“‘DEARLOTTIE—Prepare dinner for a dozen distinguished guests. Two senators and their wives are with the Governor, and will dine with us. The Honorable Cyrus Bramlett, a cousin to Viola, has just arrived, and will sojourn with us two weeks.“‘YOURPAPA.’
“‘DEARLOTTIE—Prepare dinner for a dozen distinguished guests. Two senators and their wives are with the Governor, and will dine with us. The Honorable Cyrus Bramlett, a cousin to Viola, has just arrived, and will sojourn with us two weeks.
“‘YOURPAPA.’
“‘Who is Cyrus Bramlett? I never heard of him before.’
“‘He is a member of Congress from New York, and said to be an orator of wonderful powers. He will object to a marriage between Harry and his cousin.’
“‘Why so?’
“‘Because he will want her himself.’
“‘I hope he will leap into the arena at once, and contend for the prize.’
“The guests had all arrived by six, and a feeling of delight thrilled me when I saw Lottie receiving her distinguished guests with so much dignity and self-possession.
“When dinner was announced, the Governor offered his arm to Lottie, Mr. Rockland took charge of one of the senators’ wives, while Flipout escorted the other, and Mr. Bramlett gave his arm to his fair cousin; and as the guests marched into the dining-room, I could see Wallingford eying Mr. Bramlett in a manner which plainly showed that he was greatly annoyed at the attentions bestowed on Miss Bramlett by her distinguished cousin. I imagined that I could perceive signs indicative of an approaching storm, and the thought gave rise to serious apprehensions in my mind. The young member of Congress from New York had scarcely taken his seat at the table when he commenced an animated conversation with Lottie.
“‘Bramlett,’ said the Governor as he promenaded the veranda with that gentleman, a few moments after dinner, ‘that Miss Wallingford is a most extraordinary girl—she surpasses any one I have ever met, both as respects beauty of person, and mind. They say she outwitted all the lawyers on the trial of your cousin’s case, and set a trap which caught two of the State’s witnesses.’
“‘Yes, it is true, and my pretty cousin is much indebted to Miss Wallingford for her deliverance in that unfortunate affair. I intended to be present at the trial myself, but was prevented by severe illness. I have come to take my fair cousin home with me.’
“‘Yes, and to make her your wife, I suppose.’
“‘My aspirations have not dared to soar quite so high as that, though to win such a rich gem would be a triumph worth contending for; but I vaguely suspect that the heart of my fair cousin has already been captured. Did you notice how she appeared to drink inspiration from Wallingford’s eyes across the table?’
“‘No, I did not, but what of that? you must remember the old threadbare motto, “Faint heart never won fair lady.” Go in and cry.’
“‘“Since the struggle must enlarge,Thy motto be—Charge, Chester, charge!”
“‘“Since the struggle must enlarge,Thy motto be—Charge, Chester, charge!”
“‘Your excellency offers good advice, but I believe I will lay siege to the other castle.’
“‘Ah! Bramlett, you will lose your labor there, for Demar has been commander of that fair castle so long that the memory of man runneth not to the contrary.’
“‘Yes, but Harry Wallingford shall not marry my fair cousin, unless he gives his beauteous sister to me.’
“As the dinner progressed, the flow of wit increased until every guest began to participate in it. Politics and religion—finance and agriculture—science and art—music and history, were all largely discussed.
“‘Come,’ said Harry as he laid his hand on my arm, ‘let us go out on the corridor and smoke a cigar.’
“I took his arm and we began to pace up and down the floor. The weather was quite warm, and not a breath of air could be felt.
“‘Come, let us go into the garden; I could not control myself if I remained here. Let us sit under these vines, on this little bench—I feel the oppressive heat more than usual.’
“We had not been there more than twenty minutes when Quillet and Bullger came walking slowly toward us. The night was not a very dark one, though there was no moon, but the stars appeared to shine unusually bright. We were completely hidden by the overhanging vines, and as we preferred to be alone, we remained silent, hoping that the two lawyers would pass on; but they went into the summer-house, which was not more than twenty feet from where we sat. They were conversing in very low tones, but we could hear every word they said. I started to rise from my seat, as I was unwilling to play the part of an eavesdropper; but Harry caught my sleeve and pulled me back to the seat, and in a whisper requested me to be still and listen.
“‘What do you think of Miss Bramlett now, Bullger?’ inquired Quillet.
“‘The more I see of her the better I like her; but it is no use for a fellow to fall in love with her, for they say she is going to marry Harry Wallingford.’
“‘Yes, and I must confess that I am astonished to hear it.’
“‘Why?’
“‘Because he was engaged to her before she got into her late trouble; but as soon as she was put in jail, he told her to her face that he thought she was guilty. She ordered him to leave her presence, and commanded him never to speak to her again. He deserted her, while she was under the cloud, and left her to paddle her own canoe; but as soon as it appeared that she was innocent, what does he do but beg pardon and make matters smooth again.’
“‘I suppose he loves her money better than he does the girl. I always did despise a fortune-hunter.’
“‘Yes, and so does every honest man; but I cannot understand how such a sensible girl could be so ready to give her hand to such a man.’
“‘Pshaw! don’t you know that where a woman once loves a man, she never forsakes him, no matter what he does?’
“‘Well, I suppose there is something in that, but Harry Wallingford is a very brilliant young man, and I used to think he was the very soul of honor; I did not think he would ever justly win the name of fortune-hunter.’
“‘Neither did I, but human nature is very weak, you know, and the prize in this case is a very tempting one, because Miss Bramlett is very beautiful, and possessed of an amiable disposition, as well as a great fortune.’
“‘By Jove, the bait is enough to trap anybody!’
“‘Ah! you are right there; but Lottie Wallingford is the apple of my eye. I had rather have her for my wife than to be king of England.’
“‘Yes, no doubt you would; but there is no likelihood of your ever being king of England or the husband of Lottie Wallingford, either, because she belongs to Ed Demar.’
“‘Well, he is a lucky dog, anyway.’
“‘Come, let us walk back to the house; it is no use to covet our neighbors’ property—those two girls are not for us.’
“While that conversation was going on, Harry had his hand on my arm, and it was all I could do to keep from crying out, for his finger nails sank down into my flesh so as to bring blood.
