The free citizen. (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-03-13
Adams, and Gerald almost leaped from

|
his bed. It was like stab to. him it
was uncomfortable. He stretched over
his sound arm, and reaching q pillow,
threw it with all his might at the un-
conscious Adams. But in spite of the
agony the movement cost him, it was
futile one. The pillow fell far short of
the object on the floor, and Gerald sunk
back with groan.
But suddenly the soft touch of a
woman's hand fell tenderly upon his
forehead, the sweet tones of woman's
voice fell soothingly upon his ear.
&c It is time for your medicine" said
Luane, and put tho 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 trifle low; every move
ment caused him intolerable agony,
and he hated to be alone with Adams
again. She must have really OWNED
She was again about to leave him, b II
b put his hand upon hers to detaint
her, and found that it trembled little
beneath his touch.
| "Your hand didn't tremble when you
held the lamp for the DOCTOR" said Ger
aid. He wants you for hospital
nurse. but I told him you'd prefer
something more cheerful"
"Why, I think I'd like it." said Lu-
ane. g You know L must do some
thing"
al don't soc the necessity" said
Gerald; ."you have my aunt's money.
aud it will occupy NIL your time to enjoy
it."
"Your aunt's money is your own,"
said Luane, "and you insult me by
thinking would take advantage of a
poor old lady's weakness; L never will
touch penny of it. And, Mr.. Erism,
you must not talk"
"One word, only ono," pleaded Cor
aid. But for you might have been
llke-like our poor old friend below"
Gereld shuddered and turned pale. ''I
hate even the thought of it now. How
can I thank you, Miss Williams ?"
"By taking what is your own, and
using it nobly and well," said Luane,
and vanished from his sight.
But as she left him he felt sudden
throb in the hand beneath his own, and
cav quick flame leap into her cheek, a
glow to her eyes. i-.t
\ s. Three long years, = !" m,,eo,,.sea Gcg
aid, "and 1 never knew her till now"
Gerald was young and strong, and
The fourth day, the one appointed for
the funeral, he was able to bc ND and
dressed, and welcomed Luane warmly
us she entered his room. She looked
puler than ever in her black dress, but
Gerald thought he had never seen SO
SWEET and noble facc.
How would like to 90 down, Miss
Williams" he said, "and enjoy the
surprise of the good people below 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, I suppose, for
feel like making all sorts of pretty
speeches." Gerald paused, and his face
grew suddenly grave and tender. SEQ
now" he added, "and kiss my aunt
Rood-by for me tell her 1 am quite
satisfied with everything"
Luane went from the room and down
the stairs. For the last three days she
had been like one in dream. 1t
seemed awful to be warm and hapnv
even after she entered the dark, gloomy
drawing-room, even after she had bent
and kissed the cold, stern face for Ger
aid and for herself.
ST will not take it," she whispered.
hot tears raining on the dead woman's
face" I will not take cent of it. but
it has given me such CLEAN of happi-
ness. God forever bless you for it,
Then the people began to pour in,
and the ceremony commenced. Luanes
were the only tears that were shed, and
the most of the guests came from civil
lty 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.
The most important part of the pro-
ceedings was when they returned from
the burial to hear the reading of the will.
Luane trembled when the pompous
lawyer unrolled the parchment, and DO
gan in sonorous voice: "In the
name of God, amen !''
What would they think of her-what
would they say of her? Oh, how glad
she was that the only one she cared for
in the world knew all about it How
innocent she was, and how ignorant
But even while she thought thus she
heard the lawyer read; hTo my be.
loved nephew, Gerald Erism, 1 give
and bequeath all my property, personal
and otherwise" Lnane could scarcely
believe her ears. She listened to the
end, and heard Mt last "To Luane
Williams, my faithful nurse, I give a
mourning ring and tho sum of $5O.''
Then she went up stairs to Gerald.
The King shall have his own !" she
said.
"Onlyon one condition., said Gerald.
"1'll take your money only on ono con-
dition."
|