Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-12-19
CHAPTER v.
PORrfA's HUSBAND,


Il Is useless to attempt to analyze the
emotions which possessed me during our
return to the house. was now conf.
dent that Twas In the company Of smad.
woman and was celebrating upon ways
and means for speedy departure north
ward. And yet, when Portals excite
ment had subsided. 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 un.
earthly glitter, and when she again
touched my hand her flesh was warm.
Alone in my room ! 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.
eued her through her husband, whom
she 90 evidently idolized, and her rage
when attempted to open the closed gate
In that dreary out Of the way corner OF
the grounds.
What did IL al meani
"Shall I stay or goy' asked myself.
"Shall I see this mystery to the end, or
shall I fly from itf II trouble Is hanging
over Portia, ought not to stand by and
give her all the aid in my powerr
Then there was Colonel Marchmont.
owned to q woman's curiosity concern.
Ing him. was anxious to see the man
whom Portia loved and US palpably
feared danger through him, she had said.
Again she had acknowledged that often
she felt she were going mad. Possibly
that was 1t; possibly she was alarmed
lest her husband should put her IN q
madhouse.
All these vagrant thoughts drifted
through my mind, vexing. tormenting
and questioning me, until woraout ]
fell asleep. Ny 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 yeiled 1t,
though ! felt 1t was there, and once
dreamed I stood before 1t and heard
three awful and measured knocks. and
on crying ont who Is therey received
answer, "Portia."
Weakened, wearied and lsnguid from
my fsverish sleep.
When I descended to breakfast, found
| Portia laughing and romping gayly with
Daphne. This unexpected sight filed
me with delight. The mother and
daughter pelted each other with flowers,
ran races and danced together. Sud.
denly Portia cried out pettishly that she
was wearied Of such nonsense and re-
| lapsed into gloomy mood, during which
| caught her eyes more than once fixed
m me with an expression Of distrust.
"Why do you regard me 80 intently.
PortisY' suddenly asked her.
IL was wondering, you little gray
mouse, what you would do II you should
hear unkind things said Of me-yes,
more than unkind-dresdful, wicked.
cruel deeds charged against me-"
"Absurd!'' said laughingly.
"What would you say, for example. u
some one were to come In that door and
tell You that I had betrayed faith and
honor; that I was q thief
"Nonsenser
"That was murderer"-
..Oh, hush, hush. Portal" cried, go
hg over to her and taking her by the
shoulders. "why do You suggest such
hateful thoughtsf Put them away and
come out upon the piazza"
"Yes," che said. with that strange cir
Of proud humility had noticed before,
eyes, viii cone"
Al we passed into the hall . servant
approached us with the tidings that q
garbage had Just turned into the long
avenue leading to the mansion.
"Itt papa" shouted Daphne. da.. M
IKE Hrsay.
Portis said nothing. hut felt her body
sway - n about TO fall. ] caught her ~
my arma Shs was trembling. pale anl
cold.
"Composs yourself. DEAR" urged
"why, Portis, don't believe you M
anxious 70 SO him after ALL"
"Oh, yes" she murmured fatntly
"Yes, thirst for . sight Of his face. Ny
love - my lore ve-Prudence,r suddenly
clinging TO me. remember that alwayI
| -whatever comes-rsmsmbU, loved
him a few women love-"
| The carriage dashsd mp 70 The steps
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