The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-09-29
CHAPTER XXxIII


Once inside the room, / looked keenly
about me, to discover who the occupants
might be- l could see only two-George
Redruth and his mother The old lady,
looking very white and stately in her robe
of black velvet, her snowy hair neatly ar
ranged under some black lace, sat bolt up
right in quaint oak chair, working at some
fancy-work. Near to her was her son. loung-
ing carelessly in low easy-chair, with his
legs crossed, and an open book upon his
knee.
My unceremonious entry startled both
mother and son. They both looked at me
with an expression which was by no means
amiable. They both asked what my business
was there that night.
Before speaking, looked again around the
room. L wished to ascertain if Madeline was
there. Apparently, she was not. Then l
looked at the old lady, and hesitated again.
After all, she was his mother and she loved
him. Where was the use of giving her paing
So / turned to him and said, as quietly as l
could:
MY business is with you, sir. What l
have to say had better be said TO you alone"
lie moved uneasily in his seat and darted
ut me from under his bTows look of bitter
hatred | thought his face grew very pale,
but he made an effort to preserve his cold
manner.
You are very mysterious" he replied /;
but since you have thought it worth your
while to force your way upon us as you have
done, you had better say your say and go,
before order the servants to turn you out. +"
You had better be careful | replied.
'Once more 1 warn you-what you have to
hear had better he heard by you aloner'
He looked in my face again, and something
he saw there convinced him of the truth of
my words. He rose, and, throwing his book
aside, said. with well-assumed carelessness:
''Very well, since you will have 1t so come
out on the terrace and speak there.p
He made movement forward and l was
about to follow him, when there was another
interruption of a most unexpected kind. Old
Mrs. Redruth rose, and, making a stately
motion with her hand, said:
George, you will stay here"
She was very white, and her hands were
twitching nervously. Seeing this. Redruth
stepped forward with a lool. of deep anxiety
on his f. e.
Mother" he said, don't agitate yourself,
for Gods sake. Let me 90 with him for a
moment"
''You shall not leave me. George, she an
swered. IF he means to insult You, let him
do so before your mothers face"'
The strange turn things We're taking
amazed me, and / cried:
II insult himf You don't know what you
are saying when you talk to me like that |
have returned TO my home to obtain justice
10 force bitter wrong to he righted / am
here for that now"
1t was now George Redruth's turn 10 be
agitated. Turning on me face liyid with
terror, he said:
MY mother is not we'll Leave the house.
/ implore you. or God knows how this inter
view will end.''
This l refused to do
Whatever happens, said, no blame
can be attached to me. aus willing 10 speak
10 you alone; but speak / mean to before
leave this house tonight. FELL me-is it true
that in two days you propose 10 wed Mis-:
Graham?'
He was about TO answer me, but his moth.
eT interrupted him
"Yes," she replied; s'it Is true Now, sir
what have you 10 say?'
This; that your son had better think well
before he goes to lead that lady To the altar
because he knows as well as that that mar
rage can never be"
George, what does he mean%' asked the
bling agitation.
For Gods sake, mother, keep caimg' said
George Redruth, who was himself terribly
agitated; then he turned again to me. Tire
lawney, leave the house" he said. IF yor
have anything to say TO me seek me again;
my mother Is i'll, and a scene such as thi:
promises to be, will kill herr'
Il told you was willing to speak TO you
alone, said; sbut since that can't be, othel
folk must hear. I am here to-day to ask fo
Justice; you best know why and for whom
DO you mean to do its'
he hesitated for moment; then he said
glaDcing nervously about him:
You speak in riddles, which fail to un.
You had best try l returned. irritates
beyond measure by the strange coIdness O
his manner. You know that you have don,
. wrong-do you mean to right it?n
BY this time he had apparently made NJ
his mind as to his course of conduct, for h
replied, with that same cold sneer upon hi
lips:
again, I tell you, 1 fail to understand
you"
Then will make my meaning clear.
| am speaking of the woman whose heart yo'
have broken and whose life you have de
stroyed; in the name OF my cousin, Anni
Pendragon, refuse to allow this marriag
| to go onr'
Iexpected to see him cover before thi
blow. but was mistaken: he was evidentl,
prepared for anything might say.
My good man. he said. eooliy, you ar
raving. or worse Yon take. know. yer,
tender interest in Miss Graham's welfare
and think, presume. that anything you ma,
be pleased to state win be believed by her
| and you will thus be able to degrade mo IN
her eyes. But you arc mistaken. Both Mtsa
Gnham and my mother know me 100 well g
believe ona word oz what You say