The sunny South. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1875-1907, June 24, 1876, Image 2
pered in my ear; but still I knelt, and hid my the misunderstandings and cross-purposes of ; There is a stir in the vast audience, and I see
face. those early days. Yet my tears-will always start enter one of the boxes a handsome, disiwjye
Ah ! if he had but asked me to love him—but when a careless gesture throws back the soft hair man, bearing upon his arm a tair, fragile crea-
no! I had myself told him that that was impos- from his temple, and lays bare that Utile red ture, upon whose pale, thin face there was a look
eible. All be asked in return for the love that mark. It came so near breaking my heart once, of patient, hopeless sadness. Her soft, yellow
had cost him his life, was to call me his wife and yet it brought me so much happiness. I hair curled around her blue-veined temples, and
with his dying breath. Had he not lain there press my lips to it as if it were a sacred sign, her blue eyes looked strangely large and wist-
[For The Sunny South.]
MAY NORRIS’ JEALOUSY.
BY ESTELLE.
dying as surely from the effects of my pride and with an unspoken vow in my heart. For how- ; ful, and seemed brimming with unshed tears,
passion as if I had plunged a dagger into his ever my husband’s love may cancel my faulty It was “Lily,” but not the fresh, matchless
heart, I might have cast reserve to the winds youth, my love shall ever with a tireless pencil flower of a few years back.
and shown him my heart; but now remorse and keep bright the memory of his goodness.
(THE END.)
[For Tlie Sunny 8outh.J
A LIFE TRAGEDY.
As the gentleman seated himself the audience
applauded, so I knew that in the political firm
ament Faille was a rising luminary.
But it delighted me more to watch the ragged
accept my offer, the carriage is at your service,”
With graceful voice, Mr. Davis accepted, and
together they’ prepared to carry the body home.
Herbert, still in a stupor of grief, spoke not a
word, but assisted them in carrying May to the
carriage, and softly pillowing her head on his
breast, endeavored to awake some life. But
alas! he was not successful. Beaching the
house, they speedily sent for a doctor, and were
soon rewarded by his presence. Hastily ascend-
despair kept me dumb. I did not deserve that
I should have the glory of a loving wife.
At midnight, with the moonlight streaming
in so brightly that the night-lamp paled, the
rites were performed that made me Kalph
Inglesby.s wife; and for the remainder of that
night I sat by him holding his weak hand in
mine, with the terrible certainty pressing on me
that when the day’ dawned, he would have
“ another morn than ours. But when the early I reached San Francisco atsunset. I wandered -- . ... . --
spring day flushed and glittered all about us, he for ftn hour about the city of the Golden Gate j his appearance elicited—oblivious of the fact
IX TWO GLIMPSES.
BY A. H. SMITH.
still lingered in that strangely peaceful state.
The doctor looked puzzled, Mrs. Apricot more
hopeful, while I took breath, as a sentenced
man may do when he is grant.yd a reprieve.
Two more days glided by; still the hand,
which I had thought already loosed from life
lay warm in mine; the eyes i had thought sol
emn with the vision of the dying, smiled intc
ours. The physician owned his calculations
entirely at fault; and since the patient had '
ed so long, there was now a chance of his
mate recovery. But the words that lifted
heavy weight from my heart, cast a deep shadow
over my husband’s face. A shadow, too, that
did not pass away, when, like one who had had
a new grant of life, he began to make pereept-
Brightly the sun shone, and sweetly the birds
chirped, in the cosy little breakfast-room of May
Norris—bride and housekeeper of six months'
duration. Suddenly, the silence which had ex
isted for a few moments was broken bv May: . -
“ Herbert, I do so much want to hear Nilsson mg to the room where they had carried May, he
to-night in ‘Norma,’ and you know she onlv : ordered every one except Mr. Davis from the
sings that opera once while in the city; won’t j room, and then began his examination. Pres-
you take me, please?” and the face of May was ently, turning to Mr. Davis, he said:
gamins in the pit raise their eyes reverently to radiant with pleasant anticipation, as she ad- “ I *ike to arouse no false hope, but there is a
the fair face of Faille’s companion, and in their dressed her husband, who was deep in the morn- slight warmth around the heart, and by careful
rough jargon, murmur something about an alms- ing Dispatch. .< ■ attention we may save her. Still, the hope is
dispenser. I knew then that her ministry hau “lam sorry, May, lint it wm l£*quite impos- faint.”
