“For three days after Harry and I had arrived at home scarcely any
change was perceptible in Lottie’s condition, except an inclination to
sleep all the time, which Plaxico contended was most favorable. This
conjecture proved correct, for at the end of ten days her condition was
so much improved that he pronounced her entirely out of danger.
“‘Good nursing is all she needs now,’ said he.
“I never left the premises until I was satisfied that all danger was
over, and I did not go then of my own accord; Lottie ordered me to go
and see Viola, and to carry a hamper basket full of fresh flowers that
she had caused to be gathered for her.
“‘Tell Viola that as soon as I am able to ride in the carriage I will
come to see her. Ask her if she wants anything and tell her that she
must be of good cheer, and we will defeat the enemy yet. Now do your
best to encourage the poor thing, and assure her that I will soon be
with her to stay all the time.’
“‘Lottie, you don’t think of going back to stay in jail again, do you?’
“‘Certainly I do; why not?’
“‘People will talk, you know.’
“‘Let them talk as much as they please. God has spared my life in order
that I might save my dear friend, and I mean to do it. Eddie, do you
still doubt me? Can you trust me?’
“I did not make any answer, because I was bewildered and did not know
what to say; hence I abruptly left the room to carry the flowers and
message as directed.
“When I entered Viola’s cell I was shocked at her appearance; there was
a look of hopeless despair settled on her face, and her cheeks were
bloodless and deadly pale. She was dressed in plain black silk without
ornaments. Her pale face brightened up when I entered, and she rose to
meet me, holding out her hand for me to take. When I delivered the
flowers and Lottie’s kind message, telling her that Lottie was out of
all danger, she burst into tears and sank down on the sofa. After a
while she brushed the tears away and said:
“‘Pardon me, Mr. Demar; this flow of tears has relieved my aching heart.
God has answered my prayers, when I had lost all hope. Oh! sir, if you
knew how I have prayed for dear Lottie’s life, you would better
understand my love for her. Take a seat, Mr. Demar, and tell me about
your late troubles.’
“I complied with her request by giving her a detailed history of the
unfortunate occurrences that had kept me away from home.
“‘You now know from experience, Mr. Demar, how hard it is to be punished
for a crime you did not commit. You have not told me anything about your
friends yet.’
“I knew that she wanted to hear from Harry, but I doubted the propriety
of mentioning his name, because I did not know what he intended to do. I
therefore confined my remarks to Doctor and Mrs. Dodson, and Mr.
Rockland and his wife, studiously avoiding Harry’s name. I saw that she
was disappointed, and more anxious than ever to hear about him. I rose
to depart, when she begged me to stay a while longer.
“‘You have not told me about all of your friends yet,’ she said, as she
blushed and looked down at the carpet.
“I noticed that she was trembling from head to foot, and her bosom rose
and fell rapidly. I had arrived at the conclusion that it was best for
me not to mention Harry’s name. I thought that the best plan to bring
about a reconciliation would be to say nothing on the subject, hoping
that she would send an invitation to him to pay her a visit.
“‘Is there any one in particular whom you wish to inquire about, Miss
Bramlett?’
“‘Yes--no--that is, no one in particular; but I was thinking that Lottie
would be so happy to have her brother with her.’ And as she said this,
the crimson tinge on her cheeks became as red as blood could make it.
“‘Yes, she is very happy now, since her brother has returned.’
“‘Has he? Ah! never mind, Mr. Demar, I will not detain you any longer.
Give my love to Lottie, and bring her to see me as soon as she is able
to come.’
“I took her extended hand and felt it quiver; her eyes met mine for a
second, and there was a meaning look in them which I understood. I could
not leave her thus; my resolution vanished at once.
“‘What shall I tell him for you, Miss Bramlett?’
“‘Tell whom?’
“‘Have you no message for me to deliver to any one except Lottie?’
“‘Yes--no; I--I--good-by, Mr. Demar.’
