Litchfield enquirer., 1876-05-25
Saved.

"sfiss Violet, will you give this le.- ter to Mrs. Maltby?'
 had my hands full of drawing me- terials; but I received the letter, and continued on my way to Mrs. Maltby's 1 dressing-room.
 ] The drawings were little studies had made while down st the seaside, where I had spent my vacation; made for Mrs. Maltby- to whom had been "compan-. ion" for year-and Mrs. Maltby had been interested in them, saying, ''Touch them up 8 bit, Violet, and will get . portfolio for them and keep them"
 usually sat with her, in her dressing room, through the morning. And thither now repaired to touch up the l drawings, while she sat with her slip pered feet on the fender, embroidering with purple and crimson wools. l, .s - gave her the letter, and went to s low seat in the deep bay window. I sharpened pencil, and then happened to glance toward my companion. Her face was ashy white. Her profile was turned toward me. In it's regularity and pallor it looked like face cut in stone. But I had never seen it look so sharp and deathly. The letter was clenched in her hand. l had brought her bad news. I was shocked, but silent. I tried to remember what knew of her family re- lations. She was 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 Hall ever since. It was not long, how ever, since her fathers decease. She had never had child. She had no brothers or sisters whom had ever heard of. I could not surmise what had happened. saw her burn the letter; and then she rose and left the room.
 Afterwards I 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 most girls. was not unhappy with Mrs. Maltby. Only sometimes l wished for a little change.
 It came-a most startling episode:
 We had company to dine, Mrs. Malt by's lawyer and personal friend, from own. l was dressing her hair, as It sometimes did, for she liked my arrange ments- pronouncing them artistic. Sud- daD1u 1xifhnn% Hnnn1 N~ was flung open and a young man walked in.
 Ifelt Mrs. Maltby start under my hands,, l, myself, was frightened intruder looked so bold and reckless. He was very handsome; but he seemed to me to have been travelling long, or to have come out of some revel. His linen was soiled, his long, clustering hair un- brushed. and eyes bloodshot. Yet his appearance was singularly attractive. I had never before seen so high-bred and graceful man.
 Mrs. Maltby did not speak to him. He seated himself before and not far from her, however. ..
 "Go on, Violet" she said.
 Certainly, let the young lady proceed with her task" he said quickly. "What have to say need not interfere with her employment. understand that she is your companion and confdante, though I have not had the pleasure of meeting her before.' "fL% +s #"<
 The last sentence appeared to have been quite mechanically spoken, for he had fixed his eyes fercely upon Mrs. Maltby's face and seemed to see only her. went on, pinning up the braids of her hair as. 1 had been bid; but my hands trembled. could not see her face. but 1 think she met that look steadily.
 "You refused me- he said, in far diff ferent tone from that in which he had at first spoken, low and concentrated.
 Certainly" she answered.
 "Do you want my blood upon your head ?" he exclaimed.
 .I 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 pitied him. He got up, and commenced walking the | floor.
 "1 tell you, winifred, I must have this money" he said. '1 must have it, and tonight tonight" he repeated. Mrs. Maltby was silent. caught q glimpse of her face. Flint was not 1 harder. &ai sa zl
 "Let me have it, winifred,' he said, pausing before her. @And promise ou it shall be the last time."
 She made no reply. ~ sThe last time. Imean it. winifred"
 His voice faltered. She did not speak. ~a .... gs51.z
 "Will llyou?' ~ a
 "No," she replied, with no emotion whatever. His face had been working with some strong, deep feeling. But that mono syllable seemed to strike him like blow. He stood looking at-her, his face still and desperate.
 "I did not think God could make such awoman as you are,s he said at last. 2 F :, l felt her shrink beneath the actual horror with which he seemed to regard her. But she sroke with unaltered eorn- posture.
 q told you, more than year ago, that 1 should pay no more debts of yours contracted in gambling. or in any other way" she said. T meant it; you know