Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-10-16
CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER xviii.
THE DAUGHTER AND HER MOTHER.
It required on the part of Eugene Cleve-s
land, this same morning, an exertion OF
all his courage to perform his duty as
gentleman in receiving Mr.. and Mrs. Le-
land upon their return home. But courage
had been for some time past his sole re-
naming virtue; and this, at least. he
sought never to lose.
He received them most gracefully-his
father and mother-in-law as they de-
scended from their carriage and entered
the broad hall.
Mr.. Leland was much broken in health.
The trip, which it had been hoped would
benefit, had only wearied him; and now,
on again entering his own door, ne begged
to be at once assisted to his sleeping
room.
Mrs Leland fingered in surprise at not
seeing her daughter there to meet them,
and cast an inquiring look upon Eugene.
He informed her that she had been
little indisposed since the preceding even
ing. Notwithstanding the precautions he
took in his language and by his smile, he
could not prevent Mrs. Leland from feel
ing lively alarm.
He did not pretend, however, entirely
to reassure her. Under his reserved and
measured replies, she felt the present.
ment of some disaster. After having
pressed him with many questions. she
suddenly turned and hurried up stairs.
Flora, to spare her mother the first
shock, had quilted her bed and dressed
herself; and the poor child had even put
little rouge on her pale cheeks. Eu-
gene, who had hastened after his mother
in-law, himself opened for her the door
of her daughters chamber, and then
withdrew.
Allthat passed between them at first was
o silent interchange of mutual caresses.
Then the mother seated herself near
her daughter, drew her head on her
bosom, and looked into the depths of her
eyes.
"What is the matter?" she asked sadly.
sOh, nothing-nothing hopelessl only
you must love your little Flo more than
ever Will you not?"
"Yes; but why?"
Il must not worry you; and must not
wrong myself, either. You know why!"
Yes; but I implore you, my darling.
to tell me.
very we'll; will tell you everything
| But, mother, you must be as brave as I
am"
! She buried her head lower still on her
mothers breast, and commenced to re-
count to her, in low voice, without
| looking up once, the terrible revelation
which had been made to her, and which
her husbands avowal had confirmed.
Mrs. Leland did not once interrupt her
during this cruel recital. She only inn
printed kiss on her hair from time to
| time.
i Flora. who did not dare to raise her
eyes to her, as though she were ashamed
of another's crime, might have imsgined
that she had exaggerated the gravity OF
her misfortune, since her mother had re-
ceived the confidence with SO much calm.
ness. But the calmness of Mrs. Leland
at this terrible moment was that of the
martyrs; for all that could have beer
suffered by the Christians under the
claws Of the tiger, or on the rack of the
torturer, this mother was suffering at the
hands of her best-beloved daughter.
Her beautiful pale face-her large eyes
upturned to heaven, like those they give
to the pure victims kneeling in the Roman
circus appeared as though demanding
of God if He really had any consolation
\ for such torture.
When she had heard all, she summoned
strength to smile at her daughter, who a
last looked up to her with an expression
of timid uncertainty, embracing he
more tightly still.
well, my darling, said she, at last, Il
is great affection. it is true. You arr
right, Notwithstanding; there is nothing
to despair Of !"
"Do you really believe so?"
Certainly. There is some inconceiv
able mystery under all this; but be as
sured that the evil is not SO terrible as j
appears" /.
my poor mother! but he has acknowl
edged it?"
Il am better pleased he has acknowl
edged it, That proves be has yet som
pride, and some good yet left in his soul
Then, too, he feels very much afflicted; h
suffers as much us we do. Think ofthat
Let us think Of The future, my darling.
They clasped each others hands, an,
smiled at one another to restrain the tear
which filed the eyes of both.
! After few minutes:
Il must go to your poor father now, m
child, said Mrs. Leland, and then
would like to repose for half an hour"
Il will accompany you to papa's room
, Oh can walk I feel q great deal better.
i tnlnK you nRu Detter Welt llttle
, my dear. Your father is reposing afte
the fatigues Of the journey. I will com
t for you by and by.
/ Very well, mamma.
. Mrs. Leland rose to leave the room. A
. the door she turned:
BE sensible, she said, with anothe
| smile.
'And you ALSO" rejoined Flora. who's
voice failed her.
4 Mrs. Leland hastened. to her ow
: private room, closed and Ncked the dool
1 raised her claspsd hands toward Heaven
then, falling on her knees before the bee
r she buried her head in it, and commence
' to weep despairingly
i Flora, left alone in her room, droppe
! upon her knees. clasped her hands, an
/ supplicated the Great Throne for strengt
to bear the terrible trial through Nhic
, she was passing.
) The apartment occupied by Eugene wa
. continuous to this chamber. He had bee
4 walking with long strides up and dow
the room, expecting every moment to So