Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1893-11-18
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CHAPTER x.


pressed my heart.
Life seemed intolerable. As l sat at
breakfast and studied Portals face-the
face of a murderer-it was at times
with difficulty that kept from scream
ing aloud. l did not allow Daphne 10
go out of my sight, but kept her with
me, amusing her in every possible way
with toys and story books.
was conscious, too, that Portia was
watching me. She evidently possessed
half defined suspicious, for once she asked
me in careless manner, which was pal
pably assumed, whether l had heard
any unusual sounds about the house the
night before. l said mo" and in return
asked the reason of her inquiry She
replied she had slept lightly and would
have said that once she heard the hall
door shut.
She is sounding me-" reflected and
forthwith grew as cunning as my inter
locutor.
No" I said indifferentlv. Il heard
nothing"
1t was nearly noon when a carriage
dashed up TO the piazza, and tall, fash
ionably dressed man alighted. looked
about with some curiosity, paid the
driver and then ran lightly up the front
steps. Presently the great knocker re-
sounded through the hall.
"A visitor said, with some interest,
for visitors We're not numerous at
Swamplands.
Tom, the butler, came into the library
carrying q card on a silver salver. Por-
tia was lying on a broad couch drawn
up before the open fire, sleeping or feign-
ing sleep. She had not seen the car
riage drive up and opened her big eyes
lazily as Tom approached her.
What is it," she murmured languidly
"A gem'man, missiS."
Portia took the card and read it. She
stared at the name before her in dazed
manner At last she turned her blood
less face toward me.
Prudence, she said, YEARLY passing
her hand over her head.
Yes, Portia,' l answered. leaving
Daphne i'll the window with her dolls
and going over to her mother.
Read that name-aloud," she COM
manded. thrusting the card in my hand.
read. Maurice Raymond"
Il could not see-then he has come"
Portia muttered i'll incoherent, wander
ing fashion. Then sharply to Tom, Il
will not see him."
Tom bowed gravely and was about 10
go, when said: "Portia, is not this the
guest you have been expecting: What
would Colonel Marchmont say il You
We're TO send such message as that?
Had You not better reconsider
You see him, Prudence" she begged
in an almost childish fashion. Il cannot
60 in now. must go up stairs, dress
and compose myself"
Very we'll. Portia. will do my best
to entertain him until You are ready to
relieve me. But do not tax me too long"
Portja did not reply, hut rose and left
the room. She appeared confused and
helpless. suddenly recalled the proph-
ecy of the old negress-''Dangehi is comm
from de souf." All. perhaps the peril
which had menaced POrtia was at hand
As l entered the drawing room the Wis
itor rose quickly and came forward to
greet me. What most impressed me i'll
this first meeting with Maurice Ray
mond was the atmosphere of latent
power which seemed to emanate from his
PelSoHd44'N' hc Was Aot ii HdiluSoHIe
man, though his face was good. his deep
set eyes keen. his nose straight. His
lips were not hidden by beard or mus
tache. and in their firm lines l read the
positive character of the man. He car
RED himself like prince, With grace
and hauteur. Hls general appearance
was impressive and commanding.
You are not Mrs. Marchmont:" he
said half III inquiry as ne took my hand.
No, indeed replied Mrs. March
mont friend, Prudence Mason. Mrs.
Marchmont Is not technS we'll and
hopes You Will excuse her for little
while.
AND tine colonel: asked the visitor.
he Is somewhere about the planta-
non nut Will soon t'e Ill lor luhchr"h'
nave arrived Il lew days ahead 81
time sald Mr. Raymond, but finished
my business IN Atlanta sooner than !
had anticipated and SO hurried on.
vas 50 anxious 10 sec the country Il
which passed my boyhood, and above
Ill 10 see my dear cousin again. whom
l remember as the idol OF my YOUTH
beautiful and lovely girl"
Mrs. Narchmont is very beautiful
woman" said gravely.
There is 1 child, l believe" said Mr..
Raymond. called Daphne from the Ii
more in my my sight 81. She came running in,