Beulah - Page 38/348

"Master, did you ring?"

"Yes; tell my sister to come to me."

He took a turn across the floor, and paused by the open window. As

the night air rustled the brown locks on his temples, he sighed

deeply. The door opened, and a tall, slender woman, of perhaps

thirty-five years, entered the room. She was pale and handsome, with

a profusion of short chestnut curls about her face. With her hand

resting on the door, she said, in a calm, clear tone: "Well, Guy."

He started, and, turning from the window, approached her.

"May, I want a room arranged for this child as soon as possible.

Will you see that a hot footbath is provided? When it is ready, send

Harriet for her."

His sister's lips curled as she looked searchingly at the figure on

the sofa, and said coldly: "What freak now, Guy?"

For a moment their eyes met steadily, and he smiled grimly.

"I intend to adopt that poor little orphan; that is all!"

"Where did you pick her up, at the hospital?" said she sneeringly.

"No, she has been hired as a nurse, at a boarding house." He folded

his arms, and again they looked at each other.

"I thought you had had quite enough of protegees." She nervously

clasped and unclasped her jet bracelet.

"Take care, May Ohilton! Mark me. Lift the pall from the past once

more, and you and Pauline must find another home, another protector.

Now, will you see that a room is prepared as I directed?" He was

very pale, and his eyes burned fiercely, yet his tone was calm and

subdued. Mrs. Chilton bit her lips and withdrew. Dr. Hartwell walked

up and down the room for a while, now and then looking sadly at the

young stranger. She sat just as he had placed her, with her hands

over her face. Kindly he bent down, and whispered: "Will you trust me, Beulah?"

She made no answer; but he saw her brow wrinkle, and knew that she

shuddered. The servant came in to say that the room had been

arranged, as he had directed. However surprised she might have been

at this sudden advent of the simply clad orphan in her master's

study, there was not the faintest indication of it in her

impenetrable countenance. Not even the raising of an eyebrow.

"Harriet, see that her feet are well bathed; and, when she is in

bed, come for some medicine."

Then, drawing the hands from her eyes, he said to Beulah: "Go with her, my child. I am glad I have you safe under my own roof,

where no more cruel injustice can assail you."