“I passed out of the room and spoke a few words to the jailer, and when
I went to leave I glanced a look into Viola’s room. She was lying on the
bed convulsed with grief, and weeping bitterly.
“I sought and obtained an interview with Mr. Rockland, in order to have
a consultation about Miss Bramlett’s case. The iron man shook his head
ominously when I asked him to advise me what I should do about the case.
“‘The Supreme Court will reverse it,’ said he, ‘beyond question, but
that will do no good. It will only serve to prolong our troubles. The
lower court committed a very grave error in allowing the jury to
disperse before the evidence closed; hence I say it is certain that a
new trial will be granted; but again I ask where is the benefit to Miss
Bramlett? Every one knows she is guilty--the proof established it beyond
the possibility of a reasonable doubt. Poor girl! I pity her, for she
was not responsible for the crime. She was crazy, beyond question, when
she committed it. She shall not be punished, because I will secure
executive clemency when the court shall have finally disposed of her
case. Mr. Demar, I have just been informed that it is Lottie’s intention
to return to the jail, with a view of remaining with Miss Bramlett, as
soon as she is able to go.’
“‘Yes, Mr. Rockland, I have heard Lottie say that such was her
intention.’
“‘This must be prevented by all means, and no one can do it but you; I
shall expect you to exert your influence in that direction. Her
reputation has already suffered to some extent by her conduct, and it
must be prevented in future.’
“‘Do you know, Mr. Rockland, that Lottie affirms that she knows Miss
Bramlett is innocent?’
“‘Ah, Demar, that is one of her strange infatuations. She is a sensible
girl, in whose judgment I have unbounded confidence, but her friendship
for Miss Bramlett has caused her heart to get the upper hand of her
brain. She thinks she knows that her friend is innocent, but what does
she know about the rules of evidence? She thinks everything that she
hears can be offered as proof.’
“‘I imagine, sir, that you will find Lottie better posted as to the
rules of evidence than you think. She has been reading Mr. Greenleaf’s
treatise on evidence--also Mr. Starkie’s and many others. She seems to
comprehend and grasp the meaning as well as an experienced lawyer would.
She says she will furnish evidence to clear Miss Bramlett, and to
convict the real criminal.’
“‘Ah! Demar, that is the strangest mystery that has ever come under my
observation. If she knew that Miss Bramlett was innocent, why should she
let her remain in jail, when she could have got her out with a _habeas
corpus_? No, Demar, if you build your hopes on that foundation, you will
meet with nothing but defeat and disappointment.’
“‘The reasons which Lottie gives for withholding the proof appear to me
to be good. She says that she is waiting to collect evidence sufficient
to convict the guilty one; and that this is done at the request of Miss
Bramlett.’
“‘Very well, Demar, I see that you are determined to pin your faith to
Lottie’s skirts. The truth of it is, love has got the upper hand of your
judgment, while Lottie is carried away by her affection for Miss
Bramlett. I admire those who stick to their friends, but we ought to be
very cautious in selecting them. Next week the Supreme Court will take
up the case, and then a new trial will be granted, certain, and you and
Lottie shall have a fair chance to establish the defendant’s innocence
if you can.’
“When I left the iron lawyer, I was chilled to the very marrow of my
bones by the coldness of his manner.
“About eight days after my arrival at home, I was called from Lottie’s
side (where most of my time was being spent) to assist Doctor Dodson in
performing a difficult surgical operation on one of his patients. In
fact, I performed the operation myself under Doctor Dodson’s advice and
assistance.
“‘Ah, ha! my boy,’ said the old doctor, when the delicate job was
finished, ‘you are an excellent surgeon, so you are. I am proud of
you--so I am. You will do to tie to; ah, ha! that you will. Lottie need
not be afraid to hitch on to you, my boy; no indeed, you will make a
living for her; yes, yes, ah, ha! she won’t starve by marrying you. You
must remain with this patient day and night until all danger is over.
