The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-09-25
. A " z D :

Miss Violet, will you give this lette
to Mrs MaItby?"
! had my hands full of drawing ma
terials, but 1 received the letter and con
tinued on my way to Mrs MaItby's draw
ing-room,
The drawings were little studies hac
made while down at the seaside, where
had spent my vacatlOn-made by Mrs
Maltby, TO whom | had been companion
for a year-and Mrs. Maltby had beer
interested in them saying, Touch then
up a bit, Violet, and will get portfolio
for them and keep them" I usually sal
with her III her dressing room through
the mornings, and thither l repaired tc
touch up the drawings, while she sat with
her slippered feet on the fender embroid-
ering with purple and crimson woods.
| gave her the letter, and went to a low
seat in the deep bay-window l sharpen
ed pencil, and then happened to glance
towards my companion.
Her face was ashy white. Her profile
was turned towards me. In its irreguarity
and pallor it looked like a face cut in
stone But | had never seen it look SO
sharp and deathly.
The letter was clenched in her hand.
| had brought her bad news.
| was shocked. but silent [ tried to
remember what / knew OF her family
relations She was a handsome, black
haired woman Of fifty, who had been
early widowed and returned to her fathers
house. Her parents were dead. Her
mother had died in her infancy and she
had been the mistress of Redburn ever
since. 1t was not long however, since
her fathers decease. She had no brothers
or sisters whom | had heard of. | could
not surmise what had happened
| saw her burn the letter, and she rose
and left the room.
Afterwards | guessed whom that com
municatiOn was from.
a week passed. They were quiet and
comfortable but rather monotonous weeks
at Redburn. But, though young, | was
less restless than mos, girls. | was not
unhappy with Mrs. Maltby. Only some
times wished for little change.
1t came-a most startling episode.
We had company to dine-Mrs. Malt
bv's lawyer and personal friend from New
York; was dressing her hair, as some
times did. for she liked my arrange
ments, pronoucing them artistic Sudden
", without knock OF warning, the door
was flung open and young man walked
in.
[ felt Mrs. Maltby start under my
hands | myself was frightened, the
intruder looked so bold and reckless.
He was very handsome, but he looked
to have been travelling long. or TO
have come out of some revel. His linen
was soiled; his long clustering hair un-
brushed: his eyes bloodshot, vet his
appearance was singularly attractive. |
had never before seen so high-bred and
graceful a man.
Mrs. Maltby did not speak to him. He
seated himself before and not far from
her, however
$50 on Violet, she said.
Certainly. Let the young lady pro
coed with her task, he said, quickly.
'.What | have to say need not interfere
with her employment. understand that
she is your confidant, though have not
had tho pleasure of meeting her before. -
The last sentence appeared to have
been quite mechanically spoken, for he
had fixed his eyes tiercely upon Mrs.
Malthy's face, and seemed to see only
her. | went on pinning up the hraids OF
trembled | could not see her face. hut
! think She met that look steadily.
'.You refuse me, he said, in far diff
ferent tone from that in which he had
first spoken-low and concentrated
Certainly" she answered.
''Do YOU want my blood upon your
head - he exclaimed.
4 washed my hands clear of YOU long
ago" she answered composedly.
Long ago, he repeated, and a wave
Of emotion that was inexplicable to me
went over his face. Then he was silent.
| don't know why. but from that moment
Ipitied him,
He got up and commenced walking
the floor.
Il tell YOU. Winfred, must have
this money" he said. Il must have it
tonight, tonight, he repeated.
Mrs. Maltby was silent | caught a
glimpse of her face. Flint was not
harder.
Let me have it, Winifred, he said,
pausing before her, ''and | promise you
it shall be the last time.
She made no reply.
"The last time. / mean it, Wini-
fred"
His voice faltered. She did not speak
"Will you"
NO." she replied, with no emotion
whatever.
His face had been working with some
strong, deep feeling, But that monosyl-
liable seemed to strike him like blow.
He stood looking at her, his face still
and desperate.
Il did not think God could make such
woman as you are, said he at last.
felt her shrink beneath the actual
horror with which he seemed to regard
her. But she spoke with her unaltera-
bic comPosure.
II told you more than year ago that
should pay no more debts of yours,
contracted at faro, or in any other way,
she said. 81 meant it; you know
meant it. have given you fair warn
ing; | shall not change"