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National Library Bibliotheque nationale
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BECILAEC.
ll
CHAPTER L
A January mn had passed the Eenith, and
the slantiDB rays flamed over the window-
panes of a rarge brick building, bearing on
Its front m golden letters the inscription.
Orphan Asjlnm." The structure wa^
commodiouR, and surrounded by wide »al-
lenei., while t)ie situation offered a silent
tribute to the lisoretion and good Muao of
the board and managers, who selected the
suburbs instead of the densely populated
portion of the city. The whitewashed pal-
ings inclosed, as a front yard or lawn, rather
and studded with trees, among which the
sbelled walks meandered gracefully. A lone
avenue of elms and poplars extended from
. tfte gate to the principal entrance, and im-
parted to the Asylum an imposing and vene-
rable aspect. There was very little shrub-
bery, but here and there orange boughs bent
beneath their load of golden fruitage, while
rlfr^ ^S''T' "^"'^^ by the wind,
R„^^^*l"''* ,8^»*«°«d in the sunshine
Beyond the mclosure stretched the common,
dotted with occasional clumps of pine and
leafless oaks, through wWch glimpsw of the
city might be had. BuUding* anf grounds
wore a quiet, peaceful., invfting l<Sk. sin"
! h«L„ f "tf"?^T' " O'P^*" AsylSm,"
a haven for the ^esolate and miserable. T^e
front door was closed, but upon the broad
giamte steps, where the sunlight Uy warm
and tempting, sat a trio of the inmates. In
the foreground was a slight fairy form " a
large soft blue eyes, set in a frame of diort.
et v^™*nff^*^*"i '"^»- «»>« '°«ked about
P^ona. in a canary-coloured flannel dress
of?h«?''^~''*P'*\°- ^"l**'* ^^ the pet
of the Asylum, and now her rosy chcSt
«hfweaS V:^^ ^hite palm. as^bouJh
conM I u^"^ *° •«« »»er- The chUd
^^J^^^'^^Jt '^".' • ^^^ n^ontl*" older than
WUun. yet the baiUiwit black eyes, tK
peculiar curve of the dimpled mouth, wd
long dark ringlets, gave to the oval fko* »>
matnrer and more piquant loTelineea. Tho
oast of Claudia's countenance bespoka her
foreign parentage, and told of the warm,'
t I ^**iV*° "°<'d *•»»* glowed in h«r
cneeJis. There was a fascinating rrace ^ in
every movement, eren in the easy indoifllioe
of her position, as she bent on one kuM to
curl LiIIiAn's locks over her finger. On the
upner step, in the rear of these two. sat a
girt whose age could not have been very ac-
curately guessed from the countenance, and
t^n^" features contrasted strangely with
those of her companions. At a fi«t oaaual
^in^r'^r''*^"«" ^"^ ^"y J'omely, 8»y.
rS{.*^"/,?°« presented greater attSf.
aons than either of the others. ReAder? I
here paint yon a portrait of that quiet iittla
I heure whose history is contained fn the W
lowing pages. A pair of large grey eves set
projecting forehead. Broad and smooth • i
proaohable nose, of t&e order furthTstr^
moved from aquiline = and heavy \Ck\^
brows, which, instea<i of arching. strefaSS
"traight «<!ross and nearly met. * There wS
SlV ^^aT i "°^°°' '° ter cheek, ;f,^
neck and Sands wore .sickly pallor. 'aK
^^IJ^f^^'^f' J''*^ *■"'• dra^em'oothlj
over the temples, rendered this marble like
whiteness more apparent Unlike th!
younger children. Eeu^lSh wi budly Lwi^^
upon what seemed the conntenjarf o?Jhe5
aprons ; and the sad expressioW the Inn
tenance, the lips firmly impressed L^L'
prevent the ntterance'of coSS Aoi^
that she had become acquainted wif?^„
Sed-hi^Mi-feks^^-^ '"^^
„r/l^i'n'®*°^*'''*'"«l>*Claudy to say that"'
cried Lillian turning rouud indKJher
n»°d upon the piece of ^e wina. * <
'Say what. Lillv » t — 5 — ^ ... .
to you." ' "' * ""' ""' isswaiig
'She said she hoped that larveat •■»k...
Sf':««t ^nld g.t £nnk. and tiX dow^
St-rrl** ^ •"" ** bumpaome of ffipS
W*xJ'**''«" <^«>*' 1' he roU<a over S'
.hautwoor three time^" iS.,Sr^Ti^
I? /
f^vzf:^^^^^^^ flock
fe»8t of berries. ^ ^ '^*"'"P»"« over the
ri''!ittie^f:ilf;' irr «« yoa wl,h the
5»rk thoughtfulTyea Sl,':*/^'"'''^ ^ " The
»nJ cross, and vinega Ze ,' I 1 '°J«^y'
like her to look at Tnl !Jf , should not
don't love her eithe^^ar** °' '"."''• You
only vou won'f « ' ! '^ '"'"'« than I do
kiss'm:^rdVpr:Ste "i^-* '■'• But
not make faces at hiri„ ""^ «"od. *nd
stooped do^^^^^S^rrr/J'S-'L^-^-h
or«'.»ndtumbl" oWh??*^u^"«^°^«''»nt' r^^^^ J"'* «« 'he c«r£
»"«ht run ^j eitoh him ,n "b "* *'"'* ^ P^nVstctal a^^ft ''''"'''•^'^ preseSe?.'
you th.uk I would KivHim f^^ *P™°- ^o dininJ.room InJ , ' *¥y. ""'«™d the loni
nngflrs ffrst I" and th« i.fM ^ 7^ ***• of my I varvin</;n t t^^'glit heiri of orphanarrA
a;i<I chagrin, "' Vnn 1'"" """K'ed mischief
•■' "^'tof roby.pie to 2^^-''''° ''^"^d not eat
"u Hid it l^t';'eek. r/hoT- ""' ' ^«".
Ob.Ciandy.Ididn^f??''-
;■«;• sin picfeS u'^: b,W' r •— -
'•^ll out of this very tree Ln^^*"* ^.^"^ that
""t'-on ? Well, didn't 4^^ «*''« " to our
-liiiner?" "' ^'**° * ^e i*ve bird-pie for
«orm!k'e''a"*pie°' ^^ ^*"« f«"ow would
;-l V&mtke^:^^^^^^^^^ that came
tel\Susan to put i?in It^'.i ^"•. Wiljiam,
tel
.voulsee.'youdidolf"'^*^^ the ofc
I kne^ what ;iS'i?f.P"t «d I did^
infiroffl" "'"■"lit. I saw
toputuin;rththf";^^'
^u did oat r.K„ _:*^«' Others. So,
«nd I didn't,
»*w its head
for
wrung off I" -.. .„ „„
I -oKi^7J/d not get any of roby
g-ne," ]%r%TT P'« till they have il
cl^
.'.'JJ*^^™!'* carriage."
y«s. thi8*isthe«ttn- r™**"' Wednesday
.^^--e- lA Snf;fa"Xh?*;*''"/ ^ ""'"f
tfaatred-headedMirn «51 ''^T' ^^^"'^^^
particular pains t?look.t?t^ ^i^'"'''' ^^^^^
her pookot-handkerohL I ■ -^^^ ''"'^bed
tors sutfioed to inform Beulah th ** '-P.®"-
of more tha. ordinary interest had n"'*^'"?
them on the present occasion -,T''^"«^
'passing on to her 800^810^0^' ^f^ "^^ ^««
her eySs fell upon TSw f i!*""' '^''«''
eonoenled by 1; straw bonnet tJ ^"^'"^^^
Nabl.ath school teacher • « . Ij "was her
flashed over the gJrl's'^o'*u^7,'l'^«° «Iad light
paJe lips disclosed a set of f^u?°*=t' ""d the
fui teeth, as she smUed IJ "i.'"!''^^ ''^'"'ti.
friend. "^"^^ »»d hastened to hei
glad?oTee %S ''°' ^"- ^aaon T I «„ „
^il^mtse^iffi' f >-« heen pro
saw Eugene thi. J? ^ "^^ * ^''^a* while T
wascom^fngoit HeT?'''^^*°J'lhiSr
-ssage. Ei8°tL'torVt\?"^i
— ^., „^c„. weu u ^°"-"''«P"ticuI»- "-
yon see him last T" ■ -~- «
ehe**Zkii*'"" P"* '''' ^°^«'"« '^- her h.nd „
was L'e! aSd" w'^s'S^h' "^«^- «-°« ^«
's very kind andanJ, ^^ ''*" ^ick. fle
he pronu ed me and I th '"T""^^'-
M". Mason. S bring ^Jl?'?/"";^ muchT
radiant with nfiw.K„?„ 1"; . ^he fkce was
ll-.-v
Claudi* » • . "er. don't vou »" ".-J f^aa'ant with new-born ir,.V 1 \. ■ "°® ^an
hanSf% i'SV/ '^l^"*^"^ £ *^- S;"tS Whi^Jiit^
?P a small volume. n^";^|i f/°'ahsn^t,j^^j I .• v„ ^..^... , . '^^*"'
- h.d H ,. ,,r -rk. I actly,-i;„rsoa;rshrnrert°k "'f «'
^ I -nd hearty like the oth:rs"^lL'"^J;k?3
.^'^
'• much. I do
"he is 10 ngly,
I (hould not
" milk. You
re than I do,
bont it. But
l^e g'od, and
)ron." Beulah
isod the aup.
sr'B hand and
the carriago
1 presented a
red the Jong
elves for inT
t. orphanage,
|ng infant to
y cUd, and
I we except
'night have
5rver. The
sted of four
the number
the iospeo-
something
i convened
id she waa
*ce, when
. partially
* washer
glad light
;. and the
•y beauti-
led to hei \
^ lam so
een pro
while. I
i him r
>k and a
are to
rly, and
heodid
^anda*
■nee he
t. He
e book
much,
26 was
1 died
(little
■pale
harp,
' She
have
been
: ex.
•on,
BEULAH.
enongh. Thnre is not u better or more in-
dustrious girl in the Asylum, but I rather
think she studies too much. She will sit )i|i
and read of i:iyht3, when the •thers are all
sound asleep ; ami very often, when Kate
and I put out the hall lamp, we lind her with
her book alone in the cold. I can't get my
consent to forbid her reading, especially as it
never intcrftres with her regular work, and
she is so fond of it." As the kind-hearted
matron uttered these words she glanced at
the child and sighed involuntarily.
" You are too indulijeut, Mrs. Williams ;
we cannot afford to clothe girls of her age, to
wear themselves out reading trash all night.
We are very much in arrears at best, au<l 1
think some plan should be ailopted to mukc
these large girls, who have been on han<l so
long, more useful. What do you say, ladies?"
Miss Dorothea looked around for some en-
couraRemeut aud support in her move.
" Well, for my part. Miss White, I think
that child is not strong enough to do niucli
bard work ; she alwaya has looked delicati
and pale." said Mrs. Taylor, an amiable look
ing womkUi, wiio had taken one ef the you
est orphans on her knee.
" My dear friend, that is the very reason :
she does not exercise sufficiently to make hei-
robust. Just look at her face aud hands, as
bloodless as a turnip."
" Beulah, do ask her to give you some i.f
her beautiful colour ; she looks exactly like ii
cake of tallow, with two glass beads in the
middle."^
"Hush r and Beulah's hand was pressed
firmly over Claudia's crimson lips, lest thi
whisper of the indignant little brunette should
reach ears for which it was Qot|iutended.
As no one essayed to answer Miss White,
the matron ventured to suggest a darling
scheme of her own.-
" I have always hoped the managers wouM
conclude to educate her for a teacher. She is
so studious, I know she would learn very
rapidly. "
" My dear madam, you do not in the least
understand what you are talking about. It
would require at least five years' careful
training to fit her to teach, and our finances
do not admit of any such expenditure.
As the best thing for her, I should move to
bind her out to a mautuamaker or milliner,
but she could not stand the confinement.
She would go off with consumption in loss
than a year. There is the trouble with these
delicate children."
"rivw j3 iiid uauc luau Wtta u:uugini ucic
last week ? " asked Mrs. Taylor.
" Oh, he is doing beautifully. Bring him
Tonnd the table, Su^an ;" and t!u* ro8v,smiling
infant was handed abor-' for closer inspec-
tion. A few general inquiries followed, and I
then Beuiah was not anrprlsed to hear the
order given for the children to retire, as the
managers had some special business with their
matron. The orphan band deHled into the
hall, and disperse I to their various occupa-
tions ; but Beulah approached the matron,
and whispered something, to which the
reply was :
"No: if you have finished that other
apron, you shall sew no more to-day. You
can pump b fresh bucket of water, and then
run out into the yard for some air."
She jjerformed the duty assigned to her,
and then hastened to the dormitory, whither
Lillian and Claudia had preceded her. Thr
tatter was standing on a chair, mimicking
Miss Dorothea, and har.ingtiing her sole
auditor,in a nasal twang, which she contrived
to force from her beautiful cnrlinij; lips. At
.sight of Beul^ ithe sprang toward her, ex-
claiming !
'^" be a teacher if yon want to ;
Beulah?"
,'ifiaid not, Claudy. But don't say
more about her ; she is not as kind as
our dear matron, or some of the managers,
iiut she thinks she is right. Remember, she
mule these pretty blue curtains round your
and Lilly's beB."
" 1 don't care if she did. All the ladies
u ere makinsT them, and she did no more than
' he rest. Never mind : I sh.all be a young
lady some of these days ; our matron says I
will be beautiful enouj;h to marry the Presi-
I<'!it, and then I will see whether Miss
Do '^ihy Red-head come 'fddling and both-
oriug you any more." * 3 brilliant eyes
liiated with pleasure at th > thought of the
protection which the future lady President
would afford her prot6g6.
Beulah smiled, and asked almost gaily :
"Claudy, how much will you pay me a
month, to dress you, and keep your hair in
order, when you get into the VVhite House
at Washington ? "
"Oh, you dear darling I you shall have
everything you want, and do nothing but
re.ad." The impulsive child threw her arms
aiound Beulah's neck, and kissed htr re-
Ecatedly, while the the latter bent down over
er basket
" Lilly, here are some ohincapinga for you
and Claudy. I am going out into the yard,
and jou may both go and play hull- gull."
Ill the debating room of the visiting com-
mittee. Miss White again had the floor.
She was no less itnportant a personage than
•■■i-/-r-prc3luctit of tiiS boat-a €-i titSuBgnrS, S«-^
felt authorized to investigate closely, and
I edress all grievances.
" Who did you say sent that book here,
Mrs. Mason?"
" Eugene Rutland, who WM onee »
BEULAH.
bor of Mri. Williami' orphan charge in this
Asylum. Mr. Oraham adopted him, and ha
is now known aa Eugene Graham. He ii
yery much attached to Beulah, though I be-
lieve they are not at all related."
" llti left the Asylum before I entered the
bnaril. What sort of boy is he! I have seen
him Bevcr-il times, and do not particularly
fancy him."
" Oh, madam, he is a noble boy I It was a
great trial to me to part with him three years
ago. tie is much older than Benlah, and
loves her as well as if she were his sister, "
■aid the matron, more haatily than was her
«nRtom when answering any of the managers.
" I Huppote he has put this notion of being
a teacher into her head ; well, she must get
it out, that is all. I know of an excellent
•ituation, where a lady ia willing to pay six
dollars a month for a girl of her age to attend
to an infant, aud I think we must secure it
lor hMi*
" Oh, Miss White ! she is not able to
carry a heavy child alwaysin her arms," ex-
postulated Mrs. Williams.
"Yea, she is. I will venture to fcay she
looks all the better for it at the month's
end."
The last sentence, fraught with interest to
herself, fell upon Beulah's ear as she passed
through the hall, and an unt'rriug intuition
told her "you are the one." She put her
hands over her ears to shut out Miss Doro-
thea's shar}) tones, and hurried away, with
a dim foreboding ofcomiiiy evil, which press-
ed heavily upon hery.miiir heart.
CHAPTER II.
The following day, in obedience to the pro-
clamation (if the mayor of the citj', was cele-
brated as a season of spuiiial tliaiiksgivii.g.
and the inmates of the Asylum were taken to
church to morning service. After ah early
dinner, the niatron gave thein permi-ssion to
amuse themselves the remainder of the day
as their various inclinations prompted.
There was an immediate dispersion of the as-
semblage, and only fieulah lingered beside
the matron's chair.
" Mrs. Williams, may I take Lilly with
me, and go into the woods at the back of the
Asylum '"
" I want you at home this evening, but I
dislike very much to refuse you."
" Oh ! never mind, if you wish me to do
Anything," answered the girl cheerfully.
I'ears rolled over the matron's face, and
iStiiJ ttVci ting opi' u6n'tj = Sri6 WlpOrt *nci)B
Iway with the corner of her apron.
" Can I do anything to help you t What
^ the matter T"
"Jiovwadni, B«aUh; do yon get yotir
bonnet and go to the edge of the woods— not
too far, remember ; and if I must have you,
why I will send for you."
''^I wonld rather not go it it will be any
trouble."
" No, dear, it's no trouble ;I want youte
go," answered the matron, turning hastily
away. Beulah felt very strongly inclined to
follow, and enquire what was in store for her;
but the weicht on her heart pressed more
heavily, and murmuring to herself, " it will
come time enough, time enough," she passed
on.
" Mfty I come with yon and Lilly ?' en-
treated Claudia, running down the walk at
full speed, and putting her curly head
ti.rr.ugh the palings to make the request.
■ ' V cs, come on. You and Lilly can pick
u|' ^i':iie. nice smooth burs to make baskets of.
I'll V licreis your bonnet ?"
I 'orgotitj" she ran up, almost oat of
III ' I. and seized Beulah s hand.
■ u forgot it, indeed ! You little witch,
y a. vill burn as black as a gipsy."
' 1 don't care if I do. 1 hate bonnets."
"Take care, (Maudy; the President won't
b.Tve yon all freckled and tanned."
" Won't he ?" quotli the child, with a
sHUcy sparkle in lier black eyes.
" That he won't ; here, tie cm my hood,
and the next ti.ne you come running aftci
me, barelieaded, 1 will make you go back ;
ilo you hear ?"
" Yes, 1 hear. I wonder why Mist Dor-
othy diilii't bleach off her freckles ; she hmk^
just like a "
" Hush about her, and run on ahead."
" Do, pray, let me get my bretth first ;
which way are we going 1"
" To the piney woods yor.der," cried Lilly,
clapping her hands in childish glee ; "won't
we have fun, rolling and sliding on th«
straw ?" The two little ones walked on in
advance.
The path along which their feet pattered so
carelessly led to a hollow or ravine, and the
ground on the opposite side rose into small
hillocks, thickly wooded with pines. Beu-
lah sat down upon a mound of moss and
leaves, while Claudia and Lillian, throwing
off their hoods, commenced the glorious game
of sliding. 'J'he pine straw presented an al-
most glaKsy surface, and starting from the
top of a hillock, they slid down, often stum-
bling and rolling together to the bottom.
Many a peal of laughter rang out, and echoed
far back in the forest, and two blackbirds
could not have kept up a more continuous
chatter. A.'^art from all this «at Renlah ;
she had remembered the matron's words, and
stopped just at tlie verge of the woods,
whence she could see the white j^alings of the
Asylum. Above Iter the winter breese
r
u
f
\
JBEULAH.
J
r
mouied »nd roared iu the pine topi j it wu
the Bad but dearly lovtd forest music that
•ho »<> ofttMi t»t(>Ie out to listen to. Every
breath which gigluul through the emerald
boughs seeniod to sweep a sympathetic chord
ill her soul, and she raised her anas towardj
the trees aa though she longed to clasp the
niinhty niuaioal box of nature to her heart,
'i'lic far-off blue of a ciouillcss sky looked in
upon her like a watchful guardian ; the sun-
light fell slantingly, now mellowing the
brown leaves and knotted tntnks, and now
aeeming to shun the darkerspots and recesses,
where shadows lurked. For a time the girl
forgot all but the quiet and majestic beauty
of the scene. She loved nature as only those
can whose sources of pleasure have been sadly
curtailed, and her heart went out, so to
■peak, after birds, and trees, and tiowers,
Bunshine and stars, and the voices of sweep-
ing winds. An open volume lay on her lap ;
it was Longfellow's poems, the book Eugene
had sent her, and leaves were turned down
at "Excelsior" and the " Psalm of Life."
The changing countenance indexed very ac-
curately the emotions which were excited by
this communion with Nature. There was
an uplifted look, a brave, glad, hopeful light
in the grey eyes, generally so troubled in
their expression. A sacred song rose on the
evening air, a solemn but beautiful hymn.
She sang the words of tiie great strength-
giving poet, the " Paalin of Life : "
" Tell me not in mournful numben^
Life is but an empty dreiim ;
For the soul is dead that blumbers.
And things are not what they se.m,"
It was wonderful what power and sweet-
ness there was in her voice ; burst after burst
of rich melody fell from her treni' lips.
Her soul echoed the sentiments < .ae iin-
aaoital bard, and she repeated again and
again the fifth vers&c
"In the word's broad fleld of buttle,
In the bivouac of life,
Be not like dumb driven cattle-
Be a hero in the strife."
Intuitively she seemed to feel that iw hour
of great trial was at hand, and this was a
girding for the combat. With the shield of
a warm, hopeful heart, and the sword of a
strong, unfaltering will she awaited the
■hock ; but as she concluded her song, the
head bowed itmlf upon her arms, the shadow
of the unknown, lowering future had fallen
upon her face, and only the Great Shepherd
knew wliit passed the pale lips of the young
orphan. She was startled by the sharp bark
of a dog, and lookimr up, saw a gentleman
lcam;igagain8t a neighbouring tree, and re-
ganling her very earnestly. He came for-
ward as she perceived him, and said with a
pleasant smile:
•' You need not be afraid of my dog. Like
his mnster. he would not disturb yoo tiU yoa
had 'iuished jour song. Down. Carlo t U
'sir. Mj littK friend, tell me who
you to ■inn.'
had^ hastily risen, and a alight glow
her dheek at his question. Though
naturally reserved and timid, thrre >^as a
selt-iMis8C8«ii)n about hei uuu«u«l in children
of her age, and sht answered in a low voice:
*• I have never had a teacher, sir 5 but 1 listou
til the choir on Salibath, and sing our Sunday
School hymns at chunh."
" Do you know who wrote those word*
vou sang just now! I was not aware they
had been set to musia"
"I found them in this book yeiiterclay,
and liked them so niiuh that \ tried to sing
them by one of our li\mu tunes." She
held up the volum> ,1 he spoke.
He glanced at the titlo, and then looked
curiously at her. Beulah ohunood jnst then
to turn toward the Asyluai, and saw one of
the oldest girls running across the common.
The shadow on her face deeiioued, and ihe
looked around for Claudia and Lillian. They
had tired of sliding, and were busily en-
gaged picking up pine burs at some littl*
distance in the rear.
"Come, Cliiudy- Lilly -our mntron has
sent for us j come, make haste."
"Do you belong to the Asylum?' asked
Hu> gentleman, shaking the ashes fiom hia
cigar.
" Yes, sir," answered she, and as the chiU
dren came up she bowed and turned home-
ward.
"Wait a moment; those arc not your
sisters, certainly?" His eyM rested with
unfeigned admiration on their beautiful
faces.
"This one is, sir; that is not." As she
spoke she laid her hand on Lillian's head.
Claudia looked shyly at the stranger, and
tiioii seizing Beulah's dress, exclaimed :
■' Oh, Beulah, don't lot us go just yet I
I'ift such a nice splendid pile of burs."
"Yes, we must go ; yonder coinoi Katy
for us. Good evening, sir."
" Good evening, my little friend \ some of
these days I shall come to the Asylum to see
you all, and have you sing that song again."
She made no reply, but catching her sister'a
hand, walked rapidly homeward. Katy de-
livered Mrs. Williams message, and assured
Beulah she must make haste, for Mis*
Dorothy was lUspleaaed that the children
were absent.
ful "
Beulah's hand was over Claudia's mouth,
and prevented the remainder of the sentence.
That short walk was painful, and conflicting
hopes and fears chascl each uthor in vha
■■V — r -^- 1
BEULAH.
■ister'i heart, m the tightened her hold on
Lilly's h»nd.
" Uh, what a beautiful carriage I" cried
Clauilia, as tlioy approiinhud the door, and
descried au elng iiit carriage, glittering with
■ilver mountings, and drawn by a pair of
■pirited black horses.
" Yes, that it is, and there is a lady and
gentleman here who must he very rich, judg-
ing from their looks. They brought Miss
White."
"What do thay want, KatyT" asked
Claudia.
•* I don't know for certain, thongh I have
my own thoughts," aosweroil the girl, with^ .
a knowing laugh that grated on Beulaii's \
ears. ^'
" Hero, Beulah, bring them to the dormi-
tory," said Mrs. Williams, meeting them at
the door, and hurryini; them up-stairs. Shn
hastily washed Claudia's face and recurled
her hair, while the same olliues were per-
formed for Lillian by her sister.
" Don't rub my hand so hard, you hurt,"
cried out Claudia, sharply, as in perfect si-
lence, and with an anxious countenance, the
kind matron dressed her.
" I only want to get it white and clean,
beauty," was the conciliatory reply.
" Well, I tell you that won't come off,
because it's turpentine," retorted the self-
willed little elf.
"Come, Beulah, bring Lilly along. Miss
White is out of patience."
" What doea all this mean ?" said Beulah,
taking her sister's hand.
•'Don't ask me, poor child." As she spoke,
the good woman ushered the trio into the
reception-room. None of the other children
were present ; BeuUli noted this ciroum-
■tanne, and drawing a long breath, looked
ftronnd.
Miss White was eagerly talking to a richly*
dressed and very pretty woman, while a
gentleman stood beside them, impatiently
twirling his seal and watch-key.
All looked up, and Miss White exclaimed:
"Here they are ; now, my dear Mrs.
Orayson, I rather think you can be suited.
Come here, little ones." She drew Claudie
to her side, while Lilly clung closer to her
sister.
" Oh, what beauties 1 Only look at them,
Alfred 1" Mrs. Orayson glanced eagerJy
from one to the other.
" Very pretty children, indeed, my dear.
Extremely pretty; particularly the black-
eyed one, answers her husband, with
Inaa ^naf ^air^
far
" I don't know ; I believe 1 admire the
Kolden-haired one most. She is a perfect
fairy. Come here, my love, and let me talk
to you," continued she, addressiug Lilly.
The child cU'tpad her sister's Hnijers inor*
tirinly, and did not advance an inch.
" Do not hold her, Henlah. Come to th«
lady, Lillian," said Miss White. As Beulah
gently disengaged herhaiiil, she felt as if the
anchor of hope had been torn from her hold,
but stooping down, she whispered ;
" Go to the lady, Lilly darling ; I will not
leave you. "
Thus encouraged, the little tigure mo\ed
■lowly forward, and paused in front of the
stranger. Mrs. Orayson took her small
white bonds tenderly, and pressing a warm
kiss onjt^r lips, said in a kind, winning
-**\Vhat ia your name, my dear V
" Lillian, ma'am, but si.ster calls me Lilly."
" Who is • sister '—little Claudia here?*^
" Oh, no ; sister Beulah." And the soft
blue eyes turned lovingly towards that
guntle sister.
"Good Heavens, A' .red, hew totally un-
like ! This is one of the most beautiful
children I have ever seen, and that girl yon*
der is ugly," said the lady, in an undertone
to her husband, who i^ talking to Claudia.
It was said in a low voice, but Beulah heard
every syllable, and h glow of shame for an
instant batliod her brow. Claudia heard it
too, and springing from Mr. Grayson's knae,
she exclaimed, angrily :
" She isn't ugly any such thing ; she is the
smartest girl in the Asylum, and 1 love her
better than anybody in the world."
" No, Beulan is not pretty, but cbe is good,
and that is far better, 'said the matron, lay*
ing her trembling hand on Benlah's shoulder.
Abitter smile curled the girl's lips, but she
did not move her eyes from Lillian's face.
"Panny, if you select that plain-spoken
little one, you will have some temper to
curb," suggested Mr. Grayson, somewhat
amused by Claudia's burst of indignation.
' Oh, my dear husband, I must have them
both ; only fancy how lovely they will be,
dressed exactly alike. My little Lilly, and
you Claudia, will you come and be my
daughters T I shall love you vary much,
and that gentleman will be your papa. He
is very kind. You shall have big wax dolls,
as high as your heads, i^nd doll-nouses, and
tea-sets, and beautiful blue and pink silk
dresses, and every evening I shad take you
out to ride in my carriage. Each of you
shall have a white hat, with long, curling
feathers. Will you come and live with me,
and let me be your mamma ?"
Beulah'? face assumed an ashen hue as she
not thought of separation ; the evil had never
presented itself in this form, and staggering
forward, she clutched the matron's dress,
saying, hoarsely :
I
BEULAa.
luor*
^
"Oh, don't aeparate ns ! D m't let them
tftke Lilly from mo I I will do anything on
••rthj I will work my hawh off ; oh, do any-
thing, hut i)le.jie, oh plfUHe, .lon't give Lilly
np. My own darling Lilly." Claudia here
interrupted :
•'I ihould like to go well enoagh, if you
will take Beiilah too. Lil, are you jjoina? "
"No, no." Lillian broke away from tlie
■tranter's clasping arm, and rushed toward
her siBtor j hut Miss White aat between
thorn, and catching thu ohild, she firmly,
though very gently, h«ld her back. Lilly
was very much afraid (,f her, aud bursting
into tears, she cried imploringly ;
" Oh, sister I take ini>, take me 1"
Beulah sprang to liur side, and said almost
fiercely : "Give her to mo j she is mine, mi.!
you have no right to part ue." Sli.- e.xtund-
•d her arms toward the little form, strugN
gling to reach her.
" The managers have decided that U ii
for the child's good that Mrs, Gii.yaon
should adopt her. We dislike very n eh to
part sisters, but it cannot be avoided; whole
families can't be adtrnted by one person, ami
you must not interfere. She will soon be
perfectly satistied away from you, and in-
stead of encouraging her to be rebellious,
you ought to coax her to behave, and i;o
peaceably," replied Miss White, still keep-
ing Beulah at arm's length.
" You let go Lilly, you hateful, ugly, old
thing you I She shan't go if she don't want
to I She does belong to Beulah, " cried Clau-I
<iia,8triding up and laying her hand on Lilly's
Arm.
"You spoiled, insolent little wretch*/
muttered Miss White, crimsoning to the
roots of her fiery hair.
"I am afraid they will not consent to go.
Fanny, suppose you take Claudia; the other
■eoms too reluctant," said Mr. Grayson,
looking at his watch.
"But I do 80 want that little blue-eyed
angel. Cannot the matron influence her ? "
She turned to her as she spoke. Thus ap-
pealed to, Mrs. Williams took the child up
m her arms, and caressed her tenderly.
" My dear little Lilly, you must not cry
and struggle so. Why will you not go with
this kind lady ? She will love you very much."
" Oh, I don't want to 1 " sobbed she,
pressmg her wet cheeks against the matron's
■boulder.
" But Lilly, love, you shall have every-
thing you want. Kiss me like a sweet girl,
and say you will t > to my bRaii.tifiii home I
will give you a f^|a full of the prettiest ca*
narytirdi yoiijtt'- looked at. Don't you
love to rule? /jl' carriage is waiting at the
dpor. You atilr Claudia will have such a
mce time." Mrs. Grayson knelt betide her,
an.l klssMi her tenderly ; still she olun^
closer to the matron.
Beulah had covered her face with her
hands, and stood tremblihg like a weed
bowed before the '•ushing gale. She knew
that neither expostulation uor entreaty
would avail now, and she resolved to bear
with fortitude what sho could not avert.
Lifting her head, she said slowly :
" If I must give up my sitter, let me do so
as quietly as possible. Give her to me,
then perhaps she will an more willingly. Do
not force her away. Oh, do not force her I "
As she uttcro<l these words, her lips were
white and cold, and the agonized expression
oi her face made Mrs. Grayson shiver.
"Lilly, , my darling I My own precious
darling !/ she bent o»er her sister, ar fhe
jittle^rmg clasped her neck tightly, m she
liftsrt and bore her back to the dormitory.
You may get their clothes ready, Mrs.
Williams. Rest assured, my dear Mrs.
Grayson, they will go now without any fur-
ther difficulty. Of course we dislike to sepa-
rate sistern, but it can't be helped some-
times. If you like, I will show you over the
Asylum while the children are prepared."
Miss White led the way to the schoolroom.
" I am very dubious about that little one.
I' aiiny , how will you ever manage two such dis-
liositions, oue all tears, and the other all tire
and tow ? ■ laid Mr. Grayaon.
"A trtce to your feara, Alfred. We
on charmingly after the firat few
How proud I shall be with such
Beulah sat down on the edge of the blue-
onrtoined bed, and drew her idol oloM to her
heart. She kissed the beautiful face, and
smoothed the golden curls she had so long
and so lovingly arranged, and, as the child
returned her kisses, she felt as it rude hands
were tearing her heart-strings loose. But
she knew she must give her up. There was
no effort within her power which could avail
to keep her treasure, and that brave spirit
nerved itself. Not a tear dimmed her eye,
not a lob broke from h«r ooloorleM Upi,
"Lilly, ray own dear httle sister, you must
not crv any more. Let me wash your face ;
you will make your head ache if you crv so "
" Oh, Beulah 1 I don't want to go 'away
from you."
" My darling, I know you don't ; but you
will have a great many things to make you
happy, and I shall come to see you as often
a.s I can. I can't bear to have you bo. either. *
• •"V . vantiuv ur:i^ it,, aati i. want you to go-
quietly, and be so good that the Udy will
love you."
" But to-night, when I go to bed, you will
not be there to hear me say my pr»yen.'
Oh, sister ! why can't you got"
1'
BEULAH.
' • Thoy do not want me, my dear Lilly,
but you can kneel down and say your
^ I>ia_^ ors, and God will hear you just as well
as if you were here with me, and I will ask
Hill) to love you all the more, and take caie
oyy„u ^•
H<;re a little arm stole round poor Bouluh'.-
jieck, and Claudia whispered with a sob :
" Will you ask Him to love me too?"
" Yes, Claudy, 1 will."
" We will try to be good. Oh, Beulali I
love you so much, so very much I" 'J'lu
r,iructiouate cliild pressed her lips repeatedly
t'' Heulab's bloodless cheek.
"Cliiudy, if you love me, you must l)i.
lilud to my little Lilly. When you see tiiat
h!io is s.id, and crying for mc, you must coax
her to be as contented as possible, and al
ways sueak ceutly to her. Will you do tliip
for Beulah ?"
"Yes, that I will I I promise you I will
and what is more, I will fight for hei ! 1
boxed that spiteful Charley^ ears the other
day for vexing her, and I will scratch any-
body'a eyes out that dares to scold her.
This very moining I pinched Maggie black
and blue for bothering her, and I tell you I
shall not let anybody impose on her." The
tears dried in her brilliant eyes, aud she
clinched her little fist with an exalted opinion
of her protective powers.
"Claudy, I do not ask you to fight for
her ; I want you to love her. Oh, love her !
always be kind to her," murmured Beulah.
" I do love her better than anything in the
world— don't L Lilly dear?" She softly kissed
one of the child's hands. L
At this inoinent the matron entered, witlra
large bundle n a tly wrapped. Her eyes were
red, aud there were traces of tears on her
cheek ; looking t«nderly down on the trio,
she said very gently :
"Come, my pets, they will not wait any
longer for you. ^ ho^)e you will try to be
good, and love each other, and Beulah shall
come to see you." She took Claudia's hand
and led her down the steps. Beulah lifted
her sister, and carried her in her arms, as
she had done from her birth, and at every
step kissed her lips and brow.
Mr. and Mrs. Grayjon were standing at
the front door ; they both looked pleased, as
Lilly had ceased crying, and the carriage
dooi was opened to admit them.
"Ah ! my dears, now for a nice ride;
Claudia, jump in," said Mr. Grayson, ex-
tending hi? hand to assist her. She paused,
kissed her kind ms-trixi .^.i^d thi^uji'^'^Ti"'^.'"^;'
Beulah. She could not b6ar to leave her,
and as she threw her nrms around her, sob-
bed oat :
" Good-bye, dear, good Beulah. I will take
care of Lilly. Please love me, and ask God
r me too. " She was lifted intv) the car-
I'^e with tears streaming over her face.
Grayson, and
Beulah drew near to Airs.
vii'l in a low, but iinplorii ;{ tone :
" ')i), madam, love my sister, and alwaya
3i)"ak atFectioiiately to her, then .she will be
^ou<l and obedient. I may come to see her
often, may I not?"
" Certainly," leplied the lady, in a tone
which chilled poor Beulah's heart. She
swallowed a groan of agony, and straining
the loved oc. to her bo8o:n, pressed her lips
to Lilly's.
•"God bless my little sister, my darling,
niy all I' She put the child in Mr. Gray-
s' n's extended arms, and only saw that her
sister looked back ajipealingly to her.
Miss VV hite came up and eaid something
which she did not hear ■\nd, turning hastily
away, she went up to the dormitory, and
•seated herself on I. illy 'b vacant bed. The
idiild knew not how the hours passed ; she
sat with her face buried in her hands, until
the light of a candle flashed into the darkened
chamber, and the kind voice of the matron
fell on her ear.
" Beulah, will yon try to eat some supper?
Do, dear."
" No, thank you, I don't want anything."
' ' Poor child, 1 would have saved you all
this had it been in my power ; but, when
once decided by the managers, you know I
could not interfere. They disliked to sepa-
rate you and Lily, but thought that, under
the circumstances, it was the best arrange-
ment they could make. Beulah, J. want to
tell you something, if vou wdl listen to me."
She se^d herself on the edge of the bad,
and^ok one of the girl's hands between
hers,
' The managers think it best that you
should go out and take a situation. I am
sorry I am forced to give you up, very sorry,
for you have always been a good girl, and I
love you dearly ; but these things cannot be
avoided, and I hope all will turn out for the
best. There is a place engaged for you, and
Miss White wishes you to go to-morrow I
trust you will not have a nurd time, You
are to take care of an infant, and they will
give you six dollars a month besides your
board and clothes. Try to do your duty,
child, and perliaps sompthing may happen
which will enable you to turn teacher."
" Well, 1 wiP do tlie best I can. I do not
niiud work, but then Lilly " fler head
went down on her arms ouce more.
" Yes. ilcur, T know it is very h.ard for yon
to part with her ; but remember, it is for her
good. Mr. Grayson is very wealthy, and of
cou se Lilly aud Claudy will have "
" And what is money to my " Again
she paused abruptly. *
4
4
I
BEULilU.
11
i
t
" Ah, child, you do aot b«gia to know !
Motiey is evrrything in this world to some
people, and more than the next to other poor
souls. Well, well, I hope that it will prove
for the best as far as you are concerned. It
is early yet, but maybe you had better go to
bed, as you are obliged to leave in the morn>
"I could tot sleep."
" God will help you, dear child, if you try
to do your duty. All of us have sorrows,
and if yours have begun early, they may not
last IoUh' Poor little thing, I shall always
remember you in my prayers." She kissed
her gently, and left her, hopinfl; that solitude
would sooth her spirits. Miss White's
words ran^ in the girl's ears like a knell
" She will soon be perfectly satisfied awfty
from you."
Would she? Could that idolized sie.
learn to do without her, and love her new
f.'iends as fondly as the untiring one who
had cradle<i her in her arms for six long
? rears? A forebodiugthoughthisaed continual-
y, "Do you suppose the wealthy and
fashionable Mrs. Grayson, who lives in that
elegant house on street, will suffer
her adopted daughter to associate intimately
with a hired uurse ?"
Again the light streamed into the room.
She buried her face deeper in her apron.
" Beulah," said a. troubled, anxious voice.
"Oh, Eugene !" She sprang up with a
dry sob, and threw herself into his arms.
" I know it all, dear Beulah ; but come
down to Mrs. Williaois' room, there is a
bright fire there, and your hands «re as cold
as ice. You will make yourself sick sitting
here without even a shawl around you." He
led her down-stairs to the room occupied by
the matron, who kindly took her work to
the dining-room, and left them to talk un
restraitiedly. '
" Sit down in this rocking-chair and war
your hands. "
He seated himself near her, end as the
firelight glowed on the faces of both, they
contrasted strangely. Oue was classical and
full of youthful beauty ; the other wan, hag-
gard, and sorrow-strained. He looked
about sixteen, and promised to become a
■trikingly handsome man, while the propor-
tions of his polished brow indicated more
than ordinary intellectual endowments. He
watched his companion earnestly, sadly, and,
leaning forward, took one of her hands. ^'
• « D„..1.L T t r il -i
i^^tttnii, i ncc tiuui yxiur isua mat you
have not shed a single tear. I wish
would not keep your sorrow lo bent up m
your heart. It grieves me to km you look
as you do now. "
"Oh ! I can't help it If it were not for
}0U I believe I ahould die, I am lo my |
miserable. Eugene, if you could have seen
our Lilly cling to me, even to the last mo-
ment. It seems to me my heart will break "
She sank her weary head on his shoulder '
' /es, darling, I know you are sufforiaa
very much ; but remember that • all thinas
work together for good to them that love
1? ',A *>''^*P'» He sees it is best that you
should give her up for awhile, and if so will
you not try to bear it cheerfully, instead of
making yourself sick with useless grief ?"
He gently smoothed the hair from her brow
ashespoko. She did not reply. He did
not expect that she would, and continued in
the same kind tone:
" I am much more troubled about your
taking this situation. If I had known it
earlier I would have endeavoured to prevent
It, but I suppose it cannot be helped now
for a while at least. As soon as possible I
am determined you shall go to school ; and
remember, dear Beulah, I am just as much
grieved at your sorrows as you are. In a few
years I shall have a home of my own, and
you shall be the first to come to it. Never
mind these dark stormy days. Do you re-
member what our minister said in his sermon
last Sunday ? «the darkest hour is just be-
fore daybreak.' Already I begin to see the
silver lining' of clouds that a few years, or
even months ago, seemed heavy and cheer-
less. I have heard a great deal about the
Ills aad trials of this world, but I think a
brave, hopeful spirit will do much toward
remedying the evil. For my part, I look
torward to the time when you and I shall
have a home of our own, and then Lilly and
Uaudy can be with us. I was talking to
Mrs Mason about it yesterday ; she lovea
you very much. I daresay all will h-, right •
HO cheer up. Beulah, and do look on the
un- bjjight side."
'T / " Eugene, yon are the only bright side I
rnTThaveto look on. Sometimes I think yoti
will get tired of me. and if you ever do I
shall want to die. Oh, how could I bear to
know you did not love roe? She raised her
head and looked earnestly at his noble face.
Eugene laughingly repeated her words.
" Get tired of yon, indeed— not I, little
sister."
T I'L^^' ^ ^^^R9* *o tl»"nt yon for your book;
I like it bet^f'than anything I ever read ;
some pack^'are so beautiful— so very grand.
I ke«B*1t in my basket, and read every mo-
I oan apare. "
i KBovi^you would like it, particularly
■o laai y°5^"i Kuow you would like it, particnlarh
1 wish y^ Excelsior. 'Beulah, I have written 'Excelsioi-
. bent nn in on my banner, and I intend, like that noble
youth, to press forward over every obstacle,
mounting at every step, until I, too, stand
on the highest piuaacle, and plant my banner
wh«r« ita glorious motto ■hall float or«r the
t2
BEULAH.
world. That poem stirs my very soul like
martini music, and I feel as if I should like
to see Mr. Longfellow, to tell him how I
thank him for having written it. I want
yon to mark the passages you like best ; and
now 1 think of it, here is a pencil I out for
you to- 'lay. "
He Irew it from his pocket and put it into
her hand, while his face glowed with en-
tliii.siasin.
" Thank you, thank you. " Grateful tears
sprang to her eyes ; tears which acute suf-
feiing could not wring from her. He saw
the gathering drops, and said, gaily :
"If that is the way you intend to thank
me, I shall bring you no more pencils. But
you look very pale, and ought to be a^^leep,
for I have no doubt tomorrow will be a try-
ing day for you. Do exeit yourself to bo
biavo, an 1 Lear it all for a little while ; I
know it will not be very long, and I shall
come and see you just as often as possible."
He rose as he spoke.
" Are yon ibliged to go'so soon? Can't you
stay with u)e a little longer?" pleaded
Beulah.
The boy's eyes HUed as he looked at the
beseeching, haggard face, and he answered
hastily :
"Not to niish'-, Beulah ; you must go
sleep— you nee.l it sadly."
" You will be oold walking home. Let
get you a 3ha\vl. "
"No, I left my overcoat in the hall — here
it is. "
She followed him out to the door, as he
drew it on an 1 put on his cap. The moon-
light shone over the threshold, and he
thought she looked ghostly as it fell upon
her face. Hi took her hand, pressed it gent-
ly, and sai I—
II Gooil night, dear Beulah."
"Good '.-tye, Eugene. Do come and see
jne again soon."
" Yes, I will. Don't get low-spirited as
«oon as 1 :iin out of si^'. , do you hear T"
" Vcs, 1 hear; I will try not to complain.
Wall< fast and keep warm,"
Sht ijressed hia baud aflfectionately, watch-
«d his receding form as long as she could
tract its outline, and then went slowly back
to the dormitory. Falling on her knees by
1 le gi<le of Lilly's empty couch, she besought
\'<:).l, iu. trembling accents, to bless her
"ilarling little sister and Olaudy," and to
give her strength to perform all her duties
■uoutentedly and cheerfully.
CIIAPTEK III.
Beulah stood waiting on t'le steps of the
iavge mausi >n to v.-^ii;h she had beeu direct-
ed by Miaa DoVoliiea White. Her heart
throbbed painfully, and her hand trembled
as she rang the bell. The door was opened
by a negro waiter, who merely glanced at her,
and asked, carelessly —
" 'Well, little miss, what do yon want t"
" Is Mrs. Martin at home T"
" Yes, miss ; come, walk in. There is but
a poor fii e in the front parlour— suppose yon
sit down in the back room. Mrs. Martin
will be down in a minute."
The first object which arrested Beulah's
attention was a centre table covered with
booka, "Perhaps," thought she, "they
will permit me to read them." While she
sat looking over the titles, the rustle of silk
caused her to glance round, and she saw
Mrs. Martin quite near her.
"Good morning," said the lady, with a
searching look, which made the little figure
tremble
" Good morning, madam."
" You are the girl Miss White promised to
send from the Asvlum, are you not V
" Ye", madam."
" Do you tlnnk you can take good care o(
baby T'"/^
Oh, y/nll try."
don't look strong and healthy
been sick 1"
I am very well, thank you."
may want you to sew some, occasion-
ally, when the baby is asleep. Can you hem
and stitch neatly ?"
" I believe I sew very well, madam— our
matron says so. "
"What is your name? Miss White told
me, but I have forgotten it."
"Beulah Benton."
" Well, Beulah, I think you will suit me
very well, if you are only careful, and attend
to my <l! lections. I am just going out shop,
ping, but you can come up-stairs and take
charge of Johnny. Where are jour clothes?"
" Our matron will send them to-day."
Beulah followed Mrs. Martin up the steps,
somewhat reassured by her kind reception.
The room was in utter confusion,
the toilet table covered with powder,
hail-pins, bow ^of different coloured ribbon, and
rarious bits of jewellery; the hearth answept,
the work-stand groaning beneath the super-
incumbent mass of sewing, finished and un-
finished garments, working materials, and, to
crown the whole, the lady's winter hat A
girl, apparently about thirteen years of age,
was se.ited by the fire, busily embroidering a
laini> .nat ; another, some six years younger,
was dressing a doll ; while an infant, live or
six months old, crawled aboiit the carpet,
eagerly picking up pins, needles, and every
other objectionable article his little purple
fingers conld gi"i=!p.
" Take him, Deuiah," said the mother.
BEULAH.
19
saw
r
She Btooped to comply, and was surprised
that the little fellow testiHed no fe^tr of her
bhc raised hiin in her anna, and kissed his
rosy checks, us he looked wonderingiy at
_ " Ma, is that Johnny's new nurse? What
IS her name?' said the youngest girl, laying
i" Z^^ i^arefuUy surveying the
Annie ; and her name is Beulah,'
Bed the mother, adjusting her bonnet.
Beulah— Its about as pretty as her face.
r^es, just about," continued Annie, in an
•udible whisper to her sistar. The latter
»ve Beulah a condescending atare, curled
M J,- ?' disdainfully, and with a poUte
Mind >x)urown business, Annie," retorned
to tier embroidery.
" Keep the baby by the fire ; and if he
frets, you must feed him. Laura, show her
wtoere to find his cup of arrowroot, and you
■ . d°"'® ^'*y ***" *i^ J come home."
No, mdeed, 'ma, I can't, for I mnsf; go
aown and practise my music lesson," an-
'^!ff^ !^^* f^^"* daughter, dacisively,
" VVell. then Annio .4-.., ;„ l.
Well, then, Annie, stay in my room."
.„.^*S.«f,?"«.H°'*''' i"™* ■ugw-oandy,
ma. She (pointing to Beulah)" can take
^"^i^^J'v"''^- ,^t^o"«^t th»t waa what
you hired her for."
" You will make no sugar-candy till I
come home, Mi« Annie ; do you hear that?
Now, mind what I said to you."
. Mrs. Martin rustled out of the room. leav.
ing Annie to brood ominously at the new
nurse, and vent her spleen \y Jwxing her
doll, because the inanimate little lady would
not keep her blue bead eyes open. Beulah
loved children, and Johnny forcibly remind-
rfJVn ^^l e«5^': '^*y«' ^^c" »l»e had car-
ried Lilly about in her arms. For some time
after the departure- of Mrs. Martin and
faura, the little fellow seemed perfectly sat-
ufaed, but finally grew fretful, and Beulah
surmised he might be hungry.
rowrS""^^"'""' «*'•"" thebaby-k ».
Harrist/* ^''°'' "^*^"« ■»)««ti*,ad.
" Who is Harrison f
••Why, the cook."
Glancing around the room, she fonnil the
arrowroot ; the boy was fed, and soon fell
kI ?v?" 1, ^^"i*^ ^** *'' * 1°^ rocking-chair
SLSf« r^^f"' « "^"^^"^ ^^^ '■"f"*' and tatch.
ing the little fisjure opposite. Annie was
trvincr tn Ht o ....-, -ill. .„;-^ ^- t , .r "■■
It was too broad one way and too narrow
another. She twisted and jerked it divera
ways, but all in vain ; and at last, ^E,vnsted
py the experiment, she toreitoflF ?,-a(' -umed
it at the fire, with an impatient cry.
1 he plagued, bolheriny, ngly thi, ,, 1
My Lucia never shall wear such a fii
Beulali caui:ht the discarded waist un.l
said, quietly :
"\ou can very easilv make it fit. by
taking up this seam and cutting it out in thg
neck. "
" I don't believe it."
" Tlien, hand nie the doll and the scissoiH
and 1 will show yon. "
" ^^^f "^"»e is Miss Lucia-di-I^nimerniour
Mr. Green named her ; don't say ' doll,' cal.
herby her proper name, "answered the spoil
cd child, handing ever the unfortunate wax
en representative of a not less unfortunate
heroine.
•'i ^^!f^l> *he"t MissLucia-di-Lammermoor, '
said Beulah, smiling. A fe<v alteratijns
reduced tho dress to proper dimensions,
and Annie arrayed her favourite in it with
no slight degree of satisfaction. The
obliging manner of the new nurse won her
heart, and she began to chat pK is^ntly
enough. About two o'clock Mrs. Martin
returned, enquired after Johnny, ; n.l aeain
absented herself to "see about dinr^r."
Beulah was very weary of the close, dis-
ordered room, and as the babe amused him-
self with his ivory rattle, she swept the
Hoor, dusted the furniture, and arranged the
chairs. The loud ringing of a bell ctartled
lier, and she conjectured dinner was ready,
borne time elapsed before any ot tL' family
returned, and then Laura enteicd, looking
very sullen. She took charge of the babe,
and rather ungraciously desired the nurse to
get her dinner.
'7 .4° ""' ^'"^ any." answered Reulah.
At this stage of the convcrsati. i the door
opened, and a boy, .MjLiiiinKly ab(Hii Eugene's
age, entered the ro.an. He lojked curiously
at Beulah, mcluied iiis head slightly, and
joined his sister at the fire.
" How do you like her, Laura ?" he asked,
in a distinct undertone.
"Oh 1 1 suppose she will do well enough ;
but she IS horridly ugly," rephed Laura, iii a
similar key.
"I don't know, ais. It iawhat Dr. Pattoi..
the lecturer on phyaiognomy, would call h
'striking 'face."
"Yes, strikingly ugly, Dick. Her fore-
head juts over, like the eavea of the kitchen,
and her eyebrows "
'' Hush 1 she will hear you. Come down
and play «iat new waltz for me, like a good
Bister." The two left the room. Eeulah
naa iieard every word ; she could nut avoid
It, and as she recalled Mrs. Grayson's re
mark concerning her appearance on the
prevK.us day, her countenance reflected her
ita1wil!°'''"'!?*'°"- ^^^ pressed her face
kgauutthe window-pano andatared vacantly
r
u
BEULAH.
I
I
out. The elevated position commanded a
iiue view of the town, and on the eastern
horizon the blue waters of the harbour
glittered with "silvery siioen." At any
otner time, and with iiffaient emotions,
fieulah's love of the L. vutiful wnulil have
beou particaU ly ^i. ittu i by tiiis extended
prospect : but now the .vhole possessed no
charms for he dmltPiMjd spirit. For the
moment, earth as blajk hued to her eaze ;
she only saw ' i )iribly ugly," inscribed on
•ky and water lier soul seemed to leap
forward and view nearer the myriad motes
that floated in the haze of the future. She
leaned over the /aat whirring lottery wheel
of life, and saw a blank come up, with her
name stamp-^d upon it. But the griai smile
faded from her lips, and brave endurance
In iked oatJjKitii the larf(e sad eyes, as she
liiurm
i I-
Be not like dumb, driven cattle;
Be .heroin the strife."
**H I aiu ugly, God m?de me so, and I
know 'He dceth all thinfi;3 well.* I will not
let it bother me ; I will tiy not to think of
it. But, oh 1 I am so glad, I tuank God,
that he made my Lilly beautiful, diio will
n.sver have to suffer, as I do now. My own
<l;irling Lilly !" Large drops glistened in
her eyes ; she rarely wept ; but though the
tears did not fall, they gathered often in the
j^rey depths. The evening passed very
luietly ; Mr. Martin was absent in a distant
•State, whither, as travelling agent for a
mercantile house, he was often called, .\fter
tea, when little Johnny had been put to
sleep in his crib, Mrs. Martin directed Annie
to show the nurse her own room. Taking a
canclL , the child ;i)nnjlied, aud her mother
ordered one of tlii st-.i'vauta to carry up the
trunk containing B.-ulaii's clothes. Up, up,
two weary, windiiig flights of steps, the little
Annie toiled, and pausing at t'e lauding of
the second, pointed to a low attic chamber,
lignted by lormer windows on the east and
west. Tne floor was uncovered ; the furni-
ture consisted of a narrow trundle-bod,
wa«ii-3tand, s craokod looking-glass suspend-
ed from a nail, a small deal table, and a
couple of chairs. There were, also, some
hooks driven into the wall, to hang clothes
upon.
"You need not be afraid to sleep here,
because the boarders occupy the rooms on
the floor below this j and beside*', you know
robbers never get up to the garret," said
Annie, glancing around the .\pftitment, and
shivering with an undf fined dread, r:\ther
than with cold, though h«i' nose anti fingers
were purple, and this gritret-chamber pos-
sessed neith-tr stove nor chimney.
" I am not afraid ; hut this is onlv one gar-
et-i'oom : are tiieotb«ra occupied f'
"Y«8, by carpets in summer, and rats ia
winter," laughed Annie.
"I suppose I may have a candle T" said
Bculah, as the porter deposited her trunk
aud withdrew.
"Yes, this one is for you. Ma is alwaya
uneasy about fire, so don't set anything in a
blaze to keep yourself warm. Here, hold
the light at the top of the steps till I get down
to the next floor, then there is a hall-lamp.
Good-nighl"
"Good-night." Beulah bolted the door,
and surveyed her new apartment. Certainly
it was sufficiently cheerless, but its isolated
position presented to her a redeeming feature.
Thought she, " I can sit up here, and read
just as late as I please. Oh I I shall have so
nmch time to myself these long, long nights."
Unpacking her trunk, she hung her dresses
on the hooks, placed the books Mrs. Manon
and Eugene had given her on the table, and
setting the candle beside them, smiled in
anticipation of the many treats in store for
her. She read several chapters in her Bible,
aud then, as her head ached and her eyes
grew heavy, she sank upon her knees. Ah 1
what an earnest, touching petition ascended
to the throne of the Father ; prayers, first
for Lilly and Claudia, and lastly for herself.
" Help me, oh Lord ! not to be troubled
and angry when J hear that I am so ugly ;
and make me remember that I am your
child." Such was her final request, and she
soon slept soundly, regardless of the fact
that she was now thrown upon the wide
though not altogether cold or unloving
world.
CHAPTER IT.
Day after day passed monotonously, and,
except a visit from Eugene, there was no
link added to the chain which bound Beulah
to the past. That brief visit encouraged and
cheered the lonely heart, yearning for aflfec-
ti'iuate sympathy, yet striving to hush the
iinugry cry and grow contented with its lot.
iJuiiug the second week of her Btay, little
Johnny was taken sick, and ho had oecome
so fond of his new attendant, that no one else
was permitted to hold him. Often she ]>aoe<l
the chamber floor for liours, lulling the fret-
ful babe with softly sung tunes of other
days, and the close observtsr, who could have
peered at such tiu.cs into the downcast eyes,
might have easily traced in the misty depths
memories that nestled in her iieffrt's sanc-
tuary. The infant soou recovered r.nd one
warm, sunny afternoon, when Mrs. Martm
directed Beulah to draw him in his wicker
carriage up and down tht' pavement before
the door, she could no lon&,<;r repress the n-
quest, which had trembled ou her lips mors
BKULAU.
StuT.; "*** "^^'^ P«"niMion to take he.
Uttle charge to Mrs. (Jrayson's. A rather
reluctant anaent was civen and -onn tsl
oamage waa drawn in?hrdir*ecLn°o7Mr'
venou8chanfi:eca.reover the wan face ofthe
nurse M she paused at the marble stetTs
^•T^t' Tillv -'"ti'^ ir -culptu'ed hS
„!,. w i y • *^« '''ood sprang to her
cheeks, and an eager look of delight creot
into the eyes. The door was part IWoZ-
ed by an insolent-looking footman .whosJ
hasty glance led him tolnppose W Te of
the numerous supplicants for charfty X
Ca^ ¥u* *^«tP™«eIy manMonwem^t?
i^^A^^ '^ ^^^y °'""«- He "'M about to TK
the door ; but undaunted by this receVt ou
Lniif&r *" '-' ^"- ^-st-d
but 5 tnTu ""y yo'^^g «i«tres9' name ;
hertoseethifr^/'™*""* ^i""'* ««ff«r
TellffiryLffe^
^J^eSt^ci^Sli^K^
bS Hk« In'^'l ^°'7"^' »°d held her
anSe Co^H^ •^L.^°''^'*i« ^"^ »° t^ebal-
anoe Costly s.Hi and dazzling diamonds
met her gaze. The settled lires of Mrs
Grayson's pretty mouth indicated that sh;
Solved W?t''i't'^"*y "" Pf'^"™' y«* had
?o^ ever a?re"si* °°°'' "^'^ ^^* *'^« °"'"«'
rnH S"""? ¥'^- Martin's nuwe. I believe
W^dly." ^ "'' ** *^* ^''y'""'^" «S she!
said TmiZ*'^*"' J •" ^'"y'" "«t« ; you
said I might come to see her. Oh if von
ieCr^eTar'ted "'""''"?. ' have been si^n^;
It me 7 nn fi' ^°" T"'** """O""^ "o ooldiy
donTden?^'''""' ^** '°'' "^^ ^«'- Oh!
impltSg'SonT™ "'*''■"' '° ' *°-°'
Bistlr ^nH r^^ '""y y°° ^"PPeii to be her
- !=! yc cuucatea to move in a circle verv ul
w&n?idetri^ -^^i-o'
-eparation very nicely iu^Vd J SC
were to see you even once, it would make
matters ahnost as bad as ever. I daresay
you are a g'.o.l Kirl, and will not trouble me
any further. Mv husband and I are un-
willing that you shouid see Lilly again ; and
though I am very sorry I am forced to dis-
appoint you, I feel that I am doing right."
rhe petitioner fell on her knees, and ex-
tending her arms, said huskily:
" Oh, madam I are we to be parted for
ever? I pray you, in the name of God. let
me see her 1 let me see her I "
Mrs. Grayson was not a cruel woman, far
from It, but she was strangely weak and
worldly. The idea of a hired nurse associat-
ing familiarly with her adopted daughter
was repulsive to her aristocratic pride! and
therefore she hu»h.i,l the tones of true
womanly sympathy, and answered reanlute-
" It pains me to refuse you ; but I have
given good reasons, and cannot think of
changing my detei mination. I hope you will
not annoy me by any future efforts to enter
my house. There is a present for you. Good
evening. "
She tossed a five-dollar gold piece toward
the kneeling figure, and closing the door,
locked It on the inside. The money rolled
ringiiisrly down the steps, and the grati ya
sound of the key, as it w.is hurriedly turned
seemeJ typical of the unyieldiug lock which
now for ever barred the child's hopes. The
look of utter despair gave place to an ex-
pression of indescribable bitterness. Spring,
ing from her suppliant posture, she muttered
with terrible emphasis :
"A curse on that woman and her husband I
May God answer their prayers aa she ha«
answered mine 1 "
Picking up the coin which lay glittering
on the sidewalk, she threw it foruibly against
the door, and as it rebounded into the -Tcreet,
took the carriage tongue, ami slowlv re- '/
traced her steps. It was not surpri-ing' that f
passers-by gazed curiously at the stony face,
with Its large eyes, brimful of burning hate, as .
the injured orphan walked mechanically on^
unconscious that her lips were crushed tiir^<
purple drops oozed over them. The setting .
•un flashed his ruddy beams cares .in^ly over '
her brow, and whispering win.ls lifted ten-
derly the clustering foMs of jetty hair ; but
nature's pure-hearted darling had stood over
the noxious tarn, whence the poisonous
breath of a corrupt humanity rolled upward.
until her soul was a great boiling Marah,
Ah, truly,
" There are swift hours In life— atronff, rushinK
That do the work of tempests In their mlgbtl
Peaceful valleys, green and flowery, sleep.
16
BEULAH.
m
P
il.
inK in loveliness, have been upheaved, and
piled in sombre, jagged masses, against the
sky, by the flngeriug of an earthquake ; and
gentle, loving, trusting hearts, over whose
altars broodeii the white- winged messengers
of God's peace, have been as sudileuly trans-
formed by a manifestation of selHshuess and
ill justice into gloomy haunts of misanthropy.
Had Mrs. Grayson been arraigned for cruelty,
or hard-heartedness, before a tribunal ol
her equals (t. e. fashionable friends), the
charge would have been scornfully repelled,
ftnd unanimous would have been her acquit-
tal. " Hard-hearted ! oh no, she was only
prudent and wise." Who could expect her
to suffer her pampered, inert darling to
meet and acknowledge as an equal the far
less daintily fed and elegantly ciad sister,
whom God called to labour for her frugal
meals T Ah, this fiue-ladyism, this ignoring
of labour, to which, in accordance with the
divine decreoi' all should be subjected ; this
false efTeimoacy, and miserable affectation
of retin^ient, which characterize the a^e,
are thaony ielding locks on the wheels of social
f\y refold and advancement.
^eulah took her charge home, and when
usk came on, rocked him to sleep, and
snugly folded tha covering of his crib over
the little throbbing heart, whose hours of
trial were yet veiled by the imjenetrable
curtain of futurity. Mrs. Martin and her
elder chlilren had gone to a concert, and, of
cmirse, the nurse was to remain with Johuuy
until his mother's return. Standing besidt:
the crib, and gazing down at the rosy
cheeks and curling locks, nestled against the
pillow, Beulah'e thoughts winged along the
tear-stained past, to the hour when Lilly
had been placed in her arms, bjr emaciated
hands stiffening in death. For six years she
had held, and hushed, and caressed her dying
father's last charge, and now strange ruthless
Hiigiiis had torn the clinging heart-strings
from the idol. There were no sobs, nor
groans, to voice the anguish of the desolate
jrphan. The glittering eyes were tearless,
but the brow was darkly furrowed, the ashy
li(<a writhed, and the fol led hands were purple
from compression. Turning from the crib,
ahe threw up the sash, and seated herself on
the window sill. Below lay the city, with
its countless lamps gleaming in every direc-
tion, axid stretching away on the principal
streets, like long prouesbions ; in the distance
the dark waters of the river, over which
steamboat-lights flashed now and then like
igTica-latUi I aiid aOOVe licF ttrCucU tlic uOTFic Oi
sky, with its fiery fretwork. Never before
had she looked p at the starry groups
without an emoti- i of exulting joy, of awful
tdoration. To )iir worshipping gaze they
lad seemed glua'^wes of the spirit's home ■
uay, loving eyes shining down upon hex
thorny pathway. But now, the twinkling
rays wU unheeded, impotent to pierce the
sable clouds of grief. She sat looking out
into the night, with strained eyes that seem-
ed fastened upon a corpse. An hour passed
thus, and as the clang of the town clock
died away, the shrill voice of the watchmm
rang through the air :
" Nine o'clock ; and all's well 1"
Buulah lifted her hiad and listened.
" All's Well i" The mockery maddened
her, and she muttered audibly ;
"That is the sort of sympathy 1 shall have
through l.fe. I am to hear that ' all ia well'
when my heart in dying, nay, dead within
me 1 Oh, if I could only die ! What a calm,
calm time I should have in my coffin 1 No-
body to taunt me with my poverty and ugli-
ness I Oh, what did God make me for T The
few years of my life have been full of misery ;
I cannot remember one single day of pure
happiness, for there was always something to
spoil what little joy I ever knew. When I
was born, why did I not die at once ? And
why did not God take me instead of my dear,
dear father ? He should have been left with
Lilly, for people love the beautiful, but no-
body will ever care for me. I am of no
use to anything, and so ugly that
I hate myself. 0, Lord, I don t want
to live another day 1 L am sick of
my life — take me, take me 1" But a
feeble ray of comfort stole into her shivering
iieart, as she bowed her head ujjon her hands;
Eugene Graham loved her -.ami the bleeding
tendrils of afiectiou henceforth clasped him
as their only support. She was aroused
from her painful reverie by a movement in
the crib, and, hastening to her charge, was
startled by the appearance of the Labo. Tho
soft blue eyes were rolled up and set, the
face of a purplish hue, and tho delicate limbs
convulsed. During her residence at tho
Asylum she had more than onto assisted the
matron in nursing children similarly affected;
and now, calling instantly for a tub of water,
she soon immersed the rigid limbs in a warm
bath, while one of the waiters was dispatched
for the family physician. When Dr. Hart-
well entered, he found htir standing, with
the infant clasped tightly in her arms, and
as his eyes rested cuiiuusly upon her face,
she forgot that hf, was a stranger.and spring-
ing to meet him, exclaimed :
"Oh, sir, will he die?"
With fingers on the bounding pulse, he
sn3Wcro(t i
*' He is very ill. Where is his mother t
Who are you ?"
' His mother is at a concert, and I am his
uur "
1'; spasms had ceased, but the twitching
r
I >
BEULAH.
17
limbs told that they might return any mo-
ment, andthe physician immediately admiu-
Mtered a potion.
" How long will Mrs. Martin be absent f'
•'It IS uncertain. When shall I give the
medicine again T"
** I shall remain until she comes home."
Beulah was pacing up and down the floor,
with Johnny in her arms ; |Dr. Uartwell
stood on the hearth, leaning his elbow on the
mantelpiece, and watching the slight form as
It stole softly to and fro. Gradually the
child became quiet, but his nurse kept ud
her walk. Dr. Ifartwell said abruptly :
. 'Sit down, mull you will walk ytmnbU
into a shadow."
She lifted her head, ehook it in reply, and
re.-ume<] her measured tiead.
" What is your name!"
"Beulah Benton."
" Beulah 1" repeated the doctor, while a
«mile flitted over his mustached lip. She
observed it, and exclaimed, with bitter em-
phasis :
/ ''Y*''^^*^*^°"**^'^™eit»8«nsuitablei I
feel It. Beulah ! Beulah I Oh, my father I
1 Have neither sunshine nor flowers, nor hear
the siiigingof birds, nor the voice of the tur-
<". V- ""^''' *° '^^^'^ ""'^^'' "le Marah "
.. .,?" •^^Z" '■**'^ *^^ 'Pilgrim 8 Progress.'
p" u ^^' "^*'*^ a searching glance.
Either she did not hear him, or was too
entirely engrossed by painful reflection to
frame an answer. The despairing expression
settled upon her face, and the broken threads
of memory wove on again.
" Beulah I how came you here in thecana-
city of nurse?" *^
I' I was driven here by necessitj'."
'' Where are your parents and friends T"
« ii'^*^* '>""«• I am alone in the world."
How long have you been so depen-
She raised her hand depreoatinglv, nay
oommandingly, as though she had said :
•No more. You have not the right to
question, nor I the will to answer."
He marked the look of unconquerable
grief, and understanding her gesture, made
no more enquiries.
Soon after, Mrs. Martin returned, and
having briefly stated what had occurred, and
given directions for the child's treatment, he
withdrew. His low " good niglit," gently
spoken to the nurse, was only acknowledged
by a slight inclination of the head as he
passed her. Little Jolnny was restless, and
constantly threatened with a return of th«
convulsions. His mother held him on her
feuee, and telling Beulah she "had been^
good, sensible girl, to bathe himsopromptli,"' '
fft-'n hej. permission to retire. '
" 1 am not at all sleepy, and would
stay here and nnrse him. He does not moan
so much when I walk with him. Give him
back to me. "
'• But you will be tired out."
u"iv!*'j"u"°*'"'°'* '*•" Stooping down,
she lifted the restless boy, and wrapping his
cloak about him, commenced the same noise-
less tread Thus the night waned; occa-
sionally Mrs. Martin rose, and felt her babe's
pulse, and assisted in giving the hourly po-
tions, then reseated herself, and allowed the
hireling to walk on. Once she oflFered to re-
leve her, but the arms refused to yield their
burden. A little after four, the mother
slept soundly in her chair. Gradually the
stars grew ,lim and the long undulating
chain of clouds that girded the eastern hon-
z'.n ki> .1 ,.,1 into a pale ornnge, that trans-
formed them into mountains of topaz Paus-
iiig by the window, and gazing vacantly out,
Leulah s eyes «ere suddenly riveted on the
t'^rgeous pageant, which untiring nature
'inily renews, and she stood watching the
masses of vapour painted by coming sunlight
.■"ul floating slowly before the wind, unti
|l.e "King o Day" flashed up and dazzled
'■". Airs. Martin was awakened by the en-
Munteof oneof the servants, and starting
up, exclaimed : "»rnng
" Bless me 1 I have been asleep. Beulah
derth" ^°^ """* ^* *'"*^ *^
i,o ''^^i' «^«^t'Pg now very quietly; I think
he IS better ; his fever is not so high. I will
tnkecareof him, and you had better take
ar;nrlier nap before breakfast"
Mrs. Martin obeyed the nurse's injunction
ant ,t was two hours later when she took her
child, and directed Beulab to get her break-
fast. But the weary girl felt no desire for
the meal, and retirinc to her attic room.
bathed her eyes, and replaited her hair
Kneeling beside her bed, slie tried to prav.
but the words died on her lips ; and too mi'st
erable to frame K petition, she retnmed to
the ch.imber where, in sad vigils, she had
spent the night. Dr. Hartwell bowed m she
entered, but the head wu bent down, and
without glancing at him, she took the fret-
fuJ, sufTering child, and walked to the win-
dow. While she stood there, her eyes fell
upon the loved face of her best friend. Eugene
Graham was crossing the street For an in-
stant the burning blood surged over her wan
sickly cheeks, and the pale lips parted in a
smile of delight, as she leaned forward to see
whether he was coming in. The door bell
c ! — ••> '^w^'^piaiig irieui tne winaow, un-
consciou§,«f the piercing eyes fastened upon
JV^*'?*'^^ '*y'°« ^'^*^® Johnny on his
niaffier s lap, she merely said |
• I will be back soon," and darting down
the steps, met Eugene ftt the entr»nc»
!lff t
18
BEULAH.
tell
throwing her arms around his neck and
ing her fane on his shoulder.
" Wliat is the matter, Beulah ? Do
me," said lie, anxiously.
Briefly slie related her ftnitless attempt to
see Lilly, and poiutul out the nature of the
barrier "which must for ever p. parate them.
Eugene listened with Has<hii.K eycH, and
several times the word "brutal" escaped his
lips. He endeavoured to comfort her by
holding out hopes of brighter days, but her
eyes fixed on shadows, and his cheering
words failed to call up a smile. They stood
in the hall near the fioiit door, and here Dr.
Hartwell found them when he left the sick-
room, Eugene looked up as he approached
them, and stepped forward with a smde of
recognition to shake the extended hand.
Beulah's countenance became instantly re-
pellent, and she was turning away when the
doctor addressed her :
" You must feel very much fatigued from
bemg up all night. I know from your looks
that you did not close your eyes."
" i am no worse looking than usual, thank
you," she replied, icily, drawing back ns she
spoke, behind Eugene'. The doctor left them,
and as his \)ngcv rolled from the door, Beulah
seemed to breathe freily again. Poor child !
her sensitive nature had so often been deeply
wounded by the thoughtless remarks of
strangers, that she began to shrink from all
observation, as the surest mode of escaping
pain. Eugene noticed her manner, and bit-
ing his lips with vexation, said reprovingly :
"Beulah, vou are very rude to Dr.
Hartwell. Politeness costs nothing, and you
might at least have answered his question
with ordinary civility."
Her eyelids drooped, and a tremor passed
over her mouth, as she answered meekly :
"I did not intend to be rude ; but I
dread to hare people look at or speak to me. "
"Why, pray!"
" Because I am so ugly, and they are sure
to show me that they see it."
He drew his arm protectingly around her,
and said gently : " Poor child, it is cruel to
make you sufifer so. But rest assured Dr.
Hartwell will never wound your feelings. I
have heard that he was a very stern and ec-
aentric man, though a remarkably learned
one, yet I confess there is something m hu
manner which fascinates me, and if you will
only be like yourself he wiU always speak
kindly to you. But I am staying too long.
Dnn't look so forlom and ghostly. Positive-
ly I hate to come to See you, for somehow
your wretched face iiaunts me. Here is a
book I havejuBtfiniahedjperhapa it will serve
to divert your mind." He put a copy of
"Irving's Sketch Book" in her hand, and
drew on his gloves.
t
1^
hid.r>;>-t)h, Eugene, can't you stay a little long\
iff; just a little longer? It seems such a
\y great while since you were here." She
looked up wistfully into the handsome, boy-
ish face.
Drawing out an elegant new w>,tcb, he
held it before her eyes and answered hur.
riedlv :
" See there; it is ten o'clock, and 1 am
behind my appointment at the lecture-room.
Good-bve; try to be cheerful. ' What can't
be cured must be endured,' you know, so do
not despond, dear Btul»h.'^ Shaking her
hatt4 cordially, he ran down the steps. The
orphan pressed her hands tightly over hef
brow, as if to slay some sudden, painful
thought, and slowly remounted the stairs.
CHAPTER V.
Little Johnny's illness proTed long and
serious, and for many days and nights he
seemed on the verge of the tomb. His wail«
ings were never hushed except in Beulah ■
arms, and, as might be supposed, constant
watchin<; soon converted her into a mere
shallow of her former self. Dr. Hartwell
often advised rest and fresh air for her,
but the itilent shake of her head proved how
reckless she was of her own welfare. Thus
sevei.il weeks elapsed, and gradually the
sick child grew stronger. One afternoon
Beulah sat holding him on her knee; he had
fallen asleep, with ene tiny hand clasping
hers and w'hile he slept she read. Absorb-
ed in the volume Eugene had given her, her
thoughts -wandered on with the authwr,
amid the mouldering monuments of West-
ininat< r Abbey, and finally the sketch was
concluded by that solemn paragraph:
"Thus man passes away; his name perishee
from record and recollection; his history le
as a tale that is told, and his very monument
becomes a ruin." Again she read this sad
comment on the vanity of earth, and its
ephemeral hosts, and her mind was failed
with weird images, that looked out from her
earnest eyes. Dr. Hartwell entered nnper-
oeived, and stood for some moments at the
back of her chair, glancing over her shoulder
at the last page. At length she closed the
book, and passing her hand wearily over her
eyes, aaid audibly:
'• Ah I if we could only have sat down to^
gether in that gloomy garret, and had a long
talk I It would have helped ns both. Poor
Chattsrtor. ! I know just bow you felt,
■when you locked your d'oor and laid down
on your truckle-bed, and Kwallowed yout
last draught l"
" There is nol a word about Chattertwu tM
thafsketch," sadd the doctor.
-^
' n
r
sa
Wl
se
ag
foi
lod
Wll
die
do
wo
wai
hea
wit,
BEULAH.
looked up, and answered
word. He wu
\
\^.
itAtnttuu •«
She started,
«lowly :
" No, not a word, not . „„.„.
^",7*«Tu'"°°« paupers, you know,""
VVhat ma.le you think of himf*
Akii *"''"8ht that instead of resting in the
Abt)-y, under sculptured marble, his bones
t'l^nVof hfm '•• '"'^^^y'i'^'^^^'^^-^^ I often
"Whyr"
'' Because he was so miserable and uncar-
ed for ; because sometimes I feel exactly as
he did?' A, she uttered these word.^ she
compressed her lips iu a manner which plain-
ly said, " There I I have no more to say! so
do not question me." '''
He had learned to read her oountenanoe.
and as he fe t the infant's pulse, pointed U>
the crib saying : «^ ' r >* «»
fHst'Sa""'''^''*'"'^"^" °°'' *'•"•'"
».i K 'u^'H y"" ^""o«^ my directions t"
sfii I he sharply.
Beulah looked up at him for a moment,
then rose and placed the boy in his crib
Jur«,° '" T "J^ -^'■'™ '™"« ^'^^"'■teJ her fea.
an 1 I". Hi fl "V"" '"''^^'^ »"""' medicine,
an I sitti n^r the glass on the table, put both
han I, ,„ Ins pockets and walked np to the
mn-sp Herheadwasarerted.
It ni'-' &7h-" ^,? ^^^"'"^ •°°»«*' *" Jo'^k
. M ' , ^"^^h^'-'J'iereyes proudly on his
Jarterif? *"""' ^'""""'^ *'''"^"«'^ *^^
Terv'i^'ir "''-'* Eugene isgoing away
▼eiy 8u*0, to be absent at least live years ?''
rncredulous smile flitted over her face
__ the ashen hue of death settled there,
1 am in earnest. He leaves for Eurona
next week, to be gone a long time," ^
bhe extended her hands pleadingly and
said m a hoarse whisper : '^^
" Are you sure ?"
" Quite sure ; his passage is already en-
s^ncef" "^'^ ^'"'"^° °^ y" •'» his ab-
The strained eyes met his, vacantly • the
form"Jn^h'^^'^f '''*°f '^ ^^^ ^"''''^t attenuated
lormon the «ofa, au.i stood with folded arms
wSfjlrV'f'f '='''?^'««« *■*««• His high
wiiite brow clou.led, and a fierce light kin.
ctsed "te^h I^"^'-i"\<l-rk eyes, as£„gh
wSs, *'"' **"" *■****" indistinct
heT.Hl"; . . n'"^^'" ^^'*- She would pro
with f. 'J'"'" ''" "^ *""• «'^'^' *n>i repay me
ly
Hesprinkle-l a handfnl of water in the up.
turned face, and in a few minote* mw tU
eyelids tremble, and knew from the Took o«
suffering, that with returning conscionsnes.
came the keen pangs of grief She covered
while MiTd ' "^^ *^'^' * ""'•
!! n'*" ^ ®^^'' '®° '^''" *8ain ?"
He will como here tonight to tell yoa
about his trip. But what willbecome of you
in Ins absence ?— answer me that I"
God only knows I"
T ?*■• J'*'"*^?'! wrote the directions for
Johnny smedmno, and placing the slip of
paper on the glass, took his hat and left the
In»Lf ?u f^K "fK '"^^^ *>«'• ^^<"^ P"»»e<l
against the foot of the crib-etunned, taking
■<) note of the lapse of time.
u.A J V r ".Twilight irrey
Had in her sober Uvery ail things clad,"
The room had grown dark, save where a
mellow ray stole through the western win-
dow, Beulah rose mechanically, lighted the
lamp, and shaded it so a.'s to shield the eyes
of the sleeping boy. The door was open,
and glancing up she saw Eugene on the
threshold. Her arms were thrown around
rief* cry pf mingled joy and
w.*^\ ^"«{^n«' P'e»8e don't Ieav« met
Whom have I in the world but you »"
" Beulah, dear, I must go. Only liiink of
the privilege of being at a German univer-
sity ! I never dreamed of such a piece of wood
luck. Don't cry so j I shall come back some
ot tnese days, such an erudite, such an ele-
gant young man, you will hardly know me.
Only five years. I am almost seeenteen
now ; time passes very quickly, and you
will scarcely miss me before I shaU be home
again, "
He lifted up her face, and laughed gaily
as he spoke. '^ '
" When are you to go?"
" The vessel sails Wednesday-three dayt
from now I shall be very busy until then.
Beulah, what glorious letters I shall writ*
you from the old world! lam to see aJl
Europe before I return ; that is, my father
says I shall. He is coming on, in two or
three years, with Cornelia, and we are all to
travel together. Won't it be glorious*"
•• Yes, for you. But, Eugene, my heart
seems to die when I think of those ooming
hve years. How shall I live without you*
Oh, what shall I do r " ""you.
"There, Beulah ! do not look so wretched.
Xou will have a thousand things to diver*
your mind. My fn^her says he will see that
you are sent to .. public school Yoo
know the tuition is free, and he thinks he
can hnd some good, kind family, wi.er.. von
wiU be Uken care of till your education ie
I
Mf
I
BEULAH.
iataihed. Your stinHeB will oci ^'V ym
closely, and you will have quite tu ukIi to
think of, without troubling yoursi If ivbout
my absence. Of course, you will write to ine
oonstantly.and each letter will be like haying
» nice, quiet chat together. Oh, dear I can t
you get up a smile, and look less forlorn T
You never would look on the bright side."
" Because I never had any to look to,
except you and Lilly ; and when you are
gone, everything will be dark— dark I she
froaned, and covered her face with her
anda.
*' Not unless you determine to make it so.
If I did not know that my father would at-
tend to your education, I should not be so
delighted to go. Certainly, Beulah, in im-
proving yourself, you will have very little
leisure to sit down and repine that your lot is
not among the brightest. Do try to hope t hat
things may change for the better. If they
do not, why, I shall not spend eternity in
Eurone ; and when I come home, of course
I shall tike care of you myself."
Sh« rti ' I with one hand resting on his
arm, and A-hile he talked on, carelelessly,
of Inn lacuie, she fixed her eyes on his coun-
tenance, thinking of the desolate hours m
store for her when the mighty Atlantic
billows surged between her aud the noble
classic face she loved so devotedly. A
shadowy panorama of coining years glided
before her, and trailing clouds seemed gath-
ered about the path her little fett inust
tread. A vague foreboding discovered to
her the cheerlessness, and she shivered in
anticipating the dreariness that awaited her.
But there was time enough for the raging of
the storm ; why rush so eagerly to meet it ?
She closed her eyes to shut out the grim
vision, and listened resolutely to the plana
suggested for her approval. When Eugene
rose to say " Good-night," it was touching to
note the efforts she made to appear hoi)eful ;
the sob swallowed, lest it should displease
him ; the trembling lips forced into a Brnilo,
and the heavv eyelids lifted bravely to meet
his glance. When tUe-*5or closed after his
retreating foniu^-'ftie hands were clasped
convulsivelv^y^d the white, tearless face
mutely ji«f<fealed the desolation which that
locked in its darkened chambers.
DiiriiK.' the winter, scarlet fever had hov
CHAPTER VI.
Several tedious weeks had rolled away
since Eugene (iraham left his sunny sontliern
l,n,n.> t.o aet-k loarninu in the veueral)le um-
versities of the old world. Blue-eyed May,
the carnival month of the year, had clothe 1
the earth with verdure, and enamelled it
with flowers of every hue, scattering her
treasures before the rushing car of summer.
city,
hope!
danger
it wai
end I ivateuingly over the
but Hi the spring advanced,
weie entertainoil that all
had passed. Consequently, when - .—
announced (hat the disease had made its ap-
pearance in a very malignant form, in the
house adjoining Mrs. Martin's, she deter-
mined to send her children immediately out
of town. A relative living at some distance
up the river, happened to be visiting her at
the time, and as she intended returning home
the following day, kindly offered to take
charge of the children until all traces of the
disease had vanished. To this plan Beulah
made no resistance, though the ni.inory of
her little sister h.iuntcd her hourly. Wli.it
could she doT Make one last attempt to ace
her, and if again refused, then it mattered
not whither she went. When the prepiira-
tions for their journey had been compleled,
anil Johnny slept soundly in his crib, Ikulah
put on her old straw-bonnet, and set out for
Mr. Grayson's residence. The sun was low
in the sky, and the evening breeze, ri))pliiig
the waters of the bay, stirred the luxuriant
foliage of the ancient china-trees that bor-
dered the pavements. The orphan's heart
was heavy with undefined dread ; such a
dread as had oppressed her the day of her
separation from her sister
" Coming events cast their shadows before;"
and she was conscious that the sunset
jrlow could not dispel the epectral ^;looni
which enveloped her. She walked on, with
her head bowed, like one stooping from an
impending blow, and when at last tne crouch-
iiiL' lions confronted her, she felt as if her
heart had suddenly frozen. There stood the
doctor's buegy. She sprang up the steps, ami
stretched out her hand for the bolt ot the
door. Long streamers of crape floated
"through her fingers. She stood still a mo-
ment, then threw open the door and rushed
in. The hall floor was covered to i.niffle the
tread ; not a sound reached her, save the
stirring of the china-trees outside. Her
hand was on the balustrade to ascend the
steps, but her eyes fell upon a piece of
crape fastened to the parlour door, and
pushing it ajar, she looked in. The furni.
ture was draped ; even the mirrors and pic-
tures, and on a small oblong table in the
centre of the room lay a shrouded form. An
overpowering perfume of crushed flowers
filled the air, and Beulah stood upon the
threshold, with her hands extended, and her
eyes iixed upon the tabic. There were two
children; Lilly might yet live, and an un-
voiced praver went up to God, that the dead
might be Claudia. Then like scathing light-
ning came the recollection of her cnrse :
^-
0:
?r had hov.
the city^
tl, hop<>(
1 danger
len it wat
nade ita ap-
)rm, in the
she deter-
idiately out
ne distauco
iting her at
iriiing huiiie
ed to take
races of the
ilan Bciilah
niciiiory of
ily. What
ini|it to Be«
it inatturud
he prtpura-
coiiipluU'd,
;rih, Btulab
1 set out for
lun was low
zp, rip\.ling
e liixuriaut
la that bor-
hail's heart
id ; »uch a
day of her
KB before;"
the sunset
ctral ^loiiiu
ed on, with
ng from an
tne crouch-
It as if lier
re stood the
e steps, and
bolt of the
ape floated
still a mo-
and rushed
o i.iuffle the
ir, save the
itside. Her
ascend the
a piece of
door, and
The fumi-
jrs and pic-
;able in the
id form. An
hed flowers
id upon the
led, and her
fc Wrfe fWO
and an un-
nat the dead
athing light-
her curse :
21
BEULAH.
X.
'^
May God aniwer their prayers, as they an-
swered mine 1" With rigid iimba ihe totter-
«d to the table, and laid her hand on the yA-
ret pall ; with closed eyes the drew it down,
then held her breath and looked. There
lay her idol, in the marble arms of death
Ah 1 how matchlessly beautiful, wrapped in
her last sleep I The bright golden curls
guttered around the snowy brow, and floated
k Ta^^^'^^^ sunlight over the arms and
shoulders. The tiny waxen figure clasped
each other as in life, and the delicately chi-
selled hps were just parted, as though the
sleeper whispered. Beulah's gaze dwelt
upon this mocking loveliness, then the arms
were thrown wildly up, and with a lonjf,
wailing cry, her head sank heavily on the
velvet cushion, beside the cold face of her
dead darling. How long it rested there she
never knew. Earth seemed to pass away :
darkness dosed over her, and for
a time she had no pain, no sor-
row ; she and Lilly were together,
All was black, and she had no feelintr.
Ihen she was lifted, and the motion arous-
ed her torpid faculties ; she moaned and
opened her eyes. Dr. Hartwell was placina
her on a sofa, and Mrs. Grayson stood by
w ^'**' * handkerchief over her
eyes. With returning consciousness came a
strong arm that strove to detain her, and
laying one clinched hand on the folded fingers
of th-j dead, raised the other fiercely towar I
Mrs. Grayson, and excl umed almost ranti-
oally :
" Yon have murdered her 1 1 know it would
be so, when you took my darling from my
arms, and refused my prayer 1 Ave I my
of God to let me see her onoe more ; to let
f„!i f 1, '^*° ^l *'.**'■*' "•* •'<"*«'• lips,
and forehead, and little slender hands You
scorned a poor girl's prayer, you Unoted me
with my peverty, and locked me from my
darling, my Lilly, my all I Oh, woman Ty"J
drove nae wild, and I cursed you and vdur
husband. Hal has your wealth and sff
dour saved her T Qod have mercy ou me!
I feel as if I could ourse yon eternally. Could
you noc have sent for ms before she died ?
Oh, if I could only have taken her in my
arms, and seen her soft nngel eyes looking un
to me, and felt her little arms around my
neck, and heard her say ' sister' for the last
time I Would it have taken a dime from
your Durse. or mafiA V(^n Iaqc f..k; ui- *.
nave sent for me before she died ? ' Such
^ measureasye mete, shall be meted to you
\ ^ Jrl'llii*!***^/"" "u^*° ''•^« yo""- heart
\ *I2^iS *" ,°''"»*»«<J. even as you have
the blazing eyes were fastened on the young
sleeper ; while Mrs. (Jrayson. cowering like
a frightened child, left the room. Baulah fell
on her knees, and crossing her arms on the
table, bowed her head mow and then, broken,
wailing tones passed the white lips. Doctor
Hartwell stood in a recess of the window,
with folded arms and tightly compressed
mouth, watching the young mourner. Ouoe
he moved toward her, then drew b.iok, anda
derisive smiledistortedhis features, as though
he scorned himself for the nioinentary weak-
ness. He turned suddenly away, andreaoh-
ed the door, but pansed to look back The
old straw bonnet, with iu fade<l pink ribbon,
had fallen off, and heavy folds of black hair
vailed the bowed faoe. He note<l the slight,
quivered form, and the thin hands, and »
look of remorseful aeony swept over his
countenance. A deadly pallor settled on
cheek and b'ow, as with an expression of
iron resolve, be retraced his steps, and put-
ting his hand on the orphan's shoulder, said
gently :
" Beulah, this is no place for you. Ooms
with me, child."
She shrank from his tonoh, and put up on*
hand, waving him off.
" Your sister died with the searlet fever,
aud Claudia is now very ill with it. If you
stay here you will certainly take it your-
self."
'' I hope I shall take it."
He laid his finger on the pale, high brow,
and softly drawing back the thick hair, said
earnestly ; " Beulah, come home with me.
Be my child : my daughter. "
Again her hand was raised to pat him
aside.
'; No ; you too would hate ms for my
ugliness. Let me hide it in the grave with
Lilly. They cannot seperate us there." He
lifted her head ; and, looking down into the
haggard face, answered kindly—
I promise you I will not think yoo ugly
. spied mine I'
Her arm sank to her side, and once more
I will make you happy. Come to me, ohi_.
She shook her head with a moan. PMsing
bis arm around her, he raised her from the
barpet, and leaned her head asainst him.
" Poor little sufferer J they have madr you
drink, prematurely, earth's bitter draughts.
They have disenchanted your childhood of
its fairy-like future, Beulah, you are ill
now. Do not struggle so. You must come
with me,jny child." He took her it. his
otrons Bfuia, and bore asr oat of i'lo i*.iu»«,
of death. His bug|y stood at the door, and
seating himself in it, he direoted the boy
whe accompanied him to " drive home."
fieulah offered no resistance { she hid her
faoe in her hands, and sat quite still, (<carco.
ly conscious of what bud pai:ted, Sbe knew,
I'l i
»
tHfctifi.'Tn •rm held her uonrely, and, »»ve
her wr»i '•'>«'*''Ms, kn«w n'»*hing ela*. Boon
»he wu lut i,ut f thb ooggy, carried up
a flight of kte^ta, ^ud ^^en » nood of light
Hmhed thmut^h the iimgen, upon her olnied
cyelidi. Doctor Hnrtwell pUced hit obargr
(in ft tofft, an<) ran^ the bell. The BuminonB
was promptly annwered by a negro woinau of
middle ago. 8he stood at the door awaiting
the order, but liia oyea were beut on the
tioor, and his browa knitted.
" Master, did you ring T"
" Yes, tell my iiaterto come to me."
He took a turn acrotui the iluor, and paused
by the open window. As the night air rustled
tlie brown looks on his temulea, he sighed
deeply. The door opeued, ana a tall, slender
woman, of perhtps thirty-tive years, enter-
ed the room, bhe was pale and hand-
some, with a profusion of short uhestnut curls
about her face. With her hand resting on
the door, aho saii), in a calm, clear tone.
"Well, Guy?"
He started, and, turning from the window
approached her.
_ May, I want » room arranged for this
child as loon as possible. Will you see that
a hot foot bath is provided? When it is
ready, tend Harriet for her."
His sister's lips curled as she looked
scarchin^ly at the figure on the sofa, and
said coblly :
" What freak now, Guy?"
For a moment their eyes met steadily, and
be smiled grimly:
"I intend to adopt that poor little orphan;
that is all 1"
" \^ here did you pick her up — at the hos-
pital T" said slie, sneerinj^ly.
"No, she .13 been hired as a nurse, ac a
1 1 ardingbouse." He folded Lis a'-ms, and
I ,::ain they looked at each otlier.
" 1 thonnht you bad had quite enough of
r I t'-geF." She nervously clasped and un-
flnspcd her jet bracelet.
" TfVft care. Mav Chilton ! Mark me.
Lift the j>all from tlie past once more, and
\ou and j'auline must find another home,
ii'iother protector. Now, will you see that
i> room is prep,' -A as I directed !" He was
very pale, and ' 'fi eyes burned fiercely,
'.et his tone WHS a sud subdued. Mrs.
t'hilton bit her 'ipa .-1 , ithdi-aw. Doctor
liartwell walkedrV;'' ..V, ' 'Ii wn ' .; - room for
iiwhile, now,4rfi^d iiU .- ?k .. sadly at the
^oungstMiilKer. ''he »? t Jivut as he .'j . •
^jflnceMfer, with her haii " over herftca,
\ T^KiiMJ^ he bent d^kn and ..hippered :
\ -^ Will YOU trust !~. ReuLnb?"
^r She made no answer, but he saw her brow
/ wrinkle, and knew that she shuddered. The
servant oame in to say that the room had
been arranged, aa he had directed. However
,:!.
surprised she might have been at this sndden
advHfftt of the simply clad orphan in her
maste>'''* study, there was not the faintest
indicatidfi of it in her impenetrable counte-
nance — not even the raising of an eyebrow.
"Harriet, see that her feet are well bathed}
and, when «he is is bed, come for some me-
dicine."
Then, drawing the hands from her eyes,
he laid to Bculah:
" Go with her, my child. I am glad I
have you safe under my own roof, where no
more jruel injustice can assail yon."
He pressed her hand kindly, and, rising
mechanically, beulah accompanied Harriet,
who considerately BUpj>orted the drooping
form. The room to which she was conduct-
ed was richly furnished, and lighted by an
elegant coloured lamp, su8v)cndeJ from the
ceiling. Mrs. Chilton stood near an arm,
chair, looking moody and abstracted. Har-
riet carefully undressed the poor morrner,
and wrapping a shawl about her, placed hei
in the chair, and bathed her feet. Mrs. Chil-
ton watched her with ill-concealed impa-
tience. When the little dripping feet were
dried, Harriet lifted her, as if she had been
an inf^ -., and placed her in bed, then
brou;rht the medicine from the study, and
administered a spoonful of the mixture.
I'lacing her finger on the girl's wrist, she
countodthe rapid pulse, and, turnint; uncon-
oernedly towaid Mrs. Chilion, said :
"Miss May, master says you need not
trouble about the medicine. I am to sleep
in the room and take care of this little
girl."
" Very well. See that she »» properly
attended to, as my brother directed. My
bead aches miserably, or I should remain
myself."
■She (glanced at the bed, and left the room.
Harriet leaned over the pillow . . px .uniicd
the oil 'lan's cfiwiteiiance. The tyt-s? vn>ie
closed, Ijut scftMing tears roll ■] -^i 1y '••!>?
the cheeks, and the liant ..la . .:d
over the brow, as if to sliU its throbbings.
Harriet's face softened, and she saic^,
kindly :
"Poor thing 1 what ails youT What
makes you cry so ?"
Beulah pressed her head closer to the
pillow, and murmured :
" I am 80 miserable ! I want to die, and
God will not take me."
"Don't say that, till you see whether
you've got the scarlet tcver. If you have,
you are likely to be taken pretty soon, I
nan +-gll ^'011 • and i^ «nn liotTgri'*- w^K^r if*. ■
all for the best. It is a bad plan to fly in
the Almighty's face that way, and tell him
what He shall do, and what He shan't."
This philosophic response fell unheeded
BEULAH.
What
I
on poor Mpiilah'i earn, knd Hftrriet wa«
•bniit to enquire more tniautoly into the
cauNe of her grief, )nit ihe perceived licr
muttr ■t»ndjiiK betide Jicr, »nd imniediftttly
tnovid away from the bed. Drawing out
hill watch, ho counted the pulse teveral
tii,ie», T>it? rcHult seemed to trouble liitn,
an I ht »t Hid for tome minutci watching the
niotionleRi form.
' Harriet, bring me af;la»8 of ice-water."
Laying his cool hand on tho hot forehead
of the suflTcring girl, he laid, tenderly :
" My child, try not to cry any more to-
night. It is very bitter, I know ; but re-
member, that though Lilly has been taken
from you, from thia day you have a friend,
a home, a gtiardian."
Harriet proffered the glaiB of water. He
took it, raised the head, and put the spark-
ling draught to Beulah's parched lipg.
Without uncloiing her eyes, she drank the
last crystal drop, nnd laying the liead back
on the pillow, he drew an arm-chair before
the window at the further end of tho room,
And leated himself.
h( .»vy
I.
CHAPIER VIL
Through quiot, woody dells roamed Beu-
laJi's spirit, and, hand in hand, she and
Lilly trod tlowery paths and rested bei-ide
clear, laughing brooks. Life, with its grim
realities, seemed but a flying mist. The
orphan hovered on the conhnes of eternity's
ocean, and its silent waves almost laved the
feet of the weary child. The room was
darkened, and the summer wind stole
through the blinds stealthily, as if awed by
the solitude of tlie sick-chamber. Dr.
Hartwell sat by thi- low French bedstead,
holding one emaciated hand in his, countintr
t'." pulse which bounded so fiercely in the
blue veins. A fold of white linen contain-
ing crushed ice lay on her forehead, and the
hollow cheeks and thin lips were flushed to
vermilion hue. It was not scarlet, but
brain fever, and tins was the fifth day that
the sleeper had lain in a heavy stupor. Dr.
Hartwell put back the hand he held, and
stooping over, looked long and anxiously at
the flushed face. The breathing was deep
and laboured, and taming away, he slowly
and noiselesslv walked up and down the
floor. To have looked at him then, in his
purple silk rohe de chnmbre, one wonUl
have scarcely believed that thirty yearf^ had
passed over his head. He was tall an;',
broad-chested, his head massive and weli
formed, his face a curious study. The
brow was expansive and almost transparent
m its purity, the dark, hazel eyes were
singularly brilliant, while the contour of
lips and chin was partially concealed by a
mustache and beard. The flrat
giante at his face impVensed strangers by
Its extreme pallor, but in a second hiok tl.ty
were fascinated by the misty spltndcur
»f the eyes. In truth those wre atrange
eyes ot (;uy Hartwell. At times, scan hing
and glittering like iioiinhed steel j occaition-
ally 1 ghting up witli a dRzzlin^ radianee, and
then as suddenly growing gentle, hazy, yet
luminous ; rrstnibling the clouded aspect of
a star seen through a thin veil of mist, ilia
brown, curling hair was thrown back fiom
the face, and exposed the outline of the
ample forehead. Perhaps utilitarians woulu
have carped at the fenuuine deliiacy of the
hands, and certainly the ting* rs were slender
and marvellouMly white. Or one hand ha
wore an antique ring, composi . of a cameo
snake-head set round with Uamonds. A
proud, gifted and misernhlc mm -^as Gay
Hartwell, and his characteristic vpreasionof
■tern sadness might easily have i . jn mistak-
en by casual observers for bii er mi<ian>
thropy.
I have said he was about thirty, and
though the face was repellently old and
grave, it was difficult to believe hat that
smooth, fair brow had been for so many
years uplifted for the handwriting f time.
He looked just what he was— a bafll ij.', fas-
cinating mystery. You felt that his .nnte-
nance was a volume of hioroj^-lyphies, shich,
could you decipher, would unfold the istoiy
of a checkered and painful carter. \ t the
calm, frigid smile which sat on his li and
looked out defiantly from his dcep-set ves,
seemed to dare you to an iiivcstig;. "ion.
Mere physical beauty cannot imj «rt th- in-
describable charm which his counten. oce
possessed. Kegularity of features is a \ la-
able auxiliary, but we look on sculptu ed
marble, perfect in its chiselled proportiora,
and feel that, after all, the potent spell in to
the rayin;; out of the soul, that imprisoiii.d
radiance whicli, in some instances, makes
man indeed but " little lower than theac-
gels." He jiaiised in his eeholess tread, and
sat down once more beside his prrtig^. She
had not changed her position, and the long
lashes lay heavily on the crimson cheeks.
Tiie parched lips were parted, and, as he
watched her, she murmured aloud :
" It is so sweet, Lilly ; we will stay here
always. 'J A shadowy smile crossed her face,
and then a great agony seemed to p(«ftge8s her,
for she moaned long and bitterly. He tried
-'; — — ■ *••*", t'-t iiir istsi t:ii:c since IIIO
night she entered his house, she opened her
eyes and gazt d vacantly at him.
" Are you in pain, Beulah ? Why do you
moan so ? '
" Pjigene, I knew it would b« so wh«B
ou left me."
I'
f
1
«
^
BEUL\H.
Don't you know me, lieulah t" He jmt
"»ce close to here. " Tliey liilled her, Ku-
gene ! I told you they would ; thtsy are jjoing
to bury her soon. But the grave can't liifle
her ; I am going do'vn with her into the
darkness — she would be frightened, you
know." Mukinu' a great eflFort, she sat up-
right. Dr. Il.irtwell ])ut a glass containing
madiciue to her lips ; she shrank ))aek and
shudilered, tlien raised her hand for the
glass, and looking fixi dly at him. said :
" Did Mrs. Grayson say I must take it ? It
is poison that kills quickly ? There : don't
frown, Eugene, I will drink it all for you.
She swallowed the draught with a shiver.
He laid her \iack on hf.v pillow ami renewed
the ii'cd cloth od her forehead ; slic did not
move her burning eyes ftoin ids face, and the
refreshing coolness recalled the sad smile.
'• Are we on the Alps, Eugene ? I feel
dizzy, don't let nie fall. There is a great
chaain yonder. Uh. I know now ; I am not
afraid ; Lilly is down there — come on. " Her
arma drooped to her side, aud she slept
again. Evening shalows crept on ; soon the
room was dark. Harriet entered M-ith a
shaded lamp, but her master motioned her
out, and throwing open the blinds, sulFered
the pure moonlight to enter freely. The
>vindow looked out on the flower-garden, and
t'le mingled fragrance of roses, jaaniins,
honeysuckles and dew laden four-o'clocks,
enveloped him as in a cloud of incense. A
balmy moonlight June night in our beautiful
sunny South — who shall adequately paint
its witchery T Dr. Hartwell leaned his
head against the window, and glanced down
at th« parterre he had so fondly fostered, phaiitj^:
The golden moonlight mellowed every object, / (^ '^v\\\y
and uot the gorgeous pictures of Persian '■' •
poets surpansed the quiet scene that greeted
the master. The shelled serpentine
walks were bordered with low, close-
ly clipped cassiua hedges ; clusters of
white and rose oleander, scarlet gera-
niums, roses of oountles.<i variety, beds of
verbena of every hue, and patches of brilliant
annuals, — all looked up BiniliMi,'ly at him.
Just beneath the window, tlie clasping
tendrils of a clematis were wound aVMUit the
pedestal of a marble Fhira, and a cluster of
the delicate purple blossoms peeped through
the fingers of the goddess. Further off, a
fountain flashed in the moonlight, murmur-
ing musically in and out of its reservoir,
while the diamond spray bathed the sculp-
tured limbs of a Venus. The sea breex.e
sang its )u!!ahy through the bonjlis ,-,( a
luxuriant orange-tree near, and silence
seemed guardian spirit of the beautiful spot
when a whippowil whirred through the air,
and perching on the snowy brow of the
lu childhood, Guy Hartwell had been taught
1)7 his nurse to regard the melancholy chant
as ominous of evil ; but as years threw
their shadows over his heart, darkening the
hopes of his boyhood, the sad notes of the
lonely bird became gradually soothing, and
now, in the prime of life, he loved to listen to
the shy visitor, and ceased to remember that
it boded ill, \Vitli an ardent love for the
beautiful, in all its Protean phases, he en-
joyed communion with nature as only an
imaginative assthetie^d temperament can.
This keen appreciation of beauty had been
fostered by travel and stuly. Over the vast
studio of nature he h; eagerly roamed;
midnight had seen him i.'Hzing enraptured on
the loveliness of Italian scenery, and found
him watching the niarcii of constellations from
the lonely heights of the Hartz ; while the
thunder tones of aw ful Niagara liad often
hushed the tumults of his passionate he.irt,
and iiowed his proud head in humble iwiora-
tion. He had searched the storehouses of
art, and collected treasures that kindled
divine aspirations in his soul, and wooed
him for a time from the cemetery of memory.
With a nature so intensely SBsthetical, and
taste so thoroughly cultivated, he had, in a
great measure, assimilated his home to the
artistic bfiu idnal. Now as he stood inhal-
ing the perfumed air he forgot the little
suflFerer a few yards ofT -forgot that Azrael
stood on the threshold, beckoning her to
brave the dark floods, and as his wnole na-
ture became permeated (so to speak) by th«
intoxicating beauty that surroumled him, he
extendej^his arms, and exclaimed trium-
ly thou art my mother, dear old
'^kfth 1 I feel that I am indeed nearly allied
4o thy divine beauty ! Starry nights, and
whispering .winds, and fragrant flowers!
yea, and even the breath of the tempest 1
all, all are parts of ray being."
"Guy, there is a messenger waiting at the
door to see you. Some patient requires
prompt attendance." Mrs. Chilton stood
near the window, and the moonlight flashed
over her handsome face. Her brother frowned
and motioned her away, but. smiling quietly,
she put her beautifully moulded hand on his
shoulder, and said :
"I anj sorry I disturb your meditations,
but if you will practise "
" Who sent for me?"
" I really don't know."
" Will you be good enough to enquire?''
"Certainly." She glided gracefully from
the room.
The whippowil flew from his marble perch,
and as the mournful tones died away, the
Aphrodite, began his plaintive night hymn, master sighed, and returned to the bedside
~i
las
BEULAH.
been taught
i)holy chant
years threw
.rkeniiiK the
otca of the
iotbing, and
1 to listen to
neniber that
ove for the
asea, he cn-
as only an
inient can.
y liail been
ver the vast
ly roamed ;
iraptured oa
, and found
liatious from
; while the
I had often
oiuite heart,
iiible adora-
)rchouses of
rhat kindled
•nd wooed
f of memory,
heiioal, and
he ha-i, in a
lome to the
stood inhal-
it the little
that Azrael
)ning her to
8 whole na-
eak) by th«
ided him, he
med trium-
er, dear old
nearly allied
nights, and
mt flowers I
te tempest !
'aiting at the
3nt requires
hilton stood
ight flashed
ther frowned
iling quietly,
hand on his
meditationa,
to enqniTe?'
cefuUy from
narble perch,
I away, the
the bedside
of his charge. He renewed the ice on her
brow and soon after his sister re-entered
AJr. Vmceutisvery sick, and you are
wanted iniiiiediately." '
ranS^b^n:'-" «« °'-°^««d t^e room and
let'Si-V'"''^"" ^"^ ""*' ^""^ '""' ''°* *'=*'■■
\SJ^t^' ^ ^Y^ answered that question at
least twice a day for nearly a week "
But you should sympathize with a
tTd^en •""'^- ' '""' *" «P«-« P''""-
''Then let her remain where she is."
if T 1 i'. P!"^'*' ^''^''^^ he*- come home,
fever?" '"'"'■^'' ' *^** ^''^^'^ "^^^ ^rain
" '^hen. once for all, there is no scarlet
fever in the house." ouariot
He took a vial from his pocket,
into the glass, which he placed on
• stand by Beulah's bed ; then turning to
f^Jcth ]r^°h»'i obeyed his summons? he
houHj" *° administer the medicine
mJ'^lr^T ^^1,"^^ ^''t y^""" directions to
me, for 1 shall stay with the child to-ni-dit "
of the\ed ' '^^*^'^ ^^'■''" ** *''^ ^""*
■^ Qk'J ;?f"^*' '^»?d me the candle in the hall "
r^ bhe did so; and as her master took it from
*'. T*n ' ^® ^*'''' abruptly :
lell Hal to bring my buggy round, and
• then you mav go to Bed."^ I ''^fll ring f you
are wanted. ■J' lie waited nntU she was out
held ?h?^' ^r'' It^^'"'^ "I^ *° his sifter.
hel face "" *^^ "«•"* '"" ^"" "P""
I' May, can I trust you T"
"Brother, you are cruelly unius^ " 55he
"les, you wrong me hourly, with
miserable suspicions. Guy, remember that
■I have your blood m my veins, and it will
not always bear insult, even from yon.'' She
removed the handkerchief, and shook back
her glossy curls, while her face grew still
paler than was its wont.
be'si^h r* ' ^*^' ""^ *'*' ""varnished truth
They eyed each other steadily, and it was
apparent «iat each iron will was mted
<< ''"yy"" s1k.i1 repent this."
^\ni^uj:^ ^°" have made me repent
r V y" 'p" y°^ mean to say that "
-^uJl^ff**". to say, that since yon have at
last offered to assist in nursing that un-
conscious child, I wish you to give the
S:2roM''l"i:J^-x,'^**t ^^' potiof was at
<«ght o clock. " He placed the candle so as
25
to shade the light from the sick girl, and lefo
the room Mrs. Chilton sat foi- some time
as he had left her. with her hea.l leTningr,
her band, her thoughts evidently pcrplt^xe
cwlo L,f> ^^-^ih «he rseVnd' stood
c.oseto Beulah, looking earnestly at h«r
cmacatc^face. She put her finger^ « > £
ZTl\T^^'^ ^""^ '^"'*' «*"'! counted ac
ben h/r „ P" «*i»°"« of the lava tide, then
bent her queen y head, and listened to the
heavdy-drawn breathing. A haughty smi"
" Amer!!^"'*"^"'' '^' ««*<!. Com', lacenUy:
A mere tempest in a tea-cup. Pshaw this
girl will not mar my projects long. B^' „o, n
to-morrow she will be in eternityf I thought
the first time I saw her ghastly face she
would trouble me but a short seLon Wha?
paradoxes men are! What on earth possess-
ed Guy, with his fastidious taste, to E to
his home such an ugly, wasted, 'sallow K
wretch ? I verily believe, as a family we
arebeset by evil angels."' Drawing out 1^?
watch she saw that the hand ha3 passed
nne. Raising the glass to her lips, sheK
the quantity prescribed forthe sifferer and
was replacmg iton the stand, whenBeuir.
l*';g«' J^^oquent eyes startled her.
trend, lin.!j'''^'T^l* ^? y"" '"'»'»"" ""d «he,
eSh lu Wl her-assumed indifference
Budah looked at her vacantly, then threw
her arms restlessly over the pillow, and
slept agam. Mrs. Chilton drew up rcha?r
lengtb. Ultimately she was aroused bv uer
cemng her brother beside her, .JIZ
ill,';?o7er*''- ^'"<''»^*» Not dangerously
" To-morrow will decide that It is now
•'Two,' answered she, firmly.
Good'iiS.^-''"' '^'^' ^ ^^ "^'^^ y°« °ow.
" But you are worn out, and I am not
oc^cu™."*"''- ' ^'" ^*''«you if an^hr^
n^'i!Jil*l''y°^',^ P'"^^®'" watching to-night
?n fh.^n*"""/^*' and leave it on**the Se
W fi^'- ^^°^^^ nothing but moonlSht
Leave the door open." ^s the flickS
Tf
CHAPTER VIIL
*h^<- P h '^® ^^'-■y "8'^* ^^ dawning day
that Beulah awo^e to consciousness. For
some momenta after unclosing her eyJi thev
wandered enquiringly about the room IZ
finally rested on the tall form of the wTtcher
as he stood at the open window. QrlSuallv'
memory gathered up its scattered links "jd
26
BPJULAH.
all the incidents of that hour of angui
rushed rivi.lly before her. The little tii"
with its mail lie sleeper ; then a dim reco
tion of l,aving been carried to a friendly
slielter. Was it only yesterday evening, and
had she slept? The utter prostration which
prevented her raising her head, and the
emaciated appearance of her hands, *old
her "no." Too feeble even to think, .she
moaned audibly. Dr. Hartwell turned and
looked at her. The room was still in
shadow, though the eastern sky was flushed,
and he stepped to the bedside. The fever
had died out, the cheeks were very pale, and
the unnaturally large, sunken eyes lustreless.
She looked at him steadily, yet with perfect
indifference. He leaned over, and said,
eagerly :
"Beulab, do yon know me!"
"Yes,.! know you."
" How do you fi.el this morning?"
" I am very weak, and my head seems
confused. How lou;^ have I been here ? "
"No matter, child, if you are better."
He took out his watch, and, after counting
her pulse, prepared some medicine, and gave
her a potion. Her features twitched, and
she asked tremblingly, as if afraid of her own
question :
" Have they buried her ? "
" Yes, a week ago. "
She closed her eyes with a groan, and her
face became convulsed ; then she lay quite
still, with a wrinkled brow. Dr. Hartwell
sat down by her, and, taking one of her
wasted little hands in liis, said gently :
"Beulah, you have been very ilL I
scarcely thought you would recover ; and
now, tliough much better, you must not
agitate yourself, for you are far too weak to
bear it."
"Why didn't yon let me die? Oh, it
would have beeu a mercy ! " She put her
hand over her eyes, and a low cry wailed
through the room.
"Because I wanted you to get well, and
live here, and l)e my little friend, my child.
Now, Beulah, I have saved you, and you be-
long to me. When you are stronger, we
will talk about all you want to know ; but
to-day you must keep quiet, and not think
of what distresses you. Will you try ? "
The strong, stern mtiu shuddered, as she
looked up at him M'ith an expression of hope-
less desolation, and said slowly :
" I liavii nothing but misery to think of."
" Have you forgotten Eugene so soon?"
For an instant the eyes lighted up, then
the long lashes swept her cheeks, and she
murmured :
" Emyeiic ! he has left me too ; something
will happeti to him also ; 1 never loved any.
shing but ticjuUe came upon it."
to send her
both hands
and looked
She did not
Hartwell smiled grimly, as though an-
consciously she had turned to view some
page in the history of his own life.
" Beulah, you must not despond ; Eugene
will come back an elegant young man before
ycu are fairly out of short dresses. There,
do not talk any more, and don't cry. Try
to sleep, and remember, child, you are
homeless and friendless no longer." He
pressed her hand kindly, and turned toward
the door. It opened, and Mrs. Chilton en-
tered.
"Good morning, Guy; how is your
patient?" said she, blandly.
"txood morning, May; my little patient
is much better. Slie has been talk-
ing to me, and I am going
some breakfast." He put
on his sister's shoulder,
down into her beautiful eyes,
flinch, but he saw a greyish hue settle around
her lips.
" Ah ! I thought last night there was little
hope of her recovery. Yon are a wonderful
doctor, Guy ; almost equal to raising the
dead." Her voice was even, and, like his
own, marvellously sweet;
" More wonderful still, May ; I can read
the living." His mustached lip onrled, aia
scornful smile passed over his face.
'• Bead the living? "Then you can nnder-
stand and appreciate my pleasure at this
<;o id news. Doubly pooo, because it secures
Pauline's return today. Dear child, J long
to have her at homo again." An expression
of anxious maternal solicitude crossed her
features. Her brother kept his hand on her
shoulder, and as his eye fell on her glossy
auburn curls he said, half musingly:
" Time touches yon daintily, May ; there
is not one silver foot-print on your hair."
" He has dealt quite as leniently with you.
But how could I feel the inroads of time,
shielded as I have been by yonr kindness!
Cares »nd sorrows bleach the locks oftener
than accumulated years ; and you, Guy,
have most kindly guarded your poor widowed
sister."
"Have I, indeed, May ?"
"Ah I what would become of my Pauline
and me but for your generosity, your "
" Enough 1 Then/^once for all, be kind to
yonder sick child ; if not for her tftike, for
your own. You and Pauline can aid me in
making her hapjiy, if yon will. And if
not, remember, Alay, you know my nature.
Do not disturb Beulah now ; come down and
let her be quiet." He led her down the steps,
and then, throwing open a glass door, stepped
out upon a terrace covered with Bermuda
grass, and sparkling like a tiara in the early
sunlight. Mrs. Chilton watched him de-
scend the two white marble steps leading
h|
>/l
as though an>
to view «ome
life.
)ond ; Eugene
iig man before
'sses. There,
)n't cry. Try
ild, you are
onger. " He
uriied toward
i. Chilton en-
ow is your
little patient
been talk-
to send her
both hands
and looked
She did not
settle around
lere was little
e a wonderful
> raising the
Knd, life his
; I can read
> curled, h a
use.
3U can under-
iBure at this
use it secures
child, J long
kn expression
) crossed her
hand on her
)n her glossy
ngly:
May ; tfaer*
urhair."
tly with yon.
lads of time,
nr kindness?
locks oftener
I yon, Guy,
;H>or widowed
my Pauline
your "
1, be kind to
her Ake, for
an aid me in
rill. And if
' my nature,
me down and
wa the steps.
3oor, stepped
th Bermuda
i in the early
ed him de-
teps leading
yi
)
iiEULAH.
"It cannot be possible that that miserable
S oStv l^ThT 'f r", Pauline anThl:
FntftYi ! he mad, to dream of making
it i Iw •^"*'!!-* '"' *•"'•"« ^ Yet he means
It , I saw It m his eye ; the lurking devil that
has s umbered since that evening, and that f
on to the d.ning-room.*^ Beulah had alien
was He hf".^ 'T^'l''^ exhaustion „,- it
was L te in the day when she again uuc ,. rl
her eyes. Harriet sat sewing near he but
ioon perceived that she was awake l^A i^
mediately put aside her work '' "'^ ""'
Aha ! so you have come to your senaei
''^i'':v:,V' «— ^ou.Udr^'
ha3^'i "°** """f^' "«'"« that you
welk Nnl*i*Tr°"^l'.^ '° '"°'-« than a
Jpr!.H i' ^^''^^ .here, little one; I am or-
dered to nurse ana take charge of vou till
you are strong en<>ugh to look f^t f^ you !
self. So you must not objoct to aiivthinp T
tell you to do.'; Without f?,rther ^a/lev ifhl
r„l''^ ^"1 ^''?if^ ^«"'"h'8 face u>d hands
ftTabl"yP ?„^ [h'r\^o"'tlP'^^^1 ^""-
tomed In h"er iSo waH ^S^ ^,^Z
was something singularly noVe i?SAh„'
carefuUy handled ; and^ ne«tlin" her^ead
close to the pillows, she shut her eyes les
Ji^. ,^*7'«t quitted the room for a short
'I can't eat anythini? Thank „«„ t l
: fi^eTui-H ^VV "'>-^» o-
put a cup of tea to the quivering lips ^'
hadtoe!r."r **'^?^«' '^'^^ter said you
once P^'r t^ • ''? ""ght just as well do it at
St fo "vi L '?.*1^ "°^ ^*t » Jitti« ; you
SaX Sre'w"a*, t' ^i'; -^ -'th'out
HaiTiet praised her obedient fplTt and
abrupt^ ^'"^ "''"' ^^"^ ^^^' '^' «*id
"Hnno . ...