been one of love, and her hands have strown sible; I have an engagement to-night-to meet a Br. Gray watched with his patient until a late
roses that may perhaps blossom in immortality, friend whom Fliave not seen for some time; else, hour, hoping, yet fearing a recovery. At last,
But Faille appeared oblivious of the applause I should certifinlv indulge my Pet.” he saw a quiver of the pale lips, and soon the
‘ ' ' The glow Suddenly hided from the face of | eyes partially opened, but closed again. But
ay, and with Oh, I am so sorry !” the subject “where there is life, there is hope,” and Dr.
till the sunset-glow had faded from the wonder- : that the queen of tragedy was now treading the j May,
ful bay—wandered aimlessly, for I had no pur
pose, no friends, no business in the city. I was
traveling merely to escape a haunting sorrow—
a sorrow that thus early in life had hung my sky
with clouds.
boards; forgetful, too, of the delicate creature \ was dropped. ( ; Gray redoubled his efforts to bring back con
st his side; for after handing her her bouquet j A few minutes passed and Herbert Norris sciousness. Shortly the eyes again unclosed,
and fan, he raised superciliously the mother-of ' arose, w T ent up to his wife, and stooping, pressed and the lips murmured “Herbert.”
pearl opera-glaass, and scanned the house. I I a fond kiss on her lips, wishing her a merry Three weeks followed in rapid succession of
watched the dark eye flash with triumph and good morning. delirium, and always a cry of “Herbert,” and
" - - . — - - . then sometimes the name of “ Birdie.” Herbert
were as yet almost empty, but full of light and
the perfume of many flowers, and eminently
suggestive of festivity. I went into a smaller
room, opened the rich piano, and struck a few
• I _ - . rfll 1 1 • 11 IvGLUj V MLIILIA VUG 1 Ivli C«UVI Obi ti L XV U IC IT
ible progr es s toward recovery. 1 he words which notes? then rose and stood before a picture of
had fallen warm from the seemingly death-cold , Evangeline. It was purely, spiritually beautiful.
lips, now fell on my ear no more. There was a
wistfulness in his eyes when they rested on me,
something half-remorseful in his sigh He gave |
me no opportunity to show the love and the
thanksgiving with which I watched his daily j
progress. Gentle, patient, kind, there yet fell j
ujmn him a silence that chilled me. constantly entering. At length came a group,
One morning in the middle of -lay, a^s I one figure of which fixed my attention instantly,
rolled his chair to the open window, for the first 1 - J
time I ventured to
He had laid his slender, wau uauu upon a uowi i tured Evangeline
of lilies I had placed upon the sill. _ I and -
“ Is there any living loveliness of such angelic
type ?” I thought.
Half an hour afterward, my mental question
was answered. I returned to the saloon, and
saw that it was rapidly filling. Bevies of richly-
dressed ladies and attendant gentlemen were
anger in ner counte- ton,' your i
nance even when the husband raised to his lips the home folks,” meanwhile plunging
deep in your sweet voice once tin
Slowly raising one thin hand to his face, May
asked:
“Herbert, tell me who is Birdie?"
Catching her closely to his bosom, lie faltered:
“ May, she is my only sister ! Birdie and my
self were left orphans when quite young
the cluster of forget-me-nots that he carried in | his breast-pocket for the missive. “Ah, here it
his hand. | is, read it and brighten up; we will make up our
The charming brunette smiled gracefully in ! disappointment yet—we will hear Nilsson to-
recognition of her flowers, but my heart beat morrow night,” and he left, whistling lightly to
wildly, and I murmured almost fiercely, “ Poor himself.
broken flower.” | May carelessly broke the seal, not looking at
I, too, had forgetten the play, for alas! in real I the superscription on the -envelope; but what found a home with my aunt, Mrs. Holmes, of
life we sometimes stumble upon such fearful ! was her amazement to see it commenced: whom you have heard me so often speak. Birdie
tragedies that we have no sympathy to bestow 1 “My Own Herbert,—I am on my way to | grew into a beautiful girl of fifteen, and was the
upon mock ones. Washington, and will pass through Baltimore on | light ot my aunts home, and the pride of a
Presently a gentleman entered the Faille’s | the 8 p. m. train. Meet me, and let me once brothers heart. I was sent to a college in a dis-
box. The lady half rose, and then sank back, i more see your loving face and feel your kiss on tant c *i. v to finish my studies, and heard noth-
* * • ■ ing of Birdie for a year, except from Aunt Mary,
j who constantly spoke of her great beauty. I
l loved Birdie as only a devoted brother could.
uie minuie oi uay as i one of wbicb fised attention instantly. DOX ' l “ e iaay nan rose, ana tnen sans dsck, : more see your loving lace ana ieei your kiss on
le open window, for the first K W as the slender, petite form oi a tori whose 1 some < l 11Ick emotIon seeming to overpower her. | my lips. My heart yearns for you, so grant my
speak of his improvement. I *• though in contour milikp that of 1 Bent forward to obtain a better view of the request for the sake of ‘auld lang syne.’ ”
der, wan hand upon a bowl - S^gvangeUne”haTalHte w onler^Ueet^ss' 1 st T ger ’ -bom I saw was faultlessly attired, and “Your loving ^ “Bikdie.”
