The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-09
written for the Indianapolis Sentinel.
META WOODRUFF.
BY Mrs. Addfe Deftch Frank.
CHAPTER VII,

CHAPTER VII.
Next morning the sun shone out brightly,
all the more so because of the rain the day
before. Mrs. Woodruff, true to her word,
was suffering with an imaginary headache,
and Flo, much against her will, was obliged
to carry her breakfast up to her. Meta had
insisted upon taking breakfast with her
father, and he was only too glad to nave her
with him. After breakfast. when all were
assembled in the draSing-room, Meta asked
who was going to church.
81 am sorry, but 1 can not go, as Lima is
not feeling well. " said Mr.. Woodruff.
"The family will have one representative,
for 1 am going" replied Gertie. II was
never in n country chur ch in my life, and
now as / have such a splendid opportunity
offered me, 1 shall take advantage of it
and co."
'If you will do me the honor of accepting
my escort, Miss Harris, I shall be only too
CAD TO accompany you" said Arthur.
Are you sure, Mr.. Braden, that you are
not doing this because you feel sorry to see
me set of alone?"
Believe me. Miss Harris, it is not, but be-
cause l have a desire to attend church once
more"
ITO hear you talk one would think that
you rad not entered a church for years. re-
piled Gertie.
ut has been years snce l was in a church
like this. where every one seems to be think
ing of the same t~hiDg-that is, God and
heaven. Not much like the temple of fash
ion 1 have been used to attending"
'Gertie, dear, you shall ride White; and,
Mr.. Braden. l know papa will place his horse
at your service. Ialmost envy you the ride,
hut, sir, you must be very careful of my
c .usin and let no harm befall her" inter-
rupted Meta
Meta was feeling q great deal better, and
was more like her old self. Her merry laugh
rang through the room and penetrated to
the rooms OF Mrs. Woodruff, which were just
shove the drawing room, making that lady
feel rather uncomfortable.
"Perbsps, Miss Woodruff. she rides better
than lido. and you had better place me under
her care" ssid Arthur.
"What do you say, Gertie?" asked Meta.
sThat l would rather be . queen than her
subject: therefore, Mr.. Braden, l am your
protector"
"Believe me. Miss Harris. 1 feel highly
battered in having 10 fair q lady as you for
my protector"
"Well. after all. l shall nave the best. For
have l not my father with ne?"
.,"You are right, Meta. there is no one like
q father" replied Mr.. Woodruff.
'tOr like q mother, Uncle. when one has
III ~ I'LL SVllk W SCt IC0dys II
Braden; We will see who is on their horse
nrst, you or l."
II shall, of course, and be waiting for my
fair protector, for was q woman ever known
90 be ready on timer
Both went oft and up the stairs together.
IN q few moments Gertie came down again,
Mr.. Woodruff had ordered the horses around
TO the front door, and he assisted Cert lie to
mount White. She was scarcely seated
when Arthur came hurrying out.
'Oh, Mr.. Braden, l was first to be ready,
first In the saddle, and unless you catch me
j shall be first at church. - Gertie said, laugh.
ing merrillv.
But before she was ont of the park he Wa
by her side. Mr.. Woodruff and his daughter
watched them until they were out OF sight
then seating themselves in wicker chairs on
the porch. This fine, balmy Sunday morning
were both silent.
As we already know, Mr. Woodruff did no
feel at ease in his daughters presence sincs
his marriage, and now when ne sees her look
ing toward her mothers grave, with large
tears IN her eyes, his whole heart goes out Il
his only child.
Before Metals mother died, she requested
to be buried as near her home as possible
she could not bear to think of being taker
from her loved ones. Her kind and lovins
husband did as she requested, aud there be
while up stairs lay bis bride. almost fierce IL
her anger with him for not having returned
10 her sitter breakfast was over. Lima mad
up her mind to send for her husband. ant
poor Flo was unwiliiDgly pressed into serv
ice. LIT was while Mr.. Woodruff and Met
were sitting on the porch. as we have seel
them, that Flo delivered her message.
You must return soon, papa, ss / am al
alone" SAID Meta"
Yes. trust me for that, little one" be an
swered. not knowing bat that he was tellin
y the truth.
Hour after hour passed by. Arthur an
Gertie returned, yet not until the Dime
bell rang did Mr.. Woodruff come down stairs
As be entered the room Meta did not look q
him. She vas afraid he might read in he
face the disappointment she had felt al
through the morning. She knew in he
heart whose fault had bee hat he did nc
return to her. Gertie and Arthur were Civ
ing an account of their delightful ride.
Meta, ! Am sure that White is the nices
horse / ever rode" raid Gertie.
.Of course, I think so: but do not believ
you could tell. ii you tried, whether sh
frots. lopes or PAGES, as I am sure you woul
not be guilty of having any but the most r.
ligious thoughts on the Sabbath-at leasI
you lock 60. What do o think, MI
BradenT'
II agree with you. Miss Woodruff; We
looks are sometimes yerv deceiving, and
think they are so In this CASE"
oh. for shame. sir; yet. I do not thinl
but what | ought to thank you for express
ing your thoughts 90 truthfully. although
they are not very catering to q lady who's
satner Vas Q minister, replied Gertie.
Had l known that, Miss Harris, perhap