The daily gazette., 1874-12-04

this sketch, took place, she looked as
If she could endure but little more,
either Of physical or mental exertion.
The father had observed the increas-
ing paleness of his child, and it had
caused him much grief, But he had
said nothing of the matter, for he did
not know how he was!to remedy it. He
had been hopeful, but now had almost
given up to despair. A. -
As evening approached poot Marie
grew still paler; but she spoke words
OF hope and comfort to her father, and
that parent could not but look upon
her in admiration as well as pity.
The hour came when business called
her away. She pressed her marble
cold lips to her fathers brow. She
held his hand in her own for o moment,
and tear-drops fell upon it. Then she
said: Co.. .n,....f .t.,--
Father, the darkest time is just be-
fore the dawn. Cheer up l will re-
turn in few hours, and tomorrow we
will be richer than we are to-day"
The daughter left that wretched
home. But no sooner had she taken
her departure than the father began to
think of her last words. They were
strange. What could they mean
What act did Marie contemplate
At first suspicion swept across his
mind, vague but gradually assuming
form. But as the thought pressed
upon his brain, it began to madden
him, and for hours he tossed upon his
bed of pain, calling for his child
praying her safe return.
| Midnight came and passed, and still
| Marie came not Several times had
the old actor resolved to arise and go
in search of her; but he had not the
strength to do so, and as often would
fall back upon his pillow, groaning in
the agony of his soul.
Daylight came, and still Marie had
not arrived. But just as.the sun began
to throw its golden rays over the city,
a carriage was heard to drive up before
the actors house. lie, listened. He
heard football upon the stairs and he
recognized the footstep.
In moment after Marie burst into
the room. She rushed to her fathers
side, and throwing her arms around
him, she wept.
The old man did the same; but he oil =
served that Marie's dress was now CT
very rich material, and putting her
away, he contemplated her for mo-
ment With mournful oppression. The n
he said in u trembling voice:
Marie, my only child, your mother
i, was a noble Christian woman. She
would die before knowingly commit a
wrong action. She knows your strug-
l giles and temptations, but will she ap-
prove of all your acts p
q "God and my sainted mother will both
: Iapprove them!' exclaimed the girl in SC
4 learnest and deep tone that it really
startled her father; and as she spoke
:, she fell on her knees and raised hel
= hands to heaven.
!, Il believe you, Marie,,' said the faith
n er, "'and trust you will forgive me fol
!, harboring suspicion for one moment
But tell me what has happenedP"
d 81 will, father. But yon must prom
ise me in advance to forgive me for al
!. that have done without first consult
ing you"
"Well, then, will commence by read
ing an article in the morning paper
:, whica procured on my way home
=" Does it refer to your affairsp
at explains all"
1t "Then, let me hear it." ice
Here is the extract, father"
le "a DOUBLE TRIUMPH.-The new pla.
produced at the theatre last night prov
. eu 10 pe Ouc VI Glc SrCdtCoU ouSCCooSo
the season. Its name--"The Frozel
HEARTS, sensational; the entire pla,
70 abounds in beautiful passages and start
~ ling situations"
"The Frozen Heart" repeated the ol
actor. why, that's the title OF m
unfinished play"
n Your play has been completed by my
self, dear father; and it was your pre
at duction and my own which was brough
ur out at the theatre last night, and wit
ts, such unbounded success
Iy The old man was stricken speeches
- for a moment and then the tears starte
To his eyes. But it was only upon IL
NJ examination Of the manuscript that
~, could convince himself that such WI
!! really the fact. I.,4,
i'd After this point was settled his daugl
ter said:
Father, will you hear some more
rie the articlep 1.4I .:
ed eyes; read on"
inf 81 will. Here it is" 80,
yas eve must admit, however, that tt
aet splendidly effective and affecting actli
OF the debutante did much to insure
m. great success. With regard 10 marie,
;s she is called"
"Marie. Marie" repeated the old ma
I'd "Was it my Marief"
hu Eyes, dear father, your own poor chi
Marie is the one here spoken OF. And
lne my triumph brings me great JOY 1t Is !
ply cause can provide for you now, and 1
re, pay you, to some extsnt,. for the 10
uld and tenderness you have always besto
ldy ed upon me-"
ing 1t is not a wonder that the father al
ant daughter both wept. But those tee
were of joy and gratitude for the bl'
sings bestowed upon them. Who wou
IaS NV. snatch those blessings from the old 0
led tor and his childP Who would pois
ap-- their delights and turn their now hap
did home into one of sorrow?
pa l