- - 7>ui*itv Ad adorable face witli oearl-wliile ^ foreign st^lc. He turned bis bead, tbere was
“The May sunshine has unfolded them,” I brow? a soft blush-rose mouth, and Farge violet no mistaking that noble brow, for in all my ac- w
id, softly. “Ah, my husband, I never thought „u f,. nrnor1 in „,™„t;.,n* „„i™. D a I quaintanee I had met but one such face. It is d:
you would have lived to see them.
Like one in a dream, May sat stunned, be- | One bright day, there came a letter from Aunt
•i Hi J : 1 T T t 17 urow, a son. niusn-rose mouth, ana large violet .
said, softly. Ah, my husband, I never thought ; eyes _ ttll framed in loo moonlight-colored fluaintance^
you would have lived to see them j curls. A portly gentleman with iron-gray hair “le exile, Howard
“I never thought so either, and I am sorry ' and ftn eic f erl la * ly accom panied her. 4 8 az ? d intent]
for it, he answered, blunt y. “ Believe me I watched this lovely creature wherever she tered idol, and by the tender light that came
moved with a fascinated gaze. It was not long ! Dt ° hls „ 1 k ? e f that des P de kis he
before I saw her eye kindle and a deeper color Uad not bee ?. ab ! a to conquer the love that had
come into her delicate cheek as a tall, elegant- ! S*?": 11 int o “is f lte -
looking gentleman approached her. —
Gipsy, I never expected to live when I asked
you to marry me.”
“And do you mean you are sorry for it now?”
I asked, turning round from the window, with
the happy tears suddenly burnt up by the fire
that leaped to my eyes.
“ I mean that if Lcould have foreseen this, I
would never have done it,” he replied, slowly, a
sad, weary look dropping dow’ii on his pale face.
“You need not regret it long,” I returned,
haughtily, the spirit I had thought utterly sub
dued by the discipline of the last few’ weeks
suddenly leaping np with might. “I will be
no clog upon you. You can go back to your old
life, and these brief w’eeks shall be as though
they had not been. I will never remind you of
them.”
But the faintness that came over him as he
started up to check me, recalled me at once to
He gazed intently and earnestly at his shat-
After a brief interval, Faille, as if glad of an
ildered. What did it mean? Who dared ad
dress her husband in such terms? This, then,
was the reason he could not go with her to hear
Nilsson ! This was the friend he had not seen
for so long a time ! The sunshine shone still as
brightly, the birds sang in sweeter strains, but to one ot the troupe. Feeling disgraced and
there was no sunshine in May’s heart—doubt humiliated, I never spoke ot her again. Soon
and distrust were brooding darkly there. Why after, Aunt Mary, who sorrowed constantly for
could not Herbert have told her who his friend ° ur l° s t one > took to her bed, and ere many
Mary, saying ‘ Birdie had left her home with an
opera troripe, w’hich had been playing in B——-,’
and beseeching me to go in search of her, and
bring her back. But my search was unsuccess
ful; and soon we heard of the marriage of Birdie
creature had given her fate into his keeping.
