Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1855-02-24

room TO retire. Before she reached home
violent shivering seized her and she
wen, TO bed really i'll; but, conscious of
her imprudence, and hoping to feel better
in the morning, she did not awake her pa,
rents.
| In the morning she had violent head.
ache, attended with pain; and was forced
to confess herself really i'll. She was
now penitent, and willing to submit 10 the
application of any remedy.
Medicines were Immediately resorted
TO, and apparently with success, for her
lever was broken, and before long she
was able TO resume her ordinary duties in
the house, though it was not deemed pru-
dent, as yet, TO suffer her to 60 ont in the
evenings. Edward was an anxious atten-
dant at her side, while she remained
prisoner in the house, and nothing could
exceed the delicacy with which he antci-
pated her every wish. He never alluded
to her impruGence, but his mournful look
OF unavoidable reproach when he first
heard of her houghllessness haunted her
memory. and she resolved never again to
disregard his advice. But alas the oppor-
tunity to show her obedience to his wish
es was deferred from day to day; for
violent cough has made its appearance,
simultaneous with her fever, and though
the latter had been broken, the former still
remained. Remedy after remedy was tried
but in vain. Physicians were now called
in, though secretly, lest Agnes should be
frightened. and their opinions listened TO
with beating hearts. They recommended
various remedies which were eagerly
tried but all tailed. Winter was now
fast approaching, and warmer climate
was limited at though the physicians still
hoped it was nota case of consumption
To Cuba accordingly Mr.. and Mrs. Wal
than took their only child. Edward could
not accompany them, but he promised to
write by every packet, and parted from
Them with heavy heart.
The winter months dragged slowly away
during which Edward received weekly let
tiers from Cuba, sometimes holding out
hope and sometimes breathing out despair.
His spirits began TO fail. Spring was
now at hand--that spring in which he and
Agnes were to have been marred--and
gloomy forebodings took possession OF his
heart. One evening he suddenly received
message that the Walthams had return
ed and wished to see him. With trem-
bling heart he FASTENED to their dwelling.
and rushed, mad with fears, into Agnes
sick room, almost without being announ-
ced. Oh the sight that met his eyes,
Pale. and worn to a skeleton, yet with the
lustrous eye and crimson cheek of the
consumptiye, Agnes Waltham met the eye
of her lover, who parted with her, when
she when she wore al least the appearance
of health. The change was too much tor
him, he staggered TO a chair, and for some
minutes could not speak. Her parents
Wept aloud.
Edward at length found courage TO look
on Agnes again. She was deeply afec-
ted and seemed also unable to speak. But
Oh ! the look of earnest pleading, of deep
unchanging love with which she regarded
her lover.
Edward" at length said Agnes, sPea-
king with difficulty, and extending her
wan hand, 81 am dying and | have long
known it. TO my fate am resigned.
NV only wish has been to reach home,
and ask your forgiveness ere 60 hence.
Had | followed your counsels; had been
less careless Of my health, would now
/ 1.
been happy. But the deed is done. /
hope my heavenly father" she continued,
raising her meek eyes above, "has forglv-
en- me and now seek your pardon-.'
"Oh do not speak of it. God knows
have nothing to forgive" and he sobbed
/ like a child.
"Yes | have been silful--vanity for
bade me 10 do as you wished, and now |
reap as have sown. Oh that fatal
pride Of dress. What matters ii in the
grave to which | am going, in what |
have been decked while here. But do
not weep for me-" here a violent fit of
coughing seized her, and for some minutes
she could not speak. All wept. At
length she gained strength 10 say.
May God bless you, dear, dear Ed
ward You will sometimes think of me
when am gone :"
"Yes yes day and night, my own
Agnes - and he sobbed aloud.
She smiled--and il was an angels smile
AS she replied,
Father, Edward-give me your hands
--mother, dear, kiss me | can now die
happy. Farewell" and, almost before
they were aware of it, her gentle spirit
had departed.
Reader my tale has a moral. May