Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-08-11
0vER-REACHING.

1t was grand and stately-looking
mansion, surrounded by extensive
grounds. So much could be seen in the
moonlight. But the entire front of the
house was dark. At the back, only two
windows in the upper part, beside the
basement, showed light.
The room within was large and lux
urious. An ample CRATE at one side
held bed of glowing GOALS, and upon a
low couch near it an old man lay. BY
the gray pallor of his still handsome
face, his sunken eyes, his stiffness, he
was very i'll, perhaps dying.
A woman was the only other occupant
of the room, and she was young and very
beautiful.
She was in full evening dress, violet
velvet, made low and richly trimmed,
and on her white neck and arms were
jewels.
The eyes of the sick man watched her
as she slowly paced the room, her velvet
dress trailing the carpet, a look in her
face that he could not read.
1t wGs strange sight-the woman in
her gala attire, brilliant with beauty,
glittering with gems the man with his
pinched and sunken face, on which
deaths gray shadow seemed already set,
watching her.
She never looked at him, and, in spite
of her youth and loveliness, there was
something harsh and forbidding in her
countenance.
The sick man moved uneasily on his
couch.
{" 1t is very strange, Virginia, that
James does not return, he said, "I am
sure he has been long enough to go to
town and back twice"
&C [ should think so" the woman an
swered, still without looking at him :;
" but perhaps he did not find either of
the lawyers at his office, and he may be
waiting to see Mr.. judd.
In moment more some one knocked
softly upon the door of the sick room.
If it's James want to see him." said
the man on the couch.
James came in, low. browed, sullen-
looking fellow, and stood crumpling his
hat in his hand.
"Did you find Mr.. Judd ?" his master
asked.
No, sir but 1 left word"
Why didn't you go for Mr.. Leeds2
81 did but he WASH at home neither.
Mr.. Judd III be back tonight. They
was expecting him every minute. [ told
'em to send him as soon as he come,
cause you didn't know as you'd live till
morning"
Virginia Aubrey glided forward.
" You didn't send any such word as
that, did you, Robert ?" she said to her
husband. 81 think you are better to-
night. | am sure you will live weeks
yet. begin to hope you may get we'll
again, you are so much better"
The sick man shook his head.
shall never see the morning again,
dear, / am only keeping up on stimulants
now. | can't hold out much longer"
DO let me send for the doctor to
come back, Robert"
Doctors can do me no good. you
know that. 1t is not doctor that 1
want, but lawyer. 1t is very strange
they should be away. Have you told
me the truth, James ?" he asked the man
suddenly.
"The truth, sir ?" questioned the man
In a stammering voice, while he stole a
furtive glance at his mistress.
Virginia Aubreyput her hands behind
her and showed him q roll of notes.
why don't you answer, James ?" she
said, lmpatiently. "Have you told your
master the truth or not ?"
" The truth, of course. Why would
1 tell him anything else, and him
a-dying ?"
:" You can CO." said Mr.. Aubrey.
"Send Rufus here"
AS James departed the sick man turned
to his wife.
81 don't know why he should but
James looked as if he was lying. 1t
can't be that any one here wants to keep
me from seeing lawyer ?"
A strange whiteness crossed Virginia
Aubrey's beautiful face.
81 should hope not, dear. What OBJ
iect could they have?"
The sick man was silent.
Fifteen minutes passed.
Suddenly Mr.. Aubrey spoke again
" Virginia, why doesn't t,Rufus come ?''
:" will see" said his wife, calmly,
and rang the bell.
LII was JaneS VINO answered 1T.
Where is Rufus ?" she asked him.
81 dunno. It's like he forgot told
him."
!" Go at once and tell him again."
James departed, and returned in about
ten minutes.
Rufus" he said, "has been drink
ing-says he'll come when he gets ready,
not afore."
The sick man groaned.
Go and send Martha here, James, u
said Mrs. Aubrey.