The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-11-29

''hoh quay VI EOE L dshtu Myself
"Shall see this mystery to the end OIL
shall fly from it? If trouble is hanging
over Portia, ought not to stand by and
give her all the aid in my power2"
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 were going mad. Possibly
that was it; possibly she was alarmed
lest her husband should put her in a
madhnrse.
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 l felt it was there, and once |
dreamed l stood before 1t and heard
three awful and measured knocks, and
on crying out "Who is there?" received
answer, "Portia."
awakened, wearied and languid from
my feverish sleep. H
When descended to breakfast, found
Portia laughing and romping gayly with
Daphne. This unexpected sight filled
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
on me with an expression of dstrust.
why do you regard me SO intently,
Portia! suddenly asked her.
Il 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-"
"AbsurdT' | said laughingly.
"What would you say, for example, if
some one were to come in that door and
tell you that l had betrayed faith and
honor; that ! was thief
"NonsenseI'
"That | was Il murderer
"Oh, hush, hush, Portal" | cried, 60
Ing 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" she said, with that strange air
of proud humility had noticed before,
''yes, will come"
/ As we passed into the hall servant
approached us with the tidings that a
carriage had just turned into tho long
avenue leading to the mansion.
tits papa" shouted Daphne, dancing
like a irefy.
Portia said nothing. but ] felt her body
sway as if about to fall. l caught her in
my arms. She was trembling, pale and
cold.
Compose yourself, dear" l urged.
why, Portia, don't believe you are
anxious to see him after ALL"
''oh, yes" she murmured family.
Eyes, l thirst for a sight of his face. My
love-my love Prudence" suddenly
clinging to me, remember that always
whatever omes-renembcr, loved
him as few women love-
The carriage dashed up to the steps,
and a tall, well built, athletic man
sprang to the ground. As he came up
the steps l saw a broad, low brow, with
heavy masses of dark hair. threaded
with silver, eyes dark and full of sorrow,
a soldierly mustache, strong chin and
straight nose.
Daphne flung herself into his arms.
He pressed the child with a tender, ca
ressing grace TO his heart and kissed her
little face again and again. ''Papa's I
own baby, heard him murmur.
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
ward and mechanically held out ker
hand. She seemed like person in a
trance.
l saw Colonel Marchmont start, then
taking the outstretched hand he barely
touched it with his lips, saying, II hope
you are well, Portia.'
'Very well. And you?"
"Never better"
"Let Inc introduce an old school
friend, Prudence Mason, of whom you
have heard me speak. Prudence, my
husband"
Colonel Marchmont shook hands in
hospitable fashion and greeted me with
Friendly little speech. was vaguely
that my unexpected presence
appeared TO be a relief to him.
He soon went in to breakfast. Daphne
ran after him. The child had lost all her
timidity and seemed to me TO look def
antiy at Portia. Her mother, on the 9th
er hand, wore the air of humility and
had before observed.
Never had witnessed SO cold greet
Ing between husband and wife. While