Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-06-24

when Darcy awoke; and then his tacul-
ties were SO bewildered and clouded that
for some minutes he scarcely comprehend
ed where he was, or the crisis of his fate
that was at hand.
But rs he sat up in bed, and rubbed his
eyes, and glanced round him at the still
darkened chamber, the idea flashed on his
still heated brain, and springing from his
bed, he snatched the bell-ropc and gave it
a vigorous pull.
Tell your mistress to come to me in
stantly.!n he exclaimed, hurriedly. "Quiek,
girl-quick."
1t was certainly only few minutes ere
Meta appeared; but they seemed an age
to the unhappy Darcy. Aud when she
entered the bedroom, his words were
well nigh inarticulate with agitation.
Meta am late-verv late Where
is my shirt ? have not a moment. There,
quick-my collar -
He had seized the linen she slowly ex-
tended to him, and drew it hastily on.
Then came the collar which she handed
him in dogged silence.
"Coniound it, the buttons OFF, and an
imprecation which Netta's refined ears re-
coiied from, escaped his lips. ''Do you
hear? Give me another :" he said sharply.
There is no other clean. If you can
behave rather more like gentleman,
will sew IT on she said calmly, leaving
the room and returning with delbera-
ton that acted like flaming fire on the
phosphoric spirit Of the unfortunate vic
tim
The needle was too small for the cotton,
and took some time to thread, then the
button had to be sought for, and, by the
unerring dial of the clock, at least ten
minutes We're occupied in the simple ope-
ration, ere the toilet could be resumed,
and in due time completed
Meta, believe You have ruined me,
and yoursef.' he said hoarsely, rs he
rushed down the stairs and left the house,
unretreshed by the morning meal, and in
spite OF the wite's pride, and the fostered
selishness of her nature, the words rang
i'll her ears like a funeral knell, during the
long hours OF that weary morning, which
seemed as if it could never end
Thus hour after hour went wearily by
Meta passed them in alternate fits OF apa-
thetic depression and restless pacing to
and fro ;while the worthy though ill-drect-
ed domestic indulged in sundry comments
more sensible than polite, rs to her mis-
tress's strange demeanor.
Meta scarcely knew whether delay in
her husbands return was favorable or the
reverse; but either an accusing conscience
or the natural instinct of an untried nature
overpowered hope till it sank into despair.
At length-oh,! what weary interval it
seemed-the key was heard in the lock,
the door opened, and heavy steps were
heard ascending the stairs. Netta's limbs
refused their office; she tried to rise. but
could not, and when Darcy entered, her
mute glance alone questioned him rs to the
tidings he brought. There scarcely need
ed words to tell the tale
Meta, you have ruined me! Twas too
late another and equally eligible man was
before me and accepted"
Her voice trembled as she faltered ::
Perhaps-perhaps it would have been no
USE
"Do not hatter yourself, Mrs. St Ives !;
there is no such loophole! Had been the
first, the appointment was sure. Your in
tolerable procrastination has been my
bane. Now you can indulge it at pleas
ure There is little more harm to be done
now. | am quite resigned to my fate; n
prison or 4 grave
"Dercy-Darcy, have mercy! Do not
speak so harshly! know-I know have
been wrong, but
The wretched wife did not finish the
sentence
Ere the last word had passed her lips
Darcy had fallen back on a chair by which
he was leaning. and thin stream of Grim
son was issuing from his nose and mouth
Meta stood paralyzed and horror-strick-
en- for some minutes but that brief in
teryal was pregnant with more important
results than rs many months of ordinary
time; and if the work of years was not
to be so easily undone, it was at least
shaken in its very foundations by that
mighty shock.
Meta, my wife - came like soitest
music from the feeble lips of the invalid,
as he at length ayailed himself of the
permission to speak.
"Oh, Darcy, may Heaven be praised!
| scarcely thought to have such unde-
served mercy" said the penitent wife, her
self kneeling by her husbands couch.
lie looked sadly, yet gently in her pale
face.
Poor girl--poor girl Your punishment
will be, fear, far heavier than your Of
fcnSe. What will you do, my poor wife?
Would that l had never seen you"
"No-no--no" " she exclaimed fervently.
AT least, not for me-not for me, Darcy
but for you, my husband But, if Heaven
help me, | will-yes, | will-atone for the
past, Only, alas alas | cannot redeem
the wrong | have done you"
The husband looked down on the up
turned, earnest eyes of the being he had
once loved so dearly, and his heart melted
at their remorsetul pleading.
Meta, we may yet bc happier than
success might have made us. 1t is not
money that gives comfort to II home, but
love, and union and peace
Weeks and months passed away, and
the couple were, indeed, sorely tried
Darcy's illness was long and expensive
and though, thanks to the great redeemine o
point in his position, his sickness did not
lose him his situation, nor diminish his in
come, it yet proved q severe and almost
hopeless drawback to their resources.
But yet they were happy. Meta S
whole energies were thrown into the
scale; and if Darcy was forced to wear
mended linen and darned stockings, they