The Portland daily press., 1897-12-11
(ALL RIGHTS
Chapter VIII-Continued.)

1t was a large old-fashioned chamber
furnished as a bedroom. Round the walls
ran a 1vainscot of polished oak, very old
and worn, and the floor was of the same
ma teriaI. There was an open fireplace
and a bright turf IRE was burning on the
hearth and casting ghostly lights upon
the walls.
In one corner of the room was a small
modern heGstead of brass, with clean
white hangings and bedding, and close
to Ii a large armchair, in which | was
seated There was one small window to
the room hung with snow white curtains,
and near it dressing-table and looking
glass, with hair brushes, scent bottles
and pincushion. 1t was clear that an at
tsnpt had been made to make the room
comfortable and pretty, possibly for my
reception.
But my spirit was now up in arms
against the outrage and indignity which
l had suffered. Rushing to the door I
tried to open it; it was locked from the
outside. | ran to the window and threw
it open, but it was black night sill
around. and I could see nothing. In my
desperation I think I should have leapt
cut, but the window was protected by
close iron bars.
Returning to the door, I struck at it
again and again with my clenched hands.
"Open, open ~ l cried.
There was shuffiing step on the land
ing, and the same woman's voice which
had heard before said:
s'What is it, my lady?'
''Opeu the door, [ command you. /
wish to leave this place. Open Open 20
And I struck at the panels with all
my strength.
hSure, you can't leave tonight, my
lady" said the voice. ''Bide in peace
till the morning, and ye shall do as ye
please
II will go at oncel I forbid you to de-
tain me! Open, say
There was no answer, though I con-
tinusd TO beat upon the door and to cry
for hslp. At last, WORKOUT and despair
ing, CROSSED the room and threw myself
into the arm chair
What could 1t mean. What house was
jtf And why had 1 been brought here?
I could think of only one explanation
that nv cousin, Patrick Blake, had full
filled his threats and had carried me oil
by force, with the aid of his desperate
companions. If 50, what WAS to become
of meP 10 what further degradation and
humiliation was l to be subjected.
AS l sat thus, trembling an0 thinking
the door opened suddenly and an old
woman entered the room. | sprang up,
and as did so the door was closed and
looked behind her.
She stood looking at me sadly, rocking
her head from side to side. Her hair was
white as snow, her face not unkindly,
and though her fornawas bent with years,
she still seemed hale and strong.
'Who are youp'' cried, facing her.
'What place is this, and why have 1
been brought here?"
''Bide bit my swate lady, she re-
piled; the mashter himself will come
TO ye:'
1.-THE master? Whom do you mean?''
81 name one who loves We as the light
and sunshine of his life, acushla-one
who would die for ye if need be-one who
is waiting and praying for your forgive
ness.''
sFDo you mean my cousin, Patrick
BlakeP' I asked, wildly.
''Bide p bit, bide bit," she said,
gently. .'sit ye down. and let old Mamie
bring ye bife and sup, before ye lie down
and sleep. Ye may do that same in pace,
my lady, oraehim. that adores We is watch
ing over ye!'
Trembling between anger and amaze
] pushed past her. and again rushed to
the door. At that moment it opened and
man appeared on the threshold.
knew him in moment.
What was my amazement to recognize,