Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 531 — page 22: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

22 Czarina’s face, like her guardian’s, was bright- er and happier than usual. She had always been cheerful and satisfied until the Bastions came, but the prospect of getting away from them was a great relief. Mr, Perham watched her as she moved quick- ly toward the door, but at that point she paused, er hand was on the latch, but she hesitated, Then she turned and he saw that the brightness had faded from her face. ‘‘ ve changed my mind!” she murmured, ab- ruptly. “‘ th? ““T can’t go to Belated Camp!” ** Bless me! Why not?’ **T don’t think 1 want to go.” **'You don’t?” 4c No. ” ‘* But you said only a minute ago that you would be glad to go,” “* T’ve changed my mind,” Czarina spoke gloomily, almost fretfully, and looked not at her guardian but at the floor. ‘** Isn’t this a bit sudden?” asked Mr, Perham, in bewilderment. ** Yes, I suppose so,” ** But why have you changed your mind?” ‘** You must excuse me, uncle; I can’t tell you, Tt would go if I could, but circumstances forbid. When I promised to go 1 had—had forgotten one thing.” ‘*T see no reason why you shouldn’t go.” ‘* Such a reason exists, and [ cannot go.” ‘*Cvarina, this is a deep disappointment to me!” uttered Mr, Perham, and his downcast ex- pression showed how sincere his statement was. ‘*[ am sorry.” ‘* My dear, it is my wish that you should go,” ri the minister, with firmness which surprised er. ‘* Indeed! why are you so anxious?” The question confused him, and he was an- noyed to feel his face flush. He was reminded that he, too, bad a secret. ‘* A — well, Mrs. Sherrick will be disap- pointed.” ‘She bas many devoted friends at Belated anes and though Iam extremely sorry to fail her, [ am forced to say that she will, for a time, have to rely upon them. The circumstances which lead me to a decision are such that I have absolutely no choice in the matter. I cannot go! This may seem strange to you, but I ask your forbearance. Let it rest, uncle, and trust in my judgment. It is best that I don’t go to Belated Camp!” 2 CHAPTER XX1X. ESTHER CALLS FOR A ‘‘CHAPPYRUN!” CZARINA had recovered her usual composure, and the firmness of ber voice satisfied Mr. Per- ham that he would plead in vain if he tried to change her resolution. He said well when he declared that it was a deep disappointment to him, After enduring the Bastions hopelessly, he had seen the way to relief opened by Sadiile- Chief Kit, but Caarina bad overturned all their plans, How was she to be removed from Si Gotch, and the hearing of Esther Bastion’s secret, when she refused to go? ‘* You said, at first, that you would be glad to go!” the minister burst out irritably. “True; but I had forgotten the one thing which will keep me here,” the girl replied. ‘Tt can’t be very important, if it was so long in occurring to you.” ‘© On the contrary, it is important.” ‘* What tie can you have that must keep you here?” ‘‘There is something very much like suspicion ir your voice, Uncle Perham, Is that just?” ** Forgive me, Czarina; I meant no barm, It was only because it was so great a disappoint- ment.” ‘¢ You show a singular anxiety to bave me go. May I ask what it is?” Again Perham became confused. He was not quick-witted enough to resort to any expedient, or half-way measure; and with the idea in his mind that he must tell all if told anything, and state that there was a secret which menaced her happiuess, and which, consequently, she must not learn; he took the opposite extreme and stammered: “Oh! it is nothing, nothing at all. You need not go unless you wish.” _ Guardian and ward looked at each other for a moment and then his gaze fell. ‘‘T am going out, now, Czarina,” he abruptly added. He was m a fever to see Saddle-Chief Kit; to explain the perplexing, disheartening turn that affairs had sa and to have the Prairie Cen- tanr bring his strong mind to bear upon the ease. Czarina did not object to his departure, although sbe seemed to be deeply troubled by the situation, and he was soon on the street, hur- Trying toward Kit’s hotel. ' The Centaur was in his ham found him. Sol you've got around quickly,” Kit ob- served, ‘Enough time has elapsed for me to score a een answered the minister, as he sunk into a chair, room, and there Per- —_ oo en eee eee Saddle-Chief Kit. “* How’s that?” . ‘* Czarina refuses to leave Si Gotch!” ** The dickens she does!” “c Yes. ” ‘What is her reason?” ‘¢ She refuses to give a reason.” **Did you tell her how homesick and blue Mrs, Sherrick was?” sc Yes,” ** And the deplorable state of the aged lady failed to move the young lady’s heart to pity, did it?’ “It is very mysterious. She at first consent- ed to go, showing no hesitation, and even said she would be very glad to doso; then she abrupt- ly changed her mind, said that she could not go, and resisted all my entreaties. It is very odd, indeed; I don’t understand it.” ‘* Possibly Miss King does not, either. It is necessary, Mr, Perham, to remember that our young lady isa woman. As such, she is beyond the limits of logic. The minds of the fair sex are like weather-vanes, They may point dead to the north one minute, but if the wind changes they can fluke around to the nor’-nor’west, bya little westerly; and then flop to the south like a rocket, That’s one of the chief charms of the sex; the beautiful uncertainty of where we will find them is entrancing. But this is not to the point. We will assume that our particular young lady is logical. Tell me all about it.” Kit tipped his chair back, and prepared to listen serenely. His pet scheme was upset, but he was in no degree discouraged. Perham described the interview with Czarina and was able to repeat almost word for word what had been said, so that when he was done, Kit had a pretty clear view of the case, The Centaur was puzzled, and all the more so because, Gespite his cynical dissertation on wo- mankind, he did not regard Czarina as a person of vacillating mind. He was of the opinion that she had some good reason for her course, though what it was he did not know. ‘* So you really think she means it?’ heasked. ‘*T regret to answer that I do.” ** But you can’t surmise her reason?” ce No.” ‘* And she refused to tell it?” ‘¢ She did, sir.” ‘*Then we will get along without it.” ‘* Must we give up our nope ‘* Give ’em up?” echoed Kit, ‘‘ Well, I should say not ” ‘Is there still a chance?” Perham asked, eagerly. ‘Why, of course; I'll see Czarina.” ** You cannot turn her from her resolution, I fear.” ‘‘T shall not try, as far as Belated Camp is concerned, Itis clear that her objection is to leave Si Gotch; she has some reason for wishing to remain here. Well, we'll let her do so, but she shall leave your bouse, I'll see her and ad- dress words of wisdom to her somewhat thusly: * Miss King, it is best that you should go visit- ing for a few days. We, the powers that be purpose to take the Bastions by the collar an precipitate them, jointly and severally, into the ditch, When we doit there will be a commo- tion; the volcano which bubbles and seethes in the Bastion heart will bu’st forth with vigor. There is likely to be unpleasant times; it is best that you be conspicuous by your absence then!” ‘* There is hope in that!” exclaimed Perham, his downcast expression losing ground. ** Rather!” ** But Esther Bastion will insist upon going to see Czarina.” ‘* We won't leave that amiable female a peg to stand on. It shall be announced that Miss King has gone to Belated Camp. ‘ Well, sup- se the female Bastion goes there to find her? ee make a success? I infer that she will not! Perbam wrung his companion’s hand. ‘“* Mr, Jameson, you are worth your weight in gold!” he declared, with enthusiasm, ‘*Oh! I’m a wily old rat!” was the good- humored reply. ‘* When will you see Czarina?”’ ‘*Can you send her on an errand to a remote part of the village, so that I can see her with- out having the Bastions get their eyes on us?” ‘*Tt was her intention to call at the west end of the town just after dinner, and I presume she will do so. ** Just the thing; and if she don’t go, send her. one will hardly refuse to go on an errand, will she ‘Ob! no.” ‘*Let it go that way, then. Tl be on the watch, and |’ll see her and talk business, I[ con- tract to convince the young lady, and that, too, without having her suspect the real reason why you want her absent from your house.” ‘*Thank you, Mr. Jameson; thank you. You are very kind; I don’t know what I should do without you!” , Kit accepted this tribute in his usual good- humored way, and after a brief additional con- versation the two separated and went home. Perham was full of gratitude and admiration. don’t git set down on ag’in! shrewdness, and he was not one to refuse hom- age to