“‘Let go my arm, Harry; you are hurting me.’
“‘I ask pardon—I did not think what I was doing; does it not surprise you to see me sitting quietly by your side?’
“‘No, why should I be surprised?’
“‘Do you think I would let any man talk that way about me, unless he was telling the truth? Have I not been guilty of every charge they made against me? Of course I have; but thank Heaven it is not too late to make the proper atonement. Edward, it is all over with Viola and me. I do now solemnly swear, by everything that I hold sacred, that I never will marry her until my fortune is equal to hers; so help me Heaven!’
“‘Harry, I do believe you are a real coward.’
“‘Yes, that is certain, but there is no use to scold me about it. If Viola will agree to wait till my fortune is made, all right; if she refuses, let her marry her cousin, and be done with it.’
“‘As to that, you need have no fears whatever, for she worships you, and if you forsake her, it will kill her; yes, I mean exactly what I say—it will certainly kill her.’
“‘In the first place, I do not intend to forsake her, for I love her as no man ever loved a woman before, and if she will wait for me, I will make a fortune as sure as my name is Harry Wallingford.’
“‘By the by, Harry, I have a little secret to tell you.’
“‘What is it, pray?’
“‘You know that Viola bought a little bottle of strychnine, and refused to tell why she purchased it?’
“‘I certainly do, and her refusal to tell why she bought it was the strongest evidence against her.’
“‘True enough; well, I can tell you all about it; she got it when you were very ill, and everybody thought you were going to die. She was preparing to commit suicide; and if you had died, she would not have survived you an hour.’
“‘Great Heavens! is that so?’
“‘It is; for Lottie pumped the secret out of her. Now you must be very cautious when you inform her of your intention to go to California.’
“‘If she will only trust me, and agree to wait for me, Iwill never forsake her; but let us walk back to the house, else we will be missed.’
“Time glided on, and Harry lingered by Viola’s side, strolling about the flower garden with her arm locked in his, and dreading to make his intentions known to her. Love was urging him to marry the girl of his choice, and be happy, while pride was making a desperate effort to separate him from his love.
“Miss Bramlett and Lottie were seated on a low wooden bench in the summer-house engaged in an earnest conversation. Harry Wallingford made his appearance at the door.
“‘Come in, brother,’ said Lottie. ‘I am glad you happened here, because I want you to join me in persuading Viola to abandon the idea of going with her cousin to New York.’
“‘If Miss Bramlett will not yield to your solicitations, I am sure she would not to mine. It would be unjust to her distinguished relative to deprive him of the company of his fair cousin. The fact is, we ought not to expect Miss Bramlett to remain among such dull people as ours, when such brilliant members of Congress claim her company.’
“Miss Bramlett bent her eyes toward the ground, while her cheeks were red with anger; but she bit her lips to smother her feelings. Lottie turned pale, and gazed at her brother with a look of astonishment, while a painful sensation darted through her heart. She was convinced that her brother had become jealous of Cyrus Bramlett, and she well knew that it was without cause.
“‘Take a seat here, brother,’ said Lottie, ‘and arrange that bouquet for me, while I go and gather more flowers.’
“This was a ruse on Lottie’s part to leave Harry and Viola alone, as she thought it the best plan to insure a reconciliation between them.
“‘Miss Bramlett, I suppose if you go with your distinguished cousin, you will spend the winter in Washington?’
“‘No; I shall remain in New York.’
“‘We shall be very far apart when you go to New York and I to San Francisco.’
“‘What do you mean, Mr. Wallingford?’
“‘Viola, I am going to start for California in the morning,and it may be a long time before we meet again; I wish to ask you a serious question, and I want you to give me a serious answer.’
“All color now instantly fled from her cheeks, and her body trembled violently.
“‘I am going to seek my fortune in the far West, and I wish to know if you will promise to be mine when I return?’
“If you go to California, it is my opinion that we never shall meet again.’
“‘Why do you think that?”
“‘There are many reasons I might mention that cause me to think it; but if you will excuse me, I had rather not talk about such a painful subject.’
“‘Miss Bramlett, have I been mistaken in believing that you loved me?’
“‘If we ever meet again, ask the question and you shall have a candid answer.’
“‘Would you have me go so far away without knowing my fate?’
“‘I would not have you go at all; but it appears that your resolve is made, and I suppose you know best what you ought to do.’
“‘I know that I am an idiot, and that I have succeeded in convincing you of that interesting fact, and that you will rejoice to be rid of me.’
“‘This is not the first time you have unjustly suspected me, but I hope it will be the last.’
“‘Why, then, did you so suddenly conclude to leave us and that, too, before you knew of my intention to go to California?’
“‘Because I have no home here; in fact, I have no home anywhere, but I have friends and relatives in New York who will give me a home.’
“‘Yes, indeed, you have one distinguished kinsman who, I dare say, will offer you a home, and a heart to boot, and I could not blame you for accepting such a brilliant offer.’
“‘Mr. Wallingford, your language does not afford me any pleasure, and unless you have something else to talk about, I guess we had better separate.’
“‘I crave your pardon—I assure you I did not mean to annoy you.’
“Then, in a fit of anger, he abruptly walked away.
“Harry started to California next morning, without having any other interview with Miss Bramlett, thus letting his pride again master his heart.
“Ragland’s body was found floating in the river, at the head of President’s Island, without any marks of violence on it, showing clearly that he had committed suicide. Poor man! perhaps he deserved a better fate, though he had not led the sort of a life that produces happiness. An appetite for strong drink, and a love for the gambling table, had ruined him before the discovery of his wife’s infidelity was made.
“Mr. Rockland received a letter from one of the trustees at New York stating that the death of Mr. Ragland created a necessity for Miss Bramlett to come there immediately. Within ten days after Harry had started for California, Viola was on her way to New York, accompanied by her cousin Cyrus.
