Ann S. Stephens

“ He drew her closer to him; for a few moments she sat with her hand among the short, dark curls of his hair, then she said, abruptly:
"Grantley?"
"What is it, dear?"
"I want to ask you something."
"It can't be anything very terrible; you need not hesitate so."
"Only because it sounds foolish!"
"Nothing ever can seem foolish from your lips," he said, softly; and she blushed like a girl at his praise.
"That woman you—you loved once," she said; "was she dearer to you than I am?"
Grantley Mellen's face darkened. ”

“ If Elizabeth was found with him, death might come to one of them—even if that followed, the woman who had been his wife should never share the degrading future of a man too vile for personal vengeance. In mercy to her he would separate them.
He found Elsie sitting up in bed. She shrank away among the pillows when he entered; he saw the movement, and it shook his heart with a new pang. This artful woman had drawn the spell of her fascinations as closely about that pure girl as she had enthralled him. Elsie shrank from the brother who had deprived her of the love on which she had leaned. ”

“ Elsie sprang up with another shriek.
"You'll tell—you'll tell! I know you will give way—and Grant will murder you—murder us all."
Elizabeth caught the frantic creature in her arms, and forced her back on the couch.
"Lie still," she said.
"Let me go, I say—let me go! I want to die—I won't live after he finds you out. I'll kill you, Elizabeth, if you don't let me go."
But Elizabeth held her firmly in spite of her insane struggles, crying out:
"It is nothing to you—you have no cause to fear. You are mad, mad! I tell you the trouble is mine; whatever comes falls on my head; be still, Elsie." ”

“ The soft gray clouds which had floated over them only a little while before were turning leaden and heavy, so heavy that the ocean was one mass of blackness, as if the mighty deep had veiled itself with mourning, while the throes of a coming tempest heaved its inner depths.
The man North had left her at last—she was utterly alone.
Never in this world had a human being been cast forth to such utter desolation. She looked down on the torn earth at her feet, and her poor heart ached to lie down with that other woman who had found her rest so early, and was at peace. ”

“ But she only saw a dreary-looking grave, at which North paused. He set down the coffin and again raised his spade. Elizabeth stood by, silently turning to stone, as it were. She watched him dig a deep cavity, saw him lower the box down into it, then he began to fill up the gap.
"It is done, your sin is buried; we part, and forever," said Mellen.
"We part here!" echoed Elizabeth.
"I have no more to say," he went on; "if you can live, do so; but, remember, death comes at last—death and the judgment. ”

“ I won't tire you with telling you of my love—"
"But I want to hear," interrupted Elsie.
"Oh, little child, it could do you no good! I suffer, Elsie, I suffer!"
"Tom, you're a goose—what you call a goney!"
"I know it, dear!"
"And you are just as blind as a bat."
"I suppose I am," he replied, dejectedly.
"And you're too stupid to live," cried Elsie, going into a great excitement. "Don't you know a woman can say one thing and mean another?"
"Yes," said Tom, with more energy, "I do know that. I know it too well."
"Great Mr. Wisdom!" said she mockingly. "Then can't you understand—don't you see?" ”

“ Have you known—have you suspected this woman, Elsie?"
"No, no! I don't know anything but what is good of her—I don't believe anything! She is good and kind—send for her! You shan't drive her away—she shall come to me now! My dear Elizabeth—I love her! You shall not do this—you are mad, mad! She is the best woman that ever lived! Let me go to her—I will go!"
She was writhing again in hysterical spasms, but Mellen forced her back when she attempted to rise.
"Be still, Elsie—try to understand me! I can't tell you the whole story—but we are parted. Do not plead for her. Do not mention her name." ”

“ Elsie perched it among her curls and was happy as a child with her new toy. Nobody in the world was ever so much delighted with novel ornaments, and few persons ever allowed the gloss to wear off them so quickly. In all probability she would rave over Tom's gift for a week, and by that time, if she did not lose it, would break the wings, by way of amusement, or tear the bill off to make the point of a stiletto, or ruin it in some other way, just to gratify her caprice, and an odd love of destruction which was in her very nature. ”

“ She attempted to throw her arms about Elizabeth in her demonstrative way, but the woman rose quickly, and avoided the caresses which would have stifled her.
"It is time to dress," she said; "I am going to my room."
She passed into her chamber with that dreary chill at heart, which, it seemed to her, would never leave it again! How could she endure that fearful pang of humiliation and self-abasement that wrung her soul, and would grow stronger with every proof of kindness that her husband could give?
No love—no heart to give her under all his goodness and attention. ”

