fifteen years standing who for a time had suspended his whittling wondered what was to pay. A nearer approach revealed three or four male passengers all occupied with the young lady who on the back seat was carefully supported by one of her companions. A sick gal, I guess, wonder if the disease is catching, said the whittler, standing back several paces and looking over the heads of the others who crowded forward as the stage came up. The loud greeting of the noisy group was answered by Jerry with a low shh shh as he pointed significantly at the slight form which two of the gentlemen were lifting from the coach asking at the same time if there were a physician near. What's the matter on her? Haint got the colliery, has she? Said the landlord who having hallowed to his wife to fetch up her vitals, now appeared on the piazza ready to welcome his guests. At the first mention of cholera the fifteen years man, the most, retreating across the road and seating himself on the fence under the shadow of the locust trees. Who is she, Jerry? asked the younger of the set, gazing curiously upon the white, beautiful face of the stranger who had been laid upon the lounge in the common sitting-room. Lord only knows, said Jerry, wiping the heavy drops of sweat from his good-humored face. I found her at the hotel in Livany. She came there in the cars and said she wanted to go over to Tether Railroad. She was so weak that I had to lift her into the stage as I would a baby, and she ain't much heavier. You oughta seen how sweet she smiled when she thanked me and asked me not to drive very fast had made her headache so. Zounds, I wouldn't have trotted the horses if I'd never got here. Just after we started she fainted, and she's been kinder talking strange like ever since. Some of the gentlemen thought I'd better leave her back a piece at Brown's tavern, but I wanted to fetch her here, or Aunt Betsy could nuss her up, and then I can kind of tend to her myself, you know. This last remark called forth no answering joke for Jerry's companions all knew his kindly nature, and it was no wonder to them that his sympathies were so strongly enlisted for the fair girl thus thrown upon his protection. It was a big, noble heart over which Jerry Langley buttoned his driver's coat, and when the physician who had arrived pronounced the lady too ill to proceed any further, he called aside the fidgety landlord whose peculiarities he well knew and bade him, not to fret and stew, for if the gal hadn't money Jerry Langley was good for a longer time than she would live, poor critter. And he wiped a tear away glancing the wild at the burying ground which laid just across the garden, and thinking how if she died her grave should be beneath the wide spreading oak, were often in the summer nights he sat, counting the headstones which marked the last resting place of the Sumbring Host, and wondering if death were as some had said along eternal sleep. But Betsy of whom he had spoken was the landlady, a little dumpy, pleasant-faced, active woman, equally in her element bending over the steaming gridiron or smoothing the pillows of the sick bed where her powers of nursing had won gold and laurels from others than Jerry Langley. When the news was brought to the kitchen that among the passengers was a sick girl who was to be left, her first thought, natural to everybody was, what shall I do, while the second, natural to her, was, take care of her, of course. Finally when the dinner was upon the table, she laid aside her broad-check apron, substituting in its place a half-worn silk, for Jerry had reported the invalid to be every inch a lady. Then smoothing her soft, silvery hair with her fat, rosy hands, she repaired to the sitting-room, where she found the driver watching his charge, from whom he kept the buzzing flies by means of his bandana, which he waved to and fro with untiring patience. Handsome as a London doll was her first exclamation adding, but I should think she'd be awful hot with them curls dangling in her neck. If she's gone to be sick they'd better be cut off. If there was one thing for which Aunt Vessie Aldergrass possessed a particular passion, it was for hair-cutting, she being Barbara General for Laurel Hill which numbered about thirty houses, store and church inclusive, and now when she saw the shining tresses which lay in such perfusion upon the pillow, her fingers tingled to their very tips while she involuntarily felt for her scissors. Very reverentially, as if it were almost sacrilege, Jerry's broad palm was laid protectingly upon the clustering ringlets while he said, No, Aunt Vessie, if she dies for it, you shan't touch one of them. Twood-spile her hair, she looks so pretty. Slowly the long, fringed lids unclosed and the brown eyes looked up so gratefully at Jerry that he beat a precipitate retreat muttering to himself that he never could stand the gals anyway they made his heart thump so. Am I very sick, and can't I go on, asked the young lady attempting to rise but sinking back from extreme weakness. Considerable sick, I guess, answered the landlady taking from a side cupboard an immense decanter of camphor and passing it toward the stranger. Considerable sick, and I wouldn't wonder if you had to lay by a day or so. Will they be concerned about you to home, cause if they be my old man all right? I have no home, was the sad answer to which Aunt Vessie responded in astonishment. Ain't no home, where does your marm live? Mother is dead, said the girl, her tears dropping fast upon her pillow. Instinctively the landlady drew nearer to her as she asked. And your pa, where is he? I never saw him, said the girl while her interrogator continued. Never saw your pa, and your marm is dead. Poor child, what is your name, and where did you come from? For a moment the stranger hesitated and then thinking it better to tell the truth at once, she replied, my name is Lena. I lived with my uncle a great many miles from here but I wasn't happy. They did not want me there and I ran away. I am going to my cousin, but I'd rather not tell where, so you will please not ask me. There was something in her manner which silenced Aunt Vessie, who ere long proposed that she should go upstairs and lie down on a nice little bed where she would be more quiet. But Lena refused, saying she should feel better soon. Maybe then you did a muffle or two. We've got some roasted pork and head ill warm over the gravy. But Lena's stomach rebelled at the very thought seeing which the landlady went back to the kitchen where she soon prepared a bowl of gruel in spite of the discouraging remarks of her husband who, being a little after the old hunk's order, cautioned her not to fuss too much as gals that run away weren't apt to be plagued with money. Fortunately Aunt Vessie's heart covered a broader sphere and the moment the stage was gone she closed the door to shut out the dust, dropped the green curtains, and, drying from a spare room a large stuffed chair, bad Lena, to see if she couldn't set up a minute. But this was impossible and all that long, sultry afternoon she lay upon the lounge holding her aching head which seemed well-nigh bursting with its weight of pain and thought. Was it right for her to run away? Thought she not have stayed and bravely met the worst? Suppose she were to die there alone among the strangers and without money for her scanty purse was well-nigh drained. These and similar reflections crowded upon her until her brain grew wild and dizzy and when at sunset the physician came again he was surprised to find how much her fever had increased. She ought not to lie here, said he as he saw how the loud shouts of the schoolboys made her shudder. Isn't there some place where she can be more quiet? At the head of the stairs was a small room containing a single bed and window which last looked out upon the garden and the graveyard beyond. Its furniture was of the plainest kind it being reserved for more common travelers and here the landlord said Lena must be taken. His wife would far rather have given her the front chamber which was large, airy, and light but Uncle Tim Aldegras said, No, squealing out through his little peaked nose that, to warrant an atom likely he'd ever mourn have get his pay anyway and he weren't a going to give up the whole house. How much more will it be if she has the best chamber, has Jerry pulling at Uncle Tim's coattail and leading him aside? How much will it be, because if take too much she shan't stay in that eight by nine pen? A dollar a week and cheap at that, muttered Uncle Tim while Jerry going out behind the woodhouse counted over his funds, sighing as he found them quite too small to meet the extra dollar per week should she long continue ill. If I hadn't afooled so much away for tobacco and things I shouldn't be so plaguey poor now, thought he, forgetting the many hearts which his heart earned gains had made glad, for no one ever appealed in vain for help from Jerry Langley who represented one class of Yankees while Timothy Aldegras represented another. The next morning just as daylight was beginning to be visible, Jerry knocked softly at Aunt Betsy's door telling her that for more than an hour he'd heard the young lady taken on and he guessed she was worse. Hastily throwing on her loose gown, Aunt Betsy repaired to Lena's room where she found her sitting up in the bed, moaning, talking and whispering while the wild expression of her eyes betokened a disordered brain. The Lord help us, she's crazy as a loon. Even for the doctor quick exclaimed Mrs. Aldegras and without boot or shoe Jerry ran off in his stocking feet alarming the physician who immediately hastened to the inn pronouncing Lena's disease to be brain fever as he had first feared. Rapidly she grew worse talking of her home which was sometimes in Kentucky and sometimes in Massachusetts where she said they had buried her mother. At other times she would ask Aunt Betsy to send for Derwood when she was dead and tell him how innocent she was. And I tell you there was something wrong, Uncle Timothy would squeak. Nobody