The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-15

foot of the table, Mrs Asbury shivered at the
head and complained of imperceptible draughts.
the Doctor was the same eOpiOus spring OF in
formation and avished his Latin and poetry
upon US just as before. One could detect no diff
ference beyond Mrs. Raveneps absence from
the circle. II her husband knew OF Mrs. AS
burys confidence TO us. he made sign.
well" Grace remarked, Il dare say people
get aecustO med even to scandals, and take them
easily" Yet Miss Sally's face did not look as
though she were taking things easily when
saw 1t, one morning, from my window, she
| leaning against the garden lattice where the
seven sisters roses climbed to swing over her
head, talking to DR.. RaveneE he stirring the
earth with his cane and the birds twitte~ing
and circling above them.
FREDDY said Grace. who was looking. too,
did 1t ever strike you what pity it is DR..
Ravenel hadn't married Miss Sally-great heav
ens What is thatr
1t was single scream in a womaas voice, q
scream of such thrilling agony that inyolunta-
rlly we clutched each others arms, and then
with one accord ran across the hall to Mrs.
Ravenels room. The door locked. We
could only hear faint rustling inside. l called.
but no answer came and just at that moment
saw the Doctor and Miss Sally coming. Miss
Sally opened the door
Little Sally was standing clinging to the writ
ing desk, the blood streaming down her fore
head from cruel cash Evidently the tear
in the carpet had been to blame for another
stumble, and the little thing had struck her
head against the sharp corner of the
desk. Mrs. Ravenel must have been terrified
by The fall, for she had slipped out of bed and
was crawling on her hands and knees TO the
child. The brave little soul only thought of
comforting her mother. II amt much hurled,
ma, deed amt" she iisped. The Doctor caught
her in his arms. II tod Tempe twice to mend
that hoe eroaned Miss Sally, a housekeeper,
even then The next instant she had basin of
water and handkerchief ready for the Doctor.
while Grace and held the door. Three or four
people had heard something, and came
out Grace easily dismissed them
IN whispers Il slight accident to
little Sally; we must keep her quiet, said Grace,
with the New England instinct to keep the world
ignorant at any cost. Mrs Ravenel did not not
seem to notice us; she had dragged herself close
to the child; but did not offer TO touch her. 1t
was Miss Sally who helped the Doctor bind the
wound which proved small matter after all.
Little Sally none the worse for her white tur
ban, was hidden to kiss her mother and run TO
Mrs. Ashury, down stairs. But first tell me
how il happened deare," said the Doctor.
while get your ma bark to bed"
Il was trying to get mas medicine i'll the
desk" said the child.
The Doctor was lifting his wife when she
spoke: his head sank upon his breast He did
not speak a word. Silently Miss Sally came to
him and helped him raise Nj rs kavene and
carry her to the bed The Doctor turned away.
"Where's Tempe" said Miss Sally who took
everything with sort of weary composure-l
make no doubt she had been through scores of
as strange SceneS--''1S she asleep agalnF
Mrs Ravenel lifted her wild, white face,
which had been hidden in her arms from the
moment her husband touched her.
Il sent her to fetch some coffee" she
answered: you know she thought | couldn't get
out of bed and she didn't let Sally in; she came
through the outer door herself, and IL asked
her"
There was something touching in the humility
Of her speech and her effort to screen the
ant from unjust blame. | rememb ered the Story
of III iY,tso fh 1r.h
from first to last, confess l could not be hard
~On Mrs. RaVenel.
Il won't scod her Ro." Miss Sally answered
gently; hut now tell rs one thing. Did you
keepi, in that desk9 Show US where"
At gesture from Miss Sally the Doctor
brought the desk to the bedside. His miserable
wife. not lifting her eyes, stretched out her
hand and fumbling while behind one of the
ornaments touched concealed spring We
heard the click of a falling shelf; we could see
nothing. since the Doctor and Miss Sally were
before the desk.
That's ALL" said Miss Sally; "now, Cousin
Rannl, III leave you and go to Sally"
But Mrs. kavenel chung to her and began to
sob. No, no, don't leave Oh, Sally. the
second time; he will never forgive me. He said
wasn't fit to be mother-oh, God, he WAS
right"
flush, my poor child said the Doctor. Are
you afraid of me, Ro! Have | been harsh to
youa'
The unhappy woman claspPd her cousins neck
more tightly. IF he would only reproach me, ="
She moaned; but he only looks me. That was
the way he looked at me when l killed Raou.
And now nearly killed Sally. And was try
ing to do betJer'
The Doctor. with a face like death, tried very
gently to take one of her hands. mo, mop she
screamed, you are kind to me, but you don't
love me. You can't he p me. Oh, my poor little
drowned baby! my poor little Raoul"
I'D better CO." said the Doctor sadly, "she's
better with you. Stay. Sally please Grace
opened the door for him. lie stopped to make
her a pathetic bow of recognition. saying, sally
will thank you, II can't His voice broke
think pitied him much as Grace, as he
hmped away. All this while Mrs. Ravenel was
sobbing, and Miss Sally trying to soothe her.
They told US afterwards that Sally cOuld quiet
her when even her husbands efforts had failed,
only exciting her to frenzy of remOrse but now
Miss Sally herself was powerless she the
storm must have its way, SO she sat in sad com
posure and waited.
Mrs Ravenel flung her arms over her head
Look at me- she shrieked; you liked me, Miss
Lawrence that day | was in your room you
kissed me- you know what wicked
woman | am. had the kindest hus-
band in the world, and the kndest, truest
friend And | had two lovely children. One
killed and The other On, don't you see how
wicked | am. But You don't know, you can't
know how Eve fought against i'll" Her voice
sank to a wall; with Wild gestures, wringing her
hands and shifting her brow, with vehemence
prehensbe to a Northern nature she went
through her pitiful story
Night after night, no help from man or God.
Struggle and pray in vain! Yes, pray, too! I've
prayed all night Lord, help me conquer it, or
strike me deadi Like that over and over till
don't know whether tainted or fell asleep, was
so weak. And l tell you when the morning
came, Id Jump out of bed and get it to stop my
mis- cry, so would. Ny prayers are cursed
like me, like mel"
1t was horrible to see her and hear her. and to
see her, when the frantic words were swept into
means and sobs. covering and hiding her face
within her convulsed arms.
Come, Ro." said Miss Sally softly, come
dearie. and lifting the fororn, dlsheyeed head
she laid it on her kind bosom and hid its ruined
beauty there
We went away. No matter what tragedies
desolate household there are always the meals
to he eaten. The dinner bell rang promptly
Miss Sally did not appear, but at tea she was in
her usual place Actually her face was less