davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16
CHAPTER XXI.
BACK FROM THE DARK VALLEY.

BACK FROM THE DARK VALLEY.
Portia did not die. Slowly, laborious-
ly, she struggled back from the valley of
the shadow Of death. For weeks her life
hung by thread, but tender care, de-
Votion and love snatched her from the
verge of the grave.
Only the ghost of herself she appeared
when at last she was able to be dressed
and carried down stairs TO the library.
Her feeble joy at being home once more,
the pathetic happiness which shone in
her great eyes-yes, even the tender lit
tie caresses she gave her favorite books
and cushions-were indescribably affect
ing.
The meeting between herself and her
child was sacred. Ihad prepared Daphne
as best could by telling her that NAM
ma had been very i'll indeed; that she
must ask no troublesome questions, for
some day when she was old enough to
understand everything should be ex-
planned to her; that her mammals heart
was full Of love for her, and she need
never fear she would be scolded OF
slapped again, then took her to the door
OF her mothers chamber.
Portia was bolstered up by small
army Of pillows, her sunken cheeks
lighted by a feverish glow, her languid
eyes brimming with a mothers love.
Colonel Marohmont sat by the bed, hold
ing one wasted hand.
opened the door for Daphne and
drew back as the child crossed the thresh-
old heard half suppressed cry, a
rapturous exclamation, rush of tiny
feet, and knew that in that sickroom
was little bit of heaven.
Strangely enough, Daphne at once said,
You've been away such a long time,
mamma, thought you were never CON-
ing back"
She obeyed instructions and never
asked any questions, but ever after re-
fsrred to the time "when mamma was
away?
At first Portia did not seem TO remem-
Der what had befallen her. She appeared
conscious of having passed through some
hdeous experience with Sidonie, the de-
tails Of which were veiled in obscurtty.
We pressed her as little as possible on
the subject, trusting that with returned
health she might be able TO recall the
most important points Of her long and
cruel captivity.
And 20 IL came 10 pass as we had
hoped. One radiantly lovely twilight
we sat upon the piazza. Portia, pale.
languid, but still beautiful. wrapped in
soft flmy white shawls and laees. was
reclining In her great chair. Maurice
lay in a hammock. idly putting cigar.
Colonel Marchmont sat by Portia, caro-
fully watching her every expression and
anticipating her every want.
The sun was just setting in royal pomp
and splendor. Long banks Of feecy
purple and crimson clouds were piled in
the western sky. A mild breeze was
springng mp, ruffiing the tall, nodding
hliss standing ia huge jars along the
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16

J sdtD Uhtte uptur7ed face.
with her husband on your behalf. Come.
You know the swamp. Lead me out. I
beg, and will hasten with her message
to Colonel Marchmont."
Again that burst Of fendish laughter.
"Come to you--take your hand-lesd
you QUIT" came the voice; impossible,
you poor little gray mouse. cannot
bother with you. am going on another
errand."
"Oh, do not leave me. Sidonie." ] i'm
plored. do not leave me here in this
desolate place alone"
II must How strange her voicel
Was it dying away7
Come back; come backw I cried in
terror.
II cannot--I cannot--goodby-sood-
BY
Scream after scream broke from my
Hips as I realized that she was leaving
me. was well nigh insane with fright.
Just then the fog parted like q curtain
before me, and there in the black morass
at my feet saw a white upturned face,
which seemed to fling defiant smile at
me as il slowly sank from sight In the
ooze and horrible slime.
Then, as il clutched from beneath, the
long black hair outstretched upon the
filthy water was dragged down.
One slim, white hand remained an in
slant, fiuttering like broken winged
bird.
Then il was gonel
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16