knows who we are harboring nor how much will damage the house. But as day after day went by Aunt Lena's fever raged more fiercely, even Uncle Tim relented and when she would beg of them to take her home and bury her by the side of Mabel where Derwood could see her grave he would sigh. Poor critter, I wish she was to home, but whether this wish was prompted by a sincere desire to please Lena or from a more selfish motive we are unable to state. One morning the fifth of Lena's illness she seemed much worse talking incessantly and tossing from side to side her long hair floating in wild disorder over her pillow or streaming down her shoulders. Hitherto Aunt Betsy had restrained her barbaric desire each day arranging the heavy locks and tucking them under the muslin cap where they refused to stay. Once the doctor himself had suggested the propriety of cutting them away adding though that they would wait a while as it was a pity to lose them. Better be cut off than yanked off said Aunt Betsy on the morning when Lena and her frenzy would occasionally tear out handfuls of her shining hair and scatter it over the floor. Satisfied that she was doing right she carefully approached the bedside and taking one of the curls in her hand was about to sever it when Lena dividing her intentions sprang up and gathering up her hair exclaimed, No, no, not these. Take everything else, but leave me my curls. Derwitt thought they were beautiful and I cannot lose them. At the side door below the noonday stage was unloading its passengers and as the tones of their voices came in at the open window Lena suddenly grew calmer and assuming a listening attitude whispered, Hark! He's come. Don't you hear him? But Aunt Betsy heard nothing except her husband calling her to come down and leaving Lena who had almost instantly become quiet to the care of a neighbor. She started for the kitchen meeting in the lower hall with Hedy who was showing one of the passengers to a room where he could wash and refresh himself after his dusty ride. As they passed each other Hedy asked, Have you clipped her curls? No, answered Mrs. Aldegras. She wouldn't let me touch him for she said that derwitt whom she talked so much about liked him and they mustn't be cut off. Instantly the stranger whose elegant appearance both Hedy and her mistress had been admiring stopped and turning to the latter said, Of whom are you speaking? Of a young girl that came in the stage sick five or six days ago, answered Mrs. Aldegras. What is her name and where does she live? continued the stranger. She calls herself Lena but to their name I don't know and I guess she lives in Kentucky or Massachusetts. The young man waited to hear no more but mechanically followed Hedy to his room starting and turning pale as a wild unnatural laugh fell on his ear. It is the young lady, sir, said Hedy observing his agitated manner. She raves most all the time and the doctor says she'll die if she don't stop. The gentleman nodded and the next moment he was as he wished to be alone. He had found her then, his lost Lena, sick perhaps dying and his heart gave one agonized throb as he thought. What if she should die? Yet why should I wish her to live? He asked when she is a surely lost to me as if she were indeed resting in her grave. And still reason as he would as something told him that all would yet be well, else perhaps he had never followed her. Believing she would stop at Mr. Everts he had come on thus far finding her where he least expected it and in spite of his fears there was much of pleasure mingled with his pain as he thought how he would protect and care for her, ministering to her comfort and softening as far as possible the disagreeable things which he saw must necessarily surround her. Money he knew would purchase almost everything and if ever der word Belmont fell glad that he was rich it was when he found Lena Rivers sick and alone at the not very comfortable in of Laurel Hill. As he was entering the dining room he saw Jerry whose long lank figure and original manner had afforded him much amusement during his ride, handing a dozen or more oranges to Mrs. Aldergrass saying as he did so, they are for miss Lena. I thought maybe they'd taste good this hot weather and I ran sack the whole town to find the nicest and best. For a moment der words cheek flushed at the idea of Lena's being cared for by such as Jerry but the next instant his heart grew warm toward the uncouth driver who without any possible motive saved the promptings of his own kindly nature had thus thought of the stranger girl. Here long the stage was announced as ready and waiting but to the surprise and regret of his fellow passengers who had found him a most agreeable traveling companion der words said he was not going any further that day. A news tree gated as Jerry who knew he was booked for the entire route but the young man made no reply and the fresh spirited horses soon bore the lumbering vehicle far out of sight leaving him to watch the cloud of dust which had carried in its strain. Uncle Timothy was in his element for it was not often that a guest of der words appearance honored his house with more than a passing call and with the familiarity so common to a country landlord he slapped him on the shoulder telling him there was the tallest kind of fish in the honey-oy whose waters through the thick foliage of the trees were just discernible sparkling and gleaming in the bright sunlight. I never fish thank you sir answered der word while the good-natured landlord continued now you don't say it hunt then maybe occasionally said der word adding but my reason for stopping here is of entirely a different nature I hear there is with you a sick lady she is a friend of mine and I am staying to see that she is well attended to. Yes yes said Uncle Timothy suddenly changing his opinion of Lena whose want of money had made him sadly suspicious of her yes yes a fine gal fell into good hands to for my old woman is the greatest kind of a Nuss want to see her don't you the lady I mean not just yet I would like a few moments conversation with your wife first answer der word greatly frustrated when she learned that the stylish looking gentleman wish to talk with her aunt Betsy rubbed her shining face with flour and at dawning another cap repaired to the sitting room where she commenced making excuses about herself the house and everything else saying to want what he was used to she knew but she hoped he tried to put up with it as soon as he was able to get in a word der word proceeded to ask her every particular concerning Lena's illness and whether she would probably recognize him should he venture into her presence bless your dear heart no she ain't known a soul on us these three days sometimes she calls me grandmother and says when she's dead I'll know she's innocent peers like somebody had been slandering her for she begs and pleads with der word as she calls him not to believe it ain't you the one she means der word not it and Mrs. Aldergrass continued I thought so for when the stage drove up she was standing straight in the bed raven and screeching but the minute she heard your voice she dropped down and has been as quiet ever since will you go up now der word signified his willingness and following his landlady he soon stood in the closed pent up room where in an uneasy slumber Lena lay panting for breath and at intervals faintly moaning in her sleep she had fearfully changed since last he saw her and with a groan he bent over her murmuring my poor Lena while he gently laid his cool moist hand upon her burning brow as if there were something soothing in its touch she quickly placed her little hot parched hand on his whispering keep it there it will make me well for a long time he sat by her bathing her head and carefully removing from her face and neck the thick curls which Mrs. Aldergrass had thought to cut away at last she awoke but der word shrank almost in fear from the wild bright eyes which gaze so fixedly upon him for in them was no ray of reason she called him John blessing him for coming and saying did you tell der word does he know I am der word said he don't you recognize me look again no no she answered with a mocking laugh which made him shudder it was so unlike the merry ringing tones he had once loved to hear no no you are not der word he would not look at me as you do he thinks me guilty it was in vain der word strove to convince her of his identity she would only answer with a laugh which graded so harshly on his ear that he finally desisted and suffered her to think he was her cousin the smallness of her chamber troubled him and when Mrs. Aldergrass came up he asked her if there was no other apartment where Lena would be more comfortable of course there is said Aunt Betsy there's the best chamber I was going to give to you never mind me said he let her have every comfort the house affords and you shall be amply paid uncle Timothy had now no objection to the offer and the large airy room with its snowy draped bed was soon in readiness for the sufferer who in one of her wayward moods absolutely refused to be moved it was in vain that Ed Betsy pleaded persuaded and threatened and at last in despair der word was called in to try his powers of persuasion that's something more like it said Lena and when he urged upon her the necessity of her removal she asked will you go with me certainly said he and stay with me certainly then I'll go she continued stretching her arms toward him as a child toward its mother a moment more and she was reclining on the soft downy pillows the special pride of Mrs. Aldergrass who bustled in and out while her husband ashamed of his stinginess said they should have moved her up for only it was a bad sign during the remainder of the day she seemed more quiet talking incessantly it is true but never raving if der word were near it is strange what power he had over her a word from him sufficing at any time to subdue her when in her most violent fits of frenzy for two days and nights he watched by her side never giving himself a moments