Ah, ha! my boy, stick to it like a leech; I’ll relieve you day after
to-morrow.’
“By this means I was kept away from Lottie two days and nights, much
against my wish; but I stood to my post until I was relieved on the
third morning by Doctor Dodson. I hurried to Mr. Rockland’s residence
and met his wife at the door.
“‘How is Lottie?’ I hurriedly inquired, as I entered the house.
“‘Improving rapidly, though I don’t think she is quite as prudent as she
ought to be.’
“‘Can I see her now?’
“‘No, Edward, she is asleep, I believe; but come in to breakfast, and
then you can see her.’
“I obeyed reluctantly, because I did not feel like eating. As soon as
breakfast was over Mrs. Rockland went into Lottie’s room to inform her
that I was waiting to see her.
“‘She will receive you, Edward,’ said the kind lady, as she came into
the parlor where I was waiting. ‘She bid me tell you to come in.’
“The door of Lottie’s room was half open when I entered; and the bed,
where I expected to see her, was made up and covered with a snow-white
counterpane; every article of furniture was freshly dusted and properly
arranged; two large vases of fresh flowers stood on the mantel, and the
room contained no evidences of an occupant.
“‘Ah! she has moved to her old room up-stairs!’ I exclaimed, as I turned
to go out, when I felt some one pluck my hair behind. Imagine my
amazement, if you can, when I hurriedly turned round and saw nothing but
an empty room, where I had expected to see Lottie. I had not remained
there, however, but a second or two, when I heard a suppressed laugh;
and looking behind the door, I discovered my darling in full
dress--beautiful, radiant, charming and lovely,--with a mischievous
smile playing on her face. Never had I seen her looking so beautiful
before; the color of the rose and lily were mingled on her fair cheeks,
while evidences of restored health appeared. Her toilet had been
arranged with great care and exquisite taste, evidently done to please
me, for I had sent word that I was coming to see her that morning. She
wore a most magnificent rose-pink brocade silk dress, with full train;
the body and skirts were covered with point de Venice lace, while the
bodice fitted the slender waist so neatly that her square shoulders and
tall, queenly form exhibited their beauty to great advantage. My
picture, incased in a heavy gold locket, was suspended by a costly chain
around her neck, and my diamond ring sparkled on her finger. The great
rolls of pretty golden curls had been half confined behind her head with
a blue ribbon, while a fresh white rose, bordered on all sides with pink
geraniums, adorned her throat. As soon as my eyes encountered the lovely
creature before me I threw up my bands with an exclamation of surprise.
When I left her, two days previous, she was in bed, where I had expected
to find her still; but when I beheld her beautiful form standing before
me, with all the loveliness and beauty of an angel, I was dazzled and
overwhelmed with amazement. I was not able to understand how such a
speedy recovery had been effected. The pretty blue eyes had regained all
their charming brilliancy and the stately form its beauteous symmetry;
in fact, my darling had never before appeared so lovely in my eyes as
she did then.
“‘Why, Eddie!’ she exclaimed, as I took her in my arms, ‘where have you
been hiding all this time? I declare, if you play me another such a
dodge, I will set the police on your track!’
“‘Don’t ask me any questions now, Lottie; I am too happy to talk. Let me
look at you well; you are so pretty to-day; I never saw you looking so
lovely!’
“‘I never felt better in my life--am as strong as ever. I was up early
this morning, dressed myself without assistance, made up my bed,
re-arranged the furniture, and am now ready for breakfast. And such an
appetite as I have--it is like that of a wolf! You were surprised to see
me up and dressed; you admire my appearance; well, I am glad you do. You
shall not see me eat breakfast; I should be ashamed to let you see how
much I can devour. Go order the carriage while I am eating; I am going
to see Viola this morning. Why don’t you go along, Eddie? What are you
waiting for?’
“‘Don’t you know?’
