Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1869-07-08

tlu NolleCtOr uiieF nau been Ill fof
weeks. II WAS night. and the lamp in
the sick-room had burned down. still
the impression the apartment gave
was one OF case and comfort. The
elegant carpet covering the floor pre-
vented the noise Of footsteps being
heard. Several bottles of medicine
partly cmptied stood on the table near
the bed. Beside the fireplace. on an
easy chair. sat young girl apparently
asleep. II was the collectors daughter
Her checks were pale. and the fatigue
Of long watching was visible in her
lovely face. a peculiar attraction lay
in her features. The eyes, of course.
were closed. but the dark hair and the
beautifully archei brows made it very
probable that the eyes were OF the
same color. There was something
oriental in her profile. The small,
beautifully chiseled mouth was closed,
and this peculiarly gave the face a
somewhat austere expression
The sick man had raised himself in
his bed and looked about the room.
When he saw his daughter asleep, he
thought she must be worn out, for she
had scarcely left his room for weeks.
He was glad to see her rest. rs he hal
made the painful observation that her
dark eye had lost its brightness. and
the bloom of youth had fed from her
cheeks. She was his only child. and
he dearly loved her. Since the death
Of his faithful wife Fuller had thought
of nothing but her future happiness.
lie raised himself with great pain
and looked at his sleeping child
Great anxiety overwhelmed him; he
well knew the cause of it. For davs
past he had prepared himself for the
coming conflict OF death. He knew
there was no hope for him. yet he
thought he had already conquered the
dread OF death and the parting from
his child. He thought he would have
been able to pass through the last or
deal without that agony which now
filed his heart but now, alas his
courage was failing.
lie had to disturb the fair sleeper
he could not part from her without one
more glance from her loving eyes, and
without a farewell kiss and a pressure
from her hand. ~ endeavored TO
raise himself again. but his strength
failed him.
Ellen. dear Ellen" he murmnr.
ed.
The girl started, terrified at finding
herself asleep, and vexed at slumber
having overpowered her; she sprang
up and went to her fathers bedside.
He took her hand.
Sleep hes overpowered me, she
said, as il to excuse herself.
Mature must be obeyed, love, he
said with a weak smile "you needed
rest, and l would not have awaked you
il motif not"
What is it. father" Ellen asked,
bending over him.
..Give me q glass Of water, child,
the sick man said, unable to tell her
what he wanted.
She followed the Summons, but he
only drank y lew OHOpS.
do you feel any better, papa!"
The poor girl had NO conception OF
the real state Of his sickness. She
confidently hoped he would recover,
and thought it impossible that he could
die. But could he leave her in this il
lusion: There were many things he
had to talk about, and he could not de-
lay doing so, for death might overtake
him sooner than he thought.
1t was hard task to tell her all,
still speak he must.
"Yes, feel better, b said ''come
Ellen, sit down near my bed-there,
close to me.
She did - be desired her, and took
his hand, which was moist and cold.
She started. "You are cold, father,
she said. II think l had better go for
another blanket.
mo, love-no, don't leave me it's
all useless.
She stared 1t him in amaxement. A
foreboding Of the truth had struck
her.
"Why not, father. Why mott" she
cried in great agitation.
BE quiet, Ellen, he replied, en-.
deavoring to be calm ''you must &C
cept with resignition what can not be
avoided. Up to this moment you be.
lieyed should recover; Why should
cause you pain BY telling that it was
not 80 before it was necessary! But
l dare not longer leave yo0 in this IL
lusion; you ought to know ths truth
there il no hope for mel"
''Gracioos God! no hope! she