The Van Buren press., 1876-08-29
MISCELLANY.
s A v E D.

to Mrs. Maltby? p
l had my hands full of drawing mate
rials but received the letter and con
tinued ON my way to Mrs Maltbys dres
sing room.
The drawings we're little studies la,
made while down at the sea side, wher
lspent my vacation; made for Mrs. Malt
by-to whom | had been companion
for year--and Mrs. Maltby had been in
terested in them, saying, Touch then
up bit, Violet, and will get a porto
lio for them and keep them"
usually sat in her dressing n ,m d.,
ring the morning. And thither | nov
repaired to touch up the drawings, whil
she sat with her slippered feet on the fen
der, embroiderihg with purple and Grim
son woods.
gave her the letter, and went to 10 v
seat in the deep bay window. sharpen
ed pencil, and then happened to glanc,
toward my companion. Her face wal
ashy white Her profile was turned to
ward me. In its regularity and pallor i
looked like face cut in stone But
had never seen it look so sharp and death
ly. The letter was clenched in her hand
! had brought her bad news
! was shocked, but was silent | triet
to remember what knew of her famil,
relations. She was a handsome, black
haired woman of fifty, who had been ear
ly widowed, and returned to her father,
house Her mother had died in her in
fancy, and she had been the mistress O
Redburn Hall ever since her fathers de
cease. She had never had child Sht
had no brothers or sisters whom l baC
heard of. could not surmise what hac
happened. saw her burn the letter
and then she rose AID lett the room
Afterwards guessed whom the com
munication was from.
A week passed. They were quiet and
comfortable but rather monotonous
weeks at Redburn. Bnt though young
was less restless than most girls.
wns not unhappy with Mrs Maltby. On.
~ sometimes l wished for little change
1t came-a most startling episode
We had company to dine--Mrs. Malt.
by's lawyer and personal friend from
town. | was dressing her hair, as
sometimes did, for she liked my arrange.
ments--pronounced them artistic. Sud
denly, without knock or warning, the
door was flung open and a young man
| walked in
felt Mrs Maltby start under my hand
| myself was irightened-the intruder
looked so bold and reckless lie was We.
have been travelling long, or to have come
cut of some rcveI HIS linen was soiIed
his long, clustering hair unbrushed, and
his eyes bloodshot. Yet his appearance
W singularly attractive | had never
before seen so high bred and graceful O
man.
Mrs. Maltby did not speak to him
He seated himself before her 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 congdente, though
have not had the pleasure of meeting her
before.
The last sentence appeared to have
been quite mechanically spoken, for he
had fixed his eyes fiercely upon Mrs
Maltby's face and seemed to see only
her went on, pinning up the braids of
her hair as had been bid, but my hands
trembled could not see her face, but
think she met that look steadily.
You refused me-" he said, in far
| III Hara,f t,,p fran, thot in mb bi,,h ha baI
at first spoken, low and concentrated.
Certainly, she answered.
"Do you want my blood upon your
head 7" he exclaimed.
IL washed my hands clear of you long
ago she answered, composedly.
Long ago. he repeated; and wave
of emotion tnat was inexplicable to me
went over his face,
Then he was silent. Idon't know why
but for moment | pitied him. He go,
up and commenced walking the floor.
~ tell you, Winifred. mus have this
money" he said. II must have it, and
to night, to night" he repeated.
Mrs Maltby was silent | caught O
glimpse of her face. Flint was no hard
| er.
LET me have it Winifred,' he said,
pausing before her. And / promise
you it shall he the last time"
She made no reply.
:" The last time. Imean it, Winfred.
His voiec ialtered She did not speak
Viii your"
mo-" 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 still looking at her, his fac'
still and desperate.
81 did not think God could make sucl
woman as you are he said at last.
| felt her shrink beneath the actual hor
ror with which he seemed to regard her
But she spoke with unaltered composure
81 told you more than year ago
that should pay no more debts OF your
contracted in gambling, or in other way,
she said. IL meant it; you know that
meant it. have given you lair warning
| shall not change"
He did not speak; his head was droop
ed upon his breast, he was deatbly pale
Il have done my duty by you, Guy
YOU know that | have" she added.
" Yes, you have been just; but yo
have never been mercitul,' he replied
i" Oh God p He aung phis arms wit