“ Mellen caught her arm and pulled her roughly away.
"You shall not touch the dead," she cried; "kill me but do not commit sacrilege."
Elizabeth struggled on to her knees, and wound her arms about him in a convulsive grasp: he shook her off with loathing, as if a poisonous reptile had brushed his garments.
North stood with an evil light in his eyes, looking on Mellen, snatched the spade from his grasp, and while a despairing cry died on Elizabeth's lips, dashed it upon the cover; again and again, till the frail board split, revealing a gleam of white underneath. ”

“ I don't allow myself to think any more or to look forward, but just live on, glad to be in the sunshine. 'Tisn't a bad world, after all, Bess; things usually come right in the end."
If she could only believe it—if she could but accept his cheerful philosophy and his unwavering trust; but, alas! the sleepless dread at her heart prevented that.
"And about my stupid self, Bessie," added Tom.
"Yes, about your dear, good self," answered Elizabeth, glad to remove the subject from any connection with her secret dread. ”

“ The moment Mellen had withdrawn, she took North's letter from its hiding-place, and thrust it into Elizabeth's hand.
"Thank heaven I've got rid of it at last," she exclaimed, shaking the flounces of her dress as if the note had left some contamination behind.
"How did you get it?" faltered Elizabeth, looking at the folded paper with strained eyes, as if it had been an asp which she held by the neck.
"Oh, Elizabeth, he was in this very room."
"Here! here! Great heavens! why will no one shoot this man?" exclaimed the tortured woman.
"I thought of it, upon my word I did," said Elsie. ”

“ Elizabeth only turned away in silence, but Elsie felt so much relieved after her creature comforts, that she could not forbear attempting to inspire her sister with a little of the hope which had begun to spring up in her own narrow heart.
"Oh, Bessie," she cried, "I feel as if this would get over somehow, I do indeed."
"But how? may I ask how?"
"Oh, I can't tell; but there'll be some way, there always is; nothing ever does happen, you know." ”

“ This was exquisite sport for Elsie and Mrs. Harrington; Tom would have enjoyed it more if the spinster had not beset him as much as her divided attention would permit, and Elizabeth and Mellen bore the infliction as people must endure all things that come to an issue in their own house, smiling and polite, however much they may wish for a release.
While they were at luncheon, Elizabeth's dog ran into the room with a paper in its mouth. It was the most intelligent little creature in the world, educated to fetch and carry in a surprising manner. ”

“ Why, Elsie, what is your mind running on?"
"The idea is dreadful, I know; and just as you are leaving us, when every moment is precious as a grain of gold. But it's really necessary. If you go off without seeing people, Grant, they will be sure to say that you and Bessie have quarreled, and all sorts of horrid things about her being melancholy, and you—well it's no use repeating these speeches, but the ball we must have. Bessie shall entertain them like a princess; as for poor little me, I'm good for nothing but dancing." ”

“ Whatever the secret was which oppressed Elizabeth, its recollection was put aside for the time, and Mellen gave himself up to the pleasure of the hour with all the intensity of a nature which enjoys and suffers so sharply, that even trifles can make for it a keener excitement than great happiness or acute suffering bring to more placid characters.
"You are not tired, Bessie?"
"Tired, no! I could ride on forever!"
"See how the waters shine in the sun; they seem so full of joyous, buoyant life, that it gives one strength to watch them." ”

“ All at once, North came out from the shadows that had concealed his face, and stood before the man he had so foully wronged.
"Grantley Mellen," he said, "for your own sake, believe me. If this woman will not speak, I am not coward enough to keep silent."
Elizabeth stepped forward, her head raised, her eyes flashing.
"But I charge you—North or Ford, I charge you, make no defence for me. At your hand, neither he or I, will accept it. There has been no murder, there must be none. If this most wronged man grants us the mercy of silence, it is enough." ”

“ With this curt concession Mellen walked away, and Elizabeth went back into the house. She paused to rest a few moments in the library; her limbs were shaking so violently that they refused to support her. She was roused by the sound of her husband's voice in conversation with old Benson—he might come in and find her there.
She started up like a wounded animal that concentrates its dying strength in one wild effort for escape—hurried from the room and up the stairs into her own chamber.
Elsie was still lying on the sofa; she sprang up as Elizabeth entered. ”

