The National tribune., 1881-12-31


furs about her-she had been lingering in the
hope of seeing the "White Lady" and judging
for herself-"no one can say now that you are
not miracle of goodness, dear Lady Montague"
"a miracle is easily coined in our neighbor-
hood" Lady Montague could not help saying.
All this grated upon her. but she had certain
compensation in the delight of watching her
strange guest, and in the admiration and interest
she experienced as, day by day, some touching
beauy of character, some rarely delicate percep-
ton, or some acquisition of knowledge, rapidly
grasped, proved that the being they had saved
and befriended was, from every point of view,
worthy of their love and care.
From the very first the young lady had shown
herself strongly attracted by Lady Montague.
As the days and weeks went by her devotion to
the mistress of the house increased 1t was very
touching. She watched Lady Montague moving
about the house, working, talking or writing,
with wistfu1, eager love, which was in keeping
with her childlike nature. In the garden parlor,
as at afternoon or evening they sat together, she
would place herself where she could command
view of Lady Montague and she would spend
long periods in studying her face Soon she
learned to perform little thoughtful services for
her friend, to anticipate her wants. to read to
her, to thread her needle, and arrange her flowers
Of Ellen she showed herself fond in a calm,
sisterly fashion. Lady Montague she seemed to
reverence as well as adore.
Of course this homage was not displeasing to
its object.
II am glad the dear child likes me" the gentle
lady would say; "it lis so much easier to carry
on her education" The education had already
reached that point when it was impossible to
hide from Theodore the knowledge that this
calm present, with its even flowing days, was not
the whole of her life
She loved wandering about alone in Hillbury
Park, and she manifested special affection for
the grand old beech wood which made it famous.
Certain persons, who were curious to meet her,
found out her tastes, and Theodore was inter-
viewed, first by Miss Winthrop, the gossip-mon-
ger of the neighborhood, and secondly by Mr..
Protheroe, the new curate.
The lady asked her some perplexing questions;
the gentlemen (he was acting from conscientious
motives) drew her out, and being shocked to find
her-we quote his description nothing more
nor less than beautiful pagan" he took upon
himself to enlighten her.
On her return from that memorable stroll,
Theodore electrified her teachers by saying, No
human being is isolated. Is that true?"
Lady Montague assented.
Then have responsibilities" replied the girl.
What are they?"
"For the present moment to learn, think, ,"
said Lady Montague, smiling.
"For the present moment" echoed Theodore
Z But I have past. Everybody has past!"
"Can you remember anything out Of the past
iear?"
I don't know. I have dreams sometimes. 1
see face like yours"
Like mine? But then it is a dream of the
present, not of the past"
"Do you think 1 shall ever remember ?"
Theodore asked, wistfully.
"Of course you will, dear. In the meantime
do not trouble your head"
II am sure your face is my past" the girl per-
sisted. "Did you ever see me before the day l
came to you? Think; you may have forgotten"
"No one could see your face and forget it,
larling," said Lady Montague.
This conversation took place in late spring,
when Theodore had been about five months at
Hillbury. 1t made Lady Montague uneasy, and
he was very glad, on the following day, in the
afternoon, to DR.. Grifth's carriage driving up
he avenue. Leaving Ellen and Theodore in
he garden parlor, she went out into the hall to
meet him. "I should like you to see your
,atient," she said.
"Why?" he asked. "Does not the improve
nent continue?"
"She is very well, most amiable, perfectly in
elligent"
And you are not satisfied"
"Yes so far as that goes. But she has per-
,lexed expression. She begins to ask questions"
"Ah!" he looked grave "We must stave that
,ff little longer want her kept quiet"
$50 do I. I am afraid some busybody has
,een talking to her"
Unfortunately, we can't shut out the busy
,ody; he is as penetrating as dust in March. Lady
Montague, with your permission, will see your
quest. It's my opinion she has already seen
lglier mortals than am"
From that time Dr. Grifiith's visits again be-
anne frequent Theodore took to him, not in
he same enthusiastic manner as to Lady Mon
ague but showing quiet, almost flial conf |
lence, which gratifed him exceedingly. So far
IS her physical and mental health were con-
erned, this feeling was useful, for Dr. Griffith |
vas able to do what had been possible neither to |
.ady Montague nor Ellen. He set her mind at !
est, accomplishing the feat by a very simple |
process "You shall know everything some day."
j AID haI.o