The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-12
Written for the indianapolis 5entinei.l
META WOODRUFF.
by Mrs. Addfe Deftch Frank.
CHATTER TX.

CHATTER TX.
1t was over a week since Mr.. Woodruff and
his bride had arrived home. Gertie had Just
received letter from Hal saying that be
would be with them the following mogning,
Tuesday, and there were two happy girls in
Woodruff Hall. Meta and her stepmother
seldom met except at table, and then but
few words passed between them. Mr.. Wood
rut spent most OF his time with Lima, as she
said she could not endure to have him out
of her sight. Arthur was with the girls
most of the time, which. of course, was very
annoying to his hostess.
Meta, greatly improved in health, was
once more her old self, although at times
sbe seemed more grave than she used to be-
Her father noticed this. aud 1t sometimes
made him feel just Q little angry with her.
For why did she not try to love Lima, that
noble wife of his, who was anxious to win
her love; that woman who charmed him
more and more every day, and who was al
that was good2
You may think so If you like, Mr.. Wood
ruf, but your daughter knows differently;
she knows that this woman's life and loving
manner are oil base deception, practiced
upon you for no good.
It was Tuesday morning at last, bright and
beautiful. Meta and Gertie were on the
porch, waiting for the carriage to return
from the station, bringing to them one whom
they were 80 anxious to see. at last the car
risge drove up to the door, and before the
driver had time to leave his seat, the door
was thrown open and Harry Harris, or Hal,
as We shall call him, jumped out. Spring
ing forward, he clasped the girl who stood
nearest to him in loving embrace, and
not knowing IN his JOY at meeting his sister
that he was embracing bis cousin.
well brother Hal. T."
GOOD heavens, Gertie, what a mistake
have made. Excuse me, Meta. would not
have been guilty of committing such an IN
genslemanIy act for half q kingdom. Now,
Gertie, will give you your share-there;
uine."
''Forshams, Hal. Rsmber Meta aud your.
self are almost strangers, not having seen
each other in three years"
II beg your pardon, Miss Meta"
1T is granted. Welcome, Cousin Hal. to
Woodruff Hail.
'And say 90, too. Hal. Come into the
house; Jack win attend to your baggage"
raid Mr.. Woodruff, as he came to the door to
meet bis handsome nephew.
Thank You, uncle; but before allow my
sslf to enter your hospitable mansion you
must promise to protect me- from these
young ladies'"
You will first have to inform me of the
nature OF the punishment they intend in
fiicting upon YOU"
THAT of talking me to DEATH" answered
the mischievous Hal in a grieved tone.
Here is my hand, my boy; l will be your
friend" At the appearance OF Arthur Bra
den the subject was dropped for the mo-
why, Bradsn, how do you do, aud how
in the name of the wide world did you get
bere? exclaimed Hal, as he recognized Ar
thur.
-"I am glad to see you. Hal. / should
never have recognized in you the boy who,
I'VE years ago, studied law with my uncle
had l not known you were coming. Believe
me, am glad to have the pleasure o. renew
ing your acquaintance"
Was he glad to renew the acquaintance of
one who knew his whole life's history? Per.
haps be bad forgotten it for the moment, or
thought that Hal had forgotten that little
incident in his life. Even if he had not,
Arthur resolved to make the best OF Q bad
situation.
There was no harm in loving Lima Mason
but che was no longer Lima Mason. He meant
to forget her, to be near her and think of
her as she is now, Give WOodrufs wife.
''YoH are Just in time, Mr.. Braden, and
I'm glad You came, as Gertie and l need q
sroDy arm to protect rs from my cousin dur
ing his stay at Woodruff Hall, as he has
sl;eady secured my fathers sworn friendship
and service"
will you please be 20 kind, Miss Woodruff,
as to inform me of what he is or will be,
guilty OFF"
Nothing in the world, Brsden, and pro-
test against" interrupted Hal.
Silence. sir; Miss Woodruff has the floor
now" said Arthur.
The most abomisable OF all evils, that of
tossing" continued Meta.
ladies, I am at your service"
Come in, Hal. These girls have no re-
gard for weary. worn out traveller
"You are right, uncle"
All four went into the drawing-room
where Lima Was bueily engaged with some
fancy work. Mr.. Woodruff introduced Hal
10 his wifs, and as she extended her hand
10 him, shook it cordially.
Il hope, Mr.. Harris, that you will make
yourself at home here and enjoy your visit. u
Thank you; but, to begin with, you must
not treat me with so much formality. My
name is Hal, and / shall expect you, the
same a. the rest. to call me Hal. Beautiful
anne, isn't it,"
II can not say like it; yet what is there
in q namer replied Lima.
"A great deaf some times Mrs. Woodruff
Tor instance, take my cousin Meta-if bel
nsme was Jemims. am sure she would mol
be go handsome. What do You say. Arthur? 2
iunt foso oy ecy oshsr neme "oui'
tmeil Just as sweet. Fortunately, Mis-
Woodruff is not . rose; therefore 1 am afrsit
the name you mentioned would have some
effect on her beauty"
"You are right; although in choosing mi
Tor subject, fear you have made a grav
mistake, as there can be no beauty in {
woody head and white face. II you con
finue this subject farther shall accept it q
> gross intult," interrupted Meta indignant
~. 6he could not bear to have hersel
brought In to discussion in which her step
mother took part
You are right, Meta; had noticed you
head and face before spoke, 1 should neve
have said what did. Was thin king of vol