The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-26
Written for the Indianapolis Sentinel
META WOODRUFF.
cHAprKR XIX.


that he realized the mistake he had made:
that be had gone in the wrong direction, and
was many miles from the station. He felt
weary and worn out both in mind and body,
yet where could he find a place to rest on
cold wintry night like that? He knew there
was no place near, unless he went down to
one Of the fshermen's huts along the coast,
which was not far off.
The moon shone out brightly. Looking at
his watch he saw that it was past midnight,
and concluded to try to make his way back
to the station in time to catch the early
train.
Let rs follow Eugene Hay at safe dis
lance to his home, handsome brown stone
ront on Fifth avenue, not far from Madison
square. call it handsome because most
persons are Of that opinion; but if were
giving you my opinion of that residence
would say that it is house OF dark, mud
dy color, gloomy and cold looking, with
very small front yard. The sight of thes
houses becomes very monotonous to the ey
~ one passes block after block of them. Our
weary traveller arrived home just in time for
breakfast.
why, Eugene, where in the world have
you been all night? You look completely
worn out" said his father, as he entered the
breakfast room.
II am rather tired father The truth of
the matter is, went down TO Woodruff Hall,
last evening; missed the train, and was
obliged 20 wait until morning to return
home" answered ECeene.
'Ah. at w oodruf Hall. I had thought
you would never 60 there again.
Nor did think 80 myself, until heard
OF Mr.. Wocdruf's severe illness But as he is
m no 10 Il
shall never enter the Hall again"
Did yon hear anything of her-of Meta"
asked Mr.. Hay, hesitatingly.
Mr.. Woodruff knew nothing OF her disap.
pearance until / spoke of it; but he was as
sured OF her innocence and safety by most
excellent lady, his nurse, and particular
FREUD and confidant of mis- daughter
"Ah dare say she is some impostor who
is aioing to hide her shame. and"
"Be careful, father; Madam Reek is un-
doubleday most perfect lady. / wish to
God she would tell me where Meta is, that
might go 10 her and hear from her own lips
why she broke her faith with me-" inter-
rupted Eugene.
You provoke me, Eugene. Remember
you are engaged to Flossy, and no honorable
man has q right to think of another woman
as you do OF Meta Woodruff Ireally believe
you care more for her now than the woman
yoa are going to marry"
You are right father. love her with an
me ever proving untrue to the woman you
have so kindly chosen for my wife, thereby
bringing disgrace upon you and myself. II
marry her she shall never have cause to
complain o. my fidelity, although she may
ind me wanting IN affection"
Eugene, II you expect to always blame
me for your marriage with Flossy, in case
you can not forget that other affair with
Nets, and should lead.an unhappy life. do
not marry her; stop before tits too late.
Much rs love you, my boy, do you think
would want you to sacrifice your happiness
for me, or ali the world contains to the con-
trary?"
~ believe you, father; yet what'is the
difference who marry since she is lost 20
me? The life of q man must be miserable
one who lives without the gentls voice of a
woman TO urge him on to fame aud victory
in every path OF life, and without the soft
caress and loving word to soothe and COM
fort him when in distress "
You are right, Eugene. for many lovely,
wretched hours have spent since your dear
mother was called away from me by death.
But l have my son, and to him and the
woman he chooses for his wife do look for
comfort IN my old days. Should / be disap
pointed in them, God knows / would not
Aave much else to live for" said Mr.. Hay,
Wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Yo1 shall never have Cause to complain
Of me, father, and think Flossy loves you
too much to cause you any unhappiness. By
the way. met Mr.. Reed on Broadway this
smornine. When did he arrive in American"
Vests rday morning, and to my great sur
prise n ct him at your uncle's last night.
He seems perfectly delighted with our
chsrming Flossy. must acknowledge that
am exceedingly glad your wedding is so
little messy" he said, anxiously.
II ans going to call upon her this morn
ing. and "a / have little time to spare must
say good-bye to you until dinner"
Eugene Hay prayed to himself that when
he reached his uncle's home his betrothed
might tell him she loved another and could
never be mis- wife. He walked very fast
wen though his limbs ached and his head
was dizzy Flossy saw him cominguand met
him at the door with q face beaming with
smiles and eyes SPARKLING with pleasure.
which told Eugene that his prayer was not
answered; If So why was she 30 happy
An, Eugene, am so glad to see You;
was greatly disappointed last night at your
non,sppearance,n she said. extending her
SMALL white hand.
Il was out of the city: bat did you really
miss me so very much?'
Il most essuredly did sir; had I not, l
believe had"
Il thought that, perhaps, you might find
some one else 10 amuse you"
II will not deny that did. and the ap-
pearance OF that kind person was a grand
surprise to me. / wonder il YOU can guess
who it Was"
My father told me OF thu ARRIVAL of Mr..
Reed and OF MS meeting that gentleman
here last night. lie seems TO have been in
great bury to call"
We'll, yes. considering our short ac-
.auainfance. He is going 10 call again this
evening and YOU must cot fail to come"
Il shall come. Flossy, do you love me
more than when We were first engaged9'
Eugene, you have asked me a question
which it IS impossible for me to answer.
sometimes 1 think 1 could not love you
more than do, then again doubt if have
more than q sistsrly love for you; but.
Eugene, If I am standing at the altar and
feel that / do not love you as a true wife
should love her husband, even in that last
moment will tell you"