Twr'li^''' •*'"" crying r-
liierqyifag no reply, and kneeling down
cautiously : '^ ""wn,
I df vo^n"T *f,'""°*' *''"«* this family
27
win'wnl ."'"•'* ^' *"*« ""'^ it, everything
w Tome ?' «"° V" y°"- ^"t, child,^therf
bes dTl^?"' "^^fl y"" *'" "^eed a Wend
when vo^ .fn""' */''^ ^''r'^ y°" ««"'« to me
wnen yqu do. J won't say any more now
but remember what I tell you when vou ^Tt
into trouble. Miss Pauliiie has ome^ and^ if
she happens to take a fancy t<. vou (which J
Sri 'V'n"**'.^''^ wiirstaiul by you ill
the stars fall ; and if she don't, sl,e\vill hate
Cr-rr, '^^'' «^tan himself for-— ''
Se det /'i ^°* '°'"P''^*'' the seAtence. for
she detected her master's step in the oassaoa
and resumed her work. pa»8age,
"How is she?"
downhtrted" '* '"' "''"'^' '''' "<*--" «<»
neS.*" """ *^°- ^ ''■'" '•'°8 '^J>«° y«" "•
Dr. Hartwell seated himself on the edee of
the bed and lifting the chil.l's head tKs
bos^om. drew away the hands that shaded her
tioL^r '*^' "* ^"°" ^°"°^'"« "'y direc-
wret^f :,f "f i ^''" '"'" .^"■y ^'"^> ^"^t I am toa .
wretUied, too miserable, even to thank you "
.Id" not wish you to thank me All I
davrwi '11 ^"" "•'/ ^'^^ 'l"-t"or a f i
Sbi,^"oCEot^^?l^;!^-t lie here
she I
as
.r.i\i = "^ R. . ""'"Jig, ana no
sobbing jourself into another fever. I know
you have had a bitter lot in life so far and
inernones are all painful with you but' iUs
It swe 'lll^V'"^" "'-" thepasl Ah child '
nto the f, t, "' °t"^-'' '" *^" l"''^^' "t, looking
';t:::d^;yfor ir;:^.?^^^is'
heSf and 'iV'v'^^'f '"fu''°^*'>' °^'^'- her fore-
ettv' hi P" .h»^'k the tangled masses of
jettj hair which, long neglect had niled
about her face. The touch of his cool hand
the ow musical tones of his voice, were ve v
« cS':! ? 1 " m «"^--. and witl'^
gra.Si::[oSfSe^:i^..^»'"— '^
There, my child, do not try to talk onlv
tnist me, and be cheerful. It ^is a pfei^sure
« iJl always remain in my house "
i How long he sat there, she never knew
waVe°d"thr r'"' ''''' Y'>^" hours after :r;
pas-scd, and- the- girrsaw^noTe- exclpt^Ihe
nurse and physician. One sunny afternoon
downfi 'rK^^ ''" ^^'i*« c„rt"ai: a.7"t
dres^eS £r in -' H '" ^"V?*^"^' "«^"'et had
aressed her m a blue calico wrapper which
made the wan face still more JhS;; and
Tfn^z'-.s-rz,!.'^
?^
BEULAH.
'I !
I 1
i I
fche foM8 of black hair, which the gentle
ringers of the kind nnrse had (lisentanpl«il,
lay thick about her foreheft'l, like an eV)on
wreath on the brow of a statue. Iler elbows
rested on the arms of the easy-chair, and the
weary head leaned upon the hands. Before
her lay the flower-garden, brilliant and fra
grant; further on, a row of Lombardy poplr ■
bounded the yard ; and beyond the stre
atretohed the west comiiion. In the distance
ro?e a venerable brii;k building, set, as it
were, in an emeiil I lawn, and Beulah looked
only once, and knew it vraa the Asylum. It
was the first time she had seen it since her
exodus, and the long scaled fountain could
no longer be restrained. Great hot tears fell
over the bent face, and the frail form trembled
violently. For nearly fourteen years that
brave spirit had battled, and borne, and
tried to hope for better things. With more
than ordinary fortitude, she had resigned
herself to the sorrows that came thick and
fast upon her, and trusting in the eternal
love and goodness of Ood, had looked to Him
for relief and reward. But the reward came
not in the expected way. Hope died ; faith
fainted ; and bitterness and despair reigned
in that once loving and gentle soul. Her fa-
ther had not beenspared in answertoherfrantic
prayers. Lilly had been taken, witliout even
the sad comfort of a farewell, and now, with
the present full of anguish, and the future
shrouded in dark forebodings, she sobbed
tlaai.
" All alone 1 All alone 1 0, father I 0,
Lilly, Lilly 1 "
"D) pray, chile, don't tak^ on so ; you
will fret yourself sick again," said Harriet,
compassionately patting the drooped head.
" Don't talk to me— don't speak to me ! "
cried Beulab passionately.
" Yes, but I was told not to let you grieve
yourself to death, and you are doing your
best. Why don't you put your trust in the
liOrd ? "
" I did, and He has forgotten me,"
" No, chile. He forgets not even the lit-
tle snowbirds. I expect you wanted to lay
down the law for Him, and are not willing
to wait until He sees fit to bless yon. Isn't
it sot"
" He never can gire me back my dead."
"But He can raise np other friends for
yon, and He has. It is a blessed thing to
have my master for a friend and a protector.
Think of living always in a place like this,
with plenty of money, and nothing to, wish
for. Chile, you dou't know hew lucky ''
She paused, startled by ringing peals of
laughter, which seemed to come from the ad-
joining passage. Sounds of mirth fell tor-
toringly upon Beulah's bleeding spirit, and
she pressed her fingers tightly over her ears.
Just opposite to her sat the old trunk, which, ^
a fortiiij^ht l>3fore, she had packed for her '
journey up the river. The leathern fact
seemed/to sympathize with her woo, and
knealmg down on the floor, she wound hor
aotfs caressingly over it.
Bless the girl 1 she hugs that ugly ole-
fashioned thing, as if it were kin to her,"
said Harriet, who sat sewing at one of the
windows.
Benlah raised the lid, and there lay her
clothes, the books Eugene had given her,
two or three faded, worn-out garments of
Lilly, and an old Bible. The tears froze in
her eyes, as she took out the last, and opened
it at the ribbon mark. These words greeted
her : " Whom the Lord lovcth, He chaateneth."
Again and again she read them, and the
crushed tendrils of trust feebly twined ouce
more aljout the promise. As she sat there,
wondering why suffering and sorrow always
fell on those whom the Bible calls "blesseJ,"
and trying to explain the paradox, the door
was thrown rudely open, and a girl about
her own age sprang into the room, quickly
followed by Mrs. Chilton.
"Let me alone, mother. I tell you I
mean to see her, and then you are welcome
to me as long as you please. Ah, is that
her T "
The speaker pauied in the centre of the
apartment, and gazed curiously at the figure
seated before the old trunk. Involuntarily,
Beulah rai^cil hei eyes, and met the sciiroh-
iug look fixed upon her. The intruder was
richly dressed, and her very posture bespoke
the lawless independence of a wilful, potted
child. The figure was faultlessly symmetrical,
and her fao« radiantly beantitui. The fea-
tures were clearly cut and regular, the eyes
of deep, dark, violet hue, shade<l by curling
brown lashes. Her chestnut hair was
thrown back with a silver comb, and fell in
thick curls below the waist ; her complexion
was of alabaster clearness, and cheeks and
lips wore the coral bloom of health. As
they confronted each other, one looked a Hebe,
the other a ghostly visitant frdm spirit
realms. Beulah shrank from the eager
scrutiny, and put up her hands to shield her
face. The othe'- advanced a few steps, and
stood beside her. The expression of curi-
osity faded, and comething like compassion
swept over the stranger's features, as she
noted the thin drooping form of the invalid.
Her lips )iarted, and she put out her hand,
.V! if to .address Beulah, when Mrs^ Ohilfcon
exclaimed impatiently :
" Pauline, come down this instant I Yonr
uncle positively forbade your entering this
room until he crave you permission. There
is his buggy this minute ! Come out, I say I"
old trunk, which, ^
1 iiacked for Ler
'he leathern fac«
th her woo, and
•, she wound hur
^8 that ugly ole-
were kin to her,"
ing at one of the
,nd there lay her
e had given her,
i-out garments of
?he tears froze in
le last, and opened
eae words greeted
th, He chasteneth."
i them, and the
iebly twined once
As she sat there,
,nd sorrow always
le calls "blesseJ,"
)aradox, the door
and a girl about
he room, quickly
ar. I tell you I
a you are welcome
sase. Ah, is that
the centre of tlie
ously at the figure
I. Involuntarily,
il met the se^iroh-
The intruder was
ry posture bospoke
if a wilful, potted
es^ly symmetrical,
autifui. The fea*
I legular, the eyes
shaded by curling
lestuut hair was
• comb, and fell in
t ; her complexion
, and cheeks and
in of health. As
one looked a Hebe,
sitant frdm spirit
from the eager
liands to shield her
d a few steps, and
xpression of curi-
)g like compassion
8 features, as she
)rm of the invalid,
put out her hand,
yhen MrSs Ohiltou
;his instant ! Yonr
your entering this
permission. There
Come out, I say t"
in no gentle manner on
She laid her hand
her (laughter's arm.
•'Oh, sink the buggy 1 What do I care it
he does catch me here? I shall stavtfllT
mand you I " She was u til -^u^^' ^ '^"™-
'< r>^J\u- u *° ?® ejected. '
P.ulfr'»""' '"""" '"'"H '» JO". «' torn,,
..id, »iik .h.if'.™"';' ■"'-'"•""■ "i
l.ff i„ *u- l^' °° ' I w^'ll not worrv tho
bis hind orhrs'he^S.sa^i:^^"^^'' """^ P"*
eavihe'? he?e'°' 1 1° ^ ^^\ ^ay, you can
a little." H'hJZll'^l^ K^' *« y°" aft'^r
theorphan BeulAh >'' ^.^'"^ ^«' «P to
t-t CavrrTeSer^tt "* ^'^^ '''•"•
ton fa^tkuS^"..'?/.'^';-'.?-''- Phil,
lieuiah Benton Yon" I'l^ V"!^^^^'^ ''^'^^'
She put no her t.»i« "?'^'7'*'l '^V '>iece."
^ "P Her pale, slender fingers, and
in Panline'v
I want
hem
they wcro prompUy clatped
plump palnO- *^
tn IZ^J^^^I"^' "'^ look at n
to soe^,'' said the latter,
am not crying."
for ■: ' '"'"' '^^''^ ^""^ y°" ^^'^^"K *♦""•
" liecause it is so xini„ " . .
orphun. «a.i;y ^'y- ""^ered th»
indeed, ook " doleful ''"aV ^^ ^"® '*'''»
in?i:ra;;dtne^«^^-' -^-wer«l
fortunes.' ''"^ *''""' ""^ P*«* 'i^«-*" 'ny mi.-
more.^°"^'"°""''"^ ^'"^ ^""^d do so n»
'<' U'K^'M •''?^ •='*° I belp it r'
>> ny, think of sonietliiuff DleM.„t ^
cou.se,",nterrupted Pauline.^ P^«»»«*. <rf
-How came you so wise ? T i>,,i * , ,
sometimes just like everybody dse " Be"a/l!
shook her head dubiousl/ ^ *"^*^
iitu?s?rL°g;;v"Tiivo7'*," '""''f *''^«««^
your mannf:,"^and\"„^°mbtS her I'fl'"^
not been as happy as yours » cfn • ' >^*'
;: You canj^o down to your mother n,w,'
said he, gravely.
Gnlr^criZ''T^'"'T *''""^^ of me. Unci.
^ve^'heTflce!'"' '"""^y- ''^'^^'"^ ^^^ <^ri
Jl, ^^^' '^^^^tily tired of you; take youwelf
" Good-bye, shadow ; I shall come tn .»-
k
'*■> i
I)
#
{■ '■
. 1
■ ■! 1
if
1
BELTLAH.
SO
" Uticla, have you seen Charon since yoa
eame home ?"
"No."
" Well, he will die if you don't do sorae-
thing for him. It ia a shame to forget him
as you do 1" said she indignantly.
" Attend to your own aflfairs, and do not
interfere with mine."
" It is high time somebody interfered.
Poor Charon 1 If Hal doesn't take better care
of him, I will makehis mother box his «ars ;
•eeif I don't."
She bounded down the steps, leaving her
uncle to smooth his brow at leisure. Turn-
ing to Beutah, he took her band, and said
very kindly :
"Tbis large room does not suit you. Come,
and I will sliow you your own little room —
one I have had arranged for you." She
silently complied, and leading her through
■evcral passages, he opened the door of the
apartmeut assigned to her. The walls
were covered with blue and silver paper ;
the window-curtains of white, faced with
blue, matched it well, and every article of
furniture bespoke lavish and tasteful expen-
diture. There was a small writing-desk
near a handsome case of books, and a little
work-table with a rocking-chair drawn up to
it. He seated Beulah, and ''stood watching
her, as her eyes wandered curiously and ad-
miringly arouixl the room. They rested on a
painting suspended over the desk, and, rapt in
contemplating the design, she forgot for a
moment all her sorrows. It represented an
angelic tigure winging its way over a valley
beclouded and dismal, and pointing, with a
radiant countenance, to the gilded summit of
a distant steep. Below, bands of prilgrims,
weary and worn, toiled on ; some fainting by
the wayside, some seated in sullen daiipair,
some in the attitude of prayer, some pressing
forward with strained gaze, and pale, hag-
gard faces.
" Do yon like it ?" said Dr. Hartwell.
Perhaps she did not hear him ; certain
she did not heed the question, and taking a
Beat|near one of the windows, he regarded her
earnestly. Her eyes were fastened on the
picture, and raising her hand toward it, she
said in broken indistinct tones :
" I am dying down inthe dark valley; ob,
come, help me to toil on to the resting^
place."
Her head sank upon her bosom, and bitter
waves lashed her heart once more.
Gradually, evening shadows crept on, and
at length a soft hand lifted her face, and »
musical voice said :
" Beulah, I want you to come down to my
atudy and make my tea. Do you feel strong
enough " — ■•
•' Yes, sir." She rose at once and followed
mm, resolved to seem cheerful.
The study was an oblong room, and on one
side book-shelves rose almost to the ceiling.
The opposite wall, between the windows"
was covered with paintings, and several
statues stood in the recesses near the chim-
ney. Over the low marble mantel piece
hunea full-length portrait, shrouded with
black crape, and underneath was an ex-
quisitely chased silver case, containing a
small Swiss clock. A beautiful terra clla
vase of antique shape stood on the hciuth,
filled with choice and fragrant flowers, and
near the window sat an elegant rosewood
melodeon, A circular table occupied the
nudille of the room, and here the evening
meal was alre.uly arran;,ed. Beulah glanced
timidly around 88 her cor'uctor seated her
beside tlie urn, au<l seeing ;■'" cups for two
persons, asked hesitatingly :
" Shall I make your tea now ?"
" Yes, and remember, Beulah, I shall ex-
peot you to make it every evening at this
hour. Breakfast and dinner I take with my
sister and Pauline in the dining-room, but my
evenings are always spent here. There, make
another cup for yourself."
A Ionic silence ensued. Doctor Hartwell
seemed lost in reverie, for he sat witV his
eyes fixed on the table-cloth, and his head
resting on his han<l. His features resumed
their habitual expression of stern rigidity,
and as Beulah looked at him she could scarce-
ly believe that he was the same kind friend
who had been so gentle and fatherly in his
manner. Intuitively she felt then that she
had to deal with a ohaotio, passionate and
nioody nature, and as she marked the knit-
ting of his brows, and the iron compression
of his lips, her heart was haunted by grave
forebodings. While she sat pondering his
haughU<1mpenetrable appearance, a servant
ente
Sir, there is a messenger at the door. "
His master started slightly, pushed away
his cup and said :
" Is the buggy ready ?"
"Yes, sir, waiting at the door."
"Very well, I am coming. "
The windows opened down to the floor,
and led into a vine-covered piazza. He
stepped up to one and stood a moment, as if
loth to quit his sanctum ; then turning round
addressed Beulah '
" Ah, child, I had almost forgotten you.
It is time you were asleep. Do you know
the way back to your room ?"
"loaniind it," said ahe, rising from the
table.
" Good-night ; let me see you at break-
fast if you feel strong enough to join us."
Ho opened tb« door for her, and hurrying
so
onoe and followed
rful.
: room, and on on«
oat to the ceiling,
en the windowa,
igH, and several
2s near the ohim-
Ijle mantel piece
i, shrouded with
ath was an ex-
■se, containing a
utiful terra cotta
y\ on tlie hu;uth,
rant flowers, and
ilegant rosewood
•le ocoa[iiod the
lere the evening
Beulah glHuoed
uctor seated her
!•'" cups for two
low ?"
eulah, I shall ex-
evening at this
r I take with my
ing-room, but my
ire. There, make
Doctor Hart well
he sat witV his
h, and his head
eatures resumed
stern rigidity,
she could scarce-
lanie kind friend
1 fatherly in his
It then that she
, passionate and
narked the knit-
iron compresfioa
kunted by grave
t pondering his
ranee, a servant
at the door. "
>', pushed away
loor."
J)
n to the floor,
d piazza. He
a moment, as if
1 turning round,
forgotten you.
Do you know
rising from the
you at break-
to join us."
r, and hurrying
BEULAH.
out, Beulah faund her own room without ditli-
culty. Walkinii up to Harriet, whom she
saw waiting for her, she said in a grave, de-
termined manner :
" You have been very kind to me since I
came here, and I feel grateful to you, but I
have not been accustomed to have some one
always waiting on me, and in future I shall
not want you. I can dress myself without
any assistance, so you need not come to me
ni^htand morning.'
" I am obeying master's ordera. He said
1 was to tend to you," answered Harriet
wondering at the independent spirit evinced
by the new comer.
" I do not want any tending, so you may
leav9 me, if you please."
" Haven't you been here long enough to find
out that you might as well fight the waves of
the sea as my master's will ? Take care, child
how you begin to countermand his orders
tor I tell you now there are some in this
house who will soon make it a handle to turn
you out into the world again. Mind what I
herl?^ y°" ™ean thai I am not wanted
* "I mean, keep your eyes open." Harriet
Yanislied in the dark passage, and Beulah
locked the door, feuling that now she was
luaeed alone, and could freely indul.'e the
gribt that had so long sought to veil itself
trom CUU0U3 eyes. Yet there was no dispo-
sition to cry. She sat down on the bed and
mused on tlie strange freak of fortune which
had so suddenly elevated the humble nurse
into the possessor of that elegantly furnished
apartment. There was no elatioa in the
quiet wonder with which she surveyed the
change in her position. She did not belona
there, she had no claim on thdt master of the
house, and she felt that she was trespassine
on the rights of the beautiful Pauline
iCapidly plans for the future were written in
hrm resolve. She would thankfully remain un-
der the roof that had so kindly sheltered her •
until she could qualify herself to teach. She'
would ask Dr. Hartwell to give her an educa-
tion, which, once obtained, would enable
her to repay its price. To her proud nature
there was something galling in the thought
of dependence,, and throwing herslf on her
knees for the first time in several weeks, she
earnestly besoueht the Qod of orphan, to
guide and assist her. *'
31
attend to this bu.ineM, or shall I give direoa
tions to Harriet ?" "irou.
''Certainly, Guy I en easily arrange it.
you intend to dress her just, is 1 .lo Pauline ?"
As nearly as posaitilu. Next we
hat* *n. U,,,-; .. _ 1 I ...
CHAPTER IX.
j„,^» y*"* ^^^ *'*'■ *° commence •ohool at
"Not until her wardrobe has been re-
plenished. I expect her clothes to be select-
ed and made j ust as Pauline's are. WUl you
Ko, r "u"""-' ■"" i'"'-", '"-■• -"'-■•'"^ week I wish
her to begin school with Pauline, and
Hansen will give her music lessons. Be so
good as to see about her clothes immediate.
Dr. Hartwell drew on his gloves and left
the room. His sister followed him to the
door, where his buggy awaitud him.
Guy, did you determine about that little
oSt""""' ^ ^^^ ^'" ■" "* ^'"'" ^<"^*
am~'» **• •" y°° ^'^*'^' ^'♦y* only I
T I' S'oP' .U"""'* Guy 1 Wait a minute ; may
J„A7K^'!;i''''5y?*'"*y' ^^*yl-" Almost
out of breath Pauline ran up the steps ; her
long hair floaungover her face, which exercise
iiaa Hushed to crimson.
"You young tornado I Look how vou
have crushed that cluster of heliotrope, rush-
ing over the flower-beds as if there were no
walks " He pointed with the end of his
Whip to a drooping spray of purple blossoms.
Yes J but there arejilenty more. I sav
mayn_,nayir' She eagerly caught hold
01 nis coat.
" How long before your birthday ?"
"Just a week from to-day. Do, please.
let me have a frolij I" ^ ^
" Poor child I you look as if you needed
some relaxation," said he, looking down in
her radiant face, with an expression of mock
compaMion.
i„'n uP"" ™7r '^°''''' ^"°'« ^"y' '* " awfully
dull here. If ,t were not for Charon anJ
Mazeppa I should be moped to death. Do
pray don't look at me as if you were countl
ing the hairo in my eyelashes. Come, sar
yes: do. Uncle Guy." ' '
" Take your hands off my coat, and have
as many parties as you like, provided you
fceep to your own side of the house. Don'*
come near my study with your Babel, and
don t allow your company to demolish my
flowers. Mind, not a soul is to enter the
greenhouse. The parlours are at your service,
but I will not have a regiment uf wild-cati
tearing up and down my greenhouse and
flower-garden: mind that." He stepped
into his buggy. '^'^
" Bravo ! I have won my wager, and got
the party too 1 Hugh Cluis bet me a papUr.
macAe writing-desk that you would not give
me a party. When I send his invitation. I
will write on the envelope, ' the writiuK-desk
IS also expected.' Hey, shadow, where did
you creep from ?" She fixed her merry eye.
on Beulah, who just then appeared on the
terrace. Dr. HartweU leaned from th«
It
a
ni
i ■■
^ I if
i hi
II
r- i
i
1
•f ! i
BEULAH.
buggy, and looked earnestly at the quiet
little figure.
" F>o you want anything/, Beulah!"
"No, sir, I tlidunht you had gone. May
I ojicn the ^'.ite for you V"
"Certainly, if you wish to do something
forme." lii» pale fcaturcM ri liixeil, nnd hia
whole face lighted u)), like a sun-liushed
cloud.
Beulah walked down the avenue, lined on
either side with voiifraMe jiopla' s iind cedars,
and opened the l.u^'o gate .'ciiiiog into the
city. He checked his horse, and said :
" Thank you, my uiiild ; now, how are you
going to spend the day? Rt^member you
commence with schocd duties next week, so
make the best of your holiday."
"I have enough to occupy in« to-day.
Good-bye, sir."
"Goodbye for an hour or so." He
smiled kindly and drove on, while she walk-
ed slowly back t.0 the house, wondering why
smilis were sucli- rare things in this world,
when they costi^ «6 little, and yet are so very
valualde to motUtoiiijBt hearts. Panliiie sat on
the steps with ■•|«n, open book in her hand.
She looked Ol^, Atr Beulah approached, and
exclaimed gaily i '
" Aren't yod glad I am to have my birth-
day frolic ? "
" Yes, I am glad on • ><i\v account,"
answered Beulah, gravely.
" Can you dance aU the fancy dances ? I
don't like any so well as the mazurka."
"I do not d.-jnce at all."
"Don't da,nco ! Why, I have danced ever
lince I was big enough to crawl ! What have
you been duing all your life, that you don't
know h(iu'''ro dance ? ''
leet have had other work to do," re-
plie^ier comijanion ; and as the recollection
er childhood flitted before her, the brow
rkened.
" I suppope that ia one reason you look so
forlorn all the time. I will ask Uncle G uy
to send you to the dancing school for — "
" Pauline, it is school-time, and you don't
know one word of that Quackenbos ; I
would be ashamed to start from home as ig-
norant of my lessons as you are." Mrs.
Chilton's head was proiected from the parlour
window, and the rebuke was delivered in no
very gentle tone.
" Oh, I don't mind it at all : I have got
used to it," answered the daughter, tossing
np the book as she spoke.
"Get ready for school this minute."
Pauline scampered into the house for her
bonnet and satchel, and 4xing her eyea upon
Beuiaii, Mrs. Ctiilton asked sternly :
"^Viiatare you doinc out there! What
did you foUo"' lay brother to the gate for T
"I merely opened the gate for him," re-
plied the girl, looking steadily up at th*
searching eyes.
" There w.as a servant with him to do that.
In future don't make yiairwelf so conspicuous.
Yoa must keep away from the flower-beds
too. The doctor wishes no one prowlinjf
about tiii-ni ; he gave particidar directions
*hatnoone should go there in his absence."
They eyed each other an instant ; tlien
drawing up hi r slender form to its utmost
luiijh > iKiilali replied pnunlly :
'• !'.'■ assiirtd, madam, 1 whall not trespass
on I'oii'iddeii ground I ''
•' Very well." The lace curtains sweut
back to their place — tlie fair face was with-
drawn.
" She hates me," thought Beulah, walking
on to her own room ; "she hates me, and
certainly I do not love her. I iball like
Pauline very much, but her mother and I
never will get on smoothly. What freezing
eyea she has I and what a disagreeable look
there is about her mouth whenever she sees
me I She wishes me to remember all ths
time that I am poor, and that she is the mis-
tress of this elegant house. Ah, I am not
likely to forget it !" The old smile of bit-
terness crossed her face. '
The days passed swiftly. Beulah spent
mo.-t of her time in her own room, for Dr.
Iliu-twell was somethnes absent all day, and
she hinged to escape his sister's icy espionage.
Wiicu lie was at home, and not engaged in
hin study, bis manner was .always kind and
consideiate ; but she fancini he was colder
and graver, and often his sern abstraction
kept her silent when they were
together. Monday was the birth-
day, and on Monday morning she
expected to start to scliool. Madame St.
Cymon's was the fafliioiinl.le institution of
the city, and thither, with IV.uiine, she was
destitied. Beulah ro. e early, dressed her-
self carefully, and after reailiiit; a chapter in
her Bible, and asking God's sp' cial uuidaisce
through the ilay, ('esoended to the breakfast-
room. Dr. Hartwell .sat reading a newspa-
per ; he did not look up, and she ([uieily
seated herself unobserved. Presently Mrs.
Chilton entered and walked up to her bro-
ther,
" Good morning, Guy. Are theie no tid-
ings of that vessel yet ? I hear tht: Grahams
are terribly anxious about ir. Cornelia said
her father was unable to sleep."
" No news yet; but. May, be sure you do
not let "
" Was it the Morning Star ? Is he lost T "
Beulah stood crouciiing at his side, with
her hands exttnded pleadingly, and her
white face convulsed.
" My child, do not look so wretched ; the
BEULAH.
▼Msel that Eugene wiled in wm disabled in
• •torni, and has not yet reached the idace
of deitination. But there are numerous
ways of accounting for the detention, and
you must hope and believe that all is well
until you know the contrary." He drew
her to his side, and stroked her head com-
passionately.
"I knew it would be so," saidah*. in a
•trangely subdued, passionless tone.
^^ V\ hat do you mean, child ? "
" Death and trouble come on everything I
" Perhaps at this very moment Eucene
may be writing you an account of his voy-
{>ge. I believe that we shall soon hear of
his safe arrival. You need not dive down
into my eyes in that way. I do bdieve it,
for the vessel was seen after the storm, an.l
though far out of the right track, there is
good reason to suppose she has put into some
port to be.-epaired."
Beulah clasped her hands over her eyes
as If to shut out some horrid phantom,'
and while her heart seemed dying on the
rack, she resolved not to despair tilfthe cer-
tainty cam*.
" Tune enougu when there is no hope • I
wiI.not go out to meet sorrow." Witli' a
BQdden iiiexj.licable revulsion of feeling she
sauK on her knees, and there, beside her pro-
tector, vehemently prayed Almi^.hty God
CO guard and guide the tempest- tosse.l loved
one If her eyes had rented on the face of
l^eity, and she had felt His presence, J.er pe-
titiou could not have been more importu-
nately preferred. For a few moments Dr
Hartwell regarded her curiously ; then his
brow darkened, his lio curled sneerinRly
and a mocking smile passed over his face
Mrs Chi ton smiled, too, but there was a
peculiar gleam in her eyes, and an uplifting
of her brows, which aenoted anything but
pleasurable emotions. She moved away
and sat down at the head of the table. Dr
Hart well put his hand on the shoulder of
the icneeliug girl, and asked, rather abrupt-
" Beulah, do you believe that the God you
pray to hears you ? " '
i. \^°' ^^ '^'"' P''0"iJ8ed to answer prayer "
Ihen getupand be satisfied, and eat
jour breakfast. You have asked Him to
save and protect Eugene, and, according to
the Bible, He will certainly do it ; so? no
more tears. If you believe in your Goa,
what are you looking ,o v. retched about"'
M
dec ared that "whatsoever ye ask. believing,
that ye shall receive ;" she Lad often prayed
for blessings, and often been denied VVa»
It because she had not had the requisite faith
which should have satisfiorl |,e,. j Yet God
knew that she had trustcl Ihrn With in
nate quickness of percepti-n, she detected
the tissued veil of irony which the doctor
had wranped about his attempted consola-
tion, and she looked at him so intently so
piercingly, that he hastily turned away and
seated himself at the table. Just then. Pau-
line bounded into the room, exclaiming •
Fourteen to-day ! Only three more
years at school, and then I shall step out a
brilliant youiic lady, the "
^ "There; lu- q„'iet; sit down. I would
a-most as soon select a small whirlwind for
a companion. Can't you learn to enter a
room without blustering like a March win.l.
^cxan norther?" asked her uncle.
You look as
or a
" Have you all seen a ghost ?
I Beu ah ? Come along to breakfast. How
nicely you look in your new clothes." Her
eyes ra>. over the face and form of the
orphan.
"Pauline, hush! and eat yonr breakfast
lou annoy your uncle," said her mother
severely.
" Oh, do, for gracious sake, let me talk ' I
feel sometimes as if I should suffocate
i^very lung about this house is so demur,
and a, ent, and solemn, and Quakerish, an.i
hatefully prim. If ever I have a house „(
my own, I mean to paste in great letters over
the dooM and windows, 'Laughing and talk-
rd-?"S^ df'^'-'V '^^* "-ny birthday,
and I think I might stay at home. Mother
don t forget to have the ends of my sash
fringed, and the tops of my gloves trimmed. "
Draining her small china cup, she sprang up
from the table, but paused beside Benl«h
wretched ; tho
There was something in all this that startlod
jjcuian, and she looked up at him. His
chilly smile pained her, .«.nd she rosequick'v
while agam and again hi.s words rang in her
this application of faith ? True, the Bible ,
"I shall not go into the parlours at all "
answered the latter.
Jaa^}^ not?" said Dr. Hartwell, lookin-r
suddenly up. He met the sad, suffering ex-
pression of the grey eyes, and bit h^s iip
witn vexation. She saw that he understood
lier feelings, and made no reply.
"I shall not like it, if you don't come to
niy party," said Pauline, slowly 5 aud as she
spoke she took one of the orphan's hands
You are very kind, Pauline, but I 'do
not wis.i to see strangers."
_i.. .(.I. r.©T,3i rrui know anyoodv if
you ma^e aich a nun of yourself. IJ"m |,.
Guy, tell her site must come down into lU
panours to-night."
"Noturdej wi.,V-. to f' • ,«. fi„>
Paulme, 1 am vcr, ^,ad Xumi yo^ j..ve shov, i.
&4
BFATLAH.
Hi!
\M
ii :
IT'! i>"t l>is
liiiko'l wirh
the bri^jht,
ner you desire her pmsenon.
liaiiil on her curly lio:i>l. at.il
ni'irp than u^nal aff- rUtm at
honosit f;ice. ,
" Beuliih, you muit yet roa.ly f..r aoh'x; .
Come fl .wii as soon as yon .;au. VmUw will
be waiting' for you." Mrs. C'u.lian .,...k.) u.
the or,lm, sweet tone (uonl .ir t.. licr an.l her
brother, hut to Uuuhih tlu'r- w,..s s...i..'thing
,epulMV.i in thai even v.,i;.^ a.ul s ho hurno'l
from the sc.un.\ of it. Knee ini: hosi.lu her
bed, she ayain inip'orol thr I',.tl„.r t.. .estore
EuK'^ne to her, an,l cnnhiu^ ht gnof and
apprehonsi^m <lowi. in'., licr hoart, she re-
solve,! to veil it from slrangers As sh<,
walked on by Pnuline's side, only the exoes^
Bive paleness of her face and drooping of
her eyelashes betokened her sufTering.
Enteiinjz school is always a disagreeable
ordeal, and to a scnsiuve nature such as
Beulah's. it was tortiirinB. Madame Nt.
Crmor;asa^ood.,,a.n ed.tiud, littlebody,
ftud received her with a warmth and cordial-
itv which made a.neuis in some degree for
iJh battery of eyes she was forced to en-
"'"Vh yes t the doctor called to 8«o me
»bout you-wants you to take the Latin
course/ For the present, my dear you w.
sit with Miss Sanders. Clara, take this
vouna lady with you." ...
The eirl addressed looked at least sixteen
years o1 age, and rising promptly she came
forward and led Beiilah to a seat at her desk,
which was constructed for two persons. I he
^0X0! her lingers sent a thrill through
Beulah's frame, and she looked at her very
^Tlara^Sanders was not a beauty in the
Drdinary acceptation of the term, but there
was an expression of angelic sweetness and
purity in her countenance which fascinated
l^^e orphan- S^« remarked the scrutiny of
.he young stranger, and smiling good-
humouredly said, as she leaned over and
-rraiit'ed the desk :
" 1 am glad to have you with me, and dare
aay we shaU get on very nicely together.
^°" I ''have been ill recently, and have not
yet regained my strength. Can you tell me
where I can find some water t 1 feel rather
^''H*er companion brought her a glasBof water
She dranklt eagerly, and as Clara resumed
her seat, said in a low voice: , . , ,,
-Oh/thank you. Yoa are very kind.
.. Krtt at alL If you feel worse, you must
ietmeknow." She turned *" /»«;, ^^^l""'
and soon forgot the presence of the new-
*^The latter watched her, and noticed now
that she was dressed in deep mourning ; wa«
she to 1 an orphan, and had this oircumstanofl
ri'iMlcred her so kindly sv.npathetic? The
BW.Mt. K^'Mt'e fu.-e, with Its s .ft brown eyes,
chained her atto-iHon, .-xnd in the sluping of
themon'h there was Hoinelhing very like
Lilly's S.^onClura left her for ro.;iution,
and then s'l. turned to the new books wliieh
inndanie had sent to her de.k. Thus p.vssod
the morninj;. and she started when the recess
bell rang its summons tlimugh the long room.
Hustle, chatter, and contusion ensue.!.
Pauline called to her to come into lunchroom,
and touched her little bask-t as she spoke,
but Benlah shook her hea.l and ker', her
scat. Clara also remained.
" Pauline is calling you," said she, ,:• ntly.
"Yes, I hear; but I do not w^n<; any-
thing." And Beulah rested her hciU on her
''"Don't you feel better than you did this
morning?' , . ^ j luti^
"Oh, I am well enough in body ; a little
weak, that iiall."
" You look quite tired ; suppose you lean
your head against me and take a short nap.
" You are very good indeed, but I am not
at all sleepy." . , • 1 •
Clara was engaged »i drawing, and looking
on Beulah became interested in the progress
of the sketch. Sud.lenly a hand was placed
over tho paper, and a tall, handsome girl,
with black eyes and sallow complexion, ex-
"'"'^It Seat n's sake, Clara Sanders, do you
expect to swim into the next world on a
piece of drawing.papert ^'^^,^ """"'^^"fl
seat and work out that eighth problem for
me. I have puzzled over it all the morning,
and can't get it right." .„ „„n >■
"I can show you here quite as well.
Taking out her Euclid, she found and ex-
plained the obstinate problem.
"Thank you I cannot endure mathe-
matics, but father is bent upon my being
"thorough,' as he calls it. I thiuk it is all
thorough nonsense. Now with you it is very
different ; you expect to be a teacher, and of
course will have to acquire all these branches ;
but for my part, I see no use in it. I shidl
be rejoiced when this dull school-work is
"''" bou't say that, Cornelia: I think our
school-days are the happiest, ,nd feel sad
when I renumber that mine are numbered.
Here the bell announced recess over, and
Cornelia moved away to her seat. A trem-
bling hand sought Clara'a arin.^
"Is that Cornelia Urahan. ?
(, XT . , :„ aVip not verv handsome I
Beulah' ma''de no answer ; she only remem-
bered that thisgirl was Euiene'sadoptedsi»ter,
and looking after the tall, queenly form she
. longed to follow her, and ask all the particu-
la
di
B(
Wj
Teket
Thed
head agj
"OhV
horrible
to him ti
prove a i
"Poor
.try to ej
|evetj^'„
r-<^ee:>i!!
to his sti
I drawn ne
of many \
keeping t
tiootly f;
I oiroumitanoa
ithetic ? The
t Wrowii i-ytiR,
thii HhipiiiL' of
ng vory like
(or rooiv.iticm,
V bonks wliiiih
'I'hlli* |):iHiii!(l
lien the rocuss
the long room,
sion t'nBUo<l.
tolunchrooin,
t a« sho spoke,
md kei;*. her
id flho, Z' "'''y-
not wnn*; any-
,er he'id o'i her
n you did this
»ody ; a little
ppose you lean
e a short nap."
, but I am not
ig, and looking
in the pru^rftSd
ind wuH placed
landsome girl,
lompluxion, ex-
SandoTs, do you
ct world on a
me over to ray
th problem for
II the morning,
quite as well."
I found and ex-
endure mathe-
ipon my being
thiuk it la all
,h you it is very
teaoher, and of
these branches;
I in it. I shtdl
school work is
: I think our
, ,ad feel sad
are numbered."
recess over, and
seat. A trem-
m.
J"
dsome ! "
he only remera-
'd adopted siiter,
leenly form, she
all the particu-
?".d°edd*a;;t*:eTool?„",' ^"^"1 *»>««-*
Beukh threw l.orael? 'o*"!? K T^ "« '"'™«
wailing cry. The lo,™ *' '''"^ *'"' • '"w
h-7 vent. Ld she loU'uLr"''^ "'"'^
••nk her into a heivy sleep ""*'' weariness
wrS;;lj';,5,,:f Sr«-trewed with
turned faces of float,,.!/ In ^'i'^'^'^' "P"
gene rere .Irif.int"^ L*;,^"'^^;,.:''^ ?'' ^^"■
« l-er, nov tossed a^u, Why Sfn.':: '"'^
Tiencame a Kli,nm,.ri,l /■ ''""^ '^"'^ea.
waateof waters a itt f I "'I "" "'« ^''>«
«"<1 Lilly leaned ovir Vh ?J "^'""'"^ ^^^^^.
tiny, di,Lled hands J. ?/". it"""^ '»'''' ""»
were clin.l.ing out of /h" T '"• '^^^ey
•"d Lilly's lo„r f.ir i"" r^H'^ graves.
their cheeks, wh;3n a strnt'*''"''"*^ *""«''«•!
Lilly hack, an^l struck th-^ 5™ """''hed
roaring gulf, and Xl *^"!!' ^^^T" into the
BEULAH.
SC
roaring gulf and X^ .?"' '^"'^n '"to the
tl.edrffdead stoodMr^n "'''''^ ^''''"^ "^
•way. Witt; Lill/sTnU^t'^^jy-n. mailing
Eugene was iinkina ami I? , V "*"^ *'"'"''•
reachhi,n; heirelfnnh ''''' """W not
toward her and o« led ,^n T' "»P'<"-in«ly
and then h /he«d w!h T 'l^'Ll" "*/« »>>'"'
b;own lock.. d.Bapp i j" ^S "^ "!,''"'
struggle ; sho welco „ed , rn^ • *'*""'*"^ *»
"e had gone to rest „mn "'"'''•, ""^ *''«'
weie no longer visible ■ «i ngid corpses
raid palace, and ,nvriad« f "^"V" "" «"'«•
the floor. At la ^s e LuldT''^''"^ '"^^^'^
mg on a coral bank ar.l ^i ^"S^ne repos-
•he hastened toS hCn ^i''^'''^ ^'•"' !"'*'•'« 5
hia hand when7 To ribC 1^0!:;'* *'"'!"«
him m its anna bom hi Phantom, seizing
in its face sh saw tL/?f ""^^y- /"'^ h.okinf
VVith a wild acTai^lt tro?Be ,lah'''''V"'»
She was I>'iuff arroqa fhlr I^' ,®"'ah awoke.
both hanjs we^ Zow/°n* °^ '^'''''^' ""-^
post convulsively Th« rn„ ^' S'-a''ping the
where the moonLht crent ih ^*\''*'-'^. «ave
■- fi)L.rfrr,ej ^^ wHUy »•• «' "®°iah. that you
head^ir,'Kou^rer"P' "'^ ^^^^^ ^«
horribl; £;am'»'l^V \^7« had a horrible.
to him tighuj'aa if drAn"'^''" -f*^' *°*^ «J""«
prove a reality '^'**'^"»« 't might stifl
l.trAo^e^S L?:S n^i'h '"^ t"'^ ' -"
[leve^^ur slumbers. " ^'"* ''*''*''> '^''nnta
1^0 hi« ■«tu';ryra;T"seati:l''K^" ^"'^ ^« 'iown
drawn nearUe window The'J °.° *. """^'^
of many voices, and thrirS confused sound
keeping time ti » band of^- ° ^'"*''"« ^««t.
closed the door fn .i ^ ' ~ — "
•ounds, and .ei'tb/, ; l?;f j'- ""-e'oom.
''oon. poured « floo f . fi'*' the rnrio.
fnelody „p„„ tho " ' M •;";'*""«• pUmtive
wh.,.. he Elayedorand' :;'';; '?V""""^'^*»'
"f '-or presence Fler wh /.. ? " ""^'""•'^'•'Ua
prewihly thrilled ; and /,'':/;'''''« ''" '"«"■
«ne.i vision, her .'nrllt,. f "r""' '•"'(f't-
the very conHn^ ' ,f fahli.i i ''"V"iW on
f'-on, the couch ,., „ , ,? . ''>"'"".'■ ^li-ling
f with hercli;,: ' hin Ih'":.""' "'.'" '•""•'«
heart, only consci ... f . 1""" ^''1 "v«r her
light o.fceo' ;;'.""■ ^r'''*'«^'«"-
thus. watching a Ir,"""' "'"' h* ''elt
old pine grove In 1 ^'^'"'"' "'"'•«» in fl.c
"eemed to^bj I ",?,;' , '^^ «" the mu.ici«
mg thence u..eat'; is'^thi-!'''"*"' '^^ '
"wiftly over l„.r L, ' | t*" '"r. roI„„!
l>eauty filled her soul »n."T" "' <^ivii.e
than she had ever £;^'' rf"' "'•''■•'•""»
'•er. Soon the tear. oo»"od,^.'' ''"""r''"' "f
calm, singularly c , ,n • fl ' '*! '"°" '^«"«'"«'
expreasi.m whici, ,].,*'':" '.«'"«<l with an
ki">IIed. It was h L'',r'■*'''^"""''' '>ave
escaping from urti I,,. ,''"* ^''^xe-pirit,
realms divine «,[ ,.. " *^"', ""aredint..
horn. Dr. nltv^^^ 1 Kt.;rr 'T'^""''-
tenauce, and, as the „x?^n? "'^'"""•'o""-
ahle joy and tri'.„„j, « 1 !"" •'^''"'"•crib.
vohu,ta,-ily prue'«1'''''"'l ";•»'• it, he in-
deep echoing tone 'ilieS :.«'"'''''' '" "'" '""t
proaching ktn. Z ti^Z ^^^ "-" "I-
"trument, she laid hnr i . \." *he lu-
eai.l slowly ! *"' '"*'"' o" his knoo, «u,i
"Oh I thank vob T „ i
now." "*yo». I oai, hear »nyti,iu^,
ed?h:.rgaf;7°--"-'r:ui«.wer
arIamTl'hen"f caurd'°r \"'« rt "' '"^
wonderful power whic oT. ^'i ^"^'""^ "^ 'i'
then, from re,nemwiu.o '?H '^"V" ' ■^"'^
wisdom of the Creator *^w''f"**!.'"''' ■"'*^^
the power to call out tl.T. *'•" K^^«" """
how\ery noble m^ wit 'T'1'^ *'" " -'-^
capable Sf do/ng"'^„r;»"[L,«'\*t he na..
becauseGodb,f'*ve; 1 .' ' ^"» »'•>*'!
powers ; and cho.fr'h ? ■?*"* "^ ''h.^«o
^een afflicted in lofn„^,„r'd"«'^l *";' ''"^•«
yet I was made for iSli" ^"^"'^ ""•«.
and am yet to be show' itZrUmT V^\
out for me to do. Oh 1 « r i u '""' ''"''
it all t<, ypu. but I do icnV th^a'J ' 'T'''^','}
prove to mo that ' He dS'auS^^U i'-i
S^^n^t^i F^'^'eS ;,;:
rest, but the darkT«w.H"f. *•" '"°«th at
aark eyet. with their niolanolioly
ot
PEULAU.
il
i.|>li-i.l)ur,iooke«l <lown at her moodily. 1 li-'y
mt'l lior gaze uliadily, oiul then bHo saw into
•hi ]iii«ty ilcpthH, ami a shuihler cii'[>t i>vur
lit>i, •■ shu foil ou Lur kiieut and laid, shiver-
iiigly:
' ' Oh, sir, can it be f
lie put his hand on her head, »d^ Miied
qiiiutly:
'Van what be, child ?"
J^Ittvu you no Oml ?"
/\\\H face s(rew whiter than wat i.ia wont.
A iuowl of bitternesH setiied on it, and the
eyoH Imrned with an almost unearthly bril-
liance, a» he rose and walked away. For
some time he stood l)efore the window, with
his arms foldeil ; and, laying her head on the
stool of the nieli'deon.Beulah knelt just as ho
left her. It has been said, " Who can refute
a sneer ?" Uuthtr ask, who can compute its
ruinous effects? To that kneeling figure came
the thought, "If he, surrounded by wealth,
and friends, and blessings, cannot believe in
(iod, what cause have 1, poor, wretched and
lonely, to have faith in Him!" The bare
suggeation of the doubt stamped it on her
memory, yet she shrank w!tn horror irom
the idea, and an eager, voiceless prayer,
ascended from her heart, that she might be
shielded from such temptations in tnture.
Dt. Hartwell touched her, and said, in his
usual low, musical tones:
" It is time you were asleep. Do not in-
dulge in '»ny more horrible dreams, if yon
please. Good night, Beulah. Whenever
you feel that you would like to have somf
music, do not hesitate to ask me for it." \
Ho held open the door for her to pass out:
She longed to ask him what he lived for, if
eternity had no joys for him ; but looking ']ft
his pale face, she saw from the lips and eyes
that he would not suffer any questioning, and
awed by the expression of his countenance,
she said "Goo tonight," and hurried away.
The merry hum of childish voices again fell
on her etir, and as she ascended the steps, a
bevy of white- clad girlf emerged from a
room near, and walked on just below her.
Pauline's party was at its height. Beulah
looked down on the fancy gossamer robea,
and gayly tripping girls, and then hastened
to her own room while the thought pre-
sented itself:
" Why are things divided so unequally in
this world! Why do some have all of joy.and
some only sorrow's brimming cup to drain ?"
But the sweet voice of Faith answei>ed,
What I do, thou knowest not now, but thou
ihalt know hereafter;" and trusting the
prouiiso, siie wait uoutent to waiw
CHAPTER X.
" Cornelia Graham, I want to know why
luit i.'ome to my party t You might
■\i' i.iiniiureil mo with an exourie. "
jdu liil
at liiis'- -
8uch waa t'liuline's salutation, tli«- f<dlowin(<
day, when the girls gathered in groups about
the school-room.
" Why, Pauline, I did send an czcnse,
but it wan aildrcssed to your mother, and
probal)ly shu torgot to nuntion it. You
must a<tiuit mo of any *U( h rudene«s."
" Well, but why didn't yon comoT We
had a glorious time. 1 liave half a mind to
tell yoi; what I heard Hsid of you, but I be-
lieve you may have it second hand. Fred
Vincent was as grum as a preacher all the
evening, and when I asked him what made
him so surly and owlish, he said, ' it was too
provoking you would not come, for no one
else could dance the Schottische to his liking. '
Now, there was a sweet specimen of manners
for you 1 You had better teach your bMa
politeness."
Cornelia wasi leaning listlessly against
Clara's doBk, and Beulah fancied she looked
very sad and abstracted. She coloured at
the jest, and answered con^ieniptuously :
" He is no beau of mine, let me tell you;
and as for manners, I commend him to your
merciful tuition."
•• ','■]*: \ li.it was your excuse?" persisted
I'auiiiii .
" I should think you might conjecture,
that I felt no inclination to go to parties and
dance, when you know that we are all so
anxious abojit my brother."
" Oh, ii<lid not think of that I " cried the
heedlaimgirl, and quite as heedlessly she con-
tia»i€l:
^' 1 want to see that brother of yours.
Uncle Guy says he ia the handsomest boy in
the city, and promises to make something
extraordinary. Is he so very handsome?"
" Yes," the proud lip trem'iled.
" I heard Anne Vernon say, she liked him
better than all her other beaux, and that is
great praise, coming from her queenship,"
said Emily Wood, who stood near.
Cornelia's eyes dilated angrily, as she »n-
8W< red with curling lips :
" Eugene cue of her beftux I It is ao such
thing." , , ^
"You need not look so insulted. I sup-
pose if the matter is such a delicate one with
you, Anne will withdraw her claim," sneered
Emily, happy in the opportunity afforded of
wounding the haughty spirit, whom all
feared, and few sympathized with.
Cornelia was about to retort, butmadame's
voice prevented, as, leaning from the platform
'•Miss Graham, a servant has just brought
this for you." , , , ^ ,.
The girl's face flushed and paled alternate-
ly, as she received the note, and broke the
"FK
)
!
ty t You might
titl) an exi'-uie. "
>ii, tlif followiiiK
1 ingruiips about
send an cxcuiA.
nr mother, ana
I'litiuh it. Yoa
niileiie««."
yoii comet W«
} half a niiiiil to
if you, but I be-
ana hand. Fred
prcaohcr all the
him what made
said, ' it wai too
onie, for no one
ichetohishking.'
'imen of manners
teach your bMO
istlcsslv against
tioicd (he hioked
She coh)ured at
eniptuouoly ;
let me tell you;
lend him to your
cu&eT" persisted
night conjecture,
go to parties and
lat we are all so
that ! " cried the
eedlessly she cod>
irother of yours.
andsomcst boy in
make something
ry handsome T"
n)!)led.
ay, she liked him
3aux, and that ia
her queenship,"
)d near,
igrily, as she an-
IX I It is BO anch
nsulted. I sup-
delicate one with
er claim," sneered
tunity afforded of
ipirit, whom all
id with.
ort, but madame's
from the platform
t«^ ti A said;
t has just brought
d paled alternate-
be, and broke the
BEULAH.
Mai with trembling Angers. Glancing over
the contents, her countenance became irra-
diated, and iho (•xclaime<l joyfully :
"Oooil n<iW8 I ilio Morninn Star has ar-
rived III Amsterdam. Kuj{«ne is safe in Oor-
many.
Boulah'H head went .lown on hor desk, and
just niiililil.! wcretlic words,
•' My F.ithor in Ifuaven, I thank Thee I "
I'lily Cl.ira imd Cornelia hoanl the broken
a.ceiiU, aii.l they looked curiously at the
Ipowoil figure, (juivering with joy.
1. "A''; ' '""'""ttt'id ; this is the Asylum
ieulHli I have often heard him speak of I
had lilinoHt foi),'otti)ii the circumstances. You
knew h mi very well, I suppose?" said
Cornelia, wldressiiig herself to the orphan,
and crumpling the iioto between hor tiui-ors,
while her eyes ran with haughty scrutiny
over the dress and fo;itiire8 before her
< ilW'";,' H""^*' '''"^ ^^'■y «'«"•" Beulah
t.-lt the blood come into her cheeks, and she
HI brooked the f(.|,l, searching look beut
upon her.
'• Vou are the same girl tliat he asked my
father to send to tlio public school. How
came you here ? "
A pair of dark grey eyes met Cornelia's
^aze, ami <<ecincd to answer dotiautly, " Wliat
19 it to you?"
"Has Dr. Hartwell adopted you ? Pauline
said 80, Init she is so heedless, that I acaicdv
believe-: her, particularly when it seemed so
^evy improbable."
p",""?^-, <''"-"eI'al ^hy, you need!
J auliiie s tuition about as much as Fred
Vincent, I am disposed to ('.ink. Don't be
so uuiuisitiye, it pains her, remonstrated '
Clara laying her arm around Bculah's i
shouhler as she spoke. I
"Nonsense I She is not so fa8tidi,>us, I I
will warrant. At least, she might aiiswei
civil questions.
"1 always do," said P.eulah.
Cornelia smiled derisively, and turnet
with the parting taunt :
"It is a mystery to me what Eugene can
see in such a homely, unpolished specimen,
lie pities her, I suppose."
Clara felt a, low^ shiver creep over the
slight form, and saw the ashen hue that
settled on her face, as if some painful wound
iiad been intiicted. Stooping down, she
whispered :
"Don't let it trouble you; Cornelia is
liasty, but she is generous, too, and will
repeut her rudeness. She did not intend to
•uoh tieatment Only professing to U>\,-
I Kiigone, I did not expect her to lusnlt oi .•
i whom ho had commisHioimd her to aMiit i
! at leant s) inpathize with. '
" Kciiiciiil.er, Heulah, she is an oul.
some time
iiBwer
>do^
r — . — . .. .s ..„,jr ,,er auruui way or ex-
pressing heroelf." f > oi «A
Beulah raised her head, and putting back
tne locKs of hair that had fallen over her
trow, replied coldly :
"Itis uotiiia^-new; lam a.-ciiistomed to
chilli, and lierfathei's idol, and perhaps
"The very blessings that surround K.
should leaoh her to feel for the uiifortuuu .
ami unprotected," intenupted the oiphan
"You will tiud that i.io»perit.v rarely h ■
such an effect upon .hi i.cart of its lavoii
rite," auKwerid Clara, imi.sinKly.
"An unnecessMi v piece if information. I
discovered that pleasant truth
since," said Beulah, bitterly,
"I don't know, Heulah j you are an in-
stance to the contrary. Do n..t call yourself
unfortunate, so long as Dr. Hartwell is your
friend. Ah I you little dream how billed
you are. '
Her voice took the deep tone of intense
f<eling, and a faint glow tinged her cheek.
" Yes, he is very kind, very good,' re-
plied the other more g'titly.
" Kind I good! is that all you can Hay o(
hiiii ? " The soft brown eyes kindled with
unwonted enthusiasm.
" What more can I say of him than that
hois good?" returned the orpiian, eagerly,
while the conversatiim in the studv, the pro-
ceding day, rushed to her recollection.
Clara looked at her earnestly for a mo-
ment, and then averting her head, answered
evasively:
"Pardon me; I have no right to dictat*
the terms in which you shouli mention your
benefactor." Beulah'd intuitions were re-
inarkably ijuick, and she asked, slowly :
" Do yon know him well ? "
" YtH ; oh, yes I very well indeed. Why
do you ask ? " '
1 u ".A^iid you like him very much?'*
/]l^ " . ory nmidl"
She sajt^ie gentle face now, and saw that
some a^ow liad called tears to the eves,
the blood coldly back to her heart!
^ one can like him as I do. You
Jon't know how very kind he has been to
me— me, the miserable, lonely orphan, " mur-
mured Beulah, as his smile and tones re-
curred to her.
"Yes, I can imagine, because I know his
noble heart ; and therefore, child, I say
you cannot realize how privileged you are. '
'rhe discussion was cut short by a call to
recitation, and too calmly happy in the
knowledge of Eugene's safety to ponder her
coaipamous manner, Beulah sank into a
reverie, in which Eugene, and Heidelberg,
and long letters mingled pleasingly. Later
in the day, as she and I'auline were descend-
ing the steps, the door of the primaiy de-
1 ii'.iiici.t of the school opened, and a liUle
an^TOut '
38
BEULAH.
n f i
i
girl, cl»d in deep black, started up the same
■ flig-ht of Steps. Seeing the two above, she
leaned against the wall, waiting for them to
pass. Beulah stood still, and the satchel
she carried fell unheeded from her hand,
while a thrilling cry broke from the little
girl's lips ; and springing up the steps, she
threw herself into Beulalrs arms.
" Dear Beulah 1 I have found you at last I"
She covered the thin face with passionate
kisaej ; then heavy sobs escaped her, and
the two wept bitterly together.
" Beulah, I did love her very much ; I did
not forget what I promised you. She used
to put her arms around my neck every
ni •■, and go to sleep close to me; and
whentT«r she thought about yon and cried,
she always put her head in my lap. Indeed
I did love her."
"I be'.ieve you, Claudy," poor Beulah
groaned, in her anguish.
" They did not tell me she was dead 5 they
said she was sick in another room ! Oh,
Beulah I why didn't you come to see us ?
Why didn't you come? When she was first
taken sick, she called upon you all the time ;
and the evening they moved me into the
next room, she was asking for you.
'I want my sister Beulah ! I want my
Beulah!' was the last thing I heard her
say ; and when I cried for you, too, mamma
said we were both crazy with fever. "Oh !"
— she paused and sobbed convulsively.
Beulah raised her head, and while the tears
dried on her flashing eyes, said fiercely :
•' Claudy, I did go to see you ! On my
knees, at Mrs. Graysou'sfrout door, I prayed
her to let me see you. She refused, and or-
dered mo toc( me there no more ! She would
not Nuffer my sister to know that I was wait-
ing there on my knees to see her dear, angel
face. That was long before you were taken
sick. She did not even send me word that
Lilly was ill ; I knew nothing of it, till my
darling was cold in her little shroud ! Oh.
Claudy I Claudy 1 "
She covered her faje with her hands, and
tried to stifle the wail that crossed her lips.
Claudia endeavoured to soothe her by
winding her arms about her and kissing her
repeatedly. Pauline had looked yvdudeiing-
ly on, during this painful reunion ; and m w
drauuig m'ii'oi, she said, with :i.i 10 -.iitlu-
ness than was her oustum :
"Don't grieve so, Beulah. Wipe your
eyes and come home ; those girls yon<ler are i
■taring at >ou."
_*What business is it of yours?" Iicl'.ti '
Claudia : but Beulah's sensitive nature
shrank from observation, and rising hastily,
she took (Mmdia to her bosom, kissed her
•nd turned avay.
"Oh, Beulah 1 shan't I see yon again T"
cried the latter, with streaming eyes.
"Claudia, your mamma would not be
willing."
"I don't care what she thinks. Please,
come to see me — please, do 1 Beulah, you
don't love me now, because Lilly is dead 1
Oh, I could not keep her — God took her ! "
" Yes, I do love you, Claudy — more than
ever ; but you must come to see me. I can-
not go to that house again. I can't see your
mamma Grayson. Come and see me, dar-
ling ! "
She drew her bonnet over her face and
hurried out.
"Where do you live? I will come and
see you ! " cried Claudia, running after the
retreating form.
"She lives at Doctor Hartwell's— that
large, brick house, out on the edge of town ;
everybody knows the place."
Pauline turned back to give this piece of
information, and then hastened on to join
Beulah. She longed to enquire into all the
particulars of the orphan's early life ; but
the pale, fixed face gave no encouragement to
question, and they walked on in perfect
silence until they reached the gate at the end
of the avenue. Then Pauline asked, ener-
getically :
"Is that little one any kin to you T "
"No ; I have no kin in this world," an-
swered Beulah, drearily.
Pauline shruirged her shoulders, and made
no further attempt to elicit confidence. On
entering the house, they encountered the
doctor, who was ciossing the hall. He
8toj)peil, 'ind said :
"I have (jlad tidings for you, Beulah.
The Morning Star arrived safely at Amster-
dam, and by this time Eucene is at Heidel-
berg."
Beulah stood very near him, and answered
tremblingly :
" Yes, sir ; I heard it at school."'
He perceived that something was amiss,
and untying her bonnet, looked searchiiigiy
at the 801-rowstidiied face. She shut her
eyes, and leaned iier head agai;.:^t him.
" Whatisthe matter, my child? I thought
you would be very hapuy to hear of Eugene's
safety. "
She was unable to r< ly just then ; and
Pauline, who stood swinj^ing her satchel to
and fro, volunteered an explanation.
" Uncle Guy, she is curious, that is all.
As we w«re leaving school, she met a little
girl on the steps, and they flow at each
other, and cried, and kissed, and— you never
saw anything like it! I thonyl.t the child
muH* be a very dear relation ; lint she saya
■he bM no kin. I don't see the use of crying
i
tl
h
h
1
fa
tl
m
h<
et
re
su
of
80
CO
Si^
see yon again t"
ning eyes,
a would not be
thinks. Please,
lo I Beulah, you
e Lilly is dead 1
-God took her 1 "
audy — more than
see me. 1 can-
I can't see yonr
tnd see me, dar-
irer her face and
1 will come and
running after the
Hartwell's — that
he edge of town ;
I."
{rive this piece of
,ened on to join
^iiire into all the
3 early life ; but
encouragement to
id on in perfect
3e gate at the end
line asked, ener-
in to you T "
this world," an-
ulders, and made
confidence. On
encountered the
; the halt He
or you, Beulah.
lafely ai Amster-
eue is at Heidel-
m, and answered
school. " •
liiiig was Amiss,
ikoil aearciiiiigiy
. She shut her
yaii.st him.
child ? I thought
hear of Eugene's
just then ; and
lii her satchel to
luation.
oua, that is all.
she met a little
\y flow at each
, and — you never
lotisjlit, the child
ri ; 'but she saya
che UHe of Crying
BEULAH.
39
her eyes out, particularly when the little one
is nothing to her. "
Her uncle's couutenauce resumed its ha-
bitual severity, and taking Beulah's hand,
he led her mto that (juietest of all quiet
places, his study. Seatii)g himself, and draw-
uig her to his siil-, he said :
" Was it meeting Claudia that distressed
you so much ? That child is very warmly
attached to you. She raved about you con-
stantly during her illness. So did Lilly. I
did not understand the relationship then, or
Ishould have iuterfcred, and carried you to her.
IcalledtosceMr. and Mrs. Grayson last week
to remove the difficulties in the way of your
intercourse virith Claudia, but they were not
at home. 1 will arrange matters so that you
may be w^ Claudia as often as possible. You
have b^n wronged, child, I know ; but try
*obui^it; it is all past now." He softly
smaothed back her hair as he spoke.
' No, sir, it never will be past ; it will al-
ways be burning here in my heart."
tj-l'.^.!;'^""*^!!* you professed to believe in the
Biblel"
"I do, sir. I do."
"Then your belief is perfectly worthless ;
for the Bible charges you to ' forgive and
love your enemies,' and here you are trying
to fi»n your hate into an everlasting flame.*
She saw the scornful curl of his lipa, and
sinkmy down beside him, she laid her head
on his knee, and said hastily :
"I know it is wrong, sinful, to feel to-
ward Mrs. Grayson as I do. Yes, sir;
the Bible tells me it is very sinful ; but I
have been so miserable, I could not help
hating her But I will try to do so no more
1 will ask God to help me forgive her " His
face flushed even to his temples, and then
the b ood receded, leaving it like sculptured
marble. Uuable or unwilling to answer,
he put his hands on her head, softly, rever-
ently, as though he touched sometlimg ethe-
re«J. He httle dreamed.that, even then, that
suffermg heart was uplifted to the Throne
of Grace, praying the Father that she might
so live and govern herself that he micht
come to believe the Bible, which her clear in-
sight too surely told her he despised.
Oh ! Pn.tean temptation. Even as shf
knelt wuh lier protector's handj rcetiuc on
her brow, ubiquitous evil suggested the-i
thought: "Is he not kinder, Tnd better/
tnan any one you ever knew? Has not M
Uravson A now in th- ~,,--i. X, 1 • ».
church? Did not Eugene tell you he saw
her thtu-e, regulurly, every Sunday ? Pro-
fessing Chmtmnity, sheinjureiyou ; reject-
ingit, he has guanled and most generously
wded y„u ■ By their fruits ye shall judge. ' "
Very dimly all this passed through her mind.
She was perplexed and troubled at the con-
fused ideas veiling her tryst.
" Beulah, I have ax. engagement, and must
leave you. Stay here if you like, or do as
you please with yourself. I shall not be
home to tea, so good uJKht." She lo..ked
pained, but remained silent. Ho smiled
and drawing out his watch, said gaily : '
" 1 verrly believe you miss me when 1 kavo
you. Go, put on your bonnet, and com*
down to the front door ; I have nearly au
hour yet, I see, and will give you a short
ride Hurry, child; I don't like to wait."
She was soon seated beside him in tlif
buggy, and Mazeppa's swift feet had boniK
them some distance from home ere either
spoke. The road ran near the bay. and
while elegant residences lined one side, tha
other was bounded by a wide expanse of
water, rippling, sparkling, glowing in the
evening sunlight. Small sailboats, with
their gleaming canvas, dotted the blue bos. ni
of the bay ; and the balmy breeze, fi eMi
from the gulf, fluttered the bright j enn-. a
that floated from their masts. Beulati v. ua
watching the snowy wall of foam, piled on
either side of the prow of a schoor.er, iu,d
thinking how very beautiful it was, when
the bnggy stopped suddenly, and Docu.r
Hartwell addressed a gentleman on horse-
back :
"Percy, you may expect me j I am com-
ing, as I promised,"
" I was about to remind you of your en-
gagement. But, Guy, whom have you
here ?" ''
''My prot^g^e I told you ot. Beulah, this
IS Mr. Lockhart." The rider reined his
hoise near her side, and leaning forward ai
he raised his hat, their eyes met. Both start-
ed visibly, and extending his hand JVIr.
Lockhart said eagerly :
" Ah, my little forest friend 1 I am truly
glad to find you again."
She shook hands very quietly, but an ex-
pressiou of pleasure stole over her face. Her
guardian observed it, and asked :
"Pray, Percy, what do you know of her?"
"That iilie sings very charmingly," an-
friend, smiling at Beulah.
saw me once when I was at the
I," said she.
viid was singing part of the regitne
ere ?"
"No, Oil V ; M'le was wandering about the
puiey u , iicur the Asylum, with two
bcuitirm , , s, when 1 chanced to meet her.
She was singing at the time. Beulah, I am
glad to find you out again ; when I pay tho •
doctor long visits, I shall expect you to ap.
pear for my entertainment. Look to it,
Guy, that she is pres. ut. But I am fatigued
with my unusual exercise, and must return '
I
10
38
1
BEUI.Aff.
atallthnes." '^« «tu,ly « free to yoS
P"plar3 and eedarr wvf/ T"'^ ''>' «^»tely
laced overhea.1, a„d f r " ? """''"'^''^^ '"te.^.
Beulah looked u^ a/ Cr:'ll'«'--^«t arch,
among the cedak and wS^^.S''^.^" ^^^H^^,
-^iuSLttett^^ I
■^"ne M soon as yoxTii^n" % ''\ ^"3' ; so
;.'»f P-a sprang dovla tht "I^'"'' *"^
; ;"i-;h ''''''••einarke.l a%.t' IT'' .''«'*'"•
'^ •■ J-cklurfs appearance 1, ^•^'"•**'°« i"
^'h^^^'^tr'^-^^ ''''''' h''''^ '' -te'nCnVt;^ !? ^^^ '
.,„"*!■". sir?" ^ nappiuess, which ,^ ^' ^'i^ost of
}'-^^^'<n^^''P- - the river, K^=1?J-1. "o-e^ t ''r.^-'*-, g--
he goe« again v;.;^'"oV » "P"' *"<* t^^'^her
I he sun had seV I'u i
«[;e«t of fire, a, t^,: , ,.nn!nn*T "?™^*^ » ^'a«t
"ii'ftmg shadows ,„ '"i^'^n.^^ouds cast their
getting ever, fhrt. n ';<*«""»; and for-
t^he bulgy, ,'. f i^An^r^^ ^^'''^^•i °U^ of
^^ " How b, . , , f*'^ .-^Jnost unconsciously :
H«'- lip" -e,. " 'I'^r ^'^ry beautiful .-"
... ^',ted, her eyes clear, and
thought!"^' Vi^~ ho ° ""'' ^»'^'^-^'l
clure," flower^ sSur J' «!i^l^""^'' ^^'•■
?'rwa3 laden with tife f^Lf" ^'''^' *h«
jasmins, and the loV If,, ? /u^'*^''*"^^ of
fountain had som^ii'l^^^; babble of th,
fouad. With her iZl^T^"^^."" '*«
beauty, there wa^ n,tK; *PP'-eciatioa of
fer -Uoyme"t?:,.d hSel^o *° ^"''*"-
''er sorrows. Before loL T ° •"emember
startled by the sLh^ „^' ^''^^ver, she was
" Jinni, „u\ p^ *** the front gate •
time to ,f, n-e Ju ' ' ' ■'" "^"le;! 'uve not
spaikling .,iti,
eJ. and tun,;,,
Proaol.ed hi, ho^«.
'ilfht.
She go<
Wrnash,
bftrnesa
"Ian
"de. I „»,-9
>ato{
-K. as one ofVh^e par ?r"oijste?n'""''"^«'-
CO break a sprig of aeLn^T ^ Permission
^lje..'.acefulfy offere^J^trSeftTr '"'"•'
*'}'}n,g, as she severed som« li * bouquet,
of heliotrope andSn- '''«"* «'"«*«"
b"«g?, *nd looking ud at -,. ^^ '^*''®^ '"ordinate'pridei.. 1,;. .
'J W.^iy^""' ""'"^ part of the
'5:::::ifJ'««^toyouformy
beautiful rivals thJ^,t ^^*'o"8 of my
«o complete^J/i f'ey monopolize his leisure
" Nonsense ! we knnm ♦«
Pean elegance than laylhl ft*^ °' ^'"•«-
?outh. I suppose th; ^f • ^"°^ at the
home makes K .th r"r"'f"'" , "' ^''^
'lon't he visit more' W„ f''''"'*^ • *^'hy
'"I'y ' He is uch a fa^ nH.*^''"*' "^ «''^"'-
o"'.> r believe everybodvr ^'? "o^iety. too;
j-Xs: "/ur,-- -' - .. --- ..^r.i."nf,v,i»i?
-•.•He<Uut. ashedr.veon " '"^t*"* J helongiiig t„\&\« ""'"'? ^akable ma?k. .
tended
years. Ith.ni'l., ""''^ ap
"Aliverv ,t ^""^erymuoh."
you enjoyei V. . '"■"^"'•y' «hild. . ,„. jj.^a
«e seated hims*-,, j
•■ei"*. withou, V,kTn '?! gathered up the
her hand on tL .^'^j '.''»•»• J but shf pSt
11 an apologetic '-,;. ''^'^^' ^nd ,^id
•tucly till you come ,o*JT\' ^'^'t in you,
you something." He, f«n " « ' "" to ask
«ant7 lean wait." ''at you
»iid
of
'kidfn-'u ^'r^^tendeda
•*id for the flowers, and
5; Beulah, about «-aitine
the 8tu,ly is free to you
ras boniered by statelj
. whose branciies inter-
tor;ne.i a per/eot arch.
Ja '^^{^Sreen depths
frl *..f««y circle
from whicli a fo,u.taia
ow . on the edge of the
? off her oonnet, gave
to her wandering
her eyes turned, ver-
■•y met her gaze; the
he sp.cy fragrance of
musical babQe of tha
g very soothing in its
iseu app-eciati^n of
>ing needed to enhance
le ceased to remember
"^- however, she was
of several elegantly
g from the houte : at
Isome carriage, which
'l^aerved, drove fron- ,>-
;ew up to the door :o
hilton stood on the
and pidite nothings:
f^quested permission
""'" growing uear,
collect a bouquet,
>mo elegant clusters
Pridein his parterre
II the flowers him-
am jealous of mv
Qopolize his leisure
to our cost that
l rivalry from no
•"•eak any more.
octor has I This
ly ideal of Euro,
•ce I know at the
ksumation of his
^ rooiuse! VVhy
pglects us shaniJ.
ite in society, too;
rather afraid of
desperate effort
?n opportunity
^id so, though,
All thi« «J
dashing, showy
';« extreme of
kable marks of
^>he extended*
deflowers, and
BEULAH.
41
look^ steadily at the lady of ths house as
sh^poke.
y/y- 1 shall not betray yoar designs, Miss
Julia. Guy is a great lover of tlie beautiful,
an ] I am not aware that anywhere in the
book of fate is written tiie decree that he
shall not marry again. Take caie ; you are
tearing your laco poiuc ou that rose bush ;
let me disengage it." She stooped to rescue
the cobweb wrapping, and looking about her,
Mi3s Julia exclaimed:
"Is that you, Pauline? Come and kiss
me 1 Why, yuu look as unsociable u your
uncle, sittiuK there all alone!"
She extended her hand toward Beulah,
who, as may be supposed, made no attempt
to approach her. Mrs. Chilton smiled, and
claspmg the bracelet on her arm, discovered
to her visitor the mistake.
" Pauline is not at home. That is a little
beggarly orphan Guy took into his head to feed
and clothe, till some opportunity offered of
placing her in a respectable home. I have
teased him unmercifully about this display
of taste ; asked him what rank he assigned
her in his catalogue of beautiful treasures."
Siie laughed as if much amused.
"Oh, that reminds me that I h«ard some
of the school-girls say that '.ho d;jctor had
adopted an orphan. I thought I would ask
you about it. Mother here declared that
she knew it could not be so, but I told her he
was so very odd, there was no accounting for
nis notions. So he has not adopted her."
" Pshaw ! of course not. She was a
wretched little object of chaiity, and (Uiy
brought her here to keep her from starving.
He picked her up at the hospital, 1 be-
lieve."
" I knew it must be a mistake. Come,
Julia, remember you- are going out to-night,
and it is quite late. Do come very soon
"jy'lear Mrs. Ciiilton." Mrs. Vincent,
Miss Julia, and tiieir companions entered the
carriage, and were soon out of sight. Beulah
still sat at the fountain. She would gladly
have retreated on the appearance of the
strangers, but could not effect an escape
without attracting the attention she so
earnestly desired to be spared, and therefore
kept her seat. Every word of the
conversation, which had been ear-
ned on in anything but a subdued
tone, reached her, and though tlie head was
unbowed as if she had heardjnothinr, her face
was dyed with shame, tier heart" thro'ibed
violently, and as the words, '■ hoirj/Hriv or-
phan," "wretcked object of charitv/' fell on
her ears, it seemed as if a tierce rirebath had
re'jeived her. As the carria;,'*- .lisappeared,
Mrs. (."hilton approached In^r, and stung to
desperation by the merciless taunts, she in-
stantly rose and comlronted her. Never had
she seen the widow look so beautiful, and for
a moment they eyed each other.
" What are you doing here, after having
been told to keep out of sight?— answer me!"
She spoke with ths inflexible sternness of a
mistress te an offending servant.
" Madam, I am not the miserable beggar
you represented me a moment since ; nor will
I an«wer questions in any such tone of au-
thority and contempt,"
"Indeed! well, then, my angelic martyr,
how do you propose to help yourself ?" an-
swered Mrs. Chilton, laughing, with undis-
guised scorn.
" Doctor Hartwell brought me to his
house of his own accord ; you know that I
was scarcely conscious when I came into it.
He has been very kind to mfe— has offered to
adopt me. This you know perfectly well.
But I am not in danger of starvation away
from this house. You know that instead of
having been picked up at the hospital, I was
earning my living, humble though it was, as
a servant. He offered to adopt me, because
he saw I was very unhappy ; not because
I needed food, or clothes, as you asserted
just now, and as you knew was untrue. Ma-
dam, I have known, ever since my recovery,
that you hated me. I scorn to accept bounty'
nay, even a shelter, where I am so unwel-
come. I have nt ver dreamed of occupying
the place you covet for Pauline. I intended
to accept Doctor Hartwcll's kindness, so far
as receiving an education, which would en-
able me to support myself leu laboriously ;
but, madam, I will relieve you of my hated
presence. I can live without any assistance
from your family. The despised and ridiculed
orphan will not remain to annoy you. Oh
you might have effected your purpose with
less cruelty. You could have told me kind-
ly that you did not want me here, and I
would not have wondered at it. But to crush
me publicly, as you have done"— wounded
pride stilled the trembling accents.
Mrs. Chilton bit her lip. She had not ex-
pected tjhis expression of proud ind. endence;
and seeing that she had gone too far, ponder-
ed the best method of rectifying the mischief
with as little compromise of personal dignity
as possible. Ultimately to eject her, she had
intended from the first ; but perfectly con
scions that her brother would accept no ex-
[)lanation or palliation of the girl's depar-
ture at this juncture, and that she and Pan-
line would soon follow her from the house
orphan's presence fo«- a season. Nearly blind-
ed by tears of indignation and mortitication,
Beulah turned from her, but the dtlicatr
white hand arrested her, and pressed heavily
on her shoulder. She drew herself up, all^■
tried to shake off the hold, but firm aa iron.
42
BEULAH.
CM to teiS ■',"'■*','''' '"» P^Po-tT-
•bsurJilv you .;";„", ^. *;'■" ™ •«« "»
.tlrL"'«'"prp"'^ i:i »- ^>« j--
. 6"'> j'^H will not meiitinn •> »„
mend, however T w«„i i """" '*• As a
should avoirrrutL;;^ilelf f "tU'"' ^"",
obiervation "A. .L „„ i i , ^'^^ way of
Jybn,hed off a .^^.n "'^•',''^'' "^e quiet
creeping over Be^laKl/v'e"" "^''""^ --
not euVafJSJpSS'trn'r'l J '*'"
I'c-coine accustomed to them "^' *^^
"No J couteniptible as vn„ tu- l
nee. e.sly iusuUed. YouTeed jr'^'T' !°
;^^ta., n,e. Take your halld'off"^' S-*?
u 1 ' 'l"^' ,"°^5 the sooner the better ' I
«ence, yon>&e not ashamed to L t" ^^' *'"^^ "^e had
toretalu»«r! He shall not W^f ' ''*"'° U^'"*^ *«"««•
-osuddenl^^^^eVriSyr "" "' ^"'
Irs. Chilton was verv nal^ a,, j u i-
^erecompre.sedtill,they-grew DurL « f'T' ^T
mg her hand shp.^iri ,,j\Py*^- tJinch-
'' You ar ful liH ""^er her breath:
, " arcrui little wretch Am t i. i
thwarted by such a mere 4 U » v **l H?
not quit the house r,f f f ^*^" '''^a"
don'/ make a foTof y^rtelf "l„™?"J' ""•?
shall notconoprn m,,= i* f ^n future I
r-^:nfS^CB^^^
tain, nor t,. ixpeTme. T «h«i. i,.^,... , -
-y ^I^'thea ; not thoa:Vr^o ^£^11 1 !i^,!:-^^!Lf^T;-«h'yl! t, le '
for
f lS\'rl?h7ei'd^.^™£' I \"- -'^-
detaining ha^.^and went „n f'^t "^ '^«
Harriet Ld alr'ea'v ligh 'ed h^er tn'r '.T-
small t bu'ndle astoS bMetok it' in°b"
arms, and descended the stens Sh« ^^
very much to f,.n fl 5 , ® wished
tha^.k'he^r foi^he-^^n^S finite'' ^"1
now, on the eve nf ht,. ^ kindness; and
but dreading to meet Mrs Pi„-iV-.^ • '* '
hurried down the halJ J, J i ^?".^'*'°' ^^^
think of me»" All hi« iT^ i ^''- , Hartwell
fort and happiness, all rushed ifkAwV."':™"
^d grow indifferent to her welfare^or fate
let hope whisnerpd " w^ „.ii *'^*
I ^.,.u™,™eSh,;!'a'."U'a :■;.?„
■MhtZ^^StS
BEULAH.
ments I wore when
She shook off the
' up to her loom,
d her lan.p. and as
■ rays fell brightly
earned to love so
t through scalding
il fancy, the sniile
the lips „f Hope,
e dreary, and the
i miserable. She
»g off the cluthes
u the humble ap-
le old trunk was
re as a relic ; and
d books into as
'he took it in her
'PS- She wished
t good-bye, aud
g kindness; aud
sparture, she re-
ered during her
stance when she
riet phrased it ;
lilton again, she
left the house,
idly down upon
le ooninion, and
uni, and raising
ine, the solemn
he wild tumult
ed to liear the
skyey depths:
, even unto the
of the step she
fes before lier,
and grief came
■Dr. Hartwell
ess during the
I his roi.f, his
ressing touch
but gentle
or her com-
like lightning
iot tears gush
aid, of course,
1 of her sudden
5r ungrateful,
Ifare or fate.
I suspect the i
'a nature; he \
is was in the '
ad the stern \
d heavily on
viwr-ll, who '
sappearance,
ivccii iioiiars
id this little
d. As she
difficulties
I'tof educat-
lits of the
vith a pain.
fill s.nse of desolation that she mounted the
,e'u,l"f r.. "'!''"'" ;^« threshoM, where
ht ' r V r'' '" "^**'" «"* *° 3-^*" gone
hy. -Mrs. \\.ll.amsnK.t her at the (foor,
43
" , , ' ""• " iicr Hi, me (joor
ni' tor"f; ;r* """'""^ occurrence induced
a V s tor at this unseasonable hour. The
hall lamp shone on her kind but anxious
face, an.! as Beulah looked at her remem
bered care and love caused a feeling , f "ffo-
hrlwY*"'^ ^'^^ "" exclamation of joy she
threw her arms aroun.l her. Astonished at
h,frw!iT^ 'r ""^■''r'^ted, the matron glanced
hurriedly at the face pressed against her
bosom ,^n,i recognizing Lr quondam charco
folded her tenderly to her heart. ^ '
vou -' X'J' f"",':'^*'''' i »'" *o glad to see
Headah felt the tc.rs dropping down u?^
vo,',r^K'"^ '?*» my room, dear, and take jjff
your bonnet." She led her to the quiet hT
alZr^T^ t°°^ the bundle, and the an -
quated bonnet, which Pauline declared
"M..„ XT u T^ ', ""'^" j-auiiLie aeciared
dih"!;!' *' """"^ ^" ^^••""g'^ *^« f-ty
Mrs. Williams, can I stay here with you
tintdlcan get a place somewhere? The
managers will not object, will th».y ?"
T fk 'i!:^*'"' \ suppose not. But Beulah.
hough you had been adopte<I, just aft";
^.lly died, by Dr. ► Hartwell ? Here I have
l>een, ever since .1 heard it from one of the
managers thinking how lucky it was for
you, and feeling so thankful to God for re-
membering His orphans. Child, what has
'LP^;^ ? Tell me freely, Beulah "
.h«Tm f ?*""^°1*''^ matr.,n'8 shoulder,
Jitrf^'l'' 'T«^ °f ^^** had transpired
to explain her leaving her adopted home.
8,d!y7 '^°°^ ^" ^"*''' ''''^ «»"1.
"you have been too hasty, child. It was
Doc or Hartwell's house ; h"^ had taken Jou
to It, and Without cmsulting and tell-
i^f f T/ y;'" ^'^""'J not kave
left It. If you felt that you could not live
there in peace with his 'sister, itwasycmr
as t^ wh'ir *'''^ ^^ «o. and'then d" iZl
as to w haf^ course you would take. Don't be
hurt, child, ,f I tell you you are too proud
world / ""I'lT'^' '"^'^^ * ^^i"""- ^"t "^ th 8
.D^r rnf "^^ ""^ yonAon't let your high
ay, dear, that you ought to bear insult and
W e.y but I do think you owed it to
Ud<./^,rs kindness, to have waited until
all that Mrs. Chilton said and did, he would
crid-nV,P^'*'"f ''""'"' "'"'• t'"* for him,
could noi Live without toil. J hav» no riffhf
to cause their ruin. She is his sifter, and
has a claim on him. I have none. She ex-
pects Pauline to inhnit his fortune, and
could not bear to think of his adoptUte me
I don t wonder at that so much. But she
need not have been so cruel, so i'nsultinc I
don t want his money, or his house, or his
elegant fuiniture. I only want an educa-
tion and his advice, and his kind care for a
few years. I like Paulin- very much indeed.
She never treated me at all unkindly ; and
I could not bear to bring misfortune on her
she IS so happy." '
''That is neither here nor there. He will
not hear the truth, of course ; and even if
he did, he will not suppose vnu were act'i-
' „!"L^"''^*^^"'''^i"' iH' lives, to shield
le
You ought to huv
■er's meanness
, m first."
'Well, it is all over now, and I see I
must help myself. I want to go to the pnbli,
school, where the tuition is free ; but how
can I support myself in the meantime?
iiiii,'hteen dollars would not board me long
and, besides, I shall have to buy clothes ''
She looked up, much perplex d, in the
matrons anxious face. The latter was
silent a moment, and then said :
"Why, the public school closrs in a few
weeks ; the next session will not begin be-
fore autumn, and what could you do until
then ? No 1 will just inform Dr. Hartwell
of the truth of the whole matter. I think it
18 due him, and "
r.l.'•',J'"^^^'' y°" """"^ °o* ' I pron:ised Mrs
Chilton that I would not implioat. her, and
your doing It would amount to the same
thing. I would not be the means of driving
Pauline out of her uncle's house, for all the
gold in California."
"Silly child. What on earth poaseased
you to promise any such thing ?"
"I wanted her to see that I was honest in
what I said. She knew that I could, by
divulging the whole affair, turn her out of
her house (for Dr. Hartwells's disposition is
a secret to no one who has lived in his
home), and I wished to show her that 1 told
the truth in saying I only wanted to be edo-
eated for a teacher."
" Suppose the doctor comes here, aud asks
you about the matter?"
"I shall tell him that I prefer not beinc
dependent on any one. Rut he will not
come. He does not know where I am " Yet
the dread that he would, filled her mind
with new anxieties.
'•^^'ell, well, it is no use to fret over wh.it
cnn t be undone. I wish I could help yon
but 1 don t see any chance just now."
" CouM not I get some plain sewing'
rerhaps the in.-.,:;agers would give me work?"
Ah, RMiIah, ii vxonld soon kill you. ta
nave to sew for your living."
44
i --
t.
f
'i
(
1 i
'
V
•^- :!
w
if 1
U
s*
I f
BEULAFT.
No, BO, I can boar more than you think,'
e^'^^ored the girl, with a dreary smUe.
YeB, your spirit can endure more than
hour body. Your father died with consump.
tion, child but don't fret about it any more
to-night. Come, get some supper, and then
go to sleep. You will stay in my room, with
me, dear, till something can be done to assist
you
" Mrs. Williams, you must promise me
that you will never speak of what I have
told you regarding that conversation with
Mrs. Clinton.'
" I promise you, dear, 1 never will men-
tion it,^since you prefer keeping the matter
•* What will Dr. Hartwell think of me ?"
waa the recurring thought that would not
be banished ; and, unable to sleep, Beulah
tossed restlessly on her pillow all nicht.
dreading lest he should despise her for her
«eenung ingratitude.
CHAPTER XL
For ijuiliaps two hours after Beulah's de-
I'Miure, Mrs. Chiltou wandered up and
Oovvu the parlours, revolving numerous
■rliemei, explanatory of her unexpected exo-
dus. Completely nonplused, for the first
:^nne in her life, she sincerely rued the ex-
i o.-.s.-i.)u of dislike and contempt which had
Javen the orphan from her adopted home;
■iua, unable to decide on the most plausible
lalauou to be offered her brother, she paced
i estl easly, to and fro. Engrossed by no par-
.jcuiuly felicitous reflections, she failed to
I. >tice Mazeppa's quick tramp, and remained
u i^'n^ranceof the doctor's return until he
fiiorca the room and stood beside her. His
la.i/inorwas hurried, his thoughts evidently
p. ^Docupied, as he said :
'■ May I am going into the country to be
abooiit all of to-morrow, and possibly long-
er. Ihere is some surgical work to be per-
formed for a careless hunter, and I must
btart immediately. I want you to see that
ii room IS prepared for Percy Lockhart. He
13 very feeble, and I have invited him to
uoiae and stay with me while he is in the
city. He rode out this evening, and is worse
i rom the fatieuc. I shall expect you to see
that eyerythiog is provided for him that an
iu valid could desire. Cau I depend upon
" Certainly ; I will exert myself to render
ills stay here pleasant ; .nake" yourself easy
on that score." It was very evici.era that
" , — - "--' ^"pi'Uj- hiuiig frura n>u' i-,eart ■
and prospects ; but she veiled tU sparkle in i
her eye, and unsuspicious of anything amiss
iitiv brother left the room. Walking up to '
.>u« of the mirrors, which extuu-ied from :
lloor to ceiling, she surveyed herself care-
riilly, and a triumphant smile parted her
lips.
" Percy Lockhart is vulnerable as well as
other peopb!, and I have yet to ste the man
whose heat t will proudly withstand the al-
lurements of (latttry, provided the homage
IS .ieli'iately ami gracefully offered. Thank
Ikaveu ! years have touched me lightly, and
theiewas more truth than she relished in
"* V;'^^''.'-'^"''''* Vincent said about my beauty !"
Tliis self-complacent soliloquy was cut
■•^liori by the appearance or her brother, who
carried a case of surgical instruments in his
hands.
" May, tell Beulah I am sorry I did not
see her. I would go up and wake her, but
liave not time. She wis'.ied to ask me some-
thing. Tell her, if it is anything of impor-
tance, to do just as she likes ; I will see
ab'.ut it when I come home. Be sure you
tell her. Good-niglit ; take care of Percy. "
Ho turned away, but she exclaimed :
"She is not here, Guy. She asked me
this evening if she might spend the night at
the Asylum. She thought you would not
object, and certainly I had no authority to
prevent her. Indeed the parlour was full of
company, ami I told her she might go if she
wished. I suppose she will be back early in
the morning."
His face darkened instantly, and she felt
that he was searching ler with his piercing
"All this sounds extremely improbable to
me. If she is hot at home again at break-
fast, take the carriage and go after her
Mind, May I I will sift the whole matter
I when I come back." He hurried off, and
j she breathed freely once more. Dr. Hart-
well sprang into his buggy, to which a fresh
horse had been attached, and dismissing Hal,
whose weight would only have retarded his
progress, he drove rapidly off. The gate had
been left open for him, and he was passing
through, when arrested by Harriet's well-
known voice. ■
" Stop, master 1 Stop a minute 1"
"What do you want? I can't stop 1"
cried he impatiently.
" Are you goinfi after that poor, mother-
less child ?"
" No. But what the devil is to pay here 1
I shall get at the truth now. Where is
Beulah? talk fast."
"She is at the Asylum to-lright, air. I
followed and watched the poor, little thing.
Master, if you don't listen to roe, it you
piease, sir, you will never get at the truth,
for that child won't tell it. I heard her
promise Miss May she would not. You
w..u:d be ready to fight if you knew all I
k.Ki'.V. "
<^
11
BEULATl.
46
herself uarq-
parted her
le as well as
ste the man
ami the al-
the homage
red. Thank
lightly, and
relished in
jy beauty !"
y was cut
irother, who
ments in his
C I did not
ke her, but
ik mo some-
ig of impor-
; I will see
e sure you
3 of Percy."
ed:
) askod me
tie night at
would not
ithority to
was full of
it go if she
ick early in
id she felt
lis piercing
probable to
I at break-
after her.
ale matter
i off, and
Dr. Hart,
ch a fresh
issing Hal,
Warded his
16 gate had
13 passing
iet's well-
n't stop I"
', mother-
pay here I
Where is
it, sir. I
tie thing.
B. if you
he truth,
leard lier
lot. You
lew all I
"Why did Beulah leave here this evening? '
"Because Miss May abused and insulted
her ; told her before some ladies that she
was a " miserable beggar" that )ou| picked
up at the hospital, and that you thought ic
was a charity to feed and clothe her until
she was big enough to work. The ladies
were in the front yard, and the child liappen-
ed to be sitting by the fountain ; she had
just comefrom riding. I was sewint. at one
of the windows up-stairs, and heard every
word. When the folks were gone. Miss
May walks up to her and asks her what she
IS doing where anybody could see her ? Oh,'
master J if you could have seen that child's
looks. She fairly seemed to rise oflF her feet,
and her face was as white as a corpse. She
•aid she had wanted an education ; that she
knew yon had been very kind ; but she
never dreamed of taking Miss Pauline's place
m your house. She said she would not stay
where she was unwelcome ; that she was
not (ttarving when you took her home ; that
■he knew you were kind and good ; but that
she «corn('d— them were the very word.«
master— she sc«med to stay a day longer
where she had been so insnlted I Oh, slie
was in a towering rage ; she trembled all
over, and Miss May began to be scareil, for
she knew you would not suffer snch doings,
and she tried to pacify her and make up the
quarrel by telling her si* might stay and
have an education, if that was all that she
wanted. By the girl would not hear to
anything she said, and told her she need not
be frightened that she wouldn't go to yon
with the fuss ; she wonld not teU you why
she left your house. She went to her
room and she got every rag of her
old clothes, and left the house with the
tears running out of her eyes. Oh, master,
it s a crying shame I If you had only been
here to hear that "child talk to Miss May
Good Lord ! how her big eyes did blaze when
she told her she conld earn a living 1"
By the pale moonlight she coull see that
her master's face was as rigid as steel ; but
his voice was even calmer than usual, when
he asked :
" Are you sure she is now at the Asylum ?"
"Yes, sir; sure."
"Very well ; she is safe then for the pre-
sent. Does any one know that yon heard
the conversation T"
" Not a soul, sir, except yourself."
"Keep the matter perfect\y quiet till I
com* home. I shall be away" a day, or per-
haps longer ; meantime, see that B<^ulfth dn»-
not get out of your sight, Do you under'
stand me ?"
"Yes, sir, I do.-
The bugsty rolled swiftly on, and Harriet
returned to the house by a circuitous route,
surmising that • Misi May's" eyes might de-
tect her nio>n,i.iU. ^
The same niifht. Clara Sanders, sat on tlu
door-step of ho Lumble cottage home. Thv
moonlight c.fj^i ^'oiightheolusterin h(n pv
suckle and sihc.ul the jn.zia floor witj.
I ^> "'k, while it bathed lovii.rh
■ he gir!i«h watcher. Her chin
i«lms, and the soft eyes were
/ on the countenance of her in-
1 companion,
don't look so troubled. I am
groteaniic f
the sad Sjtt'
rested^ l.> .
tnxi'
id aut
Grauni
■ery sorry, too, about the diploma ; but if
1 am not (have it, why, there is no use in
worrying ^bout it. Madame St. Oymon i.
willing t.,nnploy me as I am, and certainh
I should feel gratsful for her preference,
when tl.^re are several applicants for the
place, bhe told me this evening thai she
thought I would find no difficulty in perform-
ing what would be required of me "
This was uttered in a cheerful tone, which
might have succeeded very well had the
sorrowful face been veiled.
" Ah, Clara, you don't dream of the bur-
den you are taking upon yourself ! The posi-
tion of assistant teacher, in an establishment
Ike Madame St. Cymon's, is one that v..u are
by nature totally unfitted for. Child,' it will
gall your spirit; it wiU be unendurable,"
Ine old man sighed heavily.
" Still, 1 have been educated with an eye
to teaching, and though I am now to occupy »
very subordinate place, the trials will not be
augmented. On the whole, I do not know
but It IS best as it is. Do not try to discour-
age mo It is all I can do, and I am deter-
mined I will not despond about what can't
be helped. '
" My dear child, I did not mean to de-
press you. But you are so young to bow
your neck to such a yoke ! How old are
you ? He turned round to look at her
"Onlysixteen and a few months. Life is
before me yet, an untrodden plain. Who
knows but this narrow path of duty may had
to a calm, sweet resting-place for us both ♦
1 was thinking just now of that patsaee from
your favourite Wallenstein : 'My stul's se-
cure / In the vight *i,ly, Friedland's start
can beam.' The darkness has come down
upon us, grandpa ; let us wait patiently for
the uprising of stars. I am not afraid of the
night.
There Was silence for some moi>Fnts • them
the old man rose, and, putting back the white
locks which had fallen ov«r his face, asked
"When will you commencA your work!"
"To-morrow, sir."
"God bless yon, Clara, and giv you
strength, as He sees you have need," If«
kissed her fondly, and withdrew tohisortu.
46
BEULAH.
I ft
^■oom. She gftt for lome time looking at the
mosaic of lijjht and shade on the floor beside
her, and striving to diveat her mind of the
haunting thought that ahe was the
victim of some unyielding neoessity,
whose decree had gone forth, and
might not be aunidled. In early child-
hood her home had huon one of 8i)leu;lid alllu-
ence ; but reverses came thick and fast, as
misfditniies ever do, and, ere she could real-
ize the swift traiisiti>'ii, penury claimed her
family among its crowding legions. Din-
coura^'ed and embittered, her father made
the wiuecup the aeiMiluhre of care, and in a
few months found a deeper and far more
quieh grave. His mercantile embarrassments
had dra^'.^ed his father in-law to ruin ; and,
too a^'Hd to toil up the steep again, the latter
resigned liiias(!lf to spending the remainder
of his days in obscurity, and perhaps want.
To Clara's gifted mother, he looked
for aid and cdinfoit in the cloud-
ed evening of life, and with un-
ceasing ener;,'y she toiled to shield her fa-
ther and her child from actual labour.
Thoroughly acqiiaintt-.l with music and draw-
ing, her days v.^ite! spent in giviau' les8o,;s in
those branches which had been acquired
with reference to peraoual enjoyment alone
and the silent hours of the night often passed
.n stitching the ganneiits of those who harl
Hocked to her costly entertainments in das y
gon- by. When Clara was about tiiu'-een
years of age, a distant relative, chancing to
, see her, kindly pniiioaed to contribute the
sum requisite for aif irling her every e.luca-
, tional advantage. The offer was gratefully
accepted bv the devoted mother, and Clara
was placed at Madame St. Cymon's. where
more than .ordinary attention could be be-
stowed on the languages.
'rhe noble woman, whose heart had bled
m^essantly over the misery, ruin, and de-
pdation of her husband, sank slowly un-
der the intolerable burden ,.f sorrows, and a
few weeks previous to tl,e evening of whi,'.
I write, folded her weary hands and went
cH fl'?'- u?''" ^P'i"gtiu.e of girlhood,
Cara felt herself tians/ormed into a woman.
Standing l.caide her mother's lon.b, s.i„,„>rt
mg her grandfather's tottering form,' s,,..
shuddered in anticipating the drearv fntiue
that bedomed her oa ; and now. a/if tuer.
were not troubles enough already to ,lis,,ni, i
her, the annual amount advanced toward her
Se con^r''' Tr ""••^''-'"^y withdrawn
Ihe cousm. residing m a distant State
wrote that pecuniary troubles had assadn'
..im, snu prcvontod fdi further assistance.
In one more year she would have finished
the prescribed course an,l gralnate hon
ourably ; and more than all, fhe woLTd L°ve
oDtu 1 , iiploma, which might have been
an open sesame " to any post she aspired
to. 1 hus frustrated in her plans, she gladly
accepted the position of assistant teaufier in
the primary department, which, havinu be-
come vacant by the dismissal of the incum-
bent, madame kin^lly tendered her. The
salary was limited, of course, but nothing
else preHented itself, and quitting the deskT
where she had so often pored over her text-
books, she prepared to grapple with the
trials which thickly beset the path of a young
woman thrown upon her own resources for
inainteiiance. Clara was naturally amiable,
unselhsh and trusting. She was no intellec-
tual prodigy, yet her mind was clear and
torcible, her judgment matured, and, above
all. her pure heart warm and loving. Not-
withstanding the stern realities that marked
her path, there was a vein of romance in her
nature which, unfortunately, attained more
than healthful development, and while it
often bore her into the Utopian realms of
tancy, it was still impotent to modify, in any
degree, tne social difficulties with which she
was forced to contend. Ah, there is a touch-
ing beauty in the radiant up-look of a girl
just crossing the limits of youth, and com-
mencing her journey tiirough the chequered
si)here of womanhfo 1 ! It is all dew-sparkle
and morning-glory to her ardent, buoyant
spirit, as she presses forward exulting in
dissful anticipations. But the withering
heat of the coiiHict of life creeps on ; the
dewdrops exhale, the garlands of hope, shat-
tered and dead, strew the path, and too
often, ere noont-de, the clear brow and
sweet smde are ex<;hanged for the weary
look of ojjelongin'^ for the evenina rest, the
twiliairC the night. Oh, may the good God
sleep early unto these many I
'here was a dawning light in Clara's eyes,
"_«ich showed that, though as yet a mere
girl in years, she had waked to the con-
sciousness of emotions which belong to wo-
manhood. ,She was pretty, and of
course she knew it, for I am scep-
'I'val of those characters who grow
up to mature beauty all unsuspicious of
the fatal dower, and are some day startled
by a discovery of their possessions. She
knew, too, that female lovclino'S was an all-
potent spell, and depressing as were the cir-
eunistanoe» of her life and situation, she felt
that a brighter lot might be heia witiiout
any veiy remarkable or seemingly inconsis-
tent course of even' s.
CHAPTER Xir.
"Harriet, bring me a cup of strong coffee."
Dr. Hartwell ha I returned late in the after-
noon '.f the second day, and travel- M-orn and
weary, threw himself "down on the sofa in
t
BEULAH.
47
■i
in liiu
•lulls (luring
111 pleasant,
his stody. There w»b a pale severity
face, which toll tliaf, his r«^fli:
his hiit't aliseno" had Icon far f ....v
and as ho swopt hiiok tht; hair from his fore-
head, and liiiil his head on the cushion, the
whole countenance hespoke the oitteriiess of
A proud but miseraljlo man. He remained
for some time with closed eyes, anil when
the coffee was yeived, drank it without com-
ment. Hirriet busied herself aliout the
room, doing various unnecessary things, and
wondering why her master did not enquire
concerning home affairs ; fin illy, liavin- ex-
hausted every pretext for lingering." she
Chilton approached with outstre ilicil hand,
flcied her lips f,
ir a
but iixiiig
sweetl , as
ild
„„„ .1 \i •' V- ., ''iijioring, sue ^ aupenor.!kill ?'■ Mr. Lick hart raised himself
putting her hand on the knob of the door
said deferentially— '
"Do you want anything else, sir? The
bath room is all ready."
«'«" 'I'^'J'ster been to the Asylnm ?"
No, sir,"
"(io ami arrange Boulah'sroom.'
She retired; and springing up, he paced
theHoor, striving to master the emotion
which so unwontedly agi lato 1 him. Hi.s lips
writhed, and the thin nostril expamled, but
he paused before the mclod.ion, sat down and
played several pieces, and gradually the
swollen veins on his brow lost tlieir corded
appearance, and the mouth resumed its
halutual compression. Then, with an ex-
tenor as calm as the repose of death, he took
-lis hat, and went toward the parlour. Mr.
Lookhart was reclining on one of the sofas]
I'auline sat on an ottoman near him, looking
over a book of prints, and Mrs. Chilton, taste
\"/^y, .***>''«<*. occupied the piano stool.
Witching strains of music greeted her bro-
ther aa he stopped at the door and looked in.
In the mirror opposite, she saw his image re-
flected, and for an instant her heart beat
rapidly, but the delicate fingers flew over the
keys as skilfully as before, and only the firm
setting of the teeth betokened the coming
struggle He entered, and walking up to
the invalid, said cordially :
-iiru?"^ "® y°"« Percy? better, I hope."
While one hand clasped his friend's, the
other was laid with brotherly freedom on the
sick man's head,
and at the same tiiu
kiss.
He availed himself of neither,
his eyes intently on liers, said as
if he liad been soothing a fretful ....>. .
" Necessity, of course ; but now thiH I liava
come, 1 shall make amends, I pr )i'iise you
for tile delay. Percy, has she I; Uen good
care of you ?"
"She is an admirable nurs • j 1 can
never requite the debt .she '.las imixised.
Is not my convalescenee aiini.j^ent proof of her
superior.skill ?" Mr. L.ckhart raised himself
rest admiringly on the' graceful form and
faultless leatures besi le him.
"Are you really so much better?" said
Dr. Hartwell, gnawing hia lip.
"Indeed I ami Wliyare you so .ncredu-
lous ? Have you so liltle conlilence n your
own prescriptions ?"
'• Coiilideuce ! I had little enough when
gaeii, iinmeisurably less now. But we will
talk of all this after a little. I have some
matters to arrange, and will be w th you t
tea. May, I wi-,h to see you. "
" Well, Guy, what is it ?" With ,ut mov-
ing an inch, she looked up at him.
"Come to my study,'" answered her bro-
ther, quietly.
'',^";i '^,t^^ y"""" Pat^ient to amuse him-
sell! Keally, Guy, you exercise the 'tes of
hospitality so rarely, that you forget or-
dinary requirements. Apropos, your
prot6g6 has not returned. It seems s
not fancy living here, and prefers stay,
the Asylum. I would not trouble m
about her, if I were you. Some people ».
not appreciate kindness, you know.^' S
uttered this piece of counsel with " perfect
sangfroid, and met her brother's eye as in-
nocently as Pauline would have done.
" I am thoroughly acquainted with her ob-
jections to this place, and determined to re-
move them so completely, that she cannot re-
fuse to return,"
A grey pallor crept over his Bister's ace
but she replied with her nsnal eqnanimi y • '
" You have seen her, then ? I thought
.i^^^s ^^o^,i^cBBm^^^
, ..,',, — -->'•«'• iBHijr, vj-ujf, lu your i
**®{|g«^™ home, I am growing well again."
Ah I so much for not possessing Ithu-
lev ^ t^"- ^ *"" Slad to find you free from
J ^"^w-d'y-do, uncle ? Don't you w me ?"
■*'.4 """line, reaching no her hand.
"it is^Urays hard^to" find you, Pauline,
youMe^uoh a demure, silent little body,"
|^«^ shaking her hand kindly.
Welcome Guy 1 I expected you yester-
«aT ; what detained you so long ?" Mrs.
No ! I have not seen her, and yon are
aware, her voluntary promise would seal her
lips even if I had." He smiled c ntemptu-
ously, as he saw her puzzled look andooB-
tinned : " Percy will excuse you for a few
i-iju , ..Hsn^- mvi! iiiTj. i amine, entertaiik
this gentleman in our absence."
She took his offered arm, and they pro-
ceeded to the stndy in silence.
" Sit down." Dr. Hartwell nushed a chair
toward her and stood lojkin^ .,,i fuHy j.
1
48
>^
BEULAH,
m
«.ni,l!) i,l:;i r'^' '•'«''-«* does .11 thin pre.
" Ma^, is the doctrine of future nnm-.V.
rose wuh »„airof„fre,..le,|,li.,nity.
fts^off you wrong me. Uljv vprilv
Sh '^'Ttifi/"" ''T"'"'^'^ to-';uff:;&
her with a B„,i,e of SE, «e";„ "°'^' **
Jt=i-;S!:;;^^^-,;;^!-^^-"'>««-.
on'llershouldel? ''' '"* ^" '-"'' ^«" '^"vily
-u^Iu'cUt.'*""'''"^'^'"" ■'" « ell. I should not
" Ah, guided by your favou.--.^^ Meuhrsto
rhele.s you wrapped the n,a, of iJvi bt
iity about you, aud heard it all Jih v •
and "? ' S'^'^Sf ?ii,« *v"' "'i:i"'*°"«'
fippm/ ,1 T ** h'^^e here, it
h«muiat.n«thou7tS"illld'\ro Ibirbe
anggested to me. May, I very nearly dedde 1
to send yon and Pauline out into the vol
Tn^^T^ " '^'""^ ••->*-ithont a cent 1-just a I
found you, and I may .loso yet— J" ^
xoua%renotI Yon darp nof i v
I teuZ^r '"^iff'lit/or too much nicety.
ron nav to^?S^r'' '"^' °^*»» t^n>or.
coi3'.tH,^;*l^^.*~^*''■ >'""'■ ^luplieity can
dhllv ^h "■ *??* "'■P^''" you hate 80 cor
oKUiy. She would nfcver ..^fu"" -« .
l-Huime suffered for the'paVt", fo^ her "^V.
•iiU hers only. I wU' aasi^t, support Jou.fo;
t , nf h""""''' '^'■"^ y^'" "'^'"' the plan
Ut..,n ut th..re are „„ edMrationah advan-
've. there for Pauline, and thor.? re "f
f.ei.Ial; roturnP, I have resolved to buy .n
Sllf^r S^'T' ''"'"•• -*— -- y-'" "' y
not I"' ^^ ■ ^°" ""°"* ""'l "haU
"And what conitruction will the worl 1
uTe^t^h" r"'''J«, * y"""« girl intoTot
liouse at the tim.^ I leave itf fjuy with
e"n" "sa*iZh ''V''7''''''^* y"» are'^ndow'
.It f "h"' '"iikI'U.K sardonically.
J shall take measures to prevent anv
.mpropsr construction I Mrs. \Vatsnn, tK
widow of one of my oldest and best fr end.
has been k.t in destitute circumstance and
tofii'"^'"'''"'*/'^"^*"!^^'- » home he"e
XrR^'l^'^^'"^ ''"""ehold. and look
after Beu.ah when 1 am absent. She is an
estimable woman, past fifty years of aVand
her character is so irreproachable, thft ' her
presence here will obviVte the ob ection you
hare ur^ca. You will decide to-, i«ht wh«e
fetVf *"^*^'°"'' ^"^""-^ r««cfence and
let n^^e know to-morrow. I shall not give
whea°B^T,I T\ '"'■ ''«''"'''"• Meantnne!
the matter. At your peril, May I I have
borne much from you, Lut by all that ?
ly If you dare to interfere again. Do not
-.nagmetha I am i^,nora»rt>f your schemer
!n J/"!","''^'^^'""l'l7fe''«''ly see PerVv
Lockhart lowered into tit^ v<> ratherfhln
him'Tof h^T" |7'^«jg-^"l " Sn^
hini Oh, his noble natiffc-Av^uId loathe you
coulc he Bee y.n. as yoiTare. There, go I ";
I shall forget that I am talking to a wornan
uo I go! He put up his hands as if unwil-
ling to look at her, and leaving the room
< escended to the front door. A large family',
carnage drawn by two horses stood in reall
ness and seating himself within it, 1 eorde
ed the coachman to drive to the Asylum
Mrs. W, hams met him at the entrance aud*
despite her assumed composure, felt nervous
s'il'nHfnT' ^'°" *". the matron of this in-
Ben"on/'' ^''''"'"' ' ^ """"* *° «« ISeulah
"Sir, she saw your carriage, and desired
me to say to you that though he was very
grateful for your kindness, she did not wish
to bnn en you and preferred remaining here
wou d e'lTJ? ^K""-^ "'"'^^ P««'t'°" which
^ould enable her to support herself. Sh«
be,-3 yon will not insist «-oon «P«,n„ h-- -"-
does ;i.)t wish to see you." " °'" ' """
"Where is she? I ;hall not leave the
house until I do see her." ^
if i» coats me life and
nd yoticflrto the pUn-
IK) P(li'i'«ti()iiah ailvan-
iliiie; and thenfore, if
B resolved to liny and
»r>e, wher«ver you may
you o»nnot and shall
action will the worl.l
I youug girl into your
^ve it? Ouy, with
ifht you are endow-
if( sardonically,
ires to prevent any
I Mrs, Watson, th«
lest and hcst friends,
te circumstances, and
3r her a home here,
lousehold, and look
1 atisent. She is an
fifty years of age, and
iroaohable, that her
ite the objection you
leuide to-night where
iture residence, and
I shall not give
icision. Meantime,
n will not allude to
peril, May I I have
but by all that I
ke you suffer severe-
ere again. Do not
ff^yoxir soheme?; J
/glrtdly see Peny
l*-in' V(>, rather than
r;<>i.id in blinding
Wwi uld loathe you,
ire. There, go 1 or
liking to a woman,
ing to be mi/ sister t
I hands as if unwil-
leavine; the room,
or. A largo family,
irses stood in readi-
within it, he order-
e to the Asylum,
the entrance, and,
osure, felt nervous
is scrutinizing look
matron of this in-
rant to see Beulah
iage, and desired
gh she was very
she did not wish
ed remaining here
! position which
rt herself. She
)n aF>(>inor tio* . ..k- ■
ill not lear* th*
i
lie moun?.*i*'^r'"* nght-hand room."
and :nS '"' B Ida^tllT'"^!^ '"t ^^"-'
window; she had rect„i..V*r''":« ^^ *»•«
knew that he was in thf ^l'" «tep, and
Hhe wouldnot meet h^t ev°T' K"* ^«.'* ^ if
Yet there yvL i, , i! u ^® ^°'" **^« universe.
to see him^gr. '0.^' the't*"'"^ '""«'"«
sl'e had miWl h s kfnd " ^*'* ''*^'
^rave watchf„l„ess S ,^T% "'."^
caught his hand to hir ,t * hT'* '""'•■""'•
happy/' ^ ^""'' "P^"*' '^^^^ home and be
^^y^^,^:^^^^- ' -" '^ "ot
whole ';rurh"of\hisra..^«"tf^- \^'''^ ^^e
fd it is no conce n7you;s^7J i'''"''''
broken your promise. ^Ko~Ck*'^ "1
. make your return to mv houre f^« rf* ^
of my sister's narrlnr. "\''*'"*'^ 'he condition
you persist in &• me7t"«n '""'"f ' ^^
ly I will send her annT' i* "y°" ^"^«'"»-
world to work for thlrr-,'"^°"*"'t° ^'^
wanttodo7 Ifvoiwill ^^^ ''u^*?' "" y°»
Rive them a coX aWe hoZ ^^''.' •' ^'^
wherever they mrv, »•!'*?• *''«"' "Wn
that they we alwaL^ ?f ^ ''^e. and see
theyshairn'tremaTirmvT:'^ ^^ ^»*
you come or not T im ^^ ^°"^^ whether
it me ; you know I nev^r 'sar;?^* I .^""^
raean. \ want you to ^omeTack lit °°*
to come with me now I «m i '"^"^y""
home is dark and desdkta • n^,^^""*^^ \ "^
come ! " He held her hand, fnTf,* '"^/i'"^'
her gently tovvarrl l^T^ ou , '"*' *"d '^''ew
into^is fa^^e^^L^d'as si nofed tii '"/ '"^^""^
ness that marred its noble beautv f)" " "f
of his sster flashed nr^oi. i. ^' *"^ '*'»'"<'8
hfd been 4rri df "C i't"thT7'"^ ^, ?«
wife that had an ruVtl j u- "® ^"'^ of his
-that gavfsuch irf^'/ "'".^ant home?
tively youthful f.r»sy ^« ';«'"P««-
deep eyes till she grew divW "•*" *^«
indistinctly : ^^' •'*<^ answered
m^ns'7p,:i;:i^^^;: jr"'^^ •^"* ^^^ *he
Hence orth my sister „d myself ar.
parted, whether yuu will K,
whether you come^ bacl „/* ':: ""*
Once for all if vnn J .11 "thrrwise.
for on this |;ondiC Sy ' dl' V '""•• ;'""«•
her. Pauline does not suit ml '""'""' '"'
can make you a friend . . ' y"" ''"■ ^
Panion. Beulah, yo want t:'."" '"•■': ^"•"•
I see It in your eyes Ur r "•""♦' to me ;
want con,.^io„.r:hat'::r^;^:;y';.t'-t you
kindly a iryVteet"'5 ''-.line just as
house T" ^ "*'' '*'^'"' **''«" me to your
I shaiu;;rr\nrJ".« ^d^''"'" »•?•"•' •»'•
you this. WhaLTse ?'""'■*'""''• ' l"'""'"*'
ii";i^o/^iJ:i.:rs^';5;;::;::,:y!:'-chooi
'• 'ly. pray ? "
;; Because the tuition is free."
from me /•' " "'■• *"" P'-""'^ *« 'oeept .ny .id
anle,^a°nd1';aU7oteh ''""••'' '»'• «"'''•
that I do thank yuVrlV''" ^' '''"^ >-'
but I ««..^ *„ .A"" '"'ft',' y"ur£„odni.H« •
little r- - • ■ '
'v:udottr,^:n''''r'''»'^'-'^«''
w..v«. then?" a'd're -mil' r*"'"/' "" "•^' "'■
self. *"* "**' -"miling dtispite hi,„.
If ycJi'^.iu'iiw to 111,"'" ,"';'" »"♦-«''•
glad to .0 back? X Ji;',' ' « •" ''0 very
y|;;.ar...^S,elooked\rtn?";;;r^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
we^r'^il^'h'Lg^i^ote'xiiv"'':! y°" *- '"
{ng myself, I shall be Cy J ilfuiV'"'"'-
of you Yhave sS,?I ^ '''" *'"^ *" »«»'« car.
reAytocomehoZ'^^'"'*''*''*^ ' •^♦' y-'
clo^e^contlingly tS ff •;:, ?" •^"«-
Mrs. WiUiains'^in the hall' 1 *''«yj'''"«''
explanation from Beuia in jltTf f, *'''«f •
joioing matron, and L„ i " ^"'" ^l"" '''•
rapidly from the AsylZ '1 *u *'"'"«
was silent until thfivr!uki . '*''' Hartwell
" VVhat dSL* f \° "'" P""'« 'chool. "
i " A. . / *]^** '"'« your head ♦"
I «<v^^'^^T- I"'« vou."
80
BEULAH.
t 'I
! I ■
to
•nivver my queg.
'In not ask me to do go. for I
" You ,lo not mean
tion, tli(.|| »••
" No. sir
oaiinnt ''
»mi img to her absenc.,. assist,.,! in hrnidin.r
I -VVI1 scairs Mrs. Chilton ros« an.l erten.l
"'I her han.l, with an ami..ahle uxmes'ion ^
; mn e,...., f„r hich M.n.iah wirnot pVe
^^^ I.^h«n.i. but her salutation wm gravely
'•Oood eveninpf, Mrs. Chilton."
>rr. ijookhart made room for hoi- «« 4.1.
- -^^ ; and quietly e„«oonced in one corner
" he general conversntion, that the bitter
. leo .on o bygone trials was "ni^rcf;
V .-Idno „V V ^'"■*'^«'l »"■> his friend were
- king of Europe, and the letter, after re
your,? Your „«t.r was just t, ,iing ml
Pt lin« .*/"'' ^"^^ "^^ «"«« North to *pI.oe
I « .line at some celebrated school, an.l with
*„ El ' ■' "' "" ' esoiate. Conie
Says
i.»t o - ■ . "..«u uu yon nay T
his si8ter*,S'**?r*"l *''*«intinmtion of
n's sister a pb«ft without the slightest tokpn
ot.surpns^d smiled sarcasticfll?:: i^t"
Fey, I 8ha:« answer you in the few
-fa favonnte author of the day. He
travels to be amu<,ed or tn „»+ ^^ T
;;'nongold things, fn Thebes 1 P.U"*^'
h s will .an.i ^:^.i I..- ,'"eoes, in Palmyra.
"M'i.iated a. ih,>y. '% :^^;^r , ,;i:i ;!"'' z'^-
I'l ...^ir • / .. ""^"^ • ' '"IS to ruin^
I > 'Veiling u a (ooV» paradiae. At homri
tojtipate.l v.-ith beauty, an.l lose my sadness
I l.yk my trunk, en.hark. an.l Hnally w.k„
"P ... Nnplos an.t there besi.le .ne is the
oai that I fled from. I affect to be intoxi.
?Wv ]^ *^i"'* «"*• ,^'^*' '"" wherever I go '
lorry I en.lonvonre.l to drown my giant in
m^th'^'thr""" = '" ^"^y '* ''' -er*C.
n nth the gr^.m waters of Lapo
Mn^'gmre ; to hurl it fr„m solemn icv
vi h „;, i ''""'.rxon says, it clung to me
An.l """'^'"S aIi.-g,anco, and I came home
An.l n..w daily, mi.I yearly I renestTh-
hopelcs experiment in my ^ro, „. Tf pro
fess.onal .iuties. Yes, May an.l Pauline^are
ffter* ar^T' f"' ^ "^'^" ''•^^ He"Iah o look
ntter and I fancy time will not drai? ."(•.
?ou" hSk""o^f' r'"'"^ y""- "- "-" '
port or Saratoga, sail for Havre What , To
S,Ze a'T *•'!•«"»* «*-""-« o?*a J
"l win fn ?*'"*'"«"• «»me"« an.l prints?"
von .^ 11 "u^ y"" '^''*» » catalogue. Do
von go through (Germany, or only Haunt
WHy-hke, under the Lnny skie^; IrSe
P;;.l%"befrre^^^Tt„'rr'fhaflnV;l'o"*
f^gypt, Syria, and A, J,™.' Do you'^ant
anything rom the .lying worl,!^' VvTm
""n. era, Carnac, o, that city of w^r u.^T
ly. silent, awful I'etra'" •
provEt^" rI'^'.k''''"" °^ •'''^'''»" '" too
th.rr .K n '^^'^ *'"" a fe«- ! vilitiea
that I shall asl you to sketch for m- ' SnK
jequently, M, Uckhart request^ B^Uh
t.^ sing her forest song for h?m ac^in S5
blo.,,1 ..urged quickly into her face and nof
from h?r\eaTS,' ^k n^tK^ tlT int
the comer, she assured hfm Kould not"
with'tVrowl Tc3' r*"..°'""'«°*'"*
in.leed 1 . , id not "'%tl X''"" ""^ '
VVhen yon come home rrom vour Ori
«"tal ja.,nt. she will be able to Comply with
vour request,. Meantime, Percy, clJl^eTnto
i
it Kome, I can b« in-
anil lose my MadiiPHn.
rk arul finally walc«
e hPdi.le mo in the
niirolentin^., i.lenti.
affect to he intoxi.
iiiK!,"stionH, hut I am
ih mo wherever I go. •
I ilrown my giant in
bury it for ever lie.
wafers of Lago
from oolemn, icy,
'Itco it in muaeumi
says, it clung to m«
anil I camo home
'•"nrly, I repeat the
"ly rouMfl of pro.
fay aiitl Pnuline are
lave Heulah to look
will not drag its
earn. Row goon do
America ? I have
1 when you start."
to go N'orth within
nort visit to New-
Havre. What do
storehouse of art,
amoos and prints ?''
h a oatftlogiie. Do
y, or only flaunt,
junny skies of the
lettled plans ; but
'n, shall explore
a. Do you want
ig world? From
=ity nf ro:!;, lone.
of S->dom is too
> a few 1 alities
toh for me ' Sub.
rfijuestrd Benlah
him again. The
her face, and, not
?ed him to excuse
t^d to draw her
further back into
1 sMif. could not ;
hen aldiie. Dr.
ng at her curious-
ven attempt to
yoji not try to
e all connected
sing them now ;
as the memory
■'>y, rose vividly
8 over her eyas
Tom your Ori-
fco coinply with
>rcy, come into
BEULAH.
y
i
th.^ study , I ^„t . „ig^^ ,^j ^^^^ ^^
Beulah quitted the nailoup ».*■ ♦!,»
you^go.„g to do with that .oKnt:L'[g^
•i noWU? ^l"^ ^'^""^ •>•' *►'«* the world
•I not altogether made up of brutes " Sh«
eard no more, hut lung after si e lai.l i!ll
;*•' "P."» the p.ll.nv, po.f ieJed on t 'e 'k ,d
fate which gave her so cmsiderate so i,„ 1
gratitude, she vowed to show him th^/ .i!
werenoed and honoure.l him ** '^*
CHAPTER Xril.
