Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1885-10-22
CHAPTER v.

But Fate fought for the old lady. Tom
and Arabella were destined to have the bees
and wasps all to themselves
Just at that moment servant came hurry
ing out and whispered something to her mis-
tress, who flew into the house without
a word, seeming in an instant to forget her
brother and the dangerous daughter and the
angry DAME The dame gazed after her in
wrath, and she would have called after
Maud for All explanation, but rejecting that
this retreat was to her advantage, she re-
strained herself. ...
tom Pembroke" she said again, stake
care of Arabella."
"Make your mind easy" said Tom.
"And, Arabella, don't stay away too
long"
mo, dearest mother"
''And, both of you," cried the old lady,
remember that am here-atd waiting for
YOU"
Each of these injunctions was calculated
to impress Tom Pembroke with the idea of
the preciousness of Arabella; and that she
must be watched like vestal virgin; and
that, above all, her mother was a guardian
who could command fear as well as love-
The cleverness of the whole will therefore be
recognized; and the old lady evidently
praised herself as she sat down majestically
and arranged her skirts with the conclusive
air which is characteristic of ladies of her
standing when they have acquitted them
selves so as to secure the approval of their
own consciences
The cause of Maud Nevilles abrupt exit
did not at first appear. In about a quarter
fan hour she came into Vanitys room, and
Vanity noticed that her expression was anx-
ious. Preoccuped she was, but this did not
prevent her from entering into Vanity's con-
Germs with kindness and attention. The let
ter of her aunt-Sister Catherine-had ev-
IDENTIFY not been the first communication
made to her concerning the young actress
for she knew all her history, and Vanity felt
grateful for the tact and delicacy with which
she glided over things which would be. pain
full to the poor wanderer Vanity was filled
with admiration. This handsome, wealthy
young woman, with her vigor and spy,i
sense, and her readiness to help the helpless,
was fresh study in life Vanity had been
used to that monotonous sort of character
which lives chiefly in the world Of gaslight,
which, being reckless, fancies itself interest
ing, and is nothing if not unconventional.
Alas! poor Vanity knew a little-very
little, it must be confessed-of what
she called SERIOUS" people, and she
would describe the class in two syllables-
''plain" and ''dull" This handsome young
woman of the world-Paris dress, fine man
ner, vigorous good sense kind heart and
high tone-was revelation of her own sex
to poor Vanity Hardware. "A saint in Grape
is twice saint in lawn" may sound suffi-
GENTLY satirical; but there is no doubt what
ever that Maude Neville's fine womanly
character made deeper impression on Van
| ity because of the lady's fashionable air. 1t
was surprise to find that true piety and
healthy unaffected virtue could appear in
woman whose dress and style would have So
cured the admiration Of theatre.
That some scheme of life for Vanity had
been arranged between Sister Catherine and
her niece was evident throughout the con-
| versation. Much Vanity wondered what the
| scheme could be; and her curiosity was
| quickened by every sentence sh heard She
| could not fancy this nimble. lively, dressy
woman recommending a glc,aly, secluded,
penitential life. Every minu 70 she grew
more charmed by the kind manner of her
new friend, and felt even ready to accept her
guidance And Maud Neville, on her part,
was irresistibly attracted by the beauty of
the wanderer, and could not conceal her ad-
miration But, after all, this secret plan,
whatever it might be, Vanity was never to
know. ...
A knock was heard at the door; the same
maid who had hurried out into the garden
| came in.
please, maam, the doctor is here"
but why do you look so whites' the mis-
| tress asked, reading the servants face with
quick apprehension. SIS Miss Maud worse?r
please, ma'am, the doctor must speak tc
YOU"
''It is something seriousr the lady ex-
| claimed; II know it is something serious!"
And, with face now paler than the SER
wants, she hurried from the room.
The maid fingered for a moment.
''What is the matter!" Vanity asked.
'tOur smallest young lady has got small
pox," the servant said, shuddering as she
spoke. master has seen the doctor, and we
don't know what to do"
Vanity Hardware had the terror Of that
disease which every woman feels, and she
turned pale herself. -.
A Remarkable Escape.
Mrs. Mary A. Daley, of Tunkhan.
mock. Pa. was afflicted for six years