The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1875-06-10

chen help ue 90 wlih my cost
This brought Amg 70 herself She
FASTENED 90 30 biz bidding. dispatched
Adams. and returned again 10 Gerald,
slaBchad tbe blood with strip. OF the pil-
tow-sase from tbe bed. Wien the doe.
Tor came else Leld tbe Hgal for h,m to
probe the wound TO e1traet The bullet.
An inch or so higher, said the doctor,
and you would have been buried ou the
sama day with Your aunt
IL was a lucky thing, then, list Mis,
Williams had ao ouaua to my room
when she did, said Gerald. As She open
ed the door my hand feI, and the pistol
went OF.
She has uocouseious)y saved your life,
said the Doctor Then as Amy leit the
room, he added. She's the finest young
woman know, and would make a espI-
tai nurse IN my hospital DO you know
what she thinks Of doing now your aunt
IS desd2
No, said Gerald, with a grim smile;
but fancy she will thiuk Of something
liyeTer than that.
She has such an excellent physique and
splendid nerve, said the doctor. But
must go. Keep quiet as you can, aud
have Adams within call.
That night Gerald awoke with an in
tolerable thirst; his temples throbbed,
his eyes turned. Looking over at Adams,
he found that he was sound asleep, This
of itself was offensive to Gerald. What
business had the man to sleep when be
was suffering? How horribly oppressive
il was, this semi-darkness and loneliness
At that moment a ponderous suore re-
sounded from the ponderous throat OF
the sturdy Adams, and Gerald almost
leaped from his bed. II was like a stab
to him; it was uncomfortable. lie stretch
ed over bis sound arm, aud reaching a
pillow threw it with all his might at the
unconscious man. Bat in spite of the
agony the movement cost him, it was a
futile one. The pillow fell short Of the
object, and Gerald sank back with a
groan.
But suddenly the soft touch Of a wo.
mans hand fell tenderly on his forehead, 8,
and the sweet tones of a woman's voice
fell soothingly upon his car
II is time for your medicine, said Amy,
and put the cup 10 bis lips, Gerald drank
as if it were nectar. Then she arranged
his pillow for him, and was about re-
firing from the room when be called
family for a drink. Then tie thought bis
head was too high, or trifo low; every
moment coused him intolerable agony,
bat he batQd to be leit alone with Adams.
Besides, he was curious about this wo-
man. she must kap, r5ally OWNED his
motive, and come to him to save his life.
She was again about to leave him, but he
put bis hand upon her to detain her, and
found that II trembled a little beneath his
touch.
Your hand didn't tremble when You
held the lamp for the doctor, said Gerald.
He wants you for hospital nurse, but
told him you would prefer something
more cheerful,
Why / think I'd like il, said Amy,
You know ! must do something.
don't see the necessity, said Gerald ;
you have my aunts money, and it will
occupy all your time to enjoy it.
Your aunts money is your own, said
Amy, aud you insult me by thinking |
would take advantage Of the poor old
ady's weakness will never touch one
penny Of it. Aud Mr., Melton, You must
not talk.
One word-ony one, pleaded Gerald.
But for you might have been like-like
cur poor old friend below. Gerald shud-
dercd and turned pale. / am cowardly
enough, be went on, to hale even the
thought OF it now. How can | thank you
Miss Williams?
By taking what is your own, and using
it well and nobly, said Amy, and vanish.
ed from his sight,
But as she left him, he felt a sudden
throb in the hand beneath his own, aud
saw a quick flame leap into her cheeks
glow TO her eyes.
Three long years, murmured Gerald
and never knew her ill now.
Gerald was young and strong, and tho
fourth day, the one appointed for the fu
neral. lie was able to be up and dressed
welcomed Amy warmly as she entered
bis room. She looked psler than ever II
her black dress, bot Gerald thought h,
/ had never seen SO sweet and noble a face
How | would like to 20 down, Mis-
I Will Jams, he said, and enjoy tho surpris,
Of the good people below, Id like L
see them bow aud smile to The heiress o
my auut's fortune. I'm as bad as th
rest Of them, suppose, for feel lik,
making you al sorts Of pretty speeches
Gerald paused, and bis face grew sudden
/ iy grave aud tender Go now, be adde,
and kiss my aunt goodbye for me; tel
her am satisfied with everything.
/ Amy went from the room and dow
f the stairs. For tic Lac, three days sh
bsd been Ike one 10 dream. Il scenes
awful TO be warm aud happy even afte
sbc had entered tie dark gloomy draw
,ug-Toom, even aaer she bad bent an.
kissed the cold, stern face for Gerald anl
f3r herself.
Iwili not take il, size whispered, bo
icars raining On lie dead woman face
viii not take a penny Of d.; but 81 ba
given me suah q CLEAN Of happiness. Co