The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-10-04

hours of pain, but was always SO cheerful,
that do not think of them when remem-
Der the heavenly days in which he sojourned
with US. | grew daily more gentle and
peaceful, and began to care more for those
around me. My mother was astonished at
my happy nut thoughtful sace, and | knew
from the pleasant smiles that We're returned
to my greetings, that that my own had been
warmer than of old. now and then went,
at Arthurs request, to see some poor people
whom he had aided, and carried them his
ala,s, and so learned to know the very poor,
aud give them such aid as my scanty purse
would allow. And SO they passed, those
days of happiness, and l said to myself, with
thankful heart: MY cup runneth over
But sorrow was at hand, though my heart
did not feel its coming shadow. Love, strong
and true, had sprung up in my heart for him,
who lay helpless beneath our roof yet in his
hel plessness was SO much stronger and wiser
than !. And no troubling doubts crossed
my mind whether he loved me, as might
have veXed me had he been well, and ming
ling in the society of others. Now he was
all my own, ant thought not Of the days of
separation that might come. At last the
time came, and We were severed, but not by
his altered heart, nor forever.
Gradually the doctor grew sraver when he
came. Strange symptoms began to show
themselves in Arthur. Though his limb
healed he seemed to gain no strength; his
cough, which We had hardly noticed when he
first came, grew more alarming, and one
morning the fit of coughing resulted in Vi
olent hemorhage. was away at the time,
and as had tried to shut my eyes to his dai-
ly increasing weakness, which was not hard
when the spirit within burned 50 bright when
the smile was ever ready on his lirs, on my
return, was shocked at his pallor and his
PROSTATE condition. For several DAYS he
was forbidden to speak, and | sat by him,
while at home, with heavy heart; though
when he smiled his thanks for any little at
tention, forced myself to smile too. Once
when he raised my hand to his lips, as han
ded him glass of water. left the room, and
il my own chamber gave way - my uncon-
trollabIe grief. But dreading TO lose sight
of him. soon sundnced nv emotion, and re-
turned as.n 10 minister to the patient anu
gentle sufferer.
For some time after he was allowed to
speak. he seemed TO have something on his
llind that he could no, trust himself TO say,
but would follow NE with his eyes around
the room, or lay gazing at ME a> | sat Al
work, til it .ceme,. as if must give way my
self, and allow the pent-up feelings 10 burst
forth. But restrained myself for his sake.
Only at night, when should have slept, Wa
terins my pillow with tears, l besousht God
to spare HIM TO me We. 4 little while.
One afternoon | had thrown open the
blinds to let into his room the golden rays o,
the setting sun, and resumed my place at his
side. when he strerched ont his hand for mine
and holding il tender!y in his own, he said
to me in broken sentences
Margaret, my sun is almos. Set. sm go
ing fast At first it seemed so hard-lite ha.
been so sweet since | knew vou-I had such
bright visions We shall meet in heaven
shall VT not, darling love YOU more than
YOU know-but leave YOU in Gods hands =
He knows best-love him, and We shall meet
and never part, IN heaven.
could not answer, but bending down,
kissed him passionately many times, while
my fast-howing tears wet his cheek. ii.
smiled so sweetly, and looked SO like an an.
gel as he lay there, that could not STAY
went to my own room. and prayed in an
agony for strength, till strength came.
sat with him all that night, but he seemed tC
sleep. As morning dawned. he reused again
and stretching out his arms to me. said Good
bye. darling"
For nom, mt he held me to his heart with
supernatural strength, and then fell back or
his pillow. SO he lay for some time, witt
my hand clasped in his, and then said softly
with a radiant smile -
i will arise and go to my father. In my
Fathers house are many mansions" ANT
then all was over.
For day or two was calm, but after the
funeral was over, and the house was quiet
again, the loneliness seemed intolerable.-
For many weeks the world seemed very dark
and life a terrible burden, but repeated Over
and over to myself, Arthur's dear words.
read again and again in the Bible the text
and passages he loved, and at last swee
peace entered my heart, never to depart.
have had many troubles since then, but moth
ing could shake that abiding sense Of rest
All seemed light after that one great sorrow
and life has never been to ME the gloomy
weary thing it was before | knew him. Ii
living for others comfort, have found hap
piness myself. He left me in his will "a few
words written with difficulty while he Wa
i'll, but which no one disputed) small sun
to carry out some charitable plans he ha'
formed, and this gave me employment TO
some time, which was very sweet, fol it seem
ed as if his spirit ever hovcred over me-, whil
fulfilled his wishes. My scholars were NOR