Three years passed swiftly. unmarfc#id K»
St'rs^^-Sh^inS
on the tea-table, and the urn aw.Ted tha
T.Zt'lT?- '^''^^r™' ^itMts ok,!
I 'ered' h?,f t "^'.^ f"*^ melo.leon. was un!
aiferert, but time had materially chanLrfd th«
Iniil *^^ ™«»""e blue m«,r,.o d,u,s
Htted the slender form with - , . JLl' T
•ctooss The luxuriant black^i^ir was
oo.nhed straight back f.,.,„ The face 1,?
>vou„,lwito a circular knot, which cohered
the en ire back of the head, in 1 Zy?t
dassical outline to the whole. The yelalhes
b.tita^sfel?",!''''"''''^' ^^'^ «"'npl«xion had
lost ita8igj|J4t.hue, an t though there was no
c^SLh^ ^L'""" ^•'f"''^"^ the singular
thrstvter^ .^^^'^'^^ ^'•°^' *n^i now
mesiyein w. jh she wore her hair fiill«
IT?'\ \*l" ■°"'^'"«- The large X eye^
had lost their look of bitterness, Lt^more
InS «r"",*'''y were grave. earne;t. restTes,
and searching ; indexing » stormy soul S
whole countenance Setokened thit rare com
tiTTjT'''''^ endowments. thL habitiu
r t'-nJI^Tin he^XSSm^;--
her character, and even the lines of th«
nTsf '£rtr'^"^^ "^ ''*^^"«*'^ -" "'^^^^^^^
ness rather than peace. Before her lav a. 1
book on geometry, and, engrossed by study
she was unobservant of D- u "-■«,. -"'^^' I
j-'ance. Walking up to the grate7he ^^rmTd
him S ?tm *'-'. -ithiis handsThll
aim. stood still on the rug. rsMrdin* hin
protegee attentively. He looked^precTsely as
he had done more than three year, befor"
Su fV*''*'* ?* ^"- Martins, wat, niuB
little .Johnny and his nurse. The colon «
face seen,..d a. if chiselled out >? iv ry ind
•tern gravity, blended wi'h hitt. rnesn' w«
enthroned o„ the lofty, unfurrowed hr,T"
haviCitl^V'''^'^' '"t-'t'y. *- heSi
nave watched a patient to whom he hn.l a-
ni.nistered a dubious medicine. .mHelt .onie
ouri.jsity concerning the result. ^
te*. wUl you'r- "P ^"" ^""^ ""» "'»''« tfa«
<^he started up. and seating herself befor.
the urn, said joyfully ** """"'f oefore
enm„^r''"""'T« ', ^ '*''' "o* ''"ow you had
come home. You look cold, sir." ^'"* "•**
themat'tVr^M''*""''''^""'^' "J tomend
tne matter, Mazeppa must needs slip on th.
ce in the gutter and lame himself ^ Knew
oo. that I should want him ugam to niZ "
He drew a chair to the table and received hi,
tea from her hand, for it was one of his w ■»,«
to dismiss Mrs. Watson and the servants ,2
this meal,.and have only Beulah presj?.' * '*
to-nightV' '" *" ^'^ '■"I"""" • "'°«°'l ^»*t
She very rarely asked anything relative t«
hi. professional engagements, bu*t .w til?
he was more than usually interest.,!.
Vour8('^kr.tf '''}'''* littfe Quaker friend of
IZ I'f V, ^a'^lers. will probably lose her
grandfather this time. He had a .secoi 1 Lra
iu viv s'tm^r'"^' ''•?.'' ' ''''"»'* -"«tli r h"
BUI vives till morning. "
"Are any of Clara's friends with her?"
iked Beulah, quickly.
"Some two or three of the neighbours
when yl^rtu^rf;-*''* ""^^ •"•* «« ^'^^^ ^o"
abie ^Tn l"? • •/*"' ^"•*'»«' » t°" 'li«»gree.
Th« nl/ ^^"^'"'' -y"" o*^ do no good
.rhe old man is unconsoioi... Don't think of
n,«.?"* ^ """'' t 'link of it, and what is
sTa f'n^r '""•t °»^'-y «"«. if you please I
shal not mind thecold, .ad I knowPl.r^
won d rather have me with her. et^nThoigh
I could render yon no assistance. Will vou
carry me ? I shall thank you very much "
She stood on the thresholrl. ^
" And if I Hrill not carry you T " he an
Bwered, questioningly,
.! IIi^K®"f' ''^'■> tliowiii sorry t^) disobey you I
sh all be forced to walk there. " ^ '
" So I supposed. You may get ready. "
. "Thank you." She hurried off f."r-- •-
lor tile ride, and acquaint Afrs. Watson
with the cause of her temporary absence
On re-entering the study, she fomfd ?he d^^!
tor lymg on the sofa, with one hand over h?J
tThVr. ^ytS! ""^^^^ '' '^ "^"^^ * '«"-
02
BEULAH.
I
i*f
\tl
There is a letter from fTeidelber<T. 1 Imd
almost forgotten it. You will have'time to
readJt j the buggy is not ready." He rru.ved
his finders slightly, so as to see her distinctly,
while she tore off tiie envelope and perused
it. At first she looked pleased ; then the black
eyebrows met over the nose, and as she re-
toKied It there was a very decided curl in the
compressed upper lip. She put it into her
pocket without comment.
^Jf^"^l"n''. well, I suppose?" said the
doctor, still shading bis eyea.
"Yes, sir, quite well."
vantegeT? ""'''" *° ^' improving his ad-
let'tei^^**"^*^ i»<^g^ not, from t:.e tone of this
What does it indicate?"
m«Z^f. r®* thinks of settling down into
mercantile hfe on his return ; as if he needed
*ogo to Germany to learn to keop books."
.. ?^^^ ^***''^ •"'^ ^*h mHch chagrin.
Urr/thi^ I Tul ^^\""'^y i« /'«^ excel.
Ceuce the land of book-making and book-read-
ing; why not of book-keeping V
ji/"^'"'"*" P''o«cienoy is not the queition,
Dr Hartwell smiled, and passing his fin-
gers through his hair, replied :
„ "■ ^f "r i°*®"'' **' annihilate that plebeian
project of his, then V cuoiau
*hl[^'t own>rfll must govern him, sir ; over
that I ha)K<no power. "
"S^**r you will use yourinfluencein favour
I ota^rearnai profession ?"
, j/*^' Yes, sir, if I have any."
' «„*«T*''^u'Vu ^Zl ^mbiiions pride does not
ruin you both. There is the bugtry. Be so
good as to give me my fur gauntlets out of
the drawer of my desk. That will do; como. "
Ihende was rather silent. Beulah spoke
eeveral times, but was answered in a manner
which informed her that her guardian was in
a gloomy mood, and did not choose to talk
^ffTw^fu l'"*'.''"'''^"°*'^^« as ever. She
felt that the barrier wtiich divided them, in-
■tead of melting away with long and inti-
mate acquamance, had strengthened and
grown impenetrable. Kind but taciturn,
•he knew little of his opinions on any of the
groat questions which be^an to agitate her
own mind. For rather more than three years
they had spent their evenings together ; she
In studying, he m reading or writing Of
toll past life she knew absolutely nothing, for
no unguarded allusion to it p -er escapea his
i?Pl /''l°"g*''8l'ehadlivt. in his house,
he had nex er mentioned his wife's name, and
but for his sister's Woids ihn wn,,W i..„„
Wh-fl,"**!u^ Ignorant of his marriage.
Whether the omission was studied, or mere-
ly the result of abstraction, she could only
•■rmise. Oice, when sitting around the
file, a piece of crape fell upon the hearth
trnm tiie shrouded portrait. He stooped
down, picked It up, and without glancinR at
the picture, threw the fragment into the
grate. She longed to seethe covered face,
but dared not unfasten the sable folds, which
had grown rusty with age. Sometimes she
fancied her presence annoyed him ; but if
she absented herself at all during the even-
ing, he invariably enquired the cause. He
had most scrupulously avoided all reference
to matters of faith; she had endeavoured sev-
era! times to direct the conversation to
religious topics, but he adroitly eluded her
ellorts, and abstained from any such discus-
S'.on ; and though on Sabbath she generally
accompanied Mrs. Watson tochurch, he never
alluded to It. Occasionally, when more than
ordinarily fatigued by the labours of the day.
he had permitted her to read aloud to him
from some of his favourite volumes, and these
brief ghmpses had given her an intense louir.
ing to pursue the same paths of investiga-
tion. She revered and admired him ; nay
sha loved him ; but it was more earnest gra'
titude than genuine affection. Love casteth
out fear, and most certainly she feared him.
She had entered her seventeenth year, and
feeling that she was no lougjr a child, her
pride sometimes rebelled at the calm, com-
manding manner he maintained toward her
rhey found Clara kneeling beside her in-
sensible grandfatlier, while two or three mid-
dle-aged ladies sat near the hearth, talking
m undertones. Beulah put her arm tender-
ly around her friend ere she was aware of
her presence, and the cry of Wended woe
and gladness with which Clara threw her-
self on Benlah's bosom, told her how well-
timed that presence was. Three years of
teaching and care had worn the slight young
form, and given a troubled, strained, weary
look to the fair face. Thin, pale, and tear-
ful, she clungto Beulah, and asked, in broken
accents, what would become of. her when
the aged sleeper was no more, '
" Our good God remains to you, Clara. I
was very miserable, but He dxd not forsake
me.
Clara looked at the tall form of the physi-
cian, and while her eyes rested upon him with
a species of fascination, she murmured j
" Yes, you have been blessed indeed ! You
have him. He guards and cares for your
happiness ; but I, oh, I am alone 1"
"You told me he had promised to be your
friend. Eest assured he will prove himself
such," answered Beulah, watching Clara's
,T««n*6risnce as she spoko.
"Yes, I know; but" She -^aused, and
averted her head, for iust then he drew
near, and said gravely :
"Beulah, take Miss Clara to her own
BEULAH.
M
U
room, and peraiiarle her to reat. I t^I, tW m-
ma-., probably all night j at least until some
chain,'e takes place."
mouSu'liy""^ ""' '^''^'" P'^*'^'=^ C^-^»'
"Go, Beulah, it is for her o^vn good."
She saw that he was unrelenting, au.f com-
pheJ without opposition. la the ^cdu.ion
of her room she indulged ia a pa.si...nate
bant of grief, and thinking it was best thus
vento.1, Jeulah paced up and down the floor
listening now to the convulsive sobs, and
now to the rain which pelted the window-
panes. . She was two years younger than her
companion, yet f e t that she was immeasur-
ably stronger Olten during their acquaint-
ance a painful suapicion ha.l crossed her
mind ; as often she had banislic.l it, but now
It haunted her with a pertinacity which she
could not subdue. Wkile her feet trod the
chamber floor, memory trod the cliambers of
^nnlH ;*"'\^*'^^'"t'^"P^^«''V I'"'' which
OrS ?,*'^°e"»«» }^^ «l''->i'i of evidence.
Oradually dim conjecture became sad con-
viction, and she was consuimis of a degree of
pain and sorrow for which she could not
readily Recount. If Clara loved Dr. Hart-
wellL why should it grieve Iier? Her step
grew nervously rapid, and the eyes settled
upon the carpet with a fixedness of which
She was unconscious. I Suppose he was
double her age if cli^^i.a him not
withstanding, what Inuf^aa was it of hers '
Beai.les no one would dream of the actu.i
disparity in years, for he was a very han.i-
some man, ami certaii ;y did not look more
IJt^ "'. l'"? "/''*='■• l'''"^' •''l'"'* was ,i„t
f«nT '"/'^,1'f tual, and he very particula.ly
K/if- '''^•■'^'■y P"'-«"it« : but had not slie
heard hini say that it was a sin^^ular fact in
anthropology that m,c„ .elected their op
posites for wives ? Si.e did not believe her
guardian ever thought of Clara save when in
her presence. But how did she know any
thing about h,s thoughts and fancies, his
likes and dislikes? He had never ^ven
♦^» k" ^%"'*''"*«^-^^'*s '* piobable that
the subject of a second love would have
escaped h.m ? Ail this passed rapidly in hlr
mmd, and when Clara called her to .sit doZ
on the couch beside her, she started as from
Mdly of the future, Beulah analyzed her
features, and came to the conclusion that it
would be a very easy matter to love her ;
2o V™!f«fTfl° 'r'* ""^ ««"*'«' "'« mann,;
so^graceful, the tone so musical and winuine
^•.Bori^aininouf.hj, ueifcher noted the lapse
oLi""^" j.^'^ln'ght pawed; two o'clock
the watchers Clara sprang to the door ;
^'k?entl7"P""**^**'*^« ''"^ "^"'"^
^ He has cMsed to suffer. He is at reat '
She Rooked at him vacantly an instant
He did not reply, and with a frightened
expression she ghded into the chamber u
death cud.ng p.teously on the sleeper to
comebacK ar.d shield her. Beulah would
'• N^Z'^'r? *'tT'^°*'*°' detained her
iN ot yet, child. Not yet. "
As if unconscious of the act, he passed his
arm around her shoulders, and drew her
mrt^b.^'V"^ She looked up in astliS
hgure m the room opposite, and she saw
that just then, he was thinking of anything
else than her presence. «"yining
',', ^""^ y°" «"'"« home now, sir ?"
ies but you must stay with that poor
girl yonder. Can't you prevail on her to
come and spend a few days with you '"
resolVedtu'oty.""*'" ""^^^^'^'^ «-'''^'''
n.ri^Si°°''P*^®'T'"y *=•*"*'• Watching ig
not good for you. It is a long time since y. ,u
have seen death. Strange that peopled n
not see It as , t i.. Paasiog strange " ^
_ H hat do you menu ?'- said she, strivina
interpret the .oule that unr-athed his lips *
_ i:ou >viil notljelieveif I tell you. >Li/e
IS hut the,,<^nn of Death, and Death the dl
veloijrnent of a higher Life. ' "
tal'i't.r?''^*"'"'' '" ^'^'^ ^''"'^'' "^ heavenly immor-
^^'.I7hl Tn ?f" i* heavenly if you choose.
.^t.iy here till the funeral is over, and I will
hI" IT'"h,'^'"*'u^'.«" «"^ ""t. child?"
He had withdrawn his arm,' and now looked
anxiously at her colourless face.
"No, sir."
"Then why are you so very pale?"
an^l^LVelseT "" "'^' "^' ^^^ I was
bvr ■> ^ w! wTfri'""^ less ghostly. Good-
iughand^. " '*'^"'^"* *^«" ''^»»'-
The day which succeeded was very cloomv
and a ter the funeral rites had beenTe^'.
tef ' "t^ ^^^ '*'^°"'* *^*y ^"«ked in. Beu-
ah s heart rejoiced at the prospa t of return-
ing home Clara shrank fro.n the thought
of being left alone, the little cottage wm so
f^l ff„*H ^^: ^'^^IJ «ive it up now o^f cmu.e?
and find a cheaper boirding-house , but the
furniture must be rubbed, and -,t down to
an auction room, and «h- rlrga ^ ' ■ — - -
vifli^i'!''*'^^*'? ^^^"^ commissioned to in.
til you can select a boarding-house. Dr
Hartwell wiU be glad to have you come "
64
BEULAU.
mourner.
shading her face with her hand.
" Oh, how good, how noble he is ! RpiiUh
t,m.h.iiK ""•'"■■'"8. and in ahout a year I
too shall bo a tejiphor ii- tr i ,,'>^ ""^ -^
track ZV *''^ travelled over the Tery
a -■ K « l ' vvo,;i^ / ""^^'"^ ' ^^"y ^Ji**^ you
;6J i ^- -e/'ergsof Arctic nijrht? Silly mH an
precute your good fortune." 7^ ' *P'
of th; athl.f '''"?'Pt"'°"' »s in olden time one
rig ';„S." ""'«'* '*^^ ^-^ "P- - droop.
" Necessity knows no conditions Beulah
Lrrrwi'? ''^*«'-"»ti-« I'at to labour In thai
ire m ' *7^'"'"r"°'^' ^^y "f^er <lay Yo-
eLVr:iJ";„';^'tVJ!!J- • ^o- of
in^'tn^K d^P«n;»ence 1 Would you be will-
wfit for oTh*'' ^^r' ^'*^ •"«' ''"'l indolen ly
Td Beu ah ''l"^*^' ""»*» ° yon ? ' interrupt^
We^JebSe^^^^^^^^ ** the wan. y^et
wer/^'n^'*'"?'.'^ ' ^*d ^"n selected as you
were. Once I too felt hopeful and iovfT
warn^d^B r,l'l ^'T',' ^^"-«* » Wea Be
S to r^ l*^ ' *^°° * ''^*"*^'- jour haughty
in th'r^^,^' * ''"■""? ^PP'-oach to contempt
hp, !«f? f'i"" "'"' "'^'^h Beulah regarded
atwrretcSl;."^^'^ -e uttered, a^d S
i'i^^ou^SlT:"?;^"*';- I thought
««„ if ; , ** """'an man i thouirht
Cut f,?" tT"^' ,!'" ^W'"S *" liveonfhe
uountv of others when a little activity would
enable you to m.pport yourself." ^ """"'^^
eat or th„ "i .,' •' '^'i' "" ' °"1>' *1^« bread you
eat or the clothes that vou wear • it i^ svm
IT -I,:^' ,S'"^"' '°^'^ andTaUMflS
1 1 . *, *■ * ^omaii wants. Oh ! was hpr
heart made, think you. to be fil ed with
^au the feehuL; thatyo.l are indppn,.^,.* .°J
?iol?/ Oh '"f r'; ""^'^^y .*^^ lonj^-Wfor'^tirer
1 lois r Oh ! Duty IS an icy shadow It will
freeze vou. It cannot fillthe W, sanS
•ry. W oraan was intended «, « pet plant, to
carf wlh";' "'^^"'^d ' '^"'•'^t«'^ and "»>
All ' 1 i'^ ™','^'' ^ngni^l'cs and dies."
Ah liedew.sparkle had exhaled, and the
Teat oT.^l'"'^ ^n^\ ^''"'^•'"d ; the noontide
8t^e! ® "• '"Poten* to coutinue the
'f Jl^y!" ?"°der8 I don't believe one word
f ail this anguishing nonse.se. As to my
eing nothing more nor less than a sicWr
fludpd^T • f ^°°\^«tter. If you have coi^
fim Ivo 'n T y^^"^^ *« that dependent
bpa fLf P *"*'•„ ' P'ty y°n sincerely, and
beg that yon Mill not put me iu any such
°***«C:;y-. »"tymayL a cold shadow to
you but it 18 a vast volcanic agency con-
stantly impelling me to action. ^ What w";
Tnd s.!ff ^"'f ? *° f' ^°r. « to remain passTve
Dol'ttalLt„""'V "I'^''^^^ to its needs?
JJon t talk to me about woman's clinging.de-
pendent nature. You are oponing youf iSs
vines ; I don t want to hear it ; there are no
creeping tendencies about me. You can
wind and lean, and hang on 8omeb<^y else
' olfninp't' ' ^'"* ^ t"'^ ""'■^ "•'^ oneTthose
old pine trees ynnder. I can stnnd up-yerv
slim.if you will,but strai.di^ , high SW
by myself ; battle with wi.ia and rain, and
?nX\\ """^ V^! '"^"'"^ ^"d bent, peAaps!
less IfTpT'l ^"ti'^n ""^'ded, nlverthe'.
jess. 1 feel humbled when I hear a woman
bemoaning the weakness of her sex, ZTeld
of showing that she has a soul and S of
her own inferior to none."
" A» that sounds very heroic in the paces
matter A^"* the reality is quite anotC
will h«vp ^f ^"*' •'">'*''"'• ^«P«1«" time yon
SLf '^°" '.'■'^'■" ^'"d fortune, as you
threaten and go into ti,, world to support
yourself," answered Clara, impatiently^^
crust Zn>. '■**''"'■ '^'■"^S^" ^'th her for*
crust than hang on lie. garments asking a
pa ace. J don't know wh^t has come over
Rp i.u '*''® stranf,^ely changed," cried
shouWer?.""'"^ ""'' ^'*"'^« «° her 'friend's
,.,i.'17^* "™,^ *'^*"«* ^^'11 come over yon
^■heu you endure what I have. With all your
boasted strength, yon are but a woifan ;
have a woman slieart,. and one day wUI be
unable to hush its huMKw cries. ''^ ^
answer:? Kh""' "'' " '^^^ ™^ ^«--'"
n„'l,^'°l ^"""^,^>" <lo that time enough •
no suicidal efforts will be necessary." & r
the first time, Beu ah marked an expression
of bitterness in_ the usually gentle^ nnip"
ch08e'To"pvi„ ""'^ '\*'' !"'"'*'d more than she
carriiJ„f . ' t *"^' ''""? ^'•- Hartwell's
•' ifu hii, fh ."[•'"■"^"'"^^^to return home.
kind offer .fWK' T IF e^^'^f'-J for hi.
kind otter ; that his friendly remembrance is
BEULAH.
isolated and nn-
ishcs and dies."
xhaled, and the
I ; the noontide
piny on, and she'
b to continue the
elieve one word
«8e. As to my
8 than a sickly
fj'ou have con-
that dependent
1 sinceiL-iy, and
e in any such
old shadow to
agency, con-
5n. What was
remain passive
to its needs ?
m's clinging.de-
>3ning your lips
le of oak and
; ; there are no
me. You can
somebody else
ke one of those
'tnnd up — very
1 high. Stand
and rain, and
bent, perhaps,
ded, ueverthe-
hear a woman
irsex, instead
il mnd mind of
ic in the pages
quite another
leless time you
)rtune, as you
d to support
latiently.
nth her for*
enta asking a
as come over
anged," cried
' her friend's
ne over yon
With all your
it a Woman ;
day will be
I."
raeHeavenl"
ime enough ;
ssary. " For '•
n expression
lentle, quiet
lore tiiaii she
r. Hartwell's
return home,
ntefnl for his
lembrance u
dear tu a bereaved orphan. Ah, Beulah ! I
have known him from my childhood, and he
has always been a friend as well as a physi-
cian. During my moUicr's long illness, he
watched her carefully and constantly, and
wlien we tendered him the usual recompense
for his services, he rctuaed all remuneration,
declaring he had only been a friend. He
knew we weie poor, and could ill afford any
expense. Oh, do you wonder that I
Are you going immediately ? Come often
when I go to a boardiug-house. Do, Beulah!
1 am so desolute ; so desolate." She bowed
her head on Beulah's shoulder, and wept un-
restrainedly.
" Yes, I will come as often as 1 can ; and,
Clara, do try to cheer up. I can't bear to
see you sink down in this way." She kissed
the tearful face, and hurried away.
It was Saturday, a retiring to her own
room, she ans- Eugene's letter. Long
before, she 1 . .i, with painful anxiety,
thathewro and more rarely, and
while his conimunioations clearly conveyed
tlie impression that he fancied they were
essential to her happiness, the protective
tenderness of tarly years gave place to a
certain coumiaiuliiig,yet condescending tone.
Intuitively perceiving, yet unable to analyse
the gradual revolution of feeling, Beulah was
sometimes tempteil to cut short the corres-
pondence. But her long and ardent
attachment drowned the wliispers of wound-
ed pride, and hallowed memonts of his boy-
ish love ever prevented an expression of the
pain and wonder with which she beheld the
alteration in his character. Unwilling to
accuse him of the weakness which prompted
much of his an ogance and egotism, her heart
framed various excuses for his seeming cold-
ness. At first she had written often, and ,
without reference to ordinary epistolary |
debts, but now she regularly waited (and
that for some time) for the arrival of his let-
ters; not from a diminution of affection, so
nauch as from true womardy delicacy lest
she should obtrude herself too frequently
upon his notice. More than once she had
been troubied by a dawning consciousnt^ss of
her own superiority, but accustomed for
years to look up to him as a sort of infallible
guide, she would not admit the suggestion,
and triod to keep alive the admiring respect
with which she had been wont to defer to
lii.s judgment. He seemed to consider his
dogmatic dictati(m both acceptable and
necessary, and it was this assu-ned masterv.
unacooMipanied with maiiit«statious of former
t..nderncss, which initated and aroused her
pride W ith the bru^th of youthful imagina-
tion she had painted him as the future states-
'"J"~'<.'f?«'^ popular, and revered; and
while VLsioua of Ids fa:ne an.l tdorv Hitted
«5
before her, the promise of sharing all with
her was by no means the least fascniatiUK in
her fancy picture Oi late, however, he Tiad
ceased to speak of the choice of a profesBion,
and meutioned vaguely Mr. Graham's ^^uh
that he should acquaint himHelf thoi(,u«hIy
with I'lench, German, and Spanish, in ord«r
to facilitate the corrcspon.lei.ee of the firm
with foreign houses. She felt that once em-
barked on the sea of ,neica.,tile life, he
would have httlo leisure or inclination to
pursue the paths which she hoped to travel
by his side, and on this occasion her letter
was longer and more earnest than usual,
urging his adherence to the original choice of
t u; Jaw and usmg every forcible argument
she could adduce. Finally, the rei^v was
sealed and directed, and she went do'wn to
the study to place it in the marble receiver
which stood on her guardian's desk Hal
who accompanied the doctor in his round of
visits, always took their letters to the post-
offace, and punctually deposited all directed
to them m the vase. To her surprise she
found no hre in the gratt. The blinds were
drawn closely, and in placing her letter on
the desk, she noticed several addressed to
the doctor, and evidently unopened. They
must have arrived the day before, and while
she wondered at the aspect of the room
Harriet entered.
"Miss Beiilah, do you know how lont'
master expects to be gone? I thought*
T''^}^^' ^w" ''""^'^ *^" ^'''«n you came home,
tor Mrs. V\ atson does not seem to know any
more than I do." "^
" Gone ! What do you mean r "
1',^"°'* y°" •'°°w he has gone up the river
10 the plantation ? Why, 1 packed his valise
at daylight yesterday, and he left in tlie
early morning boat. He has not been to
the plantation since just before you came
here Hal says he heard him tell Dr. Asburv
to take charge of his liatients, that his over-
seer had to be looked after. He told ine he
wa.s going to the plantation, and 1 would
luive asked him when he was coming back,
t'ut he was in one of his unsatisfactory ways-
looked just like his mouth had been dipped
in liot sealing wax, so 1 held my tongue."
BeuUh bit her lips with annoyance, but
sat down before the melodeun, and said as
uaconcernedly as possible :
" 1 did not know he had left the city, and
of course have no idea when he will be back.
Harriet, please make me a tire here, or onW
linltodoit."
" There is a good lire in the diiiii,^r.,.„om j
better go in there and sit with Mrs. Watson.
Ml.' I* biLsy seeding raisins for mincemeat
and fruit cake."
'• iNo, 1 would rather stay here."
56
BEULAH.
'Then
|H
VT I
\\ VH
I will .kindl« you a fire right
away."
Harriet moved »b tt the room with cheer-
ful alacrity. Sbe hid always seemed to con-
sider herseh" Beulah's special guardian and
fneiiil, and gave continual proof 6f the
Btrein,'th of her art'ection. Evidently
alie desired to talk about her master, hut
Beulah's face gave her no encDuragenient to
proceed. She made several ell'orts to renew
the conversatiou.but they were not seconded,
and she withdrew, muttering to herself :
" She is learning all his ways. He does
hate to talk any more than he can help, and
she is pattering after him just f,s fast as
she can^^,»*hey don't seem to know what
the hfim gave them tongues f,)r. "
5 J^l&h practised p ••severingly, for some
^ynme, and then, drawing a cliair near the
fire, sat down and leaned hec head on her
hand. She missed her guardian, wanted to
see him— felt surprised at his :-u,l(h;n .le-
parture, and mortilieil that he had not
thought her of sufficient consequoiicp t.> li 1
adieu to, and be apprised of his intcudfd
trip. He treated her precisely as he did
when she first entered the house ; seemed to
consider her amero ciiild, whereas she knew
she was no longer such. He never alluded
to herplan.of teaching, and wheusheciKino'd
to mention it, he offered no comment, look-
ed indifferent or abstracted, Thougli in-
variably kind, and Eometimes humorous,
there was an impenetrable reserve respect'
ing himself, his past and future, which was
never laid aside. When not engaged wirh
his flowers or music, he was deep lu some
favourite volume, and, .mtside of these
sources of enjoyment, seemed to derive no
real pleasure. Occasionally he had visirnrs,
but these were generally st-angers, often
persons residing at a distance, and Beulah
knew nothing of them. Several times he
had attended concerts and lectures, hut she
had never aooompaniedjjim; and frequently
ffc when sitting by his ^^eT felt as if a glacier
tlay between them. lAfter Mrs. Chilton's
I departure for NewgXmk, where she and
faulme were boarding, no ladies ever came
to the house, except a few of middle age who
called now and then to see Mrs. Watson
and, utterly isolated from jociety, Beulal'i
was consci'ius of entire ignc.rance of all that
pass,,,! j„ polite circles. Twice Claudia had
called, hut unable to forget the past suffi-
ciently to enter Mrs. Gra\ -oii's house, their
intercourse had ended with Claudia's visits.
Mrs. Watson was a kind-hearted and mo.^t
excellent woman, whrt made an admirable
nousekeepei', i.ni powsossed few of the nuali-
hcations rc(iuis;t« to render her an agreeable
companion. With an ambitious nature and
an eager thirst for knowledge, Beulah had
improved her advantages as only those do
who have felt the need of them. While she
acf|uired, with unusual ease and rapidity
the branches of learning taught at school!
si'.e had availed herself of the extenl
81 ve and select library, to whiah
she had free access, and history, biography
travels, essays and novels, had been perused
with singular avi<lity. Dr. Hartwelj, with-
out restricting her reading, suggested the
propriety of incorporating more of the poetic
-'I. nieiit m her course. The hint was timely,
.■luilind.iced an acquaintance with the great
hards of England and Germany, although her
tastes led her to select works of another
character. Her secluded life favoured
habits of study, and at an age when girls ara
generally just beginning to traverse the
helds of htiiiature, she had progressed so far
as to explore some of the footpaths which en-
tice contemplative minds from the beaten
track. With earlier cultivation and
superiority of years, Eugene had essayed to
direct her reading ; but now, in point of
a<lvancement, she felt that she was in the
van. Dr. Hartwell had told her, whenever
she was puzzled, to come to him for expla-
nation, and his clear analysis taught her how
immeasurably superior he was even to those
iiistrnctorg whose profession it was to eluci-
date mysteries. Accnstonicd to seek com-
l-auiunahip in books, she did not, upon the
present occasion, long rcllect on her guar-
dian's sudden departure, but took from the
shelves a volume of Poe which contained her
mark. The parting rays of the winter sun
grew fainter ; the dull, sombre light of
vanishing day made the room dim, and it was
only by means of the red glare from the glow-
ing grate that she deciphered the print.
I'lnally the lamp was brought in, and shed a
mellow radia.sce over the dusky apartment,
xhe volume was finished, and dropped upon
her lap. The spell of this incom-
parable sorcerer was upon her ima-
gination ; the slug!,'ish, lurid tarn of Usher •
the pale, gigantic water lilies, nodding
thci.' giiastly, everlasting heads over the
dreary Zaire; the slirouding shadow of
Helusiou ; the ashen skies, and sere, crisped
leaves in the ghoul-haunted woodland of
Weir, hard by the dim lake of Auber— all
lay with grim .listinctness before her ; and
from theired bars of the grate, thg wild
lustrous, appalling eyes of Ligcia lookf^d out
at her, while the unearthly toues of Moi. 11a
whispered from every coiner of the room,
bhe rose and replaced the book on the shelf
„,,,,.- "•,■'•■• : -M^hini mill wmch
all thm pliantasinayona had taken on her
ancy. Her eyes rhuiccd to fall upon a bust
of Athene winch surmounted her guardian's
desk, ana immediately the mournful refrain
w only those do
them. While sh«
iSe and rapi.lty,
taught at school,
of the exten-
try, to whtsh
3tnry, biography,
had been perused
, Hartwell, with-
ig, suggested the
nore of the poetic
3 hint was timely,
36 with the great
any, although her
vorks of another
life favoured
ge when girls ara
to traverse the
progressed so far
tpaths which en-
from the beaten
jultivation and
e had essayed to
w, in point of
she was in the
\ her, whenexer
him for expla-
s taught her how
raa even to those
it was to eliici-
d to seek com-
d not, upon the
iot on her guar-
t took from the
oh contained her
the winter sun
ombre light of
1 dim.aud it was
e from the glow-
>red the print,
t in, and shed a
isky apartment,
d dropped upon
this incom-
'on her ima-
tarn of Usher ;
lilies, nodding
leads over the
ig shadow of
nd sere, crisped
A woodland of
of Aul;er — all
efore her ; and
rate, the wild,
gfia lookfil out
Dues of M,ji..lla
' of tlie room.
ik on tlie shelf,
si hold which
[ taken on her
all upon a bust
her guardian's
ournful refrain
ment^hich en've oief "'; ''S.^^^^^^^' «'«;
to the parlour and rn... u '^''^ retreated
the keys oV l?e n L " ' V'^ ^'' ^^,"8*" "''^'^
ingsorL of herKVrt ' aTr^'r' '• ^^ H^^'
mind of the dre-irv ,, ! A'?' ^° '^''■'"^^ I'er
haunted it xKt fuf '■'' '■"^^•■? ^'''^'^
there in the da k .-Ti^ V' ^"*'^«' """1
up to the euiin ^"'f''°'""'^ gave herself
''Ancient AfaHne'^^'l^,.r.«, «''°. "ke the
-ated and brS^.^^lV"'' '^tener f.sci.
BEULAH.
57
<}»y, Beulah sat as usual in thl~l~~, ~
arge parloursand .Ik^n "k™ 1'! ,"'^-^- J^'
look at a 1 times and nff u, ''''''*''''''-•
o"Iy the stud^' see.nil '^^°'^ ^''"'•"'
occupied during^hedv^ if""'' ^"""'^
evening that she reili^.n "^"^ "°* "'»'*'
and shebe«a„ t^o wi :,'!*;' fe'" '-T""';
stay. She felt very lo,u 1 1 wif y'^.'^'^^S'^'l
though generally ^ tacnrr^r '"'"•■ "'"^
him from the "hea,^h .^' ^^\ '"'"■'^'^1
form, and the sad stern fa. "''< ^\^ ^'-^'^
turd«vh«W „„^"'_^^\"',?'^l'e- Another Sa-
uated and breathless o^ri''*'""'"^""- ^^^m, and the sad s'tT' f '""''^^ "'^ t.l
warned her not to study Poffn^"'; ^r'^'*" ^^^day had come' anrn';"- Z^'^'^"'^'- «'^-
diction, sh" found h."'.?"'^ '^^'^'^y "^ ^''«
wildernestfSngtTgestirs'^^"^
fnTZigliL" ^^ f '^-•''" '^M rel "
of recoSe pfy hSl 5^^ '^^^^^^^-^
cesses, which ^dLly Ked ot' ?/ P""""
consciousness, but ever eludp,J 7.? ^'' ^'^^^
analysis. While h;. .f • • ^^^ Sf*"? of
her ^ind wlL^tnd'err^reLr^f '>' .^"^^
appalling from the muilB' ''' ''''■*"''
which he presented tnK. fragments
point of hi^;;!Sfng\"ctel^oV[.;^' "V!^
ing it, she hf d z'f h:t"'at:,i^r ''^^""^■
poem"Eurpki" mV J • ??"*'""* P'"ose
"bottled lette;" firL ^''T\ ''."'"'""' "f that
aud. onclain^h.^ tKr f C,L^*^"°''""'
'ne was amazed at th seemlS^SlT '
Kified. sLctVanVy" adm?r" ^f
.0 aVie«v i i ^^'^' '"terested to be put , ff
some of the mental nL« ''°"'d she explain
her. HeedC ' o'f' t Sa'n'^"^' ^"""''^
she had striven to coimfreheml th. T?''«'
=u sae va«t Fantheon of Speculation.
CHAPTER XIV.
A week later, at the close of a dull winter
yJiMni ^."'ne, and all
cheer S^e moirner'amn. ','""" ^'?"'^' "'«
that seemed settlh^g dow." , ,?"''^i ''"^ «'""'"
At dusk she retunifd ho'eTent an h"''''*;
the piano, and now «/„ii,„ i ^'^*"t »■" hcurat
study, rapt in oSu^r'r"'^ ''"'■''" "'«
cozy comfortable 'a ,t; ■ ' 'h e T". ^''^ ?
brightly ; the lamplS '^Uvtl^ It ^"■"J'^*^
mgs and statues • L lil ,.!. f ' ^^^ i""''^^'
grate l.ya huu^ bla^',^ ?. ^^th"! "^'^ *^t
order, nis shnut'v he:vd ?!, • ,.f u : ^^''"'"■''
p.'iws. The lar.l ,!m,,'''?* between his
Beulah as she So." fdl'^:!f /""-^ed
mutely to question hev,'?i "' '^''"}'"^
earnest scruti.,v nttr-Zu- 1 T' ^i"
she hold outherhan 1 ;, ' '• ""*";''' "^^^
" I'oor Uharon V. ;. . ''■• '"""'"S'y :
Charon, Kw„li l ' , "'' •""""'""^te''-
c.miu V" "" '" •^I'adows, when wdi he
iJ'IT:;^'"] Z'l r'^\ '"^-tlv into
-. '.-^ened:i\^,;rli^'"dt" ;e^t^''/'^
■u his paws again Be.iUK h '^' . '"^ ^^''^
{;l.e rug, and if id'hertei fo ' r'tfef T
he gave a quick, short bark of s u ? T^'
and very soon both <'irl and ^^ ■^'.''"'
asleep. A Quarter ,.fl. if , *<' ^''«'«^ f-'st
the.i BeuWwas sL 1 1 '^""'- «'*''«'! by, and
lentmofconoTh: " n^t''"Tr' ''^' '^ ^^•'•
up. an.l leaped frantickTy acostX ''""*"«
Ihecomb ^vi.ich confined hHNi,.'. TT'
Down.7ouk"e'rpr!.f^s"i!,^V?'"P/
tectionately on th« J«S ^'^ ">"'" "-"sted af-
his sable &our ?e tttr^'T"'''' »'
gloves, his ayes e lonBe U^^r t^." ''"
tily risen from the rug In t K n ''"' '"*«■
hand, saying .- *' " ' '^'^ ^eld out his
areyti'r^^*™"^*''«'»3"'» rudely. How
yo;\^;^re,:;-^__rg?iij--.^^
hi. c<.(d hand l.et,v.o„ botftrs ruUhT^.
v.gorou.ly. aad looked up 'oyful'ly l'; ','>
r^
BEULAH.
ii IiMD
I
I.war.fth.*!'°v*'''*. *1* **• paler andmore
laggar.l than 8ho had ever seen him ; hie
a.r clustered in disorder about his forehead;
l'r,lfl.l?P''\T "^^^'y »«'' wretched
11.. sutfeied her to keep his hand in her warm
tight clasp, and asked kindly •
"Arc you well, Bonlah ? Your face is
tiu«iied, aa,l you feel feverish "
ai.'v, f^*"'""^ \«"- But you are as cold as
an Esquimaux hunter. Come to the fire "
s an 1 and book-board, close to the hearth,
si I :i *'™ ^^l^^^ ^"PP^" before him
She forgot her wounded pride ; forgot that
£vo .if 7^*"""* ^^^" bidding hi good-
bye ; and only remembered that he had come
hone again, that he was sitting there in the
.u.ly and she would be lonely no more
Silently 1, anmg back in the chair, he closed
ihe wo'un ft ' "^"^ "' ""«f- She felt asl
Bie would like very much to smooth oflf the
curling hair that lay thick and damp on his
white, gleaming brow, but dared not She
:^^:S^' *'"" ^°- • --»*. "d said
audErrS:^;*^^^^^ ^^--
No child ; I only want to rest."
Beulah fancied he spoke impatiently Had
she been too officious in welcoming 1^ m to
bis own home ? She bit her lip with pn.ud
vexation, and taking her geometry left 1 m
As^«he reached the^door.^he doctor calledTo
• ablttei'fii!,'tr"T''°"^«"*^*y- This is
a better fire than the one in your own room. "
But she was wounded, and did not choose^to
Gooi-uSt*"?/" ''**"' " "^ °'^" ^"""•
lesZ'«^ntll'SnS'»,J« Saturday night. No
She was not particularly mollified bv the
ercohl^;r' ''' "°^^ " '^^^'" an We'!
live. "^'^'^ "^ ^"'^ **"'°°* ^°'" «^«0' day we
lette™*fK*i\''''"^ *°?"«^ *'' hand me the
sence." '" "^ ^"""« ""^ ^b"
She emptied the letter receiver and
gaced several communications in his' hand
He panted to a chair near the fire, and saidi
';Sit down, my child ; sit down."
. loo proud to discover how much she was
p.qued by his coldness, she took the 7ell
».>d commenced studyiiig. But lines and
angles swam confu^cdli, l *fn,.„ u^.. .-.,-*",
n hile her eyes roamed into the deep, dow.
into the fiery mass, and in an instant blaze,
and shrivelled to ashes. She looked up in
surprise, and started at the expressi.-n of her
guardian's face Its AntinoUsdike beauty
had vanished ; the pale lips writhed, dis-
playing the faultless teeth ; the thin nostrils
were expanded and the eyes burned with
fierce anger. The avalanche was upheaved
wm,in'"7'^*'"'i "''^*' "'"^ he exclaimed,
with scornful emphasis:
'•Idiot; Blind lunatic! In his dotage ! "
Ihere was something so marvellous in this
excited angry manifestation, that Beulah.
who had never before seen him other than
phleKmat.c looked at him with curious
arrn :/;>, ^!f ^^'""''."'^ '"'"'^ ^"^ed On the
caHy *"■' ^^ eoitinued, sarcasti-
«,m k'*' * P''^°'°.°'' pair oi idiots ! They
will have a glorious life. Such harmon/
such congeniality! Such incomparable
onh?s"'''No'i tb/"'^ ""^^ oquuble^pirics
on his! Not the Rurpaasing repose of a
windless trope night can approach to the
divine serenity of their future Ha ! by the
Furies! he will have an enviable con
panion; a matchless Griselda I" Laughing
the'floor ^' 5' r'1'^. "P "''^ «*^«<1« a«^"»^
the floor. As Beulah caught the withering
expression which sat on every feature, she
shuddered involuntarily. Could she bear to
incur his contempt? He approached her
and she felt as though her very soul shrank
from him ; las glowing eyes saemed to burn
her face, as he paused and said, ironically
Can t you partijjpate in my joy ? I have
a new brother-in-law. Congratulate iie on
my sister's marnage. Such desjmrate good
news can come but rarely in a lifetime.''
v\ hom has she married, sir ?" asked
sho^ukW '■""^'"*' ^'""' ^^' '^""fi'^^^P "-^ het
'• Percy Lockhart. of course. He wiU rue
hismadness. I warned him. Now let him
aeek apples in the orchards of Sodom ! Let
wf. *^. ?i.P'"t^*""J i'P' *° *he treacherous
waves of the Dead Sea ! Oh. I pity th«
foo ! I tried to save him, but he woSd
aeal his own doom. Let him pay the
usurious school-fees of experience "
will—"*^" ^'°"'" '''**""'^ ^"^^ ^°'- him
nnl'.^h.r" ^'"i"^', i«"or*nt Jamb ! You
poor httle unfledged birdlip. , j supp^g^
you fancy she is really attached to him Do
yon i„dee,l ? About as much as that piC
of salt in the plain of Sodom was attaclied to
the ncmoryof-Lot. About as much as this
peerless Nv»^ of mine is attached to n,?
nc .stiUvA tlie marble statue as he spoke
'n, how could she marry l.iui?" ask-'d
h naively.
Smithsonian Institute as the last embodi
BEULAU.
ment of effate theories. Who exhumed your
patron saint of archaism from thi; charnel-
house of oanturies?" He looked down at her
with an expression of intolerable bitterness
and scorn. Her habitually pale face Huslied
to crimBoa, as she answered with sparklinc
eyes: ^ °
■'Not the hands of Diogenes, encumbered
with his tub. "
He smiled grimly,
"Know the world as I do, ohfld, and tul.
and y ilaces will be alike to you. Feel the
pnlseof humanity, 81 you will "
../'^eaven preserve mo from looking on
life through your spectacles !" cried she; im-
petuously stuug bv the coi.temotuous smile
which curled his lips.
"Amen." Taking his hands from her
Bhonlaer, he threw himself back into his
j'v, There was silence for some minutes,
and Beulah said:
"It*><>"ghtMr. Lockhart was in Syria?"
Oh, 1.0; he wants a companion in his
I* ^, ,*'**' ,^'^^y I*''^- M'JW devoutly
May will kneel to Olivet and Moriah : What
pious t'^ars will stain her '• vely cheek as she
■tends m the hall of Pilate, and calls to mind
all the thirty years' history. Oh! Percy is
cruel to subject her tender soul to such tor-
turing associations. Beulah, go and play
Bomethmg ; no matter what. Anything to
huBh my cursing mood. Go, child. He
turned away his face lo hide its bitterness,
and, seating herself at the melodeou, Beulah
DlAVAn A fnrArn-ian aim nC ...L.;_l- 1
a marl.o image! The mouth seems as if the
sculptor 8 chisel had just carved it ; so stern,
so stony. Ah ! he is not scornful n'jw : he
looks only sad, uncomplaining, but very
miscial.le. Wliat has steeled his heart, and
made him so unrelenting, so hau^htv ?
U hat can have isolated him so complctory »
^fature lavished on him every gift vl.ich
•oiild render him the cliarm of social circles,
et lie lives 111 the seclusion of his own htart
independent of sympathy, contemptuous oi
tUe world he was scut to improve and blesb. "
iiiese reflections were interrupted by his
opening his eyes, and saying, iu his ordinary
calm ton* :
"Thank you, Beulah. Did you finish
that opera I spoke of some time since ?"
' • 1 cs, sir. "
" You found it difficult?"
•'Not so difficult as your description led
me to imagine."
" Were you lonely while I was away J"
" les, sir." '
"Why did not Clara come and stay with-
you ?
"She was engaged in changing her home ;
she has removed to Mrs. Koyt's boardine-
house." *
"When did you see her last ? How doe»
she bear the blow?"
" I was with her to-day. She is despond^
mg, and seems to grow more so daily."
She wondered very much whether he sus-
pected tne preference which she felt sure
il Jam oni-Ar-f .iiB-.n.,l t. — 1.1 1 .1 1 .
accus-
pWed a ^erm^rairofVShewaVveS SlVuf ^''''^^T'l''^'''^ , '^' *«'* «"-
Ld At the conclusion, he rn.Z;':iiI^ir^:-^^^^^:^^,'^
A plaintive prelude followed thecommarii. [..:* What is the matter ?" he asked,
and she sang. No description could do
justice to the magnificent voice, as it swelled
deep and full in its organ-hke tones ; now
thriliingly low in its wailing melody, and
uow ringing clear and sweot as silver belW
Ihere were soft, rippling notes, that seemed
to echo from the deeps of her soul, and voice
Its inimensity. It was wonderful what
compa>s there was, what rare sweetness and
purity too. It was a natural gift, like that
conferred on birds. Art could not produce
It, but practice and scientific culture had
improved and perfected it. For three years
the best teachers had instructed her, and she
leit that now sho was mistress of a spell
which, ouce invoked, might easily exorcise
the evil spirit which had taken uoEsession of
iier guardian. She sang several o"f hi„ favour-
ite songs, then closed the melodesn, and
«en. uacK to the ilr«. Dr. Hartft ell's face
lay against the purple velvet lining of the
chair, and the dark surface g.ave out the
contour with bold di^ttinctiu ss. His eves
were closed and as Beolah u atched him, she
thought, "how inflexible he looksl how like
tomed to rpading her expressive face.'
" NotJ/iiiT that can be rtmetlied, sir."
do you know that ? Suppose you
the judge,"
You could not judge of it, sir; and
Dosides, it IS no concern of mine."
A frigid smile fled over his face, and for
some time he ai)peared lost in thought. His
companion was thinking too ; wondering how
Clara could cope with such a nature as his ;
wonderiui' why people always selected per-
sons totally unsuited to them ; and fancying
that if Clara only knew her guardian's
character as well as she did, the gentle tiil
would s.ii-ink iu dread from his un-
bending will, his habitual, moody
taciturnity. He was generous and unselfish,
but also as unyielding as the Rock of Gibral-
tar. There was nothing pleasurable in this
train of thnnirht. an ! t;
I.;..,
ip S i>tA>a, sht
soon ceased to think of the motionless figure
opposite. No sooner were her eyes once
fastened on her book, than his rested search-
ifigly on her face. At first she read without
mucli manifestation of interest, regularly
and slowly passiiig her hand over the black
hi
beulah.
whioh Charon had laid oa her lap.
a while the lips parted eagorly, the
head
Aftor ^..
leaves were turned quickly, and the touche
on Charon's hea<l ceased. Her long, blad
lashes could not veil the expresk; jn of en-
thusiastic pleasure. Another page lluttered
over, a Hush stole across her brow ; and as
she closed the roluine, her whole face wa.s
irradiated.
"What are you reading?" asked Dr.
Hartwell, when she seemed to sink into a re-
verie.
" Analects from Richter."
"Db Quincey's?" |f "l
" Yos, sir." i '^
" Once that marvellous ' Dream of the
Universe ' fascinated me as completely as it
now does does you."
Memories of earlier days clustered aVwut
him, parting the sombre clouds with their
rosy fingers. His features began to soften.
"Sir, cm you read it now without feeliu"
your soul kindle ?" °
"Yes, child : it has lost its interest for me.
I read it as indiirereutly as I do one of m\'
medical books. So will you one day. "
"Never ! It sluUl be a guide-book to my
son], telling of the pathway arched with gal?
axies and paved with suns, through whicli
that sonl shall pass in triumph to its final
rest ! "
"And who shall remain in that 'illimita-
ble dungeon of pure, pure darkness, which
imprisonc creation T That dead sea of no-
thing, in whose unfathomable zone of black-
ness the jewel of the glittering universe is
set, and buried for ever ? ' Child, is not that
too, a dwelhngplace ?" . He passed his fin-
gers through his hair, sweeping it all back
from his ample forehead. Beulah opened
the book, and i ead aloud :
" Immediately my eyes were opened, and
I saw, as It were, an interminable sea of
light ; all spaces between aU heavens were
tilled with happiest light, for the deserts and
wastes of the creation were now filled with
the sea of light, and in this sea the suns
Hoated like ash-grey blossoms, and the pla-
nets like black grains of seed. Then my
heart comprehended that immortality dwelt
in the spaces between the worlds, and
JJeatk only among the worlds; and the
murky planets I perceived were but cradles
for the infant spirits of the universe of light •
In the Zaharasof the creation I saw, I heard,
1 felt— the guttering, the echoing, the
breathing of life and creative power ' "
uhe closed the volume, and while her lips
waV — ■-■ — T, — -I- ••■"""B' Kuucucarnostly:
Oh, sir, it makes me long, like Jean
i-aul, for some narrow cell or quiet oratory
in this metropolitan cathedral of the uni-
verse. It IB an infinite conception and
a tmg of mfimt.y, which my soul endea.
Z n'^T',!'"^ "-.ariesin thinkir,gof r
' row of '"l^^*'^".^"" «<•. «ud pointing* to •
row of b.. .ks said with some eag.rue^s :
.nu... th,, sccon.^ M.elf. N.-VuXr^
llu tc.aed over the leaves for a few mi,.
She sat down and read. He put £ hand
«u.;le8s]y over Ins eyes, and watched her
dent'tS •'""'-'M''^ ""^^•'•«- It wasevi'
e i hI , n'""" .^*'^*',"" i"t«n8ely interest,
ed He could see the fierce throbbing of a
" U Ss^'^He'r*"' V" *'«'* <^l"tclfing of
. ""«®"' ner eyebrows met in the
wrinkling forehead, and the lips wer^ com!
From he'^'^.- ^'"'^'^"^"^ ^'^^ flush fSd
hormr^^ ^^' t" «''P'-««sion Of pain and
horroi^ept over her stormy face, and ris-
inaJrCntdy, she exclaimed : '
False 1 false 1 ' That everlast-
storm which no one cuidea
tells me in thunder tones that there isfhorn^
of rest m the presence of the infinite father*
wi^r AL ^^*"'^'' y"" «^°"I'i 'take the
wings of the naormng and dwell in the utter.
mostparts of the sea,' lo ! He is thee J
The sorrowingchildren of the universe ^re not
orphans! Neither did Richter believe f
hfi'^f^l^^ ^«°'»'-« th»t with thisske ch
rj;T °^H^*^^«'«'"' 01i.«r! thediar God
stretches His h.,„ about each and all of us ♦
11 Ju''^^°■''™'^•^*«^«»lay8 himself, with
a galled back, into the earth, to sleep till a
fairer morning,' it is not true that 'he
awakens in a stormy chaos, in an everlasting
i!i'J- 'f ^* i i* ' ""*. *™« •' H« ^"^ home
to his Wed dea*l, and spends a blissful eter-
nity in the kingdom of Jehovah, where death
IS no more, 'where the wicked cease from
troubling, and the w«ary are at rest 1' "
She laid the volume on his knee, and tfa-s
which would not be restrained roUed awiftlv
over her cheeks. '
hamlVrn hk *^ ^*' «»ott"»fully, and took her
"My child, do you believe all this aa
heartily as you did when a little girl ?" Is
yo JT faith m your religion unshhkpn i"
He felt her ringers close over his spasmodi-
cally, as she hastily replied •
"Of course, of couwe ! What could shake
a faith which years slrt)uld strengthen ♦"
But (he shiver which cn.pt through h«
MULAH.
lioh my soifl eudeft-
lies in thinking of I"
oud pointing to a
ioine eagprtew:
lovo of .To«u I'aul.
me in orlmson biud-
• N,— further on ;
xves for a few miii.
till oil the pa^e, put
•
went through tho
i> ' "hen I awoke.'"
1. He put hia hand
, and watched her
igera. It was evi-
u intensely interest,
irce throbbing of a
le tight olutohiug of
rows met in the
;lio lips were corn-
ally the flush faded
•ression of pain and
ormy face, and ris-
That everlast-
10 one guides,
that there is a home
theiutiuite father!
i> like a destroying
v-powder of stars V
Br all His works as
should 'take the
dwell in the utter,
lo I He is there !
he universe ^re not
ichter believe it ;
; with this sketch
and vanquish the
sir ! the dear God
ach and all of us ?
ays himself, with
;h, to sleep till a
t true that ' he
, in an everlasting
! He goes home
ids a blissful et«r>
ovah, where death
eked cease from
re at rest !' "
is knee, and tfa's
ied rolled swj'ftly
»lly, and took her
ieve all this aa
» little girl ?" Is
aahkkeu ?"
ver his spasmodic
>''hat could shake
trengthen ?"
t-^pt through h«
61
frame denied her assertion, and with a keen
pang, he saw the footprint* of the Destroyer.
She must not know, however, that he doubt-
ed her words, and with an effort he said •
' I am glad, Beulah; and if you would con-
tinue to believe, don't read my books pro-
inisciiously. There arc many on those shelves
yonder which I wonl.l advise you never to
open. Be warned in lime, my child "
She snatched her hand from his, "and an-
swered proudly :
" '^''''u*^'"'? y°" ' """''^ be satisfied with a
or..e.l which I could not bear to have inves-
tiL'atH.l ? if I abstained from reading your
books dreading lest my faith be shaken, then
1 could no longer co.Hde in that faith.
Imstianity has triumphed over the sub-
tleties of uihdelity for eighteen hundred
years ; what have I to fear?"
•in . Without bt-Iief in any creed I hopeless of
etern.^y as of life ! Do you want to be like
I.e. ir not keep your hands ofT of my books !
(n.od-nij;ht ; it is time for you to be asleep."
He motioned her away, and too much
pawed to reply, she silently withdraw.
CHAPTER XV.
The day had been clear, though cold, and
late ,„ the aftoruoon Beulah wrapp-
ii'to the front yard for a walk. The
tippling tones of the fountain were hnshed •
the shrubs were bare, and, outside the green-'
house, not a Hower was to be seen. Even
i !riv il -T ''''0'8»ntl'emun.s were brown and
shrivelled. Here vegetation slumbered in
the grave of winter. The hedges were green,
and o,,.casional clumps of cassina bent their
branches beneath the weight of coral fruitage.
ly toward the sky. and threw grotesque
win r^' "" f^ «[°""'^ ^""""»'''' «'!'''« o" the
7hrnnL Tk"^ *'\"'"*"'' * mournful dirge
through the sombre foliage of the aged,
solemn cedars Noisy Hocks of robins flut-
vunlT"^*''^ *'■""'' '''^^"X the ripe, red
yupon berries, ana now and then parties of
pipon. circled round a„,i ronn-1 the house
.ettC n^*'"-^!i^l'?'^'' '^''^- W'"i^i"g at the
Mtting sun, with his sage face dropped on
hi. paws. AfaroflF was heard the hum o^
br ihW ^7Y "^'' *^« ''*"'^' '»t«ly so
floral beauty.; at the bare grev popl.rs
whose musical ru6t'in.r hal ,^\(i'^J d^^^
iier to sleep m clouuless summer nights, nnd
flltti^d'orr f^ 'T^""' thou^htfulness
^ame garden. Had seen young leaves and
delicate blossoms bud out from naked stems,
had noted their rich luxuriance as the
summer heat came on— their mature beauty :
and when the first breath of autumn sighed
through the land, she saw them Hush and
decline, and gradually die and rustle down
to ttjir graves. N.^w, where green boughs
and perfumed petals had gaily looked up in
the sunlight, all was desolate. The piercinK
northern wind seemed to whisper as it
passed, " life is but the germ of death, and
death the development of a higher life."
Was the cycle eternal then? Were the
beautiful ephemera she had loved «o dearly
gone down into the night of death, but for a
season, to be born again, in some distant
springtime, mature, and return, as before
to the charnel-house T Were the threescore
and ten years of human life analogous?
Lite, too, had its spring-time, its summer of
maturity, its autumnal decline, and its
wintry night of death. Were the cold
sleepers in the neighbouring cemetery wait-
ing, like those dead flowers, for the tireless
processes of nature, whereby their dust wa»
to be re iniinated, remoulded, lighted with a
soul, and set forward for another journey of
*fc««escore and ten years of life and labour ?
Wen lived and ditd ; their ashes enriched
WTOier earth, new creations sprang, phcenix-
like, tioin the sepulchre of the old.
Another generation trod life's path in the
dim footprints of their predecessors, and
that, tor., v.iMished in the appointed process,
iinnghng du~t with duat, that Protean
matter ii,,t;nt liold the even tenor of it»
way, Hi accordance with the oracular decrees
of Isis. Was it true that, since the original
Genesis, "nothing bad been gained and
nothing lost ?" Was earth, indeed, a mon-
strous Kronos ? If so, was not she as old
as creation ? To how many other souls had
her body given shelter ? How was her
identity to be maintained ? True, she
had read that identity was housed in
^•consciousness," not bones and muscles?
It could there be consciousness
without bones and muscles? She drew
her shawl closely around her, and looked up
at the cloudless sea of azure. The sun had
sunk below the horizon; th-^ birds had all
fe'one to rest ; Charon had sought the study
rug ; even the distant hum of the city was
DO longer heard. "Tiie silver sparks of
stars were rising on the altar of the east,
and falling down in the red sea of the west."
li<Milah was chilled; there were cold
tirj-iyhts iii hor mind— icy spectres in her
heart ; and she quickened her pace np and
down the avenue, dusky beneath the ancient
gloomy cedars. One idea haunted her:
aside frorn revelation, what proof had she
that unlike tnoBC mouldering flowers, her
I -I
f2
BEULAH.
ijl
\\lu l-i
I
H|.int 8h,ml(l neviT die T No trace was to b«
fnu,„ of the myria.lH „f soul, who ha.l pre-
oc.le.1 her. Where were the countless hosts?
Wfre life ami .loath biilam-erl? VVaa her
own (...ul ohiIia,U old. forgetting its former
existences, save as dim. (indefinable re-
miniscences flashed fitfully upon it? If
80. was a a proKre.MJon? Hovr did she
know that her soul had not entered her
body fresh from the release of the hangman
instead of coming down on angel wings from
Its starry home, as she had loved to think '
A passage which she had read many weeks
before flashed upon her miml : "Upon the
dead mother, in neace and utter gloom, are
reposing the dea.l children. After a time
uprises the everlasting snn ; and the mothei^
starts up at the summons of the heavenly
WnZ' ^',**' » '"""ection of her ancient
bloom. And her children ?--Y6s, but they
...ufit wait awhile !' This resurrection was
springtime, bockonintj dormant beauty from
the icy arms of winter; how long must the
chddren wait for the uprising of tlie morning
star of eternity ? Fr.,m childhood these un-
voiced queries had prrplexed her mind, and,
strengthening with her growth, now cried
out peremptorily for auswera. With shud-
dering dread, she strove to stifle the
spirit which, once thoroughly awakened,
threatened to explore every nook a
cranny of mystery. She longed
talk freely with her guardian, regarq^
mgnnanyof the suggestions which puzzled
ner but shrank instinctively from broaching
such topics. Now, in her need, thesublimi
words of Job came to her: "Oh, that my
words were now written I oh, that they
were printed m a book ; for I know that my
Redeemer hveth, and that He shall stand at
the latter day upon the earth : and though
worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God. " Hardel's " Messiah" had
invested this passage with resistless grandeur
and leaving the cold, dreary garden, she sat
down before the melodeon and sang a por-
tion of the Oratorio. The sublime strains
seemed to bear her worshipping soul up to
the presence-chamber of Deity, and exulting-
ly she repeated the concluding words :
"Th» S2.T ii^i'''*^.* ^.'«en from the de^ ;
The first fnuts of them that sleep. -^^
The triumph of faith shone in her kindled
eyes, though glittering drops fell on the ivory
keys, and the whole countenance bespoke a
heart resting in the love of the Father While
her fingers still rolled waves of melody
through the room, Dr. Hartwell entered,
'^nth a parcel in onfe hand and a magnificent
jwcrs la the other.
He laid the latter before Beulah, and said •
i^*n*you to go with me to-night to
hwr Sontag. The concert commences a.
eight o clock, and you have no time to spare
Here are Hon.e (lowers fory.uir hair ; arwnjte
It as j.ou have ,t now , anJ here, also, a 3r
of white gloves. When you are readJ con e
down and make my tea.'' ^'
l.i.'.'i7^*"\-^""' ?'•■.• '"'■ '•eroemb^ring me so
kindly, ami supplying, my wants so-l_"
What U m"' If "!'•' '■**'* "" yi"- lashes.
What IS the matter?" interrupted the doctor,
pointing to the drops which ha.: fallen on the
rosewood frame of the molo.leou
"Is It not enough to bring tears to my
eve. when I think of all your kindness?^
She hurned away without sufering him to
urge the matter. *
The prospect of hearing Sontag gave her
exquisite pleasure, and she drefsi! with
trembling eagerness while Harriet leaned on
the bureau and wondered what vould happen
""*• E/e?P* to attend church and v^ it
Clara and Mrs. Williams. Beulah ha.l neter
gone out be ore ; and the very seclusion in
which she lived, rendered this occasion ok"
ot interest and importance. As she took her
cloak and ran down-stairs. the young heart
throbbed violently. Woul.l her fasti.lious
SheMt"th;n**'f^''^ r'"" •-••'appearance
-nfjoif. ^^°°'^ «!"'** over her face as She
-ntered the room ; but he di.l not look at
ler continued to read tne newsiai.er he
el.1. ana said from behind the extended
will join you diiectlv."
poured out the tea 'with an unsttady
« WK •■• Hrt*«=» took his silently ; anJ
as both rose from the table, handed her a
paper, saying ; » "w ■
"The carriage is not quite ready, yet^
There « a programme," J> J"*-
As she glanc-d over it, he scanned her
«^3' *"^»^ expression of satisfaction
settled on his features. She wore a dark
blue silk (one he had given h.r son.e week,
before) which exquisitely fitted her .lender,
graceful figure aivl was relieved by a lace
colar,fastene.lwith a cameo pin, Lo hi.
& Jk i^T^ '''?"'' ^*''" ^a" brushed
straight bacU from the face, in accordance
with the prevailng style, and wound into a
knot at the back of the head. On either side
of this knot, she wore asuperb white camellia,
which contrasted well with the raven hair
Her face was pale, but the expression was
Z\l A **«f' expectation. As the carriage
rattled up to the door, he put hi. hand on
her shoulder and said;
Tt,"^''"!."?''^"^ .'^*" to-night, myebild.
Ihose white japonicas become yea.*' She
breathed freely once more.
At the .toor of the concert hall he gave her
bin arm, and while the pressure of the
crowd detained them a moment at the
entrance, she clung to him with a feel-
BEULAFI.
lave no time to spare.
'orvfuii hair ; arwnge
ftiul here, also, a pair
I'ou are ready, come
r retnenibering me so
uiy •.vniits 80 "
tearR mi your lashes.
itorriiptcl the doctor,
liich hail fallen on the
nelmltou.
I bring tears to my
Jl your kindness?'^'
out 81 tFering him to
ing Soiitag gave her
I she dressoi with
le Harriet leaned on
I what would happen
1 church and visit
I, Beulah had never
le very seclusion in
id this occasion one
56. Ah she toolt lier
rs, the young heart
)uld her fastidious
th her appearance ?
over her face as she
he did not look at ^
tne newsjaper he
hind the extended
ly." I
i with an unsttady
k his silently ; and
hble, banded her a i
.:*
quite ready, yet. *
fc, he scanned her
on of satisfaction I
She wore a dark
en h( r son.e weeks
fitted her slender,
relieved by a lace
meo pin, also his
hair was brushed
ce, in accordance
and wound into a
id. On either side
3rb white camellia,
bh the raven hair,
le expression was
As the carriage
9 put his hand on
i-night, my ebild.
soma y»a.'' She
t hall he gave her
pressure of the
moment at the
im with a feel-
ing of dependence utterly new to hor. The
' 'JI.r! h""'?'. *^! u"^''"8 «'»™ of the gas
ighti b„w.l.lered her. and she walked on
-nechan.cal y, till the doctor entert-d hi.
■seat and placed her besid. him. The bril-
liant chandohers shone down on .decant
'Irrases. ghttennir diamon.ls. and beautiful
em.nded of the g owing descriptions in the
Aral.ian Nights. " She obHerved that many
-mous eyes were bent upon her. and ere she
! ad been seated Hve minutes, more than one
ZZn T?" i"''?,"'"^ »* *""•• *:verybo,ly
\Z • "»'• «"^". »"'! "he saw him con-
:,h i^ retnrmng the bows of recognition
hoha.sailt.d hnn from the lad.es ir. their
V r.n.ty Presently, he l.aued his head on
hs hand, and she could not forbear sn.iling
-UHut-on, Ihf hall wa. crowded, and as
lie seats h le.l to their utmost capacity, she
vas pressed against her guardian. He looked
i"wn at her, and whispured :
''Very democratic. Eh, Beulah »"
She smiled, an.l was about to reply, when
,n",7£n ;'° r.r-*'"'^,**^'^ ^y » l'"'-tV which
I .then took thur plaees immediately in
..J . t of her It consisted of an elderly
le, Ih"*" r*^.,**" ^^'^'''' "°« «f whom
ratam «"v,"*'^ recognized as Cornelia
rlthmH,. u ^."f ."""^ » nobledooking,
rather than beautiful woman ; and the in
cip.ent pnde, so apparent in girlhood had
matured into almost repulsive Li," She
was very nchly dressed, and her brilliant
black eyes wandered indifferently over th«
room, as though such a.semblages^had ItSf
their novelty and interest for Ker. ChaS
ing to look back, she perceived Dr. Hartwell
bowed, and sa d wifh « ;i_ . ^^"rsweu.
t.. know honestly if my rudenesi oauitd you
to leave niadane's school f" ""■•" you
Rnn'iT!'*^ '^*" »"* '"y ""ly reason," replie.l
Beulah, very candidly. "piieii
At this moment a bur.t of applause ureet-
ed the appearance of the cantatricr«m a
conversation was suHp.-nded. Beulah li.tt^
a thrill of del.Kl,t. Passionately fond o
music she app,eci.te.l the brill ia^.texeeu
tion, and entrancing tnolodv tan i.mlVn i.i,,
don^e'^Vrth^'"'* """7^' ^•'---H b -
flone \Vith some of the pieces selcyted she
tT.he:r"''Sh' *"•' ""'•'•'"»'« J'-^l '""« ''"-irS
to near. She was unconscious of the steadv
look With which her guardian watched her^
as with parte.llip, she leane.l .agS or
ward to catch every note VVlXloutLg
Wt the stage, and the hum of conv.r.a on
was i.eard once more. Beulah looked up. with
alongsigh of delight, and murmured f"
.. M • "n ' !.'" * ^'"' » «l"'ri"us woman T
he.co!,fly "" "''P^"'^'°K to you," .aid
She raised her head, and saw the young
la. V s eyes riveted on her countenance.^ ^
Eu/nS- '• "'^" ''' ^"» »>•" '-m
" About three weeks since, I believe."
We leave for Europo day after ^o-
morn.w; shall, perhaps, go ,1i,,.f ?„
Heidelberg. Have you any oomn.isMons'
TnYinTr^""^ ^."''«'' *"«'"""» «f ««^n:
ing indiflfcrence. she watched Beulah intent.
0eMhet£ V.^"! ''" "''•'•' '••-»''"«
IS '^ "Thank
a Wwith."
I. /VAgain tl
• L / fuiiiH. Hie oustinate :
no^wish to come, but fathor insisted."
1 am glad you feel well enou«h to be
here," was his careless reply. *^
Cornelia's eyes fell upon the quiet figure at
his side, and as Beulah met he?steadfeMe
she felt somethingof her old disHke wS
ing in her eyes. They had never met .i™e
^atment ^f M /"""""L"''' """temptuous
now T RP.^J?**'*?." ^*- Cymon's; and
now to Beulah's utter astonishment she
dehberately turned round, put out her whfte
gloved hand, over the baik of toe sJaT and
•aid, energetically : *'' ""'^
"How are you, Beulah T Yon have alter
ed so materially that I scaniely knew you "
.la^/t'L„".^'":?.^:*';_??-"«".; -he wa.
I ou have changed but little. "
" And that for the worse, as Deonlehave a
pl.a«nt way of telling me.' Zuutl wilt
bowed, and said with a smUe : '^f^.t^'^rT^J"" i".""» uonna appeared on the
"Pray, do not think me obstinate ; I had h^iihllu^''' ^.'" *'' ^°''«"* everything
1 wish tonnmn K„4- r„ti, ,-.■_•., ..' * "*° •*"* tno Witching strains. In the mi.l.f ^
one of tha unnr.. .U. «.1x i_ "»"""»•* ot
^a^ik you, 1 hare neither to troubU
the p,ima donna appeared on the
one oflhe's^^shy ?:h her'ii^JdS'lL?;
violently ; ani the hand which rested or, his
knee was clinched spasmodically? She
looked at him, the wonted pale Le wm
flushed to the edge of his hSir , the bTue
veins stood outharS and corded on hie brow
and the eyes, like burning stars, were fi„d
^naw«dV°^^"* °?.* v.ry%emote, while hj
gnawed his li,., as if unoonwlous of what h«
'^ , J«' °^"'K the direction of his Kaio she
saw that it was fastened on » jwntle.nan »h^
eat at some little distance f^rthem'" The
position he occupied rendered his countenance
tZt th'^f** f ^'"""^ •"«"•'» *« -how h«
that the features were handsome, the ax
pression sinister, malignant an,l cunning.
F^H .f'J**"* °^u '•~kle.8%'is.rpatS
W f. ^ ^^P*"'' there, not for the m.-iS
but to scan the crowd, an.l l,., dnroe ,.v«
roamed over the a.dience with a daruiK im-
pudence which diagnsted h«. Sudded^
f
BEULAH,
they rMked on h«r own fact, wandenxl to
Or. Hartwoll's, »nd lingering there % full
moment, with a look of .iotiant hi're.l, ns-
turned t. her, oausing her to shuiMi.r at the
intensity and fr«t>.)oin of hia giiue. She drew
herself up proudly, and, with an air of
haughty contempt, fixed her attention < iithe
Btaue. I nt the apoll of enchtthtmoni was
broken ; she could hear the deep, irregular
breathing of her gtiardian, and know, from
the way in which he stared down on the
floor, that he could with dilliculty remain
qnietly in his place. She was glad when tli«
concert ended, and the nia<ia of heads began
to move toward tlie door. With a species of
curiosity that she could not represH, she
glanced at the stranger ; their eyes met, as
before, an<i his emile of triumpliant scorn
made her cling closer to her guardian's arm,
and take care not to look in that direction
again. She frit inexpressibly relieved when,
hurried on by the crowil »,n tho rear, they
•merged from the heated room into a long,
dim passage leading to the street. They
were surrounded on all sides by chattering
firroups, and while the light was too faint to
distinguish faces, these words fell on h'ir ear
with painful distinctness: "I suppose that
was Dr. Hartwell's prot^gi he had with
him. He ia a great curiosity. Think of a
man of his age aud appearance settling down
aa if he were sixty years old, and adopting a
beggarly orphan. She is not at all pretty.
What can have possessed him ? "
" No, not pretty, exactly ; but there is
•oniething odd in her appeanmoe. Her brow
« magnilioent, and I ahould judge she was
intellectual. She is as colourless as a ghost.
No accounting for Hartwell ; ten to one he
will marry her. I have heard it aurmigeil
that he wan educating her for a wife "
Here the party who were in advance vanished,
and as he approached the oariiage, Dr. Hart-
well said, coolly :
" Another specimen of democracy."
Benlah felt as if a lava tide surged madly
in her veins, and aa the cariiage rolled home-
ward, she covered her face with her hands.
Wounded pride, indignation, and contempt,
struggled violently in her heart. For some
moments there was silence; then her guardian
drew her hands from her face, held them
firmly in hia, and leaning forward, said
gravely :
"Beulab, malice and enry love lofty
marks. Leani, as I have done, to look down
with scorn from the summit of indifTerence
■ pon the feeble darta aimed from the pits
beneath you. My child, don't suflFer the
■Mmnlnm anaain y\t i>K.v •k.ll^— I x-
wound you. "
She endeavoured to withdraw her hands,
M( hit uoyialding grwp prevented her.
Beulah, you must conquer your morbid
nsitivenesi, if you would have your life
other than a dreary burden."
"Oh, sir I >(iu are not ilivulncrable to
these wounds ; how, then, can I, an orphai.
girl, receive them with inliircrence ? " She
spoke passionately, and drooped hor burning
face till it touched his mm.
"All I you (djservpil my agitation to-night.
But for a vow inailo to my dying mother,
that villain's blond had long since reninved
all grounds of emotion. Six years ago, he
fled from me, ami his unexpected reap-
pearance to night ex(;it«'(| me more than I
had fancied it was pos»ilp|o for anything to
do." llii voice was ns lou calm ami musi-
cal as thon>;h he were rea. iig aloud (■> her
some |)oetiu tule of injuries ; and in the same
even, quiet tone, ho added :
" It IS well. All have a Nemesis."
" Not on earth, sir."
" Wait till you have lived as long as I,
and you will think with me. Beulah, be
careful how you write to Eugene of Cornelia
Graham ; better not mention her name at
all. If she lives to come home again, you
will understand me."
" la not her health good T" asked Beulah,
in surprise.
"Far from it She has a disease of the
heart, which may end her existence any mo-
ment. I doubt whether she e<'er returns to
America, Mmd, I do not wish you to speak
of this to any one. Good night. If you are
up in time in the morning, I wish you would
be so good as to cut acme of the choicest
dowers in the greenhouse, aud annuge a
handsome bouquet, before breakfast. 1 want
to taku it to one ef my patients, an old friend
of my mother. "I
They were at home, and only pausing ,it
the door of Mrs. W.atson'a room to tell tlie
j;ood woman the "music was charmins;, "
liiulah li.asteiied to her own apartment. '
IJirowing lurself into a chair, she recalled
t!ie incidents (if the evening, and her cheeks
burned painfully, as her position in the eyes
of the worlci was forced upon her recollection.
Tear* of moftilicationrolledoverher hot face,
and her heart throbbed almost tosufToeation.
She sank upon her knees, and tried to pray,
but sobs choked her utterance ; and leaning
her head against the bed, she wept bitterly.
Ah ! is there not pain, and sorrow, and
evil enough in this fallen world of ours,
that meddling gossips must needs poison the
few pure springs of enjoyment and peace
Not the hatred of the Theban brothers
could more thoroughly aecomplish this fiend- }
ish aesigs, than the -whispsr of dctisciinn, j
the sneer of malice, or the fatal innuendo of i
envious, low-bred tattlers. Human life is |
shielded by the bulwark of legal proviniona^ t
llftlKBK.
1^
BEULAH,
asked Beulab,
•n.l immt e.rthly ponHewioni are limilarlv
protecto.1 ; but there are ai«Min, whom the
|n(Jicicl arm cannot reach, who infcHt society
in countless hordes, and « hile their work of
ruin and misery goes ever on, there is for the
unhappy v.ctuns no redress. Thy holy pre^
co,.ts, O Uhrut I alone can antidote this
universal evil.
Bcjulah calme.l the storm that raged in her
hea,t, and as she took the flowers from her
bair, said resolutely :
"Before long I ghall occupy a por!, on
whore there will be nothing to enW a' d
then. po»8,l,|y, I may escupe the gos ;.,;, t-
rack. Eugen... may think me a f,K,l, .} ' .
Jikes; InitsuMK.rt my^df I will, if it v r,,.,
mo my hfe Vvhat d.llcrence should it m»
tohun so long an I ,„.„fe,. ,>. ? ()„e mr,.
yoar of study, an.l 1 shall l.e.jwnlified for any
situation ; tht.nl can breathe more freely^
May God shield me from all harm ! "
positively fnrbadp yoir sitting
It IS mi.lnight, ehihl ; go to
CHAPTER XVI.
»nS** ^*"! "^ '^"'^^ ■■""«'• »«""ly away ;
another winter came and passed ; 'another
•pnng hung Its verdaut drapery o^er earth'
and, 10 warden summer reigned once more
it was near the noon of a starrv Jiilv
n-Khtthat Beulah satin her own 7^om S
side her writing-desk. A manuscript lay
tral'-l ^i^"-, yet clamp with ink. and as ahe
do*f h ^ °°"«'"'l!"K words, and threw
down her pen, a triumphant smile flashed
tionof Its pupds; to-morrow she would
graduate, and deliver the valedictory to ihe
graduating class. She had just finished
copying Ser address, and^ placing i
against the window, that the cool night air
might fan her fevered brow. The hot blood
beat heavily in her temples, ami fled with
arrowy swi tness through her veins. Con-
tinned mental excitement, l,ke another Sl.v.
lock, peremptorily exacted its debt, and L
she looked out upon the solemn beauty ^
the night, instead of soothing, it seemed to
mock her restlessness. Dr. Hartwell had
been absent since noon, but now she detected
the whir of wheels in the directio!
Of the carriage-house, and knew that
he was in the study. She heard W m
throw open the shutters, and speak to Charon
^vifo^.^"«."^•',"'• ''""•• ^'^•"b hung loose!
r^i * her shoulders, slie confined it with a
comb, and glided noinnl^afil., .!„...„ ijj. ..
door ^t^l''*^''* •S'^"'* .*^'-°»g»»" the 'opVn
S X ^*"^"''* °° *^* threshold, she
•' May J come in for a few minntes, or are
you too much fatigued to talk f '
"Benlah, I
up this lat^.
,Z\y^'\ '*' """*' '"*''*'''■''• "'"' 'poke with.
••ntj»«^n glancing toward her.
^ ^iM, Iknow; but I want to ask vnn
•something before I sletp " ^ "
nn'f.^^ "'!' "^^"^ " " •" ''^till he did not look
up from Ins papers.
row r '" ^"" ""'""' ^^^ exercise, to-mor-
ui'I/i" '*i i' '"•"*"■ "' *"y ^consequence
w h'^ther I do or not ?" »Hunui,o
•• To me, sir, it certainly is."
^^ 'hild, 1 sh.ill not have leisure."
vdhoiifst, nnd say that you have not
! sud„ ent interest.'- .He,! she,%,„«,.o,':tely
■ aosiiiil..,!, and answeio.l placidly •
I (...„d „mht. Mpulnh. Nou Hhonid have
been asleep loi.„ ago." ii.r lips «,„,.. red
and she lingered, loth to leave ilim in «o « !
friend^, .,, .Suddenly he raised hi.
head look.Hl at her steadily, and said :
Have you sent in your name as an appli.
cant for a situation';" ^^
"I have."
"fiood.ni^ht." His tone wae stern, and
she immrd.audy retreated. Unable to ileVn
she passed the reiiiaiidng hours of the sh .?i
night in pacing the floor, or watching the
dawn^^Th ""^ "'r '^""'^ ^" the coining
dawn. 1 hough not ,,uite eighteen, her face
was prematurely grave and thoughtful and
ts rest ess unsatis.ie.l exp.e.Hion^^.lainiy d? !
covered a periurl.ed state of miml and heart
1 he time had come when she must no out
sea , and though she was anxious to com-
mence the work she had assigned herself, .he
t?^ T t'»« thought tf quitting' Se?
guardian 8 home and thus losing the only
•ompanionship she really prized. He had
not sought to diH^ua.le her ; had appeared
perfectly indifferent to her plans, and th^.
unconcern had wounded her de;pry To'
ZJTJ°"^'^ •'''''^' '"=^ electionasa teacher.
an<l as the committee uouM bo present at
her examination (which was to be more than
usually minute in view of her application)
she looked forward impatiently to this oS
sion Morning dawned, and she hailed it
gadly; breakfast came, and she took hers
tteda'v rr'^*"'"''*'* *'"*'^y ^«"« «"t for
ine day. This was not an unusual occnrrenoe.
yet this morning she note.l ,t particularly
wkh vil'if '■' ***". ^V*''emy was crow.led
with visitors, and the commissioners and
teacheis were formi.lahly anaved on t.h.
placforiu raised for this pnrpos'e. The ex"
amination began ; Greek and Latin classe.
were carefully questioned, and called on to
Jiarse and scan to a tiresome extent; then
came mathematical demonstrations. Erarr
conceivable variety of iinea and angles adrri
II
5
^
6(>
BEULAH.
ed t'.io black-boards ; and next in succesaion
werii idass'.s n rhetoric; and natural history.
There ^\\■^ a tediousneBS ia the examinations
incident to suuh occasinns, and as repeated
inquiries were pmpoiiiided, Benlah rejoiced
at the prospect of release. Finally the com-
miasionera declared themselves iiniteaatiatied
with the proficiency attaiiie<l, and the gradu-
ating class read the coinpoaitiona for the
day. At length, at a signal from the
superintendent of the department, Beulah
ascended the platform, and surrounded by
men signalized by schol:\ts\\ip and venerable
from age, she began her aldress. She wore
a white*inull muslin, and her glossy black
hair was arranged with the severe simplicity
which characterized her style of dresa. Her
faue was well-nigh as colourless »b the paper
she held, and her voice faltered with the
first few seatencei.
The theme was "Female Heroism," «nd
as she sought among the dusky annals of the
past for instances in contirmatioa of her pre-
dicate, that female intellect was capable of
the moat exalted attainments, and that the
olements of her character would enable wo-
man to cope successfully with difficulties of
tvery class, her voice grew clear, firm and
deep. Quitting the fertile fields of history,
ihe painted the trials which hedge woman's
path, and with unerring skill defined her
peculiar sphere, her true position. The rea-
soning was singularly forcible, the imagery
flowing and gorgeous, and occasional pas-
Mges of exquisite pathos drew tears from her
fascinated audience ; while more than once,
* beautiful burst of enthusiasm was received
with flattering applause. Instead of flush-
ing, her face grew paler, and the large eyes
were full of lambent light, which seemed to
flash out from her soul. In conclusion, she
bade adieu to the honoured halls where her
feet had sought the paths of knowledge ;
p lid a just and grateful tribute to the Insti
tution of Public Schools, and to the Commis-
sioners through whose agency she had been
enabled to enjoy so many privileges ; and
turning to her fellow-graduates, touchiugly
reminded them of the happy na&t, and warn-
ed of the shrouded future. Crumpling the
paper in one hand, she extended the other
towards her companions, and in thrilling ac-
cents conjured them, in anj ' nd every emer-
gency, to prove themselves true women of
America — ornaments of the social circle,
angel guardians of the sacied hea ^hatone,
ministering spirits where suffering and want
demanded succour— v, - men qualified to ass: ;t
in a council of statesmen, if dire necessity
ever required it ; while, in whatever position
th^y mifht be placed, their examples should
reuriin imperishable monuments of true fe-
aiile heroLim. As the last words i- 'ised her
lips, she glanced swiftly over the sea of
hea<ls, and perceived her guardian leaning
with folded arms against a pillar, while hia
luminous eye.'t were fastened on her face. A
Hash of joy irradiated her countenance, and
l)ending her head amid the applause of the
aesembly, she retired to her seat. She felt
that her triumph was complete ; the whis-
pered, yet audible enquiries regarding her
name, the admiring, curious glances directed
toward her, were not necessary to assure her
of success ; and then, immediately after the
diplomas were distributed, she rose and re-
ceived hers with the calm look of one who
has toiled long for some meed, and puts
forth her hand for what she is conscious of
having deserved. The crowd slowly dis-
persed, and beckoned forward once more,
Beulah confronted the august committee
whose prerogative it was to elect teachers. A
certificate was handed her, and the chairman
informed her of her election to a vacant post
in the Intermediate Department. The sal-
ary was six hundred dollars, to be paid
monthly, and her duties would commence
with the opening of the next session, after
two months' vacation. In addition, he con-
gratulated her warmly on the success of her
valedictory effort, and suggested the proprie-
ty of cultivating talents which might achieve
for her an enviable distinction. She bowed
in 8ileuce^»*nd turned away to collect her
books. j«er guardian approached and said in
a lov^^oice :
ut on your bonnet, and come down to
Te side gate. It is too warm for you to
walk home,"
Without waiting for her answer, he de-
scended the steps, and she was soon seated
beside him in the buggy. The short ride was
silent, and on reaching home, Beulah would
h 7e gone immediately to her room, but the
doctor called her into the study, and as he
rang the bell, said gently :
" You look,^very much exhs'isted ; rest
here, while I ohier a glass of wine. "
It was speedily brought, and having iced
it, he held it to her white lips. She drank
the contents, and her head sank on the
sofa cushions. The fever of excitement was
over, a feeling of lassitude stole over her,
and she soon lost all consciousness in a heavy
sleep. The sun was just setting as she
awakened from her slumber, and sitting up,
she soon recalled the events of the day.
The evening breeze, laden with perfume,
stole m refreshingly through the blinds, and
as the sunset pageant faded, and d.irkno;;'?
crept on, she remained on the sofa, ponder-
ing her future course. The lamp and her
guardian made their appearance at the same
moment, and throwing himself down in one
jorner of the sofa, the latter asked :
(l'
BEULAH.
er
iver the sea of
guardian leaning
pillar, while his
oil her face. A
Duutenance, and
applause of the
seat. She felt
Jte ; the whis-
la regarding her
glances directed
iry to assure her
diately after the
he rose and re-
look of one who
leed, and puts
is conscious of
wd slowly dis-
trd once more,
gust committeo
lect teachers. A
nd the chairnnan
to a vacant post
nent. The sal-
rs, to be paid
nuld commence
t session, after
idition, he con-
e success of her
ited the proprie-
:li might achieve
n. She bowed
f to collect her
.ched and said in
come down to
^rm for you to
answer, he de-
^as soon seated
le short ride was
I Beulah would
p room, but the
udy, and m he
ixhanated ; rest
wine."
nd having iced
)S. She drank
I sank on the
excitement was
stole over her,
sness in a heavy
setting as she
and sitting up,
8 of the day.
with perfume,
the blinds, and
I ami darknG;;^
e sofa, ponder-
lamp and her
ice at the same
if down in one
itked :
your nap? A trifle
"How are you since
less ghastly, I see. "
" Much better, thank
is quite clear again. " ' yeartf ag
" Clear enough to make out a foreign let- fa^ly.
you, sir.
An anxious look flitted across her face,
jjfc and she glanced rapidly over the contents!
then crumpled the sheet nervously in her
fingers.
" What is the matter now T "
"He is coming home. They will all be
here iu November." She spoke as if bitter-
ly chagrined and disappointed.
" Most people would consider that joyful
news," said the doctor, quietly.
' ' What ! after spending more than five
years (one of them in travelling), to come
back without a profession, and settle down
into a mere walking ledger 1 To have prince-
ly advantages at his command, and yet throw
; them madly to the winds, aud be content to
plod along the road of mercantile life with-
out one spark of ambition, when his mental
endowments would justify his aspiring to the
most exalted political stations in the land."
Her voice tiembled from intensity of feel-
ing.
"Take care how yon disparage mercantile
pursuits ; some of thr, most masterly minds
of the age were nurtured in the midst of
ledgers. "
" And I honour and reverence all puch far
more than their colleagues, whose wisdom
. was culled in clasfaic academic halls ; for the
former, struggling amid adverse circumstan-
>^ ces, made good their claim to an exalted
place in the temple of Fame. But necessity
forced them to purely mercantile pursuits.
Eugene's case is by no means an-
alogous ; situated 'as he is, he
could b« just what he chose, I
honour all meu who do their duty nobly and
truly in the positions fate has assigned them;
but, sir, you know there are some more rich-
ly endowed than others, some whom natupe
seems to have destined for arduous diplo-
matic posts ; wliose privilege it is to guide
the helm of state, and achieve distinction as
itien of genius. To such the call will be im-
perative ; America needs such men. Hea-
ven only knows where they are to rise from,
when the call is made I I do not mean to
disparage mercantile pursuits ; they aflford
constant opportunities for the exercise and
display of keenness and clearness of intellect,
but do not require the peculiar gifts so es-
sentia, 5n stateanicii. Indolence is uupar-
i^, douable ill any avocation, and I would be
a|'j^y. .Miuiended to tlie industrious, energetic
: uierchant, in pi-efcrenco to su|)erficial, so-
oalled ' professional men.' But Eugene had
rare educational advantages, and I expected
»« u J *" *°. i™P''"ve them, and be something
My head more)than ordinary. He expected it five
ago. What infatuation possesses him
I cannot imagine."
i,„,» Tr„ i„ ,° , T. , 'JS" '■""■ '"wcii.v, J uniiuoi, imagine.
t n hefhand "''" ^"^ ^°"^'' """^ ?"* <^'-;. «"^*^«" «»"''«'' •"<» ««d, very quiet-
in ner nana. jriy , ^ « jj^^ ,t ever occurred to you that you
mighty have over-estimated Eugene's" "a bili"
"Sir, you entertairrid a flattering opinion
of them when he lef lere." She could ani-
madvert upon his fickleness, but did not
choose that others should enjoy the same
privilege.
" I by no means consider him an embryo
\Vebster, or (Calhoun ; never looked on him
as an intellectual prodigy. He had a good
mind, a handson face, and frank, gentle-
manly manners, which, in the aggregate, im-
pressed me favourably." Beulah bit her
lips, and sti.r.ped to pat Charon's head.
Ihere was silence for some moments, and
then the doctor asked :
" Does he mention Cornelia's health T"
"Only once, incidentally. I judge from
the sentence, that she is rather feeble. There
IS a good deal of unimportant chat about a
lady they have met in Florence. She is the
daughter of a Louisiana planter ; very beauti-
ful and fascinating ; is a niece of Mrs. Gra-
ham's, and will spend part of next winter
with the Grahams."
" What is her name ?"
" Antoinette Dupres."
Beulah was still caressing Charon, and did
not observe the purplish glow which bathed
the doctor's face at the mention of the name.
She only saw tliat he rose abruptly, and
walked to the window, where he stood until
tea was brought in. As they concluded the
meal, and left the table, he held out his
hand.
" Beulah, I congratulate you on your sig-
nal success to-day. Your valedictory made
me proud of my prot^g^e." She had put her
hand in his. and looked up in his face, but
the cloudy splendour of the eyes were more
than she could bear, and dropping her head
a little, she answered:
"Thank you."
" You have vacation for two months ?"
" Yes, sir, and then my duties commence.
Here is the certificate of my election." She
offered it for inspection, but without notic-
ing it, he continued:
"Beulah, I think you owe me something
for taking care of you, as you phrased it long
ago, at the Asylum. Do you admit th"
Uebtt"
" Most gratefully, sir! I admit that I
can never liquidato it; I can njiay you only
witli the uio.-»t earnest gratitude." I.argi
tears hung upon her lasiies, and with an ua«
.1
i
: i "
S9
BEULAfl.
U
:»
•«•.
y.
controllable impulse, she raised his liimd to
11 er lipi.
" I am about to te»t the sincerity of vour
yatitude. I doubt it."
She trembled, and looked at him uneasily.'
He laid his hand on her shoulder, and said,
J'lowly;
" Relinquish the idea of teaching. Let
".'".^."■^'ml* y" *^ "^'**y »3 ""y adopted
cliil<f. Ihus you can requite the debt."
"I cannot 1 I cannot !" cried Beulah firm-
ly, though tears gushed over her cheeks.
" Cannot? cannot?" repeated the doctor,
pi'esemg hea\rily upon her shoulders.
" ^^'di not, then I" she said proudly.
They looked at each other steaiJily. A
withering smile of scorn and bitterness dis-
torte.l his Apollo-like features, and he pnsh-
e 1 her from him, saying, in the deep, cna-
centrated tone of intense disappointment:
1 might have known it. I might have
expected it; for fate has always decreed me
J ;^t such returns."
leaning against the sculptured Niobe,
Y h\iih stood near, Beulah exclaimed, in a
. voxti of ereat anguish:
"Oh D' Haitwell I do not make me re-
• cent the day I entered this house. God
knows 1 am patelul, very grateful, for your
unfiaralleled kindness. Oh, that it were in
niv power to prove to you my gratitude !
JJo n(,t upbraid me. You knew that I came
horf nnly to be educated. Even then 1 coul.l
jK.t liear the thought of al.vavs •nposin<' on
vom- -enerosity ; and every day tliat r.a^ssed
(jt't;.i..:U]eiied this impa-tience of dependence
J^Mon-h your kindviess, ifc is now in mv
' pouer i„ maintain myself, and after tlie
. op. I ing of next session, 1 cannot remain any
} Inngci- the recipient of rr,„r bountv. Oh
; Bir. do not charge me mi' ii ingratitude 1 It
^ "")'>'^e iihan 1 can be.v ; .,iorc than I can
voAr I
" Mark me, Beulah ! Your pnMr> „i;i
wreck you; wreck your happiness your
pease of mind. Already its iron uand is
crushing; your young heart. Beware, le'^t
in yielding to its decrees, you become the
hopeless being a similar course has rendered
me. Beware 1 But why should I warn you ''
Have not niy prophesies ever proved Cas-
•andran? Leave me."
" No, J will not leave you in angir." She
\ drew neaf'him, and took his hand in both
\ Jiers^y^The hngers were cold and wliite
9 manWe, rigid and inflexible a-? steel
>" My guardian, would you have me take a
.•Ktep (through fear of your displeasure)
- '-ii'trr- iity iiica Daroeii T Wiii
von urge me to remain, when I tell you that
' <» mot be happy here ? I think not."
' Urge you to remain ? By the Furics,no
i urge you to go ! Yes, go 1 I no lon-jer
want you here. Your presence would irritate
me beyond measure. But listen to me : I
am going to New York on business ; had in-
tended taking you with me ; but since you
are so stubbornly proud, I can consent to
leave you. I shall start to-morrow evening
—rather earlier than I expectcd-and shall
not return before September, perhaps even
later. What your plans are, I shall not
enquire, but it is my request that you remain
in this house, under Mrs. Watson's care,
until your school duties conmence; then you
will, I suppose, remove elsewhere. I also
request, particularly, that you will not hesi-
tate to use the contents of a purse which I
shall leave on my desk for you. ilemember
that m coming years, when trials assail you,
Uyou need a friend, I will still assist you.
You will leave me now, if you please, as I
have some letters to write." He motioned
her away, and, unable to frame any reply,
she left the room.
Though utterly miserable, now that her
guardian seemed so completely estranged,
her proud nature rebelled at his stern dis-
missal, and a feeling of reckless defiance
speedily dried the tears on her cheek. That
!>« "hould look down upon hor with scornful
indifference, stung her almost to desperation,
and she resolved,instead of weeping, to meet
and part with him as coldly as his Jontempt-
uous treatment justified. Weary in mird
and body, she fell asleep, and soon forj,ot all
her plans and sorrows. The sun Mas high iii
the heavens when Harriet waked her, and
starting up., she asked :
" \\'hat time is it t How oame I to Bleeo
so late f *^
"It w eight o'clock. Master ate break-
fast an hour ago. Look here, child ; what is
to pay? Master is going ofi' to the North,
to be gone till October. He sal^ up all night
writing and giving orders about things on
the place, 'specially the greenhouse, and the
flower seeds to be saved in the front yard.
He has not been in such a way since seven
years ago. 'What is in - the wind now ?
Hhat ails him?" Harriet sat with her
elbows on her knees, and her wrinkled face
resting in the palms of her hands. She
looked puzzled and discontented.
"He told me last night that he expeeted
to leave nonre this evening; that he was
goih^ to New York on busines?.'' Beulali
affected indifTtrence ; but the searching eyes
of the old woman were fixed on hor, and aa
she turned aWay, .Harriet exclaimed :
•Mm.iuk this eveninsr ! Whv. rhil.i l,«
has gone. Told us all 'good-bye,' from Mrs.
\Vatsou down to Charon. Said hia trunk
must be sent down to the whurf at three
o clock ; that he would not have time to
come home again. There, good gr;ttiou8 I
BEULAH.
co^
I
chair, stunned by the intelli
some wine,
lank into a
gence.
When Harriet proffered a glass of cordial,
she declined it. and said composedly •
"I will come, after a while, and take my
breakfast. There ia no accounting for your
master's movements. I would as soon engaKe
to keep up with a comet. There, let go mv
^"."..■^c?" 8"'°« '°*° *he study for a
while. She went slowly down the steps,
and locking the door of the study to prevent
intrusion, looked around the room. There
waji an air of confusion, as though books
and chairs had been hastily moved about.
On the floor lay numerous shreds of crape
and glancing up, she saw. with surprise,
that the portrait had been closely wrapped
in a sheet, and suspended with the face to
the wall. Instantly an uncontr-^llable de-
sire seized her to look at that face. She had
always supposed it to be his wife's likeness,
and longed to gaze upon the features of one
whose name her husband had never men-
tioned. The mantel was low, and standing
on aohair, she endeavoured to catch the cord
which supported the frame ; but it hung too
high. She stood on the marble man
tel, and stretched her Lands eagerly u
but though her fingers touched the cor'
she could not disengage it from the hook'
and with a sensationof keendisappoi!itmen+,'
she was forced to abandon the attempt A
note on the desk attracted her attention • it
was directed to her, and contained oolv a
few words ; "^
t, 4°°?T'^?"y*"'i'''^'8 's a purse containintt a
hundred dollara. In any fme'xeiicy which the
future may present, do not hcsi7at- toeall on
'VouR Guardian.
She laid her head down on his desk, and
sobbed bitterly. For the first time she real-
ized that he had, indeed, gone— >:one with-
out one word oi adieu ; one look of kindness
Jr reconciliation. Her tortured heart whis-
pered: " Write him a note, ask him to
iome ; tell him you will not leave hishon^e "
But pride answered : " He is a tyrant •
JiMi't bs grieved at his indifference"; he ig
authing to you ; goto work boldly, an-l pp.
pay the money you have cost him." Owp,
more, as in former years, a feeling of desol ,.
Hon crept over her. She had rejected her
juardian's requ'sst, and isolated herself from
lympathy ; for who would assist and sympa-
(hke with her mental difficulties as he had
lone ? The tears froze in her eves, and uhb
lat for some time looking at the crumpled
note. Gradually, an expression of proud de-
fiance settled on her i't:»tur«s ; she took th6
purse, walkfed up to her room, a.,d nut on
hei- bonnet and mantle. Descending to the
, . , <=> — ■•--ouuouo wuuiu oe an-
to .^m" ^^^''r ^*- ^y™°°'«- She asLd
to see MiS3 Sanders, and after waitin;^ a few
minutes m the parlour, Clara made her ap-
pearance bhe looked wan and weary, bnt
greeted her fneu.l with a gentle sm'lc.
1 heard o( your triumph yesterday, Ben-
lah, and most sincerely congratulate yon "
n„„ /^ '° ^'i.^°°^ for congratulation ju.t
.Tn^- +^ ffi''"^ notyoutdl me, a fen- days
since, that the music teacher of this ostai-
lishmentwasill.and that Madame St. CymoB
was anxious to procure another ?"
•; Yes I liave no idea she will ever be wtl
again. It strong enough, she is going back
to her family, in Philarlelphia, next we«k.
Why do you ask ?"
"I want to get the situation, and wish yon
would say to madaine that I have cnllp.l to
see her about it. I will wait here till , ,..•
speak to her. " •'
"Beirtah, are j-ou mad? Dr. HartwelJ
never sjlll consent to your teaching music."
lara, with astonishment written mi
feature.
P""- ."^/f.'*'^" " not my master, Clara
-lers! VVill you speak to madame, or shall
T have to do [it ?"
"Certainly, I will speak to her. But oh
lieulah J are you wild en >ugh to leave Voar
presoit home for such a life?"
" \^^J« been elected a teacher in the pul)
lie schools, but shall have nothing to dm,,
til tuo first of October. In the memti u..
intend to give mnSic lessons If uKulaiiie •■. '•
employ me for two months, she may hn ,•>) ^
to sficure a professor by the opening of i
next term. And fiirther, if I can mtke tni-
arraujrenient. I am coming iinniu 1'i.ttrv ^
board with M,s. Hoyt. Nowspeak tom^i'-.
for me. will vnn ?" ;
'■ Oi)o moment, more. Does the d, '
know of ail this?"
'* Ho knows that 1 intend to teach i,,
public school. He goes to New "^ork i i
afternoon."
Clara looked at her mournfully, and sai
with a sad emphasis ;
"Oh, Beulah ! you may live to rue v.>ui
rasliness. "
To Madame St. Cyinon the proposal w-
singularly opportune, and hastening to m '
rhe aiiphcant, she expressed macH pleas ur
at seeing Miss Benton again. She was very
jvnxious to nrocnre a teacher for the yonug
datigliters, and the limited engagement would
«iitvery well. She desired, "however. t«
h^^ir Miss Benton perform. Benlah ^onk off '
her gloves, and played several very diHicult
pieces, with the ease which only constant
, I '1
ii
Oi
BEULAH.
practice and skilful trninint. can con-
fer. Madame .leolare.] herself more than
satished with her proficiency, and re-
quested her to commence her inBtruc-
tions on the following day. She had given
the former teacher six hundred dollars a
year, and would allow Miss Benton eighty
doJare for the two months. Beulah was
agreeably eurpni-ed at the ample .emunera-
tion, and haying arrange.l the hours of her
attendance at the school, she took leave of
the principal. Clara called to her m she
reached the street ; and assuming a gaiety
which, just then was yery foreign to her
real feelings, Beulah answare*! :
" It IS all arranged. I shall take tea with
you n my new home, provided Mrs. Hovt
can give me a room." §he kissed her hand
H?ffi. r/""^ "^^ ^^'- Hoyt found no
difficulty ,n providing a room ; and to Beu-
lah 8 great joy, managed to have a vacant one
aajoining Clara's. She was a gentle, warm-
hearted woman ; and as iteulah entered the
rp.,rtinent, and inquired the terms, ahe hesi-
tated and said ;
"My terms are thirty dollars a month ;
but you arc poor, I should judge, an.l being
Uara « friena, I will only charge you twenty-
" I do not wish you to make any deduction
in my favour. I will take the room at thirty
do lars, answered Beulah, ratheHiaughfily
Very well. W hen will you want it ?"
,•♦ . ^'^'»«'?"'ely- Be kind enough to have
iftir„^"'n',^°'" ""V I 'haircomethis
afternoon. Could you give me some window-
curtams r I should like it better, if you could
*?^^ ""'' ""°^ inconvenience ''
Oh, certainly I they were taken down
yoBterdav --.o be washed. Everything ^all
be mordei foryon." ■* ■m'-"
bJ,*iT" *?",^»"° *« ^*'k home ag^iAd
Beulah called a c«-riage. The d.lverf ad
not proceeded far, when a press of vehicles
forced him to pause a few minutes. Thev
happened to stand near the post-office: and
as Beulah glanced at the eager crowd col-
lected in front, she started violently on rer-
ceiving her guardian. Ho stood on the cor-
ner, talking to a gentleman of venerable as-
pect, and she saw that he looked harassed.
Sha was powerfully impelle.l to beckon him
to her, and at least obtain a friendly adieu,
^flw^'*}? iP"'**' .P?"'^^'^i'e''- Ho haddeliberl
ately ieft her wahout saying goodbye, and
she would not force herself^n his notice
itven as she dropped her veil to avoid obser-
.11*'": \^ carnage rolled on, jind she was
..r xaariwch 5 door. Unwilling to
reflect on the step she had taken, she busied
herself in packing her clothes and
books. On every side were tokens of her
guardians constant interest and remem-
brance; pictures, va'<s, and all the elegant
appendages of .a writing desk. At length
the last book was stovved away, and aothinjr
else remained to engage her. The beautiful
little Niiremberg clock on the mantel struck
two^and looking up, she saw the solemn face
of Harriet, who was standing in the door.
Her steady, wondering gaze, disconcerted
Beulah despite her assumed indifference.
What IS the meaning of all this com-
motion ? Hal says you ordered the carriage
to be ready at five o'clock to take you away
from hpre. Oh, child ! what are things com-
ing to ? What will master say? What
won the say? What are you quitting thii
house for where you have been treated as well
" .. xr .u ••'°"Sf**^ *" y^" • ^"^hat ails you ?"
JVothmg. I have always intended to
leave here as soon as I was able to support •
myself. I can do so-'now, very easily, and
am going to board. Your master knows I
intend to teach."
But he has no idea that you are going to
leave here before he comes home, for he gave
us all express orders to see that ycu had just
what you wanted. Oh, he will be in a tear-
ing rage wh^n he hears of it 1 Don't anger
him, child ! Do, pray, for mercy '« sake, don't
anger him ! He never forgets .,pvthing !
U hen he once sets his head, he i- trse than
David on the Philistines ! Jf h: .a willine
to support you, it is his own lor,, out. He is
able, and his money is his own. His kin
won t get It. He and his brother don't speak :
and as for Miss May. they never did get
along in peace, even before he was married.
„*"'!,• I ^ ®. chooses to gire som*
of his fortune tji-j-ou, it is nobody^s busi-
bwt his owu^nd you arj mighty aiir
can te]l,jp,J6, if you don't stay here - .. .a-e
That will do, Harriet. I do not wish
any more advice. I don't want your master's
fortune, even if I had the offer of it I I am
determined to make my own living ; so lust
say no more about it." "'
"Take care, child. Remember, ' Prida
goHh before a fall.'"
" What do you mean ?" cried Beulah. an-
gnly. '
"I mean that the day is comi' w -
you will be glad enough to come >ao,i ,a
let my master take care of you : Tha. .. wnat
1 "^l*"' •,^"'^ ^®® ''* i* do'sn't -ome to uaas.
but he will not do it then ; T oell you'now
nc ..on t. There la no forgiv'ng spirit about
him } he is as fierce, and bears malice aa
long as a Comanche Iniun ! It is no hiis.-.-.
of name, though. I havesaid my say Tand
1 will be bound you will go your own gait.
You are just about as hard-hcadad ai he ia
himself. Anybody would almost uelievft
you belonged to the Hartwell family. Every
BEULAH.
hk
71
Boul of them is alike in the matter of tem-
per ; only Miss Pauline has something of hei
pa's disposition. I suppose, now her ma is
married again, she will want to come back to
her uncle ; should not wonder if he 'dopted
her, since you have got the bit between your
teeth." "^
" I hope he v\ll," answered Beulah. She
ill brooked Harriet's plain speech, but remem-
brances of past affection checked the severt
rebuke which more than once rose to her
lips,
" We shall see ; we shall see 1" and Har-
riet walked off with anythinii; but a placid
expression of countenance, while Beulali
sought Mrs. Watson to explain her sudden
departure, and acquaint her with her plans
for the summer. The housekeeper endeavour-
ed -most earnestly to dissuade her from tak-
ing the contemplated step, assuring her that
the doctor would be grieved and dirpleased ;
but her arguments produced no efTeot, and'
with tears of regret she bade her farewell.
The sun was setting when Beulah took
possession of her room at Mrs, Hoyt's house.
The furniture was very plain, and the want
of several articles vividly recalled the luxu-
rious home shehad abandoned. She unpack-
ed and arranged her clothes, and piled her
books on a small table, which was the only
substitute for her beautiful desk and elegant
rosewood bookcase. She had gathered a
superb bouquet of flowers, as she crossed the
front yajni, and in lieu of her Sfevres vases,
placed them in a dim-looking tumbler, which
stood on the tall, narrow mantelpiece. Her
room was in the third story, with two wia»
dows, one openine to the south and one to
the west. It grew dark by the time she had
arranged the furniture, and too weary to
think of going do >^n to tea, She unbound her
hair and took a seat beside the window.
'I he prospect was extended ; below her were
countless lamps, marking the principal
streets ; and, in the distance, the dark cloud
o^.'masts told that river ami bay mi^'iit be
distinctly seen by da> light. The quiet' stars
looked dim througli tlie dusty atmosphere,
and the noise of numerous vuiiides rattling
by produced a confused impression, such as
she had never before received at this usually
calm twilight season. The events of the
day passed in a swift review, and a mighty
barrier seemed to have sprung up (as by some
foul spell) between her guardian and herself.
\>hatan immeasurable gulf now yawned to
separate them I Could it be possible that
Y'c i'lfiuily relations or years we're thus si d-
denly and irrevocably annulled ? Would he
relinquish all iuttrest in one whom he had so
iongtwatohed over and directed ? Did he
intend that they should be complcteiv es- I
lidnyed liencelorth ? For the first time
since Lilly's death, she felt herself thrown
upon the world. Alone and unaided, she
was essaying to carve her own fortune from
the huge quarries where thousands were
diligently labouring. An undelinable feel-
ing of desolation crept into her heart ; but
she struggled desperately against it, and
asked, in proud defiance of her own nature :
"Am I not sufficient unto myself?
Leanii.g only on myself, what more she uld I
want? Nothing! His sympathy is utterly
unnecessary.
A knock at the door startled her, and in
answer to her " Come in," Clara Sanders
entered, She walked slowly, and seating
herself beside Beulah, said, in a gentle but
weary tone :
" How do you like your room ? I am so
glad it opens into mine. "
" Quite as well »8 I expected, The view
fi cm this window must be very tine. There
is the tea-bell, I suppose. Are you not going
down ? I am too much fatigued to move. "
"No ; I never want supper, and geneially
spend the evenings in my room. It is drearily
monotonous here. Nothing to vary the
routine for me, except my afternoon walk,
and recently the warm w eatlier has debarred
me even from that. You are a great walker,
I believe, and I look forward to many plea-
-ant rambles with you, when I feel stronger,
and autumn Mifnes. Beulah, how long does
Dr. Hartw^expect to remain at the North ?
He told^ffie, some time ago, that he was a
delejKlfe to the Medical Convention."
^ believe it is rather uncertain ; but
probably he will not return before October."
" Indeed ! That is a long time for a phy-
sician to absent himself."
Just then an organ-grinder paustd on the
pavement beneath the window ana began a
beautiful air from " Sonnatnbula." It was a
favourite song of Beulah's, and ei the melan-
choly tonea swelled on the night air, tiiey
recalled many happy hours spent in the
quiet study beside t>' .nelodtou. She lean-
ed out of the wi- ., till the last echo died
away, and as uusicii.. shouldered bia
instrument ana trudged ..if, she said, ab-
ruptly i
" Is there not a piano in the house T"
" Yes, just such a one as you might ea-
pecttotind in a boarding-house, where un.
ruly children are thrumming upon it from
morning till night. It was once a line in-
strument, but now is only capable of c»-
iruciating discords. You will mi«s voiir
grand piano. "
" 1 must have Fomething in my own room
to practise on. Ferhaps I can hire a melo
deon or piano for a moderate Bum ! I will
try to-morrow.'
'The (iiaiiams are coming home f < !i, I
w
BRULAH.
hear. One of the principal upholstereiis
boards here, and he mentioned thi» morning
at breakfast that ho had received a letter
from Mr. Graham, directing him so attend
to the unpacking of an entirely new set of
furniture. Everything will be on a grand
scale. I suppose Eugone returns with them ?"
"Yes, they will all arrive in November,"
" It most ]>a a delightful anticipation for
you."
" Why so, prayr
" Why ? Because you and Eugene are
such old fr;<Mid«."
"Oh, yia ; a3 far a.i Eiigsne is concerned,
•f course it, is a vt-ry pUr^i^'u anticipation."
" He is identiiied witii 'h(i Grr,),\m£i."
"Not uecessarily," aa.'.vn*!d Hculah,
coldly,
A sad smile flitted over Clftr ■■» T'/ee-; faro,
as she rose and kissed horfrianV.* firowr, sw-
ing aently ;
" iGocd-night, dear. .1 have a headache,
and must try to sleep it ofl'. Since you have
determined to battle with dlffioultes, I am
very glad to have you here with me. I
earnestly hoi>e that success may oiown your
efforts, and the sun./tnne of happiness dispel
f.)r you the shadows that have fallen thici
fci..iitmy pathway, i ou liave boen rash,
BeJih, and short-sightnd ; but I trust that
all .V ill prove for the best. Qood-night."
She glided away, and locking the door.
Beulah ;fUirued to her seat, and laid hel
head wearUy down on the window-sill. What
a Hermes if, thought! Like a vanisliincr
dream fled the consciousness of surrouniliile
objects, and she was with Eugene. Now,
in the earlier years of his absence, she was in
Heidelberg, listening to the evi-uing chimes,
and rambhng with him through the heart of
the Odenwald. Then they explored the
Hartz, climbed the Brocken, and there among
the clouds discussed the adventures of
Faust, and his kinsman, Manfred.
Anon, the arrival of the Grahams
disturbed the quiet of Eugene's life, and
faraw-iy from the picturesque haunts of
Heidelberg students, he wandered with them
over Italy, Switzerland, and France. En-
j her future indissolubly linked wii^i ais ; and
d th
ii com-
his parting words seemed to si
pact as holy and bindinit, when l.o daofs. -ed,
" I mean, of course, tc fake can .if yen my-
self when T come home for you know you
belong to me." His lett-is tor mau'' months
retained the tone of dictatorship,' but the
te'idernessBCvrnti! all to have melted away.
Ht croteas''' v ;th a heart preoccat*-ed by
weightier matters, and now Beulah could no
longer conceal froii he ...df tht piinful fact
that t!' » man was far di feren! frcn the S)oy.
After five years' akseii.oe, l.o jras c(Mi;ii),sr
back a man; engrossed by ther t .i-pghts
and feelings than those uhich had pr'j <t;">ted
bim ill days gone by. With the tenacious
lope of youth she still trusted that she might
li.ive misjudged him ; he could never be
other than noble and generous ; she would
silence her forebodings, and v ait till his re-
turn. She wished beyond a.'I expression to
see him once more, and th-i prospect of a
speedy reunion often made '. r heart threb
painfully. That he would r;, roach her for
her obstinate resolution of teaci-ing, she wa»
prepared to expect ; but strong in the con-
sciousness of duts', she committe(' herself to
tlie care^f ft merciful God, and soon slept as
souniU»*as though under Dr. Hartwell's roof.
CHAPTER XVII.
grossed by these companions, he no longer
found time to commune with her, and when
occasionally he penned a short letter, it was
hurried, constrained, and ui)s.itisf!ii'*-ory.
One topic had become stereotyped ; h^-- >. ver
failed to disoouraue the idea of te, ' ■ r •
urged most earnestly tiie folly of such .. o.op,'
and dwelt upon the numerous advantages of
social po.sition arieing from .a residence under
=:; her gnardiiiii's ruuf. ';Vc h.-ivc aeeu ihiit from
the hour of Lilly's (ioparture from the Asy-
lum, Beulah's affeotious, hopes, pride, all
centred in Eugene. There had lf>ng existed
tk t.icit compact, which led her to couaidev
Sometimes after sitting for five consecu-
tive hours at the piano, guiding the clumsy
lingers of tyros, and listening to a tiresome
round of scales and exercises, Beulah felt ex-
hausted, mentally and physically, and fear-
ed that she had miserably overrated her
powers of endurance. The long, warm days
of August dragged heavily by, aud each night
she felt grateful that the summer was one
day nearer its grave. One afternoon, she
proposed to Clara to extend their walk to the
home of her guardian, aud as she readily as-
sented, they left the noise aud crowd of the
city, and soon found themselves on the com-
mon.
"This is my birthday," said Beulah, as
they passed a clump of pines, puil caught a
Klimpse of the white yate beyon
"Ah I how old are you ?"
" Eighteen-but I feel mucJ :; ler."
She opened the gate, a i • y leisurely
ascended the avenue of ■ , .rg, Beulah
felt once more as if she v • -,oi;ig home. A
tierce bark greeted her, an 1 . lext moment
Charon ruslied to meet her ; :•' : i'.This liu&e
paws un lier shouMers, a i.i , -g as7(t
barking joyfully. He bounded • j her to
the steps, and laid down conti ; von the
pi:izy.,i. Harriet's turVmned 1. ' (^jpcu-fi
at the entrance, aii<l a smile of weicomo li<'ht-
EULAH,
ed up her ebou
hanil.
face M she shook Beulab's
Mrs. Watson was absent, aud aftera few
questions, Ueulah entered the study, say-
ing I
"Iwautsouie books, Ilr.rriet ; and Miss
Sanders wialies to see the paintings."
All ! every chair and bookshelf greeteil
her hke dear friends, and she bent down
over some volumes to hide the tears that
■praug into lier ov cs. Tlie only really happy
portion o£ Iut life had been jiassed hero ;
everj* article in the room was dear from
association, and though only a month had
elap.sed since her departure, those bygone
years seenr d far, far olT, among the mist of
very distant recollections. Thick and fast
fell the hot drops, until her eyes were
blinded, and she could no longer distinguish
the print they were riveted on. The memory
of kind smiles haunted her, and kinder tones
seemed borne to her from every corner of the
apartment. Clara was eagerly examining the
paintings, and neither of the girls observed
Harriet s entrance, until she asked :
"Do you know that the yellow fever has
broke out here?"
" Oh, you are mistaken ! ^t can't be pos-
sible ! " cried Clara, turning ^^Ae.
"I tell you, it is a fact. Tliere are six
cases now at the hospital; Hal Mas there this
morning. I have lived here a good many
years, and from the signs, I thiuk we are
going to have dreadfully sickly times. You
young ladies had better keep out of the sun ;
iirst thing you know, you will have it."
" Who told you there was yellow fever at
the hospital?"
" Dr Asl)ury said so ; and what is more,
Hal has liad it himself, aud nursed people
who had it ; and he says it is the worst sort
of yellow fever."
"I am not afr.iid of it," said Beulah, look-
ing up for tlie fir.st time.
'• 1 am dreadfully afraid of it," answered
Clara, with a nervous shudder.
" Then you had better leave town as quick
as possible, for folks who are easily si-kred
always catch it soonest. "
"Nonsense!" cried Beulah, noting the
deepening pallor of Clara's face.
" Oh, I will warrant, if everybody else —
every man, woman, and child in the city —
takes it, you won't ! Miss Beulah, I should
Iik< to know what you are afraid of ! " mut-
tered Harriet, scanning the orphan's count©-
HW;e, and adding, in a louder tone, " Have
^'OU ii!.:i:a a.;_. tniug from iujiBicr?"
" No." Beu;;»h bit l.er lips to conceal her
em.ition.
