The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-31
written for the Indianapolis Sentinel
META WOODRUFF.


CHATTER XXI.
Ths morning of the second day alter the
tragedy at Woodruff Hail was set for the
funeral of Lima Woodruff She had been
dressed in white shroud ard placed in her
marrow bed-s handsome casket-early in
the morning. Mr.. Woodruff arose and went
down to the parlor, where lay the body OF
his second love-the wife who had so cru
ely deceived him, but whom he had loved
and trusted; the woman who bad sought to
take his life that she might be free TO marry
the man she loved.
As he gszsd on the cold, still. white face
and thought of how beautiful she had been
a. d how soon she must decay, his heart
melted toward her. and he stopped and
kissed the marble-like forehead of her whom
he yet loved In spite of her vic kedness and
crime Who would mourn her untimely
cesth2 Who would kneel and pray for her
wandering spirit. that God sht receive it
into His fold? The shutters were closed
tightly. bat the room was lighted by wax
andes. A year had not passed by since
Lima Mason entered that perior, leaning
the arm of the master OF Woodruff Hall;
few short words said by the minister and
they were pronounced husband and wife.
The funeral was to be private, no one but
tie immediate relatives being present. The
body was to be taken to New York for
burial, and in spite Of his feeble health. Mr..
woodruff resolved to accompany the remains
TO their last resting place.
'Remeber, dear papa, that you are all
have. and IL you do not take great care of
yourself, you will also be taken away from
me, said Meta, when he made known to
her his intention.
Il know. my child; yet 1 have not the
her home, without friend to see that she is
buried. No, my child, duty calls me;
must CO."
Then you will not refuse to ALLOW me to
accompany you. Do not say no, for | should
ne greatly worried about you until you re-
You need have no fears for my welfare,
Meta; will take Jack with me. Do all you
can to make Arthur comfortable; | fear he
Is not long for this world, he said, shaking
nis head sadly.
81 too. papa, fear the worst. DR.. Grey
told me only few moments ago that he had
little or no nope of his recovery"
Then, my darling rememoerhis kindness
to me- bis brotheTly love and attention, and
make bis last hours on earth as happy as
possible. You once heard him say, when
you were disguised as Madam Reed. that he
loved you very dearly, and wanted you to
become his wife. You ALSO heard my an
swer. When all others believe you guilty
of elopinr with someone, OF deceiving me
and our friends, he it was who believed in
your innocence"
81 understand your meaning, dear papa,
and if he lives I will do as you wish; for 1
do not dislike anyone who has been very
kind in vou."
Alter The funeral service was over the
cssket containing the body OF the late mis-
rress of Woodruff Hall was placed in q
bearse and conveyed to the station, where it
Was transferred to the train and was soon on
It's way to New York, followed by Mr..
Woodruff and his servant Within two
hours from the time they left the Hall, the
casket bad BEEN lowered into the grave.
The minister had said dust to dust, and ashes
to ashes; the earth had closed over the grave
Of the unfortunate woman, who would sin
no more.
The man she had so mercilessly sought to
destroy kneit and prayed God to forgive her
sins and receive her soul at last; the great
tears coursing down his cheeks moistening
her new made grave. In another hour he
was back at Woodruff Hall. which did not
seem to him much like the home it had been
q few months before. He was not glad that
Lima was dead, yet he felt relieved at having
the burden of her trial and imprisonment
removed.
1t was necessary that Arthur's arm should
be amputated just above the elbow. Ac-
co-diDgiy two Old and experienced surgeons
were summoned to Woodruff Hall aud per-
formed the operation. The wounded man
bt re it bravery. Next morning he had a
his condition, for In case the fever could not
ne overcome The very worst might be ex-
pected- Everything about the house vas
quiet and To one but the doctor aud nurses
were allowed in the sick room.
Oh the third day after the tragedy Arthur
was delirious all day, calling loudly for
Meta, confessing his great love for her and
pleading with her to pity him. to forgive the
wrong he had once done her father and be
his wife. His white, oinched face told that
the end was near. All day long Meta re-
NAMED by his bedside, while on the oppo-
site side was Eugene, ever ready to do any.
thing in his power to relieve the large,
handsome man, whose life was slo Wy ebb-
ing away.
Absui O'Clock in the evening Arthur fell
asleep and slept soundly until midnight,
when he awoke and was conscious. God
had allowed him to once more gszs upon
the face OF the woman whose gentle advice
had led him back into the path ct righteous
ress when he was straying so far away from
t. He smiled sadly with the lips which in
few short moments would De closed for
ever, and spoke in a faint voice.
meta, my guardian aRgei, do you know
how love your
Yes, Arthur, know all, )" she answered,
with tears in her eyes
And do you love me in return, ny
Meta?p
Not as yeu, perhaps, would wish me to-.
Yet when l say do love YOU, am not
telling falsehood," she replied.
With one hand st his heart and the other
at bis forehead, Eugene h-tened in utter
an1azement at that which he had heard. for
ne bad never thought OF connecting Meta
with Arthur, he being so many years her
senior. What a fool he haa been not to
think of this before.
Thank God, my darling. And you will be
my wifef" Arthur asked eagerly.
IF Gcd spares your life, will " she re-
piled. Bat Meta knew that Arthur would
never be any better than be wss. DR.. Grey
told Ter that it was impossible for him to get
we'll
DO you really think l will die, Nets?
Bat there, you need not answer, for I read in
your face that which my short breath and