will take care of Daphne, nurse Portia
well, look out for Jermyn's comfort and
occasionally give kind little smile to
a fussy old fellow like mey"
smiled family.
That's right. like TO see you smile,
Prudence. 1t lights up your plain, se-
we're little face and makes you beautiful
in my sight"
"Beautifulr said contemptuously.
"Yes, beautiful he retorted. "Not
with the classic beauty of Portals face
nor the diabolical, witchery Of that poor
creature whose beauty was her ruin, but
the beauty of goodness, kindness, loyal
ty and bravery-the beauty of holiness,
little woman. Prudence" gently lifting
me in his arms and kissing me tenderly
on the eyes. "do you know those clear,
truthful eyes have looked down deep
in my hearti ! love you. Will you be
my wife?"
II is said Joy never kills.
The words I had longed to hear werea
balm to my sick and tired heart. Iwept,
and the tears did me good.
/ had never known love nor congenial
companionship. had never dreamed
they could come into my colorless exist
ence. And yet my heart was as young
and fresh as q girls and responded to af-
fection as thirsty flower extends its
cup for drop of dew.
Love and happiness were mine at last.
Heaven was in my hands.
When Colonel Marchmont unexpect-
edly entered the room few minutes
later, he paused confusedly. murmured
an apology and turned to go, when
Maurice drew me to my feet, and lead
ing me up to our host said in tones Of
mock solemnity:
"Jermyn, q most astounding geograph.
ical phenomenon will be witnessed some
time within the next six months Bunker
Hill is to be transported to the shores OF
Lake Ponchartrain. Congratulate me-"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16

was lying on che broad couch before
the open fire in the library staring in
the glowing Goals, seeing there again
that hideous picture, when the door gen.
tly opened and Maurice entered.
He bent over me and said gently;
Poor little brave fghterl You had
TO succumb at last. didn't your Coura-
geous little Bunker Hill. When con-
slider the fortitude you have displayed
for weeks. am filed with admiration.
To think Of all the horrors you have en-
dured to be capped by that fearful ex-
perience in the swamp-well. well," he
paused as II unable to proceed.
"But," he continued after O moments
silence, 1--WE can't have our crack war
rior laid low. No. indeed Just tell mo
how this plantation win be run. who
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16

Where are they? In the swamp? All,
yes, beating the place with dogs and
guns. She will be taken, shot, perhaps
torn TO pieces. Oh, my poor Sidonie! I
have forgiven her. Let her go. Pru-,
dence." wildly, 'go quickly. can trust
you. Follow them to the swamp. Find
Jermyn and tell him that /. Portia, beg
him to let Sidonie go--tell him it dis
tresses me. l cannot bear 1t. forgive
her with all my heart" and she fell back
exhausted on the pillows.
summoned the nurse as quickly as
possible, and as Portia still urged and
insisted should carry her sublime mes
sage to her husband set out through
the mist aud the rain to Dead Mans
swamp
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16

When they found mo lying against the
tree staring like dead woman at the
fatal spot where life had been oblit-
Grated, they lifted me tenderly and car
ried me like child back TO the house
and my room,
I did not weep. / did not faint nor
grow hysterical, but was like stone. 1
seemed to have no sensation or volition.
Over and over saw that fearful sight.
Over and over / heard that burst Of
moclxing laughter.
The climax to the nervous strain under
which had been for weeks nearly de
throned my reason.
What saved mei
Love-
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-16

"Yes, lying there on her throne dead.
An awful sight, sir. Do you know I'm
thinking the snake she was playing with
may have bitten her. Anyway she has
gone to the devil, where she belonged"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25
Il PLAIN DESSERT.
SOMETHING CHEAP but NICE.

