Beulah - Page 37/348

Her arm sank to her side, and once more the blazing eyes were

fastened on the young sleeper; while Mrs. Grayson, cowering like a

frightened child, left the room. Beulah fell on her knees, and,

crossing her arms on the table, bowed her head; now and then broken,

wailing tones passed the white lips. Dr. Hartwell stood in a recess

of the window, with folded arms and tightly compressed mouth,

watching the young mourner. Once he moved toward her, then drew

back, and a derisive smile distorted his features, as though he

scorned himself for the momentary weakness. He turned suddenly away,

and reached the door, but paused to look back. The old straw bonnet,

with its faded pink ribbon, had fallen off, and heavy folds of black

hair veiled the bowed face. He noted the slight, quivering form, and

the thin hands, and a look of remorseful agony swept over his

countenance. A deadly pallor settled on cheek and brow, as, with an

expression of iron resolve, he retraced his steps, and, putting his

hand on the orphan's shoulder, said gently: "Beulah, this is no place for you. Come with me, child."

She shrank from his touch, and put up one hand, waving him off.

"Your sister died with the scarlet fever, and Claudia is now very

ill with it. If you stay here you will certainly take it yourself."

"I hope I shall take it."

He laid his fingers 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 put him aside.

"No. You too would hate me for my ugliness. Let me hide it in the

grave with Lilly. They cannot separate us there." He lifted her

head; and, looking down into the haggard face, answered kindly: "I promise you I will not think you ugly. I will make you happy.

Come to me, child." She shook her head with a moan. Passing his arm

around her, he raised her from the carpet, and leaned her head

against him.

"Poor little sufferer! they have made 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, my child." He took her in his strong arms,

and bore her out of the house of death. His buggy stood at the door,

and, seating himself in it, he directed the boy who accompanied him

to "drive home." Beulah offered no resistance; she hid her face in

her hands, and sat quite still, scarcely conscious of what passed.

She knew that a firm arm held her securely, and, save her

wretchedness, knew nothing else. Soon she was lifted out of the

buggy, carried up a flight of steps, and then a flood of light

flashed through the fingers upon her closed eyelids. Dr. Hartwell

placed his change on a sofa, and rank the bell. The summons was

promptly answered by a negro woman of middle age. She stood at the

door awaiting the order, but his eyes were bent on the floor, and

his brows knitted.