Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-01-19

myself of the fatal documents. How for
tunate that Flora came just at that time. for
it might be that Emily was about unlocking
the desk to destroy the papers My heart
beat fast with excitement as left the room
again, by tie same way that 1 entered, and
hastened to my own little den, a flight above.
bolting my door after me-
Then l sat down and wrote letter to
Philip Rayburp, telling him all | had heard
and all had done, enclosing the sheets of
paper as proofs. felt very manly at last,
so to vindicate my sister truth, and it made
me smile to be able to write that | expected
him to apologize fully to Louise, and after
that never to darken our doors again. I fin
ished the letter, sealed it, coaxed the butler
to deliver it at once into Mr. Rayburn' S
hands, and had ten minutes to compose my
self before Emily politely attended her Wis
itor to the door. Then she flew up to her
room again.
My spirits ran SO high could hardly keep
from shouting my secret aloud. | found
Louise sitting lonesomely in her chamber,
like Mariana in the moated'' and kissed
her hand again and again, telling her would
do everything right, while she looked at me
half frightened and wholly puzzled. Then l
initiated an Indian war whoop at Emily's
key hole, and as it grew darker lay in wait
for her behind an open door, and sprang out
at her when at last heard her gliding step.
l liked TO hear her shrek and shudder. At
tea she Was pale and thoughtful while my
father and mother and Louise grew kind
er than ever, heaping her plate with delica-
cies, and dclighting to pet her. But took
no trouble to pass her anything but straw
berry jam, which | knew she mated.
The night was ciear-there were stars in
the heavens. Alter tea we all went into the
parlor; Emily played, and sang, and chatted,
with now and then restless glance at the
clock on the niantlepece. At ten she said
she would retire, and bade Us all good night,
That was signal fer a general departing and
before long was going up stairs noIsily, 50
that Emily might hear me and think all
were out of her way at last But no sooner
had | slammed my door than turned agai
and crept down. stairs quieter than any
mouse, past all sleeping rooms, down to the
dining room, and there waited in the dark
l always liked to stay in the dark, ipiagin-
ing grotesque creatures In every corner un-
seen, and there Law on the sofa very con
tentedly, hearing tie cloSE ti5E and my
heart beat.
At last l became conscious, by some in
stiuct finer than hearing, that Emily was
coming dowE from her room. The clock
chinled eleven and l sessn to fear my plot
would fail, for why was there no word from
Philip How softly Emily glided down. like
some impaipable presence! She stood hes
itating an instant on the lower stair, when
the door bell rang peal which startled all
the slcepcfs.
ran out with shout. Emily would have
fed from me, but | caught her hand and
dragged her to the door. which l opened
There stood Philip Raybmni his eyes ablaze
with fierce indignation, grasping the fatal
letters in his hand. He held them up before
Emily, compelling her to recognize their
meaning, then casting them at her feet with
gesture of utter seorn, he strobe into the
parlor, drawing me with him.
was proud then, as | collected ali my
four feet high dignity, and called him to ae-
count He did not notice my manner though,
he was too full of wrath and grief and con-
trite love- | almost began to pity him at
last but remembered that would never do,
SO told him that accepted his apologies,
but he mus never insult Ts by his presence
again. That moment Louise came in hur-
riedly. looking terrified and perplexed.
s.Where is Emily, Charlie Who rang
the bell, and why is the door open? o.
Philip
Il will go and fud Emily" said. Il
will leave you with Mr.. Rayburn. He has a
confession to make to yoh, Louise, and after
that you will forbid him the house
Emily was not to be found; hunted for
her above and below but she was gone. The
hall door still stood open. She hadfled away
with her guilty conscience under the keen
eyed stars. So went back to the parlor
without her; Louise and Philip were at the
door.
Il will come early to morrow" he said
smiling brightly, and Louise smiled brightly
too
WHAT have you not forbidden him the
house ?' | exclaimed.
No, Charlie, that cannot do. > And
with an astonishing lack of spi,it she let him
fold her iuf bis arms.
have decided to havs nothing more to
do with my sisters love affairs or the family
dignity My little part was played. and now
I will b ide away behind the curtain with my
dreams of fairies and elfs.
The young man who has been travelling
about lately and jumping off the train to kiss
his sister and then spologizing when he
found his mistake, has become converted,
J.Eoro,t Efa He triad the