CHAPTER IV
ELECTRA'S DISCOVERY
From early childhood Irene had experienced a sensation of loneliness.Doubtless the loss of her mother enhanced this feeling, but the peculiarityof her mental organization would have necessitated it even under happierauspices. Miss Margaret considered her "a strange little thing," and rarelyinterfered with her plans in any respect, while her father seemed to takeit for granted that she required no looking after. He knew that her beautywas extraordinary; he was proud of the fact; and having provided her with agood music master, and sent her to the best school in the county, he lefther to employ her leisure as inclination prompted. Occasionally her willconflicted with his, and more than once he found it impossible to make heryield assent to his wishes. To the outward observances of obedience andrespect she submitted, but whenever these differences occurred, he feltthat in the end she was unconquered. Inconsistent as it may appear, thoughfretted for the time by her firmness, he loved her the more for her"wilfulness," as he termed it; and despotic and exacting though hecertainly was in many respects, he stood somewhat in awe of hispure-hearted, calm-eyed child. His ward and nephew, Hugh Seymour, hadresided with him for several years, and it was well known that Mr.Huntingdon had pledged his daughter's hand to his sister's son. Irene hadnever been officially apprised of her destiny, but surmised very accuratelythe true state of the case. Between the two cousins there existed not theslightest congeniality of taste or disposition; not a sympathetic link savethe tie of relationship. On her part there was a moderate share of cousinlyaffection; on his, as much love and tenderness as his selfish nature wascapable of feeling. They rarely quarrelled as most children do, for when(as frequently happened) he flew into a rage and tried to tyrannize, shescorned to retort in any way and generally locked him out of the library.What she thought of her father's intentions concerning herself, no oneknew; she never alluded to the subject, and if in a frolicsome mood Hughbroached it, she invariably cut the discussion short. When he went tocollege in a distant state, she felt infinitely relieved, and during hisvacations secluded herself as much as possible. Yet the girl's heart waswarm and clinging; she loved her father devotedly, and loved most intenselyElectra Grey, whom she had first met at school. They were nearly the sameage, classmates, and firm friends. As totally different in character asappearance was Electra Grey. Rather smaller and much thinner than Irene,with shining, purplish black hair, large, sad, searching black eyes, fromwhich there was no escape, a pale olive complexion, and full crimson lipsthat rarely smiled. Electra was a dreamer, richly gifted; dissatisfiedbecause she could never attain that unreal world which her busy brain keptconstantly before her.
Electra's love of drawing had early displayed itself; first, in strange,weird figures on her slate, then in her copy-book, on every slip of paperwhich she could lay her hands upon; and, finally, for want of more suitablematerial, she scrawled all over the walls of the little bedroom, to thegreat horror of her aunt, who spread a coat of whitewash over the child'sfrescos, and begged her to be guilty of no such conduct in future, as Mr.Clark might, with great justice, sue for damages. In utter humiliation,Electra retreated to the garden, and here, after a shower had left thesandy walks white and smooth, she would sharpen a bit of pine, and drawfigures and faces of all conceivable and inconceivable shapes. Chancing tofind her thus engaged one Sunday afternoon, Russell supplied her with apackage of drawing-paper, and pencils. So long as these lasted she wasperfectly happy, but unluckily their straitened circumstances admitted ofno such expenditure, and before many weeks she was again without materials.She would not tell Russell that she had exhausted his package, and passedsleepless nights trying to devise some method by which she could aidherself. It was positive torture for her to sit in school and see thedrawing-master go round, giving lessons on this side and that, skippingover her every time, because her aunt could not afford the extra threedollars. Amid all these yearnings and aspirations she turned constantly toRussell, with a worshipping love that knew no bounds. She loved her meekaffectionate aunt as well as most natures love their mothers, and did allin her power to lighten her labours, but her affection for Russell borderedon adoration. In a character so exacting and passionate as hers there isnecessarily much of jealousy, and thus it came to pass that, on the day ofIrene's visit to the cottage, the horrible suspicion took possession of herthat he loved Irene better than herself. True, she was very young, butchildish hearts feel as keenly as those of matured years; and Electraendured more agony during that day than in all her past life. Had Irenebeen other than she was, in every respect, she would probably have hatedher cordially; as matters stood, she buried the suspicion deep in her ownheart, and kept as much out of everybody's way as possible. Days and weekspassed very wearily; she busied herself with her text-books, and when thelessons had been recited, drew all over the margins--here a hand, there anentire arm, now and then a face, sad-eyed as Fate.
