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Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole —► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Stre filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour d;re re:^roduit en un seul clichd, il est fiimd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Le^ diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthodb. 1 2 3 1 ^il Hester Hepworth A NOVEL. BY KATE TANNATT WOODS. AUTHOR OF "A FAIR MAID OF MARBLEHEIAD," ETC., ETC. MONTREAL: JOHN LOVELL & SON, 23 St. Nicholas Street. 2117 Entered according to Act of Parliament in the year 1889, by John Lovell 6* Son, in the office «)f the Minister of Agriculture and Statistics at Ottawa. HESTER HEPWORTH. CHAPTER I. LITTLE HESTER. It was a glorious June morning in 1692, and Desire Hepworth, the honored wife of Thomas Hepworth, was much exercised in mind. She had endured hardships and privations with wonderful sweetness, had lost her only and tenderly-loved brother through the treachery of the Indians, and within a few days had been called upon to testify concerning the sup- posed evil doings of an unhappy woman accused of certain arts called witchcraft and sorceries. All this was quite enough to cast a shadow on the delicate face of Madame Hepworth, and yet a new cause for sorrow had arisen, and she was struggling with silence, though much occupied with domestic matters. On the morrow Captain Hepworth pro- posed to raise a fine barn, the largest, most costly and sightly structure ever yet seen in or near Salem village. Preparations for the great event had occupied the minds of many excellent people, who were weighed down with sorrow and anxiety at the horrors of the witchcraft delusion then at its height. ^mmmmmmmmmim HESTER IlEPWORTIl. I t Anything which approached festivity was hailed with delight. Two days previous to the raising, Deliverance Jacobs came over from her home near Endicott river, bringing with her two children, her son Samuel, a bright boy of fifteen years, and Ruth, a daughter of nine. Deliverance cared little for the tiresome journey on horseback through the woods with Ruth seated behind her, while sturdy Samuel trudged by her side with his rifle on his shoulder. The weather was fine, the air matchless, and the prattle of the children pleasing to the fond but stern mother. Captain Hepworth received his kinswoman with kindness and dignity, while his good wife rejoiced " in that more help had come when so much remained to be done." While the elders bustled about in the kitchen of the " mansion," the children were instructed to hasten away to find Hester. "The little one was singing on the beam yonder but now," said the captain, " and she is not far away." " My father told me I was to help you, sir, and not spend my time in idleness," said Samuel, with a respectful bow to the captain. '' Did he so, my lad "i Well, you cannot do better service now than in finding my little daughter and in resting yourself after your journey." As he looked in the boy's sunburnt face and saw there a trace of disappoiiup jnt, he added kindly : " I shall doubtless find heavier duties for you ere HESTER HEPWORTII. 5 long. My little Hester must have many things to say to her cousins, and I think you will find her in the grove yonder, where she passes some happy hours." Samuel and Ruth hurried away, eager to meet the beautiful cousin whose father was so learned and wi?e, and whose mother had high connections across the sea. The Puritan children were as unlike our petted modern boys and girls as possible. The grand gloomy forests ^ad their own silent in- fluence, while Indian barbarities and vague supersti- tions of the past, combined with present horrors, gave them an air of thoughtfulness and gravity be- yond their years. Books were rare treasures, games almost unknown, and the oft-repeated admonition "to behave in a seemly manner " naturally produced a shy awkward- ness, the sure result of repression. To attend meet- ing on the " Lord's da}^ " was an event in their lives, to pay a neighborly visit quite as serious and impor- tant an undertaking as a journey to Europe in the present time. As we look back and study the history of those early days we are filled with pity for the children who were never permitted to enjoy the freedom and joyousness of childhood ; nor can we marvel that the active imagination, the powers of imitation common to all, should by their surroundings culminate in the terrible superstition which brought death and disaster to so many. The customs and restraints of that period, combined with the influences under which they lived, were all calculated to increase a morbid HESTER IIEPWORTir, V ■ belief in supernaturalism and a deeper confidence in the horrible faith which made the devil able to hold communication with mortals. Upham, in his admirable " History of Witchcraft," says : "Those individuals who were supposed to be conversant with demons were looked upon by the credulous multitude as a highly privileged class, and they arrogated the credit of being raised to a higher sphere of knowledge than the rest of mankind." This statement is a necessary introduction to our story, for witchcraft in New England began with childrf. n, and innocent happy people often became the vict{*^s of the evil-minded, jealous and malicious. Zoroaster, the great philosopher and astronomer, was charged with using magic arts because he possessed remarkable acquirements. So during the witchcraft period the gifted were assailed. The people of Salem village brought with them a haunt- ing memory of the trials and executions of witches in England and Scotland. In 1645 and 1646 Mat- thew Hopkins was known in England as "witch- finder general," with a regular salary, and he alone caused the death of more people in one year than suffered during the entire delusion in Salem village. Even the venerable William Baxter aided this in- human creature in his work. Can we wonder, then, that ignorant and superstitious people should find demons in the old New England forests, or detect " magic arts " in persons unusually gifted ? That the educated ministers and magistrates were among the persecutors will ever remain a mystery and matter of regret. HESTER HEFWORTH, Hester Hepworth was the child of cultivated parents; her father was respected by all for his military bearing and knowledge, and his wealth naturally added to his power; her mr her, the daughter of a proud old English family, brought with hei from the Old World a rare poetic temperament, a mind well stored with general information, and w ^ love of books which led her practical neighbors to regard her with awe. " Litt.le Hester," as her father fondly called her, resembled both parents, possessing her father's independence and love of justice, with