rest while the neighbors looked on surmising and commenting as people always will every delicacy of the season however costly was purchased for her comfort while each morning the flowers which she knew she loved the best were freshly gathered from the different gardens of Laurel Hill and in broken pictures cracked tumblers and knit saucers adorned the room at the close of the third day she fell into a heavy slumber and der word worn out and weary retired to take the rest he so much needed for a long time Lena slept watched by the physician who knowing that the crisis had arrived waited anxiously for her waking which came at last bringing with it the light of returning reason dreamily she gazed about the room and in a voice no longer strong with the excitement of delirium asked where am I and how came I here in a few words the physician explained all that was necessary for her to know and then going for Mrs. Aldegras told her of the favorable change in his patient adding that a sudden shock might still prove fatal therefore said he though I know not in what relation this Mr. Belmont stands to her I think it advisable for her to remain a while in ignorance of his presence it is of the utmost consequence that she be kept quiet for a few days at the end of which time she can see him all this aunt Betsy communicated to der word who unwilling to do anything which would endanger Lena's safety kept himself aloof treading softly and speaking low for as if her hearing were sharpened by disease she more than once when he was talking in the hall below started up listening eagerly then as if satisfied that she had been deceived she would resume her position while the flesh on her cheek deepened as she thought oh what if it had indeed been he nearly all the day long he just sat without the door holding his breath as he caught the faint tones of her voice and longing for the hour when he could see her and obtain if possible some clue to the mystery attending her and his father his mother's words together with what he had heard Lena say in her ravings had tended to convince him that she at least might be innocent and once assured of this he felt that he would gladly fold her to his bosom and cherish her there as the choicest of heavens blessings all this time Lena had no suspicion of his presence but she wondered at the many luxuries which surrounded her and once when Mrs. Aldegras offered her some choice wine she asked who it was that supplied her with so many comforts and Betsy's forte did not lay in keeping a secret and rather evasively she replied you mustn't ask me too many questions just yet Lena's suspicions were at once aroused and for more than an hour she lay thinking trying to recall something which seemed to her like a dream at last calling at Betsy to her she said there was somebody here while I was so sick somebody besides strangers somebody that stayed with me all the time who was it nobody nobody I mustn't tell said Mrs. Aldegras hurriedly while Lena continued was it cousin John no no don't guess any more was Mrs. Aldegras's reply and Alina clasping her hands together exclaimed oh could it be he the words reached her words here and nothing but a sense of the harm it might do prevented him from going at once to her bedside that night at his earnest request the physician gave him permission to see her in the morning and Mrs. Aldegras was commissioned to prepare her for the interview Lena did not ask who it was she felt that she knew and the knowledge that he was there that he cared for her operated upon her like a spell soothing her into the most refreshing slumber she had experienced for many a weary week with the sun rising she was awake but Mrs. Aldegras who came in soon after told her that the visitor was not to be admitted until about 10 as she would by that time have become more composed and be the better able to endure the excitement of the interview the natural delicacy prevented Lena from objecting to the delay and as calmly as possible she watched Mrs. Aldegras while she put the room to rights and then patiently submitted to the arranging of her curls which during her illness had become matted and tangled before eight everything was in readiness and soon after worn out by her own exertions Lena again fell asleep how lovely she looks thought Mrs. Aldegras he shall just have a peep at her and stepping to the door she beckoned her word to her side never before had Lena seemed so beautiful to him and as he looked upon her he felt his doubts are removing one by one she was innocent it could not be otherwise and very impatiently he awaited the lapse of the two hours which must pass air he could see her face to face at length as the surest way of killing time he started out for a walk in the pleasant wood which skirted the foot of Laurel Hill here for a time we leave him while in another chapter we speak of an event which in the natural order of things should here be narrated end of chapters 32 and 33 chapter 34 of Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes this LibriVox recording is in the public domain 34 Lena's father two or three days before the morning of which we have spoken Uncle Timothy who like many of his profession had been guilty of a slight infringement of the main liquor law had been called to answer for the same at the court then in session in the village of Canandaigua the terminus of the stage route all together to Stingy to pay the coach fair his own horse had carried him out going for him on the night preceding derwards projected meeting with Lena on the afternoon of that day the cars from New York brought up several passengers who being bound for Buffalo were obliged to wait some hours for the arrival of the Albany train among those who stopped at the same house with Uncle Timothy was our old acquaintance Mr Graham who had returned from Europe and was now homeward bound firmly fixed in his intention to do right at last many and many a time during his travels had the image of a pale sad face arisen before him accusing him of so long neglecting to own his child for Lena was his daughter and she who in all her bright beauty had years ago gone down to an early grave was his wife the wife of his first and in bitterness of heart he sometimes thought of his only love his childhoods home which was at the sunny south was not a happy one for air he had learned to list his mother's name she had died leaving him to the guardianship of his father who was cold exacting and tyrannical ruling his son with a rod of iron and by his stern unbending manner increasing the natural cowardice of his disposition from his mother Harry had inherited a generous impulse of nature frequently leading him into errors which his father condemned was so much severity that he early learned the art of concealment as far at least as his father was concerned at the age of 18 he left home for Yale where he spent four happy years for the restraints of college life though sometimes irksome were preferable far to the dull monotony of his southern home and when at last he was graduated and there was no longer an excuse for tearing he lingered by the way stopping at the then village of Springfield were actuated by some sudden freak he registered himself as Harry Rivers the latter being his middle name for doing this he had no particular reason except that it suited his fancy and Rivers he thought was a better name than Graham here he met with Helena Nichols whose uncommon beauty first attracted his attention and whose fresh unstudied manners afterward when his love to such an extent that in an unguarded moment and without a thought of the result he married her neglecting to tell her his real name before their marriage because he feared she would cease to respect him if she knew he had deceived her and then afterward finding it harder than ever to confess his fault as time wore on his father's letters commanding him to return grew more and more peremptory until at last he wrote I am sick dying and if you do not come I'll cast you off forever Harry knew this was no one meaning threat and he now began to reap the fruit of his folly he could not give up Helena who daily grew dearer to him neither could he brave the displeasure of his father by acknowledging his marriage for disinheritance was sure to follow in this dilemma he resolved to compromise the matter he would leave Helena a while he would visit his father and if a favorable opportunity occurred he would confess all if not he would return to his wife and do the best he could but she must be provided for during his absence and to affect this he wrote to his father saying he stood greatly in need of five hundred dollars and that immediately on its receipt he would start for home inconsistent as it seemed with a general character the elder mr. Graham was generous with his money lavishing upon his son all that he asked for and the money was accordingly sent without a moment's hesitation and now Harry's besetting sin secrecy came again into action and instead of manfully telling Helena the truth he left her privately stealing away at night and quieting his conscience by promising himself to reveal all in a letter which was actually written but as at the time of its arrival Helena was at home and the postmaster knew of no such person it was at last sent to Washington with thousands of its companions the reader already knows how Lena's young mother watched for her recreate husband's coming until life and hope died out together and it is only necessary to repeat that part of the story which relates to Harry who on his return home found his father much worse than he expected at his bedside ministering to his wants was a young dashing widow who prided herself upon being a lady Belmont on his deathbed her father had committed her to the guardianship of mr. Graham who strictly honorable in all his dealings had held his trust until the time of her marriage with a young Englishman unfortunately as it proved for Harry and fortunately for Sir Arthur who had nothing in common with his wife the latter died within two years after