Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1874-05-21

brings me fame and fortune can then
make Jon all my own. and there win be
no more good nights, no more partings in
the storm for u.s."
They passed down the stairs and out
into the street together. unconscious Of
the shadow closing upon them nearer and
bIackefs At the door Of Hester's home
they parted with lingering good-by.
my precious music" cried Robert.
buttoning his coat closer about him. mo
harm must come to that. II represents
fame and fortune and love and honor fsr
dee and me. my darling"
Hester kfted . small vet face 10 peer
fnoo the gloom. -
- uish ron scnld stay. she sid
"And Oh. Robert. be careful Of the cliffs
the path is SO lonely and dangerous. I
shall come early to rehearsal tomorrow
for the sake of knowing that you are safe. :"
'.Do!" be answered. II shall bring
you glad tidings. Success is too near for
me to miss now. Good-nig ght. goodnight,
my sweetheart - And SO speaking he
passed from her into the shadow of his
awaiting doom.
After that night Of storm the dag dawned
clear and cool. At St. Paul's the choral
society. just then in the FIRST flush of en-
thusiasm over new oratorio. gathered ear
ly. Onc-Two-Thrce! the great bells
chimed the hours and the singers waited
impatiently for their leader. Something
had detained him most likely; he would
come soon The hour struck Four and
he had not come. and Hester Heathers-
leigh. with heart heavy as lead in her
bosom. fell on her knees in an agony of
prayer. "Oh. my God ~ she cried. reck-
less Of who might hear her. "He is dead.
My Robert is dead! He has been lost in
the cruel Storm
Some one, plying. touched her ARM
1t was her cousin, Conrad Chartcris; he
was looking down at her with pale fsce
"A face paler far than that which he had
spied upon her yesterday from behind the
gallery curtain. Her piteous cry had
touched even his stony heart.
"Hush - he whispered, "herc is news
from him-from Robert; come and hear
what it is."
\ note had been brought By a swift
running messenger. and shudder ran
round the waiting circle Of listeners when
its contents were made known. It was
signed by a leading physician of the city,
and stated that Robert Field had been
picked up that morning at the foot Of the
cliffs and taken home for dead. He was
now. at the date of the writing, lying in
an insens,ble condition. and il was impos-
sible to tell what the extent of his inju-
ries were, or If there was any hope of his
ultimate recovery.
a horror stricken silence followed the
reading of the note, broken at last by a
low. sobbing cry from Hester Heathers-
leigh's white lips.
IL must 60 to him-oh I must 20 to
him Who will take me? You! YOU"
and caught Conrad Charters by the
arm.
He shrank away from her with a ges-
ture much as if she had pierced him with
a knife. His black eyes dilated horri-
bly,.
"I2 60 with you to see him ?" he
cried. "What are you thinking off,
What do you take me for p Then noting
her astonished look be made fierce strug-
gle for composure; but his hands shook
like withered leaves.
"Why do you wish to 60 to him :" he
questioned angrily. 'He would not re-
cognize you-and it is no place for you |!
Let me take you home"
She snatched mp her shawl and bound
it with trembling fingers about her shoul-
ders. Il tell you shall 20 to him" she
answered. 81 was to have been bis wife.
and. living or dead. my place is now by
his side. You can come with me If you
like !" And she few down the steps.
1t seemed an age to her, that short time
she was on the road leading to the lonely
house of Robert Fields widowed mother;
and when at last, by dint to her prayers
and tears. she was suffered to approach
his bedside. she looked down on a very
difieren, Robert Field from TIE one with
whom she had parted in such high hope
the night before.
The bruises were chiefly about the head
the physician said gravely. and even If he
recovered it was doubtful if his mind
would ever be sound again. Hester heard
! him, and with great sob fell on her
knees by the bedside. Where now were
the brilliant aspirations. the tender hopes.
the gay courage and stout-hear.ed faith oil
Que short day gone by Lost! lost =
Success so near to him, and yet to fail
Triumph so nearly won, an6 yet to pass
By on the other side.
Robert. U my Roberti Look up
Speak to ne, or l, too. shall die y
All! but love remained. Love un.
changed and unf.ltering. This then was
lett-the blessings of love which be.
lieves all things, hopes all things, and en-.
dures oil things unto the end.
/ The drawn white face on the pillow did
not change 4. Hester's cry, but undeI
the half-closed lids the dull eyes cleaned
feebly and the slender hand outside OF
the coverlet groped helplessiy. Hes,cl
took his hand in hers and then. quick n:
lightning. By some strange, subtle ins,inc
rather that by any demons,ra, of his
she felt that the poor. stricken senses
were trying to break through the dark
ness that developed them and make theil
unknown want understood.
Robert, Rober, what is ii 7" she cried
'.What is it that yoa want to make u
understand T.
;, The helpless movement Of his lips, tn,
helpless cropping Of his fingers, wer,
enough to make one weep. Hester ben
her ear to his mouth.
"Whaf is it, Robert, deari Tell u
J what is it you want T.
i The s,ifensd liIs strove With . terri