Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-03-06

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! been OF such a nature as to encourage me
to place faith in strangers. We were in a
strange hotel, knowing no person, known
I to none. In the event of one chivalrously
inclined appearing, how should 1 word my
appeal to him? We were undoubtedly
servants, and violence had not been offered
to us. l had absolutely nothing to say
that would insure sympathy. Then there
was the danger of leaving Clarice. No, 1
had no option but to wait for events. One
safeguard was still left to me l could bar
ricade the door.
''There was, however, only the small
table in the room available for the pur
pose. The washstand was a fixture, and
to move the bed was beyond my strength.
That design had also to be abandoned.
"The conversation between me and the
woman had been carried on in low tone,
and had not aroused Clarice. Feeling how
necessary it was that l should be prepared
for action, l determined to keep awake,
and began hurriedly to dress myself. l
was much distressed at the discovery that
the only clothes to my hand were the fine
garments in which we had given our per-
Torrance. Before | was fully attired the
woman returned. She opened the door
without ceremony, and her boldness con-
WINGED me that she had taken the key.
$50 Your master has sent me back, she
said triumphantly. Il told you how it
would be. He will be here presently.
All l see you have grown sensible; you
are dressing yourself
"'Why did you steal the key from the
door, 1 asked.
Fair words if you please, mistress,
she retorted. l am no thief ask your
questions elsewhere. It might have been
to your advantage to be civil to me-
81 made an effort to soften her.
"'Will you not help us? implored.
Cannot you see that we are friendless
and unprotected? We will show our
gratitude.
"' How much have you got she said,
bending forward eagerly, and 1 heard the
thinking of money ia her hand.
"'W We have no money! 1 replied sadly,
not the smallest coin ; and 1 could not
help adding bitterly, would buy you if
l could
''' am to be bought, she said when
you are my age you will be of my mind.
There is only one true friend-money.'
"The voice Of my master outside struck
terror into me-
GO Margaret !! he called, huskily.
Well?' 1 answered.
"' Are you getting ready?'
No. found courage to reply, al
though my heart was sinking within me.
:" Do so at once, he said, and judged
from his tone that he was making vio-
lent effort to suppress his passion, unless
you wish me to come in and drag you out.
1 will do it, land here he swore dreadful
OATH IF you utter another obstinate
word
SO was compelled to confess to myself
that obedience would be perhaps the wisest
course.
Tell me what is required of us?'
GO Two gentlemen, friends of mine
but that is no recommendation then,
two gentlemen with whom l am in COM
pany, and who were in the theater tonight,
have expressed desire to see Clarice
dance again, and, of course, to hear you
sing again. | have consented-it is money
in my pocket, and my honor is pledged. l
will give you time to dress-I am thought
full, you see. In half an hour l shall ex
pect you and Clarice below; the woman
will show you the way. Are you still re-
bellious? Be carefulr
"'We will come, 1 said, if no harm is
intended us.
"'You are fool No harm is intended.
Answer instantly. You will come ?
"The door moved, obedient to his hand,
and knew that further opposition would
bring him into the room.
"' We will come, l said.
&c I thought l should tame you, said
he, in brutal tone. If you thwart me
again you will live to rue it ,
He hurried away, and as 1 listened to
his retreating footsteps it seemed to me
that he was as anxious to be gone as was
to be rid of him. l turned to the woman
she was gazing at me with look of spite
full triumph on her face.
"qIf it is thus 1 said, that women
assist women, it is better to trust to men.
''' You are simpleton, she answered,
but you have spoken the truth. Women
are not to be trusted.
"'We can get ready without your as
sistance, said, and l babe her quit the
ROOM
''She glanced around to assure herself
that there was no chance of our escaping,
and said, as she lighted my candle:
''' l shall wait outside for you
81 nodded, and waited till she closed
the door behind her. Then stepped softly
to the bedside.
q had been so successful in controlling
my agitation that but little noise had been
made. Clarice was deep sleeper, as 1
had been before our masters conduct had
aroused my suspicious since that time
the slightest sound had been sufficient to
rouse me.
81 knelt. and took my sisters hand in
mine her fingers fondly returned my low
ing pressure. She was in peaceful sleep,
and her curls hung loosely about her child
like face. No angel in heaven could pre-
sent more beautiful appearance.