her mother's poetic tastes. During the child's in- fancy, a little brother had died, who bore the cap- tain's name and was much beloved by the relatives across the sea. From the day when his little grave was covered in a quiet corner of the Hill Farm, Cap- tain Hepworth never mentioned his name, and Hes- ter soon learned that her mother alone cared to speak of the dear one in a better land. It was a happy household despite the shadow of the little grave, and fortunate indeed were the guests at the mansion house. On this particular morning, little Hester was very happy, even Goody Herrick, who was assisting in the kitchen, praised her, and Goody seldom spoke words of praise. Her father had caught her in his arms for a stolen kiss, and now duties being done she had gone to her " hiding spot," a place well known to her father ; there he had made a little seat for her, and there he sometimes sat by her side when weary with his public and private duties. Her chief companion was Datsy, a frousy dog 8 HESTER HEPWORTIl. which her father had brought her one day from the famous " Orchard Farm." Here she sat on that June morning so long ago with Datsy curled up by her side, while she was tracing her father's features on a huge chip with a bit of charcoal which she had taken from the kitchen hearth. The young artist, heaven- endowed and all untrained, except an occasional lesson from the mother, worked diligently, now turn- ing her pretty head this way, now that, to examine her work. "The father's nose is not quite right," she said aloud ; " it is a handsome nose, and his mouth neither smiles nor looks sorry. I will make him as he looks in the meetirg-house on the Lord's day, for I love him best then." " Hester ! Hester ! " rang through the woods, and the work ended with the soliloquy. " What do you hide in this black place for > " asked the boy, as he looked about him. " Come out in the sun and watch the men." '' I Hke it here best, Cousin Samuel, but I will go wherever you like, and I am glad to see cousin Ruth again." Ruth drew Hester's hand in hers, saying, " And I am glad to see you, too, only you are look- ing pale and not over fleshy this summer." " No wonder," said the boy, '^ she has nothing but her dog for company, and she hides in here like a witch." " Don't say that ; oh, don't ! " exclaimed Ruth. " It frightens me so that I cannot sleep, and I some-^ times see strange things in my room." " Don't think about witches, then," said her sturdy HESTER IIEPWOP.TII. 9 brother. " I never lose my sleep. She is so fooh'sh, Cousin Hester, that she cried when a man told father that some witches had been drowned in England." Hester drew close to her cousin, who said, in a low tone: "It was a great man from Boston, and he told about Sarah Good and the rest in their Majesty's jail in Boston, and he said more trouble would come to us unless God delivered us." Hester's eyes opened wide. Her ears were already full of horrible tales told by Goody Herrick, and she, too, had passed sleepless nights. " It is all lies," said the boy, stoutly. " They found a broom in the apple-tree and some one said a witch did it ; then two cows died within a week, and that was the witch's work, too. I care nothing for such silliness, and I know not how our elders can hear to it. But come now, let us go and watch the men." " I am going to England some day," said Hester. "My mother gives me tasks every day, and I am to learn them well, that I may do credit to her and our kinsfolk over the water." " I hate England, and I will never go there of my free will," said Samuel. "Hush, brother; only this morning our mother told you that your speech was too bold, and you should ever respect your elders." '* Respect is well ; but I was born here and care nothing for kings or queens. We can make our own laws and abide by them without hindrance of those over the water." to HESTER HEP WORTH, Hester's bri^^ht eyes flashed mi sympathy. She did not share Ruth's alarm concerning such treasonable words, but rather delighted in the outspoken utter- rance of the bold lad, whose proud spirit of indepen- dence found an echo in her own heart. Ruth grew dignified and motherly. " Brother," she said, "only last Lord's day you were reproved for using such wild words lest they bring you into trouble, a*'d our mother said you were but a silly boy." " I can think, if I am," retorted Samuel. " We came here to be free, and now who wants to be snapped up like a wildcat in father's wolf-pit } " Ruth turned away sorrowfully ; she could not con- trol this headstrong brother, but Hester laid her small hand beseechingly on his arm. " I am so glad you think without speaking some- times," she said. " Only last night father said we must guard our lips in these troublous times, for foes might be near us." "You are right, Hester; I will try to remember, for poor Ruth is in constant fear. What are the men shouting for.? Some one is injured," said Hester, " Or the afflicted children may be here," said Ruth, as her delicate face grew pale with dread. -it' JTHSTER HEPWORTlt, II CHAPTER II. THE FIRST ACCUSATION. ** Hurry, hurry, Cousin Ruth," said Hester as the frightened girl followed tremblingly ; '* see, the men are crowding about seme one." Ruth quickened her steps and reached the group in time to hear Samuel say, " It is Henry Herrick, a timber has fallen and crushed his foot." Before others could decide what should be done, Captain Hepworth had the sufferer carried to his own room, where he stanched the flow of blood and cared tenderly for the sufferer until the arrival of the sur- geon. Even this accident was regarded with superstitious awe, for, said the bystanders, " did he not testify against Sarah Good, whose own husband declared her an enemy of all that was good." Before the sun- set whispers had gro\/n to rumors, and all the evil done was attributed to the unfortunate and ill-tem- pered Sarah. Some had seen her sitting astride the beam when it fell ; others saw her riding through the air on a stick, and several knew some trouble would come, for Good had appeared on the handle of Her- rick's saw while he worked, A few, like rebellious, stout-hearted, clear-headed Samuel Jacobs thought it a just punishment on Herrick for Iiis cruel persecution of a weak-minded, m 13 n ESTER IIEPWORTII. '..L it misguided womriii, but these sagacious ones wisely kept silence lest they should be accused of complicity with the suspected parties. The festive day dawned bright and fair. From hill and dale across creek and river came the staunch men and women of the time. The sick man heard their shouts of cheer and moaned over his misfortune, although little Hester ran to him often with gifts of flowers or some dainty from the table. Mrs., or Madame, Hepworth moved about, stately, tall, and