" H.il hears from hi.n. He was in Now
York when he wrote the last letter. " She
her visitor ; and, determined not \,o gratifj
her by any manifestation of interest; o)
curiosity, Beulah took upacouple ofvoluinei
and turned to the dooi, saying :
"( ine, Clara, we nmst each have i
boutjuet. Harriet, where are the flowei
scissors? Dr. Hartwell never objected t(
my carefully cutting even his choicest flowers.
There ! Clara, listen to the cool rippling o)
the fountain. How I have longed to hear iti
silvery murmur once more?"
Tliey went out into the front yard. Clara
wandered about the flower-beds, gathering
blossoms which were scattered in lavish pro
fusion on all sides ; and leaning over th<
marble basin, Beulah bathed her brow ir
the crystal waters. There was bewitching
beauty and serenity in the scene before her,
and as Charon nestled his great head againsi
her hand, she found it very difficult to realiz*
the fact that she had left this lovely retreal
for the small room at Mrs. Hnyt's boarding-
house. It was not her habit, however, tc
indulge in repinings, and though her ardeni
appreciation of beauty rendered the plact
inouluulably dear to her, she resolutely
gathered a cluster of flowers, bade adieu tc
Harriet, and descended the avenue. Charor
walked soberly beside her, now and then
looking up, as if to enquire the meaning o)
her long absence, and wonder at her sudder
departure. At the gate she patted him af-
fectionately on the head, and passed out ; ht
made no attempt to follow her, but barked
violently, and then laid «lown at the gate,
whining moui nfully.
" Poor Cli;in)ii I I wish I might hare him,"
said she .-Miilly.
" I diiie ;i;ay tlic iloctor would give him to
you," answered Clara, very simply,
" I would just as soon think of asking him
for uis own head," replied Beulah.
" It is a mystery to me, Beulah, how you
can feel so coldly toward Dr. Hart well."
"I should very much like to know what
you mean by that ?" said Beulah, involun-
tarily crushing the flowers she held.
" Why, you speakof him just as you would
of anybody else.
"Well?"
" You seem to be afraid of him."
" To a certain extent, I am ; and so is
everybody else who knows him intimatelv "
" This fear is unjust to him.
took a luilioiou-* plea?!;:-e in thus torturing
" How so, pray 2
" Because he is too noble to do aught to in-
spire it."
"Certainly, he is feared, nevertheles.-), ;.v
all who know him well."
"It seems to me that, situated a:^ yn
have been, you Mould almost worsliit) liitii "
" 1 am not addicted to worshiipubj anj
thing but God !" answered Beulah shortlj
74
MKULAH.
1 i
"^'U are an odd compound, Beiilah.
Noinetimeg I think you must be utterly
heartless 1'
"Thank yon."
"D.m'tbe hurt. But you are so cold, so
freezing; you chill me."
"Do I? Doctor Hartwell (your Delphic
Oracle, it seems) says I am as fierce as a troni-
cal tornado." ^
"1 do not understand how you can bear
to give up such an enchanting home, and uo
to hard work, as if you were driven to it
from neoesBity."
" Do not go over all that beaten track
again, if you please. It is rot my home ! I
can be just as happy, nay happier, in my
little room." ••r , j
"I doubt it," said Clara, pertinaciously.
Stopping suddenly, and fixing her eyes
steadily on her companion, Beulah hastily
" Clara Sanders, why ihould you care if
niy guardian and I were separated ♦"
Al)urning bluah dyed cheek and brow as
Clara dropped her head and answered :
'Because he is my friend also, and I
know that your departure will grieve him "
You over-estimate my worth, and his in-
tcicst. He IS a man who lives in a world of
hi8 own and needs no society save such as
IS afforded in his tasteful and elegant honie.
He loves boo., a, flowers, music, paintings,
.■U..1 his dog ! He i.s a stern man, and shafes
ilia griefs and joys with no one. All this I
have told you before."
There was a long silence, broken at last by
an exclamation from Beulah :
"Oh! how beautiful! how silent! how
solemn ! T-ook down the long dim aisles.
It 18 an oratory where my soul comes to wor-
ship ! Presently the breeze will rush up
.rom the gulf, and sweep the green orcan
and a melancholy chant will swell through
these dusky arches. Oh, what .are Gotlnc
cathedrals and gil.led shrines in comparison
with these grand forest temples, where the
do i e 13 the bending vault of God's blue, and
tlie columns are these everlasting pines ' She
pointed to a thick clump of pines sloping
down to a ravine. *
Tlie sbttlng sun threw long quiverine rays
througi, the clustering boughs, and the
broken oeams, piercing the gloom beyond,
shuwed the long aisles as in a " cathedral
light.
As Clara looked down the dim glade, and
then watched Beulah's parted lij)s and spark-
ling eyes, as^she stood bending forward with
r2ph!r.->ns deliuht written on eveiv feature,
«lic thought that she had indeed misju-hred
ner m using the epithets "freezing Tnd
heartlesu. " °
"You are enthusiastic," said she gently.
Hew can I help it T I love the grand
and biaiidful too well to ofTer a tribute of
silent admiration. Oh, my homage is that
of a whole heart !"
They reached home in the gloaming, and
each retired to her own room. For a mere
trifle Beulah had procured the use of a melo-
deon, and now, after placing the .iruoping
flowers in water, she sat down before the
instrument and poured out the joy of her
soul in song. Sad memories no longer floated
like corpses on the sea of the past ; grim
forebodings crouched among the mists (Jf the
future, and she sang song after song, exult-
ing in the gladness of her heart. An
analysis of these occasional hours of delight
was as impossible as their creation. Some-
times she was conscious of their approach
while gazing up at the starry islets in the
boundless lake of azure sky ; or when a
gorgeous sunset pageant was passing away j
sometimes from hearing a solemn chant in
church, or a witching strain from a favourite
opera. Sometimes from viewing dim old
pictures ; sometimes from reading a sublime
passage in some old English or German
author. It was a serene elevation of feeling r
an unbounded peace ; a chastened joyous-
ness, which she was rarely able to analyze
but whicli isolated her for a time from all
surrounding ci-cumstauces. How long she
sang (in rhe present occasion she knew not,
and only paused on hearing a heavy sob be-
hind her. Tnrninu round, she saw '"'ara
sitting near, with 'her face in her iiands
Kneeling beside her, Beulah wound her arm
around her, and asked her earnestly :
" What troubles you, my friend? May I
not know ? "
Clara dropped her head on Beulah's
shoulder, and answered hesitatingly :
"The tones of your voice always sadden
me. They are like organ-notes, solemn and
awful ! Yes, awful, and yet very sweet-
s' eeter than any music I ever heard. Your
singing fascinates me, yet, strange as it may
seem, it often makes me weep. There is an
uuearthliness, a spirituality that affects me
singularly. "
" I am glad that is all. I was afraid you
were distressed about something. Here
take my rocking-chair ; I am going to read,'
and if you like, you may have the beneflt of
my book."
"Beulah, do put away your books for one
night, and let us have a quiet time. Don't
study now. Come, sit here, and talk to
me."
" Flatterer, do you pretend that you pre-
fer my chattering to the M-ouderful words of
a man who 'talked like an angel?' You
must listen to the tale of that ' Ancient
Mariner with glittering eye.' "
\
BEULAH.
75
Spare me that horrible ghostly story of
TWtels freighted with starinL' corpses '
Ugh I It curdled the blood in my veins once,
•nd I shut the book in disgust. Uou't begin
It now, for Heaven'8 sake ! "
"Why, Clara? It is the most thrilling
poem m the English language. Each re-peru-
sal fascinates me more and more. It requires
a dozen readings to initiate you fully into its
weird, supernatural realms."
*k'lT*"/ *I"^ ',* '*■ Precisely for that reason
that 1 don t choofe to hear it. There is
quite enougli of the grim and hideous in
reality, without hunting it up in pages of
hction. When I read, f desire to relax mv
mind, not put it on the rack, as your favour-
ite books invariably do. Absolutely, Beu-
lah after listening to some of your pet
authors I feel as if I had been standing on
my head. You need not look so coolly in-
credulous ; it is a positive fact. As for
tnat Anj>i«nt i 'aiiner 'you areso fond of. I
»m dipi^sed to take the author's own
opim^ of It, as expr'jssed in those lines ad-
a);insed to himself." 7 7
^ "I suppose, then, you fancy 'Christab^P
as little as the other, seeing that it is a tale
of witchcraft. How woulj you relish that
grand anthem to nature's God, written in
the vale of Chamouni ?"
^1' I never read it," answered Clara, very
"What? Never read ' Sibylline Leaves T'
Why 1 will wager my head that you have
parsed from them a thousand times I Never
read that magnificent hymn before sunrise,
in the midst of glaciers and snow-crowned
cloud-piercing peaks ? Listen, then; and if
you don't feel like falling upon your knees
you have not a spark of poetry in your soul I "
bhe drew the lamp close to her, and read
«iou( . Her hne modulated voice was peculiar-
ly adapted to the task, and her expressive
countenancefaithfullydepictedthecontenclina
emotions which filled her mind as she rZ^
Chra listened with pleased interest, and
When the short poem was concluded, said:
Ihank you j it is beautiful. I have
Often seen extracts from it. Still, there is a
description of Mont Blanc in 'Manfred'
^.%[ ^'I'^'^rSj "ke quite .3 well."
;;^^hat? Thatwitobf v„:ent!"
.„'iL**°"'* "n<^erstand Manfred.' Here
and there are passages in cipher. I read and
catch a glimpse of hidden ineaniiiL' ; I read
agaiD, and it vanishrs in mist. It seems to
me a poem of svnibol.o., .-iimly adu '
it"*fi'/*''°^ I!"^ cioud'e. ''intellect XS
tha't^'A.^" ,^^*^•«« .«»••■ ^f shadowy belief
Z)\i A8t»'-te,'asm its .dent mythologi-
cal significance, symbolizes nature. There
J8 .> dusky veil of mystery shrouding her.
which favours my idea of her, as represent-
lug the universe. Manfred, with daiiiiK
hand, tore awuy that ' Veil of Isis,' which
no mortal had ever seen before, and, mad-
dened by the mockery of the stony features
paid the penalty of hfs sacrik-gious rashness,
and Hcd from the temple striving to shake
off the curse. My guardian has a curious
print of 'Asl arte,' taken from some Euro-
pean Byron.c gallery. I have studied it,
until almo|it it seemed to move and speak to
me. She is clad in the ghostly drapery of
the tomb, just as invoke! by Nemesis, with
trailing tresses, closed eyes, and folded hands.
Ihe features are dim, spectral, yet marvel-
lously beautiful. Almost one might think
the eyelids quivered, there is such an air ot
dreaminess. That this is a false and inade-
quate conception of Byron's ' Astarte,' I feel
assured and trust that I shall yet find the
key to this enigma. It interests me greatly,
and by some inexplicable process, whenever I
sit pondering the mystery of Astarte, that
jHionderful creation in Shirley presents itself
^arte becomes in a trice that 'woman,
-litan, Nature, kneeling bsfore the red hills
ot the west, at her evening prayers. 1 a^e
her prostrate on the great steps of her altar,
praying for a fair night, for mariners at ses,.
tor lambs in moors, and unfledged birds in
woods. Her robe of blue air spreads to the
outskirts of the heath. A veil, white as an
avalanche, sweeps from her head to her feet
and arabesques of lightning flame on its
borders. I see her zone, purple, like the
horizon ; through its blush shines the star of
evening. Her forehead has the expanse of a
cloud and 18 paler than the early moon.riien
ong before dark gathers. She reclines on
the ndge of Stillbro' Moor, Hkr mighty hands
are joined beneath it. So kneeling, face t'
face, 'Nature speaka with God.' Oh! i
would give twenty years of my life to have
painted that Titan's portrait. I would rather
have been the author of this, than have
wielded the sceptre of Zenobia, in the palm-
iest daysW Palmyra !"
She st^e rapidly, and with white lips
that qmvei-ed. Clara looked at her wonder-
ingly, and said, hesitatingly:
"I don't understand the half of what you
have been saying. It sounds to me very
much as if you had stumbled into a Inmbcr-
room of queer ideas ; snatched up a handful,
all on different subjects, and woven them
into a speech as incongruous as Joseph's
variegated coat." There was no renlv
iieuiaiishands were clasped on the table^e-
fore her, and she leaned forward with eyes
hxed steadily on the floor. Clara waited a
moment, anti then contiaaed:
.M ^f'j'fxl"*" '^ *°y °^ *''« mysteries of
Manfred,' tha\, i«em to trouble you so nuch.
*:^^<
: •: h(
k
ij^
-I;
m
m^
76
RIM '^- An.
I enjoy the fine passages, an'' ;i'">r tlii
<;a'< t.'idm
the hiailtn meanings, at
whereas it seem* you are ivr,iy» plniij(i«g
•bout iijt]»«''dark, huiitii. . >ou know not
what. Jnm content to u\u\i on the surface,
^^'^ And live in the midst of foam and
l)ul)lil«s I" oried Boulah, with a gesture of
inipatieijoc.
" Better timt, tl>i»n gropo unoug subter-
laiiean caveins, bl.ick and icy, as you are
fbt tvor di'inn. you areeven getting a weird,
unearthly look. Sometimes, when I come
in, and rind you, liook in hand, with that
far-off estpressioii .'. your eyes, I really dislike
tospeaU to you. T'lereisnnmoreoolourinyour
I'acu /nd haids than in that wall yonder.
Yoij will dig y ^ iV ^rave among book?", if you
iti^i't take care Thore is such a tliini? as
/.u lying too mu. :i. Your mind is perpetu-
ally at work ; all day yon are thinking,
thinking, thinking ; and :\t night, since the
warm weather has made me open the door
between our rooms, I hear you talking ear-
nestly and rapidly in your sleep. Last week
I came in on tip toe, and stood a few minutes
beside your bed. Th« moon shone m through
the window, and though yoi were fast
asleep, I saw that you tossed your hands
restlessly ; while I stood then, you spoke
aloud, in an incoherent manner, of the
'Bream Fugue,* and 'Vision of Sudden
Death,' and now and then you frowned, and
sighed heavily, as if you were in pain. Mu-
sic is a relaxation to most people but it
seems t > put your thoughts on the rack,
fou will wear yourself out pr."'>iturely"
if you dtm't quit this constant stui. i-.'."
She ruse ti /o. and, glancing up at her,
Beiilah aiismi- d, musingly:
'' We are vo.y uuUke. The things that I
love, you shrii.'k frohn as dull and ti' ,,.
I live iu a diftorent world. Books ar« to
me, what family, an,l friends, and society
are to other people. It ijiay be that the i.so.
lation of my life necessitates this. Doubt-
leas, you ofton find me abstracted. Are you '
going sp soon ' I had hoped we should spend
a profitable evening, but it has slipped away,
and I hare done n.)thing. Qood-iiighi"
She rose and gtve the customary good-night
kiss, and ",s Clara letired to her own room,
Beulah t ud up the wick of her lamp, and
resumed iier book. The gorgeous mazes of
Colerid,^.! no longer imprisoned her fancy ;
it wandered mid the silence, and desolation'
and sand rivulets of the Th-y):ud do.?ert •
through the date groves of the lonely Liura;
through the museums of Alexandria. Over
the coot, crystal depths of "'i'vpatia," her
thirsty spirit huiiy eagerly. in Philamon's
mtelleotual mture she fousid a startling re- i
«emblau.:e to her own. Like him, she had j
er.terod a lorbid.icn twnipie, and If i-im,! *<»
question ; and the same "insatiable cravi.i,!
to know the mysteriea of learning " was im-
pelUng her, with irresistible force, out into
the world ui philosophic enquiry. Hours
lle.l on unnoted ; with nervous haste the
leave* were turned. The town clock struck
three. A-^i • ' , «thed the book, and laid it
on •. u rt.),e, site u.jwed i.or head upon her
hands. .She was bewildered. Was Kings,
ley his own Raphael- Abon-EzraT or did he
heartily believe in ths Christianity of which
he had ^jiven so hideous a portraiture ? Her
I brain whirled, yet there was great dissatisfac-
tion. She could not contentedly go back to
the Laura with Philamon ; "Hypatia"
was nf.t sufficiently explicit. She was dis-
satisfied ; there was more than this Aleian-
driin ecstosy, to which Hypatia was driven;
but where, and how, should she find it?
Who would guide her T Was not her gnard.
lan, m many respects,a8 sceptical as Raphael
himself ? Dare she enter, alone and unaid-
ed, this 'retan maze of investigation, where
al. the wonderful lore of the gifted F . "\tia
had availed nothing T What was her lutel.
lect given her f ,r, if not to be thusemployed?
Her head ached with the intensity of thought
and as^he laid it on her pillow and closed
I her M^es, day looked out over the eastern
8 lyr^
k^The ensuing week was one of anxioua
apj.reliension to all within the city. Har-
riet ■! words seemed prophetic ; there was
every intimation of sickly season. Yellow
fever lia.' nade its aj .pearance in several sec-
Ti!"*D ' t°«°' '" ' ' ' ™"** malignant type.
Ihe Boii , of Health , ovised various sJhenies
for arresting the advanc^ing evil. Thu streets
were powdered with lime, and large fires of
tar K'pt c )nstantly burning, yet daily, hour-
ly, the fa'.<hty increast ; ; and as colossal
ruui strolo on, the terrified citizens fled in
all directions. In ton days tl^e e, ..iemic »)«.
gan to make f-.ful havoc; all classei and
ages were a, led iinUscrimiiiately. Whole
fam'! ) were itricken down in a dav, and
not member sjj^red t^ aid *'"i others.
The ;«... ws only limited bj impassrbili-
ty ■ vvh uld, abandoned their homes,
and ; .oght safety in filM The«e were the
fortunate rninority ; and, as if .-jolved to
wreak its fury on the remaituler,
the contagion spread into every
q-iarte- of the city. Not even
paysicians were spared ; and those who es-
caped, trembled m anticipation of the fell
stroke. Many doubted that it was yellow
fever, and fiom'flct-ured that the verit-iWs r-.U.-n-.^
had crossed the ocean. Of all Mrs. Hoyt's
boarders, but half-a-dozen determined to
hazard remaining in the infected region;
these were Beulah, Clara, and four gen -
iniatiable crai'i,it<
iarniiig " was im-
le force, out into
en((uiry. Ifimri
^rvoug hasta tho
own clock gtriick
book, and laid it
' head upon lier
id. Was Kings-
Ezra T or did he
(tianity of which
:)rtraiture? Her
great dissatisfao-
itediy go back to
a; "Hypatia"
it. She was dis-
^an this Alexan-
)atia was driven;
Id she find it?
.8 not her gnard*
)tical as Raphael
done and unaid-
Btigation, where
gifted F iti»
; was her mtel-
1 thns employed?
laity of thought,
low and closed
i^er the eastern
)ne of anxious
he city. Ha^
ic ; there was
Bason. Yellow
3 in several sec-
nalignant type,
various cJlienies
'il. Thti streets
I large fires of
et daily, hour-
nd as colossal
citizens tied in
eeviiemic he.
dl classes j,nd
»tely. Whole
n a day, and
.1 t*io others,
ly impossfbili-
their hoaies,
hese were the
i resolved to
remainder,
into every
Not eveu
ihose who es-
in of the fell
it was yellow
Mrs. Hoyt's
etermined to
cted region ;
four gen
BEULAII.
LL
,1,111. (iladly wdiilil C-laia huvo Hrd to u
liiaco of safety, liau it been in her power;
but there was no one to accompany or wateli
over her, and as slie was forced to witness
the horrors of the season, a sort of desjiair
seemed to nerve her trembling frame. Mrsi.
Wataqn had been amniit; the first to leave tin
city. Madame St.Cynion had disbanded litr
school ; and as only her tbree daughters con
tinned to take music lessons, Beiilah had
ample leisure to contemplat'^ the distrertiiig
■oenca which surrounded h'r. At noon, one
September day, she stood at the ojij-n windfiM
of her room. The air Was intensely hot ;
the drooping leaves of the china-trees wen
motionless ; there was not a breath of wind
•tininf. ; and the sable plumes of the hear st.-
were Btili as their burdens. The brazen,
glittering sky »« emed a huge glowing fur
nace, breathing out only scorching heat
Beulab leaned out of the window, and wip-
ing away the heavy Irons that stood on hei
brow, looked down tne almost deserted
•treet. Many of the stores were closed ;
whili I ' busy haunts were silent ; and very
few p us were visible, save the drivers of
tAo hefcibas, and of a cart tilled with coffins.
The churci. '>ell8 toiled uncea'-inply, and the
desulatio' ic horror, was indescribable, as
the sabli .vin^.of Hie destroyer hung ovtr
the doomed city. Out of her ten ftllow-
gradnates, four b1 <■ the cemetery. Tlie
night before, she hiiu itched'beside arother,
and at dawn, sasT the iindi stiffen and lh_
eyes grow sightless. Among her former
scliooluiat 8 the contagion had been pnr-
tioularly fat#l, and, fearless of danger, slie
had nursed two of treni. As she stood fMi-
ning herself, Clara entered hurriedly, and
sinking into a chair, exclaimed, in accents of
terror :
" It has come ! as I knew it would I Two
of Mrs. Hoyt's children have been taken,
and, I believe, one of the waiters also I
Merciful God! what wi]' become of me ?"
Her twHi ( liattered, and slie trembled from
head to fool
*' Dull t bu alarmed, Clara ! Your eroes-
sive terror is your greatest danger. If you
W( "Id escape, you must keep as quiet as
possible."
She {Kiured out a glass of water, and mad •
her drink it ; then asked :
" ''.in Mrs. Hoy t get medical aid ?"
" >o; she has sent for every doetor in
town, and not one has coine. "
"Then I will 00 douii and assist her. "
Bculah tunied toward tin' door, but Clara
caught her dress, ainl saui hoarsely :
"Are you mad, tlius continually to put
youv life in jeopardy ? Are you shod with
iiriniortality. tliat you tliiuat yourself into
tJie V'.ry patli destruction?"
" I lun II' t afrnid of the f«<ver, and there*
fore think I shall ntit take it. As long aa I
.nil alio to bo up, I shall do all tliat I can to
rclievu the sick. lienuaid'er, ( lars, nurics
are not to be had now for any sum." She
glided down the «tei)s,and found the terrified
mother wringing her hands heliilcfnis over
the stricken ones. Theehildren wriiii\inK
on the bed, and with the energy » lil'li tlic
danger demanded, Beulah sncedil) onliied
the mustard baths, and administeriil th>
remedies ehe had seen prescribed on pievioiiH
ouoasions. The fever rose rapidly, and un-
'^untedby thoughts of peisoual aanger, >•■ >■
(ik her place btgjde the bed. It was \< i
midnight when Dr. Asbury came t exhausteil
and haggard from unremitting toil and vigilx.
he looked several years older than when snc
had last seen him. He ntartrd on uercciviin-
hir perilous post, and said nnxion-iiy :
" Oh, you are rash ! very ranh ! Wlini
would Hartwell say T What will ho think
w hen he comes ?'
"Comes! Surely you have uot ur|{od
him to conn back now 1" said she, grasping
his arm convulsively.
"Certainly. I "tcKgrailKd to him to
come home by expre s. Yovi .eed not look
so troubled ; he has had this Egy|itiiiii
plaffu , will run no risk, and evi n if he
wiji return assocjn as possible,"
Nlv'^Vou .sure that ho has hal the
sure. I nnraed hiu) myself, tho
sninmer after he came fiom J'Uropc, and
tlioughtlie would die. That was tho Inst
sickly season we had for years, but this <np»
the climax of all 1 ever saw or heard of in
America. Thank God, my wifp n.i d vbildien
are far away ; and, free f ainnthnutJMi
on their account, T can do ni\ di'ty, '
All this was said in an ui 'itoi.n. and
after advising everything that c-uld poiwjbly
be done, he left the room, beckoning Bc\»lah
after him. She followed, and he said earnest-
" Child, I tremble for yoti Why did you
leave Hartwell's house, an incur all this
peiil ? Btulxh, tiiough it is nobly unselti-di
in you to dtvot.- yourself to the siek, as you
are doing, it may cost you your life im) ,
uiost probably it w ill."
"I h.ivethouglit ( f it all, sir, and deter-
mined to do my duty."
" Then God preserve you. Those ohil
dren have been taken violently : watch them
closely ; good nursing is weith all the
apothecary shops. You need not send for
Hn any more ; 1 am out colwlns ily ; when-
ever I can I will come j mesnlm e, deicn^
only on the nui-srng. Should you bwtattn
yourself, let me know at once do not. (ail.
I f
78
RKULAH.
A. word mor»— keep yourtelf well stimulat-
Oll."
Ue hurried aw«y, aud she returnnd to th«
•iok room, to loeonlato on the pm .dility of
»wm ineeting hor guardian. \N ho can tell
how dreary were tho days and nightu that
followed T Mrs. Hoyt took the fever, and
mother ajid children moaned together. Ou
the mornina of the fourth day, the ehlest
child, a girl of eight years, died, with Beu-
lah's hand grasped in hert. Happily, the
mother was uuoouicious, and the little corpse
was borue into an adjoining room. Beufah
SHI auk from tho task which she felt, for the
first time in hor life, called on to perform.
She could nurse the living, but dreaded the
thought of shrouding the dead. Still, there
was no one else to do it, and she bravely
uo^piered her repugnance, and clad the
vouiiK sleeper for the tomb. Tlu> gentlemen
boarders, who had luckily escaped, arranged
the mournful particulars of the burial ; and
after sereritig a suimy look of hair for the
mother, should she live, Beulah saw the
cold form borne out to its last resting-place
Another gloomy day passed slowly, and she
was rewarded by the eonvalescence of the
remaimng sick child. Mrs. Hoyt still hung
ujmn tho confines of eternity j and Beulah,
who had not closed her eyes for many niglUs
was leaning over the bed, counting the rush-
mg pulse, when a rapid stap caused lier to
lool; up. and falling forward in her arms.
Clara cried :
" Save me I save me I The ohiU is on me
now I
It was tootrue ; and as Beulah assisted her
to her room, and carefully bathed her feet
her heart was heavy with dire dread lest
Clara's liorror of the diseaseshouldaugmeutits
ravages. Dr. Asbury was summoned with
aU haste, but as usual seemed an age in
coming, aud when at last he came, could
only iweacnbe what had already been done
It was pitiable to watch the agonized ex
that of her friend, striving to discover theif I shall see him no
opinion of her case.
" Doctor, you must send Hal to me. He
can nurse Mrs. Hoyt and lictlo Willie while
I watch Clara. I can't possibly take care of
all three, though Willie is a great deal bet-
ter. Can you send him at once ? he is a good
nurse. " °
■'Yes ; he has been nursing poor Tom
Hamil, but he died about an hour ago and
Hal is released. I look for Hartwell ho'urlv
4' Vi.°..,'*'*?li ."'' ai'-^^ogfy ! Bless youj
iJiiUlah ! Wnuging hur liaud, he descend-
ed the stairs.
Reentering the room, Beulah sat down be-
side Clara, aud taking one burning hand iu
her cool palms, pressed it softly, saying, in
an encouraging tone :
" 1 feel so much relieved about Willie ; he
uagreat de.'il better; and I think Mrs.
Hoyl's fever is abating. Yon were not taken
so severely as Willi«, and if you will go to
sleep quietly, I believe you will hare only a
slight attack."
" bid those downstairs have blaok'Tomit T"
uked Clara, shuddenngly.
" Lizzie had it ; the others did not. Try
not to think about it. Go to sleep. "
" What was that the doctor said about Dr.
Hartwell ? I could not hear very well, you
talked so low. Ah ! tell p^, Beulah. "
" Only that he is coming home soon— thv
wa« all. Don't talk any more:"
Clara closed her eyes, but tears stole from
beneath the lashes, and coursed rapidly
down her glowing cheeks. The lips moved
in prayer, aud her fingers closed tightly over
those of her companion. Beulah felt that her
(ontmued vigils aud exertions were exhaust-
ing her. Her limbs trembled when she walk-
ed, and there was a dull pain iu her head,
which she could not banish. Her appetite
had long since forsaken her, and it wa« only
by the exertion of a determined will that slie
forced herself to eat. She was warmly at-
tached to Clara, and the dread of losing this
friend caused her to suffer keenly. Occa-
sionally she stole away to see the other suf-
ferers, fearing that when Mrs. Hoyt discov-
ered Lizzie's death, the painful intelligence
would seal her own fate. It was late ; '■■
night. She had just returned from one of
these hasty visits, and finding that Hal was
as attentive as any one could be, slie threw
herself, weary and anxious, into an arm-chair,
beside Clara's bed. The crimson face was
turned toward her, the parched lips parted,
the panting breath, laboured and irregular.
Tho victim was delirious ; the hazel eyes, in-
flamcjj, and vacant, rested on Beulah's cpun-
i * and she murmured :
pression ofOlaras sweet face, as she lookeirjjT" He will never know I Oh nol how
from the countenance of the physician t^^^hould he? The grave wHI shu^t me i^a. and
more— no more I" She
shuddered and turned away.
Beulah leaned her head against the bed,
and as a tear slid down upon her hand, she
thought and said with bitter sorrow :
" 1 would rather see her the victim of
death, than have her drag out an aimless,
cheerless, existence, rendered joyless by this
hopeless attachment !"
She wondered V t'ther Dr. Hartwell sus-
i pected this love. o was remarkably quick-
j sighted, and men, as well as women, were
1 very vain, aad wont to give cxtu inifhu-
j weight to .very circumstance whici' ll.i.vc.o.i
; Uioir s>.li love. She liad long seen this par-
j ti»ht> ; Would not the object of it be quite
t softly, «*yiag, in
il about Willie ; he
ami I think Mrs.
V(ui were not taken
if you will go to
lu will hkre only a
lave blaok-Tomit T"
^
lers did not. Try
to ileep. "
ictor laid about Dr.
jar very well, you
t^e, lieulah."
ig home toon— th»'
more:"
it tears stole from
I couned rapidly
The lips moved
:losed tightly over
eulah felt that her
ions were exhaust-
ed wliea she walk>
ain in her head,
h. Her appetite
r, and it whh only
lined will th:U tilie
le was warmly at-
read of losing this
ir keenly. Occa-
tee the other suf.
[rs. Hoyt disoov-
inful intulligeuce
It was late : '■■
urned from one of
iug that H^lwas
Id be, she threw
into an armchair
crimson face was
ohed lips parted,
id and irregular,
he hazel eyes, in-
)n iJeulah's coun.
I:
! Oh, no I how
I shut me in, and
no more 1" She
against the bed,
>n her hand, she
r sorrow :
sr the victim of
out an aimless,
(d joyless by this
r. Hartwell sua-
smarkably quick-
i women, were
ivc even iiiifiuo
e wliioli tl.i.>,c. ou
g aeen tins par-
t of it be quite
BEULAH.
70
M penetrating? Clara was very pretty ; nay,
at times she was beautiful. If UDiisciouM of
her attachment, could he ever suflFer himself
to be influenoed by itT No ; impossible I
There were utter antagnninnis of taste and
temperament which rendered it very certain
that she would not suit him for a companion.
Yet she was very lovaMo. Beulah walked
softlv across the -oom aiul leaned out of the
window. An awful stillness brooded over the
Mourged city.
" The movlnsr moon went up the sky,
will
1^
Anil novrTprn did nbide j
Softl.rshe wa>( ktoin up,
And a star or iwo tieuide."
The soft beams struGigled to pierce the
murky air, denie with smoke from the burn-
ing pitch. There was no tread on the pave-
ment; all was solemn as Death, who held
such mad revel in thw crowiled graveyard.?.
Through theshroudof smoke shecould seethe
rippling waters of the bay, as thu faint south-
em breeze swept its surface. It was a deso-
lation realizing all thehorrois of the "Masque
of the Aed Death,"and as she tliougrit of
the mourning hearts in that silent cii-y, of
Clara's danger and herowu, Beulah repeated,
sadly, those solemn lines :
" Liki" clouds that ruke the nionntii n summit.
Or waves I hat own no cii liiiiiihiind,
How fast has l)i'other foil wcil liioihpr,
From sunshine to the suhIl'hs Und !*
Clasping her hands, she a-ldtd, earnestly:
"I thank thee, my Father ! that the Atlan-
tic roils between Eugene and this ' besom of
destniction. ' "
A touch on her shoulder caused her to
look around, and her eyes rested on her
guardian. She started, but did not
speak, and held out her hand.
He looked at her, long and search-
ingly ; his lip trembled, and instead of tak-
ing her offered hand, he passed his arm
*round her, and drew her to his bosom. She
looked up, with surprise ; and bending his
haughty head, he kissed her pale brow for
the first time. She felt then that she would
like to throw her arms round his neck, AUt)
tell him how very glad she was to ueo hhn
again — how unhappy his sudden depa-ture
had made her ; but a feeling she could not
pause to analyze, prevented her from follow-
ing the dictates of her heart ; and holding
her oflF so as to scan her countenance, Dr.
Hartwell said :
'' How worn and haggard you look 1 Oh,
child ! your rash obstinacy has tortured me
beyond expression. "
"I haVt; but ;; ■; my duty. It has been a
horrible time. I m glad you have come
You will itfjClet Clara die. "
, child. You are trembling
<rahau8tion. "
drew up a chair for ber,lltnd taking her I
II
wrist in his hand, said, as he examined the
slow iiulse :
"Was Clara taken violently? How
•he?"
"She is delirious, and so much alarmed at
her dinger that 1 feel very uneasy about her
Come and see her; perhaps she will know
you." She led the way to the bedside ; but
there was no recognition in the wild, restless
eyes, and as she tosoed from r'de t<i
side, her incoherent miittering made Hi nlah
dread lest she should discover to its olijpct
the adoring love which fillid her purt; hcirt.
She told her guardian what had been pre-
scribed. He offered no 8u^.'gestion as to the
treatment, but v&ve a potion which she in-
formed him was due. As Clara swallowed
the draught, she looked at him. and said
eagerly :
"Has he come ? Did he say he would see
me and save me? Did Dr. Hartwell send
me this?"
"She raves," said B.nlah. hastily.
A shadow fell upon his f.icf, and stooping
over the pillow, he aswi-red, very gently ;
" Yes, he has come to save you. He is
here."
She smiled, and seemed sati.sfieil for a mo-
ment, then moaned and muttorecl on indis-
tinctly.
" lie knows it all ? Oh, poor, poor Clara !"
thought Beulah, sliailing her face, to prevent
his reading what passed in her mind.
" How long have you been sittina up.
Beulah?" * ^'
She told him.
" It is no wonder yon look as if years had
suddenly paised over your head 1 Yon have
a room here, I believe. Go tc it, and go to
sleep ; I will not leave Clara."
It was astonishing how his presence re-
moved the dread weight of responsibility
from her heart. Not until this moment had
he felt as if she conld possibly sleep.
"I will sleep now so as to be refreshed
for to-morrow and to-morrow night Here
is a couch. I will sleep here, and if Clara
grows worse you must wake me." She crotaed
the room, threw herself on the conch, and
laid her aching head on her ai m. Di. Hart-
well placed a pillow under the head ; once
more his fingers sought her wrist ; once more
his lips touched her forehead, and as he re-
turned to watch beside Clara, and listen to
her ravings, Beulah sank into a heavy,
dreamless sleep of exhaustion.
CHAPTER XVIII.
She was awakened by the cool pattering of
rain-drops, which beat tlirou^'h the shuttern
and fell upon her face. She sprang up with
a thrill of delight, and looked out. A leaden
I
90
BEULAH.
K'm
■ m
sky lowered over the city, and as the torrents
came down in whitening sheets, the thunder
rolled continuously overhead, aii'l trailiii.^
wreaths of smoke from the dying tires,
drooped like banners over the roofs of tlie
houses. Not the shower which gathered and
fell around sea-girt Carmel was more grate-
fully received.
" Thank God ! it rains 1 " cried Beulah,
and turning toward Clara, she saw with pain
that the sutt'erer was all unconpoious of the
tardy blessing. She kissed the hot, dry
brow ; but no token of recognition greeted
her anxious gaze. The fever was at its
height ; the delicate features were strangely
Bharj)ened and distorted. Save the sound of
her laboured breathing, the room was silent,
and sinking on her knees, Beulah prayed
earnestly that the gentle sufferer might be
spared. As she rose, her guardian entered,
and she started at the haggard, wasted,
haifassed look of the noble face, which she
had not observed before. He bent down and
tioaxed Clara to take a spoonful of medicine,
i.:ul Beulah asked, earnestly :
' ' Have you been ill, sir t "
"No."
He did not even glance at her. The affec-
tionate cordiality ofthe hour of meeting had
utterly vanished. He looked as oold, stern,
and impenetrable as some half-buried sphinx
of the iJosert.
" Have you seen the others this morning?"
said she, making a strong effort to conceal
the chagrin this revulsion of feeling ooca-
bi.iue.l.
" Yea; Mrs. Hoyt will get well."
" Does she know of her child's deftth T "
•Yes."
"You are not going, surely?" she con-
tinuo I, as he took his hat and glanced at his
watch.
"I am needed elsewhere. Only nursing
can now avail here. You know very well
what is requisite. Either Dr. Asbury or I
will be here again tonight, to sit up with
this gentle girl."
" You need neithar of you come to sit up
with her. I will do that myself. I shall not
sleep another moment until I know that she
is better."
" Very well." He left the room immedi-
atply.
" ilow he cases his volcanic nature in ice,"
thought Heulah, sinking into the arm-chair.
" Last night he seemed so kind, so cordial,
so much my friend and guardian ! To-day
thure is a mighty barrier, as though he stood
on some towering crag, and talked to me
across an infinite gulf 1 W^U, well, even an
Arctic night passes awa'. , rtid I can a:T?s \
4o wait tif' h'a humour changes."
F . . nauy uours the rain fell nnoeasingly,
but toward eiunset the pall jf clouds wan
scourged on by a brisk western breeze, and
the clear canopy of heaven, no longer fiery
as for days past, but cool and blue, bent
serenely over the wet earth. The slanting
rays of the swiftly einl ing sun flashed
through dripping boughs, creating myriads of
diamond sprays ; and over the sparkling
waters of the bay spr&ug a brilliant bow,
arching superbly along the eastern horizon,
where a bank of clouds still lay. Verily, it
seemed a new covenant, that the destroying
demon should no longer desolate the beauti-
ful city, and to many an anxious, foreboding
heart that glorious rainbow gave back hope
and faith. A cool, quiet twilight followed.
Beulah knew that hearses still bore the dead
to their silent chambers : she could hear the
rumbling, the melancholy, solemn sound of
the wheels; but firm trust reigned in her
heart, and with Clara's hand in hers, she
felt an intuitive assurance that the loved one
would not yet be summoned from her earthly
7 field of action. The sick in the other part of
' y^ house were much better, and though one
vr the gentlemen boarders had been taken
*8ince morning, she lighted the lamp and
stole about the room with a calmer, happier
LUtirit than she had known for many days,
^he fancied that her charge breathed more
■PasTiy, and the wild stare of the inflamed
eyes was concealed under the long lashes
which lay on the cheeks. The sufferer slept,
and the watcher augured favourably.
About nine o'clock she heanl steps on
the stairs, and scon after Drs. Asbury
and Hartv>'ell ent^^red together. There
was little to be told, and less to
be advised, and while the latter atten-
tively examined the pulse, and looked down
at the altered countenance, stamped with
the signet of the dread disease, the former
took Beulah's hand in both his, and said
kindly :
" lIow do you do, my little heroine? By
Nebros ! you are worth your weight in medi-
cal treatises. How are you, little one ?"
"Quite well, thank you, sir, and I dare
say 1 am muoh more able to sit up with the
sick than you, who have had no respite
whatever. Don't stand up, when you must
be so weary ; take this easy-chair." Hold-
ing his hand tirmly, she drew him down to it
There had always been .i fivtherly tenderness
in his manner towardher, when visiting at her
guardian's, and she regarded him with re-
verence and affection. Tb? ^h often blumt,
he never chilled nor repelled her, as his
partner 80 often did, and hdW isiic stood be-
side him, still holding one of his hands. He
smoothed back the gray hair from his fur<
rowed brow, and with a twinkle in his blue
eye, said:
BEULAH.
81
"■)
"How much will you take for your
services T I want to engage you to teach my
madcap daughters a little quiet bravery and
uncomplaiuing endurauce."
'|I have none of the Shylock in my com-
position ; only give me a few kind words
and I shall be satisfied. Now, once for all,
Dr. Asbury, if you treat me to any more
barefaced flattery of this sort, I nurse no
more of your patients. "
Dr. Hartwell here directed his partner's
attention to Clara, and thoroughly provoked
at the pertinacity with which he avoided
noticing her, she seized the brief opportunity
to visit Mrs. Hoyt and little Willie. The
mother welcomed her with a silent grasp of
the hand and gush of tears. But this was
no time for acknowledgments, and Beulah
strove, by a few encouraging remarks, to
cheer the bereaved parent and inteiest
Willie, who, like all other children under
such circumstances, had grown fretful. She
shook up their pillows, iced a fresh pitcher
of water for them, and promising to run
down and see them often, now that Hal was
forced to give his attention to the last victim,
she noiselessly stole back to Clara's room.
Dr. Hartwell was walking up and down the
floor, and his companion sat ju8t as she had
left him. Ho rose as she entered, and put-
ting on his hat, said, kindly :
"Are you able to sit up with Miss
Sanders to-night ? If not, say so candidly."
"I am able, and determined to do so."
" Very well. After to-morrow it will not
be needed."
•'What do you meanT cried Beulah,
olutc; ng his arm.
"Doxi't look so savage, child. She will
either be convalescent, or beyond all aid.
I hope and believe the former. Watch her
closely till I see you again. Good -night,
dear child. " He stepped to the door ; and
J' a light inclination of his head, Dr.
(veil followed him.
vas a vigil Beulah never forgot. The
u.^uv seemed interminable, as if the car of
time were driven backward, and she longed
inexpressibly for the dawning of day. Four
o'clock came at last ; silence bromled ovet
the town ; the western breeze had sung itself
to rest, and there was a solemn linsh, as
though all nature stood still, to witness the
struggle between dusky Azrael and a human
soul. Clara slept. Tlie distant stars looked
down encouragingly from their homes of
bl»e, and once more the lonely orphan bent
her knee in supplication before the throne of
JehoTah. Hut* ft cloTid seemed hoTeiini? I>e-
tween her heart and the presence-chamber
of Deity. In vain she prayed, and tried to
believe that life would be spared in answer
her ''titiona. Faith died in her soul, and
she sat with her eyes riveted upon the face
of her friend. The flash of consuming fever
paled, the pulse was slow and feeble, and by
the grey light of day, Beulah saw that the
face was strangely changed. For several
hours longer she maintained her watch ; still,
the doctor did not come, and while she sat
with Clara's fingers clasped in here, the
brown eyes opened, and looked dreamily at
her. She leaned over, and kissing the wan
cheek, asked, eagerly :
"How do you feel, darling?"
" Perfectly weak and helpless. How long
have I been sick 7"
" Only a few days. You are a great deal
better now." She tenderly smoothed the
silky hair that clustered in disorder round
the face. Clara seemed perphxed ; she
thought for a moment, and said, feebly :
" Have I been very ill ?"
" Well— yes. You have been right sick.
Had some fever, but it has left you."
Clara mused again. Memory came back
slowly, and at length she asked :
"Didthevalldie?"
"Did who die?"
" All those down-stairs." She thnddered
violently.
" Oh, no 1 Mrs. Hoyt and Willie are al-
most well. Try to go to eleep again, Clara."
Several minutes glided by ; the eyes closed,
and clasping Beulah's fingers tirrhtly, she
asked aj^ain ;
" H.ive I had any physician ?"
"Yes. I thought it would do no harm to
have Dr. Asbury see you," answered Beulah,
carelessly. She saw an expression of disap-
pointment pass sadly over the girl's counte-
nance ; and thinking it might be as well to
satisfy her at once, she continued, as if speak*
ing on indifferent topics ;
"Dr. Hartwell came home since you
were taken sick, and called to see you two
or three times."
A faint glow tinged the sallow cheek, and
while a tremor crept over her lips, she said,
almost inaudibly :
" When will he come again ?"
"Before long, I dare say. Indeed, thetw
is his step now. Dr. Asbury ia with him. "
She had not time to say more, for they
came in immediately, and with a species of
pity she noted the smile of pleasure which
curved Clara's mouth, as hor guardian bent
down and spoke to her. While he took ler
thin hand and fixed his eyes on her face,
Dr. Asbury looked over his ahoalder, and
said bhintlv •
■ 4 -
"Hurrah for you! All right again, M I
thought you would be 1 Doeg your bead
ache at all this morning T Feel like eating
half-a-dojsen partridges I
ill "
w I
82
BEULAH.
"She is not deaf," said Dr. Hartwell,
rather slif)rtly. '
"I am not 8.) aure of that ; she lias been
to all my questions lately. I must see about
tarter below. Beulah, child, you look the
fS "'" ^"""' "PP'^^^'iceship'to our pro-
"S'^ do you sir,"saM she, smiling, as her
eyes wandered over his trrim visage. "
"You may well say that, chihl. "l snatch-
e. about two hours' sleep this morniug, and
when I woke I felt very much like ColeFidoe'a
unlucky sailor :
" ' I moved, and could not feel my limbs :
I WRs 30 light -almost,
I thoui<ht that I had died in sleep.
Aud was a blessedl^host.' "
He hurried away to another part of the
liouse, and Beulah went into her own apart-
ment to arrange her hair, which she felt must
need attention sadly.
Looking into the glass, she could not for-
bear smiling at the face which looked back
at her, it wa,s so thin and ghastly ; even the
lips were colourless, and the lar«e eyes
sunken. She unbound her hair, and had
only shaken n out, when a knock at her
door called her from the glass. She tossed
her hair all back, and it hung like an inkv
veil almost to the floor, as she opened the
floor and confronted her guardian.
"Here is some medicine, which must be
mixed in a tumbler of water. I ^vant a table-
spoonful given every hour, unless Clara is
asleep, Keep everything quiet. "
"Is that all ?" said Beulah, coollv.
"That is all.;' He walked off, and ihe
brushed and twisted up her hair, wondering
how long he meant to keep up that freez-
ing manner. It accorded very well with his
treatment before his departure for the North
and she sighed as she recalled the
brief hour of cordiality which followed his
return. She began to perceive that this was
the way they were to meet in future; she had
displeased him, and he intended that she
should feel It. Tears gathered in her eyes,
but she drove them scornfully back, and ex-
claimed indignantly :
"He want' to rule me with a rod of iron,
because I am indebted to him for an educa-
tion and support for several years. As I hope
for a peaceful rest hereafter, I will repay him
every cent he has expended for music, draw-
ing and clothing ! I will economize until
every picayune is returned."
The purse had not been touched, and
hastily counting the contents, to aee that al!
the biiis were there, shereioc'ked the drawer,
and retuincd to the sick-room with anything
but a calm face. Clar.i s.-enicd to be k-'hc],
and picltiiig up a book, IJoulah bejr.ui to
Mad. A sick-rooui is always monotonous
and 'Ir-eary, and long confinement had
rendered Beulah restless and uncomfortable.
Her hmbs ached- so did her head, and con-
tinued loss of sleep made her nervous to an
unusual degree. She longed to open her
mclodeon and play ; this would have quiftt«d
her but of course was not to be thought of.
w:th four invalids in the house, and dekth on
almost every square in the city. She was
no longer unhappy about Clara, for there
was little doubt that, with care, she would
soon be well, and thus drearily the hours
wore on. Finally, Clara evinced a disposi-
tion to talk. Her nurse discouraged it,
with exceedingly brief replies; intimating
that she would improve her condition by
going to sleep. Toward evening, Clara
seemed much refreshed by a long nap,
and took some food which had been prepared
for her. "^ ^
BeuUh*?"""^"^" " *^*"°*'' " ** °°*'
, V ^'f !' ^?'7 perceptibly ; but more from
lack of fresh victims than anything else. I
hope we shall have a white frost soon."
"It has been very horrible! I shudder
when I think of it," said Clara.
"Then don't think of it," answered her
companion.
"Oh! how can I help it? I did not ex-
pect to live through it. I was sura I
should die when that chill came on. You
have saved me, dear Beulah!" Tears
glistened in her soft eyes.
" No ; God saved you."
" Through your instrumentality," replied
Clara, raising her friend's hand to her lips.
"Don't talk any more; the doctor ex-
pressly enjoined quiet for you."
" I am glad to owe my recovery to him
also. How noble and good he is— how.
superior to everybody else 1" murmured the
sick girl.
Beulah's lips became singularly compact,
but she offered no comment. She walked
up and down the room, although so worn out
Tirt x^u*"'?^*^ scarcely keep herself erect
\^ hen the doctor came, she escaped unob-
served to her room, hastily put on her bonnet,
and ran down the steps for a short walk.
It was perfect Elysium to get out once more
under the pure sky and breathe the air, as
It swept over the baj , cool, sweet and in-
vigorating. The streets were still quiet, but
hearses and carts, filled with coffins, no
longer greeted her on every side, and she
,• • " ~' ~i'ia!tr3. 1 lie sua wcnw
down, and too weary to extend her ramble,
she slowly retraced her stejjs. The buggy-
no longer stood at the door, and after seeing
Mrs. Hoyt and trying to chat pleasaatly. she
crept back to Clara.
answered her
have you been?" asked
the
"Where
latter.
" To get a bretth of fresh mV «.,-^
siiu set." " *"^' *n<i "oe the
" Dr. HartweJI asked for you I diH „„f
knovv what had become of y o° " "^ °°^
How do you feel tonight ''" sairl R»„7»i,
^^' B^e r/r'but "'''^ ^- 'l-a's7o?ef:at''
know whether -1-L>^" ""'''^' ^ ^*n* *<>
families ventured hom« .„..'®"Kth, fueritive
bands of crape iimbad<.pfn°f I *"^ *^°"«^
met the ey. on ^iT sidof »n ^^--^^^^ ^"*'
Death hJd removed'^ ; tu;r"ttt'r*
hideous carnival was omr p1 ' ■ '"'
her strength verT slowlv . a" i:*«*^"«^^
enough to%.„t hTr tomf ^aTkedtfth T?"
i ^'dro/ttob^ ofJ^eSsl^S ht
. ^Partt'nt^^nftui'dtv'".*''"^' ^''i'''''''
constantly busy." "^ "'^ °'«ht, yon are
Apparently, this remark fell nr, ^»./
for, without replyinT B^nl.r^*!^/*!:''
drawing, looked /t,^' -T f,^ ^•^*^<* ^er
round once or twice aL A"""^' *"'-°«d '*
crayon. °' """^ *^«" w«nmed her
itr'rnt^ue'^i'crrr""''*''"""*' ^^ i-
"Mora."
.nyttVfkeit^J.'"' ^J^''* ^id yon «•
"leeprf S:'Sndf *^«,T'«™'<'' I'«»
Mor^was « Je^^TdoVn-^l^rlAl'*
butn.thideorr-.'-SlT^l'f/^.Tfc
BEULAH.
83
Tat" wirf '"f ^°« ^'"^ •elbows on the table
h dTlwiir rVrV'" '^'."t' «--ng upon
sho„,d3- a Jinre iTeSe . te"c^' 7'
nancp was ;r,fl<.„i i '^'naie , the counte
o"f skeleton "'"^'^'^ ^'"^^^ "-« "^e^those
shudderingly. """"uce, said Clara
" I cannot draw it aa T ....^ -t. •
tone as sh^ tn-i 1' *° * discontented
.nd tl„i,h Ihi. Io,dy G™t ;.o« ot^h^'
ro^n."'&^v;nidhr^ 'V'"'"°^**'
rnto^r"^f^'''«^«p'^^^^^
at this Po'So'fTh:°.r^^^^^^^^^
guardian for one. would sneer superbly ''''
«warthTGr;ek T hL'* '' °\I°^-browed,
broad, ' expative' ' o7ehS'*t*i^°I^^«'''
bSf'^ti' ?" thea^^'nt tils'';!
aSue.bo¥wh„°''^'*''^ characterize th.
Of ebonTaj;,"oX,Si'e'f '.Slori^^"
other than I hare drawn her ♦" ai,„ ,,„i j
WuTb'^".' -i'ed triumphant^ '' "^
of '"ova7*oui ir-4;riiio'-7 ''^^^'"- =
s*s-d^^=^^^:3AS£
beamed with the rad ance nf ;„ -^ .?y^'
the full rirw. i;l _'*"°? °f inspiration ;
curling ■haiT;iu8\ered"with'ohnH'"rt ' -^^
WK.I! for, p„e,„,, J^momb^r^'e
#
if
ara IB
iWH
M
BEULAH.
hath madness in it," answered Beulah, still
looking earnestly at her drawing;.
" Madness ? What do you mean ? "
" Just what I say. I believe poetry to be
the highest and purest phase of insanity.
Those finely-strung, curiously nervous na-
tures, that j'ou always find coupled with
poetic endowments, are characterized by a
remarkable activity of the mental organs ;
and this oontimied excitement, and prema-
ture development of the brain, results in a
disease which, under this aspect, the world
offers premiums for. Though I enjoy a fine
poem as much as anj'body, 1 believe, in nine
cases out of ten, it is the spasmodic vent of
a highly nervous system, overstrained, dis-
eased. Yes, diseased 1 If it does not result
in the frantic, madness of Lamb, or the final
imbecility of Sou they, it is manifested in
various other forms, such as the morbid
melancholy of Cowper,the bitter misanthropy
of Pope, the abnormal moodiness and misery
of Byron, the unsound and dangerous theories
of Shelley, and tlie strange, frafi;mentary na-
ture of Coleridge. "
"Oh, Beulah! what a humiliating theory !
The poet placed on an ignominious level with
thenervous hypochondriac ! You are the very
last person I should suppose guilty of enter-
taining such a degraded estimate of human
powers, "interposed Clara, energetically.
"I know it is customary to rave about
Muses, and Parnassus, and Helicon, and to
throw the charitable mantle of ' ncttln
idiosyncrasies' cer all those dark spots on
poetic discs. All conceivable and incon-
ceivable eccentricities are pardoned, as the
usual concomitants of genius ; but looking
iato the home lives of many of the most dis-
tinguished poets, I have been painfully im-
pressed with the truth of my very unpoetic
'' theory, Common sense has arraigned before
^her august tribunal some of the aocalled
• geniuses ' of past ages, and the critical ver-
dicjk'is, that much of the famous ' fine frenzy,'
8 bona fi(fe frenzy of a sadder nature. "
" Do you think that Sappho's frenzy was
tablisbed by the Leucadian leap ? "
" You confound the poetess with a Sappho
who lived later, and threw herself into the
■ea from the promontory of Leuoate. Doubt-
less she too had ' poetic idiosynorasiea ; ' but
her spotless life, and 1 believe natural death,
afford no indication of an uusound intellect.
It is rather immaterial, however, to "
Beulah paused abruptly, as a servant entered
and approached the table, .raying ;
'' Miss Clara.Dr. Ilartwell is in the parlour,,
and wishes to sea you."
"To 8«e mel" repeated Clara, in snr-
priae, while a ro£y tinge stole into her' wan
iaoa; "to we m»t No I It muat b« you,
Beulah." ^
^ esta
"He said Miss Sanders," persisted the'
servant, and Clara left the room.
Beulah looked after her, with an expres-
sion of some surprise ; then continued pen-
cijling the chords of Sappho's lyre. A few
minutes elapsed, and Clara returned with
flushed cheeks, and a smile of trembling
joyousness.
"Beulah, do pin my mantle on straight.
I am in such a hurry. Only think how kind
Dr. Hartwell is ; he has come to take me out
to ride ; says I look too pale, and he thinks
a ride will benefit me. That will do, thank
you."
She turned away, but Beulah rose, and
called out : .
" Come back here, and get my velvet man^
tie. It is quite cool, and it will
be a marvellous piece of manage-
ment to ride out for your health,
and come home with a cold. What 1 no
gloves either 1 Upon iny word, your
thoughts must be travelling over the bridge,
Shinevad."
" Sure efaough ; I had forgotten my gloves;
I will get them as I go down. Good bye. "^
With the mantle on her arm, she hurried
away.
Beulah laid aside her drawing materials,
and prepared for her customary evening walk.
Her countenance was clouded, her lip un-
steady. Her guardian's studied coldness
and avoidance pained her, but it was not
this which saddened her now. She felt that
Clara was staking the happiness of her life
on the dim hope that her attachment would
be returned. She pitied the delusion, and
dreadtid the awakening to a true insight in-
tc* his nature ; to a consciousness of the utter
uncongeniality which, she fancied, barred
all thought of such a union. As she walked
on, these reflections gave place to others en-
tirely removed from Clara and her guardian ;
and on reaching the grove of pines, opposite
the Asylum, where she had so often wander-
ed in days gone by, she passed slowly up
and down the "arched aisles," as she wa«
wont to term them. It was a genuine Oc-
tober afternoon, cool and sunny. The de-
licious haze of Indian summer wrapped every
distant object in its soft, purple veil ; the
dim vistas of the foresteuded in misty depths;
the very air, in its dreamy laagour, re-
sembled the atmosphere which surrounded
•• The mild-eyed, melancholy lotus-eaters"
of the far East, Through the openings, p&le,
golden poplars shook down their dying
icsavt)8, Aiv! iivtc tud tiitire alou|,; llie ravine,
crimson maples glaamed against the back-
ground of dark green pines. In every direc-
tion, bright-coloured leaves, painted with
*'auiumual hectic," strewed the bier of th»
BEULAH.
U
persisted the
3m.
ith an expres-
continued pen-
1 lyre. A few
returned with
of trembling
le on straight.
;hink how kind
to take me unt
and he thinks
will do, thank
ilah rose, and
my velvet man^
and it will
of manage-
your health,
. What 1 no
word, your
ver the bridge,
;ten my gloves;
I. Goocl 'bye. "
1, she hurried
ing materials,
r evening walk.
, her lip un-
Jied coldness
it it was not
She felt that
IBS of her life
ihment would
delusion, and
'ue insight in-
338 of the utter
iucied, barred
\.s she walked
e to others en-
her guardian ;
[>iue8, opposite
often wander-
sed slowly up
" as she waa
\ genuine Oc-
my. The de-
wrapped every
pie veil ; the
1 misty depths;
■ langour, re-
surrounded
lotus-eaterB*
>pening8, pfele,
their dying
i|,; liic rsviue,
ist the baok-
n every direo-
painted witk
le bier of the
I
4
declining year. Beulah sat down on a tuft
of moss, and gathered clusters of golden-rod
and purple and white asters. She loved
those wild wood-flowers much more than
faudy exotics or rare hot-house plants,
hey linked her with the days of her
childhood, and now each graceful spray
of golden-rod seemed & wand of memory,
calling up bygone joys, griefs and fancies.
Ah, whst a hallowing glory invests our past,
beckoninc us back to the haunts of the olden
time 1 The paths our childish feet trod seem
all angel-guarded and thornless ; the songs
we sang then sweep the harp of memory,
making nm.gical melody ; the words careless-
ily spoken, now breathe a solemn,my8teriou8
import ; and the faces that early went down
to tho tomb, smile on us still with unchang-
ed tenderness. Aye, the past, the long
past, is all fairy-land. Where our little feet
.were bruised, we now see only springing
flowers ; where childish lips drank from
some Marah, verdure and garlands woo us
iback. Over the rustling leaves a tiny form
glided to Beulah's side ; a pure infantine face
with golden curls looked up at her, and a
lisping voice* of unearthly iweetness whis-
pered in the autumn air. Here she had
often brought Lilly, and filled her baby
fingers with asters and golden-rod ; and
gathered bright scarlet leaves to please her
childish fancy. Bitter waves had broken over
hei head since then ; shadows had gathered
about her Leart. Oh, how far off were the
early years ! How changed she was I how
diflerent life and the world seemed to her
now ! The flowery meadows were behind
her, with tho vestibule of girlhood, and now
she was a woman, with no ties to link her
with any human being ; alone, and depend-
ent on herself. Verily, she might have ex-
claimed.in the mourntnl words of Lamb:
all are crone, the old familiar faces.
She sat looking at the wild flowers in her
hand ; a sad, dreamy light tilled the clear
grey eyes, and now and then her brow was
ploughed by st -le troubled thought. The
countenance told of a mind perplexed and
questioning. The "cloud no bigger than a
inau'B hand," bad crept up from the horizon
of faith, and now darkened her sky ; but
she would not see the eathering gloom; shut
her eyes resolutely to the coming storm. As
the oool October wind stirred the leaves at
her f«et, and the scarlvt and gold cloud-
dakes faded in the west, she rose and
walked slowly homeward, She was too
lucspjy pouGei'iii^ ixn'i specuirttiive doublb
toMotJoeDr. IlftrtwoH's bu|jgy whirling along
.the street ; did not see his head extended,
land bit cold, searcbine; ({lance; and of course
lie belie vi)d tho blinanesa mtentiona!, and
credited it to pique or anger. On reaching
home, she endeavoured by singing a favourite
hymn to divert the current of her thoughts,
but the shadows were growing tenacious, and
would not be banished so easily. " If a man
die shall he live again ?" seemed echoing on
the autumn wind. She took up her Bible
and read several chapters, which she fancied
would uncloud her mind ; but in vain. Rest-
lessly she began to pace the floor ; the lamp-
light gleamed on a pale, troubled face. After
a tim.e the door opened, and Clara came in.
She took a seat without s])eakiug, fur she had
learned to read Beulah's countenance, and
saw at a glance that she was abstracted and
in no mood for conversation. When the tea-
bell rang, Beulah stopped suddenly in the
middle of the room.
" What is the matter?" asked Clara.
" I feel as if I needed a cup of coffee, that
is all. Will you join me T"
" No ; and if you take it you will not b«
able to close your eyes."
" Did you have a pleasant ride?" said
Beulah, laying her hand on her companion'B
shoulder, and looking gravely down into the
sweet face, which wore an expression she had
never seen there before.
"Oh, I shall nevurforget it— never 1" mur-
mured Clara.
" I am glad you enjoyed it ; very glad. I
wish the colour would come back to your
cheeks. Riding is better for you now than
walking." She stooped down and pressed her
lips to the wan cheek as she spoke.
" Did you walk this evening after I left
you ?"
"Yes."
" What makes you look so grave?"
"A great many causes — you among the
number."
" What have I done ?"
" Y ju are not so strong as I should like to
see you. You have a sort of spiritual look
that I don't at all fauoy."
" I daresay I shall soon be well agun."
This was said with an effort, and a sigh
quickly followed.
Beulah ram? the bell for a cup of coffee,
and taking a book, drew her chair near the
l»mp.
" What I studying already !" cried Clara,
impatiently.
' ' And why not ? Life is short at best,
and rarely allows^ time to master all depart-
ments of knowledge. Why should I not seiae
every spare moment ?"
" Oh, Beulah 1 though you are so much
j'O'uijgei'iyuu awe lue. i toid yuurguardiuiitiO-
day tha- you were studying yourself into &
mere shadow. He smiled, and said you were
too wilful to be advised. You talk to me shout
not looking well 1 You never have h*d any
86
BEULAH.
?,J"!
eolour and lately you have grown very thin
and hollow-eyed. I H.ked the doctor if he
did not think you were looking ill, and he
said that you had changed very much mnce
the summer. Beulah. for my sake, please
dont pore over your books so incessantly."
u^^ ^^'J'"*', « hand, gently, in both hers.
Want of colour ia as constitutional with
me as the sha^e of my nose. I have always
been pale, and stu.ly has no connection with
«ounf" ^"""^^^ perfectly easy on my ac-
.Jl^""' •"!;■' ^?'y '?''""'• *" yo""- guardian
«ays, cried Clara, impatiently.
" YeM, that is like my sallow complexion
7-consi,tiitiona]," answered Beukh, laurh-
Tl'kl *''^°'°*^ * ''*'^"™« ""^ Carlyle as she
" Oil Beulah. I don't know what will be-
come of you 1" Tearsspranginto Clara's eyes.
•«„^^i T ** *" «neasy, my dfar, dove
•yed Clara. I can take care of myself."
CHAPTER XIX
It was the middle of November, and absen-
tees, who had spent their summer at the
North, were all at home again. Among
these were Mrs. Asbury and her two daugh-
ters ; and only a few days after their return,
they called to see Beulah. She found them
polished, cultivated, and aereeable ; and
when, at parting, the mother "kindly pressed
her hand, and cordially invited her to visit
them often and sociably, she felt irresistibly
drawn toward her, and promised to do so.
^re long there came a friendly note, re-
questing her to spend the evening with them ;
and thus, before she had known them many
weeks, Beulah found herself established on
the farmhar footing of an oM friend. Uni-
versally esteemed and respet.'ted, Dr As-
bury s society was sought by the most refin-
ed circle of the city, uid his house was a
^ivounte resort for the intellectual men and
women of the community. Occupying an
enviable position in l.ia profession, he still
loin ,1 leisure to devote much of his attention
|o strictly literary topics, and the honest
\ £«n^"f ' -T'}, <=.0'''""li''y of his manners,
i blended with the instructive tone of his con-
rtr* a"?' '■^"^^ere.l him a general favourite
JL^j;^sbury merited the elc.ate.l ,>n.s,tion
Which she so ably lille.l, as the wife !.f .udi
a maa While due attention was L'iven to
the education and rearing of her daughters,
s e admirably discharged the claims of socie:
tj.andby a consistent adherence to the
ihl'r^"l.°t..*j! '-"«-" .«'- professed! I
K... _, c.^Ty riicans wilhui iier power
the fnvolous excesses and dangerousextremes
w I h {.revailed throughout the fashionable
«"cle8 in which she moved. Zealously, yet
nostentatiously, she exerted herself in ba-
half of the various charitable institutiimsor-
ganized to ameliorate the sufferings of the
poor in their midst ; and while, as a Chris-
tian, she conformed to the outward obser-
vances of her church, she faithfully incul-
cated and practised at home the pure pre-
cepta of a religion, whose .effects should be
the proper regulation of the heart, and cha-
noUCT^ th« world Her pariours were
not the favourite rendevous where gossins
met to retail slander. Refined. digS?
gentle and hospitable, she was a ;.oman toi
rarely, alas 1 met with in e.> called fashion-
able circles. Her husband', reputation secur-
ed them the acquaintance of all distinginsh-
ed strangers and made their house a great
centre of attraction Beulah fully enjoyed
•nd appreciated the friendship thus tendered
her. and soon looked upon Dr. Asbury and
his noble wife as counsellors, to whom in any
emergency she could unhesitatingly apply.
They based their position in society on their
^.\r'^^'. "?* ^^^ extrinsic appendages of
wealth and fashion and readily ucknowledg-
ed the claims of all who (however humbfe
their abode or avocation) proved themselves
worthy of respect and esteem. In their
was an utter absence of that contemptible
supercilious condescension v, hich always char-
acterizes an Ignorant i^nd parvenu aristocracy.
They treated her as^ an equal in intrinsic
worth, and prized her as a friend. Helen
Asbury was older than Beulah, and Georgi*
somewhat younger. They were sweet tern-
pered gayguls, lacking their parents' intel-
lectual traits, but sufhciently well-informed
and cultivated to constitute them agareeable
companions. Of their father', f^tensive
library, they expressed themsdves rather
atraid, and frequently bantered Beulahabout
the grave books she often selected from it.
™ ', ''""i:^^"■f''°°^•'"*^^« ^"'•Jess irk-
some than she ha<i expected, for she loved
children, and soon became interested in the
indiv.du.'il members of her classes. From
eight o clock until three she was closely oc-
cupied; and then the labours of the day were
over an.l she spent her evenings much as she
had been wont, ere the opening of the session
rhus November glided quickly away and
the hist of December greeted her J^ she
dreamed of its approach. The Graha-i^s
Had not returned, though daily ex-
•>ected , an. notwithstanding two months
had elapse,! without Eugene's writ-
mg, siie looked forward with intense plea-
sure to hiaexnijctpil arrival. Th."!.-' --va- ••• -
source ot constant pain for her in Dr? Hart'^"
wells continued .in,l comjlete e.^tran-rrment.
l.xceptaoohl,forinai i«.w, in p.issiug. there
was no intercourse whatever ; and she aor-
J!^-"^S!mSoaim
BEULAFf.
heisulf in b»-
inatitutiiusor-
utferiiiga of the
ile, aa a Chrii*
uutward obser-
tithfuUy incul-
J the pure pre-
ecta should be
leart, and cha-
f parlourB were
where gossips
ined, dignified,
'S a woman too
called fashion-
putation secur-
all disting-iiish-
houae a great
fully enjoyed
> thua tendered
)r. Aabury and
whom in any
Jatingly apply,
ociety on their
appendages of
lyackuowledg.
wever humble
red themselves
«in. In their
teacher, there
contemptible
:h always ehar-
1M aristocracy.
1 in intrinsic
riend. Helen
1, and Georgi*
re sweet tem-
parents' inteU
well-iuformed
em aggreeable
'f'ti extensive
isdves rather
I Beulah about
ected from it.
far less irk-
or she loved
rested in the
lasses. From
'as closely oc-
the day were
8 much as she
of the session,
y away, and
I ber ere she
he Grahams
flaily ex-
two months
ene's writ-
intense plea-
he so was oiia
u Dr. Hart-
straii<.'f;ment.
liissiutr, there
iud she Bor-
U\
rowed bitterly over this seeming indifference
m one to whom she oN«-i-„r much and wa^
so warmly attached. Hlelnotely connected
tra3.nL r*- ^^ »"'y suddenly
transp anted to some arid spot, she had
SFe 'but?' "'r '"^ r-kof her' rid*;'
UtnUe, but liopeless and depressed she
went, day after day, to her duties at Madame
St. Cymon s school, and returned at njht
wear.e.l sdent and wan. Her step S
more feeble,her face thinner and paler Often
fplj . '^^ T"g8 to entertaining and in-
teresting her ; but Uiere was a constra t
r^emo'^d"'"'""*'^' "^^'^^ oould'not I
One evening, on returning from a walk
with Jelen Asbury, Beulaf ran into her
!"f,':' !,':;r *'*K* <=^"«'« of flower" Clkra
.nf r„ fi c "'"'"Ciuscer ot Howers. Cat a lu.r h(,-,rt a, i ." """',i seemed to clutc
sat by the fire, with a piece of needle-work hJ [ ' "' 'J^,^'" * ^luidder orept ov(
lu her band; she looked listless ^d sad ^'f.' T '"^''''*'^"^ '"^^^'f l^^sideher, ^1^.
Beill'Xl' ?^ '""i'^^" 'i«tless and sad.
chrisauthemums in her lap, and stoonim/
down, kissed her warmly, saying: ^^
How isyour troublesome head ? Here
IS a flowery cure for you. "
w3^l-?'^'^°^?""*'"^''« quite so badly.
\\ here did you find these beautiful chry-
santhemums?' answered Clara, languidly.
I stopped to get a piece of nmaic from
t >'m' "'"^ ^^^«"' '^ut them for me
what blessed things flowers are ! They have
been well styled, 'God's nnder-tones of en
couragement to the chiklren of earth "'
herfinrr«'**pf''«?",*^« ^^^'^^' ^-'^'•"""g
tier fingers. Clara looked up at the dark
clear eyesanddehoatc fixed IJpa before her'
thLltf '"7?i""t'^."^y- Be^ulah knelt on
the carpet, and throwing one arm around her
companion, said, earnestly :
T.;!*^ "iear Clara, what maddens you to-
night? Can't you tell me »"
«1»^«?r ^''l'^ ^* the door gave no time for
.. f ^ t^' ^ "ervant looked in.
la Miss Beulah Benton here? There is
B*alahstil! knelt on the Boor, and held
out x*r h*nd indifferently. The card was
given au,. she sprang up with a cry of joy.
Oil, It IS Eu^'die ! ' J J J
At the door of the parlour she paused, and
heart A tal form stood before the grate
andaKluiice discovered to her a dark mous-
tache ana Heavy beard ; still it must be
Jbu^ene.^and extending her arms unconsci-
^'J Eugene 1 Eugene I have you come at
Hestarted looked up, anrl hastened to-
waidher. Her arms suddenly dropj.ed to
87
her side, and only th^ir hands met in a~th^
tight claHp Fo, a moment, they Led Ti
^tihUmVr ',■'""■'• ''•i^ '^"'"'^ ^he'cha'ng:i
slowly: '^ '"■""*5^''- ■»*'«" tie said!
'• 1 should nor. have known you Beulah
You have alter, d surprisingly.^ His ev's
wandered wondeiiiiclv ov. ••»,.. f * ^
She was pale and br^YhC her 'ipf rem'
Wed vu.lei.tiy.and there wa. a st ai^e Sn
in he. largo, eager eyes. She did not feuly
some faei ^''Th':^ "^ '""'T'' ''^'° ^'^ h'^^^'
Et^es|$;JuJ;-j^t^^w.
axed their elasp of bi.. and she satlown on
f fvM "'^';- .^*' • ^''' v^-inanly intuhions
wafnf lL?.!er'ir'^''^^ '^'''■' '"'^' her tha i;
rvoedlv^ V'''^"f"^«hehad loved so
cvotedly. All iron hand seemed to cluteli
her heart, an,! aga n a .luidder crept "ve
T , "coiueut!!, SaVIIlt' •
lam very nauli pained to find ^ou here '
I am just from Dr. Hartwell's, where I ex'-
pected to see you." ""cio x ex-
He paused, for something about her face
rat-'er disconcerted him, and he! took her
hand again in his. '^ "'='
" How could you expect to find me there
after reading my last letter ' " '
tH-e'vItft" v,^;';"l *'""' ^'T «"''^' «^"«« «-o"id
step." '""'*'' '"''' ""'' extraordinary
&iie smiled, icily, and answered :
.V.Mii '* .^° ertiaordinary, then, that I
should desire to maintain my self-respect ? ''
remiinjr'" °"* ''^^*' '^''^'^ compromised by
remaining where you were."
" I should scorn myself,' were I willing to
Eugene if 1 prefer to teach, for a support
w hy should you object ? " ""pporc,
•'Simply because you are unnecessarily
lowering yourself in the estimation of the
community. You will find that the circle
which a residence under Dr. Hartwell's roof
S-Jfyorx the entree of, will look down wUl
TubftUn-V"'"^^'"'^**^ *-^^- - ^
'• Then, thank Heaven. lam for ever shut
2 °K \^."* '""^^^ ' ^« "-y "nerit to be
gauged by the cost of my clothes, or the
number of fashionable parties I attend, think
'= Assuredly, Beulah, the things you value
«o ightly are the standards of worth anl
gentility ,n the community you live in as
you will UMfortunately find.'' '
She looked at him steadily, with grief aL.l
i
BEULAH.
wonder in her drep, aearching
' as she exclaimed :
Eugene ! what has o)ianged yon so,
since the by. o:ie years, when, in the Asylum,
we talked of the future — of labouring, con-
quering, and earning homes for ourselves ?
Oh, has the foul atmosphere of foreign lauds
extinguished all your self-respect ? Do you
come back sordid and sycophantic, and the
slave of opinions you would once have utter-
ly detested? Have you nan owed your
soul, and bowed down before the miserable
standard which every genuine, manly si)irit
must loathe ? Oh ! has it come to this ? Has
it come to thii ? " Her voice was broken
and bitter, scalding tears of shame and grief
gushed over hor cheeks.
" This fierue recrimination and unmerited
tirade is not exactly the welcome I was pre-
pared to expect," returned Eugene, haughti-
ly ; and rising, he took his hat from the ta-
ble. She rose also, but made no effort to
detain him, and leaned her head against the
mantelpiece. He watched her a momeut,
then approached, and put his hand on her
shoulder :
" Beulah, as a man. I see the world and
its relations in a far different light from tSiat
in which I viewed it when a boy."
" It is utterly superHuous to tell me so ! "
replied Beulah, bitterly.
"I grapple with realities now, and am
forced to admit the expediency of prudent
policy. You refuse to see things in their
actual existence, and prefer toying with ro-
mantic dreams. Beulah, I have awakened
from these since we parted. "
She put up h«r hand deprecatingly, and
answered :
"Then let me dream on! let me dream
on!"
" Beulah, I have been sadly mistak-
en in my estimate of your cha-
racter. I could not have believed
there was so much tierce obstinacy, so much
stubborn pride, in your nature. "
She instantly lifted her head, and their
eyes met. Other days came back to botli ;
early confidence, mutual love and dejiend-
ence. For a moment his nobler impulse.^
prevailed, and wifcli an unsteady lip, Ikj
passed his arm around hor. But she drew
coldly back, and said :
" It seems we are mutually disappointod
in each other. I regret that the ili,'cli!irs.fo.
of my duty sliouM so far conflict witli your i
opinions and standard of i^'opriety as ti
iipleteij
SctrtilS
iiLciy
to do. All my life I have Ujoked to you for
guidance and couuael ; but to-night y.ui liave
■hakeu my trust, aud heucefortli I must de-
pend upon my owu heart to support me in
my work. Oh, liugeue I friend of my cluld-
hood ! beware, lest you sink yourself in your
own estimation 1 Oh, for days, and months,
and years, I have pictured the hour of your
return, little dreaming that it would prove
one of the saddest of my life ! I have always
looked up to you. Oh, Eugene I Eugene 1
you are not what you were I Do nob ! oh,
do not make me pity you ! That would kill
me I " She covered her face with her hands,
and shuddered convulsively.
" I am not so changed as you think rae,"
returned Eugene, proudly,
" Then, in early years, I was miserably
deceived in your character. For the sake of
wealth, and what the world calls ' position,'
you have sold yourself. In lieu of his gold and
influence, Mr. Grsham has your will, your
conscience. Ah, Eugene I how can you bear
to be a meie tool in his hands ? "
" Beulah, yoar language, your insinuations
are unpardonable ! By Heaven, no one but
yourself might utter them, aud not even you
can do so with impunity ! If yon choose to
sutfer your foolish pride and childisli whims
to debar j'ou from the enviable position in
society which Dr. Hartwell would gladly
confer on you, why, you have only yourself
to censure. But my situation in Mr. Gra-
ham's family has long been established. He
has ever rei^arded me as his son, treated me
as such, and as such I feel bound to be
guided by him in the choice of a profession.
Beulah, I have loved you well, but such ano-
ther exhibition of scorn aud bitterness will
indeed alienate ue. Since you have set aside
my views and counsel, in the matter of
teaching, I shall not again refer to it, I pro-
mise you. I have no longer the wish to con-
trol your actions even had ' the power.
But, remember, since the hour you stood be-
side your father's grave, leauiuK on me, I
have been constantly your friend. My ex-
postulations were for what I considered your
good. Beulah, I am still, to you, the Eu-
gene of other days. It will be your own
fault if our friendship is not maintained."
"It shall not be my fault, Eugene." She
hastih' held out her hand. He clasped it in
his, as if dismissing the topics which had
proved so stormy, drew her to a seat, aud
said composedly :
" Come, tJell me what you have been do-
ing with yourself these long tive years,
which have ohanged you so. I have heard
already of your heroism in nursing the sick,
ilriti!i<^ the late awi'ul season of pestilence
and death."
tiiemes, i,Sich feeling that tiie other was veil-
ing tiia true impulses of the heart, and final-
ly Euyeue lose to go.
" How is CorLU'lia's health now?" asked
Beulah, as they stood up U-fore the tire.
hEULAH.
8S
ou think me,"
" About the same. She never ooniplains,
bnt does not look like herself. Apropos,
ahe entrusted a note to nie, for you, and I
had nearly forgotten. Here it is. Miss
Dupres is with her for the winter ; at least
a part of it. Cornelia will come and tee you
in a day or two, she requested me to say ;
and I do hope, Beulah, that you will visit
her often ; she has taken a great fancy to
you."
"How lont; since!" answered Beulah,
with an incredulous smile.
" Since she met you at a concert, I believe.
By the way, we are very musical at our
house, and promise ourselves some delightful
erenings this winter. You must hear An-
toinette Dupres sing ; she is equal to the
best nrima donna of Italy. Do you practise
much?"
"Yes."
" Well, I must go. When shall I see you
•gain?"
" Whenever you feel disposed to come,
and I hope that will be often. Eugene, you
were a poor correspondent ; see ithat you
prove a better visitor."
" Yes, I will. I have a thousand things
to say, but scarcely know where to com-
mence. Yon are always at home in tlie
evening, I suppose ? "
" Ves. except occasionally when I am with
the Asburys. "
" Do you see much of them ?"
' ' Yes, a good deal. "
" I am glad to hear it ; they move in the
•very fii^t circle. Now, Beulah, don't be
offeinj'ed if I ask what is the matter with
Hartwell ? How did you displease
" Just as I displeased you ; by deciding
'to teach. Eugene, it pains me very much
that he should treat me as he does, hut it
is utterly out of my power to rectify the
«viL'*
"He told me that he knew nothing of
your movements or plans. 1 wish, for your
sake, you would be reconciled."
"We will be some day. I must w«t
patiently," said she, with a sigh.
"Beulah, 1 don't like that troubled look
about your mouth. What is the matter?
C»n I in any way remove it ? Is it connected
with me, even remotely ? My dear Beulah,
do not shrink from me."
" Nothing is the matter that you can rec-
tify," said she, gravely.
"Something is the matter, then, which I
mnv ' •* 'ninv."
'•Ye*"
" All. I yuii will not trust me ?"
" It is not a question of trust, Eugene."
" You think 1 cannot help you V'
"You cannot help me, I am sure."
"Well, I will see you again to-morrow
till then good-bye."
They shook hands, and she went back ti
her own room. Cornelia's note contained an
invitation to spend tlie next evening with
tliem ; she would call as fcoun as possible.
She put it aside, and throwing her arms on
the mantelpiece, bowed her hea I upon tliem.
This, then, was the hour which, for five
years, she had anticipated as an occasion of
unmixed delight. She was not weeping ;
no, the eyes were dry, and the lips firmly
fixed. She was thinking of the handsome
face which a little while before was besiUe
her ; thinking, with keen agony, of foot-
pi ints there which she had never dreamed
of seeing ; they were very slight, yet unmis-
takable — the fell signet of dissipation.
Above all, she read it in the eyes, which
once looked so fearlessly into hers. She
knew he did not imagine, for an instant,
that she suspected it ; and of all the bitter
cups which eighteen years had proBered,
this was by far the blackest. It was like
a hideous dream, and slie groaned, and
passed her hand over her brow, as if to
sweep it all away. Poor BeuJah I the idol
of her childhood fell from its pedestal, and
lay in crumbling ruins at her feet. In this
hour of reunion, she saw clearly into her
own heart ; she did not love him, save as a
friend, as a brother. She was forcel to
perceive herown supi'iiority ; could she love
a man whom she did uoi, revere ? Verily,
she felt now that she did not love Eugene.
Thoro was a feeling of contempt for his
we,vkne«i3, yet she could not bear lo see him
other than she had lio^/ed. How utterly lio
had disappointed hur ! Cuuld it be posiihle
that he had fallen so low .is to dis<si|p i',-
habitually? This she would ni)t belii;.. ;
he was still too noble tor such a disgi.i. '■-
ful course. She felt a. soft touch on Ims-
shoulder, and raised her sat' tearless iaci-.
Clara, with her etheio.il, spiritual counte-
nance, stood ou the hearth: "Do I disturb
you ?" said she, timidly.
" No ; I am glad you came. I was listt'n-
ing to cold, bitter, bitter thoughts. Sit
down, Clara ; you look fatigued. "
"Oh, Beulah! I am weary in body and
spirit ; I have no energy j my very exist-
ence is a but den to me."
" Claia, it is weak to talk so. Kouse
yourself, and fulfil the destiny for which
you wr 1ft 01 i^fld."
" I have i:-r destiny, but thut of iduclincb-s
and miseiy,"
"Our siiaahions are similar, yet I nevtir
repine as j lu ilo. "
" You have not the same cause. You are
self-reliant i need no sooietv to oonduon to
ill
m
BKULAH.
lU
yofir happii,cs;i ; your liuart is bound up
viiir I Odks. " *^
• Where yours had better have be'ii,"
ruswere.l Ikulah. Hhe walked across the
iluif several tunes, then sai.l inipreasively.
H^ iho tliiew her arm round Clara's waist •
•(.Vusli It: crush it, if you crush your
I e.irt in the effort. " '' •'
A mo u. escaped Clara's lips, and she hid
!.' r face against her friend's shoulder.
" 1 have known it since the night of your
.jr.andlather'8 death. If you Mant to be
iiappy and useful, onuh it out of your heart."
' 1 have tried, and cannot."
"Oh ! but you can. I tell you there is
nothing a woman cannot do, provided sho
puts on the armour of duty, and unsheaths
tiie sword of a stronjj, unbending will. Of
coui'se, you can do it, if you will "
"Wait till you feel as I do, Beukh. and
It will not seem so light a task."
"That will never happen. If I live till
the next geological period, I never shall love
anybody as insanely as you love. Why,
<.iara don t you see that you are wrecking
.your happiness? What Strang* -"fatuation
lias seized you?" ** '•vu»"ou
"Ilcnow nowthatitispem iv hot^eless."
said Clara calmly. ' i '"'"».
'■^ Vou mi^rht haveknowii xth-.mx .hafirst.'
iNo ; It 18 but recently that thu barrier
nas risen.
;; What barrier?" asked Beulah, curiously.
For Heaven s sake, Beulah, do not mock
me I You know too wed what separates
" Yes ; utter uncongeniality. "'
Clara raised her head, looked into
honest face before her, and answered :
.r,».;fK- I ^*r« »". i could yet hope to
merit his love ; but you know that is not so.
s^ow"" ^^ ^"^ "° ^°^^ *° ^'
Beulah's face seemed instantly steeled A
greyish hue crept over it ; and drawing her
v!>i t'^^u"?*"',*^ ^"" h^'^fht, she replied,
with haughty coldness • '^
jec'tu^e!"* '^^ ^°'' '"'*° • ^ °" ""'y ~°-
" Beulah, yon know he loves yon," cried
^!% ^ o * »*'"»ngely quiet sroile.
InnJ*^ Sapders never say that again as
loi^M you hve; for there is not a shadow
truth in it."
t^"^' ^ would not believe it tillit was
forced upon me. The heart bars itself a long
time to pamful truths! I have looked at
f„?' *°/ .wondered whether you could be
Ignorant of what I saw so cleariy. I believe
you are r.onest m what you say. I know
that yon are ; but it is nexTertheless true I
saw It the evening I went to ride. He ioves
you, whether you see it or not. And, tnore-
the
over, the worid hits begun to join your nam* •-
1 have htiard, more than once, that he
educated you with th*^ intention of marrying
you ; and recently ic h t been rumoured that
the marriage woul.l take place very soon.
l>o not bo hurt with me. Beulah I I think it
18 right that you should know all this."
" It is utterly false from beginning to end!
He never had such a thought I never ! neverl"
cried Beulah, striking her clenched hand
heavily on the table.
" VV hy, then, was ho so anxious to prevent
your teaching ?"
"Because lie is generous and kind, and
fancied it was a life of hardship, which I
could escape by accepting his offer to adopt
nie. \ ,nir supposition is perfectly ridiculous.
He 18 double my age. A stern, taciturn
man ; what could possibly attract him to one
wlioia he looks upon as a mere child ? And,
moreover, he is a worshipper of beauty J
Now, it is an indisputa'jle fact that I am
anything but a beauty 1 Oh, the idea is ab-
surd beyoml all degree. Never mention it
to me again. I tell you solemnly, Clara,
your jealous fancy has run away with your
common sense. "
A sad, incredulous smile flitted over Clara's
face, but she made no reply.
"Clara, rouse yourself from this weak
dream. Oh, where is your pride— your wo-
manly pride— your self-respect ? Is your life
to be aimless and dreary because ot an un-
requited attachment? Shake it offl Rise
ahove It! Destroy it! Oh, it makes the
blood tingle m my veins to think of your
wasting your energies ami b()pe8 in love for
ou« who is so utterly indifferent to 'you
Much as I love you, Clara, had I the
power to make you his wife to-morrow, I
would rather see you borne to your grave.
You know nothing of his fitful, moody na-
ture—his tyrannical will. You could not be
happy with him ; you would see how utterly
unsuited you are."
"Are you acquainted with the ciroum-
•tanoesof his early life and ill-fated mar-
riage ? " asked Clara, in a low, passionless
tone.
" No ; he never alluded to his marriage in
any way. Long as I have lived in his house,
there was no mention of his wife's name, and
I{should never have known of his mairiag*
but from his sister,"
" It was a most unhappy marriage," said
Clara, musingly.
"So I conjectured, from his studious
avoidance of all allusion to it."
"His wife was very, very Vieftntiful ; I
saw her once when 1 was a child,' contianed
Clara.
" Of course she must have been, for ha
could no: love one who was not."
BEULAH.
01
9U8 to prevent
1 over Clara's
" She lived but a few months, yet even in
that short time they had become utter ly eg-
trauKed, aud she died of a broken heart.
There is aome mystery connected with it •
they were separated. " '
"Separated!" cried Beulah, in amaze-
meiit.
" Yea, separated ; she died in New Orleau*.
I believe."
I ^ " And yet you profeas to love him I \
[ ( V man who broke his wife's heart," laid Beu-
lah, with a touch of scorn.
"No : you do his noble nature injustice.
He IB incapable of such a cours- Even a
censorious world acquitted him ' unkind-
ness. "
" And heaped contumely on the unhanpy
victim, eh ? " rejoined Beulah.
"Her conduct was not irreproachable, it
has been whispered."
" Aye, whispered by slanderous tongues !
Not openly avowed, to admit of denial aud
refutation ! I wonder the curse of Gomor-
rah does not descend ou this gossipinK, libel-
lous community."
"No one seems to know anything definite
•bout the affair, thonaflpi I have often heard it
commented upon and wondered over. "
" Clara, let it be buried henceforth. Nei-
ther you nor I have any right to discuss and
censure what neither of us knows anythiug
about. Dr. Hartwell has been my best aud
truest friend. I love and honour liim ; his
faults are his own, and only his Maker has
lithe right to balance his actions. Once for
all, let the subject drop." Beulah compressed
her lips with an expression which her com-
panion very well understood. Soon after the
latter withdrew, etBdMniug her arms on the
table near her, Uenlali sank into a reverie
which was far from pleasant. Dismissing the
unsatisfactory theme of lier guardian's
idiosyncrasies, her thoughts immediately re-
verted to Eugene, and the revolution which
hve years had effected in hi> character.
In the afternoon of the following day she
was engaged with her drawing, when a suc-
cession of (juigky raps at her door forced an
impatient " Come in " from her lips. The
door opened, and she rose involuntarily as
the queenly form of Cornelia Graham stood
oefore her. With a filow, stately tread, she
approacho.l, and e.xteading' her hand, said
unconceniedly:
"I iiave waived ceremony, you see, and
came up to your room. "
"How are you?" said Beulah, as thev
shook hands and seated thcinsolvcs.
"Ju3ta= lijual. How did you contrive to i
escape the i^latne?" |
" By resolving not to have it, I believe." !
II You have a wan, sicMy l(,.,k. I think." :
bo have you, 1 am siu.o. 1 hoped that
you would come home strong bim! welj."
Beulah noted, with a fueling o?comp«N(.i(,o,
the thin, hollow cheeks, and sunken, sit
burning ey. 8 before h<r, Cornelio bit iur
lip, and asked, hanjihfily;
" Who told YOU that I was not well ?"
" Your countenance would tell me, if I
had nevMheard it from otheu," replied Beu-
lah, yiijfi an instantaneous recollection of
her tuifiidan's «n
'id you re. note yesterday ?"
es. I am « I by your invitation,
ut call not act'ejit it."
"«i 1 supposed, and, therefore, oatne to
make sure of you. You are too proud to
"•roe, until all the family call upon you, eh?"
"No ; only people who coiiHidir ihiingelven
inferior, are on the watch for slights, and
scrujiulously exact the minuteHt rerarire-
tpents of etiquette. On the plane of equality,
tlitse harriers melt away."
As Beulah sptike, she looked steadily into
the searching black eyes, which seemed
striving to read her soul. An expression of
pleasure lighted the sallow face, and the
ha<yghtjr lines about the beautiful mouth
melted into a hali jmile.
"Then you lia\ c not forgiven niv rudeness
durinc early school. days ?"
" I had nothing to forgive. I had forgot-
ten theaftair until you Kpoke."
" Then why will you not come?"
"For reasons which would uot be rt moved
by a recapitulation."
" And you positively will not comot"
" Not this evening Another time I cer-
tainly wdl come, with pleasure."
" Say to-morrow, then."
"Tomorrow I shall bo engaged."
" Where ? Excuse my pertinacity."
" At Dr. Asbury's ; I bnve promiKcd to
practise some duets with Helen."
"Do you play well, Beulah T Are you »
good musician ?"
"Yes."
Cornelia mused a moment, and then said
slowly, as if watching the effect of hei
question :
'• You have seen Eugene, of coucso ?"
"Hellas changed very much in his ap-
pearance, has he not ?"
" xMore than I was prepaiod to expect."
" He is to be a merchant, like my futlu r.'"
" Sohe wrote me,"
" You endeavoured to dissuade Iiini from
complying with my father's wishes, did you
not:'
" Y'es, most earnestly," answered Beulah,
gravely.
"Beulah Benton, I like you! Vou are
honest indeed. At last 1 tii.'d one why is.'
tfij
IMAGE EVALUATION
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Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4303
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92
BEULAH.
With a sudden impulao, she laid her white
jewelled haudon Beulah's.
"la honesty, or rather candour, so very
rare, Cornelia T"
" Come out from your ' loophole of re-
treat,' into the world, and you can easily
iiuswer your own question."
" You seem to have looked on human
nature through raisaiithropio lenses."
"Yes, 1 bought a pair of spectacles, for
which I paid a most exorbitant price ; but
they were labelled 'Experience 1' She smiled
frigidly.
" You do not seem to have enjoyed your
tour particularly."
" Yes, I did ; but one is glad to rest some-
times. I may yet ^)rove a second Bayard
Taylor, notwithstanding. I should like you
for a companion. You would not sicken me
with stereotyped nonsense. "
Her delicate fingers folded themselves
about Beulah's, who could not bring herself
to withdraw her hand,,
" And sure eno'igh, you would not be
adopted ? Do you mean to adhere to your
determination, and maintain yourself by
teaching ?"
"lUo."
"And I admire yon for it I Beulah, you
must get over your dislike to me. "
" I do not disliKe you, Cornelia."
" Thank you for your negative preference,"
returned Cornelia, rather amused at her
companion's straightforward manner. Then;'
with a sudden contraction of her brow, she
■added :
"I am not so bearish as they give me
oredit for."
"I never heard you calkdso."
"Ah? that is because you do not enter
the enchanted circle of ' our clique. * Dur-
ing morning calls, I am flattered, caioled,
and fawned upon. Their carriages are not
out of hearing before my friends and ad-
nairers, like hungry harpies, pounce upon my
character, manners and appearance, with
most laudable zest and activity. Wait till
you have been initiated into my coterie of
fashionable friends ! Why, the battle of
Marengo was a farce, in comparison with
the havoc they can effect in the space of a
morning, among the characters of their
select visiting list I What a precious age of
haokbiting we city belles live in." She
spoke with an air of intolerable scorn.
" As a prominent member of this circle,
why do you not attempt to rectify this
spreading evil ? You might effect lastintr
good. "
<<T.r» ^- IT 1 J.- J.'. XV -r*
. ™... ..,. liviuuico, liu lura tnc jrcnoas of
reform through the Augean realms of so-
-ciety," answered Cornelia, with an impatient
gesture j aud rising, she drew on her glo;e
Beulali looked up at her, and pitied the joy-
less, cynical nature, which gave an almost
repulsively auatere expression to the regular,
faultless features.
"Beulah, will you come on Saturday
morning, and spend an hour or so with me T '
" No, I have a music lesson to give; but
'f you will be at home in the afternoon, I
will come with pleasure."
"1 shall expect you, then. Yon wore
drawing when I came in ; are you fond of
it V' As she sp^jke she took up a piece
which was nearly completed.
" Yes, but you will find my sketches verv
crude." ^
" V(?ho taught you to draw !"
" 1 have had several teachers. All rather
indifferent, however."
"Where did you see a St. Cecilia? There
IS too much breadth of brow here," con-
tinued Cornelia, with a curious glance at
the young teacher.
"Yes ; I deviated from the original in-
tentionally. I copied it from a collection of
heads which Georgia Asbury brought from
the North,"
" 1 have a number of choice paintings,
which I selected in Europe. Any that you
may fancy are at your service for models. "
"Thank you. I shall be glad to avail
nivselfj^the privilege."
-bye. You will come Saturday T"
Yes ; if nothing occurs to prevent, I
come in the afternoon." BenUh pressed
her offered hand, and saw her descend the
steps with a feeling of pity, which she could
not exactly analyze. Passing by the win-
dow, she glanced down, and paused to look
at an elegant carriage standing before the
door. The day was cold, but the top was
thrown back, and on one of the cushions sat,
or rather reclined, a richly dressed and very
beautifnl girl. As Beulah leaned out to ex-
amine the lovely stranger more closely,
Cornelia appeared. The driver opened the
low door, and as Cornelia stepped in, the
young lady, who was Miss Dupres. of
course, ejaculated rather peevishly :
" You stayed an age."
"Drive down the Bay-road, Wilson," was
Cornelia's reply, and as she folded her rich
cloak about her, the carriage was whirled
away.
Beulah went back to the fire, warmed her
fingers and resumed her drawing ; thinking
that she would not willingly change places
with the petted child of wealth aud luxury,
CHAPTxiiR XXX.
It was a dreary Saturday afternoon, but
Beulah wrapped a warm shawl about her,
'-- set out to (jay the promised
pitied the joy-
ave au altnott
1 to the regular,
on Saturday
•r 80 with me T '
n to give ; but
;he afternoon, I
n. Yon wore
»re you fond of
>ok up a piece
sketches very
BEULAH.
03
All rather
Bcilia ? There
V here," con-
ous glance at
e original in>
a collection of
brought from
lice paintings.
Any that you
B for modelB. "
;lad to avail
5 Saturday V
3 prevent, I
eufah pressed
descend the
lich she could
jy the win-
aused to look
ig before the
the top was
cushions sat,
sed and very
sd out to ex-
lore closely,
opened the
pped in, the
Dupres. of
lyi
Vilson," was
ed her rich
vas whirled
warmed her
I ; thinking
lauge places
and luxury.
rnoon, bot
al'out her,
promised
visit. The air was damp and raw,
and leaden, marbled clouds hung low
in the sky. Mr. Graham's house was situated
in the fashionable part of the city, near Mr.
Grayson's residence, and as Beulah passed
the crouching lions, she quickened her steps
to escape tho painful reminiscsnces which
they recalled. In answer to her ring, the
servant ushered her'into the parlours, fur-
nished with almost oriental magnificence, and
was retiring, when she gave her name.
"You are Miss Benton, then. I have or-
derato show you up at once to Miss Cor-
noJna's room. She has seen no visitors to-
y. This way, miss, if you please."
He led the way up an easy, spiral flight
of steps, to the door of a room, which he
threw open. Cornelia was sitting in a large
cushioned chair by the fire, with a papier-
mache writing-desk beside her, covered with
letters. There was a bright fire in the grate,
and the ruddy liaze, togtsthcr with the reflec-
tion from the crimson damask curtains, gave
a dim, luxurious aspect to the chamber, which
in every respect betokened the fas-
tidious taste of a petted invalid. Clad in a
dark silk robe-de-chambre, with her cheek
pressed against the blue velvet lining of the
chair, Cornelia's face vore a sickly, sallow
hue, which was ren'lered more p.alpable by
her black, glittering eyes and jetty hair.
She eagerly held out her hand, and a smile
of sincere pleasure parted the lips, which a
paroxysm of pain seemed to have just com-
pressed.
"It is such a gloomy day, I feared you
would not come. Take off your bonnet and
shawl."
"It is not so gloomy a day out as yon
imagine," jaid Beulal^
" What? not with dull clouds, and a stiff,
raw, northeaster? I looked out of the win-
dow a while since, and the bay looked just
as I have seen the North Sea, grey and cold.
Why don't yon take off your bonnet?"
" Because I can only sit with yon a short
time," answered Beulah, resisting the at-
tempt made to take her shawl.
" Why oan't you spend the evening ?" said
Cornelia, trowning,
" I promised not to remain more than an
hour."
"Promised whom ?"
" Clara Sanders. She is sick ; nn.iH ' •
leave her room, and is lonely wjl.mI am
am away. "
" My case is analogous ; so I will put my-
self on the charity list for once. I have not
been down-stairs tor twa days. "
But you have every thinur to interest you
even here," returned Beulah, glancing
'Around at the numerous paintings and engrav-
ings which were suspended on all siden.
while ivory, marble, and bronze statuettes
were scattered in profusion about the room.
Cornelia followed her glance and asked,
with a joyless smile :
"Do you suppose those bits of stone and
canvas catisfy me ?"
"Certainly 'A thing of beanty should
be a jov.iflfever. ' With all these, and yont
libx»ry7 surely you are never lonely."
Pshaw I they tire me immensely. Some-
times, the cramped positions, and unwink-
ing eyes of that ' Holy Family' there over the
chimneypiece, make me perfectly nervous."
" You must be morbidly sensitive at such
times. "
"Why? do you never feel restless and
dissatisfied, without any adequate reason V
"No, never."
" Au<i yet, you have few sources of plea-
sure," said Cornelia, in a musing tone, as
her eyes wandered over her visitor's plain
attire.
" No t my sources of enjoyment are as
varied and extended as the universe."
"I should like you to map them. Shut
up all day with a parcel of rude stupid chil-
dren, and released, only to be caged again in
a smiill room in a second-rate boarding-house.
Really, I should fancy they were limited,
indeed."
" No, lenjoymy brisk walk to schoolin the
morning ; the children are neither so dull nor
so bearish as you seem to imagine. I am at-
tached to many of them, and do not feel the
day to be very long. At three, I hurry
home, get my dinner, practise, and draw or
sew till the shadows begin to dim my eyes ;
then I walk until the lamps are lighted, find
numberless things to interest me. even in a
winter's walk, and go back to my room, re-
freshed and eagej'to get to my books Once
seate<l with them, what portion of the earth
is there that I may not visit, from the
crystal Arctic temples of Odin and Thor, to
the groves of Abj'ssinia ? In this age of
travel and chenp books, I can sit in my
room in the third story, and by my lamp-
light, see all, and immeasurably more than
you, who have been travelling for eighteen
months. Wherever I go, I find sources of
enjoyment ; even the pictures in bookstores
give me pleasure, and contribute food for
thought ; and when, as now, I am pnrround-
ed by all that wealth can coliert, 1 nrliiiiro
ii'd enjoy the beauty and elojijance as much
as f I owned it all. So you see that my en-
jo\ ..lents are as varied as the universe it-
self."
" Eureka I" murmured Cornelia, eyeing
her companion curiously ; "Eureka!" you
shall have the tallest case in the British
Museun), nr'Bamam's, just as your oatioual
antipathies may incline yon. "
I,
w
d4
BEULAH.
" What impresses you as so siugulaiin my
mode of life?" asked Beulah, rather dryly.
'• Vour philosophic contentment, which I
b ;! lev e you are too candid to counterfeit.
Vinu- easy solution of that great human rid-
lle, given the world, to find happiness. The
.\tiienian and Alexandrian schools dwindle
lato nothingness. Commend me to your
• categories,' O, Queen of Philosophy." She
withdrew her searching eyes, and fixed them
moodily on the Kre, twirling the tassel of her
10 be, aa she mused.
"You are moat egregioualy mistaken,
Cornelia, if you have been ied to suppose,
from what I said a moment since, that 1 am
never troubled about anything. I merely
r jferred to enjoyments derived from various
sources, open alike to rich and poor. There
are Marahs hidden in every path ; no matter
whether the draught is taken in jewelled
goblets or unpolished y mrds."
"Sometimes, then, yoo are ' blued' most
dismally, like the balance of unphilosophic
men and women, eh ?"
"Occasionally, my mind is very much
jierplexed and disturbed; not exactly
' blued," as you express it, but dimmed,
clouded. "
" What clouds it? will you tell me?" said
Cornelia, eagerly.
J^ "The struggle to see that which, I sup-
y^pise, it never was intended I should see."
\ "I don't understand you," said Come;
• i1 knitting her brows.
" Nor would yon, even were yon to par-
ticularize."
" Perhaps I am not so very obtuse as you
fancy."
" At uy rate, I shall not enter into de-
tail," answered Beulah, amilini; quietly at
the effeot of her words.
"Do yon ever weary of your books?"
Cornelia leaned forward, and bent a long
searching look on her guest's countenance
as she spoke.
"Not of my books ; but sometimes, nay,
frequently, of the thoughts they excite."
" A distinction without a difference," said
the invalid, coldly.
" A true distinction nevertheless," main-
tained fieulab.
" Be good enough to explain it, then."
" For instance, I read Carlyle for hours,
without the slightest sensation of weariness.
Midnight forces me to lay the book reluc-
tantly aside, and then the myriad conjectures
and enquiries which lam conscious of, as aris-
ing from those same pages, weaiy me beyond
all degrees of endurAnce."
" And these conjectures cloud your mind ?"
•aid Cornelia, with a half amUe breakioiz
over her face. ' ^
"I did not say ao) I merely gave it as 4n
what you professed not to un-
illustration of
derstand. "
" I see your citadel of reserve and mistrust
cannot be carried by storm," answered Cor-
nelia, petulantly.
Before Beulah could rejdy, a servant en-
tered, and addressed Cornelia :
' ' Your mother wants to show your Paris bat
and veil, and handsomest point-lace set, to
Mrs. Vincent, and Miss Julia says can't she
run up and see you a minute ?"
A sneering smile -^c-^ompanied the con-
temptuous answer, whicii was dehvered in
no particularly gentle manner:
" This is the second cime, those 'particu-
lar friends' of ours hive called to inspect my
winter outfit. Take down my entire wardrobe
to them: dresses.'jonnets, mantles, laces, hand-
kerchiefs, ribboas, shawls— nay, gloves and
slippers, for there is a ' new style^ of catch
on one, and of bows and buckles on the
other. Do you hear me, Mary ? Don't leave
a rag of my French finery behind. Let the
examination be sufficiently complete this
time. Don't forget the Indian shawl and
opera cloak and hood, nor that ornamental
comb, iiam^ after the last popular danseuse;
and teUJfiss Julia she will please excuse me
— anotKCr time I will try to see her. Say I
am jBgaged. "
Tome minutes elapsed, during which time
ary opened and shut a number of drawers
and boxes, and finally disappeared, stapcer-
ing beneath a load of silks, velvets ac'
As the door closed behind her, «
smoothed her brow, and said, apu.o ^vi-
cally: '^ *"
" Donbtleu. it seems a mere tri9e of ac-
commodation to display all that mass of
finery to their eagerly curious eyes ; but I
assure you, that though I have not been at
home quite a week, these things have vacat-
ed their places at least twenty times for in-
spection ; and this ridiculous mania for the
•latest style' disgusts me beyond measnre.
I tell you, the majority of the women of
this town think of nothing else. I have not
yet looked over my wardrobe myself. Mother
selected it in Paris, and I did not trouble
myself to examine it when it was un-
packed."
Beulah smiled, but oflFered no comment.
Cornelia suddenly sank back in her chair,
and said hastily:
" Give me that vial on the bureau I Quickl
quick 1"
Beulah spranfl; up and handed her the viaL
which she put to her lips. She was gh»!tly
yaxVf iicr icsiiUrcs 't^ZtoS^u, Mud iimmvy iirops
glistenod on her brow, corrugated by severe
{Mon. '
flkl'lft" n^" »nytl»ing for you, OomtliAt
Snail I call your mother?" > >i!*w e> ,
BEULAH.
of catch
" ^".' X"", '"''*-^ ^*" ">«^ if you will." She
moaned and closed her eyes
««w 'i''!!' Tx!^^"^ * ^.'"'' *"'' ^''^ »» requested,
Saduatt::"^ """"""^ *^'' ^'P" ""d ™°"th-
Jl?„i / ^ Paroxygm passed off, and
openingher eyes she said, wearily:
"That will do, thank you. Now nour
wiSrpWs*ef '' "'*' *"« drauaht/«»ying.
ingile^lUJ'''^^ "P 'y ' ^'' «d drink.
"Yes, I use ice- water the year round
Pl«i«e touch the bell-rope, willyoJr' '^•
As Beulah resumed her te/t r^„„ r
added, with a forced laugh: ' °^^'*
•'You look as if you pitied me."
thiswajornr""'^- ^''y"" '°ff--
don't^''''l'h^7"'''^'" ^ ""^ Pendent. I
.* i' xxP®", turning to the servant who
stood at the door, she continued- "InTn
gotoDr.Hartwell's office not his hout'
mmdyonhand leave word that he must
sCAhfr"'«'l*- ^° yo'' understand ?-
shut the door-stop 1 send up some coal."
She drew her chair closer to the fire and
n.ght I did not close my eyes-and L; Hart
well must prepare me s^me mediW Whai
s the matter with Clara Sanders? She looks
like an alabaster image 1"
*i.'l®xf ^" i?®^®*" recovered entirely from
that atteck o yellow fever ; and a da/or tw^
w »Wi T ' l"PP°*'' '^"^ ^11 see the doc-
tor while I am here. I feel anxious about
" She looks ethereal, as if refined for a
translation to heaven," continued Cornelia?
musmgy. then suddenly lifting her Sead
she listened an instunf o«j i .""'}»
•Wily : ■.uT. v^o^S;.."?!'! TS
95
The young lady just inclined her head
and nroceeded to scan Beulah's countenance
which u.^'? ?^r"°f cool impertinence
Totv "*%t:! !!.*^!^_«-»«J'lg- Evidently.
this iiLw^i;:/?^ Z'^'ST^IZ
-<**ir^tiently toward her. saying * ^
sit down, Autoiuette !"
She tlirew herself into the seat with a
sort of languid grace, aid said, in the most
musical of voices : ""
"Why woul.I not you see Julia Vincent'
bhe was so much diaapuointed "
"Simply and solely, because I did not
choose to see her. Be good enough to more
your chair to one side, if you SeTe "
snapped Cornelia. P"»»e,
"That was very unkind in yon, consider-
ingsheis so fond of yon. MVe are all to
spend the evening with her next week : vou
and your brother, and I. A mere ' soc aC '
she says." She had been admiring " in-
spectmg her small hands, loaded w th
diamonds; and now turning round, she
again freely scrutinized Beulah, who had been
silently contemplating her beautiful oval
profile and silky auburn curls. Certainly.
Antoinette Dupres was beautiful, but it^waa
such a beauty as one sees in wax doUs-
blank soulless, expressionlens, if I may ex-
cept the predominating expression of self.
satisfaction. Beulah's quiet dignity failed
to repel the contiiiucd stare fixe,! upon her
and gathering up tne folds of her shawl, she
rose. '
^' Don't go," said Cornelia, earnestly.
1 must; Clara is alone, and I promised
to return soon." '^ "iiocu
fn^L^"^ '"'^K "^i" ^"i' "*""'' *«»'" '" Cornelia,
took her hand, and pressed it warmh
bebetril'^"*^*""""- J»^oP«youwill
"Eugene wiU be disanpointed : he ex-
pects you to spend the " eveuintr with ua
What shall I tell him t" *
"Nothing."
"I will come and see yon, the very first
day I can get out of this prison-h^use of
mme. Meantime, if I send for you, will
you come aud sit with me r
"That depends upon circumstances If
IZa^ylf' *"' ''"''''' ' -'**-ly will
" Good.bye Beulah. The haughty heiress
drew the orphan's face down to hers S
kissed her cordially. Not a little surprised
by this unexpected demonstration of aflW,-
°'f*n?y*« *he cousin, who returned the
salutation still more distantly, and hasten
ing down the ste,«, was glad to find W°f
once more under the dome of sky, grey and
sobbed through the streets, and a few cold
drops fell, as she approached Mrs. Hovt's
Quickenmg her steps, she ran in by a 'sidi
^J.f"^' f""!, **" '^" ** ^^'"»'« room.
IhaJt^"'"}''^''' »ntl*ith bonnet aud
nared r .'\ '.'*"''' "^'^ ""*^"-«'>' ""'^ Pre-
pared to meet her guardian, for she had ab-
suited hersdf, with the hopeof avoiding hhn
He was sitting by a tablL, preparini^ol
9«
BEULAH.
medicine, and looked up involuntarily as she
cftine in. Hi* eyes lightened instantly, but
lie inundy said :
"Go(i(|.evening, Beulah."
The tone was less icy th ii on previous
occaHiniia, and crossing the romn at once, she
et(K>d beside him, and held out her hand.
Hosv
are you, sir i
He did not take the hand, but looked at
her keenly, and said :
"You are an admirable nurse, to gooff
and leave your sick friend."
Beulah threw down lier bonnet and shawl,
and retreated to the hearth, began to warm
her fingers, as she re|i1ie<l, with indifference :
" I h&Te just left another of your
patients, Cornelia Graham has been
worse than usual for a day or two.
CJara, I will put away my out-door wrap-
pings, and be with yon presently." She re-
tired to her own room, and leaning against
the window, where the rain was now patter-
ing drearily, she murmured faintly :
"Will he always treat me so? Have I
lost my friend for ever ? Once he was so dif-
ferent ; so kind, even in his sternness I" A
tear hung upon her laah, and fell on her
hand ; she brushed it hastily away, and
stood thinking over this alienation, so pain-
ful ar'' unnatural, when she heard '
giiardiau close Clara's door, nnd walk across
the hall, to the head of the stairs. She
waited awhile, until she thought he had
reached liis buggy, and slowly proceeded to
O'ara's room. Her eyes were fixed on the
floor, aKfi her hand was already on the bolt
of tjjle door, when a deep voice startled her.
>XBenlah I "
'/ She looked up at him proudly. Resent-
ment had usurped the place of grief. But
she could not bear the earnest eyes, that
looked into hers with such misty si)leiidi)ur ;
Rnd provoked at her own emotion, she asked,
coldl}' :
' ' What do you want, sir ? "
He did not answer at once, but stood ob-
serving her closely. She felt the hot blood
rush into her usually cold, pale face, and,
despite her efforts to seem perfectly in-
different, her eyelids and lips would tremble.
His hand rented lightly on her shoulder, and
he spoke very gently :
" Child, have you been ill T Yon look
wretchedly. What ails yoti, Beulah t "
"Nothing, sir."
" That will not answer. Tell me, child,
tell me ! "
•* I tell you I am as well as usual," cried
■he, impatiently ; yet her voice faltered. She
waM atruggling desperately with her own
k'tftrt. The return of his old manner, the
winning tones of hit voice, affected her more
than she was willing be should seei
"Beulah, you used to be truthful and can*
vid."
" I a'n so still," she returned, though tears'
began to gather in her eyes.
" No, child, already the world has changed
you."
A shadow fell over his face, and the sad
eyes were like clouded stsrs.
" You know better, sir ! I am just what
I always waf ! It is you who are so changed 1
Once you were my friend ; my guardian 1
Once you were kind, and, guide(l me ; but
now you are stern, and bitter, and tyran-
nical I " She spoke passionately, and tears,
which she bravely tried to force back, rolled
swiftly down her cheeks. His light touch
on her shoulder tightened, until it seemed a
hand of steel, and with an expression which
she never forgot, even in after years, h« an-
swered :
'♦ Tyrannical I Not to you, child I '»
" Yea, sir, tyrannical ! cruelly tyrannical I
Because I dared to think and act for myself,
you have cast me off— utterly 1 You try to
see how cold and distant you can be ; and
show me that you don't care whether I live
or die, so long as I shoose to be independent
of you. I did not believe that you could
ever be so ungenerous I " She looked up at
him with swimming eyes. He smiled down
into her tearful face, and asked :
" Why did you defy me, child?"
" T did not, sir, until you treated me worse
^''u the servants. Worse than you did
Charon even."
"How?"
"How, indeed r Yon left me in your
house without one word of good-bye, when
yen expected to be absent an indefinite time.
Lid you suppose that I would remain there
an hour after such tr>)atment T "
He smiled again, aud said in the low
mu-'icid tone, which she had always found so
diflicult to resist:
" Come back, my child. Come back 1
me I " ,
"Never, air 1 Never I " answered she, re-
solutely.
A stony hue settled on his face ; the
Mps seemed instantly frozen, and removing
his hand from her shoulder, he said, as if
talking to a perfect stranger : " See that
Clara Sanders needs nothing ; she is far from
being well. "
He left her, but her heart conquered for
an instant, and she sprang down two steps,
and caught his hand. Pres.^ing her face
against his arm, she exclaimed brokenly :
"Oh, sir ! do not cast me out entirely I
My friends my ^Tn^rdian^ indeed^ 1 hsys nc4
deserved this 1"
He laid his hand on her bowed hMd, uid
■aid calmly :
B<
00
to
ch
Be
tio
hei
wh
ed
glo
hei
ana
had
fori
S dro
\ •on
I Ho,
edi
ing
inh
peri
into
riou
■p, i
bito
rioui
maic
ingei
andii
nuki
humi
seem
•11 gi
BOUl I
nothi
duiui
seen J
the 01
resui*
to its
God.
and b
isterii
loved
machi
wiudii
where
tightei
bind t
create!
vexing
been d
metap]
ly eno
•will, w
him to
save on
thful and cad*
" Fierce, proud «pirit I Ah I it will f«i,^ I
UGkl 'r' ^'^ '"ff-^* to U«e y?J '
win no wkh J^°" ^ V' ?"* y""^"" off. It
„°? ,*","» D" work of mine."
BeuIahmadenoeflFortto attract her »tf..n
the auriouBly folded coil quivers on a^afnf^
reguicitated will i* liff«j * • , ^*"'> ^"^
to its throne TW.nifv?"""P^*'^"y »'*«k
machinery of the will 3 ^**°" over tie
wiudiuKUD? O, i.Tm • . • ""^""l *othe
{.letaphysicians 8olve"it» One teluT,- "*'"
^^s<« S:^xf uSf
BEULAH.
97
r^i"*"*JM" pretty bubble of a "latent
uiara telt that this precious he p was Kiven
m her hour of npfii • .r,^ i V" »•'''="
waves ot lite, in comparison with the calm
shoreless ocean of t<m,ity ?" '
newSd i^^f h?? •>rou^.ht in. and the fire re-
newed, and the two friends sat by the hearth
ok ^■Ehw";* ''"' ^"1 '^ sweet, serl'e
louK Beuiah s was eouiposei , so farae rimd
o/hLIT'' '^'^V^"^^' ' y^' '!>« fi™ cTrV;
somewhat ofT'' V""«*^* have indexed
flashed out from her JtTU "?v.'"«. ^^^*
» tiia«r Clara lifted her eyes, and said, gent-
(f ,^1
^ Will you read tome. Beulah?"
UladJy, gladly; what shall it be f f»..
sprang up eagerly. * ^ °^«
qukifly^"'^^"'''*'^""^" '"ked the girl.
^ J' Because they always confuse and darl^ea
I' You do not understand them. neAana*"
thr/.r^^"''**"'^ '^«™ sufficiently to know
wwu^^/^^ot^J^atlneed." ^ ""^
" hat do you need, Claia ?"
du;7tfeuisK'^"/rait°s;^i^ \^ ^.« "J
useful" ^ want to be patient and
The grey eyes rested searchinalw ^„ 4.1.
the hearth with her Ds bThtcUef l^'^
ly repented the beautiful lines beginnbg r'
"^Fanffrn,nT- ^".'^ 'hedaiknep,
rails lioiu the wijigs oC uii^ht
.■ . vm ail cagio iu ilia flight."
con^c?id7i\\::L:r roer"^-V"«^ - .b.
-iugularly suited to C^ar^ wi il tS ?
ter said earnestly : wiBhes, the Ut-
" Yea, yes, Beulah,
I •
1 ,'
J'i
IP
US
BEULAH.
' 'Such 8onK9 have power to qnlet
Tha rPBiTeB« piilso of oare,
And cuiite like the benodictiou
That follows uCtur pi'ayor.'
Let na obey the pout's iuj auction, and re-
alize the olosiiig lines :
** Andthi!i>lu:l>tBhaUbe filled with maala
And tlie ouics that infest the dar.
Shall fold tliuir loius, like the Arabd,
And as silently steal away.' "
Still Beulah stood on the hearth, with
dreamy abstrautioii looking out from her
ayea, and when she spoke there was a touch
of impatience in her tone:
" Why try to escape it all, Clara? If
those 'grand old masters,' those 'bards
sublime, who cell us in trumpet-tones of
life's endless toil and endeavour,' speak to
you through my loved books, why ^^ipuld
you ' long for rest T" i ' v\. •
" An unfledged birdling cannot nrauA to
the eyries of the eagle, answered CTara.
"One grows strong only by struggling
with difficulties. Strung swimmers are such
rom fieroe buffetings with hungry .waves.
Come out of your warm nest of inertia t
Strengthen your wings by battling wi
•torm and wind i" Her brow bent as she
ipoka,
"6aulah,whatsaitainsyou wouldstarve me. "
•• Something has come over you, Clara. "
"Yes ; a great trust in God's wisdom and
mercy has stolen into my heart. I no
longer look despondingly into my future. "
"Why? Because you fancy that failure
will be very short and painless ? Ah, Clara,
is this trust, when the end comes, and there
is no more work to do ?"
" You are mistaken; I do not see death
heckoning me home. Oh, I have not earned
a home yet ! I look forward to years of
labour, profit, and peace. To-day I found
son^e lines in the morning paper. Nay,
don't curl your lips with a sneer at what
ywn call ' newspaper poetry.' Listen to the
words that came like a message from the
•pirit-land to my murmurinpr heart. " 'B.it
voioa was low a>d unsteady, as she read:
■*' *Two hands upon thebreast,and labour's done;
Two ptUjB feet orossed in rest.the race is won:
Two eye J with coin-weights shut, all tears
oease ;
Two lips where grief is mute;and wrath at peace.
