Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-11-30
THE BROKEN HOME.
"Truth Stranger Than Fiction"

more beautllul IMAM ltS exterior, every
department being in its way a gem of
magnifcence and refinement.
The library especially realizes the
most perfect ideal of an elegant and
cultured home.
And yet, at the moment we look in
upon him-one August afternoon, as
he occupied his library-the proprie-
tor of all this wealth appeared of all
men the most miserable.
He was Mr.. Morton Preble, for
many years a leading banker of San
Francisco.
1t was in vain that the broad bay
window at the south end of the room
had been opened, giving ingress to
the sunshine and the fragrance of rare
fowers-in vain that the walls were
lined with richly carved book cases
and paintings-in vain that soft couch
es and luxurious chairs had been gath
cred around him.
He was wretched.
He lay on q sofa in the depths of
the great bay window, the wreck of a
once powerful man. His figure was
thin and gaunt; his face white as mar
BILE; his eyes having an expression of
woful apprehension, of narrowing aux,
iety, Of dreadful expectancy.
1t was evident at a glance that no
merely physical ailment had made
him what he was.
By what whitening secret, by what
destroying affection, had he been thus
agonized thus haunted thus hunted
he so noble and good he so wealthy
and distinguished
As he moved restlessly upon his
luxurious cushions the pretty cloch
on the mantel piece struck five, every
stroke seeming to fall like a hammer
upon the heart Of the nervous invalid
He aroused himself, struggling fecbly
to a sitting posture.
"Oh, will this fatal day never, new
er pass ?" he murmured; nor brin!
us relief"
Noticing with a nervous start tina
he was alone, he touched a bell upor
q table before him, and called:
"Helen, Helen where are you ?"
Before the echoes of his voice ha
died out step was heard, and hi
wife entered his presence.
81 left you only for moment, Mo-
ton" she said, advancing to the bank
er's side. "You were doing, [ thinl
l wished to send for the doctorr'
She was beautiful woman of SON
six and thirty years, graceful, wit
broad white brows, and loving eye
in which the brightness and sweetne,
ola sunshiny nature were still percep
ible, under a grief and anxiety no le
poignant than that evinced by h
husband.
The doctorT he echoed, half 7
proachfully.
"Yes, dear she said, in a calm al
cheerful voice, as she drew a chair
the side of the sofa, and sat dow
stroking the corrugated forehead
the invalid with magnetic touch
ale will be here Immediately. Yo
last nervous crisis alarmed me. "
may become seriously illw
Mr.. Preble bestowed an aGcctiC
ate look upon his wife, but said {
spondently:
"The doctor! He cannot 'minist
to a mind diseasedP Oh, if these 10
hours would only pass If l OIL
knew what the day has yet in ste
for us p
"Look up, Mortonw enjoiaed NJ
Preble, with a reverential trust
glance upward through the open W
dow at the blue sky, and as if look
beyond the azure clouds therein.
"Let us appeal from the injustice a
wickedness Of earth to the goodn
and mercy of heaven"
The banker gave a low, sobb
sigh.
al cannot look up, HeIen," ne
swered. with a passionate tremor
his voice" only down, down at
grave that is opening before me "
Mrs. Preble continued to stroke
forehead softly, while she lifted
pale face to the sunlight streaming
to the apartment.
"Look up, Morton-always Il
up" she again enjoined upon the
valid. During all these fourt,
years of agony, have not once dor
ed either the goodness or the just
of heaven. Blessed are they t
mourn; for they shall be comfort,
| believe that we shall yet rejoice m
keenly than we have mourned, ;
that we shall come to a glorious
of joy beyond all this long night
SORROW
The face of the invalid lighted
with an answering glow, and he n
INJURED:
"Glorious faith Ny wife, you
indeed blessed comforter Perhi
after all, you are right ~
A knock resounded on a side d
at this juncture, and the next nom
DR.. Hutton, the family physician,
whom Mrs. Preble had sent, ente
the room.
He was an old man, portly in fig
with white hair aud beard, but wi
fresh and rudy complexion, pan
ShrewG blue eyes, and with an ex
rant boyisbness of manner that
well upon him. He had kind h
and a clear head. He approached
sofa, after greeting the husband
wife, aud lifted the thin restless
of the invalid, feeling his pulse.
"Quite high fever" he said, a
a brief pause. Worrying again
Mr.. Preble? You are wearing Y
self out. Medicine will do yor
good SO long as your mind is in
present condition. must give
an opiate-"
"Not now, DOCTOR" interposed
banker. Z" cannot-must not-s
to-day! | need to be broad av
now, for | cannot tell at any NOR
what the next may bring forth.
looking for the elimination of al
years of anguish-for the crow
agony of the whole. Perhaps
now All, what was that ?"