Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1887-4-15, Page 7Arm 15. 1887 THE BRUSSELS POST rflt�'MaaArSriC.'L41'P :FJTR4SiW'7iTAt6.' MfM:ra'Jkfwlr. J.�n,..J'••,..•�-.:.;M1traw.,,nGssanadl+?.m:itwRaY:w,7,u'r7Gw,drlt,urrnubih!(C!5•vx _ TUE ACTRESS' DAUGHTER; .1 TEE 9tIS'TiU SS 0]? RICHMOND BOW. A %mi ,E DE WRONG AND mown By Mrs. MAY AGNS FLIIIING, butter of •. Lest Dor a Woman," "nano' •�Percr'e Atecret,,' F!c, E. "A fragrant little spring roes, I lithe gine," "Yes, of that, too; but she is more like the river just now as it flows on smooth, serene, untroubled and shining, smiling in the sunshine, unruffled and calm. "And I ani like that sante river lashed to fury in a December storm," said Georgia, with a darkening brow. "Ex•actly—pro•eisely ! though you are quint enough now; but as those still waters must bo lashed into tont. poste, jest so certain will yon—" "Mr. Wildair, I don't relish your per sonalities," said Georgia, with a flushing cheek and kindling eye. "1 bog your pardon—it was an tinge]. .ant speech—but I did not know you oared for compliments. What shall I say you look like ?—soma gorgeous tro• pica. flower ?" No, sir you shall compare Inc to nothing! Georgia .Darrell looks like herself alone! There; how do you like my drawing?" He took it and looked long and ear. nestly. It was rather a strange ouo. It represented a wintry sea and coast, with the dark, sluggish waves tossing like a strong heart in strong agony, and only lit by the fitful, watery glimmer of apalo`wintry moon breaking through the dark, lowering clouds above. Down on the shore knelt a young girl, her long hair and thin garments streaming bo - hind her in the wind, her hands clasped, her face blanched her eyes train d in horror far over the troubled face of the soft on a drowning form. Far oub a female face rose above the devouring waves—such a face, so full of a terrible, nameless horror, despair, and utter wee as no fancy less vivid than Georgia's could ever have conceived. One arm was thrown up far over her head in the death struggle, and the eyes in that strange face were appalling to look on. Richmond Wildair held his breath as he gazed, and looking up in Georgia's dark face in a sort of feat, "Georgia! Georgia!" be said, "what in mercy's name were you thinking of when you drew that ?" She laughed. Don't you liko it, Mr. Wildair ?" cite said. "Like it 1 You're a goblin 1 a kelpie 1 a witch 1 an unearthly ebaugoliug 1 or you never would have conjured up that blood -chilling face. Why, you have been painting portraitsI Did you know it ?" "r did not when I commenced– found ommenced found I had when they were done." "And life -like portraits they are, too, That kneeling girl is Emily Murray, though her tweet face never wore that r »• "•n" haCo pie'tni'r',1 "O]i, Georgia! what spirit possessed you to paint that awful fade?" "How do I know? The spirit of prophecy, perhaps," she said, in a tone of dark gloom. "Georgia Darrell, do you know what you deserve ?" "No, sir." "Then I shall tell you. You ought to be locked in an attic, and fed on bread and water for a month, to cool the fever in your blood." "Thank yea; I would rather be ex. eased- And now I come to think of it, it couldn't have been the spirit of pro- phecy either that inspired mo, for your brother Charles told me once that I would never bo drowned." "No ? How how did he know it ?" "Ile said a more elevated destiny awaited mo—hanging." "What if he turns out to be a true prophet?" "I shall not be surprised." "You will not ?" "Most certainly not. They Tsang people for murder, don't they?" "Well ?" "Well l" she repeated, mimicking his tone; "I expect to be the death of somebody one of these days." He knew she spoke lightly, yet sud- denly there rushed to his mind the re- collection of the conversation he had once held with his brother, in which he compared her to Lady Macbeth, and declared his belief in her capability of committing that far-famed lady's crime, Strange that it should come back to him so vividly and painfully thou. "Well, signor," said the deer, musical voice of Georgia breaking in upon his reverie, "of what is your serene highness thinking so intently 2 Do you fear you are to be the future victim 2" "Georgia 1" "I listen, mynbeer," "Susses° you loved somebody very much—" "A mighty absurd proposition to be- gin with, 1 never intend to do any. such