“‘I have a very strong suspicion; very well, I suppose I must be kind to
the old darling, since he has been so true to, and suffered so much for
me. Take it quickly and go, for I am starving. There! there! Eddie, go
along with you; don’t you see how you have torn my hair down? I declare,
you have almost smothered me; you are like a Russian bear.’
“She dodged under my arm, and went into the dining-room. I went out and
ordered the coachman to get the carriage ready, then came back to the
parlor and waited for Lottie.
“‘Well, Eddie,’ she said, as she entered the parlor and took a seat on
the sofa by my side, ‘I have devoured everything on the table, and,
like Oliver Twist, I wanted more, but mother closed down on me, and even
refused to let me eat the cold scraps that were left in the cupboard.’
“‘I fear you are imprudent, Lottie,’ said I, ‘but I am truly glad to
know that you have an appetite.’
“‘Thank you, Eddie; but now I must ask you to talk business with me a
while. We must lay aside all selfish thoughts, and go to work on Viola’s
case. You must not talk to me about love or marriage; I request you to
promise me here and now that you will devote your whole attention to
this business, and that you will not mention love to me until Viola’s
innocence shall be established. Will you or will you not do it?’
“‘I promise to obey you in all things, under all circumstances; but what
is to be my fate if we fail to clear Viola? “Would you then refuse to
marry me?’
“‘Yes, I would, though it would break my heart to do it; but I love you
too well to make you the husband of a miserable, unhappy woman, such as
I would be if Viola is not cleared. But I tell you candidly that we
shall all be happy yet, if you will trust me implicitly. I must have
your entire confidence; there must be no doubting or hesitating in this
business. Again I ask you, will you trust me in all things connected
with this business?’
“‘So help me Heaven, I swear I will!’
“‘Enough; I ask no more. Read that letter carefully while I re-arrange
my hair, and then I will tell you what you are to do.’
“‘Lottie, tell me where you got this letter.’
“‘Ask me no questions, but trust me implicitly. I will not submit to a
cross-examination, mind you.’
“‘Very good; issue your orders, and I will obey. Nothing can astonish me
after looking at this letter.’
“‘That is a mere mole-hill, by a mountain, when compared with other
things that I know.’
“‘Lottie, this letter means death; it smells of blood; it is as black as
the deepest hell!’
“‘Hush! don’t become excited; coolness and courage will accomplish more
than anger or excitement. The time has come to shake up the dry bones
in the valley; God has spared me in order to make me His instrument in
saving the innocent and punishing the guilty.’
“‘Lottie, I do believe you are aided in this business by inspiration
directly sent to you from Heaven.’
“‘Perhaps so, and perhaps not; but Viola’s day of deliverance is near at
hand; and the day of retribution for the real murderer is drawing near.
Society has condemned me for associating with Viola--the purest, best,
most patient, suffering angel that ever lived. I will make society blush
with shame for its cruelty in this case.’
“‘Lottie, pardon me for using strong language; but I think the
circumstances justify it; therefore, I say that the writer of that
letter ought to be roasted in the hottest flames of ----’
“‘Stop! stop! don’t use such language as that; it does no good. We must
move cautiously, as we have a wily foe to deal with. We must have a
witness in court to prove that handwriting; and that is why I have shown
you that letter. There is a woman in this city by whom we can make the
proof--provided we can force her to swear the truth. She is a friend to
the writer, and would suffer martyrdom before she would tell anything
that would injure him if she knew it; but if you will execute a little
plan which I have invented, I will answer for the result.’
“‘Explain the plan, and issue orders. I trust you now with more faith
than an Arab would the author of the Koran. Consider me a machine made
to do your bidding.’
“‘I like that kind of talk now, because everything depends on you and
me.’
“‘More especially on you, Lottie. You are the pilot, and I am only the
engine.’
“‘We will not dispute about that; but you must have an interview with a
certain woman, with a view of proving the handwriting of that letter.
