Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-05
CHAPTER xXXIv.
A CRY.


and as yet no one was allowed to see the
patient.
For a time Stephen was inclined to be
somewhat chagrined: she had set her
mind on making much Of this man whom
fate and his own bravery had thrown
athwart her life. She was convinced in
her Utmost heart that there could be no
adequate reason, on purely medical or
surgical grounds. why she should not be
allowed to peep into a darkened room, or
speak a few words with or even to a suf-
fering man. But in these days Stephen
was in some ways changed and patient
woman, and she was SO full of gratitude
to the great and quick answer which had
been given to her prayer that conse-
uuent meekness had become a part of her
nature.
Such little attentions to the wounded
man as Stephen was permitted were daily
bestowed; fresh flowers OF her own
choosing were sent into the sick room.
AS Stephen had always had taste OF her
own with regard to Horticulture. the effect
was hardly soothing to the patient. He
recognized ever afresh the presence or
those flowers which Stephen loved and to
which all his own youth and young man
hood had been accustomed. In their
fragrant presence he felt at times as
though Stephen herself were in the room
Every thought Of her disturbed him
afresh. Willing as he was 10 sacrifice
himself and his feelings in any way for
f hea g the aet of of0 Stealing a in
which he contemplated wou bring her
fresh pain. She had done\ali In her
power for an unknown man; and through
him her reward would be humiliation and
disappointment where she might have
looked for gratitude. And 1t WOULD
come by his hand: his hand, who In ad-
dition to all the past. owed her his very
life. And yet it was for her good! AS
the other act had been!
But to Stephen all the mystery seemed
to grow out of its first shadowy lmpor-
tance into something real. There was
coming to her a vague idea that she
would do we'll not to manifest any con-
Germ, any anxiety, any curiosity. Instinct
was at work; she was content to trust IT,
and wait.
One forenoon she received by messenger
a letter which interested her much. 1t
was dated that morning from Var1lands'
a neighboring estate which marched with
LannOy to the south.
MY Dear Madam: Will you pardon me
a great liberty. and allow my little girl
and me to come to see you today! l
shall explain when we meet. When say
that we are Americans and have come
seven thousand miles for the purpose,
YOU Will, am sure, UNNECESSARILY tldl IL 10
no common interest which has brought
us. and it will be the excuse for our
eagerness 1 should write you more fully.
but as the matter is confidential one
thought ii would be better to speak. We
shall be doubly grateful If you will have
The kindness to see us alone. / write as
mother In making this appeal to your
kindness; for my child-she is only lit
tie over eight years old-has the matter
so deeply in her heart that any disap-
pontment or undue delay would. fear.
affect her health. We presume to take
your kindness for granted and will call
a little before IL o'clock.
II m. Y perhaps say that my husband
purchased some years ago this estate.
we were to have come here to live in the
early summer, but were kept in the west
by some important business of his.
"Alice Stonehouse."
Stephen had. of course. no hesitation as
to receiving the lady. Even had there
been any objection, the curiosity which
she had in common with her kind would
have swept difficulties aside. She gave
orders that when Mrs. StOnehouse arrived
with her daughter they were to be shown
at once into the mandarin drawing room
That they would probably stay for luncIi
She would see them alone.
A little before II o'clock Mrs. Stone
house and Pearl arrived, and were shown
into the room where Lady de Lannoy
awaited them. She was sitting in the
great bay window. The high sun.
streaming in from the side. shone on her
beautiful hair. making it look like living
gold. When the Americans came in they
were for an instant entranced by her rich
beauty. One glance at Mrs. Stone
houses sweet sympathetic face was
enough to establish her in Stephens good