most gracious to her guests while watchful and exact- ing with her servants. Captain Hepworth grew in favor with his neigh- bors as he poured out generous libations according to the custom of the time, or inquired kindly concern- ing their farms and prospects. Priest and people mingled together in the merry- making, all the more enjoyable for the sad days in which they lived. " I am told that thy little daughter haih much knowledge of books," said Joshua Rea to their host, as Hester leaned lovingly on her father's arm, " Only so much as becomes her stat'on and will render her more happy," said the proud father. In this she will resemble her mother, whose skill is a matter of pride in the village," responded the guest. " We crave no great honor, good friends," said the captain, stroking his child's hair as he spoke, ''but so much of learning and skill as is desirable to make one honest of purpose and pure in life." Even Hester could understand this sentiment and join in the applause which followed. ! I HESTER HEPWORriL »3 The new building rose to its full stature ere the sun was down, and still the guests were urged to linger unless called home by their families or farms. Ample provision was made within r.nd without the mansion, for many had come from homes far away, and not a few would remember until their dying day " ye greate goodness and pleasure of ye day when Captain Hepworth did raise his greate barn on ye hill." "I wish your father would raise another one, Hester," said Samuel Jacobs when they were parting. " He will doubtless some day, but it will be when we are older and may care less." " I am ready for it, old or y(iung," quoth Samuel, as he shouldered his rifle and prepared to go back as he came by the side of his mother and sister, " Good-bye, Cousin Hester," said he ; " if the Indians or the witches come your way, let me know and I will give them a taste of the food my old rifle swal- lows." " Samuel is but a giddy youth," said his mother in a reproving tone, although she looked proudly on her first born. " He is somewhat careless. Cousin Hep- worth, and speaks lightly of solemn things, but he is bidable and kind, as his father will tell you." " I can see it for myself, good cousin ; and as your .husband was compelled to tarry in Boston attending jto business while we have been merry-making, let me [hope tc see you here soon again when he will accom- Ipany you." " And let Cousin Ruth spend a long time with our little one," said Madame Hepworth. " It is some- 4. >'* 14 HESTER HEPWORTH. what lonely here, with no others of her age and her father so much from home." " She shall come when I can spare her, but the day speeds on and so farewell." When the last guest had departed and Madame Hepworth was seated, with her little daughter's book upon her knee, the good woman was startled by Hester asking, in a half-frightened tone, *^Why Cousin Ruth grew so pale and cried out so in the night ? " *' The child may not be well." "She dreams of the Indian women, she says. Mother, is Tituba a witch ? " " My daughter, keep your mind at rest, and do not think of these hard matters ; we may not even speak our thoughts in these troublous times." "But, mother, the children think all the time. Last Lord's day, in the meeting-house, some of them said they had seen red and black cats and more wicked yellow birds. Does God make such evil creatures .•* " Madame Hepworth was alarmed. She knew the ignorance of those about her, the terrible sufferings in Mr. Parr's family and others, and her mother's heart was filled with dread. Neither her husband nor her- self believed in the delusion, although the physicians had one and all declared that the afflicted children suffered from an evil hand.. Even the clergy pro- nounced it witchcraft, and the dreadful scenes in the meeting-house were calculated to unnerve adults, much more so sensitive and delicate children. These things gave good Mrs. Hepworth sincere ii ! HESTER IIEPWOkTH. >5 trouble. If her child did not attend the service she would be suspected of evil, and yet how could a loving mother subject her to an exhibition of disgraceful scenes which might fill her yo'mg soul with never-to- be-forgotten horrors ? The prevailing excitement reached every corner, aud Hester's poetic temperament lea her to accept, or reject the popular statements. Terribly solemn were the good mother's words of warning, blended as they were with dread of the delusion. ' My dear one, I fear much that Tituba is a woman of evil mind, but God alone should judge ; much in His word and works are mysterious, and we do not call them evil. Be calm and patient, my child, for He will give us wisdom to discern the good and courage to denounce sin." " But, mother, Tituba has confessed." " She is an ignorant creature, my child, and her testimony should not have weight against those who have led virtuous lives." " Why, mother," said the child, this time with a burst of genuine childish grief, "Ann Putnam said I was a witch, because I wrote on my book some words which came to me I know not how." Madame Hepworth clasped her child in her arms and soothed her tenderly. " Tell me about it, my daughter; there is nothing to fear; tell me all you think, for God will help us in time of trouble." " The words came to me and I put them down be- fore I thought it might be sinful, and Ann Putnam said the devil did tempt me and make me do it." The child's sobs were again silenced by the mother's caresses, who at length asked ; m i6 HESTER HEP WORTH. " What were the words, my darling ? " Hester tried to answer when the door opened and her father stood before them, much distressed to see his child weeping. CHAPTER III. t- -! TO GO OR STAY. " Our friends are sirging your praises, good wife," said the captain, cheerily, " and — but what is this, our daughter in tears ? Was the lesson so poor after the festivities ? Well, forgive it, my dear ; our little one must not grieve thus early, for the days of childhood are all too short" '• I will talk with you of this hereafter. Our daughter is troubled ana sorrowful, having heard too much of the afflicted children," replied Madame Hep- worth. " If that be so, rest and be happy, dear one, With thy father in the General Court and thy mother loved and respected, not only in Salem village but through- out the colonies, we have little to fear, well knowing that God is just and good, however much men go astray." " She was about to tell me concerning some words which she was moved to write, and it grieved her much that Ann Putnam did incite the children to call her a witch" Captain Hepworth sprang to his feet, uttering soniething between his teeth which in a less godly HESTER HEPWOPTH, «? man might have been an oath. lie recovered him- self speedily, and, stooping low over his