Mrs. Aubrey's eyes became so blurred that finally she could not leave thehouse without having some one to guide her, and, as cold weather had nowarrived, preparations were made for her journey. Mr. Hill, who was going toNew Orleans, kindly offered to take charge of her, and the day of departurewas fixed. Electra packed the little trunk, saw it deposited on the top ofthe stage in the dawn of an October morning, saw her aunt comfortablyseated beside Mr. Hill, and in another moment all had vanished. In theafternoon of that day, on returning from school, Electra went to thebureau, and, unlocking a drawer, took out a small paper box. It contained aminiature of her father, set in a handsome gold frame. She knew it had beenher mother's most valued trinket; her aunt had carefully kept it for her,and as often as the temptation assailed her she had resisted; but now thelonging for money triumphed over every other feeling. Having touched thespring, she took a knife and cautiously removed the bit of ivory beneaththe glass, then deposited the two last in the box, put the gold frame inher pocket, and went out to a jewellery store. As several persons hadpreceded her, she leaned against the counter, and, while waiting, watchedwith some curiosity the movements of one of the goldsmiths, who, with aglass over one eye, was engaged in repairing watches. Some had been takenfrom the cases, others were untouched; and as her eyes passed swiftly overthe latter, they were suddenly riveted to a massive gold one lying somewhatapart. A half-smothered exclamation caused the workman to turn round andlook at her, but in an instant she calmed herself; and thinking it a mereoutbreak of impatience, he resumed his employment. Just then one of theproprietors approached, and said politely, "I am sorry we have kept youwaiting, miss. What can I do for you?"
"What is this worth?"
She laid the locket down on the counter, and looked up with eyes thatsparkled very joyously he thought. He examined it a moment, and said ratherdryly--
"Well, how do I know, in the first place, that it belongs to you? Jewellershave to be very particular about what they buy."
She crimsoned, and drew herself proudly away from the counter, then smiledand held out her hand for the locket.
"It is mine; it held my father's miniature, but I took it out because Iwant a paint-box, and thought I could sell this case for enough to buy one.It was my mother's once; here are her initials on the back, H. G.--HarrietGrey. But of course you don't know whether I am telling the truth; I willbring my cousin with me, he can prove it. Sir, are you so particular abouteverything you buy?"
"We try to be."
Again her eyes sparkled; she bowed, and left the store.
Once in the street, she hurried to Mr. Campbell's office, ran up the steps,and rapped loudly at the door.
"Come in!" thundered the lawyer.
She stopped on the threshold, glanced round, and said timidly--
"I want to see Russell, if you please."
"Russell is at the post-office. Have you any particular spite at my door,that you belabour it in that style? or do you suppose I am as deaf as agatepost?"
"I beg your pardon; I did not mean to startle you, sir. I was not thinkingof either you or your door."
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She sprang down the steps to wait on the sidewalk for her cousin, and methim at the entrance.
"Oh, Russell! I have found your watch."
A ray of light seemed to leap from his eyes as he seized her hand.
"Where?"
"At Mr. Brown's jewellery store."
"Thank God!"
He went up the stairway, delivered the letters, and came back accompaniedby Mr. Campbell.
"This is my cousin, Electra Grey, Mr. Campbell."
"So I inferred from the unceremonious assault she made on my door just now.However, shake hands, little lady; it seems there is some reason for yourhaste. Let's hear about this precious watch business."
She simply told what she had seen. Presently Russell said--
"But how did you happen there, Electra?"
"Your good angel, sent me, I suppose; and," she added in a whisper, "I willtell you some other time."
On re-entering the store, she walked at once to the workman's corner, andpointed out the watch.
"Yes, it is mine. I would know it among a thousand."
"How can you identify it, Aubrey?"
He immediately gave the number, and name of the manufacturer, and describedthe interior tracery, not omitting the quantity of jewels. Mr. Campbellturned to the proprietor (the same gentleman with whom Electra hadconversed), and briefly recapitulated the circumstances which had occurredin connection with the watch. Mr. Brown listened attentively, thenrequested Russell to point out the particular one that resembled his. Hedid so, and on examination, the number, date, name, and all the markscorresponded so exactly that no doubt remained on the jeweller's mind.
"Young man, this watch was sold for ninety dollars by a man named RufusTurner, who lives in New Orleans, No. 240 ---- street. I will write to himat once, and find out, if possible, how it came into his possession. Irather think he had some horses here for sale."
