Mystery fiction; Race relations -- Fiction; Southern States -- Fiction
They carried her to the carriage, and, entering, Cambia took the little
head in her lap. Shocked and now greatly alarmed, Edward gave orders to
the driver and entered. It was a long and weary ride, and all the time
the girl lay silent and speechless in Cambia's lap, now and then turning
upon Edward an indescribable look that cut him to the heart.
They would have provided for her in the city, but she would not hear of
it. Her agitation became so great that Edward finally directed the
driver to return to The Hall. All the way back the older woman murmured
words of comfort and cheer, but the girl only wept and her slender form
shook with sobs. And it was not for herself that she grieved.
And so they came to the house, and Mary, by a supreme effort, was able
to walk with assistance and to enter without disturbing the household.
Cambia supported her as they reached the hall to the room that had been
Mary's all her life--the room opposite her mother's. There in silence
she assisted the girl to the bed. From somewhere came Molly, the maid,
and together using the remedies that women know so well they made her
comfortable. No one in the house had been disturbed, and then as Mary
slept Cambia went out and found her way to the side of Mrs. Montjoy and
felt the bereaved woman's arms about her.
"You have reconsidered, and wisely," said Mrs. Montjoy, when the first
burst of emotion was over. "I am glad you have come--where is Mary?"
"She was fatigued from the excitement and long drive and is in her room.
I met her in town and came with her. But madame, think not of me; you
are now the sufferer; my troubles are old. But you--what can I say to
comfort you?"
"I am at peace, my child; God's will be done. When you can say that you
will not feel even the weight of your sorrows. Life is not long, at
best, and mine must necessarily be short. Some day I will see again."
Cambia bowed her head until it rested upon the hand that clasped hers.
In the presence of such trust and courage she was a child.
"My daughter," said Mrs. Montjoy, after a silence, her mind reverting to
her visitor's remark; "she is not ill?"
"Not seriously, madame, but still she is not well."
"Then I will go to her if you will lend me your aid. I am not yet
accustomed to finding my way. I suppose I will have no trouble after a
while." The strong arm of the younger woman clasped and guided her upon
the little journey, and the mother took the place of the maid. Tea was
brought to them and in the half-lighted room they sat by the now
sleeping figure on the bed, and whispered of Cambia's past and future.
The hours passed. The house had grown still and Molly had been sent to
tell Edward of the situation and give him his lamp.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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