prostrate child, took her in his arms, caressing her like an infant. *' Let us talk no more of it now, my darling ; when you are calm we will hear all that you desire to tell us : it is enough that we are all as safe within the Almighty arms as you are now in mine. Let us sing, good wife, one of the songs our Hester loves best, and forget the babble and confusion outside." Madame Hepworth's fine voice was often heard in the meeting house, but never did she pour it forth so fully and sweetly as in her own home. Affection, music and rest did much to ^uiet the excited child, and in the early evening both parents were pleased to find her sleeping well with just a shade of sadness on the young face, which was pain- ful to behold. " My dear wife," said the captain, when the house- hold was wrapped in slumber, " I have a proposal to make, which will cause you no less grief than myself, but the sacrifices of love and affection bring ultimate happiness. I have observed with sincere pain the change in our little one, and I well know that these are days of horror. Her very brightness, beauty and talent will make her a mark for the envious, and but yesterday David Skelton brought me a fanciful picture which he had found in the grove, declaring it must be the work of the evil, one." " What was it like ? " asked Madame Hepworth in a tremulous tone, " The child had dressed Datsy with sticks for horns and made him stand erect ; she had then, with the 2 i8 HESTER HEPWORTH, •Ml i \ talent inherited from you, made a picture so strange and odd that I laughed heartily, althougii David stood by with a countenance expressing great awe. " ' Ah, good David,' I said, ' fear not ; my little maid hath the same cunning fingers and keenness of eye which her mother and her grandmother possess, and if it be the Lord's will the best masters in the world shall counsel and direct both, when she comes to years of discretion.' " " * You are sure, captain,* said David, • that she hath not covenanted with the devil, for there be those who think as much, seeing she is so unlike most of the children hereabouts.' " " I will not repeat my words to David Skelton, good wife ; they were perhaps stronger than becomes a follower of the Most High, but henceforth his voice will not be heard uttering such idle tales." " Did he not communicate with others concerning it > " " It may be that he did so before speaking to me ; if so, I desire to suppress the evil at once. Our little Hester has never been as robust as most maidens of her age, and after much prayer and thought I think it will be both wise and proper for me to send you both to England on a visit to our relatives, while I remain here and attend to my duties." "This separation would cost us both more anxiety than we could well endure. If the times are troublous, as indeed they are, we have need of each other, for only a few are like-minded with us, and the delusion will increase without steadfast opposition," said Madame Hepworth. \% i 11 ! I i HESTER HEPWORTH. »9 " I know well your heart and mind, dear wife; it but reflects my own ; and yet our child is most dear to us. She must be spared further details of these dreadful things, and the illness of your aged father in England may well demand your presence there without exciting the suspicion of the ignorant and superstitious. For myself, my duties in the General Court and the care of our lands here will not only occupy my time, but aid me in supporting my loneli- ness ; for your dear sakes privation must needs come, and yet in no way shall I send you from me unwill- ingly. If after due prayer and consideration you decided otherwise and prefer to remain with me, I will, as ever before, do my utmost diligence to shield you from harm or annoyance." Madame Hepworth slept little that night, and early on the morrow visited her child's room near her own. Hester, blessed with the rich inheritance of children, miscalled forgetfulness, had put her trouble away for a time and appeared with a smiling face to receive her mother's kiss. " How bright and warm the sun is, dear mother, and how sweet the air is corning over the woods yonder ^The world is very beautiful, and I would like to grow [on and on forever and never die." " That you will do, my daughter, for the soul can [never die ; but come, your father is among his books land papers below and we must bring him to break- [fast, for he leaves us for Boston as soon as may be." " Will he be away very long "i " " No longer than duty demands, my child." l1 30 HESTER HEPWORTH, " I hope he will soon come back ; we miss him so much, and the house is never the same ; even Datsy is glad to welcome him home." Seated among his books and papers Captain Hep- worth had found time to think of his child ; indeed she was always with him, and now, as he folded and sealed important documents, or wrote down his orders for the men in his absence, he heard her little feet on the floor above. While the mother was brushing out Hester's luxu- riant hair, he called from the hall below : " Come, little sluggard, come ; the day begins ill without you, and Datsy is begging for his break- fast." " I am coming, father, dear ; the mice have built a nest in my hair, as Goody Herrick says, and when it is in order I shall come to you." What a pleasant picture it was when she ran to greet him. He the gallant soldier still bearing in his body a bullet in memory of the famous " Battle of Bloody Brook," standing with open arms to receive her as she flew over the grim staircase in he** dainty gown of white, and the queenly, youthful mother looking upon them both with affectionate regard from the hallway above. Who can fathom the terrible anxiety of these tender parents as they watched their gifted child and thought of the careless utterances which too often became open accusations ? " Daughter," said the captain, when family worship had supplemented the morning meal, " would it give you pleasure to cross the sea and attend school for a season with some of your young cousins ?" i ! HESTER IlEPWORril. %l " If you are going, too, dear father." " I cannot leave here now, but your mother will go with you and a servant to care for you until such time as I might follow with justice to myself and others." " Must we leave all the friends here, the beautiful forest, the river and our pleasant home ?" " Only for a time, my child. Your grandfather would be glad to sec our little Puritan, and 1 fear he will not remain long on earth." " Is it your wish, dear father ? " Captain Hepworth glanced at his wife before answering. Her encoura.