The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-02-10


kissed it, ~ have had such a dreadful
dream. You weren't badly hurt, were
you? Oh. Edgar, 1 thought I must lose
you, and you know have only you. But
you're better, arn't you, son? Oh, my
head swims so. I was terribly frightened"
She was very weak, we gave her a little
nourishment. and again the eyes closed
and sleep came. That blessed healer,
that all powerful restorer, that great
deliyerer of shattered nerves and tired
brains.
Visiting her the third day we found her
mind perfectly clear; but low nervous
fever had developed, and from this che
suffered during the following two or three
weeks. The afectionate devotion of her
son was untiring, and the professional
nurse, who had been obtained, competent,
but we continued our daily visits, carry
ing with US usually some tempting deli
cacy or choice flowers. And though no
one else was admitted to the apartment,
we were always welcome. But some days
the dear old lady was so weak that she
could only press our hands and give us
smile. Finally the fever was broken and
cOnvalescence began. Then Mrs. Ham,
merton asked US many questions about
her illness, but never referred to the art
gallery nor the manner OF her sudden at
tack. We thought strange of this, but my
friend and myself deemed it discreet to
not refer to the matter unless the invalid
did.
One day. in a quick. puzzled way, she
said, "But where was l when | was first
taken sick? How strange l never thought
of that before, and Edgar never has said
anything about the circumstances. He
has been so busy lately that he can only
give me little snatches of time. You
know he lost so much time during my
illness, for he scarcely left me at all. But
you see he keeps me provided with ex-
cellent entertainment referring to several
new books and magazines that lay on the
table near her but where was l when l
tainted? Strange / can't remember, isn't
it, Miss Lawrence?" she continued, adj
dressing my friend.
The entrance of Mr.. Hammerton just
then, however, prevented an answer and
was also a signal for US to soon take our
departure. For since Mrs. Hammerton
had been convalescin9, we had seen little
OF the SOD. He had been very busy, and
In difference to the delicacy Miss Lawrence
felt about calling when be was present,
we had endeavored to avoid meeting him.
But we could not cease visiting the dear
old lady, in whom we had become deeply
interested, finding her a delightfully."- en-
tertalng companion and we might as we'll
confess it, had never been able to COM
pletely dispel the impression that the
shock Mrs. Hammertun had received,
which so nearly dethroned her reason,
was in some way connected with the pict-
ure IN the art gallery which had so at
tracted us. At times we felt assured that
we could trace in the faded, emaciated and
wrinkled face (beiore u.s. a resemblance
to the youthful, full, happy-ooking face in
the unclaimed portrait. We felt almost
sure that the dark brown eyes were the
same, and the noble brow added its testi-
mony to the proof OF our conviction.
As before said, Mr. Hammerton's en-
trance prevented Rnv answer TO his
mothers question. His expression was
one of perplexity as he came in, but il
disappeared in a measure as he turned to
give us a cordial and a kindly welcome.
And after q few general remarks the
cause was plainly indicated in his ques-
lions: Ladies, do you think our invalid
is equal to travelling? Do you think it
quite prudent for us to continue our
journey home? | have received letter
today urging the necessity of my presence
In court as soon az I can arrange to give
it. And I've been wondering if mother
will be strong enough to leave here next
week. What think you?"
His mother at once replied that she felt
sure she could go, and that he must not
delay on her account. Bnt remarked,
81 thought it might be we'll to test our in
valid's strength by taking her out driving,
and if agreeable and see would enjoy go
ing, would call for her the next day with
my carriage at H."
L
pressed their appreciation of our "unremit-
ting attentions and kindness" etc., and
gladly accepted my invitation.
When / called the next day, Mrs. Ham
merton was waiting and seemed animated.
She was warmly wrapped and almost lit
orally carried by her son and placed in the
carriage beside me. The sunshine was bril-
liant, and the air crisp and brRcing but not
severely cold. My companion manifested
an agreeable interest in our wide-awake
western city, admired our wide streets,
our beautiful homes, and most of all. our
picturesque views. We returned bv a
different route from that we took when
leaving the hotel, and as we passed the art
gallery | noticed Mrs. Hammerton's face
grew earnest and perplexed as she said /:
THAT building looks familiar to me: what
is it ?" / answered: THAT is an art GAL
ASAJ. 4nohf dlttE oNlucnIly STUDYING OUT
something that perplexed her. she ex-
claimed: ooh, l remember it eli now I;
that Is where becameso i'll that afternoon,
isn't it dear2 And Edgar was with me.
and he doesn't know" and leaning back
on the cushions of the carriage she was
silent. And | felt no remark OF mine
ought break that silence, for suddenly she
had become entirely unconscious of her
surroundings, and in her thoughts had
wandered far away, whence / was unable to
follow. Suddenly she leaned forward and
exclaimed, "How strange; how strange.
Oh. that should thus be made to turn
backward on the journey of life and con-
front past that through all these long
years had been, at least much of il, blotted
out OF my memory. But, she continued,
as with desperate effort she tried to con-
troll her emotions, this matter must be
seen to. and | am so weak" and she
dropped back upon the cushions as if
weary and exhausted.
Mrs. Hammerton offered no explanation
of her mysterious remarks. but seemed
rather to be thinking aloud, forgetful of
my presence. Again ] thought of the un-
claimed portrait, but felt no desire to in
trude upon the sacredness of past life !;
the memory of which seemed to be so
painful. / said, however, that if I could
be of any service to her L trusted that our
friendship was such that although very
brief, she would not hesitate to ask il. She
g, 4