The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-05-25

NO. 4 5. Il
er. Like hunted stag she bounded to
her feet, and stood confronting her aunt
with eyes that blazed and checks
af1ame.
"Mrs. Levering, what you say is not
true, and you know it: Two days ago
you had company, and made mo remove
warm apron and carry him with bare
neck and arms into the parlor. It
made my h,art ache to see the little
blue lips ouivering With cold when 1
came back With him, but it was no will
of mine that exposed him so cruelty.
All night that he vas restless, all yester.
day he Was feverish and fretful. With
what pain at heart carried him in my
arms, trying to soothe him, God alone
knows. told you he was Ill, and you
said it vas 'uonsense,' aud bade me
take care of him. 1 did SO most faith
fully, for in the wide world Freddie
was all I had to love, aud the thought
of his suffering nearly broke my heart.
Now he is dead, aud you say my care
lessness killed him. Oh, cruel, cruel p
She sank, painting, upon chair, and
Mrs. lowering was borne from the room
in violent Mysteries. Estelle had gone
out sometime previous, aud Mr.. Lever.
ing now attended his shrieking wife, so
only Constance, the doctor and 1 re-
mained in the nursery. Doctor Mer-
Inns eyes were humid apd his voice full
of tender pity as he took Constance's
hands within his own.
"My poor child, it was no fault Of
yours, l am assured. Rest in peace.
Miss Harland, may trust that you will
take this little nurse in charge, aud see
that she has refreshment and rest p
turning to me. "It she does not we
shall have her ill next"
"Ob, let ne .lone," she mo.ned.
"Don't try to help me. What have I
to live for now W
"Constance!' his voice was deep and
grave, bringing her face up sud 1enly
with apprehension. "Do you mean to
say you would willfally throw away the
life given you because of trials. All
who love God, come up to Him
through h great tribulation.' You must
bear your cross patiently, do all you
can for: the good of others, and take
proper care of yourself. None of Us
have a right to cast tho boon Of life
back into the face Of our Creator, who
has placed us here for His work. We
are suicidal when We willfully pass over
necessary care to our own health and
lives. Rouse yourself-be strong, and
willing to suffer for Christ's sake.
The reward will come"
How loved the man for his true,
good words, spoken to the lowly rela.
tive, the despised servant of his proud
patrons. His tone and manner were
stronger proof of sincerity and loving
kindness, and the effect upon her was
magical She stood up pale and tremb.
ling, but with a penitent look.
"God forgive me. I was rebellious,
and some things are so bitter. 1t was
hard enough to lose my baby cousin,
my little pet, without this other. Yet
it was bitterest Of the two. Yet I will
bear patiently, and, Doctor Merlin,
thank you for bringing me back to my.
self by such kind words of help, God
bless you, sir"
At this moment Mrs. Levering'e
maid came down for the doctor and he
left the room.
Constance turned to Freddie, kissed
the little waxen cheeks and forehead
pressed the long, silky fringes dowr
over the beautiful eyes, began to ar
range him for the grave. 1 could mol
bear to see that young creature per
forming such sad duties alone, ant
went to her with assistance.
Whep all was finished, I made he,
60 to my room and ordered some to-
and toast sent up for her. Leaving
q servant in the nursery, I went t.
Mrs. Levering's room for a moment
and seeing that she was we'll attended
sought my little protege, resolved t
take her under my charge as the doc
ter had requested.
Several days passed. The funera
was over, aud the house was desolatt
Indeed. Somebody has said . "b.b
iu the house is a we'll spring Of con
stant joy," and now that Freddie va.
gone oil seemed cold, silent aud dreary
began seriously to think Of abandon
ing my intention to remain through
the holidays, and 60 back to my couu
try homo in the east. With thi
thought in my mind l spoke to Con
stance the evening after the funeral.
"You are not happy here" 1 said
"and have come to love you so muct
that am discontented With your pres
eut position. Will you come hon'
with me, Constance, be my little frieu.
companion, sister? You shall shar
all the advantages possess, aud if .
can give you sympathy and pleasure
enough to make up in part for the pas,
II will do it most gladly. Do not speal
hastily, child Think first if you voull
like it, and if you can, I will arrange
| With vonr onnt g.. -:u .x:A