“ After a few moments the men went out and left Mellen alone with the suicide—in his excitement Mellen forgot Elsie's presence, and the dreadful state she was in.
"I am dying," said Ford; "I may live the night out—it don't matter! You are glad to see my blood run—that's natural enough! Man, man, the torment I go to isn't half as bad as that I shall leave behind for you."
"Say quickly what you wish," exclaimed Mellen, forgetting even his hatred in the dreadful picture his enemy made, his garments red with blood, his face pale with the death agony, distorted with baffled rage and hate. ”

“ The hills rose up majestic in their richest verdure, the lovely bay was at rest in the sunshine, and the long white line of distant water shone out tranquilly, as if no treacherous wind would ever again lash it into fury.
Grantley Mellen stood with his wife on the broad stone portico, looking towards the ocean. They had been wandering over the house and grounds that the master might see what changes had taken place in his absence, talking pleasantly and gaily, though even in the midst of his happiness the old restless suspicion would intrude. ”

“ Even in that moment of anguish, her craft and her selfishness made her remember to keep present in Elizabeth's mind the promise she had made.
"Only this once," she repeated.
"It is too late," returned Elizabeth. "I knew the day would come—it is here!"
"But he can't discover anything, Bessie, when everybody is abed."
"Have you thought what I must do?" she broke in. "The horror of appealing to that man is almost worse to bear than exposure and ruin."
Elsie wrung her hands.
"Don't give way now. You have borne up so long; don't give way when a little courage may save everything." ”

“ Come along, Bessie!"
"Not to-day," answered Elizabeth coldly.
"You're a hateful, poky thing!" cried Elsie. "Well, I shall go, the sun is lovely."
"I'll run down to the shore and get the boat ready," said Tom, ecstatically.
He darted away, and Elsie stood for a few moments crushing the candies between her white teeth and looking at Elizabeth, half frightened, half defiant.
"You are very busy," said she.
"One can't be idle," replied Elizabeth.
"Oh, can't one? It just suits me, thank you." ”

“ After a time Elizabeth shook herself free from Elsie's grasp and rose; the power to think and act was coming back to her.
"You heard them say this?" she asked.
"Yes, yes!" cried Elsie. "Grant sent for old Jarvis to come up and dig round the tree; he thinks it is dying."
Elizabeth threw up her arms in silence, more expressive of agony than a shriek.
"It has come at last!" broke from her white lips. "It has come at last!"
Elsie cowered down upon the sofa and buried her head in the cushions, shaking with hysterical tremors from head to foot, and uttering repressed sobs. ”

“ The wind roared among the hills, and lashed the waters into foam, the rain beat heavily and chill as sleet, but Mr. Mellen sat cold and firm on his luggage, neither heeding the disguised boatman's ejaculations or offering to aid him in his difficult task.
It was a position to test the courage of the strongest man, and many a time it seemed that the wind and waves must conquer and swamp the light craft completely; but no matter how rude or sudden the shock, Mr. Mellen neither betrayed any anxiety, nor gave any more sympathy to the toiling boatman, than if he had been a wooden machine. ”

“ Mellen sat watching her while she greeted Mr. Rhodes, and listened patiently to his labored compliments.
"Is she stone—ice?" he thought. "Is there no touch of nature about her that she can be so calm?"
If the man could have read her mind, he might have pitied her even in the midst of his anger and fearful doubts. What she suffered in putting that terrible restraint upon herself was almost beyond the power of belief; but woman-like, having formed her resolution, not all the tortures of the rack could have driven her from it. ”

“ Sinking deeper into the pit every day. I tell you this constant deceit makes me hate myself!"
"Now you are going off again! Oh, my head!"
"Hush, I say! You are safe, at any rate!"
"Whatever comes, I shall not be dragged into it?" pleaded Elsie.
"No, no; have I not promised?" returned Elizabeth, in her anguish and her bitterness, hardly noticing the girl's selfish fears.
Elsie threw both arms about her neck and kissed her.
"You are so good!" she said. "Oh, I wish I wasn't such a weak little thing! Don't despise me, Bessie, because I can't do anything to help you." ”

“ If this man had a second time thrust himself into his life to blacken it with his treachery and hate! Terrible words died, half uttered, on Mellen's lips, his face was fairly livid with passion, a loathing and a hatred which only blood could wipe out.
Below the house the lawn and gardens led away into a grove, and towards its gloom Mellen mechanically directed his steps under the cold, gray sky. A chill wind was blowing up from the water, but he did not observe it; in the fever which consumed him the air seemed absolutely stifling, and he hurried on, increasing its excess by rapid movements. ”