While they stood thus, a young man came
eagerly through the groups around them, and
addressing the fair girl, seemed to solicit her
hand for a waltz, whose inspiring strains were
ringing through the hall. She hesitated and
glanced up into the face of her companion; he
frowned and bit his lip, and coiorin
her hand - and held it as he bent over and^poke | opportunity to escape, retired from° the box, wa^Vas'her'constant thought-bnt no, he evi- weefe.passed awayHeaving meado™ Fflaming
to tier with a look and manner convpvinJ th« 1 commissioning Howard, as it seemed, to enter- dently had his secret—and then into this loving Birdie tor her death, my heart steeled itselt
idea of nronrietorshto I did not like b i n , g He I tain bis wif e unti l his return. In another in- heart came the desire to prove his perfidy. For against her, and troui the time she left us, we
wt handsom 1 ^ certainly, bit Sre w^s some! j 1 saw bi “ seated b f ide *• beautiful was it not perfidy ? He, her husband another
thing repulsive in his keen, dark eye and Granger opposite, and bending over her m a | woman s darling ? Clenching her sma l hands,
haughty, crued mouth. I instinctively shrank ' “ ost devo ‘ ed > lover-like attitude Significant she walked the floor, unconscious of the flight
from the thought that this pure, / 0WeMike glances and meaning smi es were directed upon ot time
creature had uiven her fate into his kecina. tbem fr0 “ ^ery part of the theatre, and I saw “I will find him out! she exclaimed, and
at once that there must be some well-known then, from excitement, she burst into violent
scandal connected with these two. Howard i weeping. “Oh, Herbert! how could you be so
comprehended it, also. I saw his face color and false—you, whom I thought so true, so honora-
his eye flash as he looked from them to the pale [ ble !” and her form rocked to and fro in her
face beside him. She bore herself with gentle 1 anguish.
dignity, habitual self-repression, kept- back all Bising from the chair into which she had
sign except the fluttering color as she turned thrown herself, she went to her room, and upon sinning one, and you innocent. ^ God helping
aside from her husband’s shameless infatuation. I her knees implored her Heavenly Father to di- ; me > I will never doubt you again.”
Once her eyes met the sorrowful, tender look of j rect her in the way she should act. If j s needless to say May recovered rapidly,
’ ‘ ’ ' ’ “ ' ’ ■ Calmed, she arose saying: land in a week ivas able to leave for her own
“I will not seek for vengeance, but I will go home. Mr. Davis never accounted for May’s
home, leaving him to his own remorseful con- - appearance in such a sudden manner, nor for
science.” Herbert’s speedy arrival on the scene of the
Taking her writing desk, she wrote: disaster. It there were any doubts in his mind
have never met. I have never spoken her name
to you, so you were excusable for blaming me.
I intended to meet her, and try to persuade her
to leave the life she was leading, but I will not
see her now. May, my precious wife, won’t you
forgive my false pride in not telling you this
before ?"
With tears running down her wasted face,
May clung to him, sobbing and imploring his
forgiveness for ever doubting his love.
“Oh ! Herbert, I only know I have been the
. . - T .... , 1 • 1 iiUHUDU WUU WAV UW A*WJ wuu W1UA1UK deeply,
my position as nurse. In ministering to his j sbe dec qi ned young man’s request. An in-
helplessness, the truest depths of my woman- ; sbm t afterward, her haughty fiance had circled , -• , rl ,
hood were stirred; and it was a very penitent ; ber with bis , aml> and was whirling over the her ““fu , 0 ’ I knew that each was read
face he found bending over him when conscious- j floor witb ber sligbt tigure in bis embrace. - “8 page ot the other s heart-seeing
ness returned, but the subject was not renewed. , .*Enm«?ed ” murmured one near me “ Oscar there what ml & ht baVB been ’
I was betrayed into no further outbursts during FaiUe ^ ’ bolds the winning cards.' I never ,, WlHle the orchestra played the.oras^ng finale,
his convalescence, but the words he had spoken j saw bim b J eat at aaytbing . §; ow he wil l uo faille let?, the syrenrand returned his wite.
were like fire m my heart. | straight up tgie ladder. He had brass b;l-:l. aA s 1
^a~*fiothcT-we.’k lie Vf as, »W j
wifi Save t5e goldmines ht
Beverly’s heiress. Butl just let
is to marry
her look out.
There was ,more talk of the same kind, hut
my attention was attracted to the young man
whose request had been rejected. His fine,
friend, and the morning he came tq my apart- |
•esung languicuy in an en faee bad g rown brst fi us ned, then ghastly : ments, methought I had never seen\so melan- i 5° te °° DUre au m a conspicuo p
an ottoman at his feet, ^ Ag the p 6 air moved away in tbe w | ltz> b * , cho ly a look upon a human countenance, and don ^f d her waterproof, and veiling
laj. I was afraid of let- i j]., sbed a fierce, wrathful look at the man. his i yet the quiet calmness of the man startled me. thickly, left the room not, ho a eve ,
and Mrs. Apricot made quite n jubilee of it
After dinner, however, she glided quietly away,
and left husband and wife alone. Strangely
eiipugh, we were in the very bay window where,
little over a month before, I had rejected him,
indi gnantly. He was resting languidly in an
easy chair; I, sitting on
with my head turned awny a was aa.m oi ic- ilashed a fierce> wratbful i 00k at tbe man, his ! yet the quiet
ting my heart look through my eyes, the poor, , b g c i osed firmly, then with a forced, scornful | “Come,” said he feebly, “go with me.”
wounded heart that yearned now so hungnly ^ be turned J away x gaw bim ’ enter tb “Whither?” I asked,
for the love-words it had once steeled itself Bmall music . room i bad late i y quitted; I fol- “ You shall see.”