-^ing smile led him to believe that her decision had already been formed. " It is not our wish to separate, even for a short time, but many thin'js combine to make it desirable, if your mother consents." " And you wish to go, mother ?" " It would please me much to see my aged father once more, and England is my childhood's home ; but I am loath to leave your father here, lest his health may suffer from overmuch care." " Does grandfather expect us .•• " " No, my daughter ; he thinks I will detain you here, and the surprise will be a pleasant one. I will not send you from me unless you are willing tra- velers ; for tht ocean is often an enemy to comfort, and I should reproach myself if aught should harm my wife and child. Give the subject serious thought, and when I come to you again, before next Lord's day, wc will make such arrangements as become us. Meant 'me let no word of this escape you, for servants are over busy in spreading news." aa IlEHTER II Em 'OK Til. It An hour later the good captain mounted his horse and rode away toward Boston, thinidng tenderly of the dear ones who stood upon the vine-covered porch waving a fond farewell to him. Even Datsy joined in the salute, as Hester held him upon her shoulder and bade him say good-bye. How could any of the group foresee the terrible events which were so soon to follow ? Not Madame Hepworth, who entered her home with a prayer on her lips for her beloved traveler ; not little Hester, who began counting the hours of his absence and planning for hij return ; and, least of all, the brave Christian soldier who rode away saying to himself, •' Surely, God hath been most gracious to me in giving me so noble a wife and so fair a child." How changed farewell would be could we read the lines between the now and then. CHAPTER IV. A LETTER OF WARNING. Captain Hepworth had been absent three days when the good people at the Hill Farm were surprised to see Samuel Jacobs ride up to the door bearing an important message from his mother. " What sore distress hath brought you in such haste .-*" asked Madame Hepworth as the lad sprang from his jaded horse. " No sickness, save that of the head, with certain ones who should know better ; but I am charged to mind my peace and give you this letter, which no HESTER HErWORTH. «3 other should see save our cousin, Captain Hepworth ; and, lest evil tongues should wag, my mother hath sent for some of your famous rising, which gives your bread a name throughout the village ; the rest her letterwillsay to you, and I will speak with my cousin Hest' r while you may read it and return answer." Beluic opening the ponderous epistle, made secure with much wax and entrusted for safekeeping to Samuel's waistcoat, where it was doubly secured with sundry stitches, Madame Hepworth gave orders that the horse should be well cared for and her young kinsman refreshed with a substantial meal, after which she betook herself to her own apartment and sat down to read the following most remarkable and startling tidings : " Beloved Kinswoman, — Knowing well that your husband is now absent, I make bold to tell you some things concerning the welfare of your family which so grieve and torture me that I can neither sleep nor rest, and during the day such are my distractions that my children and husband do remark upon it. Verily the hand of the Lord is upon us. Before the meeting of the council at Salem in April last I did hope much and pray most fervently that the evil would remove from us and we should be once more a united people. " But the council hath decreed otherwise, and war- rants are so much increased that my heart fails me as I write. I learn with much pain and feebleness of spirit that your young daughter and our beautiful kinswoman is privately accused of strange doings, and I send you this greeting that you may be on your guard lest you offend some servants or other persons II •^^ H HESTER HEPWORTH, about you and thereby make them inch'ned to perse- cut*^ her, and ourselves through her. On last Lord's day she was absent from meeting, and not a few stated she was in league with the Evil One, but I made haste to say that having sat too long on the ground in the woods poring over her book, as is her wont, she was troubled with a lameness common to many ; whereupon Elizabeth Herrick said it was most uncommon, and strange things were told of her ] how she wrote strange words on her book in the meeting house and drew pictures of the devil to make the children laugh ; also that she spoke in a strange tongue to her dogge, and had secret converse with certain wicked birds. " These things filled me with much alarm, and my husband therefore forbade me to speak of them ; but Samuel, my son, who is overmuch given to plainness of speech, and fears nothing save dishonor and the wrath of God, he hath spoken fearlessly and told the babblers that the child did speak the words of French which her wise mother taught her ; and her grand- mother in England, like the mother here, did make beautiful pictures of things seen in the world and of things thought of through the fancy, whereat some wore satisfied, but more displeased. And so I write you at this present, entreating you to conceal all such works as may tend to prejudice her cause, and also to use such measures as may seem good in your wisdom, which so far exceeds my own ; and such service as we may render to you or yours will oe most dutifully and lovingly given by " Your kinswoman, •' Deliverance Jacobs." 11! L HESTER HEPWORTlh 25 When Madame Hepworth had finished reading this epistle she sat as one dumb for a few moments, and then rose and looked from the window. Hester and her cousin were seated on the lawn playing with Datsy ; the child had never before seemed so beautiful in the mother's eyes. Her slight lameness, due to an inherited rheumatic tendency, had entirely disappeared, and her nervous dr^ad had greatly abated since that important conversation with her parents. She was herself once more, a bright, happy, gifted child, the pride and joy of her home. The mother struggled to conceal her tears as she saw them. Hester was evidently telling Samuel of her conjing birthday, when her father promised to make merry, as the friends did in Old England, and the young people should be bidden to a little feast. " On the 3rd day of July you are to come, and all day on the 4th from the rising to the setting sun we are to be happy. My dear mother promises me a huge cake, such as her mother made for her, and already my father's friends in Boston have spoken of their coming. It will be a great day, Cousin Samuel; greater than the raising of the new barn, only the same people will not all be here." *' It will do Ruth good," said Samuel. " She grows too grave and sad, and I sometimes wish she were more like you, Cousin Hester." "Oh, no; not like me. Dear Ruth is so gentle and quiet ; and sometimes when I feel quite well I am almost as wild as a boy. Then my father laughs and calls me Hector. He is teaching me new tricks with