So pray we oftentiiii..d, mourning our lot;
Boa, in Uia kindnaas, answeretb not 1 "
Such, Beulah, I felt had been my unvoiced
pray«r ; but now :
"'Two hands to work addressed; aye, for His
praise,
Two feet that never rest, walking His ways;
Two eyes that look above, still through all tears;
XWo Hp5 'hat ufctttuc but I0T6 ; ucrSSiiOrc
frars.
80 we cry aftervmrd, low at our kneea.
Pardon t?ioae erring crUsl Father, hear
these I'
Oh. Beulah. saoh if now my prayer."
As FHsulnh stood near the lamp, stranse
ihadpw* fell on her bn>w — shadows from the
long, currling lashes. After a brief sileuo«,
she asked, eai-nvAtly :
"Are your pi'iiyera anawend, Oiara?
Does Ood hear you ? "
•'Yes; oh yes !"
"Wherefore?"
" Because Christ died ! "
" Is your faith in Christ so firm T Doee it
never waver ! "
"Never; even in my most desponding
moments. "
Beulah looked at her keenly ; and aaked,
with something like a shiver :
" Did it never occur to you to doubt the
plan of redemption, as taught by divinea ;
as laid down iu the New Testament ? "
" No, never. I want to die before such a
doubt occurs to me. Oh, what would my
life be without that plan? What would a
fallen, sin-onraed world be without a Jeana !"
" Bu^hy curse a raoe in order to necea*
sitat^ Saviour ? "
ra looked in aatonishment at the pale,
ed features before her. A frightened ex-
pression came over her oiwn countenance, a
look of shuddering horror ; and putting up
her wasted hands, as if to ward off some
grim phantom, she cried :
" Oh, Beulah ! what is thia T Toa are not
an iniidel ? "
Her companion was silent a moment ; then
said, emphatically :
" Dr. Hart well does not believe in the re>
ligion you hold so dear." Clara covered her
face with her hands, and answered brokenly.
" Beulah, I have envied you ; because I
farcied that your superior intellect won yoa
the love which I was weak enough to ex-
pect, and need. But if it haa brought you
both to doubt the Bible, I thank God that
the fatal gift was withheld from me. Have
your books and studies brought you to thia ?
Beulah ! Beulah ! throw them into the iire,
and come back to trust in Christ." She
held out her hands imploringly, but wii^ a
singularly cold smile, hor friend replied :
"You must goto sleep. Your fever ia
rising. Don't talk any more to-night ; I will
not hear you."
An hour after, Clara slept soundly, and
Beulah sat in her own room bending over a
book. Midnight study had long smce be-
come a habitual thing ; nay, two and three
o'clock frequently found her beside the
waning lamp. Was it any marvel that, aa
Dr. Hartwell expressed it, she "looked
x-v-Ji— •»» "c 1 1: — A -L-'iJi i
she had been possessed by an active apitit
of enquiry, which constantly impelled her -to
investigate, and aa far as possible to explain
the mysfteriea which surrounded her on ewexy
mp, atrauga
w« from the
rief lileno**.
n T DoM it
degpoading
And uked,
> doubt th«
}y divines ;
intT"
fore suoh a
would my
lat would a
t a Jeans T"
r to neces*
it the pale,
{htened ex-
itenance, •
putting up
a off some
?oa are not
nent; then
e in the re-
jovered her
i brokenly,
beoauae I
lot won yon
Ugh to ex-
rought yoa
: God that
me. Hare
ou to this ?
ito the tire,
riat" She
but with a
replied :
ir ferer is
ghtiliriU
mdly, and
lin^ over a
; since bw-
and three
beside the
9l that, ai
B "looked
ctire spitit
tiled her 40
to explain
n on e««ry
BEULAH.
99
side. VVith her growth, grew the hauntiuB
?^' wi.*^'*'^,^?^'' continually : " What am
I "^nenoe tlid I come, and whither am I
bound ? What ia lite ? What ia death ? Am
i my own mistreas, or am I but a tool in tlie
hau<l8 of my Maker ? VVlmt conatitutea the
diUtirence between my mind and my body ?
Is there any difference ? If spirit must needs
Have body to incase it, and body must have
a spirit to ammate it, may they not be iden-
tical? With these primeval foundation
questions, began her speculative career. In
the salitude of her own aoul, ahe struL'tdcd
bravely and earnestly to anawer tlu.ae
dread queations which, like swords of
flaming fire, tokens of imprisonment, eucom-
I«»«s man ou earth." Of course,
^yf'ery triumphed. Panting for the
truth, she pored over her Bible, auo-
poaiug that here, at least, all clouds would
melt away ; but her j, too, some inexplicable
passages confronted her. Phyaicallv, morally
and mentally, she found the world warrin«
io reconcile these antagonisms with the
conditionj and requirements of Holy Writ
she now moat faithfully set to work. Ah'
proudly.aspiring aoul 1 How many earnest
thinkers had essayed the aame mighty task
ana died under the intolerable burden ♦ Un-
luckily for her, there was no one to direct or
assist her. She sompulously endeavoured to
Carlyle'sand Goethe's? Like the waves of
the clear, sunny sea, they only increased her
thirat to madneaa. Her burning bus were
ever at theae fountaina ; and in her reckleisa
eagerueaa, she plunged into the gulf of Ukv-
man speculation. Here she believed tli.it
ahe had indeed found the "true proceasi* "
and with renewed zest continued the work
of queationing. At this stage of the conflict,
the pestilential acourge waa laid upon the
oity, and she pauaed from her metapluaiual
toil to oloae glazed eyea and shroud aoul less
clay. In the awful huah of those hours of
watching she looked calmly for some solu.
tion, and longed for the unquestioning faith
early years. But theae influences passed
without aiding her in the least, and with
rekindled ardour ahe went back to her
false propheta. In addition, ethnologv
beckoned her on to concluaiona apparently
antagonistic to the revealed avatem, and the
atony face of geology seemed radiant with
characters of light, which ahe might decipher
and hnd aome aecurity in. From Dr. As-
bury^a extensive collection, ahe snatched
treatise after treatise. The sages of geology
talked of the pre-Adamic eras, and of man's
ending the slowly forged chain, of which the
radiata form the lowest link ; and then she
was told that in those pre-Adaniic -iirpii
80 effectually from his know- unknown : er^ro. man's fall i.ZTt.^^.^^
^taE=5"E=HS 'S^'aHr±S1i/^
ledge ; while he silently noted the march of
scepticism in her nature. There were dim
puzzling passages of Scripture, which she
stud-edon her knees; now trying to com-
prehend them, and nowljeseeching the Source
of aU knowledge to enlighten her. But, as
nas happened to numberless others, there
was seemingly no assistance given. The
clouds grew denser and darker, and like the
cry of strong swimmers in their agony "
her prayers ha.< gone up to the Throne of
J»iace. Sometimes she waa tempted to go
to the minister of the church, where she sat
Sunday after Sunday, and beg him to ex-
plain the mysteries to her. But the poin-
poua austerity of his manners repelled her
whenever ahe thought of broaching the sub-
ject, and gradually she swtv that she must
work out her own problema. Thus, from
week to week, and month to month, she
toiled on, with aalowlydyingfaith, constantly
clatt. hering over obatacles which seemed to
stand between her trust and rev«l<vtinn It
was no lons5r study for the sake of erudition :
these rirt;Ues involved all that ahe prized in
^nne ai.d LterrJty, and she grasped booka
W every de.^ciiption with the eagerneas of a
Umi3hi.i3 ,i;.ti.re. What dire chance tb>^w
aito her lian.u such works as Einersonla,
agency m bringing death into the w
ergo, that chapter in Genesis need puai.
no more.
Finally, she learned that she was the orown-
ing intelligence in the vast progression ; that
she would ultimately become part of Deity,
i he long ascending line, from dead matter
to nian, had been a progress God wards,
and the next advance would unite creation
and Creator in one person." With all her
aspirations, she had never dreamed of jsuch a
future as was liere promised her. To-night
she was closely following that most anoma-
lousof al guides, "Herr Teufelsdrockh. "
Urged on by the same "unrest," she was
stumbling along dim, devious paths, while
from every aide whispers came to her:
JNatureia one : she is your mother, and
divine : she is God ! The 'living garment of
God. Through the " everlasting No, " and
the "everlasting Yea," she groped her
way, darkly, tremblingly, waiting for ths
•.~j ^v«. VI iruih to aawn; but at
last, when she fancied she saw the
first rays silvering the night, and loo|jed
up hopefully, It proved one of many igr-s-
fatui which had flashed acriss her path, uad
she saw that it was Goethe, uplifted as tht,
prophet of the genuine religion. The buoli
M
100
BEULAH.
iur
^n
i.i
: fell from her nervelesB fingers ; she closed
her eyes and gronned. It was all " uon-
, fusion worse coufouud«d." She could uot
for her life h«T« told what she believed,
much less what she did not believe. The
. landmarks of eiirlier years were swept away ;
the beacon light of Calvary had sunk below
lier horizon. A howling chaos seemed about
to ingulf her. .\t that moinent she would
gladly have sought assistance from her
;;uardian ; but how could she approach him
after their last interview! The friendly
' face and cordial kindness of Dr. Asbury
flashed upon her memory, and she resolved
to oonfi>le her doubts and difficulties to him,
hoping to obtain, from his clear and matured
judgment, some clue which might enable
her to emerge from the labyrinth that in-
volved her. She knelt, and tried to pray.
To what did she, on beaded knees, send up
passionate supplications? To nature? to
heroes ? These were the new deities. She
could not pray ; all grew dark : she pressed
her hands to her throbbing brain, striving to
clear away the mists. ' ' Sartor" had effectu-
ally blindfolded her, and 8h« threw herself
lown to sWp with a ihi\ering dread, as of a
young chLM separated from its motbe|^ and
wailins^ some atailesa desert.
CHAPTER XXI.
It was Christmas eve ; cold, cloudy, and
damp. The store windows were gay. with
every conceivable and inconceivable device
for attracting attention. Parents, nurses
and porters hurried along with mysterious-
lookmg bandies and important counte-
nances. Crowds of curious, merry children
thronged the sidewalks ; here, a thinlj -clad,
meagre boy lookad, with longing eyes and
empty pockets, at pyramids of fruit and
sweetmeats, and there a richly dressed group
chattered like blackbirds, and occasionally
tired a pack of crackers, to the infinite dis-
may of horses and drivers. Little chaps
just out of frocks rushed about, with their
round rosy faces hid under grotesque masks,
and shonts of laughter, and the squeak of
penny trumpets, and mutter of miniature
drums, swelled to a continuous din, which
would have been quite respectable even on
the plain of Shiuar. The annual jubilee had
come, and young and old seemed rtetermined
to celebrate it with due zeal. From her
window, Beulah looked down on the merry
groups, and involuntarily contrasted the
bustling, crowded streets, with the silence
and UKuuiatiou which had reigned over the
same thoroughfares only a few months be-
fore. One brief year ago, childish voices
prattled of Sant» Claus and gift stockings,
and little feet pattered along these same
pavements, with tiny hands full of toys.
Fund parents, too, had gone eagerly in and
out of these gay shops, hunting presents for
their darlings. Where were they ? children
and parents ? Ah I a cold, silent band of
sleepers in yonder necropolis, where solemn
cedars were chanting an everlasting dirge.
Death's harvest time was in all seasons ;
when would her own throbbing pulses bfl
stilled, and her questioning tones hushed?
Might not the summons be on that very
wintry blast which rushed over her hot
brow ? And if it should be so ? Beulah
pressed her face closer to the window, and
thought it was too inconceivable that she
also should die. She knew it was the com-
mon birthright, the one nnchanging heri-
tage of all humanity ; yet long vistas of life
opened before her, and though, like a pall,
the shadow of the tomb hung over the end,
it was very distant, very dim.
" What makes you look so solemn ?" ask-
ed Clara, who had been busily engaged in
dressing a doll for one of Mrs. Hoyt'a oliil*
dren.
" Because I feel solemn, I suppose."
Clara came un, and passing her arm ronnd
Beulah's shoulder, gazed down into the noisy
street. She still wore mourning, and the
alabaster fairness of her complexion con-
trasted vividly with the black bombazine
dress. Though thin and pale, there was an
indescribable ei^pression of peace on the
sweet face ; a calm, clear light of content-
ment in the mild, brown eyes. The holy
serenity of the countenance was rendered
more apparent by the restless, stormy visage
of her companion Ernry passing cloud uf
perplexed thought caat its shadow over
Beulah's face, and on this occasion she
looked more than usually grave.
" Ah ! how merry I used to be on Christ-
mas eve. Indeed, I can remember having
been half wild with excitemant. Yet now
it all seems like a flitting dream. " Clara
spoke musingly, yet without sadness.
" Time has laid his wonder-working touch
upon you," answered Beulah.
" How is it, Beulah, that you never speak
of your childhood?"
" Because it was
" ' All dark and barren as a rainy sea.' "
" But you never talk about your parents T**
"I love my father's memory. Ah ! it i*
enshrined in my heart's holiest sanctuary.
He was a noble, loving man, and my affec-
tion for him bordered on idolatry."
" And your mot'ner ;''
'* I knew little of her. She died before 1
was old enough to remismber much about
her. " Her face was full of bitter recollec-
tions ; her eyes seemed wandering through.
BEULAH.
•ome itorehouie of aorrowt. n.« t a
her fnend, much »« ,he Wed h2 .n l "•■•**
thep»rtijil,diMovarv ^l ner, »nd unce
of bfe still hwaIIi^ Vi. ?• . -^n* tide
reminiacence. f"m *her fti ^'^k^'u P*'"'"'
eyes on the merrvTaoes an5 r'f ** "i^P* ^"
g»y, careless Su ?f V?^ liatened to the
The atatdJ^M „> K ^"i***^ °''"'^''«°-
her to loo7u;. and Cortr^"** »."'"' """'l
her with : ^' ^°™el» Graham greeted
for 'the\7idaT.'"*° '"""" ^°" ''"'"« ^'^^^ «>•
"loan'* go," ■
retXr."*J JT °"°« *° *»>« dwk gar-
3 vLcluse " ^ '* P°"^'"^ »» *h. cha?m.
BouuiTuTe't/;^''" '■■' *"•'• y°° ''-w." said
hand on the o^r •« .», fj <^o"iolia laid her
"^«? L ^'" * "noulder as she aookn
^JfSn have been ill acaiu " .afJ n i u
fn^n ng the sallow JaT' '"'^ ®'"'*'''
One Of my dKttl ?'" ^' ?"'''"• ' ^-^^■
it ; and BeuS t ^ If ""'"'"^ "» ' ^ ^^^l
with you wi'th 1 ?"^''' ''^''"^ J can
swine), that v*rv- "i^ P^*'"^' ^^^"'•^
want you id.,y«d'''T?*"r« -""^kes me
justleftthefashilh?"* ^''-'^^^' *"'* '"'^e
•wk Vou to spend tZh«iT°'^'^ ^*'.*'"™« *"<!
house Hill be Iv \°'':'*J'«7ith me. The
have a set of t ^?^" ^""^"'"ette intends to
sharbre::L*t^r'm';*;o'o;^ 'ts^ '
te^aSn^£»^
gather'" '"''^ '""''•" ^'*h I^m alto-
T„ ."' T^" 5 *»^'' day. then. Be quick. "
«ancare. The gas was now lighted, and the
101
whL^ „r"°'- *°««**"'^ *■"' tlfe hubbub'
Tom. amlT' Pr^»i'«d. alarmed th.
dri^?' «f.^- *''^^ ^'""K^'* violently. The
ariver endeavoured to back out if.f^ ti!
Jightened animal, dashed it u iout LoH
s^rgfn *f:^Cdt'th?nT''««"P-'«"
to avoid commg in collision with several
other carriages. The street was full ^f
rehicles ana though, as ma? well hi
SSrack'th"^'^^^^^ ^^^ ™*"« to
give ine track, the carnage rushed Aa»in^
the bright yellow wheels of a Sf bul«v f„
which two young men were tryUg K '"
age a fast trotter. There wasl («J^u'
cipated steed galloped on. with the wreck of
the buggy at his heels. Men, women L/
chibirea gathered on th« corn'erTTo °itne«s
the di'Houement. Drava nn-fa » j witness
UD n ?r,n. """''"^ ?'• ^I'ile Beulah stood !.
folds. Sh. shook it all back from hefc.^
an. soon saw that this recklesT 2^0^?*} '
ft»\-«l'i'=les could not last rucfwfi '
Right ahead, at the end of the atreet wai '
T( Di 1 T av"^!-"^" rti* wie u)
.^tand back— all of von 1 v«„ ^,- ui.
H^ll catch at the winlrahoiSd "Bfulah*
hoMesinfn. ^ I"'""' ""'1 turned the
horaea into a croes street, The wheels struck
.■1 »
i I
. K <
101
BEaLAH.
1
the onrbstone, the oArrJA^n tHItod, rocked,
fell back A^niii. and on tlii<y went for three
■qiiai'ua more, wln^n tiu- Iichhi'S stoppcxl ihort
before the livory-ntaMo where they worn
kept. Kiiil><)«Re<l with fnain, and punting
like sta^H at bay, they wer« aeisod by a
dozen handi.
" By all the ^ods of flreece ! yon have hatl
t flying trip of it I" cried Dr. Anbury, with
cue foot on the carriage ttep, and both hands
ettonded', while his grev hair hnng in con-
fusion about his face. Ho had followed them
for at least half adocen blocks, and was pale
with anxiety.
"See about Cornelia," said Beulnh, seat-
ing herself for the tirst time, an<l twi«ting
up the veil of hair which swept round hef
form.
"Oornelia has fainted Hallo, there I
Rome water i quiok !" said the doctor,
stopping into the cai riage, and attempting to
lift th« motionless fi>;ure. Kut Cornelia
opened her eyes, and auMwere.i unsteadily :
"No 1 oairy me home I Dr. Asbvry, take
me home t"
'fhe brilliant eyes closed, a sort of spasm
dixtorted her i'eatures, and she sank back
once more, rigitland seemingly lifeless. Dr.
Asbury took the reins tirnily in his hands,
seated himself, and speaking gently to
the trembling hordes, started homeward.
They plunged violently at first, but
he nted the whip unsparingly, and in
a few moments they trotted briskly along.
Mra. Graham and her niece had not
yet reached home, but Mr. Graham m«t
the carriage at the door, with consi Icrable
agitation and alarm in bisn.'tually pidegmatic
countenance. As Cornelia'^ colourless face
met bis view, he threw up his hands, stag-
gered back, and exclaimed
" My God I is she dead T
end this way some day."
" Nonsense, Graham I
out of her wits — that is all I These \'ankee
horses of yours have been playing the very
deuce. Clear the way there, all of you. "
Lifting Cornelia in his strong arms. Dr.
Aabury carried her up to her own room and
placed her on a sofa, iiaving known her
irom childhood, and treated her in so many
•imilar attacks, he immediately administeret'
some medicine, and ere long had the satis-
faction of seeing the rigid aspect loavintt her
face. S le sat up, and withnui a word, be-
gan to take off her kid gloves, which fitted
tightly. Suddenly looking up at her father,
who was anxiously regarding her, she said,
Abruptly :
" There are no more like her — she kept me
from mi'.king a simpleton of myself."
" Whom do you mean ,my dear t"
" Whom ? whom ? why Beulah Benton, of.
I knew it would
She is frightened
court* I Whora <■ ihe T Come out of that
comer, yon quaint, solemn statue I" She
held out her hand, and a warm, glad smile
broke (>v<>r her pallid faoe as Beulah ap-
proMched, her.
" Voiv certainly created a very decided
s^nsntiof.. Beniah made quite a passable
Medea, with her inky hair trailing over the
back of the seat, and lier little hands grasp-
ing the reins with iluNperate energy. By
Fhoabus I you turned that corner at the
bank like an electric Imlt. Shake hands,
Beulah I After this, you will do in any em-
ergency. " 'I he doctor looked at her with
an expression of parental pride and affec-
tion.
" I feel very grateful to you," began Mr.
Graham ; but Beulah cut short his acknow-
ledgments by saying hantily :
" Sir, I did nothing at all ; Dr. Asbnryii
resolved to make a heroine of me, that is all.
You owe me nothing,"
At this n:oment the coachman limpsd into
the room, with garments dabbled with mnd,
and enquired anxiously whether the young
ladies were hurt.
" No, you son of Pluto ; not hurt at all,
thanks to your careful driving," answered
the doctor, putting his hands in his pockets,
and eyeing the discomfited coachman hu-
morously.
" Were you hurt by your fall 7" asked
Beulah.
" Considerable bunij- . and thu.nped, but
not much hurt, thank yon, miss. I was aw-
fully scared when I rose out of that ohol'ing
gutter, and saw you standing up, and the
horses flying, like ole Satan himself was
after them. I am marvellously glad
nothing was hurt. And now, master, sir, I
want you to go to the mayor and have thie
'ere tire-cracker-business stopped. A parcel
of rascally l)oys set a match to a whole pack,
and flung 'em right under Au'rew Jackson'*
feet I Of course I couldn't manage him after
that. I 'clare to gracious 1 it's a sin and a
•hame, the way the boys in this town do
carry on Christmas times, and indeed every
othpV time 1" Wilson hobbled out, grnm-
bjifig audibly.
'Beulah, you must come and spend
Chriitmas at my house. The girls and my
wife were talking about it to-day, and con-
cluded to send the carriage for you early in
the morning. " The doctor drew on his glove*
as he spoke.
" They may sy>are themselves the trouble,
sir ; she spends it with me," answered Cor-
nelia.
•' With you I Alter such a frolic as you
two indulged in this evening, you ought not
to be trusted together. If I had not been so
anxious about you, I could have laughed
\Lj
BEULAH.
hwrt.ly at tl,« ,l„lef«l countenance of thow
two i^oimg Kiut.. a» tUy pi,,.ke.l tlitMn«elves
up out of th. ,„ua. Such ru«fulplial,t a. t u"
l«|.ou.co ou..a glove, were in f 1 Vlu^Z
U»rtwe to see you to-niorrow, Coriiflia A
merry Chrutn.a.to y„u uU. iu'gpito o your
Muzoppa epi,o.lo." His good- humour"
"Tb.,iec.)ine. Antoinette ejacuUtiuK un
.le tr ^"'''T ^"''erlclonotwaftt^
aee her or anybo.lv else. Don't let her
o.H„e.„ here." cried Cornelia, withanc^vou,
^iu\ ^'["^r™' **>° '"'t a certain aw e of hii
wdful chd.l. notwitlmtan.ling hi. equa '
te.np*r ,,nu.ed.utely with.lrew. Hi. Tie
JWMitened into the room, and with treu.l.lin^
bp. touched her daughter', cheek and bo w*'
• iclainiing: '
Ttil^^' "1^ '"i'"*!'. ^^"^ * narrow eacape 1
"«'w "'"'■''''* *" ''"""^ of-horrible 1 "
•., f M \*' *iu' ^"''lier. 'eeing that nothing
W.J hurt >n the leaat. I was .ick, any way
t"ere^" ^°"- ^""'* y*"* "« ««"'*h '.itting
Mra. Graham welcomed her gue.t cordially.
. You have a great deal of presence of
«S^ "?a»''ed m> star, that Antoinette was
not n the carnage, for most certainly she
would hare ma-b /u.t .srs worse, by scream^j
inK like an uiu\ aid jumping out. Beulftt
tauKhtnie common son.'<e," answered Cornelia
unclasping a bracebt, ,ui tossing a handful
of^jewellery acroM t\. room to her dressin
" You underrate yourself, my dear." said
her mother, a little proudly.
"Not at all. Humility, genuine or
feigned, is not one of our family traits.
Alother, will you send up tea for us? We
want a quiet time ; at least I do. and Beulah
WiU stay with me."
"But, my love, it is selfish to exclude the ,
balance « the family. Why not come down
to the sittii|g.room. where we can all be to-
gether ? " pleaded the mother.
"Because I prefer staying just where I
am. IJeulah, put down that window, will
yon? Wary must think that I have been
converted n.to a Polar bear; and mother,
have some coal brought up. If there is any
truth in the metempsychosis of the Orient I
certainly was a palm tree or a rhinoceros in
tne Jast stage of my existence." She
•hivered, and wrapped a heavy shawl up to
her very chni. *^
^^"May icomein?" asked Eugene at the
"No ; go and sing duets with Netta, and
amuse yourself down-stairs, "said she, shortly
•while a frown darkened her face
IM
NeverthelMs he ramn In, ahool. hands with
Beulah, and Icaninu '-vr the back of Corne-
lia s<;hftir, asked t.uidcily ;
" H..W is my sister? I heard on the street
that you were injured."
"Oh, I suppoio the whole city will be he-
moanrng my tragic fate. I am not at all
nurt, Liigene. '
tt.'!/ri *"**"*, *""^ ""» °' those attacks,
offS^e^T''"'"^""''""- «-'tP—'
" No ; and I want to be quiet. Benlah is
going to read me to sleep after a while. Vou
may go down, now."
" Heiilah you will be with na to-morrow.
I suppose? '
"I am aorry I am obliged to dine out j I
snail be at home, however, moat of the day.
1 called the other evening, but you were not
at home.
said Beulah, looking steadily at hia fluahed
face and sparkling eyea.
... " P'"e out. Eugene I For what. I ahould
like to know? cried Cornelia, raising her-
self m her chair, and fixing her eyes im-
patiently upon him.
" Henderson /..ndMHbank are both here,
you know, and I could not refuse to ioiu
them in a Christmas dinner."
"^hen. jrffy did you not invite them to
. ■ own house ? " Her voice wa*
\nzarT a-r glance searching.
■ party was made up before I knew
c • viut it. They will be here in th«
^ri-ning. *
^•''' ' fouht itl" said she, superingly The
ituh J.iapened on his cheek, and he bit his
lip ; then hirning suddenly to Beulah. fae
said, 48 he siifered his eyes to wander over
her plain, fawn-coloured merino dreaa ;
believe""''*''* °°* ^** '"*^ ^**** ■*"*' ^
"No."
" Where is ahe, Cornelia t '
"I have no idea."
" I hope my sister will be well enongh i»
take part in the tableaux to-morrow even-
jug. Taking her beautifully moulded hand,
he looked at her anxiously. Her piercing
black eyes were riveted on bis countenance
I as she answered : '
" I don't k. •.,«■, Eugene ; I have long since
abandoned t- .• :,(,pe of ever beine well again.
Perhaps I may be able to yet <l(i« n to the
parlours. There is Antoinette in the passive.
Uood-nJKlii.' She niotioTicd him awny. He
kissed hL-r ten.lerly, shck hands a second
time with Beulah. and left the room. Cor-
nelia bowed her head on her palms ; and
though her features were concc.ilr.l, lieuiuU
thought she moaned, as if in paiii.
104'
BEULAH.
[Mil
"Cornelia, are you il! again ? What can I
do for you ? "
The ftelile voman lifted herhaggaril face,
and aniiwored :
" What can you do? That remains to be
•een. Something must bt done. Beulah,
T may die at any hour, and you must save
him/'
"What do you mean?" Beulah's heart
throbbed painfully, as she asked this simple
question.
" You know very well what I mean ! Oh,
Beulah I Beuluh 1 it bows my proud spirit
into thi dust ! " Again shn averted her
heail ; there wa: a short silence. Beulah
leaned her face on her hand, and then Cor-
nelia continued :
" Did you detect it when he first came
home ? "
"Yes."
"Oh, it is like a hideous nightmare! I
cannot realize that Eugene, so noble, so re-
fined, could ever have gone to the excpsses
he has been guilty of. He left home all that
he should be ; but five years abroad
have strangely changed him. My parents
will not see it ; my mother says ' all young
men are wild at first; ' and my father sliuts
his eyes to his altered habits. Eugene con-
stantly drinks too much. I have never seen
him intoxicated. I don't know that lie has
been since he joined us in Italy, but I dre.id,
•ontinually, lest his miserable associates lead
himfurtherastray. I had hoped, that in leaving
his companions at the university, he had left
temptation too ; but the assoointes he has
found here are even worse. I hope I shall be
quiet in my grave before I see him drui k !
It would kill me, I verily believe, to kr^ow
that he had so utterly degraded himself."
She shaded her face with her hands, and
Beulah raplied, hastily :
"He surely cannot fall so low ! Eugene
will never reel home an unconscious drunk-
ard ! Oh, no, it is impc -Tible ! impossible 1
The stars in heaven will tall first ! "
" Do you believe what you say?"
" I hope it ; and hope engenders faith,"
answered Beulah.
A bitter smile curled Cornelia's lips, and
sinking back in her chair, she continued :
" Where excessive drinking is not consid-
ered a disgrace, young men indulge, without
a thought of tne consequences. Instcid of fx-
clu liag them from genteel circles, their dis-
■ip.ation is smoothed over, or unnoticed ; and
it has become so prevalent in this city that
of all the neiillemen whom I meet in so-call-
ed faahioniiblp. Kooipty, t.hp,rf> n.rc vr-Vy few
who abstain from the wine-cup. I ' have
seen them at |iaitie«i, stacfgering through a
quadrille, or talking the most disgusting
nonsense to girls who have long since ceased
^
^
to roganl di.ssijiation as a stigma upon the
names and characters of their friends. I
tell yon, the dissipation of the young men
here, is sickening to think of. Since I came
home, I have been constantly rer^inded of
it ; and oh, Eugene is following in their dis-
graceful steps ! Beulah, if the wives, and
mothers, and sisters did their duty, all
this might be remedied. If they carefully
?nd constantly strove to shield their sons
and brothers from temptation, they might
preserve them from the fatal habit, which,
once confirmed, it is almost impossible to
eradicate. But alas ! they smile as sweetly
upon the reckless, intoxicated beau:: as if
they were what men should be. I fancied
that I could readdy redeem Eugene from his
dangerous lapses, but my eff'orta are rendered
useless by the temptations which assail him
from every quarter. He shuns me ; hourly
the barriers between us strengthen. Beulah,
I look to you. He loves you, and your
influence might prevail, if properly directed.
You must save him ! Yoi- sriust !"
" I have not the influence you ascribe to
me," answered Beulah.
" Do not say so ! do not gay so 1 Are you
not to be his wife one day ?" She stood up,
and heavy drops glistened on her pale fore-
head.
" His wife ! Cornelia Graham, are you
mad ?" cried Beulah, lifting her head proud-
ly, and eyeing her companion with unfeigned
astonishment, while her eyes burned omin«
ously.
" Ho told me that he expected to marry
you ; that it had always been a settled
thing. Beulah, you have not broken the
engagement— surely you have not?" She
grasped Beulah's arm convulsively.
"No positive engagemtint ever existed.
While we were children, we often spoke of
our future aa one, but of late neither of at
have alluded to the subject. We are only
friends, linked by memories of early years.
Nay, since his return we have almost be-
come strangers."
"Then I have been miserably deceived.
Not two months since, he told me he looked
upon you as his future wife. What has
alienated you? Beulah Benton, do you not
love him ?"
"Love him! No!"
" You loved him once— hneh ! don't deny
it ! I know that yen did. You loved him
(iuring his absence, an-'i you must love him
still. Beulah, you do love him !"
"I have a true sisterly alfection for him ;
T'Ut a=> for the love which yon allude to, I
tell you^. Cornelia, I have not one particle 1"
'.T^n he is lost !" Sinking back in her
ohaif; Cornelia groaned aloud.
Whv Eng..Mio should have made such an
BFULAH.
lOff
impression on your mind, I cannot conjee-
ture. He has grown perfectly indifferent to
me ; and even jf he had not, we could never
be more than friends. Boyish fancies have
all passed away. He is a man now— still
my fnend, I believe ; but no longer what he
once was to me. Cornelia, 1, too, see his
growing tendency to dissipation, with a de-
gree of painful apprehension which I do not
hesitate to avow. Though cordial enough
when we meet, I know and feel that he care-
fully avoids me. Consequently, I have no
opportunity to exert what 'ttle influence I
possess. 1 looked at hi- flushed face just
now, and my thoughts flew back to the
golden days of his boyhood, when he was all
that a noble, pure, generous nature could
make him. I would ten thousand times
rather know that he was sleeping by my
httle sister's side in the graveyard, than see
him disgrace himself I" Her voice faltered,
and she drooped her head to conceal the
anguish which coTivulsed her features.
" Beulah, if he loves you still, you will
not reject him?" cried Cornelia, eagerly.
" He does not love me."
"Why will you evade me? Suppose that
he does 7'
''Then I tell you solemnly, not all Chris-
tendom could induce me to marry him.'
''But to save him, Beulah I to save him I"
replied Cornelia, eni.reatingly.
" If a man's innate self-respect will not
save him from habitual intoxication, all the
female influence in the universe would not
avail Man's will, like woman's, is stronger
than his affection, and once subjugated by
vice, all external influence will be futile. If
Eugene once sinks go low, neither you nor I
nor his wife— had he one— could reclaim
him."
" He has deceived me I Fool that I was
not to probe the mask 1" Cornelia started
up, and paced the floor with uncontrollable
agitation.
"JTakecare how you accuse him rashly!
I am not prepared to believe that he could
act dishonourably toward any one— I will
not believe it. "
" Oh 1 you, too, will get your
eyes opened in due tim.e. Ha! it is
all as clear as daylight ! And 1, with my
boasted penetration ! —it maddens me !"
Her eyes glittered like polished steel.
'■ Explain yourself ; Eugene is above sus-
picion 1 ' cried Beulah, with pale, fluttering
Explain- myself ! Then underatanrl fha*
my honourable brother professed to love you,
•nd pretended that he expected to marry
you, simply and solely to blind me, in ordei-
to conceal the truth. I taxed him with a
©reference for Antoinette Dupres, wliich I
anoied his manner evinced. He denied it
most earnestly, protesting that he felt bound
to you. Now do you understand 1" Her
lips were white, and writhed with scorn.
"Still you may misjudge him," returned
Beulah, haughtily.
" No, no ! My mother has seen it \11
along. But, fool that I was, I believed his
words I Now. Beulah, if he marries Antoi-
nette, you will be amply revenged, or my
name is not Cornelia Graham." She laugh-
ed bitterly, and dropping some medicine from
a vial, swallowed the pution, and resumed
her walk up and down the floor.
" Revenged ! What is it to me that he
should marry your cousin? If he loves her,
it is no business of mine, and certainly you
have no right to object. You are miserably
deceived if you imagine that his marriage
would cans- i an instant's regret. Think
you I coul(. . e a man whom I knew to be
my inferior ? Indeed, you know little of my
nature." She spoke with curling lips and a
proud smile.
" You place an exalted estimate upon your-
self," returned Cornelia.
They looked at each other half-defiantly,
for a moment ; then the heiress bowed her
head, and said, in low broken tones ;
" Oh, Beulah, Beulah ! child of poverty !
would I cculd change places with you 1"
" You are weak, Cornelia," answered Beu-
lah, gravely.
" In souie re.'ipects, perhaps I am ; but
you are bold to tell me so."
" Genuine friendship ignores all hesitancv
in speaking the truth. You sought me ; I
am very candid— perhaps blunt. If my
honesty does not suit you, it is an easy mat-
ter to discontinue our intercourse. The whole
matter rests with you'"
" You wish me to understand that yon do
not need my society — my patronage V
" Patronage implies dependence, which, in
this instance, does not exist. An earnest,
self-reliant woman cannot be patronized, in
the seiisn in which you employ the term. "
She could not forbear smiling. The thought
of being under patronage was, to her, supreme-
ly ridiculous.
" You do not want my friendship, then ?"
" I doubt whether you have any to bestow.
You seem to have no love for anything," re-
plied Beulah, coldly.
" Oh ! you wrong me," eried Cornelia
passionately.
" If I do, it is your ewn fault. I onlv
ju.lge you from what you have shown in your
nature."
" Remember, I h»ve been an invalid all
my life."
"I am not likely to forget it nyour pre-
TOG
BEULAH.
vou hiv; 1,"J' f'" ,"■'" ^' '"^^ '''^^ ""^ *he"
you hn\e lived ii^ ]„ng as f liave Wait fill
yon have s..e.. .so.nothLg of tho „-orld " *'"
react to foot. She drew a nhair cloae to the
hearth and the sufferer sank into it as i?
back of ttl ■ ''*°';'\..^'th her hands on the
?aif sK; r"' ^"^^ " ^''''«' <^'-->-
" If you only knew Antoinette as well as I
do, yon could ill brook the thought of her
ever being Eugene's wife " "^'"'"'^ °' 'ler
mof'n^'iJh*^^-^^'*^;;"'*^'' «^ TThat will pro.
mote ii's happiness." ^
nrlif^'*! ' '''' '^ blinded, infatuated. Her
dSs ;;r:K''' ^^''"'!f/«»>le, contemptibl
worThrofht'*''''''" ^'^•^ " "«erl|n„.
'«Do?t' Sr ^•™«""«Jy.8he will ■'
.f»^S^ ou * ""."^ '^'"'* y"" ''o «ot under-
stand. She ,8 too selfish to love anything or
•nybody but herself. Mark me, whethe^r I
Im r'V*,?''".°*''^ he marr'ies her, he
c e h2S?r »">r,."'f " ^'^ months.'and
cmseh>rf,self for his blind folly. Oh. what
""Tgl.;."^" '* ^'" P™"" '" She ikulhecl
-Cornelia, you are not able to bear this
ZatuZl- f^- the present, let Eugene
* I ^'V ''^ '■'''*• *"'^ ^'•y *o compose your-
slt still »" "■' '° °''"''"''' y«" <=""» ^'"'rcely
The colourless face, with its gleaming eyes
iras. suddenly lifted ; and throwing, hef arm;
D^^;;: tf^^'^^^'K^omeUa tested he
prond head on the orphan's shonlder.
Be my friend while I live Oh aivp
yc^rs;^eirr«^--t-tment.some''of
wa;'/;«ff^
ficent for itself. Do not look to me ; lean
iCeS"""'" ""*"""•' '* ^'^ snffice for all
svnln™ ^"""J?;*''**''!*''' Pityas almost
Ih^ „ fi.**^ ^"y'*"^^ *»«« "f her companion
«h^e^con}rf-notH,oid thinking her miserably
in view of earth's'flddes1ie:!.'gL^^^^"-«d.
" 1^1^ ^^"""l'^ '8 ^firy lovely.
I thank tliec that 1 live.
O my God J
CHAPTER XXII.
Th^irit^r"*"',**' ''''*'' «"°«y and beautiful
The bending sky was as deeply blue as that
vtl'lV:^'.^ "7«f^h'f - '■q'^toon ifundS
ii«^^ """k-'ij' ^"^" = '-•"'ounny iuid iH.t faded
th^Ele J.t'hr*"!.''' aBj'^.vonsly us d'l
about tip r "^^ "1^° clustered cnii.uisly
about the manger, to g.^., upon the holy
Msrss-in^-St?
There IS an ardent love of nature, a? a r^'.
•I'oved from gross materialign, or subtL
pantheism on the one hand, as from stunid
•nappi-ecatiou on the oihe.. l^ere^\s
suoJi a thing as looking " thrr uah n*
the frightened denials of those who, shooD
at the growing materialism of the ace w,mW
.■un persuade tliis ,'eneration to wafk' blS
fold through the superb temple a loving G<xl
has placed us in. While every sane and
earnest mind must turn, disgusted and hu
m Iiated from the senseless rant which re
tt Zf^'jf'\ '"*° materialistic ele.n, n "
Lih\*^ ^""^^ ^^ ProcIain,edthatg,.n„i„e
which tl" * °r«^'*J' °*''^""«'' f'^-S'
«hich the love and adoration of AlmiuhTv
suit to the Creator to reject the influence
which even the physical M-orld exert,, on cmi!
templatave natures. From bald, hoarv
mountains and sombre, solemn forests'^
from thundering waves, and wayside v"ol^t2 •
"■" InTT '""''' ^^°"^'' fr«'" qn "t
»Unl>i ■ ^■h'?l^'^'"'.« winds, come unmis-
the Uod of Moses, of Isaac, and c .Jacob
li-xtmnes meet in every age, and in every
would deify the universe, startled opnonento
tell us to close our ears to these mnsicS
tu r Cn r' r^ ^'?"* T ^y^" *° glorious ni
ture Cxod's handiwork. Oh I wlTy haa hu-
manity so fierce a hatred of medium paths r
Bagged boys and barefooted girls triDDed
ga.Iy along the streets, merry £S
uncomplaining; and surrounded by velvet
■liver and marble, y every BuperflnSi
of luxury Cornelia (Jraham, iith a WtS
heart and hopeless soul, shivered in her
easy-chair before a glowing fire. The Christ-
mas sunlight crept in through the heavy
crimson curtains, and made gorgeous fret-
work on the walls, but its cheiring radiance
mocked the sickly pallor of the invalid, amt
as hpulah retreat*-.] t^ t'-'o-i"" '
e.i into the street,- sh^-feit „;;■;•„ ■-s^lU'^^^^^^
r!,tTl\ !"■ ?/"*}?"'' *"'' Antoinette, .sat
round the hearth, .liseussing the tableaux for
BEULAH.
107
the eveiiinj?, while, with her cheek upon her
hand, Cornelia listlessly fingered a diamond
necklace which her father had just given
her. The blazing jewels slipped through her
pale fingers all unnoticed, and she looked up
abstractedly when Mr. Oraham touched her,
and repeated his question for the third time :
"My child, Tfon't you come down to the
sitting- room?"
"No, sir ; I am better here."
"But you will be so lonely."
"Not with Beulah."
"But, of course. Miss Benton will desire
to see the tableaux. You would not keep
her from them T" remonstrated her father.
" Thank you, Mr. Graham, I prefer re-
maining with Cornelia," answered Beulah,
who had no wish to mingle in the crowd
which, she understood from the conversation,
would assemble that evening in the parlours.
The trio round the hearth looh^jd »t each
other, and evidently thought she manifested
very heathenish' taste. Cornelia smiled,
and leaned back with an expression of plea-
sure which very rarely lighted her face. &
" You are shockingly selfish and exacting,"?
said Antoinette, curling her long ringletl
over her pretty flngeiB, and looking; very be-
witching. Her cousin eyed her in silence,
and not particularly relishing her daughter's
keen look, Mrs. Graham rose, kissed her
forehead, and said, mntly :
" My love, the ^ncents and Thorntons
and Hendersons all sent to enquire after you
this morning. Netta and I must go down
now, and prepare for our tableaux. I leave
you in good hands ; Miss Benton is consider-
ed an admirable nurse, I believe."
"Mother, where is Eugene?"
" I really do not know. Do yon, Mr.
Graham ?"
" He has gone to the hotel to see some of
his old Heidelberg friends," answered Netta,
examining Beulah's plain merino dress very
minutely as she spoke.
" When he comes home, be good enough to
tell him that I wish to see him."
" Very well, my dear. " Mrs. Graham left
the room, followed by her husband and
niece. For some time, Cornelia sat just as
they left her ; the diAmond necklace slipped
down, and lay a glitteriig heap on the carpet,
and the delicate waxen hands dropped list-
lessly over the arms of the chair. Her pro-
file was toward Beulah, who stood looking
at the legular, beautiful features, and
wondering how (with so many elements of
hapninnsR in her horned she. f-.rniM Kgefri ~o
discoiitente.l. She was tiiinking, too, that
there was a certain amount of truth in that
persecuted and ignored dictum, "A man
only sees that wlVich he brings with him the
power of seeing," when Cornelia raised her-
self, and turning her head to look for her
companion, said, slowly :
" Where are you ? Do yon believe in the
Emersonian 'law of compensation,' rigid and
inevitable as fate ? I say, Beulah, do you
believe it ?
"Yes, I believe it."
" Hand me the volume there on the table.
His exposition of 'the absolute balance of
Give and Take, the doctrine that every-
thing has its price,' is the grandest triumph
of his genius. For an hour this sentence has
been ringing in my ears : 'In the nature of
the soul 18 the compensation for the inequali-
ties of .ondition.' We are samples of the
truth of this. Ah, Beulah, I have paid a
heavy, heavingprice I You aredestituteof one,
it is true, but exempt from the other. Yet,
mark you, this law of ' oompenpation' per-
tains solely to earth and its deni*n ; the very
existence and operation of the law precludes
the necessity, and I may say the pos-
sibility of tifat future state, designed, as
^leologiajjc argue, for rewards and pun-
l|hnie^i(C" She watched her visitor very
Of course it nullifies the belief in future
adjustments, for he says emphatically, ' Jus-
tice is not postponed. A perfect equity ad-
justs its balance in all parts of life.' ' What
will you have ? Pay for it, and take it.
Nothing venture, nothing have.' There is no
obscurity whatever in that remarkable essay
on compensation." Beulah took up one of
the volumes, and turned the pages'careless*
ly-
" But all this would shock a Christian."
" And deservedly ; for Emerson's works,
collectively and individually, are aimed at
the doctrines of Christianity. There is a
grim, terrible fatalism scowling on his pages,
which might well frighten the reader who
clasped the Bible to his heart."
" Yet you accept his ' compensation.
Are you prepared to receive his Doistif! sys-
tem ?" C<irnelia leaned forward, aiu .spoke
eagerly. Beulah smiled.
" Why strive to cloak the truth ? I should
not term his fragmentary system 'Deistio.'
He knows not yet what he believes, "There
are singular antagonisms existing among even
his pet tlieories."
"I have not found any,'" replied Comeliay
with a gesture of inipatitnce.
" Then you have not studied his works a»
clopely as I have done. In one place he tells
you he feels 'the eternity of man, the identi-
ty of liis thought, ' that Plato's truth, and
Pindar's fire, belong as much to him as to
the ancient Greeks; and on the opposite page,
if T rem mber aright, he says, ' Rare extra-
vugai< > i>;rits conieby us at intervals, who
diKclo.%0 to us new facts in nature, I see that
WJ
108
BEULAH.
f
men of Ood have, from time to time, walked
among men, and made their commission felt
in the heart and soul of the common hearer.
Hence evrlently the tripod, the priest, the
priestess, inspired by the divine afflatus.'
I hus atone moment he finds no 'antiquity
in the worships of Moses, of Zoroaster, of
Menu, or Socrates, they are as much his as
theirs, and at another clearly asserts that
spirits do come into the world to diacovei to
us new truths. At some points we are told
tnat the cycles of time rpproduce all things ;
f o °,, ^",'. *^** *^«»''" ■■ <lenied. Again, in
Self -Reliance,' he says, ' Trust thyself ; in-
sist on yourself ; obey thy heart, and thou
Shalt reproduce the fore-world again.' All
this was very comforting to me, Cornelia ;
self-reliance was the great secret of success
and happiness ; but I chanced to read the
Over-Soul' soon after, and lo ! these words:
1 am constrained every moment to acknow-
ledge a higher origin for events than the will
I call mine.' 'This was directly antagonistic
to the entire spirit of 'Self- Reliance ;' but I
read on, and toon found the last sen-
tence utterly nullified by one which dsclar-
ed positively that ' the Highest dwells with
man ; the sources of nature are in his ow ..
mmd. Sometimes we are informed that ou*
sonls are self-existing and all powerful ; in
incarnation of the divine and universal, and
before we fairly digest this tremendous state-
meht, he coolly asserts that there is above all
an over-soul,' whose inevitable decrees
upset our plans, and 'overpower private
i wilL Cognizant of these palpable contra-
dictions, Emerson boldly avows and defends
them, by declaring that 'A foolish consist-
Mcy 18 the hobgoblin of little minds.
With con- ,tency, a great soul has simply
nothing to do. Speak what you think now
m hard words ; and tomorrow speak what
to-morrow thinks in hard words again,
though It contradict everything yor said to-
aay. Why should you keep your head over
your shoulder T Why drag about this corpse
of your memory, lest you contradict some-
what yen have stated in this or that public
^ u« Suppose you should contradict your-
selfT His writings are, to me, like heaps o6
broken glass, beautiful in the individual
crystal sparkling, and often dazzling, but
^gather them up, and try to Ht them into »
whole, and the jagged edges refuse to unite.
:<^erta>hly, Cornelia, you are not an Emerson-
1 1 ^ r ?u®'" .^^' 1"*' * ^y®" looked full into
tiuree of the invalid.
'Yes I am. I believe in that fatalism
-n!Zi''/-'ir''"'^f. V'JJ'*'**?* 8auze ofan|
■'•"•, ''• ""^i^""'! '-■orneua,impitt,9iveiy. :
Ihen you are a fair sample of the fallacy
m his system, if the disioiufced bits of logic '
;leserv» the name." ^ j
" How so ?'•
" He continually exhorts to ahappv, con.
tented, and nnconiplaining frame of'mind •
tells you sternly that ' Discontent is the'
want of self-rnliance ; itis infirmity of will '"
" You are disposed to be severe," muttered
Cornelia, with an angry flash.
"What ? because I expect his professed
disciple to obey his injunctions 1"
" Do you then conform so irreproachably
to your own creed ? I'lay what is it ?"
" I have no creetl. I am honestly and
anxiously hunting one. For a long time I
thought that I had found a sound one in
Emerson, But a careful study of his writ-
ings taught me that of all Pyrrhonista he is
the Prince, Can a creedless soul aid me in
my sparch T verily, no. He exclaims, ' To fill
the hour— that la happiness; to fill the hour,
and leave no crevice for repentance or an ap-
proval. We live amid surfaces, and the true
art of life i« to skate well on them.' Now
this sort of oyster existence does not suit
me, Corn^Ma Graham, nor will it suit you, "
/i. -^ ^*'" injustice. He has a creed
(true><r 13 pantheistic), which he steadfastly
adbrt-es to under all circumstances."
1 has he, indeed ? Then he flatly
.contradicts you when he says, 'But lest I
sbould mislead any, when I have my own
head, and obey my whims, let me remind
the reader that I am only an experimenter
Do not set the least value on what I do, or
the least discredit on what I do not, as if I
pretended to settle anything as true or false
I unsettle all things. No facts are to me
sacred ; none are profane. I simply ex-
periment, an endless seeker, with no past at
my back. To my fancy that savours strongly
of nihilism, as regards creeds."
"There is no such passage in Emerson,"
cried Cornelia, stamping one foot, unooa-
sciously, t)n her blazing necklace.
" Yes, the passage is, word for word, as I
quoted it, and 5'ou will find it in ' Circles. ' "
"I have read ' Circles ' several times, and
do not remember it. At all events, it does
not sound like Emerson, "
"For that matter, his own individual
circle of ideas is so much like St, Augustine's
Circle, of which the centre is everywhere
and the circumference nowhere,' that I am
not prepared to say what may or may not be
found within it. You will ultimately think
with me, that though an earnest and pro-
i^ound thinker, your master is no
Memnon, waking only before the sunlight
of truth. His utterances are dim and con-
t?-adictory. She replaced the book on t.ho
table, and taking up a small basket, resumed
her sewing.
" But, Beulah.did not you accent hia 'La*
of Compensation f" *^ •• *^w
BEULAU.
109
happy, ooa»
me of mind ;
ntent is the
ity of will.'"
e," muttered
is professed
J}
•eproachably
is it ?"
)Destly and
long time I
ind one in
of his writ-
lonista he is
il aid me in
ims, ' To fill
11 the hour,
se or an ap-
^nd the true
lem.' Now
)es not suit
b suit you, "
las a creed
steadfastly
he flatly
But lost I
ve my own
me remind
lerimenter.
at I do, or
't, as if I
le or false.
are to me
imply ex-
no past at
rs strou|{Iy
Emerson,"
>t, uncoa-
ivord, as I
Circles.'"
imes, and
ts, it does
ndividual
ii£!astine's
erywhere
ihat I am
not be
y think
»nd pro-
is no
sunlight
and con-
ik nn the
resumed
hU 'Lair
ay 1
efv
"I believe its operations are correct as
regards mere looial position : wealth, penury,
even the endowments of genius. £ut fur-
ther than this, I do not accept it. I want to
believe that my soul is immortal. Emerson's
' Duration of the Attributes of the Soul' does
not srtisfy mo. I desire something more
than an immutability, or continued existence
hereafter, in the form of an abstract idea of
truth, justice, love or humility."
Cornelia looked at her steadily, and after
a pause, said, with indescribable bitterness
and despair :
"If our past and present shadows the
future, I hope that my last sleep may be un-
broken and eternal. "
Beulah raised her head, and glanced
■earchingly at her companion ; then silently
went on with her worlc.
"I understand your honest face. You
think I have no cause to talk so. You see
me surrounded by wealth; petted, indulged in
every wtiim, aud you fancy that I am a very
enviable woman, but "
" There you entirely mistake me," inter-
rupted Beulah, with a cold smile.
" You think that I oueht to' be very
happy aud contented, and useful in the
sphere in which I n^ove ; and regard me, I
know, as a weak hypochondriac. Beulah,
physicians told me, lone; ago, that I liv«d
upon the brink of the grave — that I might
die at any moment, without warning. My
grandmother and one of my uncles died sud-
dealy with this disease of the heart, and the
shadow of death seeiiis continually around
me ; it will not be dispelled — it haunts me
fov ever. 'Boast not thyself of to-morrow, '
said the preacher ; but I cannot even boast
of to-day, or this hour. The world knows
nothine of this ; it has been carefully con-
cealed by my parents ; but I know it 1 and,
Beulah, I feel as did that miserable, doomed
prisoner of Poe's 'Pit and Pendulum,' who
saw the pendulum, slowly but surely, sweep-
ing down upon him. ' My life has been a
great unfulfilled promise. With whatare gene-
rally considered elements of happiness in my
home, I have always been solitary and un-
satisfied. Conscious of my feeble tenure on
life, I early set out to anchor myself in a
calm faith, which would secure me a happy
lot in eternity. My nature was strongly re-
ligious, and I longed to find hope and con-
solation in some of our ohurulies. My parents
always had a pu^v in the fashionable chuich
in this city. You need not smile — I speak
advisedly when 1 say ' fashionable' church ;
for asgu^'edly, fashion has crept into religion
*lso, now-a-days. From my childhood, I
was dressed, and taken to church ; but I
aoun began to question the sincerity of the
paitor, aud the consistency of the members.
Sunday after Sunday, I saw them in their
pews, and week after week, listened to their
gossiping, slanderous chitchat. Prominent
members busied themselves about charitable
associations, and headed subscription lists,
and all the while set exampies of frivolity,
heartlesRuess, and what is softly termed
'fashionable excesses,' which shocked my
ideas of Christian propriety, and disgusted
me with the mockery their lives prtsented.
I watched the minister in his social relations,
and instead of reverencing him as a meek
and holy man of God, I could not forbear
looking withutter contempt upouhispouipcius
self-sufficient demeanour toward the mass of
his flock ; while to the most opulent and in-
fluential members he bowed down, with m
servile, fawning sycophancy, absolutely dis-
gusting. I attended various churches, listen-
ing to sermons, and watching the conduct of
prominent professing Christians of each.
Many gave most liberally to so-called re-
ligious causes and institutions, and
made amends by heavily draining
the purses of widows and orphans. Some
affected an ascetical simplicity of dress, and
yet hugged their purses where their Bibles
should have been. It was all Mammon wor-
ship : some grossly imlpi.ble, some adroitly
cloaked under soknin faces and severe ob-
servance of the outward ceiemonials. The
clerg} , as a clas?, I found strangely unlike
what I had expected : instead of earnest «;al
for the promotion of Chiistianity, I saw that
the majority were bent only on the aggran-
dizement of their particular denomination.
Verily, I thought in my heiri, 'Is all this
bickering the result of their religion t How
these churches do hate each other 1' Accord-
ing to each, salvation could oiily be found in
their special tenets — within the pale of their
peculiar organization ; and yet, all professed
to^^'draw their doctrines from the same book :
and, Beulah, the end of my search was, that
I scorned all creeds aud churches, and began
to find a faith outside of a revelation whicii
gave rise to so much narrow-minded bigotiy
— so much Pharisaism and delusion. Those
who call themselves ministers of the Chris-
tian religion should look well to their com-
missions, and beware how they go out into
the world, unless the seal of Jeans be indeed
upon their brows. They ofler themselves
as the Pharos of the people, but ah 1 they
sometimes wreck immortal kouIb by their
unpardonable incousisteiiuies. For the last
two years i have been grojiing my way after
some system upon which 1 could lest th*
ittle time have to live. Oh, I am heartsick
and despairing !"
"What? already! Take courage, Cor-
nelia; there is tru:h somewhere," ausw tied
Beulah, with kindling eyes.
m a
ii. I.'
V II' t\
3EULAH.
ll'*
'Where, oh where? Ah! that echo
mocks yon, turn which M'ay you
will. I sit like Kvpliael-Ahan Ezra, at
the ' Bottom of the Abyss/ but, unlike hiin, I
am no Deinocnliis to jest over my positiou.
1 um too miserable to lauyh, ami my grim
iimoisoman fatalism Rives me precious little
comfort, though it is about the only thiasr
that I do firmly believe in. "
She stooped to pick up her necklace, shook
It in the glow of the lire until a shower of
rainbow hues flashed out, and holding it up,
asked contemptuously :
" What do you suppose this piece of ex-
fravaijance cost V
" I have no idea." i
" Why, fifteen hundred dollars— that ia
all ! Oh, what is the blaze of diamonds to
a soul like mine, shrouded in desp-^iring
darkness, and hovering upon the very con-
hnes ■)f eternity, if there be any 1" She threw
the costly gift on the table, and wearily
closed her eyes.
^ " You have become discouraged too soon,
CorneliKi. Your very anxiety to discover
truth evinces its existence, for Nature al-
ways sui|)lies the wants she creates !"
" y j" ^*''^^ '^'^'' ""^ ^'*** *^i3 *''"**» is to be
found dovrii in the depths of my own soul ;
for no more than logic, has it ever been dis-
covered 'parcelled and labelled.' But how
do I know that all truth is not merely sub-
jectivet Ages ago, scepticism entrenched
itself in an imprejinable fortress ; ' There is
no criterion of truth.' How do I know that
my 'true,' 'good,' and 'beautiful' are ab-
solutely so T My reason is no infalliJde
plummet to sound the sea of phenomena and
touchomena. I tell you.Beulah.it is all "
A hasty rap at the door cut short fliis dia-
C'ornelia's brow instantly lifted. HiB gay
Christmas greeting, and sunny, handsome
face, diverted her mind, and as her hand
rested on his arm, her countenance evinced
a degree of intense love, such as Beulah had
supposed her incapable of feeling.
"It is "ery selfish, sister mine, to keep
Beulah so coustautlj beside you, when we
all want to see something of hm."
'^' Was I ever anything else but selfish ?"
" But J :iz3gkt /ou prided yourself on re-
quiring no society ?"
" So I do, as regards society in general:
but Beulah ia an exception."
" You intend to come down to-night, do
you not!" * '
"Not if I can avoid it. Eugene, take
Beulah into the parlour, and aajr Autr
to siu«. Afterward make Beulah sing
sure to leave all the doors nn,
w. Mind, you must
Beulah would have demurred, but at this
moment she saw Dr. Hartwell's buggy an-
pioacLmg the house. Her heart seemed to
spring to her hps, and feeling that after their
la«t unsatisfactory interview, she was m no
mood to meet hini. she quickly descended
the steps, so blinded by haste thlt she failed
to perceive the hand Eugene extended to
assist her. The door-bell uttered a sharp
peal as they reached the hall,and she had just
time to escape into the parlour when the
doctor was ushered in.
I " What is the matter?" asked Eugene, ob*
serving the nervous flutter of her lips
"Ask Miss Dupres to sing, will you?"
He looked at her curiously au instant, then
to'^n ""^"y^""^ persuaded the little beauty
She took her seat, and ran her jewelled
fingers over the pearl keys with an air which
very clearly denoted her opinion of her musi,
cal proficiency.
.'))VeU, sir, whatwiU you haveT
« i * J^vourite morceau from « Linda.* -
.«,M 1?" V°'^^^^'' ^^^'■'i >*' I suppose,"
said she, glancing over her shoulder at the
young teacher.
TiZuu"' J ^*7j ^**'''* '*•" answered
smile difficulty repress a
if«1^"*l"^"f.'"i.^°'*''"g8«'* her shoulders, as
if she thought the statement questionable,
and began to sing. Beulah listened atl
tentively^she was conscious of feel,
ing more than ordinary interest in this per-
formance, and almost held her breath as the
clear, silvery voice carolled through the most
intricate passages Antoinette had been
thoroughly trained, and certainly her voice
was remarkably sweet and flexible; but as
cussipn, and « Eugene entered. iheoioudTn shVcSuded V„T* *'''^ M^^f' ^'^*"
Cprnelia's brow instantly lift^. S^%?° SmnCi^flt^^^'KV'iLti"?. ^'^'i.-.y*?
that
her long.
complacently on fcuTahrthe' latter lifted
Jrit ° ^ consciousness of Buperi.
/ Sing me something else," said she.
gra'^louX" ' ^'' ^'''^'^'' ""^ '^"^'"^' "*•
"No, I shall have to sing to-nieht. and
can't wear myself out," "•S""', ana
"Now, Beulah, I shaU hear yon. I hava
sought an opportunity ever since I returned."
liugene spoke rather carelessly.
" Do you really wish to hoar me, Eugene T"
prise ''"""^ '" '"'^ ^°' "'^"' "«'"• """^
iJ^""^ ?i° '•" ^^^^^ ^^^™- Graham, lean-
SEin^e't^ti!"""' '"' «-^-fi-SfiJ--.
Beubh looked up, and asked quietly:
Lugene, shall I sing you a Calla/_ona
tnose simple old tunes we used to love so
^•HUq Well m days gone by?
No, no. Something oparatia," oried
toiiu'tte
til v«f]y
••We
thing."
"Can
returnee
like a si
Beula
by a po
and com
It was
utter asi
spread
voice of
of entrai
Eugene ]
lah felt
There wi
smile on
to concc
Eugene (
" I ne^
a voice.
cent ! \
fort!"
"Yon
said she,
steadily t
" Ah, 1
were all i
"It is
self? El
"Itisl
"I had
cellence I
aided me
that were
"Yon )
musical pi
ly," said 1
"Thaul
gagementt
"Nonse
you. I ce
"Have
fact."
There w
r\ which shr
I.N ,„V "Meet a
yi "^oiwfintaii
( ;;::>^heperf
*" preesion o
towards thi
"Anothi
them."
" Where
Graham, ra
"To Cor
few minute
She did e
but ran up i
honsn wher(
AU-
BcjKJuAa.
toin.tje, without giving him an opportunity
h
^au't you favour ua with ' Costa-Diva f "
returned the beauty, with somethinK very
like a sneer. * •'
Beulah'a eyes gavo a tnoinentary flash, but
by a powerful effort she curbed her anger
and oommenoed the song. '
It was ain using to mark the expression of
utter astomshment which gradually over-
spread Antoinette's face as the magniHcent
vojce of her despised rival swelled in waves
of entrancing melody through the lofty rooms,
liugene looked quite as much amazed. Beu-
Uh felt her triumph, and heartily enjoyed it.
There was a sparkle in her eye and a prouti
smile on her lip, which she did not attempt
to conceal. As she rose from the piano
Eugene caught her hand, and said eagerly '
I never dreamed of your possessing such
*Tf'^«ri' " auperb-perfectly magniti-
fSV- ^^^^"^ you not tell me of it be
;' You heard it long ago, in the olden time. "
said she, withdrawing her hand and lookim;
steadily at him, ^
"Ah but it has improved incwdibly. You
were all untutored then."
I'r'.^*^.*^?,''"^*"'*'' *''«"' 'lot the voice it-
self ? Eh, Eugene ? "
" It is both. Who taught you ? *
"1 had several teachers, but owe what ex-
cellence I may possess to my guardian. He
aaded me more than all the instruction books
that were ever compiled. "
"You must come and practise with the
mOBioal people who meet here very frequent-
ly," said Mrs. Graham. j ^ u>.
"Thank you, madam; I have other en-
gagements which will prevent my doing so.'
Nonsense, Beulah; we have claims on
you. I certainly have," answered Eut-ene
faot^*^* yo" ^ I WM not aware of the
^.T^®'® ^" » Patronizing manner in all this
.Which shrtelt no disposition to submit to
«; 3^ Msuredly I have, Beulah, and mean
*tonHrintainthem.'^'
^-^he perfectly understood the haughty ex-
pression of his cou»t«a«K,e, and, moving
towards the door, replied coldly :
thlii^" °*''*"^ tin^'e. Eugene, we will discuss
"Where are you going!" enquired Mrs.
Graham, rather stiffly.
^ "To Cornelia. The doctor came down »
raw raiuutes since."
She did not pause to hear what followed
but ran up the steps, longing to get out of a
Ixonso where ahe plainly perceived her pre^
eaoe was by no means desired. Cornelia
iJ^
sat with head drooped on her thiil h;
without looking up, said, more gen
was her custom: ^., j
'• Why did you hurry back so soon !" /"
attracUve r-*^" P*"''""'' '^'^ "°* Particularly
wS'r T'.^ ^^t '^'■'* «""'' humoured laugh
which Beulah had ever heard from Uornelia'i
I'ps, as the latter replied:
" What friends you and old growling Die-
genes would have been. Pray, how did my
oousm receive your performance ? "
" '^^jy '""ch M if she wished me amid the
ruins of Persepohs, where 1 certainly shall
be before I infl.ct anything more upon her.
Corneha, do not ask or expect me to come
here again for I will not ; of course, it is
quite as palpable to you as to me that I am
no favourite with your parents, and some-
tiimg still less with your cousin. Con-
J'equently, you need not expect to see "le hare
igaia. '
"Do not sav so, Beulah; you must, yon
shaU come, and I will see that no one dares
interfere with my wishes. As for Antoinetta
.he 18 8'mply R vain idiot ; you might just as
well be told the truth, for doubtless you will
see itfor yourself ; she is my mother's niece,
an only child, and possessed of considerable
wealth. I suppose it is rather natural that
my parents should fomUe the idea of her
being Eugenes wife. They do not see how
utterly unsuited they are. Eugene will, of
course, inherit the fortune which I once
imaginea I should have the pleasure of
squandering. My father and mother dread
lest Eugene should return to his 'boyish
aocy (as you are pleased to term it), and
look on you with jealous eyes. Oh ! Mam-
men IS the God of this generation. But.
Beulah, you, must not allow all this miserable
manoeuvring to keep you from me. If you
do, 1 will very soon succeed in making this
home of mine very unpleasant for Antoinette
Dupres. When I am dead, she can wheedle
my family as successfully as they choose to
pel mit ; but while I do live, she shall for-
bear. Poor, contemptible human nature 1
verily, I rejoice sometimes when I remember
that I shall not be burdened with any of it
long " An angry spot burned on each pallid
oheek, and the beautiful mouth curled scorn-
fully.
"Do not excite yourself so unnecessarily,
Cornelia. What you may or may not think
of your relatives is no concern of mine. You
have a carriaan alwavn ^t-. tt^... — ^_-_,-_ j
and when you desire to see a real friend, yoa
can visit me. Let this suffice for this sub-
ject. Suppose we have a game of chess or
backgammon T What do you say ? "
She wheeled a light table toward the
if, <
112
BEULAH.
t^
hearth, but tlie iu valid motiooed it away,
aud answered moodily :
" I am in no humour for games. Sit dowu
and tell me about your leaving Dr. Ilart-
well's protection. "
"I huveuutliiiii{ to tell"
" lie is a eiugular being ? "
Receiving no answer, she added impatient-
ly :
"Don't you think 80?"
" 1 do, in the auuae of ijreat Huperiority."
'• The world is not so iratLcrin;/ iu its esti
matb."
" No, for slander loves a lofty mark."
" Beulah Benton, do you mean that for
me?"
" Not unless you feel that it applies to you
particularly. "
"If he is BO faultless and unequalled,
pray, vhy did not you remain in his house?"
"I am not in the habit of accountinvj to
any one for my motives or my actions," ijhe
lifted her slender form haughtily.
" In which case, the public has a habit of
supplying both."
" Then accept its fabrications."
" You need not be so fierce. I like Dr.
Hartwell quite as well as you do, I dare say,
but probably I know more of his history. " '
"It is all immaterial to me. Drop the
subject, if you please, and let me read to you.
I believe I came here for quiet companion-
ship.notrecriminationandcross-questiouing."
"Beulah, the world says you are to marry
your guardian. I do not ask from imperti-
nent cunosity, but ^iucere friendship— is it
true?"
* ' About as true as your notion of my mar-
riage with Eugene. No ; scarcely so plausi
ble. ' " r
.'< S*"^*™^''^' ^®'"® connected, you know."
" No, I neither know, nor wish to know.
He never alluded to his wife, or his history,
and I have just now no desire to hear auy-
tliing about the matter. He is the best
fncud I ever had ; I want to honour and re-
verer.ce him always; and, of course, the
I \x_orI.rs version of Ms domestic affairs docs
him ii))nsf-,icn. So be fi;ood enough to say no
more about him."
"Very w ci!. On hearing your voice from
the parlour, he luft a siuall parcel, which he
requested me to ^'ive you. He laid it on th
table, I bi-heve ; yes, there it is. Now read
iif,'moiit' to me, if you please."
Cornelia crossed the room, threw herself
on a couch and settled her pillow comfort-
ably. Beulah took the parcel, which
n as carefully scaled, and wondered what it
contained. It was heavy, and felt hard.
Ihey had parted in anger ; what could it
ossibly be ? Cornelia's black eyes were on
^er couuteuiuioe. She put the package in
her pocket, seated herself by the couch, and
commenced 'E^niont."
It was with a feeling of indescribable relief
that the orphan awoke, at .lawn the follow-
ing morning, and dressed Lv the grey twi-
liKht. She had fallen asleep the night before
amid the hum of voices, of laughter, and of
dancing feet. Sounds of gaiety, from the
irierry p;irty below, had found their way to
tlie chamber of the heiress, and when Beu-
Uh left her at midnight, she was still wake-
ful and restless. Tlie young teacher could
not wait for the late breakfast of the luxu-
rious Grahams, and just as the first level
ray of sunshine flashed up from the east, she
tied on her bonnet, and noiselessly entered
Cornelia's room. The heavy curta'ins kwut
It close and dark, and on the hearth a taper
burned with pale, aickly light. Cornelia
^lept soundly ; but her breathing was heavy
aud irregular, and the face wore a scowl, as
if some severe pain had distorted it. The
ivory-like arms were thrown up over the
head, and large drops glistened on the wan
Drew. Beulah stood beside the bed a few
minutes ; the apartment was furnished with
almost oriental splendour ; but how all this
•atin, and rosewood, and eilver, and marbl*
mocked the restless, suffering sleeper I Ben-
lah felt tears of compassion weighing down
herlashes, asshe watched the haggard counte-
nance of this petted child of fortune ; but
unwilling to rouse her, she silently stole
down the steps. The hall was dark ; the
smell ofgas almost stifling. Of course, the
aervauts followed tbeexample of their owners,
anJ as no cue appeared, she unlocked the
street door, and walkerl homeward with a
■ioosution of pleasurable relief, which im-
pressed Itself very legibly on her face. The
sky was cloudless ; the early risen
sun looked over the earth in dazzling r^L
aiice ; and the cold, pure, wintry air, wide
the blood tingle in Beulah's veins. Agrdat
un.<peakable jojf tilled her soul ; the uplifted
eyes beamed jtith gladness; her brave,. hope-
ful spirit l^ked into the future with un-
quescionuig trust ; an,d as the image .of her
uuhao^friend flitted across her mind, she
excL^ied :
I'his world is full of beauty, like other worlds
aliovo;
And if we did ourduty, it nuKhtbe full of love.'-
She run up to her room, threw open the
blinds, looped back the curtains, and drew
thiit mysterious package from her pocket.
Slie was very curious to see 1 he contents,
and broke the seal with treniblins finctrs'
The outer wrapping fell oflf, and dSclo»e~d"a"n ■
oblong, papier-mache case. It opened with
a spring, aud . revealed to her a beautiful
watch and chain, bearing her name in deli-
cate tracery. A folded slip of paper lay on
BEULAa
118
)ther worlds
the crimson velvet lining of the box, and re-
copizing the characters, she hartily lead
this bnef sentence :
thI.^**'"J* oo"Btantly. Beiilah, to remind you
that, In adversity, you btill Lave """""^ '»«
"A OUARDIAH.
Tears gushed unrestrained, aa she looked
at the beautiful gift. Not for an instant did
•he dream of accepting it, and she shranii
dhuddennglyfrom widening the breach which
already existed, by a refusal. Locking ud
the slip of paper in her workbox, she return-
ert the watch to its case, and carefully re tied
the parcel. Long before, she had wrapped
theprsem paper, and prevailed on Clara
to give It to thedoctor.'- Be had received it
without comment, but she could not return
the watch in the same way, for Clara was
now able to attend regularly to her school
autres.aud it was very uncertain when she
would 6ee hini. Yet she felt comforted, fortius
pft assured her, that however coldly he chose
to treat her when they met, he had not
thrown her off entirely. With all her inde-
pendence, she could not bear the thought of
HIS utter alienation ; and the consciousness
ot his remaining interest thrilled her heart
with gladness.
One altogether un-
CHAPrEFUXXin.
-.9°f.^*u"'''^^y "*""''"«' «°"*« <Jay8 snbse.
juent to her visit to the Grahams. Beufah
set off for the business part of the city,
hhe was closely veiled, and carried under
her shawl a thick roll of neatly written pa-
per. A publishing house was the place of
her destination ; and as she was ushered
into a small back room, to wait the leisure
of the gentleman she wished to see, she could
not lorbear smiling at the novelty of her posi-
tion, and the audacity of the attempt she was
about to make. There she sat, In t£e editor's
sanctum, trvmg to quiet the tumultuous
beating of her heart. Presently, a tall
spare man, with thin, cadaverous visage, en.
tered, bowed took a chair, and eye*cl her
with a what-do-yo«-want " sort of ex-
pression. His giizzKd hair was cut short,
and stood up like bri.tlos, and his keen blue
eyes were by no moans i-iouiidng. id their
cold glitter. Beulah threw off herveil, and
said, with rather an unstea.ly voice •
lished iTert/fcLt^// '"^^ -^fi-'- P»b- ;
He bowed again, leaned back in his chair,
and^ crossed hia hands at the back of his I
«..^f.-''*T t*l "**'■ y*"^ »o article for the
wagajine." She threw down the roU ef pa-
per on a chair. *^
yourltmT--'" ■"■'''" ^°" ^''"°"' "• *'*»^
" Beulah Benton, sir.
known to fame. "
He contracted his eyes, coughed, and said,
constrainedly :
" Are you a subscriber ? "
" I am."
" What is the character of your manu-
script ? •' He took it up as he spoke, and
glanced over the pages.
"You can determine that from perusal
If the sketch suits you, I should like to be-
come a regular contributor. "
A gleam of sunshine strayed over the
countenance, and the editor answered, very
benignly : '
" If the article meets with our approba-
tion, we shall be very happy to afford you
a medium of publication in our journal.
Can we depend on your punctuality T"
'' I think so. What are your terms ? "
" Terms, madame ? I supposed that your
contribution was gratuitous," he said, very
'• Then you are most egrcgionsly mistaken I
w hat do you imagine induces me to write T "
" Why, desire for fame, I suppose."
I " Fame is rather unsatisfactory fare. I am
poor, sir, and write to aid me in maintaining
mytelf. " °
"Are you dependent solely on your own
exertions ?"
" Yes."
" I am sorry I cannot aid yon ; but now.
a-days. there are plenty of authors, who
write merely as a pastime, and we have as
many contributions as we can well look
over."
"I am to understand, then, that the
magaaine is supported altogether by gratni-
I tons contributions ? " said Beulah, unable to
repress a smile.
"Why, you see, authorship has become a
sort of luxury," was the hesitating reply.
"I think the last number of your maga-
zine contained, among other articles, in the
editors drawer,' an earnest anpeal to
southern authors to come to the rescue of
southern periodicals." .
" True, madame : southern intellect seems
I steeped in a lethargy, from which we are
I most taithfulJy endeavouring to arouse it.
" The article to which I allude also ani-
; niaii verted severely upon the practice of
southern authors patronizing northern pub-
lishing establishments?"
" Most certainly, it treated the snbiect
stringently." He moved uneasily.
" T l,r.l;«,.c iV- ,k» i-M! ■ .<
- ..rii^^re me ouwauiipiion IS ^ne same aa
that of the northern periodicals !"
A very coJrl v.ow was the only answer,
"I happ o know that northern
magazines >,. ^ot composed of ^ ^vuitous
contributions ; and it is no mystery why
114
BEULAH.
imithern authors arn drivBii to northern
|)iiMi»her(i. Southern periixlioali are nio-
liurns only for thoso of elngnnt leisure,
who cin affonl to write witliout remunera-
tion. \Vit.h th<; lamo 8nl)s<;ription price, you
ijnnnot pay for the a^^iall•». It is no inirvd
that, under such ciriMiinstancos, wo have no
southnrn literature. Unluckily, I belong to
the nuniurous class who have to look away
from iioine for remuneration. Sir, I will not
trouhli! you with uiy niannsci ipt." ilisinu,
she held out her hand for it ; but the keen
eyes had fallen up'iu a para>{raph which
seemed to interest the editor, and knittiug
liis brows, he snid, reluctantly :
" We have not been in the habit of paying
for our artiolos, but I will look «ver this,
and perhaps you can make it worth uur
while to pay you. The fact is, madam, we
have more trash sent us than we cad find
rouni for; but if you can contribute anything
of woiiiht, why, it will make a difTerence of
.Ajurse. I iiid not recognize you at first, but
I now romejRber that I heard your valedic-
tory to t)ie graduating class of the public
jjohoolar If we should conclude to pay you
forjRular contributions, we wish nothiug
bout it."
" Very well. If you like the manuscript,
'and decide to pay me, you can address me a
note through the post-office. Should I write
tor the magazine, I particularly desire nou to
bo known. She lowered her veil, and most
politely he bowed her out. She was ac-
customed to spend a portion of each Satur-
day in practising duets with Georgia Asbury,
and thither she now directed her steps. Un-
luckily, the parlour was full of visitors, and
without seeing any of the family, she walked
back into the music room. Here she felt per-
fectly at home, and elosing the door, forgot
everything but hor music. Taking no heed
iif the lapse of time, she played piece after
piece, until startled by the clear tones of the
doctor's voice. She looked up, and saw him
standing in the door which opened into the
library, taking off his great-coat.
" Why, Beulah, that room is i\a cold as a
Texas norther. What on earth are you do-
ing there without a fire? Gome in here,
child, and warm your frozen digits. Where
are those two hamm^oarum specimens of
mine V
"I believe they are still entertaining com-
pany, sir. The parlour was full when I
came, and they know nothing of my being
here." She sat down by the bright tire, and
held her stiff fingsrs tosfards the glowing
coals.
" Yes, confound their dear rattlepates ;
that is about the sum-total of their cogita-
tions. " He drew up his chair, put his feet
on the fen-ler of the grate, and lighting hi
cigar, •dilc-tl :
" fs my !<pou8e hUo in the parlour ?"
" I 8ii[iij)oH») HO, sir."
" Time was, Honlah, when Saturday was
the Kre»t day of nropiiratinn for all house-
koe|p«iH. [{less my soul I .My mother would
just al)out as soon have thotighfc of anticipat-
ing the discovery of the open Polar Sea, by
a trip thither, as goinj^ out to visit on Satur-
day. Why, from my boyhood, Saturday
has lieen synouyinmu with seouring, window-
washing, pastry- baking, stocking darning,
and numerous other veneralile customs,
which tliis age is i^pidly dispensing with.
My wife had a lingtiring reverence lor the
duties of the day, and tried to excuse
herself, but I suppose those pretty wax dolls
of mine have coaxed her into 'receiving,' as
they call it. Beulah, my wife is an excep-
tion, but the mass of married women, now-a-
days instead of being thorough house-
wives (as nature intended they should), are
dtilicate, do-nothing, know-nothing, fine
ladies. They have no duties. '0 tempora,
mores I' [ He passed to relight his
cigar, and just then Georgia came in, dress-
ed very richly. He tossed the taper into th«
grate, and exclaimed, as she threw her arms
rounil his neck and kissed him :
" You pretty imp ; what is to pay now ?
Were, Beulah has been sitting, nobody
knows how long, in that frigid zone you call
your music-room. What are you rigged oat
in all that finery for ?"
" We are going to dine out to-day, father.
Beulan will excuse me, I know."
" Indee 1 i Dine where?"
" Mrs. Delmont came round this morning
to invite us to dine with some of her yoang
friends from New Orleans."
" Well, I shan't go, that is all."
" Oh, you are not expected,, sir," laughed
Georgia, brushing the grey locks from hia
ample forehead.
"Not expected, eh? Does your lady
mother contemplate leaving me to discuss my
dinner in doleful solitude ?
" No, mother has gone with Mrs. Ralston
to see about some poor, starving family in
the suburbs. She will be back soon, I dare
say. Mrs. Delmont has sent her carriage,
and Helen is waiting for me ; so I must go.
Beulah, I am very sorry we have been cut
out of our practising. Don't go home ; stay
with mother to-day, aud when I come back
we will have a glorious time. Can't you,
now ? There's » darling."
"Oh, you -wheedling, hypocritioai madcap,
take yourself off ! Of course Beulah will
try to endure the stupid talk of a' poor old
man, whose daughters r.re too fashionable t*
look after him, and whose wife is so extreme-
ly charit
home. '
patience
hurried
much pr«
" Beul;
entrusted
plunged b
nothinir. "
"Thanl
" Oh, d
tween. I
▼ery evide
I wo
kX
j u th<
, . 'Nothii
given me f(
"Forgivi
» Pequod,'
" Beggin
no such thii
"Just wJ
to understai
partner suffi
assistance fr
from his Gm
,. :' Sir. it*
hghtly."
"Lightly
iudianio mal
However, I (
allow^ ."
"Don't j,
about him."
His face be
answered eari
."Beulah, a
▼lie yon not t
very few sucl
equal. He is
happiness, am
had or ever w
"I know it,
•U others."
J, '' Then, wh
•It he wished y
refuse T Mar
to me, but I sa
engraved on th
where I bought
I surmised it w
'JUtrusted the p
"I was alreai
aud did not wis
" -Vfy child, t
werejioo fastidii
"•"•yeti ; though,
made no allusio
" Yes ; I kne
«orry, but could
Word. '
ly chadUble that .he tora^tVfTTZr-
home.' Olwrout, you trill # '^«'°' **
nothinjf." • 'now-Unk, but said
,','}!i'*°>you, air.-
very e^ide,.* that yot tLT^ '"'"''• I* '"
Iwould^tM soon i u\? «l"»"c"ed.
;5>««* the mat?or r-J? P J"' *c**'^' "•'^H
-give£;*^Vo?tSng';^«^^^ n.T.r for-
*or«v8n I Bin.. n»- 1 •
» PequcKl. •' '^""'" ""' '>«"*• apiteful aa
-o'iufeK'riSt?,! ?'^ ^"'"•7' »>«»
"Just whft iSht S''' ""P"*""",!*.
to underatand. th^n* thuf^ "pected. f »„
partner 8uffioL\r;fh*y«« «n abnae my
a^iatance from me ?" Ha kV^P^''**'^^
from hia cigar and iookfd\,T^«<i theaahes
"Sir. it pansmaTKo ** Vl"»2acallv.
lightly. " ^ "" *° '''«'' 1»™ "P-ken of 80
IndiiiSmUce^^rr.'?L''«i:<J ' *»">««ht
However, I can Tuco«^ k ?. ''^"^ °harie.
allow 1,/ °*° ""'-ow'l better, if you will
abou?hTm*'.^'~*' "'•• ^'•"» -y no more
.ns''v;:;:rearSi; •""^'""^ ««-' «d he
happiness. aJ^tThf be° S 7*""^ •°'^
had or ever will have." yon ever
BEITLAR
,,j'^'°' will nave."
•U othSi"^' '*• "** P"" *"'' 'ri«»d-hip *boTe
refuse ? MarK T„ '*^ "^^^ "^ould you
to me, but Saw S waff ^>^"« '''^"* **
engraved ou throve at th«^- Xonrname
where I bought one just Ite t for n^ '**^"
I surm sed it was ^h.f - * '"'^ Georg a.
-trusted t ie;ro?age?c'"me^^**'^' '"^-'-
auddid'^otS«P««y '"debted tohim
•' -% s.rt:r^sr^:c!;;^3f '^*«- "
were^to.. fHstid.ous. h: ^T.'Z'T,'^: ^^^ I
•n^e no allu/i^ t^tL Sie/t^J? »«^-«> ^^ I
•orryfbut' i.uld7oUHnk '^- '^'^'^ ' »» -^y
"Oh. you 2e * ft "f accepting it." "^
word."^- * ''"" matched, upon my
{
.'.' S?"'* ^« you mean r
-''«';•*'•• t:pr ?.?-,. Child. I ^^^
make'^l'i;rt;^,'-;f "'J^^' the majority
Lookhart and pIZe r *'' ^"" '*^«" M"
the city."^ """ ""' '"^"^ t'-at they were in
all'lt^Ht'tweif-s't*!:'; "'''"''''''^- ^''•y "•
-aid fhe"'ofh;r"day tt? PaT '"• "''*-«"
*o -e you ; and'i:i„cn twS of .ril"^?""'
fVilftar^^frelld"^^^^^
tion.'fon,ra'ii;?:rut t^re^'i?*^ .^k^^'p'**-
afternoon." replfed £„*Jah ' '"'' *^" ^''y
troubu'some'Yrho'u'lcflTL'J^'l T' *»"''"^ »•
things that perXx m« „ **" y"" o^ "oma
hesititiDgly.P P " "* ''•'■y much. ".aid she,
have\oty'':„t?fT? *'«*'- .^^^atever you
restasaure^d I wtu^^What^T'"/ *••"'' ^^"^
"A great many th/ni'*sirS?r tT ^"
read several works X* J. ^^^^te, I have
former faith and .nSt^ *? unsettled my
ened my mfnd ^ t confused and dark-
thought yon might ^d™«"""**"y' ^"d I
tmth " ^ * ' '^'' ™« "» myaearch after
an Xtfon'^'orS^^ S* */«5 "e^* -»>"•
"aid, very gravely °''""^«d hi. face,
Iaatpt^ot^'o''™httou\r„,r 1 ^
asaistauce. Do tji« i^. «h<HiM apply for
you allude involve reliS'''"^'- ^"^^^'^^
::Yes,sir.alm:s[t?irelV.V-''-»'
direct oThe«°"°"'*"«'' '"y"'^ *o Pre.nmeto
^ Beulah looked up. in unfeigned aatonish-
-oe'Sr**'"''^'" °°* abatis termed
"Most sincerely Hq t ,-j.k *u 4. t
not. " . -I. - .nsa that I waa
^ You cannot aid me, then J" ^ "
viewaaflmayleStt^^a'^nj
fff
116
BEULAH.
• the tinMt of my i&a» i*g« I wm m inHtl't,
^andBuch tt«i( wtvld aulTcitlU me. U 1 am
I Dok now, it !• («>«"»tt»e my « jfe'» unprotend-
ing ouimmteut |v ' |i»> '<agUt <i* tu rsvura
the preuapU of a rev«i«.it.,:> whioh i li>ag ago
rejected. Her pure ruligiioa iiiaktM me ro-
U^ ipect Christiauity, whiuh once I eiiebred at.
n I >ni forced to acknowledge the haupy
j| lultt of her faith, and I may yet be orou^t
' to yield up old prujudioea and ooufesa its
. divine origin. I am no Atheist, thank Ood 1
, nuver have been. But I tell you candidly,
> my doubts conceruiug the Bible make me an
; nniafe guide for a mind like yourt. For
t^ aome time I have marked the oourse of your
reading, by the books I missed from my
shelves, and have feared just what haa bap-
' penud. On one point my experience may be
of value to you. What is uompriied onder
the head of philosophical reaearoh will never
aid nor aatisfy you. 1 am an old inau, Buu-
lah, and have atudied philosophical works
fur many years | bat, take my word for it,
tb<^ nass of them are sheer humbus. From
tic '^ginning of the world, philosophers
hav . ueeu iuveatigating the couutl'jaa niya-
teries which present themselves to every
, ea^ aat mind ; but the aroaua are aa inauru-
table now a« ever. I do not wish to discou-
rage you, Buulah ; nor do I desire to under-
rate human capabilitiea ; but, in all candour,
this kind of atudy dues uut pay. It haa not re-
paid ntu— it has not satiitlicd Hai twell, who
went deeper into metaphysiua than any one I
know, and who now haa less belief of any
aort than any one I ever wish to know. I
would not advise you to prosecute this
branch of study. I am content to aoknow-
ledee that of many things I know nothing,
and never can be «)>y wiser ; but Guy Hart-
well is too proud '. ; admit his iuoapaoity to
grapple with some of theao mysteries.
Beulah. my wife ia one of the happiest spirits
I ever knew ; she is a consistent Christian.
' When we were married, I watched her
very closely ; I tell yon, child, I hoped
very much t^«t I should find some (glaring
incongruity in her conduct which would
have bauctioned my scepticism. I was con-
tinually on the look out for defects of charac-
ter that mighi cast ' iiterapt on the religion
she professed. 1 did i. ' t.xpect her to prove
ao pure-hearted, ui.set '^, ;^humbh, and
genuinely pious as I i' mu' v\ ' do n ost
sincerely revere such reli. I 'jv 'I ti(«rs. Ah I
If it were not so rare, I .hi'!*, i r '.m- have
been so soepticaL She 'Mi*, v <^i I me that
the precepts of the Bi .lo do '^^ulate the
ucai c ouu (juntjr tuc tiic ; suu cu you, cuiiu,
I will say, candidly, ' almost ahe haa per-
Buaded me to be a Chriati^a.' Whatever
of "
He aaid no more, for at thia moment tiie
door opened, and Mrs. Asbnry entered.
She weK'imiMl Beulah with a coK^ial sinoa-.
rity^ stiigi'i«rly/ soothing to the orphan '•
heart, auU <<Mi^ii,g her hand in a ti(.,liit clasp,
asked ^a>f€ti\,l quostions, which iter husband
by druwiiig her to his side,
here hav* you been straying to,
damT"
" Where yon muafc akray to, air, Jaat as
soon aa you atai-t out thia evening on yonr
round of visits."
She softly smoothed back hia hair and
kiaKd his forehead. 8he was a noble-luokhig
woman, with a tranquil oonntenauee that
betokened a serene, cluudless soul j and aa
ahe atood beside her husband, his eve reated
on her face with an expreseiou bordeaiug oa
adoration. Beulab coald nut avoid wonder-
ing why such women were ao very rare, and
the thuuuht preaejited itself with painful
force, "tt Cornelia Graham and I had had
such mothcra, v« might boMn have been hap-
pier and better." Prouably aomethiag of
what crossed her mind crept into her coun-
taaanoe, for the doctor asked, lauRhingly :
" In the name of Venus I what are yon
aorewing up your lips, and looking ao ugly
about?"
"I aupmis'- ae reaaan ia, that I must go
home." Wlio ruse with a suppressed sigh.
"I am disposed to think it much more
probable that >uu were envying me my wife.
Come, confesfc"
" I was wishing that I had such a mothar."
With soma sudden impulse she threw her
arms round Mrs. Asbury s neck, and hid her
face OD her shoulder.
" Then let me be your mother, my dear
child," said she, pressing the girl affection-
ately to her heart, and hjssing ner cheek.
"Are yon troubled about anything, my
dear T " continued Mrs. Asbury, aurprisad at
thia mauifeatation of feeling in one n'<<'.ally
so cold and reserved.
" An orpbn; heart monrna ita dead idth, '
answered Beuiah, raisincher head, a' f'( '^cit.
drawing from the kind arm that 'fir, (';!
her. Mrs. Asbury interpreted a quick gianc4
from her husband, ana did not press tha
matter further ; but at parting, she accom-
panied Beulah to the front door, and earnestly
assured her that if ahe could in any way
advise or assist her aha would consider it
both a privilege and a pleasure to do so.
Ile^urning to the library, ahe laid her aoft
band on ner husband's Krm, and said anx-
' Ireorge, what is the matter with her T "
''She ia uistrciict;, Of father perplexed,
about her religious doubts, I inferred from
what ahe said just before you came in. She
haa drifted oat into a troubled aea of philo-
aophy, I am inclined to think, and .not aatia-
fled wit
lute aa
ahe ia te
He sigcK
His w
"Wh(
•' Not
perfect e
the blinr
state of I
herself."
An OX]
h«r /ettii
pOMlblc
latins yoi
"Alice
is not a n
statement
and she k
views hav
systems ol
of sceptici
the land j
expect it.
mare over
through th
i'ltellectua
But— ther«
IIS have di
this afterni
He took I
to weigh s
forbore to i
the bell foi
account of]
quired his i
With a 1
prepared to
afternoon o
Eanionship ■
y books, ai
one with w
acquai itf.l j
hualtl ; , jui
the mists th
mind. Alrt
ture of seJf-r
foundations.
walk when J
"Miss Bei
lour waiting
"Is itMii
"No. Sh
name."
Beulah des
ais angraoioui
ran to meet li
Slie was aupti
ion of dazzllti
violet oyes, o'
cilleil brows.
Ift
o
BEULAU.
fl»d with what ahe hu found, !• now irreio-
11!!":" *"., \^*. ^^Vr oourae. Poor chiUl,
rt* w terribly ,n earnatt »bout the matter. '
He iigned heavily.
;; What did yoatf-nb.rt- ^
perfect exempl.fi.a.,,,,. of ' the blind leading
the blm,l.-p,,rt ^hen rU learned my .wn
itate of nncortamf.y, ah. itemed to think so
her _ve,«„reg, bat banishing it aeipcedilv a.
poa-^H.I., «he answered very gently: ^
)^„i "i"' ."*>' •'""''and, feat by rocapitu
^' lll?'w n*^ ''"'i »t'-«ni.'tben ho^a ^ *"
Alice, I told her the whole truth Sh..
ta^temeVta'*" R**'. ^.P"* "^ ^'^h Wf-wJ;
Mowr^^TSrrr;^;:Klj
exjjot it' U h'* T''V\* "f''-'° ^'-'-^ I leas
expeoc It. It broods Ike a hideous niuht
But thr« '•'"'.*."''? ^^ ^^^'^y com,nunity
tJut-there is that eternal door-bell Le
yie bell for dinner, interested him with in
account of her visit to a poor fan y who n
quired his immediate attention ^ ^^ ''
With a heart unwontediy heavy BenlAb
prepared to cal upon Pauline, later in h
afternoon of the same.Kv r* „.„ ,.
rnionship she neSd ')?:;. tuL IZ T^!:^
by books, and the sensation of lonelii o s t
ture of ,^S,^Li:^>^„ -;•--. struc.
foundations. She was ,.l .ill . f / *''•>'
walk when Mrs. Il'yt cam': !,^ ''"^' ^'' ^
iou;^i:i^iSti;:^.i-^'^y-*'>«i«^
"Is it Miss Graham ?"
"No. She is
name."
Benlah descended to the mrlo.,. ,v -,*u-.
l!7
were faultlessly ohiacUed j thT^whole U '■
was one of rare 1, elmeai. " "
Yon don't know me I For aham* R«,.
Uh. to forget old frienda." ""• ^*"
to',*e?y4?"'"''"''^""' I«.«r,gl.d
I h'lSv**? *^!* ^o' Politeneaa' aake I Here
IjUjjr been for ten daya, and you have no?
l^red a foot to aee me."
^ " I didn't know you were in town till thi.f
mornin., and juat« you came I wL putUn^f,
on my ^.jnnet to go aid see you."' P"'*"'*?*
„ Are you telling the truth?" i
.. «/■",; r"«'"vely lam." f
me. After my uncle, you and Charon ar"
an I cared anything about meetinTher«
Bless your dear, solemn, grey eyea I ho^
often I have wante.l to see you ''' ^
stranger, and gave
no
^5o''I!^hfe'k''r«^u•*''^T" ^^^ «rmarou„d
, "oniahs nejk, and kissed hor repeatedly
Be quiet, and lot me look at you (X,
r. ^r"' Vr ''«*""^"^ y^^ have^grown -'■'
cried Beuiah. who could not forbear exTresa
«n<j the admiration she felt. e'fp^ss.
.; i" ^."f '• *.'"' *•■*'»** '" Florence ravod con-
8 derably about my beauty. I can't t« 1 ? „
ho number of tinfes I sa for my po L^jt"
It .sverv pleasant to bo prettv7l e" i^ v t
Which had characterized her in cliiWhood •
z^rtin7e:r"^'^"""°^ «-•''»'•« ^-i.'
"I was astonished when I came, and found
tha yon had left Uncle Guy, and ^we teach-
ing little ragged, dirty children their A B V'n
U ;a l.o.ses..e,I yon^o do such a s'uy thing ?'•
Duty, my dear Paulino. " **
;;\ou must quit all this. leay you must'"
I see you are quite as reckless and srat-
terbraincd as ever." answcod R uK • '
«.-n.lmg at her authoritative tone. ' ,
^^"i f positively am not the fool UdcIb
Ouy used to think me. I have more sense
t!.aM people give me credit for. though I dam
oct. Brulah, I know very well why y„u took
It into your wise head to be a teadi^r You
were unwilling to usurp what you considered
my place ,n ifncle Guy's hom^ and hS '
iTJnf °°* ''/f'«''*^» yourself in that un.
IIT^I^^'L. ?>!-- . I--f-"y well it i.
inno^^ uiatv;uiii";;i^'K^^^' "n;y
well provided for. a«d don't intend to tak"
one cent of Uncle Guy's mopey, ao Jon mSh?
r** A' T"" ^*^« the benefit o it. ^T know
each otLr t"^ r '^'■'^ notex,-.ctlvado7;
each other. I understand all about that
118
BEULAfl.
ri
old skirmishing. But thiufis have cha.iged
■ very much, Beulah ; BO you must quit this
horrid nonseuse about working, and beinu in-
dependent"
"How you do rattle on, about things you
don t comprehend," laughed Beulah.
" Come, don't set me down for a simple-
ton ! I tell you I am in earnest ! You must
comeback to Uncle Guy !"
"Pauline, it is worse than useless to talk
of this matter. I decided long ago as to what
1 ought todo, and certainly shall not change
my opinion now. Tell me what you saw la
iijurope.
"Why,, has not Eugene told you all you
wish to know ? Apropos I I saw him at a
party last uight, playing the devoted to that
little beauty, Netta Dupres. We were all
in Pans at the same time. I don't fancy ier :
she is too lusLiffeiably vain and affected. It
IB my opinion that slie is flirting with Eu-
gene, which must be quite agreeable to you.
Oh, I tell you, Beulah, I could easily put her
™',, ' P.®*'"* *"<^ ISO"!, in my thimble !"
"I did not ask your estimate of Miss Du-
pres, I want to know something of your Euro-
pean tour, I see Eugene very rarely."
"01 of course we went to see all the
Bights, and very stur.id it was. Mr. Lock-
hart scolded continually about my want of
taste and appreciation, because I did not ut-
ter all the luteiiectioas of delight and aston-
ishment over old, tumbledown ruins, and
genuine ' master-pieces ' of art, as he called
them. Upon my word, 1 have been tired
almost to death, when he an,l ma descanted
by the hour on the ' inimitable, and trans-
cendant, and entrancing ' beauties and clo-
nes bf old pictures, that wore actually so
black with age, that they looked like daubs
ot tar, and 1 could not tell whether the
figures were men or women, archangels or
''"Tu "7f"- ®°™« *^i"8« I <^i'i enjoy 7 such
as the Alps, and the Mediterranean, and St.
Peters and Westminster Abbey, and some
of the German cathedrals. But "as to keep-
ing my ringer on the guide-book, and com-
mitting all the ecstasy to memory, to spou
tat just at the exact moment, when I saw
nothing to deserve it, why that is all fudge.
1 tell you there is nothing in all Europe equal
jiome,_ though I enjoyed some things amaz-
"How is Mr. Lockhart's health?"
"Very poor I am sorry to say. He looks
80 thin anl pale, I often tell him he would
make quit, xs i^.od a pictured saint as any
we saw abroad.* ^
" How ioii^ will you remain here '"
"TiUUuclo Guy thinks Mr. Lockhart is
well enough to go to his plantation, I sun-
pose. *^
«■!_ ^y,^»*™»'^es you so restless. Pauline*
U by don't you sit still ?" asked Beulah. obi
serving that her vieitor twisted about, asif
uncomfortable.
" Because I want to tell you something,
and really do not know how to begin," said
she, laughing and blushing,
" I cannot imagine what should discon-
cert you, Pauline,"
" Thank you. Truly, that is a flattering
tribute to my sensibility. Beulah, can't you
guess what I have to tell you T"
"Certainly not. But why should von
hesitate to disclose it ? "
" Simply because your tremendous grey
eyes have such an owlish way ot looking
people out of countenance. No\ don't look
quite through me, and I will piuck up mv
courage, and confess. Beulah— I am going
to be married soon. " She hid her crimsoned
cheeks behind her hands.
" Married T impossible I " cried Benikh
"But I tell you I am I Here is my en-
gagementnng. Now, the most astonishing
part of the whole affair is, that my intended
sovereign is a minister! A preacher, aa
solemn as Job 1 "
"You a minister's wife, Pauline? Oh.
child, you are jesting ! " said Beulah, with
an incredulous smile.
" No ! absurd as it may seem, it is never-
theless true. I am to be married in March
Ma says I am a fool; Mr. Lockhart en-
courages and supports me ; and Uncle Guv
laughs heartily every time the affair is al-
luded to At first, before we went to
l<-urope, there was violent opposition from my
mother, but slie found I was in earnest, and
now It IS all settled for March, Uncle Guy
knows Ernest Mortimer, and esteems him
very highly, but thinks that I am the last
woman in tji^ United States who ought to be
a minist^ wife. I believe he told Ernest
as mu^ but of course he did not believe
hirj^
>^ Where does Mr. M'^rtimor reside ? "
xj "J",^^e"'"K'a; '>as ohartre of a Lhuroli there
• \t " » ^istsr at s'-e t'anie school I attended
in New York ; and dun.:g a vi.sit to her, he
says he met his evil angel in mc. lie is about
hve years ray senior; but l,e is here now.
and you will have a.i o-,.-,.,rtunity of formina
your own opinion of him' " ■
"How h)ng have^ou known h;m "•
" About two years. 1 ani railicr afraid of
nim, to tell you the honest tn.t: H,. ■, ,,,
grave, and has such rigid noci-^n^- M.^t I
woiKler very much M-hat ever hvM-.. ;.,j his
holiness to fancy siicli a heedl^^as >mc, -f
womankind as be is obliged to know' I ani'-
wi, <"7®'' P"* ".". *"y ''"^"'I'ty or sanctity.'
^hat. d(. you think, Beulah? Uncle Giiv
coolly toi>l me this moruiug. in Eri.ost's pie'.
BEULAH.
llf
ould discon.
sence, that he was only charmed by my
pretty face, and that if I did not learn" sunic
common sense, he would very soon repcjit liis
choice. Oh, the doleful warnings 1 have been
favoured with ! But you sliall all see that I
am worthy of Ivlr. Mortimor's love."
Her beautiful face was radiant with hope,
yet m the violet eyes there lurked Hushed
tears.
"I am very glad that you are so happy,
I'auline ; and if you will, J am very sure yon
can make yourself all that Mr. Mortimer
ceuld desire."
* ,',' ^, *"> resolved I will. Yesterday he
talked to me very seriously about the duties
which he said would devolve on me. 1 tried
to laugh him out of his sober mood, but he
nouIdUlk about 'pastoral relations,' and
what would be expected of a pastor's wife,
until I was ready to cry with vexation.
Jirnest 18 not dependent on his salary ; his
father is considered wealthy, I believe, which
laot reconciles me in some degree To-
morrow he will preach in Dr. Hew's church,
and you must go to hear him. I have never
yet heard huu preach, and am rather anxious
to know what sort of sermons I am to listen
to for the remainder of my life. " She looked
at her watch, and rose.
"I shall certainly go to hear him," an-
swered Beulah.
"Of course you will, and after service you
must go home and spend the day with me.
Ma begs that you will not refuse to dine
with her ; and as you are engaged all the
week. Uncle Guy expects you also ; that is,
ne told me to insist on your coming, but
thought you would probably decline. VViU
you come ? Do say yes. "
ehurd/'''"'* '^°°^y**- I »'" ••• you at
Thus they parted.
CHAPTER XXIV.
On Sabbath morning, Beulah sat beside
the window with her folded hands resting on
her lap. The day was cloudless and serene ;
the sky of that intense melting blue which
characterizes our clime. From every quarter
ot the city brazen muezzins called worship,
pers to the temple, and bands of neatly ciad
happy chidren thronged the streets, on their
way to Sabbath school. Save these, and the
peahng bdls, a hush pervaded all things, as
though nature were indeed at '• her prayers. "
messed be th« hall.MVH.l influ-.. 4" "l-ch
every sunny SaUi.^th moVu "excrU !
Blessed be theholj t^...^_ ^hich at leist once
a week call every ei,it..y chikl back to its In-
hiiUe Faiiier ! i'\ti jome time Beulah had ab-
6«uted heidelf f.om church, for she found
that instead of profiting by sermons, she
came home to criticise and question. But
early associations are straniiely tenacious,
and as she watched the children troopii.g to
the house of God, there rushed to htiih nd
menioiiea of other years, when the orphan
bauds from the Asylum regularly took their
places in the Sabbath school. The hymns
she sang then rang again in her ears ; long
forgotten passages of Scripture, repeated
then, seemed learned but yesterday. How
often had the venerable superintendent knelt
■ind invoked special guidance for the afflicted
band from the God of orphans? Now she
felt doubly orphaned. In her intellectual
|)ride, she frequently asserted that she was
"the star of her own destiny;" but this
morning childish memories prattled of the
Star of Bethlehem, before which she once
bent the knee of adoration. Had it set for
ever, amid clouds of supersition, sin and in-
fidelity ? Glittering spires pointed to the
bending heavens, and answered: " It burns
on for ever, 'brighter and brighter unto the
perfect day 1' " With a dull weight on her
heart, she took down her Bible and opened
it indifftrently at her book mark. It proved
the thirty eighth chapter of Job, and she read
on and on, until the bells warned her it was
the hour of morning service. She walked to
church, not humbled and prepared to receive
the holy teachings of revelation, but with a
defiant feeling in her heart, which she did
not attempt or care to analyze". She was not
accustomed to attend Dr. Ilew's church, but
the sexton conducted her to a pew, and as
she seated herself, the solemn notes of the
organ swelled through the vaulted . aisles.
The choir sang a magnificent anthem from
Hadyn's "Creation," and then only the deep,
thundering peal of the organ fell on the dim,
cool air. Beulah could bear no more ; as she
lowered her veil, bitter tears gushed over her
troubled face. Just then, the longed to fall
oa her knees before the altar and renew the
vows of childhood ; but the impulse very
soon died away, and while the pews on every
side rapidly filled, she watched impatiently
for the appearance of the minister. Imme-
diately in front of her sat Mr. and Mrs. Gra-
ham and Antoinette Dupres. Beulah was
pondering the absence of Cornelia and Eugen*
when a full manly voice fell on her ear, and
looking up she saw Mr. Mortimer standing
in the pulpit. He looked older than Pauline's
(ici.riptionhad prepared her to expect, and
the lirst impression was one of disa[)p()int-
iTirtit. }.rt{Z the longer Sitc Watvucu the grave,
quiet face, the more attractive it became.
Certainly he was a handsome man, and judg-
iu^' horn the contour of head and features,
an intellectual one. There was an absolute
repose in the countenance wlilch might have
passed with casual observers tbr inertia, in-
fil IP I !
t%
< i.i
I
i
120
■ ifs
BEULAH.
\
difference ; bat to the practised physiogno-
mist it expressed the perfect peace of a mind
and heart •ompletely harinonioiis. The
voice was remarkably clear and well modu-
lated. His text was selected from the first
and Ikat chapters of Ecclesiastes, and consist-
ed^ ^ihese verses :
^' For in much wisilom is mush ^rief ; and
that iaoreaseth knowledge, increaseth
a.iirow."
"And further, by these, my son, be ad-
monished ; of making many books there is
no end, and much study is a weariness of the
flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the
whole matter. Fear God, and keep His
commandments, for this is the whole duty of
man."
To the discourse which followed, Beulah
listened with the deepest interest. She fol-
lowed the speaker over the deserted ancient
oriental systems, which he rapidly analyzed^
and held np as empty shells ; lifting the veil
of soufism, he glanced at the mystical creed
of Algazzali ; and in an epitnniized account
of the Orecian schools of philosophy, depict-
ed the wild vagaries into which many had
wandered, and the unsatisfactory results to
which all had attained. Not content with
these instances of the insufficiency and mock-
ing nature of human wisdom and learning,
he adverted to the destructive tendency of
the Helvetian and D'Holbach system, and
after a brief discussion of their ruinous
tenets, dilated, with some erudition, upon
the oonflicting and dangerous theories pro-
pounded by Germany. Then came the con-
templation of Christianity, from its rise
amon^ the fishermen of Galilee to its present
summit of power. For eighteen hundred
years it had been assaulted by infidelity, yet
each century saw it advancing— a conquer-
ing Colossus. Throughout the sermon, the
idea was maintained that human reason was
utterly inadequate to discover to man his
destiny, that human learning was a great
cheat, and that only from the pages of Holy
Writ could geunine wisdom be acquired.
Men were to be as little children in order to
be taught the truths of immortality. Cer-
tainly, the reasoning was clear and forcible,
the philosophic allusions seemed very apro-
pos, and the language was elegant and im-
passioned. The closing hymn was sung ;
the organ hushed its worshipping tones ; the
benediction was pronounced ; the congrega-
tion dispersed.
As Beulah descended the steps, she found
Pauline and Mrs. Lockhart waiting at the
carriage for her. ihe latter greeted her
with quite a show of cordiality ; liut the
orphan shrank back from the offered kiss,
an.i mere'y touched the extended hand. She
had not furgotrten the taunts and unkindness
of other days, and though not vindictive, sha
could not feign oblivion of the past, nor as-
sume a friendly manner foreign to her. She
took her seat in the carriage, and found it
rather difficult to withdraw her fascinated
eyes from Pauline's lovely face. She knew
what was expected of her, however ; and
•aid, as they drove rapidly homeward :
" Mr. Mortimor seemed to be a man of
more *'ian ordinary erudition."
" Did you like the sermon T Do you like
him ?" asked Pauline, eagerly.
"I like him very much, indeed; but do
not like hii sermon at all," answered Beulah,
bluntly.
" I am sure everybody seemed to be de-
lighted with it," said Mrs. Lockhart.
" Doubtless the majority of his congrega-
i tion were ; and I was very much interested,
i though I do not accept his views. His de-
I livery is remarkably impressive, and hie
voice is better adapted to the pulpit than
I any I have ever listened to. " She strove to •
: say everything favourable which, in candour,
j she conld.
I " Still you did not Kke his sermonf said
Pauline, gravely.
" I canud* accept his conclusions. "
" I liked the discnurse particularly,
Pauline. I wish Percy could have heard it,"
said Mrs. Lockhart.
The daughter took no notice whatever of
this considerate speech, and sat quite still,
looking more serious than Beulah had ever
seen her. Conversation flagged, despite the
young teacher's efforts, and she was heartily
flad when the carriage entered the avenue,
[er heart swelled as she caught sight of the
noble old cedars, whose venerable heads
^eemed to bow in welcome, while the droop-
ing branches held out their arms, as if to em-
brace her. Each tree was familiar ; even the
bright coral yupon clusters were like
dear friends grectins; her after a
long absence. She had never realiz-
ed until now how much she loved
this homo of her early childhood, and large
drops dimmed her eyes at she passed along
the walks where she had so often wandered.
The carriage approached the house, and she
saw her quondam guardian standing before
the door. He was bareheaded, and the sun-
shine fell like a halo upon his brown, clus-
tering hair, threading it with gold. He held
in one hand a small basket of grain, from
which he fed a flock of hungry pigeons.
On every side they gathered about him —
blue and white, brown and mottled — some
fluttering down from the Un>i of tiie house ;
two or three, quite tame, perched on his arm,
eating from the basket ; and one, of uncon- .'
mon beauty, sat on his shoulder, cooing soft-
ly. By his side stood Charon, looking grave
BEULAH.
121
I
ly on, A9 if he, wise sonl, t],nnght this fami-
liarity sii^nally impudent. It was .i singular-
ly quiet, peaceful scene, which indelibly
dftguerrcotyped itself on Benlah's memory.
As the carriage whirled round the circle, and
drew up at the door, the startled flock wheel-
ed off; and brushing the grain from his
hands, Dr. Hartwell advanced to assist his
Kister. Pauline sprang out first, exclaiming ;
" You abominable fieatlien ! Why didn't
you come to church? Even Dr. Aabury
was out."
" Guy. you missed an admirable sermon,"
chimed in Mrs. Lockhart.
He was disengaging the fringe of Pauline's
shawl, which caught the button of his coat,
and looking up as his sister spoke, his eyes
met Beulah a anxious gaze. She had wander-
ed very much how he would receive her.
Hi' juntenawe expressed neither surprise
nor pleasure ; he merely held out his hand
to assist her, saying, in his iisual grave man-
ner :
" I dm glad to see you, Beulah."
She looked up in his face for some trace of
the old kindness, but ttM rare, fascinating
smile and protective tendernpss had utterly
vanished. He returned her look with a
calmly indifferent glance, which pained her
more than any amount of sternness could
have done. She snatched her hand from his,
and, missing the carriage step would have
fallen, but he caught and placed her safely
on the groun(^ saying coolly :
" Take ca/e ; you are - wkward."
She foUirfWed Pauline up the steps. wi<liing
herselpirt home in her little room. I; i her
comjjftiion's gay chat diverted her miml. and
snly remembered how very beautiful was
Be face she looked on.
They stood together before a mirror,
smoothing their hair, and Beulah could not
avoid contrasting the images reflected. One
was prematurely grave and thoughtful in its
expression— the other radiant with happy
hopes. Pauline surmised what was passing
in her friend's mind, and said, merrily :
" For shame, Beulah ! to envy me my
poor estate of good looks 1 Why, I am all
nose and eyes, curls, red iips and cheeks :
but you have an additional amount of brains
to balance my gifts. Once 1 heard Uncle (iuy
say that you had more intellect than all the
other women and children in the town !
Come, Mr. Lockhart wants to see you very
much." ^
She ran down the steps as heedlessly as in
hvr chiMhoon, and Bcuiah toiiowed her more
leisurely. In the study they found the re-
mainder of the party ; Mr. Lockhart was
wrapt in a heavy dressing-gown, and reclined
on the sofa. He welcomed Beulah very warm-
ly, keeping her hand in his, and making her
sit down near him. Ho was emaciated, and
a hacking cough prevented his taking any
active part in the conversation. One glance
at his sad face sufficed to show her that his
days on earth were numbered, and the ex-
pression with which he regarded his wife
told all the painful tale of an unhappy mar-
ria(?e. She was discussing the serm.)n, and
declaring herself highly gratified at the im-
pression which Mr. Mortimor had evidently
made on his large and fashionable congrega- ■
tion. Dr. Hartwell stood on the hearth
listening in silence to his sister's remarks'
The Atlantic.might have rolled between them"
for any interest he evinced in the subject'
Paulme was restless and ej^cited s
hnally she crossed the room, stood close to
her uncle, and carelessly fingering his
watch-chain, said earnestly: "Uncle Guy
what did Ernest mean, this morninjt, bv a
'Fourieristic phalanx?'"
"A land where learned men are captivated
by blue eyes and rosy lips," answered the
doctor, looking down into her sparkling
As they stood together, Beulah remarked
how very much Pauline resembled him.
True, be was pale, and she was a very
Hebe, but the dazzling transparency of the
complexion was the same ; the silky nut-
brown hair the same, and the classical
chiselling of mouth and nose identical. Her
eyes were "deeply, darkly," matchlessly
Wue, and hm were hazel ; her feitures were
quivering with youthful joyouaness and en-
tnnsiasm— his might have been carved in
ivory, they seemed so inflexible, still they '
were alike. Pauline did not exactly relish
the tone of his reply, and said hastily :
" Uncle Guy, I wish you would not treat
me as if I were an idiot ; or what is not
much better, a two-y^ar old child I How
am I ever to learn any sense ?"
" Indeed, I have no idea, "said he, passing
his soft hand over her glossy curls.
" You are very provoking 1 Do you want
Ernest to think me a fool ?"
"Have you waked to a oonscionsnesa of
that danger ?"
"Yes, and I want you to teach nie some-
thing. Come, tell me what that thine ii I
asked you about."
"Icll you what?"
"Why, what a— a ' Pourieristio phalanx
u ?" said she, earnestly.
Beulah could not avoid smiling, and won-
dered how he managed to look so aerious a-
he replied: '
"I know verv little about the tactics of
Fourieristic phalanxes, but believea phalange
18 a community or asaocifttion of about eigh-
teen hundred persons, who were supposed
or intended to practise the Fourieristic doe^
P
122
BEULAH.
f^7
\
\
trinej. In fine, a phalanee is a sort of
Fii*^h Utopia."
^ ' And where is that, sir ?" asked Pauline,
innocently, without taking her eyes from his
face.
" Utopia is situated in No-oonutry, and its
chief city is on the banks of the river
Waterless."
" Oh, Uncle Guy ! how can you quiz me
so unmercifully, when I ask you to explain
thinfjB to me T"
" vVhy, Pauline, I am answering your
questions correctly. Sir Thomas More pro-
fessed to describe Utopia, which means no-
place, and mentions a river Waterless.
Dou't look so desperately lofty. 1 wiU show
you the book, if you are so incorrigibly
-stupid." He passed his arm round her as
he spoke, and kept her close beside him.
' ' Mr. Lockhart, is he telling the truth ?"
cried she, incredulously.
"Certainly he is," answered her itep-
father, smiling.
" Oh, I don't believe either of yon 1 You
two think that I am simple enough to be-
lieve any absurdity you choose to tell me.
Beulah, what is Utopia ?"
" Just what your uncle told you. More
used Greek words which signified nothing,
in order to veil the satire."
"Oh, a satire ! Now, what is the reason
you could not say it was a satire, you wise-
acre t"
"Because I gave you credit for some
penetration, and at least common sense."
"Both of which 1 have proved myself
devoid of, I suppose? Tliauk you." 'She
threw her arms round his neck, kissed him
once or twice, and laughingly added :
"Come, nov^ Uncle Guy, tell me what
these ' phalanxes,' as you call them, have to
do wiih Ernest's text.?"
" I really cannot inform you. There is
the dinner-bell." Uiiolasping her arms, he
led the way to the dining-room.
Later in the afternoon, Mr. Lockhart re-
tireii to his own room ; his wife fell asleep
on the sofa, and Beulah and Pauline sat at
the parlour window, disciissing the various
occurrences of their long aoparation. Pauline
talked of her futurc~how bright it
was ; how very much she and Ernest loved
eacii other, and how busy she would be when
she had a home of her own. She supposed
she would be obliged to give up dancing ;
she had an indistinct ides that preachers'
wives were not in the habit of indulging in
any such amusements; and ao for the theatre
aiiu Opera, .-(he rather d.-iuutea .wiieClier either
were to be f :d in the inland town where
she was to reside. Uncle Guy wished to fur-
nish the parsonage, and, among other things,
had ordered an elegant piano for her ; she
intended to practise a gr^"'3eAl7"beci.iise
Krnest was so fond of musicf Uncle Guy had
a hateful habit of lecturing^hAMkbout "do-
mestic affairs," but she imagined the cook,
would understand her own business ; and if
Mr. Mortimor supposed she was going to
play housemaid, why, she would very soon
undeceive him, Beulah was much amused
at the child -like simplicity with which she
discussed her future, and began to think the
whole aflfair rather ludicrous, when Pauline
started, and exclaimsd, as the blood dyed
her cheeks :
" There is Ernest coming up the walk !"
H*e came in, and greeted her with gentle
gravity. He was a diguitied, fine looking
man, with polished manners, and perfect
self-possensiou. There was no trace of aus-
terity in his countenance, and nothing in his
conversation betokening a desire to impress
strangers with his ministerial dignity. He
was highly cultivated in all his tastes, agree-
able, and, in fine, a Christian gentleman.
Pauline seemed to consider his remarks ora-
cular, and Beulah could not forbear contrast-
ing her quietness in his presence with the
wild, frolicsome recklessness which charac-
terized her manner on other occasions. She
wondered what sin^jular freak induced this
staid, learned clergyman to select a compa-
nion so absolutely antagonistic in every ele-
ment of character. But a glance at Part-
line's perfectly beautiful face explained the
mystery. How could anyone help loving
her, she was so radiant and so winning in her
unaffected artlessuess ? Beulah conjectured
that they might, perhaps, entertain each
other without her assistance, and soon left
them for the greenhouse, which was connect-
ed with the parlours by a glass door. Fol-
lowed by Charon, who had remained beside
her all day, she walked slowly between the
rows of plants, many of which were laden
with flowers. Brilliant clusters of scarlet
geranium, pale, fragrant heliotropes, and
camellias of every hue surrounded her. Two
or three canary birds, in richly ornate cages,
chirped and twittered continually, and for a
mmient she forgot the changes that had
taken place since the days when she sought
this favourite greenhouse to study her text-
books. Near her stood an antique chini<
vase containing a rare creeper, now full of
beautiful, star-shaped lilac flowers. Many
months before, her guardian had given her
this root, and she had planted it in this same
vase ; now the long, graceful wreaths were
looped carefully back, and tied to a slender
otake. She bent over the fragrant blossoms,
with a heart brimful of memories, and tears
dropped thick and fast on the delicate petals.
Charon gave a short bark of satisfaction, and
raising her head, she saw Dr. Hartwell at the .
BEULAH.
