Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-09-04
Saved.

ter to Mrs. Maltby2"
had my hands full Of drawing ms
tsriAls; but received the letter, and
continued on my way to Mrs. Maltby's
dressing -room.
The drawings were little studies | had
made while down al the seaside, where
had spent my vacation; made for Mrs.
Maltby- 10 whom | had been "comran-
ion" for s year-and Mrs. Maltby had
been interested in them, saying, Touch
them up bit. Violet. and will get a
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
drawings while she sat with her slip
pered feet on the fender, embroidering
with purple and crimson wools.
gave her the letter. and went 10 .
low seat in the deep bay window. /
sharpened a pencil, and then happened to
glance toward my companion. Her
face was aShy white. Her profile was
turned toward me- In its regularity and
pallor 1t 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 Re-
lAtions. 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
Hall ever since. II 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.
l saw her burn the letter. and then
she rose and left the room.
Afterwards l guessed whom that COM
nunication was from.
A week passed. They were quiet and
comfortable but rather monotonous
weeks II Redburn. But. though young
was less restless than most girls was
not unhappy with Mrs. Maltby. Only
sometimes / wished for little change.
It esme-a most startling episode.
We had company to dine, Mrs Malt
by's lawyer aud personal friend, from
own. / was dressing her hair as 1t
sometimes did. for she liked my arrange
ments- pronouncing them artistic. Sud
denly, without knock or warning. the door
was flung open and young man walked il.
Ifelt Mrs. Maltby start uader my
hands. l, myself. was frightenrd-the
intruder looked So bold aud reckless.
He was very handsome; but he seemed
20 me 70 have been travelling long. or to
have come out of some revel His linen
was soiled, his long, clustering hair IN
brushed. and eyes bloodshot. Yet his
appearance was singuiarly attractive. l
had never before seen 50 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 contdante, 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. Invent on. pinning up the braids of
her hair as hsd been bid; but my
hands trembled. l could not see her
face, but 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
hesd2' he exclaimed.
Il washed my hands clear of you long
ago" she answered, eompOsedly.
Long ago." he repeated; and a wave
Of emotion that was inexplicable TO me
went ever his face.
Then he was silent. don't know why
but from that moment pitied him. He
1ot up. and commenced walking the
floor.
Il tell you, Winifred, must have this
money" he said. Il must have il, and
tonight, tonight" he repeated.
Mrs. Maltby was silent. l caught Q
glimpse of her face. Flint was not
harder.
LET me have il, Winifred,' he said.
psusing before her. And | Promiss y0s
Il shall be the last time"
She made no reply.