Beulah - Page 87/348

"And what construction will the world place on your taking a young

girl into your house at the time that I leave it? Guy, with what

marvelous foresight you are endowed!" said she, laughing

sardonically.

"I shall take measures to prevent any improper construction! Mrs.

Watson, the widow of one of my oldest and best friends, has been

left in destitute circumstances, and I shall immediately offer her a

home here, to take charge of my household and look after Beulah when

I am absent. She is an estimable woman, past fifty years of age, and

her character is so irreproachable that her presence here will

obviate the objection you have urged. You will decide to-night where

you wish to fix your future residence, and let me know to-morrow. I

shall not give you longer time for a decision. Meantime, when Beulah

returns you will not allude to the matter. At your peril, May! I

have borne much from you; but, by all that I prize, I swear I will

make you suffer severely if you dare to interfere again. Do not

imagine that I am ignorant of your schemes! I tell you now, I would

gladly see Percy Lockhart lowered into the grave rather than know

that you had succeeded in blinding him! Oh, his noble nature would

loathe you, could he see you as you are. There, go! or I shall

forget that I am talking to a woman--much less a woman claiming to

be my sister! Go! go!" He put up his hands as if unwilling to look

at her, and, leaving the room, descended to the front door. A large

family carriage, drawn by two horses, stood in readiness, and,

seating himself within it, he ordered the coachman to drive to the

asylum. Mrs. Williams met him at the entrance, and, despite her

assumed composure, felt nervous and uncomfortable, for his

scrutinizing look disconcerted her.

"Madam, you are the matron of this institution, I presume. I want to

see Beulah Benton."

"Sir, she saw your carriage, and desired me to say to you that,

though she was very grateful for your kindness, she did not wish to

burden you, and preferred remaining here until she could find some

position which would enable her to support herself. She begs you

will not insist upon seeing her; she does not wish to see you."

"Where is she? I shall not leave the house until I do see her."

She saw from his countenance that it was useless to contend. There

was an unbending look of resolve which said plainly, "Tell me where

to find her, or I shall search for her at once." Secretly pleased at

the prospect of reconciliation, the matron no longer hesitated, and,

pointing to the staircase, said: "She is in the first right-hand

room."