The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-03-14
Continued
CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.
Wondering, but silent, Jessica led the
way to the colonel's study. 1t was a
room seldom used now. She came there
herself every Sunday morning to wind
up the old eight day clock which had
been ticking time into eternity for more
than half century.
AS she opened the door the odor OF
rose leaves and spices commingled was
waited toward them. Upon the colonel's
writing 'table-which used to be the de-
spair of the order loving Oscar-stood
o great blue jar Of foreign aspect, with
sprays of white hawthorn flowers
sprawling all over its surface.
Walking over to the table, Jessica
dipped one hand into the blue jar, STIR
ring it's aromatic contents into more ac-
tive pungency. DR.. Northcote stood on
the other side of the table, drawing off
his gloves in nervous, jerky fashion.
She looked at him with humid eyes,
''Father loved his roses SO dearly.
We keep this jar full of petals from his
favorite bushes" Then she laughed
most Unexpectedly.
There was strange fippancy about
this untimely merriment which seemed
to jar on her own nerves. She offered
an apology, which was scarcely less flip
pant than the laugh.
EXCUSE me, doctor, but you look ex-
actly as if you were getting ready to
lop off leg or an arm. I cannot con-
ceive of anything you may have to tell
me that would warrant such tremendous
gravity. I suppose, though, we are all
keyed up to tragic pitch, and all our
molehills are mountains -
AS he made no response to this she
began to fear she had angered him seri-
ously.
ssPray excuse my silly laugh. It was
a mere hysterical outburst. l have had
much to try my nerves lately. Whatev-
er your errand, trust me to meet it cour-
teously. I imagine you have come to
take my aunt away again. You may
have the legal right, but I should be
sorry to see you exercise it.
Only too glad of a respite, Northcote
answered inconsequently
''Tell me about her. It was only
through the reverend old man who
sought nights shelter from me that /
heard of her being alive and with you.
AS you know, have been with the reg
iment as surgeon, coming home only re-
Gently for a short furlough. Mrs. North
cote has been with her family in Flori-
da, and so we have heard but little OF
Apologize happenings. I should like to
have a more circumstantial account OF
your aunt's welfare. -
He seated himself in the colonel's re-
volving chair, but Jessica remained
standing, restlessly occupied with the
rose jar.
IT take it for granted" she said,
"5hat my gentle pilgrim has told you
the first part of the story-of how I
found old Savanna hiding her nursing
as if there were no friends left in the
world to my poor aunt?''
'tYes, yes; have heard that part. 1t
is strange that neither. .Bascom nor
Thought of the old bag 4 had almost
forgotten her very existence.
'sShe has been everything to my aunt,
and since I defied her and laughed to
scorn her pretended oocultism she has
proved very satisfactory attendant.
ST should like to know something
about your aunt's present state of
health, although, Of course, will see
her before leave the house.
Personally I should prefer that you
should not. She associates you with her
exile from home and her confinement
within certain limits. When I first had
her removed to the house, she wandered
about it like a bewildered child, but
gradually memory asserted itself until
now she seems perfectly happy and con.
tented. I think her restoration to the
spot where she lived as girl has in a
manner dissipated some of her delu-
sions. We never hear her calling for her
doll as she used to do. She frequently al.
Iudes to her mothers implacable and
to me inexplicable anger, but in the re-
gretful manner any daughter might dis.
play She leads the life of a recluse in
the up stairs suit Of rooms she occupied
as young lady, is devoted to Savanna
and also, remembers Miss Turner, my
companion, very well.
81 think Miss Turner has been o.
great benefit to her in reyiving school
girl memories. l seem to puzzle hel
somewhat, although she tolerates mt
amiably. She is gentle and courteous tt
everybody. Physically she is causing