his marriage leaving his widow and infant son again to the care of mr. Graham with whom Lady Belmont as she was pleased to call herself lived at intervals swaying him whichever way she listed and influencing him as he had never been influenced before the secret of this was that the old man had his eye upon her vast possessions which he destined for his son who ignorant of the honor intended him had presumed to marry according to the promptings of his heart scarcely was the first greeting over air his father at once made known his plans to which Harry listened with mingled pain and amazement Lucy Lady Belmont said he why she's a mother a widow beside being ten years my senior three years interrupted his father she is twenty-five you twenty-two and then as to her being a widow and a mother the immensity of her wealth atones for that she is much sought after but I think she prefers you she will make you a good wife and I am resolved to see the union consummated ere I die never sir never answered Harry in a more decided manner than he had before assumed toward his father it is utterly impossible mr. Graham was too much exhausted to urge the matter at that time but he continued at intervals to harass Harry until the very sight of Lucy Belmont became hateful to him it was not so however with her son the der word of our story he was a fine little fellow whom everyone loved and for hours would Harry amuse himself with him while his thoughts were with his own wife and child the latter of whom was to be so strangely connected with the fortunes of the boy at his side for weeks his father lingered each day seeming an age to Harry who though he did not wish to hasten his father's death still long to be awake twice had he written without obtaining an answer and he was about making up his mind to start at all events when his father suddenly died leaving him the sole heir of all his princely fortune and with his latest breath and joining it upon him to marry Lucy Belmont who after the funeral was over adverted to it saying in her softest tones I hope you don't feel obliged to fulfill your father's request of course not was Harry short answer as he went on with his preparations for his journey anticipating the happiness he should experience in making Helena the mistress of his luxurious home but alas for human hopes the very morning on which he was intending to start he was seized with a fever which kept him confined to his bed until the spring was far advanced sooner than he was able he started for Springfield in quest of Helena learning from the woman whom he had left in charge that she was dead and her baby too the shock was too much for him in his week state and for two weeks he was again confined to a sick bed sincerely mourning the untimely end of one whom he had truly loved and whose death his own foolish conduct had hastened soon after their marriage her portrait had been taken by the best artists in the town and this he determined to procure as a memento of the few happy days he had spent with Helena but the cottage where he left her was now occupied by strangers and after many inquiries he learned that the portrait together with some of the furniture had been sold to pay the rent which became due soon after his departure his next thought was to visit her parents but from this his natural timidity shrank they would reproach him he thought with the death of their daughter whom he had so deeply wronged and not possessing sufficient courage to meet them face to face he again started for home bearing a sad heart which scarcely again felt a thrill of joy until the morning when he first met with Lena whose exact resemblance to her mother so startled him as to arouse the jealousy of his wife it would be both needless and tiresome to enumerate the many ways and means by which Lucy Belmont sought to ensnare him suffice it to say that she at last succeeded and he married her finding in the companionship of her son more real pleasure than he ever experienced in her society after a time mrs. Graham growing weary of Charleston where her haughty overbearing manner made her unpopular beside her husband to remove what she finally did going to Louisville where he remained until the time of his removal to Woodlawn fully believing what the old nurse had told him of the death of his wife and child he had no idea of the existence of the latter though often in the stillness of night the remembrance of the little girl whom Derwood had pointed out to him in the cars arose before him haunting him with visions of the past but it was not until he met her at Maple Grove that he entertained a thought of her being his daughter from that time his whole being seemed changed for there was now an object for which to live carefully had he guarded from his wife a knowledge of his first marriage for he dreaded her sneering reproaches and he could not bear his beloved Helena's name breathed lightly by one so greatly her inferior when he saw Lena however his first impulse was to clasp her in his arms and compel his wife to own her but day after day went by and he still delayed hoping for a more favorable opportunity which never came had he found her in less favorable circumstances he might have done differently but seeing only the brightest side of her life he believed her comparatively happy she was well educated accomplished and beautiful and so he waited secure in the fact that he was near to see that no harm should befall her once it occurred to him that possibly he might die suddenly thus leaving his relationship to her a secret forever and acting upon this thought he immediately made his will bequeathing all to Lena whom he acknowledged to be his daughter adding an explanation of the whole affair together with a most touching letter to his child who would never see it until he was dead this done he felt greatly relieved and each day found some good excuse for still keeping it from his wife who worried him incessantly concerning his evident preference for Lena many and many a time he resolved to tell her all but as often postponed the matter until with the broad Atlantic between them he ventured to write what he could not tell her verbally and strange to say the effect upon his wife was far different from what he had expected she did not faint for there was no one by to see her neither did she rave for there was no one to hear her but with her usual inconsistency she blamed her husband for not telling her before then came other thoughts of a different nature she had helped to impair Lena's reputation and if disgrace attached to her it would also fall upon her own family consequently as we have seen she set herself at work to atone as far as possible for her conduct her husband had given her permission to wait if she chose until his return ere she made the affair public and as she dreaded the remarks it would necessarily call forth she resolved to do so he had advised her to tell Lena but she was gone no one knew with her and nervously she waited for some tidings of the wanderer she was willing to receive Lena but not the grandmother she was voted an intolerable nuisance who should never darken the doors of wood lawn never meantime mr. Graham had again crossed the ocean landing in New York from whence he started for home meaning as we have seen with the detention in Canandaigua where he accidentally fell in with Uncle Timothy who being minus quite a little sum of money on account of his transgression was lamenting his ill fortune to one of his acquaintances and threatening to give up tavern keeping if the main law wasn't repealed here said he it has cost me upwards of fifty dollars and I bet I ain't sold more in a barrel besides what wine that Kentucky chap has bought for his gal and I suppose they call that nothing being it's for sickness why good lord the hull on it was for medicine or chemistry or mechanics this reminded his friend to inquire after the sick lady whose name he did not remember it's Lena answered uncle Timothy Lena Rivers that identified chap calls her in its plaguey curious to me what she's a running away for and he has streaking it through the country are to her there's mischief summers so I tell him but that's no concern of mine so long as he pays down regular Mr. Graham's curiosity was instantly aroused and the moment he could speak to Uncle Timothy alone he asked what he meant by the sick lady in his own peculiar dialect Uncle Timothy told all he knew adding a relation of your and maybe yes yes said Mr. Graham is it far to Laurel Hill better than a dozen miles was you going out there Mr. Graham replied in the affirmative at the same time asking if he could procure a horse and carriage there Uncle Timothy never let an opportunity pass for turning a penny and now nudging Mr. Graham with his elbow he said them livery scams will charge you two dollars at the lowest calculation I'm going right out and we'll take you for six shillen what do you think Mr. Graham's thoughts were not very complimentary to the shrew diankee but keeping his opinion to himself he replied that he would go suggesting that they should start immediately in less than five minutes you just sat down while I go to the store after some Jim cracks for the old woman said Uncle Timothy starting up the street which was the last Mr. Graham saw of him for three long hours at the end of that time the little man came stubbing down the walk making many apologies and saying he got so engaged about the darn liquor law and the putty heads that made it that he'd no idea it was so late on their way home he still continued to discourse on his favorite topic lamenting that he had voted for the present governor announcing his intention of gin in the Hindus the first time they met at Suckerport a village at the foot of Honeyoy Lake and stopping every man whom he knew to belong to that order to ask if they took a fee and if there was any bedivelement of grid irons and goats such as the masons and odd fellers had being repeatedly assured that the fee was only a dollar and that the initiatory process was not very painful he concluded