/^f-
■ ^pf'^re^d of the ureenhouae. He was
clipping the withered floweri Lm 7?.
merely said : ® "» *"^ ^^
I' Where is Pauline?"
••HeielL*'tr'' "''^^ **••• Mortimer."
•r. « youlike^.^ '"'''"'' ' cut as many flow-
^eSi^r;^r=i^f«^-^oo.he;
H.f^l'' J°^J '^'^ °"* *»'>* any."
4n:rntXVrere^m%^^^^^^ * ^^"^■
;; Beulah. what do you want?"
tamingT""'"^ *^** ^ *^"°''* despair of ob-
"Child, you are wasting your strength «„^
energies m a fruitless undertakin? if, *5
!.-_ .»•'""• * our self-appointed task is a
12S
" vS we 1 lorn! '*/ ^"'^ «^«' fi-^iy-
vinced tlTjL'a^^rtfXffi .^i?smrH
gnml^ and busied himseif' wUh hifflowe^s'^
fh« ^l"f^'' °'' *>'« countenance wfth all
the conhdence and dependence of other Lj
ea?f2iVre:roSr^firrtrra^
hands on his arm ami «f Ti *''*"« ""le
face w,h its'^d^tLn'^Vef ' "^"^^'^"^
tnat?:sk^t^it^.rfS^.ior^^^^^^^
cessitrTharhas'r '^"''^'^ */ *^'« ^'-^ '^«-
Beulah?" * ^^"°'"^ "f your pride,
. " It is all here, in mv hearf «,•» . *i ,
ii^gtoine to walk ouf andta"e VJi^sf'"""
you are so uuiiko yourself '' ^ ' ^"'*'^
SI,; 1 ^""^f^ ^**'''"' *nd indescribably sad
olie glanced up an instant nf h^at^ ■
njsoiutfiy :
•' Oh, sir ! you must aid me.
ti ''"" "^'^ ^"•"' y''" '"
• ' •^^'••'"-'•ahJe cou.isello.-, only so
, said,
Whom have
witi
it.
te"* "^ opinions harmonize with the die-
tatesof your own will. How nm I i^ j
you ? I went, at twelve o^h^k ? « SX
to see a dying man, and passing alonS
street saw a light burning from your win
dow. Two hours later, as I return*./ iJ J
mered there still. Why were you up ; BeJl'a^"
what IS the matter with you ? '^Hm von;
last treatise on the ' Origin of lA^J
away with those of its author aid iLded
Cftr^n'^ed^r? "^ vagar.;s?^iS
"Somet,lung worse, sir."
"PerWS German metaphysics hav^
Sir, it seems to me there is a great deal
shouirs niV'"" '^'^ "P"° thilnnocen
shouldeis of German metaphysics. Peonle de
claim against the science of metanhyshSif it"
werethediseaseitself.whereasitKereredv
Metaphysics do not originate the tro^ble^-
their very existence proves the priorUv of
t««.n^r!rt^^ a homoeopathic remedy," ia-
terrupted her guardian, smiling. ^
But sir, the questions which disturb
wi^hTcaC "it"" 'i'^ ""y ac^Ln tan e
with so-called philosophic works. Thev have
twubled me from my childhood. " "
JNevertheless, I warned you not to ex-
whichTon ''frl *'" y?,f>»bitually read books
Bs?*^ "« "°^'"">g to put iuto my
nnll'^°wfth".°"'« andsyatems arealike
different ^^ ^°"' ^^"^^' ^^ ^"-«-- very
" Once ! yes, once I" She shuddered at
•' wtt"*^*^ t'' "''^.^ shehadsTrfyeS
longSurbed you?'?""*"'^'' *^* ^^ ^
" Questions, sir, which, all my life h*v«
been printed on even sun-'flushe7cloud. J^
somVlnd wh\°re^^' «^««*' delicate blor^
soms, and which I have unavailinely soueh^
to answer for myself. There are mysteries
n physics, morals and metaphysic; thlt
turthrfrt "? °" '.' •"> inve's«;;ti*on''
dark ^88 It/ ^ '"'?'*''■• '^r^^' K'-ows th^
aarKtiess. Alone, and unaided, I have been
forced to brave these (Joubts ; I have sludied
and read, and thought. CUouJy*rmbob m^
mock nie on every side ; and the more earnS!
ly I strive to overtake the truth fi.. *™T._
grow my gyves. Now, sir, you "ar^e" mudi
Oder, you J ^^^ ^^^,^^j the diz«rhe°ght
of philosophy ; and, if hunian learning will
avail, then you can help me. It is inTnoMi.
wtf;:r"-"-*'*^'^^^^'^'' "-^ studied WoT;
without arriving at some conclusion relativf
1. t
I
f,,
.!, H II, it,
124
10 9
BKULAH,
m
I
to these vexing questions of this and every
other age. I wAiit to know whether I have
ever live-*, before ; whethor there is not an
anterior life of my soul, of which I get
occasional glimpses, and the memory of
which haunts and disquiets me. This doubt
has not been engendered by casual allusions
to Plato's *reininiacftnco theory;' before 1
knew there was such a doctrine in existence,
I have sat by your study tire, pondering
some strange coincidences, for whic> I could
not account. It seemed an indistinct outgo-
ing into the far past ; a dim recollection of
scenes and ideas, older than the aggregate
of my birthdays ; now a flickering light,
then all darkness ; no clue ; all --hrouded
in the mystery of voiceless ages. 1 tried to
explain these psychological phenomena by
the theory of association of ideas, but they
eluded an analysis ; there was no chain
along which memory can pass. They were
like ignes fatui, flashing up from dark cav-
erne, and dying out while I looked upon
them. As I grew older, I found strange
confirmation in those curious passages of
Caleridge and Wordsworth,* and continual-
ly I propound to my soul these questions :
' If you are immortal, and will exist through
aidless ages, have you not existed from the
beginning of timet Immortality knows
neither commencement nor ending. If so,
whither shall I go, when this material frame-
work is dissolved, to make other frame works^
to a final rest ? or shall the I, the me, the
soul, lose its former identity t Am I a mi-
nute constituent of the all-diffused, all-pei^
vading Spirit, a breath of the Infinite e'
sence, one day to be divested of my indivi-
duality ? or is God an awful, gigantic, im-
mutable, isolated Personality? If so, what
medium of communication is afforded T Can
the spiritual commune with matter ? Can
the material take cognizance of the purely
spiritual and divine?' Oh, sir ! I know that
you do not accept the holy men of Galilee
as His deputed oracles. Tell me where you
find surer prophets I Only show me the
truth — the eternal truth — and I would give
my life for it 1 Sir, how can you smile at
such questions as these ; questions involving
the soul's destiny ? One might fancy you a
se.-^nnd jParrhasius. "
She drew back a step or two, and regard-
ed him anxiously, nay, pleadingly, as tiiough
he held the key to the Temple of Truth, and
would not suffer her to pass the portal. A
sarcastic smile lighted his Apollo-like face,
as he answered :
iucrcismore zraia in yoar met&jjiior
than you imagined ; a la Parrhasius, I do
" Coleridge's " Sonnet on the Birth ,
Wordsworth's " Ode— Intlinatious of
4ality
of a Son."
Immor-
see yom, a tortured Prometheus, chained by
links of your own forging to the Caucasus of
Atheism. But listen to "
" No, no ; not that ! not Atheism I God
save me from that deepest, blackest gulf ! "
She shuddered, and covered her face with
her hands.
"Beulah, you alone must settle these
questions with your own soul ; my solutions
would not satisfy you. li'or thousands of
years they have been propounded, and yet
no answer comes down on the ' cloudy wings
of centuries.' Kach must solve to suit his
or her peculiar conformation of mind. My
child, if I could hid yon, I would gladly do
so ; but I am no Swedenborg, to whom the
arcana of the universe have been revealed."
"Still, after a fashion, yon have solved
these problems ; may I not know what your
faith is ? " said she, earnestly.
"Child, I have no faith 1 I know that '
exist ; that a beautiful universe surrounds
me, and I am consciims of a multitude of
conflicting emotions ; but, like Launcelot
Smith, I doubt whether I atti ' to pick and
choose myself out of myself.' Further than
this, I would a.ssure you of nothin'?. I stand
on the everlasting basis of all scepticism,
' there is no cjiterion of truth 1 All must
be but subjeolrfvely, relatively true.'"
" Sir, thjiB may be so as regards psycholo-
gical abs^ctions ; but can you be contented
with ^s utter negation of the grand pro-
ontology ?"
_ A profound philosophic Writer of the age
intimates that the various psychological
systems vhirib have so long vexed the world,
are but veiled ontologic speculations. What
matters the machinery of ideas, but as en-
ablmg philosophy to cope successfully with
ontology ? Philosophy is '» huge wheel,
which has been revolving --'iDr ai^os ; carly
metaphysicians hung their fluely-spun webs
on its spokes, and metaphysicians of the
nineteenth century gaze upon and renew
the samepretty theories as the wheel re-
volves. The history of philosophy shows
but *a reproduction of old systems
and methods of enquiry. Beulah,
no mine of ontologic truth has been
discovered. Conscious of this, our seers tell
us there is nothing now but ' eclecticism 1'
Ontology is old as human nature, yet the
stone of Sisyphus continues to roll back upon
the labouring few who strive to impel it
upward. Oh, child, do you not see how
matters stand ? Why, how can the finite soul
cope witii Infinite Being? This is on« form
— the other, if we can take cognizance of the
Eternal and Self-Existing Being, underlying
all phenomena, why, then, we are part and
parcel of that Infinity. Pantheism or utter
scepticism— there is no retreat."
BEULAH.
125
tu,' J don't want to believe th»t, sir. I will
not believe it. What was my reason given
to me for ? Was this spirit of inquiry after
truth only awakened in my sonl to mock me
with a sense of my nothingneas ? Why did
my Maker imbue me with an insatiable thirst
for knowledce? Knowledge of the deep
things of philoaophy, the hidden wonders of
the universe, the awful mysteries of the
shadowy spirit realm T Oh, there are analo-
gies pervading all departments I There is
physical hunger to goad to exertions which
will satisfy its demands, and most tonics are
bitter J 80, bitter struggles develop and
strengtl m ;he soul.e ven as hard study in vigor
ates the mind, and iaumerous sorrows chasten
the heart. There is truth for the earnest
seeker somewhere— somewhere 1 If I live a
thousand years, I will toil after it till I find
it. If, as you believe, death is annihilation,
then will I make the most of my soul while
Il»!.veit. Oh, sir, what is life for! Mere-
ly to eat and drink, to sleep and to be cloth-
ed ? Is it to be only a constant effort to keep
■oul and body together t If I thought so. I
would rather go back to nothingness this
day— this hour ! No, no. Mv name bids
me press on ; there is a land of fieulah some-
where for my troubled spirit. Oh, I will go
back to my humble home, aud study on, un-
guided, unassisted, even as I have begun. I
cannot rest on your rock of negation."
She could not control her trembling voice,
and tears of bitter disappointment fell over
her pale, fixed features. A melancholy f mile
parted Dr. Hartwell's lips, and smoothing
the bands of rippling hair which lay on her
^hitc brow, he answered in his own thrilling,
musical accents :
" Child, you are waiting your energies in
vfcin endeavours to build up walls of foam,
that "
"Sir, I am no longer a child 1 I am a
Woman, and "
" Yes, my little Beulah, and your woman's
heart will not be satisfied long with these
dim abstractions, which now j'ou chase so
eagerly. Mark me, there surely comes a
time when you will loathe the bare name of
metaphysics. You are making a very hot-
bed of your intellect, while your heart is daily
becoming a dreary desert. Take care, lest
the starvation be so con.plete, that eventually
you will be unable to reclaim it. Dialectics
answer very well in collegiate halls, but will
not content you. Remember 'Argemone.'"
" She is a miserable libel on woman's
nature and intellect. I scorn the attempted
parallel 1" answered Beulah, indignantly.
" Very well ; mark me though, your in-
tellectual pride will yet wreck your happi-
ness. "
He walked ont of the greenhonse, whis-
! carnage.
tling to Charon, who bounded after him.
Beulnh saw from the slanting sunlight that
the afternoon was far advanced, aud feeling
in no mood to listen to Pauline's nonsense,
she found her bonnet and shawl, and repair-
ed to the parlour to say good-bVe to the
happy pair, who seemed unconscious of her
long absence. As she left the house, the
window of the study was thrown open, and
Dt-. Hartwell called out, carelessly :
" Wait, and let me order the carrii
"No, thank yov."
" I am going into town directly, and can
take you home in the buggy. "
" I will not trouble you ; I prefer walk-
ing. Good-bye."
He bowed coldly, and she hurried away,
gkd to reach the gate, and feel that she was
once more free from his searching glance,
and beyond the sound of his reserved,
chilling tones. As she walked on, groups of
happy parents and children were seen in
every direction, taking their quiet Sabbath
ramble through the suburbs ; and aa joyous
voices and innocent laughter fell upon the
still air, she remembered with keen sorrow
that she had no ties, no kindred, no com-
panions. Lilly's cherub face looked out at
her from the sombre frame of the past, and
Eugene's early friendship seemed now a
taunting spectre. In her warm loving heart
were unfnfli inable depths of intense tender-
ness ; was it the wise providence of God
which sealed these wells of affection, or was
it a grim, merciless fate which snatched her
idols from her, one by one, and left her de-
solate ? Such an enquiry darted through her
mind, but she put it resolutely aside, and
consoled herself much after this fashion :
"Why should I question the circumstances
of my life? If the God of Moses guards Hia
creation, all things are well. If not, life is a
lottery, and though I have drawn blanks
thus far, the uture may contain a prize, and
for me t'lat prize may be the truth my soul
pants after, 1 have no right to complain ;
the very loneliness of my position fits me
peculiarly for the work I have to do. I will
labour, and be content. " The cloud passed
swiftly from her countenance, and she looked
up to the quiet sky with a brave hopeful
heart.
CHAPTER XXV.
Among the number of gentlemen whom
Beulah occasionally met at Dr. Aabury's
house, were two whos;^ frpf^.^n*" v'sit** *"-^
general demeanour induced the impression
that they were more than ordinarily in-
terested m the sisters. Frederick Vincent
evinced a markedpreferenceforGeorgia, while
Horace Maxwell was conspicuously .iftort-ve
■•'{
128
l/^
BEULAH.
to Helen, The former wai wealthy hand
latr;ri?^ "''"*' *°'^ "elf-indulge^nt; th;
«d. Doubtle88 both would hav-e passed as men
more In fine, they were fair samples ner
! feet type, of the numerous class of fa^hfon
I tlllx^^^ '""" ^^'^ ''^^^g »" large cS"
frivolous an^l T"'- ''?^^^^^'' l^^rtxZ,
invoious and dissipated- adfinfa .f *»,
' gaming-table and pistol gallery ^^ciDhen.?,?
an intelligent, refined assfmbly^'xhey smok
wine'; t:::\t''r\^T^ *^« •"•>«* "-%
wines, drove the fastest horses, and were
pe« ThevV* champagne and 'oyster Tui!
pern They danced and swore, visited and
purer ' Z?' 'kT'^'^? indifference to every
m/n„ ^"•i »«Wer aim. Notwithstandina
manners of incorrigible effrontery which
charaotenzed their clique, the ladies aWs
rece.V3d them with marked expression! of
pleasure, and the entree of the "Tr t crrcle"
«vas certainly theirs. Dr Asburv Lnit
comparativel/ little of the yott men X
ZT'^ T °:>nBtantly at his house.^^of^he
two under discussion he chanced to know
that they were by no means models of a^!
bnety, having met them late one ui«ht as
they supported each other's totteringTrms
homeward, after a card and wine nar^
winch ended rather disastrously for b .th He
openly avowed his discontent at
the intimacy their frequent visits in-
l,?u' r*^„''«»'ieredhow his daughters
chate V'°^ '"'*''^?l ''' ^"^^ heartless chit
chat which alone could entertain them. But
^w a fond, almost doting father wid
seemed to take it for granted that thej wTre
mere dancing acquaintances, whose s^cTetS
must be endured. Mrs. Asbury w« not^
blind, and discovered, with keen ToTrow and
dismay that Georgia was far more SaUo
Vincent than she had dreamed possible The
. child s affections were really enlisted and
without her husband's knowledge she passed
many hours of bitter reflection, is to the best
course she should pursue to arrest Vincent's
intimacy at the house. Oaly a woman knows
woman's heart, and she felt trtTeorSs
destiny would be decided by the measures
she now employed. Ridicule, invec" ve and
ri^mTr'^"""""^' "hekne; wou d o„W
augment her interest in one whom she cons°d^
€red unjustly dealt with. She was thorough.
ly acquainted with the obstinacy which form-
«d the stamen of Georgia's character, and
very cautiously the maternal cui.lann«'m."°
^IF^^\ She began by gravdy regretting
e^ i, Ti'f ^r*'"^.'^''- Vincent had acquTr!
H 1 t^ *™'^y! ^"'^ "'S^*^ "P"" Georgia and
H .^n the propriety of discouraging atten-
'
nam'es^^'V^fil^'Ji «^ world in joining thei;
names. Uus had very little effeot «!»,-
was conscious th.t because of hk wealth.
Vincent was courted and fl«ttpr»^ k Ic*
the season with unwonted zest. Prom their
inde«d^H K *" ""^'""^ «'»noo, was bitter
hi^rd f" *^^ ^1°"'/°^ ^^^ resolved at everr
?o"Ge SaTd" v' ^"^^ ^^^^^^^^^11
A\fR \^ . Vincent, and she could with
a fnSd'^Sl" *" ^^P"«'''°'> of the disgust
once«eeuatDr. flSl'lTnT pfobably
this circumstance increased her ^d^sUke^
Vincent barely recognized her when thev
hatr^ed'^of* Be» "''^/f •*." »>" -X-^^,
n».ff M ^^3'*'? predominated. He wai
while I^fnl/'^ xl" '°»«noralitie8 ; and
!!i jrT*°'^*°^ ^■■°™ *l^e steatlfast crev eves
cahjj^ut contemptuous, he hatSRK
«I&*ii\^"^*°' "'""d for a time to hare
the season was unusually gay Wh!t rf
Death had so lately held his fw^nl „size in
the city T Bereaved families wrapped thei^
^verXrut,*^""* lonely heartsTnd w "*
over the countless mounds in the cemetery •
butthewme-cup and song and dance went i
their accustomed rounds in fashion^bl.
quarters, and drink, dress and be m^rrv.^
nf If/ ,f "«ene Graham eagerly pluncedl
wmrl , day by day he wandered fnrth«F
astray, and ere long his visits to Beulah
ceasea entirely. Antoinette thorSiIv
l"4ff *^f t*'^?'"?^ »he had to p?av "".nJ
-..ily an.l rapiaiy He leli into the sLare.' To
win her seemed his only wish, and not even '
Cornelia's keenly searching ey^, could check
his admiration and devotion. Jaauarrhad
gone , February drew near it. cC?£al^
BEULAH.
h»(l not seen Eutcone for many days and felt
more than usually anxious /once^rning hS
orhttle intercourse now existed between
tor,ie].a and herRelf. One evening how
ever ..she stood before a glass and af^nZ
her ha,r with more than ordinary care ske
felt that she would soon have anopportunit^
of judging whether reports were tml
If he indeed rushed along the high-
way to niin, one glanee would diieoTw to
her the fact Dr. A.hury wishe.i t! giv!
St"'7K^'"'f"?.\P»''ty. anA his own and I
o^nh»n f "'^ ' '"i"^ persuasions induced the '
orphan to consent to attend. The erening
had arrived; she put on her simple Swiaf
muslin dress, without a wish for anySn^
more costly, and entered the carriaJe he?
Ihe guests rapidly assembled; soon the
rooms were thronged with me'rry people
whose moving to and fro prevented regula;
S°°^«"at""'- The brilLnt chandlhers
flashed down on rich silks and satins, gos
samer fabrics and diamonds which b a^zed
dazzlmgly Pauline was superbly beauS
Excitement lighted her eyes, and flushed
her cheeks, until all paused to gaze at her
transcendent loveliness. It waf generally
known that ere many days her marriaie
would take place, and people lookeTat hf r
m her marvellous, queenly beauty, and
wondered what infatuation induced^her to
give her hand to a minister, when she' o?
all others present seemed made to move Tn
the gay scene where she reigned supreme
Fromaqu.et seat near the window CTah
watched her airy, graceful form glidethrouch
the quadrille, and feared that in future years
she would sy?h for the gaieties which in he?
deatmed lot would be withheld from her
She tried to fancy tke dazzling beauty mill
morphosed into the staid cle^gymaS wife
divested of satin and diamondsfand visrting
the squalid and suffering portion of hef
husband's flock. But the contrast waL foo
for'F^*"'*. "*'" *"""•* ^^' head to watch
for Eugene's appearance. Before long she
117 J^T T^" *^^ r'^?" with Antoinette on
rll f P^^^ quaarillehad ended,and,atthe
request of one of the guests, the band played
briUiant mazurka, and numerous couples
took their places on the floor. Beulah W
never seen the mazurka danced in public-
she knew that neither Helen nor 6eorg°a
ever danced the so-called " fancy dance! "
and was not a little surprised when the gen-
tlemen encircled the waists of their partners
and whirled away. Her .,v^« L]^^"
iiugeue 8 tali form, as the circuit of the Mr-
lours was rapidly made, and he approached
the corner where she sat. He held Ws
lorely nartner close to his heart, and her
head drooped very contentedly on his
127
dinc&^„5^^"^**"*'"« *° ^er .. ».v
glowbg cheek oi'^\ "''"'^ to"oh«n.eV
^fl^^^e|«=h^:s:rt
^^^eLTSy\:/T^l' -»««eh might
£7|e^«-fe!jfe«t
usual, there was rushing and squeezing inin
' the supper-room, and waiting until the haM
WM comparatively desertedf she ran up to
the dressing-room for her 8h;wl, tired of'iho
crowd and anxious to get home again «5h!
remembered that she Sad dr^Jp^^'her fan
behind one of the sofas in the paK and as
all were at supper, fancied she^ couM obtafn
It unobserved, and entered the room for thlt
C,^"'P- A gentleman stood by the fire
but without noticing him, she Jushid thi
" tUSI ^«"-known voice startled herT
"Hf'si?."^''"^"- ««-«»"
" What J so soon tired ?"
he;'sIrAaer"''" '""^^ -»PP'»«
;; Have you spoken to Eugene to-night T "
Her guardian looked at her very intently
slowlf "'°« *° "'^ ^«' «oul7.nd safd
«•//■•'*' .,.''•. •°«* Antoinette are
sitting m the front parlour. I hap!
pened to overhear a remark as I passed
fngrged.^*"' •" ^'^'^'^^ '«-.• «»ey -
A quick shiver ran over Beulali's frame
and a dark frown furrowed her pale K;
as she answered : "•"»»,
"I feared as much."
u ''..!^>7.'^°"''^yKf«i". child? She is a
from heff^r^"' "'^''"'* **^-« »>» «y«
'• No ; he thinks he loves her, but it is
lt!^\y, ^A " '»»?*"*«<1 by her beauty, but
Ifeartheday will come when, discovering
1'
128
BEULAII.
7/
tier true character, ..e will mourn hia in-
fatuation. I know hia natuie, aiul 1 know,
too, thatBho cttjiiiot luake him hup|iy." Hiio
tuiiio.l away, i>ut lie w^lkud oit wuli hur to
llio cuniut;i;,l..i.a€il heriii.ftu.l said " (J,joil.
niKl't ' 4» ciildly as umal. Meantime, the
rattle of ulatib, jiiiglc of forks and spoons,
in tho suppiTiuom, would have rendered all
conversation imposHible, had not the eleva-
tion of voicei kept pace with the noise and
coafuBion. At one end of the table, Cornelia
Oraham atood talking to a di»tin«ui«hed
foreigner, who wa« spending a few days in
tho city. He was a hautlBome man, with
nne colloquial powers, and scenuid much in-
terested in a discussion which he and Cor-
nelia carried on, relative to the society of
American citiei a« compared with European
A tempoiary luUiu the hum of voices al-
lowed Coinelii to hear a remark made by a
gentleman quite near her.
" Miss Laura, who did you say that youag
lady was that Mrs. Asbury introduced ml
to— the one with such magnificent hair and
teeth T"
His companion wu no other than Laura
Martin, wLoBe mother, having built an eie. '
gant house, and given several large parties, '
was now a "fashionable" par excellence. '
Laura elevated her uoaa very perceptiblv,
and answered:
"Oh, a mere nobody! Bculah Beaton. '
1 can't imagine how sho contrived to be in- i
vited here. She is a tetiiher in the public I
school, I believe, but thai is not the worst, i
She used to hire heiaelf ouf, as a servant. '
Indeed, it is a fact, she w.w my little bro- '
ther's nuue som,e years ago. I think ma
hired her for six dollars a month." She
laughed afTeetedly, and alloved her escort to
nil her plate with creams.
Cornelia grew wliite w it'i an<,'er, and the
straiigw asked, with a sir ' . if he should ,
consider this a sample of t,.c society she'
boosted of. Turning abniMiv to Laura, she I
replied, with uudisguisoa Joateinpt:
"The Fates forl)iil, Mr. FaLoner, that you
should judge Aineritan society from some of
the »i>eoiinens you may seo here to-night.
..Jisfoilmie placod Miss Benton, at an early
age, in an Oiphan Asylum, and while quite
young, she left it to earn a support. Mrs
Alartiu (this young lady'a mother) hired bet-
as a nurse j but she soon left this position
qualihed herself to teach, and now, with>
hue intellect thoroughly cultivated, is tlie
pride of all who can appreciate true nobility
of soul, and, of course, an object of envy and
detraction to her inferiors, especially to some
of our fashiiwiable parvenus, whose self-in-
terest prompts them to make money alone
the standard of worth, and who are in the
habit of determining the gentility of dififerent
persons by what they have, not what llipy
are. Hir si^unful glance rested wither
lugly on Laura'fi faci, and, mortilied and en-
raged, the latter took her conipaiiio:.'8 arm
and moved away. '
"I have hi.me dcsiro to become acquaint-
ed with one who could deserve such eulogy
from you," answeiul the foreigner, soiiie-
what amused at tho cuu'h. the conversation
had taken, and quite satisfied that Amori-
cans were accustomed to correct false im-
pressions in rather an abrupt manner.
"I will preueiit you to hor with great
pleasure. She is not here ; wo must search
for her.' She took his arm, an<l they look-
ed for Beulah from room to room ; finally
Dr. Uartwell informed Cornelia that she had
gone homo ; and tired, and out of humour,
the latter excused herself, and prepared to
follow her friend's example. Her father was
: deep in a game of whist, her mother unwil-
I ling to return home so soon, and Eugene and
Antoinette — where were they? Dr. Hart-
well saw her perplexed expression, and asked:
" Whom are you looking for t"
, ''Eugene." *
I ' He la wflli your cousin on the west gal-
• loiy. I will conduct you to them, if you
wish It." He offered his arm, ana" nutioed
the scowl t^ t instantly darkened .•>■:•: face.
: Uncoii8cious)> , her fincers grasped his arm
I tightly, and she walked oc with a lowering
brow. As they approached the end of the
I gallery, Cornelia saw that the two she sought
j stood earnestly conversing. Eugene's arm
, passed round Antoinette's waist. Dr. Hart-
\ycll watched his companion closely ; the
light from the window gleamed over her
face, and showed it grey and rigid. Her
white lips curled as she muttei'A;*r
" Let us take another turn ««tti«2b I speak
to them." V
" Surely, you are not surprised?"
"Oh, no! I am not blind."
"It was an unlucky chance that threw
your cousin in his path," scid the doctor,
composedly.
" Oh, it is merely another link in the chain
of fatality whkih binds my family to mis-
fortune. SWfias all the family traits of the
Labords.^iHil yon know what they are "
crie(lC>fnelia.
JfBcoinpressed his lips, and a lightning
lance shot out from his eyes, but he stilled
the rising tempest, and replied coldly :
" Why, then, did you not warn him?"
"Warn him ! So I did. But I might m
well grasp at the stars yonder as hope to in-
fluence him in this infatuation. "
Once more they approached the happy
pair, and leaning forward, Cornelia said,
hoarsely :
BEULAH.
oome
"EuOTne, my f.thor ia engiMd
home with me." b-jjou
He looked up, and »n» wared oareleisly
Oh, you are leaving too earlv • oJn't vL"
en ertain yourself a little longer^'" ^°"
No, air." "
Her freezing tone startled him. and for the
firat time he noticed the haggard face with
ts exprewiou of angry scorn^^ Her eyea wire
ixed on Antoinette, who only Lifed anJ
looked triumphantly defiant. '
■ t.^,'. ^u"" '"'. <'o'-n«I'» ? Of course. I will
take you home i you really .iegire it ' D^c
t*;;?/rrrn.''"""«" '"•■ ^"P- *^ yo- -e
Eugene by no means relished the exnres-
nr H ^^ 1?""^" ««»ntenance. She De
Dr. Hartwell cl.eu, passed her arm throu! h
uarnte'^Th:"'.*''^ ^'"^^^''^^ ^ ""'
carnage The ride was short and silent
,^',;7J'"« home, Eugene con.lucted Co e
ha into the house, and was about to return
when she said, imperiously • '
'A word with you before you go."
bhe entered the sitting-room, threw he-
. hX-j ""^"celets and necklace. Eugene
hghted a cigar and stood waiting to fear
^W she mi«ht choose to communicate
.. Zx ''l.^'*" ""«»"• Cornelia?"
Where did you learn to deceive one who
In^tlf /*"' P"""" '"'d t^-^'hful Isan aS
w« a ll^'^rtf ""'■ *^**- " Her whole face
WM a glare of burning scorn.
von »nH K* '"''"""'ion* »re unworthy of
rcpliet"^' •'°"'*^ ™^ °°"<'«'" »»• proudly
truth'^''Wh*«f°' **^'' *^" """ '"'"Iting
truth ! What crawlinir serpent of temnta-
il'rFydi^rrce'ivJS'-t?:
B«'„'i!l[^®'^ ^. *''^** y*"? ""' ' expected to marry
Bau lah ; not so much because I loved he7
s^dered'^rb '""^/r^ *^''* '^' '"'^S conl
Spe^JrJ^£t£^rft^-J
done'dSldt-?" ■"«• -^ th-fribr
bride^"eh7 "'''''" °°""'' » *« ^e your
an'S'da;."*'^'"'"^ "" ^«' '^""d at
belw^^'fi"''?-. ^"^ '*°"'' «*«««'^« anything
Better, Beulah scorns you : I sea if in v.„
•yes. Marry you, Yo'„ , bi. Eugene, shl
129
i« too far superior to yon Vm. - li- .
now; but the d«v urn I *'■•' ''•'"d
you will not believe it nf ^ ""P"ncinled;
took out llicie„,l,Ui,r;i "'''''.•''»"» »l»
only i.e.ng she really bved iR^g^r
chTif tZ' ^"^'^^ ''•••' '"''''^'^ in hi^ Vw
flown tne lonir vi«t« «f .. f*'"".
looked and saw h m «f. """« *'»*n«'e
and disgrace. 8he1knewr''"'« ?'.' ^"^ ••'""
at bostt short't:.? ?:;: ttt^Tow '"it"","'!
sinttofflrS\rJT. "" -'^^*«
future career This was h-i""'. ^""'''' ^''
had wept since the dry" ote* *'"« "he
but she calmed the fe Jful .£ '^^'Idhood ;
heart, and. toward dawn tlf. i^«^^ '? ^er
repulsive sneei on her hni %" ">««?'. with a
she was forced to listen to tf ^"'""",« *^*y
comments of herparent^ «h *^'"»P^'»'=«t
pleased with th/a&t Antlt^H-r^
woi^tTlacSStidJi^ """^^^^
tospend the%umme;°;t' the NoftrfV"
which it was sna„-af J*i,:r^.-"°'*h ? after
-.-in.xTr£«ofcir
d.iufi.tcr exclaimed- "y* *"
i.u;.srodio„^.zs''r.'t*'"'"r'»''
I live, let me be quiet, willjo?"?" '^' ^ ^
T
H
130
BLULAH.
Her burning at innken eyei ran over tha
gruui).
Kuguiio sprang up, aiul left the room ; An-
toint'ltu put her cnihroidt'iuil huihlkeichief
to dry e>u8 ; Mr«. (imhain looked ilistrunaed;
•ud her husband wiped hi* BnuctacleB. Hut
4hu luisl was in his e>fK, and presently lartte
drops fill over his chetks as ho looked at the
face ami form of his ovn child.
Cornelia saw hia emotion ; tlie great Hood-
gate of lier heart seemoil suddtuly lilted.
She pashud her wiiittt linj^rrs over bis >;rcy
hair, and murmured lirokenly :
" My father— my father ! I have been a
care and sorrow to you all'iny life, lam very
wayward and exacting, but bear with your
poor child ; my days are numbered. Father,
when my proud head lies low iu the sileut
j<rave, then give others my place."
He took her iu his arm», and killed her
hollow cheek, saying tenderly :
"My darling, you break my heart. Have
you ever been denied a wish ? What is there
that I can do to make you happy?"
"Give Eugene a house of bis own, and
let me be at peace ia my home. Will you
do this for me ?"
" Yes. '
" Thank you, my father."
Disengaging his clasping hands, sha left
them.
A few days after the party at her house,
Mrs. Asbury returned home from a visit to
the Asylum (of which she had recently been
eleoted a manager), la passing the parlour
door, she heartl suppressed voices, looked in,
' and perceiving Mr. Vincent seated near
Georgia, retired, without speaking, to her
own room. Securing the door, she sank on
her knees, and besought an all-wise God to
direct and aid them in her qourse of duty.
The time had arrived when she must hazard
everything to save her child from an ill-fated
marriage ; and though the mother's heart
bled, she was firm iu her resolve. When
Mr. Vincent took leave, and Georgia had
returned to her room, Mrs. Asbury soucht
her. She found her moody, and disposed to
evade her queatiooa. Passing her arm round
her, she said very gently :
" My dear child, let there be perfect con-
fidence between us. Am I not more inter-
ested in your happiness than any one else ?
My child, what has estranged you of late ?"
Georgia made no reply.
" What, but my love for you, and anxiety
for your happiness, could induce me to ob-
ject to your receiving Mr. Vincent's atteu
tipng ?"
" You are prejudiced against him, and
rlwaya were !"
" I judge tha young man only from his
conduct. You know — you are obliged to
know, that he ii reoklesily dissipated, selflsb
and ininioral."
" Hu is no worse than other young men.
I know very few who are not quite as wild
as he is. Ucsidcs, he has decided to si^ii the
temperance pledge if 1 will marry him."
" -My chihl, 30U puiii nic Ijeyond expres-
sion. Dots thi) dtpravitv which prevails
hero anotion Vincent's diBsipatioii t Oh,
Geoigia, has aamiciation deprived you
o^ honor of vioe? Can you be
sutibtied because others are quite
as degraded ? He does not mean what he
proinisus; it is merely to deceive you. tlis
intciiiiicrute habitu are too conlirmed to be
remcdiil now; he began early at college,
and huH couistantly grown worse."
" You are prejudiced," persisted Georgia,
unable to restrain her tears.
" if I am, it is because of his profligacy I
Can you possibly be attached to such a
man T"
Georgia sobbed, and cried heartily. Her
good sense told her that her mother was
right, but it was difficult to relinquish the
hope of reforming him. As gently as possi-
ble, Mrs. Asbury dwelt upon his utter
worthies ;!iess, and the misery and wretched-
ness which would surwly ensue from such a
union. With streaming eyes, she implored
her to banish the thought, assuring her she
would sooner see her in her grave than the
wife of a drunkard. And now the care of
years was to be rewarded ; her firm, but
gentle reasoning prevailed. Georgia had
always reverenced her mother ; she knew
she was invariably guided by principle; and
now, as she listened to her earnest entreaties,
all her obstinacy melted away ; throwing her-
self into her mother's arms, she begged her
to forgive the pain and anxiety she had
caused her. Mrs. Aabury pressed her to
her heart, and silently thanked God for the
success of her remonstrances. Of all this.
Dr. Asbury know nothing. When Mr.
Vincent called the following day, Georgia
very decidedly rejected him. Understand-
ing from her manner that she meant what
she said, he became violently enraged; swore,
with a solemn oath, chat he would make her
repent her trifling, cook hia hat, and left the
house. This suHiced to remove any lingering
teudernesa from Georgia's heart, and from
that hour tVed Vincent darkened the home
ircle uojifore.
CHAPTER pCXVI.
Pftuline's weddins d*v dswned dear snd
bright, meet' for the happy event it was to
chronicle. The ceremony was to be per*
formed in church, at an early hour, to enable
the newly married pair to leave ou the morn*
\^if
were -liaearded ;*?;„! tLr. ''*?.""•-
grey travellini, habit .„^ '*'*'*•*"' '" «
<l*2Eling raE"; iij" f •"; f^"^' ^row with
ware to the ' ky llLlS. "'V *.«"'''«"
were dewy with'emottf in'd t/ri' .!* '"''1
lip« wreathe<l with a 8mil« "f tr!^i ' ""'*'
too grave and thouK, "for' ,„"h""**°"^
"'"ii i but though tifo o./rh ^ *" '"'■«'*•
a'xt the d .-k earn?.f "^'^ ** '•^"t,
therewasa .Kbtof 'h«f;7' .'P"'''*"' ""*
f«w ^v.,rd8 were attired bv 1";'"; ""'^ »
a» Pauline, the wTld!' wLlard^T T""'
'"«h-8pirited girl stood tTtL ••/*''*''''''"
K-ewdLlly p.??e ;.KikS"u;;S; f .''"'
of awe to him who was now for Jii f • ^^'"'ir^
master of her destinr Th " *""^> *''«
her lips bound'C T^revocaVv 7n^>f* "?.""
and imposed onher - , ?., i ^i *" ^" ""^e-
cessity of beadn^ ;ii ^il"";' ''1"*^' ^^^ "«"
•moothin«awav1,nmi '"*'» /o' ''erself ; of
and. when hlr^irUaT ^'"T ^'« P»*h ;
puttin, by the Zro^'I^.rbitfr"'''''' "f
ever welcomimr hJa '"."eriiess, v.
kindne« rrif..!]rof7;"« A't^if^ r"L"^
with all the ^itL'detlof ^^'*'"y'"'^ ^'"'
and ^et turn to hZttute^Z'T''''''
thy m matters of serious iumorf I Y""^"'
» mere self-willed rHrl ""P^F*: No lon^re^
own wishes aTulasL 'she r"*'"« ""'^ ^«'-
the right to Buid« »n!. ^*l'*''/^°''"'>ther
•now realizing, for the firlt T^'^K,^""' • "^"^
tance of the's'tep s^: "had 't'k'en^teTP'"-
bled in anticipation of the trouWe t '"'""■
ward, obstinate will wonldZ^,.l ^®'' "^^^
ith her wonted, b oyaat smr^t Y . ^"*
om all unpleasant r«KP*' ^^" *"'"ned
theoongrat^S:^"*';-.*"'!-^
<lued gaiety. Beulah i,tZ^?^ V*"^ ""b-
watching th. TdHI fl ** f""!® <li«tanoe,
smilfl«an^ *l-~ '^- '- .**'?•. checkered with
tic dreaTrn'tolhe' future''she1aw''h ^'''^P^'f •
genuine happiness could result flj^""" ^"•"*
of natures so entirely uncongeniaP^ T„"".'""
the nuptial rites were more awf illv L. ^''•
tVan those of death : for how'^lSely'^r
111
, «..xiou, ,.y„, .^^n a^,t "IT "■''»> •«"••
""xibilitv^ of h"s sinNV'^'r^ ">••*"" '
th..n.ht that he ,t,.o t&l*^ ™"^*''' "' ^
nient, reoordina th«l; ? '»»>-bl». monu
"'arriage But it t^. 'T "',»" "' »««"rt«d
•pproal^hed fo sV* '^OoodT"' .'/•"••»"'' "h-
party took the"rLts nLr "'?'*•" ''"^"'
l*ne.eemed mu^ro £'**[& ^t"
»'lleu J she went .il-.. n bidding he,
throwing her alslrn^ *n '"""'«'■ then
whisnor^d pleading,;!"""'' B«"'*h'« neck.
w::n-;;ru'ie?^im«:doX?r^"Dt.f">'^
See how grim and pale T Lk^ fe^e
Yes^
you
..^iii^'Sf Br -™ - .-
months passed bv „ *■ '%«- weeks an.(
speeds tKXl^.fS.r^t'T^J"'^''^''^'
leisure, an.l thTs w^s 'm lye^d w.fh the n"':'
"Kid economv <s«k„ i i -v.- " the most
untiJ late Ke laj" Ih'in^'l' """"P'"'! ^'^
afternoon, a coL|7„V „. ■''l^ «*''^' ^'^^V
was not until StthltThw ru"""' '""'' '*
The .Hlitor of Ihp 1. * ^- * ^?'* ^^"^Jf ^ee.
articles wL * Ik "'^'''''"^ '"""'I that her
Thus engaged, s C aLf i ^'l '»*«^»"»1^
and once more a Tn^n«% . '"*" "nmmer.
city. One Satnrdai ,1?. " ''^*"'^'* "° *»>;
to •iewelle;;Se^t^erm?tH In ^^"*
cease, and saw Eugene Graham ll-n*' P"'
55r;nr'^?ii^*~
mediately a„d she had !n"""'^' ^''. ™-
«cannin/his counl^nant u^nob^se^"; d^'^H"' '
-^^:iEf:?:2t.-J^:;:^-^s
«aid;-qSr' '^ ''"■ ^"'°'^''^^' ''"'' *h"«^
comingrs^ref"" '''''"« "-"^ -thou*
dav 'blirw"* ' ^ ^"'^ intended calling yester-
42
BEULAH.
I 'v,
,; «e to select between these two pearl sets I
r -ippose you can imagine their fle.stirmtion ?'
; It was the first tune be had alluded to his
narnage. and ahe anawered with an arcb
"Oh, yes 1 I dare say I might cuess ac-
IZttl'" *''""^^' "0trequire\-5.keein-
She examined the jewels, and after giving
an oninion as to their superiority, turned to
go, sayinjj ; ^^ j>
„..'.' I ^*°* *° «ee you a few moments before
• you leave the city. I am going home im!
; mediately, and any time during thi day whTn
^ you can call, will answer. " ** ' ^"®"
: He looked curious, glanced at his watch an
nstant and promised to call in an hour.
, She bowed and returned home, with an
Wmost intolerable weight on her heart. She
6at with her face buried in her hands, col!
ecting her thoughts, and w'len summoned to
• W f Tr^' r^'* ^"^° '''*!» * ^'■'n heart.
>ut trembling frame. It was more than prol
bable that sBe would be misconstrued and
bounded, but she determined to hazard all
J.'i?7f"^v,^°"' r'^ ^^'•^ *^« -""tives that
actuated her. He seemed restless and ill at
ease, yet curious withal, and after some
trifling commonplace remarks, Beulah seated
herselt on the sofa beside him, and said :
Jiugene, why have you shunned me so
Europe'r'"^^ "°°® ^°"'" '■''*"''° ^^°'"
"I have not shunned you, Beulah- vmi
are mistaken. I have been ' engaged and
therefore could visit but little."
"Do not imagine that any such excuses
iWi^f *" '!"' *'"*^'" '^^ «1^«. ^ith an
impatient gesture,
.Ki" ^^*i^° yo" mean ?" he answered, un-
?hi% i-^*'" ^^^ earnest, troubled look of
she searching eyes.
"Oh, Eugene 1 be honest -be honest 1 Say
at once you shunned me lest I should mark
your altered habits in your altered face. But
1 know It all, notwithstanding. It is no
.eoret that Eu«ene Graham hi more than
once lent his presence to mid- l
oight carousals over the wine cup '
Once you were an example of temperance
and rectitude but v.ce is fashionable
"tP**™7«^i '", *'"'^ '^'^y- *"•' your asS
ates^soon dragged you down from your proud
height to th«r degraded level. The circle "n
Which you move were not shocked at your
talJ. U ^les accustomed to hear of drunken
revels c« .ed to attach disgrace to them and
you were welcome.l and Smiled upTu as
though you were all a man should be Oh
Eugene ! I uiider.it..i:d .vkv.-h..— .,•.--'"•' '
.hunnedonewho h-.au i:u^o^:>'Z:'>^:i^'{;^lg
f thatdegradation into wluci.^ou h.vefaUen
I am your triend, yo»r he«t -ud mwk d .in
^>
i
terested friend. What do your fashionable
acquaintances care that your^=haracte is i„^
pugued and your fair name tarnished'
U.u«r« .'*'"*''"**">'' keeps their brothers and
1 vers m countenance ; your once noble, un
sullied nature would shame their depravity
niiri '•emember one bright moonlight
SlJ^'*''""'/f°'"' •** ^^^ Asylum, and
taked of our future? Then, ^ith a soul
lull of pure aspirations, you said : 'Beulah
I have written ' Excelsior ' on my banner
and I intend, like that noble yout^f to pS
forward over every obstacle,^ moui| "
llnZ f ^P' I!5*'^ } *°'' '**"d 0° the hifhest
pinnacle, and plant my banner where ita
glorious motto sliall float over the world!
' Excelsior 1 Ah, my brother, that banner
trails in the duat I Alpine heights tower far
behind you. dim in the distance, and now
with another motto-' Lower still '-Jou are
rushing down to an awful gulf. Oh. Eu"
gene ! do you intend to go on to utter ruin ?
Do you intend to wreck happiness, health
and character m the sea of reckless dissipa-
tion ? Do you intend to spend your days in
disgusting intoxication ? I would you Wi a
mother, whose prayers might save you, or a
father, whose gray hairs you dared not dis*
ruiTbrtLr*'' *' 7\'\ y"" ""^'^ f'«^
I A ;. u' ,. *** y°" *"'* I had never, never
left the sheltering walls of the Asylum 1"
h« 1.7? * hitterly, and, more moved than
WV, V.' / *PPe«>-. Eugene shaded his face
with his fingers. Beulah placed her hand
on his shoulder, and continued, faUeringwl
i-ugene I am not afraid to tell you the
unvarnished truth. You may ;cet^ angry
and think it is no business of mine to oou^l
sel you, who are older and master of
your own fate ; but when we T,ere children
Lw ' i, « r" ^[l'?^' """^ "^y «^«»l<i I not
Ta u f, ? ["ejidship strengthens with years
and shall I hesitate to speak to you of what
gives me so much pain 1 In a veVy few days
you are to be married. Eugene, if the win^
cup IS dearer to you than your beautiful
bride, ^hat prospect of happiness have
either of you ? I l^ad hoped her influence
would deter you from it, at least during Ser
visit here, but if not then, how can her
raTeTf^or^A: '• ^l\''rl Oh. for Heaven's
sake I for Antoinette's, for your own c -it
the ranks of ruin you are in, and com^ bk k
H^^TJ?""''°3^*°'**'''°*""'• You are bo wi j
tni^T^^'^^vPT^ ^^'^^ 'n humiliation
youSr- 0^'E"g-«. have mercy upon
^ He tned to look ha-ghtv and .n.^ifs.-!
Dus u roula not answer. Her pale face'
full of earnest, tearful entreaty, touched hii
heart, not fcltogetfcer inriurate i by prSate
i aisooiation,. He knew she had n^ot gfven
young peor
Mr. Lockhi
moved to h
. certainly she had told* _lv tt" ."^f '«' »>"*
.. he resolved not to ldm?7*»^ M?""*^- Yet
f atterJiyTroSL :«r 1? 3^'^' y°^
ha;7hXVyX^ow7no^rn ^^•'''"- 1
spection. You are nTm, P?'!*'^"' for your in.
t£e truth. BurwCrifrr ' j *^" y ""
Bided, and you think thl mi!* *'''^ , ^*« «"b-
you will be forced to ,nl*",^''.°''''"ly "v-er.
the purest Wend.ht ^^iT^"''?^ ^^^^ "«ly
remonstrate w?thZZt P'"'"?^ ""« *»
reer. Of course, T"" Tn' ™°°"' <^*-
soon wreck yourself • vnn". '^' y°" "an
ter; but the infatuation win' ^°",'' °^° ""a^-
Your disgrace and ru?n Z^}/^°°'^ ""^"^ yo«-
«ave that, as your f'..^ r°°u* ^^ect me.
?onrfall. Ah.TJ"e J'h '^"V^fl mourn
displeasure-I have nm^pH ^1 T'^''^'^ your
He took his hit f'n f'^'"y/"««dsLip ."
door, but she pltced h,r 'r.^*''"'^''^ the
holdin(?out bothhaadS Tx,^'^°?"' ""J-
fuliy : " a&naa, exclaimed sorrow-
orpL?n:rtVo?treVt"y"*°^^^-' ^ ^^ -
[rom earlv years vou 1^ P'^'^^'"". 'iml
brother. ' it 'jels? T. ^'"" '^ ^^d
as friends. I klmw f J . •"' I'^'-t
we ehaJl be complete valip, V , "I ^"^^--e
fnend Bonlah will JSav, .''**"''• ^^''^ yo"-"
7onr welfare an. LuS J '■'"'"? .t° ^ear of
•he hears, with k'e en *re^,^.r' 'V' ''^'''' '""^
rum, she at le.ist wilJ 4' 1 1) ' f 1 ^'T' ""'^^
and anxiously did ^u ;„ V . '^^ honestly
you. Goo,l.bye S . ' ^ '"",';'• t^' «avo
bear with you t^ the al^^ ''r^^'- ^"«*^"«' '^"^
for your happiness " "^ ""'^^''^ vvishes
het:k'?o Si?:'-;rt-*-tin,iy, hut
hurrymg by, left the house ""2.!"'"^"*' «'"1
Beulah bo«ed her he^7 1,",^ . , * '"oment
-he brushed the tears ?om 1^ ^""^^""^ ' th.n
the black brows met in °h ^^^ '^heek, and
f he had not expected mn TP ^'■°^"- T'"«.
bitterly grievefand ins ?''"' ^'^ «''« ^^^'
«he ceaj^ to re.'n^mber 'he S^of";.""''''' '''
Miotwithstandinir ihF ! *'"' "'ter-
uot avoid feeliSol h; "''"*rP*' «he
le Grahams all n .n ^'^. weakness;
the ,r,l.^:l" *::'^°"lP'-*"'cd Eugene. an,l
"'or. A handsTm'e hoLS;'J;'^'' '"'■ ^he sum:
Mr. Graham's re^dence an?"' "^t°*"' ""'''"
young people were ^ f!l ^ '" *he fall the
Mr. tockhart Tallied suffi .P*^ff«««'«° of it.
moved to his home -'Zthr."^ ^ ^° ^«-
up the country," and,
BEULAH.
p^f;at^d"s;rpi^^^
put on her bonneUnd wa^k!/^.*'"*°r A
section of the town tni- *° * fHstanff
Ellison (one of he?'asista!!r^''' t^''' ^'^^l
she happened to her was oS^'^",?^' ^'^o^
found her oven wora^+ho .^"^® '"• Sh«';
and ou offering her series f' ^^^^^P^^ted
the sick girl, was anx^ny.„i *" "^^tch over
main wit! h^r during thi^ '"IT*"'^ *« ^e-
Patohedamess^etoAli hS- ^^^ ^^^
laid aside her bonnet i„^\ .y*' cheerfully
the sufferer, y^l^lett^^^^'t ^, '^^^ near
thesufferer,wlTeth;fnfi °°^ * «eat near
to rest. Thet mily Ul™ ^"'''ther retired
almost entirely deuendlnf '^ P"^''' «nd
f''r a support. ^Shou* Kate's salary
comfortless , the Lantv f ^^-^ '""*" »"«!
plainest kind. AbS du«k p '*V.^ °^ *he
charge in a sound E, and .'l""^ 1"^* her
m« the blinds. seatedl^'eS "^n ;r'"-"°P^"-
fill. ThesolitarvcauXT .u"*^^ window
but a dim light!Tnd "h^3°" oJ« V*"' ^'^'
looking out into tlie street In^" ^°"« "'"^
quiet, clear sky. A CL "P.** *he
the window-she suiuS /^"^ "P ^''"^ath
physician. Mrs EulTt '^ '^'^ *^'« family
his coming, but of ciu ",> »°* "'"'tioned
cian, and sure euouTh;^ ™"'* ^ * Phy"-
the door. She str3f f^ '^'" * »'"ock at
picked up so„ifS:"j;'-«ortwochah.
about the floor, nd"i:iS^^E-«-ed
emp'/e!) :„':r st:* '"t' ^" E^i^"-
'Irew back with a sort of I, "• ^''*"''^^' «he
"ot seen him sinoe fht surprise. She had
lo'-.kod at her a ihompn. '^°Pl?^,^ suddenly,
chagrined r "*' ^""^ '^"'' as if much
^^^;;trt-^^-;Xts-
<>"c, you will take it T,! /l ' '""'' *««» to
mon sen.e, why don't Jo^V'r"'" V^ °''«-
careof their own sVk Vn7 ^' P^"P^« taka
stca,l ofhunti "up eases Si "' *'*""f ' '''■
ujrse T I suppose th?Hr=f ^ * professed
small.T,ox vorhLv f '* ''""^'-med case of
offer v^„. L'll:}:^" ?/' -VOU will hasten to
wthenigi;tw,in;t<rb:LsSi^*<>
^tantt'%Ct?Ts'^^^° ?'"'"« "P«o con
and somebodv nfn«i ^""P^.«t«ly exhausted
r ^,M : V y '""St assist in nursinir fr.*-'
1 did not know that <.h=. i j ""rsing Kate.
134
BEULAH.
"" "" ■'*"" " *"^"Vin\v55 '• "' LT™^," r«.;r ..^".r- - -'--
coiiiinon humanity io aid th
" Oh 1 if yon choose to risk your life, it is
your ovrn .ff..r. Do not imagine for aA in-
stant tut 1 exneoted my advice to weigh an
jdta with yon. "^ °
He walked ofif to Kate, felt her pulse, and
without wakmg her, proceeded toVenl^nish
the glaas of medicine on tl,e table. Beulah
was ,n no mood to obtrude he-Relf on his at-
wi't .' hI: f^V?\*.-" *'"= ^'"''"^' «"'! «t""d
wl tf. ^J^^ .*^ *'■""• S*"* «"»!'' "ot t'^T.dy
w?«..,f ta»ntm« manner, yet felt that it
was out o her p„wor to retort, for she still
revereuoed hnn. She was surprise.l when he
came up to her and said ab. uptly :
loday I read an article in 'T-
^Derta!'" *'*"*'' *''* '^'"'•'' ^'^^
.t«tf *^**5 k"""?"" ''y*** >»" P*l« f*ce an in-
«fo; / • *'*'' ''?• °"''^«<> ominously, as she
- Wdra^irT" 'ndiflerent tone :
. •* It is not well, at all. It is verv ill It
w most miserable I" ' *
't" ^f ' '/^''«t do I care for the article in
Jr^ ' ^Jog'^.^we ?' " These word* were
jerked out. as .t were, with something like a
"You care more than you will ever he
brought to confess. Have Von md thTs ore
Clous ' Inner Life T' " ^
"Oh, yes I"
••Hare you any ide» who the author ist"
l.»^ kT' •"/' I H^^"^ the author; but if it
had been intended or desired that the public
hav«f±°'' •'''*"' *^« '^'•"''l^ wouldCver
have appeared over a fictitious signature "
This " Inner Life," which she had written
'or the last number of the magazine? was an
•llegory, ,n which she boldly attempted to
■in;>rove the truth of the fact Ten3n has
Ar^-tm f ^"^^r',''=•^ '° " The See o
Art, namely, that love of beauty, and in-
tellectual cu.ture, cannot satisfy th?God
g ven aspirations of the soul. Her . .a.x^kn
fully comprehended the dawning and as vtt
unacknowledged dread which f^mpted this
te=!v--t^sr-cF
plores your mansion, 'so rojal. 'rkh a^'^d"
ejiual t^o whaT;l; t^e ^ .fiik^en" Th.ld"*
tlusyearof trial and loneliness has left it
injK to give up the struggle V
The moon had risen, and as its light shone
on her countenance, he saw a fierce blaze in
her eyes he had never noticed there before.
bhe shook of! his light touch, and answered.
Idol 1 will never give up 1"
He Kmiled, and left her.
Hnnit/''!^*'"^^ !^'^^ ^^^ "<=•' ^"«"d until
sunrise the next n.orning, and ere she left
the house, was rewarded by the assurance
that she was better. In a few day., Kate
« as decidtdly convalescent. Beulah did not
take typhus fever.
hen he , /
».' i>y The da'
CHAPTER XXVIL
arlZ'} I ^'^ "i*"^"' '**"'"'"y' «nd dark'
«rey leaden clouds were scourged through
the sky by a howling south-easteTn gale, and
the lashed waters of the bay broke along the
shore with a solemn, continued boom. The
ra.n fell drearily, and sheet lij^lituing, pale
and constant, gave a ghastly l>ue to the
scudding clouds. It was one of those
lengthened storms which, during the month
pL.f"^"pi *'•««« Fevalent along the Gulf
coast. Llara Sanders sat near a window,
bending over a piece of needle-work, while
wi h her hands clasped behind her, Beulali
walked up and down the floor. Their
countenancei contrasted vividly: Clar?'s
sweet, placid face, with drooped eyelids and
Madonna-hke serenity; the soft, auburn
ha r curled about her cheeks, and the
delicate lips in peaceful rest And Beulahl
-how shall I adequately paint the gloom
and restlessness written in lier stormy
countenance? To tell you that her brow
was bent and low. ring, that her lips were
an7 Zrf^' "'"' " '**««lit>y compressed.,
and that her eyes were full of troubled
shadows, would convey but a faint im-
pression of the anxious discontent which
seemed to have taken entire possession of
on witPf'"* ^^'T^ ?* ',"•■' «'8''«'^' »°d went
on with her work ; she knew perfectly well
She was m no humour for converwation The
rain increased until it fell in torrents, and
the hoarse thunder muttered a dismal ac-
Sr!"n*- ^'8"^t"« dark to see th»
hlr te T P*!* ^y ^^^ ^°'^> *"d folding
her hands on her lap, sat looking out into
the storm, listening to the roar of the rush-
uLT^u' ''I-.* ^"""^^^ *''^ tree-tops and up-
lifted the white capped billows of the bay.
Sruplly^f"'"' •"'"**" *^^ ^■•"^«'^' '*'"^ «»id,
"It is typical of the indivi'l""] — -i-i
moral, an.i intellectual life. Look which
way you will you find antagonistic elements
fiercely warring. There is a bx.keu cog
somewhere, m the machinery of this plung'
BEUr>AH.
a
ng globe of ours. Everything organic, and
; norgan.c, bears testimony to a mi erable
• e:;tT'"Xe b"^'"^ '' "«* "* depar"mrt o
earth where harmony reigns. True the
stars are serene, and move in their everlast
ingorb.ts with fixed precision! but they
are not of earth ; here"^ there is nothing
rt„'lLr'r.*'ru"«^'''*'"- The seasons are
regular, but they are determined by other
: worlds Verily, the contest is still fiercely
waged between Ormuzd and Ahriman and
the last has the best of it, so far The'three
thousand years of. Ahriman see.n daw^!
She resumed her walk, and looking after
her anxiously, Clara answered: ^
«iit remember, the 'Zend-Avesta'
promises that Ormuzd shall finally conquer
and re.gn supreme. In this happy kinXm
I love to trace the resemblance to the mH-
PaTmr""^'°^ ^^ '^'^^ St. Joh°n on lonely
"It is small comfort to anticipate a time
of blessedness for future generations Vfa^t
benefit is steam or telegraph to the moulder
ing munim.es of the catacombs? I want to
and^r''^^""'* ^'^^ millennium will do you
and me, when our dust is mingled with
mother earth, i„ some silent necrofoHs r^
, Oh, Beulahl what aih you to-day* You
^o. so gloomy and wretched. It seems to
rhatTlife'o?r^V*°^"'^\^'y«* ^»*«- I kLw
mat a iite of labour, such as you voluntiHlv
assumed, would chasten your spS but r
did not expect this utter revolutfon of youJ
nature .0 soon. Oh. have done with sc^-
lai!i'^*'}^ '? ^'f.®*^^ " °°* *o be put on and
aid aside at will, like a garment Granted
that these same doctrinet of Zoroaster are
famt adumbrations of the Hebrew creed the
Gordian knot is by no means loosed That
prologue in Faust horrified you yesierday
vet, upon my word, I don't see why fo;
very evidently it is taken from 7ob 'and
Faust IS but an ideal Job, tempted i' more
subtle manner than by the loss nf fl^ ^
houses and children." y'/TeUeve'S
8atan was allowed to d. his utmost to rufn
Job. and Meph,8f.ophele8 certainly set out o
the same fiendish mission. M ^uhistonhllf •
not the defia.t demon of MaJoffia^ pter'
tul prince in the service of God Yn.,. j
sub-ect: ^i all t:z "^ r'"y «° *'»«
PTi f... fi,»* ■ 'f, ^''.f'e same to me. Evil
exi.ts: that h the grim fact A. to i*, „,i.-.
ci^" AigS « ^ '°°" '^* °^ *« '^^ 'the
-Still, J would not give my faitn .or all
your le;»mag and philosophy.^ Seu whit it
ha^b..ught youto."ans'woVed cU't;*
135
" Your faith ! what dopn it- *„, u
^U^evil principle ."'St:;i*SaJ-^!
taiht*yru'*' ?^[,Vd.nr;i ^.^^'^"'^*'- »-
you know nothinrttliil'^'; '*« '*"«''>
time was M-hen efrth !•,. ^^^' '"«' **'»*
holy, and C^^, ^1 IZ S^^nteTe'd "th"
world oy man's transgressionl.!"' '"^ *'^"
Beukh'"' ' ^°"'* '^^^'-«'" interrupted
ears^and'Vr'^'''* ''* ^^^'^ *°d «top your
th"' TaJ t':ulZ T'' *"^ «--t^ha|-
reception or efcti m'^^nf ^tl .Y""--
cal record bv nn °^ *^® ^ibli.
authenticity. My faith te'^r%i."^l*" '*"
you so bittJrly Lp;ecatr?s"n\'* *.^" "V^
shall finally be crushed ^nA ,1^ ,^*^™*^ '
you crave, pervade all r^lms Wh^''"^?,^
wise, and All-powerful God sufflr/"",-^'-
a "rtls'o'^i fi-t?iaSrt o'deU^
f^.s .^trrrLino"\srj-
weave ropes of sand " " *"
laimshintr snnl I ,.,l,.4.'.i._^^ .' ^° '^*
famishing so^u'^That'chaff^^h **"''*^-. ^"°'
truth must be fir,^ S''! tab "1, ^«'««i««I
chological foundSs rS^^te'lCl:
system. To h«; •'^ '^'^^'^ «ft«'
iieying her 'consciousness" the infii n,i
criterion of truth • thia ahJ t • '"\*"iole
pirSh'ir;"a^reS f-^ p--^-
analysis of the facts of Jn„? *"" "S"'*
an intolerant dogmatism whTr"?"'; "'"^
and confused herrSn^Txtolled T*'t""'^^'^
oracle of wisdom , anXr Sedt: :> T
lovvnes8ofhi8investigation,anrui:U:i-l-
V' uis noctraies ; while ufhi-.ior •"""y
clusively. thatLocl^e's assiilart T"^ "*'"•
136
BEULAH.
Air^^^"^'} •*'' ^""""i "ome points of
Ins faith on certain principles of Deacartes :
the very next work she rea.l, proclaimed that
Descartes never held any such principles,
S„l T"*^' '^''d altogether mistaken his
views; whereupon up started another, who
cartes really did believe on the subject under
fmorh.Vd*''** i* """n." •"°'>ted\uestion
among his disciples. This was rather dis-
Brown's descent upon Reid greatly inte-
rested her; true, therewere vory manv^thing,
seeme°dn1°°-.r'"**''Ly^* ^^e arguments
Broln i^"'"*''''""^' ^"'' ' *«"« her that
ftoodthA?"'^"?'"'"""': ""'^'•'y misunder-
stood the theory he set himself to criticise,
aua ,.as a v.retched bunf;ler ; after which he
WmselM.!l" ""''"/*' *" P^'"'^«^^« i*' I^eid had
ssL^^'^^h^r^-^rr^^t;:
wron| ahe could not for her' life decide. I?
woiT)^ have been farcical, indeed, had she
not been so an>:iousJy fn earnest. Beginning
to d.stra« herself, and ^vith a dawning dreacl
rlt If^" 'r"''°^"«y would prove an in-
th n^ 1 ^"'1* ''"^ ^^"* ^y the philosophies
S nhir'r^''^'""''^^'-^'^" t« histories
of ph.loiophy, lancymg that here all
bitt«r invective would bt laid aside, and
.tern unpartiahty prevail. Here the e^ilshe
olJiul T'^Tu'^ ^""""^"l^ One historian
hei^^ aH^^ i^^^ '^^f * Sreat favourite of
the E f"^\*''"'8 ,'««* *" confidence in
the subjects he treated, si-t himself to work
to show the fallacy of all systems, from An
aximander to Cousin, She found the hi^-
t^"ohii^!-Ph'°'^^'y*^'""*=*^ ** variance as
dtm. tr''*^",^- ^""f '^"■' ^n*! looked with
riismaymtothedim land of vagaries, into
which metaphysics had drawn the highes?
fTvouritI *''%Pf'* ^'^"^ ^«' guardian's
lavourte quotation recurred to her with
of t°ru"th'"'^" f '""•^•^ ," ''^^'^ '" °« °riteT,on
Itwlfh' J^ '"^'^'y subjective truth."
n was the o d sceptical palladium, ancient
truth in tins direction ; but it cettaiidy ex-
wted somewhere She commenced the study
D Oousm with trembling e;^ernea8 ; if
n oui" VT^"^ '"'■'; y '""^ ^ » harmo-
she h«i ^^'T ■ *he absolute truth
!,.!l~i M?*^"'^ aroughso many metaphy-
?n?l ^""^hngs. " Eclecticism "would 'cull
for her^the results of all search and reason-
'"■^'- rora tune, slie i.)eiieved she had in-
1 1 r r — ...>^, o.ic unit
dMfounda restiiifi-place; his "true" sat-
8h...| her; his "beautiful" fascinated her;
but when she came to examine his "Theo-
Uicf. and trace its results, she shrank back
h^S f^' ^K^, **" "?* y^* prepared to em-
brace his subtle pantheism. Thus far had
her sincere enquiries and efforts brought her
It was no wonder her hopeful nature gre^
W^fi,''^"'''^' i °.2 ''*"'^" her brow was
Un^y. r''']^^ thought, and her pale
face haggard and joyless. Sick of systems.
she began to search her own soul ; did the
very thing of all others best calculated to
harass her mind and fill it with inexplicable
mysteries. She constituted her own reason
the sole judge ; and then, dubious of the ver-
flict, arraigned reason itself before itself
JNow began the desperate struggle. Alone
and unaided, she wrestled with some of the
grimmest doubts that can assail 4 human soul
Ihe very prevalence of her own doubts
augmented the difficulty. On every side
she saw the footprints of scepticism ; in
history, essays, novels, poems, and reviews.
Still, her imlomitable will maintained the
conflict. Her hopes, aims, energies, all
centred in this momentous struggle. She
studied over these world-problems until her
eyes grew- dim, and the veins on her brow
swelled like cords Often grey dawn looked
in upon hor, atill sittii g before her desk,
with a ...ckly waning lamp-light gleaming
over her pallid face. And to-day, as she
looked out on the Hying clouds, and listened
to the mournful wail of the rushing rrale, she
seemed to stand upon the verge of a yawning
nir'-niJ^ f ***,,*^''l '^^ ^^''^^ ^ She knew
not. Old faiths had crumbled away : she
stood m a dreary waste, strewn with the
wreckofcreeds and systems; a silent deso-
lation ! And with Richter's Christ she ex-
claimed: "Oh ! how is each so solitary in
,^^TK -T fi'':.^**^^'"' °h, Father, where
? J.^A K^'*f ''"*°"' *>.** ^ '"'«ht rest on
it 1 A belief in something she must have ;
It was an absolute necessity of the soul There
was no scoffing tendency in her scepticism ;
she could not jest over the solemn issues in-
volved, and stood wondering which way she
should next journey after this "pearl of
great price." It was well for her that ear-
lands of rhetoric and glittering logic lay over
the pitfalls before her ; for there^ were un'
sounded abysses, darker than any she had
yet endeavoui-ed to fathom. Clara came
back and softly laid her hand on her
friend's arm.
" Phase put up your book, and sing some- '
thing for me, won't you ?" » "=
Beulah looked at the serene' countenance.
'" <". «7 •• "Sgi.'.r.".., anti ;in3woreil,glooniiiy;
What! are you, ^oo, tired of listening
to this storm-anthem nature has treated us
to for the last two days ? It seeiv. to me
the very universe, animate and inaninmte, is
ludulging in an uncontrollable fit of tha
BEULAH.
'bluea.' One would almost think the dead-
march was being played up and down the
aisles of creation."
She pressed her hands to her hot brow, as
If to wipe away the cobv,-ebs that dimmed
her vision, and raising the lid of the piano,
ran her fingers over the keys.
"Sing me something hopeful and heart-
cheering," said Clara.
"I have no songs of that defcrirtion."
'PsaTrofTife/"^'^'^'''^^^'^^*''^"'^*^^
"No, no. Impossible. I could not sing
face^'" "°'^' ""^P"^*^ ^^"^*^' "verting he?
«trai!!\°°* °°T- They are the excelsior
trfff/n f l'"^/'?^, P'^yims. They were
written for the dark hours of life "
tJlitl- "^t" !?"«.Kery to me. Ask mo
for anything else, "said she, compressing her
Clara Iwned her arm on the piano, and
lookingsadly at her companion, ^said,' as if
w^th a painful effort :
"Beulah, in a little while we shall be
^ntl' *°^ r'y ^^^ All. Father knows
whether we shall meet on earth again. My
application for that situation as iovernes^
up the country, brought me an answer to-
aay. i am to go very soon. "
"It IS very painful to leave my
perfect strangers, but it is best that 1
and"wept. ^""^ ''"'''^ ""'' "^^"^ °° ^'' ^'^^^^
" Why is it best T"
„f 1!*?!"^°"^ ^^""^^ "? constantly reminded
of other days, and other hopes, now lying
dead on my heart. But we will not speak
Of this. Of all my ties here, tfty love for you
Jri.nnl- T!/f'"°"8'**- ^^' tJeulah, our
lnnly'f^'°^/'". ^« "'y portion when
liundrarfs of miles lay between us ! The
Imk^hat bind orphan hearts like ours are
re lasting than all others."
'I shall be left entirely alone, if you ac-
^cent this situation. You have long been my
only companion. What congeniality is there
between those girls and myself ! J^one. My
isolation will be complete when you leave
my htrt r' "*'" ^°" ^'' """ '^^ '^»'»*» '"
'.'. Say it freely, my brown-eyed darlino."
• VTeli tUeu, Beulah ; give'itup ; giv"e it
«^; 1.^ "*'" "° y •'^'^ '**'^n your heart with
untold cares and sorrows. "
" Give up what ?"
^ ''This combat with lonelinew and pover-
137
". ^ *"» not 'o^ely. " answered Beulah with
awintry smile. ="«»ii, wiia
lon'T' '^T''*'' ; y^^yoiare; wretchedly
lonrly. I have been but a poor companion
Z iZ i) '"*«"*^'^t"'''"y. you are far b^eyoi°d
me, and there has been little ongeniaJity in
our tastes and pursuits. I have alwavs
known this, and I know, too that you
never will be a happy woman until you
have a companion equal in intellect, who un-
derstands and sympathizes with you. Ih
Beulah ! with all your stubborn^pride, and
will, and mental endowments, you h^ve a
woman's heart; and crush its impulsea a*
you may, it will yet assert its swL7 As I
told you long ago, grammars, and geogra-
ph.es, and duty, coul.? not fill the void in my
heart ; and behove me, neither wiU nieta-
physics and philosophy, and literature, satis-
fy you. Suppose you do attain celebrity as
a writer. f*n the plaudits of strange^
bring back to your solitary hearth the loved
dead, or cheer you m your hours of gloom T
I too am an orphan ; I apeak of what I can
appreciate. You are mistaken, Beuk,h. in
thinking you can dispense with sympathy.
You are not sufficient for yourself, as you
have so proudly maintained. God has crVat-
ed us for companionship ; it is a necessity of
human nature." ^
" Then ^hy are you and I orphaned for all
time ?" asked Beulah, coldly.
1 he sablest clouds of sorrow have
silver linings-perhaps that you and I might
turn more continually to the God of orphans.
Beulah God has not flooded earth witheter-
nal sunlight He knew that shadows were
needed to chasten the spirits of His children,
and tench them to look to Him for the renewl
al of all blessings. But shadows are fleet! ng
-r./'''i;^wT "f M^''?"' ^*» itsmorui.S
arranged the chiaroscuro of earth '" She
spoke earnestly ; the expression of her eyes
told that her thoughts had travelled into the
dun, weird laud of futurity. Beulah ofi-ered
no comment, but the gb.m deepened on her
brow and her white fingers crept rest essly
«n!Li Pi^'*"° ^-^y-, ^^^^' » moment's
silence, Olara continued ;
"1 would not regret our separation so much.
If 1 left you in the possession of Christiai
faith ; armed with a perfect trust in the re-
hgion of Jesus Christ. Oh, Beulah. it makes
my heart aohe when I think of you, strug-
gling so fiercely m^the grasp of infidelity !
uS^!7^i^'^'"^"r^ ^'*^''" ^'^^ ^'«''t shilling
beneath your door, long after midnight, and
wept over the conflict in which I knew you
were engaged ; and only God knows how
often I have mingled your name in my pray-
I ers, entreating Him to direct you in von
I aearoh, to guide you safely through the path
I';.
iii-^
'as
BEULAH.
of scepticism, and pUoe your weary feek
upon the 'Kock of Ages.' Oh, Beulah,
do not make my prayers vain by
your continued questioning I Come
back to Clirist, and the Bible."
leivrs glided down her cheeks as she passed
her arm round her friend, and dropped her
liead on her shoulder. Boulah'a eyelids
trembled an instant, but there was no
moisture ia the grey depths, as she an-
swered :
'• Thank you, Clara, for your interest. I
am glad you have this faith you would fain
lead me to. Not for worlds would I un-
settle it, even if T could. You are comfort-
ed in your reli;,aon, and it is a priceless bless-
ing to you. But I am sincere, even in my
scepticism. I am honest ; and G )d, jrhe
sees my heart, sees that I am. I may Ke an
lufidf), as you call me, but, if so, Ian an
honest one ; and if the Bible is all true, as
you believe, God will judge my heart. But I
shall not always be sceptical ; I shall find the
truth yet. I know it is a tedious journey I
have set out on, and it may be my life will
be spent in the search; but what of that, if at
last I attain the goal ? What if I only live to
reach it ? What will my life be to me with-
out it ?"
"Andean you contentedly contemplate
yoMr ruture, passed as this last year has
been ?" cried Clara.
"Perhaps 'contentedly' is scarcely the
right term. I shall not murmur, no matter
how dreary the circumstances of my life may
be, provided I succeed at last," replied Beu-
lah, resolutely.
"Oh, Beulah, you make my heart ache !"
"Then try not to think of or care for
me."
" There is another heart, dear Beulah, a
heart sad, but noble, that you are causing
bitter anguish. Are you utterly indifferent
to th^^ also ?"
"All of the last exists merely iu your im-
agination. We will say no more about it
if you please. " '
She immediately began a brilliant over-
ture, and Clara retreated to the window.
With night the roar of the tempest increased;
the riWufell with a dull, uninterrupted pat-
ter, the gale swept furiously on, and the
heaving, foaming waters of the bay gleamed
luriv-;iy beneath the sheet-lightning, Clara
stood Kioking out, and before long Beulah
joined her ; then the former .said, suddenly :
"Do you remember, that about six years
ago, a storm like this tossed the Morning
Star far from its destined track, t\ni\ for
many daj s it was uniicard of ? Do you re-
membw, too, that it held one yon loved; and
tSiat, iu an agony of dread, lost he should
hnd a giave among the coral beds, you bow-
\
ed your knee in prayer to Almighty God
imploring Him to calm the tempest.hush the
gale, and save him who was so dear to you ♦
Ah, Beulah, you distrusted human pilots"
As Beulah made no reply, she fancied she
was pondering her words. But memory h»d
flown back to the hour when she knelt iu
prayer for Eugene,and she thought she could
far better have borne his death then, in the
glorious springtime of his youth, than know
that he had fallen from his noble height
J hen she could have mourned his loss, and
cherished his memory ever after ; now she
could only pity and despise his folly. \Vhat
was that early shipwreck she so much dread-
eel, in comparison with the sea of vice, whose
every wave tossed him helplessly on to ruin?
Me had left her, an earnest believer in re-
ligion ; he came back scoffing at everythine
sacred This much she had learned from
Oornelia, Was there an intimate connec-
tion between the revolutions in his nature?
Mi8le<l by her silence, Ciara said, eagerly:
You were happy in that early faith. Oh.
Beulah you will never find another so holv
so comforting !" ^'
Beulah frowned, and looked up im-
patiently. '^
"Clara, I am not to be persuaded into
anything. Le ive me to myself. You ar«
kind, but mistaken."
"If I have said too much, forgive me 'I
was actuated by sincere aflection. a; I niW .-
for your state of mind." *^ ^
"lam not an object of pity by any
means," replied Beulah, very coldly. ^
Clara was unfortunate in her expressions •
she seemed to think so, and turned away •
.but conscious of having spoken hastily'
frsnU .*'*"Sht her hand, and eiclMmed
"Do not be hurt with me; I did not in-
tend to wou-d you. Forgive me. Clara.
Uon t go. When are you to leave for your
new home?' ^
"Day after to-morrow. Mr. Arlington
seems anxious that I should come imme-
dutely. He has three children ; asou and two
daughters. I hope they are amiable ; I
dread lest they prove unruly and spoiled. If
so, woe to their governess. "
"Does Mr. Arlington reside in the village
to which you directed your letter?"
•'.' ^'J ' ^® .''eaitles on his plantation, several
miles from the village. The prospect of being
m the country is the only redeeming feature
in the arrangement. I hope my health will
3, ...^vor,,,., Dj i-ut: cjiange : but
decide "'°''^'" my plan, only time can
"And when shall we meet again?" said
Beulah, slowly. -
n*
BEULAH.
wilduT'^'T; ?„^'"'"^'^'t> ««>' paths diverge
Wkily. \\e may meet no more on earth-
but, dear Beiilah, there is a ' peaceful shore'
where billows never beat nor tempests ro/r'
ZlZ "'T^^^r ^^ «»>«» Bpend in eternUV
p[5/:nVsal:yo "Th^r '!^n"^ ->"
^s«ed Be„lah-stheat:n!rffthrr7oS
CHAPTER XXVIIL
of?ne of hTm".''' ^'^'^'/' tl^^i'^disposition
wearied IL^"""' v*^! '"'•"'»»». she nev";
Jilt ♦! '^ ^ «?'" ^*d ^'own brown and
windy, and th7c"n.S pteLnTe" aTen:"!
boisterous confusion, wl ich she mnl!?.
^"•^t^'^rt A„„^berorboy:hr^^^^^^
.^ ove?'direSr°"?^ «^'"- 'balls flet
few moments at their careless happy sports
nr-uch lighter.hearte^d "SavU'^^rhe'^
but here too, sounds of%ladness met her'
front"o&' 1 ""'Z' '^'T^^'^ "'^ the lawn in
front of the building, chatting as cheerfullv
ny*'°£ tZr' all memfers.f onelS
chrysanthemums to^ slender Ttake^^ Th^^
bfesrj;^ t?,*^^^^^^^
them ifeulah wa's knownf she tl^rew Xhe"!
boanet ana sh'awl, and as'sisted the girfs in
their work among the flowers, while the litfp
ones gathered round her, li^vii^ ici, H n
i8h welcome and coaxing he -to if n
innocent games. The ^sS .] v ' ' /^"""
wher*. in ,,.,...„ .. , ^^".lV^>' ^hina trees.
hadwatched'thtfor^niimh!.^ ""'^ ^''^"''V
clad in ther '^01. ']2n r/^ ""''" ^^''"
Beulah looked u ;';t^ti!e r d S;alls'tha^^
had sheltered her it, the earh dlva^^f i
age. it seemed but yeXXy' t^ t:'^Z
pilot. Be.u]ah ^e h h'"tir?'^'"« ""
search of her. She f.t/C at tast'irfl'"
store-room, giving f«t.nat,,i«lVf ., ^''*'
ingmeal, a„d ha,f a?;r„ t7n , If V'''""
>ng the change w ,,ich hid'tk ?,,,^a etVh'c:
manv wpnka r".,™ "^ . """"J watt so
iieulaJi sa^on the sofa near h^r .^a *i
love to come here occafiionallir . ;* i
Beulah spoke in a subdued voice whilp
features twitched, as she thought of t'heUt
ter changes that rolling yeais wotk »n^ .
s'Khed unconsciously. The mitron'-, »? ^
sne^^said, with an anxious, scrutinizing
J J Have you been sick since yon weie hcc
thinf?^ ^^**"»ke8 yon imagine such a
" Dear child, I do not imagine • I knn^
you look worn and ill. Why Beulah hZ
child T.* r'h "^"^ Something ails y ,
child ; that I know well enough. '' ^ '
J>o, 1 assure vou. I am nnf ,11 o
mi
i
140
1'
'D
f
i\;tt
BEULAH.
I' Dill you see his wife?"
V es ; she is a very pretty woman • I
nay say a beautiful woman; but shT does
..ot suit lum. At least, 1 am afraid she wiU
much! 'cried Mrs. VVill,:.mH. ^ * "
, Why?" asked Beuiali, wonderingly,
encourag.
'< Ah ' ■ '•°°"'" "«"iaii, wonrlenngly.
Unoir '."'^''^y ^'""''^ *" faxlts. child
knew he did not marry her for Jove ! '
...... — „ marry ner lor love ! '
'^v'ouh!!*'"v'*'' '.'"'^' »"'»'"'i<l. hastily:
You do him injustice -«reftt injusticel
chlrmini'fiT^'' "* f^T*y» '^«*»«f"I and
cnarmii g ,n the eyes of the world! Beulah
do you know that I watched for Eugene fo^
days and weeks, and months, aftefhU re'
oh" o'Sch ! T ' \ "*'^*^^ *° -« ^^~
1 ?nf??^ ' } ^'^ '^'"'^ ^^"^ f^o" a cS
S^lnr^Ct-dirntre^l^re^ti
-.a^nrorthe'£;ts-l^^^^^^^^^
''It is better so-better that von should
" His adoption was his ruin. Had he r«
named dependent on his individual er^'
mmseit and his fnends. But Mr. Graham is
considered very wealthy, and Eugene wealklv
ws"t?/™C'f 'r"Vi^'^«- -"- "^^^
rained iL T (ash.onable associates have
rumed him In Europe he learned to drink
8ta^,tt int ''""P^iT '^''SSeA hhn ™n'.
stantly into scenes of dissipatiSn. But I do
not despair of him yet. It mav be Im^J'hf
ioT no^ T "" V°°«™«d drunkard ! Oh,
^,im te ^' *^? -^y ' ^ ^^''^ craved tnr
■i^lS^ffi^^^irii^^vforh^stil,;
55> «';»^« ^^atures, as she said,
"He will como to see von whfin ho ,«
vou" r ''^ '"''''^ HeCs n'oSrorgo'tt'en
VouT^ot::,'^^''''''''- I^^'^eme.hfowe;
^|Leav,' Ml,! Asylum ! f,)r what?"
1 am getting old, child, and my health i>
to go; 1 have been here so Ion i/ fhat T «.«
should give up the position." * * '
,. "L are you «nfing to do T "
remai„nr'"'^r°",=^ *" l'^« P'^nlV tha
lZ!uh ""y i'^^- ^ '"'end to rent or buy
I fTe noT^' *".^ r*^^" ^''^". and be quS
'.' v** ^°? i",*®"^ **^ "^« alone ? "
I shun ^1 f i "f'P* ** servant, I snppow
see me often, and perhaps Eugene will re-
member me some day, wh'en he?s in troubl"'
T ™ '* *" °°t *""ne to see you at all !
I mean to come and live with you-that is
f 1 may ; "cried Beulah, springing up and
laying her hand on the matron's^^ ^'
shallbel" ^h^*'"'*^Tu'''"<* how glad I
flm, u f . 'V°""'^ her arms round the
sleiulerform, and laughed through her tears
haf^'f^itero^ ^^ 'r ^*^« «-' ^«'ksThai
sdd h^pduliyT '''" ^'''''' '' ^'' «=*?• -d
T«fL'*Z''''''■"^^T'^•'^«-8'°k of town I
Let us get a nice little house, where I can
walk in and out to my school. HaveyoS
I B®l.f ted any particular place ? " ^
" No. I have looked at two or thrp« K,.«-
none suited mo exactly. Now yon c^n 'help
wfthi'/^VVili**''"'''"* y"" ar^e going tSZ
'.r,-! T^ri,-'""?* ?*i ^*'**° ** yon are ready for me •
and I think I know a house to rent wS
sTood\"h tl"'* ?• ^'^l' I ^^"^t it under'
stood that I am to pay the rent."
am -~'^°' °^'^'^ ' ^ '^'*°'* ^«" of it. for I
^" Very well, thea ; I shall stay where I
am.
w V ' T "^^ ' y^*" "« °ot in earnest?"
xes, 1 am ; so say no more about it. I
will come on uo other condition. 1 will
BEULAH.
'Mi
■ea the owner of the hoiige, aecert*in what 1
can obtain it for, and send you word. Then
you can look at it, and decide. "
,.','/ •">, 4"ite willing to trust it to you,
child; only I can't beai the thought of your
paying the rent for it. But we can arrange
that afterward. " **
"No, you must be perfectly satisfied with
the house. I will go this evening and find
out about it, 80 as to lot you know at once.
Have you any idea when the ' Board' will
procure another matron T"
" They have advertised, and several per-
sons applied, I believe, but thev were not
exactly pleased with the applicants. I sup-
pose, however, that in a few days they wfll
titid a substitute for me."
" Well, be sure you get a good servant :
and now I must go. "
She put on lier bonnet and shawl with
unwonted haste, and ran down the steps. In
her frequent walks, she had noiiced two
cottages in course of erection, not very far
from the pme grove in front of the Asylum,
»nd now crossing the common, she dfrected
her steps toward them. The lots were small,
and belonged to Dr. Asbury, who said k»
would build a couple of cottages for poor
families to rent at cheap rates. As Beulah
approached the house, she saw the doctor's
buggy standing near the door, and thinking
It a good omen, quickened her steps. Each
building contained only three rooms and a
hall, with E gallery, or rather portico in front.
1 hey were genuine cottui/es orne, built after
Uownmgsplans, and presented a tasteful
mvitinj; appearance. The windows were
arched, and the wood-work elaborately carv-
ed. Beulah pushed open the fresiily paint-
ed gate^ ran up the steps, and into the hall
Che carpenters were still at work in the
kitchen, and as she conjectured, here she
found her friend, giving some final directions,
bhe looked round the snug little k-'tchen
and walked up to Dr. Asbury, who stood
with his back to the door ; she shook his
hand, with a cheerful salutation.
"Hallo, Beulah! where did yon drop
from ? Wad to see you. Glad to see you!
How came you prying into my new houses ♦
Answer me that 1 Did vou see my spouse
as you came through the' hall?"
I' No, I will go back and hunt for her "
" You need not; there she comes down
the steps of the house. She would insist on
seeing about some shelves for this precious
kitchen ; thinks I am bound to put pantries
and closetB, and shelves. -.11 nvor the house'
for my future tenants. I suppose before the
ftrstpoor family take poseessio:), 1 shall be
expected to till the cWet viih tablH-llatu
and cutlery, and the lardei- with ^n^w, Ihuir
and wax candles. Look htre, Mrs. Aauut/
how many more shelves is this kitchen to
have ?
" It is well she has a conscience, sir, since
nature denied you one," answered Beulah
vvhom Mrs. Asbury received very affection-
ately. '
"Conscience! Bless my soul I she has
none, as regards my unlucky purse. Posi-
tively, she wanted to know, just now, if I
wouhl not have that little patch of ground
between the house and the paling, laid oO
into beds ; and if I could not pfant a fev
rose-bushes and vines, for the Hrst rascally
set of children to tear up by the roots, 'ust
as soon as their parents moved in. There's
conscience for you with a vengeance,"
'' And what did you say, sir ?"
"What did I say? why what every other
meek husband saya to appeals which ' won't
cost much, you know.' Of course I had no
opinion of my own. Madame, here, is in-
talUble : so I am put down for maybe a
hundred dollars more. You need not have
asked the result, you true daughter of Eve •
everyone of you understand wheedling.'
Ibose two mischievous imps of mine are al-
most as great adepts as their mother. Hev
Beulah, no whispering there ! You look as
wise as an owl. What am I to do next?
i'aper the walls, and fresco the ccilincs?
Out with it." ''
"I want to ask, sir, how m»«h rent your
conscience will allow you to demand for this
pigeon-box of a house ?"
1 "j^Y^l'' ^ ^''*'^ *" ^'-^^^ °f asking two hun-
dred dollars for it. Cheap enough at that
loll may have it for two hundred," said he
with a good-humoured nod toward Beulah!
^'»7^''^,,T^}1' ^ ^'" ^"^^ '* »»tliat. Provid-
edMrs. \\illiams likes it as will as I do
In a day or two I will determine,"
"In the name of common sense, Beulah.
what freak is this ?" said the doctor, looking
at her with astonishment,
"lam going to live with the matron of
tne Asylum, whom you know very well I
think this house wiU suit us exactly, and the
rent suits my purse far better than a larger
building would. I am tired of boarding I
want a little home of my own, where, when
the labours of school are over, I can feel at
ease. The walk, twice a day, will benefit
me, I feel assured. You need not look so
dismal and perplexed, I will make a capital
tenant. Your door-facings shan't be pencil-
marked ; your windows shan't be broken,
nor your grate swuag ulF its hinges. As for
those flowers you are so anxious to plant,
and that patch of ground you are so much
interested in, it shall blossom like the plain
otSh.i.-on." ^
" He Iwke.l fn hei- wistfully ;. took off his-
!42
/v
BEULAH.
¥'
spectacles, wiped thorn with the en-l of hiB
coat, anil sai.l, diil.iouHly .
jeotr*'''*'^°~ Hartwell thiuk of this pro-
"I h»ve not consulteil him "
whether ho approves or con.lomns, y ,„ arc
.Ictermined to carry out thi. new p an. Takt
'cu'ti^''^^' remember the ol.l adaKe al.m.
cutting offw«r nose to spite your face.'"
^"9. UiaTrturcntly.
Tarn au old man, Beulah, and know
^hmg of life and the world "
"Nay George ; why dissu.ide her from
a,,, plan? If she prefers tln.s ,,uiet littK^
home to the confinement and bustle o a
boardm^-houae, if she thinks she would be
happier here with Mrs. Williams than in the
heart of the city why should not sha come '
Sufferher to judge for herself. I am dL
:c' Asbu?;!'^"'^ ''" ^'•'''^«'" -**-p'^^
S.'l'f^H"*' '^?-^""„^"l'P''^''«^° will be satis.
hod to bury hers. If ..ut here, with an in?irm
f' I ^vo.nan or a conipanion ? Here she mus
l.-'e an early breakfast ; trudge through a,n
t 1 e'enin^'" «""" 1 'r'' ^^''^''^ ^'"'« ^--at"
111 evening ; tiou listen to others equallv
^^tupid, thrum over music lessons. andaUast
w!;:. it ;f '"^^l 'Tf' '^'^<=H.»--e 'about dal;
wlien It 18 too late to see whether her garden
•■^ * cotton patch or a peach orchard ! wtll
milUxistSoe t^?'"P«""«"* "» '""J^ » tread-
" Xf" picture is aU shadow, Georce -and
all that wdl promote her happiness. Do not
discourage her. Ah, humble as the placeTs
I know her heart achea for a spot she rm
call 'home.' Theae three roomrwiJlbea
haven of rest for her when the day is done
My dear Beulah. i trust you nmy beVe/v
happy here, or whererer you decide to hve^
you deserve to be." ' j
"Thank you, madame. for your friendiv
egnpathy. I am «Iad yiu app^ovS my S
'Well, well ; if you soon weary ot this
SaU ^mrVf^^r^^P '^' hoU that
? rLf . • ^i"'4' 'fy«"(letermiue to take
li;nT„rT''i-^ ^^* «^*^^y -"^ke any addt
tions or alterations you may suggest. I dare
H«L M*"l'H"y*'" '«' '^tenlut. But see
alter, Hease to remember that I am a nrn
fessional character, consequently can calf no
moment mv own w»,«* i .J-X ''■" °°
.helves aro-und That' ' sfd. ? "S^^bu'Sni
t/ome. It IB too late now to go over the room*
.i.ijain ; to-morrow will do as well H«i.Uh
•^ro you .«oing to play cook, too r"" ^'"'•'''
the house as socn'a^posslbl^i''^^"'^-^-*
the m'alron ''wl'Thi'v ' "^ ' '-P»t°»ied a note to
i.o^r^t.idirtttrrrrkit''
in"her'rme^-'srtrro':s^i
:'aratSdt?£^^^v^
an<l sprincim' steu iT i k «'^** ''^"t
1 his 18 home 1 at least I i d that I hav«
cheeks, and her parted li^ twmblST Thl
i tTed?f hT„'' 'l"^''"y. ^nd'Sen ehe^re!
tind a h»„r° ™°'" '^" ^*'' «»n>ri«<i to
; nna a handsome rosewood book-case a^A
desk occupyinst one corner. She op^"d th^
rtlecfoTth rr ^'' l>-'" carTuIIy l^r!
havf ent it f' "t^""''- ^^"'** ^^^ «""dian
watCllelt^^^^^^^^^
~/«:s:t;r^5^:^-s&
read the lines, containing these words -
*■ n«>r«v .... . ...
and desk, as
of
IBkulah: Accept the accompanjdnK case
" Alice abbuht."
Tears spranR into her eyes as she opened
the desk and discovered in elegant peT^S
pencil, and overy convenience connected
with writing. Turning away, she saw bS
BEULAh.
/
u
BeuUh,
•He tl.e firP, a large, deep ea.y-ch.ir, cush-
loiit.l wi h ,„u,,le moroco.-., an.l knew it was
exactly hke thu one «he had often seen f«
Dr. A.bury'8 library. On the back was
14
— ., - ■.»•<.• jr. \ju Hie uacK was
pinned a narrow slip of paper, and she read,
in the doctor'8 scrawling, <,uaint writing : '
l.hild. don t be too proud to use itr"
lufurir". "°' '. *\''°''"'« ^"""If into the
re^riv^H '?'!;• ""« ^••"ke the seal of a letter
OnT. f "^'"'^ ^i""™ ^'""^'^^ Mortimor.
Once b,iure, soon after her marriage, a few
hnes of gay greeting had come, and then
many men, hs had elapsed. As .he unfo Ide.l
the sheet she saw, with sorrow, that in
•everal place, it wa. blotted with tear. °
*nd the content., written in a paroxysm of
Sr'BeS"' • "*•*« °^ w'retchXsl
wjiichBeuIah never .u.pected. Pauline's
mpuls.ve, fitful nature was clearly indexed
in the letter, and after a brief apology for
her long silence, she wrote as follow. :
UH, Leulah, I am so miserable ; so verv
CI met v' ' ^^iV^'^*'' ^^""* ^"'' S
Oh ThiiX."" "^'^ «carcfc,y believe me.
Oh, I hardly know how to behcve it myself
S- bSr","!^'''' ^ ^" "»* ""^* E ■
} I, ""* ^ ^^^^^ him .0 very, verv dearlv
.nd thought him so devoted'tJ'mV' F ^ol
H,»f T ' I, °^*'''y ''"^«* "ne wild, to think
wife T J""'"^ \ *•"" ^°' ''^«' " ""^loveS
wife. Not a year has passed since our mar-
^age. ye already he ha. tired of my "prettj
vou »nH ' ^^"^*''' '^ ^ '^""^'1 only come to
fav 'mv .P"* ^^ wm. round your neck, and
lay my poor weary head down on vour
•houldev, then I could tell you all---." ^
t«. several sentences were illegible from
tears and she could only read what followed?
bince yesterday mornir.g, Ernest has
not spoken to me. While I write, he is sk
ting m the next room, reading. ..' cold in
tCSd''°H''^''"." ^ y wer^enotpSc ly
wretched. He i. tyrannical ; and because I
do no humour aU his whims.'and have s, L
S ffire7ce"''°H^ • *'^*** ""^ ""'"^ ''^'"'^ing
Sntr.om?"of^"«hT. ""fl'the'^'M
pertinent speeches about myT«..' Th""
w not the hrst nor the .econd
t me that we have quarrelled. He hw^
.tou°t"mv''t':' ''""^^ ^^'^ «ver meS""
•Dout my aflfairs. and sneering at my do-
me.tic arrangements; and because I fiLly
told her I believed I was mistress of my o«n
house. Eiuesf; ha. „^.,o. *.,-„;.._„ "y ?.^ "
ho«.e.ErnesVhasne\rfo";rm1'"'pM7 I
(thesisterlloved. and S to .cTooI S m "l!!7 P"^^''«''^^
/fk„ • I ^f , T "'""'• lorgiven me. Kllen
(the sister I loved, and went to .chool S
has married, and moved to * di«ta.>° •--
ti« otate. The other members "of his^famirv
«e bigoted proud and parsimonious S
they have chiefly made the breach bet wSn
us. Oh. Beulah, if I could onlv unHn f h^
pa.t. and be Pauline Chilton once moret Oh!
if I could be free and happy ac^in I But
theie IS no prospect of that^ I am hi wife
as he told ..e yesterday, an.l suppose I must
drag out a mi.e.able existence. Yet I w7l
not be trampled on by his family, m^i^-
ter .pends much of her time with us • reads
to Ernest ; talks to him about thing, ha
ahe glories in telhng me I don't understand
sfudv^Lurlf ^'"'?.^' ^ ^" "^'""' to
study and make myself » companion for
ay. "to" *7;et' ^ T'U L"^'ycontrTvesai:
MS to fret and thwart me. Two
leif, with her sneers and illusions
to my gtpat mental inferiority to Ernest
(as If I were not often enough painfull v~:
minded of the fact, without iny of her wsi!
tancal) I know I should notVave s." t
and} M*!!*°\"K':y *" ^^^""^ of propriety
and told her that her presence in my home
was very disagreeable. Ob. if you cou^l ha "e
tht? ^t' '".T'e« '""•^•'' »• «»'« answered
lelt It a duty to remam with him,' Beulah
earrhr-^V""."'.! ^ '^°"?'^ do anythLg on
onr.il u''! *"" ^*PPy' " w« were left to
Zee I^H ?"* " *? •"Emitting to Lucy's arro?
gance and sneers, I wiUnot I Ernest rtouires
I told him I would not I I would die «r«t .
He does not love me, or he would shield me
from such trials. He thinks his sister is n^r
ner. Nqw, Beulah. there is no one else to
Mo^er do*°"'*^. "*"*'"° »y ""^hap^iness?
Mother does not suspect it, and never shall,
even when she visits me. Uncle CuvTre
dieted It. and I would not have himk^oK
for the universe. But I can trust you • I
feel that you wiJi sympathize with me, and I
want you to counsel me. Oh. tell me what T
ought to do to rid myself of this torment
ing 81. er^nlawand father-in-law. and I 2y
Lh^' J*". .?'-!"*'« *'••'• Son>etimes, whe" I
'think of the future. I absolutely Shudder-
for If matter, go on thi. way much longer I
shall learn to hate my husband too.*' He
knew my disposition before he married me
and has no right to treat me as he does. If
obey h ro for I love hiin very devotedly •
buta. to being dictated toby all his relatives'
I neverwil ! Btulah. burn this blur7ed
letter, don't let anybody know how drearily
lam situated. lam too proud to have my
.^. - 1 To knotv that neoniA
pitied me. would kill me. I never LnT
"=PPy agam. but perhaps you can help me to
be less miserable. Do write to me ! Oh
how I wish you could come to me I I char«
>ou, Beulah, :3on't let Uncle Guy know that
I am not hrippy. Good-bye. Oh, if ever you
marry, be sure vour husband has no old mai J
.ft
ir'
1*4
BKULAH.
;«S:
•isteri. «nd no offloious kin 1 I am oryinB
■o that 1 o.^„ barely aeu the lines. Good-
•jyo, <le«r Beulah,
"pAULrNK."
Beulah leaned forward, and dropped the
letter into the glowing mass of coals. It
■hrivelie.1, blazp.l and vaniHi.ed, and with a
heavy Mj^hsho bat pondering the painful
V contents. \V\u^t advice could ghe powibly
Rive that Wduhl remedy the trouble? She
was aware that the young wife must indeed
have been " very wretohe.l," before she
coul.l consent to disclose herdomeatio fsuds
TiA'r. M- ..Under happier auspices, she
felt that I nuline would h.ive inaj^ a devoted,
gentle wif... but feared it was now too late
to mould her charaoter in conformity with
her husban.l's wishea. <• So much for a union
of uncongenu. natures." thought Beulah, as
she prepared to answer the unlucky letter
As guarde.lly as possible, she alluded to
Mr. Mortunor and his family, and urged
lauinetotalk to her husband^ gently, but
firmly, a,Ki assure him that the continued
inteferenco of his family was unendurable. If
her remonstrancesproved futile, todowhatshe
considered due to herself as mistress of her
own establishment, and try not to notice the
«ru,oyances of others. Beulah felt, and ac
knowledged hur inability to advise the young
wife in the difficult nosition in which she
was placed, and closed by assuring her that
only her own good sense, guided by sincere
love for her husband, could rightly direct
her course. She was warmly Attached to
1 auline, and it was with a troubled heart
tliat ahe addressed her reply.
.':H AFTER XXIX.
The Grabiiins were all at home again, and
EuKeno .and his bride had been foF several
weeks fairly settled in their elegant new
house Beulah had seen none of the family
' >iice their return, for her time was nearly
t 1 occupied, and as soon as released from
school, she gladly hurried out to her little
iT^M ^'i««:'«"'»g. as she left the Acade-
^/; .u ^r*^'*"";^ Binnted horses dashed
up to the gate, and the coachman hand«d her
a note. It was from Mrs. Graham.
" Mi83 Benton :
you wm'oan a.ln'^nl^l Indisposed, and begs that
fh^ea't^'is^^rL'iri :^fidYh^errfir"°"- ''' ''
"S. Graham."
Beulah crnmpledthe note between her fin-
gers, and hesitated. The coachman perceiv-
ed her irresolution, and hastened to say :
,.• vr".?.^®^?'* ^^ *f"»id of the hornes. tniu.
mi3= i-isn riaes ao much, they are tamed
" I am not at all afraid o! the hontBi. Bm
Nor'tT/J" ''*•" ''°^ "'""* *"*' "*""> ''<"" *h«
" Why, miss, she came home worse than
ever. .She has not been downstairs since,
bhe 18 Hick all the time, now."
UeulaU iifsitated no longer. Mrs Gra-
ham met her at the rloor, and greeted her
more cordially than she had done on any
previous oc^asion. She looked anxious and
weary, and said, as she led the way to her
daughter's apartment:
" ^y,*!"'"^, quite uneasy about Cornelia:
ymi wi I ind her sadly nltered." She uiher-
ed llonlah into the room, then immediately
withdrew, ^
Cornelia was propped up by cushions ani
pillows in her easy chair ; £er head was
thrown back, and her gaze appeared to bo
riveted on a painting which hung opposite.
BeiUah stood beside, her a moment, and saw
with painful surprise the ravages which dis-
ea?e had m.ade in the once beautiful face and
queenly form. The black, shining hair was
cut short and clustered in thick, waw locks
about the wan brow, now corrugated' as by
some.Bnasmof pain. The cheeks were hoi-
low and ghastly pale; tho eyes sunken, but un-
naturally large and brilliant ; and the colour-
loss lips compressed as though to bear habit-
ual sufTering. Her wasted hands, grasping
the arms of the chair, might have
served as a model for a statue of Death, so
tliin, pale, almost transparent. Beulah soft-
ly touched one of them, and said :
"Cornelia, you wished to set- me."
The invalid looked at Vher intently and
smiled. ■'
"I thought you would come. Ah, Beulah,
do you recognize this wreck as your former
friend ?
"I was not prepared to (ind \ >u so chang-
ed ; for until this afternoon I C as not aware
your u ip had been so fruitless. Do you iuf-
fer much?"
;' Suffer! Yes, almost all the time ; but
It IS not the bodily torture that troubles me
so irmch-I could bear that in silence. It is
my mind, BeuUh ; my miad."
She pointed to a chair ; Beulah drew it
near her, and Cornelia continued :
"I thought I should .lie suddenly, but it is
to be otherwise. The torture is slow, lin-
gering. I shall never leave this house again
except to go to my final home. Benlah, I
have wanted to see you very much i I
thoaght you would hear of my ill-
ness and come. How calm and pale
yoii are. Give me your hand. Ah 1
cool and nleasant ; niins r;ar."}-.s-' ■=?-*■!» »-i
And you have a little home of voiirown *^ I
hear. How have things gone mth you eince
we parted? Are you happy T"
rl
BEULAH.
A bitUlP Inn..). ,. ■".■. .. .
hill, she was h^f^r^ ? " ^ '''"'' *" «'"'«■
asc^„eat,thfsV'fe.„ras"'^rJ'r.r'
that Bho pre c,"ed Z "■\ ''"f ""^^ ' «»«•
coming home to The hniiT ^?"'"8' ""
utter humiliation, in^o the fiustSh. '""",• "I
< er Bivelv tolH >,;,« k • l "" ^heJauyhed
qh« T ^» ""^^--y and disgrace."
'•VVhi"r'>'' «y«« and groaned
"Only her own false heart knows R,,* i
model of proppieL^aLT '*"^'*.^u'"? ^»* »
who was DrTart^en-if/p ""''^''' ''''''''
exemplary. MvunoU , ""^ "°* ""'"e
AntofnetTe's.uLer±*f"''^"^""?'^ *" ^nrb
"nddiBsipation^Tnr:,:^^^^
t-ugene's wife, she could frSvnl,,^''- f
Kaietieg which were smr,„!f ^n^ "",S^ "»*^o
h.»me. Iknowlhe dnJT^/ t""^-'^ her at
sh.neverdldrai^.tsLriVhi:Sr"^.'
dark juouKh. T beKf^vA it 1' /"ture is
him, she w^ntd not . lii 1'''" """''^ '•'^^"'•'n
orin8om.L™.f I,',:''!' f^esses sanction.
I aee no hop7forhim'i""'' """"^ '^''' ^«"^*'''
"Talked to him ♦ Ava
"H.i«trated. uphr«,do,l Ij, •'"*'""t«d. re-
•t my com.naa,!. But I ^ u!"""^ '•'•'"'"lont
t" the wind., and hon^ J^V *■* *«" t«ll«
«i.uli not sta; to see L*** ''.'"'l ""''•• ''"•>■ I
welcome, veiywelo«i^-"^"''°«' '^«»^'' i«
wocriln;;;;''!;';,^;:^';;;;;;^^^
cheeks. Hor whole "aio I ii i'*'' •"""«'
'""crness. and a Irim ,i.« ''^ y**" "'
»* liioh sent a shudder [hr u^^ "' death,
-Uuratedherhan,i"'Sw.tT"' S^''''^"*
P'Tfume from u crv^bi/ I '' *'""*' delicate
over her f..,.,. IM^*^"' y'">*>< «•'<! passing it
I was
Hav/voila thf ,11 "'/" '"'''^^y' Cornelia?
chock I|ttr;i;4-;fd^^^^^^
.verier face continued : » •
'in"ed^:\a'r"v;::;„'e',j;?'ir' "'•""'•' »>« -».
tukin. the -acrament and .'"^'"■"''•^^^^"''"'d
an If foould bo friBhtCd ^.y""^X ""yself,
the church. MytoZlJ"''' •'''"«'°" *nd
waked up to a know LX ^ri"''' '''■ ^"'^•'
condition, as she calls it Ah V ."{""tual
all dark before me; lack ..f"'. ««"l«h. it i,
I am going down u!i I '^'* ** m'<Inii/ht '
to Anluh.faS y^ ' ',^«:,r "'«''* ' ''"W"
descend into what ^^^^;ii u' w' '"*"" ^ "•'•H
'iian.elessyonder' B V'"7 ^■*"» the
done with mystery shaj'li.'"*^ ."'"'" ^»^''
brok,., rest " A !; , f.^* """■* «nt« un-
'■" h^«-.hesp,l*'''*^*'y ^"'''« parted
-Cornelia, do you fear death?"
■«o, not exai;tlv I am i j r
soon to be rid of mv veicL ? *i " J *•" »«
you know it is Sf a dlV"-^'"*' ^'^^ ' I'"*
sometimes, when I reonlll^ \'"^'',**"'y ' »"d
cliildhood, I shrink To- ♦^"'^ ^'''^'" "y
^">n. 1 have no hL;r a ?■"?', '''^''"J"
-.oh aa cheer some Jeonle L S^'^'J^ ^"*"'-*''
'»f what comes after^eath T t '"' '"'* ^'^''r-
lieve nothing. Occasinnlii t"1'' ""'^ *'e-
thought of anni?STt J.f-- at the
Revelation is true. I hav« . Vi *^**^'" *11>
than annihilation 'to fear vTn L^ ^' ^''"'«
history of my scepticism if 7 ?u ^^°^ ^^^
hundreds in this a^e t'- * *'*?^«to'y ot
professing Christia^nsdisgi^ted me"' p"^ °'
I was wrong to reject th^ .i . " -Perhaps
of their abui; bu'Via tt Tatr' ^^"««
me to consider that I nL . ""^ ' ' ^^"^
the conduct of some of fh^ """^'Z matched
various churches.°^d a^ I hT^T ?^*^«
have never seen but on^who n^J'^'^^V^
precepts of Christ. I "onclu l'^ ^L*"*" *'>''
have Uen just what she wl- f^ ^^^'^^
gious aids.' One of mv J.H ""' '"^''*. """
friends was an osti^^o^- '" " 'ntimate
(^),..;o+.„„ -*" .ostentatious, nhari-aioai
wis7;maVk^bly pSutun'l ''"*>>">■«*"•
at ohurch. and aiWrenHv V ^«^ attendance
I accidentally aS'K'V^irtir
poor seamstress (whom nhe hir!^ * * . *
'1
U6
BFIJLAH.
■i
consistency, of common hunir\nity. The
girl was miserably poor, and had aged
parents, and brothers and sisters, dependent
on her exertious ; hnt her Christian employer
I).-\iit her the lowest possible ]>iiep, and
Trnmpled on her feelings ns thnuuli she had
been a brute. Oh, the hollo\vnos<« . f the le-
ligion I saw practised! 1 sneered at evorv-
tiling conneoted with churches, and hcaid
no more sermons, which seemed only to
make hypocrites and pharisees of the con-
gregation. I have never known but one ex-
ception. Mrs. Asbury is a consistent Chris-
tian. I have watched her, under various
circumstances; I have temnted her, in
divers ways, to test her ; and to-day, sceptic
as I am, I admire and revere that noble
woman. If all Christians set an example as
pure and bright as hers, there were less in-
Hilehty and atheism in the land. If I had
known even half a dozen such, I might have
had a faith to cheer me in the hour of my
•truggle. She used to talk gently to me in
days pasf, but I would not heed her. She
often comes to see me now ; and though I
do not believe the words of comfort that fall
from her lips, still they soothe me ; and 1
love to have her sit near me, that I may look
at her sweet, holy face, so full of winning
puiity. Ben 1 ah, a year ago we talked of
these things ; I was then, as now, hopeless
of creeds, of truth, but ynn were sure yon
V would find the truth. 1 looked at you eogerl
_ ^ ]y when v^ came in, knowing I could read
in your countenance. Ah, tliere
e written there! Where is your
Show it to me?"
. lie twined her thin, hot fingers round
-Jeiilah a cold band, and spoke in a weary
tone. The orphan's features twitched an in-
stant, and her old troubled look came back,
as she said :
" I wish 1 could help you, Cornelia. It
must be terrible, indeed, to stand on the
brink of the grave and have no belief in any-
thing. I would give more than I possess to
be able to assist you, but I cannot ; I have
no truth to offer you ; I have yet discovered
nothing for mysalf. I am not so sanguine as
I was a year ago, but I still hope that I shall
succeed."
"You will not; you will not. It is all
'T.ocking mystery, and no more than the ag-
gregated generations of the past, can you
lind any solution?"
Corhelia shook her head, and leaned back
in her chair.
" Pnilosophy promises one," replied Ben-
lah, resolutely.
"Philosophy? take care: that hidden
rock stranded me. Listen to me: philosophy,
or, what is now-a-day its synonym, nieta
physical syatems, are worse tiiau aseks
V
fV
They will make you 'onbt year own in-
dividual existence, if tKvi be possible, I am
older tlian you ; 1 am a sample of the efficacy
of sui'li systems. Oh, the so-called philoso-
l>lieis of this century and the last are crown-
illieails of humbugry? Adepts in the
tnnious art of
Wrapping nonsense round,
\\ 1th pompanddnrkness.tiUitseemsproiound. '
I'liey mock earnest, inquiring minds witli
their refined infinitesimal, homoepathic 'de-
velopments' of deity; metaphysical wolves
in Soeratiu cloaks. Oh, they have much to
answer for ! ' Spring of philosophy !' ha I
ha ! they have made a frog-pond of it, in
which to launch their flimsy, painted toy-
barks. Have done with them, Beulah, or
you will be miserably duped."
"Have you lost 'faith in EmersoD and
Theodore Parker ? ' asked Beulah.
Yes, lost faith in everythin;^ and every-
body, except Mrs. Asbury. Emerson's
atheistic fatalism is enough to unhiiife
li u man reason ; he is a great, and I believe
an honest thinker, and of his genius I have
the profoundest admiration. An intellectual
Titan, he wages a desperate war with re-
ceived creeds, and rising on the ruins of sys-
tems, struggles to scale the battlements of
truth. As for Parker, a careful perusal of
his works was enough to diegusj; me. But no
more of this, Beulah — so long as you have
found nothing to rest upon. I had hoped
much your earnest search, l>ut since it has
been futile, let the subje t drop. Give me
that glass of medicine. Dr. Hartwell v.-aa
here, just before you came ; he is morose
and haggard ; what ails him ?"
" I really don't know. I have not seen
him for several m .iths— not since August,
I believe."
" So I supposed, as I questioned him about
you ; and he seemed ignorant of your move-
ments. Beulah, docs not life Icuk dreary
and tedious when you anticipate years of
labour and care ? Teaching is not child's
sport; are you not already weary in spirit ?"
" No, I am not weary ; neither does life
seem joyless. I know that I sli.all have to
lalionr for a support, but necessity alwajs
pupjdics strength. I have many, very many
sources of happiness, and look forward, hope-
fully, to ft life of usefulness."
" Do you intend to teach all your days?
Arc J n going to wear out your life over
priiin'i:^ and aJates?"
" Fcrhap.i so. I Ijnow not how else I shall
more easily earn aumibsistence."
#_ "^^*™''*y2^'*^l mari-y, and be exempted
from thu^lmi, tedious routine, " said Cornelia,
wal|gj«ltg her cpuntenance.
leulah made ' "< of impatience.
' That is xk «o exU-ema-
ly remote that I never consider it. I do not
fiad teaching so disagreeable as you imagine
"'^„'^*rf«ay, at fifty (if I live that Kfi
bound up with the discharge of du y^ It i^
a divine decree that all should work and 1
comphance with that decree insuTes a prote
of Li;rin";ou^^n7tu^"tS' t'.^r^.z?
Sr^"*-'- ^''*^« »>«en a petted chiWbtt
life has g,ven noie little enfoyment. Often
have I asked, why was I created? for wh^?
bubM«'f°'l^"u ^^"^^ beenHkl • gSed
bubble, tossed about by every breath I oh
Beulah I Often in the iesolatLn ofmy hel^^'
and thought that verily I was that '
" * Atom which God
BEULAH.
147
TT-j — J Aioni which R
de.thfrommyohildhoJJ' '^ •'^■"' «'
»nrl' ?'"°t*''»«» I think if I could only Uve
^th«^*T«'' ^""IdmakemysdfuSi
with the PorS^sSken anl**iturin'/
woras Of that hornble vision • 'An»1 ),» .»
how world after world shook off if. „r "^
mering souls upon the sel of SifK ^'™'
rta'S^'^^ir"' V^-M'ts^on*
when the paroxysniTC^stere'TntP.
arandv^ourd'?^"*"'"' °^ the tedious^de.
De'lth:thetlvr".?' »P«--"ned. to meet
wiSr:^acjt&.r7t"*i-?.--red.
but 'rjlVT''^' -f-t lud-ctee^'y'ou
lo5kSyoiniw'*ar''T'' ™i^. ^«»^»°he tc
to be abCo stlAd ° he'eTon d/"^..'"y ''''
trust in the God of Is^erbut-lZ^^^ * ''''^'°
nianyX^cte wefesem^V.,"^ t^^^^P'^- I"
pursuits h^ave been SS ' '^1?*.^^^ ''"^
^»^5;ri^td^-ff-
feeble gtl/"" "**y ^»*^ ™e»" said the
yon?o°;"^If7coTdrinP" °T° ^«"««* *°
leave you at all ° ^ ^°"' ^ ^°"^*^ "ot
"w!sEr4X.*rdLS;ir»^'-
It was dusk when she reached h^J a
apartment. A cheerL L bf-«d'' •' °^
come, but just now all tbf^„. ''^ "" ^''^'
to her vision, and she t&hSf"""?^"
chair and covered her fa^e .^th W k"*^^ *
Like a hauntim? snar-f-i^n ,- . ^ "anda.
ty. She thnnllt *\ hopeless uncertainT
•^or I vvas ber intellect so vastiv annan'^. *
the speculation of aU atres ftvm. o^ f ^f
Comte, to the dvi4 oirf fj,fT^ ?^?^®' *»
ij„._ T^; , . ? "^y* :!? ?yi she had just left ♦
Poor Beulah r tovtU'Lty T ^""^ ^^^^ ^
of strife anVderoSiXStr** ^T
bowing that brave hi«».j.^il ^f * ''°^'J'
shuddered, as now i^Lwo^' '^""•*' ^^'^^
her gradual progrrs^if go^'fif"^*- *J:*''''°*'
P"b.baiS/;Lr;2;at;rjr„s,^'
148
BEULAH.
<v
' w *' ™'''^"*i°°- > revealed code, or svB-
SonIlll*''h''***'"'*'° *° *^« doctrines of
■ ni. . fh ' *'^"''r° ««^'8ciou8ne»8 must fur-
nwh the neceaaary data. Buthowfarwaa «Hn
divulual«j„..aUo^^ Wej And here the hydra
of speculation reared its horrid head : if con-
truerrW*!""' furnished truth, it ;a8 but
hermi^d h'nf ^''T'■?'°8*°*^«^°'•">*tionof
nermind, but not aJbsolutelv true Admit thn
Bupremaoy of the iudividu J reaLfaud sL
could not deny that ".the individual mind
IS the generating principle of all human
Bilkworm which weaves its universe out of
In T"? ^T^fJ^^^ the whole mass of
knowledge, to which we can ever ^tain. lies
^hlrA:t'^'\^? ^'°'" the begTnr/ing
^e became entangled in the finely-spun
V -,H «f ontology, and knew not w4t she
^™l^tl- ,^«'K"«"-dian's words rang in her
^L « \^'^^^^ "7»» °»"st accept either
' theism."^ """• «'*^«°l"t«. consistent pa^'
niJt/S'"*' 7^'°** ^l*® ^"^ b«en reading the
ea It at the following passage :
« .v«?T • ^"'^ .'"Sufficient to itself, that
fcf A 'f '"ghc^t cono'eivable bein«. in
li ;u iu "^Jfr' '^f »"y sttl'J'^ct is nothing
tltitlv ^7"^J^'=*'« "wn nature taken ob^
jectively. Such as are a man's thoughts and
diaposiEions. such is his God ! Coiiscious
ness of Uod is self-consciousness ; by his God
CtTf*'"' '"'*^''"'^ byth/iuun,hk
Uod the two are identical ! Relicion is
Ills own. not hmited, but uiliiiitL. nature : it
18 an early form of scIf.know,o.!c;e. God is
the objective nature of the un.f:.. standing.''
Thus much 1 cucrbueh offcca i^ci. She
put down the book, and leaned h^r Hp^^^i
weoriV on her hand,. A light touch on le
arm caused her to glance up. and Mrs? wfl'
Are^Sl'kr' '"'"''' ^ithyo».Beulah'
avSh^hy" '^ "^"'^•" SHe hastily
''^ut something troubles vou, child !"
K„f T ' * ^'■*** '"*"y t^""ga trouble me ;
butlamuscHto troubles, you know, and
***? iiopo.with them unaided." '
lah?^°" * ^"" **" "« ^^»»* they are. Beu-
" Yon cannot help me. or I would. One
T^lt lri'*I'.iT--. « the appr-oacfi^ i
n.ou7n. " Cirneiia' (jri;rcar.rt liVT^ch
telyiXi^?'*^" evening, and fS
•'She is young to die," said the matron,
with a sigh. ^
"Yefi, only twenty-three. "
" Perhaps her death will be the means of
reclainiiug my poo' boy. "
Beulah shook Her head, and Mrs. Wil-
liams added :
"She has lived only for this world and ita
pleasures Is she afraid of the world to
come ? Can she die peacefully ?"