"Did he wear green glasses," inquired Russell of the young man who hadpurchased the watch.
"Yes, and had one arm in a sling."
"I saw such a man here about the time my watch was missing."
After some directions from Mr. Campbell concerning the proper course to bepursued, Electra drew out her locket, saying--
"Now, Russell, is not this locket mine?"
"Yes; but where is the miniature? What are you going to do with it?"
"The miniature is at home, but I want to sell the frame, and Mr. Brown doesnot know but that it is another watch case."
"If it is necessary, I will swear that it belongs lawfully to you; but whatdo you want to sell it for? I should think you would prize it too highly tobe willing to part with it."
"I do prize the miniature, and would not part with it for anyconsideration; but I want something far more than a gold case to keep itin."
"Tell me what you want, and I will get it for you," whispered her cousin.
"No--I am going to sell this frame."
"And I am going to buy it from you," said the kind-hearted merchant, takingit from her hand and weighing it.
Russell and Mr. Campbell left the store, and soon after Mr. Brown paidElectra several dollars for the locket.
In half an hour she had purchased a small box of paints, a supply ofdrawing-paper and pencils, and returned home, happier and prouder than manyan empress, whose jewels have equalled those of the Begums of Oude. She hadcleared Russell's character, and her hands were pressed over her heart tostill its rapturous throbbing. Many days elapsed before Mr. Turner's answerarrived. He stated that he had won the watch from Cecil Watson, at ahorse-race, where both were betting; and proved the correctness of hisassertion by reference to several persons who were present, and who residedin the town. Russell had suspected Cecil from the moment of itsdisappearance, and now provided with both letter and watch, and accompaniedby Mr. Brown, he repaired to Mr. Watson's store. Russell had been insulted,his nature was stern, and now he exulted in the power of disgracing the sonof the man who had wronged him. There was no flush on his face, but a cold,triumphant glitter in his eyes as he approached his former employer, andlaid watch and letter before him.
"What business have you here?" growled the merchant, trembling before theexpression of the boy's countenance.
"My business is to clear my character which you have slandered, and to fixthe disgrace you intended for me on your own son. I bring you the proofs ofhis, not my villainy."
"Come into the back-room; I will see Brown another time," said Watson,growing paler each moment.
"No, sir; you were not so secret in your dealings with me. Here, where youinsulted me, you shall hear the whole truth. Read that. I suppose thetwenty-dollar gold piece followed the watch."
The unfortunate father perused the letter slowly, and smothered a groan.Russell watched him with a keen joy which he might have blushed toacknowledge had he analysed his feelings. Writhing under his impaling eye,Mr. Watson said--
"Have you applied to the witnesses referred to?"
"Yes; they are ready to swear that they saw Cecil bet Turner the watch."
"You did not tell them the circumstances, did you?"
"No."
There was an awkward silence, broken by Mr. Watson.
"If I retract all that I have said against you, and avow your innocence,will it satisfy you? Will you be silent about Cecil?"
"No!" rose peremptorily to Russell's lips, but he checked it; and thepatient teaching of years, his mother's precepts, and his mother's prayersbrought forth their first fruit--golden charity.
"You merit no forbearance at my hands, and I came here intending to showyou none; but, on reflection, I will not follow your example. Clear my namebefore the public, and I leave the whole affair with you. Good morning."
Afraid to trust himself, he turned away and joined Mr. Campbell in theoffice.
In the afternoon of the same day came a letter from Mr. Hill containing sadnews. The oculist had operated on Mrs. Aubrey's eyes, but violentinflammation had ensued; he had done all that scientific skill couldprompt, but feared she would be hopelessly blind. At the close of theletter Mr. Hill stated that he would bring her home the following week. OneNovember evening, just before dark, while Russell was cutting wood for thekitchen-fire, the stage stopped at the cottage-gate, and he hurried forwardto receive his mother in his arms. It was a melancholy reunion; for amoment the poor sufferer's fortitude forsook her, and she wept. But hiscaresses soothed her, and she followed Electra into the house while hebrought in the trunk. When shawl and bonnet had been removed, and Electraplaced her in the rocking-chair, the light fell on face and figure, and thecousins started at the change that had taken place. She was so ghastlypale, so very much reduced. She told them all that had occurred during thetedious weeks of absence; how much she regretted having gone since the tripproved so unsuccessful, how much more she deplored the affliction on theiraccount than her own; and then from that hour no allusion was ever made toit.