Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1855-03-07

1
the twenty years of our marriage. Lei
me see; you were eighteen. How modest
and blooming you were, seated in your
little school-room, on the first day of our
meeting. Roses hung from your curIs
then, placed there by innocenB hands, and
I was strong and full of high hopes
hopes, alas that have not BEEN realized. -
"But will be in Heaven, john" said
Mary, lifting her dark eyes.
go believe it; have never doubted that;
the future is all my hope nov. The seed
| have .sown here has taket unseen root,
doubtless, and bIossomed mp to Heaven.
There shall eat of the ripened fruit
Oh! | never doubt for moment the i'm
mortal destiny Of man"
Chow your face shines, Jdln."
II am very happy, Mary; don't know
as ever felt happier. X low there is
not crust Of bread in the I'D use, and this
is the last OF our poor little " pod pile. and
yet feel certain that God will provide
some way. am only sorry that you
have had SO much care with me; but 1
know love sweetened it all"
"Oh yes, John; yes, all my care has
been pleasure; and if it is Goa's will that
you should 60, I shall not stay long. I'd
have nothing to live for, Johl.
"You were right, l do believe. Mary;
the sound came again apparently beneath
our window cried John. holding his
head in the attitude Of a listener.
"Yes, and there are votes outside; I'll
just go to the door minute; maybe we
can do some good" and throwing on what
had once been a comfortable wooden shawl,
she hurried into the dark entry.
81 feel just So" muttered John, letting
his head drop on his hand, 81 feel as ii
I'd like to know what it is; another time
In our unprotected Situation, and this out
Of the way place, and should be little
fearful; but''-he Shook his head and re-
sumed his mournful look in The FIRE as he
added--'I'm afraid that Mary isn't pre-
pared Tor what will happen before morn
ing. This FIRE is hot; l feel the glow on
my cheek, but my feet. my feet, they are
icy cold. nor can | move them. God help
thee. Mary"
"Oh yes; bring him in; we'll keep him
here while you get carriage. Poor
youth hope he isn't dangerously woun-
dcd."
1t was Mary's voice, and John looked
langUidly around, as two men came in,
bearing a body between them. He was a
young man, tall and elegantly attfred.-
His face was handsome but his thick silk
en- curls were stained with blood. He did
not open his eyes, though he seemed sen
si5Ie Of the change from a driving storm
to comparative warmth; he only moaned
family. rs the compassionate woman pla-
ced pillows under his head. A cloak
richly trimmed hung on the arm of one OF
The men; he had been shaking the wet and
frost from it in the cid entry. He now
laid it over the little octagonal table, say
ing at the same time, Il guess by these
trappngs he's rich one; same time
wouldn't like to pay the expense of car
rlage on risk, this time Of night; wonder
if he's got any money about him."
Mary was on her knees. busily cutting
away the rich hair that fell in glossy bun.
ches over the carpetless floor She paused
a moment, and inserted her fingers in the
pocket Of his satin vest. Fortunately
there was loose change enough there tc
pay for carriage, and taking it, the mer
hurried out.
Suddenly Mary uttered low cry. She
looked up helplessly in the face OF her
husband, her lips white and parted; hel
cheeks ashy; but, as he cried, stretching
forth his weak arms and weaker body,
what is it, Mary-for Hea7en's sake, tel
me, Mary; she conquered the impulse to fly
and weep upon his bosom, and ouly said, as
she bent once more to her task, or rather
sobbed than said "the wound; it's made
me feel sick and faint for moment, yet
do not think it is dangerous, and she en-.
circled the neck Of the stranger with hel
loving arms, and looked down in his face
while strange expression frightened her
own.
At that moment his full dark eyes open
ed; his lips parted; he said but one word
yet John heard it and fell back weakly in
his chair-that word was mother.
John, John, be calm-oh it will kill
you; do be calm, dearest husband--yes. ii
is him, our own Henry-our boy. My
heart will burst with Joy But you-oh
be calmer, John-don't leok SO steadily al
me, for isn't it good news, holy tidings
OOA "iAlId ID IouAUS ne KNOWS US.
God be praised was all the poor mar
could murmur.
And now am going to lay him on ou1
bed, John, and you shall sleep beside him
beside our own lost boy. Think of it
John; it will give you new life and strength
and who knows but you may get entirely
we'll. Oh! John. can't realize it,
can't
Blessed be God. murmured the dyins
man. folding his thin palms together, anG
a rapturOus smile spread like light owe
his face.
Here they come. but he can't go; they
must help me place him on the bed and f;
for doctor. See, he is looking at US
Henry, can't you speak, my own love ?
Money plenty-round my waist, " h
articulated. with difficulty.
Not to tie |hosnitAl hAv o.