The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-17
Written for the Indianapolis Sentinel
META WOODRUFF.
By Mrs. Addie Deitch Frank.
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
1t was the last of January, and Mr.. Wood.
rui was not much better. His eyes were
suBken in their sockets, his face was thin
and white. and when he spoke it WE not
above whisper, as he Was very weak. But
the physicians think that he is improving
rapidly.
Arthur. for he is still at Woodruff Hall, sat
mp together. One retiring during the day,
while the other watched by the sick mans
bed. Lima was very miserable; she was not
satisfied with her work What work? That
Is q question / can not answer until have
investigated her strange conduct. She was
not like the Lima OF old; the roses had faded
from her cheeks, her eyes sparkled with ex-
element, and her actions were eager and
nervous, like some one who was very anx-
1ous to accomplish some great work and
nsde but slow progress She was never
alone with her husband, which seemed to
annoy her.
Arthur expected to return home directly
after the Christmas holidays, but at the re-
quest of DIR. Thornton consented to remain
until Mr.. Woodruff was better.
" am going for a walk, Arthur, as l am
very tired of this sick room. Will you go
with me-" Lima asked in low voice, scarcely
above whisper, but not so low as not to be
distinctly understood by Madam Reek.
Certainly, Lima, il you wish it, and
Hadam Reek can spare me-" answered Ar
hur.
"Os course she can; that is if you are not
unwilling to leave her."
Perhaps 1 am, but nevertheless l will go
With you, since she gives her consent"
- The cay vas very pleasant one for day
n January. The sun shsne out bright and
warm. Bot IN the western sky white, heecy
clouds fit by swiftly, gathering themselves
---ssso e~Es DARK sloud that will coon hide the
glorious sun, and descend 10 the earth in
hard shower of rain, snow and sleet.
Lsna. wrapped in heavy fur coat, ears,
hands and feet encased In wool, sauntered
cut into the park with her lover.
lyon are not like my lover of old, Arthur,
for you seldom give me loving word now"
said Lima.
81 am growing too old for that
81 hs6 not thought that one ever lost the
rcver OF distributing that which costs them
SO little, and Is WORTH so much to the recipi.
ept."
besloes, Lima, l. mink go mucn OF your
husband that / feel wretched at seeing him
III so long, and sometimes fear that he will
ever be better.'
III he does not get well, remember your
promise
"I do remember it, and feel very guilty-
as If were only, waiting. this poor mans
death to snatch that which in life be held
most dear. Is Ii right for us to be happy,
you especially, whose husband 10 so near
deaths door,"
lis that q reason why / should be IN
hsrPy?"
1--WE must all die one day, and now il Is
his time TO return to GOD the spirit He gave,
replied Lima, without tie least regret in her
voice.
Lima. whether you love him or not, You
sre the first woman l ever heard of who,
xhen spesking of husband dying, did not
sisd tear"
''lt is because love you, and will be glad
CHEN | SIN free.p
If you are not true TO him, do you think
can ever trust you, Ia case you are my
wifel"
sYo can not do otherwise for none could
he mere true than | mean TO be to you"
God grant that time may never come.
em compelled toTeturn home tomorrow for
lew days; while there / intend TO call upon
miss Meta. Perhaps my letter did not reach
her"
Nonsense, Arthur; she would not thank
You Tor calling, and she may think / am
anxious TO have her return home"
II che saws nything to that effect will
assure her OF her mistake"
ct 1 would rather you did not go. There
can be no doubt as to her receiving your let
ter. And has she not shown her character
IN ia true hight by not writing to her father
for several weeks3''
You may be right. yet out of respect for
Mr.. Woodruff, / intend to look after his
daughter" be replied.
What IL she refuses to return with vor 9''
81 Will plead with her for her fathers
AXE, for the love she once bore him. for
the tie which binds them together ard for
the sake of the mother, who. when liTing.
owed and honored her noble husbands
II hope you will meet with success. Rut
are you aware OF the fact that when ans
enters the Hall, leave it?"
Can ii be possible that your hatred en-
tends to the verge of the grave? Lima Won
must be more generous. more forgiving 10
this unhappy girl"
Never more than 1 am now" she replied
in o firm voice.
Then you can never be more to me than
you are now
"Arthur. Arthur. you do not know what
you are laying. Do you want TO drive me
mad2"
do as 1 say and all will be we'll. Suppose
Jour position were reversed and she Mas