The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-09-29
WASHINGTON. D. G.
For the National Era
MY He R IN E.
BY EDWARD SPENC
CHAPTER III.


woman Ike her in love, can understand it; il
would be vain to attempt to explain, or any
how TO indicate, her condition to others. She
was to come out of it, purged and purified, and
that is enough for US to know.
Happily for her, the rapport Of her soul with
Oscars was at first sufficiently close and conf
Dental He wrote often, and fondly, and he
wa among her friends. He studied law with
her own legal agent, he boarded with some oil
her scqnaiHtanees. and he visited where she
was known. Itwould have been easy for her
to have gone to the city, and to have been near
him; but, much as she longed to do SO, there
was an invincible something that held her back.
he must not think she was afraid to trust
him, or wished to watch him. And now that
she was his .fancee, it would be improper for
her any longer to play the part of elder sister.
No; she would wait patiently; and SO she did,
hugging his letters to her bosom, and dreaming
Of him each night.
Poor Lizzie the end was not far off. Only
she could have met it as she did.
The year vas near its close. He was study
ing most assiduously, he wrote, and would
soon pass his examinations. Was that the
reason she had not heard from him during this
past fortnight? Yet at college he had never
failed to write regularly, no matter how busy
he might be. 1t was strange, and her mental
condition disposed her to attach a wondrous
significance to everything like sign or por-
tent. Was there not something gradually
coming between them-some subtle veil, that,
fine as it was, seemed to mark concealment,
70 forerun a reserve? She thought she could
detect it in his more recent letters and what
pain, what agony, the fancy gave her In this
spirit she had written him a letter-the third one
unanswered-full of a gentle yet touching
tone Of reproof-snd with the letter unfolded in
her desk, had gone to bed, and cried herself to
sleep. Now, at breakfast, she had sat, alto
geher unheeding the lecturings of Mrs. Prynn,
only waiting the return of Tom, who was gone
to the post Office. He has come, but no letters,
only one from Mr.. -, her lawyer. She is
ready to sink down in despair; but perhaps
Mr.. -- may have some news for her, from
Oscar.
- Stop, Tom; run down to the stage Office,
and engage a seat for me to the city, in the
two o'clock line Quick and come back soon
Mrs. Prynn, have my clothes been ironed?"
"Yes, Lizzie but what is the matter2"
Oscar Is very i'll, and has nobody to nurse
him. Think Of it! III with the small pox, and
no one will go near him but the doctor and an
old regro!"
She burst into wild tears for moment, but
dried them long before Mrs. Prynn did hers.
II was surprising what stern look our Lizzie
v0r> '-~' a-T -Le ----A hAr nrenarstinns for
departure. Old Tom, lazy enough usually,
danced most assiduous attendance upon her, and
Mrs. Prynn did not dare to pity her, In words,
much as she desired to do go. Only once, she
timidly asked permission to go with Lizzie,
the fact that she had had the disease,
and knew a great deal about nursing; but
lizzie CURLY told her there was no need, and
she must remain at home to take care OF the
house.
At two o'clock. off, and at breakfast time the
next morning Lizzie alighted in the city, at
the door of Oscars boarding house.
A man of forty years, gray and serious,
opened the door, and looked inquiringly to-
wards her
Oscari" she gasped, and could say no
more.
"You must not see him--you will contract
the disease"
She pushed past him without a word, and
entered the house. He went after her, led her
into the parlor placed her in a seat, and raised
the blinds. Why do you want to see Oscar.
Is your name Linda ?'
come to nurse him."
In good time" said the man, with some
sarcasm, since every one has left the house,
save Aunt Chloe and your humble servant, who
am his physician, DR.. Larsh, at your service.
Who are you?"
u am-his sister Where is he? / must
see him.
"Oae moment. His sister? Your name is
not Linda, them
No, it is Lizzie" said she, impatiently'
win you show me to his room ?"
You shall see him. You are not afraid OF
the disease, then ?"
He is my brother
Wait here. and compose yourself You
are a brave little woman, Miss Lizzle-but you
must prepare to be terribly shocked"
am ready, tell you
Come with me, then" said he, Offering his
arm.
Poor Lizzie! In darkened room, famed
and sothered by wrinkled old negro woman, lay
what little remained OF the Oscar she loved
dest delirium. Yet she did not shrink. The
Doctor eyed her closely, and saw that she grew
little pale-nothing more.
He win not die2" she whispered.
The crisis comes tonight" was the re
sponSe.
She laid of her bonnet and shawl passed bel
hand once across her hair to smooth it, and ap
preached the bed. AS she did so, Aunt Chlo'
rose from her chair, surrendering it withou
question. Lizzie bent over and kissed the hp
Of the sick man. Had she not heard his voice
there was nothing TO remind her that this wa
Oscar. Yes-his watch licked over the mantle
from a case she had made for him.
"Lizziel" shrieked he, beating his sore ant
swollen hands about feebly, Lizzie
Il am here, Oscar" said she, kissing hin
again.
d" Not Lizzie" shrieked he, yet more loudly
not Lizzie but Linda. Kiss me, Linda. 70
are in Abraham's bosom-kiss me, need
be cooled
She kissed him again. "Oh, Linda. Lizzi
Is good, very good, ike the angels but -
love you :"
Strange that his words should affect 20
more than the sight of him." said DIR. Larsi
gong near her. " GU must not faint. To-
bid that. And l am going to send you ava
from here. l thought you were his sister
His words were half sad, half bitter.
Lizzie, pale as death, thunder-smitten, wa
yet able to raise her head under the Doctor
taunts She looked at him for moment quie
ly, and then said:
Why torture ME with more than there
need? Is not his enough" pointing to tn
bed. Now at least am doubly his sister,"
. Pardon me-" cried the Doctor, seizing be
hand, You are doubly heroine, and you shal
nurse him with me. | can save his face, too,
think, Miss Lizzie -
Save his life" said she, with emphasis.
All" said he, with little humor, tina
may be your sole concern, but l do not thin
he would forgive me for letting escape an
chanca To =. IoS. IS