The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-20
Written for the Indianapolis Sentinel
META WOODRUFF.
cEasrEs XVI

Arthur bad been TO New York several
times since Meta hsd disappeared, bat. as
vet. had not found the faintest ci ae ~ TO her
whereabouts. Moot OF bis time was spent ia
the sick chamber at Woodruff Hall. Mr.
Woodruff had not been allowed to hear any
thing concerning Metss disappearance. and
when he asked Madam Reek about her she
would always assure him that she was in the
best OF health and never ceased TO love him.
'sYou remind roe so much of my daughter,
Madam Reek," he said one day, ss she leaned
over him and smoothed the hair which had
fallen on his forehead.
7 Am glad OF that sir. as it may add -
your peace of mind"
Il am sorry that unpleasant circumstances
prevent her being with me"
~ have no doubt, sir, bat that she would
ike to be with yoa. It is very sad that two,
loving each other as you two do, are com-
PEELED to be separated"
''You may depend upon it, Madam Reek,
that as soon as sm able to travel l intend
going to her myself. 1t seems so strange
THAT one so robust and hearty as l have
slwsys been should be i'll so long. and with
such eminent physicians as have had wait
sng upon ms
1t was while they were talking upon this
subject that the door opened aud Lima came
INTO the room followed by young gentle
man whom we at once recognizs as Eugene
Hay. As he entered the room. Madam
Reek, who was in the act of handing Mr..
wccdruf q glass OF wine, let it fall to the
fcor, SCATTERING the glass into thousand
Never mind. Madam, it was an accident.
/, Pfsy do BOT be so agitsted," said Mr.
WoOdful kindly.
4 am sorry, bat am very nervous to-
asy." she replied In a low voice.
II am very glad 70 see you, Eugene. When
did VOC retUTnf'
THE first Of the month. and having heard
Of your illness and misfortune"
What misfortune have you reference
TO-" Mr.. Woodruff asked sXcitedly.
He means your illness, of course" inter-
rupted Lima.
But this did not satisfy him; he must
know the truth. Why did not Someone
yarn Eugene against speaking Of Meta
Woodruff
NO, / do not believe that is all. What is
the matter with my darling child; is she
dead? YoG must tell me nothing but the
truth"
Since he must know, you may tell him
>the rest. Mr.. Hay" said Lima.
4
aware that be knew nothing of this, or |
should have kept silent. While yet in
Europe / heard that she had disappeared
very mystsrousiy, and upon making in
.quiries about her, after my return, found
Atnat she had never been heard Of"
rob God. my darling childY' exclaimed
Ne T-cK III
A"Be calm, Mr. Woodruff, will do all in my
power to find her for you"
Why did they not tell me of this before
Madam Reek, il was only O few moments
ago that you told me she was well"
"Dear Give, do not blame her for what she
said. a she was told TO keep the truth from
,ou until You was well again." interrupted
Lima.
Eugene she is or was to have been yours
sc me day. Find her and I will give her Il
YOU
s'Ah. sir. We can never be more TO each
a 0 her than re are now. IN q few short
= yeeks an TO be married to my consin."
What is the matter, Madam Reek, are
you ill7'
II think am not well, Mrs Woodruff and
II you VIII allow one l will go into the next
room and rest, while you are with your hus
bend"
$50 by al means and rest as long as you
Ike. | will remain here"
As Madam Reek arose to go she tottered
and would have fallen had not Eugene come
10 her assistance.
"Allow me to assist, you, madam, /" ht
said.
mo; no; am all right now. ] can &c
alone"
She tremblsd from head to foot as il she
were chill She was evidently greatly
alarmed and excited shout something
Could it have been the sudden appearance
of Eugene Hay in the sick room? Surely
not; for what had he TO do with Madam
Reek? As the weary, trembling nurse lay
down in Lima Woodrufs coy sittingroom
the great tests rolled down her cheeks anC
she thanked God that she Was alone. She
removed those ugly goggles for few .lIoment
n dry her eyes and We saw how beautiful be
face was, sven though il was Crowned will
Vealt6 OF vsvy gray hair. She listened
very attentively 10 what The occupants o.
tos slckIo1m were saying.
That, then. is the cause of your not writ
ing 10 herr Mr.. Woodruff continued.
4 zee she has deceived you as we'll as me-
Flow dare you speak so of her to me? Ny
child Is al mat IS innocent and pure, and
would not deceive anyone
linen DON CO you account for her disap
, speafsnceg
"Fhere ia some great mystery connected
, with it. She mas been betrayed, stolen. Oh
God. why did You allow this great mis-
fortune 10 fall upon me2''
Mr. Woodruff, | did not tell you an un
truth when ssid that your daughter wa
well. She has deceived no one. but Is hid
ing from those who have proven themselye
20 ireacbsrous aud unkind TO her: from thost
Who would rather see her dead than Twin.
happily with her father. She IL safe. No
harm csn bslall her, aud wheneyer vor
1 make things more pleasant AZ home she vii
be only too glad TO return to YOU"
As Mr. Woodruff, Lima and Eugene turue
20 where the sound OF that familiar voice
cane from. they saw Madam Rsek standing
An the door, with face white IS marble, bul
urn. steady voice.
'How do you know thisP" asked M
Wcsdrns
Her secret is mine until she gives me per
! mission TO reveal IL. BE calm, sir; and trus
Der. Tor she loves you she does her life
= will trust her. and as soon as am adj,
\ vii End her and bring her home, never {,
! a loE Der 10 Leave me- aoain As for be