Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-11-19


to my lady's own maid, who was lying o.
sofa within
sJanet," said she in whisper, clad.
Maud has recovered her senses, and ha
been talking to me for short time, bu
she seems as if she would sleep again; ant
when she does, feel sure it will be for
ever.''
''Oh, then let me see her for one mo
ment," exclaimed Janet, springing up
"let me hear her. speak once more, if it b
possible!"
"You can do so," replied Sister Glare
s'but you must step softly.
| Janet did as she was bidden. But whel
did she step otherwise than lightly? Sh
glided across the room like a shadow, ant
gently drawing aside one of the silkel
curtains, stood gazing down upon her de
parting mistress with sorrowful expires
sion in her fair young face.
Janet had no relatives, and Lady Maui
was her only friend, and she was dying
What would Janet do?
The girl burst into tears as she aske'
herself the question.
Lady Maud had provided for her want
as an orphan infant. She had given he
an education far above her station; and sh
had taken her into her own service as
confidential attendant as soon as she wa
old enough.
How could Janet possibly do withou
this friend?
81 cannot! I oannotp' she murmured
aloud, in an agony of grief.
Lady Maud was not quite asleep, and th'
voice aroused her.
She opened her eyes, and looked at Jane
with recognition.
"Ah"' said she, 'Janet, have you come
to say good-bye?''
"Dear Mistress" replied Janet, falling
on her knees by the bedside, with the tears
streaming down her cheeks, ''do not leave
us-do not leave us!'
Lady Maud appeared puzzled by this ex
cessive grief.
She did not think she had been kind
enough for Janet to evince such emotion.
It was true she had done great deaI
for the girl, but her own heart told her that
she ought to have done it differently.
"We all love you SO much,'' continued
weeping Janet; ''but II love you most OF
all! where shall I find another mistress
like you?"
81 have taken care that you shall not
need another Mistress" murmured Lady
Maud, "and am very glad that ] have
done So"
Janet rose from her knees, and stood a
moment, as if she could not understand
what was intended; then she suddenly
stopped, and gratefully pressed her lips
upon the cold hand which lay upon the
coverlet.
Again and again she kissed it, as if she
would warm it with her affection.
Lady Maud watched her without any
sign of disapproval, and when there came
pause, she said, softly, "Now let me kiss
you, DEAR
Janet's arms were instantly around hel
dying mistress, and Lady Maud embraced
her gravely.
"You must forgive me, little Janet, y
she whispered in her ear.
"What have to forgive, sweet lady?'
exclaimed Janet, in surprise.
"Clare will tell you some day." an
swered Lady Maud. 81 cannot talk any
more now; am tired"
81 am sure you are," said Sister Clare
approaching with cordial. s'Pray TAXI
some of this, dear lady, before you sleep"
will it prolong my life?" asked Lad!
Maud.
ga very little time, I am afraid" an
swered Clare, in a low voice; but it will
enable you to say few more words. Will
you see Mr.. Roland? He will be SO disap
pointed if be hears you have spoken to ia
metz
"Roland! Is be here? How came HI
here?
81 sent for him." replied Sister Clare
boldly. "Yon must not be angry, dear
it would have vexed him to be absent
Shall Janet fetch him?"
"Yes, yes! Give me more of that wine
Glare; 1 seem to be choking! Ay, ani
raise me little-so-I thank you! Well
1 was going to say it was pity you sem
for Roland until the funeral. 1t will make
it more difficult for you to do as I WISH"
81 do not think so," replied Glare, qui
etly.
But Lady Maud evidently did not agree
with her nurse. She moved restlessly upor
her pillows, and appeared greatly troubled
The information that her nephew was in
the house seemed to have animated her fol
some time motionless form.
"Clare," said she, at length, "is there
pen, ink, and paper in the room?''
"Certainlyr' replied Sister Clare, won
dering.
"Wen," said Lady Maud, after pause
sperhaps it is a good thing you sent FOL
Roland Cavel, after all"
As she spoke, the curtain over the dool
was quietly pushed aside, and the young
man lust mentioned entered the room, &C
companied by Janet.
The latter instantly retired to the dress
ing room, while Roland Cavel remained
standing at the entrance, hesitating wha
to do.
"Roland," said Lady Maud, who hat
been watching for his appearance, "com'
here"
And in an instant the young man stoot
by her bedside.
She received him with a smile, and helt
out her hand.
RaIand Cavel took it, and looked at hi
aunt with i'll concealed astonishment, al
though he was my lsdy's nephew and heir
he had never received such a welcom
from her. He had free access to the house
but he had come and gone as a strange
might have done-sometimes not receiving
so much as the cold greeting which sh
youchsafed to stranger. He had no NOR
expected smile from her than he did sun