The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-15
Written for the Indianapolis SENTINEL
META WOODRUFF.
by Mrs. Addfe Deitch Frank.
CHAPTER XII.

daughter attended the wedding, which was
very quiet one. The happy couple started
for the South at once, TO be gone until
spring. Mr.. Woodruff returned home the
next morning, leaving Meta to stay with her
aunt until Gertie returned, to which ar
rangement ne would not have consented
had not the recent quarrels OF Lina and his
daughter demanded an Immediate separa-
ton between them. I fac, Lima had told
her husband that either Meta or herself must
leave the Hall at once. What was this I'M
happy man to dO2
Flo overheard this conversation, went to
Meta AID told her what she had heard.
Meta sat down and wrote TO her aunt Ellen,
telling her of this last insult. In few days
she received an answer from the woman
who looked so much like her own dear
mother to come and stay as long as she
liked.
When she asked her fathers consent he
gave it willingly, glad to be relieved of the
great load on his mind But when he said
goodbye to bis only child the great tears
rolled down his cheeks and he sobbed aloud,
while poor Metals eyes were full of unshed
tears and her heart seemed 20 sink within
her
"You must write often Meta, even though
should fail 10 answer al your letters"
That you must not do, or I shall think
you have forgotten your Meta
Forget you; never Oh my darling,
this is too much for even a strong man like
me-"
''You will be happier vitho ut me- para.
and so will she-Mrs. Woodruff"
You do not know, nay child, what par
snts love for 2 child is Is there anything
5ou wish me 10 attend to st home during
yOur sbsencs2'
IF I am not home in time have mammals
grave cleaned and flowers planted on IL. Do
this for the little girl who loves you so much.
Now will be separated from both my par
ents-mamma by death and you by the liY-
ing"
"AlI your directions shall be carried out.
1 must 60 now. l am already late. Good
bye, my child. God bless you and grant
that we mey soon be reunited"
In another instant he had gone, and within
another hour he was back 10 his owe home
TO the false, treacherous vile who vel
coined him 50 warmly. But on this first
evening of his daughters absence from home
ne Was wretched. Nor was Meta happy.
Alter her father had gone she threw herself
into the OutstTetched arms OF her aunt AID
there cried as though her heart would break.
Mrs. Harris was tall stately old lady,
with gray hsir which lay in waves on her
forehead; soft bue eyes and bright, smiling
fsce. She Tas so kiI aud g lie, ever ready
to aid and comfort those in need OF ii She
loved Meta SIS she did her own children; for
Metals mother had been her own sister and
ttey hal loved each other with love sur
pSsEed by none other.
There my child, dry your eyes as thsy
are too beautiful to be dimmed by tears
Dear aunt, | am so miserable; ] would
rather die than live this kind of life"
All It ls not for rs 10 say what We would
like or rather do, even though you knew you
were always TO be unb Apply"
"Ohi why was mamma taken away from
mef IL God knows everything. He sarsly
knew what trouble should have. Why did
He not prevent it?'
"You must not murmur against God and
dis ways He knows what is Best"
And Is it best for me 10 suffer so much?'
MY child, He must have thought so.
Many q soul has been saved by trouble. 1t
brings one nearer to God, and makes one
think OF something else beside earthly enjoy
ment"
You sTe right, mother" interrupted Hsl,
IS he entered the room Come, cousin,
dry those eyes OF yours and be happy. You
must now take Gertie's place here"
Il an afraid l should fill that place but
poorly"
Not so, Meta; mother loves you-so do I,
sDd IL l can not look upon you in any other
wy it shall be as sister"
Il shall do all in nv COVER to deserve
Il at; ss 1 shall be only too glad TO have
BROTHER
'You both talk so straBgely-I do not IN
dsrstsnd your meaning
THE fact Is, mother, asked Meta to marry
me, but she conldn't see It in that light.
She bad already anchored Der heart in an
other place"
II am sorry; yet if she did not love you, I
thank her for refusing to marry you"
Week after week passed BY, bringing to
Meta Al least one letter from he- father. Two
days before Christmas she received one saw
ing he was not well, bat nothing serious
allied him; that he was compelled to dismiss
Flo from the Hall as she and Lima could not
agree; and. thinking that perhaps Meta
would like 20 have her Wita her, he would
send her sc once. Flo arrived on the fol-
lowing Gay, and Meta was Overj0yed at see
ing her, while Fie, with large tears in her
eyes. threw her arms around Metas nsck
ard kissed her.
How is papa, FLOP
81 tell you. Missile, him looks mos awful
bad. an be can't eat nussin'."
Has be consulted pbysioisn?
NO; old Mason, l mean missus, didn'i
link ii wes necessary; beside they would hat
sen heah for one, cause Dr.. Grey an not
dsr"
I must 90 to him ct once. Oh Cpd do
not take papa away from me, he is all
nave.
lyon mustn't go, honey, less missus will
clar out, cause / heerd her say so. Heah
am 40 advertisement her tole me 20 pat in
de papers"
LET me see it. Wanted a lady nurPe for
gentleman. Apply at once at Woodr al
FALL Il ne confined TO his bsd?" she asked
pxcissdly, With tears c0arsing down I
cheeks.
I'Courss be am, mos on &c time"
.sAunt Ellen, ! must go to him immedi
atslv. Do not say no to ms, but allow FIG
to remain here with you"
.Do as you think best. ! shall be very
lonely without you."
LIT Is now 3 O'Clock. At 3 the next trair
Goes ont and will be ready. Hal, may
sronbla Won 10 order IS carriage?'