“Over a month had elapsed after Viola’s departure, when Mr. Rockland received a letter from a lawyer in New York, of a most startling nature, the perusal of which plunged us all into the deepest gulf of distress. Here is the letter—let it speak for itself:
“‘NATHANIELROCKLAND, ESQ.:“‘DEARSIR—I know you will be surprised and deeply pained to learn that the trustees appointed by Bolivar Bramlett’s will have converted the entire estate into cash and fled to parts unknown. Every possible effort has been made to capture them, but without success, and it is pretty well ascertained that they have crossed the ocean, and are safe in some foreign land. But, my dear sir, I have not told you the serious part of the story yet—and you will think so when I do. Miss Viola Bramlett has mysteriously disappeared from her boarding house, and despite the efforts of the police to discover her whereabouts, the mystery remains unsolved. A week ago she left her boarding house on Fifth avenue, telling her friends that she was going to A. T. Stewart’s store on Broadway. Nothing was thought about it until night, when her friends began to make inquiries about her. She had been to the Stewart store, and made some trifling purchases, but instead of ordering the articles to be sent to her boarding house, as was her usual custom, she took them with her. Three experienced detectives were employed immediately, and up to thiswriting, they have failed to make any discoveries, except that she was seen standing on the wharf near the water’s edge just before dark on the day she left her boarding house. If she was alive, it seems to me that the detectives could not fail to find her; therefore I fear we may expect the very worst. Ever since her arrival in this city she has appeared to be very unhappy, and was often found weeping. She avoided company, rarely speaking to any one, and the only conclusion we can arrive at is that the poor girl has committed suicide. Every possible effort will be made to find her, and if we succeed, I will immediately inform you by wire.“‘Very respectfully,“‘ALBERTDALMAXIM.’
“‘NATHANIELROCKLAND, ESQ.:
“‘DEARSIR—I know you will be surprised and deeply pained to learn that the trustees appointed by Bolivar Bramlett’s will have converted the entire estate into cash and fled to parts unknown. Every possible effort has been made to capture them, but without success, and it is pretty well ascertained that they have crossed the ocean, and are safe in some foreign land. But, my dear sir, I have not told you the serious part of the story yet—and you will think so when I do. Miss Viola Bramlett has mysteriously disappeared from her boarding house, and despite the efforts of the police to discover her whereabouts, the mystery remains unsolved. A week ago she left her boarding house on Fifth avenue, telling her friends that she was going to A. T. Stewart’s store on Broadway. Nothing was thought about it until night, when her friends began to make inquiries about her. She had been to the Stewart store, and made some trifling purchases, but instead of ordering the articles to be sent to her boarding house, as was her usual custom, she took them with her. Three experienced detectives were employed immediately, and up to thiswriting, they have failed to make any discoveries, except that she was seen standing on the wharf near the water’s edge just before dark on the day she left her boarding house. If she was alive, it seems to me that the detectives could not fail to find her; therefore I fear we may expect the very worst. Ever since her arrival in this city she has appeared to be very unhappy, and was often found weeping. She avoided company, rarely speaking to any one, and the only conclusion we can arrive at is that the poor girl has committed suicide. Every possible effort will be made to find her, and if we succeed, I will immediately inform you by wire.
“‘Very respectfully,“‘ALBERTDALMAXIM.’
“I shall not trouble you with a history of our misery, produced by this awful news, but drive on to the end of this unpleasant part of my story. In obedience to Lottie’s request I set out immediately to New York to do all in my power to unravel the strange mystery; promising if Viola was found to bring her home with me. I wrote a short letter to Harry, inclosing Mr. Dalmaxim’s letter, and urged him to come home without delay.
“When I arrived at New York I learned that no clew to the missing girl had been discovered, and that the police and detectives had given up the contest. I went to work in earnest, determined to exhaust every plan I could think of to find Viola. But at the end of ten days hope died in my breast, and I was compelled to conclude that Viola had drowned herself. I remained in New York a month, and it was with a sad heart I started home, when I thought of the distressing news that I would be compelled to communicate to Lottie. I had not been back home but a short time when Harry returned from California looking more like a ghost than a man.
“‘Is she found?’ he gasped, as he staggered into my office and dropped into a chair.
“‘No, but we still have hopes. You are ill, Harry; let me go home with you—Lottie is looking for you.’
“‘No, I will not go home—I cannot bear to look into dear Lottie’s face now. I am going immediately on to New York, to spend the remnant of my life in searching for poor Viola; though I have but little hope of ever seeing her dear face again.’
“‘What about your uncle’s will?’
“‘Oh! don’t let us talk about that now; money has been my ruin. I am a rich man now, but it comes too late. Fortune still continues to hurl her deadly missiles with unerring aim at me. Everything goes wrong with me; my uncle did make another will, and placed it in the hands of a trusted friend, who happened to be traveling in Europe when my uncle died. If that friend had been at home all would have been well, but my luck would not have it so. The man with whom the will had been left fell ill and died in Scotland, and when his administrator took charge of his effects in San Francisco, my uncle’s will came to the surface, giving his property to Lottie and myself. Curse the will—curse the money—curses on my luck—a double curse on my foolish pride! Why did I not take Viola with me as my wife? Because I never was known to do anything that ought to be done. Viola told me that if I went to California we never would meet again. I did not understand her meaning then, but it is plain to me now. She was contemplating suicide then, and she has since carried out her intention. Here, Eddie, take this envelope, and when you know I am dead you may open it. Don’t stare at me that way, please—it is nothing but my will, giving all my property to Lottie. She has the good sense to make the proper use of it. Give my love to my darling sister, and tell her when I find Viola she shall see me, but never until I do. Comfort my darling sister, and don’t let her grieve about her unfortunate brother. She will make you happy, as you deserve. I would give all the world if I had your happy disposition; but alas, it cannot be so! Good-by, old fellow; we may meet again, but never until I find Viola.’
“Before I could muster courage to answer, he was gone.