As rule are not especially successful IN this
country In the mailing OF slmpl" desserts. Aside
from soddcn pie crlss. what We. drnomlnate our
plain desserts too often pa,ty bread pnfdncs
and dishes Of cereals The cereal desserts are gen
orally recommended wholesome apparently In con
iradistncion to the rest we!ch not and certain
w. II the cereals are not wholesome. they moth
Ing for they dclicou, and often ordinarily
palatabe. In MAILING elaborate DESERTS on tie other
hand. househcopers generally excel There seems
to be an uncxpfe,scd idea that plain and simple
dessert should rcrec, in It's ns"lcss favor al the
lines OF TIE hard economy which compelled Its max.
Ing There l. no prctcnsicn that is delicious.
There is no reason why plain dessert should not
be a we'll Favored ana excellent rich one. II II
Is not pa.aiable II La, no reason 10 "Nist. The
and they consider II "Nirtagai TO s"rv on the table
ordinarily the rich ana "lauprA' pastries ana pIu
1 d. r Of rlca rice and irni Is one Of the simplest
and a :" same IN" on OF -" most p,a,noie. II ~
sicwed with ric" and served with delicate sauce"
Rice with pnrfpp"S t. especially nice. select
Put hcaping table popnul, OF rio" that has been
clear and clean, In pint Of boiling milk "i" Aali
iea,p0onfli Of salt Let IN" rice coon 10 double
ond Of This lime remove It from The fire. sir It
thoroughly and let 1t cool for hall an hour. Ten
aga The yoh, OF W. "ss, ana Az r"ain W" Ives
Tablespoonful, 81 sugar. Pa, the rice In saucepan
I'm layers alternately with pineapple. using ali a
pineapple ~ this anounf OF rice. II viii depend
somewhat tie szr of the "ipple II II IS very
small. more may be- needed. Pour over III" rice any
Juice Tat may lav" drained from III" pineapple aS
the iaycrs ere pacS,d In. Cover ~" siurrpan ami
set It IN M" for twenty minutes. Then turn
ont the mould and serve the pudding With sauce
made follows
put a PINT of milk 20 boil In a saucepan. Mix a
fahlespoorful Of nonr with t'aSpoOnful Of corn
starch. Beat two egg. with two tablespoonful Of
milk, and add them 10 TO cOrn-iarch and Hour.
Add al.O three tablespoonful OF sugar Pour T."
boiling milk gradually over his mi! >tur". Return th.
saucc N. fire and beat 4 iii n boilS. and on ada
fancy.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25

clusters Of wholesome looking flowers fernape
tine firm. futed pink-tinged buds are even pref;
tier than the blossoms. Pick freshly oPg .si.
cluster and observe that eacn oil ,ne denresson
Of the wheel-shaped corolla. Brush the hover
lightly but quickly, with your finger or twig:
Tie lar with such force that your finger y
thickiy busted with pollen. and you understand
how the visiting bee nnconsclously transmits INC
precious groins from Hover TO noW flowers Of tho
rbododendron are more beautiful than those OF
the laurel hut in our latitude the rhodoIenaEon
lnxuriant in growth and foliage Thoreau .
tireless in his admiration of the small, ten-sded.
rosy.crmson bas MS Of the sheep-lanreI. or lamp
long leaves, and flowers which resemble, except
in size and color. those of the mountain laurel.
in whoso Immediate n"iahborhocd they are found.
The belief that the leaves OF the iamoHiI prove
the English names Of the shrut. Not far from
the laurels find tho Indian cncum6er.roof. Win
wool-clid stems, above a circle of obong, pointed
leaves This delicate little plant Is less effective
than in eptembcr when it, 1s clustered pspt e
dctan the eye. Its ,tu'erons root. WIN Q sron29
favor of the cucumber. was very probably used
do Even .yen in mdwint"r we can go to the woods;
and brushing away the snow from ao srH
the roots Of some ,. ola at tree ::o,o. me
berries of the partridgc-vne. But this is the
scason when we should make special pilgrimage
TO some dim retreat where the air Is perv3de9
with the fragrance of its lovely white and pinkisn
twin-blossoms.
So frequent and enchantnr are the revelations
which await MS tles, days that TO the man q
woman with unburaoned mind and enlightened
vision q country ramblc il Of the most per.
feet of pleasures. Then there are days when the
odor-laden winds have some narcotic power, SEEM
ing to lull 20 inertia all energy and ambition:
DAYS when the drowsily witnessed voyage OF .
butterfly or the haf-heard song Of a wOod-thrush,
or even the dreamy consciousness OF the rhythmicd
development Of life about us-the measured suc-
ccssion of bud, flower and frult-seems SUM-
Gent end in itself 1t is easier to resist this IN.
Hucnce il we keep TO the road Once we are led
away by some winding pretence Of path. each
eafy curve of which is more .enticing than the
last, we are apt to yield ourselves to the simple
charm of being But on the rood more
practical. more saE-conscious. We only cease en-
trely to be selfconsciOus when there is no chance
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25

