South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1871-09-08

The iron entered her soul fully when she
was forced to believe that he was dead. and
thenceforth there was only left to her the
shadow Of her happiness
1t was discovered, after Jack bad been
borne home to his weeping and terror.
stricken children, that the stroke was not
to be Immediately fatal as had been at first
supposed. few days of weakness and
pain were still left to him
lie can never recover was the physici
ans decision, but he will probably live for
some weeks
1t Jack had not thought It rebelliou>ly
wicked, be would have murmured at this
Perhaps he may have said
why cannot | die at ouce, since I must
die Why must | live just long enough to
take away from the mouths of my children
even that little portion that have provided
for them 2
The days sped on, aud there was no per
ceptible change in Jacks condition. But
that which disturbed him 10 the time of
health became continual care. His keen
est agony was not from the pangs of his dis
ease he could have endured all that with
out murmur; but to lie there HELPLESS.
knowing that he would never more rise.
and realizing that when he should die, his
children would be left helpless and depen-
dent, was terrible burden upon the soul
of Jack Barton.
90, if l could have been spared few
years longer he groaucd, Il should have
been euabled to provide enough for them to
maintain themselves upon, aud then this
would not have been so bitter
One evening, after he had been sick about
a month, Jessamine and Minnie were seat
ed together by his bedside No one else
was present. Minnie was holding his hand
in hers. 1t was stormy evening in March,
and the wind swept past the cottage with
mournful sound Jack had been very rest
less during the day, but was apparently
now sleeping quietly. Minnie's lips touch
ed his hand softly.
Poor father " she said, Il am glad he
is sleeping
'But am not sleeping he said, open
ing bis eyes full upon them. 4 ara not
sleeping
For few moments he lay quietly, then
his eye grew brighter, and bis arms toss
ed wildly.
'How can sleep he broke forth fierce
ly at last, when have such load upon
my mind? o my children | have not
/ spoken Of this before, for | thought you
had enough to endure in the present, but
think it is my duty to speak now | can
not help it, anyway, and repeat, how can
! sleep when | know that ere long you, my
children, will be left alone TO endure the
sternness, the GOODNESS, the bitterness of q
struggle against poverty and the world =
30 father said Jessamine, do not be
20 distressed on our account.
Il can't help bat be distressed, he an
swered. what prospect can I see in the
future to cheer me? Where is there a hope
of assistance for you when | am gone p
} The MUD of the only living uncle that you
hoye-he is far away from herc-becamc so
absorbed in his wealth years ago, that he
/ could not realize there was any tic of blood
between him and me. ! am not unCharita-
ble-God forgive me if am but be-
levo that it would be as easy to move The
mountain into the sea, as to touch his
heart
Jessamine was softly stroking lis hair.
III will do you harm to t3lk 50 much ,
she said, gently.
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