* * * * * *
“Nearly a year has elapsed since I last parted with Harry Wallingford under very peculiar circumstances. It was at the cemetery in the city of New York, where I took mypainful leave of him, and I never have seen him since, though we have received several letters from him. I believe it was on the next Monday after Wallingford set out on his journey to New York, that Mr. Rockland received a letter from Mr. Dalmaxim, which furnished a solution of the mystery connected with Miss Bramlett’s sad fate. In order to enlighten my audience as much as possible in connection with that distressing affair, I will read you the letter:
“‘NATHANIELROCKLAND:“‘DEARSIR—It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that I perform the sad duty of conveying to you the news of Miss Bramlett’s death. The body of that unfortunate young lady was discovered on yesterday floating in East river, where it had evidently remained a considerable length of time, for it was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The features were very much disfigured, probably occasioned by being eaten by the fish, but her friends here readily recognized the drab silk dress as the one worn by Miss Bramlett on the day of her disappearance. A large gold ring with a diamond set was found on one of her fingers, which was also identified by her friends as the property of Miss Bramlett. On the inside of the ring the letters “From Harry to Viola,” appeared, plainly engraved, which settles the question of identity beyond the possibility of a doubt. The body was found under the wharf, where it had been held by a large iron spike that projected from one of the piles, which had caught in the skirt of the silk dress, thus preventing the corpse from floating out. A white handkerchief of very costly fabric, bordered with lace, was found in the left-hand pocket of her dress, which was found to be marked in one corner with the letters “V. B.,” plainly wrought with green silk thread. The handkerchief was also identified as the property of Miss Bramlett. That the poor girl committed suicide there seems to be no room for doubt, as upon critical examination, made by experienced surgeons, no marks of violence could be discovered. A large number of witnesses were examined before the jury of inquest, including many friends and relatives of Miss Bramlett; all of them recognized the dress, ring, and handkerchief as her property. Notwithstanding the vigorous efforts made by Miss Bramlett’s friends to ascertain the cause that induced her to destroy herself, nothing definite has been developed; though I hear it suggested that it was a disappointment in a love affair with Mr. Wallingford. I am thoroughly convinced that it was not the loss of her fortune that caused it, for all concur in the idea that she despised money, and was often heard to say that she regretted being a rich heiress. With many wishes for your health and success, I am, sir, yours very respectfully,“‘ALBERTDALMAXIM’
“‘NATHANIELROCKLAND:
“‘DEARSIR—It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that I perform the sad duty of conveying to you the news of Miss Bramlett’s death. The body of that unfortunate young lady was discovered on yesterday floating in East river, where it had evidently remained a considerable length of time, for it was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The features were very much disfigured, probably occasioned by being eaten by the fish, but her friends here readily recognized the drab silk dress as the one worn by Miss Bramlett on the day of her disappearance. A large gold ring with a diamond set was found on one of her fingers, which was also identified by her friends as the property of Miss Bramlett. On the inside of the ring the letters “From Harry to Viola,” appeared, plainly engraved, which settles the question of identity beyond the possibility of a doubt. The body was found under the wharf, where it had been held by a large iron spike that projected from one of the piles, which had caught in the skirt of the silk dress, thus preventing the corpse from floating out. A white handkerchief of very costly fabric, bordered with lace, was found in the left-hand pocket of her dress, which was found to be marked in one corner with the letters “V. B.,” plainly wrought with green silk thread. The handkerchief was also identified as the property of Miss Bramlett. That the poor girl committed suicide there seems to be no room for doubt, as upon critical examination, made by experienced surgeons, no marks of violence could be discovered. A large number of witnesses were examined before the jury of inquest, including many friends and relatives of Miss Bramlett; all of them recognized the dress, ring, and handkerchief as her property. Notwithstanding the vigorous efforts made by Miss Bramlett’s friends to ascertain the cause that induced her to destroy herself, nothing definite has been developed; though I hear it suggested that it was a disappointment in a love affair with Mr. Wallingford. I am thoroughly convinced that it was not the loss of her fortune that caused it, for all concur in the idea that she despised money, and was often heard to say that she regretted being a rich heiress. With many wishes for your health and success, I am, sir, yours very respectfully,
“‘ALBERTDALMAXIM’
“Before Harry Wallingford arrived at New York, the remains of the drowned girl had been deposited in the grave.
“I was induced by Lottie to make a second trip to New York to bring Harry home. Upon my arrival at the city, I was not a little surprised to learn that Wallingford had caused a costly monument to be erected at the head of the grave, with a suitable inscription made in plain Italian letters.
“When I inquired for Harry at his hotel, I was told by the clerk that I would probably find him at the cemetery, as he had been in the habit of making diurnal visits there. I encountered many difficulties in threading my way through the city of the dead. But after making several mistakes, and traveling many hundreds of yards unnecessarily, I at length succeeded in finding the spot I sought.
“Harry was busily engaged with a florist in arranging some pinks and geraniums at the foot of the grave, and consequently did not observe me until I had stood leaning against the palings gazing at him for several minutes. When he looked up and saw me he dropped the trowel with which he had been transplanting the flowers, and walked briskly toward me, saying as he held out his hand:
“‘Ah, Edward, I have killed her at last! Here lies my poor victim—driven into the grave by an unworthy wretch who is himself unfit to live, and not prepared to die. You told me I would kill her, and alas! how true it has come to pass.’
“‘I am sent by Lottie to bring you home,’ I at length managed to say. ‘Your sister is almost driven to despair by this distressing occurrence, and it is your duty to go to her as speedily as possible.’
“‘No, Edward, it would only serve to increase my darling sister’s sorrow for me to be with her. Tell my beloved sister that it is my wish to remain in New York, where I can water the grave of my victim with my tears, and commune with her gentle spirit.’
“Now, my good friends, here I am at the end of my awkward story, and if I have bored you with the telling of it, I am truly sorry for it; but if I knew I had been so fortunate as to interest you, I should be very much gratified. To allof my good friends who have been so kind as to honor me with their attention, I beg permission to express my grateful thanks; and by way of winding up the entertainment, I suggest the idea that we now adjourn to the saloon and engage in a quadrille.”
“Wait a moment, sir, if you please,” said Ivanhoe, as he threw himself in front of Ingomar, as if he was determined to force him to halt; “you have not yet finished your story, and we do not intend to permit you to retire until you have told us what has become of Lottie Wallingford.”
“Yes, yes, yes!” exclaimed a dozen voices at once. “Let us know what has become of Lottie Wallingford.”
“My friends,” replied Ingomar, “I pledge you my word that there is no such person as Lottie Wallingford now living, so far as I know or believe; but if her Majesty will remove her mask, I will be very glad to introduce to you Mrs. Lottie Demar, my beloved wife, of whom I am exceedingly proud.”