same enC roidery and the slightly pointed bclt-whch
Is fastened 10 the srtand the collar sparkle softly
with this same rich silver gal)n quaint part OF
the gown 1, the fuN Jockey which falls over the
n full top Of the sleeve. and l. boricrci with III"
silver embroidery. TIL" GOWN Is made over silver
gray s,irah. the corsagc being mounted on close
fitting lining.
The color'd linen gowns made To wear With s'ng"-
breasted coats OF the same very expensive cnr
men'S Not ONLY must they bn made by an artist
for u they arc not chic" they arr naught-but they
cannot really he worn more than once by faSdiouS
woman. NO,hng is ugli,r than linen gown not
nuite fresh ana the cannot he Numbered without
pulling OF shape. In making mp ilrsr suits w1lte
piping, are much used for the seams Young ,adl's
wear for morning dark blue linen GOWNS mad" VIII u
Little Jacket with EtOn fronts. opening over hillcd
white blouse.
a material for evening dresses. used abroad,
Is sunrise MORE" II looks white wh"n III. w"hIer
+ IL rcpo> hut when she moves II shows beautiful
PAN PINK and green gmnorinss.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25

ny MRS. WILLIAM STAHR-DANA.
ropvr,ont. 1897: Bv tn, Tribune Assoeia,ion
When Colcridgc called this
the leafy month OF June
il seems 10 me he struck the note of the first
summer month moro distinctly than own
Bryant, who wrote Of ilowcry June" June u.s.
above all things "lcafy,' seeming chiefly to con-
ccntrate her energies on her foliage for although
She really is not lacking in flowers. they are
almost swampcd in the great green flood which
has swept silently but irrcsisibly the land
At times ono loses sight of them alto gctncr, and
ancios that sort OF reaction has set in after that
festival
or breaking bud and scented BREATH
which unclaimed our senses few weeks sir CO.
But the sight of a clover-icld alone sufIices to
dlspel the thought There is no suggestion Of
exhaustion in the close swcet-scented wholesome
heads which are holding over whole acres of land
South winds jostle them.
Bumbl"hecs come,
Hover hesitate,
Drink and gone,
sings Mise Emily Dickinson, who elsewhere cal
tho clover tho
flower that lccs prefer
And butterflies desire.
Indeed, although this Is not native blossom
il seems to have taken "A special hold on the i'm
aginations OF our poets. Mr.. James Whtcomb
Riley asks,
What Is the lily md all OF the rest
OF the flowers 20 WIKI heart In his breast
Thu, was dipped irmmn' iuil e the honey and dew
OF the sweet clover blossoms his babyhood knew''
II is generally acknowledged, / believe, that
sense OF smell is intimately connected
with our powers Of memory that odors serve to
recall, with peculiar vividncss, the particular
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25

