Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-01-04
Mistellan&0ns.
ssrr Is NOT HARD TO DIE,
BY MRS. N. A. DENNIsoN.

| BY MRS. NJ. A. DENNlSON.
"Now, Doctor said sweet-faced girl,
looking with confidence into the kind face
that had bent over her so often, 4" tell me, is
there any certainty that l shall ever recov-
er? l think not; so you see l am prepar-
ed for i'll tidings, and am continually tor
menting mvself with the question Will
you not be candid with me, dear DR.. Ellis p
While there is life"-commenced the
docter but the frad young creature interrupt
ed him, saying,
No, no, octof, that won't do; must
have your professional opinion; and when
I say that ny souls happiness, for the rem
nant of tbs life will-be effected by your de-
cision, sure YOU will grant me this request" !"
But could you bear"
Anything, doctor, but this suspense. I
am willing to be told the exact state of my
case; for, you see, some days l feel so real
ly well, that my hope is unduly excited, and
again, when the sleepless hours and terrible
pains come, death takes an awful shape, and
frightens me out of repose. But if was
certain"-she spoke with solemnity-"I
would teach my mind to dwell upon. it in
such way that nay foolish fears would leave
me-"
"My sweet girl" said the doctor, taking
her wasted hand. al will then grant this
request. You cannot certainly recover, un-
less some extraordinary providence occurs.
Your life may be protracted some months
vet, but not over year at the fartherest so
1t seems to me 1877 ...r
The pale check grew a shade paler, but
the smile faded not on the gentle lips.
"Thank you, DOCTOR" was her reply,
" thank you for your trust and confidence
in me. You shall see 1 will not abuse
them" IH
The beautiful consumptive sat alone in
her large easy chair some moments after
the doctor was gone. She gazed about her
on luxuries which wealth nbOunded had
procured for her pleasures, and the large un-
troubled eye grew dim.
@Then, must die" she said to herself,
sand, oh, this fear, not of an hereafter, but
of that dread passage thro' the valley which
shadows my hours of suffering? Even my
religion does not dissipate that shrinking,
shuddering fear. The impressions of my
childhood viii not 90 away but return with
new force" And as she thus half whisper
ed to herself, a lovely matron entered, and
hurrying to her side kissed the fair brow.
"You are better to-day, child" she said,
in tones of forced calmneSs; nay don't shake
your head so mournfully; indeed, if you
know how much improved you appear" and
she drew a low seat towards the young girl
and sat gazing in her eyes with the holy
love of maternity.
"MOther," said the consumptive, as she
took the matron's hand in her own, 'therc
is something want you to do for me-"
"What is it, darling? Youkn l would
lay down my life for you"
"For an in tant the pale lips quivered
but commanding herself, the young girl re-
piled gently:
81 want you to talk to me of death-of
my own death, which is certainly soon"
any Amy 7" was all the mother could ar
ticulate her voice seemed frozen by horror.
"Yes, mother; for, listen a moment, it 7
will make your poor sick child more willing
to leave earth and find heaven. If you will
talk daily and cheerfulIy of my passing
away:i if you will surround the thought with
and make the last struggle
seem pleasant to me, this strange horror
with which l regard it would fade away and
my mind be drawn more wholly to the bet
ter land. It may be sacrifice to you my
mother, but shall learn to look forward to
my death bed with calmness, which strive
in vain to do. Will you try to do this,
mother! VIII you talk of it ofenl viii
you repeat thesweet words that dying saints
have spokeni VIII you speak Of the
smiles that repoee upon their faces, until 1 {