to go it provided they'd promised to run him for Constable office is the hull any of the scallywags gin them for and I may as well go in for a sheer said he thinking if he could not have the privilege of selling liquor he would at least secure the right of arresting those who drank it in this way his progress homework was not very rapid and the clock had struck ten long air they reached the end which they found still and dark save the light which was kept burning in Lena's room that's her chamber the young gals where you see the candle said Uncle Timothy as they drew up before the huge walls of the tavern I guess you won't want to disturb her tonight certainly not answered Mr. Graham adding as he felt a twinge of his inveterate habit of secrecy if you'd just as like you need not speak of me to the young gentleman I wish to take him by surprise meaning Derwood there was no particular necessity for this caution for Uncle Timothy was too much absorbed in his loss to think of anything else and when his wife asked who it was that he lighted up to bed he replied a chap that wanted to come out this way and so rid with me Mr. Graham was very tired and now scarcely had his head pressed the pillow ere he was asleep dreaming of Lena whose presence was to shed such a halo of sunlight over his hitherto cheerless home the ringing of the bell next morning failed to arouse him but when Mrs. Aldegras noticing his absence from the table inquired for him Uncle Timothy answered never mind let him sleep tuckered out maybe and you know we have a six pence more for an extra meal about eight Mr. Graham arose and after a more than usually careful toilet he sat down to collect his scattered thoughts for now that the interview was so near his idea seems suddenly to forsake him from the window he saw Derwood depart for his walk watching him until he disappeared in the dim shadow of the woods I will wait until his return and let him tell her thought he but when a half hour or more went by and Derwood did not come he concluded to go down and ask to see her by himself in order to do this it was necessary for him to pass Lena's room the door of which was a jar she was awake and hearing his step thought it was Mrs. Aldegras and called to her a thrill of exquisite delight ran through his frame at the sound of her voice and for an instant he debated the propriety of going to her at once a second call decided him and in a moment he was at her bedside clasping her in his arms and exclaiming my precious Lena my daughter has nothing ever told you that I am your father the husband of your angel mother who lives again in her child my child my Lena for a moment Lena's brain grew dizzy and she had well nigh fainted when the sound of Mr. Graham's voice again brought her back to consciousness pressing his lips to her white brow he said speak to me my daughter say that you receive me as your father for such I am with lightning rapidity Lena's thoughts traverse the past whose dark mystery was now made plain and as a thought that it might be so that it was so flashed upon her she clasped her hands together exclaiming my father is it true you are not deceiving me and deceive you darling no said he I am your father and Helena Nichols was my wife why then did you leave her why have you so long left me unacknowledged ask Lena Mr. Graham groaned bitterly the hardest part was yet to come but he met it manfully telling her the whole story sparing not himself in the least and ending by asking if after all this she could forgive and love him as her father raising herself in bed Lena wound her arms around his neck and laying her face against his wept like a little child he felt that he was sufficiently answered and holding her closer to his bosom he pushed back the clustering curls kissing her again and again while he said aloud I have your answer dearest one we will never be parted again so absorbed was he in his newly recovered treasure that he did not observe the fiery eye the glittering teeth and clenched fist of Derward Belmont who had returned from his walk and who in coming up to his room had recognized the tones of his father's voice recoiling backward a step or two he was just in time to see Lena as she threw herself into Mr. Graham's arms in time to hear the tender words of endearment lavished upon her by his father staggering backward he caught at the banister to keep from falling while a moan of anguish came from his ashen lips alone in his room he grew calmer though his heart still quivered with unutterable agony as he strode up and down the room exclaiming as he had done once before I would far rather see her dead than thus my lost lost Lena then in the deep bitterness of his spirit he cursed his father whom he believed to be far more guilty than she I cannot meet him thought he there is murder at my heart and I must away air he knows of my presence suiting the action to the word he hastened down the stairs glancing back once and seeing Lena reclining upon his father's arm while her eyes were raised to his with a sweet confiding smile which told of perfect happiness thank God that I am unarmed else he could not live thought he hurrying into the bar room where he placed in uncle Timothy's hands double the sum due for himself and Lena and then without a word of explanation he walked away he was a good pedestrian and preferring solitude in his present state of feeling he determined to go on foot to cannon daigua a distance of little more than a dozen miles meantime mr. Graham was learning from Lena the cause of her being there and though she as far as possible softened the fact of his having been accessory to her misfortunes he felt it nonetheless keenly and would frequently interrupt her with the exclamation that it was the result of his cowardice his despicable habit of secrecy when she spoke of the curl which his wife had burned he seemed deeply affected groaning aloud as he hit his face in his hands and she found it she burned it said he and it was all I had left of my Helena I cut it from her head on the morning of my departure when she lay sleeping little dreaming of my cruel desertion but he added I can bear it better now that I have you her living image for what she was when I last saw her you are now their conversation then turned upon der word and with the tact he so well knew how to employ mr. Graham drew from his blushing daughter a confession of the love she bore him he is worthy of you said he while Lena without seeming to heed the remark said I have not seen him yet but I am expecting him every moment for he was to visit me this morning at this juncture mrs. Aldergrass who had been at one of her neighbors came in appearing greatly surprised at the side of the stranger whom Lena quietly introduced as her father while mr. Graham colored painfully as mrs. Aldergrass curtsying very low hoped mr. Rivers was well let it go so whispered Lena she saw her father about to speak mr. Graham complied and then observing how anxiously his daughter's eyes sought the doorway whenever a footstep was heard he asked mrs. Aldergrass for mr. Belmont saying they would like to see him if he had returned quickly going downstairs mrs. Aldergrass soon came back announcing that he'd paid his bill and gone off gone said mr. Graham there must be some mistake I will go down an inquire with his hand in his pocket grasping the purse containing the gold uncle Timothy told all he knew adding that to aunt no way is likely but he'd come back again for he'd left things in his room to the valley of five or six dollars upon reflection mr. Graham concluded so too and returning to Lena he sat by her all day soothing her with assurances that Derwood would surely come back as there was no possible reason for his leaving them so abruptly as the day wore away and the night came on he seemed less sure while even uncle Timothy began to fidget and when in the evening a young pettifogger who had recently hung out his shingle on Laurel Hill came in he asked him in a low tone if under the present governor they hung folks on circumstantial evidence alone unquestionably for that is sometimes the best kind of evidence answered the sprig of the law taking out some little ivory tablets and to making a charge against uncle Timothy for professional advice but if one of my borders who has lots of money goes off in broad daylight and has never heard of again would that be any sign he was murdered by the landlord continued uncle Timothy beginning to think there might be a worse law than the main liquor law that depends upon the previous character of the landlord answered the lawyer making another entry while uncle Timothy brightening up exclaimed I shall stand the racket then for my character is tipped up in the morning mr. Graham announced his intention of going in quest of Derwood and with a magnanimity quite praiseworthy uncle Timothy offered his house and wagon for nothing provided mr. Graham would leave his watch as a guarantee against his running off just as mr. Graham was about to start a horseman wrote up saying he had come from cannon take what the request of a mr. Belmont who wished him to bring letters for mr. Graham and miss Rivers and where is mr. Belmont asked mr. Graham to which the man replied that he took the six o'clock train the night before saying further that his manner was so strange as to induce a suspicion of insanity on the part of those who saw him taking the package mr. Graham repaired to Lena's room giving her her letter and then reading his which was full of bitterness denouncing him as a villain and cautioning him as he valued his life never again to cross the track of his outrage stepson you have robbed me he wrote of all I hold most dear and while I do not censure her the less I blame you the more for you are older and experience older in years and tenfold older in sin and I know you must have used every art your foul nature could suggest air you won my lost Lena from the path of rectitude in the utmost astonishment mr. Graham looked up at Lena who had fainted it was long air she returned to consciousness and