"She will die calmly, but not hopefully.
She does not believe in Christianity '^
She felt that the matron was searching
her countenance, and was not surprised
when she said, falteringly :
1 i!'.^t"L*^®'" ^° y""^ believe in it. Oh, Beu-
lah 1 I have known it since you came to re-
side under the same roof with me, and I
Have wept and prayed over you almost as
much as over Eugene. When Sabbath after
babbath passed, and you absented yourself
frona church. I knew something was wrong
Beulah who has taught you infidelity ? Oh.
It would have been better that you too had
followed Lilly, in the early days when vou
were pure in heart ! Much as I love yoG, I
would rather weep over your grave than
know you had livedto forget God."
Beulah made no reply, and passing her
J^°^« tenderly over the girls head, she con-
"When yon came to me, a little child, I
taught you your morning and evening piny-
ers. Oh, Beulah ! Beulah ! now ySu lav
down to sleep without a thought of prayer.
My child, what is to become of you ?"
" I don't know. But do not be distressed
about me ; I am trying to do my dutv just
J* Jo»8,"eutiously as though I weit to
•'Don't deceive yourself, dear child,
you oeaAe to pray and • read your Bible
how are yon to know what your duty is f
llow are you to keep yourself ' nure and un
from the world!' Beulah,
spotted xiuux lue worm I- iieuiah, a man
without religion is to be pitied ; but. oh ! a
Irodless wotoan is a Aotror above all things
Xt IS no marvel you look so anxious and hol-
low-eyed. You have forsaken the ' ways of
pleasftutflfesfc, and the paths of peace."'
"I am responsible to no one for mv
opinions."" '
"Yes, you are; responsible to God, for
ile has given truth to the world, and when
you shut vour eyes, and willingly walk in
aarkness, he vi!l judge you accordingly. If
you had liveii in an Indian jungle, out of
heanng of Gospel truth, then God would not
Have exnected anvth'"" '■>•■♦■ w1v,i..a t
you J but you liy& m a Christian land ; in
the land of bibles, and ' to whom much is
given, much will be expected.' The people
ot this generation are running after new
■VmW
I
doctrines, and overtake much error. Beukh
since I have seen vou Bit+,„„ '"™'^' *«uiali,
night, poring overZik?ihft?;if\f? ""
" Beulah, I am fifty-five years nl<? . T k.
der away from God T >ou wan-
you must *l8o prarfor v " "\r"'>i
help you. my dear chiki; ^^"^ ^''^
toEttvS!^Sir^3--etoowelI
llpsili
8hrfn!'l,*"'^^'''''^'"« " ''hair near her desk
dtrtre'^TxJ^daratV"'^'^*^-^" ^''^^^^^
Ah how hH^L I *¥ magazine oifice.
Wy h^ar hat n„r*'?r ■^'"'''' "* *»»«
labour for f'l,- P"* *^"^^ '*« troubles to
laoour for tbeir amusement. To-nicht nhl
did not succeed as weU aa usual .ho^™
BEULAH.
149
CHAPTER XXX
wi«S\,-?'"S'"° '"* ^y ^» daughter'a bed.
•ja .uMlune sparkled oat of doon b^tT^
stoJe down his furrowed cheeks TK^ J X.
ess sufTerer threw up hertms^oveJih\"pt
thinS^u:'" ^''''' I ^«»t to say aom-
irej^""^ *^*'°*' °»yctUd; speak to me
Father, if I ^ere a bri'dTtdTJ whVtTouH
pu;L:7S&:j^,-j35.poB.essto
alw Jf-bet rnsfirrn^Ti^;. 'aSS^'
?ifrs!i=t;rSJ;:;S'^S^
an equal share; how m«ch"sTtV «'"' *•*"
About eighty thouE.ind dollars anieoB
"m- 1? .?*''• ^y "daughter?"
Kighty thousand dollars. How mn^h
C.DI doojyou .nythiog ,00 Choi, to
Sh« put up OM .rnf .round his utai ..J
rro.it,,r .s ri'^t- I'n
.-vest that amount in stocks for her or Jay
the money into her own hands ? Win ^u
see hat it is arranged so. that she ^^ S"
tamly receive it, no matter what ha^en^r
fiv« fl ' 'TTir^ y°"' *hat she shall have
'• Sli.1 is proud, and will not receive it
wilhndy ; but vou must arrange it, so that
she will be beneKted by it FaVh«.
you do this for me ?" ^ ^^^^» """"
;; Yes, without difficulty, I think."
.,if V ^^ ''^P' ^^•■et. will youT"
publSy.^"'''''*''^'^"'^*^^ "« unnece«ary
''See that itisconveyed to her soseourel,,
that no quibbles of law can wrestTt from ft
at any future day, for non. of us know •
what may happen." " ^""^
tJl^^ Pronuse you she shkU have it. if I live
twelve hours longer " " »w m iive
*« n, " Vr"'i ^ '"^'^'^ "^'^ tiiouwuid more ffivAn
to the Orphan Asylum. Give it in your own
?)»":;■, ^«» only have the right ^ .176
W WmZf "*™^ "^ntioned in theC
elser " '^''- ^ *''«'•« anything
f ;i *'s
/
BEULAH.
m.iflt J°^' ^^^ '" *" "^ '■«t'»'-ds money
matters Kaise my pillow « little ; there
that W.1 do. Father, can't you do so/ .hu ^
to save Eugene? You must see n /hoi
reckless he ia Krowing. "
*„ruf.?*'"*'^ ^•^'*'"' expostuiated with hita.
andheseemed disposed to reform his habita-
tntZ':'*''i ''"''^•^ aBsociationa had bee^
injurious, and regretted the excesses intn
which he had been^ed. He has been r, £
wild since he came from college, but I think
now he's married, he will sober down. That
Zw^lV' ^ «°«»"r"gedhia marryf'g
80 early. Intemperance is hia only fault
and I trust h.s good sense will soon lead hi^l
JheTnS/^: ^-o^heiedsighco.rde'S
rf^L ^st^rr^°iE-o
If you do, i. .e will be ruined Watch
over him clos. v.urself ; try to wi^ hi^r
*way from the ,,,nts of dis JpaW I eTj
you now hia wife w-M never do it. She has
duped you and my mo. i,er ^s to her charac
te^ butyou will «nd ^he is as utterly heart-
leas as her own r-.othlr was. I always o,!
posed the match, because 1 probed her^ma?k
of dissimulation, and knew Eugene coud
frrl f ''"rr^ "'9:^''' fi"t the^m^stake s
rt rh- '%.*°**l!"^?„ --'- f- you to
watch hun the more carefully. Li'ft me
father, I can't breathe easily. There is The
doctor on the steps; I »m too tired to talk
any more to-day. " ^'^
• * • • •
hePsabb^^hw""'";^?''''^ waa spending
her Sabbath evening (n her own apartment
she was summoned to aee her friPml for the
te Sai'^T^^^''^^'* ''-'''- 3he reached
^the tb.VWU ^""'t T^ S^'^^d noiselessly
up the thickly-carpeted stairway. The bplU
were all muffled, and a sole^mn s illness
t jxu^^?*^^ '° **>« hall, and softlv
entered the chamber unannounced Unabfl
to breathe ma horizontal position. Cornel a
was bolstered Bpi„ her easy chair Her
mother sat near her. with her face hid on
her husband's bosom. D,- HartwplI l«.no^
ag.^st the mantel, and Eugene s^ood on the
hearth opposite him. with Im head b wed
down on his hands. Cornelia drew her breS
m quick gasps, an^l cold drops glistened on
her p.ilid face. Ucr sunhc , , eyes wandered
sh;"4t:nCrr";"'r ^^"'^'» '"•'-»"-
sae extended her hands eagerly, while -
"Beuiah, come close to ine— dlosfi " <5»,«
paiti, won't yon ? I have suffered tnr «>
l^^^f-'i-auK- S
BO. .Who has ever waked from' Iht' aat
dream eaa alumber I Abel waa the first to
fall asleep, and since then, who has waken^
!n J T ^° *"'^- ^•"■^'^ " *"» of pale akepers
and I am soon to join the silent band "^'
lil,;fr7'*'"*?"''''^""8%ht in her eyes
hke the flame of a candle low in its «o!Uf
and her panting breath was^a^nfuf to hsten
"Cornelia, they say Jesns of Nazareth
slept and woke a«ainf if so, you wiir'-!!!'"
They%^L74-'*^i-,;thf.Be,Uah.
lieved them be'fore^ and^lS LTZ It
eye them now. I will not believe
Sti^^iSiii^xr^s^iiS
mean. Don't liV» as I havo uv ■ *"** ^
thing. Nomatrr''^h'at';:„^;eSra*v be*
hold fast have firm faith in it. It L be'
wayr-if ?L, i' 7-^ ^ '^''^' ''^'•^' I«»ely
way! It 1 had a friend to co with mo T
fm^'^sLlftarf rt '^'''' ^^'okZuuI I
Zlr^Tf.^'SL ^miIik^e"^.«S
Jivri'ott g t:tz ^■':o!;':*;r'' r .^-
quiet oblivin of all yoir'grie?:'" ""^ '"*'*
been happy ; I have nluavo i j • '^^**
after nurdr hi„^r • ^^ '^*^ aspirations
^ould^aS '''Sher enjoyments than earth
deluUlayf m'Cirl '""'^ ?'« ^°«* '"
comfort but this ? is 'thh T ^''' "f ",^
your study.aa'wyVs'minlrill^Vt
WeVa^triiJd""" '^^•'^ fi-l ontlio'thL^'
TYciireau Diind ; groninff our «,.., *u A
mysteuous paths, andnow Yln^"Z^"''"^''
the last-tire, .rcltmyster."™ '"'"^ ">*^
(she slionk lier head with n k;**
*ncl now and then her' lin^ ''^"f'^ ^^es,
thing intelligible ipld' Km "if ' ''"* °°-
pnsuig how she seemed to r„n" '*'''" «•"■■
and breathe with nefp^f ""y- ^"'netimes,
paroxysms woul I comet m'*'' '• V'^"^ "the
ever. Beulah kneJt on H,« T '"'"^^"^ ^han
forehead resti„g°on thetm 7'^-''''^ ''^^'•
ami her hands still grasL^i™; 1 ^''« ^hair,
of the dying gir ^ Ti f^' "' ^^% "rm hold
ftill. to Watch tlie issue or''''"'^^^ 1° '^^^'i
long as hours to the fit SL "^"""f^ts were
fercr. Beulah felt ^ iPT' f *he suf- !
leaden, and a ban^ „f f ^'"^^ ^e™ I
seemed drawn about hL ^^"'"'« '''"'^ i
th» painful pari 1 T' ■ 5"
eternal? Was there no f,,*,, r.^^ mdeed
dead of this world ' Slf^fu^ ^^^ ^o*" the
love and friendsh p "tht r?. f , *''" ''°«^« «f '
renewed no more l^'u^sV "I'^^y f^^/^-^' ^'^
vofrl^'ttotn:? tt^'e^r- "" -^-
she said, huskily ' ''"* "^'^gi^g to him.
I «hun them a/d th > 'E 8 ''rP*"'':^'''-
I feehng that at least my dvin'^ ^ ""^ "^'^
save you i Oh < when , f , ^ "^ Pl'^yer will
Silent in the graveyard r ^.^"T "'^^^ ^ *'«
thought of vour if.r ' """'"'I't'- how the
Renumber LwlCcr;""'V"'^"'-'^'l •"«'
ed you not to ruh ''' .i'' """ ^''^-eat-
: that- 1 loved you above p!!'''1 *'^'"ember
and that in mj «sl hour'? n '"** T ^*^*f>-
save yourself' Oh C P/*^'*'^ y«» *"
for my sake 1 ciuit tL ^'"'^' ^•"" ""^ ^ake I
drunkenness f^othet n""' "^P' ^'^^ l««ve
Promise me !--!&"'"•■" «^««^aded J
is all cold and daJk tLrc.'n^t'Tr^'' '*
-->-. promise. ^rZlrUZl
of struggle and sepamtio?* ^fef"" hours ' Eugene ITl \^^!!^l ' ,the ga.ps oea^ed^
f i — , f '"°'-'K'iy say of
ot struggle and separation » ^7X^' "" "i"""'
lutfcly nothing J Was sW fn ^"th'^g-ahio.
more ? Was a mouldor „„ ^^^ '"*«' °«
that remained 0^1:, Jin. T'^ °^ ^""^ »"
tiful anmj LilK «,t '^ <lead-the beau-
Oh ! waf We Sen iZ: 'lf"f ^'^ ''^°1'^-"?
«OHl. with its nob?; aim?, ^"^'^^'-y. and the
delicate machi„: of Tt L"' ' 'Z'f "'• ^"* *
'" a w,ld, maddening whirl • ^h ^'■^'? ^^'
weep; her eyes' werp J ' ®he could not
Cornelia moveKnTntant'^ ^""'^ burning.,
audibly: '"staut. and murmured,
buUe^k^nrto^'^omr'' A°hT*'r?^. '^y' '
name r that 'contin^ngcifvr W^** ", '*«
A8a,n She remained. fo^r^otittrsS:
te.Sgtx:rcr^^^^^^^ *> ."-
you help nfel'? 'He ]p\^"^Jy«»id: "Can't
swered i^t. sadly eno^'"'^ °'''' '^^^
Courage, Cornelia J It win
be over now. The Jr^Lt- ■ '" ^^^y goon
'• Ye-s I know ^TetrisTil V^'^^^'^'"
over me. Where is Eugene ♦'' ''^ "''P'"«
of ?ngS: 7H:iiU'ih ^^-^ ^"»
tears. Her feature, ^ * ''^'** ''self in
.she looked at hi '! ,.^'.';*'»« convulsed as
['«'• iips ; and extendin"^ 'v.'^' ^^^ '""^^ ''''"'»
him. she said, sobbiS;^ ^"' *™« *"^«'-ds
«gent'lnvT?:;r„t'l'--:-nmre, Oh.
Eu7en^rfe"ltl W^Lf « «-l- --e;i'
linits. a deep, heavf 8^3, nLfrP^''^^' *^«
jgCornelfaOrahU'fsoTts^^U't
; Ah I after twenty-three vfi*« ^t i.
I fear, struggling and nT ^^^" °^ hope and
I exit. Eufenelif^ed thl?H ''"''^«', ^^^^ ''^
placed it on the bed -then .r""*!' ^"™ '^"^
her vacant chair and' sobbed 1^1 ''"T'^*"*"
hearted child. Mr Prf^K 1'^^ * broken-
I from th3 room ; and after J^ *''"'' ''^ '^f*
I Hartwell touched the tneebn" "T '"^^ »«••
the face still pressed agS fh.^r? t'^
gene now occupied *«*"'" the chair Eu-
^j;Come. Beulah; she ^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^
thfttKktd'irhirtrr"/"" °' -«
in his eyes, and he rut hit? "i"'"*^''thered
her head, saying : ^ ^" ^^""^ t«"3erly on .
I'Come with me, Beulah."
me f^m sS a^de'Sf" ^''' "^ «°'^' «*-
BhfvttTifen'XinSm'r .'^^ ^^^ ^'^
ture, thr^w herself ^onTn'^^'^'^^'^g P«»-
her face in its cushion" Th!^,"'}' ^''^ .buried
self-communion wHever^f'^^^iS.'''^'* "^
.n?.ll*?, «^. f' funeral was cold ^,.u
i ti;e"st;"e';"t;; and oSLral"^. '"T^^'' '^•^""«h
enhanced the gloom TV ''"'"l^ '''"'^*"
a S
162
i
BEULAH.
tL*.lT' ?^ ^*'*®^ •"""« moments near
of JnS";-''*"^'"« *« '=*''" t''^ ^i'd tumult
«Wnpr vv ^"^^""g. ««<» looked on the
♦I P«*; 1 ^Y""' '^^''^" *°<' silent. No longer
the fitful sleen of disease, nor the refrefh
o^rutSrr !'.^"'''?A ^"t the still 13
of ruthless death. The black locks were
Slrr; *^ ^"'•*^''^«'^' ""^ the w'
hat shonl."'.1f\P'*^'^''^""y «^'«^ *»>« heart
that shoul.l throb no more with the angnieh
of earth Death had smoothe.l the iTrow
ev^rff^^^ *■■""'''"'« '"""th at rest, and
every feature was in repose. In life she had
neverlooked so placidlj beautih/l! '^
What availed all her inquiries and
longings and defiant cries? sle d^ed no
nearer the truth than when she began ' She
Onlt '':J*^I'."* ^'"',"' *"^ without knowlecfge
?v.°'^ v''^?.*^ could unseal the mysterv^'
thought Beulah, as she looked at thrmarble
face, and recalled the bitterness of it? ife
ira^'aXT"- P«^«""?,^g«n toassemWe ;
§own iL t-^ ™°'V' ""*"!• Reulah bent
down and kissert the cold lips for the last
«^« !;« . "^"^ ""^"^ miserable, but her
n^h^w I^n';''''' ""^'^^ ^''^'^he knew
not now long unconscious of what na^sed
around her. Ihe heard the stifled sobsShe
t\ l^ P"^ent8, as in a painful dream
ane started and saw a venerable man a
SX' ''**"'^?« ** *he head of tLToL
and these words fell upon her ears 1 U^ »
message from another world : *
tuMh^ i\ resOn-ection and the life,
itrrXSi-*'^ and^believethln'^me'
los?T™£u1? °«* believed ; was she utterly
lost? BeijUh uked herself this nuestion
bellefe^lL'^"" *!?«,—'•• ShfdTd no"t
neiieve : would she d e as Cornelia di«.,?
Mathout comfort? Was there but one si
vation ? When the coffin was borne out and
S'Mrs' AsbJr';';:n1 htti"d^ T^^^
She san. back in^on\1o?n^.*7„. W t^g
line of carnages, extending for manv
Tr'wind" w^rr"^* ]'>'•'»''«' th^str^r
imoaThv .L It^ and sobbed, as if i„
^mpathy and the ram drizz ed against the
the c:me&- i^^" *l" P'''^^^^'"" "-^-1
ine cemetery, it was too wet to think of I
but>
essly
M?]*"^*^^^?^/*."" ■"""•" Hitherto
Mrs.^sbury had forborne to address her,
w she passed her arm rouud the
Jflenng form, and said, gently :
My dear Beulah, do not look so hope-
y wretched. In the midst of life, we
are ,n death ; but God has given a promise
to cheer us all m sad scenes like this St
John was told to write, ' From henceforthi
blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
tor they rest from their labours.'"
"And do you think she is lostflfor ever,
because she di.l not beliex-e? Do j^u ? Can
you ?" cried Beulah, vehemently.
"Beulah, she had the Bible, which pro-
mises e ornal life. If she entirely rejected
.t, she did so voluntarily and deliberately ;
but „nly Cxod knows the heart-only her
Maker can judge her. I trust that even in
in?nd '' ' '"'''*^ '■°"®** ^'■°™ her
Beulah knew better, but said nothing • it
was enough to have witnessed that darkened
soul 8 last hour on earth. As the carriage
stopped at her door, Mrs. Asbury said :
T ^.x,-7 r ^,^"'ah, stay with me to-night.
I thmk I can help you to find what you are
seeking so earnestly."
Benlah shrank back, and answered :
J^lo. no No one can help me ; I must
help myself. Seme other time I wSl
come." *
The rain fell heavily as she reached her
own ho/ne, and she went to her room with a
heaviness of heart almost unendurable. She
sat down on the rug before the fire, and
wir* J*''"\",P,?^^^*<'hair, as she was
W^ f*l^°/u 'Childhood, and as she remem-
bered that the winter rain now beat pitiless-
y on the grave of one who had never
known privation, nor aught of grief that
lTittertv°""wh t/*^ ^'^ f •"• «*>« '»«'°^
bitterly. What lamp had philosophy hung
m the sable chambers of the tomb ♦ The
soul was impotent to explain its origin-how.
then, could It possibly read the riddle of
final destiny? Psychologists had wrangl^
for ages over the question of ' ideas. ' \fere
infants bom with or without them ? Did
Ideas arise or develop themselves indepen-
dent °/, «.^P«"«"°? ? The affirmation or
denial of this proposition alone distinguished
the numerous schools, which had fo W ,
iW .able'b J ^^y^^l^'lSy ■' and if this Zl
hV. f !if' how could human intellect ques-
Sfl"''*''^ • 1^°"'^ '* bridge the gSlf of
Death, and explore the shores of Eternity ?
- ■ ■ ■— Z
CHAPTER XXXI.
J'^m^r^i''** ''**^! "?hasting, yet unrest-
L ITlTl..^^' ^f- hlasti of winter 1
mg, ^„^
were gathered back in
the northern store-
Ill
BEULAH.
liouses and the mild airs of sprinjr floated
163
te o^t^?.-^^^ i
rellTnl^f the dolphin-like dea^h Th^
regal splendours ot southern springtime weVe
on every snle ; the bright, fresh green of the
grassy comn>on. with its long. velS^s^ones
luxuriance ot the Cherokee rose-hedees with
their graceful streamers gleaming vTth thfi
snow.powder .f blossomf ; the ^wa vine of
new-born foliage ; the whir and JhS ne o
birds, as they sought their leafv she tl«
rainoow, in the neighbouring gardens • snd
the faint, sweet odour of violet, jS 'roi^s
and honeysuckle, burdening the.Tr BeS
b^oriav^r ^°i' ^''^^''^ "" ''^^ '-P ' «n open
book lay before her-a volume of Ruskin •
but the eyes had wandered away from hi.'
gorgeouB descriptions, to another and gti 1 '
more entrancing volume-the glorious page
of Nature ; and as the swift southeri twiHt
HoniesB. The distant pine-tops si.ig their
solemn soothing lullaby, and o new moon
-atrovally in the soft 4let sky Irmmd
t^^^stTr a dam/ *i« "*«!.?-«-, l' l„xSt
:StTeSir\i!:te-otJ
languor m every feature. A few months
soi:Suf il?^"«-* ^'^^ oountenTncTot:
expreTslon t1, ''""'"t^^T '° ^*« "P^ft^d
expression. The wasted form bore evidence
weL iShof '7^' '"'t'^' Blender fingers
were like those of a marble statne. Yet she
nor omlfT T'"'*^ *" ^°"' '"^ *l»« schoolroom!
nor omitted one iota of the usual routine of
I'^ed' ':lz.H ^'f '°"''y. ^^« "-'^ --
«rfj' u "'****'■ h"^ tbe weary limbs
»ohed, or how painfully the head throbbed-
exactTor r5"T '^^^"^, ''* ^^'^ unremitted
exaction, and clamonrert for a reprieve. Mrs
Wilhamshad been confined to her ^omfo;
Tn'^L^T' ^^ *° "'''^^ of rheuSem
t*at she looked fed sint'^N^wT^Z
sat watching tie silver c^cent glirt'erfny in
tiiewest, her thoughts wandered to cL^
ana ine lasi, letter receive<i from her"
telling of a glorious day-star of hope w£h
had risen in her cloudv sky M« aTi-
ton's brother had dnlU' h^r thi^'th;
Jancy, that she could love again
niore truly than before, and in the
summer holidays ;8he was to give him her
in hlv f" ^T'^^ •"■ °*""«- Beulah rejoiced
n her friend's happiness, but a dim forebod-
IkI^T'^®' •***•". "" Pauline's case, thorns
should spring up ,„ paths where now only
bossoms were visible. Since that letter, so
fun of complaint and sorrow, no tidings ha.l
elapsed and Beulah wondered more and
more at the prolonged silence. She had
written several times but received no answer
and imagination painted a wretched young
. rfna^^h*"",* ^'*^*'',* parsonage. Early if
AtrTlu'?!:"^'^,^'"*"" ^••- Asburythat
Mr. rockhart had died at his plantation, of
consumption, and she conjectured that Mrs
Lockhart must be with her daughter. Beu-
lah half rose, then leaned back against the
thlt'""',ti'lf '"^ nvoluntarily. and l^Ttened t^
that ,till small voice of the level twilight
behind purple hills." Mrs. Williams was
asleep, U the tea-table waited for her. Tnd
m her own room, on her desk, lay an anfin.
ished manuscript, which was due the editor
i.l^^^- """T^'ng- S*"* was rigidly punctual
w handing in her contributions; cost her
what It might , yet now she shrank from the
task of copying and punctuating, and sat a
while longer,, with the gentle southern breeze
rippling over ner hot brow. She no longer
wrote incognito ; by accident she was dis-
co veretl as the authoress of several articles
commented upon by other journals, and more
than once her humble hr.me had been vi"ted
by some of the leading literati of the place
Her successful career, thus far, inflamed the
ambition which formed so powerful an ele!
ment in her mental organization, and a lotfg-
"Si T^*""^*?",^ took possession of hfr
soul. Early and late she toiled ; one article
was scarcely m the hands of the compositor?
ere she was sngaged upon another. Slielived
as it were, in a perpetual brain-fever, and
her physical frame suffered proportionately
The little gate opened and cfosed with a
r1*1oI" ? T",''- *"** ^"""K »B*eP near her,
Beulah looked up and saw her guardian be
ore her. The fight from the ^dining room
II i"° v."/"***' ""^ *" «^"°^« Bl'owed her that,
although it w«,pale and inflexible as ever
something mo*^;^than ordinary interest had
induced tnl^ v^it^He had never entered that
gate before; And. Ww sprang ur, and held
out both hands With an eagw c^ •
more^!"' *''' ^ »'^» Sl*"! to see yon once
5,^?l!2«!r*'^rJ'""'''' i° *•"' »n<* looked at
ner gj;^iffeiy ; then made her sit down again
le step, and said : *
- "uppose you would have died, before
i» 18 well that you have somebody to look af-
^11
M
J54
BKULAH.
t«^>«"- How long hnro you had thi« fever?"
Fever! Why, sir. I have no fever "
ihe replied with some surprise.
otZr fl in^ ^"' "'^^^''^''y • " «"^ »ke most
I succeed.
the^auickV'"" ^*"'''' "!''' •'^P* ^'^ «"«?«•• «n
the quick b.,mK i.,g pulse. Beulah had not,
seen him s,„ce the night of Cornelia', .lo.th
some mc.il.. before, and conjectured 1 i
Dr. Asbury ha.l tol.l him she was not looking
She could not bear the steady, searching
n;/ said 1""""""^ ''''' ''"^ -oving reTt«
aJl^u't^tl* '"''"ces yon to suppose that I
to notne." ^""^ <'«™Pl*ined of i^dispositio,!
tob«?ilv«"!;rr"'""'^ ""*' ^•"- people are
LSon." *'** ^'•'" "^ * gutta-percL au-
She .ancied his tone was slightly snecrinc-
but h,s countenance wore the%xpr.«.ion ^f
anxious protecting interest, which she had
?lfnlf5-"u*y\P*''*> *"*> ''^her hands
Sn l"S*"'? ,"'*fP' ""^ his firm hold
tltt? ' «h«ff ttl'^t it was useless to at-
tempt to conceal the truth longer.
.o,v,o +■ T u^"""*' ^ '**" feverish, but for
some time, I have daily grown weaker- T
ibr fsr'"' ^^^"^^ "' walk,\ram no
able to sleep. That is all."
asked •""^^'^ ^"'""^ ** ''"■ **™^* ^»°«' an<l
•' Is that all, child T la that all »"
"Yes, sir, all."
"And here you have been, with a con-
tmued. wasting nervous fever, for you know
no how many days, yet keep on your round
of labours, without ces8ati(m •»•
He dropped her hands, and folded his arms
•cross his broad chest, keeping his eyes uj^n
.«m '*",'?'*•* "^x*" "':''"' I believe I need
■ome medicine to strengthen me. "
.in» V I ^r^'^ ' y°° **°' ''^^'^ed, need a roedi-
cine, but It ,s one you will never take."
^ Try me, sir," answered she, smiling,
iry y„u ? I mjght as well try to win an
eagle from its lonely rocky home^ Beu°ah
^^L""'!?"*- ^■^^*^"'- ^'''l. body and
heart. But you will not take it ; oh, no of
course you won't!" '
He passed his hand over his brow and
swept back the glossy chestnut hair^s ff^
oppressed luni.
v.,.'f\\'*'°"''' "''"'ngly ti^ke it, sir. if I could "
out the summer vanaf.io'i <» «•*;" ''-•-i=-i. - ^
v. ■ I "^ •-" -(tcittiiL, ana.
bes des, my engagementH obLge tpe to exert
.f D u necessity with me."
■ternly. "" ^*^' "^*^'" obstinacy," aaid he,
replied Beulah,
"You are severe, sir,"
liftinc her head, haughtily.
namS> ^ ""^^ °*" ^'''"S' ^^ ^^^" P'^Per
" Very well ; if you prefer it, then, ob-
stinacy compels IT.,' lust now to deny myself
I therestyou presc.i'je." ' '
I " Ves, rightly spoken ; and it will soon
; compel yon to a long rest, in the quiet place
: where Cornelia waits for you. \W aio f
i more shadow now, and a fpw months will
, °;""plete your design. I have blamed myself
I more than once, that I did not suffer you to
I (lie with Lilly, as you certainly would have
I 1 fi .u ^ °^* ^^^'^^^ y » 80 closely. Your
death, then, would have saved me much care
I and sorrow, and you, many struggles."
j Ihere was a shadow on his face, and hi*
voice had the deep musical tone, which al-
I ways n,a le her heart thrill, fler eyelids
; drooped, as she said, sadly:
. " You are unjust. We meet rarely enough.
Heaven knows. Why do you invariaEi;
inrKc these occasions seasons of upbraidin/,
of taunts, and sneers ? Sir, I owe you niv
life, and more than my life, and never can I
forcet or cancel my obligations; but are yon
no longer my friend?" *" yon
tre^bird^"'* ^^^'^ ^'^^^^^ ^^ ' *h«''^" °»ontl^
frilnd."" ^'"^*^" ' ■" ~ ^°°««' y"""-
She looked up at him, and s quiver crept
across her lips. She had never seen that
eager expression in his stern face before Hia
dark fascinating eyes were full of pleading
tenderness, atid .•,« she drooped her head ou
her lap. she knew that Clara wa« riglit, that
she was dearer to her guardian thanahy one
else. A half smothered groan escaped her,
and there, was a sliort pause.
Dr.^Hartwell put his hands gently on her
bowed head, and lifted tlie face.
"Child, does it surprise you ?"
She said nothing, and leaning her head
against him. as she had often done years b^
fore, he passed his hands caressingly over the
folds of hair, and added:
«„Ii,^°T*'*" ""% y<»r guardian; make ma
? i>f ?f°°oi°nger be only your friend;
I must either be more, or henceforth a
stranger. My life has been full of sorrow and
bitterness but you can bring sunlight to my
home and heart. You were too proud to be
AhFli-^ ^*f ' ^"^"'^ y^" *« be my child.
Ah I 1 did not know my own heart then. Our
separation during the yellow fever season
nrst taught me how inexoressiblv He-- . —
were to me, how entirely you filled my heart.'
iNow. I ask you to be my wife: to give your-
self to me. Oh, Beulah, come bafk to my
cheerless homel Rest your lonely heart
my proud darling. " ^ ""*•-
her
n^
BEULAH.
not ask it. I cannot,
fieulah, ahudderiug
"Impossible. Do
I cannot," cried
violently,
l* Why not, my little Beulah?"
He clasped ins arm around her, and drew
low that Ins brown hair touched her cheek.
. Oh sir, I wouM lither die ! I should be
rniserable as vour wife. You do not love me.
Bir ; you are lonely, and miss my presence
in your house; but that is not love and
marriage would be a mockery. You would
despise a wife who was onlv such from grati-
tude. Do not ask this of me ; we would
both be wretched You pity my lonehne
*nd poverty, and I reAerence you ; nav
more, I love you, sir, as my best friend -I
love you as my protector. You are all I have
onearthtolook>) for sympathy and guid-
r'v v;„ ^^i^^ I h'^^^. b"t I cannotC
ry you mi«; no, no I a thousand time*, no !"
bhe shs^Ck away from the touch of his lips
, row, and an expression of hopeless suf-
ig settled '-^jon her face.
He withdrew his arm, and rose.
, Beulah, I have seen sun-lit bubbl.>8 elid-
ing swiftly on the bosom of a clear brook.
n»Kw'"'u'!?«°«i'^^?'''"'^°'^« "i^^" upon the
pebbly bea: Such a shadow you aVe now
chasing; ah child, the shadow of a gilded
?t tlVh .^r* "« *°'' «*««'' y°" «'»tch at
It , the bubble dances on, the shadow with
It ; and Beulah, you will never, never grasp
t. Ambition such as yours, which aims a t i
literary fame, 18 the deadliest foe to happi-
ness. Man may content himf elf with the ap-
plause of the world, and the homage paid to
his intellect ; but woman's heart has holier
uloJs. You are young, and impulsive, and
aspiring and I-ame beckons you on, like the
syren of antiouity ; but the months and
years will surely come when, with wasted
energies and embittered heart, you are left to
mourn your infatuation. I would save vou
trom this, but you will drain the very di-c-rs
rather than forsake your tempting liend, for ,
such IS ambition to the female lieart. Yc»
you will spend the springtime of your life
chasing a painted spectre, and go down to a
premature grave, disappointed and miserable.
ioor child, it needs no prophetic vision to
predict viiur ill-starred career ! Already the
consuming fever has begun its march. In
far disfautland*, I shal' Uve no tidings of yon
but none m ill be needed. Perhaps, when I
travel h ime to die, your feverish '
have ended ; or percl;.».nf^?! sir"
nal rest in tome palm grove of
we shall meet lio more. Since the dayt
took you in my arms from Lilly's coffin, /ou
have been my 011I3 hope, my all. Yon Intle
1.-5
me. Oh, chihl, I have loved yon as only »
strong snilenng, passionate heart co.il.i love
Its last Idol Hut I, too, chased a shadow
Exper ence should liave tauMht me wisdom,
^ow, 1 am a gloomy, joyJega man, weary of
my home and henceforth a wan.Jerer. As-
I'liry (if he lives) will be truly y„„r friend
and to him I ^- ill comndt the^ legacy v £
hitherto, you have refused to at. ft Mr'
„n.\r"? P?"' '*''i*" "'y '"""'"' »fter his last
unsatisfactory interview with you. The dav
may come when you will need it. I shall
send you some medicine, which, for your own
.^ake, you had better take immediately • but
yon will never grow stronger, until you uive
yourself rest, relaxation physically «^d nfel,
hrll' ^*!^«,7>''<"-. when your health is
broken, and all your hopes withered, remem-
ber I warned you and would have saved
you, and you would not. " He stooped, and
took his hat from the floor. ^
Beulah sat looking at him, stunned, bewil-
;lered,hertearles.ctye8strainedandfrightened
in their expression. The transient illumina-
tionm his ;«.. chad faded, like sunset tints,
leaving dull, leaden clouds behind. His com!
pressed hpsweie firm again, and the misty
eyes became coldly glittering, as one gees
stars brighten in a frosty night.
othl'er Kdlyl"" ^"'' "'^ ""^ ^''^''^ •*«»«»^
"Yon are not in earnest T you are not
going to quit your home V cried Beulah. in a
broken, unsteady tone.
"Yes, going into the far East ; to the ruin-
ed altars of Baal bee j to Meroe, to Tartary,
india, China, and only fate knows where
e se. Perhaps fin.l a cool Nebcin some Him-
alayan range, (ioing? Yes. Did you suppose
J meant only to operate on your sympathies?
Ivhiir' ?'r" *°^ )*'«"■ What is it to you
M bether I live or die 1 whethermy w. ary feet
restm an Indian jungle, or a snnnv slope of
the cty cemetery? Yes, I am goii,g very
soon, and this is our last meeting, f shall
Perhaps, when I tion
'erish drourn will I au«
Sinking to eicr-^^"(
of the far JCastnas I
knew how
>.hwt l.ccr.
precious you were to
_, _..„ „..o .» „ui lout, ineeiinp. i shal
not again disturb you in your ambitious pur-
suits. An, child, " ^
/'Oh, don't go ! don't leave me I I beir
1 implore y. .., not to leave me. Oh. I am
so desolate ! don't forsake me! I could not bear
to know you are gone. Oh, don't leave me 1"
She sprang up, and ilirowing her arms round
his neck chuig to him. trembling liki a
frightenejHlwld. But there was no relaxa-
tion oUffs pale, fixed features, as he coldly
Once I'eaolved, I never waver. So surely
.fK" '"'' I !^*" 8^; ^* '"'fe'J't '"^^e beeu
otherwise, but you decided it yourself. An
hour ago, you hold my destiny in vour hands -
now It 18 fixed. I should have gone six yean?
«^^ »;: =^„r'S S^r i^Sr^^ifssiS
;rii
.i,)6
BEULAH.
an(i cling to me so. Oceans will soon roll
between us, and, for :i liiiio, you will iiavo
no leisure to rcumt. my al)seiioe. Hence-
forth wo are stfrtiimi <"
" No, that sliall never he. You do not
moan it ; you know it in impossible. You
know that I prize your riondship above
every earthly thin a. You kiM)w tliat I look
up to you as to no ,.iie else. Th.at I shall ho
nii?pral)le, oh, how miserable, if you leave
me ! Oh, sir, I have mounieil over y.iur
coldness and indifference. Don't uajt ine oflf !
Don't t,' I to distant lands, and leave mo to
striirrgie without aid or counsel in this selfish,
Unfriendly world ! Mv
me, at the thoui^ht of your
shall not be able to see you.
diau, don't forsivke me l'*^
iioart dies withiil
i)eing where I
Oh, my guar-
She pressed her face against his shoulder,
and clasped her arms firndy round his neck,
"lam not your guardian, Beulah. You
refused to make me such. You are a proud,
ambitious woman, solicitous only to secure
eminence as an authoress. I ask your heart ;
you have now none to give; but perhaps
some day yon will love me, as devotedly,
nay, as madly, as 1 have long loved you ; for
love like ming would wake atfection even in
a marble image ; but /hen rolling oceans and
trackless deserts will divide us. Aud now,
cood-bye. Make yourself a name ; bind
your aching brow with the chaplet of Fame,
and see if ambition oan till ycur heart. Qood-
bye, dear child."
Gently he drew her arms from his neck,
and took her face in his soft palms. He
looked at hor a moment, sadly and earnestly,
as if striving to Hx her features in the frame
ot memory ; then bent his head and pressed
a long kiss on her lips. She put out her
hands, luit he had gone, and sinking down on
the step, she hid her face in her arms. A
pall seemed suddenly throsvii over the future,
and the orphaned heart shrank back from
the lonely path where only spectres were
visible. Never before had she realized how
dear he was to her, how large a share of her
love he possessed, and now the prospect of a
long, perhaps tinal separation, filled her with
a shivering horrible dread. We have seen
that self-ielianee was a powerful element of
her character, and she had learned, from
pamful necessity, to depend as little as possi-
"'? "^JPon the sympathies of others ; but in
Shis hour of anguish, a sense of joyless isola-
tion conquered ; her proud soul bowod down
beneath the weight of intolerable grief^ and
acknowleilged itself not wholly independent
«f the love and prf-sence of her guardian.
Rp.iilah Weill- I.../.1, ^« !,.._ J-..I. .1
tearless eyes beg;in tho allotted task of writ-
Jr*\. [^^ article was due, and must be
«nui7ied ; was there not a long, dark uturo
in which to mourn ? The sketch was de-
signed to prove that woman's happiness wa«
not ncceasanly cltpeiulent on marriagp. That
a single life might be more useful, more
tranf,„il, m .re uiHoKish. Heulah had paint-
'd hur heroine in glowing tints, and triumph-
antly. proved her theory c.iTect, while to
toniale influence she award.nl a sphere (ex-
oliiaivc of rostrums aii<l all political arenas)
wide as the universe, and high as heaven
\\ eary work it all seerno.l to her now •
Imt she wrote on, aud on, and on, and'
hnally the last paf,'e was copied and the
lastpunctuatiou i<..iik affixed. She wrapped
up thu manuHcript, directed it to the editor
and then the pen fell from her nerveless fin-
geis and her head went down, with a wailing
cry on hur desk. There the morning sun
hashed upon a white face, tear-stainea and
full of ke..n angui.sh. How her readers
would have marvelled at the sight? Ah
" Venly the hearty knoweth its own bitter*
nesB."
CHAPTER XXXII.
,-,9?**'**™°*"^ in tlie following week, Mrs.
Williams sat wrapped up iu the hall, watch-
ing Beulah 's movemeuis in the yard at the
rear of the house. The whitewashed paling
was covered with luxuriant raspberry vines
and m one corner of the garden was a bed
of strawberry plants. Over tliis bed Beulah
was bending with a basket, nearly filled
witii the ni-^ scarlet berries. Stooping close
to thepliiuis, eho saw only the frait she was
engaged in picliing ; and when the basket
was quite full, -.he was suddenly startled by
a merry laugh, aud a pair of hands clasped
over her eves.
" Who blindfolds me ?" said she.
"Guess, you solemn witch,"
" Why, Georgia, of couriie."
" The hands were removed, and Georria
Asbury's merry face greeted her.
■ «', an» glad to see you, Georgia. Where
is Helen V
"Oh, gone to ride with one of her adorers,
but I have brought somebody to see you who
IS worth the whole Asbnry family. No less
a personage than my famous cousin Reginald
Lindsay, whom you have heard us speak of
^o often. Oh, how tempting those luscious
berries are I Reginald and f intend to stay
to tea, and father will perhaps come out in
the carnage for na. Come> yonder is my
cottsin on the gallery looking at you, and
pretendme to talk to Mrs. Williams. He has
read your magazine sketches and is very
anxious to see you. How nicely you look :
only al ittie too ataiuish. Can't you get up
a smile ? That is better. Here, let me twine
this cluster of wisteria in your hair ; I stole
It as I ran up the steps."
\
'^
BEULAH.
"U„ .n5 ^" *''"? *" ■ pure white mull mus-
bned at he wa.at by a heavy c„„l Ld tassel.
f ■! ky hnir, and they entered the house. Mr
Lindsay met them, and as his cnuHin intro-
d«ce.l hin., Beulah looked at him. and met
, the earnest gaze of a pair of deep blue e^s
^♦vh.ch seemed to index a naturi singularly
^.'i iM^' ^^f «'"*'^''^'i '"•>' fjoietly, and
■ C« f^rn"^"?" "^"y *« theVront^^f the
hou,e, but Georgia threw herself down on
the steps, and eiclaimed eagerly ■
. Do let ua stay here ; the air is s.. dc
hciously cool. Cousin, there is a chair.
' on.i^A?'.?"/.?'^ ^ '''" "^^ t^'^«« l^erries at
once, so that they maybe ready for tea."
grant fruit. All ic^fraiut v.iiiishrd • the
■ thenwi?h'"" ''?' «"^V"»'> «l.i.edno;ai,d
iSr \^""''.'',**>'^h elicited GeorgVs
birdish laugh, and banished for a time the
Zn2nJ°^\T ^^"tr^^'oa of Beulah's conn-
los„rp«^'"^/"^' ^^'•^ finally arranged
ed to the little parlour. Here Beulah was
•oon engaged by Mr. Lindsay, in the dis!
cussion of some of the leading I terary ques
iTthJ^^ ^''^i /^' .^"••«°* thegrfat^Bo -
row that brooded over her heart, a faint
Tn U^rr^* '"""^ ^" cheeks, Ld the
mnci ^h ^' ''T'.'f"" °^ resolute end«.
ranee. She found Mr. Lindsay highly cul-
iei^ Id", '"' *'1'''; Poliahed'^^n llis^n:,"!.
nient, wJir'*?'"!"^ T' intellectual attain-
nieuts w hie the utter absence of egotism and
lat^7' ^P':*^^'^^*! *'"• with involuntary
admiration Lxteimive travel, and Ion '
study had familiarized him with almost every
branch of science, and department of litem
i,^ f^rf"i *?'? ""'^ fi.ace with which he
imparted some information she desired le-
count Eugene had rendered .,f the same sub-
innnf ' '■*'"*!^'*-^d « Singular composure of
countenaiice, voice, and even positif^, whi.'h
posed to the stern rigidity and cynici4 of
W^nard.an. Sl.e shralik from the Tahn
wfli ^''f,'-''^P,J'<'* 8^«*''' sciutiiiv, and
esolvcd ere the close of the oveni.^t- toso.md
Z'/°"T"'"*>' '"'"•' "^ tl'« I'i'ilosophic
taint -1 scepticism ? An opportunity soon
occ,mtc.Uq favour her wishU for cL^ncim.
I» f\l^f< ^" "^•''- ^""i i:" ^y^'^^ Alount. while
m tue Uko region of JCngland, the transition
.toadi3cr.ss;..,no she metaphysical tone of
*^f, 'Excu.SK.n," was quite easy.
iousetmcd disposed, like Howitt, to
16T
saTd Mr* ?'" i*'*^" "^^ ' ^'^'^' ''f Quakerism, • "
«aid Mr. Lindsay, m answer to a remark of
hersconceming Its tendency
.n,'l' 1; '" * ^^» *''•' ^""""'^ "^ -lisputation. sir,
and siMcc critics are so divided in their ver-
r1<., 1 may well bo pardoned an opinion
h.eh so many passages seem to sanctK If
'' • wWh" '"''" .1" '•'"'"e'liate inspri-
.•". which you will scarcely deny, then
..:Kr:;'\:,\JM';E;,,,r,±
fcientdic lore, to of!or their orisons there at
his altar, and receive p.ssivdy the teacldn^s
of the material universt-. Tells us, °^^
' lV"''i""^^'"'"« "iiellect
Alibsliarcs the beauteous forms of thlngB,'
and promises in nature, an unerring guide
and eaeher of tru th. L. the lines on JySuu
the Wye, he ueclares himself, ^
y' . " '^Vell plcnsrd to rccoenliB
^1 nil iii; in iiai (x juy,
Knovl.dgeofGod; u sdei;t band of friujd.
su waiting fur che ducct ii.s.iratiou, whi .u
made the senses, the api.rtciaiion of tie
beauty and .ublinuty of\l,e ui verse an
avenue of li^ht ; while Qu.l, , -, km,, ae oui,'!
to the doctnues of Fox a.ul i.is ,,., ly fo oh
ers, IS merely a form of ... ,f '^.^X
allied to the ' Eciitasy ' „f ' ., /, ,'. . ''^'''P
Quaker silences hi.s reason, hi. .,e,y f^cuC
a u ,n utter pa.snity waits for the infiSl
of divme light mto his mind; the m^e c ^
te I'':;" f""n "' ^"'' «y^^«**iWe, divesS h s i
tel eet of all personalTty, and becomes a
mu";"^' :''^'"«*^ ^'' ^'«^'«. "d .BBwered
hZn)^^^^' **'®°' extremes meet. To
know God, we must be God. Mysticism
and Pantheism link ha,)dsoyertheguUwhS
seemed to divide them. " *
" Miss Benton, is this view of the subiect
i^^-^1 oner said he. looking at he;*:^
"No a singular passage in tlie 'BiWranhia
L.teraua,' suggested it to me long ago But
uuv^leome hints are rarely .cefpttd; you
''Why unwelcome in this case f '
none was needed. IJe understood Sy' and
aaid quicliy, yet impressively : ^'
tion Knt \\^ '"'^ of necessity upon Eevela-
tion. Aot the mystical intuitions of the
dreamers, who would fain tench of continutr
I)
1
direct mipintion from (hul, oven »t tha
f)re8eiittime, but thg reN-elatiou which !.««»„
mam,08i8.i.,l 011,10(1 with John on Patn^.H
Ihe varyabaur.l.t.ot of philosophy are tlio
tuont potent arKumonti in suhgtautiatinii tho
claims (,f Christianity. Kant', theory, that,
we can know nothing boyon.l onraelvea, uAv,t
the death.blow to philosophy. Myatio.su,
contends that i«a«..., mly .larken. tho mind
and oonBe.mently warding all reasoning
proo„8ses, rdie. „,, ,„ imn.odiatc
revelation. But the extravagancies of
Swedonborg, and ev.-, of Ooorge Pox. prove
the fallacy of the assumption of coutmued
inspiration, and the only alternative is to
rest upon the Christian Revelation, which
nas successfully dofiod all assaulu."
There was an instantaneous flash of joy
hMt'il ^'O^bi^A face, and she •aid
"You have escaped the contagion, then?
Snoh exemption is rare no w-a- days, for scep-
ticism broods with sable wings over the
age.
"ft has always brooded where man es-
saye<l to lift the veil of Isis ; to elucidate
the arcana of the universe, to solve the nn-
solvable dceptioism is the disease of mind.,
which Chnstian faith alone can rendtr
healthy.
The thrust showed she was not invulner-
claimed ^ "''* *'°"'*^ '^^^^' ^^^S^" «*-
"In the name of common sense, RoKinald.
what are you discoursing about so tiresome!
ly T I suppose I am shamefully stupid, but
1 don t uuderstend a word you two have been
saying. When father and Beulah get on
such ary. tedious subjects, I always set on
an opposition at the piano, which in this in-
stance I am forced to do, from sheer neoes-
«^'*»™u*'m,.*'^®"'* <>' **»« P»»no. »nd rat-
tied off a brilliant overture; then made BeiUah
join her m several instrumental duets. Aa
the latter rose, Mr. Lindsay said, abruptly:
K»-„ VT^ y"" *'"«■ ^y ''""Sins have
been extolling your voice, and I have some
mmosity to hear yon. Will you gratify
''Certainly, if you desire it."
She could not refrain fsom smiling at the
perfect nonchalance of his manner, and pass.
iBK her hngers over the keys, sang a beauti-
I?Lni' ^>'"° I^^"°'»-" H-^rgueft listened
attentively, and when the song was ended
riterm^*^ *'*' ^'""' """^ '"'''^' ^'*^ ■""»«
"I should prefer a simple ballad, if you
will favour me with one."
— Something after the order of 'Lily
Dale. Beulah ; hn h^o.,.. «„*i.; .— ■. .V
country hom^" MidGe"or^'»7teMingTy.''' ''^
Ho smiled, but did not contradi<it her
?. iiru*^"" *•* "'"a •'''** «J«'liiiMte ballad'
"Why do Summer Ilosn, hSj.le." u^^;^
one of her guardian's favourite airs, and now
Ins i.n.ire wa^ nsmwiated with tho strain
hre thr first verse was flniihed. a deep. ri.-h.
niunly vo.ne. which had Hometimes eohoe.
rou^d, the study, seemed again to join
J^oon after Beulah took her p'lace at the
t.-a. ible in the centre of the room, and con-
versation turned on the delights of country
" Retrinald. how do you manage to amuse
yourseff ,n that little town of you™"
I ask...! Georgia, drawing the bowl of straw,
berries near, and helping him bountifully.
,„- Lk'*^^* *""^*"'' *^''* I '>»d passe.! the
*f?i ^"^ aniusement was necessary, but I
In the Hrst place, f do not reside in t.wn
My office is tfiere, and during the day. when
not absent at court I am generally in my of
floe ; but evening always finds me at home.
Once there, I have endless sources of amuse-
ment ; my mother's flowers and birds? my
farm affairs, my music, and my library, to
say nothing of hunting and fishing Re?
" But aftor living in Europe, and travel.
wnf u kT''' ^1^''^^'^ think that plantation
would be horri.dy dull. Do you never suf
cilty T » *"'""' " ^''" '"* ^™™ •" ■«•
" ^nui is a disease of which I am yet
.h?A *?ir°*- ?"* '^' "ny mother. I
should fe«r the need of society j in a gr^t
measure her presence supplies it. I ahaU
^11 you no more, cousin mine, since yon and
S nf". A "P^""? ".PO'^kion of your summer
witn ns, and can judge for yourselves of the
attractions of my country home. "
said truS ""'"'^ '"'"^ ^'•- ^^'^«^'' ' •
"Quito near; his plantation adjoins
mine. Is he a friend of yours T"
• 'i^°'. *'"m ^ '*^« » ^"""id living this year
in hia family. Miss Sanders is goveraew
forhia children. You probably know C"
Yes, 1 see her occasionally. Renort
»-^t "^^ '■."oon to become the bride of
Richard Arling*rf)n."
K«^i "u^^^ . *'"''''°'* ^'^ "P« «» *»« watched
Beulah 8 countenance. She offered no com-
ment, and he perceived that the on cM was
not new to her.
"Beulah, I suppose you have heard of Dr
mrtwell 8 intended iournev to th» Eaa* •
t«m±f11i "'^I'-'y K'"- '''°'*1 "»« he con-
templated renting a bungalow somewhere ia
BEULAR.
lieathendom, and fi,r„i„^ ^TT Z~ ~~
"ent to us until hi, r, LI , "H' '""" *" ''O l - " '««vo suH. . „ .• ""^»
prf.lirt.,,1 wi an cert " ' • '"".^'' """""^ '^^ *" ''«"'«'"« rohK .n „'^'"""/'' '''»• «"<! k"
«>"ctor ,n,l mLh l' m'"" "' "»'' '^ ^ ''•'* -«"'P«retl J in 'to s i'"'""'«^'«''le m
•f you do not tuL care '" ' ^T','"*" ""^''•
fool, toioavo 8ud. « ;w »*"^'' '""'*"■ «■"'•»
to dodging rolZrl .n „'^'"""/'' '''»• «"<! Ko
upon hi llk^';r^;:r ":;•:!'.'!"''•/ -'."-•
«oo.l .,.ai IZ t .r/eak"!^-, ^"^'-/-t- a upon ^i^ZaZZX^'
««y« th,. doctor had mLh l' m'"" "' "»'' '^ ^ ''•'* -«"'P«retl Jin 'to s ',"
home an(r>hy,io t e LT T ^^'^ ."^"^ "* 8° ^^»'-''' *" your co, Ij t I'
a "ud-ion whim, but h,' nlJJT^^^^ '* ^^ "^ ' '''^"t ''-•t uSv T'^" "'"'
templated the trip a long tim^ ^L^"" ""'" .Vf '"^^ ''^^ ' "■''' though she
immediately. I bolievp *' n 'j. . "" '» B»'ng «?'f *" entertain h«r 3 ' ".T
templfttt.,1 the trip a long tim, H„ i ""^
immediately. I bolieve u .? " «"'"
toyo^Sa^thett^htleaV;;?'^**"^
poBUro.'andStZHett ' ^r-^'^ '°^ ^'""■
which trembled l^ioLnt V X\ *""" ^»,''"'''
-wept over her o, ce mnr; xl" "r^"''"""
noticed heragitati^ and with ';'r '^""'«*y
«uleratio„ forbore to look .tV'"^"'"?.*'' ""»•
continued. hredlesHly '* ^^'- ^^^'K^"
•tu'dJ.^ullhlth'S'"" ^'''V'*- •" »••-
furniture is to Z„ '•«mainder of the
willnota iVheLtod r"'f' ^' ''^y' ^^
father to have it ct J; ^'i'^T''" "'^
y here at home. I „«"/ if r • ' , "P """>«•
it, and M-hat do vm, Iplol . ""« ' "'^* "««
oept it. but thJu\ ';"""'• '^ I '^■o"''! ac.
uadodeon I tob h"^';^' ''■'^, *° *"'"^^'' '"■«
piano ou to you .^ f « ""fj'ht to send the
looked crowfand Mi, vo . " T!""'' ''"* ''«
if !,„ ,i.M .,1 ""^' **»<' you would 1 ot use it
that her mind m aa t < ,! i , ' ^,""'«ay i-aw
oppr,.«8e,l. Ho end n "'; "'"' '"'•■'"•Hrt
thi-ghts by introdu , n"""^ *" '•'^^'••' '""•
' -'g. V.' 'Ao u li'. *'"'. '■^?" '''">«'^1 «"'l
'Jofv. Th. ovennL J ** '';""* '"■'^ "n her
-P*- -c, 'S/^r ;;^;,^-;y^^ly 'on,;.
'tt ft8en'<a, on of relet Af."'*' '^"•"■
L'-!'-yt«< .her hand. . ,^* '.T*!"*f. ^'r.
vol. '""*"^' ""d said, in » low
ay I come whenpv»r t •
city?" wnenever I an, ,n y^^^^^
riedhi<^ 'Bisuie, ,he replied, hur-
-StCotou •''"' •"^'"'" "^ i'^-r permission. I
with'f';::fjS;:rofSn?';^^'"^^ ^p-*'.
l'i« early letterrf?mK .""'.'['""H-.l him i„
>ary acceptation o^heSnn"' '/I "« «^*'.'-
partinp-ordH seemed me ev ,. L^^' '^"'
nion.place forms • and u fi ^ ''''*' <"""■
future ac.umi.^au'cesh,, "" '^""«'^* «^ »
herruiu.l.lhirwLtl, '•«";'«!«'l him from
t^^eii "P:>rr'xi:sr^r£
ifbe'did:''"""'"""*"'^"" ^^""'^
said nothing Jul. 1 *;^'''">'' '^"^ «he
Asbury's ouk'.k ,f".* ■*^!!' "'i" heard Dr , .„
infinite re^i he i;tPr>*1^' '''^"' '''^ *" '^'^ ''
H^len. She aw that hihT'''"P''"'"' "^J" *» ^l^-«»
ki'uland bantering as 3 il '"""""'■ ^^■''« ' ^'«'*
anx bus look on )■ f k V ' *'""'■« ^as an
Heavy bZt ^J^l^^S^^^'^^^l'^ ^'«
foiioS^'him" "h "tf, ''■%r^'"'-' "-i
said, engerlj: " jirwl'L'" h ^•■^"' »"-'
lately?"'' ^ ^^"8 Hartwell been here
travcll'VEaS"'^"" °^ ^''^•^'''» "bout
,','J'es, hetoldme."
You arolvorkfn'lfmT.ot-'';*''''. y°" <"•« *l>out ?
"" • • fto ifill ? "'"^^ ' " ""' "*'""'
you knowESC^ Zu '"T'tr'?^.^"*' i '"'^'^ ^^^ ^"rse of wear' t;;^" i,"'"' ^"** y""
-neithoi^^ba^- ---.jj: ''i;Zr^:Ln ^'^^fi^^ f.i^^'.i^u, but not «; we„ a,
"I'l, she an.s«•Pro.^ nassi,,., i \ ^e ' m
passing her trfm()iii..,7
large drawing, up , ^^f i;""', ""l^'"n» •
months expen'dedil "he W^, ''"^^ l«r
It was,,, signed from a7l!= ^'"'*V'e momenta.
M.^b," and?he torf,f f "P*"^" '" ^ Queen
the final touch, when featvLr-'"" *" «"'«
I arrested her attention 1V7 i *"^"' ^'"'' '••'l'
the door, she saw Ha? I ,f'"'lti ^^'^''l
i»«/,h<,/„,r?f'w.r,M" ff"; ''?.\^""
.sick, l.avo „„.. >> -"•^*',, ?°- H'tven't beeii
■•,:,i
. - , . ..-.;^ you eink , n
Oi»ce entirely e,t,ar.;cd?
all the s'te,
.im in
Is ..ver the dog's head.
Well. Idou-tseo. for my part, what
l&)
BEULAH.
to become of us all, now master's gone "
"Gonel" echoed Boulah.
" Why, to bo sure. Ho started to the
plantation yesterday, to set things all in
order tliero, and tlion he is going ctraight on
to New York. The house looks desolate
enougli, and I feel like I was going to dig my
own grave. Juat before he left, he called me
into the study, and told me that as soon as
he had gone, I vas to bring Charon over to
you, and ask you to keen him, and take care
of him. ht tried to unlock the collar on
his neck, but soniehow the key would not
turn. Master looked dreadful sad when ho
patted poor Cliar's head, and let the brute
put his paws on his shoulders for the last
time. Just as the boat pushed off he called
to me to be sure to bring him to you ; so here
' ho is, and. Miss Beulah, the poor fellow
1 seems to know something hi " wrong ; he
whined all night, and ran over the empty
house this morning, growling and snuffing.
You are to keep hini till master comes home;
tlio Lord only knows vrhen that will be. I
tried to find out, but he looked for the world
like one of them stono faces in the study,
and gave me no satisfaction. Miss Beulah,
Dr. Asbury was at the house just as I started,
and he sent over this box to you. Told m»
to tell you that he had all the pictures moved
to his house, but had not room to hang all,
so he sent oue over for you to take care of.
Shivll I take it out of the case !"
"Nevermind, Hal, I can do that. Did
your master leave no other nj jssage for me ?
was there no note ?" She leaned heavily on
a chhir to support herself.
" None that 1 know of, except that you
must be kind to Charon. I have uo time to
snare ; Dr. Asbury m^eds me ; so gaod-hye,
Miss Beulah. I will stop st>niu day wlitjii 1
am passing, elnA see how the dog comes on.
I know he will be aatisfie<l witli you."
The faithful servant touuhcd his hat and
withdrew. The storm of grief could no
longer be repressed, and sinknig down on tlie
floor, Beulah clasped her armg round Charon's
neck, and hid her face in his soft curling
hair, while her wh(de frame shook with ion
vulsive sobs. Siie had not bidieved iior
guardian would leave without coming again,
and had confidently expectetl him, and now
he had gone. Perliaps for ever ; at least for
many years. She might never see him again,
and this thought was more than she "mil
endure. The proud restraint she was
wont to iniiwse upon her feelings
all vanished, and in her dnspairing
Borrow she wept and moaned, as she hai jver
iimiM nf^rnrA avon urlian 1 .ill ir urnLi folr'<>> 4"m^.»
her, with a mute grief clearly written in his
■ober, sagaoioas countenance, and each clung
t* the other, as to a last stay and solace. He
uy '
was a powerful animal with huge limbs, and
a think, shaggy covering, sable as midnight,
without a speck of white about him. Around
his neck was a silver chain, supporting a.
broad piece of plate, on which was engraved,
in German letters, the single word "Hart-
well." How long she sat tliere Beulah knew
not, but a growl roused her, and she saw
Mrs. Williams looking sorrowfully at her.
" My child, what makes you moan and
weep so bitterly ?"
"Oh, because I am so miserable ; because
I have lost my best friend ; my only friend ;
my guardian. He has goue — gone 1 and I
did not see him." With a stifled cry her
face went down again.
The matron had never seen her so unnerved
before, and wondered at the vehemence of
her grief, but knew hor nature too well to
attempt consolation. Beulah lifted the box
and retired to her own room, followed by
Charon. Securing the door, she put the case
on the table ani looked at it wistfully.
Were her conjectures, her hopes correct?
She raised the lid, and unwrapped the frame,
and there was the noble head of her guardian.
She hung the portrait on a hook just above
her desk, and then stood with streaming eyes,
looking up at it. It had been painted a few
we dis after his marriage, and represented him
in the full morning of manhoxi, ere his heart
was embittered, and his clear brow over-
shadowed. The artist had suffered a ray of
sunshine to fall on the brown hair that rippled
round liis white temples with careless grace.
There was no inusta'die to shaile the sculp-
tured lips, and they seemed abont to part in
one of those rare, fascinating smiles whicli
Beulah had often WiUched for in vain. Tin/
niatiddcsa eyes looked down at her, with
brooding tenderness in their hazel dci'ihi^
and now seemed to q^uestion her uneonL.ol-
lahle grier. Yet she nad pained him ; iiad in
part caused his exile from tlie home of his
youth and added another sorrow to those
whicli now veiled that peerless face in gloom.
Ho bad placed his happiness in her hands ;
iuul askoil lit I to be his wife. She looked at
the portrait, and .shuddered and moaneil.
She lovc ' him above all othi-rs ; loved him as
a child adores it father ; but how could she,
who had so reverenced him, consent to be-
come his wife ? Besides, she could not be-
licve he loved her. He liked her; pitied
her isolation a' d orphanage ; felt the need of
her society, and her always in his home.
But she could not realize that he, who so
worshipped beauty, could possibly love her.
It warlike a hideous dream which morning
w-mi-t diapel ; but there was t'nc reality, uii'i
tlj^e was Charon looking steadily up at the
trait he was at no loss to recogn-u.
' Oh, if I could have seen him ouoe more
hi« stern, sad face a* 1 fV •? ™'nen»ber
can 1 bekr it To i,»v« if*T'* = ''^' '^"^
through life like 'T ?* '"»»«*'"« me
frien4wo4tocheri,f?''!;'^'l T'''"' "«
all gloom and anger Oh ^ «"»' '"f 'age ;
BEULAH.
161
CHAPTER XXX rrr.
pretext of business T.t '^^^'"^'r''. "" s-^me
In a short time The 1 7^'^'' *" ^"""^
thoir departure saw ^ .? . ^"^''^T'cnt to
as«embl.!l to" Hne'It Vs'Zsl '^rtlT''
afternoon w„re awnv l-n "® '""«
sat around the tabTe^' The .^ *^?
been removed, and on y J^tnl t1' -^"'^
remained ; bottle aft-r LttTit. * ""S*"
and finally decanters wpr! '** emptied
The servants shru4ed Th • "! '"ir'^'"""-
looked on with Std '^''""1'1«". and
conversation grew md and^f "*r"=y- ^h.,
and then flavoTre ' ifh ^■"!«*'"'>«''. "ow
came on-the sh^tteT ^wo?'^",' *^\'''fe'''*
.nagnificent chand J er iSd "k~*''
seized a crystal i™ hnwl "^^ • l^'ia'Rne
extract a iLp'of^oo^'when" t T:il f '""*. ""
hngers and shiv*» ed to nf ^^"/rom his
au,hte: succeeded The cxrS'' t '''' «^
mg a fresh bottle of chaSanl ^'"^ """"rk- I
ed a song. Alreadv 1 fZ^^J' )t ''""*"'^-
wereleaiiingon thetaKioT* a,° guests
eral began the strlin Tf P'""''' ^"*««''-
Bacchanalian ode and thl 7*". * ^^'""'"e
rose to the frescoed "eilin/ a/'Y^'^''^ ''''°»*
leaned forward and <-m^1 i !^°. '-evellers (
Touched, did I sav? f^ '^"^i *''«"• gla««es. I
clashed. There wJ. •'^^•'■«»>e«er «"tten
tal met crystal . lun. ":'"«'"« "^'^"'•us as crys
every direS I lowp"3tte'""^^' ''^^ '»
thick with i.pliutered "rrul ^"*"""gwine.
table. But he strain " '^'? •■"«««'ood
glasses were supplfed fr^^M \l'?* "P' f'-'=«'»
the waiters loofi on' 1 '"" '' ^™»«'^!
this would end and '.•rr;^^''''^' ^^^'^ »'l
the costly soriice 'FhL k"^ ,r° *^« """^ "^
shone on a scene of ill ^"""'°* «'^«l'ght
fleed. All were L.? '''"'" P'"*'^'^ '"-
Eugene, all rnnurS? S' r'' '"''^'
familiar with such occisions O^^ '""""^
thoroughly intoxicatedlav with /l" •"'; *^"'
was .tilled ^lt&;i retVin^'^ ^'^°"'
* 'I' "P. and let us have fh!; i •
■ong from Lucrezi* Rnr^- « *"** glorious
rieS Eugene * ^- ^«y' P'ootor V
U
MuGTO .ai,l, ,t.„„„„ri„ I °?'"'"""'». "t"!
vir.^^fl?tSri_!!l/^^^-
prett;'^wife'''"^^!;e*'rsaTM 7*' ''^^'--•-
walt/and ride, and ,n «ne l? "'1: P'^
ing, and begin " "^ ^""'^''tu, d stammer-
, ringing around tm. al/^^j.^S h?t °r
too, raised his unst;ady voice 1 ; ''' ^^i
again the words were madk »;, > , " *"'^
! then, .lashing his cmnt^ ,X "'"^ ' *"'^
S'r„?.f,i:~ ,V"="»•
cesses to feel it as scnaiUv as L ° ^ • t'"
h.8 host by the arm, and excSnT' ^ '""^
*'Ome out of this confounded room • i* ;,
as hot as a furnace ; and let us haTa llll
piraft^XotJS^r^iS
acSSrthVerr; tzfrAt
buggy .as awaiting the "c^^ncTusi^n its
the silent elrth Proctor l!- I 1^^ "''«''
infr. +!,„ 1 I rector assisted Encene
into the buggy, and gathering up the S
i ,','Don.;2:40i«llieio»eat."
j then, out with your wateh " '
i forw" rd hke*i' '''"'' '"'* *i« »'°"« ""hed
iurw.ira nice an arrow. Bpfo™ fVi« «„;i« «
I that TH.,'raph had taken the game entirelr
out of L a master's hands. In vain thrS
were tightened. Proctor leaned .« fL i.^
16*i
BEULAH.
but
that hin hilt fell oir. Still the tcuitjc 1
s|-e.l on. The inile-|)(>8t (lasheil by, „..„
Kiigonc oouM barely sit erect, much less note
thu time. At this stage of the proceedings,
tlio whir of wheels behind gave a new ini-
lielus to Telegraph's Hying feet. They were
ii(':irft point in the road where an alley le<l
I'll' :it light aiij.Iea, and tliinkini;, doubtless,
lli.it it was time to retrace his steps, the
h.'ian dashed down the alley, heedless of
1 'rooter's ulForts to restrain him, and turning
iiitoa neighbouring street, rushed back to-
ward the city. Bareheaded, and with h.iavy
drops of perspiration streiiniing from his face.
Proctor cursed, and jei ked, and drew the
useless reins. On went Telegraph, making
tood his title, now swerving to this side of
the r(>ad, and now to that ; but as he ap-
proach, d a mass of bricks which were piled
on one side of the street, near the founda-
tions of a new buildinc, the moonlight flash-
ed upon a piece of tin, in the sand on the
opposite si<ie, and frightened by the glitter,
lie plunged towards tfe bricks. The wlieols
.-truck, the buggy tilted, then came down
iigain with a terrible jolt, and Eugene was ,
thrown jw' the pile. Proctor was jerked 1
over tkK^'nashboard, dragged some distance,
.-iti.liifffiilly left in the sand, while Telegraph
rujjroii to the stable.
It was eleven o'clock, but Beulah was
•ritin;,' in her own room ; and through the
open window, heard the thundering tramp,
the rattle among the bricks. Proctor's
furious curses, and surmised that some acoi
dent had happenod. She sprang to the win-
dow, saw the buggy just as it was wheeled
ou, and hoped nothing was hurt. But
Charon, who slept ou the portico, leaped
over the paling, ran around the bricks, and
harked alarmingly. She unlocked the door,
saw that no one was piissing, and opening
the little gate, looked out. Charon stood
watching a prostrate form, and she fearlessly
crossed the street and bent over the body.
One arm was crushed beneath him, the other
thrown up over the face. She recognized the
watch chain, which was of a curious patten
aud, for an instant, all objects swam befo .
her. She felt faint ; her heart seemed to
grow icy and numb ; but with a great effort,
she moveil the arm, and looked on the face,
gleaming in the moonlight. Trembling like
a weed in a wintry blast, she knelt beside
aim. He was insensible, but not dead ;
though it was evident there must have been
•ome severe contuajon about the head. She
•aw that no time sfiould be lost, and runnin
~~ — — «.... iiu>.»iiig
into one of the neighbouring houses.knocked
violently. The nciiseof the"horse and buggy
had already aroused the inmates, and very
loon the motionless form was borne into
Beulah's little cottage, and plitced on a
couch, while a nn'ssiiiger was dispatched for
Dr. Asbury. Eugene remained just as
tliey had placed him ; and knteliiig beside
him, Beulah held his fMild hands in hers, ami
watched, in almost breathless anxiety, for
some return of animation. She knew that
he was intoxicated ; that this, and this only,
caused the accident ; and tears of shame and
commiseration trickled down her cheeks.
Since their parting interview, previous to
his marriage, they had met but once, and
then in silence, beside Cornelia in her dying
hour. It was little more than a year since
she had -isked his displeasure aud re-
monstrated with him on his ruinous course ;
and that comparatively short period had
wrouglit painful changes in his once noble,
liandsome face. She had hoped that Cor-
nelia's dying prayer would save him ; but
now, alas, it was too apparent that the ap-
peal had been futile. She knew not that his
wife was absent, and determined to send for
h(!i ,"3 soon as possible. The long hour of
waiting seemed an eternity, but, at last. Dr.
Asbury came, and carefully examined the
bruised limbs. Beulah grasped his arm.
"Oh I will he die?"
" I don't know, child ; this arm is badly
fractured, and I am afraid there is a severe
injury on the back of the head. It won't do
to move him home, so send Hal in from the
'»iggyi to help put him in bed. Have me
some bamiages at once, Beulah."
As th»-y carried him into Mrs. Wil-
liams' room, and prepared to set
the fractured arm, he groaned, and for
a moment struggled, then relapsed into a
heavy stupor. Dr. Asbury carefully straight-
ened and bandaged the limb, and washed
the blood froa. hia temples, where a gash had
been inflicted in the fall.
" Will you go to hia wife at once, sir, and
inrorm her of his condition V said Beulah,
who stood by the blood-stained pillow, pale
and anxious.
" Don't you know his wife is not here?
She has gone for the summer. Wife did 1
say? she does not deserve that sacred name !
If he had had a wife, he would never have
-iome to this ruin and disgrace. It is nothing
more than I expected when he married her"
I could easily put her soul on the end of a
lancet, and as for heart — she has none at aN ?
She is a pretty flirt, fonder of admiration
than of her husband. I will write by the
earliest mail, informing Graham of the acci-
dent and its posfcible consequences, and, per-
haps respect for the opinion of the world may
bring h«r home t-0 him. Bealah, it jk .". rli!fi»'
cult matter to believe that that drunken,
stupid victim there is Eugene (Jraham, who
promised to bec<)me an honour to his friends
and his name. Satau must have established
N
\>
the fin
of the
head, i
blehe
mixed
many (i
he iivei
be a les
be back
whom I
been a I
the city
never
thj»*^n.
A litt
by a hea
perceivei
gazing al
"Oh,
would te
in his un
"If he
vation. "
" God ,
Falling
••p a pray
uiighty G
him from
"Ifl,t
-ase ray
"is she hsti
matron.
Aud wh
unbelief sli
wandering
sorrowing >
berer, and
were realizt
this night
long and dr
was crossir
ice in her hi
pronoanced
ed her, aoco
once met th(
having hean
mfluence h(
prepared to i
"We have
said he, shrii
eyes, yet assi
Terence.
" You cam
"But I tell
'I'm to his {>\
V'^f^fly atte
"ine phyi
nenpKBifo ^t u
», ;, — .- •" »■
*tml not be di
■*oioiu, perhan
h'.-rtti'.n to behi
<»fn«-.|t.„)f.o, he
Siie opened i
/
be baok m aa hour or «? a. t n *'^
tlul^(iC* sand, where he waa
' Oh, that he should come tn thia i t
would ten thousand time, SSier he Sd ii« }
in his unstained boyhood " *^'®*^
vaL" • ' "''"' *''"• '^*'*''°* »»y be hi. «1.
P.nfi^'''"l*'','"*y-^°«* grant it mavl"
FMmg on her knees, the a«ed womTulL
up a prayer of passionate entreatv th«i ^V
•"'ghtyGod would spare SS^' *^**.'"-
himfromadrunkard-ffate ' **''^
'If I, too, could prav for him if „.• u^
th s nShrwas buf t^ "^"' ^"^ "'^ *"' "^
ed her, accompanied by Cowdoh «».ri i
once met the former at Mr n u • * ^^^
piep^ed to receive him coldly. ' *^
''Ri.?T?ir*^^«^''". "r.-
Pn.perly:tSe.t:%/,tTisS^^
r^eJ^^L^^^V Particularly ur^ed
ovsr^laiug quiet,
BEULAH.
16f
Neither doctor nor h?«''''' *"^ ^'''''
endure the en jle of *"".,;•"•" P^"'"" could
whi^onHedr^^^„;;te,,n^^^
wftC ha""" ^^'"'""""^^ an5 influence, and
parentiy this brief vis t ,-uite satislierl th^^
uriuKing songf,, and waving his hand as if tr.
wKoTtnV'T '''''''' "pSbg 1, :
wiieior her heartlessness and follv 'n.»
af^„»>„ J \ .^ '■^'^ accident a carriairn
mSX '--'^-ately. ifrf;: ^'c'!^,'!
nit nnnn 1 ^.ff'"*'"- ^^Jr. Gruham could
Beulaf^'becroned*'^ hi^^'^'^tide^'^'a
lars^.f ?ho '*^'''*°*^' and »«ke(l the partiou-
Sed *'^« ""^"'•rence, which had been me. -
ni£,}.f'«\r I "^ ^-uyene's servants of the
front of W '/°^ •H'"'^ »^« rfe«o««„.«< in
'arnes«yf '' '*°"'- ^"^ ^'°"«'"«'«'. «h« ^^id
herer^"'*'' »''»»«•» Why is .he not
Becp«,f„:.^1.V':;- »'->"^".'«'iy urged the
^ ;. : . ;„'i li* '"' '"""' "^" "^^^'^ trough .
• ifiKPn, hers .j your vi.'Uni " *
i»b« opened the door and suffered them to
. w ^''■''^■^*""«d "'an sighed heavily.
bandTn nfli T '!l^ ^''*'' *° """"'t her hus-
How can i; V^^ *** '"'•' * •'^'^ "« *'»« ^
eve7vh,?nr r^ l>v^e awav from his side, when
every hour may be his last ? Oh 1 is she in-
deed .0 utterly, utto-i., i.^.""! .?.',''
fom such a uniomn death than go through
ferent i'" ^ * '^"•"'' -"Wushitgly indff!
Her fAce was one flash of scorn and indie
n»tiou, and extending her hand towards the
164
BEULAH.
restless inTsIid, she oontinned In a low«r
tone.
" She has deserter! her sacred post ; but a
trner, better friend, one who has at ways loved
him as a brother, will supply her place. All
that a sister's care can do, assuredly he shall
have."
"You are very kind, Miss Beulah. My
family are under lastiic obligations to you
for your generous attentions to that poor boy
of ours, and I "
" No. You understand little of the nature
of our friendship. We were orphan children,
warmly attached to each other, before you
took him to a home of wealth and lavish in-
dulgence. Were he my own brother I could
not feel more deeply interebted in his welfare,
•nd while he requires care and nursing, I con
•ider it my privilege to watbh over and
guard him. There is Dr. Asbury in the hall;
a can tell you better than I of bis probable
recovery."
Ah, reader, Jr.
'riendship but a name ?
A^^lfirm that lulls to sleep,
shade that follows wealth oi'ta.me,
A ■ i leaves the wretch to weep t
Mr. Graham remained at the cot*^age, and
having written to Antoinette of the imminent
danger in which be found her husband, urged
her to lose no time in joining. Unluckily,
be was ignorant of all the information which
is so essential in the occupation of nursing.
He was anxious to do everything in his
power; but, iikethem.'iji lity of persons on
■uch occasions, failed wretchedly in his at-
tempt. Almost as restless and nervous as
tha sick man, he only increased the di5icul-
tieshe would vain have remedied, and Beulah
finally prevailed upon him to abandon hia
efforts to leave the room, where hia constant
movement annot'^d and irritated the sufferer,
Eu3;ene recognized no one, but his eyes
followed Beulah continually ; and when bis.
delirium was at its height, only her voice
and clasp of her hand could in any degree
console him. In his ravings, she noticed
two constantly conflicting emotions ; a stern
bitterness of feeling toward his wife, and an
almont adoring fondness for his infant child.
Of the latter, be talked inncessantly, and
vowed that she, at least, should love him. As
tne weary days crept by, Beulah started at
every sound, fancying that his wife had cer-
tainly come ; but hour after hour found only
Mr. Williams and the orphan guarding the
deserted Lubband. Gradually the fever
itBstcd, and s dQaih-'iii^e stupor Buoceeded.
Mr. Graham stole about the house, like a
haunting spirit, miserable and useless,
•od in the solemn itillness of midnight
oaly Beolah nt by the pillow, where a head
now rested motionless as that of a corpse.
Mrs. Williams was asleep on a oouoh at the
opposite end of the room, and in the dim,
spectral light of the shaded lamp, the
watcher and her charge looked unearthly.
Faint from constant vigils. Beulah threvher
head upon it;, keeping her eyes on the colour-
less face before her. Who that has wat abed
over friends, hovering upon the borders
of the spirit-land, needs to be told how
dreary was the heart of the solitary nurse ?
And to those who have not yet suffered and
endured, no discription would adequately
portray the desolation audgkom.
The staris were waning, when Eugene
moved, threw up her hands over the pillow,
and, after aoioment, opened his eyes. Beulah
leaned forward, and he looked at her fixedly,
as if puzzled ; then said, feebly :
" Beulah, is it you ?"
A cry of joy rolled to her lips, bat she
hushed it, and answered tiemblingly :
" Yes, Eugene, it is Beulah."
His eyes wandered about the rooai, and
then rested again on her oountenanoe) with a
oonfused, perplexed expression.
*' Am I at home } What is the matter?"
" Yes, Eugene, at home among your best
friends. Don't talk any more ; try to «leep
again."
With a great joy in her heart, she extin-
guished the lij^ht, 80 that he could see no-
thing. After a few moments he said, sK -.'y :
" Beulah, did I dream Isaw you, Be' ,v?"
She felt his hand put out, as if to f> lor
her.
" No, I am sitting by you, but will not
talk to you now. You must keepqniet."
There was a short silence.
" But where am I? Not at home, I know."
She did not reply, and he repc^ated the
question more earnestly.
" You are in my house, Eugene ; let that
satisfy you. "
His fingerb closed over hets tightly, and
soon he slept.
The sun w»« high in the «ky, when he
again unclosed his eyes and found Dr. As-
bury feeling his pulse. His mind was still
bewildered, and he looked around him won-
deringly.
'' Tow do you feel, Graham ?" said the
doot< -
" Feel t aa if I had been standing c
head. What is the matter with me, dooi. ?
Have I been sick t"
" Well — yes ; you have not been exaOk.^
well, and feel stupid after along na^ . Take
aspuoiiri'' of tliia uoutar i have pi'ei'.-<^u iui
you. Howry faces, man 1 It w;'il dear
your head!"
Eugene attempted to raise himself, but fell
Back exhausted, while, for tb' 6ret time, he
^■-
I
noticed
bandage
"Wh
Why, I
"Oh,
you inju
When I
such gyi
, must ex]
fromcru
Beulah^
qnia*»r
(^ >rhed(
y^uestioni
■ stiffened
auxii.ush
" Whl
"You
fractured
Sne th(
Memor
and diml
passed th
rose to hie
ward the
Then Beu
and a groi
long silenc
that drew
" How 1
She told
immediate
'•Hav«
" Yes, V
passed nov
and caref
again."
"I heai
ehe is here
He looke
" No one
Mr.Grahar
ed him, am
A look ol
swept over
bitterly ;
'•And di
Stop, hmh
Dili she kno
"Sbekoe
ed to Mr. G
has written
writing to it
'She shran
conscious he
" I desert
forence, and
would have
nelia, CorneJ
more bittei t
his whole fra
«motton.
" Eugene,
BEULAH.
noticed hia arm firmly inoMed in wood and
bandages.
" What have you been doing to my arm T
Why, I cannot move it. I should 1"
1«5
Oh, don't trouble yourself, Graham •
you injured it, and I bound it up, that is all!
When gentlemen amuee themselves with
such gymnastic feats as you peiformed. thev
must expeotali«1;le temporary inconvenience
Rr.^Jlf"i^^""^^ andoverstrained muscles.
Beula^nd my d.reotjonB about silence and
\ VThe doctor walked r.^t to escape further
'^uestiomng. Eugene looked at his useless
. stiffened arm. and then at Beulah, sayinff
anxKusly ; ' •"•/'"«
'* What is the matter with me?"
"You were thrown out of a buffgy. and
fractured your arm in the fall "
She thought it bestto tell the truth atonce.
^n^T^^^u'^ ^^°^ *° ^^ ^^<^^rted throne,
and diml> the events of that evening's revel
passed through his «,iud . h. flush of t bame
rose to h« temples, and turning his head to
ward the wall, he hid his face in the pUlow
Then Beulah heard a deep, shuddering^ sigh'
and a groan of remorseful agony. After a
long silence, he said in a tone of humiliation
that drew tears to her eyes :
''How long have I been bore ?"
She told him the number of days, and he
immediately asked. ^ '
'• Have I been in daoger ?"
J,'.!/"' ''^'"^ 8/-?* ^'"'S^'' ' '^''* th«t has all
IZ o^r7\'""^ If you will only be composed
and^careful you will soon be strong
eh'e i h'Tel""^ '*''" *'*^'°« *« ^'^ ' ^^^
Helooked at her with great interest.
Mr Orir* *' "-^eptyour kind matron.
Mr Graham came assoon as thelatter roach-
€d him, andhas ..otlefn the houae since."
A look of indescrihsble sorrow and shame
KrlJ? ""''""''°*°''* ** te continued
n;?«K t ^'m''T ""* miserable truth.
D: 1 she kno«. all and still remain awayj"
.A f M ''^f V" '*"** *"»'* bcenoommunicat-
cd to Mr Graham, when he came ; and he
has written to her every day. H^ is now
writmg to inform her that you are better/"
•Nheshrwik from giving the pain she was
conscious her words indicted " "«« was
{Jln^^VV^ "V Y"' '"^ gratitude, indif-
ference, and desertion ! If I had died, she
would have heard it unmoved. Oh, Co*
neha, Cornelia, it ia a «.;„*..! ""'_., *"^
mor^bittei than death F" AVerthig'hSe'
iZ^tt *'"""^^'^ ''''^ 'lloonS
"Eugene, you must compos* yourwlt.
r kl 7^^f ^'^'''*: y°" '«* "« «»'« » What hav*
I to live for ? A name disgraced, and ."fo
unloving and heartless I VVhat haV l^e f n^r!
but wretchedness and shame J'' *''**°'"™
Not unless you will it so. Yon should
tarea^S *\?*"«-« yo°r chaTacter, to
take an honourable position, which hithertT
world respect you, your wife revere vou and
vour child feel that she may be proud of her
?ou todo^'' '^"«^°''' ^" *^'' th'SrL'lh
He looked up at her as she stood beside
?':?', P»l«.. »«d thin, and weary aud hi,
feeble voice faltered, as he asked
lieulah, my best friend, my sister do
you quite despise me ?" "'y »inw, ao
. She laid herhand softly on his and stonn.
ing down pressed her lips^o hXeheaT^
iiugene, once I feared that you had fallen
win"red'r "^ ^'% ' ^"^ °°'' t beheve you
will redeem yourself . I hope that throu n-
if a7l wrt y"" ''"^ """""d the resplci
of all who know you, and realize the proud
aspirations I once indulged for you -That '
L. Ak* '"'"^'fy **■"«*• I have not yet
lost taith in you, Eugene. I hcpe still." ^
bhe left him to ponder in solitude the hn-
mihating result of his course of dissipation.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
The hours of gradual convalescence were
very trying to Beulab, now that the sense of
danger no longer nerved her to almost super-
human endurance and exertion. Mr. Graham
waitea until his adopted son was able to sit
up, and then returned to the waterinc-plaoo
wberehiswiferemained.Thu.theentirccharge
of the invalid devolved on thetirel.ms frien3r
who had watched over him in the hour of
peril. JJjulah had endeavoured to banish the
sorrow that pressed so heavily on her heart
.and 10 dispel the gloom and dispondency
? which s,.emed to have taken possession of
the dessrted husband. She read, talked
8an^tunim,and constantly strove to cheer
h) a, by painting » future in which the past
was to be eflFectuatly cancelled, ■"hough
well-nigh exhausted by incessant oa.., wd
loss of sleep, she never complained of weari-
jiess, and forced a smile of welcome to her
bps when the invalid had his chair wheeled
to her side, or tottered out into the dining-
room to join her. One morning in August
S..V ssu oii me iiitie gaUery at the rear ot the
house, with a table before her. engaged is
drawing some of the clusters of blu«, white
and pmk cofivoivalua which festooueJ the
paiaisand balastraie. Eugene sat near her
li 'I !
186
BEULAH.
' married, than I discovered my blind ra.s-.
' !iess. Cornelia warned ro«, but vrhat m;«,
tor her, 80 soon as ho was wolJ enough to go
to his office J but, gathering up her working
materinls, f.he old lady went into thekitchen;
and the two sat for some time in silence. One
of his long-drawn sighs arrested Beulah's Jit-
tentiou, and she said, kindly :
"What is the matter, brother mia>. ? Are
ou",^T®i^ ^^ watching my clumsy fingers ?
Shall I finish that e^eay of Macaulay a vou
were so much interested in yesterday,' or
will you have anothnr of Bryant's poems ?"
h.ie laid down her pt acil, quite ready to
'livert Ills mind by reaiting
fascinattil by a beautiful girl, ev r liateiud
to counsiis that opposed his hear',? Antoi-
nette 18 tiio intensely selfish to love «vthinD
or anybody but herself : she does rot -veS
ove her ch, ■ (. Strang,. .., 1 1 may seem, she
18 too entirolv ..agrossed Vv her weak fond-
ness for liispJay and admiration, even ♦->
caress her babe. Except ai bre.ifas*. aM
dinner, werarfti; meet, ai.a th. a, ur.iesa
ctwoany is present (which isgeoiral'y tha
V 1 ^ .,.--„. I ""''"/. o'i'" intercourse is studieolv cold Do
No. do not quit y^.ur drawing; X ahoald y«« wonder that I am hopeless in v/e, ,"l
emov nvnn ^.,..„u„ ... .,.„ ?. | f^e passed with 3uch a companion r Oh
iSjai^^iS"'"*""**^' ^*'* two year, of
I }h^ groaned, and shaded his face with hia
' " Bri i, Eugene, probably your refornui,
not enjoy even Macaulay to-<]ay.
He threw his head back, and sighei i.fain
' Wh^' Eugene ? Don't you feel as weU as
nsualtKis morning t Remember your fan- 1"
W-W 'V'^ wilLrffrive to-day ; you Jihould be the h-.p'
|j/Sc inau living. "
. " Oh, Beulah ! don't mock me. ! wanot
boar it. My life seems a hopelessi blank. "
' Xou ought not to tilk s^ despondiii.-Iv •
you h-ive everything to live for. Rouse y(nir
(mergie; Be indeed ft man. Conquer this
waitk, rtpiiiing spirit. Don't v-u remember
the motto on the tombstone at'St. Gilgen ?
the pEtat— it comes
"Look not inaji-nfiiUy on
not back ;
Enjoy th.' pre^-; -.(-it is thine.
»o forth io meet 'ho shadowv future
With a manly heort and witncut fear."
Txi'X?"!'"*'^^'**^*'"*' ^^" oppresses me.
Itls the knowledgs of my , of Antoin-
ette's indifTerence, which makes thenitureso
joyless; so desolate. Beulah, this has caused
my nun When I stood by Cornelia's coffin,
and recalled her last frantic njipeal ; when 1
looked down at her cold face, an- 1 remember-
ed her devoted love for her uuwortiiy bro-
ther, I vowed never to touch wine again -to
absent myself from the associates who had
led me to dissipation. Beulah, I was honest
and intended to reform from that hour. But
Antoinette s avowed coMhess, or, to call it
.y Its proper name, h^al^te.sselhshness.and
f.ihdness for admirationV.ffiHrt disgusted, and
then maddened me.' I would have
g.adly spent my eyenings quietly,
in our elegant home, hut she con-
tnved to have it crowded with visitors as
fOnllefi and frivolous as herself.' I remon-
■trated, she was sneering, defiant, and un-
yielding, and a ^^ured me she would ' ftmii.,fi
neiseit a-, g'le thought j)roper;' I followed
her example, and went back to the reckless
compamoas, who continually beset my path
I «„ 1 . ' "T" — ' i"""<*"'j' yonr reiornuiUon
and ..itored course will win you youVviVs
lous to offer some incentive to exertion.
i know her nature too well to hope that
A woman who prefers to dance and ride with
gentlemen r«tha- than remain in hS
iuxunous home, with her babe and her duties
cannot be won from her moth-like life No'
no 1 I despair of happiness from her societ;
and affection, and if at all, must derive it
rom other sources. My child is the only
iving blossom amidst all my withered hopesi
he ,s the only treasure I have exceptTonr
fr endship. She shall never blush Wher
fathers degradation. Henceforth, though
an unhappy man, I shall prove myself a t^^
perate one I cannot trust my child's Su
cation to Antoinette; she is unworthy the
sficred charge ; I must fit myself to form her
character. Oh, Beulah. if /could mS her
such a woman as you are, then I could in'
Cnril ^k""/!. '"* patiently 1 I named her
SpS^'i^'' \'°,"^"''*''' «^« shall be called
Beu ah also, in token of her father's gratitude
to his truest friend. " grauiuae
" No, Eugene, call her not after me, lest
some of my sorrows come upon her young
heaiL Oh, no! name her not Beulajj : let
her be called Cornelia. I would not have
her soul shrouded as mine has been." Beula
spoke vehement,ly, and laying her hand o",
his arm, she added:
' J- "gene, to-day you wiU leave me, c V- s
y ■ - J--" • '■■•■"~^, it.-yoarrair
rel : you go, I ask you, if not ?. t >
sake, for that of your child, to prom- ¥■
solemnly, that yeu will never agaia ■<
BEULAH.
167
rn
intoxicating drinks of any kind. Oh will
yon promise T Will you reform entirely ' "
TY^B was a brief pause, and he answered
" J jivfrnise, Beulah. Nay, my friend, I
sw-mr i will abstain in future. Ah, I will
nevf ,■ disgrace my angel child I Never, so
nel|> I (. Heaven !"
, Ti,<, ;,..und of approaching steps interrupted
the coriversation, and expecting to see Antoi-
netto and her infant, accompanied bv Mr
and Mrs. Graham, Beulah looked up quickly"
and perceived Mr. Lindsay.
•' Does my advent startle you, that you
.ook so pale and breathless T" said he
ffioiiin^^, as he took her hand. '
"Jam certainly very much surprised to
•ee you here, sir. '
u "'^".j »*? heartily glad you have come,
Kegmald, cried Eugene, returning his friend^s
tight clasp.
" I intended coming to nurse you, Graham.
*'!u"",'^„-^ '^^'"■'^ "* the accident, but my
mothers illness prevented me leaving home.
1 need not ask about your arm, I see it still
requires cautious handling ; but how are
gou otherwise? Regaining your strength, I
" Yes, gradually. I am better than I de-
serve to be, Reginald."
"That remains to be prove.l in future,
(xraham. Come, got well as rapidly as uos-
sib e ; I have a plan to submit to vou, the
earliest day you are strong enough" to dis- '
cuss business topics. Miss Beulah, let me
sharpen your pencil. "
He took it from her, trimmed it carefully,
and handed it back ; then drew her port-
folio near him, and glanced over the numer-
ous unhniahed sketches.
"I have several books, filled with Eu-
ropean sketches, which, I think, might
ttflFord you some pleasure. They are taken
by diitterent persons ; and some of the views
on the Bfiine, and particulariy some along
the smj^ern shore of Spain, are unsurpassed
byap^ I have seen. You may receive tliem
. , after I return."
' Thank you, I shall copy them witii great
pleasure." ®
" I see yon are not as much of a pyirhonist
in art as in philosophy," said Mr. Lindsay,
watching her countenance as she bent over
her drawing.
" Who told yon, sir, that I was one in any
department?" She looked up suddenly,
with flashing eyes.
" There is no need to be told. I can readi-
ly nercpive it."
"Your pene'.-ation is at fault then. Of
all others, the charge of pyrrhonism is the
Jast I merit."
iJe smiled, and xaid, quietly :
" What, then, is your aesthetic creed, if I
may enquire ?"
"It 18 nearly allied to Cousin'i."
"I thought yon had adjured eclecticism,
yet Cousin is its aixMtlo. Once admit his
theory of the beautiful, and you cannot re-
ject his psychology and ethics ; nay. his
tneodicea?"
" I do not de ire to separate his system :
as such I receive it."
Beulali comprcRSod her lips firmly, and
looked at her interrogator half defiantly
"You deliberately sluit your eyes, then,
to the goal his philosopliy sets before you '"
' No, I am Hearing th.- goal, looking steadi-
ly toward it. She 8p..ke hastily, and with
an involuntary wriukliui.' of her brow.
"And that goal is pantheism ; draped
gorgeous y, but pantheism still," answered
Mr. Lindsay, with solemn emphasis.
"No ; his whole psychology is opposed to
pantheism ! cried Beulah, pushing aside
her drawing materials, and meeting his .-yes
"You probably attach undue weight to
his assertion that although God passes into
the universe, or tiierein manifests all the
oleniontsof his being, he is not 'exhausted in
the act. Now, granting, for the sake
of aiyument, that God is not en- ■
tirely absorbed in the universe,
Couins pet doctrine of the 'Spontaneous
Ap|„ML-fption of Absolute Truths,' clear-
T-Sf- a- ''''"? "»an " modification of God.
Difference in degree, you know, implies same-
ness of kind ; from this there is no escape.
He says, « The God of consciousness is
not a sohtary sovereign banished be-
yond creation, upon the throne of
a silent eternity, and an absolute existence,
which resembles existence in no respect
whatever. He is a God at once true and
real, substance and cause, one and many
eternity and time, essence and life, end and
niiddle ; at the summit of existence, and at
Its base, infi^.le and finite together ; in a
word, a Trinity; beini; at the same time,
God, Nature and Humanity.' His separa-
tion of reason and reasoning, and the results
of his boasted ' spontaneous apperception '
are very nearly allied to those of ScheHing's
Inte lectual Intuition ;* yet I suppose you
would shrink from the 'absolute identftV' of
the latter t" "^
" You have not stated the question fairly
sir. He reiterates that the absolute bdongs
to none of us. We perceive truth, but do
not create it !" retnrtf:d P.P!ilab
"Vou will perhaps remember his saying,
explicit y, that we can comprehend the Ah.
solute?"
" Yes, I recollect; and moreorer, ho de
l':;j
SI
168
BEULAH,
!V
clare« that 'we are conducted to God by a
ray of his own being.'" '
_ ''Can limited faculties comprehend the
infloite and eternal Creator?"
♦»."^,^^"c"?* *,"'*'° * knowledge of him
through infinite channda. Cousin contends
that It 18 by means of relation to the ab-
solute that we know God. "
mn'lJ!""iu'' '*?"'*; *''•' a''s-'>ute, or God, you
mu t be the absolute : or, in other words.
God only can find God. This is the simpk
doctrine when you unwind the veil he has
cleverly hunjj over it. True, he denounces
pantheism, but here is pantheism of the ec
lectic patent, differing from that of other
■ystems only m subtlety of exuression
whereiu Cousin certainly excels. One of the
most profound philosophical writers of the
age ami one whose opinion on this point
certainly merits careful consideration, has
remarked, man analysis of Cousin's -.ystem. ,
'With regard to his notion of Deity^we
have already shown how closely thA-fgmes
|. upon the principle of Pantheism. /Even if
L we admit that it is not a doctrine, fikZkhat
^ of Spi noza, which identifies God wifPiSrab-
stract idea of substance; or even like that of
Hegel which regards Deity as synonymous
with the absolute law and process of the
■aiverse; if w. admit, in fact, that the Deity
Oltousm possesses a conscious personality
yet still u IS one which contains iu itself tie
loun.te personality and consciousness of
every ,„bo, dinate mind. God is the ocean
-we are but the waves ; the ocean may be
butstin?l"^''^'""'^*^''^'^» ^«^« ''"^ther;
but still tiicy are essentially one and the
^Zl 1 \ '' '^^ °°* '"^ ^'«"sin'8 Theism can
possibly be consistent with any idea of moral
eyUjneitherdowesee how, starting from
such a dogma he can ever vindicate Ld up-
hold his own theory of human iil,erty. On
nlv .]lf'"f' ° ^PTi>^^/' '^ll sin must be sim-
ply defect, and ah defect must be absolutely
fatui 0U8. Eclecticism was a beautiful, but
frail levee, opposed to Jhe swollen tide of
scepticism, and as in every other crevasse
when swept away, it only caused the stream
to rush on more madly. " oneam
He watched her closely as he spoke, and
observed the quiver of her longf curhng
lashes; he saw. too, that she was resolved
not to surrender, and waited for an explicit
defeuce; but here Eugene interrupted :
AU this tweedledum and tweedle-dee
reminds me of Heidelberg days, when a Tew
of us roamed about the SdeuVald, chopping
off flowers w.th our canes and discu'^iinf
philosophy. Raro jargon we made of it^
talk.ngof cosmotheticiaealism, or hypothe
t.,..j.j .17.-1; . . "'-"V"'". "« nyi
w- M .,ua!i3:ii, ur iiocno, uud dianoetic '
" J. D. Moreii.
prill -
•' S;)uculative Philosophy of
copies of hylo«oum, »nd hypostasis, and de.
monstratHig the mo.t undemonstrable prt
positions by appeals to the law of contradi^
ion or of excluded middle. I fancied thea
whpM,„T'^^'''''-'*T'S« ^"■^" learnecl-wondercd
whether Bvu ah here would be able to keep
up «ith me. and really thought 1 under-
•tood what I discoursed about so logirUy"
r™), "Z"?.*^ '*'*'* «"'»»»1« yourself,
Graham, by determining that '
•"You know what's what, and that's ab h<<»h
AS metftphysio wit <.an fly.' *" ^'*''
I imagine there are very few of us whowould
agree with some of onr philosophers, that
he pursuit of truth is fa? more important
than the attainment thereof '-that philoso-
phizin« IS more valuable vhan philSphy
which inTT"*, ^i*^ *^« abstraction;
Z.nt' I ^T^\of some metaphysical
fik. Ilw^^'■'"''''■•'^^''*^ '"'°'* and matter
I FshoulT °"''''1 °°""« "^ proceeding
1 [should scarcely endorse ; anj
the best antidote I remember fust
now to any such web - spinnina
proclivities is a perusal of the three firrt
fecture. of Sidney Smith on ' AWl Philos'^
phy. In recapitulating the tenets of the
Hcliools, he says: ' The speculations of many
of the ancients on the human understand
are so confused, and so purely hypothetk-al
that their greatest admirers are not agreed
upon their meaning; and whenever we can
procure . plain statement of their doctrines?
all other modes of refuting them appear to
be wholly superfluous.' Sliss Beulah I es
^ectnres. He bowed to her with easy
" I have them, ..V-have read them with
great pleasure, "said Beulah. smiling at W.
arcu.:.,annerof mmgled reserve afd free.
ri Ji'vUl^^Q*? ^"'**'^ *''*™**« that same incor-
aiKouldVaVfeJ^^^^^^^^^^^^
whose chin terminated in a point wouHl^
under the immediate necessVof S« ^
America-he would be such a perfect ffor?'
Decided y flattering to our national type of
s:iLtore^a\l"^°Vh'^^^.,^\/^^^^
'' Yes tnat was to show the influence of
cast r.,., b.j It remembered : and in thJ..
nn i lA-tjorj 1 > ». "'"'^ "^ *ne same
thah;M;;rdi;ki;orswwTn/ '"''"/*'' -
is ; but tbinks-if veiy n o^* i") ^''f^'*" \ce
elegant art. had beeuV^^'^it/lf ^J^,^'
BEULAH.
the Chinese, instead of the Ore -ka that
•Higular piece of defor,„ity-a Chinese nosl
-would havt been held iif high e u^atfoD '
It was merely as8.)ciati(m." ""'"'""od.
"Which 1 dou't believe a word of " cried
Beulah. appropriating the last as a lu„ra
her favo..nte ab.sohui„.u. J!i«i„g. sheXe,
her drawings,:, the portfolio ; for ti.esu
b-.d crept round the corner of the gallery
M "?-^''""°8 in her face. »•»"«••>.
Mr. Lindsay smileci, without renlvint? an,l
was about to be renewed whi. a ''"'''""
Beuhh "gave" h f test^r^V'!^ '^'*'"''^«'
3ja-J^r^-r.th.ed^
poA^da:?.t^[:^::-/--3
I. was commissioned to give vou thira.wl
knowing tlie contents, hojo a' Tav'JSe
the\orwl7wirau:r;\v.r'i *- °r« "^
niaidathertrddL^i f^ "* ^'•''"^•«-
;;^melette. smiled Ll^tZpuf if:!:
•' Will you got"
"No, Sir."
aui^^etirwou&e'fv'ou^'T" ^^ '^'^■
probably klw how muth ^y^u haVe" aUerTct
in appearance since I saw /ou Mv n, .? •
coming out to persuade you to gf^ cSVt
succeed without his aid ?" ^ * '
m:;L^?preiTed*'mVr. ""^.•- .^"^-'^
necessary work and ^ . "P'^hmg some
otherhaLrto-day imni'T'g" ^'"' *»
n.y longindoTencJ ^S v'ou TT'f '"'
chargeof my I«tte, bu^I^a^-Ai^t";^
of anaoyace"croVsSCi?/ %'uf V * ",'''°'
cleared as he sail. wi?h a smil^"* h" brow
nanion nf ~... i--i 9. "'"« '» a . .oLrint com.
to"critic5se7our Bket'^hll'"'"'!^ "■" t^^l^*^*!
irst'sTar-pi^^^'is;-, ^-i^^^:;:;^^
class, who seem Crou« „ r* .''''■'^"'' *''*
reputation as literary 'Sev«'^ i"^ '*^"'"«
s.r.^ that I am very v^ulnerlli:-'. ^ *"" "*•"'
litera^yTsL*';:','' y-* -* the next month'.
severe animadversion njon the m f »'""" *
writings ? Darn T ,i« »i • , ' '"' "' Jour
your fHendsh?; r ^"'' '"'^ "^ »»«?• for
fw. '"'?*"'','"'*'«' closely.
numeration in SL '■.n",''""^ l"'' ™-
am earnestly searchL" ^ ' ^
and if in fny tSZ^ ^°'" ,. *">»!>.
ern.r and can correct HhaiTh ^'V
have you do so or,..'; i ''® K'**'' *<»
Catholic spirit \h,h '?^ ?P" a.lopt the
such underE gs 'now 7v ' ^''^^inp^h
tend to hold me up for n^'i' if 'T'^^y '"•
ly as possible, I prefer tw' »V^'°™"«*i-
my a, tides r^st f but a ^1^".- ^"* """ *"'*
criticism I should not sWnk fron?''"';'°"''*^
only wlmt I believe and ;f . • ^ *"te
«hallbe,d.^
itwSfSgre^L'is^^^r ^« rr^
public criticism ? V\ ,1] vo'ltl ^ ^■'^hK-leof
cuss >>itli you. here in J^ '"'*"'*' *<>'^«-
those vital (,u;stions u h/ "'' ,^""'' ^'«"-«.
to e..ga,e y^X thought ^^'^ «-"'
cl-^ytTofSe.''"'^ --red With.
.u;;'and its'pStTo^fn 2"i^r''*"f "'-
1 have learned from E'"°''fJ'«P"tation.
merely logical foTs of ' '^''P*-'"e»c« that
cess of Idealism annihilated t *^"l P''*'
world ; and Hume proved tha^ t f^''^'""*'
like chimera: yet whol^ll '^'""' ^^^ «
verted by thdrl^XtS:';''''"'^ °°"-
I have lost faith in ratiSS ''•'''""'"«" ^
atill you cling to opinions fnn^j j
errors. Why not" be cons stent anH" °" '*'
jecting it, most potent ally, reject th« ''^'
elusions of Ilafconalism also^- ^ ^^ '""'•
Because I must believe
— ^»Y"^«i 8ir, vou w
vulnerable to criticism,
" very
wiiic'> uow-a days
Faith in7ome c're^TTs arXolut"""''*'''"«-
of human naturtj " 'absolute necessity
lellFbdS"""'^'' '••■"' '^-"' f-- ilrtel.
"And this conviction rcMilts f,.nr„ +v
same processes of ratiocin -t 'Tj^'""^
condemn as unworthv „f ,.,, . ,.„ f''J°"
.ub^ct to gross, sometime, iu,,::.!^^'!^''
170
BKULAH.
. " I am unable to iletoufc "Niiy such perver-
«nn„r,.i.icura,.y in the cuutioug ■ourseof
l^ilZiil^"^' '"' """^"'^ ""« V' -"y pre-
vouTr/llr'r.,'',"ll'"'',*'"* ^»°* convince i
vn ^^,«,"'f'»''''"''^v of tho oourHe ? Have
A^'^Ker '"' ^""'- '"'''^''^'^ --»-"> *»>'> !
y/' Yes, thoro i« no other left me."
i And your conulusiona are true for vou
only. Binoe the in.lividual organism of y .?,
mind make, them so. To an iutellKfa
IJ^gher or lower graaethe8econclusia.mwo„ld
l.e untenable since the depressed or exalted
roason judged them accordin-,dy. You mav
cling to Bome dnutriue as .-vbaolitely and ne^
cessanly true, yet to my mind it n^ay seem
rappe™." '*''"''°''' 'i'^'^tl'e vag.r^es of .pir?^
r^illV ^?'^?°"'"8 ia often falJ.>,;iou8, but
tm h h^,t rl'"' ' l"*'''°'"« "^''^ ^''^^^^ the
tion ;, 'f 'T'.^y spontan ons appercep-
t on. grasps truth," persisted beulahrinheai.
tatingly.
«„!.' '^''«.° *"■»"» hasas many pbajes, and m
un vf™ '''L?;,*' "'^'■^ *^« iadividua'Uin th"
aenoe. Spontaneous reason has crasned a
number of oddly qrihflieting doctrines etne
h ' r"' f .*^' reconciliation of these would
bour^7H'■^'*^'"« *" "^^'^^ *he dozen la
,,^u ^^''""les seem a far'-e."
Thesuporatitious of vanoua ages and na-
ence of universal and necessary principles. "
H„„„ - ^' ■• .'**''*' *l^e8e principles pro-
duoeu no unanimity of faith ? The history
of the human raoeli the history of the rise
of on... ,,h, o.soi.hy and religion from the ashes
hll !f ^ ', '''*'^"''- . ^^'■^ '8 «°e universal
be ef|,„it,!t:u3inthedawn of time; but
your «,.o;,(a,,oou3 reason is perpetually
changing tUr idols on these altars the God
apJJ^^'n- ''"■'•''' """^'^ reply. 3he heard Eu-
peue c^alhng hm ,n tlie hali; anrf was hasten-
mg to meet l.in, ; bub Mr. Lindsay caught
her hand, and said : " You have ^not ?et
fh,n° "^h 1"^''"?'?^" t°j°t™<^e on yourseclu.
mi ! «'i*l»<J'-ew her hand instantly:
When you have nothing else to occupy
.rou, and wish to while away an b.ur in
iterary discussion, you will generally find
me at home during vacatJ,-" "
She Nvalked on and joi ,..i Eugene in the
halJ Antoinette stood in thedoor, and thev
merely exchanged bows, while Mr. Graham
■' t^ll *'f?'^a'ia faiiiestly thanked her
., for the many kindnesses she had, rendered to
, Ui8 family. Beulah looked at the camposed,
I th.^jhin form of tf,e husband, ..nd «»id.
'o' 'n... . ■ 1 '" thanks, sir ; the claim.
". rii.t . u. i„p are imperative. In re-
.^ov,n. u. hi. own hou,e t trust Eugene's
miprovoinent may not be retards " *^
Antoinette tripped down the steps and
gathering the flounces of Lor costl/ drrss
seated herself in the carriage. Mr. Graham
bit his lip coloured, and after a cordia good
»>ye. joined her. Eugeno .-• i bittfrlv
and turning to Ben) ;.,,i ^,^ ij'fj^i
in his, saying, feehwgly :
1..'.' ^*"'**'' I leave your house a wiser, if not
the past : to prove to you tliat your faith in
me IS not altogether unmerited. If I am
saved from ruin and disgrace. I owe it to yoni
and to you I shall look for sympafliy anZen-
.hal?C*- 'V y^"' /y ''«* We"l I
^a?Wh?. r'^''/"':''"*^'"'^ ■"'^' ^'hencloid.
gather black and stormy over my miserable
home. God bless you, Beulah ! I have
promised reformation, and I will keep mv
promise sacred if itcost me my life"
He raised his hand to bis lips, and linkln*
iy"^ I" Mr. Lindsay- , left^the hou e an!
entered the carria re. while the latter mount-
ed his horse and rode slowly away
■'You look very weary, chiM. Yon must
give yourself some rest now," «aid Mra. Wil-
a rlJn "^'^'""^ ^^''^ "*""' *''^ °°''"®'" "^ ^'"'
iJ'^A^^u '^^• y^''' '^ ^''O''^ fin<l it." re-
& fV^^u''''>'"','*?*^« «'0'"1> from the
back of her head, and shaking down the fold*
of hair, till ,t hunc. round her like a lone
mourning veii *
'■Suppose you try to f'eepsome," suggest-
ed the matron. **
driu '■^''««^"'''''0'*t 'o first." said she,
firav , a long breath, and wiping the dust
from Her desk. *
M.B. Williams withdrew ; and. clasping
her hw", ;er her foreheod, Beulah '- od
face that , aided down on her, until she al-
moat fancied the lips parted to vldren b«r
CHAPT' ^ xXItV.
A^i^' I^'^'^^^l'^ ""'■' '*"' ""ore frequent.
At hrst Beulah wo. .ed v t brought him
so often from his di nt hou, to tSe city,
aud supposed it must be some legal business
which engaged him ; but gradually a differ-
eut solution dawned upon her mind She
rejected it as the pro..:ptii.g of vanity, but
1 he imperturbable gravity and repose of his
manner often disconcerted her. It was in
vam that she resorted to sarcasm and irony
nm, illy aSeabr;'""' •^"^«^^'' ''i'" «n
BEULAH.
«.w v:"7 -"""liner cliaracter le
centv of expre«8,on, which mighJK^' :
cerity o
^ had connectf.l their namea" it ^a 'i'""^
.ud readilyc ' w"'to'heTo;^,:;li\r /
his aocety of , „ave her pLZe *''**
better pleased with the n? Vrin "^f? • °°
than ti.e majority ot J^L T^ c"ticism
She frowned bit h fir ?i^ ^^ '" «"°h cases,
could havew'ritteJ-t ^-'h*"*^ '^°"'' ''^^^°
municated, an l" J^,U"^j\^ ^«» com-
her by some unkno vn ha'nd ^'J?„5««°««»t to
read the article andh«l? Once more she
criticised, and this w«« ""f^^-ourably
thought. '" '^*'' ««ffio'enf fob.l for
un^:se^ved%herhiS *"'! ''*"°'*- °^'^'- 1^«''
ing hiB hand. ^' ^" ^'^'*«'"' ^^tend-
dined he;hLa"?s^„^: '*' ^"* "^^"^^ *°-
"•Ahjiow ,|„ you do', sir?"
cbdr'nir £"l!':VtS ^'^it^f',^'?-^
"ic /. artn, without lookiug
you intensely. InC :,',~'" *" interest
I "•^^•l your criticiau,. Hal j j '"*' ^T" '"•
It when you entered " ^ pf'udenng
paper aT'S " "^^ '»'''''«. «"d shook the
wo;;iVstcoUt'..^r'''*'*^>'>u
unconcernedly. ^'^ ''^ ""awered. quite
cepiil„°'!j'r;i:t rf ""'■•"^{. ^'^j- *»••> ex.
y-, Next';U1,etoti:at"v5 '^'"^'^
l>artial to some Lrti^ u that you are very
v^hic) h'Tel Chi' ' ?^P'f««onB with
then -ntroTSnn •^'*''1"'"°*«''' "^d-void
" I rather think I shall ««*
perimeut ; especSlv as 1^ "P"* *^« ""
to ha^e f^lei a 3;*. 7^,*"^^ «eem
you quite sure that voi J *'f "K"' Are
view perfe. lly »» ^'"' understand my re-
"Oh, I think I do it?s ' 'J"«'''"«'y ■■
struse." ' " '* "ot 80 very ab»
her^'bSr^hf^r'iw^r"' ?^ ^''f- ^-^
and threw it into the l.Ve' "^ ''" '"'""*''»'•
hanlron'e'mo.:"^""'^' "^ ^« «ff-e<Uu.
andtn'::?^*^«^^ ^^' ^- t-d i« hi^
heavy frown, anrbcMts'' Zed n ^ ^ ''
he^saw ,t. and instantly rl/eaKer h"af '^ '
tafneda lo^rJfareS as iuf«"V> "f"^ ^""•
afford no facilities for'wrii",!"' ""'"' ^°"^*
Cbarl ,a,.l hi; htd ^'1?.*^^. l'«t.en.>g.
Mr. L,ndsayi5ded sZly ^"^' «"--• -^^
yoi^tlShlrpi't."'" "-- «*""> = ^'-^
"Yes, he will com. back if hi. Iif. .
i
' I
172
HKULAfT.
•p»red. I» may b« many y,,aM, l.ut h« will
oome, ho will ooine. " '^ "• wm
Their «yeH ,n„t ; tli-ie wa« a lot.,- ,„ar<li-
mg look f„,m Mr. L.nd.ay ; «i;. ,vZl
-hnuk fro.n the «orutiuy. Aa expre^.i, , ?
keen enrrow svopt ov.,/ l.i. ,a „., 1, ,t he cm
quere.1 h., onu.tion, took tl.o p^roel ho had
«>r<...ght a..,l uxwrappiug a book, eai.l ia
his U8ual tjniLt tone : '
" When I saw you last you were reffrafc.
>ngyourual.ilityto procL sTr wXt
Ham. t..n'« . l-hiloaophj of the (JoadiJ, S"
and I h:»ve taken the liberty of brinyin - vou
my own copy. Kea.l .t at your Id uro^- I
«hall not „...,d it again soon. ^ 1 do not ofTe
It M a gystorn wh.oh will satisfy your „,i„j
Lmiiv*'"" y""^P•?'.•'l«'"'' ! b"t I do most
earnwtly oommeml hm ' Philo«..phy of the
Condit.o.ie.1 a, the surest antidote to the
hvoi:ei"r„"' li'^'' t' «(•.-"'■••«'>• hi:
involved vo t. The most erndit,,, scholar of
tl.e ago and ono of the finest motaphysi.a
mmds the world has evm- know^he expres^
l^i'h'T^ '''',/•*•* Philosophi; reaeS:.
with the hmiildo coniession: 'There ar«
two sorts of ignorance ; we philoJophize to
escape „ooranoe. and the ..lummS o
our philo >,phy w Ignorance; we start from
the one wo repose m the other ; thev ar^
lenii , and the pursuit of knowledge is hut 1
ll"ir.ts:ff"'7' *";' '«?.—P^ aVhumat!
irave Ti K ^* travelling from grave to
fs tle'scil^Hn :^ "'* ''^'^ "^ humai, science
raice 'it '■'^^"«"'"i>n of human igno-
raace. Like you, Mms Beulah I ««<■ «.,? «.^
discover some iyste , wiiere no mvsterre?
isted-; where I should only believe what I
could clearly comprehend.^ Ye^. \liA i
P-oudly : X will believe nothing that I can
you, 1 stood in a wide waste, strewn with
the wreck of beliefs. My pride wserted
that my reason was the only and sSient
guide, and whither did itfead me? S
uaiverae looked to chance as its sole arohi-
tect, or that it was a huge lumberina mi
!on i^f.' *^«.^^°"'» of » miserable delT
sion, m supposing my finite faculties could
successfully grapple with the my^ : 3 if
the universe. I found that to receive f.e at
laitn than Revelation, and mv nrourl i.n..i
humbled itself, and resied in 7e S My
philosophic exnnriVnoo K»J * u. "' .™y
if mankind were to"h;v7 anr'CwTedge S
their ongui, their destiny,^ tWr Go? ft
must be reveled L. thatoid. for mancoul
■1
never disoMtr a.gf.t foiHl.imself. There ar»
myHten.« ,., Ui, It.ble which I cannot ei
I'Uiii I but . bears inoontrovortible marka
ot Uivine or.^i... and as such I receive it. I
can sooner believe the Alosaio revelation,
than the doctrine which tells you that you
an- irtof Uod.aud capable of penetrating
to ,., solute truth. To quoi., the expressivi
•uiHua^reof an acute critic (whose well-known
Itttitudiuananisin and disbelief in the verbal
msm ration of Scripture, yive p«culiar weight
t<. his opinion on the subj.iot), • when the ti-
yocates of this natural, spontaneous inspira-
tion, will come forth from their recesses of
thought, and deliver prophesies as dear m
those of tlie Hebr-iW seer ; when they shaU
mould tiie eltments of natuie to their wiU,l
when thev shall speak with the sublime au-
thority of Je.u8 of Nazareth, and with the
saintMu.Miitu ea^e, rising boyoiid all tlie in-
lluence of time, place ,tn,l circunistanoes, ex-
plain the past, and unfold the future j when
tli.y die for the truth they utter, aud rise
again, as witnesses to it.i divinity : U.en we
may begin to place them on the elevation
which they so thoroughly claim j but until
tiiey . ither prove these facts to be delusions,
or give their parallel in themselves, the
worid uiav well lanyh at their ambition, and
trample their spurious inspirations beneath
ilsteet 1 here is an m'inite, eternal, and
lovinu t.od ; I am a tinito creature, unable to
oomprehend him, and knowing him only
through his o« n revelation. This very reve-
lation 18 msufJiciout for our aspiring souls.
1 grant ; but it declares emphaticafly that
here we see through a glass darklv.' Bet-
ter this, than the stariess night in which
you grope, without a promise of the dawn of
eternity, where all mystery shall be explain-
ed. Are you not weary of fruitless, mocking
speculation ? " He looked at her anxiou.lyf
She raised her colouriess face, and said
fpro'head " ^'^^^^ ^^' ^"^^ °'"" ^^
L1^'""'V ^h y^^ ' ^^'"■y a" the lonely ',
toa/iner. terapest-tossed on the pathles. '
(Mean, without chart or compass. In mv
wl even the star of hope Is shroudei
We-vry ? Yes, in body and mind. "
f<... ^^'^'''.^^^^'^'e your proud intellect; con-
iunlT'^nT-'"^ anJ inability, and rest
in God and Christianity.'
ir.?^!""!^ *" impatient gesture, and. turn-
V,i\^t^' ^' '^^^^''^ "P *"'i down the floor.
