The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-11
CHAPTER V.
PORTALS HUSBAND.

1t 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 amad-
woman and was deliberating upon ways
and means for a 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 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
ened her through her husband, whom
she so 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 1t all meanr
"Shall I stay or goy' asked myself.
"Shall I see this mystery to the end, or
shall / fly from it2 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 were going mad. Possibly
that was it; possibly she was alarmed
lest her husband should put her in
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 stood before it 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.
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 distrust.
why do You regard me SO intently,
Portiaf' / suddenly asked her.
II was wondering, you little gray
mouse, what you would do If you should
hear rnkind things said of me--yes,
more than unkind-dreadful, wicked,
cruel deeds charged against me-"
'Absurdr' said laughingly.
"What would You say for example, II
some one were to come in that door and
tell you that had betrayed faith and
honor; that | was a thief
"Nonsensel'
THAT was murderer"-
''Oh, hush, hush. Portal" I cried, GO
ing over to her and taking her by the
shoulders. why do you suggest such
hateful thoughtsY Put them away and
come out upon the piazza"
"Yes,," che said, with that strange air
of proud humility had noticed before,
'yes, Will come"
AS we passed into the hall n servant
approached us with the tidings that a
carriage had just turned into the long
avenue leading 10 the mansion.
"It lis papa" shouted Daphne, dancing
like FREELY.
Portia said nothing, but felt her body
sway as II about 70 fall. caught her In
my arms. 6he was trembling, pale and
cold.
.Comnoss yourself. DEAR" I urged.