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86 -MALAESKA.
and very thin lady of about fifty was occupied with houschold sew-
ing; her work-box stood on a small table before her, and a book of
common-prayer lay beside it. The servant had intended to announce
his strange guest, but, fearful of losing sight of him, Malaeska fol-
lowed close upon his footstsps, and before he was aware of it, stood
_Within the room, holding her child by the hand.
- **.\ woman, sir,—an Indian woman, with a Ietter,” said the em- -
barrassed seryant, motioning his charge to draw back. But Mala-
eska had stepped close to the merchant, and was looking earnestly
in his face when he raised his eyes from the papers. ‘There was
something cold in his. severe gaze as he fixed it on her through his
spectacles. ‘The Indian felt chilled and repulsed; her heart was full,
and she turned with a look of touching appeal to the lady. ‘That
face was one to which a child would have fled for comfort; it was
tranquil-and full of kindness, Malacska’s face brightencd: as “she
went up to her, and placed the letter in her hands without speaking |
a word; but the palpitation of her heart was visible through her ~
heavy garmegts, and her hands shook as she’ relinquished the
precious paper a Se
“The seal is black,’’ said the lady, turning very pale as she gave
the letter to her husband, ‘* but it is his writing,’’ she added, with a
forced smile. ‘* He couldd not have sentivord himself, were he — ill.??-
She hesitated at the last word, for, spite of herself, the thoughts of
death lay heavily at her heart. ©
The merchant composed himself in his chair, settled his spectacles,
and after another. severe glance at the bearer, opened the letter. His
~ wife kept her eyes fixed anxiously on his face as he read. She saw_
that his face grew pale, that his high, narrow forehead contracted,
and that the stern mouth became still more rigid in its expression. She
knew that some evil had befillen her son—her only son, and sho
grasped a chair for support; her lips were bloodless, and her eyes
became keen’ with agonizing suspense. When her husband had read
the letter through, she went close to him, but looked another way as
- she spoke.
and gentle, but with husky suspense. - “
Her husband did not answer, but -his hand fell heavily upon his
knee, and the letter rattled in his unsteady grasp, his eyes were fixed
on his trembling wife with a look that chilled her to the heart. She
attempted to withdraw the letter from his hand, but he clenched it .
the firmer. Se : me, re .
‘* Let it alone—he is dead — murdered by the savages— why .
should you know more??? . ,
The poor woman stagzered back, and the fire of anxiety went out
from her eyes. s a eo
**Can there be any. thing worse than death—the death of the
first-born of our youth —cut off in his proud manhood??? she mur:
** ‘Hell mo ! has any harm befallen my son??? Her voice was low
~mured, in.a low, broken voice,
af