thing." "Now, Georgia, be serious. Suppose you loved some one with all your heart, if you possess such an article, you flinty fetnalo anaconda, and they profeseod to love you and afterward deceived you, what would you do 2" "Do I" hor faro darkened, her oyes blazed, her lips spirting quivoriug apart, her hands clenched ; "dol 1 should blast them with pry vengeance; I would live for revenge,I would die for revenge! I would track them over the world hke death by the 'ower of any own will with I had wreaker this doom on their do - voted bead, Deceive me 1 Safer would it be to tamper with the lightning's chain than with the heart that beats hero." She struck her breast and rose to hor fent transformed 1 The terrific look that had startled him in the pictured face flamed up in her living ono now, and she tithed like a young Medusa, ready to 1 blight all on whom her stark, scorching glance might rest, IIe stood appalled before her. Was she acting, or was this storm of passion real ? It was a relief to Lim to see ono of his own servants approaching at that moment with a letter in his hand. The presence of a third person restored Georgia to herself, and loaning against a tree, she looked darkly over the emit- ing, shining waters. "From Charley I" was Richmond's joyful exclamation, as he glanced at the superscription of the 'letter and dis- missed the man who brought it, "It is nearly six months since he wrote last, and we wero all getting seriously uneasy , about him. Will you excuse me while! I read it, Georgia 2" Georgia bent her head in token of acquiescence, and taking up another piece of paper, began carelessly drawing a scaffold, with herself hap ing, to hor- rify her companion. So a sorbed did she become in her task, that she did not observe the long silence of her corn. panion, until, suddenly lifting her eyes, she beheld a startling sight. With the letter clutched with a death. grip in his hand, his face livid, his brow corrugated, his eyes fixed, his whole form rigid and motionless, he sat with his oyes riveted on that fatal letter. In all her life Georgia had never soon the calm, self -sustained Richmond Wild - air moved, and now—oh, this was awful. She sprang to his side and caught his arm, crying out : "Richmond 1 Richmond! oh, Rich- mond ! what is the matter?" IIe lifted his eyes with a hollow groan. "Oh, Georgia 1" "Richmond 1 oh, Richmond 1 is Char- ley dead?" "Dead? No 1 Would ho were 1" he said, with passionate bitterness. "Oh, Richmond, this is terrible ! What has your bi tber—" "Brother ! Itis false 1" he exclaimed, fiercely, springing to his feet; "ho is no brother of mine 1" "Good gracious, Richmond 1 what has he done ?" "Done 1" he repeated, furiously ; "he has disgraced himself, disgraced us all —done what I will never forgive." Ib was the first time Georgia had ever heard him utter such language. As a gentleman, he was not in the habit of staining his lips with expletives, and now even her strong nature shrank, and sho shuddered. "Oh, what has Charley done ? What can he have dorso? He, so frank, so kind, so warm-hearted. Oh, ho cannot have committed a crime 1 It is impos- sible," cried, Georgia, vehemently. "11 is not impossible—lost, fallen, do - graded wretch 1 Oh, mercy 1 that 1 shotild have lived to see this clay ! Ola, who—who shall tell my mother this?" "Richmond, be calm—I implore you. Tell pie what he has clone ?" "What you shall never know—what I shall never belt you 1" he cried, passion - The color retreated from Georgia's very lips, leaving her white as marble. "If it is murder—" "Murder 1 That might bo forgiven. A man may kill another in the heat of passion and be forgiven. Murder, rob - i h bury, arson, all m g tforgiven ; but be this 1 Oh, Georgia, ask me not 1 I feel as if I should go mad." What had he done, what awful crime was this that had no name, before which. i • " T'•• races, mem minder sank 111 L,. ,. Ilse. Ge.+r;hL btu 1 11..