The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1869-12-13
THE WRONG TICKET.
Conclusion. !

Conclusion.
She lifted her head from my shoulder,
and clasped my hand in her shaking
palms, her startled eyes on my face.
"Be happy" said joyfully. "He
livesw
The sweet head nodded aside, and she
slipped down fainting.
It wasn't long before she revived, but
it was long before could quiet her and
persuade her, not only that Heine lived,
but it was best she should not rush to
him that minute. At length bethought
me of the little curtained window in
nv room looking into the ward; and
drawing the curtain partly away, gave
her peep at him, as he sat there read
ing. Trembling all over, she stood, and,
without moving her eyes, drank in the
sight, as one perishing of thirst drinks
in water. The tears began to flow fast
and the sobs to come.
'Iloyed him so all the time," she said
"and once thought he loved me. But
it seems not, or else they made mischief
between us. would never have sought
him living, never but when l thought
him dead my pride was in tho dust. l
would have crawled here On my knees, if
could have got here in no other way.
How pale and sober he looks. Is he very
i'll 7"
"No; his foot has been bad, but it is
getting on so well that be can walk
about little with crutGh."
~ have suffered so during the last
year." she sobbed, but wiping her
10 ~, ,ir,ht lnoa
sight of him. at has worn me to
shadow; and | couldn't tell anybody.
They thought that was in consumption,
and let them think it; but it was only
heartache, and that is worse. You may
think it strange, dear lady, that l talk
so to YOU" stretching out little white
hand to me, but unable to remove her
eyes from him: "but this shock ha.
broken my reserve and l must speak
once, or die"
"Dear child, contide in me-" l said,
"and trust also the future. Now | must
90 back to the ward. Will you stay
here alone, or do you wish to so in now
to see himi"
"Oh, now she cried, ia alarm, the
blood pouring into her face. "What
would he Think l only wanted to GO
in when did not know what l was
about. / wouldn't have him know, not
for worlds, that / am here !"
"What you will go back without
speaking to him, or letting him know 7"
asked.
"Surcly," she said, ait is enough for
me that he lives Dead, l might have
claimed him; but living, l am nothing
to him."
"You are much to him." l could not
help saying. "He has told me of you,
and think he prefers you to any other.
Besides, you should pity as well as love
him. He thinks that he has scarcely q
friend in the world. That is what he
looks so pale aud sober about now"
"But don't tell him l am herew she
pleaded, as went ont the door; and
turning to promise, l saw the light of
new hope blooming in her face.
| could think of nothing else, and
made every excuse to go often and speak
to Heine that she might see him more
and look up. But she nor l could see
no smile on his face, though he had
seldom more reason to smile. Little did
he know whose loving eyes were watch
ing him.
went back to my room presently, and
the more l saw Of this young stranger,
the moro admired her, and the less |
wondercu at him for loving her. She
was so sweet and dainty; and such
strong true heart beat in her breast. |
did not like her less that she persisted
she must 90 back the next MORNINGS and
refused me permission to tell him of her
coming, though had no intention of
Obeying her
She stayed with me that night, and
was expecting to start in the morning
at 10 o'clock. My morning labors done,
/ went and sat by Heine's bed, mindful
of the eyes that unseen watched us.
"Heine," said, wouldn't you like to
know how Helen Ayre took the news of
your death 2"
He was sinking pale and gloomy, all
his old cheerfulness gone. At my ques.
ton he half turned away his head,
No" he answered bitterly; 81 have
had enoughw
ooh, very well, then; l won't tell yen
But thought you might care to know"
said carelessly.
What do you meant" he exclaimed,
turning his eager face to me again.
"Oh; it's no matter" said, making d
pretense of going away. "If you don't
feel any interest"
powerful hand grasped my wrist
and held me. Heine must have been
strongly moved to DO that. He did not
even apologize when l resumed my
seat, somewhat disconcertsd at such an
exhibition before a score or so of men
who coulda't know what the matter
was.
Has she written - he asked tremb-
ing with impatience.
mo; but happen to know her. She
had business in Washington, and called
to see me-"
Darn these women. What torments
they are" he exclaimed fiercely. Why
don't you tell NOR
forgave him on the spot, for he
couldn't help it.
The poor little soul was much eriey-
ed though you don't deserve it," / said.
"But l comforted her. You were a
wretch to desert such a creature. and
. fool to let the Van Dorms dupe you
So" ~"
Where is she I" he painted out.
oh, sheis going North this morning, y
lsaid carelessly. "Her visit is over,