Beulah

and finally rested on the tall form of the watcher, as he stood at the open window. Gradually memory gathered up its scattered links, and all the incidents of t

en 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 ha

do you

I know

u feel thi

head seems confused. How

ounting her pulse, prepared some medicine, and gave her a potion. Her feat

hey bur

a week

n she lay quite still, with a wrinkled brow. Dr. Hartwell sat down b

would recover; and now, though much better, you must not

ve been a mercy!" She put her hand over her

h, I have saved you, and you belong to me. When you are stronger we will talk about all you wan

e looked up at him with an expression

ng but misery

rgotten Euge

d up; then the long lashes swe

g will happen to him also. I never lo

unconsciously she had turned to view s

esses. There, do not talk any more, and don't cry. Try to sleep, and remember, child, you are homeless and frie

how is your patien

ing to send her some breakfast." He put both hands on his sister's shoulders, and looked down

. You are a wonderful doctor, Guy; almost equal to raising the

the living." His mustached lip curled,

ine's return to-day. Dear child, I long to have her at home again." An expression of anxious maternal solicitude crossed her

May; there is not one silv

hielded as I have been by your kindness? Cares and sorrows bleach the locks oftener th

indeed

my Pauline and me, but f

w 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 gra

nd that I hoped would never gleam out at me again. Oh! we are a precious family. Set the will of one against another, and all Pandemonium can't crush either! Ten to one, Pauline will lose her wits too, and be as hard to manage as Guy." Moody and perplexe

your senses again, have

m we

tell you to do." Without further parley, she washed and wiped Beulah's face and hands, shook up the pillows, and placed her comfortably on them. To the orphan, accustomed all her life to wait upon others, there was something singularly novel in bei

ands over her face, but Harriet resolutely seated herself on the side

rink this tea and eat a little; you must, for folks can't live forever without eating." There was no alternative, and Beulah swallowed what was g

are you

and, kneeling down,

need a friend besides master, and be sure you come to me when you do. I won't say any more now; but remember what I tell you when you get into trouble. Miss Pauline has come, and if she happens to take a fancy to you (which I think

is

uch, sir, and seem

will ring when

e bed, and, lifting the child's head to his b

ou following m

but I am too wretched, too

you have had a bitter lot in life so far, and memories are all painful with you; but it is better not to dwell upon the past. Ah, child! it is well to live only in the pr

lect had piled about her face. The touch of his cool hand, the low, musical tones of his voice, were very soo

are! I am-very gratef

and be cheerful. It is a pleasure to me to have you h

hair, and the weary head leaned upon the hands. Before her lay the flower garden, brilliant and fragrant; further on a row of Lombardy poplars bounded the yard, and beyond the street stretched the west common. In the distance rose a venerable brick building, set, as it were, in an emerald lawn, and Beulah looked only once, and knew it vas the asylum. It was the first time she had seen it since her exodus, and the long-sealed 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, an

lone! Oh, father!

l fret yourself sick again," said Harriet,

't speak to me!" crie

ourself to death, and you are doing your bes

he has for

pect you wanted to lay down the law for him, and are not wi

n give me ba

ve my master for a friend and a protector. Think of living always in a place like t

eding spirit, and she pressed her fingers tightly over her ears. Just opposite to her sat the old trunk, which, a fortnight before, she had packed for

ioned thing as if it were kin to her," said H

he ribbon mark. These words greeted her: "Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth." Again and again she read them, and the crushed tendrils of trust feebly twined once more about the promise. As she sat there, wondering why suf

to see her, and then you are welcome to m

ures were clearly cut and regular, the eyes of deep, dark violet hue, shaded 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 from spirit realms. Be

g this room until he gave you permission. There is his buggy this minute! Co

my mind whether that little thing is a ghost or not. So, mother, let me alone." She shook

he daughter gave no intimation of having heard the words; and, throwing her arm about the girl's waist, Mrs. Chilton drag

ut? I ordered this portion of t

ughtlessness. She blundered in here, and I have just

hat little skeleton you have shut up here, and I ran up to get a glimpse of her. I don't see the harm of it; I haven't hurt he

belong to you o

these days, when you give i

down into the frank, truthful count

perhaps your bridal anticipations may prove

atisfied. Uncle Guy, take me under your flag, do! I will not worry the little thing-I promis

nd her to you after a little." As he spoke, he drew her up to the

ou are about the same age, and can make each other happy, if you will. Beulah, shake hands with my n

ok at me. I want to see

not cr

e you hiding

ugly," answered

rned the features to view. She gave them a searching exa

ike her. If she did not look so doleful, and had some blood

she had vacated some time before. She did, indeed, look "doleful," as Pauline expresse

doing all day?" sa

ylum, and answered in

my past life-all

you would do

how can

ng pleasant, of course

eulah, allowing her eyes to dwell on the fine, open countenance befor

have troubles sometimes,

ok her hea

ill you be always kind in your manner, and remember that he

shoulders, and an

will only quit looking so dismal and graveyardi

o your mother now,

Uncle Guy!" cried she, saucily

ired of you; tak

o see you again to-morrow." She

seen Charon sin

N

ething for him. It is a shame to forge

affairs, and do not

n! If Hal doesn't take better care of him, I wil

to smooth his brow at leisure. Turning to Be

lavish and tasteful expenditure. 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 admiringly around the room. They rested on a painting suspended over the desk, and, wrapt in contemplating the design, she forgot for a moment all her s

it?" said D

seat near one of the windows, he regarded her earnestly. Her eyes were fastened on

valley; oh, come, help me to

osom, and bitter waves l

, and at length a soft hand lifted

own to my study and make my t

once and followed him, r

ngth portrait, shrouded with black crape, and underneath was an exquisitely chased silver case, containing a small Swiss clock. A beautiful terra-cotta vase, of antique shape, stood on the hearth, filled with choice and fragrant flowers, and near the window sat

make your

eulah, I shall expect

Breakfast and dinner I

room, but my evenings

another cup

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 mood

s a messenger

slightly, pushed aw

buggy

waiting a

ll; I am

red piazza. He stepped up to one and stood a moment, as if loa

st forgotten you. It i

he way back t

said she, risin

u at breakfast if you feel

er own room without difficulty. Walking up to Harriet, whom s

ot been accustomed to have someone always waiting on me, and in future I shall not want yo

'tend to you," answered Harriet, wondering at

nding, so you may lea

master's will? Take care, child, how you begin to countermand his orders, for I tell you now there are

that I am not

sor of that elegantly furnished apartment. There was no elation in the quiet wonder with which she surveyed the change in her position. She did not belong there, she had no claim on the master of the house, and she felt that she was trespassing on the rights of the beautiful Pauline. Rapidly plans for the future were written in firm resolve. She would thankfully remain under the roof that had