The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-11-25
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THE BROKEN, HOME.
''TRUTH sTRANaER. THAN F1gr1oNs" !"

Ot fOlSOIQ rbIxCoO, OvcTAUOkiuR mlbSlOn
Bay. stands palatial residence.
Tho interior of this house is oven
more beautiful than its exterior, every
apartment being in its way q gem of
magniticence and refinement
The library. especially, realizes the
most perfect ideal OF an elegant and cul-
t,red home.
And yet, at the moment we look in
upon him-one August afternoon, as he
occupied his library---the proprietor OF
all this wealth appeared, of all men, the
most miserable. s.ss
He was Mr.. Morton Preble, for many
years q leading banker Of San Francisco.
It was in vain that the broad bay-win-
dow ut the South end -of the, room had
been opened, giving ingress to the sun
shine and the fragrance of rare flowers
in vain that the walls, were lined with
richly carved bookcases and paintings
in vain that soft couches and luxurious
chairs had been gathered around him.
Ho was wretched.
He lay on sofn, in the depths Of the
great bny-window. the wreck of q once
powerful man. His figure was thin and
gaunt; his face white as marble; his eyes
having an expression of woful apprehen-
sion, of narrowing anxiety, OF dreadful
expectancy.
It was evident ut glance that no
merely physical ailment had made Kim
what he was.
BY what witlrering secret, by what de-
stroying af1iction, had ho been thus ago
SO noble and goodl he, SO wealthy and
distinguished!
AS he moved restessly upon his luxu-
rious cushions the pretty clock on the
mantel- piece struck five, every stroke
seeming to fall like hammer upon the
heart of the nervous invalid. He aroused
himself, struggling feebly to sitting
posture.
ooh. will thia fatal day never, never
passs?," he murmqred; "nor bring US re-
Noticing with nervous start that he
was Alone he touched bell upon o ta-
BILE before him, and called:
''Helen, Helen where are your"
Before the echoes of his voice had
died out a step was heard. and his wife
entered his presence.
''Il left you only for moment, Nor
ton, she said, advancing to the banker's
side. ''You were DOING, I think. I
wished to send for the doctor!'
She was beautiful woman, of some
elk and thirty years, graceful, with broad
white brows, and loving eyes, in which
the brightness and sweetness of sun
shiny nature were still perceptible, un-
der grief and anxiety no less poignant
than that evinced by her husband
''The doctorl" ho echoed, half-re-
proachfully. 81;
''Yes. DEAR" she said, in calm and
cheerful voice, as she drew chair to the
side of the sola, and sat down, stroking
tho corrugated forehead of the invalid
with O magnetic touch. "He will be here
Immediately. Your last nervous crisis
alarmed me. You may become seriously
ill"
Mr.. Preble bestowed an affectionate
look upon his wife, but said despond.
emily: ,....,
''The doctorl He cannot minister. to
mind diseasedr Oh, if these long
hours would only pass! If I only knew
what the day has yet in store for usr'
'Look up, Morton!" enjoined Mrs.
Preble, with reverently trustful glance
upward through the open window at the
blue sky, and US if looking beyond the
azure clouds therein. "Let us appeal
from the injustice and wickedness of
earth to- the goodness and mercy of
Heavenl' ..tl.,. - -
The banker gave low, sobbing sigh.
81 cannot look up, Helen" he answer
ed, with q passionate tremor in his voice.
"only down, down ut the grave that is
opening before mer' '
Mrs. Preble continued to stroke his
forehead softly, while she. lifted her pale
face to the sunlight streaming into the
apartment.
"Look mp. Morton-always look up!'
she again eDjoihed upon the invalid
During all these fourteen. years of ago
ny, have not once doubtelNeither the
goodness or the Justice OF Heaven.
Blessed are they tlfat. mourn; for they
shall be coinio:ted.x Tbelieve that we
shall yet rejoice mare keenly than we
have mourned, lrrd that we shall come to
Ica glorious day OF joy beyond oil this long
The face Of the invalid lighted Awith
IN answering glow, and he Ainmured:
GLORIOUS faith My W vau are in
deed blessed comforter! Anps, after
all, you are right" -%A\ y
A knock resoundsd Do a de door at
this juncture, and the next moment DIR.
Hutton, the family physician, for whom
Mrs. frebie had sent, entered the room.
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