Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-06-09
CHAPTER VIII.


of this weaker character Her face
fairly glowed with the passion De
maternity, and her words rang on the
air like the vibration of hot metal be-
Ing beaten into shape. When she paus-
ed the poor Shamed creature whom she
addressed skunk again to her side and
clutched the edge of her mistress's
gown in her nerveless, trembling
hands
"Ah, Madam, Madam, think how she
has wronged you.'
Il may think of that, but should YOU
Should you. her mother, think of wrong
done a stranger, when your child.
stricken and suffering, calls to you?"
Il do long for her" she walled miser-
ably; but what can l do? Where can
l take her?"
There was an impressive pause.
Madam turned her poor eyes vaguely
about, as If in searcn for someone. I
had been looking at Darracott. con-
strained to watch him by reason of the
swift play of emotion in his counten-
ance. The bitterness OF his expression
when Madam made ailusion to her lost
son, an allusion which was then. of
course, quite without meaning to
me, was such as for n brief instant
made me waver in my strong alleg-
lance to my dear lady. There must
have been potent cause for such a
look. And yet--Madami AS she wait
ed. glancing thus irresolutely about.
the mask of repression settled over
his features, eclipsing seif-betrayal.
He took few steps forward, and
touched his mothers arm, significant
", with his strong right hand. The
touch sent a thrill coursing through
her being Lhat broke up all its lev self
restraint. Her stately head dropped,
her face worked with emotion. and her
beautiful eyes melted and grew bright
with unshed tears. With n quick,
proud, and yet tender gesture she drew
Darracotts hand from her arm and
clasped IL within her own.
My son has hidden you bring your
daughter again beneath hisroof. Have
you or right to express inclina-
ton or hesitation in n matter wherein
his authority is as absolute as his
generosity and clemency are unconi-
mon and Dobler'
For brief instant, 1, watching the
man with passionate interest that
mad no kinship to idle curiosity, saw
q hash OF brightness light up his eyes.
The next moment his hand was with
his businesslike tones eliminated all
tragic element from the interview.
My mother must not remain here,
Mayberry. The place is unfit for her.
Make your daughter ready, and when
4 nave taken my mother and Miss
Lothrop home L will return for YOU"
My dear lady turned quickly to him
as he spoke, and / flushed with pleas
ure as she said, with unmistakabla
affection in her voice:
MY little Dorothy, Where is she,
my sonT'
1 went forward, and took her hand
tenderly in mine. Her fingers closed
eagerly over my own, as If she found
comfort in the contact. Mayberry. in
the presence of such magnanimity rs
had been shown her. was, for once, too
overawed for lachrymose Indulgence.
With an indistinguishable murmur she
moved away from our little group and
took mp her station by the side of the
Insane girl, who had been watching the
whole Interview with marked delight
Just as we were about to turn away,
the witless creature gave n sudden cry
and would have sprung forward 10
Madam's side, had not Mayberry fallen
swiftly upon her and restrained her By
actual force of arm. / felt Madam
shudder, and as she turned eagerly
towards the door. as If desiring TO eS-
cape, / anticipated her wish and led
her from the dark and horrible den.
No word was spoken rs we drove
home; but as we got out of the car
riage and We're about to enter the
house, Madam turned to Darracott
MY SONNY dear SON." heard her
say, with heart breaking tremble in
her voice "I thank Won
But there was no corresponding
emotion in the tone in which he re-
piled:
There is no occasion for gratitude.
, mother. \ man has no choice in n
matter of plain duty
As she aud | mounted the steps. she
sighed SO heavily that IL made my heart
ache fer her unknown trouble But
was t1ngue-tied by ignorance AMI
could ely manifest my sympathy by
mfusiE= surprising tenderness into the
ministrationS ] vas allowed to perform
for her, in place of Mayberry, whom
she would not see again that night, she
said. When l had helped her to I'M
dress and had made her comfortable.
she babe me throw n wrapper about
her and send Franklin to her. as she
wished to give instructions relating to
the disposal of Mayberry'S daughter.
Il shall have Il fierce struggle 10
overcome the old mans objection to
harboring the girl she remarked, with
a sad little smile. But he must weld
a point which my son has not thought
fit to contend. My SONNY dear sOnr'
she repeated caressingiy. Dorothy,
did 1 mot tell You he was of heroic
mould? But | forget. How must all
the sad mystery OF these events define
itself TO you? You must he taught to
understand them. even If 1t costs M
something OF your regard 20 cnlightpn
you. Tomorrow, perhaps-perhaps
san find strength to tell you. I is your
due, my child-my comforter.
My tears mOistened her hands as she
took my face between her palms to kiss
il. She made no comment upon them,
however, only her kiss was more tend
or, more loving than usual.
could not bear To 80 TO bed without
seeing DarracOtt once more, for l felt
persuaded that. although far less Wis
ible to others, his suffering that night
fully equalled, if fl had not largely eX-