•+,liod,while ItieL• ; mud, with -the fatal letter crushed in his hand, strode up and down as if ho were indeed mad. Then, as his eye fell un the familiar handwriting, his mood changed, and he passionately exclaimed: "Oh, Charles I Oh, my brother 1 Would you had died ere you had tomo to this. Oh, Georgia 1 I loved him so —everyone loved him so. And now— and now 1" He turned away and shaded his eyes with his Lands, while his strong chest heaved with irrepressible emotion. Every tender, womanly fooling m Georgia's heart was stirred, and she went over and took his hand in hers, and said, gently : "Mr. Wildair, things may not bo so bad as you suppose. I am sure they are not. I could stake my soul on the innocence of Charles Wildair. Oh, it is impossible, absurd, he can be guilty of any crime. The Charley Wildair I once knew can never have fallen so low. Oh, Richmond, I feel he is innocent. I know ho is." "Georgia, I thank you for your sym- pathy, it is my best consolation now ; but I am not deceived ; he is guilty ; ho has confessed all. And now, Georgia, I never want tohear his name mentioned again ; never speak of him to me inore. I must go home now; I must be alone, for this shook has quite unmanned me. Do not speak of this to any one. Faro. well !" He pressed hor hand, pulled his hat down over his eyes, and started off in the direction of Burnfield. Lost in amaze, Georgia stood watohing him until he was Out of sight, and then resumed her seat on the grass to think over this strange, scene, and wonder what possible crime Charley Wildair had committed. 11 was hard to atm- . Mate with any crimp the memory of the handsome, happy, generous boy sho re- membered ; but it must be so. Tae con. famed it himself; hie brother, who sleutit•hpund. I would defy„ even patesienatoler loved_ hem, branded him 0 . su is ; therefore 11 must be sob ` 'While she sat thinking, tiro soft hands wero placed over her eyes, and a silky curl touched her cheek. "Emily," said Georgia quietly, with- out meting. "Yes, that same small individual," said a sweet voice ; and our fair Brolly came from bellied her, and threw her- self down on the grass by her side, "Where did yon drop from 2" asked Georgia, nob exactly delighted at the interruption. "Not from tho clouds, Lady Georgia. 1 went to tho cottage and learned from Mies Joruaba that teacher andpupil had "ono off sky -gazing and 'm akin' pictures.' �t the risk of being de trop, 1 followed, and here I am. Where's Monsieur le Tutor 2" "Gond home," said Georgia, listlessly. "And left you here all by yourself How shockingly ungallant! Now, I thought bettor things of the lord of Richmond Hall What do you think of him, Georgia 2" Of whom 2" "Of whom! You know well enough. Of Mr. Wildair." "I havo formed no opinion on the sub- ject." "Well, that's odd. I have, and I think him a splendid fellow—so gentle- manly, and all that. I wonder what he thinks of us?" "He thinks you are a good girl, and I am a dreamer," "A good girl 1 Well, that's very mod- erate praise, blank and cool, but just as much as I want, And you are a dreamer —I knew that before. Will you ever awaken, Georgia2" "I shall have to; I never wish it, though." "Than the awakening will not be pleasant 2" ' No ; 1 feel a presentiment that it will not. Oh, Emily! I am tired of my present stagnant life ; and yet, some- times I wish I might never be anything bob a 'dreamer of dreams,' without even realizing how real life is. I wish I were now like you, my little Princess Frost- iva." "Yon and I can never be alike—never, Georgia ; every element in our nature is as essentially different as our looks. Yon aro a blaze of red skyrockets, and I am a little insignificant whiff of down." "No, indeed ; you are a good, lovable girl, with a warm heart, a clear head, and a cool temper, who will lead a happy life, and die a happy death. But I—oh, Emily, Emily ! what is to be my fate ?' She spoke with a sort of cry, and Emily started and gazed on her with 0 troubled, anxious face. "Orr, Georgia, what is the matter ? Dear Georgia, what is the matter ? Yon look so dark, and strange, and troubled." "I am out of spirits—a bad fit of the blues, Em" said Georgia, trying to smile. "I am a sort of monomaniac, I think; I do not know what is the mat- ter with mo. 1 wish. I were away from hare; I grow fairly wild at times. Emily, I shall die if I stay hero much longer." All that day something lay ou hon h eart like lead. Perhaps it was the memory of that mysterious letter, and Charley's guilt, and his brother's an- guish, that weighed it down. Miss Jerusha had long ago given np wonder- ing at anything hor eccentric protegee ;night see fit to do ; but when all day long sho saw her sit, dark and silout, with folded hands, at the window, gaz- ing at the over restless, flowing river, she did wonder whab strange thoughts were passing through her young heart, or, to use her own expression, what had "Memo to her." Fly gave it as her opinion it was only"new streak " in ffi the already sufficiently "streaked" char- acter of hor young mistress. And Betsey Periwinkle, wondering too, but maintaining a discreet silence on the subject, mime purring round her, while ,her more demonstrative offspring leaped into 'her lap and hold up her head for hor customary caress. 