Beulah - Page 53/348

"Yes; and remember, Beulah, I shall expect 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 long silence ensued. Dr. Hartwell seemed lost in reverie, for he

sat with his eyes fixed on the tablecloth, and his head resting on

his hand. His features resumed their habitual expression of stern

rigidity, and as Beulah looked at him she could scarcely 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

chaotic, passionate, and moody nature, and, as she marked the

knitting of his brows and the iron compression of his lips, her

heart was haunted by grave forebodings. While she sat pondering his

haughty, impenetrable appearance, a servant entered.

"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 loath 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?"

"I can find it," said she, rising from the table.

"Good-night; let me see you at breakfast if you feel strong enough

to join us."

He opened the door for her, and, hurrying out, Beulah found her own

room without difficulty. Walking up to Harriet, whom she saw waiting

for her, she said in a grave, determined 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 someone

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

night and morning."

"I am obeying master's orders. He said I was to 'tend to you,"

answered Harriet, wondering at the independent spirit evinced by the

newcomer.

"I do not want any tending, so you may leave 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, for 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 say."