The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1889-10-04
THE
LITTLE WAIE.
A Story Of Absorbing Interest

CHAPTER XIV.
SATAEELIA.

sATANELLA.
While The events narrated in the pro.
ceding chapters had been transpirinr.
silence and mourning had reigncd in
the quiet house Of the Arnims M i,,
Harlem.
Poor Rupert had returned from his
unsatisfactory interview with Detec-
tive Bancker ut police headquarters,
utterly prostrated with doubt and
1t had NIL been terrific blow to :,
man of his sensitive, high-strunp
nature, and ut first il seemed moro than
he could bear.
He had fallen hopclessly, madly in
love with little Gracic, he bad believed
her as pure rs the angels, and accord
lngly had trusted her ns he would trust
noother living woman save his own be-
loved mother.
The thought that tortured him was,
that ii little Oracle were innocent of
all wrong md had trusted in his pro-
lection, why had she fled from him in
the night like guilty creature; why
had she not sent him some word of her
whereabouts, If she had repentcd of her
hasty action, so that he might 90 and
bring her home again? But no word
had como from her; sho had vouch-
safed no explanation, and though he
fought like tiger with himself to re-
press the suspicion that assailed him,
it would take form in spite of him; it
haunted him like some grewsome spec
ter.
Consequently, when he reached the
little home after his fruitless search in
Mulberry street, he went straight up to
his room, locked the door, and in the
desolationcof his heart he flung himself
upon the bed-to try to plan how he
should shape his future course.
And Mrs. Arnim was wise enough to
leave him to himself.
All day long she went about her
household duties silently, md it was
not until the dusk of evening had closed
in that Rupert sought her of his own
free will where she sat in her accus-
toned chair by the window of tho de-
serted studio, sewing
She raised her eyes as lie canc into
tho room and welcomed him with q
fond SMILE He approached, and for
somc minutes stood beside her looking
out at the darkening street.
He was sadly changed, poor lad; he
was as pallid rs the dead, but very
calm. At last it was he who broke the
oppressive silence.
"Mother!"
"Well, my boy?"
Have you no pity for me.
Her kindly eyes filled with tears.
and her voice was full OF rcproach rs
she answered:
"Oh, Rupert! My heart is breaking
for you in your trouble, and I have
done nothing but pray the good Lord
to help you. But have not intruded
upon you because l knew you would
seek me when you wanted such COM
fort as can give"
Ho stopped and kissed the upturned
brow where the soft, wavy, brown hair
showed signs of the tell-tale silver.
"Well, she has gone forever!" lie
said, sadly, raising himself and turning
his face to the window again to conceal
any passing trace of emotion that might
be imprinted there.
"You have heard no tidings of her ?'
@Oh, yes; have heard her denounced
at police headquarters tlat she is in
custody"
Then il is better that sho has gone
iOttNci, hupcTt. Chihe the leJOlnucl
in a tone OF firm conviction.
He shuddered from head to foot at
the words, but commanded himself.
Il am not prepared TO believe oil
that / hear" he said, sternly; II shall
regard her as an innocent, injured girl
until the contrary is proved~
Then you mean to waste yonr time
in following up case, the results OF
which may bring you only further mis-
eryY"
"Nol feel sure that il she is cleared
of the shadow of crime that I shall
know it. No, I cannot afford, for your
rake as we'll as my own, to waste an
other hour. an, going TO work ut
once. Mother, j SHALT attempt 10 paint
no more Madonnas. In my present
frame of mind, j think should snc.
ceed better with the other description
OF woman something dark, brilliant
fatally beautiful, q sort of Sntanella."
Ready to humor his cxtravagani
fancy, Mrs. Arnim replied:
II might be n good plan; but have
you on idea for such q faco?p
Il left an advertisement for such n
model as camc uptown. i may get
an answer and have to so TO work to-
morrow.
The sooner the better, Rupert :
It was no idle fancy, no creation OF q
1isordered mind which suggested this