The morning call., 1890-07-06

A few days later Enrlco started with his pupils
Tor protracted tour, aud then the misery OF
Ruby's life began III earnest. They joined
circus aud for weeks together Travelled from one
town TO another. Hour after hour lie kept her
at work. at every morning he began her in
strucIions; at IL there was a short ten minutes
for lunch aud rest, and then commenced again.
After three months lie considered her sufficiently
accomplished TO commence riding in tile ring,
and he appointed night for her appearance.
"Pm 10 wear that skirt before The people ="
she said to Enrico. "Then l wont. Irs shorter
even than Vic's. It's hOrrd thing"
He took up the short SKIRT which counted Its
length by inches. and lace, flowers ana ribbons
fell lightly aud gracefully over his arm as he
held ii. Now, then, are you going TO put this
or not?"
The child hestated. Tears were slowly cours.
Ing down her cheeks. She was tired and weary
ana very frightened. bnt she cound not assent.
" l cannot put IL on,i' she answered quietly.
In moment he held her ii MY so firmly that
she could not move. She almost screamed With
the pain. With one hand he held hers while
with the other lie removed her garments, one
after another. She screamed, she fought, She
kicked, she pleaded; but 1t ayalled her nothing.
When lie had removed all her clothes he tied her
hands with his handkerchief. Then lie fetched
a cane. She knew In moment what was IN
store for her, and great terror took possession
OF her childish mind. Sic tried TO speak, TO beg
for mercy, but she could not frame the words
She could only hang her head for deep shame.
She closed her eyes so that she should not see
him. He gave her sharp cut which raised a
vale, Ill another and another, then a shower
OF them In quick succession. The agony caused
her to moan and cry; but it became so Intense at
last that she became stupehed She forgot even
her shame; she was only semi con scious-sick
and faint
d" VIII you disobey me again? VIII you do as
tell your" No answer. speak" Sill no an
swer from the fainting CHILD. Another lash on
the now bleeding body win you do as l tell
you?"
Yes" she murmured family.
ION you Will. Will you? That's good business.
Now We understand one another"
When she stood at!ired he glanced at her.
You'll dol" and lie added an oath. Now re-
member. next time you show oil your cursed
temper Pil give you another dose"
lie left The room and The child took of the
tawdry, siiifened diess. But the pain she was
suffering hampered her movements, and ii was
some time before she was able 10 get to her
room.
"Oh, Ruby dear R0by" cried Vic, as she en-
tered; what has lie done to yOuH"
Ruby flushed crimson at the recollection. She
could not tell even Vic the degrading punishment
he had Inflicted upon her. But Vic was sharp
enough to guess, and she srefrained for further
questioning.
Never mind, my pet; Vic loves you the best
In the world"
The words OF honest, hearty love broke Ruby's
reserve. She flung her arms around Vie and
burst into passionate weeping.
81 wish | were dead, indeed do. Even God
has deserted me. i love him SO much, ana yet he
has brought me TO this"
Don't cry, don't cry; oh, don't sob So" said
Vic. Come and lie on the bed.'
Ruby lay down, but she grew very faint, and
Vie was obliged 10 bathe her forehead with
wafer. Then she fell asleep from exhaustion,
and Vic watched by her until the dinner-h0ur.