'Unheeding them all, Georgia went early to her room, and leaning her head on hor hand, gazed languidly out. Tho soft evening breeze lifted the damp, shining braids of her dark hair, and kissed softly her grave, beautiful face, and the evening star rose up in solemn beauty, and shone down into the dark eyes fixed so earnestly on the far-off horizon that seemed hor prison wail. And Georgic looked •,,n - ud felt a holy calm steal into' fm•g_nt ell her aor:fhre ing grew ati. beauty of the. CHIAPTER XI. SOMETIII\G NEW. There were groat cloings going on up at tho "house. ' All Burnfield was in a state of unprecedented excitement about it. Tbo last presidential election, the debut of the new school -maim, or even the first arrival of the locomotive at the Berthold railway depot, had not created half Ouch a sensation. Marvellous tabs ran like wildfire through the town, of carpets, of fine velvets, as Mrs. Tolduso, the gossip -in -chief, called it; of mirrors reaching from floor to coiling in dazzling gilt frames ; of sofas, and conches, ant; lounging - chairs, and marble • topped tables, and no cad of picturee, and sta- tues, and upholstery, and "heaps and heaps of other things—just splendid," said Mrs. Toiduso; "sioh as must have cost an awful eight of money." Then workmen came from the city, and the stately old mansion underwent a course of painting and vanishing, un- til it fairly glittered ; and the grounds were altered, and fountains erected, and statues of Hobes, and Watorbeerers, asci ✓ enuses rising from the sea -foam, and lions,with fountains spouting from their mouths and nostrils, and lots of other devices soattorocl everywhere. And thou a prim little matfon of a housekeeper, and an accomplished cook, ,apd an aria- toeratio butlor, and coquottlsh chamber- maids in shaking sold eardrops and pink bows, and a dignified coachman, and two fascinating young footmou, and a delightful old gardener, with beautiful wbite hair and whispers, made their ftp- pearaneo,electrifying the neighborhood, and looking down with contempt ou their openmouthed, homespun neigh• bore. Tho people stood a groat deal more in awe of the aristocratic butler and footmen, and the rest of them, than they did of their young master; who was never stiff and pompous, but was given to pat the children on the head as he passed and throw them coppers, and touch his bat to the blooming, blushing, smiling country belles, and nod with caroloss condescension to their fathers and brbthere. And then wild, mysteri. one rumors began to fly about that the young squire was going to marry some great city heiress, and bring her hero to live, and those who wore so fortunate as to be graciously noticed by any of the aristocratic flunkeys aforesaid, endea- vored to "pump" them, but knowing nothing themselves they could only shake their beads and, look mysterious unspeakable things that said as plainly as words, "Of course we know all, but 'we have too great an esteem for the youug gentleman in whose house ve reside to betray his confidence," so Mrs. Tolduso, and the rest of leer set had to coin their own news, and were still left to their own surmises. Miss Jerusha, albeit not giveu to gos- siping, could not help hearing these rumors, and the worthy spiuster began to grow alarmed. She had never real. izod until now the immense distance between the rich young gentleman, Mr. Wildair, and the poor daughter of the poor actress, Georgia Darrell, who wore her poverty as a duchess might her coronet. Why, the very servants of the house, in their arrogance, would look down on the village girl ; the fas- cinating young footmen would have con- sidered her honored by a smile ; and tho chambermaids would lift their rust. ling silken robes and sweep past her reonsolme - de - Laine in lofty disdain. Georgia, the cottage girl, mistress of the groat house and all those awcein- slpiring young ladies and gentian n who did Mr. Wildair's work for a "consider- ation I" Oh, Miss Jerusha, no wonder your chin drops as you think of it, and a sigh Domes whistling through your purseci.up lips like a sough of wind in a fnainsail, Then there is that rumor of the haughty young pity heiress he is to marry. Miss Jerusha groans in spirit when she thinks of it, and wishes Geor- gia was not so careless about it, for tho only time that young lady had been "short" with Miss Jerusha for ever so long was on the occasion of her asking hor opinion of that same heiress, when Georgia told her curtly "she neither know nor cared—Mr. Wildair and his heiresses were nothing to her." Yes, Miss Jerusha's visions of a brown silk dress and new straw bonnet were fast going the way of many another brilliaut vision, and she sighed again over the ovanisbmant of human hopes, and then consoled herself with hor everlasting stocking and the society of the Betsey Periwinkles, mother and daughter. It was true Mr. Wildair was a daily visitor still at the cottage, but his walks with Georgia were altogether discontinued, and the drawing lessons completely given up. Miss Jerusha did not know that this was by the cold, peremptory command of Georgia herself, and much to the Elise satisfaction of the young gentleman; but the did know 'that the vivid crimson was paling in Georgia's cheek, the light dying out of her brilliant eyes, and the quick, elastic spring leaving her slow footsteps; know it and marveled there- at. She saw, too, with suppressed in- dignation (for it doosu't tray to be angry with rich people) that Richmond saw it too, and seemed rather pleased than otherwise thereat, while Georgia was re - ,lapsing into her first mood, and invari- ably froze into a living ion -berg the mo- ment his light, firm step sounded On the threshold. All this was very puzzling to Misr Jorusha, who soon Ober had the please of hearing that ho wase going to be Tied to somebody else—a report he never oven contradicted. matters were getting into • mess," as Mies Jeraslia said • generally wets In a very 1- .ry state indeed, when one telt• mood Wildair transfix` eusha by the polite request 1 .,u1d do him the honor of co looking at his house. It was .shed now, bo said, and he war' : opinion of it. "Lor', Mr. Wilds' ,lo you 'seem I ]snow 'boat yrs,,uses, and all your fol -de -rot mks that you've got into it. e to good in my going,"said ' knitting away, and looking ether Time in the pain "Still. this pleasure on pie, I shall seed my cat - deo for you any day you will be pleased to name," "Oh, gracious no I" ejaculated Miss Sernshe, in alarm, as the remembrance of the dignified coachman came over her; 'Mob far the world. Still, I should ad- mire to see it, but—Goorgoy, whab do you say ? .Do I look fit to go 2" "You eau please yourself, Miss Ter - miles," she said, in a voice so mid and constrained that Miss Jerusha looked at her and shifted uneasily in her seat. "Let me answer for Miss Darrell," broke in Richmond. "'You do look fit to go, and I shall consider it, a direct per- sonal hint that you do not want to see mo hero any more if you refuse. If you wilt not visit me, I will not visit you." "Perhaps ft would have been better its you novor bad," thought Emily Murray, .•hnnf.r who ch▪ anced to be present. "Oh, well, 1 s'pose I'd .better," said Miss Jerusha, shifting uneasily iu her seat again ; "but the fact is, Mr. Wildair, diem there servants o' yearn area stuck- up set, and 1s—" "Have no Imre on that more, my dear madam," said Mr. Wildair ; "my servants will keep their proper places, and treat my guests with becoming def- erence. And now, when am I to expect you?" "Well, tomorrow mornin', I guess," said Miss Jorusha, who perhaps would not have gone but for the opportunity of humbling and snubbing the servants, one or two of whom had sneered at her fn 13urnfield, by letting them see sho was tho honored friend of their master. "If Mies Murray and Miss Darrell would honor mo likewise by accompany. ing you," be said, hesitatingly, Georgia started as if she had received a galvanic shock, and a flash like sheet -lightning leaped from her fierce eyes; but Emily touched her hand soft- ly, and replied, quickly, before sire could speak : "Thank you, llir.Wildair ; you will ex- cuse us. Georgia, you promised to show me that'Frenoh book you wore reading. Come with mo now and got it." Both arose, and passing Mr. Wildair with a slight