The National tribune., 1882-01-07
THE WHITE LADY OF HILLBURY
BY MRS. c. DESPARD.
I Y

".
The wear that began so strangely for Ellen
Montague and her mother had nearly run its
course They were already in the early days
of December. 1t had been a quiet year, marked
with anxiety, for, though the Doctor continued
to impress upon them the fact that he believed
all was well with the wandering son and brother,
from himself they had only received one or two
flying notes, couched in strangely incoherent
terms In none of these notes did he give his
address. Il shall hear if anything is wrong
with you," he wrote, as my friend carries on a
brisk correspondence with our Doctor For the
rest, do not seem to care for letters just now"
What his plans were, or when he proposed to
return to Hillbury, he did not so much as hint
But for the interest inspired by their strange
guest and constant occupation about her, that
would have been dreary winter for Lady Mon
tague and her daughter. 1t was the third year of
her widowhood and she had not yet begun to
mix in general society. Her sons absence and
Theodora's peculiar circumstances were the ex-
cuses she made to herself for persisting in her
retirement
But on one of those December days DR.. Griffith
called, and reproached her for the isolation in
which she lived. Il have seen your brother
Lord Mountjoy," he said; he says that you
ought to show yourself little Miss Ellen is
nearly twenty years of age"
Il will send Ellen to her aunts in the sea-
son." said Lady Montague. Harry will have
returned by that time"
And Theodore? Have you formed any plans
about her? She cannot remain as she isl
"Oh! Doctor, why do you force me to admit
that change must come? Can we not 90 On as
we are doing for little longer?"
Well" replied the Doctor induIgently,
there is no need for any immediate change,
only one ought to be prepared for all contin-
geneies and, as it will out sooner or later. l
wanted to break my ground"
Doctor, what do you mean?"
Will you do me q very great honor. Lady
Montague?"
Il will do anything for you that lies in my
power"
That's kindly spoken. You know that l ana
going into my new house almost at once Now
want to give a house-warming-to ask everv-
body-an the neighborhood. 1 am blessed with
neither wife nor sister. Will you do the honors
for me On the occasion?"
Lady Montague did not see her way to refusing if.
DR.. Griffith had been the best of friends to her.
and she felt for his solitary condition
BY the bye" she said, when she had consent
ed to preside, what is your evening? We must
be at home for Christmas, on which day. of
course, we expect you as usual"
:" / shall be away from home for Christmas
week" the Doctor said, returning before the
New Year. My evening will be the 31st of De-
cember. The ladies will come, of course?"
You think it will be wise for Theodora?"
I" / am sure oft"
"And you are her doctor, SO can make no OBJ
lection
Helped by sundry young ladies of his acquaint-
ance, the Doctor now sent out a host of invita-
tons. He told each one of his fair amanuepses in
confidence that the White Lady of Hillburyn
was TO be one of his guests, and each fair conf
dante whispered the secret to one or two init
mate friends. There was not one of the invited
who did not make point of being disengaged for
the 31st Of December
He paid frequent visits to Hillbury-unpro-
fessional visits-after dinner in the evening or
before breakfast in the morning On one of
these occasions he said to Ellen and Theodore, |
who were busy in the conservatory, Il begin to
be frightened. There are so many people COM
ing on the 31st. How am to amuse them ?n
They will dance, won't they?" said Ellen.
But all can't dance at once and have fair
number Of nondancers"
Have we talent enough amongst us to get up
theatricals - Ellen suggested
Talent possibly, not time"
Here Ellen's eyes fell upon Theodore, who,
paying no attention TO their talk, was standing.
her watering-pot in one hand, the other gather
ing her white drapery from under her feet look
ing out with dreamy eyes on the wintry land
scape 1t was pose that Bernhardt might have |
envied.
Il have it" said Ellen, striking her hands to-
gether; poses pIdstiques, Theodore shall be
let me see-Iphigenia before the Grecian host
or Cthonia-yes! yes. She would be splendid,n |
And looking at her friend, the girl intoned Swim
buTnes fine lines:
Eor now being come TO the altar, where priest
1efth misterlng should meet her-the maiden stood
With hight III all her face a. of a bride
Smiling, or shine of festai flame by night
Far flung from towers of triumph
Don't you know, Doctor! With her Greek dress