Squatter sovereign., 1856-07-08

foot Of he bed, without raising his head
FROM his hands.
lis ten years tonight since we were
married. she added, after moment of
silence; and do you remember how I
looked thena y
Yes, Catherine"
SIS there any contrast, John, between
that night and this 2"
The drsilikard groaned.
Tonight. John, breaks the tie beiween
u.s. In the morning you will have no wife.
You wifi be a widower, with three help
less children"
Mr. David's chest heaved convulsively.
IS Catherine. have killed yoas' he ex-
claimed, in an agony of remorse.
81 have suffered she said family,
but with an expression that touched my
heart.
II am a double murderer" he cried.
II have murdered you and myself, and
have made these children OF a wretched
father, beggars! The internal pit will not
be deep enough for me-
| s.That sounds like Johns voice as it
sounded on my wedding night. Husband,
come here. Give me your hand, and let
me forget ten years of my life."
81 shall die-I shall sutfocate with shame
and retnorser'
"Give me your hand, john"
| "No, no! 1t is the hand that smote you
cruelty. Catherine. Good heavens! I
wonder if there is any manhood left in
mes
"Ah, yes.-there is much good in you
vet You will relorm-you will take care
of our children"
"Dear Kate. don't speak SO lovingly
and forgiyingly. Every moment my guilt
assumes more direful form. Hard, hard
indeed, is the way of the drunkard. If
could take your place and die. / would
gladly expatiate my sins"
The face of the dying wife was still Sc
rene; its heavenly placidity increased
Her features grew beautiful as l gazed
and listened Her strength did not fail
very palpably, as one might have expect
ed.
sThe moon was shining very softly
John, when we were welded! And yot
were so manly, too, in mind and person
that was proud of you. l was happy
then, but I'm happier now. / am not 10"
committing myselfto human keeping-bui
to one that 5reaketh not the bruised reed
AL things He ordereth WE'LL
oh, that you could remain year! no"
l would change this hut of poverty" ar
tie,,latei David, pressing his wife's hanc
, to his lips.
's1't.at may not be-the last sands o
time are running out. John, have l evel
treated you uakindlys Have given yos
gracious words or angry lookss Speak
as ia the sight of the angels?''
"Neyer, Catherine, as I'm miserable
, man. 1t is that reflection that adds to IN,
j torture of tins hour. Rebuke me now q
l deserve-do not die without telling ni'
Oi ny brutal DaSeneSS.
"I'm near the land where there are NJ
, reproaches, John. fell nothing within
I me but loye-perfect love casting out tea
fear which hath torment. a silver,
mis-. fills the roon-all things look beautl
ful."
Il The husband sobbed aloud. Thirza'
; eyes overfowed. The girl crept closer t
t me, and nestled her head On my lap.
81 feel sure you will reform" continue
/ the departing wife.
: 81 call these good ladies-I call God
D sHush, husband. I will believe yo
r just as well without an cath. Repair you
: errors, SO far as you may. by your kind
: ness to the children
0 For the first time. her voice faile
through exhaussion. She pressed th
t stricken mans hand, looking at him wit
that transcendent serenity upon her fea
{ lures.
: "Catherine, dear, I darenot ask you |
e forgive me-" he groaned, fixing his eye
n upon Ter with indescribahle earnestness.
;l ..Nor need you. l forgive you unasl
1t ed.' she answered in steady voice.
e ls'You have sefered enough in being witt
f you have been. You have served har'
a Implying master-he has given you II
Il wages of sin.
Il Her powers failed again. Thita
:. lroistened her lips.
e "Raise me, John, and let my head re
where it rested ten years ago, with
ot much happiness"
+. The man did as directed. He wept lii
,ff a child, and his tears rained fast on Il
dresses of his dying vile.
.sLe. the children come.