scenes with which they ar" associated. Many
of us have been Startled by some swiftly borne,
perhaps unr"cogni2"l fragrance. which. for pref
instant, has forcihy projected Ms INTO the past
and can maglnr that a scnsitivcly organized in
diyi,lual-and surely tho port is the outcome Of
peculiarly sensitive and highly developed or9aniza-
ton-night be- carried lack. with the strong scent
of the ct vcr fell. 10 the days when its breath
was n sufficient loy and it, limits barred out all
pos siliy Of disaster.
II We pluck from The rounded heads one tiny
flower and examine il with masnifylng glass We
see that it has somewhat the butterfly shape Of
its kinsinan Nh" sweet pea Of tho garden. We rc-
member that as children We followed tho bees
example and sucked from is slender tube the
nectar: and We conclude that the combined
presence Of lrrcgularly OF form, nectar. vlvri
cooring and fragrance indicate need OF insect
visitors for the exchange Of pollen and cons"-
oucnt setting of seed, as Nature never cNprnds
so mu"h effort without some clear end In view.
As an instance of the strange web OF complex
relations" TO quote Darwin, which binds TO-
gcthcr the various forms Of ifr recall state
mcnt, which created some amusement M meet
ing Of the English Royal Agricultural Society, to
the effect that the growth Of pink clover de-
pcndcd largely on the proximity OF old women.
Tho sneaker argued that old women kept eats;
cats killed mice: mice W r. prone TO destroy III"
nest. of the bnmhlchccs. which alone were fitted,
owing 20 the length OF their probosccs. to fcrtilzc
the blossoms OF the clover Consequently,
good supply of clover depended on an abundance
Of old women.
The LITTLE yellow hop-clovn, has inst begun u
nai,o ;ts anncarance in the sandy fields and along
the roaA4i,les Although it is very common. and
in spitc OF its general resemblance, both in leaf
81 4
recognized bnt seldom. | have known people 10
cothcr /, with JUNCTION and send it to some distant
botanical friend "a rarity.
One morning last fall ] found qnan'W OF
blood red clover heads by the roadside. ~ was
oathorinc , f,w-nrver before having seen this sr-
cies I was confidential woman cam" ont from IN"
ncicalorinr farmhouse 10 toll me that her nus
hand had plantel his clovsr-sccd. as usual, the
nrevious sprinQ and had been mnch amazed AZ the
oppcaroncn Of this flaming crop. She was eager
10 know il could toll her what sort OF clover
il was that yielded these unusual blossoms a
.oreful search through my Gray left III" quit"
in th. d,rl, Every plant-lovcr knows IN" seh*o
-, Iofo,t that comes with the acknowledgement
that vou cannot place n flower, and VIII SYM
o,hi,o with tho satisfaction which ] experienced
n few DAYS later when, while reading IN oh' VI
NJ p,,roughs's books an account Of country
,yoI,, IN England ! found n description oil LII
folium incarnatnm a clover common OH '', o'"
,;d. hut almost unknown here. that exactly tai
lied with the appearance OF the recently ".''o
cred s,rnngcr, which by some chance hao '"''''''
T., ,vov 70 fhc dooryard Of the Connecticut farmer
The origin Of the title clover Is thous"' W
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25