then her fainting fit was followed by another more severe if possible than the first while in speechless agony mr. Graham hung over her I killed the mother and now I am killing the child thought he but at last Lena seemed better and taking from the pillow the crumpled note she passed it toward her father bidding him read it it was as follows my lost Lena by this title it seems appropriate for me to call you for you are more surely lost to me than you would be were this summer sun shining upon your grave and Lena believe me when I say I would rather far rather see you dead than the guilty thing you are for then your memory would be to me as a holy blessed influence leading me on to a better world where I could hope to greet you as my spirit bride but now alas how dark the cloud which shrouds you from my sight oh Lena Lena how could you deceive me thus when I thought you so pure and innocent when even now I would willingly lay down my life could that save you from ruin do you ask what I mean I have only to refer you to what this morning took place between you and the vile man I once called father in whom I believe to be the soul of truth and honor with a heart full of tenderness toward you I was hastening to your side when a scene met my view which stilled the beatings of my pulse and curled the very blood in my veins I saw you throw your arms around his neck the husband of my mother I saw you lay your head upon his bosom I heard him as he called you dearest and said you would never be parted again you know all that has passed here too far and can you wonder that my worst fears are now confirmed God knows how I struggled against those doubts which were nearly removed when by the evidence of my own eyesight and certainty was made sure and now my once loved but airing Lena farewell I am going away whether I know not care not so that I never hear your name coupled with disgrace another reason why I go is that the hot blood of the south burns too fiercely in my veins to suffer me to meet your destroyer and not raise my hand against him when this reaches you I shall be far away but what matters it to you and yet Lena there will come a time when you'll remember one who had you remain true to yourself would have devoted his life to make you happy or I know I am not indifferent to you I have read it in your speaking eye and in the childlike confidence with which you would yield to me when no one else could control your wild ravings but enough of this time hastens and I must say farewell farewell forever my lost lost Lena derward gradually as Mr. Graham read he felt a glow of indignation at derwards hastiness rash boy he might at least have spoken with me said he as he finished the letter but Lena would hear no word of censure against him she did not blame him she saw it all understood it all and as she recalled the contents of his letter her own heart sadly echoed lost forever as well as he was able Mr. Graham tried to comfort her but in spite of his endeavors there was still at her heart the same dull heavy pain and most anxiously Mr. Graham watched her waiting impatiently for the time when she would be able to start for home as he hoped a change of place and scene would do much toward restoring both her health and spirits soon after his arrival at Laurel Hill Mr. Graham had written to Mr. Livingstone telling him what he had before told his wife and adding of course my daughter's home will in future be with me at Woodlawn where I shall be happy to see yourself and family at any time this part of the letter he showed to Lena who after reading it seemed for a long time absorbed in thought what is it darling of what are you thinking Mr. Graham asked at length and Lena taking the hand which he had laid gently upon her forehead replied I am thinking of poor grandmother she is not happy now at Maple Grove she will be more unhappy should I leave her and if you please I would rather stay there with her I can see you every day do you suppose me cruel enough to separate you from your grandmother interrupted Mr. Graham no no I am not quite so bad as that Woodlawn is large there are rooms enough and Grandma shall have her choice provided it is a reasonable one and your wife Mrs. Graham what will she say timidly inquired Lena involuntarily shrinking from the very thought of coming in contact with the little lady who had so recently come up before her in the new and formidable aspect of stepmother Mr. Graham did not know himself what she would say neither did he care the fault of his youth once confessed he felt himself a new man able to cope with almost anything and if in the future his wife objected to what he knew to be right it would do her no good for hence forth he was to rule his own house some such thoughts passed through his mind but it would not be proper he knew to express himself last to Lena so he laughingly replied oh we'll fix that easily enough at the time he wrote to Mr. Livingstone he had also sent a letter to his wife announcing his safe return from Europe and saying that he should be at home as soon as Lena's health would admit of her traveling not wishing to alarm her unnecessarily he merely said a dear word that he had found him at Laurel Hill to this letter Mrs. Graham replied immediately and with a far better grace than her husband had expected very frankly she confessed the unkind part she had acted toward Lena and while she said she was sorry she also spoke of the reaction which had taken place in the minds of Lena's friends who she said would gladly welcome her back the continued absence of der word was now the only drawback to Lena's happiness and with a comparatively light heart she began to anticipate her journey home most liberally did Mr. Graham pay for both himself and Lena and Uncle Timothy as he counted the shining coin dropping it upon the table to make sure it was not bogus felt quite reconciled to his recent loss of fifty dollars Jerry the driver was also generously rewarded for his kindness to the stranger girl and just before he left Mr. Graham offered to make him his chief overseer if he would accompany him to Kentucky you are just the man I want said he and I know you'll like it what do you say for the sake of occasionally seeing Lena whom he considered as something more than mortal Jerry would gladly have gone but he was a staunch abolitionist died in the wool and scratching his head he replied I'm a bleach to you but I believe I'd rather drive horses than niggers maybe you could run one on him off and so make a little something slightly whispered Uncle Timothy his eyes always on the main chance but it was no part of Jerry's creed to make anything and as Lena at that moment appeared he beat a precipitate retreat going out behind the church where he watched the departure of his southern friends saying afterward to Mrs. Aldegras who chided him for his conduct that he never could bid nobody goodbye he was so darn tender hearted end of chapter thirty four chapters thirty five and thirty six of Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes this LibriVox recording is in the public domain thirty five excitement at Maple Grove Lena been gone for weeks and father never stirred a peg after her that is smart I must say why didn't you let me know it before exclaimed John Junior as he one morning unexpectedly made his appearance at Maple Grove during his absence Kerry had been his only correspondent and for some reason or other she delayed telling him of Lena's flight until quite recently instantly forgetting his resolution of not returning for a year he came home with headlong haste determining to start immediately after his cousin I reckon if you knew all that has been said about her you wouldn't feel quite so anxious to get her back said Kerry for my part I feel quite relieved at her absence shut up your head roared John Junior Lena is no more guilty than you by George I most cried when I heard how nobly she worked to save Anna from old bald head and this is her reward gracious Peter I sometimes wish there wasn't a woman in the world if they'd all marry you there wouldn't be long retorted Kerry you've said it now haven't you answered John Junior while his father suggested that they stop quarreling adding as an apology for his own neglect that Derwood had gone after Lena who was probably at Mr. Everett's and that he himself had advertised in all the principal papers just like Belmont he's a fine fellow and deserves Lena if anybody does exclaim John Junior while Kerry chimed in sure I've no idea he's gone for her why they've hardly spoken for several months and besides that Mrs. Graham will never suffer him to marry one of so low origin the Deary me said John Junior mimicking his sister's manner how much lowers her origin than yours Kerry's reply was prevented by the appearance of her grandmother who hearing that John Junior was there had hopped in to see him perfectly rational on all other subjects Mrs. Nichols still persisted in saying of Lena that she had killed her and now when her first greeting with John Junior was over she whispered in his ear have they told you Lena was dead she is I killed her it says so here and she handed him the almost worn out note which she constantly carried with her rough as he seemed at times there wasn't John Junior's nature many a tender spot and when he saw the look of childish and facility on his grandmother's face he pressed his strong arm around her and a tear actually dropped upon her gray hair as he told her Lena was not dead he was going to find her and bring her home at that moment old Caesar who had been to the post office returned bringing Mr. Graham's letter which had just arrived that's Mr. Graham's handwriting said Kerry glancing at the superscription perhaps he knows something of Lena and she looked meaningly at her mother who with a peculiar twist of her mouth replied very likely you are right he does know something of her said Mr. Livingstone as he finished reading the letter she is with him at a little village called Laurel Hill somewhere in New York there I told you so poor Mrs. Graham