By the time Ingomar concluded the sentence, the mask was removed, and Lottie stood, radiant, beautiful, and blushing before the admiring multitude.
For a moment the spectators gazed in breathless wonder at the angelic loveliness of the beautiful creature who stood before them; then the audience began to press around the charming object, eager to offer their congratulations. Captain Quitman, in whose eyes tears of joy trembled, leaped on a box, and brandishing his cane in the air, called out, “Three cheers for the Barbarian Chief and his beautiful Parthenia!” Then rose such a joyous shout as to drown the great noise caused by the machinery of the boat. A proposition was made by Ingomar, and indorsed unanimously by the crowd, that all disguises should instantly be laid aside. When Don Quixote removed his mask, Lottie sprang forward, and seizing both of his hands, exclaimed:
“Oh, bless us! it is Doctor Plaxico, and I am so much delighted to meet my valued friend! And here is Captain Burk, too! I am really ashamed to acknowledge that I did not recognize either of you.”
When Scottie removed her mask, Captain Burk threw up his hands with surprise, as he moved rapidly to her side,while his handsome features lighted up with a delightful smile.
“Miss Darlington,” he ejaculated, “two years ago I considered you very pretty, but now I am ready to swear on the Bible and the Koran that you are the most beautiful girl on the globe!”
“Captain Burk,” replied Miss Darlington, as she smiled sweetly on him, “I beg to remind you that, notwithstanding all women are fond of flattery, they do not like to be praised in public.”
All of the maskers promptly complied with the agreement by immediately dispensing with their disguises, except Napoleon, Navarre, and the lady in the black domino, all three of whom abruptly retired from the deck as soon as the proposition was made.
Ingomar conducted Lottie down to the saloon, where they were immediately followed by all the passengers.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” said the captain, “I have a communication to make to you, which I am happy to believe will be heartily indorsed by my young friends. We are now approaching a landing where we expect to take on a large lot of cotton bales, which will detain us at least six hours; and I have ordered the steward to prepare a picnic dinner to be served on shore, where you will find charming scenery, cool shade, and green turf. I have also ordered the band to be ready to make music for those who may wish to enjoy a rustic dance.”
The spot selected for the picnic was about two hundred yards from the river-bank, where the soft velvet turf was shaded by the thick green leaves of innumerable tall beech-trees, whose branches were covered with verdant vines.
The band struck up a lively waltz, and then a dozen couples went skipping over the greensward.
After the amusements had been progressing about an hour, a colored woman appeared on the grounds with a large hamper basket of flowers, which she offered for sale. Among the flowers there was a magnificent bouquet, containing every variety known to the South, which Demar immediately purchased and presented to Lottie. The young people began tocrowd around Lottie, eager to behold the beautiful present, and each one, of course, was permitted to examine it. Napoleon, although still wearing his mask and refusing to participate in any of the amusements, condescended to handle and admire the beautiful bouquet. It was noticed that he retained it for a long time, apparently interested in the delicate workmanship and ingenuity of its construction, occasionally pulling the flowers apart, as if he wanted to see how it was held together. After he had inspected it for five minutes he handed it back to Lottie, who immediately held it close to her face and began to inhale the rich perfume afforded by the rare flowers.
“Oh! Edward,” she exclaimed as she let the bouquet fall to the ground, “the scent of those flowers has made me sick, and I must request you to take me aboard the boat as soon as you can.”
“Darling, are you very ill! Your cheeks have suddenly turned deadly pale! What is the matter?”
“I do not know, Edward. I never experienced such a strange feeling before. My throat and lungs feel as if they were full of burning fire, and my head is as light as air! You will have to carry me to my room immediately, for I do not believe I could walk a step unsupported.”
“Mrs. Demar,” said Doctor Plaxico, as he held his fingers on her pulse, “have you ever been subject to any sudden attacks of illness before?”
“I have never been ill at all but one time during the last ten years.”
“If you feel able to talk, I would be glad if you would give me a minute description of the first symptoms of the attack.”
“I was in perfect health when we went on shore—never felt better in my life. Edward purchased a large, handsome bouquet and gave it to me, and I buried my face among the fragrant flowers, inhaling the sweet odor until I was seized with a sudden faintness, and would have fallen to the ground, but Edward caught me in time to prevent it. Then my throat and lungs began to burn with an intolerable heat, and have been growing worse every moment. Oh! Edward, can you not give me something to quench this blazing fire in mylungs? You know I am not childish, or in the habit of complaining at trifles, but I cannot endure this intolerable suffering!”
“Plaxico, for Heaven’s sake give her something to stop her sufferings!” exclaimed Demar, as he knelt down by the bedside, wringing his hands in despair.
Plaxico made no reply to Demar’s request—in fact, he seemed to be perplexed, and full of hesitation, which was an unusual thing with him, for he generally acted promptly, and with energy.
“Doctor Plaxico,” said Demar, “do you know what is the matter with my wife?”
“No.”
“Have you no means by which you can ascertain the nature of her disease?”
“No.”
“Have you no suspicions as to the cause of her sudden illness?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me then what you suspect.”
“I shall not do it without further investigation.”
“Oh, Edward,” exclaimed Lottie, as she tore the lace collar from her neck, “do, pray, give me something to cool my throat—I cannot endure this horrible torture much longer!”
She tore away the fastenings that confined the dress about her throat, and began to tear the skin with her finger nails, until the blood commenced to gush out.
“Plaxico,” exclaimed Demar indignantly, “I am sorry to say that your conduct on this awful occasion is to me inexplicable, and, I might say, inexcusable. Are you going to sit here with folded hands and see my darling die, without making an effort to save her?”
“By Heaven! I would gladly give my life to save her!”
“Why not give her an opiate?”
“Because I am afraid.”
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I say.”
“Doctor Plaxico, for Heaven’s sake have pity on me, and quit speaking in riddles!”
“I am not dealing in riddles—I do not know what is the matter with your wife.”
“Can you not suggest some harmless drug that would afford temporary relief?”
“Demar, why do you stare at me that way?”