^ or some moments neither spoke : finallvl
he approached her, and continued : ^'
Ihere is strange significance in the
Mosaic record of the Pall L-n "— '-- '?
fruits of knowledge, whereby' the" vs^eriS
Thi'h?^*'^**"''^ ^^ revealed, cost m Ede"
Sii ^u'''**^' "^owledge mocked them^
and only the curse remained. That pri^
BEULAH.
17.T
' ▼»! curw of deniring to know all thinj^ de-
•oended to «11 posterity, and at thin instant
Tou exemplify its existence. Ah I you muat
humble your intellect, if you woulc! have it
{ exalted; must bo willing to be guided along
unknown patha by other light than that of
ronson, if you would be happy. Well might
Sir VVilliam Hamilton exdaim : • It is this
powerful tendency of the most vigorous
^ minds to transcend the sphere of our facul-
ties, which mak« a "learned ignorance " the
moat difficult aoqiiiifiment, pcrliapa indeed
the consniiimation of knowletige."
He sighed as he uttered these wowii : she
•aid nothintj j and, putting his hand gently
i upon hers, as they lay folded on the table
beside her, he added, sadly :
fc„"I had hoped that I could aid yon, but I
•ee my efforts are useless ; you will not be
guided nor influenced by others ; are deter-
mined to wander on in ever-deepening night
, "olitary and restless I God help you, Beu-
A shudder ran over her, but she made no
reply.
He took her cold hands in his.
"And now we part. .Since the evening I
first saw you with your basket of strawber-
nes, I have cherished the hope that I ii ight
one day be more tiian a friend. You have
constantly shown me that I was nothing
more to you ; I have seen it all along, hut
•till 1 hoped ; and notwithstanding vour
coldness, I shall continue to hope. My love
_ is too entirely yours to be readily efracrd.
( I can wait patiently. Beulah, you do not
i love me now • perhaps never can, but I
shall at least ding to the hope. I shall not
oome again ; shall not weary you with pro-
fessions and attentions. l' kimw your n».
ture, and- even had I the power, would not
gsrsuade you to give me your hand now.
ut time may change your feelings ; on this
•'frail tenure I rest my hopes. Meantime,
■hould circumstances occur which demand
the aid or counsel of devoted friendship, mav
I ask you to feel no hesitancy iu claiming
any assistance I can render? And, Beulah,
at any instant, a. line, a word can recall me.
1 he separation will be very painful to me,
but I cannot longer obtrude myself on your
presence. If, as I earnestly hope, the hour,
however distant, should come when you de-
sire to see me, oh, Beulah, how gladly will
I hasten to you "
"We can never be more than friends 5
never I" cried Beulah.
. ..., v.rrrjp. =v utrvr, av.u pcrnaps I am
ooomed to disappointment ; but, without
^ur Function, I shall hope it. Good-oye."
He pressed his lips to her hand and walked
away,
Beulah heard the closing, of the little gate,
and then, for the first time, his meaning
flathed upon her mind. He bflieve.l ahe
loved her guardian ; fancied that long
abgence would obliterate hia image from
her heart, and that, finally, grown in-
ditferent aa to one who might never return
she would give her love to him
whose constancy merited it. Oenuine deli-
cacy of feeling prevented his expressing all
this, but ahe wa« conccious now that only
this induced his unexpected course toward
herself. A burning flush suffused ht.r face
as she exclaimed :
" Oh I how unworthy I am of such love aa
hiB 1 how utterly undeserving I"
Soon after, opening the book he had
brou),'ht at the place designated, she drew
the Ismp near her and began its perusal.
Hour after hour glided awiiy.and not until the
1 iNt page was concluded did Hhe lay it aside.
The work contained very little that "Was
new ; the same trains of thought had passed
through her mind more than once before;
but here they were far more clearly and
forcibly expressed.
She drew her chair to the window, threw
up the sash, and looked out. It was wintry
midnight, and the sky blazed with its undy-
ing watch fires, ihis starry page was the
first herchildifh intellect had puzzled over.
She had, from early years, gazed up into the
ghtteij^g tcmi,!e of night, and asked ;
"Whence came yon silent worlds, floating
in solemn grandeur along the blue, waveless
ocean of space? S nee the universe sprang
phoenix-like from that dim chaos, which may
have Seen the cliarnel-housc of dead worlds,
those unfa<ling lichts have burneil, bright as
when they san^ together at the creation.
And I have stretctied out my arms helplessly
to them, and prayed to hear ju«t once their
unceasing chant of praise to the Lord of
Glory. Will they shine on for ever ? or are
they indeed God's lit,'ht.bearer8, set to il-
lumine the dppths of space and blaze a path
along which the soul may travel to its God ?
Will they one day flicker and go out?" To
every thou-Lful mind, these questions pro-
pound themselves, and Beulah especially had
esBwyed to answer .them. Science had
o) med ti-.e starry hosts, and computed their
r loveirauts with wonderful skill ; but what
conld it teach her of their origin and destiny ?
Absolutt ly nothing. And how stood her in-
vestigatious in the more occult departments
of psycludogy and ontology? An honest
seeker of tnuh, wLjit had these years of in-
quiry and fpwjulalion accomplished ? Let
her answer aa, with face bowed on her palmt,»
her eye* roved over the midnight sky.
" Once I had some principles, seme truths
clearly define.;), but now I know nothinqois-
tinctly, believe nothing. The more iroad
creasing intricacy the rewanl nf J, " T
luqu PUitfniiiKl ? I« f. ■ ? , °^ *" earnestly
•ny .l.Hif.u" as ,i,i iJ;;^ *° '« the end of all
th« V 'Tlii-sft o? 'fave I come to
stuml,!./ a%t„T "'> f'^-'ther.' I have
aud now .„;"t I est herh"'n;"'*"y *''"^«'
recompense ? CaT . ' . ^^' '« ^^'^ '"y
co5e-^ilieSr. [rrns'™-^«^
'it^cphor natureWvmh, r "^^^ '*^P ^«« *»
God's Indden aVs .^ but iL":'.'^ *^"^ «™^P
aiose; how far was .. •*if'^^V'r''''l *''""^'«
ablea,„l safe' To '"•"'?''"" ''""^■
rationaHs, sheilfT "°''f '''*' theories oi
task, an he „rol^ ''■ '"'l'"'^ * Hercnlean
Nov,.' an. t en*^Tr hn" '"*" deeper uight.
and, u. her ddi. ht .T"'"'^ ^*'' ^^'^'^rred,
But when the f^l*' i""'®" Jiureka !
reason u^^So^.iftto^h' °* W infallible
flittering poiuta fl a*. "P^n the coldly
out. More timf; . ^^ ^'"^^''^^ "''d went
German JiZ:* « '^T '."^ • °°'"«* ^^
athw-art her dazzled ;.• ■ "'H'^ '" ^lory
servation resolved fT ^ ^'"? ' ''"* °l«se ob-
<I"iibt: the df.aH.^*" ,"*" engendered
u-taut b th of ano/he?' tf^''^'^ ^^' ^^e
<'l»cepl.ici6,nsur.*I? n u^^^° a^er w^ave
i'"^iuo of !l?, f '''^^^«'• "O"!. until the
^11 '^Ke., nunU.leriui vestige "'r°f""'"V '°
deism confroutthfl «;.„.. °? '^^ P'^tean
nation under hSverhi,'^"'*''^' f"^d every
the " unknown God '^ bIT^^ '*' ^'*"« ^°
to enthrone m her d^;»„, ."'*'' }"^ striven
diai,8haDele8SDhI,.fr f*^*^ """'■ *»>« ^u^e,
turned e^cWo th^"" 1 P^'^'^i^'". and hid
heroic gratdeuroftj!'^''*?°?-?^SP^"«2»- '^'^e
had strangely fascnat-rh" ^'^^"^^ °^*'-*°*«'-
idol of a ''8ubst^np« u''*'"' »>utnow, that
tributes were extiisiriT.^" u'°«"'^« *t.
her ; and she hurled it f" *^.°"^^^' ""'"°''«d
•ookod back wSullvL^v!" '*' P''^^^^*^' a"d
childhood T f'n n ^''^ P'J'"^ f^'th of her
"'Oman. Shelooku.A'? T"''^'''* ^"^less
to her own room oLll' -^^ *"^ ''^^''-^d
her : here wasThe varS .'^^'' "^^ ''^ «'-««t«d
turies ! here she hJlhf, ^°''^ °^ ^^*d cen-
the great souls euroml^f-^ communion with
pui;zle8, she had po« i. !^ " t'^"^*^ g'""
•ng questions in ^hl^"V^I? ^^"'^ »»»dtex-
nioufderinidead and . / °^ °^''^ "^ "'«
ttemsclv/tS' "i, '^'tr"'''^^^*" '"^'^'^
wi^h elo.se "„?ar^;„l,?^'J;^"-r''"^«J»'U08.
.tiack.ho.;£^S:^^^CJ::^-^,;/-
she th
rew I
PK
iontii=rL*?^r*f ^■■-'-'i
'^vcd'j; rf""?''! "'"^' t*"'" Jive as I have
and what hop iaveM Tial ^'^^r* ^"P« '
sophistry cai^ no C^ enXTtle'tVf
dove, niv soul haa ri..^ "'»'"» "Kei.\oali a
8 true^'l'd^d "^ "^ ""^^"^^ b"* the B!bia? K
m'; :srt°rva't"',tfu ■ re
sec.etaof the universe'" *^ °^°^'^ ""^
nothing, ani therefore Would not believe it
This was the inevitable result of nanth^^m
H?iSdfS'S^^rA-;
mass of inorganic matter Af * * "^*
heiisihilifio- ..k- u •, "' twomcompre.
neus bilities, which was the moat plausible f
B^i^stiia^^
alo gtnath"a.H'*}''' '^'^^'•*^«' ^»^^' «it
morasses Oh ^^'V"*"*, ""^ ""^ *« deeper
morasses. Oh. wimtis tlie shadow of death
su coinpansou Mith tiie .tarless nlht v^^fch
my liie J My God, save me I Giva m«
J'ght: of myself I can know-nothing r
. Her proud lutuUoct was l.nml.l«,r „».> faJ!
ingoii lie., knees, for the first lime i~n mant
n.u th.: a sobbrnj,- prayer went up the tKe
of the hying (i„d; vvhile the vast cKwTk
I or .tars looked in on a pale brow ST^p.
\
BEULAH.
If
wWe the heavy drops of moisture glia
175
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Fonr years had passed since Eneene On,
ham returned to his home, after X eeVere
rfines. and now, as he sits alone in his llbrl
hL'iJis'uordlffi'^ tf' docum^nKfore'
u»m, It IS not difficult to perceiv« Hi«+ k;-
promise has been held sacrS Thron.h the
suggestion of Mr. Lindsav anH \hL^ ®
ter hi8 recovery. Hopeless of hapDiuo^.Tn
h.8 own home, ambition became tS^ruih,"
C x^rS T-rr^-hi- ontoUS
r„«^ • ?• . ® asp'rations of his bo v
hood revived ; the memory of his huS"
*ting course goaded him to cover fh-,^:
himself posspssecl of an LvLk/„ '^^ /«H°'i
ledged talent, but herSsh n J'„" '^''°"'^-
mutual indiireri.nn« ,,L , ."^*^' "ecaiise
Mrs. G^^lT'g^JZSf ''!Tr''fy-
them ; rode, danced lllnl\ " '' «^<'"'>fl«l
fashionable Utenng'-p [ce" ar^' ZT'''' ''
m a mund of f„i!,, j !'• '^ "*"^ *"'"^rs
a bSe'r-any'^roung 'Lr ifS " r""^'' "^
received the iltLtifi^SLS^S,:;^
p. some family laboriously toihnrto?«- 'I*
ber circle, her "clioue" l^Hnri .** i/®*"''
her oxamph,. and humored hei^im""''!^
ffi one\T. *^T' '"'^"* toward Te; hul
r^piteT atrL"arrd^r-ek"''«
ehort intervals, at ho^^/ He erased t^' in'
sne^t',"T" remonstrate ; h s days wefe
epentin the ccurt-room, or his office a/^
his evenings m his libiarv ihl . ' ?'^°
extravagantly a^ she cW h. '^'f*^ ^'
commenV pa\d herTootts kuLZ'LTe
taciturn and abstracted, day bj -b^l '""'^'
Oh, woman I woman! wiiei. will «,-
sever the fetters which fashToL wealth »n°
by neglecting their duties, and de«e, tin]
their sphere, drive their husbands boZI^^^
brothers out into the world, reckles a H
depraved, with callous Jiearts .Vri!!: V,
aid on the aJtars of M.mmon'i SThS
the women of America I Grant th!» fu^
true womanly instincts whkhtth^d"wn o1
our republic, made "home" tie FM-„*.
acme of aU human ho^esmS' *^'''
Teach them that gilded salS, Sh E
accompanying allurements of F en?h lati I
m dress, and dancing, and the m...
.nanners and style of ^;H,nvers«'t on^^^S?
in less degenerate times, would have brand
ed with disgrace and infamv all whn i^^ .
ed it), teach then, that aftese tend ff ".^
depths of social evil- ^.} ^l tend to the
ba^k ^o the heaSsCe' ttat tfy-for
gen., (.rahain's love and tenderness were aU
'vved ou 1..S aaughter, a beautif„rchiid '
e years old ; the sole companion of
spent at home, she besame his
er liusb.'iiul n»i^..«^ .-^- - - .
oi her 'n<>ven;;;^;"a;,d r^;:?^^^;!!; ""*"*^*
ny- Ir- the Ih.kX i ^ '" ''®'' °<'i«Pa-
^ be defoiujed t^ "fcSJ^in^d^^^-'T;;;::^
' nn. Ht.jaI,i>K through t.a.%huU.rl. fdi <m
>B lofty brow, pale from c-iitmued stu ?v"
his whok cou„tei.a«ce be.pckern«t.ms/d'
dened. vexed, butr,«,lute.'«.d Sngtl",
r^ i
il.ii
Vti
i¥
L
176
BEULAH.
ward he touched the bell-rope. As he did
?h« Wi^T''^^"''''' footsteps patting along
the hall, the door was pushed open, and f
ringlets, peeped m cautiously, while a sweet
Ohil.lish voice, asked eaye.ly •
"May I come now, father? Have vou
donewritiDffT I won't maL,» , „ ^•
deed I won't." ^ * "°"' ' '"•
The gloom fled from his face, and ho held
out his arms to her, saying :
nn!!,^***? |!o»e writing"; 'you may come
now, my darling." j' "id
She sprang into his lap, and threw her lit-
tt\Ty, "'•«»»''"«* his neck, ki.sing him
rapturously, and passing her fra-ile ttl^era
through hm ha,r. 8he resemble,! iPim closely!
havingasame classical contour, and large, soft
dark eyes Horeturnedhercaresseswithanex-
pression of almost adoring fondness, stroking
her curls with a light, |e„,le touch. The
h s cl. T^' w,f '"'^'''"^ '*• ^^^ ^t'^^ding on
his knee took the corner of her tiny, em-
broidered apron, and wiped away the mois-
ture, kissing the forehead as she did ao. A
•ervant looked in at the door. " ■* ^
•' Did you rincr, gji. »>>
!! n'f ' *"*" *'^''''P ^ ^='''* '"y buggy."
Ihl 7 i^^A f ;.*" '^*' ^""* Beulah-will we?"
one looked at him earnestly
♦'. lllf"''^ ^f"? ''.''^ ^'^ eo there. Cornelia ?»
In™ i^ ' ^" ' . I »' ^•■'ys Jike to go there. I
"Yes, you .hall go with me, my darling."
C i A"- P-'"'**'-'"" ^^•'P* '"to the room.
Slio was attired m an elegant riding habit of
dark pur,, e, while a velvet hat of the same
nerface. Her hands were inc.-ised in deli-
catekid .gauntlets, which fitted with perfect
exactness. She wis a beautiful woman, and
the costume heightened her loveliness. She
started slight. ly, on perceiving her husband,
and aaid hastily r '">^"-iu,
" I though t you were at your office. Cor-
ri^Jln'.'lh" T *""'*'Vhave you done wiSi my
nmng whip.' yoamischievouslittle wret-jhl
You lost It on. .6 before. Go find it; lam
waitjug for It. Go thi.i instant I'
«»• child, n.aking no effort to leave her
tither's arms,
K,i;...ne glanced up at his wife ; his eyes
wandorcl over her Uominq; and boautifnl
ki. Phiid *° '^^ '"""y ^*°^ '°^
An anury flush dyed Antoinette'^ ohc^k..
' wu^^T*<l l^*'- 'Uughter'a indifforgnoe
►Vhsrawmy whip, I.ayT Flor» «aw
you with It yesterday, whipping that hobby
horoe. i told you to keep your hands off , f
'• , ",n?,- ^^ ^■"" '^°"*" ^^ '""I'-l li"«t iC
quick, 1 11 box you soundly, you meeldle-
some littlo brat I"
" I haven't liad it since you told me I
shouldn't play witli it. Flora telh a story,"
answered (,'ornelia, sobbing.
"You did have it!" cried the angry
mother, shaking htr hand tlireateuintrly.
"Did you see her with it?" asked Eugene,
rising, with the ciiild in his arms.
" 1 know she had it ! "
" Did you see her with it, Pfcsked you?"
"No, but Flora did, and that is all the
same ; besides, I "
" Here is the whip, ma'am. I found it
last week m the hall, beliiud a chair, and
put it in tha caae stand. The last time j'ou
went to ride, you put it and your gloves on
a chair m the hall, and went into the parlour
to see some company. Flora picked up the
gloves and carried them up-stairs, but didn't
see the whip. "
John, the dining-room servant, handed her
a small whip, with mother-of-pearl handle,
inlaid with gold.
"It is no such thing!" cried Mis.
Graham, gathering up the folds of her habit,
and colouring witii vexation.
John Bhru,;ged his shoulders and retire.!,
and his mistress aviled out to the front
door, where her horse and htr escort awaited
her.
"Run and get yonr hat and c.-.pe, Corne-
ua;-I see the buggy coming round the cor-
ner. '
Eugene wiped away the tear diop«i glitter-
lug on her rosy cheeks, and she sprang off to
obey him ; while in the interim, he sent for
Flori, and gave her to understand that he
would allow no repetition of the deception
he had acci.Ientally discovered. The inaid
retired, highly incensed, of course, and re-
solved to wreak vengeance on both John and
Cornelia ; and Eugene took his seat in the
baggy in no particularly amiable mood.
They found Beulah in her little flower gar-
den, pruning eomo luxuriant geraniums.
tShe threw down her knife, and hastened to
meet them, and all three sat down on the
BtCMT
ojjr years had brought sorrow to that
;age home ; had hushe.l the kind accents
of the matron ; stille.l the true heart that
throbbed so tenderly for her orphan chaige,
and had seen her laid to rest in a warm,
grassy slope of the cemetery. She died
peaceably three months before the da" nf
which 1 writs ; died exhorting Eugeneand
Beulah bo to pms the season of probation,
that they might be reunited beyond the
gravu. In Ufa she had humbly exemplified
\>^,
^
BEULAH.
i»e turned to hit
the teachings of our Saviour, and her death
was a tnuraphaot attestation of the joy and
hope which onlj. the Christian religion can
afford m the final hour.
To Beulah, this blow was peculiarly
severe, and never had the sense of her
orphanage b«en more painfully acute than
when she returned from the funeral to her
lonely home. But to sorrow her nature was
inured ; she had learned to bear grief, and
only her mourning dress and subdued manner
told how deeply she felt this trial. Now
she took Comelia in her armd and kissed '
her fondly, while the child returned her
caresses with a warmth which proved how
sincerely she loved her.
"May I have some dowers, auntie'"
cried she, patting Beulah's pale cheek with
her plump, dimpJed hands.
hn,ll^\^'^^\^^ "'^'^y '^ yo" can carry
flome. Go gather some. " '
thf'^fl?/*"*'?^' a"<lthotwo sat watching
flnl ^^*'!r "^c!'^' ^^''^^ ^'•^^s among the
flower beds She piled her little apron as
a1; 1' PfS'l^if' a"<i came back panting and
beautiful beaminij face, and twining one of
the silky curls over her finger, said, musing-
" Eugene, she always reminds me of Lilly
iJo you see the rdsembiance ? "
"Not in her features; in size nud .'av
I sawTerTit" '"""''' '^' '' ^'^' ^"'>'' <*«
chiS'lrP"/'"'? ^?f '^®'"® ^'"«' «"'! y«"r
cmw 8 are dark, like your own ; but she
never comes up and puts her arms ^unS my
neck, without recalling bygone years I
could -hut my eyes, and'^lncy^m; loa
darling was once ...ore mine. Ah 1 how
iTnks f oT^r. s^^K^--^ "l> *^'« SolZ
that b nf '^''^'°°'^'. ""'* ^^*^*=« the ch.ain
ing, and shall wake to a happy reality.
aunshi::i;Vould%h';dC:?i;.v*'ia7t'^ ^^otaccept h,m, and'told you whyr'Le't
ife 1 But this nmy nSbelanTl can m.lv t '""f^'^^^'^i'. ' V* is an uunleasant one ^o
love Cornelia instead " "'^ T " ^ '*•'" ^"'f*^''''' ^^""^ ^^^^ ^ eo"W possibly
" • • l/beanyvynereelse. Think you I would n^arrj
merely for an eleeant home unrl «n w.*»ii„/
177
Her long, black lashes were weighed down
wdness in her low voice. Cornelia stood h^
fter si,i.., ;,usily eneaged in dressing Beulah'i
i^u^:"' "r/T'"°««»'*"'l Bclrlet Je'
^l"*r.- '.*'H«?*^"''"''- She noticed the
rBr.,!'-':'''^"=''"'r ^"tteniu the quiet f*
and snio impatiertly : ^
"nS''L'l\.T/..^*^^«' >-^" 5^«":t look g;
wh'-n she had left them,
companion and asked :
" Beulah, have you reflected on what I
said the last time I saw you ♦"
"Yes, Eugene."
" With what result ?"
"My former decision is only confirmed,
the more I ponder the Bubject."
tl,IlT""H ''""" r^" nothing of Reginald,
last week "'''*^ ' "" "^"'"^ '*'*^*^ l>U8ine88,
"No ; he has been in the city several
times during the last four years, but never
conies here ; and except that one letter,
which I did not answer, I have heard nothinii
from him. I doubt whether we ever meet
" Yon are a strange woman 1 Such devo-
tion as Ins would have won any other beintf
ile 18 as much attached to vou now as the
tlay he tirst ollcred you his band. Upon my
word, your obstinacy provokes me. He is
the noblest man I ever knew ; everything
that 1 should suppose a woman of your nature
would admire ; and yet, year after year vou
remain apparently as indiff-erent as ever.''^
And It were a miserable return for such
unmerited love to marry him me.-ely from
gratitude. I do admire him, but cannot
marry hiai. I told him so four years ai»o "
^;it why did you not at least answer his
letter :
"Because his acceptance was made the
condition of an answer ; a nei/ative one w«s
not expected, and I had no other to give "
not WW''' ^''"'^'^ but why do you
no;'ttS«;fl7S*™^y- My heart is
"Beulah, do you intend to spend vonr
life solitary and joyless, cut ofT, 1« you are
here, from society, and dependent on books
and music for sympathy ? Why will you not
nja^ry Reginald, and make his home happy ♦"
/ ii-ugene, I have told you before tliat I
'•WlUti^ot accept him, and told you why Let
Jt inn>f l<n 4l..°..i ..„. 1 «
«Jly, .laik thivs : 1 wi.h y„u wouldn't./ i
wrn4 to see you look beaatitul, like moth/r."
.-II« u • ' «" *"'^ '""'^'»'' t^at cluste/^ of
yellow bernes ycndor," wid her father j and
.„,. 1 r , *"'"» J"" A wouuiniarry
merely for an elegant home and an ititellec-
tual companion ? Never I I will live and dio
■ere in this little cott*ge, rather tlian quit
It witli such motiveR. You are mistaken in
supposing that Mr. Lindsay is rtill attached
tome It has been nearly two years since
he wrote that letter, and from Georgia I hear
that the world believes he is noon to n.arry »
! I lady residing somewhere near hijn. \ t>--.'-
it more than probable the report is true, and
hope most sincerely it may i)e so Now
Jv.i^ene, don't mention the subject again'
will you V* J e .
It is generally believed that he will ho
N H
h '4
\\
178
ekoted to Congress ; next month will decide
it. The chances are all in his favour," per-
listed Eugene^
" Yea ; so I judged from the papers," said
the, coolly, and then added : " And one
day I hope to see you, or rather hear of you.
in VVashmcton by his side. 1 believe I shall
be ^raiified ; and oh, Eugene, what a proud
moment it will be to me ? How I shall re-
joice in your merited eminence."
Her face kindled as she spoke, but the
•hadows deepened in his countenance as he
•nswered moodily :
" Perhaps I may ; but fame and position
cannot li(!;hten a loaded heart, or kindle the
sacied flame of lovu in a dreary home. When
• man blindly wrecks his ht'ppiness on the
threghold of life by a fatal marriage, no after
exertion can atone or rectify the one mis-
take. "
I'Hnslr ! she will hear you," said Beulah,
pointing to the little girl, who was slowly
approaching them.
A bitter smile parted his lips,
" She is my all ; yet precious as she is to
my sad heart, I would g'adly lay her in her
grave to-morrow, sooner than see her live to
marry an uncongenial spirit, or know that
her radiant face was clouded with- sorrow
like mine. God grant that her father's
wretched lot may warn her of the quicksands
which nearly engulfed him.'-' Retook the
child in his arms, as if to shield her from
Honie impending danger, and said, hurriedly :
" Are you ready to go home ?"
" Is it so very late ?"
" It is time we were going back, I think."
Beulah tied on the hat and cape, which
had been thrown aside, aud saw them ride
away.
There, in the golden twilight, she mused
on the changes that time bore en its swift
chariot. The gorgeous dreaming^ of her
girlhood had faded like the summer clouds
above Der, to the sombre hue of realitv.
From the hour when her father (a poor ai'-
tist, toiling over canva-'jto feed his children)
had,^ ill dying accents, committed the two to
God's care, she only remembered .sorrow np
to the time that Dr. Hartwell took her to his
home. Her life there was the one or'ght
oasis in her desert past. Then ahe left it a
woman, and began the long struggle with
poverty and trials over again. In addition,
scepticism threw its icy shadow over her.
She had toiled in the cavernous mines of
metaphysics hopele.s8ly : and finally return-
ing to the holy religion of Jesus Christ, her
■ --' J -i-ti '!i-i rn'it: An, tuatrcsl svnicn
only the eshaustfd wanderer through the
burnitiff wast*8 of speculatioa caa truly
sompreheEd and appreciate. She hat! been
ambitjoug, and laboured to btain diidnction
as a MJriter ; and this, under various ticti-
tioui ^gnaturea, was hers.
She still studied
all contribu*^
The grim pu.
plexed her mind
themselves before
ote, but with another aim, .lOW, than
esire of literary fame ; wrote to warn
of the snares in which she had so long
mtangled, and to point young seekers
jruthtothe only sure fountrin. She
was yery lonely, but not unhappy. Geocgia
and Pelen were both happily married, and
she saw them very rarely'; but their parents
were still her counsellors and fricntis. At
Mrs. WilliaiTTB* death, they had urged her to
remove^Jheir house, but she preferred re-
maining at the little cottage, at least until
the expiration of the year. She still kept
her place in the school-room ; r.ot now as s.a-
sistant, but as principal in that department ;
and the increased salary rendered rigid
economy and music lessons no longer neces-
sary. Her intense love of beauty, whether
found in nature or art, was a constant source
of pleasure ; lvinl^<;. mnsic, painting, flowers,
•^n her liappiness.
. - -jyuy no longer per-
sometimes thej' thrust
her, threatening tvs the
sphinx of old ; but she knew th?t here they
were insolvable ; that at least her reason was
no OSiIipus, and a genuine philosophy induc-
ed her to put them aside ; and"ancborinj-
her hopes of God .\nd eternity in the religion
of Chri?t, she drew from the 'l)eautiful world
in which she lived much more enjoyment.
Once she had worshipped the universe ; now
she looked beyond the wonderful tethpie
whose a'-cliitecture, from its lowest foundpi-
tion of rock to its starry dome of sky, pro-
claimed the God of revelation ; and loving
its beauty and crandeur, felt that it was but
a borne for a season, where the soul could be
fitted for yet more perfect dwelling-places.
Her face reflected the change which a calm
reliance on God had wrouglit in her feelings.
The restless, anxious expression had given
place to quiet. The eyes had lost their
strained, troubled look ; the brow was
unruffled, the face serene. Serene,
reader, but not happy and""" spark-
ling as it might have been. AH the
shadows were not yet banished from her
heart; there was one spectral form which
thrust itself continually before her, and kept
her cheek pale and rendered her lip at times
unsteady. She ha' 1 8tru;,'gled bravely against
this one remaining sorrow ; but 'as time
rolled on, its power and influence oiily in-
craasod. Even now, in this quiet honr, when
a holy hush had fallen on all nature, &nd
tvnuirnt wrappeu its soft, purple veil arotinu ,
her, this haunting memory came tf» stir the
depthis i,f her heart, Charon w.'^lkeil slowly
ttp the steps, ahii iayirig down «,t her ffe*t,
less, (j
than a
ir, auH
ini^'ht
tidings
knew ii
proud 1
Orient,
distant
1 liable 1
hands g
dread a;
burst fi
the heai
The CO
her. E'
more; a;
such as
Prom th
and to p
three ye
evening,
shield ar
the mist
mind, (
"lingldd \
months v
impassion
and finall;
ing wish 1
again. R
forgotten
ing care ar
his brillian
<>n her. I
head, sher
"Oh, P£
"■nd death 1
"ft my gua
ray wander
"Poldth
give it to m
trunk for it
Mrs. Asb
coats from
packed it av
"-How lo!
Auppo.'»e?"
" Pf^babi.
dactor think
5nvigo?niw,' hi
we iiAd iuten
u
--nrw,u„Z,«',;i».',«ta>.ne,taji.,,a,
deserts; away from ^^ ^ .'l'*^'"' '^'stant
thwWon earth besSe-wl' T?V'' ^'«'"
'" au.rer m ,, ,' ^^" ^^'^ left h»r
proud hea.1 % low 5^ tf/h '"''l *^'"" ^''^
Orient, or was dXu-„ i Vu^" P'^''»« "f t^e
'Hstau seas l^^, Tht, °," ^'^^ «0'-'''J o-ag^ of
hands grasped e^ h oH,?'' ■"'■'^' ^"'^''^'•^'>- ^er
-'read apprehensbn S '".■,* P'-^'''>^3'«'n of
From the momenLSrJ ,^ ever inflicted,
and to prayer thif.^r, "i""'^ *" *''« ^ible
three j' ar'^'he '"had ktl ? ^^^-'..^"^1 for
evening, and entrpafo/ t. ' • '?"""'"«; .ind
shield and gndeth, ^ ™'ghty God to
the mists of ubelief ZT^^'V *'' ""^^^r ,
mind. Cons intlv 1 '°^ shrouded his
months wore on fti ?•. • ""^ *« ^eary I
impassioS fl^^ranxiS^f"^ ^''7 '"^'■"H
andfinallvitKJ ^"^*y lucreased daily
ing wTh^^/L^^St'tTerr"^^' '^^■-■^"
agaiD. m, aioom hS; ^^ff "*"" S«anliau
foV-ten .. B^ e Tly^'nemSd t ''■''' «"
ingcare and kindnesT hr^nW ^" '"''•■^«''-
my wandering friend once moie f"'' ^""^ ™"
f>
^':s
I am Rorrj' y?,,
would enjoy the
cl'aiiirc would heiiefit'
OHAPm XTXVIl
" Fold that coat for mn m,r .■>
give it to me, I b«Iiev«7v!' ^ ''**'' ' *^«".
trunk for it '■ '^'^'^ '« ^"^m m this
packe,l it away! ^ ' ^*"'^' *'''* ""^f'^Hy
"'How lonn wi" -/-■ !
appose?" ' = "^'" ^° »»**"i. do you
i«VVlfOmfo,. him If vnn r 1 '^^'^^^^^K* Will
!e Guv left, nearly f?ve yewa ,
,dock struck two, and the bo&'
tiip, ^ " my husband's
o ■•.... i/c.iefit V ^® niuatgodowu.
pertinaciously reject th;- "turn."
Tile money has been in'"' *"^ t^ieydeaotnded
for some years uutouche^^*^^ doctor awaited
said not lo.ig s-nce, that'v
wel accept it, forhewoul] Lt-e'.' "rU"'' 'th
cent of t n return Ti, 'l^^ei receive a-
been considerSj' uSeS"^ L"*^ .'^^'•^
o"3 investments: and wLl)^ ^"l''^*
you «bove t!,e liecSy of 1 ^^''-^
you would accent if V ■ , labour, if
It was Corne ,;-; pa, it ,1 '"" '° ^'«* ^"^ek.
«houhl have .at amou an?".''' *'"^* ^'"^
I to see you in pnsoSn" 'f t"' I'tdd 'T "^
your snorje^t on tb-.*- hJ \ T, ' "•"■> of
legacy tcrtl>oT:„;':tary gten' oTi' A*'"^
liim : but he vowe,] <.i> ? to the Asy.
have uothin/toT with IT'^^^rr "° ^"""-^
to give it to'the Asv un '^ ^"", '=^°°»«
of course; the nonlt'^vnl' ^°" «""W do so
, wouldtomhacentVl ^^"^T 'V^'^. °ever
will not think nfeoflkio; t"'"^^^' '^ y""
y. that! think yonu°httJr '^/•2^^'^'''-
is, use it for tV,^ i° l'^"''^-'^ 't- That
wlK.ther;JrmptyiteZt.^^^ '"^"^ ^^^*'
maS^'ntepiy"'' ^'"'^"^ -'' ^''^^bled, but
nzture m thai room wh.Vh r the fur-
• KttiGalle^.' Come with '''^'''' "■'''"'' ^"^
She led the v^ay BenS f"l?' '"T '^«^'- "
they reached a lar^V f!? " f f'-^'owed, until
sto.y, the doc* oFUS^'C f "^^^ ^''-^T
locked. As thcv cntZJ\ D ■, ^^hniry u„.
seeing the slatu u-v IT '• ^.•"^*^* «**'-t«i "»» '
she wis so tm?b?r iT oCe "l^^S^.l^V ■ ^
iperiay^;Ei,tr'r^^j;!?^^«-
'misted : there wa, S .''**'' «'^'''^'' a»d
but on iih?ra%T:cVo;Spt "£ *'r*
bury expoaeS the face of a Srat? w,"^'"
Beuleh recoaiiized from +f,J ^ T'^'^'^
.«,, i.„. ,„ SoiS. tit" ' ;!',"•
features f 1,0 „„„„i '" •■"« fauitlesa
beautiful."7t""w««'"r*l^*? "^^ "urpassingly
sparklinc-u-ffV, wl.l.^'^"",^' .^"l[»h foce.
<' 'i
,!.■. !■
178
jJETJLAH.
]/■:
elvoted to CongrosB ; next montJne delicate
it. Tho chances are aJi iooKed, and grew
listed Eugena. ^^,ife . this the portrait
" Yes ; 80 1 judge* 80 long and socareful-
•he,coo)ly, and th^^ worBhipped that ra-
day I hope to see yc
in WaBhmgton bjrjticed her emotion, and
jfeed with ebiiM surprise :
" Did you never see thic before ?"
" No ; it was always covered, and hung
too high for me to lift the crape. " Beulah's
eyes were riveted on the canvas. Mrs, As-
bury watched her a moment and said :
" It is an undetermined question in my
mind whether bean' y, such as this, is not a
curse. In this instauoe assuredly it proved
80, for it wrecked the happiness of both hus-
band and wife. 1*1 y dear child, do you know
your guardian's h'i'+ory t"
"Ij^> -nothing of him, save that he is
'n^iten ^ xirat saw Guy Hartwell, he was
oiwofthe noblest men I ever met; com-
manding uuive^ Bil admiration and esteem. It
was before his marriage ; he was remarkably
handsome, as you can readily imagine he
must have been, and his manners possesseda
singular fai3ination for all who came \t'ithin
the circle of his acquaintance. Even now,
after the lapse of ten years, I remember his
musical, ringing laugh, a laugh I have never
heard since. His family were aristocratic and
wealthy, and Guy was his mother's idol.
She was a haughty, imperious woman, and
her ' boy,' as she fondly termed him, was
her pride. His only sister (Mrs. fJliilton, oi
rather Mrs, Lockhart), was his soiiior, and
he had a younger brother, Harry, who w as
extremely wild ; ran away from home, and
spent most of his time at sea. Guy was na-
turally of a happy, genial temperament: fond
of study; fond of art, floweis, poetry, every-
thing that was noble and beautiful, that
could minister to highly cultivated tastes.
Mr. Chilton was unfortunate in his specula-
tions ; last his fortune, and died soon after
Pauline's birth, leaving his wife and child
dependent on her mother and brother. May
and the old lady often disagreed, and
only Guy could harmonize their ilis-
lords. During a visit to New Orleans, he
accidentally met the criainal of this portrait;
her family were almost destitute, but he aid-
ed tbem very libcraiii'. She was very beauti-
ful, and in an iinluoky hour he determined
to matry her. She M'as a mere child, and he
placed her for a while at school, where she
enjoyed every educational advantage. He
was'cnmpletelv fascinated ; seemed to think
only of Creola,' and liastened the marriage.
Hisni'thr and sister bitterly opposed the
matcl , iliouled bis humble and portionless
bride; : ';t he peraietad, and brought her
here a beautiful, heedless girl. Gr.y buiH
that house, at.d liis mother and sister occupied
one near him, which was burnt before you
knew anything about them. Of course his
wife went constantly into society, and before
six months elapsed, poor Guy discovered
that he had made a fatal mistake. She did
not love him ; had married him merely for
the sake of an elegant home, and money to
lavish as her childish whims dictated. Ah,
Beulah 1 it makes my heart ache to think of
the change this discovery wrought in Guy's
nature. He was a proud man, naturally ;
but now he became repulsive, cold and
austere. The revolution m his deportment
and appearance was almost incredible. His
wife was recklessly imprudent, and laucched
into the wildest excesses which juciety
sanctioned. ^Vhen he endeavoured to re-
strain her, she rebelled, and without his
knowledge carried on a flirtat.on with one
whom she had known previous to her mar-
riage. I believe she was innocent in her
folly, and merely thoughtlessly fed her vani-
ty with the adulation excited by her beauty.
Poor child] she might have learned discre-
tion, but unfortunat6ly Mrs. Chilton had al-
ways detested her, and now, watching her
movements, she discovered Creola's clandes^
tine meetings with the gentleman whom her
husband had forbidden her to recognize as an
acquaintance. Instead of exerting herself to
rectify the difficulties in her brother's home,
she apparently exulted in the possession of
facts which allowed her to taunt him with
his wife's imprudence and indifFereiice. He
denied the truth of her assertions ; she dared
him to watch her conduct, and he obtained a
note which enabled liim to return home one
day, at an unasually early hour, and meet
the man he had denounced in his own parlour.
Guy ordered him out of the house, and, with-
out addressing his wife, rode back to see his
patients } but that night he learned from her
that before he ever met her, an engagement
existed between herself and the man he so
detested. She was poor, and her mother bad
r)e(DU<^6d her to marry Guy for bis fortune .
«h« seemed to grow frantic, cursed the hour
trf iim marriage, professed sincere attachment
to the other, and, I firmly believe, became
insane f rotii that moment. Then and there
they parted. Creola returned to her mother,
but died suddenly a few weeks after leaving
her husband. They had been married but a
year. I have always thought her mind dis-
eased, and it was rumoured that her nnother
died insane. Doubtless Guy's terrible rH«e
drove her to desperation ; though be certain-
ly haci oau8«s to upimud, i iiave oiKii ir«-6a
that he would n»«t theobjeotof his hatred,
and once, and only once afterward, that man
oame to the city. Why, I never knew, but
my hu
eoucer
howh(
how c(
in icy
affair i
after tl
brary,
ha[)pen
death,
noticed
nance ;
ply; I
whatev
out moi
Finally
pealingl
what a 1
other ; i
out a w(
/ . in the ei
mother i
Europe.
*• came 1
■nlike h
Mrs. Ch:
the hour
they wer
superior,
HartwelJ
is very m
not an e
which fel
glorious
return fn
as an ado
kuew ho\
come. B
was deso
home to 1:
him. Yc
his being,
in yeais, 1
feeling bel
a mercifi
wherever
knriwledge
cor i>n a
ye; .M) inji
"'he brui
t-' cheeks
f» •trait rvf
Bi'ilah s
and her e^
or twice ht
her She t
'' Leave
will you ?
Bioually. "
"■ Certdir
and here ot
todeon. Tl
daatiug, I I
BEULAH.
r>
'^
fx
S.
my husband told me that he saw him at a
ooncert here some years ago Pooi Guv^
how he suffered ; yet how silently he bore ft
how completely he sheathed his heart of fire
IffS'th'"'"*'''. ^^^^^^^ '^""ded to the
affair in the remotest manner ; never saw her
after that n ght. He was sitting in oTr \l
brary. waiting to see my husban^d. when he
delu. '5 w "^r ''\ '«"«' announcing her
notted tir' *." °"'y P"™° present: and
piy , I touched him, but he took no notice
whaterer, and »t for at least an hour w h!
PiLn^'^P^* '""''°^«' «'' "tte'-in^- a word
p alfnJl?'T« ?"T T^ ^P*"^^ *° -^^ ""■
other ; it will haufl m'e whS / We?"ti?h-
out a word he folded the letter, replaced it
111 the envelops, and left us 4i.«n .ff u-
mntli£>« ,i;„j]>''j , "°' Soon after h;?
Eui-one ^^^^^',^'"* immediately to
ca"r,^e' 'bfi: T' strn"' *"" ^^?",' *^^^
,., "xtiiw- so stern, so cvnina.1 ^'^
Mra'ciU&l^ l^'^' ^ --elyTn'ew'him
the hour of L''"^''"'^'' °^ ^^« Ji-^^^e from
rne Hour of his separation from CreoJa but
hTS f'"''";" '"*^"^'*=*' ^hich none o^ the
Hartweil family ever lacked. My huaband
18 very much attached to Guy ; thi4s he ha,
not an equal, yet mourns o;er the Kht
which fell upon l„m in the very mom of!, is
glonous manhood. Ahout h yeaT after ha
return from Europe, he took v,m to hishouoe
as an adopted cliild. I won.iered at it for I
cm: 'Zt u''f""/ ^"^ ^'"'^^ -"' l-d be'
come. But the heart must have an idol • he
was desolate and miserabie, aud took you
83
\.,.r^ i. 1 '""oiauie, ana took vou
h me to havo something to Jove and inter'^st
mm You never knew him in the prime of
hu be.ng t..r though comparativcjy youuu
leei:;^"i; f ' ''*'^ ^"■""•" ^'emafnelyZ^
feekng before you saw him. Poor Guy ! n ay
a mercifu and , ving God. preserve him
wherever he may he,\u>\ brhig n m to a
kn.we,igeo that rehgioa whicLlo^ can
uu^...) I a nature hkehis ; so noble, so gifted
yw so injured, so .'ml)itt. red " ^ '
She bru*h«.{ away tlie tear < that stood on
W^ cheeks, and looked ..orrowfullr at th«
f««tra t <^ the aufort«^te voun!"wife
Btuiah sat with her face partially averted
and her eyP« shaded with her ban,) ; once
or twice her Lpsmove-iand a «}av.r ran over
ner tjiie luoked up, and said abruptlv •
• Leave the key of this room with'me
My," ''^°"^' like to come here oc^a!
-■ Ceridinly come as often as vou choose •
and here on this bu .ch is the key of the me-
daatuig, I d»re say, for it has nerw bton
opened since Guv left, nearly live tomb
^t^l Jf^ ' ^^^\^' *oo» is my husband's
Ta&<Sri: "y ^T' ^« must go down
lake these keys until I return "
• gave them to her, and they descended
^^the dmir^.room. where the doctor awaited
yonSne*':;t''v^et'rr'V°" «°^°« to do with
yoursen next year I You must not think nt
wln^ '°. *]•** «ot'age alone. Since Mr!
t^nS of'^W*^'- 'Z ^''°"'<i abandon thi
tnought of keepmg house. It will not do
chi d for you to live there by youTself " Sri
sauUhe^doctor,a.hort time^Sfe bade"
" You need not be ; ocme and live in mv
i°?T' '%^, \'^^f y°" *« d° Jong ago. ll"e
CmlZ'tl' Wily glad to\fv;e you!
^>nu\, why should you hesitate *"
1 prefer a home of my own if circnm.
stances permitted it. You and Mrs Asl^^v
have been very kind in tendering me a hom^ J
m your house, and I do most sincerely thank 1
you_both for your friendly interist b„t
"Oh, Beulah I should be so very glad
around f.^i^^'^Passed her arm afTectionately
around the girl s waist. Bmilah looked at
« T " X°,^ *'*ke me as a boarder •'"
a dalTiS.'"""'" ''^' ^°" *« * ^""^"'l-"
. ''Not a bit of it, Alice. She shall pay th«
highest possible board. Don't imag n^e Mist
Independence, that I expected for! moment
to offer you a home gratis. Pay board?
That you shall; always in adAnce ^i
candles, and fires, and the use of nfy iibraTv
and the benefit of my explanationrand con'
I versation charged as ' extras '*■ cried fT»
doctor, shaking his list at her ' "* ***
a «rn"' ^^^' ^ ''"^age rooms."
1,, V \V you really come, my child T" msked
for'liSal^.rvireg';"?.^'^^'-' ''''' -^^ g-teful
" Beulah, on redecHon, I think I can no«
mbly take Charon for half priceVth^.ugri"
must confess to numerous qualms of con
science at the bare suggestion oTreceivim.
such an 'infernal' character into 1^^?
iiiauK you," said she, and saw Ifr
them depart for Saratoga. whitW
Georgia and Helen haf preceded
^Tvin?'""*' lit-'"' ^'^P-^^ with'out her
rwseivmg any tidings, ..od then a letter
J
\
f
178
r.EULAH.
ma H
^teine giving her information of a severe ill-
ness which had'attacked the, doctor imme-
diately after his arrivnl in New York. He
was convalescing rapidly wln-n hia wife
wrote, and in proof thereof, Bubjoiued a
postscript, in his scraiViling hand and wonted
bantering style. Beulah laughed over it,
refolded the letter, aid went into her little
garden to gather a bouquet for one of her
pupils who had recently been quite sick.
She wore a white niuslin apron over her
black dress, and soon ^lled it with verbena,
rosea and geranium sprigs. Sitting down
on the steps, she began to arrange them, and
soon became absorbed in her occupation.
Presently a shadow fell on the step ; she
glanced up, and the flowers dropped from
er fingers, while an exclamation of surprise
escaped her.
Mr. Lindsay held out hi.i hand.
" After four years of absence, of aepara-
lion, have you no word of welcome T "
She jgave him both hands, and said eager-
ly:
'I Oh, yes, I am very glad to see you
again ; very glad that I have an opportunity
of congratulating you on your signal success.
I am heartily glad my friend is soon to enter
Congressional halls. Accept my most sin-
cere congratulations on your election."
A sudden flush rose to his temples, and
clasping her hands tightly, he exclaimed,
passionately :
"Oh, Beulah, your congratulations mock
me. I come to ofi'er you, once more, my
hand, my heart, my honours, if I have any.
I have waited patiently : no, not patiently]
but still I have waited, for some token of
remembrance from you, and could bear my
suspense no longer. Will you share the po-
sition which has been accorded me recently?
Will jrou give me this hand which I desire
more intensely than the united honours of
the unirerse beside ? Beulah, has my de-
voted love won mo your afi'ection t Will you
go with me to Washington T"
" J cannot ; I cannot. "
"Oannott Oh, Beulah, I woula make
you a happy wife, if it cost me my life I "
•'No, I could not be happy as your wife
It is utterly impossible. Mr. Lindsay, L
told you long ago you could n6ver be more
than a friend."
" And have years wrought no change in
your iteart ? " *
"Years have strengthened my esteem,
my sincere friendship ; but more than this'
«11 time cannot accomplish. " *
^ "Your heart is tenacious of its idol," he
-ans wcicd , moodily.
'It rebels, sir, now as formerly, at the
thought of linking my destiny with that of
one whom I never loved." Beulah spoke
rapidly, her oliecks burned and her eyes
sparkled with displeasure.
Ho looked at her and .siyhod deeply, then
threw down a letter, saying ;
"Ah, Beulah, I understood long at;o why
you could not love me ; but I hoped years
of absence would obliterate the memory
that prevented my winning you. I made
unusual exertions to discover some trace of
your wandering guardian ; have written
constantly to my former banker in Paris, to
find some clue to his whereabouts. Through
him I learn that yoUr friend was last heard
of at Canton, and the supposition is that he
is no longer living. I do not wish to pain
you, Beulah ; but I would fain show you
how frail a hope you oling to. Believe ine,
dear Beulah, I am not so selfish as to rejoice
at his prolonged absence. No, no. Love,
such as mine, prizes the happiness of its ob-
ject above all things. Were it in my power,
I would restore him to you this moment. I
had hoped you would learn to love me, bnt
I erred in judging your nature. Henceforth,
I will cast off' this hope, and school myself
to regard you as my friend only. I have, at
least, deserved your friendship."
" And it is inalienably yours," cried she,
very earnestly.
"In future, when toiling to discharge my
duties, I may believe I have one sincere
friend, who will rejoice at my success ? "
" Of this you may well rest assured. It
seems a poor return, Mr. Lindsay, for
all you have tendered me ; but it is the most
I can give — the most an honest heart will
allow me to offer. Truly, you may always
claim my friendship and esteem, ii it hn.s any
worth."
" I prize it far more than your hand, un-
accompanied by your heart. Henceforth,
we will speak of the past no more ; only let
me be the friend an orphan may reqi"'*.
You are to live in my uncle's house, I be"
lieve ; I #m very glad you have decided to
do Bn^ this is not a proper home for yon
Mowy' How do you contrive to exorcise
liness ?"
I do not always succeed veiy welL
My flowers are a CTeat resource ; I don't
know how I should live without them. My
books, too, serve to occupy mv attention."
She was making a great effort to seem cheer-
ful, but he saw that her smile was forced ;
and with an assurance that he would see her
again before he went to Washington, he
shook hands cordially, and left her. She
tied her bouquet, and dispatched it to the
sick child, with a fcw lines of kind remem-
brance ; then took the letter, which Mr.
Lindsay had thrown on the steps, and open-
ed it, with trembling fingers :
"Mr R. :
"Dp
hand yp8t
cidcnlally
In Canton
/rom him,
further,
left that ci
ShoiJd I ,
it shall bo
Sheomi
her ; and
prayer avj
travellers
One day
from an ii
correspond
instantly r
hurriedly :
" What hi
can have be
never answ
ceiled then
you througl
readily pen
distant ncctl
to take char
liKhtfulIv !i
walk of ihe
(larlicncd ov
Wage, ha- 81
rious sunslii
was very un
family cause
flueiiced hiir
veiy wrctchi
senoe with
would remai
ended only t
been sudden'
bath nioriiiri)
cause of somi
scu.rccly s.iol
pulpit. Liicj
Sew, hating
Iniest begiit
he looked j/al
eluded, lie sa:
into the vostr
had a severe
Physician sal
his l%iags. I
Beulah, what
him, and wat
ilhiess was ' t
all our disgrj
saiisfled iiulc^
and sneeivd
hnsba.d's hoa
It -\>s sooi. ai
how wrotchei
aeeii, d ii.-'mul
not liitirniv
was depctido'ii
hotirhUHi^.,.,
Himt l,e sai
soon after hi
p"r,'ntK. and
'" Sober earnei
1' e ; mid the
'»'J lible bore a
V
"Mb, R. LlNDSAT.
handy^f*rfw''*= JiTrn?' *''•' 5^ came .,
fi-om him, una have hnL n"''? ^'""''^ """""^
further. Let ers frnm ? ' .""^'' <^ to truce 1, i,
left that c V „ ore iH, ^vL'''"*t «'*'« "'"' !'■
Should I Ob a n 2^,v n" VnM^''^"''^'' ^"'■C:hii,.
it ahoU be im,^'eX/c.XV/nlS& ^SVu" ""'
"VeryreepectfuJly,
hef^Td"'^^"^.?*' '*««*• ""d'ttewTfTo'..,
praveravailpi T^' fu-°'«*' h^art-sj-ok..,
prayer availed, her sobbing cry to the 0.„l
travellers insured his safety^ ^ '^'' "
BEULAH
183
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
iroin an inland town, where Benlih h, i .
correspondent. The direction howeve'w'l'
ca;f b\'coi;.'e"°o?^°Vw°o" le^f "rs*V,?^ -'- '
never answered ? Ooneh^din^ £^ ^'■''^'^ '"'■'•
. coined them. I hazaJvi^tWH**^"" "^^'Cf i' -
you through tL^'Su*„''^?\^,%''P'^«;«K':
readily perceivfi timf «,« i "-'•^'•™- louwii
di.tantSon of estate *F?.. '•"""^''^d to a
to take char^' ' of t fis t?. , i«i, ''"':?*' ^"^^ <-'""f'^l
lishtfulh- loi'atccl h .y vJm"' '"'<^, "^^'e are di-
walk of the church &n'h'"l',.'i ^V'' "'"'utcs'
darkened over m> in fho a if , '** **''*i''" '*''''■''
nous sunshine with me Yon t, ,''""'•; '''''^
waayeryunliappyfo^a' tin?e mTi"'^'k''^"V'
faudly caused ndsunderstaV.dW= ^^ ^'usbund's
fluenccd liim against me ftn/^,^":^''''*''' ^«- "»"
voiT wretched.*^ I could not toir^f'i^f' °*''. '"•>'•
seuce with any dperp<° nf ■„?,-^ ^"''^ « P^e-
would reruain in ouiToi^sp tJfw %""''• 7^^ she
end.'d only Heaven kuu^ had ^;^"'°l''''^i'ave
beeu suddenly taken verviM uK'^'^ husband
bath .nomine. Hewns li !,>„ li^™\°" ^ab-
cause of some of my disputed w^thM"''^'"«- ^e-
scavcoly s.^oko toTu,. I ?,^,,^ with his sister, and
pulpit/ Licrandl sat n«.f ^T"". '"^° *'"■
pevv, hating/ S other fn,v^1^/'' *''*' '•'^'''"'•'•"
Ernest berntVi he ni?,r>,1L, i^''' '^ = 5"^ wlicii
physictan stt d, but KmZtt .».!„. •? ">roat, h;s
his Iwags. I was \un" h» ^.^"""f , >i- '^'« ^'''om
hlni, and wat. bed V.js o-i "I,, ',*» ] s** beside
illiiess was •hcbk-s'fn? 'h?L '"•*"-'. u«"' his
all our disgraceful Ii^^'-;,.,^'^*'''''?'^' = *»« *''»'^'o'
and 8neer..d and InalrJi " J/"f"J'CT"nibled
husbaMrshoartatrab? 2.^*°."''''' ^'".' ^ had ,nv
it. A,ssoo .rs ho^v • ?"^ deierniined (,, keep
how *re ,0,? , 'hf r""*-' rV'"^'' J '"'<' 1^^"
**'"iit l,e said tn 'i! '"'-t'"''''^ ^"'''h "ly afrim.s.
w..in n cxtantr-that is, I would be if f'r.' '^h
only know something of U„ol" Um- It Ik l.'i
mc someihing of him t or do you kn"w is little
as Ills relatives ?•• Krnei.t says he .vIIUn- Uk ntn
ids' comfnl°°X Y', ^^■^'''''"( 4y i''"inulio of
beWVTs^Vtern':' \^^^:^ ;?
^* ••Pauline."
^ laid the letter beside one secoived
the, previous day from Clara, xud mused for
some moments. They were both happily
imirried, and she sincerely rejoiced over
their fortunate lots, but Clara hatl once loved
how could sl.c
Heulah
lerguauhan ; how could sl.c po.ssiLly fuiL'ei;
him so entirely ? Waa love a mere whim of
the hour, fostered by fortuitously favMiitable
circumstances, but chilled and vanquislied
".Vjibsence, or obstacles ? Could the heart
Mriirchah the idol it had once eu»i.riu»d, and
^^ct up another image for worship t Waa
Time the coiKjuerii,;- iconoclast t Why,
then, did she biHi.T n;, ;e acutely as each
year rolled on I' t!*!' liu I little Jeisure, how-
ever, for these reflei ' jus ; the Asburvs had
?
i:
'I 4
184
BEULAH.
returned home, aad the cottiige hart
b«en rented by a family, who were anxio>tg
to take possession immediately. Such arti-
gles of furniture as were no lonj^t^r needed
had been sent to an auction room, and she
8:it down in the empty dining; room, to see
the last load removed. Today she bade
adieu to the cottage, and commenoed board-
ing once more. Her heart was heavy, but
her eyes wore undiiuiued, and her grave,
composed face, betokened little of the sor-
row which oppressed her. Here she had
spent Hve years in peaceful seclusion; here
she had toiled and earned reputation as a
writer ; and here many hours of happiness
had been passed amonst her flowers. The
place was very dear to her ; it was the only
■pot on tlie face of the wide world she had
ever felt was liur home. Home I if it con-
sists of but a sanded floor, and uuplastered
wails, what a halo is shed upon its humble
hearth ! A palatial mansion, or sequestered
cottage among wild forests, were alike sancti-
fied by the name. Home ! the heart's hoiin- 1
who shall compute its value ? But Beulah
must relinquish her retreat, and find refuge
in the homeofothers. Would this content her?
Was she to be always homeless ? True, she
was to reside with loveil and tried friends,
yet she would be a homeless orphan s*^' i
without claims upon one living being. '■:{,{'[
grave had closed over the kind matron > ,' i
had so warmly loved her, anil she was 'i- ■
out ties in the world. These th /..ti'itu \
passed through her mind, as she saw the In- ;; j
chair deposited on a furniture cart, and
borne away. Charon looked up at her
mournfully, as if to ask ;
"Are wo homeless? Where shall we
wander ?" She stroked his head, and went
into the flower garden to gather a last bou-
quet from plants she hail so carefully tended.
wilt be patient and hopefnl. Duty is its own
recompense."
Mrs. Asbnry spared no exertion to mak<
the orphan happy in her house. She treated
her with the gentle frankness which charac-
terized her deportment toward her daughters;
and to identify her with her own family,
oft' 11 requested her to assist in h. household
plans. Slie thoroughly underst od and ap-
preciated Beulah's nature, and perfect oonn-
dence existed between them. It was no
sooner known that Beulah was an inmate of
the house, than many persons, curious to see
<>ne of whom rumour spoke so flatteringly,
availad themselves of the circumstance to
make her acquaintance. Almost uncon-
H .iously she soon found herself the centre of
a circle of literary people, whom she had
often heard of, but had never known previous-
ly. Gradually her reserve melted away, and
her fine colloquial powers developed them-
selves ; but she wearied of the visitors —
wearied even of the themes discussed, and
having passed her life in seclusion, found in
solitude a degree of enjoyment which society
could not confer. Helen had married a
planter, and resided at some distance from
the city, but Georgia and her husband re'
mained at home. Thus, imperceptibly, time
'* ore on. Eugene often came and spent an
■iour with Beulah ; and still more frequent-
ly, Cornelia vyas sent to while away an even-
Tig with her merry prattle. Very steadily
'i^ugene advanced in his profession ; the ap-
plause of the world cheered him on, and an
enviable reputation was his at last. Grasp-
ing ambition lured him, step by step ; and it
was evident that he aimed at a seat beside
Reginald Lindsay. Rejoiced at ^ his entire
reformation, and prond tf his success, Beu-
lah constantly encourasted hia aspirations,
Antoinette was as gay and ifidifferent as
An early frost had nipped the buds, but the ever, an^Eugene divided his heart between
chrysanthemums were in all their glory — hisckflu and hia ambition,
crimson, white and orange. She broke some ^/By a system of rigid economy in the dis-
of the beautiful clusters, and with a long,4'posal of her time, Beulah not only attended
lingering look, turned away. The black ' ' ' • ' • ^ -_j u—
mourning veil was thrown back from a pale,
calm face ; and as she walked on, reflecting
mpon the future, which stretched dimly be-
fore her, she exclaimed :
"Why should I wish it otherwise? The
arms of a merciful God Avill shield me, under
all circumstances. My life was not given for
a mere holiday. So I but do my duty faith-
fully, all vtiU be well. Ah, truly, I can say :
" 'Let 7nc, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate ;
Still achieving,', siiU pursuing,
i^carn lo labour, and to wait 1'
Yes, learn to labour and to wty t, ■ The heart
cries out fiercely for its recompense ; is loth
to wait. But I can conquer even this. I
to her school duties, her music, and her
books, but found leisure, after writing her
magazine articles, to spend some time each
day with the family under whose roof she
resided. Dr. Asbury's health was rather
feeble, and of late his eyes had grown so dim
as to prevent his reading or writing. This
misfortune was to a jjreat extent counterbal-
anced by his wife's devotion, and often Beu-
lah shared the duties of the library. One
bright Sunday afternoon she walked out to
the cemetery, which she visited frequently.
In one corner of a small lot, inclosed by a
costly iron railing, stood a beautiful marble
monument, erected by Mr. Grayson over
Lilly's grave. It represented two angels
bearing the child up to its God. Just oppo-
1^7
BEULAH.
188
wte, in the next lot, was » ■plendid mausoleum
ol the Hnest white marble, bearing in gilt let-
ters the name "Cornblia Graham, aged
twenty-three. It waa in the form of a temple,
with slender fluted columns supporting the
portico; andon the ornate oapitah was inscril)-
1-V^/''°.»'"*"''^""'!'"« '•* '«"«". "Silentio !
dUentio I At the entrance stood two wing-
ed forma, orowood with wreaths of poppies ;
and a oair of beautiful vases held somo
withered flowers. Beulah sat on the marble
steps. Before her stretched aisles of tomb
stones; the sunshine sparkled on theii
pohshedsurfaoes, and was reflected as from
countless mirrors. Myrtle and laurel-trees
waved gently iu the icy north wind, and
stately, solemn cedars kept guard in every
luclosure. All was silent and still, we
., '----■ •».» n»3 oiicub ana suii,
tnose nneral evergreen boughs which st td
softly as if fearful of disturbing the ,,ale
■leepers around them. Human nature
ahruiks appalled from death and all that
accompanies it ; but in the deep repose, the
sacred hush, which reigned over the silent
city, there was for Beulah something inex-
pressibly soothing. In a neighbouring lot
she could see a simple white slab Kugene ■ ner ii was to be happy Another exr-Ui
of ?h'eirch1 rS^'^'w^TV"^ "^ *^^ f^^"'l I '* ^'^ *» '«»^° t" ^"^"'•e wUh fortitude all
matron skn?.°i f h^'f '*'"'"" ',"' f ^'' ^^"^ '"^- ^"* "«'*»>«' «»ti«««^ ^^^ i one promised
Corn«lU ^R • *^ ^"'"'"l ?,' ^'"^ *'"' *"° "'"'=^. »*'« °ther too little anl oZ in
OorneJia. Here winter rains fe un hedoH ' rf,v,.u+i„„ ..,»» ._ /.. ' , ",,°"y '"
pondering the awful mystery which darkeiv
ed the last hour of the young sleeper ; and
looking back over ! er own fife, during the
season when she " waa without God aud
with..ut hope," Mhe saw that only unbelief
had oIotlH-,1 death with terror. Once she
stood on this ■«m( spot, and with tremblinjt
horror saw the cffiii lowered. Had death
touched her then, she would have shrunk
W} ''?'" thesujiunons, but now it was
wise.
ain the resurrection and the life, saith
iord ; he that believ th in me, thouuh
he w. e dead, yet shall ' o j and whoso-
ev^r^liveth and believ. .e, shall never
i She believed ; and whut; a beautiful w Id
I hnkedherto .ife, and duty called to constant
and cheerful labour, death lost its hideous
aspect. With a tirm faith in the gospel of
Christ, she felt that earth with all its loveli.
ness was but a probationary dwelling-place ;
and that death was an angel of God, sum-
moning the labourers to their harvest-home,
bhe had often asked what is the aim and
end of life ? One set of philosophers told
her it was to be happy. Another exclaimed
Cornelia,
and here
brought bright blossoms and luxuriant vei-
dure. Mocking-birds sang cheerfuUj in
the sentinel cedars, and friends wandered
slowly over the shelled walks, recalling the
past. Here there was no gloom to aflFright
the timid soul ; all was serene and inviting.
Why should the living shrink irom a resting,
place so hallowed and peaceful ? And why
should death be invested with fictitious
horrors ? A procession entered one of the
gates, and wound along the carriage-road to
a remote corner ot the burying-ground. The
slow, measured tread of the horses, the
crush of wheels on the rocky track, and the
smothered sobs of the mourners, all came in
subdued tones to Beulah's ears. Then the
train disappeared, and she was again in soli-
tude. Looking up, her eyes rested on the
words above her: "Silentio! Silentio !"
They were appropriate, indeed, upon the
monument of her who had gone down into the
tomb so hopele!=-!y, so shudderingly. Years
had passed since the only child had been
laid there ; yet the hour of -elease was as
fresh in Beulah's memory as though she had
seen the convulsed features but yesterday ;
and the words repeated that uight seemed
now to issue from the marble lips of the
atatues beoide her : " For here we have no
continuing city, but seek one to come."
With her cheek on her hand, the orphan sat
Here winter rains fell unheeded, ! revelation was an answ.r found. Yet how
the balmy breath of summe. j few pauso to ponder its sisinlicance. With
the majority, life is the all ; the springtime
the holiday ; and death the hated close of
enjoyment. They forget that
"Not enjoyment, and not sorrow
Is our destined end or way ;
But to act. thct each to-morrow
Find us further than to-day."
The path of Christianity is neither all ann.
shine nor all shadow, checkered certainly,
but leading to a final abode of unimazih(.ble
bliss, and with the Bible to guide her, the
orphan walked, fearlessly on, discharging
her duties, and looking unto God and hia
Christ to aid her. She sat on the steps of
the sepulchre, watching the last rays of the
setting ann gild the monumental shafts that
pointed to heaven. Her grave face might
have told the scrutinizing observer of years
of grief and struggle ; but it also betokened
an earnest soul calmly trusting the wisdom
and mercy of the All-Father. She sighe*!
as she thought of the gifted but unhappy
woman who slept near her, and rising,
walked on to Lilly's tomb. Ten years had
rolled their waves over her since that little
form was placed here. She looked down at
the simple epitaph : " He taketh hia young
lambs home." The cherub face seemed to
beam upon her once more, and the sweet,
birdlike tones of her childish voice still
lingered in the secret cells of memory. She
ni
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23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEUSTER.N.Y. MS80
(716) 872-4503
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■:ULAfl.
exteiide.l her arniJ, as if to clasp the form
borne up by the angels, and said treiiiu
loualy :
" Lilly, my sister, my white-robed dar
Inig, but a little while and we shall nuc!
where orphanage is unknown! 'IIe<loetl.
all thnigs well!' Ah, little .,loeper, 1 en
wait patiently for our reunion."
As she turned her steps homeward, ;,
shadowy smile stole over her features, ami
th9 lines about her mouth refimed their
wonted composure.
" Beulah, father has been asking for you,"
saia Georgia, who met her on the stair-
case.
"I will go down to him imnvediately,''
was the cheerful answer, and putting aw;i ,
her bonnet and shawl, she went at oner to
the library. The doctor was leaning verv
far back in his favourite chair, aua she .sa*\
at a glance he had fallen asleep.
Mrs. Asbury sat at a table, weighing out
some medicine he iiad directed to be sent to
a patient. She looked up as Beulah entered,
smiled, and said in an undertone :
" My liege lord is indulging in a nap.
Come to the fire, dear, you look cold."
She left the room with the medicine, and
Bcnl,ih stood before the bright woo.l tire,'
and watched tha ruddy light Hashing gro-
tesfjuely over the pictures on the wall? The
gas had not yet been lighted ; she crossed
the room, and sat down bt-fore the window
A red glow still lingered in the west, and one
by one the stars came swiftly out. She
took up a book she had been reading that
morning, but it was too dim to see the
letters, and she contented herself with look-
ing out at the stars brightening as the night
deepened. " So .Wll it be with faith"
thought she, "and yet, as troubles come
thick and fast, we are apt to despair." Mrs
Asbury came back and lighted the gas, but
Beulah was too much absorbed to notice it.
llie doctor waked, and beg-.n to talk about
the seventy «f the winter further north,
and the suflFermg it produced among the
poor. Presently he said :
•' What has become of that child, Beulah
— doyou know, Alice ?"
" Yes J there she is by the window.- y«u
were aBleep when she came in."
He looked round and called to her.
"What are you thinking about, Beulah?
You look M cold as an iceberg. Come to the
lire Warm hands and feet will aid your
philosophizing wonderfully."
1 "i *'".""* philosophizing, sir," she re-
plied, without rising.
"I will wager mv eletranf. iipw o^.fi/.., ^t
Coleridge agai -our^old one, "that "you
-.re ! Now. , , your cogitations, you
I loonigiblc d. ^ _. ;" ■ "^
" I have won your Coleridge. I wm only
thinking of that Talmndish tiaditiou regard-
ing Sandalphon, the angol of pravcr."
" Wliat of him ?"
" Why, that he stands at the gate i>l
liciveii, listens to the sounds that uoeod
roin earth, and gathering all the prayeia
Hid entreaties, as they are waftod from
(irnnving humanity, they change to flowers
11 iiis hands, and the perfume is borue
iiito the celestial city of God. Yesterday J
road Longfellow's lines on this legend, and
suppose my looking up at the stars
It called it to mind. But Georgia told me
you asked for me. Can I do anything for
\oii, sir ? Are there any prescriptions yvu
uisii written off ? " She came and stood by
his chair.
'No, thank you, child ; but I should like
to hear more of that book you were reading
to me last night— that is, if it will uut weary
you, my chihl."
"Certainly no — here it is. 1 was waiting
for yoij^o ask me for more of it. Shall 1
low, or defer it till after tea !'»
^ ilow, if you please."
^ Mrs. Asbury seated herself on an ottoman
at her husband's knee ; and opening "But-
lers Analogy," Beulah began to read where
she left off tlie previous day, in the chapter
on "a future life."
With his hand resting on his wife's hvad,
Dr. Asbury listened attentively. At the
conclusion of the chapter, she turned te the
dissertation on "personal identity, "so nearly
related to it, and read it slowly and ih;pi«8-
sively.
"It is remarkably clear and convincing,"
said the doctor when she ceased.
"Yes; his argument, that death, instead
of being an abnormal event, is as much a
law of our nature as birth (because noccssftry
to future development), and that as at ina>
turity, we have perfections of which we
never dreamed in iuiancy, so deatii may
put us in poasession of new powers, by re-
leasing us from the chrysalis state, is one
which has peculiar signihcance to my mind.
Had Cornelia Graham studiad it, she would
never have iicen tortured by the thought of
that annihilation which she fancied awaited
her^ From chihiliood, this question of
'personal identity ' has puzzleil me ; but it
seems to me, this brief treatise of lUitlor is
quite satisfaetory. It sliould be a text book
in all educational instituti<Jii.s ; should ho
scattered far and wide through the hu d."
Here the solemn tones of the church bells
told that the hour of the evening service
drf.w siear. The doctor started, and said,
abruptly :
"Bless me 1 Alice, are we to have no tea
to-niuht?"
P**'Iwi
i^ttend
bury, sc
he threv
of the gi
"He^
answerei
"HOH
do you t
doctor, L
"Perh
uach ; a
you knov
cause I h
Sli i sa
quiatly it
watched ]
over her
came sudi
. " Wliei
eighteen r
the estj^te
plantation
three yean
good. Th
'Vnd the bi
hands of ti
to pass the
things loot
scarcely re
Parleys on]
that time il
vacant, ^lu
nieiit I Jtfjhv
•s I am con
Here a se
tor that he
one of his p
pers, and g,i
. V A plagi
vities. I a
every three
baby from J,
focating witi
be here to
hands."
s1
ter ami I woul.i r,ot mtun'ljf »''^ ^"^ ''^^^■
^^As. they walked on to the dining-roou,
«•' No" JTk T ^°'"S *° •'•hurch.I suppose »"
. JNo, 1 shaJl reuiaiii with vrJ ,, "^"1^^^ • ,
iiis wife, gently ^'^"' a"swercd
y<^Xo:t:&^^^'^'-- Will go With
WWt^i' Sir'"''- •'"^f^^'knew that ,
■and uncfer'^tlrjhy: lunnS^'ij: "^^^-y ;
quiet. BO imwontedly silent. ' "^"^ '"
BEULAII.
187
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Jt^ndt' iJL^bSner-'lTtr ^^T.^' '^'^'^
bury, some weeks liW "'""'"'^^l l>r. As-
he threw his feet imnif ' ?f "^ "' ''« «?"><«.
of the grate! ookr/dS^""/ 7^'' *^« ^''"''^^^
" He will "coiie^ ^ir'^'TJ'^ T''^^-
answered Beulahw'jinl i ^ ."^'^^ ^"""e,"
" Wf.» i^ '. "'^* ^** "ear him
Mow do you know so well d,il7) » wu
do you suppose he will come ' » . J 7^}^
doctor, knitting his l.,wV,„ ^f^^^ ^^'^
"I'erhaps, tecause"l'^S Tt'^^'"'"'"
Sl»s sat wth W^ ,^ ^"'; '"3 return. "
watched heramomen/ uf'*i I- V^e^^'^ '°an
over her gra,T^omDo''f^'''^'«"* glared
ei«hteealonlKin?er ttftt*' \<«^-*
the estate to Guv U ?. ^.'^ ■^"*''e o^
plantations in the'stat^ °"t " *^« ^'"^^^
threeyeais the TOPS tvr- . '^ ^°' **'^-^»»t
good. Thecot o,??J I " '^^^'i, i-emarkablv
fnd the bui-: :"Ti, !",„o'rey Kt«r«"'"i^-
hands of tno factor. VestL'vl "" *^?
to pass the oldhousp ami , j ^ f happened
things looked ; posiuvdv V?'; *°/'" ^°^'
scarcely leuoL'i izc tt ! , r ' ''^'l'^' 3'<>" would
Farleys o,ay tc"u. ed ,> f f- ^"^^ ''"°^- ^^^^
th^ttine it'Las bee t t'j'"'"l'°"^"'' ' ''"''
vacant, ^nd such a dese Ll "^."ft"""?' "
"^ent I Ji^venot seen {uTZfy days V.T"
»s I am concerned .•' '^^ ^*' -^8 ^ar
vitie^ '!'::,Znil^' peregrinating pro T
every ^three'seol"':^.^'^"..!^ 1° i-.ip. up
b»by irom jeikinsT it.self intr»'a. =^"'^^"^^3 »
Jocatzng with tho\.r,?u Jartv 'dl'"' ""i T^'
be here to taive «'] Vi,;« "' ''"8''' *"
bands." *'^ ^'^.'^ practice off my
E^.S'^:t't.r:;s-r'""'*^"^-
after hi« d<W ' • ""•«""!« '"imites
cioci..hesS';;;,,;;:;^:,,f'--«"tthe
Mrs.^i^-S^'-f,^;;;y ^^J^,;" «f
was writing to Helen ^ * ^****'" «*'«
"Tow^llc."
afte.ytoi™'!)!' ^"'"'"« here t],is
yoi>^" * ^°" ' ''« •WiUt.'.stcd me to leli
l<lon'twantto8ceh;m."
eralllm^J^etSw.lrut'""^^'*"^'^--
n.igh11 Luh 'r ,r'^ '•^"^•^-''-. '-
1 - tned oni'i::,:^nT^,^::s^:'t^-
har.-int'ucs jind Iip ,„; i^ "*'''-^, ami eiuUcss
,«>^iooked^i;:^Si;^--''fi-hosc.-'-.
^ laid her hand on" bJ .) ," "^ '*'^"''' ^''«
gently : " ^^^ shoulder, and said
oui; orVr:^[pti'tte?e1di'^'"^ '"^ <>«-
ask, dojyon Un,l^:^t^V?'^-^y • >^ I
and stilVi:e";S)fii'r"-7J"^*«=^ ^^ once.
smHhllf '"'^ «'^^'"-' -P'-ed; and sa?d.
could you find to H 1 Vf '^.fJv^'.'"'"
-y dear, he is the bist'lfat^l r^fe'ei;/!;^' •
. I would about as soon thiWl- ^t^'
ing the doctor's arm-chaTr't 'r'^.. "^ ^'''^"'y
attended her in her tn.b ^ ,;fZ "^'^^
ohl. and was easily fatiinp,! ' v . f • ^'■'''^■"
noon she called to hiT«.f/K ^"* ^'''^ ■after-
was a mild. 8«nnvHf;n W ^7 !'* ^ *" ^* '
ihe took the street Infill Ih u ^'^"'**=''' ^"^ '
oW re«ule„ce. A qSk' ^*i,^'' 8^'f'li«r''s
her into the suburl?. nn 1 «o"" -'-roufc-ht
before the enh'an '' T e":^:"!,^"' f^"°'^
was chained, but the liHU *",'"■'*' ^'^^^
complotcly broke, f n.m Us n ,* -"'% "f"^
on the ground. Alas Iwaf tho'f -^
hat something was stram.o l "• "" 'i'^
bounded off', nnd c.^.. .""«?'>. annss. He
of the herd M'hirii I'.VVV " ^''« enclosure
1"
i'
188
BEULAH.'
\
rustle had an indescribable ohartn for her in
3urntnera past, now tossed their bare boughs
toward h<'r in mute coinpiainiug of the deso-
lation whioh surrounded them. The
reckless inililference of tenants has
deservedly grown into a proverb, and
Uere Beulah beheld an exemplifica-
tion of its truth. Of all the choice
:-hrubbery wliich it had been the labour
of years to collect and fo8*;er, not a particle
remaiticil. Hoses, creepers, bulbs — all were
destroyi'i], aiul only the trees aad hedges
were spai ■ il. 'I he very outline of the beds
was ellacoil iu many places, and walking
round the pn ved circle in front of the door,
she paused al)ruptly at the desolation which
greeted her. Here was the marble basin of
the fountain half filled with rubbish, as
though it had been converted into a recep-
tacle for trash, and over the whole front of
the house, the dark glossy leaves of the
creeping ivy clung in thick masses. She
looked around on all sides, but only ruin and
neglec'- confronted her. She remembered
the last time she came there, and recalled
the beautiful Sunday morning when she saw
her guardiau standing by the fountain, feed-
ing his pigeons. Ah, how sadly changed I
She burst into tears, and sat down on the
steps. Charon ran about the yard for some
time ; then came back, lookeil up at the
sombre house, howled, and laid down at her
feet. Where was the old master? Wander-
ing among eastern pagodas, while his home
became a retreat for owls,
" He has forgotten us, Charon I He has
forgotten his two best friends — you and I —
who love him so well ! Oh, Charon, he has
forgotten us ! " «ried she, almost despairing-
ly. Charon gave a melancholy groan of as-
sent, and nestled closer to her. Five years
had gone since he left his native land, and
for once her faith was faint and wavering.
But after some moments she looked up at
the calm sky arching above her, and wiping
away her tears, added, resignedly :
" Pat he will come 1 God will brinR him
home when he sees fit I I can wait ! I can
vr$it I"
Ohitron'B great, gleaming black eyes met
hers wia^ully ; he seemed dubious of his
master/ return. Beulan rose, and he obeyed
the signal.
^Come Charon, it is getting late ; but we
rill come back some day, and live here,"
It was dusk when she entered the library,
and found Mrs. Asbnry discussing the politi-
cal qnestions of the day with her husband.
She nad just finished reading aloud one of
1>«~:-.1.)>- n ; I r_t , I
».-.-g.tisMti o v-vugrcoai«a»i opccuacs, aaa au
▼ocated it warmly, while the doctor reprobat-
ed some portion of his coarse.
•• You have had a long walk," said Mrs.
Asbury, looking up as the orphan entered.
" And look, for the universe, as if you had
been ghost-seeing," cried the doctor, wiping
hit) spectacles.
" I would rather meet an army of ghosts
than see what I have seen 1 " snswered Beu-
Uh.
" Good Heaven I In the name of wonder,
what have you seen, child T A rattlesnake,
or a screech-owl?"
He put his broad palms on his knees, and
looked mockingly curious and startled.
" I have been out to see the old place, sir;
found the gate broken down, the front yard
full jt c»>ws, and everything going to destruc-
tion except the ^rees and hedges. Sir, it
makes me feel \ try sad. I can't bear to
have things go on this way any longer. It
mi'.dt be reotitiad. "
"Bless my soul, that is easiernaid than
done 1 The place is a perfect owl-roost,
there is no denying that ; but it is no busi-
ness of ours. If Farley, or his agent, suffers
the property to go to ruin, it is his loss. "
" But I love the place. 1 want to save it
Won't you buy it, Dr. Asbury ? "
" Won't I buy it ? Why, what on earth
do you suppose I should do with it ? I don't
want to live in it ; and as for any more in-
vestments in real estate, why, just excuse
me, if you pleasu I Insurance and repairs
eat up all the profits, nnd I am plagued to
death with petitions in the bargain."
"Then I must buy it myself I" said
Beulah, resolutely.
" In the name of co»"
you do with it ? "
"I don't know ye
until he comes homo again. * How maoli do
you suppose the Parleys ask for it ? "
" I really cannot conjecture. But, child,
you must not think of this. I will see
the agent about it, and perhaps I may pur-
chase it to oblige you. I will not hear of
your buying it. Guy certainly cannot con-
template heathcnating much longer. There
is that eternal door-bell again I Somebody
that believes I am constructed of wire and
gutta-percha, I dare say."
He leaned back, and watched the door very
uneasily. A servant looked in.
" Mr. Leonard, to see Miss Beulah."
" Thank Heaven it is nobody to see me ! "
The doctor settled himself comfortably, and
laughed at the perturbed expression of Beu-
iah's countenance.
"Ask him to excuse me this evening,"
said she, without rising.
" Nay, ray dear ; he was here this after-
noon, and you had gene to walk. It would
be rude not to see him. Go into the parlour,
n seose^ what will
jp it, I suppose.
ly, rosi
teen ni
face.
see tha
doctor,
"Is
she wo
tin^; AM
society,
"Oh
like Hi
as posil
talent,
know ;
would
won't n
"Jar
and thii
hischai
The A
out don
Graysoi
perious
by Mr.
of her
and de
vanity a
became
those 1
was BUI
^ even in
over bot
and sot
happy u
Ere lon|
her adni
the peop
once ao
habits. Si
ridiculin
thing th(
had neve
Bufficienl
but she 1
latter, w
iouable a
recognizi
allusion 1
personal
a bow.
was d3ep
very wa
hard to
severaj^
>^hl
->wa8 that
heartless
• little sist
BEULAH.
18»
jlo, my dear ; perhaps he will not detain yon
long," remonstrated Mrs. Ashury.
Beulah said nothing ; she set'her lips firm-
ly, rose, and went to the parlour.
"I will wager my head he won't stay fif-
teen minutes after he gets a glin)pse of her
face. Hugh ought to have sense enough to
see that she does not fancy him," said the
doctor, laughing.
"I should very much like to see the man
■he would fancy," answered his wife, knit-
ting away bneily on a purse for some sewing
society. *
,., " Oh, Alice 1 do you wonder she does not
lue Hugh Leonard T He is a ' catch ' as far
as position, and money, and a certuin sort of
talent, and is very clever and upright, I
know J but he does not suit Beulah. If she
would not marry Reginald, of course she
won't marry Hugh."
"Jangle" went the door-bell oncenore,
and this time the doctor was forced to leave
nis chair and slippers.
The winter had been very gay, and with-
out doubt the belle of theseason was Claudia
Grayson. She had grown up a brilliant, im-
perious beauty. Petted most injudiciously
by Mr. and Mrs. Grayson, the best elements
of her character, instead of being fostered
and developed, were smothered beneath
vanity and arrogance, and soon selfishness
became the dominant characteristic. To
those horn she considered her inferiors she
was supercilious and overbearing; while
even m her adopted home, she tyrannized
over both servants and parents. Flattered
and sought after in society, she was never
happy unless the centre of a ^ay circle.
JB-re long she discovered the heartjlessness of
her admirers ; learned the malice and envy of
the people she visited most intimately 5 and
once acquainted with their natures and
habits she found her greatest amusement in
ndicuhnu those who did precisely the same
thing the moment she left them. Beulah
had never been able to conquer her feelings
sufficiently to enter Mrs. Grayson's house,
but she had met Claudia several times. The
latter, when accompanied by any of her fash-
louable acquaintances, always shrank from
SrV'^.^^'' ""'^ finally, thinking any
allusion to former years and the Asylum a
personal insult, she passed her without even
a bow. The hrst time this occurred Beulah
was deeply wounded ; she had loved Claudia
very warmlVilfid her superciliousness was
LJ wi**^- ?"* the slight was repeated
severaj^es, and she learned to nitv her
weajjiregs most isiiiceroiy " "
^^^ It ^^rf^ '-r'- " ^'""^ ™"°^ better it
•^as that Lilly should die than to grow ud a
heartless flirt like Ciaudy 1 Mud better?
• little Slater, much batter 1 " '
It was the morning after her walk to the
old hor.eof her guardian, that Dr. Asbury
threw fiown the paper on the breakfast-table
with ni exclaniatiiin of horror.
•' VV jat is the matter, George ? " cried his
wife, while Beulah grew deadly pale, and
ciitched tho paper; her mind, like
"Hindas ' —
" StiU singling on* from all manklnd.-
"Matter ! why, poor Grayson has com.
mitted suicide -shot himself last night, poor
wretch I He has been speculating too freelv.
and lost every cent ; and, worse thai; that!
used money to do it that was not his.
He made desperate throws and lost all.
and the end of it was, that when his opera-
tions were discovered, he shot himself, leav-
ing his family utterly destitute. I heard
yesterday that they would not have a cent :
but never dreamed of his being so weak as to
killhimself. Miserable mistake 1"
ri""^Pt»"''/^V^^°"'«°f Mrs. Grayson and
Claudia ?" asked Beulah, sorrowfully.
'' I don't know, really. Mrs. Grayson has
a brother living somewhere up the country •
I suppose he will offer them a home such as
i.c nas. I pity her ; she is a weak ereature
—weak, mind and body ; and this reverse
will come very near killing her."
For some days nothing was discussed but
the Grayson tragedy." It was well the
unhappy man could not listen to the fierce
maledictions of disappointed creditors and
the slanders which were now heaped upon
his name. Whatever his motive .ight have
been, the woriJ called his ofTen s by the
darkest names, and angry creditors vowed
every knife, fork and spoon should come
under the hammer. The elegant house was
sold— the furniture with it ; and Mrs. Gray-
son and Claudia removed temporarily to a
boarding-house. Not one of their fashion-
able intimates approached them-no, not
one. When Claudia went one day to her
niantuamaker, to have her mourning fitted
she met a couple of ladies who had formerly
been constant visitors at tho house, and regu-
lar attendants at her parties. Unsuspect-
ingly, she hastened to meet them, but. to
her astonishment, instead of greeting her
in their usual fawning manner, tliey received
her with a very cold bow, jnat touched the
tips ot her hngers, and gathering up their
robes, swept majestically from the room.
Kage and mortification forced the tears into
her eyes.
Mrs. Asbury had never admired Mrs.
Ur.v.'Sfir. « charneteF ; she visited Ler for.
mally about twice a year ; but now, in thia
misfortune, she alone called to sec her
When Claudia returned from the mantna-
makers, she found Mrs. Asbury with her
mother, and received from h*>r hand a kind
'i; I
m
190
BEULAH.
friendly note from the girl she had so grossly
insulted. Beiilah was no flatterer ; she wrote
candidly and plainly j said she vould have
called at once, hod she suppose her com-
pany would he j.cceptal>le. She von 1,1
gladly come and see Claudia whenevpr she
desired to see her, and| lopcd ,that the me-
mory of otlier years would teach her llie
sincerity of her friendship. Claudia woi.t
bitterly, as she read it, and vainly regretted
the superciliousness which had alienated one
"he knew to be noble and trustworthy. She
was naturally an impulsive creature, and
without a moment's hesitation, dashed oflF an
answer, all blurred with tears, begging Beu-
lah to overlook her "foolishness," and corae
to see her.
..Accordingly, after school. Beulah went to
the house where they were boarding. Claudia
met her rather awkwardly, but Beulah kiss-
ed her as if nothing had over occurred to mar
their intercourse ; and after some desultory
conversation, asked her what they expected
to do.
" Heaven only knowsl starve, I suppose."
She spoke gloomil}', and folded her soft white
hands oyer each other, as if the idea of work
wa8><Jmething altogether foreign to her mind.
^ Dear knows what is to become of us— I
,m sure I don't! Mamma has a brother liv-
ing in some out of-the-way-place up the
country. But he does" not '' mo- thinks
some of hia own children ouyut to have been
ailopted in my place. Heaven knows I have
niade nothing by the operation, but a great
disappointment; he need not be uneasy aliout
the amount I am to get But yon see they
don't want me, having an old spite at me,
and mamma dislikes to ask them to take me ;
be8i<les, I would almost as soon be buried at
once as go to that farm, or plantation, or
whatever it is. They have wntteu to mam-
ma to come, and she does not know what to
V ^ >Jm " "T * *^ musician, are you not t"
\
''No, not particularly; I never could en-
inre to practise."
" Don t you draw and paint finely— I have
heard that you did f
" Yes, but what good will it do me now,
I should like to know?" She twirled
her little plump, jewelled fingers indolently
" It might do you a great deal of good, if
you chose. You might support yourself by
giving lessons," said Beulah, decisively.
She drew up her shoulders, frowned and
pouted, without making any answer.
" Claudy, you do not wish to be dependent
on a man who dislikes you?"
" Vnf i' r ^ >- -1- - 1' I"
iii>s it 1 (jttij uei^ ijiysL'it 1 ■
" And yon certainly do not wish to 1).
the means of preventing Mrs. Grayson from j
haviny a comfortable home with her
111 other t"
tlnudia burst into tears; she did not love
li<;r m,.tlier, di.l not even respect her; she
was very weak and chdcli>h ; yet the youn«
"vphan felt very desolate, an.l knew not
what to do. Beulah took her hand, and said
KiDilly ;
"If you are willint; to help yourself, dear
Claudy I wdl gladly do all I can to assist
you 1 think 1 cnu secure you a situation as
teacher of drawing, and, until you can
make something at it, I will pay your board •
and you shall stay with me, if you like
You can think about it, and let me know as
soon as you decide. "
Claudia thanked her cordially, and return-
ing home, Beulah immediately imparted the
plan to her friends. They thought it would
scarcely succeed, Claudia had been so petted
and spoiled. Beulah sat gazing into the
hre for awhile ; then, looking at the doctor,
said abruptly :
" There is that Graham money, sir. doinc
nobody any good." *
•• That is just what I have been telling
you for the last six years. I have invested
;t carefully, until it has almost doubled
itself."
"It would make them very comfortable,"
continued she thoughtfully.
" Make them very comfortable I" repeated
the doctor, throwing his cigar into the grate,
and turning suddenly toward her.
" Yes, Claudia and Mrs. Grayson."
"Beulah Benton 1 are you going insane, I
should like to know 7 Here you are, trorking
hard every day of your life, and do you sup-
pose I shall suffer you to give that legacy
(nearly nine thousand dollars I) to support
two broken-down fashionables in idleness T
Who ever heard of such a piece of business
since the world began T I will not consent to
it I I tell you now, the money shall not
leave my hands for any such purpose."
"I don't want it myself. I never shall
touch a dollar of it for my own use," said
she, resolutely.
"All very fine now. But wut tUI you
get superannuated, or such a cripple with
rheumatism that you can't hobble to that
school-house, which you seem to love better
than your own souL Wait till then, I say,
amd see whether some of this money will not
be very acceptable."
"That time will never come, sir, never I"
answered Beulah, laughing.
" Beulah Benton, you are a simpleton I"
said he, looking affectionately at nerfrom
beneath his shaggy brows.
" I want that money, sir."
" You shall not have one cent of it. The
lea of your playing Lady Bountiful to the
Ciaysons 1 Pshaw ! not apicayuio shall you
have. "
" Oh, sir, it would make me so very happ_
BEULAH.
to aid them. Yon cannot conceive how mucli
pleasure it would afford me "
ull ^""'^ ''"«. child, all that sort of anrelic
diswterestedness sound, very well done up
matter Mr."* r'"' •""'"'*> » qnite anothe?
h^r 1 ■!--^'''^^°" *•■«»*«'> yo" like a
brut,_ : and it is not to be expected that you
tTonter^ extraordinary ^legree of affec
tionforher. Human nature is spiteful and
nnforguMng; and as for your piling coals of
.an.r'^n*'^"''^ **•« amount of nine thou-
sand dollars, that is .being entirely too
mngnaninious 1" * ouuroiy mo
sir. Once, when I was maddened ly sorrow
and pain, I sai.l something which lIwvT
repented bitterly." As 'fie^fah spoke ^a
cloud swept across her face. ^ '
" What was it, child ? what did
191
say
you
'* I cursed her I besouj^ht God to punish
her severely for her unkindncss to me I
hardly knew what I was saying 5 b^t even
then It shocked mo, and I praved God t^
forgive n.y ijassion .1 shudder when I remem^
l^L^^r^.LT^ forgiven her heartlessness
ong ago; add now, sir, I want you to irive
me that money. If it is mine it air if Is
'"•ne to employ as I choose. " ^
five thousand dollars seemert to poor Claudia
how thr -""l^^'i- ^\' """^'J ""' "n.le stand
how the girl, whom she and her mother h«
msulted could possibly have thru can o
whS h.l'f^^ f^f?:'^^'^ ^^^ circumstance
Si nf fK *^^"^ ^^' .**' "«'«* them. Tl„.
bulk of the money remained in Dr Asl.urv'M
hands and Claudia was to apply Vo .im « 1 en
ever she needed it. She and^ her mrmn 1'
found a cheaper boarding-house, an.l Ckudi'"
duties began at once. Mrs Gravson 111
overwhelmed with shame when thYpa" t,^-,'
lars were made known to her and LaVb t
b.tter mortification could not 'ohUterate the
memory of the hour she cruelly denied to
o'we^thi*^,^''^"^p\*" *" wiilm shTL" :
owed the shelter above her head. Beulah di.
not see her for many weeks subseyT.e t fl
knew how painful such a me>tinK\vo<id
to the humt>led woman, an.l wl.Uc she co
stantly cheered and encouraged Claudia '
her work, she studiously avoiTled M.^ G* '''
son 8 presence. •> "
Thus the winter passed; an.l once moiP
the ulones of a soutbein spring were scatter
e.1 over the land. To thS Asl.u^ s iicui: L
"Cornelia did not leave the legacy to the s blv ITJV ^'''^'\^-^^ ^^^ homecoul.l pos-
<>rayson8." «K»cy «» me sibly have been, which was not lev .iw„
"Were, sh« !{«•;„„ .1, ,, . ^"cy were all that friends , ' ^"
the'uJe'Tim 'r"f' ."I'e ^ould commend
tue use I.am about to make of it Will
y^^Sr^"? l!^« thousand dollars of it ?"
str^e'Si" gfj^"" "'' " 1"««' '=°'"P«»'>d . a
of 't'^lt'!ly'*° S'""® *"« five thousand dollars
of that money to-morrow ?" persisted Beulah
loo King steadily at him.
"Yes, child, if y<
-„■ . ■ ,;-'■■ yo^ '^ill have it so." His
voice trembled, and he looked at the orphan
wi.n moist eyes. ^
Mrs Asbnry had taken no part in this con-
iXtt^'p? •"^•^''^^^' "^'^ attested^
waist 1h. ? '•°*', ?"'■ '^T '"■'"^'^■■^ fi«"l»l»'s
wai^st, she hasti.y kis^e.- her bfow, and only
;; God bless you. ,;.. d,^,, n„bie Beulah 1"
1 do not see tnat i am at ail mncnani-
nous in giving away o.hor people's 1 foucy.
£11^ I Clfcudy, tcere xc.:..u i.ave been
some show o generosity. Here come Ge, rS
and her husband; you do not nek me t
read this evening, and I have work fo>do ■
She extr>cate,l herself from Mrs. Aslu^Vs
clasping arins and retire.l to her own ro .m
Iho lolTowmg day, Claudia came t.> say that
a8_8heknewt;pt wjiat else to do. she wouM
.r'^^Vx^^'-P"^ tne position mnntione.l as teach-
Tr.f. I V'!,"'^ '"><1 painting. Mrs. Gray^.^s
wasunwIfn'T'^'^^'^'^^ *'*''• homo, but she
was unwilliuj,. to be separate.l from Clau.lia
aeulah no longer hesitated, and the sum Jf
i
bey were all that friendscJulTbe't., an < r-
Phan ; still, she regretted her little cottUe
the greenhouse, and waa r^rely without her
bouquet of choice flower.; b.it Tl ese CmT.
not compensate her for the loss of hei ow
utile ganien. She struggle.! bravely w.t
discontent; trie.l to look only on ti.e sm.sbinc
ni her path, and to be always cheerf In
tnis she partially succeed-ed : no matter bow
lonely and sad she felt, she hid it ca e „ ]y
and the evenings in the library were never
rTw""' T^ ZT f "^r"« -»-!<--",:::
row. io the close observer, there" werr.
races ot grief in hercountenan ce a, ,1 some
"r atu.1 '"-t"* ^""'"« "•'^'^'^ AlVs. Arbur"
^<i aloud. It was easy to see that hrV
-';.gl.tshadw..ndered L from tha lit
-00m. Time had changed her sinsn a.K
mnce the old Asylum dayl She Z'tl'l
..c.j-f..rme.^, remarkably graceful woman
V..... ;: co;iiplexion of dazzline transnarencv
She wa«alway. pale.buUhe Le vd^:" g, i
an. ti>r ;'»yvvl,ere oi, h«. ..nnv au.ltempfes:
a... the d.ark, gray ey.., with their long
J ■ttj.curl.nj.n.shcs, possessed an iM.lcscribaU;
;;!:;':"■ ,1^rM;i =^''-*^-- Sheliad^enan
ioouing it i:.it handsome woman. To all but
'l.ofannl.vw.tl, whom she re.«i,l,.,l. s|,e ^as
.■■■.ther reserve! i and while U,e. w,.rld a.l
. nred an,l e„l.,gized her talents as a « rite
she felt mat, exc.pt Eu,.u..., .h, i., i t o
'1 .
< i "rfl
lU
h
I
I
i'li
192
RJ<:ULAH.
riendi beyond the threshold of the house
Khe lived in. As weeks and months eUpsed,
Aud no nevrs of her wandering guardian
oarae, her hope began to pale. For woary
years it had burned brightly, but constant
disappointment was preHsing liunvily on her
Vieart, and crushing outtlio hcdy spark. Tlio
lioart-strincs will bear rudeshocks and sudden
I'ough-handling, but the gradual tiijIitiMuiig,
the unremitted tension ol long, todiously-
rolling years, will in time ai'compliHJi what
fierce assaults cannot. ContiiAinlly she
prayed for his return, but, despite her cfTni-ts,
her faith grew fainter as each month crept
by, and her smile became more constraiiiod
and joyless. She never spoke of her anxiety,
never alluded to him, but pressed her hands
over her aching heart ftnd did her work
•ilently — nay, cneerfully.
■'X
y
CHAPTER XL.
The day was doll, misty and gusty. All
the morning there had been t. driving south-
easterly rain ; but toward noon there was a
lull. The afternoon was heavy and threaten-
ing, while armies of dense clouds drifted be-
fore the wind. Dr. Asbury had not yet re-
turned from his round of evening visits,
Mrs. Asbury had gone to the As^^lum to see
a sick child, and Georgia was dining with
her husband's mother. Beulah came home
from school more than usuallv fatigued ; one
of the assistant teachers w.is indisposed, and
she had done double work to relieve her.
She sat before her desk, writing industriously
on an article she had promised to complete
before the end of the week. Her head aolied ;
the lines grew dim, and she laiil anido her
manuscript and leaned her face on her palms.
The beautiful lashes lav against her brow,
for the eyes were raised to the portrait abtwo
her desk, and she gazed up at the fauUlcss
features with an expression of sad hope-
lessness. Years had not filled the void in
her heart with other treasures. At this
hour it ached with its own desolation, and
extending her arms imploringly toward the
picture, she exclaimed sorrowfully :
" my God, how long must I wait ! Oh,
how long I"
She opened the desk, and taking out a
key, left her room, and slowly ascended to
the third story. Charon crept up the steps
kfter her. She unlocked the apartment
which ATrs. Asbury had given into her chargi
some time before, and raising ore of th.
windows, looped back the heavy blue cui
tains which gave a sombre hue to all within.
From this elevated position shn could sen tho
stormy, sullen waters of the bay breaking
against the wharves, and hear their hoarse
muttering as they rooked themselves to rest
after the scourging of the tempest. Grey
clouds hung low, an 1 scudded northward y
everything looked dull and gloomy. She
turned from the window and glanced around
the room. It was at all times a painful plea-
sure to jme here, and now, particularly, the
interior inipressod her sadly. Here were
the paintings and statues she had long been
■0 familiar with, and here, too, the melodeon
which at rare intervals she opened. The
house was very, quiet ; not a sound came up
from below j she raised the lid of the instru-
ment, and played a jilaintive prelude. Echoes,
seven or eight years old, suddenly fell on
her ears : she hud not heard one note of this
air since she left Dr. Hartwell's roof. It
was a favourite song of his ; a German hymn
he had taught her, and now after seven
years she sang it. It was a melancholy air,
and as her trembling voice rolled throuch
the house, she seemed to live the
old days over again. But the
words died away on her lips ; she
had over-estimated her strength ; she conld
not sing it. The marble images around
her, like ghosts of the past, looked mutely
down at her grief. She could not weep ; her
eyes were dry, and there was an intolerable
weight on her heart. Just before her stood
the Niobe, rigid and woeful j she put her
hands over her eyes, and drooped her face on
the melodeon. Gloom and despair crouched
at her side, their gaunt hands tugging at the
*anchor of hojpe. The wind rose and howled
round the corners of the house ; how fierce
it might be on trackless seas, driving lonely
barks down to ruin, and strewing the main
with ghastly upturned faces. She shuddered
and groaned, it was a dark hour of trial,
and she struggled desperately with the phan-
toms that clustered about her. Then there
came other sounds : Charon's shrill, frantic
bark and whin© of delight. For years she
had not heard that peculisr bark, and started
up in wonder. Ou the threshold stood a tall
form, with a straw hat drawn over the fea-
tures, but Charon's paws were on the
shoulders, and his whine of delight ceased
not. He fell down at his master's feet and
caressed them. Beul.-ili looked an inst<ir.t,
and sprang into the door« ay, holding out
her arms, with a wild, joyful cry :
" Come at last 1 Oh, thank God I Come at
Her face wab radiant, her eyes burn-
glowing lips parted,
leaning agaiiist the door, with his arms
ossed over his brcul chest. Dr. Hartwell
stood, silently regarding her. She cam .■ . jo*
to him, and her exteuc.ed arms trembled ;
still he did noc move, did not speak.
" Oh, I knew you would come ; and, thank
Ood, now you are here. Come home ai
last I"
cide. '
"I ha
burned ;
" Wei
"Wei:
1 prefer 1
He fro
»t him.
" Beuh
you unde
"Yes,
Just th
of Creola,
back a st«
lips, as he
he said sti
"Ah, V
from the g
less you k
ried her, t
soon unde(
asked you
you would
young mar
nat, and p;
ing hair, sh
silver. H(
She saW, i
that the lis
•plendid, d
\^
for ."Xuir,"'""" "■*''"■■ "• "id.
She ftlt his strons; frame auivpr . v,« f«i i i
" I have decided, "said Bhfi R»- i. i
Ip^el'b'eiongrgt 'r- *^'"*' ' »'«"-•
^^^.ejrowned. She smiied and looked up
" Beulah, I don't want a (rratefnl onf<. n
you understand me»" •" ■8'*"™' ^e. Do
"Yes. sir."
offvli*''^°u^-*\7^"«''t«d ontho portrait
of Creola, which hung opposite TlV i
fes'ttrliTyl^P""^*- ^'"'°«^- '^-t
tr^L^u' ^''?"* P*'® spectres that face calL, im
L« v*^\^"'"'«''^y ••"'»« «f memory I Doubt^
iLd T" ^*r "^ P'y miserable history. I maJ'
young man. £:;;ktre.» H™ tSrew ^fL^
She -WX W t'.:LH^!^U°A«*^. >*•
S'endid'f V'" '"" onTiB-p-aie faX" Thl
•plend.d.Jark eyes were nn^tered, ;md m
BEULAH.
her face o.Uiis^,h',[lX "'"'''■*'"' '«"'
iov:nSti:;;i;;;;4::;f^!^-^b«.u.eyou
you are Krateful to ..,«.* ^^.^ b''^*"^^
timh.ess/^ AnsweiVrBjulX"'^'"^^ ""^
because you are my all."
How long have I been your aU?"
Oh longer than I know myself 1" ...
the evii8ive reply ""yseii i waa
Beulah?"
.. { '"'^e toM you the truth." ^
shad .^^tS^u^f '^^l'^"^' '^ - "y
youha^p^n'^y'lirL'l'f^^rr"'^""''''^^"
-.ed 'a' tictV"'^^'"^ '"''^^' ««» writing
•'B;dahV'""'''^"«'^*-*'
" Well, sir.-
have found the tmtl! ■ , ""y ""'"1 J I
«he raised her heaand'lnl"^^ ^'1^' Now
earnestly. ' '"''^ ^""'''^'^ »' hnn very
' ; Child does your faith make you happy?"
iV slr'a^te-rTsX^nr °"* ^-^-
haId\7nrr''shoul1e4 .."■ J^^^"* ^<^'^
kissed her brow. ' *^ ' "toopmg down
^♦' And you prayed for me, Benlah ?"
I es, evening and niormu<' Pravpri fKat
a knowledge of the truth of ' .T^^''? ^'"'
reliuion Oh «,V r *V J^^ *^® Cnnstiau
eiernitv ! and oh +i,o tu i./ ' ? **"*'' ''^
me will M ' ,° 'hought near y drove
me wild I My guardian, my all let mp „;>!
have prayed in vain " vlT y ' i . P^^ ""*
He Tz '^r^^'"^'°« i^ *i>«buVnii?;;yi^
ile said nothing, however • tnoir i,T^? ^ ■
hi. hands, and fcannef u' SrneXt' '^
I«4
BEULAn.
'
readiiij; all that hail passed during his long
kbHuni'e. I'resontly lie aHked :
" So you would not marry Lindsay, and
go to Congress. Why not?''
" Who told you nnythin^j about him?"
" No nmtter. Wliy did you not marry
him ?"
" Hccaiise I did not love him."
" llo is a noble-hearted, generous man."
*' Yea, very ; I do not know his Buperior."
" What?"
" I mean what I say," she said, firmly.
He smiled, one of his genial, irresistible
smiles ; and she smiled also, despite herself.
"Giv(! me your hand, Beulah?"
She did BO very quietly.
" There — is it mine ?"
" Yes. sir, if you want it."
'•And may I claim it as soon as I choose?"
" Yes, sir."
She had never seen him look as he diil
iheii. Ilis face kindled, as if in a broad
flash of light ; the eyes dazzled her, and
she turned her face away, as he drew her
once more to his bosom, and exclaimed :
" At laat, then, after years of sorrow, and
pain, and bitterness, I shall be happy in my
own home ; shall have a wife, a companion
who loves me for myself alone. Ah, Beulah,
my idol, I will make you happy !"
The rain fell heavily, and it grew dark,
for the night came rapidly down. There was
a furious ringinj; at tne library bell, the doc-
tor had come home, and, as usual, wanted
hdlf a dozen things at once.
" Have you leen Dr, Asbury t"
"No. I came directly to the house ; saw
no one as I entered ; and hearing the melo-
doon, followed the sound."
" What a joyful surprise it will be to hirii !"
said Beulah, closing the wiiwlow and locking
the melodeon. She led the way down the
steps, followed by her guardian and Charon.
" Suppose you wait a while iu the musio-
room ? It adjoins the library, and yon can
see and hear, without being seen," suggested
she, with her hand on the oolt of the door.
He assented, and stood near the threshold
which connected the room, while Beulah
went into the library. The gas burned
brightly, and the doctor sat leaning far back
in nis arm-chair, with his feet on an ottoman.
His wife stood n \r him, stroking the grey
hair from his furrowed brow.
" Alice, I wish, dear, you \\ onld get me an
iced lemonade, will you V'
" Let me make it for you," said Beulah,
coming forward.
" Not you I At your peril, you touch it.
You are over fond of the sour, miss. Alice
knows ex'xctlv howt-o suit me."
" So you have turned homoeopathist ? take
•.■dto •'
" None of your observations, if you please.
Just be good enough to open the shutters,
will you ? It IS as hot in this room as if
the equator ran between my feet and the
wall. Charming weather, eh ? And still
more charming prospect, that I shall have to
go out into it again before bed-time! One of
my delectable patients has taken it into his
head to treat his wife and children to a rare
show, in the shape of a fit of inania-a-potu ;
and ten to one, I shall have to play spectator
all night." He yawned as he spoke,
" You have an arduous time, indeed," be-
gan Beulah ; but he hastily put in ;
'* Oh, of all poor devils, we pill-box gen-
try do have the har'dest times ! I am sick of
patients ; sick of physic ; sick of the very
sound of my own name."
" If my guardian were only here to re-
lieve "
" Confound your guardian ! Don't men-
tion him in my presence. He is a simpleton.
He is what the ' Ettrick Shepherd' calls a
' Sum ph.' You have no guardian, I can tell
you that. Before this, he has gone through
all the transmigrations of * ludur,' and the
finnl metempsychosis gave him to the world
a Celestial. Yes, child, a Celestiul. I fancy
him at this instant, with two long plaits of
hair trailing behind him, as, with all the sub-
lime complacency of Celestials, he stalks ma-
jestically along picking tea leaves. Con-
found your guardian. Mention his name to
me again, at the peril of having your board
raised."
" Oeorge, what is the matter with you?"
asked the wife, smiling, as she handed him
the lemonade he desired.
" This prating young woman is, as usual,
trying to discourse of- Alice, this is just right.
Thank you, my dear." He drained theglass
and handed it back. Beulah stood, so that
the light shone full on her face. He looked
at her a moment, and exclaimed :
" Come here, child. What ails you t
Why, bless my soul, Beulah, whatia the mat-
ter T I never saw the blood in your face be-
fore ; and your great solemn eyes seem to bo
dancing a jig. What ails you, child Y'^ Ho
grasped her hand eagerly.
" Nothing ails me ; I am well ", .
" I know better 1 Has Charon gOB6 mad
and bit you ? Oho I by all the deaa gods of
Greece, Guy has come home. Where is he T
Where is he f*
He sprang np, nearly knocking his wife
down, and looked around the room. Dr.
Hartwell emerged from the music-room and
advanced to meet him.
" Oh, Guy 1 You heathen I you Philis-
tine ! von prodigal 1"
i He l>ounded over a chair, and locked his
I arms round the tall form, while his grey
BKULAH.
IW>
Philis-
lieud (lropj)e.l<>n hia frisiid'a slumlder. Bpu-
Idh stole oiyt qiilukly, and in tlio solitude of
ht-r «)Wiij*,ni, fell on lior knees, and retiiined
tlianks^ the (jod who hears and auiwers
IS
Vrayj
Vi
CHAPTER XLI.
It was a sparkling Aiicust morning— one of
those rare days, when all nature soonis jubi.
lant. The waters of the bay tjlistened like a
•hect of molten silver ; the soft southern
breeze aanR through the tree-tops, and the
cloudless Hky wore that deep shade of pure
blue, whiuh is nowhere bo beautiful as in our
Bunny South. Clad in a dress of spotless
wliite, with her luxuriant hair braided and
twined witli white dowers, Beulali stoo.l be-
Bide her window, looking out into the street
below. Her hands were tightly clasped over
ner heart, and ou one slender finger blazed
a costly diamond, the seal of herTietrothal
Slie waa very pale ; now and then her lips
quivered, and her lashes were wet with tears
Yet thia was her marriage day. She had
nsen from her knees, and her countenance
told of a troubled heart. She loved her
guardian above everything else ; knew that,
separated from him, life would be a dreary
blank to her ; yet much as she loved him
she could not divest herself of a species of
/' ?l 'V^^*^- '^^'® thought of being his
yjife filled her with vague apprehension,
tie had hastened the marriage ; the old place
iiad oeeu thoroughly repaired and refurnisiiti
and this morning she would go home a wife'
She clasped her hands over her eyes ; the
future looked fearful. She knew the pw-
sionate, exacting nature of the man with
whose destiny she was aboat to link het
own and she shrank back, as the image of
Creola rose before her. The door opened.
and Mrs. Asbury entered, accompanied by
Ur. Hartwell. The orphan looked up, and
.eaned heavily against iho win -,, Mrs.
Asbury broke the silence.
''They are waiting for you, my dear. The
minister came some momentH ago. The clock
has struck ten." ' ^ ^"f ciock
She handed her a pair of gloves from the I
table, and stood m the door, waiting for her.
«eulah drew them on, and ti.en, with a long
breath, glanced at Dr. Hartwell. He looked
restless, and she thought sterner, than she
nad seen him since hia retu rn. He was very
pale and his lips were compressed firmly.
tr«mw .. ^»?,\ frightened. Beulah. You
tremble, said he, drawing her arm through
gfl^and fixing lu« eyes searchmgly on her
"Yes. Oh, yes. I believe! am frightened."
•ne answered, with a constrained smile
She saw his brow darken, and his check
flush, but he said no more, and led her down
to the parlour, where the ni«i>iber8 of the
family were assembled. Claudia and Eugene
were also present. The minister met them
m the centre of the room"; and there, in the
solemn hush, a few questions were answered
a plain band of gold encircled her finger, and
the deep tones of the clergyman pronounced
her (Juy Hartwell's wife. F.ugene took her
m his arms and kissed her tenderly, whisner-
ing: ^
" God bless yon, dear sister and friend ! I
•incerly hope that your married life will
prove happier than mine, '
Their congratulations wearied her, and she
wag glail when the carriage came to bear her
away. Bid.ling adieu to her friendH. sh-
was handed into the carriage, and Dr. Hart-
well took the seat beside her. The ride was
short ; neither spoke, and when the door was
opened, and she entered the well-remembered
house, Bhe would gla.ily have retreated to
the greenhouse, and sought solitude to col-
lect her thoughts ; but a hand caught hers,
and she soon found herself seated on a sofa
m the study. She felt that a pair of eyes
were nvetcd on her face, and suddenly the
blood surged in her white cheeks. Her
hand lay clasped in his, and her head droop-
ed lower, to avoid his searching gaze.
"Oh, Beulah I my wife 1 why are yon
afraid of me T " '
The low, musical tones caused her heart to
thnl strangely ; she mide a great effort, and
lifted her head. She saw the expression of
sorrow that clouded his face ; saw his white
brow wrinkle ; and as her eyes fell on the
silver threads scattered through his brown
nair, there came an instant revolution of feel-
ing ; fear vanished : love rei>ned supreme,
fehe threw her arms up about Ids neck, and
exclaimed : '
" I am not afraid of you now. May Goi
bless njy guardian I my husband 1 "
■ K f"®.""' '"^'"'■'*g^ '8 not the end of life j it
IS but the beginning of a new course of
(luties ; but I cannot now follow Beulah.
Henceforth, her history is bound np with
HIIk r^'-- .T° ,'l^^ ^^"^ ^""•'•"'i from hia
unbelief, is the labour of future years. She
had learned to suffer, and to bear patiently :
and though her path looks sunny, and her
bC« ^°^ w'**» happy hopes, this one
shadow lurks oyer her home and dims her
^^■■iT X ''* "^ months glided swiftly on.
J Hartwell's face lost its stem rigidity
and bis smde became constantly genial. His
wife was his idol ; day by day, lis love for
fler seemed more coH|)letely to revolutionize
ni« nature. His cvniciam malfo,.! Jr.™ ;!->-
away ; ins lips forgot their iron compression;
now and then, his long-forgotten laugh rang
tiiion^'hthe house. Beulah was conscious
■;«
i
m
9^^^l
.i
^M^l
:
i^S'^^^H
'1
. m^^^^H
1
M'^^m
l\S , MKKKtM
>^M
'^^11^
'i I
fl^
100
BEULAH.
of the power sho wicMcil, »iul trembled lc«t
■ho failed to employ it inopcrly. On a Sab-
biitli afternoon, she eat in her room, with her
chcok on hor hand, absorbed in earnest
thought. Her little Bible lay on hor livp,
and she waa pondering the text she hail
board that nioruinu. Gharou oame and
nestled his hu)<e head against her. Present-
ly she heard the quick tramp of hoofs and
whir of wheels ; and soon after, her husbaud
entered and sut down beside her,
"What are yoa thinking oft" said he,
paasinij his hand over her head, carelessly.
*' Thinking of my life— of the bygone
yean of atrugglek"
" They are past, and can trnnble you no
more. ' Let the dead bury its dead ! ' "
"No, my past can never die. 1 ponder it
often, and it does me good ; strengthens me,
by keeping me humble. 1 was just thinking
01 the dreary, desolate days and nights I
passed, searching for a true philosophy, and
g-^ing furthe'- astray with etfort. I was so
proud of my intellect ; put so much faith in
my own powers } it wu no wonder I was so
benighted."
"Where is yonr old worship of genius ?"
wked her husband, watohinc her curiously.
" I have not Icjt it alL I hope I never
uliali. Humanaenius has accomplished a vast
deal for mans temporal existonce. Tho
physical sciences have been wheeled forward
in the march of mind, and man's oartlily
path gemmed with all that a merely sen^iual
uatpre could desire. But looking aside from
theSe ohannels, what has it efTeoted for phil-
osophy, that great burden which constantly
recalls the failed labours of Sisyphus and the
Danaides T Since the rising of Bethlehem's
■tar, in the cloudy sky of polytheism, what
rEaa human genius discovered of God, eter-
lAty, destiny t MetaphysiciauB build gor-
§eou8 cloud palaces, but the soul cannot
well in their cold, misty atmosphere.
Antiquarians wrangle and write; Egypt's
mouldering monuments are raked from their
desert graves, and made the theme of scien-
titio debate ; but has all this learned dispu-
tation eontributed one iota to clear the
thorny way of strict morality? Put the
Bible out of sight, and how maCiii will human
intellect discover concerning our origin— our
ultimate destiny T In the morning of time,
sages handled these vital questions,
and died, not one step nearer the
truth than when they began. Now,
our philosophers struggle, earnestly and
honestly, to make plain the same inscrut-
able mysteries. Here we see, indeed, as
~xi:rouguSg^as3,ua.'sj}'. ica i uci-ttto xmn-j-aj
iJreadv dawning, when soienti&o data will
not only oiase to be aatagoniatio to soriptuMd
VHS
i."
ai'i'onnts, but wil! deepen the imprrss of
Divinity on the pa^'cs of holy writ ; when
' the torch shall be taken nul of the hand of
fho ititidel, and Het to burn in the temple of
the living (Jod ;' when Science and Keliuion
shall link humls. I revere tho lonely think-
ers to whom the world is indebted for it.t
f;rcat inventions. I honour the tireless
abourers who toil in laboratori's ; who
sweep midnight skies, in seareii of new-
worlds ; who ujdieave primeval rocks, hunt-
ing for footsteps of Deity ; and I believe that
every scieutihc fact will ultimately provi
but another lamp, planted along the path
which leads to a knowledge of Jehovah !
Ah ! it is indeed peculiarly the duty of
Christians 'to watch, with reverence and
oy, the unveiling of the august brow of
ature, by the hand of Science ; and to be
ready jto call mankind to a worship ever
now ! ' Human thought subserves matvy
useful, nay, noble ends ; the Creator gave it,
as a jtowerful instrument, to improve man's
temporal condition ; but oh, sir, I speak of
what 1 know, when 1 say : alas, for that soul
who forsakes the Divine ark, and embarks
on the gihlf '. toys of man's invention, hoping
to breast tne billoTS of life, and be anchoreil
safely in tho harbour of eternal rest I The
heathens, 'having no law, are a Jaw in
themselves J ' but for such as deliberately
reject the given light, only bitter darkness
remains. I know it ; for I, too, once groped,
wailing for help. "
" Your religion is full of mystery," said
her husband, gravely.
" Yes, of Divine mystery. Truly, ' a God
comprehended is no God at all I' Christianity
is clear as to rules of life and duty. There
is no mystery left about the directions to
man; yet there is a Divine mystery infolding
it, whjoh tells of its divine origin, and pro-
mises a fuller revelation when man is fitted
to receive it. If it were not so, we would
call it man's invention. You tnr^ from
revelation, because it contains some things
yon cannot comprehend ; yet you plunge
into a deeper, darker mystery, when you
embrace the theory of an eternal, self-existing
universe, bavins no intelligent creator, yet
constantly creating intelligent beings. Sir,
can you understand how matter creates
mind!"
She had laid her Bible on his knee ; her
folded hands rested upon it, and her grey
eyes, clear and earnest, looked up reverently
iato her husband's noble face. His soft hand
wandered over her head, and be seemed
pondering her words.
-M-o rLnvl ai<1 *^>m, wnlm in l«jm hnlv tvnrlr of
love i
BNIX