the frame. and the white lace that finishes the edge
l tinted here and there with water coors to match
the .cOlOrs Of the brocade" The whole effect was
exceedihey pretty and In perfect harmony with the
lowered china OF the lamp.
"Did you not engage the cook that you were tell
Ing me promised TO be such a success on her trial
week ?" said Mrs. s. to Jolly, busting little matron
who is great favOrite In society and is considered
frstrae housekceper among her friends.
Engage herr No, had no chance to. she so
quickly discngagcd herself" was the laughing reply
Il really must tell you the story II Is so absurd al
though / was veXed beyond measure AT the time
Frank brought home two men unexpectedly to dinner
the Sunday night after her arrival and as he SAID
they were valuable business acquaintance and evil
IDENTIFY wished 10 be extra polite TO them did my
best to help him. As 1t already late. few down
stairs and gave My treasure directions for
stretching and coaxng the little dinner ordered for
into quite "A respectable feast for four II was
end up with a carl al fruit salad well favored with
rum and sugared and iced in way which generally
finds great favor with the sterner sex. This was 10
bc my piece dc resistance So you may judge Of my
disrnay when we down to dinner TO discover that
both OF Franks useful friends were strict eeotallers
They would not touch the mild caret cup which
looked so tempting and cool the stiHngly hot even
ing, while they went on talking OF their big places
and thci. g!ccrhoIses and GIaperes and pinrrics,
and how they had beer brought mp to believe mat
termed the liquor habit at table. So that Frank and
| were quite ashamed 10 partake OF our nnocuons
beverage, and thought with agony OF mind hide
scribaile OF the salad to come. That VIII finish
Franks chances far as they are concerned
Thought wildly, and cast about In my mind what on
earth / could substitute I'm the way OF dessert.
Finally an Inspiration suggested. Itself 10 me-. and
whispered to The butter while he was changing my
plate TO ask the cook please not to serve the salad
but TO make an omeleitc soule Instead for the sweet
II arrived Only excellent and much appreciated,
and glowed with pleasure as l thought OF my good
luck In securing that handy and quick-wi woman
for the summer. But nearly tainted when. through
some misunderstanding. the frui; salad mGde Its ap
rcarance after ALL fairly king with alcoholic fumes
when, n You will believe me- orr two gentlemen not
only gobblcd up first portion Int were graciousy
pleased accept second helping. eating II grecdiy,
rum md all As for poor me- however. found rcrlbU-
ton awaiting the morning, for cook informed
that the donGs In house were too ire guar for
her and that she would like 10 60 away at once.
All on account OF that unlnchy omelctte and my
desire to please And the worst OF II all was that
Franks did not give him the hoped for com
mission after all: and here am l In all this heat
prowling around employment bureaus trying to con
vince cooks that country house on the iladson Is
more desirable than Chicago the seashore for the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-25
THE DEATH or MARIE AyTOIyETrE.

From The London spectator.
Some n yonr readers who, like myself. were Inc
tercstcd by your article In the spectator OF LAY
-, on the Prison Lite Of Marie Antoinetc.- may
perhaps also be Interested by the following unpu1-
isbf. account which | venture 10 send you. OF her
last moments. j came upon IT no, ,ong ago in \
r0tebook kept during the Revfluuon by my great
grandfather, Mallet du Pan, Who. thou.h no longer
in Paris at the time. always drew his Information
from Trustworthy and carefully organized sources
do not remember have II stated elsewhere that
Mari Antoiunte actually dead before she reached
the scnii0I but TO those who know Davtd's moving
ana terrible sketch OF the Inflated queen her way
10 execution the suggestion Will not seem All in-
probable one:
&c malheureux pra ensute Ia Refine do
pnssr dams IN chambre vOi,nc pour faire son hor.
iblr 81 dernerc toilette. Ellie passa avec fermefs
en- In deshabilln hi cOupa les clevcuA. on lu init
m bonnet r,nd. une couvcrure qni TenNel0ppit, ct
pnrdcssns I'm mantcau de III d" mousseine. Dams
90, ,,lpgc la condulsit Ia charr"fe, On ellie tut
Ilarcs deuN boucreaux. tstre nfortunre Prln-
soutin Get horrible apparel ct Ia raverse- i'm
sersne. regardant la fou.e indilfer.
cnce. Mails. arrvcn bout de- u Rue ROyae, lcrsQu'
Gle nprrcu In Place d. Ia Revolution la foue. echa.
fard. L. souvenir de- son marriage gu ceui de- Ia mort
du Iloi la frappcrcQt de- saisissement. Lopinion
generate est Qi'olie eXpra Arrivee Il Ia gIi o,ine,
les bourrcaux fursn oDliges de Ia prendre et dc L.
porter lc bahc: ellie n'avat plus de sentiment.
Lun des bourrraux Dit meme auelques scelera's Ql
ni r-prochasni de- la porter Eh. NJ voyoz vous pas
Iu'cllc deJa passc.' BERNARD MALLET.