“I am full of astonishment to witness such a lack of self-confidence in one possessing such unlimited knowledge of medical science as I know you do.”
It did not require the eye of science to see that death would soon step in to relieve the sufferer, unless she could be speedily relieved by other means. This fact was now patent to Edward Demar, who was so completely crazed with grief that he sank down by Lottie, and gave way to despair.
“Oh! Edward!” cried Lottie as she threw out both arms as if she were feeling for him, “where are you? I do believe I am going blind, for I cannot see you.”
Lottie was then seized with a frightful spasm that lasted five or six minutes, which, when it passed off, left her in a state of exhaustion. Her hands and feet became icy cold, while her throat and lungs were burning up with unnatural heat.
Captain Quitman, who had just heard of Lottie’s dangerous illness, came hurriedly into the room to make inquiries.
“How is she?”
“Bad enough. She will die inside of two hours unless a radical change sets in very soon.”
“Great Providence forbid!” exclaimed the kind-hearted man. “What is the matter with her?”
“Don’t know.”
“Have you never seen any one afflicted as she is?”
“Yes.”
“Why not try the same remedies now that you did then?”
“Because that other patient died.”
“What was the matter with the patient whose symptoms resembled these?”
“Poison.”
The old captain leaped over two chairs, dashing them to the other side of the room, and seizing Plaxico by both shoulders, fairly lifted him off of the floor, letting him down with a slam; then in a thundering tone exclaimed:
“Plaxico, by the great Jupiter, tell me what you mean!”
“I mean what I say.”
“See here, doctor, do you intend to insinuate that one of my passengers has been poisoned?”
“No, I insinuate nothing, for I know nothing.”
The old captain then rushed out of the room and hurried toward the cook house to have an interview with the steward, knocking over a dozen chairs as he went, and jostling a group of ladies who attempted to intercept him with a view of inquiring about Lottie.
“Dying, I believe,” he muttered, as he elbowed his way among the anxious crowd.
Lottie’s mind began to wander, and she would converse about occurrences that had transpired in the days of her childhood.
She suddenly regained her reason, and began to call for her husband.
“Here I am, darling; what can I do to relieve you?”
“Nothing, Edward; oh! I do not want to die now, because I have so much to live for. I am not afraid to die, but I was so happy with my darling that I wanted to remain with him; but if it is God’s will that I shall be taken away from him, I must not rebel.”
The lady in the black domino now came dashing into the room, and fell on her knees by the bedside and burst into a violent fit of weeping. Her conduct was so violent and mysterious that it filled the minds of all with wonder, and caused Doctor Plaxico to whisper a request to Demar to have her removed.
Captain Burk now made his appearance at the door, and requested an interview with Plaxico.
The doctor passed through the door and taking the captain’s arm, went with him out on the guards.
“Doctor Plaxico,” said Burk, “do you know what is the matter with Mrs. Demar?”
“No.”
“Have you no suspicions?”
“Yes.”
“Have you any objections to telling me what you suspect?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because it would do no good, and might do much harm.”
“Would you be surprised if I were to guess exactly what you suspect?”
“Indeed, I would.”
“I have a suspicion myself, and I propose that we both write down what we suspect and then compare notes, with the distinct understanding that this transaction is to remain a profound secret between us.”
“Agreed.”
The two men turned their backs together and with pencils hurriedly wrote something on their memorandum books; then facing each other, Captain Burk handed his book to Plaxico.
“Poison!” exclaimed Plaxico.
“Poison!” cried Burk.
Then both men stared wildly at each other.
“What caused you to suspect that she was poisoned?” inquired Captain Burk.
“The peculiar symptoms,” was the prompt reply. “What aroused your suspicions?”
“My poor Newfoundland dog has just died from the effects of poison; or at least such is my belief.”
“What led you to such a conclusion?”
“When Mrs. Demar was so suddenly taken ill, we were dancing on the green turf, but we all immediately ceased dancing and returned to the boat; before I had reached the shore some one of the ladies called my attention to the beautiful bouquet which Mrs. Demar had dropped, and requested me to bring it aboard. I was then about thirty yards from the spot where the bouquet had been dropped, and pointing at it, I commanded Don to fetch it to me. He started instantly, running swiftly to the spot, seized the bouquet in his mouth and soon deposited it at my feet. It was but a moment after he had deposited the flowers at my feet, when he began to whine and reel, and in three minutes he was dead.”
“Merciful God! Captain Burk, some treacherous, double-damned villain has intentionally murdered that poor lady. Where is the bouquet?”
“In my state-room.”
“Go bring it here—quick!”
Burk returned instantly with the flowers.
“Now get me a dog, cat or any live animal that you can find, so we may make a test.”
A deck hand was found who had a worthless dog that he had been trying to hire some one to kill. The dog’s nose was forced deep into the body of the bouquet and held there three minutes, and three minutes afterward he was dead. Then such a panic spread among the passengers as to beggar all powers of description. Several ladies were precipitated into hysterical fits, while brave men, who had often faced death on the battle field unmoved by fear, now trembled like pale-faced cowards. What motive could any one have for murdering the most beautiful, the most charming woman aboard the boat? Suspicion soon began to point her finger at the lady in the black domino, while the matter was discussed in low whispers by the passengers. Meantime Lottie’s condition was growing worse rapidly, and the doctor declared that there were no grounds for hope. Despair and horror were visible on every face, while tears began to stream from the eyes of many strong men who did not often weep.
“Who is the abandoned wretch?” inquired George, as he elbowed his way through the crowd near the door; “I handled that bouquet, I buried my face among the flowers, and for at least twenty seconds enjoyed the fragrance, yet it did not poison me, which proves beyond doubt that the fatal drug was placed in it after I handled it.”
“Who was the last one to handle it before it was returned to Lottie?” exclaimed Captain Burk.
“The lady in the black domino,” replied Scottie.
“You are mistaken there, I think, Miss Darlington,” said George, “for it is my recollection that Napoleon was the one who returned the bouquet to Lottie. I remember distinctly that he held it in his hand a long while, and that he kept pulling the flowers apart as if desirous to see how it was held together.”
“It is a settled fact,” said Captain Quitman, “that the one who returned that bouquet to Mrs. Demar is the one that deposited the poison on it; and if that person can be pointed out, we may be able to detect the poisoner.”
