The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-08-12

nour, ana get you to Jenny, that she may
not keep me waiting"
Saying which be left the room, wearing his
yesterdays bitter face, which had come TO
him with the first words Of bis wife
No sooner was he gone than Mrs. Strang-
field quilted her bed and went to the door to
call Jenny. The room used by the girl was
to the right of the room occupied by the hus-
band ind wife; the door Of 1t stood open, and
that was something to wonder at if Jenny
were not downstairs. Into the room walked
the mother, and all she saw was bed that
had never been slept in.
Now for some moments this was sight
with significance not to be realized.
She went to the bedside and stared ut it,
and then round her, with slow slipping OF
her head on her neck, like ball on pivot.
Presently on the bed again she fixed her eyes
with all tho blankness Of tho frost-white
counterpane reflected in them.
"What trick is she playing me:' she cried
to herself, but in a clear, strong voice.
GJenny"
And all about the room she went, probing
and peering like faithful dog smiling for its
hidden young. Until it came into her head
that her child had run away; on which she
fed.from the room with O shrek.
That shrek brought forth the trollop Polly,
who beheld her mistress clinging to the top
rail of the.banister, motioning with her hand
"Lor, missus, what Is it: For mussy's sake,
mum, don't look so scarifying, muml Oh,
missus, what ha' yees seenF'
"Tell your master to come to me-" eE-
claimed Mrs. Strangfield, in a choking voice,
and she went reeling into her bedroom and
sank upon chair But up again she must
jump in moment and run into Jenny's
room, and in the center Of it she stood looking
around her with rolling eyes. She was too
frightened for deliberate search-even a
direct clew she would not have needed With
both hands pressed upon her heart she stood.
Was it that the sorrowful girl, mourning her
cruel bereavement and the dishonor done
her by her father, and dreading the journey,
and tho object of the journey that morning
had not chosen to rest; that all night long
she had kept her vigil, and now was gone
forth to cool her burning eyes against the
soft wind blowing from the sea! Was it so?
Ah, pray Godl And the mother, with noy-
ing lips, drew to the window and sent her
startled gaze over the summer scene Of swell
ing cliff and folds Of houses standing with
shine of gold under the meek sweetness of the
morning blue.
Mr.. Strangfeld came upstairs, and from
the landing called to her. She ran to him,
crying, "Michael, see here! Our child hath
not slept in her bed! Where Is she, do you
think? Oh, If you love your wife, run to
| your men and bid them seek her. For Gods
sake do this, Michael-noW"
He went past her without answer and en-
tered Jenny's room. If amazoment or pain
were in him, it was veiled by heavy
frown.
"Silence!" he cried. as his wife began to
| speak Before we judge her, let US know
what she has DONE It is no sig., that she has
run away from us because she hos not slept
in her bed. Has she not acted moro craZily
than to stay awake III hor clothes all night
Look about you and tell mo what things yon
find missing"
aNothing, Michael. Oh, my heart, yes!
Where be tho little trunk I packed for her
last night"
With wonderful quickness, she flung open
the door of closet, and then searched be-
Meath tho bed Next she uttered a sharp
cry, and leaned against her husband He
led her not untenderly to her room, but his
own steps were weak and shaky, and his face
as white as dying mans, which made his
frown q black shadow upon his forehead.
ave must have patience yet, he exclaimed,
6awing forth his watch, and speaking with
hs eyes bent down upon it. isle knows at
what hour the coach starts, and if she be not
guilty she will be here Get thyself dressed,
and let the breakfast be ready by the half
hour. She may return, and then what will
it be that her box is gono9 Bear up, for in
half MI hour great changes come. l will
wait for thee and her in the parlor."
He went slowly and painfully downstairs,
and stood at the window whispering to HIM
self, which n strange trick for an obsti-
nate, hard-headed man to fall into on
sudden.
In n short while Mrs. Strangfeld came
from her room and stood at the doorway
watching him in silence. She sighed heavily
but, ns though he heard neither her step nor
her sigh, he did not turn his head; and with
a fear of his stern, unbending silence on her,
she went away to the kitchen to help Polly
to get breakfast ready
HPolly," she whispered, "didst thee sec Miss
Jenny leave the house this morning"
mo, llluGCu, DIV bStASi ''N~'-
| said the girl, with her hair all feathery for
lack of brushing and the end of her nose
black from frequent strokes of her bare arm.
"Hush, silly wench! Why do you shouts
She hath not slept In her bed, Polly. Oh,
| God! if she be run away from mc!'
"Roon awoy! Why, missus! whativer
would she be doin' that for" said the slut,
craning her neck out Of the collaricss rim OF
her frock.
"Str the fire. that the eggs may boil
Never do you talk but that you stop your
work. Cannot you use your hands and
tongue together? Hold your prate AS sure
| as thy nose is as black rs thy masters boot,
I'll be packing thee to thy mother for a
slovenly foolm cried Mrs. Strangfleld, Ill
that phase of grief which admits of easy Sill
! prevention Of irritation.
The time was passing quickly. 1t was i've
| minutes after the half-hour when breakfast
| was put upon the table, and Mr.. Stranghcld
drew chair for himself, and began to cat
with the gesture Of man who forces hinl'
1 lot