Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-10-20


personally in disrobing. bathing, etc.
placing her at length in clean. soft bed,
luxury which she fully appreciated after
the discomforts of the journey. After
delicious lunch, the cool shaded room and
dreamy quiet induced refreshing slumber
to wrap her about in its invigorafng
mantle.
So long indeed was her repose, that the
woman came again, and yet again To
waken her, and coax the exhausted tray-
eler to drink the cup # broth she had pre-
pared with thoughtful care.
When at last refreshed and quite her.
self again. with strangers curiosity she
watched from her window the novel COS
tunes and strange appearance OF the peo-
pie henceforth to be her own.
Ruth--as the woman had taught Mignon
to call her-moved about quietly, per-
forming the household duties. giving in
formation when asked in kind, slsteriy
manner, which left the young wife quite
at a loss to define her position in the
household.
| In few days, as soon as she felt equal
to the effort, Mr.. Odney brought 'eauti-
full white pony for her inspection, telling
her that it was her own, and inviting her
to ride out of the city, which did not seem
to her very far, then pointing out to her
some of the widest, grandest scenery she
had ever beheld, remarked as he did so,
1--WE are surrounded on every side by i'm
penetrable wilds. thus securing US COM
pletely from the intrusion or influence OF
those not of our faith"
In answer to his question if she had
completely recovered from the effects OF
her Journey, she said that she should
never wish to cross that terrible waste
again. oh. never again. to which he re-
Piled earnestly that he chopped she never
would" the full significance of which
struck her very forcibly afterwards.
Upon their return, a young woman not
far from her own age, ran to the gate to
meet them. greeting Mr.. Odney with
what his wife thought great familiarity,
but as he introduced her as Sarah Odney,
she concluded that she was his sister. but
as she caught the bold black eyes resting
upon her more than once with an express
sion that somehow made her uneasy, she
decided that she did not like this woman.
and wondered how long she was to visit
them, for she seemed quite at home. Or
dering Ruth about in manner that rather
angered the lady, for as she considered
herself the mistress of the household. it
did not seem right for another to assume
her perogative.
She went out bat little except to the
house of the friends who occupied the
same wagon with her in the memorable
journey across the Plains-a Scotchman
by the name of Currier, with his two
handsome vivacious daughters, and the
hot r,tkaI h,,oh,nI NJ tha
Edlon. They were all we'll educated and
accustomed to refined society, and she en-
joyed having them so near very much.
The women of the neighborhood made
her many friendly visits. and her quaint,
sprightly comments upon their. to her
Outlandish ways. seemed to amuse her
husband, and he was continually asking
her opinion of whatever fell under her
observation. One day she asked him
suddenly if Ruth was a widow, remark
ing that, ''she must have seen great sor-
row, she was always so sad" II have
learned already to love her dearly" she
added.
why no, | thought you knew,
that you had heard" he stammered in
evident embarrassment.
II have heard nothing she said,
where is her husband9 looking at him
wondering. noting his perplexity, for
there was that, in the pure simple faith
of the young lady, which made even him
hesitate to show her how cruelty she
had been deceived. but he thought
himself equal to the emergency. now that
she was in his power.
So seating himself BY her side, and
throwing into his manner all the subtle
magnetic tenderness of which he was
master, he told her in gentle deprecatory
manner of the faith of his people, of his
obligations as a prominent officer, which
he. had humbly tried to fulfill" but add
ed 81 told you truly Mignon that I
never loved but you"
The young wife listened with bated
breath and paling cheek. till the STAINLESS
story was told. Then. starting up with
a cry like some wounded animal, she
stood and looked fixedly at him, as she
said in tone that felt like ice upon the
heart of the coward before her,
$50, am not your wife after all. to
horrible doctrine you tell me of, l do
not will never believe in it, and de.
mand Albert Odney that be sent back to
my home. Oh! why did ever leave it"
she moaned with white lips.
Don't you dare touch me-" turning
upon him as he approached her soothing
ly. with eyes that fairly daunted him.
Don't tempt me too far or your dove
may prove an eagle which will tear your
false heart out." and leaving him she
went up to her room and no human eye
saw her again that day.
Only the Omnipotent the Compassionate
One beheld the fierce sorrow and despair
which seemed to rack every fiber of her
being, till reason itself tottered on its
throne.
All his noble aspirations, self-sacrifice,
pure hopes to win place among those
who had benefited their race. fell shat
tered at her feet. or worse-mocked her
by their false glitter.
Continued Tomorrow