When the fact that Mrs. Demar was poisoned was firstannounced by Doctor Plaxico, the lady in the black domino (who had been expelled from Lottie’s room a short time before) uttered a loud, piercing scream, and ran rapidly toward her own state-room.
“What on earth does that mean?” exclaimed Captain Burk as the woman came dashing past him.
“I would risk my life on her being the poisoner,” said Scottie. “She has just now heard Doctor Plaxico say that Lottie would be dead in less than two hours. I was present when the announcement was made, and as soon as that woman heard it she uttered the scream and dashed away. It was not a scream of distress, but it was a shout of joy. She is the very wretch who deposited the poison in that bouquet, and it is my opinion that she is in love with Demar, and that she has murdered Lottie to get her out of the way.”
“That is the most plausible theory I have heard mentioned in connection with this horrible affair,” said Captain Burk, “for I cannot believe that such a charming woman as Mrs. Demar could have an enemy except such as are made by the green-eyed monster.”
Doctor Plaxico now came out of Lottie’s room looking unusually serious, and when a dozen anxious friends inquired all at once about the condition of the patient, he shook his head and in a voice choked with deep emotion, said:
“Dying!” and passed on.
As the doctor passed out the lady in the black domino was seen running as fast as she could from her own to Lottie’s room, holding a large phial of liquid in each hand.
“Stop, madame!” exclaimed Doctor Plaxico as he placed his back against the door of Lottie’s room; “you must not go in there.”
“By what authority do you forbid it?”
“I am the attending physician, which confers the authority on me to protect my patient from intruders.”
“I heard you say just now that you had abandoned all hopes of saving your patient’s life.”
“I do not deny it.”
“Then I will save her.”
“You!”
“I.”
“Madame, did you know that suspicion was pointing at you as the murderess?”
“No; nor do I care where suspicion may choose to point. This is no time to discuss suspicions, when the purest, the best and noblest lady on earth is in great peril. Stand aside, sir, and let me go in!”
“What stuff is contained in those two bottles? More poison, I dare say.”
“That which I hold in my left hand, sir, is an antidote for vegetable poison, and this is a certain cure for the most deadly mineral poison. Now let me go in, and since you have given your patient up, you cannot deny me a chance to save her.”
“Demar, this woman is crazy beyond all question; and if you let her administer any drug to your wife, I want you to distinctly understand that you do it against my advice or consent.”
Demar, whose mind was overflowed with sorrow, gazed wildly at the mysterious woman before him.
“Madame,” he groaned, “why do you wish to murder such a sweet angel as Lottie?”
“You are all murderers who stand here caviling about nonsense, while your victim is dying! I can and will save Lottie’s life, if you will only let me do it.”
“Did you place the poison in the bouquet?”
“No, but I know who did; and if you will let me, I will save Lottie’s life and then show you the poisoner.”
“How am I to know that the drug you propose to give my wife is not poison?”
“Give me a spoon and see me drink the same quantity that I shall offer to your wife.”
“Your request is reasonable, and I will take the risk.”
A spoon was brought, when the strange woman took the phial and with a steady hand measured out exactly ten drops of the liquid and instantly swallowed it. Then pouring out ten more drops, she said:
“Shall I administer it to your wife, or will you do it?”
Demar hesitated a moment while he stared with a look of perplexity toward Plaxico, who was watching the proceedings with silent contempt.
“Demar,” said he, “I want you to remember that all this nonsense is being enacted contrary to my advice, and in the face of the fair warning I have given you.”
“And I warn you,” said the lady in the black domino firmly, “that if you stand here halting and caviling about trifles much longer Mrs. Demar will die, and you will be to blame for it.”
“Who are you, madame?” inquired Demar, in a hesitating tone.
“It matters not who I am; let me be judged by what I shall do; and if I do not save the life of that poor lady, you may plunge me into the river, or roast me in the furnace.”
“Why did you shout with joy a moment ago when you heard Doctor Plaxico say that Lottie was poisoned, and that she would surely die?”
“Because when he said she was poisoned I knew I could save her life. This antidote was given to me by a learned German surgeon who had served in the British army for many years in India. It was my good fortune to nurse him, in Cincinnati, through a long, lingering spell of typhus fever, and as a reward for my services he gave me these two phials with their contents.”
“Enough!” exclaimed Demar eagerly, “I believe and will trust you, and may God grant you success! Approach and administer the medicine yourself.”
Lottie’s eyes were rolling wildly, while her breathing was difficult, and all evidences of reason had disappeared. All who saw her were convinced that she had commenced the struggle with the dreadful destroyer. The lady in the black domino lifted Lottie’s head from the pillow and emptied the medicine into her mouth, holding her still until she saw the patient swallow it, then laid her down gently, and waited for the result. Plaxico stood by with one hand on the patient’s pulse, and his watch in the other, and although he had disapproved of the experiment, he earnestly prayed in silence that it might be attended with success. Fifteen minutes after the antidote was administered, Lottie closed her eyes and appeared to be asleep, while the breathing grew less labored. The pale face of Doctor Plaxico began to brighten.
“How is she now?” Demar whispered as he seized Plaxico’s arm.
“Better!”
“She is saved, thank Heaven!” exclaimed the lady in the black domino as she fell on her knees by the bed and burst into tears.
“Be still, Demar!” said Plaxico, “and let go my arm—you are hurting me!”
A purse of fifteen hundred dollars in money was made up among the passengers, and a committee appointed with instructions to present it to the lady who had saved Lottie’s life; but the astonishment was boundless when the committee reported the fact that the lady in the black domino had politely, but firmly refused to accept the money.
The next morning Lottie was able to rise from her bed, and when she appeared in the saloon leaning on her husband’s arm, the enthusiasm was indescribable. Congratulations were showered on the lovely favorite, and everybody appeared to be happy.