it will kill her I must go and see her immediately exclaimed Mrs. Livingstone settling herself back quite composedly in her chair while Kerry turning to her brother asked what he thought of Lena now just what I always did he replied there's fraud somewhere will you let me see that sir advancing toward his father who placing the letter in his hand walked to the window to hide the varied emotions of his face rapidly John Junior perused it comprehending the whole then when it was finished he seized his hat and throwing it up in the air shouted hurrah hurrah for Miss Lena Rivers Graham daughter of the Honorable Harry Rivers Graham I was never so glad in my life hurrah and again the hat went up upsetting in its descent a costly vase the fragments of which followed in the direction of the hat as the young man capered about the room perfectly insane with joy is the boy crazy asked Mrs. Livingstone catching him by the coat as he passed her while Kerry attempted to snatch the letter from his hand crazy yes said he who do you think Lena's father is no less a person than Mr. Graham himself now taunt her again cad with her low origin if you like she isn't coming here to live anymore she's going to Woodlawn she'll marry Derward while you'll be a cross dried up all made a cat and he chucked her under the chin while she began to cry bidding him to let her alone what do you mean interpose Mrs. Livingstone trembling lest it might be true I will read the letter and you can judge for yourself replied John both Kerry and her mother were too much astonished to utter a syllable while in their hearts each hoped it would prove untrue bending forward grandma had listened eagerly her dim eyes lighting up as she occasionally caught the meaning of what she heard but she could not understand it at once and turning to her son she said what is it John what does it mean as well as they could Mr. Livingstone and John Junior explained it to her and when at length she comprehended it in her own peculiar way she exclaimed thank God that Leni is a lady at last as good as the biggest on him oh I wish a Leni had lived to know her husband was for creator maybe he'll give me money to go back and see the old place once more before I die if he don't I will said Mr. Livingstone upon which his wife who had not spoken before wondered where he'd get it by this time Kerry had comforted herself with the assurance that as Lena was now der word sister he would not of course marry her and determining to make the best of it she replied to her brother who rallied on her crestfallen looks that he was greatly mistaken for she was as pleased as anyone at Lena's good fortune but it did not follow that she must make a fool of herself as some others did the closing part of this remark was lost on John Junior who had left the room in the first excitement he had thought how glad Nelly will be and acting as he generally did upon impulse he now ordered his horse and dashing off at full speed as usual surprise Nelly first with his sudden appearance second with his announcement of Lena's parentage and third by an offer of himself it's your destiny said he and it's of no use to resist what did poor little mev die for if it wasn't to make room for you so you may as well say yes first as last I'm odd I know but you can fix me over I'll do exactly what you wish me to say yes Nelly won't you and Nelly did say yes wondering the while if ever before a woman had such wooing we think not for never was there another John Junior I have had happiness enough for one day said he kissing her blushing cheek and hurrying away as if every hitherto neglected duty were now suddenly remembered he went straight from Mr. Douglas's to the marble factory where he ordered a costly stone for the little grave on the sunny slope as yet unmarked saved by the tall grass and rank weeds which grew above it what inscription will you have has the engraver John Junior thought for a moment and then replied simply Mabel nothing more or less that tells the whole story had involuntarily murmuring to himself poor little meb I wish she knew how happy I am he started for home where he was somewhat surprised to find Mrs. Graham she had also received a letter from her husband and deeming secrecy no longer advisable had come over to Maple Grove where to her great satisfaction she found that the news had preceded her feeling sure that Mrs. Graham must feel greatly annoyed both Kerry and her mother began at first to act the part of Consolers telling her it might not be true after all for perhaps it was a ruse of Mr. Graham's to cover some deep laid scheme but for once in her life Mrs. Graham did well and to their astonishment replied oh I hope not for you do not know how I long for the society of a daughter and as Mr. Graham's child I shall gladly welcome Lena home trying if possible to overlook the vulgarity of her family friends though wincing terribly neither Mrs. Livingstone nor her daughter were to be out generaled if Mrs. Graham could so soon change her tactics so could they and for the next half hour they lauded Lena to the skies they had always liked her particularly Mrs. Livingstone who said if allowed to speak my mind Mrs. Graham I must say that I have felt a good deal pained by those reports which you put in circulation I put reports in circulation retorted Mrs. Graham what do you mean it was yourself madam as I can prove by the whole neighborhood the war of wars was growing sharper and more personal when John Junior's appearance put an end to it and the two ladies thinking they might as well be friends as enemies introduced another topic of conversation soon after which Mrs. Graham took her leave pausing in the doorway she said would it afford you any gratification to be at Woodlawn when Lena arrives knowing that under the circumstances it would look better Mrs. Livingstone said yes while Cary thinking Derwood would be there made a similar reply saying she was exceedingly anxious to see her cousin very well I will let you know when I expect her said Mrs. Graham curtsying herself from the room spelled toady cad whispered John Junior and with more than her usual quickness Cary replied by doing as he desired that'll do said he as he walked off to the backyard where he found the younger portion of the blacks engaged in a rather novel employment for them the news of Lena's good fortune had reached the kitchen causing much excitement for she was a favorite there Claire Fort said Aunt Millie we ought to have a bonfire it won't hurt nothing on the brick pavement accordingly as it was now dark the children were set at work gathering blocks chips sticks dried twigs and leaves and by the time John Junior appeared they had collected quite a pile not knowing how he would like it they all took to their heels except Thomas Jefferson who having some of his mother's spirit stood his ground replying when asked what they were about that they were going to celebrate Miss Lena taken in the whole fun at once John Junior called out good come back here you scapegraces scarcely had he uttered these words when from behind the lilich the smokehouse and the trees emerged the little darkies their eyes and ivory shining with the expected frolic taught by John Junior they hurrah at the top of their voices when the flames burst up and one little fellow not yet able to talk plain made his bare shining legs fly like drumsticks as he shouted oh yeah for Miss Leni ever's game Belmont to say whispered John Junior as he saw Kerry on the back piazza Belmont to say yelled the youngster leaping so high as to lose his balance rolling over the green sword like a ball he landed at the feet of Kerry who's burning him as she would a toad went back to the parlor where for more than an hour she cried from pure vexation 36 arrival at Woodlawn it was a warm September night at Woodlawn the windows were open and through the richly wrought curtains the balmy air of evening was stealing mingling its delicious perfume of flowers without with the odor of those which drooped from the many costly vases which adorned the handsome parlors lamps were burning casting a mellow light over the gorgeous furniture while in robes of snowy white the mistress of the mansion flitted from room to room a little nervous a little fidgety and without meaning to be so a little cross for more than two hours she had waited for her husband delaying the supper which the cook quite as anxious as herself pronounced spoiled by the delay according to promise the party from maple grove had arrived with the exception of John Junior who had generously remained with his grandmother she having been purposely omitted in the invitation from the first mrs. Graham had decided that mrs. Nicholl should never live at Woodlawn and she thought it proper to have it understood at once accordingly as she was conducting mrs. Livingstone and Kerry to Lena's room she casually remarked I've made no provision for mrs. Nicholls except as an occasional visitor for of course she will remain with her son she is undoubtedly much attached to your family and will be happier there this Lena's interrupted Kerry air her mother had time to reply it's the very best chamber in the house Brussels carpets marble and rosewood furniture damask curtains why she'll hardly know how to act she continued half unconsciously as she gazed around the elegant apartment which with one of her unaccountable freaks mrs. Graham had fitted up with the utmost taste yes this is Lena's said mrs. Graham complacently will it compare at all with her chamber at maple grove I do not wish it to seem inferior Kerry bit her lip while her mother very coolly replied yes on the whole quite as good perhaps better as some of the furniture is new have I told you continued mrs. Graham bent on tormenting them have I told you that we are to spend the winter in New Orleans where Lena will of course be the reigning bell you ought to be there dear laying her hand on Kerry's shoulder it will be so gratifying to you to witness a sensation she will create spiteful old thing she tries to insult us thought Kerry her