The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-29

lay the Iifeless body Of Lima Woodruff across
that of Der lover. one hand grasoing the re
volver tightly and the other clutching g.
the carpet
"CoOrse she am de one who done do shoot
In; case she has got de wolewer in her
bau." Flo said, determined to say what she
pleased about "Ole Mason" nov that she
vas dead.
Tile still, psps. Come, Eugene, let us go
to the scene at once; perhaps life is not yet
extinct"
"Slay back, Meta, such a scene is not for
you to witness said Eugene
II go where duty calls me. Dssr papa,
compose yourself; remember you must live
tor your lonely Meta "
Out into the wide ball aud into the
chamber of death went Meta aad Eugene
These two, who only a few moments before
were saying words which would seperate
them forever. Meta dispatched Jack Tor DR.
Grey and Gertie. who soon arrived. DR..
Grey found that with Lima, death had been
instantaneous: but Arthur had only
swooped. With geatle hands taev lifted
the lifeless body Of Lina from the floor and
placed her upon the bed; her white face
forming lovely contrast to her black vel vet
robe.
Arthur was carried to his room aad upon
making an examination DR.. Grey found that
the ball, which was meant for his heart, had
grszed his side, and passing through his arm
mad shattered the bone in several places
All night long they WORKED with him, but
not until morning was consciousness re-
stored; then the only one he wanted was
Meta. She entered the room with Gertie
and went TO the bedside of the wounded
man.
~ am sorry, Mr.. Braden, that you have
met with such bad luck" she said
Perhaps / deserve it you might say IL
you knew all" he answered in a feeble
voice
II do know a great deal more than you
think do'
And can you forgive me a. believe God
has already done?
Yes, with all my heart"
miss Meta, am going to ask a great
favor of you, and l know you will not re-
fuse noe. am not ready to die yet, and
feel that shall If n strange nurse Is called
in to attend me. Will you consent to come
to see me as often as your father can spare
your"
What could she say? How could she re.
fuse him? She glanced toward Eugene, who
was stationed at the opposite side of the bed.
and saw his eyes fixed upon her with q
steady gaze.
Yes. SIR. Braden, will come and D all
within my power to help restore you to
health she answered.
How can L ever thank you? Nv friend.
Mr. Hay, has also consented 10 remain with
me as long ss be can; that is, if your father
l
81 can assure you he has none Content
yourself as much as possible, and do not
hesitate in asking for anything you want"
Had she known of Eugenes intention OF
remaining with Arthur she would not have
given the answer she aid. Yet, what diffe r
ence did it make? Was she not happy Ia
the presence of the man she loved2 she
might be while they we're so near each other,
bot. when they were separated again, she
would BE- more wretched than ever
DR. Grey sent a telegram to the Coroner OF
New York. and late that evening he arrived
and held az inquest over all that remained
or earth OF Lima Mason Woodruff; he rem
dered his verdict Of death from suicide. That
sane evening sn underwater arrived and
prepared the body OF the unfortunate woman
for its Iast bone, the damp. dark, cold
grave. A few short years had passed since
che had entered Woodruff Hall as Meta's
govsrness; full Of life aud hope for a happy
future, when Arthur Braden should return
from abroad with means TO support a vile.
ard fulfill the promise made so long $50.
Then as he failed to return she became dis
couraged and almost hesrtbfoksn, married
the master of Woodruff Hall and reigned
with despotic sway, bringing Missy into
that happy home, and disgrace uDon the
name which for centuries past had never
known a stain or blemish.
In life Lima had not allowed Meta to come
near her; but now that death had claimed
her, and che had no friend TO come to her,
Eeta combed the beautiful wavy gray hair
and placed flowers in the hands which in
life would have caused her death If it were
possible. How innocent the white face
looked in its narrow bed, with hands clasped
on her breast as II in prayer; as If supplica-
ting her Heavenly Father 10 wash away her
sins; TO receive her weary, wandering soul.
CONTINUED TO MORROW