my horse now, and some day we are to travel with him to Boston and visit our fine friends there." #1 26 HESTER HEP WORTH. " I wish your father was not there so much, al- though Jonathan Kenny does well in his absence ; it is very lonely for you women folks." "Ah, but when he comes it is so fine, and we are all so happy. He hides little gifts for me in his pockets and in the saddle-bags, and I must search for them. Then he tells us all the news of the great Boston; and my mother helps him with his papers before he goes back. You ^^''e, Cousin Samuel, if he did not leave us sometimes we should never know how good he was, and only yesterday Deodat Law- son said th^i; my father's clear head sat on broad shoulders." " I care little for Deodat Lawson," said the boy. " Why cousin, he is a learned man, and my father says hath seen much of the world." " Then he should be too wise to be taken with tricks and become a believer in lies ; he was among the great college men and officers of state who crowded into the meeting house to see the sorcerers play their tricks, and he it was who said they were truly bewitched." " Did he > But, Samuel, so many people believe it now." " I shall never believe it," said the boy, stoutly. "Those girls began it in fun, and then they were afraid to stop ; even Mary Warren said * her head was distempered,' and that is all there is to it. Why, Cousin Hester, some even say j'ou are a witch, because you talk to your pet birds and make droll pictures of Datsy and queer people like John Indian." " Yes, I know ; but father says nothing can harm HESTER IlEPWORTH, VI ns US while God holds us in His arms. I love to talk with my birds, and I close my eyes oftentimes to hear the sweet music of the trees and listen to the lapping of the water under the hill ; but tho<:e are pleasant things, and you know witchcraft is only evil." " You are a good girl, cousin, and the evil tongues had best leave you in peace ; if we cannot sing or speak without being watched and gossipped about, then America is not free after all, and I will find another home when I am out of my time." ** You are so brave and bold, Cousin Samuel, but you must not say such strong words when they trouble pooi Ruth and your mother. See, my mother beckons us; how tired and pale she looks! She has too much care with the farm and so many under her. She must go to Boston soon and rest. My father tells her she is the bond-servant of that hard taskmaster. Duty. Do you think you could always do right because it was a duty, Cousin Samuel .? " "I might not see my duty as you would, dear cousin ; I am only fifteen, you know, and as my mother says, a giddy boy, but I do a man's work, and even beat Josiah Putnam at lumber cutting, but if harm came to any I loved I would make it a duty to defend them if they hanged me for it." "You are a brave boy, and my father says you will be a man of mark yet ; but see, we must hasten ; my dear mother looks troubled, and she is still wait- ing for us on the porch." " Come to my room, children, I wish to talk with you," said I\Iadamc Ilepworth, and even brave i ? i i s8 HESTER HEP WORTH. \\'\ Samuel Jacobs was alarmed when he saw the death- like pallor of her face. Before many hours had passed he recalled again and again his young cousin's question, **Do you think you could always do right because it was a duty, Cousin Samuel ? " and his heart made answer, " I can do my duty and die." The grand old forests of that early time bred superstition and fostered bigotry, but let us not forget that they also gave to the world heroes and heroines, whose brave deeds can never be forgotten. CHAPTER V. A CONFIDENTIAL MESSENGER. ii 11 " Sit down, my dears ; young as you are I must take you into my confidence. I think, Cousin Samuel, that you are neither giddy nor quarrelsome, and it is in my heart to trust you as if you were quite a man.*' " Indeed you may, dear lady, if aught troubles you, for my good mother told me at parting to make no delay in reaching you, and to remain as long as you desired, if one so young could serve you." " Your mother has added to my love for her by this her latest kindness ; and now, my dear boy, I must ask you if you would fear to take some impor- tant papers to my husband in Boston ; the journey is somewhat tiresome, but my own man, John Colson, shall attend you, and I will send a messenger to your mother, for it is a great thing to spare one so iiseful ifm HESTER HEPWORTH. ^ at this busy season, and your father must allow one of our men to perform your duties." " My father will be glad to have me serve Captain Hepworth and yourself." " I find on my husband's desk some important papers which he may require. I wish you to carry them as you have brought me your mother's letter ; even my own man must not know that you have them. To his care I will commit certain articles of dress, and also some messages to be delivered to my cousins in Boston. As my kinsman you will be received there, and I trust jou will use both eyes and ears to good purpose." " That I will," exclaimed Samuel, rubbing his brown hands together for very joy. " I have wanted to visit Boston these three years, but no way has opened ; this is a case where duty is a pleasure, Cousin H'^ster." " Will Samuel be in danger, mother ? " " No more than any other traveler, my child. John Colson is familiar with the road and quite accustomed to the Indians, if any chance to lurk about. I fear nothing save some fatigue to our young cousin." " I know nothing of fatigue," said Samuel, with sparkling eyes. "I can walk if you desire it, and I fear not to go alone." "That I cannot permit, brave as you are, and early on the morrow you will start on your journey, pledging yourself not to mention the papers to John Colson or anybody whatsoever until you speak pri- husband." V: u itely my 30 HESTER HEPIVORTTT. IHI " I promise, dear lady, and will do my utmost diligence to reach him ; nothing shall separate me from the papers you entrust to me." " We live in strange times," said Madame Hep- worth. " Our own servants may at any time be our accusers, and each eir seems open for rumors of evil ; therefore your mission is of great importance, while it must appear light ; ant! you, my dear daugh- ter, will not mistake me when I tell you that I do not wish you to hold communication with any one outside of our family until your father's return." " Have we anything to fear now ? " asked Hester. Madame Hepworth's voice trembled as she re- plied : " Our only fear is for ourselves, lest I make some unwise move, and thereby bring trouble upon those I love." " You are never unwise, dear mother, never; the dear father always- comes to you for counsel. Will my cousin ask him to return ? " " No, my daughter ; I would seek him myself were it not for the cares of our home and your somewhat delicate health. But here we will remain until he desires otherwise, but my only request is that you will not walk abroad unless I am with you." **That will be pleasant indeed, for our walks together are always happy ones, and Datsy will never answer me, no matter how much I talk to him." Datsy, hearing his name mentioned, barked at once. In the early morning John Colson sped away, looking veiy important on his grey mare, while sturdy Samuel trotted close beside him. he. anci « , HESTER HEPWORTH. 