The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-06-14
CHAPTER Nv.

GERALD RANFoRTH's STORY CONTINUED.
shall never forget the moments that
sat there holding the hand Of the un-
conscious woman while the tide of life
slowly flowed back into her veins. The
place and the hour, the solemn ruins
towering above us, grim and spectral,
the weird moonlight giving a CHASTITY
pallor to every object, all served to lend
an aspect of unspeakable grandeur and
wild desolation to the scene, yet was
oblivious to everything save the uncon-
scious form before me.
She lay limp and pallid in the damp
grass, one hand resting in the soft folds
of exquisite lace upon her breast, her
clinging garments showing form 80
perfect, so matchless that 1t might have
served as a model for even Phidias.
One hand held in mine and chafed it
while watched the color come family
into her cheeks. Then her eyes opened,
but there was that in their depths that
indicated that she was not yet conscious.
For only a moment she stared vacantly
at space. Then her eyes closed again,
and she appeared to relapse into a kind
OF stupor.
now woke to the realization that
something must be done for her at once.
IL would not do TO remain idle when ev-
cry moment might be precious as life.
Again glanced about the place, but the
nearest habitation TO be seen was the
villa on the hill. To this was deter
mined to carry her, for could never
30 kov nj xuh Ia
went for assistance.
lifted her tenderly in my arms and
bore her swiftly up the slope, my heart
beating in wild tumult of conflicting
emotions. How l reached the place
never knew. Even now it all seems like
a dream. On reaching the villa called
loudly 10 the inmates, at the same time
beating upon the door like one bereft of
reason.
heard rnstling within. Then there
came voice from the window overhead.
Who is there?" The voice was Eng
lish aud woman's. thanked heaven
for that.
Here is some one in distress, re-
piled. 1T is lady. She is seriously
iurt, fear. For heavens sake come a
quickly rs you canl'
heard surprised voices within, then
hurrying footsteps, and then after what
seemed to me an age of delay the door
was thrown open, and a middle aged
woman appeared.
| still held the senseless burden in my
arms, and the woman uttered a cry OF
| horror as she saw me,
"This lady is hurt and needs your
help, said hastily. "She is doubtless
sleepwalker. She was down at the old
ruin. She slipped and iell upon the
rocks"--
my God. it is Miss Gracel'' The
woman uttered the exclamation as she
came forward, and then she threw her
arms about the unconscious form sup
| ported. MY poor, poor darlingl Oh,
tell me--is she killed?" And her voice
died in choking sob.
"Only stunned" replied. PLEASE
show me where l shall take her, and a
physician must be brought.
THANK heaven she is not killed, "
cried the woman. Then, turning, she
led the way through dark hall and
into wide, airy room, lit only by the
moonbeams that streamed brightly
through high open window. At one
end of the room was wide, curiously
fashioned couch, and upon this de-
posted my burden.
The woman hastily lighted lamp,
and as she came forward to the couch I
said:
"Some water and little spirits, II
you have any in the house"
She disappeared to execute the order,
calling loudly to some other inmates of
the house as she did 80. In short time
she returned with a pitcher of water
and some brandy, and kneeling beside
the couch she bathed the unconscious
woman's head and forced some Of the
spirits between her lips.
There was hasty step in the hall,
and the next instant girl of some l6
years Of age entered, frightened looh
upon her face.
"Your mistress is hurt badly" said
the woman beside the couch. "Call
Beppo and send him for the doctorl"
The girl uttered sobbing cry and
ran to the hall door.
"Boppo! Beppov" she called In
frightened voice.
In few moments an italian lad oi
about 10 appeared at the door.
"Go for DIR. Barcago at oecei Your
mistress is very illl'' she said.
With a bow the youth disapp ared Il
execute the order.
Thank heaven she is recoveringv
came from the woman beside the couch
turned 10 the girl.