“Gipsy,” my husband said, at length, touch
ing my cheek with
faithful, patient youn^
that burned here so brightly a few weeks hack
Lost in those long vigils by my couch, I know
full well. You are both pale and thin, dear.
You must walk out more.”
“I am well enough,” I answered, hoarsely,
trying to smile up into his face.
But he looked at me anxiously.
1 You are not happy, my wife, and I am the
rong letter, whicul hav
rccofJnizcAvqie, anJ linking his ariuVa mine we loving Birdie ” is, I cannot imagine. Hoping \ Above the rigut temple is an ugly scar, almost
went out into the coo? mooniit-kb’hn , you may prove happy in her love, I leave you, j hidden by the bonnie brown bair, which May
! thinking it best. Do not seek me. „ ] laughingly calls her “jealousy mark.”
Several days went by before I again met mv \ lour unhappy wife, May.
- - - - ’ : Leaving the unfortunate letter and her own
note on the bureau in a conspicuous place, May
herself
A BEAUTIFUL EXTRACT.
It was night. Jerusalem slept as quietly amid
„ . without a 1 fi er hills as a child upon the breast of its mother,
fond look at the dear old room, where she had ’p be noiseless sentinel stood like a statue at his
been so happy for six months. Just in time tor post and the philosopher’s lamp burned dimly
small music-iuuui a u»u mieiy qumea; i 101-1 auw «,»» oc =. tbe 2 , °’ cl ” ck train f °r Chilton May sprang in the recess of his chamber. But a moral dark-
lowed, and found him standing in a recess of And so I threw aside my hook, and together aboard, and was soon whirling to her home and , ness involved the nation in its unenlightened
mother, there to weep out all her soirows. shadows. Reason shed a faint glimmering over
* * * * * * * ! the minds of men like the cold and insufficient
Busily engaged in writing, Herbert Norris sinning of a distant star. The immortality of
seemed unconscious of time, when glancing man’s spiritual nature was unknown, his rela-
towards his office clock, he saw it was nearly tion to Heaven undiscovered, and his future
destiny obscured in a cloud of mystery. It was
at this period that two forms of ethereal mold
hovered about the land of God’s chosen people.
They come—sister angels—sent to earth on some
embassy of love. The one of majestic stature
and well-formed limb, which tier drapery
scarcely concealed, and her erect beariug and
ina sa «, at lengtn toucu- , the windoW) his back to me, his frame quiver- we started up the FjKeet.
a sliaaoM-liJte liana, my ; • w j tb emo ti 0 n. I put my hand softly on his ! Conducting me through vari
! shoulder, saying, “Pardon me, friend.” He j city, with several of which I w
arious wards of the
r as unacquainted,
turned with a quick, fierce gesture, hut his eyes ! m y companion finally stopped before a stately
met mine, that were filled with kindly pity. | mansion, situated upon a charming avenue.
“Permit a fellow-sufferer to offer you the ■ He entered unannounced, and motioned me
consolation of sympathy,” I said. ! to follow. Reverently unclosing an inner door,
Who are you ?” he asked.
“A stranger, friendless, homeless, loveless,
hut with a heart that has been so deeply tried
we stood within a darkened chamber. Around
the room were seated groups of elderly females
conversing in undertones, while in the centre of
dinner hour, so taking his hat, soliloquizing, as
he went:
“ I am sorry May looked so disappointed when
I spoke of my engagement—sweet little darling
—I will compensate her fully for it; let her hear
. . . - -j , , . d , 1 ‘? m . itself that it thrills responsively at sight of the tlle apartment, upon a huge marble-slab, rested ^B SS0I » twice, surely that will do tor Ber.
