The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-04-17
BURIED ALIVE.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, repeated
the solemn voice of the minister.
The services concluded, each friend in
turn pressed forward to take one last fond
look at the beautiful occupant of the little
rosewood casket, (Which seemed bed of the
loveliest flowers
Beautiful in death as in life, for no linger-
ing disease or sickness had wasted the flesh
or dimmed the glorious, almost seraphic
beauty of the little waxen image, so soon to
be hidden from their sight in the cold bosom
of the motherly earth.
Belle Eberle, seven years of age, only and
idolized child of Isabel and Earle Eberle,
rich and influential citizens of Boston, had
died suddenly, by heart disease, the doctors
all agreed.
A sweet gentle smile illumined the child
ish face, her long golden curls swept over
and completely covered the white satin
pillow, falling in spiral glittering masses to
her waist, her dress Of delicate blue silk was
almost hidden by flowers round her fair
white throat glittered a rather heavy gold
chain to which was attached locket, stud
ded with small diamonds, and on one tiny
finger flashed another of the precious gems,
which her fond and distracted mother in
sisted she should wear, though many friends
cxpostulated, saying what a temptation it
would be to many, and how dangerous it
seemed to them; and all they said availed
nothing, the mother had her way.
All had taken their last look and wept
their last goodbye; all except the bereaved
parents. Their friends and neighbors in
kind consideration had stepped aside, and
Earle Eterle led forward his trembling,
heart-broken wife to gaze once more on her
child, her only one; but she broke wildly
from his encirling arm, and raising her
burning eyes and cienched hands towards
heaven, shrieked:
So Can God be so cruel? Oh, my babe,
my blessed child, l cannot spare you - fell
senseless to the earth beside the coffin of her
child, withouta last kiss or a last goodbye.
They raised her pityingly. The casket lid
was closed. All! why could not that kiss
have been given? How much misery had
been spared. Then the casket had never
been closed. 1t was lowered; the earth and
stones began to rattle down upon it, and all
was over.
The broken-hearted man bore his still
senseless wife back to the carriage where she
began slowly to revive.
He strove to lay asids his own great grief
to comfort hers. Arrived at home-to his
now desolate home-where no little pattering
feet would run to meet them, no fair white
arms would enfold them, no red lips be
raised for the Overwhelming kiss, no little
siIvery voice again be heard. Grief and dis
traction conquered, and for two long weeks
life and death stroye for the mastery. Life
won the day, and the fair young mother
awoke to the full realization of her sad loss,
a mere shadow of her former self.
A thankless boon to her was life; rather
had she chosen death and reunion with her
beloved child, than life and separation; for
grief makes us selfish at times. No thought
of the fond and faithful heart which had
suffered and wept with her, had she, until
month had passed. Then she did indeed
notice the pale cheek, the lingering step;
then she awoke from her lethargy.
Her awakened fears did more to dispel her
useless grief than years could have accom-
plished. She asked him if he were sick
she knew he was heartsick and weary
mentally sick, if not bodily.
In her fear she consulted their physician.
He ordered change Of air-bade them travel.
So. after few days preparation, they start
ed for Europe, where they stayed for a year,
reaching home in December restored in
health. but with an aching void in their
hearts which nothing earthly could fill.
It is a delightful morning in winter.
Mrs. Eberle reclines in an easy chair gazing
unon a miniature of her lost darling; the
doo.-Iell rings, she rises with N purnful
smile as a fresh and blooming lady enters,
bringing with her watts of the keen frosty
air. into the summer warmth of the apart
mcst. They exchanged greetings warmly