Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1869-11-25
The Broken Home.
"TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION

In San Francisco, on the north
side Of Folsom street, overlooking
Mission Bay, stands a palatal resi-
The interior Of this house is even
more beautiful than its exterior,
every apartment being in It's way
a GEM Of magni6cence and refine,
ment. q 7ldia s9
The library especially, realizes
the most perfect ideal of an elegant
and cultured home.
And vets the moments we look
in upon him-one August afternoon,
as he occupied his lbrary--the pro-
prietor ofsll this wealth appeared Of
all men the most miserable.
He was Mr.. Morton Preble, for
many years leading banker Of San
f'ranslsce,i 3a
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 fragrance Of rare
flowers in vain that the walls were
lined with richly carved bookcases
aud paintings-in VAIN that soft
couches and luxurious chairs had
been gathered around him.
He was Wretched.
lie Law Oh. sofa IN the depths OF
the great bay window, the wreck of
a once powerful man. His figure
was thin and gaant his face white
as marble; his eyes having an ex.
preston of woful apprehension, of
narrowing anxiety, Of dreadful ex.
pectancy.
1t was evident at a glance that
no merely physical aiIment had
made him what he was.
Ry what whitening secret, by
what destreying affection, had he
been thus agenized :? thus hasnted !?
thus hunted2 he so noble and good
he 50 wealthy and distinguished
As he moved restlessly upon his
luxurious cushions the pretty clock
on the mantle-piece struck FIVE, every
stroke seeming to fall like hammer
upon the heart of the nervous in.
valid. He aroused himself strug.
Cling feebly to Il sitting posture.
"Oh, will-this fatal day never,
pass?" he n4armered nor bring US
reiefY
Noticing with nervous start that
he was alone ,-he touched a bell upon
table before him, aud called:
Helen, Helen where are you? ?"
Before the echoes of his voice had
died out step-was heard, and his
wife entered hApresence.
Il left you only for moment,
Norton" she said, advancing to the
bankers side. /" You were doing, |
think. / wished to send for the doc.
tor u
She was "a beautiful woman, of
some six and thirty wears, graceful,
with broad white brows, and loving
eyes, in which the brightness and
sweetness of a sunshiny nature were
still perceptible, under grief and
axiety no less poignant than that
evinced by her husband
9 The doctor !" he echoed, halfre.
proachfullv.
/" Yes, dear,' she said, in a calm
and cheerful voice, as she drew a
chair to the side of the sofa. and sat
down, stroking the corrugated fore
head of the Invalid with a magnetic
touch. " He will be here immedi
ately. Your last nervous crisis
alarmed me. You may become
seriously i'll !"
Mr.. Preble bestowed an affection
ate look upon his wife, but said
despondeHtlv;
. The DOCTOR He cannot minis
ter to mind diseased !! Oh, if
these long -hours would only pass !
If | only knew what the day has yet
in store for us "
Lookup, Norton !" emoind Mrs.
Preble, with a reverently trusttul
glance upward through the open
window 1.-THE blue sky, and as if
looking beyond the azure clouds
therein. =. Let US appeal from the
injustice and wickedness of earth to
the goodness and mercy of Heaven !
The banker gave low, sobblng
sigh.
II cannot look up, Helen he
answeredwith a passionate tremor in
bis voice" only down, down at the
grave that is opening before me j
Mrs. PJeble continued to stroke
his forehead softly, while she lifted
her pala faoo m tho cunlioht strean.