Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-04-27
An Original Story,
The Brothers Revenge
Written for the "FRmant IomId," by Leila


CHAPTER VII.
Nell came, and in little rosewood box
found the letter, where all neglected and
forgotten it had lain since the memorable
day on which Minnie had received it.
Nell had happened to see it lying on the
floor besee her young mistress as they were
raising her from it and supporting her to
the bed, and picking it up saw that it was
from the Colonel, and that was for her a
sufficient reason why it should be laid aside
and kept inviolate. Mrs. Ashberton did
not notice it in the excitement, and Frank
wholly forgot it in his anxiety for his sis
ter's restoration to health. So that no one
of the family save Minnie, knew aught of
its contents, else Col. Lincoln had not spent
so many hours beside the poor sufferers
sick couch during those terrible days of
weary anxiety and alternate hopes and
fears.
Minnie says as Frank takes the letter
from Nell's hand:
Lay me down you and Nell, before you
read it. am tired
But in reality the sight of that ill-omen
ed messenger again made her heart grow
faint, and she knew she must lie down tc
hide the deep pain she felt, else herstrength
would again give way, and she could not
endure-and perhaps all that sad, fearful
reality would have to be lived over in stern.
er reality than dreams For her own sake
she had no thought but for herfamily, those
loved ones. She mourned for them and
dreaded the coming future, for full well she
knew twas bringing in its train hours Of
bitter anguish, of heartfelt sorrow to hel
sunny home, and the dear ones who loved
her next to life itself. Aye, full well she
knew that her days were numbered, anc
that Minnie would in a little time more be
sleeping the last, long sleep that knows nc
waking, and that on her grave tears o
deepest grief would water the little viole
there, and the mourning sigh of stricken
broken hearts mingle with the soft evening
breeze that kissed the dew-drops glistenue
meath the moons pale light, DER the rose
buds Franks own hand would plant abov,
her head. These thoughts brought to he
saddened spirits something more of pleas
ure than of pain. 'But for those l leave
she oft-times murmured, Il long to go.-
There shall forget this bitter, bitter woo
and there shall not sorrow, even thoug
he is another's.'
, After Frank had helped to lay her dow
y and had arranged the pillows comfortably
she said she was resting, and now he Nigh
g read He opened the letter and ran hi
o eye hastily overthe contents, and as he pre-
). ceeds his dark eye flashes, his lip whiten
d and compresses, and every now aud then
muttered Curse himp The wretch = 'Curs
/ the black hearted villain I'll tear his vii
i heart off, is heard, and Minnie trembling
ly looks up, and is more than distressed,
very much alarmed indeed to witness he
/, brothers agitated, distracted and agonize
appearance. When he had finished tn
letter he crumpled it in his hand, and the
dashing it to the floor, stamping it beneat
4 his feet, and kicking it across the room, b
exclaimed:
- Would it were thee, vile miscreapt Ay,
d this world cannot hold thee and me. III
It 'Oh Frank, pleads Minnie, come and S
,e down here. Don't let it worry you so.-
Oh dear! I knew it. This is what | S
= dreaded OH now wish l had died b,
fore came back to this terrible waking !
If l had died and left all in ignorance,
W would have been BETTER
le This brings Frank'sscattered senses bacl
id and as be turns and sees that sad, pale fac
instantly the expression of his countenanC
changes. Sitting down beside her he tax,
I her hand, and passes one of his DER h
smooth, white brow, then kissing her chee
with brothers pure, warm love, he viii
pers; Darling, darling Minnie. Poor, po,
- child Twas enough TO kill thee, poor Ii
,e tie snowbird. Inever dreamed who it WI
n that had so wounded thee. My own, m
ae dearest; never mind, poor birdie. Hesha
4 harm thee nevermore.' He goes on soot
of ingly, as he notes the quivering lip ar
III the fearful eyes. No, my darling siste
thy brothec's arm is strong, and he can an
will protect shee. There, there, hush lit
one.'
y He pots her fondly, trying to quiet h
It. as mother would weary, sick child
And she having learned to hide in the dee
eI recesses of her own sad heart every trace
this great sorrow which was so fast eatir
that pure, bright, joyous young life ava
lay there quiet, calm and composed no,
her thin, white face upturned to his, wea
ing a sweet, sad smile, waiting for momel
of something like his wonted cheerfulne
and composure to return to him, when 81
" might talk to him little, and tell hi
o, somewhat of her determination. But 81
,,atko1 I a, ,,otn e.. an;tk. a.. -. th.4 H.