3« The evening before Madame Hepworth entered her kitchen where several servants were assembled, and inquired for Colson. " He went out but now, lady," said the old cook, " and one of the lads will summon him." Colson soon entered — a young, athletic man of six and twenty, with a jaunty air. "I find," said Madame Hepworth, gravely, "that my husband has left behind some important docu- ments, which I wish to entrust to you, and as my young kinsman, Jacobs, is here, I will give him a pleasure he has long coveted, and send him under your care to my husband, who will introduce him to friends there, and thus give the lad a pleasant holi- day." " Wnen shall I start, madame ? " asked Colson, in a haughty tone. He had made other plans for him- self, and was displeased that he could not carry them out. Madame Hepworth saw the look of vexation, and immediately sought to conciliate him. " Early on the morrow," she said, " and you will please select some one of the men to bear a message to our kinswoman, Mrs. Jacobs, telling her concerning her son's journey, and instruct him to remain at the farm on Endicott river until Samuel may return." " I think Kenny might be spared, madame, if it pleases you." Kenny hearing his name called, cam? forward with a polite bow. " Any service you may wish me to be at, madame, I will attend with speed." 32 HESTER HEPWORTH, ** Thank you, Kenny ; our cousi.i desires some of the copk's excellent emptings for bread, as they have had much trouble in their locality of late, and as I take her messenger it is but just to return another. You would not mind assisting Mr. Jacobs for a few days ? " " I am your servant, madame, and it matters little where you bid me work, whether here or there." " I could not spare you long, Kenny, for I depend upon you for many things." Kenny's eyes brightened, but Colson frowned. *' I wish you all speed, and as early as may be I will myself attend to your wants and give some money for the purchase of a gift in Boston, which may remind you of your journey," said madame Hepworth, addressing Colson. The man's smiling face and polite bow did not de- ceive any of the observers, who inwardly resolved to speak with his mistress as soon as possible. It was a difficult matter, for Madame Hepworth spent her evenings with her books after her daughter retired, and it was well known that a visitor marred her pleasure, consequently the servants were instructed to make known their wants earlier in the day. " I know how I wi.l manage it," said the man ; ** young Jacobs is fond of me, and I will question him concerning the road betwixt our place and theirs." Colson upon receiving his orders, hurried away for the trip, after casting a triumphant glance at Kenny. The latter sat for a time listening to the tales HESTER HEPWORTIl. 33 ; of the vehad 1 take You a few s little »> depend ed. y be I ; some which ladame not de- lved to [t was a ;nt her retired, ed her itructed lay. 2 man ; [uestion ce and d away ance at he tales of those about him concerning Bridget Bishop and her dreadful deeds as a witch, and then rose with a start, saying : " I must go speak a word with young Jacobs, if I am to fill his place," In a few minutes he was seated on the door stone of an outbuilding with Samuel beside him " Is the bridle path good beyond Bradstreet's, or do you still go by the creek ? " asked Kenny. " My father and Mr. Bradstreet have mended all that, and the way is clear and fair now to the meeting house." " Thank you sir," replied Kenny respectfully ; "it's more than a year since I was that way, and a young man like yourself can give a little informa- tion, I see. What might be the work you were at when you left home .-* " "Chiefly fighting the weeds in the corn fields and helping about the garden place. My mother is fond of that, and we raise some good vege- tables for our ^able." "I think I have heard some one say that you were in nowise idle, and that your things took much credit with Captain Hepworth, both for size and goodness. I remxmber some turnips which he re- marked were finer than any on the Hill Farm." "Captain Hepworth never waits for kindness in speech ; he himself gave me an abundance of seeds, and my mother has knowledge and skill in such matters. My father cares more for the heavier work of the farm, and is so busy with clearing his new land 3 34 HESTER IIEPWORTII, that he takes little heed of oar work until he eats the fruits of it at table." " I dare say it is of the best, lad, and when I am at your farm I will make bold to see if there is anything I can do to help you, although it is no goodness of heart which sends me from my own work when the crops need my eye and hand. In this Mr. Colson has his way, but an old man is sometimes a match for a young one." "Does Mr. Colson oversee the Hill farm in our cousin's absence } " •* Indeed that would be his pleasure, but he is neither wise enough nor industrious enough, and Captain Hepworth bade him come to me for counsel, a thing which vexes him much." " I should think it a good thing to ask instruction of you, for my cousin tells me that you were a long time with Madame Hepworth's brother in England." " Yes, yes,, lad; so long that I will not see harm come to them without speaking or striking. My good mistress is in sore distress, although she striv^es to hide it, and I would help her. The man she trusts is not trusty, my young lad. I will not grieve or alarm her. Can I trust you } " " In all things where my cousin may be served." " Would you, for their sakes, be willing to suflfer even seeming wrong ? " " I would be willing to do anything for them." *' Then listen to me. If ihis man ask questions, be ignorant : if he tempt you to visit any place what- ever, refuse him ; if he rail at those you love, keep silence. Whatever your message from our good lady, HESTER HEPWORTH. 