Castle Nowhere | Page 8

an animated mummy, and taking the red ribbon threw it around the
young man's neck, knotting it under the chin. Then she nodded with
treble radiance and made signs; of satisfaction.
'Yes, it is becoming,' said Silver, considering the effect thoughtfully,
her small head with its veil of hair bent to one side, like a flower
swayed by the wind.
The flesh-pots of Egypt returned to Jarvis Waring's mind: he
remembered certain articles of apparel left behind in civilization, and

murmured against the wilderness. Under the pretence of examining the
vases, he took an early opportunity of, looking into the round mirror. 'I
am hideous,' he said to himself, uneasily.
'Decidedly so,' echoed the Spirit in a cheerful voice. But he was not;
only a strong dark young man of twenty-eight, browned by exposure,
clad in a gray flannel shirt and the rough attire of a hunter.
The fire on the hearth sparkled gayly. Silver had brought one of her
little white gowns, half finished, and sat sewing in its light, while the
old negress came and went about her household tasks.
'So you can sew?' said the visitor.
'Of course I can. Aunt Shadow taught me,' answered the water-maiden,
threading her needle deftly. 'There is no need to do it, for I have so
many dresses; but I like to sew, don't you?'
'I cannot say that I do. Have you so many dresses then?'
'Yes; would you like to see them? Wait.'
Down went the little gown trailing along the floor, and away she flew,
coming back with her arms full,--silks, muslins, laces, and even jewelry.
'Are they not beautiful?' she asked, ranging her splendor over the
chairs.
'They are indeed,' said Waring, examining the garments with curious
eyes. 'Where did you get them?'
'Father brought them. O, there he is now, there he is now! I hear the
oars. Come, Lorez.'
She ran out; the old woman hastened, carrying a brand from the hearth;
and after a moment Waring followed them. 'I may as well face the old
rogue at once,' he thought.
The moon had not risen and the night was dark; under the balcony
floated a black object, and Lorez, leaning over, held out her flaming
torch. The face of the old rogue came out into the light under its yellow
handkerchief, but so brightened and softened by loving gladness that
the gazer above hardly knew it. 'Are you there, darling, safe and well?'
said the old man, looking up fondly as he fastened his skiff.
'Yes, father; here I am and so glad to see you,' replied the water-maiden,
waiting at the top of the ladder. 'We have a visitor, father dear; are you
not glad, so glad to see him?'
The two men came face to face, and the elder started back. 'What are
you doing here?' he said sternly.

'Looking for my property.'
'Take it, and begone!'
'I will, to-morrow.'
All this apart, and with the rapidity of lightning.
'His name is Jarvis, father, and we must keep him with us,' said Silver.
'Yes, dear, as long as he wishes to stay; but no doubt he has home and
friends waiting for him.'
They went within, Silver leading the way. Old Fog's eyes gleamed and
his hands were clinched. The younger man watched him warily.
'I have been showing Jarvis all my dresses, father, and he thinks them
beautiful.'
'They certainly are remarkable,' observed Waring, coolly.
Old Fog's hands dropped, he glanced nervously towards the visitor.
'What have you brought for me to-night, father dear?'
'Nothing, child; that is, nothing of any consequence. But it is growing
late; run off to your nest'
'O no, papa, you have had no supper, nor--'
'I am not hungry. Go, child, go; do not grieve me,' said the old man in a
low tone.
'Grieve you? Dear papa, never!' said the girl, her voice softening to
tenderness in a moment. 'I will run straight to my room.--Come, Lorez.'
The door closed. 'Now for us two,' thought Waring.
But the cloud had passed from old Fog's face, and he drew up his chair
confidentially. 'You see how it is,' he began in an apologetic tone; 'that
child is the darling of my life, and I could not resist taking those things
for her; she has so few books, and she likes those little lumps of sugar.'
'And the Titian picture?' said Waring, watching him doubtfully.
'A father's foolish pride; I knew she was lovelier, but I wanted to see
the two side by side. She is lovelier, isn't she?'
'I do not think so.'
'Don't you?' said old Fog in a disappointed tone. 'Well, I suppose I am
foolish about her; we live here all alone, you see: my sister brought her
up.'
'The Aunt Shadow who has