heart swelling with bitterness toward the ever-hated Lena whose future life seems so bright and joyous the sound of wheels was now heard and the ladies reached the lower hall just as the carriage which had been sent to the station at midway drove up at a side door Kerry's first thought was for Derward and shading her eyes with her hand she looked anxiously out but only Mr. Graham alighted gently lifting out his daughter who was still an invalid mighty careful of her thought mrs. Livingstone as in his arms he wore her up the marble steps depositing her in their midst and placing his arm around her he said turning to his wife Lucy this is my daughter will you receive and love her as such for my sake in a moment Lena's soft white hand lay in the fat chubby one of mrs. Graham who kissed her pale cheek calling her Lena and saying she was welcomed to a lawn mrs. Livingstone and Kerry now pressed forward overwhelming her with caresses telling her how badly they had felt at her absence chiding her for running away calling her a naughty puss and perfectly bewildering her with their new mode of conduct Mr. Livingstone's turn came next but he neither kissed nor caressed her for that was not in keeping with his nature but very very tenderly he looked into her eyes as he said you know Lena that I am glad most glad for you an ostentatious as was this greeting Lena felt that there was more sincerity in it than all that had gone before and the tears gushed forth involuntarily mentally styling her the one a baby and the other a fool mrs. Livingstone and Kerry returned to the parlor while mrs. Graham calling a servant better to show Lena to her room hadn't you better go up and assist your cousin whispered mrs. Livingstone to Kerry who forthwith departed knocking at the door an act of politeness she had never before thought it necessary to offer Lena but she was an heiress now fully yes more than equal and that made a vast difference I came to see if I could render you any service she said an answer to Lena's look of inquiry no I thank you returned Lena beginning to get an inkling of the truth you know I'm accustomed to waiting upon myself and if I want anything true second assist me I have only to change my soiled dress and smooth my hair she continued as she shook out her long and now rather rough tresses what handsome hair you've got said Kerry taking one of the curls in her hand I'd forgotten it was so beautiful hasn't it improved during your absence of course a fever is not usually very beneficial to one's hair I believe answered Lena as she proceeded to brush and arrange her wavy locks which really had lost some of their luster foiled in her attempt at toddyism Kerry took another tack looking Lena in the face she said what is it I can't make it out but but somehow you've changed you don't look so so so well you would say I suppose returned Lena laughingly I've grown thin but I hope to improve by and by Drusa glanced at the two girls as they stood side by side and her large eyes sparkled as she thought that her young mistress heaped the best looking now by this time Kerry had thought to ask for derword instantly Lena turned whiter if possible than she was before and in an unsteady voice she replied that she did not know not know repeated Kerry her own countenance brightening visibly haven't you seen him wasn't he at that funny out of the way place where you were yes but he left before I saw him returned to Lena her manner plainly indicating that there was something wrong Kerry's spirits rose there was a chance for her and on their way downstairs she laughed and chatted so familiarly that Lena wondered if it could be the same haughty girl who had seldom spoken to her except to repulse or command her the supper bell rang just as they reached the parter and Mr. Graham taking Lena on his arm led the way to the dining room where the entire silver tea set had been brought out in honor of the occasion hasn't Lena changed mother said Kerry feeling hateful and knowing no better way of showing it hasn't her sickness changed her it has made her grow old that's all the difference I perceive return to Mrs. Livingstone satisfied that she'd said the thing which she knew would most annoy herself how old are you dear asked Mrs. Graham leaning across the table 18 was Lena's answer to which Mrs. Graham replied I thought so three years younger than Kerry I believe two only two interrupted Mrs. Livingstone while Kerry exclaimed horrors how old you take me to be adroitly changing the conversation Mrs. Graham made no reply and soon after they rose from the table scarcely had they returned to the parter when John Jr. was announced he had he said got his grandmother to sleep and put her to bed and now he had come to pay his respects to miss Graham catching her in his arms he exclaimed little girl I'm as much delighted with your good fortune as I should be had it happened to myself where is Belmont he continued looking about the room Mr. Graham replied that he was not there not here repeated John Jr. what have you done with him Lena lifting her eyes full of tears to her cousin's face Lena said softly please don't talk about it now there's something wrong thought John Jr. I'll bet I'll have to shoot that dog yet Lena longed to pour out her troubles to someone and knowing she could confide in John Jr. she soon found an opportunity of whispering to him come tomorrow and I will tell you all about it between 10 and 11 the company departed Mrs. Livingstone and Kerry taking a most affectionate leave of Lena urging her not to fail of coming over the next day as they should be expecting her the ludicrous expression of John Jr.'s face was a sufficient interpretation of his thoughts as whispering aside to Lena he said I can't do it just as if I try the next morning Mr. Graham got out his carriage to carry Lena to Maple Grove asking his wife to accompany them but she excused herself on the plea of a headache and they set off without her the meeting between Lena and her grandmother was affecting and Kerry in order to sustain the character she had assumed a walk to the window to hide her emotions probably at least John Jr. thought so for with the utmost gravity he passed her his silk pocket handkerchief when the first transports of her interview with Lena were over Mrs. Nichols fastened herself upon Mr. Graham while John Jr. invited Lena to the garden where he claimed from her the promise story which she told him unreservedly oh that's nothing compared with my experience said John Jr. plucking at the rich purple grapes which hung in heavy clusters above his head that's easily settled I'll go after Derward myself and bring him back either dead or alive the latter if possible the former if necessary so cheer up I have faith to believe that you and Derward will be married about the same time that Nelly and I are we are engaged did I tell you involuntarily Lena's eyes wandered in the direction of the sunny slope and the little grave as yet but nine months made I know what you think said John Jr. rather testily but hang me if I can help it meb was never intended for me except by mother I suppose there is in the world somebody for whom she was made but it wasn't I and that's the reason she died I am sorry as anybody and every night in my life I think of poor meb who loved me so well and who met with so poor a return I've bought her some gravestones though he continued as if that were an ample atonement for the past while they were thus occupied Mr. Graham was discussing with Mrs. Nichols the propriety of her removing to Woodlawn I shan't live long to trouble anybody said she when asked if she would like to go and I'm nothing without Leni so it was arranged that she should go with him and when Lena returned to the house she found her grandmother in her chamber packing up preparatory to her departure we'll have to come again said she for I as much as two loads don't take them interpose Lena you won't need them and nothing will harm them here after a little grandma was persuaded and her last charge to Mrs. Livingstone and Kerry was that they keep the dumb niggers from her things habit with Mrs. Nichols was everything she had lived at Maple Grove for years and every niche and corner of her room she understood she knew the blacks and they knew her and ere she was halfway to Woodlawn she began to wish she had not started politely but coldly Mrs. Graham received her saying I thought perhaps you would return with them to spend the day laying great emphasis on the last words as if that of course was to be the limit of her visit grandma understood it and it strengthened her resolution of not remaining long Miss Graham don't want to be pestered with me said she to Lena the first time they were alone and I don't mean that she shall be tilde is used to me and she don't mind it now so I shall go back a four long you can come to see me every day and once in a while I'll come here that afternoon a heavy rain came on and Mrs. Graham remarked to Mrs. Nichols that she hoped she was not homesick as there was every probability of her being obliged to stay overnight adding by way of comfort that she was going to Frankfurt the next day to make purchases for Lena and would take her home accordingly the next morning Mrs. Livingstone was not very agreeably surprised by the return of her mother-in-law who Mrs. Graham said was so homesick they couldn't keep her that night when Mrs. Graham who was naturally generous returned from the city she left at Maple Grove a large bundle for grandma consisting of dresses aprons caps and the like which she had purchased as a sort of peace offering or reward rather for her having de-capped so quietly from Woodlawn but the poor old lady did not live to wear them both her mind and body were greatly impaired and for two or three years she had been failing gradually there was no particular disease but a general breaking up of the springs of life and a few weeks after Lena's arrival at Woodlawn they made another grave on the sunny slope and Mabel no longer slept alone end of chapters thirty-five and thirty-six