The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-01-14
Gerald What business had the man TO

Gerald. What business nAd the man to
sleep when he was sufering2 How hor-
riblY oppressive the stiffness was, this
mi-darkness and loneliness At that
moment a ponderous snore resounded
from the throat of the sturdy Adams,
and Gerald almost leaped from his bed.
It was like stab to him; it was unend-
urab1e. He stretched over his sound
arm. and reaching pillow, threw it
with his might at the unconscious
Adams. But in spite of the agency the
movement cost him, it was a futile one.
The pillow fell far short of the object on
the floor, and Gerald sank back with a
groan.
But suddenly the soft touch of wo-
mans hand fell tenderly upon the fore
head, the sweet tones of a woman's
voice fell soothingly upon his ear.
cit is time for your medicine" said
Luane, and put the cup to his lips.
Gerald drank as if it was nectar. Then
she arranged his pillows for him, and
was about retreating from the room
when he family called for drink. Then
he thought his head was too high, or
perhaps a trife low: every movement
caused him intolerable agony, but he
hated to be alone with Adams again.
Besides, he was curious about this wo-
man. She must have really OWNED his
motive, and come to him to save his life.
She was again about to leave him, but
he put his hand upon hers to detain her,
and found that it trembled little be-
meath his touch.
ssYour hand didn't tremble when you
held the lamp for the DOCTOR said Ger
aid. 'sHe wants you for hospital
nurse, but told him you'd prefer some
thing more cheerful"
''Why, I think I'd Like it," said
Luane. "You know I must do some
thing"
81 don't see the necessity" said Ger
aid; "you have my aunt's money, and It
will occupy all your time to enjoy Il. y
''Your aunt's money is your own, "
said Luane, 'sand you insult me by
thinking I would take advantage of the
poor old lady's weakness: I never will
touch a penny of it. And, Mr.. Erism,
you must not talk"
"One word, only one" pleaded Ger
aid. "But for you might have been
ike-like our poor old friend below. .
Gerald shuddered and turned pale. II
am cowardly enough" he went on, ''to
hate even the thought of it now. How
can I thank you, Miss Williams %
"By taking what is your own, and US
ing it well and nobiy," said Luane,
and vanished from his sight.
But as she left him he felt g sudden
throb in the hand beneath his own, and
saw quick fame leap into her cheek, a
glow to her eyes.
''Three long years." murmured Ger
aid, sand never knew her till now
Gerald was young and strong, and the
fourth day, the one appointed for the
funeral, he was able to be up and dres-
sed, and welcomed Luane warmly as she
entered his room. She looked paler
than ever in her black dress, but Gerald
thought he never had seen so sweet and
noble face.
Chow I would like to go down, Miss
Williams" he said, ''and enjoy the sur
prise. of the good people belowl I'd
like to see them bow and smile to the
heiress of my aunt's fortune. I'm as
bad as the rest of them, 1 suppose, for L
feel like making you all sorts of pretty
speeches" Gerald paused, and his
face grew suddenly grave and tender.
'Go now," he added, ''and kiss my
aunt good-by for me; tell her am quite
satifed with every thing
Luane went from the room and down
the stairs. For the last three days she
had been like one in dream. It
seemed awful to be warm and happy
even after she entered the dark gloomy
drawing-room, even after she had bent
and kissed the cold stern face for Gerald
and for herself.
'I will not take it, she whispered,
hot tears raining on the dead woman
FACET will not take penny Of it; but
it has given me such CLEAN Of hap
piness. God forever bless you for it p
Then the people began to pour in,
and the ceremony commenced. Luane's
were the only tears that were shed, and
the most of the guests came from civil
ity or curiosity. Miss Erism had taken
but little active part in the world for
many year, and the poor lady was very
soon put away and forgotten.
Tho most imnorfo,t mort Of Tho ,,ro