The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-03-10
For the Bloomfield Times.
THE MYSTERIOUS FRIEND
A Story Of Old Virginia
CONTINUED.

door Morgiana Chester! She had in
Il deed come back to life, but she had
been awakened only to find all reason
gone. The soft light of her mild eye, the
heavenly purity ofher passive countenance,
and the gentle dew-drops of her souls sor-
row were gone--all gone She was mad
The frail throne of her mind that had been
toppling for years upon its foundation, had
now fallen, and beneath its weight the soul
fell crashing to utter chaos
A moment Chiron gazed tearlessly upon
the scene-then he took the young hunter
gently by the arm and led him unresisting-
ly from the spot.
A week had passed away since the mel
ancholy development recorded above
In quiet, handsomely furnished cham
> ber in the mansion of Sir Oliver VIM
pie, reposed, upon bed of downy softness,
the form of the poor maniac mother A
raging fever had set in, caused by her ex-
posure in the forest, and, at the earnest re-
quest of the baronet, sustained by the per-
mission of an excellent physician, she had
been removed to her present quarters. The
gentle Ada had nursed her with a fond
daughters care-Elpsey never left her side,
while Lady Wimple left nothing undone
for her comfort.
Morgiana had raved exceedingly-some-
times for her husband, sometimes for her
son, and anon her mind would turn upon
the secret of the old oaken chest. Her raw
ings were wild and incoherent, but they
lasted only an hour or 80 at time, her
physical strength soon giving way beneath
them. She recognized no one, not even
her son, for her mind seemed utterly up
rooted.
1t was towards the close of the day that
the physician called in his daily visit, and
as he entered his patients chamber smile
of satisfaction lit upon his features. Nor
giana had just sunk into an easy, grateful
slumber, and profuse perspiration was
upon her brow and temples. Her skin was
moist and soft, and her pulse-that index
to the beating heart-was steadier than 1t
had been for week. Those hard, painful
lines that had marked the maniac's fair
countenance, had softened TO more PEN
sive look, and the blue veins, which had
been so long swollen almost to bursting,
left now only their azure tracings beneath
the transparent skin. The right hand was
thrown over her head, and the left arm
was outstretched, as if to give more room
for the heart.
Orlando stood at the foot Of the bed, and
by his side leaned Ada Upon the count
enance of the youth there was a broad ray
of hope, which seemed reflection of the
physicians own smile, and yet he watch
ed the latter's movements with nervous
anxiety. AS the doctor turned 10 leave
the room, he beckoned for Orlando TO fol
low him.
"Mr Chester" said the physician, as
soon as they had reached the hall, i'your
mortheris past all present danger"
"Great God, l thank your calculated
the youth, as he olasped his hands together
"Let her not be disturbed to-night,n
continued the physician, "for II ! am not
greatly mistaken she will sleep quietly till
morning. Yet, she must be narrowly
watched and properly cared for"
At this moment Chiron entered the hall,
and joyous look oyerspread his face as he
heard the result of the DOCTORS investiga-
tion. 54 a. tisb,3
Doctor" said he, as that individual
was upon the point Of turning to depart