The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-11-23
SAVED.
A woMAN's STORY.

Miss Violet, will you give this letter
to Mrs. Maltby?"
T had my hands full of drawing mate
rials; but / received the letter, and con-
ti;ued on my way to Mrs. Maltby's dress
ins-room. ;.
The drawings were little studies | had
made while down at the seaside, where
had spent my vacation; made for Mrs.
Maltby-to whom / had been acompanion
for year-and Mrs. Maltby been had in
terestcd in them, saying, "Touch them
up n bit, Violet, and will get portfolio
for them and keep them"
usually sat with her in her dressing
room, through the morning. And thith-
er + now repaired to touch up the draw
ines while she sat with her slippered feet
on the fender,embroidering with purple
and crimson woods.
gaveher The fetter and went to low
seas in theadeepSSay-window. l sharp
ened a pencil, and then happened to
glance towards my companion. Her face
was ashy pale. Her profile was turned
towards me. In its regularity and pallor
it looked like face cut in stone. But
have never seen it look so sharp and
des.hly. The letter was clenched in her
hand. had brought her bad news.
was shocked, but silent. l tried to
remember what / knew of her family
relations. She was handsome black
haired woman of fifty, who had been car
ly 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. 1t was not long, however,
since her fathers decease, She had new
er had child. She had no brothers or
sisters whom had ever heard of. 1could
not surmise what had happened. saw
her burn the letter; and then 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 most girls. I was not
unhappy with Mrs. Maltby, only some
times 1 wished for little change.
It 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 some
times did, for she liked my arrangement
-pronouncing them artistic. Suddenly
without knocking or warning the door
was flung open, and young man walked
in.
I felt Mrs. Maltby start under my
hands. I Imvself was frightened-the in
truder looked so bold and restless. 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 his eyes blood-shot. Yet
his appearance was singularly attractive.
I had never before seen 80 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
Ihave to say need not interfere with her
employment. understand that she is
your companion and confdant, 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 fercely upon Mrs.
Maltby's face, and seemed to see only
her. I went on pinning up the braids of
her hair, as I had been bid, but my hands
trembled. I could not see her face, but
think she met that look steadily.
'You refused me-" he said, in far
different tone from that in which he had
at first spoken, low and concentrated.
Certainly" she answered.
"Do you want my blood upon your
headw he exclaimed:
"I washed highlands clear of you long
ago." she answered, composedly.
"Long ago." he repeated; and wave
of emotion that was inexplicable to me
went over his face:
Then he was Silent. I don't know
Whv. but from that moment pitied him.
He got up andscommenced walking the
floor.
tell you Winifred, I must have this
money! he said, II must have it, and
tonight, tonight" he repeated.
Mrs. Maltby was silent. I caught a
glimpse Other face. Flint was not harder.
"Letfne shave it, Winifred," he said,
pausing before her; "and l promise you
it shall bethe last time"
She made made no reply.
"Thelast time! I mean it Winifred p
His low voice faltered. She did not
speak.
"Will your"
"Nop she replied without any emo
tion 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 stilland
II did not think God could make such
a woman as you are," he said at last.
felt her shrink beneath the actual
horror with which he seemed to regard
her. But she spoke with unaltered COM
posure.
II told you more than a year ago that
should pay no more debts of yours con-
tracted in gambling, or in any other
way" she said. ~ meant it; you know
that meant it. I have given you fair
warning. I shall not change"
He did not speak his head was dropped
upon his breast; he was deathly pa.e.
"I have done my duty by you, Guy
YOU know that have" she added.
"Yes, you have been justc but yyo%u
have not been merciful," he replied. ~,
Godp' He flung up his arms with Bit
ter cry that wrung my heart.
I looked at her. No; she did not re.
lent or 60 to him. He had flung, himself
into q chair, and with his head dropping
into his arms folded upon the back, was
4ha ,.ao.t honnlassAfo,1re I had ever seen,