cause of it, who would fain see you the bright trials of anotber . And^ it is a trial to give up ! a rosewood coffin with massive silver handles : Keachmg Borne, he went to his sitting
radiant, impulsive creature you were when first wbat we i 0V6) wbe ther to the arms of death or j and silver-plate. There were wreaths of immor-
I met you. Gipsy, I have a confession to make to the embrace of a more fortunate lover.” | telles and fragrant violets and pale tea-roses
to you, one which you indeed deserve to receive. wii) BOt glve ber up be cried koarse i y i burdening the air with fragrance. My eyes by
Have you never thought me selfish and ungener- < ( g be was a i m0 st my betrothed wife. I had this time having become accustomed to the un-
ous in asking you to marry me as I did, in tak- j oved ber f rom ber childhood. We had played ! certain light, perceived the open glass, and ap
ing advantage of you at a time when every pnn- togetber j h ave nursed her in sickness, watched i proaching the casket, I looked in upon the pale,
ciple of womanly tenderness, and the gratitude h ° while sbe slept> studied with he r at school, i sweet face of Lily.
and remorse j ou did not disguise that j ou felt, eared for her, protected her always in her ! It wore not the look of patient despair, as
urged your consent to my plea? Tell me tru y hood, akd now-shall I give her up to ' ‘ *
“Never! I answered. “I only thought it j - - 8 - 1
very great and noble in you to forget all my
faults, and the suffering they had cost you, to
do so.”
He smiled sadly as I spoke, and drawing my
hand through his arm, went on gently:
when last I saw it in life, and that haunted me
him ?—the gambler, the libertine, as I know him j still; but instead there lingered about her mouth
to be? No! he or I shall die first. He has ! almost a smile, and there was a restful, happy
come betweeen us with that face and voice of look upon the countenance, which seemed to . c t . * ,-r, ,
his that women find so resistless; he has fasci-i say, the young soul gloried in its release from in his grief “'She mus-have gone Home, lor she ascending star ot Bethlehem
nated her, but I will break the spell. He insulted i ‘Be clay that imprisoned it.” too to g°. out . m .. tho ^ or , ld alone,^ and years rolled away, and a st
me just now; he shall
expecting to be met by the sweet kiss he always steady eye exhibiting the highest degree of
was greeted with—but no May. Going to their strength and confidence. Her right arm was
chamber, be was astonished to find that vacant j extended in an expressive gesture upward,
too. “ The sly puss is hiding from me, so I will where night appears to have planted her dark-
have to look for her,” he exclaimed. Crossing to e st pavilion, while on her left inclines her deli-
the door, he suddenly spied the letters on the ca te companion, in form and countenance the
bureau. Taking them up, he read May’s note, contrast of the other. She was drooping like a
Taking the other, he saw the unfortunate mis- dower moistened by refreshing dew, and her
take. bright and troubled eyes scanned them with ar-
“Poor Birdie! you the cause of all this mis- dent and varying glances. Suddenly a light
ery, and so innocent too ! My darling May— 1 like the sun flashed out from the heavens, and
where can she be?” and the strong man moaned Faith and Hope hailed with exciting song the
>ak the snell He insulted ! the clay that imprisoned it.” ls to ° “mid to go out ini me worm aioue, aim ie ars roneu away, ana a stranger was seen in
pay for that insolent look “My faded Lily,” whispered Howard sadly, thus speaking, hehumedly went down, took his Jerusalem. He was a weak, unassuming man
> he leaves her side I will as he gently placed a spotless flower within the ^ afc ’ an ^ wa f on w ay to the depot, when e whose happiness seemed to consist in acts of
“It is generons of yon to regard it so; but to and J gmile . soon as no u,i i wiu ™ e v r r f • ,
many it would appear as it I had taken advan- gend bim a cba n enge Tfi e n, whether he choose folded hands; and then in the same calm tones "as stopped bj a triend.
tae’e of von at a moment wlien searoelv anv 1 - , 9 . . ’ i “ Herherf. Iiave von net
tage of you at a moment when scarcely any
woman would have had the heart to refuse. But
really, dear, I did it for your sake, not my own;
believing that a tew hours was all that was left to
me of life, and that as my widow, you could
take the home and the wealth I had in life vainly
tried to give you. I had no idea that I was fet-
y°f {o r life toa man eould not love. , mem ^/the h^r I did not love her.” ™
M ill you forgive me dear, and tell me how I can And ghe loveg this lnan _ ber betrothed -
make amends now ?
But I was weeping bitterly, and could not
speak. Ralph stroked my hair gently.
“I do not wish to bind you, my darling. I
want you to be as happy as is possible. Would
sword or revolver, I am his master.”
I read determination in his set face.
“Let us talk to each other man to man, or
rather friend to friend,” I said, linking my arm
in his.
“Y'ou love this girl, you say?”
