The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1893-11-23
CHAPTER V.
PORTALS HUSBAND.

1t Is useless 10 aCCeIlpC W dudAyZo tlo
emotions which possessed me during our
return to the house. was now conf
dent that Twas in the company of amad-
woman and was celebrating upon ways
and means for speedy departure north
ward. And yet, when Portals excite
ment had subsidized, when we were back
once more amid the flowers and foun-
tains, she looked perfectly self contain
ed and sane. Her eyes had lost their I'M
earthly glitter, and when she again
touched my hand her flesh was warm.
Alone in my room I pondered upon
the events of the day; Portals fury when
Daphne brought her the flowers and her
evident dislike of her child; her alarm
at something contained in her husbands
letter; her intimation that danger threat
ened her through her husband, whom
she so evidently idolized, and her rage
when attempted to open the closed gate
in that Greary out of the way corner Of
the grounds.
What did it all mean?
'Shall l stay or go?' asked myself.
"Shall l see this mystery to the end, or
shall fly from it? If trouble is hanging
over Portia, ought not to stand by and
give her all the aid in my power?'
Then there was Colonel Marchmont.
| owned to woman's curiosity concern
ing him. was anxious to see the man
whom Portia loved and as palpably
feared danger through him, she had said.
Again she had acknowledged that often
she felt she We're going mad. Possibly
that was it,; possibly she was alarmed
lest her husband should put her in a
madhouse.
All these vagrant thoughts drifted
through my mind, vexing, tormenting
and questioning me, until wornout /
fell asleep. My dreams were confused
and ever circled round that closed gate,
covered with low hanging vines curling
and twisting like green serpents over its
hinges and locks.
Sometimes strange lights burned over
its top and again darkness yelled it,
though felt it was there, and once l
dreamed l stood before it and heard
three awful and measured knocks, and
on crying ont 'Who is there?' received
answer, "Portia."
Weakened, wearied and languid from
my feverish sleep.
When descended to breakfast, found
Portia laughing and romping gayly with
Daphne. This unexpected sight filed
me with delight. The mother and
dau ghter pelted each other with flowers,
ran races and danced together. Sud-
1o,,l,, Dor+;o c,;o1 mt ,,o++;c11x, +bo+ che
was wearied of such nonsense and re-
lapsed into gloomy mood, during which
caught her eyes more than once fixed
on me with all expression Of distrust.
why do you regard me so intently,
Portia?" I suddenly asked her.
II was wondering, you little gray
mouse, what you would do if you should
hear unkind things said of me-yes,
more than unkind-dreadful, wicked.
cruel deeds charged against me-"
"Absurd!" said laughingly.
What would you say, for example, if
some one were to come in that door and
tell you that ! had betrayed faith and
honor; that was a thief
"Nonsense!'
'Oh, l:,::22,.., Lush, Ho:'ttia!" cried, 60
ing over to l,cr and taking her by the
shoulders. why DO you suggest such
hateful thoughts? Put them away and
come us!t upon the piazza"
Yes" she said, with that strange air
Of proud humility had noticed before,
''yes, will come"
AS We passed into the hall a servant
approached us with the tidings that a
carriage had Just turned into the long
avenue leading to the mansion
ut is papa shouted Daphne. dancing
like freely.
!>urSia said o:'.:>g, but felt her body
eway as if about to t,t;l caught her in
my arms. She was trcIii>ling pale and
coli.
Compose yourself. dear" l urged.
"Why. Portia, don't believe you are
anxious to see him after ALL"
"Oh, yes," she murmured family.
Eyes, thirst for q sight of his face. My
love-my love-Prudence,'' suddenly
clinging to me, remember that always
whatever co!nes-relnembe ! loved
him as few women love-"
The carriage dashed up to the steps,
and tall, well built, athletic man
sprang to the ground. AS he came up
the steps saw broad, low brow, with
heavy masses of dark hair, threaded
with silver, eyes dark and full of sorrow,
soldierly mustache, a strong chin and
!, straight nose
Daphne flung herself into his arms.
He pressed the child with tender, ca.
ressing grace to his heart and kissed he1
u little face again and again. "Papa's
own baby" I heard him murrnur.
During this meeting Portia stood back,
white, trembling, and with eyes fixed
upon the ground. When Colonel March.
! mont put the child down, she moved for.
N ward and mechanically held out hel
hand. She seemed like person in 8
M trance.
II saw Colonel Marchmont start, then
taking the outstretched hand he barely
L L KIT