The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-27


| Mr. Rayburn heard her talking to herself
did feel it aeaina" she said, as ieperplexed by
some doubt that awed or grieved her. After
while, her arms rose slowly. and opened with
gentle caressing actioT-an embrace strangely
offered to the empty air! NO" she said to her
self sadly, after waiting moment More per-
| haps when tomorrow comes-no more to-day"
She looked up at the clear blue sky. 1.-THE beau
tiful sunlight the merciful sunlight" she muir
INJURED. Il should have died if it had happened
in the dark"
Once moro she called to the dog; and once more
she walked slowly away.
"Is she going home, papaT the child asked.
eve will try and find out" the father an
swered
He was by this time convinced that the poor
creature was in no condition to be permitted to
60 out without some one to take care of her.
From motives of humanity, he was resolved on
making the attempt to communicate with her
| friends.
The lady left the gardens by the nearest gate,
stopping to lower her veil before she turned into
| the busy thoroughfare which leads to Kensington
Advancing little way along the high street,
she entered house of respectable appearance,
with card in one of the windows which
nounced that apartments were to let.
Mr.. Ray burn waited minnte-then knocked
at the door, and asked if he could see the mis-
tress of the house The servant showed him
into room on the ground floor. neatly but
| scantily furnished. One little white object
| varied the grim brown monotony of the
| table, 1t was visiting card.
| With child's unceremonious curiosity Lucy
bounced on the card and spet the name, letter
by letter: ~ A. N, T." she repeated. What
| does that meanl"
| Her father looked at the card, as he took it
away from her, and put it back on the table
| The name was printed. and the address was
added in pencil: Mr.. John Zant, Purley's
| Hotel"
| The mistress made her appearance. Mr.. Ray
| burn heartily wished himself out of the house
again, the moment he saw her. The WAYS Ill
which it is possible to cultivate the social virtues
are more numerous and more varied than is
generally supposed. This lady's way had appa-
| rently accustomed her to meet her fellow-crea-
lures on the hard ground of justice without
mercy. Something in her eyes, when she
| looked at Lucy said: II wonder whether that
| child gets as much punishment as she deservesY"
| do you wish to see the rooms which Lave
| to lett" she began
Mr. Rayhurn at once stated the object of his
visit-as clearly, as civilly, and as eoncisely as
| a man could do it. He was conscious The added
| that he had been guilty. perhaps, of an act OF
| intrusion. The manner OF the mistress OF the
! house showed that she entirely agreed with him.
| He suggested however, that his motive might
excuse him. The MISTRESS manner changed,
| and asserted a difference of opinion.
II only know the lady whom you mention
| she said, AS person OF the highest respecta-
| bility in delicate health. She has taken my
| first floor apartments. with excellent references
| and she gives remarkably little trouble. l have
| no claim to interfere with her proceedings. and
no reason to doubt that size is capable Of taking
| care of herself"
Mr. Rayburn unwsely attempted to say
| word in his own defense
ALLOW me to remind you"-he began.
''Of what. SlrF
"Of what observed, when happened to see
| the lady in Kensington Gardens"
| Il am not responsible for what you observed
in Kensington Gardens. If your time is of any
| value, pray don't let me detain YOU"
| Dismissed in those terms. Mr. Rayburn took
| Lucy's hand and withdrew. He had just reached
the door, when it was opened from the outer side.
| The lady of Kensngton Gardens stood before
him. In the position which he and his daughter
now occupied, their backs towards the
| window. Would she remember having seen
| them for a moment in the Gardens? She said
her few words of apology confusediy, and, ad
| vancing to the table, took up the card
| Your servant tells me my brother-in-law
| called while was out" she said to the landlady.
HE sometimes leaves a message on his card"
| She looked for the message and appeared to be
disappointed: there was no writing on the card.
| MIR. Rayburn fingered little in the doorway,
| on the chance of hearing something more. The
| landladys viglant eyes discovered him. "Do
you know this gentleman?" she said maliciousIy
TO her lodger.
Replying in those words. the lady looked at
| Mr. Rayburn for the first time; and suddenly
drew back from him. Yes she said correct
| ing herself II think we met -" Her en-
more.
Mr. Raybur compassonately finished the SEN
| tence for her. 1--WE met accidentally in Ken
| sington Gardens" he said.
| She seemed to be inca pable of approaching the
kindness of his motive. After hesitating a lit
| tie she addressed a proposal to him, which
seemed to show distrust of the landlady. will
you let me speak to you. upstairs, in my own
rooms2" she asked
Without waiting for q reply, she led the way
to the stairs. Mr. Rayburn. and Lucy followed
They were just beginning the ascent to the first
floor, when the spiteful landlady left the lower
room. and called to her ledger over their
heads:
Take care what you say to this man, Mrs
Zantl He thinks you're mad"
Mrs. Zant turned round on the landing, and
looked at him. Not word fell from her lips
She suffered, she feared, in silence. Something
in the sad submission Of her face touched the
springs of innocent pity in Lucy's heart. The
| child burst ont crying.
That artess expression of sympathy drew Mrs
Zant down the few stairs which separated her
from Lucy, MAY kiss your dear little girl2'
she said to Mr.. Ray burn. The landlady, stand
ing on the mat below. expressed her opinion of
the value of caressess as compared with sound
er method of treating young persons in tears: "If
that child was mine." she remarked, II would
give her something to cry for
In the meantime Mrs Zant led the way to her
rooms
The first words che spoke showed that the
landlady had succeeded but too well in prejudic-
ing her against Mr.. Rayburn. Twill you let me
ask your child, she said to him, why you think
me madf'
He met this strange request with firm an
swer You don't know yet what l really do
think Will you give me minutes attention.
/ NO" she said positively. The child pities
me, want to speak to the child. What did you
see me do in the gardens. my dear. that surprised
youl" Lncy turned uneasily to her father. Mrs.
Zan first hu