“ Love her—love my little Lily? I do not re
can see that plainly enough. Her life is bound
up in him. He loves her also, in all probability,
and under her sweet influence may be a changed
man—may make her life happy. True love is
unselfish; it seeks the happiness of the one be-
that so startled me before, his voice sounded in
touching requiem:
“ Say not the dead are lost. There is no mar
riage there, and I shall have an angel’s kiss to
rouse m e from my dreamless sleep after I have
climbed tbe steep mountain-side. Were it not
better thus ?”
I bowed my head in assent as the sound of —- - - . ,, , . . ... ..
yon his mournful voice smote upon mine ear, and untrue !” B was all his trembling lips cou d
benevolence to the human race. There were
Herbert, have yon heard the news ? Terrible, deep traces of sorrow in his countenance, though
my dear fellow. The 2 p. m. train for New York no 0 ne knew why he grieved, for he lived in the
has collided with a freight train just this side of practice of every virtue, and was loved by all
Chilton, and fifty killed and wounded.” the good and wise.
“My God ! that must have been the train !” By-and-by it was rumored that the stranger
he exclaimed, and breaking from his friend, ha worked miracles, that the blind saw, the dumb
rushed to the depot. “ Oh, my darling, my lost spake, the dead arose, the ocean moderated its
May! and you will never know but that I was chafing tide, the very thunder articulated. He
vou like to stav here with Mrs. Apricot, or , J A , , . . .
3 , ,, ’l i* r* ,uii ii loved. Mould vou by one rash act stain vour
where would vou like to go? It shall all be as , _ , * , .. -
. , „ 3 ° soul with murder, while at the same tune you
you™ 1 * ■ , i blighted the life of her you love and made the
“ Are vou sotng to leave me ? 1 sobbed. .. e - . - ,
T 3 ° * i „i i • thought of vou a constant horrur ?
‘'Leave vou? a tremulous pleasure in his „ ° J ., . ... . ., ...
voice. “Never, my darling, unless you wish. “tent, ™ lkl , n g b >\ m - v * lde wltL
Can it be that yon do not wish ?” ra P ld stndes ’ - bnddenl Y Be turned to me.
Ah ! how the patient, wistful love in his blue
eyes smote me.
“Let me stay with you,” I whispered. “I am
only safe with yon, from the evil spirits in my
heart. Your gentleness and goodness alone ex
orcise them. Oh, my husband, do not cast me
off! I will try to be a good wife.”
stout man though I was, wept bitter tears.
HE SAW IT ALL.
Not long since, being at Yorktown, Va., I fell
into a discu-sion with a very old negro man, who
was quite communicative. As nearly as I can re
call the words, his nan-stive was as follows :
T see Gen. Washington? Yes, sail! Whv, 1
was here all de time. Seede British? See Corn-
wallis? To be sho’ : wasn’t 1 here—right here—
all the time! Suttenly—I see ’em all. Now, I tell
you, massa ! I see lien. Washington, and he was a
settin' on his boss, and a eatin’ of a peach ; and
As he reached the depot, a train was just start
ing for the scene of the awful disaster, with
comforts for the wounded, and friends eager to
was the son of God. Envy assailed him to
death.
Thickly guarded, he slowly ascended the hill
of Calvary. A heavy cross bent him to the
earth; but Faith leaned on his arm, and Hope,
see to their loved ones. Soon they reached the dipping her pinions in his blood, mounts 1 to
spot. Stern men turned away in tears at the the skies.
sight. Old and vonng, dead, dying and wound
ed, lying in one confused heap, while piercing
cries rent the air as mother and si>ter, father
and brother were brought out ot the contused
heap, with the “light gone out from the eyes
You are right,” he said, “and I thank you aI1 tlj e time! Suttenly-I see ’em all. Now, I tell that vr °' 1 \ d Jt ee ?° mornpn * oa , in „ ou
for saving me from such an act. Five minutes y° u * massa! I see Hen. Washington, and he was a *j. k ^ e ? b l f5 t St ?° * nn the^h mi frier
more and it would have been too late. I will let settin on his boss, and a eatin' of a peach; and fBe sight, when hewas <• xj ’
him live but I cannot stay here and see him ; Cornwallis he come ou, a slippin around to get
take mv Lilv for his own. I must breaK every away, and he start out down de creek, and he start , . ? iuuuu. . j p
tie of home and friends and go away. I will to run. but Gen. Washington, he see him d’rectly, ^ flowed
not see another sun set in San Francisco. Once an’ he started arter him ; and Gen. Washington ^pe^h^'^tlf ^Nation he found'her lying on
Onlv a little closer folding of his arms about mor ?, I thank you, my unknownAriend, for the he didn s want to take no advantage of him. so the floor on a rough mattress, her eyes closed,
me; onlv the sunshine of a happy smile on the se l}' ice J -011 Bave rendered me. Good-by. he run well-an pretty soon he catch Cornwallis, ber face marble w ^ ite and seeming us though root burst torth and bloomed into a beauteous
pale lips, and I was quite sure of my welcome He "' run g m >' Banff and was gone. an he catch him him by the neck, and say, “You life bad fled A bove the temple was a terrible dahlia.