courtesy, swept from the room, leaving him in undisturbed pos- session of Miss Jerusha, but whether to his gratification or annoyance it would have taken a profound observer to bell, for his face wore its usual calm, un- ruffled expression. But his visit was shorter than usual that day, and in half an hour Miss Jerusha was alone. Next morning, resplendent in her still new and gorgeous calico gown, Miss Jerusha set off for the house. Opening the outer gate, she passed up a magnifi- cent shaded avenue, where her eyes were greeted and electrified by glimpses of floral beauty hitherto unknown. Arriving at the hall door, Miss Jerusha plucked up spirit and gave a thundering knock ; for though there was a bell, the ancient lady knew nothing of any such modern innovation. Tho unusual sound brought the two fascinating footmen and spruce cham- bermaids (who up to the present bad very little to do) to the door; and when it was swung back and displayed the tall, lank form of Miss Jerusha in lior astonishing dress, a universal titter ran from lip to Hp. Well, old lady, what can we do for you to•da ?" insinuated one of the foot- men, thinking Miss Jerusha an appro. priato subject to poke fun at. "'Where's your master?" said Miss Jerusha, sharply. "Here maim, this is him," said the fellow, pointing to his brother flunkey, who stood grinning with his hands in his pockets. at int ., Yes, m 'm T' the high aookalorum we hovu't got anything for yon today, though." "Goss you mistook the door, old lady, didn't you 2" said the first, with an in- solent leer. The roan's words andlooks so enraged Miss Jorusha that, lifting her hand she gave him a slap in the face that sent him reoliug half way across the hall. "Why, you old tramp," exclaimed tho other, making a spring at the undaunted Miss Jerusha, when an iron grasp was laid on his collar, and lie was hurled to the other side of the long ball, and his master's voice exclaimed: "You insolent puppy! if I over hoar you address any one pn this house in that style again, I'l1 not leave a whole bone in your body. Miss Jorusha, I beg ten thousand pardons for having ex• posed you to the insolence of these ras- cals, but I will take oare it never hap- pens again. Here, you fellows," said Richmond, turning round; but the hall was deserted, and ho and Miss Jerusha were alone. "Never mind, Mr. Wildair," said Miss Jerusha, delighted at their discomfi- ture, "it aiu't no matter ; I guess they got as good as they brought, sir. What a great big house this is, to be sure." But when Miss Jerusha was led through it, and all its wonders and hitherto undreamed of grandeur were roweled to hor amazed eyes, speech failed her, and she stood astounded, transfixed, and awe•struck. Never, iu all hor wildest visions, had she con- jured up anything like this, and sho held her breath. and trod on tiptoe, acid spoke in a stilled whisper, and wondered if she worn not in an enchanted land, in- stead of simply in the sumptuous draw- ing -rooms, boudoirs, and saloons of the house. Riclimoud watched her with an ;mused smile, and when she had boon "up stairs and Clown stairs, and in my dy's chamber," he insisted on her ing off her bonnet and shawl, and :mg for dither. So he rang the bell, l ordered the servant to servo dinner u hour earlier than usual, and laud up Mrs. Hamm, the housekeeper. And in a few minutes, Mrs. Hamm, a vera' grand little woman indeed, in a black satin dross, and gold watch, and dainty little black lace cap, swept in, and was introduced, to Miss Skamp, who felt rather fluttered by the ceremony, and would have given a good deal to have been back in her cottuge just then, scolding Fly and kicking Betsey Peri- winkle. But Mks. Hamm was a discreet little lady, and had heard the episode of the two footmen, and was intensely gracious and polite—so much so, indeed, that it seriously discomposed Miss Jerusha, who made a thousand binuders aurins dunior, and did not breathe ".x '•Iv nn hr"t. . • • . ' ,• len i.• That was a triumph for Miss Jerusha, Glory Ann Skanip 1 Hese was an emi- nence she had novor dreamed of attain. ing 1 Driving through her nativo town, ' amid the wondering eyes of all tho in - r0 iib CONTINUED. 7 c�samara ' C ` YrsWI✓ r. .� I,W w CD ci n 1—r• C Cl N CDl U2 l�d/6�. f-cfq CD CO CD 00 fes- rn 0 0 CD ®F+2i 0zn L-4 g' r t It 1_3. 0 c -r c+ CA P, 0 n 1. re 0 l- 0 Ca ft o 0 cfg 5s o • CD pg c,e