The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-08
age, and down the stairs like a ghost, and
was lost in the darkness of the night.
CHAPTER vi.
REAPING THE WHIRLWIND.


dinner, and some additions to the bill of
fare, opened all their eyes to the state of
things; and Fanny was not the least sur
prised to find her mistress looking pale
and agitated when she got up to her
room.
"What will you wear tonight, missY'
inquired Fanny, who was unusually ex-
cited, and was counting upon the we'd
ding trip as pleasant distraction.
Gust what you like"
1t was not often Fanny was allowed
such latitude, and the way she proceeded
to abuse it showed that Euphemia was
wise in restraining her somewhat in such
matters. She chose the most costly dress
in her whole wardrobe; and not content
with this, spread out her splendid hair in
such multitude Of plaits and rolls, that
Euphemia, who always preferred to have
her hair as simply dressed as possible,
would have been Mortified if she had only
once looked into the glass.
However, she never cast a glance that
way, and Fanny handed her her gloves
and handkerchief triumphantly.
"Is there anything you think of forme
to do tonight, miss?"
Euphemia stared as if she could hardly
comprehend.
Anything to do?'
"Work, | mean, miss"
"Oh, yes, of course. No, I don't think
of anything. But, Fanny, wouldn't you
be glad to go home tomorrow? You
haven't seen your mother for long time,
and l can spare you quite we'll"
"lhank you, miss, if you are quite
sure shan't be wanted"
81 will take care of that. And you
may start as soon as you like in the morn
ing"
Euphemia felt that she must get rid of
Fanny, whose sharp, prying eyes would
be in her way, perhaps, when she had to
arrange for her meeting with Margaret
Cell. And Fannie, who wanted, of
course, to tell her mother all the news,
was only too glad to get holiday with
out the trouble of asking.
Mr. Roper took Euphemia's gay toilet
as an especial compliment to himself, and
showed his qualification in very con-
spicuous manner How often she sighed
under her breath during that long, weary
evening, who can tell, Or chronicle? The
slight caressing motion of Mr.. Roper's
hand on hers now and then, when he fan
cied himself unperceived, stabbed her
like sword, and once she had almost
screamed.
However, the painful ordeal'was over
at last, and Mr.. Roper, bending over, as
he bade her goodnight, asked if he might
come again on the morrow.
'In the afternoon" replied Euphemia,
81 shall be engaged all the morning"
"Your father and | meet at ten o'clock
to arrange certain business matters; but
| shall be free about four, if that will
suit you"
every we'll. Good night"
\ She could not have spoken another
word to save her life, and was only to
glad to escape to her own room. She
dismissed Fanny at once, and sat for
hours in front of the fire, with her aching
head between her two hands. The red
Goals died away into darkness, and still
she sat on; finally there came upon her
dulled intellect, with the shock of a sud-
den surprise, the sound of the clock out
side, striking three.
Then she rose and prepared for bed.
But though she lay down, she never slept;
and when Fanny came to dress her in the
morning, she was actually shocked by the
unnatural distention of the great dark
eyes, and the gray-whiteness Of her
cheeks.
II think l ought to stay at home to-day,
miss" she said, considerably; "you look
so i'll, you really oughtn't to be left"
"You needn't mind about me, Fanny;
I shall be quite right in a few minutes;
this is certainly the best day for you to
take your holiday, as am not going out
tonight"
"But can I get you anything, miss?"
"Only get me dressed, if you can"
But this was a work of difficulty.
Twice Euphemia tainted whilst the oper-
alton was proceeding, and Fanny had to
fetch her some strong stimulant before
she could get through it at all. Still, she
was resolute that the other should go,
though Fanny, to do her justice, remon-
strated as long as she dared.
Euphemia crawled down to breakfast,
and took her seat, as usual, in front of
the urn. She forced some food through
her pale lips, because she knew she must
eat if she was to get through the coming
interview.
Mrs. Beloe did not come down to
breakfast, fortunately; and her father
was so absorbed in his affairs, and the
frightened prospect opened out before
him, that he noticed nothing. He kissed
her hurriedly before he went off, and
then he happened to remark that she was
paler than usual, and suggested that she
should take walk.
'I won't ask Roper to dine tonight, I
think, Phemie; it would be best for us all
to be quiet. To tell the truth, / really
don't know now whether am standing
on my head or on my heels"
Euphemia found smile for him then.
"Your mind will be quieter now, dear
papa"
He went after THIS; but came back to
saw "By-the-hv pheuin how did vou oct