The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-14
Written for the Indianapolis Sentinel
META WOODRUFF.
by Mrs. Addie Deitch Frank.
CHAPTER X.


the end of the fourth he must return home.
In all that time Meta had not received let.
ter from Eugene; yet, even though her
heart was almost breaking, outwardly she
was the same happy Meta bringing sun
shine and pleasure to her home and enter
tanning her guests in way which made
them feel at home-causiDg two persons to
TALL desperately in love with her.
Come, Hal, let as be off for our walk. I
think IL you were TO remain here three
weeks longer you would forget what it is to
De lazy. How wonderfully stout you have
grown since yea came here" Meta said one
morning after breakfast
Yes, and am little afraid shall look
and act very country6ed when / enter city
life again. Which way are we going2"
Down To the brook to gather ferns. Ger
tie, secure Mr. Brsden before ne buries him
self In his papers. Hal and are such romps
that we can n OF afford to waste time in wait
ing Ter such gentle creatures as you"
Perhaps Mr.. Braden does not care to go,'
replied Gertie.
You are wrong. Miss Harris. enjoy a
morning walk, and will accompany you if
you will allow me-"
You mean il the Doctor will allow you"
interrupted Hal, for here be comes now"
lie quiet, Hal. Meta, you will have to
excuse me, as previous engagement pre-
vents me from going with you," Gertie said,
her face blushing rosy hue
Certainly, cousin l wish you pleasant
morning Mr.. Braden, you will come with
US"
with your consent will remain at home
to answer some letters"
"You are at liberty to do 2, yon like" she
said and left the room with Hal. When they
resched the sparkling brook, Meta sat down
on the mossy bank and for the frat time
sir &C he knew her. Hal saw her look sad and
weary. Her face wore q troubled LOOK and
her eyes bore longing expression, 80 new
TO him. What could il mean?
why, Meta, thought you came out to
father IerDs, but instead OF that you sit
here ss though you were one Of the most
wreiched Of Gods creatures"
perhaps am, Hail. 1t is not always a
bsppv heart that is hid behind q smiling
face"
'Iknow that, Meta; yet often inthe bright
est sunshine a little cloud will sometimes
spdear. Bot IN the three weeks | have been
with you, have seen no cloud in your life
until to-day"
81 am sorry that it appeared at all. | was
so miserable that / could not prevent it.
Look around me. Hal. ! have everything,
Psrheps you think, 10 make one happy. Bat
q beautiful home and all its comforts and
luxuries can not satisfy me. want some
thing more which money can not buy-my
fs.her's love "a il was before he married
Lima Mason. Have you not Noticed how
ssldom my father and are together?'
"Yes, but thought it was because YOUR
time vas so occupied with your guests"
"Yo1 did not think right then. 1t is all
J.ina's fault. 1 accidentally heard her tell
ing Mr.. Braden that she intended to turn
papa against me. She may cause an estrange-
zDent between us, but she can never make
him dislike me. Nc; my father is all that is
true and noble, but he is so fascinated with
Ter that be can not see how she is dsceiving
him.
"Do you not think that ii would be better
10 tell him of the wrong she il doing him,
that he may forbid Arthur the house?"
ut would be the worst thing that could
he done. 1 think. in fact have reason to
believe, that he is an honorable man; she
hend, Who is capable and does work her
charms over him"
The dsys of witchery are over, If they
ever existed
Yes, they are over; but the days of firt-
ing ard of trying to fascinate are here. God
alone knows the misery it causes"
"By the way, Arthur has made ur his
mind to return to New York with me next
week"
II am sorry YOU are going away. wish
you and Gertie could remain with rs al
ways" she said sadly.
II can, Meta, IL you will let me-"
"Let you. Hall would be only too glad
srd !. know nothing could please papa
more"
II do not mean to stay here. bat to take
YOU home with me- Meta I love You with
all my heart and want you Ia be my wife,"
"Wes1e cousins. Hal, she exclaimed.
''That can make no difference, my darling.
Say that You will be my wife and | promise
there shall be no more clouds IN your sSv."
Il can not. What you ask Is impossible
Be sides, DO not love you Is you dessrye to
be loved by the woman you choose for your
wife"
Even though you do not love me as pas.
ofal~ la-o I n sf,od
DO not urge me farther. for love you as
would g very dear brother only. I am
torry, Hal, but there are many more worthy
of YOU, perhaps, than -
That could not be possible. Meta, tell
me this: is your heart already given TO an
other2'
You have TO right to ask me such ques.
ton. and viii not answer you
Forgive me, Meta; but tell me this much,
Is II De: Arthur Braden, who hes won your
hesrt?"
''No; he is my friend onlrn
THANK God for THAT Bat my happy
dream IS over aud / awake to find all
my brightest hopes blasted in the bud. 1t
s~rs very hard to bear, little one.n
thine will aid you to forget me. aud You
will think OF Meta as Your cousin who also
has Q burden to carry. Let Us return to the
Hall, as the ferns nor even the laughing
brook can awaken my lost spirits
Meanwhile Gertie and Nc Grey were rid
ing, enjoying the fresh, invigorating air but
the beautiful scenery was lost to them by
their new found happiness.
:. Miss Harris-Gertie-do you know for
n what purpose / brought you out hsre this
= nornipgT' asked Dr.. Grey.
ITO enjoy the fresh air a. well rs the ride.
suppose" said Gertie, innocently.
You are not very good ct guessing. am
= number of years your senior. but love
you, Gertie. Will you be my wifer'
Critic said yes" and they were both