35 deliver it, though he use force, and you fight your way to my master. I have keen eyes, young man, and I have knowledge of th's man's doings which he thinks not of God bless you and bring you safe to my master, who is a good man and true." Samuel shook the old man's hand heartily and thanked him for his warning while he pondered on his words. Could John Colson be treacherous ? Would he prove false to his kind mistress? Surely Kenny must know, for all through the village men, women and children called him ** Honest Kenny." Before the day dawned Samuel was astir, and " Honest Kenny" on his way to Endicott River. */ j CHAPTER VI. GOODY IIERRICK S REVELATIONS. Madame Hepworth bade adieu to her young kins- man with a smiling face and a heavy heart. The rumors which she had for a long time tried to conceal from her husband were now open accusations, and the very air was full of absurd falsehoods. Even the family physician who attended young Hcrrick nntil he was able to be removed to his home declared that the afflicted ones were bewitched,and the minister had invited neighboring clergy to unite with him in invoking the aid of the Almighty. Madame Hepworth attempted argument with the doctor and found it useless ; no reasoning power 36 HESTER HEPWORTH. could affect him, however much he might respect the fair combatant. " Indeed, madame, after much examination, I am most truly convinced that the Evil One has taken possession of these people." Madame Hepworth replied : " But the Lord Him- self is mightier than the Evil One, and medical men should surely understand the peculiarities of mental diseases." Whereupon the doctor shook his head and made no further speech, evidently thinking Madame Hep- worth a woman of strange mind. This apparently innocent conversation was turned to evil as we shall see. Madame Hepworth went about her duties quietly and serenely. Having despatched her messengers she must aw lit the result, and activity would shorten the time. With the assistance of Hester and Goody Herrick, the great chests, where much bedding was stored for ye colde weather, were examined carefully, and the captain's room was refreshed with new win- dow hangings and fresh flowers. " Are you expecting the master soon ? " asked Goody, who was unconsciously an inveterate gossip. " I know not," replied madame ; '* but it pleases me to have things in such order that he seems to be here when he is not." " I like to put the flowers on his table," said Hester, " because he told me one day he knew they were standing here, however busy he might be far away." "Priscilla Pease said to me at meeting that all witches could tell the doings of their friends ; and for HESTER HEPWORTir. 37 that she was ' charged,' and her husband testified against her." Madame Hepworth was silent. " I shoviid think he would be ashamed to speak ill of his wife," said little Hester ; "would you like to be so treated, Goody ? " " We know not what may chance, Miss Hester, for when the Evil One takes possession all good is dri' < u out, and the men should speak the words of truth. * " But it cannot all be true," persisted Hester, with childish zeal. " John Londer did tell in court that a black pig came into his room when the doors were shut, and he tried to kick it away, and he himself was sick. I cannot believe it, for sick people have strange fancies, do they not, mother ? " " Very often, my dear," said Madame Hepworth, while she was secretly wondering how to silence the conversation. " Don't you know how strangely dear father talked after he was wounded, and the young man did the same when his fever came upon him ? I never can think that men and women are so evil." " Better be careful of your words. Miss Hei ter, or there will be some to say that you favor the witches. It is well known that William Bly found puppets in the cellar wall of the house where Bridget Bishop lived, and they were full of headless pins and hogs' bristles." " Hester, my dear, will you go to my room and arrange my work-box until I come ? " said Madame Hepworth. " I will teach you the pretty lace stitch you so much admired, when our task here is ended." 38 HESTER HEPWORTff, Hester ■walked quickly away, for in 1692 children reverenced and obeyed their elders. When the child was fully occupied, her mother did not reprove Goody for her chatter, but permitted her to continue her talk, thinking she might gain some knowledge of the feeling among her own servants. " Have you heard of any new arrests, Gooay .? " " Indeed, madame, each hour increases them ; and but this very day, before Mr, Colson left us, he was telling us that not only the jail in Prison Lane was full, but also other prisons in Ipswich, Boston and Cambridge. And then he told us much of the won- derful preachment given by Mr. Lawson concerning witchcraft. I was bad with my back that day, you remember, but Mr. Colson tells us it was very grand, and did make many quake and tremble. You heard it yourself, mistress, and are wiser than all of us to understand much learning." " I heard it, and It was dreadful indeed ; but he charged the people to give no place *o the devil by rash censuring of others." *• Did he not say also that if innocent ones were suspected it must be ascribed to God's pleasure "i " « He did." '* Such words did Mr. Colson speak, and he charged it upon us that it was God's will for us to denounce at once any suspected person, even if it be a husband, a child, or a wife, that thereby the evil might cease." " I fear that much wrong may be done in haste, and suffering both now and in the future come from, this thing, for many have already declared themselves innocent." HESTER HEP WORTH. 39 "Ah, mistress, all the doctors and Mr. Parris him- self, beside the council, are sure of the evil in our village, and women are neither so wise nor so strong. When Mr. Parris told us at the communion concern- ing Mary Sibley using diabolical means by the making of a cake, through his Indian man, I was made to feel that neither high nor low would escape the clutches of Satan, and she did confess." " Only concerning the temper which caused her to leave the meeting house after her sister had been treated so ill. The door did not slam through her evil, but owing to the wind. Much that seems strange to others seems but natural to me, and I pray that no wrong-doing may trouble our souls in the future." " There be those who think you are now favoring the witches," said Goody, leaving her work to look earnestly in her mistress' face; "and though I could never be of like mind, or find evil in one so gracious and good to me and mine, still I thought to speak with you about it before I slept, for save Kenny and myself there is not about the place any who are disposed to think it impossible for evil to ab'de with you or Miss Hester." " Surely," said Madame Hcpworth, " surely my good woman, no one has dared — " She paused. Had the accusers not dared all thirgs } Were not good women and excellent wives and mothers now in irons in the jails } Could she forget Sarah Cioyse, whose sensitive soul was har- rowed until physical exhaustion ensued and she fainted } Was not the air filled with cries of evil against her and that pious woman Rebecca Morse ?