to my husband's heart and home. ’ * * * * damn scoundril, Igot you.!” And Cornwallis he g as h, from which the blood was oozing. Sinking The netition offered ud bv the believer who abides
“Maybe, in time, vou will learn to care for Five years passed before I again visited F-—turned round, and handed Mr. Gen. Washington on his knees, Herbert gathered her to his heart, |,‘, e P® “ V hr i. P u words in him will
me,” he whispered, “as I do for von. May I not they were years of inactivity and listlessness to his sword, and Gen. Washington he jest took it showering kisses on her pale lips, and c filing jn Liirtsi, ana n s l 8 ’ .
hope so, darling? You do care for me a little me, and as I strolled along the streets of the and cut his head off! See it? To be sho’ I see 6 \e’v endearing name, bei-ou’ht her to speak De J n “armony wun me m i uou. me opi n
now, don’t you?” city, memory brought before me the actcrs in it. 1 was right here all de time, massa-how I once more But the pale lips moved not. wake t b r , ln ‘" c ^ sl ° n . f " lheea *” t88C P? rdln /. t0 ,he
- ■ gwine help see it? Jess as I tell you. Gen. Mr. Davis, in whose heart there was a linger- "ili of God.” The Spirit-taught breath, ng of des.re,
Washington was a settin’ on his hoss, an’ eatin’ of ing hope that Mav might not be dead, now hnr- : therefore, on the part of the believer are le very
a peach—” ried away in search of some way of carrying her Breathings of Godwnhin him.and surely God on the
But it is not
Duration of Yegetable_Life.—Lord Lindsay
states that in the course of his wanderings amid
the pyramids of Egypt, lie stumbled ou a mum
my, proved by its hieroglyphics to be at least
2,000 years of age. On examining the mummy
after it was unwrapped, he found in one of its
closed hands a tuberous or bulbous root. He
was interested in the question how long vegeta
ble life could last, and he therefore took that
tuberous root from the mummy’s hand, planted
it in a sunny soil, allowed the rains and dews of
heaven to descend upon it, and in the course of
a few weeks, to his astonishment and joy, the
The patient longing of the question melted the scene I remembered so well, though so long
the last bit of ice in my heart. In a moment I an interval had elapsed; and I wondered how
was kneeling at his feet, telling mv storv through the world had used them.
tears; telling him howl had lo'ved hint long, A throng of personsentering the Grand Op-
but was too proud to show it, and begging him egt-Souse put an end to my desultory thoughts; man's story as
to forgive me. The wild bird, which would i perceiving by the huge posters that a celeb- that he never varied it in anv particular, thus * - > „
have pined in a cage of gold, now nestled trust- , rity was to appear, I purchased my ticket and furnishing one of the best indicia of ver&cy and the station in despair, he spied a carriage, and ise, and a preliminary step on the part of God to-
fullv in a loving hand. - entered with the crowd. accuracy. standing near by one of his neighbors, w’ho I wards a richer, fuller, grander fulfillment of it.
Woodlawn has had its “Gipsy queen ” for j The curtain had just arisen, and a breathless stepped to him, saying:
any a year now—so many, indeed, that Ralph ; public awaited with half-concealed impatience We are only really alive when we enjoy the “I heard your daughter was among the pas- All tl at is wise has been thought already; we
I haVe learned to smile when we talk over j the appearance of the “star.” j good will of others.' ‘ sengers, and seriously wounded, so if you will must try, however, to think it again.
t necessary forme to repeat the old to her home, only a mile from the station. For throne m heaven will not be indifferent o tie
soften as he did. Suffice it to say an hour, his attempt to procure any kind of breathings of Godin the human heart. Rather these
varied it in any particular, thus vehicle proved unsuccessful; turning toward breathings are themselves a fulfilment ot the protn-
“ Hkiuiebt,—Through mistake, you gayg mo as to May’s happiness, they were riispall.ri
*• ■ t re j7ii. \Vho“your tile brigEr face unit left them 5 week later.
instinct print