You are acquainted with Miss Clattermouth, I believe?’
“‘To the best of my knowledge and belief, I should say I was; but I
would not like to confess it in public.’
“‘I don’t blame you for that, because there is not much honor in it; but
it is a fortunate thing that you do know her, for it will aid you in
this business. I want you to go and see her; take this letter with you;
and I charge you under no circumstances to let her see the contents; but
you will manage to show her the superscription, and by that means
ascertain whether or not she knows who wrote it. Remember, she is a
devoted friend of the writer, and if she suspects your object, your
labor is lost. You must invent some plan to direct her attention to the
letter, and she will probably ask you where you got it. Then you can ask
her if she knows the handwriting; do you think you can manage the
business so as to accomplish the purpose without rousing her
suspicions?’
“‘Lottie, you have asked me to trust you, and I am going to do it. Now I
ask you to trust me; will you do it?’
“‘That I will, with all the faith that is in me; and without intending
to flatter you, I would risk my soul’s future happiness on your judgment
and integrity.’
“‘Thank you! thank you, darling! enough on that branch of the subject.
Let us now discuss another. Shall we let Harry into our secrets and ask
his assistance?’
“‘No, indeed, we must not, because his love for Viola would cause his
heart to control his brain, and endanger our plans. He has quieted down
since his late troubles, and it is better to let him alone. The breach
between him and Viola will heal itself when she is cleared.’
“‘Be it so, then; you are the judge.’
“‘You must not lose sight of our Vicksburg witness; it would be
advisable to write to him immediately. That evidence I consider the most
important of all.’
“‘I must confess I cannot see its application to Viola’s case; but you
may depend on me for having the witness here when the trial comes on.’
“‘You shall be posted as to its application in due time. There are two
individuals in this city who are mounted on very high horses, riding to
their fate. They are enjoying the ride just now, unconscious of the
precipice toward which they are hastening. They are reveling in their
fancied security, little dreaming of the mine soon to be sprung under
their feet.’
“‘One of them is the writer of this letter--the other the one to whom
it was directed. Am I not correct in that guess, Lottie?’
“‘You are correct.’
“‘Well, if anybody but my darling had told me this, I would not have
believed a word of it. This business is going to cause some people’s
fine castles to come toppling topsy-turvey down; and great will be the
fall thereof.’
“‘It won’t be the first instance where a man was hung on the gallows he
had built for another. You may have heard of a man who erected a gallows
fifty cubits high, on which he intended to hang his neighbor; but the
spectators were no doubt surprised, one morning, when they saw the body
of the builder dangling from his own gallows.’
“‘Yes, that was a case in which God seems to have directly interfered.’
“‘Just so; and he has directly interfered in Viola’s case, too.’
“‘Lottie, I am dying with curiosity to know how you got possession of
that letter.’
“‘You shall know everything that I know; but not at present. I have a
reason for withholding the information just now, which I cannot explain.
Remember you have promised to trust me fully in this matter.’
“‘Yes, and I mean to do it; but the very sight of this letter freezes
the warm blood in my veins. I feel cold rigors stealing over me now. It
is horrible to contemplate. It surpasses my comprehension. It would make
Satan blush to read this most diabolical composition. He would be
inclined to abdicate in favor of the author of that letter, as the one
best qualified to run the infernal government.’
“‘Hush! that is wicked language. Go see if the carriage is ready, while
I get my hat and cloak. You will first go with me to the jail; leave me
with Viola; go and see Miss Clattermouth about the proof as to the
handwriting; then return to the jail, remain with us to dinner, and
bring me home at night. There, now, you have the programme for the day,
and remember, you must sharpen your wits before you tackle Miss
Clattermouth. She is a clever little detective herself, and will get the
best of you if you don’t be careful.’
“‘If she gets the upper hand of me in this business, you may has take
off both of my ears.’
“‘Come! I see the carriage is waiting for us. Don’t take my arm--that is
out of style now.’