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Paula passed a fearful night in the small, frightfully hot prison-cell in which she and Betta were shut up. She could not sleep, and when once she succeeded in closing her eyes she was roused by the yells and clanking chains of the captives in the common prison and the heavy step of another sufferer who paced the room overhead, even more restless than herself. Poor fellow-victim!
Do not look so horrified, Betta. I will give him the large emerald out of my mother's necklace." The woman clasped her hands, and cried out in dismay and warning. "Child, child! That splendid gem! an heirloom in the family that stone which came to you from the saintly Emperor Theodosius to sell that of all things!
Then he remembered the drink. 'Were they not surprised when they made the island? he asked. 'Wise-a-mana he say "dam! what this?" was the reply. 'O, that's it then, said Herrick. 'I don't believe they knew where they were. 'I think so too, said Uncle Ned. 'I think no savvy. This one mo' betta, he added, pointing to the house where the drunken captain slumbered: 'Take-a-sun all-e-time.
"Oh, yes, I've got to go," Clementina assented, with a note of relief which mystified Mrs. Atwell. "You tied readin' to Mr. Milray?" "Oh, no'm-no, I mean. But I guess I betta go home. I guess I've been away long enough." "Well, you're a good gul, Clem. I presume your motha's got a right to have you home if she wants you."
Something serious had occurred; but when she had gone to the house to pick up further information, old Betta, who was particularly snappish with her, had refused her admission quite rudely.
She happened to be visiting her daughter, the keeper's wife, and induced her to do what she could to be agreeable to Paula. So she and Betta were lodged in a separate cell, and her gold coin proved acceptable to the man, who did his utmost to mitigate her lot. Indeed, Pulcheria had even been allowed to visit her and to bring her the last roses that the drought had left in the garden.
Do not look so horrified, Betta. I will give him the large emerald out of my mother's necklace." The woman clasped her hands, and cried out in dismay and warning. "Child, child! That splendid gem! an heirloom in the family that stone which came to you from the saintly Emperor Theodosius to sell that of all things!
Fetch him here at once at once; I command you, Perpetua, do you hear? Oh best, dearest Betta! Come with me; we will go to him." "Patience, sweetheart, a little patience!" urged the nurse. "Ah, poor dear soul, it will turn out to be nothing again; and if we again follow up a false clue it will only lead to fresh disappointment." "Never mind: you are to come with me."
The chief of the guard allowed it to persuade him to convey Paula to prison in the chariot, and to promise that she should find decent accommodation there, while he also granted old Betta the leave she insisted on with floods of tears, to share the girl's captivity. Paula maintained her dignity and composure under this unexpected shock.
"May you have such content all the days of your life!" replied Betta in an undertone; "for I have passed so bad a night that I shall not soon forget it."
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