genias—especially when it was used to free him from embarrassment and trouble. He was helpless enough to lean upon some one, and Kit’s was a strong arm. In the mean while, Czarina had had an un- pleasant experience at home. After her guar- dian went out she had gone abont her work in a thoughtful way, but was finally interrupted by the appearance of Esther. ‘* I’ve got a word ter say ter you!” announced that person. ‘* Have you?” ‘Yes; you’re an upper-tener kere.” ‘6 A what?” “You belong to the upper ten.” **T don’t think Si Gotch can boast of an aris- tocracy.” ‘“*T know somebody that tries ter be ’risto- cratic!” declared Esther, elevating her proboscis, ‘* That ain’t ter the pint, though, What I want is your help.” “In what?” ‘“*My sweet chfldren are pinin’ fur society. David, 0’ course, has been out, but my poor Pansy hain’t gone nowhere. Well, she wants ter, an’ she’s goin’; she’s goin’ inter society, an’ that’s where you come inuseful. I want you ter take her an’ David, an’ take ’em ter call on the best families in Si Gotch, I s’pose it’s fash- ner’ble amoog the eel-light ter have a chappy- run, though you wouldn’t be no great shakes; but you kin introduce my dear children ter your bigh-and-lofty friends as wal as anybody.” ‘* Pray, Mrs. Bastion, am I not to be con- sulted in the matter?’ asked Czarina, her face flushing, ‘* What d’ye mean?” ‘‘ Wouldn’t it be well to ask me to do this, rather than to command me?” ‘* Don’t make any difference, long’s it’s done.” ‘Tt is not done, and will not be done,” Czarina replied, calmly but firmly. ‘‘ I must decline to introduce your son and daughter to any one!” ** You do?” * Ves? Esther was in a passion. Her eyes flashed, and her big, coarse face was spotted. ‘* Mebhe you think you’re too good?” she cried. ‘*T have no reasons to give.” ‘Well, I've got somethin’ ter say, just the same, my lady. Ill bet you two ter one that you take Pansy an’ David under your wing an’ tote ’em jest where I say.” ‘¢ We will not discuss the matter,” quietly re- turned Czarina. ‘*No, but we'll do more. Ill see old man Perham, an’ you'll find he will order you ter do jest what Isay. You ought ter know I ain’t no small figger in this house, by this time. You’ve tried your best ter git us sent away. How’ve you come out? Take warnin’, Miss Lofty, an’ I say that you'll make yourself useful ter my sweet children,an’ ef you won't do it o’ your own free will, Pll make By So i then, what hev ye got ter say ter that CHAPTER XXX, CZARINA GAINS NEW LIGHT, UTTERING these words venomously, Esther placed her arms akimbo, threw back her head and looked daggers at her companion; but Czar- ina remained far calmer than was to be ex- cted, ar Neither of us will gain any honor by con- tinuing this conversation,” she responded, *‘ and I have nomore to say. You will excuse me now, as I have work to do elsewhere,” She moved toward the door, but Esther blocked her way. ** Not so fast, Miss Lofty!” she sneered. ‘‘ Be- fore you go sailin’ away like a queen I have a word ter say to you. You carry your head mighty high, but I’ve heerd o’ queens losin’ their heads—had ’em cut off, slap! ou ain’t no safer than them was. I can humble you so you will envy the worms that crawl in the dust, and I'll do it, too!” ‘“*Mrs, Bastion, you on your position here!” “Whatever I forgit, ou an’ that weak-minded parson right in the oller o’ my hand. When I pull the string be jumps, an’ I'll make you dance, too!” ** As Mr. Perham’s guest you bave someclaims upon my forbearance, Mrs. Bastion, but I will hear no more, I wish to pass!” ‘“‘T shall move at my convenience. Ef you Bah! he remember that I hev me, call Perham. think you kin hurr ter rile me!” da’ssen’t say a wor Czarina had already bad painful proof of that ° fact, and she felt her position a most bumili- ating one. Deep was her indignation, but, as she was not a man, she could not maintain her rights by force, and there was no one to whom she could appeal. She felt herself reduced to the extreme of deg- radation. Mrs. Bastion was watching her critically, and, it may be, she thought the persecution had been carried far enough. ‘““Tll let ye go fur now,” she added, after a pause, ‘but jest you bear in mind that you are ter do as I say. You will escort Pansy an’ David ’round "bout town, an’ no power kin save In his opinion the Centaur was a marvel of ° yefromit. Chew on that!” Gomi (E —— - —e cond cme eee 300