The Van Buren press., 1870-01-04

of whip marks all over his BODY, ior scVe-
raj days subsequently.
Miss Wilder stepped quietly into the
house and stood sadly regarding Mrs.
Fuller, whs opened her eyes and gave
her u ghastly welcome.
II am glad you have come; could
not die without seeing you. W here is
Edward 2"
II am here" responded that individu'
al, coming forward.
"Just little OF that cruel, there, thank
you, as RosamOnd Wilder with ready
hands put teaspsonful IN her mouth.
I" Sit down, both of you, she said IN
feeble voice. - have very serious
matter to lay before you. l have sen!
for You Miss Wilder for this very pur-
pose, and have been praying that God
might give me breath until your arrival
for my dear Edwards sake.
Her hearers sat perfectly still, wonder
ing what great revelation was about to
be made, and how it could concern the
lady who had been so suddenly called
into the presence Of the sufferer. 1t was
explrined in due course of time. Mrs
Fuller went on:
IL never realized until to day what q
terrible thing it is to die--to leave this
world never to return to it more and to
be SO PROSTATE and weak at the last, as
to be able to make little or no prepara-
ton. 1t is very painful to think ofmy
lonely family after my departure, and l
have been studying to mako some pro-
vision whereby they can be happy when
| shall be here no more. Edward is
kind, good and alfectionate. My children
are well brought up and ebedient. Ed
ward will be vastly more contented like
with a wife, and my children need a
mother. Among all my acquaintance !
know of no one SO well qualified to fill
both those positions as yourself, Rosa
mond Let me ask you to marry Ed
ward, AS soon rs yoa can make your ar
rangements, after my funeral, and be to
him fond and loving wife. Take good
care Of my loving children, promise me
never to be cross 10 them, fix over my
clothes for Agatha and see that they
both wear mittens in winter time, for
they are greatly subjectto chapped hands
And Edward, promise your dying Lucy
that you will shed no tears over her
grave, That you will not give yourself
up to mourning on her account, bat will
wed Rosamond, love her as you have
loved Lucy, and 60 right on with your
farm work as usual
She ceased speaking from apparent ex-
haustion. Rosamond Wilder was con
founded. She was fine, handsome,
sensible woman, of six and twenty, and
although she had never spent six weeks
of her life away from her fathers farm.
she was reasonably well educated. Ed
ward Fuller was the last man in the wide
world she would have chosen under any
circumstances. How was she. 10 com.
municate that fact to his dying wife ?
That was the point,
And how was it with him 4 His wife
certainly had made wrong. hit in the
choice Of his future consort, He had no
hankering after the proprietor of those
sharp eyes that were steadily fixed upon
the quilted cap border Of Agathas doll.
Another face much more to his liking
came before him. But how was he to
say so TO those two women? There was
an embarrassing pause, during which
time the fast sinking woman took Il swal
low Of cold water from the hands Of her
distressed husband, TLcD She rallied
horsplf for one moro effort
>" ain going fast VIII you grant my
dying wish? Edward, do ou promise Z
"I-l--l--" he stammered, perhaps
Miss Wilder wouldn't liAe--it might not
jest Le agreeable"
Rosamond Wilder rose TO her feet, and
bending forward stroked Mrs. Fullers
forehead ..
Don't give yourself any trouble
about those you leave behind cannot
promise to marry your husband, and he
has no intention Of doing such foolish
thing as to say he would marry me if he
could. Compose yourself as much as
possible and leave US two out of the ques.
ton altogether ] must go now else it
will be dark before l get home. i can
walk; Isaac needn't drive me down the
hill," she added, in reply to Mr.. Fulers
offer to send Isaac part way with her.
After she had left the house, Mrs.
Fuller locked full in her husbands face
for moment:
II think you have offended Rossmond
by hesitating SO when l put the Ques-
ton"
But Lucy, didn't want her. III
marry again it will have to be Betsy
Shepherd, or nobody"
betsy Shepherd, indeed Do you
think | would have that little young
whipper-snapper to be the mother Of my
children Never! say nevcr?' And
raising herself upright she gave her hus-
band glance Of the most withcring con-
tempt Il tell you she shall never be
your wife! DO you hear what | say p
We will pass over the short season of
domestic infelicity occasioned by Ed
ward Fullers imprudent remark. and
hasten to the sequel.
Lucy Fuller is still alive, and has en-.
tirely recovered her health.
Pretty, NERY-In passing up street