“ There was only one thought in her mind, to preserve Elsie from his anger—the worst had come to her now. Her present agony was too great for dread—the shame of the world—the most loathsome prison—nothing could bring such pangs as this wrenching away of hope and happiness.
She sat upright on the ground, folding her hands in her lap. Weaker women would have fainted, perhaps gone mad, but when the first dizzy whirl had left her senses, she could see and think clearly. ”

“ When the boat neared the landing, Mr. Mellen ran across the lawn and received his sister in his arms as she sprang on shore.
Standing on the portico where he had left her, Elizabeth regarded the pair; she heard Elsie's eager exclamation of joy—her husband's deep voice—then the two blended in confused and eager conversation. An absolute spasm of pain contracted the wife's features; her eyes dilated, and a moan broke from her lips.
"He loves her so! he loves her so! He will believe anything she says," muttered Elizabeth in a tone which trembled with passionate emotions. ”

“ Full of contentment, all the generous impulses of her character rose and swelled in her bosom, till she longed to share her heaven with anything that was cast down or unhappy.
The door between her room and Elsie's boudoir was open, and through it she could hear a soft, pleading voice amid a struggle of sobs and tears. Prompted by tender sympathy, Elizabeth half-rose from her easy-chair, but fell back again, murmuring:
"No, no, she will best find her way to his heart alone. God help her to be frank and truthful." ”

“ Elizabeth at last paused, and in her bitter anguish stood for minutes regarding Elsie as she lay asleep upon the sofa. She approached and bent over her. The girl had brushed her long fair curls back from her face, and they fell over the cushions in rich luxuriance, a feverish color was on her cheeks, lighting up her loveliness, and her whole appearance was so pretty, so singularly childlike, as she lay there, that it seemed impossible, even then, that she could have anything in common with the trouble that oppressed Elizabeth. ”

“ Fuller," said the widow; "you wrong your friends by a suspicion so cruel."
"I hope so, I'm sure," returned Tom, glancing at Elsie; but she was in one of her mischievous moods, and would not give him a gleam of consolation.
"Don't spoil him, Mary Harrington," said she; "the creature's vanity is becoming inordinate; isn't it, Bessie?"
"You can ill-treat him sufficiently without my assistance," said Mrs. Mellen, smiling; "I shall not help you, certainly."
"That is right, Bess," cried Tom; "stand by a fellow a little; she hasn't a spark of pity." ”

“ Victoria was sorry: oh, very, very sorry. Would Miss Clo only overlook it this once, and begin to dress for the ball?
Clorinda's heart swelled like a rising tide under Vic's hypocritical condolence, but she could not be quite convinced about the turban; she was a woman of resources, however, and felt that the evil was not without its remedy. So she kindled an immense quantity of wax-lights, crowded them before her looking-glass, and at once commenced the mysteries of a full toilet. ”

“ So the winter wore away drearily enough at Piney Cove; for with all her waywardness, Elsie had been like a sunbeam in the house; and Elizabeth pined in her absence till the dark circles widened under her eyes, and her voice always had a sound of pain in it. But with the most sorrowful, time moves on, and even grief cannot retain one phase of mournfulness for ever. ”

“ Elsie was in brilliant spirits that night, and her buoyant gayety formed a singular contrast with the quiet repose of Elizabeth.
Tom Fuller followed the pretty elf about everywhere in spite of her cruel rebuffs, for he was sadly in her way that night; and when she refused to dance with him, peremptorily ordering him away to entertain dowagers, or perform any similar heavy work, he would take the post she assigned him, and watch her with fascinated eyes as she floated down the dance or practised her wiles on every man who approached, just as she had once thought it worth while to entrance him. ”

“ Elizabeth Mellen was home again—home under her husband's roof, for ever at home in his heart. She sat in her dressing-room. The autumnal sunshine came through its windows, with a rich, golden warmth. A hickory wood fire filled the room with additional cheerfulness, which was scarcely needed, for that awful chill had left her heart for ever. A few days of supreme happiness had given back the peach-like bloom to her cheek and the splendor to her eyes. ”

“ There was nothing in her appearance now to betray agitation; her pallor seemed only the reflection of her mauvé draperies, and her lips forced themselves into a smile.
"There is Bessie," cried Elsie, coming up the lawn, clinging to her brother's arm with both hands, and shaking her long curls in the sunshine, till the sight of her loveliness and grace might have softened for the time even that heart filled with fear of her sisterly influence, and jealous of the love which she received with such caressing warmth. ”