The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1858-12-08

on his chalr, ana paused " moment, Wnno
we all looked at him in breathless ankle
ty. After time, he stammered that there
had been fearful railroad accident on
the railroad, and Edward was-lost!
1t seemed like death to me. For
hours 1 was alternately insensible, and con-
scious of cruel misery.
was entirely unaware of what was
taking place around me. At last grew
more tranquil. The first words l heard
were from old DR.. Goodenough, who
stood at my bedside. comprehended
there was a medical consultation.
"This nervous prostration could not be
brought about suddenly, even by such a
shock. have long observed this poor
girls unhappiness. 1t has worn her
down to the grave. Between us, do
not think she is treated over kindly. She
ought to have happy home to make
her expand well. She is like my boauti-
full, delicate, pink oxalysis. They never
open, sir, unless the sun shines upon
them-the full sun, sir, without it they
are only twisted up, ugly little wisps."
The answering voice made me tremble.
1t was DR.. Els.
"Have you known her we'll, doctor 2
mean her disposition?
Certainly, sir certainly! Ever since
she was child"
"They say she is deceitful, and an &C
tress, and that occasions their GOODNESS to
her. l don't wish to defend them, heaven
knows! 1 would be'most happy am
quite miserable not to believe her all
once thought her. But the whole family,
except Edward, who is stranger to her,
seem to think her not trustful."
"Then rash treatment has made her
so; but | don't believe it, for never saw
moro open child. She was always a
| timid little thing, ready to shrink, wanting
encouragement. No doubt if repealed,
she would conceal her warmer feelings
I but the truth, neverr'
"But even the gentle Letitia--"
Fal-de-raI-a little blind mole =
Those boys are at the bottom Of it. With
equal fortune, and superior personal at
fractions, Agnes has raised their jealous
fear of her cutting their sister out in soci-
ETY.. That is it my dear fellow, [ see
through it,
had tried many times to interrupt this
conversation but found my senses acute,
while my will was powerless. 1t was
laudanum which so benumbed me, and !
soon fell into short sleep full of horrible
visions, laudanum fancies.
was awaked again by nervous ire
NOR. DR.. Goodenough was still talking
&" very likely, very likely. He is a
handsome follow, and he is no more real
relation to her than you are, or than ]
am"
turned and moaned in an effort to
speak.
"Agnes! Agnesw said DR.. Goodeu-
ough arousing me. "Look at old daddy
Goodenough, there's darling. Do you
know me!"
eyes, yes!" / said. Put me to sleep
again, dear doctor. Please do, and let me
forget all abou. it."
mo, no." he said, "look at your old
and nurse, who had you in his arms
when you were but small morsel
Can you listen to your old friend! Be a
good child, and try to be strong as a lioh.
have got something to tell you, which
you must brace yourself to hear.
Ispraug up in nervous horror. "Oh,
don't! don'tm | ssid, "don't tell me that
again"
"No. no, pet. Shall not hear that a.
oa;a for certain. Calm yourself now.
Look at me to see if / have bad news to
tell. How do / look? All palo and
grieyed. No, no, my gills, arc rosy amt
ttey? Now smile a bit, for / have good
news.
At this moment there came quick
knock at the door, and without an in
slant pause, it flow open. Edward en-
tered, crying in no subdued voice to some
OBTAINING person outside.
"She'll be all right the moment she
sees I'm safe, and not all smashed up
yet" u dI
+ ! reached out my arms, and was in
stantly clasped in his gently, affectionate-
". When sank back upon my pillow
again, my eyes caught one glance of DR..
Els pale, watchful face, but they
sbrank from him and encountered DIR.
Goodonough's angry dignity. He was