Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-12-26
A Transferred Identity.
By EDITH SESSIONS TUPPER
Copyright. isal By American Prsss Associa-
tion.1
CHAPTER vi.
IN THE ARBOR.


gown, the laces Of which were caught
here and there with clusters Of scarlet
verbenas. When she was dressed and
stood intently regarding herself In the
mirror. she sighed heavily.
"why do you sigh, Portiay ! asked a
I pinned the last knot Of flowers In the
folds Of her gown.
"Those red blossoms" she answered
dreamily. IL have q curious fancy about
them. Prudence. Do you know that
they look like drops Of bloodr Then
catching my reproving expression abe
laughed gayly, caught mp her scarlet fan
and hastened to Join her husband in the
drawing room.
I watched Colonel Marchmont curl.
ously to see what effect his wife's beauty
had upon him. but he regarded her as
coldly as ever. began to be furious
with this ,alm. self contained man, who
showed % plainly his utter indifference
10 the beautiful woman he possessed.
He had taken her white cloak from
her and thrown It over his arm as he
stood waiting while she buttoned her
gloves. Suddenly he spoke:
did I write you that I met Maurice
In Atlantay' he asked.
was standing near Portia, indeed
had Just stretched out my hands to as
sist her with the troublesome glove. !
saw her shiver as II cold wind had
struck across her white shoulders.
eyes" she said In q low voice.
"And that he Is coming here next
week to stay u few days with usT Colo
mel Marchmont continued.
eyes, she breathed rather than spoke.
Her husband looked intently at her
through narrowing eyelids.
"Well, I must say that you do not
chow much interest In the cousin who
was like brother to you and whom
you have net seen SINCE You were hoy
and girl together. Now. Maurice conlj
not end his eatechism about you. How
you look, dress, tii.k aii'. Ect wtIc u -
tions hs was continually asking. tnl'
him his legal training had evidently be
come second nature, for he kept inr ci
the witness stand constantly. Icu nlas
know, Miss Mason, that Maurice lay
mond is my wife's only living relative
He was born and brought ~ Oil her f'
ther's plantation, and the two were lii;'
brother and sister"
"Oh. yes!" said. II used often. Portia
to hear you speak Of your brother
Maurice"
Portia turned white. hunted face to
ward Inc. Her lips moved as II she
were about to speak. but no sound issued
lrom them.
"Let me see," said her husband as HI
carelessly threw her cloak over hel
shoulders, 1t must be 10 years since
you saw him. How much you willhave
to talk over!'
The greenish light Of excitement had
died from Portals face, and as she tool
her husbands arm she looked so wan
haggard and old ! was temped to beg
her to stop at home. Really she sp
peared too i'll to 20.
But the carriage was ut the steps
Colonel Marchmont handed her In, FOL
lowed. shut the door. and they wers
driven rapidly away.
For long time ! cat upon the plazza
thinking over the little scene had wit
messed. From the terror and dismay
which had 30 suddenly crept In Portis'i
face when her cousins name was men
toned did not doubt that the news Of
his coming had been the unwelcome an
nounceinent in her husbands letter
which had occasioned 80 much alarm
And why? What possible danger could
this relative bring her, On the contrary
why did she not welcome his advent a
a relief to the monOtony Of her hfei II
was not possible she was In love with
this cousini No, no. II ever o woman
loved her husband. 1t was Portia March
mont.
Ny musings were interrupted BY lit
tie Daphne. who had been allowed to
sit up and watch her mothers toilet fol
tho ball. She ran toward me, scream
ing In pretended fright. from her nurse
Sophie. who wished to put her to bed,
took her in my arms and kissed her.
"Good night. darling"
"Don't want to go to bed" she an
nounced In shrill, childish treble;
"wants to sit up with YOU
LAWS now. Miss Daphne. come on
urged Sophie.
"No, no." cried the child; mo. won't
70 to bed ti,' Auntie Prudence takes me
for walk"
"a walk now ut o'clock" said.
"This Is no time to take walk"
EYES," cried Daphne. dancing and
clapping her hands, "yes, you and SO.
phie ami ine-down to the urbor and
back. Then I'll bs good and go TO bed.
Icould not resist the childs pleading
and told Sophie we would go for q shor,
turn In the garden.
"Only ~ far as the arbor and back"
admitted.
Eyes. yes" laughed the delighted
child.
We threw on our light wraps and BEL
out. Tho moon was full aud sent dowr
q flood Of light, turning every leaf ant
twig and branch into shimmering silver
The fountsins were splsshing softly, ant
the birds family twittered In their nests
It was n scene Of enchsntment-a verita
BILE midsummer nights dream.
mo wonder the child hated to 60 Il
bed" I said to Sophie a. the little on
went dancing down the walk before rs.
Laws. yes. miss." ." responded Sophie
"dat pore chile did tease powahfu
hahd."
We came to the arbor. and entering I
sat down for Q moment.
I can see 1t all now AZ write. Th'
arbor overhung with dangling. perfum'
laden honeysuckles; the little girl caper
ing about, her black eyes flashing in tn
moonlight; Sophie's ebon face. whit
apron and snowy cap. and even the lit
tie wooden doll which Daphne ha,
lugged along. stating that Dolly mus
walk too.
Suddenly out Of the moonlight came
face-a face which peered In through tn
honeysuckles at M with sinister eyes
Long white struggling hair fell aroun'
It, and the toothless gums mouthed In
bloodcurdling and evil grin.
saw It first, then Sophie, then tn
child.
A scream broke the stiffness Of th
night. It was Sophie who threw be
apron over her head and shrieked In tel
ror.
Daphne did not scream. but buried be
head IN INV Ian