As soon as breakfast was over, the next morning after Lottie had been so miraculously cured, Captain Quitman arose from the head of the table and began to address his passengers as follows:
“My young friends, when I purchased the ‘White Rose of Memphis’ and placed her on this line, the height of my ambition was to make her the headquarters of pleasure-seekers. It was my aim to make it to the interest of travelers to patronize my boat, and to furnish excursion parties with facilities for enjoyment. I had always adhered to the idea that it was the duty of a steam-boat commander to protect his passengers against ruffians and thieves, and I mean to do so to the utmost of my capacity. It is with emotions of the deepest regret that I am compelled to inform my friends that, by some means unknown to me, shrewd pickpockets and robbers have managed to get aboard of my boat. One of my passengershas been robbed of a large sum of money, amounting, I believe, to something near ten thousand dollars; another has lost a splendid gold watch; and others have been deprived of jewels and other valuable articles. I therefore request every passenger to consent to be searched and to permit the state-rooms to be thoroughly examined; and, in order to prevent any attempt to conceal the stolen property, I ask all the passengers to fall into line now. Let the ladies form on my left and the gentlemen on my right.”
The captain had scarcely concluded his request before the two lines were formed, the ladies promptly arranging themselves to the left and the gentlemen on his right. A few of the passengers had retired to their state-rooms, but as soon as the wishes of the captain were transmitted to them they immediately appeared and took their places in the line. Napoleon and Navarre arranged themselves side by side at the head of the gentlemen’s line.
“That woman is the thief,” whispered one of the passengers, addressing the man on his left.
“That is exactly the conclusion that has possessed my mind,” was the reply.
“Let no one leave the line without permission until the search is ended; and I request Mrs. Demar and Miss Darlington to take their places in state-room number seven, and let the ladies go there, one at a time, and submit to a thorough search.”
The lady in the black domino left her place in the line, and, with a slow, measured tread, moved round and paused in front of Captain Quitman. This movement, being a plain violation of the explicit instructions of the captain, produced no small amount of curiosity, and led to innumerable exclamations of surprise.
“I would most respectfully ask you, sir, to wait a moment,” said she, in a voice which slightly trembled, but had a sweet, melancholy sound. “I have something to communicate, which, I doubt not, will have a tendency to change the programme which you have been pleased to mention. I must ask you to let me see the gentleman who had the misfortune to lose his watch.”
George Woodburry (a young man who had been personating George III.) then promptly stepped out from the line and confronted the black domino.
“Are you the gentleman whose watch was stolen?”
Mr. Woodburry merely answered by a slight inclination of the head, without opening his lips. She then drew from her pocket a large, double-cased gold watch to which was attached a massive chain. Holding it out toward him, she said:
“Is this your property, sir?”
“Yes.”
Then addressing the captain again, she requested him to produce the gentleman whose money had been stolen. Henry of Navarre stepped from his place in the line and confronted the black domino.
“I am the one who has been so unlucky as to lose a large sum of money.”
“Take a seat, sir,” replied the woman, “near that table there, and do me the favor to count the contents of this pocket-book carefully, and when you have finished inform me whose it is, and the amount of money in it.”
Navarre, taking the pocket-book, drew a chair to the table and began to count the money.
“Poor woman,” observed Captain Burk, “she has stolen the money, and now when she sees all chances of escape destroyed, she is going to confess and beg for mercy.”
“For my part,” replied Woodburry, “I am inclined to think she is crazy. I have noticed her singular conduct ever since we left Memphis, and I am unable to account for her actions upon any other theory.”
Nearly all the passengers felt a sentiment of compassion for the unfortunate woman, and several suggested the propriety of requesting Captain Quitman to let her off without exposure, inasmuch as she had restored the stolen property.
“I make a motion,” said Demar, “that we jointly petition the captain not to expose the poor unfortunate creature.”
The motion was unanimously adopted and Demar selected as commissioner to lay the petition before Captain Quitman. Meantime Navarre finished counting the money.
“This is my pocket-book, madame,” said he as he rose from the table, “and I find all my money in it, just as it was whenit was stolen.” Then, handing Captain Quitman a little paper box, she said:
“In this box, sir, you will find all the other stolen articles, which you will oblige me by returning to the owners.”
The captain received the articles and instantly delivered them to the parties from whom they had been filched; then, addressing the mysterious woman, he said:
“Madame, the circumstances just developed force me to the performance of a very painful duty which I would gladly shun, but I must place you under arrest.”
“Captain Quitman,” said Demar, as he advanced to the spot where he stood, “I am requested by a large number of your passengers to inform you that it is their wish that this unfortunate woman should be forgiven and dismissed without exposure. We must remember that the most prominent trait in our great Saviour’s character was His boundless mercy toward malefactors. When He was bleeding on the cross, suffering the agonies of death for the sins of fallen man, He spoke the words of pardon to the poor thief who was dying by His side. Now, in humble imitation of the merciful example set us by our great Redeemer, let us pardon this poor unfortunate woman, and bid her go and sin no more.”
“Doctor Demar,” said Captain Quitman, “nothing would gratify me more than to comply with the wishes of you and your friends; but the duty which I was performing is one not to be avoided by me unless the request shall be endorsed by the parties whose property was stolen.”
“We indorse the request most willingly,” said Navarre.
“I most heartily join in that request,” said George Woodburry.
“Madame,” said the captain, “you have heard the noble expressions of compassion which have just been made in your behalf, and I am happy to be permitted to speak the words of pardon to you. You will be permitted to remain in mask, and no further effort will be made to expose you, but you must leave this boat when we arrive at Vicksburg.”
“Captain Quitman,” began the strange woman, “for the manifestations of mercy and forgiveness so generously expressed by these kind ladies and gentlemen, I am profoundly grateful; but I must be pardoned for saying that while I appreciatethe generosity that prompts the offer, I do not ask or wish any mercy from these good ladies and noble men. When I want mercy, I will dispatch my supplication to a higher tribunal, where the secrets of all hearts are known, and where good and bad deeds are correctly recorded. I am by no means ignorant of the old legal maxim that holds the possessor of stolen goods responsible for the theft, until such possession is explained by competent evidence. I do not deny the fact that aprima faciecase has been made out in this instance against me; nevertheless, I am not the thief. You were correct, indeed, when you concluded that you had a shrewd thief aboard of this boat. I can assert of my own knowledge, that a demon is among you, whose black soul is steeped in crime, an inhuman monster, who neither fears God, man nor Satan.