Litchfield enquirer., 1881-06-09
WHOLE NO. 2S7O

broad look of amaze that made me smile, but that found no expression in words When, taking her aside, told her all knew, she wrung her hands in sheer sympathizinG pity. | Murdered her own bsby-her first-born | Oh, how sad, how dreadful' And involun- | tarily she glanced toward the door that hid 1 from us our own little ones safely cradled and asleep. Then she went back to our strange guest, who sat huddled up in my own l big easy chair, the dead baby still at her bo- | som.
 I must get her to bed,' said Mary, with a quick determined nod; and she really did contrive to do so by soft, tender, cooing words l and solemn assurances of safety for herself and baby, whom she kissed and cried over, ] and considered as sue might some living ob ject of solicitude, much to the little mothers comfort. And you won't betraY me; and he won't come and take her from me, or hurt us witt his angry look :? Oh, dear, how nice it is to lie down! am SO tired, and baby is SO cold but think can sleep now little and fer get She was half asleep already the heavy lids had dropped together, the small pale face had dropped downward upon the little downy | head that lay against her bosom. Her husband must be sent for, said resH. | lutely when we found ourselves once more alone; and glanced at an envelope I had taken from the strangers pocket: MRs TREMAYNE,
 GrantlHy LOdqe, GrantIey. Mary stared at me aghast
 Her husband, who hates her, and would have killed her baby! O Jehn, you would nut be SO cruell She seemed so frightened uf him, poor little thing! You may be sure he is some horrid wicked tyrant. And if sine really killed her baby-Oh, dear, how sad it is! Whatever will become of her!' But my dear if she has husband or friends we must restore her to them. Why, she is little more than child! It's very strange, very, and sad; but the mystery must be clear ed, and the baby buried' Mary still pronounced me cruel and unfecl- ing beyond anything she could have con- ceived
 Of course her husband is madman, who will murder her as soon as he gets her into his hands. You know, John, that husbands 4ls alwnys mnrdering their wives 'Mlddle-aged wives, dear, or elderly, whose lives are heavily insured. I shall telegraph at once'
 Then her death will be at your door, sir mind that ? and too indignant to waste upon me more words, away went Mary to take \ last peep at our own sleeping babes, at the dead baby about which there was so much mystery, and the poor young mother whom she had doomed to violent death.
 She was still bending over her, and had called me up to the bedside to notice the ex- traordinary length of the lashes, aud beauty of the face in repose when we were startled by a knock at the front doOor.
 It's the husband. I know it is. John don't0betray her don't give her up; you wouldn't be so cruel ..
 Nonsense, child watch by her till return. If she awake say nothing about
 :Her husband. As if I shOuldl'
 Our household long since retired, long in- door.
 The street lamp lighted dimly two figures; one tall, stout, and muff1ed.
 MT. Merton?'
 I answered in the affirmative.
 You have kindly given shelter to lady:'
 Just SO.
 The speaker nodded to his companion, who touched his hat and vanished. The other stranger had now entered the hall, and grasped my hand.
 MT. Tremayne ? asked hesitatingly.
 Captain 1remayne. How is she
 Asleep, under my wife's care sleeping as peacefully as a child
 Thank Godl So young-at such an hour in such state-'
 Isaw long shudder run through the tall powerful frame.
 And the child he added, after pause, in horror-tricken whisper. She had it with her2'
 hardly knew what to answer but he had thrown of his heavy ulster and travelling cap, and now stood before me as handsome and pleasant and honest looking young fellow us l ever saw, and my heart warmed to him. He was no assassin, or ruff1an, or cowardly bully, whatever Mary might say. The sha,l- ow of great horror that lay in the blue mellow eyes had been laid there by terror, unt crime.
 The child is dead, said softly.
 1t died two days ago, died suddenly in convulsions in her arms, and the shock turned her brain. She was doing so we'll, poor little thing but afterward she grew deliriOus, and in her rawlings she accused herself and me. I could do nothing she would not have me near her, but beat me off with her hands, as she couldn't bear the sight of me. And 1 was so fond of her and she of me ? Here tha man broke down. lie walked to the window, then turned and asked abruptly: May 1 g,D to see her P
 thought of Mary and hesitated.
 She is sleeping so peacefully just now and if she woke suddenly and saw you
 She shall not see me, he broke in eagerly. I will be 80 quiet but 1 must see her. nursed her through long illness year ago, and she would have nc one near her but u.e . and now
 Under the heavy military mustache saw his Up quiver; he paused, then added: I must go te her ? not in command, but yearh. ing appeal, both in voice and eyes.
 Will you wait here minute? I will see whether she still sleeps
 She still slept, the heavy peaceful sleep of a tired child, Mary keeping stern watch anI guard over her. beckoned her out of the room.
 'Wellv with fretful impatient eagcrness. You have seen him? What is he like ? Is he horrid?
 Judge for yourself he is the dining room. He says he must see her-he must come in.
 That he shan't, the cruel wretch or it shall be over my prostrate body ? tragically.
 Well, go and tell him so.'
 I will! And away, nothing daunted, went Mary.
 I smiled. She will DO more resist ihe pleading of those blue handsome eyes thnn did her husband. He will win her over with look was right she soon returned; and not alone.
 He will be very quiet, and she need not sse him. thought it would be better . all thls apologetlcally.
 He crossed the room as noisessly as a w,,- man, stopped over the bed in silence. then sat down beside it. Mary shaded the lamp s,, that the room was in twilight, and SO we all three sat down to wait
 For more than an hour we waited, the, Mary stole out. Captain Tremayne looked u., as the door opened and closed then, with :. quick sigh, laid the brown curly head down upon the pillow as close as possible to that of the poor young wife without touching ii. anI his hand moved up toward her where it lsy on the coverlet, but without touching ,nas either for fear of awaking or disturbim. her. d
 It was not until the first gray streaks of daylight were struggling in through the win. dow, beside which 1 sat, that there was slight stir; she was awaking at last.
 GHnUh i' aha hroothad