CHAPTER XXXII

A BLACK CONSPIRACY

On the following morning Mrs. Jocelyn was ill and much depressed from the reaction of the drug that had been given without her knowledge, and after learning all that had transpired she sank into an almost hopeless apathy.  Mildred also was unable to rise, and Belle went to their respective employers and obtained a leave of absence for a day or two, on the ground of illness in the family.  Mrs. Wheaton now proved herself a discreet and very helpful friend, showing her interest by kindly deeds and not by embarrassing questions.  Indeed she was so well aware of the nature of the affliction that overwhelmed the family that she was possessed by the most dismal forebodings as well as the deepest sympathy.

Mr. Jocelyn had departed at an early hour, leaving a note wherein he stated that he might be absent some days seeking employment in a neighboring city.  He had felt that it would be impossible to meet his family immediately after the experiences of the previous day.  Indeed he had gone away with the desperate resolve that he would break his habit or never return; but alas for the resolves of an opium slave!

Time dragged heavily on, the family living under a nightmare of anxiety, fear, and horrible conjectures.  What might he not do?  What new phase of the tragedy would hereafter be developed?

Now that the busy season was over, the girls found that they could retain their position as saleswomen only by accepting whatever their employers chose to pay, and the thrifty shopkeepers satisfied their consciences with the thought that they could obtain scores of others at even lower prices.  Mr. Schriven, in the multiplicity of other interests, had almost forgotten Belle, and she had become in his mind merely a part of the establishment.  Her dejected face and subdued manner excited some remark among her companions when she again appeared, but her explanation, “Mother is ill,” quieted all curiosity.

For a few days Mildred looked as white and crushed as a broken lily, and then the reserve strength and courage of the girl began to reassert themselves.  With a fortitude that was as heroic as it was simple and unostentatious, she resolutely faced the truth and resolved to do each day’s duty, leaving the result in God’s hands.  With a miser’s care she husbanded her strength, ate the most nourishing food they could afford, and rested every moment her duties permitted.  The economy they were now compelled to practice amounted almost to daily privation.  Belle and the children were often a little petulant over this change, Mrs. Jocelyn apathetic, but Mildred was inflexible.  “We must not run in debt one penny,” she would often remark with compressed lips.

Although frequently unoccupied at the shop, she was nevertheless compelled to stand, and in spite of this cruel requirement she rallied slowly.  Thanks, however, to her wise carefulness, she did gain steadily in her power to endure and to fight the hard battle of life.